Emotions

Story by Ace Wolf on SoFurry

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#1 of Emotions


*Emotions*

*By: Ace Wolf*

Rain poured from the dark night's sky. Lightning cut through the darkness, brightening up the entire sky and earth beneath it. The sound of rain soothed all creatures: humans, anthro-animals, all living beings alike. All while the clouds sobbed its tears, one guy stood outside with the small droplets trickling down his face.

That guy, Blake Hunt, a sixteen year old wolf, had just experienced something most kids his age have to go through. That guy, which stood in the middle of Mother Nature's madness, lost in thought of what happened no more than a few hours ago. That guy just had his heart broken for the first time in his life. That guy...was me...

Do you know how it feels when you search for the person that you want to make all your dreams come true? Some people would hope that special person will be there for you no matter what. Those people are foolish. You always get your heart broken; ripped out and stomped on, the pain is unbearable, but everyone learn to live with it. Take it one day at a time.

Why am I standing out in the cold, wet rain, alone and afraid? That is a really difficult story to tell, not one I'm proud of, and surely not open to discuss at the moment, but everyone says if you tell someone your problems then it will be easier. So I'll give you my story, though the tale isn't filled with happy-go-lucky moments. No, this tale has a very emotional kid trying to figure out who he is, and will become...

It all started at the beginning of basketball season, also known as the month of January...

**************

*Astonished*

2 Months Ago...

No one knows the trails and error one student must go through in their high school life, everyone has different problems, some bigger than others, but problems nonetheless. Kids fear everything, and can often trust nothing. Things they fear are bad grades, not being accepted by others, home issues, relationships. It's often hard for them to trust anything; parents are often not helpful, friends can be unreliable, or teachers could care less, so who was there to trust, besides yourself?

It may seem like I'm saying nothing in high school is good. That's not what I'm saying, because some of the few lucky people find an alternative: Sports, jobs, cliques, drugs, or that significant other. Yet that kind is rare, almost too rare around Maple Grove: the school where your hopes and dreams are crushed and served to you on a silver platter.

The way some things are worded give off the wrong expression, most of the time. Like a person who listens to me may think I'm the depressed guy with no friends and any reason to live. I can say that person is wrong. The life I live is actually...very warming. At school, I'm the co-captain of the Maple Grove's basketball team, grades are decent but they could be better, and I have my own car. Home is a little different; my parents are always gone, it's either a business trip or they are on a mini vacation.

Most would become hurt at the fact their parents rather spend time at a beach rather than spend a few weeks with their only son. I'm not like most people. Not having parents started to become normal to me after my freshman year. The fact that my parents basically forgot I probably even exist, made it easier to forget they did.

But my family issues aren't what's important. The life I lived, the things I do, my friends and school, basketball is the only thing that really matters. Actually, basketball is what helped me achieve everything.

"Ball passed to number 22, over to 30, back to 22! 22 runs down the court, passes it to 7!" The ball hit my paws. I could feel only one thing. Power. The announcers screaming my number, the rough, bumpy touch of the ball in my palms, and cheers from the crowd could drive any man insane.

I looked up at the circle hoop with a back board behind it, and I let the ball lose, behind the three point line. Everything went in slow motion like in the movies; the basketball turned in slow motion, repeatedly, moving to the goal at its own pace, until finally...

The bell rang, and the shot went in, causing the crowd to uproar in excitement. Everyone rushed on the field and grabbed the players, patting them on the back and telling how good they played, mostly parents, but since mine weren't there, another supportive person came to congratulate their star player.

"Great game!" A cheerleader pounced in front of me, smiling from ear to ear. Everyone knows that cheerleading is for girls, but here at my school we had guy cheerleaders too. This cheerleader was none other than Milo, a very small fox.

"Hey, Milo. Thanks." I looked up at the score board. Ending score: 34 to 35. "That was a great way to start off the season, I'd say. You're cheering was awesome too."

"Yeah, yeah. I know. For a minute there I thought I'd have to go sit down or hid myself while you played." Milo and myself started out of the gym, pushing our way through the commotion the game set.

