After getting lunch, miko and her idol friends decided to leave.
"You sure your not staying? Need an escort?" Drake asked.
"No no, we will be fine. Besides, we have taken up your time away from your girls as it is. And also, seems we are called to work after all. So We'll see you all again at the beach." She said and left with the other idols.
"Gotcha, then be safe." They left taking their appropriate bags with their swimsuits as Drake then was left with his girls as they began to walk to the other side of the mall.
"Hey Drakey... do you still have money to spend?" Sarah asked holding his hand.
"Sure I do. Did you want something?" He asked.
"Hm... can you buy my sisters a ring?" She was thinking. "You are gonna marry them right?"
"Of course I'm gonna... but what made you ask that? That's kinda sudden..."
"I was just curious, cause I don't have a special love yet like you and them... so what comes next?" She was so sweet.
"Babies of course." Rose said.
"Really so my brother will be a dad! When?" Sarah was invested.
"Haha, well... when I settle some business... I can't just gave any now, when I'm not ready. That would be irresponsible of me..." He'd ruffle her hair gently.
"Your already so much mire responsible that our dad. So I know you'll be better." Sarah assured him.
Soon, they would be at the clothing store, it was seasonal themed so lots of dresses, gowns and light colors for summer and spring were up.
"Wow! So pretty." Sarah was looking around and let go of her brothers hands.
Noelle swiftly walked up to her. "Don't go to far on your own."
"Why don't we split up?" Anna asked.
"Sure." Drake agreed.
Soon, their would be in pairs.
Alex and Drake alone, while the pairs soon become Anna, Noelle and Sarah the second, then rose and Marlene the last.
"Let's meet back up around an hour? At tbe changing stall. Kay." Marlene said as everyone went off.
Drake and Alex looked at one another.
"Kinda of a weird day for us huh?" She said.
"You have no idea... this very new. But I like this."
"Bettee than street fights or peddling drugs huh, and can't forget shootouts." Alex included.
"Yeah... anyways, let's find some clothes for Sarah." He said and began to walk around with her.
"I can't see myself being a good mother ya know." She said.
"You will be..." he assured her.
"Ya think?" She asked, while her voice went soft.
"I know it. So don't think otherwise..." Drake leaned over kissing her cheek.
She was genuinely shocked by that act. As her eyed went wide and she looked at him like she'd died. Even held her cheek. "Your freaking me out." She said.
He chuckled. "What... I can't be a bit romantic?"
"Of course you can! Just... warn me next time." She leaned back to his side and even remained closer. "Come on. Let's just find something for Sarah."
He just smiled silently and then walked with her.
Meanwhile. Anna, Noelle and Sarah were together as Anna asked. "Let's see... we should find you other things besides clothes. Like underwear and pajamas. Sound good?" Anna asked.
"No dresses?" Sarah asked.
"Your brother and the ther other girls will find you those things. So we should find things you'd be comfortable with under your clothes. Get me? Plus there's so a lot cute stuff." Anna said.
"Hm... okay, I trust you big sis. We'll do that." Sarah agreed.
Noelle picked out some things already, all cute and frilly patterned and Anna also joined her. "We aren't showing these off. Never ever show these off to anyone okay." Noelle said.
"I know, my brother already warmed me about stranger danger... and places never to seen. I promise I'm responsible." Sarah said.
"Oh, then about when you get a bit older? are you ready to face that." Anna asked.
"Huh? No. What do you mean?" Sarah asked scared.
"Ah, well... once you reach ten years old... or even eleven, you'll suddenly... oh man." Anna wasn't sure how to explain.
"A special and painful things happens.. but you shouldn't be scared of that. It happens to all girls. And sadly forever. So when that happens. Come to your sisters okay. It's not scary. We'll maybe at first, but... well help you." Noelle pat her head to confort her.
"Okay... can I ask my brother what you mean though? If you don't know, does he know?" She asked now curious.
Which got them to laugh. "Hm... that would be intresting to find out. But you might scare him. So let's not." Anna smiled. "Let's hurry and pick out stuff and meet the others.
Marlene and Rose were together, as she had soon been chatting. "Are you adjusting all well?" Rose asked.
"Huh? I mean... yeah, i think so." Marlene wondered. "Why ask?"
"Right now what your witnessing is not normal... I promise you this is peaceful. But... not everyday is like that for us. I doubt my saying that means much... but I think you should expect the worse ya know. We aren't good guys." Rose told her.
"I don't think I'd say peaceful entirely, since he did go fight some people a moment ago." Marlene pointed out.
Both of chuckled.
"True. Sorry, I'm not trying to ward you off. It's just. If you had to see Drake come home... all bloodied and messed up... how would you react?" Rose wondered.
