Chapter 1: Clothes Don't Necessarily Make the Man

In this world, after the work of four legendary queens 400 hundred years ago, humans and anthropomorphic beings have co-existed with one another in tranquility. However...greed and corruption still linger but thankfully so do nobility and equity, even in the unlikeliest of people.

Life at the institute in Alabama was fairly peaceful enough. There were no bullies; no unreasonable teachers. Everyone pretty much left each other alone (despite a few misunderstandings and irksome gossips).

No one appreciated it more than Aurora Pearl, a 19-year-old green-eyed, red-haired junior student. It wasn't that she was unfriendly, she just liked her space. Plus, she was determined to work as much as she needed to graduate a year early.

One day, during the middle of October, the headman of the school had all of the students gather in the auditorium to announce the introduction of a new student.

Their own eyes widened a bit at the sight of the new guy: a tall lizard with a red jacket with a few spikes on top of the sleeves that made him look like a biker. What Aurora thought stood out the most were his yellow eyes and black hair that covered half of his back.

" Yikes, I hope clothes don't actually make the man 'cause then he'd have to be truculent. "

"Students, I'd like you to meet Toffee Drazil. He'll be starting his senior year here."

" Toffee? Like the candy? Well...I suppose that suits him since he looks tough. Heck, forget about his clothes; his dead-serious expression pretty much says he doesn't like to be bothered. "

After the introduction, college life resumed. Four days later, it was Friday and all of the students attended the pep rally in the auditorium except for Aurora who went to the library to complete extra work so to earn extra credit and increase her chances of graduating early. Plus, it gave her the perfect excuse to avoid the pep rally that she always found ridiculous and objectionable.

After she had gathered enough research from one of the computers and printed them on paper, she decided to look for a book to check out and take home. She found a book on a top shelf about her favorite legend: Comet the Chef's Legacy.

Unfortunately, she was too short to reach the 7th shelf.

" I'd better go get one of those rolling ladders. "

Before she did, she almost jumped when she saw a four-fingered scaly left hand suddenly appearing before her, touching the spine of the book of her choice.

She looked to see who the owner of the hand who was, to her mystification, the new guy Toffee.

"Is this the novel you wanted?" he asked her, his expression the same as it was since Monday.

She recovered from her shock to acknowledge his offer, "Oh, yes, please."

He slipped it off of the shelf and handed it to her.

"Thank you," she grinned politely. He nodded in reply before he went on his way to scan the shelves for a book he was looking for.

" I guess he's here to complete some work, too. "

After she checked out the book, she headed for home.

" Actually, when I think about it, a no-nonsense kind of guy like him wouldn't like pep rallies, either. Though, it could also mean he's devoted to his school work, too. He is a senior, after all, and he'd want to see to it he graduates. "

Once she reached her house, she sat in a branch in her sturdy oak tree to read her book.

" 'Though the beloved Queen Comet was slain by Seth of Septarsis and the heartbroken Princess Moon's sprightly spirit died along with her mother, the master chef's spirit lived inside her granddaughter Star who shared the same dream as Comet who had hoped to bring humans and anthropomorphic beings together. The teenage princess struggled even more than her late grandmother did to make dreams of peace realize, though she did succeed more in earning the friendship of monsters despite being less popular with her subjects which she didn't let stop her-' ".

The sound of leaves being crunched in someone's wake on the sidewalk made her shift her eyes to the left to make sure it wasn't someone threatening. To her surprise, it was Toffee again who was passing by.

" Does he live near here? Well, it's been five days since I've sat here, so he must. "

Glad that it was just the new guy, she resumed her reading.

When she wasn't looking, the black-haired lizard glanced in her direction. At first, he found it peculiar but interesting to see a woman curling up with a book in a tree.

The weekend ended and it was business as usual in school and Aurora was back in the library that was her home away from home, really.

She was reading more about fragrances and spices until she saw someone walking past her.

"Him again? I see him almost everywhere now."

She returned her attention to her books just before he glanced down at her.

"Now there is a book worm," he remarked, having respect for her driven ways.

