Into the Sun: Part 7/11-Summer

Story by VoodooRoo on SoFurry

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#7 of Into the Sun


This story contains scenes of a graphic, homosexual nature. If you don't like MxM or under 18 (21 in some areas) or it is illegal for you to view pornographic material in your area, don't read. Otherwise, enjoy! =3

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Early-morning light streamed in across the bed, making the figure under the sheets stir a bit. He cracked one eye at his clock; 7:45. Still forty-five minutes until class.

He got up, swinging his legs over the edge of the bed and yawning. He brushed a strand of brown hair from his eyes and stood up nude. He looked at himself in the mirror on the back of his closet door, rubbing his sheath and testicles absently.

"Looking good," said the jackal to himself.

Vincent turned, grabbing his boxers he discarded the night before from the floor and slipping them on. Not that he needed to cover himself, having a single room, but he did need to go down to the showers before class. He pulled on a dirty T-shirt and made his way down there.

Being so early in the morning, the showers were still deserted. He padded across the tile, relieving himself after setting his shower stuff on the sink counters. He stripped naked again and wandered into the showers, turning the hot water on full blast with a little cold. He was looking forward to the end of the semester; just a couple more days.

He was sorely tempted to paw off as he soaped up his crotch, since he was all alone. But that opportunity was eliminated as the shower room door opened. He tried to will away his growing erection.

Vincent looked over his shoulder and saw Kale come into the bathroom, wearing just a pair of boxers.

"Hey, there," said Vincent, washing soap off himself.

"Hi," said Kale, taking off his boxers without pause and coming into the shower room.

"I've seen you around before, I'm Vincent," said the jackal.

"I'm Kale," said the lynx, getting under the water.

"Right, you're Cody's friend," remarked Vincent.

Kale nodded slowly.

Vincent frowned; the lynx seemed like he was definitely down.

"Looking forward to the end of the semester?" asked Vincent, washing his hair.

"I guess," said Kale.

"Going home for the summer?" asked Vincent.

"Yeah, to the folk's," said Kale, washing himself up.

"Guess you wouldn't want to...I don't know...go out for a little while tonight?" asked Vincent. "Or stay in?"

Kale smirked mirthlessly. "You don't have to beat around the bush. Just come over whenever you want. Bring a few bucks."

Vincent was confused, but went with it. "Okay, it's a date."

Kale shrugged. "Okay."

Vincent turned off the water, toweling himself off and pulling on fresh boxers. He looked back at the wet feline once more, and headed out.

***

DJ dropped his books on the desk, happy it was closing in on his last day of classes. Tomorrow was Friday, and Saturday he'd be on his way home. And he was hoping not alone.

Cody was sitting on the edge of the bed, playing an XBox game.

"Hey, sweetie," said DJ, bending down and kissing him.

"Heya. How was class?" asked Cody, pausing the game.

"Good. Tomorrow we get our test scores, and then it's over!"

Cody smiled, feeling a little sad; he wouldn't be seeing DJ for almost three months. "Yeah."

DJ made a lop-sided grin, figuring he'd wait a bit longer before telling Cody that his parents had said it was alright for the husky to stay the summer with them.

"So...when's your last class?" asked DJ, going through some things, packing up some stuff to get an early start.

"Ends tomorrow at eight," said Cody. "And then Saturday my mom is coming to get me."

"Even with things the way they are between you and your dad?"

"Yeah...," said Cody, averting his eyes.

"Gonna be sort of rough," said DJ.

"Yeah, I know. But, where else can I go?"

DJ smiled a little. "How about with me?"

Cody looked up. "...What?"

"I called my mom and dad yesterday, and they said they'd be thrilled to meet you if you'd come and stay for the summer."

Cody stood up. "You...you mean it? I can spend the summer with you!?"

DJ nodded. "It's all set. You'd just to have call your mom and tell her not to bother coming."

Cody crossed the room at a furious pace, tackling DJ and hugging him. They fell across the bed, Cody on top.

"Okay, okay," giggled DJ. "I can tell you're happy a little."

Cody kissed his muzzle. "I've never been happier. I can't believe your mom and dad are cool with this. They know about...us? Right?"

DJ nodded. "Yup."

Cody kissed him again. "I love you."

DJ's ears perked up now. "What?"

Cody grinned and his white fur turned rosey colored. "I love you, DJ."

DJ stroked Cody's cheek with his paw, holding Cody's paw in his other. "I love you, too."

Cody wagged his tail, smiling. "Never had anyone who wasn't family say that before."

DJ grinned again, wider. "I love you, Cody." He hugged his boyfriend tight. "A lot."

Cody nuzzled DJ's neck, licking his cheek.

"Now, now, no foreplay," chided DJ.

Cody leaned up and fake-pouted. "And why not?"

"Well," began DJ, playing with Cody's belt, "my classes ARE done for the day."

"Mmm," hummed Cody, starting to take DJ's shirt off. "Let's start our extracurricular activities."

***

Race zipped up his pack, trying to pack the bulk of his stuff before Lance came back from class and saw he was packing. He still hadn't told Lance what he was doing.

He popped one of his painkillers before tossing it into his pack; his headaches had subsided, but he knew it was far from being better. He hadn't told Lance about that, either.

The lock clicked behind him, and he quickly slammed his suitcase shut as Lance walked in. "Hiya," said Lance, smiling.

Race forced a smile. "Hey there."

"Doing some early packing?" asked Lance.

"Uh...yeah," said Race. "Want to get out of here nice and early."

Lance set his class things down. "Sounds like a good idea to me. We'll get home nice and early. My folks made up the spare room for us. I'm guessing you still don't want to stay with your parents?"

"Um...no, I guess not," said Race quietly, not looking at Lance.

Lance furrowed his brow. "Everything okay, sweetie?"

"Yeah, everything's fine," replied Race. "Just exhausted after a long semester, I guess."

Lance nodded. "That's understandable. I'll tell ya what. We'll go out to a nice dinner for our last night here, just me and you. Because as soon as our classes are done tomorrow, we are out the door and gone from here."

Race smiled weakly. "Sounds great." He zipped up his suitcase. "Just a few more things and I...we'll be gone."

"With three whole months of no thinking at all," said Lance, coming over to Race and wrapping his arms around his mate. "We'll just have us."

"Yeah," said Race. He gently pried Lance off of him. "Gotta go to the bathroom, be right back."

"Alright, I'll be here," said Lance as he walked out.

Lance watched Race walk out, closing the door behind him. Lance sat on the edge of the bed, never having been so happy that the end of a school year was in sight. This had been quite an experience the last few months. But they'd made a few new friends, and had a lot of fun, so it hadn't been all bad. He was even thinking he may want to join a few clubs or something when they got back and really get into the social life of the college.

He sat on the edge of the bed, waiting for Race to come back. The collie hadn't really seemed to have been himself lately. The last couple weeks, he'd been so distant and distracted, like his mind was somewhere else all the time. Even when they were making love, which hadn't been often, it didn't seem like he was all the way there.

The fox lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling. Maybe he was losing interest. Maybe Race just wasn't in love with him anymore.

But that was silly...wasn't it?

The door opened and Race walked in, wiping his paws dry on his shirt. "So," he started. "What should we do for our last day here?"

"Well, we could over to the student center, see what's going on, who we can run into," suggested Lance.

Race nodded. "Sounds like fun." He opened the door again, Lance coming over and walked out with him, locking the door behind them.

The two of them walked down to the entrance, going outside. It was around lunch time now, and a lot of furs had a break from classes at this point. Most were standing around, chatting with one another about plans for the summer, some talking about meeting up so they could visit, or swapping phone numbers and screen names. Some were even over packing their cars, either leaving early or getting ready to go as soon as possible in the morning and beat the rush.

"How long does it take to get home?" asked Lance, having slept most of the way down.

"Probably about five hours," said Race, shielding his eyes from the late June sun. Days were definitely getting warmer as the advent of summer set on.

