What's This?

It's Christmas day and you find yourself staring at a beautiful tree.  There are gifts under it that need unwrapping! 

(Click the tree to find your gifts)

Merry Christmas!

There are quite a few under here!  Some are for you, some are for others.  Open yours first, then maybe you can see what other people got!

(Choose your name)

 

To Abby

Wow, you have such good friends.  Look at this stuff!  Better get to opening them.

From Zayne:

 From Caspian:

 From Hex & Specter:

To Yanet

Look at all this stuff!  Aren't you a lucky gal?  They're almost too pretty to open... Almost.

From Zayne:

 From Caspian:

 From Hex & Specter:

To Abby, From Hex and Specter

I had no idea what you like, so I got you what I assume every girl likes.

Plus, Immortality.  I think that makes up for my lack of knowledge on your preferences.

I ONLY GOT ONE THING...

A MARRIAGE PROPOSAL.  MARRY ME, ABBY?

To Abby, From Caspian

For my darling friend, I managed to scrape together a few things.

 

(click for larger version)

I designed this myself.  The bow at the waist is removable and the headband is, of course, optional.  The bow on the headband can be removed and used as a hairpin.

To Abby, From Zayne

I... don't really know what you like.  Caspian made several suggestions.

To Yanet, From Hex and Specter

We were not sure exactly what you would like.  We sort of defaulted to what we assumed all girls like... Shoes.

We also remembered that your shitty boyfriend has a weird pirate fetish.  So, we got him a gift you both might like.  Because we're not getting him anything.

WE HOPE YOU LIKE OUR GIFTS. IF YOU DO NOT LIKE THE SHOES, PLEASE THROW THEM AT ZAYNE'S HEAD. THAT WOULD PLEASE US IMMENSELY.

To Yanet, From Caspian

Merry "Pagan-Holiday-Rip-off." You said you like green.

(click for larger version)

I designed this myself.  It's flattering to your form and I even added gloves to cover your scars.  The barrettes are optional and the strap is also removable.  The large gem doubles as a hair piece, if you prefer.

To Yanet, From Zayne

For my beautiful fiance. ♥ I love you more than anything in the world!

 

I got stuff for Sapphire too!! :D

Evania Chapter 9

Chapter 9

The morning light leaking into the cave awoke Phillip. He stretched and sat up, sighing in relief as a cool wind blew through, chilling his slightly sweaty skin.

The nest was always a little too warm these days. But, that was understandable, seeing as he was sleeping between two very large heaters.

He laid back down and rested his head on Damien's chest, the Night Fang still sleeping soundly. Behind him, Koen was curled up tightly, snoring softly. He honestly had no idea how someone so bony and with such long legs could curl up as tightly as Koen always managed to, but, then again, Koen was always full of surprises.

A clawed hand slowly lifted and squeezed him close, a handsome face nuzzling his hair.

Pip smiled, whispering, “Good morning, love.”

“Mornin'.” Damien replied, voice gruff with sleep.

A sudden and violent jolt from the body to their left alerted the parents.

Koen curled up even tighter and shuddered, before stretching his limbs, legs extended far beyond the rim of the nest.

“Koen?” Phillip called softly, sitting up, “Are you okay?”

The boy jerked slightly when he heard his name, “Uh, yeah... I'm good.” He rolled onto his stomach and pushed himself onto all fours, looking over at the pair, “I didn't sleep in, did I?”

“No, if anything you're up early.” Damien informed him, sitting up with the others.

“Oh, okay, good.” Koen mumbled.

“Koen, are you okay?” Phillip asked, more forcefully this time, worried about his child.

“I'm fine. It was just a nightmare. I'm fine.” He shook his head, seemingly trying to rid himself of whatever remnants were left in his head, “I'm gonna go out now... Be back later.” He went to scurry from the nest and exit the cave, but a tight grip on his horn stopped him.

“Koenraad.” Phillip snapped, voice dangerously serious, “We are going to talk about this.”

“It was just a nightmare. They happen. I'm fine.” Koen groaned, “May I please go now?”

“Where are you going?”

“I want to hang out with my friend.”

“Rori?” Damien asked.

“Yeah...”

Phillip released his horn and the two parents glanced at one another, then looked back at him.

“We'd really like to meet Rori.” Pip said.

“Uhhhh...” Koen paused, thinking quickly, “Well, he doesn't really leave his cave much, since the sunlight is such a problem, you know? But, I'll invite him over...” Lying was becoming a little too easy...

“When can we expect you back?”

“Lunch.” Jeez, when did his parents get so damn interested in his business?

“Alright...” Pip muttered, looking at him pleadingly, “Don't do anything dangerous, okay?”

“I won't, mom.”

“Promise?”

“I promise.” He whined, getting antsy. He really wanted to get there before Rori woke up.

He liked watching him sleep. He always looked so calm and relaxed; it was a nice change.

That wasn't creepy.

He wasn't creepy.

“Alright then... We'll see you later...”

“'Kay, bye!” Koen called, bolting from the cave.

“We love you!” Pip yelled.

“Love you!” He spread his wings and jumped away from the ground, pushing himself far into the sky.

--

As predicted, Rori was sleeping soundly when he arrived. To avoid possibly waking him, Koen had taken his nose dive several feet from the cave and then walked to it and climbed up the wall.

He sat quietly beside the nest, gazing down at the albino in silence.

He liked Rori. He liked Rori a lot. More than he wanted to admit to himself.

It wasn't good. They were a bad match. Dragons and harpies don't mix well. His dad would be pissed.

So pissed.

But, man, he really wanted to just... Cuddle him. Or, something. Is that what mates do? Yeah, pretty sure. He wanted to crawl into the nest and lay with him. That sounded nice.

But, that wasn't going to happen. Apparently, you “don't invade a harpies nest, you fucking idiot” for whatever reason. He'd gotten a face full of claws the last time he'd tried.

Then again, they were friends now, so maybe-

It wasn't smart to get hopes up. Only led to disappointment.

He tilted his head, watching Rori shift slightly.

He was pretty. So pretty.

With his snowy white hair and pale skin and feathery wings.

He liked his personality too. It wasn't the best, admittedly, but he liked that Rori wasn't afraid of him.

He wasn't sure why so many were afraid of him...

It could have been his size, maybe it was his overbearing personality, his loud voice was a possibility, but he honestly wasn't sure.

He didn't have a lot of friends.

But, he did have Rori.

“It's rude to stare.”

Koen jumped, heart clenching as a rough voice jerked him from his musings.

“Wuh, uh-”

“You are all sorts of creepy.” Rori said, stretching, “I've been awake since you got here, you know? I wasn't sure what I was expecting when I decided to pretend to be sleeping. I got bored though. Damn, you are fucking creepy.”

“Sorry, I... didn't wanna wake you...” Koen replied, looking at the ground.

“Well, you didn't have to stare.”

“Sorry...”

“Whatever. No harm, I guess.” He sat up and looked at his friend, “Why don't you get breakfast? I'm hungry.”

“Okay.” Koen grinned, mood elevating.

--

After a messy breakfast, the duo went to the river to wash.

At the shore, Rori looked toward the sky, “It's pretty cloudy today... Wanna go for a swim?”

“Sure!” Koen agreed, removing his pants.

Rori removed his own and stepped into the water, “Not too cold today.”

“Awesome.” Koen strode past his friend and into the water. It was a little chilly, but nothing he wasn't used to. He walked in to his waist, then dropped, immersing himself.

Rori followed, lowering himself to his shoulders and swimming out.

The river was wide here, and likely very deep too, but that didn't stop the albino from swimming to the middle. He paused once there, grinning, “Hey, BB, come here.”

“Why?” Koen asked, perfectly comfortable where he was seated.

“I can't feel the bottom. I wanna know if you can.”

“Oh, okay.” He leaned forward and pushed off the bottom with his feet, doggy-paddling his way out to his friend.

He stopped a foot away and attempted to stand.

“Um, I can't touch either, I guess.”

“You guess? You're not fucking sure whether or not you can feel the ground under your feet?” Rori asked sarcastically, giving him the look.

“I... I can't touch.”

“Oh wow you sure got over that handicap pretty fucking fast.”

“I'm gonna see how deep it is.”

“You do that then.”

With a roll of his eyes, Koen took a deep breath and pushed himself under the surface.

The water was relatively clear, allowing him a slightly murky eyeful of... Rorick.

He looked away, blushing, and used his wings to push himself further, just like uncle Leo had taught him. He flipped himself over, now facing the riverbed, and was surprised to find it only a few feet away.

He had plenty of air left. Some exploration was in order.

Fish swam by as he slowly made his way down river along the floor, using his claws to drag himself. He looked under crevices and pushed over large rocks as he went, enjoying this mini adventure. He marveled at colorful fish and pretty rocks, ignoring the slight burn in his lungs as his air supply slowly dwindled.

A glimmer caught his eye and he stopped, lightly picking at some soil near where the light from the surface had caught something shiny. He dug his claws in and grasped something about as large as his palm, pulling it out with ease.

He moved away from the cloud of disturbed soil to get a better look at his loot. He tilted his head, moving his hand and the object around in the water to wash off some clinging dirt and rocks.

It was perfectly round, save for a large notch on top where a chain was attached, but flat, and gold, with pretty ornate patterns carved on the front. The chain was broken, having only about five links left in it.

He stared at it a moment, trying to remember what his mother had called this. He'd seen one before, when he was very young, when uncle Ken had brought it by to show him.

…. Pocket-watch!

He grinned and pushed himself away from the bottom, tail driving him upward.

He breached the surface and took a deep breath that he hadn't realized he'd so badly needed.

“Hey, check out-” He turned and was surprised to find Rori gone. His almost immediate panic was interrupted by a familiar voice.

“What the fuck are you doing?!” It was Rori, but he sounded really far-

Oh.

“Don't just fucking leave me like that you dick hole!” Rori yelled from several yards up the river.

He hadn't realized he'd gone that far...

“S-sorry! I'm coming!” He took a breath and dove back under, using his tail, wings, and feet to quickly swim back to his friend.

He breached the surface a few feet away from him and gave a sheepish smile.

“What the fuck was that?” Rori snapped, glaring.

“Sorry... I didn't know I'd gone that far...”

“You're such a fucking-”

“I found something really cool though! Wanna see?”

Rori paused, glare hardening from being interrupted. “What?” He snapped.

“Check it out.” He proudly presented the golden article, holding it by the chain to let the watch itself dangle, “Cool, huh? It's a pocket-watch. Humans use them to tell time.”

Rori stared at it, eye following it as it swung back and forth in the dragon's grip, seemingly transfixed.

“...Uh, Rori?”

The harpie shook his head briskly, snapping himself out of... whatever just happened. He wrinkled his nose, “'Tell time'? The fuck is that? Can't they just look at the goddamn sun? Who cares anyway?”

“Oh, well, they have a lot of important stuff to do, so they like to know exactly how long it will be until it's dark... It's hard to explain...”

“How do they tell time with a shiny rock anyway?”

“Oh, right.” Koen held it close, using his claws to carefully press down on the notch on top to pop the front open. He showed it to Rori, “See, these little hands point to numbers that tell people what time it is, so they know how much longer it will be til it's dark... The water made it stop working though...”

“That's... interesting, I suppose. Can I see it?” He asked, holding out a clawed hand.

“Sure.” Koen handed over his newest treasure with care.

The albino examined it intently, turning it around in his hands, pulling at the chain, tapping at the glass, running his palms over the engravings to feel them, “This is actually kinda cool.”

“You like it?”

“Yeah. Good job finding it.”

“Thanks. ...Do you want it?”

“What?” Rorick looked at him, surprise evident.

“You seem like you really like it. You can have it.”

“N-no I can't. You found it. It's yours.”

“Well, I'm giving it to you.” Koen smiled, “It's a gift.”

“Gift?”

“Yeah. Friends give each other gifts. We're friends, remember?”

“O-okay...” Rori looked back down at the watch, eye wide and cheeks oddly pink, “Um, thanks.”

“Sure! Want to dive with me? Maybe we'll find something else cool.”

“Naah...” Rori shook his head, looking up at him, “Clouds or no, I still can't be out too long. I'll burn.”

“Ah, right... We should probably head back then.”

The two swam back to the shore and sat out for awhile, allowing themselves time to dry before putting their pants on and heading back to Rori's cave.

--

“What're you doing?” Koen asked as he sprawled out on the floor, watching as Rorick forced a stick into the wall a foot above his nest.

The albino didn't reply. He shoved the long stick in several inches, leaving less than half exposed, before lifting the watch up and hanging it by the third chain.

“There.”

“Uh...?”

“What? I don't want it to get dirty on the floor or break it in my sleep or something. It'll be safe up here and I can always see it.”

“That seems... oddly sentimental of you.”

“Fuck you it's not sentimental its logical.” Rori hissed, falling back into his nest, “Am I not allowed to take good care of and enjoy a gift from a friend?”

“Well, no that's fine, I just didn't think you'd go and hang it up.”

“If you don't shut up, I'm going to throw it at your nasty face.”

Koen chuckled and grinned, “Okay, okay. Sorry.”

“That's better.”

Evania

Chapter 1

Life in Evania is hard for humans. Harpies to the North, Dragonoids to the South, hostel forest beasts all over and violent aquatic creatures in all major bodies of water make even a simple trip to the next town a hellish nightmare. People don’t travel much, leaving the towns mostly cut off from one another.

There is a hierarchy in Evania. Humans are on the bottom. They are the weakest physically and have the least amount of defense. The forest beasts are next. They are the least civilized and can easily be the most brutal. The sea-dwellers use tricks to lure in victims then drag them under and drown them, putting them next on the list. Harpies rule the North with their vice grip and Dragonoids are undisputed rulers of the South. The two are hated enemies and rarely cross their set borders. Dragonoids are easily more powerful than the Harpies, however.

Dragonoids come in many forms. Water, fire, earth, air, lightening and dozens of other incredible breeds are scattered all across the South. Many stay to themselves, some interbreed, others form small groups, but none are to be taken lightly. Dragonoids are shaped like people, but have large clawed hands, taloned feet, huge wings, sharp fangs, unique horns, strong tails and powerful builds. They easily dominate a land in which all creatures could be considered hostel and dangerous.

Though the towns are never directly attacked, venturing outside the huge wooden walls would be considered suicide. No one leaves the safety of the walls on their own, instead traveling in groups of at least thirty to get to the next town. Everything on the outside could kill a human, and most everything wants to.

At least, that’s the belief.

Phillip Pirrup, a boy no older than 15 with shoulder-length blonde hair unique to the area, would say otherwise.

Fifty days in a row now he’d sneaked out of the wall on his own and gone to the river, a task that even the bravest in their village would call suicide. Yet, every day he sneaked out and every day he returned, unharmed, not a single person wiser to what he was doing.

Sometimes he’d happen across a small family of forest creatures. He’d watch them, undetected, and think that they were much like any human family. They cared for one another like humans did and also like humans would defend family with their lives.

“They’re just like us really,” He’d tried to explain so many times, “They aren’t blood thirsty, they’re just as scared of us as we are of them.”

But no one ever listened.

--

It was on day sixty-three that Phillip was met with an interesting sight. A large Dragonoid, a type which he’d only ever seen in books, was resting against a tree. He looked to be sleeping, but the blood that covered his body and the ragged wounds it leaked from made Phillip fear otherwise.

He sneaked a little closer, ducking behind other trees as he went, until he was standing mere feet away from the intimidating beast.

The Dragonoid looked young, not much older than himself, but that meant little. Though he looked only to be in his twenty’s, he could have easily been in his fifties or more. The skin on his face, upper arms, upper legs and torso was slightly tanned, but the flesh around his lower legs and arms turn black as it neared his clawed hands and feet. His hair was just as black, matching the skin and his bat-like wings, and two huge twisted gray horns protruded from the sides of his skull, twisting backward and forming large circles on either side, the ends pointing forward with sharp tips. His black tail was long and looked to be very strong on its own.

A Night Fang, named for its color and ferocity, one of the rarest and most dangerous breeds. They did not bother to stalk prey like many dragons because they were strong enough to simply swoop down and take it by surprise. Often they would lift the helpless meal to dangerously high altitudes and drop them, allowing them to fall to their deaths. They were strong both physically and mentally, allowing them to think clearly and rationally even in the heat of battle. No one in their right mind attacked a Night Fang, much less approached one.

Blood covered his forehead and naked torso. A large gash near his hair line and a huge hole in his upper chest and shoulder were the likely culprits.

Phillip lightly gnawed his lip. Should he leave it be to potentially die, or follow his own advice and help the beast?

Well, he already knew he couldn’t simply walk away.

He removed his shirt, which was a simple white cotton button up, and began tearing it into strips.

It took some time, but eventually he had a nice pile. He left some with the sleeping dragon and took some to the river that he knew was not far away to wet them. He quickly did so and returned.

He began with the torso, figuring the more severe wounds would need tending first. He wiped away the blood from around the wounds and dressed them as best he could, paying particular attention to the right shoulder where the gash was deepest. He packed some fabric against it and tied a longer piece around it to keep the wad there. There was little he could do for the chest but place some fabric against it.

Using dampened cloth he wiped blood from the dragon’s forehead then with dry cloth wrapped the gash there.

He sat back and smiled at his work, glad that the dragon had not awoken. The wounds were mostly wrapped now and hopefully they would heal well enough.

He picked the damp rag back up and wiped away excess blood from the torso that he had neglected earlier. Once that rag was too red to work well any longer he picked up another and moved to clean the face.

He froze.

Two blood red eyes with slit pupils bore into his with a strange intensity. Though they were fierce they held no anger nor fear nor hatred. They simply stared into him, as though curious to see his next move.

Phillip was too frightened to move for several seconds, wondering if this dragon would kill him for being so close. He eventually settled back on his knees, hands resting on his legs.

They stared at one another, waiting for the other to make a move first.

Phillip calmed, realizing that perhaps today would not be the day he died. Movement caught his attention and he looked down.

