The Dragon and the Succubus

Malik was tired of just watching her. It may have been part of his dragon heritage, but he continuously had to fight the urge to get gutsy and straight-out say he liked her.

She was Erin Walker, and she was a Succubus demon that was actually really shy, timid, and adorably childish, to the point that he saw so much innocence in he couldn't believe she was a supposed seduction demon.

That was why he had to ask her. He had to open his mouth and talk to her. He had to say those words. The confession. Everything. All the emotions he had bottled up.

But every time before, he had choked up. The words hadn't come. He hadn't even been able to go over and do it. He was too nervous, his anxiety growing larger every time he was near her. It was like he was being blocked by a large wall, and it blocked out all sound.

Sometimes, Malik wondered if he was a pussy. He was easily afraid, despite his blood, and he would rather blend in to the background than be seen. It was easier. It was simple. Basic. He didn't have to talk, and he wouldn't be a bother. He would basically just be a side character in the background, making others shine in their stories, while he stayed in the shadows. He would basically be invisible.

That was why he had to take that step. He had to come out of the shadows and say it. Say those words. Get them out there. Make the feelings and thoughts and emotions known and understood.

Today he would do it. It was now or never. He had to take a chance.

_

Malik swallowed nervously. It was after school. She was sitting on the bench, waiting for her ride home. Erin was shivering from the cold winter air.

Malik took off his jacket, walked behind her, and draped it over her shoulders. She stiffened with surprise, and when she turned to look at him, she smiled with a look of amusement.

"Thank you." Erin murmured.

"You're welcome." Malik responded, adding, "I would have felt bad if a classmate of mine froze to a popsicle."

"You're... Malik, right? You're in a lot of my classes."

"Yeah, I am." Malik coughed nervously. "Um, do you want me to sit with you until your ride comes?"

Erin looked surprised, and chuckled slightly, a little giggle. "The company would be nice."

As they sat together, they chatted. They talked about hobbies and interests. They talked about societal problems. They spoke of discrimination. Stereotypes. The island as a whole.

That was when he got the confidence to say what he had wanted to for months. The words. The confession.

"Erin, I know this sounds weird coming from me since we have really only talked this once, but I should say this, even if you don't feel the same." Malik swallowed. "I've liked you for a long time, since the school year began, and I didn't know how to say it until now."

Erin didn't respond, just looked away and smiled gently. "Guys don't usually come out and say that to me. They think I'm a slut just because I'm a Succubus. It's nice to know you can be open. And... I feel the same about you."

"Really?" Malik swallowed, suddenly anxious again.

"I noticed you, even though you were always so quiet, but you were always kind to everyone, and thinking of others. It made me fall in love with you. And I think that we could get to know each other better if we were to date." Erin said, and she put her slender hand over his slightly scaled one.

Malik knew what to do, and he placed a hand over her cheek and stroked the hair from it, and he kissed her. Soft and true, on her lips. She kissed him back, not even hesitating. It was over only moments later, but they both blushed.

Now everything felt right. Malik smiled as he watched her leave. It was wonderful. For once, Malik wasn't a nervous wreck like he usually was. Maybe the confession had been all he needed to get past that phase.

Malik finally felt contented as he watched the sun sink slowly.