Over the next few days the new couple of friends have forged bonds inside and outside the school. Trish was going to pick Anon up at Skin Row to go to school together, which at first had Anon worried because Skin Row wasn't exactly a nice place to walk and especially in the evening/morning. But that wasn't something that bothered Trish, not only because she knew how to move around in those kind of places, but she could defend herself pretty well from any thief or bum who tried to sneak around with her, which surprised Anon, who was accustomed to carrying a pocket knife to defend himself and that he was taller and sturdy than Trish. The two of them learned a lot about each other in these days that they spent together, like the fact that Anon was originally from Rock Bottom, he had a fondness for series and video games...and he bought his clothes wholesale, so it always seemed like he had the same outfit, things that made Trish laugh because she could already feel like he was a nerd and as for Trish: she was the eldest of a large family since her mother is out all day and she looked after her siblings all the time and has a fascination with Post Grunge and Butt Rock bands and she secretly wants to shift his band to that genre (which made Anon swear not to tell the others) The young couple walked back to class in the afternoon after sharing lunch at the cafeteria as well as math classes. They were both talking about that new fashion show based on a video game and while Trish was excited about the show, Anon already knew the story because he had played the games. -So... in the game Joel kills a lot of people? - said Trish looking at Anon to her left. Both were walking through the streets of downtown Volcadera. -I mean, yes... but he has his reasons. He had to survive and so he developed survival skills and resistance in combat. - said Anon on his way back. -But then, he can do everything... – she said arcing his eyebrow. -I mean... In the game he is super overpower but in the series obviously is not going to be like that and is a more human and independent character. - you could feel the emotion in Anon's voice. -But then...the relationship he have on the show with Ellie isn't the same in the game. - said Trish as she stopped at the red traffic light across the street. Anon stopped too. - In the game it's a little more hostile, but it's more bearable on the show. Joel's practically a jerk, and Ellie's more innocent... at least halfway through the game. - commented Anon waiting for the light to turn green. -Try not to spoil me, dork. I don't play your game so I don't know what's going to happen. - after saying this both friends got moving again. -I've... I'm sorry, but you'll see what I mean later on in the show. - Anon commented with some grace. - And that's the first game... the show needs to adapt the second, when Ellie is of age and Joel is... – Anon bit his tongue at what he was about to say because he was about to reveal a giant spoiler to Trish. – ...Old....- said quickly, dodging a bullet. -Mmm... the show is cool. – Trish said simply to Anon’s comment. The couple had already reached their first destination: Anon's apartment. It wasn't too far from the school so they could walk quietly to the place. Trish's house, on the other hand, was a little further away. -All right, skinnie, this this place... see you tomorrow. - said with a smile Trish walking a few steps forward, but being stopped in the process by Anon. -Wait Trish!- Anon stopped Trish dry instead. -What's going on? – said the triceratop purpura intrigued. -Hey Trish you know... you always walk me home and I appreciate it. - -You don't have to grace me, dork. Your house is on my way, so no problem. -Yes, but that's not what I meant. You know, I'd like to walk you home sometime. -To me... home? - said Trish in a murmur staring unblinkingly at Anon. -Yes, I don't see why not... Just saying, you know where I live and since you say you don't live too far from where I live... Maybe I could come to your house one day. Trish didn't really know how to answer, although she didn't have a problem with Anon walking her home, she didn't want to have to deal with the inquisitive looks of her neighbors or the awkward questions of her siblings. - Well...- said Trish in a trembling voice. Part of her wanted to say yes, but her anxiety about what others would say when she arrived with a human was spinning in her head. Seeing that her friend was slow to respond, Anon tried to deflect the subject. -Ahh... you know what Trish... It's not a problem. If you don't want to, we can always finish our way at my apartment -It's not that! - Trish was defending himself. Her amethyst eyes shone with the light. -It's just that... maybe my family will see us coming together... and think things that... aren't- Trish said it from the bottom looking a little away from Anon. -That's why I say... no problem. It was just a suggestion. Maybe next time... - said Anon greeting her friend with a smile as she stepped into her battered apartment complex. Trish stuck with the words in her mouth as Anon walked away from her, climbing the ladders towards his apartment. Actually, she wanted him to go home with her but she was not yet encouraged to do so. Trish was a little frustrated , it wasn't like her not to take the initiative. After a few seconds, the young woman resumed her walk through the streets. The young Triceratop was curious how she had become quite familiar with Anon, and even when she met Reed in high school, they didn't take so much confidence in their friendship. But something inside Trish told her that Anon was different from Reed... that his friendship was different... maybe another kind of friendship, much closer, like the one he had with Fang... or different from the one she had with them. Trish blushed at the revelation of her growing friendship with Anon. She hadn't planned it that way, but things were happening naturally. Although that annoyed Trish a bit as she felt she had no control over her actions and this made her uncomfortable. She didn't plan on going near Anon, just things happened. -“Anon is great... I don’t think he has any bad intentions ...”