Chapter 9: Before the Ink Runs Dry

Arissa was taken aback. Someone ACTUALLY wanted to read what she had written a long time ago?

Writing was her way of keeping an optimistic view on the world as much as it caves into her. Most of the stories were of simple things that made her happy: cafes, bookstores, festivals with a fantasy twist. It was written in an old notebook in pencil since Vinn threw out her laptop. He stated that only one spouse can have most of the devices while Arissa herself had her phone with most of the contact numbers of family.

She never had friends, even during her academic years. Her goals were to study and do well in exams based on what her parents told her to do. She might have group projects or study sessions, but she was never close with anyone.

That was until Vinn charmed her and open herself up to him. For a moment, Vinn was her only friend back then because he was always with her and showing her new things she would never imagined. However after he proposed to her and they got hitched, he showed his true colours.

::Such elegant scribbles,:: Ichi murmured, peering over her shoulder. From the corner of her eyes, there was gentleness in his. From what they had done, the pleasures...was she finally letting herself go?

What would Vinn think? Was she wasting her time to bring up something that was never going to happen anyway?

Pinching the bridge of her nose, Arissa flipped a page to show the curious dragon a few pages that were clearly crumpled. "Those were my original ideas but I erased them because it was all over the place. I...I do imagine what things would be like if I give this a go."

::Why didn't you?:: the false titan prompted, his tail thumped slightly. Arissa felt pressured by those words since she believed that she doesn't have a choice in this matter. All her life, it was about surviving and keeping her head down if she wants to stay out of trouble.

She had a few days before Vinn comes home. But even then, she fears for her life. Shoulders sagging with defeat, Arissa traced the faded pencil lines of her handwriting. It's been so long, she wasn't sure if she could pick it up again.

Hell, she doesn't have any experience with marketing since she graduated with a degree in geography.

"I don't know," she finally replied, voice rang hollow. "It looks easy since a lot of people do it, but I don't think I can ever be at their level." Shaking her head, she pushed a few strands of her hair that was across her face. Her belly stirred, sensing the baby kicking.

Ichi had not said a word, which she was thankful for. When Vinn would question or accuse her of something, she felt like preparing for a court case to explain her side before he could let her go. It had been a day and yet...

Spending time with Monster Zero gave her a chance to try some things her husband wouldn't approve of. Suddenly, her stomach growled, signalling her to get herself something to eat. Giving Ichi an apologetic smile, she excused herself to make something for the three of them.

Of course, she puts on a bathrobe to cover herself before making her way to the kitchen.

...

Ghidorah was both frustrated and fascinated by human emotions.

First, she was excited, then hollow, and then embarrassed. When he had his brothers, Ni was always aggressive, which needed to be controlled while San's head was always in the clouds. Sometimes, he wondered if he was the only one who had it together.

The more he spends time with Arissa, a few instances of his brothers appeared at the back of his mind. Unconsciously, he glanced on either side, hoping they would be there. Distracting himself, he nosed his way to Arissa's notes to read some of her works.

As much as he resents the humans, he won't deny that their creativity intrigued him. While he was absorbing the written words, he caught a scent of something that made him salivate. He was thankful that Ni and San were not around to know that he was starting to become curious about things.

He wondered if he should go out for a quick flight and hunt something?

Giving the kitchen a long glance, he decided to take a short flight to hunt something. He never would have thought of the mating that took place earlier. It was different yet with his current size, he could hold her in his wings and perform such feat!

::I will be back,:: he sends out his message telepathically before taking off through the window. As much as her humble abode was snug, he needed the fresh air and the wind on his wings. He decided to search for prey that might be big enough to take back home.

Of course, since the area was dark, he could fly as low as possible without causing any disturbances.

He spotted a few of those little creatures with long ears and strange legs that hopped about. Plunging down, he swiftly snatched two in his jaws, the bodies dangling for dear life by their tails. The warm blood that fell onto his tongue gave him a satisfied growl.

This was sure to impress her!

However, the response was through shocked screams. "Ichi! What is that?!" Arissa shrieked, pointing a finger at the two carcasses he had dropped onto a wooden table. Ghidorah, despite her reaction, he felt pleased.

::It's from my hunt,:: he announced with a reptilian smile. ::I know some humans do hunt these creatures for their carcass and I must say, the taste is warming up to me. They would have been small if I was back to my original size::

There was silence, but the pregnant human waddled to where the carcass was. She gave him a peck on the snout, causing him to emit a few rumbles. "It's sweet, Ichi, but I don't know how to skin them. We don't usually eat the furs but it can be put to good use. I made some spaghetti shrimp Alfredo with spinach. I placed some for you."

A part of Ghidorah wanted to roast the carcass, but the scent of this so called 'spaghetti' was tempting him. Very well, if she had not turned down the prey, there might be a chance after all. Since she had shared her human culture, he should share his.

Before he could devour the so called meal, he wondered if he could bring out the things she lost since her marriage.

Oh, he had a few things planned for tomorrow...if he knew how to work on those metallic things that humans used to release him and his brothers from the ice.

It's a short chapter but I want to build on their relationship and bonds. Also, I have a lot of plans for Vinn ;)