It's mid afternoon at the small town of Leon, and at Diana's house, Diana is sitting at the dining room table, having a smoke.

She appeared to be trembling a bit, as she was thinking about her missing son, Brandon.

Diana raised her hand to her mouth, ready to smoke the cigarette. A very nervous habit of hers.

She pulled the cigarette out of her mouth softly and let out a puff of smoke. She let out a long drawn out sigh.

Diana looked out the window, at the streets, she sees a couple of kids who are boys, playing basketball on their driveway. Diana's lip quivered as looking at them reminds her of Brandon.

Diana looked away from the window and dipped her head low, while still sitting in her chair. She felt a tear coming down her face. She wiped it away with her arm.

Brandon....Where did you go?

You have been gone for the past few days and you never came back.

I already went to the sheriff's office so he would file the report and put out an APB for you. He even believes you're with Jessie Dobbins.

Well if you're with her, where did you two go?

Diana let out a sigh again, and started tapping her fingers on the table. Brandon...I'm sorry.

I know why you didn't want to talk to Gerry at all. Because he has hurt you and he has hurt me.

Diana put the cigarette to her mouth again and let out another puff of smoke.

Brandon, I know that he has hurt you and I know that I've lost you because of him.

I can see why you ran away from home, and all I did was defend him.

Gerry still hasn't thought about helping the police find you. Ever since you left, he has been saying that he hopes you die in a gutter. Calling you a punk ass kid.

But Gerry's wrong about you. You're not a punk.

I'm starting to see why you ran away from home now, Brandon. And I'm starting to think that...He never cared about us.

Honestly the only reason why I put up Gerry's anger and the only reason why I didn't want to leave him and wanted to stay with him....Is because I wanted to help him from his drinking problem and I loved him.

I thought the drinking was the reason why he was so angry all the time. I just...Wanted to help him through his problem.

But now...After he slapped me the other day, and how afraid I was. And how he still doesn't want to see you anymore. I can finally see the truth.

I've been in denial from what you've said to me Brandon. And you ran away from home, all alone...Because of me. Because of him.

You wanted to leave with me and I turned you down. The last thing I've said to you that afternoon was, it's my fault that he's so angry. That the reason why he hits me, because I keep making him angry.

He has hit you in front of me more than once and I've always defended him.

I've been defending him for two years and he still hasn't tried to change.

I think you running away from home has finally made me open my eyes.

For the first time since we've been with Gerry, you running away has made me see it.

For the very first time, I can see what you've been trying to tell me.

I'm so sorry, Brandon. This is all my fault.

Gerry has been very violent to me and for some reason lately...Now I keep thinking that...He'll kill me.

For days before you ran off with Jessie, he has been more aggressive. He hasn't been getting any better.

I was blinded by my feelings towards him and it cost me you.

Brandon...I hope you come back to me.

I think...Maybe I should leave him.

If the way he's being will get me killed, then I have to leave him.

My life is important and so is my family.

I see the truth and I have to leave him.

Diana put her cigarette to her mouth once more, letting out a puff of smoke, and flicked her finger on the butt of the cigarette.

But....I feel like I can't leave him.

I see the truth you're telling me and I also feel I can't leave him.

But I have to, he won't change.

But...Why can't I?

Diana heard something vibrating, so she put the cigarette out and went up from the chair to go to the counter in the kitchen. Gerry's phone's vibrating. Somebody's calling him.

Diana picked up the phone, since he's in the living room right now and she wants to hand it over to him. She looked at the caller ID and it said: Ida

She frowned at the phone, she doesn't know who that is, and she answered it. Placing the phone near her ear, she didn't say anything. Since she's having a weird feeling about it now.

A woman's voice who sounds very husky said, "Hello? Hello? Gerry, are you there? Or did you pass out while you were answering the phone?" She laughed and said, "Look honey, I'm ready for another quick night with you, so are you there? At least leave the broad that you're with."

Diana gasped as realization hit her. He's...Having an affair.

He's having an affair behind my back.

Diana continued to listen to the woman's voice, "Gerry, wake up asshole! ....You know what? Screw it, I'll call later, but if you can hear me, meet me at my house tonight. Don't tell your bitch anything, after all, I am better than her. But I still think you should leave her, you do keep saying she's not worth it." Then Diana hung up the phone, didn't want to hear anymore. She heard enough.

Diana was about to break down in tears, as the revelation got to her so much.

I can't believe it.

I gave him everything. I gave him a home, I fed him with the food that I pay.

And he goes and does this behind my back!

Brandon is right about him, he never did care about us!

He even told her that I wasn't worth it.

I....I...I....I can't take it anymore.

I won't stand by for this.

I won't be with someone who lies to me and...Never loved me at all.

Who does he think he is? Does he think he can just cheat on me and get away with it?

I let him beat me and I gave him so many breaks for that.

But I won't let him get a break from this.

I'm done! I'm done being with him.

Diana heard Gerry laughing in the living room. She held an angry look. I'm going to march in the living room and tell him to leave me.