The next day, during lunch, Toffee was eating a sandwich in an outdoor cafeteria. He glanced up when he saw Aurora passing through, eating a cherry-flavored granola bar before throwing the wrapper away in a garbage can near the library that she entered.

" Hm, she's that dedicated? "

"Man, that girl is so predictable," said a female voice behind him. "She goes to class when she doesn't have the time to study in the library and eats only a little of something so she can the time to read before classes start."

"And when it's the weekend, she goes home to study from the books she checks out," another girl added. "She so needs to get a hobby."

Toffee glowered at how those two were not even trying to understand her reasons to discharge her goals, whatever they are.

" I may not know her, but I know those two fatuous females know her even less. "

He was starting to see why she never interacts with anyone because no one understood her.

Not wanting to hear any more of their gossip, he picked up what was left of his sandwich and went off somewhere else.

The next day, there was a test and on the next day, Aurora checked the Student Score List to see how well she did.

She was inwardly electrified that she was #7 which meant she was closer to graduating and admittedly, she was proud of herself.

" Well, time to go celebrate with a burger and fries. "

Before she left to go get her celebration lunch, she got a glimpse of Toffee's name on the top of the list.

" Wow, he is serious with his studies. Hmm, I'll check for his name on the list from now on just to see how well of a student he is. "

After she went on her way, the very person she was thinking about came to check out the scores, too, and grinned in deep satisfaction that he was #1.

"You should be pleased with yourself, Mr. Drazil," said the Dalmatian-like dean. "Two years ago, back in your old school, you did so well in your freshman year, you went right up to your senior year. At least, you would have had you not had to tend to other matters."

"Things were beyond my control then," Toffee said with a neutral face and tone, his hands behind his back.

"Oh, I understand."

" No, sir, you really don't, " he denied respectfully. " Nor do you want to. "

"But now you have time to finish what you started. You know, there's another student who's much like you. She was a freshman last year, but she worked so conscientiously, she's a junior this year."

" She? " he repeated to himself, having a good idea who it was. "What is her name?"

"Aurora Pearl."

Glancing back at the list, he looked for her name and there it was.

" And she's #7. Hm, not bad. "

The next few weeks, he and she have been checking each other's names on the scores list. It always amazed Aurora how he keeps being #1 and Toffee liked how she would go up a rank after test day.

" At this rate, I may just have a new competitor for valedictorian, " he jested to himself.

Eventually, Thanksgiving break arrived. Both Toffee and Aurora decided to take advantage of the substantial to do extra work to keep their grades high.

On Tuesday during the vacation week, Aurora felt that she had done enough work and decided to take time off from her studies to enjoy a walk through the park.

She brought with her favorite black parachute jacket and made her way to the park that thankfully was around the corner from her house.

She smiled at the autumn leaves that floated in the breeze as she breathed in the refreshing scent of the changing season.

" Hmm, maybe after I graduate, I can take half a year off. I've been working almost non-stop and I miss being free to stroll on calm days like this. "

She came across a bench where she saw, to her most unexpected surprise, Toffee sitting and reading a book.

" Huh, must be making sure to stay on top of the classes, " she joked to herself. "Nah, he's probably making sure graduation is in his grasp. Well, best of luck to him."

She went on her way, passing through Toffee. When he caught a glimpse of familiar red hair, he glanced up to see Aurora walking past his seat.

" Hm, shocking she's out and about instead of studying at home. "

After she had disappeared behind trees around the curve of the walkway, he returned his golden eyes on his book. When he had read all he wanted, he stood up and walked in the same direction she went to, only because his house was somewhere at the other side of the park.

On his way, he found Aurora sitting down against an oak tree with a book in her hands.

" Is she studying? No...she wouldn't study in a place like this. She must be relaxing with a novel. "

She was enjoying one of her favorite recently-purchased book Disney's version of the Arabian Nights until she felt eyes on her which made her look up to meet eyes with Toffee.

"Oh, hello," she greeted as she closed her book. "It's been a while since we've talked to each other."

"It has, hasn't it? I apologize if I'm bothering you. I was just wondering if you were studying or just relaxing?"

