An extra bed, empty drawers, and then he mentioned me ought to having be in a wheelchair. Twice. "...I thought maybe you could call a friend and get them to bring some of your stuff over..." he was saying. And then when we had made it out of the hospital: "O shit...Ashley I completely blanked...I can fix this." he said something about a cab. I suppose I should have been a little more facilitating. Micheal... The poor guy seemed nervous about [i]something[/i]. I smiled and nodded once in a while to give the impression that I was listening. I'm a really good listener... Once, I piped up with, "I wouldn't risk anyone going back to that place... I'm sure I've got enough grant money left to go shopping for a weeks worth of clothing tomorrow." [i]After I scour your place for bugs and rig it for alarms while you sleep...[/i] "Tomorrow?" he sounded a little unsure and then his eyes widened as my bottom lip wobbled. "Oh, right-- I'm sure I've got an extra shirt or something..." he said some more things and made a joke or two about having to clean up on my behalf. More things. More words... More... [i]Zero...I know you're still here in Miami. I can feel it... And when I find you, pray I have a gun or else I'll--[/i] "Ashley?" "I'm sorry." I reached across from me, set my hand on top of his and then looked him dead in the eyes, "You were saying something about music?" "Yes, in fact I... ....DJ ... nightlife... ... but between that... ....grading papers... ... do you.... nice... very friendly... ... found him on the side of the curb... allergic to them?" [i]Four years I've trusted you, and you're going to pull this on me, now? I'm not going to hold back. Count your breaths Zero, they are numbered.[/i] "Yes." I said after I noticed he was waiting for me to speak. "Really?" he frowned. "I mean, no." I corrected. "Oh! Good. Don't worry he's old and loves just about everyone." "Great" I replied automatically "When do I get to meet him?" "Looks like this is it. Top floor, Boon's inside waiting for us." [i]Wait, who is Boon?[/i] ----------- "Boon is a dog." I hissed, "You didn't tell me Boon is a dog." The ugliest dog I have ever seen in my life comes bounding to greet us with short yips and heavy breathing. It sort of looks like it could be a pug, but mostly likely a mutt. Rat dog. I grimace. That's what it reminds me of. Micheal smiles at me and it's only then that I notice both of my arms are gripping his, tightly. "Funny, Ashley." he says and then gently pries me from his arm to reach into the cabinet. When he pulls out a jar of dog treats, he motions for me to watch "So far he can only do one trick. Sit. Sit, Boon..." he commands the dog, "Sit-- no, no over here." Micheal laughs and then assures me that his dog isn't normally 'like this' and that 'he's old but sharp' and more words... more words... I'm busy staring down the dog. [i]This is my house bitch.[/i] it said to me. It sits there panting. Without even having done anything physically challenging... Just there... panting... pretentiously...maniacally... [i]Used to be. Now it's mine.[/i] To make a point I move closer to Micheal and reach out to put an arm over his shoulder. Boon begins to growl. When I'm sure Micheal isn't looking, I cross my eyes and make a face at it. Boon begins to go crazy. Barking and popcorning up and down on weak hind legs. Micheal kneels down and begins to pet the little fiend and eventually it calms down. [i]Smug, bug-eyed bastard. We'll see who he's petting between the ears eventually. Give a day tops, Boon.[/i] There is a sudden sharp pain in my ribs. [i]Make that a few days...[/i] Micheal mentioned having to grade papers. I assured him that it was fine with me and that I'd probably take another nap or have a look around the place if he didn't mind. It was nice in an urban bachelor pad sort of way. It all amounted to one large open space with furniture that designated the living areas. Yes. Just about everything was satisfactory and I offered to pay for pizza around noon while we both made a day of studying and lounging around. I skimmed books from his shelves (Or rather, I checked behind spines for hidden microphones), I took a nap in front of his television (Checked between the cushions), and even helped him grade a few papers (searched his desk when he wasn't looking). -------------- Night time: "You seem more awake at night" I noted. "You, too." he said. We looked at each other a moment. As if deciding on something. [i]I don't get it. What's he looking at?[/i]