Later that day, Anna and Drake would be dressed for a movie night together.
Drake would be with her, and on his bike. It had been modified and repaired and now looked good as new even. Soon they would meet up, and he would see her outfit. A plain dress thag stopped at the knees. No on closer look, it was likely shorter, to her upper thighs. While her dress was flowing, the cleavage area was slightly if not quite open alowing her chest to be inviting looks. She had her hair up in a pony tail, and would even have some brackets and a special rosary around her neck. There was also a ring on her left hand.
"You look good." He said to her, taking In her outfit.
He'd notice more, like the ankle bracelet, and her dress shoes.
"Oh really? Like what part? Cause any guy can just tell a girl they look good after trying to dress up all nice and good for their date. It's like, dating one-o-one." She'd reach for her purse and would step out her tempary home and shut and lock the door.
"Your ponytail... it makes you look for... attractive, along with the your necklace. I'm drawn to your neck, thanks to that. And your ankle bracelet as well, it helps me to appreciate your slender legs and the effort you went into also doing your nails. And I did also see the matching colors on your hands, and your make up. I see the effort you have put in Anna. And I do appreciate, and adore it all. Every last detail." He make it clear.
"Okay..." she was silent and still against her door. "I get it... when you say it. I get you mean it. Wholeheartedly too... well, I'm ready, can we go?" She said soon walking up to him blushing.
"Yeah, but first." He would pick a spare helmet and place it in her head, closing the visor. "This doesn't come off till we get there... and hold on tight okay." He explained walking around the bike. Then he noticed. "Hold on... maybe... you sit in front." He said.
She tilted her head. "Why?"
"I don't want the rushing wind to lift up the back of your dress..." he said.
"Ah... want me to change?" She asked.
"No... just, sit up front... and hold the bike with me... but let me stay in control." Drake soon helped her sit up. "Get comfy." He told her. As she fixed her dress and then adjusted how she sat closer up on the seat.
Drake got up behind her, gripping her hips and pulled her to him as he leaned. "You can just keep your hands on top of mine if you'd like." He'd say, as he then kicked the ground moving with his feet and slowly start driving on the bike.
She was seeing the view he had, being up front on the bike riding it as if he was. It was a much more gentle ride as he soon got the movie theater.
Getting off he would take the helmet off her, and rest it on the bike. And would remove spare gear to rest it in the bike. He then held her hand. "So what are seeing?" He asked.
"A romance film... I hear this one is based from a real story," she said.
"Really? Kay, well see." Drake walked with her and because of the time of day, it was pretty late, not many guest, but not empty to a degree no movie wasn't being watched.
There was a line for food, but no one for tickets so they went up to the desk and got their tickets. They would pick out snacks, with him paying for the date.
"You should let me cover something." Anna pouts.
"Just enjoy the night..." He'd say, holding their popcorn while she had their drinks. They'd go to their seats and film box.
They decided a row somewhere in the back was best, but also not so far the audio would be one sides and around the middle most area. They queit had the best seat.
Their night was fine, relaxing and uninterrupted. Through their film they did get to take it in, and he was drawn in just like Anna was. It was fun, they were normal.
Normal teens, doing just normal stuff like seeing a movie and having a date.
It was after the movie that she would ask. "What'd think?"
"Moving honeslty... I didn't expect the male lead to die in the end. It's a sad ending, but... fulfilling. " he would think, as he found it queit relatable.
"True, but, it'll leave the female lead queit hopeless, and so I think it's very traject, but yes... fulfilling." She chuckled.
"Damn, hey mind waiting for me at my bike... I will use the bathroom and be quick about it." Drake would wait before actually just leaving.
"Kay," she smiled and would head out while he went.
A group of guys would be coming up to the movies, the group no bigger then 3, but they were all collage students. They soon noticed Anna and would try to pick her up.
"Hey, chika... did you just get here?" One man said.
"One nice ride too, is it yours?" The second said
"Nah, this late, that your boyfriends? Wanna hang with us, we much better company." The last man said.
Anna would looked with a soft gaze. "Fuck off." She smiled.
"You sure got a mouth." They'd get closer, wanting to corner her down.
Only, she then pulled a tazer shutting the first man down fast.
"You bitch?!" The other two now a little distant but pissed.
"That's was a warning boys." she said. "My... darling is about done inside and were heading home. If you pick up your buddy and just leave... I think you'll still have a perfect face."
"Screw you bitch, after that, you think we'll just let you go." The third man said.
The first tased mam got up.
Which proceed to get insulted again Anna. "You recover fast... am I not the first woman who's tased?" Which cause her to chuckle in Pitt.