"The second one. I was enjoying a stroll until I felt the need to finish a good book. What of you? I had just seen you sitting on the bench with a book yourself."

"It was just an autobiography book by a Septarian which to me is like a thrilling novel."

"Really? What kind of Septarian is he, or she?" she asked curiously.

"It's a he." Letting the fact her interest is piqued, he checked to make sure, "Would you really like to know?"

"Oh, yes, if you think it's thrilling. I'm sort of a book worm myself," she replied, rubbing her left hand on her book before looking back up at him. "But you already knew that the first time we exchanged a few words."

"Yes, but I have seen you inhabiting the library almost every day," he grinned.

She smiled in modesty with her right hand behind her head. "Too bad the library can't be a dorm as well, huh?"

He smiled at her joke as he admired her passion for books even more.

"Anyway, the autobiography?" she queried.

He explained the book was written by a reptilian warrior who traveled far and wide in the world and conquered many battles and witnessed things most people don't usually see.

"He sounds incredible. I'll bet you want to be like him."

"You think it's that obvious?" he asked with a grin.

"Well, you do have that dazzled look in your eyes," she pointed out gently. "I'll also wager you do some training yourself? Because you look combatant material."

"Hmm, your comment is very flattering and you would win that wager. I fear I haven't any money to afford to give you, though."

"That's okay, you can write me an I.O.U," she winked, making him chuckle a bit at her humor. "Say, what are you majoring in, may I ask?"

"Nothing specific. I'm just working to get my degree. From that day on, I'll basically go do anything I wish."

"I understand that. Even if you don't have distinct plans, at least with a degree, you'll be all set."

"And you? Do you have an objective after college?"

"I may have three things in mind. That depends if I'm able to have all of them or not."

"Three things?"

"Now please don't tease, but my biggest passion is opening a decent eatery. And hopefully gain a fragrance store and a book store to conjoin with my diner. I know that sounds very outlandish, but I do love making good dishes and discovering pleasant aromas to share with others. Plus, you know how much I love books."

"A multi-business?"

"Well, I'd like to try to see if I can make it possible. If it proves too much, I'll just have a diner. Can you blame me for daring to dream? Honestly, the stores I hope to have won't be big ones. Just something for a neighborhood to luxuriate. And despite me not wanting to make anything too big, I hope my preternatural businesses will be famous."

"Well, I don't think anyone could forget an interesting métier like that."

"Thanks. I hope you can try my places out one day. That is, whenever you feel like it."

"I'll keep it in mind. Frankly, as long as you work resolutely, I have no doubt you'll have at least one success even if you can't have all three. Seeing your name on the student scores list multiple times definitely convinces me so."

"You're too flattering. Not that I mind," she grinned, her left cheek on her wrapped hand. She blinked in surprise when she realized something. "Wait, how do you know my name? I never told you the day we met, and that was a month ago."

"Last month, the dean told me you and I have much in common and mentioned your name."

"Ah. Speaking of the list, I keep seeing your name on top every time. Most impressive."

"Now who is full of flattery?" he grinned, making her laugh.

After that chat, Toffee bid her farewell as he headed for home.

Aurora grinned in fascination of his character. " For a guy who wears biker-like threads, he is charming. "

Tomorrow before Thanksgiving, Aurora strolled through the park again. A part of her hoped to see and greet Toffee, but he wasn't at the bench this time.

"I guess he has things to attend to."

She resumed her walk and reached the other side of the park where she saw Toffee stepping out from a green minimalist house front door he locked.

" That must be his place. "

When he turned around, he saw her waving at him from the edge of the park across the street. He grinned at her presence before crossing the street to join her.

"Looks like you found my abode."

"Only by accident. Were you going to read in the park some more?"

"Actually, I was going to a bistro. You must have gone there?"

"Oh, I have. That place ignites my inspiration more every time I eat there."

"Would you like to eat with me?"

"Hmm."

"You're not interested?"

"I didn't say that. It's just no one's ever invited me to anywhere before. I'm not exactly the life of the party."

"You don't have to be a wild party-goer to be of some comfort. I myself am not the liveliest of people. All I ask is a good, calm conversation like the kind I had yesterday."

