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Usernames: Rinial Sisterdragon & Strawberri Stardust
[Naga/Fallen Hybrid]'s Name: Raziel
[Baphomet]'s Name: Jocasta

Entry:

The first time Jocasta had found a note in her cubby, she frowned. It was probably her boss complaining about the short sleeve uniform she'd worn that day. It showed off the creeping roses tattoo that covered her left arm and, as her boss liked to say, 'Maids don't have tattoos!' She'd only gotten this job on the condition that she would keep it covered, but all her other uniforms were in the wash with some stain or another and she just didn't have the chance to finish drying one of them. She had explained that as soon as she walked in this morning but apparently it hadn't been enough. Whatever. Time to face the music, she supposed.

With a sigh, Jocasta flipped the paper open...and stared. It wasn't from her boss. After a quick scan, she couldn't tell who it was from at all. But the words written made the dark-skinned Baphomet blush and brought a smile to her face. She just didn't know who ZR was. She was pretty sure no one at the maid cafe had a name that started with a Z. She would have to think about this, and maybe keep an eye out. Then again, did she really want to ruin the mystery?

Fairest Jocasta,

I am not sure you notice me, but I find that your presence is very much the highlight of the days passed here in tireless toil. Your words are quick but kind, even when stress comes to roost.

In adoration,

ZR

Days passed and none of them were very good. She had, in fact, gotten a written warning for wearing her short sleeve uniform the day after she'd worn it. She hated covering the art that graced her skin, but she needed this job if she wanted to even rent a space at a local tattoo shop after she graduated. So Jocasta would put up with their stupid rules, even though she always got compliments on the tattoo when it showed. The next couple days were just a whirlwind of things going wrong but she kept the agitation and worry from her face as she served her customers and worked with her fellow employees. Jocasta kept a smile on her lips and warmth in her voice.

A few days after the first note came the second and she couldn't deny the way her heart raced in curious anticipation. She looked around the break room but she was the only one in there at the moment. Biting her lip, she opened the note and read it. The same blush and smile covered her face as it had when she'd received the first note. Except this time, it felt a little stronger. She really wondered who was writing her these notes...

Fairest Jocasta,

Days go by and still your warmth of heart and merriment fills a soul with joy. Thank you, for being you. <3

In adoration,

ZR

It was only two days after the second note that the third came. Jocasta nearly squealed out loud at the sight of the folded paper and damn near dropped her purse in her haste to shove it in the cubby so she could read the note. She read the words eagerly, gasping as the author thought they might be bothering her with these notes. Well, she damn sure wasn't taping an X anywhere. She wanted these notes to continue. They brightened up her days and gave her something to look forward to at work.

More than that, though, she wanted to know who the author was. Maybe it was silly, but she was beginning to develop a crush and she didn't even know who it was. She slid the note in her purse so she could tape it to the inside of her apartment door where she kept the other two when she got home. They were her daily reminders that not everything would go wrong all the time. Eventually, something was bound to go right.

Fairest Jocasta,

I realize, I am a fool for writing you so often, perhaps, I bother you. I do hope not, I would hate to bring you discomfort through these small communications. If you would prefer I stop, leave a taped x somewhere, and I'll never again bother you.

Respectfully,

ZR


The next letter had a lovely rose, nearly the same color as her tattoo, blooming shyly in the cubby, a sweet scent lingered on the paper.

Jocasta had been running late that morning. Due to a busted charger her phone, which she relied on heavily, died in the middle of the night. Because of that her alarm didn't go off and it wasn't until an hour after she was supposed to wake up that she rose. And promptly freaked out. Throwing her uniform on and thankful she'd braided her hair the night before, she slicked the fly away strands back with some mousse and ran out of her apartment.

She entered through the back door of her workplace apologizing profusely and explaining why she'd been late and why no one had been able to contact her. She stopped dead, breath caught in her throat, when she saw the rose that accompanied today's note. "Oh," she breathed. A sharp word from a coworker made her jump and she quickly pushed her things into her cubby, careful of the rose and the note. She would have to read it later.

