*Crunch* *Crunch* *Crunch*

The bones were breaking easily, their flavor ash and dust in my mouth. I messily ate the last remains of the deer. I just didn’t care. The hunt that day was successful, but I´d always have to go out again, ever hungry.

Food, tasted bad.

I always waited until the last possible moment to hunt and eat, as I just couldn’t bring myself to care for all the fur and hide and organs. The bones sticking in my gums and blood overpowering every last hope left to taste something.

I tried all the animals I could find. All of them. I´ll never ever try squirrels after last time. Nasty buggers always to high up in the trees and if you do catch one, then It just wasn’t worth the exhausting hunt. They don’t even taste any better. And with Bones too small to separate from the meat they are a hazard to eat.

Boredom was all too familiar in these days. Still, a few lazy eyes were always keeping track off my surroundings. That day I was at the very edge of my territory. The dammed deer running way to far bevor finally collapsing, letting me chase it all day.

The forest wasn’t dense there, but the few bushes still gave my unusual form enough cover.

As sleep wouldn’t come so fast after a meal that big, I decided to roll around for a bit. Trying to stave off the boredom, I didn´t notice the cliffs edge until it was too late. I startled awake when I heard an ungodly noise from nearby, finally falling down the rocky hill. Flailing for grip I somehow got a hold of some stones with my tentacles. You can guess how disoriented I was. Immediately I set out my multifaceted eyes to see where I was.

Embarrassingly, I was already at the base of the low hill, clinging for dear life to a few boulders next to me. We will pretend that didn’t happen. OK?

Sitting up, I noticed some smells I haven’t come across before, though the familiar smell of blood accompanied it. Interested, I investigated. There were a few boxes of the wired material (Metal) I often came across in the strange mountains (old City’s). Smelling a bit like blood in the flaky bits and being all shiny in the others.

Cautiously I prodded and opened the boxes. Inside was a lot of stuff I hadn´t seen bevor. But on top of it all, there was another box. I opened this second box with great care. The smells coming from it were overpowering every caution I had in me. Inside I found a round, pale thing with red and yellow smeared over it. I ate it with great care, savoring every little bite. I didn’t know it back then, but this was my first pizza.

My world wasn’t the same after that! I had found the food of the gods! From here on out, I´d no longer eat that disgusting shit I had my whole life. From now on, I´d search far and wide, to get more of what I just had.

I left my territory. I NEEDED to get more of that.

I came across what I now know as a road. A strange sight for me back then. And even stranger, was the car, which smocked and burned. Crashed against the mountainside.

I could make out three people bevor me. Two of them were in the strange contraption, but the other, smaller one, laid on the ground not far away. I was contemplating whether or not to eat them. On the one claw, they would make for an easy meal. On the other claw, I had just resolved myself not to eat shitty food anymore. Besides, they were strange and my stomach full. Hadn’t seen their kind before, all gangly and wired. Also, their constant chattering was unlike anything I had seen bevor.

Never eat something strange, if you can avoid it. Can save your life one day, so remember that.

I observed them from the bush I was hiding behind. As the constant sounds got slower and more and more quiet and finally stopped, I knew, that was my time to investigate more openly. I looked at them all, I found them cute in a way. Shure, they also creeped me out, but there was also something that resonated with me.

After a while, I trotted over to the little one. She would soon be gone, lying in a pool of her own blood. She looked cold in the thermal spectrum and something in me wanted me to do something about that.

After some time of indecision, I laid down beside her, dressing her wounds as best as possible. But in the end, all I could do was warm her in her last minutes. Finally, she drew her last breath. I mourned for her. A feeling I also didn’t know before meeting them.

I was restless, needed to do something. I was acting on instinct and did what I have always done when something died besides me. I slithered a few tendrils into her skull, starting to consume her brain first.

Her memories were so vivid, unlike anything I had ever seen before. Fragments of her life flashed bevor my inner eyes and for the first time in my life, I gained sapience. I now understood, that the chattering I had likened to birdsong was a language.

I could try to speak that language, I realized. With a twist of my biology I made myself a voicebox. I could ask questions, could ask for help, could actually expect help to come. Startled I realized, I could try to make that pizza.

This revelation was changing me from the inside out. Literally. I began my effort to look like her. As a flesh changer, I knew I could. But It was harder than anything before. I´d often try to look like my prey and there, good enough was, well, good enough. Changing into a deer wasn’t hard to do, at least when you were obscured by foliage and would try to eat whoever you were trying to fool soon anyway.

But that wouldn’t cut it this time, I knew. I was deep in the uncanny valley, when I heard the sirens. Startled from the unfamiliar sounds, I wanted to go deeper into the woods for protection. An image fought itself to the surface of my thoughts. Firefighters. They were here to help.

Then the panic really set in. They were there to help! With my uncanny mug, I couldn’t be seen. Especially, when I tried to look like their spawn!

In my haste I nearly cut the connection, hindering the flood of memories that were already quite faded. They threatened to rip and tear even further from my frantic actions. Dragging the child’s cooling body with me I escaped into the woods.

