Page 12 of The Bully Alien

Now, I never draw attention to it. Ever. Never ever.

He grits his teeth. "I'm going to my room."

"Go ahead. I'm not stopping you."

I glance at the dorm. Freedom Hall.

I turn to go.

"Why did you ask if I had any alcohol?" he asks suddenly.

I turn to face him. "I smelled it on you. Got in a bar fight? A little early for that, isn't it?"

"I went to a diner," he says. "There was a fight."

"Did you hurt anyone?"

"Maybe. I was attacked too. I didn't start the fight either."

"Well, maybe you should join a gym or something. Study martial arts. Do something to expend your energy instead of fighting people. Even if you didn't initiate it."

"Can you be more judgmental?"

"Dude, have you seen yourself in a mirror? You're strong as a... as an Earthling. In this form. You're stronger in your... ah... true form. Or are you equally as strong in both? You might kill someone with one punch."

"I was injured, remember?" he asks dryly.

"You didn't seem to notice."

"My side hurt a little, but I didn't realize the glass was there." He shrugs, unconcerned about that.

"Well, maybe you got lucky this time. I wouldn't advise any ore fights for you."

"For the Earthling's sake."

"And yours," I coo. "You don't want to have any extra attention drawn your way, do you? No more fights. No more bleeding."

He scowls. "I don't need a lecture."

"No?" I lift my chin. "You still look a little pale."

"I'm fine."

"Did you eat?"

"No."

"Look. I'll go the cafeteria and get you dinner."

"And in exchange?" he asks warily.

"Answer some of my questions."

"No."

"Fine. Get yourself some food. What do I care if you start bleeding agin? I mean, I did see you skin stitch itself back together, but hey, maybe I'll forget not to tell anyone that."

He scowls at me. "I paid you—"