"Oh... about that huh... I'd ask... if he needed help. I'd prepare him bandages... warm clothes and bath... and... help him to bed." Marlene truly was sweet.
"Good... that's good to hear. You do fit right in... I was worried for you." She admit.
"I know, I'm far from your world... I'm still just an outsider. But... I'm ready. I'll stand by him. So while I can't prove it yet. I hope I don't have to some day." Marlene said.
"Agreed. Okay babe... let's meet up with the others." Rose said getting closer to her even wrapping her arm around Marlene's waist.
She'd blush since Rose's sex appeal won over any gender. "However... I'd like to continue this talk with the others.... for your sake okay." Gently rose placed a kiss on her neck.
"Okay, sure..." Marlene said turning her head to let her do as she wanted enjoying the affection.
Right on time, they were all back together and Drake looked at everyone who all had different picks of clothing. All them in the size meant for Sarah.
She'd see a line of clothes picked out just for her as she would light up and soon look through them. She went to try on the clothes and was being showered with praise by all of them. And upon gathering the clothing back up, they went to buy them all for her. Drake paid for it all and they'd all head home.
The ride home was quiet. Everyone's social battery felt drained and now up front was Anna who was asleep as well.
Home, was heaven, he woke up everyone gently, and Alex was carrying a sleepy Sarah. He grabbed the bags as they went to their condo and floor. They were able to relax as they stretched and went to their rooms.
It had been evening, and Drake was called down along with Jack.
"I was hoping to relax... what's up?" Drake asked.
"Work what else do I call you for." The king said, as he looked at Drake.
"That's was a joke." Drake sighed. "Well, since your serious what do you need done?"
"I need you to fight again, underground fights. Some ugly boxers and fighters have been doing dirty tricks in official rings..." king explained.
"Okay... so you want me to do one of two things... teach them a lesson. Or force them to retire." Drake asked.
"Yeah, preferably... retirement. We don't need dirty fighters. Frankly, I see it as an insult to the sport... not to mention I frankly could make some easy cash from you both." He said honest.
"So shamless... fine. I'll fight." Drake agreed.
"Dude, your gonna just go with it?" Jack asked.
"Why not? I could use more money too, since it's better to have to much, than not enough. I'm sure my cut of yours bets are sixty - forty." Drake looked at him.
"I enjoy that have the guts to demand something of me." King chuckled. "Sure. Let's agree in the middle. However. I want to profit."
"Fine with me. Fifty - fifty it is. When's my fight?" Drake asked
"Tonight... get some rest. We'll be out in a few hours." He said.
"So why am I here?" Jack asked.
"In case I turned down." Drake said walking away.
"Really?" He looked at the king. "Mind if I come along then?"
"Sure sure. We'll be leaving in a few hours." King said, got up and left.
Drake went to shower, and sat on also would relax himself for a while.
The orange sunlight only getting dimmer. "You look worn out. Hope you'll enjoy the beach trip still." Marlene said.
"Seeing all my girls in bikinis... yeah, I'll still enjoy the trip. And it was a long day, and only longer. Boss wants me in an underground fight." He explained to her.
"Huh? And did you agree?" She asked, sitting by him tapping her fingers.
"I did."
"Is it because you need money?"
"Part of it. I have so much tucked away, I don't really need it. It just helps to have more of it. But... I agreed because he's testing me."
"Huh? Why? Can you let me know more?"
"I don't know much myself... frankly it was last minute. So that tells me something serious is happening. So he's helping me ready. So I have to fight. Sorry if it scares and worries you..." Drake reached trying to attempt to hood her hand.
She'd reach and hold his. "May I come watch you?"
"It's not pretty..." he said.
"Don't care... just. Let me peak a bit further. To this side of you." She insisted.
"Okay..." he agreed. "But... stay beside Jack okay. No one their has a good profile where we are going. And cover up as much as you can." Drake told her. "We leave in a few hours."
"Okay. I'll do as you say." She moved closer and leaned up on him.
"It's gonna be scary... and... you'll likely see me kill a man." Drake said to her.
And she held his hand tightly.
"Are they a criminal or something?"
"No. Just, a dirty fighter."
Maybe a criminal could justify his actions. But. Just some dirty fighter. Was that really enough to take a person's life.
"People die for less reason... and this one that's also mindless..." he said to her.
She was seeing the reality of the side he's been hiding.
"Please don't feel like it'll be your sin to also carry... I'm going into this... knowing what I'm about to do. I'm aware of my actions. You. Your just witnessing a side to the world I've been keeping from you. And from Sarah. I rather you don't come... but if you want to I'm not stopping you." Drake wanted to confort her.
'This man...' Marlene looked at him. She moved to sit up on his lap and held him tightly. "That's fine... everything is gonna be fine... just, remember your a human okay. And we're gonna be here to help you."
He couldn't understand why she wanted to stay with him.
