Freddie tried not to lie, but for some reason, he wanted the human to think he could do anything. Maybe to make dragon-shifters look brilliant or something.
So he said, "Well, we're each in different areas. So I'm not sure."
Keith studied him a second. "I don't think that's the full truth, but I'll help impress your friend. There's something special about being the first dragon they ever see close up."
Keith wasn't quite a full-grown dragon yet, but Freddie wasn't going to risk making him mad. "I'll be right back."
Freddie jogged toward the wall again, grateful no one else stopped him. If it'd been later, during the evening, then the landing area would've been really busy.
He reached Daisy and motioned. "Come on. We need to be quick, before someone catches us."
She nodded silently. It was weird for her to be quiet.
His dragon snorted.I thought you wanted her to stop talking.
Some, but not completely. If she doesn't talk, then I can't tease her. And teasing is fun.
Ignoring his dragon's laughter, he ran back down along the wall and heard Daisy behind him.
He was happy that Keith was in his dragon form already. According to his teacher, humans were embarrassed about being naked for some reason, and he didn't want Daisy shrieking and drawing attention.
Once he reached Keith, he glanced to see Daisy a few feet away, staring up with wide eyes and her mouth open. Great. At this rate, someone would figure out she was human and call the teachers.
Freddie rushed over and gently pushed her toward Keith's dragon form. He whispered, "Pretend as if you see this every day. Standing still and looking like an idiot with your mouth hanging open will give you away."
His words must've cut through because she stuck out her tongue. "Only because I'm trying to be nice to you right now am I not going to tell you what I really think."
"Fine, whatever. Are you going to touch the dragon, or not?"
She looked up again. "May I?"
The blue dragon bobbed his head, and lowered it until it was right in front of them. Daisy put out a hand and rubbed the snout.
It was then he noticed tears falling down her cheeks. "Hey, why are you crying?"
"I'm just so happy. I've dreamed for so long to touch a dragon, and finally, finally, here I am, doing that. Thank you, Mr. or Ms. Blue Dragon. I will never forget this."
Freddie wondered if all humans were so emotional.
His dragon sighed.Just tell her some details about Keith. It'll make her day even better.
Only because I want her to stop crying.
Freddie cleared his throat and motioned toward the dragon. "This is Keith, and he's fifteen years old. In a few years, he'll be even bigger."
Daisy gasped. "Even bigger? How big? Maybe as tall as Big Ben? Or that big tower in France? Or, even a really tall mountain?"
Keith did the equivalent of a dragon chuckle, which was sort of between a roar and a cough.
And to her credit, Daisy didn't stop petting the dragon.
For a human, she was quite brave. Chatty, and a little annoying, but brave.
His dragon added,And fun, even for a girl. I hope she gets to come back some day.
Freddie answered Daisy's questions. "No, not quite that tall. But maybe you and me stacked together, that much taller."
Daisy's eyes widened further. "You're a very handsome dragon. And thank you so much for letting me pet you."