[PRE-NOTES] I'm sorry it took me a fucking month to get the chaper out... It was quite difficult to write this chapter and to distract myself a bit I was writing a couple of one shots... Go read them, they turned out great. 👍 For this chapter we are going to look at the Anon Perspective of things. Maybe I'll alternate between Anon and Trish between chapters. I hope I can at least update this story at least once a month. With nothing more to say: Enjoy the Reading. [/PRE-NOTES] As quickly as the weekend came it was also gone just as quickly with the ringing of the bell for the new school day at Volcano High.. Anon the young bald human and the only human student at Volcano High walked through the halls dodging scornful glances and the occasional large group of people. The young man was used to escaping attention, but today he wasn't doing it deliberately, he actually had a point: he didn't want to miss his next class: Math. He had practically missed the first period because he fell asleep playing his stupid Erogues games that he likes so much, but in reality he plays them to shit on them and then bother the real fans in those forum images where they discuss videogames. But he also had other interests, a certain purple rhino girl he's been hanging out with lately. He had a run-in with a friend of hers but after spending Friday afternoon together, they were able to lighten things up at least between the two of them. He had even exchanged several messages with Trish during Saturday afternoon/evening, a time when Trish was rehearsing with her band: VVRUM DRAMA. The two exchanged silly messages of good morning or how was their day and the occasional casual joke that only they understood, but Anon was puzzled when the last message he had sent to Trish was around midnight and it was to ask her how the rehearsal was going ..... And he never heard back, not even on Sunday afternoon. Anon had been thinking about the situation and although he had sent a message during the day, Trish never replied. While dodging the last group of dinosaurs, Anon turned down the hallway and was already near the Math class. -I knew that combining instant ramen and Mountain Dew with Ron was going to kick me so hard I'd be unconscious for the morning.- the human was already in front of the classroom door. -Mmm... at least I don't have a headache. The human opened the classroom door and was greeted by the faces of his classmates who had looked up to see him arrive. Some when they saw him quickly lowered their gaze to return to continue working, but some stayed longer watching him, among them was Professor Carldelewski who watched him from his desk sitting holding a cheap romance novel. -Anon, boy... you're late. - The professor closed his book to stand up straight to look at the young human. Anon looked down to see the book his teacher was holding. The edge of the book had "Skinnie Complex" written on it. -I'm sorry Mr. Carldelewski... Ahh... I really have no excuse, I just overslept today. - commented Anon, somewhat embarrassed by his confession. Some of his companions laughed at Anon's statement. Carldelewski just let out a sigh of annoyance as he folded his arms while holding his novel. The Professor approached Anon to talk to him face to face and as a way of not making too much noise. -Look kid... Since it's your first infraction and since I don't feel like filling out the damn paperwork for your late arrival either... I'm going to play dumb.- said Carldelewski sitting back up after whispering in Anon's ear. The professor turned back to his class and then looked back at Anon. Carldelewski quickly grabbed a photocopy from his desk and handed it to Anon before sitting back down at his desk. -There you have the exercises for the new assignments...Go sit down, Anon.- after pointing to Anon's seat with his head, Carldelewski reopened his romantic comedy book and paid no attention to anything else for the rest of the class. Anon was surprised by the attitude of the almost always cranky Carldelewski but thanked him inwardly for his willingness to forgive him. The human now walked towards his seat, which was empty, almost on the left side of the room. As he walked, he could see her: Trish, his classmate and practically the only friend he made at school. Anon tried to hide a silly smile as he approached his seat, at least he wanted to hide his happiness for seeing the purple triceratop, although he didn't even look in her direction as he was approaching her. When he finally reached his seat, the bald human settled in his place so he could start working... But not without first giving a greeting to his companion next to him. -Good morning Trish.- said Anon, looking at Trish who seemed to be more focused on solving the instructions of her photocopy. The purple Triceratop was staring at her sheet with a frown and a cross-legged pose. Anon received no response for his greeting. The young human was puzzled at Trish's cold attitude but instead of insisting further he decided to simply concentrate on his own work. -"Maybe she just doesn't want to lose her concentration..."- muttered Anon softly giving her one last sidelong glance before refocusing his gaze on his own photocopy. The young human froze staring at his math photocopy and let out a sigh of disbelief at the strange hieroglyphics, totally incomprehensible to the human. -"Fuck, I don't understand anything...I don't even know where to put my fucking name".- Anon held the photocopy tightly, not quite knowing how to approach what he was seeing. Anon looked up to see the rest of his classmates: all the dinos were solving the exercises with relative ease, and the only sound that could be heard was the distinctive sound of pencils and the clacking of calculator buttons. - "I didn't bring my calculator, shit..."- Anon was mumbling again and this time slightly louder. Anon could see how they were watching him out of the corner of his eye and when he turned to look, that person looked down again. That person was Trish, who now looked slightly flushed at having been discovered, but refused to look away from his blade. Anon also averted his gaze in embarrassment, but he had noticed that Trish didn't seem too sure how to solve these strange problems either. Maybe the two of them could help each other. -Ahh... hey Trish... hey...- Anon timidly tried to get the Triceratop girl's attention to no avail. Trish now seemed to be deliberately ignoring Anon. Anon had noticed that Trish was looking at him and after making sure his teacher wasn't watching, the human walked over to speak to Trish. -Hey Trish... Hey... - Anon was beginning to get frustrated at the now deliberate attempt to ignore him. Hey Trigga I'm talking to you! - -Da Fu yowant Skinnie? I'm trying to figure this thing out. - Trish said, fed up with Anon's constant calls. -Hey... why are you ignoring me? I've been trying to call you since this morning. Anon looked a little dismayed by Trish's cold attitude...more so than usual. He didn't understand why she was treating him that way now. -I didn't hear you, okay.... I'm busy looking at this...thing...- Trish looked angrily at the complicated math problems on her photocopy. The purple triceratop was still making an effort not to look in the human's direction. -I know... I don't really understand this either. Why don't the two of us work together... maybe we can figure it out before lunch. - Anon smiled at his own proposal. Trish finally looked at him, but her face was far from happy or anything. The triceratop girl looked tired, there were dark circles under her eyes, and from what Anon could sense in her voice, she was more cantankerous today than Professor Carl himself. -Agh... how annoying Skinnie.... I can't help you, I understand less than you do about this...