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Lachlan's office was warm and it felt good to be out of the rain.

The fox had led me inside and gestured for me to sit in the chair I had sat in for our meeting.

"I was about to head to the gym, but when I saw you in lectures today and walking past outside just now I knew something was up," he explained.

That's one way of putting it, I thought to myself, but I simply nodded.

Lachlan sat down opposite me in his desk chair. He neatly folded his hind-paws and again I was struck by how masculine yet regal he looked.

"Do you want some tea?" he asked, gesturing to an electric kettle sitting on the floor by his desk.

I hesitated, wondering if more caffeine was a good idea.

"I, uh, just had coffee and a milkshake," I said, feeling that my tone of voice sounded embarrassingly feeble.

"There's no pressure," Lachlan replied, fixing me his signature smile where his amber eyes narrow thanks to his cheek fluff and those dimples appear in his muzzle.

Something in his smile made the warm rush happen in my stomach again, but stronger. I'd missed that feeling.

"Actually, yes please," I said.

"I have green tea, fruit teas, let me see," the fox said, standing to reach to a shelf behind him.

I couldn't help but notice the perky and muscular outline of Lachlan's butt through his shorts, but I tore my eyes away as he turned to face me.

"I have mango and bergamot, or blueberry," he said.

"I'll take mango please," I replied.

There was already water in the kettle and I watched as Lachlan retrieved two china cups from a small cupboard by the door.

"It's like they've given you a kitchen in here," I chuckled.

"Laughter is good, it tells me you're feeling a little more relaxed," Lachlan smiled as he placed two tea bags into the cups. "Believe it or not, I don't do personal tutor meetings as a bit of red tape, I am here to look after your welfare too."

"That's good to know," I said. "I'm honestly not feeling too good right now, and I'm really sorry I missed your meeting. That makes me feel even worse."

"It's quite all right, there's no need to feel bad," Lachlan said as he sat down. "I did wonder where you had gone, but please don't feel any guilt."

"Thanks," I said, feeling my tail wag slightly.

"Guilt is a terrible emotion, frankly," Lachlan said as he stood to retrieve the kettle which had finished boiling. I watched as he poured the tea and handed me one of the cups. "Anger and sorrow are emotions we can overcome, but guilt hangs over you, playing at your mind and convincing you you've done something wrong, when in most cases you haven't," he continued as he sat back down.

"Heh, I remember in class you said you knew basic psychology," I replied, taking a sip of my tea. It had a delicate but refreshing taste.

The warmth from the cup was causing my nose to run and I let out a sniffling sound, before splaying my ears with embarrassment. Lachlan didn't appear at all bothered.

"I would stay in here until you are properly warmed up, I don't want you going home with a fever," he said. "It's always warm in this building, a little too warm sometimes if you ask me."

"I don't want to keep you though," I sighed.

"Meh, I'll go to the gym another day," Lachlan shrugged, taking a sip of his tea.

"Which gym do you go to, the campus one?" I asked.

"Nah, the Cygnet Sports Club just outside of town," Lachlan replied. "The gym, spa and the swimming pool are located in the same building, which is easier than the layout of the facilities here where the buildings are a walk apart or on different campuses."

"True," I replied. Without putting my paw on precisely why, my mind was already filing this information away.

"I usually go on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 5pm, and then Sunday morning at 10. It's good to spread it out, although sometimes I go on a Saturday at eleven o'clock, which is what I'll be doing tomorrow."

"Wow, I wish I was that dedicated when it came to working out," I said. "I feel my lifestyle isn't very healthy at the moment."

"You're fine," Lachlan chuckled. "You're certainly not unhealthy by any means."

I realised my paw was shaking slightly so I put my cup down on the desk.

"How are Hudson and Charlotte?" Lachlan asked. The tone of his question didn't sound at all intrusive, but genuinely curious as if he was taking an interest.

"They are both fine," I said. "I saw Hudson just now in fact."

"As I often say, it's good to take comfort in your friends and support each other," he said with a smile before taking another sip of tea. "Especially during hard times."

I was starting to feel warm but my damp hoodie was clinging to the fur on my arms.

"I might take this off," I said, getting to my hind-paws and tugging it off. The hoodie almost tugged my shirt off too and I accidentally flashed my bare torso at Lachlan.

