Wil PoV
I glanced at Sylvester and hummed. There was something off about that mark on his neck. We teased him about it being a hickey, but its shape was more like a bite. Not a person's bite either, but a bat's. Or maybe it wasn't a bat, but a vampire.
'Haha. Come on, Wil, there are no such things as vampires.'
My eyes went to the watch on Loxus's wrist. It wasn't too long ago that I doubted time-traveling watches, only to have one used against me. I still had no idea how Dad came to possess that thing.
I sighed and looked up at the blue sky. All I wanted to do was play basketball, but somehow, I kept finding myself getting roped into weird things.
"You okay?" Natasha asked, walking alongside me as we made our way to our respective dorms.
I forced a smile, trying to brush off the swirling thoughts in my head. "Yeah, just got a lot on my mind," I replied, hoping she wouldn't press further.
Natasha studied me for a moment, her eyes narrowing slightly. "If you say so. But you know, if there's something weird going on, you can always count on me."
I appreciated her support, even if I couldn't bring myself to explain everything. The watch, the strange occurrences, and now this mark on Sylvester's neck—it was all too much. I nodded, grateful for her friendship. "Thanks, Natasha. I really mean it."
She patted me on the back and smiled. "Don't mention it."
The warmth of her hand on my back sent a rush of heat to my cheeks. I tried to play it cool, but I could feel my face burning.
"Hmm? Why are you all red? Don't tell me your leg is acting up."
I chuckled nervously. "No, it's not."
She hummed. "You sure?"
I put a hand on my chest. "I mean it! Cross my heart and hope to die."
Natasha raised an eyebrow, a playful smile dancing on her lips. "Alright, alright. I believe you," she said.
As we continued walking, Loxus fell into step beside us, his hands casually tucked into the pockets of his hoodie. "What's all this about being red? Did I miss something?" he asked, a teasing grin spreading across his face.
I shot him a look, realizing that my embarrassment was now a group affair. "Nothing! Just... a little warm from the sun," I stammered, trying to regain my composure.
"Well, you are pretty pale," Loxus said.
"How have you kept yourself from tanning anyway?" Natasha asked.
"Mom said it's genetics. She's always had nice pale skin too. I recall dad saying she was picked on at school by other girls for it."
Natasha frowned. She was probably thinking of the bullying she herself endured as a kid. It made me feel guilty for having been one of those bullies.
"That sucks," she said quietly, her voice tinged with empathy. "Nobody should ever be picked on for how they look."
I nodded.
Loxus, sensing the shift in the mood, scoffed lightly. "Alright, enough of the serious talk. Let's not get all mopey about it." He nudged us both forward, breaking the tension.
I chuckled. "Okay."
----
Loxus opened the door slowly and smiled as soon as he saw Dusk. The kitten had been patiently waiting for us, his little paws tucked underneath him as he sat on the floor. The moment he spotted Loxus, his eyes lit up, and he let out a soft meow, clearly excited to see him.
"Hey, Dusk," Loxus said. He dropped his backpack and knelt down to scoop the kitten up, cradling him gently in his arms. Dusk nuzzled against him, purring contentedly.
Natasha smiled. "Aww, nothing like a guy and his kitty."
Loxus blushed and scoffed. "Dusk just knows who the real boss is around here," he said, puffing out his chest in mock bravado while Dusk continued to nuzzle against him.
"Sure, whatever helps you sleep at night," I teased, grinning as I leaned against the doorframe.
He scoffed and rolled his golden eyes.
I just chuckled.
Natasha snickered and patted Loxus on the shoulder. "It's okay. No need to be embarrassed. I think it's adorable."
He blushed and turned around, trying to act nonchalant as he adjusted Dusk in his arms. "Yeah, yeah, whatever. Just don't go telling everyone I'm a softie or anything," he said, attempting to sound tough but failing miserably. The way Dusk purred against him completely contradicted his bravado.
Natasha laughed, clearly enjoying the playful banter. "Your secret is safe with me, Mr. Tough Guy," she replied, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
I leaned back against the doorframe, crossing my arms as I watched the two of them. "Honestly, Loxus, you might want to embrace the softie side a bit more. It suits you."
Loxus rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress a smile. "Alright, alright. Just don't expect me to start knitting sweaters for Dusk or anything."
I raised an eyebrow, pretending to consider it. "I mean, that could be a good look. Imagine the posts on FableNet."
"Stop right there!" Loxus interrupted, shaking his head vigorously. "No one is putting a sweater on my cat. He's a free spirit!"
Dusk, as if sensing the conversation, stretched and let out a small meow, as if to affirm his independence. It made me laugh. "Look at him! He's practically a fashion icon as is."
"Just wait until he becomes famous," Natasha added, winking. "We'll all be saying we knew him when he was just a little furball in a dorm room."
"Right? Next thing you know, he'll have his own line of cat toys," I joked.
Loxus chuckled, finally giving in to the lighthearted atmosphere. "If Dusk makes it big, I'm expecting a percentage of the profits, you know."
"Deal!" I said, extending my hand for a mock handshake. "We'll be your management team."
With that, we all burst into laughter, the tension from earlier fading into the background. For a moment, everything felt normal again—just three friends enjoying each other's company and the antics of a playful kitten.