Chapter Text
The cyclical motion of the ceiling fan slowly spinning overhead makes me wince with every complete rotation, compounding and adding to the intensity of my already rampaging migraine. Sweat pours from my body like a faucet, soaking the sheet under me as I lay on my back. I’ve long since taken off my dino nuggie pajamas that are right now in a discarded pile on the other side of the room; thrown there in a fit of frustration in favor of a black tank top and a pair of matching boxer shorts… both of which are also subsequently and thoroughly a mess.
At some point during the night, in a feeble attempt to allow my scales to breathe in the current wave of my hot flash, I tossed the covers to the side to expose myself to the naturally cold apartment and slow churning air from the blades spinning above, seeking some sort of relief.
News flash.
It didn’t fucking work.
This lovely dull thrumming migraine of mine is only offset by my thunderously pounding heart beating incessantly in my chest, rattling my bones as they throb and ache. I can almost feel myself on the verge of crying from the simmering pain as my body tries desperately to adjust and compromise for the last day of this hellish week.
In a desperate last ditch attempt to calm my racing mind, I began a sort of breathing exercise that typically helps calm my frayed nerves.
It was a mistake.
Inhaling slowly through my nostrils to try and calm myself down rewards me with an assault of my own pheromones that saturate the stuffy air. The sickening sweet scent of overly ripe citrus and burning rose petals fills my nostrils, making me want to retch at the normally fragrant scent.
Stupid hypersensitive sense of smell…
The reason why saurians need to go through this shit every year is beyond me. Not in the way of biology, Mr. Fernsworth already made it clear why it happens, but what I want to know is WHY Raptor Jesus has blighted us with such a curse?!
With each blunt pulsation of my headache, my feathers twitch violently as I grind my teeth in a grotesque snarl of pain while another tidal wave of nausea courses through my mind, hitting me like a truck.
Great… just another thing to add to the goddamn lis–
FUCK IT!
Unable to bear it anymore, I suck in a sharp breath and force myself to sit up, only to pause as I feel the bed shift from something that’s not me. I freeze, eyes shutting tightly as I feel my partner roll over next to me, just barely inches away from the pooling sweat mark I left behind. After sensing that he’s still asleep, I crack an eye open to peer down at Anon sleeping soundly next to me.
He looks so peaceful, face calm and snoring softly without a care in the world. It honestly makes me feel jealous… though I’d never wish this upon him. It’s already bad enough that one of us has to bear the brunt of this hell as it is.
I wish I could cuddle with him right now, feel his warmth despite me already burning up. His touch always seemed to soothe my aching soul, and let me tell you, every single fiber of my being is aching alright. The only thing stopping me is the fear of waking him up again.
My ravings and thrashings have stolen sweet slumber from my boyfriend twice tonight already. The guilt dwells inside me, growing with each failed attempt to get a good night's sleep myself. For the last two weeks these sporadic and insufferable flare ups have woke us both up during the middle of the night several times.
Typically during what’s considered ‘Heat Week’, the bodies of saurians undergo a natural adjustment time as a lead up to ‘estrus proper’ where we experience nature’s permission slips to go wild and let off some serious steam: Increased attraction towards your mate and bonding through enhanced touch, taste, sight, hearing and smell to deepen your understanding of your mate on a physical and intimate level.
That’s not even mentioning the sense of absolute relief you’re supposed to be able to get with your partner which is absolutely unfathomable to me in my current state…
Despite this, the last two weeks haven't been a total disaster, not at all. In fact, Heat Week was great! We cuddled, we laughed, we kissed and did other fun things as I began to cling to him more and more as a way to ‘mark’ him as mine with the hour growing closer to this dreaded week. I can’t believe that he didn’t know about estrus, but I guess that makes sense when you take into consideration the material that he had to learn from wasn’t what I’d call ‘up to date’ with modern society.
And then my estrus hit me like a train.
Whether it be from all the drama in my life catching up all at once, or from this close proximity with my partner, and accompanied by my unwillingness to surrender to what my body cried out for the most during this hell, every single fiber of my being was screaming at me to let go and claim him as mine… but I could NOT do that to him. Not right now at least.
Usually I just ride this out by shutting myself in my room all the while being really bitchy and let the pills do a lot of the heavy lifting.
However, this estrus season is different from all the others; it’s been the worst one yet for me, a total waking nightmare from start to finish, even if tomorrow’s the last day and the wind down of this two week affliction is about to finish…
…Just one more day.
Lucy, just grin and bear it for one more day…
You got this…
You got this, just twenty-four hours more, Lucy.
…
“...Fuck…” The hushed curse slips through my parted lips as I settle on giving Anon a soft kiss on the forehead before moving to swing my legs over the edge of the bed.
As soon as my feet hit the floor, it was like a bolt of icy electricity shooting through me right up to my crest. My feathers all stand on end aggressively, threatening to snap off entirely as I resist and fight the urge to let out a growl. Instead, I bite my lip and hold my breath until the initial shock passes. After a few seconds, I have hold of my body again.
A close call for sure…
Seeking some sort of relief, I silently look over to the desk sitting next to the bed where Anon has his computer set up and a bunch of junk gathered there. Only… on that same desk sits an ominous orange pill bottle with my name on it.
Literally.
Lucy Elizabeth Aaron
Supressadiol DR, 10MG Tablets - Qty: 30
Directions: Take 1 tablet by mouth up to 2 times daily. Swallow whole. Do not chew tablets. Do not take on an empty stomach. Finish the entire bottle.
Side Effects May Include: Soreness, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, anxiety, irritability, reduced productivity, muscle fatigue, nausea, hot flashes.
The last part almost sends me over the edge as I read it. Yeah, way to go you bunch of fuckheads, how’d you figure that one out!?
…
It’s better than the alternative of losing my mind in a fit of estrus fueled mania.
So despite the horrendous side effects, I swallow my pride and reach a lone hand out for the bottle. I barely have the strength to lift it, not surprising after the war my body’s been waging on itself over the past several hours of being awake.
Finally managing to pick up the plastic bottle containing my prescription, I grip the lid as firmly as I can and attempt to twist the cap off. It doesn't budge. My lips tighten into a scowl as I try again. And again. And again. And again. The cap still doesn’t move, not even a hint of freeing itself so that I can salvage the little treasures that lay inside.
God damn palms are so sweaty I can hardly grip anything. Wrapping my hand under my top, I attempt to use the dampened fabric as leverage to aid my next attempt.
Grunting with teeth gritting into the action, I unwrap my hands from under my tank top.
