The Dragoneer Manual

Chapter 18 - Dusky Dragon Coffee

Rory went back to her dorm, since she had some time before her next class with Professor Taylor. Her heart was beating fast throughout the entire walk. She rushed into her bedroom, closing the door and falling face-first on the bed, screaming softly into her pillow.

She couldn't deny it to herself. Bluejay was really cute. More than cute. He was so handsome she could hardly believe he'd said those things to her. That he'd rather talk to her instead? What did that even mean?

She slowed her breath and flipped over onto her back. Calm down, Rory. She whispered to herself. He probably just wants to be your friend. She'd only recently made her first close friend with Teak. Thinking about someone romantically was probably skipping way too many steps in her social growth ladder.

But still she couldn't help her heart beating fast all over again as she replayed the scene in her head. In her mind's eye she could still see it. His soft black hair that fell into his dark eyes, his teal and white uniform that fit him so perfectly. It took everything in her to keep herself from screaming again into her pillow at the thought, when a knock sounded on the door.

She froze, eyes wide. Who could possibly be outside her room? Teak had another class this afternoon, so it couldn't be her. She stayed still for a moment, hoping the person would just go away, but another knock sounded.

With a sigh, Rory leapt up and walked to the door, opening it. She was very surprised to see none other than Chase standing in the doorway, holding two to-go cups in hand.

"Hey! I got you some of that Dusky Dragon coffee that makes you feel like there's lightning in your blood."

Rory burst into laughter.

"Wow, thanks!" she said, smiling.

"Any chance you're free to go for a walk?" he asked. "I need to talk to someone about the crazy stuff that's been happening, or my brain will explode."

Rory nodded, realizing this was probably a much better option than staying in her room fangirling over Bluejay.

The two of them walked to the flower garden close to the library, and took a seat on a bench under an arch of gorgeous pink flowers, which looked like bougainvillea.

Rory took a sip of the coffee. She recoiled.

"First sip really hits, doesn't it?" Chase asked.

"Yeah, that's an understatement," Rory replied, chuckling.

The breeze blew lightly through the leaves around the arch, and Rory and Chase both took a moment to listen as they sipped.

"So, it turns out I'm going to be in your Cursed Spirits class from now on," Chase said.

"Oh, really? How come?" Rory asked.

"I've decided to change my focus from swords to healing, since I have pretty terrible coordination. I transferred into Professor Scale's morning intensive class, but that meant they had to shift my class with Professor Taylor. You have Cursed Spirits next, right?"

"I do!" Rory said. "We can go together. How are you liking healing magic? Have you been able to heal anyone yet?"

"For now, best I can do is make a mosquito bite stop itching."

"Well, hey, now I know who to call!" Rory said, and meant it.

"You're really kind, Rory," Chase said, smiling. "A lot kinder than most of the people I know back in Earthland."

"To be honest," she said, "I feel like I've never met anyone truly kind in Earthland."

"It's a real shame, isn't it?" Chase said. "How hard they are to find. I mean, I could have met you in Earthland, but I met you here."