"Bitch." After getting up however, Stepped out Drake.
"Did you just my girl here what I thunk you did?" Drake came up with his hands in his pocket and clearly angry.
"Jump him." The first guy said as they now all brought they attention to him.
"I wouldn't boys." Anna said giving them in last act of mercy.
Only, it was in vain, when Drake grabbed the older gentleman's face and slammed him to the floor. Knocking him out, but without mercy, Stepped on his face. "One." Drake then looked at the other two.
Both of then were just shocked.
"She warned you... I'll only let you get away, if you get on yours knees and apologize to her." He said and removed his other hand from his pocket and showed his weapon, a pair of brass knuckles now were in his right hand.
They're face sunk. "Hey... we"
"On your knees... and face her. Not another word." Drake said.
Anna however spoke up. "It's fine... let's get going, before you kill one or all." She said helping them still.
"Fine..." he backed off. He then walked over to her, in a way discretely keeping him between them and her. "Take him and go." Drake said.
And they both got to keep their dignity, picking up their friend and left before they got to see any movie themselves.
"You not harmed?" Drake asked.
"Nah, not so much dust or dead skin on them got one. I'm perfectly fine. I had this." She showed the taser. "See?"
He just smiled. "I shouldn't have worried. Kay, let's go." He'd grab her chin, kissing her by surprise, but then did out the helmet back on her and help her back on.
This swift and sudden motion of affection put Anna in a flustered state of emotion but, once the helmet was put on, she agreed. "Right Master!"
Taking her seat back on the bike first, he then got on and grabbed her waist again to keep her as close to him as possible before they began to drive home.
Arriving back home, Drake got off and helped her, they'd even enter being locked arms. "Hey, strange question to ask... but, since it looks like things have been normal this past month, I've been wondering about something... what do you plan to do for the future?"
"That is quite the strange amd sudden question... I haven't thought much about it... honeslty. But, let me be honest... I'm just taking it a day at a time." He said which, in her mind confused her.
"What's that mean?"She asked leaning over his shoulder to listen more intently.
"You and I, come from 'families' with a complex background... the future for us can end so suddenly, and you should know I'm in no way certain I'll live long enough." He chuckled. "So I'm just gonna enjoy things at my pace... after seeing Alex get stabbed, I just, don't want to miss out what I'm deserved. High time, I stop picking safe and unsafe, it's better for me to be in between.." Drake answered in truth and with his honest thoughts at this time.
Another factor, was the fact his sister now knew his secret, he no longer had to hide the evil he was doing. But he still didn't want to do, as to influence his sister. "You know..."
He suddenly added.
"What?" She was eager to hear more.
"I regret not choosing this path sooner... I put my sister through more hell than she deserves... so help me make it up to her... please?" He asked of Anna. A sister to Sarah as well, but not at all related to Drake.
"You've been doing what you thought was best... at home, you had the worse people around... and your only option left was to commit crime... you did end up killing people, but it's not like those people were saints. I get the idea you just don't want her to succumb to those bad influences like you have, so at best... maybe just shifty parents were best. Rather than a life of sin and crime like you choose for her." Anna couldn't help but admire Drake. She how badly he was trying, and still trying.
The rest of the ride home was silent, but not the awkward sort, it was one of bliss and calmness. Harmony like no other as they reached home.
Parking the bike, he'd get off and help Anna, and sure enough they entered, but Jack soon stopped them.
"Yoo!" He called. "Sure had me waiting." He joked.
"Ha sorry, didn't know you were, so What'd you need Jack?" Drake asked. "Anna head up to our condo, I'll be up after this."
"Sure thing." She took a bow, taking her leave respectfully.
Jack and Drake would be alone. "We got a problem, we'll I say problem, but really, it's more of a job, we need an escort for one of Queen's models in her agency. She said someone has been stalking one of her girls and it's gotten bad."
"Hmm... look, can you let me know, do I have to protect this lady? Or just Crack down this stalker?" Drake asked.
"Well, this stalker is more like a group of thugs. Yeah, see it started with her first going this certain private school, apparently one of the kids brothers seemed to like a liking to this new idol and now roped in their friend grope to stalk and harass this girl. So innocently as it started it, now they're trying to blackmail her with photo shopped hardwood porn of her. It's got the girl freaked out and honestly, she's been locked up in her room. She's an upcoming idol too, so her highness really wants to take care of her, but you know how the queen is, she has a soft spot only for woman, and I think she was you personally to handle these men, since she knows how you'll take care of it." Jack finished.