The dragon’s long tail twisted and lifted, coming slowly toward him. The short but sharp spines on it made him more than a little nervous.

He gasped when suddenly the tail shoved him backward onto his back. He looked back up at the dragon, but its facial expression had not changed.

Was that an act of aggression or pure curiosity?

A loud whistle caught their attention. Phillip realized that it was the alert whistle from the village. Had something happened? Had they noticed his absence? Had someone else been hurt?

He scooted away from the dragon and slowly stood, neither taking their eyes off the other, the dragon unmoving.

Phillip wondered if he should back away or turn his back on the dragon. He eventually decided to turn away, figuring that to be the more trusting move. The dragon had not killed him then, why would it do so when he turned his back?

He did not run but he did go quickly back to the village and back through the wall in his usual place, relieved that he had lived through such an intense experience.

Once he sneaked back in he went to the gates where a commotion had drawn out everyone from the village. A group that had gone out earlier had come back, minus a few members.

“We were attacked by a Night Fang!” One of the men proclaimed. Phillip bit his lip, worry gripping his chest.

“He was in the river where we went to cross! He surely would have killed us all had we not attacked. We lost three, but his wounds were extensive. I can only hope he wandered off to die.”

The crowd was abuzz with words of mourning for the lost men and words of praise and hope for the supposed death of the dragon.

Phillip said nothing, deciding to keep his mouth shut for now.

Chapter 2

For the next two years Phillip told anyone who would listen his theory that Dragonoids and other creatures were simply misunderstood.

“Haven’t you ever noticed that they only attack us when we enter their territory and then only when we’re a threat? They don’t kill children, only adults that pose a threat. They have families like us and like us they only want to protect them, to survive.”

Though he made good arguments, he went mostly ignored.

“Phillip,” His mother would say, “You must stop this. One young man cannot change the minds of the mass. You’re going to anger the wrong people one day.”

He knew she was right, but it never slowed him down.

He really should have listened.

“Heretic!” Someone shouted when he was roughly shoved to the ground. He looked up at his attacker, but said nothing.

“Your lies are scaring people and confusing the children.” The man above him claimed, “And, quite frankly, we’re sick of listening to you. Stop this nonsense, Phillip.”

“No, father, I will not.” Phillip replied, glaring up at the man who’d raised him, “The way we view them is completely unfair!”

“And how would you know this? Have you ever even seen a real dragon?” William snapped, irritated at his sons inherited stubbornness.

“Yes, I have.” Phillip replied, “I’ve been sneaking into the forest almost every day for over two years.”

A collective gasp sounded from the small crowd that had formed around them.

“You lie.” William hissed.

“It’s true. I even saved a dragon’s life once.” Phillip continued, though he realized he should have shut his mouth several sentenced previous, “Do you remember the Night Fang two years ago? I found him and patched his wounds. We looked each other in the eye and he never even made a move to kill me.”

There was a long silence, then William sighed, “You leave me no choice. Such lies are going to get people hurt. Pick him up.” He commanded two men close by.

They each grabbed one arm and forced the blonde to his feet.

“Take him to the gates.”

It did not take long to cross the small village to the large gates in the wall. They slowly opened until the forest beyond was visible.

“If you think those monsters are so peaceful and loving, then you should be fine living with them.” William proclaimed, looking away.

Phillip said nothing as he was forcefully shoved outside the village walls. He stared at the forest beyond for only a short time before he walked away, listening as the gates were closed behind him, but refusing to look back.

--

The sun setting beyond the horizon was a breathtaking sight. Phillip sat quietly with his feet in the river, unsure of what he was going to do. Though surviving during the day had become easy enough, he was unsure of how he was going to spend the night, much less the rest of his life out here.

He could gather berries easily enough, and knew which ones were safe and which ones deadly, but one could only survive on berries alone for so long and he had no way of hunting.

He sighed and pulled his feet out of the water, allowing them time to dry before putting his shoes back on.

He stood and began walking. He had no destination in mind since he’d never gone past the river like this before. He could only hope that he wandered into an abandoned cave or other sheltered area to sleep in.

--

Phillip got little sleep during the night. He took refuge in a tree, but the forest sounds kept him awake. He attempted sleep throughout the morning as well, but it was no use.

In the afternoon he tiredly climbed down and began walking again. Food was first on the agenda. He knew what to look for, but not where to find it.

He found a bush full of blackberry’s within an hour. He only managed to pick and eat about a handful, however, when an enraged snarl caught his attention.

He yelped and dove out of the way just as a Centaur went charging through, exploding the bush. He quickly got to his feet and bolted, realizing that he’d unknowingly wandered into the beast’s territory.

He ran as hard and fast as he could, but he could hear the four legged creature gaining fast. He made a quick right, feeling the Centaur rush past behind him and into some trees. He was glad they couldn’t change directions too fast.

He regained his speed and soon he was out of the tree line. He mentally cursed his luck. The Centaur would be able to run much faster and see him easier out in the open like this.

It wasn’t much further until he had to dodge again, the Centaur charging past.

This time, however, Phillip could not stand again. He was too weak from lack of food, sleep and running so hard. He sat on the ground and breathed heavily, chest clenching when the forest beast stopped and turned around.

The Centaur snarled and stomped then let out a loud cry before charging at him again.

Phillip didn’t bother moving. It was over; he was as good as dead. All he could do was watch in horror as the beast came barreling toward him.

Suddenly a large shadow flew over them and a large black figure landed roughly between them, shaking the ground and forcing the Centaur to a stop.

The figure stood upright and stretched its massive black wings, letting out a snarl that made the other beast back up.

The Centaur huffed and snarled and stomped around in anger, attempting to fake-out the interrupting fiend.

The dragon, however, was having none of it. He took a huge step forward, making the ground tremble again, and let out a ferocious roar.

The Centaur stomped around some more, attempting intimidation, but it did not last. He backed up and bolted into the forest, leaving the two in the open.

The Dragonoid turned toward the blonde. Phillip felt a mix of fear, relief and surprise at the two familiar red eyes gazing down at him. The Night Fang towered over him. There was a scar across his chest and right shoulder that Phillip knew he had wrapped two years before.

Once again the two found their eyes locked, neither moving.

Phillip swallowed roughly before finally speaking in a soft voice, “Thank you… For saving my life.”

The dragon’s expression did not change, making Phillip wonder if it ever did. He took a step toward the blonde, dagger-like claws on his reptilian feet leaving deep impressions in the ground.

Phillip stayed put as the dragon moved closer and stopped a few feet away. A familiar tail snaked forward and wrapped itself around his torso, picking him up. He was surprised that the tail alone could lift him with such ease. Though the base of the tail was very long and thick it slowly got thinner as it near the tip, the last three feet of it only about an inch thick and lacking the spines that the larger section had. It resembled a whip and was probably used like one. The entire tail itself was about eight or more feet long, which was likely how tall the dragon himself was.

The dragon pulled him closer until he could wrap his arms around the small body and hold him.

Phillip blushed at the close contact, thoughts of a potential romance swimming in his head. Was the dragon interested in him like that?

It was when the wings unfolded themselves that he realized the real reason why he was being held.

“Hey wait!” He attempted, but it was too late. The dragon bent his knees and pushed up, the wings forcing air down at the same time, and they were rocketing up.

Phillip yelped and wrapped his arms around the male’s neck, closing his eyes and holding on for dear life as they left the safety of the ground.

It was only when he felt them level out that he opened his eyes and looked over his shoulder. He held his hair out of his eyes as he gazed down, the wind rushing past them making it impossible to hear anything but a steady roar.

The ground was far below them, but the sight was beautiful. The different shades of green clashed with spots of blue and brown and herds of creatures left various other colors on the land. He looked toward the horizon and was amazed at how far he could see. The sight of a village in the distance brought some sadness, but he swallowed it.

They landed sooner than he wanted. They were in a very small clearing outside of a cave system in a cliff. He could hear the roar of a waterfall nearby, but was unable to see it.

The dragon did not drop him, but instead carried him inside a large cavern and sat him down in a pile of animal furs next to the wall. Phillip guessed this to be a nest.

Phillip wondered if he should say something, or more accurately what he should say, but before anything came to mind the dragon turned and left the cave.

“Wait!” Phillip called, getting to his feet, “Where are you going?” He quickly jogged toward the dark beast.

“Stay.” Came a harsh command. The deep, booming voice made Phillip jump and stop in his tracks.

Without looking back, the dragon took to the sky once again.

Phillip sighed and watched him fade out of sight. He looked back into the cave, wondering why the dragon had simply dumped him here, and noticed that it was actually deeper than he’d first thought.

Why not explore a little?

He walked further in and noticed the walls grew smaller as he progressed, though not by much. It eventually grew too dark to see anything, so he felt his way along the wall, which twisted and turned creating a winding tunnel.

After several minutes of walking, Phillip stumbled on something and nearly fell. He cursed his luck and felt for the wall, which he’d sadly lost touch of. He decided that he’d gone far enough, at least for now, and should probably get out before getting lost. Maybe he could come back later with a torch and explore further.

He found the wall and stood properly, his foot bumping whatever it was he had tripped over. Irritated, he picked it up, intent on throwing it in the opposite direction. The object was a smooth, strange material that was about the size of Phillip’s head but was oddly light. He turned it in his hands, trying to figure out what it was, if he could. He felt two holes very close to each other and a third under and between them. Under that was something that formed several straight ridges.

Phillip froze, coming to a gruesome realization.

Eye sockets, nose hole, and teeth. A skull. A human skull.

He shrieked, throwing the skull in the opposite direction and quickly bolting, his hand on the wall. He could only hope he was running out and not further in.

Very soon he saw light and was thrilled that the trip out had taken much less time than the trip in.

He stopped just inside the cave walls, leaning against the opening to catch his breath, his mind racing.

Was he going to get eaten? Had he really been so wrong about dragons? Should he leave and take his chances out there? Or, stay and take his chances here?

He groaned, terrified and unsure of what to do. He looked around, as though the surrounding area would give him some sort of idea, and immediately regretted it.

The ground outside the cave along the wall and even a bit on the inside was covered with bones. From the skulls he could see, most looked to be animal or even dragon.

He was almost certainly going to die.

He pushed himself off the wall and made to run, but a shadow stopped him. Not even a second later, he jumped and yelped as something landed with a loud “Boom!” just outside the cave. He covered his mouth and backed into the cave, looking down at the Centaur from earlier laying in a twisted heap on the ground before him. Within seconds, the Night Fang landed much more gracefully beside his fallen prey.

Phillip failed to realize that he was still backing up until he tripped and fell backward into the nest. He quickly sat himself up and found that the little stunt had gained the dragon’s attention.

For the third time, they locked eyes.

Phillip whimpered and pulled his legs in, unconsciously curling into himself.

The dragon broke contact and turned back to his prey.

The blonde watched in horror as the winged beast bent down and easily ripped off one of the dead creature’s legs. He groaned as the dragon stood and came toward him, leg clutched tightly in his clawed hand.

The mangled limb was shoved toward his face. Phillip gagged a little and covered his mouth, looking away with a groan, “Oh, sick!”

He was surprised when the dragon backed down, letting the leg fall to his side. He gave Phillip an almost confused yet suspicious expression before turning away and again leaving the cave. He dropped the leg outside on top of the body and continued into the surrounding forest.

Phillip saw the opportunity and took it.

He jumped out of the nest and ran out of the cave and into the forest in a different direction than the dragon.

He decided his chances out here, where he’d already survived one night, were much greater than with a creature that wanted to eat him.

He slowed quickly; tired from all the running he’d been doing that day, and began paying more attention to his surroundings. He looked for flora that was eatable while also listening for dangerous fauna.

He found another blackberry bush and quickly picked and ate several before moving on. He needed to get as far away as possible as quickly but safely as possible. The dragon would likely come looking.

A sudden rustling made him pause to listen. He slowly began back tracking as it drew nearer.

He slipped behind and tree and pressed himself silently against it as a centycore slowly lumbered by.

Just perfect. He’d rather take his chances back with the dragon then be mauled to death by a centycore.

Everything was going well until a rat scampered across his feet, making him let out a little yelp of surprise. That caught the large beast’s attention very quickly and just as fast Phillip was forced to make a decision.

Let himself be killed and end this awful cycle, or run for his life?

His feet made the decision for him, it seemed, and very soon he was racing through the forest again, an irrational centycore on his tail.

He was shocked how quickly he somehow ended up back by the cave. The dragon was nowhere in sight, but Phillip ran into the cave anyway. He stopped when he realized he was no longer being followed and peered out.

The centycore had stopped and was sniffing around. It seemed to be aware that it was now invading a dragon’s home and was obviously unwilling to go further. It began backing away, but from the trees came a loud snarl and suddenly something whip-like wrapped itself around the single antler on the centycore’s head. Before the creature could react, it was jerked violently in one quick motion. Phillip could hear the snapping of the bones in its neck and likely several in its spine. The creature dropped instantly and did not move.

The dragon stepped out from the tree line, arms loaded with wood, and sent Phillip a glare. The blonde whimpered and cowered against the wall, expecting to be slain at any moment.

That moment did not come, however. Instead, the dragon simply dropped the wood into a pile close to the cave entrance and with a quick spit of fire set it ablaze in blue flame.

Phillip watched as the Night Fang used his tail to pick the leg from earlier up and hold it over the flames, rotating it when needed. The act surprised Phillip, since he was well aware of the fact that dragons did not have any need to cook their food, nor did they go through the trouble. Their bodies were perfectly capable of digesting it safely as it was.

Once the dragon seemed satisfied with the amount of cooking, he carried it into the cave and presented it to the blonde.

Phillip cringed, slightly disgusted at many factors of his meal, but forced a small smile, “Um, thank you, I suppose.”

The dragon set the leg down in front of him and returned to the carcass, sitting down to begin his own meal.

Phillip picked at the leg in silence. He ate small pieces and found them to be very good, but he still could not get passed the fact that the meat had not been cleaned nor skinned nor many other factors. He ate slowly and eventually filled his belly for the first time in over twenty-four hours.

Leaving the leg he quietly stood and went to the nest, climbing in and laying down. The dragon had devoured a good portion of the carcass and still seemed to be feasting on it, so it was unlikely that Phillip was going to become a meal anytime soon.

He looked out toward the sky and guessed that the sun would be setting within two to three hours. He hoped he was able to sleep better this night than he had the previous one.

He watched the dragon eat for a while longer before the creature stood and dragged the carcass toward the piles of bones outside the cave. He left it close to the rest of them and went to the body of the centycore. He did not drag this one to the pile, however, but instead grabbed it and flew off to dispose of it elsewhere.

He wasn’t gone especially long, and when he returned he kicked the fire out and wandered into the cave, eyeing the blonde.

More silent eye contact.

“Thank you for everything.” Phillip finally spoke up, voice barely above an exhausted whisper. He felt as though he could pass out any minute.

The dragon reached up and gripped his right shoulder where the scar was darkest.

Phillip smiled slightly, glad that he was remembered, “I’m Phillip.”

“Damien.” Came the voice again. It wasn’t especially deep, but it reverberated off the walls and sounded louder than it likely was.

“It’s nice to meet you finally.” Phillip said, attempting a little humor. Damien’s blank expressions did not change, however, so he moved on, “May I ask you a question?”

“Yes.”

“Are you going to eat me?”

The blonde was shocked when Damien’s expression finally did change. A mix of shock, confusion and disgust all appeared then disappeared rapidly, his face going blank again, “Of course not. Why would you think that?”

“Sorry,” He apologized, “I just found some bones in the back and scared myself, I suppose.”

Damien shrugged, “I wasn’t the first creature to live here. There’s lots of shit back there that is not mine.”

“That’s good to hear then.”

Damien quietly climbed into the nest beside the human and propped himself up against the rim. Phillip was a little surprised that it was large enough to fit them both with plenty of personal space.

“I don’t want to sound rude,” Phillip spoke, “But don’t you have things to be doing? To survive out here?”

“Not really.” Damien replied, “When you’re at the top of the food chain and there’s plenty of potential meals literally living all around you, there’s no need to worry about that all the time. It’s a little boring, actually.”

Phillip hummed in response, unsure of what to say.

It was Damien who broke the silence next, “So, why?”

“Why what?” He looked over at the dragon next to him.

Damien lifted his hand and lightly ran his claws over the discolored skin on his shoulder.

“Oh,” Phillip replied, understanding, “I don’t really know. It just seemed like the right thing to do.”

“I could have killed you. You had no way of knowing whether or not I would.”

“I know. But, I’ve always believed that dragonoids are far more complex than people think. That they aren’t just blood-thirsty beasts. I stuck to my beliefs.”

“Good thing you were right then.”

Phillip chuckled and let his eyes slipped closed.

God, he was so tired.

--

When Phillip opened his eyes again he was startled to find it was completely dark. Had he really fallen asleep?

A rumbling beside him drew his attention. He turned to find Damien fast asleep next to him, the rumbling coming from his chest and likely caused by deep breathing.

It was incredibly warm in the nest, another surprise, though a pleasant one. It took several seconds for him to figure out that it was once again Damien. Dragons put off an incredible amount of body heat.

Phillip smiled tiredly and shifted to get comfortable, letting his eyes slipped closed again.

Chapter 3

Phillip yawned, stretched and sat up, feeling a little sore from the nest but more rested than he had been the previous day.

Odd noises from outside caught his attention. He stood and stepped out of the nest, heading for the mouth of the cave.

The sunlight was bright and warm. He paused for a moment to enjoy it before going to explore the noise.

He followed the sound to the left of the entrance and walked along the piles of bones. Just passed the tree line he found Damien. The large dragon did not seem to notice him as he continued quietly digging with his large, clawed foot.

“What’re you doing?” Phillip asked, coming closer to get a better look. The hole was huge and deep.

“Cleaning.” Damien clarified.

Phillip gave him a skeptical look. His legs were covered in dirt and mud. “It looks more like you’re simply getting dirty.”

“I’ll wash off later. I’m burying bones.”

“Oh,” Phillip replied dumbly, “Is there any way I could help?”