…
The lid wins a unanimous victory.
Great… Just fucking great!
I consider trying to bite it open at this point but I know damn well that wont work, fucking safety caps.
Sunken in my desperation, a rage burns hot in my chest, enough to set this whole neighborhood of rundown apartments and homeless idiots on fire for miles. Skin Row… What a detestable place. I don’t know how Anon managed to get sent here but fucking hell what were his parents thinking?!
How badly can you hate your kid to send them to this hell hole?!
The fuck did he ever do to deserve this?!
Turning back to the task at hand, I fervently grip the cap with all my might one more time and twist! The straining takes hold of my entire body… yet after a few seconds, my breath gives, as does my strength. A defeated grunt escapes my mouth as I sneer at the bottle.
“Lousy little motherfucker!”
Lost in my fit of fury, I raise the bottle above my head, and with a surprising show of strength that I’d been lacking seconds ago, I launch the bottle across the room and right into the wall on the other side. The sound of the fan slowly humming is interrupted by the clink of the bottle rattling its contents on contact and accompanied by my shallow ragged gasps for air.
With my arm still extended from the exertion, the drywall remains unmarked as the bottle then falls to the ground with a plastic clatter, rolling precariously on the floor until it stops by the foot of the cabinet amongst all things littering the space.
Now out of reach and out of luck, I limply lower my hand to my lap and bow my head. What a fucking mess, I'm completely pathetic…
Unable to hold it in anymore, I start quietly sobbing from my place on the edge of the bed. My shoulders bob with each lurching curtain of tears until finally I’m bled dry. No more tears to replace the expended ones and all I can do is stare at the isolating floor, its cold embrace setting forth an unstoppable torrent of equally frigid thoughts to emerge.
What did I do to deserve this…?
…
Fucking failure of a daughter…
Horrible sister.
Worthless girlfriend.
A shitty friend.
I’m just…
…
…
“Fang…?”
…
My body stiffens as Anon’s quiet voice rises above my sniffling. The bed shifts again out of my control as he moves to throw the covers off himself and sit beside me on the edge of the bed. I dare not look at him, keeping my eyes averted to anywhere else that I won’t feel guilt for waking him up AGAIN.
“S-Sorry… Some fucking girlfriend I turned out to be, huh?” No longer a whisper, my words of dejection reach Anon’s ears loud and clear.
“Please don’t talk like that, Fang. I’m not mad or anything. I can’t begin to imagine what you’re going through right now.” His words of comfort do little to stem the overwhelming feeling of doubt coursing through me, but are more appreciated than he’ll ever know.
I chew my lip. “S-Still… sorry for waking you up again. Maybe I should’ve just rode this shit out at home.”
Anon shakes his head. “Maybe, but I told you I don't mind it at all. I don’t want you to go through something like this alone. It seemed pretty important that you wanted to be here. After all, you didn't leave me alone when I was at my lowest.”
Without speaking another word, Anon stands from the bed, giving no sign of reacting to the coldness of the floor like I did and walking over to pick up the still sealed pill bottle. Swiping it up from the floor, he walks over to the sink and turns the valve to fill a glass of water before shutting the faucet off and returning to kneel in front of me.
“Here, hold your hands out.” I do as he asks and take the cup from him as he effortlessly opens the bottle and pours out a pill for me into my awaiting palm.
I give a silent nod in thanks, downing the pill and gulping the entire glass down in one go. The cold water acts as a stark contrast to the flaring heat in my body, but it didn’t hurt either.
“Feel better?” He asks delicately.
Handing him the glass, he puts it on the night stand and sits next to me. I shake my head. “No… It takes a few minutes for them to start working… but thanks…”
He chuckles. “Don’t mention it.” Seeing my depressed state, he then moves to put a hand around my shoulder but I flinch away, not sure if I can bear to feel his touch even though I long for it. He pulls back. “Right… Uh, sorry.”
He almost looks hurt as I shrink away from him, but gives no further move to act. Another spike of guilt stabs at my heart. Oh Anon, if only you knew just how much I want to cuddle you, to feel your soft lips kissing me all over as your hands explore every last inch of my–
STOP!
You damn horny bitch. You need to focus.
We sit in silence for a long moment before he speaks again. “So… does this happen every year?”
I nod solemnly. “Yeah, pretty much.” I shrug in emphasis.
Anon winces, likely wondering what a house full of high strung pteros would look like. I hate to tell him it’s exactly as bad as he’s imagining it from that grimace. Though… I think our household is a lot worse off as it is right now compared to most.
A frown makes its home on my beak as I think of all the fights and shouting matches that’ve filled our family home. Name calling, bickering, and threats that lead to no resolution. All in the face of growing conflict, especially between me and Dad. The hulking man claims he wants to protect me, but all he ever does is drive me further and further away. Why can’t he see me? Or pretend not to be disappointed in what he sees when he looks at me?
Another defeated sigh escapes my lips. “...But, as bad as it typically is, it's made a lot more bearable when you have a mate or partner to go through it with you.” I move my gaze to him. He looks back at me with love and affection. I smile. “You’ve made this hell bearable, Anon, and I don’t know how much more I can say that. I mean it. You’re a lifesaver, this season’s been the worst one yet.”
He smiles back. “I’m just happy that you trust me enough to ride out something like this together… but seriously, don’t worry about me in the slightest. After all, you're the one that’s clearly burning up right now. So, just make sure you tell me if there's anything you need and I’ll get it for you.”
Anything I need, huh?
On cue, my stomach begins to growl. Glancing over at the clock sitting on his desk, I can see that it’s three in the morning. Way too early for us to be up, but seeing as I won’t be going back to sleep anytime soon, now might be the best time to fill my ravenous stomach.
Turning back to Anon, he’s already moving to his feet towards the fridge where I store my special stash of dino nuggies. My heart skips a beat, and not from my symptoms, as he pulls out the bag and empties a mountain of them onto a plate before placing it in the microwave.
Oh, what this boy does to me. He knows exactly what I need and when I need it, even before I do. What I did to deserve such a person in my life, I’ll never know, but I promise to Raptor Jesus that I’ll love him with all my heart and beyond.
Not wanting to wait more than I have to, I also move up from the bed, stumbling slightly as I nearly lose my balance. I manage to catch myself, but before I know it, Anon’s by my side as well, hands placed on my arms to catch me if I fall. Another bolt of electricity shoots from my toes all the way up my spine right to the tip of my crest.