Diana with a newfound determination, walked fast to the living room and saw that he's sitting in the living room chair, watching some sort of sitcom. Gerry laughed again as he saw another funny part of the show.

Diana placed both hands to her hips and said in a stern voice, "Gerry, we need to talk."

Gerry waved her off, not looking at her, "Can't you see I'm watching my favorite show?"

But Diana wasn't having it, she strode to the TV and pressed the off switch. The TV going black. Gerry shot up from the chair and shouted at her, while having a glare on his face, "What the hell, bitch? I told you I was watching that."

Diana was now glaring at him and she asked, "Gerry....Did you love me?"

Gerry gave her a mock expression, "Uh...What?"

She asked again, more sternly this time, "Did you love me or not?"

Gerry nodded, softening his look a bit, "Of course I do." He frowned at her after that, "Why? What's with the question?"

Diana didn't believe him at all and said, "Who's Ida?"

He didn't seem fazed by her question and asked with a question, "Who?"

Diana still had his phone in her hand and tossed it to him. Gerry caught and held it in his hands, he was still pretty puzzled. She said while he was looking at his phone, "Your mistress called and she said she was, 'waiting for another quick night with you'." She crossed her arms, "Who's Ida, Gerry?"

Gerry widened his eyes at this and he shook his head, he denied, "I don't know who that is."

Diana said, "She knew your name and her name was on your phone. I know you two know each other."

Gerry's expression began to change from shock to anger. He said, "I think you better watch where you're going with this."

Diana let out a sigh, "Gerry....I thought you loved me, I thought you loved me for two years, but I see now that you haven't." She pointed to the front door, "I want you to leave."

Gerry shook his head, anger in his voice, "You don't mean that."

Diana nodded, while she was close to breaking down, "Yes I do." She let out a breath, "Gerry, I stayed with you because I thought that we had some kind of connection. That maybe I thought that I'd help you with your problem. I thought that it was my fault that I was always making you angry."

She narrowed her eyes as a few of her tears fell down, "But now I see that I've lost the most important person in the world and it's Brandon. I understand why he'd run away, what he has been telling me."

Gerry snarled and knocked a lamp over, it shattered when it collided with the hardwood floor, "Your son is a punk and I hate him for the way he talks about me."

She screamed, "Then he was right about you, you never cared about us!" Her body shook after she screamed, "I have been in denial about you, about how you treated us, I thought it really was my fault. But it wasn't. I tried to get you some help, but you haven't tried to get help for two years. Two years Gerry and I've wasted all my time helping you! And all you've done was cheat on me!!"

Gerry finally admitted it by sneering this, while pointing at her, "At least Ida, always met my needs! At least she's not worthless like YOU!"

"Don't you care about me at all?! How long have you been with her?!"

That time he threw a beer can across the floor, the beer spilling all over. He turned to Diana and shouted, "None of your fucking business!!"

Diana tears came down in full force and she pointed at the door again and screamed, "Get out! Get out and never come back. I've lost Brandon, because I defended you and it cost me him! He could be dead out there!"

Gerry said while he balled up his fists, "Well he's worthless just like you. Both of you are exactly alike."

Then Diana went up to him and shoved his chest hard, "Get out! Get out! Or I'll call the police and tell them what you did to me! And this time, you'll go to JAIL!"

Gerry finally snapped and hit her cheek with a clenched fist. She fell to the floor with a thud and she started crying in sobs.

Gerry bent down to her and said with so much hatred in his voice, "You know....I always knew you were worthless. You didn't meet my needs, you were just a broad that I was with."

Diana looked at him and said with a sob, "At least I don't lie to someone that I love. You did this to yourself."

Gerry just glared down at her and said this, "Goodbye bitch. And I hope that your son is dead, and I hope you go kill yourself too, you worthless whore." Gerry started walking out of the living, heading upstairs to pack up his suitcase.

Diana was still lying on the floor for a long time, still breaking down in tears. Finally Gerry went out through the front door, opened it, went through it, and left. Slamming the door shut.

Diana looked and saw that he was finally gone. She started to push herself off the floor and got up on her feet. She finally stopped sobbing and then she reached up to her cheek. Feeling that it still hurts.

Diana let out a calm sigh. He's gone.

For the very first time, he's gone.

I should've done this a long time ago.

And he won't get away with this.

I'm calling the cops on him, I won't lie for him anymore.

He never loved me and I've lost my son because of him.

He hit me again just now and I won't let him get away with this.

I'm putting an end to this right now.

Diana found her cellphone on a small table near the couch, picked it up and dialed 911. She placed it near her ear and the operator answered, "911, what's your emergency?"

Diana took a deep breath and let it out. Then Diana said with calm nerves, "Operator, give me the police. I need to report abuse in my household."

*****

I'm walking beside Sebastian as the others are right behind us. All of us walking on the streets of the dragon city in slow relaxed strides. The sun starting to set up in the sky, about to be replaced by the night sky.

I looked over my shoulder and looked at the others, especially Rain, still walking behind us.