"Hmmm...guess we could get home by around six or seven then after our last classes," mused Lance.

"Sounds about right," said Race, opening the door to the student center, letting Lance in first.

The student center was crowded and loud. Lots of furs were eating lunches they'd bought elsewhere and brought in with them, or making last-minute work or adjustments to term papers due in the morning.

"Lots of students are going to be burning the midnight oil tonight," said Lance, looking around for a friendly face. The only fur he knew was a wolf he'd seen around the locker room at the swimming pool; Lucas, or something like that. He was sitting next to another male fur, talking to him, and then slipped him a piece of paper discreetly. He walked away, waving over his shoulder and flicking his tail at him.

"Pathetic," murmured Lance.

"What?" asked Race.

"Nothing," replied Lance. "Hey, is that Cody over there?"

The husky was sitting at a table by himself, looking over his shoulder in the opposite direction.

"Let's go say hi," suggested Lance. "Hey, Cody!"

The husky looked over at them, smiling. He waved to them, motioning for them to come over.

"Hey, guys," he said, as they sat down. "What's up?"

"Well, we're just enjoying our last day here," said Lance. "We're going to be leaving around noon, tomorrow."

"Oh," said Cody. "We're not leaving until Saturday."

"We?" asked Lance, raising an eyebrow.

Cody smiled. "DJ's parents said I could come stay the summer with them."

"That's fantastic!" exclaimed Lance. "Good for you guys. But what about your parents?"

Cody shrugged. "Have to call Mom later and tell her not to come and get me, and why."

Lance nodded. "Won't be easy."

Cody averted his eyes, looking down. "Yeah..."

"Hey, you two," said DJ, coming over with a tray of food. "Long time, no see."

"Yeah, we've all been pretty busy, I guess," said Lance. "I heard the good news."

DJ put his arms around Cody. "Yep, I get my guy to myself all summer." A bulldog and doberman sitting behind them glared over their shoulders at the two of them.

Lance smiled, poking Race. "Me, too."

Race managed a half-smile.

"And tomorrow I'll need a nice, long rest," said DJ. "Have my last swim meet of the semester tonight; it was supposed to be two weeks ago, but the other team's bus broke down. Seems kinda dumb to hold it on the night almost everyone is probably just STARTING their papers, but, whatever. Mine are all finished."

"Still have a couple pages on mine," said Race.

"So I guess you're going to be over there cheering him on, huh?" asked Lance to Cody.

Cody nodded. "Yup, for sure."

Lance grinned. "Maybe we'll stop by later on, then. We're going to do dinner, but we'll see about afterward."

DJ munched on the food he'd brought over, giving a plate to Cody. "I don't know what we're going to do until my meet, but I'm sure we'll think of something," said DJ, winking at Cody.

"Come on, hun, it's been twice already today," said Cody quietly, smiling and giggling.

"Well we can break our record and go for four," said DJ seductively, tickling Cody. The husky giggled more until the otter stopped.

"Looks like you two could use a little alone time," suggested Lance. "I'd say the end of the semester is having quite an impact on you two."

DJ grinned again. "Just can't get enough of my guy."

"Well, looks like you two know what you'll be doing until DJ has to go tonight," teased Lance. "Maybe I can interest Cody in a game of pool real quick?"

The husky perked his ears. "Sure!"

Lance smiled and got up with Cody, go over towards the surprisingly empty pool table. They had a couple furs give them dirty looks as they set up.

"So I guess you and DJ are doing well, huh?" asked Lance, racking up the pool balls.

"Yeah," said Lance, chalking his cue stick. He leaned over and hit the cue ball, breaking the cluster.

"I feel like Race and I are drifting apart," said Lance, suddenly.

Cody looked up. "What?"

"The last couple weeks...he's been so distant. Even certain...activities haven't been the same," replied Lance, glumly.

Cody said nothing.

"And I don't know if he still loves me," said Lance, quietly.

"Of course he does," assured Cody. "It's the end of the semester; I'm sure his mind is just elsewhere."

"Maybe," said Lance, still not totally convinced.

"Come on, let's get our game in, so you two can go out."

***

Cody took a breath, and removed the handset from the cradle and dialed his home number. Five rings, a female voice answered.

"Hello?"

Cody took another breath. "Hi, mom."

"Cody!" she exclaimed. "I'm glad you called, I needed to know what time to come and get you Saturday."

He sighed. "That's sort of why I'm calling. I...I don't need you to come get me anymore."

There was just silence.

"Mom?"

"I'm here," she said.

"I'm going home with DJ for the summer; his parents said it was okay."

"They did..."

"Mom--"

"This is because of your step-father, isn't it?" she asked quietly.

"Yeah...yeah it is," he replied. "I don't think I can be there with him for the summer. I'm...sorry."

"No, I understand," she said. "Will you at least come visit a bit?"

"I...don't know," he answered. "I'll call, though."

"Okay."

"Bye, mom."

The other end of the line just clicked.

Cody hung up the phone, then pressed the palms of his paws into his eyes, determined not to cry.

***

DJ sat on the edge of the bed; it was nearing five o'clock, and he'd have practice in about two hours. His swim gear was packed neatly into his duffel bag as usual. He knew Cody always got yiffy on swim days when he saw DJ in his swim speedo. Not that DJ didn't get turned on himself when he saw other guys in their swimsuits, but no one held a candle to Cody in his opinion. He figured around three would be when he got back from practice.

He leaned back a bit, putting his paw down his pants and rubbing his sheath absently. He closed his eyes and murred. He usually pawed off a couple times a week; he didn't usually need to with Cody around, but sometimes he just got so horny. He stuffed his finger down inside his sheath, rubbing his hardening member, but not letting it free of it's furred prison. DJ rubbed his cockhead, undoing his pants' buckle and zipper with his free paw. He slipped his pants off, getting his boxers off as well, still with his finger stuffing his sheath. He managed to work a second digit in as well. He rubbed his fingers up and down the underside of his member, closing his eyes and sighing contentedly.

DJ jumped a bit and opened his eyes when the lock clicked and the door opened. Cody stepped inside, closing the door after him.

DJ blushed a bit and grinned. "Sorry, couldn't wait. Thought I could finish before you came back."

"That's okay," said Cody, sitting on the bed next to DJ, looking down now that DJ had released his cock, which was throbbing in his paw.

"You okay?" asked DJ, holding Cody's paw.

"Yeah, I'm fine," replied Cody. "Just...didn't go how I planned I guess."

"I'm sorry," said DJ.

"Ah, don't worry about it," said Cody. "It looks like you need some help there."

DJ smiled. "Well, only if you want to."

"Of course," replied Cody, getting up and stripping naked. He got on the bed on his hands and knees, lifting his tail and showing his tailhole. "But I'll let you do all the work," he said, grinning from ear to ear.

DJ got up, kneeling behind Cody. "I can handle that." He gripped Cody around the waist, pressing his cockhead up against Cody's rear end. "Is my doggie ready?"

Cody nodded. "For the third time."

DJ laughed a bit as he pressed his cock inside Cody's rear end. Cody grunted as he was penetrated by the guy he loved most.

The otter always loved the feeling of that first slide in. When the husky's ring tightened around his shaft, and he felt that warmth spread down across his cock as he pushed himself as deep inside his lover as he could. DJ grit his teeth as he spread Cody open, hilting himself inside.

"How's that, love?" he asked, just staying inside his boyfriend.

"That's great," said Cody, breathing deeply. He clenched his tailring around DJ's cock, the otter shivering a bit at the feeling and flex around himself.

The otter slid himself back out of Cody, stopping just at the spot where only his cockhead remained inside of Cody, lingering there for a moment, then eased himself back inside.

"Mmmmf...I love having you inside of me," murmured Cody, arching his back and closing his eyes, letting his tongue loll out.

DJ held on tighter to Cody's waist, getting himself all the way back inside, feeling his member pressing against the walls of Cody's insides. "Such a good pup," he said, rubbing his back.

