Banji, John and Garnet soon reached a local pizza place.  It was clearly a bit more creative than most traditional places, with a higher level of seafood toppings than was common.  But it did all look good, as long as you liked seafood.

"Interesting," Garnet said.

"Smells goooood..." said Banji.  "What meat do you like best, Garnet?"

"Hmm. On pizza or in general? I Guess teak overall, but on pizza it's pepperoni," Garnet said.

"Not interested in the specialties of the house?" John asked.  "But that's cool.  Pepperoni is fine with me."

"...Meat," Banji repeated.  "And pizza.  Both good."

"Shrimp is good, I haven't tried anything else on pizza before," Garnet said.

"Why don't we keep it simple this time?" said John, walking up to the counter.  "If you like pepperoni, we'll split a pepperoni pizza.  I like it too; I know Banji will."

"Yes!" said Banji, brightly.  She did not technically have a tail to wag, but she nevertheless gave that impression.

"Sure. That sounds good," Garnet said.

John ordered pizza, soda and breadsticks; it wasn't long before they had food.  Banji made a point of waiting until the other two started eating, but looked at both of them, radiating hungry eagerness.

"You don't need our permission to start or anything," Garnet said.

Banji still looked uncertain; her eyes shifted to John for approval.

"Go ahead," he said, and took a bite of his own food to encourage her.

Banji could eat a lot.

"Wow," Garnet said as she ate.

"Been hungry," said Banji.

"...I guess that's what happens when you're feral, without a solid pack," said John.  "Glad we can fill you up a bit."

"Do you have somewhere to stay?" Garnet asked.

"Oh, sure," said Banji.  "Good spot behind some buildings.  No wind, out of the rain, even got a place to tuck my books."

"Is that good enough?" Garnet asked.

"I'm fine," Banji insisted.  "As long as I can keep it, I don't get too wet when it rains."

John looked uncomfortable.

"I could try convincing my dad to let you stay at our place," Garnet said.

"...Inside?" Banji asked, her eyes wide.  "Really?"

"I can't promise it'll work, but I'll try," Garnet said.

"Thanks," said John.  "I'd bring her to my place, but with my family, that... wouldn't work.  For a lot of reasons."

"Sure, it's not a problem," Garnet said.

Banji jumped over to Garnet's side.

"Thank you!" she said, and she licked Garnet's cheek.

"Ack!" Garnet said. "That was...unexpected."

John stifled a laugh.

"She's just showing how much she appreciates you," he said.  "Banji, that's not something to do in human shape in public."

"It's okay, you're still getting used to it, but next time, a hug will do," Garnet said.

"Hugs.  Yes.  Will hug," said Banji.

"I just remember that my dad will be out of town for business for a week, so that skips having to ask for a bit," Garnet said. "Just one thing: I am a dragon and, um, please don't touch my hoard."

"...Okay," said Banji.  "What is your hoard?"

"it's the pile of plushies in my room," Garnet said, blushing.

Banji nodded seriously.

"Do not touch plush," she said.  "Also bed?"

"My bed is open. I like sleeping on the plush pile," Garnet said, blushing harder.

Banji nodded.

"Don't touch horde. Understand.  Other rules?"

"Have you been in a house before?" Garnet asked.

"...Some," said Banji.

"Not for long," she added, sadly.

"Don't worry, we'll figure something out," Garnet said.

",,,thank you," said Banji.  "It's complicated, also being people."

"Don't worry, we'll help you out," Garnet said.

Banji nodded her thanks.

"That's really good of you," John said.

Garnet blushed.

"It's nothing."

"You should kiss her," said Banji.  "Should I kiss her, too?"

"Eh? Well, I don't mind...," Garnet said.

Banji abruptly kissed her on the mouth quite fiercely.

Garnet's eyes went wide and she was frozen with shock. She hadn't been intending something that intense.

Banji immediately pulled back and looked between Garnet and John.

"...was that all right?" she asked.

"Y-yeah," Garnet squeaked out.

"Good!" said Banji, but she paused and looked at Garnet cautiously.

"Maybe a little more gently, next time?" John suggested.  Banji looked chastened.

"It just surprised me," Garnet said. "That's all."

"Okay!" said Banji.  "I'll tell you first, next time!"

"Okay, good, glad that worked out," Garnet said.

"Good," said John.  "So... what did you want to do next, Garnet?"

"I don't know, my heads kinda swimming at the moment," Garnet said.

"Should I kiss him next?" Banji asked, eagerly.