Millward Household - If She Were Awake

Shrugging, Gelf leaned against Sorley absently as she ate.

Skorn chuckled. “Don't mind her. She likes to help people.” He told Sorley in a friendly manner and ate his food calmly. He didn't even seem to notice the girls gawking at him and Sorley. They all have Gelf ugly glares.

The only girl Sorley was paying any attention to was Gelf. He liked how she felt leaning against him. He thought if he were to raise his arm and wrap it around her, her body would fit perfectly against his own. Everyone’s drinks went too still as Sorley mentally berated himself for having such thoughts.

Gelf finished her food and slowly sipped her drink before unintentionally nuzzling into Sorley’s shoulder. “Comfy…” She said with a small yawn.

“Sounds like she’s tired.” Skorn said. “Do you have a place of your own here, Gelf?”

“Kinda, but no bed.” Gelf mused with a sigh.

Skorn looked at Sorley. “This is your chance. Take it.”

Sorley flushed crimson. “I'm not taking advantage of her, she's tired!” He told Skorn, a bit angry but he liked having her nuzzle into him. “I, uh, have a couch. You can sleep on it, or I can sleep on the couch and you can have my bed.”

Skorn almost facepalmed. That was not what he meant. “I meant to offer her the couch or your bed, you nimrod…” He whispered. “Not take advantage of her. Gelf isn’t a whore.”

Gelf was already asleep against Sorley.

“Of course she isn't a whore.” Sorley put an arm around Gelf when he realized she was asleep so she would not fall. He carefully stood up, gently cradling her against his chest. He could not stop blushing. She was so perfect, even the weight of her.

Skorn got up and cleaned all their trash up, putting it in a trashcan. “I can walk you to your place.” He said, making sure Gelf’s hat didn’t fall off for Sorley.

Sorley nodded, catching a whiff of Gelf's hair, it smelled wonderful. He had never thought about how hair smelled before. He carried her from the McDonald's to his apartment building. He started up the stairs when he met Kiana coming down the stairs, covered in make up and wearing a skimpy dress. She looked from the sleeping Gelf, to Skorn and then Sorley.

“What the hell are you doing to her?” Kiana demanded.

“Hello,” Skorn said as he stepped inside. “He’s going to allow Gelf to rest in his bed and will sleep on the couch. She fell asleep after eating.”

“Do you think I'm too stupid to see what you're doing?!” Kiana’s eyes flashed. WAKE UP! she sent to Gelf.

“I'm not going to hurt her.” Sorley wished he could stop blushing.

Gelf sighed as she woke up and glared at Kiana. “Do you mind? I’m trying to sleep…” She hissed.

Skorn held out the box of medical supplies to Kiana. “I made sure to bring this along. It’s got the antibiotics that Sorley will need for those burns.” He explained. “And I suggest you let Gelf sleep. When she’s tired, she can get grumpy and we all know that grumpy Gelf is a very dangerous Gelf.” He had played witness to it.

Kiana scowled. “It wouldn't have been right to let him carry her unconscious into the apartment.” She moved so they could pass her.

Sorley felt even more awkward now that Gelf was in his arms awake. He tried to get his keys from his pocket.

Gelf purred as she nuzzled into Sorley’s chest and reached around, grabbing the keys for him. “Lemme do it.” She giggled.

Skorn shook his head. “Why don’t we talk? You’re Kiana, I assume?” He said, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Yeah, I'm Kiana.” Kiana said.

Sorley made a small jump when Gelf got his keys. He got the door open. “Do you prefer the couch or my… uh, the bed. I won't be in it.” His face was so red.

Too bad for Sorley, Gelf was already asleep again.

“Skorn,” The knife wielder said as he held out his hand to shake. “Pleasure to meet you, Kiana.”

Kiana shook his hand but was clearly distracted by the sleeping cat girl in her brother's arms. She scowled and hit cancel on the app on her phone, going back into the apartment. “You are sleeping in your own bed, Sorley. Gelf will sleep in my bed and I will take the couch and make sure you stay in your room.” As much as she talked about Sorley needing to get laid she wanted it to be with a consenting partner, not some unconscious girl just needing to sleep.

Sorley blushed even deeper but he nodded and started carrying Gelf to Kiana's room.

“Smart woman,” Skorn said as he watched. “Take good care of Gelf. She’s one of the Underground’s best and makes a great friend. We’re currently trying to get her sister out of MegaCorp.” Pulling out one of his knives, he flipped it absently in his hand. “If you want, I can easily get you and your brother in touch with Delilah.”

“Delilah is someone important?” Kiana kept her eyes on her bedroom.

Sorley pulled back the blankets and gently set Gelf down and tucked her in. He kind of wanted to watch her sleep.

“Delilah is the leader of the Underground.” Skorn said and went to the doorway, clearing his throat at Sorley. “It’s rude to stare, bud.”

Sorley's face turned an alarming shade of red. He turned to run away from the bed but only took one step before tripping over a stack of Andre Norton paperbacks and falling sprawling across the floor.

Kiana facepalmed.