I smiled at them. Boy, Sebastian was really surprised by all the company that I've brought with me to his house.

After about an hour after Wayne and Rain introduced me to Joanna. I thought I'd introduce my friends to Sebastian.

So I had Wayne and Rain first, then later, I found Cody, Amanda, and Neal together and asked them if they wanted to meet him and they said sure.

I even tried to look for Jessie, see if she'll meet Sebastian. But I haven't found her.

Actually come to think of it, I haven't seen her all day, I wonder where is that girl?

Oh well, at least a few friends that I have will be enough company for the old bronze dragon. I'm sure Jessie will meet him some other time.

After I gathered everyone, we all went to his house and Sebastian after he answered his door, was really surprised by everyone showing up. I can see it on his face.

Sebastian laughed a bit and he actually gave me a big hug for it. That old man really didn't have company a lot these days.

So after that, we all chatted for a long time, Wayne and the others telling the old dragon about their lives. He even talked to them about his life.

Then Sebastian came up with the idea that all of us should go to the Drake's Tooth to have a drink.

Honestly Wayne and everyone else, didn't deny the invitation and since then, we're all on our way to the tavern now.

Geez, Jessie, you're about to miss all the fun. Where were you today?

Oh well, there will be other times, I'm sure.

Sebastian said this while he strutted beside me on the street, "You really will love this place, human." Sebastian looked down at me, "Of course, I don't really drink with humans a lot, but hey it's always the first time for everything with me."

I shrugged and said while Rain managed to catch up and strode beside me, "Well I'm sure the drinks in there will taste good." I shrugged again, "I guess." I looked up at Rain, "So have you ever been there before?"

Rain shook her head, "No, honestly I'm not really a big drinker. Compared to the other dragons who do."

Neal said while he's behind us, "Well I used to go there when I was younger." Then he grinned,  "And boy, oh boy, talk about memories from that place."

Cody held up his head and said with pride, "I went there only once! And it was for celebrating that I finally got big and strong just like Neal here." Then he added, "I don't really go there a lot though."

Amanda asked as she walked by him, "How are the drinks? Are the drinks there any good?"

Neal shrugged his wings and looked down at her, "Well I don't know how humans would like the drinks. But for dragons, they taste really well with us."

Amanda shot a glare at him and said, "Well if you don't share one drink with me, I'm going to kick your eggs."

Rain laughed and looked back over her shoulder as she walked, "You might be kicking him in the eggs anyway, I can imagine when he gets so drunk, he'll start howling to the ceiling and start singing real loud. I'd also think it might get annoying."

Neal shot a narrowed look at her, "Rain! Don't tell Amanda that!" He looked down at Amanda again, "Amanda, I won't annoy you when I'm drunk."

Amanda rolled her eyes, "We'll see, big red dude."

Cody smiled down at her, "I'll put at it this way for you Amanda, I probably wouldn't drink a lot. So I won't be an annoying drunk dragon."

Amanda smirked at him, "Oh we'll see how I'll feel about you, cause if you annoy me, or perhaps grope me, I'll kick your eggs."

Neal turned to him, "Yeah, for all we know, you might be even more of a drunk ass than me."

Wayne laughed and patted Cody's shoulder, "Might want to watch out there, buddy. Amanda might fall through with her threat."

Cody twisted his neck in a shape of an s, as he looked down at Wayne, "Hey Wayne, now that I think about it, what would happen if a female dragon starts getting drunk?" He gave him a big devious grin, "I bet, she'd start chasing you around by imagining that you're a drake to her."

Wayne frowned, "Wouldn't I be small to be a drake to her?"

Cody shrugged, "I don't know. But a dragon's imagination can go wild when it's drunk enough." He let out a laugh, "Ha! I remember when me and Eleanor went there and we were drunk so much, we thought that me and her were back at home." He even laughed a bit hard when he said this, "I even mounted her and we mated in the tavern!"

I laughed, blushing just a bit after hearing that and so did Wayne. Amanda however was shooting a glare at him and she sneered, "Cody! That's disgusting! How could you two just do...THAT in a public place?!"

Sebastian tossed back his head and let out an old hearty laugh. He looked back at Cody over his shoulder, "I bet everyone had a show to watch."

Amanda was shooting a glare at Sebastian that time, "Old man, don't encourage the horny green dragon!"

Cody laughed and said, "I'm not horny!" Then he glanced shyly away, "Well...Not all the time."

Amanda shouted in irritation, "CODY!!"

Cody looked down at her, "Aw, give me a break Amanda! I love my mate and...Wouldn't you love to mate with someone you love wherever you go?"

Neal looked down at her, just grinning mischievously and Amanda was glaring at him now. Neal asked with that grin, "What? I would."

Amanda crossed her arms and let out a huff, "Pig."

Neal lowered his head to her level and nudged her with his nose. Amanda started petting his nose after that, her now smiling, "Oh, I shouldn't call you a pig big guy. You're not a pig all the time, you are still a very sweet guy."

Neal said, "Thanks, at least you won't kick me in the eggs now."