Cody yipped a bit and nodded. "Mmm-hmm." He pressed his rear end back against DJ's pelvis, trying to get his boyfriend deeper inside of himself.

DJ started to hump Cody's rear, pumping himself back and forth, slowly, then quickly, then slowed down again. Cody was absolutely electrified by DJ when he rubbed against his prostate, precum dripping off of his cockhead and to the bed.

"Pup looks a little happy down there," remarked DJ, looking around Cody's legs and at his cock.

Cody looked over his shoulder and nodded.

DJ rested himself on Cody's back, Cody leaning off his knees and into a prone position, his tailhole tightening around DJ's cock. He kept his cock off the bed, DJ reaching down and wrapping his paw around Cody's member. Cody murred a bit at the feeling, even more when DJ started mounting him and pawing him at the same time, jerking his paw up and down the husky's cock in time with his humping.

"Murr...I love you, sweetheart," said Cody.

"I love you, too," whispered DJ in Cody's ear, biting him on the neck. Cody gasped, flexing his cock and tailhole.

"G-getting close, hun?" Cody managed to get out.

"You bet, lovey," said DJ, nibbling a bit on Cody's shoulder.

DJ was trying to slow himself down, to come at the same time Cody would since he'd started pawing the husky off after he'd started. But he was already so on edge, he didn't know how much longer he could last short of just stopping. Three times in one day hadn't left him with much stamina left. His cock was flexing inside of his canine lover, ready to release himself.

"Go ahead, hun," murmured Cody, "whenever you're ready."

"O-okay," stammered DJ, feeling his semen course up through his penis. His cock spasmed,

releasing his seed inside of his mate. His warmth spread throughout Cody, seeping out of Cody's tailhole and dribbling onto the bed; thick, warm droplets of cum dripping out of Cody.

"Mmmf," said DJ when his orgasm had passed. He had stopped pawing Cody while he was cumming.

"Otter feel better?" asked Cody, smiling.

"Very much," replied DJ, also smiling. He encouraged Cody to sit up, both of them getting back on their knees, then he leaned back, still inside of Cody, so he was sitting back with Cody in his lap. He reached over Cody's hips, gripping his husky-cock again. "Now let's see if we can finish you." Cody just closed his eyes, nodding.

DJ grasped his boyfriend tightly at the base of his cock, just under his now-exposed knot. He squeezed a bit, knowing he was doing the right thing when Cody took a deep breath, exhaling slowly. DJ smiled at Cody's reactions, pumping his paw slowly up and down his cock. He could feel every flex and twitch on his paw, rubbing at the husky's cockhead delicately in small circles. His path back and forth was slicked up a bit by Cody's pre-cum dribbling down the underside of his shaft.

"Murrrrrr...," moaned Cody, arching his back and letting his jaw hang slack. He toes curled and uncurled as DJ worked to bring him to climax.

"That's a good pup," whispered DJ, stroking his belly as he stroked his cock. "Just let it all come out."

Cody whimpered and moaned in pleasure, his cock stiffening from his knot to his head, the length of his shaft going numb, twitching a bit. His put his paw over the one DJ was rubbing his belly with, mingling their fingers together, holding paws. DJ kept pawing Cody with his other paw, noticing Cody bucking his hips and his cock twinging. Cody felt his balls pull up close against his body, his climax impending.

"Umf...," Cody exhaled, feeling his cum rapidly pushing up through his shaft. His length spasmed hard, his fluid gushing from his cockhead, shooting across everything from DJ's paw to the bedspread. His hot, sticky semen dripped down his shaft, over DJ's fingers, slowly sliding over his own furry testicles.

"Ooh," said Dj, licking his paw clean. "Looks like someone was all pent up; and that's after three times already."

Cody laughed, blushing. "Yeah."

DJ leaned forward and licked his cheek. "Guess I should get ready; they'll want to do warm-ups first."

"Okay," said Cody, leaning back against his lover. "In a minute." He put his paw over DJ's that was still on his belly.

DJ smiled, putting his other paw around Cody, snuggling up close with him. "I love you, sweetie."

Cody swished his tail back and forth. "Love you, too, hun."

***

The sun was just starting to set when Lance and Race went downstairs to the parking lot, jumping in the car and heading off.

"So where is this place you want to take me?" asked Race, looking over at Lance.

"It's a surprise," replied Lance, grinning from ear to ear.

"And relinquishing my car keys to you doesn't even earn me a hint?" asked Race teasingly.

"Nope!"

Lance drove down the main street of town. Race was just looking out of the window, watching everything pass by them. He wondered when it was all of this would feel like a distant memory; something that he once used to know about, but couldn't quite remember it all.

"You okay?" asked Lance, looking over at his boyfriend.

"I'm fine," said Race quietly.

"Noticed your headaches haven't been as bad lately," said Lance.

"Yeah...they're going away."

Lance nodded. "That's good."

"...Yeah."

Lance sighed. He still didn't know what was bothering Race, but didn't want to ask. Race had always been so personal, never liked to talk about his feelings or what was going on with him. Lance had learned awhile ago to just not ask; when Race was ready he'd come to him with it.

They turned a corner, stopping at the corner. "We're here."

Race looked up. "No, way..."

They had stopped in front a 50's-style burger joint. A large neon sign out front with pink coloring proclaimed it as 'Kelly's.'

"When I called my mom a few days ago, she told me the one that closed was moving out here," said Lance. "Took awhile to find it, but I figured you'd like it."

"It's...just like the old place," said Race, awe-struck. "Where we used to hang out."

Lance smiled. "Well, come on! I'm hungry!"

The two of them got out of the car, walking to the front door. Lance grabbed Race's paw, giving it a little squeeze. Race looked over at his mate, smiling a little. He didn't know how he was going to do this tonight.

How was he going to tell Lance he was leaving him?

***

The smell of chlorine was, as much as Cody tried to deny it, becoming a turn-on for him after all the times he and DJ had snuck into the poolhouse after dark. Especially when it was the place where he had first been taken by DJ.

He could see his otter down on the deck, a pair of swim goggles draped around his neck, and his speedo leaving nothing to the imagination; not that Cody had to imagine. DJ always turned him on so much in that speedo. The otter bend over, touching his toes, and Cody felt a spark run from his tail to his ears, and had to cross his legs.

DJ lined up on the starting blocks. Three swimmers from their team were on the blocks, and three from the opposing team. Lucas, the wolf Cody had seen around a bit, was on the block next to DJ. DJ pulled his goggles up onto his eyes, looking determined.

"GO!" shouted the ref, pulling the starter's pistol.

DJ flew off the block, getting a better start off than the other five immediately. Everyone was up on their feet from both teams cheering and shouting.

"Go, DJ!" shouted Cody, watching his boyfriend tear through the water like it was nothing. He hit the opposite wall, spinning in the water and kicking off, heading back in the opposite direction. He was a good six seconds ahead of the next closest swimmer, which was Lucas.

DJ hit the originating wall, tagging it and treading in the water, the crowd cheering for him. Cody grinned, waving down to DJ, and grinned even more when DJ waved back.

The swimmers hauled themselves out of the water, toweling off and heading to their respective locker rooms. Cody watched DJ rear end for as long as he could before he disappeared.

Inside the locker room, DJ peeled off his swimwear, having done his last lap for the night.

"Not bad out there," said one of his team mates, a leopard, patting him on the shoulder.

DJ grinned. "Thanks."

"Yeah, you way ahead of everyone else!" exclaimed a wolf. "They looked like they were standing still!!"

DJ blushed. "Nah, wasn't THAT far ahead..."

"Well maybe you should cool it out there," said Lucas from over at his locker, wrapping a towel around himself. "Don't need any show-boating out there."

"Hey, you brought me on here to win," started DJ. "And that's what I'm doing."

"And making a big deal out of it," replied Lucas. "Guys like you are all the same."

"I've never once mentioned my own winning," said DJ evenly, feeling his anger rise.

Lucas snorted. "Well, then..."

"Maybe you're just jealous," prodded DJ.

