[PRE-NOTES] New chapter! Originally this chapter was going to be longer but since I wanted to release a new chapter this month I decided to split it in two parts.... Maybe by the beginning of next month we will have the next part! We are halfway through this story Enjoy the reading. [/PRE-NOTES] VOLCADERA BLUFF. SATURDAY 18:15PM The streets of Volcadera were full of life even though the sun had practically gone down, but that didn't stop people from congregating in the city's central park to spend a pleasant autumn afternoon/evening. There were groups of adults walking with their children or groups of teenage friends drinking from large plastic cups while talking to each other sitting on the park benches or looking for food at the nearby fast food stands set up for the occasion. It turns out that every now and then the mayor's office of Volcadera organizes in the municipal park a sort of social event where bands play and delicious greasy fast food is offered and alcoholic beverages are also sold disguised as tropical fruit drinks in order to avoid breaking the infractions of alcohol consumption on public streets. Right now the downtown square was adorned with makeshift lights and small food stalls as people came and went enjoying this event and there were also humans enjoying the event along with their colorful dinosaur peers. Among these few humans was a young human who was second in line to buy fruit smoothies, the human was wearing his usual outfit of worn blue jeans and green jacket rolled up over a worn black t-shirt. When it was his turn in line to buy his order he ordered two drinks from the clerk at the drink stand. -Do you want to add anything else Skinnie, can we add some " power" to your drink? - he said with a hidden grace in his voice, because basically by " power" he meant that he could add some of the alcoholic beverages that were under the counter to the fruit smoothie for a small price. -No thanks, that's fine.- said the human and after giving the raptor a ten dollar bill, he already had in both hands his two fruit smoothies. One of Blueberry flavor and the other of Kiwi... this last one was addressed to the person who was now waiting for him sitting on a bench a few meters away. The triceratop girl was sitting cross-legged in the square while with one hand she was checking her cell phone. Her expression was peaceful and slightly... Anxiety? Though this changed when she quickly looked up to see the human approaching her with two glasses in each hand. -What took you so long?- she asked with a smile on her face as the human took the last few steps towards her. -Hey... there was a huge line and most of them wanted their drink with 90% Vodka and 10% Fruit.- as he answered, the human handed the glass to the trigga girl in front of him and then sat down next to her. Both friends were now savoring the taste of their non-alcoholic fruit smoothie while enjoying each other's company and all accompanied by the instrumental music of an acoustic band near one of the stages set up in the park. All of this had happened almost accidentally because the two friends had actually arranged to go out together just to find a place where Trish's band could play and ended up stumbling upon that colorful town fair. While sipping her drink vigorously the triceratop girl opened one of her eyes to see the human in front of her and how he was sipping his drink heavily while holding the cup with both hands, like a small child holding a heavy object. This image gave her somewhere between tenderness and slight laughter. -Hey Anon, if you're not careful you're going to swallow the whole cup too - the trigga girl laughed watching her human friend choking with a bit of that liquid when he heard that answer. Actually the human seemed nervous. -Very funny Trish... I was just making sure I don't drop this thing.- said the human while coughing and looking at her friend. -What? The monkey can't hold a plastic cup steady with its paws?- Trish laughed at her clearly speciesist comment but the human didn't take the comment badly, he even laughed at her joke. -Let's just say that in my case I need an extra pair of thumbs so I don't drop things. Anon put away his almost empty cup and placed it on the floor below him. Although he tried not to look nervous he was nervous as shit actually and it wasn't for nothing: what started as a simple search for a place for Trish's gang to play ended up in an informal date between him and her... and it wasn't that he was bothered by this but he wasn't really ready to face this but it was the purple trigga who was insisting on staying a while in that place and this helped the young human to relax a little bit more. - "Relax Anon... She suggested staying here for a while... It's not like the two of us are on a date or anything. We're looking for a cool place where the band can play... but it's getting dark and maybe the best places are taken. Fuck, if Skin Row wasn't such a shithole maybe we could find a place to play there but maybe here's a place we could find or something"- Anon was lost in his own thoughts/mumbling and didn't notice that Trish was now looking at him with a neutral expression on her face, perhaps already getting used to the human's bullshit. -You're mumbling again Anon....- said Trish now she putting her cup on the floor. -Relax you big monkey, we're just taking a little break now, let's get going and find someplace - Trish put her hands to the back of her neck and stretched in her place. The trigga girl was genuinely enjoying her "accidental date" with the human and after an emotionally loaded week, this was just what she needed. Anon looked away somewhat embarrassed and while cursing to himself he began to recount the last few events of the week: - "Let's see.... Trish was avoiding me for practically a week but now we're good." - "Fang hates me and her brother Naser doesn't know what to do with her...but Reed's presence is helping to lessen things. Reed is a broh." - "I suggested to Trish that we go out together to... find a new place for her and the gang."