But, he hugged her back and tight. She accepted and looked past that darkness.
He relaxed, and when the hour came. They were up. She was wearing his coat and covered her body up as much as she could. And they went to a car as they entered Jack was already inside.
"Your letting her come?" He asked.
"I wanted too."
"Just keep her safe for me Jack." Drake asked.
"Sure sure. I won't let any creeps even get close. Just remember to put the hood on once he tells you." Jack agreed. "I'm here to witness all the rumors I've heard of him. So don't go easy."
"I wont... I'm sure the king also wants me to be at the best still." Drake said.
Very soon, they were taken and escorted.
They were at a far corner of the city. As Drake got out, and told her. "Hood on now." He told her.
Marlene put the hood on, and followed zipping up the coat and held his hand.
They were at an abandoned city. And went through an underground subway as they walled through rubble, burning barrels and soon people high on drugs or dead, or already drunk and fighting. Yelling was heard all over and not to long, there was a pit they entered and the king was there with them.
"Nice your here... you can stay by me, while our Joker here, gets in the middle." King said.
"..."
Jack gently grabbed her arm. "Come on."
She held Drake's arm.
"It'll be fine. Go..." Drake let her be escorted and he went down, putting a mask over his face.
The arean, which was a pit like stadium, began to go silent.
"He's back!!" The people cheered.
Fire was raised, people got more loud.
Drake was center stage. The floor, full of shattered glass, dry oil, rubble and blood, both dry and new.
Drake stood in the center.
A shady and large man approved above them. And spoke through a microphone.
"Our nightmares come back to life!! Joker everyone!! Has made his return! And his sponsors has made a request! Bare foot! Blind! And a broken arm! Now you know... the more handicaps, the bets will be multiplied by three! So go on! Give us a show!"
Drake looked at king, and in front of Marlene, he began to remove his shoes, and socks. His protection from the dirty floors. And then, placed a blindfold over himself. Removing sight. And finally, all on his own, he dislocated his arm. He was in pain, and didn't show any of it.
"Sick!! That's our midnight killer! Now his opponent... no handicaps! Instead, a further one has been placed on the joker... his opponent, a dirty fighter in the ring, is allowed weapons... and he's bringing!! Brass knuckles!" He'd soon walk in and Drake couldn't see how large his opponent was.
Marlene was sickened. "This isn't fair!"
"It's not suppose to be." King said. "We make our own rules down here."
"You put so many handicaps on him. You trying to kill him?" Marlene spoke up.
"Just watch... if he lives... he's bringing home 1.3 million. If he dies.... I'll pay for the funeral."
"Asshole." Marlene's kicked his leg.
"Hey now." Jack stepped between them.
"I think I see what he does in you... okay girly... watch what he does. These handicaps I placed... are to keep the fight long and entertaining... of I didnt... he'd easily win without effort." King explained.
Soon, Drake was rushed by his opponent, and let him strike first to gage his strength.
The fighter, with his knuckles striked Drake on his face.
Only, what should have been a surreal instant knockout.
Drake remained still. Only a light cut and bleeding from his head. "I have you." Drake grabbed the man's arm. And with his legs, Drake put the fighter In a choke. All while also raising the arm he grabbed up at his join to lock him in place as Drake was choking him out.
The man thrashed punching and grabbing Drake's legs to try and breath.
"Take this!" A metal pipe, with a heated edge was tossed into the ring, and so we're bottles thrown.
People yelled. "Kill him!! Snap his neck!"
"Kill that joker!"
People wanted to see him win. But also wanted him dead more than anything.
"Let's make it fun" king said taking a special needle out and tossed it in.
The man grabbed glass bottle to smash on Drake's head, and the. Tried to burn his body with the pipe.
Drake sensing that extreme heat let go.
He was now in the dark. It was to loud to assume where the fighter was.
Amd the fighter saw a special drug tossed in. And he quickly injected it into his system. Now doping up, he shoulder charged Drake sending him to a wall full of broken nails and boards and he felt a them stap his side. But also now the cuts on his feet piled up.
"Ooh... yeah!" The fighter roared, walking to Drake.
"No!" Marlene was panicking.
Getting up, Drake fixed his dislocated arm. "Much better..." he walked towards his opponent fixing his shoulder just for drake to bash into him with such intensively and violence, the man spun doing a backflio from being checked.
"Cheater!" The fighter said. "Your arm!"
Drake just chuckled. "They never said it had to be the whole fight... same with the blindfold... but I'll keep that on for you... and... even doping you can seem to out match me..." Drake. Rushed back in giving a brutal uppercut, only to stop the man mid flight by his ankle, drag him back, and elbow bashed him to the floor. Drake took the knuckles. And out them on himself. "Get up..." Drake demanded.
"Your... gonna pay." The fighter tried.