It was a few months bevor I let myself be found. Memory integration is not easy. I still don’t know if it was Lea taking over the monster, or if it was the monster taking over Lea. I guess, that I will never know. The truth could just as well be the middle ground.

With my brain all jumbled up and communication nearly impossible, I was returned to civilization the moment I stepped towards one of the search teams. That were my first steps out of the forest. Everyone was crying their eyes out when I was found.

Trying to integrate was tricky. I set off all sorts of alarms, because I obviously couldn’t remember how stuff functioned. And I don’t mean just a toaster or a Television that I couldn’t figure out fast enough to fool my new parents. Social constructs are a bitch!

Understandably, the whole time my Parents were besides themselves with worry. I didn’t know how to respond to that, so I was quite distant. For a while. Now we actually have a close bond. Humans will bond with anything it seems. Only when I mess up is there still some of that initial distance.

If you are wondering where her body is, that will be my little secret. I gave her a good burial. I knew how to, as the memory of how to do that was really vivid. Maybe because of the many times she had attended such formal functions.

Back in the arms of her parents, doctors started my rehabilitation. I learned to speak, I learned how to care for myself and I learned how to order the glorious pizza.

It was in the library that I first met him. I had holed myself up here in hopes to learn enough to fool the people around me. Problem was, that I hadn´t really had a clue how to read. Acting on impulse I took a random book from the seemingly endless supply.

It may have been a small village at the edge of civilization, but the library was top notch.

I recognized the cover of the book from Lea´s memories. It was about Psychology. Whatever that is. Searching for a place to sit down, I had soon secured myself a good spot. Not too many people around me. Though it was a work day, there were still some people around.

The sun began settling in the distance. It was really slow work, matching the Symbols to the faded memories I inherited. Worse still was that they didn’t really match up.

Cursing and swearing under my breath I began anew. If there was one thing about human language that I really liked, then that would be the ability to curse your heart out when things didn’t go your way.

Looking up abruptly I stared at the guy bevor me. He was doubled over in laughter. People were staring at him, and me, bringing a blush to my face. I was here to avoid contact with people! I had no need for someone that would call attention to me like that.

After a while he came out of the rows of bookshelf´s he had just searched. With a big smile to his face he sat down. A few snickers still escaping him occasionally.

“I think you need to flip it over.” As he said so, he rotated the book that had plagued my evening a 180°. It all became so much clearer now!

A snort from him let me look up again. “Wow, your smile is beautiful.”

After a pause in which he gradually became more and more red in the face he began again. “I´m sorry I laughed at you. I am Alexander Mays. Just call me Alex.” Clearing his throat, he collected himself. “What are you reading anyway? You seemed to be in great concentration.”

Flipping to the cover, I had to look at it again. Struggling to read it fast enough, I was relieved when he took that as his answer. “Yeah, that is a good one. Had to read it for homework once.”

A bit uncertain about this guy, and still a bit miffed that he laughed at me so brazenly, I point to the book under his arm. “And what have you come here for?”

His face broke out in a brilliant smile. “I am supposed to do a bit of research for my summer homework, but I have found a book about Orbital Physics over there.” Pointing to the bookshelf’s where he came from.

And with that the ice was broken. We talked for hours after that. I learned much that day. For example, the name of the planet we are on. Or that there is enough orbital infrastructure to have a vacation on the moon with the funding a regular job could provide.

He keeps on talking about things I could have never imagined: Homan-transvers, the Venus government upcoming terraforming plans, Mars’s failed terraform referendum, meaning it will become a mining planet. And Jupiter’s upcoming Hydrogen torches, making the farming of the planet way easier.

Bevor long, this random dude talks about his life goals. He wants to get into East Gullen University to get a degree and help build better space ships. He talks so passionately about it too! I can´t help but be drawn in. The fire in his eyes was mesmerizing.

Not to long after, a guard comes up to us. He all but throw us out, rudely interrupting our talk.

I haven’t even noticed the sunset, but it is really dark outside now. Thankfully I don’t have a long trip home and with flushed faces we separate all too soon.

I didn’t know it at that point, but he was here for a vacation. We said goodbye, not knowing how to find each other again. Realizing my mistake, I raced back out, startling my parents. But it was no use. I couldn’t find him on the streets.

Then it set in, I wouldn’t see him again. I felt an incredible loss at that.

´I am really nervous. Sooo many people! I would have never thought there could be this many people in one place.´

Looking around she took in the mass of people around her. She sat in the Auditorium waiting for the welcome ceremony to begin. ´I, I have to really clamp down on my control. Don’t want my face to morph here. Have to keep my façade up.´

She was nervous. The crowd was loud. People were speaking with each other in small groups already. Leaving little room for her to insert herself. Everyone was finding friends already.

Taking a deep breath, she collected herself again. Standing up, she scanned the crowd for a familiar face. She found him at the edge of the room, talking with someone already. Unsure how to proceed, she stood there for a while.

In the meantime, a Professor had entered the room. The welcome ceremony began and she hastily sat down again. She had waited for too long.

