Class wrapped up without any major incidents—at least none that were publicized.
T'ara and I had spent the entire period locked in a telepathic debate over a microorganism's level of autonomy. She insisted they were as high-functioning as humanity, if not more so. I begged to differ. She couldn't provide any concrete evidence, only said I should trust her.
As if. Show me the data.
"It could be damaging to your world to provide you such knowledge at this stage in your development," she'd told me.
Yeah, right.
Her scales flared fluorescent red after that. From the psychic scream that hit my skull, I'm calling that anger. She really rung my bell. The color cooled to mellow green soon after, followed by a gentle laugh that echoed in my head.
I thought something unnecessary—fine, inappropriate—and her scales shifted to a cool pink.
Still not sure what that one means. Shame? Embarrassment? Romantic confusion?
Eh, we'll have time to figure it out.
Right now I needed food for thought. Literally.
"T'ara," I said, slinging my bag over my shoulder, "let's grab lunch."
She blinked. "I do not require sustenance at this time."
"What are you, a robot? Come on, let's go."
They stepped into the hazmat zone known as the high school cafeteria—an overcrowded biohazard that could detonate at any moment.
"Wow," T'ara whispered, eyes wide. "So many people."
"Yeah. I hate it here," Darius said flatly. "I usually bring lunch from home, but I forgot this morning."
She glanced at him, head tilting slightly as her mind brushed against his. "What are bullies?"
"People who don't like me," he said. "Usually big, kinda stupid."
"Are you scared?"
"Of giant guys who want to break my face?"
"Yes."
"Terrified. Let's just grab some food and go."
T'ara followed him into the line and copied every movement with uncanny precision.
"Hey, Sharlene," Darius greeted as they reached the counter.
"Darius! Haven't seen you in forever. How've you been?"
"Good. Forgot my lunch today. Plus I'm showing the new girl the ropes."
Sharlene raised an eyebrow as T'ara gave a polite wave. "You? With this, uh—cute girl?"
"I am indeed female," T'ara said matter-of-factly.
"What she said," Darius muttered, grabbing an apple for his tray. T'ara studied one, turning it over like a scientist, then mimicked him and set it beside her milk carton.
"Sharlene, let me get two burgers. You know how I like it."
"Extra onions, two slices of cheese, light mayo, a little mustard, and BBQ sauce?"
"You're an angel, Sharlene."
She smiled and disappeared into the kitchen.
T'ara watched her go. "She seems nice."
"Yeah. I helped her out once; now she lets me special-order sometimes."
"Is she a friend?"
"I don't have any of those."
"Am I not your friend?"
"Still collecting data."
Her scales shifted to a warm red. "Is that so?"
"Why are you mad?"
"I'm not."
"Really? Because you look mad. I mean, your emotions are literally color-coded."
Her eyes narrowed. "How do you humans say… shut up, Darius?"
He grinned. "You're learning fast."
She puffed her cheeks.
"You look like a blow fish."
Her scales turned a low pink color. "Really? That's bad right."
It's cute actually. He thought.
The hue of her scales got brighter.
"You heard that?"
"Your inner voice is loud."
"Interesting connection we got going here."
She nodded.
Sharlene returned with his order and he thanked her and turned to leave the cafeteria.
"We aren't staying."
"Uh no. I can't really handle crowded places like this."
They you nervous. She sent telepathically.
Some of the tension in his shoulders eased. Not having to verbally respond was a godsend.
"Yeah. I think so. I don't fully understand it myself. It's just I get overwhelmed."
His memories flashed through her mind.
A small boy lying on the ground knees to his chest screaming for his mother while surrounded by many others. The emotions were strong. Vivid.
Another memory. The same boy in a doctor's office. A woman embracing him crying. A smaller girl, similar in appearance to the woman was nearby as well tears in her eyes.
T'ara attempted to pull back. The memories were unpleasant.
"You okay." I sent through their link.
"Are you?"
"Uh…yes? Let's just get out of here."
She nodded and took his hand guiding him from the cafeteria.
He jerked his hand away almost instinctively.
"Darius?"
"S-sorry. It's not you. I want to hold your hand. You're very nice. And pretty. It's just. I have a condition and it makes me kinda awkward. I can't really tell what people mean. Social cues are very hard for me to read." His thoughts were coming rapid fire. But to T'ara it wasn't overwhelming at all.
"I see. But in our situation, that doesn't have to be the case. My mind is as open to you as yours is to me is it not."
"I can't hear your thoughts."
"No I suppose not. But you can see them."
The dots finally connected. She was right. With her he didn't need to guess. He would always know. It played to his strengths. Her emotions were visible.
She extended a hand again. Her scales flowing their normal yellow.
He took it without hesitation.
"If you don't like it here. We shall go. To a place you like best. The science lab?"
"I do like it there. But there's another place."
She scanned his mind.
"I think I'd like that too."
"I'll lead the way."
She smiled softly at him.
They were so lost in one another that they hadn't even noticed the glances they were getting from everyone around them. And they didn't notice when they left them all behind either. Nor did they hear the chatter that erupted when they left. Gossip that would follow them throughout their budding relationship.