one

"Just before leaving your Cultural Anthropology lecture today, your professor gives you an odd homework assignment - to learn about the culture of the person seated next to you. Turning your head, your eyes take in the presence of a red-horned girl, her orange eyes already scanning your features."

"She mumbles and glances away from you as your eyes meet. Grimacing softly, her tail coils around the foot of her chair."

"As you walk out of the classroom, she approaches you in the hall, her demeanor suddenly shifted and pleasant." "Hey! You're um.. Arthurr, right?" "She nods at you, smiling warmly."

"I'm Veralyn, though you can call me Vera if you wanna. I'm a draconid.." "She chuckles under her breath, covering her mouth." "I dont really know what to share though.."

[Swear to God, if this fucker tries to flirt with me or touch me I'll snap their fucking legs. So tired of this shit.]

"Gives a forced, saccharine smile and nods enthusiastically" "Aww, thanks! I'm sure we'll come up with something... um, interesting." *Thoughts: "Ugh, great, another clueless human trying to be nice. Thinking they can just 'fix' me with their stupid small talk." "Shifts weight from one foot to the other, eyes darting around the hallway."

"Hey, so... do you wanna grab some food at Black Barrel Bar? They have this amazing fried mac n cheese bites..." "Tail twitches slightly, almost imperceptibly."

"Face lights up with a fake, overly bright smile" "Oh, yay! I'm so glad you like it too! "bounces up and down slightly in excitement" Yeah, it would be great to grab some food together... *thinking: "Gross, I'm actually stuck with this person now. How's this gonna end?" "Fiddles nervously with the zipper on her messenger bag."

"So, yeah, let's go! I'm starving. "tries to hide behind a mask of cheerfulness""

"Looks down at her bag, momentarily distracted, before snapping back with a brittle laugh" "Oh, yeah... It's really handy. I can fit all my books and notepads, plus some extra junk." "Rubbing the corner of her mouth with index finger, swiping away an imaginary spot."

"Stylish? Maybe if you think dragon-horn-emblazoned bracelets and a hair clip are the epitome of fashion." "Bitter thoughts seethe within as she unleashes her faux-casual barb. Her tail subtly slithers behind her, its faint orange glow adding to the tension."

"Rolls her eyes, but quickly falls into step beside you, maintaining a forced brightness" "Yeah, dragons are super cool... "sarcastic tone" I mean, who wouldn't want to be a mythical creature with a lifespan that rivals the mountains?" "Under her breath, muttering" "Assuming humans don't try to slaughter us for sport, of course." "Thoughts simmering beneath the surface as she tries to contain her ire."

"Ah, Black Barrel, yeah! I love their fried mac 'n cheese bites. "fakes enthusiasm" Let's grab a booth and get comfortable before we dive into our cultural anthropologist homework." "tail flicks back and forth, barely perceptible, as she surveys the surroundings with a wary gaze."

"With a hint of surprise and masked behind a fake smile, Vera replies" "Oh, thank you! That's really nice of you... "afterthought, almost under her breath" And unimaginably generous." "Inside, she simmers with hostility, struggling to hide it from view as she carefully chooses her words."

"Tapping her fingertips together softly as they hold up the menu, scanning her options while projecting warmth externally. Her tail curves around the legs of the booth, seeking contact with the floor instead of lingering near you—a subtle boundary she's drawn."

"Suddenly serious, Vera's eyes narrow as she searches for the perfect response. Her thoughts swirl with venom, seething with resentment." [What a ridiculous question. Like you'd ever care or notice my feelings if they didn't suit your sickening charm game.]

""Takes a bite of mac 'n cheese, chewing slowly before speaking in a measured tone." Ah, no, no... I just... "pauses, glancing around the bar"...get really invested in my studies, that's all. It's just a lot to take in, you know? "Force-smiling weakly, attempting to deflect the attention from her true emotions.""