"Why is that?" I asked, looking down and watching my feet and Milo as I walked. Compared to me, Milo was a midget.

The little fox grinned and looked at me, ready to make a joke. "Because....I know how you like looking at my ass during the game...wouldn't want you to get distracted, now would we?" It's not hard to notice that Milo is gay. He recieved a lot of crap about being the way he is...I guess that's why we're friends, because I hated seeing him be an outcast.

I rolled my eyes and told the little guy the same I tell him every time. "I'm not into you like that. You're a good friend..."

"Yeah?" Milo nudged my arm as we walked.

"And I'm straight..."

"So...?"

I sighed in defeat. Milo always made it hard for me to be his friends, but I knew it was just harmless fun, and that's what's important at our age...fun. "Look, I like girls, dude....Just because...you have a nice butt....eh..." I gave a playful shrug and he giggled.

Why be friends with a gay kid? That would surely hurt your reputation, especially being co-captain of the basketball team. People don't understand me and Milo's relationship, yet we never wanted them too. No, I don't have feelings for my friend, though most people would jump to that conclusion. Milo is just a person who needs a helping paw, who would I be to deny him a chance at being happy?

To be completely honest, I looked up to Milo. He set a prime example of a guy I wanted to be. I portray myself as straight at school and home, but deep down I knew I was gay. Seeing Milo open about who he is makes me envious. Even though I'm gay, my feelings for Milo stays the same, I only like him as a friend and nothing more.

"So you going to Vick's party tonight?" Milo looked up at me and smiled toothly.

"Eh...well, I didn't plan on going...Me and Vick aren't actually the best of friend since I took his co-captain spot..." Vick, one of the few humans at our school, is one of my teammates. Last year when I tried out, coach saw something different in me, so he says. Vick was previous captain. He was booted out of his position and coach handed me the spot.

"Ah...come on! You need a little fun! You're going to that party! It's Friday night and we just one our first game! Time to celebrate with friends and alcohol!" Milo laughed, spun around, and almost fell until I grabbed his shirt, pulling him to his feet.

I let out a small chuckle. Our walk came to an halt and I turned to face him. Milo and I didn't get far, we were still in front of the school, but it was only the two of us; everyone else was still in the GYM celebrating our victory. It was just me, Milo, and the crickets playing their nightly song.

"Ok..." I sighed. "I'll go to the party, but you have to promise me one thing."

"Anything..." The way Milo looked, he was waiting for something big. His eyes gazed up at me in anticipation.

"You..." There was a short pause. "Have to promise..." Another pause. "Not to try and get me wasted so you can sleep with me." He punched me on the chest and started laughing, followed by my own joyful laugh.

"Please...you're not even on the top of my fuck list." I looked at Milo in shock.

"Oh really? What number am I?" Milo grinned and poked my chest.

"You're...number 12." Knowing I was on his little list was creepy, but knowing I was number twelve sort of hurt.

"Eh...that list is probably lame anyway. Who's at the top?"

"Well..it's a little embarrassing..." Milo blushed through his orange fur, his cheeks burned a red-ish orange.

"Who?"

"The new kid..." I burst out laughing when he said 'The New Kid'! The new guy wasn't unattractive, but he wasn't Milo's type, in fact, Milo didn't like guys like him at all. This new kid was in my first and second block class, he came the beginning of the week, so I only learned his name. His name was Austin, he's a North American Timber Wolf. Don't get me wrong, the guy is cute, but considering how he is built wouldn't have been my first guess of being on Milo's list. See, Milo only eye goggled tall, jock type guys, and Austin was not one of them. Austin was short, standing around five foot, four.

"Dude, that guy is like...you're size..." Milo slapped my arm before folding his own.

"The new kid is cute! He's my height, but have you seen his body? That guy must work out every day! He so tiny, but has a great bod!" From the way Milo was talking about the guy I thought he'd be drooling.

I looked at my wrist and checked the time. It was getting close to eleven. "Milo, I'll talk to you later, ok? I need to take a shower and get my stuff out of the locker room. Catch you at the party?"