"I guess, I can look into it. So sure why not. I'll take care of it... can you let her know I'll take the job." Drake finished as he yawned.
"Glad to hear it, but I kinda already told the leads you'd do it. So here." Jack chuckled after also waking his hand. He'd pass on small letter.
"I had no choice huh?" Drake sighed taking up the letter and read through, seeing the face of this idle, her residence and the extra info about this boy and his pals. "She's in the next town over, I guess it's not far from home... I'll stop by."
Jack would then nod. "Do as you please, just hit me up after jobs done, I'll report it to the mistress's and we'll send you pay."
Later the evening, Drake would be back up in his condo floor and was tackled by Sarah.
"Your not in bed?!" He asked. Ruffling her hair.
"She wanted to wait till you were home safe... honestly I couldn't say no. Sorry." Marlene said walking up to them and gently placed her hands on Sarah's shoulders. "You got to see him sweetie, let's go to bed now."
Drake chuckled as he could hear Sarah pout, and even looked up at him reluctant to leave his side. But, gave in. "Okay." She'd hold Marlene's hands and Drake would watch them go off to Sarah's bedroom so she'd be put to bed.
"You look more like a dad than a brother around her." Alex pointed out and chuckled.
"I kinda don't like that... I'm her brother, I should be here at home, helping her with homework or playing games." Drake sighed. "I'm not complaining though, I'm glad she's relying on me like normal after learning everything about me." He walked over and joined Alex sitting beside her and even put his arm around her as he showed her the letter of his commission.
She'd take the letter from his hand that was from the same arm around her and as she leaned on him she read through it. "What's this?" She asked while reading through.
"A girl that's under the queens contract is being stalked, girls been to scared to leave her home." Drake explained.
"And these guys are the ones responsible?" She asked.
"To a degree, yeah. Seems one caught feels and just can't express himself, so he turned to stalling, they're around our age too, so I feel bad, and they're still civilians, so I'm going over how to handle them." He said soon joined by Anna on his other side.
"So that's what you got stopped for." She hugged his arm and leaned on his left side. Soon being passed the letter by Alex and she took and read it.
"I mean... are they civilians? Harassing a chick to this degree is a dangerous line of thinking." Alex said.
"Hmm, I agree, but it's not like I can just break their noses or an arm... but I guess if a weapons gets pulled it'll be a different story, I'll just threaten then, and even stay nearby. So I'll be away a few days." He said and wasn't liking the idea.
"You'll be missing school..." Anna pointed out.
"True, which I'm already on thin ice for with my mom..." he thought. "Is I miss to much, she'll really scold me and I don't wanna dissappear or disappoint her."
Both of them smiled a little. "Why not have her transfer?" Noelle asked coming over and sat across from them. "You look comfy." She smirked.
Drake could only shrug off the second comment. "Well, ahem... that's not a bad idea. But, could be more work than it's worth, my client is an idol, still green in the industry but a quickly rising star, she'll get noticed fast. But, how about I pass on the idea." He said.
"It's getting late everyone." Marlene said now coming over from behind the couch and hugged Drake around his neck from behind. "Come on, to bed girls... and you." She smiled so softly at everyone.
"Right..." Drake couldn't help but agree, he did get home late and staying up a bit later. "Alright, let's go to bed." He'd watch as the girls got up first and then himself. He walked around the couch and was guided by Marlene. They all shared one bed and one room, the bed being specially made to hold everyone.
"Where's Rose?" He asked Marlene while holding her hand.
"She's with the queen, so she won't be with us tonight. Don't worry, you'll still have me along your other girls to cuddle." Marlene shockingly acted bold.
Which got a fun reaction from Drake, as he went and hugged her from behind kissing her neck. "Im truly luckly." He smiled and spoiled her.
Which got a giggle from her as Marlene's neck happened to be a soft spot and made her easily giggle. So she had on a full smile holding in her laugh.
"Get a room you too." Alex said being queit jealous, but not at all spiteful.
They looked up and while Marlene was embarrassed and holding a grin she walked with Drake.
And Drake just had a smile still holding her hand as they went to their shared room together.
"Hold on, I should really shower, I haven't just yet, you ladies get comfortable." He said not wanting to exactly smell after almost getting into a brawl and being the last home after getting held. He stopped at the door.
All the girls weren't in pajamas yet, in fact maybe one of two pieces of clothes before really getting comfortable, so it gave them a chance it seemed. "Okay, go on, in fact we still also need to get comfortable." Alex said as she was sat up legs crossed on the bed.
He bow his head a slight degree and left them, taking a pair of shorts and fresh underwear as he went to the bathroom for a shower.
