by Cree Storm
Giving off a loud laugh, Jude said, “Why not? I told them all about yours.”
“You did not!” Bren gasped.
“People. People. We’re getting off track here. I think it’s time we get with the people of this town and maybe look at helping our place grow. Maybe there are some businesses they would like to start, or things they might like to do. It’s a way for us to bond with our residents and really get to know the people that are here.” Pit suggested.
Wiz held up his hand, saying, “I think it’s a great idea, Pit, but who are we going to have shopping here or buying from us? It isn’t like we can let the outside world in.”
“What about online things? Maybe some of them would like to make things and sell them. That might be something they’re interested in.” Solo suggested.
“I think Pit is onto something when he suggests we ask the residents themselves.” Lex announced.
“What if we had a town meeting? We need to find out if someone might be interested in running the café now that Cameron isn’t here anymore. We can’t just let it sit there. It’s the only place people can go to grab a bite to eat when they don’t feel like cooking.” Stone suggested.
Nodding, Pit replied, “I like that. Stone. You and your mates can join up with Boomer, Taj, Rylee, Casper, and Jude to let them know we are having a town meeting and why.”
“Hey, why do we have to help?” Jude asked, sounding put out.
“Because, like you already said, the people here already know you and they’re comfortable. If just the D.O.A. goes in, they’re going to think something’s up.” Pit said.
“Fine, but when we’re done you’re going to rub my feet for me.” Jude said, with a pout to his mate.
Casper leaned in whispering something to Jude. Jude’s eyes went wide, and damn, if he didn’t look like he was going to pounce on his man right then and there. “Not a problem Pit, when do we start?”
“The sooner the better. I’d like to have the meeting in the next couple of days. That will give me time to make a visit to Clem and see what he might know about Marceli.” Pit said.
“I made some calls to the office and my contact says they still don’t have any leads on where he’s hiding out.” Stone said.
“Okay, so Bren, Azul, and I are going to be taking off right after breakfast in the morning. Hopefully we’ll be back tomorrow night sometime. If not, I’ll give Taj a call.” Pit told them all.
Cobra knew he should get back to his mate, but he needed a little time on his own. Stepping outside the house, Cobra went to turn to go to the motorcycle garage like he always did, but then stopped. They had all talked about getting to know the people of Drago, but right now it seemed as if everyone was inside. “Well, maybe if I start off small, I might get used to it.”
Walking down the path leading to the main road, Cobra turned to go towards the business street. Hearing his name, Cobra turned to see Gunner running towards him. “Is there a problem?”
Shaking his head, Gunner replied, “No, it’s just that I thought you might want a tag along.”
“Uh huh.” Cobra said in disbelief.
Sighing, Gunner replied, “Fine. I’m not all that comfortable getting to know the people here and I thought that if I joined you, maybe it would be easier.”
“Why have you never really gotten to know the people here?” Cobra asked.
Shrugging, Gunner replied, “I figured most of these guys have been terrified enough in their lives, and it seems whenever they see one of us they get even more scared.”
Cobra drew back slightly when Gunner’s maharishi lifted from his arm, saying, “Be serious, Gun. They are more afraid of me than any of you, and you stay away from them so my feelings don’t get hurt.”
Cobra could understand the discomfort a human might have when seeing Gunner’s dragon. When in full form he looked like a giant, a black and orange wasp with spikes going down its tail, and a lizard head with devil’s horns at the tip. Out of all the maharishi in Drago, Gunner’s was the most fierce-looking of them all.
“I’m sure once they get to know us it will all be fine.” Gunner said, with a gentleness Cobra never heard him use with any of them.
“One thing’s for sure, they aren’t going to get used to you if you’re attached to Gunner. I say come out and join us and let them see you. The more they see you, the faster they will be accustomed to you.” Cobra suggested.
“You think so?” The maharishi asked.
Nodding, Cobra replied, “I’ve found that with humans, the more they see or hear something, the more they normalize it. Even things they know are really wrong that go on around them just become the norm.”