- Trish stood with her arms crossed now and her tail was going back and forth in the air and her anxiety was palpable Anon just turned to look at his new photocopy before turning back to Trish. -Anyway, Trish...this is just a supplemental paper. It's not going on the exam. - Anon settled back in his seat to get a better look at Trish. -You didn't sleep well...you look tired. Was your weekand good? - Trish just looked away from the human and crossed her legs to avoid relaxing her pose. -It was... good...- was all she could manage to say in a shaky voice. Trish could feel her ears getting hot. -Mmm, I'm sure it was...- Anon quietly remarked. "So much so that you didn't even text me back"- Anon's thought echoed inside his head. The human decided to simply not bother Trish for the rest of the class even though he really wanted to talk to her. The rest of the class Anon managed to at least get through a quarter of the cryptic activities that were those Math exercises, maybe he could get a 5 or 6 with luck. When the bell rang he could notice how several of his classmates quickly rushed towards the exit... among them Trish who didn't even say goodbye to Anon, reaffirming the suspicions of his strange behavior. The human was now moving his feet through the corridors of the school as he looked down at the floor with an expression of dismay. -Fuck... did I do something wrong? Was it because of that hug on Friday...? If so she would have inserted both horns in my face to push me away.... Or we wouldn't have talked that much during the weekand ....- Anon's thoughts were exploding in his head as he let himself be consumed by anxiety and the thousand possibilities of Trish's cold and elusive attitude. -God...on top of that I'm so retarded that maybe I did something I shouldn't have done and maybe she's waiting for me to apologize so she can move on....- Anon's mutterings intensified as he walked to nowhere through the halls of his school. -BUT WHAT?.- Anon's unconscious shout drew several stares at him, especially from one person who was now closing his locker right in front of him to look at him. -What about what, man?- the voice in front of Anon asked innocently. The human was exalted by the sudden call, he was practically on autopilot and didn't pay attention to anything. When he finally came to his senses, he could see who the person was: It was Naser The great goalkeeper and captain of the athletics team and practically the first person he talked to when he arrived at the school... not counting Naomi, of course. -Ahhh dude, are you okay?- said the brown jock with some amusement looking at the human in front of him. -Ahhh yeah.., man. YES!... Sorry, I was lost in some thoughts of my own... heh heh heh ....- the human was now rubbing his bald head trying not to lose his spaghetti in front of Naser. Despite the fact that Naser was practically the most popular guy in school and therefore: the pinnacle of the school's food chain compared to Anon.... He was a pretty good guy, actually. He was very good at everything he set his mind to, but he didn't let his ego get the best of him. Naser is calm and respectful and always made sure that everyone at least was quiet in school and didn't let anyone mess with others. That's why Anon liked him so much, because Naser treated everyone with respect despite his school "hierarchy" and always found excuses to hang out with the human. Naser is a broh, simply put. -Hey, you're not always like this?.- laughed Naser, looking at Anon as he picked up his own backpack and looked down. -I've got business to worry about too, though- the young brown ptero said in a tired voice. -Ohh... what happened...? Family issues?... - asked Anon, sitting up. -Mmm... you could say yes... You know .... It's Fang...- muttered Naser wearily, touching the ridge of his head. The mention of his "non-sister" made his wings flutter. Anon certainly remembered Fang... especially their first encounter where she almost jumped on him to beat him to a pulp or their second encounter where Fang threw a tray of food at him and stained his clean clothes. Oh... and especially how he almost ruined things with Trish. Yes, Anon remembered Fang and the human had a sneaking suspicion of what Naser was referring to. -Ohh... really? And what happened to your... "sibling"- said Anon trying to hide his stuttering and discomfort. - "Fuck, I hope Naser doesn't blame me for pissing Fang off"-Anon's thought was as quick as Naser's response. -Ahg.... It's just that she.... I mean "they"... was completely pissed off all weekend... practically every word out of they mouth was an insult and nothing seemed to come to... they good... Even when Fang came back from rehearsing with the guys, seemed just as upset if not more upset than when they had come home...- Naser questioned while waving his arm to further dramatize his bewilderment. The young ptero hated that his sister had these aggressive outbursts but they were more and more constant and day by day the coexistence with her was becoming unbearable. -And... what could have happened to make Fang feel this way?- said Anon, holding his backpack tightly. -I don't know dude... Fuck, I'm so worried that I almost didn't even pick Naomi up in my car to go to school today. I've been trying to talk to Fang to get they to tell me what's wrong... but at best Fang just spits in my face...- he mumble this last bit looking at the floor. -I don't know what to do, man... - This last answer left Anon surprised because it was not like Naser to give up so easily or not to be able to find a quick answer for every situation. Truly the problem with Fang was wearing him down, physically and mentally to the point of neglecting Naomi. Anon somehow felt that this was all his fault... at least partially and tried to calm his despondent friend. -Maybe Fang just had a bad day and doesn't know how to channel it well... you know.... I'm with... "them"... during Science... I can ask Fang what's wrong...- said Anon trying to sound friendly with Naser without knowing the trouble he was getting into for free. -Ahh would you do that for me, man? - asked Naser incredulously, but giving Anon a smile. -Ahhh... sure, man. What are the broh's for, right? - Anon stretched out his hands to reaffirm what he said. -"Ahhh fuck, what did I get myself into?" he thought to himself still looking at Naser. -Ahhh dude, Thank you so much. You are a lifesaver. - Naser felt the urge to hug Anon but instead decided to pat him on his right shoulder and give him a smile of genuine happiness. -Hey, after school... send me a message to find out what Fang told you. Maybe we can figure out what's going on with them. After exchanging a few more words with the human, Naser said goodbye to Anon with a handshake that left Anon with a cramped hand. After rubbing his wrist, Anon set off on his journey to his new class: science, mentally preparing himself to meet Naser's angry, non-binary sister. -Fuck, man.... Now I have two more problems to deal with. - muttered the human under his breath as he arrived at his destination after crossing a couple of hallways. Science class was the same as always: quiet and monotonous. All the pairs of students were ready to work on the new project that Professor Farnsworth would bring today. Anon arrived at his place only to find it empty. It seemed that Fang still hadn't shown up. After dropping his things under the dough, Anon prepared himself for what he was going to say to Fang. -"Ok.... Fang is in a bad mood and maybe that affects Trish in some way too. I need to talk to... "them" to find out what the fuck is going on. Not just for me, Naser is counting on me on this. I can't let Naser down. The guy's a broh."