Neighbors AU

[howbraveyouare]

Those days when Karen finished work before sunset were a rarity, but as an orange sun peeped through clouds in the sky she found herself parking her car on the street and getting ready to come inside for some much needed down time. She stopped briefly on the passenger side of her car to pick up a brown paper bag of groceries and nudged it shut with her foot. Making her way up the stairs to the front door of her apartment building, she peered around the tall paper bag and opened it to step inside.

Still wearing her heels from work, her feet clicked on the foyer floor. Karen started up the stairs and walked to her own door. Using what amounted to either an expert balancing act or pure magic, she rested the bag of groceries on a propped up knee as she unlocked her apartment. It lasted maybe fifteen seconds before toppling over – oranges, a tin of coffee, and some yogurt cups spilling out at her feet. Karen sighed, blowing a strand of hair out of her face. She elbowed her door open and set to work picking up her groceries.

Comments

[ex_one_shot695]

It was a growing neighborhood with new people moving in all the time. The apartment had seen some new faces, as well. Karen was in and out often for work, so she might not have noticed, but she has a new neighbor. One who steps out his door, only to hear the clatter of items.

Frank's not the only one who notices the broken grocery bag. As an orange rolls down the hall, Max, Frank's pitbull, pulls free of his leash and goes after it, grabbing it in his mouth and chomping happily on the fruit.

"Max!" Great. Hopefully his neighbor won't be pissed. Frank stoops top pick up a couple of items and looks up, only to stop at the sight of his surprisingly attractive neighbor. "Sorry. I'll replace that." The one orange. He's totally good for it.

[howbraveyouare]

Karen laughs and shakes her head as the dog chomps down on the oranges. Her eyes dart up at her new neighbor who’s stopped to help her with her groceries. “It’s fine. One orange, right?” She gathers up as much as she can in one arm and offers her other hand to him to be shaken. “I’m Karen. Thanks for the help.”

She reaches out, holding her hand out for Max to sniff. “And you must be Max.”

Looking back up at her neighbor, she nods to his door. “Did you just move in?” Karen can’t remember seeing him before, but knowing how her job likes to keep her late, she could have easily missed him moving in.

[ex_one_shot695]

Frank gets up and accepts the hand, shaking it politely. "Frank. And it's no problem." She looks a little overburdened, so he just hangs onto the things he's picked up for her.

Max returns with a wet face from orange juice and licks at Karen's hand, which will probably get her a bit sticky, too.

"Yeah, a week ago." So he hasn't been in the building too long. Still, he's surprised he hasn't seen her before. He definitely would've noticed her. "You want me to help you with that?" He gestures to the bag, offering to carry it for her.

[howbraveyouare]

This doggie kiss from Max gets a laugh out of Karen. She thinks twice and doesn’t wipe her hand on her skirt.

“Well, welcome to the building.” Karen smiles. There have been a couple people next door to her since she moved in and neither of the tenants gave her any trouble. She’s happy to see that she’s neighbors with someone so nice.

“Yeah, a little help would be much appreciated.” She nods, keeping an unsteady hold on the groceries in her arm. “Thanks.” Struggling a bit, she walks into the apartment and immediately sets everything down on the countertop. It’s not organized, but at least now she’s free to wipe her hand on a damp dish towel in the sink.

[ex_one_shot695]

Frank reaches to take a bag so she doesn't have to risk dropping them. Once some things have been passed over, he takes them inside for her and joins her at the counter to put down what he brought in.

"It's no problem. You lived here long?" He's new, but maybe she's been here awhile and can tell him a bit about the place. "I'm still getting to know the neighborhood."

[howbraveyouare]

“For some time,” She answers with a nod. “A while in the area and then a few years in this apartment.” Karen begins to bring some order to her kitchen while still paying attention to Frank. She doesn’t want her place to be too messy in front of a guest, after all.

“I could show you some great spots, sometime. I mean, we’re not that far from the park. You could take Max.” Opening the fridge, she looks back to Frank. “Can I get you something to drink? I have juice, beer, or I could make coffee.”

