A Dragon's Blessing (Private)

[Guest Eornostlice]

Hearing the words he wanted to hear, Casta's whole face visibly lit up with happiness. Even tho he was aware himself of the fact that if he wished to, the dragon would have no problem leaving -especially given the way that he seemed to just appear out of thin air earlier, without making the blonde aware of his presence until the distance between them was insignifiant- he still needed spoken words as comfirmation.

 

Perhaps it was just too easy to get and keep the young man happy, but certainly he was shining over such response.

 

Casta finally released the dragon's hand, more than satisfied with the promise he had received, placing trust onto the dragon youth naturally, without having the slightest doubt on how it was possible for him not to keep his word.

 

"Yes." The response was simple but clear. Yet realizing how incomplete the answer was, despite his simple intentions, he chose to continue. "I would like to know more about you. You see, my mother used to say that every meeting is the work fate. For sure, this one as well." The blonde's voice held innocence and only a jint of nostalgia.

 

"If the fates really wanted us to meet today then I would really like to become your friend!"

[ZX-MetalMonster]

With the slight pressure of the human's touch removed from his hand Conrad was free to lean back and add to the distance between them again, though he did this only because he was aware he'd already gone beyond what was acceptable between persons who have only met and not because he'd grown tired of the contact. In reality, having been allowed to touch the other male so gently only made him curious of what a different interaction would feel like, such as an embrace, a kiss on the cheek or one of a less innocent nature.

 

Though never having believed in such a thing as faith, the dragon gave no argument while the human explained his reasoning, too satisfied with the words to oppose them. However he felt himself sink at the reveal that the blonde wanted nothing more than friendship and forced himself not to allow the disappointment to show in his expression. Of course it meant little that the young man didn't return his feelings right upon laying eyes on him as after all it had taken him months to feel something significant as well, however he couldn't help taking this as a rejection.

 

-"I... would like that as well." Conrad agreed with a light nod, though reluctant because what he said was a lie and he'd never done well when convincing someone of an untruth. He watched the human cautiously, searching on his face for any hint that he'd taken note of how little enthusiasm he'd managed to embed in his answer.

[Guest Eornostlice]

The blonde could feel the reluctance behind the dragon's words but he certaintly mistunderstood him once more. The young man saw that reluctance as a given, something that would be attributed to the differences in species rather than the difference in feelings. For sure, he'd be able to change that.

 

Afterall, who would be so eager to accept the friendship of someone that could potentially damage them? Humans have done great injustice to magical beings, that was why they choose not to reveal themselves more often than not, or at least, that was what his mother used to say.

 

Casta grinned brighty towards the dragon youth either way, more than happy with the promise of a new friend and a full day tomorrow. He saw the present day as incredible already, and was just assured that the following one was going to be even better. He had already made plans for it inside his mind and somewhat wished it could already be the next day.

 

"Then it's settled. We will meet here again tomorrow alright?"

 

The blonde reached out for his shirt, pulling it on over his head trapping a few locks of hair between the fabric and his skin. "I think it is about time for me to head back even though I'd like to stay a little more... I need to get back in time to make dinner... Tomorrow let's spend more time talking?" If humans could sparkle, surely the young human would be one of those that possessed the ability.

[ZX-MetalMonster]

Conrad was aware no amount of time with the human would be enough for him now that he'd only been enabled to speak to him, though simultaneously he was unsure what he wanted to and was allowed to ask him. He knew nothing of the blonde male beyond what he could gather from watching him in the forest and that hadn't even been effective enough for the dragon to discover the other male's name before today.

 

-"I'll come here tomorrow... to wait for you. Just tell at what time..." Conrad assured the other man one more time as he stood up and smiled softly at his words, he was glad the human enjoyed his companionship even if he had no romantic feelings for him. Unlike him, he was grateful for the time that would pass until their next meeting as it made it possible for him to decide what he was the most curious about.

 

Once he'd lifted himself from the ground Conrad found himself unsure of how to depart from the other man, he wouldn't be the first to leave because he intended to watch the other make his way out of the forest, however he was expected to say something or perhaps extend his hand as a friendly gesture. Nothing seemed quite right when what he wanted the most was to place his arms around the human but knew that for now he shouldn't even think of that.

