Violet Memoir- Karaoke (part1) (Patreon)

Edit: ITS FINISHED NOW LOL (SORRY)

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The cool afternoon air flows through my fur with as gentle a touch as a mothers embrace and carried on its winds is a familiar voice. Far to masculine in nature to be any mother I knew and yet trying to grasp my attention all the same?

“Wait what?” I ask snapping out of my own mind and turning to face the source of the sound.

Oscar stood at my side, looking down with a small hint of concern etched into his eyes (though still very much sporting his signature smile). He sported a new tank top he got recently. A dotted pattern of various swirling primary colors collapsed in over themselves like waves in the ocean. Accompanied only by lime green shorts and the glimmer of his tear drop shaped necklace. All pressed against solid iron muscle and soft fur that dares to be touched to be-

“Always lost up there in your own mind huh?” Oscar asked with a knowing smile. “Guess ill just have to find some way to grab your full attention.” he continues grabbing his shirt and slowly raising it to reveal his soft belly underneath.

“Y-you already captured it!” I spoke up before he fully removed his shirt.

Feeling my face warming up I quickly moved the conversation back to it's original course.

“You was asking me something before I zoned out?”

“Karaoke! we can get the whole gang together tomorrow night and it'll be a blast! It'll take me and Lily to convince Leigh-”

I stop him there

“No WAY Leigh or Lucas will ever agree to this.”

“Hey Papa Bear isn't opposed to fun, you just gotta wear him down a bit, plus if I mention you and Lucas he will fill obligated to join... it's in that dudes nature.”

I wanted to argue the point (which he had) but he continued.

“And Lucas likes you, just promise him a kiss and he'll do whatever you want him to.” for emphasis he starts making kissing noise while smooching the air.

“Oscar! That's not true.” I try to get out with my voice cracking mid sentence. “That's not true at all... at least I don't think so...”

“Well I know so and look there you go doubting yourself again. You got more pull than you know dude and it's not just because they find you cute. Though it definitely doesn't hurt.” he says with his signature wink and a wide toothy smile.

I just huff and move forward knowing he won't give an inch of ground on the subject.

“Well the easiest to convince will be Lily. Did you ask her yet?”

“Yup! she's already working on a battle plan for convincing Leigh.”

I shuttered at the thought of Lily and Oscar ganging up on poor Leigh (and a bit because of the cool afternoon air). Even though I'm confident in Leigh's ability to hold his own those two together make a dangerous duo for sure. For a moment I consider if it would be better to simply talk to him myself...

As if reading my mind Oscar speaks up again.

“Hey now don't you worry your cute little head about Papa Bear he likes us, even if he tries to hide it.”

“It's not Lily I'm worried about.” i reply honestly.

“Now you're not giving me enough credit here.”

I raise an eyebrow at the statement and leave a moment of silence between us.

“...Okay so that's why I'm bringing Lily too...”

He moves in closer to me and gives a clear indication that he intends to wrap his arm around my shoulder. Giving me ample time to deny the embrace. There is only but a slight hesitation to his movement however seeing that I have no intention of moving away I'm scooped up in one of Oscar's massive biceps and pulled into a side long hug. His body’s warmth combats the cool chill air and the familiar smell of chlorine and otter musk fills my nose.

I can't tell if my face is burning hot due to being fluster or if its the immense heat that his body gives off (if I had to guess it was probably a bit of both).

“You're cute when you're worried...”

As soon as the words leave his mouth he looks down at me, meeting my questioning gaze

“When you're worried about ME, I mean... NOT in general. I could have worded that better.”

“Yeah but I know what you meant and that you just want me not to worry so much over you.”

“I'm a big boy after all.” As if to enforce the point he flexes his free arm showing the massive muscle barely contained within.

“But a bit of dotting doesn't hurt anyone, after the last few days I would know.”

I give the biggest smile I could muster. Attempting to reach out even in the smallest way so that he could know I was there for him as much as he and the others were there for me. It was a small gesture I hope he’d get, I knew well that he kept his feelings close to heart and more so that he had no interest in sharing them with others.

