Pizza Dragon (incomplete)
 
Author: Harpy Headpatter

An ongiong story about an Anon who meets a half-dragon who works at a pizza restaurant. Autistic hilarity and misunderstandings ensue.

Tags: Greentext, romance, slowburn, autism
 

 
>be me
>new Uni Student
>living farther from home, going to school for engineering
>living in the dorms
>small place, just a bed, desk, and bathroom with shower
>huge block buildings
>school isn’t overall bad
>make a few new friends. An elf, a few halflings, and an orc
>nice guys
>the campus is nice
>Olympic pool, jogging track, all that fun stuff
>BUT
>the best thing?
>the pizza place located just down on the street
>it’s great
>nice family owned place, run by an old dwarf and his wife
> has nearly every type of pizza
>new york style, pan, flatbread, Chicago deep dish
>all of them
>a bit of a dive, but it’s great
>go there nearly every night to get a slice of pizza
>get to know all of the workers, who are relatives of the owners
>they always are making something new for me to try
>go there after a particularly long class
>I walk in
>wait to get seated at my usual table
>hostess asks for a waitress to come seat me
>”carina? Could you please help him?”
>Wait what?
>who the hell is Carina?
 
 
>from the kitchen area I see a waitress come out carrying a tray
>she nods and sets it down before walking up to me
>holy shit
>this chick is small
>I’m not that tall, but this girl barely comes up to my chest
>Very well built though, like a taller version of a short stack
>what I mainly  notice about her is that crowning her fiery red hair is two horns sticking out of her head, as well as what looks like dry patches of shiny green skin on her face near her black eyes
>is this chick a tiefling?
>she stares me in the eyes intensely and blinks before turning away, walking into the restaurant
>I notice something dragging or from under her apron
>it looks like a long green lizards tail
>NiggaWat.jpg
>she gets a few steps and stops before looking back at me
>”oh, you can follow her to your table” chimes in the hostess
>oh
>ok?
 
 
>she leads me right to my usual table
>I sit down and the Carina immediately wanders off
>not like I really needed a menu or anything, but still, it’s a nice formality
>Carina comes back after a few minutes carrying a water and a dwarven ale
>oh shit
>maybe they told her what I usually get?
>weird
>”thank you Carina” I tell her with a smile as she sets the stuff down at the table
>she looks at me and gives a nod
>and then begins staring into my eyes again
>she blinks and shivers before turning away without a word
>....
>what is up with this girl?
>Carina comes by a few more times, refilling my water just before I can even ask her to
>whenever I ask her if I can order she just shrugs and walks off
>I’m a bit frustrated at this point and feeling like I’m starving
>just as I decide to go up and ask the Hostess if I can get a pizza Carina comes back carrying a tray
>filled with what I would have ordered
>Full deep dish pizza, basket of wings, and a side order of garlic bread with a large bowl of marinara
>.....
>don’t judge me, I haven’t eaten all day
>Carina sets it all down without a word and then wanders off before I can thank her
>I don’t even know how she knew I wanted this, but I could care less as I begin to eat the food
 
 
 
>Carina brings me the check as I’m eating
>and a few to go boxes without me even asking
>always order extra food because leftovers are great
>but how did she know that I wanted boxes?
>maybe she just assumed...
>weird
>take my check up to the front to pay
>I ask the hostess about Carina
>apparently she’s the half dragon niece of the owner.
>that explains the tail
> His brother married a dragon somehow and had a couple of kids.
>Apparently Carina goes to school here and needed a job to help pay for school.
>.....
>don’t dragons have treasure hoards?
>I just pay and walk away, waving to Carina
>she responds by blinking at me and wandering off again
>very weird
>spend the next couple of days doing class work and living off the leftovers
>need to a study for a test so I hit the library
>as I go to look for an elven history book I see a familiar sight
>it’s Carina, wearing a hoodie and jeans instead of a waitress outfit
>she struggling to reach for a book at the top of the shelf
>as I walk over to go help her I see her horns start to glow
>book floats down from the shelf into her hands
>oh
>never mind then
>she holds the book and turns towards me, suddenly coming to a jarring stop as she looks at me
>I wave to her and give a smile
>Carina just blinks at me before turning in the opposite direction and leaving
>....
>not going  to lie, that’s pretty rude
>dragon or no, she’s kind of a bitch
 
 
>go about the rest of my day studying
>don’t see any more of Carina
>kind of relieved by that
>she’s a bit off putting
>lose track of time as I study for the test
>only get reminded of the outside world as my friends blunder into the library
>orcbro, elfbro, and the halfingbros
>that nearly gets us kicked out by the old drow librarian
>orcbro suggests going to the pizza place
>come to think of it, I haven’t really eaten anything all day besides the leftovers
>agree to the plan and the five of us begin to head over
>as we just about get over I remember Carina
>shit
>I brief them all about her and her...peculiarity
>they seem  to be okay with it, but a little weary
>make it up to the hostess, who has Carina seat us again
>as she seats us she stares at us all intently
>and then immediately scampers away
>she comes back with two large pitchers of dwarven fire ale
>and a single glass of wine for elfbro
>because he’s a faggot who doesn’t like beer
>....
>wait, how did she know that?
>what In The actual fuck?
>the others are a little spooked by this, but we decide it’s better to drink than ask questions
>just like last time, we don’t order
>Carina comes back after a Little but with two large new York style pizzas, two large platters of garlic bread, and a small personal flatbread pizza without cheese
>again, for elfbro, because he’s a lactose intolerant fag
>...
>HOW THE FUCK DOES SHE KNOW THIS?
 
 
>at this point we all are a little spooked by Carina
>although we enjoy our meal, whenever she comes by I can feel this sense of dread
>especially when she stares at me
>her dark eyes are like pits boring into me
>I can feel her staring at me when she walks by
>it makes me shiver
>Carina comes by with the bill and some boxes
>she doesn’t immediately walk away though
>she turns and immediately begins staring at me
>her cavernous dark eyes are terrifying
>i feel like I might go insane looking into them
>it’s like staring into the abyss
>she gets a small piece of paper out of her apron and hands it to me
>I take it from her and she immediately walks away
>weird
>we pack up the leftovers and head  to pay for the bill
>Carina is watching us the whole time
>it’s creepy
 
 
>we pay and leave, a collective sigh coming from all of us
>elfbro is the first to speak
>”what In the fuck was that?”
>we begin to talk about Carina as we head back to the dorms
>it was very creepy with her being like that
>the question of how she knew what we wanted keeps getting thrown around
>one of the halflingbros suggests she’s a cyber stalker
>niggawat?
>”maybe she’s obsessive about one of us and she’s been looking at our profiles online. That’s how she could know exactly what we order.”
>it’s a bit far fetched, but it could be true
>elfbro is a bit pretentious when it comes to putting stuff online
>has a normiegram which he constantly is posting pictures on
>”I have her in a class and she’s always on her computer looking at weird stuff. I can’t tell what it is since I sit far behind her, but it’s no website or anything I’ve ever seen.” Chips in orkbro
>strange
>although, we do agree, as strange as Carina is, the pizza is always damn good
>she won’t keep us from going there
>we make it back to the dorms and say goodnight to each other
>I get on my computer to continue my essays
>after about forty minutes I hear a knock on my door
>...
>I don’t recognize the knock
>I look out of the peephole
>immediately shit at least ten bricks
>it’s Carina
>she found where I dorm
>oh fuck
>I immediately back away from the door and get on my bed
>she knocks again
>fuckfuckfuck
>I wait a long time
>Carina knocks again
>shit
>she’s persistent
>why the hell is she hear?
>what could she be after?
>I wait for about twenty minutes
>Carina knocks one last time
>I check out from the peephole and I can see her leaving down the hallway
>shit that was close
>way to close
 
 
>have a fitful night's sleep
>wake up exhausted
>knowing that a creepy person knows where you live will do that
>fuck
>I need coffee
>walk down to the uni cafe
>not that I use it often, but They have decent coffee down here that I get from time to time
>just as I’m passing by I notice something
>Carina is sitting in there with a coffee
>I dart away from the window before she can notice me
>holy fucking shit
>how the fuck does she know where i Am going to be?
>what sort of bullshit is this?
>skip the coffee at meet up with my bros
>tell them about what happened last night with Carina at my door, and then this morning with the cafe
>SPOOK LEVEL: SHOOK^4
>we all agree that we need to keep an eye on her for safety
>fucking weird
>go to my class
>sitting in a lecture
>elfbro is sitting next to me
>he’s bored as usual
>I’m trying to take notes
>he nudged me
>”l-l-look!”
>he’s pointing towards a door at the back of the class
>glance at the door
>OH FUCK
>Carina is standing at the door, staring into the class
>she’s looking at me and elfbro
>FUCK x7
>I make eye contact with her and she immediately bolts away
>dear god
>this is horrible
>meet up with our other lads at the end of class
>tell them what happened they are beyond spooked
>Carina is definitely stalking us
>but why?
>Orcbro says he was in the library getting a book and she was staring at him from the end of the shelf
>the instant he made eye contact with her she darted off
>she stalking all of us
>but why?
>what could she be doing?
>what could she be planning?
>why us?
 
 
 
>next couple days are hectic
>See Carina all through the uni
>watching us, of course
>luckily she hasn’t gone back to my room
>yet
>I dread when she might do that again
>me and the boys are super stressed
>and hungry
>end of the week we have a super long lecture class and are exhausted and starved by the end of it
>only place nearby that’s open that serves beer and food at this hour is the pizza place
>we haven’t been back since the original incident
>we bite the bullet and decide to go
>creepy chick or no, the siren call of pizza and beer is to strong
>although, we have a plan
>just ask for a different server
>ExpandingBrain.template
>before the hostess can seat us I ask
>”could we please have a different server than Carina?”
>she looks at me confused for a second, but then accepts the request
>VictoryRoyale.jpg
>look past the hostess
>Carina was right behind her
>oh fuck
>she looks at me blankly and then walks off
>I really hope she didn’t overhear me
>we get seated and served
>we actually use the menus and order for ourselves this time
>feels oddly liberating
>Carina gives our table a wide berth
>I still catch her staring at us time to time though
>but especially me
>shits fucking scary
 
 
>we finish our food and leave
>we are all very glad we didn’t get Carina serving us
>split up and I go back to my dorm
>laying down in bed
>almost asleep
>hear a knocking at my door
>oh shit
>I get up and look out
>it’s Carina
>FUCK
>I immediately fall back in surprise
>I get on my bed, trying to make sure she doesn’t think I’m here
>she knocks again, this time a little more desperately
>I’m not answering her
>she knocks again, very insistently
>I’m not answering that shit
>there is one loud knock, and then silence
>I’m am NOT answering that shit
>I wait
>there is nothing more
>....
>is she gone?
>I hear a gentle sound coming from outside my door
>it’s a gentle sob
>....
>is she crying?
>I peek out from the peephole
>Carina is sitting on the ground crying
>oh no
>I don’t care
>I’m not answering that shit
>I’m not answering that shit
>I’m not answering…
>...that…
>....
>shit
 
>I slowly open up the door
>she’s sitting against the wall. Face in her hands with tears streaming
>”oh...uh...hey Carina, are you alright?”
>she immediately perks up and looks at me
>she wipes her face and stands up
>she staring up at me intently
>her arm is shaking
>she digs something out of her pocket and hands it to me
>it’s a crumpled piece of paper with a Shoe print on it
>what?
>oh shit, it’s the paper from the other night
>has she been trying to give that to me the whole time?
>I take it from her shaking hand
>”uh...thanks?”
>she’s completely trembling
>she grabs a the door and pulls it shut
>....
>what’s all that about?
>I look it through the peephole
>she sitting down against the wall looking nervous as hell
>I open up the note
>it says “I really need your help. Please text me”
>her number is penned elegantly at the bottom.
>....
>ok?
>all of this just to ask for help?
 
 
>I type in the number and text it
>”*hey Carina, it’s anon. You wanted my help?*”
>I wait for a few seconds as Carina types
>I look out through the peephole and she is sitting on the ground on her phone
>she’s taking a long Time to type
>I get a bing on my phone
>check the message
>”*Anon thank god you answer I was worried that I might not get help. I been trying to get help for my class and then can’t find any help from people and teacher tell me ask fellow student but I don’t have any friend in class and I was worried but then you come into get pizza and I see you go to same school and i hear you are smart so please help me.*”
>wow
>that’s a lot to take in
>text her back
>”*what class are you having trouble with?*”
>I wait for a few minutes as she types
>”*i have lots trouble in elven history. I don’t like elf much and I am not interested in there history and I can’t understand what teacher say so I don’t think I might not do well in exam which if I fail exam I might lose scholarship. I think you’re orc friend is in class, but he is very intimidate and I get nervous when ask for help looking at homework.*”
>oh
>I guess that explains why she was in the library
>”*do you want to come in and have me look over the homework?*”
>I wait for a response
>this one takes the longest
>”*may I can?*”
>I open up the door
>she’s sitting in the hallway
>she looks at me scared
>”yes, you may.”
 
