Present Day

The morning sunlight has flooded through the window of our motel room. The sunlight hitting my face.

I slowly opened my eyes groggily and I yawned. I sat up a little bit and realized that Sierra's leg is still curled up around me. Last night I was sleeping close to her body and she curled her leg around me.

I moved her leg slowly and I got up on my feet. I tiptoed around her and saw her head. She's sleeping peacefully. I smiled at her.

Sierra...

I can't believe it happened last night, after my big performance at the Braveheart.

I finally said that I've loved you and we're together now.

I still can't believe it, but in a good way of I can't believe it.

First me and you became sorta enemies, to friends, to best friends, and now we're...Lovers.

Somehow I never knew that my life has led me to this. For all my life...This is what led me to.

My thoughts then went to Joanna. My best friend.

Joanna...I really wanna thank you....For everything.

Your death was tragic I know that much and I still miss you, but if it wasn't for your death me and Sierra wouldn't have found each other.

She would have still lived in her cave alone without a companion and me...Well I would've lived a different life if you were still alive.

Everything that happened two years ago really did happen for a reason. That you've died for a reason.

To find love and I did.

Thank you Joanna....Thank you.

I got to my knees and crawled to Sierra's face. I whispered, "Good morning."

Sierra's face stirred and she groggily opened her eyes and looked at me, she smiled, "Hey there handsome." She giggled, "Morning already?"

I nodded, "Yeah."

She let out a big yawn, her tongue curling, "How long have you been up?"

I said, "Not very long, just about a minute ago."

Sierra groggily said, "Well didn't take you long enough at all." She shook her head awake, "You know, you didn't have to wake me up. You could have just went to the Braveheart and got something to eat. And go say hello to Joanna."

I smiled, "But then what kind of boyfriend would I be, if I just left without saying good morning to you?"

Sierra giggled, "Boyfriend? I thought you would call yourself mate."

I giggled as well, "I'm a human woman, so I can call myself boyfriend."

Sierra said, "Whatever."

Then I leaned my head forward and kissed her on the nose. She licked my nose in response. I smiled at that.

Sierra said, "Wayne?"

I nodded and she said, "What happened last night, it was beautiful. I...Really thought we would never be together."

I nodded again, "I know. But we are now. It's like I said, I won't ignore my feelings anymore. They're not that bad actually."

Sierra got up slowly on her feet and she let out a big long stretch. She shook herself and she looked down at me. She said, "You know Wayne...I'm really happy right now. I don't think I could trade anyone else to be with. Only you."

I smiled up at her, "Thank you. And so am I."

She lowered her head to my level and then she kissed me on the lips. My eyes went wide in surprise and soon I kissed her back. Putting my hands to both sides to her face.

Finally we pulled away and we looked into each other's eyes. Sierra smiled at me and asked, "So what are you planning to do today?"

I shrugged, "I don't know. Maybe find Joanna at the Braveheart. I'm sure that the place is a mess now because of all the dragons who came there last night. There were a lot of dragons in there."

Sierra nodded and she said, "You know, you really are the first person to ever entertain in the Braveheart ancestors for a lifetime! I'm really am proud of you. And I knew you could do it."

I grinned, "Well you knew me all too well. After all I have sang to you before."

She nodded, "And you still are the greatest."

I backed away from her and asked, "So what about you? Anything planned?"

She shrugged, "Well I might hang with either Amanda or Neal.  I especially want to hang out with Neal. I want to tell him about us. He'll be so happy."

I said, "You do whatever you want, I'm going to go to the restaurant now. Talk later." Then I kissed her on the nose again and I whirled around. I started to walk away from her.

Sierra called out, "Wayne."

I turned around to face her, "Yeah?"

She smiled at me, "I love you."

I smiled back, "I love you too."

*****

I picked up several pieces of silverware and I went to the kitchen in the Braveheart. The place is pretty much closed today, because of last nights event.

I smiled to myself after I entered the kitchen. Oh man mom and dad will not believe that I've performed in front of a lot of dragons in a dragon restaurant! They'll be so shocked, even my mom would have a heart attack.

I dropped the silverware in the big sink in the kitchen. God I never knew that the sink is a little bigger than human kitchen's sink. Well you have a lot of food for big dragons, so why shouldn't you have a big sink than a small one?

