“Well, I’ll see ya later Flutters.” Dash waved as I watched her lazily hover away.
“Yeah, see you.” I waved back. My cyan friend disappeared in the morass of activity buzzing around the center of town and I was left to my own devices, gazing around at the many shops and such littered around the market. The smell of blueberry muffins pulled my head to the direction of a dessert stand. I licked my lips, nearly drooling on the spot as I walked towards it. Only after a few steps of my negligent stride did I see the pony that collided with me, sending me tumbling to the floor. “Eep!” I squeaked as I hit the ground, absolutely dazed by what had transpired as my brain tried to make sense of the situation. I blinked a few more times before looking up at the pon- D… dragon.
“I’m so sorry!” The dragon apologised, his towering demeanor utterly paralyzing me as I stared wordlessly up at him. “Ma’am?”
My mouth just hung open as I stared up at him, quivering in absolute terror. I had never seen anything that… that. The eight foot giant kneeled down and held out a clawed hand to me. I shrank back as best I could just to get away from him. “Really, I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to hurt you.” He apologised.
“Y… you d… didn’t…” I mumbled quietly. His hand grabbed mine and the claws immediately retracted. I still remained tense as I stared up at him. He hoisted me up onto my feet and smiled.
“Sorry to bother you.” He said, turning and walking away. I turned and was about to walk when my mind was raced with questions.
I reluctantly turned and walked up to him. “Um… h… hello, Mister…” I said quietly. The dragon stopped and turned back to me, cocking his head curiously. “I… I um… thank you for… helping me up…”
“Usually ponies don’t give me a second look. I guess cuz I’m different. You’re welcome, it was nice talking.” He nodded, about to head off again.
“Wait, I um… what’s your name?” I asked quickly. The dragon paused once again and turned to me.
“Oh I’m Briam. What about you?” He asked.
“I’m Fluttershy. It’s um… Nice to meet you Briam.” I asked in a more slow and quiet manner.
“You too.” Briam nodded. There was another few moments of silence before he spoke up. “You wanna get a bite to eat or something?” He smiled.
“Oh, s-sure…” I nodded slowly. “That sounds nice.” I smiled a little.
“Where’s a good place for that?” He asked.
“Um… There’s The Hayburger.” I said.
“Sure that sounds great!” He laughed, pausing again. “Where is it?”
“I’ll… show you to it.” I said. Briam walked beside me and waited, smiling down at me. “Th… this way.” I said, leading him off towards the diner. There was a tap on my shoulder. When I looked back I saw he was holding a bag out to me that I hadn’t noticed before. I took it and looked inside, seeing it filled with blueberry muffins.
“I got a couple earlier, before I ran into you. I saw how hungry you were so I thought I’d share.” He suggested. “One won’t fill you up till we get there will it?” Briam chuckled.
“Thank you.” I smiled as I took one and started to eat it. He tied the bag closed and hung it on his waist.
“So how long have you been in Ponyville?” Briam asked. That seems like a question I should be asking him!
“Almost my entire life, how about you?” I said.
“About a week. I haven’t been in public much because I’ve been setting up my shop.” He said.
“Oh? What are you going to be selling?” I asked curiously. Briam stared at me for a moment before patting the bag once more. That must have been his stand earlier. “I guess you’ll be seeing me a lot then.” I smiled.
“I already had one customer earlier. Had some weird eyes, didn’t want to say anything.” Briam said, scratching his neck.
“That’s Derpy. She really love muffins.” I said. “She’s one of the nicest ponies in town too.”
“I’d say she’s the second nicest.” He teased.
“Oh… thank you…” I blushed a little. His eyes shifted and his smile grew.
“That it?” Briam asked. I looked forward and saw a building with a sign reading ‘Hayburger’.
“Yeah.” I nodded. “Let go inside and get something to eat!”
Briam and I walked into the half-busy restaurant and were immediately greeted by several eyes, staring in awe at the tall dragon.
I walked up to the host counter, “Um… excuse me? Can we have a table?” I asked.
