The police officer leaned back into his chair and asked, "And you're saying that your son has been missing for a few days already?"

Henry and Mary Madigan were in the office in the police station, finally going to the police to ask them to find their son. Henry said, "Yes, we waited for Wayne for a little while, and then we tried to call him, but he left his cell phone behind."

Mary with a sad and frightened look said, "We even thought he took a bus to his aunt Eleanor's house in Denver. We called her and she said Wayne's not there."

The officer gestured his hand to them, "Do you have any idea why? Like, why he would leave?"

Mary held on to her husbands hand tight and said, "Wayne had this best friend back at home, her name's Joanna Stanton and she died about two years ago. He always thought of her as a second mother to him. You see after she died, he became depressed. He thinks it's his fault that she died. That's why we moved into the woods away from Denver, so we could get away from everything. That's the only reason I could think of."

The officer asked another question, "Did he take any medication?"

Mary shook her head, "No, he had therapy, but he didn't have to take medication."

The officer had a stern look, "Are you sure you don't know where else he could go?"

Mary started to have tears falling down her face and got up from her chair, "Look, our son is out there somewhere! And all you're doing is ask questions! How dare you!!" Then she whirled on him and she bolted out of the office and slammed the door behind her.

Henry shot the officer with a glare and asked, "Look are you going to help us or not? Our son is probably in trouble."

The officer nodded, "Yeah, we'll help you. We'll put out an all points bulletin and hopefully someone we'll see him and give us a call. Do you have a latest picture of him?"

Henrys hand dug in his pocket and he pulled out a latest picture of Wayne and handed it to the officer, "Here."

The officer took the photo and said, "Listen if he's in the area, we'll find him. I promise."

Henry took a deep breath and let it out slowly, "Wayne has never done this before, I just don't understand it."

The officer just shrugged, "It's hard to really read someone sometimes. I wouldn't blame it on yourself. Look I can feel it that he's alright, we'll find him."

Henry looked at him and said, "I hope you're right....I hope you're right."

*****

The morning came to the dragon city and here I was sitting on the pile of furs in my room in the motel. Just examining my leg. The one that got wounded last night.

My eyes went wide when I examined the wound. Holy crap! My wound is almost healed! It still feels a little sore, but the wound is almost healed! Guess the dragon blood I got from that big red dragon fellow, really did its job real fast!

I giggled to myself and then a thought crossed my mind, it was about Sierra.

That's when I had a guilty look on my face. Sierra...I'm so sorry. What have I done?

I never even knew she went through a lot of things. But also falling in love with a human and suddenly he died, that's...Pretty unbearable.

She even accused me that I don't know what she's going through. That I don't understand her pain, that's not true. I do know how she feels. I know what it feels like to lose someone important to you.

I've lost Joanna, and I thought it was my fault that she died. What Sierra has been through, is the exact same thing as I went through. She thinks it's her fault that...Eric died.

Eric....That's his name. He was the one who named her Sierra. And he died, but why? She mentioned something about a fire that killed him. The fire that changed her. Did a fire kill him?

I let out a trembling sigh. Poor Sierra. I should have tried to understand her better. I never should have hated her. She thought Eric's own kind had murdered him and that's why she doesn't trust me. That's why she was treating me like shit. That's why she was all alone in her cave with no one to talk to. 

This is all my fault.

This morning after I woke up, I went to Sierra's room, but she wasn't there. Guess she really wants to be alone.

I have to talk to her. I...I need to help her. I owe her for saving my life. I just need to find her and talk to her. She has to be in the city somewhere.

I was in my thoughts when I heard some flapping near the balcony window and then I heard claws landing on the balcony. Sounds like someone's there.

That's when I saw a familiar face from yesterday walked into my room. The small green dragon, who I've hung out with the other day. The one who took me to that restaurant, The Braveheart.

He gave me a smile and said, "Hello Wayne. I see you're already awake."

I smiled back at him, "Hey there....Whatever your name is. How's it going with you?"

