Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

(Thanks to SmoothRock (Aucon22) for editing)

(Thanks to Ignus93 for the Cover art)

May 23rd, 201M2020 B.C.

Volcaldera Bluffs. 

I technically should be in school by now, but due to the circumstances, I was given my finals two weeks early. I can’t believe I’m actually no longer in Rock Bottom. It kinda seems like it was all a lifetime ago. Full of pain and yet happiness. But I’m leaving it all behind now. Because there is nothing left for me there, and I refuse to let the most precious thing in my life grow up in a racist hellhole where both humans and dinos are gonna look at her as if she was a freak.

I promised Nick I would look after our daughter and that’s what I’m going to do.

Mr. Balor practically got everything done in less than a week for us. I think he’s been wanting to do this for years ever since he stepped foot in Rock Bottom. Yes, it cost him a big job and all those benefits, but there was no way he was going to let his granddaughter suffer like Nick suffered. Nick was tough enough to take it and she had me, her best friend, to support her in those bad times. Together we could take on the whole fucking world.

Blue is just barely two weeks old. 

Rock Bottom would have eaten her alive.

It’s really foggy out here. Mr. Balor says that’s normal weather due to being so close to the bay and it apparently gets worse during the winter. Kinda reminds me of Silent Hill, only there is no annoying alarm to warn you of going into the other world. I’ve never been to a big city before. Rock Bottom was as rural as can be for an old school American town. The few times I left it was to go to other nearby towns or even to camp in the woods. Seeing the skyscrapers is pretty cool, but what really stands out is that there are so many dinosaurs compared to humans. In fact, I don’t think I’ve seen a single one since we crossed into the city. 

All I’ve seen is multiple different multi-colored dinosaurs of every type with their names escaping me. I think the average person from Rock Bottom would have a heart attack seeing this. Even I’ll admit I’m kinda nervous as a memory from Nick comes to my mind.

“Honestly, Volcaldera Bluffs has its own issues despite it being much better than this place.” I hear her voice clearly and it makes my heart sink since I know I’ll never hear it face to face again. “Humans get shoved into this horrible district called Skin Row where most of them live on the poverty line or lower with the other lower class dinosaurs. It’s rare to see them in the middle-class or even higher. There’s also racism among the dinosaurs about humans. I wouldn’t say it’s as bad as Rock Bottom’s racism, but there are a number of assholes in that city who really are no different than the bastards we deal with. Just scales instead of skin.”

I have a feeling that this place isn’t going to be easy for me to fit in, but that’s fine. The only one that matters is one sleeping beside me in the back of the car. I gaze over towards Blue who is snoring away peacefully in her car seat. She has no idea what’s going on and I guess that’s a good thing. She doesn’t know that she’s motherless and moving to a new location for her own safety.

Mr. Balor, Nick’s father and more a father to me then my own ever was, is focused on the drive with that stoic look of his. I still can recall the tall blue and yellow gator breaking down in tears, holding his daughter’s cold hand as we watch her body covered in the white sheet. Silent and unmoving.

He’s been keeping himself strong for me and Blue, just as I’ve been keeping strong for my daughter. 

A part of me wonders if he blames either of us but I quickly push that aside. He wouldn’t be doing this, moving all us back to his home city, if he hated us both. Or at least hated me.

“Everything’s been moved in,” Mr. Balor says as he turns the car at the next light. “All we just have to do is put away our belongings. We also still need to do Blue’s room so for now the crib will be with you.”

I nod in thanks. I don’t think I can part my way from Blue. It’s like she’s been keeping me sane ever since Nick died. Going to school for the few remaining days I had to go to finish my tests were nerve wracking. I’m surprised I even passed them when all I could think about was getting back to Blue. 

I haven’t even once been able to stay ten feet apart from my daughter. Every time she coos, cries, yawns, and giggles I’m right there to play with her, hug her, feed her, and change her. 

I just wish I wasn’t doing it alone, but I don’t have a choice. I look over to Blue and gently stroke her head as she nuzzles her snout into my hand upon smelling my scent. According to the doctors, dinosaur babies need to spend as much time with their parents as possible to know their scent and imprint on them. Outside of Mr. Balor and doctors from Rock Bottom (who thankfully we're not like the rest of the population there), I’ve let nobody else hold my daughter. I also sometimes take Nick’s clothing and keep it close to us so she can remember the scent of her mother. A scarf or a shirt that I wrap her around with.

Nick might be gone, but I will be damned if she’s forgotten.

***

Our new home wasn’t that far from the entrance of Sunpark Heights, the new neighborhood we would be living in. While not the richest district in the area, it was very upper middle class to the point that it looked like something out of a brochure for a gated community. Most of the houses looked the same save for some differences in height, width, or size of the yards. Ours was a white-grey walled two-level house with a grey tiled roof. A garage for the car, a front yard and backyard with some hedges for decoration, and an American Flag on a pole for some reason. Maybe the previous owners were very patriotic or something?

It looked very plain, but I imagine we’ll make it stand out in our own way as time goes on. Maybe a new paint job or a garden? But that’s for the future. Blue woke up just as we drove in, as if sensing that we were in our home, before trying to squirm out of her car seat to take a good look at our surroundings. I carry her seat out of the car by the handle and she starts “baby talking” at all the new sights and smells. The warm sunshine hits her face as she takes in new house and reaches for it like a new toy. I can’t help but let out a chuckle upon seeing her adorable actions. 

Mr. Balor is already grabbing our stuff, which isn’t much, as I take a look around the area. There does not seem to be many people around since it’s still mid-day, and this is Thursday after all. I do see an elderly couple and one or two adults walking by who give us a confused stare. Undoubtedly, we do look like an odd group, especially with me being human. I can’t help but wonder how far the rumor mill will go by the day’s end.

Once Mr. Balor has the door open, we hurry inside. When Mr. Balor said that he had everything moved from his old house to the current one, he meant it. The inside looks just like home with the same furniture, pictures, decorations, and possessions save for a few we had to bring with us to the hotel we stayed at. It was like being back at the house save for being a bit smaller.

And missing one other person.

“Home sweet home, sweetie,” I tell Blue as she gazes around silently to take in all the sights.

“Why don’t you take her to your room? Get settled in while I put some of our stuff away. I’ll start Blue’s formula and we’ll have Dino-Moe’s for dinner,” Mr. Balor said as he made for the couch to put the bags down.

“Ah, the infamous Dino-Moe’s . I finally get to try it,” I chuckle. Nick used to rant all the time about how the pizza from her favorite restaurant chain was the best ever in creation. I wonder how excited she would be to have a slice right now?

I take Blue out of her car seat and carry her gently up the stairs with her resting on my chest, her tail wagging in excitement upon seeing the new places that seem to dazzle her eyes. My room has my name on it with a poster of one of my favorite classic rock bands, Bad Company , plastered on it. Opening it, I feel like I’m back in my old room. All my stuff has been set up. The posters, anime figures, nerf guns, computer, TV, books, and such. I got a bed that still needs to be covered and a bare desk, but that’s for later. The most important thing is that the crib is not far from the bed, and I place Blue inside it so she can get used to it and the new room. 

She crawls around, some of her toys and her favorite blanket already inside for her to use. She quickly grabs her favorite blue and green blanket and chews on it before making one of her rubber toy animals. I sit down and watch her with a soft smile. I honestly can spend hours just watching her play and enjoy herself without looking away. Her laugh and smile are so precious. It’s just like Nick’s...

I can already feel a few tears threatening to drip down my cheeks, but I wipe them away. I promised myself I wouldn’t cry in front of my daughter if I could help it. I don’t want her to see her daddy crumble into a sobbing wreck so whenever I can, I do it privately.

It’s not fair.

It’s not fucking fair .

After all the shit me and Nick went through, we were going to start a family, marry, and be happy. Yes, we were going to be teen parents, but I believed we could do it together and with Mr. Balor’s help. With Nick, I felt like I could do anything. I can only hope she’s with me right now, as an angel, watching us both and giving us the strength this family needs to move on.

God, I… I just want her back. I want the woman I loved back with me. Here. With our daughter.

I rub my face thinking of what we had to do going forward. There was not only settling in, but also getting ready for the wake and funeral in two days. Mr. Balor had Nick’s body sent here to prepare it for proper service and to make sure she was buried next to her mother. There was also the fact that I had to get Blue enrolled with child care, a doctor, baptism, maybe a daycare. Plus finding a part-time job for myself during the summer. Much as I am glad that Mr. Balor is taking care of me, I don’t want to burden him too much. 

End of summer was what I was dreading the most. My final High School year. Only this time I’ll be the sole human student in a place full of dinosaurs. One that happens to also be a single parent. No pressure, huh?

“Anon?! Can you come down for a second?!” Mr. Balor’s voice cries out and I pick up Blue before going back down.

Waiting for us is Mr. Balor but also someone else. A very big someone else. She’s a T-Rex, I can say that much. Her scales are light green with a dark green set of stripes all over her body. She has very light blue hair covering the front of her face, mostly her eyes, while her large muzzle is poked out of it. She wears a yellow cream-colored sundress with some white fur around the front. The mysterious visitor looks at us, and while I can’t see her expression fully, her stance is heartwarming and kind despite her size.

“You must be Anon,” The T-Rex says as she looks down at me before gazing over at Blue in my arms. She kneels down and smiles warmly as my daughter tilts her head. “And this must be baby Blue.”

She reaches out and touches the T-Rex’s snout which makes the lady huff in amusement before she stands up and nods. “My name is Fang Spears. I believe Nathan has told you about me.”

“Oh, right,” I said before holding my hand out. “You and your husband are family friends.”

“Indeed. We all went to the same school together,” Mrs. Spears said. She soon pulled me and Blue in for a hug. Her voice quivers momentarily before she speaks, “I just want to say that I am here for both of you. Nick was like a niece to me, and she often told us in her emails and calls how much she loved you. I know this isn’t easy. Believe me...I...” 

She took a deep breath and choked a bit. “I am still coming to terms with it myself.”

I can hear the pain in her voice and I close my eyes to relax in her embrace. Blue is there sharing in the warmth of this caring hug in memory of her mother who we all loved dearly. Mrs. Spears breaks the hug and wipes her eyes behind her hair. “I promise my husband and I will be there for you and Blue every step of the way. I already made sure to clear out my days so I can watch over her for you while you attend school. My husband can even drive you personally home if you want.”

“Oh, right. He’s my school’s principal,” I recall. “Well, thank you nonetheless, Ma’am.”

“Why don’t I tell you some stories about how Nick was when she was a kid,” Mrs. Spears said with a giggle. “I can tell you the time she and her friends, along with my husband, decided to go one Halloween as the Beatles.”

I smile and hold Blue close as I nod. “I’d like that.”

***

After Mrs. Spears left, Mr. Balor went to pick up the pizza since he needed to pick up groceries for us as well. I decided to stay here and watch Blue as I put on some baby programs for her as well as left her on her favorite blanket with some of her toys. To be sure she didn’t wander off, I put pillows around her as a small cage. Saving for needing to change her once, nothing really happened and I just smiled warmly while watching her entertain herself or giggle at the cute animal cartoon characters. 

The doorbell rings and I wonder if that was Mr. Balor, but when I open the door I come face to face with two people I’ve mostly heard about and only ever really saw in a few video chats. Nick had friends before we met and two of her best friends growing up were a Chasmosaurus named Trent and an Atrociraptor named Curtis. The former is purple with long dark curly purple hair that got lighter as it went down. He’s got a green checkered jacket ( Ya, fellow green color bro ) with a dark shirt that had a red square and some kind of foreign lettering on it. Meanwhile, his companion is bright pink like a pepto bismol bottle and has short pinkish-silver hair that goes with his arm feathers and long bushy tail. He has a lot of multi-colored tattoos that I could see thanks to wearing a white shirt that was so thin you could see his muscular body. Seriously, this guy hits the gym compared to Trent who looks like he eats three cheeseburgers a day. Curtis also has a few golden chains around his neck and rippled black jeans.

“Anon?” Curtis says in surprise. “Huh, thought you’d be taller.”

“Oh, hey,” I reply in surprise upon seeing them. While we had talked a few times through Nick, this was the first time we were actually speaking to each other face to face. “I wasn’t expecting to see you guys here.”

“Well, we thought about meeting you tomorrow or at the... funeral ,” Trent mutters before he rubbed the back of his neck. “But...we really wanted to come over. If that’s okay.”

“Y-Yeah, sure come in,” I open the door more to let them enter the house.

“Thanks. Oh, and before anything else happens? I just need to do this and this is nothing against you, man. But I just gotta.”

“Wha- OOF! ”

I wince at the blow to my stomach that Curtis gives. It’s not too painful but it does knock the wind out of me. I kneel over a bit before gasping for breath as Curtis then helps me up. “Like I said, sorry bro. But I’ve wanted to do that ever since I heard you got Nick pregnant. Big brother duties and all. No hard feelings?”

“None taken...” I groan with a wince. “I guess I kinda deserve that.”

“But in all seriousness, it’s great to finally meet you in person,” Curtis says as he suddenly hugs me as if we’ve been bros for life. “Nick talked about you all the time in our calls. I couldn’t even believe she managed to find a boyfriend of all things. But the way she talked about you? It was like you were everything to her, man.”

I soften upon hearing this and close my eyes with a gentle smile. “She was to me too.”

Trent walks up and puts a hand on my shoulder. “Look. This hasn’t been easy for any of us...when we learned Nick...died...we really went through some shit...but I can’t imagine what it’s been like for you. I mean, we were Nick’s friends for her childhood but you were there for her the most in that fucking hellhole you called a home. You were there when we weren’t so we got your back, Anon. Nick loved you a lot. So we’re here to let you know that you’re our friend too.”

“Yeah, Volcaldera Bluffs can eat humans alive, man,” Curtis chuckles as he smacks my arm. “You’re gonna need us to show you the ropes.”

“Thanks,” I nod before a thought comes to me. “You want to see Blue?”

Curtis and Trent snap their heads up and they go silent. I can see their tails twitch as they nervously nod in agreement. Guiding them to the living room, I hear Curtis gasp in shock while Trent holds himself on the wall upon seeing Blue for the first time. She’s playing with her blocks, ignorant of us staring at her with two of the group looking like they saw a ghost.

“My god,” Trent mutters as he wipes his misty eyes. “She looks just...just like her...”

“Oh, Nick,” Curtis can’t help but sob for a moment as he covers his eyes with his feathered arm. “God, why did she...”

I don’t try to think of the finishing of that sentence. I need to be strong because Blue is here. Slowly, I walk up to her and pick her up which makes her gurgle in surprise before she smiles upon seeing me. Giving her my best smile, I speak to her. “Look, sweetie. Mommy’s friends came to visit.”

I adjust her so she can see the two who look nervous upon gazing at Blue’s innocent eyes. “Can you say hello?”

“... biba la...luguh guh guh ga..” Blue says in her usual jibber jabber but she seems very curious about the two new faces.

Trent is the first to approach her as he lowers himself and give her a big friendly smile. “Hi, B-B-Blue. I’m T-T-Trent. I was your M-M-Mommy’s friend ever since she was your age...”

Trent turns to Curtis to motion him to come over and he slowly does, doing his best to keep his tears in. “And I’m...C-C-Curtis...you’re...b-b-beautiful.” 

She then extends her hands and reaches out.

“She wants to touch your snouts,” I tell them, which makes them tilt their head. “She seems to love touching new people's snouts. Not sure why.”

The two smile and come close enough for Blue to rub and feel their snouts much to her joy. She reaches out for any part she can and giggles while rubbing them. I don’t know why she loves doing this, but I guess every baby has a little quirk or two. Suddenly, after she’s done doing that, she moans and starts snapping the air with her jaw. The guys look worried that maybe they did something wrong, but I quickly shake my head. 

“She’s just hungry. I gotta get her formula,” I tell him before motioning them to sit down. “I’ll also get us something to drink in turn.”

“C-C-Can I hold her? I used to hold my cousins so…” Curtis asks nervously.

While a part of me is super reluctant, I slowly hand her over to him and he holds her properly before he sits on the couch with Trent. I won’t lie, I am power walking to the kitchen to get those refreshments.

I head to the kitchen where Blue’s bottle is in a sealed thermobag that keeps it warm even after it’s been made. Along with three sodas, I head back to the living room where Curtis is trying to make funny faces with Blue but she’s just looking at him like he’s odd. Once I give them a soda and put mine somewhere, I take Blue back and begin to feed her. She guzzles her drink like a camel in a desert as they watch me as if I’m a wizard.

“Dude, you’ve had her for a short time and yet you're feeding her like an expert,” Trent whispers.

“I had practice,” I answer as I continue to feed. Once he has her fill, I help her burp before she goes back to sleep almost instantly. 

“So how did you and Nick really get to know each other?” Curtis asks. 

I smile and hold Blue closer as I think about our first day meeting all the days that came from it. “Well, it started on her first day...”

***

Not long after Curtis and Trent leave, it’s time to put Blue to bed.

And of course, she has to wake up and start crying again.

Even with a full diaper removed, bottom cleaned, and a fresh diaper placed, she’s still crying.

Damn it.

… I wonder, does Blue know she’s missing?

That the woman who carried her and brought her into the world is gone?

I’m holding my crying daughter in my arms, gently wrapped in her light blue swaddle.

“Please don’t cry, sweetheart.”

My words fall on deaf ears. She can’t understand me.

She doesn’t want to hear me.

… Maybe she’ll listen to Nick.

With Blue in one arm, I fish my phone from my pocket and search through my video gallery.

Here it is, I know she didn’t want me to record this, but I loved hearing her sing this.

“Damn it, Nonny. Are you recording?”

“Sorry, Nick. Can’t help it. I wanna remember it. Could you sing it again? I’m sure she’d love to hear it again someday.”

Nick sighs. “Ugh. Fine. Only because it’s for her, dork.”

“Well, got anything to say to her before you start singing?”

She clears her throat. “Hey Blue. I’m still carrying you at the time this is recorded, but I want you to know… that no matter what happens to your father or I, we’ll always love you, our baby Blue.”

A second later a guitar is playing and then Nick’s angelic voice echoes in the room.

“Dear Blue, don’t be so sad
Don’t think about those bad dreams you had

For when you’re alone and feeling scared

Know that I will always be right there.”

“Think of a smile and a dream

And it will shine down like a sunny beam

Because you make our day so bright

My Baby Blue, you are our light.”

“So sleep tonight until the dawn

Dream only about this little song

And remember this for it is true

We will always be there for you.

My Baby Blue.”

It’s soothing to hear, as well as watching the baby in my arm quiet down and listen. Slowly, Blue begins to close her eyes as the song nears the end.

Once my daughter is asleep, I set my phone down gently and place her into the crib.

“Hey, Anon.” I didn’t realize the recording was still going…

I walk over to where I set my phone at the bed and sit down to listen to it.

“Yeah, Nick?”

“I love you.”

“I love you, too.” My voice interlaps with the voice on the phone.

… It’s all at once I can feel my emotions being released like a flood.

My grief, my anger… all of it.

It hurts.

She’s gone, and all she’s left me with is Blue.

Nick… I’m so sorry my love, it’s all my fault. You didn’t deserve to die.

Through my quiet tears, I lay my head on my pillow, yearning for the touch of my dead lover.

I look toward the crib and remember what I’ve lost, but also, what I’ve gained.

I need to be strong, but it’s so damn hard.

I miss you Nick…

I’ll love our daughter for the both of us.

Because all that matters in this cruel and unforgiving world is her.

Our baby Blue.

-End Chapter-

Chapter Text

I’ve only ever been to one wake and funeral ceremony in my entire life. In the fourth grade, a student in our class got hit by a car while biking home so we were all expected to go there and pay our respects. A part of me feels bad not remembering the kid’s name or even finding myself caring all too much. I mean, yes it was sad he died and I felt sorry for the family, but I didn’t know him. There’s not much grief you can have for a stranger, beside the typical ‘I’m sorry to hear that.’ A part of me wonders if it's wrong to think that, but really, over time I just forgot about it. 

Until now, at least.

Mainly because this would be the second wake and funeral ceremony I would ever go to in my life. 

Only this time, it was for someone I cared about more than anything.

Nick.

I left everything to Mr. Balor to take care of since I had no idea what I was doing. He did ask if I wanted to make a speech but I didn’t have the heart to do it. Not only was I going to be mourning with a bunch of dinosaurs and people I had never met, but I just didn’t have it in me to say anything. Mr. Balor didn’t seem bothered by it and understood. In the days leading up to the funeral, he was a lot more emotional, from looking sadder to smiling softly at pictures of Nick we had in the house.

One night I even caught him holding Blue and rocking her, whispering a nursery rhyme or two. All with tears coming down his eyes. 

It only made me feel even more guilty because a part of me can’t help but think this is all my fault. If I hadn’t gotten her pregnant, Nick would still be alive. Yes, we both agreed we held responsibility when we found out Nick was pregnant, but still, I can’t help but blame myself.

The wake and funeral would be held at a Catholic funeral home and church, respectively. While I had grown up in a Baptist household, I hadn’t been super into religion until Nick. She and her father had been devoted Catholics, and so over time, I fell into the faith. I even got baptized and confirmed into the Church after my parents gave up their parental rights. Was I still super religious? No, but I won’t deny it’s been helpful in my grief.

I like to think she is up there as an angel and God is looking over our Baby Blue. Our little miracle. 

Was I pissed at him for taking Nick away? Of course I was. But Nick would hate me for holding a grudge against God and wouldn’t want her death to be used in such a way. So, for now, I wasn’t going to hate him. I just… wasn’t going to speak to him for a time. If ever.

Mr. Balor helped me finish my tie for the suit he got me to wear for the wake. We had an hour to get there before the first guests showed up. I gazed over at Blue, already in her car seat, sleeping and dressed in a blue shirt and grey sweats and socks. I had debated bringing her to the funeral, but I realized this was the only chance she was ever going to see her mother. Yes, she would be a corpse, but she was a baby who innocently didn’t understand what death was. To her, Mommy would just be sleeping peacefully in a nice warm bed. 

Looking like an angel.

My throat clenches immediately with the thought. Damnit, I’m already tearing up.