“Just a minuahhh…” The hostess said as she stared at Briam.
“Hello.” Briam waved.
“Um… right this way…” The hostess said as she slowly lead us to a table, her eyes never leaving Briam. Briam took a seat in the booth and motioned me to sit down. I sat down across from him and smiled. The hostess handed us both menus. “I’ll um, be back soon to take your orders…” She said as she quickly walked away from the table.
“So how has your day been?” He asked, crossing his arms onto the table and leaning in.
“Good, how about yours?” I responded.
“Better now.” He smiled wider.
“Oh… I… I’m glad I could help make it better…” I said, returning the smile.
“What do you do around here?” Briam asked.
“I take care of animals.” I said. Briam tilted his head and his stature grew more curious.
“So you’re a vet?” He asked.
“Yes and no… I raise animals and take care of them.” I responded.
“Oh. That’s pretty cool. I’ve eaten an animal before.” Briam said as if prideful in the action. I stared blankly at him. He kept the same smile on his face as if waiting for a reaction.
“Th… that’s… nice… Just please don’t eat any of mine…” I said quietly.
“Oh I won’t. You probably got them yourself, breeding them and making them nice and fat. You’re a butcher right?” He inquired.
“No! I don’t kill my animals!” I exclaimed, shock completely overcoming me. “They’re my friends!”
“Oh, I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to offend. You just seem like a strong pony is all and…” He stammered nervously, biting his lip. His eyes shifted around quickly as if thinking of something to say.
I blushed a little, “It’s… fine.” I assured him.
“No, no it’s my fault for assuming. You are charismatic, I wouldn’t be surprised if they lined themselves up to be eaten for you!” He stated almost factually. “I mean… I… Um…” He trailed off into a still nervous mumble.
I looked away, “I… thanks…” I mumbled.
“Your menus.” A stallion’s voice rang out, startling both of us. Briam expelled a loud hiccup, a small (and adorable) poof of smoke coming out. He immediately covered his mouth, staring wide eyed at me. I giggled a little and grinned widely at him.
“I hiccup when I’m nervouHUC!” He hiccuped again, his entire body jumping half a foot off the seat.
I laughed a little more, instantly covering my mouth to avoid making it look like I was making fun of him. “It’s not funNUCH!” He choked, covering his mouth again and giving another muffled hiccup, this time smoke coming out his nose. I tried to hold back my laughter but failed miserably. Even Briam was smiling at the scene that was unfolding, laughing along with me with the occasional hiccup interrupting it.
“You’re cute.” I said.
“Oh I’m cute am I?” He asked, raising an eyebrow. I felt something wrap around my leg and looked down to see his tail coiling around it. The tip started tickling the underside of my leg immediately. I giggled quietly and playfully kicked my leg. Briam was absolutely beaming as he watched me, and his hiccuping seems to have stopped.
“You’re done hiccuping already?” I asked.
“I guess I’m not nervous anymore.” He said, still seeming entranced by me. “Your eyes are beautiful.”
“Thank you.” I smiled. Briam just sat there with the same smile on his face, staring at me as his tail turned to a more caressingly tight around my leg. My face began to turn red, “Oh… um…”
“I think I’m in love with you.” He chuckled.
“Oh… th… that’s… n… nice…” I said quietly.
“Are you ready to order?” The waiter’s voice startled me (and only me this time). I don’t think either of us have even glanced at the menus yet!
“I already know what I want.” Briam sighed softly.
“I… I um need a little more time… thank you…” I said. The water set a pitcher of water down and two glasses.
“Anything to drink?” The waiter asked.
“Water please.” I said.
“I just gave you water. I mean anything else.” The waiter laughed.
“No… I’m fine.” I said.
“Alright. Take your time choosing, it is a rather diverse menu.” The waiter smiled, turning and walking to another table.
“Your hair looks like the sunset of a beautiful summer day.” Briam complimented.
I felt my face get even hotter. “Th… thank you…”
“Have you ever had a boyfriend? I wouldn’t be surprised if you had suitors out the wazoo.” He laughed.