The small green dragon sat down on his haunches in front of me, "Well, I just got up from my bed this morning and I've heard that you've tried to escape the city last night! I have to say that's classic!"

I laughed when he brought it up, "I guess word has gotten around about me?"

He giggled, 'Yeah, everyone in the city knows about it. In fact I wanted to escape the city for years! But I never did. And I have to say, that's pretty hardcore."

I shifted when I sat, "Well I wouldn't say it was HARDCORE, cause I've gotten attacked by wolves." Then I moved my leg and showed him the nearly faded bite mark, "See."

He got his head closer to my leg, to have a good look at it, "Ouch. That must have hurt."

Memories of the wolves attacking me came flooding in my mind, "Yeah well, it was scary as well. I thought I was going to die. I mean, if it wasn't for the dragons who came out to look for me, I would be dead by now."

The small green dragon pulled his head away from my leg and said, "I take it that's someone's dragon blood on your leg? Cause it doesn't look bad now."

I nodded, "Yeah, one of the dragons saw the wound and he cut himself. He gave me some of his blood. I have to say it's pretty powerful stuff."

He laughed and waved his paw, "Oh you would be surprised how good dragon blood is. Our blood helps us heal faster and also too it can get rid of any toxins in our blood too. I wonder why your blood doesn't have that kind of thing?"

I shrugged, "Hell if I know. And by the way if you're wondering if my leg's starting to feel better, it is." Then I giggled and asked him, "So how did you find me here anyways?"

He gave me a grin and answered, "I've asked around, and someone told me that you were staying here in this motel, so I flew to the balcony and came in here." That's when he cocked his head at me, "So how come you ran away last night? That's what I'm wondering."

I had a guilty look and then I sighed, "Because I didn't belong here."

The small green dragon had a pity look on his face, "You miss home? I...Guess I can understand that."

I looked at him and said, "I just wanted to get back home. That's all that I wanted."

The small green dragon cocked his head again, "But wait, I thought you wanted to get away from your kind? I thought you were the dragon's minion. You know the one who brought you here."

I shook my head, "I was never her minion. It was just made up, the only reason why she brought me here, is because she didn't trust me."

He reared back his head and said, "Why?"

I shrugged, "Well I guess it's because I tried to get away from her while she was sleeping. It's a long story. But now I just feel sorry for her now, and I...Also feel guilty."

He cocked his head once more, "Why? How come?"

I sighed and then I said, "Because there were some things I didn't know about her. Some things that are so traumatic and she blames herself for those things. After she rescued me from the wolf pack we had a big fight with each other. A very big verbal fight, and that's how I know those things, she just let them all out at once. And now after learning those things about her, now I feel so guilty."

He gave me a comforting smile, "Everything will be okay. Maybe you and her will still be friends."

I said, "We were never friends to begin with. I didn't trust her much either, I was afraid of her and I've also...Hated her."

He had a sad look on his face and then he beamed at me, "Look Wayne, I'm sure things will work out. I think maybe you should talk to her and make it right. Talk things out."

I looked at him and said, "You really think it's that simple?"

The small green dragon nodded, "Sure! She just needed to cool off, I'm sure anyway. By the way, what did you call her the other day? A human name. Sierra, right?"

I nodded and then he continued, "Well talk to Sierra and make it right. I'm sure you both will forgive each other."

I smiled at him and said, "Alright...I will."

He smiled again and then he put his paw on my lap, "You won't regret this, and for the record, I think you belong here. I've never had a lot of friends. Actually, I don't hang out with someone with my own age that much. I...Stay away from socializing. Cause I don't feel like I relate to everyone else. Just you. Look I need to go now." He let go of me and backed away, "I have classes I need to go to. I don't want to be late." He walked to the balcony to get ready to leave.

He turned around and said to me, "Just think about what I've said. Make it right." Then he whirled around.

Before he could fly away, I hollered for him, "Hey wait!"

He stopped and whirled around to face me, "Yes, Wayne?"