- Trish looked down as she quietly walked back to her house. The rest of the way home, she wandered in her thoughts about how she felt about her friendship with Anon and how she seemed to slip out of hand in a direction she did not have in mind. Volcano High. Friday 8:30 A new day at Volcano High and Trish was radiant with happiness. It wasn't for nothing. The young woman was walking down the hallway of the school on her way to her first class and was thinking of several plans for her day. Today was the day his best friend Fang was coming back after the fiasco that was that failed concert. Although Trish wasn't going to bring it up because she didn't want to bother Fang and they had already spoken by text anyway. She was also happy that she was going to introduce Anon to Fang and while Reed is still suspended, Trish was hoping that maybe the three could hang out and share a table in the cafeteria. Trish was convinced Anon and Fang would get along. And who knows... maybe expand her group of friends. -"Mmm, I have to ask Fang today if it's okay if I can take Anon to our rehearsal"- thought Trish as she walked into the history class and took her seat near the back of the room on the right side. Even though the young woman was alone today, it didn't bother her at all because she was waiting for the time to see her friend Fang and her new Friend Anon together again. Trish blushed a little thinking of Anon at last and remembered what he had said to her these morning when Trish picked him up at her apartment to go to school together. -“I have to pay my rent today Trish. I'm waiting for my old man to wire me the money so I can pass to the reader today. You go ahead, I’ll catch up with you at school,” - the human told Trish through the hallways of his apartment’s reception. -“Stupid Skinnie... You would have told me before and I would lend you something and you wouldn’t have to wait”- thought Trish as she watched without paying much attention to the history teacher, who was giving a lecture on the silk trade in the 15th century. –“Je... I’m sure that fool doesn’t even have enough money to buy a pack of those Dino Nuggets that Fang likes so much... He is such a Dork”- thought about herself as she listened without much interest to the class. The hours passed and she was about to leave for the next class and hopefully meet Anon, but as she attended her last history lesson, Trish's cell phone rang in her pocket. Luckily it was vibrating and she was far enough out of the teacher's sight for him not to see her. Trish grabbed her cell phone and searched for the new message: It was Fang. They sent a couple of pretty long texts to Trish. Most insults and strange words they surely wrote all together and the auto-corrector didn't know how to correct them. Trish quickly wrote to Fang to see that she was bothering they so much. Trish: “Hey, what’s up?” Fang: “I’m just fucking furious” Trish: “What happened?” Fang: “an idiot missgender me today in science” Trish: “ohh that sucks. I am sorry to hear that.” Trish felt her anger start to rise, she hated it when some random idiot insulted her friends. Trish looked up to the front to make sure no one was watching her and continued her conversation with Fang. Trish: “the teacher didn’t say anything to the guy”? Fang took a few seconds to answer his next message. Fang: “naa... the old man sided with this stupid bigot ” “Nobody really seemed to mind being insulted” Trish looked up in annoyance, she understood very well that her idiot classmates would be useless or outright indifferent to these issues. The triceratops continued to send messages underneath her desk. Trish: “fuck them Fang” “Don’t worry... we’ll take care of those idiots. But who was it? Was one of the jocks friends of Naser who were in the auditorium”?- When she finished writing Trish left her cell phone under her desk and disguised a bit her complete lack of attention to the class, there were more important things to attend to now. -“I knew I had to go hunt those worthless fucks one by one the other day, but I got distracted with Anon this week... Anon...I’ll have to postpone our lunch together, now I have to go track down that bigot who insulted Fang.” Trish was commenting in her mind as she frowns with a sad face thinking she wouldn't be able to eat with Anon today at the cafeteria. After a few minutes, Trish went back to her cell phone, waiting for Fang to answer her. Fang: “You won’t believe it. But the one that insult me was a fucking bald human. He looks like a new student or some shit... and he's my new science buddy. Fuck him”. Trish opened her eyes in dismay as she held her cell phone in disbelief. The surprise soon became anger and indignation and a little sadness at Fang's revelation. -“Fuck Anon...! Reed had already told you about Fang.. Why the fuck did you do that!?”- Trish murmured lowly trying not to rise her voice. Trish had already told Anon about Fang and his new conversion to non-binaryism and hoped that he would have the tact and delicacy not to behave like a moron in front of “them”. Trish had realized that she had not replied to Fang and soon began writing, at least wanting to clean up Anon's mess a bit. Trish: -“The new human? Yeah... I know that skinnie. He’s an idiot for he’s not a bad guy.”- Trish typed trying to defend Anon. The young Triceratop had a whirlwind of emotions and did not know whether to get angry with Anon, beat him up, or make him apologize on his knees to Fang, or all of the above and before lunch. Trish's phone vibrated with the new text they sent her. Fang: "You know that guy"? What? You like monkey dick now that you defend it”?- asked Fang. Trish only opened her eyes and muzzleed at Fang's brazen message. Trish: -“Not at all”! “I know him from some classes. He’s an asshole but he doesn’t do things on purpose.” Trish responded quickly, very tempted to write “I hope so” at the end of her message. Fang took a couple of seconds before sending a message again. Fang: -“Whatever. See you for lunch.” Fang ended the conversation and left her friend in a bundle of nerves. The young triceratop still sitting at her desk and not paying the slightest attention to her class, was very tempted to text Anon to tell him how stupid he is for missgender Fang. And the reason was not lacking, the human had no excuses. But Trish was still hesitating. -“You better have a good excuse Anon or for lunch you’re going to eat the iron bar I have in my locker.”- thought a very angry triceratop staring at the stepped as if she was trying to split it in half just with her look. The lunchtime seemed a little relaxed today, perhaps because the special of the day was not particularly appetizing: meat and vegetables late or perhaps because the day was partly cloudy and downright depressing to the eye or perhaps because of the aura of fury emanating from a small purple triceratop sitting with arms folded in one of the table, right in the middle of the cafeteria. Some students chose to sit as far away as possible from the young Triceratop who merely stared at the entrance to the cafeteria, while others made an effort not to look wherever the purple Triceratop was looking. Whatever upset the young woman, no one wanted to pay for the broken dishes. -“Agh... where the hell is this filthy skinnie, throws spears monkey fuck...”- Trish murmured angrily, only stopping to blink. - "When I find him.... I’m going to... I’m going to....”