Later didn't come until the end of her shift. Jocasta had worked through her break to make up for being late. She flopped into a chair at the break table to rest her poor legs for a moment before stretching to reach the note inside her cubby. Grabbing it with fingertips, she opened it and smiled widely. Whoever the author was, they certainly had a way with words. Plucking the rose from her cubby next, she lay the soft petals over her lips as she breathed in the sweet scent. Her secret admirer was right, the shade of the rose was extremely close to the color of her tattoo. They were so thoughtful...

Fairest Jocasta,

I will take the lack of an x as consent for me to continue this small thing. The rose called to me and spoke that it should be in your possession as it blooms wild as the ink that graces your arm.

In adoration,
ZR


Over the next couple of weeks there had been candies, ribbons and all kinds of cute things, each with a thoughtful note. It was the small things that mattered most, and Raz was pretty good at the small things. They took a deep breath as they placed the final letter. It hadn't really been that many letters, but they figured that perhaps now it was best to come clean, to meet her face to face instead of just letters. Their heart raced as they left one of their feathers with this one.

Jocasta was quite the happy recipient of the cute little gifts her secret admirer left for her, and her door was now practically plastered with the notes that accompanied the gifts. She often wore the ribbons in her hair and the candies were savored instead of eaten immediately.

Today's note was met with extra enthusiasm as, for once, the Baphomet had had a good morning. She woke up early and ate a leisurely breakfast, had a nice relaxing shower. She had even arrived early to work! The day was looking like it would continue in that vein, and she was not disappointed when she reached for the note, reading it eagerly. Her heart pounded in her chest at the sight of the dark rose colored feather. There was only one Nightmare she worked with that had feathers that color.

Her guess was confirmed when she saw the signature this time. Raziel. The adorable hybrid that worked in the back of the cafe. Jocasta had had no idea the Nightmare felt that way about her. She reread the note, her whole body seeming to thrum in anticipation. She would be at that restaurant, come hell or high water.

Fairest Jocasta,

My foolishness knows no bounds, and here I am a fool even more so, I wonder if you would like to perhaps meet for a late dinner at the restaurant a block over. My feather perhaps is a dead give away already, but I would be honored if you graced me with your presence. I shall wait till the last patrons leave, if you prefer not to meet, I understand as I am perhaps not what you would expect.

Ever yours,
ZR....Raziel

They hadn't known what to do with themselves when they'd gotten off work, an hour early as they'd worked through their lunch. They'd wanted to get decently presentable, after all if Jocasta showed up, it would be dinner, and a nice conversation. There had been about six different hairstyles and ten different shirts. Finally they'd simply brushed out their hair and wore a comfortable but kind of flirty top. Was it too cheesy to wear hearts? They headed to the restaurant and waited.

Raziel tried not to allow their tail to shake nervously, but it was exceptionally difficult. They'd picked an outdoor table, namely because it was easier for them to maneuver, and less likely to have their wings or tail trip anyone up. What if she didn't come? What if after knowing who the writer of the letters was, she decided to have them fired? Or worse, what if she quit? They'd always been quiet around her, observing from a far, hiding the fact that her smile would cause them to blush. They were so very horribly smitten with the Baphomet that it was nearly painful for some of their friends to hear them gush about her. It wasn't just her good days, they'd seen the bad days too, and wanted to know even more.

Preparing for a broken heart, because they were after all not exactly on the top of the most attractive list at work, Raziel steadied themselves with a sip of water. Silently hoping that she'd at least want to be friends.

Jocasta was glad that her uniform was one of the cuter ones, and that the apron was detachable. She shoved the apron and her long sleeved cardigan in her purse at the end of her shift and reapplied her lipstick. Taking a deep breath, the Baphomet tried to settle her nerves. It was true that Jocasta had not considered the hybrid as someone to date before, but that had been because Raziel was so shy, they almost seemed to blend in and oh, that made Jocasta sound awful! She winced at her own thoughts and sighed. She wanted this dinner to go well. Even if they ended up as only friends, her life would be richer for the addition.