-this last thought came with a blush for the young human and although in reality the suggestion had been born out of something just of the moment Trish was more than happy to go out and find a new place. The young trigga had the idea that maybe a new place to play would help improve things for the band since after their last gig things had been a bit tense... mostly with Fang who now seemed more irritable and angry than before. Things had escalated so much that to smooth things over she had told Fang to try switching to guitar, which was her basic instrument in the first place, since Fang had destroyed her bass after an angry outburst at one of the rehearsals when one of the strings broke. She had never seen Fang so angry before and it certainly ruined that afternoon's rehearsal for the band and if it wasn't for Reed's bringing in some coffee maybe things would have escalated a lot more... but Fang needed something more than just drugs to relax, she needed to feel comfortable with her instrument and feel talented again and so... Trish suggested the guitar...even though to her the band sounded great with two basses. -And there goes our best marketing strategy ....- she whispered with some annoyance in her voice as she remembered that eventful rehearsal a few weeks ago. -Did you say something Trish?- asked Anon looking back at the girl next to him. -Yep... I said: Pack your shit Skinnie... We're moving on. Trish got up from her seat and after stretching her little body, she picked up her cup from the floor and quickly threw it into the nearby trash can a few feet away. -Come on you big monkey - Trish wrapped her arms around Anon's arm before continuing to speak. -We can continue our search before it gets any darker. Anon almost choked on the remains of his drink and after coughing a little he threw his empty plastic cup into the trash can and together with Trish began their new search. The couple was now walking through the streets of Volcadera away from the hustle and bustle that was the main square and were now in search of a boulevard where they might be interested in hiring a band. Anon felt Trish's strong grip on his arm and although it didn't bother him he did feel some discomfort, as Anon wasn't very familiar with female contact and it didn't help that the little interaction with "women" he had was when he was posting baits on those Thai Femboys forums. -Jesus Raptor... Those Thai Femboys are very creative at insulting in English.- thought Anon crinkling his expression a bit remembering those stupid nights of offensive shitposting. Trish could notice the change in Anon's expression. -What's going on in your bald head, Skinnie?- asked the triceratop girl alternating her gaze between her friend and the road. Trish's grip on Anon's arm was intensifying. -Ahhh.... Nothing, just... Ahhh...- "Don't comment on the Femboy forum, Don't comment on the Femboy forum"-that thought echoed in her mind louder and louder before she continued talking. - About what I would be doing if I wasn't here with you ....- Anon finished saying nervously trying not to sound nervous. -Ahh yeah? what? did I interrupt your masturbation session with Animey girls?- Trish laughed, looking at Anon. -Basically, yes. But this is cool too...- admitted Anon between joking and the truth. The pair were now laughing out loud at Anon's sassy comment and before they knew it they were close to Litle Treodum. As they walked Trish increased her grip on Anon's arm and as she wiped away one of her tears with one hand she began to speak. -You know Skinnie... Thanks for joining me today, you know... After everything that happened this week, I don't think you'd ever want to talk to me again - Trish looked down as she dug her nails into Anon's skin, hurting him a little. -Ouch... Trish, it's already behind us. Besides... you were telling me it was so Fang wouldn't be upset. - Anon gave a reassuring smile back to her friend before continuing. -I don't think Fang likes me very much, you say?- Anon's sarcasm was palpable in his last question and Trish didn't overlook it. -No, you think? They... They've been in a really bad mood lately. I really don't know what's wrong with them. This is starting to affect the band... That's why I wanted to go out and find a great place to play ... I even missed my appointment to get my horn touched up today.- Trish pointed to her ear horn. -Hmm, now that you mention it, your horn does look a bit battered. Maybe a polish would do it some good.- Anon's joke made Trish gasp in disbelief and then let it out and punched him in the stomach. -Uuugggghhhh... - Anon clutched his stomach tightly with both hands trying not to laugh at his earlier comment. -Welll... Fuck you to, Skinnie... - Trish crossed her arms in indignation before turning back to Anon with her eyes lighting up as she reached her right hand towards her horn. -Are you serious? Anon pulled himself together from that blow and after taking a breath he spoke again. -Of course not Trish. That was a joke... You look very pretty as usual. Those words of Anon made the Triceratop girl blush and And had not realized the implications of his words for the moment before he nervously replied: -I mean... Ahhh... You know what I mean... You don't need any treatment or anything haha. You look good as always. -I get your point, you dumb monkey. Let's go find the damn place already.- said Trish ashamedly, looking straight ahead, feeling her heartbeat thudding in her chest. The couple now found themselves crossing the boulevards in search of some place to play. They asked in bars, small restaurants, record stores and even a toy store that made stuffed cotton animals and none seemed to be interested in letting them play. They had even passed by a strange shop where a guy with prosthetic legs sold Anon a RAYmba mascot for 30 dollars, plus the advice to stop by a certain address when they finished wasting time in the shop. That fruitless search had taken them a rather long half hour and both the human and the dino girl were tired from walking. The pair had now stopped to rest at a bus stop located at the corner of a brightly lit Italian restaurant. -Shit, we couldn't find a decent fucking place...- Trish's tail was sticking up in the air in indignation as she sat on one of the metal seats at the bus stop. -Hey, at least we got coupons from the stuffed animal store- Anon replied, folding his arms as he watched the cars pass in front of him. -You can shove them up your ass Anon...- Trish's tone was more mocking than annoyed but she looked discouraged anyway. -We couldn't find a good spot....- this last escaped her as a sad murmur. Anon turned to see that large well-lit restaurant behind him and through the window he could see the fine Italian-American style decoration but also the large space in the restaurant and this was more visible because of the few people inside. -Mmm Hey... don't feel bad. Come on... Let's go get something to eat in this place...