dwtd dragon story in full

[maderr]

Cannot think of a title for the life of me. Help would be appreciated ^^;;

Otherwise, tygati approves in full (or so I gather from her email) and Sammikins, for whom this was written, already knows my bit of silliness. Cookies to whomever notices it ^_~

Oh, yeah - NWS




"What is up with you?"

Conway shook his head and ignored Tricia, intent upon the man across the room.

So fine and sexy.

"You're soaking wet, Con! Christ, do you know what jackets and umbrellas are?"

"Yes," Conway said, growling low. "I don’t need them."

Tricia rolled her eyes. "You're crazy."

Conway finally looked at her, growl turning into a snarl. "Leave me alone."

"Okay," Tricia replied, paling and swiftly retreating.

Feeling sort of guilty, but not guilty enough to apologize, Conway wished he was back out walking the streets of the city and not here on yet more business.

It was a beautiful night, rainy and chilly. He could stay out in it all night.

The only thing he loved more was the man across the room.

He looked like spring. Soft blonde curls and bright green eyes, a dusting of freckles across his nose. It was the freckles he liked best. Rafael was so stern looking, despite his features…but the freckles completely ruined that when you were close enough to see them. He wanted to kiss every last one, then move on to the rest of that fine, slender body. Rafael would barely come up to his shoulder, which Conway thought was perfect. Then he could hold him close and protected and snarl at anyone who tried to upset him.

Ignoring the looks he got for walking around soaking wet, dripping water everywhere, he crossed the cozy bakery café and waited patiently for Rafael to look up.

Look up he did, and a faint smile formed on his face. It made Conway happy. "Raf, boss wants you."

Rafael's smile died, and he gave a terse nod. "Did he say why?"

Conway shrugged. "He never tells me."

"Right," Rafael said with a frown. Slowly he packed up his books and papers, then swallowed a last bite of muffin. Slinging his messenger bag over one shoulder, he finally stood up. "Would you like something to eat, Conway?"

Conway looked at him, surprised. No one ever gave him treats. He hesitated, waiting for the catch even though he knew Rafael wasn't like that because otherwise he wouldn't wish and long and want for this man to claim him as Owner.

Which he never would. Because the Boss had taken Conway, and kept him chained. Even now he could feel the restraining drugs in his system, keeping most of his draconic instincts dormant. That wouldn't change until he was pitted tomorrow.

Then Rafael gave another of his small smiles, but didn't quite look at him as he spoke. "They have fresh pumpkin squares."

Conway growled low. He'd smelled them coming in, but had tried to ignore it. Pumpkin. No one ever let him have pumpkin, except after he'd made a particularly bloody victory. "Yes, please."

Rafael reached up suddenly and pushed back a damp strand of Conway's black hair. His fingers burned where they touched his skin, and all the drugs in the world, Conway knew, could not keep the heat from his eyes.

This man should be his Owner. "Rafael…"

"I'll get your pumpkin squares," Rafael said, voice rough. "Wait at the entrance. You really should have brought an umbrella, dragon."

Conway wrinkled his nose. "I like wet."

Rafael burst into surprised laughter. "Yes, I noticed, you silly frost. Wait one moment and you'll have your treats."

Immediately Conway obeyed, moving to the entrance and waiting impatiently as Rafael went to the counter. His nostrils flared as Rafael approached him, the scent of fresh pumpkin bread, hints of cinnamon and nutmeg and cloves washing over him. Only the underlying sweetness of his Rafael was better, and Conway could not resist accidentally brushing his fingers as he accepted the treats. "Thank you, Rafael."

"You're welcome, Conway. Shall we go?"

"No," Conway said, but obediently wolfed down one of the pumpkin squares, tucked the other two away to enjoy later, then grinned and led the way outside.

It was still pouring rain, a torrential downpour he hoped would not stop anytime soon. He always slept better when it was raining.

"Silly frost," Rafael said, but with a smile. The rain beat down on his black umbrella, hiding him from the glow of the streetlights, but there was still enough Conway could see him clearly.

They walked along in a companionable silence, splashing through puddles as they wove their way through the city. "Good mood or bad?"

"He has a good mood?" Conway asked as they reached the exclusive apartment building, at the top of which was the Boss's penthouse.

Rafael sighed.

Inside the building was simply decorated in green and brown, trimmed in antiqued gold. Rafael nodded to the man behind the desk and walked to the elevators. Inside, he inserted his key and pressed the button for the penthouse.

Being alone with Rafael in such confined quarters was hell. It wasn't fair. He should be able to touch his Owner all he liked and he couldn't even stand too close.

Conway forced his mind to other matters, such as the fact he was going back into the Pits tomorrow. That was always sobering and distracting.

The elevator chimed, a hateful sound, then opened slowly, spilling into a blue and black foyer. Fingers brushed ever so slightly over the back of his hand, and then Rafael was walking down the hall.

