Previous: Chapter 11 Next: Chapter 13

Two Days Later - Late Morning.

Janelle sits (somewhat awkwardly with a growing tail emerging from her backside suddenly making chairs very uncomfortable) at a table writing out some basic notes about her changes. Having spent some time trying to write with her off-hand, she soon switched to training her dominant hand to write, quickly finding the kobold paw more adept than she'd expected once she started to write.

Two days of bathing and sleeping with Liseth had certainly not slowed her changes, the scales and spines along her back continuing to spread from her right to left side, but the tail's emergence and growth were the most visible changes. She also found the hair on her head changing color as well, becoming more like the fresh new mane that Liseth had been growing as well.

All worthy of documentation, a project she has pushed herself into with her usual gusto.

Liseth'erend'oreana pokes her head into Janelle's office. The dragon looks as before, although her crest of a mane seems to have become fluffier and her scales reflect slightly less light because of all of the tiny fur growing inbetween them. This morning, the dragon slept in late. (She does that on most mornings, but we'll ignore that here.)

"Hey there, beautiful. You woke up early. Something on your... mind?"

Janelle smiles at Liseth as the dragon pokes her head in. She stands from the desk, setting her pen down to hobble over on increasingly mismatched legs. "Morning, Ma'am. I always get up early. Helps get the day moving." She pauses as she approaches Liseth's snout, "Just... Trying to find a routine. I used to know exactly what I was doing every morning. I had a schedule, you know?"

Liseth flicks her ears. She has not yet noticed she's grown small fuzzy ears last night.

"I can see that. So... you need to modify a schedule now, kind of?"

Janelle nods slowly, eyes drawn up to Liseth's ears. "A significant amount. I really am not entirely sure what I'm doing yet. Everything is different..."

She pauses, pointing up, "Including you again, love. Your ears... And your scales... You are growing quite a bit more fur."

Liseth blinks: "My... my ears?" She turns to glance at her reflection in a window and blinks again, her ears flicking without intending to do so. "Oh. T-that's definitely new."

Janelle smiles faintly. "They do look cute. Meanwhile, my major change is this rather clumsy new appendage." She turns to show her tail, merely a nub the day before, it is now rather long, and has a tuft of similar fluff at the end of it.

"It is making chairs difficult. And pants impossible."

Liseth appraises Janelle's backside and nods. "Mm... we need to get new chairs for all the human parts of the place." She pauses. "Er, so to say."

Janelle glances down, sighing slightly. "I hate to impose upon you like that. It's so frustrating. I can't walk, I can't sit. I can't even make my own breakfast! If I couldn't write I think I'd go mad..."

Liseth frowns a bit, before leaning closer to nuzzle the changing human. The dragon is definitely softer to the touch now, though she still has scales. "We're getting there. Or will get there, soon enough."

Janelle sighs, leaning into the nuzzle and petting the patches of soft fur, "Soon enough... Yes. Then... I don't know. I'll still not be able to do a lot of the things I used to. I admit, I wasn't much of an outgoing person. But I still enjoyed walking down the street to that little bookstore by my apartment. Or picking out food at the market for dinner on my way home. I think... I'm missing the routine. Is that strange? I know I'll never be able to do any of that again, now.."

Liseth considers, tilting her head after the nuzzle. "...a bit weird, maybe, since you have no need to do those things. But... I don't know. I can see your want for something to do in general..." She trails off, not really having a good answer for this.

Janelle shrugs, "I am a creature of habit, ma'am. My routine is ruined... Part of me misses it. Even if it's unnecessary. All I have right now is work... And you. And I love both, You especially."

She slumps, unsure what she is missing here. "It's like... I miss some part of my life that I can't quite point to, and I've lost it."

Liseth looks at Janelle, nodding slowly. "I... maybe. Maybe I understand. But... perhaps we can find a way." She looks towards the window. "It is not ideal, but maybe when your changes run their course... I am sure we can hire someone to watch over you if you want to head out without me looming over..."

Janelle blinks, trying to think through that proposal, "Ma'am, it's not you that's the problem. It's... Me. How can I go out like this? Or, even, like whatever I become?"

Liseth tilts her head, looking back at Janelle: "Do you intend to stay up here for the rest of your life?"