Finally satisfied with her appearance, Jocasta huffed a quick breath out and slung her purse over her shoulder. Her hooves hit the concrete hard and loud as she made her way to the restaurant quickly. She didn't want to be late and give Raziel the wrong idea! The restaurant they had picked had an outdoor patio and that was where Jocasta spotted her date. Her heart jumped up into her throat as she slowed down.

Sliding into the seat across from Raziel, she smiled. "Hi there," she said, a little breathlessly.

The voice sounded like she'd been in a rush to get here, that seemed to be...a good sign. Raziel took a short breath and attempted to speak for a moment. Then decided that a cordial smile was better as they couldn't yet trust their voice. They'd been startled when Jocasta had actually shown up. Who would have expected her to actually pop in for a dinner date with them at all? They were just a shy hybrid, and awkward to boot.

Sipping their water they cleared their throat and finally managed a somewhat quiet, "Hello." Crippling shyness was their worst attribute and it often made for less than stimulating conversation, "Um, the waiter should be back shortly, so you can get what you like," The smile that graced their lips was very sweet, and somewhat demure.

Taking a moment they steadied themselves for what would come after, as they knew they needed to take the plunge, "I realize it's very forward of me to request your time, so feel free to head off whenever you feel like it. I know I may not have been what you pictured when reading my...." they trailed off, they'd almost said feelings, which would be correct, but that was much heavier than most wanted to talk about, particularly during the first official meeting.

"Oh, lovely! I didn't want to miss you, so I um, kind of ran here from work," she said and blushed. She didn't want to seem too eager, she supposed, or even worse. Desperate. She watched Raziel for a moment and was charmed by their shyness. "No no," she was quick to assure the hybrid, "I'm quite happy to be here. Happy that my secret admirer," she blushed at the term, remembering the sweet notes, "is you, Raziel." She fidgeted a little in her seat as she spoke.

"I didn't picture you when I read the notes," she admitted with a small smile. "But I never thought you'd be interested. You're so quiet all the time, I always thought you were cute," she said and smiled shyly. "But I'm glad it was you." She started a bit when the waiter came back and she asked for a sweet tea. Jocasta had a huge sweet tooth, and she adored sweet tea. It wasn't restricted to edible or drinkable things. Jocasta's sweet tooth extended to familiars and Nightmares as well. Particularly adorable hybrids like the one across the table from her.

Raziel flushed with a tinge of pink on their cheeks. The words that echoed in their ears, she wasn't upset that they were the one who'd written the words that seemed to cause joy in her, a thing to look forward to during the less than grand days, and perhaps the icing on the cake when a day went well.

They were beside themselves with joy as they smiled sweetly, trying desperately to think of something to say, flushing a deeper shade of pink, they flustered even more, "I...." a huff, and twitch of their wings, "It would seem that my words are failing me, I am not as eloquent with spoken word as I am with written." They smiled sheepishly under their blush, "Is there anything you wish to ask, or say, now that we've met face to face? Or perhaps you'd prefer to order something to eat? You did just get off your longer shift, so you are likely to be hungry, I would think...." They lapsed into silence, after the sudden burst of babble. Their nerves were apparent, as they tried hard to reign in their excitement and small bit of terror.

Thoughts ran through their mind far too fast for them to voice, a fleeting thought of how annoying they must be, how troublesome this is for Jocasta, how much the lovely Baphomet was smiling, another thought of how this was so ridiculous and a hybrid freak like them could not land anything more than a quick acquaintance with one so lovely as the lady before them. Raziel looked for a moment like they were going to burst, the anxiety of what they were, and how it looked suddenly getting the better of the poor hybrid and causing them to turn somewhat mute for the moment.

Jocasta hid a giggle behind her hand as she watched Raziel get all flustered and cute. "Don't worry so much. I think we'll be just fine," she said with a small blush of her own. She just couldn't get over how cute Raziel was, especially when they were flustered. "I'd love something to eat, though. I was running late today and haven't had a chance to eat," she said with a smile.

