Ashera offered the cashier a friendly polite smile. She honestly preferred it when the humans were upfront with whether or not they liked those like herself and Asa rather than the fake smiles and pretending that they liked them when they really can't stand them.
The cashier ignored her, finishing with the purchase.
"Have a nice day," they practically spat, handing Ashera the bag. Asa backed up slightly, hiding behind Ashera. These were the kind of people who wouldn't hesitate from killing her.
Ashera took the bag with a nod of acknowledgement, letting the human’s attitude roll off her like water on a duck's back. She had grown used to that sort of treatment… of course, that didn't mean she liked it. ”Come on, Asa.” she encouraged sweetly. She had noticed how the Dragon reacted to the human and wanted to comfort her but figured leaving the store would help more at the moment.
Asa followed closely, mood ruined by the human. Unlike Ashera, she couldn't just let it go. If she did, she might get careless, and if she got careless, she would get herself killed.
As they headed home, Ashera stopped at a nearby park and sat down on one of the benches. She set down her package and shopping bag next to her, before picking up Asa into a hug. ”It’s alright, sweetie. I won't let them hurt you.” she promised softly as she pet Asa’s head.
Asa looked up at Ashera, giving her a small smile and leaning into her. Still, she felt a little sad. She doubted Ashera would be saying that if she knew what Asa really was.
Ashera sighed at the sad look in Asa's eyes. She hated seeing her friend look like that. She hugged the Dragon closer to herself. ”I’ll always take care of you as long as you stay with me. Our community has to stick together.”
Asa nodded, snuggling into Ashera. God, she hated humans. She let out a small chirp, closing her eyes for a moment before opening them again. She rested her head on Ashera's shoulder.
Ashera smiled softly at the chirp and nuzzled against her neck. ”Did you have a bad human owner before?” she asked softly.
Asa hesitated, then nodded. Yes, she had. They had ignored all of her attempts at communication, and had treated her like a dumb, senseless animal. One they would punish if she did something they didn't like. She shivered slightly, moving closer to Ashera.
Ashera held Asa closely. ”You poor darling.” she murmured as she felt the Dragon shiver. ”I don't know what they did to you, but I swear I will never treat you badly. Whatever you went through you didn't deserve it.”
Asa moved her head slightly, resting the top of her snout under Ashera's chin. She managed to let out a little purr. She knew that. She treated Asa well, and was so accommodating of her. She knew that someday she would be able to speak without fear, and when that day came she'd get her freedom. She had a feeling she wanted to stay with Ashera after that happens.
Ashera was able to smile a little at the, hopefully, happier sound and continued to pet down Asa’s back, occasionally giving a little extra attention to the spot between her wings. She sighed softly, ”Feeling better, sweetie?”
Asa nodded, back arching into Ashera's have whenever she scratched between her wings. She let out a soft chirp. Ashera made her feel so safe, it was amazing. There was something different about her. Something that none of her past owners had been. She understood Asa, and what she was going through.
She was like Asa, and not just because she wasn't human.
”Glad to hear it. I hate seeing you upset.” Ashera smiled, placing a small kiss on Asa’s forehead. ”Ready to go home? I think we spent enough time in the human world.”
Asa smiled at the kiss, nodding. She wanted to go back home, where it was easier to forget the world, humans and all.
The Fae girl smiled brighter and stood up, still holding Asa. She was more than capable of using her magic to carry her bags to the house, though she may have a little headache later. But it didn't matter. She wanted Asa to be happy and safe, and if the humans disrupted that then Ashera would protect her friend.
Asa snuggled into Ashera again, humming softly. She waited her tail around the other, effectively supporting herself against Ashera. She smiled, resting her head on Ashera's shoulder again.
Ashera giggled lightly at the sweet gesture and continued to head home. It had been a surprisingly long day all things considered. But she was glad for the time she got to spend with Asa.
Asa let out a little yawn, trying to stifle it. It really had been a long day, but it had been worth it. A little nap would be nice, though. She smiled lazily.
Ashera smiled, feeling Asa relax a bit in her arms and continued to walk home. They were honestly halfway there already so it wouldn't take much longer. The thought of their home made Ashera’s smile a little brighter. It had always been a safe place for her and now it would be safe for Asa as well.
Asa snuggled into Ashera, feeling sleepy. She really did love the idea of going home. No nasty humans. She cooed softly in happiness.
Ashera hummed at the sweet sound Asa made, walking just a little bit faster than normal but not so much that anyone could really tell. It didn't take much longer before the house was visible. ”We’re almost there, Asa.” she informed her happily.
Asa moved her head so it was resting on Ashera's collarbone, opening one eye to look. They were almost home. Asa was a bit surprised at herself for thinking of the place as home already; it usually took her longer to adjust to new lives. But this… this was different. It really did already feel like home.
Ashera practically skipped up the steps to the patio and retraced the rune under the lock in reverse. She shifted her hold on Asa a little bit so she could open the door. Once inside, she set the shopping bag and package on the coffee table and let herself relax, so happy to be in a familiar setting.