Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Date: Monday, September 8th, 201M2034 BC.
Weather: Pouring buckets.
Time: 1:30 A.M.

...

Fuck.

FUCK.FUCK.FUCK.FUCK.

BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP.

Okay.

Calm down, Dee, no biggie.

You were just kicked out, with a kid to take of now, your little sister to be precise. Why? Your parents found out you were street racing for extra cash to have a proper fucking meal with your sister every once in a while.

There was an upside to this.

They said they'll be paying for utilities and funding my last year of high school, and whatever remaining could be used for groceries. That was a good thing, right? Who am I kidding? This isn't all that different than how we were living before.

Curled up under a raggedy blanket in the backseat laid my younger sister, Amira. For her age, she was, putting it simply, brilliant.

A smart ass mouth to add to that.

She needed a comfortable area to grow, thrive. And I NEEDED to make sure of that, nothing else mattered, not even myself, she'd punch me if she ever heard me saying that.

I reached for her, my palm caressing the top of her head, causing her brunette curls to shift, some falling against her freckled, mocha-toned face.

She must've been exhausted, she's been crying all evening.

That argument was something else.

I couldn't help but frown, gripping the leather covered steering wheel, trying my best to hold back any emotions, any that might've made me run back in there, and beg, beg them not to do this.

It might've- no. It would've fed their egos, I shouldn't, I wouldn't.

The ambiance of the rain lightly hitting the windshield and roof of the Idle car calmed my nerves to an extent, watching as the droplets landed heavily right onto the carbon hood, then how the rain passed through the headlights in such a mesmerizing way.

Time to get on the road.

Slowly releasing the clutch while simultaneously pressing onto the gas, the car began rolling, then soon enough, pulled right out of the parking spot in a slow, deep rumble, turning the corner to exit the street, I pulled off, right into the night.

The drive wasn't too long, just about three hours, with no traffic at least. I already knew where Volcadera was, flying straight past the exit heading into the town, further into no-man's land, Crestrock Valley.

Apparently, some egotistical trigga came up with the name when it was found, no surprise there. I wasn't particularly fond of dino-folk if it wasn't obvious. It WAS a parasaur I considered a close friend that snitched and told my parents the truth in the first place.

Damn dick-horns.

I sat at the red traffic light, staring at a sign on the side of the highway the most I could, with how harsh the rain was beating down onto my windshield.

CRESTROCK VALLEY: 5 MILES.

Almost there, hm.

I pondered, I wonder what the school was going to be like?  The people. There was an elementary wing to the school, which was where Amira was going, which made dropping her off a thousand times easier.

Another plus was the car scene of this stupid little town, it was crazy apparently, and a few Snootstagram posts from mutuals already told me enough. Maybe this wasn't so bad after all, a house between Amira and I, school life without the worry of my parents breathing down our necks, I can socialize without the fear of judging eyes!

Pft, yeah, right.

I wasn't going there to make friends, wasting time getting all buddy-buddy with random people I most likely won't even keep in contact with after I finish school.

I was only going for one thing, graduating.

Then it's straight off to the military. I already promised myself I'd be the one putting funds into Amira for when she reaches the age to start thinking about Universities, if she wanted that route at least. I'm positive my parents won't want anything to do us after I graduate, but she wouldn't have to worry about a thing. Still..

Maybe we needed this.

The further up I went on the highway, the more the scenery changed from grassy horizons to desert-y hills.

Well, cleaning my car was definitely going to happen weekly.

With the left indicator flicked on, I turned into the exit smoothly, driving into the town with a few bumps in the road here and there, leaving me a bit shaken up to say the least. How the fuck did the static-boiz I saw on Snootsta handle this without their entire fucking motor falling out? With a grunt and disapproving head shake, I pulled into the first right corner I saw. The house wasn't hard to find.

Just follow the row of poorly built one story homes until I found the shittiest.

Coming to a slow stop, the rumble of the engine began to Idle once again, staring at the house through the rolled down, tinted driver side window, thank Raptor Jesus the rain stopped an hour back, or we'd be in the car for a while.

Like I said, a pathetic looking one story, cracks and chipped paint all over the home, the roof missing a few tiles, grass untrimmed for what looked like months now.

The driveway was literally just a cracked, slanted concrete slab, but there was a garage.

I didn't want to imagine all the junk sitting inside of it, ah, home sweet home.

With a sigh, I turned the car off, the air inside still lingered with that cool AC, looking over my shoulder, into the backseat, I reached back, hand pressing against the shoulder of Amira, nudging her lightly.

— Hey, you tiny grease monkey, we're here, wake up. C'mon, Amira.

I demanded in a soft tone. With a soft, annoyed grunt, the younger girl slapped my hand away before sitting up, rubbing at her eyelids in a sleepy manner, yawning out.

— Z?..

She asked in a sleepy tone.

— Nah, it's CPS.

That definitely got me a punch to the arm, I winced at the sensation. I then hopped out of the driver's seat, leaving the driver-side door open for her to crawl out of the back, shutting it after. I leaned over, rubbing the head of the still half-asleep bundle of geniusness, who swatted my arm away in return, I chuckled in response.

— Hey, the landlord said the key should be under the welcome mat waiting for us. You can go open up and take a look around the place, if you want.

I offered, her eyes flicked up, widening, finally realising where we were, she glanced around, with newfound curiosity, she rushed towards the home, blanket in tow like a cape draped around her shoulders.

While she's busy with that, I should get our stuff. I walked over to the back of the Silvia, opening the truck and lifting it open by the large carbon wing, inside sat two suitcases, the larger one, Amira's, filled with clothes, toys, etc. I grabbed onto the handles of both, taking them out and closing the trunk with a hum, then, glancing over to the house. Seems she was already inside, the open front door and pitter-patter of little feet told me that much.

With a satisfying beep at the press of the remote lock on the key, the car locked, I then began walking towards the home. Almost istinctively, I paused, looking back, staring at the Canary Yellow S15, slightly lowered from it's stock height, it was a clean build, nothing overdone, DVII-style carbon fibre hood, Edge-Front under-diffuser in the front, TS Type-2 rear diffuser, a random carbon wing I picked up from a junk yard and to top it all off, rolling on some black RG-Rs.

Heh, nice.

Under the hood was a different story entirely, I couldn't make money racing a STOCK car, but that was a secret for another time.

I stepped inside, glancing around for a moment. At least the place had furniture, no matter how withered down it was.

A small, large-back TV(that was definitely going to be replaced), couch, a few random appliances here and there, stove, fridge, cupboards, two bedrooms, with a queen size in each one, as well as a dresser and lamp beside it, this was a pretty decent spot if you cleaned it up, hm, we were definitely missing the first day of school considering how late it was when we got here, maybe we can clean up later?

Maybe.

Heading towards the back door, I took a quick glance outside, pretty spacious backyard, grass just a bit taller than the height in front, and was that a shed in the back?.. Definitely checking that out later. Getting a dog wasn't too bad of an idea, then I considered dog food prices, yeah, fuck that.

— Z! Z! This is perfect!

My head turned towards my younger sister, who came practically hopping towards me, throwing herself onto me, causing me to stumble back a bit at the tight embrace, I simply caressed the top of her head, ruffling her curls before she pulled her suitcase out of my grasp.

— I'm gonna' go set up my room!

She said, joy in her lungs as she bounded off, I couldn't help but smile, heading into my own room, shutting the door behind me, pausing to look in the mirror.

I was 6'7, dark-skinned with warm undertones, my frame naturally on the more chubby/bulky side, wearing a navy blue, throw-on hoodie, an oil stained white t-shirt underneath and some sweatpants.

I wasn't one of those gym rats or whatever you'd call them, but I did occasionally work out, that and the overall weight of car parts I'm occasionally lifting up back when I was working part-time in my home-towns mechanic shop. My large, black afro, covered the top half of my face, eyes left to the imagination of others.

With a sigh, I pulled by afro back into a large low-bun, stepping away from the mirror. I squatted down right in front of the dresser, unpacking all of my clothes in a neat fashion, underwear in one section, shirts/Ts in the other, then on the bottom drawer, pants.

Simple enough.

With a yawn, I decided it was time to hit the hay for the morning. Standing up, I peeked out of the room, calling out.

— Hey Mira! Wake me around 12, alright?! We have stuff to do!

I called out, only to receive a simple-

— Alright!

In response.

I shut the door once again, dropping onto the bed with a soft grunt, disregarding the idea of taking off my shoes or even my hoodie, shutting my eyes, with an exhausted huff, I was out like a light.

..

...

WHACK!

— Ow! Dawg, what the fu!-

I sat up abruptly, caressing the back of my neck from the new stinging sensation, drunk off sleep, I glanced around, ah.

It wasn't a dream.

My eyes landed on Amira, plastic ruler in hand as she stared at me with a wide, evil grin.

— It's 12, on the dot! Rise and shine!~

She hummed out playfully as she turned to head out the room with an unusual quick pep in her step, before my mind could fully wake up.

— Huh.. Oh, Than-.. HEY WAIT A DAMN SECOND!-

With a loud squeal, her power walk turned into a frantic sprint, I rolled my eyes before standing up, stretching until there were a few satisfying pops, cleaning time.

First up, the grass.

I was NOT parking my car in over 4 feet of wet grass, and I couldn't get it into the garage yet cause I wasn't ready to check the sea of filth that awaits.

How was it even allowed to get this tall?

At least there was an old lawnmower in the shed in the back, The only problem was that there wasn't any fuel, great. Opening the trunk of the Silvia, I took out a well-used looking gas canister, empty.

What the fuck?

With a frustrated groan, I slammed the trunk shut, shuffling over towards the front door and peeked in.

Inside, was Amira already flying through the house with an old, noisy vacuum in hand, she dealt with the inside, I had the outside.

— Hey, I'm going to run to the gas station real quick, want anything?

I question, turning off the vacuum, she looked over, stroking her chin in contemplation.

— Hm. Some Dinitos would be good, one of the family sized bags so we could share!

I smiled.

—  With a jar of dip? We could make it dinner.

I added to the idea, she lit up, giving a thumbs up.

— Bet. Lock the doors, and don't open it for anyone!

I instructed before shutting the front door behind me, spinning my keys around my finger as I slid into the driver's seat of my car, shutting the door with a gentle motion, turning it on with a hum.

I allowed the engine to warm up a bit as I sat there, gas canister in the passenger seat as I listened to the low rumble of the Idle vehicle. Then, after about 8 minutes, I peeled off, right into the road with a honk indicating that I was leaving.

Looking at my phone for a second, my free hand on the staring wheel, eyes quickly darting to the front of me to make sure the road was clear before back into the phone. This town was bound to have one or two gas stations, right? Ah, bingo. A 7 minute drive from here. Shifting into second gear, I decided to pick up some speed, flying past what seemed to be a, convenience store car meet?..

I definitely caught a few saurian eyes driving past, various cars sat in the parking lot, stanced shitboxes with different colored body panels, drift missiles, riced out sedans, G35 boys all parked together like a cult, a few lifted trucks, some squatted, oh christ- it was one of THOSE towns. I wouldn't be surprised if I had a bad run-in with a red-neck baryonyx in school and their " Skinnie piece of shit " ideals, as long as they didn't bother Amira.

With a soft huff, I came to a stop, right in the one of the gas station stalls, parking and shutting the car off, wasn't a bad idea to fill up now with the amount of money mom sent us away with. The moment I hopped out, I was met with a whistle.

— Sheesh, that thing is clean!-

Looking over towards the approaching voice, an older looking, light brown Triceratops with a serious beer gut and an even more serious unwashed set of greasy overalls, his hair cut short and hairline seemed to be receding, crest having a small hole on the right side, I don't even want to know.

Pulling the straps before releasing them with a snap, he grabbed the pump, sliding it right into the car.

— The first fill is on me. I can respect a clean ride when I see one.

Holy shit, for real? Noticing the Trike offer a handshake, I happily accept, squeezing his palm with a firm grip. He does the same before laughing out in a loud manner.

— Thanks so much, dude. You don't know how much this is helping m- Oh. give me a second.

I gratefully accepted the offer before remembering the damn gas canister! Taking it out of the passenger seat, I held it out to him.

— Can you fill this too if it isn't too much trouble, I just want to pick up a few things for me and my sister.

I questioned, half expecting him to say no. All he did was give a wide grin and thumbs up, then use the same thumb to point over his shoulder towards the store.

— Sure thing, kid! You head right inside, my baby girl will ring you up.

I gave a quick thumbs up before heading inside, hands sliding into my hoodie pockets as I glanced around.

The ding of the sliding doors announced my entrance, looking over to the counter, a shorter Triceratops woman who looked around, my age?.. Her scales almost the same tone of the Trike outside, but with a more, reddish hue.. ah, must be his daughter. But she looked..

Unusual..

Her snout, well, it wasn't totally Trike-like, there was a weird, predatory?.. Shape to it. Similar to that of a T-rex, with a small, almost unnoticed beak at the end, looked more like lips rather than a beak. Her hair was shoulder length, maybe slightly longer, fluffy and curled, both dark and light brown, covering most of her crest. Her right horn seemed to be broken, the one on her snoot chipped partially and her eyes, they were‐ anddd I'm staring, anddd she noticed I'm staring, shit. She stared back with a confused glare, as if I was the nastiest thing she's ever seen, trying to understand just what I was. She seemed to be sizing me up before shrugging it off, eyes returning to her phone like originally when I first walked in here.

Phew.

I quickly made my way around the store, taking two family sized bags of Dinitos and a jar of salsa, something catching my eye. Wait, this place had a freezer?

I wonder..

I walked over, opening it, being greeted with packaged meats of mostly all varieties.

There goes having to worry about the grocery too much.

I grabbed two one pound packs of minced beef, then a pack of shredded cheese off the shelves, and a bottle of seasoning. It'd be nice to have some bell peppers, but this place didn't sell vegetables, only fruits, no sweat.

Dropping the items on the counter, I cleared my throat, the Saurian woman's attention flicking up to me, blinking as she sat up straight, beginning to slide each item against the scanner with quickness in her wrist movement.

— That Silvia yours?

A soft voice asked, the words and the somewhat engaging tone of voice felt like a drop of honey. Avoiding eye contact, I quietly replied.

— Uh, yeah.

Silence again.

— It's alright. Tuned?

I couldn't help but relax a bit, fighting the urge to not ramble on and on about all the modifications, engine swap, exhaust install, etc.

— Uh, yeah. Just a few easy mods, nothing serious.

Lies.

— Cool, cool.

She replied dryly, my lips folded into a thin line at that, might as well introduce myself.

— Uh, Dee.

I replied with equal dryness.

— Wha?-

She looked at me, puzzled.

— My name- My name, is Dee.

Blinking for a moment, she then went back to scanning, jeez. How long was it going to take to scan such a short list of items.

— Ah, Tiona.

She replied softly before handing me a bag with all of my items.

—  Well uh, was nice to meet you.

I added. Usually, I wasn't one for conversations, but the moment called for it.

She gave a simple, awkward thumbs up before her eyes landed right back on her phone, ouch. Why even bring up the car in the first place? Whatever.

Gently taking the bag, I headed right back out to my car. The older Trike stood there, silently admiring it, hands on his waist, a funny grin on his snout. I couldn't help but allow pride to fill me, just a little. His attention turned at the shuffling of the plastic grocery bag. Looking over, he clasped his burly hands together, approaching.

— Got everything you needed, kid?

With a nod I raised the bag to the air like a trophy, a small smile tugging at my lips.

— I'm Dee, by the way. I really wanted to say thanks again.

The Trike nodded, folding his arms, thumb pointing to himself.

— Rod's the name. And don't sweat it, kid. But hey, answer this question for me, only if you're comfortable.

I hesitated for a moment, eyes quickly darting elsewhere before right back at Rod.

— Shoot.

I replied, clearing my throat.

— You just moved out here? Mentioned sum' stuff for your sister, so I had to wonder if she lives in the neighborhood and you're just visiting or not.

He asked. Ah, that wasn't such a touchy question. He seemed like a chill dude. Why was I worrying so much? Was it the fear of something, someone else?

— Yes sir. Just finished the road trip this morning. My younger sister and I moved into a home not too far from here. I was just getting some stuff for dinner while we cleaned the place up.

I could see his smile falter for a moment, pity, maybe?

— I see, well kid, welcome to Crestrock Valley! If you ever need anything, I'm always here! Well, I live here, so, that's a given.

He offered- Wait, what? I stared at the store once more, noticing just now that there was a second story to it, huh.

I wonder how safe it is to live directly on a gas station-

Shaking the thought, I shook the Trike's hand one more time before sliding into the car, taking the full gas canister from his grasp on the passenger side, then resting it on the floor, in front of the seat. My eyes followed as he walked to the other side from the front.

— I'll make sure to remember that sir, again, thank you.

He reached through the driver side window, patting me on the shoulder. That definitely hurt, but I hardly flinched at the weight of his palm.

— Anytime, drive safe kid!

Rod wished me well before I turned the car on, driving out the exit of the gas station before pulling off with the honk of the horn, noticing in my rear view his small wave. Maybe this town wasn't so bad.

..

...

Unlocking the door using my own key, I stepped inside, sliding my beat-up pair of converses off, stepping further in.

— Mira! I'm back! Come take these and get dinner started while I deal with outside!

I called out.

Damn.

She made this place look as though it was brand new, floors swept, cobwebs gone, tables polished, she even threw out the old TV, that certainly deserves a reward.

— Coming!

She ran into the room, a layer of dust covering her small frame, coughing lightly before looking at me, as if she didn't look like a clump of dust under the couch.

— I- Shower. Then dinner, I'll be outside.

I passed the bag to her, which she took gratefully, looking at the contents and nodding, already knowing what to do.

Heading back out, I finally slid on some old worn-out gardening gloves, filling the mower up and cranking it until that old dusty motor coughed to life. Sighing with relief at the lawn mower brought back from the dead, I grabbed onto the handle, pushing forward in silence, mowing down the army of grass that took over the front yard.

..

...

— There, much better.

I stood there, admiring my work, hands planted on my waist, the gloves wedged now into my pocket, I wipe the sweat from my brows with a huff, staring at the freshly cut and raked up pile of grass, the yard looked a bit more presentable now, and the driveway looks SOMEWHAT usable.

Dusting my palms off, I headed back inside, the scent of various seasonings and cooking beef filled my nostrils, a smile curling onto my lips as I sighed out. I decided to take a quick shower first, the bathroom wasn't too bad, or atleast after Amira most likely cleaned it, a few tiles were off the walls and the sink had a slight wobble the way it was mounted on the wall, but nothing that couldn't be fixed.

..

...

Water pressure was surprisingly decent, considering the shower head looked as if it were about to fall on someone's head, I should replace that.. Drying off, bonnet on, I slipped into a black wife-beater and some grey shorts, heading back downstairs.

Sitting on the living room couch, meals on the table infront of her, Amira, patiently waiting. Her tablet in hand, this place had wifi? Wait, duh, Dee.

She was propping the tablet up on the table on a stack of books. It had an episode of, CuttleBob?.. It was one of those 24/7 cartoon ScaleTube streams. I walked over, sitting beside her, then, took a moment to stare, snickering out, which resulted in her playfully shoving me away. My attention turned to the meal in front of me, both bags of Dinitos cut open from the sides, laying down on separate plates, resting inside the bags, ontop the chips was the well seasoned, cooked beef and some melted cheese on top, a bowl of the salsa sat on the side, dinner.

I sat in silence, smile growing on my face before clasping my palms together and shutting my eyes, Amira following, with some silence, and giving thanks, we then began eating, all while discussing how we thought tomorrow would go.

School.

Chapter Text

⠀ ⠀ ‌ 

Date: Tuesday, September 9th, 201M2034. B.C.

Weather: Clear skies.

Time: 7:46 A.M

We woke up late.

Amira was the first to get up, noticing the time on her tablet in a half-asleep state, she instantly sprung into action and ended up waking me up with a few harsh slaps to the back. Though before I could catch the little gremlin, she locked herself in the bathroom for half an hour, then finally walked out, ready for the day.

She wore some light blue overalls, printed onto them were small paw prints, a clean white tee underneath, her hair was tied into two puffs on each side of her head, both in the confinements of some sparkly pink head-ties, sometimes I forgot she was like, nine.

She wasted no time shoving me into the bathroom.

We were already going to be late, so it made no sense for me to rush, Amira thought otherwise. With a soft huff, I brushed my teeth, showered, then dragged myself into my bedroom.

I really didn't want to go to school today.

I already missed the first day, why not just miss the rest of the week? Start fresh next Monday?

