Sixty-Six Years Ago, 2019

Me and Tommy are having a stroll together in the mid afternoon, heading on our way to the Braveheart. We're going to eat there with Wayne and the others and then later on tonight, Wayne will be singing on stage.

A smile grew across my snout as me and Tommy strolled side by side. Today has been a great day for us.

Since Tommy doesn't spend the night for so many days in the row in the city with me, usually for one day me and him would head back to his home. This will be our second night here and tomorrow maybe at noon, me and him will leave again.

I remembered very well how Tommy felt coming here on his first visit. How terribly shy he was. But it has been almost a year already and after for several days, for several months, he really doesn't feel that way anymore.

He really has been himself around my friends, just like he's like himself around me.

I bet his own mother, if she was still alive, would be very proud of his accomplishment. By overcoming his shyness. And I know that she already thanked me before she died.

But I know that when she's with the ancestors, she still is thanking me.

Tommy started to walk ahead of me, since my strolling was a little slower than him. I was just staring at his back as he was walking in front of me.

I had an nervous, uncertain look on my face. I let out a small quiet sigh. I'm still trying to figure out what to do.

Spring has come and it has been several months since that Christmas night, that I've realized that I loved him. Not as my friend, but as my mate.

As the drake that I'd want to be with.

It has been months since that revelation and I still haven't REALLY told him.

I know that I said I love you, literally in front of his face, but he thought I was loving him as a best friend.

He still doesn't get it.

Of course, sometimes I show him the signs, like giving him those looks, the looks of showing my true love for him and he never noticed them. Honestly, I began to wonder if he's blind or not.

It's either that, or he does notice them and he's denying it.

That he's denying that I really love him.

For all I know, he's probably nervous about it and he doesn't want to say anything.

But by his expression on his face, he still treats me like I'm his best friend. Not as a mate at all. Maybe he never noticed my looks one bit.

I twisted my neck to pop it a little, the green fuzzy scarf moved along my scales as I moved my neck. I smiled to myself about it. That gift...It still warms my heart.

That Tommy gave me this gift, not just for Christmas but for also being his angel. For being the black scaled angel for him.

I know, I'll always bear this scarf for life. I'll bear it, until it's worn.

I watched Tommy still and I held a sad look for him. Maybe I better drop telling him how I feel.

I'm afraid if I do tell him, he'll leave me. And he won't speak to me again.

But could he though? Would he leave me?

He said that he was always happy with me, even before his mom died. That he wouldn't trade me for anything in the world.

But would he really leave me if I did tell him? Would he be so afraid of my attraction to him?

I already helped his shed his shyness, A LOT of it. But...Would he feel shy about me?

I know that I love him, no doubt about it.

But it has been months since that revelation and....I'm not getting anywhere.

Maybe I should...Talk to someone about it.

I never told anyone this since that revelation came. I never even told my brother this.

Hell, my brother doesn't like Tommy, or Amanda, or Wayne, or any human for that matter. I'm beginning to wonder how he'd take it if I said anything to him.

That I really love Tommy, as my mate.

I'll leave my overprotective brother out of this. Who else should I say this too?

Joanna? Wayne? Or maybe....Sierra?

I'll just talk to Sierra about it. She did tell me that she was so nervous about telling her first human lover Eric about her feelings. And she also told me how nervous she was telling Wayne about it too.

Yep, that's it! I'll talk to Sierra.

I can figure that Neal has went through the same thing as she did, when it came to Amanda. But I'll just pick Sierra. I'll talk to her.

Either tonight, or tomorrow before me and Tommy leave. I...I want to know what to do. I need an answer.

If I don't find an answer soon, I'm gonna go crazy.

My feeling in my chest, keeps buzzing away inside me and I don't know how much more I can take.

I want some advice from Sierra, I need it.

I need to know how I can tell Tommy about how I feel.

And speaking of Tommy, he looked over his shoulder and noticed my look. He asked, "You alright back there? You're walking kinda slow."

I shook my thoughts away and I put on a smile for him, "Of course, I am human! Why wouldn't I be?"

Tommy laughed and slowed down his walking, so we could walk side by side. Tommy looked up at me and said, "I don't know, you just had this weird look on your face." Then he frowned suspiciously at me, "Come to think of it, you've been acting strange lately, like something's on your mind." He asked, his voice full of seriousness, "Something I need to know about?"

Honestly, I REALLY felt the urge to shout out my feelings straight to his face. A really big urge. But I held it back and said in a calm voice to him, "Oh it's nothing. I been having....A lot of stuff on my mind."

Tommy put on a grin, "Oh really? What stuff?"

I shrugged my shoulders, "Nothing, just stuff."

Tommy let out a big sigh and guessed, "Let me guess, your brother gave you a hard time about me?"

I answered, "Not really, I mean I have seen him yesterday when you were alone with Cody and Wayne. At least, he didn't see you with me. I wasn't in the mood for seeing him glaring at you." I sighed in a bit of irritation, "I wish that my brother would see you as his friend and not as an enemy. That way you two would be best pals."

Tommy gave my leg a pat, "Yeah, like me and you!"

I beamed and closed my eyes in pride, "No doubt!" Then we both laughed at that.