 
 
>Carina nervously shuffles inside my dorm, her tail twitching and flicking about nervously
>I sit down on my bed so we can both sit together and I can explain the stuff
>I gesture to the bed to have her sit down
>Carina’s just standing in the middle of the room, holding her book bag in one hand and staring at me
>”do you...want to sit down?”
>she looks at the bed and sits down in it
>on the complete other end about four feet away from me
>she has her book out in her lap
>”do you...uh..want to come closer so I can help you?”
>she looks over at me with her wide eyes, staring into my soul
>she gets up and moved a few inches closer
>”you can...come closer...so I can help you?”
>she looks at me quizzically
>”I... can’t help you from over there.”
>she looks at me and immediately slides closer, bumping up right next to me
>maybe that’s a little too close
>I can feel her whole side presses up against me
>she feels a little cold
>her tail is swishing around nervously
>”so...what did you need help with?”
>she looks at me and holds out a notebook marked with “ELVEN HISTORY”
>she opens it up to a page where she has a bunch of questions written down in shaky handwriting
>oh, okay
>bunch of definitions and dates, the normal stuff
>point them out to her In the elven history book I got to help orcbro with
>she's staring intently and quickly writes everything I say down
>whenever I ask a question she only responds with a nod or shake of her head
>really limited conversation
 
 
>I finish up helping her with the questions, her tail is swishing happily behind her
>”there, got that all down?”
>she just nods
>a little weird
>can she even talk?
>maybe I should ask her
>or maybe not
>I look at her and she’s staring at me again
>my curiosity gets the best of me
>”uh...Carina? I was wondering...do you...talk? Like, at all?”
>she looks at me nervously and hides her face
>uh oh
>maybe she can’t talk?
>FUCK
>great job anon, you just insulted a half dragon half dwarf girl
>the amount of pissed and grudge this will turn into will be legendary
>”I don’t like talking”
>....
>who said that?
>I look at Carina
>she’s facing away from me and looking at the door
>”I dont speak English good, so I don’t talk much.”
>her voice is so quiet
>she has a heavy Italian accent
>”oh, that’s why you don’t talk much?”
>”I only speak Italian and firetongue well. English is hard. I take ESL here to help learn better English.”
>oh
>”so, your English isn’t good? That’s why you don’t talk?”
>she shakes her head
>”English not good. I don’t like talking, it makes me embarrassed. Also, I am a bit...shy. I don’t like talking to people. People make me afraid.”
>Carina looks at the floor, her face is like she’s about to cry
>”I am afraid and I don’t really have friends.”
 
 
 
>I pat Carina on the shoulder to try and comfort her
>she immediately recoils from the touch
>I can see she’s breathing hard and startled
>she looks at my hand and then to my face
>she moves back close seeming to be calmer
>”sorry, I get nervous easily. I’m not used to strangers touching me.”
>I feel really embarrassed by this
>”oh, sorry. I won’t touch you.”
>Carina shakes her head
>”it’s okay, just did not expect it. You can touch my body if you want.”
>I give her a weird look at the phrasing of the sentence
>her cheeks go red and she begins stuttering
>”n-n-not like that, meant you can touch my shoulder. I didn’t mean like that I am sorry.”
>her tail is swishing nervously
>I manage to get out a laugh
>”it’s okay, I know what you mean.” I tell her with a wink as I pat her on the shoulder again
>she smiles and flinches a little, but leans in close as I pat her shoulder
>”grazie” she says with a smile
>Carina actually doesn’t seem that bad…
>and I feel like a dick for how we’ve all been treating her
>”hey, Carina? If you need any more help with your class you can ask me.”
>she looks at me suspiciously
>”real? Real yes? I can?”
>”uh, yeah? Real yes?”
>her eyes light up and Carina smiles
>she begins to me
>”grazie grazie grazie grazie!” She says repeatedly, nuzzling her face into my shoulder, her horns poking into my cheek
>she quickly realized what she’s done and recoils back, her tail swishing happily
>”very good, very good. Many thanks.” She says happily in an embarrassed tone
>”I go, it’s very late. I go, Come back for help soon.”
>she gets up and grabs her book bag
>”Revaderchi. Bye.”
>”bye Carina.”
>she shuffles out the door, closing it behind her
>...
>well, that could have been worse
 
 
 
>I have a good feeling about Carina now
>she just seems a bit shy, not anything harmful
>I tell the guys about what happened last night
>they
>are less than enthusiastic
>horrified is more like it
>”what do you mean you let her into your dorm!?”
>”she was crying...and needed help…”
>”you dumbass! She’s like vampire, once she’s invited in you won’t be able to keep her out!”
>I’m not sure if that’s how it works, but they do have a point
>”besides! It all makes sense now, it’s YOU she was stalking!”
>wait, what?
>”think about it! She knew your order, where you went to the library, the cafe near you, AND where you lived!”
>I really hadn’t thought about that
>oh shit
>I completely forgot about her creepily knowing things
>I realize that all of last night I could have been in sever danger
>....
>danger of what?
>am I really blowing this out of proportion?
>”alright guys, let’s settle it like this. How about we go get pizza tonight, and I introduce you all to her?”
>they all look at me as if I’m crazy
>but, the power of pizza is strong
>let’s hope this goes alright
 
 
>go back to the pizza restaurant
>hostess is happy to sees me again
>comments on how I haven’t visited recently
>NervousLaughter.Mp3
>ask her if Carina can be our server
>she raises a suspicious eyebrow but then cracks up into an excited smile
>NaniTheFuck?
>Carina comes out and leads us to our usual table
>as she sits us down my lads all look at her nervously
>she doesn’t say a word and looks over us all before scampering off
>she brings back two pitchers of dwarven fire ale, and the glass of wine for elfbro
>as usual
>”thank you Carina” I say to her with a smile
>she doesn’t say anything back and quickly shuffled away
>huh
>well, she *IS* shy
>all of the guys are looking at me doubtfully
>she brings us our pizzas and breads after a bit
>try to strike up conversation with Carina
>”so, you and Orcbro are in the same class, right? Elven history? How’s that?”
>Carina stares at me for several seconds before glancing at Orcbro
>there is many seconds of uncomfortable eye contact between them
>she shakes her head and walks away very quickly
>”she doesn’t seem very talkative” Orcbro remarks with a humorless laugh
>after a few minutes one of the severs I know walks up to our table
>”hi, I’ll be your new server. Carina is going on break so if you need any help i’ll be by.”
>that’s strange
>I thought they didn’t  allow the workers here to take breaks while they were serving a table
>the lads are happy though, and a jovial mood starts at the table
>as we eat I notice Carina serving other tables
>even though she is on “break”
>the other guys don't notice it though
>they are happy she's not serving us
>she glances over at us once in a while
>i make eye contact with her and she immediately darts away
>i dont know whats up with this girl
>still feel bad for her though
 
 
 
>we finish up at the restaurant
>pay and leave
>i go back to my door and lay on my bed
>the pizza restaurant was less than successful
>damn it
>Carina had no problem with me last night
>well, almost no problem
>i put the thought aside and begin to do my school work
>after a couple hours i get a text
>check my phone and to my surprise its Carina
>”can you please come back to the restaurant? It is dark and scary here and i am alone and i have to do closing and cleaning but i am alone and very scared please come help me.”
>oh
>strange request, but okay
>text her back “sure, be down in a few minutes.”
>get bombarded back with a million “Grazies”
 
 
>put on my sweater and walk down through the dark campus to the pizza restaurant
>it's completely dark inside
>maybe she locked up and went home?
>pull on the front door
>it's still unlocked
>enter the restaurant, turning on my phone flashlight to help me see
>Call out to Carina to see if she is still here
>no response
>notice a light on in the back kitchen
>maybe thats her?
>walk back into the kitchen, nearly tripping on everything as i do so
>the light is streaming out from beneath a closed pantry
>i hear heavy breathing from inside it
>i open the pantry and i suddenly feel my entire body get seized in an iron like grip
>its like im being crushed all over
>I suddenly feel the grip slacken and im dropped to the floor
>i feel exhausted for some reason, like i just ran hundreds of miles
>”i'm so sorry!” i hear a heavily accented voice say
>Carina is looking down over me, panicking
>”i panicked and didn't knows who you where so i used immobilising magic on you. I'm so sorry.”
>she helps me up off the floor and she walks me to the dining area
>i notice that the glow of light is following her
>its emitting from the horns poking out of her red hair
>huh
>that's right, dragons are powerful magic users
>that could have been much worse
>i get seated in a chair, slumping myself down
>my brain feels fuzzy
>i feel like i need something, but i'm not sure what
>my whole body is fucked up
>Carina is staring me in the eyes and runs off
>she quickly returns with a glass of soda from the machine and a chunk of cheese from the kitchen
>she tells me to eat and drink it
>i do as she says, and i feel a hell of a lot better
>its as if she knew exactly what i needed, if if i really didn't
>my brains too scrambled to really ask why
 
 
>after a couple minutes i recover from the spell
>Carina keeps apologising to me
>brush it off and tell her it's fine
>try and check the lights for her
>turns out they are on a timer, but i don't know how to turn them on
>end up lighting a bunch of candles instead for light
>carinas horns still glow, but it's a gentler light
>the whole restaurant looks like a little italy in the nice lighting
>she keeps muttering stuff to herself under her breath in italian
>she looks very disappointed, even though her face typically stays the same
>shes just awkwardly cleaning up, not saying a word to me
>eventually i say something
>”so, dragons are really good at magic? That's pretty cool.”
>she glances over at me, staring at me with her dark eyes
>”yeah, it is.” is her response before she gets back to her work
>again, not much for conversation
>”do you like working here?” i ask her
>she looks over at me again, shifting around nervously
>”it's good.” she says hesitantly
>girl of very few words
>”so, what are you going to school for?”
>she pauses for a second looking at me
>”you...why do you keep talking to me?” she asks in a voice that seems concerned
>....
>she has a good point
>*WHY* am i talking to her?
>i just shrug
>”because i feel like it.”
>she nods as i answer her, and she whispers something to herself in italian
>i hope it's something good
>she looks at me, glancing over several times, before slowly shuffling over
>her tail is twitching around nervously
>”you...dont mind talking to me?”
>is this a trick question
>”no?”
>she seems surprised by this
>”so, you are like my...my friend?”
>....
>her friend…
>am I her friend?
>I look into her eyes
>they seem to be lonely, and pleading
>I smile at her
>”yeah, I guess I am your friend. And you are my friend.”
 
 
>her face lights up and she smiles
>”Grazie” she says quietly
>she seems to have an excited air about her now
>her horns are glowing a little brighter
>She continues working, but a bit happier and quicker
>I swear I can see a little smile on her face once in awhile
>after a little bit she has the whole restaurant clean and ready for closing
>she looks at me and stares for a few seconds
>her face is blank
>her eyes are looking into mine
>she blinks and looks away, her arms shaking and her tail flicking around nervously
>”hey...do you want to do a friend activity?”
>friend activity?
>I ask her what she means by this
>she glanced around scared and leans in close
>she whispers to me in a Very low, very nervous tone
>”I got a bottle of wine. Do you want to try some with me?”
>Try some wine?
>she looks very hopeful and her tail is swishing excitedly
>her dark eyes are beaming
>I smile at Carina
>”sure, why not?”
>her horns flash brighter for a single second
>her tail swishes happily
>”Grazie.” She says meekly
 
 
>Mention to Carina that it probably wouldn’t look good on the cameras if we drink in the Pizza store
>She responds with a sad nod
>she looks like she’s about to cry
>”ah...I...understand. It was bad to think we drink wine together. Very bad. You go back to dorm. It’s fine.”
>what?
>does she think I’m rejecting her offer?
>”Uh...Carina? Why not you just...come back to my dorm with me and we can have it there?”
>Carina stops suddenly
>she stares at me with those pitch black eyes
>I can see hope and joy in them
>”yes? That’s real?”
>”yes?”
>Carina blinks a few times and shakes her head
>she looks away from my face
>”G-...Grazie.”
>Carina makes short work of the rest of the clean up
>she takes off her apron and instead puts on her black hoodie
>it’s so big on her it more looks like a dress
>put the bottle of wine in my backpack with two glasses as Carina closes up the store
>we make sure to put out all of the candles
>don’t want to burn down my favorite place
>I walk with Carina across the dark campus
>she is sticking close to me
>her head darts back and forth constantly, looking at all the shadows we pass by
>she bumps into me more than once, apologizing rapidly each time she does it
>every time she bumps into me she wanders off a little far, almost out of sight
>then she wanders back and bumps into me again
>doesn’t seem like she has good spatial awareness
>After she bumps into me for the twelfth time I finally grab her hand
>this causes her to jolt try and pull away
>when Carina realizes it is me holding her hand she quickly looks away from my face
>”what? Can’t have you getting lost out here in the dark.”
>I hear a muffled and quiet “Grazie” come from her
>can’t help but smile a little
 
 
>get back up to my dorm room
>Carina is a little hesitant to go in with me
>she finally shuffled into my dorm room and stands in the middle of it
>I sit down on the bed and pull out the bottle of wine
>motion for her to sit down
>Carina looks at me in the eyes and then to the bed
>she hesitantly sits at the opposite end far away from me
>”Uh...Carina?”
>she glances over at me and cocks her head slightly
>”you can...you know, come closer?”
>she looks down at her feet, kicking them as they dangle off the bed
>she nods quickly and scoots right up presses against me
>I guess she really has no spatial recognition at all
>not that I don’t mind it
>it’s just interesting
>Uncork the bottle and pour Carina wine in her glass
>Pour into my glass after that
>Carina looks at her wine and swishes it around in the glass
>I go to sip from mine
>”wait!”
>I stop
>Carina is looking at me nervously
>”here...do friendly...like this?”
>she holds her glass up to my lips
>take a small sip from it
>the wine isn’t that bad
>you can always count on Italian wine
>Follow suite and hold my glass up to Carina’s lips
>She hesitantly puts her lips on the glass and takes a sip from it
>she looks away quickly, wiping her mouth
>I can see her chest rising and falling fast
>her breathing is rapid
>she’s looks away from me, holding her glass and kicking her legs
>...
>little strange, not gonna lie
>but hey, free wine is free wine
 
 
>me and Carina sit on the bed next to each other quietly, occasionally sipping at our wine glass
>after about fifteen minutes of silence I speak
>”so...do you...like wine?”
>Carina looks at me and shakes her head yes slowly
>and nothing else at all
>...
>this is awkward
>”well, how is your class going? Did you do well on your test?”
>Carina nods again
>and then drinks her entire glass of wine down in a single gulp
>NiggaWhat?
>her arms are shaking
>”Carina? are you okay?”
>she shakes her head yes and grabs the wine bottle, pouring herself another glass
>she drinks about half of it down before refilling it again
>she finally sets down the wine bottle
>this is freaking me out a little bit
>sit silently next to Carina for a long time
>just sipping at the wine
>not talking
>”did you need any help with homework?”
>She shakes her head no
>”ah...okay…”
>Carina looks at me and opens her mouth to say something
>she comes to a jarring stop
>she closes her mouth and looks away from me
>and then drinks down the entire glass of wine
 
 
>Carina fills it up from the bottle again
>she trembling a lot now
>her off hand is constantly grabbing and pulling at the edge of the blanket
>she’s kicking her legs hard
>not gonna lie, this is scaring me a little
>”are you okay Carina?”
>she looks at me desperately
>she seems anxious about something
>she opens her mouth to speak again but ends up turning her head away and staring at my door
>she begins to chew her nails on her fingers
>I resign myself to just sit here and sip at the wine
>another half an hour of silence passes
>occasionally Carina will look at me, but she is mainly staring off into space
>the stress of today and the wine are making me tired
>god, I hate to think this, but…
>I really want her to leave
>I need sleep
>Carina looks at me again
>she stares into my eyes intensely
>she blinks and slowly lowers her head as if defeated
>she nods to herself and stands up
>Nani?
>she looks like she’s on the verge of tears
>she grabs the bottle of wine and quickly walks to my door
>she opens it and looks back at me
>Carina opens her mouth to say something but closes it fast
>it seems like she’s fighting back the urge to cry
>a single tear falls from her eye
>she slams the door
>...
>what the fuck just happened?
>I go to my door and look out the peephole
>Carina is sitting in the hallway crying
>she’s drinking straight from the wine bottle
>I watch her for a few minutes at a loss for words
>she eventually stands up unsteadily and begins to stumble down the hallway
>...
>what the hell?
>what happened here?
 