Smooth.

"You know what, I might take mine off too, it's warm in here," the fox said.

He stood and somehow managed to remove his hoodie more gracefully. I admit, although I had been feeling depressed and exhausted all morning, my stomach did a backflip and I felt a rush of adrenaline as Lachlan shed his hoodie to reveal a black Under Armour tank top underneath. It hugged against his chest, highlighting each individual muscle and some firm looking pectorals. I could also see how broad and firm Lachlan's shoulders were, and his arms were just so divinely strong looking.

Fuck all those emotions I felt earlier!

I realised my cock was starting to grow hard and I looked away, trying not to make it obvious I had a bulge in my trousers.

Lachlan appeared not to have noticed as he sat back down. I was worried he would ask the precise reason as to why I was upset, but his next comment surprised me.

"Did you know that Anthony Hopkins is going to be in the Dingo Max movie?" he asked.

"No, I didn't," I admitted. "Let me guess, he's playing Dr Kohl?"

"Absolutely right," Lachlan said, the smile returned to his muzzle. "I found that out this morning."

"Wow, yeah I can see that," I smiled, taking a sip of my tea. "I can't wait to see it when it comes out," I added before splaying my ears. "I forgot to read Dingo Max and tell you my favourite part."

"Don't worry, that's not until our next tutor meeting," Lachlan said with a wink. "And it's not graded either, so there's no need to feel bad if you don't manage it."

I took a sip of my tea and I realised for the first time that day I was feeling relaxed.

"Do you think Hudson and Charlotte would go to the cinema to see it with you?" Lachlan asked casually.

"I don't know, I'm not sure if either of them like it," I replied. "Not that it bothers me."

"You don't often need precisely the same interests to be friends with someone, sometimes personalities click regardless," Lachlan agreed.

I sipped my tea and we both looked out of the arched window to watch the rain fall outside.

"I used to like having tea and watching the rain fall at my grandma's house," I murmured out loud. "Her house is quite old so the windows look similar to this."

"Do you still do this?" Lachlan asked.

"Not since I started at uni, but I will during the holidays."

"That's good," Lachlan nodded. "Family is something to cherish, as well as friends. What's your grandma's name?"

"Verity," I replied.

"Verity," Lachlan repeated, savouring the name. "It's a very pretty name that."

"It is," I mused.

This conversation didn't have the same awkward feeling that my first tutor meeting with Lachlan had had. In fact, I was at ease and talking to the fox felt more natural. I guess I was just relived to be in his office and hear sympathetic words after the last twenty four hours. I wondered if I should ask him about his personal life, but something made me hold off on that.

For now, that is.

I opened my mouth to say more about visiting my grandma when I felt like I was about to sneeze. I tried reaching for a Kleenex in my pocket, but the sneeze never came and I felt aware that I was pulling a funny face in front of Lachlan. The fox didn't laugh or mock.

"Do you feel okay getting home?" he asked.

In truth, my head was starting to ache and I felt exhausted.

"Um, I'm not sure," I replied. In truth, the idea of being driven back was a tempting prospect, but I didn't want to seem too needy.

"How do you get to campus?" Lachlan asked.

"I drive."

"That must make you popular around here," the fox chuckled.

Something about Lachlan's laugh was making the warm rush in my stomach all the more strong. It was a deep but gentle chuckle, which coming from such a muscular guy made it all the more endearing.

"I keep it quiet for that reason," I laughed.

"Well, you're laughing again, that's a good sign," Lachlan grinned. "I didn't have a car in university, I went straight from riding in an APC in Iraq to cycling around the city when I did my doctorate."

"And now you have a motorbike," I tried joking.

"That I do, thanks to Dingo Max," Lachlan replied. "I drove up in the car today though as the weather didn't look too good."

"You have a car and a bike? Woah, you must be rich," I laughed, before wishing I could cram the words back in.

And it was going so well!

Lachlan didn't seem at all offended, in fact he fixed me his signature smile.

"I'm just lucky or fortunate," he chuckled. "I guess I should be more direct, would you like a lift home?"

"Is that allowed?" I asked, feeling unsure.

"In certain circumstances yes, I'm assigned to look after your welfare," the fox replied.