Tommy then asked me another question with a gesture of his hand toward me, "So how is your brother? Being grumpy, or just being show offish?"

I laughed again and I answered it with a grin, "He was being boastful about how he flew faster than the other dragon officer who was with him." I giggled and shook my head, "I tell you, he is a brother with a big ego. Always being macho and some crap like that."

Tommy rolled his eyes at that, "Yep, big ego for you." Then he added with a shrug of his shoulders, "Come to think of it, Neal can be show offish as well."

I giggled some more and I cocked my head at him, "And what makes you say that?"

Tommy said, "Because everyone keeps saying that he's a show off."

I shot up my head, "Ha! You might be right!" I burst out laughing again.

Tommy looked at me and I twisted my neck in a shape of an s after I was done laughing, "What?"

Tommy nodded, like he put some pieces to a puzzle together in his mind, "I think I know what's really on your mind, lately."

My heart stopped immediately and I was feeling nervous at what he was about to say, "What's that?" Does he actually know about...What I feel for him?

My heart began to beat with hope, maybe he does know after all.

Tommy finally answered with his hand to his chin, "I bet that you're in love with Neal. That's what's on your mind."

My eyes widened at his answer and I stopped in my tracks. So did Tommy. No! I'm not in love with Neal! He loves Amanda, another human like you!

But Tommy doesn't know that. I'm pretty sure of that. Neal and Amanda are very private when it came to that topic. Even Wayne and Sierra are too.

I could understand that's why Tommy would think that, it's because I wasn't with a drake for all my life. Because I was so shy back then and not to mention that drake mounted me without my consent. I never had a drake in my life.

But the only drake that I'd want, is you. I want you Tommy.

Tommy yelled my name in a high voice, when I didn't answer him for a long time, "Rain!"

I shook my head and looked at him, Tommy tilted his head, "Well is that what's on your mind lately? Do you like Neal?"

I only stared at him, with a blank expression. My big urge came back again. No...I love you, Tommy. I was thinking about you.

Tommy gave me a comforting smile, "Look, it can't be that bad, right? At least tell me the truth."

The truth wanted to come bursting out of my lungs at this very instant. But I still didn't say anything to him about my feelings. I just decided to lie to him about Neal, "Yes, I do love him." But my voice in my brain gave out a very big scream at me. NO!!

Tommy's eyes went wide at my answer and then he beamed at me, "Well that's great!"

I had a sad look on my face and he titled his head at me, "What's wrong, girl?"

I lied to him again and looked away a bit, "I'm not sure on how to tell him. I mean...I know that I'm not shy anymore like I was before. Not to mention that Neal's a great drake and he's nice." I glanced back down at him, "But what if I'm not good enough for him? What if he-"

Tommy shook his head, "Nonsense!" I shut my mouth shut after that and he came closer to me and placed a hand onto my chest, "Look Rain, you haven't had a drake for yourself for all your life, don't you think that Neal is right for you?" He frowned at me with a tease, "You said that you haven't been shy anymore, but you're acting like it."

I hummed in thought and I rolled back my eyes, "Well...It's a very touchy subject."

Tommy laughed a little at that and he gave my chest a pat, "Rain, do you trust me?"

I lowered my head to his level and he backed away from my chest to look at my face. I answered, "I do."

Tommy took my chin in his hands and looked directly into my eyes, "Do you really love Neal?"

I answered immediately without hesitation, "Yes." No, that's not true!

Another urge came to me again, and only this time, instead of me telling my feelings toward him. Now I just wanted to SHOW him.

I wanted to kiss him right here in the middle of the street, right now. I didn't care if any other dragon saw me kissing a human.

I've seen Wayne kissing Sierra right in front of me and so did Amanda kissing Neal and it seemed to look natural to me. It's like kissing another dragon, but only it's a human. I don't see anything different about him.

Tommy's....Like a drake to me, but only small.

Tommy gave my nose a tender kiss and he said to me, "Then at least try to tell him, Rain. If you really love him, then at least tell him." He nodded to himself, "I think he'd be good for you. He's a nice guy." He gave me a mischievous grin, "He even looks handsome too for you."

I was smiling at him and I nuzzled his face, "I....I'll try to tell him."

Tommy started caressing my cheek with one hand and he said, "I know you can do it. Because you really deserve that kind of love. You never experienced that kind of love for all your life. But...There's your chance. Neal is your chance." Then he said this with hopeful eyes, "I know you can do it, because I know you all too well. And...Promise me that you'll do it. Ok? Promise?"

I stared at his face for a few moments. And Tommy had a worried look on his face. He said my name, in a questionable tone, "Rain?"

I said my false promise to him, "I promise."

Tommy beamed and nodded, "Good, and you won't regret it, I know you won't. Neal is good for you. I can just see you guys together right now."

I smiled a bit at that, "....So can I." Oh Tommy....

Look at what kind of position you're putting me through.

You think that I love Neal, but I don't. I had a crush on him once, before I knew he was with Amanda. But I don't anymore.

I really love you, Tommy. I really do.

Tommy backed away from my face and said, "Come on. Lets go to that restaurant already. I'm hungry!"