He returned the smile with no words or snarky comments fully acknowledging what I was saying even if no words were shared.

We walked the campus for about another half an hour, Oscar telling me about the interesting parts of his day and what he was doing later that evening. He had one more class still coming up on the later half of the day and a swim he wanted to sneak in before going home. I was free for the rest of the night but he suggested that I spend it with Lucas and see about working my "magic" on him (whatever that means).

After a bit of a walk, my dorm comes into view. Stopping abruptly I feel a slight bit of tension in Oscars arm before he suddenly pulls away from me. The cold air returned in full. No doubt both of us were remembering that night. His touch, the look of terror in his eyes, him running out of my room, a moment spent on the beach. I wouldn't touch the subject, I couldn’t after only a few days distanced us from it. Honestly I didn’t even know what to make of my own feelings so I tucked them away… for now.     

“Ill talk to you later” is all I offered to the heavy silence.

“Yeah Ill text you later tonight Wallace, good luck with Lucas.”

Without another word he jogs off in the direction of his next class and I’m left alone.

I take a deep breath, opening my phone as I move towards the dorm. I hover over Lucas' contact for a little while trying to clear my thoughts and frankly wondering what I should even send. Was he even free tomorrow? I try to remember what he said about his schedule from memory but couldn't quite remember any concrete information apart from him taking most of his classes on laptop. A bit hesitant I decide its best that I just shoot him a text message and not over think things.

Want to hang out? Maybe grab dinner?

As quickly as I send the message I get one back. Its a single worded response.

No.

I was left stunned for a moment with no real way to respond. I don’t know why I was so shocked (It was Lucas after all) by it did. No context around the answer made it seem more harsh than I knew Lucas meant to be.

“He's probably just busy.” I reason to myself before slipping my phone back into my pocket. If anything ill just message him later tonight and ask or tomorrow morning after I wake up.

A moment later another text comes in from Lucas.

Sorry I've been informed by Aure that I'm being rude. What I meant is I'm busy tonight with some school work and Aure is already working on dinner. But you're welcome to join us if you want to.

A smile creeps across my face as I image Aure snooping on Lucas' texts and telling him to elaborate and even more so to invite me over.

Approaching the front door to the dorm complex I type a quick response before heading inside.

Just got back from a walk with Oscar I'm gonna take a quick shower then Id love to join you guys for dinner. What time should I come over?

You can come over now if you want and use our shower. Aure is insisting I take a break from school work.

Before I can reply a few more messages flood in but in a different tone of short form text.

Hey Walter it's Aure!

Lulu here isn't doing himself any favors

He'd love to have you over

(He has been working non-stop all day)

Again feel free to come by and use our shower

And dinner will be done within a half hour ;)

The words bring a smile to my face.

Okay ill be down soon just gotta grab a change of clothes.

Is all I reply as I move through the front door and take the elevator up to my room. Entering my room I swiftly grab a fresh change of clothes and the essentials for my shower before moving back to the door. Only looking back to scan the room for anything I might have missed or forgotten. The only prominent thing standing out being the dairy. Ever so patiently sitting atop my desk waiting to be read again. My eyes only paused on the book for a moment but it was enough to make my thoughts loom on the dark events that transpired days before. The first nightmare, the events at the hospital even the looming feeling of being watching from a distance or just at the edge of my vision.

I push the thoughts away locking them deep within my mind for another day just as I did with what happened to me and Oscar on that night.

The diary could wait…

Taking the elevator back down to the first floor I move towards Lucas and Aure’s dorm room.

Before I could reach my destination however; I receive a text message from Selwyn and quickly respond to it before tucking my phone away again.

Arriving at my destination I take a single deep breath before knocking on the door, to shortly after hear a light shuffle inside before the door finally begins to unlock and I'm greeted by...

“Leigh!?”