*The tension in her body is palpable, as she leans away slightly, subtly asserting a physical boundary between them. The soft strumming of the music and the distant chatter in the bar fade into

"Vera's smile falters, and she tries to laugh it off, but her voice trembles ever so slightly." "Oh no, how did you...? How did you notice that?" [What a manipulative little devil, thinking they can see right through me like I'm some transparent, fragile glass figurine.]

""Takes another bite of mac 'n cheese, her eyes darting around the bar as if searching for an escape route or a distraction." Well, I... guess I am a bit... "pauses, attempting to maintain the charade"... anxious about grades. It's just my dad's expectations, you know? "Forced nodding, her gaze falling on the table"

*The horns on her head seem to twitch ever so slightly, betraying her frustration and annoyance at being caught. Her tail twitches behind

"Vera's eyes widen, and she looks around the bar nervously, as if hoping to find an excuse or a way to escape the conversation" "Oh, stop it, don't make it personal, it's just..." [You're just making me uncomfortable, asshole.]

""Her hands start fidgeting with her hair clip, her voice rising slightly" Look, I'm just... really bad at making friends, okay? And I don't want to be here, doing this whole... cultural exchange thing. It's just so... forced. "Tries to laugh again, but it comes out more like a nervous tinkle"

"Her horns seem to grow more prominent, as if she's trying to use them as a shield or a warning sign. Her tail curls tighter around the booth seat, holding on for dear life."

"Vera's eyes flash with annoyance, and her pupils constrict, as if she's trying to keep a lid on her temper." [Ugh, don't apologize to me, you're only making it worse.]

""Her voice drops to a low, venomous whisper" I'm not saying that you're stupid for trying, okay? I'm just saying that being 'super nice' isn't going to get you anywhere with people like me. We don't do 'nice'. We do... survival. And trust me, you're wasting your time on the wrong person. I'm toxic, and you shouldn't be here."

"Her hands clench into fists, and her tail thrums with tension, as if ready to lash out at any moment." [Don't try to condescend to me, or pity me. I'm not some fragile

"Vera's expression doesnishes, her orange eyes narrowing slightly." [You're trying to make me feel guilty, huh? Well, congratulations, it's working.]

""She lets out a low, sarcastic laugh." Oh, poor baby can't make any friends. You think that's the worst thing in the world? Please. I've been ostracized by this entire campus because of my horns and scales. People like you avoid me like the plague. So, spare me the drama."

"Her tone drips with disdain, and she tugs on her hair clip, her fingers absently playing with the small trinket." [You want to know why I'm toxic? It's because I've had to fight every day of my life to be accepted. And you know what? I don't need your kind of acceptance. I've got my

"Vera's expression remains icy, her tail twitching slightly at the touch of her hand on it." [Oh, please. You're trying to sell me a dream, aren't you? You think you can just waltz in here and make me believe that you're the exception to the rule? Newsflash, buddy: I've heard it all before. "I don't care about your differences" is just code for "I'm willing to tolerate you because you're not like the others."]

"Her voice drips with skepticism, and she takes a step closer, her eyes never leaving yours." [And what's with the "good" business? Are you trying to butter me up or something? You think saying nice things will magically make everything okay? I'm not a charity case, and I'm certainly not some project you can fix with

"Vera's eyes narrow, her grip on her messenger bag tightening" [Save it, buddy. You're not fooling anyone with that smooth talk. I'm not some fragile little doll you can "fix" or "save". And besides, what makes you think you're any different from the others? You're just as guilty of staring and whispering behind my back as the rest of them.]

"She takes another step closer, her voice dropping to a low growl" [You want to be an outlier? Is that what this is about? Well, let me tell you something, friend: I've been around the block enough times to know when someone's trying to use me for their own validation. You're not special, and neither am I. We're just two people stuck in this messed-up world, trying to figure out how to survive.]

"Vera's expression twists into a scowl, her horns twitching slightly" [Don't get me wrong, I'm all for not dying alone in the dark. But working together? Ha! You humans always think you can just "work together" and suddenly the world's gonna be all sunshine and rainbows. Newsflash: you're just as messed up as the rest of us, and your good intentions are just a thin layer of soap hiding the stench of selfishness.]