"Jealous!? Of YOU!!? Ha! Don't make me laugh," said Lucas derisively. "Some little upstart like you will never out-do."

"Well he did beat you in every heat in the last five races," said the leopard. "He's come close to beating your record more than once."

Lucas said nothing, getting dressed. "I'd love to stay here and entertain you a bit more, but I have better things to do." With that, he stormed out of the locker room, almost bumping into Cody. The husky watched him go, then slipped in.

"Hey, sweetie," said DJ, putting his swimwear away and getting dressed. He leaned over and kissed Cody.

"I'm going to go back to the room early," said Cody. "Start packing stuff up so we can get out of here a day early maybe."

DJ nodded. "Sounds like a good idea to me."

Cody smiled. "Okay, I'll see you when you come back."

"Shouldn't be too long," said DJ. "They're going to give out medals, then that's that pretty much. I'll be along soon."

Cody kissed DJ again, then slipped back out of the locker room. He crossed the deck carefully and walked back outside into the night air. Stars were out all across the sky, and a light breeze brought the warm air to Cody's face.

He took a right instead of heading straight across to the dorms, taking the long way. A path wound around through a small park, dimly lit with lights overhead. He stuck his paws in his pockets, walking along.

The husky stopped, tilting his head a bit. He would've sworn he'd heard pawsteps somewhere nearby. He looked all around him, but he was by himself. Cody moved on.

Again, he thought he heard rustling nearby. And hushed voices that stopped as soon as he did.

"Hello? A-Anyone there?" he asked, timidly, tucking his tail between his legs. No response came back to him.

He turned, moving a bit faster now, looking over his shoulder. He turned back around, and was hit under his muzzle, hard. His head flew back and he landed on his butt on the ground. He rubbed his muzzle, looking up at the two figures standing over him.

"Check it out, it's the fairy from the cafeteria," came one voice.

"So it is," came the other.

Cody could just barely make them, partly due to darkness, partly due to the damage to his head. He could see it was the Doberman and bulldog from the cafeteria that had been sitting behind them, the same bulldog who had referred to Bryce and Gerald as 'fags' at their dorm meeting.

"W-what're you guys doing?" asked Cody, meekly.

"Shut up, fag," said the bulldog, smacking Cody across his face. Cody whimpered, looking down at the ground.

"Guys like you are disgusting," muttered the Doberman. "We're gonna fuck you up."

"And not in a way you'll like," added the bulldog.

Cody whimpered and whined as they moved in closer.

***

Race and Lance got out of the car, Race stretching his arms over his head.

"Tired?" asked Lance.

"Yeah, sort of," replied Race. "I think I'll take a quick walk before I come up, okay?"

Lance nodded, watching Race walk off.

Race walked across the quad, lost deep in his thoughts. This was going to be the hardest night of his life. Leaving the guy he'd fought so hard to be with back in high school; but it wasn't fair to make Lance deal with what was coming. Could he seriously expect Lance to throw his life away just to take care of him? He'd probably be relieved Race was leaving.

The collie walked past the pool building, trekking across a small path. He was surprised more students didn't come back here; probably a popular make-out spot.

He turned his head, pricking up his ears. He could hear whimpering coming from somewhere, and not the kind involved in a make-out session.

Race jogged up the path, managing to make out words here and there. "--fag--beat you to death--" He clenched his paws, knowing what he was going to find.

He cornered, and saw and Doberman and bulldog standing over a curled up figure with his paws over his face, the two other furs kicking him about the back and gut.

"Hey!" shouted Race.

The two looked up at Race, sneering. "What?" snarled the Dobie.

"What the hell is going on here?" demanded Race.

"Just a little gay bash," replied the bulldog off-handedly. "None of your business."

Race clenched and unclenched his paws. "I'm making it my business now," he said, lowly.

The Dobie and bulldog looked at each other, then back at Race. "Oh, really?" asked the Dobie, both of them stepping over the fur on the ground.

"Yeah," said Race evenly, sliding his sleeves up. "Fuckers like you are what put my boyfriend in the hospital in high school. Dumb ass, narrow-minded pricks like you are what make life hell for furs like us."

"Oh, so no wonder; you're just defending your fellow queer," smirked the bulldog, moving to Race's left, the Dobie moving to his right. Race didn't move, keeping both their movements in check. He also was watching the figure on the ground, and was shocked when he rolled over.

"Cody!?" he gasped out, not moving, knowing as soon as turned his back to his attackers he was dead. He glared at the Dobie. "I'm not letting another one of my friends get hurt...not by you...or anyone." He suddenly spun on his heels, changing focus to the bulldog and catching him fully off-guard. Race bared his fangs, snarling, "I'll kill you!"

***

DJ opened the dorm door, dropping his swim stuff on the bed. He clicked on the light, surprised to find he was alone. "Cody?" He opened the bathroom door; no husky.

Where would he have gone? DJ asked himself. It wasn't like him to just take off.

There was a soft knock at the door. DJ opened it and gasped. "Cody!"

The husky was being supported by Lance and Race. DJ stepped aside for them to come in, the two of them setting Cody on the bed, who was still awake and moaning in pain.

"What happened!?" asked DJ.

"Couple of creeps jumped him," replied Race, a noticeable tone of disgust in his words. "I caught them." He licked the back of his paw, which had a couple red stains. "They won't be bothering him again."

"Race, I...thank you," said DJ, sitting on the bed next to Cody.

"We took him to the campus infirmary," remarked Lance. "They said nothing was broken, and no lasting damage."

"What did you tell them?" asked DJ, taking Cody's paw in his.

"That he was jumped," replied Lance. "Though we left out the fag-bashing part."

"Why?" asked DJ, looking over his shoulder now. "The campus should know about this!"

"We've got experience in this," mumbled Race. "They won't do shit."

DJ said nothing, knowing the 'experience' Race was talking about.

Cody moaned and tried to sit up. "...DJ?"

"I'm here sweetie," said DJ, squeezing Cody's paw. "Right here. Don't sit up, just relax."

"Unnf...my back and stomach hurts," murmured Cody.

"I'll get you some aspirin," said DJ, going to the bathroom and getting and a glass of water and pills. "Thanks again, guys. I really appreciate this." He tipped Cody's head up to get a drink and take the painkillers.

"Don't even think twice about it," said Lance, squeezing DJ's shoulder. DJ put his paw over Lance's, looking at his boyfriend. "He'll be okay in the morning; just a little sore," assured Lance.

DJ nodded. "Yeah."

"We're gonna get going, but we'll check on him in the morning before we leave, okay?" said Lance.

DJ nodded again. The other two furs quietly slipped out the door.

DJ lay down next to Cody, brushing his hair out of his eyes, seeing some dried blood around his nose.

"I'm...sorry...," said Cody, quietly.

"For what?" asked DJ, puzzled.

"It's my fault...I took the long way around," said Cody. "Should have gone that way..."

"Stop that," said DJ, sternly. "It was those assholes; they'd probably been following you. You're the only one not at fault. If anything, I shouldn't have let you go out alone after dark."

"Not your fault, either," Cody managed to get out. "You going to stay here."

DJ put his paw back over Cody's. "All night, sweetie."

They gently cuddled up against each other, Cody quickly falling asleep.

***

Lance sat on the edge of the bed, sighing. "When will furs like that stop existing."

"Not as long as we do," said Race. "We're different; they can't accept what's not just like them."

Lance sighed again, lifting his legs up onto the bed, laying on his side. "C'mere."

Race laid down in front of him, Lance putting his arms around Race. "That was very brave, what you did tonight."

"Anyone with a sense of moral would have done it," replid Race, taking Lance's paw in his.

"Not everyone," said Lance, licking Race's cheek.

"All I saw when I saw Cody laying there...was you laying in that hospital when those creeps got a hold of you in that bathroom," muttered Race, darkly. "I just...lost it."

"I didn't even see what you did to them; they were gone," said Lance.

"Probably for the best you didn't see them," Race said softly. Lance just hugged him tighter.