At the sight of the possum I nearly jumped out of my fur. Leaning against the door frame a tall and well built possum stood missing is signature jacket though still sporting his standard red t-shirt and black leather pants. What was he doing here and on top of that why was he the one to answer the door? Seeing me a bit bewildered, Leigh offered a sympathetic smile, small but sincere.

“Sorry for spooking you kid I guess you wasn't expecting me to be the one answering the door.”

He moves aside so I can enter into the room. As I step in my nose is greeted by a strong fox smell before quickly dying out and being replaced by more delicious aromas.

“Cant say you were.” I chuckled nervously.

“I figured I'd answer since I heard you were coming and both Aure and Lucas are rather busy at the moment.”

Moving deeper into the space I scan the room to see, Aure was diligently at work within the kitchen area as he stirred away at something unseen. A purple crop top etched with golden detailing and black tights ever shifting and swaying with his movements as he hops from the stove to something else atop the small counter. While Lucas (dressed in his usual attire though rather wrinkled) sat atop his bed with his laptop and a few stacks of paper.

“Hes been at it none stop for hours.” Leigh whispered.  

“You’ve been here for hours?”

The question catches Leigh slightly off guard. Feeling as though I put him in a weird spot I quickly add, “What about your sister? It'll definitely be late by time you head back to the apartment.”

Before he could answer anything another voice speaks up from the kitchen.

“I thought I heard a cute young man at the door is that Walter?”

“Y-yeah. Thank you guys for inviting me over for dinner and letting me use your shower.” I
reply.

“Anytime cutie, now go say hi to Lulu and freshen up for dinner I'm gonna steal Leigh here back for a little bit. We were in the middle of a conversation I want to finish.”

“We'll talk later.” Leigh states ruffling my head fur ever so slightly as he moves to stand next to Aure in the kitchen.

Moving through the living space I can see Lucas a bit better now sitting atop his bed centered around a storm of papers, textbooks and diligently typing away on his laptop. They weren’t kidding when they said Lucas was working all day. The only indication that he even registered anything else in the room was his ears flicking up to the sound of my approach.

“Hey Lucas already getting bogged down by your classes?”

Looking up from whatever he was working on I met Lucas' piercing gaze. his pretty, though clearly tired eyes locking with my own till I'm forced to look away.

“Not really just getting a head start on some later projects.” was all he replied with

I'm quickly reminded of his scary work ethic and how Aure insisted that I come over to help Lucas take a break. If I had to guess he was probably done with all his current schoolwork to completion and this was just fun for him or at the very least productive busy work.

“Well, I'm going to go shower and then we can hang out afterwards.” I give him a quick smile and begin making my way towards the bathroom.

Closing and locking the door I swiftly pull out my phone, before frantically typing out a message to Oscar.

Help! Leigh is here at Lucas' place!? What should I do?

A reply almost instantly comes through from the otter.

Really? Leigh and Lucas who'd have thought I mean I knew the little grump found Leigh attractive but I didn't think Lucas was Leigh's type. Spill the details man.

Oscar! Its not like that I think Leigh is mainly here for Aure since they were a thing back in the day. (Probably just catching up or something) but I was planning on asking Lucas to the thing tonight.thingtoght.

Well what's the problem dude you still can it's not like you have to invite Leigh too.

Oscar isn't wrong but it kind of leaves a bad feeling in my gut to invite only one of my friends somewhere while the other one is in the room and what's the harm of just asking both now worst they'd say is no.

Not wanting to worry anyone I run the water to my shower and start undressing while another message comes through from Oscar.

Hell if you are lucky Leigh might help out convincing Lucas or even better invite himself. If it's too much you can always message or talk to him later it doesn't need to be tonight dude.

You're right. Well we will see how it goes tonight and I'll update you later. I got to go I'm bout to take a shower at their place before we have dinner.

Have fun ;)

I will, talk to you later.

Putting my phone away I strip down and jump into the shower quickly washing up. Even after a rather mundane day the warm water brought release to an unknown tension and the privacy of their personal shower was nice in its own way.

Taking the time to diligently dry my fur I get dressed in fresh clothing: a simple pink t-shirt and dark gray sweat pants.