Gunner’s dragon lifted off Gunner’s arm and made himself the same height as Gunner, which made him almost a foot smaller than Cobra’s seven feet one height.
They walked along looking at the different shops. “Did you know we had a furniture shop in Drago?”
Shaking his head, Gunner replied, “Had no clue, and is that the hat store Jude was talking about? Can someone even sell enough hats to make a living?”
Nodding, Cobra replied, “Jude said something about a hat store. How many hats do you think someone needs?”
“I have no clue.” Gunner replied with a laugh.
“Hey, is that a coffee shop? When did that come in?” Cobra asked.
Gunner’s maharishi replied, “Smoky said it was opened about a month ago, I think.”
“Want to give it a try?” Gunner asked.
Cobra hesitated a moment, then drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I guess we can.”
Neither man moved, nor did the dragon. They just stood there staring at the building. Gunner asked, “Why is it that I can go in for a serial killer without hesitation, and yet the thought of walking into that building makes me want to vomit?”
“I don’t know, but I’m ready to puke right along with you.” Cobra replied.
“Oh, stop being babies. Let’s do this.” The dragon said as he drew his shoulders back and walked to the door.
Cobra and Gunner followed him inside. The place was rather full. It looked like this was the place to be since it looked like half the town was here. The chatter they heard when they first walked in immediately stopped.
Gunner leaned in, whispering, “I feel like my zipper’s down and they’re all staring at my dick.”
Cobra found himself looking down, then rolled his eyes, “Your zipper is fine.”
“Better not let your sentience know you were checking out my package, or he might just shove a lightning bolt up your ass.” Gunner said with a smile.
“He’s my sentience, Gunner. If anyone is going to have a lightning bolt up their ass it’s going to be you.” Cobra said with a smirk.
A young man rushed up to them, looking nervous, but asked, “Um… is there something we can do for you?”
Cobra cleared his throat, but he had no idea what to say. Thankfully the dragon who was with him and Gunner spoke. “We… uh… we were thinking about purchasing a cup of your coffee. Smoky says it’s very good with your scones.”
The young man blinked as he opened and then closed his mouth. He couldn’t stop looking at the maharishi. Cobra could tell the guy was trying to decide if he should run or find them a seat. Cobra finally found his voice, saying out loud. “We at D.O.A. have come to realize that even though we live amongst each other, we don’t really know all of you. We would like to change that. So, we hope that you will be patient with us as we get to know all your names. Also, some of us will be coming around to let you know that within the next couple of days we would like to have a town meeting. We want your input on things you might like to see here that can make your living a bit easier, and also if there are any businesses you might want to start, what they may be. We’re even going to try and find a safe way to bring in some outside sources to help with those businesses.”
“And any ideas you might have to make that happen, all you have to do is let us know
at that time.” Gunner stated.
“We also want the people of Drago to know we would never harm you. I know I look different… scarier than the other maharishi, but… I swear, I would never harm any of you.” Gunner’s maharishi said nervously.
Gunner smiled at his dragon, then looked around the room. “We only want you safe and happy and we would like to become a part of this community, not just the muscle that helped bring you here.”
After that, Cobra and Gunner went with Gunner’s dragon to the order line and each of them got something called a Frap. The man behind the counter said it was an iced, flavored, coffee drink with whipped cream. Cobra ordered a caramel, Gunner a Mocha, and Gunner’s maharishi ordered a strawberry and cream.
Cobra took a tentative sip, saying, “This isn’t too bad. I might have to bring Taco and Gio here when he’s better.”
Gunner made his way to a table, asking, “How’s he doing anyway? I would think you would have been back to his room as quick as you could.”
“He’s healing. Jude gave him a painkiller so he’s sleeping. Taco’s with him for now. I just needed some time to wrap my mind around everything.” Cobra replied.
“Understandable. Your life is about to change, but it’s all for the better. A sentience is what we are all seeking to help us in our long lives, and if you need to talk to anyone, I’m here, as are any of our brothers.” Gunner replied.