I got up on my feet and looked at him, "You know, I never even knew your name. I know I wouldn't understand it, but...Can I give you a name?"

The small green dragon thought for a second and then he cocked his head, "Well geez, if you can come up with a good name for me, I'm all ears."

I thought about what name to give him and finally I thought of a good name and gestured to him, "Cody."

The small green dragon beamed at me and said, "Cody...Yes." He nodded and said, "I like it. Cody sounds like a good name."

I giggled and said, "Well at least I can at least say your name now, at least I don't have to say your real name."

The small green dragon who is now named Cody giggled, "Yeah, you wouldn't pronounce it. Believe me."

I rolled my eyes, "Don't remind me." We both laughed and then I said, "I might see you again so...Take care Cody."

He smiled at me, "Sure, maybe we can hang out sometime. Like I said, I don't have a lot of friends here. Anyways, later!" He whirled around and went out on the balcony. Then he took off on his wings and flew.

I smiled to myself after he left. If you're wondering why I named him Cody. It's because I named him after my buddy from school.

Remember that I've said that I was a lead singer in a band? You see Cody was a member of my band and he was the guitar player, and let me tell you, he can really play a good guitar solo! That's how we know each other. I never really forgot about Cody. Last time I've heard about him, he still lives in Denver.

The small green dragon reminds me of him and so that's why he's named Cody.

Then Sierra came in my mind. Alright now I need to take Cody's advice and talk to her. I hope she's ok.

And with that I went through the opening of my room and walked out of there.

*****

It's already been several hours since morning and here I was still moping on top of the wall that surrounds the city. I was staring out at the outside of the city. Just trying to enjoy the view.

I shut my eyes tight, trying not to cry again. I'm still pretty worked up about last night.

Wayne...I never should have brought you here. I never should have treated you so badly, you were telling me that you weren't evil and you never were. I can see it now. When you tried to comfort me.

Now I'm still thinking about Eric and you Wayne remind me of him. That's why I didn't kill you.

A single tear fell down my face. This is ALL my fault. This my fault.

But then I heard a voice that made my heart jump, "Sierra?"

My head jerked up and then I turned my head to see Wayne near me. He actually found me.

I looked away from him in guilt and said, "What do you want, Wayne?"

He answered, "I came to talk to you. About...Last night."

I finally turned my head to face him and said, "There's nothing to talk about."

He took a step toward me, "Listen Sierra...I can understand your pain. I'm not trying to hurt you and...I'm sorry."

I chuckled a bit and said, "Well what did you expect?"

He shrugged, "Nothing really. Except the truth."

I glared at him, "I did tell you the truth." Then I softened my gaze and sighed, "I've told you the whole truth. I...Felt so guilty about...Eric. And even after I've killed those who were responsible for his death, I still feel guilty. That was why I've been alone for a long time. Because I didn't save him."

He pressed me, "Because you love him?"

The question pained my heart when I heard it and then I nodded, "Yes. I...I've loved him."

He shrugged again, "Look Sierra...The other night when you said that I didn't know what kind of pain you went through. That's not true. I do know what it's like. I know what it's like to lose someone important to you."

My face went wide and then I just stared at him, "You...You do?"

He nodded and said, "I had a best friend and she died two years ago. But just like you, even I don't want to talk about it. But even up to this day, I...Feel guilty."

I cocked my head, "Why?"

He looked away from me and then I sighed, "I understand." That's when I took a step toward him and said, "Wayne...I need to tell you the truth. About why I took you here."

He looked at me and I said, "You see...When Eric died, I've hated his kind for everything, because he died. I've felt so much hatred towards your kind and I knew that nothing would have changed even if I became friends with another human. That's why I didn't trust you."

His face went wide and then I went on, "You see Wayne...I thought you didn't care about me. I know that we don't know each other THAT much. But that night when you tried to escape from me while I was sleeping, I thought that it was the last straw. I've thought that I was being played and I didn't like it one bit. I thought you...Wanted to kill me. It was...Just my instinct."