Always he was walking away.

Conway growled low and followed three steps behind, passing Rafael only when he reached the double doors which led to the Boss's study to push them open, somewhat mollified when the guards there recoiled from him.

Humans. Nearly every one of them recoiled at some level. Even if they didn't always realize it, they feared dragons. Only a precious handful did not flinch. Boss flinched.

Rafael never had.

"It's about time you got here," the Boss said coldly, bright green eyes locked on Rafael. His hair was cut severely short to rid him of its tendency to curl. If he'd had freckles at any point in his life, he'd long ago managed to get rid of them.

"What did you want?" Rafael asked, voice just as chilly.

The Boss grunted and sat back in his plush leather seat. Where Rafael was short and slender and positively beautiful, Boss was built tall and wide and ugly. He might have been handsome, but he'd long since spoiled. "Just received word we've got a new shipment coming. We 'diverted' it from Sanguine."

Rafael grimaced. "You need to stop being so fucking reckless, Leo. We're top of the Concussion tournament right now. We shouldn't be risking everything by stealing dragons when we've already got more than we know what to do with."

"More dragons, more pits," Leo snapped. "I fully intend to take territories. I've already taken out—"

"I know what you've taken out," Rafael snapped. "It cost us fifteen high element dragons."

Leo stood up. "Then I don’t see why you're bitching about us getting more."

"You've completely fucking ruined everything mom and dad worked to build. They didn't want th—" He was abruptly cut off as Leo backhanded him.

Conway growled low.

Leo's gaze snapped to him. "Be silent, dragon."

Reluctantly Conway subsided.

"He's fine," Rafael said, wiping blood from his lip.

Leo glared at Conway distrustfully. "He needs to be drugged again. Damned dragons. Useful, but the maintenance is ridiculous."

"If you drug him now, he will still be doped when you pit him tomorrow," Rafael said flatly. "I know you have no patience with the dragons you kill on a regular basis, but try to show a little common sense." He took the next backhand with a grunt. "Drug Conway now and he'll fight for shit tomorrow and this far into the tournament you don't want to fuck up. In case you didn't notice that Conway is the one doing all the real work."

"You're awfully smartass this evening," Leo said. "I thought I'd beaten that out of you."

Rafael's face tightened. "No, that was Marianne."

"The bitch should have kept her mouth shut," Leo retorted. "If you know what's good for you, keep yours shut. And do what you're told. Those dragons should be arriving shortly."

"It's fucking ten thirty at night!" Rafael snapped. "They'll keep 'til morning. It's not like they're going any fucking where. If they were being transported, they're too fucking drugged to do anything with anyway."

Leo backhanded him again, and Conway wanted badly to kill him. He wanted nothing so badly as to kill the Boss. Nice and slow. Then he would take Rafael away and no one would strike his Owner again.

Except he couldn't fight the drugs…unless he was ordered. Only one person could order him, and instead of doing that Rafael continued to let his brother hit him. It made Conway ache.

He didn't understand why Rafael let it happen. A dragon, however, had to trust his Owner.

"Fine," Rafael said. "I'll go look at them. Conway comes with me, though. If I've got to look at scared kits I want a good dragon with me. He'll help keep them quiet."

Leo shook his head. "No. He's fighting tomorrow, I don't want him up all night."

"I do not fight un—"

"You were not told to speak," Leo cut in.

Conway fell silent, keeping himself still only because disobedience meant he would not get to spend more time with Rafael.

"He doesn't fight until evening," Rafael said quietly. "You want my ass to work at this hour I'm taking Conway with me."

Leo grunted. "I think I'm getting sick of that dragon. You're entirely too chummy with him."

Rafael turned away. "He's better company than you. See you in the morning." He turned sharply on his heel and stalked out. Conway followed, growling low as they entered the hallway and walked back toward the elevator.

"It's all right, Conway," Rafael said softly as the elevator doors chimed shut behind them. He gently tested his bruised cheek with his finger tips, grimacing but otherwise giving no indication of the pain. "Stop growling."

Conway stopped.

Rafael smiled sadly, and watched the glowing numbers as the elevator went down.



*~*~*~*

Conway snarled low, tale whipping out sharply as he ducked the claws of the rival rock.

As if.

He felt the crack as his tail connected with face, hearing the roar of pain as his scales cut into an eye.

Snarling, he withdrew to the opposite side of the circle.

Of all the pits in the area for roughly a hundred miles around, Concussion was the most brutal and the most sought after. It featured only D-pits and fighters were brought in by invitation only. It had been owned by the same family for years – Galleon.

Now Galleon was selling out, and in typical D-Pit style, they would give the Pit only to whoever won a brutal, bloody tournament.

He snarled as the dragon approached him. It was losing and knew it. The rock's movements had turned jerky, graceless – desperate.