- said Anon, standing close to her friend Trish. -I'm not hungry.- said Trish, crossing her arms. -Ahh come on, it'll be fun. Maybe we could resume the search once we've had something to eat...- Anon saw how his proposal didn't work and decided to increase it even more. -And I can invite you for a pizza, of course... - Trish now looked up at Anon and after a few seconds looking at the restaurant she looked back at her friend with a smile. -Well, if you insist skinnie. Let's go... - The couple started walking towards that restaurant whose main sign had the name of the place written on it: "Dino-Mou's". -But you pay for the drinks, you fucking trigga...- said Anon, following the girl behind him. -Of course, I forgot for a minute that your ass is more broke than the bums- Trish replied back. -Hey, I'm buying you lunch, aren't I? I'm not that broke...- Anon smiled behind Trish and stood next to the girl. -What did you say? I don't speak "School Meal Card"- Trish arched her eyebrow but kept smiling at the human. -I forgot, you only speak the language of "13/50" percent.- said Anon in reference to the percentage of violent crimes committed by triceratops. -As if you talk to any living being besides your stupid animey characters.... Let Alone with women, you loser.- said Trish now with annoyance in her voice. -You're right, there's no woman around here, I'm just talking to you. Aren't I? They both hadn't realized they had entered the restaurant and were now walking up to the counter. Anon and Trish were getting louder and louder. -You're lucky a girl like me is talking to you, Skinnie. Just look at you.- Trish was pointing at the human with emphasis on his unkempt grunge look. -What? My clothes? They're a little beat up and worn but I had to match your style.- Anon gave Trish a smirk. -Shut the fuck up you monkey.- Trish bellowed, now angry. -Welcome to Dino Mou's! Table for two?- said a deep voice with an Italian accent in front of the counter but both friends seemed not to have heard because they were still engaged in their fight of insults. -Meteor dodger.- spat Anon. -Hairless Ape.- said Trish. -Ahh... Hey, kids...- asked the dinosaur, looking at the two teens strangely. -Salad Puker. - said Anon dryly looking at the purple triceratop. -Autistic Masturbator.- replied Trish quickly with annoyance in her voice. -Hey, kids.- the man raised his voice and arched his eyebrow a bit. -Triceratard.- the human raised his voice, feeling the vein in his neck popping. -Skinnie Faggot.- Trish shouted at the human with a look of fury in her eyes. -HEY! PAIR OF RECKLESS BRATS!- shouted the dinosaur now annoyed by the attitude of both youngsters. Trish and Anon were startled by the shout and both turned to see a burly, middle-aged Saltriosaurus behind the counter of the restaurant. Trish blushed as she realized they had entered the restaurant and were making a scene and Anon looked away feeling a surge of embarrassment as he realized someone was listening in on their little insult fight. -If they finished their little "Hatemance"... Is it going to be a table for two? And if not, I have to ask you to go and fight somewhere else.- said jovially now that big dinosaur with a smile of sharp teeth. That Italian-American dino was wearing an overall with the logo of Dino Moes and on the left side of his chest was a small stick with the name "Tony" on it. -Ahhh... Yes... Excuse me. Table for 2 please- commented Trish quietly still embarrassed looking at the big dino behind the counter. The triceratop girl wanted to protest fot the "Hatemance" comment but the words wouldn't come out. Anon just folded her arms and looked down. -All right kids... Follow me please.- said the waiter Tony coming out from behind the counter to guide the young couple inside the establishment. That place was a large family restaurant specializing in Italian food of all kinds and the decor was a familiar style that was very reminiscent of those quaint villages in southern Italy. The place was divided by a series of tables located both in the middle and on the sides and each one had a nice souvenir that illuminated the center of the table. Anon walked around the establishment before turning his eyes back to the large dinosaur that was now escorting them to their table. -This place is fine for you two kids...- Tony extended his hand to the couple to show them the medium sized table with two chairs located in the middle of the room. -Yes, thank you very much.- Anon replied in return as he sat down in one of the chairs with Trish doing the same. Tony pulled out two menus from his apron and held one out to both teens who took it without hesitation. -Okay kids, I'll leave you the menu so you can get to know our dishes. Let me know when you are ready to order.- Tony gave both teens a big smile. Anon could see that one of Tony's fangs was a gold false tooth and he could also notice how Tony's face had hard features and his ears were beaten and looked like a boxer's ears. Anon's impression of Tony was that the man was surely used to fights and getting punched. Tony walked away, leaving Anon and Trish alone who were now looking at each other slightly embarrassed but that feeling was not long lasting as they both began to laugh. -God Anon... why didn't you tell me that we had gone into the restaurant ?- Trish wiped her tears away feeling her cheeks hurt. -I didn't know... I was also surprised when the waiter yelled at us.- Anon picked up the Menu again and glanced at it quickly before putting it down again. -Do you think we should order a pizza with everything? -Sure. -Trish smiled a sly smile back at Anon. -To drink...how about some beers ?- Trish looked at the alcoholic beverages on the menu. -I'll pass, I don't handle alcohol very well.- Anon laughed as he remembered the last time he'd had a beer, he'd practically gotten drunk on just one can and nearly fell to the floor. -Ahh really? I knew you were a pussy ass monkey.- Trish scoffed as she continued to browse the menu. -I'm just saying... I don't want you to see me totally wasted with just a glass of beer either," Anon leaned both elbows on the table as he looked at Trish with a smile. The triceratop girl found herself being watched by the human and quickly felt the heat hit her cheeks before she pushed the menu away. -Beer for me and a gluten-free soy juice for you, then.