Chapter 22: Calm After The Storm
Separating from Thatch was more distressing than the ghost really wanted to admit. He had been so calm before, even when Thatch was in pain- he had been strong for the vampire so Thatch for once would allow himself to be weak. But now that they were separated all Casper could think about was his worry for Thatch, all alone in that coffin as he tried to recover. At least the headmasters seemed to have some sense of mercy, but he wondered why. They seemed to want to catch the attacker and punish them- not like their usual 'we don't give a fuck about the students' selves. But he found it odder that they wrote a report on it. Would it be in their records? What exactly did they write?
But, as long as it helped Thatch why should the blue-eyed ghost care? Mosshead was getting punished, though Casper almost wished the punishment was worse than what was given. Thatch could have really been hurt, or killed by such an event. And now Casper knew people had it out for him and Thatch- or maybe just Thatch. Casper hasn't been hurt, only his clothes ruined that morning. But they really needed to get all the students on their side. Luckily, as they returned back to their classes- all expect Ra, Thatch, and Mosshead, Casper noticed the divide has changed.
Both skeletons were on his side now- he can actually see the divide in the classroom. Mantha, Slither, Wolfie, Quasi, Flyboy, Monaco, and Mickey- well when one looked at it Casper saw a majority of people were on his side now. Maybe people felt bad for Thatch? The only people actually against him was still Dummy Girl, oh and it looked like she was pretending to cry and getting Harpy to be her new lackie, great. And for some reason, Triclops was on their side as well, and that just confused Casper further. They had always helped her, and now she was supporting Dummy Girl; Casper could only reason it off that she still hated Thatch from his bullying.
After all, Thatch always shoved her around- but he did that to everyone, and he was changed now! Casper sighed, and Mantha took notice right away. She patted the ghost's back and offered a smile to try to comfort him. "Hey, we almost got everyone on our side now."
"I'm sad it had to be because Thatch got hurt," Casper muttered as he sat beside the zombie. He was glad people were on his side, no doubt but… Thatch was still all alone in his coffin due to the event- oh and of course so was Ra. He couldn't forget Ra, who had done magic, now that was utterly puzzling.
Ra had never really displayed it before, but Casper remembered when Dummy Girl threatened Slither and him, Ra's eyes for a moment… He thought he was seeing things, but seems not. He'll really have to ask the mummy where he learned magic, it was so cool! Mantha was probably thinking the same thing, she seemed so distracted she didn't even notice when the class started, but then again neither did Casper. A few minutes into their lessons was when they noticed the world around them and actually started to take notes.
Casper knew he wasn't absorbing anything, he was just mindlessly writing down what was on the board without actually learning. How could he focus? He knew the second the lunch bell would ring he'll be out of there and back in the dorm, checking in on the vampire. He shouldn't be left alone after such an event- but he also wanted to keep a close eye on Dummy Girl. He didn't understand, last night Thatch helped her and now she does this? How cruel can one be? With it only being Wednesday he silently wondered if the rest of the week would get any better. He certainly hoped it would.
Mantha leaned over and gently nudged Casper, motioning he had forgotten to take down the last paragraph of notes and their teacher was about to erase the board. The ghost quickly started to scribble down keywords- it was like some sort of extreme sport for a bit; trying to read and get everything as it was being erased. It sucked, and the class didn't get any better.
Just as Casper planned, the second the lunch bell rang he dropped everything and flew out, going through walls in the most direct path to their dorm. He knew he just left all his stuff behind, but he knew in this situation surely Mantha would understand. As he flew through the dorm wall he took a quick look around and smiled. Both Ra and Thatch were out. They were sitting on the floor near Thatch's coffin. The vampire was leaned back against it, still looking pretty rough but better. The two were idly chatting and reading one of Ra's textbook while the vampire shared his blood worms- a favored candy for almost any monster, not just vampires. Casper did make a small note Thatch had the bag mostly pushed towards the mummy, letting him eat most of the candy. Was Thatch not craving his favorite candy?