I laughed and rose my head above his level, "Alright, you hungry little human! Lets go!" He laughed too and we were both  strolling off now. My feelings for him still getting to me and I had a sad look on my face. But he never noticed it.

Tommy...

*****

Cody tossed back his head and laughed. Then he said to Tommy, "Seriously? Rain did that to you? And it's not the first time?"

Tommy nodded at his question, "Oh yeah. She just scared me to death by making a loop while I was riding on her back." Then he gave me a glare, "And she didn't warn me that she was going to do it."

I placed a paw to my chest, trying to act innocent, "Yes I have. I hollered over the wind that I was about to make a loop. You just didn't hear me."

Tommy still had his glare at me and he crossed his arms, "Liar. You did that on purpose. And it's not the first time, either. You do that every once in a while."

I rolled my eyes and actually admitted it, "I was only giving you the ride of your life."

Tommy let out a sigh, "Big girl, when I'm riding on your back, you do always give me a ride of my life." Then he raised a finger and added, "But you know that I'm afraid when you do that. I don't like you making those loops when I'm on your back."

I sighed too, "I thought you'd be used to it by now."

Tommy's glare melted away and he grinned at me, "Oh, I have gotten used to flying on your back, it's just that I'll never get used to you making all those loops. I'll always be afraid of them."

I giggled a little, "It's pretty funny when you scream like a female."

Tommy slugged a fist into the side of my body and all of us laughed.

Right now it has been an hour since me and him came to the Braveheart, so here we both are, chatting with Cody, Neal, Amanda, Sierra, and Wayne. We all had our orders and we're eating as well, at our table. I'm pretty much eating my favorite meat.

Amanda asked Tommy with a giggle, "Well since Rain does that to you, do you ever punish her for it?"

Neal nodded in agreement with Amanda, "Yeah, surely you must have gave her some form of punishment. Cause if you didn't, you're only rewarding her bad behavior."

Wayne giggled and gestured a thumb to Sierra, "Yeah, like one time when I flew on Sierra's back, we were so high in the air, and she practically dived to the ground. Pretty much scared me to death."

Sierra giggled evilly at that, "I loved that moment." Then she hissed a bit to herself, "But what I didn't like, was Wayne slapping my nose after that."

Wayne wiggled a finger at her, "Only because you deserved it. I thought you were trying to kill us."

Sierra sighed and protested, "Wayne, I was only having fun!"

Wayne rolled his eyes, "Yeah, scaring your friend to death. That's what you'd call fun."

Sierra lowered her head to him and nuzzled the top of his head, her cheek brushing against his hair, "Aw, my little Wayne. I have a love for scaring you sometimes."

Wayne reached up over his head and gave her cheek a pat, "I know, I know."

I smiled at them. Sierra's real lucky to have him. Then I gazed at Tommy beside me. I wish I was as lucky as you are.

Sierra raised her head off of Wayne's and said to me with a smile, "I know that I keep telling you this, Rain. But." She pointed a claw at my scarf on my neck, "That scarf still looks good on you."

Cody beamed at the green scarf, "Yeah, Green looks good on you. I know that you're black and all, but hey even the green works good with your black scales."

I laughed at his statement and said to him, "Well the only reason why you'd think that, is because green is YOUR color, you little green runt."

Cody growled at me, "One day when I'm older, I'll beat you in a fight and THAT'LL show you that I'm not a green runt anymore."

I rolled my eyes at his playful threat, "Dream on, you little drake. Dream on."

Cody gave me a big grin and shook his head slowly, "Won't be a little drake one day. You big black bitch."

Wayne laughed at that and he nudged his shoulder into Cody, "Cody when you call her black bitch, it sounds like you're making a racial term to her."

I shot up my head, "That's right, and we all know what racial terms are in Wayne's world." Then I narrowed my eyes at him, "And if you meant that in racial term, I'll kill you."

Tommy said in a protective matter to him, "Yeah, don't call my friend black. That's not very nice!"

Cody gave us a mock expression, "So? Dragons have different colored scales, so what does that make me? What racial term could you give me?"

I gave him a big mischievous grin, "How about...Greenie?"

Cody's eyes went wide at that and he pouted in defeat, "Damn, that was good."

Neal tossed up his head, "What about me and Sierra? What human racial term you give us?"

Amanda playfully grinned up at Neal, "How about, big red scaly pervert?"

Neal snorted down at her, "You always call me that! That doesn't count!"

Wayne added after him, "Yeah and plus, that's not even a racial term at all."

Amanda rolled her eyes at both those statements, "Don't care. I'll call him that whenever I want."

Neal lowered his head to her level and asked in a teasing tone, "Want me to spank your ass for that?"

She glared at him, "Want me to kick your stones after that?"

Neal groaned, "No."

Amanda then patted his nose, "Then behave yourself."

Neal licked her hand in return, "I'll behave whenever I want to behave."

Sierra laughed a little, "Old friend, you know that you're asking for trouble from her again."

Neal raised his head and looked at her, "I always do apparently."

Tommy laughed and said out loud, "You guys are a bunch of cards."

Sierra looked at Tommy and smiled, "Thank you, Tommy. And so are you."

Tommy gave a shrug with his arms, "I try to be. And if Rain tries to scare me while I'm riding with her in the air again, I'm going to spank her ass." I laughed a little after that statement.