I took another step toward him, "And when that came, I did wanted to kill you. You have no idea how much. The next thing I knew, I saw the human that I've killed without mercy years ago, was in your place. The one who murdered Eric. Of course I know that he killed Eric, the one I've loved, but I've also felt like I should have let him live. But it was too late. I've made a lot of mistakes and I thought I was making another one. That's why I've let you live."

He said, "I thought it was also because I reminded you of Eric."

I nodded, "That too. You see before that night came, while we were eating deer together. When we've talked to each other. The whole scene reminded me of Eric. When me and him were eating deer together, we've always talked. And then you've touched me. Like I was your friend. And we've also shared a few chuckles as well. I thought that was why you reminded me of Eric. Because he...Talked to me and he didn't seem afraid of me."

That was when my eyes started to water, but no tears have fallen, "You see Wayne...The reason why I was treating you so baldy before and after we came here....I've hated your kind for what they've done to Eric. I was alone. The humans always lied and cheated and I wanted to teach you a lesson. To teach you that not all dragons are mindless monsters. That we're not idiots, that we're intelligent, like you. That I was teaching you not to lie and cheat me EVER again. That was the reason why I was treating you like a minion and slave and PRISONER."

The tears have started to fall and my throat was tightening, but I went on, "But now I've realized that you weren't the human I've thought you were. You were telling me the truth about yourself the whole time. You've told me you weren't evil, but I didn't believe you. I'm sorry...Wayne. I've never meant to hurt you. I just wanted to teach humanity a lesson for once. To not treat my kind so badly. But to embrace us. But as usual, they never cared. And now...You hate me as well." Then I finally broke down 

I cried for a minute in front of him. His face went wide and then he actually gave me a smile. He walked close to me and said, "Sierra...I forgive you."

My face looked at his and he said, "Sierra, the fact that you've owned up to your mistakes. That's what makes you human. The fact that you feel guilt, and sadness other than hate, it makes me think that you really do have feelings. I know I've hated you before, but I forgive you. I would never stay mad at you, no matter what you've done."

I looked away from him and then he went on, "And I have a confession to make as well. You see I never had a chance to tell you this, but there's a reason why I've tried to escape from you while you were asleep in your cave."

A thought crossed my mind and then I looked at him, "I think I know why. You...You have family, don't you?"

Wayne nodded and said, "I have a mom and dad. You see I know that you didn't want me to leave the cave just yet. You wanted me to stay with you, until you could trust me. But...I have a mom and dad who were probably worried about me. So that's why I tried to go back home, because of them. Then I would have came back to you before you woke up. Because in all honesty, I was starting to like you."

I have never felt more guilty than before. He did have family. I've thought about that before, but I didn't want to believe it. But now I do. I looked away from him in shame, and said, "I wish I could change the past, you...Don't belong here."

That was when he reached out and touched my face. He started to pet me and rub my cheek. I slowly looked at him and he said, "I don't hate you, Sierra. Not anymore. Now I just...Pity you."

I leaned into his touch and said, "You even touch me just like Eric."

He giggled, "Is there anything else that I remind you of?"

I shook my head while he was petting me, "No, just him."

He waved me off with his other hand, "Nah it's alright. I can remind you of your friend. It doesn't matter."

I pulled my head away from him and said, "Wayne, I'll take you home."

His eyes went wide, "What?"

"I'll take you home. I trust you now. You're no longer my prisoner. You're no longer my minion. I should have trusted you a long time ago. But now I do."

He backed away from me, "You...You're serious?"

I cocked my head at him, "What's wrong? I thought you wanted to go home."

He took a deep breath, let it out and said, "Actually, I...I don't want to go home. Not yet."

My face went wide and said, "But all the times you tried to escape from me-"

He interrupted me, "Look Sierra, I don't want to go. I mean look...I think you need me right now. And I think you need to get away from that cave for a while. That place kinda brings you bad memories. You see last night, I wanted to help you, now at least let me help you."