"Okay, well, it's just that I can't leave my car here overnight. They get funny about that," I explained.

"Oh don't worry, I'll give security a call and explained what the situation is," Lachlan said.

I smiled and sipped the last of my tea as Lachlan made the call.

"What's your car registration?" he asked, putting his paw over the receiver.

I gave him the registration, model and colour as Lachlan spoke.

"That's sorted," Lachlan said as he put the phone down.

The fox turned and put his hoodie back on and I felt a mild sense of disappointment as his muscular body was covered by the material. I felt the fabric of my hoodie; it was still damp and cold.

"Here," Lachlan said, shedding his hoodie once again and handing it to me.

"Are you sure?" I asked.

"Yes, I don't want you catching a cold. One of the first things I was taught in the military is get warm and clean clothing wherever you can, no matter the source."

"Will you be warm enough?" I asked, eyeing up Lachlan in his tank top.

"Aye, I keep a spare coat in my car all the time, in case I have a breakdown at the side of the road," Lachlan explained. "Shall we?"

I pulled Lachlan's hoodie on; I wasn't sure what material it was made from, but it was warm without being too baggy. Lachlan gestured for me to step outside of the office and he locked the door behind us.

"I'll deal with the tea cups next week," he said as he locked the door.

I couldn't help but watch Lachlan's muscles ripple and flex beneath his top as we began walking down the corridor and I had to force myself not to get hard again.

The rain had again stopped outside and we walked briskly across the carpark. I carried my damp hoodie under my arm. Lachlan strode confidently ahead but I glanced around, in case anyone could be watching. There was not a soul in sight; most students were back in their dorms or at home. Lachlan led us to a blue Audi A3. He unlocked the doors and I glanced over my shoulder before climbing into the passenger seat.

Lachlan pulled out of the space and began heading to the exit.

"You'll have to direct me," he said.

"Basically head straight down Kingston Road into the centre of Beldover and then I'll give precise instructions," I explained.

Lachlan nodded.

"How did the PhD meeting go, I meant to ask?" I asked.

"Oh, I had a couple of students show up," Lachlan replied as he drove out onto the main road. "One is researching the First World War, and the other is studying North Africa during the Second World War. Neither can decide on a research location though."

"I would like to go to Italy," I said. "If I were able to."

"Well, that may just happen," Lachlan replied. "Not to sound preachy, but I take life with a philosophy of will, rather than were."

"It's not preachy," I said, wagging my tail. "It's a good philosophy to have." I thumped my tail against my chair with an audible bump! "Smooth," I sighed out loud to myself.

"It's fine," Lachlan laughed.

"I was always told as a cub to control my tail," I sighed.

"It's a canine and vulpine thing," Lachlan nodded.

We drove through the centre of Beldover and I settled back into my seat. If anyone had asked me my thoughts on being driven home by a professor I would have said weird or awkward, but in Lachlan's car I felt content and relaxed, especially after the party the night before where the atmosphere had been the opposite. I was feeling so relaxed I almost forgot to direct him.

"Oh, take this upcoming right, the one by the Waitrose," I said.

"Gotcha," Lachlan replied.

We crossed over a bridge that spanned the river and were now at the bottom of the winding road that led up to Aunt Ruth's street.

"You pretty much just follow this road up the hill," I explained.

Shops soon gave way to houses which became bigger the further the road went on.

"It's a nice neck of the woods out here," Lachlan said, gesturing out of the window at the houses. "Nicer than most student accommodation."

"Yeah," I agreed. "The place I was at last night wasn't exactly luxury," but my voice cracked slightly as I remembered the party.

"Something wrong?" Lachlan asked.

"I'm fine," I said, putting on a smile. "Just something I need to let go of I guess, but it's hard given it just happened."

"Well, whatever it is, I hope it stops getting you down soon," Lachlan said. "It was sad teaching class today as I could see how distressed you looked sitting on the front row. I would have spoken to you at the end but Ian wanted to ask a question."

"That's all right," I smiled. "I'm with you now."

My initially thought was that had sounded too romantic, but it felt good to say it out loud.

Fuck feeling awkward.

Lachlan responded with a smile and those cute dimples appeared in his muzzle fur again.

"Oh, this is my Aunt's house," I said, pointing out the driveway.

