The Fox And The Hound: It Should've Been Me

Story by Evil_Copper on SoFurry

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

#4 of Fanfictions

AU: This takes place during the movie when Amos and company arrive home from their first hunting trip together. When you're being hunted, would you turn around and save your hunter.


(Authors note: Hi all, sorry for this, this... not really sure what to call it, but I was given this as a request off Sofurry so I just wanted to start this and make the title mine. This is an AU to the original film, where Chief is hit by a train, trying to catch Tod. I'm not doing to spoil it yet. I'm hoping to make this my longest story yet, but I'm not going to update it on a schedule. Please fav/follow, and please review and let me know how I can improve it. Now, enjoy.)

(PS: I didn't know how to start this so please give some advice. This is merely a draft to posted to keep as a place holder and to show that this is my idea.)

"Look Big Mama, Copper's back," Tod excitedly said as he came to a hold along side the old owl on a fence. His winter had taken to long without his friend, so his rejoice was expected, and once the hound came into his line of sight, he couldn't help but be surprised at his size "Heh, boy has he grown big."

The fox was aware that time changes the way one looks, but hadn't yet felt the effect of time on somebody's character. Widow Tweed had shown her undying love for him, no matter if he was a few weeks old, or just under a year. Big Mama had always been there for him, even when he thought she had left during the snowy season. But Copper, on the other hand, had changed in ways his worst nightmares would never had predicted.

Big Mama gave a small chuckle in response. She was vigilant to the relationship between the unlikely pair of friends, and was worried about the closest thing she had to family. So, she decided to slowly swop the topic around, "Ah huh, hehe, and look at that big pile o' skins he helped track down." She directed her wing to the trailer filled with fur skins off various animals.

"I know Big Mama, he's a huntin' dog now."

"Your right, and you're a fox," Big Mama's usually cheerful persona seemed to be missing, but was replaced with a more stern response.

"Ah, that won't make any difference," the fox sharply responded. Trying to convince himself more then her, he said, "Copper's gonna be glad to see me."

"Well Honey, just don't get your hopes too high..." Her sentence was cut short by an impatient Tod.

"Look, don't worry, I'll be careful. I'll go over tonight when Chief and the hunter are sound asleep."

(Authors note: Once again, this is only a draft and will be altered slightly. Please fell free to give some constructive criticism and idea's on how to re-write this part. The rest of the chapters will be much longer.)


(Authors note: Hi all, sorry for the long wait. This chapter will be longer then the first. Enjoy. PS: My first ever first person piece of writing is in here, please don't kill me if it isn't the best)

Chapter 2:

As night approached, a cool breeze picked up and the long awaited reunion drew closer. Tod anxiously waited for Widow Tweed to open the door as she would every night. Creaking from the front door soon stole the foxes attention and set it on the darkening outside world. He knew that Big Mama's eyes would be on him, so once his paw crossed through the doorway, there would be no turning back.

Once he was outside, Tod gave his eyes a chance to adjust before he began his journey. He set off, but only managed a few paces before his attention was stolen for the second time. Only now, it was set on a rustling noise coming from a tree. A sound of fluttering wings could only mean one thing.

"Good evenin' Tod," greeted Big Mama as she floated down and landed on the fence. " I see you still think that hound dog is your friend."

"Please no. Not this again."

"Honey, I know I won't be able to change your mind, so all I want to say is good luck and be careful." The owl started to sound like Widow Tweed. "Just remember what I told you."

"Well, thanks for understanding. I'll see you later," Tod said as he vanished into the night. His impatience was getting the best of him, he didn't even wait for any sort of response.

The journey had taken very little time, and before Tod could even think of how he was going to approach his best friend, he had reached the fence. A closer look at his, now grown up, best friend brought up many memories. Usually they were all happy and about the two of them swimming, but a slightly darker memory seemed to dull the rest out.

Flashback:

Tod's P.O.V

Looking up at the various shapes, sizes and shades of fur dangling in the shed, I felt my young body fill with sorrow. I had yet to discover the world's cruelty, but the premature finding had made me think of a darker possibility. My mouth opened as the words seemed to effortlessly roll off my tounge, "W-Why that's awful. Those poor things." I lowered my head as I refused to look at the horrible sight before me. The next thing I know, my body was being gently squeezed by the owl beside me, "I'm sorry, Tod."