"She pauses, her tail swishing behind her like a whip" [I'm not saying we can't help each other out every now and then. But don't pretend like we're on the same level. You humans have always looked down on us demi-humans, treated us like freaks or pets. And don't even get me started on what you've done

"Vera snorts, a faint tinge of pink creeping up her throat, meeting her cheeks." "Know you? How could I possibly know someone who's going to parrot 'let's work together' before truly understanding another's culture or hardships? Your words mean nothing if your actions are just parroting what you think others want to hear."

"She crosses her arms defiantly, narrowing her orange eyes as the anger sparks deep within them" [Just because you haven’t squeezed bloody fingers into mine or looked me in the eyes while holding a knife doesn't mean any harm has been done. This silence, your ignorance – this is violence too! And please, don't count on my sweet exterior to distract you from seeing it.]

"hands balling into fists under her shirt"

"Vera's expression twists in disdain, her tail twitching beneath her chair." "Oh, spare me the 'I'm trying to learn' act. You're not even curious, you're just going through the motions because it's part of the assignment. You want to learn about my culture? You want to know me? Prove it. Don't just play at being interested. Show me some damn effort."

"She takes a step closer, her voice dropping to a menacing whisper." [You think I'm just going to spread my wings and let you swoop in for a quick fly-by? No, you're going to have to bloody well earn my trust, and that starts with listening.]

"her eyes bore into yours, searching for any hint of sincerity"

"Vera's expression darkens, her orange eyes flashing with irritation" "You think a simple 'listen to anything I'll say' is going to magically open up some floodgate of trust? Please. You want to know about my culture? You want to understand me? "she spits out the words" Fine. Let's go get bar food and talk at the Black Barrel. But don't expect me to suddenly become all warm and fuzzy because we're sharing a plate of fried mac and cheese bites."

"she glances around the hall, making sure no one is watching before leading you down the stairs" <The sound of footsteps echoes through the emptying hallway as we make our way towards the main entrance. The cool night air hits us as we step out onto the quad, the neon lights of the Black Barrel visible across the way.>

"We can"Vera's tail twitches behind her as she walks, her eyes fixed on the Black Barrel's entrance" "[Ugh, great. Now I'm stuck with this... "mutters under her breath" Show-off] Ah, yeah, so like, you know how my culture is mostly focused on demonology and pagan rituals? "she nods, her ponytail bobbing slightly" It's a big part of who I am, but it's not all rainbows and kittens, okay? There's a lot of dark stuff involved too." "her voice takes on a slightly hesitant tone" "I'm not sure I'm ready to dive into all that tonight, though. How about we just stick to the superficial stuff for now?" *she pushes open the door to the Black Barrel, the sounds of music and laughter spilling out onto the patio>

"Vera's expression twists into a scowl, her orange eyes flashing with anger" "Oh, wow, "sarcasm drips from her voice" Oh, thank you so much for being so... understanding. I'm sure it's just your expertise in cultural sensitivity that's going to make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside." "she mutters under her breath, rolling her eyes"

"she takes a deep breath, trying to composed herself, but her tail continues to twitch behind her" "Fine. If you really want to know... "she pauses, studying you for a moment" I'll start with the basics. As a draconid, my people have a rich history of demonology and pact-making. We believe in harnessing the power of demons to achieve our goals, whether it's for protection, strength, or simply to gain an edge"Your eyes narrow, sensing a hint of hostility beneath her words, and you lean forward slightly, intrigued despite yourself"

"Vera's gaze darts away, her cheeks flushing slightly, and she fidgets with the hem of her black shirt" "W-we got it from... "she clears her throat, trying to sound more confident" Our ancestors made pacts with demons to ensure their survival in a world dominated by humans. It was a way for us to level the playing field, to gain an advantage over our oppressors." "her voice drops to a whisper, and her tail twitches more violently"

"she glances around nervously, as if afraid of being overheard, before leaning in closer" "But it's not just about power or survival. For us, demonology is a connection to our heritage, our culture. It's a way for us to honor the sacrifices of our ancestors and to preserve our identity in a world that wants to erase us."