-Anon's thoughts were lazy but determined. He was willing to get to the bottom of it so he could get back together with Trish and not have Trish give him the ice law. At least he felt determination when he saw Fang appear through the door followed by other students and Professor Farnsworth himself. Seeing Fang approaching him with a scowl and an annoyed expression made Anon's determination shoot out of his butt as he held on with all his might not to lose his spaghetti. -Good news, my students .... Today we have a rehearsal of a new paper that will go into the next exam. - said the old dinosaur in his jovial tone while in the background he could hear the protests of the students at the mention of a new exam. -Ohh don't be like that, people... You're not going to see anything here that we haven't seen before. Now I am going to hand out the new papers, everyone please go with your partners to start working- the old man dininaro began to hand out the photocopies of the new papers table by table to each student. Meanwhile, Anon was sitting in an uncomfortable silence next to Fang who only remained seated next to him. The young ptero, in spite of her annoyed expression, seemed to be calm and somewhat tired. Anon could smell Cheap Cigarettes on Fang's clothes and some lavender perfume, perhaps to mask the smoke. When Professor Farnsworth handed Anon the new job, the pair were ready to get to work..... Oh at least that's what they had to do. -Very well... we'd better get started with this Fang. ....- Anon commented softly, looking at the sheet of undecipherable science statements. -Ahh... Fang?- asked Anon again, turning to look at Fang who still did not deign to see him. The young ptero only fluttered her wings a little to stretch her body out of exhaustion, seeming to ignore Anon completely. -Ahhh.... Fang... - insisted Anon again. -Shut up Skinnie- Fang said dryly in response to Anon. The human just gave a poker face back to his science partner, perhaps expecting that answer. But this time Fang did look in her direction again, but still with an angry expression on his face. -Listen Skinnie, I have to tell you something...- Fang sat up to get a better look at Anon. The human was wearing his trademark outfit of a green jacket with blue jeans and gray sneakers, which Fang thought for sure was cheap or secondhand clothing. The young ptero noticed how a light was falling on Anon's bald head causing it to reflect a bit of light and for some reason she thought it was kind of cute. Anon continued to be expectant of what Fang was about to tell him. -You seem to be in contact with a certain friend of mine- said Fang still in a dry tone as she squinted her eyes at Anon. -Ahhh what...? Anon was now genuinely confused by Fang's attitude. -Aahg... I'm talking about Trish, you stupid monkey. - Fang raised her voice slightly at Anon's silly question. - It seems that you and Trish are spending a lot of time together... Too much. - Fang said this last in a tone that masked visceral disgust. -Ahh... yeah... I mean, we talk often if .... But what does it have to do with all this?- asked Anon again. -You'll see, monkey.... With Trish we are trying to do it for ourselves. We have plans, big plans... And we don't need a monkey out of a cave to come along and ruin everything. - Fang was starting to tap her claws against the table, perhaps to appease her growing anxiety. The constant pounding was quite loud. -Ahhh... Oook? -Anon just gave Fang an uncomprehending look. -Great. Because Trish doesn't have time to waste on any idiots at this school. - Fang looked straight ahead again and wasn't looking at Anon. -I look out for her, because I care about her and we don't need to be sabotaged again. - This last Fang said while revealing his sharp teeth. -Ahh... what do you mean... "sabotaged again"?- Anon pushed the papper away from his desk and turned his full attention back to Fang. -Pff... You know Naser and Naomi, right? They are part of the school committee. - Fang looked at Anon again but still with hatred on his face. -Ahh... yeah, they were my welcoming committee at school...- Anon felt the heat start to fill his body. - "Fuck, she can't know that I was in the auditorium that day, right?" -Ok... Asshole Naser invited a bunch of idiots to ruin the band performance we have with Trish and Reed... But I think you already know about the band....- Fang folded his arms trying to analyze Anon's expressions. -Ahhh... of course I do... Trish told me that they were going to rehearse on Saturday... -Anon was trying not to let out an anxious laugh at what Fang had told him. Fang just narrowed his eyes still glaring at Anon with contempt and his arms crossed. -Yeah... and about that. Don't bother Trish when we're together, Skinnie..... She doesn't need a bigot ape like you distracting her. - Anon was starting to get tired of Fang's speciesist comments and wanted to get this conversation over with and get to work but he still had to find out what was wrong with Trish. -Hey Fang... about Trish... She was very quiet today in the class ... do you know why she was like that? Fang just gave a smug laugh and looked back at Anon with a mocking expression. -Who knows...? Maybe she's just tired... or maybe she just got tired of your monkey ass bugging her all the time...? But whatever... don't fuck with Trish if you know what's good for you, Skinnie....- this last was said with a threatening tone. Anon couldn't believe how much Fang hated him and he had only seen her for two days in a row and this was the second class they had shared together. But now he had a rough idea of what might be happening to her or Trish and it obviously had something to do with him..... He might be socially awkward but he could notice patterns going around the place and they obviously had something to do with him. - "This must be a new record for me.... Making a female hate me in less than a day.... You're quite the champ Anon."- Anon thought to himself sarcastically trying to keep up appearances in front of Fang. -Okay... I promise it won't be... any "monkey business" when you and Trish are around...-- said Anon picking up the photocopy again and hoped he could at least have something ready before the class was over. Fang didn't answer Anon and only focused his attention on his cell phone. For the rest of the class Anon and Fang hardly spoke to each other except for a few times so that they could analyze each other's answers to the science question. Anon found it annoying to have to deal with Fang's stubbornness but he had no choice either ..... After all she was just his lab partner, they didn't have to have any other kind of relationship and as far as the human was concerned: he was completely fine with it. By the time the school bell rang , science class was already over. Ano got up rather quickly from his seat and took the sheets he had done with Fang, although he pretty much did all the work by himself since Fang was either on his cell phone or making sarcastic comments about his condition as an "evolved monkey" or something like that. As for Fang, she continued to be lost in her cell phone while some students were getting ready to leave the class. Ano just returned the assignment to Professor Farnsworth and proceeded to leave the science class for her next class. -I hope I can at least manage to get at least a damn six in this class.