i: monster-integrated society!! [For being run by humans, this is one of the best spots in the whole city.
It’s a small establishment, nestled in a side-street between a bakery and a flower shop, the smells of both mingling with the strong scent of coffee and liquor and the various patrons frequenting this place. It’s never busy, at least not when Barry comes around, which suits him just fine. After a long day of work and mandatory integration-classes, the last thing he wants is the hustle and bustle of a busy bar or coffee shop. He just wants peace.
The owners seem... okay with the whole Other thing. So do most of the human patrons. Not that he’s spoken much with anyone here, human or Other. Barry tends to keep to himself when he comes here, tucked away in a corner with either an incredibly strong coffee or a cold beer in front of him, lost in thought or pouring over notes in writing so tiny it’s a wonder he can read any of it through the thick glasses perched on his nose. He is one of the more humanoid-looking Others around, but... there's prejudice everywhere. Some humans just resent what they don't understand.
Do you join him at his table? Approach him at the bar? Looking to pick a fight with this furry... thing daring to show their face around good, honest human folk? Either way, you'll be met with a tired, quiet gaze from the Other as he waits for you to speak.]
ii: long-time star-crossed friends/lovers *w* [As soon as the sun starts setting, Barry is lacing up his boots, stuffing his backpack, and heading out the door. It's the first new moon since the winter solstice, the air is chill and crisp, and the streets are abandoned. Perfect. Barry prefers making this annual trip with as little attention on him as possible.
He's giddy with nerves for the whole trek into the woods. Getting to see them again is always exciting, getting to spend that one precious day with someone he's come to care for so deeply. Every minute in their presence is a gift he doesn't take for granted - they risk so much even showing up, both from their own tribe and from possible human interference. But ever since that first freezing winter night almost a decade ago, they've kept showing up, and Barry has been right there by the little lake to greet them. Every year, on their anniversary.
Finally arriving by the pond deep in the woods, Barry gets settled by the water's edge and starts building a fire, to keep himself warm and signal that it's safe to come out now. Even though he's freezing, he's smiling. He's so thrilled to see them again.]
iii: barry is a borrower kind of fight me [Don't mind that bit of scurrying you just heard, that little rustle of something-or-other that interrupted the silence just now. You didn't hear that. Must've imagined it. You're all alone, aren't you? There's only you in this room, right? Of course.
Pay no attention to the soft, panted breathing you thought you just heard off to your left. It's pretty late at night, after all. You must be tired. How else would you explain the little glimpse of something tiny and blue ducking to hide behind your dresser? The light must be playing tricks on you.
The scratching inside your dresser drawer... That must be a mouse. You have mice! That must be it. It certainly isn't a tiny man the size of a mouse, wearing tiny glasses and tiny jeans with a tiny, fluffy tail peeking out from the hem, his tiny hands rooting through your stuff.
What an absolutely absurd concept.]
Edited 2018-02-10 13:08 (UTC)
i; hello my name is lup im 30 and im a monster fucker
[Not all of the stares directed at the creature are entirely disapproving or scandalized.
Lup's certainly heard stories of the man who wasn't really a man who seemed to enjoy the establishment next door to the bakery where her brother was apprenticing, the place carefully tucked just off of the main path, hidden to those who weren't already frequent patrons. The Monster-Human integration laws were new enough that finding any non-humans in any human establishments was still fairly rare, the monsters seemingly content to stick with their own kind for the most part, attempting to avoid what lingering prejudices remained.
So it was only natural that Barry's frequent appearances would catch a lot of eyes and start a lot of rumors.
But finally getting to see him in person? Lup's kinda disappointed that the shit she's heard doesn't really fit the man. For one, he doesn't look nearly as uncivilized as he's been described and he certainly isn't doing anything to disrupt the other patrons. To be perfectly honest, he just looks awfully boring, like a quiet nerd just pouring over his notes in public instead of socializing. Who does that?]
What are you doing?
[Looking up at this unexpected interruption, Barry would find a human woman, dark-skinned and grinning widely at him, her squinting gaze focused down at his tiny scrawl. She's trying to read over his shoulder. How rude.]
He blinks at her a couple of times, looking wearier by the second as she spies over his shoulder. If she's able to decipher his cramped handwriting at all, she'll see a few pages with notes about employment rights and various laws and agreements regulating the human labor market. A couple tabs running down the side of his notebook denote sections devoted to religion and ethics, health care services, human ways of life, and other typical subjects for integration classes. It seems this one is a particularly fastidious student.]
I'm reading, ma'am. [Fastidious and polite. Though he clearly aches to go back to his work, he holds her gaze, one huge furry ear twitching expectantly.] Can I help you with something?
[Lup can catch a word here and there in his writing, but the notes aren't nearly as interesting as she'd hoped, her attention immediately shifting to the man instead. Her eyes run up and down him, lingering at the thick fur that covers his body and those long, twitching ears. Though his body language very clearly says that he wants to be left alone, the woman's smile curls as she invites herself to steal a chair at his table, plopping down next to him.
She leans forward almost immediately, chin propped up in her palm, eyes bright when she catches his gaze again.]
What even are you? Just a normal dude under all that fur? [Her words may be a little blunt, but her tone is simply curious, like she hasn't had very much one-on-one interaction with monsters before. Educate her a little, Barold.]
Barry's whole body seemingly deflates at the way the human phrases her question, ears drooping and everything, instantly making him look about a decade older. What are you. He's a person. Looking past the fur and the horns and the snout, he's more human-looking than a lot of Others populating the city. Four limbs, knees bending the right way, circular pupils, language, a job, opposable fucking thumbs. But no, he's a what. That's all he'll ever be.
With a long-suffering look down at his notes, Barry sighs deeply before he starts explaining, the same speech he always gives when this question comes his way.] I'm a bipedal humanoid ursine, with some spattering of cervine DNA from millennia back. If you've ever heard of Bigfoot or the Yeti, you've heard about us. We prefer foozles - I know, okay, y'don't have t'say anythin'.