“No.”

“Are you sure? I could help you carry bones over I’m sure.”

“No. Bones are full of bacteria. If you get cut, you’ll die.” Damien stopped his digging and stepped back, seemingly satisfied with the size. He walked back toward the cave and Phillip followed quietly.

The blonde plopped down in a patch of thick, green grass under the sun and lay on his stomach, watching Damien drag arm loads of bones away from the cave and to the hole.

He lightly bit his lip.

Because of their wings dragons could not wear shirts, leaving their often muscular torsos exposed. Phillip knew he was staring, but he couldn’t be bothered to stop. Damien was very muscular, but not too much so. Watching him work, the way the muscles moved and the ease in which he was able to lift objects Phillip knew would be far too heavy for any human, was mesmerizing.

Phillip sighed. A question had been picking at his mind for the past several minutes, but he was unsure of how to voice it.

He stood up and walked over to Damien, who was coming back from dumping bones in the hole.

“Damien?”

The dragon stopped in his tracks, giving the blonde his full attention.

“Isn’t there something I could do to earn my keep?”

“…Earn your keep?”

“Yes.” Phillip said slowly, “I… I don’t know what you’re thinking, Damien. I hate to assume things. Did you plan on allowing me to stay, or were you just letting me stay a night?”

“An eye for an eye, Phillip. You saved my life, I’m saving yours.”

“But, it’s not an even trade.” Phillip replied, “I hardly think a few strips of cotton saved your life and you’ve already saved mine more than once. I owe you.”

Damien snorted, “No, we’re even.” He went back to gathering bones.

Phillip persisted, “You didn’t really answer the question. Do I need to leave soon?”

“I did answer the question, you just failed to understand. A few strips of cotton did not save my life, but your actions did.”

Phillip followed him as he made a trip to the hole, “You’re right, I don’t understand. Please elaborate?”

Damien sighed and dropped the arm load into the hole, “The wounds would have healed, but my attitude would not have. Being attacked like that made me angry and bitter, emotions Night Fangs are prone to and have a hard time getting rid of. The fact that you, a human, helped me, relieved some of that bitterness, I guess. I was planning on burning the village once I felt better, as my species is naturally very vengeful, but I’d say that your actions saved the lives of your people.”

Phillip paused for a while, unsure of what to say, “…I really did that?”

Damien nodded, going back to the cave, “Yes. I’m not going to make you leave because that would just endanger your life again. What would be the point in saving you if you were just killed later?”

The blonde followed, “That’s thoughtful of you.”

Damien shrugged.

“You said you were attacked. I was told that you attacked and killed our people.”

Damien scoffed, “Bullshit. Humans are too jumpy for their own good. They attacked me because they assumed I would attack first, which I wouldn’t have. I only killed them in defense.”

Phillip was stunned, though not as much as he would have expected himself to be, “I had no idea…”

“That’s not a surprise.” Damien bent down and began rearranging several skulls that he’d left. They looked almost human, save for the horns that sprouted from the sides.

Dragon skulls.

“Did you kill them?” Phillip asked.

“Yes.” Damien replied, “They picked a fight they couldn’t win. I keep the skulls of my best kills.”

Phillip hummed in response, examining the differences in the horns on each skull.

“Would you like to go to the river?” Damien asked once he was finished.

“What about the hole?”

“I’ll bury it later. Come on, I’m hungry.”

Phillip followed the dragon to the river, which was in the opposite direction that Damien had dug the hole. The sound of the waterfall became louder until finally the river came into view. He guessed they were around one hundred feet from the cave.

“This is beautiful.” Phillip commented, stopping by the water’s edge. It was wider here than in other areas where he had crossed and deeper too. The waterfall was a good distance into the cliff and very tall.

“Your village is about three miles upstream.” Damien explained.

“Wow, that’s closer than I thought…” Phillip replied, mood dropping slightly.

“I can take you back anytime.” Damien offered.

“Oh, no… I was kicked out for scaring people. It’s not okay to defend dragons, apparently.”

Damien seemed surprised, but it was hard to tell with his mostly blank expression, “In that case, you’re free to stay as long as you like.”

“Thank you very much.” Phillip said with a large smile.

Damien waded out into the water, the current washing dirt from his legs.

Phillip kicked his shoes and socks off and tested the water. It was a little chilly, but not so much that he wouldn’t get in. He rid himself of his clothes and got in. He sat down on his knees in the water, making it come up to his stomach, and began washing himself off. He splashed water on his arms and face and rubbed off layers of dirt and sweat that had built up over the past two days.

Afterward, he shifted to sit on his rump, the rocks lightly poking him, and laid back to rinse his hair and back.

When he sat back up he was completely wet. He rang his hair out and sighed, feeling much better.

Then he realized that Damien was staring right at him.

Phillip blushed and shifted self-consciously, “Um…?”

“You look malnourished.” Damien said.

“Excuse me?”

“You need to eat more. You’re too thin.” Damien’s tail snaked out of the water and poked the blonde in the stomach, making him squeak, “And too soft.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Phillip replied, wrapping his arms around himself.

“Do you like fish?”

Phillip brightened, “Oh yes, I love fish.”

“Good.” Damien turned away and went further out. His shorts dipped into the water as he went out, but he didn’t seem to care. He stared hard into the water and suddenly jerked, lifting his leg up and pulling his foot out a few seconds later. Clutched in his talons was a large salmon. He gripped it in his hands and threw it over his shoulder, where it landed on the bank several feet from the water’s edge.

The process continued until ten salmon lay on the bank. Damien walked out of the water and into the surrounding woods, coming back minutes later with wood. He dropped it into a good pile and set it ablaze with a quick spit of fire.

“You’re doing that for me, aren’t you?” Phillip asked meekly.

Damien nodded, “I forgot yesterday. Humans don’t do well when they eat uncooked meat.”

“Thank you.” Phillip smiled.

Damien stuck two of the fish on sticks and positioned them over the fire.

Phillip climbed out and sat down on a rock, letting himself dry in the warm sunlight.

He noticed Damien’s eyes on him again, but said nothing.

--

Phillip came to realize that Damien’s statement about his life being on the boring side was pretty accurate. In fact, there simply wasn’t much to do aside from hunt, and Damien was the one to do so, leaving Phillip simply feeling useless.

When he wasn’t hunting, Damien was prone to taking naps in the shade, a habit which Phillip quickly took to as well. He often found himself lying on his back; head propped against Damien’s hip while the dragon leaned against a tree and slumbered. The odd rumbling that he emitted in his sleep was somewhere between a purr and a growl, or a strange mixture of both, and put Phillip to sleep rather quickly. When they didn’t feel like napping small talk was made, mostly on Phillip’s side. He told stories of village life while Damien listened, hardly making any comments. The dragon rarely talked about himself.

Phillip stopped bothering to keep track of the days. It’s not like it mattered out in the wild anyway. Sometimes he wondered about the people he’d been forced to leave, but it was a subject he tried not to think about.

It was strange how Damien could seem to sense when his mood dropped. The dragon wasn’t especially keen on humor, but his attempts to cheer the blonde up were thoughtful nonetheless. He’d make a witty observation about something, or tell a story from his past that was humorous in some way, or even attempt a corny joke once in a while. None of the jokes or stories were especially funny, but Phillip always laughed because they were coming from Damien, which in itself was amusing.

Phillip liked to think that Damien did not like to get especially far from him, which seemed to be true since the dragon only ever left to go hunt and always kept the blonde within his sight otherwise. He never went to bed before the blonde either and his naps were longer when Phillip napped with him.

He knew that the possibility of Damien being interested in him like that was really just wishful thinking on his part. Dragons and most other creatures often chose a mate based on how well they could reproduce and bear strong offspring together. Since there was no way two males could produce children together, Phillip knew his chances were basically zero. If anything, Damien likely saw him as a companion to keep him company and qualm his boredom.

Phillip wished he’d been able to gain access to better books when he was in the village. He’d read everything their small library had to offer on dragons, but most of it he knew to be biased and inaccurate, and even then there simply wasn’t much information overall. Being in the wild was like being in a whole other culture in itself, and he was grossly unacknowledged on it.

--

Phillip woke with a start, kicking himself awake from another nightmare. He could not recollect it, but it hadn’t seemed like it was that bad. He stretched and sat up, taking a deep breath of the morning air.

Beside him, Damien was still asleep, which was odd since he almost always got up before the human.

The blonde did not want to wake him, but he was also incredibly thirsty. He swallowed a few times, trying to rid his throat of the dryness that had settled in overnight, but it was no use.

They’d made the short trip to the river a hundred times and nothing had ever happened. It wouldn’t hurt to go alone just this once, right? Besides, once Damien woke up that would likely be the first place he checked, so he wouldn’t even be alone for very long.

He quietly climbed out of the nest and sneaked out of the cave. Damien did not stir.

Phillip relaxed a little and walked along the base of the cliff to the river.

He smiled when it came into view. The water was a light blue close to the shore, but toward the middle it quickly turned dark where its depth increased.

He squatted on the edge and dipped his cupped hands into the cool water, bringing up a palm full and lifting it to his mouth. The water rushing down his parched throat was a wonderful sensation and he happily dipped a few more times before standing.

He looked out at the water and guessed that he’d been gone around five or so minutes now. Damien would likely wake soon and come looking.

He turned to head back and stopped in his tracks when he saw the tree line. The hairs on the back of his neck stood upright as he stared hard at a tree trunk. He wasn’t sure what was off about it, if anything, but Damien had told him before that his instincts could tell him much more than he was aware of and to always listen.

It hit him soon enough that the trunk was oddly distorted in such a way that it almost appeared as though there were a large piece of glass in front of it. The image was clear, but it was shaped just slightly off.

Phillip wracked his brain, trying to come up with a reason for this, when the trunk moved and became normal again, but the trunks next to it shifted to odd angles.

The blonde’s heart nearly stopped when he realized exactly how much danger he was in.

He was staring right at an Abeo Dragon.

They were illusionists. Their wings acted much like a chameleon, but better; they could change color, create strange patterns, or even blend in to make themselves nearly invisible. Only the wings and tail could do this, however, so the Abeo was likely crouching beneath them to hide himself. Abeos preferred to stalk their prey when possible, or, when dealing with humans, to charm them into putting down their defenses. Abeos had perfected the art of deceit in both physical form and personality wise.

Phillip took a slow breath. The dragon would not attack him when he was staring right at it. All he had to do was slowly back his way to the cave. As long as the Abeo was in his line of sight, he would be fine.

He slowly backed toward the cliff, eyes never wavering from the distorted trunks. He breathed a small sigh of the relief when he felt his back touch the wall of dirt and he slowly began pulling himself along it.

He gasped when the shape suddenly darted toward him, stopping just beside a tree that was far too close for comfort.

Phillip whimpered and made the mistake of glancing along the cliff toward the cave. It was barely for a second, but when he looked back the Abeo was suddenly on him, its clawed hands pressed against the cliff above his head. Two honey-colored eyes stared into his own and a pair of curved horns jutted out of a head of blonde hair. A pair of huge orange wings blocked out the sun.

The Abeo grinned down at him, “A little far from your village, aren’t you?”

Phillip whimpered, his heart pounding so loud he was sure the dragon could hear it, “I… I was kicked out.”

“Oh? Why on earth would they kick out someone as… frail as you, hm?”

“They didn’t like… That I didn’t agree with their beliefs.”

“Really now? How interesting. You know what else is interesting? Well, the closest village is about three miles away, assuming that’s yours, so I’m just thinking… How did you get this far, blondie?”

Phillip saw a small chance for survival and took it, “A dragon took me in, the one that lives in the cave just a little ways from here, actually.”

The Abeo quirked an eyebrow, but his grin never wavered, “Oh really? You mean the Night Fang? Damien?”

Phillip quickly nodded, hope rising.

The Abeo chuckled and shook his head, clicking his tongue tut tut tut, “Don’t try to deceive me, little human. I’m no fool; in fact I make people into fools.” He leaned in a little closer, “Know how I know you’re lying? Damien is no generous softy. He’s a Night Fang, after all, and I’m sure you already know how violent they can be. Damien’s a real ass on top of that, but don’t go telling him I said that, okay? He’d hit me for sure.” He chuckled at his little joke, the sound crushing Phillip’s hopes.

Suddenly, something long and black came swooping out of nowhere and struck the Abeo on the head, right between the horns. The dragon yelped loudly and grabbed its head, backing away.

Phillip slipped out of the dragon’s reach and was relieved to see Damien giving the Abeo a hard glare, his tail coming back to rest at his side. He quickly ran to him and stood against him, secretly thrilled when the Night Fang put his arm protectively across his small shoulders.

The Abeo spat and cursed and shook his head several times before finally looking up with a glare of his own, “Why did you fucking hit me!?” His charm seemed to be gone.

“Because you called me an ass.” Damien replied, “And, because where the hell have you been? I haven’t seen you in a fucking month and I have shit that needs to be seen to.”

“Fuck you!” The Abeo spat, still angry, “Do you know how many creatures have their hands out to me? Whining to me about shit they need?” He made a face and his voice took a mocking tone, “Kenneth I need this, Kenneth I need that! Kenneth dear do you think you could go get me this crazy bullshit I don’t really need and is ridiculously hard to find so I can bitch at you later when you can’t find it?” His shoulders dropped and his face became irritated, “I’ve been fucking busy as shit, okay? It’s like no one can fucking think for themselves anymore or at least do without a bunch of fancy bullshit that’s completely unnecessary.” He huffed, crossing his arms, “Now, are you seriously looking after that human? Because I got about four orders I could use him for that would make my life immensely easier.”

Damien growled and pulled Phillip closer, “No. Go find another human if you need one so badly.”

“Yeah, but see, here’s the thing,” He shifted his weight to one foot and held his arms out in an explanatory manner, “The orders are really specific and he kinda works for all of them. I’d probably have to use two or three other humans in his place unless I just happened to find another one just like him, so maybe you could just fork him over and I’ll find you a different pet?”

Damien stiffened, another growl leaving his throat, this one more dangerous, “Absolutely not, Kenny. He is far more valuable to me than a simple pet and if you harm one hair on his head I will kill you.” The words made Phillip’s heart flutter.

Kenny held his arms up in defeat, the skin on his lower forearms was thicker and a dark orange color, “Okay, okay, you win. Jeez.”

Behind him something suddenly rose from the water, creating a loud splash. A blonde sat in the middle of the stream now, water running down his smooth, light blue skin. Where his ears should have been were fins and the horns on his head had grown out backward, pointing toward his neck with a slight curve. He looked at the group with large, dark blue eyes that seemed to lack pupils. His voice was soft and light when he spoke, “Is that the boy from the village you told me about last year?”

“Yeah.” Damien replied.

The blonde smiled and lifted his webbed hands from the water, clapping them with glee, “I’m so glad!”

“Wait, wait, what?” Kenny looked between them, “What the fuck did I miss?”

“Don’t worry about it.” Damien grunted, “Now, about my orders.”

Kenny rolled his eyes, “Can’t I get a break for like, two fucking minutes? Or a day, really? I’ve been flying all over the place for the past month. I didn’t stop by to see my best friend just to get sent back to work.”

“But, Kenny,” The dragon in the water called innocently, “You’ve been loafing around for two days now.”

“Thanks, babe.” Kenny grumbled.

The blonde giggled and stood up out of the water. There was a long fin that ran from the base of his neck all the way down his back to the tip of his mermaid-like tail. There were two fins on the sides of his lower legs. He slowly walked toward the shore, stumbling a little as he came closer.

Kenny immediately went to the water and held out his hand for the shorter dragon to take. The act surprised Phillip, since Abeo’s were supposedly near-emotionless and were thought to only look out for themselves, but then he realized that that ‘fact’ was likely biased and completely incorrect.

The blue dragon giggled as he walked clumsily toward them, Kenny’s arm across his shoulder and their other hands connected. “I’m not as graceful on land as I am in the water.” He said as the duo stopped in front of them. He held out his hand to Phillip with a kind smile, “I’m Leopold, but you can call me Butters if you like, or Leo, I don’t care which.”

“I’m Phillip. It’s nice to meet you.” Phillip replied with his own smile, taking the offered hand.

“Likewise!”

--

Phillip learned very quickly that Butters was indeed much less graceful on land then the water. He swam with the most elegance that Phillip had ever seen, as though he and the water were one perfect entity. On land however, he tripped and stumbled more often than not and seemed to be unable to keep his balance even when standing still. Kenny was always by his side out of the water, which was the only thing keeping the water dragon on his feet.

The two made a cute pair.

“Winter is going to be here soon.” Butter observed the next morning as he lay on his belly just below the water.

Phillip could hear Kenny talking just downstream where he and Damien were catching fish. He sat his clothes aside and carefully stepped into the water, “I completely forgot about that…” He sat down next to his new friend, “I suppose I’ll need some winter clothes.”

“I’ll have Kenny get you some.” Butters said with a smile.

Phillip gave him a skeptical look, “I’m not sure he would want to do that for me.”

“Nonsense! He’s a little rough around the edges, but he’s a total softy at heart. I’m sure he could find you something nice.”

“I suppose you two are close then?”

Butters nodded and pushed himself up, resting on his knees instead. He lifted a hand to a necklace made of beautiful shells, pearls, and other gems, “He made this for me four years ago. We’ve been mates ever since.”

Phillip smiled, “I’m very happy for you.” He paused a moment, unsure if he should voice his thoughts, “…I… Have a question… If you don’t mind.”

“Of course not. You can ask me anything.”

“Well… I was just always under the impression that dragons chose mates based on how well they reproduced together. I didn’t think they would choose a mate of the same sex.”

“Well, Kenny understands that kind of stuff better than I do, actually. But, I know that the dragon you choose to spend the rest of your life with isn’t necessarily the one you reproduce with. Actually, Kenny has several offspring from different females, but he loves me. That’s not too strange, right?”

“I suppose not… It’s just a lot different than what humans do.”