Ra looked tired, his bandages a bit loose from some rough sleep it looked like, but the mummy was up and seemed to be doing ok. The mummy munched on a bloodworm, watching as Thatch underlined something in the book, making the mummy idly nod in agreement. After a few moments, Ra looked up from the book and smiled at Casper, waving a bit as he finally took notice of his smiling friend. "There you are, we thought you might come visit."
"Casper…" Thatch softly murmured. Casper flew over and placed himself right beside both of them, a big smile on his face. He was so happy to see Thatch, and of course, his chest swelled with joy that it was because of Ra they had caught Mosshead. Maybe Thatch and Ra were starting to see eye to eye now! Casper leaned over and rested his head on Thatch's shoulder, and to that, he was surprised when both of them laughed.
"Casper," Ra chuckled and shook his head. "Honestly…? What happened between you two. Before you left you were so unsure, and now the only thing you two can talk about is each other. Thatch has been asking me dozens of questions-"
"I let you ask questions too. It's a game."
"A game?" Ra rolled his eyes. "Asking questions back and forth isn't… Ok sure, yeah it's a game." He decided to just let it go when he saw Casper's little frown. If it was Casper's game then he'll go along with it, whatever kept things peaceful. He rather not fight with the vampire again, he liked the peaceful feeling between them all.
"What questions did you guys ask?" Casper smiled gently, and couldn't help but to laugh as the vampire wrapped an arm around him, pulling the ghost close to his side. It felt weird not to feel Thatch's normally ever-present cloak, and he wondered why Thatch wasn't wearing his father's. He knew the vampire had switched out for one of his spare fake cloaks, and it made him wonder why the vampire now opted on wearing none. Was he paranoid someone else would throw garlic at him in the same way? Made sense honestly- Casper would be scared too if he had such a great weakness and everyone knew about it. But it was really saddening to see. Thatch was too scared to wear a cloak in fear of being hurt. The vampire now had to take precautions just to protect himself. They shouldn't have to do that.
"Thatch kept asking about my home life." Ra rolled his eyes. "That and the magic, he kept asking about that."
"And what did you ask Thatch?"
"He just kept asking the same questions in different ways- he sucks at the game." Thatch laughed. "Kept asking if I really liked you, if I would take care of you and things like that." Casper felt so protected and cared for. If that was the only thing Ra has been asking it truly showed that Ra was nothing but worried for his friend. Honestly, he had the best friends- oh shit.
The dorm doors opened and Mantha marched in, looking out of breath from running and carrying her school bag along with Caspers stuff. "You left me behind!" She huffed and dropped everything by the door before she dragged her feet over to the group. "Honestly Casper you couldn't just walk with me?"
"I wanted to see Thatch… And uh, look- he and Ra are much better!" He tried to say happily to get the attention off of himself. The zombie rolled her eyes and sat down on the cool stone floor beside Ra's side, taking a moment to catch her breath. "Did you run the whole way here?"
"Yes," Mantha grumbled. "Course I did, you took off so suddenly what choice did I have? Then I come in and you're already cuddling Thatch," she made a motion to the couple. "Casper I think Ra and I have been very calm about this but… What happened over the weekend? Beforehand you two were just sneaking out at night to ask questions, then you come back and you're both kissing and hugging?"
Casper knew he couldn't keep the answers from them long, but it was still embarrassing to think about it all. And much to his surprise Thatch decided to speak up. "Well, Casper followed me to my house, as we all know."
"Your house is in the human world, right?" Ra asked just to double check the facts they did know. Thatch nodded to the mummy.
"Yeah. We got a castle in the human world, and a normal house in the Underworld, though that one we never use." He brushed off that fact easily. "Anyways Casper followed me to my house, and honestly didn't make himself known until that night when he actually managed to scare me."
"He, scared you?" Mantha started to grin, scooching a bit closer to listen more intensely. Thatch huffed softly, his pride still a bit sore from that fact. Casper still found it all amusing. He certainly gave Thatch a good scare, like any ghost, should be able to do.
