Chapter 35: To Hunger, To Want
WINTER TERM - January 26th (Continued)
I knocked on Aries's door only to find it already unlocked. Without meaning to, I'd pushed it open.
Aries was lying across his bed with a fantasy novel in hand and Whisper lying on his chest. He was absently rubbing the stupid hellhound's big head.
"You dirty traitor," I muttered.
Aries set his book down, cocked his head. It took him a moment to realize I was talking to Whisper, not him. But Whisper knew.
Whisper licked Aries's face before rising and hopping off the bed. He trotted over to me, tail wagging, red eyes bright and eager. As though he hadn't just been missing for four days.
I wasn't really mad. I pet him roughly. "I don't see you for days and you're just here. Right down the hall."
"My fault really," Aries said, still on his bed. He'd let his head fall back, golden hair flopping. "He's been sleeping here most nights. I kinda hoped you'd sent him."
For a second, I wished I'd had. "He's not even fully housebroken," I said instead.
Aries laughed. "I realized." He set his book down on the nightstand. Sat up slowly. "What are you doing here, Zeph?"
"You ever think maybe I missed you too?" It had sounded better in my head. I was going for sweepingly romantic. Because this was the part where he was meant to forgive me, kiss me, ask to be boyfriends again, and I'd begrudgingly say yes, of course. But on second thought, that's all pretty ridiculous.