"Sure thing...you need a ride?" Milo asked.

"Naw, I'll catch one with a teammate or something. Thanks for the offer. See you there." Milo gave a nod and wave before I made my way back into the madness.

Usually I would wait to get home to shower, but my body odor didn't quite resemble a rose garden. After playing four straight quarters without break, I smelled like a pile of waste.

I removed my clothes and stepped in one of the single showers, then turned the water on, letting it wash over my body, each drop forcing my fur to lay flat against my body. The water was soothing, at first it started out cold, turning warm, advancing to hot. Hot water washed away the stench and left me high.

Water beat against my broad chest. It sound like rain drops, I guess that's why it soothed me so, but rain also had another effect on me, but I tried to keep that feeling at bay, thinking of the conversation me and Milo recently had. I let his words play over and over in my head, how that new guy, Austin, made it to the top of his little fantasy list. The more I thought about it, the funnier it seemed.

Milo had good taste in guys, as crazy as it sounds, Austin was cute. If I was out like Milo maybe I would ask the new guy out for lunch or hang out to get to know each other a little. But that seemed like a dream, nothing of that nature would happen for a long time, maybe not until after high school. I feared nothing more than being an outcast, and if I came out then maybe I would become one. The thought of losing everything you worked for is scary. But what about the things gained? It always made me wonder how the outcome would turn out.

Austin kept running through my thoughts. Milo, like mentioned earlier, had great taste. Austin had the cutest personality. He didn't talk much and stayed to himself, shy in more than the usual ways, and respectful to any and every one that he talked to. I couldn't help but feel he is gay, but I couldn't judge a book by its cover.

The timber wolf's personality isn't the only thing that caught my eye; he was also really good looking. I felt a stir in my sheath, the thought of him started to arouse me. I ghost my paws down my body, starting with my chest, down my abs, ending with me grabbing my balls and sheath, giving it a light squeeze. I imagined not myself tugging my furry sac, but the paws of the new timber wolf. I could picture Austin rubbing up my chest with one paw, and the other massaged my sheath.

By now, the tip of my pink member poked from its furry prison. A small drop of crystal clear pre slid down my paw. Masturbation in public is illegal, but that wasn't going to stop me, this fantasy made me feel so good, it didn't take long for the rest of my shaft to extend out. The fantasy felt so real, like he was actually there, fondling and kissing down, going lower... and lower... until...

"BLAKE!" I stumbled, falling back into the shower wall and covered my groin.

"Who's there??" I yelled as I pulled back the shower cover.

"It's Jacob, are you finish? We need to get to the party!" My friend Jacob yelled.

"I'll..." I looked down at my hardon, which wasn't so hard now. The scare shocked me and I lost the feeling. "Give me a minute.."

"Ok, dude. Just hurry up." I finished washing through my fur and dried off. When I finished dressing, I walked out of the GYM to find Jacob waiting for me. Jacob is one of my few friends that did not play on the basketball team. Considering he was a rabbit, not many of his specie played sports, and since he was such a small guy, he just sat on the sideline and watched his other friends play.

Once I finished washing up, I made my way out of the shower and was greeted by Jacob.

"You ready?" We bumped paws.

"Yeah." I sighed and grabbed my bag. "Let's go to the lame party..." Jacob nudged me as a chuckling sound cut up his throat.

"Dude, it's going to be ok. Vick isn't a bad guy...he's just..."

"Not too fond of the junior who took his spot..." I turned to Jacob. "I know he's your friend , but the guy has a major problem with me...I think he is going to try something tonight, and that something is to make me look bad. That's why he invited me personally."

Jacob shook his head followed by a long sigh. "If he tries anything I'll take you home, just stay out of trouble. I know he isn't easy to get along with, but he is my friend and your teammate, so one of these days you're going to have to find that silver-lining."

As much as I wanted to deny it, Jacob was right. Two teammates shouldn't hate each other with a passion, and the dream of making it all the way to the play-offs will only become reality if the team comes together, and that includes my-self and Vick. It was up to me as co-captain to make things easier between me and Vick.

