OkCryptid: Drider
Looking you saw that it was the drider. You flinched a little. Of course, the random monster you happened to click on was the spider. You hated spiders, they were tiny and quick, and they had the creepiest eyes. Some part of you realized that this was going to be different, but it still gave you the heeby jeebies.
His profile picture made him seem very nice, but your brain reminded you it didn’t show you his spider bits. That wasn’t entirely true. David had four pairs of silver eyes and obvious fangs in his toothy smile. Other than that his dark gray hair and tan skin were very pleasing. You cursed your luck and Arachnophobia, as you went because this guy shared a lot of very similar interests. You chewed your lip as you tried to figure out what to do, but knew you were trapped when the app alerted you that he had responded.
David: Hello Little Bird You: Little Bird? David: Yes, suiting for you. Your pictures make you look like a bird David: What with you sitting in trees, dancing in those bright colors, the tide pool David: Very good pictures though. You: Please don’t call me ‘Little Bird’ David: Got it
There was a brief intermission where the topic hung in the air, making you breathe a sigh a relief, maybe he didn’t want to go out with you after- DING! You spoke too soon. You chatted for a bit longer and to be honest, you really like him. He is funny and optimistic, it is all around very pleasant. You even forgot why you didn’t like him.
David: Do you, by any chance, enjoy dancing? David: Because I know I great place that does lessons
After reading those two innocent messages you felt all your fear return. You were talking to a spider! A spider! Why were you doing this? Your mind flashed to the horrid spiders that wandered around your house at times. You began to panic. A ding if the message board, brought you back. You liked this guy, David was nice. He was funny. You could go on a date with him. Besides, it might be entertaining to watch a spider dance.
David: You there? You: Yeah, sorry You: I’d love to go on a date with you. What time should we meet up?
So, you may have lied, but only a little. When he gave you directions to the studio and the time of the class, you blanched. That wasn’t that far away. It was wild, you were going to go, on a date, with your worst fear. You got dressed and left. The day was still new, you should go do something. So, you went out and got ice cream before heading to the movies.
Yet as the date drew nearer you grew nervous. Yes, you feared spiders, but you wanted to get to know David. You walked into the studio and there was a slight scrabble on the wood and someone tapped your shoulder. David stood there, and his legs were terrifying. They were long and hairy. It was a giant gray tarantula body. It was terrifying.
“Hey, I’m Dave.” He stuck his hand out for you to shake and when you froze, he crouched down. “You okay? You look a little pale.” Your mouth was dry, you couldn’t do this. Nope. Nope. No, no sir, no way Jose. Not a chance in hell. You shook your head. You needed to get out of this.
“I’m sorry.” You turned and stepped outside. Tears streaming down your face, you held your hands to your face. You thought you could do this. Really, you did, but it seems you couldn’t. David, or Dave, or whatever, followed you and tried to get you turn around, you stood your ground and didn’t look at him.
“What happened? What did I do? Please, I…” You wiped away your tears as he kept begging for an answer. This wasn’t bad, his voice was deep and rich, like dark chocolate. It was relaxing. You took a deep breath and let it out, it was shaky, but if you kept your eyes closed, maybe you could talk to him.
“I’m scared.”
“Why?”
“Spiders. I am terrified of spiders, and I’m sorry.”
“Why are you sorry? Lots of people are scared of spiders.” He gave a small, dry chuckle. “I should know, I have to deal with a handful of them everywhere I go, but if you’re scared, why’d you message me or take me up when I asked you out?”
“I messaged you randomly off of the message board. Then I started talking to you and I… I really like you Dave. David. Sorry, which do you prefer?” You felt light as you got this off your chest.
“Honestly I could care less.” You felt him run a hand over your cheek and you leaned into it. His hand was warm and rough, even as it barely touched your skin, you craved more. “You came despite being afraid of me-”.
“Not you, just the spider pieces.” You interjected.
“I appreciate that. Not many people would even try, let alone message me back. But I can’t be in a relationship where you can’t look at me.” His hand withdrew and there was hardly a noise as he stepped away.
“No, please.” You were going to be stubborn. Your fear wouldn’t take this from you. “Let’s try this class and if I can’t… Let me try.”
“Okay, open your eyes and look at me.” You opened your eyes and focused on his face. You gave him a weak smile and let him guide you to the dance room. Together you could do this.
@thetravelerwrites