"Lance, I...we need to talk about something," said Race, suddenly.

"What?" asked Lance, his stomach hardening into a lead weight in his gut.

Race broke their embrace, sitting up. "Lance, you know I love you, and I always will, but...I have to go."

Lance felt his heart crumble in two. "You...you're leaving me?"

"I have to," said Race. "When I went to the doctor's, they told me I have an inoperable eye tumor. In little over a year, I will be completely blind."

"Aren't there transplants, or therapy, or--?" started Lance, but Race cut him off.

"I've looked into it all. The transplant, if I can get one in time, only has a forty percent success rate. And the chemical treatments will kill the nerves anyway. I'm going to lose my eyesight, Lance, and there's nothing to stop it."

Lance tried to fight back his tears, still feeling some streaming off his eyes. "But...I don't care! I want you here with me..."

Race shook his head. "I can't ask you to do that. You'd be throwing your life away, and it's just starting." His paw traced across Lance's cheek. "Someday all I'm going to have are memories of what you look like, and that will be all."

Lance held Race's paw tightly to his face. "Then stay here, and make as many memories as we can."

Race let his paw linger there, but slowly withdrew it. "I'm sorry..." He bent down, grabbing his bags. "I'm leaving tonight. I called your mom and told her you'd need a ride tomorrow; didn't tell her why."

"W-where are you going? Aren't you going home?" asked Lance, his voice breaking in spots.

"No," replied Race. "My parents are giving me the rest of my college fund to go on a trip; to go wherever I like, and see whatever I can before it's all gone to me."

"So I can't even see you over the summer?" asked Lance, his tears flowing freely now.

"No," said Race, turning to go. "I'm sorry Lance."

Lance got off the bed, quickly crossing the room and throwing his arms around Race. "I don't want you to go!" he sobbed, squeezing tightly. "It...it's not fair!"

"I know," said Race, putting an arm around Lance. "I know it's not. It's not fair to you, or us. But it's not fair to expect you to deal with this. It'll hold you back so much."

"I'll take care of you," said Lance quietly. "You know I would."

"I know, and that's even more of a reason why I need to leave," replied Race, gently pulled from Lance. "If you want me to, I'll call you, okay?"

Lance sniffed, wiping his nose. "You will?"

"Of course," said Race. "If you still want to be friends...if you want."

Lance sniffled. "Yeah....I would want to."

Race leaned in and kissed Lance. "Bye, Lance." He opened the door and slipped out, closing it quietly behind him.

Lance felt numb, everything inside of him was just gone, empty. Like nothing was ever there.

Then it all crashed it, and he fell on his knees, crying hard.

***

A soft knock at the door made Kale pick his head up from the book he was reading in bed. He put it down, crossing the room and opening the door.

"Heya," said Vincent. "Can I come in?"

"Sure," replied Kale. "Got a few bucks, right?"

"Uh...yeah," said Vincent, closing the door behind him. "Nice room. Got yourself a single, huh?'

"Yeah," said Kale, sitting on the bed, taking off his shirt. "I'm not much for chit-chat, just whatever it is you wanted to do. Did you want me to blow you? Or should I take my pants off, too?"

Vincent raised an eyebrow. "Well, this isn't usually how my first dates go, but you won't hear me complaining," he remarked with a chuckle.

"What're you talking about...date?" asked Kale quizzically.

"Wasn't that the point of this?" asked Vincent.

"I thought you were coming in here for the same thing everyone else was," said Kale.

"I...uh...think there's been a bit of confusion," replied Vincent, feeling awkward. "What is it everyone else comes in here for?"

Kale shrugged. "Sex."

"Uh-huh," started Vincent. "Just like that?"

Kale nodded. "Just like that."

Vincent went around the bed, sitting next to Kale. "Why would you do that?"

Kale looked away. "I don't know...I wanted to."

The jackal fidgeted with his paws. "There has to be a reason."

Kale shook his head, still not looking over. "If you're not here for sex, maybe you just go; might be someone coming along I can actually get money off of."

Vincent said nothing, just taking Kale's paw. "Someone as nice as you shouldn't be doing this."

"And why not?" asked Kale, looking at Vincent finally. "No one ever wanted anything more from me! This is all I'm good for!"

"I want more," replied Vincent, softly. "When I first saw you, I thought you were very cute and attractive, and wanted nothing more than to get to know you better."

Kale said nothing, just looked at the ground.

Vincent leaned in close. "Do I get that chance?"

Kale said nothing.

"Well?"

"Maybe...," said Kale quietly. "But you picked one hell of a day. Tomorrow I have to go home."

"So we get one day," said Vincent. "Then I can call you when you get home. And there's always emails. We wouldn't be cut off. And we'll be back in three months."

Kale looked up again. "Why would someone like you be interested in ME?"

"Because you're something special," said Vincent, kissing Kale on the cheek. "And whoever it was that couldn't see that and drove you to this, they're an idiot."

Kale blushed, feeling better than he had in a long time. "May be awhile before I'm back to...me."

"That's okay," said Vincent. "I'm a patient jackal. I can wait a long time."

Kale smiled, something else he hadn't done in some time. "Well, okay then. I guess we can spend some time together tomorrow."

"Good," replied Vincent, putting his arm around Kale. "What do you want to do now, though?"

Kale met Vincent's eyes. "Something besides sex."

Vincent laughed. "Done. How about a late dinner. I'm starving."

"Okay," said Kale. "You pick the spot."

***

DJ was busy packing their things into the car, Cody off giving their keys and other things to the RAs. He was barely wincing anymore, no lasting damage having been done to him the night before.

"Ready to go?" asked DJ when he came back.

"Yeah," replied Cody. "Um...how far is it to your place?"

"About six hours, give or take," said DJ, closing the trunk. "I live farther south."

"Ooh, I love the tropics," remarked Cody.

DJ smiled. "Then you'll love this place." He looked over the parking lot. "I wonder where Lance and Race are, they never showed up."

"Maybe they just left early," suggested Cody. "Come on, it's just after noon, we can be to your place by seven if we hurry."

"Okay," said DJ, jumping in the driver's seat. "I guess now we're going home."

Cody smiled now. "Home...sounds nice."

"It will be," said DJ, leaning over and kissing Cody. "Especially with you."

DJ backed the car out of the lot, heading from the college to the freeway.

"And now we're officially on our way," said DJ, merging in with traffic.

Cody looked out over the town where he'd just spent most of the last year, marveling at everything he'd been through. All the good, and all the bad. And looking over at DJ, the best.

DJ reached over and popped a CD in. "Help pass the time."

Cody nodded. "Um...DJ?"

"Yeah?" answered the otter.

"What are your parents like?" asked Cody. It was a matter he'd been wondering about.

DJ laughed. "Wondering when you'd ask that. Um, my mom and dad are really nice. Very open-minded, very laid-back. You'd never know they ever got mad at all, but, haha, you'd be wrong."

Cody laughed a little. "And they're okay with you being gay?"

"They always have been," said DJ. "Said whatever made me happy, and they loved me no matter what."

Cody said nothing. He wished his parents were like that.

DJ looked over at him briefly. "It'll be okay, you'll see. No stress for three months, okay?"

Cody smiled. "Okay."

***

The sun was just setting when DJ turned off of the highway, towards a town that the exit signs proclaimed was 'Crystal Springs.'

"Are we there?" asked Cody, sitting up and looking out the window.

"Yep," replied DJ, feeling butterflies in his stomach. He didn't know how Cody was going to take what was coming.

But Cody was enthralled by the scenery. He could see palm trees swaying in the distance, black silhouettes outlined against the sun setting over the horizon. On the opposite side he could just make out the ocean, a red and gold hue cast over the waves crashing against the shoreline.

"This is where you live?" asked Cody, looking over all the houses.

"Yeah," said DJ.

"One of the houses down there?" asked Cody, pointing. "They're really nice."

"Not quite...," said DJ, trailing off.