 
 
>a couple days pass from what becomes known as “the second Carina incident”
>they all tell me that it’s nothing to stress over, just Carina being a creep like usual
>Elf bro especially hits on this
>tells me to not talk to her or interact with her or else that just invites her back
>which, is true
>I guess…
>the thing is it all just doesn’t sit right with me
>Carina was fine with me at the restaurant
>it just seemed like something was really bugging her or she wanted to tell me something
>despite them telling me to not think about it, it’s the only thing I *can* think about
>why did she run out? What the hell was she so anxious about? Why did she cry?
>it’s all just weird
>the worst part is that Carina won’t talk to me
>or look at me
>or acknowledge me
>at all
 
>I passed by her in the halls
>waved and said hi
>she looked even further down at her feet than she usually does
>shuffled away as fast as her small legs could
>Another time I saw her in the library
>she was just sitting at a table listening to music on her headphones
>I decided to sit close to her to try and maybe talk
>she just glanced at me then immediately got up and walked away
>that hurt
>a lot
>I don’t know what the fuck happened here
>honestly, I could just let it all go
>not that she really ever bothers me
>only time it would be trouble would be when I went to the pizza place, but even then she would probably just avoid me
>yeah, I could just let it go
>just let it go…
>yeah, that sounds nice….
>I think…
>...
>I wish I could do that
>I really wish I could
>but it wouldn’t feel right
>I have to know what happened
 
 
>skip out of class as soon as I can
>my friends want me to go see a movie with them but I tell them I’m not feeling that well
>not so far from the truth really
>they leave me telling me to feel better
>as soon as they leave, I leave
>to the pizza place
>one way or another, I’m getting talking to Carina
>I get up to the front to get a seat
>Carina is talking with the hostess in some language I don’t understand
>she looks over at me as I enter
>”Hey Carina.”
>she looks at me panicked and whispers something to the hostess
>the hostess nods and Carina immediately walks off to the back kitchen of the restaurant
>Ask the Hostess what that was about
>”Oh, Carina just went on break. I’ll be more than happy to seat you though
>damn it
>get seated at my usual table
>I take my order and look around waiting for Carina to come back
>She doesn’t
>I get my pizza and sit eating it
>and wait
>and wait
>it’s been about an hour now and she still isn’t off “break”
>I’m getting tired of waiting
>this feels so forced and horrible
>if she doesn’t want to talk to me then that’s her choice
>not like this is helping me with anything
>it’s just giving me more of a headache than anything else
 
 
>just as I’m about to leave my waitress comes by
>asks me if I need anything
>...
>well, actually, yes
>”if you could, I really would like to talk to Carina, I’m a friend of hers.”
>the waitress nods and smiles
>she gives me a wink and says she’ll tell her
>weird
>waitress disappears into the back
>wait a few minutes for her
>and a few more minutes
>and the waitress doesn’t come back
>instead, I see Carina poke her head out from the kitchen
>give her a gentle smile and a wave
>I can see her face become visibly nervous
>she stays there looking at me for a few minutes
>eventually she slowly shuffles out and comes up to my table
>she refuses to make eye contact with me
>instead, she is always looking off into the distance or down at her feet
>this is weird
>I’m not sure if I should do this
>maybe I should just say good luck with work or something
>leave
>go back and sleep my headache off
>wait for all this to blow over
>...
>no
>I gotta say something
 
 
>”hey...Carina...is work going alright?”
>She just nods looking down at her feet
>she’s shaking like crazy
>no more words pass between us
>she just stands there at my table
>I wish she would respond normally
>maybe this is a sign or something…
>no
>come on, force through it Anon
>no more dancing around it, cut to the chase
>”Hey, Carina...Look, the reason why I’m here is because I wanted to tell you something.”
>She perks up and looks me in the face
>I see her chest rising and falling fast
>she’s practically hyperventilating
>her black eyes are panicked
>she looks scared
>well, here it goes
>”the thing is, I don’t know what happened the other night with the wine. But, I’m sorry. If it was something I did or said I’m sorry, and I want to make it up to you.”
>Carina seems to freeze up
>take this chance to continue talking
>”so, how about I take you out to like...I don’t know, a movie or get dinner or something? You know, just so there’s no hard feelings.”
>Carina is definitely hyperventilating at this point
>she’s had the fringe of her apron bunched up in her hands
>she’s shaking and glancing around
>she opens her mouth to say something
>A little choked sound comes out
>her face becomes flushed red and she runs off to the kitchen
>...
>what the fuck?
>...
>WHAT THE HELL DOES THAT MEAN?
>FOR FUCKS SAKE
 
 
>fuck it, she doesn’t want anything to do with me
>it was stupid to come here, she just wants to be left alone
>I get up to leave
>Carina comes running out of the kitchen
>she grabs my wrist
>there’s desperation in her face
>”Y-yes! Weekend? How about weekend?”
>she sputters as she says the words
>she seems panicked
>”uh, yeah, the weekend sounds good. Does that work for you?”
>She shakes her head yes
>”W-weekend good! Very good. Eight? Eight clock?”
>I give her the best smile I can
>”yeah, eight o’clock sounds great.”
>Carina gives me a small smile
>she lets go of my wrists and stands staring at me
>her face quickly turns bright red and she smiles awkwardly before running back into the kitchen
>not before turning around and saying “Weekend! Eight clock!”
>with that she disappears into the kitchen
>...
>what the hell just happened?
>that was good?
>I guess?
 
 
>it’s the weekend
>which means, it’s time for me to hang out with Carina
>honestly, I don’t know what I was thinking or what I should expect
>go to the place Infront of the dorms where Carina asked to meet
>sit down on a bench
>and now, I wait
>I hope she will show up
>wait for a few nervous minutes
>Eventually I feel a tap on my shoulder
>I look over at who it is
>and my mind immediately blanks
>it’s Carina
>and
>she’s beautiful
>I expected her to show up in her usual oversized black hoodie
>but no
>she’s wearing a white sundress that has lots of red flowers all over it
>her red hair that is normally pulled back in a ponytail is now let loose and is gently curled, emphasizing her horns
>the patches of green scales on her are polished bright shiny green
>Carina does her best to give me a smile
>I can see her tail swishing excitedly behind her
>”He-...Hello, Anon. You ready?”
>”uh...yeah...yeah I’m ready.”
>holy shit why is she so beautiful?
>who’d she dress up for?
>damn, now I feel underdressed
 
 
>we end up walking to a place that isn’t the pizza place
>some local Chinese food dive
>not the best place ever, but Carina said she likes it
>we get sit down in a good facing each other
>waiter gives us the menus
>I look mine over
>they have good honey walnut shrimp, so I’ll get that
>inb4 “THATS NOT REAL ASIAN FOOD!”
>it’s not, but it’s fucking good
>Carina is looking at her menu nervously
>haven’t heard her say a single word since we got here
>She seems to be confused or lost in thought
>waiter comes over asking if we are ready
>Carina tells her we need more time
>continue waiting for Carina to decide
>She keeps pouring over the menu
>”uh...Anon?”
>look over at Carina
>she looks like she’s about to burst into tears
>her face is red and embarrassed
>it’s like she wants to curl up and die
>”I...I…”
>she’s cringing hard
>”what’s wrong?”
>she looks away from me, scrunching her eyes and gritting her teeth
>”I...I have trouble with the menu...can’t read it. The English they use becomes weird.”
>she sniffles a little
>she looks embarrassed as hell
>it’s sad
 
>pat the seat besides me
>”come on, here. Sit down, I’ll help you.”
>she looks at me hesitantly for a few seconds
>before getting up and booting over
>sits down and slides right up against me
>she’s pressed up into my side
>still doesn’t know about personal space but that’s okay
>I think it’s an Italian thing
>I guess
>read to her the menu options
>honestly, I can see how she would get upset by the English
>it’s really badly broken
>probably makes zero sense to her since she already has problems with it
>she eventually decides to go with the spicy Kung Pao
>waitress comes and I order for the both of us
>half expect Carina r to move back over to her side of the table when we are done ordering
>but, she stays pressed up against me
>doesn’t seem like she’s that bothered by it
>even though it’ll probably make eating a little bit harder
 
>eventually we get chatting about class and Uni stuff
>she’s scared and nervous at first, but lightens up
>turns out she passed the a test in the class I helped her study for
>Pride+
>ask her about her other classes
>she’s doing well in ESL, so that’s good
>talking with me has really helped apparently
>Pride+?
>but I don’t even talk with her that much…
>hmmm
>maybe I should talk with her more
>for class purposes
>help her out
>our food comes after a bit
>it’s a little awkward feeling eating so close
>kind of hard to move and use chopsticks
>honey walnut shrimp is good though
 
>eat quietly together
>not much to actually talk about
>fuck
>probably should have seen the movie before we had dinner
>that way we would have had something easy to discuss
>Look at Carina
>she’s just picking at her food with her fork
>eating slowly
>occasionally she’ll glance up at me
>when I look at her she quickly darts her head away
>she seems so antsy and nervous
>maybe she’s never really gone out with a friend before?
>let alone a guy?
>hmmm
>let’s try something
>”hey, Carina, want some honey walnut shrimp?”
>she looks at me and shakes her head no
>”n-no, no but thanks.”
>”are you sure? It’s very good.”
>she looks back at me shyly
>”uh...well, ok. But small.”
>pick up a piece of the shrimp with a chopstick
>hold it towards her
>”here, open your mouth.”
>she looks at me confused
>”why?”
>”just trust me.”
>she opens her mouth wide
>wow, those teeth are pointy
>never noticed before but her tongue is forked like a snake
>cool
>I put the walnut shrimp in her mouth
>she closes her mouth and chews it up
>she gives a small giggle
>I can see her pale cheeks blush, accenting the green of her scale patches
>her dragon tail thumps happily against the back of the booth
>”very good, very good yes.”
 
 
>she glances at her chicken and then to me
>”want chicken to try?”
>”sure, why not?”
>Carina gives a little smile and pokes up a bunch of the chicken and food
>she holds it up to my face
>oh
>she wants to do that
>well, when in Rome
>eat the food off the fork
>dragon giggles and kicks her legs against the booth
>she seems so happy
>for some reason, this makes me happy
 
 
>we finish up our Chinese food slowly by feeding it to each other
>Carina is giggling and happy
>she looks excited
>I don’t know how but she’s pressed up against me even more
>I can feel her thigh squished up against my leg
>it’s….
>REALLY soft
>like, pizza dough soft
>I wonder what it would be like to touch them…
>to just knead them like dough…
>maybe bury my face in the soft skin and kiss the squishy flesh
>wait what the fuck
>shut up brain
>fuck off with those intrusive thoughts
>”you fine?”
>Carina is looking at me
>she still has a smile, but there’s something else to it
>seems like a little nervousness
>must’ve seen my little fit there
>”yeah, I’m fine. Just was thinking.”
>Carina cocks her head cursorily
>”thinking what thing?”
>oh fuck
>what do I say?
>*oh don’t worry Carina, I was just thinking about your soft thighs and massaging them and smothering my face with them.*
>damn it uh
>”just...I was…”
>she looks at me very expectantly
>”I was...thinking about you actually.”
>Carina seems surprised
>her eyes widen
>I see her blush deepen red
>”oh, I see. Yes, I see.”
>she looks away, but her smile seems to change
>there’s something about it
>a little change to it
>it’s cute
 
 
>waiter comes with the bill
>Take it before Carina can even look at it
>”Anon what you do?”
>take out some cash and put it on the bill
>waiter comes back and quickly takes it
>Carina looks at me confused
>”why you pay?”
>”well, I did say I would take *you* out, and that means I buy you dinner.”
>Carina goes “I see” and look away smiling
>I wonder what’s up with her?
>she’s been acting a little more different
>like, giggly different
>odd
>finish up with dinner
>thank the waiter and head out
>walk down the road to the local movie theater
>it’s one of those family owned dollar movie type places that show both new movies and old films
>best type of place if you ask me
>Walk up to the ticket booth
>Carina stops me
>oh?
>she starts speaking to the old elf man at the front
>”hey Carina, a ticket for tonight? What’ll it be this time?”
>oh, she’s a regular here
>hear Carina whisper something
>old elf looks up from her up to me
>”ah! I see, very well.”
>he prints out two tickets and hands them to her
>”no charge tonight, good luck.”
>Carina walks back blushing
>”what was that about?”
>she looks at me and opens her mouth, then just shakes her head
>”it nothing. Let’s go, movie does start very soon.”
 