Sighing, I dried myself off. I put on deodorant, threw on a Grey, fitted Jersey, some baggy jeans, then my signature blue hoodie, then, I made my way outside. I slung my bag over my shoulder lazily, one singular notebook and pencil inside. I was unaware of what my schedule was, so, i'd have to figure that out today, great.

Rushing past me, was the little tornado herself, I clicked the button that unlocks the car for her to open the driver side. She wasted no time jumping right in and making her way over to the passenger side, I followed, sitting in the driver's seat and shutting the door. I slowly dragged my palm down my face for a few seconds before letting out an annoyed groan, shaking myself off. My frustrations were eased just a smidgen by the small hand placing itself onto my shoulder, I instinctively looked over, Amira had the biggest smile on her face. 

I had to be strong.

" Alright, no flaking out, let's do this. "

Fiddling with the shifter unconsciously, I turned the car on, sliding a hand into my pocket to pull out my cracked up, abused excuse for a phone, turning it on for a time check.

8:46 A.M

Huh.

From here to school was a 15 minute drive, we might not be late after all, school called 9:30. I guess the habit of waking up early back home must've stuck on us. Leaning back, I groaned out yet again.

" Alright. We have a little time, how about getting something for lunch since I didn't get the chance to pack anything. "

I offered, Amira giving a few quick nods. After letting the car warm up a bit, I pulled out from the side of the road, driving off. 

The drive was silent except for some occasional banter and me telling Amira if she had any problems to call me, she was hesitant but in the end, agreed. Pulling up to what seemed to be a old-timey diner, I shut the car off, sliding out, sister following. 

We weren't really here to sit and eat, so I stood at the counter, staring at the menu for some time, the ambience of chatting towns-folk enjoying breakfast filled the diner.

" What do you want? "

I asked, looking up, the smaller girl sitting on my shoulders to get a better view gave me a pretty serious thinking face.

" Uh.. A chicken sub. "

I cackled, that got a punch to the shoulder. 

" Basic ass choice, alright. "

I replied, watching a mature looking Carnotaurus woman approach in uniform, a genuine smile on her snoot.

" Well aren't you two precious!~ What can I get for you today darlin'? "

Her voice had a southern hint to it, gosh that reminded me of the worry of red necks lurking around here, I definitely felt a few eyes on me standing in here.

" Hi, can I get two chicken subs? one with everything except hot-sauce and cucumbers, the other with everything, that and a bottle water and a orange juice box. "

I ordered, the waitress writing everything down before giving a small nod, shortly returning with the bottle water and orange juice.

" Subs will be out in a minute darlin'. Total's Twenty-five fifty. "

Not a bad price. Handing her the money after reaching for it in my wallet. I placed Amira down on the floor to stand on her own a for little while both of us now silently standing there, glancing around for a moment, now I knew there were definitely people watching.

In the furthest corner from where we were standing in the diner, a group of saurian bikers, all sitting in one booth, the usual. Matching leather jackets, dark clothes, a pair of shades to hide their eyeliner used to impress their boyfriends, the usual corny shit. Three carnivores, and one herbivore. Though, the herbivore was a therizinosaurus, or whatever those long clawed things were called.

So in my book, he was the most dangerous looking out of all them.

The waitress finally came over with our bagged up meals. With shared thanks, we left, got back into the car, and drove off.

I pulled into the elementary wing's drop off zone, unbuckling Amira's seat belt and leaning over, opening the door for her.

" Keep safe Alright? And don't let anyone push you around. "

I advised, giving her a hug goodbye, she returned the favor.

" You too, you big dummy. And try to make some friends! Or a girlfriend! "

She teased.

" Mira, it's the first day. "

I replied, she simply rolled her eyes, stuck her tongue out and shut the door behind her, rushing off to the front entrance.

She stopped. 

I squinted, watching as she turned around, staring at the car for a moment, smiling before she finally disappeared behind the large doors.

I stayed there for some time, I won't lie, but, I didn't want to be late, so, I drove off. After parking in the student parking area, guided by one of the security guards on the compound, I got out, caressing the roof of the car. Reverse parked perfectly underneath a parking spot in the shade of a tree, nice.

I then gave the roof a light pat, locking it before sliding the keys into my pocket, fixing my bag, I stared up towards the letters hung up on the roof, "CRESTROCK INSTITUTION".

One of the Es looked like it was about to fall off.

Strange that they didn't use the word highschool, but it was both a highschool and elementary school, so.

With a slow exhale, I walked towards the entrance, the entire rainbow of colors that were considered the student body, lounging around the entrance until class called, the school was large to say the least, looking somewhat freshly refurbished as well. It's color, a light tan, the interior walls, an off-white.

The whispers began. 

Every group I passed by, there was a weird look, a light giggle, or some soft whisper, I clenched my bag strap tighter, deciding to pick up pace, principal's office. Principal's office. Principal's office. 

My attention was brought to the large wooden door, a plaque of worn-out gold in the centre, Principal Davis.

There was a cold flow of air hitting my feet as it flowed out from under the door. I quickly knocked, waiting for the usual-

" Enter. "

Bingo. I carefully opened the door at the given instructions by the cold, feminine voice, instantly graced by a icey wind only comparable to an Antarctic fishing igloo. Stepping into the freezing room, I shut the door behind me, why was the AC setting so high?! The seat in front of a large, neatly organized desk swiveled, revealing to me, a rather large Yutyrannus woman.

Oh.

Her feathers, a frosty white with speckles and tips, a coffee brown. Fixing the glasses slipping off of her snout, she looked my way, eyes a deep purple. Shuffling some papers into a neat stack, she looked over them before pulling out one specifically, handing it over to me.

" Mister Guise, correct? Any particular reason you weren't in attendance yesterday? "

The saurian woman questioned, raising a brow, she was NOT amused as far as I could tell. I gulped, clearing my throat before replying.

" I apologize, ma'am. My sister and I just arrived into town the morning before the first day, so we took the day cleaning and getting familiar with the area. "

She stared at me for a few seconds, letting out a slow exhale and lowering her head, fixing her gaze on the papers infront of her once more.

" Do not apologize to me, Mister Guise, the teachers are the one who deserve an apology. Your parents fought tooth and nail for an open spot for you two, please do not waste that opportunity. "

I grimaced, that made me wonder, just how did we get into a school quick enough that we were enrolled on the first day? If my Parents kicked me out the night before. They must've been planning this for a while and found a reason to finally act, dammit. I gave a slow nod, the Yutyrannus gesturing the paper towards me yet again, I take it.

" Here is your schedule for the term, I hope I don't have to hear anything bad from the teachers about you or young Miss Guise. Do be well, dear. You may leave. "

Didn't have to tell me twice, I left, shutting the door behind me, fought tooth and nail my ass, fuck them.

In a silent rage, I made my way into the student flow of the hallway, staring at the paper I recieved earlier, first class..

Math | P.Penelope.

Of course, why would the universe go easy on me? Shoving the paper into my bag, I grumbled out.

I refuse to ask any of these extinction-hoppers for directions.

So, I ended up roaming the halls just until the first bell, thank Raptor Christ I made it to the door of the classroom in time, though, it was on the second floor, good idea to check Dee.

Here goes nothing.

With a slow exhale, drop of my shoulders and a relaxed look, I opened the door, greeted by the classroom, which, looked like any other classroom. There were a few students here already, idly chatting until class began, Though for some reason, there was an usually long scaley, spiney tube snaking around on the flo-

" Mister Guise, I take i-? "

" SWEET RAPTOR JESUS!- "

My heart dropped down to my ass, no. Fell right out. I wheezed, gripping the fabric of my hoodie while catching a few eyes of students either sitting or walking by the class, I looked to my right to see the culprit of almost giving me a heart attack, a head, attached to a reeeeeally long ne- ah. 

One of those, long-necks. Wait, wait. Amira said not to be rude, lets figure this out.

Spines growing down her neck, glancing around, I finally spot the body of the head, sitting in the teacher's chair, her tail, thin, the tip restless as it flicked and slapped around, like a whip. A Din..heirosauuu- A long-neck. Her scales, a rough mixture of red, brown and black, a few random splotches of white here and there. Her eyes were a sandy brown.

" Done staring Mister Guise? "

The same voice bringing me out of my train of thought, a few chuckles from spectators as well.

" Ah, y..yes, I'm sorry. "

I replied in a soft tone, the female sauropod gestured towards the empty seats of the classroom.

" Have a seat dear. You haven't missed much yesterday, mainly the goals and plans for the term, I do recommend you get notes from someone though. "

I nodded, taking myself over to the middle rows, in one of the window seats. Good distraction, and not too far back or directly infront, perfect area to avoid being called.

Quietly, I sat down, resting my bag beside me. The bell finally rang after a few minutes of waiting, my eyes focusing on the students as they poured in.

One particular student however, bothered me.

A desert brown Ankylosaur, on the more pudgier side. He wore a black hoodie and some jeans. Walking in, his orange irises almost instantly landed on me, in the confinements of those big, circular glasses, and he just kept taking quick glances. He even went as far as to sit beside me, where there were literally other seats still free and AWAY from me.

Please don't be a weirdo.

..

...

The class started, and surprisingly, I wasn't totally lost at whatever was going on. Miss Penelope actually had a pretty decent way of teaching, and made sure everyone understood before moving on, that and she was pretty funny. Despite my previous assumption that she was one of those teachers that had a stick up their ass all the time, which would usually be math teachers, she was enjoyable to listen to.

While scribbling down notes in what another would consider ancient enchantments, that I probably won't even understand later, I felt something small hit me on the side of the face, bouncing onto the floor. My vision trailed down to the attacker, a small ball of paper. I raised my head to look at the ankylo sitting right next to me, who was just, staring.. adjusting his glasses. His eyes shot down to the ball of paper, as if signaling for me to pick it up, before focusing right back on the topic in class. I squinted, picking the paper up, I began opening it to see the contents. 

—The yellow Silvia, it yours? >:)

Staring at the question, I let out a soft exhale, writing down my answer.

— Yes.

Short and simple, now, to return to sender, making sure Miss Penelope wasn't watching, I crumpled the paper back up, flicking it back over to the ankylo. He caught it before it even hit him, opening it up and reading it, it looked as though his eyes lit up, looking my way once more, this time, with the dumbest grin, like a kid staring at a toy while grocery shopping with their mom, or a new release for their favorite comic book.

I cringed almost instinctively, a more smug look flashing on his face as he turned his attention back to the teacher, that was it? No. Something tells me I'd better try to head out the moment first period is over, before he catches me.

The moment the bell rang, I shot up, grabbing my bag and making it for the door for next period. The moment I was out, in the hallway, I was interrupted.

The same Anklyosaur, standing in front of me.

I stared, my expression blank, stepping to the side to pass him, he stepped to the side to block me again, then I went to the next side, he followed, I couldn't help but get frustrated, pausing for a moment.

" Need somethin'? "

I question, a hint of annoyance in my tone as I gripped my bag strap.

" Yeah, to know whatever's under that hood of yours, that Silvia is wicked dude. "

He replied, my eyes squint before sighing.

" Can I just, talk to you at lunch? Or something? I don't want to be late. "

With a smug grin, he stepped aside, I grumbled out, walking past him, heading to my next class.

..

...

Lunch came pretty quick, unfortunately.

I hoped that the same Anklyo that talked to me earlier didn't see me. I did my best slipping in between the masses of Dino-BO and thrown over food trays, popping right out of the crowd blocking the cafeteria entrance. Why would they put the entrance right next to the serving counter- Y'now what, forget it. 

After nearly being trampled by the entire fucking rainbow of prehistoric assholes, I inhaled sharply, clutching my bag. My eyes scanned the lunch room for an empty seat, something preferably away from the eyes of the masses. There was one dusty table, a set of benches to go along with it in the darker corner of the cafeteria, perfect.

Clutching my bag closer to my chest, praying my sub wasn't ruined, I walked over and sat down, sighing out softly, eyes shut for a moment, peace, and somewhat quiet.

" Lunch hour Amiright? "

" FUCK! "

Startled, I nearly fell back from the lack of a back-rest on the bench, the sudden conversation starter definitely caught me off guard, my eyes landing on the same ankylo form earlier, a grin on his snout.

" My bad dude, didn't know skin- Humans. Were so jumpy. "

Was he about to?-

" It's fine. "

I replied, he waved his left hand dismissively soon after. 

" My bad about the skinnie thing too, I was going to say it, but then I realized you're far from it. You're as bulky as some of the Trike-horns. "

Ended up saying it anyways. Trike-horns? Must be the school's sports team.

" Oh, right! Name's Tim! "

I stared at him for a moment, taking the paper bag holding my sub out of my backpack. Surprisingly it stayed whole and wasn't a piece of mush and vegetables, just slightly smushed down. 

" Dee. "

I responded blankly as I bit into the sub, pretty good. For Tim's lunch, it seemed the Anklyo was all natural when it came to his choices, a large bowl packed with leafy greens. Lettuce, shredded cabbage, whole tomatoes and grapes, some shredded cheese on top of all of that, weird combo..

" So..*crunch crunch* That.. mmph. S15 of yours. *swallow* Type of tunes do you got under the hood? "

He asked, mouth full. I bit into the sub again, a bit hesitant to answer, but the conversation couldn't just be one sided, as much as I didn't want to be here in the first place.

I should've ate in the car. 

" Viper V10. "

Tim choked, I paused for a moment, fighting the smirk tugging at my lips. He slammed his palms on the table, shooting up, glasses nearly falling off his face.

" YOU PUT A V10 IN THAT THI- "

He paused, clearing his throat as he sat back down, whispering aggressively.

" You put a Viper V10 in that thing?! Where did you even get a-! "

" Was just sitting in a junkyard, took a whole arm and a leg but I managed to buy it before anyone else saw it, gave it a twin turbo set up, pushing 1,117 horses last time I checked. "

I interrupted, biting into the sub once-more, a bit disappointed it was already half-way done. I looked over to Tim, the Ankylo's mouth agape, slow chews as I stared at him, though, from the corner of my eye, I saw something, or well, someone.

Isn't that the trigga hybrid I saw yesterday at the gas station?

Sitting not too far from Tim and I no less, she wasn't there before, was she? Beside her looked to be a dusty olive green Parasaur, ochre and faded teal accents to her scales, eyes a bright amber with a turquoise ring in both her irises.

There was gothic style to her, in this heat?

Tall black boots, black t-shirt, it looked like old ass merch from some band called "VVURM DRAMA"(?) The font being used hurt my eyes.

Who the fuck was in charge of graphic design?

As for her lower half, a black pleated skirt, adorned with clip on chains attached to it from the waistline. Lastly, a black sweater layered over the t-shirt, cut from the bust down. If her scales weren't an intense contrast enough to her style, her pastel pink hair tied into a messy bun put the icing on the cake.

Then there was a baby blue Triceratops, some of her scales a bit darker than others, her eyes a dark green. She wore some old sports hoodie and a pair of jeans, her dark blue hair in some shoulder length braids, the ends in white beads, her eyes were nice green.

Both girls seemed to be chatting it up while the hybrid was just, staring at us, the Parasaur did the same occasionally. The moment she noticed that I noticed, her face molded into a glare, head whipping back to her friends. 

The two girls looked at her, then over at us, at the time, Tim was ranting on about random shit I could slap onto the engine, it fell on deaf ears.

They looked at me, then at her, then at me again, grins growing wide on their snouts. Thank goodness my afro was covering my eyes, because the look I was giving them was definitely not an amused one. The two girls got up, grabbed their trays and walked over.

Oh boy, here we go.

" Hey uh, do you mind if we sit with you guys? Hopefully it isn't too random or anythin'! "

The Parasaur said in a cheerful tone, her tail flicking side to side, the blue trike beside her just gave, The Nod.

I returned the nod before looking over to Tim, he was just as confused as I was.

We ended up scooting over, trike girl slid right beside Tim, the para sat next to me, then, they looked over to their original table, gesturing and calling over their friend, causing me to go right against the wall the end of the table was against. 

Approaching a bit after was the hybrid girl, Tiona I think her name was? She cleared her throat, sitting right next me.

Wait. Me?

Sitting right between me and the Parasaur girl, I looked over to her, she instantly looked away, the fuck was her problem?

" So, Malik, right? I'm Kel! This is Giselle, and Tiona. "

The Parasaur introduced, how did she know my- Doesn't matter. 

" Uh, right. This is Tim. "

I figured it was right for the moment, gesturing my palm towards the ankylo.

" Oh, we know lard-ass already. "

Tiona whispered, shooting a glare towards the ankylosaur, who merely pushed his glasses up on his snout, my eyes flicked to her, then back to Tim, who was already making a response from the sight of his partially parted mouth.

" Funny for the lab experiment to be talking about looks, a bit hypocritical, isn't it? "

I choked on my sandwich, coughing out and leaning to my side so I didn't accidentally hurl all over the table, grabbing my bottle of water, I chugged it down atleast halfway, eyes shooting over to Tim, then Tiona, she stared, unreasonable calm.. Must be a normal thing.

Something I DIDN'T want to be involved in.

" Uh.. Right. "

I replied dryly, eyes fixed in the table now, awkward silence passed before the blue trike, Giselle? Spoke up. 

" So, I saw that yellow S15 of yours pull up to the elementary ward this morning. "

I froze, dammit. As much as I liked the attention being turned to my car, there was a point where sometimes I didn't want to be noticed, especially now.

" Wait- That cool lookin' yellow car?! I had a feelin' that was a new student! But I had no idea it was you! I love the color! "

Kel spoke up, clasping her hands together. Y'know I'm just noticing she had a bit of a country in her voice, it sounds like she was trying to hide it to an extent, weird.

" Yeah. Thanks. "

I replied, a small smile gracing my lips, finishing off the sub and dusting my palms together.

" I mean, it's alright. "

I paused, looking over to Tiona, who looked right back at me, eyes half lidded, elbow on the table and chin in her palm.

" Sounds like he hardly appreciates the compliment, so maybe there's not much going on with it. "

I frowned. Okay, asshole much? 

" I did appreciate the compliment, why just randomly assume I didn't? "

I replied, my voice had a droplet of frustration lingering in it. 

— Because dude, you gave a half-assed thanks, same shit back at my old man's gas station, even though he treated you like a charity case.

She replied, my brows furrowed, the fuck?

Before I could speak up, Tim cleared his throat, then Kel spoke up.

" S.. Sorry about her! She usually just says what she wants. "

Tiona rolled her eyes, sitting up, brows furrowed as well as she looked towards her friend.

" Don't apologize for me K! This damn skinnie is just sitting here acting like he has the world's problems on his shoulders when you're trying to make conversation. News flash, shit doesn't revolve around him! Why the fuck did we even come over to this stupid ass table anyway? "

She blew up, pointing a figure to me then to Kel, who seemed to shrink in her seat, Giselle just sat there scrolling through her phone.

" Then leave. "

I whispered.

" Fuck you say? "

She responded.

" I said, then leave. If it's bothering you so much sitting next to a skinnie, just get the fuck up and leave? Instead you're sitting here, acting like a bitch, I never said I had the world's problems? Sounds like you're trying to project the fact you're- "

Before I could continue, the bell rang. We sat their in silence for a few seconds, I wasted no time grabbing my bag, tossing the old paper bag and waterbottle into a nearby bin, giving a nod to Tim, who simply did the same. I raised a palm to Kel and Giselle, who did the same, Kel's much more nervous. Though, Tiona, just, stared. I began to head right out the lunchroom the moment I saw the trigga-bitch's face contort into one of pure fury, ready to gut me like countless others she probably has with those fucked up horns of hers, all while spewing all sort of humie slurs at me.

Now to head to my last two classes, hopefully the rest of the day isn't too chaotic.

..

...

Today was annoying. Yutyrannus principal making herself suffer in a desert-y climate, as well as making me suffer with the "don't disappoint your parents" bullshit. Getting spooked and embarrassed by the math teacher. Tim. Just Tim. Then that crew of random ass dino-girls who came to sit with us.

Maybe they were sent by their jock boyfriends to find reasons to pick on us?

Tiona did call Tim lard-ass.

On second thought, I doubt anyone would willingly date that bitch. Speaking of her, what the fuck was that trigga's problem? I did nothing and out of nowhere she just randomly jumped on my case. Then again, maybe I should've put more into the conversation, her friend Kel really was trying. 

I shouldn't have blown up on her like that for defending them- ARRGH, FUCK! Why am stressing about this? Guilty Conscience?

I should apologize tomorrow.

If she decides to not accept it, that was her problem. The three of them seemed to all put on a fake face anyways, not like I gave a shit about their opinions. They also looked like a trio of outcasts, so the worry about rumors spreading eased off my shoulders.