“Anon,” I blink away the mist and look up at Mr. Balor, whose eyes are gentle with understanding and sorrow. “Before we go, I want you to know...that there is no shame in crying for those we love...and that nobody...anybody...has a right to tell you how to feel. It’s times like these we need to allow ourselves to be weak. To let it out. So when you need me to be strong for you...I will...just as I will ask you to be strong for me.”

I nod at him. “Thank you, sir.”

“Anon...please call me Dad,” He said before hugging me. “Despite never marrying my daughter, I would have been proud to call you my son-in-law. In my mind, you already are. You are my family. You and Blue are all I have left. So please...son...call me Dad.”

“...D-D-Dad...” I choke and hold him as we both grip each other hard. 

We use that moment to let ourselves cry just a bit. To let out the early tears. Once we finish, we grab Blue and head out.

Typically, at funerals in the media, you see it raining to symbolize the grief being shown. It’s a sunny day out. 

Somehow, that makes me feel even sadder.

***

Dinosaur wakes and funerals really aren’t that different from human ones. They just have bigger coffins modified to fit their sizes, tails, horns and all that stuff. The funeral home was busy. I guess Nick wasn’t the only one having a funeral. Makes you realize just how every day a number of people pass on from this world while others are born. It’s like life itself never really ends and just goes on even without the people who were there previously. Kinda sad but also kinda beautiful in a way.

Despite that, I still can’t help but resent the fact that I had to learn this without Nick here. Or that I had to think about all of this because of her absence. 

Since we’re immediate family, we’re the first people to arrive so Mr. Balor can make sure everything is prepared. The room where we have Nick’s wake is one of the larger rooms. The white and pink coloring for the walls gives it a sort of heavenly vibe while chandeliers in the ceiling glitter in the window’s sunlight like crystals. There were tons of flowers, and in so many different colors; white, red, blue, and pink. Heck, even some purple ones in the mix.I don’t know what their names are and what they represent but I think they look amazing. Some are on tables that contain mementos of Nick like her favorite guitar, pictures of her growing up, or farewell cards. Others are on funeral wreaths that mostly surround the casket. They either have a photo of Nick there, wrapped with black ribbons, or have written sashes around them that say things like “We love you, Nick” or “Rest In Peace”. 

And finally, there are the ones in the casket itself.

It’s an open casket.

Mr. Balor wanted it and told me if it was too much we could make it closed. 

Much as a part of me wants to never see Nick’s corpse again or to just shut that casket right now, I can’t. This is the last time I am going to see her. The last time anyone is going to see her. We deserve to see her one last time, in a state of peace. Blue deserves to see her mother at least once, even if it is not the ideal state.

Plus, I can already imagine her saying she wants it.

“Damnit, Nonny. You know I’ve never been afraid of showing up for anything and I’m not going to hide like a coward at my own funeral. So you better make sure I’m looking good for the viewing. Last thing I want to do is look stupid in my own wake.”

I take a few moments together myself. I can do this. I can do this. I can do this.

I hug Blue who's busy looking at the flowers in awe. 

God. Raptor Jesus. Someone. Give me strength to do this.

Finally, my legs move forward but almost turn to jelly as I look upon her again with water in my eyes.

She is so beautiful, even in death.

Whatever morticians were paid to make Nick look the way she is deserve a fucking raise. Her face is so relaxed, it’s like she’s sleeping in a peaceful dream. The angle of her head on the red pillow provided made it look like she was simply resting, relaxing into the white cushioning of her final resting place.. Her scales are a bit duller but the makeup she was provided preserves her beautiful color as best as possible. Those gentle sweet eyes that I loved to gaze upon are shut, and I realize that I can’t see them despite being so close. Or, more appropriately, I can never see them again. Delicate blue lips were upturned into a small smile, but it speaks a million words. Nick rarely ever put on makeup, but the blush and light blue lipstick make her beautiful in my eyes. Her hair is the only thing that hasn’t changed and I think that's for the best.

She always hated long, girly hair.

The dress she was in was white as snow with purple and blue flowers sewed into it. She looks like a princess of both winter and spring. Her hands are folded gently between her stomach and chest with a bouquet of white flowers under them. The rest of her body I can’t see as only half the casket is open, but it’s enough to know that she’s at peace. 

Blue motioning gets my attention and I turn to her. She stared at Nick with wide and curious eyes. There is a look she has; it's almost as if she recognizes Nick. Maybe children have a connection to their mother like some say? Maybe she recognizes the scent or how similar they look?

“L-L-Look, Bluey,” Tell her while doing my best to stay strong. “It’s Mommy. She’s...sleeping...go say hi...”

I gently carry our daughter closer to Nick’s face so she can have one good memory of her. I wish to God it was one where she was alive, but life is cruel at times. 

Slowly Blue raises her hand, and I freeze in place by what she does next.

She rubs her hand on Nick’s snout. Back and forth. In a circle. Up and down. She does this with a big smile on her face. Just like she does with everyone she meets.

I can’t stop it anymore. 

I cry.

I cry so much that I feel like I can’t stop.

The only thing that keeps me from covering my eyes is that I’m holding my daughter.

My sweet innocent baby Blue.

Nick.

We made an angel.

And I promise, to your soul up in Heaven, that I will never, ever, ever stop loving her and raising her right.

I promise.

Something delicate starts rubbing my nose and I open my eyes. It’s Blue. She’s looking concerned as she rubs my nose harder. Is she...trying to make me feel better?

God. She is adorable.

I force a smile and bring her close for a hug. She lets out a happy cry thinking she did something good.

You did, Blue.

You did. 

I’m still hurting.

But with you?

I think I’m healing.

***

The wake sort of started not long after as mourners came. A huge crowd too. Most of them I’ve never seen but it was amazing how much impact Nick had on such a crowd. Trent and Curtis I recognized and they introduced me to their families. 

Trent’s mother was sort of a hippie looking Chasmosaurus who, despite being dressed for the occasion, had purple hair with beads in it. Trent told me that Nick always found them cool and she felt it best to honor her by not changing it even for her wake. His father wasn’t here due to being a pilot for a commercial airline. Apparently he was in Tahiti right now, but he did give us his sympathies and prayers. 

Curtis’s family was a lot bigger. His parents were lawyers and looked the part, but they were very emotional and hugged me and Blue when they met us. He had four older siblings, some of them with families of their own. None of them were dry eyed. I guess Curtis’ emotional behavior passes on in his family. 

There were others of course whom I met during the wake, many who were surprised to learn that I was human, but nobody said anything mean or nasty. I was a bit bothered, but not by much. Blue, however, was all the attention. There was not a single person there who didn’t want to look at her or hold her. She was practically the only one smiling out of all of us. She loved the attention and always rubbed any snout she could. This only made others cry harder when she did.

Mr. Balor was always there beside me as we stood near the casket. I was slowly growing used to seeing Nick inside of it. Mainly because this would be the last time I would ever see her again. One by one, visitors went and paid their respects with words, silence, or putting items in the casket like flowers or mementos. Trent put in the photo of their shared time at summer camp. Curtis put in a guitar pick. It really showed how much she meant to so many people.

At some point, I had to change Blue’s diaper so I left the funeral home for the bathroom. When I came back, I saw Mrs. Spears, dressed in black and white, near the entrance with the biggest human I had ever seen in my life and I’ve seen Pro-Wrestling. However, upon closer inspection, I realized he is not human, at least not fully. He’s a Neanderthal, a cousin of humanity that survived but isn’t very much around anymore. I think most of them live in colder countries like Canada and Norway. He is dressed in a crisp grey suit, bedecked with shining glasses that make it hard to see his eyes, and his stance was one that demanded respect.

“Ah, you must be Anon,” He says as he holds out his hand. “I’m Mr. Spears. I’m your principal at Volcano High.”

...This is Mrs. Spear’s husband?

Wow.

...Perfect, I just thought about how they could have sex. Great going, mind. Real classy to think at Nick’s wake. Then again, knowing her, she would laugh.

“Oh, uh, nice to meet you,” I said while shaking it with one good hand while holding Blue in the other. “Thank you for coming.”

“Of course,” Spears nods as he holds me still with a solemn look. “I am sorry that we had to meet like this. I want you to know that I will do my best to look after you while you are at my school. Should you need anything, feel free to come see me.”

“Thank you,” I said to him. “Um, what’s Volcano High like?”

His shoulders raise themselves up in pride as he gives a soft smile. “It’s a school of hardworking and dedicated students. Our Track and Basketball teams are among the best in the district, and we have various clubs that I’m sure you would be interested in joining.” Principal Spears chuckles slightly. “We also take pride in helping each other. While I cannot lie and say you will not find some… hardship due to being the only human student there, I can assure you that there will be friends you will find who will be open-minded and welcome you.”

“I see,” I say with some hope inside of me. Truth be told, I doubt it can be any worse than my old school. But then the biggest question comes to my mind. “About Blue...”

“I will look after her, I promise,” Mrs. Spears replies with a soft smile. “My husband will personally drive you home if you ever need it and I’ll bring her back to your place straight away.”

“And I will also ensure that your status as a father is perfectly hidden from the students. The teachers will have to know, just in case an emergency happens, but I trust them all to keep to their silence,” Mr. Spears said in assurance.

I sigh in relief. While I am not ashamed to be a single teenage father, I know how others are going to judge you right off the bat when they hear it. They think the worst things first and assume that you’re a horrible person because you got some girl pregnant. It’s even worse when she’s not around anymore. While I want to believe Principal Spears when he says that his school will be kinder, teenagers are still teenagers. They can be cruel and I know first hand what that means.

Before I can say anything there is the sound of a shuffle and gasps as we look to see Mr. Balor… looking very angry at a fellow Baryonyx. The other saurian is red scaled, and surprisingly seems to be sporting a black eye. All is silent as Mr. Balor looks like a fucking dragon ready to burn the shocked red Baryonyx and claw him to pieces. “Get out.”

“But Nathan-”

“I said get out! And don’t even come to the funeral, William! Don’t talk to me until you get your head out of your ass!” Mr. Balor roars as the downed dino gulps and quickly gets up and leaves with everyone going silent.

Suddenly, Blue starts to cry in my arms. The yelling upset her. In an instant, I comfort her and rock her gently to calm those tears. Mr. Balor seems to have noticed as he slowly sighs before walking over and stroking Blue’s head. “It’s okay, Blue. Grandpa was just angry… I’m fine now.”

“What was that about, Nathan?” Mrs. Spears asks in concern.

Mr. Balor hesitates to say anything as he gazes over at me but he shakes his head. “It’s nothing. Nothing that needs to be said.”

It was about me.

“I...I need to use the restroom,” I say before holding Blue to Mr. Balor. “Can you watch her?”

He nods and gently takes my slowly calming daughter. I take that moment to hurry out and walk a few halls before I find an empty room. I sit down on a chair and cover my face. It was about me. A thousand questions come to my mind.

Did he complain about me being a skinnie?

Did he ask why he let me get Nick pregnant?

Or...did he ask why the one who got Nick pregnant and caused her death was here at her wake?

If I had to guess...it was the last one.

Something in my gut told me that.

I wonder how many others in that room are thinking that but don’t have the courage to say it?

***

Time flies when you're having fun, but I guess it also flies when you are miserable as well. Everything really flew by from the rest of the wake. Speeches were said, prayers were sung, and then there was dinner. The funeral was the next day, and before I knew it that was over and here were in the cemetery. Ready to put her to rest. 

Forever.

It’s funny. At one point I wanted all of this to be over and done so I could hopefully start to move on. Now, I don’t want it to end. I don’t want to see that casket holding Nick to sink into her grave. Because then it would be the final goodbye. The last time I see her until I’m up there with her. I know what happens to bodies when they go into the dirt. And I don’t want that to happen to my Nick.

She deserves to be preserved forever, like an echo in time that will never fade.

The priest has said the final words so all of us are going to the casket to say our farewells. I’m among the first who are going to be in line with Mr. Balor. I wish I was the last. Blue is in my hands but she is sleeping peacefully. The priest’s words seemed to bore her. I almost want to wake her up so she can see her mother one last time, but I can’t upset her. 

Let her dream peacefully.

Mr. Balor is the first one to go since he’s her father and all. The man looks so...broken inside. I have always seen him as a pillar of strength. Stoic but strong and caring. There was no doubt in my mind over the years we’ve known each other that he loved Nick. Everything he did was for her, including taking a job in a racist hellhole that never showed him respect because the benefits were too good to ignore. Nick was everything for the man ever since his wife died, and now he’s lost her.

I hate to think what he would be if Blue wasn’t around. 

“...Tell your mother I love her. I love you both and I always will. I promise...Anon and Blue...they’ll be okay. I promise, Nicole.” Mr. Balor leaned down and kissed Nick’s forehead as tears dripped onto her cheek. He took a minute to clean them before taking a deep breath and covered his face with one hand before moving to the side. 

Fuck.

Just fuck this.

I feel Trent’s hand on my back and I know I have to go next. 

I walk forward and stare at Nick’s peaceful body. The world seems to fall silent and stops as I try to figure out what to say.

What can you say to the one girl who not only was your best and only friend, but the love of your life? The girl who made you into the person you are today? The one you planned your entire future on? One that never gave up on you and you never gave up on return? What can be said in such a short time? How do you show your appreciation for everything after years of togetherness in a single sentence?

Only by saying three words.

“I love you.”

And that was all I needed to say. 

The only thing I could say.

I love Nick. I always will. Even if I find someone else in life to love, hard as it might be, there will always be a piece of my heart that will be hers forever. I hold Blue close to my chest as I walk away from the casket to let Trent and his family go next.

While doing so I stare at the gravestone that she will be buried under. Her mother’s is right next to her, just as Mr. Balor wished. I read it silently:

“In Loving Memory of Nicole Sarah Balor.”

“Born August 4th  201M2002- Died May 9th 201M2019”

“Beloved Daughter, Friend, and Mother.”

“Her voice joins with the angels above,”

Angels above.

Yeah. 

She’s an angel. 

My angel.

Blue’s angel.

Our angel.

Goodbye angel. 

Goodbye...Nick...

Chapter Text

It’s been three days since the funeral and we lowered Nick into the cold earth below.

Her final resting place, marked with a gravestone.

I’ll never be able to hold her again, to smell her hair, or feel her warmth on my skin.

It feels like I never left the graveyard, honestly. The sky is gray and dark, and a downpour is the background noise as I look out the window and gently sway Blue in my arms. Despite the weather, she’s sleeping like a rock; it helps that she ate and soiled her diaper shortly after.

But these quiet moments are the worst, when my thoughts are more likely to get the best of me, when I’m left only to think.

To process.

But when I try to think, I come up blank.

Nothing happens. I only feel numb mentally. Pain all too real still echoes out from my chest every time I’m left to the silence like this. 

Yet the tears still flow, and they flow harder as I look down at the gift that Nick left behind.

The one she chose above her own life.

My anchor in this horrible time of loss and grief.

Blue.

If living is what Nick wanted for me, I’ll do just that—for the baby's sake and Mr. Balor.

I owe it to all of them.

But it won’t be easy, I know as much. I fear for the days to come.

The numbness won’t last forever.

This is only the beginning of the grieving process.

***

Mr. Balor is out with Blue today, spending time with her as a grandpa. It was a much needed break for how much I have been solo parenting throughout all of this. And really, I think he needed to go out with her for his own mental well-being.

Seeing him smile and play with her makes things slightly better in my mind.

The worst part is that I’m left to think when they aren't around. And with how everything has gone for the past few months, I’m not in a great state of mind.

I’m tired, I’m depressed, and I just feel so damn empty.

Lying in my bed with my feet feeling numb, the cold, refrigerated air of the AC barely chills my skin as I stare up at the ceiling. I long to feel Nick’s scales on my chest again, to brush her blue-white hair with my hand. Hearing her breath and heartbeat made me feel so safe and happy.

But now there’s nothing, just the cold silence of an empty home. I haven’t been able to keep track of the minutes or hours since my daughter and Mr. Balor left. What is there to do anyway? Sulk? Fill my moments with meaningless nothings just to pass the time?

The thought of doing anything but lying here makes me feel queasy.

God, I miss her soft bellowing.

But I can’t have any of that anymore; she’s dead, another angel in the heavens above. 

It’s all your fault.

Nauseating aches in my stomach made me immediately sit up from my bed. I ran for the closest bathroom, retching into the toilet in a collapsed heap. Acid and bile burn my throat, drowning out my thoughts as I try to empty myself of their horrid whispering.

The feeling of guilt and sadness that was eating away at me was making me physically sick. And it’s been like this even before the funeral came. It was mostly stomach acid that found its way into the bowl of the toilet, leaving my throat hoarse and a terrible taste in my mouth.

I can’t let Mr. Balor or Blue see me like this.

Flushing the toilet, I stumble over to the sink and get some warm water going. I need to splash some water on my face and get this taste out of my mouth.

After washing my face with water, I look up into the medicine cabinet mirror.

Fucking hell, I look awful, like I haven’t slept in days.

Bloodshot eyes, bags upon bags under my eyes… I hardly have slept because of Blue, and from having a lot of nightmares that are keeping me from restful sleep.

Even when I try to go to sleep, I feel restless. Part of it is because I miss having Nick by my side, and the other is the fear of experiencing the nightmares again. The same damn nightmare, every time without fail.

The funeral. Except I know that people are looking at me, blaming me and Blue for Nick’s death, but mostly me.

I can still see their stares. The disappointment and anger on the faces of Curtis, Trent, and Mr. Balor.

And then I see Nick, shaking her head at me.

Fuck.

If I hadn’t met her, she’d still be alive, and Mr. Balor would still have his precious daughter.

If I didn’t think with my dick instead of my brain, we could have avoided the pregnancy. But no, you had to avoid being responsible and use your fucking monkey brain. 

My grip on the sink grew tighter as my teeth gnashed.

As I look back up into the mirror, I can see them.

The people I had the displeasure of calling my parents. They smile wickedly, laughing at me. Their taunting, sickening cackles make me feel like I’m going insane. 

Then I see the rest, the fuckers at Rock Botttom who rooted for Nick and I’s downfall. Their mocking calls made my heart beat faster, and hot blood pumped through every fiber of my being.

Fuck their apologies, they’re happy that she’s dead.

But when their visages faded, all I was left with was me.

The source of all my pain.

Me. One man, one person. Only one person is responsible for-

For…

Calm the fuck down, Anon. Deep breaths. No one can see you like this.

Would she want you to have this scary face around our child? No.

Anger slowly drains from my mind and body, leaving only frustration at myself for losing control of my emotions.

I need a distraction, goddamn it. I need to stop thinking. Blue and Mr. Balor don’t need to see me like this.

Walking back to my room and rubbing my eyes, I’m greeted with the same familiar surroundings.

Blue’s crib, her toys, and all of my junk.

I haven’t even bothered unpacking most of my stuff, not even my precious computer or anime figurines.

Neither of them are important; my daughter takes priority above all else.

My eyes dance across the room to find something to think about, and then I see it: a picture of Nick and I during her pregnancy, one we had done professionally and somehow kept secret from prying eyes.

She was about seven months in at that point in time. And two months later…

My fists are gripping so tight that my fingernails are digging into my skin, yet it doesn’t hurt; I feel so numb that it doesn’t seem to matter.

One light was extinguished so that another could shine.

I lost one I loved to gain another.

A fist is raised to my mouth, covering the awful sound as I scream with rage, with anger; the dam I built to try and keep myself from falling apart again has failed.

Goddamn it, Nick. Why did you have to die?

My hands find their place on my bed as I fall to my knees and weep in the room alone.

I feel so pathetic.

Please come back soon, Mr. Balor, and bring Blue.

Don’t leave me alone…

***

Several weeks have passed since the funeral and the terrible days that came after. I’m struggling, to say the least, while Mr. Balor has recommended that I get some sort of grief counseling and potentially therapy for all that has happened recently.

But that doesn’t change how I feel. The explosion of emotions I have had has died down at this point, but in its wake, I’m left with hopelessness, deep, profound sadness, sleepless nights, restless days, emptiness, and emotional numbness at times…

It goes on, and so does my life. The only anchors I have to this world are Blue, Mr. Balor, and the people who love and support us.

If Nick saw me walking into the pearly gates to come find her, she’d have a fit. I could imagine it, she’d see me and then she’d punt me back down to Pangea just so I don’t leave Blue alone.

The thought alone makes me chortle slightly, it’s so her.

When it comes to the thought of leaving Blue behind, all I can feel is a bone-deep fear that makes me shiver. Sure, I’m not happy with how everything is, but I don’t feel suicidal. Yet, I feel like everything that once held some sort of pleasure or made me happy has dulled significantly—specifically, my hobbies like video games, music, and watching anime.

Even holding Blue and seeing her smile hasn’t affected me like it once did when she was first born.

I guess this is what they call a season of grief. It’s like a constant static, like those old VCR TVs from the early 2000s.

It’s supposed to pass someday, but I really want it to pass now so I can really feel like myself again and be a good father to Blue. Hell, I need it to happen. 

The last thing she needs is a depressed shell of a man for a father.

Mr. Balor stopped by my room earlier while I was feeding Blue. He left me a pamphlet and said that it would be a good idea to check it out when I was ready for it.

Apparently, it helped him when he lost his wife, so he’s recommending it to me.

Grief share. It’s run by a local church by the looks of it, there are also options of it through local counseling centers.

I’m hesitant to the idea of it just for the fact I’m still young, and a single father. Shit, honestly what would the people at that kind of group think?

Would they judge me if they knew my story?

Even if that were the case, I should still try it once, for Blue, and for the family and friends I have here. I'll do it if that’s what it takes to make myself better for their sake.

But for now…

I think my tiny blue-scaled sweetheart needs a diaper change. Again. 

Man, these formula poops smell so damn bad. Thank God you aren’t here to smell these, Nick. Even if I could use the backup and shared misery of having to deal with these power bombs of chemical warfare our daughter keeps dropping.

Though I wish you were, I still miss you. 

Always will.

***

One month has passed since the funeral, the echoing death throes of Spring have passed, and at long last, the Summer has arrived.

Blue has grown heavier than I expected, and her hair is beginning to grow more. I’m expecting her to grow her first baby teeth pretty soon, so Mr. Balor and I have been getting teething toys for her. Saurian rated, obviously; she’d tear through the human ones easily.