 
>Walk into the movie theater with Carina
>end up seeing the Mercenary Fairy movie
>apparently it’s based on a true story
>our theater is empty except for us
>what do you expect when seeing a movie that came out four months ago?
>it’s a good thing though
>just me and her in the theater
>Carina easily become engrossed in the movie
>she especially likes the witch character
>seems to relate to her a lot
>Short, ginger, thicc
>very cute
>....
>where did that thought come from?
>shake my head
>damn these weird intrusive thoughts
>I look over at Carina
>she’s staring intently at the screen
>got her small little legs pulled up into the chair, sitting cross cross
>tails wrapped around her body
>she seems to be all scrunched up on her seat
>she biting at one of her nails watching the movie
>I don’t know why, but she looks adorable like this
>just a cute, shy little dragon
>not some scary stalker or obsessed neet
>no
>just a scared, small girl
>notice her other hand is draped over the side towards me
>he hands are so small
>just noticed that she has her nails painted a red that matches her hair
>wow
>just
>plain adorable
>I could just pick her up and squeeze her
>never let her go
>protect her from all the world's dangers
 
 
>Carina glances over at me
>jump in my seat
>Carina gives me a confused expression
>”what wrong?”
>oh no not this again
>she leans in a little close to me
>”are you well? Not seem much like yourself today.”
>damn it
>look away from Carina and back at the movie
>”oh, uh, nothing. Just...got a lot on my mind today, that’s all.”
>glance back at Carina
>she looks a little concerned and sad
>”oh, yes. I see. Lot of stress today.”
>rest of the movie goes silently
>occasionally look over at Carina
>she seems to be lost in thought
>constantly twiddling her thumbs and looking at her hands
>it’s like something is eating away at her
>tap her on the shoulder
>”Hey, are you alright?”
>Carina looks at me
>”uh, fine as well. Just think lots as well.”
>she looks back at the movie, seeming to be upset and sad
>damn it
>this was supposed to make her feel better
>YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO HEAL THE DRAGON GIRLS FEELINGS, NOT DESTROY IT!
>Movie ends and we begin our walk back to Uni
>outside it’s dark
>Carina is silent
>her hands keep reaching to her front like she’s going to stuff them in her pockets
>but dresses don’t have pockets, so she looks a little goofy brushing her hands down her front every few minutes
>get back to the Uni
>offer to walk Carina up to her dorm room
>she just gives a shy nod
 
 
>quietly walk her back up
>this is awkward
>try and make some conversation
>”so, did you have a fun time?”
>Carina looks up at me and then nods a little
>”yeah. Was fun.”
>silence follows
>”well, uh, thanks for agreeing to go out with me. I had fun as well.”
>Carina seems to perk up a little
>”o-oh? Oh. Yes, I see. Good.”
>Her demeanor changes a little
>I think I see the glimmer of a small smile
>get to her dorm rooms door
>Carina opens it
>she hesitantly looks back
>”well...have good sleep.” She says awkwardly
>”uh, yeah. You to.”
>she slowly starts closing the door
>see that sadness creeping back into her
>fuck
>no
>I’m not leaving her sad
>”Hey, do you have any plans early tomorrow morning? I mean, you gotta be up early?”
>Carina looks at me confused
>”no? Don’t think I do?”
>ok, here it goes
>”would it be alright if I hung out with you for a bit in your dorm then?”
 
 
>Carina freezes up
>she gets a scared and excited look to her eyes
>”uh...uh...well…”
>she looks behind her
>”uh-uh-uh…”
>she seems very uncomfortable
>”well, it’s alright if you don’t want to I just-“
>”NONONO! ITS FINE!”
>she practically shouted that
>she looks behind herself
>”just...give me minute.”
>she slams the door shut
>hear the sound of scuffling and hurriedness inside
>...
>ok?
>wait a few more minutes as the sound continues
>eventually it stops
>there’s a few seconds of silence
>the door creaks open
>Carina is looking at me embarrassed
>her normally pale skin is a little red
>”just...sorry. Had move things.”
>she opens the door more
>”enter please.”
 
 
>Go inside Carina’s dorm room
>it’s built exactly like mine, except mirrored
>I can see where she hurriedly stuffed some laundry in the closet
>there’s still a few socks left on her bed
>trash can hasn’t been emptied in a little bit, bunch of to-go boxes and snack wrappers in it
>besides that it’s clean enough
>smells very nice
>like perfume and her
>it feels very cozy and homey here
>and her bed...
>her bed is stacked with over a dozen pillows
>at least five comforters are on it as well
>Carina can see me staring and it looks like she’s embarrassed
>”I...I sorry about mess. Don’t ever get...people...here…”
>wave it off and give a smile
>”eh, it’s fine. Your place is much cleaner than mine.”
>Carina gives a sheepish smile
>”oh...oh thank you.”
>she gestures to the bed and says I can sit down
>sit down on her bed and practically sink in to it
>holy shit this entire thing is plush as hell
>Carina looks down at her dress
>”Ok if I make self comfortable real fastly?”
>tell her to take her time
>Carina runs into her bathroom quickly
>DragonShuffling.mp4
>comes out a minute later in black leggings and a black tank top
>the two pieces of clothing kind of morph together, making it look like a body glove
>a body glove that clings to her skin…
>and…
>*Really* shows of her form off
 
>In her usual oversized sweater or apron she really doesn’t show much off
>Hell, even that cute dress she wore didn’t give much of an idea of what she looked like
>I knew Carina was stocky and well built...but…
>damn
>She's curvier than a mountain road
>Very large bust
>Even without her tail she would probably struggle to pull up her leggings over her hips and butt
>She’s a little chubby and slightly paunchy, but that just seems to add to her figure
>Carina doesn't seem to notice me staring, and slips on her regular black hoodie over her outfit, covering everything back up
>now I only have a memory
>a very pleasant memory
>....
>what the hell am I thinking?
>what is wrong with me?
 
 
>My thoughts are interrupted as Carina sits on the edge of the bed away from me
>She looks nervous about something
>might not be used to a guy sitting on her bed
>Scoot closer over to her
>I can see her cheeks flash crimson a little
>Cute
>fuck no not cute
>Stop thinking that
>clear my head
>....
>wait
>why the hell did I even decide to stay longer?
>I wanted to make her not sad, but how?
>fuck
>shouldn’t have spoke before I thought
>maybe just…
>try and talk to her?
>but how?
>not like she actually talks that much…
>wait
>why not try to get to know her a little better?
>hmmm…
>music
>everyone loves music
>”do you listen to any music?”
>Carina seems to perk up a little
>”yes, yes, music is good.”
>perfect
>”really? What types of music?”
>Carina seems to think for a few seconds humming
>”classical music very good. Instrumental and classical.”
>ah, a refined taste
>”that’s nice, anyone In particular you like?”
>”FRANK POURCEL!”
>her enthusiasm catches me off guard
>”He make very good music. Favorite of favorites.”
>tell her I have no idea who that is
>she looks sad
>”oh, oh yeah ok yeah. Sorry you not know.”
>Carina  pauses for a few seconds
>seems like she just had a realization
>she nervously looks at me
>”want to listen to him?”
>she looks so scared asking me
>”of course, I always love hearing new music.”
>Carina’s face flashes into a smile
>she hops off the bed and grabs her laptop
>comes back and sits pressed up right against me
>she types something in on YouTube
>link related starts playing https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1Snv5y87yBQ
>Carina looks so happy listening
>her eyes are closed and is smiling
>her scaly green tail is swishing side to side gently
 
 
>song ends and she is smiling
>”Good music, no?”
>she looks so happy and hopeful
>give her a smile in return
>”yeah, that was very nice.”
>her Computer suddenly begins blaring “Blood Red Roses”
>Carina immediately goes as red as the roses the shanty sings about
>fumbles with her computer and shuts off the song
>”hehe...strange song recommendations...haha.”
>she looks embarrassed
>”sea shanties...eh, no one really likes them much.”
>Carina looks scared
>glance at her recommendations
>half of it is either Frank Pourcel or sea shanties
>”Carina? Do you...like sea shanties?”
>I can see sweat beading her forehead
>”uh...well, oh...maybe?”
>she pulls her knees up to her face, trying to her herself behind them
>her tail wraps around her
>”please don’t laugh.”
>her voice is quivering
>it sounds like she is on the verge of tears
>”no no, I’m not going to laugh. I...I don’t mind sea shanties. They’re good music.”
>Carina looks at me suspiciously
>”really? No kid? No joke?”
>shake my head no
>”I mean, I like folk songs better, but sea shanties are good.”
>Carina immediately bolts over to me
>she’s practically straddling me and looking directly at my face
>”you no lie?”
>”no? Why would I lie about that?”
>she pauses for a minute
>”it okay if I play the song?”
>” I don’t mind.”
>she smiles as widely as I have ever seen
>”GRAZIE!”
>feel arms get wrapped around me
>she buries her face in the crook of my neck
>little taken aback by the sudden outburst of affection
>I hear her gave an embarrassed “oh”
>she quickly lets go of me and sits back down
>”sorry sorry, very excited.”
 
 
>she looks to me and then to the computer before unpausing Blood Red Roses
>listen to the rest of the shanty
>Carina is so happy
>spend the rest of the night looking up songs on YouTube with Carina
>apparently she really never has heard any 90s or 2000s punk pop before
>she ends up liking some Green Day and Blink182 songs
>show her some of my favorite symphonic metal and synth wave songs
>she immediately adds them to her playlist
>she seems to have a liking for instrumental songs without vocals
>it gets very late
>we get a little tired
>end up lounging together on her mountain of pillows
>she’s pressed right up against me
>not that I mind
>still clicking through songs and listening to them
>settle on an extended version of Mac DeMarco’s Chamber of Reflection
>check the time
>3:47am
>damn
>it’s really late
>after this song I’ll leave to go back to my dorm
>better tell Carina
>look over to her
>she’s smooshed up against me passed it asleep
>her face is squished into my side
>nudge her to see if she’ll wake up
>she mutters something in a language I don’t understand
>her hand grabs onto my shirt, trying to pull it closer
>wow, she’s really asleep hard
>I need to go to sleep as well
>....
>well, I’ll leave after this song
>don’t want to disturb her
>I look at her sleeping for
>she seems so happy and peaceful
>pat her on the shoulder
>her skin feel cold under the sweater
>maybe since she’s part dragon she’s kind of cold blooded?
>pull one of her comforters over the two of us
>it’s very warm and cozy
>it’s weighted as well
>lean back Into the pillow pile more
>listen to Mac DeMarco
>relax a bit
>yeah, I’ll just leave after this song
>and with that thought, I slowly slip off to sleep
 
 
 
>Slowly wake up from a very pleasant dream I can’t remember
>My neck hurts a little
>Must have slept awkwardly
>The nerves in my eyes finally make contact with my brain and I comprehend what I am seeing
>I am not in my own bed
>A snore draws my attention
>Groggily look at my side
>Carina still has her face smooshed up against my side
>She looks so innocent and adorable
>I feel a strange emotion
>Like the type you get when you see a baby, or a small animal
>Where your only goal in the world to make sure they are protected and cared for
>I am feeling that right now
>Maybe it's because I am tired and haven't woken up completely
>Smile and brush a strand of hair out of her face
>Her hair is soft
>play with it a little more in my hand
>Comb my fingers through it
>Feels like soft, cottony threads
>Work my hand up her hair to the top of her head
>keep my hand up there for a second
>pat the top of her head
>Carina lets out a little sound
>A tiny little squeak of a “hm”
>...
>that was the most adorable noise I’ve ever heard
 
 
>ruffle her hair a tiny bit
>DragonHming.Mp3
>She seems to be enjoying this
>Even if she is asleep
>Massage her scalp gently, running my fingers across her head
>She nuzzles up closer, making more approving sounds
>Cute little sleepy dragon
>Rest my head on top of hers
>Nuzzle my face into the top of her head
>immediately get assaulted with the scent of flowers and perfume
>not sure how I didn’t notice it last night, but I sure can smell it now
>Ever smelt orange blossoms during the rain?
>or like any plant or flower when the air is moist?
>that’s what she smells like
>but it’s different
>mixed with something else
>more earthy, like a musk or something
>I guess the way she smells?
>it’s just good
>sit there with my eyes closed, drowning myself in her scent
>gently rub and pat her head
>this is my world
>the feel of her hair, the smell of her body
>nothing can beat this
>I hear a phone
>Carina jerks in her sleep, bolting awake
>I get startled and fall to my side
>Carina grabs her phone out of her pocket
>she starts talking in some weird language I don’t understand
>she hangs up looking panicked
>”late for work...I never later for work.”
 
