Wound up (re-write)

- 3 -

    Josh gave me a sideways glance anxiously. He had a smirk plastered on his face and he seemed like he was going to burst at the seams. I snickered at him and turned back to look at the enclosure. I jumped back as I was met with bright yellow eyes staring back at me. I put a hand on my chest in surprise as I inspected the man, no, creature in front of me. He was very fit, and tan. His eyes were striking. That may have been the most noticeable part of him. He wore a very serious and almost stone cold expression. It was very intimidating. My eyes trailed down his body as I scanned him. I stopped at the large snake tail that made up his bottom half. His torso was mostly human, with a few scales scattered here and there. Whereas the other half of him was a snake. His long tail wound behind him. His scales were a dull green, compared to the brush around him. His eyes never left my face. "Wow. I was not expecting this." I stated. Josh chuckled at me. "I knew you'd like him. No one has been able to get him to open up yet, but he looks at you differently than anyone else." I flushed a bit as I was flattered. "Really?" I stammered. He nodded. "Do you want to go meet him face to face?" Josh offered. I only grinned in response.

    I rocked back and forth as Josh pushed open a big, metal door. I practically skipped into the observation room and pressed my hands to the glass that allowed me sight of the enclosure inside. Josh just shook his head in amusement and opened the other door to let me in. I walked into the new, humid environment and took in a breath of anticipation. I saw the naga slither towards me slowly. I was entranced by the way he moved. I had never seen a naga in real life before now. I knew that he was a big predator though, so I knew not to be vulnerable around him. I needed to let him know that I was the boss here. "His name is Elijah." Josh commented to me. I nodded still not taking my eyes off of the creature approaching me. Elijah stopped just two feet in front of me. I took a deep breath and then stared at him pointedly. I held my stance and stood tall with my head held high. The naga, that I now knew as Elijah, gave me a challenging, yet curious look.

    I smiled at his somewhat childlike nature. He continued to examine me, and lowered himself to my height as he inched closer. I focused on keeping my breathing slow and steady. I almost flinched as he smelled me with his forked tongue, but I stood my ground. His eyes lit up with a look of intrigue. I couldn't help but smile in admiration. I practically melted at the sight of him, especially so close to me. I noticed that my cheeks flushed as he traced some of my features, almost as if he realized our similarities in appearance. He started by my ear and gently ran his fingers along my jaw, then removing his touch only to quickly return it, this time along my nose. I giggled as his touch was so light that it tickled. He jumped, startled by my sudden outburst. I apologized and quickly contained my laughter. His expression softened and he tilted his head. "Aww, look at that. He thinks your cute!" Josh piped up from close behind me. I stumbled forward in surprise almost bumping into Elijah, but he swiftly grabbed my arms to steady me.

    I froze for a second in shock, expecting to hit into something, and braced myself for... nothing? No pain? I opened my eyes to see Elijah firmly holding onto my arms to make sure I wouldn't fall. It seemed as if time stopped for a moment as I looked into his hypnotic eyes. He gave me a caring smile that I returned with a rosy face. I laughed awkwardly and muttered a, "Thanks" before turning to face Josh with a playful glare. "You jerk! You startled me!" I growled at him. He just smirked at me and said, "What? Who me? I don't know what you're talking about!" He nervously rubbed the back of his neck with a devilish grin. I rolled my eyes at him and shot him another glare. Elijah misinterpreted my attitude towards Josh and took it upon himself to diffuse the situation. He rushed to stand (if that's what you could call it) protectively in front of me and hold his arms out defensively. "Huh? What the heck?" Josh exclaimed with a confused tone. I furrowed my brow in thought before a look of realization crossed my features and I called over Elijah's shoulder to Josh. "Ah, he must have assumed we were fighting." Josh replied with a small hum.

    I placed my hand gently on Elijah's shoulder. "Hey buddy, it's ok. We were just having some fun." I told him with a warm smile. That seemed to calm him down and he backed off. He was very good at reading body language and emotions! I grinned and reached up to mess up his surprisingly neat hair. His nose scrunched up in reaction. I giggled at the cute look on his face. His expression suddenly morphed to a playful glare, similar to the one I wore a minute ago. My eyes widened as he rushed toward me, not that there was much distance between us in the first place, and swiftly grabbed my waist and hoisted me into the air. I squealed in surprise and held onto his arms for dear life. He lifted me with ease. Josh yelped in surprise as well and was ready to break it up in case I got hurt. Elijah slowly lowered me down, and I grasped his shoulders tightly as soon as I could reach them. He finally set me back down. I pulled away and shot him a dirty look. He just grinned back with a triumphant smile. I poked his nose, causing him to flinch a bit, before walking back towards Josh. "It's getting close to opening time. I think we should get back." I told him. He nodded with a distracted look in his eye.