As I nuzzled into Big Mama's chest, I couldn't stop my ears from perfing up as she started to talk, "Honey, Copper's gonna come back a trained huntin' dog, a real killer."

I shook my head in disbelief, "Oh no, not my friend Copper," I stopped shaking my head to look sure of my statement, "He'll never change."

"I hope you're right, Tod"

"And we'll keep on being friends forever. Won't we Big Mama?"

Opening her wings and sitting me down in front of her, I got the indication of how serious this moment would be. Looking me straight in the eye, the old, wise owl recited words which would etch themselves in my mind forever.

"Darling, forever is a long, long time, and time has a way of changing things."

End of flashback

T.P.V.

Tod rounded the corner, unaware that Copper had heard and caught his scent. The fox tiptoed over to the hound, "Copper," he called out, trying to be loud enough to call get his friend and not his enemies attention. "Pst, hey Copper." Once he saw his friend stand up, he suddenly realized he looked different from their last encounter, "It's me, Tod."

A smile seemed to grow on the hounds face, "I thought that was you, Tod, I heard you comin'." Taking a second to look over his friend, the hound found his size a surprise, "Boy, you've really grown."

"You have too, Copper. I saw you come back with Chief and the hunter."

Copper's face the changed to one more thoughtful. He knew what he had to say, yet he didn't want hurt his childhood friend. He had no choice, "It's great to see you, Tod..." Snorts from the sleeping Irish Wolfhound cut him short, "but, yea know you, you shouldn't be over here." Copper's face changed yet again, but this time to one with more seriousness, "You-You're gonna get us both into a lot of trouble."

"Hey look I, I just wanted to see yea. We're... We're still friends, aren't we?"

The question surprised Copper. Now, he had to make a split second decision which would change his life forever, "Tod... Those days are over. I'm a huntin' dog now." Tod's mouth opened in shock and disbelief. His best friend destroyed a relationship which was as strong as Chief's rope.

Never before has the year-old fox been dealt such an emotional blow. His instincts were telling him to run, but he had become paralysed in pain. He lowered his ears as the broken friendship descended upon him.

Seeing Tod in such and emotionally vulnerable state intently put a mask of sorrow on Copper's face. He began to regret his decision, but knew it was for the best. Realizing that he had nothing left to say, he tried to scare Tod off, "You... You better get outa here before ol' Chief wakes up."

The fox did nothing to hide his pain, "Oh Chief, uhh, he doesn't worry me."

Neither of the two noticed that the old Wolfhound was waking up.

"Tod, I'm serious. You're... You're fair game as far as he's concerned."

Before Tod had a chance to reply, Chief was up and barking at the fox. The only thing holding him back was the rope tied to his collar.

All the commotion had reached Amos Slade's ears. He stood at the door with his 410 shotgun firm in hand. He looked in disbelief at the one fox who always evaded him, "It's that fox again!" Tod ran off into the forest as Amos lined up his target for a shot and fired. He missed. With that He untied his dog's and ran off in pursuit of the orange furred animal.

(Authors Note: So, what did you think? Sorry if it's a bit rushed, but I had a small break and decided to take it. I'm unsure of when the next chapter will be up, but I'm hoping it's soon. Please review.)


(Authors note: Hi all. I'm back. Guess what?... Exams are over! I should have the chapters updated quicker then before but until then, Enjoy my latest chapter. Last time, we saw the Copper had told Tod about his unfortunate feelings towards the two of them being friends, Chief woke up and ran off into the night with Amos and Copper in pursuit of Tod. This is where the twist comes in.)

(PS: Sorry but my VCR mechine had played its last movie, so if some of the parts are off, please forgive me)

Chapter 3

The chase was intense, and took part all over the forest. Tod's small body and quick leg's gave him a speed and agility advantage, allowing him to keep the lead. Chief's vast knowledge and undeniable experience in the forest meant that he was mostly able to keep up. A high jump had became an obstacle that they both had to conquer. Tod knew he would be able to make it, but Chief, on the other hand, was not nearly as nimble or fit as he used to be. For the young fox, it was a matter of three quick and easy jumps to reach the top. For the Irish Wolfhound, it was a lot more time consuming, and after a good few seconds, he found himself on all four's as he charge after his quarry.

