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.”