Other than that, the classes after lunch flew by pretty easily, nothing too serious, but it WAS only the second day, so I didn't have those expectations for the rest of the term, obviously. Though, the final class of the day, turned out I shared Social Studies with Kel. 

Boy was I lucky.

My eyes lazily followed as the Parasaur walked in. The way she walked, she seemed so nervous, small. It were as if there were eyes all over her, whispers judging her every step, who wouldn't with that furnace of an outfit she had on. Her eyes landed right on mine, a mixture of emotions going through her gaze. First, they widened in shock, then her posture seemed to straighten up, eyes lighting up, excited, just partially. Then she lowered down into a more embarrassed posture, making her way over to me and sitting down at the desk beside mine, great, was it sit down next to Dee day or something?

Majority of the class was pretty quiet, except for moments I noticed the parasaur girl in the corner of my eye. She was fidgeting and constantly fixing her gaze on me throughout the class, do I just leave it alone, or try to talk about what happened at lunch? She was certainly itching to. I cleared my throat, her eyes finding me once again, an expecting look in her eyes. 

" Hey, uh, I'm sorry. About earlier, I mean. '

I started, in a whisper not to disrupt class. She stared, confusion in her gaze before her mind finally clicked on what I was talking about, waving her hands in a frantic, dismissive manner, shaking her head.

" Nonononono! I-It's fine! I swear! I know you didn't mean any harm by it, I'm sorry for pushin' you to try and have a conversation with us.. anddd Tiona.. She can be a bit.. protective at times.. "

She replied with a loud whisper before I added on.

" It's fine, I understand, you don't need to apologize, but.. "

I paused, hesitant. 

" Why did you decide to come have a conversation with us? "

I added, her puzzled expression at the question formed into a warm smile.

" Well, I already knew Tim, and I noticed just how lively he was talkin' to ya'. and that's rare. So I just had to see what it was all about. So honestly, curiosity. "

The smile on her face never left, it was, genuine. Whole-hearted, there wasn't an ounce of faux-kindness in it, but I was still hesitant, I had to be.

With apologies being shared, I learned that Kel was actually pretty chill when she was by herself and not forced to be the talkative one of the group, though, she was talkative regardless of the amount of people present. I made sure and tried my best not to let my guard down, just in case this was all a front, I can never be too cautious with people these days, especially parasaurs.

But should I really blame the betrayal of one dino on all their counterparts? 

We ended up talking about things like the type of shows we were into and timid stuff like that. I didn't take her as a Dino Ball Z Fan, but turns out she was a major geek for it, I on the other hand had more refined taste, that being 12 episode romance anime that made me feel something during the bingewatch. And the occasional shonen and isekai slop, Final Piece was a personal favorite, despite the amount of episodes.

I was of course playfully flamed for my tastes.

The moment the bell rang, we got up, I was surprisingly greeted by the warm embrace of the parasaur, which I lightly reciprocated.

With an awkward pat to the back, after standing there dumb-founded for a few seconds.

I got a soft chuckle in response. The moment the hug was broken, we said our goodbyes and went our separate ways.

Finally, I made my way over to get my sister.

..

...

Walking to the elementary wing, I got a few stares from the teachers there, weird ones, that wasn't good. They gave me the assumption that Amira did something, which definitely made me walk a little faster, truth be told.

Walking up to her classroom, I knocked on the door before opening it, greeted by the basics of a elementary school classroom. The big soft puzzle pieces to sit on and read, a shelf with children's books, all sorts of worn out stickers and charts, the basics. My eyes finally landed on Amira, who was currently sitting next to a younger raptor boy in her seat having a conversation, I glared. Amira's eyes finally landed on me, lighting up as she said her fairwells, grabbed her bag and rushed over, greeting me with a hug.

" Sup. Had fun today? "

I asked in a soft tone, my question was replied to with a quick nod, I took her bag from her and looked at the approaching teacher, a short, Dimorphodon woman in a flower patterned sundress, her scales a light grey, under her wings a scarlet red, the same as her eyes.

" I take it you're Miss Guise's father? "

She questioned with a warm tone, holding a hand out, my eyes widened.

" Oh, no, just brother, do I really look that old? " 

I joked, shaking her hand in a gentle manner, she gasped, giggling in response.

" Oh heavens! I'm so sorry! You're just so large I wouldn't have guessed you were her brother. Though, I have heard her talking to the other kids in class about you though. "

I took that as a compliment, chuckling nervously.

" Good things I hope, I'm Dee, by the way. "

I introduced, slinging Amira's bag over my free shoulder. 

" Mrs. Lione, but please, call me Judith. before I forget, I made sure to get the phone number of Amira's guardian from the office since I usually make a group chat to keep parents informed and so on, I take it you're her guardian though? And is it alright if you were included in the group chat? I make sure to ask for everyone's consent before I do. "

She explained, I only nodded in response, though I definitely would have to get a new phone.

" Of course and yes, I am. It's not a problem at all, I definitely want to be kept updated on Amira's progress throughout the school year. "

I replied, Judith in return clasped her hands together before rubbing the top Amira's head, she giggled in response, shifting closer to my side.

" Wonderful! From what I can see so far, she'll be an amazing student, do get home safe you too! "

She waved as we turned to walk off, waving her goodbye as well.

" You too! Bye-bye Mrs. Lione! "

Amira yelled out as we walked through the school exit.

Now to walk back over to the parking spot on the high school wing.

Heading back to the front entrance of the highschool via sidewalk, a commotion began to pick up the closer we got, I looked to Amira, who looked at me in return, we both shrugged, wasn't our business. Our eyes found the crowd of dino students surrounding the school entrance, circling around whatever the commotion was all about, cheering and hyping up whatever it was, must've been a fight, jeez, on the second day?

With another shrug, we headed onto the cross walk, stepping towards the car park.

" I said get up Lard-ass! "

I paused. Amira looked back to me after taking a few steps further, confused.

" Z? "

She questioned. My fists clenched, it couldn't have been. Right? Shit, why am I worried about this, we hardly even talked. 

Before I knew it, my legs were heading in the direction of the crowd. I searched my pocket, fishing out my keys and tossing them to Amira.

" Get the car started and lock the doors. "

I instructed, tone quick and cold as I shoved myself through the crowd, some didn't take it lightly from the complaints I was recieving. Finally, making my way through, I was met with a sight I didn't want to see.

It was Tim.

Currently curled on the floor, holding his stomach, cheek bruised, eyes shut tight, and whimpering in pain, Tim. He wasn't wearing his glasses either, they were laying beside him, probably knocked off. Towering over the Ankylo, a rather athletic looking Tarbosaur, he looked like your average jock that jerked each other off before each game. The black and white varsity jacket, blue jeans, he was wearing fucking timbs. In this weather?

What is with everyone's fashion choices here? Maybe because it's much more easy for them to get cold? 

A smug toothy grin on the tarbo's face, his scales a dark grey, almost black in certain lighting, eyes an emerald green, a scar going over his snout, his hair was buzzed down, spines starting from his forehead went all the way down to his tail.

" I said get up fat-ass! "

He yelled with a snarl, grin widening as the other jocks behind him poked fun at the situation. My brows furrowed into pure anger, taking a moment to calm myself, huffing out as I walked over to Tim, picking up his glasses then grabbing him by the hand and pulling him up with ease. He himself was surprised I was even there to help him up, shit, I was surprised. What the fuck am I doing?

" T.. Thanks, dude. "

He whispered through the pain, hugging his most likely bruised abdomen. The crowd went silent for a moment, I looked over to him, a small, smile finding my lips as I nodded, though, that was short-lived. A sudden weight in my gut, ah, it was a fist, the tarbo's fist. I groaned out, falling to my knees, Tim grabbed my shoulders in response, trying to coax me into getting up, my ears were ringing, though I swear I could hear him asking if I was okay.

" Well, well, well, Fat-ass got himself a little piece of skinnie meat to chew on! I thought he was a herbivore?! "

The Tarbosaur cackled out, others following. With a grunt, I got back up, caressing my stomach for a moment before walking up to the taller tarbosaur, looking a bit disheveled. 

I stood there, silent, posture unmoving. Before he could give more chicken-feed to his loyal spectators, his eyes landed on me, in an instant, I grabbed him by the jacket, with a bit of struggle on his end, I kneed him right in his gut, sending him into a hunched over position, wheezing as the air in his lungs was forced up. Then, I grabbed at one of the spines on his head, slamming my fist into the right side of his face with my free hand, once, then twice, then four times in total, more and more, sending a few of his teeth flying from his already bleeding jaws onto the concrete walk-way, the crowd silent during the entire thing, the only noise was his grunts of pain and the wet sound of my fist colliding with his bloody jaw.

Shoving him away from me, I slammed my foot right into his stomach again before he could get a chance to recover, sending him falling back right onto his ass, then laying on his side.

I stood there, blood dripping from my fist, both his and mine, chest rising up and down at a rapid pace before I turned and approached Tim, who had a shocked look on his face, then a look of guilt, right now, definitely right now, I wasn't in a mood to talk. With a pat on the shoulder, I walked past him, slipping through the crowd.

The tarbo laid there, groaning out, the other jocks rushing to be his knight in shining armor. Though a voice, a familiar voice, comforting the Tarbosaur fell on my ears. I looked over my shoulder, right back towards the immobilized dino.

Tiona?

Chapter Text

Date: Wednesday, September 10th, 201M2034. B.C.

Weather: Cloudy, light showers.

Time: 8:52 A.M

Yesterday was something else, I was NOT expecting that for my first day.

A few seconds after knocking that damn Tarbosaur to the floor and watching Tiona rush to his aid, Amira came rushing for me.

Apparently she didn't even get to the car like I told her to, she just waited in the crowd.

I was severely scolded by the younger girl, with good reason. I really don't know what I was thinking biting into a situation like that, especially one that had nothing to do with me. After that, I left before any teachers could show up, though, I knew it was pointless. Me being called to the office today is a fate carved in stone, someone would've definitely snitched.

Tim thanked me multiple times afterwards, he probably said it over 100 times, but he also scolded me just as much as Amira at the same time. He said messing with someone like Thorne(the Tarbosaur's name I guess.) was NOT a good idea, and it'd definitely come back to bite me on the ass later down in the school year.

When that time comes, I'll deal with it.

I was a bit frustrated that I was being yelled at for something as righteous as stopping a bully though.. Especially at your grown ass age, you're picking on someone?

I never pressed Tim for the exact reason, since he seemed pretty hesitant to mention it, so I left it at Thorne just being some sharp-toothed dick. Then, after sharing contact information(more so Amira forcing me with a pinch to the side to give Tim my number) We went our separate ways, all bruised and exhausted of the day we all had. 

Though, something was bugging me.

What the hell was Tiona doing helping that asshole? Her boyfriend, maybe?

It just, confused me.

Especially after he was seen picking on Tim, you go to help him up? Wait. Did she send him to attack Tim because of yesterday at lunch? She wouldn't. Would she? I definitely had to ask Kel, it was itching the back of my head.

Anyways, I need to- HOOOOOOONK!

I jumped, glancing around, shit. I didn't notice the light turned green. Shifting into first gear, I pulled off, Amira sat there, watching me with a puzzled expression.  

" Are you okay? "

She asked as she held her bag a little tighter. Today she was wearing a pink, long sleeved dress with some blue jeans, it was a bit more on the chilly side today, so I didn't question her outfit choice. I wore a simple pair of joggers and a baggy graphic tee, a cracked skull symbol on the back of the t-shirt. I also ended up getting a new phone yesterday. A refurbished Samsung, In good time too. The moment I set it up, I recieved a message from the group chat made by Amira's teacher and a separate message from Tim, who just sent that meme of Yancha laying in the crater from Dino Ball Z, I responded with an image of Pikolo standing on some random structure from Eldeck Ring, edited by yours truly. 

Me and Amira also ended up going grocery shopping as well, only for the essentials, since we didn't have that much money remaining from the first set mom gave us. Hygienics, food, a few snacks for Amira, protein powder for me when I felt like skipping breakfast, essentials. After that, we headed home, ate and went right to bed. 

" I'm.. Fine. You got your lunch right? "

I replied softly, shooting her a quick glance before watching the road again, she gave a quick nod. I packed lunch for Amira this time, a turkey sandwich with some apple slices, I personally just grabbed a bottle of water and two apples, seemed good enough.

I parked at the drop-off zone, and with a harsh pinch of my cheek and warning not to get into any more fights, Amira got out, rushing off with a wave after shutting the passenger side door behind her, then I drove off to park.

Pulling into the parking lot, I was met with two familiar faces looking as though they were searching for someone, Kel and Tim. The moment Kel's eyes landed on the approaching car, she lit up, patting Tim on the shoulder and pointing in my direction, he looked over as well, a grin appearing on his snout.

Ouch. That bruise on his face looked like it got even worse, though, I shouldn't be the one to talk. The one on my stomach looks pretty bad, I had to put ice on it last night, and it still felt like I was being punched in the gut anytime I moved too much.

Parking, I got out, greeted by the two who rushed over, Kel had a worried look in her eyes.

" A-Are you okay?! I heard what happened from Giselle! "

She asked before I could even close the door, stepping forward, with her palms clasped together, resting on her chest. Those doe-eyes wide as she looked up at me.

She was wayyy too close for my liking.

And she.. Smelled really good actually.

Like vanilla.. Okay, woahhhh, calm the fuck down Dee. 

I shook my head with an amused look, grabbing my bag and shutting the car door behind me, looking over to them again.

" I'm fine, morning. "

Tim approached me, grin still wide as ever, raising his left hand. I stared at it, blinking before realising what he wanted, my palm collided with his, the sound was smooth, flush, the perfect dap-up, nice. 

" The talk of the school finally rides in with his golden chariot. "

He teased.

" Canary Yellow. And people are talking about me? "

I asked, Kel nodded, pulling out her phone, the black case was overwhelmed with cute keychains and stickers, but that's beside the point. She showed a video of me decking Thorne in his jaw a few times, aw shit. I really didn't want to bring in this kind of attention, it could be bad for me and Amira. What were the teachers to think about me, a damn skinnie, knocking the teeth out of another student, a saurian no less, the majority populice of Crestrock. They'd just start assuming my little sister was the same.

" Fuck. "

I sighed out in frustration, caressing the back of my head, pulling at parts of my afro.

I couldn't see any way of fixing this.

" Hey, chill-out man, I'm sure Mrs. Davis won't chew you up that bad.. Shit, even she doesn't like Thorne. "

Tim reassured, my eyes fell on Kel, who lashed Tim in his arm for the poor attempt at reassurance, then nodded in agreement, then I looked back at Tim, who gave a thumbs up. 

" Alright. "

I replied before walking past them, their bodies turned to follow along beside me, Tim was wearing the same thing as yesterday, I had to wonder if he just had a closet of the same outfit, or just worked the fuck out of his washing machine. That or he just wore it again, which, not judging, I do it all the time. A thick spray of antiperspirant helps with that. Kel however wore a simple black dress reaching down to her knees, her hair was down this time, it was in a cute, messy bob, bangs covering her forehead in a stylish way, a few clips that were the shape of bats and skulls attached to them.

" So. Dee, you ever watch One kick meg? "

Tim asked, Kel groaned out, interrupting before I could answer. 

" Please tell me you don't just watch that basic slop! You should totally try Psycho instead if you haven't! "

She added, my head turning to her.

" You mean the anime where the guy loses arm and ends up getting forcefully cucked by who he thought was his close friend? "

I deadpanned, she rolled her eyes, shaking her head. 

" You make it sound worse than it is! The story is amazin'! A shame the original mangaka died though.. "

She added, sighing out as she clutched her bag a bit tighter. 

" With the shit he was drawing, that's not too surprising- "

" Tim! "

" Dude. "

We both looked at the ankylo, who burst out into a fit of laughter, wiping a tear from his eye as he held his hands up defensively.

" I'm sorry! I'm sorry! But c'mon!- "

He replied quickly, I sighed out, Kel shaking her head as we made our way inside, that reminded me, Tiona. 

Ignoring the whispers of students we ended up passing by, I looked down at the parasaur, eyes fixed on infront of her, a smile, almost like it was her default expression, steady on her face. 

" Hey, Kel. "

I asked, her head turned almost instantly, looking to me, waiting for my question.

" Uh, yesterday.. Tiona.. I saw her helping that Thorne dude. Are they like, friends- Or something? "

She flinched at the question, eyes trailing off to the floor now as we walked the halls, she knew something.

" Thorne is..- "

" Tiona's "can't do wrong" boyfriend. "

" Tim! "

My eyes flicked to the interruption, Kel replying in shock. Tim had a look of pure rage on his face, lips curled in a snarl, I didn't even think herbivores could do that. 

" She swears up and down there's still good in him. Like he doesn't do shit like what happened yesterday daily. AND what makes shit worse, everyone's afraid of him! Even the fucking teachers! "

The anklyo hissed out, fists clenched in his backstraps, Kel parting her lips to speak, but he continued just before she could.

" I get that they've known eachother since middle school, I really do, and I think it's sweet. But it comes to a point, where you're just ignoring the bad things your partner is doing, that's affecting the people around you negatively, solely because of fucking nostalgia of the person they use to be! "

He explained, so that was the story. My eyes landed on the floor for a while, the silence around us thick and tension filled enough to bite into. 

" I know.. She doesn't mean any harm, he just.. He's such a bad influence on her! It's why we never get along anymore! Thorne could fucking kill someone and she'd still say he didn't mean it. It's like she's on a fucking leash around him. And she's always acting like she'd have no one to turn to if he ever breaks up with her, how do you think that makes us feel?! "

He continued, jeez. It was that bad? This was alot to tell a guy you only met yesterday, do I really seem that trust-worthy? I mean, I'd never do anything to hurt anyone, especially the people who actually made an effort to talk to my loner ass, but still.

Telling me all this much was a pretty risky move.

Maybe that's why she acted like that around lunch yesterday? Maybe they can talk to her about i- Wait, none of that is my concern, just stay out of it, Dee. How was Kel feeling about this whole rant? I looked over to her, the para-girl's eyes glossed off, tears on the edge of rolling down her cheeks, a look of pure sorrow plastered on her face as she kept her head down, her face, almost.. Looked more natural that way.

Fuck, that wasn't a nice thing to look at.

" Hey, Ke- "

Before the conversation could continue, the bell rang, Kel's demeanor shifted, shoulders lifting, with a sniffle and wipe of her eyes, her smile returned, I was right, that smile was a front for something much deeper. Though, before I could ask, we went out separate ways. Tim had science, while Kel, History. I had Gym.

..

...

With a fresh change into some black Gym shorts and a Grey tank top, I stood at the door of the locker room, glancing around as my feet began moving forward.

This Gym was massive.

The court looking as though it was freshly mopped and shined, the bleachers didn't have an ounce of litter, Miss Davis must've been really strict on cleanliness for it to look this good. Back home, some seats were missing from the bleachers, we didn't even have the nets for the basket ball hoops, damn.

My attention turned towards the other students, eyes landing on Giselle, who apparently had Gym class as well. She sat on the floor, sipping on a juice box idly before the squeaking of my shoes on the court caught her attention. Eyes wide, she sucked the remaining liquid right out of the box, springing up.

" Yo!- Sup' Dee. "

She approached hastily, slowing down and circling me while eying me up and down, stopping in front of me and wriggling her eyebrows for a moment with a smirk before grabbing the bottom of my top, pulling it up. I stood there, confused before realising, she was probably just checking the bruise.

With a hiss through her teeth, she released my shirt, backed up, and folded her arms. Good grief her hoodie was hiding alot yesterday, especially those chest puppies, no. Those fucking Kangal Sheperds that became even more prominent the moment she folded her arms. Today she wore a rather hugging plain black t-shirt, as well as some sweatpants, she wanted to be Foji Mushigoro so bad. Though, that was probably just basic gym wear, as I think about it. 

I thank Raptor Christ for this thick set of eye-covering hair every day.

" Thorne messed you up pretty bad man. Didn't know humans bruised so easy. Also, you should try toning up a bit more, less flabbage, more abbage, you already have the physique of a Norse god, why not make it Greek, y'know? "

So she wasn't just focusing on the bruise, guessed that.

" Looked in a mirror lately? "

I replied dryly, the trike grinned, raising her shirt up, just up to her ribs, well damn. 

" Talking to a total gym freak here, dude. I'm just really fuckin' curvy. "

You could grate fucking DIAMONDS on those abs. I stared, shocked for a moment, though I quickly shook my head, noticing that smug grin of hers, I will not be the one to feed into her ego. 

