A Dragon's Heart: Book One [8]
Once they’d landed on solid ground Adam felt reality begin to sink again as the exhaustion of the past few days weighed him down like a ton of bricks on his shoulders. For a few moments every care, every worry flew away and was replaced by the wind and strong heartbeat of Dean’s dragon.
Sam was waiting impatiently on the open grass field reserved for classes. Aralia was jumping around her rider’s feet and Sam looked terrible.
Adam felt guilty for the lines etched in Sam’s face and the redness around his eyes.
“Adam!” Sam yelled as he rushed forward ducking under Katrina’s wing. Adam was wrapped up in Sam’s long limbs before his feet hit the ground. “Are you okay? They said some one was hurt? Are you injured? God I was so worried!”
“Sam. Sam. Sammy! I’m fine!” Adam patted his shaking brother’s back awkwardly.
Aralia tumbled into Sirenia and growled softly as they rubbed their cheeks across every inch of each other.
“Sammy, Addy needs to talk to Bobby about what happened. Release him you big girl’s blouse and follow us,” Dean chastised gently without any real heat in his words. Dean had barely stopped touching Adam since he’d found him and it appeared Sam wasn’t going to be any different. Eventually his taller brother pulled his arms back and stepped away slightly rubbing his eyes.
Aralia tangled her tail with Sirenia.
“I’m okay Sammy. Really," Adam assured as he clasped one of Sam’s huge sweaty hands tightly.
Sam nodded sniffling.
“Come on you two,” Dean muttered wrapping his arms around each of their shoulders tightly and moving into the school itself.
“How’s Ed?” Adam asked for the group after they’d finished explaining to most of the faculty what had happened. Dean, Sam and Castiel were huddled in a cramped corner of Bobby’s office with Aralia and Sirenia curled up at their feet. Sam looked like he wanted to take the two strides separating him from Adam and curl up with the younger boy right there in front of the crowded small room.
“Ed will make a full recovery,” Professor Visyak answered when Bobby just continued to rub his forehead with a weathered hand.
Adam and his friends sighed with relief. Harry wasn’t with them choosing to remain by Ed’s side in the Infirmary.
“With that answered and our valiant tale told…can we go to sleep now?” Garth asked raising his hand and smiling, though a little tighter than his usual care free grins.
“One more thing,” Michael muttered raising his hand to halt any arguments. Not that they had they energy to argue anyway. “There is the matter of their exam results.”
“We failed. We know,” Andy mumbled for the first time sounding disrespectful towards a teacher.
Michael raised an eyebrow at the tone.
“Not exactly,” Professor Turner offered with a smirk. “You passed.”
“Wait…what?” Adam asked as the group turned to the Survival Training teacher perplexed.
“You get the thirty percent due to uncontrollable circumstances and the other twenty percent for upholding the Dragon Rider way. Congratulations.” Rufus smiled widely and that was a little creepy on the usually sour faced Professor.
“Eh?” Ash’s eyebrows had escaped into his wilder then usual hairstyle.
Adam and the others nodded.
“You worked together. Funny how everybody seems to think they have to pass the test alone when in the real world you never find a dragon rider on his or her own. Team work. Now smile you’re the first bunch to get full marks on this test in living memory,” Rufus snapped losing the cheerful grin.
Immediately the group forced tired fake smiles across their face to appease their dark skinned teacher.
“Nice one, kids.” Dean smiled encouragingly.
“Does this mean we can sleep now?” Garth asked through his fake smile, still raising his hand.
Everybody laughed a little and Bobby waved them out with a warm smile. Sam stepped over their dragons and clutched Adam’s hand tightly. Dean lifted Aralia and Sirenia into his arms as he ushered the group out. Adam stole at glance at Michael who nodded slightly with a genuinely happy grin just for Adam. The young teenager couldn’t stop his cheeks colouring.
“Holy crap we passed…” Adam muttered as they shuffled out of the room.