Butters giggled, “I could understand why it would be an adjustment for you, being out here. It’s wonderful that Damien took you in… Speaking of which…?” He leaned forward, eyes implying more than he’d spoken.

Phillip blushed, “Oh, yes. He’s been just wonderful. There’s no way I would have survived so long without him.”

“How long have you been out here?”

“Oh, um…” Phillip paused, thinking, “… I think about three weeks?”

“He’s been taking good care of you then. You’re not dead, after all.” They both laughed, but the joke made Phillip a little uncomfortable. An almost sly look made its way onto the dragon’s face, “So, are you two…?”

Phillip blushed darkly, “Oh, no! We’re not mates…”

“Well, I know that.” Butters giggled, “I mean are you two pairing off?”

“Um… Is that like dating?”

“I don’t know? What’s dating?”

Phillip shook his head, “Never mind. I don’t think we’re pairing off. I… I guess I’d like to… But I’m not sure how he feels about me.”

“Really? Because it seems like he’s already picked you.”

Phillip was about to ask what he meant by that, but the other two dragons walked up the river carrying a basket of fish, Kenny chatting rapidly.

Damien dropped the basket and went to the forest for firewood. Kenny took two of the fish and walked into the river, plopping down a few feet from shore, successfully soaking himself. Butters giggled and swam to him, coming to rest beside his mate. They each took a fish and bit into it, the scales and bones crunching and splitting between their powerful jaws.

Phillip shuddered at the gruesome sight and turned away.

Damien came back with wood and dropped it in a pile, a spit of fire igniting it in mere seconds. Phillip smiled and stood up from the water, going to the rock were he’d taken to sunning himself dry.

Damien’s blood-red eyes were on him immediately.

“Winter’s coming soon.” Phillip said, covering himself as best he could without making it look like he was doing so.

Damien looked away, his eyes on Kenny now, “You can get him winter clothing, right?”

“’Course. I can get anything you need me to. He’s going to need blankets too, or he’ll freeze to death out here.”

“Right, thanks.” Damien replied, jamming a couple fish onto sticks and positioning them over the fire.

“Thank you, Kenny.” Phillip spoke up. The Abeo dragon turned to him and smiled, “Sure thing, Pipsqueak. Any friend of Damien’s is a friend of mine.”

Phillip made a face, “Pipsqueak?”

“Yeah,” The smile turned into a mischievous grin, “You’re tiny, a real Pipsqueak.”

“I’m not that tiny.”

“You’re pretty small…” Damien said, looking him over, “Pipsqueak seems pretty accurate.”

“Kinda long for a nickname though.” Kenny mused, “How about just Pip?”

“That works.”

“Excuse me,” Phillip spoke up, “But don’t I get a say in this?”

“No.” Damien and Kenny answered in unison, settling the matter.

Phillip huffed and crossed his arms, though he was secretly a little giddy at having his own nickname.

Chapter 4

Phillip was a little surprised that the thick coat fit him so perfectly and that the shoes were his exact size. Kenny had soared off before he could give him any of his sizes, but had returned within two days with an assortment of clothing choices, all of which fit him.

“How did you know my size?” He asked, shrugging the coat off and setting it beside the nest.

“I didn’t.” Kenny clarified, “Well, not in that sense anyway. Abeo’s have a photographic memory, so I just knew what would fit you and what wouldn’t.”

“That’s incredible…”

Kenny shrugged, “How do you think we make such excellent Order Masters? We remember everything exactly, so it’s hard to screw up the job.”

“Did you get my order too?” Damien spoke up. Kenny nodded, grinning, and began digging through the large basket he used to carry the orders, “Of course. I wouldn’t leave out something so… Special.” He lifted a cloth bag from the basket.

Damien growled and snatched it from him, “Hush. You don’t breathe a word of this to anyone. Not yet.”

“Yeah, yeah, gotcha. My lips are sealed.” He made a motion as though he was zipping his lips.

“Good.”

“May I ask what it is?” Phillip spoke up from the side of the nest.

“You may not.” Damien replied shortly, turning away from them and disappearing into the tunnel at the back of the cave. He’d done it several times since Phillip had been there, but he refused to take the blonde with him through it, claiming it was a “dragon’s secret.”

The boy’s feelings were hurt by the reply. He turned to Kenny, “Another dragon’s secret?”

“Mmmfmfns.” Kenny mumbled, lips still tightly sealed together, “Mnfhns! Mhmhn!” He flailed, as though he was actually distraught that his lips were stuck.

Phillip giggled, finding the act amusing.

Kenny smiled and reached up, unzipping his mouth. “Yeah, you could call it that.” He said, “I’d just tell you, but he’d hurt me real bad for sure.”

“Well, I certainly wouldn’t want that to happen.”

“Good to know. Do you want to come back to the river with me? I’m sure Butter’s is getting lonely all by himself.” Kenny offered.

The human shook his head, “No, thank you. I’m going to sort through what you so kindly brought for me. I may come down a little later though.”

“Mkay. See ya later.” He waved as he turned away and left the cave.

Once he was gone, Pip set to work sorting through the assortment of coats, pants, blankets, and other items that would keep him alive through the winter.

--

Hours later Phillip began to worry when Damien did not reappear from the tunnel. He considered searching for him, but decided he didn’t want to risk the dragon becoming angry with him, so he settled for walking to the river instead.

He sat down on the water’s edge and put his feet in the water, smiling when Butter’s swam up to him.

“I was wondering when you’d come by.” He said, voice angelic.

“I had to look through what Kenny was so kind to bring me.” Pip replied with a smile, “Speaking of which, where is he?”

“Hunting, I think. He took off about ten minutes ago. Where’s Damien?”

“Hiding out for some reason. He took a satchel that Kenny brought back with him and went through the tunnel at the back of the cave. That was hours ago and I haven’t seen hide nor hair of him.”

“What was in the satchel?”

Pip shrugged, “He wouldn’t tell me.”

“That’s interesting…” Butters paused, as though thinking, then suddenly he was grinning, a glint in his eye, “Have you two paired off yet?”

Pip sighed, “I don’t know what that means.”

“Well, it really seems like you have.”

“Why?”

Butters hummed and rolled onto his back, swimming in little circles in front of his friend, “See, most dragons aren’t really herd creatures; they don’t like company. There are a few exceptions, but Night Fang’s aren’t one of them. They like a lot of space so most of them don’t ever choose a mate and they rarely reproduce, which is why there are so few of them. I just think the fact that he’s let you stay with him for three weeks means he must really like you.”

“Well, I did save his life.” Pip explained, “He said that since I saved his that he would save mine, and by letting me stay he’s keeping me alive. I can’t exactly go back to my village, after all.”

Butters rolled back over and swam back to him, “I think it’s more than that though. Kenny and I have known him for years and he treats you better than us, not that I’m complaining or anything. He hunts for you, cooks your food for you, takes care of you, he’s protective of you… That’s not the Damien I know. He’s more selfish than that. I really think… He’s picked you.”

“But, what does that mean? Picked me for what?”

Butter’s opened his mouth to reply, then quickly shut it. A panicked looked crossed his face before he quickly disappeared beneath the water.

It was only then that Pip felt and heard the footsteps and looked over his shoulder.

Damien walked out from the tree line and continued toward him, a neutral expression on his face, “There you are.”

“Um… Yes.” The blonde offered a smile.

“I got worried when you weren’t in the cave. I don’t like having you out of my sight for long.” He stopped next to the human and sat down.

“You were hiding out for the better part of the day.” Pip explained, a light blush dusting his cheeks.

“Was I? I didn’t know it had been that long. I apologize.” He looked around, “Where are the other two? You’re not here by yourself, are you?”

“No. Butter’s is diving and Kenny is hunting, I believe.”

Damien frowned, “It’s not safe for you to be unguarded out here. You’re fine if you’re in the cave, but you should never be alone at the river.”

“But, I’m not alone.” Pip clarified. He jumped a little in surprise when he felt the tail wrap around his waist, holding him firmly but comfortably.

“I know, but you did come here by yourself once and you were nearly killed.” Damien looked down at him, eyes intense.

“Sorry…” Pip apologized, looking away.

“It’s alright, but don’t do it again.”

“I won’t, I promise.” He looked back up and gave Damien a sweet smile. It took a few seconds, but eventually Damien gave his own small smile in return.

The two sat in silence, staring out at the water.

Phillip felt eyes on him again and looked back up. Damien was staring down at him, an almost worried look on his face.

“What?”

Damien slowly lifted his hand and gently pushed Pip’s shoulder with the back of it, easily moving the small human. The action only seemed to worsen his mood and he let the hand drop back to the ground, “It just… scares me how… fragile you are.”

The words surprised Pip, “… I’m… I’m not that fragile. I can take care of myself just fine.”

“I know, but it doesn’t stop me from worrying. I could hurt you so easily without even meaning to…”

“Well, yes, I suppose you could… But I’d forgive you.” He offered a smile.

Damien, however, did not let up, “You have no idea how badly I could hurt you, Phillip, and that scares me more than anything.”

Pip was taken aback by his words. They were a little frightening, to say the least, and it didn’t help that he also found it strange that Damien was opening up about such things. He hardly talked in the weeks before, and now he wanted to share all his thoughts?

“Damien, is something wrong?” The blonde asked, “Why are you suddenly telling me this? I’ve been out here three weeks and you haven’t hurt me at all thus far, why do you think that will change?”

Damien regarded him for several seconds before replying, “…Never mind. It’s not important right now. Are you hungry? I’ll go get you something if you’d like.”

“No, I’m not. I want to talk about this. Why are you acting like this so suddenly? Can’t you tell me, please?”

“No, I can’t, and you’d be smart to drop the subject.” Damien snapped, standing, “I’m sure Kenny will bring you something when you’re hungry. If you need me, I’ll be in the cave.”

“Hiding out in back, I presume?” Pip replied bitterly, crossing his arms as the tail left him.

“Yes.” Damien growled back before taking his leave.

Once he was gone, Pip let out a little huff of anger, clenching his teeth.

Butters resurfaced seconds later, looking up at him, “Are you alright?”

“… No. No, I’m not.”

The water dragon pulled himself out of the water and sat beside his friend, putting an arm across his shoulders. “What’s wrong?” He asked softly, a kind tone in his voice.

“He just… Starts going on about how he’s worried about me, and when I ask him why, he gets snappish and leaves. I’m just… Hurt, I guess. Hurt and confused.”

“It’ll be okay,” Butters soothed, “Damien’s never been one to express his feelings, so I’m sure he’s just awkward and unsure of how to go about it. He may not know why he’s feeling what he is himself.”

“Maybe.” Phillip muttered, looking down at his lap, “I know you won’t think me stupid for saying this, so I’ll get it out. I actually really like him, and I suppose I would like it very much if we were mates. I just can’t tell how he feels about me, so I’m afraid of getting my hopes up, only to have them crushed. He’s always reacted so neutrally to everything that I never thought he was interested. That, and before meeting you I was under the impression that dragon’s mated based on reproduction value, which I did not have to him since I’m male.”

Butters hummed lightly and squeezed Pip’s shoulders, “All I can offer is what I explained earlier. At the very least he’s taken a liking to you and I can’t see him ever turning you away. He obviously cares about you.”

“Yeah, I suppose there’s that at least.”

A loud thumping behind them signaled the arrival of the Abeo dragon, who dropped off a large deer he’d snagged. “Who’s hungry?” He called.

Phillip sighed and stood up, helping the graceless water dragon to his feet as well and assisting him as they made their way toward the meal.

--

Later that night Phillip climbed into the nest alone. He’d grown used to the Night Fang’s impressive body heat, so he had to get a blanket before he was comfortable enough to fall asleep in the empty nest.

Chapter 5

The next morning when Phillip awoke he found himself curled up against Damien’s side, the dragon still sleeping deeply. He carefully pushed himself up and stretched, letting out a long yawn before climbing out of the nest.

He shivered at the chill in the air and pulled a coat on. Winter was definitely closing in, which would mean no more dips in the river to wash off.

Maybe he should ask Kenny to get him a large pot that he could use to heat up water to bathe in… Would that be asking too much?

A cold wind blew through the cave, making the blonde shiver again. He considered heading to the river, but decided he didn’t want to go to simply sit on the bank shivering. Instead, he shed the coat and crawled back into the nest, figuring it wouldn’t hurt to relax awhile longer. He pulled the blanket over himself and curled a little closer to the warm dragon next to him.

Damien made a noise when Phillip accidentally brushed him and reached out, gripping the blonde with a clawed hand. Pip let out a surprised squeak when Damien pulled him against him, wrapping his other arm around the thin body.

Phillip relaxed and laid his head down on a powerful chest, loving the warmth surrounding him.

He rested his eyes and listened to the dragon’s deep, even breathing and loud, rhythmic heartbeat.

Paradise.

Damien suddenly shifted and groaned, squeezing the blonde against him. A hand came up from behind Phillip and he could feel claws slowly and gently running through his hair.

“Are you awake?” Phillip nearly whispered, enjoying the sensation.

“No.” Came Damien’s deep, rumbling voice, “Go back to sleep.”

Pip giggled at the answer and moved his hand to rest on Damien’s chest. His fingers brushed rough skin and the blonde realized that it was the scar on the dragon’s chest. He lifted his head slightly to look at the discolored skin. It spanned from Damien’s chest to his right shoulder, marking nearly the exact area that the wound had been years previous.

“It must’ve hurt so much…” Phillip muttered without realizing it. Damien hummed, gently grabbing the human’s thin wrist, “It did, but it was much better after you tended to it.”

The way Damien’s hand easily wrapped his wrist was interesting to Pip. The dragon’s hands were huge, making his wrist look even smaller than it actually was.

“I didn’t really do that much,” Pip replied, “I didn’t even have proper bandages, I just used my shirt.”

“That was thoughtful of you.”

“I guess.” He rested his head back on the dragon’s chest and smiled when he felt claws running through his hair again. They seemed to move slowly and carefully, as though Damien was afraid that if he moved any less cautiously he would tear through the blonde’s soft flesh. He very easily could.

“Phillip?” Damien’s chest rumbled when he spoke.

“Hm?” The blonde lifted his head slightly to look at the alpha male.

“I made something for you.” He shifted enough to reach to his right and gently lifted something from the side of the nest.

They both sat up and Damien presented his hand. Draped delicately across his palm was a necklace made of string and wire. The thick, black string was the main part of the necklace and hanging off of it with wires were various gems, shells, and a tooth. In the center was a small wad of cloth tightly wrapped around the string and secured with one wire. It was a faded white, but had a large maroon stain across most of it.

“You made that? For me?” Phillip asked, blush spreading across his features.

Damien nodded, “Is it okay? Should I try again?”

“No, it’s beautiful!” Pip replied excitedly.

“You like it then?”

“I love it!”

Damien gave a small smile, “May I put it on you?”

Phillip nodded and turned around. The necklace was gently slipped around his neck and he could feel Damien sealing it together in the back. He turned back around a lifted a hand to investigate each item, “These gems are amazing. Where did you get them?”

“I have a stash in the tunnel… I’ll show you, if you like.”

“I’d love to see them.” Phillip smiled at him, then turned his attention back to the necklace, “These shells are from the river, I assume?”

“Yeah. There’s one from here and one from where the river comes closest to your village.”

Phillip was surprised at that, “Why?”

“Because that’s I’m supposed to do…?” Damien gave him an odd look, as though he thought perhaps Phillip was joking with him.

“Oh, right.” Pip replied dumbly, “What’s this tooth from?”

“The Centaur. I cleaned it well.”

“Oh, good.” It was a little gross, but still thoughtful. “What’s this cloth from?”

“It’s your shirt, from the day we met. It has my blood on it.”

“How… Sweet.” Phillip smiled, though it was slightly forced. He couldn’t help being a little freaked out at what was wrapped around his neck, but it didn’t bother him too much because it was surprising thoughtful.

“Sorry, I know it’s a little gross for you,” Damien apologized, “But, it had the most value and since other creatures will be able to smell it, it will keep you safe.”

“Thank you so much.” Phillip smiled brightly, “This is wonderful!”

Damien smiled in return, “I’m happy you like it.”

Pip squeaked when the larger male pulled him against him and nuzzled his head. The sudden increase in attention as of late surprised and confused Pip, but he wasn’t complaining. He relaxed into the warmth and let Damien hold him tight. He felt tiny and fragile in comparison to the large and powerful dragon, but he found himself enjoying the way he felt protected.

“So, the answer is ‘yes,’ then?” Damien rumbled.

“Hm?” The blonde hummed, looking up at the dragon, “Yes to what?”

Damien moved away from him, looking down, a mix of confusion and irritation on his face, “What do you mean ‘yes to what?’ I made you a necklace. The question should be obvious.”

“Oh, well, I’m not education on dragon customs, Damien. I don’t know what the question is.” Phillip replied apologetically.

Damien looked down at him silently for several seconds, looking almost hurt, “… It’s not important. Forget I said anything. Are you hungry?”

“Damien, I’m sorry. You could just ask…”

The dragon stood and stepped out of the nest, “I’ll go find us breakfast.”

“Damien, wait, please!” Pip called, but it was no use. Damien ignored him and took flight.

Phillip whimpered, resisting the sudden urge to cry, and quickly climbed out of the nest. He put his shoes and a coat on and left the cave, heading hastily to the river.

He stopped just past the tree line and blushed madly. Kenny and Butters were in the river, wrapped in each others arms and kissing deeply. He backed up, planning on leaving the two to their own devices, but they parted and Butter’s spotted him.

“Hi, Pip!” He called.

“Hello,” Phillip replied, “I didn’t mean to intrude, sorry. I’ll come back later.”

“Oh, nonsense.” Butters smiled and moved away from Kenny, “We’re not busy.”

“Kay, well, that’s up for debate…” Kenny grumbled irritably, following his mate toward the shore.

Phillip smiled and walked to the river, setting down on the bank. Kenny sat down in the water close to him, while Butter’s rested on his stomach.

There was more sunlight here than around the cave and Pip found himself feeling a little over heated. He opened the coat, but did not remove it.

