260824 1947
On our first date, I took the initiative because my mom told me to be more talkative. I tried to talk, but not so much as to be seen as a stereotypical birdmouth.
– So, what do you usually do for fun?
– I go out on my bike.
– Ooh! Fascinating. What color is it?
– It’s red, maraschino red.
– Nice, nice. Takes a bold one to ride that, haha.
– Mmm.
We looked at each other, then at the twinkling gold cascading from the Eiffel Tower.
– They look like stars, don’t they?
– I think they look more like a torch.
– A torch?
– Yea. A peculiar-looking one, hehe.
It’s too bright for me.
– Babe! I mean, you.
I blushed in front of the baffled, beautiful lady.
– Paris is never too bright. There are those who lay in the dark, forever.
– Well, I might be one of those.
Now I’m intrigued.
– Why so?
She was about to say something, before she changed her tone completely.
– Or at least, I prefer natural light. Just enough for an animal.
– Well, unlike me who has bird eyes. You know what happens when night falls…
We looked into each other’s eyes. Hers, an amethyst purple, were glimmering in the night. I wonder if it was the candlelight or Paris itself.
– How is the food?
– Perfect! I love me some beefsteak.
– “Beefsteak”? Does anyone even use that word anymore?
– Oops.
Antiquated. She stirred up something inside of me.
– Haha.
I can’t help but let out a vulture laugh. But unless she’s lived for long enough, she wouldn’t know.
– Did you just vulture laugh?
– Uh-oh. How did you know?
– Well, I’ve lived for long enough.
– Really? It says on your Finder that you’re 19.
– Silly Kyon. Don’t judge a book by its covers.
She giggles… very cutely. Strangely, to humans, it is also a form of seduction.
– Hihihi. I mean…
Boop.
Wait, booping? At this stage?
– I’m neotenous.
– Oh? So you grow younger by the day?
– No, it means I’m forever 19.
– Forever 19? Why not make it 21?
– That feels a bit too old for me.
– In terms of…?
– Responsibilities.
– Ah, I see.
You mean drinking age.
– No, I’m way past drinking age.
– No you’re not.
– Yes! In my country.
– Aha. We live in the same country.
– Yes, so you should know that.
Well… I can guess why not.
– I’ve been abroad for a while.
– Woah. For how long?
– Around 300 years.
– I thought you just turned 300 this year.
– No, it’s just an estimation.
Should I admit it?
– You see…
…
… I can’t count past 300.
– Woah.
– I’m a bird! Kaw!
– You’re very well-educated for a bird.
– Why, thank you. You too.
– I’m not a bird.
– For a lotl?
– Have you ever met other lotls before?
– No.
– See?
All lotls are well-educated.
– Ah, I see. Very civil, too.
– My kids can all count to 60!
– Really?
– Yeah!
She was unprecedentedly proud, beaming. A weird flush traveled up my neck, and onto my face.
– Shall I take you home? Just mentioned that you have bird eyes.
The night is perfectly bright in Paris, but how can I possibly refuse?
– Oh yeah, yeah, sure, that’d be great! Just… take our time. Enjoy the scene.