I think the Saurian ones are a bit harder because their teeth regrow. Right? Maybe I should ask Dad.

Anyway, part of this new reality is beginning to babyproof the house and chew-proof some of the furniture. Although Dad has his doubts, seeing how this is Nick’s baby, he told me one time that she chewed through two chairs by gnawing at the legs. Which was doubly ironic considering she didn’t even know how to use hers at the time.

It's just part of the growing pains, I guess. I hope Blue ends up being the spitting image of her mother. Someone has to inherit all that beauty and pass it on for future generations.

With that thought, I smile and laugh to myself as I rock her in my arms.

Compared to how I was a month ago, I’d say that I’m doing somewhat better with everything. Sure, I’m still depressed as hell at times, and I have my moments where I think about Nick so much that I cry. But it’s as the grief share people say, we never stop grieving for our loved ones.

Grief is a lifelong thing, it never ends, but it will dull with time.

Speaking of grief, I’m pleasantly surprised with how well I was received at the grief share. I’m not the only one who is a young father who lost the love of their life and was left with a baby to raise.

It isn’t common, but I find it good to have people to relate to, and people who don’t judge me. Recently, I opened up and told my story about Blue and Nick.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the room that day.

It feels good to be able to talk about it with someone that isn’t my immediate family like Mr. Balor, or with Mrs. Spears and her husband.

I haven’t spoken to Trent or Curtis hardly since the funeral, and I know for a fact that they took Nick’s passing really hard.

Maybe it would do me and them some good if we saw each other today, seeing Blue will help lift their spirits like it has for me. I know school hasn’t started yet, so they shouldn’t be overly busy.

… School.

That’s right.

I’ll be starting my final year of high school at Volcano High.

The mere thought of it hasn’t really been on the forefront of my mind with all that’s happened, and with Blue taking the center point of it all. The idea of leaving Blue behind for a whole day of school still scares me, knowing I’ll be away from my baby girl all day, but it brings me comfort knowing that Mrs. Spears will protect and watch over her while I’m gone.

God knows I’ll be a mess when I see my daughter go off to her first day of school someday.

Talk about thinking ahead, she’s barely a month old and I’m already thinking about her future.

I really have become a dad.

She’s sleeping next to me in her crib at the moment, so I take the opportunity to pull out my phone and shoot a text over to both Curtis and Trent in our group chat.

Anon: Hey guys, sorry if I haven’t texted awhile, with the baby and all. But you all like to hang out today? I can bring Blue along.

It didn’t take very long for them to respond, as both Curtis and Trent immediately sent something.

Curtis: Sure man, we’d love to see the little snot anytime. Any idea where you’d want to meet up?

Trent: I’m down. We could meet up at the park first and maybe get some lunch after.

I like the idea. So I sent my response.

Anon: Sounds good. I need to get Blue prepped to go out with me, but I’ll meet you guys at the park in half an hour.

Trent: (ThumbsUpEmoji)

Curtis: Right on. See you there, bro.

I close out the text stream with a smile on my face as I stood up from my bed and walk over to the crib, bending over and looking down at my sleeping blue angel.

I’m unsure if I’ll ever be 100 percent okay, but with you here?

I’ll make it. Today is a new day.

Nick. I love you. I still do.

I miss you more every day than the last, but I promise to live life when you can't.

For our daughter’s sake, and mine.

Chapter Text

I have to admit that a part of me is a bit nervous about going out like this. I haven’t hung out with anyone but Nick in my life which, ironically, was the reason why nobody else wanted to hang out with us in Rock Bottom. The other humans didn’t like me because I was friends with a dinosaur, and the other dinosaurs didn’t really like Nick because she was friends with a human. All of that feeling of isolation was made stronger by the fact that the Balors lived in a better part of town than the rest. It certainly didn’t help that most dinos lived in an area called ‘The Swamp’.  

Regardless, this would be the first time that I would be hanging out with people my age who weren't Nick. In hindsight, that’s a bit of a sad thought. I honestly didn’t know what to bring besides Blue’s baby bag, carrier wrap, and car seat so I just took some snacks, my phone, and my acoustic guitar. I mean, it was the park. That was mostly a place to hang out and chill. I didn’t need much.

I call for a taxi and the driver arrives literally in fifteen seconds, leaving me to question if he was just around the corner. Getting in, I see a velociraptor with vibrant yellow scales and distinctive, black, sleazy-looking eyes. He has very long eyebrows that end in curls and sports maroon slicked-back hair that looks well maintained. 

“Hey, kid. Where am I taking you and your daughter?” He asks me with a smirk.

“Oh, she’s my...” I pause, already getting ready to use the same old explanation, but this guy seems to have figured it out. “You know she’s my daughter?”

“Yup. I get a lot of customers. All types. And I can tell when someone is a parent. So where to?” He asks again with a warm smile.

“Uh, Center Park,” I tell him while buckling Blue in her car seat. 

“Right away!”

Suddenly, I jerk backwards as he drives off so fast that the houses are a blur to me. I want to tell him to slow down, but I’m too scared to even move my mouth. Blue, however, is having the time of her life. She happily babbles and claps her hands as we jerk from corner to corner, the seat perfectly still. Glad someone is having fun and not ready to piss themselves like I am. 

“Relax, kid. I’ve been doing this for years. Never got in an accident,” he tells me with a smirk. “Name’s Malcolm by the way. Welcome to the neighborhood.”

“T-T-Thanks,” I stutter while wishing I knew of any saints of the streets to ask prayers for.

Let’s hope I never get this guy again in the future when I need a taxi.

***

After surviving my ordeal—with a 20% “First Time Discount” that somewhat made up for the trip—I arrived at the park’s gates with Blue. I took a moment to place her in the baby carrier so she could see it with her own eyes while held against my chest. Easier for me to carry her stuff and my guitar. 

Admittedly, I’m a bit nervous. Normally, I don’t bring Blue out in public. In fact, I can barely count the times that I have. No doubt I’m going to get people staring at me. Not just because I’m human and she’s a dinosaur, but because of my age as well. Maybe some people are going to think we’re step-siblings, or maybe even that I’m her babysitter, but I know more than one of them is going to wonder if I am her father.

And if someone does ask...

...I’m going to be truthful.

I decided a long time ago I wasn’t going to be afraid of being a teenage father. I was not ashamed of my daughter. If people had a problem with it? Fuck them.

That’s what Nick would want anyway.

The moment we walk through the gates, Blue burbles and starts reaching out for everything she sees, from the trees to the other dinosaurs to the dogs many are walking with. Seeing her innocent and happy expression slowly puts a smile on my face, relaxing at the sight of her. In hindsight, I haven’t really shown her much of the outside world. Part of that is because I’ve been afraid to go out in general, save for the support group I go to, but a large part of me is afraid of my daughter getting hurt. It’s not a safe world out there, but I can’t keep her cooped up forever.

God, I really am turning into a father.

Was it a gradual process? Did it happen all at once? Crap, it all feels so surreal to consider.

I pass a few other dinosaurs and, naturally, get weird looks. A few even take photos of me. I really hope I don’t become a hashtag. The ones who seem to realize me and Blue’s relationship are the ones with kids themselves. One troodon couple, walking their baby in a stroller, actually stop and look at me with wide eyes and open mouths as I pass by. I give them a nervous smile and wave while Blue tilts her head at them. The moment I pass, they start whispering to each other. I don’t bother to hear what they are saying. 

Probably better that way.

I press on, ignoring the looks, and instead focus on where Trent and Curtis said we’ll meet up. I spot the children’s playground for the babies and toddlers which is a grassy area with tiny playground designs and a sandbox. It’s not too crowded but there are a bunch of mothers, all dinosaurs, and their infants playing with one or two crying because of one reason or another. 

Trent and Curtis are by a picnic table next to the sandbox with the latter waving with enthusiasm. Smiling, I walk over and give Trent a fist bump while Curtis gives me a light hug, careful of Blue in front of me. She happily touches their snouts as they lean in to say hi and kiss her on the cheek. 

“Hey, it’s great to see you man. How have you been?” Curtis asks with a sympathetic smile.

“It’s hard some days, but I’m getting better,” I answer honestly. “I’m sorry I haven’t been in touch so much since the funeral.”

“Hey, we get it,” Trent says with a shrug. “We’re all dealing with her loss in our own ways.”

I place the baby bag on the table along with the other stuff while taking Blue out of her strap and into my arms. She squirms a bit in my embrace. “Someone wants to explore.”

“Don’t worry, this place is safe. Our parents used to take us all the time here when we were babies,” Trent assures me as I slowly pick Blue up and take her to the sandbox with some of her toys. 

Once I place her down, my daughter ogles at the sand and slowly touches it before picking it up and throws it with joy. She's so in awe of the sand she starts scooping up as much as she can and throwing it before making big piles and rolling around with it. Her tail wags back and forth like I’ve seen it do during bathtime. Water for her kind was important as they were technically an aquatic dino species. However, due to having my genes, she wasn’t as reliant on it as most would be. I was advised to keep her in water as much as possible, and she loved squirming or moving in the kitchen sink when we had bath time. Which might be happening when we get home based on how much she loves rolling around in this sandpit.

Huh. Should I consider getting a little kiddie pool for her in the future? Maybe I should talk to Mr. Balor about that.

“Dude, she’s so adorable,” Curtis says with his phone already out to take a recording.

“Just hope she doesn’t think it’s drinkable,” I mutter with worry as she takes some sand to her nose to sniff it, but thankfully tosses it down. 

“Don’t worry, she’s got three sets of eyes on her,” Trent assures me as I put some of her toys in front of her. My adorable explorer naturally starts seeing what she can do with them, moving them about  in the sand as we sit down on the table to watch her.

Curtis nods at me as he shoots me a question. “So, got any summer plans?” 

“Well, my main thing is to find a summer job,” I tell them. “I want to make sure I got something to help save money for the future.”

Mr. Balor might have been supporting me and Blue but I don’t expect it to be forever, nor do I want it to be. I only have one year of high school left before I’m an adult and I need to start setting a foundation for us. College is going to be difficult to do as a parent unless it’s local, and while I am thinking of something in music. I also know I have to focus a lot on Blue’s future as she gets older, especially education. I can even put college on hold until later if need be, but I need to start somewhere with a job to get experience. 

“Sounds good and all, but you should still have fun, man,” Curtis smiles. “There are plenty of cool areas like the aquarium, the beach, some cool restaurants, and even street fairs. You shouldn’t forget to have some fun, dude.”

“Yeah, and we’d be happy to show you,” Trent adds in with a nod. 

“Thanks,” I nod at them. “It’s just a bit weird for me. Nick was my only friend for all my life...”

“Don’t worry, we’re gonna be having such a great time you’ll feel like you’ve been friends with us since kindergarten,” Curtis assures me with a slap on the back. “Plus, you’ll need me around to keep you from being bored by Trent’s bland attitude.”

“I’m not bland,” Trent argues with a soft glare.

“Dude, your idea of fun is watching clouds.”

“Cloud watching is fun, imaginative, and relaxing. It mellows the mind and clears your thoughts.”

“See? Total hippie,” Curtis jokes, earning him a punch to the arm which makes me chuckle. I can see why Nick was friends with them. “So, Nick told us you play. Mind giving us a song?”

I hesitate at first since I’ve never really played in front of anyone save Nick, Mr. Balor, and Blue. But before I know it, I’m zipping my guitar case open. Taking it out, I strum and adjust the strings before trying to think of a song to play. Well, the sun is shining out, Blue is having a fun time covering her blocks with sand, and I’m in a good mood. 

Before I know it, I’m playing “Here Comes The Sun”.

Curtis and Trent both look at each other in surprise before smiling. Before I know it, Curtis is doing drums with his hands against the wooden bench while Trent joins me in singly the chorus. He’s got one hell of a deep voice, and would make a great bass singer for soft or deep lyrics. Seeing them joining in gives me more confidence as I play and sing a bit louder. My gaze turns to Blue who pauses in her play to watch and listen. Every time I play the guitar she loses herself in the world around her and focuses on me.

I continue to play and feel...lighter. Like everything has been perfect today. It’s a nice day. I’m happy, and I'm playing with friends. Blue is smiling. It’s like all the darkness that I’ve been dealing with decided to give me a break today. 

I just wish Nick was here singing with me. Her voice was better than mine.

When I finish the song, Curtis and Trent applaud while Blue makes happy baby noises. Clearly, she wants more and is even getting antsy when I don’t start playing again. I quickly play some random notes to help her calm down and giggle happily.

“Dude, your playing is awesome but your singing is, like, top tier,” Curtis says in excitement. “We totally need to jam together!”

“Come on,” I can feel my cheeks redden. “It was okay...”

“Okay? Anon, I haven’t heard anyone sing so well since Nick. Whatever she taught you? She taught you well,” Trent tells me. His praise moves me deep inside, almost causing a blush. “You want to join me and Curtis in a band? I play lead and vocals while Curtis is on drums. I think we could really do something with this.”

The idea makes me pause. Nick and I always talked about starting our own band when we got older, going around and playing at clubs. A part of me wants to do it; live our dream with her childhood friends. But then I look at Blue.

“I'm sorry, but...” I say with a sad smile, “I don’t think I can juggle being part of a band and being a father at the same time.”

“Right,” Trent sighs as he rubs the back of his head. “My bad. I got caught up in the excitement for a second there.”

Curtis pauses before nodding. “Yeah, you’re right. Blue should come first. Still, would you be willing to jam and play with us once in a while?”

“Sure, I guess that’s fine,” I assure them before my attention is turned to Blue who starts crying.

Looks like someone got sand in their diaper. I already have a fresh one in hand as I reach down to console the bawling blueball.

Well, back to being a father.

***

After changing her diaper, we stayed for thirty more minutes until Trent suggested we get something to eat. Curtis was quick to pipe up with a suggestion of Dino-Moe’s . I looked up the nearest spot, but apparently, they wanted to go to the Dino-Moe’s in Little Troodon, the original one. They used to go to it all the time with Nick and still went there every so often. I was all for it. I mean, it would be like visiting part of Nick’s history before I knew her. 

Plus, she was right. Dino-Moe’s pizza was amazing.

Heh. I can hear her say, “Damn right I was, Dork!”

Thankfully, it’s not a long trip and Blue was so tired from all her playing that she slept soundly all the way there. Trent and Curtis pointed out a few points of interest along the way until we made it to the front doors. A large sign in the window that reads “Help Wanted” catches my attention, but before I can think more of it, Trent opens the doors.

Instantly, I’m hit with an aroma of pizza sauce, Italian spices, and garlic as we enter the establishment. My mouth waters as I look around. It’s just like I saw in the ads on TV. A homey Italian feel that doesn’t feel too high class but not too casual. It’s like a place anyone can go to regardless of their class. We managed to arrive just in time before the lunch crowd, so there were plenty of open seats with only a few dinosaurs and their families sitting in various booths and tables. 

This makes me realize that, all day, I haven’t seen a single human. Just dinosaurs. Was this how Nick felt at times back at Rock Bottom? One dinosaur among a sea of humans? At least nobody has done anything to harass me, like call me names such as “Monkey Boy” or “Skinnie”. All I’ve gotten is stares such as from the hostess, a Pentaceratops, who blinks before giving a nervous smile.

“Welcome to Dino-Moe’s, can I help you?”

“Yeah, can we get a booth for three and a baby seat?” Curtis asks.

“Baby?” She then notices Blue, already awakened from the strong smells, and gasps. “Oh! She’s so cute.”

She leans forward and smiles at Blue who tilts her head. “Are you babysitting her?”

“Actually, she's my daughter,” I tell her, which surprises Curtis and Trent, but they give me nods of approval. 

The waitress freezes and looks at me and then Blue, but after a blink she clears her throat. “R-Right! Please follow me.”

I guess I’m going to have to get used to this in the future, huh?

She takes us to our booth and quickly scampers off before returning with a baby chair for Blue, one with a tray that I can put her toys on. I decide to quickly feed her now so she’s full, even if it means I’m gonna have to change her right as we get home. She happily chugs her bottle down as I can feel a few eyes on me, including some of the workers glancing over at us. No doubt the waitress spread word that I, a human, have a dino baby.

The cutest and best dino baby in the world.

The waitress comes with some water and smiles. “So what can I get you guys?”

“One extra-large cheese pizza with half sausage for us meat eaters,” Curtis said with a grin. “Plus a large order of curly fries and three cokes.”

“Of course,” She says before turning to me. “Um, anything for your baby, sir?”

“No, but thank you,” I tell her and she soon leaves. Blue finishes her bottle and I help her burp before nuzzling her nose for doing such a good job. The waitress arrives with our drinks and we take a long sip. Ahh. That’s refreshing in this weather.

“So, Anon,” Trent asks as he sips his drink. “Do you have any idea what you want to do for a job?”

“Honestly, no,” I tell him while rocking Blue in my arms. “I’ve never worked a job before. I’m not sure what I should even look for.”

“I’m sure you’ll find something,” Curtis assures me with a smile. 

“Yeah, but can I ask a question?” I take a deep breath and look at them. “Will being a human hinder me?”

Both of them share a wince, which is pretty much the answer I expected to hear. Sighing, Trent leans back and shakes his head. “Maybe not everywhere, but a lot of folks here are reluctant to hire humans because of Skin Row. Most of them work in their area. I’ve only barely seen a handful of them myself work anywhere else.”

Not really great news for me, but I’m still curious. “Is it really that bad here?” I ask them.

“Well, some time ago, twenty-five years I think, there was a big riot due to some cops who killed a human kid by accident. They thought he had a gun and they were found not guilty by the courts. This sent the entire human population to go crazy and they caused chaos all over the city. A lot of people got hurt or killed. It went on for days. It got so bad they had to send in the National Guard. Since then, relations between humans and dinosaurs have been bitter in the city.”

Shit. I didn’t know it was that bad. Fuck, I get the feeling I’m really going to get a lot of crap from people in the future.

God help me if Blue will for being half-human.

Our conversation is soon interrupted by a loud accented voice shouting, “Boys! Welcome back!”

I nearly jump out of my seat as I look up to see a big T-Rex with a very sharp looking smile. He’s got a short sleeve blue shirt with a Dino-Moe’s apron over it and is wearing a strange grey cap that looks European. Oddly enough, the slim mustache on him stands out the most. It looks weird over that large snout of his.

“Hey, Uncle Moe!” Curtis says with glee as he high fives the T-Rex. “How’s the business going?”

“Going great, Curtis! Going great! I haven’t seen youse and Trent in a while now! What’s da occasion?” Uncle Moe asks.

“We decided to show Anon and Blue to the best restaurant in town,” Trent answers while nodding to me.

Uncle Moe turns to me and gives me a bright smile. “Well, ya came to the right place if ya want to find the best pizza anywhere in the state! Th’ name’s Moe. Everyone calls me Uncle Moe. I own dis joint.”

Back that up, say what now? “Wait, you’re the founder of Dino-Moe’s?” I ask in surprise. Then again, his name is in the title.

“Yup! Been my pride and joy for nearly twenty-years going,” he crows before noticing the baby and his eyes widen. “Mamma Mia! Who's the little cannoli? She looks just like Little Nicky!”

“You knew Nick?” I ask in surprise.

“Of course! I remember all my regulars, especially the little ones,” He says with a hearty laugh. “Nick and her friends used to come every Saturday after their soccer games. She used to always get her guitar and pretend she was Deborah Harry while standing on the tables! What a girl. Always reminds me of my little Lucy!”

Little Lucy? Must be a relative. Can’t imagine how ‘little’ she would be with her being a T-Rex though.

“So who is she?” Moe leans down as Blue rubs his snout happily, especially the fuzzy mustache which makes him chuckle. “Is Nick back home for a visit?! Did Nathan marry again and get another little anchovy?!”

The sudden quiet between us, as well as the fleeting smiles soon disappearing, is enough for Moe to sense the unspoken. “What happened?”

“Uncle Moe...” Trent bit his lip before sighing. “Nick passed away.”

Uncle Moe was frozen solid before he gripped his hands. Nobody said anything save for Blue yawning and nuzzling close to my chest. Finally, he whispers, “How?”

Trent and Curtis look at me with hesitation. I understand why but I’ve come to terms that people are going to ask where Blue’s mother is. It still hurts to say it, but it’s starting to get a bit easier each time. “Nick passed away giving birth… to our baby.”

Uncle Moe snaps his eyes open and, to my credit, I don’t look away. There is shock, confusion, loss, but soon he calms. “Your baby? Nick’s baby?”

I nod. “Nick and I were friends back in Rock Bottom and became boyfriend and girlfriend. She became pregnant. She died giving birth to our baby, Blue.”

He closes his eyes and makes the sign of the cross. “Signore, abbi pietà.”

“She really loved him, Uncle Moe,” Curtis says in my defence before looking at me. “Anon’s been raising Blue with Mr. Balor’s help. He’s-” My friend clears his throat before continuing. “He’s a good man. A good father.”

Trent nods in agreement; I manage to keep my tears in my eyes as I nod to them in thanks.

“... Takes a real man ta do such a thing. Raising a kid at your age,” Uncle Moe says with approval in his sorrowful eyes. “Most guys would avoid such a responsibility, but you? You got moxie, kid. You’ve earned my respect.”

He pats my shoulder and smiles. “You and your little tike are welcome here anytime. This meal’s on me. In honor of Little Nicky. God rest her soul.”

“Thank you,” I told him with a nod. 

“If there’s anything I can do to help, let me know. Little Nicky and her father were good customers. And I want to help if I can.”

My mind then turns back to the “Help Wanted” sign I saw earlier, so I decide to ask, “Are you hiring?”

He blinks in surprise before asking, “Yeah, you want a job?”

“Y-Yeah,” I tell him while looking at Blue, who is falling asleep pretty quickly. “Mr. Balor is taking care of us, but I don’t want to rely on him forever. I’m gonna need a job to save money for Blue as well as building up a resume to help me in the future. I’ll probably work less when school comes around, but if it means helping Blue in the long run, I’ll do whatever is necessary. Even scrubbing toilets.”

Moe takes a long look at me before he shows that toothy grin. “Consider yourself hired, kid. So long as you remember to be a good father to that little one.”

“O-Of course!”

“Great! You start next week! Come here with a few extra shirts. It gets messy. Now let me go get your pizza and we can talk about the good old days when these three were a troublesome trio!” Uncle Moe laughs before leaving.