Conway felt a twinge of pity, but it wasn't enough to let him throw the fight. No. If he died, his Owner would go unprotected. And he did not want his Owner to see him lose. Snarling he feinted left then lunged to the right, whipping back around and sinking his claws into the dragon's soft underbelly. The wound was long and deep.

Lapping blood from his claws, his scales, Conway waited as the lights around the arena were raised. He listened to the shouting and cursing of those who had bet against him, the dead silence that was all the praise he would get.

When the doors opened, he obediently went to his handlers and stood as they reattached collar and chain. He growled as one brushed against a wound, turning around to snap at him, growl turning into a laugh that only made them recoil more.

A smell distracted him.

Turning sharply, he ignored the sharp jerk to his chain as his handlers tried to make him obey. The chemicals were fading…and that smell, yes…

Still ignoring the chains, dragging his handlers along, oblivious to their threats and curses, he prowled to the man who smelled like warm sun and treats, who carried a scent only of heat and welcome and affection.

No fear.

Conway nuzzled into the hand which stretched out to pet him, rumbling low.

"Good," Owner said quietly.

The rumble turned into a low, unhappy growl as he heard footsteps he did not like, turning to see the hateful Boss approach.

"You're entirely too chummy with that damned dragon," Boss snarled.

Rafael's hand slid away from him and Conway hung his head in dejection, wanting badly to take a bite out of the Boss who had taken his Owner's touch away.

"He's still worked up from battle lust," Rafael snapped. "Yanking him around on chains is not going to calm him down. When will you get it through your head that if you want to control the D-pits then you have to understand the creatures you're pitting?"

Leo grimaced, impatience in every line of his body. "That's what you're for. Speaking of which, get him the hell out of here and see he's patched up. He's fighting again at dawn."

"What!" Rafael snapped. "Why the hell have you got him fighting again so soon? He's been fighting since fucking noon. It's eight o fucking clock, Leo. He's exhausted. He needs rest unless you want him to get his ass kicked."

"He'll fight alright," Leo said in a soft, dangerous tone.

Conway growled in sudden wariness – then roared loudly with pain as Leo kicked a bruise he'd taken earlier. He lunged, jaws snapping, tail whipping, only to let out a ragged squeal as his chains were jerked hard.

Then he felt the push of a needle into the unprotected portion of his throat. He mewled. No, no.

"If you drug him," Rafael said coldly, "he definitely will not be able to fight tonight. You'll kill him."

Leo shrugged, but Conway could not work up the energy to resist as the potent chemicals almost immediately began to overrun his system. He could rage and hate all he wanted, but he could not act.

Then the vile Boss knelt down and slapped him. It didn't hurt; he barely felt it. Humans could not get through his scales – but he'd long ago learned that gesture meant pay attention. He held still and listened.

"If you lose tomorrow, I will kill him," Leo said, and jerked his head to indicate Rafael.

Conway snarled, but could not attack. Too sedated. They could not take his Owner away, they couldn't. He hung his head in acceptance.

"No!" Rafael said. "Leo, he's too worn out for such a strenuous fight. He's your best dragon, why are you wasting him like this?"

"Galleon is getting tired of the tournament dragging on. He's giving us and Evermore a chance to settle things tonight. Our best dragons." He paused. "To the death."

"No," Rafael howled, and Conway growled to hear the pain in that one word. "You can't kill him. He's too exhausted. Even if he wins he'll never survive such a brutal—"

Leo's hand lashed out, connecting with his brother's cheek, the sound loud in the sudden silence. "You need to learn to obey me. It's just a goddamn dragon. Are you so bad with the boys and girls you're reduced to lusting after pathetic animals? Maybe I made a mistake killing Marianne instead of you."

Rafael said nothing, merely stood and waited.

"He fights tonight, and he'd better win." Leo turned back to the dragon. "Because if you lose, dragon, he dies too."

Conway mewled low to acknowledge the order. He won, Owner lived. Yes.

"What happens if he wins and lives?" Rafael asked demanded.

Leo shrugged. "He keeps fighting. That's all he's good for."

"He'll need recovery time," Rafael said, looking at the floor.

Conway barely kept back a growl.

"Whatever," Leo said. "Take him to recover then, if that's what you're angling for. But don't try anything stupid because I can do a hell of a lot worse than you've seen so far."

Rafael nodded. "I'm taking him now. He'll be back to fight."

"No," Leo said.

"Shut up," Rafael bellowed, startling everyone. "You want him to win tonight, he's fucking coming with me. He's been pitted all day. You just drugged him. Now you're telling him that my life is at stake if he loses. You want him to win, but you've pretty much guaranteed he's going to lose. He's coming with me. I'll get him ready to fight for you. If he loses – well, shit, you already said I was dead anyway." He turned sharply away. "Conway, come on."

Conway tugged, rumbling in approval when Leo barked a command and his chains were released.

Outside, he ignored everything but his Owner, padding alongside him as they reached Rafael's car, a sleek and shiny piece painted midnight blue. "You can change, if you want."