[He can't quite help himself from adding:] As for who I am, I go by Barry. I'm forty-eight, a research assistant, a student, a pianist, I have a library card, I like old movies and brown liquor and long hikes in the woods.
[Barry sighs, then deflates, then explains himself as politely as possible to this random stranger, the woman's bright expression not shifting in the slightest during his whole spiel. By now it would make sense for someone else to at least feel a little ashamed of their insensitive line of questioning, probably finding a quick reason to excuse themselves from the conversation before making a fast exit.
But Lup just continues to smile, her brows arched curiously as she takes it all in, listening intently without interruption until Barry finishes.]
Shit, gettin' all scientific on me, huh? [Lup's always had an interest in science, but it's one of the many things she's never had the resources to pursue studying. Still, the man speaks plainly enough that his words come across easily, the explanation of what he is exactly enough to make the woman's lips curl in interest. Or maybe she's just grinning because of the name foozles. Either way, at least she keeps it to herself.]
Barry, [Lup repeats before the woman's thrusting a hand his way in greeting.] I'm Lup. Cool to meet you an' all that.
[She's still making no move to get up and leave yet.]
Of course. I'm a scientist. [Research assistant, but. As close as he's going to get until he graduates anyway.
This one can't seem to take a hint, huh. Barry eyes the hand the woman - Lup - holds out for him to shake, all cheery and casual. He doesn't want to shake it. What he wants is to go back to his notes, to prepare for his test over the weekend, to drink his coffee, to be alone without invasive questions from humans looking for a thrill with a monster. He wouldn't be surprised if she uses that term, even if she doesn't know that it's hurtful.
But he can't ignore human etiquette. And despite everything, Lup seems sweet enough. There's no scorn in her eyes when she looks at him, no distrust or disgust on her face, no hesitation.
She's beautiful too. For a human.
So Barry reaches out and takes her hand, small and smooth and hairless against his fuzzy palm.] Nice to meet you too, Lup.
[Seeing as she's not leaving...] Uh, can... can I get you anythin' t'drink?
The woman's been watching Barry with obvious interest this whole conversation, her eyes locked on his face for the most part, but every so often drifting to dart over the thick fur covering his body, the long ears that twitch every so often, the horns sprouting so strangely from his head. But his invitation to stay--that's how she'll interpret it, at least--seems to take the younger woman by surprise, her eyes suddenly creasing in delight, the grin at her lips softening to a smile.
She was going to stay and bother him regardless, but it helps a little if he doesn't mind having her around.]
Sure. I'll take a beer. [It would be a little more polite to have whatever he was having, but Lup and her brother have never been known for their manners.
And as if to drive that home, Lup suddenly throws an elbow on the table and leans in closer to Barry, smiling up his way.] So what's your field, Mr. Scientist? Is it related to the notes you've been taking all afternoon-- [She leans in even closer to try and get a better view of his papers, but Barry's scrawl is just too foreign to the woman, she has to squint.] Oh shit, is it all super top secret? Should I not even be asking?
It's Barry. [The correction comes gently but immediately as he motions for one of the employees to bring his new companion a beer along with his coffee refill. He's been called a lot of silly things, but "Mr. Scientist" is new. It's still clearly not his name.
At least she's not too gross about her gawking, actually deigning to keep eye contact with him, only occasionally staring at his long ears or his shaggy fur. For all her very human tendencies, she's... somehow still respectful. Even as she tries to read his notes across the little table.
Something weird happens then. Barry laughs. It's short, quiet, quickly stifled, but that was definitely a tiny little chuckle from deep in his chest.] If it was super top secret, I wouldn't be working on it in a public drinking establishment.
[Big furry hands reach out to tidy his papers then, some covered with notes from his integration classes, some covered with graphs and mathematical formulae. For having such big hands, he sure has teeny tiny neat handwriting.] I'm a physicist. Most of my work is theoretical, but we're workin' on synthesizin' approximations of my findings that has potential for physical testing in th'lab. It's mostly uh, dark matter, if you ever heard of that.
[A pause. Humans tend to ask about things that they themselves want to be asked. Barry is nothing if not a pleaser:] So what's your... field? What do you do?
[It isn't much longer after the fire's lit that she appears from the forest.
It would be far safer for the both of them for Lup to show a little cautious restraint in these annual meetings, to hold back until she's completely certain they're alone, but ever since the fateful day of their first meeting, she's never been able to leave Barry waiting for long. Not when the time they do get to spend together is so little.
The naga slithers silently out into the open, his old dark cloak wrapped tightly around her shoulders, while she slips forward to close the distance between them with a few effortless curls of her powerful tail. Even in the low light between them, Barry wouldn't have a chance of missing the happiness that dances across her expression at the sight of him, the genuine brightness of her smile. She lifts her arms out from under the cloak in greeting, the bangles along her limbs and the dangling jewelry of her ears glinting in the fire's growing light.
And whether he's prepared for her or not, the woman launches herself right at him, with just enough force to send them both tumbling backwards to the ground.]
[Barry perks up as soon as he sees her, barely even hearing the snow creaking under her formidable tail as she emerges between the trees. She's as beautiful as the night they'd met. Tall and dark and graceful, her smile illuminating the chilly darkness. And she's still got that ratty old cloak draped over her shoulders, the sight of which makes his heart swell with joy. If any of the bangles she'd gifted him fit around his wrist, he knows he would wear them all the time. For now, they're safe at home, treasured gifts treated with the utmost care.
He's certainly not prepared for the naga to shoot towards him, arms and tail wrapping around his body as they crash into the snow. Though he cries out with surprise, he's soon laughing, bright and happy, arms looping around her neck.]
Scared th'shit outta me! [He says that, but he squeezes her tightly in a hug, getting comfortable in her embrace.] It's so good t'see you again.
[The two tip over into the snow, Lup's delighted laughter echoing out around them once the human's arms settle around her neck, his body heat suddenly enveloping her slighter frame fully.]
