~Eden~

He found this situation completely alien to him.  Not only had he entered a new plane of existence, he had also just entered what was potentially a romantic conversation with a sexually-abused female dragon he knew absolutely nothing about.  Well, nothing save for her bubbly and willful aura.  It was obvious he had to tread carefully, but the torrential mixture of confusion, shock, grief and empathy caused his head to spin.

“Apparently you’re stronger than many who have been through that.  They would end up with a victim complex or never be willing to be touched,” Eden spoke as he placed his hand on Hinata’s arm, “But you...”

In turn, Hinata nodded, her arms folding around Eden’s head as she pulled his face to her shoulder, “You needed it....”

It was clear to Eden this odd dragoness was stronger than most on more than one front.  Her trained body made it obvious she that had strength from a physical standpoint, but her actions showed that she was both emotionally and mentally powerful as well.

“Well, I have to admit I have a tendency to a healer,” Eden spoke, scratching his head, “I mean, I it’s not like I’m trying to hit on you or anything...”

With a somber smile, Hinata motioned Eden to her locket.  She then looked to him as her expression shifted to docility, “I know.  We read that on your profile.  Despite being vulgar, blunt and a bit of a short-fuse when riled up, you have a very loving heart.  Not to mention your temper tends to be absent when interacting with your loved ones.”

“Well... why did you ask?” Eden’s question was met by Hinata’s giggle.

Waving her hand, Hinata smiled, “It was just a joke, Eden.  Nothing more.”

“Heh... here I thought you were the one hitting on me,” Eden chuckled, smiling comically at Hinata.  He then became nervous at the words he had spoken, “Sorry... was that too far?”

A snicker and shake of Hinata’s head were more than enough to signal the answer.  However, Eden was taken aback when Hinata placed her hand on his head, a fist forming shortly after.  Although this worried him, his fear were alleviated when he found Hinata grinding said fist into his head playfully.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

As she continued the retro action, Hinata smirked, “I can tell that’s a joke as well, or are you into girls with ‘sickly cats’?”

‘Hinata still manages to smile and laugh, even after being through that shit?   Maybe this kind of humor must be a coping mechanism of some sort... or is it?  Are dragons different than humans in this aspect?  Either way, she’s so strong...’ These thoughts continued in Eden’s head as the dragoness rubbed his irritated scalp.

Although their meeting has been seamless so far, Eden knew it would be best to tread carefully with Hinata.  There would be no telling what could trigger past memories.  Perhaps she had been through therapy for this, but in his eyes, erring on the side of caution would be the best option by far.

Looking to his belt area, Eden’s expression became one of embarrassment.  He hesitated for a moment to gather his bearings and courage before the question.

Prodding Hinata’s paw-like hand, Eden muttered, “Er.... So if you don’t mind me asking, on the subject of ‘private matters’... uh... Where’s my dick?”

“Well...,” Hinata huffed, placing her hand on her hips at her next words as a simper formed on her muzzle, “Apparently someone really is blunt and vulgar, now aren’t they?”

The response caused a partial smile to form on Eden’s lips.  In response, Hinata released a maidenly giggle.

“There’s a shrouding spell on you that cloaks and etherealizes people’s privates,” Hinata spoke in a near-laugh, “We do that with the more... instinct-driven sentient species when they first come here....”

Blinking, Eden opened his mouth to speak, only for Hinata to smirk while pushing his maw shut with her claw.  She followed this action by brushing her hair against his nose.

With a smug grin, Hinata poked her claw into Eden’s forehead, “To put it simply, we temporarily de-materialized Eden Junior because you humans tend to have your pocket rockets blast off your body and your feeble-willed cats die of shock unless you spend a few hours getting used the pheromones stinking up this place!”

The informational jest caused Eden to burst into laughter, Hinata joining him in the merriment.  After several seconds, the jolliness died down and Eden let loose a sigh, his expression softening.

Without thinking, Eden laid his head in Hinata’s lap, “Thanks for all that... and I mean it.  I might have lost my shit if not for you.”

Ever so slowly, Eden closed his eyes, only to feel Hinata gently cradle his head against her chest.  As he drifted to sleep from mental and emotional exhaustion, he found his body slowly being pulled into a protective embrace.

Being comforted so shortly after his stupor and subsequent breakdown by a complete stranger caused Eden’s hear to warm.  He had never imagined he would be greeted by such loving creatures.  He knew not of the hybrid’s personality, but Hinata seemed incredibly caring and selfless.

Was everyone in this world so compassionate?

Was everyone in this world so comforting?

Was everyone in this world better humans than humans themselves?