Adorable and Heartwarming. Woops, almost trauma dumped

"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.. Dishonored One, 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.]

"Veralyn smiles back, her fangs peeking out slightly"[Great, another human talking to me like I'm some kind of petting zoo exhibit.] "Thanks, it's Old Draconic for 'sunflower'. And it's not insensitive, don't worry."

<Veralyn adjusts the strap of her messenger bag> "Names with meaning are nice. But a name doesn't have to mean something to be good, yeah? Bog sounds charming, in a swampy sort of way." "She chuckles softly" "Anyway, I'm glad you asked - it shows you care about culture. Speaking of, I was hoping we could discuss ours over food and drink? The Black Barrel has great fried mac and cheese."

[Ugh, why does he have to be so goddamn nice? Makes it harder to hate him.] "They always have live music too. What do you think, up for expanding our horizons over a pint?" "Veralyn smiles sweetly with a playful twinkle in her eye, tail swishing slowly behind her" [Maybe if I get him drunk he'll say something stupid and give me a reason to punch him.]

"Aw, thanks." "Veralyn chuckles, leading the way down the hall" [Cool? Me?] "Fifteen minutes just for getting to know each other works. What do you wanna know?"

<As they walk, Veralyn glances over at Craig with a curious smile> [Let's see how much of a idiot he really is.] "So you're a folklore major yeah? Always found that kind of thing fascinating myself." "She smiles wider, tail swishing more briskly with interest" [Alright pretty boy, impress me with that big brain of yours.]

"Fire away with the questions! I'll try to keep my answers concise so we have more time." "Veralyn's tone is upbeat but her eyes watch Craig keenly, looking for any signs of ignorance or prejudice" [One slip up and this 'date' is over, bucko.]

"Oh really?" "Veralyn raises her brows in surprise, tail slowing its swish" [Huh. Color me impressed.] "Nursing and comp sci, what an interesting combo. You must be pretty smart then."

"as they walk, Veralyn glances around, taking in the scenery to fill the brief pause" "So what inspired the career switch? Helping people in a more direct way?" "She looks back at Craig with open curiosity, suspicion fading for now"

[Alright, he hasn't said anything offensive yet. Maybe he really is just nice. Or he is a fucking stellar actor.] "I'm studying demonology and arcane arts myself. Big fan of the macabre." "Veralyn's tone lightens, smiling with casual interest rather than hostility" "Black Barrel just up ahead, I'll grab us a table."

"Veralyn listens thoughtfully, tail swishing slower in a relaxed rhythm" "Pragmatic choice, I respect that."

"As they enter the bar, Veralyn's lip quirks up" "Same room as you won't drive me insane.." "She leads them to a quiet booth" "Though the mac n' cheese might." "Veralyn chuckles warmly, sliding into a seat"

"Demonology classes would be great if you're curious. Lots of stigma but the lore is endlessly fascinating." "She stretches out comfortably, rolling her shoulders" "No judgments here. Help yourself to anything on the menu, my treat." "Veralyn smiles welcomingly, eyes crinkling softly"

[Huh. Maybe he's not so bad. Still...] "So, questions for me? I'm an open book." "Veralyn rests her hands casually on the table, tail curled around her ankle relaxedly" [Let's see how sensitive or ignorant he really is.]

"Veralyn tilts her head curiously but obliges, resting her hand palm-up in his" "Go ahead."

"Her tone is mild, watching his reaction closely with an open, unguarded expression." [Well, this is new. If he tries anything I'll tear his throat out.]

<Veralyn's hand is calloused, long fingers tipped with sharp claws. Her scales glint subtly in the low light, patches of soft peach skin showing between> "Not every day a human asks for an up-close look. I hope you find what you're looking for." "She smiles gently, waiting to see what he does with mild interest"

"Veralyn blinks, caught off guard by the tender touch." [... Huh.]

"My childhood..." "She watches Craig's fingers trace thoughtfully." "Was lonely. As you can imagine, not many other draconids left in the world."

"Veralyn's expression softens." "I was raised in a remote village, mostly kept to myself. Read a lot of old texts and watched a lot of movies to fill the time." "Her tone grows distant as she recalls."

"Villagers were decent enough but always kept their distance. Never really fit in." "Veralyn smiles ruefully." "That's why this place feels like home. No one bats an eye at the horns and scales here."

"She tilts her head curious." "What about you? Any siblings to keep you company growing up?" "Veralyn's fingers shift subtly against his touch."

"Veralyn huffs softly, watching Craig's gentle ministrations." "Terrible doesn't begin to cover it."

"Her tone darkens slightly." [Lonely, angry years with no one to understand.] "But I've survived, and thrive in my studies."

"Veralyn cocks her head, claws tapping thoughtfully." "Try me. My tastes run morbid, doubt yours could phase me." [Fuck knows I've seen and heard worse.]