Someone's gotta keep you on your toes, Bluejeans. [And it's a good thing that Barry's settling there beneath her because Lup's full body hug doesn't ease up in the slightest, her tail coiling affectionately around his legs. She leans in close to press her forehead against his, eyes closed as she falls silent for just a single moment, like the emotions of this anticipated reunion are overwhelming her. One of her palms, cold and smooth, presses over his cheek.]
I missed you. [Each year apart felt longer and longer. Here they are reunited and Lup's already feeling a familiar sense of dread at the next year apart.] Missed your stupid face so much.
[Yet even that touch of worry isn't going to dampen the time that they do get together. The hand not touching his face slides downwards to give a teasing poke at Barry's belly, the woman catching his gaze playfully.] You're squishier around the middle. I like it.
[God, it's good to hear her voice again. Hearing her brilliant laughter, feeling her body against his, her breath on his face makes his stomach to excited flips, his heart hammering in his chest. He really did miss her. Every lonely night spent apart has been torturous, counting the days until they could be together again, until her tribe passed through his neck of the woods once more and she could sneak off to see him.
There's nothing keeping him here in this awful, boring town. Nothing but her. If her tribe allowed humans in their midst, he would leave everything behind in a heartbeat, just to spend every day with her. Just to wake up every morning like this, held securely against her, her hand cupping his cheek.] This stupid face missed you too.
[Lup's fingers poke at his soft belly, indeed softer since last time they met, and he wiggles in her strong grasp, feeling her tail coiling tighter around him. That tickles. She knows it does.] What, good enough t'eat? Thought y'promised y'wouldn't.
[Barry can't wait any longer, leaning in to press a lingering kiss to her lips, hot against her cool skin. His voice is softer when he pulls away.] Don't tell me y'reconsidered. Walked an awful long way out here just t'get eaten.
[It's exactly the kind of future that Lup had never once thought possible for herself, but since meeting Barry, it's been the only thing looping endlessly in her mind. The more time spent apart, the more she dreams him into her daily life living with the others. Imagining him bantering good-naturedly with her brother, working hard to find a place within the tribe where his talents would net him some respect, getting to spend every single day of their lives together, hand-in-hand. Never wasting another second apart.
She wants it more than anything. Every day without Barry gets more and more difficult. The others have noticed how much harder the winter months are for Lup now, how little she can concentrate on anything but their migration schedule.
But the tribe leaders continue to refuse all requests relating to humans, citing them as too dangerous and unpredictable, a threat to their relatively peaceful lifestyle. If they won't even consider opening up trade negotiations in the future with them, the chances of them allowing a human to enter into their ranks are just nonexistent.
What else can they do?
Thankfully, Barry's kiss is everything, a kiss that's been a year in the making, the kind that melts straight through all of the naga's worries. Lup chases after his mouth when he pulls away and doesn't let up until the fifth or sixth kiss, when she finally grins down at him, fangs peeking out from beneath her curled lips.] I made that promise ten years ago, when I was a lot less hungry than I am now. You might need to make this gal a new offer before I eat you right up.
[Each greedy little kiss is met and returned eagerly, happily, his hands running over her body, enjoying the feeling of her slender frame against his. The way her smooth, almost human skin fades into slippery scales halfway down her waist, over her hips, the strong muscles of her tail shifting under her skin, feels so good. She's as captivating now as she'd been ten years ago.
Ten years ago. It's been ten whole years since their paths crossed, since every dream Barry has rudely woken up from has featured the beautiful naga. Not a day has gone by where she hasn't been on his mind, morning to evening. Not just her incredible body, not just her mouth on his skin, but all of her. The conversations they have, the teasing back and forth, the sound of her laughter, brighter than the sun, louder than life. Everything about Lup is entrancing and hypnotic.
He never wants this night to end.]
You've gotten hungrier since last, and I've gotten fatter, huh? [Barry returns her toothy grin, the sight of her fangs glinting in the fire's light making shivers rush through his body. He blames that on the cold.] That's almost serendipitous. [His fingers trail teasingly up the sides of her chest.] Can't get kisses and cuddles this good if ya eat me, though.
Serendipitousss, [Lup draws the word out with a soft hiss, her grin stretching wider, giving Barry a better view of the woman's sharp fangs and forked tongue. His hands dance up under the cloak against her body, but Lup's curl around the man's neck, plucking at his jacket just enough to expose his throat. She wants to feel Barry's hot pulse under her mouth, the way his heart reacts so beautifully to her presence.
It's been so long. She needs all of these wonderful reminders of how much he loves her. She needs to burn every feeling into her scales in the hopes of getting through the next year without him.]
Hm, but eating you would keep a girl satisfied allll winter long. Might need to give me a little more than that, babe, cause right now you're lookin' real good.
[Without much warning, Lup plucks the man's glasses off of his face and tosses them aside. Careful enough to not really do any harm, but with the force of someone who absolutely doesn't understand how delicate they can be.] There. Now you can't get away. Aren't I real scary?
[Oh, he's spent what feels like countless hours dreaming of that tongue, forked and long and peeking teasingly past those dangerous fangs. Where most men would tremble and cower in fear at the sight of them, run for safety and pray to see sunrise, Barry trembles for entirely different reasons. She eases his jacket open, exposing his throat to the freezing air and her heated breath, and he suddenly doesn't mind the snow so much anymore, a soft sigh of anticipation escaping him.
Lup feels so good. Each year is long enough to make him forget just how incredible she feels, how skilled her hands are, how easily that mouth can make him fall apart...]
Hey! [His glasses go flying, and suddenly the world around him gets hazy, blurry, the only thing he can sort of see clearly being Lup looming right above him. So that's how she's going to play it?
Barry grins, chuckling softly. The hands teasing at the sides of her chest are pulled away, raised over his head, palms open in a mock-gesture of surrender.] Oh yeah, you're real scary. I'm terrified. [He wriggles a little underneath her, trying to nudge his legs open but finding them deliciously trapped by her massive tail. His whole body shivers.]