The water that came over his body was warm, and as he cleaned up the built up sweat from the day he began to go into thought.
It was a month now. Since the incident with Anna's home. How her mansion was burnt down, and how his father got away. He realized in that month to just let him go.
After seeing one of his most precious treasures get stabbed, luckily not fatal, he saw how self destructive it was to keep pursuing this man who was his father. And while true, he'd stop a lot of human trafficking at the source, he was no hero. He was good guy in a story of justice. He's killed people, he's smuggled drugs, blackmailed, tortured just about anyone to get a job done.
And his sister, now knew of his bad behavior. He hung his head as this weighed on him. He's still choosing to mask in a lie for his sister. While she knew, she didn't understand it truly to make sense to her.
Drake, her brother, was a monster of the underworld. A child made monster because of his environment. The girls didn't know, but he still kept putting himself down, he tore himself over at the idea that he just had accept he can't change.
However, he didn't know he was already taking the first steps.
He didn't beat down the thugs harassing Anna on their date just to establish his way.
He didn't avoid confronting the adults who saw hope in him, he didn't choose to hide or break their trust. He owned up to his deads and was givin another chance.
And, above all he was still true to his honest and loyal nature. There was hope for him.
But, as long as he keeps weighing that weight of evil over himself. He may not over come that hurdle to change.
Which in itself, can also be self destructive. If he cannot overcome his own evils, then life in the street will be exactly how fate will have him. To live and die meaningless and a worthless death.
After about 30 minutes, he would finally shut the water, and reaching for the towel he began to clean up his toned and scarred body, drying up his hair as much as possible next. Getting changed into only sweats he'd head out of the bathroom to go back to his room to see that the girls were already in bed.
From the door he could hear them chatting, and opening the door, he would notice their pajamas they took the time to change into for bed.
The girls were sat up, leaning, crossed legged or even cuddling already with one of the others.
The two cuddling were actually Marlene and Alex, with Alex in fact holding Marlene on her lap. Alex having just a loose top and what seemed like a thong. And Marlene had on the opposite with a complete soft sweat pants with pink colors and long loose black shirt.
Anna how on an entire different set of pajamas, hers were much like onesie, it was a surprising fact, but it did match her, it was even attached with dinosaur like features as she had a tail, along with a hood as she held the tail to her chest leaning against the frame on the bed.
And lastly Noelle, to no surprise, her being more mature, she was in lingerie. Purple, was theme and her set a once piece she was sat legs crossed at the edge of the bed looking on to Drake once he entered. "Everyone looks comfortable." He said, softly smiling, as he had notice their pajamas. With the door shut behind him, he'd hear a snark remark from Alex.
"Come on, I know your gushing for each one of us." Alex teased, even going further to slip her hands under Marlene's soft sweats touching her thighs. "Maybe if she takes these off it'll get you going?!"
"Ah! Wait no!" Marlene did her best to grab her sweats as to not have them get pull off her. "And I'm not ready!"
Drake would be put into quite the situation, and just chuckled coming to bed and sat down. "That's enough you two..." he would reach, and softly take Alex's hands away from Marlene, but then, to their surpise also took Marlene away from her lap and brought her onto his where'd he'd pat her head. "I won't do anything to her until she's ready."
Marlene, quite and like a little cat, remained balled in his lap, nervous and quite. But also notably blushing. Being suddenly coddled too, suspised her. And the way he so smoothly and effortlessly handled her like some doll did something to her she wasn't aware of.
"Oooh... I think she's had a change of mind." Alex chuckled looking to Marlene, resting her head and her palm watching the picture of a innocent girl like Marlene, was on the lap of a cutthroat man like Drake. Frankly she herself was amused also.
"Come, on, let's just all come to bed and sleep... we got school, and we'll be busy with our days." Drake said, looking to the others.
Which they all agreed even shrugging. But one at a time they crawled to bed, leaving an notable open space for him to lay in, down the middle. He would lay himself down. And immediately get cuddled against. On all sides.
The light being clicked, off by one of the girls, and now all of them laying in bed. As well as him, chatting did go on among them, from snacks they wanted to buy tomorrow, to if they would join any clubs. Even Noelle, who was the oldest, but still in her early twenties, became giddy at the idea of maybe doing cooking for everyone. The night of small talk went on. They all shared their thoughts and love for each other together. And in the center, of how they wanted to spend it with Drake.
It gave him piece of mind. It helped him forgot lots of grief he had to inflict, endure, and cope with. Moments with them, really made any sin he beared feel like a feather against all else. A lot has been on his mind, since the escape of his father, he'd been restless, and all the more active and proactive to stay with his old gang. While their act has cleaned up, he'd been doing the dirty work again.