Amanda wiggled her finger in front of his eyes, "Don't do anything inappropriate when you're drunk and I won't."

Neal beamed and closed his eyes, "Deal! And I promise, I won't do anything inappropriate when I'm drunk!" He raised his head after that.

Amanda then looked up at him and said with a narrowed gaze, "And don't make promises you can't keep!"

Neal laughed while he looked ahead, "That's another deal!" All of us burst out laughing after that.

All of us walked, until we could see the tavern up ahead. A big wooden sign over the big double doors big enough for a dragon to fit through. They said in big golden letters: The Drake's Tooth

I frowned at the name of the tavern, "Sebastian, tell me why did they call this place that again?"

Sebastian said, "Because the drake who built this place years ago fell to the floor when he was drunk. And as a result, he hit his snout to the floor so hard, his tooth fell out. Which is why he called this place, the Drake's Tooth!"

I laughed and looked up at him, "Okay, make sense now."

Sebastian said to the others including Rain, "Well everyone, ready to get drunk with this old drake?"

Cody tossed up his head and said, "I'm ready!" Then Amanda let out a grrr and he heard her and curled his tail around his private area protectively.

I giggled a bit after seeing that. He'd better watch out for Amanda's leg when he's drunk. The end result won't be pretty on his end.

Rain entered the tavern first, "Come on, lets go." I followed in there after her, pushing the big doors with her. As we entered, I saw that this place is pretty much like a typical human tavern, but only this place is for dragons. The ceiling high enough for the dragons to stand up straight without hitting the ceiling at all.

A bar at one end of the building is there and I could see a big yellow male dragon behind it. Probably a waiter.

Several round tables filled the whole building and there aren't a lot of dragons here tonight. A few males and also two dragons who are both male and female, perhaps a couple.

I saw that Rain lowered her head to my level and asked, "Pretty weird for you, huh?"

I looked at her and nodded, "Weird indeed. When I came to the city, I never knew that dragons drink."

Rain shrugged her wings and shoulders, "Hey, we eat and drink like you humans do." Then she looked up at the ceiling and had put some thought into it, "Well I never seen a human drink before, so this'll be a first for me."

I shrugged my arms as the other came strolling past us, "I never drinked any alcohol before, so THAT'LL be a first for me too."

Sebastian turned his body after he went past us and said, "Come on, human. Time to get drunk with this old drake!"

Me and Rain laughed and I hollered back, "I'm ready big dude!"

*****

All of us are having a great time of our lives. Well...Sorta.

Me, Wayne and Amanda were having a bit of a hard time swallowing some of their alcohol down our throats.

Some of the stuff tasted a bit nasty! But there were some drinks that we've actually liked.

I spitted out one drink and pretty much asked Neal what the hell's in that stuff. But all he replied to me was in dragon tongue. Cody explained it's hard to call it in human tongue. But apparently Rain and the dragons who're with us, like those drinks that we humans don't like.

Oh well, at least we humans have drinked something that we like. And me, Amanda, and Wayne are getting drunk now. Well...Just a little drunk. Not TOO drunk.

We've been in the tavern for quite a long time and Rain and the other dragons have gulped down their drinks a lot! Even Sebastian, for being old, he's one big drinker! I saw him pick up a big mug that's big enough for a dragon's paw and raised it to his snout. The alcohol poured down his throat and he gulped it all down.

My eyes went wide at that. Good god, old man!

How much does a dragon need to drink to get drunk?

Well it didn't take long to answer that question, because I saw that Neal and Cody were leaning into each other, trying not to fall over, their speeches a little slurred. Oh boy, my dragon friends are drunk now!

Amanda was being pushed over to the side by Neal's big body, she caught herself by grabbing the table and she slugged his leg, "Neal! Control your drinking!"

Neal laughed and he turned to look down at her, "Well if I'm drunk, then you're drunk too!"

Amanda gave him a glare, "I'm just drunk a little. I'm kinda feeling hot."

Neal lowered his head to her level and snickered. She put both hands to her hips, "What?"

Neal pressed his nose to her chest, "You do look hot, baby. Maybe I can fix that."

I was little drunk myself and I gulped down in laughter. I exclaimed, "What are you gonna do with her?"

Neal answered while still pressing his nose into her chest, "I'll think of something." He stuck his tongue out of his mouth and gave her chest a lick.

Amanda pushed his nose roughly away and screamed, "Neal, knock it off!" She slapped his sensitive nose hard. He yelped and raised his head in defense.

Amanda snarled in anger at him, "And next time, my foot will go to your eggs!"

I laughed again and said to him, "Yeah, she's your best friend, not your girlfriend!"

Neal grinned big at me, "Actually my little friend, me and Amanda are mat-" Then he cried out in pain as Amanda's foot hit the spot between his legs. Neal fell to the floor and curled around, clutching his privates. He let out a long painful whimper.

All of us laughed, even Sebastian who just couldn't gulp down another drink while he was laughing. The alcohol sprayed all over the big round table.