Please, oh please, I'm beggin' ya, please don't eat me. I'll do anything, anything y'want, just please spare my life.
[Run by humans. Sure. Maybe the owners. But not necessarily all the staff.
Taako's been watching Barry from the other side of the counter since the first day he came in. He's not always out front, spending the mornings in the back with his hands full of pastry dough and flour inevitably on his face. But when Barry starts coming around, he finds it in himself to be behind the counter. Just to get a quick look.
For all intents and purposes, Taako looks like a normal human. His skin is dark and smooth, thick coarse white hair (it's dyed, he insists, he just can't stand the roots showing so it's never seen) usually tied back into a braid or a low bun for his work, and icy blue eyes. No hints of magic or trickery, though he's been accused multiple times on the quality of his muffins alone. But there's nothing anybody can prove. Just a young talented assistant chef at a modest little coffee shop, and who could call him on that?
The integration laws are strict, promising peace, but they're new. Too new for him or his sister, having played this con for plenty of time already. Why should he trust the state to keep them safe? That's never how it's gone. So there's no need to believe that would start now.
He catches not more than a few words with him in the first week Barry spends there, but finally decides to go for it after that. He's talked it over with his sister, extensively so, and he's curious if he can be trusted.
Besides, she thinks he's cute or something. Whatever. Nerd.
Taako waits until he's settled with his drink before sliding into a chair across from him, wrapped scone from behind the counter in hand.]
Sup, homie. Seen you every day this week. What brings you to our little corner of the city?
Nothing to do with this young man - he's sure he's perfectly nice and pleasant company - he's just not as good with strangers as he'd like to be. Especially human strangers. All the integration classes he takes are well and good, but they just do nothing to prepare him for human interaction. They're all so... forward.
Barry's people are private folk, preferring to keep to themselves and keep their own affairs in order while the rest of the world just passes around them. Fae, critters, humans, they're the go-getters of this world, the ones that keep everything moving, always upping the pace. In a world that moves so fast, it's nice to have taurs of all kinds taking things easy, bringing some quiet stability to all the noise.
But he's in the human world now. They all are. And as awkward as that gets sometimes, Barry has no choice but to get used to their ways and customs. It could have been a lot worse though. This young man isn't a total stranger. He's nice to look at, easy to talk to, and makes some killer muffins.]
I, uh... [All four of his legs shuffle a little, his more human hand coming up to scratch at his hairline.] My classes are held right around th'corner, so... I-I'm here a lot anyway. [God, even thinking back on his classes, nothing useful about small talk comes to mind. A hoof scrapes softly against the dusty floor.]
... My name is Barry. [Strong start.] You work here, right?
[Yep, Taako can see it written all over his body. The shuffled tension, the way he has no idea how to respond to him. He can't help but feel a grin pull across his face, toothy and big, though he cuts himself off by taking a bite of the pastry he's brought over. What, you thought that might be for you? Nah. He talks with half-chewed scone in his cheek, swallowing halfway through.]
Yyyyup. Have for a year or two now.
[He taps on his nametag a bit, pinned to the front of his apron, that reads Taako, with a little sticker next to it of an old-school television. He doesn't seem keen on explaining why.]
You know, I always thought those classes were for like, people gettin' used to having others around? But uh, they're probably teaching you how these cities work, right? If you have to live here, and stuff.
[Nice that there's some sort of class, at least. Even if it probably just segments them more, forcing them to spend a bunch of their time around other nonhumans. Not great, when it comes to making new friends.]
It's probably pretty fucked up to just walk in here and try to exist, right? I don't even think most cities make sense to like, uh, people. It's weird.
[He flashes him another smile. Get his guard down a bit. If he's gonna do this reveal, he's gonna do it right.]
[His eyes drift to the scone the young man starts eating mid-conversation (isn't that considered rude? he distinctly remembers...) and then to the name-tag pinned to his chest, one pointed ear twitching curiously. Keeping with their odd customs, humans have such odd names. Who names their child after a food? Ta-a-k-o... Barry must have been spelling that word wrong this whole time. That's embarrassing.]
Oh, I-- heh, I dunno if I'd say "fucked up", exactly. [Barry laughs nervously.] It's... a challenge, sure. Whole new way of life, new way of thinkin'. B-But I'm really grateful I get t'be here. Th'government takes real good care of all of us.
["Real good" is, of course, relative. Beats persecution. Beats war. Barry doesn't say that out loud, though. Not even in private. No one does.]
I've only been here a little over a year. Still tryin' t'get settled. How, uh... How long've you lived in th'city?
[I'm sorry Barry, Taako is really bad at being a polite human. This is why those classes are bullshit, because even most humans don't know real manners. It just alienates them more. It's not something Taako likes on the whole, even though he's not going to be some person out there marching, starting more trouble than he can finish. He's that kinda guy, but not like, solo.
Taako takes another bite, mumbles an 'mm, yeah' to the first part, and swallows this time before he actually talks.]
Been a couple years here. But I've lived a bunch of places. Don't like to stick around in one for too long. There's only so much you can know a city before it just gets stale.
[Or, uh, you piss off some people beyond repair and you or your sister get tipped off to the cops, y'know.]
'Ss not like I can't take my skills wherever, you know? Everyone loves a good cook, and everybody needs food. Easy enough to be like hey, totally tired of this biz, let's find somewhere else fun.
[He talks about this casually, even though he doesn't look like he could be older than his mid-20s, but he's so flippant it doesn't have any weight.]
You come here with anyone, or just by yourself? Sounds like it'd be pretty lonely just turning up outta the woods to here with no connection back.
[A couple years? Barry would have guessed this young man spent only a couple months in each place before bailing, given his apparent age. Maybe he started young? Or maybe he's older than he looks? Some humans can look remarkably young even decades into their lifespans... Human aging has always been confusing to Barry. It's been so long since he was a calf, he barely remembers any of it, even though his time as a youth would for many humans be considered a long and healthy life. It's clear he still has a lot to learn about humans.