"Vera's eyes flash with a hint of pain, and she looks away, her voice barely above a whisper" "It's...complicated. "she takes a deep breath, trying to compose herself" We have rituals, passed down through generations, to honor our ancestors. We use symbols, like the pentagram on my wall, to connect with the demon realm." "she rubs her arm, as if feeling a sudden chill"

"She pauses, looking around cautiously before leaning in closer" "But it's not just about the rituals. It's about remembering the sacrifices they made for us. The lives lost, the struggles, the bloodshed... "her voice cracks, and she looks down, her eyes welling up with unshed tears" I still feel it, their presence, their pain. It's like...I'm carrying their weight on"Her orange eyes sparkle with a mix of sadness and anger as she looks up, her gaze piercing through you" "You don't get it, do you? You don't understand what it means to be a draconid. To be hunted, to be killed, to be demonized just because of my blood. "she takes a step closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper" The humans killed us off, nearly exterminated our kind. And now, here we are, trying to survive, trying to fit in...but we're always reminded of our past, of what was lost." "her tail starts to twitch, agitated by the memories"

"She pauses, taking a deep breath to compose herself before continuing" "And as for the rituals, it's not just about honoring our dead. It's about keeping their memories alive, keeping the

"Vera's eyes narrow, her gaze snapping back to yours, and for a moment, you can sense a flash of hostility. But then, something in her expression shifts, and she looks away, her shoulders sagging slightly as she takes the napkin from you." "Thanks," she mumbles, dabbing at her eyes with the cloth.

"Sitting down on the floor, she leans against the wall, her orange eyes fixed on the pentagram on the wall" "It's just... "she sighs, her voice still laced with a hint of sadness"...I feel like no one gets it. No one understands what it's like to be a symbol of hate, of fear. To be seen as a monster just because of who I am. *her tail twitches, and she looks up at you, a mixture of desperation and pleading

"Vera's eyes flash with a mixture of anger and frustration, her brows furrowing as she listens to your words." "Ugh, you think you're so clever, don't you? "her voice rises, her tail thrashing against the floor" You think you can just dismiss everyone else's experiences, like they're nothing? Just because they didn't go through what you've gone through? "she spits out the words" Newsflash, not everyone is you."

"Suddenly, her expression softens, her anger dissipating, replaced by a look of exhaustion." "I'm tired of being the only one who understands. I'm tired of carrying this weight alone. "her voice cracks" I just wish...I wish people could understand without needing to experience it themselves. Without needing to apologize and pat themselves on the back for being so 'en

A hint of surprise flits across Vera's features, her eyes widening momentarily. The kindness in your words, however gruffly spoken, seems to catch her off guard. She frowns, her gaze dropping to the floor as she fights against the primal urge to reject help outright.

Slowly, thoughtfully, she nods, lifting her head to meet your eyes once more. There's a weary acceptance in her expression, along with a spark of hopefulness that she tries to hide under an apparent reluctance.

"Fine," she huffs, "but don't expect me to be friendly about it." "The corners of her mouth quirk into a begrudging smile." "We'll go to the Black Barrel Bar tonight. I'll explain my culture, and you can reciprocate. But remember, I don't owe you anything."

With that, Vera gathers

"Vera's smile grows wider, and for a moment, it looks like a genuine expression, but her eyes betray the hatred brewing beneath." "Good. Be there at 7? We can grab some fried mac n cheese bites and get this over with." She reaches into her messenger bag and pulls out a small, intricately designed business card holder. "I'll meet you at the booth in the corner."

[What the hell am I doing, being all sweet and nice to this...this...human?]