“Hey… this is the first time Harry’s passed a Physical Ed class,” Andy pointed out with a genuine smile.
Their group descended into minor hysterically giggling as they hobbled down the corridor.
Adam felt the gentle bubbles of soap caress his wrinkled hands as he soaked the dishes in the hot water. The rack beside the sink was nearly full. Adam opened the window with a wet hand letting the cool glass clear naturally. The garden outside was full of colourful plants and greenery. The sun was bright in the pale blue sky and everything seemed to stand out and blur at the same time.
It didn’t worry Adam for some reason and he continued with his task. He felt peaceful. Warm muscled arms wrapped around Adam’s stomach and the young teen relaxed back into Michael’s chest. The smell of leather drifted off Michael’s jacket and tickled Adam’s nose.
“Hello love,” Michael whispered into Adam’s ear nipping at the delicate shell.
“Mmmm…hello to you too.” Adam smiled as he rubbed his hands up and down Michael’s bare forearms the smell of leather gone along with his jacket.
“How was your day?” Michael asked, licking and biting at the sensitive flesh of Adam’s neck.
“Good, yours?” Adam replied rubbing his ass teasingly into Michael’s crotch.
The elder man hissed at the friction. “Good…better now I’m home.” Michael sucked at the pale skin connecting Adam’s shoulder to his neck as his hand lightly stroked down Adam’s stomach. “Late dinner?”
“Hell yes!” Adam grinded back harder as Michael’s hand disappeared beneath his jeans waistband and-
Sirenia squealed unhappily as Ash’s rank pillow collided with Adam’s head and chest waking him rather suddenly from a lovely dream.
“Dude!” Adam yelled as he mourned the loss of the dream. Slightly domestic as it was, it was still nice.
“It’s bad enough that we have to listen to you grumble about not getting laid throughout the day but seriously man the happy noises while you sleep. Not cool, bro,” Ash grumbled into his mattress.
Andy just shrugged apologetically from his bed. Apparently his best friend agreed with the sentiment.
“Jackasses,” Adam grumbled under his breath as he rolled over trying to reconnect with the dream and failing. Sirenia snorted as she nipped at Adam’s chin. Ash began snoring again and Adam felt his eyelids become heavy as sleep beckoned him back.
Adam and his friends were given two days to recover except for Ed who was still confined to the infirmary. The group had dragged themselves to Harry and Ed’s bedside after they’d had a restful night’s sleep. Harry giggled to himself as they were informed that they’d passed Survival Training.
“How long till you get out?” Andy asked after they’d all calmed down.
“They want to keep me in for a few days just to be safe. By the way I owe you guys big. The healer said I had a severe concussion, if you guys hadn’t kept me awake I’d probably be in a coma right now maybe worse.” Harry clutched Ed’s hand tightly as Ed spelled out how bad it really was with only a slightly apologetic look. The silence went from comfortable to insanely awkward in seconds.
“We’re just glad you’re alright,” Adam mumbled.
“Yeah dude, keep the near death talk to a minimum alright.” Ash poked Ed’s shoulder with a tight smile.
Against the cream sheets and the large cavern, Ed looked small and pale. Thankfully Ed had a lot more colour now than the pale sweaty look he’d had for the past few days. Adam was just thankful for that.
“How’s Zelda?” Garth asked looking around.
“She’s fine. Broken wing though but other than that she’s good. Zelda will be out of here before me, I think.” Ed laughed. “She’s healing fast.”
Garth nodded and they started to chat about unimportant things to fill the silence.
Adam checked his watch and swore. “Guys I’ve got to go. Detention,” Adam reminded his friends before jumping up off the end of Ed’s bed.
“You’d think Professor Novak would cut you some slack…” Andy muttered settling into the patch Adam vacated.
“He did last night and for the exam. Seriously bye guys, get better soon, Ed!” Adam yelled behind him, already jogging out of the infirmary and down the halls he’d learnt so well over the last few months.