“Dude! You get to work with Uncle Moe?! You’re going to get free pizza! So lucky,” Curtis pouts playfully.

Lucky?

Huh. Yeah, I guess I’m very lucky.

The pizza soon arrives as the four of us chat, talking about Nick and our stories about her. As we do so, I can feel as if she’s right there laughing and listening with us. 

Everything about getting out today helps. Being able to get out of the house, seeing Blue enjoy herself, and getting to know Curtis and Trent better than before. To top it all off, I managed to snag a job and make things just a bit easier for us.

I’m really glad I came out today.

Chapter Text

One week has passed since my first visit to Dino-Moe’s Pizza. Not only did I manage to secure a job through the old T-rex, but now I can help provide for Blue in ways I couldn’t before.

As much as Mr. Balor insisted he could handle it, I explained my initial thoughts on why I wanted to work. It took some time and convincing, but eventually, he relented and let me start my employment at the pizza place.

I wasn’t working full time, as Moe gave me a flexible schedule to take care of Blue when Mr. Balor couldn’t. She’s at the critical stage in her life where I needed to be around her constantly in order to establish a bond with her. That, and I just never found myself comfortable when I went without holding onto her for an extended period of time. 

Cooking at the pizza place was not gonna happen any time soon, so Moe started me off with some of the grunt work and dirty jobs, like a mix of a busboy, janitor, and server.

Tiring doesn’t even describe it. The night I came home after my first day, I passed out with Blue in my arms, my feet propped up on a recliner. Dad just had to get pictures of it, of course. I bet if Nick saw it she’d be on the floor howling with laughter.

That first night was only the beginning as the rest of the week began to move faster as I got into the flow of work. The service industry isn’t a joke, especially at a family-owned restaurant like Moe’s.

Jesus does it get busy in a moment’s notice. I barely have time to adjust sometimes before crowds of people file in. . One moment you have a few families that are eating in relative silence and it’s bliss, then all of a sudden it’s a flood of teenagers, large parties, and soccer moms with hordes of rambunctious kids who are howling with hunger.

And I thought baby poop was messy to clean up… never had I appreciated the moments where I could change my daughter’s diaper more than after a day of that. Not really sure what that means for me besides a potentially thriving career as a garbage collector.

Dad came to visit me at work with Blue on Friday near the end of my shift so we could eat together at the restaurant. It was nice, and it was nearly free, too. Him and Moe would talk about the old days with Nick as a kid coming to Dino-Moe’s in her childhood. Learning about her early years before I met her was refreshing. Like I was learning all about her again. It kept the memory of Nick alive in my heart but it also was a means to help me heal. I hope when Blue grows up she can have similar memories of this place.

I got to spend a few days with Trent and Curtis when I was free. They always came over to my place, knowing I wanted to be by Blue as much as possible. She seemed to really like her “uncles” as they were starting to call themselves. One time they brought their musical equipment over in Trent’s pick up truck. Truth be told, the ancient thing belonged to his grandfather once upon a time, but it still rode perfectly thanks to fine tuning. 

Speaking of tuning, my new friends could play good. Real good. With a proper guitar, Trent was legit fantastic, but his low voice was perfect for songs like “White Room” by Cream or “Light My Fire” by The Doors. Curtis was fast on drums and powerful too. When we did Led Zeppelin's “Rock and Roll” I swear John Bonham came back to life that day. It was also just nice to relax and play music again. Something I hadn’t seriously done since Nick passed away.

“Yo, Anon!” I end up coming out of my daydreaming as Lloyd, a young T-Rex, got my attention by tossing a rag at me. I barely managed to catch the thing before it slapped my face. He’d been here for about six years, a sure fire old hat and good guide for me in my new position. “Clean up on table twelve.”

Well, back to reality I go.

Nodding, I get my bucket of soap and water along with one of the bus tubs to head back to work. It’s a slow day today and the lunch rush just finished. I only got two more hours before my shift ends and I can head home. The table’s mess isn’t so bad, just some cheese and pasta sauce on the tables and one of the ends of the booth along with the usual spilled soda and crumbs. Every leftover plate is mostly clean and doesn't have anything missing. 

I start to get to work as I hear the door’s entrance bell ring, accompanied by a large number of voices. Glancing up, I see what looks like some kind of track team, probably high school or a club, sweaty and worn out while looking around like they had just found an oasis in a desert. Unsurprisingly, every one of them was saurian; I had yet to find a single human customer in the time I've been here.  Every one of the teenagers look to mostly be around my age at least, with some a little younger. 

Moe seems to know them as he personally hurries over and cheers upon grabbing one of them, a dark brown and orange crested ptero whose wing looks funny. Upon closer inspection I see it’s deformed. 

“Little Naser! How’s ya doing buddy! Finished yer track practice?!” He asks in excitement.

There’s a light grunt from the ptero, no doubt trying to draw breath from Moe’s backbreaking embrace. “Yeah, we were wondering if we could get a bite to eat. We’re starving, Uncle Moe,” Naser says with a smile, and the other dinosaurs nod in eager agreement.

“Anything for my Little Naz! The usual place! Let’s go, fellas!” My employer turns around, yelling to the kitchen. “Joey! Get the big beefy sausages!”

The group heads to one of the large booths in the far left corner, taking a few tables and putting them together so they can all sit. They start chatting together, and I can tell that Naser seems to be the leader of the group, probably the team captain, by the way he conducts himself.

I finish cleaning the table and take the dishes to the back so they can be washed. Once that's done I wash my hands and start working on silverware, the one job everyone hates doing. Well, besides toilet cleaning. Seriously, I’m glad that Blue isn’t a Brontosaurus. That’s all I’ll say.

I wish I didn’t have a sense of smell…

After some time doing that, I get the call to bring pizzas to a booth. From the order, I can see that it belongs to the track team that came in, two large pies meant for an untimely death. One cheese and sausage with pepperoni for the meat eaters while the other has half broccoli and onions for the herbivores. Grabbing both, I make my way to the group who stop from drinking the sodas and talking to see me coming over. Naturally, like many who see me for the first time, they look surprised and even stunned. One even has their jaw drop.

I’m used to this by now. Apparently, seeing a human work here is like seeing a comet in the sky.

“Here are your orders,” I say as I place the pizzas on the table before looking at them each. “Anything else you need?”

“Uh,” Naser looks at his friends before me. “N-no. S-Sorry, you work here?”

“Yeah, my name is Anon,” I reply with a nod. “Started here a week ago.”

“O-Oh,” Naser says as he takes a slice. “Thanks, Anon.”

I nod and start to head back, but I quickly hear the whispers.

“Dude, Moe hired a human?”

“Outside of Mr. Carldelewski, I’ve never seen one in public.”

“He’s so bald.”

“Skin Row is so far from here though.”

“He seems nice.”

“I didn’t think skin could look that white.”

Honestly, it reminds me of some of the way the kids reacted to Nick when she arrived at Rock Bottom. It’s funny how isolated from each other the races are in both areas with one the dominant over the other. I heard most places are more equal and practically everyone gets along much better. Circumstances for both Rock Bottom and Volcaldera Bluffs made it what it is today.

Still, I’m not too concerned about it. I’m sure they’ll forget me once they dig into the pizza. Meanwhile, I gotta get back to work and focus.

***

About an hour later, things are pretty much dead in the water. You think with it being summer more people would be coming over, but I guess even summer days have their downswings. The only real customer is Naser who is now on his own and looking over some book he came with. Every so often he looks at a notebook, making a flurry of scrawled notes. His track mates all left at some point, leaving him to be working on whatever he’s doing on his own. 

I see his soda cup is empty so I get a fresh one for him and walk over. “Refill?” 

“Huh?” He looks up and notices me before seeing the drink. “Sure, thanks.”

“No problem,” I tell him as I put it in front of him and see the book’s title. “Physics? During the summer?” 

“Yeah,” he nervously chuckles. “My girlfriend says we need to keep up our studies even during the summer. Gotta keep that 3.7 GPA up and all.”

“Damn, you must really like her to be studying that on your vacation.” I chuckle as I shake my head. “But I get’cha.”

He nods while staring at me. After a few seconds, he gives up the idea of studying. “Sooo,” Naser slowly puts the book down and looks at me. “You’re human.”

“Last time I checked,” I say with a smirk.

“Sorry, I'm not trying to be rude, but I never met a human my age,” he tells me while rubbing the back of his neck. “Is there some kind of greeting I have to do? A ritual or...”

Wow. He must have lived a sheltered life. 

“No, man,” I chuckle and shake my head. “Nothing like that.”

“Oh, good.” He sighs in relief.

“So, you're the captain of your school’s track team?” I say to change the subject as he beams with pride.

“Yup. Two time state champions too. Hoping to be third this summer. What about you? Play any sports?” 

“Nah, I’m more into music,” I tell him as I slowly sit down. I don’t think I’ll get in trouble for doing so. Not like anyone else is around.

“Huh, my sis- sibling is also a musician. Got their own band,” Naser says as he turns to me before looking a bit unsure. “Uh, what’s a good gift to give them? Like if you screwed up badly or something?”

Now that’s an odd question. “Hmm, what do they play?”

“Bass guitar, but I think they also play electric guitar. Just not in the band.”

“Well, you can’t go wrong with a good guitar cleaning and tuning kit,” I answer with a shrug. I wonder what he did to make them mad? Eh, probably standard sibling shit.

“Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind,” he says with an enthusiastic nod.

“So, is Moe really your uncle?” I ask him as he slides over his plate of garlic knots. There’s a moment of hesitation before I shrug and take one of the little bundles of halitosis joy. Like I said, no one is around to care.

“Not really. He’s my godfather. I just call him Uncle Moe since he and my dad have been friends since they were kids.”

I nod at the comment, asking for more details in short order. Pretty soon, we’re chatting about a number of things. Naser was surprised that I didn’t live in Skin Row but in Sunpark Heights. Turns out he lived there too but on the other side of the neighborhood. 

“I heard there was talk of a human and his dinosaur step-father moving in but I didn’t think it was true. That was you? Woah.”

I told him how I moved here from Rock Bottom. When he asked what it was like I scowled.

“A terrible place with bitter, racist assholes. Trust me, I couldn’t wait to get out of there.”

Thankfully, he didn’t press the issue, especially when he learned where I was going to be attending school after summer.

“Volcano High?! That’s where I go!” Naser claims with enthusiasm. “Huh, I guess as Vice President of the student council I can say ahead of time welcome to our school.”

“Team Captain of the Track Team and Vice President? With a 3.7 GPA?” I tease him as he rolls his eyes. “High achiever, huh?”

“I guess you can say that. Especially since...” He pauses for a minute before shrugging. “Anyway, I’d be happy to give you a tour of the place when the school year starts.”

Before I can say anything, Moe comes from behind us and greets us with his usual baritone of a voice. “Hey, Anon! Naser! Glad to see ya getting along so well!”

I get up quickly. “S-Sorry, Moe. I didn’t-”

“Relax, Anon. Nothin’ going on at the moment. So it’s fine that ya took a moment to talk to my godson. In fact, why don’t ya head home early for yer little cannoli?” 

Sighing in relief, I thank Moe before turning to Naser. “Well, I’m heading out. Maybe we can talk again?”

“I’d like that,” Naser says as he smiles at me and I head to the back to change my clothes.

Huh. 

I wonder if I made a new friend today?

***NASER***

“I’m home!” I shout as I close the door behind me, desperate and eager to take a shower. Running for three hours, I’m sure I smell like crap. My scales itch from the sweat, and I probably smell like pizza sauce. But it was a good day. Summer has always been my favorite season, and I’m making sure to enjoy it as much as possible since it will be the last one I have where I can be more carefree the usual. With Senior Year coming in a few months I’ll be mostly focusing on getting a job to help pay for whatever College accepts me. Hopefully, I can make this a memorable one. 

“Welcome home, sweetie!” Mom says as she walks in from the kitchen and kisses me on the cheek. “I take it you ate out?”

“Yeah. Went to Uncle Moe’s,” I told her. “We were all starving after practice.”

“I understand. Don’t worry, I’ll just focus on your father and me for dinner,” she tells me before going back to the kitchen. 

I guess Fang’s going to be either late for dinner again or with their friends for the evening. 

I walk into the living room where Dad’s watching the baseball game with a beer in hand. He nods to me as I flop next to him on the couch. “Rough workout?”

“Yeah. Coach has us working overtime with Nationals next month.”

“Hard work pays off into success,” Dad tells me as he gives a small proud smile. “Keep it up son, you’re sure to win the third year in a row.”

“Thanks, Dad,” I smile at him as Mom walks in with a large glass of water for me. Giving a quick nod of thanks, I take it and begin to drink. “By the way, you’ll never guess what Uncle Moe hired at his pizzeria? A human.”

“A human?” Mom and Dad said at the same time. Mom seems somewhat surprised, while Dad’s response drips with suspicion.

“Moe hasn’t said anything about that,” he mutters.

“He hired him last week apparently.” I tell them as I drink a bit more. Dad’s always had a thing against humans due to something from his past he’s never told us. “He’s actually a nice guy. He’s going to my school next year.”

“A skinnie in Volcano High?” Dad muses with a far off look.

“Ripley,” Mom says firmly. The rebuke has him mutter an apology. She then smiles back at me. “What’s he like?”

“Well, he seems pretty alright. Kinda surprised by how bald he is. But he plays the guitar and seems to have been adopted by a dinosaur,” I tell them before snapping my fingers. “Oh, right. He lives in our area with his step-dad. Other side of the neighborhood though.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful! Maybe we can invite them over for dinner one day.” Mom looks positively excited with the joy in her tone.

“We will?” Dad says before Mom gives him a look. “Uh, yeah. I guess if he’s adopted by a dinosaur… he’s not like the other humans.”

“Ripley.”

“What?!”

I roll my eyes and get up knowing this is going to be awhile. Personally, I kinda am interested in Anon. He’s different from what I expected from humans. Maybe I’ll go back to Dino-Moe’s this week and see him.

The comment by Uncle Moe near the end before he sent him home got me thinking. Little cannoli? He usually calls the babies that enter his pizza place… but he also used to call his wife while she was still alive, too.

Maybe Anon has a special someone in his life like I do. Though, I’d be embarrassed if Moe called Naomi a ‘little cannoli’. How would she react?

…Maybe I do want to see how she reacts. Maybe she’ll blush.

That’s for another day, but for now? I need to wash the stink off my scales.

Chapter Text

Anon

The weekend was pretty good considering how Friday went. I only had to work half a day on Saturday because Moe let me go home to spend time with Blue and Dad, and by the looks of it, my new boss is not going to need me as much this coming week. He said something about how he’s got extra help coming in to cover for me. While it sucks that I won’t be able to work as much, and thus not make as much money,  the benefits outweigh the loss; I get to spend more time with my daughter, my family, and friends. 

The large t-rex runs a tight ship in the pizzeria, and he embodies the concepts of fairness and generosity. I can’t even count how many times he’s sent me off with free food at the end of a shift, or let me eat during my break. Though I have a feeling I have seen some things that I shouldn’t have. While Moe is a respectable member of the community and has a big heart, I have a small nugget of doubt about what he’s trying to hide. If this were some kind of drama or TV show that I used to watch with Nick, the big man would be a mafioso or some shit. Regardless, Moe is someone I respect not only as my boss, but as a person. He sees the good in people and offers advice to those who seem lost and confused.

I can see why he’s so highly regarded by the community. That’s not even considering the many people who come and go from his pizzeria, but by Dad and several firefighters and EMTs who come to eat there. Thanks to being a server, I’ve had to talk to most of our customers at length. Being forced to be social isn’t all that bad in the long run, even if at first I just saw it as a good way to make tips. Now I can recognize some regulars, and they remember me. A few times I’ve even been able to ask a few patrons about how their families are doing.

Sometimes they ask me about what it is like to be human. Others make conversation about the city and tell me more about it. Then there are the few that ask me about Nick and Mr. Balor. At first, I was a bit put off by how quickly they started to associate us together, but in the end, word travels fast—especially given how the lone human around here is the ‘son’ of a huge baryonyx like Dad.

Thank God they haven’t asked about Blue. That still leaves a little bit of nausea sitting in the bottom of my gut when I think of how people would react.

I might need to talk to Dad about that. He wouldn’t like hearing how it’s getting to me.

Family and work remain separate, as they should, unless it involves Moe. He enjoys seeing my daughter and dotes on her as if she were his own. He’s good with kids; it’s almost a shame he doesn’t have any. Maybe he can be that fun uncle that every family seems to have.

That being said, he does treat his godkid like his own—Naser’s a pretty cool bro. A bit of a dork at times and sometimes says things he shouldn’t (more than once I had to correct him on human facts), but ultimately, he seemed like a nice guy as we got to know each other better. I learned that his father is the Police Commissioner for Volcaldera Bluffs, that he was aiming for medical school and considering becoming a doctor, and that he owns a car.

I had to prevent myself from laughing when he told me the name of his car. Seriously, he calls it the NasCar, what a damn dork! It felt easy to open up to the ptero, so I told him a little bit about my past, some of my hobbies, and about Trent and Curtis. 

Nothing about Blue or Nick. Not yet, anyway. It’s not that I don’t trust him, but it’s a weighty topic that requires a lot of discussion in private.

It wasn’t long until we exchanged numbers and even hung out during my breaks. We’ve been hitting the arcades together as he drives me around in his beat-up car. He might be terrible at said games, but it’s fun, the most fun I’ve had honestly since I moved here. Not long ago I was in a deep state of depression because of Nick’s death and the pressure of raising our kid without her. But here I am, with friends, a job, and a happy daughter who would attempt to crawl to get her hugs whenever I came home.

Seeing my precious treasure is what helps keep me together, even when I’m not feeling the best. I’m not even sure what counts as ‘happy’, honestly. Is it being fulfilled? Not frowning more than a few times? Somehow counting how often you smile? It’s hard to really say. Sometimes I make myself sick with worrying about if I’m ‘normal’ anymore,, but I like to think I’m getting there thanks to the past few weeks. At the very least, it’s a good start.

Raptor Jesus, starting high school is going to bring a new set of challenges to my already busy life. I doubt I’ll be able to maintain the job at Moe’s pizza place when it starts up again in the Fall.

A new school, new faces, and new problems.

Having a friend like Naser at the get-go is a benefit for me, being new to the city and all. He mentions his girlfriend in passing; I think her name was… Naomi? She sounds nice, but based on the way he talks about the girl… the man is down bad for her. Heh, even in a cruel and unfair world, love endures.

…

Thinking about it, I know who else would love to meet this guy: Trent and Curtis. It would be nice to include them in our hangouts. Additionally, those two are reliable and trustworthy; Naser could benefit from having people like that in his life.

I know I did. And besides, I’ve already told him about them, so why not bring them all together?

I’ll have to see if Trent and Curtis have any plans for today, as well as Naser. Dad is taking care of Blue for me--something about “grandpa time”-- so I have free time.

***

Naser

Anon calling me up while I was finishing some summer work came out of nowhere, especially when he asked to see if I’m free to hang out and meet his other friends. He’s talked about them a few times. Trent and Curtis. They are also musicians like he is, but they seem way more into it. I quickly check my personalized calendar to see if Naomi is still visiting her relatives, and to my relief, she confirms that it is the case. I love my girlfriend, but sometimes she can be a bit clingy. At least she has changed over the years from the meek and shy girl I admired from a distance to a very peppy and confident leader. 

I just wish she and Fang got along better.

Then again, I just wish Fang got along better with me, which is, frustratingly enough, a thought for another day.

I told Anon I would head over right away. It’s a nice day out and he lives on the other side of the neighborhood. Getting some exercise with a short walk isn’t so bad with that distance, so I’ll leave my reliable NasCar behind for today. Putting my school stuff away, I get up and walk out of my room. Fang’s door is open, music wafting out and across the hallway while they play their guitar. No doubt they are also messing with writing down some new lyrics. I still don’t know why they don’t play guitar in the band. Trish continues to insist on the double bass thing, but it sounds… Well, it’s an acquired taste. 

Yeah, let’s go with that.

I knock on their door, just outside of the doorframe to still give them some privacy, and they glance up at me with annoyance. “Uh, I’m gonna meet a buddy of mine and his friends. Wanna come?”

“Why the fuck would I do that?” They ask with a scoff.

Resisting the urge to sigh, I continue. “Because they’re new? And they like music like you,” I offer as a suggestion. 

For a moment there is interest, but then they look away. “Probably into some lame soft rock shit.”

Well, I tried. Good enough for me.

Sighing, I don’t even bother saying goodbye and head down the stairs. Mom’s humming can be heard from the kitchen, hard at work and just finishing her cookies for an upcoming bake sale at our church. “I’m heading out to meet Anon at his place!”

 She perks up to look at me with a grin. “Okay, sweetie! Do you want some cookies to bring?”

Mom’s cookies? Hell yeah. She makes the best chocolate chip cookies.

Once I get a small container of them, I kiss her on the cheek and head out. I hope Anon and his other friends appreciate these.

***

A quick thirty minute walk and I’m here. Huh. I think this used to be the Pendersons’ house before they moved to Florida for retirement. I knock on the door with a bit of hesitation, but sure enough Anon is there to greet me with a smile. “Hey, man. Welcome. The others are here.”

He lets me in and as I enter I can see some other people; sitting on the couch playing X-ROX: a chasmosaurus and an atrociraptor. The former is kicking the latter’s butt in Tekken before he knocks him out. The atrociraptor groans and leans back dramatically. “Son of a… You barely play this game at all! How are you so good?!”

“You just suck.” The larger saurian chuckles before taking a chip from a bowl.

“Hey guys,” Anon says, which gets their attention. “This is Naser Aaron. Naser, this is Trent and Curtis.”

Curtis, the atrociraptor, instantly gets up and practically dashes over with a grin before holding out his hand. “What’s up, bro! Nice to finally meet ya. Anon’s told us all about you. Think you can help me with my summer homework?”

Trent rolls his eyes and pulls him back. “Come on, dude. Don’t go begging him like that. Besides, I doubt he can help you with your lack of academic skills.”

“You never know! Anon says this guy’s got a 3.7 GPA! That screams genius to me!” Curtis argues in his defence.