In the middle of the night, he'd sit up, and felt the room around him not feel the same. That'd when he knew he was dreaming. So he got off his bed and walked around. Stepping out his room. Suddenly, he was back in his first home. That horrible apartment. He also looked at his hands and saw what was a smaller person in his field of view. It was himself in the shatter class mirror on the wall. He'd walk around, and felt a sharp stab on his feet. Glass was around, and then he looked up and felt a swing. His father punching across the side of his face. But upon getting up, he felt a kick. And suddenly now was being tied around his hands. He could fathom what was happened, but, then stopped to clear his head. He would be able to lower his hands and the pain was gone, when he remembered it was just a dream. Before getting hit again he got up and felt nothing, as he was back to himself. He wondered why he was dreaming, it was rare after all. Hardly ever did he remember a dream, or think of the last one he had. Let alone, one he would be able to interact so much with. For once he felt lost.
It was a surreal feeling. He'd know what to do, in the real world, but here... this space he own mind. He... was lost. As he turned, looked around, and walked around. It would be dark. Empty. Completely... void of anything. Nothing was in front, or behind him. Anywhere else was all the same. So why? What was he repressing badly. What was he trying to find at all? He walked alone. In an empty void.
When he woke up, he felt cold. Even though he was surrounded by the warmth of his lovers, he touch his own palm and fingers and they were cold.
He looked at an empty ceiling, and he was lost there too. That split moment during the day, he suddenly calm back to himself thinking of what had to be done today. He had to get ready for school, drop of his sister. And get to work for the gang. Slowly, he gently shook Marlene, who was on his chest.
"Hey... wake up love..." he would softly say.
Which, she did so, but asked while rubbing her face against the blanket. "Hmmmm... alright, is" she yawned and leaned up looking at him. "Everything okay?" She asked.
Drake, being taken back, answered honeslty to her with, just a soft tone. Hinting at a bit uneasiness. "I had a bad dream... I'll be okay, but I'll let you know."
She was being coddled too again but gazed at his eyes and nodded. "Talk to us if you have too." She said.
All the girls were supportive, since in a way, and every shape and form. Drake, was their protector, savior and lover.
"I guess even little lies like that bad, if I'm looking to build a relationship with you, or any of the girls... the truth is... yeah, I had a bad dream, but... I was conscious in this dream... I was reliving the hell I grew up in... so I woke up, feeling... lost... so, I'm not sure what to feel, just... kinda in the middle..." he said soft spoken in tone. But also truthful about what he was experiencing.
"Sounds to me... like you have a lot of repressed trauma... I'm no nurse or anything, but... I'd like to know, when was the last time you relaxed? Like really relaxed...?" Marlene asked taking his hand with both of hers to hold amd gently cuddle closer listening to his heart and his words.
"I guess.... never, I've been, on the move... always, just... surviving... leading, protecting. I don't think I really took a day to relief stress... well, sure I have with Alex. But, long term wise I never have been able to whine down." Drake tried to think more of any past activities that didn't leas to violence.
"Maybe we change that, how about we make plans and not just us, let's invite everyone..." she smiled and looked at him.
He'd gently raise his hand and palm her cheeks on his hand. "Your awfully thoughtful of the others... are you sure?" He asked, of course happy to go along with her idea. "I do have an operation coming up... so I don't think I can any time soon though."
"No can do mister." She had leaned into his touch. "How important is this job?" She asked. "Cause, if it very important, I'll let you go off, but if it's not... then I'll have to make relax..." she said firmly standing on this idea with him.
"Well, is a body gaurd gig... I'm suppose to look after a client for the queen, Rose's mother. If you remember. Who that is." He cleared up.
"Can you tell me more? If it's okay?" She wanted to know more to make a better judge of the outing.
"Well, it's a young woman... I think our age... she's an upcoming actress or idle, and we'll she's been having a stalker roller her around." He explained the job.
"Sounds like a job you can take with us..." she said. And this make him chuckle and of course puzzled.
"You, do know working and relaxing conflict with each other right." He said smirking, adoring her quirkyness.
"I do, but here is how I see it. I agree, your the best man for a job like protection detail, however... I also think, you can work and relax at once if... Alex is there. You two can take shifts, plus Noelle will be with us... you can relax amd the other ladies can also look after her when you cant... amd beside, what better way of avoiding a stalker, than to take a little trip somewhere else... wanna at least give it some thought?" She kept trying to get him to see her side.
And, he caved in. So she had successfully lured him in.