"Yeah yeah whatever, Casper did manage to scare me. I was on my bed about to rest up when he decided to freaking pop up! Honestly…"
"Sorry." Casper laughed. "It's what ghosts do." Casper chimed in sweetly. Thatch just playfully nudged the ghost before he continued the story. Much to Casper's surprise, the vampire was very truthful with the story, talking about his reclusive, protective mother and how she and Casper didn't get along well at first, especially when the two went into a human town to make shortbread. Mantha found it amusing Thatch couldn't bake, while Ra had no clue what shortbread was so he had to be filled in on that part.
As the story continued Ra and Mantha started to say 'aww' more and more as Thatch admitted to growing closer to Casper, and it made Casper positively red to hear Thatch admit his emotions in front of him, and right to his own friends! A few times Casper had to cover his face in embarrassment. How could Thatch be so open and truthful about all this? Thinking about it all made his heart pound.
Casper did note Thatch glossed over, and just avoided some things completely. The time spent by the pond where Thatch told Casper about his father or their time in the ballroom. Thatch admitted to almost everything else though. Every once in awhile when Casper felt like he could talk without making a fool of himself he'll add in a little detail, and everytime Thatch would stop and just smile, listening to him.
Mantha seemed positively struck and fully supportive of the two- and it was a bit embarrassing the way she would giggle and almost… fangirl over them? She just seemed positively happy the two were so close.
Ra was much calmer, listening to the two and nodded along. As long as Casper was safe and happy he seemed content, and now that Thatch wasn't such a big bully the mummy seemed so much more reserved- if that was the right word. Casper didn't know how to explain it. Maybe mature or something? Ra just seemed to understand and accept Thatch now.
"Where's Slither?" Thatch finally asked after most of the story was told. Mantha and Ra shrugged and the vampire sighed. "Oh, I bet he went and got into some trouble… or is taking a nap by the incinerator." Casper giggled softly and nodded. Yeah, could be. Course if Slither was getting into trouble they should go find him. Casper actually started to get up when the door opened and Slither came in. He looked a bit nervous upon seeing the whole group, but when Thatch waved he went over to them willingly. "Bloodworm?" Thatch offered the bag of candy to Slither.
The serpent just shrugged and took a few pieces before he 'sat' down. Casper was much more careful to watch him, and could only imagine how his snake-like body moved so it looked like he was sitting on the floor. From what he could see Slither had merely wrapped his tail around and was resting on his coils, munching on the candy peacefully. Course the robe made it all look bulky so Casper could only imagine what was happening.
"What took you so long?" Thatch softly laughed, trying to keep the air light despite Slither's normally gloomy mood. Seeming far too used to it. Casper was wondering how Thatch handled all the gloom in his life. From the empty castle with his mourning mother to his best friend being the gloomiest creature in the whole school.
"Wolfie was fighting with Dummy Girl… I ate lunch with him to keep him close… It was terrible." Slither muttered after a moment, looking mildly annoyed for about three seconds before he had that emotionless expression again.. Thatch just nodded in understanding.
"Thank you Slither." Casper softly spoke, reaching over and patting his shoulder. The serpent didn't react to the friendly touch, but he also didn't recoil away.
"I came because lunch period is almost over, but I wanted to check up on you," Slither spoke directly to Thatch. It was only then Casper noticed the clock and how little time they had left. Lunch seemed to have passed by so quick…
"Well, I'm doing fine Slither." Thatch chuckled lightly. "Ra and I were just chatting when Mantha and Casper decided to pop in. Glad you came." He spoke truthfully. Slither looked unsure about Thatch's openly friendly attitude, his eyes instinctually watching the friendly trio distrustingly at first before he had to remind himself it was ok now, it was safe to be friendly with each other in front of them. "If lunch is almost over you guys should head off to class…" Thatch duly noted. Mantha nodded and stood up, going over to the door where she had dropped all of her and Casper's stuff. Mantha was always able to keep a level head and focus on their studies at least.
"I'll be back right after classes," Casper assured the vampire, wishing he could just stay longer. Thatch just smiled and hugged the ghost close, not wishing for the ghost to go- but when Mantha cleared her throat by the door the two slowly let each other go. Casper slowly got up and walked over to Mantha, and Slither peacefully followed. Ra and Thatch waved goodbye as the odd trio left the dorms.