Shaking his head in amusement, Anon lets out a small snort. “Come on man, I said I would help you out. No need to drag a guy you just met into this.” He turns to me and shrugs. “Sorry about him.”

“Nah, it’s cool,” I reply with a smile. I turn to the others. “So what high school do you guys go to?”

“Caldera High School,” Trent answers with a shrug. “Nice place. Doesn’t have Volcano High’s reputation though.”

Suddenly, he sniffs into the air. “Do I smell cookies? Freshly made?”

“Oh, right!” I say, showing the container. “My Mom made some. Do you guys want any?”

“Are you kidding?! Anon, I’ll get the milk! Get those puppies laid out for me!” Trent says with excitement as he rushes into the kitchen.

“Wow, that's the most excited I’ve ever seen him,” Anon says in surprise.

“That’s because he’s a huge chocolate addict,” Curtis chuckles in amusement. “The guy loves chocolate so much he could put Willy Wonka out of business.”

Curtis soon arrives with four glasses of milk as I set the cookies down on a table and Anon hands me over a controller as we get ready for some Fighting game action.

***

We’re about an hour and a half in and hanging out with these guys has been more of a blast than I thought. Curtis has so much energy that I think he’s running on sugar or something. He’s loud and touchy, but he’s cheerful and knows a good joke or two like someone who can always bring positivity into the room. Trent is more of a quiet and down-to-earth guy (when he’s not chowing down cookies), and slows things down to enjoy them.

Plus, he’s fucking awesome at video games. Seriously, I’ve never gotten my butt kicked so bad. They got to know more about me as I did with them. Curtis was all but begging me to teach him how to get a girlfriend until the others held him back. Meanwhile, Trent was interested in my car though he outright said the name “NAScar” was dorky. He was into vehicles and offered a tune up or at least a way to fix that broken glass windshield. 

Before I knew it, I saw the time and winced. “Shoot. I need to head home.”

“It’s cool. It was nice hanging out with you, Nas,” Curtis said as he smiled at me. “We should totally meet up again. Maybe your Uncle can give us discounts at Dino-Moes.”

“Be sure to bring your car so I can take a look at her,” Trent reminds me.

“Come on,” Anon says as he gets up. “I’ll see you out.”

We get to the door, but suddenly it opens and a very tall and big blue Baryonyx holding a smaller baby version of him appears before we can take a step. And when I mean big I mean he’s like Spear’s levels of length. I can almost feel the same aura that Dad gives the moment he looks at me with narrow eyes while bringing the cute baby closer.

“Anon? Who is this?” He asks.

“Oh, hey, Dad,” Anon says. “This is Naser. That other friend I told you about?”

“Ah, I see.” The blue giant grunts as his eyes relax while nodding.

“It’s good to meet you. I’m Naser. Nice to meet Anon’s adopted father.”

The gurgling from the little Baryonyx gets my attention and I lean forward to greet her as she looks at me with her big, wide eyes. “Aww, who is she? Your little sister, Anon?”

However, before Anon can answer, Curtis does it for him.

“Nah, that’s his daughter, Blue.” There’s a small moment of silence before Trent whacks him on the head. “Ow!”

...

Huh?!

I turn to Anon, who is sighing and rubbing his temple before turning to the giggling baby. Then at Anon and then at her again. I even do it a third time just to be sure.

Anon is… a dad? 

But he’s the same age as me! I can’t believe it, but the way he looks at her is the same way any father would when looking at his children. 

Holy shit, that’s his daughter. Anon is a father!?

“Dude!” Trent hisses and I hear a whack on the head but I ignore that. How the heck is this possible?! Who did Anon get pregnant? She looks so much like Mr. Balor. I mean, I know humans and Dinosaurs can mate and have kids, but I’ve never met a hybrid before. Wait. Do you call them hybrids?

My mind can’t wrap itself around this as I turn to Anon. “Is… Is she really yours?”

He remains silent before walking over to Mr. Balor, reaching out gently to take Blue into his hands as he holds her close. The baby smiles and happily presses her snoot into Anon’s face as he gives a warm kiss on her cheek before looking at me. “Y-Yeah. Blue is my daughter. Sorry. I, uh, didn’t know how to explain it yet.”

That’s… Wow, that is a lot to process. Goes to show what I know about people and what lies beneath the surface. I mean, Anon seems mature for someone being the same age as me, but this brings a whole new perspective to it. A young dad going to the same high school as me… I don’t have the words to say, nor do I know what to say.

“I- Okay.” I take a moment to run one hand across my crest and let out a held breath. “Sorry, this is like… the last thing I expected to hear.” It takes the cake for the craziest thing I have ever heard and seen in my life.

“No thanks to Mr. Loudmouth,” Trent mutters.

“Sorry! I thought he knew!” Curtis said in defence.

“It’s fine. I was planning to let Naser know eventually,” Anon says before turning to me. “How about you head home? I’ll explain next time we meet. Okay?”

“Y-Yeah, sure.” Even in my shock, I nod and give a hopefully not quite awful grin. “See you all later.”

I soon walk out and once I’m around the corner of the street I take a deep breath. 

Anon’s a father. He has to be like seventeen or eighteen years old. I knew some teens were parents and that this happens in society, but to see it in person is...

Well, I can already tell that it’s not a bad situation. It really explains more about why he’s working so often too. So there must be a story to this. But where is the mother? Was she out? Or was she not involved? 

“Come on, Naser. Let’s not assume the worst.” I reassure myself before shaking my head. “He’ll explain everything.”

Until then, I’m gonna say nothing about this, especially to my parents. Anon deserves that much, not many people look at teen parents fondly. The last thing he needs is for everyone in the Volcaldera area to know that he’s a dad at a young age. Not that it’ll matter in the long run, but dang. People are going to judge.

He trusts me enough to be upfront with me about it, so I’m going to respect his wishes and say nothing to anyone.

I hope we can talk again soon, I don’t want to chase away my new friend.

***

Anon

Moe was kind enough to open the restaurant before work hours this morning so I could meet with Naser in peace to discuss all of this. It doesn’t help how nervous I am about it though.

The thought of being a parent doesn’t appear in the typical high schooler's mind; it’s only when they warn you in sexual education classes about not being safe, or your parents telling you not to make them grandparents so soon. But the heat of the moment happened for me and Nick, and we paid the price.

She paid a worse price in the end, a life for a life. And I’m still here, paying daily with the product of our love and life we created together.

Black thoughts start to swirl in my mind as my mood sours. I can’t even begin to find the words to explain this to someone else. Just how much am I willing to say to this guy I have barely known for a week? A part of my ongoing worries is the questions I’m asking myself, such as: How much am I willing to tell him? What should I say? Will he tell anyone else?

Trust is hard when you're new in town, especially after living in a place like Rock Bottom for your entire life. I’m thankful to have Mr. Balor here, my father.

My nerves eat at me as I sit here at the clean table, waiting for Naser to arrive through the front door of the pizza place. I can trust him, right?

Please God, let me trust someone other than my family and Nick’s old friends. Please.

The front door opens, Moe stepping inside to let in the ptero in question. Speak of Naser and he shall appear…

The gray-scaled saurian looks timid. When our eyes lock, he lightly smiles, but it’s a bit awkward compared to the smile I’ve seen from him before. Maybe he had time to process this, perhaps he didn’t.

I just need to be honest with him; I owe him that much. Naser is the first real friend that I’ve made here. One I made out of my own volition, something that Nick would have wanted me to do when we moved here. I need people I can trust in my life. Dad keeps saying it, and Curtis and Trent think the same. 

It just sucks taking that first step when you don’t know if it’s going to go well or not.

A gurgle sounds out from the little carrier next to me. My little one has stirred at the sound of the commotion and is awake. Just to make sure he understood, I brought Blue with me to the restaurant. She likes to see Moe, and can easily recognize him even being a not-so-newborn baby.

Those blue eyes she inherited from her mother shine brightly in the light, a constant reminder that Nick is still here with me in spirit, and in the genetics of our daughter. 

They are both with me now. And that helps settle my nerves instantly.

I smile at my daughter, ruffling the tiny tuft of blue hair on her head. The contact causes her to giggle as I place a saurian-grade pacifier in her mouth so that she can be quiet while Naser and I talk. The brown ptero sits down in the chair across the table and clears his throat. “Morning, Anon.”

“Good morning, Naser.”

He glances over at Blue and then back to me. “Did you sleep well?”

“Only as well as she’ll let me,” I say with a hint of laughter in my voice, trying to bring levity into this.

“Ah, right. Newborn.” He glances back to Blue and ponders. “So that baby really is-”

“Mine. Blue is my daughter, Naser.” Man, I didn’t think I would be that frank about it, but I had to lay it out there for him to understand.

He rubs a hand along his striped orange crest. “Damn, I mean… I’ve heard of hybrids that exist between different saurian couples, but never between a human and saurian before. She looks completely saurian to me.”

“Blue takes after her mother in every way. The only difference is that she's half of her and half of me.”

“Mmm…” He hums, still looking at my baby Blue. He then rubs his temples with taloned hands before turning back to me. “I don’t know Anon, this all feels so different to me. I mean, I get the fact that some people get pregnant during high school; we’ve had that happen at Volcano High before. It’s natural, and this happens enough that it’s not foreign to me. In concept at least. But-” The words fall short from his mouth, almost as if he’s afraid to say what’s coming next. I’m ready for it, come on, lay it on me man.

He lets out a huff, trying to be neutral but clearly figuring the best way to begin broaching the topic at hand. “It’s clearly not ideal, but where is Blue’s mom in all of this? She… clearly resembles Mr. Balor. His daughter isn’t here, but you are.”

Uncomfortable memories dredge from deep within my mind. Seeing her holding her enlarged belly and smiling down at it as I held her close to me. The day of the delivery, we had to make a choice. Her body as I held the one she chose above her own life.

The gravestone.

The goddamn rain.

Naser looks on at me with concern. “Anon?”

Oh, tears. Yeah, it’s been a while, hasn’t it?

I reach down for a napkin and pat my wet eyes. Only a few leaked out this time, nothing like an actual crying river. Thank God for small mercies. “Sorry. I couldn’t help it. It’s a lot.”

The sight of my tears clearly makes him uncomfortable. “That-- That’s alright man.  Take your time.” The dark gray ptero says, leaning forward with both elbows on the table. “You can tell me only what you’re comfortable sharing with me.”

That catches me by surprise. “Really?”

“Sure man, it isn’t my business to dig into your life and know every single thing about you. What kind of friend would I be if I did something like that?”

“So you haven’t told your family?”

He shrugs. “My parents and sis- sibling only know about you, man.”

His frank statement takes me aback. You’d think that someone would want to talk about being friends with a single dad with their family, but Naser keeps surprising me. Then again, that seems to be the kind of person he is.

Someone I can trust in this world.

I smile. “I appreciate you not telling anyone about this. It’s not that I don’t want to tell people about my daughter, it’s just… hard.”

Naser rolls his eyes in agreement, alleviating the air around us. “No kidding, you’ve got your work cut out for you. Having to finish high school and raise a child? I don’t think I could do it.” Moe walks by with water glasses for both of us and snacks. He tips his hat as he walks back to the kitchen. My friend leans forward. “So… Do you have a plan?”

That makes me raise an eyebrow. “A plan for what?”

He nods toward the baby next to me. “A plan for her future. Surely you have to be thinking about what happens after high school, because by that point, she’ll be at least one, right?”

I blink. ”Dude, she’s been alive for a couple of months, I can’t exactly plan out what happens with Blue’s life this quickly. All I know is that I want to give her the best childhood I can and still end up with a good job to support us.” The ugly truth presents itself as I grip the water glass tightly. “I know I can’t keep this job at Moe’s forever, nor rely on the goodwill of my adoptive father and friends.” My eyes fall back on the ptero. “I have to take responsibility for the life Nick and I brought into the world and be the best I can be for her, no matter how hard it might be. But it’s tough, tough because she isn’t here to help me, and every day that I look at Blue, I’m reminded of her.”

Naser looks at me with a saddened expression, realization dawning on him. “You talk about Blue’s mother fondly, as if you wish she was here… Is she-”

It’s hard to push past my throat, but I have to accept it. She’s gone, and there’s nothing I can do to bring her back, no matter how much I wish it so. “Nick died during childbirth.” My face twitches at the admission, the grief still stings and rips at my heartstrings. More dull now, thankfully. Just enough not to get distracted by it. “We had to make a difficult choice, it was either her or Blue.”

He looks at my daughter and winces. “And I’m guessing you chose her.”

“We both did, no matter how much I wished I could have them both.”

He shakes his head. “Damn…” He looks back at me with sympathy in his eyes. “I’m so sorry, Anon.”

“Don’t be, you didn’t take Nick from me, and you certainly didn’t put me in this position.”

“Still. It’s--” Naser sucks his teeth, planting his chin in one palm as he taps the table. “Christ man. I can’t imagine what that’s like for you to deal with.”

“Not great.” I shrug lightly, my mood stabilizing enough to admit the truth. “But we’ve been getting by.”

He nods at that, consideration and sympathy alike alight in his eyes. “Still. Feels like those doctors could have done more.” He shrugs. “At least that’s what I tell myself. But-- but those kind of situations are horrible in the end, no matter what. Hard to blame somebody, even if it feels like you should.” As he moves slightly, his elbow bumps into his glass of water. It tumbles free, taking only a moment to impact and shatter on the ground.

I immediately glance down at Blue, but notice that the shards are turned away from her entirely and too far away. The sound did startle my daughter, who now looks up at me with a scrunched-up face. Her crying rings out just a moment later.

The ptero winces, looking between broken glass and the baby carrier with Blue before straightening, keeping his elbows firmly planted to his sides. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare her.”

Reaching down, I pick up my crying daughter into my arms and rock her softly and soothe her. “It’s alright. That was just an accident, and the noise scared her more than anything.” I look up in time to see Moe walking up, sweeping up the glass nonchalantly and without a word. There is a slight moment where he quirks an eyebrow at his godson, but waves it off. Soon enough, we find ourselves alone again, the tiny blue baby thankfully settles into the crook of one arm. “There’s so much that went wrong that could have gone differently, but the doctors did all they could. They saved Blue, and if they hadn’t done what they did, I would have lost both of the women I care about in one day.”

Blue begins to quiet down, so I reach into my backpack and pull out a clean, saurian-rated binky. My daughter immediately reaches up before placing it into her mouth, suckling on it with a far more relaxed posture. It works perfectly as she calms down and closes her eyes. “Mistakes happen, but we don’t need to let them define us. Nick wouldn’t want me to wallow in my sorrow forever; she’d slap me upside the head with her tail if I kept that up all day every day.” He chuckles softly at my remark.

“Look at me, man.” His eyes trail up and meet mine. “All that matters in my life is the well-being of my daughter, and that she can grow up and be happy knowing how loved she is by the people who care about her. We can’t change what happens in life, no matter how shitty and unfair it is, but we can move forward knowing what to do for the future so it never happens again.”

No matter what happens, I wouldn’t change a damn thing, no matter how much it hurts to know that Nick is gone. I wouldn’t wish it on her to be in my position, or to lose the baby instead. Or me, God forbid. I’m still here, despite it all.

Naser’s eyes shine with the lights above. He looks at me with new appreciation in his eyes. What are you thinking? What’s going on in that crested head of yours? His beak opens for a moment, but the words don’t come out. It closes and then opens again. “I just- Wow, honestly Anon, I never expected to meet someone like you in my life.”

“How so?”

He rolls the words around in his mind. “Like… You’re my age, yet, you feel all mature and stuff. It’s like you’ve got all this experience that I would expect to hear from my Uncle Moe.”

“Love changes you,” I set Blue back down in her carrier gently. She sleeps soundly. “You’d do anything for the people you love, especially your kids, and if you choose to have one someday, you’ll understand it. Just don’t go and have one before high school is over, alright?”

A quick headshake is his immediate answer. “Believe me, the last thing I need right now is a kid of my own. I want to be able to go into medical school, after all.” A small smile pulls at one cheek on his face. “That and I like to get some regular sleep schedules.”

I can’t help but shake my head at him. Smartass. I’m impressed by his choice of career, let alone that he has med school as a goal. Most people have no idea what they want to do with their lives even after high school is over.

“You already know what you want to do after high school? I can’t even imagine. But good for you. But I’m curious what made you want to be a doctor.”

He rubs one of the scars on his face. “I want to help people.” A shrug rolls off his shoulders as he considers the new topic. “Like, I’ve been through some stuff myself. Figured I could pay it forward and everything if I did something similar.”

My eyes trail up to his scars and crippled limb for a wing. I don’t need to ask any more details than that. I smile at him. “You got a good head on your shoulders, man. We need more people like you in the world.”

Naser smiles. “Thanks man. And you’re a pretty good guy, Anon.”

“And friend, hopefully?”

“Definitely.” He thinks about that for a moment before continuing. “You think you’d want to meet my girlfriend at some point? I think you and her would get along pretty well.”

“Naomi, right? Sure, and hell, maybe we could all get together before the school semester starts and just hang out or something.”

Naser flaps his good wing. “Yeah! That’d be great.”

The talk with Naser turned out better than I imagined, it turns out he really is someone I can trust. Nick, I think you’d love him.

“Do you want to hold her?” I ask as he looks surprised. 

“Uh.” True terror holds his spine stiff, making him look taller as he stares at me. “Are you sure?”

“If you’re gonna be a doctor you might as well get used to it,” I point out with a shit-eating grin.

He gives a smirk back and nods before slowly opening his hands. Every part of him looks terrified at holding a baby. I gently give him over to Blue and he holds her as if he were carrying fragile Ming Dynasty china. The care package curiously looks at him and then extends her hands toward his face. Naser looks confused, so I tell him. “She wants to rub your snout. It’s a thing she does with new people.”

He nods cautiously and leans forward close enough for her to rub his snoot. Tiny hands reach up to pat at his long face, letting out a little squeal as she manages to smack him solidly. He chuckles softly, blush dusting his cheeks as she giggles happily and continues to rub it gently. I’ll have to make sure to remember this moment, and I know Nick would have loved to see this.

It feels like my very soul relaxes as my friend cradles Blue in a manner that mimics mine, but not quite as well. The sight is refreshing though, and I feel less strained overall. No matter what the future holds in store for me and for Blue, we’ll be fine.

I hope you don’t worry, Nick. We got you watching over us, after all.

I’m content.

I’m…

I’m happy.

Chapter Text

Summer is halfway done, and I'm convinced that it’s hotter here than it ever was in Rock Bottom. I don’t know if it’s because I’m surrounded by dinosaurs who love the heat so much, or if it’s because we’re far south in Dinofornia. Seriously, some of them are going around like it’s just another day in the office, but I’m sweating like a pig here. 

AC is a luxury Dad has given me in my room, but only in my room. I can’t let it get too cold for Blue, since dinosaur babies need warmth. Lord help me when winter comes around. I'd better get myself a big, heavy fleece blanket. I remember Nick complaining about how cold it was during winter at Rock Bottom. Of course, that’s Northern Dinofornia for you; it’s bound to be colder than where she grew up. She was all dramatic about it too, acting as if she were freezing to death or turning into a big dino popsicle. 

Pfeh. Drama queen.

Still, I won’t deny that the weather is pretty good. Outside of the monotony of work, things have been great. Trent, Curtis, and I had a small jamming session yesterday afternoon that made Blue happy and clap her hands. Curtis then had us do rock versions of baby songs like “Clap Your Hands” and “Rubba Dub Dub”. Dad filmed it all with Mr and Mrs. Spears, who were visiting. I swear, one day they’re going to show this to Blue to embarrass me years later.

Or embarrass her, depending on who’s the target at the given time.

Naser and I may have been hanging out a bit less, but that was only because his girlfriend was getting his attention. I didn’t blame him for that, since what he had was precious and he needed to hold onto Naomi. Outside of his visits to the Dino-Moe’s, we still make sure to chat and share some gaming sessions. He also makes sure to provide more information about Volcano High and its various sports and clubs whenever possible. I’m not sure if I’ll have time to join any of them, but knowing Uncle Moe, he’ll want me to have a decent high school experience, so maybe I’ll join one club.

Not the ‘Puppet Show Club’, based on what Naser told me about the members—specifically, this “Schizo” character. I think I’ll stay away from that insanity as much as possible. 

Seeing as it was another great day, with no work and Dad at his job, I figured it was a good time to go out. Just me, myself, and my precocious daughter, who seems to want to keep constantly moving. Currently, she loves swimming in the sink to sharpen her swimming skills, but I figure she gets enough practice after enough time passes and I began to dry her off. Most parents would not have their kids bathe before taking them outside where they were bound to get messy, but Blue takes to it so naturally. Geez, already a few months old and putting swim schools for kids to shame.

Never figured her formula would be liquid compared to the standard powdered stuff you mix with purified water. Something about her proximity to the dino aquatic tree in her genetics: I wonder what Nick’s mom was like? Was she a bary like her? Or something else? Maybe I’ll ask Dad sometime.  

“Hey, sweetie. Ready to go out and enjoy the sunshine?” I asked her as I dried her off. She gave a cute gurgle. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

She let out a tiny ‘gurgle’ and nuzzled me which made me hug her back. It’s days like today that make having her so special.

If only she-

No. Come on, Anon.

One day without sorrow. You can go one damn day.

“Anon, stop thinking about me. Much as I am flattered, have a good time with our daughter before I kick your ass,” is what Nick would say.

So I do. It isn’t easy, but I shove the grief down my gullet.

No sad stuff today.

Just the two sunshines I have in my life. The one burning bright above and the one I have in my embrace.

That’s all I need.

***

I honestly have no destination in mind. I just put Blue in her carriage, and we started walking in random directions. By now, I was getting used to people seeing me with Blue on a daily basis, though some people still looked confused or concerned. But by this point, I can ignore all of it. I’m not ashamed to have Blue as my daughter; I just hope that nobody makes a big deal out of it. So far, I’ve had good experiences, but I’m not naive enough to think that a negative one won't come along one day.

Blue, of course, is oblivious to it all. She happily plays with her stuffed dinosaur doll, looking and pointing at everything with her baby innocence. I sometimes go a bit closer to things she’s really interested in, like a fire hydrant, a store with something like a dress or colorful toy, and once to a newspaper holding machine where she stared at herself in the reflective glass. She kept touching her reflection’s snout as if it were a real person and huffed when she couldn’t. 