Amanda laughed as she went to his head, while he shut his eyes in pain. Amanda asked with care, and stroked his scaled forehead, "Are you okay?"

Neal cried out in a squeak, "Arrg, my eggs! You kicked my....Precious eggs!"

Rain tossed up her head and laughed, "Well don't piss her off next time." Then she thrashed her tail and it accidentally smashed another table that's behind her. She giggled in guilt after she looked back at the damage she caused, "Oops."

I pointed at her, "She did it!" Then Rain slapped my butt with her paw and I yelped in surprise. I was rubbing my butt and I glared at her, "What was that for?!"

Rain shot at me with a grin, "Tattle tale!"

I gave her an apologetic look, "I was kidding!"

She lowered her head to my level and said, "Well I wasn't, tattle tale."

I shouted at her, "Quit calling me tattle tale!" Then I raised my hand to slap her nose and she cried out. She raised her head and clutched her nose with her paw.

She whined, "Curses human, that hurt!"

Wayne laughed at that and Rain removed the paw off her nose and shot a glare at him, "You be quiet, Wayne!"

Wayne said with a giggle, "Hey, it's like I said to Sierra before. You slap me, I slap you back."

Rain just sat there pouting, "That's a stupid rule!"

Neal still groaned as he got up off the floor, he curled his tail him, "Yeah. I just got kicked in the eggs!"

Amanda crossed her arms, "Only because you were being inappropriate in public!"

Neal gave her a sad look, "Give me a break. I was just playing around!"

Amanda sneered a bit while giggling, "Well I wasn't in the mood for playing around!"

Cody said in his slurred speech, "She did warn you to behave yourself, pal."

Neal growled at him while pouting, "Shut up, you little green runt."

Cody hissed at Neal, "I'm not LITTLE!"

Sebastian held out both paws as he still sat on his haunches, "Alright, calm down boys. We have a show in here." He pointed a claw at a nearby table.

All of us followed his gaze and my eyes went wide at what I saw. I even blushed hard at that.

I saw the dragon couple are doing something naughty in the tavern right now. The drake has mounted the female on her back and he's...Mating her!

Amanda's face turned red and her jaw dropped, "OH MY GOD!"

Neal, Sebastian, and Neal just laughed their heads off. Wayne's face was red too, while Rain was just staring at them. Thinking that it's not a big deal.

I covered my face and looked away, "Good god, can we leave already?! I think we've had enough!"

Rain got up on all fours and said, "Yeah, I'm done for tonight, lets all go home."

Sebastian nodded and got up on his feet as well, "Alright, I'll pay for everything here." Then I walked beside Rain to head outside with her. While she was walking, she stumbled over a few times, she's pretty inebriated just like we all are. Rain giggled and got her footing back.

The two of us made it outside, night has come and I giggled at her, "You doing okay, big girl?"

Rain said as we both walked out on the street, "I didn't think I'd drink that much. This is fun!"

I laughed and said, "Me too" Then I blushed again and started waving my hand at her, "But I definitely don't like seeing two dragons having sex in public."

Rain lowered her head to my level with a devious grin, "What's wrong, Brandon? I thought you'd love seeing a show like that."

My face went wide and I glared at her, "Not that kind of show! I would watch a person singing, not THAT!"

Rain said, "Aw come on, you know you love it."

I raised my hand close to her nose, "Don't make me slap your nose again."

Rain shot a glare at me and then she softened her look and started to lick my hand, "Sorry."

I smiled at her and I pressed the palm of my hand against her nose, "You're forgiven."

Neal and Amanda came out afterward, Amanda giving him a very big apologetic look, "I'm sorry big guy, but you were being a bad boy."

Neal let out a long sigh as his head is about to her level and stumbled on his feet a bit, still drunk. They both stopped near me and Rain, and Neal grumbled, "Well I think I've learned my lesson, never go drinking with you again."

Amanda gave his nose a kiss, "I'm sorry big guy, I really am."

Neal smiled at her and nuzzled her face, "I know." He pulled back and they were peering in each others eyes. They were sharing this...Odd look.

I frowned at this. That's strange. I've never seen them share that look before.

That look they were giving each other, was different than before.

They were staring at each other like...They loved each other.

Not as best friends, but....Lets just say in a romantic stance.

I shook my head at the thought. That's crazy, they're best friends!

I'm just too drunk and now I'm seeing stupid things. Thinking that those two are lovers. I must have had too much to drink.

Sebastian, Cody and Wayne came out after that. Sebastian laughed and asked me with a big grin, "So, did all of you have fun?"

I laughed and looked up at him, "Oh it was great! Right until I saw those dragons...Doing their thing."

Wayne said with a laugh as he came up beside me, "Yeah, I didn't feel comfortable seeing that at all, either."

Sebastian nodded, still with that grin, "Well still, I'm glad all of you came along with me tonight. I really had a blast!" Then he started to strut drunkenly away from us, "Well I'm going to head back to me home, see you all later!"

I hollered at him as he strutted away kinda fast, he was stumbling around a bit as he walked, "Can I walk you back home?!"