Casper already missed Thatch but felt a great comfort over him. His friends have fully accepted Thatch, and everything was slowly coming together. Maybe at this rate, everything would really be ok. He just had to relax and let things happen- everything would turn out alright. Besides, with Thatch actively getting along with Mantha and Ra Casper knew they could all make a great team, oh Slither too. Casper figured they were a packaged deal, which he didn't mind too much. Slither was easy to guide and help, not fussy at all as well. Maybe the rest of this week will go well after all! So he felt a new wave of optimism as he headed out to his class, smiling brightly as he walked beside Mantha and Slither…
Casper was overjoyed when he managed to survive all his long, boring classes. Now that he was free for the rest of his Wednesday he was just eager to get back to the dorm. This time he took his time heading back with Mantha and Slither, knowing the zombie would not appreciate being left behind again.. Not much talking was done, Slither's ever gloomy mood made sure of that. As they reached the doors Mantha parted ways to head back into her own dorm for the night, very tired from the days… excitements.
Casper sighed softly and entered the dorm, a gentle smile on his lips when he saw Ra openly snoozing on top of his sarcophagus instead of inside it. He had some book in hand, he was probably studying when he fell asleep. The mummy was softly snoring, almost hugging his sarcophagus in his sleep, it was rather cute. Thatch was beside his coffin in his own corner of the dorm. Thatch had moved it, probably because he was distrusting most of the students now. It was far away from the door now, against the back wall. He also moved Slither's and Casper's bunk to the back wall, near him. Ra probably would have to move his 'bed' so they could all keep close. But for now, Casper would let Ra sleep. The mummy still confused him, after that big display.
The lid to Thatch's coffin was open and the vampire was currently tending to his laundry, gathering all the dirtied clothes into a nice big cloth bag. Casper could tell that was probably just a week's worth of clothes- but then he noticed every single shirt looked the same. So did the pants. Casper had no clue why Thatch wore the same exact look daily- but if that's what suited the vampire then whatever. He wouldn't judge. It just made the vampire easier to spot in the crowd.
But seeing Thatch gather his dirty clothes reminded Casper of his own issue, his ruined clothes- soaked in soda. Maybe Thatch knew how to fix this? So, the ghost, made his way over to the vampire, watching him for a few more moments. The ghost then gently nudged the vampire to get his attention. "Thatch? How do you get your clothes clean?" He carefully asked the vampire.
Thatch paused, looking at the ghost carefully as if it was the clearest thing in the world. "Are… you joking?" He chuckled softly, shaking his head as he pulled the string to close the cloth bag. "The laundry room, of course, where else?"
"We have a laundry room?"
"...Mercy me." Thatch sighed heavily. "Ghosts… honestly." He rolled his eyes but ruffled up Casper's hair affectionately anyways. "Go grab your clothes, I'll show you. I bet Slither has to wash his robes as well," he said as he looked over at the serpent-like monster, who shrugged and went to his bed to grab his spare robes that had gotten dirty throughout the week. Now Casper was really confused.
"Wait, you both just wear the same look every day despite having multiple clothes?"
"Well duh, Mantha does too, hell almost every student does." Thatch calmly stated. "Why do you think we never try a new look? It's in the school rules, one of the ones Alder made without Dash noticing; He wants every student to look the same every day or he gets confused… He's just that dumb."
"That is really dumb." Casper giggled softly. He had no idea how those two managed to run a school- but who was he to judge? He was only a kid. Casper accepted the answer and went to grab his bag, sighing as he saw drops of soda leaking out of the bottom. What a mess. Also, he didn't care if Alder got confused. Casper would wear whatever Thatch got him! He was feeling a bit rebellious; was that because he was hanging out with Thatch too much? Thatch was probably a bad influence honestly. Casper lifted up the wet bag and followed Thatch and Slither out.
Turns out the laundry room was just a few doors down, go figure. Honestly, he should explore this castle more, he didn't even know the other students washed their clothes; which was apparently common knowledge.