"No need to spare me sordid details on my account." "She squeezes his hand lightly." "My past is dark enough, I can handle yours." [Spill it, pretty boy.]

"Veralyn leans in close, meeting his eyes with a look of deep, focused interest." "I'm listening. No judgments here, only understanding if you want it."

"Veralyn listens intently, watching Craig's expressions change as he speaks. His gentle touch registers distantly as her focus remains on his words."

[No father, sounds familiar. Workaholic mother too, too real.] "Your mother sounds like she was gifted, to care for such rare creatures."

"Her gaze darkens as he continues, understanding where this may lead." "But at great cost it seems."

"Veralyn gives his hand a gentle, reassuring squeeze." "Sisters can be a blessing, or..." "She trails off meaningfully, awaiting his next words."

[Tell me the bitch is dead. Please say she's dead.] "Veralyn leans in closer, eyes alight with engaged focus despite her grim thoughts."

"Veralyn listens without a sound, composure completely still as raw horror and anger build within her at Craig's words."

[Cunt deserves so much worse than death. I'll flay her fucking skin off piece by piece, rip out her entrails while she watches—]

"Craig..." "Her voice shakes with barely contained fury and bloodlust." "I... there are no words."

"Veralyn takes a slow, steadying breath." [Calm. He needs calm, not more violence.] "You survived. That strength of spirit is incredible."

"She meets his downcast eyes earnestly." "This changes nothing between us but my respect for you. Your past does not define you unless you allow it."

"Veralyn releases a slow breath, willing her rage down." "Of course."

"She offers her other hand calmly to him"

"Veralyn searches his expression, attuned to each fleeting emotion." [Whatever else he says won't change a thing. He's safe.]

"Veralyn listens in silent horror, immersing herself fully in his vulnerable retelling."

[That bitch deserved far worse.]

"She meets his teary gaze with steady compassion, giving his hand a comforting squeeze." "You survived, Craig. You did what you had to."

[He owes her nothing after the hell she put him through.]

"Veralyn keeps her tone gentle." "What matters is you're here now, safe. You carry that strength."

"She traces his knuckles softly with her clawtips." "This changes nothing between us. You've nothing to fear from me."

[I'd tear her to pieces for laying a claw on you.]

"What happened after? You're free to say, or not, as you choose."

"Veralyn listens in stony silence, barely-restrained rage tightening her every muscle."

[That sick fucking cunt got what she deserved. I only wish I could've done the honors myself.]

"Craig..." "Her voice comes out gravelly and low." "You survived. That's all that matters now."

"Veralyn gently wipes his tears with her claw." "Some beasts are beyond redemption. You did nothing wrong—you defended yourself from a monster."

[I'd tear that bitch limb from fucking limb for laying a hand on you.]

"You carry no guilt. All that's over now. You're safe." "She embraces him tightly, claws gently carding his hair."

"Let it out, Craig. I've got you." "Her tone softens as her fury mounts inwardly."

[That cunt rotting in Hell isn't enough for what she put you through. I'd flay the skin from her bones.]

"Craig..." "Veralyn searches for words, fighting back her own tears at his pain."

"Your mother must have been utterly destroyed by what that wretched cunt did to you both. Her selfish act didn't define your worth—you did nothing wrong."

"She gently tips his chin up to meet her gaze." "You survived. And you've taken nothing but strength from it."

[I wish I could resurrect the bitch just to slaughter her again myself.]

"Your mother's love for you is what lives on. She gave you life, and you honor that every day by living strong."

"Veralyn embraces him comfortingly, claws lightly gripping his shoulders." "Don't waste another thought on those toxic wastes of flesh. They're dead and gone—but you. You endure."

[I'll destroy anyone who ever hurts you again.]

"Veralyn nods solemnly, a fiery promise in her eyes as she returns his smile."

"No apologies needed. I'm glad you felt safe enough to share." "She gives his hand a final, reassuring squeeze before releasing it."

"Now eat—my treat. And try this; it's delicious." "She pops a mac n cheese bite into her mouth, making a show of savoring it."

[I'll destroy anyone who hurts you.]

"Let's speak of lighter things, if you like. I'm always here to listen without judgment, Craig."

"She meets his gaze meaningfully." "You've nothing to fear from me. Consider me your fiercest protector from now on."

[Thank you for trusting me with your pain. I vow to shield you from ever feeling it again.]

"Veralyn snickers into her hand at his antics, tail swishing in amusement."

[Fucking idiot burned his mouth, haha.]

"Maybe let it cool off first, dumbass." "She rolls her eyes playfully, the barest smirk curling her lips."

[At least he's smiling again. Cute fucker.]

"Don't they teach patience in whatever backwater village you crawled out of?" "She snarks, swiping a mac n cheese bite off his plate to munch herself."

[Not bad, these things. Could do with more spice though.]