Janelle cringes, looking very defeated as she realizes that is the trap her mind had been trying to avoid. "Do I have any other choice? I can't be seen like this by other humans."

Liseth hums. "Why not? Is it because you need clothes that fit? I spoke before that that will not be a problem."

Janelle seems to grow frustrated, closing her eyes tight, "Because I'm not human anymore! I'm... I'm something else. What will they say if they see me? What will they think? Even the hint that something like this is possible might cause a backlash against Dragons. Against you... It's better that I stay here, isn't it?"

Liseth blinks at the outburst, then frowns as she leans closer, close enough that Janelle can feel her breath.

"No. As your former boss and current lover... you will not stay here for the rest of your days. We will go out, and screw what the world thinks."

It's Janelle's turn to be taken back this time, the Dragon's breath feels like a warm wind across her scales, her heart swelling at Liseth's words, "We... Will? Are you sure? I... I would like that, very much."

Liseth smiles, nuzzling softly: "My actions have already taken so much from you. I'll be damned if I let it also mean you being a prisoner of this tower."

Janelle reaches up to meet the nuzzle, hand stroking gently, "Our actions. They've given me a lot too... I just hate this... 'being between' two things. I'll feel better when I'm whatever I am going to be. And if we really can go out and do whatever we want." There's a little fear in her voice, but there's much more hope now.

Liseth mm's softly, thinking. "Far as I understand, money is what makes this city run. Sure, going out will attract attention, but what I can not scare away by flashing teeth... I'm pretty sure I can pay someone to be scary for me." She looks at Janelle: "I've seen what the security looks like in all those celebrity gatherings and whatnot. That sort of thing."

Janelle nods, in part unfamiliar with those kinds of gatherings except from idly watching them on television, where they usually refrain from showing the security and technical side of things, "I suppose so. I'm just afraid people won't understand, and that it will reflect badly on you. I don't frankly care what they think of me... I'm a woman in the workforce. I've gotten used to ignoring assholes and bigots. But... Hatemongering is something else entirely, and humans have a long history of hurting things they're afraid of."

Liseth sighs. "If this does reflect bad on me... frankly, that's a risk I am willing to take." Her tail whips softly (or not so softly) as she considers the other side of this: "And I will not allow anything or anyone to harm you."

Janelle hums, lowering her forehead to rest against Liseth's snout, "I was more worried about you being harmed because of me. But it is what it is. I am not a terribly spiritual person, but perhaps this has all happened for a reason. If not, I accept Love as reason enough."

Liseth smiles: "Love is plenty enough reason for me. We'll make this work, you'll see."

Janelle pats the dragon once more before pulling back at last, still standing a little lopsided. "I hadn't a doubt, ma'am. Fears. But no doubts. I suppose we haven't really gone on a 'date', have we? Everything has been so fast and intense."

Liseth hums: "Well... maybe for that we should wait a day for two for your changes to take their course." She blinks and glances at the newly-grown mane hanging from the side of her neck: "...and mine, for that matter."

Janelle smiles, considering, "Something simple, perhaps. Once we know the changes are completed? It will be strange to do the date so long after bathing together, our admissions of love, and sharing a bed. In so much as sleeping on you serves as a bed for me."

Liseth giggles: "It does now." The dragon offers her paw to her lover: "Come on. I want to cuddle you."

Janelle hums, then steps in close, leaning into Liseth's paw, "Convenient, Love. I want to be cuddled by you."

Liseth smirks, then moves to lift Janelle up in her paw and towards her shoulder: "Let's head to the bedroom, then."

Janelle laughs, "You are quite terrible for my routine setup, love. Or is this perhaps part of the new routine? I shall consider it."

Liseth blushes but carries Janelle towards the bedroom anyway. "We can call it new or old, doesn't matter to me."

Janelle leans into Liseth's side, feeling more than safe in her paw. Her tail dangles between Liseth's fingers, twitching back and forth on it's own volition. "I... guess it doesn't really matter to me either."

Liseth giggles softly, feeling Janelle's tail and enjoying the feeling. "Guess we shall have to put it on the log if we ever write on it. 'May affect your daily routine if you turn into a kobold'."

