Chapter Text
Thursday finally came, and it’s quite a relief so far.
Last week was… I don’t want to say bad but, definitely it wasn't the best.
Just on the first day back, in the very first class, I got hit on the nose by a human, Daniel. Hard enough to make me bleed a little. I had to be sent to the nurse's office right after.
It’s been well over a week, and I still can’t get over the face Daniel made when he hit me. I know people are scared of me, but I never saw it to that level. It was pure dread, regret, and actual fear for his life. I felt a little hurt when I saw that, and hearing the whispers and comments all around when it happened, sure didn’t make it any better. Of how he had ‘ angered the witch’ , or how I was going to hurt him in various ways. It’s all the same, every time. Has been the case for many years now. High school in general has not been… Great for me socially. With all that was already happening, I just decided to not bother with things anymore for that day, and leave early after lunch. I was excused by the nurse, thankfully.
Great start of the year.
By now, I should have gotten used to it. People whisper, people talk, people still view me the same. But it has gotten slightly worse as of late, as some don’t bother lowering their voice anymore even while I’m close, and there are more comments this time around. Painting me a lot more violent than last year.
Funny considering I never got myself in a fight.
But like I said, I should've gotten used to this already. I should probably expect this for the rest of the year.
Though, Daniel sitting across the table on Tuesday, was not something I expected. It… caught me a bit off guard at that moment, as it isn’t common for people to just approach me in general.
but I soon knew why he came by to my table, he came to apologize.
At first I thought it was out of pure fear, just apologizing so I don't “target him”. Just thinking about it made me feel annoyed at that time.
He did confirm he was scared… but also that he felt regret and felt really guilty for hitting me. He even gave me ‘compensation’ for hitting me. A can of wet spinach.
As funny and silly as it was, I actually really enjoyed that spinach. I haven’t gotten some sort of gift from someone besides my parents or family in a while, it was nice.
I was nervous at first. Quiet… But he stayed around despite it. We kept talking a bit more during lunch. Initially a bit of small talk about how I was feeling after the little accident, if it was okay for him to sit nearby, how was winter break. Small things. And found out we do share some other classes. Considering he seemed okay with talking to me, and seemingly overcoming his fear, it was nice to know we would share a class together beyond P.E. He quickly became one of the few I could talk with, besides the girls in the literature club, of which I don’t share any classes with, unfortunately.
Though, I can’t help but feel some… doubt about this whole thing.
I started to question a bit, why did he decide to stick around?
I don’t want to sound unthankful, but It’s just something way too new for me, and while we do hang around, I decided to ‘restrain’ myself a bit as of late, just to be safe about this.
It could have been a dare, a challenge by some other, to test his luck or test my patience, or even brag how he got to hang out with scissors hands throughout P.E, lunch and literature.
All the reasons why I should treat this carefully.
But the more I have been with him… it’s honestly getting hard to think that it is all because he was challenged.
He seems genuine.
It’s odd, but I welcome the change honestly. He’s nice. Loud while eating, and a bit dumb at times. But fun.
Though as of late, I noticed he usually disappears on our way to literature, he probably goes to the bathroom or to get some water.
But that’s not the odd part, the odd part is when he arrives at the class, he usually comes in looking… really annoyed, but quickly wipes it off as he sat down at his desk right next to mine.
Maybe people are talking about him as well? I can relate to the feeling. Being annoyed while trying to not be bothered by things people say about you.
I just hope it’s not as bad as how people talk about me. It’s already bad enough.
After letting out a sigh, I stood up and resumed my walk around the mall. I should probably get myself something to drink. Iced coffee doesn’t sound bad, given the current weather.
And also, considering the weather, I should probably wear something that isn’t a hoodie.
…
…Nan.
It gets really cold inside the buildings either way, more reasons to keep the hoodie.
I should also probably get myself more ink, originally I came to buy more books but I've been kinda running low on- agh!
My thoughts are cut short as I bump into someone. A green Stego with dark green hair. It’s what I get for being too immersed in my thoughts, I lift my head to look at the person and apologize.
“Oh, I’m sorry, I wasn’t looking. Sorry for-” The Stego turned around and looked up to me. In what felt like half a second, his face turned into terror.