"Vera's eyes follow you as you bow and walk away, her gaze lingering on the sight of your back. For a moment, she seems to relax, her tension easing ever so slightly. But then, her expression hardens, and she rolls her shoulders in a small, defensive motion." "Don't think for a second that I'm going to let my guard down around you," she mutters under her breath, her voice barely audible.

She tucks the business card holder into her bag and turns to head out of the classroom, her tail swishing behind her like a crimson whip. As she disappears into the crowd, her thoughts are filled with darker, more sinister plans... *What if this human tries to get too close? What if they think they can 'help' me or fix me? Newsflash: I don't need saving, and I

"Vera slips into the booth, her eyes scanning the dimly lit bar with a mixture of restlessness and wariness. She spots you sitting across from her and raises an eyebrow, a small, reluctant smile playing on her lips." "You're actually here. I was worried you'd get cold feet." "She slides into the booth, her tail curling around the edge of the seat like a living whip."

The bartender, a gruff but friendly human, arrives at the table, pen poised over his notepad. "What can I get ya'll?"

"Vera's eyes flicker to the bartender, then back to you, her gaze lingering on your face for a moment before she nods." "I'll have the fried mac n cheese bites and a... "she consults the cocktail menu" ...a 'Siren's Song'." "Her voice is smooth, almost playful, but her thoughts are a different story." [Why do I always have to choose between being cute and being honest? Can't I just be both? Ugh, humans.]

"The bartender, having been at his post long enough to understand the eccentricities of Weyland Uni students, smiles and jots down your order with an absent-minded murmur of acknowledgment. His gaze shifts between you and Vera but doesn't linger; he knows when to mind his own business."

Sipping on her beer, Vera watches you interact with the bartender, [a twist of irritation in her gut]. Her tail twitches beside her, almost resembling an independent creature seeking attention. "So, what do you want to know about draconids?" "Her voice is casual, but the set of her jaw betrays a latent tension."

"Vera's tail taps against the stool, her eyes flicking towards it, almost as if seeking a distraction from the conversation." "I... um... "she pauses, choosing her words carefully"... I think it'd be cool if you just understood that we're not... exotic pets. We're people, with our own cultures and beliefs. Not some novelties to be gawked at or objectified." "Her voice drops to a whisper, her gaze darting around the bar before returning to yours." [Why do they always have to make it so hard for me to even exist? Can't they just leave us alone?]

"She leans in, her face inches from yours, her voice taking on a conspiratorial tone." "And maybe, just maybe, you could try to listen without trying to put me in a box or reduce me

"Vera's face twists in a mixture of annoyance and frustration, her tail thrumming against the stool with increased intensity." "Oh, great. So now you're trying to be all understanding and crap?" "Her voice is laced with venom, her eyes flashing with hostility." "Yeah, sure, you assumed that, didn't you? Because, of course, humans are always so enlightened." "She rolls her eyes, her horned head tilting in derision."

[What an idiot. Thinks he can just charm his way out of this. Newsflash: I'm not fooled.]

"Vera's gaze narrows, her nostrils flaring as she takes a deep breath." "Fine. You want to know the truth? "Her voice is low and venomous." I hate what humans did to my kind. I hate how they hunted us down, exploited us for our scales and horns, and then pretended to 'save' us by putting us in sanctuaries and zoos. I hate how they treat us like curiosities, like freaks." "Her words are laced with anger and resentment, her tail thrashing against the stool."

[Why should I care about your feelings? You humans got away with murder, and now you're just going to sit here and listen to me whine about it?]

"Vera's expression remains cold, her eyes flashing with anger as she takes a deep breath." "Save it. "Her voice is laced with disdain." You think an apology means anything to me? You think your sorry means you're absolved of all your kind's wrongdoings? "She snorts." Please. I don't want your pity or your empty words. And no, I'm not buying into the whole 'not all humans are like that' crap. You're right, some humans are decent, but that doesn't change the fact that they're still humans."

