Solo Panicking

A New Day

The morning sunlight streamed into your room, casting a golden glow on everything around you. Just as you were basking in the warmth of another peaceful morning, an unexpected sensation jolted you from your sleep. Hot breath, close enough to feel on your face. Slowly, you cracked one eye open, only to be greeted by the sight of Ignis's curious green eyes staring back at you, his red snout mere inches from your nose. You barely had time to register what was happening before he lunged forward and playfully chomped down on your face, his little teeth poking into your cheeks with a surprisingly gentle grip.

"Gah! Arg–Ignis!" you gasped, bolting upright and grabbing the small, wriggling dragon in your hands. Ignis trilled in satisfaction, his tiny tail wagging as he seemed quite pleased with his unconventional morning greeting.

You sighed, giving him an affectionate boop on his snout. "No biting," you chided, though a smile tugged at the corner of your mouth as he looked up at you with those big, innocent eyes. Realizing two things simultaneously—that he was a baby and, therefore, entirely unbothered by reprimands, and that he was very likely to try this wake-up method again tomorrow—you relented and set him down in front of you.

Ignis sniffed the air, then looked back at you expectantly, as if he knew breakfast was his next destination. You shook your head with a small chuckle and ran a hand over his head, scratching behind his horns like nubs that made his tail wag faster. His scales, a smooth, warm texture that belied their slight ruggedness, felt a little like polished stone that had been left in the sun.

"Did you sleep well?" you asked, reaching over and offering a hand near his nose. Ignis blinked at you, then leaned his head into your palm, a soft purring sound rumbling from his throat as he closed his eyes, melting into the gentle scratch. He was fully relaxed, leaning all his tiny weight against you. Watching him was a little heartwarming, and your smile grew wider as he flopped forward, his small body nestling comfortably against your arm.

It was clear that Ignis had gotten used to your presence and more than that, he seemed thrilled by it, but that might also be because you're the only person he's met. You chuckled as he nuzzled his head under your chin, rubbing his small head against you affectionately. He was honestly like a puppy, a scaly, slightly more dangerous puppy with wings, who seemed to look up to you with unbridled adoration.

Finally, you gave his head a gentle pat, shifting to get out of bed. Ignis chirped, a bright and cheerful sound that seemed to say, "Good morning, let's go!" Gently, you lifted him and carried him to the kitchen, setting him down on the counter while you started breakfast for the two of you. He watched your every move with rapt attention, tail flicking slightly as he sat perched on the countertop.

"For you, sir, a very fine breakfast of... whatever the pet store said was acceptable for baby dragons," you said in a playful, exaggerated tone, bringing out a can of the wet baby creature food. It was probably not the most gourmet meal, but it was a start. Ignis gave a little trill of approval and immediately started nibbling on it, the small contented noises he made while eating drawing a laugh out of you.

For yourself, you set about whipping up a quick stack of waffles, feeling the delicious smell begin to fill the kitchen as you watched the little dragon devour his food. He ate messily, tipping the bowl and getting tiny bits on his snout, which he then pawed off with a flick of his tongue, his movements swift and agile even as a hatchling.

As you reached for a cup of coffee, Ignis finished his food, licking the bowl clean with a thoroughness that had you both impressed and amused. He glanced over at your plate, looking at the waffles with those big green eyes of his.

"Don't look at that, little guy," you said, unable to hide your smile. "These might not be good for you."

Undeterred, he inched forward, tail swishing back and forth as he gave you what you could only describe as the ultimate pleading gaze. You sighed, pulling off a tiny piece of fruit from your plate instead.