Raven sighed.“Yeah.”
“Fuck.”
“What?”
“I’m awake now.”
“Sorry.”
“You don’t sound sorry.”
Raven’s body was settling back around him.It’s not Jason’s fault, anyway.There’s something wrong with me.I’m the problem, me.
“Yeah.”
Jason looked back up.“Seriously, dude?”
“Huh?”
Jason narrowed his puffy eyes.“I’m the one with the hangover, not you.”He heaved a sigh, then stretched.“I’ll go look for Heath’s office.He told me the floor, but I forgot.Wanna come?”
Raven looked at the dog, who hadn’t moved and was still looking at him.Maybe he’s hungry.I can’t believe there’s a dog here suddenly.
“I guess.Find some food for this guy.”
The dog licked his lips as if he’d understood that.
Jason narrowed his eyes at the dog.“What’s his name, anyway?”
“I have no idea.He just… He was just looking to get away.”
“Yeah, understandable.Okay, I’m going to count to…uh…”
“Three.”
“That’s the number.I’ll do that, and then you give me a gentle push, and then we’ll go find Heath.And you bring the dog.That sound like a plan?”
I don’t know if I’m allowed to leave.Is Maxim going to keep me here even if I want to leave?Raven shivered.A part of him, a scary big part of him, didn’t want to test this.It wanted him to stay where he was until he was given permission to move.To speak.To do anything at all.He was so afraid of what would happen if he did or said the wrong thing.
“Ah…”
“I’ll take that as a yes.You have to come anyway.In case gravity attacks me.If it does, you’ll protect me.You know, like you did that one time after that party.”
“I remember.You were so wasted.”
“Didn’t even have any blood then.Okay, one.You ready?”
“Look, Jason—”
“Two.Push, but gently, okay?Three.”
Raven wasn’t in a position to really help Jason up.Plus, there was the dog.But through much groaning, Jason made it into a sitting position, his head hanging as if all this was too much.
“You okay?”
“I… You know, it’s not that bad.”Jason lifted his head.“Let’s get going.”
Raven could see the staircase out of the corner of his eye.What if something happens when I try to leave?What if…something happens to Jason?No, that’s silly.Why am I even thinking that?Maxim wouldn’t hurt Jason.He hasn’t done anything to anyone.