Cody looked at him quizzically, but didn't press it any further. He just went back to looking all around him. This place was paradise as far as he was concerned.

DJ drove up the main street of town, which was still lit up. Neon lights combined with Victorian architecture actually led to a style that worked for the strip. Clothing shops, restaurants, and stores littered the sidewalks.

"Looks like an exciting place to live," remarked Cody, trying to look inside some of the windows of the stores as they drove past.

"It can be, especially over the summer," said DJ. "I think the local festival starts this week."

"Can we go?" asked Cody excitedly.

DJ laughed. "Sure we can, sweetie."

Cody grinned and went back to watching the passing buildings. DJ was just happy to see him upbeat for a change.

DJ drove out of the main part of town, heading up a small hill that was next to the ocean. Lights lining the drive lead them around to the front, so they were parallel to the water now, driving up towards a mansion on the hill.

"Wow, whoever lives there is lucky," breathed Cody. It was large mansion, painted white, with large, crystal-clear windows out front and along the side. Hedges lined all around the grounds, with well-manicured lawn and palm trees speckled across the landscape.

"I guess you'll be lucky for a few months then," said DJ.

Cody looked at him quizzically. "What?"

"That's my house," replied DJ, looking over Cody, seeing the shock register. "My parents are rich. They're both investment bankers. They're worth over thirty million dollars each, and that's all been enstated to me in their will as their only son. Plus a six million dollar trust fund that kicks in at the end of college for me to pay loans and things like that; they didn't want to give it to me before because they were afraid I'd never go if I had that."

"So, you...and then...you're..."

"Yeah, I'm rich, as well. Well, I WILL be, anyway."

"Wow....," said Cody quietly.

"I know, it's a lot to take in."

"Not that, just...wow."

DJ laughed. "See why I didn't mind offering to give you money before?"

Cody laughed awkwardly. "Yeah."

DJ sighed. "This was also why I was happy you said you loved me before you knew."

Cody looked at him, saying nothing.

"Some of the girls I was with were only with me because they knew my family was rich," said DJ, slowing down as they approached the end of the driveway, which ended in a round-about that encircled a fountain that was turned on, illuminated by spotlights on four sides. The water caught in the beams looked like little crystals pieces in the twilight. "So when you said it first, it made me...really happy."

Cody leaned over and kissed DJ. "I wouldn't care if you were rich or poor, I'll always love you."

DJ smiled happily. "I'll always love you, too." He patted Cody's paw. "Let's go inside and meet the parents, so to speak."

They got out of the car, getting their things from the car.

"No butler coming to get things, I'm afraid," said DJ, jokingly. Cody giggled.

They hauled their things up the front walk, which was red brick. They stopped at the door, DJ taking a deep breath and ringing the bell.

The door opened and two figures appeared in the doorway. "Hi, son."

DJ smiled. "Hi mom, hi, dad."

They stepped inside, past the two adults standing there. Cody mostly kept his head down, feeling self-conscious.

"How was your trip?" asked DJ's father.

"It was good," said DJ. "Long as usual." He took Cody's paw. "Mom, dad, this is Cody, my boyfriend."

DJ's father, clad in an orange and blue Hawaiian shirt and khakis, stuck out his paw. "Pleased to meet you." Cody shook it timidly. "I'm Richard, this is my wife, Kathy."

"Hello," said Kathy.

The elder otter turned back to DJ. "Your room is still upstairs, just as you left it. I'm guessing Cody won't be needing a separate room?" he asked with a teasing tone.

"Nah," replied DJ. "We'll just take our things upstairs real quick."

Richard nodded. "Just come on into the living room when you come back down. Did you guys eat yet?"

"Not yet," answered DJ, picking his stuff back up, Cody getting his.

"Good," said Richard. "It'll be served shortly."

"I made your favorite; shrimp in linguine," said Kathy.

DJ smiled. "Thanks, mom. We'll be right back."

They walked up the stairs to the next floor, Cody marveling at everything in the house. The wall was lined with pictures and painting, of what he presumed were family members. There was a chandelier suspended over the front lobby, which had a black-and-white, checkerboard-style, marble floor. Starting at the bottom of the stairs was a dark mahogany carpeting that went upstairs and covered the second floor.

"It's all so...expensive looking," breathed Cody.

DJ laughed. "Never heard it phrased quite that way before."

They went up onto the second floor, going down two doors on the right, and DJ opened the door. "My room."

They stepped inside, Cody looking around.

It was an average-sized room. There was a queen-size bed pushed up against the walls, which were painted an off-cream color. Opposite the bed was a small desk with an old-fashioned style lamp on it. Tacked on the wall above the desk were various nautical maps. Other than that, the walls were fairly bare. There were two bay windows on the opposite side of the room from the door, which had a white lace curtain over them. A small dresser was to the right of the doorway, with various things like cologne and the like on top of it.

"Nice room," said Cody, following DJ in.

"It's a place to crash," replied DJ, dropping his suitcase on the floor. "We can put our things away later."

Cody put his bags next to DJ's. "So we're going back down to dinner now?"

"Not quite," said DJ, smiling. "I have to show you the best part of the room."

DJ crossed the room and parted the curtains. What Cody had initially mistaken for windows were actually two doors. DJ unlocked them and opened them, stepping out onto a balcony. "Come on," he said, beckoning to Cody.

Cody walked over to him, stepping outside. "Oh, my..."

The balcony looked out over the edge of the curve of the hill going towards the ocean, the last bit of sunlight still coming from over the horizon. Purples and dark blues were invading the sky, creeping up towards the ever-widening blanket of stars. Warm air crossed Cody's cheeks, ruffling his fur a bit, and he closed his eyes, feeling it rush over him. The sound of palm fronds rustling could be heard nearby. And when he looked the other way, he could see the town, all the lights there also like a field of stars, but paling in comparison to the real thing.

DJ hugged Cody from behind, putting his arms around the husky. "What do you think?"

Cody leaned back against the otter. "I think this is the best place in the world."

DJ smiled. "Good."

"Do we have to go downstairs yet?"

DJ hugged him tighter. "Not yet. We can stay here."

Cody put his own paws on top of DJ's. "Good. Good."

***

Cody and DJ walked through the doorway into the living room, where Richard and Kathy were sitting.

"Ah, there you boys are," said Richard, smiling. "Wondering if you got hung up somewhere."

Cody blushed. "Come on, dad, behave," chided DJ.

Richard smiled wider. "Well if I can't joke with my son's boyfriend, who can I joke with?"

Cody sat down, next to DJ.

"Would you boys like anything to drink?" asked Kathy.

"Um, if you've got Coke or something," replied Cody, quietly.

Kathy smiled. "Sure thing, hon. DJ?"

"Just water for me, mom."

Cody was, once again, transfixed looking around the room. There were so many antiquities and other knick-knacks on display. There was a large picture over the fireplace, which was opposite the couch, of DJ and his parents, looking like it had bee taken fairly recently. Cody tried to remember the last time he and his parents had gone for a family photo.

"A lot to take in?" asked Richard.

"Yeah," murmured Cody.

There was a glass coffee table, not an antique, but the metal had been worked to give the impression it was. Several glass tumblers were placed on it, turned upside down, a bottle of some amber liquid next to them. Two chairs were placed on the other side of the table, facing towards the couch, Richard sitting in the one on the left. Cody turned so he could look behind him and all around the room, noticing pictures all over here, as well. Some with DJ, some with all of the family, some just Richard.

"You were in the Navy?" asked Cody, looking at a picture of Richard in front of a large battleship in uniform.

"Sure was, two tours," repled Richard, proudly. "Been all over the world."

"Wow," murmured Cody.

Kathy returned from the kitchen, setting a tray down with drinks on it.

"We were very happy DJ wanted to bring you home for the summer," said Kathy, sitting down.

"You were?" asked Cody, sipping at his drink.

"Well, of course. We wanted to meet the guy DJ's been going out with for four months."

"Five," corrected DJ.

"Oh, right, five," said Kathy. "Anyway, we were also happy to help you out."