Sirenia joined him from her meet and cuddle with Aralia and Katrina in the grassy field outside. We are late… Sirenia scolded.
I know. I lost track of time, Adam replied unhappily.
Sirenia huffed at his snappish tone but offered nothing else as she matched his pace. Adam skidded to a halt just outside Michael’s office. Only he misjudged his speed…and Michael opened the door. Sirenia yipped in warning but it was too late for either of the men. Adam collided with Michael’s rock hard chest with a loud ‘Oof!’. The momentum carried them back into Michael’s office and onto the floor, releasing carefully organised paper mountains into the air.
Adam’s legs tangled with the corded muscles of Michael’s legs. He shivered as he tried to untangle his legs but only ended up grinding into Michael’s groin and trying not to moan at the contact. Michael’s large hands wrapped around Adam’s arm and waist as if stuck between pushing him away and holding him close. The whimper that escaped his lips was completely involuntary.
“Are you alright?” Michael asked, slightly dazed. Obviously he’d incorrectly taken Adam’s whimper as pain. Well it was a sort of pain just not the type the teacher was worried about.
“Fine. You?” Adam winced slightly as he realised the bruises from his exam were acting up. After all they’d just collided with a six foot tall wall of gorgeous muscle.
“I am alright,” Michael answered. They fell into a comfortable silence only filled with their shared breaths.
Adam rested his weight slowly against Michael’s torso. His professor didn’t object. Adam breathed in through his nose noting the earthy overtones and inky hint to Michael’s overall scent. His muscles twitched and settled under Adam’s weight and when the young teen twitched he gasped as he felt a growing hardness in Michael’s trousers.
His bright blue eyes connected with Michael’s stormy sapphire gaze. Each tiny hair on the back of his neck felt electrified as he saw the same lust and want he felt reflected in the blown eyes of the man beneath him.
“Michael…” Adam whispered, afraid to break the fragile moment.
“Adam,” Michael replied. His voice rough. Adam’s name on Michael’s lips seemed to wake him from the lazy daze they’d fallen into. He shoved Adam back and out of his office in a quick reality jarring second.
“You have been released from your detention. Go,” Michael murmured slamming the door on Adam’s sprawled frame.
The young teen lay there on the cold floor blinking and breathing heavily.
Well…That was interesting, Sirenia muttered and Adam jerked violently remembering his tiny dragon’s presence.
“Yeah…” Adam croaked. He pulled himself up on auto pilot and wandered back to his dorm room in bewilderment.
The next few days were a blur of intense dreams and charged glances between Adam and Michael. Sirenia was a bundle of nervous energy as she skittered around Adam and offered little comfort against the raging emotions swallowing Adam whole like a black hole.
Dean and Sam didn’t bother to hide the concerned frowns every time they met with their younger brother. Adam barely noticed. His life had turned into a daze. One brief moment with Michael had apparently turned him into a gibbering mess.
You must snap out of it young one, Sirenia grumbled as Adam dressed for the Yule Ball. The grand dance was one of the most important social events at the Academy and it was barely registering on Adam’s radar.
“I know,” Adam replied, shoving his left foot into a shiny black shoe angrily.
You are not trying! Sirenia hissed, her hackles raised.
“I am!” Adam yelled in return, standing so suddenly he almost dislodged Sirenia from her perch on the bed.
You are not! You are losing yourself to this ridiculous crush on a man who barely tolerates you! Do believe he will take you to his bed? Perhaps he will but only for one night! He does not care nor respect you and you continue to throw yourself at his undeserving feet like a queen in heat! Sirenia’s lips were pulled back as she snapped at him. Her rage vibrated through their link and Adam shook with his own anger.
“Don’t say that! What do you know about it?” Adam shouted, throwing the right shoe clutched tightly in his hand at Sirenia. The shock of the violent action drained Adam and Sirenia of their anger in seconds. The shoe missed her by miles but it didn’t diminish the act itself. “Sirenia I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean it,” Adam apologized, quickly falling to his knees as he felt like a puppet with its strings cut.