" Yeah, okay sleeper build. How's your cardio? "

I asked, instantly she avoided eye contact, sucking air through her teeth before giving me a nervous chuckle.

Before I could continue, the blow of a whistle interrupted our conversation, walking in was a large tank of an Edmontosaur man, clipboard in hand, he shot each of us a harsh glare, me longer than the others.

Silence.

" Alright Ladies and Lady-boys! If you haven't recieved the honor of meeting me yet, I'm Mr. Mason! But you will address me as sir and ONLY sir! Now, I want your asses around the court five times, any laggin' behind and I add an extra lap! Now get moving! "

The raspy voice saurian yelled, blowing his whistle once more, that was enough of an indication to start. Already peacefully jogging my way around the first lap, around halfway through the second, Giselle caught up to me, trying to catch her breath mid-jog before wheezing out. 

" So!.. Hah.. Not gonna ask me.. Phew!.. The whole deal with TNT? "

TNT?.. Oh. Tiona and Thorne. 

With a pant, I slowed down a bit, keeping pace with her, now on lap three.

" I was thinking about it, but, I'd probably make shit worse if I knew more about the whole situation, It really bugs me that she can just.. allow that to happen though.. To Tim especially. You guys seem to be pretty chill with him. "

I replied, Giselle huffed, nodding in agreement.

" Got.. Woo.. That right. We've known that big geek since freshman year.. hah.. I remember this one time, he got his fingers stuck in a bowling ball.. He screamed like a little girl when Tiona said she was going to have to bite his whole hand off. "

Listening to her reminisce, giving me a laugh that sounded like she was about to fall over, I couldn't help but smile, listening as she added on.

" But.. When she got with Thorne.. Everything just.. Changed. She got way more rude, even to the teachers, her own dad, who's like, the nicest fucking person I know. "

I know. 

" We talked to her once about it, but, it ended up as an argument between her and Kel. She didn't talk to us for two weeks. "

She explained, my mind trying it's best to wrap around the whole thing, running right into the last lap, we stopped with a huff, Giselle flopping over, laying on her back, looking up to me as I stood there, hands on my waist as I caught my breath.

" Why still talk to her? "

I questioned. She frowned in response, thinking on it.

" Because, dude. She's our friend. before all of that Thorne shit, she was always there for us. And I know, I know, she knows Thorne's behavior is fucked up, I just think she needs something extreme to happen for her to realise it just how fucked up it really is. "

I paused, she had a point, sometimes people are just blinded by their love for someone that they can't see if they're doing messed up shit.

" Hm.. Something extreme. " 

I muttered, Giselle could only give me a confused look, the interaction came to a halt by the blow of a whistle. 

" Alright! Hit the showers and get the hell out of my gym! Guise, a word! "

Mr. Mason yelled out, I paused, huh? I looked to the Trike, who shrugged, elbowing me on the rib playfully before heading over to the female locker rooms. She looked over her shoulder, sticking her tongue out, a smirk on her lips before disappearing behind the red metal door.

I sighed, grabbing my bag and taking down half of my water in a few gulps before approaching the gym teacher, silent.

" Uh. Yes.. Sir?.. "

Got to remember how he wanted to be addressed, or I'd probably end up doing 100 push-ups. Good thing cardio was a major thing for me in the past, or I'd be finished back there.

" You've got quite the build on ya' boy! More muscle than most of the string-beans in this school, and those calluses on ya' palms tell me it's from lots of heavy liftin'. I also saw that pretty lookin' set of wheels you pulled up in this mornin'. You know your way around an engine by chance? "

He questioned, giving me a harsh pat to the back, pulling me closer, I could only grunt, rubbing my back as the Edmontosaur let out a heavy laugh.

" Uh, occasionally, sir. I worked at a garage before moving here, so I really just knew how to pick heavy stuff up and put it back down. "

I replied, Mr. Mason nodding along before thinking on something. 

" Grease-head, huh? Perfect. Here's a proposal for ya'. I’ve got a half-dead, school-owned pickup in the bus maintenance garage at the back of the school. A 3500 crew cab, with no one with the brains or hands to fix it. None of the bus mechanics want to waste their time on it either. You’ve got three of those things to spare. Help me rebuild it and I’ll count it as elective credit. Maybe even put you in charge of a new vehicle restoration club I've been mentioning to the principal for over a year now. IF you can restore the truck, you can use it as the club's personal vehicle too. You game? "

I stood there, shocked, wh- 

" Waitwaitwait, me?! "

I asked, trying to back pedal the situation, pointing to myself with a look of confusion.

" Boy, am I talkin' to anybody else? "

No, he wasn't.

" She used to haul equipment, trailers, even the marchin' band gear. But she’s been rottin' back there for over four years now. Engine’s seized. Wirin’s toast. She don’t even crank, a cryin' shame. "

He added, I stood there, thinking about it. I hardly ever worked on trucks back home except with Mister Sampson.. It couldn't be too hard, right?

" .. Can I get help? "

I hesitant asked, Mr. Mason nodded.

" Course ya' can. But if ya' can't get her at least running by the end of this term, no deal. Don't worry about funds, cause I'll be the one chippin' in. "

He'd be paying too?! That's pretty fucking risky, especially if it may not run at all in the end. 

" Hm.. Can I come early tomorrow to check it out? "

He nodded. That's all I needed to hear.

I held my hand out, making contact with the burly Edmontosaur's, he grinned, before sending me off with a slap to the back.

" Thatta' boy! See ya' tomorrow morning Guise! "

Rushing to the male locker room door, I stopped, looking back.

" If you don't mind me asking though, sir.. Why me? "

I questioned, he only smiled, hands on his waist as he chuckled lightly.

" New kid comes rolling in with some fresh wheels and with a body built enough to run with me back in my hay days, I see potential, and I'm not wastin' that opportunity. Now outta' my gym! "

I nodded, a slow, sure nod, before walking through the door, the ring of the bell at that very moment made me think this was some basic ass movie, funny.

..

...

After changing and throwing on my clothes I originally came in this morning, I made my way out of the gym, greeted by the sight of Giselle relaxing on a nearby wall, eyes in her phone, she looked up, waving as she approached me, slinging an arm over my shoulders to pull me closer, she smelled really good too.. like, coconuts and a lit incense..

Focus Dee.

" Sooo.~ Get in trouble for knocking the teeth out of coach's star player? "

She whispered with a small snicker, I playfully shoved her off as we walked beside eachother.

" He's giving me an opportunity to fix some truck that's been abandoned for a while. "

With a gasp, Giselle rushed infront of me, grabbing me by the shoulders, eyes looking up right into mine, a fire burning in those dark green irises, the brightest it could.

" Y-You mean BIG BLUE?! Please tell me you said yes! And that I can help! "

She was practically jumping up and down, awaiting my answer. 

I stood there, humming in contemplation, before giving her a slow nod, then questioning.

" You ever worked on cars befo-? "

The squeal that cut me off was almost a high enough frequency to make my ears bleed, she pulled me into a tight hug, I swear I heard a crack. Though, the softness against my chest definitely relieved that feeling, breaking the hug, she looked towards me.

" Oh man this is gonna be so good! We can have everyone else help too! And we could- "

DING.

" Please excuse the following announcement.

Can Dee Z. Guise and Timothy George make their way to the principal's office.

I repeat, can Dee Z. Guise and Timothy George please make their way to the office, that will be all, thank you. "

CLICK.

Ahh shit.

I could only stand and stare at the P.A Speaker in the hallway, that was definitely Mrs. Davis.

And she did not sound happy.

I looked to Giselle, who only gave a supportive thumbs up.

" Look on the bright side, if you do get suspended, much more time to get work started on the truck! "

She encouraged, I shook my head, walking past the trike with a lazy wave, she reciprocated with a worried look in her gaze as we parted ways.

..

...

With a steady knock, I was greeted with an already familiar word.

" Enter. "

I gulped, opening the door, my first sight was Tim, already standing there, an angered look on his face as he looked at the other side of the room. As the opening door widened, I saw them, Thorne and Tiona, on the other side of the office. Thorne stood there, a smug look on his fucked up face, a look I'd love to knock right out of him again. Tiona stood beside him, arms folded and eyes distant, fixed on the desk in front of her. In the center, Mrs. Davis yet again, gesturing for me to come closer with the sway of her hand, I shut the door behind me, walking in. 

" I'm sure you're aware of why you've been called, Mister Guise? " 

The Yutyrannus questioned, hands clasped together, elbows on the desk, staring at me with a heavy gaze.

" Because I knocked Thorne flat on his ass. "

I replied dryly, the Tarbosaur snarled, stepping forward, Tiona placing a hand on his chest to keep him still, shooting me a glare.

" Yeah.. I saw Thorne bullying Tim and I just.. I couldn't just sit there and allow it to happen, it felt wrong, especially after Tim made the effort to talk to me on my first day here. "

I continued and I swore I saw a smile tugging at the Principal's lips the moment I said that, but the saurian woman remained stoic as ever.

" I see. Who initiated the fight? "

She asked, eying the room.

" It was- "

" Dee initiated the fight, ma'am. "

Initiating trigga-bitch euthanization protocol.

My eyes flung over to Tim's, who looked at me with just at much disbelief, WHO initiated WHAT now?! Both our heads thrown over to Tiona, who stood there with the same look on her face, though, much more cold now. 

" W.. Wait! Principal Davis! Can't you like!- Check the cameras or something like that?! Dee was defending me! "

Tim mentioned, the Yutyrannus woman shook her head with a sigh.

" Unfortunately the cameras haven't been working for some time now. And since the school has just recently began its refurbishing process, we haven't gotten around to repairing them yet. Miss Louis, are you absolutely certain Mister Guise started the altercation? "

Principal Davis looked to the hybrid once more, there was hesitancy in Tiona's movements, clearing her throat and standing firm, she nodded.

" Yes ma'am. " 

She answered. Mrs. Davis only nodded, then instructed, gesturing a hand to the door.

" Thank you, you're free to leave, since this cut into your class time, you're permitted to have early lunch, Mister Guise and Mister George, remain here for the proper punishment, please. "

With a nod, Thorne and Tiona walked out, Thorne looking back with a small grin before shutting the door.

My attention turned to the small sigh let out by the Principal, lowering her head into her palm, shaking it in disappointment.

" She actually lied. "

Wait, huh?

" Wait- You knew she was lying? "

Tim asked as he approached the desk.

" Of course I did. That camera thing was a lie, I saw the entire thing this morning I just wanted to see how far she'd go for Mister North. "

I sighed with relief, folding my arms.

" Why hold us back then? "

I questioned, the anklyo beside me following along and doing the same pose, staring at the Yutyrannus woman, a hesitant look on her usually serious face, this was something heavy.

" I need your help. "

My arms dropped, sliding into my pockets, another staff member of this school asking me for help? This was getting weird, but, I allowed her to continue.

" I'm afraid Miss Louis is slowly but surely going down the wrong path. And as a close friend of her mother, I promised her to keep her safe before she.. Before she passed. "

Oh shit. Should I really be hearing this?

" But I can only do so much as the Principal before the school decides I'm picking favorites and allowing too many things to be ignored. And Mister North has been making it increasingly difficult. "

She added, fiddling with a pen on her desk like a child, eyes low, glossed over.

" You want us to get her to break up with Thorne. "

Tim spoke up, I glanced over, shaking my head before throwing my hands up.

" What do I have to do with any of this?! I just got here and now I have to play couples counselor?! "

The Yutyrannus shrunk in her seat, nodding in agreement with my frustration as she gripped the pen now, teeth bared as she tried not to become a sobbing mess.

• " I know! I know. But Mister George and Miss Monroe has tried so many times before and nothing seems to change, but. But you. You seem.. different. You're background, reasons for being here, your sister. Not only that either. Mr. Mason infotmed me about your plans to fix the truck, the first I've heard anyone agree to do something like that and I thought.. What if he could do something about this? You stood up to Thorne for Raptor Christ's sake! I haven't seen anyone do that since he was a sophomore and I thought- maybe, just maybe. He can do something about this. So I propose this to you.. "

She paused..

" President and founder of the vehicle restoration club and, our very own, brand new, disciplinary committee captain. "

Disciplinary committee?! I hardly had any discipline myself, did she forget I was here because of a fight!? How was I going to discipline a bunch of rowdy, emotional teenagers?! 

" Wow.. That's.. "

I paused, my gaze looking over to Tim, eyes practically sparkling. Oh right, I didn't tell him about the truck. I was planning to ask him for help but I guess that's out the window. He was nodding profusely.

I looked to Principal Davis once more.

" Alright, but I have three rules. "

I replied, she shot up, palms slamming on the desk, her massive feathery tail flipping out, was this really the principal I met yesterday morning? 

" Anything! "

She offered.

" Tim is the co-founder of the VRC. The moment this starts to affect my sister and I badly in any way, I'm out. "

Miss Davis counted on her fingers, holding up two in confusion.

" I want Thorne to always be busy with any sport clubs he may be in, more frequent training. The less he's around Tiona, less time it'll take for us to get her alone to talk. "

I explained, she nodded, holding a hand out, looking to be back to her stoic self.

" Deal. "

..

...

What. The. Fuck.

IT'S MY SECOND DAY HERE.

My plans are unraveling before my very eyes, founder of a club, DISCIPLINARY CAPTAIN?(Dee?)How the fuck did shit escalate that quick. What was Amira going to say?(Deeee?..) The little punk would probably be happy about this, she's always begging me to socialize, but there had to be a limit. Could I really handle a school of-

" DEE! "

I jumped, my eyes landing on Kel, who had a look of intense worry, Tim a little less worried, but it was still evident on his face as he silently chewed on his veggie burrito, staring right at me, Giselle scrolling through her phone, carefree as usual.

Right, we were eating lunch and discussing how to move the truck.

" Dude.. You've been sitting there with the same scary look on your face for a few minutes now, you good? "

Tim asked, Kel's expression was definitely affecting me, for whatever strange reason. I had to give some form of reassurance. 

" I.. I'm fine. I just- Hn. "

I bit into one of the apples I brought, chewing then swallowing.

" I feel like shit is happening too fast. "

I complained, Tim snorted, Kel could only give a soft smile, Giselle had a wide smirk.

" Dee, dude. You'll get use to it. Everything in Crestrock is fast. And don't even sweat about it too much, we're here to help you, right guys? " 

" Right! "

" Yup. "

With the other two agreeing with Tim's words, I sighed out, leaning forward, face in my arms. 

" What did I get myself into. I mean- What did you guys even see in me to just approach me like this?! "

I questioned, I still couldn't really wrap my head around it. I mean, I understood Tim, and he's been a total bro so far, but what about Kel and Giselle, we're they just using me in hopes to scare Thorne away from Tiona? Their skinnie meat-shield? That'd suck.

" I'll be honest, Dee. You don't seem like the loud, obnoxious type I've grown accustomed to at school and that's what really attracted me to you.. Wait!- PLATONICALLY!- I mean!- Platonically! "

Watching the green Parasaur's face blend with a reddish hue, the red slowly taking over. I couldn't help but raise a brow in confusion, then, I looked over at Giselle, who was currently lost in thought, she finally noticed I was staring, glancing at the rest of the table, mouth full of food. She swallowed before replying.

" I just think you're hot. "

Blunt and to the point, huh. I can respect that.

As much as I didn't agree with her. 

" Dee, whether you like it or not, you're stuck with us, dude. You're officially part of our little freakshow now. The skinnie ring-leader! "

Tim explained before laughing out, I rolled my eyes, biting into the apple again.

" Gonna' wear a tutu and do front wheelies on a motorcycle while I collect circus fees? "

" If I must. "

I asked before Tim bluntly responded, I shut my eyes, chuckling softly before leaning back.

" Alright. Have the three of you even worked on a car before? "

I questioned, Tim nodded, wiping his mouth clean with a napkin.

" Worked on my uncle's old Bronco a few times. "

He muffled through the napkin, I looked over at Kel, her hands remained on her lap while she stared down at them, face flushed as she slowly shook her head, figures. 

Giselle was picking spinach from her teeth while staring at me, I wasn't even going to ask, I looked back to Tim.

" Alright, so- "

" Oh c'mon! You didn't even ask me! "

" Have you? "

" Nope. "

I rolled my eyes, a stupid grin plastered on Giselle's face.

" Buuuut, I do have connections. I doubt we'll be able to properly work in the bus maintenance area because of those old ass bitter mechanics. So! I can have my grandpa use his tow truck. "

She added.

" Alright, who's house are we using to keep the truck while we work on it? "

I questioned, the three looked at me, brows raised.

..

" Dammit. "

Chapter Text

Date: Saturday, September 13th, 201M2034. B.C.

Weather: Hellfire.

Time: 10:04 A.M.

" Alright! Just drop it, like- right here! "

I called out, palms raised to my mouth as I stood in the driveway, right infront of the garage of Casa de Dee, my humble little abode.

The sun was already high and hot, beating down on the quiet neighborhood.

Quiet before the all the noise we were causing of course.

Parked sideways, in the middle of the road, rear end facing the driveway, an old Peterbilt 389 rollback, long-nosed and shining despite its age. The red paint was faded and chipped at the edges, but the chrome bumper and wheel wells still gleamed like a new suit of armor. A row of yellow hazard lights flicker along the top. On the doors, hand-painted in old-school cursive, it read:

Navarro’s Heavy Pull – Est. '76.

The hydraulic bed groaned as it tilted back sowly. Chained and secured, the beat up 3500 rolled down the metal ramp with a tired, metallic creak, right into the driveway.

I stepped forward, staring at it for a moment, an approaching whistle catching my attention. It was Tim, who had arrived a few minutes earlier, backpack on his back, circling the heavy-duty pickup.

“Man… she looks even worse in the sun. ”

Tim said, dropping a palm onto my shoulder.

" Sure as hell got our work cut out for us. "

I huffed, shaking my head before approaching the beast, waiting to be revived.

A 2019 Dodge Ram 3500 dually. It was the crew-cab option that came along with a long bed. And it had a Cummins in it too. 

This thing was a monster.

It was painted in a once-deep blue that's now chipped, sunburnt, and clouded with oxidation. The hood was bent upward when I first saw it, there was a crowbar wedged right in, there was definitely an attempt to force it open from what I could tell. The badge was rusted but legible.

Cummins.

I turned, stepping into the garage, which I ended up cleaning during the week, which was, a pretty interesting evening.

..

Friday evening..

" Okay, Amira. As soon as you open the door, you haul ass. We don't have a clue about what's been living inside this thing. "

My attempt at trying to open the garage door this morning was cut short by a loud hiss, that was enough of an indication that we weren't the only tenants, so I left it for when I got back home from school.

And unfortunately, that time came.

Amira gave a determined nod, I threw her into atleast 4 layers of clothing, she could really only waddle, but oh well.

Stops whatever it may be from biting her.

I stood there, old metal baseball bat in hand, raised.

" Alright. "

I gave a steady nod, Amira leaned over, hesitantly pressing the button for the garage door to open, the creaking door slowly went up, then finally, stopped.

Oh fuck.

There were three raccoons, just, chilling. They all turned, looking directly at me.

Oh fuck.

Each of the furry bandits hissed, hopping off an old, scratched up recliner to make a B-line straight for me.

OH FUCK. 

Bat slipping from my grasp, I reached to grab it before deciding it was pointless, messily spinning around and almost falling right on my face, I toed it right down the street in nothing but my plaid-patterned briefs, a black vest and some flip-flops. Behind me, three angry raccoons, and a shriek that was considered the laughter of my younger sister.

..

The Present.

" Still can't believe you got ran out of your own house by a family of raccoons. "

Tim snorted, chewing on a breakfast biscuit, minus the bacon, his eyes still fixed on the truck.

" Oh shut the fuck up. Much better that then fucking rabies. "

I grumbled out, walking back out the garage with two pairs of freshly bought heavy duty gloves and large cooler, I had to offer something. 

The cooler was packed full of an assortment of drinks, from bottled water to the fizziest can of soda you can think off.

Tim laughed in response, the ding of both our phones caught our attention, stopping the banter temporarily, I was the first to open mine. 

Para-normal:

— Yoo (˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶) .ᐟ.ᐟ

— Shud be over in 20 minutes.

— What snacks shuuud I bring??

Kel sent a message in the Dinocord group chat Tim pulled me into.

He called it "Shaft Greasers United".

Kel argued about the innapropriate name choice for a solid 30 minutes but eventually gave up when she realized Tim wouldn't stop changing it back everytime she tried to change the name.

I thought for a moment, looking over to the Anklyo.