- Trish looked away so Anon wouldn't notice her deep blush. -A Pepsi would be nice.- Anon laughed at Trish's gesture. The human could hear Trish's tail slapping the back of the seat but decided not to comment on it. -BUT LOOK WHO WE HAVE HERE - a deep voice boomed through the restaurant causing both Anon and Trish to jump out of their chairs in sudden shock. -Uncle Mou?- shouted Trish watching as the figure of a large, middle-aged Tyrannosaurus Rex approached their table with a broad, sharp-toothed grin. -Uncle?- asked Anon in disbelief. -THE ONE AND ONLY! -that T-Rex was now standing next to Trish's table. -TRISH, YOU LITTLE RASCAL, HOW HAVE YOU BEEN! GIVE THIS OLD FOCIL A HUG! The big Tyraosaurus grabbed Trish in his little arms and pulled her into a tight hug while Anon watched in amazement as the big dinosaur lifted Trish up and pulled her from left to right as he hugged her. -OOHH YOU LITTLE TRIGGA! YOU and LITTLE LUCY DON'T VISIT ME LIKE YOU USED TO!- protested Moe still lifting Trish in the air one last time before releasing her and leaving her very embarrassed and dizzy. -Wait... Your uncle is Mou? Like... The Dino Mous? The one who started the fast food chain "Dino Mous" ? - Anon alternated his gaze between the big T-Rex and the triceratop girl who sat back in her place. -Exactly, boy! But right now I'm more dedicated to the administration of my restaurants, I practically don't touch food anymore.- Mou put his little arms around his waist to adopt a triumphant position. Trish still looked red with embarrassment. -But that's the least of it, boy... So you and my little amethyst here are on a date... AND IN MY HUMBLE LOCAL! I'm honored to have you come here for a romantic evening my children- Moe stretched his little arms in the air while alternating his gaze on Trish and Anon. -That's not ....- Anon raised his hands in Moe's direction. -We're not in a... -Trish interrupted Anon still embarrassed but not embarrassed enough because she shouted her words. -Ooooh but you guys don't have to deny it! Tony already gave me a heads up on your little "Hatemance" scene in the lobby... Oooh young love is the wildest, let me tell you. Moe laughed loudly making Anon and Trish very embarrassed as they lowered their eyes and shoulders so no one else would see. But none of them had the courage to deny what Moe was saying because after all, they had come to hang out and get something to eat. -But enough of the chitchat! You must be hungry my children... Moe will personally bring you a pizza loaded with vegetables and bacon as my little amethyst likes it ! -Uncle Mou... Please... -Trish's voice sounded like a pleading moan but Moe didn't seem to notice. -Ohhh nonsense... Oohh I still remember when you and little Lucy would come over after school and I'd give you your favorite orders of veggie pizza and salami...! Oh... good old times....- Mou was lowering his big ears while his voice trembled for half a second from nostalgia of remembering old times. -I'll bring you your order children! Trish couldn't add anything because Mou bolted for the kitchen. His huge feet made the floor rumble and from the kitchen the distinctive sound of pots and pans clanging and utensils being used could be heard. As Anon listened to the raucous sound emerging from the kitchen, Trish in front of him put her hand between her eyebrows and let out an air of frustration. After a few seconds the pair exchanged glances again, both still very much processing what had just happened. -So... you and Moe really are related? -Of course not, silly. He's more... a family friend...?- Trish rolled her eyes in annoyance as she couldn't remember how Moe was. -Ahh... I figured... But who is Lucy? Trish stared at Anon with slight annoyance but quickly returned to a more relaxed pose. -It's... complicated to explain...- Trish looked down at the table as she tapped her fingers on it. -Try me... -He means... Fang... Lucy is Fang's real name.- Trish looked up again and gave an intense look to Anon, who remained silent to process what he had heard. -Fang... was it Lucy? You mean before this gender thing...? -Yes Anon. Before the gender thing...- Trish said with severity in her voice, which did not go unnoticed by the human. -Oohhh right... and how did all this happen? You say that you and Fang have been friends for more than 10 years...- Trish didn't want to get angry but her blood started to boil inside her, for some reason her body activated a defense mode against Anon's words. Maybe for a while now she had become very defensive about Fang's new status against undesirable people who were just throwing shit and hearing Anon ask about Fang's non-binarism reminded her of those words and inquisitive looks from intolerant people. But Trish knew that this was Anon, the human she had become so close to recently and never made fun of and gave any derogatory remarks on the matter, so she had no real reason to be angry. For the triceratop girl it was funny how the human had entered so much in her life and how he had gained her trust and confidence and right now she felt a similar closeness to the one she had with Reed... but different. She still couldn't explain it but she really enjoyed being with Anon. Trish let her rising anger die down and in a matter of seconds she calmed down again, trusting that the human genuinely had an interest in understanding Fang and herself as part of their new group of friends. -Well Skinnie... I think you've earned the right to be told a little about us...- Trish crossed her legs and propped her elbow on the table to rest her chin on her hand as she looked up at Anon. Anon didn't answer right away and just stared at Trish. -You see... Fang by the end of middle school, before she entered high school... She had this "crisis" of her own... She didn't know how to feel about it, she was lost... scared, she was suffering a lot to find herself - Trish fiddled with her fingers as she tried to say the right words. -Fang was not happy. .... She needed a change in her life, one that would give her more vitality, that would make her unique and different from the mediocrity around her...- Trish closed her fists but started tapping her foot against the floor. -And that's when we found this whole new experience together... Non-Binarism. Fang wanted another life, she wanted to differentiate herself from others, from her standards inculcated at home. I helped her to become who she is now and after doing a lot of research on the subject and going to several seminars at Volcadera State University, we came to the conclusion that Fang is non-binary.