Casper was not impressed when he saw the laundry room. He half expected a washing machine like at Jimmy's, but here it was large metal tubs with a scrubbing board of sorts rested against the side of it, along with a bar of soap for every tub. Thatch simply went over to one of the metal containers and dumped all his clothes into the large tub of water. He then sat down on the stool and rolled up his sleeves before he simply got to work, not even batting an eye. Thatch didn't mind doing this work if it meant he stayed clean. Like his mother, he didn't care for the monster's need to be dirty all the time. He was civilized and clean- and he refused to wear the same clothes two days in a row. The only exception might be his cloaks. And because Slither was his friend he made sure the serpent monster did the same.
Slither went to the tub far away from Thatch, back into a corner closest to one of the windows so he could enjoy the last few minutes of the day in the light, it was warmer when he was in the sun and he wanted to enjoy it while he could. Slither seemed annoyed when he felt the water though, quickly shaking his 'hand' dry. "Cold." He actually whined. But nothing could be done so Slither just tried to work carefully, lest he gets too cold.
Casper watched uncertainly for a few moments, then sat as close to Thatch as he could, even moving the tub a few inches closer just so he could see what Thatch was doing better. Casper had far fewer clothes than Slither and Thatch, but he had no clue what to do. Utterly hopeless he was. The ghost nervously grabbed his favored bat shirt and watched Thatch, then started to rub the soda stained shirt against the scrub board. The water seemed to be getting some of the soda off, but not much else was really happening.
Thatch glanced over and laughed softly. "Are you kidding me, Casper?" He teased lightly. The vampire let his clothes drop back into the water and he moved over to the ghost, kneeling behind him as he reached around, placing his hands on the ghosts. Casper felt his face heat up, but he said nothing as Thatch started to show him how to actually use the soap provided to clean his shirt, helping Casper rub out the soda. "We'll get you some new clothes since you only got two outfits. I doubt you want to be doing this every other day." The vampire noted. "I also suggest not keeping your clothes in that bag. You can request a side table for your bed. Mantha has one for her clothes." Thatch noted calmly. It would probably be safer if his clothes were stored in the side table. Normally they had a locked drawer the students could use if they so wished.
"How do you know that?"
"Dummy Girl of course. She loves to gossip and complain about Mantha. Honestly, I'm glad I'm not a girl. I can only stand Dummy Girl for so long, I don't think I can survive sleeping in the same dorm as her." He laughed softly, resting his head on the ghost's shoulder, his eyes on the clothes as he contently worked with Casper. Casper knew Thatch was doing most of the work, so he just enjoyed the closeness and made sure to watch so he could do this on his own.
Slither seemed like an awkward ducky sitting in the corner as he watched the two lovebirds. "Please don't kiss." He begged from his corner, making the vampire laugh softly. Slither wasn't a huge fan of public affection, let alone any affection as far as Casper could tell. The light was dimming and Slither seemed annoyed, but he decided to stay until every last ray of light had gone.
The vampire released the ghost for Slither's sake, though he did wave the monster off like his request was a pain to do. "Oh, I wouldn't submit you to such torture, you hatchling." He teased as he returned back to his own clothes now that Casper knew what to do. The vampire sat back down on his stool and calmly started to work a stain out of one of his white shirts. Last week he had managed to spill some of his dinner on his shirt because Dummy Girl bumped into him. He didn't mind at the time, but now the stain seemed really stubborn.
Slither huffed, sticking out his forked tongue at Thatch before he quickly hid it once more. Course he did this behind Thatch's back, but Casper saw. Slither was acting like a child, it was cute to see the two monsters relax and be themselves now. It honestly felt like a privilege to see them like this. The ghost puffed out his chest, grinning proudly as he worked. He bet Dummy Girl never got to see this side of the boys. Ha.
"So, hatchling?" Casper commented softly. He knew Dr. Burns said they were from eggs, so that would make sense. He just never thought the word could be an insult.
"It bugs him more than just being called childish. A bit more personal." Thatch chuckled softly, looking pretty pleased with himself. "Found that out only a few days into school. I know almost everything that makes him tick. Oh, and of course I know things he likes. His favorite type of meat is chicken." He shrugged. "Course they never seem to serve it up here- only that gross mush they call food." The vampire spoke softly, then silence fell upon the room. No one really wanted to talk too much- they had to get their clothes clean and Casper had to concentrate on every inch of his clothes to work out the sticky soda. He really wanted to find out who did it.