Janelle considers that a moment, thinking, "I... wonder. I've not really noticed any real differences to how I act, but once the transformation finishes, what will that mean for me? What will change in my routine that I haven't considered yet?"

Liseth hums softly. "It might be hard to predict... guess we will just have to see where you end up, and then see which bit of your previous life can still be done." She frowns. "I almost said 'salvaged', but that gives the image that I thoroughly sunk your previous life."

Janelle chuckles, reaching out to pat Liseth's side, "Not sunk, exactly. I didn't exactly have the busiest social life. I mostly just read at home. Or took what work I could home to do it there. My apologies, ma'am, but I am frightfully boring."

Liseth winks: "If you were actually boring, you'd have ran for the hills at the first sign of change, yet here you are. A dragon is upending your life and you're embracing it."

Janelle blushes, glancing away from the Dragon's eyes, despite the smile upon her face, "There is that. Well, what did being human ever get me? That, and you do feel quite good to embrace."

Liseth nods: "That is for you to decide, what you want to... save, so to say. I suppose you do have a unique position of being able to start almost completely over if you so decide."

Janelle looks down at herself, "I suppose I could, hm? I am unsure what I might wish to change, but... maybe I have been too worried about doing everything as I always have."

Liseth hums, shrugging as she steadies her grip on her lover as they enter the bedroom. "Put it this way, another perspective. What have you always wanted to do that you couldn't before?"

Janelle shifts to help Liseth hold her, "You mean besides riding a dragon? I suppose I don't know... I have focused so hard upon my career that I did let many of my hobbies fall to the way side."

Liseth steps over to the bed to let Janelle on it. "Well, if I may so inquire, what kind of hobbies are we talking about? I'm curious."

Janelle gently hops down, landing a little shakily on her mismatched legs. "I suppose reading still counts. I actually enjoyed astronomy for a short period... plus a summer spent learning archery, before my Mother said those weren't 'proper for a girl'." She frowns. "Not that I've done much that was considered 'proper' for her."

Liseth tilts her head, curious as she lays down around Janelle. "Mm, I'm somewhat certain I am breaking some unwritten rule or two by us doing this, or... us causing this to happen, or whatever... but I don't think that changes my opinion on wanting to see this through."

She considers: "I have no idea what archery is. Is it that... bow and arrow stuff the occasional movie shows?"

Janelle nods, "Bow and arrow. I remember really liking it a summer camp one year. Astronomy is the study of the stars, taking a lot of math and calculation, which I do enjoy, and using it to look up at the stars... don't get to see the stars too much in the city, though."

Liseth hums and lifts one of her wings to view, which has also started to grow tiny feathers around the joints. "Assuming I can still fly when all of this is done... I can certainly take you out of the city to see the stars."

Janelle glances up at the wings, frowning slightly, "...oh. Guess I'm really not the only one who might have to change routine, hm? Are... you alright?"

Liseth gives the draconic equivalent of a shrug, her shoulders and wings moving slightly. "I'm changing as well, but it's..." She pauses. "I-it's fine. I think."

Janelle walks across the bed carefully to hug Liseth's foreleg. "I know that tone... I've used that tone. I'm here for you, love."

Liseth swallows and lets out a sigh. "I'm... I'm supposed to be the strong one, right? I can't just... b-break down over such small things...?" She trails off, not believing it herself for a second.

Janelle nods, petting Liseth, "You are strong. But this is... uncharted. New. And frightening. I think it's okay to be concerned. Or more than just concerned..."

Liseth lowers her head down, closer to Janelle. "I'm just... a-afraid. It's... so far, so benign, but what if s-something happens to us..." She swallows and whispers. "We really do not know."

Janelle turns to hug her arms against Liseth's head, "Me too... me too. All we know is what you've told me about kobolds back in your home, and that was only the start of things for us."

Liseth sniffs: "Y-yeah, I'm sorry... this is new. But we can... h-hope." She closes her eyes and leans her head into the embrace.

Janelle kisses, "We have one another. In my mind, there's nothing for you to be sorry about. I... I came to accept that I would change. But... I'm sorry it is happening to you as well."