Yes, you did. Do you not see now! This is what you’ve turned into, Sirenia hissed her voice tight with unsheathed tears. She scrambled off the bed and hid under it curled in a tight ball.
Adam felt his own tears begin to gather and screamed in frustration. He slumped forward and just let go of the anger and anguish. He sniffled into the bamboo flooring. He felt so helpless and so stupid. To be completely consumed by a simple infatuation to this point was ridiculous and not Adam. He didn’t chase, he was chased. He didn’t go ga-ga for some pretty piece of ass. “What’s happening to me?” Adam mumbled wetly. He clawed at the soft flooring.
I am sorry little one. But you must let this go. Sirenia’s scaly head bumped against Adam’s hair lightly.
Adam didn’t raise his head. He didn’t deserve Sirenia’s forgiveness or her gentle comfort.
Yes you do. We are one and we must act like it…find your answers tonight.
“What?” Adam asked rising from the floor. He rubbed his wet sticky nose on his jacket sleeve, thankfully he hadn’t changed into his formal dark blue dress jacket yet.
Talk to Michael. Find out how he feels, if there is a chance or if there is no future there. Then, if there is nothing, let go, Sirenia instructed her front feet clutching the collar of Adam’s plain blue t-shirt tightly.
It seemed so simple when Sirenia brought the idea to his attention. The ball would be the perfect place. Teachers and students mingling together. If he dragged Michael aside to talk no one think anything of it. Plus in such a public environment Michael couldn’t cause a scene. Not unless he wanted the entire school to know their business.
What Adam had thought was primarily the Dragon War cavern apparently acted for just about everything else when needed. The usually dark empty cavern was full of twinkling lights and vast ribbons of red cloth draping from the ceiling. Tables were piled high with festive food around the sides and a small orchestra was planted in the middle of the room playing upbeat traditional music. Adam felt his skin was too tight in the formal attire. The blue of his clothes was dark that it almost appeared black. It was the same for all the boys at the dance. Their house colours so dark they shimmered in the twinkling light.
The girls wore fancy dresses instead, though each the colour of their house. Some were tight and others where frilly. Sirenia was curled around his neck but not in her usual relaxed sprawl. Their argument was a physical presence bearing down on them.
Adam breathed in deeply staring up at the large golden and emerald green chandelier in the center. The rich crimson drapes tangled with the vine like light fixture before falling loosely across the ceiling. The ends were attached by bows and golden fixtures to the walls creating a circus tent effect over the dance floor. Mistletoe and holly was wrapped around every drape.
It was very festive and warm and everybody was enjoying themselves. Groups intermingled, house rivalries put aside for the night. Laughter and chatter filled the air and Adam forced himself to relax and allow the atmosphere to sink into him.
Sam approached him, his dark green suit matched Adam’s in every way except colour. There wasn’t much difference between their school uniforms and their formal suits. The fabric was softer to the touch and more form fitting.
“Hey,” Sam greeted shyly.
“Hey,” Adam offered in return awkwardly.
“You with us?” Sam asked as Aralia peered over her rider’s large shoulder.
“Yeah…I got the lecture from Sirenia. Sorry.” Adam rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment.
Sirenia huffed lightly.
“Well then…come on, everybody’s waiting.” Sam smiled widely and Adam felt a little guilty as he watched the tension he hadn’t noticed before leave his brother. Of course Sam would have worried himself into a stress induced panic attack over Adam. It was his way. Sam grasped Adam’s hand and dragged him through the crowd.
“Sammy!” Adam could see the tension return rapidly to Sam’s back as Gabriel’s greeting echoed through the crowd.
“Don’t call me that,” Sam growled through gritted teeth and Aralia hissed. Gabriel rounded a group of House of Fire students. He should have been wearing a dark gold like suit, instead his suit was as bright as his dragon. Tricks was wrapping around people's feet causing them to trip up and shout angrily.