Her cheeks turned a hint of red at his compliment. She shook her bashfulness to respond to his invitation. "Then, I accept."

They sat on a patio at the bistro (that looks just like the one from Kingdom Hearts 3 that's owned by Remy a.k.a Little Chef).

After they made their orders, he asked a question to pass the time. "If I may ask, what book were you reading yesterday? It looked very thick."

"It's a fantasy novel about a Arabic boy who's true love is a princess. They, along with two animal friends and a genie and a magic flying carpet go on all sorts of adventures, commonly and uncommonly imaginable. I know that sounds childish, but for me fairy tales are one of the few ways to fight ennui."

"I understand. Despite the sort of world we live in, even a peaceful life can feel rather slow."

She smiled, grateful someone understood her inclination for fiction. "Of course, I'd rather have adventures in books than in real life. Even though I get bored easily, I prefer not to go through life-threatening situations," she confessed.

"It's no shame. Books are the safest way to have the most mind-blowing times."

"Yeah, for those who are not the bravest," she put in, being honest about herself.

"I hope you aren't insulting yourself. Avoiding danger doesn't make you a lesser-being. Only fools don't regard danger as a serious matter."

"Yes, but fear can make a person miss out on things. Caution is necessary when you want to survive... Still, mad people do lurk out there."

"It's true insanity still exists despite the several changes hundreds of years ago, but darkness fails sooner or later. I mean, you don't believe the light can ever be put out, do you?"

"No, I don't..." she grinned as she closed her eyes. "No matter how long it takes, the black-hearted will fall, one way or another." With her chin resting on the back of her hands, she queried with an interested look, "The question is: What hero sees to that?"

"Well, we have history books for that."

"Please tell me, about that Septarian warrior, I don't suppose his life was similar to my favorite category?"

"In some ways. If you're interested, I'll lend it to you when you have the time."

"I appreciate it. I don't know if you'd be interested but if so, I could tell you the store where the Arabian Nights is for sale."

"I thank you for returning the gesture, but my passion is mostly for books based on true stories," he admitted.

"That's okay. We all have our preferences."

He liked how she wasn't making a big deal about it. Whenever he would meet and talk to someone about likes and dislikes, they would pester him to try their hobbies no matter how much he respectfully declines.

"At last, someone who accepts differences."

Their dishes were brought to them by a waiter. "Enjoy, you adorable duo."

As he left, they raised their eyebrows.

"Oh, my, I think he's mistake us for an item," she whispered before smiling in amusement. "Obviously, he's so used to seeing us come here on our own, seeing us eating together is giving him the wrong idea."

He sighed quietly in slight exasperation. "Why do people always assume, when they see a man and a woman together, that they're a twosome?"

"People do have vivid imaginations. But you're right, folks shouldn't be so quick to believe that a man and woman can't be together without being seen as a couple instead of just friends. I mean, the only proof of affection is when the two kiss."

"True, but wouldn't hugs and holding hands also be two more signs of romance?"

"They would, but brothers and sisters do that and even a male and female friend do that."

"So the real solid evidence is a lip-to-lip contact."

"To me, it is... If you'll forgive my asking, you won't let people's misunderstandings prevent you from wanting to talk with me, will you?"

"I don't see why I should. It's not either of our faults people jump to conclusions. Besides, this is the first time in quite a while I've had a judicious, leisurely conversation with someone and I'm not going to let the fallacies of others change anything."

"Hmm," she smirked, "I'm glad you don't let things disconcert you. Then we're agreed to a judicious, leisurely friendship?"

"You don't have to ask."

So, what do you think of my new ToffeexOC. My OC here is the same as the one in my other Toffee fanfic Phoenix Blade. You see, after seeing the young Toffee in Meteora's Lesson, I just couldn't help writing this.

Now in this version, I'm sure you've already noticed how I re-wrote history of the Mewman queens a little bit. Of course, in AU stories, that's a normal thing. Oh, by the way, my OC's book of Arabian Nights is an idea I got from the Disney television series Aladdin. So there's no book about all of Aladdin, Jasmine, Genie, Abu, Carpet and Iago's adventures.