I look up at him with a wanting gaze, but he’s already retreating away from me, likely having understood what his touch does to me during a flare up. That doesn't stop my entire body and soul from crying out for him.
Touch me!
Let me hold you in my wings.
Love me like today is our last day on earth, my sweetest Dweeb!
STAY FOCUSED, DAMMIT!
Taking a deep breath, I steady myself and move with Anon at my side to the kitchen. The microwave dings, and he withdraws the plate of piping hot nuggies with my favorite dipping sauce. Sliding the plate over to me, he leans against the counter with his arms crossed, patiently waiting for me to satiate my stomach. Not caring one bit about manners right now, I begin to scarf down the pile like a wild animal.
The meaty taste of the tendies is EXACTLY what my growling stomach wants. I barely slow down to breath, and surprisingly I don’t choke on any of them as I inhale. In a matter of seconds I’m standing there with my belly full as a breath of satisfaction puffs out of my nostrils.
“That hits the spot.” Looking down at the empty bag, I frown. “Though… I wish I had more…”
Anon’s silent the whole time, watching with a patient gaze. “I’m glad to see you’re feeling better. Unfortunately, that’s the last of what we had. You’ve eaten the month’s stock in three days.”
The dread of being stuck without my precious dino nuggies fills my gut with lead, but it isn’t a major loss. No. We’ll be able to restock once all this is over, but for now I need to focus on not giving Anon any more trouble than I already have, or worse.
Shuffling side to side on my feet, I hold my hands against my arms and begin to rub them. The sensation sends pulses of shivers throughout my body as my nerves are still on edge before these damned pills can start working. Hopefully sooner than later as I don’t know how much more I can take of this before I start to preen.
A genuine tremble of fear courses through my body.
No… Anything but that, especially not in front of Anon. We’re too new of a couple. There’s no way in hell I can let him see me do that again and make him think overpreening is a regular thing or that I'm some sort of junkie.
Once was enough on the rooftop… where he supported me… stood by my side and never left or spoke over me. He just let me talk and talk until I’d said everything I could. I literally poured myself out to him and what did I get in return? Not jeers or snarky comments, but a heartfelt answer to my pleas, even if I didn’t want to hear it myself.
But that’s what he’s always done for me, support and provide. I wish I could do more for him somehow, though...
Sensing my unease, Anon moves towards me, hands hesitantly by his sides as he contemplates what to do next. When he raises a hand but immediately pulls it back to stop himself, I reach out gently and grab his wrist. He looks at me with bewilderment.
“...It’s alright. I think I can handle it now.” My lips draw out a line. “And… I really want to hold you.”
He shows signs of worry on his face, but nods anyway. “Alright… but let me know if it's too much.”
I nod back, holding my arms out as he pulls me into a comforting embrace. Our bodies press together as if fusing. His hands lace over my back and send shockwaves of pleasure through me, a temporary remedy to fight off the waring senses in me. Instinctively, my wings move to coil around him, partially trapping us in a secluded cocoon of downy feathers.
Sucking in a deep breath, I breath in his scent and feel the world shoot to life around me. The dim world becomes several shades lighter and I can’t help but feel I need to blink to reorientate myself. It’s almost too much, yet also not enough at the same time. I need more, but hold myself back.
We stand there silent like statues in the darkness of the kitchen holding each other. This alone does more for me than any pills or medicine. But all good things must come to an end. My fingers gingerly trance over his arms as he pulls back, though I can tell in his eyes that he also wants to remain as we were.
“Better?” he asks.
“Y-Yeah. Thanks.” Considering his words, and with the pills still not kicking in yet, I glance over my shoulder towards my overnight duffle bag sitting limp against the foot of his bed, the zipper to the main compartment partially open. With a flash of blue, I can see the box of emergency ‘cooler’ tablets sitting inside from where I’d left them. I bite my tongue as I consider them.
They’re so much worse than the pills… but they also work instantly.
With a defeated sigh, I leave Anon standing alone in the kitchen and move towards my duffel. Kneeling down, I reach for the box, only to have my eyes widen when I realize that the box itself is empty, instead filled with a dozen expended packets. Ripping open the bag and dumping the contents onto the floor, I frantically searched through the mess for any form of quick relief tablets, only to stop mid rummage as a growing pit took up my stomach.
My pack was exhausted. Nothing left.
I can hear Anon move over behind me as I let out a muttered curse. “Did you run out again?”
“I thought I packed extras… Oh fuck…” A sense of overwhelming dread washes over me.
Just as I’m about to rack my brain and think of an alternative, Anon’s footsteps grow ever so slightly distant. Glancing over my shoulder, I see that he’s walked over to the closet and is in the middle of putting on his jacket while sliding on his pair of slippers.
Huh? Where’s he going?
“Anon…?”
He turns back to me with a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, Sweet Tooth. You say you're out of coolers so I figure I’ll just go quickly run down to the convenience store on the corner and buy some more. I’ll also pick up some more nuggies while I’m at it.”
He pockets his keys and phone. “I’ll be back in a few minutes, I promise. The coolers’re in the family planning aisle, right?”
Without giving me a chance to properly respond, I watch him turn to leave from my crouched position… A choice that left me feeling completely helpless and instilling a newfound form of trepidation.
“...Nonny… don’t leave me alone…”
My quiet desperate plea goes unanswered as he probably doesn’t hear it leave my lips, I can barely register it myself. As he marches forward, the shallow panic swells, growing more intense with him unaware of the state he’s leaving me in. Chaos reigns supreme now in my once partially controlled mind. The very thought of him leaving right now violently stirs a primal instinct within me.
Bump-ump, Bump-ump, Bump-ump.
All thoughts leave my head as my heart palpitates heavily in my chest, accompanied by a high pitched ringing in my ears like nails on a chalkboard.
He can't leave the nest.
The nest would be empty if he left right now…
An empty nest.
His warmth gone and my wings cold…
My nest is empty without him!
The moment his hand grips the door handle, my body jumps into fight or flight as I spring to my feet in an instant and am carried forward by a harrowing sense of loneliness, my feet stomping across the ground. Anon pauses with the shoddy wooden door halfway open, eyes wide with fright as I approach him from behind.
*Click, click, click, hiss*
The haunting sounds that no human or saurian should ever hear pierces the air of the tiny apartment, sucking the life out of everything within earshot. The hairs on the back of Anon’s neck stand on end as I charge past him and SLAM the door shut, nearly catching his own hand in the process.