Then my thoughts went to mom and dad. Guys...

I bet they're still worried about me. I mean, good god I've been gone for days.

Hell I couldn't even call them if I had to. My cell phone's back at home. Also too I don't think the cell phone would've  worked in this city. I mean we're in the mountains so I probably wouldn't get a signal.

I sighed. I really hope they're ok.

Maybe sometime I could ask Sierra to take me home. After all they're still my family.

All this started because Sierra basically kidnapped me. But now that me and her are together at first as friends to now lovers, I have been staying in this city for days. Only because she has been through a lot before I was born. Only because I care about her.

I have to ask Sierra sometime. I don't want to put them through anymore torture.

But then I began to wonder what they would think of the reason I was gone for a long time. They would be scared of Sierra.

Not unless they can see her as a nice dragon and that she wouldn't hurt them.

I hope they won't be too afraid of her. I'll calm them down somehow.

I looked around the kitchen and for the first time I've saw what the dragon cooks in here.

Apparently the kitchen equipment is a lot different than a humans regular kitchen equipment.

The 'stove' is basically just a very big grate and I'm guessing it's for the meat to be cooked on. There's a lot of wood under it, to light it up and cook the food.

There's also a makeshift pot made for making any kind of soup. Like vegetable soup, since apparently dragons eat that stuff. Which it's still a surprise. I think the pot is made of stone crafted to be a pot. Whoever made, it really did a good job.

There's a big ladle so big for a dragon to pick it up with his paw and use it to stir the soup.

After I was done looking at the kitchen equipment, I walked out of the kitchen and back into the dining room. When I got out of the kitchen I immediately saw Cody bounding to me with a big grin on his face.

I smiled at him, "Hey pal, what's up?"

Cody sat down on his haunches in front of me, "I actually got done with classes today. So I thought you would be here."

I shrugged, "What makes you think I came here?"

Cod said, "Because you're a star here and you want to meet the fans here."

I laughed, "How can I meet the fans, if they're not here for today? This place is closed today."

Cody nodded, "Oh I know. I also knew you would help clean up the mess everyone has made here last night."

I asked, "You want to help out as well?"

Cody beamed, "Sure! I don't have anything else to  do anyway."

Then Joanna came up behind me and beamed when she saw Cody, "Hello there hon! I thought you would see the closed sign today."

I looked up at her and said, "Cody says he wants to help us clean up the mess here."

Joanna let out a whoosh of air and said, "Well I could use all the help I can get! I mean, I'm too old to pick up this kind of mess after everyone else!"

Cody laughed, "Well I'm young and fast, so you could use all the help you got."

Joanna nodded, "Well good hon. Better get to work then."

Cody nodded, "Yes ma'am." Then he went to start helping out.

Joanna looked down at me and smiled, "You know hon, I'm so proud for what you did last night. You really were amazing!"

I shrugged, "All in a nights work. Besides, I really had a blast singing last night. Hell even the gem on that stage was really mesmerizing."

She nodded, "Yes hon, it really is. Hell I've seen it for years and I'm still mesmerized as well!"

I giggled, "I could see why."

Joanna then lowered her head to my level and asked, "So...About Sierra, did you talk to her last night? You see after you sang that song, you ran off without saying goodbye to me. Did...Something happen? Did you talk to her hon?"

Honestly I haven't told anyone about Sierra and me being together as lovers. Not even Joanna and Cody. Basically after I found Sierra at the park and after we've kissed, we both went back to the motel afterwards. Since we both had a rough couple of days because of all the drama. But now there's no drama and we are happily together without any conflictions. Nothing to hold us back. 

I nodded and whispered, "Yes. Actually I've found Sierra at the park last night and I told her. So...We're together now."

Joanna beamed at me and she nuzzled my face, "Ah hon. I'm so proud of you two. Especially you, Wayne. You really came through for her. I could imagine Sierra's happy?"

I nodded, "Yep, she is."

Joanna cocked her head, "Hey...What's wrong? Why are you whispering?"

I sighed and whispered, "Well...I still haven't told anyone that I know about us. I mean-"

She waved her paw at me, "Listen hon, remember what I've said. You don't listen to what anyone says. Only follow yourself. Follow your heart, your feelings. Don't let anyone else get you down. And you don't have to tell anyone else if you don't want to. It's up to you."