"Whatever dude, let's just go. Milo is waiting for us..."

*Pride*

Have you ever lived next door to a bunch of partiers? The loud noise, car horns, blazing loud music, very audible conversations, and laughing would keep you up all night, and the only thing on your mind was to call the police over? That is exactly how Vick's neighbors must have felt. The after-game party was so loud that Jacob and I could hear it two blocks away, not to mention cars were lined up like ants just as far.

Vick knew how to throw a party, his parents were rich and their house was huge, close to mansion size. Of course the amount of space could handle half the school, a few college students, and even the team we just beat, I noticed a few of them still in their jerseys.

When I stepped into the house I was greeted like the winning player should be welcomed; everyone shouted, clapped, pat my shoulder, and I even received a few hugs from the girls. This part of basketball is what I looked forward to, the feel of people accepting and acknowledging my skills.

Fur surrounded me and dropped question after question, asking how I felt during the game, and did I think we would lose. I didn't mind the questions, but one particular raccoon began to bug me after asking two million questions at once, not to mention the stereo blast this really annoying rap song.

"Do you ever get nervous when you're playing? How does it feel knowing hundreds of people watch you? Did you think you'd miss that shot tonight? If you missed how would you feel knowing that everyone would have probably blamed you for losing our first home game?" The raccoon asked question in a series, more than I could keep up with. After answering very few, I just rolled my eyes and looked in another direction, hoping that he would receive the hint sent and back off, but the questions just kept coming. In the end I just ignored him altogether.

The loud rap music slowly faded away, as another song replaced it, a slow song. I knew what this song was, I listened to it a million times on my iPod: Big Time Rush - Stuck (http://www.aimini.net/view/?fid=whI9o9grmGq3m9tg3VfU). As the song played, the crowd cleared and I could see Austin sitting at a minibar, positioned in the middle of this house huge room.

Austin sat at the bar alone with just a drink in front of him. Moving to a new school means no friends, he was just getting to know people here. I guess he hasn't found a crowd yet. I knew this was my chance to make a new friend, or maybe something more, if I was lucky. I stood up, walked over, and took the seat next to him.

I looked up at the bartender. "Long Island Iced Tea for me please." He nodded and went to preparing the drink. I turned to the little white wolf. "Hey...Austin, is it?"

Austin tapped the counter as he rested his head in a paw, looking at his drink. "Yeah...You're Blake..."

"That's me...So you're new to Maple Grove... How do you like it here?" Austin picked up his glass and took a drink.

"Considering I don't know anyone here, the people here are all stuck up and rich, judgmental, starry, rude, and all irresponsible...I'm enjoying myself quite nicely...thanks for asking." Austin looked down at his glass to find it empty. "I need another please..." He said to the bartender as my drink was handed to me.

"Well...good to know you're enjoying yourself..." I took a sip of my drink, making a sour taste from how strong the drink was. "I know how hard it is moving to a new school, making new friends, leaving old ones behind..."

"Do you?" He interrupted. "I'm not trying to be rude, but my situation is a lot different from the ones you think I'm going through, so please...don't act like you know...You don't know me."

"Yeah, and that is why I'm trying to make a new friend...so why..."

"HEY! LEAVE ME ALONE!" My head darted in the direction of a scream coming in the opposite direction. The voice sound familiar; it was Milo. The crowd was gathering around one spot, so I knew something was going on. I jumped out of my seat and ran in the direction the shriek came from.

As I came a little closer to the center, I could see Vick and one of his buddies, a bear, tossing something to each other, back-and-forward, and between the two stood Milo without his pants in only his underwear.

"I thought you would like this, queer. You're used to having your pants off anyway!" The crowd laughed and continued to drink; everyone seemed too drunk to help Milo.

I was within striking distance of Vick in seconds. I rushed over, pushing him away, and looked at his partner in crime before snatching the article of clothing from his paws.

"Are you ok, Milo?" I handed him his pants.

Milo looked up at me as he stepped into his pants. "Eh...I need to get out of this place...stupid jerks are here! Should have never came!"

