Page 17 of Snapdragon

“You look different,” he says, looking at my hair.

“Oh, this?” I twirl a strand around my finger. “I usually wear stuff like this onstage. It’s part of my act. But you wouldn’t know that, I guess…”

It’s crazy how we’ve now spent all this time together and we still know essentially nothing about the other. I don’t know anything about the type of music he makes.

We fall back into our usual silence. I notice him glancing at me more than usual though.

The car crosses the border into the Monster side of town. I’ve never been here before, so I can’t help but look out the window. Everything looks similar enough for now, but we’re definitely in the downtown area.

“Did someone prep you for this?” Sebastian’s deep timbre reaches me from the other side of the car.

I shrug, “The update that I got earlier was that there would be paparazzi there to photograph us at the entrance. But that we were going to have to rely on candid shots from the public from inside to get out there.”

“No, Flora,” he looks at me with disapproval. “Were you prepped on how to behave at the club, or what to expect?”

I am stunned into silence, I think that’s the longest sentence I’ve ever heard him utter. I shake my head slowly.

“You’re going to be surrounded by Monsters tonight. You’re going into the Lion’s Den.”

Well, I mean, I was nervous about going to a club full of Monsters. But I also have maybe underestimated it, judging by his demeanor. Like, it must be important if he’s been talking to me this much.

“So all Monsters aren’t the silent, grumpy type?” I tease.

“Can you be serious for one second, Flora?” He snaps at me, his voice edged sharp like a knife.

My lip wobbles and I blink back tears. His words sting and I feel like a scolded school child. I only try to be fun to bring up his mood a bit. Besides, I don’t believe for a second that he’d actually let something happen to me. I look away, curling in on myself a little, and trying to ignore him. I’m so done with his shit right now.

A warmth appears at my side a moment later, a hand gently touching my arm.

“Hey, I’m sorry.”

“Too bad,” I sniffle, pushing him away. He let’s go of me, but he stays close.

“Listen, I didn’t mean to snap at you. It’s just…” I turn to look at him as his mind wanders. He runs a hand through his stupid, perfect hair. I envy him that, wondering what it feels like.

“It could be dangerous, Flora.” I watch his mouth as he speaks, his plush lips barely move as he practically whispers. “Stay close to me. I’ll look after you.”

I glance up to his eyes and get lost in them for a moment. But then, of course, he pulls away. He moves back to his original seat.

What is wrong with me? Why do I keep letting my guard down around him? I tip my head back and stare at the roof of the car until it pulls to a stop.

I know we’re here by the sounds outside. Sebastian moves to get up.

“Please, don’t.” I tell him. “Give me a second, for once.”

“Well, forgive me for wanting to get this over with.” He quips back.

Great. I guess we’re in the ‘snide remarks’ phase of our relationship. I love this for me. Truly. Maybe going back to silence wouldn’t be so bad, after all.

I close my eyes and ask for the Universe to give me some fucking strength.

I don’t give him a warning, opening the door and stepping out.

Oh God, this is a lot. All manner of creature are crowded around the entrance to the club. There’s a few groups smoking to the left, a line waiting for entrance to the right. There are a couple paparazzi at the door as well, already taking photos of us.

There is also not one single Human in sight. It’s not that I expected there to be, but it’s still jarring to experience. There are so many different types of Monsters around me, that I can’t really take in any details. It’s a sea of horns, pointed ears, wings, different colored skins, and tails.

A body presses up flush against my back, the familiar feeling of Sebastian’s warmth. He bends over and I look up to see what he’s doing. He looms closer, a predatory look in his gaze. He’s not going to kiss me, is he? Fuck, I can’t turn away if he does, there’s photos being taken.