Caught up in her own head, she wasn’t really paying attention to the introduction.

They were in different classes entirely. Of course. She wasn’t as passionate about space as he was, but she wasn’t in her first-choice field of study either. She sat alone again in the canteen, stirring her soup.

She hadn´t really connected with her peers. Trying to keep up her façade was always on her mind, leaving her not quite hostile, but uncomfortable to be around. She sighed again. ´What am I doing? Didn´t I have a reason to be here?´ Looking down on her food, she got even more gloomy. ´Food was supposed to help me cheer up.´

Bevor her were no less than three Tablets, filled with food. She wanted to try everything from the menu, as she always did. And while it was good, it didn’t bring her joy this day.

It was lunchbreak. And while the Tables around here were full to bursting, she was still alone. Students around her were gobbling up food as fast as they could. Most wanted to go back to whatever class they had next as fast as possible.

The ones next to her left, leaving behind free seats and her alone to munch on her Salat.

When she heard a voice in front of her, she ignored it at first. Who would want to talk to her?

Undeterred the person repeated himself. This time she recognized him. Looking up, she saw the strange guy from the library again. His eyes were Almond-shaped. Asian, she knew now. This time though he wore a black uniform like her. Black trousers and a Jacked over a white shirt. His striped black and yellow tie was just like her bowtie. He would have looked formal, hadn´t his hair tried to make an impression of a hedgehog.

“Hi, can I sit with you?” He shaky smiled at her. In his hands he had a tray with today’s soup and a cup of chips. While it was the cheapest food available, it was also good and filling. At least today the chips were nice and crisp. Not the soggy mess from yesterday.

Not knowing how to answer she just nodded. After setting down his tray he reached out to her. “Hi, I am Alex. I think we saw each other bevor.”

Shyly taking his hand, she nodded. That was an understatement. They saw each other on the campus often. And while she had locked eyes with him, she was always unsure how to proceed. The small crowd around him was a good deterrent as well.

Leaning back, he got a piece of bread. He was a blunt guy, so he just asked her. “What is your name?”

“Ah.” Retreating her hand, she smoothed out her clothes. “I am Lea.”

“A nice name.” He ate a bit of his bread, soaked with soup. Pointing towards the two other trays next to her he asked with curiosity in his voice. “Where are your friends?”

She had just wanted to eat a forkful of her own chips. She put her fork down again, a bit embarrassed of the answer she would have to tell him. “I, …” Reconsidering what she wanted to tell him she said instead. “That is all for me.”

“That much? God, I couldn’t fit that.” He laughed.

“There is so much food that I haven’t tried yet! Finding something new is so exciting!” She pointed at the pudding. Gloominess forgotten. “How will this taste I wonder.”

“You seem to really like food.”

“Food is important! You have to eat while you can. Especially, if it is that tasty.” Taking the last curly fry, she grinned happily.

“Really? It isn’t that good. It is still the new Semester, but the further into the Year we go, the worse it will get. At least according to the few older students, I have met.”

The Gong saved her from giving an answer. She hadn’t noticed it being this late already. Clocks were a mystery to her. Why would someone subject themselves to the agony of planning out every minute of their day?

Mildly panicking she made haste to eat the last scraps. The pudding tasted heavenly, but was devoured in too much of a haste to really appreciate.

Still in the process of returning her dishes she remembered him. He too had to make haste, but had less left to choke down. Opening her phone, she searched for her number. Writing on a napkin she shoved it in his hands. Mumbling a quick “So that you don’t forget this time.” And sped away to her next classroom.

They meet up for lunch a few times after that. Through texting they got a good friendship going, though she was a bit too shy to approach him when his friends were around. It stressed her out, that she could lose control of her façade and reveal herself.

Currently they were eating lunch together. Both fiercely arguing about pizza toppings.

“You obviously don’t know what´s good for you. Pineapple is a divine topping on anything. Especially on Pizza.” Pointing overly dramatic at today´s Pudding with a slice of Pineapple on top. “Exhibit A.”

“You can´t be serious! How could I trust you so far.”

He just cracked a smile. “Ok, then how about that: I take you out to dinner?”

“What?” She just blankly stared at him. Had he just…

“Well, for a long while I thought just like you, that Pineapple on Pizza was heresy. That is bevor I came to this town. You see, there is this special little restaurant in a secluded part of this town. I will show you that if it is done correctly Pineapple is quite good.”

“The damn stuff tries to digest you for eating it. It is the devil’s plant.”

“Oh, come on! It is absolutely delicious. Let me show you just how wrong you are!”

She smirked at him. “So, you want to go on a date with me so desperately, that you fake something as horrendous as that?”

That left him blushing and stammering for a while. Finally, he steeled himself and said. “I wanted to ask you to a date the first time we saw each other. Sadly, the damn guard threw us out. And I fucked up entirely then.”

Now was her time to be surprised. Why was she so exited!? Red in the face she gave out a meek “Really?”

He nodded at that. “Really!”