I cocked my head, "But what about...Your mom and dad?"

I shrugged, "Honestly, my life is kinda boring. And maybe I just want to get away and live for a while. Look my mom and dad will be fine. They would be worried, but I don't think they'll get hurt. Besides that, I'm fine now and I think I like this city. I mean I may feel like I'm an outcast here, but I won't let it get to me. What I care about now is YOU."

I was about to argue with him, "But Wayne-"

He put his finger to my mouth and he pleaded, "Come on Sierra. You don't owe me anything. I'm the one who owes you one, you've saved my life last night and at least lets make that as an excuse for letting me stay here. Please Sierra, let me stay here." Then he gave me a very pleading look with his eyes.

Part of me wanted to say no and take him home. But another part of me wanted him to stay here and lets enjoy each others company. He does have a point, I've been alone for years and I needed to get away from that cave. Maybe some time away from my home would help me tremendously.

I took a deep breath and then I gave him a smile and said, "Ok."

He beamed and then he wrapped his arms around my neck. His head and body close to my chest. I haven't been hugged like that for years. Eric used to hug me like that.

He pulled away from me and said, "Look, I don't have to stay here forever. At least give me over a week and then you can take me home, ok?"

I asked, "How long is over a week?"

He shrugged, "I don't know. Five days over a week. I think that's enough."

I grinned and nodded, "Alright." Then I playfully said, "I guess you like hanging with a lonely dragon after all."

He laughed and said, "God you really crack me up."

I grinned at him, "I have my moments."

That's when he said, "But can I ask you something?" I nodded and then he asked, "Who's Eric? I mean, who was he really? How did you two meet?"

I was about to protest and then he said, "Look, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to. I won't force it."

I took a deep breath and said, "I'll think about telling you about him. But...Just not right now."

He smiled at me and said, "I understand. Anyways...Take care." 

He turned around and then I stopped him, "Wayne." He stopped, turned around and gazed at me, I asked, "Are we friends now? I mean has everything you've said to me all true? I mean...Would you...Would you be my friend?"

He gave me a big smile and said, "I was telling you the truth about everything. And yes....I will always be your friend. Day or night, no matter what happens, I will always be there for you."

I gave him a smile as well, "Thank you."

He looked at me for another second and then he finally left me alone.

When I was alone I looked out over the side of the wall, just to enjoy the view. I smiled to myself with joy.

Thank you, Wayne....Thank you so much.

*****

I could see that the sun was starting to set, so now here I am in the streets of the dragon city, on my way to the Braveheart.

After I've left Sierra after our tearful conversation. I decided to just explore the city for a while. I've actually found Cody and told him what happened and he said he was really glad that I've made amends with Sierra. Then we hung out for a while. I've told him about my life and he told me about his.

Soon after that the sunset came and he said that he needed to get home. After that now here I am heading to the Braveheart.

I know that it'll be closed early today, cause that's what Cody told me since he goes there a lot. But in all honesty, I wanted to find that old magenta female dragon who works there. You see, since I'm going to be staying in this city for a while, I might as well do something to earn a living. Like I can pay for my own food, so that way no one else will for me. I mean while I was on my way there, a dragon who owns a vendor full of apples threw me one and I didn't pay for it, he said it's on the house, because I'm new here. I've felt bad about it and swore to myself that I would find a job in this city somewhere.

I could see the Braveheart from right where I'm am and I tried to get in there. But I could see a sign and it says, closed.

I let out a sigh and before I could leave, a familiar old female voice stopped me from leaving, "Well hello hon."

I turned to my left and smiled when I saw her, the same magenta scales and that voice. I've figured she would be here still, since she says she's the owner and waitress there. Talk about hard work.

The magenta scaled female dragon came to me with a smile of her own, "I didn't expect to see you here right now. The thing I've heard about you today is...You've tried to escape the city last night. I'm...Very surprised."

I laughed and said, "Well I figured you would say that."