- Trish now smiled triumphantly as she remembered those times when they were practically pubescent going to college seminars and how she felt very mature for her age. Anon was now silently staring at Trish and had many questions but none of them were related to Fang's acceptance of her new self: -"Shouldn't they have gone to a professional for better advice?" -Maybe they drew conclusions too hastily"? -Are you 100% sure it was the right decision? -Don't you think that maybe this contributed to Fang's aggressive attitude? -What the fuck were you thinking?! But Anon decided to keep his mouth shut. Because after all it was Fang's business and not hers... and the two of them didn't have the best relationship and as far as the human was concerned: Fang could turn her mouth into a vagina if she wanted it that way and he wouldn't give a shit. The only thing Anon was contemplating was Trish's opinion, after all he didn't want to make her feel bad or disappointed by his opinions because he knew that what Trish was telling him now was something very intimate and personal and that only the people he trusted the most could know about it. Anon was flattered that Trish now saw him as an equal but he needed to ask the purple trigga something. When it was his turn to speak the human stared at Trish and asked: -It's great that you are helping a friend Trish... but lately Fang is too aggressive and ... they mood is shitty... do you know why Fang is like this? Trish just rubbed her front horn trying to process the human's words but she didn't have a clear answer as to why Fang's attitude. -Maybe they're just frustrated that our first concert went wrong...- although she said it with conviction in her voice Trish wasn't one hundred percent sure of her statement. -Although... they've been unjustifiably aggressive... what he did to you in the cafeteria a few days ago...- Trish looked down in embarrassment at her best friend's attitude. -Easy, Trish... It's behind us now. I don't hold it against Fang either, she... I mean THEY can do what they want but I'd better stay away from you when you're rehearsing- Anon returned a warm smile to Trish but she still wasn't relaxed. -But it's true, Anon! Fang shouldn't have acted like that... Besides I want you to come to our rehearsals...- Trish said this last thing almost as a whisper trying not to sound too euphoric but Anon noticed it and thought it was quite sweet. -But now is not the time...- Anon was trying to sound funny but there was a certain disappointment in his voice. -Mmm but you know, maybe if we find a place to play Fang will realize that your not as dumb as they thinks and give your monkey ass a chance. -Ahh... "not so dumb"? -Admit it Anon, you're a dork.- said Trish smiling but there was no malice in her voice. -Maybe... but that makes you a dork too because you hang out with me. -Mmm, yeah... You might be right. Before Anon could add anything else Moe suddenly appeared holding a large pizza circle in his small arms. -SOMEONE ORDERED A DAMN PIZZA?- the big dinosaur shouted jovially as he placed the huge pizza in the middle of the table, before the astonished gaze of the teenagers in front of him. That pizza was almost as big as the table and consisted of a slice made entirely of finely chopped vegetables and placed in such a way that it looked like a game of tetris and as for the other half, it had on top several types of finely chopped salami and other spices of a reddish color that mixed with the oil and made it shine in the light of the table. -This is...- Anon looked attentively at the huge slice of pizza in front of him. -Something excessive...- Trish finished saying, rolling her eyes at Moe. -Ahh nonsense kids, this was my Lucy's and my little Amethyst's favorite pizza here... They always cried that I made them this big thing and then they finished the whole damn thing in a matter of minutes.- Moe spread his arms out in amazement and as Anon laughed at the joke Trish slumped back in her chair in embarrassment. -They were more like piranhas than dinosaurs... Once they almost destroyed the kitchen when they tried to climb a tower of tomato sauce cans they had built themselves in the kitchen! The place looks like a freaking scene out of The Shining, I tell you! -Uncle Mou... please... could you get us our drinks instead of... telling that...- Trish pleaded with the big tyrannosaurus before he continued to air more embarrassing facts about Trish's life. Anon on the other hand was trying not to pee himself laughing. -Of course, honey... I'll get you and your boyfriend your drinks in a minute... - Moe turned around to run out to the kitchen while he heard a high-pitched "We're not a couple" behind him, but he ignored it. Anon by this point was already laughing at the veteran dino's witticisms, which did not amuse Trish who kicked him in the leg under the table, shushing him and making him groan in pain. -We'd better eat the damn thing now...- Trish took a portion from the vegetarian side and began to eat. -Aunch.... That hurt, but let's go... -Anon took his respective portion and they both started eating their delicious greasy food. The couple was dazzled eating that huge pizza and to their surprise, they were both quite hungry because in a matter of minutes they had practically finished the meat portion of that pizza. Anon was surprised that Trish devoured the meaty part of the pizza but apparently she had no problem eating meat from time to time but as for the human it was enough for him to eat only a portion of the vegetarian part to realize that it was not for him. While they were eating Trish told Anon about her casual relationship with Mou and how she and Fang would go with their respective parents to eat at Mous' and how the big dinosaur would treat them to pizza and ice cream. She was also a regular bowler with Fang and his father and Moe himself but they stopped going as they got older and could no longer stand Fang's father's attitude. After almost an hour of carbohydrate feasting the group was resting in their respective seats, filled to overflowing with pizza and several small glass bottles of Pepsi and a one liter bottle of German beer that only Trish got to try due to Anon's refusal not to drink alcohol. Anon leaned back from his seat and put his hands to his stomach not believing how good that pizza was and how he could eat it so heartily. -God... I haven't eaten anything this good in a long time. -I forgot how great Mou's pizzas are- said Trish, her voice hoarse and her face red but not from embarrassment. -This is a great place... maybe we should come more often...