The 'Dragon Defender'

Post-Confession

"... Is this supposed to still be so terrifying?"

I chuckle a little at this. "What, holding my hand? Do you want me to let go?"

"No, no," Plasma clarifies quickly, gently squeezing my hand to ensure I know he's comfortable with it. "I just... well, I was scared to have this talk with you, and then after everything we just did, you said yes... I'm still in a bit of shock, I suppose."

I can't help smiling beneath my mask at this. "Mm. Well, why don't you get some rest and see if you're calmer in the morning?"

"Yes, that should help..." Plasma murmurs. "But... I really appreciate this, Indigo. Whatever happens from here, I'm glad to have you here through it."

Plasma takes his leave after that. I shut the door behind him, but leave it open just a crack so I can peek out at him leaving. He pauses once he thinks the door shut, no longer just walking normally but holding his temples with his hands.

"She said yes..." he breathes, voice trembling with restrained excitement. "Oh my gods I just kissed her..."

"Well aren't you adorable?" I can't help but tease, causing him to start and quickly make his way off. I laugh a little as I shut the door properly, getting ready to go to bed myself.

Sleep comes surprisingly easy to me tonight.

~•~

"Morning, guys," I greet as I find the other Morphwings entering the food hall. I recieve a chorus back, as joined by the other dragons getting their breakfast as well.

Judging by the way Adriana hasn't run over screaming excitedly, Plasma hasn't mentioned last night to either of them. That's fine, I can work with that. I morph into dragon form and make my way next to Plasma to grab some fish.

For his part, Plasma seems rather nervous about my company. Is it about last night? "Everything okay?" I ask him quietly. "More than," he replies, flashing a toothy grin. Ah, so it was just last night, then. Good.

"I haven't said anything to them. I didn't know if you'd want that."

"What would we even say?"

"I don't know... we're not using labels, I suppose? We're taking this at our own pace?"

"I guess."

"What are you two whispering about, then?" Asher questions. Plasma stalls by going for another fish, leaving me to answer. "Nothing, really," I shrug, figuring maybe he's not quite ready yet. "Just some more Dragon Master myths he's wanting fact checked. Spoiler alert; I can't transform into some eldritch horror."

"Good to know," Asher nods. "That must be one of the human ones, haven't heard of that before."

"What can I say? Humans are insane."

"True. So what's the plan for today?"

"First thing's first, I'm getting you guys home," I answer. "Selene and your Alpha are probably wondering where you all are when you didn't come home last night."

"We're all adults, we can do what we want," Asher dismisses my concerns, going in for another fish. "Okay, then what about Melanite?" I prompt, chuffing when that does, in fact, cause Asher to reconsider.

"That's what I thought. We can head out once we're all ready, then."

"Are you coming back with us?" Adriana asks. "Or are you staying here?"

"Um... I'll stick around for a bit, if you want," I shrug. "But I have to admit, it's nice to be back. I'll probably be coming back here afterwards."

Plasma looks to me when I say this. I'm socially aware enough to know he's trying to ask something, but I'm also socially inept enough to have no idea what that something is. Still consciously on the fence as to whether or not straight-up asking in front of the others is a good idea.

So I end up just shooting a questioning look back to be on the safe side, to which his response is to shuffle a little closer. So... wanting to stay with me? That would make sense, I guess, especially after last night.

A slight nod is all it takes for Plasma to smile and return to his fish, tail swishing behind him. He just can't seem to help himself.

"Hm... Indigo, can I speak to you alone for a minute?" Adriana requests, catching my attention. "Uh, sure," I agree, heading out of the hall. Adriana follows, her expression difficult for me to put my finger on.

"So what's up?" I ask once we turn the corner. "I was just wondering how you were doing," she explains. "You know, with the whole Plasma thing? You did come here to take a step back, and then we all show up here... probably not our best move..."

"Everything's fine with us," I assure her. "I've been able to get a lot of thinking done. And in all honesty, I think it was good for me to confront this and get it over with."

"Oh?" This catches her full attention. "Does that mean you've talked to him about it?"

"I'm still a little confused about my feelings," I tell her truthfully. "But... I'm starting to think that's okay, you know?"

"Of course it is," Adriana agrees. "As long as you're happy, that's the important thing... but for real, if anything happens, you'll tell me, right?"

"Will do," I lie. I'll tell her within reason, sure, but not until we've had a chance to properly discuss what we're comfortable sharing. That's only fair, isn't it?

"Good," Adriana nods approvingly. "I do think you'll need to talk with him soon, though; he's seeming pretty weird around you this morning, which is why I asked."

"I'll have a talk with him once we get back to the caverns," I brush it off, figuring I'll need to get a related but different talk over and done with soon anyway. "No worries. And he's not causing any trouble, so..."

"Sounds good," Adriana, satisfied, heads back into the hall with the boys, swishing her tail in the 'come on' gesture. "Now let's finish breakfast."