Modern Monsters

Naveen the Rakshasa

Female Reader x Male Monster

I never expected to meet anyone like Naveen, much less meet anyone willing to tolerate me. My anxiety can be a lot; some people aren't patient, and others aren't willing, but Naveen is both those things. I never wanted to be a burden on anyone - silly to think, I know, but my anxiety pushes those thoughts onto me. The thoughts keep spinning like food in a blender until they become a chaotic swirl, and it's hard to tell one from the other.

It's hard to find work. Retail and food are not an option for me - too much hustling, too many people. Luckily, I get a job at the local library; it's small and quiet, perfect for me. Also, they allow my therapy dog, Milo, to join me as well. I got Milo when I was a teenager, so he's getting up in age. He's my best friend. He aids me when I have anxiety attacks, and he knows how to find my medication. He's been a lifesaver more than once.

Naveen is already working at the library as a volunteer, coming in every weekend. He's a kindergarten teacher at the school, and at the library he does weekly readings for the kids. Sometimes he does puppet shows or plays the guitar.

I help him set up on Saturday mornings, getting the kid's corner of the library set with chairs and tables for whatever he has planned. At first, I'm a bit shy to talk to him. He's quite handsome and dashing, And usually I only say things I've already rehearsed in my head to him. Until one day, when he looks at me with a smile.

"I have a joke for you."

My tail bristles a bit, but I smile and nod. "OK."

His eyes light up in the cutest way. "Can a snow leopard change his spots?"

Naveen is a snow leopard Rakshasa, so this is probably something he had on hand for anything. "Can he?" I ask.

Naveen seems fit to burst with the punchline. "Only when he's a cheetah!" He grins widely and watches me expectantly.

I am a cheetah Rakshasa, so this joke is significant coming from him. I'm only surprised he told it to me. It will take me awhile to realize that he's trying to break the ice, using the joke as a way to get me to warm up and talk with him beyond my rehearsed lines.

I giggle, smiling up at him as he laughs along. "One of the kids taught me that! Funny, right? I thought that since, well, I'm a snow leopard and you're a cheetah-" He chuckles to himself, trailing off as embarrassment sets in. "I thought it suited. Silly, I know."

Naveen and I start to get closer. He knows I'm nervous. After two minutes with me, people generally realize I'm as jumpy as a goldfish out of water.

One day, as I help Naveen clean up after the kids have left, he has a strange expression on his face. He keeps looking at me as if he wants to ask something, and then he looks away. It drives me crazy! I keep thinking of the worst possible scenarios. Is he going to tell me I stack papers wrong? Do I smell bad? Does he hate me and want me to stop coming to the library?

"Can I ask you something?" he asks gently, one of the key phrases sure to jangle my nerves. "Nothing bad at all, and I know it can be a bit personal." Another key phrase! "I have a kid in my class who's dealing with some bad anxiety. I was wondering if you could help me figure out how to help him."

I'm caught off guard, unprepared for such a sentimental turn.

"If you don't want to talk about it, I understand," Naveen quickly adds. "But I don't really know where to begin. And I thought, someone who deals with it too could provide some insight that websites just won't."

"I don't hide it well, do I?" I chuckle nervously. "Well, I'd like to help if I could. If he's that young then surely his parents are already aware."

"They're doing their best," he nods. "But I want to know what I can do as a teacher to help. He's a sweet boy and I don't want him to feel like he's a nuisance while he's in my class. What things have helped you? Things people did, or even do, that make you feel safe?"