FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Will was studying, which, as usual, meant he was kind of reading over his notes while his mind visibly wandered. This time, though, he was stealing far fewer glances at the wolf reading across the table, and the sighs came with slightly increased frequency.

It was the little things with Will, Jeff knew, that showed he was down about something. Will always hid it as best he could, but Jeff was getting far better at noticing with time. Part of it was Will's general personality, but Jeff felt Will put in extra effort around him given his own insecurities and moods. Jeff didn't like that. He wanted to be there for his fox too.

Jeff put down his book. It was a measure of how distracted Will was that he didn't notice immediately. Jeff reached over and rubbed Will's arm. "What's wrong, babe?"

The smile that had been growing on Will's face when Jeff touched him froze for just a moment before it grew to its normal size. "Nothing's wrong. Studying just really isn't my thing."

The latter was true, but the former was not. "Will."

Will put his hand atop Jeff's. His smile looked genuine, but Jeff was much better at reading his boyfriend than he had been when they met. He could see the stress. "Please. I want to be there in your hard times too."

The grin became a smirk. "Is that so?"

Jeff arched a brow. "You're in the mood now?"

The two stared at each other for a moment before Will's smirk fell away. He exhaled a long breath through his nose. "It's nothing."

Jeff sighed and disengaged his hand from Will's, rising from the table. Will looked at Jeff curiously as Jeff went and sat on the couch. The wolf patted the space next to him, looking expectantly at his boyfriend. Will removed his glasses and sat as his partner asked. Jeff slung an arm over the fox and drew him close. "Can I help?"

"I told you, it's--"

"It's something. Please, Will."

Will's eyes drifted to the TV, but they weren't focused on the blank screen. He leaned against Jeff and sighed. "It's--" His word faltered, and he blinked rapidly. Jeff's concern rose when he saw Will's lip quiver. "It was two years ago today."

Jeff's ears drooped, and he found he had to blink as well. He put both arms around Will and nuzzled Will's neck. "I'm sorry, babe."

Will leaned into Jeff. "It wasn't your fault."

Jeff huffed and his tail lashed briefly. "I'm sorry it happened."

"It's ok." Will belied his words with a sniff.

"It isn't," Jeff said. "But that's ok."

Will sniffled, and when his eyes shut, tears spilled down his cheeks. He clung to Jeff, sobbing into his shoulder. "Why would they do that? I didn't do anything wrong!"

Jeff hugged Will close, maximizing contact with the fox and hoping it would provide some comfort. "You were never in the wrong, babe. They were."

They spent a long minute holding each other, Will crying and Jeff doing his best not to cry too. He had to be strong for his fox.

As Will's sobs subsided but his tears still flowed, he spoke again. "They're my family, Jeff. We're supposed to love each other."

Jeff found he had to sniff before he could answer. "I know, babe. I'm so, so sorry they stopped." He stroked Will's back. "I love you very much, William."

"I know." Will looked up at Jeff and wiped a tear off the wolf's face. "I made you cry."

"It's not your fault. None of it is."

Will favoured Jeff with a watery smile. "I'm still sorry."

"Don't be." Jeff pulled Will closer so their muzzles were on each other's shoulders. "You make me laugh, too. You make me feel good when you're around. Even like this."

Will ducked his head a little. "You're just trying to make me blush."

"You're cute when you blush. And when you're not blushing. And I love you very much."

"I love you too, Jeffrey."

Jeff gently pulled Will until the fox was lying on top of him. They stayed snuggling on the couch a long time, each grateful for the other's company.

---

AN: A couple of chapters ago, I mentioned in a comic that I would like to start exploring Will's issues too. So here's a peak at them. It also occurred to me that given how previous chapters of this have been, it could seem like this relationship is kind of one-sided in certain regards. This was a good opportunity to show the other side. Hope you all enjoy it, and I hope I can keep writing about these two. They've grown on me a lot since I started.