By the time Tod had the train tracks in sight, he had opened up a fairly big gap. His short celebration soon died as he remembered he had a new threat. This threat was none other then Amos Slade's new number one hunting dog, Copper. With Chiefs barking drawing nearer, Tod knew he had to disappear, and fast. So, without looking back, the fox turned left and vanished behind a pile of neatly stacked wood. It was mere seconds later when Chief ran past, unaware of the foxes detour.

As the sound of frantic barking was cast further and further, a panting Tod chanced a peek. He stuck his head out from the gap underneath the wood, and faced where Chief had ran. He was gone.

sniff, sniff*

The sound broke his investigation. Once he realized that Copper had not run past, he pulled his head back in and waited. The sniffing drew closer and Tod became more anxious. Then, it happened. A set of four tan brown legs became visible. The legs were accompanied by Copper's face. His nose was planted to the ground and his eyes fixed on the path ahead. He continued to walk until he was out of sight, that is, only momentarily.

Tod soon caught sight of his old friend, only this time, Copper had caught sight of him too. The hounds face was stern, causing the fox to backtrack.

"Copper, Copper!" The hoarse voice of Amos Slade rang grasped the hounds attention. Copper swung his head around and saw that his master was fast approaching, the 410 shotgun still in hand. He turned to look down at Tod. The foxes sad, desperate expression seemed enough to make the bloodhound think twice about hunting his old best friend.

"Tod, I... I don' wanna see yea get killed"

"Track 'im down boy!" Amos shouted out.

Copper swung his head around momentarily. He shook his head as he deliberated on something. He had to do this for Tod. He may have destroyed their friendship, but he was not about to help and his friend . Turning to face the fox again, he said, "I... I'll let you go this one time."

Hastily, Copper ran passed a pile of wood and gave a long loud howl, signalling Amos of his misleading scent. "Don't lose him!" the old hunter shouted as he ran after the hound. The pair then disappeared into the forest.

Tod watched as the pair ran off, and found his cue to make a run for it. He climbed out from under the wood and swung round to make it to the tracks. The fox knew that it track ran past the Tweed farm, but he also knew it was out in the open. As he ran along the track, a grey figure jumped out from behind a rock. The growling grey figure was Chief.

(PS: This is where the AU starts)

"Hehe, I got yea this time," Chief said with a grin on his face. He inched closer, causing the fox to backtrack, "One whole year to finally get yea!"

"C-Come on, Chief. We-we can sort tis out without violence, can't we?" Tod said, fear evident in his voice. The only response he received was a low growl.

Just past the waters edge, a weird vibration stole Tod's attention. Chief didn't seem to notice, when the fox looked up, he saw a horrible sight. Bright lights came up behind Chief and an unmistakable clatter filled the air. It was a sign of a train.

"Chief! Look out!" Shouted Tod , but the arrogant Wolfhound thought of this as a diversion. He stood his ground.

Realizing that Chief wasn't about to move, Tod sprinted towards him and kicked him onto a nearby bridge and soon after felt something extremely hard hit his body at high speed. An excruciating pain swept through his body, as if he had fallen off Widow Tweed's barn roof onto a anvil. He found himself falling, with what felt like concrete knobs, hitting against his body as he rolled down the hill.

And then, darkness...

(Authors note: Please fave/follow or review. I have the next chapter set up, but I don't have the energy to do it now. but it should be up in about a week.)


(Author's note: Howzit going. As I promised, a chapter in the space of seven days. Thanks to the guest for the review, I just hope this chapter answers your hope. Last time, Chief had chased Tod before losing him. His old friend Copper had thrown Amos off his trail. hen Tod tried to make a break for it, he was confronted by Chief, whom he later saved at the near cost of his life. Warning: This chapter can be seen as saddening and contains graphic descriptions that may upset younger viewers (not smut). If you don't mind gore, you can continue. If you do, you can still continue but then please don't complain to me. PS: Tod is a smaller animal compared to Chief, so please don't tell me that he would've only had a broken leg.)

Chapter 4

"You know, You've got one lucky fox, Widow. His injuries should've passed him on," said a man dressed in white and green. The man was well known around these parts for caring about wild animals, and he was particularly fond of the old ladies pet. Widow Tweed gasped at the new information, causing Tod to wake up.

