Species Interaction Read Free

the strings, and began pulling items of necessity out.
    Quiet footsteps announced our host's arrival. "What the hell?"
    I glanced up to find a familiar scowl. Oh, goody. Mr Groundhog was awake . Black denim jeans covered his lower body as his chest remained bare. A lethal appearing sword hung from his right hand. He looked like he just climbed out of bed, donned the bare necessities in clothing, and prepared to face an evil knight attempting to storm his castle.
    I wondered if he could whap me upside the head with his choice of weapon, put me to sleep, and when I woke up feel like I could actually survive this crap.
    "She's sick," Meat explained.
    I waved at Cannibal in the midst of another coughing fit.
    Cannibal fell under the category of speak softly and carry a big stick. He possessed more than human genetics, but no one knew which mixture or variety. No information on his background existed that an average person could get their hands on, and no one had enough gumption to ask him to his face how he came by his name. His attitude and serious crankiness intimidated most people, and I had a feeling he liked it that way. I seemed to be the single exception. We bonded over a bizarre night of confessions and torn g-strings, which ended with my face planted in his lap and my panties soaked. Since then, I became his sole gopher and intermediary between him and the day to day runnings of PPD.
    He shook his head as he raked his gaze over me.
    My braid sprouted hairs going every which way. The robe hung loosely off my shoulders, revealing my bright pink over-sized pajamas. Pink socks and my bunny slippers finished off my outfit. So I wasn't ready for the red carpet. I had the flu, sue me.
    "Yeah, I can see that," the Enforcer grumbled. "So why is she here?"
    Meat's expression turned to one of concern. He reached out to touch my forehead with his hand. "She's sick."
    Cannibal rested his sword on a nearby table. Crossing his arms over his chest, he glared at Meat. "Again, Einstein. I got that. But why is she here ?"
    I swallowed and croaked. "I've got the flu and am contagious. To humans, that is."
    "She can't stay at home and infect her boys. Her father has a small child. That leaves you and me." Meat dug through the bag, pulling out a bottle of medication.
    Cannibal's eyebrow arched. "Why you and me instead of just you?"
    Meat shot him an impatient glare. "Because I have to work. She's sick and shouldn't be left alone, especially for ten or twelve hours at a time, not with her high fever."
    "How do you know this isn't contagious to me and won't cause me to die a prolonged agonizing death?"
    I shrugged. "Tony, my boss, recommended you. Told me you were indestructible."
    "Like that means a whole lot in a pile of shit." An awkward moment of silence passed before Cannibal sighed. "Just great. And, how long will this flu last and I'm forced to endure a roommate?"
    "A week." I managed to squeak before hacking once again.
    "A week? Oh, hell, no."
    A medicine cup full of medication appeared before my face. "Drink. It's time for your cough syrup. I'll get your ibuprofen next," Meat soothed. "Remember, every four hours."
    I nodded, taking the cup and downing the nasty tasting stuff in one gulp. "Yuk."
    Meat's mouth twitched. "It's not supposed to taste good or it won't work." I stuck my tongue out at him.
    Cannibal gestured to the large trash sack. "What's in the bag?"
    "Necessities." Meat handed over my pills, along with a bottle of orange juice. Then, he started unpacking, item by item. "Tissues with lotion for her nose. Cough syrup. Throat lozenges." He tugged out a couple more items. "More pajamas. Feminine hygiene stuff. Midol."
    "What in…" Cannibal's gaze fell to the small bag Meat placed on the floor. "Oh, I so don't think so." His arms crossed over his chest defensively. His glare must send the bad guys running for their very lives. Unfortunately, I was too exhausted to do more than slump.
    I scowled at him. "I can't help it. It's