Rumbling a negative, Conway waited until Rafael opened the back door, then slid inside and almost immediately fell asleep.



He woke to the pressure of a needle in his throat, but could tell from the smell that it was only Rafael. Opening his eyes, he slowly lifted his head and looked around.

Treats. The room smelled like treats, warm and rich and bright.

Stronger still was the smell of Owner, soaked into everything. He nudged against Rafael's shoulder, and fingers came up obediently to stroke his scales.

"Cold," Rafael said with a smile. "There's a bath, if you want it. That shot should counter the sedative." He pointed to an open door.

Conway looked around, not recognizing the place itself but knowing it immediately to be Rafael's. Perhaps some room his brother did not control. He could smell traces of the outside, trees and water, nothing of smoke and grease and sweat that was the city.

Nudging the door open a bit more, he padded into the bathroom, claws clicking on green tile. The bathtub in the center was massive – big enough even for a dragon. He hefted himself up and then into the hot water, giving a soft, deep rumble of satisfaction as the heat soaked in. Lovely lovely.

Eyes hooded, he continued to rumble quietly in pleasure as he enjoyed the steaming bath.

"Dragons. It's no wonder the water bill is always the highest at the dorms."

Dorms. More like prisons. Conway had grown up there until they realized he was good.

On either side of the tub, and along the back, were wide spaces of tile, probably intended for bottles or towels or whatever. Rafael sat on the right side and reached out to stroke Conway's scales, fingers made slippery from the water. "You haven't been badly injured, thankfully. Just that nasty bruise that Leo did not help at all."

Conway snarled at the name, no longer needing to hide his contempt. He turned his head to look properly at Rafael – then shifted, catching the hand on his head before it could pull away, nuzzling into it.

The sedative was, as Rafael had promised, wearing off. It was becoming easier to do what he wanted, what he knew was right. "Rafael…" he breathed the name, holding tightly to his hand, absorbing the scent of the only one whose orders he wanted to take. The only one who was fit to give him orders.

"Con—" Rafael's hand tightened. "You shouldn't."

"Tell me no and I will stop," Conway said quietly. "You know I will."

Rafael nodded, acknowledging his words – then pulled his hand away and raked it through Conway's dark hair. "Get cleaned up, then there's food for you."

"Where are we?" Conway asked, obediently reaching for soap and a rag.

"My apartment. I'm sure Leo knows about it, but he lets it be. I think, sometimes, he fears going too far."

"What would you do if you went too far?"

Rafael smiled faintly and stroked his hair again. "I wouldn't, because that would put you in danger. Dragon first."

Conway moved, bracing his hands with one on the tub, one on the tiles where Rafael sat. The words were hard to form, despite the fact he'd wanted to say them for so many years. "Owner first."

Face twisted in misery, Rafael reached up to rest his hands against Conway's cheeks. Those green, green eyes were dark as they stared into his. "You should have picked someone better."

"There is no better," Conway replied solemnly. "Only you." He hesitated a moment, then decided that just once he could throw caution entirely to the wind, closing the last remaining space between them and kissing his Owner hard and sure, immediately taking that sweet, so warm mouth when Rafael gasped in surprise.

He felt Rafael resist and made the kiss harder and deeper still, until with a shudder Rafael gave in, the hands on Conway's cheeks moving to slip around his neck, holding tight.

With a satisfied growl, Conway yanked and turned, pressing Rafael back against the far side of the tub. He broke the kiss just enough to breathe, then surged back in to take another, straddling Rafael, covering him, determined now never to let his Owner go. "Rafael…"

Hands gripped his shoulders. "Silly dragon," he finally managed when Conway released his dragon. "You could have gotten out of the tub."

Conway nuzzled against him, rumbling low in happiness and pleasure. "Like water. Like you."

Rafael chuckled and ran his fingers through Conway's hair. "Then you could have let me undress. Lucky I have a change of clothes."

Taking another kiss, unable to figure out how he'd kept away from it for so long, Conway then set to stripping Rafael of his wet clothes. It was a slow, tangled process, because he could not resist touching and memorizing every bit of skin revealed, but finally the last bit of clothing was tossed over the side.

"Rafael." He sank his claws into Raphael's arms, not quite hard enough to pierce skin, and bit down on one shoulder, liking the way that made Rafael buck.

"Bed, dragon," Rafael gasped out. "I'm not doing this where I could drown."

Determined now there would be a next time in which he could convince Rafael to play in the tub, Conway obediently bundled him close and stood. Water splashed everywhere as he stepped out of the tub. Carrying Rafael out of the bathroom, he strode back to the bed and carefully set him on it, following him down and taking another dizzying kiss.

Everything about Rafael was beautiful, from the freckles to the faded scar on one shoulder, from the small birthmark on his left hip all the way down to his feet. All his life, it seemed, he'd waited for this man to be his.