 
>she jumps out of bed and immediately unzips her sweater
>throws the sweater to the ground and begins pulling up her shirt
>uhh
>tosses shirt to the side, showing me her back and bra straps
>apparently she wears a sports bra
>UUUHHHH
>she runs into the bathroom, leaving the door open
>turns on the shower water
>she begins to shimmy out of her tight yoga pants leggings
>I can see her exposed striped blue panties
>NOW HOLD ON
>clear my throat
>Carina jumps startled
>her head bolts back to face me
>I see her face go red as a tomato
>She slams the bathroom door
>”SORRY ANON, I FORGOT YOU WERE HERE” is the muffled shout from the other side
>she sounds so ashamed
>poor girl
>”it’s alright Carina, don’t worry.l
>I feel more own cheeks flushed red
>but I don’t feel embarrassed…
>...
>OH
>damn you body why do you betray me
 
 
>I-I-I think I’ll get going before she gets out
>”uh, Thanks for the fun night Carina, it was great being with you.”
>shower suddenly stops
>She pops her soap covered head out from door
>”r-really?”
>”uh...yeah? It was fun.”
>her cheeks go red and she smiles
>”It was… It fun with you well.” She says happily
>I motion to the door
>”I’m going to leave so you can get ready, we should do this again sometime
>she nods her yes
>”oh yes Grazi! We should!”
>say bye and she goes back to showering
>I walk back to my dorm rather stiffly
>what the hell is up with me?
>I feel funny
>Look at my phone clock
>tfw I spent nearly 20 hours straight with Carina
>damn, that was a very long date
>although, it was fun
>it wasn’t weird being with her
>I actually….
>enjoyed it?
>yeah, I did
>I wouldn’t mind doing that regularly
>....
>what the hell is wrong with me?
>this was just a one time thing, one time
>I just didn’t want her to feel bad
>....
>wait….
>I said we need to do this again some time….
>as in we will be doing this again
>FUCK
>well, I mean…
>not like it was a bad time…
>damn
>I’m never going to hear the end of this from the boys
 
 
>spend the rest of my weekend doing homework and catching up on class
>good thing, because the whole stress that the Carina situation was putting on me was kind of making my work quality suffer
>only thing is the boys
>they think I’m insane
>”YOU WENT OUT WITH HER? WHY?”
>”because I made her sad and I wanted to make her feel better…”
>”DUDE SHE COULD HAVE KILLED YOU!”
>”I don’t think she would have done that…”
>”DID YOU EVEN REMEMBER THAT SHE WAS STALKING US AND SHE TRACKED YOU DOWN TO YOUR DORM ROOM?”
>”I….oh…”
>oops
>forgot all about that
>...
>what the fuck
>Well, guess I’m going to have to ask her eventually
>after the initial round of questions the conversation turned more into jokes and ribbing me about the whole thing
>dick heads
>at least I left out the part where I fell asleep on her bed
>I can only imagine what they would have said about that
 
 
>couple days go by
>send and get a few random messages from Carina
>nothing much in particular, just some music recommendations we think the other would like
>get out of class
>walking down the Uni hallway
>Tired as hell
>I need some coffee
>the questions about Carina have been wracking my mind
>don’t have the heart to text them to her or call about them
>this seems more of an in person thing
>Of course it would be in person if I could find Carina
>Inb4 “WHY NOT JUST TEXT HER YOU WANT TO TALK?”
>she gets really nervous
>she’d probably panic and not show up
>wander over to the Uni cafe to contemplate my decisions
>and to order a black coffee with an extra shot of espresso in it
>Elf Barista hands it to me with a smile and a wink
>sit down at a booth in the back
>slowly sip at the coffee
>I could always just show up to Carina’s dorm
>but I don’t want to corner her…
>don’t want to ask her out to a dinner or something just to find out
>God help me
>maybe I’m just not supposed to bring it up, and let it slip into obscurity
>after all I’m just doing this so she doesn’t feel horrible
>As I sit there wracking my brain I hear the bitchy elf baraista yell “Order for Carina! Extra large Double whip extra heavy cream mocha with three pumps of chocolate syrup and extra cookie crumbles!”
>...
>no way…
 
 
>see a darkly dressed smol person with red hair awkwardly shuffle up to the side counter
>her face is looking straight at the ground
>shaky hand holds up a crumpled receipt
>Elf Barista rolls her eyes
>”should’ve known it was your order.”
>swipes the recipes away and shoves the coffee towards Carina
>Carina slowly takes the drink and shuffles away to a corner of the Cafe
>I see her sit down and slowly sip at it
>she looks like she’s having a rough time
>she sips the drink and a small smile grows on her face
>watch as she takes out her phone
>she begins typing at it
>her face slowly gets more nervous looking
>I wonder…
>Look at her contact on my phone
>It says she’s typing
>oh?
>wonder what she’s going to say…
>watch Carina as she types
>she’s shaking at this point
>she sets down the phone and stops
>she’s shaking her head no
>look at my phone
>typing bubbles goes away
>aww…
>...
>why am I disappointed?
>Look back at Carina
>She’s sipping her drink
>her face looks like she’s about to cry
>Some snickering catches my attention
>glance over at Baristas
>Elf bitch is whispering to her friend about something
>they’re both glancing and looking at Carina
>Carina seems to notice
>she becomes even more sad
>it looks like she’s trying to drown herself in her coffee
>this just isn’t right
>Compose myself as best as I can
>take a big drink of coffee
>and here I go
 
 
>”Carina? That you?” I say loudly, nearly shouting
>Elf snickering stops
>Carina jumps in her chair and looks up
>her face goes crimson
>”Anon?”
>Smile and walk over to her
>”hey I didn’t know you were here. This seat taken? Mind if I sit down by you?”
>Carina looks dumbfounded
>”uh...I uh...yes?”
>she pats the seat next to her
>her face looks like she doesn’t believe what is going on
>Glance over at the elves
>they’ve gone completely silent and are staring
>looks like they’ve seen a ghost
>good
>turn my attention back to Carina
>”so, what are you doing here?”
>her face is completely blank
>like a computer still trying to process what has happened
>”uh...I get coffee drink...taste very nice…”
>”ah, that’s cool. What type of drink?”
>I already know what she ordered, but I just want her to talk
>get her mind off whatever she’s thinking about
>Carina looks at the drink and then at me
>”it uh… it chocolate and cookie and cream...very good drink…”
>she seems to start coming to her senses
>”you want try?”
>”well, sure, sounds good!”
 
 
>she holds it up for me to take a sip
>drink down a mouthful of the concoction
>taste is very smooth, like dark hot chocolate made with heavy whipping cream
>coffee adds a nice bitterness to what would be overpoweringly sweet and milky
>the milk ones of the cream pairs nicely with the little crunch of the cookies
>the sugar makes my teeth tingle a little, but it is bearable
>this is probably one of the best drinks I’ve ever had
>for some reason, this reminds me of her
>this is her taste
>huh
>”you like?”
>her voice is very nervous
>she wants my approval
>I know the elf bitches are watching
>I give Carina a smile
>”Well, I think it’s as sweet and good as you are.”
>Carina’s face immediately flushes
>her stare is deadpan
>it’s as if I just told her that she had just won the lottery
>if she was a machine she would be having a meltdown right now
>Audibly hear the elf’s gasp
>they begin muttering weirdly in elvish
>good
>nobody bullies Carina or makes her feel bad
 
 
 
>Carina finally computes what I said and gives a confused smile
>”g-grazi?” She sputters out, the words sounding more like a question than a response
>she is completely bewildered
>time to go further and get her out of here
>”hey I was going to take a walk around campus, you want to join me?”
>Carina blinks several times
>her smile stays the same
>”uh...uh yeah? Yes, maybe? I think?”
>she shakes her head
>”I mean of course! Many yes!”
>we both get our drinks and stand up
>for effect I hoop my arm around hers
>glance over at the elf bitches
>complete and utter shock
>I have never seen faces so flushed with confusion before
>I have successfully shock and awed the entire cafe
>well, the three people in the cafe who care
>still works for me
>walk with my arm around Carina’s out of the cafe
>HushedElfWhispering.Mp3
>quietly walk out of the cafe with her
>Carina is clinging close, sipping at her drink
>Look down at her
>she has the most confused smile on her face that I have ever seen
>probably turned a pretty shitty day into a better one
 
 
>the sun is shining, birds are chirping
>it is a really nice day out
>walk around silent, just enjoying each other’s company for about 25 minutes before sitting down together on a bench
>Carina scoots close to me
>this is fine
>sit there for a long time
>not talking
>just
>enjoying each other’s company
>It’s nice
>knowing that someone is there beside you
>Quietly acknowledging and appreciating your presence
>Carina is good at that
>She doesn't use words to express it, it’s just that the appreciation seems to flood of her
>It makes me happy
>So, happy that I almost forget why I wanted to see her in the first place
>*almost*
>clear my throat and build up a little courage
>”so, Carina...there’s been some things I’ve wanted to ask you.”
>Carina looks at me confused
>”oh? What stuff? What questions?”
 
 
>well shit
>”it’s nothing much really...just…”
>let out a deep breath
>this is very hard
>feel my heart in my throat
>I know that she is pretty sensitive, I really hope she doesn’t take this the wrong way
>I don’t want to hurt her
>not after I just rescued her from those two elf bitches who were making her feel bad
>I can’t make her depressed again
>Carina is looking at me scared
>fuck
>I know if I don’t say it she will be wondering all night
>let’s get this over with
>”well, it’s about those times I saw you in the past. You know, me and my friends, we kind of saw you….following us in a way, or following me sometimes. They said you were stalking me, but I’m sure it’s just a misunderstanding.”
>Carina looks away
>she’s nervously sweating
>...
>excuse me?
>”Anon….”
>uh oh
>she hides her face in her hands
>I think I hear her trying to cut back sobbing
>”I did do the stalking on you.”
>....
>oh
 
 
>I look at Carina with pity
>”oh...uh, okay...why?”
>she sniffles a little and looks away
>”I sorry it stupid, but...I have a lot of shyness. My coworker  said you were smart and could help me with school and help me not fail homework.”
>she wipes a little tear off her face
>”I wanted to talk you about homework or talk to one your friend but every time I try It very scary to me because you are okay but your friends look at me weird and I think they are scary so I did watch you sometimes to see when you might be lonely so I can talk about homework without them so I won’t fail.”
>I’m taken aback
>I’ve never heard Carina speak this much at once
>it’s...weird
>Carina is crying at this point
>her tears are falling on the ground, staining the concrete
>she wipes her eyes and looks at me
>”I sorry, I very very sorry.”
>she wipes her tears from her eyes and stands up
>”I sorry I do that against you, it not a good thing. I know you think differently of me now, so I sorry and I know you can’t forgive me. I just...try not bother you as much as I did.”
>Carina turns from me
>she’s going to walk away
>no
>NO
 
 
>before I can think I reach out to her and grab her shoulder
>she looks back at me concerned
>before she can protest I wrap her in a hug
>I squeeze her tight
>she’s soft and a little squishy, but firm
>it’s like hugging a marshmallow coated piece of chocolate
>I think this is the first time where I have initiated the hug with her
>I break the hug and Carina’s face is so red it makes her hair look pale in comparison
>she looks up at me dumbly, her black eyes having a slight sparkle to them
>rest my hand on her shoulder
>”Carina, it’s fine. You were scared, that’s all. I don’t mind at all.”
>I motion for her to sit back down
>she does so quietly
>she looks at me with a little smile
>we quietly sit for another minute
>Carina let’s out a sigh
>”you no hate me?”
>Shake my head
>”of course I don’t, Just was a little curious, that’s all.”
>Carina nods
>”ah, I see.”
>”oh, just...one more question.”
>Carina cocks her head
>”how did you know where I lived?”
>she smiles and giggles
>”uncle Biagio said it to me when I sad I can’t talk to you. Has your address for delivery.”
>ah, that makes sense
>damn dwarf
>can't help but laugh a little
>Carina giggles a little in return
>”So, really? You no hate me?”
>I look at Carina
>the sun reflecting off her pure black eyes, shimmering on her emerald green scale patches
>little dragon tail swishing behind her curiously
>I brush a stray lock of her hair out of her face
>the action makes her flinch and blush
>pull her into another hug
>”No, I don’t hate you, don’t worry.”
 
>Been a little bit since my “heart to heart” with Carina
>Not that it’s been a long time since i've seen her
>After that I pretty much run into her every day, or at least text her
>try to get lunch with her once a week just to check up on her and make sure she’s doing alright
>Carina is a nice friend to have
>Not that the boys really like her to well, but we don’t always have to be around each other
>She’s good for when they aren’t around to be with me
>In all honesty, I don’t mind being around her
>She’s a good listener, and has a calming aura
>A fun little dragon girl to be with
>Be waiting around for her so we can go get lunch
>this class usually gets out later, so i’m not worried that I’m waiting around for her
>I just like seeing her
>...
>I don’t know why I feel this way though
>I really do like seeing Carina
>I feel strongly for her
>I want to see her happy
>If she were to be sad, it would make me sad
>and
>I’m not sure why I feel like this now
>this feeling has been creeping up on me for a bit now
>It’s just...weird now
>I don’t know why I feel this way
>I don’t know what it means
>maybe she’s just a good friend is all
>my thoughts are interrupted as I’m tapped on the shoulder
 
>Carina is standing right next to me
>her face is blank as usual, but she has a glimmer in her black eyes
>she seems happy to see me
>she’s wearing her usual outfit
>an oversized black sweater and some black leggings
>but something is different about it today
>it’s like she’s been slowly changing her looks each time I’ve seen her
>I only noticed it a few weeks ago
>maybe she’s been putting in makeup without me knowing? Using polymorph magic to subtlety alter herself? Hitting the gym?
>whatever it is her looks are changing
>and it’s...nice?
>shake my head to clear my thoughts
>hopefully she didn’t catch me locked up and staring
>”Hey Carina, ready to go?”
>she nods yes
>I hook my arm around hers and we walk off
>I don’t know why I still do that
>it’s just something I never stopped doing after the whole coffee shop thing
>it’s not like it isn’t helpful though
>she always seemed to have trouble with sociall awareness when we walked together, so this keeps her close
>one time she accidentally ended up on the complete other side of the courtyard when we were walking because we got separated and she took the wrong path
>found her on a bench nearly crying after that because she was a bit lost and thought I ditched her
 
>poor girl
>not going to let that happen again
>”so, where do you want to have lunch?”
>Carina seems to be lost in thought
>”you like sandwiches?”
>”sandwiches sound good.”
>Walk with Carina towards downtown as she leads us to the sandwich shop
>I have a car and we could drive, but it’s nicer when we have these walks together
>I’ve come to enjoy them
>Carina isn’t much for conversation, but when she starts talking it’s hard to stop her
>not that I want to stop her
>turns out she’s pretty autistic when it comes to the pirate age of the old world
>especially the old style galleon ships
>she fantasizes occasionally about being on one of those boats
>she likes the idea of sailing and being on a pirate ship
>the idea of pirate wench Carina makes me smile
>she leads me to a Vietnamese sandwich shop
>wood elf owners smile and chatter happily with her
>Apparently she’s a regular here as well
>get two sandwiches and bags of chips
>owner throws in two cans of coke for free
>gives Carina wink
>says something about “good luck”
>Carina smiles and nods
>that usually happens
>Not sure why
 