I smiled at her, "Ok."

Joanna nuzzled me again, "I'm still very proud of you. You're a brave boy. Also kind. There's no one else who's like you and Eric."

I wrapped my arms around her neck and said, "Thanks and I really should thank you."

She pulled away and frowned, "For what hon?"

I answered, "For helping me standing up to my conflictions and for telling me to do what's right. For helping me kick their ass to the curb. I'm not afraid to show my feelings to her anymore. I really didn't know who else to talk to."

She smiled, "You are like a son to me hon. A mother would always help her son."

I said, "I really owe you one for this. I really do."

Joanna shook her head, "You don't have to owe me anything hon."

I nodded, "Yes, I do. I really do, and I think I have an idea."

Her eyes went wide and she cocked her head, "Oh really? What is it?"

I put my hand to her cheek and said, "Joanna...I want you to come with me and Sierra outside the city."

Joanna asked, "What for? What are you guys planning to do?"

I said, "Just planning on going to go outside the city again. Just to hang out outside of it. I don't know where, but I just want to get away from the city again." Then I looked into her eyes, "And I want you to come with us. Just because you've helped me out."

She raised her head, looked straight ahead not looking at me and said, "Oh dear..." Then she shook her head, "I...I don't know if I can."

I shrugged, "Why not?"

She looked down at me, "Because hon, I haven't been outside the city for years. I've hardly ever left. I don't know if I can handle it."

I put a hand to her chest and said, "Joanna listen. I know you've told me that before, but I also know you can handle it. I know you can."

Joanna closed her eyes and sighed, "Hon...There's something I need to tell you."

I frowned at her. Wait? Did something happen to her? From back then? I hope it wasn't bad. I asked, "What is it?"

Joanna opened her eyes and with a haunting look she said, "Well hon...You see...I almost got killed by dragon slayers years ago. When I was younger. You see I wanted to explore outside the city and I almost got killed. So that's why I don't want to go."

I had a sad look on my face. Oh...That's horrible. I said, "Joanna listen, there are no more dragon slayers. They don't exist anymore. In fact, everything in this world really changed."

She sighed, looked down at me and asked, "I know you've told me that once before, but how much has changed?"

I gave her a comforting smile, "Everything has changed. But I still doubt that humanity would totally accept you. But there are no more dragon slayers. Look I wouldn't worry about it. At least stay close to me and Sierra, ok?"

Joanna had a nervous look on her face, "But then what would happen if you were attacked? I mean, I'm too old to fight anyone."

I rubbed her chest in a circle, "Trust me."

Joanna gave into some thought while she was looking at me and she slowly started to nod, "Well...Ok, I'll give it a chance. It has been awhile since I've been out of the city. Very long ago, for my taste."

I smiled at her and I backed away from her, "That's good. I thought that's how I would owe you, so I thought why not come with us. Just to get away from the city for a bit. I could even ask Cody to come with us as well."

Joanna giggled, "Well hon, you're certainly inviting a lot of friends to come along with."

I giggled as well, "I thought it would be great for him as well. He said he hardly ever left the city, EVER. He was happy he came along with me and Sierra on our other trip, so I thought why not just invite him again as well."

Joanna nodded, "Well I think it's good for the young dragon. Let him enjoy life while he has the chance."

I nodded as well, "Yep, my point exactly."

Cody came back with a load of dishes on his wings and he carefully tried to move past us. Balancing the dishes on his wings, "Excuse me, coming through."

Both me and Joanna moved out of the way for him and Cody went into the kitchen. Then me and Joanna looked at each other, I said, "I'm glad you're taking my offer for consideration."

Joanna pointed her claw down at me, "No guarantees and no promises."

I nodded, "That's fine. It's your decision. But it'll be fun."

She smiled at me, "I know, hon. I know."

Cody came out of the kitchen and he cocked his head at us, "Hey, what are you guys doing?"

I looked at him and waved him off, "Nothing pal. And oh by the way Cody, I'm planning on leaving the city again if you want to come."

Cody beamed, his wings flapping in excitement, "Do I really! Sure I'll go! I love to explore outside the city!"

I smiled at him, "Good pal, good."

*****

I flew over the city searching for Neal for a while now. Now I knew where he went when I've asked around.