Butter’s suddenly gasped and squealed loudly, making the other two jump in surprise. He came out of the water like a bullet and tackled Phillip, sending them both to the ground.

“Oh my gosh! I’m so happy for you!” Butters squealed and giggled with joy, squeezing his friend tightly.

“Um, what?” Phillip grunted, finding it a little difficult to breath.

Butters released him and they both sat up. The water dragon was smiling like an idiot as he poked a finger at the human, “I knew it I knew it I knew it! I was right!” He laughed.

“I’m both surprised and not surprised at the same time.” Kenny said, “It’s a really strange conflict of emotions.”

“I’m just confused.” Pip spoke up, “Right about what?”

“Right about what?” Butters giggled, leaning forward, “He made you the necklace! How can it not be obvious?”

Pip looked away sadly, “What’s almost exactly what Damien said…”

Butters’ face fell, “What? You mean… You didn’t say yes?”

“I couldn’t. I don’t know what the question is. He wouldn’t tell me either, he just said not to worry about it and left.”

“Oh… Oh gosh, I’m so sorry.” Butters whimpered, placing his hand against his mouth, “He let you keep the necklace though, so there’s still hope…”

“Well I can’t do much if I don’t know what the question is.” Phillip grumbled.

Butters slipped back into the water as Kenny spoke, “I don’t know how human customs work, but dragon’s give each other items to show affection. Not just any old junk or even the most priceless gem, either. The item has to have sentimental value. The more the item means to the dragon the more valuable it is, obviously. When a dragon wants to court a mate, they make a necklace with items of sentimental value. Gems are to make the necklace more appealing to the eye. The receiving dragon can either accept or reject the necklace. If they accept, the necklace is made to be near-permanent. It doesn’t come off unless you rip it off. This is because dragon’s mate for life, unless the mate dies, then the living dragon may court again. The gems are also all eventually replaced with sentimental items from the two dragons’ lives together and once they are gone you can simply add more items. If the receiving dragon rejects the necklace, the courting dragon may either give up and court another, or make a new necklace and try again. Courting can last anywhere from one day to many years.”

Kenny’s explanation suddenly made everything a lot clearer.

The cloth from the day they met, the tooth of the Centaur that brought them together again, and shells from their homes.

“He… Wants me as a mate?” Pip asked, dumbfounded.

“Looks like it.” Butters grinned.

“I suggest you head back and formerly accept or reject the offer before he comes barking at me for advice. You’re a lot easier to give advice to than him.”

“Right… Thank you. Thank you so much!” Phillip quickly stood and jogged back to the cave.

Damien was not there, which wasn’t surprising, though it still upset Phillip. He told himself that Damien was simply out hunting, but he couldn’t help but worry that the dragon wouldn’t return.

He sat in the nest and waited, thinking over what he could say. Should be apologize for not knowing? Just flat out say yes? Maybe he should try some kind of humor? No, that was a dumb thought.

A large shadow drew his attention. He could hear a creature screaming high above the cave, the sound slowly growing louder. Phillip barely jumped when a deer landed with a sickening thud just outside the cave, the screams silenced.

Damien landed seconds later. He lit the fire pit before picking up the deer and hanging it in a tree by its hind legs. With a quick swipe of his razor sharp claws the deer’s neck burst open and blood poured out onto the ground.

Phillip quietly climbed out of the nest and trotted toward the dragon. “Damien?”

The dragon’s attention was immediately on him. Red eyes narrowed on the necklace before looking back up at his face, expression expectant.

Pip shifted, unsure of how to voice his feelings, “I… I went to the river.”

Damien gave him an irritated look, “Didn’t I tell you yesterday not to do that? It’s dangerous on your own.”

“Well I had to talk to someone after you left like that! Besides, I have the necklace. You said the smell would help protect me.”

“Right, right, the necklace,” Damien muttered, looking away, “How could I forget about that.” It was more of a sarcastic remark than a question.

“Damien… I talked to Leo and Kenny. They told me what the necklace is for… And, if the question is still open…” Pip lightly bit his lip, anxiety eating at his stomach, “The answer is yes…”

Damien stared down at him, obviously surprised, but seemingly wary “…You don’t have to accept out of pity.”

“I’m not. I want to be your mate. You can ask me all you want, the answer will always be yes.”

There was a long moment of silence in which the two simply stared at one another; Pip hopeful and Damien unsure.

Finally, the dragon spoke, voice low, “Phillip… Will you be my mate?”

Pip smiled brightly, “Yes! Nothing would make me happier!”

A real smile spread over Damien’s face as he reached out and gently gripped the blonde’s shoulders. The smile was beautiful, Pip thought, his heart hammering in his chest as the dragon leaned closer.

Their lips connected.

Pip felt as though he were on Cloud 9 as he wrapped his arms around Damien’s neck.

The kiss was a little sloppy, it being their first time, but it was deep and passionate and so perfect. He heard Damien let out a noise like a growl before suddenly his feet left the ground and the kiss was broken. He squeaked as Damien lifted him into a comfortable position in his arms.

Pip tightened his grip around the dragon’s neck, looking down at the ground far below him, “Put me down!”

“Why?”

“It’s so high,” Pip squeaked, “What if you drop me?”

“I won’t drop you,” Damien reassured with a gentle smile, “I promise.”

“Okay…” Phillip replied, feeling a little better. He did feel safe in the dragon’s strong arms and he doubted that he seemed very heavy.

“You’re so beautiful…” Damien murmured.

The blonde’s face heated up, “I’m glad you think so…”

“I know so. It’s a fact, not an opinion.” He lightly brushed their lips together, “May I bed you tonight?”

“W-what?” Phillip asked, too caught up in everything to understand what Damien had meant.

“May I bed you? Make you my mate… physically.”

“Oh!” Pip’s face went bright red, “Um…”

“I apologize,” The dragon said sincerely, “I don’t mean to pressure you into something you’re not ready for.”

“Oh, no, it’s fine! I… Yes, I would like it very much of maybe we could… Mate. Tonight.” Pip replied shyly, face keeping its pink hue.

Damien smiled and pressed their lips together in another kiss just as wonderful as the first.

--

“It’s so cold!” Pip shuddered as he climbed into the nest and pulled the blanket around himself. He listened as Damien kicked the fire out and wandered into the cave with him.

Outside, the sun was sitting on the horizon. The slowly sinking sunlight took its warmth with it, leaving the air chilly and the ground cold.

Damien climbed into the nest beside him, bringing with him his natural warmth. He leaned down and gently kissed the blonde’s temple, “Perhaps I could warm you up?”

Pip blushed, remembering their short discussion hours previous, “I would be okay with that…”

The dragon grinned and shifted to hover on all fours above the blonde. He began placing gentle kisses along a smooth neck, being careful not to get his horns too close to a pretty face.

The blonde sighed at the treatment and shivered when his blanket was suddenly pulled away, exposing him to the cold. He wasn’t cold for long, however, as he felt Damien’s warmth radiating from him.

Damien suddenly stopped and sat back slightly, looking down at his hands with a frown. Pip looked as well at the two large hands resting on his hips. Each finger was tipped with a black claw at least two inches in length and very sharp.

“We can’t do this.” Damien suddenly proclaimed, looking away in shame.

“Why not?” Pip protested, reaching down to rest his hand on top of one of Damien’s.

“I’m going to hurt you. You’re soft and fragile and I’m nothing but sharp edges.”

“That’s not true… You have a soft heart.”

“Yeah, well, that doesn’t mean shit when my hands are nothing but talons.” Damien replied bitterly.

“Damien…” Pip gently reached up and gripped one of the large horns growing from the dragon’s head, pulling him down, “I trust you. I want to do this.” He pulled him into a kiss.

The alpha male immediately responded, deepening the kiss.

When they parted Phillip smiled. “Here,” He sat up slightly, “I’ll help you get started.” He unbuttoned his shirt and slipped it off, feeling only slightly embarrassed. The necklace felt strange against his skin, but he loved being able to feel it there. He laid back before gently grabbing one of Damien’s hands and holding it against his chest.

The dragon gazed down at him adoringly, “I couldn’t live with myself if I hurt you…”

“You won’t hurt me.” Pip reassured with a smile.

Damien relented. He gently ran the back of his hands down the thin torso, making the blonde shudder. Very carefully he slipped clawed fingers under the rim of Pip’s pants and slowly slid them off.

Pip shivered as his body was completely exposed to the slight breeze in the cave. He blushed when he noticed Damien gazing down at him, lust obvious in his eyes.

He could practically feel the dragon’s desperate need for him.

Two powerful arms suddenly picked up his small hips and lifted them off the ground. Pip whimpered when he could feel Damien’s breath brushing against his erect member. His breath caught in his throat when Damien’s tongue slowly ran along the length, tasting him. His hands clenched the fur below him and he let out a little gasp when the dragon took him in his mouth and gave a gentle suck.

“Damien.” Pip whimpered as the dragon bobbed his head, licking and sucking.

The dragon ceased his torture all too soon and instead made his way lower, lightly nuzzling Pip’s ass. The blonde gasped and jerked when he felt a tongue gently lick his entrance.

“W-Wait, don’t…” He pleaded weakly, skin bright red in embarrassment. He let out a strangled yelp when the prodding tongue suddenly slipped through the tight ring of muscles, gently loosening them. Pip shuddered at the foreign intrusion, his toes curling. It seemed a bit gross, but he couldn’t say that it didn’t feel wonderful.

Once he was finished, Damien gently sat the blonde’s hip’s back down. He instead focused his attention back on kissing and sucking on the human’s neck and torso.

Pip sighed and whimpered at the attention, resting a hand in black hair as the dragon slowly worked his way down his torso. He paid gentle attention to each nipple and focused hard on a spot on the collar bone that made the blonde moan.

“You’re going to have to stretch yourself.” Damien muttered against Pip’s stomach, giving his belly button a lick before coming back up to capture the blonde’s lips in a heated kiss.

When they parted Pip sat himself up slightly and began to lick and suck on his own fingers. He watched Damien remove his pants with little difficulty.

Once they were both finished with their own tasks Pip reached down and gently rubbed at his entrance. It was still wet with Damien’s saliva. Damien’s full attention was on him, making him feel both excited and embarrassed at the same time. His eyes fell on the dragon’s impressive manhood and he couldn’t help but worry that it wouldn’t fit.

It was definitely going to hurt.

He gasped when he slipped the first finger inside himself and a shiver ran up his spine when he saw “little” Damien twitch in response. He worked the finger inside of himself before adding a second. It hurt slightly, but he didn’t show it. He gently scissored them and stretched his hole, keeping his eyes on Damien the entire time.

The dragon was gazing down at him hungrily, obviously enjoying the show. His member was leaking pre-cum, making it glisten in the low light.

“I have an idea.” Damien suddenly proclaimed, “Don’t take your fingers out.”

“Okay.” Pip whispered, waiting obediently. He watched as Damien reached down and grabbed his tail, pressing the tip against the puckered entrance. The blonde faltered, “Damien? I’m not sure about this.”

He was either ignored or unheard because the tail was suddenly inside him. He yelped at the sudden pain, which thankfully subsided quickly. He removed his fingers to grip fur instead as the tail slowly thrust into him.

“Is this okay?” Damien asked. Pip nodded, relaxing around the intrusion. He laid back and allowed himself to enjoy the odd sensation.

He nearly choked and his hips spasmed when the tail brushed something inside him.

“Fuck,” Damien grunted, obviously aroused, “Do that again.”

“You did that.” Pip explained, “Do it again.”

He felt the tail explore the area until suddenly his hips went wild again and he threw his head back to let out a moan.

“Wow.” Damien breathed, shivering. The tail continuously prodded that spot, making the blonde’s back arch as his moans grew louder. Damien couldn’t seem to get enough of the reaction.

Finally he relented and the tail was gone, leaving Phillip feeling slightly empty.

“Are you ready?” Damien asked, gently picking up Pip’s hips.

“Yeah…” Pip whimpered, looking down at the scene.

It would be a miracle if that fit inside him, he thought.

“Relax…” Damien pressed the tip against the blonde’s tight entrance. He slowly increased the pressure until the entrance yielded and he slowly slid inside, spreading the tight walls.

The pre-cum made the intrusion feel strange and slimy, but it slid in smoothly.

“Stop.” Pip whimpered, pulling away slightly in pain.

“Sorry.” Damien muttered, halting his advance.

Pip took a few deep breaths, willing himself to relax. The pain slowly subsided until it was just a dull ache, “Okay, go.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah.”

“I don’t want to hurt you. We can stop.”

“Please, I don’t want to…”

“Okay…” Damien continued at a slow pace.

Pip bit his lip as the pain returned, but he decided to ignore it.

Damien ceased his movement again sometime later, “Okay, I’m in.”

“Wow…” The blonde whimpered. Though it hurt, he couldn’t help but feel incredibly full, complete. He was glad that it had fit.

“Does it still hurt?”

“Yeah, a little…”

“We can still stop.”

“No, I want this…”

Damien grunted. He began placing kisses across the blonde’s perfect face, neck, and collar. Pip wrapped his arms around the dragon’s neck and hummed in contentment at the attention.

It was several minutes later before he gave the command to move.

Damien slowly pulled out before gently pushing back in. The sensation made Pip squirm, but it didn’t hurt.

“You alright?”

“Yeah, don’t stop…”

The dragon slowly increased the speed of his thrusts, being careful not to cut the blonde with his claws or be too rough.

Pip couldn’t help but look down at the scene. He shuddered in arousal as he watched the thick piece of meat work its way in and out of him, making his abdomen move.

Over a period of several minutes the thrusts slowly increased in speed and power.

Pip arched into the thrusts slightly, hands clenched in fur. “F-faster…” He breathed.

Damien sped up, “Good?”

“Yeah.”

“Yeah?”

“God, so good…” Pip whimpered, panting. He couldn’t believe how amazing the large member felt inside him. Every few thrusts rubbed against that spot inside him, making him squeak louder in pleasure. He spread his legs more to allow Damien in deeper, if possible.

“Yeah, me too…” Damien panted, “Fuck, so tight…” He gripped the blonde’s hips a little tighter, thrusting just slightly harder. The noises coming from the beautiful blonde below him made shivers run up his spine.

Pip grunted and gasped, gripping Damien’s wrists in need. He loved how powerful and hot each thrust felt deep inside him, wracking his insides with pleasure. “Oh, god, Damien… God! Ooohhh…” He panted and rolled his hips into the thrusts, shaking with pleasure.

“Fuck!” Damien hissed. He suddenly paused, repositioned himself, and began thrusting again, much harder and faster than before.

“Oh, GOD!” Pip screamed, hips jerking with explosions of pleasure from each well-placed and harder thrust, “DAMIEN!”

Damien was panting and growling above him, completely lost in the pleasure. He’d gone into primal mode and there was no going back.

“I’m so close!” Pip squealed, “I’m gonna come!”

“Fuck, me too!” Damien snarled.

Phillip felt the dragon suddenly spasm slightly and his thrusts became wild. He shuddered and pushed himself in as deep as he could go. Suddenly Pip’s back shot off the nest of fur when Damien’s member was suddenly vibrating inside him, forcing him to an incredible climax. Just as he was coming down, Damien gave another hard thrust and his member spasmed harshly again, making the blonde see stars. This cycle continued several times until finally Damien relaxed and stopped moving, finally allowing Pip to breathe again.

The two panted loudly, trying to regain some sort of sense.

“What… Happened…?” Pip panted, completely limp and unmoving.

“Huh?” Damien panted back, mind slightly fogged.

“It… vibrated…”

“Yours doesn’t?”

“No!”

“Oh… I don’t know…”

Pip sighed, breathing and heartbeat finally coming close to normal again, “That was amazing…”

“I’m glad it was good for you too… I was afraid I would hurt you…”

The blonde reached up and pulled the dragon down for a kiss. It didn’t last long, as both were still having some breathing trouble, but Damien gently nuzzled him when they parted, “You’re so perfect…”

“I love you, Damien.”

“I love you too.” He gave the blonde a gentle peck before sitting up. His member easily slid out, making the small blonde shudder.

Pip felt empty without it inside him, but he was content again when the dragon laid down next to him and pulled him into his arms. He rested his head on a muscular torso and fell asleep in a matter of seconds.

Chapter 6

The sunlight streaming down from the sky warmed Phillip’s skin. He sighed and relaxed in the soft green grass just outside his home, basking in the warmth of spring.

The snow from winter had melted, bringing water to the plants and the river flowed stronger and wider than before from the melted ice.

“I love spring.” Pip commented, leaning his head on his mates arm.

Damien hummed in response, wrapping his tail around a thin waist, “The river should warm back up within a month. Kenny and Leo will wander back once it does.”

The two had left before the ice set in. Butters couldn’t stay in cold water, so the two had traveled to the ocean for winter.

“I can’t wait to see them again.” Pip said with a smile. He missed his two close friends.

“Do you want to go for a walk?” Damien asked, climbing to his feet.

“Oh yes, I’d love to!” Pip took the hand that was offered to him and was pulled to his feet with ease.

The couple set off into the forest side-by-side, Damien’s tail still keeping a firm grip on the blonde’s hips.

The forest was alive with sounds. Pip could hear birds singing high above them and small critters scurried across the ground. It was peaceful and serene. The dragon’s steps were slow to allow him to keep up.

“It’s so beautiful out here.” Phillip commented, gripping Damien’s hand, “It was always a little sad to me that I was the only one in the village who could see it.”

“Do you ever miss them? The villagers?”

“I miss my mother.” Pip replied, “But, that’s really about it.”

“I’m sorry.” Damien said sincerely, giving the blonde’s hand a gentle squeeze.

“Don’t be,” Pip said with a smile, “I’m much happier here with you than I ever was there.”

Damien halted, forcing to the blonde to stop as well. He put a hand on either small shoulder and leaned down, “I love you, Pipsqueak.”

Pip didn’t have time to reply before a pair of lips was pressed passionately to his. He melted into the warmth and love behind the act and wrapped his arms around the dragon’s neck.

