A Grimm Life

Learning

A few days have passed since I met Roman Torchwick and his partner in crime, Neopolitan. To say they were a strange duo would be an understatement. Roman was simple for the most part. He liked to line his own pockets with as much lien as possible while also looking out for Neo. And then Neo was... A loose switch, to put it bluntly. One second, she'd be sweet and cheerful and if anyone dared to say anything bad about ice cream or that we had none, she'd rip and tear her way to get to ice cream. While I hadn't quite seen her in one of her "deprived ice cream states", from what I've heard, it's a truly terrifying experience. 

When Cinder was away, Neo stuck by my side and actually started teaching me sign language. Though it felt strange, making a bunch of gestures with my hands and fingers. Made me feel like I was casting some weird magic spell on people. It didn't help that I was still relatively new to this. Thankfully, Neo was patient with me and just kept smiling. 

Right now, I was sat down on my bed in my quarters with Neo. Since Cinder wanted me to keep a low profile, I was basically cooped up indoors. But that was fine since Neo always kept me company. Most of the time, like right now, she'd teach me a little bit of sign language. She handed me instructions on a piece of paper. 

Neo (Paper): "Let's go over what we did last time. Do you remember how to introduce yourself?"

I nod slowly, a little unsure. I then make the gestures. 

Mutasim: "My name is Mutasim".

Neo smiles and gives me a thumbs up, making me feel a little flutter of confidence. Picking up the paper again, she gives me another set of instructions. 

Neo (Paper): "Nice! Now, let's practice something new. I'm going to show you how to say 'I love you'. It'll be easy."

I feel my cheeks heat up from that. This seemed like a big jump in themes from introductions straight to confessions like that. But, I wasn't about to argue, so I simply nod. Neo makes the gestures. I follow the gestures, but I kinda slipped up on one of the fingers. Neo helped me correct my mistake with a gentle smile, giggling cutely. I do it right this time, making her smile brighter. She picks up the paper again and shows it to me. 

Neo (Paper): "Awww! You're so sweet." 

I realise what she made me do and I shake my head, smiling gently. I had to be honest, Neo was definitely one of the nicer humans I've had the pleasure of meeting. Much like Cinder and Winter. It's nice to know that there's still more people I'm able to meet that are more accepting of Faunas. 

We keep going for another hour before taking a break. At the end of our educational session, Neo stretches her arms up and asks me a question in sign, testing me. 

Neo (Sign): "Mutasim, wanna go out for a bit?"

Mutasim: "But Cinder said-"

She doesn't let me finish as she places her hands over mine and lowers them. Neo then gestures. 

Neo (Sign): "Let's live a little. Cinder's kinda grouchy when it comes to anything. If we get caught, I'll take the blame."

I sigh and question her. 

Mutasim: "You sure?"

Neo's response is a simple and cheerful nod. Knowing she wasn't going to let me stay indoors, I reluctantly nod. The ice cream girl's mood drastically increases and she jumps off the bed and stands at the door, hopping in excitement. I stand from the bed and follow her out of the room, eventually heading out into Vale. 

Little did I realise that I'd find myself in deeper trouble than I originally imagined...