[ex_one_shot695]

Max is snooping around and making himself right at home on Karen's sofa. He wags his tail happily at having some new surroundings to claim, and he seems to enjoy the extra company, as well.

"Max, get down." He doesn't want to make a bad impression by having his dog all over her belongings.

"Yeah?" Frank looks to her again at the mention of some local spots. "That'd be great. I'm not much of a cook, so maybe you can show me what's good to eat around here."

Frank lifts his brow at the offer of a drink. She's both pretty and kind. Normally, he'd go for coffee, but he doesn't want to put her through the trouble of making it, even if it wouldn't be that difficult. If he chose the beer, wouldn't that be an even worse impression, though? Maybe he's overthinking this.

"I could go for some coffee, if you don't mind."

[howbraveyouare]

“No, he’s fine.” Karen grins at the dog. He’s kind of adorable and makes her wish she had some company, but with her job at the paper she just wouldn’t have enough time. She looks back to Frank. “He’s a friendly little guy, huh?”

She nods at the mention of food. “Absolutely. This neighborhood has a lot to offer. What do you like to eat?” The answer is key. There are a lot of places around their building, but certain ones won’t appeal to everyone. Not everyone does vegan, after all.

“Sounds good,” She smiles when he answers ‘coffee’. It’s not that there was a right or even preferable answer, but now that she thinks about it, it might be nice to settle down after work with a cup of coffee. “I didn’t stop for a cup at lunch, so I think I’m due.” She turns the machine on and starts to prepare a pot for both of them.

[ex_one_shot695]

Karen seems to like Max, which is another great thing about her. "Oh yeah, he's really friendly. He was a rescue from a dog fighting ring, but you wouldn't know it." Maybe Karen will want to chat with him more often, if just to say hi to Max.

At the question about food, Frank shrugs. "A lotta things. I'm a New Yorker, so I like a good pizza. But I like all kinds of food. What about you?"

With the groceries down, Frank decides to sit on the couch so they can talk and he stays out of her way as she gets the coffee going.

[howbraveyouare]

“A dog fighting ring?” She frowns deeply. “Poor guy. He’s lucky he has you.” Frank already seems like such a nice man – the kind of guy who’ll stop what he’s doing to help a neighbor with a defective grocery bag, the kind of guy who saves his dog from a much worse life. It was impossible not to like him.

“I like most food.” She confesses with a smile. “I’m kind of easy to please when it comes to that. Indian, Thai, Mexican… Pizza is definitely a favorite. I know an Italian place that does a great pizza.” The place in question was a cute little nook with three or four tables and a friendly staff Karen knew back from her previous job.

Karen takes out two mugs and pours hot coffee in both of them. “Do you take your coffee with milk or sugar? Sorry, but I don’t have any cream.”

[ex_one_shot695]

"Maybe we can go there sometime." It sounds like he's asking her out on a date. Perhaps he is. Or he could just be trying to make a friend. Either way, he hopes she wouldn't mind spending some more time with him.

"Just black. Thank you, ma'am." Frank reaches for the cup when it's brought and lifts it to his lips for a drink. "So what do you do?" For work, he means. The apartments aren't fancy, but she has to make some kind of living.

[howbraveyouare]

Karen smiles a little and nods. Was he asking her out on a date? “I’d like that.” Whether it’s meant as an invitation to a friend or something more, she thinks she likes the idea of sitting down and eating pizza with Frank.

She carries the two mugs over to the couch, handing one off to Frank and taking a seat so that Max is in between the two of them. “I write for The Bulletin.” Karen blows on her coffee a little, then sips at it. “What about yourself?”

[ex_one_shot695]

"You're a reporter? Wow." He looks and sounds impressed. She must be smart and talented to land a job like that. It can't be easy, though. Reporters probably live a demanding life. No wonder he hasn't seen her in the building before now.

"I'm a Marine. I just got back from deployment a few weeks ago. I found Max and got this place. Been kinda busy. Good thing I don't have a lot to move in." Since he's been away, he hasn't collected a lot of furniture and things. His place is pretty bare.