Fearful of any other feeble attempt to leave further, my body moves on its own, wings flaring to their maximum length and blockading the doorway in its entirety. Where there were once feathered curtains to shelter in a downy entwinement, the appendages now act like ominous cages, trapping the only other living soul in this God forsaken room with me.
He can't leave.
I can’t allow it! I… I-
Anon stumbles back, hands raised high in a form of evident surrender, but that’s when I finally see what I’ve done. My head snaps to his face in horror as he looks at me for the first time with not love, concern, or even dismissal.
But with utter FEAR.
“L-Lucy…”
Oh God…
What… What have I done?!
Why did I do that?!
The strain of the events that’d quickly unfolded tear through my heart like poison, searing their presence into my very being. Shakily raising my own hands up, I place them on either side of my head as I slowly sink down and slump against the door, wings hiding myself away in shame as my knees pull tightly against my chest.
My nails dig into my scalp as a frigid wave of sobering reality crashes into me, completely snapping me out of my frantic haze. “...I’m so sorry… I didn't mean to… please don’t be mad at me… please don’t leave me alone…” My words aren't even a whisper as they pass through my lips, and they might as well be as loud as gunshots ringing out into the otherwise silent apartment.
The creaking of the floor sounds off as I close my eyes to the impending reprimand. He’ll yell at me, talk down to me, call me a monster, or something. Anything. I fucked it up.
I’ve fucked it up big this time!
He’ll throw me out on my ass and never speak to me again!
…
But none of that ever comes.
Instead, with a small breath of withheld relief Anon kneels down before me and places his hands on my shoulders. I manage to crack open the veil of wings that I’ve put up as a barrier just to peer up at him watching me, studying me. The look was gone, replaced with his usual calmness.
“Lu- Fang… I need you to listen to me. Everything’ll be fine. I won’t go, I promise.” His words make me feel at ease… but also rear an uglier side that I feel ashamed about.
Looking up to meet his eyes, I nod. He nods back as I shift my gaze towards the open bathroom door. “My head’s all fuzzy right now… I think… I could use a cold shower…”
He visibly hesitates at the idea of leaving me alone, but chooses to trust my words and offers a small smile and places a kiss on my forehead. “You sure you won't freeze to death?”
For some reason I can’t help but chuckle at his concern. “Don’t worry, Dweeb. I’m just going to cool off, not turn myself into a popsicle.”
“If you say so…” He says, offering me a hand to help me up.
I take it gladly as he pulls me to my feet. Not expecting the full force of it, I fall forward slightly, coming to rest with my hands against his chest. I can see his mouth open with a wisecrack… yet he swiftly closes it again, determining to keep it to himself instead.
Withdrawing myself, I beeline for the bathroom, shutting the door behind me with a soft click. Renouncing myself to the tiny space, I drag my hand along the wall until I find the plastic switch and flick on the dingy lights. I blink, welcoming the sight of a cracked bathtub, rusted mirror and overall depressing aura.
The counter to my left is cluttered with various articles of items belonging to me and Anon. To be honest, It’s odd how my things are starting to take over his apartment. My toiletries are becoming intermixed with his, while the drawers of his dresser are filled with my spare clothes…
As out of place as it seems… it also feels so… natural, in a way.
Raptor Christ, I even yelled at him for keeping the toilet seat up after I fell in the other day.
It’s almost like…
Like we’re living together or something.
Shaking my head to rid myself of the blush forming from the thought, and desperate to get the gritty sensation of dried sweat off my scales and plumage, I strip my tank top and boxers off in one fluid motion. Throwing them haphazardly into a pile on the floor, I get in the shower.
It took a while for the water to be even remotely usable, and it took even longer to scrub off all the sweat and grime from my scales in the tiny space. I swear I’ve been in here for more than half an hour.
Eventually, I called it good enough and flapped my wings a few times to get the remaining moisture out of my feathers.
Pulling back the curtain, I step out onto the uncomfortably cold bathroom tiles. I don’t even bother wrapping myself in a towel as I move in front of the sink. Wiping my hand across the condensation on the glass mirror rewards me with a warped reflection of a pale blue ptero woman with no real notable features staring back.
Without my makeup to highlight the vibrancy in my eyes, everything else just looks dull. My wings are devoid of color, each individual feather just as unimpressive as the last.
Raptor Christ, I can’t remember a boy looking back in my general direction with anything close to mutual attraction… their eyes always pass over me with disinterest at best, at worst…
A shiver runs down my spine, and not from the cold.
The only real form of appreciation I’ve gotten comes from Anon and his compliments, albeit through his mumblings where I’ve heard calling me some sort of ‘pretty bird lady’ which always makes me giggle thinking about it. I'll give him creativity points for that one at least.
So how?
Why?
I still don’t know what he sees in me.
I’m not pretty by any standard… if anything, I’m painstakingly average…
And yet… The way he steals those not so sneaky glances at me when he thinks I’m not looking tells me otherwise. I even had to shut his jaw a few times as his brain exploded, something that’s quickly becoming one of my favorite things to do. It's so easy to tease him.
…
Placing my hands on either side of the sink, I look back at the mirror expecting to see a similarly frowning visage, only to be surprised to see a small genuine grin marking my beak. Huh… would you look at that. You really can smile.
*Tap, tap, tap*
The shower curtain ripples as my tail begins to wag fervently in agreement… one of the few things we’ve been able to agree on as of late. This only compounds more and more as my eyes shine just that bit brighter as my mind races with thoughts of Anon.
Even if I never see myself as beautiful, I know he’ll always make me feel cherished and appreciated, thinking of me first no matter the situation… even if it’s to the point of his own detriment. The dumbass… I wish he’d take better care of himself sometimes.
But despite all of that, with just a single word he can make my heart flutter and send me floating through the clouds, or into a whirlwind of cackling laughter with his corny puns. Not to mention all the things I’ve ranted to him in an effort to vent my frustrations, only to end up apologizing for talking too much. However, all he responds with every time is ‘No, please, keep talking. It’s nice just listening to you’.
My shoulders bob slightly as I find myself chuckling, remembering those times fondly. Yeah… There really isn’t much to worry about as long as I have Anon by my side… and he’s waiting for me right now, on the other side of that door.
Broadening my grin to a full fledged smile, I step back from the mirror and internalize what I see before I move to redress myself. Picking up the still sweat soaked garments, I reconsider that decision and instead turn towards the door.
Cracking it open, I peer out expecting to see Anon pacing the room, waiting for me to step out. Instead, I see him laying in an uncomfortable position on the bed, which has a new set of sheets and covers, the sound of the washer quietly rumbling in the background. He must’ve fallen back asleep while waiting for me. Seems the lack of rest really did get to him in the end.