“Lighten up, Sammy, and Happy Yule!” Gabriel winked as he patted Sam’s shoulder.
His brother flinched at the contact and Adam figured all that lay in their future would be angry sex.
“Don’t touch me,” Sam grumbled glaring at the second year.
“Don’t do this, don’t do that…sheesh Sasquatch try ‘do’ next time.” Gabriel rolled his expressive honey gold eyes.
“Fine. Do stay as far away from me as humanly possible,” Sam tried and Adam saw the faintest hint of amusement in his green flecked brown eyes. So…maybe just sex then.
“So you do have a funny bone in that gigantic body.” Gabriel smirked before winking meaningfully and wandering off.
Adam decided to avoid the punch at all costs.
Your wisest choice this evening, Sirenia muttered, eyeing the retreating second year warily.
Sam tugged at Adam’s hand and pulled him towards the back of the hall. As they shuffled closer Adam spotted Dean and Castiel. Dean had pulled Castiel close and they were smiling brightly at each other. Adam felt a lump form in his throat at the sight of the bonded pair.
Breathe. You will have your answer this evening. For now enjoy the festivities and relax with our family and friends. Sirenia prodded as they finally approached the group. Ed was finally free of the infirmary, Harry close to his side. Andy and Ash were speaking in hushed tones huddled into each other on the ground. Garth was stood of at the side chatting animatedly with Joanna Harvelle. The fiery blonde was wearing a skin tight ankle length crimson dress with pale skin showing through the curled cut away on her side. Adam knew the packaging may look tempting but Joanna was all bite. He prayed for his optimistic friend.
Thankfully Sam dragged him into Dean and Castiel’s orbit. His older brother slapped him on the back with a wide grin he returned.
“Hello Adam, how are you feeling?” Castiel asked and Adam figured he had an inkling of what happened with Michael and him.
“Better,” Adam stated quietly. “You?”
“I am well. Better now that my favourite New Recruits are all well. I was worried for your group and I am proud of you all. Especially you, Adam. The others have spoken highly of your leadership skills,” Castiel praised with a small smile and Adam blushed.
“Thanks but I can’t take all the credit. They did all the work.” Adam rubbed at his neck self-consciously.
“A leader has the hardest job though,” Castiel pointed out.
“Listen to Cas, kid. He knows what he’s talking about.” Dean shoved at Adam’s shoulder playfully with a mischievous grin.
Eventually Adam managed to escape the revel. He sidled away and began to scan the crowd looking for the six foot hunk of emotional trauma causing First Runner. Sirenia placed her two front feet gently on Adam’s head and peeked around the large room.
Far corner, Sirenia muttered into his ear as she lowered herself back onto his shoulder.
“Thanks,” Adam replied gratefully. The youngest Winchester followed Sirenia’s brief directions to the edge of the cavern. The drapes concealed some of the alcoves usually reserved for storing. Adam spotted students in passionate embraces and swapping probably illegal substances in the dark niches. Michael was hiding just out of view under one of the soft red drapes either aware of the underage heavy petting and dealings and ignoring it or just oblivious to the teenagers around him.
Michael looked good in a dark red suit. The cloth clung to each chiselled inch of his body. In the dark of his hidden spot he looked like an avenging angel. Beautiful yet deadly and Adam shivered all over.
“Hiding?” Adam smirked.
Michael smiled slightly, just a twitch of his full lips. “Sort of. You?” Michael asked shuffling over so that Adam could squeeze into the tight space beside him and not give away their position.
“Wanted to ask you to dance.” Adam shrugged trying and failing to ignore the hard line of Michael’s side against his own.
“It is improper for teachers to dance with students,” Michael stated without looking at Adam. His grey-blue eyes were watching the crowd as they passed by.
“What you never break the rules?” Adam quirked his eyebrow genuinely intrigued by the answer.