Conway lavished attention upon every last bit of flesh he could reach, starting with the freckles and slowly working his way down, licking or kissing or nipping everything. Before this night was out, he would absorb the scent and flavor of his Owner. He was determined.

When everything but that leaking cock had been paid adequate attention, he turned Rafael over and started again, biting down hard at the back of his neck, growling at the way it made his Owner shiver. He nibbled his way down the Rafael's spine, hands stroking the rest of that fine body all the while.

"Dragon," Rafael whimpered. "You are driving me mad. Stuff—drawer—" He gave up as Conway's tongue found his entrance. "Conway!"

Yes. His Owner. All his, now. No one else was allowed. Conway continued his assault until the air was saturated with want and need, only then shifting to cover Rafael, slowing pushing inside, wrapping his arms around Rafael, claws biting into his skin.

Rafael's knuckles were white as he gripped the sheets, and he pushed back as Conway rocked forward. His cries blended with Conway's growls as they moved, drowning out everything, even the fight that weighed down upon them.

He came with a roar that likely would have woken most of the apartment building if not for the careful soundproofing installed by a man who dealt daily with dragons. Blood splashed against his hands as he raked his claws down Rafael's chest.

A cry of pain was quickly bit off, and when he turned Rafael around to lap away at the wounds, he was distracted by a deep kiss. "Conway."

"Love," Conway murmured, brushing Rafael's lips with another soft kiss before moving to lap at the blood from the wounds.

Rafael laughed softly, a trifle shakily. "Those are going to need more than your tongue, Con, as wonderful as it is."

Smiling, Con finished lapping at them, enough to stop the worst of the bleeding, then rose to go find stuff to bandage them.

When the wounds were dressed, Conway tugged Rafael to lie on top of him, nuzzling and petting. "Raf."

"I'm not sure truly being your Owner helps anything," Rafael said sadly, idly stroking his chest.

Conway frowned. "Matters."

Rafael lifted his head and kissed him softly, until Conway could not maintain his frown. "You're right. It matters. I don't want you to die."

"Then I won't," Conway replied.

"Rest," Rafael said at last, lying back down. "I guess the morning will have to take care of itself."

*~*~*~*

Conway padded alongside Rafael as they entered the Pits. All around him was the smell of blood and battle and death. Fresh goblin meat. Rotten human. Dying dragon. He growled low, wanting to be back with Rafael in their bed, warm and safe and happy.

Not here. Not where his Owner might die if he didn't kill another dragon.

Dragon. He snarled and whipped around as the smell of dragon and wind and sky washed over him.

A dragon padded out of the back room, its scales gray with a faint purple sheen. They gleamed in the dimmed overhead lights of the empty arena, bright and healthy.

Growling, he moved to stand in front of Rafael protectively. Something was wrong. That dragon smelled…familiar, but he could not place it. He was definitely a fighter, scars splitting the seamless line of his scales here and there.

Still growling, he altered his temperature in threat, cooling the air all around him.

Soothing fingers touched his head, calming him, and Conway eased back the slightest bit. "Steady," Rafael said calmly but firmly.

Conway obeyed, and eased his temperature back down a little more.

"You are too chummy with that dragon," Leo said contemptuously. "Disgusting."

"Shut the fuck up," Rafael said, eyes never leaving the tall, slender man who had entered with the gale dragon. He had deep auburn hair and eyes the color of peridot, looking odd in jeans and t-shirt, a worn leather jacket. "Who are you?"

Leo frowned. "We're supposed to be fighting a red dragon."

"A flame," Rafael snapped. "Not a fire, a flame. There's a fucking difference."

"Whatever," Leo said.

Ignoring him, the man bowed his head in an elegant half bow, a strange greeting but in the paranormal world there were certainly stranger. "You can call me Cambridge." He touched his fingers lightly to the head of his gale, which pushed up into the touch and rumbled low. "This is Zephyr." Green eyes focused on Rafael. "You are the frost's Owner."

"Yes," Rafael said unflinchingly, ignoring the look his brother shot him.

Conway bared his teeth at Leo, stopping only because of the fingers on his head.

"Rafael St. George," Rafael said. "This is Conway."

Cambridge grinned. "Nice frost, though my gale is better."

"I beg to differ," Rafael said, but with a faint smile.

"What the bloody fuck is going on here?" Leo demanded.

"A good question," Cambridge said. "Galleon is…an old friend, or the closest approximation we have in this business. I called in a favor to meet with you, as I had no chance of getting close to you by normal means without you learning too much too soon…and the Pits are hardly conducive to murder."

Rafael's eyes widened.

He wasn't restrained, but Conway didn't move anyway. The man did not seem a threat to his Owner…and anyone threatening Leo was a comrade. So he waited.

Cambridge's eyes were as hard as the stone they resembled. "Zephyr, shift if you please."

The dragon obediently shifted.