After a while he added “I also stand by my previous Statement. I will show you how good Pineapple on Pizza is.”

She just groaned at that.

All was going well; they meet up at the park and had a fun time in a restaurant after that. Pineapple on Pizza was still horrendous. Though she had to give it to him, it wasn’t as bad as others she had tried bevor.

But just as they were about to part ways something very unexpected happened. She was so happy everything went well today. They had had fun and it was relaxing to talk and laugh so freely.

He was about to drop her off at her dorm, when her face twisted in ways it really shouldn’t. She got it under control soon enough, but was obviously breaking out in a cold sweat after that.

Both didn’t know how to handle it; time just froze for each of them.

After what felt like an eternity, 3 people walked past them. That seemed to break the spell. She just grabbed him by the wrist and took him up to her room. The 3 on the sidelines misunderstood, of course, and shouted encouragement. Lea didn’t take his no for an answer, dragging him along despite his feeble protest.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

Finally, in her room, she broke down into a barely controlled panic. Seemingly coming to a decision, she told him to wait a moment, while she dashed for the bathroom. Shutting the door, a little more forcefully then necessary, she took off her clothes in a hurry, socks flying. Letting things lay where they may. A bathrobe quickly draped over her shoulders, she came out. Tugging it in fast, so he wouldn’t see.

Embarrassment mixed with panic, coloring her red and leaving her shaking. What she would do now would decide her future.

Seeing her step out of the bathroom, entering and leaving in record time, in nothing but a bathrobe left him an even more confused mess.

Speaking in an entirely to fast way she sped through the explanation. “I´m sorry for keeping it a secret, I didn’t want that to happen at the first date. The truth is, what you just saw there outside is how I look like when I relax, I then loose cohesion and change my body unconsciously. I-I-I-I like you. I want to show you how I really look like.”

And just like that the robe fell away, leaving a suddenly bloated body where she stood. It morphed and pulsed and worked itself into something different. Stepping away from the decidedly too fast changing situation left him unbalanced. He tripped over something laying on the ground, falling down. The short glimpse at her face bevor could not prepare him for the transformation he saw. Nothing could, probably.

Her body gave way to something that definitely hunts for its food. Forward facing eyes, plural. Scales covering a tuber like body. Multiple mouths opening and closing. Some were spilling tentacles which were filled to the brim with sensory organs he could not begin describing. Bevor she melted, taking the shape of a person again.

His mouth opened and closed over the course of a minute. He was now laying on the ground. Her Human form hanging over him, showing worry. Not knowing what to say, he cut her rambling apologies short.

“Your clothes.” ´Lame!´ He immediately thought of himself. Turning to give her some private space. The girl/monster/Monster-girl(?)/Girl-Monster(?) scrambled out of the room to get some clothing on again.

After a good deal of time Alex took a shuddering breath and sat up again. She was peeking cautiously out of the bathroom door, as if he was the one with all the power in the room. He didn’t even know how to handle one of the many questions presented to him just now. “Why don’t we calm down, sit down and talk about it all?” ´I am insane! Why haven’t I booked it yet?´

Thinking furiously of a solution he took another shaky breath and sat on the couch. At the other end Lea plopped down. Shivering in the adrenalin rush. Tears threatened to spill down her face, hold back only by her ability to wrap flesh.

“Why don’t we start from the beginning? My name is Alexander Mays. First semester space logistics. Human, and thoroughly terrified.”

Because her sobs were now audible, he turned his ashen face to her. Brain still not fully operational he stretched his hand for her to shake.

“Nice to meet you.” Inner turmoil screeching to a halt and turning in the other direction. ´WTF was that? Shure, now we give our adorable little Cthulhu a handshake?! Adorable!?´

Equally unequipped to handle the current situation she took the outstretched hand introducing herself. “Lea Powel, first semester Psychology. Monster, and thoroughly terrified.”

At home Alex let himself fall on his bed. Exhausted he contemplated the latest reveals. He still wasn’t over the fact, that the girl he fell in love with was a monster. The very thought was ridiculous. He went through his whole life thinking science could explain it all. Heck! Mankind was among the stars! There were no monsters out to get you.

Yet still there was. A monster, out to get him. In a way he really didn’t expect.

`How do I deal with this?´ He stared ahead at his celling. A beautifully boring white. At first, he wanted to paint his room, but when he was finished with his degree and had to move out, he would have to paint it all white again. He was too lazy for that.

Grumbling he got up again. Seeing the chaos of his room he sighed. He was here for months now, and still there were boxes to unpack. Why had he brought so much stuff?

After thinking about ditching it yet again he stood up. He would have to do this anyway. Better finish it now, he would have a girlfriend soon.

Or would he? He still wasn’t sure what to make off all this. When he asked her out, he was thinking her to be a human. But did it matter? They did have some great chemistry after all.

“Oof. That box is heavy.” Otherwise silent he was piling boxes from point A to B. He frowned. That wouldn´t help. He started rummaging through some of them, thinking about where to put it all.