Just for drake to drag him by his head and shove him into a corner. First a knee to the jaw, then a kick down his head in a form of an age kick. Then, Drake lined up his fists and one after the other began to crush his skull in with his fist and brass knuckles.
Marlene, while glad to see he was okay. She was now seeing the world he was in. As she watched Drake pick up a metal bar. Amd stabbed it into the man's wrists. Drake made sure to destroy any function in his hands. After pinning him. People demanded a kill.
"Kill him!!"
Drake left with a choice, walked away.
Marlene felt relieved. Through the entire fight, she could see the look if disgust on his face. On first Glace, it could be him looking down on his opponent. But, she believed that wasn't the case. Further glancing at him. She was seeing something else. He hated the idea of fighting. It made her wonder why. Why is he doing this if he hates it. She believed it was just a job.
And that was the case.
If he just saw it, as just a job. Just something that needed to be done. He could do it. But he still remorse.
The king was thoroughly ammused by the show.
And Jack, was left in awe.
All while Marlene was left worrying.
Drake left without killing this time. And cleaned his wounds in the bathroom.
Jack and Marlene hurried to meet him Inside and she held onto him tightly.
"Gotta say... that was brutal." Jack said.
"Need help?" Marlene asked.
"Please." Drake agreed and felt her clean his wounds.
"Why didn't you kill him?"
"I was only asked to make him retire... so I had the choice to not kill... so I didn't..." he said.
"Is it because your lady is here." Jack asked.
"Yes... I also rather not, if I can help it." Drake admitted.
"I hope that doesn't mean you've gotten soft." The king walked in.
"Want me to prove I'm not." Drake asked glaring at the king. As if reminding him.
He could take his throne.
The king smirked. Hiding his guilty thoughts.
He wanted Drake to try
"If you can still threaten me... okay. I'll believe your still the same. I'm sending your money. Hurry home kids..." he left.
Drake sighed.
Soon, back in the car, Drake was being held by Marlene and tightly.
"I'm fine now..." he said.
"Don't care... you will stay in my arms." She insisted.
"Okay okay." Drake gave in, leaning on even after a second.
She was normal. She was a big help at keeping him human.
"Be honest with me..." Drake slowly sat up and looked at her glancing at her. With a soft gaze.
"About what?"
"Are you not afraid of me? Or disgusted with who I am? I've killed before... and what you saw is only a glimpse of horror I'm capable of. Why haven't you backed away from me?" He asked honestly.
She sat up on his lap, assertively placing herself in his world. "Because I love you." She gently played with his hand bringing his palm up. And gently wiggled his fingers in her hands. "You... looked like you need help... when I first met you. Then, as I got see you, your a big hearted softy. Your nice sweet and gentle with me... not a monster or mindless killer... and honestly... if you killed someone. Some thing tells me... they must have bad themselves... so who cares... evil for evil or whatever ya know?" She looked back up at him, taking her hands to place them around his head.
Drake, felt his heart race and listened to her kind words of admiration for him from her.
"Your a good person... who just had to do bad things. And instead of being the bad guy... you tried to change for the better still and do good around you don't you? I'm staying, through it all, because I know who you really are." She smiled at him as she meant every word.
Drake was in awe by her. She was like the others. She was perfect.
Raising his hand around her waist, he just sunk into her arms, placing his face into her chest and just took in her affection.
She'd softly pat his head, combing through his hair.
Closing his eyes her just held onto her, embracing her warmth. Not even a thought flowed through his mind. He just, sat with her in his arms on his lap and relaxed. It was the best for of bliss.
'Did they forgot I was in the car...' Jack though as he drove. 'As long as they don't start screwing... I never heard a thing.' Upon arriving back at their condo. With how late it was, the two decide to just go to bed.
Drake joined everyone in bed and felt Marlene crawl up on top of him to sleep together.
The night was evidently peaceful. It was just another day going by.
But, far more memorable.
That next morning, Drake would be able to sit up, and felt no one around him. So upon getting up, he was rubbing his face with his hands as he got out of bed and went to the bath. Only to walk in on Marlene nude just finished her shower.
With a towel on her head, she softly spoke up. "M-morning... did you also think of showering first thing?"
Drake, looked slowly, from the balls of her feet, to her knees and wasn't, all the way up to her cleavage and face. He saw a good fair amount of her. "Yeah..." he answered after a long pause.
"C-can you pass me... my underwear..." she asked. Blushing incredibly hard.
'Why did I ask him to do that?!' She asked herself. 'Oh my god! Am I a pervert?'
Drake, walked in closer, taking the basket, entirely, without direct touching her underwear, and held it out for her in one hand.
"Thank you." She mumbled. And took a moment to get changed in front of him. Making sure to let him see.
He couldn't look away, we'll, he did try, but his eyes drifted back.