His eyes were a flutter of blinks before they adjusted to his new, yet old, surroundings. He was back in his home, and was laying on the kitchen table. He tried to lift his head to get a better view, but was abruptly halted by an unbelievably scorching sensation in his neck and upper back. Instead of trying to ride the pain out, the fox gently lay his aching head down again and decided to listen in on the humans.

"Dr Mulligan, do you mean to tell me that my fox should be dead?!" Widow half shouted in disbelief.

"Yes. I mean, its quite obvious. He has a broken leg, a badly sprained paw and a few torn muscles. He even has a gash on his head." The pair stood up from the living room and made their way to the kitchen, where they found Tod's eyes were open.

"Oh Tod," Widow said in relief as she leaned down to hold her fox. A pained yip escaped Tod's muzzle as his adopted mother squeezed him too tight for comfort. Letting go of him, the widow thanked Dr Mulligan and showed him out.

Meanwhile, inside, Tod's mind was an undesirable mess of confusion. He had many questions, but his vague memory only answered a few of them, 'This... this is a mess. Looks like I'm stuck for a few more weeks at home. Broken leg, sprained paw torn muscles and a hole in my head. No wonder why I smell blood. How did I get here? I remember being cornered by Chief, but that's about it. Argg, Copper. No, no, no, what have you done? I need to... Ouch!... ow-ow-ow-oowww, that hurts'. Tod found himself being lifted into the air, his muzzle was a blur as he yipped in pain.

"Oh, oh, it's alright dear," Widow said in the hopes that it would comfort him for the short journey to his basket, which it didn't. It wasn't long before Widow gingerly lay him down in his basket. moments later, the fox's exhausted body fell asleep.

Back at Amos Slade's farm, the mood was nothing short of gloomy. Amos may have been glad that he had finally bid good riddance to Tod and Chief may have been glad of no longer having to chase the fox down, But Copper felt completely overwhelmed with guilt. Not only had he destroyed his friendship with Tod, he also did nothing to help him.

While Amos celebrated inside, Chief and Copper lay bitterly in their respective bails. Neither one of them wanted to look at one another, yet they knew they had to work this out. If not, it would only make things worse.

Copper lay with dams in his eyes. He knew his friend was either dead, or close to it. 'Why? Why does it have to end like this?' The tears built in his eyes had now begun rolling don his tan brown cheek. 'Tod, I-I'm so sorry. I-I shouldn't have said the things I did.' His nose became runny and sobbing hiccups filled the air. 'He'll never forgive me.'

As Copper's weeping became louder, Chief's attention shifted to the bloodhound. The Irish Wolfhound had been quiet since the incident, purely out of shock. Never had he witnessed a hunting dog's quarry ever saved their hunter, that is, until now. What really stunned him, was not the fact that Tod had sacrificed himself for the safety of his hunter, but was the fact that his worst enemy had save him.

Turning to face the bloodhound he had come to call his own, he couldn't help but feel like the source of his pain, 'Sonny, this ain't how it was meant ta' be. There ain't nobody who could'a told us 'bout that train.'

Chancing a comforting chat, Chief decided he would see what he could do, "Sonny?"

Without turning to face his adopted father, he coldly responded, "What do you want?" By this time, his tears had subsided.

"Look, I gotta few things I need yea ta' know. Copper, I wanna say sorry. I didn't see how close you was to that fox. Had I know, I wouldn't 'ave given chase."

"Yeah, right"

"Second, there ain't no way we coulda' known 'bout the train..."

"Oh would yea stop lying!" Copper said as he looked over at the Wolfhound, "I could hear it commin' from where I was, I-I even heard Tod warn you!" His voice showed anger that Chief had never witnessed before, "You keep trying to treat me like a pup! You tell me what I can't do and who I can't be friends with! And do yea know what the worst part is?" Copper asked as he stood up with tears rolling down his cheeks again. He looked Chief straight in the eye.

"You're never satisfied. Yea always got this disappointed look in your eyes, as if all I ever do is disappoint you. But don' worry, it won't be a problem anymore."

Without thinking twice, Copper turned around and ran off into the night. Chief just sat there, his soul marinating in guilt. He never knew the full extent of his actions. The only thing going trough Chief's mind, was a thought he had only had once before. The thought was the one thing he would've hoped to never ever have again.