The question was, is she human enough? The answer would have to be yes and no. His talks with her let him to the firm decision that yes, she was a person. But a human? No. She was something different. Doesn’t mean he couldn’t treat her like a moral, productive member of society though.

She seemed genuinely interested in him. But was he still interested in her? Could he look past that whole eldritch abomination thing? Standing up a bit too fast to pluck his hairs out at his frustratingly repeating thoughts, his vision cut to blackness.

´Guess I have to have a second date with her to figure out all these questions. Wasn’t that the whole idea behind dating someone? To find out if you want to spend your whole life with them?´

Rubbing his face in irritation he stood there. He would have another date with the Girl-monster(?)/monster-Girl(?). Figuring things out from there. He convinced himself to not think about it any longer. He wasn’t able to resolve anything like this. He needed more data before coming to a conclusion.

Frowning at the chaos in his room he resolved himself, turning sharply, to do it another day. His thoughts still looping in his head even though he tried his best to suppress them. Did he love this monster?

They were sitting in the sun today. Scattered across the campus were benches to sit down and talk, study or have lunch at. This one lay a bit further away than others, so they were mostly alone. Both were trying to pretend as if nothing had happened the other day.

“And still, you only later realized that you never even asked for my number.”

He nodded at that. “Yup, biggest mistake in my life. I noticed, when I was on my way home. Still high on adrenaline after they kicked us out. Jerks could have said something earlier. I still needed that book I came for after all. Can´t believe we saw each other again. What are the odds?”

A hint of embarrassment could be seen on her face. “Well, I purposefully choose this place to meet you again.”

He blinked at her slowly. “How did you even figure out where to find me?”

“You told me where you were trying to get accepted into. I just had to take a course at the same place. No prey escapes me.” Puffing her chest out at the last part, she chuckled darkly. He would not get away from her.

He shook his head. A sarcastic plea on his lips. “Please don’t eat me. I will taste terrible. And really? You stalked me here?”

She sat up straighter. “You were a very unusual human! One of the first that I met.”

Laughing at her outburst he replied. “Okay, okay. But haven’t you registered for a degree of Psychology? I remember you wanting to become a cook. How did that come about?”

“Yeah, but becoming a cook wasn’t an option here. I will just have to take some courses on the side.” She snorted. “Do you remember? When we met, I had just found that Psychology book. At that time, I had no idea what Psychology even was. After reading up on it though, I have actually taking a shine to it.”

“That seems like it won´t be an easy one for you though, at least if you keep reading your books upside down.”

She couldn’t help but groan at that. “One time.” But he just laughed at her.

Changing the topic, he asked her the question he wanted answered for a while now. “Anyway. How is school for you. You don’t actually have problems, do you? I always see you alone.”

Another sigh left her lips. She did that decidedly to often these days. “Well, it is just hard to human, you know. Not being able to talk about it with anyone is also very stressful. Most of Lea´s friendships didn’t last long after I took her place. So, there is that. Also, this place is quite the long way from home. I can still call my parents. But same problem there.”

“Well, glad I asked. Don’t hesitate and come to me in the breaks. I want to spend time with you.”

She glanced up at him, giving him a strange look at that. “What?” He said. Quickly whipping at his mouth trying to catch the sauce he was now certain was messing up his look.

Finally, she asked: “You are a strange Human. Aren't you afraid of me?"

At that he nearly scoffed: "I saw the monster you and instead of snapping me in half and making me disappear, you told me everything and apologized! What is there to be afraid of at that point?"

Yesterday was a mess, for the both of them. After a while they got up and went back to classes. Deeper discussions should be held at a place with less people.

Still, they were unsure if they were now in a relationship, friendship or what it was. There were just too many questions left unanswered. But at the least both seemed open to the idea of continuing the talks.

This was now their second date. Though she choose the location this time, it was another Pizza restaurant. The Heretic would be converted!

They had been talking for a while now and somehow drifted into territory Alex would rather avoid.

“But speaking of my parents. I think they will like you! When will you come to meet them?” Her smile was brilliant, her head just a bit inclined, exactly the way she had learned would be considered cute.

“Could we please change the topic?” Alex really didn’t like where this was going. ´Besides, I don’t even know yet if I want to have a relationship with a non-human.´

“Well, tough luck. My mouth is dry from all the talking. I have been answering questions for what feels like hours. You need to at least tell me something about yourself now!”

The sweet girl in front of him was still in her school uniform, as was he. They had come here right when classes were over after all. Her orange-blond hair was held in place by three thin white hairclips just above her left eye, flowing otherwise openly just past her shoulders. Brown eyes with just a hint of red were telling of joy. A cute button nose completing the picture of a nice human girl.

Thinking hard he listed what they had already talked about, in an attempt to buy time. “Well, what is left to discuss. We talked about why did you decided to study. I am still certain, that you could get your pizza way easier, by the way.”

She just rolled her eyes at him and made the motion to carry on.

“The age question is still open.”

“God, carry on!”

“I still want to know if you have to sleep, or where you are from.”