“Never,” Michael answered sharply and Adam sensed a lie there but decided not to push.
“All work and no play is bound to make you a little bit crazy.” Adam smiled as he received a throaty chuckle. “Anyway I needed talk to you.”
“About?” Michael turned to face Adam and the young House of Water student found himself chest to chest with his fantasy.
Sirenia grumbled and rolled her eyes before abandoning her perch to guard the entrance to their alcove.
“I…umm…” Adam struggled. Eye contact with Michael apparently caused a flashback to their impromptu snuggle on his office floor. “I wanted to ask you…about…us,” Adam finished, ducking his head to admire Michael’s shoes. He was not avoiding looking into Michael’s hypnotic gaze, really.
“Us?” Michael questioned with a faint tone of amusement that made Adam’s anger flare up.
“Yes. Us. As in whether or not we have a future.” Adam glared into his Professor’s eyes finding his confidence in mild irritation.
“Adam.” Michael sighed and closed his eyes.
Adam knew a gentle rejection was imminent but he’d be damned if he wasn’t going to give this everything. Michael felt the same, he knew it. He just had to prove it. Without any further thought Adam grasped Michael’s large shoulders tightly and threw himself forward. The kiss was awkward and painful. Adam clenched his eyes shut as he pushed against Michael’s resisting lips. Adam persevered though, he twisted the angle of his head for a more gentle caressing approach. His heartbeat was like a jackhammer in his ears and the lilting soft music that echoed through the cavern was like his own personal soundtrack.
In a perfect world Michael would have kissed back. He’d have taken Adam in his strong arms and kissed the soul out of him. The music would have risen to a great hopeful height and they’d have lived happily ever after.
It wasn’t a perfect world though and Michael’s arms weren’t reaching around him, his lips weren’t responding and tears were already building behind Adam’s eyelids. He pulled back and breathed deep.
“Adam…” Michael whispered gently and Adam clenched his fists.
“I don’t get it. You like me, I know you do. So what’s the problem?” Adam quietly fumed trying to cover the cracks forming in his armour with good old fashioned anger.
“Adam, I am sorry but it is wrong. We will never happen.” Michael tried to grip Adam’s shoulder to offer comfort or something but Adam backed away.
“You know what Michael. You think you’re so much better than me and my family but the truth is, you’re worse. At least Dean, Sam and I don’t lie to ourselves or each other,” Adam spat feeling his body shake with rage and tears.
“Adam!”
The young heartbroken teenager cheered internally as fury entered Michael’s tone. This he could deal with. “Fuck you, Michael.” Adam pushed Novak away and grabbed Sirenia as he escaped into the crowd. He fumbled through the crowd back to his friends and family. The emotional boy barely saw the bodies dancing and swinging around him. The air was a blur of colours and students all mingling into a painful headache behind his eyes.
“Adam?” Andy asked from his side and Adam hadn’t realised that he’d walked right into their group.
“Hey…” he whispered in greeting, attempting to smile. Judging by the worried look on Andy’s face he’d failed spectacularly.
“You okay?” Andy’s hand rubbed his arm sympathetically.
The young blonde replayed the conversation with Michael in his head. No. He was far from okay. “I just need to be alone, guys,” Adam replied choking up as Michael’s words echoed loudly in his head.
“No way, bro,” Ash slid up to Adam’s side and wrapped a comforting arm around Adam’s shoulders. “Let’s get some beer and blow this lame joint.”
Adam glanced around the group. The boys had crowded close either to hear him or act as human shields to force reality back. Their smiles were soft but worried.
“Yeah. Get me out of here, please,” Adam begged sagging against Ash’s hold as Andy wrapped an arm around his waist. They passed through the crowd slowly. Garth, Harry and Ed paving a way through the dense gatheringwith Ash and Andy holding him upright. Sirenia was still silent as the grave holding herself tightly on Adam’s shoulders. His pain was only cancelled out by her guilt. Adam stared ahead as he slumped into his friends' hold. The rest of the school year was going to be hell.