- muttered Anon under his breath as he exquivated a few students and walked through the crowded halls of Volcano High. Anon had been thinking about what Fang had said to him and how maybe it was his threatening attitude towards him that was conditioning Trish's now cold attitude. Or at least that's what Anon wanted to think... because the truth was that he was bothered by the idea that maybe Trish had had enough of him and now didn't want to talk to him. But he didn't want to blame Fang completely either... either way he also had to send a message to Naser and give him his report on Fang's attitude. Although he forgot to mention Naser... now Anon could get an idea of what Fang was thinking and why she was so hostile. -I don't want to make her fight with her friends over me either. .... But I don't deserve this treatment eithe.- Anon said, considering the possibility of texting Trish or maybe meeting her in the cafeteria or maybe waiting for her to walk back to class together, but he dismissed it very quickly because he knew that Fang would want to hog Trish for herself and Anon wanted to avoid embarrassing situations like the one the other day in the cafeteria. -Fuck... And here I was thinking about wanting to go unnoticed in my stay here... And now this here... Wanting not to be avoided by the only person I feel comfortable with in the place- Anon laughed at his last thought and how maybe his first version of himself at school wasn't so accurate. Though Anon's thought was stopped when he was surrounded by a certain peach-colored dinosaur. -Ooh hello Anon, how are you?- said the girl in front of him in a rather artificial cheerful tone. Anon just let out a grimace of annoyance for that encounter. -Hi Naomi...- Anon just gave a forced smile to the girl in front of him. Naomi the peach-colored Parasaurolophus girl and the student council president and personal pain in Anon's balls. Not that the girl was mean or anything... It was just that Anon despaired at her giggly and cheerful and untruthful attitude. Anon could tell that most of the time Naomi just had a facade to show to the public and didn't find her passive-aggressive attitude to handle some situations pleasant. -I'm fine Anon, thanks for asking. But you know... as student president it is my duty to make sure the new students are having a nice time at school. Are you having a good time here Anon?- Naomi said all that in such a cheerful and sweetened tone that Anon felt himself retching from the alarming levels of sugar in his blood. -Ahhh... yes Naomi, actually I'm fine... No big deal you know...- said Anon looking towards the back, wanting to find some excuse to get away from Naomi. -Ahh... and you know... how is Naser?- Anon hoped that his elusive answer would save him from staying by Naomi's side any longer. -Ohh my Naser is very busy lately...- Naomi lowered her gaze changing her tone to a sadder and perhaps, more genuine one. -... With the athletic club, with the school board... .... With their "sibling" - Naomi said this again adopting her facade of joy but gritting her teeth a little more. -Oohh... what happened with Fang?- Anon asked sarcastically already knowing the answer but Naomi ignored what Anon already knew. -Mmm you could... you know... lately she's been very sullen and moody. - Naomi opened her eyes and looked intensely at Anon as she moved closer to him. -You know Anon... Fang needs more friends. She only hangs out with Reed and Trish a lot lately... but I guess you too, don't you?- Naomi adjusted her glasses a bit as she looked away to watch some students walk by. Anon blushed a little and also looked down at Naomi and without realizing it he had let his guard down in front of the Para girl who was now looking at him out of the corner of her eye. -Yes, lately yes...- said Anon a little embarrassed and let out a laugh. -Oooh... that's great Anon, I'm glad you're settling down here.- Naomi clutches both hands in a happy pose. -But you know Anon...maybe you should expand your number of friends, you know? Trish is...nice but maybe if you talked to Fang a little more you'd realize that she's a very special girl who just needs a little help.- Naomi was dropping her hands again but kept her expression of rehearsed joy. Anon wasn't quite sure how to feel about Naomi's comments or rather he didn't know how to tell the girl in front of him that Fang literally hated him now and was asking him to stay away from her... Although he wasn't going to admit that in front of Naomi or much less Naser because they would most likely end up blaming him for her attitude. -Oh really Naomi...? Mmm... I don't think Fang would be interested in someone like me. We barely even talked during our shared classes. - Anon put her hand to the back of her neck and tried to sound friendly and hide her growing anxiety. -Ohh don't worry about it Anon. If you were able to make friends with Trish, chances are you'll get along with Fang or Reed too... They may be sharp around the edges but they're nice guys. - Naomi raised both hands again and stretched a rehearsed smile. -They just need someone to guide them. Anon wasn't too sure but maybe Naomi had a point, maybe with his presence he could not only improve his relationship with Fang but get closer to Trish... or even talk to Reed. But he still wasn't quite sure what to think of Naomi's invitation to soliacize with someone who had already declared her complete dislike of him. Luckily for Anon, Naomi couldn't stay any longer because she had to run to her new class and after saying goodbye to the human she got lost in the still crowded halls of Volcano High. Anon reflected a little on what Naomi had told him and maybe she was right: he had grown quite close to Trish now and maybe if Fang got to know him a little better she would realize that he was not a bigot ape... well, maybe he was. But he was a nice guy once you got to know him better. As he thought about what he would do next regarding the Fang and Trish matter, Anon addresses his new class. Anon spent the next few school hours rambling thoughts and half-finished homework as he reviewed the entire day: In Math Class Trish didn't want to talk to him. Naser asked for help with Fang and "they" openly hate and despise Anon. Naomi recommends Anon to get closer to Fang's group. During lunch he couldn't find Trish and had to eat alone at the side of the cafeteria. He practically spent the rest of the day alone and didn't talk to anyone else... which left a bittersweet taste. Anon had planned basically that: to go unnoticed and not to call the attention of anyone in the school and that's what he was doing today... and for some reason he hated every second of it. The human regretted spending that day alone and how he could have spent it with someone he was beginning to appreciate but instead... they were avoiding him. Deliberately. For the first time in practically his entire life he wanted to have something to do with people and again people were closing doors on him, but for some reason he felt that this was all his fault somehow, that he had been the one who had caused Trish to ostracize him. He didn't even bother to wait for Trish at the front door of the school after the school bell rang to mark the end of the day. Quite possibly she wanted to leave with Fang or maybe she didn't even want to see him. As he walked through the corridors with a look of annoyance the young human dodged the colorful students without much interest, some of them gave him annoyed looks or told him to be careful but Anon was too busy plunging into his anxiety and paranoia. -Maybe she doesn't need me anymore... maybe all this time she spent with me was only because she didn't want to be alone... Now that Fang is back, she doesn't want me anymore...