“Oh… no I haven’t…” I said, shaking my head.
“You’re pulling my leg. Oh wait, I’m pulling yours!” He joked, tugging on my leg with the tail he had wrapped around it, his smile growing slightly. I giggled quietly.
“I… don’t really… um…” I trailed off as I thought of what to say.
“You seem really shy for a pegasus. Not that I’m, well… Not that I follow stereotypes or anything but… Pegasus are usually pretty proud, flying above everyone.” He said, scratching his neck gently.
“Everyone’s different.” I said.
“Right, I wasn’t trying to imply… I’m just trying to shUCK!” Briam hiccuped. I giggled again, covering my mouth as I looked away from him. He smirked and stared at me, his tail tickling my leg again. I kicked my leg a few times as I laughed some more. Briam let a giggle escape his own mouth. I seemed almost caught off guard by the fiery orange eyes on the red dragon’s head, his smooth scales seeming to blend together in a lush and powerful demeanor. I could feel my face heat up even more, oh my gosh he’s so handsome… I… I don’t know....
“Are you okay?” He asked curiously. “If my tail is bothering you, I can take it away.”
“I… I’m… f… fine…” I mumbled quietly.
“Are you sure? Is there anything I can get you?” He asked caringly and his tail tightened more around my leg. I nodded quickly. “What? What do you need?”
I moved my leg a little bit. His tail snapped back and to his side. “Sorry.” He apologised.
“It’s… f… fine…” I mumbled quietly.
“This is the fifteenth date I’ve messed up this month…” Briam groaned quietly, pressing his face into the table. “Stupid, stupid!” He banged his head repeatedly.
“Don’t hurt yourself!” I said quickly.
“I already hurt myself because now I’m losing you!” He said half into the table. “How do you think it makes me feel when I find someone perfect and realize I’m never going to be able to have them…”
My face reddened even more, “Y… you aren’t messing anything up.” I said. “A… and you aren’t losing me…”
He looked up at me and stared silently with a more curious gaze.
“I… I’m just not really… used to this happening…” I admitted quietly.
“What happening?” He asked.
“Dates…” I mumbled.
“Why not?”
“I… don’t… really go on any…”
“Don’t you have a mirror?”
“I do…” I nodded, looking up at him, this time with curiosity.
“You’ve seen yourself in it?”
“Yeah…?” I continued.
“Then why are you still single?”
“I… I don’t um…”
He simply smiled and laughed. “Because you’re you.” I remained silent and looked up at him. “Because… you’re hot.” He continued slowly. “That’s uh… what I’m getting at. Mm…” Briam trailed off into a mumble.
“Stop… it…” I mumbled, my blush growing.
“It’s true, you’re beauHUCK!” He choked.
“Th…” I mumbled, giggling quietly as I looked away from him again.
“My body is betraying me.” He mumbled, taking a deep breath and holding it. I giggled again and looked back at him. It wasn’t until his face turned blue that he gasped for air, breathing out a large puff of smoke.
I laughed a little and felt myself relaxing again. He grabbed the menu and opened it, hiding his face behind it as he read. I picked up the menu and started to look over it too. The waiter approached moments later. Briam lowered the menu and revealed his face was black with soot. “I’ll have the smoked salmon.” Briam coughed. Get it, smoke? Ah… Hm...
“I’ll just have a salad.” I said.
“Coming right up.” The waiter nodded.
I looked up at Briam, smiling a little more as I looked at all the soot. “You’ve got a little something on your face.” I said with a small giggle. Briam ran his hand down his face and blinked a few times, now having a handprint in the soot.
“Did I get it?” He asked.
“There’s still a little more…” I grinned.
“Why don’t you get it?” He suggested, leaning forward toward me. I grabbed a few napkins and started to gently wipe the soot from his face. His tongue whipped out and licked my hand. I nearly squealed with laughter as I withdrew my hand. Briam’s face was absolutely beaming, laughing quietly along with me.
“I think you’re better than the meal is going to be.” He joked.