They spoke for a while, and then one of the patrons came up to them. They introduced themselves, and then another came and another. They even shook hands with Gunner’s dragon, being careful of his long sharp spear-like claws. It was a nice visit and Cobra was surprised he actually enjoyed himself.
Gunner stood up, asking, “Are you heading back?”
Shaking his head, Cobra replied, “I was going to make sure the grocery store was okay and all locked up. I think Gio will appreciate it.”
“Sounds good. I’ll catch you later.” Gunner said, as he turned back towards the house.
Cobra was just approaching the store when he saw a young man, late twenties with short, brown, messy hair. He was the same size as his sentience’s own five foot five. He was peeking into the store, bouncing from one foot to the other, looking terribly nervous.
The man was so into trying to see inside Gio’s store, he never heard Cobra’s approach. “What are you doing?”
The man squeaked and jumped back so far he lost his balance and fell on his ass. Cobra went to him and stood over the guy asking, “Who are you, and what are you doing here?”
“M… my na… name i-is Go… Gordy. I… I’m tr… trying t-to find Ca… Calvin. He wa.. was las… last seen wi… with you.”
Leaning down, Cobra held out his hand and waited until Gordy took it, then allowed Cobra to help him off the ground. “Come with me.”
Gordy blinked, and rasped, “A… are you go… going to hu-hurt me?”
Cobra let out an annoyed breath, “If I was going to hurt you I already would have. I’m going to take you to see Gi… Calvin. Come on.”
CHAPTER 6
Opening his eyes, Gio looked around to find himself alone. Tears filled his eyes as he realized Cobra wasn’t there. He knew it was stupid, but he had kind of hoped that Cobra and Taco would be there with him when he woke up. Gio couldn’t blame them for leaving him though. After he had admitted who he really was, Gio had figured they wouldn’t want anything to do with him.
Wiping at a tear that escaped from the corner of his right eye, Gio thought about what he would do now. There was no way he would be allowed to stay in Drago. Pit and the others wouldn’t want the son of Marceli Pasteli in their territory. It only meant that the other residents of Drago would be in danger with him here. That meant he would need to relocate again, but that also meant it would be more likely than not, his father would find him. Would that be so bad though? Gio was tired of living a lie. He was tired of everyone calling him Calvin. He had hated that name since the day Clem came up with it. It was part of the reason he even told D.O.A. who he really was.
Thinking about what needed to be done, Gio sighed. He would have to gather his finances together. Through the years he had done pretty well and saved a bunch of money. He would need a new ID, and with that, it would mean another new name. More living a lie. Will my life always be a lie?
The thought of going outside the Drago border lines always scared Gio, and he had done his best not to have to do it. However, owning a grocery store had meant that there were times he had to make a trip to the Boulevard to obtain things that others in Drago needed. He was always relieved to get back, but stayed on edge thinking someone that knew his father might have seen him and followed him home. It took a few weeks for Gio to settle after one of those trips, and now he was going to have to live in fear when he left. However, none of that compared to having to leave Cobra and Taco behind. He didn’t want to go. He would never get to see Cobra again, or be able to laugh and enjoy his bond with Taco. There would be no more laughter and joy in his life.
Gods, how stupid had he been to finally ask Cobra to meet him in person. If he had kept his dreams to himself none of this would be happening. He could have just loved Cobra from afar like he had for the past twenty-five years and relished his time with Taco. Now he wouldn’t even have his dreams. He would have nothing.
Closing his eyes to try and escape his heartache, a sob escaped from Gio, and with the one came another and another, until he was crying uncontrollably, so deep in his despair he didn’t notice when Taco lifted from his chest, anxiously asking, “Gio, what’s wrong? Are you hurting?”
Gio didn’t even hear him as he continued to cry. He didn’t see or hear anything. All he could focus on was his internal anguish of losing everything he had ever found happiness in.