I quickly videoed it and sent it to my friends, who responded with heart emojis.

Eventually, we make it into the more upper-class area of town that our neighborhood is a part of: lovely shops, fancy diners, and hotels for visitors. I’m about to cross the street when I hear someone call out to me. 

“Excuse me,” I turn around and see it’s a cop. A pterodactyl with grey skin and green eyes. He walks forward. “Whose kid is that, sir?” 

Well at least he’s not using skinnie. That’s a plus. Come on, it’s not Rock Bottom, get a grip.

“She’s mine, sir. Her name is Blue Balor,” I reply calmly to make sure he knows I’m being honest. “I’m her father.”

I don’t think he really believes me, although I can’t really blame him based on the way Blue looks like her mother’s tiny clone. He raises an eyebrow. “Are you sure?”

“It’s true, sir. I can prove it. May I?” I asked, holding my hands up to show I’m not a threat. Dad had me go over this a few times on how to interact with the police, just in case something like this happened. The officer gives me a scrutinizing look before nodding. I slowly get out pictures of me, Blue, and Mr. Balor on my phone. I slowly hand him the phone and let him swipe through the photos. He pauses over a particular photo, and a look of recognition is evident on his face. The hardened look on his face softens as he continues scrolling. “I am her father. My girlfriend and I were seventeen when she was born.”

“Hmm,” he nods and looks down at the phone, then at Blue, and then at me. “And her mother? Where is she?”

Cmon Anon, tell the truth, as much as it hurts to admit it. “Passed away, sir,” I say with a sad tone. “Complications during the delivery of our child.”

He looks me over with a small, sympathetic look in his eyes. “I see… I’m sorry for your loss.”

“Thank you. Can I please go now, sir? I very much like to enjoy the day off with my daughter.”

The officer clears his throat. “Sure thing, son. Sorry for taking up your time.” He hands me back my phone and tips his hat. “Have a great rest of your day. Both of you.”

I watch as the police officer walks away and resumes his patrol around the area. Thank Raptor Jesus he believes me, it could have gone a lot worse if I didn’t approach it the way I did. The less trouble I experience, the better I am in the long run. Ah, Blue, you’ll get to understand what your daddy went through for you when you come of age. 

To make up for lost time, I push the stroller faster down the sidewalks and proceed to jog myself. Blue seems to like going faster, bursting into a giggling fit as she raises her nubby hands into the air. Noticing a nearby playground, I felt a grin growing on my face, and soon we start rushing towards it as fast as I could. Blue flings her hands up and lets out an unintelligible cheer as the wind blows in her face as we make it to the entrance. Once I stop, she claps her hands and burbles as if wanting to go again. “We’ll go fast later, sweetheart. Let’s get inside.” 

Note to self, take Blue on jogs with a higher mobility stroller.

Oh man. Time to get in shape. I can’t get a dad bod so quickly.

We walk around until I manage to find a nice spot. It’s a play area rated for young toddlers and babies. Figuring this would be nice, I get Blue out of her seat and retrieve some of her toys from a bag I keep in the storage compartment of the stroller before placing her on the grass for her enjoyment. She crawls around slowly, looking around and sniffing the area as I sit down nearby.

It’s incredible to see how much she’s grown compared to when she was born. Kids grow up so fast, don’t they? Damn it, Blue, don’t grow up too fast on me! 

Watching her explore the world around her was a joy in itself. Despite how much of a newborn she is, she’s taking in everything with such exploratory curiosity. Great blue diamonds sparkle in the sunlight as she watches a bird pass by, or turns her head and giggles at a floating butterfly. Now I can see why so many couples want to be parents when they’re ready. Seeing this spark of life grow, learn, and experience everything is never boring. 

She’s my daughter. A part of me. And, more importantly, a part of Nick.

“She’s a real beauty, huh?” I imagine her saying as if she were right next to me. Head leaning against my shoulders and tail wrapped around my waist. “I wish I were there.”

You are here. Always.

“Cheesy dork.”

Your cheesy dork.

“Damn straight. Oh, better pay attention.”

I snap out of my daydream and spot Blue crawling over to someone. Crap! It appears to be a brachiosaurus, based on its longer neck. Looks like a baby boy, almost around the same age as Blue. He’s having trouble keeping his neck up by the looks of it, so he’s definitely a newborn. He has a light purple scale color for his base, much like his hair, but for his stomach and under his neck, it’s a light blue, like his eyes.

The two stare at each other, Blue tilting her head in one direction while the little brachio tilts the other way. The two are judging the other, probably because they’ve never seen a dinosaur like them yet. Blue then makes the first move, raising her claw and rubbing his snout which makes the brachio baby lean back a bit in confusion, but eventually brings out a giggle. He, in turn, bumps her lightly with his long neck, which makes her topple over, but she smiles and coos. The two are soon lightly touching each other, getting to know one another while giving baby talk.

Oh. My. God.

She’s making a friend! Her first friend! 

I need my camera. This is too precious not to record!

“Travis?” A voice catches my attention as a female brachiosaurus, similar looking to the baby brachio, but with yellow scales for her underbelly and green eyes. Her hair is bright purple, tied in a bun, as she wears a lovely pink sundress and white shoes. Kneeling down to her son with a cheerful smile, she happily lets her son touch her as she affectionately rubs his neck. “Are you making a new friend, sweetie?”

“Gaa!” He says and points to Blue, who is curious about the new big dino. 

“Hello, sweetie. Where is your mommy or daddy?” She asks as she looks around. 

“Uh, right here,” I say awkwardly as she looks at me with wide eyes. 

“Y-You? But-”

“I know. I know. I’m human, but I am her father.”

I walk over and pick Blue up as she coos at my touch and nuzzles me. Taking my phone out, I quickly show a photo of us. “See?”

This makes the female brachiosaurus relax more before she gives me an honest smile. Raising up with her son, the two kids look and try to reach each other to continue their game, and she nods. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to sound rude. It’s just...well...”

“No, I understand,” I tell her before noticing our kids getting antsy. “Let’s put them in a safe place to continue playing so we can talk.”

“Of course,” she said with a warm smile.

***

Mrs. Ali Bronson is a nice woman. Once we had our kids playing in a new area, tumbling and giggling, we got to know each other. She was stunned to learn that I was still in high school, and I explained the situation, which prompted her to reach for a handkerchief to dab her eyes after hearing my story.

“You are a very brave and good young man, Anon,” she dabbed her eyes. “Blue looks like a very healthy and loving young girl. You’ve done a fine job so far.”

Hearing that from an experienced mother evokes a deep feeling within me. A sense of pride, maybe, but also contentment. I’m still here, still breathing. Blue deserves the best, and I’ll give her every bit of myself so she can have a great childhood and be prepared for the life ahead of her.

Ali also shared her story with me. Travis, the boy my daughter is playing with, is her second child. Their first, Drake, is ten years old and currently at summer camp. She’s a stay-at-home Mom while her husband, Gabriel, is a firefighter whom she has been married to for six years. Seeing my confused look, she sighed. “My first husband was...not a nice man. We divorced when Drake was three. I met Gabriel after some time, fell in love with him, and we married. He’s a far better man, and Drake prefers him to his real father, who doesn’t really get involved in his life.”

“I know what it’s like to have bad parents. I’m glad he found someone like I did.”

The thought of finding someone else after Nick hasn’t really occurred to me, at least, not yet. Losing her is fresh in my mind, and I need time before I ever think about dating again. If I ever date again, that is. Nick was… Is special—one of a kind.

It’s not something I want to think about for a while. Right now, all that matters is Blue.

We continue to watch our kids play together. Making sure it didn’t go too far out of our sight. It’s nice to see her being able to be social with other babies her age and interact with them.

But when she stops, she looks down, her tail sagging like her bottom end. Ah, I figured it would be around an hour from now that she would have to use the bathroom, but I was wrong. The problem with having to feed her only formula is that it affects her digestive tract, the frequency of diaper changes, and the God awful smell of her soiled diapers. Blue then lets loose with her crying, signaling the need for a good cleaning and a fresh diaper. I really hope I don’t have to change her onesie… It's a good thing I keep spare clothes stashed in the bag.

It looks like my new friend noticed too; she cranes her neck and points toward a grouping of small buildings near the middle of the park. “The bathrooms are over there. There is a changing station in the family bathroom,” Ali looks back down at me and smiles knowingly. 

“Thanks, I’ll be right back.” I grab the diaper bag and walk over to Blue. She’s reaching up toward me to be picked up, her beautiful blue eyes wet with tears. “Come on sweetheart, let’s clean up that mess so you can get back to playing.” Baby secured in my arms, I move at a faster pace to the public restrooms and enter the family bathroom. Thank goodness they keep this clean… Well, clean enough, that is. 

It doesn’t take me long to undo the onesie, remove the dirty diaper, and clean up my daughter. She didn’t get her clothes dirty, so I just wiped her up, change her diaper, and put her clothes back on. A clean baby with a fresh diaper is a happy baby. Not long after, I walk back outside with a happier and calmer Blue.

Alright, now I can get back to Ali and her son-

“Anon?”

Wait a minute, I recognize that voice. Turning around, I see Naser with someone walking towards us. It took me a while to realize from the photos that he had shown me before that this peach-colored parasaur is Naomi, his girlfriend. She’s wearing a summery blouse, with blue jeans, and pink-rimmed glasses. 

“What are you doing here?” The dark gray ptero asks in surprise as his significant other looks on in confusion.

“Oh, I was just taking Blue out since it’s a nice day and all.” 

“Naser? You know him?” Naomi asks, which causes him to look at me with an anxious expression.

It’s not like I can really say or do anything to get myself out of this. Screw it, it’s just his girlfriend, it’s not a problem if someone like her knows. Even if I barely know her. I sigh and give a smile. “It’s alright, man. Go ahead.”

“O-Okay,” Naser says before turning to para. “Naomi? This is my friend, Anon. And...his daughter, Blue.”

***

Naomi

It’s a nice day outside, especially for this late in the Summer. I know we need to do some of our summer work before the school year starts, but Naser was right when he said we need a break from all of that to enjoy a nice day together.

Much to my initial reluctance, I found myself lagging and feeling exhausted from focusing on our studies, so I agreed. I’m glad we went out, because it’s such a perfect day for a walk in the park together.

We look perfect out here, the weather is perfect, nothing can go wrong!

Of course, I said that, and now we’re here, next to the public bathrooms where we’ve met his friend he’s made mention of a lot, Anon.

And his child, Blue.

…

I couldn’t believe what I am seeing. That adorable, blue-scaled ball of sunshine is his child?! Didn’t Naser say that he was the same age as us? But… But that means-

“Naomi? Hello? You doing okay?”

Was I really that shocked to space out like that? How rude of me. I adjust my glasses, regain my composure, and smile. “Sorry about that, I was distracted by your cute baby girl. My name is Naomi, I’m sure my Nasey-poo here has already told you about me?”

The baby giggles while Anon raises an eyebrow at my boyfriend. “Nasey-poo?"

He blushes, his good wing twitching behind him. “D-Don’t get me started; only she’s allowed to call me that.” He turns to me. “Noomy… Not in front of my friend and his kid.” My precious boyfriend says with a slight whine in his voice. Gosh, I just want to tease him more.

“Okay, okay, I’ll stop.” I turn back to the human. “It’s so good to meet you, well, both of you.” I lean down to look at the bright blue eyes of Blue. “My goodness, she’s so pretty.” To my surprise, the child reaches up to rub my snout. It’s not something I’ve had happen in a long time, I think I was… Four? My younger sister did something similar when she was a baby to my parents, especially to me.

“That’s her way of saying hello. Sorry if you didn’t want her to touch you.” I pull away from Blue and wave my hands. 

“No no! It’s perfectly fine. It’s very sweet of her.”

Ah… I’m finding myself jealous of this guy. I wish I could be a mother someday, but not this soon. However, I'm thankful that I already have it planned out, as well as everything else with Naser!

All according to plan.

A little shiver of delight runs down my tail at the thought. I love it.

The bald human rubs the back of his head. “Ah, I should really get back to my spot in the park, we were having a playdate with Blue’s new friend there.” He turns to Naser. “We should get together again soon, before school starts up.”

So he is attending Volcano High. I saw there was going to be a human transfer on the records.

… But did I see anything about Blue’s mother? Wouldn’t she be here with Anon? Come to think of it, why is he all by himself with the baby?

“Sure. We can have like a big get-together or something before the Summer ends.” My boyfriend’s eyes fall on me. “What do you think, babe?”

“That sounds lovely,” I say as I clasp my hands together. “It would be just perfect.”

***

After we had said goodbye to Anon and his daughter, Naser took us back to his house. His parents weren’t home, and that sister of his was nowhere to be seen thankfully.

Just the two of us, alone, in an empty house.

Hehe, maybe we can do a little more than cuddling-

“So what did you think of Anon?”

His sudden question has my not-so-clean thoughts coming to a halt. “W-What?”

“Yeah, Anon seems like a pretty nice guy, right?”

“Oh. Oh! Yes, he does seem very nice. I hope we can meet the mother of his child soon as well!” I say with cheer in my voice. But for Naser, much to my dismay, he grimaces at what I just said. “Did I say something wrong?”

“Not really, but… God.” He rubs his beak. “Damn it, it’s not really something I should be talking about with others.”

What? “Why can’t you tell me?”

“Because it’s not my story to share, Noomy. Anon and Blue have been through a lot. If you want to really know, ask him.”

That’s not fair, I should know more about Naser’s friends! But… I understand if he can’t tell me. “I see. I’ll ask him the next time we see him.”

He nods. “And don’t tell anyone else about Blue. It’s already bad enough for him to be a single dad around here. We don’t want people around us knowing he’s a teenage dad, too.”

I think I get it, but burning curiosity gets the better of me. Perhaps I can do some digging later. But for now? I think I would like to spend some quality time with my beloved boyfriend and future husband.

***

Anon

Once I returned to Ali, we spoke a bit more as Travis and Blue continued to play together. We quickly exchanged phone numbers with plans for more playdates in the future. Once we realize how late it really is, we decide that it’s high time to go. Much to both our babies' reluctance. They squirmed in our embrace and started reaching for the other. 

I knew what was coming next. It only happened a few times, thankfully, but a baby was a baby.

And babies have temper tantrums. 

“Waaaaaaaah!” Blue sobs as she beats her fists against me. It takes just a moment longer before Travis starts doing the same to his mother, with the added effect of him flailing his long neck and using his head like a club. Oof, ouch, saurian strength. Damn Nick, she’s gonna pack a wallop just like you.

“There there…” I say, comforting her. “We’ll see them again. I promise.”

Thank God I don’t have any hair, because she starts smacking my head. I think she’d grab it if I did.

“How about I drive you home?” Ali offered a smile as she comforted her son. “We can let the kids have some more time before they have to go.”

“I don’t want to intrude,” I murmur with a nervous smile.

“You just told me that a while ago that a cop questioned you for having a dino baby. If someone sees her crying, they might assume the worst,” She points out, which makes me wince. I hate to admit it, but she’s right. “It’s okay. I have a backup car seat for Travis. It’s adjustable, so it should fit her age group.”

That’s awfully kind of her. “Thanks, Ali.” I tell her as we make our way out of the park. The two little ones calm down as they continue to reach each other. 

Honestly, I think it’s a good thing she’s so needy for Travis. It means she’s developing connections outside of her family. I wonder if I can get both her and Travis in the same daycare when need be? Or maybe have her babysit if Mrs. Spears can’t?

Though the idea of her being alone with strangers frightens me. 

I can’t help but ask this question now.

“Hey, Ali?” I ask her as she turns to me. “Am I doing a good job? Like, if you were to grade me?”

“Anon,” she smiles warmly. “As an experienced mother, I’ll tell you now. There is no ‘special grading’ for being a parent. You’re going to make mistakes, especially in your situation. There are only two grades: Good and bad. And so far? I think you’re doing good.”

That makes me smile as I hold Blue up to my face and nuzzle her muzzle. “You hear that, sweetie? Daddy’s a good dad.”

“Gah!” She says before rubbing my snout.

Yeah. I’ll be a good dad. The best dad possible for my baby Blue.

Because she’s worth it.

Chapter Text

It’s been a couple days since I took Blue to the park and met Mrs. Bronson and her youngest. With the weekend now behind me, I’m back into the usual pace of things by waking up early and going to work for half of the day.

I think I’m getting used to it, but I know it won’t last. We’re getting closer to August, and soon enough I’ll be starting my final year of high school. I won’t be able to work once I start it, and being around for Blue will be impacted. School is five days a week with a fixed schedule with the exclusion of half days and holidays, while working at Moe’s is part time and the schedule is flexible. The temptation not to go to school is strong.

I’ll still be able to get home at a decent time to spend my remaining hours awake with my daughter, but also balance it with schoolwork. That won’t be an issue, parenting is a balancing act in itself when paired with the hustle and bustle of life.

Speaking of parenting, I told Dad about the brachio woman and her son that I met at the park when he got home from work later that day. He was interested when he heard how well our kids played together despite how young they are. The next time we meet up, Mr. Balor will be coming with me to meet her and her husband. It’ll be my first time meeting Mr. Bronson and her ten year old son, so needless to say I’m slightly nervous. But Blue having her grandfather with her will be an extra case of reassurance for all of us, I’m sure.

So far this morning, I have had a decent start. Managing to wake up before my alarm is a good feeling, I managed to get cleaned up and ready for the work day, and I got the coffee started for Dad and I to have together before I head off to work. I checked on Blue when I woke up and after my shower to see if she stirred awake, but she’s sleeping really well based on what I saw. Watching her chest rise and fall gives me a sense of peace and assurance knowing that she’s alive and breathing.

My tiny blue-scaled angel.

I should check her to see if she’s still asleep. She will need to wake up anyway so that she can eat with us, and so that Dad can have some quality time with his granddaughter. Sleep is good for her, but too much sleep isn’t. Finding the right balance can be a bit confusing at first until you get the schedule memorized.

Walking to my room, I pass by Dad in the hallway who looks like he just woke up with how rough he looks. Damn, he must have worked hard yesterday or didn’t sleep well. He smiles at me as we pass each other and pats me on the shoulder as I go to grab our bundle of joy.

The moment I enter my room, I can see her squirming around in the crib, ready to be picked up. I peek over the top of it and look down at my daughter with a smile. “Good morning, sweetheart. Are you ready for breakfast?” She burbles in response, but what strikes me is that she didn’t smile. In fact, she looks uncomfortable.

Maybe she needs her diaper changed, I’m sure it doesn’t feel great being stuck in place on your bed with a full diaper.

Blue doesn’t normally relieve herself in the middle of the night though, it’s usually after breakfast when that happens. Something feels off about all of this.

Picking her up, I don’t even need to check if the diaper is full because I can smell it. Man that stinks. Whew… Goddamn, what did I feed you last night?

Standard practice as per usual, I place her on the changing station, take off the onesie pajamas she has on- Oh, gross, the diaper did not contain it all, it’s almost like she had diarrhea. Welp, I’m gonna have to wash this and the sheets in the crib immediately. “Hey Dad?” I call out in a loud voice.

He immediately shows up, coffee cup in hand with hot brew steaming from within. “What’s up Anon?”

“Blue has diarrhea, I think.” He nearly drops his coffee cup as he comes over and sniffs the air and cringes at the smell.

An odd look passes over his face as he tilts his head. “Babies under three months shouldn’t be having that happen.” He reaches down and feels her scales and winces. “Hmm.” With a soft hand he then opens her snout and looks inside, touching the inside of one cheek with a finger. “Dry. She might be dehydrated. We need to go to the hospital now.”

The word hospital makes me panic. Dad quickly walks back to the kitchen and returns with his hands free. “Son, clean up Blue as best you can and get her dressed, we need to leave as soon as possible.”

Oh God. He whips out his phone, dialing a number as he walks out into the hallway. Blue isn’t making much of a fuss as she looks up at me with curiosity. My sweet child, do you even know what’s happening?

How did this happen in the first place? Where did she pick this up? The park? The restaurant? From me? Is this my fault? My thoughts swirl as I finish cleaning up my daughter and place a new diaper on her. She’s quiet, really quiet, but still looking at me.

I put a clean onesie on her and grab my essentials bag for her. Wait, I need to let Moe know what’s going on. Shit.

There is so much to do, and so little time, and I haven’t even had a single drop of caffeine yet.

***

During our ride to the hospital, Dad explained to me that it isn’t uncommon for anyone to get sick, but it’s never good when a newborn gets sick. Their immune systems aren’t fully established yet, so any bout of sickness needs to be taken care of as soon as possible. Something we consider inconvenient and minor like diarrhea for grown humans and saurians is actually major for babies.

Blue must have picked up a bug while we were out on a walk through the park or through the city. I hadn’t considered the possibility of my child catching something, especially for how young she is.

He’s calm, but I know that Dad is panicking too, he’s able to keep his cool when it counts. I know he’s trying to be strong for my sake.

That knowledge does little to alleviate my twisted gut.

The hospital knows we’re coming, and due to the urgency of the situation we have to go in through the emergency room. The last time I went through an emergency room was the day Nick went into labor.

I’m praying that today won’t be another tragedy added to the growing list of unfair bullshit I’ve experienced in my life so far. 

On our way there, I texted Moe about what was going on, and he gladly gave me the day off so that we could take care of Blue and get her the help she needs.

As he says, family comes first.

I’m grateful that I have a gracious and understanding boss.

It didn’t take us long to get there, with Dad driving like a bat out of hell. Once we were inside the emergency entrance, we were quickly shuffled into a room and waiting to be seen by the pediatrician on call. It’s not our usual pediatrician we see when we’re going for our normal appointments, so hopefully I can trust whoever is going to take care of Blue.

She’s fussy and unhappy. I don’t blame her, it’s probably uncomfortable to have diarrhea and not be able to manage it yourself. It’s like that one time when Nick and I went to this one burger place when we were younger back at Rock Bottom and we both managed to get food poisoning. It was a living hell to deal with that.

I can’t imagine how Blue is feeling right now. Yet, despite how unhappy she is, every time she looks my way, she’s smiling and giggling like nothing is wrong.

