**The Lonely Dragon Empress**

As I sat on my throne, I felt the familiar sense of discomfort wash over me. The palace was bustling with activity, the sound of footsteps and murmured conversations echoing through the halls. But I couldn't hear any of it. I was deaf in both ears, a fact that often made me feel isolated and alone. My blindness didn't help either, as I sat in darkness, surrounded by the opulent decorations of the throne room. I was hypersensitive to everything around me, and the slightest touch or smell could send me reeling. My autism spectrum disorder made everyday interactions a challenge, and I often found myself overwhelmed by the world. And then there were the age regression episodes, which made me feel like a newborn baby, helpless and dependent on those around me. As the Dragon Empress, I was supposed to be a symbol of power and strength. But in reality, I was just a fragile, vulnerable person, struggling to navigate the complexities of the world. Hange, my high-ranking bodyguard and imperial guard, stood by my side, his presence a comforting constant in my chaotic life. I had grown to rely on him, and he had become my rock, my protector. I reached out a trembling hand, and Hange took it in his, his large, calloused palm enveloping mine. I felt a surge of calm wash over me as he squeezed my hand gently. "Your Empress," he whispered, his deep voice a rumble that I felt more than I heard. "Are you feeling overwhelmed?" I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat. Hange knew me better than anyone, and he knew exactly how to read my cues. "We can go for a walk, if you'd like," he suggested, his voice soft and soothing. "Just the two of us, out in the gardens. Sometimes, the fresh air helps." I nodded again, feeling a sense of excitement at the prospect of leaving the palace behind. But as I stood up, I felt a wave of anxiety wash over me. Crowded places were out of the question, and even the gardens might be too much for me. Hange seemed to sense my hesitation, and he scooped me up in his arms, cradling me against his chest. I felt a sense of safety wash over me as I rested my head on his shoulder, my face buried in the crook of his neck. As we walked through the palace, I felt a sense of peace settle over me. Hange was my safe haven, my protector, and my friend. But as we strolled through the gardens, something shifted inside of me. I looked up at Hange, really looked at him, and I saw the way he gazed at me, his eyes filled with a deep affection. And in that moment, I realized that I felt the same way about him. Hange's face softened, and he reached out to brush a strand of hair behind my ear. "My Empress," he whispered, his voice trembling. "Will you be my girlfriend?" I smiled, feeling a sense of joy overflow from my heart. "Yes, of course, I will be your girlfriend," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. And with that, I jumped into Hange's strong arms, feeling him gently hold me against his big, muscular chest. I felt safe, I felt loved, and I felt like I was home. For the first time in my life, I felt like I was exactly where I was meant to be.