'What could he be thinking?' She wondered.
'Does he not... think my body isn't to his liking? Say something...' She wasn't sure what she wanted.
Drake could sense something was on her mind. So he'd asked. "Is something bothering you?"
There, she stood in just her panties. And looked at him. "You... don't like my body?"
"I do... but..."
"But?!"
"It's wrong of me to just look at you like how you are... out of respect for you. I rather not look to much... but. I do want to... you have a lovely figure." He spoke honeslty.
"Oh. So you were just being chivalrous..." she then took her bra, and then the basket. "Then help put this on me. Since your such a knight."
He surrendered. "If that's what you want."
"I do..." she then sought to tease him. "Or... do you need help dressing a girl?"
He grinned, and after a moment. He'd carefully take her bra. "No need..." He'd walk up behind her. "Please move your hands through the gaps..." he said to her. As he helped her put on her bra. And slipping his hands into the bra cup, cupped her breast individually into a comfortable place she was use too, and clipped the strap.
She was nervous out of her mind. Her heart raced like crazy as she was unable to explain the sensation that just happened. She did like it though. And she had to wonder. "If... I wanted you to help me dress again... would you?"
"I would.... and if you need me too. I'd help you also undress..." Drake got up closer to her back and hugged her resting his lips on her shoulder kissing her neck.
She was instantly reminded. He knew what he was doing. Rose's mother did groom him to be a womanizer. And she was quickly wrapped around his finger. And yet, instead of asking for more, or Drake taking the lead.
Both were at a stand still.
"Maybe... next time." She said.
"Okay."
She'd carefully leave his touch, and in the moment, if he touched her again, she'd melt.
But, thankfully nothing would happen.
She was able to leave the bathroom a quivering mess shaking and let out a sigh of deep bliss.
Drake, would let out his own deep breath of relief. "Shower... let's shower." He told himself. As he began to strip down and remove last night's bandages. Under the hot water he calmed down.
"Yoo Marlene, what's takin you so long" Alex came up seeing a flushed Marlene in just her underwear. She took a glance at the bed and could see Drake wasn't there and put two and two together. "Oh my, so quick?"
"Nothing happened!" She said. But looked aside.
"Oh something happened." Alex teased.
"Maybe."
"Get changed, I came to tell ya breakfast was done. And wake up the big guy, but I see you got things down before me. You can tell us later." Alex soon went back downstairs.
Marlene got changed, dawning on a long-sleeved black top and pink skirt down just above her knees. Only, she decided to raise it a bit higher around her waist.
'What's up with with me?' She asked herself. Fixing the skirt back to her hips as the top sleeved shirt was still tucked into her waist.
She'd be down soon and joined everyone.
Drake would finish his shower and upon leaving the bathroom his phone rang. He put the phone on speaker and changed. "Hello?"
"Hi boy." The queens voice was through the phone.
"Did you need something of me?" He asked.
"Just a few things. I want to confirm something... those images from Ace. Are you sure we have traitors in our payroll?"
"I get he's a kid... but do you think I'd lie?" He asked.
"Haha I suppose now. Which is why, I already ordered my top girls to kill them. So... next."
"Yes?"
"Miko? How was the job?" She wondered.
"Just fine... but... I suggest keeping a close watch on her... I only got to one of the stalkers."
"I see... okay last thing my son."
"And that would be?"
"When are you gonna see me again? Five girls at once might to much, at most you've had three at one remember. Need practice?" She teased.
"If the jokes are all that's left I'll hang up now."
"Now hold on! I had you first boy, when do you plan to see me?" She seemed serious.
"Do you know awkward it'll be talking to your daughter would be if I mentioned I'd be at her place when we live together. She'll know I'm just screwing you and I think I've done enough of that."
"Booo." She pouted. "Now hold on, if I didn't know any better, your calling me some whore by how that sounds. I know you not calling me that are you?" She definitely was pissed.
"Of course not. I know your standards, and the fact I'm the second guy you've ever let screw you... but enough banter... can you explain to me something."
She chuckled and sighed. "Fine... your gonna ask who sent those infiltrators to my place of business yes?"
"Yes."
"I tried to get them to talk, but it was no use... even killing them one by one they didn't get shaken up by fear or torture... however."
"That in itself tells us enough though right?" Drake asked.
"Correct. Good to know after nine months apart your still so sharp and observant. So tell me, what did across find out?" She wondered.
"I didn't ask him to dig any depper... I'll ask him too after our call."
"Okay, if that's all, I'll leave you to it."
"Wait." Drake stopped her.
This was a bit surprising for her.
"Is something bothering you son?" She asked softly.
"Well. A topic came up yesterday... it's no secret what I did for you and the woman you brought to me for service... but, I've been curious about something..."
"Oh. And what could that be?"