After gathering everything up I walk out the bathroom.

Not much has changed since going into the shower. Aure was still in the middle of cooking dinner talking away about his day and Leigh sat silently listening adding only a bit here or there. Where as Lucas had pact up all his school work and was currently reading a different book from his usual school text books.

“You can toss your dirty clothes in with mine, there should be a hamper next to my bed.” Aure stated from across the room.

“Thanks.”

Tossing my clothes in with Aure’s I move around the other side of the bed to get a good look at what Lucas was reading.

“It's not all that interesting.” Lucas said as I approached, closing the book and placing it atop his night stand where a few others rested.

“Well it caught your attention didn't it so it can't be all bad.”

“Perhaps…” was all he offered

pausing for a moment he considers saying something more before scooting over on the bed.

“Are you just going to stand there or are you going to join me?”

“Oh!? Sure.”

I climb into the bed trying to ignore the other eyes that were watching us from the kitchen.

“Wallace?”

“Huh???” I turn to fully face Lucas.

“So how did the day go with you and Oscar?” Lucas asked.

“It was... nice. We had barely talked the last few days since the incident but after that brief bit of awkwardness at the start of meeting up today it felt like old times.” I chuckled a bit to myself. “That's probably silly of me to say seeing as it hasn't even been two weeks into our friendship.”

“When's an appropriate time to care for each other and the past moments we shared? Since I’ve met you and the others have been nothing but kind to me if it all went away tomorrow it would be fair for me to feel sad for what I’ve lost for your all amazing people.” he looks away bashfully as he forces the last two words out.

I cant help but smile at his words as tears begin to form on the edges of my sight. The fox begins to slightly fidget with his ears and does his best to avoid eye contact. Seeing that he needs an out from his own embarrassment, I lean into him till our shoulders touch.

“Did you know Oscar can use sign language? He was teaching me some this morning, maybe you should ask him to teach you some too so we can better communicate with Selwyn.”

There is second that lingers in the air before Lucas responds.

“For as much of a dumb ass as he is, that man continues to surprises me.”

“hey hes not that bad.” I retort.

“No hes plenty bad, and annoying, and stupid, but… hes nice… enough I might talk to him about learning some ASL if he can promise hes not going to try and flirt with me the whole time.”

I laugh a bit at Lucas’ attempt to counter balance his earlier nice words before feeling my face turning a red just thinking of what took place early that day, the otters hands somehow finding mine. Stunning blue eyes as vast as the ocean threatening to swallow me whole and his smile always so full of life melting me into a puddle of incoherent mush.          

“He's a good teacher when he's not trying to flirt.” Is all I could offer.

“So he's not a good teacher?” Lucas retorted without a trace of sarcasm or a hint of a joke.

“Be nice over there Lulu.” A voice chimed in from the kitchen.

Leigh covered his mouth to contain his own amusement.

Lucas' only response was a middle finger in their direction.

I couldn't help but smile myself at the exchange before continuing.

“Well if you ever change your stance on things I know he wouldn’t mind teaching you at all especially since you want to learn for the same reason as me”.

I give him a playful nudge with my shoulder.

“Oh no Wallace dear he's doing this because he has a bit of a crush on your lion friend maybe even more real than the one he has for you.”

I can see Leigh nudge Aure.

Lucas shifts uncomfortably at that breaking what little contact we had turning on the two in the kitchen.

“Fuck Off!” is all he lets out before quickly composing himself and no doubt reminding himself where he was and what noise complaints would come if he had a full on outburst here.

Leigh raises his hands in a show of mock surrender, “Hey kid it's all okay.”

I gently place a paw on top of his shoulder feeling him almost jump at the contact before calming down and releasing the tension in his body as well as a single breath.

“You know I’m only looking out for you Lulu, lucky enough for the two of us that sweet heart of a lion knows and goes for what he wants. So you better hurry Wallace before this little cutie is snatched up.” Aure states before shooting me a wink.