"Okay, but let me talk it over with the Queen first kay?" Drake left a gently kiss in her head and she couldn't be more thrilled that he had listened to her and even let her get involved as much as she had.
Part of her has been wondering if their dynamics were to different, but she saw Drake so openly welcome her. Sure for her it's realizing he is a dangerous individual. And in every sense of it. But, she could see past it and the reasonings. It was definitely a burden, knowing just what he's done, and how dangerous he is, but here he was, proving such a notion wrong.
"Ahem..." Rose said softly. "Are we interrupting..." she soft asked.
Drake looked and chuckled. "Not at all..." he then gently kissed her cheek. "Sorry, did I wake all of you at once? I would have done so more gently."
Drake would see everyone now being awake and began to just plant kisses onto each of them on their cheeks.
Marlene would sit up on his waist and everyone else soon followed, she'd be the first to get off him and then everyone else slowly got off the bed, to stretch, fix their hair or any other daily morning routine to get themselves ready for the day. The only one last to get up was Drake, once Marlene would get off his lap. He sat at the edge of the bed, waiting for the girls to get out of the room.
They did, after first picking their clothes, they even chatted together while still in pajamas as they each helped each other look good for that day. It was a timely ordeal, and he'd sit looking at them, just enjoying the sight of the loved ones around him. Once they got their clothes, they each went to bathroom of the condo, all taking the time to freshen up.
Drake, once alone, got up and removed his shirt. Standing alone and just sweats he walled to the closet and began to sort though his clothes. To his surprise, he ended up having a guest.
Sarah, would barge in and look for a moment to wake up his brother and the girls. But seeing them all gone she walked in and heard him. When she spotted him in the walk in closet she saw Drake and walked up. Only she ended being more silent than her upbeat self.
The first thing, she witnessed that morning of her brother, was how scared and beat up his bode was. The lighting was luxurious within the closet and she saw, how badly ruined his skin was.
Deep wounds, all around in various forms and shapes almost 80% of his upper body. She never noticed. But, that was because everything she did see him, he was always clothed. This was a first. And what a sight. It was horrible, to finally see and realize that everything her brother has been through is on his body.
She willingly became apart of this side of his life. It made their lives easier now, that he didn't need to hide it so much. But, part of her still wished things weren't as all that. She wanted to remain blissfully ignorant deep down.
Drake, put on a white button shirt and asked. Having been aware of her staring for a few minutes. "Everything okay sarah." He asked, approaching her.
"Oh. Yeah..." she looked around not able to look her brother in the eyes. "I'm sorry... I didn't mean to stare... or come in with out knocking." She said.
"Hey, what have we talked about... it's polite to look at who your talking too... it's very rude to not do that, especially when your saying sorry, but I forgive you for that..." he said soft spoken. And even pat her head. He crouched further down and fixed her bow on her uniform
"Right... sorry!" She suddenly fell back to normal. It was like before in that moment. She saw her older brother as just that. She smiled lightly and after her bow was fixed she hugged him suddenly.
"!!"
"What did I do to deseve this?" He asked.
"Just, wanted to hug you, and... tell you I'm sorry big brother." She held on tighter but then let go.
He could only imagine what she was thinking, the mind and imagination of a child was something unpredictable to him. He just fixed her accessory and stood up. "I gotta finish changing, I'll be quick to make you and the girls breakfast... can you wait for me in the loving room?" He asked.
"Sure." She agreed withholding her questions. She wanted to know, how did he get his scars. What did he do to have so many, if he was hated. She was worried, but she stood there looking you at her brother, who had the same comforting small smile aimed right at her. Her worried felt lifted. So she did as told and left his room.
He made sure to follow, only to see her get on her tippy toes to shut the door. He huffed out a breath of air and finished changing.
He began to plan his day within his mind.
'First things first... spend time with the girls followed with attending school and bringing my grade up. I cannot fall short anymore. Next would be catching up on the job, I should also meet with my people. Since I haven't givin them any orders in a while, I'm sure to get flack for also leaving like I had. Better be ready for that. And lastly... prepare the trip to the beach with everyone.' He had finished changing, and left his room. He would go to the kitchen, and start cooking breakfast. Rolling up his sleeves, he passionately focused, washing his hands and getting a spread of food.
Sarah would sniff the air from where she was on the couch and would look seeing her brother look almost shining in the kitchen. Her eyes remained locked in the sight as he moved about.
Not to long, the girls came out seeing Sarah so focused on something. Only for them to notice the delightful smell and soon saw the same sight.
