“Hey there bud,” I greeted Mars as he sat at my door. “Time for bed?” I sighed deeply, putting my book down.  

It was already pretty late, so I gave in, unlocking my door for him; I started to the bathroom, heading a loud metal thud. 

“Mars?” I poke my head into my room, Mars sitting on the windowsill, pawing at the glass. “Did a bird-?” I walked closer, flipping my knife out. “...Please don’t fly in my house-” I opened the window, peering onto the small balcony of the fire escape.  

I stared at a hunched-over figure; they had a black mask over their head, wearing all black clothing. Through the rips and cuts in their clothes, I could see wounds and dark bruises on their skin.  

“Hey?” I snapped. “You ok?” I reach my hand down to poke at them. “Ah-!” 

“N-no cops...” they held my wrist weakly. “Pl-please...” 

Great, another stray... I grit my teeth. I can’t leave them out here. They're clearly wounded... I opened my window fully, grabbing their hand. 

“C’mon, get inside.” I pulled them; they weakly stood, falling onto me once they were inside. “Dude-!?” I flopped them down on my bed, staring at them. 

Mars leapt onto the bed, curling up beside their head. ...Mrs. Delilah took me in without hesitation. But this guy... I sighed deeply, grabbing my medical kit from my desk. At the very least, I'll take care of them until they come to. I reached for their shirt, pulling it up to their chest, breathing softly as they were covered in cuts and bruises.  

I cleaned the ones I could, bandaging the bad ones. There were a few that I stitched up myself; a gash on their shoulder, and a large slash on their thigh. I did the best I could without removing their clothes. As I swung their legs to rest more on the bed, I took their heavy boots off, noticing that they had a bulky bel; I reached for it, pausing as I saw a firearm. Great, this guy might spell bad news... I grit my teeth, grabbing it.  

It was a plain glock-17, loaded halfway. I pulled the ammunition magazine out, checking the chamber for any loaded bullets. I pulled the slide all the way back, letting it release, and once I was certain nothing was in the way, I pulled the trigger to release the striker. Once it dully clicked, I pulled the slide back a bit, pushing it all the way to the front, pulling it off the track. I placed both pieces onto my desk with a soft metal clatter. I took the ammunition magazine with me, sliding it into my back pocket.  

I checked the rest of their pockets for anything that’d harm me or themself while they rested; I only found two knifes, one folded in their pants pocket, and another on an ankle holster. I placed both on my desk beside the dismembered gun.  

They might be dangerous... I pulled my desk drawer open after I unlocked it, reaching for the set of handcuffs I had. This surprisingly came in handy. I sighed to myself, cuffing one of their hands to the iron bedframe. Sorry dude, but I don’t trust you one bit! I stepped back, watching them silently. Great... now I don’t have a bed to sleep on tonight... I grit my teeth. I just keep collecting strays! I huffed, deciding to finally take my shower.