Wayne nodded with a devious grin, "It's okay, I've spank Sierra's for being a bad girl." Sierra glared at him with a hiss after that and he looked at her with a narrowed gaze, "Oh you be quiet, you know you can be a brat."

Sierra's glare melted away and let out a pleasant sigh, "You're lucky you're too handsome for me to fight with."

Tommy piped in, "Yeah and I'm lucky that I'm too handsome for Rain to fight with." He beamed and declared, "I'm humble!"

I gazed down at him lovingly, "You really are." Oh Tommy, you really are handsome.

Joanna came to us with a smile on her face, "How's it going everyone?"

We all said this in unison, "Great!"

Joanna laughed, "I thought so. I always ask the same question and you gave the same answer. I'm not surprised at all!"

Tommy smiled brightly at her, "The food always tastes good. And you know what, Joanna?"

Joanna cocked her head at him, "What?"

"I think that the Braveheart should be in the human world. So that way humanity can at least enjoy this glorious food."

Her eyes went wide at that, "Oh wow, hon. I'm surprised at THAT idea." She held up her head proudly at the idea, "Ha! Imagine, that my restaurant would be in the human world and the whole humanity would practically enjoy it!"

Wayne nodded, "I can imagine it."

Cody nodded too, "Me too! I love eating this food!"

Sierra giggled mischievously at him, "Yeah, and I know that you're getting fat by eating all this food all the damn time."

Cody shot a glare up at her, "Shut up, or Wayne will spank your big blue ass."

Sierra narrowed her look down at him, "Don't tell Wayne to do that." Then she was grinning at him, "Or I'll spank yours for being a bad hatchling."

Cody screamed in irritation, "I'm not a damn hatchling!"

Sierra shot at him, "You're small to be one."

"Shut up!" Then all of us laughed at that, except Cody.

Tommy said to Joanna with a smile, "Well still, thank you for the food as usual."

Joanna lowered her head to his level and nuzzled him like a mother would, "You're welcome hon." Tommy started patting the side of her face in return.

My face held a concerned, pity look for him, as I saw his expression changed. The look of sadness. I know what he's thinking.

His mother. He still misses her.

Oh poor Tommy.

Joanna stopped nuzzling him and as she pulled her face away, she saw Tommy's expression. She asked with a voice of concern, "What's the matter, hon?"

Tommy glanced down and answered, "Nothing." He shut his eyes tight, as he was afraid he was about to break down in front of us.

I uncurled a wing behind my back and wrapped it around him. I cooed him, "It's okay, Tommy. We're all here." The others looked at him with pity and concerned for him too.

Tommy said in a trembling voice, his body was shaking a bit, "It's just....You remind me so much of her. Joanna....You really do."

Joanna said to him, in a comforting motherly voice, "Don't be sad, hon. Your mother still knows that you love her."

Then Tommy brushed my wing off of him and got up from the table, away from all of us, "I can't get her out of my head! She's my mother and she's dead!" Then Tommy, whose eyes were about to water, ran out of the restaurant, leaving us alone.

Amanda only muttered one word in sadness for Tommy, "Poor guy. I know what he's going through." She placed a hand to her chest, as she explained, "I still think about my mother when she's dead. I can't get her out of my head too." Then she placed a hand on Neal's leg and started rubbing it tenderly, "You really would've loved my mother big guy. You would've loved Lindsey."

Neal lowered his head to her level and nuzzled her face. He said to her in a pity voice, "I wish that your father didn't kill her. I...I wish that she knows that her daughter is in good hands."

Amanda said lovingly at him, "She does." Then Neal moved his head a bit so he could look at her. And since there weren't any other customers in the restaurant, they both leaned into each others faces and shared a kiss together. Amanda pressing her mouth against Neal's snout. Their mouths adjusting to each others. Amanda was caressing both his cheeks as they kissed.

Sierra dipped her head down and said, "I miss my parents too." She looked at me and added, "I know how he feels as well."

Cody let out a pity sigh, "I wish that I knew what he went through. My mother and father are still alive right now." He shook his head, "I can't imagine losing anyone like that." He shrugged his shoulders and went on, "I can't even imagine losing Eleanor too. I can't."

Joanna held a sad look for Tommy, "Poor little human. I would take that boy in and raise him as my son. If he'd let me."

Wayne smiled and nodded in agreement, "I think he'd love it." Joanna glanced at him and smiled at that.

I sighed and got off my haunches and moved away from the table, "I need to find Tommy. He needs me."

Wayne gestured his hand to me, "Go ahead. We won't go anywhere."

And with that, I went away from the table and took fast strides out of the restaurant. I made my way outside onto the streets. Glancing around to see if I can find Tommy.

In the distance, I could hear crying and I finally saw Tommy sitting on the ground at an alley nearby. His back pressed against the wall of a stone building, and he buried his face into his hands, sobbing.

I held a sad look for him. Tommy...

After I found him, I strode very slowly to the alley toward him. I was now standing right in front of him now. I slowly lowered my head to his level, only that my nose was close to him.

I said to him in a calm whisper, "Tommy." I gave his head a small nudge and said his name again, "Tommy."