“Oh, really?” I smiled as I went back to wiping his face clean. Briam let me continue for a moment before he gently grabbed my hand and held it to his face as if enjoying my touch. I giggled and gave his nose a soft squeeze with my other hand. He smiled a little more, holding my hand just a few seconds longer before releasing it. Once his face was back to its’ natural red, he continued to stare silently at me. “There we go.” I smiled back. He seemed entranced by me once more and could only smile in response. I sighed and shook my head, my smile never leaving my face.
“Were you born with wings or did you just fall from heaven?” He smiled wider.
I laughed a little, “Isn’t it a little late for a pick up line?”
“Is it?” Briam raised an eyebrow.
“I guess not.” I smiled. It wasn’t until the steam hit my face did I realize that our food had arrived. I looked down at the salad I ordered, followed by the smoked salmon just in front of it. “That was quick.” I said, grabbing my fork and starting to eat my salad. As I took my first bite, I looked up at Briam and saw his cheeks were bulging and his food was already half gone. The moment he saw my gaze his jaw stopped chewing. His hand raised and started waving, the slightest hint of a smile between his stuffed face. I waved back and continued to eat my salad. With a long swallow he looked at me and seemed to be thinking deeply about something. I swallowed my own food so I could speak, “Is something wrong?”
“Just wondering.” He said quietly, taking another large bite of his fish.
“Wondering what?” I asked.
“What happens after this.” He managed to say.
“I dunno. Maybe we could go for a walk or something?” I suggested.
“Well, it IS getting late.” He pointed out. It was then that I saw the setting sun and the growing darkness outside the window.
“I should be heading home then.” I said with a sigh. Briam stared silently at me as if waiting for something. “Did… you… um want to come over?”
“Yes!” Briam nodded rapidly, nearly choking on his food before quickly regaining his composure. “I mean… Yeah, cool.” He nodded slowly, returning to eating and avoiding eye contact.
I covered my mouth as I started to laugh. That’s so cute, he’s trying to play it cool… I’m surprised no one else found him likeable! “So um… Are walks something you like to do?” He awkwardly asked, scratching his neck.
“You’ll have plenty of time to find out.” I smiled.
“Wait… Really?! So you’re… I’m…” Briam stammered, seeming to be almost hyperventilating with excitement.
“You can calm down!” I said quickly. He immediately took in a deep breath and held it, staring wide eyed at me. “And please don’t hold your breath until you’re blue.” I laughed. Briam jumped a little as a muffled hiccup was heard, smoke pouring out his nose for a second. I giggled a little and shook my head. “You’re so cute.”
“No I’m noHUCk!” He choked.
“Yes you are.” I grinned. I immediately felt his tail wrap around my leg and start to tickle me again. I laughed loudly and kicked my leg.
“No you are.” He chuckled. I squealed as I felt the end of his tail slip into my shoe and wiggle around inside. I kicked my leg even harder as I nearly toppled back from my seat. His tail slowed to a stop, coiling around both my legs and tenderly holding them in its’ warm grip. I smiled at him and relaxed into my chair. “Why don’t we head home?” He suggested.
“So it’s our home now?” I teased.
“I um… that’s not what I… you’re…” He stammered nervously.
“I’m what?”
“You’re mphnmgurgle.” He trailed off, taking a long sip of water.
“What?” I pressed on.
“I’m hungry, you? This food is taking forever!” Briam answered once his glass was set down.
“Changing the subject, then, hmm? Well, you’re right, I guess. It is taking a while…” I trailed off. The waiter from earlier appeared, an apologetic look on his face.
“The food may be a bit late, incident in the kitchen. Would you like some appetizers?” The waiter offered.
“How about some mozzarella sticks?” Briam suggested, looking at Fluttershy for approval.
“With marinara sauce?”
“Coming right up.” The waiter smiled, heading back into the kitchen.
“Have you ever done this before?” Briam asked.
“What, eaten food? No, this is my first time, how do you do it?” I joked. Briam started to laugh, his sharp teeth starting to look cute the more I got to know him.