- commented Anon looking at Trish out of the corner of his eye. -Mmm maybe but something tells me it's not going to be good for your broke ass to come here often, Skinnie- Trish was now laughing at Anon's expense as if she had just told the best joke in the world. -It looks like the booze is kicking in already, trigga.- Anon muttered to himself hoping Trish wouldn't hear him. -You are the delicate one who can't handle boose.- Trish stretched out in her seat as she pulled her yellow sweatshirt over her stomach and crossed her legs again. -That's why I have Pepsi...- Anon picked up one of the small bottles and drank what little was still in it. -Uuff... man, it's totally full. I would go to sleep for a while now. .... But first I'm going to the bathroom, I'll be right back monkey.- Trish stood up and went to the women's bathroom but not before passing by Anon and with her hand rubbing the bald head of the human. -Hey... stop it!" said Anon as he felt Trish's warm fingers run through his bald spot. The human watched the triceratop girl walk away while laughing at her action. Anon waited a few seconds until Trish had moved far enough away before turning back to the left side of the restaurant to look for the corpulent boss of the establishment: Mou, who was talking to one of the young waiters. Anon didn't waste any time and with his fatigue still latent from having stuffed himself with pizza, he made his way with some effort towards the big tyrannosaurus rex. -Like I was telling you Christofer, if everything goes well maybe we could expand our business further east of the city....- Mou commented softly with his characteristic Italian-American tone to the young velociraptor who must have been older than Anon by only a couple of years. -Ahh... excuse me Moe, could I have a word with you...- Anon positioned himself right behind both dinos who were now looking at him with incredulous eyes. -Ahhhh of course boy! Chris we'll continue this later...- Moe muttered this in a low tone that surprised the young human. Christofer simply nodded and walked away from the two men who were now staring at each other. -Very well... Anon, isn't it? You and my little Amethyst enjoyed your romantic dinner? -Ahh... you know Moe... this is not a "romantic" dinner... We were just hanging out. -Ohhh boy you don't have to be modest! I may be an old fossil but I can tell the chemistry you two have and you can feel it in the air... Trish really appreciates you boy. -Ah... you... think so? -Of course I do! You know... Trish was always a very surly and distrustful person... Just like my little Lucy, she always had a hard time making friends...- Mou somehow managed to cross her arms even though they were considerably smaller than the rest of her large body. -I remember seeing them get together with a pink raptor .... Rodrigo that was his name...- Moe scratched his eyebrow trying to remember Reed's real name. -Yes... It's Reed... -That guy! But back to our thing Anon.... Trish really appreciates you, to see her this comfortable and happy with you is something I haven't seen in a long time... You're so lucky kid! Moe's words echoed in the young human's head and although lately he and Trish were getting along very well he didn't think things would evolve to the point where their moods depended on each other. Certainly Anon enjoyed talking to Trish, being around her and sharing things with her... and maybe he did enjoy being with her "a lot" but he saw it as something natural but now with Moe's revelation maybe things could develop into something more... maybe.... -Hey kid, wake up.- Moe gave him a big slap with his little arm on Anon's back, shaking him out of his trance and leaving him sore. -You were mumbling something about you and Trish...- Moe opened one of his eyes and arched an eyebrow as he smiled a sly grin. -Ahhh sorry Moe... I guess I got stumped thinking about it .... But you know, there was something else I wanted to talk to you about....- -If it's about the bill... Easy boy! It's on the house! Anon was surprised by the tyrannosaurus' revelation and even though he smiled at the announcement that he wasn't going to pay a penny for that great meal, he still wasn't done talking. -Ohh great Moe... but it was something else. It's about Trish... You know, we were looking for a place where we could play with the band.... -Ohhh you don't say... Tell me more boy- Moe opened his eyes and while giving Anon back a sharp-toothed smile, he started to listen carefully to what the human was telling him. It was almost 21PM and the atmosphere in Dino Mous was getting livelier, customers were coming and going and the young waiters were terrified of the night work that working in a big restaurant like Mous entailed. Near the large tables where the large families were usually located, a few meters to the right, were the restrooms of the restaurant. From the women's restrooms emerged the figure of a triceratop girl whose face was red and who looked as if she had wet her face in the sink. The young woman was groping her clothes and rubbing her face trying to wake up after drinking a liter of alcohol by herself. -Mmm gosh, I guess I shouldn't have drunk so much...- the woman commented to herself. - I hope Anon doesn't notice the smell of alcohol on my breath ....- Trish thought for a few seconds what she had said and realized what it implied. - Fuck, I'm not even going to make out with that monkey.- Trish said out loud, causing some of the diners to turn in her direction. Trish played dumb in front of the people's stares and after putting her hands inside the pockets of her sweatshirt, she walked quickly to her seat but when she got there she realized that her companion was no longer there. Strangely, the young trigga turned to several sides looking for her friend and was able to locate him a few meters away talking with the tyrannosaur Moe. -Mmm... This silly Monkey...