She watched the hybrid for a moment while their nerves began to get the better of them. "Hey, Raziel," she said, reaching across the table to lay her hand on the other Nightmare's shoulder. "Relax. Take a breath." Jocasta smiled happily. She really was excited to be here, and to have the chance to get to know Raziel.

"So," she started as she sat back. "Do you have any recommendations for this place? I don't think I've been here before." The Baphomet really hoped that a small start would help the shy Nightmare break out of their shell a little bit.

The hand touching theirs brought the world into a quiet focus. They took a breath, and felt much calmer. That was not something that normally happened with anyone. Usually they'd have to go and freak out at home, scream into a pillow, any number of things, but the world had gone from overwhelming to melting back into a place that was less terrifying.

Raziel picked up their menu and offered a little feed back, "The fries are delightful, I believe sweet potato? Just the right amount of sweetness to them. Other than that, I'd have to know your preferences for food. I know sweets tend to be a go to, but they've a decent selection for meats, veg, and just about anything else you might enjoy." They'd not actually known what Jocasta might enjoy eating, but they'd for sure found a place that had enough of everything that it was bound to have something she'd enjoy.

"After food, would you perhaps want to catch a film? If things go well of course." It was a timid question as they glanced upwards from under their bangs, the sight being terribly adorable unbeknownst to the silly hybrid of course.

Jocasta beamed a bright smile as she managed to calm the other Nightmare down a little. She picked her menu up when Raziel did and listened to her choices. She ended up choosing something meaty and savory, with an eye on something that was sure to be sugar filled for dessert. Raziel seemed to know her so well already, having chosen what was practically the perfect place for Jocasta. "A movie after sounds great!"

Their meal continued on nicely, and Jocasta was pleased to have drawn a couple smiles from Raziel. When the meal was finished, Jocasta stretched and stood. "So what kind of movie were you thinking?" she asked, moving closer to Raziel. She really wanted to take the other Nightmare's hand, but she wasn't quite sure yet. She held her hands behind her back for now, making do with leaning closer.

With dinner having gone well, and not blowing up in their face like any other time they'd attempted to get to know someone, Raziel was in good spirits. There was a pause as they thought about what movie might be enjoyable, their mind wandering for a moment as Jocasta leaned closer.

Shaking their head for a moment, they gave a small smile, "Depends on what genre you'd prefer, There's a romcom, a straight bad comedy, a couple of action movies, and I think a kids flick. There might be something else, but those seemed to be the ones most notable, and not likely to have a huge crowd for the showing we're heading to.

Slipping from their chair the hybrid shifted and offered their arm, having paid for the meal, since this was after all their treat. Their evening was turning out to be far more in the positive column than the negative, and Raziel hoped it would stay that way.

"Hmm," she hummed as she thought about the choices she'd been given. Raziel seemed to be the kind of Nightmare who preferred small or no crowds of others and honestly, Jocasta was just fine with that. She enjoyed a crowded rock show every now and then, but she was a mostly laid-back woman. "I'm kind of feeling like a romcom, how about you?" she asked with a smile.

She blushed a little when Raziel offered their arm and slid hers around it. She was quite happy with the closeness and edged a little closer while they walked. It was a nice night for this kind of stroll.

They nodded in agreement to the movie, and grinned, trying not to have their head split in the grin as they walked arm in arm with the object of their affections. Hopefully the night would go in the same direction of hopefulness that it was going now.

-after the movie and a short walk home-

The movie had been at least mildly funny, though the plot was an old and worn out thing, it had served to allowed them a good amount of time hanging about each other.

As they neared Jocasta's apartment Raziel tried to think of the best way for the evening to end, and while they were thinking they ended up right at her door. Caught a little flat footed as the saying goes, Raziel went with instinct and gave a darting kiss to Jocasta's cheek. Then flushed an even brighter shade of crimson than one would have thought possible, as they mumbled a farewell and sweet dreams, then scrambled down the street trying not to have a large freak out over the liberty they'd just taken on a first date.

Jocasta was left staring after the overtly flustered hybrid, with a gentle grin on her face and a light touch to her cheek.