See what I've done after Wayne went to the Braveheart, I went to my uncle and told him I've found a new mate and it's Wayne.

He was so happy for me, he would let out a roar of happiness into the sky. Which it would be quite a sight to see.

After I've found my uncle I went to Neal's house, but he wasn't home. I even thought he went to work as an officer today, but I went to where he worked and his comrades weren't there. So I've searched for him all over the city. Until I found out where he went.

He went to the memorial wall at the other side of the city. The wall where all the names of the deceased dragons are engraved.

You see every time one of us find a dragon who died, my kind would use our claws to engrave the dragon's name on the wall. To celebrate his or her passing. To honor him or her, to remember him or her.

I flew to the other side of the city. My wings flapping hard to the wind. From up where I'm at, I could see the memorial wall and I dove down to it.

I glided to the ground and I landed on my hind feet first and then my front feet. I trotted to a stop after I landed. And looked at the wall.

You see it's a small wall made of stone. Apparently there are so many names on that wall and sometimes when I look at it...It haunts me and it worries me.

Like why did so many dragons die? It's because of humans that's why. Other than being too old, that's pretty much the number one cause for dragon deaths. It's because the humans hated my kind.

And judging by all the names on the wall, a lot of dragons died because of humans.

Times were really different back then. And I hope that Wayne's right. That times really have changed.

No one doesn't want another dead dragon outside the city.

Hell I could even remember that a few times back then, one time when I was a hatchling, a lot of dragons wanted to wage war against the humans. But a lot of us begged to them that no war is worth it. But even of course they would always argue.

I guess the reason why that never happened...Is because of Eric.

Since he was the very first human who has entered the dragon city years ago and ever since then, his arrival brought a profound effect to the dragon population.

That they realize that not all humans are evil.

But I remember that after Eric died, I started to think that they were all evil and heartless.

But now after all these years, I was wrong. There really are other humans who are not heartless and cruel.

And Wayne and Amanda are one of those humans.

They've really opened my eyes and my heart. Especially Wayne since I first met him, before Amanda.

I guess even human females can be also nice to my kind. Not bad if you ask me. I could use a human female to hang with and have girl time together.

I didn't have many female friends back then. A lot of them were bitches. And I wasn't.

I walked to the memorial wall and saw that Neal is sitting on his haunches looking at it, along with Amanda who is standing beside him.

I walked up behind them and I smiled at them, "Hey there."

Neal looked over his shoulder and Amanda whirled around to face me, Amanda smiled at me, "Hi Sierra, me and Neal are just hanging out together today."

I said, "Oh really? Did Neal give you any trouble today?"

Amanda shook his head, "He wasn't being a big red scaly pervert today, if that's what you're wondering." Then she giggled and nudged him with her elbow, "Right big red dude?"

Neal groaned, "Whatever, you still have nice curves."

Amanda gave him a glare and put both her hands to her hips, "Don't push it or I'll kick your stones, big boy."

He lowered his head to her level and giggled, "You know what? If you do that, I'll rip your leg off."

Amanda made a mock expression and said, "You wouldn't do that! You like me."

Neal said, "I would have and by the way there's some good news, if you've survived then you can hop on one leg. That means you can still walk."

Amanda laughed, "Neal!" Then she swatted him on the shoulder and he laughed as well.

Neal shook his head, "I'm only kidding, I wouldn't hurt you." He shot up his head, "Hell you haven't kicked my stones yet!"

She rolled her eyes, "Don't make me do it then."

I giggled and I said, "Looks like you two are getting along fine together."

Amanda looked at me and said, "Yeah, I was gonna hang with Wayne today, but it looked like he left his room. So I found Neal in the city somewhere and me and him have been hanging together for a while now!"

I smiled and nodded, "Did you now? Well what do you know Neal, looks like you've made a friend."

Neal looked over his shoulder and grinned at me, "I think we were already friends, Sierra."

I laughed, "I thought she wouldn't be your friend because you were acting like a big red scaly pervert to her!"

He shrugged, "Well we're still friends anyway." Then he looked at the memorial wall again.

I went and sat down on my haunches beside Neal. Then Amanda said, "Well I'm going to look in that store over there. I'll be back in a few  minutes guys." And with that Amanda left, leaving me and Neal alone at the wall.

After Amanda left I looked at the memorial wall, looking at all the names our kind has perished. The names of the deceased.

