You Do What You Have To - 20

 

 

Micky walked over to lean against the kitchen counter. "Do you trust me enough to tell me your real last name?"

 

Robin looked at him for what seemed like ages, then nodded. "Bristow."

 

"At least it's not Hood," Micky replied, straight-faced, praying Robin wasn't lying to him.

 

Robin grinned. "Maybe I should use that next time. Not."

 

"Yeah. No sense telegraphing that you're the hero."

 

"Hardly a hero," Robin replied. "Just a guy trying to…" He shrugged.

 

"Help people who need it. That's not a bad thing."

 

"Nope. Come on. I'll show you the rest of the place." He opened the kitchen door, holding up one hand to let Micky know to wait. Micky found out why a second later when a big dog came galloping over to greet Robin. Then it stopped in its tracks, growling low.

 

"Micky, meet Thor. He's my secondary security system. Thor, sit. Micky's a friend."

 

The dog did, never taking its gaze off Micky.

 

"What the hell is he?" Micky asked, afraid to move, despite what Robin has said to the dog.

 

"A Beauceron. They're extremely intelligent and bred to be guard dogs. They're also friendly, once they get to know you. "

 

"I hope he gets to know me real fast," Micky said, trying to keep the fear out of his voice.

 

"He will." Robin took hold of Thor's collar. "Hold out your hand, Micky."

 

Micky did, slowly. Thor sniffed it then looked up at Robin.

 

"Friend," Robin said. "So be nice."

 

Turning back to Micky, the dog looked him over, then lapped his fingers. Tentatively, Micky petted him. The dog leaned into it for a moment before he pulled away, then disappeared into what Micky presumed was the living room.

 

Micky followed Robin, past the stairs to the second floor, into the dining room. The living room was through an arch to their left.

 

"Nice," Micky commented, stepping into the living room. "Cozy." He watched to make certain Thor didn't jump up from where he was sprawled in front of the fireplace.

 

"Thanks. I almost bought a leather sofa, then decided comfort trumped macho and went with that one. It's long enough to sprawl out on."

 

"And the blue goes well with the walls." Micky chuckled. "The infamous gay designer gene coming out?" He figured Robin had to be gay, since he was this Mackenzie's boy toy, as he put it.

 

Robin flipped him off then took him upstairs. There was a short hallway with doors opening onto—thankfully, in Micky's opinion—two bedrooms. Between them was a well-appointed bathroom.

 

"This will be yours," Robin said when they were in the smaller bedroom.

 

With a nod, still uncertain if this was a good idea, Micky dropped his backpack on the double-bed.