He reciprocated then grinned, he was the first to type.

Oh boy.

Boulder-balls:

— Welch's vegetable snacks.

BHC Enthusiast:

— wut r u, fukin 5???

— Dingles

— BBQ-flavored.

Boudler-balls:

— You can spell properly for fucking Dingles?

— Loser

BHC Enthusiast:

— kys n smd

— htf else wud u spell that dumass??

Afro-samurai:

— Kel, Like-n-Ikes and a few family sized bags of Smittles, please. 

Para-normal:

— I can bring all of those!! <3

— See u guys soon!!

Y'know, for someone always in dark clothes, she behaved more like she constantly wore pink. But then again, is there really a specific personality anybody should have based on how they dressed? Especially goths. . Sighing out, I slid my phone back into my pocket, looking at Tim, who had the widest grin.

" Do you just enjoy annoying Giselle? "

He nodded before walking past me, right towards the truck, with a crack of his knuckles, he grabbed the hood.

" Now!- Let's see just what we're working with here. "

..

First, we checked the body, chicken-scratching down on a empty notebook every issue we saw on the outside.

— Bodywork:

• Large patches of surface rust along the wheel wells. 

• Passenger side door has a deep dent like something backed into it really hard.

• Rear bumper is half missing—tetanus worthy metal edges are peeking from underneath the bent plastic.

• Faded school district decals across the doors.

• All four rear tires were either bald and flat, majority being both, dry rot was evident. The front left was completely off the rim. The right one still had air, but still also had the baldness of a newborn.

Then, with the forceful open of a door by Tim, we peeked inside.

— Interior:

• The hinges squeal.

• The interior smells like mildew and an old locker room.

• Upholstery is cracked and chewed, possibly by rats. Why rats? There's rat shit all over the floor.

• The dash is coated in dust, spiderwebs all over the gauge cluster, the glove box was sprainted with the words " FUCK YOU CHAD! " Poor Chad.

• Some switches are missing.

• The Infotainment screen was cracked.

• There’s a peanut butter packet stuck to the floor mat. (Tim said it was relevant to mention.)

Now, sliding myself under the lifted Titan, it was time for the undercarriage.

— Undercarriage:

• The frame has surface rust but no cracks or structural damage to be seen(pog).

• Fuel lines corroded.

• Transmission pan has a leak stain trailing down.

• The driveshaft didn't look too bad.

And last but not least.. 

The engine.

The 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel engine looked like it hasn't been touched in years. Rust caked the valve cover edges. A rat’s nest sat tucked in a corner behind the air intake. Several wires were stripped or frayed. The battery’s been removed entirely.

This poor thing.

I shuddered, Tim pretending to wipe away a tear, placing a hand to his heart, he then snickered out, shoving me lightly, I could only grin and shove back in the same playful way in response. I propped the hood open with a piece of wood I found in the garage, then, our attention turned to the loud honk of a horn, it was Giselle's Grandpa, with a wave to the burly Trike and him wishing us luck with the truck, he drove off.

" This thing is messed!- "

" OH FUCK ME GISELLE! "

I yelped, jumping forward as the short trike woman decided to spook us from behind, more so me. I glared back at her, she was holding her stomach, trying her best to hold back her excessive laughter as she approached us, Tim rolling his eyes. 

" You were in your Grandpa's truck weren't you. "

" I was in my Grandpa's truck. "

Tim and Giselle shared, I sighed out, before grabbing my afro from my forehead, and pulling it back into a bun, a whistle from the trike girl followed this was the first time I've actually shown my eyes to anyone but family as I recall.

My sharp gaze turned sharper, staring at the trike who could only pretend-fan herself, throwing herself into Tim's arms, back of her hand against her forehead, like she was about to faint, I shook my head, my light brown irises turning to towards the 3500, Giselle snatching the list right out my hand.

" Sheesh, this thing is messed. Alright, what're we doing first? "

She questioned, looking to us.

" Well I was thinking of stripping the inter- "

HONK HONK! 

Rolling up to the front of the house, a midnight purple, stock bodied 2005 Porsche Carrera S, it was cute and simple, and I had no idea who it was from how tinted the windows were. 

The driver side door opened, stepping out was Kel, in an old sports hoodie and some sweatpants, her hair tied into a messy bun, it's like she just woke up and drove over here. Make-up off, I could really see all the little imperfections on her face, different colored scales, slight baggage under her eyes, how her snout wrinkled just a little more when she smiled, unlike usually. She waved with a small giggle, raising her other hand to reveal the bag of snacks.

Gasp! 

" Z can I have so-! "

" OH SHIT! "

I'm going to end up dying at a young age from being jumped so often. Like a blood hound, my younger sister stood beside me, who was previously doing homework, bonnet and explorer time pajamas on.

The other three laughed, Kel covering her mouth, trying to ease her laughter as she took out a large bag of Smittles, handing it to Amira, who in returned thanked her, gave her the tightest hug she could and ran right back inside, sugar rush was definitely going to be an issue later on.

" I didn't know you drove a Porsche. "

I said bluntly, arms folded as the para-girl walked up beside me, playfully bumping me with her hip, handing me a bag of smittles like she was Santasaur on Christmas day. 

" Oh please, there's alot of things you don't about know. "

I rolled my eyes, which, made Kel look as though something clicked in her head, eyes widening as she stared for a few seconds, I just stood there, eyes looking into hers. Off to the side, the trike and anklyo stood there, smug looks on their faces. I was just puzzled, her face only heating up more and more as she held the handles of the plastic grocery bag tighter and tighter.

Then out of nowhere, swiftly slapping herself, I jumped. She shook her head, clearing her throat as she passed the bag to Tim and Giselle.

" So! Eh-hem. What's the first thing to do today? "

She quickly asked, I pondered, then remembered.

" Strippring the interior. Me and Tim will do the dirty work, can you two just pack the stuff we pull out into garbage bags?

Looking to the trike and para, they gave two quick nods, time to get to work.

I pried open the passenger door with a soft grunt. The hinges squealed, almost protesting.

I dropped to my knees, right onto the piece of wood I placed on the floor.

I'm touching that carpet the least I could.

Jamming a socket wrench onto the first seat bolt, I strained, the metal shrieking in response, the bolt refused to budge, corroded solid to the frame.

" Fuck. "

I whispered before grabbing the old breaker bar from the trunk of my silvia, leaning all my weight into it.

And then-

CRACK! 

The bolt finally snapped loose, spraying orange dust across the floor.

On the other side, Tim didn't waste time with the thought of being hopeful that this would be easy. He pried at the driver’s seat base with the same crowbar we found in the hood, the bolts there were worse, fused and rounded off.

Without hesitation, Tim wedged the crowbar deep into the base, bracing his thick tail against the doorframe, then heaved, tail keeping him from falling back. The metal base plate groaned, and he snarled right back, finally tearing it free with the harsh screech of tortured steel, falling right back on his ass, the girls outside laughing out as they sat on the driveway, sipping at two cans of soda.

I rolled my eyes, watching the Ankylo pick his seat up and drop it down on the edge of the driveway, I did the same, dapping the Anklyo up, both our biceps flexed at the force of our hands colliding, right now he was just wearing a vest and his usual baggy jeans, hoodie wrapped around his waist, same as me, though I had on some basketball shorts instead, risky considering we were dealing with rusty pieces of sharp metal, but who gave a shit.

Once the front seats were out and the carpet ripped up partially, we turned our attention to the rear bench seat.

It was worse — way worse.

The old bench was sagging in the middle, the stuffing inside lumpy and leaking through ripped seams. Years of spilled sodas had hardened into tacky black stains that glued the seat to the floor like cement.

First, I climbed into the back, flip flops crunching across scattered junk. I shoved my left hand under the seat, groping blindly until I found the bracket bolts.

They were caked in filth.

Grease, hair, petrified French fries, all fused together into an unholy paste.

" Eugh, fuck! "

I grimaced, disgusted but determined, working a socket wrench over the first bolt. It squealed, fighting with a stubborn, rusted strength. I firmly rocked my weight into it, wrenching side to side, metal groaning. Finally-

SNAP!

The bolt sheared off at the neck. I wiped the sweat from my forehead with one of my hoodie sleeves, then moved to the other side, attacking the next bolt with the same stubborn fury.

Meanwhile, Tim wedged his crowbar under the front edge of the bench, using it as a giant lever. With a grunt and a flex of his thick arms, he pried upward, the seat popped loose with a wet shlorp sound, the glue-like gunk snapping free, pulling in strings like chewed bubble gum.

Grabbing opposite ends, we wrestled the big, floppy bench out the door frame, bumping and scraping the metal. The foam inside was so rotten that a chunk broke off, spilling yellowed stuffing all over the driveway like busted insulation.

We dumped it on the pile with a heavy thud. Dust and crumbs exploded into the mid-day air.

What remained where the bench would be was a graveyard of bottle caps, smashed toys, crusty receipts, and so many melted candy wrappers that were fused into colorful sludge.

A dead, flattened Bic lighter crushed in the right corner.

Jeez, this thing was a victim.

With the seats out of the way, Tim and I knelt down at the edge of the frayed, grimy carpet.

The part of this whole process I wanted nothing to do with, but had no choice.

The fabric was stiff from years of sun and dirt, the color faded to a sad, blotchy gray.

I grabbed a loose corner and gave it a harsh tug. It resisted at first, sticky and stubborn from years of spilled coffee, muddy boots, and whatever else had soaked into it, but after a few good yanks, half ripped free with a loud

RRRIPPP!

A wave of old dust and the weird, sour smell of stale water hit our face with a force equivalent to Thorne's punch. We gagged, stumbling back, I coughed out while Tim did the same combined with a laugh.

"Bro, this.. shit is fighting back! "

He coughed out, mouth covered with one hand, the other fanning the dust away from him. We pressed on, pulling up more in rough, jerking motions. Underneath, the bare metal floor was exposed and it was-

Surprisingly clean..

Sure there was faded paint scuffed here and there from years of work boots scraping it.

A few patches of light surface rust around the bolt holes and edges but there wasn't anything serious.

Mostly just dusty and dingy from trapped dirt.

Running my palm over the metal, it brought up a thin layer of dust.

"Floor’s solid. Shit's really got some fight left in it."

I whispered. Tim, feeling victorious, balled up the filthy old carpet and heaved it over his shoulder like a corpse to be disposed of, stomping out into the driveway to dump it on the trash pile. Dust flew everywhere, and Kel, walking by with a box of industrial garbage bags, faked a gag dramatically.

"Eugh! I can taste it in the air!"

She whined, they all cracked up, I simply shook my head with an amused sigh, brushing their antics off.

Back inside the cab now, I swept the newly exposed floor with a stiff broom, knocking loose dirt and bits of broken plastic into a pile. The shiny spots of bare metal caught the noon sun, and even though it still looked tired and battered... it finally felt a little cleaner.

But that wasn't it.

Next, we attacked the door panels.

Tim jammed a flathead screwdriver behind the armrest seam, twisting until the plastic fasteners popped free one by one with loud, brittle snaps, plastic bits littering the floor.

The old panel sagged, revealing rattling window mechanisms and nest of ancient wiring frayed, dating back to the medieval times.

I handled the dashboard, sliding my fingers under the brittle trim surrounding the Infotainment screen, bracing myself and yanking at it, the panel cracked, then came loose, brittle plastic flaking off in my palms.

We ripped away vents, cup holders, and switches, tossing everything into growing piles of debris by the curb. Every move left us coated in a fine coat of sweat, old dust and grime.

Behind the dash, as far as I can see from the ripped out vents that is, a rat’s nest of wiring loomed, it wasn't bad, just, tangled. There wasn't any animal bites and stuff like that, which was, surprising. Cracked and discolored, insulation crumbled like old leaves.

Phew.

It's time we took a break.

Tim and I paused, standing there and staring at it, sodas in hand, our burly frames caked in sweat and hard-work. Tim and I looked at it like some old men admiring an older model Corvette at cars and coffee.

Speaking of which, I wonder if they did that here? 

If the car scene wasn't all just a bunch of stupid kids like myself in this town, maybe. Anyways. This was nice, the snap of a photo being taken took my attention, I looked over, in Kel's hand, a small Polaroid camera, once the image came out, she and Giselle sat there looking at it, giggling out softly, their cheeks a flush of red.

" What's that for?- "

I questioned, Kel waving the picture in her fingers.

" Oh, you know.~ So when we get old and wrinkly we have something to show our kids how much of a grease-head you two were. "

She chuckled, I paused, wait. 

She said show our kids, wait no. She must've meant when all of us end up having families, right?

Weird way to word it though..

" Right.. "

I replied before looking at the truck, next we had to deal with the engine, I wanted to deal with it before anything regarding the appearance of the truck, I was thinking of turning the bed into a service bed instead, with a tow hook since it'd be used for the club, but that was to be discussed later on.

One thing we all agreed on though, we wanted it looking mean as fuck when it was finished.

The engine was something for during the week, I'm not touching this abomination on a holy day like Sunday, nor early in the week as Monday and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday sounds promising.

Anyways, back to the interior. 

After crushing our sodas in our palms and tossing them into the pile, me and Tim approached the sleeping Titan once more.

The glove box was jammed tight. I slammed my shoulder right into it twice before it snapped open, spilling crumbled paperwork, rotted candy, and a cloud of dust.

The center console, once padded with fake leather, was shredded. I ripped the screen out with a sharp tug, bolts shredding with loud shrieks. Prying the box loose soon after from its mounts, then dragging it out with a grunt and a trail of crumbs and filth.

The steering wheel was the last crusty antique to deal with, its leather wrap dried and cracked like old bark. I braced my knees on the floorboard and yanked, it fought back valiantly, the column creaking dangerously as well, that was until the wheel finally popped loose in my hands, almost throwing me back onto Tim.

We cleared out the last of the trash — broken sunglasses, ancient coins and food wrappers that fell out from the dash area. By the end, the cab was stripped to bare metal and wiring, nothing left but rusted bones and dust hanging in the thick, hot air. Every footstep inside echoed hollow and sharp.

I was leaning against the side of the truck, Tim the same, breathing hard, tops clinging to us from the sweat and grime, our hands nicked and raw. Tim wiped his forehead with the back of his arm, grinning like an idiot. The truck looked like hell, but it was a hell we could freeze over.

Rebuild.

I was already grateful for Mr. Mason, he said around half way through our deadline he'd visit to see the progress, I wanted to get it running before even that, and with him funding us, that'd make things so much easier, I still felt skeptical about him willingly burning money into this, old people will really do anything.

..

...

The evening rolled by slowly, after doing some extra cleaning of the interior, the four of us, piled most of the stuff into garbage bags then sat at the curb, staring right at the goldem hued sun. Kel, a bottle of water in her hand, Giselle, rummaging through a can of Dingles. Tim was munching on his vegetable gummy snacks like a toddler, Amira sat quietly in my lap, she occasionally came outside to see what was going on as the hours passed, but this time she stayed, popping Smittles in her mouth quietly. I sat there, bottle of water in hand, Giselle breaking the silence.

" I wish Tiona was here, she would've cracked so much stupid jokes. "

Ah, right, the dino-girl I was suppose to save. I frowned, the others following, then it was Kel to speak.

" Dee. I know, Mrs. Davis wants you to help us with Tiona and all, but- Don't feel like you're obligated to, alright? "

Tim nodded in agreement.

" Yeah dude, no hard feelings if you don't, that's our problem to deal with, especially hers. "

He added. I sighed, eyes softening for a moment, I really did want to help her, but she had to help herself at the same time, she seemed like a decent person from the way she defended Kel, it was Thorne corrupting her, I could only do so much until I'm number one on his shit list.

" I.. I'll try, but Tiona has to reach out too, or else she'll never be able to help herself. "

They all nodded in unison, before all of our eyes turned to the sky.

" Today was nice. "

Tim spoke up, I nodded.

" It'll be nice to fix this thing, makes me think of back when I was working at my old job. "

I replied, the three looked at me.

" I worked in a garage part-time before I moved here, had to make money somehow. "

They frowned, I only chuckled, Amira giggling lightly.

" Y'know. You haven't told us just how you ended up in Crestrock. "

Tim mentioned, I hesitated, looking down at my younger sister, who only sighed, frowning, that certainly gave her a memory she didn't want to remember.. 

" I'll.. I'll tell you when I'm ready, I'm just not comfortable talking about it, right now.. "

I whispered back, he nodded, looking back to the sky once again.

" Well. Interiors done, engine this coming Wednesday after school? "

I questioned, Tim nodded, Kel as well, though Giselle frowned, groaning out.

" I caaaan't. I have practice. "

She complained, oh right, she was on the girl's basketball team, which wasn't too shocking, I figured she did some kind of sport.

" Don't let that stop ya'll though, have fun, we can see eachother Saturday! "

She added with a giggle, Kel only groaned, then sighed out, shaking her head.

" I'll have to hang out with these idiots. "

" Hey! "

" Damn. "

" You can hang out with me! "

Kel complained, before Tim and I could confront her, Amira stepped up, that.. Wasn't a bad idea.

Kel clapped, nodding in agreement, the five of us leaned back, eyes on the sky once again.

I can already tell things were going to get better from here.

Chapter Text

Date: Monday, September 15th, 201M2034. B.C.

Weather: Pouring buckets.

Time: 8:01 A.M.

Just dropped Amira off, now I'm sitting in the parking lot waiting for the rain to ease up. With folded arms, I leaned back, a small umbrella in my left hand, I hated the rain sometimes.

I literally washed my car yesterday. 

While sitting there, something caught my attention.. Or well, someone.

Tiona.

The hybrid girl was currently standing by the driver side door of what seemed to be a stanced RX-7 FC, with stretched tires and a matte black color to it. Even through the rain I could still hear the hum of that rotary engine, who's car was that? I leaned forward, waiting for the perfect moment the windshield wipers gave me a partially clear view, only to see it was none other than Thorne, sitting in the driver's seat, another jock sitting in the passenger side, I leaned right back in disappointment. 

Why the fuck did he have his girlfriend standing in the rain with nothing but a hoodie on?

The hybrid had a rather sad look on her face, head low and fingers fidgeting with the bottom of her hoodie, all the while the rain poured down like bullets, was she fucking stupid? 

I groaned out, dropping my head against the steering wheel and turning the car off, now was a good as time as any I guess. I got out of the car, opening my umbrella and shutting the door, locking it then making my way slowly to the woman.

No one said I had to rush to get there. 

Thankfully the car pulled off before Thorne could notice me, driving off to Christ alone knows, leaving her standing there, shoulders shaking.

So she was crying.

Expected.

With a lowered head, I approached, raising the umbrella over the two of us properly, except for my pour shoulder. She jumped, looking up towards me, wide eyed, before frowning, brows furrowing.

`` Fuck do you want?! Here to fuckin' make fun of me now?! `` 

She snapped, I simply sighed, looking in some other direction.

`` Your hoodies all wet. `` 

I replied in a blunt tone, the main reason I looked away was because the fabric was clinging to her frame, and boy was it a sight. I gestured my head over to the direction of the school entrance, she looked over, then back at me, grumbling out before heading in the direction, I followed beside her, glancing over to her occasionally. 

I sighed the moment we were insid, shaking the water off the umbrella, luckily this school had a bin to keep them when they got wet, neat. I threw it in before looking over to Tiona, who stood there, shivering, if she kept that in she'd definitely catch a cold.. With a sigh, I slipped my own hoodie off, the hybrid girl stammering and gasping out, face flushed a deep red, pointing towards me as I stood there, holding it out to her in nothing by a black tank top.

`` W. . What the hell are you doing?! ``

She exclaimed. 

`` Giving you my hoodie?.. ``

I replied softly.

`` I don't want your musty ass hoodie! ``

She replied, hugging herself once again. I shrugged, turning around, holding the hoodie under my arm.

`` Alright. ``

The moment I began walking, I was stopped by a force, someone pulling the back of my top.

`` I- Um.. I changed my mind. ``

`` But you just said?- ``

`` JUST GIVE ME THE DAMN HOODIE DEE! `` 

`` Alright! Aright! "

Quickly I shoved it over to her, she snatched it and I immediately turned around, I did NOT need to see anything that was under that hoodie if I saw that much boobage when it was on.

Listening to the soft noise of fabric being moved about stop, I looked over my shoulder.

It fit her like a night gown. 

`` Pft. ``

Was all I could let out before leaning against one of the lockers in a laughing fit, clutching my stomach each wheeze I let out, the T-rigga girl growled out before punching me lightly in the shoulder, I held onto it in response, laughing even harder.