Tommy sniffed his nose and raised his head off his hands. His face was covered in tears. His eyes were red as well.

I shook my head and said softly to him, "I'm sorry, Tommy. You know how sorry I am. And I'm still sorry. I...I'm sorry for Alessa."

He only just stared at me, while his body trembled. I said to him with concern, "Please, say something."

Tommy said in a low voice, while glancing away from my gaze, "What do you want me to say?"

I sat down on my haunches in front of him and only answered, "Anything."

He sniffed his nose loudly again and only muttered, "I miss her."

I nodded, "I know."

He looked at me with a fierce gaze and he got up abruptly off the ground, "No, Rain...I miss her."

I nodded again, "And I said, I know."

He shook his head, "You don't get it. I...I can't get her out of my head." He let out a sigh of defeat, "I tried. I tried and I tried to get her out of my head for months and I still can't. I...I can't let her go."

I said to him, "Of course you can't let her go. She's your mother."

He shouted, "You don't understand!" I pulled my head back a bit, surprised by his outburst. He went on, "I was so quiet and shy back then. I never had anyone else to talk to, only her. She was the only person I could really talk to."

He let out a trembling sigh, "I don't have any family left. I have a father in prison and he's a scumbag and I hate him." He waved me off with one hand, while he wiped his tears with his other arm, "I know that I never met him before, but I know him well enough that he's evil. I'm all alone without any family left, don't you get it?"

Tommy hung his head, staring at his feet, "I...I feel so alone."

I shook my head and assured him, "You're not alone."

But then he said this in a whisper, "I wish I could see her again." He sniffed again and said this that really shocked me, "I wish I was with her right now. I...I wish I was dead."

I let out a small gasp and I shook my head twice, "Don't say such things."

Tommy raised his head to look at my face, his face looks serious, "But it's true."

I said, "But you said to me that you were happy with me. That you were happy with the others too."

Tommy shook his head, "I know what I've said. But...But sometimes it feels like it's not enough. I feel like...I want my mother back. My confidant. I tried to let her go, but I can't. I tried to let her go, but I can't."

Then he balled his hand up into a fist and shot it back down while he shouted real loud again, "I TRIED TO LET HER GO, BUT I CAN'T!"

I only looked at him after that, while he breathed heavily. Poor Tommy. He really wants his mother. And he thinks the only way he'll be with her, is to die.

I put on a determined expression. No, I can't let that happen. His mother wouldn't let him die and I know for a fact that I wouldn't let him die either. I have to do something. I have to save him from that misery.

I'm saving him and it starts now.

Then I asked him, not taking my gaze off of him, "What do you think will happen? Huh?"

Tommy's expression went wide and I went on, "What do you think will happen? What do you think will happen to everyone else who knows and cares about you? What do you think will happen when you die?"

Then I placed a paw onto my chest, "What do you think will happen to ME?" I lowered my paw back to the ground and went on, "Because I think that YOU killing yourself, that's a selfish thing to do." I shook my head at him, "I know that I have friends, but...You're special to me. And I feel so close with you. How do you think I'd feel if you killed yourself?"

Tommy softened his look a little bit, as my questions settled in on him. I said, "I would never forgive myself if you died. I wouldn't. I never will."

My eyes started to water because of this and I went on, "I don't ever want to lose you, not EVER. And...I don't ever want you to say those things ever again. Don't even think it. And...You're not alone, because we both know that I'm here for you."

I got my face close to his, "All of us are here for you, especially ME. Because you're my friend and I'm your angel. Don't ever give up on yourself, things will be better in time. I know they will." I moved my snout to his forehead and gave it a kiss. I let out a breath after that, "Don't stop believin', Tommy."

I pulled my head back to look at his face, I shook my head as some tears fell down my face, "Don't stop believin'. Don't you ever stop believin'. I...I don't want to lose you. We don't want to lose you. Live on for your mother. She would NEVER want you to give up. I don't ever want you to give up your life." I reached out with my paw to stroke his head, brushing his hair a bit, "Please, Tommy...Don't stop believin'. Don't ever think that way again."

Tommy was about to cry again and he only said my name, "Rain?"

I laid my paw back down and we stared at each other for a long time. Then he ran and threw himself into my chest. Wrapping his arms around my neck, crying into my chest. I was starting to cry too as I embraced him with my paw.

Tommy muttered one word as he sobbed real loud into my chest scales, "Mother."

I was still comforting him as my eyes closed tight at all this. Oh Tommy....

I don't ever want to lose you.

I love you.

*****

The performance at the Braveheart is about to start, and I'm standing here in the crowd along with Tommy standing beside me. Lots of dragons, along with several humans who have visited the city today, have came here to watch Wayne sing.

My friends are next to me, also watching intently at the stage. Wayne and Joanna are near it.

I looked down beside me, looking down at Tommy. I held a pity look on my face.

He appears to be okay right now. He hasn't been crying anymore ever since we've got back in here.

Ever since Tommy's confession that he wanted to die to be with his mother, and ever since I've comforted him, he has been okay.

He didn't talk at all, all he did was just...Smile at me when we got back in there. So maybe he feels better.