Thatch seemed to grow tired of the silence after only a few minutes. "I keep telling him he needs to come to my place for the summer again. Mum is finally starting to warm up to the idea of me having friends over." The vampire simply continued their conversation.
"That sounds fun." Casper chimed happily. He looked back at Slither, who avoided his gaze and kept scrubbing his robes ever so silently, his movements were a bit slow and Casper assumed it was because Slither wasn't as fond of the idea as Thatch was.
"Slither is scared of mum, he met her once." Thatch continued, already knowing Slither did not approve of such plans. It seemed to bug the vampire on a personal level due to how there was a slight edge on Thatch's voice. "Took him home last holiday and uh… they didn't click too well. She hates snakes, a fear of hers."
"Your mom fears snakes? I don't get it, aren't vampires supposed to fear nothing?"
"Aren't you a ghost? Why do you still flinch when someone tries to punch you- it's natural Casper." Thatch answered swiftly without even missing a beat. Casper rolled his eyes. He should have known better than to willingly go on the topic of Thatch's mom. He was a bit protective, and while it was cute his curt answers were a tad annoying. He was always so defensive about his mother, but Casper tried to understand. He was defensive of his own family as well. It was only natural.
The two worked in silence a bit longer, until they heard a loud splash behind them. When they turned around they saw Slither face first in the tub, asleep, or maybe just too cold to move again. The day had gone and the corner had gone completely dark and cold, and the cold water didn't help at all. And since Slither was Slither, he had said nothing and just tried to work.
"Oh for star's sake!" Thatch groaned and got up, going over to the serpent and pulling his dumb snake booty out of the tub. Thatch then just sat down on the stone floor, letting the sleeping monster lay across his lap as he removed Slither's now soaked robes, just tossing them onto the side of the tub so they could dry. Now that the cold soaked clothes were off Slither coiled up more, still ever so peacefully asleep. Thatch doubted they could sneak Slither down to the incinerator so body heat would have to do.
"Does… Slither do that a lot?" Casper raised a brow. That was the second time today the monster has been like this. While it was rather amusing, it also made Casper concerned for the monster's health. Surely this wasn't a healthy thing.
"Honestly, no," Thatch mumbled. "He's normally much more careful. I guess he's just stressed about Mosshead and Dummy Girl. He tends to get distracted by his own thoughts a lot of the time." The vampire sighed heavily, using his sleeve to dry Slither's face. Casper weakly smiled and pulled out his cleaned shirts, letting them hang on the side of the tub once he wrung the water out of them.
"Well, I'm sure all will be ok soon," Casper said, positive as ever. "Today is just a rough day- it's just Wednesday. Everyone hates Wednesday. I'm sure everything will go easier as the week goes on. After you went to the dorm almost everyone was on our side."
"Really?"
"I guess they realized how dumb it was to be mad, especially after you got hurt so badly," Casper spoke softer. "You're really ok, right?"
"Yes, I'm fine," the vampire gently comforted. He would hug Casper- but he currently had a Slither on his lap so he was stuck for now. "I just needed a small rest after that. Honestly, it's silly they gave me the whole day off."
"I still think you should be resting." Casper countered. "You can't be pushing yourself. What if you get sick?" Honestly, the thought of Thatch getting sick was a major worry, and not just because the school nurse was a sadistic creature with a streak of hurting Thatch and his poor fangs.
"Vampires don't get sick." Thatch lied proudly. "We're strong monsters of the night!" He puffed out his chest with pride, grinning at the ghost who just rolled his eyes and walked over to the pair once all his clothes were drying. Casper gently smiled and looked down at Thatch and Slither.
"Thatch, you're a lot like Ra." Casper hummed, making the vampire bristle with defense. "No, it's a good thing. Ra is protective of me, and you're protective over Slither." Casper hummed, kissing the vampire's cheek. "I like it." The vampire had mixed emotions being compared to Ra, but he liked kisses so he dealt with it. Casper sat beside Thatch, smiling and content to just spend some time together with him.