- Anon mumbled this last words while she looked intensely at the floor of the corridors and intensified her walk until she reached the end of the corridor and crossed the big entrance door of the school. -Was I just a backup friend? Did she even appreciate my company? Or maybe Fang was right and I'm just a stupid monkey...- Anon put his hands to his bald head and if it wasn't for a student pushing him aside to let him pass, he would have continued mumbling like an idiot in the middle of the school's entrance threshold. Anon rejoined after that shove and slightly embarrassed held his shit together as he felt a light winter breeze hit him in the face. He was ready to leave but part of him wanted to stay to see if he could at least get home with Trish. He wanted to wait for her and ask her a million questions... but I couldn't find the courage to do it. -Maybe I could wait for her sitting near one of the garden beds... Ah god, I wish i didn't look like one of those Discord moderators looking for some girl in the group chat... God, what the fuck can I do? - As Anon rambled on about what he could do next, he hadn't realized that it had been almost 20 minutes since classes had ended and now only the janitors were left in the vicinity of the school. He had been left thinking and circling around the entrance not realizing that everyone had left and at no time had he seen Trish or Fang. -Hey kid, did you lose something? If not... I ask you to leave because I have to sweep up where you are standing- said in an annoyed and tired tone an adult raptor dressed in a yellow gardener uniform. He was one of the school janitors and like all janitors... he look crude, grumpy and with a face like he had been in prison. Anon didn't want to run the risk of bothering this guy and after apologizing and he left ... walking down the silent steps of the school. When he reached the top of the stairs, he turned to both sides, perhaps with slight hopes of finding someone familiar... but there was no one there. He was alone. A human in a city of dinosaurs who looked at him like nothing more than a half-evolved ape. Feeling defeated Anon started his way back home, hoping that when he got there maybe a little shitpost on some Italian Fries board could put him back in a good mood or maybe defrost some chicken Nuggets he had in the fridge or masturbate to the latest Saturnia R34. Or maybe all together, because at the end of the day... no one cared what a shaved monkey did with his time in a city as big as Volcadera. It had been a few days now since Trish had begun to distance herself from Anon. First it had started with not speaking to him during class, then avoiding him at lunch to be with Fang and finally being cold and simple with the messages Anon sent her, to the point where Anon stopped sending her messages. Every once in a while he would get a message notification and Anon would look at it hoping it was Trish but most of the time it was Naser. The young Ptero would text Anon for a report on Fang and although Anon insisted that most of the time Fang just didn't want to talk to him, all he had to say to Naser was that Fang just didn't seem to have much interest in classes and was only concerned with his projects with the band...and that she seemed hostile to anything outside of it and that he was just his lab partner and couldn't do much about it. Although Anon considered Naser unwelcome with his messages, he at least appreciated that the guy had the consideration to notice him and like Naomi: encouraged him to make other friends or even sign up for the athletic club, an idea that Anon quickly dismissed, but appreciated Naser's gesture towards him. -So...- said the young ptero to the human in front of him. -So... .... What?- asked Anon with a tired look. The human and the ptero were talking near the lockers where Naser had taken his things. Both were wasting time before the bell rang and signaled the start of school. -You know... Are you joining the athletic club? - Naser asked with a smile. -I told you: thanks, man. But I suck at sports, I can barely walk... let alone run for more than 5 minutes.- Anon folded his arms and leaned against the lockers trying to strike a "cool" pose. -You have to start somewhere, you know... In the running club you could learn everything from scratch. Improve your endurance or build muscle... It's great, man. I promise. - Naser sounded pretty enthusiastic when he talked about sports. It wasn't for nothing that he was planning to enter college on some kind of athletic scholarship. Anon wanted to move on to another topic of conversation or just get out of there. It wasn't that Naser wasn't a nice guy, but he was someone too... "normie" for Anon's taste and also Anon was too much of a loser, perhaps, for Naser. The two were completely incompatible and if Naser was a jock jock, maybe he'd be a pretty heavy bullyng. -Maybe I'll think about it, man.... Ok, I'm leaving now. My classes are about to start. - excused Anon, trying to wriggle out of Naser's attempts to get him into the Athletic Club. -Ohh ok, man. I'll see you later. I'm going with Naomi now... Ah, here she comes!- Naser pointed behind Anon with a grin, causing the human to adopt a cartoonish expression of consternation. -Hi guys! How are you?- greeted Naomi as she approached the couple and approached her boyfriend Naser. -Hi baby. Naomi and Naser gave each other a quick kiss on the snout while Anon looked away. -Well guys, I don't want to make a bad third so ....- Anon was ready to leave until Naomi stopped him in his tracks. -Wait Anon! I wanted to tell you something...- Naomi was getting closer now against Anon making the human turn his face away a few centimeters. -Ahh... what is it Naomi?- asked Anon trying not to let his annoyance show. -Ahh it's not serious... I wanted to know how things are between you and Fang? You know... as lab partners? - Naomi closed her eyes as she said all that in her particular sweetened tone that threatened to give Anon Diabetes Type Two. -Ahh... Well, no big deal... She's not much of a talker with me. - "And by that I mean if I speak to her without her consent she'll dig her claws into my eyes"- Anon thought as he made sure to close his lips so as not to mumble in front of Naomi. -Oohh... that's too bad Anon. Fang may be a little tough, but she's not a bad girl. - Naomi sounded like a robot at this point. -Tell me about it... She barely talks to me and I'm her brother, I don't think she wants to talk to Anon much - Naser said this in a dejected tone, while stroking the ridge of his head. -Ohh baby, don't think too much about it... Besides, Anon can be a good influence on your... "sibling"- Naomi bit her tongue to avoid sounding dismissive before adopting her giggly facade again. -You just have to let things flow. -I just don't know Naomi... Fang can be very...