`` I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Ahh-haah.. ``

I calmed down, standing straight once more, looking down at her to see she was standing there, hands gripping the large sleeves of the hoodie, and, teary eyed? Fuck, wait.

I've been laughing like an asshole at her this entire time!

`` Shit, I'm sorry, I didn't mean- ``

`` Th.. Thank you. ``

She interrupted, I looked at her, lip curled in a puzzled expression.

`` Gosh you're a fuckin' retard. For the hoodie dumbass! ``

She added, the lights in my head finally switched on.

`` Oh, right. You uh, you'll be okay, right? ``

I questioned, she nodded, clutching her bag.

`` My laptop is in here, if you hadn't come at the time you did I'd be fucked. ``

She chuckled before turning, tip of her tail flicking side to side.

`` I appreciate it alot, Dee. ``

Looking back with a smile, she then turned her head forward, walking off. 

Now I'm just wearing a tank top in this cold ass air conditioned school, on a rainy day.

Great.

.. 

P.E rolled around, during class me and Giselle ended up talking to Mr. Mason about gutting the interior for the Ram, each time we ran past him that is. Before we could give him a list of the new parts he said he's got it covered, knew exactly what to buy and where to buy it from.

If he buys any ugly ass seats and dash I'll be pissed.

But.. His money, his build..  

Then Math rolled around, I have no idea who on the faculty decided to put Math after P.E, it HAD to be some sort of sick joke. 

Miss Penelope was the comedian as usual, I ended up sitting in the front now because there really wasn't a reason for me to be in the back anymore, Tim sat right beside me, and of course he encouraged the sauriam woman with her amusing banter during class, and he himself definitely got a few good laughs out of the other class mates.

Shit was going nice..

Other classes passed by and then came lunch. Tim and I sat in the usual spot, that desolate lunch table in the corner. Tim was talking about taking the engine out entirely and that we could use his uncle's shop, said we could even pay his uncle for the wiring work, which, wasn't a bad idea.

I was not going to stress myself out untangling and arranging that rats nest. 

Then we ended up talking about the truck appearance wise, Tim rather skillfully sketching out ideas for accessories and so on, he said since this'll be a club vehicle and potentially ours if we played our cards right, it was obvious we needed to combine the idea of a service bed and tow winch. Lifted, huge offroading tyres and an even bigger chrome bullbar, Tim wanted to put a set of horns on the roof too for some reason.. Matte black, blacked out headlights, the good shit.

`` Wait.. If your uncle can do all the wiring shit why didn't we just park the truck in his shop? ``

`` That just makes shit boring. ``

`` Tim you ass. ``

`` Aaanyways.~ Maybe we can even add those side steps that fold out when you open the door! Since it's finna' be tall as a bitch anyways. ``

`` Tim, this isn't trick my ride. ``

`` Not unless you make it. ``

He grinned, pointing the pen to me mid sandwich bite, I rolled my eyes, watching the three familiar girls approach, wait three? Well damn, Tiona was surprisingly joining us today, lunch trays in each of their hands.

Kel slid hers on the table, sliding into the table's bench right beside me, Giselle following and sliding in beside her, Tiona sat on the opposite side next to Tim.

`` Here's my favorite skinnie. ``

Giselle grinned, raising her fist for a fistbump, I accepted it with a huff.

`` You're gonna get your ass kicked for that one of these days. ``

`` I'm counting on it.~ ``

`` I think you misheard kicked for ate. ``

We went back and forth before the table laughed out, all but Tiona, who gave a nervous smile, and Kel, who just gave light, tired chuckles.

Tim eyed Tiona for a moment, then me, then her again, only for his eyes to widen and do it just a few more times.

`` You!- ``

`` Don't. ``

`` A word and I'll fucking gore you. ``

Both me and the hybrid girl interrupted, Giselle and Kel looking at eachother before shrugging in a confused manner.

`` So Dee. Kel told me Mason has you working on Big Blue. ``

I nodded in response, swallowing down another bite of my sandwich. 

`` Sponsoring us too, shit is mint. ``

I replied softly, she raised a brow, looking at the other three, who nodded to support my statement, she leaned forward, a cow leg in hand, I never noticed how big the portions were for saurian students.. You'd swear that leg belonged to another dinosaur..

`` I want in. ``

`` What do you have to bring to the table? `` 

She declared then I questioned.

`` Tuning, why do you think I was worried about my laptop this morning? ``

She replied softly, biting and ripping into the cowleg.

`` This isn't a civic. ``

I teased, she rolled her eyes, parting her jaws to speak, I cut her off to add to my statement. 

`` But. You were in from the beginning, I was just waiting for you to take the offer. ``

I explained, she could only smile, looking to her tray.

`` Shaft Greaser's United has yet another crew member! ``

`` Shaft Wha- ``

`` Don't question it. ``

Tim proclaimed and Tiona questioned, I cut her off before it could go any further. Strange, usually when he mentioned the team name Kel would throw a fit. I looked over to the parasaur, who seemed to be staring at the egg-salad with a lost expression. 

`` Kel? ``

The parasaur jumped, looking around the table then to me, giving me that usual smile of hers before tilting her head to the left.

`` Y.. Yeah Dee? ``

Her voice sounded.. Hoarse.. like she was crying. And as I look closer her eyes were red, something was definitely up, and from the expression of the others, they realized that too.

`` You uh.. You good? ``

I questioned, she gave a quick nod, smile growing wider.

`` Mhm! Look- Uh.. I have some studying in the library to do, see you guys later? ``

Studying? On the second week out? Maybe that's just her way of doing things..

I gave a slow nod, the parasaur looked to the other two girls, giving them a nod, then Tim, giving him a wave, then she looked at me. 

Her eyes stayed in mine for some time, as if she wanted me to push on the subject that had her feeling like this.. But my voice never came, I was too nervous, still in the mindset that none of this was any of my business, and I was just someone they can use to occupy their time.

And when they properly got their precious Tiona back, I'd go back to being the kid that sits in the back of the class with no friends my age, only old dudes at a garage.

It brought back bad memories of my hometown.

No, this was different, I couldn't go back go being that Dee.

I wouldn't.

Watching the parasaur leave, I looked back to the table, each of them averting their gaze away from me.

`` The fuck is up with Kel? ``

I questioned, leaning forward, their gazes looked even more distant. I looked at the only person who couldn't keep their mouth shut even if it meant it'd save his life.

Tim.

He jumped as my head turned to face him, as if he knew where this was going.

`` Tim. ``

`` No.. ``

`` Timothy. ``

`` C'mon Dee government names ain't fair man! ``

He shrunk in his hoodie, I leaned further towards him, he groaned before throwing his hands up.

`` Tim don't! ``

`` Quiet Lard-ass! ``

The two girls begged before he leaned forward, whispering. 

`` If she's like this it's probably trouble with her dad again. I can't say more than that. Maybe you should catch her before lunch is over. Not my place to say. ``

I raised a brow, looking to the other two, a nervous look on their faces, so he wasn't lying. I sighed, pushing myself up, tossing my bag to Tiona, her brows furrowed as she looked over to me.

`` We share Home Ec. Just keep my bag. ``

Her face softened and she nodded, I turned, heading right out of the cafeteria.

..

I should've asked where the library was, thank goodness it wasn't that hard to find.

Quietly I made my way inside, greeting the librarian, who was a short ceratopsian woman with a pair of massive glasses, then I made my way over to the reading area, glancing around, I spotted the Parasaur, who sat there, head in her arms on the desk, from the way her back raised and heaved I got the assumption that she was crying.

Here goes nothing..

Slowly I approached, sliding into the seat beside her, she instantly sprung up from the sound of the chair dragging against the floor, looking up, eyes wide. She quickly wiped her face, mascara running down her cheeks in a messy manner. 

`` O..Oh! Sup' Dee! ``

She said in her usual cheerful tone, I frowned. I folded my arms, leaning to the side, towards her, close enough to feel the subtle warmth yet cool feeling coming off her scales. She stared right back, I sighed, leaning back, looking forward.

`` You don't have to say anything, but just incase, I'll be here if you need to talk. ``

I whispered to her softly, she looked to her lap, fiddling with her skirt, eyes seeming to get glassy all over again.

`` Do you.. Ever feel overwhelmed? ``

She asked, I didn't respond, giving a slow nod instead, now wasn't the time for me to speak.

`` Like- You're trying so hard.. And no matter what you do, it's never good enough for anyone, anyone that matters to you at least. And then, when it isn't good enough for them, you find yourself thinking, maybe it isn't good enough for anyone, but then you remember it's not everyone that cares in the first place, so now you're in a spiral. ``

Her voice was low, shakey, her nails now scratching against her thigs, I blinked, continuing to listen.

`` You get straight As, help around the farm, see about your 6 siblings every morning and every night, to the point they look at you like the parent of the house, so now you have a role to keep up. A face to keep, worried that if you crack for even a second, everything will just, crumble and fall on top of you. ``

Her voice got weaker, softer, heaving to keep her tears in, her head drooped. 

`` And despite that, all that, it's "what're you wearing" this! And "dress proper family's coming over" that! Like I'm some fucking disappointment to you?! "

She snarled, slamming her fist on the table, which got a few aggressive shushes from those in the library, I looked back with a glare, then back at her, frowning, she looked even smaller than before.

`` I'm so.. I'm so tired Dee. I don't know how to feel anymore, I can't remember the last time my mind wasn't running, the last time I wasn't stressed about the future, I have no idea what I want to do, what I want to be. And I know after I graduate my dad won't hesitate to put me out on the streets if I'm jobless for too long, what about my siblings? He'd just.. Abandon them. I just.. Everything feels so cold. What do I do? ``

She looked up to me, eyes glassy, ready to pour over, she sniffled, hands gripping the ends of her skirt, waiting, pleading for some type of answer. My lips parted to answer. 

I paused.

`` Kel.. I.. ``

I paused again, c'mon Dee, fuck. 

`` It's.. fine.. I'm sorry for bothering you with something like that, you don't need to give an answer. ``

She whispered, looking down yet again.

Fuck..

Fuck it.

`` Follow me. `` 

`` Huh? ``

I got up, opening my phone and privately texting Tim on Dinocord.

Afro-samurai:

usin disciplinary privileges to take Kel out for a drive, tell the others, let Mrs. Davis know too.

Boulder-balls:

👍🏽

I slipped my phone back in my pocket, Kel stood by the exit of the library, looking at me, she looked like a mess, messy makeup, her hair ruffled, top stained with tears. I smiled, she did the same, it was weak.

But it was there.

We walked through the halls in silence, it was peaceful, despite being lunch time, only an occasional student would walk by, giving me the usual look, as if I were some circus freak.

`` Doesn't that get annoying? Also you still haven't tell me where we're going. ``

Kel broke the silence, I chuckled, waving my hand dismissively. 

`` Eh, I got use to it last week, and that's a secret. ``

She giggled out, only to sigh softly.

`` Sorry for being such a mess in front of you, you've been here for like a week and you're already dealing with our problems, we must be awful friends. ``

I looked to the floor, it really hasn't been longer than a week since I got here, yet everything felt as though I've lived here for months already.. I guess everything really does move fast in Crestrock, the biggest shock to me was them considering me their friend.

`` Nah, you guys are great, I would've never expected to make any friends here, wasn't planning to either. ``

Kel gasped looking over as we both headed down the stairs in front of the school leading to it's sidewalk. 

`` Really? ``

I nodded, shuffling for my keys in my pocket for my car the moment I saw it in view, I haven't given her that much attention since I got here, I should find somewhere to do a few pulls with her. 

Opening the passenger door for the Silvia, the parasaur looked at me with a smile before sitting down, I shut the door behind her, making my way to the back of the car to head to the driver side, my eyes catching something in the back windshield. 

She unlocked it for me.

I smiled, before shaking my head, face getting much more serious as I opened the driver side door, sliding in, the noon-day sun glinting off the smooth fiberglass dash and the wide carbon hood, seats warm from the sun finally revealing itself an hour ago. The door thunked shut beside me, solid and sure. Kel, lounging in the passenger seat just watched with mild interest as she buckled in.

I slid the worn key in the ignition, twisting it.

Click.

The fuel pump hummed, a deep, throaty whir came from the rear, almost like a beast stirring in its cage. The gauges danced to life, and the digital dash glowed with deep red backlighting, casting a faint glow over my dark hands as I gripped the suede-wrapped steering wheel.

Then came the starter.

WHIRR–WHUMP–WHUMP–WHUUUMMP—

KRRAAWWWOOOM.

The Viper V10 ignited with an earthshaking roar, not the higher-pitched whine of a typical Silvia, but a deep, savage bark that echoed through the parking lot as if thunder itself struck. The whole car shuddered. The rearview mirror buzzed in its mount. Dee gave it a moment, his foot lightly feathering the throttle.

RUM–RUM–RUM–RUM.

Each idle throb sounded like the heartbeat of a monster, heavy and prideful. The idle wasn’t smooth, it loped, like it wanted to leap out the lot and rip pavement up by the roots.

Kel could only grin, that seemed to slightly cheer her up, wasn't his goal, but good.

After letting the car warm up, the clutch was eased out slowly, the Silvia rolled forward with a low growl, the massive V10 settling into a steady, chest-deep thrum as the tires rolled over worn asphalt of the school parking lot, students returning from getting lunch outside of the school definitely took a few glances, some were even recordering.

Finally pulling out, I gave quick wave to the guard in the booth next to the car park, who reciprocated, pulling off with the street filling hum of the engine following.

`` So, Mister Mystery man, gonna' tell a lady where you're takin' her now? ``

Kel hummed as she looked over, my eyes fixed on the road, driving for a few minutes now, sighing out as I turned into a wider street, which lead into a more cliff side region of the town.

`` There's a spot I found yesterday while cruising with Amira, talked and helped clear our heads from the stuff that happened back home, figured it'd be perfect for you to see. ``

I replied, she frowned, before smiling, looking down to her lap once again, her face a mixture of red and green scales now.

`` Al.. Alright. ``

Was all her squirming lips could muster.

The road curved and thinned ahead, hugging the cliff’s edge — nothing but jagged rocks and ocean spray far below. A salty breeze slipped in through the lowered windows, fluttering the neck of my tank top. 

I didn’t care.

My eyes stayed forward, hidden behind the curtain of my massive afro, but my hands, they moved with the quiet familiarity of a ritual.

First gear held low. The exhaust popped softly on decel.

I shifted.

Click-CLACK.

Second.

The transmission grabbed with a clean mechanical thunk. The torque was instant, but I didn’t push it, didn't need to. I simply let the car coast forward, the V10 rumbling like distant thunder held barely in check.

The road sloped downward slightly. The wind howled past the car in a lazy moan, and the cliffs opened wide beside me, revealing the sea far below. Light shimmered off the hood. Paint vibrant and loud, engine louder, but my hands were calm.

Methodical even.

Third gear.

Click-CLACK.

The engine note changed, the RPMs dipping into a purring zone, a rolling wave of power just waiting to crest. The rear tires hummed against the road, gripping like claws. A light tap of the brake before a tight bend. Heel-toe.

Downshift.

BWAHH–BRMMM.

Second again.

Exhaust coughed. Flame licked from the rear. The Silvia twisted through the curve with the grace of a panther, long, low, and heavy-breathing.

I didn’t smile. Didn’t frown, Just.

Drove.

It was the only time I ever felt completely in control of what was going on.

The cliffs whispered on my left. The engine roared to my right. Kel sat there, smile wider than ever as she watched me, I was too focused to notice, her hair kicking up in all sorts of directions from the wind.

The Silvia rolled up the last incline with a gentle hum, the V10 purring low, almost reverent now. I eased it into the lone gravel pull-off nestled atop the cliffs, tires crunching softly as I coasted into the spot smoothly, back in first gear, then after completely stopping, neutral, pulling the hand break, the engine idled for a few more breaths, a low, pulsing throb before I twisted the key silencing it.

Click.

The absence of sound left a ringing quiet, broken only by the distant cry of gulls, subtle crashing of waves and the whisper of wind against stone.

I pushed open the door and stepped out. The wind caught my tank top even more, tugging at my afro as I walked to the other side of the car, shoes crunching against the gravel. I opened the door, offering a hand to the parasaur, who gratefully took it, rising out from the passenger seat. We both walked over to the concrete barrier around the cliff, and without a word, her eyes squinted slightly in the bright light, before widening more than ever before.

Before us, the world unfolded.

The cliff dropped away into a vast sprawl of ocean, an endless blue sheet, sunlight shimmering like scattered diamonds across its surface. The water churned gently hundreds of feet below, waves combing through jagged rocks like white fingers through black sand. Farther out, the sea stretched into a horizon so perfectly drawn it looked painted, blurred where it kissed the noon-blue sky.

The sun sat high, bathing everything in it's gold rays. It gleamed off the car's hood, off Kel’s piercings, it was mesmerizing. Wisps of cloud lingered near the edges of the sky, weightless and slow-moving, like they had all the time in the world.

To the left, the coastline curved away in dramatic cliffs, high, rugged, and crowned with tufts of green grass and wildflowers bowing in the wind. Below, the sea carved small inlets and caves into the stone, where shadows danced with the shifting tide.

The air was fresh. Clean. Salt and pine. Wind and sun. A place where the world slowed down.

I didn’t speak for some time, just stood there, breathing it all in.

No engine.

No school.

No noise.

Just the sound of my heart, calm for once, and the vast, living silence of the ocean stretched out before us, I looked over to Kel, who looked as though she was ready to shrink again, eyes still wide, glassed over, a few tears escaping down her cheeks, the sun shining right into them, making those amber irises..

Glow.

That was all I could say about them.

`` Y'know.. I was a street racer before I came here. ``

I admitted, she looked at me, shocked. I leaned against the railing, she waddled closer, ready to listen.

`` My parents were more for themselves rather than me and Amira, they'd occasionally buy groceries, but whenever those ran out, we had to fend for ourselves, more so me. And that was eighty percent of the time.. So, I got into street racing, made a decent amount of money too. I was good at it, careful not to get caught too, then.. I met Glenn. ``

I hesitated, backing up and sitting right onto the hood of the car, this was going to be a while.. I pat the spot next to me, the girl following, she sat still, eyes fixed on me, she looked, calm.. Genuinely interested in what I had to say.

`` Parasaur kid I met at the garage I worked at, we became friends, best friends.. I told him about the street racing one day and he just.. I don't know. ``

I hesitated, she frowned, resting a palm over my hand which rested on the hood, I looked over to her before taking a deep breath, looking at the scene ahead.

`` He told my parents the morning the day I actually came to Crestrock, told me what he did during school hours. Said he was just worried for my safety, told him my safety wasn't for him to worry about. He blew up on me, we had a huge fight in the cafeteria and I ended up being sent home early for nearly putting him in the hospital. ``

I raised my free hand, staring at my palm, the very hand I used to swing on him out of pure rage, Kel covered her snout with her free hand out of shock, not of fear, or disgust. But shock with a bit of sorrow mixed in.

`` I didn't mean to.. he just.. fucked everything up. I don't like fighting, but he pushed me into that situation.. Anyways. I got home, I was already getting a earful from my parents about the street racing and on top of that, getting sent home early with 7 days suspension. I was already so. Fucking. Mad. I ended up snapping. For the first time in18 years, I argued back. They definitely weren't having it, and my sister breaking down from the whole situation wasn't doing them any favors either, so they kicked us out, just like that. The place we live at? They pay the rent and utilities. Whatever's left we use for food. But what bugs me is that, they already had us enrolled here, and the house ready, so it made me wonder.. Were they waiting for this? Waiting for me to fuck up so they can send me off with Amira in the middle of nowhere? ``

I clenched my fist, resting it on my lap, letting out a soft sigh.

`` To answer your question, Kel..

Don't do anything. ``

It was almost as if the wind had arrived to talk with us the way old leaves were scattered amongst the wind behind her, like fragments of everything left unsaid.

`` W.. What? ``

She questioned, puzzled.

`` Don't do anything. Don't let people make you think you're not enough, their opinions don't matter, not even the opinions of the people that do matter to you, not unless you make them matter. The only opinions you should consider having about yourself.. Is your own. Kel, you're the most outgoing, kind, selfless person I've met since going to Crestrock, you're always worrying about your friends while you're here suffering in silence apparently. You worry so much, who's going to worry about you when the time comes? ``

`` Dee.. I- ``

`` Follow your own path, those who might not like it, or try to drag you down, kick em' right into that dirt path. And remember.. ``

`` You're not just here to please the people around you.. You deserve to be pleased just as much as anybody else, you're a person too, Kel. And if I'm the only person that has to show you that, then so be it. ``

I finished, sighing out, eyes shut. Slowly I reopened them only to be met with the warm, tight embrace of the parasaur girl, after a few sniffles, and heaves, she crumbled, right into my arms, letting out a loud cry, sounding as though it fought the crashing waves against the cliff for dominance, nails sinking into my shoulders as she wailed out even louder, her crest vibrating each sob, it was cute in a way.

