This advice seems really good.
“Let me say, this place is really nice. Love the dress, and I find you extremely attractive.” You can’t help glancing at her exposed nipple when you say it.
Rae snorts somewhat derisively, although she does smile, and definitely catches your eye.
“The dress is just a Shibboleth. It keeps people from noticing me.” She pauses, “But, uh, thanks anyway. I appreciate it.”
She’s silent for a moment as she turns to look at you.
“I mostly don’t get compliments, to be honest. Even if I’m using a Shibboleth, people see me as extremely ordinary and forgettable.”
You glance back at the advice the app is giving you.
“So, what kind of music do you like? Are you into Terry Gilliam movies?”
Rae licks her nose somewhat nervously.
“I don’t really have access to electronics. There is a man who plays a violin downtown a lot that I like? I’d rather not talk about going to the movies...”
She seems to be getting more nervous, on the verge of withdrawing, so you reach out and let her envelop your much smaller hand in hers. She leans forward, letting you draw her hand towards you, and nervously stirs your coffee with her claw. It looks like a teacup instead of a big mug when she does...
Her pawpads are thick and rough, but the skin between them is very hot and soft. You can feel sweat forming on your own palm and she squeezes your hand lightly, careful and delicate.
“So, uh,” You say, somewhat more nervous yourself. The App told you that you can’t entirely write off this date as lazy hunting, and now she’s got both your hands, although you could pretty easily withdraw if you wanted to.
You swallow.
“What are you hoping to find with the App? You started off by asking if this was just a hookup, or if I wanted to hang out. What’s your best-case outcome?”
She licks her nose again, turning her head slightly to the side and rubbing the back of your hand with her thumb. You slide the hand held in the tail closer to your lap so you can still rub on your phone, and she doesn’t seem to notice.
“I don’t really have an opportunity to interact with people in an equal, honest way,” She says. “So I don’t really know what to expect. I uh, obviously am a living creature with certain feelings too,” she says, “and uh, you know, with food is kinda...” her throat is extremely flush. Is she blushing? “you know, scummy, so...” She coughs and squeezes your hand in hers, playing with your fingers nervously.
“But yeah, you know? Just like. meeting people that I can talk to and stuff. W-what are you looking for?” She asks, still flush and nervous.