>must be because she’s a good customer
>sit down at a bench outside
>Carina is still pressed right to me
>with her it seems like it’s all or nothing
>either super close or far away
>not that I mind
>bite into sandwich
>the meat, pickled veggies, and mayo are a good combination
>Carina is happily enjoying her sandwich
>little legs kicking slowly in joy
>Shes adorable
>we both look at each other
>she cocks her head in confusion
>she has mayo all over her face near her mouth
>...
>it looks lewd
>too lewd
>get a napkin
>”hold still”
>wipe her face off
>her cheeks are squishy
>for some reason I find myself tracing the line of her lips with my finger
>I-I swear it’s to make sure they are clean
>Me and Carina are drawn into each other’s eyes for some reason
>I end up tracing along the edge of her cheek while looking into them
>Black obsidian eyes
>beautiful black obsidian eyes
>eyes that you want to look into and get lost in
>...
>what am I thinking?
>I break eye contact with her and remove my hand from her cheek
>Carina leans into it for a second before holding back
 
>her cheeks flash red
>we both return to quietly eating our sandwiches
>I’m not sure what’s been coming over me lately
>these thoughts are becoming more and more prevalent
>it used to be every once in a while, but now...
>every time I see her it happens at least once
>I’m just...drawn to her
>I’m not sure why
>”so, Anon…” says Carina
>she looks a little nervous
>”yeah?”
>”my class…in history, have an important assignment. Teachers wants us to visit a museum, write a paper on how it was…”
>she looks scared
>”I know good museum… but am uncertain if I want to go alone…”
>wait
>I think I know where this is going
>”do you want someone to go with you?”
>Carina looks at me and nods
>”do you...would you mind if I went with you?”
>Carina hugs me tight
>”GRAZIE MILLE”
>huh
>that’s new
>she nuzzles into my chest, her small nubby horns poking me
>hug her back in return
>face gets shoved into the top of her head
>Every breath I take is filtered through her hair
>damp earth, orange blossoms, half dragon half dwarf musk
 
>it’s intoxicating
>I feel something in me
>I want more of this
>I want more of her
>I want to be with her
>protect her
>not let her go
>...
>wait a minute
>I know what this feeling is
>it’s..
>attraction
>love
>I fell in love with Carina
>god help me
 
>I am restless
>I can’t help but toss and turn in my bed
>sleep refuses to come to me
>instead, I’m thinking about Carina
>and my feelings for her
>there is no way I can be in love with Carina
>absolutely no way
>She is awkward and autistic
>has zero social skills
>and is near absolutely helpless
>...
>oh god
>she is adorable
>how timid and quiet she gets
>how she clings to me like I’m a life preserver
>she pays so much attention
>and is so passionate
>I’ve never heard someone talk about niche history as much as she had
>seeing her sperg outs make my heart melt
>why do I feel like this?
>I shouldn’t feel like this
>I shouldn’t even be friends with her and yet here I am
>laying in my bed
>4:00am
>thinking about her
>...
>wishing she was here…
>I remember falling asleep with her snuggled up to me
>she was so soft
>In my longing I realize I am hugging a pillow
>I give it a hard squeeze
>it’s a sad replacement for her
>god I’m so damn pathetic
 
>what the hell is wrong with me?
>maybe it’s just because I’m lonely and she’s the only girl who wants to spend time with me?
>yeah, maybe that’s it
>just a simple psychological trick
>...
>but then why about the barista elves?
>I know for a fact they were eyeballing me
>I didn’t even feel anything towards them
>but Carina…
>her obsidian eyes…
>Fiery red hair…
>pale skin with those patches of emerald scales…
>the tiny nubby horns and pudgy swishy tail
>I want her here
>in my arms
>sharing her warmth with me
>I want to nuzzle into her hair again
>I want to feel her presence
>plant kisses on her head and neck as she squeezes me tight
>keep her safe from the dangers of the world
>she’s a half dragon, one of the most powerful creatures to walk the very earth, and yet I want to keep her safe
>just me and her here, where nothing can bother us
>where I can look into her glittering eyes
>embrace her
>I want to feel her
>touch her, explore her
>let her do the same to me
>every last line of her delicate and soft curves
>to have her body under mine, nothing separating us
>no barriers, no clothes
>as close as two living creatures could get to each other
>share that bliss with the other
>be so close…
>my alarm goes off
>I wake up with a start, slapping the snooze button and groaning
>another sleepless night thinking about Carina
>my fantasies have worked their way into my dreams
>I feel helpless
>if only she knew the effect she had on me
>what if she knew?
>would she laugh?
>no, she wouldn’t
>she’s turn as red as a tomato, probably muttering something about how lewd I am being
>would she…
>would she feel the same about me?
>would she share these feelings and desires?
>I hope she would
>I pray she would
>I’m not sure what I would do if she didn’t
>I hate myself for feeling this way
>I hate the fact that I am in love with her
 
 
>today is the day
>the day me and Carina are going to the museum together
>I’m sitting at the bench where we usually meet
>nervous as all hell
>why am I so nervous?
>it’s just a regular museum trip
>nothing more…
>...
>well, actually, it just might be something more
>I want to talk to Carina
>I want to tell her my feelings and confess to her
>I hope to at least
>told my friends I was going to do it
>much to some mixed responses
>including elf bro alluding to the fact that I probably was cursed or something by her
>can’t say I don’t agree with that
>I feel cursed
>someone taps me on the shoulder
>it’s Carina
>she’s wearing her usual hoodie and black leggings
>her fiery orange hair is back in its usual ponytail, but she has a single braid hanging out of it
>I can’t help but smile when I see her
>get up from the bus bench
>bring her into a hug
>not even any words between us
>just physical sensation
>we have long ago broken that touch barrier
>the hugs used to be just for me to comfort her
>now they are a comfort for me
>she has her arms wrapped around me
>so small they can’t even reach around my back
>we hug for a long time
>I don’t want to let go, but I force myself to anyways
 
>”glad to see you Carina, I really missed you.”
>the comment catches her off guard
>I can see her blush a little
>she blinks confused
>”y-you what? Missed me?”
>wait did I say that?
>I did
>where did that come from?
>Carina is staring at me expectantly, hoping for a reaction
>”Well I… yes, I missed seeing you.”
>it’s only been since yesterday that I saw her
>not even a full 24 hours
>my spaghetti is on the ground, long departed from my pants pockets, spilled everywhere
>Carina stuffs her hands into her pockets
>she seems to shrink down
>I hear a barely audible whisper
>”I missed you too”
>I feel my heart flutter at hearing that
>hook my arm around hers and pull her close
>walk over to my car in the parking lot
>when we get to it I realize I never cleaned it out
>I still have cups, papers, bags and other old stuff in it
>oh god it’s a mess
>”uh… hold on a second I’m sorry”
>scramble to clean it all up
>stuff my trash into a bag
>pretty sure I crammed some important school papers in there as well
>those can wait
>open up my trunk to throw it all in there
>trunk opens and I remember I never took the stuff in it to storage
>barely have room to stuff the trash and old bags in
 
>slam the trunk
>I think I broke a sweat scrambling to do that
>Carina is looking at me blankly
>feel my cheeks burn red embarrassed
>”I swear I’m cleaner than this.”
>Carina gives a small giggle
>what?
>”you’re funny anon.” She says happily
>I made her laugh
>she isn’t disgusted
>....
>WHY AM I SO WORRIED ABOUT THIS?
>Drive over to the museum is quiet
>Carina seems to be excited
>whenever I asked what exactly the museum was about she said it was a surprise
>I gave Carina the Aux cord and she began playing the Dropkick Murphys and the Dreadnoughts
>She’s cute when listening to music
>eyes closed, bobbing her head lightly back and forth to the beat of Polka Never Dies
>Make it to the museum following the directions that Carina gave me
>Nearly got lost after we both got distracted singing Rose Tattoo together
>that was fun
>we get out of the car
>I got to hook my arm around Carinas so we don’t get lost
>she moves her arm and I miss
>does she… not want to…
>instead Carina grabs my hand
>I can see there is a happy glimmer to her eyes
>she is excited to be here
>”let’s go”
>she drags me along
>my jaw is ajar and I feel a little dumbfounded
>she is very excited to see the museum
>get up close enough so I can see what type of museum it is
>**MUSEUM OF INTERNATIONAL PRE-CONVERGANCE HUMAN HISTORY**
>a… human history museum?
>I look to Carina
 
>her face is without obvious emotion, but her eyes black eyes are glimmering
>I can feel the anticipation bleeding off her
>”are you… a Humaboo?”
>I can see her blush a little
>”human culture… it very fun.” She says
>that wasn’t a no
>go into the museum lobby
>place is rather big
>lots of huge murals
>largest one depicts a panoramic shot of earth through the ages, starting at the Stone Age, to the medical age, colonial era, Industrial Age, old modern age, with a huge mark at the konvergance, then ending with the new modern converged age
>Carina drags me up to a kiosk and gets a map before taking me to a bench
>she sits down presses up right against
>she gets out a marker and begins marking down exhibits
>I can hear her murmuring to herself in a language I don’t understand
>I’ve rarely seen her this focused before on anything
>early human history is the first one she marks
>followed by early human art
>marks down human transportation with big circles
>followed by early and advanced human media
>then human holidays
>and then there’s a fountain pavilion outside with a small botanical garden
>lastly, she marks to visit the gift shop at the end
 
>wow
>this museum has everything
>I’m a human and yet I still want to see this all
>she looks over her handiwork
>dragon tail swishing and kicking her legs happily
>”this good? Yes?”
>she says it happily while forcing the map into my face
>I take the map and look it over
>it all seems great
>my mind lingers at the botanical gardens and the fountain pavilion
>that seems very…
>...
>romantic
>oh god am I really going to get that sappy?
>...
>yes, I will
>”how the about gift shop, then the pavilion? Save it for last?”
>Carina cocks her head in confusion
>”why?”
>why indeed…
>”it’ll be darker… looks nicer that way? You know with the lights and all that.”
>Carina nods
>”smart, very very smart.”
>she switches around a number or two and shoves the map back in my face again
>”now? Now good?”
>she looks so excited
>as excited as one can get with a completely blank face
>”yes, it looks perfect.”
>more perfect than she would ever guess
>go inside the museum
>she goes up to the ticket booth
>hands in a plastic card
>elf at the booth smiles
>”oh, Carina, welcome back. Been a while since your last visit. Heard we had some new exhibits?”
>she meekly shakes her head yes
>she slowly turns and points at me
 
>elf looks at me confused
>a smile then grows on her face
>”oh, you’re finally getting around to using that guest pass on your membership are you?” She asks Carina
>Carina seems to blush
>shakes her head yes
>two tickets get printed out
>Carina takes then
>shuffles back over to me
>hands me one, hand visibly shaking
>”y-you ready?”
>she sounds so nervous
>I take the ticket then hook my arm around hers
>”ready, let’s go.”
>both get admitted to the museum
>walk through the lobby
>bunch of schools are here
>must be a field trip day
>Carina is holding the map and leading me along
>stop at a couple paintings or murals along the way
>she points at them quietly, sometimes saying quietly “look.” or “very nice?”
>she seems eager taking me here
>follow the signs until we get to the “Early Human History” hall
>entrance drops us off in some neolithic early metal ages
>see mock ups of early villages and life size wax figures using tools
 
>Carina seems entranced by them
>occasionally she’ll poke me and point to something that interests her greatly
>her eyes are so bright and open
>pure black pits soaking in all they can of the exhibits
>something catches my eye
>an interactive display
>tell Carina we should check it out
>practically get dragged over by the excited tiny dragon girl
>it’s a bunch of replicas their tools and clothes fixed to the wall
>the purpose of the display is so you can’t touch and feel the different materials and see what they are like
>I watch as Carina rubs her hand across pelts and leather that they would have worn
>I join in, reaching higher up
>a fluffy, soft sheep’s skin
>it’s feels so comfy
>reminds me of…
>carinas bed
>so comfy
>one particular spot feel amazingly soft
>”Carina, feel this…”
 
>Carina is to busy rubbing her cheek against a piece of leather to notice
>her eyes are closed tight
>”Carina”
>nothing
>I reach towards her hand and lay my own across the top of it
>her eyes snap open
>slowly drag her hand across the sheep fur, guiding it towards the spot
>I gently hold her small hand like it’s a tender fruit
>it’s as if I so much as twitch I could bruise it
>We make eye contact
>She's staring at me intently
>I guide her hand to the softest spot on the fur
>”Feel it?” I whisper
>Carina nods
>”Soft” She quietly says back
>Rub her hand back and forth across the spot
>Neither of us looking away from the other
>It’s like I’m wearing her hand as a glove
>I suddenly realize what I’m doing
>let go of her hand
>”yes it’s… soft, as you can see.”
>Carina reaches for my hand but then stops
>she nods quickly
>”yes yes… soft.”
>I can see her cheeks are red as her hair
>she hooks onto my arm
>”Look at the art now? Want to?”
>”yeah, let’s go.”
>the early human history hall leads directly into the early human art hall
>she shows me all the different artworks
>starting out at early petroglyphs, moving onto small carvings and sculptures
>Carina occasionally mutters a little fact about each of them
>like how the petroglyphs were originally found after construction crews carved away a section of the mountain
>or how city workers laying pipes found the old burial crypts with it the carvings in them
>we stop in particular at the replications of the Venus figurines
>Carina is interested in them
 