Liseth swallows. "...I shouldn't be afraid... b-but I think I am." She opens her eyes to look at Janelle. "I should just accept I am changing as well, right...?"

Janelle looks up at Liseth sadly, "That's up to you. We... don't really know if there's any other way to reverse this, and I wouldn't have a clue where to even start to look... but we could always stop bathing together and see if we can slow or reverse this. You shouldn't feel you have to accept this on my account, love."

Liseth closes her eyes again. "N-no, I... I can not stop, because then that would leave you..." She swallows, her paw touching at Janelle's side: "...like this. We will see this through."

Janelle presses in close to Liseth, with half a laugh, the rest a sigh, "It can never be easy, hm? Even Love."

Liseth sighs, leaning her head at Janelle again. "Apparently not. I will get... apparently more fluffy. Such a weird thing, that didn't happen with the kobolds at home..."

Janelle hums, "Fur... and feathers. Well, it will certainly make you a lot softer to snuggle. And... it will be fun to help you wash it." She blushes brightly, "You're absolutely beautiful, ma'am."

Liseth blinks. "Help me... o-oh. Well, suppose that is a plus side..."

Janelle nods, "You may be intent on pampering me like a Princess, but that's no reason why I can't do the same in whatever way I'm able."

Liseth hums softly, a small purring noise from her throat. "W-well... I might... be interested... i-if you want to, that is..."

Janelle reaches up to pet through some of the fur that has grown upon Liseth, "It is something I think would be fun to help you with, and if it makes you feel better, all the better, yes?"

Liseth lets out a soft, if a bit nervous, laugh: "Well... when you put it like that, yes. You can help me groom my new, er... fur. And feathers. Gods that feels so weird to say."

Janelle joins Liseth's laugh with her own, "Trust me, I know. It feels just as weird for me when I say 'my scales'. My... Paws. My tail." She feels an involuntary shudder run through her as she speaks these things aloud, but pushes past the discomfort, "I'm getting used to it. It's even starting to feel 'right'. Which in some ways is the scariest part, I suppose."

Liseth nods slowly: "I think I am really starting to understand what you mean when you say that..."

Janelle leans against Liseth, "A lot of my fear has been over just how natural it feels. It has made me question how much I may lose myself. But I assure you, ma'am, this is still me, the same Janelle who was hired to help you and took the initiative to make myself as useful as possible. So will you be the same Liseth'erend'oreana who I love."

Liseth considers in quiet for a moment, then speaks: "Then... I imagine I will be the same for you, as you will be for me, no matter the changes we may endure." She nuzzles at Janelle's neck.

Janelle laughs quietly at the feeling of the dragon gently nuzzling against her, "You can always make changes to yourself as well. You might not have the opportunity I have to redefine myself, but you are a dragon. Who would question it if you decide you want to do something different tomorrow?"

Liseth pauses, the question kind of catching her off guard. "Uh... I suppose mostly no one... No human, at any rate."

Janelle nods, running her paw along Liseth's jawline. "Something to consider, at least... but I could ask you the same question you asked me. Is there anything you wish you could do that you've never been allowed? Perhaps as a dragon that answer is nothing."

Liseth almost starts to answer, then stops herself. "There may be... there is something." She takes a breath. "Sharing a date with someone I actually care for."

Janelle blinks, blushing again as she looks up at Liseth, "W-well... that one is easy to grant, ma'am."

Liseth nods: "I, uh, figured as much." She thinks for a second. "Just... In general, sharing life with... Someone I want to share it with..."

Janelle leans up to nuzzle Liseth as best she can, "So long as you want me, I will do my best to worthy of that honor."

Liseth nuzzles back: "Well, I certainly do want you. And just... maybe it is silly, big fearsome dragon and all, but... wanting someone to be close."

Janelle hums, "Well, as a human... at least still in part, it doesn't sound silly to me at all."

Liseth smiles, closing her eyes. "Well. Suppose that is all we need for now."

Janelle leans her head against the dragon, "Yeah. This certainly makes me happier than I've ever been."

Liseth leans against against Janelle, as softly as she is able. Which is softer than before...

Janelle slowly settles in, her hands guiding Liseth down overtop of her as she lays down on the bed.

Previous: Chapter 11 Next: Chapter 13

Home