I find myself staring at the intricate wood patterns of the table, getting more and more lost in my thoughts. Taking a deep breath, I force myself to look around, to actually take in this restaurant Aubrey thoughtfully chose.
It shows such consideration in her selection—the kind of place where both humans and monsters can feel comfortable.
The restaurant has made genuine accommodations for its supernatural clientèle. Beyond the practical considerations like lower tables for certain fae species, temperature-controlled sections for elementals, and booths wide enough for tails and wings, they’ve crafted a menu that truly understands monster palates.
I’ve watched servers carry past dishes that blend traditional human cuisine with creative alternatives for different species’ needs. A group nearby shares an innovative vegetarian feast, the colors and arrangements suggesting both human and fae influences.
Then I notice a werewolf, proudly displaying his natural hybrid form, ears and tail visible, dining with his human date. She’s laughing at something he’s said, completely at ease with the way his ears occasionally twitch in response to the restaurant’s noise. They look… normal. Happy.
Perhaps Aubrey and I could have that too, that simple joy of being together in public without—
Her scent hits me then, and every scale on my body tingles with awareness. She’s here, and suddenly I’m absurdly conscious of how my tail is arranged, whether my cobra hood is lying flat enough, if my chosen attire—a charcoal dress shirt paired with a crimson sash around my waist—is appropriate for such an establishment.
All those thoughts vanish when I see her. She’s wearing a deep emerald dress that makes her eyes sparkle, the fabric swirling around her legs. Her hair falls in soft waves, and her smile, which is slightly nervous but bright with anticipation, makes my chest tight with feelings I’m still learning to name.
“Hi,” she says, sliding into the booth. “Sorry if I’m late. I had a minor crisis involving Maggie, three different pairs of heels, and way too much eyeshadow that had to be redone. Though honestly? I think she was more nervous than I was.”
My tail, operating on instinct rather than propriety, immediately seeks her out, brushing against her bare ankle. Her slight shiver of response makes my pupils dilate.
“You are beautiful,” I tell her.
“You clean up pretty nice yourself,” she says, a hint of pink coloring her cheeks. “Though I have to admit, it’s weird seeing you without some dusty artifact in your hands.”
“I considered bringing one along. For comfort.” The joke feels clumsy on my tongue, but her resulting laugh makes it worthwhile. “But I thought perhaps on our first proper date, we could focus on matters beyond work.”
“Our first proper date,” she echoes, something soft and wandering in her voice. “God, that sounds weird to say out loud. Good weird! But definitely weird.” She glances around the elegant space. “Man. This place is gorgeous. I wasn’t sure if you’d like it, but I read some reviews that said they really understand different species’ needs and—”
“It’s perfect,” I interrupt, touched by her thoughtfulness. “Though, to be honest, I’m more interested in my company than the venue.”
The waitress appears then, and I notice how Aubrey straightens slightly, as if preparing for judgment. But the young woman merely smiles and offers wine recommendations. As she describes a particularly interesting blend, I watch Aubrey relax, her fingers absently tracing patterns on the tablecloth that my tail aches to follow.
“What do you think?” Aubrey asks, and I realize I’ve missed the entire conversation. “About the Syrah?”
“I trust your judgment completely,” I tell her, which earns me one of those smiles that makes my cobra hood threaten to flare. She has no idea how much power she holds over me with just a quirk of her lips.
After the waitress leaves, Aubrey asks in a whisper. “So, is this weird for you? Being out in public like this? Because I keep catching people trying to secretly watch us, and I can’t tell if it’s because you’re incredibly hot or because they’re waiting to see if I’m about to become snake food.”
Her casual compliment catches me off guard. “Incredibly hot?”
“Oh please, like you don’t know exactly how impressive you are.”
I find my tail getting a little frisky now, making its way higher up her leg. “I believe you’re the one who’s impressive, Aubrey.” My tone dips lower. “And as for the stares, I find I don’t particularly care, so long as you’re beside me.”
Her blush deepens, but before either of us can continue down a path that might lead to a very public display, the waitress returns with our wine. I reluctantly withdraw my tail, though not before catching Aubrey’s quiet gasp of disappointment. It’s nice to know she’s as ravenous for me as I am for her.
As the waitress pours our wine, I notice Aubrey fidgeting with her napkin, a tell I’ve learned means she’s working up to saying something. Sure enough, once we’re alone again, she takes a deep breath.
“Can I ask you something? About naga customs?” Her fingers trace the stem of her wine glass nervously. “It’s just… Maggie’s been doing research for her monster dating consultation thing, and she mentioned something about tail touching being kind of a big deal? Like, socially significant?”
My throat tightens. Of course she would ask about this now, when we’re in public and I can’t properly demonstrate exactly how significant tail touching can be. “It is… intimate,” I manage, my voice rougher than intended. “Especially in public settings.”
“Oh.” Her eyes widen slightly. “So when you keep brushing against my leg, that’s basically like…”
“Like claiming you in front of everyone? Yes.” The words come out more possessive than I intended, but her suppressed smile tells me she doesn’t mind.
She takes a quick sip of wine. “That’s good to know. For future reference. Anyway, maybe we should look at the menu before I say something inappropriate in this very nice restaurant.”
I hide my smile behind my own wine glass, watching as she fumbles with the menu. Her scent has shifted subtly, carrying notes of arousal that make me ache to wrap around her.