“AGHHHHHHHHHhhwait…” he squinted his eyes a bit as he looked at me intently. His expression changed almost immediately. “O-oh hey I know you! You're that girl Daniel has been hanging out with.” he said as he passed a hand through his forehead and let out a ‘phew’ sound.
Oh mon dieu, please. Not here too… I'm not in the mood for this. “Really sorry about that, the name's Luca!” he said as he offered me a hand to shake a bit hesitantly.
Huh?
I stood frozen for a moment at the sudden greeting, wasn’t he scared just a second ago?
I looked at his hand before I showed him my claws carefully. I can’t quite shake hands with these, but before I could make any comment about it, he’s… holding my claw? Yeah no, he’s shaking my claw. “Hah! Close enough.” he said with a wide grin on his face though I could see he was still nervous.
“U-uhm… Samantha.”
“Yeah I know! Daniel keeps talking about ya.”
…he has what?
“...He…talked about me?” I could feel some of my feathers starting to ruffle up. Daniel… Talks about me?
please don't tell me he-
“L-like, how you’re chill n’all!” Luca quickly interjected before commenting more “-ahem, like how you’re cool, how you got sick looking claws, and definitely said how pretty you are, y'know the good stuff” He smiles broadly, while wiggling his eyebrows at a rapid paste.
He… ok nothing bad, nothing bad at all, I can relax a little now… wait what was that last part-
a notification sound plays from his pocket as he lets go of my claw and takes out his phone to put in the password. “Either way again, sorry how I reacted, just uhmm…” he said as he looked at me awkwardly, yeah I already know why.
“...Y-yeah sorry.” He said as he glanced back at his phone, “Oh crap, I gotta go, nice meetin’yaseeyalaterokaybyeeeee!” And just like that, as quickly as it started, it ended. He’s already several yards away.
huh…what a curious guy.
Definitely very energetic, I honestly expected him to just run away after that scream.
…I needed to get some things, didn’t I? Oh, right, ink… Maybe an iced coffee. After recovering from that sudden exchange, I decided to resume my walk.
From what he told me… it’s really nice to know he hasn’t talked bad about me.
About 30 minutes later, and well... I think I have everything now. I better play some music and start heading home.
Just as I plug my headphones and look for some music, my attention is drawn to that very green stego from earlier, just a floor below. And I manage to spot Daniel as well. There aren't many humans in this part of the city, and he isn't hard to miss either... Despite his stature.
I keep watching for a bit longer, almost mindlessly. It's weird to think two opposites of each other could hangout just well. It's like they are oil and water, and yet they seem friendly enough towards each other.
Luca is very loud and energetic, while Daniel looks at him slightly annoyed, though I can see them laughing even from this far. Must be nice…
Maybe I could… no, I Shouldn’t butt myself in.
I sigh. Finally choose a song and start walking towards the exit.
… I do wonder what other things he could have said, usually I’d mute every single talk behind my back, but coming from Daniel, I’m just more than curious.
After about a thirty minute walk, I finally got home as I put in the code and stepped in, looking around and hearing no activity. I guess my parents are going to be out for longer, how surprising.
Throwing the empty coffee cup away, I made my way upstairs before I made an abrupt stop. Looking around a bit at the living room, I noticed a bit of trash that was laying on the desk, as well some dirt on the ground, and looking at some of our pictures, I can see some dust starting to gather. As lonely as this house is, it’s still bound to get dirty.
Setting down my stuff, I started off by throwing the trash away as well as cleaning off the tables from any dirt, after that, I grabbed a duster and one of our pictures.
Before I started taking off the dust, I couldn’t help but stare at the picture in hand.
It was one of the pictures of me climbing a tree, and in the frame I could see my dad’s face when he saw me up there.
I couldn’t help but crack a smile at that. Nearby, there’s another picture on a side table. It was us three when we visited a canyon a couple of years ago.
On another, it was us sitting on a bench looking at the camera, I was in the middle while my parents were on the side holding me tightly.
We look so happy in these…
…
… why is my hand- ah, I'm shaking.
After realizing I was just staring at the picture while tearing up, I quickly brush the dust from the pictures and set them down before sitting down on the couch.
I really can’t be mad at them. With the jobs they have, they barely have time to be here.