Drake, wasnt aware of the audience, but kept his focus on the kitchen, he was even making lunches for them and it was a display so simple, yet looked so professional.
Sarah got to see his skills in action. And the girls who knew him smiled seeing him st his best.
Over the years, he had to protect his craft. Seemingly their wasn't anything he couldn't go. He was a jack of all trades.
When he finished he let out a soft deep breath and began to wrap the boxed lunches in colors.
"Who knew seeing a man cook be so... dreamy." Marlene said, breaking the silence.
It grabbed his attention and he could only chuckle. "Oh... you ladies done with your bath. Just in time for breakfast so why don't you all come eat and we can get going." Drake would get out placed their lunched in their bags.
"No way, you even made lunch?" Noelle asked. "And for me too?" Since she was the older woman their, she was confused.
"Yeah, if your my partner in this relationship, course I'm gonna take care of you too." He crossed his arms and looked at her with a grin. "Now sit and eat with us... let's all eat and get going."
Sarah was drooling at the sight of the pancakes. "These look so much more fluffy than back then..."
"That's because I get to really go all out making you food... so eat as much as you want." He said to her chuckling.
"Now thay I think about it... have I ever had your cooking?" Alex asked sitting down. And helping Sarah get a plate and up in her seat.
"Yeah, I can't think of when or if I ever had any." Rose also thought. "It smells so good."
"While I do enjoy the praise, you ladies haven't eaten a bite yet, wait for that before telling me it's good. I'm no professional." Drake said, keeping himself humble. But also, it was a way to keep downplaying himself. He sat down and everyone got a bit of something. Bacon, pancakes, toast, eggs, even desserts like ice cream or something sweet. Tea, lemonade and milk were also a choice of drink.
After a bite, Sarah would speak up. "Oh my gosh! That's yummy." She said taking more bites out of her plate and ate like she hadn't for days.
They all spent that morning enjoying a full breakfast and, Drake felt a sort of relief. And so much joy. It was, euphoric. He took in the moment, telling himself he'd try to cook for them again.
"I didn't know you could cook all this big bro!" Sarah added, feeling Marlene's hands wipe her cheek gently with a napkin.
"Well... I could never splurge like I use to... I had to keep what I do secret... and all the money I make too. But since you know now... I don't mind spending every dime I've made for you." Drake smiled warmly patting his baby sister on her head. "Hey. Why dint we go shopping." He said to her. But also looked at the girls. "What do you ladies think?"
"Woah, your inviting us too?" Anna was surprised since it sounded like a family outing.
"Course, I mean why shouldn't I? I haven't exactly gone on dates with you all, and don't take it like I'm suddenly using this as an excuse to take you all out at once... you know, I'd happily prefer one on one time. But. Your all my family, and I wanna have a nice memorable day together. Especially since it looks like I'll be busy soon and that includes the trip after our talk about it." He explained clearly as he was processing it to them. And open about his reason. It wasn't a means to make them all happy at once, but a day where they can all spend time together. Get to know about each other. He also knee some of the girls for such little time compared to others. They'd be able to express themselves openly to him and learn about each other and he'd learn more about them.
They all smiled softly seeing just how truthful he was being. And he was putting lots of trust in them in seeing things like he did. And he did the same with them.
Drake knew they'd want alone time. One on one dates, but he was gonna be busy, he knew that and so did they. But they didn't resent that. They agreeded to burden the things he goes through with him. And that meant their family.
Their relationships all relied on trust, compromise and understanding. "Sure. We will all go together." Alex agreed.
"Oh, how about the day before the trip." Rose asked clasping her hands together.
"That works fine." Noelle said. "However girls... I can't remember when I last shopped... can you maybe help?"
"Oh! Definitely!" Anna smiled.
Marlene was so stunned, but also happily surprised by how cooperative everyone was. "I might need help too." She said raising her hand softly and slowly half way up.
Drake smiled, seeing how well they all were getting along already.
Everyone had some sort of history here that bonded them together.
Alex, who her father gambled her to underground betting and became Drake's shadow and second in command.
Rose, who's mother raised her to be her replacement. But also grew up along side Alex and Drake.
Marlene, a girl not from their part of the world suddenly now in the middle of it with her father a police officer and new chief in town.
Anna, who's family had deep secrets kept from her, now also dragged into the back side of the gangs instead of politics like her mother.
And Noelle, a former kill for life was now entangled in a far more peaceful way of life but all the same dangers, with a more fulfilling purpose.
And then Drake. A stray led through battle of his own making, with a goal to end the history his father made with him. But also, the peacekeeper of his entire city.
It was but far an demanding time for him again. And things would not be easy.