Sebastian hollered back, while concentrating on his walking, "No thanks! Take care!"

I sighed as I watched him disappear from sight, I looked at Rain and asked, "Ready to get back to the motel?"

Rain nodded and Wayne came up to her and patted her neck, "Well I'm going to head home myself, see you later."

Rain said, "Bye Wayne." Wayne walked away to go home after that.

Cody, Neal, and Amanda all started to walk back home too. Cody and Neal, stumbling as they walked. Then Neal started to sing loudly and I could hear Amanda groaning in frustration from right me and Rain are at. He's annoying her now.

Oh, Neal's gonna get it again for sure!

I giggled and looked at Rain's face, "Lets go."

Rain nodded and raised her head, then we both started to walk back to the motel. Rain stumbling around a bit as she walked.

This is going to be a long walk back.

*****

Jessie is with Rain's brother, who is now named Frankie at his house. In the big room where he sleeps in.

They have been together for hours, talking and chatting each other, and Jessie looks like she's having a fun time. Frankie just had a blank expression on his face, as he laid down on his stomach, just staring at her.

Jessie giggled as she still sat down on the floor looking out of the window, seeing the night sky, "I'll tell you this, I really had a fun day with you. Even though you looked grumpy most of the time." She laughed after that.

Frankie gave her a small grin across his snout, "I'll admit it girl, you're not so bad. Didn't annoy me much at all as I had thought you would."

Jessie got up off the floor and walked slowly towards him. When she got close to his head, she reached out to stroke his cheek. She smiled at him, "Hey Frankie....I really want to thank you for giving me a chance on this. That I'm thankful that you don't judge me anymore. Do you admit that you're wrong about my kind now?"

Frankie leaned into her touch, "Close enough, I suppose. But I'll admit...I really was wrong about you."

Jessie said as she continued to stroke him, "Well perhaps you'll give Brandon a chance now?"

Frankie chuckled a bit, "Sure, I'll give the human who has a small dragonhood a chance."

Jessie frowned after he said that, "I'm still wondering what dragonhood is."

Frankie flashed her a devious grin, "I'll tell you about THAT later." Then he yawned and said, "But I'm pretty tired and I want to sleep."

Jessie removed her hand off his cheek and asked, "Hey Frankie?" He looked at her face and she asked, "Can I...Spend the night with you?"

His eyes went wide at her question and she went on, "Well I just think that since you don't have much family spending the night here with you anymore and you sleep here all alone. So....Can I?" She shook her head, "I won't bother you much while you're sleeping."

Frankie looked at her only for a few moments, just thinking about it. Finally he started to nod, "Sure....Just don't hog all the furs." She beamed and threw herself into his chest, hugging him tightly.

He was shocked by the gesture, but he didn't say anything.

Jessie removed him from her embrace and she had an apologetic look, "Oh um....Sorry about that."

Frankie shook his head a grin came back to his face, "It's okay, the hug felt...Nice."

Jessie smiled again and then she tried to find a spot near him to lay down. Finally she found the spot and she slowly got on her knees and laid her whole body down on the furs. She said to him, "Goodnight."

Frankie laid his head down and curled around on the furs his head close to hers, he said to her back, "Goodnight." Then closed his eyes and let out a sigh.

Jessie stared at his face a bit more, and then she closed her eyes too, slumber taking over.

*****

Me and Rain finally made it back to the motel and are walking in the big hallway on our way to our room. I was pressing my hands against her body, holding her steady as we had a long trek back here.

She really had a lot to drink and she almost fell to the ground twice now, so that's why I was just steadying her.

I giggled a bit to myself. I really had a fun time tonight. Even Sebastian was a real great guy and everyone liked being with him. And god can he drink!

Must have been an expert at that, because he said he went drinking there for years! No wonder he's good.

Me and Rain found the opening to our room and went through. Seeing a pile of furs sprawled on the floor.

Rain let out a whoosh of air, "Whew, bout time we made it." She stumbled on her feet again, but she caught herself..

I laughed, "Getting a bit topsy turvy again, I'm sure."

Rain giggled with me, "Yeah, well it was still a nice night of fun I've had in years. I didn't believe what I was missing out on, but now I do."

I frowned at her, "Yeah but...Lets not make it an every night thing. I don't think I could take it every night."

Rain tossed her head and laughed, "Can't blame you one bit, human. Can't blame you one bit. You probably don't like helping an lonely dragon walk back to her room."

I shrugged, "Hey I like helping you. I don't want you drunk every night. You're more fun when you're sober."

She lowered her head to my level as we got closer to the furs. She teased me, "Look who's no damn fun. You sound just like Wayne. He was no damn fun also."

I gave her a grin as I looked at her face, "Oh, I am damn fun. I just don't want you hurt one night when you're drunk every night." I hummed in thought, "I wonder how Sebastian could get used to drinking for years? He's really big on doing it."

She stopped walking and sighed as she had a pity look, "You want to know what I think?"