“Huh!?”

The clanging of bowls ring out as Leigh grabs a few from the small cabinet drawer within the kitchen. Cutting off the rest of the weasels thought.

“Enough of that Aure leave them alone, now come grab something to eat you two, dinner is ready.”

I glanced over at Lucas to catch him looking at me his intense eyes trying to gauge my reaction.

why did he care what I thought?

“I mean you guys seemed to become quick friends too and get along really well together.” Is all I offered as we rose from the bed. Unsure of what he expected from me.

Lucas scoffed and folded his arms deciding he was done with the topic. Even while faced away from me I could see his ears turn a darker shade of red. I couldn't blame Lucas for having a crush, Selwyn was extremely attractive and truly a kind and interesting feline if not a bit to forward at times. Though even with that it never felt uncomfortable or invasive just flirty (similar in a way to an otter I knew).

Walking up to the small makeshift kitchen four sets of bowls had been set up by Leigh.

“What's for dinner anyway, I never got around to asked?”

“Beef stew and some garden salad. Nothing special but hopefully a delicious meal nonetheless.” Aure replies as he begins to pour stew into the individual bowls while Leigh silently moves around him to finish distributing the garden salads.

The two really work well together the more I observed them hang out and have been enjoying each others company. For a moment I wonder what caused them to break up but I don’t think this was the time or place. Moving forward Lucas scoops up his bowl from Aure without a word before he moves over to Leigh who holds his salad out of reach with a blanketed expression that I couldn't read if not for the slight elevation of one of his eyebrows.

“Thank you.” is the only response that came as Lucas meets Leigh's eyes.

“I didn't cook anything kid.”

“Yeah well the guy that did was being an annoying jackass so I don't know what you want me to do. Besides he didn't say anything when I grabbed my bowl If he would have had an actual problem he'd have said something himself.” came Lucas’ reply.

Leigh holds his position unblinkingly, his eyes never leaving the fox.

“And last I checked you weren't either of my parents!” he continued reaching for the salad again.

Leigh shifted ever so slightly as Lucas approached but put up no resistance simply opting to surrender the salad over.

“Thanks again for having me over and for the food.” I say trying to change the energy in the room (even a little bit).

“Anytime.” Aure smiled

I assumed we were all going to sit together for dinner but I could quickly tell that wouldn't be the case as Lucas moved back over to his bed while the others sat down at the kitchen table.

“Don't pout he's just not in the mood tonight to deal with my fabulous personality and wants his space... from us.” Aure says the last part with a soft smile moving his finger back and forth between himself and Leigh.

“Go on, don't worry about us.” Leigh adds giving an equally soft smile.

It almost felt like I was being shooed away by my parents insisting I go outside and play with my friends, but I ignored the feeling knowing they meant well and were probably right that I keep Lucas company.

Nodding my head I move back through the room towards Lucas' bed. Where he already sat cross legged consuming his stew with a passion.

“Hungry huh?”

“It's good and i skipped lunch trying to get ahead of my school work.”

“It hasn't even been a full week yet what are you getting ahead of and why?”

“He looks up from his food at that.” unsure how to answer between bites of salad.

“Why don't you come sit down first or do you plan on eating standing up like that?”

Looking down at my occupied hands I saw he had a point. Lucas moved over to make room on his bed and i carefully shuffled a top it to sit beside him our backs to the headboard.

After a bit of awkward shifting and shuffling I finally got a chance to dig into the stew and it was great!

“Wow Aure really is an amazing cook! This is really good!”

“Yeah he's always cooking if we don't order from some place though I don't exactly know why, my parents are usually willing to send meals if not money for food itself.”

I look over at Lucas as he ends the sentence in between bits of salad.

“Do you know how to cook?” is all I ask.

He hesitates on the question for a moment. His ears flattening for a moment. No doubt old memories rushing back to the fore front of his mind.

“A bit, nothing to special, I remember helping my parents in the kitchen every so often but it was always simple things.”