>”the figures, nobody know much about them. Many think they for fertility, like a charm.” She happily says
>”others say, more like art. Show what men liked most in women at the time. Ideal breeding partner.”
>the figures all look unique, but are still rather similar
>carved of stone, wood, or ivory
>the subject is always a woman
>wide hips, exaggerated breasts, large thighs, huge butt, a slightly paunchy stomach, some of which are outright pregnant
>the build of the figures sort of reminds me of someone
>look at Carina
>she has the same Venusian body type, except less exaggerated
>soft thighs, wide hips, a big bust, round ass, a bit of cute chubbiness
>grug knew exactly what was up
>Carina looks to me curiously
>”what you think?”
>”I think that grug had good tastes.” I say with a joking smile
>Carina cocks her head to the side
>”what you mean?”
>point at the figures
>”well, you know… they…”
>am I really going to explain all this now?
>bite the inside of my cheek
 
>”it’s… like an anime figure, but for cavemen.”
>Carina raises an eyebrow at me before looking at the carvings
>I can hear her muttering to herself
>she gives a nod
>”like that almost exactly, yes.” she says with a little smile
>She looks back up at me curiously
>”You… Like women like that? You like the.. The venus?
>....
>I feel my cheeks start burning red
>”you… could say that I don’t mind it.”
>Carinas cheeks flash red as well
>She looks away from me fast
>Grabs onto my arm
>”L-lets go to another exhibit”
>Our body heat combined together is scorching
>”Y-yeah. Lets go”
 
>Walk through the art area more
>Carina points out paintings from more modern times
>goes on about the history of some of them, how in particular the paint used to make them is toxic and that the artist received mental problems by making them
>she’s so excited to explain it to me
>she tries to push me fast past the painting of the birth of Venus
>”don’t need to look at that” she mutters
>we come across a room dedicated to Michaengelo and his artistic ventures
>the whole area is filled with recreations of his art, the entire ceiling being a recreation of the Sistine chapel's ceiling
 
>I guide Carina along as she stares up at it
>she’s enthralled
>clinging to my arm and looking up with brilliant black eyes
>she eventually looks down and points at something
>”look!”
>Inertia is activated as she drags me towards something
>”they brought it!”
>her usually blank face is smiling
>I look at what she is pointing at
>in the center of the room is a 1:1 recreation of Michelangelo’s David, carved from the same style of marbel as the original
>it’s blocked off with velvet ropes
>there’s a bunch of elf college girls standing around it
>taking pictures of themselves touching and hugging it
>ignoring the sign next to it saying “No touching, hugging, licking, humping, or any other forms of physical contact allowed with the exhibit -Museum Staff”
>conveniently someone tried to hide the sign behind a jacket
>Carina is marveling at it
>looking at the valuable work out into the marble
>she looks from the statue and then at me
>glancing up me up and down
>I can hear her mutter something in her own language that I can’t understand
>she looks back at the statue nodding approvingly to herself for some reason
>”impressive, no? Made using hand. Only three years to make.”
>”it really is impressive”
>she seems so happy looking at it
>the elves eventually get chased away by a security guard, letting us see the statue better
 
>Carina freezes
>I can feel the heat radiating from her blush
>”l-let’s go look at other exhibit”
>she quickly puts up her hoodie and looks away
>tries tugging me away
>oh?
>I wonder what…
>realize what suddenly caused this change
>we can see the lower half of the statue now
>Carina is trying to stare at the ground
>but her eyes keep flickering back up to the statue
>and then to me, before going back down to the floor
>I can’t help but laugh
>flustered dragon is cute
>chuckle and lead her away
>”first time seeing one?”
>Carina looks at me embarrassed
>”n-no… wait ye-s but, not person i-“
>she lets out a long sigh
>”l-let’s look at next exhibit. Art very silly, no? It is, let’s go… please”
>we go from the Art exhibit down another hall
>wander about until we get to the Human Transportation exhibits
>Mainly reminds me of an antique car show
>Cars from the 60s, 80s, and early model american Fords
>Carina glances at each one of them as she drags me through the various cars
>Not the careful pondering she gave any of the previous exhibits
>As we go further in the cars start getting older
>I realize we probably entered in through the wrong way
>The cars give way to wagons and examples of trains
>Carinas pace is surprisingly fast for someone with such small legs
>The way she takes me cars and wagons turn into planes
>She stops dragging me before we round a corner
 
>She seems very excited
>”This best part of hall. My favorite.”
>She looks up at me, eyes beaming brightly
>”Please close eyes, be a surprise, yes?”
>I play along with the small dragon girls wishes and close my eyes]
>”Don’t open until I say!”
>she grabs my arm and drags me along
>Stumble a few times as I bump into a wall or get tripped up by her happy swishing tail
>We stop
>Theres several long seconds of silence
>”What do you think?”
>...
>”Uh… Carina?”
>”OH! Open eyes”
>I can’t help but laugh
>Open my eyes
>And…
>....
>How the hell?
>In Front of me in a massive indoor space is a full sized galleon ship
>A massive curving wooden hulk, ornately made from some dark wood
>Hundreds of small opening, antique bronze cannons sticking from them
>Its masts tower high, and the sails are furled up, ready to be dropped at a moments notice
>I feel my breath catch and I take a step back in wonder
>I was not expecting that
>”Impressive?”
>Carina is looking at me expectantly
>I nod yes dumbly
>”Yeah, thats… thats a ship”
>I hear her giggle happily
>”She named Santísima Trinidad, largest ship built in her yards. She had 70 of the cannon, meant to be a cargo ship. Captain took her for the longest voyage of time, almost full year. Too long for crew, many die. She captured on last voyage, was sold. Nobody knew she went for many many year, eventually elf find her here. Take her to museum, make her nice again.”
>Carina pulls me closer, dragging me to the ship
>She points out how the side of the ship is smooth and not layered, being carvel built instead of clinkered, and how that Carvel is much better for a galleon because it helps it hold more dense cargo better
 
>I’m not even sure how she knows this
>She leads me around the ship, pointing at different parts of it, words spilling from her mouth, telling me how it is made, why certain parts are like they are, what the history is, how the crew would have lived, even humming a shanty or two which would have been popular at the time
>I can see the pure elation beaming off her
>but
>I have absolutely zero idea what most of this means
>She looks to me, a huge smile on her face
>”You like?”
>There's small sliver of worry to her expression
>I take a second to gather my words
>”it’s…. Cool?”
>Her smile falters a little at my words
>She looks down and shrugs
>”Y-yeah. Cool. I-it fine if you no like. I-I, you know, very, unknown thing. Not many people, they no like much.”
>She tugs my sleeve
>”L-let go see other thing”
>I can see embarrassment creeping onto her face as she turns away
>I stop her before she can leave
>”I mean, it’s cool. And… I don’t understand too much, but I like it…”
>Carina cocks her head confused
>damn it Anon
>”What I’m  getting at is… I want to know more so I can enjoy it like you do?”
>Carina looks like she’s trying to think about what I said
>”What you mean?”
>ah fuck it
>”forget about it, I like it, and I think we should go to a maritime museum sometime.”
 
>Carina looks at me like I grew an extra had
>”A… mayor museum?”
>god damn it
>I pull pull out my phone and show her the website of the maritime museum at the beach and dockyards a little bit away
>Her jaw drops open
>”T-that real?”
>I nod yes
>She stares into my eyes seriously
>”We go. Go there. Soon. Yes?”
>”Yes, we go soon.”
 
>After another twenty minutes of Carina explaining how the Galleons in the website photos are different than the Galleon here we move onto the hall
>The human media
>Most of it is older stuff
>Lots of old texts, books, written music, and certain paintings
>I notice Carina seems distracted
>She keeps glancing over at a certain exhibit section
>Not in an excited manner either
>It’s as if it’s making her uncomfortable
>She seems to be upset a little
>Something wrong with her
>”Whats wrong.”
>She looks at me and then down to her feet
>”I… forget I don’t like exhibit. Usually avoid.”
>An exhibit she doesn't like?
>I… wasn’t expecting that
>I was thinking that she loved everything here
>”Why don’t you like it?”
 
>Carina opens her mouth to say something but then stops
>Just shakes her head
>”It fine. Just look.”
>We look back through the early human media
>Then I see it
>FANTASY REPRESENTATION IN HUMAN MEDIA
>Exhibit explains human myths and legends about fantasy creatures
>Orcs, elves, dwarves, and…
>Dragons
>I see now
>There's paintings, picture books, even movie stills of dragons
>Dragons eating princesses, torching towns, stealing treasure
>Knights slaying dragons, rescuing the beautiful princess from their ugly claws
>Even the biblical depictions of Satan taking the form of a dragon in revelations
>Signs explaining how throughout human history dragons are usually seen as representations of greed, evil, avarice, and wrath
>Carina isn’t looking at any of them
>She’s staring at the ground
>It looks like shes trying her hardest to not cry
>”Humans don’t like dragon. Not much at all Anon.”
>I look at the exhibit then to Carina
>And laugh
>”As much as I like this museum, I think this exhibit is bullshit.”
>Carina stops suddenly
>”W-what?”
>I shrug
>”Yeah, most people think dragons are pretty cool. I’ve liked them since I was a little kid. This exhibit left out all the cool good dragons.”
>Carina gasps loudly
 
>I feel her slam into me
>Shes pressed up right against my front
>”Good dragon? There is?”
>She looks so excited
>Her green lizard tail whipping back and forth happily
>”Well, yeah, lots. There used to be a movie… well, a movie, then a show, then more movies and a few games called How To Train Your Dragon.”
>Carina nods slowly
>”Explain. More. Please.”
>I explain to her the story of how to train your dragon
>How they originally didn't like the dragons, but then found out they were friendly, and the big dragon in the island and all that jazz
>”-And then they eventually loved the dragons and-”
>Carina stops me
>”They love dragon? Love love?”
>I nod yes
>A smile grows on her face
>”Then what?”
>”Then the dragons love them too-”
>HappyCarinaGiggle.Mp3
>”-Then the people started riding the dragons and the dragons let them and-”
>Carinas face goes from happy to shocked
>“T-they what?”
>What's with the surprise?
>”they.. Ride the dragons?”
>”T-they show in movie?”
>”Yeah, why wouldn't they?”
>Carinas face is bright red, a mixture of concern and great interest
>”b-b-but it kids movie? T-that is… inappropriate?”
>now it’s my turn to be confused
>what is she-
>wait…
>oh
>OH
>OOHHHHHH
 
>my own face turns red
>”not like that I mean riding like a horse”
>Carina pauses for a second then let’s put a long sigh of relief
>”oh oh oh I see I see.”
>I nod quickly
>”y-yeah ride like a horse not.. you know, that”
>”yes yes I see”
>we both stand there, looking at each other awkwardly
>”uh, you want to go see a different exhibit Carina?”
>she nods quickly
>”yes yes, let go do that.”
 
 
>we make our way from the human media exhibit to try and go to the human holidays and celebrations hall
>unfortunately it’s closed
>only exhibits that are still open is the gift shop and fountain out front
>not even the garden pavilion
>I guess we took longer at the Spanish Galleon than we realized
>Carina is bummed that we didn’t get to see the whole museum
>she shuffles slowly towards the exit where the gift shop is
>”I-I guess we go to gift shop and go home. Sorry for long time.”
>I give Carina the best smile I can
>”it just means we should come back here again sometime, see the rest.”
>Carina looks up at me with a blank face
>”you want to? Really?”
>”why not? I’ve had fun today. Let’s come back again sometime.”
>Carinas smiles a little, cheeks turning red
>”I-I have fun today too. Yes let’s come again.”
>we go into the gift shop
>it’s a typical museum tourist trap with bunches of merchandise
>Snowglobes, plush cavemen, models of the cars and the Spanish Galleon we saw, reprints of early human media
>All stuff themed after the exhibits
>We walk over and look at some of th models
 
>Carina instinctively gravitates towards the make your own ship in the bottle model of the Spanish Galleon
>She’s looking at it happily
>Pulls it off the shelf and turns it around
>Hey eyes go wide and she puts it back
>”Price tag too big” She mutters to me
>It can’t be that bad
>Maybe I’ll pick it up for her
>That would be nice
>I turn it around and look at the price tag
>...
>”Yeah, I have to agree on that.”
>m-maybe something else
>We look around the museum store more
>Theres a plush version of the spanish galleon
>Pick it up and hand it to Carina
>She squeezes it hard nuzzling her face into it
>A little smile creeps onto her face
>She is happy
>”Do you like it?”
>She nods her head yes, before setting it back
>”it nice, have one just like it at home.”
>damn it
 
>go through the rest of the shop
>notice a snow globe of the Spanish galleon
>Carina says it looks just like the one she has back at home
>there’s a poster
>and she has it
>keychain?
>has it
>why does this woman have everything regarding this ship?
>...
>nevermind that’s a stupid question
>we end up exiting the gift shop without anything
>Carina seems content though
>her otherwise blank expression is pleased
>nestled into her jacket, eyes glimmering, a tiny smirk to the corner of her lips
>we walk over to the fountain, arms linked
>it’s shooting water into the air rhythmically, following the rhythm of the underlighting and the classical music being played
>a gentle soft sonata, perfect for the background
>we sit at a bench, watching the show
>lights pulsing, water arcing into the air, the sound of pianos and string instruments gently whispering out a tune
>it’s peaceful
>it’s wonderful
>it’s..perfectly romantic
>”beautiful. Much better at night. You right.” Carina says as she rests her head on my shoulder, trying her best to not poke me with her stubby little dragon horns
>just us here together, nothing else in the world
 