Shifting my gaze, I spot a pile of fresh garments and pajamas situated next to him on the bed, no doubt taken from my stash.
A flush of pink brushes my scales as I consider an alternative. It’s daring, and if he isn’t fully asleep I’m sure the poor boy will die from the shock… but that’s a chance I am willing to take. Using my wings to keep my modesty, I open the door up fully and quickly cross the room towards the pile of clothes. With a fluid motion, I slip on the shorts, undershirt, and rock themed pajama bottoms before turning my attention back to him to see if he took a sneaky eyeful.
…
I let out a small sigh of relief as I watch his chest rise and fall softly with his breaths barely audible. Still, he must be exhausted if he managed to fall asleep in that position. Then again, with everything that's happened I can feel my eyes start to droop as well.
Spurred on by this notion, I slowly crawl onto the bed, my jostling causing Anon to start awake. Grogily, he looks around the room until landing on my face now only inches from his.
I chuckle. “Morning, sleeping beauty.”
“F-Fang?! S-Sorry I didn’t mean to fall asleep again I-”
His words are hushed as I gingerly place a finger against his warm lips. “It’s alright, Nonny. You don’t have to apologize. But if you’re so intent on making it up to me, think you can scooch over? You’re kinda hogging the whole bed.”
Gathering his bearings, Anon nods as he shifts to his usual spot between the wall and me as I prefer having the edge of the bed at my back so I can somewhat spread out my wings.
“Come on, Dweeb. Keep scooching~ I’m barely in the bed.”
He grunts, followed promptly by him bumping his head against the wall softly. “Uh… I think this is as far as I can go, Sweet Tooth. You’ve got me sandwiched.”
“Good~” In an easy, well practiced maneuver, I flare one wing above us while sliding the other under him, cocooning us together as we fumble in the darkened room.
Once fully secured, I nestle my snout right into its favorite spot in his neck as he latches onto me equally. All the pent up stress still lingering vanishes as I breathe out a satisfied sigh. Whether I wake up tomorrow or not, I know right now I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
“Goodnight, Fang.” Anon whispers in my ear.
I smile wholeheartedly. “Goodnight, Nonny. And don’t you dare let go of me.”
His grip tightens as I feel him shift ever closer to me.
“Never.”
His words trail off, relaxing both my body and my soul. As my eyes finally close shut for the night, one last word reaches its way through my smiling lips.
“Mine…”
ZzZ…
I’m woken up by the annoying buzzing from my phone.
Damn, that was some really good sleep too. Best I’ve had in the last two weeks.
With a disgruntled yawn, I roll onto my back, feeling the stiffness of my wings and exposing myself to the cool air.
Somehow, the tiny apartment feels more frigid despite the morning sunlight slipping through the lopsided blinds. I stretch out my arms above my head before completing my rotation to catch a glimpse of my phone screen pulsating with notifications.
Leaning over, I can't stop my grimace as I read the screen.
[Dad]: Come home when you see this.
[Dad]: It’s time to talk.
…Fuck…
It takes several more minutes to motivate myself and address the elephant in the room, but when I do, I move to slide the wing I still have under Anon, who luckily didn’t also get awoken by the texts, and sit up. Immediately, I regret this decision and just want to curl back up in bed with my Dweeb to steal his warmth for another five minutes… but I know I can’t.
Mentally prepared for the worst of it, I stand while frowning at the condensation fogging up the window. I hug myself with my wings, using the silver feathers as a makeshift blanket while I search for my day clothes.
Finding them next to my overnight bag at the foot of the bed, I quickly get changed and rummage through said bag to see if I was smart enough to pack a sweater. My heart dips slightly when I come to the unfortunate conclusion that I didn’t, but I did manage to find a pack of menthols at the bottom.
Next time I come over, I’ll make sure to bring at least a warmer change of clothes.
I grab the box of smokes and move back towards the window. As shitty as the temperature is, I can't deny that the cool spring morning air would be the perfect time for a menthol to calm my frayed nerves. Fortunately, the pills I took earlier started their full effect while I was asleep, so the symptoms of estrus are now but a simmer.
Plucking a cigarette, I bring it to my mouth and attempt to open the window, only to realize that it doesn't open at all. What the fuck kind of fire hazard are they trying to pull here?! I swear, it’s like the assholes who built this place want people to be as miserable as possible.
…
Even so, maybe it’s better that I didn’t smoke after all. I mean, I’d rather not stink up my Dweeb’s apartment anymore if I can avoid it, and it wouldn’t be such a bad idea to lay off the cancer sticks for a while anyways. Lord knows the first thing my boyfriend wants to taste on my lips is the lingering flavor of smoke and ash or, worse, hold my hand as I die of lung cancer in my forties.
With a defeated sigh, I placed the cigarette back in the box and set it down on the desk before plopping down in the accompanying chair. Maybe I’ll start with weaning off slowly and keep one on me for a rainy day? It wouldn’t hurt to try at least… even if the withdrawal and nicotine cravings are gonna suck ass.
Glancing down in a move to seek affirmation, my eyes landed upon the cardboard enclosure Anon had made for his pet phone roomba. The Dweeb even had the audacity to stick the railgun he had made in science class to it and give him angry eyebrows.
Despite the goofiness of it all, I can't help but smile at the little guy. God, he’s so cute. RAYmba’s a treasure and a half.
“Don’t suppose you can talk all of a sudden and strike up a conversation?” I ask rhetorically. However, while my orange friend doesn't talk, he does respond to my presence by making laps around the enclosure. I like to think it’s some secret language that no mortal is privy to decipher…
Still… it would be nice to-
My drifting thoughts are interrupted by another flash of activity from my phone screen. Cringing in anticipation, I steadily raise my phone to see it’s another text from Dad… just to see the last thing I thought I’d see on a text from him.
[Dad]: Please… Let me know when you get these.
What the hell?
A sharp gasp slips through my beak, apparently loud enough to startle Anon awake as he groans. Rolling onto his back, he clutches desperately for the blanket to cover his exposed chest, then sends out a seeking hand for what I can only imagine is me. When he doesn’t find what he’s looking for, his eyes snap open as he bolts upright.
“I’m awake! I’m-” He sluggishly scans the room, blinking several times before finding me as the gears in his brain slowly turn to process the situation. “O-Oh, good mornin’, Sweet Teeth.”
The slurring of his pet name for me plasters a grin on my lips as I snort. “Really? ‘Sweet Teeth’? You fucking Dweeb.”
