Snowfalls and First Dates
I paced around the room, nerves slightly frayed. Outside snow was falling steadily, the only thing that calmed me. I checked the lights and wiring again, making sure that the TV and DVD were all set to go. I then paced back into the kitchen, checking to see that the casserole was still going good and not burnt.
Reaching the oven I pulled on the wide mitt over my feathered hand and pulled out the glass dish, seeing that it was still a little underdone. That was most likely because I had done this twenty times over.
Taking a deep breath, I tried to sooth the shakes and jitters that were running through me. Everything will be fine! Now if only I could believe that! I paced again, listening as my talons clicked across the wood floor rhythmically.
I began walking in a circle between the kitchen and the living room, the only area where rugs didn't cover the floor. It always seemed to be cold, but tonight I was thankful for the distraction. After awhile I had calmed enough to sit on the stairs, next to the window.
I still shook, but now I could effectively wait. Outside large flakes of snow fell and plastered themselves against the windows. I looked down the road and saw the single streetlight, illuminating the only other house on the road. It looked as if Jat was out shoveling the snow.
His sleek otter fur seemed to repel the snow as I watched. It was like he had a force field around him. He stood for a second and stretched before going back to work. I shivered slightly, my form not as cold tolerant as his was. I turned slightly and stared at the entrance to the road, feeling slightly calmer.
Nothing will go wrong. I thought to myself again. It was growing into a soothing mantra. I repeated it over and over, eventually calming myself. My first date would go fine. I had dinner and a movie all set up. Now I just needed to wait for my date to arrive.
I set the oven to a lower level, now humming softly and slowly to myself. It seemed to fit the weather very well, and I watched the snow from the kitchen window. I ran a check on the wiring again - more out of habit then worry - and gave a sigh of relief. Then the doorbell rang.
My breath hitched and some of the doubt came back. So far we had only talked online. What if he wasn't who I thought he was? Taking a deep breath, I answered the door. A dragon, easily seven feet tall and covered in black scales, stood there.
He smiled shyly and I let him in. He removed the military camo jacket and blew a small bit of fire onto his hands, warming them.
"It's nice to finally meet you Dre!" he said. His voice was of the gods, deep and powerful, yet with a note of caring kindness.
"You too, Mid." I said, holding out a hand. Instead of shaking he pulled me into a crushing hug that took my breath away. By the time he let me go I was blushing heavily and was a little breathless. "Dinner?" I managed to get out.
"Of course! You know, for some reason I was imagining you a bit taller... I think you look perfect like this though." Mid commented as I took the casserole out.
Unfortunately, things have a way of going wrong. At this exact time the power went out. I was night blinded and blinking the darkness away as Mid helped me to the table after taking the casserole. My stomach sank as I realized that the night had gone wrong. All that careful planning had gone down the drain. I felt tears prickle at my eyes, a sob escaping me.
Strong arms wrapped around me. "Shh, it's okay. What's wrong?" Mid asked, voice filled with comfort.
"I *sob*, had it all planned. I wanted it to be perfect!" I got out, the tears flowing freely now.
"Shh..." Mid mumbled and started humming. He had a beautiful voice and I could feel the vibrations from his chest, flowing straight into my body. "It's fine. I brought some candles, actually." He moved around the table, placing lit candles on the surface.
I started out serving the casserole. I could do nothing to control the situation any more, and my plans had been destroyed. Might as well go with the flow. I smiled at Mid and sat down across the table. We ate, exchanging stories of our pasts that we had already told a million times online. They seemed new, though, more truthful and filled with life. It was a wonderful feeling.
As dinner ended I frowned, wondering what to do. Mid answered that for me. We walked into the living room and we sat next to each other on the couch, leaning against one another.
"I think that I have had a wonderful evening." Mid said, his chest rumbling next to me. I looked up to the big dragon.
"Really?"
"Yes, all because I spent it with you."
We talked for hours more, just being close was enough for us. I started to get tired and leaned into Mid more heavily. He curled around me and I felt warm. Secure. It was a feeling that I hadn't had in a long while. I began to slip into a light sleep.
"I love you, Dre." Mid whispered, kissing the sleeping bird on the head.