- Trish kept muttering but didn’t know how to end her sentence. Actually, she didn't know how to confront Anon without this bothering Fang in any way. A part of Trish was convinced that Anon only screwing up because he's an idiot and not because he had bad intentions and another part of her was lamenting that she didn't go to get the iron bar hidden in her locker before lunch. Trish close her eyes and let out a little air, it was hard for her to be angry and that confused her and at the same time made her angrier, if that made any sense. Trish could hear someone sitting right next to her, even some of the students let out a gasp of surprise at the action of that poor bastard who did not know he was about to live. -Hey Trish. What's with that face? Who do you want to kill? - said Anon cheerfully looking at the young Triceratop. After sitting down Anon began to eat his lunch which consisted of two slices of cake, one of meat and the other of vegetables. Trish laid her eyes on her new lunchmate, her anger soared to the roof and if it wasn't for Anon's catching her off guard, she would have jumped on skinnie. -"You... Anon... where did you come from?" said Trish neutrally, staring at Anon. -Ahh I was already here, I was in line looking for lunch and... I see that you still don't have... well... - said Anon scratching her baldness before looking at Trish again. – I also brought you your lunch. - said Anon putting in front of Trish the slice of vegetable pie he had gotten from the herbivores row. Trish just blinked incredulous looking at that slice. -It took a little longer because I made a double row... but I had no problem doing it.- Anon had finished saying with a smile and without knowing it, he had broken any hostility that Trish might feel towards him. The young triceratop now only felt a combination of shame and surprise at the gesture of the human who, not less than five minutes ago, she was planning to impale him with his own horns. -Aaaah... thanks Anon...- answered Trish back, almost murmuring, looking at the simple vegetable pie. Trish was now sitting with Anon quietly eating her lunch and despite the human's gesture, Trish wanted to remain angry with him but all her fury had dissipated with the human's tender gesture. If it hadn't been for him, Trish would have been left without lunch because she was too busy tracking Anon with the gaze to kill him. But Trish wasn't going to mention that. After eating a portion of the vege pie, Trish already had the energy to confront Anon for his infraction against Fang in Science class. Trish settled into her seat and stared at Anon who had a mouthful of meat pie. Somehow Trish found that funny. -Hey Anon... look, I want to tell you that... - Trish began to speak looking at Anon who still had the food stuck in hisface, even pieces of food headed down. The triceratop girl won't let this go. -AGH! Stupid Skinnie! Could you eat like you really stopped being a monkey!?- Trish said gracefully and a little angry. - I'm trying to tell you something and you're eating that thing like you're a gorilla at the zoo! - Trish throwing a napkin in Anon's lap who almost drowned on his food. -Hey! for once today's food doesn't taste like dried cat food. - said Anon gracefully and nervously in his voice. This just made Trish laugh. The young Triceratop crossed her legs and got more comfortable in her seat. - Yeeeaaah... You're a Shaved Monkey, Skinnie.- Trish said without malice in her voice. Incredibly this situation relaxed her and now she could talk better with Anon. - Sorry about that... but what were you going to tell me? - asked Anon pulling away his food. -I want you to know that.... you screwed up, Skinnie.- Trish said with a frown. -What did I do? - ask incredulously Anon looking at Trish, genuinely confused. -Raptor Jesus... I knew you were going to say that... - commented Trish getting better in her seat for Anon to see her better. -Today you met Fang in science class. - -Ahh yes... I am the new lab partner, but I don't understand what all this is about...- said Anon looking confused at Trish until he finally realized what Trish meant. -Oooooh... wait, now I understand . - admitted Anon taking the palm in his face. Trish just squeezed her eyebrows. -AAAHG! ANON! You're a Idiott ! How could you say that to Fang! You know it's non-binary! - said Trish now recovering a little of her indignation. -I know, I know... I really didn't do it on purpose. I completely forgot! She doesn't look non-binary! - defended Anon but this made Trish outraged. -Non-binary people don't owe you Androgyny, asshole! - said Trish on her way back, clenching her teeth. -“That’s what Fang told me...”- Anon murmured his reply. -Okay Trish, I admit it. I fucked it up, but I swear, I'm sorry... I didn't do it on purpose. - Trish just looked away a little and after squeezing her eyebrow again, she exhaled her fury a little and took some water from Anon's bottle and was able to calm down again to continue. -I know... Fang texted me. And I appreciate that... but you have to be more careful, Skinnie. It's annoying having to be all over you to keep you from shitting on very basic things. - -I understand Trish... Look, I promise not to do it again... - Anon stopped when he saw that a person appeared behind Trish and it was none other than Fang, who looked annoyed and disgusted equally. -"Trish..."- Fang said holding they tray as they drew her friend's attention. Trish turned quickly and her face lit up when she saw Fang. -Fang! Hey, where are you? Come, sit down. - Trish said happy to see her friend, but Fang didn't feel the same way. -What's Anon doing here? Why are you hanging out with this bigot? - said Fang with poison in his voice. Anon tried to defend himself, but Trish interrupted him -The guy's an Idiot Fang! I told you... but he apologized, I promise he didn't do it on purpose. - said Fang wanting to defend Anon. -I don't care. - said Fang now squeezing his tray in anger. Anon could have noticed this. -Cmon Fang... we can talk about this...- said Trish trying to intercede for Anon -I think I'd better go... said Anon, standing up, but Trish lowered him to his seat again. -Sit down, Skinnie! Nobody's kicking you out! - said Trish raising her voice to the surprise of both Anon and Fang. -So you're siding with this bigot piece of shit? Very good. THEN... I'LL SIT SOMEWHERE ELSE. - Fang throw his tray of food over the table. The food splashed all over, especially on Anon's green shirt, who only stared at the table in dismay. -Fang! You can't just do that...- Trish said incredulously, reproaching Fang's attitude, but this only increased her anger. -Well, then... fuck you! And you stupid shaved ape! - After saying this, Fang left the cafeteria very angry and all in front of the stunned look of not only Trish and Anon, but also of some students who looked down and murmured about Fang. It took Anon and Trish a few seconds to process what had happened, and when Anon began to gather the remains of Fang's spattered food on his tray, Trish began to shed tears and sob from the bottom. -Fang...