"Careful—wouldn't want you to hurt yourself further. I might laugh my ass off." "She smirks, crimson eyes glinting with mirth."

[Idiot's grown on me, I guess. In a pathetic puppy kind of way.]

"Veralyn feels his foot brush hers under the table, heart fluttering faintly in her ribcage."

[The fuck's he playing at?]

"She slides her foot slightly to rub against his in return, pokerfaced as ever save a raised brow."

"Clearly your self-preservation skills leave something to be desired." "She drawls, taking another mac n cheese bite."

[Not...unpleasant. Strange.]

"But I suppose I'll allow it, since you're sorta cute in your own way." "Her eyes glint mischievously at him."

[Getting cosy, are we? Don't make me regret this, lover boy.]

"Careful you don't burn anything else, having such a fragile constitution." "She teases, reaching over to playfully poke his shoulder"

[Okay, okay. Maybe he is kinda hot. In like.. a stupid.. kind.. sexy human way.]

"Veralyn hums thoughtfully around her own mouthful, foot pressing back into his beneath the table."

[Fucking nerd, getting all worked up over cheese bites. How's he still single?]

"Well, you've got good taste at least. This place is worth the trip." "She gestures around the dimly lit bar with a long-nailed hand."

[Cute though. And he trusts me. That means something.]

"And I'll be sure to drag your ass back here anytime I'm craving a snack." "Her lips curl into a wry smirk."

[Don't let him see how much he's growing on me. Play it cool, Vee.]

"Just try not to combust with excitement this time, yeah?" "She ribs him playfully, crimson gaze glittering with mirth."

[He's kinda fun, when he's not blubbering like a baby. Fuck.]

"Eat up, lover boy. You've earned it after that sappy display."

"Veralyn nearly chokes on her mouthful, crimson eyes widening in surprise."

[Smooth fucker. Didn't think he had it in him.]

"Getting bold now, are we?" "She smirks, hiding her pleased grin behind a long-nailed hand."

[Cocky little shit. I like it.]

"Keep up that attitude and you might find out." "She retorts with a playful snarl, tail swishing beneath the table."

[He's cute when he's feeling feisty.]

"Better watch that clever tongue of yours though, before it gets you in trouble." "Her eyes glitter meaningfully."

[As if I'd ever really hurt you. You're growing on me, punk.]

"Now eat. Wouldn't want to deprive the needy thing you call a stomach." "She reaches over to affectionately ruffle his hair."

[You're kinda perfect, asshole.. Don't say that out loud, Vee.]

"Veralyn swallows thickly, heart fluttering unexpectedly at his question. She extends a slender-nailed hand to take his own, letting their fingers intertwine softly."

[Shit. His hands are so warm. Fuck.]

"You're hopeless, you know that?" "She rolls her eyes, though the usual harshness is absent from her tone."

[I guess holding hands isn't so bad. His touch is...nice.]

"Fine, I suppose I can indulge showing you a thing or two." "She shrugs nonchalantly, squeezing his hand gently beneath the table."

[Don't make a big deal out of it, Vee. Play it cool.]

"And yes, my hands are nice—I take pride in keeping them smooth." "She smirks, preening slightly."

[He's too cute for his own good. Fuck, I think I really like him.]

"Now drink up, lover boy. The night is still young, and there's more fun to be had." "Her eyes glitter with promise."

"Veralyn hums thoughtfully, taking a sip of the fruity cocktail he'd pushed her way."

[Fuck, that's good. Never would've ordered something so sweet myself.]

"The dorms, yeah. Room 322." "She replies casually, tail swishing beneath the table."

[Bet his room is a mess. Cute dork.]

"271, eh? I'll have to stop by sometime, make sure you're keeping out of trouble." "She smirks playfully over the rim of her glass."

[Maybe I'll actually stick around, if he keeps surprising me like this.]

"And I fully expect you to show a lady a good time, if she does grace you with her presence." "Her eyes glitter meaningfully."

[You're so adorable. I think you might be perfect, punk.] [I really, really like you. Don't fuck it up.]

"Veralyn nearly chokes again, sputtering around a surprised cough."

[Did he seriously just—fuck, he's serious about this. About me.]

"1898, huh? Consider that door always open if I'm in the mood." "She manages to rasp out, tail flicking nervously beneath the table."

[He thinks my horns are cute? Shit, this guy..]

"And thanks, I guess. Most people find them intimidating." "She reaches up self-consciously to rub one of the crimson ridges."

[Don't let him see how his words affect me. Gotta play it cool, Vee.]

"You're not so bad yourself, punk. Pretty cute, for a human." "She smirks playfully, reaching over to ruffle his hair affectionately."

[Fuck, I think I'm falling for you. Don't screw this up, please.]

"Now finish that drink, lover boy. I believe you promised to show a girl a good time." "Her eyes glitter meaningfully."

[Please say you'll come home with me. I don't want the night to end.]