"Oh good Christ," Rafael whispered. "Marianne…you look…"

Conway growled in surprise as comprehension flooded. That's why the smell was similar, but not quite right. He shifted to match the other dragon, still growling. "You look just like her."

"Sister," Zephyr said sadly. "Baby sister."

Cambridge abruptly brandished a gun as Leo tried to move. "I suggest holding still," he said with icy calm. "If I tell Zephyr to attack…well, you pit dragons. You know what they can do." He shifted his attention to Rafael. "You I wasn't sure about. If you've got a dragon…I can't see you as playing a role in her death."

"No!" Conway snarled. "He tried to protect her. The scar on his shoulder is from the knife he took to save her. Leo beat him unconscious after that."

"It's alright, Conway," Rafael said softly, stroking his cheek as he looked at Cambridge. "I didn't kill her, but I failed to protect her. We were friends." He smiled sadly. "Maybe 'brothers in arms' would be more apt. We had a mutual enemy."

Conway snarled at Leo.

Rafael let him. "I tried to save her, I did my damnedest – but he was fucking furious she kept defying him to save some of the dragons. That we kept trying to defy him. I should have tried harder."

"No," Cambridge said quietly. "I can see you did your best – and you could not act for just yourself, could you?" He looked at Conway.

"Rafael good," Conway said fiercely.

"Yes, I can see that. Very well, then." He shifted his attention back to Leo. "If I were a kind man, I would shoot you and be done with this. I doubt you'll be missed, and your blood won't stand out here in the arena unless someone looks hard or a dragon tells. Which they won’t. Unless, of course, your little brother will speak for you. I rather like him."

Rafael looked at Leo, then looked back at Cambridge. "He beat his wife to death and dumped her body in a river. He took our business and turned it into a pit ring. He abuses his dragons in far more ways than merely pitting them, though that's bad enough. He threatened to kill me if Conway did not win tonight. Perhaps some brothers love their siblings – not I. He lost that a long time ago. I simply could not risk Conway to do it myself."

"Then step this way," Cambridge said pleasantly.

The sound of his gun exploded, and Conway snarled in surprise, shifting back to dragon. His nostrils flared at the stench of blood and the only thing sweeter was Leo's cries of pain as he held his injured leg.

"About to use another knife on you, mate," Cambridge said congenially to Rafael. "Let the dragons handle him, now."

Rafael tensed. "Dragons? Conway—"

Conway growled, temperature dropping, cooling the air, and he stalked across the wide arena to the bleeding, whimpering ex-Boss who had hurt his Owner and killed Marianne.

"This way," Cambridge said, and Conway only distantly noticed as the two men finally left. Exchanging comradely growls with Zephyr, he sprung.




Rumbling in satisfaction, Conway dumped himself into the massive cleaning pool just outside the arena. Normally he did not get to use it; Boss had always been too impatient. But he would not go to Owner covered in dead-Boss's blood.

Climbing out, he shook the worst of the water away and padded outside to where Rafael stood with Cambridge.

Pushing up, he let his front paws fall heavy on Rafael's shoulders. He nuzzled one cheek, knowing the scales would abrade the skin a bit but this was his Owner to mark whenever he wanted now. He switched to the other cheek and raked his tongue across it, barking his laughter as Rafael sputtered.

Shifting, he promptly took a deep kiss. "Mine," he said happily, taking another kiss before Rafael could speak.

"Dragon!" Rafael finally managed. "Are you alright?" he asked when Conway stilled, smoothing his hair back.

"Fine," Conway said, disinterested in anything except Leo was dead and he had his Owner.

Cambridge chuckled. "So what are you going to do now, St. George?"

"Rafael is fine," Rafael replied. "Get rid of all the fucking pit stuff and build what my parents wanted. Thank you," he said quietly. "I know you did it for Zephyr, but you've helped me all the same."

"Your parents…I seem to recall that once St. George was trying to raise dragons for other things, to create something other than pitting. Is that true? I mean before your brother fucked things up? And call me Jude, please."

Rafael nodded. "Yes, that was their goal. Dragons are weapons, not dogs. They should be properly used again. That's what they wanted."

"Mmm…I'm looking for work, now that revenge is over…if you wanted help." Jude said the words easily, but Conway could almost smell the hope and anxiety. "I rather like it here."

"Help would be appreciated," Rafael said. "Got a ride? You can follow me, I'll put you up for the night and we'll get you settled tomorrow. We can visit Marianne's grave, if you like. She's in the family plot."

Zephyr all but vibrated where he clung to Jude. "Please?" he asked quietly.

"Of course." Jude looked at Rafael. "For that, we would be even."

"Agreed," Rafael said with a smile. "Follow me, then." He turned and strode across the field to where his blue car was parked, sliding into the driver seat.

Conway settled into the passenger seat and twisted so he could watch Rafael.