Tommy really hasn't talked at all when we got back to the others, all he did was just sit around next to me, waiting for Wayne to sing for tonight. And he's still quiet, never saying a word.

I hope it's a good thing, I really hope so.

I don't want Tommy to kill himself, I don't.

I hope he's not hurting anymore. I don't know what I'd do if he died.

I reached out with my forearm and wrapped it around him, pulling him closer to me. Tommy looked up at me and he smiled. After that, he looked ahead.

I smiled after that. I could see that light in his eyes. I think...He's really ok.

I looked at the stage and saw that Joanna came on stage and hollered at everyone, "Hi there, dragons and humans! You sure look good tonight!" All of us cheered and so did Tommy.

Then Joanna held up her head and said proudly, "Well I'm sure that you're tired of all this waiting and stuff like that." She shrugged her shoulders and joked, "I know I would." A few humans and dragons laughed in the crowd. Joanna went on, "So without further ado, you all know this human." She gestured her wing to the side of the stage, "Here's Wayne!"

Everyone cheered as Wayne ran on stage and waved at everyone. Wayne greeted Joanna and she strode off the stage. Leaving Wayne alone up there now.

I saw the gem change from red to blue and Wayne closed his eyes, ready to think up another song.

Wayne has told me and the others already what it was.

It's 'Who's Crying Now' by Journey.

Wayne opened his eyes and the human music played from his head, just like the gem always does. The music intro to that song sounded like a keyboard.

Wayne's cue to sing came, "It's been a mystery! And still they try to see! Why something good can hurt so bad? Caught on a one way street! The taste of bittersweet! Love will survive somehow, some way!"

I hear some other instruments play like the drums and guitar now. Wayne shook his body back and forth in rhythm, "One love, feeds the fire! One heart, burns desire! Wonder, who's crying now?" He clenched a fist and held it close to his chest, "Two heart born to run! Who'll be the lonely one?" He lowered his hand back to his side, "Wonder, who's crying now?"

Now only the keyboard was being played and Wayne sang as he looked to one side of the crowd, "So many stormy nights!" He looked to the other side, "So many wrong or rights!" Then he stared at the middle of the crowd, "Neither could change their headstrong ways!"

He looked directly at Sierra, "And in a lover's rage! They tore another page! The fighting is worth the love they share!"

He went back to shaking his body back and forth in rhythm again, and the other instruments played again, "One love, feeds the fire! One heart, burns desire! Wonder, who's crying now?" He tapped his foot repeatedly, "Two hearts born to run! Who'll be the lonely one? Wonder, who's crying now?"

He took a couple of fast strides toward the edge of the stage and sang some more, "Only so many tears you can cry! Till the heartache is over!" He reached out his hand and slowly pulled it back, "And now you can say your love, will never die!"

Wayne shut his eyes tight, held up both hands close to his head and sang loud, "Whoa! Oh, whoa! Oh!!! Oh, whoa!!"

He dropped both hands to his sides and sang on, "One who, feeds the fire! One heart, burns desire! Wonder, who's crying now? Two hearts born to run! Who'll be the lonely one? Wonder, who's crying now?"

After he sang that, we can all hear the guitar solo being played out and it played from his head for a long time.

After a while, the music finally faded away and all of us cheered for Wayne. He bowed down to everyone who cheered for him.

I looked down at Tommy again and he looked up back at me. I was smiling at him. Then I looked at Wayne who ran off the stage to see Sierra. She lowered her head and Wayne wrapped his arms around her head, embracing her. He gave her a kiss on the nose afterwards.

I sighed at the sight. I can just imagine that they're me and Tommy over there.

I really can.

*****

Me and Tommy walked back to the motel after the performance, since the two of us are not hungry now. Tonight felt like a long night to me. I let out a yawn as I strolled into our motel room, seeing a pile of furs in the middle of the room. I grinned to them. Seeing them is really making me feel sleepy.

I strolled fast to them and dropped down onto my stomach as soon as I was over them. I let out a big long drawn out sigh.

Tommy giggled at that as he walked until he was right in front of me, "You seem to be worn out and we didn't do much, except walk all the way back here."

I glanced at him, surprised that he can talk again. After the performance, he still hasn't spoken after our tearful embrace. I said to him, "Wow, what do you know? He finally speaks. Where has my friend been?"

Tommy chuckled and gestured to himself, "I'm still here, I just haven't...Talked much."

I nodded, as I lowered my head to him, "I can tell. After everything you told me and after you cried some more in my scales, you were just...Quiet. Never said a word to me and the others after we went back in the restaurant." I gave him a concerned look and cocked my head, "Are you alright?"

Tommy let out a long breath and shrugged his shoulders, putting on a smile, "Well you saw me smile more than once in there, did you?"

I nodded at his question, "Yes. But I didn't know what it means....Until one time, I think I saw the light in your eyes." Then I asked him, just to be sure, "I just want to be sure, are you REALLY okay? You...Don't feel like you want to be with your mom anymore?"

Tommy looked out through the balcony window, to look at the night sky. He let out a sigh, "I'll be honest....Not anymore." He looked back at me and went on, "Because throughout the whole afternoon after what happened in the alley, I began to realize something. I began to realize that...You were right."

My eyes widened a bit and I asked, "About what?"

