The Fire of Ares

CH10- New Feels

Max.

"You got here fast," I said, closing the door and leading him to the living room.

"I was nearby; I was buying something for my sister," Ares said, sitting on the couch next to me.

"Sister?" I said, sinking further into the couch, trying to get comfortable. "I didn't know you had a sister."

"Yeah, Athena. You texted her back for me the other day."

"Oh." Shit.

I rarely had people over; the true hang-out spot was Alex's house, where he always stocked the best snacks. "Do you want anything to drink?" I asked, trying to break the silence.

"I'm good," Ares replied, shaking his head. His gaze drifted down to my hand, which was mottled with bruises. There was a concern in his eyes that made my heart race. "Does your hand hurt?" He asked, his fingers brushing over the bruise so lightly that it sent a pang of discomfort straight through me.

"No," I lied, gritting my teeth as his touch lingered just a moment longer than necessary, almost as if he were trying to memorize the shape of my fingers. I didn't want to burden him with my pain, so I pulled my hand back.

"Uhh..." he said, his voice trailing off as he glanced behind me. "Is that your cat?"

I turned to see Milo, my sleek black cat, staring at us with a mix of curiosity and indifference. "Yeah, that's Milo," I replied, a smile creeping onto my face as I picked him up and cradled him on my lap. His soft, velvety fur felt warm beneath my fingers, and as I gently stroked his back, he let out a soothing purr that resonated through the quiet room.

Ares reached out a hand toward Milo, who sniffed it cautiously, his whiskers twitching with intrigue. "He's huge," Ares remarked, a hint of awe in his voice as he took in my cat's solid build.

I quickly covered Milo's ears with my hands, feigning seriousness. "Don't say that; he's sensitive," I teased, unable to suppress my grin. Milo glared at me from beneath my palms, as if aware of the compliment that had just been taken from him. I couldn't help but enjoy the moment—Ares' laughter, the gentle vibrations of Milo's purring. Milo jumped off my lap and started rubbing against Ares. "He likes you." I said, watching Milo rub against Ares arm. Ares picked Milo up, and Milo's long body stretched out. Milo was the same length of Ares torso, Ares looks at me with his eyebrows raised.

"He's huge," Ares repeated. Milo meowed and kicked Ares' arm to get him to let go, then ran away from Ares.

"I told you, he's sensitive," I laughed as Milo darted out of the room. "He's going to be mad at you for a while."

"I hope not. Sorry, Milo," Ares said while Milo walked away.

I chuckled. "I told you."

Ares shook his head, still smiling. "He's a cat. I didn't think he'd actually understand."

"He's smart," I replied with a smile.

"And dramatic," Ares added.

"So what do you want to do?" I asked him.

Ares shrugged. "Doesn't matter. Do you have a gaming console?"

"Yeah, it's in my room," I said, getting up. "Let's go."

When we get to my room I give him a  controller, "Mario kart or Mario Party?"

"Mario Kart, duh." He flashed a playful smile, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he sprawled comfortably on his stomach on my bed while I set up my switch to my tv. I sit next to him and start the game.