There is the possibility this man could be something else. Something Other. But that notion is so completely absurd, Barry drops it immediately.]
You must have seen a lot of places, then. Things, people... Don't y'get tired of travelin'? [That might have sounded rude. Barry clears his throat apologetically.] It's, uh... Sorry, that's none of my business.
[He shakes his head, ears swaying softly with the motion. The comment about the woods is ignored - his kind favors more mountainous terrain, but that's not important.] By myself. My people are very private. Keep to ourselves, don't bother anybody. We were in the middle of migratin' when I decided t'come here. Human cities are a little too packed and noisy for most, but... I like it here. I think this is what I need right now.
[He keeps his body so carefully casual, but he catches Barry's eye just a moment, just enough to watch if he's considering it. Has he caught on yet? Probably not. That's fine; the thrill of it is what makes Taako want to push forward. It's not fun if you just hand it to someone, if they catch him- you lead them to it. You bring them to the dawning realization and grin the entire time when they realize the trick you've pulled the whole time.
It's wonderful. Other species can say what shit they want about it being "mean spirited" or whatever, it is fucking fantastic.
Regardless, he takes another bite, doesn't smile too wide yet.]
I mean, 'ss me 'n my sister. Not alone out there. But you, you're here bein' private in a new way. Minging in with the rest of us and still ending up unknown.
[But he is, as he steps closer, going to put his foot on a pain point. See his reaction.]
So what's it uh, for then, adventure? Like... being among humans, working with 'em. It's not a hassle? You think you can trust 'em?
Barry tips his head to the side, like a curious dog, narrowing his eyes just a little as he watches the young man. Did he hear that right? Did he say 'them'? He did, twice. He's sure he did.
Slip of the tongue. An expression, a colloquialism. Surely. Like speaking about yourself in the third person. Some humans do that for effect sometimes. The 'royal we', the 'collective you', the 'formal they'. Language can be quite confusing, Barry's noticed, especially pronouns.
That's all that was. Surely.]
Uh, w-well... [He chuckles, blushes, aware he'd spent a little too long considering Taako without actually responding.] I mean, aside from how few legs you have, it's not much of a hassle. [As for trust, that's more complicated...] Of course I trust'em. Wouldn't be here if I didn't.
[Even with the odd choice of pronoun, something about the way Taako said that doesn't sit right with him.] Why, you uh, sayin' I shouldn't?
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barry | ota | GIVE 👏 ME 👏 THOSE 👏 MONSTERS 👏
[For being run by humans, this is one of the best spots in the whole city.
It’s a small establishment, nestled in a side-street between a bakery and a flower shop, the smells of both mingling with the strong scent of coffee and liquor and the various patrons frequenting this place. It’s never busy, at least not when Barry comes around, which suits him just fine. After a long day of work and mandatory integration-classes, the last thing he wants is the hustle and bustle of a busy bar or coffee shop. He just wants peace.
The owners seem... okay with the whole Other thing. So do most of the human patrons. Not that he’s spoken much with anyone here, human or Other. Barry tends to keep to himself when he comes here, tucked away in a corner with either an incredibly strong coffee or a cold beer in front of him, lost in thought or pouring over notes in writing so tiny it’s a wonder he can read any of it through the thick glasses perched on his nose. He is one of the more humanoid-looking Others around, but... there's prejudice everywhere. Some humans just resent what they don't understand.
Do you join him at his table? Approach him at the bar? Looking to pick a fight with this furry... thing daring to show their face around good, honest human folk? Either way, you'll be met with a tired, quiet gaze from the Other as he waits for you to speak.]
ii: long-time star-crossed friends/lovers *w*
[As soon as the sun starts setting, Barry is lacing up his boots, stuffing his backpack, and heading out the door. It's the first new moon since the winter solstice, the air is chill and crisp, and the streets are abandoned. Perfect. Barry prefers making this annual trip with as little attention on him as possible.
He's giddy with nerves for the whole trek into the woods. Getting to see them again is always exciting, getting to spend that one precious day with someone he's come to care for so deeply. Every minute in their presence is a gift he doesn't take for granted - they risk so much even showing up, both from their own tribe and from possible human interference. But ever since that first freezing winter night almost a decade ago, they've kept showing up, and Barry has been right there by the little lake to greet them. Every year, on their anniversary.
Finally arriving by the pond deep in the woods, Barry gets settled by the water's edge and starts building a fire, to keep himself warm and signal that it's safe to come out now. Even though he's freezing, he's smiling. He's so thrilled to see them again.]
iii: barry is a borrower kind of fight me
[Don't mind that bit of scurrying you just heard, that little rustle of something-or-other that interrupted the silence just now. You didn't hear that. Must've imagined it. You're all alone, aren't you? There's only you in this room, right? Of course.
Pay no attention to the soft, panted breathing you thought you just heard off to your left. It's pretty late at night, after all. You must be tired. How else would you explain the little glimpse of something tiny and blue ducking to hide behind your dresser? The light must be playing tricks on you.
The scratching inside your dresser drawer... That must be a mouse. You have mice! That must be it. It certainly isn't a tiny man the size of a mouse, wearing tiny glasses and tiny jeans with a tiny, fluffy tail peeking out from the hem, his tiny hands rooting through your stuff.
What an absolutely absurd concept.]
i; hello my name is lup im 30 and im a monster fucker
Lup's certainly heard stories of the man who wasn't really a man who seemed to enjoy the establishment next door to the bakery where her brother was apprenticing, the place carefully tucked just off of the main path, hidden to those who weren't already frequent patrons. The Monster-Human integration laws were new enough that finding any non-humans in any human establishments was still fairly rare, the monsters seemingly content to stick with their own kind for the most part, attempting to avoid what lingering prejudices remained.
So it was only natural that Barry's frequent appearances would catch a lot of eyes and start a lot of rumors.