[Guest Eornostlice]

Casta lifted himself up as well, stretching a bit, sign of just how relaxed he actually was. The blonde enjoyed the smile he was shown. Perhaps that was another quirk of his, liking the way that others light up when the smile, even if it was not the biggest one that one could show.

 

The blonde was all too accumstomed to folding, having no difficulty with the slightly damp blanket, neatly placing it into a plastic bag he had in the pocket before putting it in the actual backpack. The blanket was to be washed before he went to sleep so he could use it again tomorrow and he was obviously prepared. The book and the container were gathered and put back as well with care and the young man got his backpack on, being ready to go back.

 

"I will be here by 3. I will be at school until then you see? i promise to rush here afterwards!" With no hesistation whatsoever, the blonde - which has been told that he tends to get too affectionate with people- went for a hug, wrapping his arms around the dragon youth for a short moment before letting go.

 

"Conrad! It was nice meeting you!"

[ZX-MetalMonster]

Conrad stood to the side and watched while the human gathered his things, knowing he would only be a nuisance if he insisted on helping when there were so few things to pack. Reminded that the clothes he had on belonged to the blonde he glanced down and smiled fondly, though feeling silly for being satisfied by something as simple as being borrowed a change of clothes his crush didn't need. However just as he lifted his gaze the smaller male gave him a better reason to smile and be happy.

 

With how brief the embrace was and the moment it took Conrad to compute how close the young man had put himself to him there was no time to return the hug but a grin and blush were left on the dragon's face even after the human released him.

 

-"You too..." Conrad answered softly and shifted his weight from one leg to the other as he rubbed the back of his neck. Despite his best effort, it was apparent in both his expression and stance how overjoyed he was with the hug he'd been given.

 

-"I can't wait to see you again..." He added before he had a chance to overthink the statement and become unsure if he was being too forward.

[Guest Eornostlice]

The blonde was surely not the type to overthink, only getting brighter and more excited about the day that was to come given the dragon youth's reaction. He felt quite unsatisfied with parting now, given that they had just met, but knew better than to risk getting home late and leaving his old man time to contemplate cooking.

 

"Yes. I as well! I am looking forward to tomorrow!" The words came out easily. He tried not to break eye contact while slowly heading towards the forest's exit. Every now and then, he would glance back behind him, hoping to catch another glimpse of Conrad, all the way until he was completely outside of the green and greeted by the city's pavement and houses.

 

Despite the distance from the forest back home, the young man was unsure when or how he reached the neighbourhood he had been raised in, much less entered his own home, completely lost in thoughts and stroking absentmindedly at the pendant he wore. Excitement. All his emotions and questions seemed to converge into just one feeling.

 

"Oh? Casta? You are home?" An old voice sounded out, waking the blonde up from the previous trance-like state. He looked up with the same sweet smile he wore the entire time after meeting his new friend, his cheeks painted pink.

 

"I am home Grandma. I will go start the dinner right after I put my backpack away."

 

The woman he was speaking to was old, her age well over 70, signs being her hunched back and white-gray hair. Her body was petite and her eyes were kind and warm, just like the boy's. It was clear to Casta that she had been waiting by the door in the hallway for quite some while, her expression cheerful now that he returned.

 

"Hm? Did something good happen dear?" the old woman let out a soft mischevious laugh as she watched the boy remove his shoes in haste and slip into his usual fluffy pink slippers. "You are glowing more than usual. A little more and the neighbours would call the firefighters!"

 

"Yes! I've made a new friend today!" Casta shouted as he bolted towards the second floor losing no time, causing the old woman laugh at him.

[ZX-MetalMonster]

With both himself and the human having nothing more to say to further postpone their separation Conrad watched with a bright smile as the young man made his way out of the forest. Until his newly made friend drifted far enough away that he could no longer see him he stood in place, uninterested in anything else but observing him for even a moment longer. He was reluctant to leave and turned slowly, his first few steps sluggish before he began to walk properly though with a silly smile still plastered on his lips.

 

It occurred to Conrad only after a while of daydreaming of the human that it was unfair of him to appear the next day with nothing when the young man planed to bring so many things for the two of them. Though he was aware the other male was excited they'd met and would spend time together again he wasn't so full of himself to think just his presence would be equal to all of the blonde's effort. He knew it wasn't probable he would be able to snatch anything nice from home and though he considered it, asking one of his siblings to go into town and buy something for him was out of the question since he would then have to explain what he'd been doing in the forest all of those times when he'd left to watch the blonde.