"We'll leave our clothes overnight to dry, and um…" Thatch shrugged, calmed and peaceful from Casper's own calmness. Maybe Casper was rubbing off on Thatch more than the other way around. "They're normally dried by the morning. Want to help me carry Slither back?"
"Won't he want a robe?"
"He's got a few spare ones in his nightstand. We'll just put one of those on him." Thatch easily decided. Casper nodded and helped Thatch lift Slither up. Thatch took Slither's head, his arms hooked under the serpent monster. Casper was unsure where to grab on the tail, so he just grabbed what could be considered the middle of the tail and put the rest over his shoulder- and much to his displeasure the tail twisted and coiled down Casper's body.
"Um… Thatch?"
"He does that. We'll free you once he's in bed. Just hope he doesn't squeeze."
"Squeeze?"
"Well, I guess since he's our age he can't kill us at least. But it'll feel like a really tight hug- good thing you don't need to breath." Thatch hummed in thought. This did not ease Casper's mind in the slightest.
"Has he done this to you?"
"When he gets sick or cold, yeah. Last winter at my place was… a thing. He's a big cuddler." Thatch answered simply as he started to lead the way out, having to walk backward so they had to move carefully. Casper honestly couldn't figure Slither as a cuddler, but he supposed in the dead of winter he could imagine the cold-blooded monster getting really touchy. Casper wasn't jealous, more intrigued by their relationship.
Thatch walked backward, constantly looking over his shoulder so he didn't walk into anything. Casper was just happy Slither wasn't squeezing like Thatch said, but then it occurred to him it was probably because his ghostly body held no heat- he wasn't warm in the slightest bit so Slither had no reason to cling to the ghost. If anything the monster would wrap around Thatch. It made Casper rather happy he was a ghost now.
Thatch grumbled, having to use the back of his heel to kick the dorm doors inwards so they could go in. Almost everyone was in the dorms, reading or generally talking before bed. They got a few odd looks- after all Slither was kinda passed out and without his classic robe. Thatch didn't bother to answer, instead guiding Casper over to the bed. Thatch laid his half down on the bed first, then went over to Casper and helped the ghost uncoil Slither's tail from around him. They then got Slither dressed and Thatch put the blanket over the monster, sighing happily once Slither accepted the blanket and nuzzled into bed like a snake trying to burrow.
Casper and Thatch seemed pleased with their work, and for now, the duo headed over to Casper's bed and to sit down, wanting to hang out more before they had to go to bed. Casper flopped onto the mattress, rolling his eyes at it creaked loudly. Honestly, everything in this school was outdated.
"Do you know who we're going to study tomorrow? I forgot what Dr. Burns said." Casper asked innocently.
"Zombies, Mantha." Thatch answered in a heartbeat. At the weird look, he weakly smiled. "I had Mosshead steal Dr. Burns schedule last week so I can take a look. I memorized it as well, I put it back don't look at me like that." Thatch held his hands up innocently at Casper's accusing look. "I was just curious I swear."
"You can't be taking stuff that's not yours."
"I didn't, Mosshead did." Thatch grinned widely. "Then he put it back after I saw. No harm no foul." He tried to defend, but Casper's unapproving gaze made the vampire feel guilty. "Ok ok, sorry… I won't do it again?" He weakly offered, and at the ghost's smile, he giggled. It was almost like Casper was slowly training Thatch to be good just to keep the ghost-boy happy.
"That'll make me happy… now we should sleep, and I mean it." He whispered firmly. "No staying up. You need to rest after today."
"But I said I'm fine-... ok." Thatch backed down at the ghost's frown. The vampire huffed and got up, heading over to his coffin willingly. He would get some sleep tonight, just to please the ghost-boy if he really was that worried. In a way, it was nice someone was worried about the vampire's health.
Casper smiled as he watched Thatch get into his coffin before he settled down in his own bed. He had no reason to stay up and wait for the others go to sleep. He was exhausted after the day, and he also looked forward to some proper sleep...