He follows

You beeline for the dining hall exit, you can feel eyes on you but refuse to pay attention to them. You reach the doors and swing them open, quickly making your way to the lobby. You stand off to the side, taking a moment to catch your breath as your heart pounds from embarrassment.

"Is everything okay?" You hear a familiar voice.

You look up, attempting to hold back your panic as you see the receptionist standing at the front desk.

"Oh, yeah, I'm fine... just ate too much." You say hoping that sounded like a normal thing to say.

"They have wonderful food here, don't they?" She says smiling. "Where's your pet?"

Again the panic begins to push its way up front as you attempt to think of a believable excuse.

"Oh! He's... He just..." Luckily you don't have to continue as you soon notice Atlas standing by your side. "Right here!" You shout gleefully. "I was just faster."

The receptionist looks at you a bit strangely but ultimately goes back to her work.

"If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask!" She says as she goes back to her computer.

You let out a sigh or relief, hoping you didn't make it too noticeable. You lean down towards Atlas and gently pat him on the head.

"Thank you!" You whisper as you grab his leash.

Before you can pull back, he suddenly presses his face against yours. You feel his wet tongue against your cheek as he slowly slides it across your face. You feel yourself shiver, though your not exactly sure why. You wasn't to believe this is a sign of friendship, but something about it, the forcefulness, the speed, makes it feel more of a sign of control, of dominance.

You stand back up as you try not to worry about Atlas's intentions.

"Lets go back to the room, boy!" You say.