- Trish muttered looking at Anon in the distance and started moving towards his direction. As she got closer she noticed how Moe slapped Anon hard on the shoulder and walked quickly away towards the kitchen, maybe to watch the cooks work or some shit. As Anon recovered from that blow, Trish was already positioned behind him. -Hey Skinnie, are you ready? If we hurry now, we might be able to find a place before it gets dark. The human turned to the rhino girl to return a knowing smile. -No need Trish. -What are you talking about Anon? -We found a place to play. -What...? -Trish's eyes widened in disbelief at what the human was telling her. -I just talked to Moe... and he's letting us play here for free the next month... The triceratop girl now stared incredulously at Anon, not knowing how to properly process what the human was telling her as she was too busy shaking in her place as if she suddenly got a cold shock. Trish's eyes began to water and after crinkling her face a bit she jumped up to the human to give him a tight hug while screaming with joy at the sudden but happy revelation. Anon now found himself spinning around with Trish clinging tightly to him as she screamed in his ear but the human didn't care. -Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you Anon.- Trish looked like a little girl clinging to her father. Anon hadn't realized how small Trish was compared to him and the Triceratop girl was now clinging to Anon's neck as she was suspended a few feelings in the air. Anon grabbed Trish by the waists to keep her from falling but she held on tighter to the human with her legs. -Hey... Not here, Trish. There's people watching...- Anon laughed at his comment as he laid his head on Trish's shoulder and she did the same. -I don't care, dude... WE HAVE A DAMN PLACE TO PLAY! Ahhhh.- Trish screamed again as she squeezed Anon tighter. Despite being smaller than the human, she certainly had a lot more strength. -Ahhhh Trish... you're going to kill me...- murmured Anon feeling Trish's bear hug. -Ahhh don't be a pussy now Skinnie... - Trish was teasing her friend happily but decided to lower the intensity of the hug but still continued on top of the human and Anon was still holding Trish in the air. The pair now found themselves staring into each other's eyes and felt the world around them begin to blur and for a second they both felt like the only two people in the world. Anon looked into Trish's amastistic eyes and felt a warm smile creep across her face as the warm flush on Trish's face intensified as she looked into Anon's brown eyes and now her small hands slid up to grasp the back of the human's neck and she stroked his bald head softly. They were both just inches away from each other's face and as the seconds passed those inches were getting shorter and shorter. .... -Damn... get a room kids..." said Tony loudly as he passed by the teenagers with a tray full of dirty dishes. ...only to have their romantic moment ruined by Mous' nosy waiter. Slowly Anon and Trish pulled away from each other in a huff and after rearranging their clothes they looked at each other again and giggled awkwardly at their public display of affection. -So ....- Anon put his hands in his pockets. -So...? -We have a place for the gang to play...? -Of course we do.- Trish said with a genuine smile that looked like that of a little girl. -You'd better let the guys know later so they can start rehearsing as soon as possible.- said Anon getting on the move and heading for the exit. Trish did the same and was now walking behind Anon. - And don't worry about the check...Moe says the pizza is on him. Trish wanted to add something else but the words wouldn't come out and now she could only feel great happiness, although there was still one thing she could do: The young triceratop stood next to Anon and wrapped hers arms around Anon's and then leaned her head against him. -You're right Skinnie... Let's go...- Trish smiled as she pulled Anon to lead them both towards the exit. As they were leaving Trish didn't notice Anon turn in the direction of the kitchen where Moe was standing in the doorway holding out one of his thumbs as he winked at him. It was 9:40 PM and the cool streets of Volcadera were not sleeping and the large amount of cars and other vehicles confirmed this, as well as the pedestrians coming and going, some from work and others going to look for some late night fun or others coming back after having an afternoon/evening full of emotions and this was the case of the young couple waiting in silence for the next bus to drop them off at their homes. This couple consisted of a bald human and a purple triceratop girl. Both teens were cuddled up against one of the metal seat backs while the triceratop girl wrapped both arms around Anon as she rested her head on his shoulder. Trish looked sleepy by her peaceful expression on her face but Anon looked nervous expression on his face, perhaps because of the sudden contact from the young trigga girl and it didn't help that he was socially inept at this human contact thing. But he didn't dislike the contact with Trish at all, in fact he liked it, but he didn't know how to start responding from now on and he didn't want to screw it up and let his spaghetti out of his pockets. -You're mumbling again Anon....- said Trish still with her eyes closed and her head on Anon's shoulder. -Fuck...- said Anon in a louder voice. -We were able to get a place to play and on top of that we got free food, what more could we ask for?- Trish now opened her eyes to watch the cars go by. -Mmm yeah yeah... you're right, things worked out pretty well for us eh... It's almost a shame that now you'll be too busy with the rehearsal for... ahh... - Anon didn't know how to continue his speech. -Pff... are you still with that skinnie? I already told you that you can come to our rehearsals... I don't care and neither does Reed...- Trish now stood up straight so she could look Anon in the eyes. -I understand you, but you know... Fang won't want me anywhere near you guys when you're rehearsing.... -I can figure this out skinnie... Besides...- Trish looked down a bit as she leaned her head on the human's shoulder again. -We kind of owe you one... after all, we have a show because of you Anon... And I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the help...