'It Should've been me'

(Author's note: Well, now. Time for some unfortunate news. The next chapter will take a while, as I am trying to complete my other Fox and the Hound story. I know there will be some people out there who will be saying, 'it's not hard to do a few stories at the same time'. I don't have complete access to my computer, so I write a draft the old fashion way. Pencil and Paper. Please fave/follow and even better, review. Until next time.)


(Authors note: Hi all. Sorry for the wait, but I'm sure you know how hectic the festive season gets. Which reminds me, HAPPY NEW YEAR! I know I'm late, but don't worry about that. Thanks to all the favorites/followers and the reviews from Faith, Guests and disnefangirl774. Warning: Beginning has descriptive thought of suicide. Last time, we saw just how badly Tod was injured by the train, as well as the emotional blow it gave to Copper. In this chapter, things might be a little better. But for who?)

Chapter 5: The Pain


The sound of rustling leaves and seemingly weightless paws thumping on the ground were the only things that made a sound. The cold air racing into a pair of bloodshot eyes, eyes that seemed to be accustomed to the flow of tears streaming down the once happy face. Tonight seemed a lot darker and colder then the ones before, causing the running animal to run longer that what would normally be possible.

But, alike all runners, you can never out run pain.

Copper had become exhausted from always running. Running from things he knew he could not change. His body soon gave a last mighty push as it slowed to a dead stop. The shaky legs screaming in agony from the miles of nothing but pure sprinting. His breathing was heavy and deep, deep enough for two. His face, a bank in which a river runs, was now as wet as when he swam with his... with an animal he once cared deeply for.

Minutes past, allowing the hound to catch his breath, as well as allowing memories to catch him. His heart felt as if it were being carved in two.

"No. He's... He's gone," Copper's raspy voice relayed the thoughts he most feared. "He's gone. And it's all my fault. I shoulda' stopped him. I..." His train of thought was interrupted by the sound of rapidly flowing water. He raised his head and looked around, only to find he was at a spot he would never forget. He was staring down at a stream. And dead ahead, was the bridge.

He walked over the edge and further onto the bridge. His pain was too much to bare. He looked to the spot he had last seen his old friend and spoke, "Tod, I... I'm really sorry I couldn't help yea. Now though, it's too late. I can't even see your body anymore. I... It's my fault. ALL OF IT! And there's only one way to make it right."

With that, Copper took a deep breath and let his body fall forward over the side and down into darkness.

But not soon enough it would seem, as an animal of the same size jumped and connected with the falling hound. A pained yipe escaped Copper's mouth as he somehow landed on a ledge with his savior wrapped around him. Pained cries were barely contained from the two lumps of fur. Copper opened his eyes. The only white light he saw, was that of the moon. He looked over and faced his requested savior, only to find him struggling to stand up. It may have taken longer to recognize the grey long haired Wolfhound, but rather predictably, he was reveled to be the one who had helped him escape. Chief.

"Chief, Wha... What are yea doing here?" Copper asked in a surprised voice. It was unusual for his adopted father to run away from home, and yet he now stood before Copper.

"What d' yea think I'm doin' here? Copper, yea 'onestly think I'd just let yea walk off to die?" Chief said sternly.

"I... I dunno anymore,"

"Look, I ain't ever gonna let yea do tha'. Copper, yea have to listen to me. I may not care for much no more, but yea can bet your barrel on me caring for yea." Chief looked down at Copper, waiting for him to sit up. If he was going to do this, he would want it done seriously. The old hound loathed the idea of sharing such delicate information to any of his two trusted family members.

As Copper sat up, the sun began rearing its mass around, and the sky became a little more orange with every passing second. The air now poke of a second day, a day in which new opportunities would arise and new choices could be made. Now, however, none of that mattered. There was a more pressing matter that had to be resolved.

Chief decided to start this as soon as possible, because once it was over, they could return home, "Sonny, if I didn't care for yea, why would I help yea become something better them me? Why would I give yea some o' my food when the master gave yea to little? It's not just because I care for yea, but it's cause we're... Your the closest thing i ever had to family."

"Chief, what about the master?"

"He is family, but it's kinda hard to talk with someone who can't understand yea. Listen, I'll tell yea what, lets get home, have a couple days rest, and if yea really want, we can go back to being normal?"

"Can we scuffle?"

"Maybe,"

And with that, the pair looked down to the spot where Tod lay. Copper knew it was wild to think about his late friend so soon, but he still wanted to know one thing, "If you knew, would you've listened?"