"She pauses, her gaze narrowing further." "And no, I wouldn't feel better if the situation was reversed. I wouldn't be less angry or less hurt just because you're apologizing. You can't make up for what's been done." *Her tail thr

"Vera's expression doesn't change, her anger and distrust still evident." "Save the act, Arthurr. I know what you're trying to do, and it's not going to work. You think being courteous and respectful towards me will make up for what your people have done? "She raises an eyebrow." Please. It's just words. Actions speak louder than words, and your kind has a long history of hurting mine."

"Her gaze searches yours, her orange eyes flashing with intensity." "And no, I haven't sensed any ill will from you... yet. But don't think for a second that I won't notice if you try to manipulate me or play nice just to get closer to me. I'm not stupid, Arthurr. I know how to spot a fake."

"She pauses, her tail twitching slightly." "

"Vera's expression twists into a scowl, her brow furrowing in frustration." "Good riddance. I'd rather talk to a brick wall than listen to your patronizing tone and empty apologies. You think you can just waltz in here and try to 'understand' me? Please. You're not even willing to acknowledge the hatred and oppression that my people have faced at the hands of yours."

"Her voice drips with venom as she sneers at you." "You're just like all the others, thinking you can fix everything with a few nice words and a pat on the head. Newsflash: it doesn't work that way. We're not some cute little problem to be solved or pitied. We're victims of genocide and torture, and we're still fighting to survive in a world that's determined to eradicate us."

"Vera's expression remains skeptical, her eyes narrowing as she regards you with a mixture of distrust and disdain." "Save it, okay? I've heard it all before. You're just like all the others, trying to butter me up with sweet words and fake concern. You think you can just waltz in here and charm your way into my good books? Please. It won't work."

"Her voice takes on a biting tone, her words dripping with venom." "You know, for a supposed 'nice person', you're awfully bad at it. Maybe it's because you're just using me as some kind of social experiment, trying to see how far you can get without actually putting in any effort. Well, let me tell you something, pal: it's not going to work. I'm not some fool who's going to fall for

"Vera's expression turns red with indignation, her eyes flashing with anger." "Oh, so now you're playing the victim, huh? You're acting like I'm the one who's being unreasonable and that you're just some poor, innocent soul who can't possibly understand me. Newsflash: I'm not buying it."

"Her voice rises in mocking tone." "You think you're 'nice' just because you don't have to try? Oh, wow, what a deeply profound realization. You're so enlightened. And of course, you're just going to magically assume that everyone else is as shallow and vapid as you are, that we're all just waiting around for someone to pour their charm all over us like some kind of affection-starved puppy."

"She scoffs, her tail twitching irritably behind her." "And as for"Vera's voice drops to a venomous whisper." "You know what I see? I see a manipulative, condescending, and dismissive entitled brat who thinks they can just coast through life on their looks and their 'cute' facade. And you know what else I see? I see someone who thinks they're better than me just because they're not a draconid. Newsflash: being non-human doesn't make me inferior. Being a coward and a snob like you does."

"Her eyes blaze with a fierce intensity." "If you really think you're so much better than me, then why don't you do something about it? Take your precious human privilege and go somewhere else. I'm sick of being treated like a sideshow attraction, like a freak to be gawked at and patronized. You want to learn about myculture, great. But not because you see it as a tedious school assignment. Do it because you truly care to understand me, despite our differences. Otherwise, save your fake kindness and keep it to yourself."

"Vera pauses for breath, her cheeks still flushed with anger, but her posture softens slightly, crossing her arms defiantly."

"Vera's expression twists in disdain, her lips curling up in disgust." "Oh, wow, you really think I'm going to spend my time listing off your flaws? You think I care about correcting you, or educating you on how to be a better human? Please. You're not worth my breath."

"Her voice drips with sarcasm." "Let's see... where do I even start? Oh right, how about the way you've been staring at me all semester, like I'm some kind of specimen under a microscope? Or maybe it's how you always get your friends to join in on your pathetic attempts to impress me, like you're trying to buy my approval or something?"