“Nha!” Waving her hand she dismissed him. “´bout time you tell me something about yourself. I have been talking for a while now. Do something for this date you got with me.” With that she stared at him expectantly, taking a bite from her Pizza.

With a sigh he took out a piece of paper from his backpack and made a bit of room on the table between them. She looked on interested as he began to fold it this way and that. Seemingly tracing back randomly until it was a little bigger than his thumb.

As he did so he began explaining. “I have recently taken up origami as a hobby. I thought it would be a nice thing. I could also use it later in my job.” Concentrating a bit on the next part he stopped talking for a bit.

“Did you know, that origami was first used in 1995 to fold up solar panels on a satellite? Crazy things can be achieved with the right software. There are even people who make highly detailed animals, nothing like this little crane here.”

Presenting the paper crane to her he was a little embarrassed. He knew he could do better than this. She seemed impressed regardless.

“I have never seen something like this. What is that modeled after?”

Scratching his head embarrassed he told her “It was supposed to be a big bird, called a crane. I am not that good yet.”

There was a lull in the conversation. They had both finished their pizza, though both of them wanted to continue to talk to each other, both didn’t know how to proceed. At the end they just sat next to each other for a while. Finally, he asked her. “Lunch again tomorrow?”

The next day they were having lunch together. Sitting on the benches outside, enjoying the weather. He was still unsure about a lot of things, but he wanted to at least be her friend. Sneaking a glance at her he was ripped out of his thoughts. She had her backpack between her knees, taking out a massive lunchbox.

“You want to eat all of that?” Absolute bafflement in his voice. “Where would you even put all that?”

Getting a bit red in the face she stuttered out. “Shut up. I love human food.”

His voice dancing with amusement now. “Can you even eat all of that? Where would you put it all?”

She gave him a harrumph. “Asking a lady for her weight, or even hinting at it, shows your bad manners.”

Stammering out his apology he didn’t notice her mirth at his predicament.

“Even if it wouldn’t fit a human, I can just make place for it. I absolutely love human food.” The sparkle in her eyes didn’t escape his notice as she shoved a whole roasted chicken into her widening mouth. Bones and all.

“Is that even safe for you? Or are they all made from something special? Some spices leave animals dead or dying.” He pointed at a few eggrolls and sandwiches. “They do look pretty good though.”

“I take pride in cooking for myself each morning.”

He raised an eyebrow at that. She responded, getting a bit to flustered while defending her decisions. “You know, after the incident in the cafeteria? I try not to show up to often.”

A bit of strain could be heard in her voice. “You want to try some? I used regular ingredients and spices, so don’t worry.”

Contemplating shortly, he denied. “Don’t want to eat you out of your food.”

“Seriously. Try some.” At that he relented. She did have a lot after all.

“Where are your materials for school though? With that much food, is there even enough space left?” He tried some eggrolls. “Oh, it is good.”

“I may have brought a bit too much today. I was too excited this morning. As for my stuff.” She trailed of at the end of her sentence, grabbing into her chest she pulled out her notebook halfway out.

Staring as her flesh parted to reveal the device, he couldn’t help but shake his head. “That was unexpected.”

Squirming in her seat she answered in a meek tone. “It wasn’t easy not getting caught pulling it out. But no one talks to me, so I had enough room for myself.”

Facepalming he let out a sigh. “Just take less food with you next time.”

She nodded, still embarrassed.

“Also, how are your classmates? Have you someone you could be friends with?” As no answer came, he looked up. She shook her head in denial.

“I am not sure how to approach them.” Squirming some more. “They already made groups and it is hard approaching them.”

He looked her in the eyes. Raising a skeptical eyebrow. “Aren´t you that big scaly predator, capable of tearing me limb to limb? Also, you should think about changing your career. Your cooking is seriously delicious.” He plopped a few more small sandwiches into his mouth.

She let out an adorable little howl at that. “You really like my cooking?”

He gave a big nod at that. “It is delicious!”

Collecting herself again she smoothed out her clothes. They needed it, after putting the computer back into her chest-cavity. “Thank you.” A deep breath later she followed up. “Would you like me making some for you as well? I always see you eating the same old crap.”

He thought about it for a while. ´Well, that is an exciting offer. But, can I really take advantage of her like that?´

He just wanted to deny her, as she just shoved the next sandwich into his mouth. “Just take it.”

He gave a shrug to that. If she wanted to do that, then he would let her have her fun.

Quieter she took up the question from bevor. “Also, it doesn’t work like that. Just because I could, doesn’t mean that it is easier to approach them. You humans are plenty scary.”

“What could we even do to you?”

She looked up at the sky, where the big O’Neil sat at the L1 Point, with its orbital processing facilities working on multiple captured asteroids. Then she looked at him again and deadpanned. “I am just a flesh shifter. Doesn’t mean dropping that thing on me,” Pointing up “wouldn’t work.”

He just had to snort at this. “I think there are other more cost-effective ways than that.”

Shaking her head with a smile she replied. “Oh, sure, tell me all about it. How would you kill the foulest Monster to roam the land?”