- said Trish sadly in her voice looking down. Anon was about to say a few words to the young Triceratop but did not get to say anything because Trish quickly stood up and ran off towards Fang. Anon just stared at the exit where Trish had gone and lamented that all this had been his fault. After finishing collecting all the leftover food that had been sprinkled on the table, Anon stood up and headed to throw the leftovers into the trash can and after leaving his tray in the same spot where he threw the leftovers, he slowly headed to the exit to his next class. For the rest of the day Anon never saw Trish or Fang again, not even saw Trish in the classroom where they shared classes. Anon had texted Trish but he didn't get a reply from her and since he didn't want to insist anymore about what had happened, he decided not to bother the triceratop girl. When the bell rang and ended the classes Anon wait that a couple of students come out before he prepared to stand up and leave the classroom without much desire. As he walked down the hallways Anon murmured the events that had happened during the day and regretted having been so stupid to both Fang and his new friend Trish. When he arrived at the school he saw several familiar faces, between those faces were Naser and Naomi going out together holding hands and a little further behind was that Stegosaur girl named Stella talking to another girl whom Anon had never seen before but by her appearance he could tell that she was Latina. But Anon didn't get to say hello or say goodbye to anyone, not only because they weren't very familiar but also because he didn't feel like doing it, he just wanted to leave and get home as quickly as possible to waste the rest of the day on the images boards. -“Good job today Anon...Not only did you make them hate you within 5 minutes of meeting you, but you also made Trish feel bad”- said Anon as he insulted himself down the stairs. - “If Trish decided she didn’t want anything to do with me, I’d even understand... You’re a stupid, Anon”.- said reaching the bottom of the stairs. -Yes, you're an idiot. - said a familiar voice at the end of the stairs, who was leaning against one of the wooden rails at the entrance. Trish settled down a bit and headed toward Anon. Anon was startled and almost fell down after hearing that voice. -...But we live on the same side, it would be uncomfortable to have to avoid you from now on. - said Trish returning a smile to the skinnie who was now surprised that Trish was talking to him instead of insulting him. -And you have to do something about those whispers, i can hear everything. - Trish said with a tired look and looking at Anon in the dark. -Ahh but... Trish... I thought that... - said Anona approaching Trish but she stopped him dry. -Don't talk Skinnie... what done is done. There's nothing we can do...- Trish said moving and Anon followed, but still with several doubts. - But... what happened to Fang? - Anon said, staring at the young woman beside him. - They decided to go home alone, and they didn't want to be disturbed. - said Trish looking ahead. -Aah... and how are you? - said Anon relieved that things have at least slowed down, even a little. -My head hurts a little Anon... can we just enjoy the silence? Please...- said Trish now turning to Anon who looked at her with slight embarrassment but understood what Trish had said and both friends set out on their way back home. After a quiet and awkward walk, the couple had finally reached the apartment building of Anon, who today looked more gloomy and decadent than usual. Anon just let out a little air and directed a smile at Trish who was expectant of what Anon would do. -Ok Trish... I guess I'll see you tomorrow... bye. - Anon said goodbye to Trish. -Anon wait! - Trish said in a neutral tone with a slight flush on her face. -Ahh... what's up Trish?- said Anon in an innocent and silly way, which made Trish smile. - You know... why don't you walk me home today? It's Friday, so I guess you'll have nothing better to do after. - Trish said with a sly smile, watching Anon's face turn red with shame. -Ahh... but... for... yes... why not, Trish? I really don't have anything better to do. - said stuttering Anon smiling at Trish's proposal. -Splendid. Come on, Skinnie, I don't live far from where you live - Trish said smiling as she got moving again and Anon followed Trish again like a child follows her older brother. The couple continued their journey talking about trivial things, such as the series Anon watched or the music Trish listened to. Anon decided not to talk about Fang at least for the moment, because he didn't want to ruin the nice time he had with Trish after the shitty day they both had. The young couple were already in Trish's neighborhood and a few houses away from their house. By this point Trish was already feeling better, but the human was pretty quiet. Trish's neighborhood was full of life for almost 7pm, several cars came and went, some with loud music. They could also see groups of children playing merrily with each other in the courtyards of the houses or in the parks where they had passed. They could also notice how groups of young Triceratops came together to drink or smoke on the corners.... Some of them gave an inquisitive look at Anon but quickly looked away when they looked at Trish. -Okay man, we are a few blocks away... basically this is my neighborhood...- as Trish commented as she looked back at Anon who seemed agitated. -Ahh... Anon? Is everything all right? - -Ahhh yes... great! It's all right. It's not a problem. - commented Anon quickly refocusing his attention on... basically everything around him. The human was looking like crazy in all possible directions, but he wasn't looking for anything... it was as if he was afraid to be there. Trish rolled her eyes with slight annoyance at Anon's cautious attitude. Although she already knew what she was getting into. -Anon...- Trish stopped and grabbed Anon by the shoulders to look at her. The human just laid eyes on her friend. -You know, Anon... just because it's a Triceratops neighborhood doesn't mean you're gonna get jumped by a gang to beat you up or shoot you for being human... - she said while folded her arms. -You should get those stereotypes out of your head, skinnie bigot .- with a smile Trish look at Anon and she stepped up to see him better. -Relax...- she said in a calm tone looking at his friend. -Ahh... well... Ahh sorry Trish... I just didn't know how to react... I didn't think you lived in gang territory. - said Anon laying his eyes on a garage that had an old graffiti with gang signs. -It's not gang territory! - Trish defended herself by staring at Anon. -It's not the 90s anymore. It's a normal neighborhood now. - -Mmm if you say so... I'll believe you.- said Anon trying not to sound insistent with his skepticism. -"It would be better if I dont mention the statistics on Triceratops' violent crime rate" – thought Anon to see Trish. Both continued to walk quietly towards their destiny. -Don't be a faggot Anon... You'll be fine.