Hard to Hate You // Michael Langdon

Part XVII - Poor Decisions

When I open my eyes, Michael is no longer sitting at his desk.  I have no clue how much time has passed, but it must've been a while.

I suddenly become aware of the weight next to me, and I quickly roll over to find Michael laying beside me.  Instinctively, I shoot back away from him, and I soon realize that I backed up too far when I roll off the side of the bed.

"Shit," I inhale sharply as I hit the floor.  

I hear Michael stir in bed, and before I can do anything, he is on his feet beside me.  "Are you okay?" he asks.

I scoff.  "I just threw myself off your bed out of shock.  Not to be overdramatic, but I almost had a heart attack."

"Should I be offended that you had such an adverse reaction to waking up beside me?" he asks amusedly.

I roll my eyes.  "Maybe you should.  And a little warning next time would be appreciated."

He chuckles.  "You were out cold, so I didn't feel like waking you and having to deal with your wrath."

I send him an unamused glare as I stand up.  "What time even is it?" I ask.

He shrugs as he looks over to a clock that is sitting on his nightstand.  How the hell he has a clock, I'm not sure.  "6 AM."

I sigh as I go to run a hand through my hair, but I quickly realize that there is dried blood in it.  I withdraw my hand and send a disgusted glance at it before transmutating to the bathroom and flicking the light on.

"Oh shit," I mutter.  I am an absolute mess.  My face is covered in blood and what seems like bruises that are almost done healing (assumedly thanks to Michael's magic) and my dress is splattered in what I can assume is my blood.  I'm not sure how long Mead was taking out her anger on me yesterday, but it must've been for a while after I passed out.

"I'm sorry, you seemed too tired to take a shower last night, so I didn't want to tell you about your appearance," Michael states from the doorway.

"I could've made time for a shower," I roll my eyes.  "I can only imagine what your bed looks like."

He chuckles.  "Don't worry about it.  You can use my shower since it's larger," he offers.

I turn to check it out; his shower is certainly much better than mine, but I don't want to admit that.  "Mine will be fine," I state as I walk toward the door.

He remains in the doorway, refusing to move.  "Don't be stubborn, Valentina, just use my damn shower."

"Why's it matter to you?" I question suspectingly.

He rolls his eyes.  "Curfew is 11 PM to 7 AM.  Ms. Mead does hourly checks on the hallways, and I'm sure that she has finished reprogramming by now.  I would not like to risk your running into her in the hallway."

I raise a brow, considering his offer.

"I have the most expensive conditioner in the outpost; use it while you have the chance," he states, attempting to give me one final push.

I sigh.  "Fine," I cave.  "But if you're up to something, let me assure you that I will make you regret it."

"I am not up to anything."

"Yeah sure, and Ms. Venable isn't a raging feminist lesbian," I say sarcastically.

He chuckles as he steps back out of the doorway.  "I'll let you shower."

......