The kiss ended and they embraced instead. Damien’s arms circled him in a loving, strong, and protective hold, face buried in blonde hair. Pip nuzzled his chest and allowed himself to be held. He chuckled when he felt Damien’s hardness pressing into his stomach. He ran a hand down and lightly rubbed it, thrilled when he heard the dragon let out a rumbling groan.

“May I make love to you?” Damien whispered, squeezing the blonde just a bit tighter.

“Here?”

“Yes.”

Pip blushed, “Yes, I think I’d like that.”

He was on his back seconds later, the dragon pushing his shirt up to get at the pale flesh beneath it. He licked, nipped and sucked every inch of skin he could reach, making the blonde squirm in pleasure.

Damien suddenly stopped his torture and looked into the forest, frozen.

“…Damien?” Pip questioned meekly.

“Hush.” He commanded, eyes scanning the trees. He was stiff and unmoving as he silently listened.

Pip listened as well, but couldn't hear anything. The forest was silent; no birds singing or insects buzzing or critters scurring.

It took several seconds for the realization to sink in.

Dead silence.

Damien suddenly let out a snarl that frightened Phillip as he climbed to his feet. He pulled the blonde up and stood defensively in front of him.

“Damien?” Pip tried again. This time he was silenced when a large beast stumbled out of the forest.

It was clearly a draganoid, but it walked on all fours rather than just on its back feet, making it seem more primal and terrifying. The incredibly large wings that jutted out of its back were pink with black on the tips and were slightly opened. The base of its incredibly long tail was also pink, but quickly turned to black, its hands and feet following the same color scheme. Its horns were two long, twisted, black spirals that jutted from its head of brown hair and pointed toward its back. It wasn’t particularly muscular, more on the thin side really, but its legs and torso seemed abnormally long. Its skin was sickly pale and had an almost green tint to it.

It turned in their direction, milky eyes on the blonde, and let out a freakish, strangled snarl, as though there were water or muck in its throat and lungs. Its bared teeth were long, pointed, and oddly pink, the gums black. It tilted its head awkwardly.

“Run.” Damien commanded, “The cave is directly behind you. When you get there, go through the tunnel like I showed you and don’t come out until I come for you.”

“But-!”

“Don’t argue.” Damien snarled, “Please just run.” He sounded desperate.

Pip wanted to argue, but the foreign dragon let out a high-pitched shriek and stood, towering over even Damien by at least foot.

Phillip bolted. He heard the two dragon’s suddenly clash in a sickening crash of claws and teeth.

Even after he cleared the forest and got into the cave, he could still hear the two screaming and snarling and smacking into trees, likely tearing each other apart.

Only one was going to walk away from that fight.

Pip whimpered and curled under a blanket in the nest. He knew he was disobeying orders, but he couldn’t bring himself to go into the tunnel. For one, it was a little frightening back there alone, and two he felt as though he would be completely abandoning his mate.

The ruckus didn’t continue for too much longer. There was a scream and a sickening “pop!” that echoed through the forest, followed by dead silence.

Not even the forest creatures were making a sound. It was almost deafening.

Phillip became ill when several minutes ticked by with no sign from Damien. Even the wildlife slowly began making noise again. The blonde reached down and gripped his necklace, curling into himself further as he felt tears slowly make their way forth.

He quietly sobbed as another several minutes ticked by. Still nothing from Damien.

A sudden thudding made him go silent. He listened silently, fearing the worst.

Footsteps. He couldn’t tell if they belonged to Damien, or that beast who had attacked them.

Something heavy was dropped just outside the cave, making the blonde flinch.

He heard it enter the cave and mess around with the blankets next to the nest. He silently berated himself for not going into the tunnel as Damien had instructed.

“…Phillip?”

The blonde gasped and sat up, throwing the blanket off in the process.

Damien stared down at him, torso drenched in blood.

“Damien!” Pip sobbed, scrambling to stand. He stared at the blood in horror.

“I should have gone to the river first.” Damien said, looking down at himself, “But I was worried about you so I came back. I’m fine, I promise.”

Pips sobs turned to sniffles as he calmed himself. Damien gently gripped his shoulders and leaned down, connecting them in a gentle kiss.

“Come on,” He said after they’d parted, “Come with me to the river.”

“O-okay.” Pip whimpered, stepping out of the nest.

He followed Damien outside and toward the fire pit. He gasped and stopped when he saw the head lying on the ground beside the pit, “Why do you have that?”

“Because I have to dispose of it properly.” He spit a blue flame, igniting the head in a blaze of fire.

“What do you mean?”

“Come on.” He turned away from the flaming head and began walking toward the river, the blonde following close behind.

“What was wrong with it?” Pip asked.

“He was sick. It’s a disease a lot like rabies, but the infected become more mindless and violent and they don’t foam at the mouth. It’s spread from dragon to dragon through saliva, but humans can catch it with just a cut.”

“Is that why you sent me away so quickly?”

“Yes. I couldn’t risk you catching it. There isn’t a cure. Within a few days you would have turned on me and I would be forced to either put you down or catch it myself, and I don’t think I could have put you down.”

The statement made Pip’s heart flutter, “What about you? You’re hurt. Are you going to get sick?”

“No. I have a better immune system than you. These are only scratches; they will do nothing. He didn’t bite me so I’ll be fine.”

“But, won’t there be more? Will they attack us again?”

“It’s a rare disease, so I doubt we’ll see any infected for a long while. We’re safe now.”

They stopped on the bank of the river. Damien didn’t bother to remove his shorts before he stepped in. The water was still chilly. He sat himself down in the water and began washing off as Pip took a seat on the bank next to him.

“What took you so long to get back?”

“I had to retrace his trail to make sure he hadn’t bitten anyone else.” Damien explained as he washed the blood off, revealing deep cuts all across is torso, “I found his nest. He killed his mate.”

“My god, that’s awful…”

“They had an egg. Well, two eggs. One was smashed, but the other was still intact.”

“What did you do with it?”

“I brought it back, of course. I’m going to cook it for you.”

“What?!” Pip yelled, standing, “You can’t just eat someone else’s child!”

“I’m not. It’s an egg.”

“That doesn’t mean it’s not a life! It’s going to hatch!”

“But… They’re good.” Damien defended weakly.

“You are not going to cook that egg!” Pip said sternly, hands on his hips.

“Fine, I’ll just get rid of it then.” Damien relented.

“No! You can’t just kill it!”

“Then what the hell do you want me to do with it?” Damien growled, becoming irritated, “We can’t just keep the damn thing.”

“And why not?”

“What?”

“Why can’t we just keep it? We could raise it like our own.”

“Absolutely not.” Damien snapped, “Night Fang’s don’t even raise their own young, why would I raise someone else’s?” He stood from the water and shook himself off as best he could before stepping out.

“You don’t want to raise a child with me? Don’t want to be parents?” Pip whimpered, hurt.

“No.” Damien said sternly, “I have no desire for offspring.” He headed back toward the cave.

“But… Why not?” Pip asked, following close behind.

“Do I need a reason? I hate children, it’s as simple as that.”

“You’re not even going to give it a chance?” Pip pleaded, threading his fingers together in a pleading gesture.

“No. If you don’t want it to be eaten, then I’m throwing it into the river.”

“Please! Just give it a couple days, think it over!”

“Absolutely not, Phillip!”

The cave came into view. Pip ran past the dragon and into the cave, heading for the pile of blankets he suspected contained the egg.

He was right.

It was large, heavy, smooth, and pink. He held it against his chest and got into the nest, wrapping a blanket around it for warmth and holding it protectively.

“Phillip,” Damien snapped, “Do not test me.”

“Just give it a chance!” Pip begged, “Please, I’ve always wanted children but I assumed I could never have any because of my preference for males. Please, we would be great parents, I just know it!”

“Phillip, raising another dragon’s offspring is completely unnatural. My own parents didn’t even raise me; Night Fang’s bury their eggs to hatch and survive on their own. Why would I go against my natural instincts of not raising a child?”

“Please, Damien, I know you could be a wonderful father! I understand if you're afraid, because you were raised on your own, but you could give it the love your parents never-”

“YOU SHUT YOUR FUCKING MOUTH!” Damien roared, terrifying the blonde, “FINE! You can keep the goddamn egg! But don’t you fucking dare lecture me! You don’t know a damn think about me so don’t act like you know everything!” He turned and stomped away, taking flight.

Pip whimpered and began to cry at his mates harsh words. Never had he been so heartless toward him. He quietly pulled the egg a little tighter against him and laid down, waiting for Damien’s return.

--

It was dusk when the Night Fang finally reappeared.

Pip lay silently in the nest, not having moved since the fight. He didn’t say a word when Damien entered the cave.

“Are you hungry?” Damien asked, voice at a near whisper.

“No.” He was starving.

“Are you going to give me the egg?”

“No.”

“So be it.” He climbed into the nest and lay facing away from the small human.

No more words were exchanged; the silence tore at Pip’s heart.

--

For three days, the silence continued. Damien brought him food when he felt like it and Pip forced himself to eat. They didn’t speak and once evening came around they slept facing away from one another.

It was on the fourth night that Pip finally snapped. He threw the blanket off and sat up, facing his mate, “Fine! You win, okay?!”

Damien sat up and looked at him.

“If you hate it so much then just take it!” He roughly shoved the egg into the dragon’s arms, “Kill it, eat it, whatever! Do what you want! I don’t care! But I don’t want to know!” He threw himself back down and pulled the blanket over his head, curling himself into a ball.

Damien paused, a little stunned. He reached out to place a hand on his mate, “… Phillip, you know it’s for the-”

“Don’t!” Pip snapped, “Don’t lecture me! I don’t want to talk to you right now.”

He listened as Damien slowly left the nest and exited the cave, taking flight. He whimpered and sniffled before finally he began to silently cry, the tears streaming freely.

All he’d wanted was a chance to raise a child. He knew they would have made wonderful parents. It would have been perfect; him and Damien and their baby. A happy family.

He quietly cried and felt sorry for himself, knowing full well an opportunity like that would never come again. And, even if it did, Damien would be quick to crush it.

Pip guessed that Damien had taken the egg and disposed of it somewhere far off, since it took quite some time for him to return.

He heard the large creature land outside and stomp into the cave.

“Fine, you know what?! You win, alright?!” Damien snapped, “You win! You can keep the damn egg!”

Pip sniffled and sat up, the blanket falling to his legs, “Huh?”

Damien shoved the egg back into his hands, “You were right, okay?! I have family issues! Are you happy now?!” He climbed into the nest and lay down, pulling the blonde into his arms, “Starting tomorrow this stupid fight never happened. Now go to sleep.”

Pip squirmed a little closer, holding the egg between them and nuzzling Damien’s neck, “Thank you, Damien.”

“Don’t mention it.”

“I love you.”

“I love you too, babe…” He kissed soft blonde hair, “So much.”

Phillip relaxed into the warmth and let his mind rest. Finally at ease, he was able to fall asleep soundly in his mate’s arms.

Chapter 7

A month ticked by with no change in the egg's status. Phillip grew worried, but Damien gently reassured him that dragon eggs could take anywhere from a month to a year to hatch, depending on the species. Since they had no idea how far along the egg was already, they had no way of accurately predicting when it would hatch.

“What species will it be?” Phillip had asked the morning after their fight.

Damien had paused, eyes staring into nothing for several seconds as he thought it over, “Well, now that I think about it...” He became quiet, eyes falling on the bundle in Pip's arms. His brows furrowed, as though something were worrying him.

“What's wrong?”

“Um... Nothing. It will probably be fine... I'm not sure of it's species. I know the father was a Rosebud dragon and the mother was a Flash dragon, so I'm not sure if it'll be a combination of both or one or the other. Dragon's don't interbreed very often...”

“What do you mean 'it will probably be fine'?”

Damien had given him a soft smile, “Don't worry about it. Are you hungry?”

He hadn't been hungry, but he dropped the matter anyway. No sense in starting another fight.

But, after a month with no changes, he began to worry again.

Damien was catching up with Kenny up river, the duo having come back the previous night, leaving the two blondes by the waterfall on their own.

“Leo?” Phillip asked during a break in their conversation.

“Yes, Pip?”

“Do you know how long it would take for a Rose or Flash dragon egg to hatch?” Perhaps this egg would take a hatch time in the middle of those two.

Butters titled his head, lifting himself out of the water to sit on the bank beside his friend, “Why?”

“Well...” Pip looked down at the egg in his arms, which was protectively covered in a small blanket, only the top peaking out, “Damien told me that those were it's parent's species.”

“Oh...” Butters looked down at it, worried expression making it's way onto his pretty face.

“What's wrong?”

“Oh, nothing! Haha.” He gave a weak giggle, “Um, let's see... I believe Rose dragon eggs take about four months to hatch, while Flash dragons can take as long as a year.”

“Oh...” Pip's mood dropped. He'd gotten his answer, but the thought of waiting so much longer was saddening. He liked taking care of the egg fine, but desperately wanted to meet the creature inside. His child.

“But, it doesn't have to take that long!” Butters reassured, “Besides, maybe it was already several months old when you picked it up.”

“Maybe...”

The Serpent-waist dragon gave a soft smile, “Don't worry, I'm sure you'll have your own little bundle of joy in no time.”

“I sure hope so. I've always wanted a child.”

Butter's face faltered slightly, and for a moment he looked as though he might say something, but whatever it was he dismissed it, “I'm sure you'd be a great dad.”

---

It would be another month before anything changed. Phillip sat in the nest, egg in his lap, watching Damien start the fire to cook breakfast, when a crackling noise caught his attention. He loosened his grip on the egg to get a better look at it, and was thrilled when it moved slightly, the noise continuing.

“Damien!”

His shout immediately had the dragon's attention. He quickly crossed the distance between them to hover over the blonde.

“I think it's hatching!” Pip gasped excitedly.

“Put it down and leave it alone.” Damien instructed.

Pip gave him a confused look, “Shouldn't we help it?”

“Absolutely not. If it's not strong enough to get out of the egg on it's own, then it won't be strong enough to survive out here on it's own.”

“But, it won't be alone,” The blonde protested, “We'll take care of it.”

“No, Phillip. I understand if that's how humans work, but that doesn't cut it out here. We can't shelter it it's whole life. Then it won't be strong enough to take care of a family of it's own, you understand? Leave it alone. It'll get out on it's own.”

Phillip looked like he might argue, but the set up the egg against the side of the nest, “May I at least sit with it?”

“Of course, that's fine, but don't help it, alright? It's important that it does this on it's own and in it's own time. Interfering could damage the child within.”

“Alright...” Pip got comfortable and watched over the egg as Damien continued with breakfast.

---

Several hours later, the sun was sitting behind the horizon and the group of four gathered outside the cave for a small celebration.

Pip and Butters sat outside on the grass, making light conversation while Damien and Kenny hovered over the egg. Phillip watched them, finding it amusing how two dragons, creatures said to be heartless brutes, could pay so much attention to a simple little egg.

The two stood and looked at one another, their mutual expressions of dread making Pip's stomach drop.

Damien gave a nod toward the two blonde's, directing the Abeo dragon toward them.

Kenny left the cave and grinned as he neared them, “Hey, beautiful!”

“Hi, Kenny.” Butter's giggled.

The Abeo knelt beside him, giving him a sweet peck on the cheek.

Pip looked back at Damien, who was looking at the ground, expression torn. He was about to get up and go to his mate, when the whispering caught his attention.

He looked in time to see Kenny move away from where he'd obviously been whispering something in the water dragon's ear. Butters seemed confused and upset, but Kenny gave him a quick peck on the lips and stood, “Love ya, gorgeous.”

“Oh, um, I love you too.” He smiled back.

Kenny turned around and went back into the cave.

Pip's lips barely had time to form a question before Butter's was talking excitedly, “Hey! I'm feeling a little dry... It's a beautiful night, will you walk me back to the river and sit with me for awhile?”

“Oh, um... But, what about the egg...?”

Butter's seemed to falter slightly, “Uh, well it probably won't hatch for awhile longer... We won't miss anything. Please?” His eyes were oddly pleading, as though begging Pip to just go with it.

The human paused, curiosity and fear tearing at his chest.

Was something wrong with the egg?

He looked back at the two standing just inside the cave, talking quietly, expressions solemn.

Everyone was in the loop but him.

But, surely Damien had a good reason for that?

“... Yes, I'll walk you to the river.” He found himself saying.

All he could do was trust in his mate.

---

Over an hour of sitting by the river later, Kenny came walking up.

“Hey! There you two are.” He stopped by the water's edge, smile in place, “You can head back to the cave now, Phillip. Thanks for taking care of Butters for me.”

“Of course.” Pip said with a smile of his own as he stood.

They waved him off as he walked back through the forest, pace increasing as he got closer to his home.

He cleared the trees and was glad to see Damien sitting in the nest, holding something in his arms. The blonde trotted up to him with a small smile, the dragon looking up at him as he entered.

Something was off.

The dragon seemed... worn, tired... guilty looking.

“Damien?”

“I have something for you. Come here.”

The blonde stepped closer, taking a seat on the rim of the nest. Damien gave a soft smile and handed him the bundle in his arms.

Pip took it carefully, finding it to be lighter than the egg. He shifted it more comfortably in his arms before lightly pulling at the folds of the blanket.

He gasped when he pulled a fold back to reveal a serene face with a head of brown hair.

“It's a boy.” Damien said, moving to sit next to his mate.

Pip didn't say anything. He pulled the bundle closer and cradled it lovingly.

“We agreed on Koenraad, right?” Damien asked, putting a clawed hand on his mate's shoulder.

“Yes, yes of course...” Pip mumbled, finally snapping out of his daze, “I'm sorry... He's just... I love him so much...” He choked slightly, but swallowed it and placed a gentle kiss on his son's forehead.

“I love him too. And I love you.” Damien said, pressing a kiss to the blonde's temple, “Come on, it's been a long day. Why don't we lay down?”