Huh.

Why the fuck am I thinking like that?..

Anyways..

Slowly I rubbed and caressed her back while she sat there, all while making a snotty, teary mess of my top.

..

After that sob fest, she slowly pulled away, sniffling and laughing softly.

`` Sorry for ruining the tank top.. ``

I waved my hand dismissively, sighing out as I looked towards the view again, a weight partially lifted off my chest, and a new weight on my shoulder, Kel. The saurian had scooted even closer, I could feel the subtle warmth coming off her body as she leaned her head onto my shoulder, nuzzling the top of her head against my jaw, sighing out in a shakey manner, still recovering from the conversation.

`` Thanks.. Dee. ``

She whispered, I shook my head, raising a palm to her.

`` Don't thank me. ``

She smiled, seeming to nuzzle herself against me even more.

`` We should get back, If we're quick we can be late to our class after lunch by a few minutes. ``

`` No need, Disciplinary Captain privileges, if it's important, classes doesn't take first priority. ``

`` You think I'm important? ``

`` Very. You're one of my friends, Kel. ``

She hummed in response, hopping off the hood and walking towards the railing, then to spin and look at me with the widest smile, the way her scales shined in the sun, how her skirt spun against the win, it was..

Art.

I shook my head, clearing my throat.

`` Hey, uh— I noticed you didn't even touch your lunch, let's go find something to eat maybe? ``

I insisted, she clasped her hands together.

`` Oh I know the perfect little burger spot!~ They even have veggie options on their menu! ``

I nodded, opening the door for her yet again then, following the same steps as before reversing right back onto the road, pulling off.

..

After eating, Kel and I ended up driving back to school, all before lunch was over too, exiting the car and leaving the car park, we walked towards the entrance to find the rest of the group standing there, worried looks on their face, except Tim, who stood there as if he was dragged along. The two girls rushed towards the parasaur, pulling her into a tight hug, she gasped, hugging back, the three stood there, teary eyed and sniffling. I smiled, looking over towards the sound of the doors flying open, before I realized it, I was decked right in the jaw, hard.

I stumbled back, catching my balance and shaking my head, it was Thorne, eyes red and teeth bared, a crew of jocks following behind him, I growled out in frustration before punching him right back, he stumbled back the same.

`` The fuck is wrong with you?! ``

I yelled out, grabbing him by the collar, he did the same, but before it could go any further, both Giselle and Tim pulled me back, both coiling an arm under mine, Tiona and another jock pulling Thorne away.

`` Thorne stop it! ``

`` Dee, dude! ``

Tiona and Tim yelled out, I struggled, prying myself forward, slamming my foot right into his stomach.

`` Fucking bastard! ``

I yelled out again, he lunged out of Tiona's arms, slashing right at my arm, all parties involved gasped. I yelled out, backing up for a moment, clutching my bleeding arm before looking towards him. He gave me a look of shock and fear, staring at his claws before his brows furrowed, giving me that angered look he had on his face from earlier.

`` Think you're some hero?! Giving Tiona your nasty ass fuckin' hoodie in the rain?! You stay the fuck away from my girlfriend skinnie! ``

`` I wouldn't have to if you left room in that shitbox for her to sit, crater hopper! ``

We went back and forth, I lunged forward, tackling him into the floor, slamming my fist into his face, sending a tooth flying out of his mouth, then there was another punch, and another. 

`` You fucking- You're an asshole! Who the fuck leaves their girlfriend standing in the rain, to go suck off one of your locker mates? You're a bitch! ``

I yelled out mid swing, before a set of jocks, Tim, and the car park security guard from earlier pulled me off him.

`` No fuck that! Hah.. He deserves his!-.. Hn.. Ass kicked! ``

I struggled.

`` Z?.. ``

I froze, looking over to my right, it was Amira.

She stood there, her little group of friends beside her, all staring in shock, I then looked around, Tiona was currently sobbing in Kel's arms, Giselle looked down, grimacing, Tim just looked tired.

Shit. I did it again.

Fuck, I did it again.

`` Why.. Why are you?.. ``

I relaxed, prying myself out of the arms of the saurians, I felt weak, so much blood.. toppling down onto one knee, Amira gasped, screaming out at the sight of my fucked up arm, rushing forward.

`` Who?!- Who did this to you?!- ``

She looked around, then towards the wobbly legged tarbosaur getting up.

`` Shit.. Box?.. Hah.. You're one to talk.. My baby can fuck yours up on any road.. ngh.. Any time. ``

He growled, caressing his jaw, I glared.

`` Let's do it then. ``

I snapped back.

`` What? ``

He coughed out.

`` A drag, my Silvia, your RX-7. Main road leading out to the highway is wide and long enough. ``

I huffed, I swore I saw a smirk tugging at Tim's snout.

`` D.. Dee?! ``

`` Dude! ``

`` Z! ``

Kel, Giselle and Amira shouted out, most likely out of disagreement with my proposal, I raised a hand to them, as if reassure them it'd be fine.

`` F.. Fine. But If I win. You stay the fuck away from Tiona and I, and mind your fucking business from now on. ``

`` And If I win, you either stop your bullshit or stay the fuck away from Tiona. ``

`` H.. HEY?! I'm not just some prize! ``

Me and him explained our rules, Tiona replying in a surprised manner. 

I reached my bloodied hand forward.

`` Deal? ``

He stared at it, before reaching his as well, blood mixed and we shook on it.

`` Deal. ``

Chapter Text

Date: Wednesday, September 17th, 201M2034. B.C.

Weather: Partially Cloudy.

Time: 11:46 A.M.

" You fuckin' dumbass! "

Here I am.

Currently being chewed out by none other than the gothic parasaur herself, who seemed to be in better spirits today, which was nice.

The saurian girl walked back and forth in front of me ranting on and on about how bad of an idea it was to challenge Thorne to a race. Thankfully the school auditorium was free to use during lunch time since theatre students liked to practice, but they weren't here today, so our little group found sanctuary.

" Were you thinkin' at all?! "

One thing I noticed since being taken to the hospital, Kel's way of talking was much more different than before, as if she had more free movement in her vocabulary, she definitely wasn't this harsh before, and I don't remember her cursing at all.

I hate that I like it.

Tim sat there, chewing on a veggie burrito, a grin on his snout, Giselle the same, sipping on a juice box.

Tiona didn't come today apparently, I don't blame her, I still regret how everything played out a little bit.

After the fight, I was yelled at by Amira and Kel to go to the hospital to deal with the gash Thorne gave me, I refused at first but then Amira said she'd out some embarrassing past memories..

So Tim drove me to the hospital in my car.

He certainly took his time, grinning like a child with a new toy the moment the car turned on, it was funny. The nurses and doctor asked just how I got the wound, but I just said it was from an accident in my garage. They were suspicious, but didnt pry any further. I got some stitches, got it, disinfected, bandaged and I was out by yesterday morning.

I sat on the stage, the Parasaur on the floor below trailing off yet again, I spooned a bit of rice and curry before shoveling it down, it was Amira's turn cooking and honestly, this wasn't too bad.

`` Are you even listening?! ``

I jumped, which sent a shock of pain through my bandaged arm, I winced and her anger wavered, before coming right back.

`` Dee. I get that you want to help us and all, but racing Thorne? What about all that stuff you!- ``

She paused, not wanting to out my secret, she sighed, stepping towards my dangling feet against the stage edge, eyes looking up to me.

`` I just.. Are you really comfortable doing this?.. ``

She questioned with a worried look, ah.

It wasn't that she didn't have any faith in me, she was just worried if this was bringing back a bad experience I didn't want again. And honestly.

I liked street racing.

Not that I'll pick it up again anytime soon, but the thrill, the adrenaline, weaving through traffic, going dark the moment you saw those red and blue lights, It sent a good shiver up my spine.

I swallowed the curry, giving her a smile.

`` Kel, I'm fine with it, besides, it's just a quick drag race, nothing too major. ``

I reassured, she could only sigh, steeling herself before giving a nod.

`` Alright.. Just be careful, please?.. ``

I gave a thumbs up, she chuckled softly.

`` Alright! Aright! before you two end up eating face, Dee. ``

Kel's face blew up into a light shade of red, my head nearly spun off with how quick it snapped to look at the Trike, glaring over to Giselle from her comment. Kel whined out, spinning around to face the other direction.

`` Yeah? ``

I questioned.

`` When was the last time you gave your car a check up? ``

She hummed with curiosity.

`` This morning. ``

`` Dammit! ``

She groaned out the moment I popped her bubble, Tim laughing out.

`` Me and Tim carpooled this morning, so before I left we made sure everything was alright. ``

I replied after another spoonful, clearing my throat.

`` Yeah yeah.. ``

She frowned, her usually confident frame drooping like a sad puppy. I smiled, reaching out and caressing her shoulder.

`` Hey, how about after the race and we have the rest of the week, you help me with the engine instead of Tim. ``

`` Awh what?!- ``

I offered, Tim complained, and Giselle smiled, nodding vigorously.

`` Alright! ``

She said in a excited manner, the first I've ever heard her this excited, it was cute.

We were going to continue working on the truck today but now this evening was the race. Apparently word spread and it got to all the students too, so there was that, people were even placing bets. The entire group ended up putting all the money they had on me, which was, nice.

Stupid, but nice.

Even Amira betted on me, she bet her snacks tomorrow that'd I'd win with some other kids in her class.

Well, just means I'll have to go all out..

..

Kel's POV.

Time flew by too fast.. Way too fast.. was Dee really okay with this? He seemed pretty bummed about the whole street racing thing when we talked, especially WHY he was doing it, did he really care about us that much to go and relive such a thing? even after 2 weeks? No.

A week and a half!

Were we really that trustworthy?..

Or did he just pity us?..

Just for Tiona's sake? Our sake? Gosh everyday there's something else I admire about that big oaf.. No! Bad Kel!

I shook my head, slapping my red cheeks before looking down the street, Dee said he was heading home to take a nap before he showed up, I just hope he didn't sleep in..

Saurian kids lined the main street leading out the highway, the evening sky a mix of a dark orange and that night time blue, the moon was already out. Neon lights of various shops along the wide street flicking on, food joints, clothing stores, tattoo parlors, their signs shining brighter than the dim lampposts weakly flickering on one by one.

The sound of that rotary engine humming idly filled the street just as much as the idle chatter of others, both Tim and Giselle sitting curbside beside me on either side, talking about how the race was going to go, I was just worried about where Dee was..

The RX-7 sat parked on the opposite side of the road, Thorne sitting against the hood currently joking around with his little clique, Tiona beside him, a sad look in her eyes, fixed on the converses on her feet, I frowned, sighing out.

A moment passed.

Tim spoke up, pointing down the road going further into town.

" Hey Kel! I think that's- "

RUMMMMMMM.

A sound like a sleeping god being stirred awake.

white headlights sliced through the dusk as Dee’s Silvia emerged from further down the street. He didn’t pull up fast, just steady, deliberate.

Like a lion taking slow steps toward the kill.

The massive V10 under the hood was quiet now, restrained, but deep. A growl so low it hummed in your bones.

That aggressive purr of the engine alone signifying his entrance caused the crowd of students to jump, some whistling, others cheering, throwing their arms up at the sight of the S15.

The Silvia rolled into position, low and long, with fading sunlight still clinging to the yellow paint. Carbon splitter kissing the pitch of the road for a moment. The big-bore exhaust puffed once, softly, like a warning breath before a punch.

He parked exactly door-to-door with the FC.

Thorne looked over his shoulder towards the car, pointing at it from his over his shoulder then looking back to his friends, laughing out. Tiona glancing over as well, a flicker of hope in her eyes, it was as if she WANTED to be saved.

Inside, Dee sat with his hands on the wheel, fingers loose. Afro still hanging over his eyes. No expression. No words.

I smiled.

..

Dee's POV.

Both of us lined up, sitting further down the road, facing the highway as we sat there, I leaned back, shooing Amira out of the passenger seat and sending her to the others. Thorne sat in the driver's seat, Tiona in the passenger seat.

Thorne sneered, bouncing the revs, rotary engine singing louder now, metallic and wild.

BRAP-BRAP-BRAP-BRAAAAPAPAPAP.

The crowd quieted.

A single stegosaur girl from the sidelines stepped out with a torn red flag — makeshift, stained with old oil. She raised it slowly.

Engines rose.

The Silvia's V10 began to scream. The car leaned slightly back as the torque pushed against the brakes. The turbo spooled, the front tires trembling with held-back fury. A low whine like a jet building in his intake. Smoke hissed from the rear as he pre-loaded the power.

Thorne’s FC bounced off limiter. Flames licked out. He grinned with those long teeth.

The flag dropped.

CLICK-CLACK.

The Silvia launched first, rear tires grabbing hard, squatting low, a quick snap of flame from the exhaust. The V10 howled. Long, deep, and smooth, stretching gears like sinew.

First to second — CLACK.

RPMs dropped into the torque band like a boulder into a canyon. I didn’t yank the wheel, didn’t twitch, i didn’t move unless absolutely necessary.

I just held the line.

Tight.

Clean.

The chassis felt planted, taut, pulling against the immense strength of the engine like a leash on a beast.

Beside me, the RX-7 surged late, the turbo finally spooled. Thorne countered hard with boost, downshifting to a risky high RPM kick in second. The FC shot forward, rotor screaming like a banshee. BRAP-BRAAAP-BRAAAAAP, flames licking the rear.

Third gear — CLICK CLACK.

The Silvia remained composed, frame tight and responsive, the front end pressing into the wind like a bullet tearing through paper. The RPMs dropped into a smooth roar. The street began to blur. Storefronts, signs, the crowds of people jumping up and down, streetlamps, all melting past in lines of color. And with no traffic to be seen?

This was going to be easy.

At the final stretch of road, thorne came up beside me, that engine screaming.

And then he pushed too hard.

The FC jolted ahead by a half-length, but the rear wheels twitched. The rotary spun high.

Too high.

Tires broke loose. The car began to slide.

A fishtail.

The rear broke violently to the right. Thorne overcorrected, and snapped left.

Too late.

The FC bit hard and hooked sideways at it's current speed. Rubber screamed. A loud pop. Maybe a tire blowing, or the diff giving up. The front right wheel struck a raised median on an intersection island in the middle of the road.

BOOM.

Instant rotation.

The FC flipped.

Once.

Twice.

A third time, glass shattering, panels crumpling, the screech of metal on asphalt louder than the engine ever was.

Debris scattered across the lanes like shrapnel. A tire bounced down the road. The RX-7 finally skidded to a halt on its roof, wheels still spinning in the air, engine choking, hissing, a guttural cough of death.

I looked into my rearview mirrow in horror, watching the wreck sit in the middle of the road, flipped upside down.

I grabbed the handbrake, pulling on it, the car skidding horizontally before coming to a rocking stop.

The street was silent, except for a soft hiss coming from the car, smoke from the abrupt stop clearing my view as I stared, chest rising and falling quickly with raising panic.

" TIONA! "

A horrifed scream that struck fear into my soul, Kel. I revved for a moment, back into first, tyres spinning before pulling up right infront the wreck, hopping out and hurrying over, the others already rushing up to the wreck, Tiona sat upside down, still buckled in, whining and crying out from the pain, blood dripping down her forehead, right into the shattered sunroof.

Thorne laid there groaning out softly, only for his eyes widened at sound of sirens, he winced, kicking his door open without hesitation. Just like the crowd of students, he fled, leaving his car and his girlfriend right here, I watched in shock as he ran off, rising up to go after him, Kel gripping me by the forearm, the pain bringing me back to my senses.

`` Dee, w..we have to do something! ``

Kel pleaded, but what could I do? I stared at the hybrid girl, who only looked at me with tired, teary eyes, hoping I'd do something, the sirens getting even closer.

``Shit.. shit, shit! Tim! Take Amira and drive her home, use my car! ``

`` Dude?!- I just can't leave yo-! ``

`` JUST FUCKING LISTEN AND GET OUT OF HERE! ``

Tim froze before nodding, before Amira could complain I shot her a look, a look only she'd understand, even with my eyes covered.

Watching my car pull off, I looked back to Tiona, then Kel, Giselle stood there, mouth covered.

`` Tiona. Can you unbuckle yourself from the seatbelt? ``

I asked in a hasty tone, she grunted out in pain, reaching up and unbuckling herself, yet she didn't fall, shit, her legs were stuck.

`` Fuck, alright, uh, Giselle. ``

I look over to the Trike, who stood there, trembling.

`` GISELLE! ``

I yelled out in a frustrated manner, snapping out her trance, the police lights starting to become brighter in the distance.

`` R.. Right!.. ``

She walked over, crouching beside me, meanwhile Kel had her hand through the window, caressing the head of the girl.

`` Pull the door while I try to pull her out! Tiona, try to brace yourself from the pain. ``

She gave a slow nod, Giselle's hands dug into the door itself, that's Trike strength for you. She pulled, grunting out with gritting teeth, my hands found themselves under Tiona's arms, pulling lightly, that alone had her cry out, screaming and shaking her head frantically.

`` DEE STOP! STOP! STOP! My legs are stuck! ``

I let her go, rubbing my temples for a second, sighing out before slamming my fist against the pitch of the road.

`` Fuck! Kel, Giselle, get out of here. ``

I whispered to the both of them.

`` What?- I'm not leaving Tiona! ``

`` Neither am I! ``

They argued.

`` JUST fucking LISTEN! If you stay here, we all get arrested! I'm not risking your futures all because of a stupid fucking risk I TOOK! What'll your parents think if you end up having a record now, huh?! ``

I snapped back, they froze.

`` He's.. hng!.. He's right.. I'll be fine.. ``

Tiona whispered back, Kel sniffled, tightening her hand around Tiona's before slowly pulling away.

Both Kel and Giselle planting a kiss right onto my cheek before getting up and rushing off into a random alleyway.

I sighed out, Tiona chuckling softly, I looked over to her before sitting down right beside the wreck, resting my hand down on the ground, hers slipping right into it with a soft wince.

`` My parents are going to be pissed. ``

I hummed out, resting my head against the flipped car, Tiona gave a weak giggle.

`` You and me both. ``

As I sat there, three crown vics, sirens blaring skidded to a halt infront of me, each having two saurian officers, exiting the car and yelling out.

`` On your feet! Hands in the air! ``

They instructed, tazers pointed right at me.

I got up, raising my hands up, an officer rushing forward and spinning me around, shoving me against the flipped car, cuffing me. Another lowering down to passenger side window, comforting Tiona just until the fire service and ambulance arrived, all while I was piled into a patrol car roughly.

..

A week had passed.

finally after sitting in a cell for a week, being fed a soggy ham sandwich a day, I was let out, apparently my mother was here for me, great.

I wondered how everyone was, was Tiona okay? How was Kel, Giselle and Tim? Amira.

She's been by herself for a week, Tim visited and made sure to tell me he was checking in on her, but other than that he didn't mention anything else except wondering how I was doing.

The first thing I was doing when I was out of here was taking a shower.

An allosaur officer shoved all of my belongings right into my hand, my phone, hoodie, chain, a grin on his face. I red the plaque on his table.

Deputy Razor.

He had a lanky/tall build to him, taller than me at least. His scales were a desert tan with scarlet accents here and there, his brown hair slicked back, a bit of unshaven stubble grazing his bottom jaw, or was that just small spines? Saurian anatomy was weird..

`` Better watch yourself out there boy. ``

He hummed with a shit eating grin.

Was he fucking threatening me?

I glared, giving him a nod before making my way out of the police station, and a familiar car caught my eye.

Mom's silver 2021 Durango just..

Sitting there..

She's pissed.

I sighed, sliding my hoodie on and sliding my phone into my pocket before opening the passenger side door, sitting myself down and shutting it quietly.

Before I could open my mouth, a stinging sensation met my face, my mother's hand, swift to collide with my cheek, then the back of my head.

`` I ain't send your ass out here to play fuckin' gangbanger with a bunch'a damn cave lizards! Fucks the matter with you Dee?! ``

`` Ma it ain't like that!- ``

`` Boy did I tell yo' ass to speak?! Shut the fuck up! ``

I shut up almost instantly. My mother was a short, petite woman, nurse scrubs on her slouched frame with her curly hair tied into a messy bun, face tired, Amira got her looks from her, I got mines from Dad, I hate that.