[howbraveyouare]

His reaction draws a grin out of her. She knows that she loves her job and is very passionate about it, but she’s not used to it impressing people on this scale. It’s a nice feeling. It’s a difficult job, sometimes, but she’s convinced that this is the right career path for her.

“A Marine?” Karen has a similarly impressed look on her face when he tells her his occupation. “That takes a lot of dedication. Where were you deployed?” Her hand reaches out to scratch behind Max’s ear idly.

[ex_one_shot695]

There's a lot about her to be impressed with. Frank is also a good judge of character, and he knows a decent person when he sees one, so Karen just has a lot of positive things going for her. He can't help but be impressed.

"Afghanistan. I was there for nine months. It wasn't my first tour. I've also been to Iraq." He says it casually, but to him, it's the job. Clearly, Frank is a career Marine. He can't really imagine his life without the service.

[howbraveyouare]

“Wow,” Karen nods. He’s obviously very dedicated to his career and that’s nice to see in a person. “Have you always wanted to be a Marine?” It’s always interesting to hear how career plans have changed or stayed the same over the years. Karen used to wonder what it would be like to be a writer in some capacity, but she never really considered it as a career until she found herself at The Bulletin.

Her neighbor has turned out to be not only a nice guy, but very interesting. She’s liking him more and more. Maybe she was lucky to get out of work early today.

[ex_one_shot695]

Karen was friendly. He liked that. And since she was still talking and asking him questions, he figured it might mean she likes him, at least in some capacity.

"Nah, when I was a kid, I was kinda hopeless." He chuckled a little. "Trust me, you wouldn't have thought much of me back then. I'm amazed I got out of school." He has a feeling she was a good girl. A good student. Even if she might not have noticed him, Frank is sure he would've noticed her.

"I didn't really know what to do with my life, but then, well, 9-11 happened, and bein' a native New Yorker, I went to a recruitment office the very next day. Turned out to be the best decision I ever made."

[howbraveyouare]

She smiled over her mug of coffee and after taking a sip she shook her head. “I don’t know about that.” Karen shrugged a little, settling into the couch. “We might have gotten along famously.” Her face spreads into a big smile.

The hand that scratched Max’s ear took pause for a moment when Frank told her how he’d become a Marine. “That was an admirable thing to do.” Karen nodded, meaning the sentiment completely. Frank seemed like he was a good man through and through and she really did like him. It was a strike of luck that they’d met like this.

“It seems like it’s turned out well for you. I mean, you’re a great guy, you enjoy your career…” If becoming a Marine is what made Frank into the guy he is today? It was definitely working for him.

[ex_one_shot695]

"If we had, I probably would've been a better student. Or at least gone to school more often." It's likely Karen would've been a good influence and even helped keep Frank out of trouble... or less trouble, anyway.

Frank took a drink of his coffee, then smiled as he lowered his cup. "A great guy, huh? Thank you, ma'am."

"What about you? Did you always wanna be a journalist?" Now it was her turn to talk about what got her where she is today.

[howbraveyouare]

Karen laughed quietly. She can’t help but picture them meeting as teenagers in a high school setting. Maybe he was a little rough around the edges and she, of course, was a good girl. It was kind of silly, but she imagined enjoying all of the good parts of school together.

“You’re very welcome.” She smiled a little, feeling a kind of heat as her cheeks flushed the tiniest bit. Over her lifetime, Karen had learned how to put on a good face. She never let anything ruffle her feathers. Somehow, though, just talking to Frank brought a blush to her cheeks. Karen ducked her head slightly and tried to hide the reaction by bringing her cup up closer to her face.

“To be honest, I never imagined myself as a journalist, but over the years you start to realize just how many stories are out there that need to be told that never actually are told.” That was it in a nutshell – The reason Karen had become a journalist.

[ex_one_shot695]

"Yeah." He nodded slowly, thinking about what she'd said. Guess Karen had a desire to let people know the truth about things. Maybe she didn't like it when stories just faded away, especially if people should know about them.

"You know..." Well, he's either going to ruin a friendship before it starts or... "This might be really sudden, or fast, I dunno, but you wanna have dinner tonight? We can go to one of those places you talked about."