“I mean a date. You’re pretty enough, you should be smothered in offers, so why aren’t you?” He asked curiously.
I blushed, once again hiding behind my mane, squeaking out, “S-stop iiiit! You keep doing that, just to make me all flustered…”
“Then stop being cute!” He smiled. “Wait, that’s impossible.”
“O-oh yeah? Well, stop being so charismatic, then!” I retorted.
“Then stop having silky smooth hair that’s as pink as cotton candy.” He complimented, leaning in and resting his head on a hand.
“Then you stop having shining red scales that look like rubies!”
“Then never blink again.” He said, the strange statement confusing me.
“Wh-what?”
“The world deserves to see those perfect, blue eyes of yours. Don’t ever look away…” He smiled a little more, never taking his eyes from mine.
“I… y-you…” I stammered, the blush on my face growing by the second.
“I’m not trying to fluster you, I’m trying to tell you the truth.” He assured, his warm hand moving across the table and grabbing mine, his warm grip overwhelming mine.
Saying nothing, I slowly turned my hand over in his grip, holding his hand back. “I’m glad I ran into you. I mean… not that I enjoyed knocking you over, that’s not what I meant. I mean I’m happy that… wow, I didn’t think that one through.” Briam scratched his neck with his other hand as he thought. “What I’m trying to say is that I uh, really like you. I mean… obviously I really like you, I’m on a date with you. Not saying that someone would really have to like you to date you-”
“I-I like you too…” I mumbled out from behind my mane, interrupting him.
“Oh… oh that’s great!” Briam smiled excitedly. “Wait, are you sure?” He asked hopefully.
“Y-yes.”
“Mozzarella sticks.” The waiter said as he approached the table. Briam snatched the basket and shoved an entire stick into his mouth. It seems he was either hungry, nervous, or happy. Maybe it was all three at once.
Peeking out from my hair again, I grabbed a cheese stick, nervously nibbling on the treat, stealing a glance at Briam’s fiery orange orbs. Briam’s cheeks were stuffed with cheese sticks, stopping mid-chew to wave at me. I was unable to not giggle at the sight, nearly spitting out what I had eaten.
“And you call me cute?” I teased.
“Mpsnhoh.” He slurred, some cheese quite literally oozing from his mouth. He slurped it up and swallowed, letting out a loud burp. He immediately covered his mouth, staring with wide eyes at me.
I giggled, waving a hand at him. “I don’t really mind. Rarity would, But I’m nowhere near as graceful as herRAAAAP.” I said, letting out an even louder belch of my own near the end. Briam’s mouth slowly opened, staring wide eyed at me once more.
“What? Mares have the same bodily functions as you do, y’know…” I said, blushing once more. Briam took a deep breath and held it. Just as I was about to speak…
“BLEEEEEGH!” He belched loudly, several people in the restaurant turning to look at us.
Glancing at them, I turned back to Briam, saying, “Really?” In a flat tone.
“What? Dragons have the same bodily functions as you do, y’know?” He grinned, giving a single giggle.
“Stallions… always going on about burps and farts, the silly things.” I joked at him.
“Yeah, stallions, who needs em?” He chuckled.
“Ahem.” The waiter said, startling the two of us. We saw the actual food we’d been waiting for in his hands.
“O-oh! Ehm, thank you, sir… sorry about that.” I said, reaching up for my food. Briam took his plate and set it down, licking his lips as he stared hungrily down at his fish. Briam was about to eat when he paused, looking up at me as if asking for permission.
Giving him a small smile, I nodded, saying, “I don’t mind. I have animals that eat meat, so I understand.”
Briam smiled and dug a chunk out with his fork and stuffed it in his mouth. “Mmmm…” He sighed peacefully as he chewed. “Howshurfood?” He slurred.
“What?” I asked, taking a bite of my salad.
“Hossshurshood?” He repeated.
“Your mouth is too full, you big silly.” I said. He swallowed with one big gulp.
“How’s your food?” He asked one last time.