"What do you mean?" asked Cody.

"DJ told us your own parents were less than understanding about the last several months," said Kathy. "How could we say no?"

"Oh," said Cody, quietly.

"I hope us knowing doesn't make you uncomfortable," said Richard gently. "We're more than happy to let you stay here, you're always welcome."

Cody smiled now, genuinely now. "Thanks."

"When DJ told us he was gay, it was like when he told us he wanted to go to college," said Richard. "His decision, and we were glad he wanted to include us in that." He looked at his son. "We're always proud of him."

DJ looked away self-consciously.

"Well, I think dinner should be ready by now," said Kathy, getting up. "Why don't you all head into the dining room, and I'll bring it all in?"

"Sounds good," replied Richard, getting up and heading to the dining room with the husky and otter.

***

Cody lay on the bed, looking at the ceiling. DJ was standing up, taking his shirt and pants off.

"Your parents are really nice," said Cody finally.

DJ smiled. "They really like you."

"Really?" asked Cody.

DJ nodded, laying down next to Cody in just his boxers. "They think you're very polite and nice."

Cody blushed. "Well, I'm glad they like me."

"I think we'd better get to bed," said DJ. "Dad tends to get up early, and if you're not in the kitchen when mom makes breakfast, you're on your own."

Cody laughed. "Okay." He got up, taking off his own shirt and pants, turning off the light, then getting back into bed. The air was so nice, neither of them even bothered to get under the covers, just laying in the others embrace.

"DJ?"

"Yeah?" replied the otter.

"I love you."

"I love you, too, sweetheart."

***

Lance lay in his own bed, staring at the ceiling, feeling more tears slip down his cheeks. This wasn't supposed to be how it all went. Race wasn't supposed to leave. He wasn't supposed to be alone again.

He swung his legs over the edge of the bed, looking at his clock; 3:43 AM. In the four days since he'd come home, he'd gotten maybe six hours of sleep total. He spent most of his time just laying in his bed. He didn't want to eat. Didn't want to sleep. Just wanted Race.

He paced to the window, then back to his bed, feeling as if he should be somewhere, but knew he was just restless, but at the same time didn't want to go anywhere. It had been the most awkward car ride home, his mother asking him where Race was and why he didn't come home with him. Lance finally just lost it and cried most of the way home.

The fox clicked on his desk light, picking up a photo album for about the dozenth time. It was all the pictures he and Race had taken the first year they'd been dating. He flipped through it again, feeling weak and pathetic, but also unable to stop himself. More tears fell across the plastic sleeves the pictures were in.

He put the album down, getting back into bed, just laying there.

***

One ring. Two rings. Three rings.

"Hello?"

Vincent breathed out. "Hey there."

"Vincent?"

"Yeah," replied the jackal. "This is Kale, right?"

"Yeah," replied Kale back.

Vincent laughed a little. "I was almost afraid you'd given me a fake number."

Kale laughed a little as well. "Now why would I do that?"

"I dunno. Maybe to throw the jackal off your trail?" he asked, teasingly.

"So what's up?" asked Kale.

"Not much," said Vincent. "Just felt like calling."

"I...I'm glad you did," mumbled Kale. "I was almost afraid you wouldn't."

"I told you I would," said Vincent.

"I know, just...," trailed off Kale. "I'm really glad we went out. I haven't felt like that in....a long time. No one's gone so far out of their way to make me feel like that before."

Vincent smiled. "Well better get used to it. I wanna see you first thing when we get back to school."

"Deal," said Kale.

"So tell me how your summer is going so far."

***

Cody stood on the deck of the dock in the afternoon sun, looking down at DJ in the small motorboat.

"We're going where again?" asked Cody.

"Over there," replied DJ, pointing to the horizon. "That small island."

"For what?" asked Cody.

"For fun," said DJ, untying the boat. "Come on, jump in."

Cody carefully lowered himself into the boat, sitting in front of DJ, who was in the rear operating the motor. DJ started the engine and they took off, going at a slow pace until the reached the breakers, then really started moving, the engine thrumming loudly.

Cody watched everything around him. There were so many boats out in the area. Everything from little boats like their's right up to one very large cruise ship docked in the harbor. The husky marveled at the waves around the, and the wake kicked up by the motorboat. Sea air drifted under his nostrils, and he loved it.

"We're almost there," shouted DJ over the roar of the wind around them.

Cody could see the island getting closer, the canopy of the palm trees and the white sand on the beach head coming into view.

DJ slowed the boat down, pulling up to small wooden dock that looked almost like it was made just for his boat. DJ tied the boat up, and they hopped up into the deck, walking to the end, which lead just into sand.

"Wow," said Cody, looking around. He suddenly realized how untouched this place was. Crystal-clear water, that he could see all the way to the bottom of. White sands that looked like no one had walked on them in months. And palm fronds as far as he could see.

"Does anyone else come here?" asked Cody, following DJ to the palm forest in front of them.

"They're not supposed to," replied DJ, getting onto a path that had been put into the forest.

"Why not?" asked Cody. "Are WE allowed to be here?"

"Well, since my parents own it, yeah, I'd say it's okay."

"They...own...WHAT!?"

DJ laughed. "They own it. No one but themselves and I are supposed to be here. Come on, follow me."

Cody couldn't get past the fact that DJ's family own an island. But he followed DJ in anyway.

The path wound up through the forest, going for quite a ways as far as Cody could tell. He looked up through the palms and could see clear, blue sky and white fluffy clouds. Birds cawed and sang nearby, insects chirping quietly. Cody never knew such places existed beyond his own imagination, and if they did that he'd ever see one.

The path ended finally at a small hut built in the middle of the forest. DJ opened the door, stepping inside. "My folks had this built if they or I ever wanted to overnight here."

It had been decorated fairly simplistically; a bed on one side, a small fridge, bathroom, and a few little decorations here and there. The outside had been made to look as if it was made of thatched bamboo and straw, but that was just a façade, on the inside Cody could see normal wood work and everything else.

"But that's not what I wanted to show you," said DJ. "Come on, this way."

He lead the husky out past the hut to a small hill, the two of them climbing up. It went about halfway up the length of the canopy before ending at a small plateau.

"Over here," said DJ, parting a few brushes. Cody looked over and gasped.

Above them was a hundred-foot liestone chasm with a river above it, that emptied down into a basin at the bottom from a waterfall that fell from the very top, sunlight coming through the top just catching the water and creating a rainbow over the pool at the bottom.

"It's beautiful," said Cody, stepping forward.

The two of them walked to the edge of the water, Cody still looking up to the top.

DJ stripped off his clothes, walking to the water nude and dove in. He splashed back up. "Come on in, the water feels terrific."

Cody nodded, taking his own clothes off and stepped into the water. The temperature was perfect, and felt so good sluicing over his fur. He swam over next to DJ, their nude bodies floating in the water.

"This place is perfect," said Cody, nuzzling DJ. "Thank you."

DJ kissed the canine. "You're welcome." He Cody tight and they stayed that way, nuzzling and kissing, hugging tightly. Eventually, DJ slipped his tongue into Cody's muzzle, Cody accepting it into himself. He put his paws around DJ's head, pulling him in closer still.

They pulled apart, Cody looking into DJ's eyes, blushing. "You're so perfect."

DJ laughed. "No, I'm not."

Cody leaned in closer. "Yes, you are." He licked his cheek. "You're just...perfect."

DJ kissed him again. "Well then so are you." He hugged him again. "We have a little while still. Want to stay here?"

Cody nodded. "For as long as we can."

***

They toweled off in the hut, getting re-dressed.

"We'll have to go back, soon," said DJ. "I saw dark clouds moving in, and they're moving in fast."

Cody nodded. "Okay."

DJ opened the door, looking at the sky. Already the sky was fattened with low-hanging rain clouds.

They got down to the dock, the small motorboat being rocked by high waves already. DJ looked back towards shore, seeing ten-foot waves crashing on the breakers.