"I never got any of them pregnant at point did i?" He asked.
She remained quiet. "If you did... what would you do?" She asked finally.
That shook him up a bit.
"I'd hate to be a recreation of my parents... so I'd like to help raise them..." he answered honeslty.
The queen smiled to herself. "You are truly a man among men you know that. Okay, if it bothers you, I'll ask around. Of course in secret. I doubt you did however. You were always careful. And I asked them to be as well at the time. Now I have a question for you."
"Ask away."
"Do you plan on under going treatment soon? Based on the question. It seems like your looking to live a long life. Why this change I wonder."
"Maybe. It's just, now... I have everything to lose you know... before.... it was just my sister... but now... I have so much more to lose that... if I just die... it wouldn't affect my sister... it would affect the lives of those around me. You, the boss, my girls, my other mom and dad. My brother and sister who let me work for them... if I died... who would protect them? Not just that, but it's not like I have people who aren't after them too... I keep the sole peace here... this city is mine. If I left. If I died. So many people would be in danger."
"Hmm... now why do you feel the need to protect strangers? I understand your family, friends and loved ones... but why strangers? You have obligations to them... and the first time you put your life on the line for them... was in that roit almost 9 months ago... and yet... they look at you with fear when they hear your name. Or know your identity... why go out of your way for them...?"
"I have no reason too... your right."
"You also... feel like it's an obligation don't you?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well boy, you likely got some of these parents to resort to drugs. You were a drug peddler, a debt collector and straight up enforcer for us... many families were broken likely cause of what you did before... so I'm sure you also feel guilty. To make amends you want to save as many lives you can... along with taken the lives of who you must..." she sighed. "I don't know what ever going on through that head of yours son... but just keep being you. Make the choices you want. I can't stop you. And it's of no consequence to me in the end."
"Hmph, how reassuring." Drake was in deep thought. She was able to notice.
Drake was in a state of depression. She had to wonder if the toll of his actions is catching up to him. Or was it someone affecting his morals.
"I'll think on what to do next..." Drake said.
"Okay, I'll talk to you later, and please... let me know how I can help you." She said hanging up on him.
Drake was at a crossroads.
The past him, wouldn't think twice on wether to play the good or bad guy. He'd just act.
But now, he was hesitating on what to do next.
The best way to see how he was feeling. Was like a glass filled. And instead of sipping to stop it from overflowing, it remained at the edge and rim of the glass at any point ready to spill over. All while he watched not choosing to do anything when he could.
A knock was heard at the door.
It was Sarah with a plate full of food. "Big brother." She gently opened the door to peak in.
"Hey Lil sis... sup?"
"You haven't come down yet, so I brought food up to you." She said and walked inside and showed him.
"Oh, sorry I was in the phone... it was business." He explained.
"Since I'm here... can we eat together in the bed?" She asked sitting up beside him after setting the plate down on his lap.
"Ha... sure." He grabbed a piece of toast and ripped it in half for to also bite into.
Shed happily take the piece and eat the lovely buttered bread.
Drake really couldn't decide what he wanted to do. He wanted to keep the people safe. It was getting dangerous again. A new faction by the name of Syndicate. Has began making moves. Those who are aware of Drake, are trying to pick fights with him st every turn. He also, reclaimed his seat with his old gang, once a small time gang, now an industrial gaint, The Empire. He was at the center of it all too. His father, a long time Syndicate member in human trafficking. He was the cause of multiple small time gangster back on the streets who were out for revenge. And his return, but him back to work as an enforcer wanting him to clean up threats.
It was trouble after trouble, and he just wanted out of it. Running away, would be best. "Hey..."
He began to ask his sister.
"If we went to live elsewhere... would that make you happy?" He asked Sarah.
"Huh." Sarah was confused.
"Think about it... wouldn't it be better to leave this bad city?"
"I don't think so... my friends would be alone here... and I think you'd be lonely without my sisters... plus... if we just left... what would happen to your friends here? Wouldn't they get hurt without you?"
Drake was surprised by her words. "Now who taught you to be so mature and selfless huh?" He gently pat her head.
Sarah brimming with join, smiled up at him. "You did big brother! Your always so sweet to me... and you also look out for me. Your my world you know!"
Drake, couldn't see what would make her think that. All this that time, he only saw himself as a bad influence to her.
"Your caring like at the mall, you stood up against the bullies. Your a good person because you also kept your promises to me, even if they were small. You also... protect me and my sisters... you keep us safe... even if hurts you. Your a good big brother and the best brother I could ever want." Sarah spoke honeslty.
And Drake. Still felt indifferent. He was glad to hear those sweet praises. But, it was expected of him to do all that. "Thank you sis." He'd eat his food with her. While in deep thought over who he was. It was bothering him. He couldn't see himself in the same way the others did. It just felt like expectation, he was suppose to be this great person, this unstoppable force and great character, but he himself couldn't.