I said to Neal, "So uh...What were you and Amanda doing here?"

Neal looked at me, "Just showing her around a little bit more around the city. Thought I would show her this, since this wall is a historic landmark here."

I nodded, "Yeah...It is." I sighed when I saw both my parents names on the wall.

Mother and father. Other than thinking about Eric, I always thought about them as well.

Wondering how happy they are up in the sky. Wondering if they have met Eric and knew how nice he was.

I even saw Eric's name on the wall, and that's the first time I've seen it. My heart leapt a bit happy seeing that.

He really was accepted in this city, like Eric was one of us. And they've engraved his name on the wall along with the other deceased.

It's really sweet in a way.

As I stared at it, Neal said, "Hey Sierra, can I ask you something?"

I looked at him and cocked my head. Neal asked, "So how's it going with you and Wayne? I mean, ever since we've came back to the city with Amanda, you two seemed to have been...Distant. Anything wrong?"

I smiled and shook my head, "Actually that's the reason why I came to talk to you." Then I whispered to him, "Me and Wayne are together now."

Neal's face beamed and he said, "That's great! I'm happy for you."

I nodded, "Thank you. Actually at first we weren't together, but then he realized he loved me as well and since last night after his performance at the Braveheart we're together now. It's really amazing."

He nuzzled me at my cheek, "Well still I'm glad you guys are together now. You did tell me you've loved him and now here you are now and you have another mate now."

I shrugged, "Well I was afraid we wouldn't be together. But we are and I'm happy for it."

Neal then had a glum look on his face and looked at the memorial wall.

I cocked my head at him with a worried expression on my face, "What's wrong, old friend?"

Neal shook his head, "Nothing, its just..." He trailed off.

I knew what he was trying to say and I nodded, "I know...You still feel that way about me."

He shook his head again, "Honestly, I was thinking about my mate from back then. The one I was with before me and you were together once. Before you went to Eric."

I felt sorry for him and then I nuzzled him, "It's alright Neal. It's alright."

Neal leaned into my face and nuzzled back, "To be honest Sierra...When you were gone, after Eric died. When you haven't came back for years...I was trying to find a mate again."

While I was nuzzling him I said, "You have?"

He pulled away and nodded, "Yes." Then he sighed, "I'll be honest, I have tried. Time and time again. But more than once I never did find the right one. I'll be more honest, I was always thinking about you. Even when you're gone I was always thinking about you."

I nipped at his face, "It's alright Neal. I know you...You'll find someone for you. I know you will."

He looked down and I could tell that his throat is tightening when he spoke, "The truth is Sierra...Sometimes I don't think there is. I always thought about you and my mate. Sometimes I come here just to talk to my mate from before. I'll be perfectly honest...I can't get her out of my head."

Then I could see a few tears have fallen to the ground. Now I really feel sorry for him. Poor Neal, he wanted to be with me, but he can't now. He also wants to be with his mate and she's dead. And he thinks there is no one out there for him.

I wish there was something I could do for him.

Then an idea popped into my head, "Hey Neal."

He looked at me since he didn't cry for too long, "Yeah?"

I said, "Maybe you could have Amanda spend some time with you at your house. You know, so you wouldn't have to feel alone anymore."

His face went wide and he asked, "What? Are you sure?"

I gave him a smile, "Sure Neal. In fact, I think you deserve each other some company. At least let her stay with you for a while. Get to know each other a little more. At least talk to her about your life. Trust me, having a human around is good company."

Neal giggled, "Yeah I know, I like hanging with Wayne and Amanda." He actually put some thought into it. Then he smiled and nodded, "Ok, I'll give it a shot. Amanda will love all the furs in my house. They're pretty soft!"

I nodded, "Good."

Amanda came back from the store and asked us, "Hey guys, what did I miss?"

Neal smiled down at her and said, "Oh nothing much." I nudged him with my snout to his shoulder. He glanced at me for a sec and he looked back at Amanda and said, "Hey Amanda...Can I ask you a question?"

Amanda tilted her head, "Hmmm?"

*****

I'm sitting in Sierra's room at the motel, reading one of the books she has brought from her cave. The title is 'The Princess of Landra'.

While I was reading I heard footsteps. I lowered the book and saw Amanda has entered the room. I smiled at her, "Hey Amanda, I haven't talked to you all day."