 

Though this slight issue still bothered Conrad his thoughts centred around a different problem once he arrive close enough to home to take note of the group of humanoids gathered by the entrance of the old building where they all lived. He'd never been able to pass by these people without them starting a conversation and now with another person's clothes on him he dreaded the questions they might have. Rather than expose himself to this, the dragon took a few steps back into the forest and removed the clothes his friend had borrowed him, arranging them neatly unlike he would his own before attempting to change his form. After having been reduced to a human body involuntarily he was concerned that something unfortunate had happened and that despite having learned to shape shift he'd lost the ability. Moments later however, a pair of large wings sprouted from his back and he shifted closer to the ground predicting that soon he would be too heavy to easily stand on two legs.

[Guest Eornostlice]

The second floor of the house belonged to the blonde entirely. He was calling it the second floor but in truth it used to be the attic until three years back when it was renovated and transformed into an added floor to the small house. The ceiling was reverse V shaped and left only 1.7 memetrs of wall underneath at its lowest point, making it easy for anyone above that height to bump their heads if they were not paying attention.

 

The entire big room that resulted after remodelling, was kept relatively simple. It had no bathroom but the electricity worked just fine. In the middle of the room was placed a huge fluffy white rug in contrast with the wooden appearance of the walls and floor, sharing the color of the curtains which hid the wall-sized window facing to the front yard. Casta would often lay on the carpet to gaze at the stars on clear sky nights. That was one of the reasons why he liked the room that much.

 

Other than a neat one person bed, wardrobe, the desk where he kept his laptop and countless shelves where he kept his hardcover books and reference papers, the space would have been empty if not for the ridiculously large fish tank placed on the left wall and a few green plants scattered around. The aquarium on the wall was truly large, but the fishes were few in comparison. The setup of the tank had been the most difficult part of the remodeling of the attic.

 

Casta placed his bag against the wardrobe but did not immediately go back downstairs. Instead, he opened it to retrieve the wet blanket which he planned to throw into the washing machine and the empty container which would have to be placed back into the kitchen and washed. Looking at the items, the blonde grinned to himself like a little child, his excitement seeping through.

 

Throwing a last glance to the room, he descended the spiraling stairs, heading straight to the bathroom. It would take a while for the blanket to dry, and washing it while making dinner seemed like a proper use of time. In all aspects, Casta seemed to be the persect housewife type.

[ZX-MetalMonster]

With a large reptilian being having taken the place of his human like body Conrad launched himself from the ground with a jump and took flight, gliding low to the ground until he drew close to the concrete building at which point he started to ascend sharply. A fraction of a second was spent in him soaring parallel to the grey structure before he reached his bedroom window that he'd left open and latched onto it's solid frame that he'd already tested could withstand his weight.

 

Conrad's speed and agility in flight were the result of his frame and features that were both fitting for a swift dragon and his age that dictated his size. It was apparent even in his humanoid form that he wasn't yet a fully grown man but the transformation further emphasized his young age and gave his kind more reason to consider him a child.

 

To enter the room through the window Conrad had to make himself compact and so his features shifted and wings dissipated from his back again, leaving him to stand by the open window with nothing covering his body and the human's clothes held in his hand, now not as neat after having been gripped by a large clawed hand. Though his clever solution had been effective and had allowed Conrad to bypass the small crowd that was gathered at the entrance he wasn't yet convinced that he'd pulled off spending the afternoon away from home without anyone having become curious. His gaze dashed from one corner of the room to the other in search of anyone who might cause him trouble but he found himself alone and breathed a sigh of relief as he approached the closet to retrieve a fresh change of clothes and hide away the ones his newly made friend had borrowed him.

 

If he'd been given the choice, Conrad would have kept his interest in the human from all of his family however he was unfortunate to share a room with the most observant of his siblings. After having left to the forest and come back without his brother having brought this to anyone’s attention he'd started to trust his secret was safe with the older male however he would still become concerned whenever returning from watching the blonde. Now worried as every time before, especially since he had little idea if anyone had looked for him and what all of his siblings were busy with, he left for another part of the large apartment despite preferring to isolate himself and think of the human.