I just wish… We could be together here more often. It beats the interactions I often have otherwise
After school and after the club I pretty much don't have much to do here. The best I can do is write or listen to some music, I can go outside and such but, what’s the reason when there’s no one to be out with? Other than that, this place is…
…Really lonely…
…at least… I don’t feel as alone in school as I did last year, now that Daniel is there. It’s a small addition, but it does feel better.
Speaking of, if I recall, he told me about a show that he liked watching. I could check it out. It’s the best I can do to kill time so why not? Going up the stairs and into my room, I logged into my laptop and got into the Ama-zing app. Had to scroll a bit, but I finally found it. It seems pretty simple. Just a show about operators right? I put on my headphones and started off the first episode.
…
…
…
…Seigneur I was not expecting that.
Looking at the clock, how long have I been watching this? Four hours? Lord. I had to get up and find a quick snack. At some point, my parents texted me to say they would be arriving a bit too late today.
As far as I watched, the accidents that are shown are quite bloody, a little too bloody for me.
I guess I can see Daniel watching this for a while, mon dieu.
After setting the laptop down and heading off to bed, I stared at the ceiling for a moment as I pondered… I could talk more to Daniel about this.
Maybe he knows some other show with less blood in it.
Could help kill the time here knowing what else to watch, and we could talk about said shows. Maybe watch some of it together in my house!
…
I quickly shook my head off at that last thought, yeah no. Definitely not that last part, but the rest still should be nice.
And with that final thought I closed my eyes and let sleep take me.
…
Next morning while waiting outside for the school doors to open, the weather was feeling a lot nicer this time around, I'm kinda looking forward to it. Yesterday our literature teacher, Ms. Thatch, told us she had something for us for today. Many of the reactions to that were negative, including Daniel’s, but I am excited about it.
Speaking of Daniel, looking from afar while he makes his way up the stairs, I can see he’s not doing so well with the current weather. If I recall, humans don’t do well in high temperatures, or maybe it has to do with his clothes. It looks like two shirts, one white long sleeve and one blue short sleeve, it’s… a very questionable choice of clothing to say the least.
If my mom would ever see that, she would demolish him on the spot .
But who am I to judge really, I don’t have a fashion sense like hers.
After he made his way closer, I could start hearing him mutter something. I picked up some of it as he got closer. “-dios este puto sol, porque no se va a la mier-” he then took notice of me, and cut himself off before he could continue that sentence any further. “Oh, hey Samantha.”
“Hey Daniel.” I gently waved while Daniel was tugging on his shirt. Yeah I think it has to do more with his clothing “How’s your morning so far?”
“Ehh, I really want to slam my alarm on the floor, but so far I’m ok, though dios mio , Mr.Hawk is being merciless with the homeworks as of late.”
“It can’t be that bad, right?”
“...trust me, it is. But either way, how was your-” Daniel furrows for a moment as he stops speaking, he then looks towards something behind me. Confused, I followed his gaze, landing on a group of three students. They were all wearing some of the same clothes.Daniel let out a sigh before turning back to me. “Hey uhh… how about we meet at lunch or in literature.”
“Oh, what about P.E? We also share that class.”
“Yeah but…” he went silent for a moment before looking back at the same group for a moment. “... Coach will have us run laps or do some shit, we get more free time for talking during lunch and literature, alright?”
“Hmm…alright, see you then.”
“See ya.” Daniel waved before heading out into a different path, most likely heading into one of the side entrances. I turn my head to look back towards the group, with one of them glancing at me before turning away quickly.
Before I could make any further thought, the bell went off as the doors opened and the students went inside. Walking to my first class, people were getting out of my way as usual, with the usual comment and such. I can make out a few people even snickering as I pass by.
… I just lower my head, with my hair covering most of my face. Try to focus on something different...
A s bothersome as that is, I can't shake off a bad feeling about that group Daniel was looking at. Do they know him?
… I’m unsure, but overall I just hope it’s nothing bad.
The rest of the morning passes by relatively quietly. With the first and second class finished, lunch was here. I sat on my usual spot, opening up my bag and this time brought a bowl of fruit salad with me.
Just as I set down, I hear a tray be placed in front of me. Once I look up, I see it is Daniel. Sweet.
“Hey Sam.”
“Hey Daniel.” I gently waved as I looked at his tray, he brought chicken wings this time. “You aren’t getting the usual sandwich?”