- Naser was now settling back on the locker facing his girlfriend head on. The couple was now talking about Fang and exchanging their views about her and Anon took advantage of this to slip away from the place to avoid another awkward moment with Naser or an interrogation from Naomi. Anon was now getting as far away from those two as he could when he spotted a familiar person he hadn't seen for a long time. And that person was also seeing him now and waving in his direction. It was Reed The pink smoking raptor and the only male who could get close to Fang and Trish. The young bird of prey was now heading towards Anon with his usual relaxed pose. He had his usual backpack that reeked of Weed and wore a pair of sunglasses on his forehead. -Hey dude, how are you? I haven't seen you for a long time.- said Reed as he put on his headphones. Anon was surprised by the presence of the pink raptor, to tell the truth he had completely forgotten about his existence now that he thought about it. -Hey Reed... yeah, you know... I've been busy adjusting... where have you been all this time?.- said Anon with grace in his voice knowing the answer. Reed let out a deep throaty snort that made Anon could smell the carfe on the young man's breath. -You know man, I've been suspended for the last few weeks... Trish didn't tell you anything...?- Reed leaned over to stretch his body a little better. Anon felt a slight turn at the mention of the triceratop girl. Perhaps the young raptor was unaware of the fact that Trish had been avoiding talking to Anon for a few days now. -Ahh... I think she mentioned it... But I'm not talking to Trish lately.- Anon admitted, rubbing his bald head. Reed now looked surprised at Anon's comment. -But, dude... Literally, I was talking to Trish yesterday and she kept talking about you, man.- Reed said with a slight smile but still confused by what Anon had said. Anon felt the spaghetti now shoot out of his pockets because of what Reed had said and for a minute he felt a relief inside him that he didn't know how to process right away. -Really? - Anon murmured incredulously, looking intently at Reed. -Yeah man, like... We almost always end up talking about you. Trish seems to like you... Hey, you should come to a rehearsal with us one day, it'll be fun- Reed extended both hands to point cheerfully at Anon with a laugh. Anon was slow to process what Reed had revealed to him, it turns out that Trish often talked about him with Reed and seemed to be on good terms... "So why has she been avoiding me for days?" questioned Anon wanting to know what else Reed could spill. -But like I said, I haven't been talking to Trish in a while... Not since Fang went back to school... I guess...- Anon let out a breath before continuing. -... I don't think Fang liked me very much. Reed just frowned in confusion before rubbing his neck with his left hand and standing up a little straighter before continuing. -You know Anon... Fang can be a little... "intense" when they gets something in his head. Fang been going through a lot lately... but I can assure you that it's not your fault or anything like that. - Reed's tone was meant to be reassuring, but Anon wasn't quite convinced yet. -I don't know about that Reed .... Fang was very clear with me about not approaching Trish or her...- Anon put his hands in his pockets and hadn't realized that he had treated Fang like a woman again but Reed didn't seem to mind either. -Mmm... I tell you what dude, let me solve this problem. I know what Fang is like... maybe you can intercede a little so she won't give you a bad deal anymore, man.- Reed was back to his cool and carefree pose. The human was now giving Reed a goofy look of happiness, practically Reed knew him from one day and now he was willing to help him with Trish and Fang. -Shit Reed, you're a broh out of the sky," Anon thought. -That... that would be great, man...- Anon was trying to hide his happiness and still had his hands in his pockets. -No problem man, that's what we brohs are for. Me for you today, you for me tomorrow. Compadre. - Reed pointed at Anon again in a friendly way before continuing to speak. -But the thing with Trish... you should take care of that yourself. -But Reed... Trish didn't...- Anon couldn't finish his sentence because he was interrupted by Reed. -I'm not done yet Dude... -Go talk to Trish. She can be stubborn, but if you insist long enough she will eventually give in. Trust me on this one, man." Reed dropped his head a little and his sunglasses lowered over his eyes. The pink bird of prey was now smiling brightly at Anon. The human despite his happiness still felt some anxiety growing inside him, he would have to talk to Trish but he didn't quite know where to start or how to talk to Trish. It had been a few days and he didn't want to sound clueless. The train of thought was interrupted by Reed's hand now finding the human's shoulder. -Easy dude... Trish is great. You already know her...Mmmm...- Reed turned his head away and stared at the lockers for a few seconds. - Meet Trish today at the cafeteria during lunch, man... You can totally talk to her there. - Reed pulled away from Anon and when the bell rang for the start of school, the two friends had to separate to go to their classes. -Well, dude... I'll see you later. Good luck today.- Reed said goodbye, pointing to Anon and walking in the opposite direction to go to his new class. -Sure Reed... See you later.- said Anon in a whisper as he watched the pink raptor walk off to his class. The human rejoined his place and he himself started his way to his next class but now a little more relaxed because Reed was backing him now with Trish and he could somehow chase Fang and avoid her to go through him with his non-binary claws. -Raptor Jesus Reed... You're a real bro, dude. Sorry for thinking you were just a pink smoker...- Anon smiled as he mumbled and walked faster to his new class hoping the hours would pass quickly so he could get to the cafeteria early. The hours passed rather quickly and Anon was now on her way to the cafeteria for lunch. As he walked he began to rehearse what he was going to say once he arrived. -"All Right... Reed told me I could find Trish in the cafeteria... Maybe he's going to distract Fang to buy me some time?"- the human's mutterings were barely audible among the busy high school hallways. Anon turned to his left quickly and headed straight for the end of the hallway where the double doors to the cafeteria are. -First I have to find her... and then...? Ahg... Maybe break the ice with a joke? "Oh Trish thanks for avoiding me these days and by the way your non-binary best friend hates me and threatened to punch me HAHAHA... What's on the menu by the way"? -Anon was getting closer and closer to his destination as he tried to remove all hint of sarcasm to face Trish. - I don't think I need to reprimand her because she's not talking to me anymore. Maybe just talk and see where it takes us all....- The human finally reached the cafeteria doors and after pushing the door to the left he was inside the large space that was the Cafeteria. Anon walked a few steps with his backpack on the back and turned sideways to see if he could find a purple triceratop. He had made sure he was late so she could already be in the place, so now he just had to find her. After passing between two tables he was able to locate his target: she was sitting alone with her back to him at one of the last tables in the room. Anon stood still for a few minutes and began to consider the situation. -"Fuck, I look like a stalker..." -the human put his hands to the back of his neck trying to silence his intrusive thoughts. - "Alright... here goes nothing"- Anon turned on his heels again and headed towards the last table in the cafeteria. Trish seemed to be bored eating a veggie sandwich with mayonnaise and wasn't paying attention to anything in particular. Her cell phone was on the table, but she wasn't using it, but she was so distracted anyway that she didn't notice when Anon sat down right in front of her. -Hey Trish.