“O-oh. Um, it’s delicious!” I said eagerly, taking another bite of it. Briam took a bite of salmon, and a bite of one of the mozzarella sticks. He paused mid-chew, his eyes widening.
I raised an eyebrow, looking at him funnily. “We need to patent this.” He suggested, chewing once more, seeming in heaven.
“Cheese and meat? Forgive me saying this, but I’m pretty sure it’s already been discovered.” I reasoned, going back to my salad.
“Mmmphm…” He mumbled.
Giggling, I said, “I take it you’re enjoying your meal, then?”
“Mm.” He nodded quickly.
I nodded, taking another cheesestick, the last of them, in fact. Just as I was about to eat it, I saw the look of sadness upon Briam’s face, his eyes wide. “What?”
“Mmmm.” He mumbled, pointing to the cheese stick.
I looked at it, and then back at him, saying, “Wh-... really? If you want it, then come and get it, then.” I held it above my head, farther than he could reach. He held his hands up like a puppy and whimpered, pawing at the air.
I laughed, and held it up in front of him, a good few inches out of his arm’s reach. “C’mon, boy, you got it!”
He leaned forward, his tongue panting out like a dog’s.
I tossed it to him, gently. I squealed in surprise as his tongue whipped out and coiled around the stick, the three feet of tongue quickly reeling it back into his mouth. “Wha… I, your t-tongue…”
“Wht aboutsh it?” He asked, tilting his head curiously.
“It’s… it’s like, 3 feet long!” I said, my jaw dropping. He swallowed the cheese stick and his tongue stretched out to my hand.
“Four feetsth.” He slurred.
I blushed, stuttering. “I-I… how?”
“I dnnosh. Born wish it.” He said, pulling it back into his mouth. “I think it comes from my father’s side. Always bragging about what he could do to the ladies in b-” He paused, cutting himself off.
Blushing even harder, I hid behind my mane, softly giggling at the now nervous dragon. “I mean... not that I’d do anything like that to you! Unless you want me to and… I’ll just stop talking now…” He mumbled.
Laughing louder, my body began to shake at his predicament. “I-It’s alright, B-Briam…”
“Oh, you want me to? Here??” Briam’s eyes snapped open wide.
Freezing, I said, “Wh-wh-what?”
“Oh, that’s not what you meant…” He stammered. “I’m so sorry…”
“I-I mean, maybe one d-day…”
“Wh- huh?” Briam’s eyes went back and forth.
I wiggled my eyebrows at him, pursing my lips. There was a thud as something hit the bottom of the table, Briam tensing up immediately. Keeping up the facade for a moment longer, I broke out laughing, not even noticing Briam’s look of horror as he glanced under the table. “I’m so sorry!” He stammered.
Still laughing, I said, “Sorry a-about what?”
“Penis.” He said aloud, smashing his face into the table and hiding his head.
“I- what? P-penis? What are y-you talking about?” I asked, confused. There was a long period of silence.
“I mean… yeah, I have no idea… I just like saying sorry to you because… you um, you… yeah.” He brought his head up, nodding quickly. “Obviously.”
“I… alright, then…” I said.
“I’m full, whats say we get out of here!” Briam suggested, standing up quickly and immediately being yanked down by another thud, followed by his face scrunching up painfully.
“Oh my gosh! Did you catch your tail on something, Briam? Are you alright?” I asked, bringing a hand up to my mouth.
“Yeah… yeah, that’s what happened…” He groaned softly, seeming to visibly shrink into his seat.
“Do you need me to take a look at it, then?”
“No!” Briam shouted quickly, straightening up immediately.
I jerked back at his sudden outburst, raising an eyebrow in confusion. “I… a-alright, then…”
“I’ll pay, just go… wait for me outside okay?” Briam motioned me off.
“D-did I make you mad? I… I-I’m sorry, Briam…” I said, slowly getting up and walking off. Briam started hitting himself in the head.
“Stupid… stupid…” He grumbled.