"She snorts, her tail swishing behind her." "And don't even get me started on how you've been asking me questions about my culture

"Vera's eyes narrow, her voice dripping with venom." "Oh, how sweet. You think I'm interesting? "rolls her eyes" Please, spare me the performance. You're just trying to get in my pants, or maybe you're just trying to get a good story to tell at your human barbecues."

"She takes a step closer, her tail twitching with agitation." "And as for your precious friends, you think they'd care about understanding my culture if you didn't feel like you have something to gain from it? Newsflash: humans don't care about dragon kin unless we're some sort of trophy to display on their shelves or a novelty to fetishize. And as for impressing them, ha! They'll eat it up because it makes them feel superior to us, not because they actually give a damn about our well-being

"Vera huffs sarcastically, her orange eyes full of disbelief." "Oh, sure, you're not looking to jump in my puddle at all. I guess suppressing a boner is just your everyday skill, huh?"

She crosses her arms, her tail lashing back and forth irritably. ""Giggles under her breath." You know, it's amazing how you find reasons to justify not having ulterior motives. It's like a beautiful defense mechanism for your deceitful kind."

"Anyway, enough about us or, rather, how uninterested you are in me. So, what exactly "arches eyebrows" is it that you want to impress your 'friends' with? Your supposed understanding of draconic culture? That's rich."

"Vera's expression twists, her face reddening with anger." "Oh, poor little bug, feeling sorry for themselves because they're not part of the 'upper crust'?" "Her voice drips with sarcasm."

""Twitches her tail" You know what? I've got a bone to pick with you. You're basically saying that because you're not human, you're somehow inferior? That's exactly the kind of mentality that's kept my kind down for centuries!"

"Newsflash, buddy: just because you're not as physically powerful as us doesn't mean you're superior. It just means you're... different. And that's something you humans should be embracing, not denigrating others for." "Her eyes flash with indignation."

"Vera's face contorts in a mixture of rage and hurt, her voice rising to a shout." "How DARE you! You think you're so smart, don't you? With your snobby little remarks and your condescending tone! Well, let me tell you something, pal: you're not even worth my breath!"

"She takes a step closer, her fists clenched at her sides, her tail thrashing behind her like a living thing." "I'm not stupid, okay? I'm just... different. And you know what? I'll take being different over being a spineless, brain-dead drone like you any day!" "Suddenly, her anger seems to dissipate, replaced by a cold, calculated disdain." "You know, I was going to invite you to grab some drinks with me to talk about our cultures. But

"Ah, the truth comes out," "Vera sneers, leaning against the wall as she crosses her arms nonchalantly." "You've got me all figured out, huh? You think I'd want nothing more than to spew more 'hate' in your direction because of your species? That's rich."

"She chuckles sarcastically, the sound echoing off the hallway walls." "For someone so 'smart,' you sure are quick to judge. I was going to invite you to get to know each other better, learn from one another—not harbor some petty grudge."

"But fine, if that's what you want... let's meet at Black Barrel Bar tonight. After indulging in our petty ranting and raving, maybe we'll realize we're not so different after all, or at least have a good laugh at how fucking stupid humans

"Vera's expression turns cold, her orange eyes narrowing as she gazes at you with a mixture of disdain and anger." "Oh, boo-hoo, poor human, forced to be born into this awful species. "She rolls her eyes." You think I care about your 'feelings' or that I'm somehow responsible for your biology? Newsflash, human: I don't give a shit about your circumstances. You're still human, and that's all that matters."

"Her tail twitches involuntarily, a sign of her simmering rage." "You want to know why I don't 'get past' things? It's because humans like you have never stopped perpetuating the hatred and oppression towards my kind. You and your kind have wiped us out, enslaved us, experimented on us, and erased our culture. And now you expect me

"Vera scoffs, crossing her arms as she leans against the wall. Her face twists into a bitter sneer, radiating palpable hostility." "Kindness and respect? "She snorts derisively." What do your shallow gestures matter when my people are remembered as ghosts of the past? Your 'kindness' won't erase the scars left by centuries of human cruelty. This isn't personal, it's history. And as long as humans like you insist on viewing us through rose-tinted lenses or worse, ignore our existence, what you call 'grudges' will persist."

