The Flower of Anubis

Chapter IV : Understanding Hearts

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Mina didn't want to move. For the first time in her life she felt completely safe, comfortable and normal. She hadn't realized how much she had needed this. She felt at peace, utterly cozy and even . . . cared for?

Curled up on the couch, with the new Gus swimming in the tank, and the glow that the TV brought, Mina felt whole. She closed her eyes slightly, sleep threatening to take over. Her head rested on the pillow that she hugged against her. She was so warm, so . . .

She heard the door of the apartment click open. It was Marc.

"Hey," he whispered, seeing Mina almost asleep. He pulled the cookies from the bag that he held. "Kept my promise," he said, voice quiet so as to not startle her.

Mina groaned quietly, turning her head into the pillow. She was exhausted.

Marc sighed, knowing the feeling. He was tired too. He gave up on the cookies then, setting them down on a nearby table. He sat himself down on the couch, exhaling heavily as his aching back met the old couch. It felt amazing. He understood now why Mina wanted to stay asleep. He looked over at her, watching as her shoulder rose up and down, giving away that she was now asleep.

"You care for her," Khonsu's voice came.

Marc looked up, seeing the god standing above Mina. "Keep your distance," he warned, not in the mood for a conversation.

"You know this is forbidden, Marc," the god reminded.

"Having a friend isn't forbidden," Marc pointed out.

"And a friend she must remain, or did you just simply divorce your wife because you were bored?" the god tested.

Marc glared at Khonsu, his heart pounding. "Don't bring her into this. Our marriage was already falling apart long before any of this."

"Then what makes you think this little pet would give you a chance? What makes you think she'd understand and accept what you are?" Khonsu asked, enjoying the torment in Marc's heart.

"Marc?" came the soft call of Mina's voice. She was sitting up slightly, looking at him through tired eyes. Marc shook his head, shifting away some to give her more space. "Go back to sleep," he said. "I'll keep watch."

Mina didn't say anything. Instead, she leaned back into the pillow, huffing quietly and drifting back into her much needed rest.

Marc looked back up at Khonsu, glaring at the god. "You gonna stand there and watch us all night you creep?" he asked.

Khonsu chuckled. "Not at all. Besides, she's not my type." He disappeared with a flash then, leaving for the night.

Marc sighed, standing up to go to the kitchen. He was starving.

Though he wasn't vegan himself, Marc didn't care and helped himself to one of the wraps that Steven kept pre-made in the fridge. He sat on a stool at the counter, chewing silently and looking around. The place was a mess. He wondered when the last time had been when Steven cleaned up. He looked over at the fish tank then, his heart sinking as he immediately noticed the extra fin. Steven was definitely going to realize the difference. "I swear, you better lose that fin by tomorrow morning or I'm gonna take it off myself, Gus," he threatened the oblivious goldfish.