“I waited by the door for a few minutes, before hearing the jingle of the bell, turning to see the red dragon walk out. Giving him a small smile, I held my hand out to him. He stared silently down at my hand, blinking slowly and trying to figure out what to do. “My hand is cold… you should warm it up…” I trailed off. Briam nodded quickly and grabbed her hand with both his, standing awkwardly with my hand wrapped in both of his. Sighing, I slapped a hand to my forehead, saying, “Briam, you big silly dragon, just hold my hand. With one of yours.”
“Oh, sorry!” He apologized, releasing his right hand and holding her left with his left.
“... Other hand, Briam…”
Briam spun around and switched, holding her right hand with his right.
“Briam, have you never held somepony’s hands before?” I asked. “Just… let me.” I let go of his hand and walked around him, slipping my left hand onto his right.
“Ohhh…” Briam nodded slowly.
I giggled. “You really are a silly dragon…”
“Not true, I sometimes get something right when it comes to pretty pegasi.” He joked.
“Not when said pegasus makes you so nervous you hiccup out smoke in an unnaturally cute fashion, though.” I retorted.
“It’s not cute! It’s ferocious.” He stated, breathing out a large plume of smoke. “See? Terrifying.”
“Terrifyingly cute!”
“Oh, you’re just jealous of my many talents.” He huffed, posing and showing off his non-existent muscles as he flexed.
“Many talents? Please, demonstrate.” I offered, giggling at his silly display. He paused, blinking a few times.
“Gimme a minute to think of a few.” He chuckled.
Letting my giggles die, I grabbed his hand once more, walking back to my cottage in silence with the dragon.
“Wow, this area is beautiful, you live here?” He asked in amazement as he glanced around the serene forest.
“Yeah… I can’t really stay near other ponies, or else I kind of… seclude myself. I like it here, though, it’s very peaceful.” I said.
“I can come in, right?” He asked.
“Of course! Would you like any tea, or cake? Anything?” I asked, opening the door.
“Sure, that sounds gooAAH!” THUNK! Briam smacked his head on the frame of the door as he attempted to walk in. I guess his height is his worst enemy.
“Oh! A-are you alright? I never did check on your tail, and this can’t help…” I trailed off, staring up at him.
“No… I’m used to it.” Briam chuckled, ducking into the cottage and smiling down at me. His tail coiled around my waist and squeezed me gently. “And my tail is doing great.” He assured.
“I-if you’re sure… it sounded like you really slammed it against the table earlier.” I said, slightly blushing at the appendage around me.
“I can prove it. But that’s for another time.” He winked and laughed.
“Oh? Is that one of your many talents, which I have yet to see one of?”
I squeaked in surprise as his tail lifted me off the ground. He walked over to the couch and took a seat, his tail quite literally forming a chair under my rump for me to sit snugly in. “You tell me.” He grinned.
Blushing, I said, “W-wow… your tail sure is strong… and long, and warm, too…” I snuggled into the warm seat, enjoying the feel of it. I was lowered into the couch and pulled against him, two arms joining in the warmth of his tail.
Squeaking, I felt him rest his chin on my head, his hot breath wafting down onto me from his nostrils. “Oh...my… all of you is warm.” I said.
“Is it wrong that I never want to let go?” He asked, tightening the hug he had on me and nuzzling his face into my hair.
“Is it wrong that I never want you to let me go?” I asked him back.
“Who cares?” He chuckled, kissing my forehead. “It’s just you and me, and that’s all that matters.”
“Well, us and the animals, at least.”
“Oh, so we’re animals now?” He raised an eyebrow. “I can be one if you ask. Woof woof!” He licked my face roughly, causing me to squeal.
Grabbing his tongue with my hand, I held it away from my face, saying, “No, I’d rather you just be a warm, snuggly dragon.”
“Laahlph?” He slurred, his tongue coiling around my hand and licking every inch of it.
“Eghh…” I let go of his tongue, shaking a bit of the slobber off of my now-wet hand.
“Yeah, I can do that.” He smiled, being pulled into his once again warm embrace.