"It's too late already," said DJ. "The waves are getting too high."

"What can we do?" asked Cody.

DJ shrugged. "Not much. We'll just stay in the house here tonight."

Cody nodded. "Okay."

DJ grabbed the bow of the motorboat. "Help me get this on the beach, I don't want it to get damaged."

The two of the got the boat up, setting it up near the forest, away from the water.

Cody looked back at the water, seeing how angry it was getting. Streaks of lightning were visible in the distance. Thunder pealed over the sky.

"Come on," said DJ, taking Cody by the paw, leading him back to the hut. Cody could hear the patter of raindrops on the palm fronds as they got to the house, getting inside.

DJ went to a box on the wall, flipping a few switches, then clicked on a bedside lamp. "Has it's own generator."

Cody went to the window, looking outside. The clouds were so dark, it was like night was here already. "I can't believe how fast it's moving in."

"Well, that's a tropical storm for you," said DJ.

Cody sat on the bed. "Think it'll be gone in the morning?"

"I'm sure," responded DJ. "Then we can go back to the mainland."

"What can we do in the meantime?" asked Cody.

DJ sat down next to him, nuzzling his neck. "I can think of a few things."

Cody grinned. "Oh you can, huh?"

"Uh-huh," said DJ, nodding. His paw drifted down to Cody's crotch. "Been awhile since I had a little husky in me....or a big one, for that matter." He gently fondled Cody.

Cody murred. "Would keep us from getting bored." He nosed DJ, feeling his sheath bulge.

DJ lay back on the bed. "So come get me," he encouraged.

Cody braced himself over DJ, kissing him fiercely, hearing rain pattering gently again the windows, palm fronds brushing against the roof. He ground his crotch against DJ, feeling that the otter was getting just as hard as he was.

He leaned back, undoing DJ's belt and pants, knowing how much it turned the otter on to have someone else undress him. He pulled DJ's pants off, casting them into the corner of the room, not caring where they landed. The husky marveled at the bulge under DJ's boxers.

"All for you, hun," said DJ, quietly.

Cody nosed against DJ's bulge, feeling it stiffen under his muzzle. Cody gripped his waistband, pulling it down gently, reveling DJ's erect member and his balls. Cody pulled them down his legs, pants his knees, and off, flinging them away as well. He licked at DJ's cock, hearing the otter gasp.

Cody leaned back enough to get his own pants off as well, undoing them and lifting his legs, getting his boxers and pants off, dropping them next to the bed. He took his shirt off, dropping that on top of his pants. He leaned down and took of DJ, revealing his caramel-colored belly and defined muscles. Cody lay on top of DJ, rubbing their cocks together.

"Gonna make me wait for it, aren't you?" asked DJ, smiling.

Cody nodded. "You bet." He leaned in and whispered in DJ's ear, "Make you beg for it." DJ whimpered happily. He rubbed his cock against DJ's gently, getting both of them even hornier than they already were. Cody reached down between the two of them and fondled DJ's balls, watching the otter's mouth fall open in pleasure. He then leaned in, wrapping his teeth around DJ's neck, biting down gently. DJ grunted, an electrifying twinge pass through his entire body, from nose to tail, and he loved the feeling. His cock flexed a bit at the feeling of his mate biting him.

"I think someone liked that," said Cody quietly, feeling DJ's cock. DJ nodded.

Cody leaned back. "Is the otter ready for it?"

DJ nodded again.

"I didn't hear you," said Cody, running a finger from the tip of DJ's cock to the cleft of his butt.

"Come take me," pleaded DJ. He spread his legs apart wide. "Now."

Cody lifted up DJ's legs a bit, revealing his tailhole. He pushed himself up against it, staying with his upper body straight up. He rubbed his cockhead against DJ's pucker, smearing pre-cum everywhere. DJ moaned.

"Otter thinks he deserves this?" asked Cody, still rubbing himself on his lover.

DJ nodded. "Uh-huh." He wrapped his legs around Cody's waist, bringing his closer.

"Well, okay then," said Cody, pushing himself slowly into DJ. DJ gasped out loud, taking his canine lover into himself. Cody sunk himself into DJ slowly, leaning down over him, biting him on the neck again. DJ yowled out loud in pleasure, Cody hilting himself into DJ and biting down more as he did.

"You okay there, love?" asked Cody, releasing his bite on DJ.

DJ just looked up into his eyes and nodded. "Take your otter."

Cody started to slip himself out, then back inside, feeling DJ's walls push against him. He loved that sliding feeling, in and out, in and out, slow then fast. DJ loved the feeling of being penetrated by his mate, clenching his tailhole around Cody's cock to enhance his pleasure, which, judging by husky's panting whenever he did it, was a success.

Cody kissed his boyfriend gently, no tongue involved, just the contact of their muzzles. DJ closed his eyes, just enjoying being there, feeling Cody slipping in and out of him, spreading him wide, going slow. The sound of the storm out, the rain drops, the thunder, seeming to make everything more intense for some reason.

The husky gasped and moaned as he stimulated himself inside of his mate's recesses. He went a little faster, just letting himself lose control as he got himself back into his lover. The quickly pulled himself out.

"What?" asked DJ.

"Roll over," whispered Cody.

DJ grinned and did as instructed. He lay flat on his stomach, raising his tail up, waiting for his mate to come into him again.

Cody straddled DJ's rear end, slipping his cock back in. He braced his paws on DJ's shoulders, pressing down hard. DJ liked the feeling of being forced down while his mate was inside of him again. Cody resumed his humping, pushing and pulling in and out of DJ. He groaned as his knot slipped free of his sheath, not ready to bury it yet.

"Mmmf...come on, sweetie," groaned DJ.

"Unnnn....soon," grunted Cody, bringing his bulbous knot down to bear on DJ's tailhole. "Soon." He pushed his knot inside, tying tightly with DJ. DJ groaned in pleasure as he was filled by Cody's swelling.

Cody rocked his hips now, as he'd done before so he didn't hurt DJ. He lay down on his back, biting down on DJ's neck again as he felt his orgasm pushing up through himself.

"Mmmf...come on, sweetie, fill me," murmured DJ. Cody responded by clamping down harder and growling a bit. His cock swelled, his fluids pushing up through his cock. He gave one last bite, then lifted his head to howl as he came inside of DJ, his exclamation of his orgasm mingling with a loud clap of thunder. His cock spasmed as he emptied into DJ, painting his insides with his semen. His knot plugged all of his semen inside of DJ, the husky so aroused that none of it dribbled out like it usually did. DJ clenched himself down around Cody as he felt the husky cum.

When he was finished, Cody relaxed on DJ back, putting his head on his shoulders, breathing hard.

"How's the husky feel?" asked DJ.

"Really good," replied Cody, grinning from ear to ear.

They rolled to the side so Cody wasn't on top of DJ, now laying behind him, since he was still tied with him. Cody put his arms around DJ, kissing his cheek. "I love you, DJ. More than anything."

DJ took one of Cody's paws in his own. "I love you, too, sweetie. And I always will."

Cody smiled. "And that's the best thing ever."

They lay there like that, the two of them as close as they could be, just sharing the moment, and being there with one another. Eventually they fell asleep, the rain pattering against the window lulling them to sleep, out away from civilization, where their problems seem to disappear forever and leave only themselves.

_______________

Author's Note: Wow, I cannot believe how long this one took me to write! But, by popular demand, it is finished! =3 Hope you all enjoyed it. This is, more or less, the halfway point of the series. So there is much more to come. Next up is 'Homecoming,' and all I'm going to tell you is that it has NOTHING to do with a football game. It will be one you won't want to miss.

I've also had a lot of people ask me if I have a mailing list; to update on progress, and alert when new stuff comes out. Alas, I do not. But I am curious, how many people would be interested if I were to actually put one together?

And I have another non-series story I'm working on that will, hopefully, be finished soon =P When finished, it will be my magnum opus, so to speak. Putting a lot of work into that one. Anyway, be on the look-out for 'Blue' as well.