He did, before returning to his old crew. But it seemed like joining back, all his effort, was for nothing. Doing what he hates, felt like it's all he was left to do. He hated that part of himself, that liked the violance. The part of him, the enjoyed his vices. Drake didn't want to be part of this anymore and was forced back because he didn't have a choice.
Running away, only endangered those he couldn't take, and it's not like runner away, wasn't going to stop his father or the other gangs.
Staying, at the very least, puts a wall up between the crime world, and the lives of the innocent. Staying, would improve the lives of so many. But it was costing him his mental health. He was gonna have to kill again. And again. He was gonna need to put his life on the line. Drake, now had everything to lose.
One could agree, Drake was afraid of that.
But, in his frustration.
Another can see. He went from a man that had nothing to lose. To a demon, with everything on the line. Drake, would make up his mind.
To focuse in school first. He'd keep his promise to his mom and dad first. Finish school these next two years.
But, also work on a deal to rearrange his priority. He didn't want to be with the Empire. He wanted to get away from gangs. He promised himself that.
And when, all things are settled. He'd move away. He'd live with his girls in another country or on the other side of the state. He just wanted to leave this place. Behind him. "I'll be back." He told Sarah.
"Huh? Where you going?" She asked.
"To talk to my boss." He said getting up.
He rushed out and after not saying a word to the girls, they looked worried since he just went passed them.
Sarah would come down with a half eaten plate of breakfast which they asked her what had happened.
Drake, was at the top floor. Greeted by the kings lion as he walked around the golden room.
"It's way to early to need something from me dont you think" The king said.
"I'm here to rework our original deal." Drake said.
"Oh. And what it their to change?" The king sat down and looked st him.
"Your gonna let me leave again... only for a while this time... I wanna finish school. And when I'm done... and the girls I'm with choose to go to collage or something, I'll stay instead and serve you again for 4 years. Then... I'll complete be out of the game... can we make that work...?" Drake asked.
"I don't see a reason not to agree, but you'd be without protection from us... but... didn't also a few of your old division come back too? Now your leaving them again? They won't come back a third time... you'd cripple our power... but... how about this... you do work for me... high profile... very dangerous shit... for us... and your out for good. No questions asked. No round about crap either. I mean it. Do some extremely dangerous high profile jobs for us... and that's all." The king seemed way to lenient this go around.
"Seems to... unfair for you to allow..." Drake noticed. "But... alright. I agree... however, only I agree. Not anyone else."
"Whatever. Your the only one I need. Knowing what you can do.... okay... your first task... kidnapping thedaughter of a mafia making waves just uptown of our city. Your gonna torture her in a video call with her father... ultimately... your also gonna kill him. We don't need competition. Do you understand."
"I do." Drake, grit his teeth. Bearing the fact he'd work only a little while longer. "I'll do anything to get out of this..."
"Good to know." The king chuckled. "Go now... I'll send you the personal profile and date this starts... well gather all the information for you like her daily routine and the mafias place of operations. Feel free to still live here until your work is done... I'll tell you this now though... I only three jobs lined up for you... your freedom isn't far."
Drake, found that interesting.
But also felt grateful. It seemed, they didn't need him those nine months he was gone.
That was actually good news really. The place he helped become so powerful can function without him.
"I'll be in my condo then... I'm preparing for a trip soon... in fact tomorrow. So don't let it start until I return." He said to the king.
"Sure... go have fun."
Drake left with his permission.
Drake returned to his condo floor, upon entering he made his way inside a d found himself now being stared at.
"Wanna chat with us for a second?" Rose asked.
"Yeah." Drake went over and sat down.
"You didn't even sit with us to eat, or give us a good morning." Marlene pointed out.
Which, it seemed like they were ready to scold him.
"What's wrong drake?" Noelle spoke up. "I get I haven't been around long, but, I can see something is on your mind..."
"Sorry, if I made you worry, I just had to sort out business with the boss... he made me an offer." Drake began to explain.
After a brief explanation, of both how he felt, which included the chat with Sarah again. And how he was feeling. He then explained his new terms.
Alex looked at Drake annoyed. "Your bottling up your feelings again..." she wasn't like that for too long. "I'm glad you can be open about it this time... and the boss really was that easy going this time?"
"I mean, sure... Remember he was gone for a while. They had to work things out without... which has worked out enough. So that is a good thing." Rose pointed out. "Just means he's closer to his own. Life and peace... I'd say that's a big deal. However the cost..."
"I can't imagine the first job being easy..." Anna said.
"Actually... it is..." Drake said explaining the first job.
Sarah seemed horrified. The idea her brother would have torture a girl. She wast ready to hear that. But she kept queit. All this time, Drake would seem no better than their dad. An abuser and bad person. This person who kept her safe.