But finally getting to see him in person? Lup's kinda disappointed that the shit she's heard doesn't really fit the man. For one, he doesn't look nearly as uncivilized as he's been described and he certainly isn't doing anything to disrupt the other patrons. To be perfectly honest, he just looks awfully boring, like a quiet nerd just pouring over his notes in public instead of socializing. Who does that?]
What are you doing?
[Looking up at this unexpected interruption, Barry would find a human woman, dark-skinned and grinning widely at him, her squinting gaze focused down at his tiny scrawl. She's trying to read over his shoulder. How rude.]
lup ur in good company here
She sounds like a gawker.
Barry is not in the mood for a gawker today.
He blinks at her a couple of times, looking wearier by the second as she spies over his shoulder. If she's able to decipher his cramped handwriting at all, she'll see a few pages with notes about employment rights and various laws and agreements regulating the human labor market. A couple tabs running down the side of his notebook denote sections devoted to religion and ethics, health care services, human ways of life, and other typical subjects for integration classes. It seems this one is a particularly fastidious student.]
I'm reading, ma'am. [Fastidious and polite. Though he clearly aches to go back to his work, he holds her gaze, one huge furry ear twitching expectantly.] Can I help you with something?
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She leans forward almost immediately, chin propped up in her palm, eyes bright when she catches his gaze again.]
What even are you? Just a normal dude under all that fur? [Her words may be a little blunt, but her tone is simply curious, like she hasn't had very much one-on-one interaction with monsters before. Educate her a little, Barold.]
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Barry's whole body seemingly deflates at the way the human phrases her question, ears drooping and everything, instantly making him look about a decade older. What are you. He's a person. Looking past the fur and the horns and the snout, he's more human-looking than a lot of Others populating the city. Four limbs, knees bending the right way, circular pupils, language, a job, opposable fucking thumbs. But no, he's a what. That's all he'll ever be.
With a long-suffering look down at his notes, Barry sighs deeply before he starts explaining, the same speech he always gives when this question comes his way.] I'm a bipedal humanoid ursine, with some spattering of cervine DNA from millennia back. If you've ever heard of Bigfoot or the Yeti, you've heard about us. We prefer foozles - I know, okay, y'don't have t'say anythin'.
[He can't quite help himself from adding:] As for who I am, I go by Barry. I'm forty-eight, a research assistant, a student, a pianist, I have a library card, I like old movies and brown liquor and long hikes in the woods.
[It's been a long day.] Does that satisfy?
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But Lup just continues to smile, her brows arched curiously as she takes it all in, listening intently without interruption until Barry finishes.]
Shit, gettin' all scientific on me, huh? [Lup's always had an interest in science, but it's one of the many things she's never had the resources to pursue studying. Still, the man speaks plainly enough that his words come across easily, the explanation of what he is exactly enough to make the woman's lips curl in interest. Or maybe she's just grinning because of the name foozles. Either way, at least she keeps it to herself.]
Barry, [Lup repeats before the woman's thrusting a hand his way in greeting.] I'm Lup. Cool to meet you an' all that.
[She's still making no move to get up and leave yet.]
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This one can't seem to take a hint, huh. Barry eyes the hand the woman - Lup - holds out for him to shake, all cheery and casual. He doesn't want to shake it. What he wants is to go back to his notes, to prepare for his test over the weekend, to drink his coffee, to be alone without invasive questions from humans looking for a thrill with a monster. He wouldn't be surprised if she uses that term, even if she doesn't know that it's hurtful.
But he can't ignore human etiquette. And despite everything, Lup seems sweet enough. There's no scorn in her eyes when she looks at him, no distrust or disgust on her face, no hesitation.
She's beautiful too. For a human.
So Barry reaches out and takes her hand, small and smooth and hairless against his fuzzy palm.] Nice to meet you too, Lup.
[Seeing as she's not leaving...] Uh, can... can I get you anythin' t'drink?
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The woman's been watching Barry with obvious interest this whole conversation, her eyes locked on his face for the most part, but every so often drifting to dart over the thick fur covering his body, the long ears that twitch every so often, the horns sprouting so strangely from his head. But his invitation to stay--that's how she'll interpret it, at least--seems to take the younger woman by surprise, her eyes suddenly creasing in delight, the grin at her lips softening to a smile.
She was going to stay and bother him regardless, but it helps a little if he doesn't mind having her around.]
Sure. I'll take a beer. [It would be a little more polite to have whatever he was having, but Lup and her brother have never been known for their manners.
And as if to drive that home, Lup suddenly throws an elbow on the table and leans in closer to Barry, smiling up his way.] So what's your field, Mr. Scientist? Is it related to the notes you've been taking all afternoon-- [She leans in even closer to try and get a better view of his papers, but Barry's scrawl is just too foreign to the woman, she has to squint.] Oh shit, is it all super top secret? Should I not even be asking?
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At least she's not too gross about her gawking, actually deigning to keep eye contact with him, only occasionally staring at his long ears or his shaggy fur. For all her very human tendencies, she's... somehow still respectful. Even as she tries to read his notes across the little table.
Something weird happens then. Barry laughs. It's short, quiet, quickly stifled, but that was definitely a tiny little chuckle from deep in his chest.] If it was super top secret, I wouldn't be working on it in a public drinking establishment.
[Big furry hands reach out to tidy his papers then, some covered with notes from his integration classes, some covered with graphs and mathematical formulae. For having such big hands, he sure has teeny tiny neat handwriting.] I'm a physicist. Most of my work is theoretical, but we're workin' on synthesizin' approximations of my findings that has potential for physical testing in th'lab. It's mostly uh, dark matter, if you ever heard of that.
[A pause. Humans tend to ask about things that they themselves want to be asked. Barry is nothing if not a pleaser:] So what's your... field? What do you do?
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alex dont read this. cease!!
yEAH STOP THAT WE SAID CEASE
UR INNOCENT EYES ARE BANNED
I L L E G A L
i cant believe alex went to jail
if only she'd listened!! she was so young!!!