It’s comforting, no matter how stressed and worried I feel at the moment.

A breath I didn’t even know I was holding releases from me the moment I heard a knock on the door and watch the doctor come in. She isn’t our usual pediatrician, she’s a stegosaur with light yellow scales, blonde hair, and bright pink eyes. Bags mar them as she smiles and sets her laptop down on the sink counter. “Hello Balor family, my name is Dr. Rochefort, and I’ll be taking care of you today.” Her voice is tinged with a French accent as she looks down at Blue and gasps softly. “My my, she is adorable.” She turns to us. “May I take her for a moment?”

“You may.” Dad nods as the doctor reaches down to pick up the tiny baryonyx hybrid. She lifts Blue up and smells the air.

The nostrils on her beak twitch as she holds her. “Oh my. She’s two months old, correct?”

I nod. “She was born in early May, so two and a half months.”

She hisses to herself. “Okay, what needs to happen right now is that I need to get a stool sample and, if necessary, a blood sample. You have fresh diapers, yes?”

“Yeah.”

“Good, change her diaper and hand me the soiled one, we can check the stool for any foreign bodies and viruses. Have you been taking her anywhere that might expose her to germs and bacteria?”

That… Hm. I begin to change Blue as I ponder. “Isn’t there germs and stuff everywhere?”

“Correct, but the virus that causes diarrhea in babies is most commonly caused by contact with someone who is carrying the virus, or a surface that’s contaminated. Be it toys, wall surfaces, the ground, or public restrooms.”

The last bit makes me pause. Now that I think about it, I did take Blue into that restroom at the park to change her. Was that changing station unclean?

…

Oh you moron. Damn idiot! Of course it was dirty, it’s a public restroom with a changing station! Who knows what has been on that plastic?

“I think I know where she picked it up from.” The doctor and Mr. Balor have their eyes on me, guilt creeping up my spine as I look down at my daughter. “When I was with her at the park, Blue needed a diaper change, so I took her to the public restroom there and changed her.”

“And she touched the plastic surface of the changing station?” I nod as she sighs. “Kids… Always getting their hands on everything.”

Dad looks on silently at me, thinking deeply. Whatever is rolling through his mind, it’s about what happened.

The pediatrician takes the wrapped up soiled diaper with a gloved hand. “We’ll take a look at her fecal matter to confirm the presence of the virus and go from there on how it’ll be treated. Considering her age and how close she is to being three months old, she has a better chance of fighting this than other children. Blue’s immune system is nearly developed, but not fully, you were right to bring her here.”

She goes to leave the room. “Stay put, you three, I’ll be right back. Call a nurse if anything happens.” She takes her laptop and the soiled diaper with her as she exits, leaving me with Blue and Dad.

It’s silent for some time, other than for the burbles from the tiny blue-scaled bundle of joy in my lap. Despite being sick, she’s in good spirits.

The guilt I’m feeling hasn’t faded at all, looking at her only makes me feel worse as a result. I should have known that it was a bad idea to change her in there. I could have done so outside in front of Mrs. Bronson, she probably would have been fine with it. But what if there were germs in that grassy area? What if it was me that gave it to her? What if-

“Anon. Calm down.”

I look up at Mr. Balor. “You’re making a scary face, son.”

My tiny blue angel sniffles in my hands. Oh God. “Oh Blue, I’m so sorry.” I raise her up and cradle her into my shoulder as I soothe her. “Shh… Daddy isn’t upset at you, sweetie. Never at you.”

Little teardrops stain my shirt as she cries into my shoulder. The cries begin to settle as I hum our special song into her earhole, and slowly, but surely, she stops crying and falls asleep in my arms.

As soon as I know she’s sleeping. I look up at Dad. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to make her upset, or want to make a scary face.”

“You were blaming yourself for what happened, no?” I nod. “It’s all a part of being a parent, when something happens to your child; you find someone to blame, or you blame yourself.”

His tail flickers behind him as he leans into the wall and stares up at the ceiling, chuckling softly to himself. “Nicole hardly ever got sick when she was very young. And when she did? I’d panic.”

…

“It wasn’t easy for me, especially after losing her mother. So believe me when I say, I get it. You aren’t going to be the perfect parent, because I sure wasn’t either. We make mistakes, that’s something we’re bound to do no matter what.” He points a finger my way. “It’s up to you on what you’re going to do going forward to do better and make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

I look up into his eyes. “What should I do?”

“For starters? We’re packing anti-bacterial wipes into the baby bag so we can wipe surfaces down in public places that are high traffic so Blue doesn’t get any germs on her.”

That’s a good start, at least.

He raises a second finger. “Secondly, you need to ask the pediatrician questions. You need advice from your doctor on how to approach things, not just me. It’s their job to not only monitor the child’s growth, but to equip the parent with knowledge and answer questions. Take full advantage of the time that’s paid for by us and insurance to get as much out of it as you can.”

“Even if the questions feel kind of stupid to ask?”

“I think they’ve heard their fair share of stupid questions, son. Trust me, they won’t hold it against you, and I won’t either.”

Well that’s a relief, I guess.

Blue gurgles in my arms as I look down at the little poop goblin. What’s in you to make you have diarrhea?

The door to the examination room opens just as I ask myself that question. The doctor’s expression is calm and uplifting as they set down their laptop and close the door. “Well Balor family, I have good news for you, and bad news.”

“Can we have the bad news first?” I ask.

“Sure. Bad news is that your daughter has the presence of a nasty bacteria in her stool called E. Coli, this type is known as enterotoxigenic E. coli, which is a common type that we see in many patients, not just in infants. This bacteria can be found in contaminated food, water, and surfaces.”

So that means that the changing station was unclean. Damn it. I should have thought about that before going to change her in that bathroom.

“The good news is that it’s treatable, and for how early on it is, Blue has a better chance of fighting this bacteria and flushing it out of her system. When did you notice the diarrhea starting, young man?”

“This morning when I was changing her diaper, her diaper from four in the morning was normal.”

She taps the underside of her beak. “Then it’s very early on.” She taps her fist into an open palm lightly. “Okay, good. Then we can begin treatment immediately. The plan is to keep her hydrated and help restore lost electrolytes. Keep using the formula you are using, and add in Pedialyte when you can, because it will help restore electrolytes.”

I’ll note down that we need to pick up some of that stuff when we go to the store, and more diapers.

“What else do I need to do, doctor?”

“Keep her clean, change her diapers as often as you need to, and sterilize any surfaces she might touch with something antibacterial. I would also recommend carrying unscented antibacterial wipes in your baby bag for the future, in case you have to use a public changing station again.”

I’m definitely doing that.

“Thankfully, she won’t need antibiotics for this, but please keep an eye out for worsening symptoms. Anything like her crying without being able to be consoled, bloody stool, and fever. God forbid a seizure. If you have anything like that happen, bring her to the emergency room immediately.”

Dad and I nod in agreement as I look down at Blue, sure, she looks a little uncomfortable, but she’s in good spirits.

As long as she is healthy and happy, that’s all that matters.

I’m making a note never to change Blue in a public restroom again, unless it’s absolutely necessary.

Christ Nick, wish you were here to help keep my head straight.

***Naomi***

Okay. Information about Anon Y. Mous. This shouldn’t be too hard. 

First, I just need to access the school’s file system. Thankfully, as President of the Student Council and Principal Spear’s assistant I have the means to access the files of all students provided they aren’t under any special conditions that require only Spears to know about. 

When I find his profile, I discover two things that catch my eye. First, Anon was originally born and raised in a place called Rock Bottom, Dinofornia. Second, his guardian is listed as Nathan Balor. A Baryonyx who I am guessing is Blue’s grandfather. So Anon is living with the family of his daughter’s mother? Interesting.

I can’t access anything about the details of Anon having a baby so that means Spear’s is keeping it lip tight. Not a problem. I got enough information to work with. First, let’s see if I can find Nathan Balor on social media.

...Darn. Nothing. Okay, let’s try LinkedIn. 

Here we go. 

Nathan Balor. Born here in Volcaldera Bluffs. He’s had various management positions in various fields of energy development. Power grids, , power planets, electrical distribution. He’s clearly an upper class raised and developed individual. Naser did say that Anon lived in the same area as him. So that means Anon and his daughter are in a respective community.

Nothing about family, obviously.

Hmm.

Maybe his daughter has a social media account?

Only I don’t have a first name, just a last. Dead end there.

Okay, let’s try Anon’s social media pages.

Snootbook? Private.

Hisser? Private.

Snaptalk? Doesn’t have one.

Figures.

Okay, let’s try his past location. Rock Bottom.

Hmm, small town. Energy focus. Formally coal before turning to nuclear. 80% human and 20% dinosaur population wise.

Only one major high school for the local area. Rock Bottom High.

Perfect. 

Okay, now I just need to get the number for the reception desk. 

And a call. Time to put on my best performance.

...

...

...

“Hello, you’ve reached the Main Office of Rock Bottom High’s Reception Desk. This is Mrs. Millard speaking. How can I help you?”

“Hello! This is Naomi Mettori from Volcano High School in Volcaldera Bluffs. I’m the Student Council President. I’m calling regarding a former student of yours who will be starting with us this school year. Anon Y. Mous?”

“Oh, him? Yes, I know of him. Though may I ask why you wish to do so? Last I checked his filework and paperwork was completed.”

“Oh, yes. But I am planning a welcoming program for him. It’s something we do here for our new students, and I was wondering if I could maybe get in contact with any of his teachers or friends to know more about him? Maybe his family members too?”

“Well, his birth parents no longer live in the area and left no forwarding address or number so I cannot help you there. He’s currently under the guardianship of Nathan Balor.”

“Oh, I see,” I say, which makes me feel something twist in my gut. Was Anon’s family...not a good home? “What about his friends?”

“The only friend he ever had was Nicole Balor. Sadly, she’s gone.”

“Gone? Isn’t she living with her father and Anon?”

“No, dear. I mean she passed away.”

...W-What?

“I...I see. I didn’t know that...um, maybe then it’s best if I...” This was not what I was expecting. Not at all. “I’m sorry to bother you. Thank you.”

I hang up before she can ask anymore questions. Passed away? 

An idea of what’s going on is in my brain but I need to make sure. Obituaries. I need to make sure. Rock Bottom Obituaries. Nicole Balor. 

Nothing?

Wait, Mr. Balor was born in Volcaldera Bluffs. I think I saw on his LinkedIn that he moved to Rock Bottom for about ten or so years. He must have taken his daughter with him and then came back to Volcaldera. Maybe after she died?

Let’s check Volcaldera Bluffs Obituaries. Nicole Balor.

...Got it...she...she died only close to three months ago...Blue looks like she’s...

Oh my God. 

Oh my God.

Nicole died giving birth. 

That’s why Anon lives with Mr. Balor.

That’s why they’re here. 

That’s why Naser looked so sad when I asked the details.

Oh, poor Anon.

He must feel so sad and alone. Lost and unsure of what to do. But it looks like he’s trying his best to be a good father to Blue.

I have to give him the best welcome possible. No, I need more than that. I need to be a support for him and his daughter. I’m so proud of Naser for being a good friend to Anon, especially after what’s happened to him. He’s a good and honest person.

Unlike his failure of a sister.

Actually...

...No, what am I thinking? Pairing Anon with her? Not possible. He only just lost the mother of his child three months ago. And the last thing he needs is a girlfriend. Plus, he’s probably too mature and dedicated to his daughter. I mean, I can’t imagine Fang even liking babies.

Yeah, forget it. It’s a recipe for disaster. And it would just be too cruel.

I’ll figure out some other way to fix Fang.

Right now, I need to focus on helping Anon.

Chapter Text

Taking care of a sick baby is a nightmare. Not because Blue was suffering by any means, but because of the damn stress and constant work of cleaning up after her. I’m not going to lie, I had a few nightmares the past few nights that involved Blue in the hospital and looking like a plague victim from the Medieval era. I once even had a nightmare where I saw her grave next to Nick’s.

I’ve practically tore myself from bed multiple nights in order to watch over her from the moment I wake up. Sleepless nights become an unfortunate routine for me throughout the entire period of her sickness. 

Practically every area of the house looks like a danger zone to me now. It could be filled with bugs, dust, germs, and more that were ready to plague my baby girl and make her sick. I clean the house every chance I get, anywhere that Blue would and could touch.

So yes, essentially everything. God, I’m tired. 

Dad has gone to the local hardware store and bought an air purifier for the house so it can suck up all the nasty particles and expel clean air. It’s nifty, quiet, and I’m noticing the difference when I take in a breath of air now.

Little Miss Diarrhea has trouble staying clean, so I have to give her multiple baths a day, but no more than two. She has no complaints though; Blue does like her bath time. Although she did poop in the baby-washing basin, and that  was a nasty experience to clean up. Needless to say, we are pooped after all of that and decide to get takeout that night.

Heh, pooped. Dad jokes. This is peak fatherhood, isn’t it?

Speaking of waste, she has still had diarrhea for the past six days. The doctor told us it would take at least two weeks for it to finally be over. As long as whatever virus works its way out of her system, we’ll be happy. Aside from being tired and thirsty more often, or crying because of a soiled diaper, there were no other problems. No blood in her stool. No fevers. No throwing up or anything.

Unless you account for the spit-up and obscene amount of diaper cream I’ve had to use. Taking care of a baby is expensive, but a sick baby is even more expensive.

Even if Blue isn’t acting like she’s experiencing symptoms, it doesn't mean it can’t happen later.

“You’re becoming a mother hen, you know that?” Dad says as he starts packing up for work. He took a few days off to help me, but eventually he had to return to it for our livelihood. Moe has been understanding enough to let me take a full two weeks off, but it would be without pay. A fair deal. “I can’t wait for your reaction the day she becomes a teenager and boys start noticing her.”

The day that happens is the day I buy a gun.

Definitely a twelve-gauge shotgun. I need them to know I mean business.

“Let me know if there is anything you need. Will Curtis or Trent be coming to help out today?” He asks since both of them have been regulars in helping us out with Blue. Once they heard their ‘little niece’ was in trouble, they arrived with tons of diapers and formula. Curtis bought numerous diarrhea medicines that were for older kids and adults. Not babies. Thankfully he had the receipt to return them all. 

“Nah, but Naser said he would be stopping by. Apparently, he knew a place that has good diapers in bulk,” I tell him. Good thing too. If there is one thing that we are always in need of, especially in this situation, it is diapers. Blue was her own little dump machine but with diarrhea? She was a factory. 

Suddenly, we hear  a cry in the air and I sigh. Speaking of needing diapers...

Dad chuckles and rubs my bald head. “Go get them, son. Good luck. And try not to get it on your shirt.”

“That was one time!” I scoff before he walks out. Grumbling, I head to the living room to appease the diaper gods with their daily ritual.

I can’t wait until she’s ready for potty training.

***Naser***

How is it that a sick baby is making me more stressed than any test or track tournament ever has? When Anon told me less than a week ago that Blue had diarrhea I practically was ready to head over there to help. Diarrhea in babies is a serious situation based on my personal training to be a doctor. I may not be specializing in pediatrics, but I know enough. Their immune systems are still developing and it could take a full six months or a bit more for them to be fully developed. Blue is barely three months old.

I quickly canceled a few things I had for the entire week to focus on helping Anon and his family. Naomi was super understanding and I promised to make it up to her by taking her to a fancy restaurant for a date at the end of the week. What did she do in the meantime? Send me information about how to take care of a sick baby. She’s amazing. If we ever have kids she’s going to be a great mother.

I have to keep it a secret from everyone else, of course. Something I admit I’m very bad at. Mom keeps asking me if I was alright since I constantly look at my phone every ten minutes in case Anon texts or calls. Dad thought at first I was going through problems with Naomi and had a heart to heart talk about girlfriends. Honestly, that was very awkward. Not to mention trying to accept it while hiding the truth of what really has been keeping my attention. And Fang? Well, they told me to stop looking more retarded than usual.

Today I’mgetting ready to head over to Anon’s with new supplies. Fresh diapers that Naomi found recommendations for. An entire case of Pedialyte with different flavors so Blue could have a unique taste for them. And I found a special changing powder that I’ve been told makes your bottom smell like mint.

Not sure why I decided to get that one, but I guess I was in a hurry. 

Anon keeps insisting I don’t need to do this, especially since it has been costing me so much, but I have a big allowance. Besides, he’s a friend, and friends help each other. Plus, I really did like Blue. She is rather cute, adorable, playful, and she loves rubbing my snout. I have to admit that I still have a video of her doing it to me one time when Anon was taping me. 

It’s kind of fun to hang out and take care of a kid. I can see myself doing that more often.

… Heck, maybe I should become a pediatrician? I’ve been debating what to do as my specialization as a doctor, and at first I thought about being a physical health instructor or nutritionist. But ever since meeting Anon and Blue, I’ve thought more of baby and child health. They’re so innocent and the smile that Blue gave me when I first changed her diaper was precious.

Sure the little ones can be big screamers and messy, but I live with Fang. Same thing in the long run.

And they would totally kill me if they learn I came up with that joke. 

The only problem I have is carrying all this stuff to my car. I may have gotten too many diaper boxes. Which are so freaking expensive!

“Hey, Anon. I’m on my way with the NasCar,” I tell Anon with the phone between my cheek and shoulder. “I should be there in twenty minutes.”

“I still think that name is stupid,” Anon says on the other line.

“Come on, it’s witty!” I tell him.

“It’s something a three year old would pick.”

“You must have had a lovely childhood,” I grumble. 

“Trust me, I didn’t,” Anon answers.His tone of voice makes me wonder if he’s serious but that sounds personal. He’s never really told me why his girlfriend’s father adopted him.

“Anyway, I’ll see you soon,” I tell him before hanging up. I head to the door. Good thing that nobody else but me is in the house or else I would have a lot of questions to ask. 

I open the door and...Oh...

“M-Mom! You’re back from your Bridge Club?!” I squawk as she stares at me with her eyes slowly opening. Oh shit. Oh shit. Not good. When Mom opens her eyes that means she’s serious!

“Naser? Why do you have diapers in your hands?”

“Uhh.”

“Is that formula I’m seeing on the table?”

“Well...”

“And I can smell changing powder.”

I knew I should have cleaned my shirt better after I spilled that bottle. 

“Mom, there is a very good explanation for all this!” I tell her but it’s too late. Her eyes are fully wide. Her hands are on her hips. Wings spread out ready to take flight. 

Oh God. I’m dead. I’m so fucking dead.

“NASER MICHAEL AARON! DID YOU GET YOUR GIRLFRIEND PREGNANT?!”

“WHAT?! NO!” I scream in horror. “Naomi and I haven’t even had sex yet! This is for Anon and Blue!”

Oh my God I just admitted that in front of my mother.

Mom blinks for a bit before her stance goes from “warpath” to "curiosity". “Huh?”

“It’s for my friend, A-A-Anon,” I say with hopes he’ll forgive me. “His daughter, Blue, has diarrhea and I’ve been helping him take care of her.”

She stares at me for a long time before finally speaking.

“Tell me everything.”

***Anon***

He’s late.

Naser’s like an hour late. 

Even texting him gets me nothing but silence.

Maybe something happened?

Well, hopefully it’s nothing bad. Though I really could use those diapers.

I decide to give Mrs. Bronson a call to check up on her and Travis.

“So no signs of any sickness?” I ask her with hope. One of the first things I did was contact Ali and let her know about Blue’s condition the moment we exited the hospital that day. I wanted to make sure that Travis didn’t catch it as well by being near Blue. Thankfully, he showed no signs of any diarrhea or other illnesses.

“None. But he does seem to miss Blue a lot. We should have them have a playdate when she’s all better,” Mrs. Bronson chuckles on the line. “Are you doing okay? I know from experience that sick babies can be a handful.”

“Yeah, but I’m okay. Save for my sleep schedule, but that’s normal.”

“Well, if you need anything please give me a call.” Then I can hear a muffled cry. “Well, it sounds like I need to do a diaper change myself. Talk to you later, Anon.”

I hang up and sink back to the couch to relax. Blue is currently playing with her blocks on the floor nearby while I watch TV. Rex of the Rings is on and I can watch that series any time of the week. Just as we’re getting to the arrival of the Elves coming to the aid of the Raptors of Rohan the doorbell rings. I guess that’s Naser. 

Getting up, I head to the door and open it only to find myself staring at a smiling white pterosaur with feathery wings who looks like she came out of the 1950s. Naser, smiling nervously while holding tons of grocery bags, is right behind her.

“Hello! You must be Anon! It’s wonderful to meet a nice young and responsible man such as yourself! I’m Samantha Aaron. Naser’s mother,” She says with a bright smile. Before I can even think of a response, she walks right in and looks around. “What a lovely home! Perfect place for a child! Now, let’s see your little one! Is it her lunch time yet?”


“Uh, huh, wait, in a few minutes but-”

“Wonderful! I’ve managed to get in contact with some of my old nursing friends who provided something very special for hybrids. Don’t worry, it’s very healthy and helps the tummy so she’ll have a nice smooth tasty feeling that will be good for her digestion,” She rattles on before turning to her son. “Dear, please get the banana flavored Pedialyte? It’s the best when it comes to diarrhea symptoms. Makes everything flow faster and we want to have her pushing out as much as possible to get the E. coli out.”

And just like that she walks into the living room as if she was a general in the barracks. I don’t even know what just happened but the moment she walks inside she quickly gets Blue’s attention. Mrs. Aaron kneels down and gives her a bright warm smile while giving her a hand to sniff and check. My daughter does so and nuzzles it, she then spots the wings and reaches out. To my surprise, Mrs. Aaron doesn’t hesitate and spreads one wing around Blue who coos upon feeling their unique touch. Just like that she’s got my daughter’s undying love. Blue giggles and starts reaching out to touch Mrs. Aaron’s snout which makes Mrs. Aaron lean in to let her do so. Naser must have told her about Blue’s habit or maybe she’s seen this before?

Regardless, Samantha gives a few “baby talks” and raspberries which makes Blue laugh like a sweet melody on a summer day as she rubs and nuzzles Mrs. Aaron.

I realize suddenly what this is.

It’s motherhood.

It’s something that Blue’s never experienced before.

That leaves a dull ache in my chest.

