Page 69 of Teaching the Kot'oll Coach

I don’t have anything worthwhile to steal or rob, but maybe those beings aren’t smart enough to see that.

Um... Maybe I should...

Logically, even though there are areas that aren’t as nicely maintained, it’s not that dangerous within the city. But...

Something touches my shoulder. I jump back and kick at them. I’m not dying in this stupid place and.

“Whoa!” Telke hops back and ducks to the side, lifting two paper bags high into the sky so I can’t accidentally destroy them. “It’s me!”

“Oh, shit... I’m sorry.” I take my leg back. “I thought something dangerous was around.”

“Okay... Is it this scary to be out here? I know we aren’t in the city center, but it’s not that bad.”

“Maybe they should fix the streetlamp and it will look better.”

He looks around with a frown, probably thinking I’m crazy. “Maybe. Let’s get going then.”

I hold his hand before I give it any thought. I need to hold something to steady myself but at the same time...

His big hand feels safe, but I don’t want to give him the wrong signal.

The signal that... Maybe I kind of like him...

He gently squeezes my hand with a wide grin. “You can feel safe with me. Even after holding the tacos and your hand, I still have two more hands to punch bad beings.”

I snort a laugh. He does have a way to make me happy. “I mean, who’s dumb enough to come attacking a big kot’oll anyway.”

“Right.” He flexes one of his arms. “Maybe that’s why I’m not too worried about this place. But it’s okay, I’ll hold you close.”

I want him to hold me close too... Even though... I may not be good for him.

We are back in the spaceship. He puts the paper bags on the dashboard and peeks into one of them. “Look at this cute little thing.”

I grab his hand before he reaches into the bag.

He stares at me with questions in his eyes.

I ask, “Are you planning to eat here?”

“Yes? Now we have a spot... Oh, I see.” He wraps up the paper bag and starts the spaceship. “Let’s go somewhere instead of being on the street.”

I let out a breath. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to look like a crazy one.”

“It’s okay. I’m happy wherever... I am.”

Hm...?

The spaceship takes off and gets up to the sky again. This is better than in the parking lot, even though it is probably safe there too. At least there won’t be beings coming out of nowhere trying to rob me.

He chuckles, seemingly sensing the tension in me. “The drawer to my side, the second one. I have two laser guns.”

I let out a breath. “Okay, that sounds better. But you have four hands, so...”

“I can drive with two hands and shoot at bad beings with the other two.”

I snort a laugh. “Somehow, that seems to make sense.”

“Our planet is pretty good. I heard there are crazy bandit attacks somewhere.”

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