“Nah, I already got bored of it, besides, this is better.” He said as he dipped one of the wings in the ranch and started to crunch on it…
*CRUNCH* *CRUNCH*
loudly.
He’s even- oh lord . He’s even eating the bone marrow. Do… all humans eat like this?
I know some dinos can eat stuff like that in one bite and chew loudly but good lord.
After listening to a couple of crunches Daniel suddenly stopped as his eyes locked onto me, and lowering his chicken wing on hand he cleared his throat a bit. “Ahem… sorry I just… one sec-“ he then turned his whole body around and started to crunch on the wing again, I guess he did that so I hear less of the crunching, but now the other dinos nearby are seemingly uncomfortable by the noises and display.
It is frankly a tad off-putting, but I can’t help but find it a bit humorous nonetheless.
Chuckling a bit, I started eating my fruit as Daniel finally discarded one piece of wing. Or what was left of it, at least.
This is nice.
After we enjoyed our food together, the bell went off as we made our way to the next class. As we got closer to the classroom, Daniel started to fall behind again. Seeing him starting to tense up. I stopped and walked back to stand beside him. “You alright?”
“Huh? O-oh yeah I’m good just…” Daniel stayed quiet for a moment, thinking about something before placing a hand on his stomach. “... Just need to go to the bathroom, see you in literature.” He quickly said as he left before I could respond.
Him slowing down and becoming… avoidant, is becoming a common occurrence.
I stood still for a moment, waiting, before resuming my way to the class. Before I entered, I glanced back at the hallway to see if Daniel was on his way, but there’s no sign of him, However after a couple of minutes before class starts, I did manage to spot that same group that was in the front of the school, they seemed to be looking for someone.
As they were passing by I could start catching up with what one of the members was saying, a small raptor that was rubbing the end of his snout, he seemed slightly bruised. “-bert I’m telling you I saw him go in and I chased after him, the fucker even did a weird arm reload thi-"
“My god, shut the hell up, Josh, I swear you’re such a weak little shit, out of all the people, you let him beat you up? I swear if I hear a word about this coming out in public I’ll-” before he continued he glanced towards again and then spotted me “OH JESUS!”
Him as well as the others jumped back as well yelling out a bit as I got startled as well, even if it wasn’t the first time, I still can’t get used to sudden reactions like that.
Before I could say anything or apologize, the tall blue triceratops snarled a bit and resumed his walk as well the others “fucking stalker.” I caught one last whisper coming from him as he finally disappeared.
I…
Sigh…
…Again, this shouldn’t be a surprise.
I got inside and got to my usual spot as the rest of the students started getting into the classroom. While getting my books out I glanced upwards a couple of times to see if Daniel had arrived, but there was still no sign of him.
Getting worried, I was about to stand up to check one last time as Ms. Thatch was about to close the door, only to be abruptly stopped, she looked over and she stepped back as she crossed her arms. “Well Mr. Diago, mind explaining why you are arriving just now?”
The door opened more to see- oh thank goodness is him. “I was in the bathroom Ms…” Daniel responded as he rubbed his forehead, his tone sounded more agitated, as his face forrowed a bit, he looked like he just had to book it to reach here. “But at least I’m here, am I not?”
“Even still you’re late, I'll mark you late just this ti-“
“Are you serious!?” Thatch was suddenly cut off as Daniel raised his voice out of nowhere, causing her to be in shock just for a second before forrowing her eyes at Daniel, causing him to step back for a moment. “I…sorry…”
Thatch sighed before continuing. “See me after class, ok?” Daniel stayed still just for a moment before nodding then making his way silently and sat next to my chair.
I was about to ask but… really he doesn’t seem ok right now, I gently tapped my claws together which seemed to catch his attention as he looked to the side at me. “I’m ok Samantha just… had to stay longer that’s all.” He said as he looked forward again and stayed silent.
I could notice as well he was shivering slightly from time to time, as well rubbing his knuckles quite a lot.
The rest of the class went way more silent than usual, I wanted to ask further, but I couldn’t bring myself to say anything, I stayed silent along with him.
Ms. Thatch mentioned at one point we are going to start off a group work between partners, a bit of a project as she likes to call it, and after the work was sent around Ms. Thatch spoke up. “Remember I want this work to be returned by next Tuesday, and don’t bother copying from a book or in Guuglu, I’ll know if you did.” She said as she snapped the pencil she had on hand which made everyone, including me, get startled.