Rafael paused with his hand on the ignition and turned to face Conway. "Are you happy, Conway?"

"Naked and then pumpkin would be better," Conway said with a grin, sliding his arms around Rafael and dragging him close for a slow, deep kiss. "Otherwise, yes."

"Then let's go home and make everything better," Rafael said, then with a last quick kiss started the car and drove away from the pits.

Comments

[chilayse.livejournal.com]

I am reminded of my sister's old cars bumper sticker. " Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons... for You are Crunchy & Good with Ketchup."

[animeartistjo.livejournal.com]

ZOMG, "ST. GEORGE"!!! *fangirls* The irony, the irony! I love it!

Can't be any more articulate, sorry--4 am. 9_9

[mewschangeling.livejournal.com]

Okay, three things that made me giggle:

1) St. George and the Dragon, of course - ♥

2) Ninja Turtle names for the win, and

3) ...maybe obscure Ghostbusters reference? '"There is no better," Conway replied solemnly. "Only you." ' / "There is no Dana - only Zuul!" Hee.

Thank you - this makes a lovely day-starter. ^_^

[mechante-fille.livejournal.com]

Yay!!!!!!!!!!! That was much awesomeness.^^ I'm so happy that Conway didn't need to fight the last fight... I was nervous about it. And new dragon business!!! I hope we see more of them.^_^

[alice_montrose]

St. George, eh? *sniggers*

Lovely story, extra dragon apparition was appreciated, so was the Boss-killing. In fact, the latter was way too much fun. XD

And I can't get enough of possessive Conway. I know that dragons like what is "theirs", but this one shows exactly how some of them do so. And dragons with a sense of initiative are always fun!

[eyestealer.livejournal.com]

D: The Boss Battle was not Included! O:!

But omfg that was just so cool. I just love your DWTD Dragons. They are Mega-Love. <3 Love. <3 LOVE. <3333!! LOVE!!!!11!!11

I got attached to Jude in the end. o3o

And I have no idea why I find Conway's fixation of pumpkins to be so amusing. I just... Don't know. o.o

I feels a bit sorry for Leo. WHY!? -smacks self- SHOCK THERAPY!

[graphitesmudges.livejournal.com]

Ohmygod, I just realised. PUMPKINS. O.O Potirons! XD

The other dragons like... caramel, chocolate and mint. This one likes pumpkins. >

[maderr.livejournal.com]

I like being fairly random with the fixations. I figure dragons liking sweets and vegetables was pretty out there. or whatever the fuck pumpkin is.

[graphitesmudges.livejournal.com]

XD But what about the apple-loving demon? ^^ Well at least Conway didn't like apples like that. I'd kill myself laughing.

[lokiloo.livejournal.com]

Awwwwww, yah for sillyness in names. <3
---Although I doubt most dragons would be comfortable next to any named St. George....

A frost dragon liking pumpkin is oddly fitting, although I'm not sure why...

*huggles you* Reading something first thing in the morning makes me happy all day.

[tsaiko.livejournal.com]

But he would not go to Owner covered in dead-Boss's blood.

I don't know why, but that line made me laugh, quite possibly because I have a really twisted sense of humor. I loved this. Then again, I love all of the dragon stories.

[graphitesmudges.livejournal.com]

XD I GET TO READ THE WHOLE THING TONIGHT!!! *happy happy happy*

And new characters to re-read and re-read and re-read!

[arithonrose.livejournal.com]

St George and the Dragon...clever girl..*laughing*

very nice...thank you...I do like the Dragon stories

[broken-moons.livejournal.com]

Yay! ^_^
I have to say, the scene with Cambridge and Zephyr was a little confusing to me, a bit like, wait, what, who is this, now? And for the briefest moment I thought that Zephyr was Marianne's little sister. XD But that's just me, I guess.
Okay, on to the shiny. Conway? Rules so very hard. His possessiveness is yummy, and the way they both know they should be Owner and Dragon (and that Raf doesn't really protest at all, in the end *snicker*). And, of course, the hot yummy smexing. :D

Note to Self: Do Not read NWS marked Maderr-stuff before doing homework. It kills concentration.

[kiyoshi-chan.livejournal.com]

Mmm, soooooooooo cute.

Also Raf refers to Con's wound (which was earlier said to be a shallow wound) as a bruise when they're out of the bath. Was that intentional? :x

*glomps you* Yay, dragons! ♥

[kiyoshi-chan.livejournal.com]

Uhm, I don't think I made that clear. "Shallow" implies a cut/slash, but a bruise is a "surface" wound? Um. Kinda.

[maderr.livejournal.com]

I changed one, then forgot to go back and change the other is all. I do that alot. Normally Kitty catches it.

