The Half-Blood Giant

Chapter 15: Interview

Ray only had to traverse a few blocks to reach the school. As he lumbered along, he made conversation with Pedro. "I'm so sorry about kicking you with my shoe. I should've been paying better attention," Ray admitted, rubbing the back of his neck.

"It's okay," Pedro replied softly. As he continued to recline in Ray's hand, gazing up at the handsome giant, he thought to himself it was probably the best thing that could've happened to him.

"Why are you going to the school anyways? You said you have an interview?"

"Yeah. A job interview, with the principal of the school. They're seeking to hire a human counselor."

"Oh, so with Mr. Henderson?"

"Yeah!" Pedro responded with surprise. "You know him?"

"Yes," Ray confirmed. "He's a very nice man. To be honest, I'm surprised he didn't offer to meet you at the wall. He's typically considerate of other's needs."

"Oh, he did," Pedro confessed sheepishly, fiddling with his hands. "I turned him down. I thought... I'd be showing weakness if I accepted. I thought I could make it myself. Boy, was I wrong."

Ray couldn't help but chuckle, sending a bass rumble through Pedro's body that made him swoon. "You're a brave little thing, aren't you? I bet you've probably never seen a giant for real until now, huh?"

Pedro chortled. "You got me. If I had known just how BIG everything was, I might have taken a different approach. But hey—I got to meet you! So, I'm glad things worked out like they did." He beamed idiotically, completely lovestruck. He couldn't stop himself. Cupid's arrow had shot through the mushy beating core of his heart.

Pedro's obvious infatuation didn't escape Ray. He wasn't sure what to think. He tilted his head slightly, examining the human in his hand. He was cute. Ray had a strange urge to pet him with his finger like a tiny animal, but he restrained himself. The man was so small, that perhaps he was misinterpreting the signals. Ray couldn't see any reason why a little human would be interested in him, of all people. Sure, he knew a few giant and human couples, like Joey and Eren, but they were an anomaly. It wasn't a normal reaction to be smitten, especially since this was Pedro's first time meeting a giant. He was probably just very nervous and embarrassed, which would explain his odd mannerisms.

Ray dismissed his earlier observations as hopeful fantasy. For some reason, he felt a mild disappointment, but he let it go. Now was not the time to entertain self-indulgent delusions. "Here we are," he remarked to redirect his thoughts, pushing open the big iron gate to the school grounds. Pedro sat up in his hands and surveyed the area with undisguised awe. Ray watched him with an amused smirk. He headed toward Milton's office. Since class was in session, the hallways were empty. Pedro peeked into the classrooms as Ray passed by, but from his vantage point he couldn't see the human desks. He could only see giant students, easily large enough to grab him up in their hands. Anxiety wormed its way into his psyche. Would he be able to handle working here?

The door to Milton's office was closed, so Ray knocked. "Uh, come in!" Milton called. Ray stepped inside and changed colors, blanching and reddening in a mess of emotions. Sitting across from the principal was Chester, along with Jackie, the unfortunate human who had ended up inside his stomach earlier that day. Ray was abruptly overcome with nausea and humiliation. He hastily entered the room and dropped off Pedro on the desk. He hated to leave so brusquely, but he couldn't stand the pressure. He knew Milton would take good care of Pedro, so he didn't need to worry about him. "See ya," he mumbled to excuse himself as he rushed out the door, sweating hard.

"Wait, Ray!" Milton called, but he was gone. "What was that all about?" Jackie and Chester exchanged knowing glances and giggled to each other. Now that Jackie was safe, they could find humor in the situation. Milton parted his lips, ready to ask for an explanation, when his eyes drifted downward to Pedro. The poor man was sitting on the gigantic desk, bewildered to be suddenly abandoned in front of two giants towering over him.