Then she looked down at me and gasped when she saw the bite mark on my leg, "Goodness hon! What happened to you!?"

I followed her gaze and waved her off, "Oh not it's okay. I'm fine. One of the dragons who rescued me gave me his blood, so I'm starting to feel better now. Just a little sore but getting there."

She let out a sigh and said, "Well I don't think a young one like you should be out alone outside the city. Why would you run off like that?"

I sighed and said, "It's a long story. But the point is, I'm not leaving now. I'm staying in this city for a little while."

The magenta female dragon said, "Well good. Cause I think it's dangerous to leave this city. That's why I've never left the city at all in my life to begin with."

My face went wide and I asked incredulously, "Really? You've never left the city in your life? To see what's out there?"

She shook her head, "Nope hon. You see, I know what's out there and it's cruelty and hate. But all the good is here in this city and I like it. Besides that, I'm too old for adventures now." Then she giggled.

I giggled as well and shrugged, "I don't see anything wrong with that."

That's when she cocked her head and asked me, "So why are you here? Do you want something to eat? Well you can't go in the restaurant now, it's closed."

I waved her off, "No thanks. I already ate."

Her eyes went wide and she asked, "So what are you doing here hon? You wanted to talk to someone?"

That's when I said, "Well I want to ask you a question."

The magenta female dragon smiled and said, "Sure hon, what is it?"

"Do you have an job openings here? In the Braveheart? I'm...Looking for a job."

The magenta female dragon put some thought into it and nodded, "Actually there's a waiter position here. You can take it if you want. But are you sure you want to waiter a bunch of dragons? Sometimes they can be impatient and sometimes the food can be heavy."

I nodded, "Yes. I don't want to be anyone's burden here. I don't want anyone to pay for my food anymore. I want to earn a living, and I think this is a good place to make a living." Then I gave her a smile.

She smiled back at me and said, "Well...Ok. But can you work in the mornings?"

I nodded and said, "Yep."

The magenta female dragon flared her wings happily and said, "Wonderful! Then I guess I'll see you at work then....Mister?"

I answered, "Wayne. My name's Wayne."

She smiled at me, "Wayne? What a human name. In fact, I've heard of some human names before in all my years, but yours is new to me."

I frowned at her, "You've met humans before?"

She had a sad look on her face, looked down at the ground and said, "Well I didn't meet a lot of humans back then. But there was this one human who came here SO long ago with a blue female dragon here. He was a nice young human, actually he looks a lot like you. We even talked to each other. One time he even called me mom, because his own mom died."

I grinned at her, "Oh really? What was his name?"

She looked at me and answered, "Eric."

My face went wide and then a thought came to me. Eric came to this city as well? He must have came here with Sierra for a visit a time or two, or something like that. Apparently this Eric had more dragon friends than I thought he did.

I walked to her and put my hand to her face, "I know who that is. Sierra's in love with him."

Her face went wide and she said, "Well what do you know. You know Sierra?" I nodded and she said, "She's a nice girl, she was full of life and I even helped raise her when...Her parents died. And when that poor human died, she left this city without saying goodbye to me. I've missed her ever since."

Her parents died as well? That's...Sad. I said to her, "Yeah, I've met Sierra and we're friends. She was the one who brought me here."

The magenta female dragon smiled at me when I was petting her and she said, "I'm glad she did, you really remind me of Eric, when you walked into my restaurant yesterday. You look pretty handsome."

I giggled shyly and said, "Thank you."

The magenta female dragon said, "Well I wish I could tell you my name, but you wouldn't pronounce it. But anyways I need to get going. I'll see you at work tomorrow." Then she pulled her head away from my hand and she whirled around and started to walk away.

I called out to her, "Hey wait!"

She turned around and cocked her head, "Yes hon?"

I walked to her and said, "Would you mind if I gave you a name? I mean did Eric ever name you?"

She giggled and said, 'No, he couldn't come up with a name for an old dragoness like me. He wasn't good at coming up with names."