Amanda smiled back, "Well look whose talking. I haven't talked to you all day as well!"

I put the book down and said, "Probably because I was cleaning up the Braveheart today. I mean, it was kinda of a mess in there. Guess a lot of those dragons really did make a mess."

She giggled and said, "Well at least you really wowed the crowd there last night. You really were awesome!"

I giggled, "Yeah well, makes me feel like I'm a rockstar now when I got up there. And god you should've seen that gem that's on that stage, it really is magical!"

Her face went wide, "I could imagine." Then she took a step toward me and asked, "So what book is that? I didn't know you have books here."

I said, "Well actually the book that I'm reading belongs in our world. Sierra had books like this one for a long time."

That's when she saw a pile of books that I've laid around on the floor and she frowned, "Wait? Do dragons read?"

I giggled, "Well they have their own language. So that means they can read their own language. But they can't read human language which is ours. But for Sierra, she can."

Amanda's face went wide, "Sierra can read our language!?"

I laughed, "Yeah I know, I'm surprised when I've found out as well. A dragon who can read our language. It's pretty cool in a way. You see she learned that from Eric. The human she was with."

Amanda smiled, "I think now Sierra should be a poet now. I mean, she's sweet and she's smart. Hell she can put anything she put her mind to."

I said, "Sierra...A poet?" Then I smiled and shrugged, "Yeah, I think she would be a good poet."

Amanda got close to me and asked, "Can I sit by you? I really want to talk to you."

I looked up at her and patted a spot beside me, "Sure, please."

Amanda sat down beside me and crossed her legs. I asked, "Something wrong?"

Amanda had a guilty look on her face and finally she looked at me, "Look...About yesterday...I'm sorry."

I frowned at her, "Sorry for what?"

She said, "For kissing you. For coming on to you like that. I mean, it was just so sudden I-"

I waved her off, "Ah, don't worry about it. You were sad about being alone and about your mom dying because of your dad. I don't blame you at all."

Amanda said, "I mean its just...After we were starting to kiss, you just ran off without telling me why." Then she had a curious look on her face, "So...Anything I need to know about?"

I only stared at her now. Wondering if I should tell her that I don't love her and that I love Sierra...The dragon.

I'm wondering how she would take it. If she thinks that it's wrong, I don't blame her. But I won't stop seeing her that way. I love Sierra.

Well Amanda is starting to like Sierra anyways. Maybe she won't mind it at all.

I took a deep breath and let it out. Then I said to Amanda, "Well...It's because I was in love with someone else."

Amanda asked, "Who?"

I hesitated at first and I finally looked into her eyes and said, "Sierra."

Her face went wide, "Wait, what?"

I raised my hand to silence her, "Look...I know what it looks like on someone else's point of view. But...I love Sierra. I have been for a long time. At first I was just ignoring my feelings, only because she's a dragon. I only thought of her as a friend at first. I mean, me and you were kissing and I was feeling guilty for doing that. That's when I realized I loved her."

Amanda just stared at me, registering what I've just told her.

I put my hand to her shoulder, "Look don't treat me any different. Dragons are just like us. They live like us, they talk like us and they have FEELINGS like us. They really are like us and quite frankly, I don't care what anyone would think about me and her now. And nothing's going to change how I feel about her."

Amanda then looked straight ahead away from my glance.

I pleaded, "Please say something."

Amanda finally formed words, "You know...I knew there was something up with you two. About why you're so close to each other all the time. It's because you two have feelings for each other. You even adore each other."

I just stared at her, waiting to hear what she's going to say next.

She went on, "But you know...I thought it was weird at first and I didn't want to believe it. But when I've really realized what the dragons are like here, I think you're right. They are like us."

She looked at me and smiled, "And you know something else? I think you two are meant to be together, I can actually see it now. You two look really happy together. And I don't see why you guys shouldn't be together now."

I smiled at her, "Really?"

Amanda nodded, "I can understand why you didn't want to kiss me some more. You love her. And you know something else? It takes a lot of courage to tell me all this and that means a lot. That you're not afraid to express your feelings to her after all. That you really love her."

I asked, "You really don't care?"

She shook her head, "Nope. Don't care at all. After all it's a private thing anyways. I won't tell anyone about it if you want."