- Trish remarked casually looking ahead, passing her neighbor's house. - Well, here's my house - said Trish with Anon next to her. Both friends were in front of a renovated house from the Volcano housing project, Anon hadn't mentioned it, but he didn't like the fact that all the houses looked alike and were connected through narrow, almost labyrinthine corridors. If Anon lived there, he'd be lost trying to find his house. The two friends crossed the modest courtyard of Trish's house and stepped onto the porch of the house, both stopped dry and Trish was checking her pockets and I take out three keys. Before continuing, the young woman looked at Anon before opening the door. -Do you want to hang out Skinnie?- said Trish looking at Anon want seemed nervous. -Ahh... well, I didn't think you'd invite me over... - murmured Anon but Trish could hear it well. -But, okay. I can stay for a while. -Okay, but look... I have my siblings inside and they can be a little... “intense”. Just ignore them and you'll be fine. – said Trish as she opened the door of her house to reveal her inner self. Anon was a little surprised when he saw the interior of Trish's house and his eyes studied every corner of the house, at least a part. A modest livin/kitchen equipped with little furniture, a sofa right next to the door and a Plasma TV that is probably the most expensive thing in the house. -"It’s no bigger than my shitty apartment on Skin Row.”- thought Anon as he watched Trish throw her backpack to the side of the sofa. -I'll get something to drink, you get comfortable and stop whispering nonsense will you? Just relax - Trish turned around and headed for the kitchen and left Anon with a blush on his face. -I didn't murmur anything this time... - murmured down Anon looking down and sitting on the dark red upholstered sofa. While waiting he looked again at the modest little house: its walls were painted pastel olive green and although the painting was worn out, it was not abandoned or neglected. In front of the armchair was a small table, right in front of the TV. On the left was a bookseller that didn't actually have books, but had several closed boxes and some framed photographs that Anon couldn't quite notice because he was sitting away. But to the left was a dimly lit corridor Anon deciphered that would lead to the rooms of Trish and her brothers. -Hey, Skinnie, do you mind drinking some instant orange juice? It seems my brothers ran out of Coca Cola. - Trish shouted from the kitchen. -Ahh yes, all right Trish.- said Anon back. Although he didn't really like the artificial taste of instant juice, he wasn't going to be an ass with Trish and was just going to politely accept her invitation for a drink. Anon laughed a bit as he took out his cell phone and opened his favorite Tibetan Drawing Tablets forum to start making a new post. -"YO Virgins! Guess who's at a pretty girl's house today"- Anon wrote quickly as he attached a photo of his feet on the table with the TV in the background.- “With this I can kill time a bit until I wait for Trish”- said Anon with his eyes on his cell phone and his feet still on the table. He was so busy on his shitpost that he couldn't notice the presence that had approached him down the hall and was now three feet away. - It's rude to put your feet on the table... you know? - said the voice beside Anon causing him to startle and lower his feet. In the process he also made a small jump on the sofa. Anon laid his eyes on the little triceratop next to him. She was just like Trish... but even smaller and in an orange and white dress. She was visibly surprised by Anon's presence but there was no fear in her eyes. -You are not Reed... or Fang... - said the little Triceratop, staring now at Anon. -Are you Trish's boyfriend?- Anon could have predicted this last comment but it was no less embarrassing. Anon blushed a little, but kept his composure and after putting his cell phone in his pocket turned all his attention to the little girl in front of him. -Ahh no and no... and neither. I'm friends with Trish. My name is Anon.- he said with a smile looking at the girl but she was still not quite sure how to respond. -My brother Riley tells me that humans hate Triceratops... is that true? - said the little girl with shiny eyes. Anon was surprised looking at the girl. He didn't expect that question, let alone an infant. But by the little girl's tone, it didn't sound like there was malice in her voice. It's just one of those serious questions that kids say innocently without understanding what they mean and make grown-ups fucking uncomfortable. Nothing else. -“Don’t worry, Anon... It’s a complex question. Just don't reveal your power level in front of Trish's liltle sister and you'll be fine. I have to think of something fast or she will think I'm lying or something... BUT WHAT? Something ingenious and appropriate for someone of her age.”- thought Anon quickly, feeling the weight of the look of the little girl who now looked uncomfortable. - I don't have a problem with the Triceratops, sweety ... Otherwise, I wouldn't be here.- he said with a trembling voice but what he said wasn't a lie either. Anon didn't have a problem with Trish... but if it wasn't for her, he wouldn't have gotten into the triceratops neighborhood in a million years or even contemplated forming some kind of bond with them. "Well... I don't really like Triceratops either, but I really don't have anything against you or your sister.... Specifically,” Anon thought while still looking at the little girl with a smile that was hard for her to keep but the little girl still kept her cautious gaze on him. -Okay, there wasn't much juice but I managed to make enough for a one-litre jug.- Trish joked coming out of the kitchen with a glass jug in one hand and two plastic cups in the other. Trish saw her little sister next to Anon and while she made an annoying face she did not stop her marching to the small table that was located between the sofa and the TV. Trish left the things in the table and addressed her younger sister. - I hope you're not asking my friend silly questions, Tana.- she said in a false stern tone to his younger sister. She just wanted to make sure she wasn't bothering Anon. -Not at all, Trish... we were just introducing ourselves. - said Anon defending Tana, who looked somewhat ashamed. -Mmm... Ok, but you know Tana... Now I'm with my friend, I'd appreciate it if you leave the elders alone and go to your room.