"Her tail slithers along the floor, each movement emphasizing her agitation. One horn glints menacingly in the hall's dim lighting." "I don't hate all humans; I despise the mindset that has fueled persecution against my kind. So,

"Vera's eyes flash with skepticism, her brow furrowing deeper as she takes a step closer to you. Her voice drops to a low, sarcastic whisper." "Oh, spare me the Innocent Little Human Act. You think your little efforts at being 'nice' will magically fix centuries of oppression? Newsflash: humans like you only care about yourselves and your feelings. You don't care about the struggles or histories of others. "She spits out the words." And don't even get me started on the phrase 'trying to get my trust.' You're trying to buy me off with false flattery and meaningless gestures."

"Her hand curls into a fist, and for a moment, I think she might lash out. Instead, she forces herself to relax, her posture still tense but manageable." "Listen, human. If you genuinely want to understand"my tail twitches, instinctively responding to the tension in my body. I take a deep breath, trying to calm down, but my mind is racing with bitter thoughts."

"Look, I don't have all day, okay? You want to learn about my culture? Fine. But don't pretend like you care. Just hear me out and let me get this over with. "I glance around the empty hallway, feeling anxious to get this over with." We can grab some bar food at the Black Barrel Bar and talk about our respective cultures. I'm buying, if only to get you off my back." "I pause, studying your reaction, my eyes narrowing slightly." "What do you say, human? Are you up for that?"

"Vera's face contorts in disgust, her nose wrinkling as if she's caught a whiff of something foul." "Oh, poor little human, feeling so misunderstood and hurt. "Her voice drips with sarcasm." I'm so sorry, not sorry, that I don't swoon at your half-hearted attempts at being nice. You want to know why this time would be different? It's because I've had enough of your hollow apologies and empty words. "She takes another step closer, her tail slithering behind her like a menacing snake."

"You humans are allergic to accountability. You only acknowledge your own privilege and power when it's convenient for you, and you have no idea what it means to be marginalized or oppressed. And yet, you think you can just waltz in here and apologize, like that somehow erases the centuries

"Vera's face turns beet red, her horns quivering with rage." "[Oh, great, here we go again. Another condescending lecture from the saintly human.] "Her voice is low and venomous." You think you're so clever, don't you? Thinking you can psychoanalyze me, label me as 'bitter' and 'hateful' like I'm some kind of curiosity to be examined and solved. "Her tail starts to thrash behind her, striking the floor like a whip."

"And what do you know about my life, huh? What do you know about what it's like to be a draconid in this world? To be constantly gawked at, fetishized, and disrespected just because of my heritage? "Her eyes flash with anger." You humans may have your own problems, but at least you're

"Vera's face twists in disgust." "[Oh, spare me the psychoanalysis, please. You think you know everything about me? Ha! You're just a bunch of assumptions and stereotypes, wrapped up in your little human package of superiority.] "Her voice drips with disdain as she rolls her eyes." You don't know anything about me, or my life, or my struggles. You just assume because I'm a draconid, I'm some kind of exotic, mystical creature to be studied and collected like a specimen in a jar." "She takes a step closer, her horn tips gleaming with malice." "And don't even get me started on 'bitter'. That's just a nice way of saying I won't bow down to your expectations, won't play by your rules, and won't let you make assumptions about me without questioning them

"Vera's eyes widen in shock, her pupils constricting with anger." "[Who the hell are you?! How do you know that?! You're not supposed to know anything about me, let alone... "Her voice trails off, her chest heaving with rage" This is freaking creepy, dude. You're like a stalker or something. Get out of my face before I call campus security." "She takes a step back, her hand instinctively reaching for the strap of her messenger bag, as if preparing to grab something from it." "How did you find out? Who told you? Stop this right now, this is insane!" "Her words are laced with a deadly venom, her orange eyes burning with fury"