I laughed and then I said, "Well I think I know what to name you. Would you want to hear it?"

The magenta female dragon nodded and I said, "Joanna."

The magenta female dragon who is now named Joanna, beamed happily and said, "Joanna? I love that name! No one never gave me a human name before hon. Thank you."

I beamed back at her, "You're welcome. It's probably better than your real name anyways."

She shot a glare at me, "Hey my name's not THAT bad! You're the only one who wouldn't understand it."

I laughed and patted her neck, "You have a good afternoon, Joanna."

Joanna's glare melted away in a instant and she smiled, "You too, hon." Then after that, she walked away on the street.

I smiled to her after she left. I named her after my best friend, Joanna Stanton. Now this dragon is named after her. Because in a way, she reminds me of her. That voice, calling me hon.

Suddenly my eyes started to water and then I ran to a nearby alley. I leaned my head against the wall and started to sob.

Joanna....I hope you're happy in heaven. Not after I didn't save you, before you died.

*****

The night came and I was in my room in the motel. Still happy that Wayne became my friend after so many days after we met. It feels...Nice.

I stood on the balcony outside my room and I was starting up at the night sky. Thinking that my parents are looking down at me, proud that at least me and Wayne have finally become friends.

I was in my own thoughts when I heard a voice behind me, "Hey." I turned around and saw that Wayne is behind me.

I smiled when I looked down at him, "Hi Wayne. You look happy right now."

He shrugged, "Well I had a good day, more or less I even made a few friends here. Oh and guess what? I've got myself a job at the Braveheart."

I beamed at him, "That's great! You would be the first human to ever work there!"

He frowned at me, "The first? Really?"

I nodded, "Oh sure! I don't think that's a problem, is there?"

He waved me off, "Nah, there's no problem. In fact I wouldn't mind the recognition, it sounds great."

I laughed and then I cocked my head, "So what are you doing here?"

He smiled at me, "I was just wondering if you're doing okay. You know after everything that happened lately."

I nodded, "I'm fine now, what about you?"

He nodded as well, "I'm fine. Never been better. My leg's is almost feeling better, but I'm good."

I laughed again and said, "Well you outa thank my red friend for helping you. He should be the one who gets the praise."

He grinned, "Maybe I will. After all I'm getting used to talking dragons now."

I grinned at him, "Well good. Because other than hanging with a lonely dragon like me, there are other lonely dragons you need to contend with."

He laughed and shook his head, "No thank you. I think being with ONE lonely dragon is enough for me."

I rolled my eyes at him, "Whatever, minion." Then we both giggled.

After we were done giggling, I went to my pile of furs and laid down on them. I let out a big yawn. Feeling tired already. It's been a long few days. Might as well have a well deserved rest. I was about to lay my head down when I saw that Wayne was staring at me. I cocked my head at him, "What? Something else on your mind?"

He took a step toward me and said, "Well I was thinking...Can I...Can I sleep by you?"

My eyes went wide at the question. Ever since we've first met, he never even bothered to ask for my permission to sleep by me. But now for the first time, he has. I smiled at him and asked, "How do you want to sleep by me? Do you want to sleep close to me? Or sleep near me?"

He shrugged and said, "I don't care."

I nodded and said, "Well I suppose you can sleep close to my chest, I wouldn't mind it."

He nodded and he walked up to me, stepping on the furs that on the floor. He sat down and then he scooted closer to me. I moved my feet out of his way and then he scooted backwards toward my chest. Until I felt his back against my chest. When he was there, I wrapped my legs around him, like I would protect him and I laid my head close to him. Just beside him.

I turned my eye to look at him and smiled, "Good night, Wayne."

He smiled back at me, "Good night, Sierra."

After he said that, I closed my eyes to try to go to sleep. My heart beating happily.

Wayne is the first human in a long time that gets to sleep by me. Ever since, Eric.

But somehow, it doesn't feel so bad. It feels...Great.

Wayne is my friend now, and I would now treat him like one.

No matter what.