Finding His Friends

[Aiden Finnegan]

“…More?” Aiden asked as the cigar dropped from his mouth and into his lap. He leaped up as the butt of the thing singed a hole in the crotch of his pants, “Stupid! Ah! Sorry about that.” Aiden’s face turned a little red, broadcasting his embarrassment for the stranger to see. Lasher was up on his feet and next to Aiden in an instant. He started sniffing at Aiden’s hand. 

                “I’m all right, boy. Just a little clumsy is all,” Aiden spoke to the dog reassuringly, ruffling the spot behind his right ear.

                “Well, no promises. How about I wait on accepting the offer until we meet face-to-face. I have my own space if need be… Hideous you say? Do you guys need an architect? You know this was all me,” Aiden gestured around him, “Well, me and a few contractors. You get the picture.”

                Ding ding ding!

                We have a name!

                “Sage, you say…? I like it. My sister’s name is Rowan. I’m sure you two would have a lot in common. Any other surprises I should know about? You guys aren’t keeping monsters in cages or anything freaky are you?”Aiden asked, cocking an eyebrow at Sage. His smirk was back and he took a step towards the digital man.