I understood what he meant my own cooking experience being very limited and most of it coming from my parents though I would try something on my own from time to time. It was always fun from what I could remember besides the few occasions I almost burnt the house down.

“We should try cooking something together sometime it might be fun.”

“It might be nice and seeing as you don't have a kitchen at your place it'll give you a reason to come over more often.” is all he replied

The implications that he wanted to spend more time together made me smile and wanting to keep on the topic of hanging out I look up for only a moment to see both Leigh and Aure fully wrapped up in their own conversation. (Which Aure clearly and passionately was leading) the only indication that they were paying attention to us was Leigh's casual side glance in our direction his natural instincts to insure we were both alright. I looked away to avoid locking eyes and figured now as good a time as any to ask the question I came here for.

“Speaking of spending time together I had a question for you?”

Lucas looked up from his dinner to meet my eyes.

“You had something in mind?”

“Well not just me, but Oscar and Lily too, we were all thinking of doing another get together soon. Something where we could all let loose and have fun.”

Lucas’ face held a visible frown clearly weary of what I had to say next (I didn't blame him either).

“You could...” I pause not even fully sure how I could put it into something digestible.
“I wanted to see if you would be up for hanging out with the Guys and Lily tomorrow night. I know its not your usual thing but hey a good time with friends can't be bad and where Lily and Oscar go its always bound to be a good time.” I produced a smile filled with as much confidence as my body could possibly muster.

He rolled his eyes but didn't give any counter. Followed by a faint hint of red, underneath the wall of dark fur.

“You still haven't mentioned what you want to do or where we were going.”

“Karaoke night in the city, you, me, Selwyn, Os-” He cuts me off there with a question.

“Wait why would a mute man want to go to karaoke!?”

A fair question.

I shrugged.

“...ugh from what I heard he enjoys the ambiance and hanging out with his friends. He even mentioned that they have pretty good chicken tenders though that part might have been for me. Anyway, he texted to see if you were coming too.”

“Really? Why?”

Bringing out my phone I go through my short list of contacts to pull up the lion’s recently received text message. Turning my phone over I offered it to Lucas.

I heard from Oscar that your coming out tomorrow night I’m looking forward to hanging out some more. Do you know if Lucas is coming too? Id like to see him again. He was very fun to hang out with and cuter than Oscar described him to be.

I don’t know if this is within his comfort zone but he'd really enjoy hanging out with you again I’m sure of that much. Ill let you know soon.

Lucas returned my phone with a bashful smile, he was trying his hardest to hide.

“Look as long as it doesn't conflict with my schedule I guess I could go for a bit” As he said the words he turned back to me with his usual composed scowl though his face was still a bright red. “That doesn't mean I’m singing anything.” he stated with a firm finality.

I couldn't help but laugh at that.

“Of course not no one expects you to, well maybe Oscar but hell just have to settle for your good company.” I say with a smile

“So what about Leigh I'm surprised he hasn't mentioned it himself since he's been here.” Lucas asked looking back over to the kitchen.

Aure was laughing away at a joke he made and found funny while Leigh sat across from him shaking his head with a rare smile of his own plastered across his face. A softness melding with his bad boy guise to create something new. They were deeply entrenched in their own conversations I quickly looked away again back to Lucas.

“We haven't asked him yet, Lily or Oscar was planning on asking him at some point tomorrow. Maybe even tonight if they weren’t to busy.

“What about you just asking him now? After all hes right there.”

“Nerves I guess. I was kind of worried you weren’t even going to say yes...”

“But I did say yes…” Lucas pointed out

“Oh are you two cuties getting married now?” came a playful voice.

Turning back towards the kitchen, Aure had stood up and made their way halfway through the living space without us noticing.

“We're not getting married idiot.’ Lucas shot back with a matter of fact tone. Wallace was just asking me to join him in karaoke and is afraid to ask Leigh-”

“Lucas!?” Is all I could get out.

“Why were you scared to ask me?” Came Leigh's voice from the kitchen.

Dishes hitting the sink before he popped his head over the half wall.