Lachlan turned onto the drive and I moved to open the passenger door.

"Would you like your hoodie back?" I asked.

"No, you keep it for now and give it back to me later," Lachlan replied. His smile was still on his muzzle.

"Thank you Lachlan, for driving me back. I appreciate that," I said.

"You're welcome Malcolm, will you be able to get your car back?" the fox asked. "If you can't arrange a lift back to campus send me an email and I'll help, but for now take care," Lachlan said as I grabbed my damp hoodie and opened the car door.

"I'll ask my Aunt," I replied as I climbed out. "Thanks again."

"It's no problem," I heard Lachlan chuckle as I closed the door.

I walked up to the front door and turned to see Lachlan pulling off the driveway. The fox waved to me and I waved back as his car reversed back into the street and drove off. I slotted my key into the lock and let myself inside. Aunt Ruth was watching Neighbours in the living room.

"Hi Malcolm, who was that who dropped you off?" she asked.

"Oh, just someone from uni," I replied, telling a small white lie.

"Did you have car trouble?"

"No, I don't feel too well and didn't want to drive," I said. "I might go upstairs and go to bed early."

"Oh dear, you do sound a bit croaky, well there's cough syrup in the bathroom cabinet if you need any," Aunt Ruth said.

I nodded and hurried up the stairs.

As soon as I was in my room I shut the door, dumped my wet hoodie into the wash basket and threw myself down on the bed. My mind was racing to process what had just happened, but I just lay there, trying to bring myself down from the feeling of giddiness. Lachlan's hoodie felt delightfully warm and I snuggled into it. On impulse I pulled my phone out and saw I had a missed call from Hudson. I pressed call back and waited for him to pick up.

"Dude? Thank god, I thought you were dead," Hudson said.

"Dead? No, I just got back," I explained.

"That took you longer, was traffic bad?" the jindo asked.

"No, I got a ride with Lachlan."

There was a moment of silence. I could hear Hudson breathing at the other end.

"What?" he eventually said.

"Lachlan drove me home," I repeated. "I bumped into him after we'd had our milkshakes, we got chatting and then he drove me back as he thought I looked too ill to drive."

"Woah, that's..." Hudson paused and I could him struggling to find the right word. "Crazy," he eventually settled on.

"I feel happier now," I grinned.

"So in the space of a day you've gone from feeling stabbed in the heart over Adam to feeling happy that Foxybutt drove you home?" Hudson asked.

"Yeah," I replied.

"Jeez man, I'm pretty sure there's rules about this."

"He didn't seem to think so," I said.

"Well, are you feeling okay? I mean, you were pretty mad and depressed earlier, and now you sound like you're on cloud nine."

"I think I am," I replied. "I'm going to go to sleep early thought."

"That's probably for the best," Hudson reasoned. "Like I said, just be careful Malc."

"How do you mean?"

"I mean, you just got in his car like that?"

"You sound like my mother," I laughed. "We know him, and we were chatting in his office beforehand."

"Hmm," Hudson mused, not sounding convinced. "I'm just worried about you, that's all. After you got burnt by Adam you're putting yourself out there already, with a professor of all people!"

"I'm not putting myself out there, like a slut or anything," I replied, feeling slightly defensive. "He was worried about me, like you. After feeling so low all day, it was nice to talk to you, Charlotte and him."

"Well, I guess that makes sense, but just don't rush from one emotional state to another is my advice bro, it's probably not good for your mind and soul," Hudson said. "And I'll have to take you on multiple trips to the gay bar in town to drown your sorrows if it all goes wrong."

"Like you taking me to a gay bar is a bad thing," I teased.

"Well, I'm gonna take you there anyway," Hudson chuckled. "I wanna see you dance again. No offense, it's hilarious but cute."

"Um, thanks I guess," I replied. "Anyway, I'm gonna sleep."

"Sleep well dude, message me tomorrow."

"Will do," I said before hanging up.

I lay back on the bed as my mind continued racing. An idea popped into my mind and I mulled it over.

No, that's insane, I tried telling myself, but the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to do it.

I glanced back at my phone and saw Adam had sent me a message.

"No more," I said quietly as I dismissed it.

Instead, I booted up my computer and looked up joining fees for the Cygnet Sports Club.