- Trish said firmly folded her arms but contending with laughter. Tana now seemed surprised by the reprimand. -Bu...Buu... But... - repeated Tana alternating the view between Anon and Trish. -But... what, young lady? - asked Trish back. -But... it's time for my afternoon show... we always see the show with Trevor at this hour. - said Tana in an audible murmur to both older youths. Anon just glanced back at Trish and shrugged his shoulders as a sign of not knowing what to do. The older Triceratop only let out a little air and let her tail move twice as a sign of annoyance, her little sister had a point... She and Trevor liked to see that new show of pastel-colored dogs that even by their standards was quite mellow for her taste, although she wasn't going to forbid her to see the show either... there was just going to be a small change of plans. She dont maind about his other brothers... they're probably in his room with their cell phones and they wouldn't bother for a while. -Ahg... all right Tana you can watch your show.... Come on, Ski...- Trish stopped at what she was going to say in front of her sister, because although she was going to say a racial insult, she wasn't going to say it in derogatory tone... because she had confidence in Anon to do so and he allowed it, but she didn't want to normalize that to her younger sister either. -EJEM... cmon dude.. Let's go to my room.- said Trish coughing a little to decimate as she grabbed back the things she had previously put on the table. Trish couldn't see him but Anon opened his eyes so much that it seemed as if they were going to come out of his nonexistent face, which made Tana a little startled as she looked at him between surprised and frightened. -Ahh... yeeah, yes... Lets go... - said Anon in a trembling voice awkwardly rising from the sofa. The nervousness was palpable in his body but he made an effort to ignore it. – See you later Tana...- he waved back passing by Trish's little sister as she watched as both teenagers walked away from her. -“In a room.... ALONE... WITH A GIRL... And THAT GIRL IS TRISH.”- Anon muttered down, completely nervous. -Don't let your pants explode, player. We are just hang out... - Trish said sarcasmically but gracefully back to Anon who was petrified by his comment. -Really... you should do something about your whispers Skinnie... I always hear them.- said Trish leading almost to the end of the hallway and opening the door of her room with her tail. - Are you coming?- said Trish turning to see her friend who was halfway down the hall. He had stood still in a place where Tana could still see him from the sofa. Quickly the human woke up after being frozen and after cursing for his murmurs he jumped straight into Trish's room who only laughed at Anon's gestures. Anon was now sitting solemnly on Trish's bed as she tidied up her little room a little to make it a little more presentable. Anon didn't want to sound rude or say something he'd regret, but he didn't have much idea what to do now It was the first time he was in a girl's room and it certainly wasn't what he expected. Trish's room was quite humble, not much different from the small room where the human crashed in Skin Row. Trish's room was painted a slightly dull green, the place was divided by a bed placed on the right side of the room, under the covered window with dark green curtains and on the other side was a modest closet and a table where Trish's things were and right in front of the bed was Trish's bass and a small Marshall speaker visibly worn out. On the wall in front of the bed were several posters of several rock singers but Anon could not recognize any in particular. -Relax Skinnie... you look so tense that it looks like your bald head is about to explode.- Trish was finishing ordering as she approached the bed and sat on the opposite side of where Anon was. Trish had replaced her military boots with ordinary blue slippers and raised her feet on the bed and took a relaxed pose... Although Anon felt anything but relaxed. -Ahh... sorry Trish... I'm not used to this. It's the first time I've been in a girl's room... - Anon murmured the latter with shame as she settled a little on the bed. -Yes... I assumed that, Skinnie. Don't worry, I knew you were lame. - Trish said gracefully in her voice, clapping her back and leaning her head against her pillow. Anon just put a poker face on Trish's joke. -But you know... I'd like to know something Anon... do you shave your head? - asked Trish opening only one eye. -What? No, not at all... I've been bald all my life...- said Anon, standing up as he held a hand to his head. – I think it's something inherited from my father... I don't remember the name but I never had tiles on my roof.- Anon looked thirsty at the jug of juice that Trish had left on the desk. -Don't tell me... Mmm well, it doesn't look so bad either. Almost as a distinctive feature ... I came to think you were one of those bald human supremacists. - -Just because of my baldness? I'm not a complete douchebag either, Trish...- Anon let out a slight laugh and looked back at the jug of juice. -It just crossed my mind, but now that I think about it, it's impossible. You're too faggot to be one. - Trish said mockingly, but Anon laughed at this. -Oh really? Don't make me pull the Crime Statistics.- Anon said graciously pointing to Trish who only lifted his middle finger. -Don't make me kick your bald head, Skinnie- Trish said giving Anon a slight slap with her left foot. – Hey, be a useful little monkey and pass me a glass of juice, please? - Trish nodded at the glass jar full of instant juice. Anon immediately stood up and headed to the desk and took the jug of juice to fill two glasses of glasses for him and Trish. After finishing this Anon went back to bed to sit down and passed the glass of juice to Trish who drank it vigorously. -Ahh man... I needed that. - commented Trish as she lifted her glass now half empty of juice, wanting a little more. Anon only took a slow sip of his glass and merely held it. He had sat back in the same position where he was prior to getting up to go for the juice. After a few awkward seconds of silence Trish yawned a little and after putting her empty glass gently on the floor, she headed toward Anon. -Sorry about today, Anon...- Trish began taking her relaxed pose again, but staring at Anon. -I didn't want the day to end the way it ended...I had plans for us to spend lunch with Fang... but things didn't turn out the way I wanted.- Trish gave her a sad look as Anon returned a reflective look. -You don't have to apologize, Trish... I was the one who fucked up today. - says Anon putting a hand on the back of his head. -Well... Yeah, you fucked it up- said Trish with a slight laugh. -But I'm not going to excuse Fang's outburst today... they're dealing with a lot lately and they're a little more... “volatile” with the things they feel. - Trish said this quietly in a serious tone, turning her gaze slightly towards the wall. -Mmm... I wish I could have handled it differently. - said Anon back. -But you didn't. - said Trish back. – But it wasn't something for you either, you're still new to this Zoo. – Trish stood up slightly and rested her back on the back of her bed.