Hopelessly (Orc Boyfriend)
I pass by her shop every day. I make sure to do it at random times, so as not to be noticed. I’m sure that if she figured out I made a point to visit her shop, it would just scare her. She’s just so small and sweet, and I’m... well, not.
I am Zildud, an orc warrior, one of the strongest in my clan, and I’m very proud of that fact. I worked hard to get to where I am today, and one day I might even be in the running to become chieftain. But my skill in combat doesn’t come without a certain reputation, which is unfortunate, because I like people. So long as they don’t attack me or my clan, I quite enjoy their company. However, most people come to fear me before they even know me, an unlucky side-effect to be sure, but one I had become used to over the years. I figured my reputation served to protect my clan, so it didn’t bother me as much as it used to. That is, until I met her.
A few times a month, my clan visits a neighboring town for supplies. Familiar as they were with us, they weren’t as hostile towards us as most human towns would be. They knew that we were good for business, so they welcomed our presence at all of our visits. The first time I saw her, I couldn’t help but notice how beautiful she was. She was giving a flower to a wide-eyed child who couldn’t stop staring. At the time, I didn’t think of it as anything more than a pleasant moment I happened to witness, and promptly moved on. The next time I saw her, she was struggling to hold a bundle of flowers for a frail old woman who was having a baby shower for her granddaughter who “simply adored flowers.” I thought she must be extremely considerate towards her customers, which is how she managed to own the only flower shop in town, and moved on, occasionally thinking of her in passing. It wasn’t until the next visit, when I found myself unconsciously heading towards her shop, eager to see her, that I realized I was sunk.
Now, I visit the town every day, just for a glimpse of her. Having already paid my daily visit, I sit in a pub, thinking about what my next course of action should be. I can’t keep coming here every day just to see her, that much is evident. While the townspeople welcomed us with open arms for our regular supply runs, the constant presence of an orc was starting to make them antsy. As it is, the pub became unusually quiet the moment I entered, and the patrons made sure to keep a wide berth from me. It likely wouldn’t be long before some of them became so afraid that they were induced to violence, which would end... badly. That settles it then, on my way out of town, I’ll pass by her shop for one last look at her... then I’ll never come back again. It’s not as if I had a chance anyway.
Resolved, I paid for my drink and made my way to her shop, only to find some kind of commotion going on when I arrive. A man was standing outside her shop. He appeared to be yelling, I was too far away to hear what he was yelling about, but I wasn’t too far away to see her sock him in the nose. It looked like a good, solid punch too. Impressive. However, the man had a fast reaction time, and grabbed her by the arm. Everything after that was a blur, and before I fully realized what was happening, I was holding up the man by the throat. He was scratching at my hand struggling for breath. It wouldn’t do him any good though. “You. Don’t. Touch. Her.” I growled. I dropped him on the ground and he darted off, terrified. My heart sinking, I realized that she was standing right behind me, and that I definitely did not have a chance with her now.
I sighed, and started to make a quick exit, when “Wait!” At the sound of her voice, I turn to look at her wide-eyed. “Um, it’s just, I’m afraid that he might come back. Do you think you could come in and stay for awhile. Just in case?” She asked. Mutely, I nodded and followed her into the shop. Once we were inside, she said, “Um, my name is Y/N by the way.” She said.
“Zildud.” I replied.
Smiling, she said “Nice to meet you Zildud.” Before I could say the same, she said “Wait here. I’ll make some tea.” She left, presumably to make tea. Which left me to contemplate what the hell was going on. She just saw an orc, three times her size, pick up a man by his throat with one hand and threaten him... and then she invites said orc inside for tea? My head was spinning, I didn’t know what to think. Thankfully, she didn’t leave me much time to, the tea was ready in what seemed like a matter of seconds. I picked up the cup, doing my best not to crush the delicate thing with my hand. She cleared her throat and I looked up. A blush was staining her cheeks as she said “I, just wanted to thank you for that.”
“You’re welcome.” I mumbled. “Could I ask why he was bothering you?”
Her mouth twisted and an unpleasant expression cam over her face. “Charles has been trying to court me for awhile now. I keep telling him I’m not interested, but he keeps coming back, and I guess today he just got fed up. He started saying all these awful things, and I, I just couldn’t stand it!” She snarled.
Part of me was fascinated. I had never seen her angry before. Most of me however, was pissed on her behalf. How dare some puny little man harass the cutest girl in town like that?
“O-oh, um thank you.” She said. Fuck. Had I said that out loud? I could feel heat creeping up my face as I looked down into my teacup. “Yes well,” she continued. “Charles would never have a chance in hell with me anyway, even if I didn’t” She paused. I looked up at her. Didn’t what? She glanced at me and cleared her throat. Then she said “Didn’t already have a hopeless crush on an orc.”
I stare at her. Is she talking about me? She’s talking about me right? She wouldn’t tell me that if she had a crush on some other orc right? “A certain orc who happens to be sitting in front of me drinking tea...” She says, looking at me expectantly. Shit. SHIT. Ok, yeah, she’s definitely talking about me.
Before I could let myself think any further, I blurted out “ME TOO. I, I’ve had a hopeless crush on you too.”
She beams at me. Then, before I can react, she leans forward and gives me a peck on the lips. “Well, then it’s not so hopeless is it?” She grins.
“No.” I reply. “I guess not.” Well then, I think to myself. I guess I won’t stop coming to town anymore.
The End