A few months later…
“…In other news, the President of the United States has issued a statement over the alleged accusations he sanctioned the terrorist organisation called the USDR. Also known as the United States Dragon Riders group. President Richard Roman had this to say at the press conference this morning…”
Click.
“The USDR have taken responsibility for the bombing of the Japanese embassy in Washington D.C. on Saturday.”
Click.
“…First Runner and National Hero John Winchester-.”
CLICK!
“It’s official there is fuck all on the box,” Adam grumbled loudly, staring forlornly at the half packed boxes near his bed.
Andy was munching happily on some red strawberry vines and Ash sat Indian style next to him stealing from the bag. “Adam relax.” Andy chucked a long red sweet at the irate blonde's head.
Adam ate the vine with a pout. The youngest Winchester didn’t know what he would have done the past couple of months without his friends. Andy had stuck close like glue to Adam’s side during Dragon War and actually glared at Novak whenever the tall brunette had attempted to approach Adam. It was oddly sweet of his nervous best friend. The group had pried the events of the Yule Ball out of Adam with alcohol and sugar and after they’d comforted the young blonde with a group hug disguised as a dog pile they’d plotted against the evil teacher. A second more devious prank war was shot down quickly. Adam didn’t want to face Novak in any way. So the group worked on interference and putting Adam back together.
Every night was filled with group studying or movies and every day the boys valiantly worked together to ensure Adam was never alone. Not even in the bathroom. It worked. A few months passed quickly in a whirlwind of exams and parties and Adam’s roaring pain over Michael’s rejection became a dull ache he could forget. Sirenia had been right; it was stupid to get worked up so much and so quickly over a silly teacher. Especially one he didn’t give a rat’s ass about him.
“Come on guys. We don’t want to be late for Graduation now do we?” Andy shouted excited as he glanced at his watch.
The boys grabbed their jackets and shrugged into them.
We will return to this room Second Year students. Smile my rider. Sirenia nipped at his heels as she uncurled from Bianca and Badass. She was bigger now, almost a foot and a half in length and growing.
Adam smiled sincerely as he bent over for her to climb up to her favourite perch. I can’t believe we’ll be leaving tomorrow. Seems like it was yesterday Sam was dragged my ass onto the island. Adam snorted lightly as he set off behind Ash and Andy. Garth, Harry and Ed joined them as they left The House of Water and headed for the Dragon Temple.
Indeed. We have grown and learnt much. But there is still more to learn and see. Sirenia smiled as she curled around Adam’s neck, her warm scales a welcome weight. Their relationship had improved since that night and their bond was stronger than ever. Sirenia purred as she rubbed her cheek against Adam’s.
The temple was full to the rafters with students, teachers and dragons. Master Chief Singer was front and center on a raised platform. The Dragon Temple was the same intimidating large building it was before but without the cold presence of John and Mary Winchester weighing down on them, Sam and Adam were bouncing on the balls of their feet as Dean approached the front.
Dean was graduating. Leaving the academy with full marks in his chosen field, First Runner Theory and Practical, as well as a respected head of The House of Fire. Katrina roared with pride from the back of the temple with Aralia and Sirenia letting off smaller roars from the large crimson dragon’s shoulders. Adam and Sam stared at their older brother with tears in their eyes, for once completely unashamed of the display of emotion. It was Dean’s big moment. Their big brother was moving on to better things but not before he received the acknowledgement and respect he’d earned.
Adam was glad John wasn’t there to take anything away from Dean’s shining day. Sure Sam and Adam had received their certificates confirming they’d graduated their first year at the academy. But it paled in comparison to Dean’s achievements.
Dean Winchester wasn’t just graduating a school. He’d become a respected leader, a guide to young minds, he’d bonded and turned into one hell of an adult. Plus he was free of John Winchester. Yes, he was taking the path of First Runner but he wasn’t following in their father’s footsteps. Dean would be better than John. He’d be a proper hero.