Anon looks away embarrassed while also rubbing the sleep from his eyes. “Sorry, my mouth feels a bit dry. What time is it?”
Nodding to the clock, and seeing that 8:45am is a decent enough time to wake up, I move to stand from the chair. “Time for us to get up… and for me to face the music.”
Before he can ask what I’m talking about, I present my phone for him to read. His eyes slowly scroll through the texts, then hands the device back to me, which I pocket.
He sucks in a breath, eyes regaining their focus. “Shit. I mean… You need me to come with? He didn’t sound too mad.”
I guess he didn’t… which only worries me more.
And while I know I can’t take Anon with me, as much as it’d put me at ease, I can take something of his to comfort me and keep me warm on this windy day during the long trek back home.
I shake my head. “No, you can’t come with me, Dweeb, But…” A hint of green catches my eye as I move from my place beside the desk to his closet. Reaching a hand out reverently, I brush the fabric. “Think I can take a jacket with me? It’s really cold outside and I don’t want to be an ice sculpture halfway there.”
He stammers to his feet. “Of course, Fang! Though… are you sure you want to enter your home wearing one? Won’t your Dad-”
“He won’t do anything. At most, he'll grumble about it.” I reply reassuringly. “Besides, I’m allowed to wear what I want, including my boyfriend’s clothes if I damn well please.”
Anon nods. “Fair enough… Well, before you do, let me at least cut some holes for your wings.”
Finally taking his leave from the bed, Anon clumsily reaches for his cheapo pocket knife sitting on the desk next to his wallet and keys. Snagging the metal piece, he then makes his way over to my side and selects one of the endlessly identical jackets, which makes me ask,
“Wait, just how many of those do you have anyways?”
He pauses, opening up the closet door all the way to reveal a literal dozen more identical copies of the outfit hanging inside. “I buy them in bulk from that surplus store around the corner so I have plenty of spares.”
Despite expecting the answer, I’m reminded of the fact that he’s broke as shit.
Holding the jacket up high, Anon carefully flicks the pocket knife open and begins to cut two uneven holes into the back for my wings to squeeze through before shutting the knife and pocketing it. I watch with amusement as he then takes a moment to dust the piece of fabric off and nodding with satisfaction to himself.
“Hmm, I think I ripped too much on one side, but it should work for your walk home. I hope this is okay, Fang. Here, let me help you put it on, alright?”
He moves to go behind me, but pauses as a small grin appears on his face, showing he’s up to no good. “What's the magic word?”
Rolling my eyes, I turn around to show my back to him. Despite giving no proper response, he still drapes the jacket over my shoulders and allows my wings to fit into place before doing my arms as well. The size is clearly too large for me, but not so much that I mind, plus it’s comfortable as hell.
Pulling the front close, it feels like it’s always been mine. But more importantly, it’s drenched in his familiar soothing scent. I bury my snout into the gifted green jacket and reflexively sniff.
I breathe out, satisfied. “Mine.”
“Har har.”
Tilting my head to the side, I capture his lips and leave him with a goofy look on his face. “Thanks, babe, it’s perfect.”
His cheeks quickly fill with a cute shade of red. “D-Did you just call me b-babe?!”
I can feel my tail begin to wag behind me as my own cheeks flush with heat. It just sounded so natural coming from my mouth… Why should I be embarrassed? He’s my boyfriend after all.
“Yeah I did. What’re you going to do about it?” His mouth cycles, but no words make themselves known. “Mhm, that’s what I thought, babe~”
Turning around to fully face him, I proceed to kiss him again for good measure, making him sputter in the process. My eyes travel to his bare chest, completely healed now, but as his girlfriend it is my sworn duty to make sure this dweeb is safe.
*Poke!*
With a talon, I start prodding him for any sign of bruising that may not be visible to the naked eye. I still find it incredibly odd that he didn't break anything during his one way trip down the stairs… My knowledge on human biology is admittedly not stellar but he should’ve at least cracked a rib or suffered some lasting damage from wrapping himself around that bollard the way he did…
*Boop!*
“GAH! You asshole ! What was that for?!” I leap back from the grinning bastard while covering my snout from further booping assaults with one hand and flipping the bird with the other.
My reward comes in the form of a massive shit eating grin. “Oh, what? You can poke me, but I can’t boop the snoot back? The absolute hypocrisy here is appalling!” The level of smugness on display here is ridiculous, unearned, and infuriating .
That no good, handsome look has zero reason to make my heart flutter the way it does, not to mention how he gets my tail to wag and wings flapping seemingly without fail.
Every single time too!
A warm smile replaces his grin as he closes the distance between us and bends down to capture my lips in a final show of sincerity. My eyes close as I simply enjoy the contact until he breaks it abruptly right as my mind is beginning to haze over again.
Estrus or no estrus, his tender caress alone is enough to drive me insane.
Opening my eyes again, he tilts his head to give me ease of mind. “I’m all better, Fang. Promise. You don’t have to worry about me.”
I moan in dissatisfaction. “Somebody has to worry about my idiot boyfriend, so it might as well be me.”
“Well if you put it like that, I guess I can't argue, can I?” He rolls his eyes.
“Nope~”
He chuckles. “Want me to call you a cab?”
Humming in thought, I briefly consider his offer before shaking my head. “Hmm, nah, I think I need the fresh air to clear my head; a nice long walk’ll do the trick.”
His green eyes that I could get lost in for hours soften, making my wings flit open behind me as my heart skips a beat. “You’re sure you don’t want me to come with you? Not even to just make sure you get out of this hell hole in one piece?”
“Well… if you’re so worried about me, why don’t you get dressed and walk me to the edge of Skin Row?” Coiling my wings around him, I press my face to his and gingerly rub our cheeks together in a nuzzle.
I may not be able to claim you just yet, but I can still mark you as mine to protect you for now.
Mine.
Nobody’s allowed to have you but me.
He smiles. “I think I can do that. Give me thirty seconds and I’ll walk you out.”
Glancing at his nondescript clock sitting on his desk, a playful smirk crosses my beak. “You’re on the clock. Thirty seconds starting… Now!”
His movement is immediate as he scrambles to the bathroom… causing me to flinch when he rams himself headlong into the wall, yelping in pain. “Don’t worry. It was just my face!” He calls out from behind the door while all I can do is clamp my beak shut to stifle a snorting laugh.
“Snrrrrt, oh h-holy shit, you’re such a klutz!” I break down into a giggling fit, after which I sling my satchel over my shoulder and wait for him to walk me out of this Godforsaken part of town.