How Sarah felt, did alert Drake and the other girls. Marlene was just as shaken up. Seeing him fight was one thing.
"You won't enjoy that will you?" Marlene asked. Seemingly asking for her sake and Sarah's.
"Of course not... and to be honest... my methods aren't are barbarian as you see in movies..." Drake said.
"Then how is your process?" Marlene wondered.
"Sleep deprivation... believe it or not... that's a far more effective for of torture than any device..."
"That does seem tame..." Marlene said. And both her and Sarah relaxed.
Alex and Rose didn't want to add on. Since it would depend on how fast they needed results. Drake, also could be brutal and down right evil if he needed too.
"But how is just sleep deprivation enough?" Noelle wondered.
"For the first job, the boss only wants to make a recently big mafia group up town shut down... I doubt it'll take long too, since if the objective is to shut then down... I can force them to relocate. Without have to torture the poor girl." Drake was in thought.
Sarah felt relieved hearing that. Her brother wasn't gonna kill, and he's trying to actively be peaceful. Still. He spoke of harming people like it's no big deal.
"Sarah, your not scared at you?" Drake asked.
"Huh?! Well... kinda... your saying some scary things..." she admitted.
"You didn't want him to hide anything from you anymore remember..." Alex said to her.
Which got her looks from the other girls. But they knew she was being blunt.
Honesty was the best here.
"Your gonna hear a lot of scary things from me... for a little while..." Drake said. "Can I ask you to forgive me?"
Sarah was left with a choice. It wasn't an easy one. "Does... forgiving you make things better?" She wondered. "Your still gonna get hurt..."
At first, it seemed like she was against him. But, now it seemed she was worried for him.
"I'll forgive you... only if you make it back home safe okay." Sarah said. With tears near her eyes. In her own mind, she just agreed to her brother, being as bad as their father.
She didn't want that for him.
"I'll come home every time. I promise."
His promises to her, he always was able to keep. But her and the girls felt that one. Was gonna harder than any other.
"Okay..." Sarah felt her head patted by Alex.
"We'll be here for him don't you worry."
Sarah, can see he wasn't alone. "Then you all better come back safe to!" She said.
"Of course." They all agreed to high demand of hers.
If they were gonna let Drake go off alone through hell and back, they'd at least go together.
"When is the first job then?" Sarah asked.
Which made Drake chuckled. "Your not part of this kiddo... but... after the trip okay... so we'll still be at the beach this week... when everyone's ready, we should get packing up for it..." Drake said. Reminding her, she didn't have to accept every thing he's doing. While reassuring, they could still relax.
"Okay. And can you help me pack?" She asked.
"Sure... why don't we go to your room." He got up and started walking up to her bedroom.
She's got down and followed behind.
The girls let out a sigh.
"I'm glad he was able to negotiate... but..." Anna spoke.
"He still seems bother by the fact Sarah knows the stuff he does." Alex said.
"I kinda feel for him." Noelle said.
"Your the closest to his situation... can you hunt at what he could be feeling?" Rose asked Noelle.
"Well... when my brother was still around... I did exactly what he was doing... I kept him in the dark... only... I couldn't forever and lost him... I'm sure he doesn't like that she knows. But, I think it's better she does... or else... she might not be here with us. I wonder if he knows that." Noelle, tried to be respectful. And considered things from both sides. Sure secrecy is fine. But, if found out it becomes an exploit of weakness. Here, Sarah was safe as possible.
"True... sorry to have bring that up." Rose said grabbing her hand.
"Oh, it's fine... I've mourned enough... my little brother wouldn't want me to stay sad all that time. So I'm glad to have a little sister to look out for and that I can settle down." Noelle smiled holding Rose by her hand in turn.
"Let's not fall behind." Marlene spoke. "Come on , we should get packing too... have we all thought about lunch? What should we do?"
The girls quickly changed to the new pace, and got up as they chatted about what to have for lunch later. They went to the master room they shared and went into the walk in closet the side of entire new hole room itself as they all stood a few feet apart picking out clothes for there week long trip.
Drake was facing a mental turmoil. He wasn't over the breif depression he was feeling. But, he did hide it well enough. He only thought, he could hide it a bit longer, once his work was done. He could just let go of that guilt. It would be fine after it all over and done with. So he just hid again how deeply he was feeling.
Soon. The girls andd Drake, had backpacks of clothing, and their swimsuits. They would pack light, since the place they would stay wouldn't be so far, and couldn't always shop locally for extra commodities.
They spend the day at home. And for a special reason, the girls decided to spoil Drake. Thinking of treating him to his foods for lunch and dinner.
The next day, they went down to the jeep. Where Drake began to drive off taking them across the city and over to their resort to stay.