“I just assumed it wasn't your thing. I mean I didn't think it was Lucas’ either but then I was only planning on asking Lucas tonight when you showed up at the door you know...”

“Aw well that sounds fun, I'm sure Leigh would love to tag along!” Aure said spinning on the point of his feet with a graceful twirl looking at Leigh with a twinkle in his eyes. “As I remember you had quite a voice when you cared to use “it.

“That was years ago.” the possum reminded

“Yeah yeah and I'm sure Wallace here is a professional singer today.” Aure said with his arm crossed.

“Okay you got a point sure I'll go, it might be fun.". He states to the room and to my surprise before slipping back behind the wall followed by running water (A clear indication that he didn't want to discuss it further).

“Leigh used to sing?” I whispered to Aure.

“Not really but on rare occasions if you were sneaky enough you could catch him in the mood and he's not half bad.” Is all he offered.

“Regardless of the matter, it's getting late and unless you all are going to be staying the night id like to get ready for bed.” Lucas states after a while.

Pulling out my phone I noticed it was already 10pm. Time was fading to less than a concept in the wake of my company of friends. Leigh seeming to have done the same as he comes from the kitchen and swiftly retrieves his jacket from the end of Aure’s bed.

“Lucas is right I should be heading back home. I lost track of time.” Leigh states throwing his jacket on and checking his pockets for the essentials.

“I wasn't planning on staying either, just wanted to hang out a bit and ask Lucas out.” I said moving from the bed.

“Well then I'll quickly walk you back to your dorm before heading out.” Leigh says to me picking up his bag from a near by table and heading towards the door.

“Oh you don't -”

“But he wants to and he's going to insist he does Wallace. You know that all to well by now.” Aure cuts in, his tail giving the softest swipe across my shoulder.

“You're right, thanks for the food and company.” I state following Leigh towards the exit, making sure to drop off Lucas and my dishes in the sink.

Farewells were exchanged at the door and I promised to text Lucas later tomorrow as he made his way to the bathroom to shower. As the door closes and locks behind us I’m left in the empty hall. Turning to meet the possum he stands patiently at my side against the corridors wall. Staring into the distance though at what I couldn't tell.

“Lead the way.” he says a moment later breaking the silence.”

And my train of thought.

“Sure there's an elevator just down the hall.” with an eager bounce I move ahead.

“Slow down kid.”

Calling the elevator we stood in silence. Nothing uncomfortable or awkward but simply enjoying the presence of one another. It was fine after a full day speaking with Oscar, followed by the talk I had with Lucas.

Seconds later the ding of the elevator ushers us inside. As the doors close shut Leigh turns to me.

“I’m glad you seem to be doing a lot better these days.”

I turn to him slightly confused.

“Just with much of whats been happening this last week, between the diary and whatever happened with Oscar a few days ago, don’t worry I wont pry, you seem much happier.”

“I think that I am.” I say not really sure what to make of my current feelings.
The door dings open again and we step out into the hall.

“I’m taking things slow.” I continue.

“Its doing you well.” Is all he says as we walk the hall towards my dorm room.

“You and Aure seem to be getting along well?”

He rolls his eyes and scoffs at the comment but his smile betrays him.

“Hes a character and its been nice catching back up with him after so long…”

stopping at my door I turn to face Leigh.

“Well this is me, thanks for keeping me company.”

“Anytime kid, now you get some rest and ill talk to you tomorrow.”

With a quick ruffling of my head fur he turns to walk back the way we came and I open my door stepping into the pitch black of my room. Without hesitation I proceed to Plop down on my bed and crawl directly under the covers taking out my phone.  Sending messages out: 1st to Lucas and Aure thanking them one last time for the meal and company, wishing them a good rest of their night, then to Leigh wishing I’m a safe trip home and to say hello to Charlie for me, finally I send a text to Selwyn and Oscar letting them both know that everyone agreed to go out tomorrow night. With all messages sent I place my phone on its charger and lay my head down to rest.

I was really looking forward to tomorrow.