Sure, Mrs. Spears has babysat her a few times but according to her and her husband they’ve never had children. Other than the T-Rex, Blue’s main interaction has been with guys. She’s never had a motherly experience before. 

Because her mother is...

“Sorry about that,” Naser sighs as he walks inside with the stuff before putting it on the ground. “Mom found out. I had to tell her.”

“Is she always like this when it comes to babies?” I ask as Samantha carefully strokes her hair and scales.

“Mom used to be a maternity ward nurse,” Naser says, which quickly eases any concern I had. In fact, I welcome her officially to this house. 

“...Wait a minute, she’s an expert on this and you never told me?” I turn to him in disbelief as he blushes.

“You said you wanted to keep it a secret,” he mutters.

“Not when it comes to this!” I tell him with a facepalm. God knows how much help I would have had if I had known my friend’s mother was experienced with this kind of crap. 

How can someone with a high GPA like him be so thick-headed sometimes?

Sighing, I reply, “Well, what’s done is done. And I’ll take all the help I can get. Especially since Blue already loves her like a grandmother.”

“Boys,” Mrs. Aaron says as she holds Blue perfectly and smiles. “Let’s get the formula ready. Anon, can you show me your kitchen?”

“Right this way, ma’am!”

Yeah, I’m taking advantage of this for as long as possible.

***

The woman is a saint.

Whatever special formula she got for hybrids? I need a dozen of them. Blue drank it like it was mana and fell asleep almost immediately after. Normally, I would be very cautious about anyone holding my baby girl but Mrs. Aaron gently swayed her and sang a loving song that made her snore happily in her sleep. When she woke up due to soiling herself, the ptero was a general. She ordered us to get the special made diapers and the baby powder (which smelled like mint for some reason) and did the changing in less than forty seconds. 

Her kids are all grown up and yet she retains the touch of an expert who has been doing it for years.

Once Blue is back in her crib, she goes back to sleep with a peaceful smile over her face. I think she might even be getting better but that could just be the hope in me talking. Once that is done, Mrs. Aaron asks if she can use the kitchen to make us something to eat. I didn’t even hesitate. She already has proven herself trustworthy.

“Here you kids go!” Mrs. Aaron beams as she walks in with a hot tray. “Bacon and onion grilled cheese with fresh cut and fried potato skins.”

One bite and I moan in delight. I’m tempted to ask Naser if I can adopt her as my mother. 

The two of us eat our meal as Mrs. Aaron sits down with a warm cup of coffee. “I must say, Anon, you’ve been doing a good job raising your daughter. You seem to love her very much and, current sickness aside, she seems to be well.”

“Thank you,” I tell her while sipping one of the sodas she brought. “Um, how much has Naser told you?”

She gives me a sympathetic glance. “Everything. I am so sorry for your loss, Anon. You and Mr. Balor. If Nichole was anything like her daughter she must have been a wonderful girl. Not many people would go to such lengths to take care of their daughter after such a tragedy, especially at your age. You are a very responsible young man.”

“T-That means a lot,” I whisper while wiping some mist in my eyes. “C-Can I ask you for help? I’ve been doing well so far, but sometimes… it all can get a bit much.”

“Of course!” Mrs. Aarons chirps happily. “My family is more than happy to help and I’ll teach you whatever you want. I’ve raised two wonderful children including my little Naser!”

“Mom...” Naser complains while blushing. 

“That being said, I hope you don’t mind me telling my husband, Ripley, and my daughter, Lucy, about this?” She said with a comforting smile. “I understand the need to downplay it with others since people will assume many different stories, but I assure you my family is trustworthy.” 

“I guess I don’t mind,” I tell her with a shrug before eating a few chips. “But Lucy? I thought their name was Fang? That’s what Naser told me.”

Naser tenses up a bit but Mrs. Aaron just giggles. “My daughter is just going through a phase. Dressing up in black. Calling herself Fang. Saying she’s non-binary. It’s not the first time. One time she was a pirate princess for years before quitting it. She might act all mean but I know she’s got a good heart inside.”

I stare at Mrs. Aaron, sipping her drink, before turning to Naser who stares at the ground in silence with a depressed look in his eyes. Okay. Clearly there is some kind of family drama going on at the Aaron household but I’m going to keep my mouth shut. Sounds private.

“Well, regardless, thank you for your support,” I tell her.

“I have an idea! Why don’t you and your family come over to our house when Blue is feeling better? We can formally welcome you to the neighborhood and you can meet the rest of my family,” she offers with a bright smile. 

“Sounds good.”

“Great! Now, if you excuse me, I’m going to use the restroom. Which way is it?”

She gets up and leaves after I give the instructions. I gave over to Naser who let out a big sigh. “Sorry about that. Mom’s… in denial over Fang’s transition.”

“I take it things are a bit tense at the house?” I ask, eyebrows raised.

“That’s an understatement.” He grumbles before leaning into the couch. “My sis-sibling-argues with everyone about everything. Gender. Music. Attitude. My mom continues to try and get her to act like the cute girl she used to be. But Dad? Him and Fang argue practically every day one way or another. Sometimes it gets so loud I swear the windows are gonna shatter.”

“And you?”

“I’m doing everything I can to keep the peace, but some days I feel like it’s not worth it,” Naser answers with a tone that makes me think of Atlas holding the world. Honestly, his… sibling sounds like a nightmare. And someone I don’t think I want near Blue. 

I give Naser a pat on the back. “Well, if it gets too much you can hang out here with me.”

He gives me a warm smile. “Thanks, bro.”

Bro?

Huh.

I like it.

I guess we’re bros now.

Chapter Text

The pressure in my chest these past few weeks finally releases when the Doctor tells us that Blue is officially cleared of her diarrhea problem. She has produced solid waste at a reasonable pace and is thankfully back to her healthy self. We really lucked out on it not being any worse than it was, but the real star of the whole thing has been Mrs. Aaron. She may as well be Mother Mary for me when it comes to Blue.

For the whole week since she first came, Mrs. Aaron practically handles herself as my baby’s nursemaid with Naser occasionally accompanying her. Dad only needed a day with Mrs. Aaron before fully trusting her, especially when he learned she used to be a maternity ward nurse. Her help also allows me to go back to work at Moe’s who also made a point of assuring  me that Mrs. Aaron is the best woman you could trust a baby with. Mrs. Bronson even liked her the moment they met when she came with Travis for a play date. Apparently, they were even school mates without knowing it.

“Oh, I wasn’t into any of the clubs at Volcano High,” Mrs. Bronson states over tea as I pour her a cup. She and Mrs. Aaron are practically acting like girlfriends while I stand in the middle almost as if I’m their butler. Meanwhile, Blue and Travis are playing around with building blocks. Well, more like building them and then acting like a tag team demolition team. “I was more into things outside the school. Like biking and going to the mall.”

“I swear we must have met at some point,” Mrs. Aaron titters as she rubs her chin. “Did you have Mr. Kosh as your math teacher?” 

“In my third grade, fourth period,” Mrs. Bronson answers before a look of realization hit her. “Oh, my gosh. You were a few seats to my left! But you were a redhead back then!”

“Oh, I was dyeing my hair at the time,” Mrs. Aaron giggles. “I was trying to impress a certain Steven Kimbell who was into red heads at the time.”

“Ah! Every girl was trying to impress Steven Kimbell! Only it turned out he was gay!” Mrs. Bronson laughs as Mrs. Aaron’s eyes widen, showing a very nice shade of amber, as she gasps and looks like she learned the secret to the Covenant of the Ark.

“No way! Really?!”

“Yup! He’s married to a human in San Diego.”

“Oh my gosh! I wasted so much money on beauty products that year! I wish I could get my money back!”

The women laugh while I just sit there awkwardly, feeling like a third wheel. Thankfully, my attention is taken by my daughter who’s tugging at my leg with that look in her eyes that says “hold me”. Smiling, I pick her up and place her on my lap as she plays around with my shirt while sniffing it. Must be the new linen sheet I got in my room after Blue kinda made a mess of them in her last major diarrhea explosion.

I actually liked those old ones…

And no, you apparently can’t bulk buy cheap linen sheets. I learned that the hard way.

Mrs. Bronson smiles at me before using her long neck to scoop up Travis—a very impressive trick mind you—and places him on her lap as he bangs his hands a bit on the table before trying to get a scone with his long neck. “I’m glad that Blue’s so much better. Travis missed her a lot.”

“Oh, they are so adorable together,” Mrs. Aaron sighs with a happy smile. “They’re going to be best friends growing up. I just know it.”

“I hope so,” I say while giving Blue a smile and a boop on the nose which makes her giggle. “No getting sick for a long time now, young lady.”

“So Anon,” Mrs. Bronson turns to me with her long neck while feeding Travis the scone he wanted, “are you excited about Volcano High?”

“Honestly, I’m a bit nervous,” I admit while rubbing my neck. “Not about being the only human, but the fact that I’m gonna be away from Blue for so long.”

“Oh, that’s a normal thing for parents. Though usually it’s the reverse,” Mrs. Aaron comforts me while patting my leg. “When Lucy and Naser went to their first years of Pre-School I was practically pacing around the house in worry that I was going to get a call while counting the minutes. But don’t worry, Anon. You have good people who will be looking after her. You shouldn’t forget to have a good high school life. Make new friends. Join a club or two. You only get one Senior Year after all.”

I suppose that does make sense, but I don’t want anything to get between me and my daughter. Studying is realistically going to be the main school focus for me since I need to get good grades. I still have no clue if I should aim to go to community college, take online courses, or go right into the job market like working for Moe full time. But then again I’m rushing ahead. Summer isn’t even over yet.

“Also, Anon? I’ve been talking to your father. and I we agreed that tomorrow evening would be a perfect time for you to come over for dinner,” Mrs. Aaron declares which gets me out of my thoughts.

The offer of dinner has been one that Mrs. Aaron insists on having. It will act as a formal welcoming to the neighborhood. Dad seems okay with it and I have no reason to think otherwise. I have yet to meet Mr. Aaron or Naser’s sist—sibling—so I will admit I am slightlycurious. Though, apparently, Mr. Aaron, according to Naser, didn’t have a positive first impression when he learned I was a teenage father. It wasn’t until he got the full story which made him calm down quickly. 

I can’t hold anything against the man. A lot of people are going to think various things when they learn the truth. Being able to bear it so long has been a challenge, but if I can be given a fair chance to prove myself I’ll be okay. I mean, I still get looks from people whenever I take Blue out for a stroller ride despite having been here for a few months now.

“I can’t wait,” I tell Mrs. Aaron while turning Blue around and saying to her, “say thank you to Mrs. Aaron.”

Blue burbles some baby talk and then makes a silly face. All of which has Mrs. Aaron giggling before leaning forward. “Thank you kindly, sweetie.”

Yeah I think this is going to be a good idea.

***Ripley***

“I don’t think this is a good idea.”

Sam ignores me as she and Naser continue to set up the dinner table. More than once I have voiced my opinion on letting strangers we barely know into our home, especially if one of them is already a father before graduating from school. One that, apparently, was adopted at the same time of his daughter’s birth by the baby’s grandfather. Ignoring for the fact that this Anon character is being completely irresponsible by having a kid, before he was married, there’s also the fact that a near grown human man had a dinosaur as his personal guardian. To me that spells suspicion. Why would a dinosaur adopt a human who previously had parents at his age?

Now I am not a heartless man. Learning he really did love his girlfriend and was man enough to stay around to be the father is a net positive. And I really do sympathize with the loss of the young girl who he loved. But raising a baby remains no laughing matter. Having raised two of them I know personally the struggles, challenges, and the hardship of it. However, I also know the joy, love and rewards of it all. 

Even if one of them has been more challenging these days than she ever was as a kid.

“Come on, Dad,” Naser looks at me askance as he puts the plates down on the table. “You promised to give them a chance.”

“I know, and I am,” I grumble while folding my arms. “I just think that maybe it’s too soon.”

“Well, I’ve known Anon for a while now, and Mom’s known him for at least a week. I think that’s long enough,” Naser huffs with a little defiance in his voice which makes me grumble. “It’s just dinner, Dad. Nothing more.”

I sigh and head to the liquor cabinet to get some wine for dinner. I look at the clock while doing so and grunt out the obvious, “Lucy’s late. She’s not coming.”

“I’m sure if we give her enough time—”

“No, we told her multiple times and she clearly doesn’t care,” I grumble while gripping the wine. For all my concerns, at least I’m here to be a good host. My delinquent daughter, naturally, is showing how much she cares by not being here at all. As usual. “Forget it. We’ll have dinner without her. But she’s not having a bite either.”

She wants to stay out? She can eat out.

Raptor Jesus knows she’s going to bum a meal off of one of her friends.

The doorbell rings just as I put the wine on the table and Sam heads off to be the good host. Taking a deep breath, I get my game face ready just as Sam finishes welcoming them and allows them to enter. I get to see this “Balor” family at last. The first to enter must be the baby’s grandfather, Mr. Balor. He’s a blue Baryonyx who is just a bit bigger than me in height. He’s come dressed in a black turtleneck shirt with black jeans and has his hair combed. He’s got good muscles and his expression is one of calm collectedness, but there is a familiar spark in his eyes. The spark of someone who would do anything to protect his family like a true man. 

He walks up to me and holds out his hand. “You must be, Ripley Aarron. The Commissioner. I’m Nathan Balor. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Thank you,” I tell him as we shake. It’s only natural that I offer him a good firm grip and he gives me one in turn. Hmm, not bad. 

The next two to follow are a bald headed human with a green polo shirt and beige pants. In his hands is a baby carrier seat where a curious female Baryonyx, almost identical to her grandfather, is looking around like any curious baby would. My heart softens at the sight of her. She isn’t even a year old. 

“Uh, hi,” The human, Anon, stutters as he shakes his free hand to hold it out and give a nervous smile. “Anon Mous. Well, Anon Balor now.”

Mous.

Real last name.

I’ll run a check on it later.

I take his hand and shake it. I give him a squeeze, not too hard since I know how fragile humans can be. To my surprise he doesn’t flitch and gives me a squeeze back. I actually kinda felt it. Hmm, interesting. Guess he’s not fragile at all.

“And this is Blue,” Anon grins as he kneels down, frees her from the seat, and holds her up to his chest in the proper way you are supposed to do so for babies. “My daughter.”

She reaches out to me. Right. Naser and Sam told me about this. She likes to rub people’s snouts. I lean forward and she proceeds to do so while giving me a smile. 

Heh. She’s got quite a grip on her. 

“Well, shall we have dinner?” Sam says as she motions for our guests to join. 

Indeed. Time to see what these people are like.

***

Well, the first good impression comes from them joining us in giving grace. They aren’t Lutherans like us, but they’re still Christian so that’s fine. 

Dinner conversations are something of an art of its own. A battlefield of words and physical signs. It’s almost like interrogation, only you’re forced to be the “good cop” practically all the time. I personally never was a good “good cop" during those talks. 

I let Samantha handle the words while I handle the physical signs. That’s how we did it when Naser started dating Naomi. She won both our approval, though she’s changed a bit since they started dating. Part of her acting seems so fake, overly cautious in a way, but so far she’s done nothing to harm me or my family so I can continue to let it slide. It’s probably just a teenager thing or she’s trying hard to impress us.

Only this time I’m on my own. Sam’s already smitten by the Balors and that’s because she’s always had a soft spot for children. But I’m not so easily blinded. 

First thing I can tell is that Nathan Balor is doing the same for us. I only need to lock eyes on him once for both of us to instantly know we are sizing each other’s family. Honestly, that earns my respect. This speaks of a man who takes the defence of his nest seriously and isn’t easy to trust. Trust is something you don’t just give out, especially in this city. I learned that the hard way. 

I did some digging on the guy. He’s in the energy business, but I learned he came from a bad neighborhood: The Scraps. It’s the second worst district in the city save for Skin Row. No gang or criminal record. Must have been one of the few who got out without joining the gangs. So he doesn’t have blood on his hands but he’s ready to spill blood if it means protecting his pack. He’s got a high education and lived in Volcaldera most of his life save for living in a place called Rock Bottom for a few years which is where I’m assuming Anon here is from. 

Speaking of the Anon kid, he’s not at all what I was expecting. He’s nervous, but not looking totally weak. He keeps up with conversations between him, Naser, and Sam with ease. Probably because he’s familiar with them. With me, he’s a bit more nervous but respectful. I ask him about his grades, how working with Moe is like, and if he’s got any plans for the future. All of them are good answers. 

“I’m a decent B student, but I’m gonna try harder for senior year.”

“Moe is a great guy. Really cares about his workers. I just wish he kept his ingredients room cleaner.”

“No idea yet, but my main focus right now is Blue.”

Hmm. His daughter is his top priority. Good.

That’s actually really good.

Hell, the boy can’t stop staring at his daughter every few seconds. Anything she needs? He’s got her attention. His eyes are the most familiar. It’s the same eyes I’ve had. The eyes of a father.

I need to still ask one question, but I need to reframe it as a curious one. I say this wrong and Sam is gonna skin me alive. That and I don’t want to necessarily offend the elder Baylor here.

“If you don’t mind me asking, what was Nick like?” I ask.

The room goes a bit quiet as I can feel Balor’s gaze on me, but my focus is on Anon. I need to know how much he cared about this girl he had a baby with. Was it a simple fling? A desperation? Did they love each other? Does he understand the actions and effects and responsibilities that have been placed on him by his single choice and what did he learn from it?

Anon is quiet for a moment. His gaze is fixed on his glass of water before he sips it and sighs. “Nick was amazing. She had this aura around you that made it impossible to ignore. She was ready to fight the world or rock out with it depending on how it treated you. She was brave too. One time we were kids we got ambushed by some students. She kicked butt and took names.”

He smiles as if lost in a dream. “She had a voice not like an angel but as a muse. It was loud, powerful, but thrilling. She wanted to be a rock star so bad. We always dreamed of being in a band together.”

Sounds a bit like...Lucy. But not as chaotic.

“When we started dating, I knew I wanted her to be with me forever,” Anon whispers and all of us are quiet. “My life at Rock Bottom...it wasn’t good...I won’t go with the details but Nick was what kept me going. I don’t know what kind of person I would be without her.”

He looks at Blue who starts  to fade away into dream land. “When we found out we were pregnant, we were scared. Who wouldn’t be? But we also were overjoyed. We talked about getting married after high school. We talked about leaving for a better place. We talked about names, futures, and more.”

Anon slowly strokes his daughter’s cheek. “Losing her was the worst day of our lives. Mr. Balor lost a daughter, I lost my best friend, and Blue lost her mother. So every day I do my best to keep her spirit alive. Including this little angel over here.

Everyone else remains silent, shifting in their seats at the young man’s reply. All while I look at him in silence, holding my evaluations to myself as they slowly grow.

I don’t say anything. What can I say? The grief is real. I know grief, I’ve felt grief...I’ve seen grief.

Anon’s posture. His eyes. The tone of his voice. This is a boy-no, this is a man- who has been hurt but is going forward. All for the sake of that little one.

I take a deep sigh before nodding. “You want my opinion?”

He looks at me and I give him a respectful nod. “You’re doing a good job so far.”

The small smile on his face tells me all I need to know.

He’s a good kid.

He’s got a long way to go to be a good father.

But I mean what I said. He’s doing okay so far.

***ANON***

This has actually been a pretty good dinner. 

The meal was delicious. A home cooked meal I haven’t had in years. Dad’s an okay chef but he’s got nothing on Mrs. Aaron’s abilities. And the desert was tasty. Chocolate cake with oreo frosting and cookies. I don’t care if I gain weight, it was worth the two slices. After taking some left overs, I put a sleeping Blue into her baby carriage seat. Good thing she’s sleeping now. Makes it easier to tuck her into bed.

Dad and Mr. Aaron are talking about golf a bit as Naser walks over with a smile. “Are you free tomorrow? I got time to hang out.”

“Sure. Indoors or out?”

“We can play it by ear.”

Mrs. Aaron walks over with our goodies. “It was nice having you three over! We really must do this again sometime.”

“Thank you for having us,” Dad says with a warm smile. “We’ll be sure to-”

Suddenly, the door slams open so loud it’s like a gun went off. 

“I’m home!”

“WAAAAAAHHH!”

Damnit. 

I quickly put the handle down and kneel before Blue to try and comfort her. A cranky baby is bad. A scared cranky baby is worse. My hands, tone of voice, and smiling face are all I can give in order to assuage the poor girl. 

“The fuck? What’s a baby doing-”

“Language, young lady!” Mrs. Aaron says in a tone that I’ve never heard from her before.

“For the last time! I am NON-BINARY!”

“Fang! You’re scaring Blue!” Naser cries out as I look up to finally meet this Fang person.

I don’t know what I was expecting from a “Non-Binary” person who claims they aren’t a gender. but she looks female to me. If Naser got his traits from Mr. Aaron, Fang clearly got hers from Mrs. Aaron. She’s got the same blue-colored scales only she has long silver hair. Her eyes, which stand out with that make up design, are amber like her mother’s and her wings are too. The scowl does make her look like Mr. Aaron though.

She’s wearing a black, sleeveless crop top along with black ripped jeans and black knee-high combat boots. There is a black choker around their neck, a ptero-skull necklace, multicolored wristband and a spiked collar on their head crest. 

If it wasn’t for the fact that she was being called family I swear she was a gang member or something.

Mr. Aaron walks forward with a glare. “Where were you, Lucy? You were supposed to be here for dinner. Your mother planned this for the Balors and you said you would show.”

“First off, It’s Fang,” She scoffs before folding her arms. “Second, I was with Trish and Reed. I lost track of time.”

“Bull...” Mr. Aaron pauses before sighing, “...dung. You were avoiding dinner.”

“So what?” Fang rolls her eyes. “I got more important things to do then care about some nobodies who came into our neighborhood."

She looks up at me and blinks in surprise before tilting her head. “Whose the Skinnie?”

...Wow.

Yeah. I don’t like her.

“I think it’s time we were off,” Dad says firmly as he puts a hand on my shoulder. “Thank you for dinner. We’ll see you all again soon.”

Dad guides me out as I take a still crying Blue with me. We shut the door and already we can hear yelling inside the house. Naser wasn’t kidding about the family drama.

No offence to him, but I really hope I don’t see his sister or whatever she is any time soon.

Especially near my daughter.