I looked at her with a questionable look and she said, "From what he told us what he went through, before we all went to the tavern, about his family and his mate dying and his son never returned to him...I bet he just drinks just to cope with pain. I bet he hasn't drank anything THAT much before."

I held a sad look on my face and said, "Now that I think about it when you bring it up...You're probably right."

Rain looked at me and smiled, "Can I say something, Brandon?"

I nodded and she asked, "When you introduced all of us to him, and you told us you named him Sebastian, I figured out why you named that dragon Sebastian. I knew why immediately because of what you told me the other night."

I nodded again and reached out to pet her cheek, "I named that dragon after my father. He just...Reminds me of him. And we both have a thing in common...We both suffered a family loss."

Rain moved her head to me and gave my chest a nuzzle, "Well I think it's sweet that you gave that elder dragon a human name. Naming him after you father. It was very sweet. He's actually a very nice old dragon." She looked into my eyes and said, "I bet you remind him of his son. The son that never came back."

I smiled at her, "I think so too." I looked at the furs and I gave her a push, urging her to get on them, "Come on, you're probably tired and you need to sleep."

Rain moaned a bit and kept moving, after a few more long slow steps, she flopped down on her stomach on the furs. She moaned in comfort, "So comfy." She started to curl her tail around to her boy and sighed.

I walked up, until I was standing in front of her. I got on my knees in front of her head and tilted mine, "Feeling better?"

Rain nodded, "I feel great laying down now. Talk about a long walk." She gave me a smile, "Thank you for helping me out on this one. If I was doing this by myself, I'd be flopping on the stone street, before I could get here."

I gave her nose a good tender rub and said, "You deserve it. A guy like me, giving you a walk back home."

Rain pressed her nose against my touch, "Well I love it when someone like you gives me a walk back home. I believe in a way, that's the sweetest thing someone like you could do for anyone."

I leaned forward with my head, moved my hand off her nose and planted a kiss on it. I pulled myself back from her, and she said, "I'll tell you the truth. When I think about what Sebastian said....I never had a drake as my mate for years. I never had one in all my life. Because I was shy for a long time."

I frowned at her, "Really? You were actually shy?"

She blinked and nodded a bit, her smile melted off her face, "I was for years, because my parents died years ago. I felt so alone and I didn't know how to talk to other dragons. The only dragon I could ever really talk to was my brother. Even he never knew how to help me with my shyness."

I asked, "So how did you overcome it?"

Rain smiled again after that, "After that drake mounted me, after he raped me. It was Wayne and the others who helped me overcome it. I told them how shy I was, after they found me. They assured me that I can talk to them and there's nothing wrong with that and I was pretty much talking to them. I had for years. I didn't feel so afraid to talk to anyone anymore." She moved only her eyes and looked outside through the balcony window, "I'll tell you this much, for a long time...I've missed out on so many things because of my problem, before I met them."

She peered deeply in my eyes, "I have friends that I can talk to. Friends who'll listen to every word and don't judge. Even you."

I smiled at her after she said that, "You know...I wish I was there back then, that way you wouldn't have to feel that way, I would help you overcome it....I know how that feels."

She cocked her head, "What do you mean? You...Were you shy too?"

I nodded slowly and said, "I'll be honest...When I was little, a hatchling as you'd call it. I was shy way back then. But...My dad helped me overcome it and I can talk to anyone too."

"How? How did he help you out with that?"

I peered down at the furs, "My dad always told me that there's nothing to be afraid of by talking to anyone. That you really shouldn't be afraid of what anyone else would think. You wouldn't know, until you talk to that person." I looked at her and smirked, "If it wasn't for him, I probably would've been shy until I wasn't a teenager anymore."

Rain had a sad look, then she closed her eyes and sighed, "I never talked to any drakes way back then, because of how I felt. I was just to shy to talk to anyone. Never had a first mating with anyone. Except....With that horrible drake, who only raped me for pleasure. And I never wanted it. That wasn't really my idea for a first mating."

I reached out to place a hand on her forehead, "It's okay girl. It's okay."

She looked at me and said, "My idea for a drake would be, that he would understand my pain. Understand my shyness back then, just like he has went through the same thing. That he would always be gentle, never hurt me. That he would have this touch, that'll make you feel so special and accepted." She shook her head, "I don't want to attract a drake because he wants me for my looks or pleasure, I want a drake who'll look at me, deep inside me. That he really loves me. I don't want to just mate and leave. I would be with that drake if he loved me."

I wrapped my arms around her head and gave her a hug, "Well...I wish that you weren't raped and I wish you weren't shy back then. That way you would've had a mate of your own, have hatchlings together. That you two would never hold anything back."

Rain asked while I was still embracing her, "Brandon?" I pulled back a bit, my hands holding her chin and she asked, "When you overcame your shyness, did you...Ever had a mate? A girlfriend?"

I was shocked by the question a bit and I shook my head, "No...I...I never had one. Even when I wasn't shy anymore, I still feel so awkward just talking to a girl."

Rain asked, "Do you feel awkward talking to me?"