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ii; S T O P M E
It would be far safer for the both of them for Lup to show a little cautious restraint in these annual meetings, to hold back until she's completely certain they're alone, but ever since the fateful day of their first meeting, she's never been able to leave Barry waiting for long. Not when the time they do get to spend together is so little.
The naga slithers silently out into the open, his old dark cloak wrapped tightly around her shoulders, while she slips forward to close the distance between them with a few effortless curls of her powerful tail. Even in the low light between them, Barry wouldn't have a chance of missing the happiness that dances across her expression at the sight of him, the genuine brightness of her smile. She lifts her arms out from under the cloak in greeting, the bangles along her limbs and the dangling jewelry of her ears glinting in the fire's growing light.
And whether he's prepared for her or not, the woman launches herself right at him, with just enough force to send them both tumbling backwards to the ground.]
N E V E R
He's certainly not prepared for the naga to shoot towards him, arms and tail wrapping around his body as they crash into the snow. Though he cries out with surprise, he's soon laughing, bright and happy, arms looping around her neck.]
Scared th'shit outta me! [He says that, but he squeezes her tightly in a hug, getting comfortable in her embrace.] It's so good t'see you again.
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Someone's gotta keep you on your toes, Bluejeans. [And it's a good thing that Barry's settling there beneath her because Lup's full body hug doesn't ease up in the slightest, her tail coiling affectionately around his legs. She leans in close to press her forehead against his, eyes closed as she falls silent for just a single moment, like the emotions of this anticipated reunion are overwhelming her. One of her palms, cold and smooth, presses over his cheek.]
I missed you. [Each year apart felt longer and longer. Here they are reunited and Lup's already feeling a familiar sense of dread at the next year apart.] Missed your stupid face so much.
[Yet even that touch of worry isn't going to dampen the time that they do get together. The hand not touching his face slides downwards to give a teasing poke at Barry's belly, the woman catching his gaze playfully.] You're squishier around the middle. I like it.
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There's nothing keeping him here in this awful, boring town. Nothing but her. If her tribe allowed humans in their midst, he would leave everything behind in a heartbeat, just to spend every day with her. Just to wake up every morning like this, held securely against her, her hand cupping his cheek.] This stupid face missed you too.
[Lup's fingers poke at his soft belly, indeed softer since last time they met, and he wiggles in her strong grasp, feeling her tail coiling tighter around him. That tickles. She knows it does.] What, good enough t'eat? Thought y'promised y'wouldn't.
[Barry can't wait any longer, leaning in to press a lingering kiss to her lips, hot against her cool skin. His voice is softer when he pulls away.] Don't tell me y'reconsidered. Walked an awful long way out here just t'get eaten.
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She wants it more than anything. Every day without Barry gets more and more difficult. The others have noticed how much harder the winter months are for Lup now, how little she can concentrate on anything but their migration schedule.
But the tribe leaders continue to refuse all requests relating to humans, citing them as too dangerous and unpredictable, a threat to their relatively peaceful lifestyle. If they won't even consider opening up trade negotiations in the future with them, the chances of them allowing a human to enter into their ranks are just nonexistent.
What else can they do?
Thankfully, Barry's kiss is everything, a kiss that's been a year in the making, the kind that melts straight through all of the naga's worries. Lup chases after his mouth when he pulls away and doesn't let up until the fifth or sixth kiss, when she finally grins down at him, fangs peeking out from beneath her curled lips.] I made that promise ten years ago, when I was a lot less hungry than I am now. You might need to make this gal a new offer before I eat you right up.
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Ten years ago. It's been ten whole years since their paths crossed, since every dream Barry has rudely woken up from has featured the beautiful naga. Not a day has gone by where she hasn't been on his mind, morning to evening. Not just her incredible body, not just her mouth on his skin, but all of her. The conversations they have, the teasing back and forth, the sound of her laughter, brighter than the sun, louder than life. Everything about Lup is entrancing and hypnotic.
He never wants this night to end.]
You've gotten hungrier since last, and I've gotten fatter, huh? [Barry returns her toothy grin, the sight of her fangs glinting in the fire's light making shivers rush through his body. He blames that on the cold.] That's almost serendipitous. [His fingers trail teasingly up the sides of her chest.] Can't get kisses and cuddles this good if ya eat me, though.
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It's been so long. She needs all of these wonderful reminders of how much he loves her. She needs to burn every feeling into her scales in the hopes of getting through the next year without him.]
Hm, but eating you would keep a girl satisfied allll winter long. Might need to give me a little more than that, babe, cause right now you're lookin' real good.
[Without much warning, Lup plucks the man's glasses off of his face and tosses them aside. Careful enough to not really do any harm, but with the force of someone who absolutely doesn't understand how delicate they can be.] There. Now you can't get away. Aren't I real scary?
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Lup feels so good. Each year is long enough to make him forget just how incredible she feels, how skilled her hands are, how easily that mouth can make him fall apart...]
Hey! [His glasses go flying, and suddenly the world around him gets hazy, blurry, the only thing he can sort of see clearly being Lup looming right above him. So that's how she's going to play it?
Barry grins, chuckling softly. The hands teasing at the sides of her chest are pulled away, raised over his head, palms open in a mock-gesture of surrender.] Oh yeah, you're real scary. I'm terrified. [He wriggles a little underneath her, trying to nudge his legs open but finding them deliciously trapped by her massive tail. His whole body shivers.]
Please, oh please, I'm beggin' ya, please don't eat me. I'll do anything, anything y'want, just please spare my life.
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i ;)
Taako's been watching Barry from the other side of the counter since the first day he came in. He's not always out front, spending the mornings in the back with his hands full of pastry dough and flour inevitably on his face. But when Barry starts coming around, he finds it in himself to be behind the counter. Just to get a quick look.
For all intents and purposes, Taako looks like a normal human. His skin is dark and smooth, thick coarse white hair (it's dyed, he insists, he just can't stand the roots showing so it's never seen) usually tied back into a braid or a low bun for his work, and icy blue eyes. No hints of magic or trickery, though he's been accused multiple times on the quality of his muffins alone. But there's nothing anybody can prove. Just a young talented assistant chef at a modest little coffee shop, and who could call him on that?
