A Guardian Dog

Niall's towel mission/Niall's POV

I don’t like the public baths either, people always stare and judge. It’s no wonder you needed a private place to bathe. I just wish you asked sooner. I didn’t want to say anything but the smell was getting to me. Sure, your sweaty musk has its allure but…

I mean, no. I… I shouldn’t think about your musk.

Paios gives me a tight hug as I pass him by. Seeing him always makes me smile and my step is light as I close in on the baths.

Seeing the door, however, makes me hesitate and I stop in my tracks. Why did I come here? I frown at the towels in my hands. What a weak excuse.

Excuse for what?

No. There’s no need for excuses. These are my special towels. They are extra soft and I want to offer some luxury for you.

Because you’re… my friend? That is normal. It is normal to offer gifts for your friends and worry about their sensory experiences. That’s what friends are for.

Besides, you look like you need it. Your eyes can be haunting.

My thoughts are disturbed when I see Marcus prancing towards me as if he owns the place. I can see it in his eyes, he’s here to cause trouble. I love him but he keeps doing that.

“Why are you here?” I ask.

Marcus smirks and tries to walk past me to the baths, as if that’s his final answer.

I grab his arm. “You should let them bathe in peace.” I’ve seen the way he looks at you. Always pestering, borderline bullying. I’ve told him to leave you alone and he always twists it around, claiming that I have feelings for you since I care so much.

I do not. I just don’t like hazing soldiers. Especially this kind of hazing, bothering others while they bathe. People might get the wrong idea. Rumors spread, he might get you killed.

Anger stirs in my stomach. He’s always so careless about others.

Marcus looks at my hand and rolls his eyes. “I’m merely going to ask if they want company.”
“Your company?” I scoff. “I’ve seen how they flinch when they see you.”
“Aren’t you observant?” The smirk still lingers but I struck a nerve. “Perhaps they just can’t contain their excitement.”

“Hardly, I can see discomfort when I–”

“And what are you doing here?” He interrupts and looks at the towels in my hand. “Towels? Really?”
“What?” I let go of him as heat pushes into my cheeks, making me curse them and their redness. And Marcus always knows how to push the right buttons when he wants to. “They need towels.”

“Paios is here. They have a bell.”
“Don’t turn this around. You’re here to bully them. I don’t like it.”

“You’re their guardian dog now, huh? And they’re your little lamb?”

“No, I… I was here first!” Not my strongest argument but it’ll do.

Marcus pushes me aside, trying to get past me, and I push him back. He almost loses his balance and frowns.

“You stood at your own door looking like a lost puppy.”

“My door! I can order you to leave!”

“Try me, Tribune!”