“Dean Winchester, congratulations on graduating with honours in First Runner Theory and Practical. You may have been a pain in my ass over the past few years but you were a damn good kid and you’ll be missed. Now get off my stage, you idgit.” Bobby smiled wetly as he handed Dean his certificate wrapped in a red ribbon. Their older brother’s hand shook as he clasped the frail bit of paper in one hand and shook Bobby’s hand with his other. The two men stood there for a moment before moving in for a back slapping hug.
The crowd cheered and Adam spotted Castiel rubbing at his eyes in the front row. The head of The House of Water had already received his certificate bound in a blue ribbon earlier. Dean had wrapped the blue eyed brunette in his arms and given him a heated kiss right there in front of the faculty when he’d returned to the front row. Adam hadn’t missed the fact several female teachers had gone bright red and began giggling at the sight.
Dean finished his hug with Bobby offering some quiet words to the old man that made him slap Dean’s arm playfully. The former head of The House of Fire jumped off the stage and into Castiel’s waiting arms. There wasn’t a passionate kiss this time, much to the disappointment of the female staff, just a chaste kiss as Cas bumped his forehead with Dean’s.
It wasn’t long before Bobby declared them all graduates and let them loose to hug and dance with each other. Sam grabbed Adam’s hand and dashed through the crowd like a rugby player ploughing down the field.
“Congratulations, Dean!” Sam bounced into Dean’s arms and practically chocked their older brother with his bear hug. He even managed to lift him a couple of inches off of the ground.
Dean just smiled and hefted Sam up in return.
“Good job Dean. You deserve it,” Adam offered with a huge grin threatening to split his face as he hugged his older brother.
“Thanks Sammy, Addy,” Dean mumbled into their hair. The younger brothers ignored the slight dampness to the scalps as they clung to Dean’s torso like limpets.
“Congratulations Adam, Samuel. I am sure you are looking forward to your second year at the Academy.” Castiel smiled shyly as he approached the tangle of limbs that held his bond mate.
“Absolutely!” Sam yelled finally releasing Dean.
“Yeah but I’ll miss having you around Cas. Nobody will be a better head of the House of Water than you.” Adam grinned as his brother’s bond mate blushed. Sharing a glance with Sam they nodded and rushed forward to embrace the awkward graduate.
Dean laughed as Castiel flailed in their grasp. “Come on! Let’s go get our dragons for some partying!” Dean yelled pumping his fists into the air. His green eyes alight with laughter.
Tomorrow they would leave the island, Dean and Castiel for good. But tonight they would party with their friends, make plans for the warm summer and enjoy their last night as New Recruits.
Adam gazed at the island as the rest of the group boarded the boat that would take them to that mainland of Japan. A little distance from Michael and the Academy would do him well. Sirenia was wrapped lazily around his neck, her tail tickling his armpit and making him giggle every few minutes. Dean was riding Katrina circling the sky above the boat. His older brother was eighteen now, legally an adult. Dean was free to stand against their father. Next year Adam would be travelling to the Academy from Dean’s home not the Winchester mansion.
Their brother had hidden away his trust fund to buy a house with Castiel, a proper home filled with warmth and love. He’d invited Sam and Adam to stay with them and neither of them had hesitated. Adam could have his friends over and would no longer have to worry about dodging his father and Mary Winchester.
Things were looking up for Adam Milligan-Winchester. He scratched Sirenia’s head lightly and she emitted a quiet rumbling purr under his fingers. Adam smiled. Yes, things were defiantly looking good for Adam’s future. He couldn’t wait for his second year at the Academy to come.
To be continued…
A Dragon’s Heart Book Two: A Battle on the Horizon
Adam and Sirenia return to the Academy a little older and a little wiser but Michael threatens to pull the newly minted Second Year back into their feud just as the world heads towards all-out war.