-An Hour Later-
…ugh.
You’d think after more than an hour of being awake, I’d finally stop being groggy. But nah. Guess the pills are still kicked in.
Anyways…
It's a bit of a far walk, about a forty-five minute adventure… but I start to feel myself drag. I wish it was cause I wanted to enjoy the fresh air, but it does little to brighten my mood, with a less than subtle gust of wind ripping through my feathers.
I’ve got a feeling it’s that reading Dad’s texts still has me on edge, whether that’s a good thing or not I’m not sure. I take out my phone and unlock it to see the pulled up texts from earlier this morning.
He hasn’t sent any new ones, fortunately.
I sigh and close my eyes. Why’s this all so confusing? If he’d ordered me home like always, then I’d at least be preparing myself for another hour long screaming match… but this? It throws me off completely.
…
At this point, all I want back is the Dad I knew growing up. The gentle giant who always smiled and sheltered us in his strong wings. Who I was eager to climb and perch upon his broad shoulders, all the while brandishing my plastic sword and announcing to the world to stand ready for my arrival as Pirate Princess Cap’n Lucy Elizabeth of The Dreaded Fang O’ Fangs made her way to center stage.
Yeah… While embarrassing, I remember those times so fondly that I couldn't help but miss them dearly. I guess… it was far more simple back then.
Opening my eyes again, I look over the texts and let a small smile crawl out from a place I didn’t know still existed… Maybe there’s still a chance I can have that back. I mean… just look at the renewed relationship between Naser and me. I didn’t think we’d ever be on proper speaking terms again, and yet here we are talking and laughing like a pair of idiots just like the good old days.
It's so nice to just be able to talk with my baby brother again. I missed hanging out with him.
An intangible gap was crossed then… So why not another? Shit, as far-fetched as it seems at this point, maybe the entire family could start the long arduous process of healing.
And as I move to place my phone back into my pocket, fate seems to agree with me as the small device vibrates in my hand.
*Buzz… Buzz… Buzz…*
Holding my phone back up to my face again, I see that Naser’s calling me. Speak of the devil.
I swipe to accept.
“Uh… Hey big sis.” The hesitancy in his voice is palpable.
“Sup, Naser. What’s with the sudden call? Ya miss me?” I chuckle to try to lighten the mood, but it doesn’t seem to help much.
“...Actually, I do, but that’s not why I’m calling.” He pauses. “Did… Did you happen to get an incredibly odd text from dad this morning?”
The metallic rattling and jingling of car keys reach my ears from the other side of the speaker as I can hear him turning on the ignition of the NasCar.
I sigh. “Depends, was it something along the lines of 'Please come home’ and not coming off as an outright demand? Then yeah, I got that too.”
“Oh thank God! I was worried he-” Naser cuts himself off from what’s likely a dirty little secret I’ll have to investigate at a later date. He clears his throat. “Anyways… What do you make of it? Can’t say it hasn’t thrown me for a loop, especially with how out of the blue it was.”
“My thoughts exactly. I’m as clueless as you are. I don’t remember the last time I got the impression he was-” He was what, exactly? Hesitant? Anxious? Scared…?
Another mystery to solve. “...Not so demanding? I don’t know. But what I can say is that it’s definitely not his norm which worries me more. I can prepare myself for a fight… but not if I don’t know what to expect.”
“Yeah… you’re right.” Silence persists between us as we dwell on the possibilities, but it doesn’t last long as Naser sighs. “Anyways, at least we’re both on the same page… fuck… Hey uh, I’m about ten minutes from home, you want me to pick you up from Anon’s place?”
A smile etches itself across my beak. “Wow~ Look at you offering to venture into Skin Row and rescue me from my evil boyfriend’s clutches. Worried about what Anon might be doing to take advantage of me?”
An unamused scoff passes through the speaker at my snarky reply.
“Please, I’d rather not get involved in whatever you and Anon have going on. In fact, I’m more worried about Anon being thrown into the middle of the season… assuming he’s still alive right now… He is, isn’t he?! ”
Ouch. Not even trying to hide his mistrust in me this time around.
“Raptor Christ, Naser.” I say, face palming. “Thanks for the vote of confidence that your big sis can’t control herself during estrus. Should I ask you about how you’re spending your time with Naomi as well?”
“Ah, shit… Sorry. You’re right. Bad habits are hard to break sometimes…” I roll my eyes knowing all too well what it’s like to fall into a set of bad and impulsive habits.
“Hey, it’s alright. Believe me, I’m really thankful for all the effort you’ve put into everything over the years… and I appreciate you worrying about my boyfriend. I’ll make sure he knows just how worried you are for his safety. Just make sure you invite me to the wedding.”
Perhaps he can hear me snickering at that last comment as it doesn't take long for him to stammer a witty reply. Unfortunately for him, it ends up with me hearing a very authentic fake retching sound in its place.
“Oh my God, Lucy! Can you not right now!? I’m driving here!” My snickers quickly shift into a full blown howl.
The comedy carries on for a few more minutes, and followed up by a series of grumbles from his end until a small pause permeates the line between us again as my laughter dies down. Somehow, I can sense that neither one of us knows how to end this call.
Willing to take the role, I clear my throat. “...Hey, on a serious note, I want you to know that. regardless of what happens when we get home, I have your back baby bro.”
“...Thanks, sis, and I have yours as well. See you in a bit then, yeah?”
“Yeah, see you.”
With an electronic click, the line goes dead and I’m left alone with my thoughts, though this time my chest is filled with relief, knowing that Naser’ll be by my side as we face whatever awaits us when we get home.
Stuffing my phone into my pocket, I continue down the sidewalk with some energy… at least until I make it a few blocks and I’m blindsided by another wave of exhaustion. Turns out getting barely any sleep last night finally caught up with me and is demanding to be addressed, followed by an extensive yawn ripping from my beak.
Deciding I can’t go home with half my brain on autopilot, I turn my attention towards the surrounding outlets and scan the windows for anything that could wake me up
Scanning the windows, I find my target, my lips curling into a smile. “Perfect,” I mutter under my breath as I make my way towards the convenience store at the end of the street.
*Bing-Bong*
Entering through the sliding glass double doors of the store, I’m immediately blasted by a wave of cold air from the AC units pulling double duty to freeze my exposed tail into an icicle. Rubbing my arms, I move towards the back of the store where they keep all the high octane beverages.