On the other side of the city, in a cooperate building a meeting was being held.
With Drake's father the topic.
"Human trafficking has been the only product you can provide. And now that's come to a stop, not to mention the puppet you groomed has been killed. I've also noticed that your son, is the cause of all this... I'm starting to believe you can't make good on your word."
Drake's father spoke up. "I-I-I swear to you, I just need time. I will deliver the boy to you... and you will the bastard child also. I just need a loan to get back on my feet. I haven't let you down yet. Even though the years haven't been kind... I will deliver the ultimate tool to you."
"..." there was silence. "Your son... can only be controlled by your whore wife's daughter... if you fail to bring me that child. I'm afraid we cannot protect you no longer. We are seeing cranks forming, with your piece of within our syndicate. And I will not now have that fall apart because of you. Do we make ourselves clear."
"Yes..." Drake's father could only reply weakly.
"Your son... has displayed miracles... and you fail to realize how much of an impact that boy has made in this city... thanks to him. Our drug trafficking has been stopped in certain high places. Our usual dealings with brands have also been outbid... we are taking massive losses because of him. If he cannot come to our side by the end of the year, you will be excommunicated... this is your final chance...." with that, the meeting ended.
Drake's father, felt his sin all grabbing him. He could start to feel something weigh over him.
It was,
Death.
"Was that smart to let him off easy?" A syndicate board member asked.
"Hmph, if he mangers to succeed, good we have the perfect tool... if he fails, we kill him and proceed with our other plans. We lose nothing here. He also provides as an established distraction... we have our own plans in the work remember, to take down the Empire for all of its worth. A single young man won't stop us." The leader said.
"True... but this young man, as you said... he's made miracles... practically cleaned the streets of this citt hes taking from us, as his... it'll be hard to take back and make a return on our revenue." A second member brought up.
"Doesn't change who they are... a single young man, cannot fight our force. We have our own secret police. We control politicians... we do not... step aside for even him. But I will admit... he's dangerous... he's not in a position of power... if he was... he would have succeeded The Empire sooner." The leader stated.
"That is true. So why doesn't he?" A third asked.
"I assume he wants to stop that work all together. It wouldn't be a bad idea to let him subtly retire in this gig... but thanks to that idiot... he's back in this line of work... regardless of how things turn out... that young man will step down soon enough and we can continue our work. So we'll proceed with the original plan of taking business from The Empire. Let things play out a bit longer.... and ive already began taking the next steps and a precaution. " The leader would end the call and would look at his grandson.
"Akane..." the leader got up and walked over to him. Grabbing the bucket of cold water from nearby to splash over Akane's cold and abused body.
Akane, had been in just chain bound by themto a chair and forced in a gag and blindfold. "Y-y-y-yes.... sir..." speaking only when the gag was off.
He'd remove the gag. "Your gonna get closer to this young man understood... keep gaining his trust...."
"Yes sir." Akane, wasnt able to show the discomfort. He had to hide his feelings. He acted out of fear.
"If only that idiot knew how to properly tame a dumb child." The leader soon began to punch Akane in his stomach. Firmly planting the fear further withing Akane's mind. Beating on him and forcing him to endure what was torture. When he finished he pulled on the chair to take him out of his office. And shoved him in a dark room. "Keep training him... don't stop beating on him till he can fight back if he passes out, get him back on his feet... feed him the bare minimum... this pathetic nephew needs discipline." The leader would leave.
Leaving Akane to a fate no one deserved. A group of mean grabbed and picked him out, and began to assault him, making sure they forced akane to be able to match Drake, or better.
In the leaders mind. His weak son, failed to meet expectations. And the thought was possibly his grandchild would be a superior option. And now, with his advanced age, he couldn't wait in another grandchild life time. And had to accelerate the expectations made of Akane, as the new successor. Waiting, was no longer an option. His son turned out far below expectations, yet didn't have the heart to mold him into the proper replacement. Akane, was perfect. Still young, hardly knows him so personally, and of course, was blood. His line of kin. He was far better for the role.
Akane, would confined, and forced to fight men much stronger than him, put on drugs and forced to fight. If he failed. Then his chastity was robbed. And this was only more ruthless as he made progress. And these days were never any better.
There were hardly any time, to relax. He fought, until he bled, broke bone and was left bruised.
This training began, over two months ago. It was sudden. And, since the meeting between Drake and Akane, was so brief with only a hand full of time together as friends, Drake wasn't very preoccupied with where his friend was, thinking not much goes on within Akane's life from what he's seen of him and little he knew.
Unaware, of the clear line of opposition so close to Drake's side.