[Guest Eornostlice]

With the blanket put inside the washing machine, the blonde turned it on, grinning to himself. Somehow the earlier events kept flashing through his mind, along with the mental images of the dragon. The young man looked down at the pendant inside his shirt, his smile brightening even further.

 

He walked himself to the kitchen, slipping on a pale blue full-sized apron, attempting to tie his hair behind just so no strand would get in the food. The blonde was rather dilligent when it came to all the chores, having practiced them for years now. He had learned most things from his mother's words, given how she had been sick most of the time, unable to do the chores alone. Her husband and mother were never exactly handy or any good when it came to house maintaining or cooking so naturally, it was Casta that was around her, helping, most of the time.

 

He turned the stove on, having decided for mushroom stew as dinner along with cake leftovers from lunch as desert. It seemed like a quick option yet healthy and filling enough for no one to complain.

 

The room was silent, muffled TV sounds coming from the nearby livingroom. For the longest time, there was nothing to break the silence.

 

Dinner was nearly done when Casta finally took a deep breath, as if preparing for something. His mouth slightly opened.

 

"Mama... Today, I met a dragon. You were right. They exist and they are friendly. His name is Conrad. Did you know? They can actually speak like humans and can transform. Perhaps there are a lot of them blended in the city here. Perhaps you have met one too before, but could not see through their disguise. It... was really fun. We became friends." His voice was nothing but a quiet whisper, his eyes half closed as he smiled gently, stirring in the stew.

 

It was not that Casta did not realize he was in the room alone, but rather, it was much of a habit developed in time. Whenever he was alone, having a quiet moment at the end of the day, he'd tell his mother just how great of a time he had. That was perhaps one of the reasons of his brightness. She was long gone, but her way of looking at life truly marked the boy. Probably that was why everyday, he would let her know just how wonderful life is, even if she could no longer hear.

 

He carefully turned off the stove, pleased with the smell that the food produced.

[ZX-MetalMonster]

As Conrad entered the living room he found himself under observation before he'd even had a chance to close the door behind himself. Some distance away, sprawled awkwardly over a large armchair a small child looked towards him curiously and for the time being, most likely because it hadn't yet composed a question it would insist on, it didn't speak or give him any hints to what it was thinking. The scrawny, dark haired boy had placed himself so awkwardly on the furniture that his head hung upside down over one armrest and it seemed likely that soon he would fall off completely.

 

Conrad didn't concern himself with his little brother, knowing that even if the boy pried the truth out of him he would ultimately consider his leaving the building in secret uninteresting. What he found more alarming was the blank, though uniquely harsh gaze of the large man seated across from the TV. In a mater of minutes, while he walked across the room and into the kitchen where his older brother could still observe him, Conrad grew uncomfortable and started to wonder if it would be easier to ask what he'd done to become the subject of his disapproving stare.

 

Now frowning, he rummaged through the cabinet above the sink searching for a snack for a long few minutes, too distracted to pay attention to what he was moving out of the way or realize it when he'd found what he was looking for. It only added to his annoyance to find that his sibling seemed not to have even blinked during the time he'd spent in the kitchen and without much patience left, he marched over and sat himself beside the large male.

 

Ogden, the older of his two brothers, though only a few years older than Conrad was apparently more mature both in his calm behaviour and tendency for silence, and in appearance. Despite his stature that wasn't impressive for a grown man, Ogden was characterised by a stocky build that provided more than necessary strength and a paleness so otherworldly that it simultaneously seemed bizarre and captivating. There was an obvious resemblance between him and Osmond, the child who still refused to place himself upright on the armchair and who more often went by Oz to his siblings. Both had thick, unkempt black hair that was, in the case of the younger, allowed to grow to chin length and soft features that were shaped much differently in the two males, one of whom was stoic and the other energetic and expressive.

 

Refusing to spare his brother an unpleasant grimace, Conrad turned to Ogden once he was beside him and glared at the male dragon while waiting another brief minute to allow him to explain himself.

-"What? ...What is it?" Conrad questioned sharply and from how he'd placed himself it seemed like he was prepared for a fight rather than a conversation.