- Anon said in a neutral tone as she sat down. That greeting made Trish snap out of her stupor and give a little jump out of her seat. -Ahh... Anon... ahh Hi...- said a surprised and embarrassed Trish, perhaps hoping that Anon wouldn't notice that she was caught off guard. The human didn't say anything immediately and just looked at Trish trying to find the words to get this over with. -You know, I haven't heard from you these days...- Anon lowered his gaze for a few seconds before raising it again. -"Very smooth Anon, good job," she thought to herself. The triceratops girl looked down embarrassed not knowing how to deal with what Anon was telling her and it wasn't for nothing, she was deliberately avoiding him these days and she didn't have many excuses to give him. Trish was now tapping the table with one of her fingers while her tail went back and forth on the sides. Anon decided to speak again. -I ran into Reed today... looks like he's back...- she said slowly but steadily still looking at the trigga in front of her. -Ohh... Yes, I saw him today.- Trish's voice sounded like a whisper but her brow was furrowed. -Ohh... that's great...- Anon settled back in his seat to look at Trish again. -Maybe now the three of us could eat together if you'd stop avoiding me. - Now it was Anon's turn to frown. Trish let out an annoyed sigh and although she was still frowning, her voice held no hint of anger. -Anon, don't make this difficult.- Trish replied, staring at Anon. -In what way am I making this difficult? Literally Trish, overnight you stopped talking to me. - commented Anon back. -I have no obligation to do so. - Trish said dryly. -You're right... You invite me to your house and then you don't talk to me anymore... Very clever Trish.- said Anon sarcastically, a little resentful of Trish's previous comment. -If you disliked me so much you wouldn't have spoken to me in the first place. -It's not that...- Trish excuses herself, feeling a little embarrassed now. -Then what is it...? If something bothers you, you can tell me... I did something wrong? - Anon pushed aside the backpack she had placed on the table to rest both elbows on it. -It's... complicated. - Trish closed her eyes and opened them again to look at Anon out of the corner of her eye. The human was wearing the same clothes he wears every day. -You didn't do anything wrong, Skinnie... At least you didn't.- Trish questioned, crossing her arms now. -So... what happened? - -I'm telling you, it's complicated. - Trish excused herself again, raising her voice. -And it gets more complicated every day if you don't tell me what's bothering you. - Anon replied back. -"When did I get so good with words"? thought Anon to himself. Trish now felt annoyed but she was already cornered and running away like a bitch was not her style so she decided to give the human the truth she wanted so much. -I just... I just... Fuck, I just don't want to piss Fang off. Okay.- Trish's cheeks were now turning a slightly darker shade. Anon narrowed his eyes in disbelief at Trish's response, though predictable in reality it still surprised him that Fang had asked Trish to stay away from him. -What...? Fang told you not to talk to me? - Anon questioned indignantly now. -What? No, not at all! - Trish's voice was now shrill. Anon sat up in his seat before speaking again. -Ohh... so from one day to the next you decide not to talk to me anymore? That's... pretty cruel.- the human said with a lump in his throat. -"Fuck man, don't you dare cry in front of Trish now". -Fuck Skinnie! I was going to talk to you again eventually. - Now it was Trish's turn to feel a lump in her throat. -I would have liked to hear from you preferably before the end of the year Trish.- Anon tried to slow down the conversation by trying to sound funny in his comment and it seemed to work because Trish now looked a little more relaxed. -Raptor Jesus man, you are intense Skinnie... I invited you home once and now you're getting possessive? I didn't have you as that kind of guy....- it was Trish's turn to joke now and Anon's turn to blush. -Hey... I'm not possessive! - Anon was embarrassed and felt the blood hit his cheeks. -Of course not...- Trish said sarcastically as she laughed. This only made Anon more embarrassed and he started to babble. -Really! I...- Trish started laughing as she watched Anon lose the ability to speak. -Hey, it's true! I just wanted to see you! That comment came so fast that Anon didn't think he had said it but he did. Trish had stopped laughing and they had both stood there looking at each other in silence for a few seconds and feeling how both of their cheeks were on fire now. They both looked away from each other and after a few seconds Trish spoke again. -Like... really? - Trish's voice was almost a whisper and she was now staring at Anon. -Ahh... of course Trish. That's why I had...felt bad about your sudden Ghosting...I thought you didn't want to see me anymore.-"God man...That sounded so fucking queer."-Anon's mind was assailing him with other thoughts but he decided to ignore it. Trish didn't seem to think so though, the triceratops girl's tail was twirling from side to side and the blush on her face deepened. -Mmm well... I'd be lying to you if I told you I didn't miss your monkey ass to . - Trish was regaining her good mood and the atmosphere was no longer tense. Anon smiling awkwardly but still feeling the cringe inside him but thankful that her licky comments helped him. -So, are we good? No more ghosting.- Anon pointed his finger at Trish. -I didn't ghost you, you silly skinnie. I answered your messages, remember? - Trish seemed glad now. -Answering me with two words is the same as Ghosting.- replied Anon. -Since when?- exclaimed Trish, raising her voice. -Since you started avoiding me! The pair of friends were now laughing at their particular situation and for the first time in days they felt relieved again. It seems that Anon was not the only one who was not having a good time with the sudden silence, Trish was also struggling with intrusive thoughts inside her that did not leave her alone and every day took her out of her daily activities. The human and the Dino were now talking happily about mundane topics of the last days, even about some things that happened during the week, like Anon being approached by some muggers in Skin Row and how they left him alone when they realized that he was more broke than them (anecdote that made Trish laugh a lot) and as for the triceratop girl, she told Anon that she was practicing a new song she composed with Fang during the weekend and how she managed to make it have a structure that in her opinion: "Is a radio hit" and as per Reed's initiative, maybe it's good to find a new place to perform with the band. Although the mention of Fang made the human a little uncomfortable, he quickly resumed his good mood after he remembered what Reed had told him a few hours ago: - "Meet Trish today at the cafeteria during lunch man... There you can totally talk to her at your leisure." Whatever the pink raptor had done, Anon would never forget it. -"Fuck Reed, we may have only met twice but you're already my broh for life, dude," Anon thought triumphantly, thinking about how he could thank Reed later. After talking for several minutes the couple was now silent looking at each other, it seemed that they had nothing more to say to each other, or rather they didn't want to say anything more and just enjoyed each other's company. Anon smiled looking at Trish and the triceratop girl reciprocated that smile as she rested her elbow on the table and let her head rest on her hand and gave a warm smile to Anon. Trish's tail was swishing from right to left. Anon looked down for a few seconds before looking up to look back at Trish and break the silence. -I've really missed you these days, Trish.