I just stared at her eyes, they're staring right back. I finally answered, "No." I shook my head, "Honestly...I don't feel awkward talking to you. When we first met, when you didn't trust me, I didn't feel that way at all." I shrugged my shoulders, "Well I didn't feel awkward when Jessie and I started talking to each other, I was at first, but not anymore. She's just a girl and I'm talking to her."

Rain said with a grin, "Well...I think you deserve to be with a female of your own. You...You really deserve it."

I laughed a bit, "I'm still trying my best of building up the courage of telling Jessie how I feel. But I also doubt that it would work out between us."

Rain reassured me, "I think it will."

I tilted my head, "Why?"

"Because you are the most kind, caring human, just like Wayne, Amanda, and Tommy. You're just like them. You'd do anything to make me happy and I appreciate it. I know you'll be with her, one day."

I nodded and smiled, "I appreciate your optimism, and as for me doing anything to make you happy. I don't like to see you cry, Rain. Before I met you, a real dragon, I thought dragons were just too tough, to not cry. I...I just thought it wasn't in their nature."

Rain gave my nose a lick and said, "Dragons always had emotions, like you. All of you humans thought dragons were just mindless monsters who'll kill anything in sight."

I shook my head, "After I met you and got to know your kind, I was wrong about you. Me and Jessie were wrong about you and now...We're both still here."

She nuzzled my chest, rubbing her cheek against it, "I'm glad you didn't leave. I'm glad you weren't the humans I thought you were."

I leaned my head down to her forehead and pressed mine against hers, "I told you I'll always be your friend. I can't replace Tommy, but I'll be the best friend you could ever have."

Rain pulled her head back from my chest, peering into my eyes again, "Actually....You already had replaced him."

My eyes went wide and she said, "I can't go back to him. I never will. And even I have to accept that."

I smiled at her, "Does that mean-"

Rain said, "I think a big part of me has finally decided to let him go."

I stared at her, a little dumbfounded, "Really? You really let him go?"

She said this, not taking her eyes off of mine, "Dwelling on the past, won't bring him back. Thinking that he'd come back, won't really bring him back at all. Of course....It was hard to do that, but I had to. Because I have my friends and my only brother that I have left. I've distanced myself from them, because I've missed Tommy so much. That I was watching over him, like I was his angel. A black scaled angel."

I smiled after hearing that last part, "An angel?"

She nodded, "Tommy has called me an angel before. I was like an angel who descended from heaven to be with him. A angel who has become his friend. A best friend he could ever had. That I was an angel who has helped him through any pain that he had. I've found him years ago, to watch over him."

I looked at her for another moment and said, "I think he's right. You...Really are an angel. A beautiful angel."

Rain smiled at that and said, "I may not forget all the times we've shared together, but I'm willing to try new things, because old things are not meant to last forever. Tommy will die one day from being old and I have to accept that. I'll accept newer things and....You're one of them and I thank you for that."

I said to her with a nod, "I'm glad you're trying and...You're welcome, Rain."

"Brandon....I'll be your angel now. My time for being Tommy's has passed and, I'll be yours. Until the day you die."

I nodded with a warm smile, "I'd like that. Last night, when I rode on your back, I really was riding on an angel."

Rain nuzzled my chest and said, "Thank you, Brandon."

I hugged her head again, while my hand is strolling her cheek, not letting her go. I remember what Joanna said to me. She told me to never let Rain go. To never let each other go.

I won't let her go, Joanna.

She's an angel and my friend.

I'll never let her go. I promise.

*****

A lone dragon is watching Brandon embracing Rain from a distance, watching from the top of another stone building across the street, staring at them in their motel room through the balcony window.

The dragon is hidden in the dark, the identity hidden in shadows. The dragon slowly got up on all fours and jumped off the building to fly away. Flying high over the dragon city.

The dragon flew and flew its wings beating against the wind, until it left the city behind.

The dragon flew over the mountains, in the outskirts of the city, flying far away from it.

It just flew for about an hour, until the lone dragon flew down to the forest that's far off from the mountains that surrounds the dragon city.

It landed to the ground with a hard thud, the grass being clawed by its landing. The dragon curled its wings and strode through the trees.

The dragon walked, until it stopped in the middle of the forest, when it saw a small figure coming towards it.

The dragon sat down on its haunches and waited for the small figure to come out.

The small figure came out through the bushes and it reveals to be some person wearing a big purple robe, wearing a hood over his face, the hood obscuring its identity, the figure is carrying long wooden staff with some kind of stone on top. The color of the stone is green.

The small figure with the hood looked up at the dragon and asked, "Did anyone see you?" The voice sounded male.

The dragon shook its head, its color and face covered by the trees and the shadows. Obscuring it.

The small figure asked another question, "And the boy, is he there? Did you see him?"

The dragon nodded and then the figure let out a devious laugh, "Ha! Perfect." Then the small figure beckoned the dragon with his hand, "Come on apprentice, lets go back home. I'll tell you what you need to do about the boy when we get back home."

The dragon bowed its head and then the small figure started walking away from it. The dragon followed close behind.