SOUL DORM

44

Need you tonight...

'Cause I'm not sleepin'

***

CHAPTER 44:

THORNY ROSE

Cats definitely had stronger instincts than humans. Trouble had sensed the impending danger much faster than I had, rising from his nap corner, lifting his head, and perking up his ears. I was neither as perceptive as he was, nor had I seen the signs he gave in time. When our unexpected guest appeared at the threshold, it was too late to react.

"Hello, Oliver," said Mars.

He was leaning against the wall, hands in his pockets. He had changed after class, wearing a plain fleece and jeans. There was no need for him to look so good at this time of night, but he did. Facing his effortless perfection made it impossible not to feel bad about myself. I almost ran my hand through my hair to tidy it but stopped myself. With my gloves dirtied from soil, that attempt would have been more disastrous than helpful.

"Why are you here?" I asked.

The corner of his mouth curled up. "Don't make it so obvious that you're happy to see me..."

I frowned. "Really, Mars... What do you want? I'm working, as you can see. Your jokes will have to wait until the class day."

I wish Trouble had shown the same solidarity as me. Instead, he had already made his way to Mars, rubbing against his legs. Mars pushed himself off the wall, bent down to pet him. Then, lifting Trouble into his arms, he slowly walked towards the table, but rather than coming to my side, he circled to the opposite one. He gestured with his chin at the pot in front of me.

"Still decorating the Dorm?"

I nodded back, but my suspicions grew. Casual conversation like this didn't fit the Mars I knew. There was definitely a catch, likely tied to the message he had sent me, and the question Blue had asked...

"Did you come to help?" I tested him.

He laughed as if I'd made a very funny joke. "If you're ready to give up the compliments you've received, I can help, sure."

It was clear, I wouldn't get the truth out of his mouth without sticking my hand down his throat. "Why did you message me?" I demanded directly.

This was definitely not the controlled conversation Mars had imagined. His eyes locked onto mine and I watched with pleasure as his smile faded.

"Go on, say it," I said. "You're obviously distressed about something."

I took off my gloves and crossed my arms over my chest, standing defiantly in front of him. I was particularly enjoying every moment. After all, seeing Mars so helpless wasn't an opportunity that came by every day.

"Yes, I'm listening?"

He let out a heavy sigh and scanned the room. After setting Trouble down, his head dipped, causing his hair to fall over his eyes. I watched patiently. Eventually, he lifted his gaze back to mine, sighed deeply, and admitted, "I need your help."

That was unexpected. My eyebrow shot up instantly. "My help? You need... my help?"

It seemed hearing his own words from me made him even more uncomfortable. His hand reached to the back of his neck, pulling at his hair nervously. "I mean... Blue and I thought... like last time... maybe... you could take a look at our new song."