I grinned, "That would be great."

Amanda giggled, "I mean after all I really shouldn't tell anyone else that you've been banging each other for pleasure."

I laughed, "Well actually we weren't sleeping together, we are just...Together."

Amanda frowned, "What?"

I raised both hands in defense, "We only kissed each other, that's about it."

Amanda laughed and she waved me off, "Like I said, don't care."

I smiled at her, "Thanks."

Amanda shook her head, "No problem. Besides that I wouldn't want to ruin the relationship you have with her. Sierra's...Like a mother to me. I mean...She reminds me of my mom."

I said, "Well I hope you tell Sierra that. She would really appreciate it. And also...I think you deserve a mother figure. After all that you've went through, you need it."

Amanda smiled at me, "Maybe I will. Just need to find the right time to tell her."

I nodded, "I know you will."

And speaking of Sierra, she came into the room a moment later and she smiled down at me and Amanda, "Hello there."

I smiled up at her, "Hey there beautiful." Amanda giggled and then I went on, "Where have you been?"

She sat down on her haunches in front of me, "Well I was hanging around with Neal and Amanda today, and then me and Neal walked back to his house together and I've said goodbye to him. Nothing more."

I nodded, "Sounds like you had a lot of fun today."

Sierra nodded and asked, "So how was the Braveheart?"

I groaned, "God, it was mess in there today. Joanna had to close the restaurant today because we had to clean everything up there. A lot of those dragons there really made a mess last night."

Sierra rolled her eyes, "I'm not surprised."

I nodded again my eyebrows raised, "Yep."

Amanda then said to me, "Oh I forgot to mention, Wayne. Neal actually invited me to stay at his house for a while. So that means I'm going to get my bag and leave my room."

I frowned at her, "Really? You and Neal are actually getting along?"

Amanda laughed, "You don't have to sound surprised! And yes we are. I know we haven't gone off to a good start with each other, but we are getting along now."

 I smiled at her, "That's good."

Amanda nodded, "Yeah I mean, I never thought that Neal would ask me to stay with him. I could tell by the look in his eyes that he wanted my company. I...Guess he's alone."

Sierra smiled down at Amanda and said, "Well I'm glad you've said yes. At least give him some company."

I picked up the book I was reading and showed it to Sierra, "Hey Sierra, I was reading a book before you got here and I wondering if you want me to read it to you."

Sierra cocked her head down at me, "You're wanting to read to me?" Then she smiled,  "Actually I wanted to read it to you."

I smiled up at her, "You wouldn't mind it?"

She waved me off with her paw, "I know how to read your language Wayne. I'll do fine."

I shrugged, "Well okay then."

Amanda said, "Well I guess I can leave for Neal's now. See you later." 

Amanda was about to get up and Sierra stopped her before she left, "Actually Amanda...Can I read to you as well?"

Amanda looked at Sierra wide eyed for a moment and then Amanda smiled and nodded, "Sure I'll stay here a bit before I leave for Neal's."

Sierra smiled and then she walked past us to where we were sitting and came up behind us. She laid down on her stomach behind us. She lowered her neck to my level and held out her paw, "Hand me the book Wayne."

I nodded and grabbed the book that I was reading and handed it in her paw. Then me and Amanda scooted back until we were both laying against her chest. I could feel her heart beating.

Sierra made a face when she saw the book's title, "The Princess of Landra? Goodness boy, I thought you would pick a better book than that."

I looked at her, "What you don't like it?"

Sierra shrugged, "Well I've read it like a thousand times, maybe more than THAT. But I guess I can read it to you just this once."

I giggled and then I leaned my head to hers and kissed her cheek. I muttered, "I love you."

Sierra raised her head a bit and kissed my forehead and she muttered, "I love you too."

While Sierra was getting ready to read to us, I winked at Amanda who is still sitting beside me with her back against Sierra's chest and she got the picture. She now knows that I really love Sierra. Amanda smiled at me.

Well it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be.

Amanda doesn't mind that me and Sierra are together. Despite that we're different. Despite that we're a dragon and a human.

I smiled to myself at the thought.

Thanks Amanda. Thank you.

Sierra cleared her throat and opened the book with her paws. Then she started to read the first part in the book, "Once upon a time, in a kingdom called Landra. There lived a princess named Cassandra."