- the human leaned his elbows and clasped his hands together on the table. Trihs looked away in shame and without looking at the human answered back. -Me too... you fucking shaved ape...- Trish laughed sheepishly back at Anon and you could tell she was blushing. -I'm sorry for being a bitch to you these days...it won't happen again...- these last words relaxed Anon like never before and already feeling that he had a weight off his shoulders, he could feel at ease at school again. -Don't worry about it Trish... It's behind us...". They both laughed after that comment and now with a better atmosphere in the air, Anon asked Trish about the last thing she had told him. -So, you and the band are looking for a new place to play? Anon arched his back a bit as he watched out of the corner of his eye as some students came and went.... -Yep... I know it's very sudden now... Since our failed first gig. But we can't let ourselves get discouraged. - Trish's voice was firm but her expression betrayed a slight insecurity. She didn't want to go through that traumatic event again. -Hey, I totally support this initiative, but do you already have a place in mind.- Anon leaned his hand and elbow on the table. -Mmm... Not really, I can't think of a good place where we could crash to play and dont be asked for money to do it. -Maybe there are some great places in the city... You just have to look for them... I tell you what, why don't you and...- Anon could not continue because out of the corner of her eye she could see two familiar figures approaching him: It was Reed and Fang... and the latter was in a bad mood as usual. The human closed his lips quickly when he saw the two newcomers approaching, which was strange to Trish who turned to see and now understood the sudden silence of the human. -Hey Guys... How are you?- said Reed somewhat uncomfortably trying to do his best. Fang shifted his eyes between Trish and Anon and even though he didn't look happy he didn't say anything right away. After that awkward silence, Anon relieved some of that awkwardness and invited the new couple to sit with them. -Ahh... ist all good, guys... Come on, have a seat.- Anon invited, trying not to let the cringe of the situation kill him. Reed settled down right next to Anon and Fang avoiding crossing eyes with the human sat to Trish's left completely avoiding the human as much as possible. -Sorry for taking so long, but we had to work on a few things for Professor Jingo's class- Reed commented to the group and resumed his cool raptor pose. -The music teacher?- said Trish looking at her friend. -That dude... He had to tune some instruments and Fang and I volunteered to finish the job. -You mean: YOU offered ME to work outside of school hours and miss lunch. -Haha... But Fang there is no one better than you for that job. Reed pointed happily to the ptero girl. -You're the only person who knows all the instruments in the class perfectly. Fang just let out a sigh of pride and did not answer immediately to the compliment that his pink friend gave him. Instead she looked back at Trish and for a second her muzzle pointed at the human in front of her. -I didn't know you rescued stray monkeys, Trish... Next time leave it at the zoo. Amon just looked away at Fang's speciesist comment that was far from being a joking remark and was just pure hatred. Although Trish just returned a look of annoyance to her friend for that comment but she didn't want to make a scene right now and even less with "them". -I was telling the skinnie here about our idea of being able to find a new place to play...- Trish pointed at the human in front of her. -Why?- Fang narrowed her eyes as she looked at her friend. -Dude like... because we've been discussing it for a few days now to find a great place to play.- Reed answered innocently. -No, I mean why do you have to tell the skinnie? He has nothing to do with this.- Fang's voice sounded annoyed. -For your information Fang... Anon knows quite a bit about music and has a talent for playing bass guitar.- Trish frowned looking back at her friend. -Oohh really?.- said Fang sarcastically turning to look at Anon. Anon just looked down in embarrassment at Trish's compliment and responded in a general way. -It's no big deal.- the human's cheeks were now red and his eyes were staring at the table. -Dude, I didn't know you play Bass... You definitely have to come with us like... We need a roadie to help us with the instruments... You down?.- said Reed energetically standing up straight on his seat while staring at the human. Anon didn't think twice and accepted Reed's invitation almost instantly realizing that it was a great way to pay for the favor Reed had done him earlier that day. -Sure, dude! No problem,.- exclaimed Anon, geuninely sure of himself. He was going to be able to return the favor to Reed almost immediately. -Hey, that's a great idea.- Trish commented with a smile and looked back at Anon. -We're always wasting time moving our equipment around and hooking it up and shit... Maybe your monkey ass might come in handy.- Trish's eyes sparkled as she stared at Anon and the young human only looked down in embarrassment as he chuckled under his breath. Although Reed, Trish and Anon looked quite happy about Anon's new addition to the band, Fang thought otherwise or rather kept her comments to herself and surprisingly didn't object to any protest and just gave Anon an annoyed look, quite unbecoming of her considering she didn't like the human. Maybe Reed had talked to her or something, but Anon didn't care right now The rest of the lunch hour the group of four students stayed up talking to each other and catching up on school stuff. Reed told Anon about what he had done during his suspension and how he also had geek hobbies like the bald human and as for Fang and Trish they both talked about how they could enhance their performance on stage and if it would be convenient to maybe use some gimick like new scenery or flashy clothes, which Fang dismissed almost immediately because in his words: "I'd rather die than wear tights". After lunch time was over each of the guys split up to go to their respective classes, but before going to her class Trish stepped aside to talk to Anon alone. -Hey Skinnie... don't forget about our walk after school...- although Trish had a serious expression on her face her voice reflected shyness in her tone -Of course not Trish... The one who doesn't have to forget here is you, Trigga.- Anon bit her tongue as she realized her last word but Trish didn't seem to mind. -Relax Monkey, I'm not going to let you down this time.- Trish tapped Anon on the shoulder and now she was ready to say goodbye to go to her next class. -I'll see you later Skinnie.- Trish finished as she headed in the opposite direction. Anon did the same but unlike when she had started the day she now had a smile on her face. His silly expression of happiness didn't make the human realize that Fang was watching him from a few feet away as he walked down the hallway. [POST-NOTES] I hope you enjoyed this chapter! See you next time