"About killing myself, to be with my mother. That you said that I was being selfish, for doing that. Because if I did that, I'd be leaving the people and dragons that care about me. That they would feel sad over my death." He looked straight at my eyes, "That I'd leave you alone and you'd cry over my death, I began to realize that, what I was thinking about doing....It wasn't fair. To you and to everyone else."

I was about to say this, "Tommy, I-"

He held up a finger, "Let me finish, ok?" I nodded after that. He lowered his hand and went on, "I know that I missed mom and I thought that I wanted to be with her. But now...I realize that I shouldn't." He gave me a small smile, "I realize...That mom wouldn't want me to die. I think you were right about that, my mother would want me to live on for her. Not die. She'd think that it wouldn't be fair and it'd be selfish of me also. My mother...Wants me to live. Just like you."

He walked a little closer to my face and said, "And you want to know something else? I said that I didn't have any family left, that I've felt alone. Well...I don't feel alone anymore. Because you really made me open my eyes." He reached out his hand to cup my cheek, I was still staring at him as he went on, "That I do have family left and it's you and the others. You're the only family that I have left and I'll never let that go."

I giggled a little, "I can think that Wayne, Neal, and Cody are like brothers to me. I can think that Amanda, Eleanor and Sierra as my sisters, and I would also think Joanna as my mother. I wouldn't mind it one bit. All of them are great family to me and I began to realize it when you talked to me in the alley."

He shook his head, "I don't feel alone anymore and it's all thanks to you. You...Saved my life and I don't want to be with mom anymore."

I smiled at him and said, "It's normal to miss your family, but...You shouldn't die just to be with them. And you have made a good point and so did I. Your mother wouldn't want you to die, even if I've felt that way, my family would want me to live too."

Tommy leaned his head forward and kiss my nose. He giggled and then I licked his face in return.

I said to him, "I'm glad you're not thinking that way anymore." I shook my head, "I don't want to lose you. You really are the best company a dragoness like me could ever have."

He started rubbing his hand onto my nose and reassured, "I promise Rain. For you most of all, I'll never think that way ever again. I won't. Because it wouldn't be fair for you and everyone. For YOU most of all."

Tommy removed his hand off of me and I leaned my head to his chest and started nuzzling him. We both sighed at the same time.

I said to him as this question just popped up in my brain, "Hey Tommy?"

He was rubbing the bottom of my chin, while I was nuzzling softly to him, "Yeah?"

I asked, "You talked about everyone else being your siblings and your mother. But you left me out on that, so...What about me?" I stopped nuzzling him, waiting for my answer, "What am I to you?"

Tommy continued to stroke the bottom of my chin and he answered, "That you're my angel. That you'd always be my angel. You would never let me die and I was right about you. You never gave up. You told me to don't stop believin'. And I won't stop believing. As long as I live, I won't. I won't give up on my life." He leaned his head onto the top of mine, laying his cheek on me, "I won't stop believing, Rain. For you, I won't."

I closed my eyes and I smiled a little at that. I went back to nuzzling him again and I said this to him, "Tommy."

I felt his cheek off the top of my head, "Yeah, my angel?"

I said while I was still nuzzling him, with love in my voice, "I love you."

Tommy gave the top of my head a devoted kiss and said back, "I love you, too."

My smile melted away. I opened my eyes and they were filled with sadness and disappointment. He still doesn't get it.

By the way he said it back, he didn't know what kind of love I was saying to him. He still thinks I'm his best friend.

I dug my head deeper in his chest, nuzzling him harder. I really do love you, Tommy.

I know that it's a long shot and that's just my hopeful thinking talking. But I hope that you really know that. I hope that you really did figure it out and you never told me. I hope that you knew that...I loved you.

I hope you do, Tommy.

*****

I flapped my wings against the wind. Seeing that I'm over the woods. The bright sun shining off of my black scales. Talk about a bright sunny day.

I flapped again and saw a spot down below for me to land. I glided down, flapped my wings once more to slow down my speed. I landed hard on my feet, and trotted to a stop on the ground. I curled my wings behind my back and looked up at the blue sky. The puffy white clouds taking their shape. And then I looked at the sun, the sun's rays blinding me.

I shut my eyes tight and glanced away. And I opened them and saw that I've landed on a beautiful meadow. Flowers all around me.

I smiled at the scene. This place is beautiful.

I'm not sure if I've ever seen this kind of meadow before. Maybe not ever.

I felt like I was being watched and I whirled around and saw it. My eyes went wide at the figure.

I could see a dragon up ahead. Strutting slowly toward me with each step of its paws, it held grace and pride. The dragon had a smile on its face as it looked right at me. The dragon appeared to have black scales just like me. I know that it's not my brother, it's someone else.

I was nervous about the dragon and I took one step back. Not really sure about this stranger.

I could see that it's a drake and he came up real close. That grin still on his face. He said this to me, "Hello Rain."

I let out a small gasp. He knows my name! My human name!

He giggled a little and said, "You look beautiful under the sun."

I slowly cocked my head and asked, "Who....Who are you?"

He took a step closer to me, "It's me." He placed a paw to his chest, "It's me, Rain."

I still had my head cocked and I started frowning. Who is he?