Chief knew this was a sincere question, and one he should take into deep consideration. Copper knew he didn't like the fox one bit, but now that he understood, what would he say? "Yea," was his only response. With that, the two found a dusty path to the surface and a track all the way home.


(Authors note: So, that was unexpected. I really had a problem putting this chapter together, but now, it's done. Some bad news for the readers. This story will have to be put on temporary hold while I adjust to the new grade and also, I've had a few requests for a sequel of my first FATH fanfic 'The Past And The Present.' Now, that does not mean that this will be off the radar, I'll work on it as often as I can. Thanks very much for the support and for more information, please read the last chapter of 'The Past And The Present')

Until we meet again. Cheers ;}


Chapter 6: Feelngs


(Authors Note: Hi all, It's yet another chapter of you favorite story. First off, I just want to say that Faith, I'm sure this chapter will answer your last review, but I can see why it might have been confusing. Copper and Chief merely thing that he is dead, but he will be at home, recovering day by day. Now, in the last chapter, Copper's depression and overall anger took a hold of him, almost sending him into self destruct mode, but lucky for him, Chief was there to save him. Warning: slight graphical descriptions in the beginning may upset some readers. Enjoy the latest chapter.)


As the morning sun slowly devoured the remaining darkness of the night sky, the day seemed sure to be better than the one before. The sound of birds singing filled the air with musical notes which seeped into the old farm house, stirring a slumbering fox. His mind was awake, yet the rest of his body did not follow suit. The previous night's accident had been an adrenalin filled rollercoaster ride, leaving Tod to suffer from exhaustion and pain, immense pain, pain that the devil himself would regret to inflict on anyone.

He lay down for another ten minutes before his eyes fluttered open and allowed light into his dark eyes. He lay motionless, not daring to move an inch. His neck had calmed down to the point where he could lay without discomfort. His lazy eyes scanned the room in search of his adopted mother, who was sitting in the kitchen preparing hot water for her laundry.

Widow too had calmed down, and although she knew it was something she could not help the pain, she still felt obliged to keep her fox as happy as possible.

She turned around and looked over to the limp fox, her heart ached every single time she looked over at once orange fur now painted in crimson, his broken leg laying in a cast, his awkwardly positioned paw. It seemed almost too much to bear, but his soul was still present, and that's all that mattered. She then looked up to inspect his head, only to have the idea washed away by his open, longing eyes. "Oh, Tod. You're awake." She said loud enough to excite her fox, who began waving his tail in bliss with disregard to the pain.


At the Slade Farm, the mood was slow and the air seemed light. The bird's songs could be heard from the neighbouring farm, giving the air some type of uplifting. Copper resting in his barral, trying to take his mind off his best friend, but it did little to no help. The wind was dead, which allowed the smell of booze to hang around as Amos lay passed out in his room. Copper, however, didn't care.

His mind was focused on something more painful. His best friend's dead still body remained etched in his mind. As his boredom crept in, he seemed to dig deeper into his memory.

'Friends forever'

Such powerful words had never meant so much, and yet were said so easily. He knew it would take a while before things returned to normal, so for now, he would have to try his best not to give in to his painful memory.

Copper then looked over at the Wolfhound next to him. His facial expression was unusual. No anger, no disappointment, and no happiness. The only thing any soul would have seen was a hound, whose face showed pure remorse for his past actions. His actions were not by any chance good, and yet if not for the cold actions, he would've realized that this friendship was one as sacred as the master's shotgun. Something which should never be messed with, converted or disturbed at all. This may have been against mother nature's will, but her kind nature seemed to cradle the pair until now. Now father time was the only one left who could help soothe the wounds.

Chief woke up, slowly raising his head to look over at his adopted son. The short sleep seemed to have allowed them both some time to realize that life was never going to be the same again. Copper soon stood up to walk over to his adopted father, unable to hide the fact hat he was in emotional pain. The Wolfhound knew that this was a difficult time for the younger Bloodhound, and instead of chasing him off, allowed him to squeeze into the barrel barely big enough for one of the large dog's. Copper began sobbing into Chiefs fur. His night was horrible, and now, he finally had someone who he could warm up to, show his emotions to and share his pain with.


(Author's Note: Sorry if this chapter came out a lot shorter than normal, but I decided to just inch it forward, piece by piece. So, please Follow/Favorite and review. Until next time.)