“What’s going on? Calvin? What’s wrong with you? Why are you crying? Did one of the D.O.A. guys hurt you?”
The sound of his friend Gordy was so unexpected Gio opened his eyes. Sure enough, his best friend stood there looking concerned and a bit scared. Even though his heart was in tatters, Gio felt the need to calm his friend, “No. Cameron did. The D.O.A. guys helped me.”
“Cameron? Why would Cameron hurt you? He’s your friend.” Gordy asked in confusion.
“He had been biding his time to seek revenge for a brother the D.O.A. had put in prison. He was going to shoot Cobra. I couldn’t let him do that. I ended up getting shot instead. I’m healing and I will be fine in a few days.” Gio answered.
Gordy looked around in the edgy way Gio was so used to seeing, then Gordy said, “Calvin, I’m so sorry. I know Cameron was your friend. Is that why you’re crying?”
Shaking his head, Gio rasped, “No.”
“Are you hurting? Is that why you’re crying?” Gordy asked, even more concerned.
Shaking his head once more, Gio answered, wiping his eyes. He tried to get a bit of control over himself. Taking a deep breath, he let it out, and although it was shaky, he at least had stopped the tears and had some semblance of control. “No, Gordy. It isn’t. I’m sad about Cameron, but honestly, I haven’t given his actions or reasonings for them much thought.”
“Then what is it? Maybe I can help. Let me help, Calvin.” Gordy offered.
“Gordy, my name isn’t Calvin, and honestly I really hate that name. Please call me Gio or Giovani. I am so tired of all the lies.” Sighing heavily, Gio whispered, “I feel like my life has been nothing but lies, and I just want them to stop.”
“Ca-Gio, I don’t know what’s going on here, and honestly I might be curious about the name thing, but considering what Drago is about, it doesn’t matter what I call you because none of that matters. You’re my friend and I want to help, but I really don’t like the sound of your voice, or the fact that I walked in and you were crying. It’s like… it’s like you’re leaving or something.” Gordy rasped, as his voice choked up with his own unshed tears.
Gio couldn’t look at his best friend, as he whispered, “I’m not who you think I am,
Gordy. I’ve done some really bad fucked-up things. It doesn’t matter how badly I didn’t want to, the point is I did them. I’m not proud of who I was. I forced people to sign over their entire life’s work just so they could stay alive. I ruined marriages, just to get back at them for some indiscretion they did to my father. I forced people to hand over their hard-earned money because my father felt it was owed to him for one reason or another.”
Gordy cleared his throat, reluctantly asking, “Di… Did you ki… kill anyone.”
“No.” Gio quickly answered.
“Then the rest of the crap doesn’t matter to me. Like I said, you’re my friend and I’m here for you no matter what. I won’t lie, if you had killed people that might have had me rethink my choice in friends, but the fact that you didn’t strengthens the fact that I consider you my best friend and I want to help.” Gordy stated.
“But the things I did… the people I hurt…”
“From the little bit you just said it was more your father’s doing than yours. Ca… Gio, there are a lot of us here that did things we aren’t proud of. Heck, it’s why we’re here to begin with, but if your past has caught up with you, then you need friends around you to help keep you safe.” Gordy insisted.
Gio shook his head, whispering, “Maybe my father was the reason I did what I did but that doesn’t change how it makes me feel, or the fact that I won’t be able to stay in Drago anymore.”
“What! You are not leaving Drago, Gio, so get that thought out of your mind right now. You are mine and Cobra’s sentience and we are not about to let you go.” Taco yelled, for any and all to hear.
Gio gasped, not having realized that both Cobra and Taco were in the room with him. Both looking seriously pissed off, and then the door flew open as Jude, Rylee, and Casper raced in. Jude saying in a voice telling everyone he was none too happy, “What’s going on? Why is there yelling in this room. How many times do I have to tell you guys that Gio needs rest, not stress? He was shot for fuck’s sake!”
“Sweetie, you’re the one yelling at the moment.” Casper gently pointed out.