[howbraveyouare]

“Tonight?” She looked a little surprise, but there was a smile pulling at her lips. Karen nodded slowly. “Yeah, sure. I’d like that.” Apparently she wasn’t the only one who thought they had some kind of chemistry. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Curious about that Italian place?”

It was all happening in a whirlwind, but Karen didn’t mind. She thought she was good at reading people and Frank was a genuinely nice guy, not to mention handsome. Karen smiled a little brighter.

[ex_one_shot695]

Frank would've understood if she declined. They had only just met and talked a bit, but he felt like they got along really well. She was easy to talk to. When Karen said she'd like to go out with him, he smiled.

"Yeah. And curious about you." He chuckled briefly. "I mean, to hear more about you." He hoped that came out right the first time. "How's seven work for you?"

[howbraveyouare]

Curious about her? She smiled, ducking her head down for a second. “Well, I’d love to hear more about you, too.” Her smile showed in her eyes as she looked back up at him.

“Seven is great.” It gave her enough time to wash up and change clothes. She didn’t want to look like she was just coming from work, even if her workclothes were actually very nice. This called for something different and she found herself wondering which outfit she was going to choose for this date.

[ex_one_shot695]

"Great." He reached for his coffee and took the last drink. "I'll let you take it easy, since you just got home, but I'll come back at seven, alright?" She would probably want to relax and get ready without him lurking around. Frank would like to grab a shower and dress a little better, too.

"C'mon, Max." Frank got up from the couch and waited for Max, who hopped down and went to the door, his tail wagging.

"Thank you for the coffee, ma'am. I'll see you later."

[howbraveyouare]

“Thanks. I won’t keep you waiting.” She stood from her seat on the couch, smiling at Frank. There was something about Frank that made her want to know more about him. It sounded like she’d get her chance.

“You’re welcome.” Karen smiled a little brighter. He was so polite. It was a rarity in this city, she found, where so many men were prone to catcalling. Then again, it was probably the same in any city. Still, Frank was something special. She’d known it right away.

“See you at seven, Frank.” She opened the door for him, lingering in the doorway as he made his exit. Karen gave a little wave to Max, as if he’d understand the gesture.

[ex_one_shot695]

Frank headed out with Max and went back to his place next door. He was still a little surprised at how a chance encounter lead him to meeting such an amazing woman and landing a date. Maybe it was fate. Either way, he wasn't going to tempt that fate by being a lousy date.

Max's food bowl was filled, and as the dog chowed down, Frank got into the shower and cleaned up for his date, which would be in just a couple of hours. That left him plenty of time to polish himself up, put on a clean, black button-up shirt and dark blue jeans with a dash of cologne.

When the clock approached seven, he went out and knocked on Karen's door. Hopefully, she hasn't changed her mind.

[howbraveyouare]

Once Frank and Max had made their departure, Karen set to work getting ready for the date. She hopped into the shower, unable to wipe away a smile from her face as she washed the day away. It seemed a little ridiculous after having known Frank for such a short period of time, but she really liked him and was really looking forward to their date.

As soon as she was out of the shower, she dried herself off and blew her hair dry, using a curling iron to give it some subtle waves. Karen put on some natural makeup and slipped into one of her favorite dresses.

She was putting earrings in when she heard a knock at her door. Quickly, she fastened the back on and hurried over to answer it. Karen smiled when she saw Frank looking even more handsome than when she’d last seen him.

“Hey,” She smiled happily. “You look great.”

[ex_one_shot695]

When she opened the door, Frank couldn't help but smile at the sight of her. She looked too damn good for a guy like him.

"Thanks. So do you. Better than great." He hoped he didn't sound ridiculous, but she took his breath away. "You all set or you need some time?" He didn't mind waiting of she needed him to. Frank was just glad she still wanted to go out with him. Hopefully, it would go well and they'd have a good time.

