Sang the Stray (Completed)

55. Bearing Gifts

I did as Nathan suggested and laid down to rest, and sometime later was woken by an alert for the door. I left Victor's comfy bed to greet whoever it was at the entrance. I activated the access code and the door slid open to reveal Raven balancing a food tray in one hand and carrying a box in the other.

"You tell South and the rest of Fourth Squad I am not dorn," he grumbled as he came in with his burdens. I checked the dictionary and evidently, dorns were some sort of pack animal from North Kolar. "And check your messages." He moved past me bringing the tray to the dining area.

I had a few Interface messages waiting. It was the one from Tsee Blackbourne that made my heart thump harder. I read it first.

@Miss Sorenson: Tset Griffen reported that you were distressed when he escorted you back to the residences. I feel I must apologize, for Ista Green informs me that my words directed at him appear to be the cause. Please forgive my careless speech. I asked Tset Ravenstahl to bring you a token. Ista Green also noted your appreciation of the bathroom facilities in our apartment. Please feel free to make use of such, if you so desire.

I turned to Raven and he handed me a rose with a haphazardly cut stem. What had he used to hack at Tsee Blackbourne's beautiful rose bush just to get this one stem?

"Stupid thorns," he mumbled. Then he gestured to the table where my baidou stew sat beside chocolates, a bottle of chilled chocolate quehve, and my hair clip that Gabriel had been hiding.

I checked the other messages in quick succession.

@SangBaby: Enjoy the chocolate....but don't eat too much sugar.

@Peanut: we'll go for a fun swim, no stairs next training session.

@10: counting down until I see you again.

@Princess: recorded this song on onaip for you, play here

@Trouble: just for today....then you have to give it back

@Pookie: 😘

Silas had sent a whole list of his silly jokes and Luke said to save him a chocolate kiss. My heart felt like it would burst.

"Where are they?" I asked.

Raven grunted and ate a bit of the chocolate. I didn't mind, figuring he deserved something for playing errand boy.

He answered, "In debriefing. The Pillar Gate opened while they were with the investigation team. Corey is upset because it came three kasse earlier than his calculation. He hates being wrong. So....what did they do? Do I need to put South on ice to cool him down a bit?"

"Huh?" I wasn't sure why he would think the guys had done something.

He gave me a measured look, then said,"You must have been upset for them to do all this. Unless, just female issue. Sorry, not going to get any of that stuff for you... " He trailed off and threw up his hands.

"No!" I blushed. "Not female problems. Just misunderstanding."

"Oh," Raven said, relaxing his arms down. "Good. Well, does this make nice?" Raven pointed towards the guys' gifts.

"Yes," I whispered, "I think it does."

"Hmm. Maybe, I try ugly flower next time Kayli's is mad. Usually, we just need food to make nice, or Marc makes quehve," he commented.

"Is Marc with Kayli, too?" I asked, having wondered. "I had thought, at first, that she was just with you and Corey," I added. I had noticed that the others in Second Squad also seemed more than friendly with her at times.