She was over dramatic, so he rolled his eyes at her and responded in kind. “I would reroute the fusion-exhaust of the Uni´s powerplant. Killing the fool telling my girlfriend she is a Monster.” ´Why can´t I stop flirting with her!? She is just too precious!´

“Weren´t you that fool just a few days ago?”

He gave a nod. “There are monsters and Monsters. The girl in front of me is a monster, not a monster-musume, sure, but also not quite a lovecraftian level girl. But above all, she definitely is not a Monster. Humans can just as well be Monsters.”

“That was needlessly complicated, but I guess I will take your sweet talk as a compliment.”

“As you should.”

She snorted. The bell had rung, just as he finished his sentence. Reluctantly standing up from his nice warm spot in the sun he turned to her.

“What classes do you have now?”

Looking at her schedule she found her next subject. “Behavioral Psychology. God, where was that room again? You guys build fucking mazes!”

After lingering for a while longer they run to their respective next lessons.

He looked at her suspicious. She was kind of hyper today. Her bag bulging with food. “Didn’t you want to cut down on that?”

Freezing she thought about it for a while. “Next time. Maybe.” He just chuckled at her. Puffing her cheeks out she replied. “I had to take your lunch with me as well after all.”

“You had enough for us two and more yesterday. How are you paying for all of this anyway?”

Deflating a bit, she said. “Well, my parents help me. I also got a job, so I could earn some for my food.”

He was just rolling his eyes at her. “Gimme. If you put yourself through so much trouble, I should at least taste some of it.”

Scrambling again she got the lunchboxes out. “This is the pizza roll, that is the pizza balls and in these ones are the filled pizza buns.”

“You made all-things-Pizza, didn’t you?”

“It is my favorite! Now shut up!”

After tasting some of all, he had to tease her again. “It really is good, should you learn how to make something else than pizza, you could maybe really be a cook.”

Giving him a dangerous glint, she growled out an “Just eat you idiot.”

After that they fell into comfortable silence. He from overeating and she because she wasn´t finished yet. A while later he asked her some of the questions tumbling through his head.

“Hey, how old are you really? Do you even age?”

Shouting a quick glance at the rude boy beside her she just said. “Lady’s secret.”

A snort from him made her look his way again. “Ok, but are you legal, or would I end up in jail should we get together?”

Now it was her turn to roll her eyes at him. He really liked this question it seems. He asked it nearly every time they met.

“My ID says I´m 20. How old I really am, no idea. Didn’t care bevor, you know? Years were all the same, months flowing together. Don’t think you would get into trouble lewding me.” She snickered at his reaction. She was bold today! “At least not for my age.”

He turned away. He may have dug his own grave, but he still was not comfortable with the direction they were heading. Poking his ribs, she made it even more embarrassing for him.

In desperate need to change the flow of conversation, he blurted out something he would beat himself up over for years. She certainly wouldn’t let him life that one down. “So, you identify as female?”

“Jesh, you know what questions to ask today!” The grin was only growing. “Yes, I identify as `female`.”

“Oh GOD, what am I doing!?” He shrank down, trying to give the least amount of surface area for her to poke. Burrowing his face deep in his palms.

She laughed at him, never stopping her assault. “Your worst?”

“While still in the process of losing any remaining dignity, how about you throw any last scraps out and ask all the uncomfortable questions?” Her words may have been sweetly spoken, but the invitation to doom himself wormed itself through any remaining defenses.

Collapsing with laughter from the bombardment of prods and tickles his brain relented all self-control. “Do you sleep at all, mighty predator? Preparing that much food… Where do you even leave it all, won´t you get – uff!”

His words were cut short, as she let tentacles shot out. The punishment for such insolence would have to be the greatest she could dole out. Tickling it was!

They were a mass of limbs on the floor when the bell sounded, to let students know it was time to go back to their classrooms.

Untangling from the mass was not as hard as Alex would have thought. Lea just let her tendrils flow together into a cohesive mass, taking on her human façade once more. With a brilliant smile she helped him up. “I hope now you know not to mess with me.”

Chuckling he needed a moment to reply. Still gasping for air. “Yes, mam!”

After a last huff he added a last question. “Why did you go into Psychology, instead of a chef school? I think you would have done amazing.” Lea was occupied with straitening their clothes when he asked the question. Pausing for a moment she thought about it for a while.

“Well, I wanted to at first. But I gave up on that idea for two reasons.” They began walking the short way they could together.

“Number one would be my inability to human just right. I may be a flesh shifter, but you guys are just crazy! All the little muscles in your face, the meat-flapping to make sounds. And don’t get me started on the social code! I needed a legitimate excuse to really study you guys. I think most of my problems are now well concealed. But facial expressions are still hard to pull off.”

They stopped at the crossroads. Looking him in the eyes she continued. “The second reason I already told you.” Blushing hard now she continued. “I was captured by that interesting boy that would laugh about me reading a book upside down and then wouldn’t stop talking about his life goals.” Somewhere along the way, she started mumbling and turning away. So, she turned her gaze towards him again.