Looking at my side at Daniel, he seemed really uninterested until I tapped my claws again, catching his attention once again. I can take this chance to break the ice. “Do you want to work together?”
Hearing my offer, Daniel seemed to relax a little as he nodded, awesome.
“Then let’s meet tomorrow, we can discuss more then.”
Daniel looked to the side for a moment before looking back at me. “That’d be great, though my question is, where can we do the project?” Daniel and I pondered at the thought as I saw his face light up with an idea like a lightbulb. “Maybe we can work at my house?”
I froze up for a moment at the idea, i'm getting invited to his house? After a moment I can see him freeze up. He seemed to realize something as his face suddenly had a hint of… pink? That's so sudden. “A-actually maybe not, my house is uhh… loud.”
Thinking about it, if that's the case then…oh god.
My house is usually alone and silent. I think that’s a perfect place but uhh… god if my parents find out I invited a boy to our house they’re not going to leave me alone about it.
However there seems to be no better choice…
“…h-how about my house? It’s usually, really quiet.” I said in a bit of a low tone as Daniel freezed up again, oh god this feels so awkward.
After a moment of silence Daniel finally spoke up. “Y-yeah that sounds great, better work environment right?” After Danile responded a bit nervously, I nodded as we went off to do our current work.
Things at least seemed to relax a little more, as we finished up and handed it to our teacher, the bell went off and we started packing our stuff, unfortunately Daniel had to stay behind for his talk with Ms, Thatch.
But before I left I glanced over at my side and gave Daniel a gentle smile, which seemed to make him crack one little smile back.
After classes were done for today I made my way to the club room, at this times the hallways were a lot quieter, way less saurians except a few that were chit chatting before finally leaving, still even with way less people, I was still not safe from the usual glares or scared look from the few as I made my way, and from those few still making comments or murmur something that I know it’s not nice.
But all that disappeared as soon as I entered the club room, looking around I saw I was the first to get here this time. finally some quietness.
Though I know that won’t last for much but still something.
I set my bag down on a empty chair and went to grab a book from the shelf and finally sat down, skipping through some pages until i landed on the one i left off, now where was-
*SLAM!*
I got startled at the sudden noise as the door was kicked open. Looking over I saw a Saurian holding a stack of books that blocked their face from my view, not long before they threw the stack of books onto the table which some fell down.
Looking closer all of these books were chapters of- oh, Chainsaw Rex.
That means. I looked over to see the pink hair colored, light pink with white scales troodon, wearing shorts and a hoodie as well boots that reach up to her knees. My suspicion was confirmed, it was Nuki.
“fucking FINALLY I got this shit here.”
“Good afternoon Nuki, how was-“
“Eugh don’t even ask.”
“Oh…well-“
“But let me tell you today was-“ aaaand off she goes, it’s the usual complaint from her about the week, like homework or complaining about some guy, like said, the usual.
But not long before she could continue her rant, the door clicks open again, this time entering a caramel color hair, light brown scales with white spots parasaur, wearing big round glasses and a long sleeves shirt with words that say ‘L.M.A.O.’ Sweet, Sophie is here.
“Hiya!” Sophie exclaimed while waving her arms then she threw her stuff into a nearby chair, I waved back gently, while Nuki grunted and waved back lazily. “How are both of your days going?”
“Well let me tell you, today-“ oh my god she’s repeating everything again.
After her two minute long rant was done, Sophie was just standing there, stayed silent for a moment to see if Nuki was going to continue any further but she didn’t, now she took her chance. “Well I'm sorry to hear that.” Sophie responded as she looked over to me. “How about you Samantha?”
“Well… Could be better but tomorrow should be way better.”
“Oh is that so? Wonderful news!” Sophie responded as she went to the shelf and picked up a book. At the corner I saw Nuki leaning closer to me as she covered her mouth on the side so she could whisper to me.
“Samantha, I’m still convinced she takes drugs.”
“NUKI!” I whispered in a bit louder tone.
“I’M SERIOUS, I mean take for example, monday, who the fuck is happy in a monday?”
I sighed as Nuki sat back on her and Sophie sat her book down.