Phillip nodded, following his mate into the nest and into their usual position, plus one member.

Damien rested on his back, with Phillip against his side, head on his shoulder, and now a bundle of joy laying on his stomach.

Pip gave a small laugh, “We have a baby...”

“Are you scared?” Damien whispered.

“A little, I suppose... Excited mostly. I want to be a good father.”

“You will be.” He gently ran his hand through soft blonde hair, “Now, rest, okay? We'll start fresh in the morning.”

“Will Koen be okay?”

“Yes, he'll probably sleep fine for the next couple of hours, so rest as much as you can because we'll probably be up a few times before sunrise.”

“Okay...” Pip giggled, “I love you, Damien. So much.”

“I love you too, Phillip.”

--

Koen woke up twice during the night, but both times Damien attended to him, which was a little surprising to Phillip since in the beginning the dragon was so completely against a child.

“Damien?” He whispered the first time their son began to cry, “May I help?”

“No.” Damien replied, voice soft as he rocked the child, “I don't think you'll want to be the one to feed him.” He stood and stepped out of the nest.

“Why not? What do baby dragons eat?”

“Insects, mostly. And small rodents, but I'd need to chew them first.”

“Oh...” The blonde shuddered at the thought, “Well, thank you for doing this then...”

“Yeah. Go back to sleep, okay?” Damien called as he left the cave to search for food.

Phillip obeyed without protest.

--

The next morning Koen woke them bright and early, his ear-piercing wail echoing in the cave. Damien grumbled a little as he sat up and gently cradled the boy, “I liked the egg a lot better...” He complained, though there was no malice in his voice so he very likely could have been joking.

It was hard to tell sometimes.

“Is there any way I could help?” Pip asked as he too got up.

“I guess you could try to catch insects if you wanted, but most of them around here have stingers so I don't think it would be a grand idea.”

“Probably not...”

Still, he followed his mate outside the cave and stood back as Damien quietly used his large feet to easily capture bugs off the forest floor.

“Damien?”

“Yes, love?”

“I was just wondering... How did you take care of yourself when you were this helpless?”

Damien paused, stiffening slightly, “Well...” He quietly caught another insect, an over-grown centipede, and lifted it high enough to grasp with his clawed hands. Pip gagged slightly when he brought the struggling bug to his mouth and bit the head off before holding the squirming body over their sons face.

“I wasn't this small when I was born.” Damien explained, slowly feeding Koen the centipede, “Koen is several days premature. It takes about a week for a dragon to completely hatch, because in that time its slowly outgrowing the egg.”

“Oh... Then, why did he hatch within one day?”

Damien cringed and released the centipede as Koen finished chewing it, “I guess... You're going to find out eventually... Why we sent you away last night. I know you know we did it on purpose, it wasn't just Butters wanting to go to the river.” He paused to wipe away some fallen legs and guts from Koen's mouth, “The thing is, I really should have gotten rid of the egg from the start, or at the very least forced it from you when I realized it was interbreed.”

“But, why?” Pip muttered, “That shouldn't make a difference on how we feel about him.”

“It doesn't, but it does change him. Most dragons don't interbreed because the offspring almost always suffers from some kind of serious defect.”

“So, then... Is Koen...?”

“I don't know yet. I have no idea what kind of physical or mental ailments he might suffer from in the future, but, as for last night, well...” He turned away, heading back for the cave, “Come on. You're not going to like this, but you should know.”

Phillip whimpered, dread gripping at his chest, as he followed his mate back into the cave and took a seat on the rim of the nest.

--

“Hey, Kenny, come here.” Damien called to his friend, leading him into the cave. The duo squatted by the nest, “Does this look right to you?”

The Abeo dragon examined the egg closely, then made a face, “It's cracking in two places.”

“Right. That just seems... off to me. You're way more educated in this than I am, any ideas?”

“Well...” Kenny titled his head, “It could be one of three things. The dragon is too large for the egg already, its positioned incorrectly, or its twins. All of which aren't really too big of a deal, so it should hatch normally. But...”

“But...?”

“But, you've already told me it's interbreed. So, it's more likely secret option number four; something is going horribly wrong in there and the dragon will probably die before it hatches.”

“Fuck. I was afraid you'd say that... Is there anything we can do?”

“I can only think of one option. We have to take it out of the egg. The only downside is I don't know what kind of shape it's in already. The chances of it looking like a normal dragon are pretty slim. It'll be a miracle if it's not mutated or something else equally horrible.”

“Fuck....” Damien breathed. He glanced over his shoulder at the pretty blonde sitting outside in the grass. “Okay... Go talk to Butters. Get him to get Phillip out of here. We're busting this thing open.”

“You know if I'm wrong that will probably kill it.”

“I know. But, you and I both know this thing only has a snowflake's chance in a fire-pit anyway.” He stood, his friend following suit. He nudged his head toward the blondes and Kenny was quick to walk out to them.

“Hey, beautiful!” He heard his friend call to his mate.

Damien stared silently at the ground.

Phillip would be devastated if the child died, he knew that. But, he also knew the chances of it even living past the first month were virtually zero. If it died tonight, it would only spare everyone a very painful month of watching it die slowly.

If it died, he could find Pip another egg. One that wasn't interbred. Hell, he'd even seek out a female Night Fang and produce his own if he fucking had to.

He hoped he wouldn't have to. Though dragons bred with other dragons besides their mates on a regular basis, he was fairly certain this was actually frowned upon in human culture and he didn't really want to put Phillip through that.

He also didn't really want to have to mate with some bitch he barely even knew.

Footsteps brought him out of his thoughts.

Kenny gave him an apologetic look.

The two waited until their mates had gone off before squatting back down by the nest.

“What are we going to do then?” Kenny asked, staring at the egg.

“Break it open?” Damien offered, reaching out and taking the delicate object in his arms. He pushed a claw into one of the cracks and began chipping away at it.

Several minutes later, the contents of the egg lay on the ground, pieces all around it.

Kenny looked away.

Damien stared at it, surprised at how much it was hurting him to see it like that. It wasn't even his child, but...

But, at some point, he realized, he'd began to love it like his own.

So, seeing it, them, on the ground in a messed up heap, tore at his chest.

One of them, a boy, looked healthy, but the other was a shriveled mess attached to him at the shoulder. Both were breathing.

“What now?” Kenny asked, turning back.

“We have to separate them. There's no way they'll survive like this.”

“That will probably kill them.”

“This will kill them.”

“Yeah, yeah... How are we going to separate them though?”

Damien stared at them, his children, and realized that there would be no saving both. The smaller one, a female he realized painfully, was too malformed to possibly survive.

“We'll have to take off a large portion of her where they're connected. That might save him. Otherwise, he'd lose too much skin for it to heal and he'd bleed out.”

“Right, okay, so-”

He didn't get to finish his question, because Damien was already blowing fire onto his hand. Within seconds, his claws burned bright red.

“I-I can't.” Kenny muttered, looking away.

Damien said nothing. He held the two tiny bodies down with his left hand as his right came down and dug into skin.

The two began shrieking immediately, the noise hurting the Night Fang's ears and chest, but he didn't stop.

It was over in seconds. The two were split and their wounds burned closed. The boy looked fine aside from the burn on his shoulder blade, but the girl was missing a large portion of her arm. She would not survive the night.

The two adults wordlessly wrapped the infants in blankets and sat against the nest, Damien holding them both close.

He stared down at his two children, Koenraad and Kassidy, the names that he and Phillip had agreed on weeks before, and quietly tried to shush their cries.

They continued wailing for several minutes, until finally they seemed to calm. They fell into silence like the adults and Damien listened to their soft breathing.

His heart lurched and clenched when he heard the dual breaths become mono. In his arms, Koen seemed to be sleeping soundly, but Kassidy...

His baby girl was completely unmoving. No eye flutters, no dream-fueled twitches, no chest movements.

The choked sob escaped before he could catch it, but he was quick to swallow any more. He knew Kenny would never blame him for crying, but he simply couldn't allow himself to. He had to be strong for Phillip. Had to finish this so his mate wouldn't have to witness it.

“Do you want me to go?” He heard Kenny whisper.

“No. Help me bury her and clean up. I don't want him to know about this. Not yet.”

“Of course, bro. Just tell me what to do.” The tone was serious, solemn. It was odd for someone so carefree and happy-go-lucky as Kenny.

The two stood. Damien gestured toward his son, “Will you hold Koen for me?”

“Of course.” The Abeo carefully took the child from his closest friend.

“I know where I want to take her. Just follow.”

“Sure thing.”

Damien led him out to a clearing several feet within the forest. He got onto his knees in the middle and gently set his daughter down.

“This is a nice spot.” Kenny commented, unconsciously rocking Koen.

“This is where we met their father.” Damien explained.

It just sort of felt right. For her to be here, where he fell. Sort of an ending where it had started.

He used his front claws to dig into the earth. It didn't take him long to dig a relatively deep hole where no other creatures could get at her.

He wrapped her up tightly in the blanket and eased her in, taking his time. Once she was in her final resting place, he silently began covering the hole back up.

He had to swallow several times to keep himself calm.

Once he was finished they headed back to the cave to clean. It didn't take much longer to pick up all the egg shell pieces and wipe up the blood and other fluids from the cave floor. They tossed everything into the fire and watched it all burn up before kicking out the flames.

Then the two took a seat on the edge of the nest again.

“Do you want me to go get Phillip?” Kenny asked after a few minutes of silence.

“Not yet.” Damien responded in a low voice, “I just need a few minutes.” He held Koen against him. It was incredible to see that tiny, fragile bundle cradled carefully in his arms. He was weary of his claws.

“So...” He said, trying to bring himself out of his stupor, “You and Butters are uncles now. Hope you're ready for the task.”

“I was born ready.” Kenny grinned, “I'm pretty psyched to have an awesome little nephew. I can only hope that he continues to be my awesome little nephew for years to come...”

“Me too... I don't think I could handle going through this a second time...”

Within five minutes he sent Kenny off to the river with a heart-felt thanks.

He wondered what he was going to tell Phillip. He could probably get away with saying nothing for awhile, maybe a day or two, but he knew once his mate saw their son's shoulder blade he would start asking questions. Should he tell the truth or make something up? Would it be better to lie and keep him in the dark so he wouldn't get hurt or risk causing him pain because he deserved to know what happened?

He wasn't sure.

He felt a presence and looked up.

His mate was standing just inside the cave, a small smile gracing his beautiful features.

Damien suddenly felt a lot better. He was still hurting and tired, but he'd been given new strength.

Phillip was here now. He could do this. He could be a good father to his son and move on past his daughters untimely death.

“Damien?” His voice was like that of an angel. It brought Damien out of his thoughts.

“I have something for you. Come here.” He carefully handed their child over when Pip took a seat on the rim of the nest.

He watched as the blonde carefully pulled back the blanket and let out a small gasp.

“It's a boy.” He explained, moving to sit next to the love of his life.

Pip didn't say anything. He stared down at the bundle in his arms, clearly transfixed.

It was a beautiful sight.

“We agreed on Koenraad, right?” Damien asked, putting a clawed hand on his mate's shoulder.

“Yes, yes of course...” Pip mumbled, “I'm sorry... He's just... I love him so much...” He sounded choked up.

“I love him too. And I love you.” Damien said, gently kissing his mate's temple. His smell was intoxicating. “Come on, it's been a long day. Why don't we lay down?”

He was pleased when Phillip gave a small nod and followed him in. They lay down together, the three of them, a family.

Pip let out a small laugh, “We have a baby...”

“Are you scared?” Damien whispered. He was terrified himself.

“A little, I suppose... Excited mostly. I want to be a good father.”

“You will be.” He gently ran his hand through soft blonde hair, “Now, rest, okay? We'll start fresh in the morning.”

“Will Koen be okay?”

“Yes, he'll probably sleep fine for the next couple of hours, so rest as much as you can because we'll probably be up a few times before sunrise.” Damien replied. He could only hope he was telling the truth and Koen would actually survive the night.

“Okay...” Pip giggled, “I love you, Damien. So much.”

“I love you too, Phillip.”

--

“I'm sorry, I couldn't-” Damien's voice wavered, “I should have just gotten rid of the egg in the first place... So you wouldn't have to go through this.”

“Damien, don't say that...” Phillip spoke softly. He gently took their son into his arms before taking a seat in his mates lap. Strong arms wrapped themselves around him immediately, holding him close. “Even though maybe it would have hurt less to get rid of it from the start, I would have always wondered about it, you know? What the child would have been like, if we would have been good parents... It hurts to lose her, but at least we know we did everything we could, right? There's no guilt or shame in that. And, even if Koen passes, we can take comfort in knowing that we did all we could for him. That we at the very least gave him a fighting chance. I think that's worth something.” Pip explained, resting his head on Damien's shoulder as he gently cradled his child.

“I suppose you're right.” Damien muttered, burying his face in Pip's shoulder, “I just hate the pain.”

The sudden dampness on his shoulder surprised the blonde, but he didn't say anything about it. It wasn't that upsetting either, oddly enough, seeing Damien, someone whom he'd originally thought to be so emotionless, crack like this. Instead, it was comforting. A relief. Like a huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He didn't have to worry or wonder anymore over whether or not his mate truly cared about their child.

Damien did care. Damien could love.

Pip said not a word as he lovingly kissed his mate's neck in an attempt to comfort and allowed himself to be held.

Chapter 8

The first month was the hardest, while also being the most amazing. The two new parents were constantly worried whether their child would make it through the night, but each day was like a mini adventure.

Phillip was perhaps the most amazed. He hadn't realized that dragons grew so quickly. Koen was crawling within days and by the end of the week he was on his feet, keeping the adults on watch constantly. He was always smiling, and seemed hell-bent on exploring as much as possible. Damien kept his tail wrapped around his son's tiny waist almost constantly, seeing as that was the only full-proof way of keeping him within a close distance.

The wound on his tiny shoulder had healed quickly enough, but there was a permanent scar there that the two would likely have to explain to him once he was old enough.

They weren't looking forward to it.

It would take three weeks before he could speak coherently, and boy did he have a lot to talk about. Everything he picked up was simply amazing and he just had to show everyone and tell them all about it. He could bring you the same rock three times and still have an incredible story to tell about it.

He was the perfect child, really. Well-mannered and kind, and surprisingly sturdy as well. He could fall flat on his face, hit his knee on a rock, or run head first into a tree, and he'd just shake it off and keep moving.

It always scared Phillip when he hurt himself, but he never missed a beat.

In a month he held the appearance of a one-year-old. He'd developed tiny wings on his back, pink like his father's, and little nubs formed on his head where his horns would grow in. His claws were small but sharp and his tail seemed too long for his body.

“He's growing so fast...” Phillip commented one morning as they watched him sleep.

“You have to mature quickly out here,” Damien explained, “The faster you grow, the better chance you have of survival. He'll be full grown within a year, I'd guess.”

“Only a year?”

Damien nodded, “But, until he attempts to start a family of his own, he'll likely stick around here for awhile. Rosebud dragons are more likely to form groups than a lot of other species.”

His growth remained steady for the next few months; aging about a year or two every month. At six months old Damien began trying to teach him to fly with little success. It was worrisome.

“I'm not sure that he'll be able to fly, honestly.” Damien told his mate, “Spark dragons are excellent fliers, but Rose dragons stick to the ground most of their lives. I have no idea how this is going to effect him.”

Thankfully, after weeks of almost constant practicing, Koen finally took to the air. After that, there was almost no getting him down. He flew in circles over the cave and the river and rarely walked anywhere, even short distances. He was a good flier, but his landings were never very graceful.

At eight months old Damien began teaching him to hunt as best he could. It didn't go so well. Night Fangs could simply grab a meal in the middle of flight, then let it drop to the ground to kill it, but Rose and Spark dragons weren't strong enough fliers to do that, so they stalked their prey. So, the task ended up falling to Kenny to teach Koen to stalk, which he seemed very pleased to be a part of.

Phillip was saddened at first that he would have such a small impact in his sons life, until he realized that he could teach him human customs as well. He could educate his son on anything and everything he could remember from spending hours reading and learning in school.

It was a good balance, he realized. Koen had Damien to teach him to fight and hunt and to wrestle with and he had Phillip to teach him math and manners and to converse with on any topic.

It all worked out.

In little more than a year it felt a little odd to Phillip to call Koen his child, because Koen now towered over him and appeared older, in his early twenties, the same as Damien. His pink and black wings had grown to a monstrous twenty-feet across and his tail finally matched his body. He was incredibly tall too, standing a head taller than even Damien, and his horns spiraled backward to point behind him. His soft brown hair was always messy and his eyes held a kindness that was odd in a dragon. He was oddly lanky, it seemed, but he was still very powerful in his own right. He'd become incredibly fast in the sky as well, and agile, but he was never able to get the landing down.

But, Rose dragons were ridiculously strong in defense, so every time he came crashing to the ground, he'd jump back up and brush it off like he hadn't hit solid dirt at 30 miles per hour, a grin in place every time.

Koen was a little naïve, and pretty-much graceless, but he had a good heart and a sweet smile and the fact that he had even survived the first month of life was more than the two parents could have hoped for.

--

Phillip was sitting outside, listening to the wild-life and the wind rustling through the trees as he cut up vegetables, when he heard the familiar sound of a certain someone making a rather graceless entrance.

“Wait, shit-” Koen grunted a fraction of a second before he became intimately acquainted with the ground. Again.

Man, this landing nonsense was friggin' hard.

He stood and shook himself off, completely oblivious to the fact that a landing that had been nothing to him would have killed a human. He grinned and dropped to all-fours, keeping low to the ground as he stalked up behind the blonde.

“Your big entrance makes it hard to be sneaky, you know.” Pip spoke, keeping his eyes on his task.

Koen chuckled and quickly closed the distance between them, laying down next to him, “Hi, mom.”

Mom. He had taken to calling Phillip that pretty early on. It didn't bother him, however. It was easier to figure out who he was talking to rather than just calling them both 'dad.'

“Good morning, Koenraad.”

