Across town, Ren opened the door to the apartment that he and Pharaoh shared, shutting the door behind him as he pulled off his jacket, hanging it on a hook by the door.

“I’m back.” He called out to Pharaoh, who sat stretched out on the couch, with his laptop in his lap. Pharaoh looked up as Ren sat on the couch, pulling off his shoes and tossing them into a box in the corner, filled with other shoes.

“How was it?” Pharaoh asked, closing the laptop and tossing it into an armchair.

“Fine. I guess.” Ren said as he ran his hands over his face. “I’m glad she’s safe.” He said quietly.

“Yeah me too. Did you meet her Familiar? He’s super fuckin stuck up.” Pharaoh said with a slight sneer in his voice.

“Yeah I met him. He seemed nice, just on edge. You would be too if your Wards would be killer was still on the loose.” Ren muttered, defending their friend’s Familiar.

“Yeah, but I actually did my job right and killed that fucker the first time.” Pharaoh sneered. “There's no better way to secure your Ward than killing the guy who threatens them.”

“The cops will find them. Then once everything settles down, maybe you guys will get along.” Ren said, ignoring the huff of a laugh that Pharaoh gave off, downplaying the idea. “What have you been up to while I was out?”

“Nothin much, just kinda thinking.” Pharaoh muttered. “Things are gonna change around here now that I’m not the only Humanistic in the area. Wendy's is probably gonna get swarmed with people asking questions. I wonder if she is gonna be in class tomorrow?”

“I don’t know. I kind of doubt it.” Ren replied. “I think it’s still a little too soon, she’ll probably need a few days to cool down.”

“If she misses, you should probably bring her the lecture notes. Don’t you guys have a project you need to be working on?” Pharaoh asked. Ren watched his Familiar quietly for a moment before speaking.

“Why do you suddenly like her so much? You never give a shit about anyone unless you’re trying to sleep with them.” Ren asked, studying his friend closely for his reaction.

“We’re friends.” Pharaoh said simply. “She's cool, she’s not like the girls who normally hang around you.” He admitted.

“So you’re saying you like her in comparison to who, Kate?” Ren asked with his jaw tightening.

“Yes.” Pharaoh said without hesitation. “Kate is gorgeous, don’t get me wrong, she’s fine as hell, but she’s fake. Like she left you, then you start hanging with Heidi and suddenly she wants you back? That just doesn’t sit right with me.” Pharaoh watched his Ward for a moment before opening his mouth slightly as he realized what Ren was getting at.

“You’re back with Kate aren’t you?” Pharaoh asked leaning forward in his seat. When Ren didn’t say anything, Pharaoh let out a deep sigh, shaking his head as he looked down at his feet.

“I thought you liked Heidi.” He asked quietly.

“I do.” Ren muttered. “I mean, I did. Fuck, I don’t know.”

“Yeah, well you better figure it out.” Pharaoh snapped as he stood from the couch, watching his Ward closely. “Heidi has gone through shit these past couple of days. She doesn’t need to be pulled around by your indecisive ass.”

Pharaoh crossed the room, opening the hall closet and pulling a drawstring bag from a hook in the door.

“Where are you going?” Ren asked with a sigh.

“The gym.” Pharaoh said shortly, pausing as he sighed, “You wanna come?”

“Nah.” Ren said quietly. “I’m gonna head to bed.”

“Suit yourself.” Pharaoh said as he slipped out the apartment door, shutting it behind him.