After we all settled down on our books, the comfortable silence kicked in as we concentrated on our books, usually the silence is sometimes broken by some of Nuki’s complaints or Sophie’s gasps but never anything that lasted, however I started to notice Nuki has been giving me a lot of glances as of late, I sat my book down a bit and turned to her. “I-is there something on my face?”
“Hmm… no, I just thought the mark that the asshole left on your nose was still there”
Eugh again with this… “Nuki, It’s been well over a week since that happened, the mark wouldn't stay that long.” I said as I frowned, I appreciate the half concern but why does she bring this up alot.
“Well sorry, just a lot of dumbasses wouldn’t shut up about it, it’s inevitable.” she said as she turned to another page in her book. “Besides though… I've noticed you've been around with him quite a lot.” Nuki spoke as that caught the attention of Sophie, which she turned to me.
“You have been with the human?”
“...yesss?” I slightly shrugged as Sophie looked mixed about the matter while Nuki frowned. “Ok yes, I know he hit me, caused my nose to bleed -which I'm surprised he’s even capable of- and sent me to the nurse office but he did apologize, he even gave me spinach and we partnered up for a literature work.”
Sophie seemed to relax a little while Nuki looked to the side. “Well good at least he apologized but I’m still keeping my eye on him.”
“Nuki. c’mon.”
“Samantha, it’s him we are talking about, don’t you know what he has done last year?”
“I really don’t know but there has been so much talk about it and stories I really preferred to just ignore it all.” The most I can recall was that he got in a fight but the rest I completely shut off. I don't like hearing stories about me. And I don't like hearing stories about others, especially old drama. “Besides he hasn’t caused harm to me…besides the dodgeball but that i’m not gonna count that.”
“Well that’s good at least, maybe he’s set for a better path, right?” Sophie chimed in as she looked at Nuki.
Nuki rolled her eyes as she looked back at her manga, thinking for a moment before responding. “Maybe, just maybe, I just got a suspicion, could have been a dare or shit.”
So I wasn't the only one thinking that. “Honestly, I thought the same, Nuki, but after thinking about it for a bit, he seems genuine.” I responded as Nuki seemed lost in the thought for a moment before looking back at me.
“Alright alright, just don’t get too chummy ok? Don’t tell him your secrets or share your number with him.”
… “yeahhhh understooood.” I slowly moved my book up in my face to cover it, I think I know what I'd like to do next.
Friday finally here, after lunch was done, Daniel and I were heading to literature but once again after we were starting to get closer, he started to fall behind again, this time though, I’m not gonna let that happen again and grabbed his sleeve with my claws carefully. “W-what the-”
“C’mon Daniel, we are going to be late”
“Wait saAA-” I roughly pulled him as I was almost dragging him with me through the hallways, this did seemed to catch the attention of some and especially that raptor I saw yesterday, giving one hell of a stare at daniel but we continued, finally here, I left his sleeve free as I made my way to my chair. “...we are early.”
“Mhm.”
“...you didn't need to-”
“I did, I wanted to discuss with you the work before class started, and I wasn’t going to be able to do that if you were falling back and getting here late.”
Daniel stood there for a moment before mumbling something silently and sat next to me. Before the class started we planned a little more about what we could start working on, a little classic love story, why not.
As we finished discussing and the class finished without a hitch, we made our way out and said our goodbyes, but before he could leave I tugged his shirt again which caused him to turn around. “Uhm… forgot to mention, since we are going to work together and go to my house, can I… get your phone number?” I couldn’t help but feel awkward asking that and feel my face heat up at that. usually it would be the guy asking for- AGH, FOCUS.
“O-oh! S-sure here.” Daniel froze up for a moment as his face seemed to heat up as well, as he got his phone out, clicking on the phone icon he read his number out loud and I listed it off, after confirming it, I renamed the contact to his name so it’s easier for me to recognize, we were finally set for our work project. “Is your house far from here?”
“No, I should be like, what, twenty minute walk? But either way I’ll send you the location.”
“Ok sweet sweet, I’ll see you then, take care.”
“Cya!” we both waved goodbye for real this time as now we were on our way to our final class, oddly enough as awkward as that was, i'm really excited to work with him, maybe then being in the house won’t feel as alone as it usually is, I can’t wait for-”
“WHAT DID I TOLD YOU ABOUT GIVING HIM YOUR NUMBER.”
“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH-”