- as she said this Trish's voice became a whisper until she said the last word. The trigga girl didn't really have the energy to speak anymore and just enjoyed the comfortable silence that the complicit night offered before them, all while her grip on the human's arm showed no signs of loosening. Meanwhile Anon also felt some hesitation in wanting to continue talking and right now he just wanted to let himself be and lay down for a while... maybe with Trish by his side. But he knew he had to get back to the shithole he called home on Skin Row and all before it got any darker. The human was just paying attention to the distance to check if his vehicle was about to appear. After a few minutes a headlight appeared in the distance announcing the presence of a new bus about to be boarded by the human and to his annoyance and a little to Trish's, it was the only bus that made direct stops in his neighborhood. The Triceratop girl felt the incandescent light of the approaching headlights and after opening one of her eyes to see if it was indeed her friend's bus, she closed them again in annoyance as her suspicion was confirmed. -Mmm... you know, I could take this truck and get off with you. .... I dont mind walking home....- Trish's grip on Anon's arm tightened. -As much as I'd like to Trish... I don't want you walking alone on Skin Row this late, you know how shitty the place is...- and before Trish could comment, Anon quickly spoke up again. - And no Trish... just because you handle yourself well in your neighborhood doesn't mean that human thugs or drug addicts are intimidated by a short, doll-faced triceratop...- Anon emphasized the latter with a smile but Trish just gave him a scowl and still refused to let it go, but didn't mention the "doll-face" part because somehow she took it as a compliment. -All right... Let's do it your way, Skinnie... Although that's not going to stop the crackheads from jumping you at the first sight of your monkie ass.- Trish turned her eyes back to the road and as the bus approached, resigned her grip on Anon and let the human go. -Relax Trish... I'm so broke that even crackheads won't mess with me... In fact, they even give money to me...- Both friends laughed at Anon's comment and the human set his eyes on the bus getting closer and closer. Anon signaled for the bus to stop at the bus stop to pick him up. Trish looked sleepy but didn't want to end the evening just yet but she didn't want to pressure Anon to stay either. Anon turned to look at Trish one last time but wasn't sure how to properly say goodbye. -Hey...- Anon put his hand on Trish's shoulder and stood face to face with her. - It's ok Trigga... When I get to my place I'm going to send you a message so you know I don't get stabbed by a junkie. -You better, you dumb ape... -Trish got back in front of Anon and both of them were back to the way they were in Moe's restaurant. Both friends smiled at each other and brought their faces close to each other... Maybe now they could finish what they had started in Moe's... Maybe they could... Maybe if... The sudden noise of the bus braking next to them brought them out of their moment and the tired and growling voice of the driver inside the bus ended up ruining the moment. -Come on kid, get on the bus, we have to get to Skin Row!- shouted the caveman uniformed driver with gigantic dark circles under his face. Anon and Trish let out an annoyed sigh. -Well, I'd better get going... I'll see you around, Trish...- Anon gave Trish a quick hug and dodging the horn on her ear gave her a kiss on her forehead and broke away to head for the bus. After taking two steps away from Trish, the girl quickly called out to Anon to tell him something. -Wait Skinnie!...- exclaimed Trish heading towards Anon and when he turned around to see her, she wrapped her little arms around his neck and kissed him on the corner of his lips. That kiss may have lasted about 3 seconds but it felt much longer. The only witness to that failed kiss was the bus driver who was now looking at the teenage couple with a smile. After that kiss Trish let go of Anon's neck and after landing on her feet, she smiled at the astonished human and with her sly tone greeted Anon for the last time: -Don't forget to send me messages when you arrive... Now go before the driver gets tired of your sorry ass... The human with a smile just nodded and quickly got on the bus driven by the now confused driver, who after a few seconds came out of his stupor and put his vehicle in motion, closing the doors and moving progressively away from the stop. The triceratop girl watched as the bus drove off into the distance and now all alone she looked down at the ground and sat back down on the metal backrest that served as a waiting seat for the bus, with her hands in her pockets and still with the warmth of Anon's body soaking into her clothes. -Mmm... damn it, we can't be given a chance.- Trish protested while biting her lower lip and cursing her bad aim but in reality she couldn't complain, the day had turned out great and the best thing was that they had a good place to play and on top of it all for free... She hadn't planned anything and things went great and right now she was just waiting to let the guys know when she got home so she could organize everything. The purple trigga turned to her left to see if her respective bus was on its way and as the panorama gave her back only the empty road, she focused her sight to the front and started to remember the nice moments she had spent that day with Anon. After paying for his ticket and settling into one of the seats on the left side of the bus, Anon lost himself in the view of the night landscape of Volcadera, all the while his mind was going faster than that rickety bus and looking back on the day's events, all the while the bus driver was looking at him in the rearview mirror. -I had a "non-date" with Trish... that eventually turned into a date... we had dinner and almost kissed... we got a spot for her band and for FREE.... and now she kissed me... near my mouth....- Anon groped that warm kiss with one of his fingers and could even feel a bit of the wetness of Trish's lips still fresh on the corner of his mouth. The human was worried about what was going to happen and even though they couldn't make that kiss happen, Anon wasn't at all dissatisfied or disappointed with the way things had turned out. The reflection of the window of the moving bus showed Anon smiling like a child as he looked out at the city streets still lit up and full of life as he waited for his next stop to get off and go to the shithole he called an apartment... but right now he didn't give a shit about his precarious home. Right now Anon was happy. [POST-NOTES] I hope you enjoyed this read! Let me know in the comments what you thought of the story! Nothing more to say: See ya