“Whatcha making?”

“Stew.” He smiled. Kenny had been kind enough to find him a pot and some seeds. He'd grown himself a small garden and was excited to finally be able to cook something. He was growing a little tired of berries and meat.

“Stew? What's that?”

“Well, there's a lot of different kinds, but the one I'm making is mostly vegetables. I think you'll like it.”

“Sounds great!” Koen smiled, getting back onto all-fours, “Where's dad?”

“I think he went to the river.”

“Okay. See you at lunch.” He trotted a few feet away before extending his wings and pushing himself away from the ground. He was in the air in seconds and a few flaps shot him high above the cave system.

But, he did not go to the river. Instead, he shot off in the opposite direction, following the cliff several miles away to a separate, smaller cave system.

It took him only seconds to get there. After all, he could break one or even two hundred miles per hour with minor difficulty.

He found a small entrance near the middle of the wall of dirt that was mostly covered by a branch hanging over it. He'd found the place on accident mostly, but he preferred to think it was luck, or, even better, destiny.

He slowed as best he could, which was difficult in all honesty. The only reason he was able to fly was because he could create a lot of momentum, making slowing and landing a little tough.

So, as usual, he went crashing through the greenery and into the small cave, rolling across the floor and coming to an upside-down stop when his back met the wall.

It barely hurt.

“Wow. As graceful as ever I see.” A rough voice commented, “You know, you're not exactly winning any contests like that.”

“Why would I enter a contest?” Koen asked as he rolled himself over and shook off.

“That wasn't even the point. Fuck, you're stupid.”

Koen didn't bother with a response. He stayed on all-fours, his dual joints allowing him to easily walk on his hands and feet at the same time, and slinked over to the nest. The cave wasn't very deep nor very tall, leaving him unable to stand, but it was decently wide so there was a good deal of space.

It was dark on the inside, exactly like the occupant liked it. No direct sunlight could get in through the branch covering the entrance, but some reflected light from outside allowed the cave to be dimly lit.

Koen stopped short of the nest, knowing full well he'd get screamed at for stepping in. Instead, he rested against the edge, grinning at the occupant, “How was your day?”

He received a look in return, “Are you joking? You've been here all damn day. You left for five fucking minutes to go check on your mommy and daddy then you immediately came swooping back in. My day has not changed that much in five fucking minutes. I haven't even fucking moved from this spot. Why would I? Do you see how fucking sunny it is outside? I want no part of that.”

“Oh... Right.” Koen barely faltered, “Do you want to come to lunch?”

Another one of those looks, “Did I not just explain that I wasn't going outside? Further more, how well do you think it would go over with your parents for you to drag me down there for lunch?” He sat up, voice taking a mocking tone, “Hey mom, hey dad, this my friend I brought over for lunch. He's just a harpie, your biggest enemy, no big deal lets eat.” He fell back against the nest, “Yeah. It'll be spectacular I'm sure.”

“Right... I forgot...”

“You know, for someone who has a tendency to remember fucking everything, you sure do 'forget' that little fact a lot.”

“Well, it's just that I like you so I don't really notice that you're any different... and I guess I assume others won't either... You're not my enemy, you're my friend.”

“We aren't friends.”

“I think we're friends.”

“Yeah, well, your thought processes have never been great, so I'm not putting much weight on them.”

“Oh...” Koen sagged a little. His friend certainly had a way with cutting words. They'd been hanging out for over a week, but the harshness never decreased. He knew he shouldn't let himself be spoken down-to like that, but he just couldn't seem to stay away.

He looked up at his friend.

White. So much white. His skin was pale, his claws were a washed-out pink that was barely noticeable, his hair was a shimmery, silky white, and his feathered wings gleamed like pearls when light hit them. The one thing that really stood out was his amazingly violet right eye, which held a strange coldness that was evident in his voice too. His left eye was covered by his hair and he'd thrown a huge fit when Koen asked to see it.

He was an albino harpie.

“Hey, Rori?”

“What, Koen?”

“Do you maybe want me to bring you something? Like, food? Since you can't go outside?”

Rorick shrugged, his slender yet slightly toned shoulders rolling with ease, “Whatever. I'm sure you couldn't hurt for the practice.”

“Okay. I'll be right back, then.” Koen replied, heading for the mouth of the cave.

“I eagerly await your return.”

It was hard to tell when he was being sarcastic or not.

Koen slipped past the branch and pushed himself off the edge, wings unfolding on instinct. He flapped a few times, trying to keep himself steady as he headed for the ground a few dozen feet below.

Even at such a short distance, his landing was less than stellar.

His wings seemed to stop working properly, causing him to just drop the last ten feet. He attempted to land on his feet, but ended up on his chest instead. As always, he got up and shook himself off. He remained on all-fours, as he usually did (he didn't mind being high up when he was in the air, but for whatever reason it sort of freaked him out how high off the ground he was when he stood upright), and headed through the trees, senses searching out a potential meal.

--

Half an hour later, Koen proudly dragged a small deer back into the hole in the cliff, presenting it to Rori like a treasure.

“Well, aren't you just a wonderful provider?” Rori said with a sarcastic roll to his voice as he stepped out of the nest. He had to bend slightly due to the low ceiling, but not too much. He sat on his knees to begin consuming the meal.

“I don't think I'm so bad.”

“That's what I just said.” Rori snapped around a mouth full of bloody meat.

“Oh...” Koen replied dumbly, laying down and rolling onto his back.

They sat in silence as Rori finished his meal.

As usual, Koen ended up with clean-up duty. He dragged the corpse out and let it fall to the ground below, where a small pile of bones was building up.

He'd need to clear that soon. He didn't want anyone snooping around and figuring out Rori was here. That would be dangerous.

“Walk me to the river.” Rori instructed and Koen was all too happy to oblige.

Rori quickly took flight, gorgeous wings gleaming beautifully in the sunlight, and landed with grace on the ground below, quickly ducking into some shade to avoid the sun's burning rays.

Koen elected to just jump and allow himself to fall to the ground. Attempting to fly would yield the same results anyway.

The ground shook and a puff of dust surrounded him as he made contact, but he simply pushed himself up and shook it off.

Rori was giving him the look again.

“What?” Koen asked as he walked over and extended a wing for his friend to walk under.

The Albino seemed so small compared to him. Rori was at least a foot shorter, though Koen towered over everyone anyway, and was on the thin side. His long claws on his hands and feet were obviously very sharp though, so Koen had no doubt the outsider could hold his own around here fine.

“You remind me of a boulder.” Rori commented, keeping close to him to stay out of the sun.

“A boulder?”

“Yeah. You're big, dumb, and invulnerable. The only difference is the boulder doesn't say stupid shit.”

Koen laughed loudly at the comment, “That's so true!”

Rori looked up at him, a slightly irritated look on his face, “Aren't you fazed by anything?”

Koen shrugged, “I guess I just don't upset easily. My mom raised me to be a happy person, and that's how I am. I enjoy life.”

“I should start keeping a list of stupid shit that comes out of your mouth.”

Koen laughed again, “That would be pretty neat. We could look back and laugh.”

“Uuugh, nothing is going to faze you, is it?”

“Heh, nope.”

“Whatever...”

It didn't take long to reach the river, which Koen was fairly certain was the same river that ran close to his cave, just further downstream.

Rori waded up to his knees, pants dampening, and Koen stayed with him all the while, making sure the Albino's sensitive skin wouldn't be directly exposed to the sunlight. The smaller male squatted and began washing himself, staining the river red from the remnants of his meal.

Koen listened to the forest and scanned the surrounding area, on alert for potential danger. After all, Rori was a harpie, an enemy to the dragon. Even though Koen could care less about that fact, any other dragon would likely attack to kill in a moments notice.

“Aren't you ever afraid you'll be attacked?” Koen asked.

“Terrified.” Rorick admitted, rubbing water on his face, “Why do you think I drag you around all the time? Anything that'll want to attack me will catch your scent more than mine.”

“Oh. That's pretty smart.”

“Duh.” Rori stood and shook himself off. “Come on, let's head back. This sunlight is killing me.”

--

After seeing Rori to his cave, Koen spread his wings and took flight, headed back to his own home.

He landed, of course, on his face, as usual, but quickly hopped up and shook it off.

“You need to work on that.” He heard his father lightly scold, “A dragon that lands on his face isn't a very intimidating one.”

“Well, maybe I don't want to be intimidating.” Koen replied, trotting toward the older dragon.

Damien was standing outside the cave, bones in his arms. In the middle of cleaning, it seemed.

“That kind of mentality is going to get you killed out here.”

“Nah.” Koenraad shrugged, “I'm invulnerable. Like a boulder.”

Damien looked at him, quirking an eyebrow, “A boulder?”

“Yeah.” He grinned and nodded vigorously.

“Uh-huh...” Damien gave him a worried look before getting back to carrying bones to a hole somewhere off in the forest.

Koen decided to pitch in and grabbed a few himself, standing at his full height with an arm load. He quickly followed his father, “Hey, dad?”

“Yes, boulder-boy?”

“Heheheh... Um, I was just thinking... You've never really told me about courting?”

Damien stopped and dropped his load into the hole, “What brought that on?”

“Nothing...” He imitated the Night Fang, releasing the bones, “I've just been hanging out with someone a lot and, I mean I'm not really thinking about courting him or anything right now, he might be mate material but I just don't really know yet you know, but anyway it just got me thinking that we haven't really talked about it.”

“Oh.” Damien replied lamely, “Well... Alright. We can talk tonight I guess... Just remember, choosing a mate is pretty serious. You're with them for life, so don't take it lightly.”

“I won't, I promise. I don't think Rori likes me like that anyway so it's not a big deal.”

“Rori, huh?” Damien smirked slightly, “Sounds girly.”

“Oh...” Koen mentally smacked himself for letting a name slip, “Well, it's Rorick, actually... And he's anything but girly, heh.”

“What kind of dragon is he?”

Oh shit.

“Um, you know I'm not sure...” Koen stuttered out, looking away, “He's, um, he's albino, so he looks like a Frost dragon, but I think he might actually be a Wind? It's kind of hard to tell...”

Why had he said anything to begin with???

Damien eyed him suspiciously, but dropped it, “Alright... Come on; Pip is probably almost done with that stew-whatever he's cooking.”

“Awesome! I'm starving.” Koen grinned widely and dropped again to his hands and feet, smoothly trotting through the forest and back to the cave.

--

“Enjoy lunch?” Rori drolled when Koen came tumbling in.

“Uh, yeah...” Koen grunted, rolling onto his hands and feet, “Mom made something called 'stew.' It was like water but had vegetables and stuff in it...”

“I know what stew is. It's delicious.”

“Oh, you've had it?”

“When I lived in the North, I went on more than one village raid. Human food is a-mazing.”

“Oh...” He wasn't sure what to say to that.

“How does your mom know how to cook it anyway?”

“Oh, well, my mom is human, actually....”

“What?” Rori said disbelievingly, “How is that...? Your father is a Rosebud, right?”

“Well, no... He's a Night Fang. I'm adopted.”

“I... wasn't aware that dragons adopted.”

“They don't, usually, but, you know, humans do, so... Yeah. Here I am.”

“Well, aren't you just a special little snowflake?”

“You look more like the snowflake...”

“Hey!” Rori snapped, rolling over to glare at the dragon, “Shut your dumb face, boulder-boy.”

Koen laughed and laid down next to the nest, “My dad called me that earlier when I told him I was invulnerable like a boulder.”

“You're dad sounds like a cool guy then.” Rori replied, rolling onto his back to stare at the ceiling.

“Yeah, he is... Hey, snowflake?”

“Yes, BB?”

Koen grinned, giddy over their little nicknames, “How do Harpies court?”

“What?”

“How does a Harpie attract a mate?”

“Oh... We don't really do that.”

“You don't have mates?”

“It's kind of an every-man-for-himself, kind of thing. There's a lot of rape.”

“Oh...”

“Yeah...”

“Is that why you left?”

“...Um, yeah... I don't have any natural camouflage, so I'm kind of an easy target, you know?”

“Oh...”

“How do dragons get mates?”

“Uh, I don't really know... It's not something that's come up for me yet exactly.”

“Really?” He peered over the nest to look at the dragon, “How old are you?”

“A year.”

“Wow. Are you full grown?”

“Yes.”

“Wow... We don't really grow that fast. It takes about four years for us to reach adulthood.”

“How old are you?”

“Seven.”

“Cool.” Koen grinned and sat up, looking at his friend, “How long have you lived in the South anyway?”

“I've been here about two years, I think?”

“Wow, how have you been surviving without me?”

“Psshh.” Rori rolled his eyes, “Please. I'm a natural-born survivor. This place is way easy to live in.”

“That's good... I worry about you sometimes, you know? Can you hold your own against a dragon?”

“I don't know, you tell me.” Rori smirked.

“All I remember about our first encounter is crashing in here on accident and suddenly there were feathers and claws in my face, then I fell out and ran.”

Rori laughed loudly.

“It's not funny! I was scared for my life! I had no idea what was happening!”

“I guess I can hold my own then!” Rori called through his laughter.

“You're kind of an ass.” Koen grinned.

“You still come around though.” Rori replied, calming down.

“Because we're friends.”

“Harpies don't have friends.”

“Well, you do now.”

The albino looked at him, contemplating. “... I guess I don't really get a choice, do I?”

“Nope.” Koen smiled.

“Alright. You win. Friends.”

“Best friends??” He asked excitedly.

“Sure, why not.”

--

“I'll see you tomorrow, Rori.” Koen bid as he pushed himself off the floor.

“I look forward to your bright, shinning face being the first fucking thing I see in the morning.” Rori remarked sarcastically, giving him a small wave.

“Bye.” The Rosebud dragon called as he trotted from the cave.

He pushed himself off the edge of the entrance and opened his wings, catching air and flapping. He was quickly elevated above the forest and headed toward his own cave. In the distance the sun was sinking below the horizon. Hues of pinks and purples filled the sky.

He wished Rori could see it.

Not like he'd care anyway, though.

Koen worked his wings and pushed himself to go faster. He could smell the waterfall in the distance; almost see it too.

Almost home.

Faster.

The waterfall was in sight.

Faster.

There was the clearing. So close.

Faster-

Waitwaitwaitshit no not faster!

He threw his wings open wide in an attempt to slow himself, but it was too late.

He hit the ground and flipped and rolled for several more feet until he finally came to a halt on his back.

He pushed himself up and stood, dusting himself off. He looked up and found that he'd gained the attention of the four sitting outside. Phillip and Leo were staring at him, slightly worried, Damien had his face covered with one hand, as though embarrassed, while Kenny laughed loudly.

“Uh, hey.” He called lamely, walking toward the group.

“You alright?” Pip asked, patting the ground next to him.

Koen grinned and plopped down beside his mother, “Yeah, I'm good.”

“Don't you think you should work on that?” Damien asked, eyeing him irritably.

The boy shrugged, “I'll learn eventually... Probably.”

His father sighed, looking away from him and starting up a conversation with his uncle Kenny.

It hurt a little. He honestly couldn't help his inability to land; it hurt to think his father would be disappointed in him for it.

He laid down, resting his head in his mother's lap and curling up slightly. He felt soft hands gently running through his hair.

“Are you alright, sweet heart?” Pip asked.

At least he knew his mother could never be disappointed in him.

“Yeah, I'm fine.” He lied. His mood was shot.

He wished he could fly back and hang out with Rori more. Rori didn't judge him. He picked at him, sure, but he didn't judge him.

“Maybe you should head to bed? You've been out all day.”

“Will you tuck me in?” He didn't care if 'that's not how dragons do it' or that it 'wasn't intimidating.' He could really use some positive attention.

“Of course, sweet heart.” Pip lightly ruffled his hair before gently lifting his head so he could stand.

Koen rolled onto all fours, following his beloved mother into the cave. He climbed into the nest, which he had been told used to be much smaller before Damien had had to make some adjustments for him, and laid down. Pip climbed in with him and pulled his head into his lap, those hands in his hair again, soothing.

“Momma?”

“Yes?”

“What are Harpies like?”

The blonde gave him a quizzical look, “Why do you ask?”

“Just curious...” It was a lie. He wanted to gauge how his parents felt about harpies before possibly introducing Rori to them.

“Well, I don't know. I've never met one.”

“But, what do you think they're like?”

Pip gave a small shrug, “Most everyone seems to agree that they're nasty, violent, and cruel creatures. But, most everyone also said the same of dragons, and you can see how accurate that was.”

“Has dad ever met one?”

“He's mentioned meeting a few. He doesn't seem to care much for them, from what I've gathered. Most dragons don't.”

“Why not? What if they're not really that bad?”

“Why are you pressing this so much?”

“Just curious.”

Pip eyed him suspiciously, but continued anyway, “I don't know why. Dragons and harpies have had a long standing feud that's gone on longer than anyone could care to remember. It just always has been. I don't know the reason behind it. You'd have to ask your father that.”

“I can't.” Koen muttered, curling into himself.

“Why not?”

“Because he-... I just can't.”

“Koenraad,” Pip called gently, “You know you can talk to me about anything, right?”

“I know... I'd like to go to sleep now though, if you don't mind.”

A sigh, “Alright. I'll listen when you're ready. Goodnight, sweet heart.”

The blonde leaned down and have his son a gentle kiss on the forehead.

“I love you, momma.”

“I love you too, darling.”

Koen grinned and lifted his head to allow his mother to stand. Once Pip had quietly exited the cave he rolled over and got comfortable, closing his eyes.

There was very little chance of him going to sleep anytime soon, however. His thoughts were clouded with worry and hypothetical situations in which Rori and Damien met.

They didn't end well.

Anxiety gnawed at his stomach, leaving an awful ache.

What would his father say if he found out he was friends with a harpie? Would he be disappointed? Would he hate him? Would he disown him?

He became incredibly ill as he envisioned his father glaring at him, spitting out words of hatred.

'I should have left your egg to rot.'

He curled tightly into himself, letting out a pathetic whimper as the tears began to slide out.

--