Not knowing how to continue, she sped away towards her next classroom. Leaving him standing where he was. Thoughts tumbling once more.

´Do you want to date a monster? Can you really walk away from that sweet girl?´ Trotting towards his own classes he thought the same thing over and over again. ´She may have a few problems integrating in human society, but by God! I will protect her and make sure she is always happy!´

A few Years later:

They were happily strolling through the sun streaked park next to his home. They had finished their engineering and psychology degree and were now looking for a place to life together.

The weather was a beautiful autumn chill. Reds and Yellows made the trees a sight to behold and a gentle breeze was keeping the crowns of them in full sway. The sun was shining and illuminating the path bevor them. Leaves of all sizes and colors were falling down, giving a satisfying crunch wherever they stepped.

Nonetheless, Alex was nervous. Cold sweat keeping his back slick. Restlessly fingering the little box, he kept for far too long in his pocket. He knew he was stalling for time once again. Soon they would pass the bridge over the little creek and he would once again go home with the girl he loved, having done nothing.

Lea for her part, seemed in deep contemplation herself. Grasping his hand with more force than strictly necessary. He didn’t mind. He knew how hard she tried to keep up her façade right now. The most problems they had regarding that, were from when her concentration broke down in public.

They passed the bridge once again.

He let go of the breath that he had unconsciously held. ´Seems like regret and self-critique lay in wait today once more.´ He had been trying this for a while now. And she had become suspicious about his insistence to go this way every time.

Releasing his hand, she tuned to him. It seemed she had made up her mind about whatever gave her such problems. Pushing him gently into one of the nearby benches she began a stilted talk. Whatever was to come took a considerable amount of effort for her to talk about. He could tell from the fact, that she had lost control of almost all facial muscles, leaving her a cold and unreadable stare.

Wringing her hands, she began. “I really like you, and I *want* to spend the rest of my life with you…” He perked up, ´That, that doesn’t sound good.´ His heart drops, he had not expected that. They both had been strange the last few months, but that couldn’t be happening right now.

He collapsed into himself a little. Immediately straining to keep a straight back, forcefully staring ahead. Jaw clenched. He would hear what she had to say. Even if it would be unpleasant.

Then she started babbling, not being able to collect her thoughts. His face a mask, betraying his absolute confusion underneath. He had no idea what was going on anymore.

After a minute or so she took a deep breath, got to her knees and took out a little velvet box. Opening it, she presented a ring for him. Mustering all the courage and concentration she could, she looked him in the eye and asked the question.

“When we met, you stole my heart. Now, I want to ask you, can I steal your last name?” Taking a deep breath, she prepared herself. “Will you marry me?” Her breath shaky and hands trembling. It came out a little too fast. She felt a gigantic load of her shoulders after she said the words. Smiling at him now in deep concentration.

Alex, still stunned from the sudden perceived turn of events, sat there for a while. Trying to make sense of things. He thought he had gotten used to the twists and turns of her, but it seemed he had still more to learn.

Standing up, now that he wasn’t the only nervous wreck, he had to respond to her in kind. Cupping her face into his hands he bent down, kissing her. “Yes, I would love to!”

A sly smile stole itself onto his face. “BUT, under one condition!” His ecstatic girlfriend, now fiancé, faltered at his words, previous panic making itself onto her face again. “You let me propose to you as well.”

Helping her get up, it was his turn to get down on his knees. Holding her hands, he said. “I think we both know now, why we have been so strange the last few months.” He chuckled. This girlfriend of his! “I have been wanting to ask this for a while now. Lea, would you marry me?”

She answered with a big “YES!” At that he scooped her up, twirling her around. They both had tears in their eyes. Leaves of all colors falling softly all around them.

A few Years after that:

Alex was annoyed. Really, really annoyed. Instead of being known as the man that revolutionized transportation in space, he was known only as the guy that fucked a monster.

Okay, that wasn’t the part that annoyed him.

Opening the front door, he stored his things. From further in his home he heard his wife say. “And that kids, is why you have extra limbs.”

He snorted. He loved them all to bits. Shouting: “Honey, I´m home!” brought a mini stampede when all his kids ran up to come and greet him.

Catching a few and getting glomped by the others began a big round of cuddling. His kids were all very unique. Some had horns, others wings. The twins had spider legs.

The varied Genetics came from his wife, of course.

After the big round off cuddling was over, everyone dispersed again to continue whatever they were doing. The way his wify come up to him, the quick peck on the cheek and her sigh clued him in that something wasn´t right. “The kids were bullied again. I hope the teachers can finally do something about that. Or I am going there personally!”

“I will speak to the headmaster. Again.” Looking at his little twins he let out a deep sigh. Crouching down, to be on eyelevel with them send them all tumbling. Quickly they scurried up to him again. Hugging his legs with all the force they could muster.

Patting their heads and speaking soothingly he managed to quell their silent sobs. Kids were brutal!

His phone rang again. Looking up the number revealed another doctor requesting to `take a quick look` at his kids. This right here was his problem and the reason he was so annoyed with the people around him.

They couldn’t leave his kids alone!