The integration laws are strict, promising peace, but they're new. Too new for him or his sister, having played this con for plenty of time already. Why should he trust the state to keep them safe? That's never how it's gone. So there's no need to believe that would start now.
He catches not more than a few words with him in the first week Barry spends there, but finally decides to go for it after that. He's talked it over with his sister, extensively so, and he's curious if he can be trusted.
Besides, she thinks he's cute or something. Whatever. Nerd.
Taako waits until he's settled with his drink before sliding into a chair across from him, wrapped scone from behind the counter in hand.]
Sup, homie. Seen you every day this week. What brings you to our little corner of the city?
/CHINHANDS
Nothing to do with this young man - he's sure he's perfectly nice and pleasant company - he's just not as good with strangers as he'd like to be. Especially human strangers. All the integration classes he takes are well and good, but they just do nothing to prepare him for human interaction. They're all so... forward.
Barry's people are private folk, preferring to keep to themselves and keep their own affairs in order while the rest of the world just passes around them. Fae, critters, humans, they're the go-getters of this world, the ones that keep everything moving, always upping the pace. In a world that moves so fast, it's nice to have taurs of all kinds taking things easy, bringing some quiet stability to all the noise.
But he's in the human world now. They all are. And as awkward as that gets sometimes, Barry has no choice but to get used to their ways and customs. It could have been a lot worse though. This young man isn't a total stranger. He's nice to look at, easy to talk to, and makes some killer muffins.]
I, uh... [All four of his legs shuffle a little, his more human hand coming up to scratch at his hairline.] My classes are held right around th'corner, so... I-I'm here a lot anyway. [God, even thinking back on his classes, nothing useful about small talk comes to mind. A hoof scrapes softly against the dusty floor.]
... My name is Barry. [Strong start.] You work here, right?
u3u
Yyyyup. Have for a year or two now.
[He taps on his nametag a bit, pinned to the front of his apron, that reads Taako, with a little sticker next to it of an old-school television. He doesn't seem keen on explaining why.]
You know, I always thought those classes were for like, people gettin' used to having others around? But uh, they're probably teaching you how these cities work, right? If you have to live here, and stuff.
[Nice that there's some sort of class, at least. Even if it probably just segments them more, forcing them to spend a bunch of their time around other nonhumans. Not great, when it comes to making new friends.]
It's probably pretty fucked up to just walk in here and try to exist, right? I don't even think most cities make sense to like, uh, people. It's weird.
[He flashes him another smile. Get his guard down a bit. If he's gonna do this reveal, he's gonna do it right.]
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Oh, I-- heh, I dunno if I'd say "fucked up", exactly. [Barry laughs nervously.] It's... a challenge, sure. Whole new way of life, new way of thinkin'. B-But I'm really grateful I get t'be here. Th'government takes real good care of all of us.
["Real good" is, of course, relative. Beats persecution. Beats war. Barry doesn't say that out loud, though. Not even in private. No one does.]
I've only been here a little over a year. Still tryin' t'get settled. How, uh... How long've you lived in th'city?
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Taako takes another bite, mumbles an 'mm, yeah' to the first part, and swallows this time before he actually talks.]
Been a couple years here. But I've lived a bunch of places. Don't like to stick around in one for too long. There's only so much you can know a city before it just gets stale.
[Or, uh, you piss off some people beyond repair and you or your sister get tipped off to the cops, y'know.]
'Ss not like I can't take my skills wherever, you know? Everyone loves a good cook, and everybody needs food. Easy enough to be like hey, totally tired of this biz, let's find somewhere else fun.
[He talks about this casually, even though he doesn't look like he could be older than his mid-20s, but he's so flippant it doesn't have any weight.]
You come here with anyone, or just by yourself? Sounds like it'd be pretty lonely just turning up outta the woods to here with no connection back.
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There is the possibility this man could be something else. Something Other. But that notion is so completely absurd, Barry drops it immediately.]
You must have seen a lot of places, then. Things, people... Don't y'get tired of travelin'? [That might have sounded rude. Barry clears his throat apologetically.] It's, uh... Sorry, that's none of my business.
[He shakes his head, ears swaying softly with the motion. The comment about the woods is ignored - his kind favors more mountainous terrain, but that's not important.] By myself. My people are very private. Keep to ourselves, don't bother anybody. We were in the middle of migratin' when I decided t'come here. Human cities are a little too packed and noisy for most, but... I like it here. I think this is what I need right now.
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It's wonderful. Other species can say what shit they want about it being "mean spirited" or whatever, it is fucking fantastic.
Regardless, he takes another bite, doesn't smile too wide yet.]
I mean, 'ss me 'n my sister. Not alone out there. But you, you're here bein' private in a new way. Minging in with the rest of us and still ending up unknown.
[But he is, as he steps closer, going to put his foot on a pain point. See his reaction.]
So what's it uh, for then, adventure? Like... being among humans, working with 'em. It's not a hassle? You think you can trust 'em?
[Doesn't say us, meanwhile. Them.
This will be very, very interesting.]
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Barry tips his head to the side, like a curious dog, narrowing his eyes just a little as he watches the young man. Did he hear that right? Did he say 'them'? He did, twice. He's sure he did.
Slip of the tongue. An expression, a colloquialism. Surely. Like speaking about yourself in the third person. Some humans do that for effect sometimes. The 'royal we', the 'collective you', the 'formal they'. Language can be quite confusing, Barry's noticed, especially pronouns.
That's all that was. Surely.]
Uh, w-well... [He chuckles, blushes, aware he'd spent a little too long considering Taako without actually responding.] I mean, aside from how few legs you have, it's not much of a hassle. [As for trust, that's more complicated...] Of course I trust'em. Wouldn't be here if I didn't.
[Even with the odd choice of pronoun, something about the way Taako said that doesn't sit right with him.] Why, you uh, sayin' I shouldn't?
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