The Late Night Low Down Undead Blues

[disclaimer] This is a work of fiction. No challenge to existing copyrights is meant,
most notably whoever's got the rights to 'Re-Animator' the movie, and/or whoever's got
the rights to Lovecraft's canon. I think it's Chaosium these days. Anyway, I'm not making
money off this, and neither is anyone else. I'm only in it for the amusement. [/disclaimer]

          Days spent working at the hospital, even for students, were very long indeed. He'd
been called for an early shift, and after a sudden influx of patients ended up working two
in a row. Cain had been called in about the time West had been sent home- they'd
exchanged weary greetings in the hallway- and Cain had mentioned that he'd canceled his
tutoring session, if West wanted to get some of their extracurricular work done that
evening.

          Normally this would have been a cause for minor celebration, but all West really
wanted at this point was to come home to an empty house and sleep. But Hallie was
there when he walked through the door, and the table was awash in books and papers.

          He dropped his bag on a free chair and rubbed his temples wearily. "Daniel's been
called in for a double shift at the hospital. I thought he called to cancel."

          "Shit. He probably did, but my idiot roommate didn't leave me a message."

          "I see."

          Hallie sighed. "Listen, if you wouldn't mind, I'd like to stay here and study, since I'm
here anyway."

          "Why?"

          "It would be nice to actually get some work done for once. The library has that weird
rule about closing at sunset, and this place is much quieter than my dorm. Do you know
the Dunsany building? That's where I got put this year, which means I share a floor with
the cheerleading squad. They spend most of their time having practices and pep rallies
outside, except when it rains. Then they practice in the hallways. That, and there's
apparently a contest going on to see who can fake the loudest orgasm to keep their jock
boyfriends feeling macho. I'm surprised I haven't killed any of them yet."

          "If you do give in to the urge, give me a call, all right? The university can always use
fresh specimens."

          His face was as deadpan as ever and it took her a brief moment to realize that he was
making a joke. Hallie laughed, both from what he'd said and her surprise at finding that
West had a sense of humor.

          "I'll definitely keep you in mind. Although if those bitches next door say one more
thing about the way I dress, there might not be enough left to use for study."

          West chuckled and continued on towards his room.