[kiyoshi-chan.livejournal.com]

*huuuuuuuuugs* Um, it's what I'm here for? ^^;;;;

[maderr.livejournal.com]

<<333

[twilight-angel.livejournal.com]

Very, very nice. Everyone's already said whatever I would've wanted to say, so... Yay! ^_^

[sporkess.livejournal.com]

I like this story! Very cute. I think I would have enjoyed seeing more of the backstory, with Marianne and the confrontations and all that, but this worked nicely by itself, too. Very sweet, and I'm glad Conway ended happily.

Much love!

[avalon13.livejournal.com]

nooooooooooo!! bad for brain! hands want to draw pretties!

AHAHAHAHAHAHHAAHHA LEO THEY GOT YOU SO BAD.

[gossymer.livejournal.com]

Dragons AND fairytale/myths all in one? You win at life. When I read St. George, I squeaked XD

Conway is so cute - kind of jealous he can go out and enjoy the rain without catching hyperthermia though...

[the-rue-morgue.livejournal.com]

Ha ha, St. George and the Dragon XDDDDD


And I love when you write from Dragon POV.

[lynnette-lacy.livejournal.com]

That was amazing! I loved it. People (and dragons) will go through so much to protect the ones they love. I love dwtd and hope you continue all the story lines within that 'verse. Paranormal = FUN!

[liz919.livejournal.com]

OMFG Conway...*pets*...so glad he got his pumpkin-covered-Owner-love! And he got to eat nasty-yucky-Boss. Seriously I love DwtD...especially the Dragon-verse part of it. This one was just a lovely as all the others. Which is to say it is beyond description with the loveliness.

[ruselkie.livejournal.com]

i like. i especially like how different you make dragons, despite the fact they take 'human' form-- like the slap equating not hurt, but paying attention.

this is yummy goodness, and as always we eagerly await more. perhaps this jude's storyline? and a connection to the always kinky-and-amusing Steels and their Owners? are they going to run into blaze and whatsisface?

thankee!

[(Anonymous)]

Yay! More DwtD 'verse dragons! I love this series!
Just one small thing: You wrote "'Silly dragon,' he finally managed when Conway released his dragon". Conway is the dragon. Don't you mean "when Conway released his Owner"?
Again, I adore this series. Great job.

[vera-dicere.livejournal.com]

i love love love this story! i read it (very covertly) at work yesterday (shh) so i couldn't comment, but yesh. much love for conway and rafael (a name i absolutely love, btw). rafael is such a fabulous subtly badass sort of character.

i think your dragons (and tygati's) are my absolute favorites. i love how you've managed to balance them between being mythical beasts and at the same time being rather human. the fixations and possessive protectiveness are especially fun.

so basically, yay for dragons! ^_______________^

[rykaine.livejournal.com]

I didn't comment appropriately yesterday, but *__*.

That is all.

[marasmine.livejournal.com]

And there was more! Sometimes it is worth getting distracted for a few days! Great story and I'm glad they got rid of Leo. Jude and Zephyr are interesting too and it took a little while to sink in but a gale called Zephyr? *lol* Hope we get more of them all sometime.

Conway snarled low, tale whipping out sharply as he ducked the claws of the rival rock. > tail

Leo frowned. "We're supposed to be fighting a red dragon."

"A flame," Rafael snapped. "Not a fire, a flame. There's a fucking difference." Should red=fire?

[ynm.livejournal.com]

Noticed this typo.

"Silly dragon," he finally managed when Conway released his dragon. Dragon should be replaced with Owner perhaps?

Other than that, whee!! Dragons!!

[nikerymis.livejournal.com]

*________________* OH THE SHINY. Hah, you do the dragons so much much better than I ever could though every time i read another of these I want to play with them again. ^_____^ Conway is so adorable and lovely and I love how insanely well you are at making Rafael (and all the other owners) so dominate without being too dominate. That he was still Conway's owner even though Leo technically owned him? Brilliant. ^____^ But now I am far too curious about what Rafael has in mind for using dragons for.

Pumpkin! ^____^ I love that Rafael's place smelled of pumpkin. That detail was wonderful. And I loved the bit where Rafael took Conway home between fights. The part where he crawled into the backseat still in dragon form, the bath bit where he pulled Rafael in, and the after-bath-smut? is only encouraging my want to play in your 'verse again. ^___^;;

I am well-pleased that Leo got shot in the leg before getting killed by dragon. He totally deserved it, after what he was doing to Conway and what he'd done to Marianne, and what he was doing with the pits and dragons.

But um, yes, shiny, shiny, shiny story and um, on to the next one. ^________^ I would say curse your evil proficiency in producing story but I do not mind always having more of your stories to read.

[maderr.livejournal.com]

Hee ^__^ But I loved your dragon! I would die most happy if you played again in my verse. I have reread that story like a million times. I jsut don't keep leaving comments cause that'd make me look stalker-y. <<<33333

[camui-alexa.livejournal.com]

Damn nice!

I was wondering two things: if you'd ever write from a dragon's POV, and what was of female dragons. On the latter, at least we got a reference, right?