I don’t dare spare much time considering my options since I’m already on a tight schedule, so with that in mind I quickly study the offered brands until I come across one I don’t recognize.
*Mass Xtinction Energy Drink*
*Can you handle the impact?!*
I can’t help but chuckle at the over the top name and slogan as I grab it and turn over the can in my hand to check the apparently endless nutrition label on the back. My eyes lit up at seeing the three warning labels sticking out in bolded red print.
And none of them are in English…
A shiver of anticipation courses through my body like a bolt of electricity.
I quickly move to the cashier, place the energy drink on the counter, and cough up the money to purchase it. The equally tired looking dino eyes the can before looking at me with an inquisitive expression. All I can do is shrug as he rings my purchase through before handing it back to me.
Taking my new prize back and clutching it close to my chest, I speed walk my way through the sliding glass doors back onto the street with another electric chime. Not bothering to wait any longer, I swiftly crack open the lid and begin to down the contents. I make it about half way before needing to resurface for air.
“Pwaah! Holy shit! That hits the spot!” After sucking in another breath, I finish the rest of the can containing two hundred percent of my daily amount of sugar. I can feel the liquid diabetes begin to pump through my veins, banishing the lingering fatigue.
Satisfied, I then proceed to bash the can against my head with a gratifying crunch, flattening the thin metal. Glancing around, I spot a recycling bin conveniently located next to me and throw it away before spinning on my heel and resuming my trek home.
Now with a clearer head, I’m able to organize my thoughts and partially sort my feelings… which unfortunately brings me to confront a series of thoughts that I wish still remained in my subconscious…
That being my uncertainty of how to deal with the stinging betrayal of my ‘best friend’ since the second grade, completely and utterly humiliating my boyfriend in front of the entire student body; not to mention my general antagonistic relationship with Naser’s girlfriend. I swear, as much as I can’t stand the coral cunt, I can’t shake the feeling that there’s something more going on with her than she lets on.
Regardless… Those are troubles for a future Fang to solve. Right now I’ve got more pressing matters to deal with.
*Ding!*
Oh~ And if it isn’t my knight in dweebish armor.
Taking out my phone, it looks like I was right. I tap the notification to see his text.
[Dweeb]: Hey there, Sweetling. Just wanted to let you know I finished restocking your stash of dino nuggies. Turns out they had a three for one deal on your nuggies at the store today only.
My joy of hearing that I’ll be able to cut loose and chow down on my precious nuggies is overshadowed by my want to gag at that disgustingly over the top pet name, knowing he’s doing it on purpose. Wait, was it because I called him ‘babe’ earlier?!
[Fang]: I know you're trying to be cute and joking, but If you EVER call me that again I will break your knee caps. I’m not even kidding.
The message must’ve been received loud and clear as he quickly fires back a response.
[Dweeb]: Alright alright! Thought I’d try something new. Sheesh.
He continues to type something else.
[Dweeb]: But seriously, are you sure you're okay? You seemed pretty worried when we split. I can always pop by and be a human meat shield.
Pfft. I highly doubt he’ll be too useful with those scrawny arms. Dweeb needs to hit the gym, or better yet, actually eat something with some sustenance in it. I swear, Mom would have a conniption if she saw the state of his cupboards.
But putting that aside for now, time to engage in some good old fashioned banter to clear the rest of my head that the energy drink missed.
[Fang]: Oh?
[Fang]: With what meat~
[Fang]: <:V
[Dweeb]: Rude. You know I’ve been asking Naser for some advice actually.
[Dweeb]: And the first thing he said is to get some proper protein in me, so here I go raiding your newly resupplied stash of nuggies.
I halt in my tracks and nearly cause the person walking behind me to run right into my back. He mumbles a curse as he walks around me, though I’m too in shock to give him any mind as I bear the brunt of my teasing backfiring hard.
“You bastard!” My loud gasp of horror fills the air as I tap out a quick, angry response.
[Fang]: Touch my nuggies and I’ll rearrange your bones alphabetically!
[Dweeb]: Now I am become Anon, devourer of nuggies.
(Poorly_photoshoped_pic_of_me_eating_your_stash.png )
[Fang]: You shithead! You just earned an elbow to the ribs when I see you again!
A few seconds pass by before the ellipsis pops up again.
[Dweeb]: 75/150 Nuggies remain, it would be such a shame if… something were to happen to the rest of them…
( Do_you_want_to_play_a_game.png )
[Dweeb]: >:)
Oh my God! I’m actually going to hit him!
[Fang]: Raaa!
[Fang]: Die!
[Dweeb]: Ladies first.
( Shit_eating_grin.png )
Witnessing the most recent message causes me to stomp the ground repeatedly as I consider what to type out next… though all I can do instead is rest a hand against my cheek as a wave of frustrated heat washes over me. That damn look of his.
Argh! I hate how handsome he is when he does that!
My traitorous tail wags behind me, ignoring my snarl. “Get that smug grin off your face, damn you! And quit wagging back there!” The scaly appendage ignores my snapping command, instead increasing its pace in defiance.
Taking a series of deep breaths to slow my beating heart, I can’t help but chuckle to myself.
[Fang]: Jerk!
[Fang]: >:V
And just as I prepare myself to see another effort on his part to try to distract me, I find myself surprised to see what he has written next.
[Dweeb]: If you need some advice? Don’t let them stop caring. Even if they’re yelling at you, at least they still acknowledge your existence.
I hold the phone close to my face as my eyes scan over his last message several times, trying hard to make sense of it.
‘At least they still acknowledge your existence?’
[Fang]: What are you getting at?
[Dweeb]: Exactly what it sounds like, Sweet Tooth.
[Dweeb]: I love you, Fang. You’re strong and I know you’ll pull through. You always do.
My chest tightens at his heartfelt words and encouragement. I don’t know what I did to deserve such a supportive boyfriend, but I’ll be damned before he thinks I don’t appreciate him. Just in my own way.
[Fang]: <:V
[Fang]: Love you too, dweeb <3 Talk to you later.
[Dweeb]: You got this. I'll call you tonight.
Locking my phone with a satisfying click, a smile etches itself across my beak as I look up towards the sky and sigh aloud. The weight of this morning's doubts melt off my shoulders, making me feel like I’m floating on air.
I’m the best ‘me’ that can face whatever stands before her with her head held high, because in the end, I know I’ve got people who have my back, whatever happens. I’ll make sure their trust in me’s not unfounded.
With my sights set on no longer delaying the inevitable, my feet carry me forward on the shortest path home to where my family is.
I’ve kept them waiting long enough.