Be My Friend

Chapter 17: Height Doesn't Matter

"I'm not sure this was a good idea." I nudge Damian beside me as we stroll down the corridor of my college. Every single pair of eyes that were staring at the two of us felt like cigarettes being burned into my pale skin. Regret is coursing through my system and twisting in my gut. 

It wasn't like he made an effort not to look like a very old entity in charge of damnation, but the height and eye thing he had going on was kind of off-putting. I didn't notice how tall he actually was when we weren't sitting on my couch in my large house. He was always sitting or slouching. Assuming he was only 6" was very wrong on my part.

"Why are you so fucking tall?" I asked in amazement as we stepped out the front door; him ducking out the door if you will. "How are you so tall?"

"I like seeing over you humans." His shoulders move a centimeter up. I take it like a shrug.

"Is there any way I can convince you to shrink down from 7"? I feel like a fucking ant and that doesn't feel fair." I say sarcastically and stamp my foot in a childish manner as if about to throw a tantrum. There's a long and thoughtful pause of silence.

"No, and I'm not 7 foot." He finally concludes and I huff.

"Whatever," I roll my eyes, "I'm going to be late to my session so let's get on with it." I sigh. Today I was dressed in a plain black sweater, with some ripped skinny jeans and my basic black slip-on sneakers. Damian was dressed the same, except this time I noticed the different pair of shoes. These were a pair of basic black army boots.

This mornings conversation is still fresh in my mind as I run my hands nervously through my hair. Other peoples' gazes weren't as prominent as the one I felt that was currently taking strides next to me. God, my face felt like it was a blazing fire.

"Are you uncomfortable? I can go if you want. I don't want you to feel uncomfortable." A surprisingly soft voice asks beside me. My head snaps up from the crevices of the floor to Damian's eyes to tell if he's being serious or not. Then I realize I can never tell if he's ever serious or not. Actually, I think maybe he was always serious.

"What? No!" I exclaim, probably a little too loudly and quickly. "I can handle it. I want you here with me. This is just a little overwhelming. That's all." I explain quickly, almost urgently.

"Is it the other humans? Is it because they're staring? I can fix that if you wish." He states and I narrow my eyes in question. As if on cue, every single pair of eyes seemingly glaze over and avert their gazes and continue on doing whatever as if we weren't even there in the first place.

My mouth drops in slight shock, but also a strange rush of relief rushes over me. "That was kinda creepy but amazing at the same time. Thanks." My lips twitch into a genuine smile. He nods and we continue our journey down the corridor.