>peace
>I feel a little bit of courage
>just something prickling up inside me
>I want this
>I want to do this for the rest of my life
>me and her, together, being there for each other
>I want to do this for years on end, and never have it end
>”Hey, Carina…”
>Carina shifts her eyes up towards me curiously
>”I was wondering… this is nice, and I want to do this again.”
>Carina nods slowly
>”so maybe we do this again, and go out again, but how about… not as friends?”
>Carina suddenly sits up
>”n-not friends? Why not?”
>ah fuck
>”n-not like that, I’ll still always be your friend- I mean, ah damn it.”
>I’m fucking this up hard
>I’m just going to say this
>let out a deep sigh
>”What I’m saying is… let’s go on a date. I want to go on a date with you. I love you, and want to go on a date.”
>the adrenaline coursing through me makes me feel giddy
>Carina looks at me shocked
>she closes her and looks away
>”no.”
>no?
>Carina is looking at her feet, holding her hands together
>”I mean, no no not no, I want but- can’t and… I-I-I not- no...I mean no but… I…”
>she stares at me
>gives me the same look I saw so many weeks ago in the room
>scared, anxious, afraid
>”I-I need use bathroom”
>she quickly gets up and sprints off
>I watch as she leaves me there
>alone
>the music turns off, as do the lights and fountain
>*THE MUSEUM IS NOW OFFICIALLY CLOSED. PLEASE MAKE YOUR WAY TO YOUR CARS, AND HAVE A SAFE DRIVE HOME.* says the voice over the loudspeaker
>...
>fuck
 
 
 
>I wait there in the near complete dark, alone
>Museum workers pass by me, asking if i’m alright
>”Yeah, just waiting on someone.”
>There’s no moon in the sky tonight
>I look up at the stars, waiting, hoping
>I…
>I don’t know what happened
>Just wait on the bench, sitting there
>Wind starts blowing a little
>It gets cold fast
>What did I do wrong?
>No…
>She said no
>I mean, I get it, why she said it
>I think
>I was just hoping for something else
>I guess I had hope for some reason
>Hope that she actually liked me
>Hope that we had a future together
>I guess it was silly for me to think that
>The wind blowing in my face is making my eyes hurt
>Have to wipe a couple tears away
>The cold isnt good for my face
>the windburn hurts
>Yeah
>The windburn, thats it
>Nothing else
>I expected this, so this doesn’t hurt
>not at all
>I knew this would happen, yeah
>I just… wish it might have been different
>...
>what am I doing here?
>why am I still sitting here?
>am I really waiting for her?
>she ran off, not that I can blame her
>Maybe I got ahead of myself…
>not like I ever could actually be with her
>why not though?
>why couldn’t I?
>I just…
>I don’t know…
>There’s the sound of footsteps from behind me
>I don’t even have to turn around to know who it is
>get tapped on the shoulder
>slowly look behind me
>Carina has her hands in her pockets, looking down on the ground
>she’s shaking
>it’s not cold enough to be trembling…
>is she… nervous?
>why though?
>she digs around for something in her hoodie pocket
 
>pulls out a crumpled piece of red construction paper that’s been folded
>”t-take...please.”
>I slowly reach for it
>she pulls it back from my hand before I can grab it
>”I-I...n-no it’s fine. Take.”
>she practically shoves the paper into my hand
>”r-read..”
>read?
>is it a note?
>I start to unfold the piece of paper
>”N-NOT HERE ANON.”
>she shouts unusually loud
>fold back up the paper quickly
>”r-read at dorm, away, not me here.”
>...
>oh
>I see
>put it into my pocket and give Carina a nod
>she watches me put it in with worry etched in her face
>”ok… I’ll do that.”
>she gives me a small smile in return
>”G-grazi… l-let’s go, go back home now. That okay? Yes?”
>”yeah… let’s go.”
>we walk back to the car together
>Carina keeping her distance
>no arms linked, no hands held, just us walking together
>make it back to the car
>She gets in on her side, closing the door
>Puts on seatbelt, flips up her hood, and stuff her hands in her pockets
>I get in on the other side, starting up my car
>The letter in my pocket feels weird
>It’s just a piece of paper, but I can still feel it
>Not a physical weight, but a mental one
>Drive home is silent
>No music, no conversation
 
>Just the hum of the cars engine and us puttering along
>We get to the university late
>Quietly walk through the campus, not too far but not too close together
>Make it to the path near the dormitory where we would split off
>I follow Carina as she turns to go down her path
>She turns around and looks at me
>Shakes her head no
>”You go, go back to dorm. I go to own dorm.”
>She looks uneasy
>”Letter, go read, alone, bye!”
>Carina turns around and takes off running
>She gets about halfway before stopping and turning back
>”Go! Read!”
>I watch as she makes it the rest of the way to her building, going inside
>My heart is heavy, but there is something else in there
>A small little bit that says “it’s not over yet”
>Or maybe that’s just me being too optimistic
>I walk back to my dorm building, taking a long trudge up the stairs to my floor
>I want to sleep
>this day has left me exhausted
>I get up to my dorm and collapse into my bed
>state up at the ceiling
>I can feel the note poking me
>pull it out and look at it
>badly crinkled and folded red construction paper
>if I don’t open it…
>nothing will happen
>nothing has to happen
>schrodingers letter
>until I open this, both nothing and something has happened
>I could just ignore it, go to sleep, and carry on tomorrow like nothing happened
>...
>but I can’t
>unfold the paper
>almost rip it a few times trying to figure out how it’s folded
>it’s not a normal sheet, it’s shaped different
>I open it up and…
>...
>oh my god
>it’s a badly cut out heart
>someone with nervous, shaky hands cut it out, probably the best of hundreds of attempts
>and there’s writing
>it’s in hand written English, done with a scented marker
 
>scented marker?
>I haven’t seen anyone use one of those since fifth grade…
>but the smell of oranges is unmistakable
>that’s…
>that’s her smell
>I begin reading the shaky, bad English handwriting
*To Anon,*
*You are my best friend in the world. I come to this school and not know anyone else but family. You are only person who ever give me chance. I annoy and make you upset but you still talk to me. I remember night you stay over, I feel calm from you there. You make me feel good when elf are mean to me in cafe, and always help with school for no reason. I can’t say in words because I to scared and I ramble when write and I don’t know how tell you but I do love you and care you. Yes I love you.*
*Love love love you.*
*Please go on date sometime*
*PS: sorry for bad English*
>my hand is trembling as I read the letter
>heart is pounding, a rush of adrenaline coursing in my veins
>I set the letter down besides me
>I feel…
>how do I feel?
>I don’t know how I feel
>calm? Like a weight has been let off my shoulders? Warm?
>yes, that's it
>warm
>snuggly warm, like the night we fell asleep together
>and I’m smiling like an idiot
>I…
>I need to talk to her
>I need to talk to Carina
>I pull out my phone, only to find a text from her
>*”I am going to sleep because am very very tired. You please read letter. Meet at cafe for coffee at 10:00aam? We talk then. Goodnight Anon.”
>I text back with “sure, sounds good. Goodnight Carina.”
>I lay down in my bed
>and the smile on my face and beating of my heart won’t let me sleep
>10:00am is a long ways away, but I can wait
>I can wait for her

>my nights is fitful, but somehow, I manage to sleep and then wake up
>7:37am
>about an hour and a half before my alarm goes off
>great
>I get up and decide to shower and get dressed
>even put on a nice button up
>am I really dressing up for this?
>now?
>after all the time I’ve had?
>...
>well I guess I am
>I can barely wait to go down and see her 
>it’s now 
>8:14am
>I am ready
>and just have to wait
>wait another two hours
>that’s all
>I feel giddy and elated, but also nervous as hell
>I wish it could be 10:00am
>we have… a lot to unpack and discuss about things
>what am I even going to say?
>what should I say?
>should I bring flowers?
>does she like flowers?
>wait, what do dragons like?
>I mean, she’s only a half dragon, but still…
>I just don’t want to mess this up
>I don’t even know why I’m so worried about this
>or why I even love this girl
>it just happened
>8:16am
>wow this is going to take forever 


>wait an agonizing hour before biting the bullet
>head down to the cafe early
>I can at least get a coffee and clear my mind there
>walk up to the counter and order a black coffee
>get it and go to find a place to sit down
>only to see…
>well, someone decided that she couldn’t wait either
>Carina is sitting at table by the window, ramrod straight
>Hair down and curled, wearing a white spring dress with flowers on it
>sipping on some sort of steaming hot beverage with whipped cream on top
>she had the same idea
>I feel underdressed 
>because
>she’s stunning 
>orange Hair down and curled, wearing a white spring dress with flowers on it
>her scale spots polished brilliantly
>she’s not just dressed to look nice
>shes… dressed to impress 
>dressed to impress ME
>I walk up to the table
>she’s looking at me
>I pause
>us both staring at each other
>”uh… is this seat… taken?”
>Carina nods
>”uh yes”
>wait what
>Carina sees the confusion on my face
>”I-I-mean no, no no please sit.”
>Carina cringes at herself
>tail curling around her body
>I take a seat across from her
>and 
>we do that
>we sit 
>sipping our coffees 
>looking at each other
>I give Carina the occasional smile
>her twirling the red curls of her hair and looking away bashfully when I do that
>her cheeks rosy with color
>the silence is
>blissful
>the elephant in the room gladly ignored
>I let out a sigh
>a happy one
>and a smile
>”you must’ve woken up really early to get ready.”
>Carina nods 
>”y-yeah. Pretty early. Not sleep much last night.”
>I take a sip of my coffee and set it back down
>I’m going to say it 
>I want to say it
>”well… you look beautiful.”
>Carina jumps in her seat a little
>her dark eyes widening as her cheeks go cherry red
>She quickly looks away, trying to hide her blush
>”n-not really…”
>”Carina, you always look beautiful. Always. Even when you're just in your hoodie and your hairs pulled back. You’re the cutest thing ever..”
>…
>did
>did I just say that?
>Carinas is stunned
>stonewall
>she just blinks, staring into my eyes
>and then sips her drink
>a puff of whip cream stick on her nose
>she stares off into space
>and I hear something
>a thumping
>like someone is kicking the seat
>I realize, someone is
>she is
>her legs are kicking a mile a minute
>happily
>She looks like she wants to say something
>Like there’s something welled up inside of her
>Carina opens her mout
>and-
>closes it
>she stops
>looking frustrated
>and by frustrated
>blank faced but with her brow sort of furrowed 
>she opens her mouth again, raising her finger
>then Stops, again
>she scratches her chin, muttering to herself
>”anon, I-“
>then shakes her head
>”Anon ple-“
>she closes her mouth again
>sweat is starting to bead the top of her brow 
>she’s balling up her hands nervously
>pressing them into her thighs
>”Anon… Anon well… An-n-“
>I cut her off 
>”Carina…”
>She freezes
>like the bitchy elf barista dumped ice water down her spine
>she doesn’t say anything as she looks into my eyes
>She’s waiting
>waiting for something
>I take the advantage 
>”Carina, I understand. You don’t have to say anything if you don’t want to. I understand you.”
>Carinas mouth opens the slightest amount
>and then she closes it
>she nods
>and let’s out a long, heavy sigh
>laying back into the seat
>finally relaxing 
>loose like cooked spaghetti 
>not rigid dry pasta
>heh, Italian reference 
>she’s smiling
>a type of smile I’ve never seen before on her face
>sipping her drink
>she looks up at me
>and smiles even wider
>showing off her pointed teeth
>”G-Grazie.” She says sheepishly
>and then
>little more passes between us
>no words
>just smiles 
>and an odd feeling
>relief?
>Is that what I feel?
>Relief and… 
>I’m not sure exactly 
>But it is nice
>We just sit there, in each others company, sipping drinks 
>The time passes
>I’m not sure how long
>Until our drinks are empty
>We decide to get up and stretch our legs
>We take a walk around the campus
>Outside with the early afternoon sun shining on us
>Chilly, a little bit, but…
>I feel warm, comfortable, at ease
>I look to my side
>Carina has her arm hooked around mine
>And her hand…
>I didn’t even realize it, but our fingers are completely entwined
>The grip locked
>Her smaller fingers completely wrapping around mine
>I give her hand a few small, rhythmic squeezes
>She giggles, mimicking the gesture, squeezing my hand
>It makes my heart skip a beat 
>My breath to catch
>Oh god I feel so giddy
>And retarded
>My brain is completely going haywire
>I don’t think there could be ANYTHING that could drag me out of this moment!
>”Is that Anon?”
>”Anon! Hey dude!”
>”Anooon!” 
>...
>What?
>I look behind me, seeing the bros running at me 
>”Dude! Anon! How’d it go?” Shouts OrcBro
>”Yeah dude! You went radio silent!” The halfing twins say
>”Yeah! And… oh, who’s the cutie youre with?” ElfBro chimes in absent mindedly
>My mind goes blank, as Carina turns to face my friends
>A look of understanding suddenly flashes across all of their faces
>Except ElfBro, who looks confused as hell
>Dumbass
>”So…uh…” They all mutter, looking between me and Carina
>”I’d say it went well enough.” I chime in
>OrcBro gives me a wink and a thumbs up
>”We’ll leave you to it.” He chuckles, leading the rest of the bros off
>”Guys, seriously, who is that? I thought he said he wanted to get with Carina?” elf bro whispers to them, his voice laced with curiosity and confusion
>I look down to Carina
>Her head cocked, an eyebrow raised, watching those lovable dumbasses walk off
>”Your friends… they…” Carina mutters, watching them
>”They’re completely braindead.” I say jokingly
>Carina laughs at the comment
>”They really care much about you, very very much. I can tell.” 
>I feel a smile come to my face at that 
>”Come on, let’s not worry about them right now. How about… we get our first lunch together?”
>Carina gives me a blank look, her head cocked
>”First?”
>I nod in agreement
>Taking a deep breath, readying myself to say it
>”Our first lunch… as… us, together. You know, together... together.”
>My words make me cringe
>That felt dumb to say
>I hate myself
>But, I know who doesn't hate myself
>Carina
>Who’s dark black eyes are wide
>”y-yes!” She squeaks out
>”yes yes, us… together together, together.” 
>My heart jumps at this
>”Together together.” I echo back, squeezing her hand
>”Together together, grazie!”