[howbraveyouare]

“Thanks,” Karen laughed quietly. He really was sweet. “No, I’m ready to go.” Her hands went to her ears, just checking to make sure her earrings were fastened securely. The last thing she wanted was to lose a piece of jewelry. That wasn’t the reason she wanted this date to be memorable.

She stepped out her apartment door, closing it behind her, and smiled up at Frank. “I really hope you like this place. Did you want to walk? It’s not far.”

[ex_one_shot695]

"I'm sure I will." She seems to have good taste, so Frank believed the food wouldn't disappoint him. Nothing about tonight would, so long as she was his company.

"Yeah, walking sounds good." As they exited the building, he held the door open for her and then walked beside her as she lead the way to the restaurant.

"So tell me about your work. Must be pretty exciting, working for a newspaper."

[howbraveyouare]

Little things about him impressed her – The way he held the door for her, the way he called her ma’am. Politeness was a rarity, but Frank possessed it. He really was a gentleman at heart.

“It is exciting, sometimes.” She nodded with a smile, looking down to the sidewalk. “I mean, sometimes it’s just an ordinary job. Sometimes it’s mundane writing. Other times you get to write about the heroes of Hell’s Kitchen, or the people who aren’t so great, and you shine a spotlight on all of the things they do.”

“What about being a Marine? Sounds like hard work.” Her eyes lifted back up to his face.

[ex_one_shot695]

Frank might have come from New York, but he did have manners and knew how to conduct himself around a lady. Those little things he did were done naturally; not just to impress her. As polite as he could be, though, he could be tough when it was required, too.

"Heroes of Hell's Kitchen?" Frank has been gone awhile. Maybe he's missed some things.

"Yeah, it can be. You get sent to some hot, shitty places, but that's part of the job. But sometimes it's a little mundane, too. Just depends on what's going on. If there's a mission or you're just waiting to get orders."

[howbraveyouare]

“Yeah,” She gave a nod with slightly raised eyebrows. “The vigilantes that step up to the plate when the police don’t do their jobs.” It was kind of a snippy thing to say, and risky if he had any friends or family who were on the police force, but Karen felt it was the truth. Hell’s Kitchen was lucky to have those vigilantes. They kept crime under control and kept everyone safer than they would be without them.

Karen smiled a little and nodded. He made it sound like any other job, but she couldn’t help but think of him as a hero. “We need people like you,” She said simply, still smiling.

“What have you been up to since you got back?” She rounded a corner and the restaurant came into view. Karen nodded toward the sign jutting out over the sidewalk just ahead, the family’s name with an Italian flag over it, and smiled at Frank. “Here we are.”

[ex_one_shot695]

"Never heard about any vigilantes before." Must be a new thing. Though once he starts catching up on the news enough, Frank is going to hear a whole lot about them.

At the compliment, Frank laughed softly and smiled. "And people like you." As they arrive at the restaurant, Frank opens the door for her and heads in after her. He tells the host they'll need a table for two and goes with Karen to a private booth.

"Since I got back I've just been getting settled in again. Picked up Max, and then I had to find a place to live that would take dogs. I'm on leave awhile, so I'm going to need to find more to do with my time."

[howbraveyouare]

“You will.” Karen said with a chuckle. Even without her writing about them, they made the papers on an almost daily basis. People craved news written about their heroes and Karen could understand why. She loved to write about people and things that inspired her just as much as she loved to thrust the villains into the spotlight.

And people like you. She can’t help but smile at that. Karen hasn’t known Frank that long at all and already he has a way of making her feel good. Naturally, it makes her like being around him when she already enjoyed being around him. There’s a heavy feeling in the air that she did the right thing by accepting his invitation on this date.

“Well,” Karen propped her elbows up on the table in between them. “Maybe that’s something I could help with. I am kind of busy with work, but I’m not busy 24/7. I could show you some interesting spots.”

[ex_one_shot695]

Frank sat across from her and smiled at the offer. "Yeah? I'd like that." He was from New York, but he didn't know this neighborhood, so having a local guide and friend would help him get acquainted with it. Frank likes the idea; especially if the friend is her.

"So, what about this spot? You recommend anything off the menu here?" There were plenty of options and they all sounded good.