I peered deep into his eyes and they look familiar.

I stared at them for another moment and then my maw dropped agape.

It's him!

I said his name out loud, "Tommy."

He nodded, confirming everything, "Yes it is."

I slowly smiled at him and said, "You look....Handsome."

Tommy who's still the drake said back, "I know that for a fact. And you still look beautiful. For a very long time, you always looked beautiful."

I giggled shyly at that, "You...You have no idea."

Tommy took another step to me, and we are now nose to nose. I was still staring into his handsome eyes.

While I was transfixed by his eyes, I said to him, "Tommy...There's something I want to say to you. Something I should've told you a long time ago."

Tommy asked with a grin while his nose is still with mine, like he knows what I'm going to say to him, "Yeah?"

I moved my head a bit and gave his nose a lick. I said to him without taking my gaze off of him, my eyes were starting to water with joy just by looking at him, "I love you. I...I've always loved you."

Tommy nodded and said, "I knew you were. We were meant to be together." Then he asked with hope in his voice, "Rain...Would you be my mate? Do want us to be together as one?"

I beamed at him, as my tears of joy came falling down my face. I said to him in a whisper, "Yes."

Tommy beamed at my answer and then he leaned his head into my neck and started nuzzling me. I let out a small breath at the love he's giving me and I was nuzzling back.

Tommy gave me a lick on my neck and I gave his ear a nip. We both giggled at each other for that. Then he started nipping at my neck and I closed my eyes in full content. So this is what love really is. This is what I'm experiencing.

Tommy stopped nipping me and he moved his head up to my face. He gave my cheek a lick and I gave his cheek a lick too.

He started trailing my face with his tongue, until he licked my jawline. Then as our snouts were close together, he pressed his snout into mine, sharing our first kiss together. My eyes went wide at the romantic gesture and I moaned as his tongue entered my mouth. I closed my eyes and I tilted my head, our jaws locking together as I kissed him back.

Tommy reached up with his paw and caressed my shoulder, then he moved his paw up further and he started caressing my neck. I reached up to the back of his head, and pulled his head deeper into mine. Our tongues twining each others.

I finally pulled my snout back from his and opened my eyes. I said to him with all the words that I want to say to him again, "I love you, Tommy."

Tommy while he was taking a deep breath, said back, "I love you too. My angel. I love you too." Then we both  pressed our snouts together again. Locking jaws once more.

We kissed for another moment, until I pulled my snout away and started backing away from him. Me and him were gazing at each other, until I slowly turned my whole body around on him. I turned my head to look over my shoulder and I raised my tail for him, inviting him to be my mate, "I'll be yours, Tommy."

Tommy grinned at that and he took slow strides toward me. As he got close, he climbed onto my back to mount me, putting his weight on my back. After he mounted me, he leaned his head to my face and we started kissing again. Then our tails started coiling together.

I jerked my eyes open and I woke up. I slowly raised my head off the furs and I began to slowly realize that what just happened was all a dream. I looked around in the motel room, seeing that it's still nighttime. I let out a sigh.

Then I heard a voice near my body, "Rain."

I twisted my neck to look near my body and saw that it was Tommy, sleeping close to me. I remember now he was sleeping by me as usual. He's now mumbling in his sleep. He's dreaming about something.

I lowered my head to him and he said t again, while he laid on his side, "Rain....Rain..." Then there was just more mumbling. Words I can't understand.

My eyes frowned in curiosity. He's...Dreaming about me.

I've never seen him do that before. Of all the times we've slept together, this is the first.

He turned his body to face mine and it looked like he was trying to reach out to me, his hands are now touching the scales on my body. He said my name again, "Rain...Don't....Don't leave me."

I held a pity look for him. He's dreaming that I'm leaving him.

His fingers still clawed at my body and he said it again, "Rain..." He moaned in his sleep. He found my wing membrane and he was touching it softly, "Rain..."

I let out a breath for him. I won't leave you Tommy.

I won't. Because I love you.

I lowered my head a bit more closer to his head. Then I planted my snout against his forehead, giving him a small kiss. I gave his head a lick after that. He moaned again and he rolled back over, facing away from me.

I raised my head and I was looking down lovingly at him. Oh Tommy.

You'd make a great drake.

I saw you as one in my dream.

You looked so handsome.

If you were born as a dragon, instead of a human, we'd be together. And I wouldn't be so afraid to tell you how I feel.

I looked out through the balcony window.

I need to tell him. I need to tell him how I feel, for real.

I really want him to know that I really love him.

That I love him as my mate. That I love him as my drake. That I love my Tommy.

I want to be yours Tommy.

I'd trust you as my drake and I'd be yours. No one else, but you.

I let out a sigh. Tomorrow in the morning, before me and him leave the city, I'll talk to Sierra about this.

She'll know how to help me with this. She's just like me. This has happened to her twice.

I'll talk to her about my feelings toward Tommy.

I looked down at Tommy again and I curled my paw around him, holding him like he's mine. I won't let you go Tommy. And you don't have to worry about me leaving you. Because I won't.

Then I lowered my head all the way down to the furs and closed my eyes. Slumber taking over.

I'll see Sierra tomorrow. I need help with this.