I nodded and sat next to him on the couch, enjoying our closeness. I felt so protective over him and considering I couldn’t do anything other than offer my presence at the moment, I felt like I’d failed him somehow. If I could do what I really wanted to at this moment, I’d place him on my lap and cuddle him close, offering all my affection and love. But I couldn’t do that.
“Rino has given you off today so you can relax and gather your strength,” I informed him.
“Today? Just how long was I out of it?”
“Around seven hours,” I said, shrugging one shoulder. “It’s about two a.m.”
“Fuck,” he exclaimed, slumping back on the couch. “How am I going to finish my training if just two hours of work drains me this much?” He sounded so dejected, I couldn’t help myself. I reached one arm around his shoulders and pulled him in for a side hug, offering him the comfort he so desperately needed.
Mike was stiff at first, then all but melted against me, breathing out a long exhale. “Thank you.”
“Anytime,” I whispered, afraid to ruin the moment.
I wasn’t the one to break whatever peace had fallen over us. No, Mike’s growling stomach was the one to ruin it. We both laughed and eased out of the hug.
“I’ll heat up some soup,” I declared, leaving the living room.
“Soup?”
“I made you some,” I called from the kitchen, pleased to see no further messages on the journal from Erik. I turned it to a blank pageso it was ready for when he needed to talk to me, then ladled some soup into a bowl and placed it in the microwave. Once it was boiling hot, I crushed some dried noodles into it, knowing Mike needed something to fill his stomach. Rino had suggested sweet potato soup because it would help Mike gain some energy before he was fed a regular meal. I wasn’t about to question Mike’s boss on his soup preferences. I just did as I was told. I even added the spinach he so helpfully mentioned would be a good addition. I had to admit it tastedokay, but I wouldn’t want to live on the stuff.
I returned to the living room, handing the bowl of soup to Mike, with an oven mitt under it so he wouldn’t get burned. His smile was beaming as he accepted the offering.
“Thank you. I can’t believe you made me soup.”
I would make anything for him.
“Of course. Rino told me what would be best to help energize you and this is it.”
“I appreciate it, even if I’m slightly horrified by how weak I was in front of my new boss.” It looked like it pained him to admit it, and he glanced at his soup with a sad look passing over his eyes. I hated seeing him like that.
“You got your powers late in life, and from what I gathered, Rino understands that. He also seemed determined to make accommodations for you, so you’re not draining so fast.”
Mike nodded, slowly scooping up some of the warm soup and tasting it. He grimaced and I laughed.
“It’s not a burger, Mike. It’s supposed to begoodfor you.”
He seemed sheepish when he replied, “Sorry. I truly am grateful that you went through the trouble of making this for me.”
“Trust me, if it were up to me, I would’ve made you a potato and leek soup, topped with crispy bacon and with some bread on the side.”
Mike’s stomach made another growling sound, clearly agreeing with me that my soup choice was superior.
We both laughed and soon Mike was eating through the whole bowl while we watched another episode of my current series. It wasn’t until he was done that he seemed to startle and look around frantically.
“Erik?”
“In your room,” I hurried to answer. “Rino told him to give you some space until you’d gained your energy back.”
“I hope he’s okay in there.” Mike stared at the hallway almost like he missed the ghost.
“He is.”
“How do you know? Also how do you even know where he is?”
“I talk to him via writing,” I explained. “I have a journal in the kitchen where he can leave me messages.”
“Oh, I didn’t even think about that. I bet Erik loves that he can talk to you now.” Mike seemed happy about it, maybe less burdened now that he knew I could help keep Erik entertained.