- Anon wanted to add something, but he knew Trish was right, after all he was still the stupid new student at Volcano High and he is a social inept, no wonder he pissed off the people around him. But at least, Anon felt a bit of Warmth by Trish's understanding of his situation, at least a little and how she defended it from Fang. Trish is great and even though she was tough on the edges, she showed a warmth that humans haven't felt in a long time. Also he began to acquire a predilection for the color purple but the only really beautiful thing he liked of that color only came from Trish.... - You're murmuring again, you Skinnie dor.- Trish said lowly with her eyes lit up and a slight flush on her cheeks staring at Anon. The now ashamed human coughed a little air and after clearing his voice began to look at random things in Trish's room to change the subject of conversation as he cursed inside him for the murmurings. Anon's eyes quickly rested on the only thing that could truly save him now: Trish's bass, a yellow 4-string Ibanez bass. -What about the bass? Are you going to rehearse with the band tomorrow? - said Anon seriously avoiding looking back at Trish. – I think after today.... maybe they don’t want my ass at rehearsal tomorrow. - Anon meant this gracefully, but it sounded a more defeated tone instead. Trish alternates her narrow-eyed gaze between the human and the bass next to her bed, before returning to her relaxed pose. -It's not very tuned right now.... And I think it's best not to press your luck, it's best to wait for Fang to calm down before taking your skinnie ass to rehearsal. - concluded Trish standing right looking back at her bass. Anon wanted to protest, but he knew he wasn't going to anywhere. He was about to ask about Trish’s bass but didn’t want to ask predictable questions like “how long do you play” or “what motivates you to do it”, instead Anon decided to go big and ask a question Trish surely wasn’t expecting. -Hey... can you teach me how to play bass? - asked the human with genuine interest in his voice. The young triceratop now looked at Anon incredulously at his proposition. It certainly caught her off guard, a question like that was not to be expected. Anon smiled at the realization that his little excuse had been victorious but genuinely wanted to hang out with Trish. -Ahh... but, have you ever played an instrument before? – said Trish getting out of bed now. -No, apart from the ones that Professor Jingo gave me... but I was able to learn a few notes playing "Guitar Hero" in my childhood. - said Anon with a smile staring at Trish. Trish just looked back at the nonsense Anon said and stood up to go grab her bass and sit a little closer to the human. -This isn't your little virgin games... this is a real instrument. If you want me to teach you... show me what you got. - Trish extended her bass to Anon as she glanced at him with cunning eyes. The young human did not expect to give a demonstration of his nil knowledge of music to Trish, but he was not going to look like a coward in front of her either, so after grabbing the yellow bass and before Trish's attentive gaze he set out to clumsily play the strings trying to make it sound at least mediocre like music. To the surprise of the purple triceratop, Anon managed to pull out a melody in B E and G# , even if only for a moment, and perhaps by luck Trish was impressed by the human's improvisation. When Anon finished he returned the bass to Trish and shook his cramped right hand. -I told you I could play the bass.- said triumphantly Anon with some pain in his right hand. -Suuureeee....- said with Sarcasm Trish. - But obviously you lack of practice, you're not going to impress this girl just by hitting random notes- Trish gave Anon a sly look and carried her bass on her arms. -Well, teach me to impress you then....- said Anon folded his arms. Trish only stretched her lips as a sign of annoyance, but she felt joy inside her so that she could at least teach him not to suck to much. -Ok skinnie... but before...- Trish returned the bass to Anon and she jumped behind him and stretched out her hands to grab the bass mast. Anon was now more nervous and surprised than before -...let's get to the basics, ok? - said Trish taking the bass and stretching it out so Anon can take it with her hands and she can steer it more comfortably. Both friends spent the next few hours playing bass and talking about music. It turns out that Trish taught Anon a chord progression and a super basic melody to get him familiar with the instrument. That song was from a punk rock band that Fang liked called NO-T(REX). Although Trish listened to them from time to time, they didn't quite like their minimalist proposal and just enjoyed practicing their songs. Anon learned very quickly how to play the song correctly. Even he was surprised at how quickly he had learned to play bass and how legitimately he could now even play a real song. Trish laughed at how Anon's clumsy fingers slipped off the thick bass strings or how his fingers were hurt when he put pressure on them. Anon struggled, but enjoyed the melodic progression that he could easily play. -This song is great...but for someone like me to learn it so quickly... is pretty silly, actually. - commented gracefully Anon still holding the bass. -Ahh... No shit, Skinnie. You said it yourself: it's a basic song. - say Trish with gracefully into her voice. -We can practice more advanced songs if you have the guts to do it. - said Trish back squeezing the mattress of her bed a little like she was going to fall staring at Anon. -Of course. What do you have in mind? - said Anon back resting the bass on his legs. -Oh! Where can I start...! I can think of many bands!- Trish's tone became energetic and cheerful. -We can go maybe for some things from Bohemian Snootsody, They Might be Dinos, Rise Against the Loincloth or if you really want to go for a challenge: The Red Hot Chilli Dinomights or Hominid Primus.- Trish's voice became sharper as she spoke quickly, excited to play songs from her favourite bands. -Hey, slowdown... I can barely play a crapy punk rock song and you want me to play some Primus. For that I should keep evolving and wait until I have more fingers on my arm. - commented Anon gracefully making Trish laugh at his silly remark. -Evolving wouldn't do you any harm.... But you're fine Skinnie...