I hated myself for it.

`` Not even a fuckin' month and your ass gets arrested?! I'm takin' you and Amira back home! I got enough problems to deal with, I don't needa' be drivin' into the next town over to pick your ass up from a fuckin' police station!``

I froze, shooting her a look of confusion.

`` Wh- Ma?!- That ain't fair! You just sent us out here! ``

I argued, she raised a palm again, I shut up once more.

`` Yeah and look what the fuck happened?! You lucky yo' daddy ain't come pick you up! Or else he woulda' beat yo' ass in the parking lot and get himself arrested! ``

She hissed back.

`` Ma please! It won't happen again, I promise! ``

I begged, gripping the arm rest of the passenger side door.

She paused, looking to the steering wheel.

My mother wasn't a bad person.. In fact she wasn't always like this, she was really sweet before my dad started drinking and becoming more and more of a egotistical freak, then she had to find her own way of coping and started smoking.. There was times she'd show just who she was before everything went to shit, little acts of kindness, but that became less and less as the years went on.

`` Fine. ``

She whispered, I jumped to thank her, but she raised a finger.

`` But! Another mishap like this. Ya'll bringing ya'll asses right back home. ``

She promised, I nodded, before pulling her into a hug, she gasped, then sighed, seemed she didn't expect it, returning the hug shortly after before pulling away, clearing her throat then pulling out of the parking lot.

..

`` How's Amira doing in school? ``

The entire car ride was silent so far, then she ended up breaking the silence, while sitting at a traffic light.

`` She's doing really well, her teacher really likes her too. ``

I replied, I saw a small tug at the corner of her lips, she nodded then asked.

`` And you? You makin' any friends? ``

I nodded.

`` Three. Their names are Kel, Tiona, Giselle and Tim. ``

`` Three girls and a guy? Look at you playa'! ``

She teased, shoving my shoulder playfully.

`` C'mon ma' it ain't like that! They're just friends! ``

I replied, she smirked, nodding slowly as the light turned green, pulling forward.

`` Right, right. Ima' repeat the same thing when you introducin' one of em' to the family. Just make sure they know how to cook. ``

I sighed, chuckling out.

..

`` Do you really hate Saurians? ``

I questioned, she rolled her eyes.

`` Boy you know some of my friends are Saurian. ``

She replied, I nodded, lowering my head.

`` Right. ``

I whispered, she sighed.

`` I just don't like the ones who feel they're more superior than us with that skinnie bullshit. Everyone is equal, made in the lord's image, no matter the shape, size or color, even species. ``

She added on, I smiled, nodding.

..

Slowly she pulled up to the house, the Ram still sitting in the driveway, except the engine was dangling from a stand.

Huh?

My S15 was also sitting behind it, looking untouched, I'd probably bust if I ended up turning her on now after not hearing her for a week.

`` -The hell did you get money to buy a truck? ``

She shot a glare, I was quick to correct, waving my hands dismissively. 

`` The principal offered me and my friends the truck to fix! She said if we do we can keep it for a vehicle restoration club! She even made me Disciplinary committee captain! ``

I frantically pushed out, she smelled.

`` You? Disciplined? ``

`` Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence ma. ``

We both laughed out, I sighed soon after.

`` I'm proud of you though. ``

I paused, looking over to her. 

`` Wh?- ``

`` Three weeks in and you're already makin' friends, doing extra curficulars, fixin' a truck? And you have a nice ass car that you saved and fixed with your money. You're doin' better than me when I was your age, I'm proud of you Dee. ``

She finished before I could question here, I nearly choked up, clearing my throat and nodding slowly.

`` T.. Thanks ma. ``

I unbuckled my seatbelt, then noticed she was gesturing a couple hundred dollar bills towards me.

`` Extra for groceries, buy somethin' to eat for you and ya' friends too. I'd come inside but I needa' head out, got a shift in a few hours, I need some rest. ``

She insisted, I took it, giving her a smile, wrapping my arm around her and pulling her into a hug.

`` Love you ma. ``

The car was silent before she finally replied, a bit shocked.

`` I love you too baby. ``

I pulled away, her shakey hand resting on my cheek to kiss my forehead before pulling away, grabbing the steering wheel.

`` Tell Amira I said hi. ``

She instructed, I nodded, closing the door, waving once more time before walking towards the house, with a honk of the horn she pulled off. Almost instantly the front door flew open, Amira flying out, her eyes filled with tears as she lunged forward.

`` Woah! ``

I caught her swiftly, stumbling back a bit.

`` Dee! ``

She cried out, I hugged her right back, laughing out, she then sniffled, snickering out.

`` You stink. ``

`` You're the one that hugged me! ``

I laughed out, ruffling her curls before heading inside.

`` Was that mom? How is she? ``

She questioned, I surprisingly wasn't nervous to answer her either.

`` She's good, she said to say hi, she also gave me extra money for groceries, we can also go out to eat. ``

Amira jumped up and down with an excited laugh before rushing inside.

I looked to my phone, opening the dinocord group chat, messages upon messages mainly from Tim and Giselle, Kel putting in a word here or there if needed, talking about stupid shit as usual, though, there was a new person in the group..

'Trigganator'

Must've been Tiona.

She hasn't said anything though. Separately, there was some private messages from the others though, Kel the most.

I hope ur okay

they better be feeding u.

We can have a barbecue when ur out!

I really appreciate u doing that for us dee, i don't like that u did, but still, we all appreciate it. <3

etc.

I could only smile, standing there in the pathway towards the front door, typing out a message.

Afro-samurai:

wake the fuck up samurai, we got tyres to burn.

Instantly the chat blew up.

BHC Enthusiast:

HOLY SHIT

DEW

DEE

UR ALIVE

Boulder-balls:

YOOOOOOO

did u drop the soap?

i'm coming over

BHC ENTHUSIAST:

real.

Kel saw the message, but knowing her, she was already in her car heading over here.

..

After a cold shower and thorough scrubbing, I headed out the bathroom, towel around my waist, toothbrush still in my mouth. I lost a bit of weight, nothing a few heavy meals can't fix, most of my muscle definition was still there though, except my pecs got a bit smaller.

sad.

`` Hey Amira! Can you make a instant ramen for me! ``

I called out, instantly I was returned by a-

`` I can do it! ``

heavy footsteps rushing towards me, that voice, oh no.

Kel turned the corner, coming face to face with me, her eyes started at my towel, then to my waist, then chest, even went as far as to looking at my arms, each body part glistening with water, my hair waa pulled back. I stared, wide eyed, looking down at the parasaur.

She parted her lips, only to choke, shutting her mouth, face red as she covered her eyes, rushing away, her wagging tail giving her away.

`` I'm-I'm sorry! ``

She cried out as she rushed right back behind the corner.

I groaned out, slapping a palm over my face before making my way over towards my bedroom.

..

Now we're sitting in the living room, I threw some shorts and vest on, slurping away at my instant ramen with a soft grunt, I missed this. Kel sat beside me, thighs clamped shut and hands resting on them, sitting up straight.

`` I'm.. I'm glad you're back.. ``

She whispered, I nodded, teasing.

`` You guys act like I've been gone for five years. ``

She rolled her eyes, shoving me playfully.

`` Sure felt like it.. ``

I laughed out, interrupted by the front door slamming open. Giselle stood there, in nothing but sweatpants and a sports bra way too tight for her, was she working out? Or was the sweat just from her hauling ass over here.

Tim right behind her, sweating equally as much, the moment their eyes landed on me, they rushed forward, lunging right at me!

`` Dee! ``

They cried out, tackling my waist the moment I got up, if I kept sitting the whole couch would've tipped over, I still fell back though, the two sniffling saurians latching onto me, I sighed, caressing both their backs.

`` You're both sweaty and gross. ``

`` But I missed you too.. ``

..

The four of us sat quietly in the living room now, now came the questions.

`` Who took the engine out? ``

I asked, Giselle slapped her bicep, flexing it before giving a wide grin.

`` Me and Tim did! stripped the engine bay of everything and threw away anything wasn't working anymore. Oil filters, shit like that. ``

Tim nodded, I gave him a fist bump then frowned.

`` What happened with Thorne? ``

I asked, the three frowned, Kel answered.

`` Came back to school like nothing, he hasn't even visited Tiona in the hospital, with good reason, she's pissed. ``

Understandable, he DID end up ditching her.

`` Right.. And how.. how is she? ``

I asked.

`` Feels like shit for you getting arrested for her, her dad was worried sick, Mrs. Davis too. They said they wanted to see you when you got out. ``

Tim replied.

`` And.. Another thing.. ``

Kel added to Tim's words.

I looked over to her while she fiddled with her thumbs.

`` Tiona.. really wants to see you. ``

Chapter Text

Date: Wednesday, September 24th, 201M2034. B.C.

Weather: Ball Shriveling Cold.

Time: 2:57 P.M.

Silently I sat in the driver's seat of my Silvia in the school's parking lot, today was pretty quiet, despite the fact I had to tackle a student and drag them to the principal's office for trying to steal someone's phone. 

Who the fuck tries to be a petty thief in highschool? On school grounds no less? Then again using the pre-lunch crowd to pickpocket was pretty smart, good thing I caught the dilophosaur dude in the act, hope I won't have any issues with him later on..

Another issue, the principal's office. I didn't even enter when dropping the student off, just shoved them through the door with a piece of paper in their hand indicating what they had done. Before Mrs. Davis could've stopped me to talk I just left. 

I felt like an asshole.

I just.. Couldn't face her yet, not until I talked to Tiona.. but she didn't allow that unfortunately.

Around lunch time she called me into the office.

So much for eating.

First thing she ended up doing was hugging me to the point some of her feathers stuck to my hoodie, then scolded me for ignoring her like a worried mother, though her demeanor was a bit childish. 

I even got a slap on the wrist.

But all in all it was pretty heartwarming, she ended up crying, thanking me and apologizing over and over for dragging me into this, I can't remember how many times I told her it was fine..

And Tiona's dad. I'm probably going to get fuckin' gored when he saw me next, I felt even worse since he was so fucking nice to me when we first met.. 

I leaned back, shifting in the driver's seat, a hand on my lap, the other over my face, listening to the idle purr of the Slivia. Kel took Giselle and Amira to the mall for clothes shopping and Tim was helping his uncle lift some heavy shit back at his garage for more room for the truck to properly get the wiring started, that left me, who was told by the entire group to go visit Tiona in the hospital.

I WAS going to stay home today and visit her around lunch time, but the thought of my pissed off mother finding out I've already skipped 2 days for the month already wasn't sitting right. So here I am.

I shifted into first gear, slowly pulling out the parking lot and driving off, slow, casual.

..

Keys being shoved into my pocket, I walked through the automatic sliding doors of the hospital, glancing around as the cool breeze of the a/c instantly wrapped around my body, good thing I wore a hoodie AND t-shirt today..

Walking up to the reception desk, I was greeted by short stegosaur woman, green in color with her hair tied into neat space buns, a few stands loose in the front. She gave a warm smile, the almost unnoticeable wrinkles in her cheeks getting deeper.

`` Uh. Hi. I came to visit Tiona Louis. ``

I leaned down, explaining just why I was there, the saurian woman clasped her hands together joyfully.

`` You must be Dee! ``

She replied in a cheery tone.

`` Uh.. How do you know my- ``

`` Ah! I've said too much!- Scratch that! I'm Stella! Tiona's Nurse! ``

Ah, that explains it.

`` Oh, uh- Okay. So can I see her, or?- ``

The stegosaur woman stood there with a clueless look on her face yet her smile still remained as wide as ever, jolting suddenly as if she wasn't day dreaming anymore and giving a quick nod.

`` Right! Of course! Follow me! ``

She walked from behind the desk, fixing her scrubs before walking down the hall to the left. 

I glanced around for a bit, pondering, I wonder if mom could ever migrate over here instead..

Without dad would be preferable.

Coming to a halt, I looked down to the short stegosaur, who paused in front of the door, upon further inspection I could hear yelling, from two women, one definitely sounded like Tiona, the other.. Nope, doesn't sound familiar in the slightest

`` I think.. You should take this one.. I'llbe downthehallifyouneedmebye!- ``

`` Hey wai-! Hn.. ``

Watching the stego-woman scurry off, I looked back to the door, sighing out. I grabbed the handle, sliding it open, met with the sight of Tiona laying in bed, teeth bared and having a shout fest with another Ceratopsian woman. She was short, her scales a light purple, her hair a darker tone. She wore a suit, except her lower half, which was just a pencil skirt. Her horns were well sharpened and face was well glammed up with makeup and jewelry, I stood there, staring for a moment at the two.

`` Aunty Trish! I told you I'm fine! I don't need you drivin' down here all the way from volcadera just to check on me! Don't you got a job?! ``

`` My money works for me, first of all. And secondly! That ain't an answer! Who's the skinnie piece of shit that caused this whole thing?! I swear when I find his ass I'll fuckin'- ``

`` But I'm telling you it wasn't Dee's fault! Thorne was the one who-! `

The fighting paused, Tiona's eyes widened at the sight of me, then sparkled, then glossed over in the span of a few seconds. Aunty Trish apparently turned to wherever her niece was currently looking, me.

Eyes widened with surprise, she eyed me up and down rather slowly, that made me uncomfortable. 

`` Now who's this hunk? ``

I shuddered, Tiona laughed out, only for a small cough to follow after.

`` That's! Hah-ha! Ack!- Dee! ``

I raised a palm in an awkward manner, staring at the two.

`` Yo. ``

Trish approached me, eying me up and down as she circled me like a shark around a boat that just dumped a fresh bucket of chum.

`` You mean the guy that saved you and you're friends? The guy who beat the shit out of your loud mouth boyfriend?.. You mean the guy who CAUSED THIS IN THE FIRST PLACE?! ``

Ohhh no. 

The woman looked absolutely livid, fists clenched just as much as her jaw as she stared daggers into me, growling out in a frustrated manner.

`` YOU BIG FUCKING SKINNIE PIECE OF SHIT! I'LL SHOW YOU WHAT IT MEANS TO- ``

The moment she lunged at me, another person grabbed her by the back of the collar of her suit, lifting her up. She winced, squirming for a moment before huffing out in defeat. 

`` Rod. I'm a grown ass woman, you need to stop treating me like this. ``

`` Sure don't act like it. ``

It was Rod! Boy was I happy to see him. But at the same time..

I sighed, shutting my eyes.

`` Hey, Rod, I- ``

Before I could respond, a cool sensation wrapped around me, it was tight, but not too tight to be uncomfortable, the large Trike man had pulled me into a hug, the type a father would give his son after worrying about him for so long.

fuck, don't cry you dumbass.

I awkwardly patted the back of the burly trike before he pulled away, grabbing my shoulders and looking me in the eyes, Trish stood there, eyes going from him to me over and over, dumbfounded and slack Jawed.

`` Dee- I- Thank you. ``

The old saurian choked out.

`` Wh- me? But I- ``

`` Let him finish. ``

Tiona interrupted the moment I interrupted her father, shutting my mouth instantly as he stood there, the look in his eyes soft.

`` If you weren't there I- Didn't know what would've happened to my little Ti-Ti. ``

He added, I shook my head, raising a palm.

`` M.. Mr. Rod.. I really didn't do anything, if anything I was too useless to even get her out of the car, I should've done mo- ``

`` You stayed. ``

He interrupted. 

`` The fact is you stayed and comforted my little girl, you made sure she was as safe as you possibly could. And you got yourself locked up cause of it. I don't think any other kid in your shoes would've done the same thing. ``

He added in, look sharp and hands firmly grabbing onto my shoulders now.

`` I'm forever in your debt, Dee. ``

He whispered.

Trish sighed from the sidelines, approaching, her arms folded. She looked away for a moment, before her eyes landed right back onto you.

`` I still don't trust your skinnie ass. But you still ended up helpin' my niece, so thank you. ``

The trike woman shuffled a hand into her pocket, handing me what looked to be a 5 coupons for- A nail/horn salon? 

`` If you care about yourself enough and you're not one of those toxic masculine types, you'd best come get a pedicure with you and your friends. My treat of course. ``

It sounded like a order more than a offer, I gulped, nodding.

Tiona cleared her throat, I looked over to her then back at the two, who frowned rather deeply for some.

`` Well.. best leave you two to talk. ``

The old burly trike grunted out with a soft chuckle, making his way out, not before opening the door for this sister, shutting the door behind him.

My eyes returned to Tiona, her bandaged tail lightly thumping against the hospital bed, a smile on her lips.

..

`` Tiona I- ``

`` Dee I- ``

..

`` You go first!- ``

`` You go first!- ``

Shit.

..

Tiona cleared her throat, I simply sat there, silent.

`` Thank you.. And.. I'm sorry. ``

`` Tiona. ``

The hybrid girl shook her head, raising a palm to face me, shutting me up, her palm found her lap once again, clearing her throat, as if trying to clear the feeling of the words being stuck.

`` Dee I.. I've been a dick to you. Kel told us why you were here in the first place. In Crestrock I mean, I'm sorry that she broke your trust like that.. She was so.. off. During the week you weren't here, she wasn't eating, she hardly talked, and then she finally snapped and let it all out, saying it was her fault that you got arrested and that we never should've pulled you into our mess.. ``

My jaw dropped, then shut, lips thin.

`` And.. we really shouldn't have. I'm sorry about Thorne.. I-.. I'm sorry I was such an ass to you on your first day.. and the day with the hoodie.. ``

The hybrid girl choked out, claws gripping the sheet resting on her lap while she sat on the bed. 

`` I had no idea you were going through something like that.. And with your younger sister no less.. You must've felt awful having to figure everything out to keep you and your sister okay and living.. And here comes this asshole trigga bitch, who randomly picks a fight with you on the first day of a mostly Dino populated school.. ``

She whined, full blown crying now, I sighed, shaking my head, slowly I reached a hand to grab onto Tiona's, her breath hitched. But she didn't pull away, she could only look at me, before her face wrinkled back into a crying mess, using her free hand to try and wipe away her constantly flowing tears.

`` I'm s-sorry.. I-I'm sorry.. ``

She heaves out, chest stuttering each rise.

`` It's.. It's fine.. You were just defending your friends and yourself, I don't blame you for the way you reacted. ``

`` No you don't get it! ``

She snapped back, snarling.

`` I'm such a fucking idiot! I've known Thorne for SO! FUCKING! LONG. I swore up and down he could've changed! That it wasn't who he is! And it fucked up the relationship I had with my friends, teachers, MY FUCKING DAD DEE! ``

She cried out, gripping my hand rather tightly. Saurian strength was no joke. Any tighter and it might've fractured..

`` All of that!- All those fucking years of defending his bullshit! And he just- FUCKING LEAVES! ``

She snarled out, teeth bared as she released my palm, gripping the sheets. 

`` Leaves me like this!- ``

Hastily she tugged the sheet off.

Oh.

Oh fuck. 

Her right leg was gone.

My breath caught in my throat, I-

I didn't know who to be angry at, Thorne? Myself?

If this race never happened, this wouldn't have happened.

That's right.

It's my fault.

My fault. 

But they couldn't know that. 

Cause they'd only deny it. As if I were some hero.

Some fucking hero I am.

I gulped, staring, from the knee down was completely gone, staring at the bandaged nub in silence, then back up at Tiona, crying her eyes out.

`` Tiona.. I- ``

`` Got fucked up too badly in the wreck, that's why I was stuck. Why I couldn't get out.. I was in shock so I didn't even feel it. Got torn to shreds when I was getting pulled out, they had to amputate it before it got infected any worse. ``

`` I'm.. Sorry. ``

She shook her head, heaving out before sniffling, catching her breath once more.

`` It's fine, just.. This doesn't change anything, right? ``

`` Why the fuck would it? ``

I snapped back, glaring towards her, she frowned, staring at the nub.

`` I didn't think any of you guys would want to be seen with a hybrid AND a cripple, one so loud-mouthed anyways. ``

She whispered, I stood up, grabbing her by the shoulders. 

`` You're more than that. You're Tiona. You're our friend. ``

I snapped towards her, she looked at me wide eyed, a smile weakly finding it's way to her quivering lips, it was small, but it was there, then she gave a slow nod.

Slowly I sat back down, folding my arms.

`` So.. Now that all that sappy shit is out the way.. Tell me about the truck! ``

She almost instantly made a 180, despite her cheeks still being wet.

I smiled, sighing out and leaning back, arms folded.

`` Well.. if you tell me about this Aunty Trish business. ``

I replied, Tiona simply groaned out, throwing her head back, before giving me a warm smile.

..

`` Deal. ``