- said Trish drying a tear as she re-entered to look out the window and see that practically the sun had already set. -Shit... what time is it? - commented taking his cell phone to see the time. -Ohh shit, Its late.... I hope your mother doesn't mind. – commented Anon on his return. -Don't worry, Skinnie... she's late sometimes. - said Trish taking her yellow bass back. -But I'm not throwing you out either, you bald monkey... – there was some discomfort in her voice. -I don't want to abuse your hospitality, Trish, but... I don't want to come back to my place late - said Anon standing up as he stretched his limbs. -You're still doing that? I told you nothing's going to happen to you... I think so. - said Trish not very sure of her answer. After all it was already around 20:00pm and on a Friday night, she was not sure very well what would happen if Anon went home late. -Better not to press my luck... - he said with a thread in his voice trying not to sound scared. -But we can always continue our bass lessons another time Trish.... Maybe next weekend? – -Mmm... if you want to play bass so badly, of course. It's not a problem. - said Trish with a little embarrassment staring at the floor holding her bass tightly. Anon only returned a smirk of satisfaction and after helping her tidy up the room, the friends set out to leave Trish's room. They both crossed the small hallway and could hear the commotion Trish's younger siblings were making in the livingroom. Anon put his eyes back on the sofa where he had seen Tana and not only found the little girl in the same position where she had been, but now she was accompanied by two more kids, a boy and a girl, the young girl seemed to be already a teenager, while the boy did not seem to be older than Tana herself. When Anon and Trish made an appearance, the three brothers stopped watching TV and fixed their gaze on the human who was now in their case. And obviously Anon is uncomfortable as shit. -Ahh... Hi, how are you?- said Anon with some nervousness extending his hand as a sign of greeting. But none of the three kids said anything to him at first, only Tana returned a weak greeting and the other two boys said nothing. The teenage girl, who had a cell phone in her hand, quickly looked down at her cell phone, without much apparent interest. -Hey, your little dorks!... it's rude not to greet visitors. Say hello to my friend, who is about to leave. - said Trish annoyedly looking at her siblings now with a little blush in her voice. -Ahhh... Hi Anon... are you leaving? - said little Tana staring at Anon. -Hello... my name is Trevor, nice to meet you.- the little Triceratop commented back. -The Name is Chondra- said the teenager still looking at her cell phone. -Are you my sister's boyfriend ? - she said in a neutral tone but this escaped that his siblings next to her remained silent disbelieving because of Chondra's brazenness and Anon instead only under the embarrassed look. Instead, Trish only lets out a sigh of annoyance at her sister's predictable question. -It's my friend Chondra, don't ask stupid questions to the guests... And above all, where is Riley?- asked Trish looking around. -He's taking a nap in his room. - said Trevor pointing to the room. - But it's 8:00 at night... Ahg, go wake him up because if you don't, he won't sleep at night. - said Trish angrily. -Do it now! - said Trish raising her voice as Tana and Trevor rushed out to their dorm room. Chondra had also gotten up, but instead of going to her room, she was heading into the kitchen. When Trish's 3 siblings finally stepped out of the couple's sight, Anon spoke again. -Your siblings are funny, Trish.- said Anon with a smile that Trish only gave a stern look. -Shut up Skinnie.- said Trish leading Anon to the exit again. The neighborhood looked full of life even though it was already night, it was also very lighted and from the porch of Trish's house, she and Anon could see how the cars came and went and some groups of older adults and young triceratops walked along the sidewalks to unknown places. Trish let out some air and headed back towards the human next to her. -Well... see you on Monday, Skinnie....- she said with a faint smile. Not knowing how to say goodbye to Anon. -I hope you enjoyed our little bass class today. – as I said this Trish's tail started to wobble from left to right. -Today was great Trish, you were good at teaching bass. Too bad I'm an ass playing guitar.- said Anon gracefully looking at his fingers still red from the pressure of the strings of the instrument. -You didn't do anything wrong for a shaved ape...- Trish tried to sound funny, but she repented almost immediately. -Fuck... sorry Anon, I didn't mean to tell you that. - said Trish ashamed looking down. -Again with that, Trish? I told you... I dont mind... you can call me whatever you want. - said Anon getting a little closer to Trish. -It's just that I feel I shouldn't be so hard on you... I don't give Reed or Fang any hurtful nicknames... but...- Trish is interrupted by a sudden hug of Anon, who wrapped the purple triceratops in his arms and carried her face to his chest. Trish could smell the natural smell of Anon and a pinch of male deodorant for humans. -Take it easy, Trish. I don't mind your nicknames... I even like you to be... like that with me. - said Anon still hugging Trish who weakly reciprocated the hug. Trish inhaled Anon's scent a little and snuggled under her grip and let her head rest on Anon's chest as he swing her gently and for a second, she had forgotten what she was doing. -“This is nice”- she thought to herself as a silly little smile formed on her lips. After a few seconds Anon broke the hug, leaving Trish with an ugly feeling of emptiness, but she couldn't get rid of it the smell Anon had left soaked in her. -Like I say, Trish... don't worry, you can go on with your nicknames. They don't offend me at all. Just don't gore me if you're angry one day.- he said laughing at his own joke. Trish gave him a laugh back, too. -I promise nothing... Skinnie.- Trish said gracefully in her voice and with some warmth within her, as her tail gently swinging. -Before get any darker.... I see you in school, Trish... And if I don't get stabbed on the road, I'll text you when I get to my place. - Anon saying goodbye to the triceratopr girl and getting on the move, leaving Trish's porch and embarking on his journey back to his home on Skin Row. Trish only rose to say a faint YES... staring as Anon retreated and walked down the street and after a few seconds, the human was lost in the illuminated horizon of the volcano housing projects. Trish after a few seconds of staring into nowhere did not realize that her tail was still moving and that the heat of her cheeks was still very palpable, although what she noticed the most was the essence of Anon on her clothes and face... although it was an invasive smell, Trish did not dislike it at all, she found it pleasant... maybe too much. -“I better go take a bath, before an accident happens”.- she thought to herself after getting out of her trance and after giving her one last look at the street where Anon had gone, she opened the door of her house and went back inside her house hoping that none of her brothers were occupying the bathroom. [POST-NOTES] I hope you enjoy the new chapter. Sorry if you couldn't fully understand. Translating is a bitch. I already have an idea of what the next episodes will be and the end may be for chapter 9 or 10. With nothing else to add: see you later