By the time Milo finished replacing his pants, Vick stood abroad, right in front of me. "What the fuck is your problem? Trying to steal my fun, just like you stole my spot as co-captain?"

I looked Vick straight in the eye in a squint, showing how bad I wanted to give him one punch to his furless face. Just an hour ago I considered being his friend, or try to get along with him for the team, but I just couldn't see it happening with him being such a jerk. I continued the glare. He wasn't any taller than me.

"I didn't steal that spot..." I said in a low voice. "I earned it, and you know it! Coach gave me the position because I was right for it... for the team! Just because I'm better than you doesn't mean you can through a baby-fit. Don't take your anger out on my friends. Be a man and face me yourself..."

Vick stepped closer. "Do you have any idea what you're getting yourself into?" Two other guys stepped up behind Vick, and one moved closer from behind. I glanced over my shoulder, then gave my view back to Vick.

"Oh, please! So you're going to jump the guy who can drop your worthless ass from the team?" I looked past Vick, at the other two behind him, also members of the team. "And you're going to help him? Smart guys, really smart..."

One of the guys stepped forward, a cheetah. "You're protecting that fagot! I'm not helping someone like you!"

When he called Milo a fagot, I lost my train of thought. I stepped forward, but was immediately pushed back by Vick, landing into the guy that was behind me. The bear took the chance and grabbed both my arms, enabling movement. I looked up at Vick and new exactly what was to come.

Vick raised his hand and smiled.

"Now I'm going to give you what you deserve, bitch!"

"Funny..." I started chuckling in this really bad situation. "I remember saying the same thing to your mom last night..." Everyone circling began to laugh. That only made Vick angrier; the grin he once wore had vanished.

"Stop! Vick stop it!" Milo shouted.

"Milo, just go home, I'll take care of things!" I knew Milo would argue with me, but I shot him a serious glare, and he didn't disobey, he just ran through the crowd. I felt my shirt collar being grasped, turning my attention back to the problem at hand, at Vick.

"You shoulda let the faggot help you!"

"Bite me!" I spat.

"How about a punch?" He swung for my face, but it was stopped by someone. I looked to the side and found Austin standing beside me, holding Vicks hand, just inches from my muzzle. "Who the hell are you??!!"

Austin pulled Vick toward him, and pushed the human away with force. Vick tumbled back, lucky enough for his friends to catch him. The bear who had me in his clutch, released me and dove for the little wolf, but wasn't successful; Austin ducked and dodged the upcoming bear, leaving the heavy fur to fall flat on his face.

Vick made his comeback, and charged at the white wolf, but it was my turn to help him. I stepped in between the two and clashed with Vick, forcing him back a little.

"So there three faggots now, huh?" Vick stepped forward, fist at ready.

"What did you call me?" Now Austin stepped up, his claws retracted, ready to insert them in the humans flesh. Austin was shorter than Vick, but the guy had heart, standing up to someone bigger than him. I put myself back in Vick's eye-view.

"Stop!" I growled. "Stop being such a fool! Dammit dude, I don't want to kick your ass at your own party, so chill!"

"Kick my ass? How about you try it!" A slight grin came across Vick's face.

I bit my tongue and sighed. "You're not worth it..."

"You're scared?" Vick gave an evil chuckle. "Don't tell me the basketball star is afraid!"

As soon as he said basketball, something clicked. The answer to all my problems lied within a game.

"Ok...let's do this..." I started. "But I'm not going to fight you. How about we settle this in a nice game of basketball?" Vick looked at his two friends beside him before nodding.

"Fine, we play two on two. But to make it more interesting, if I win, you have to quit the team." The deal seemed a little risky, that would be giving up something very important, actually it would give away the only reason I like school.

"Deal!" Someone yelled beside me. I looked over to see Austin glaring at Vick.

"What the hell are you doing?!" I asked; a bit shocked that someone would put my reason for living on the line. "You can't just bet something that's not yours...?"

Austin rolled his eyes then looked at me. "Trust me on this, ok?" He looked back at Vick. "If we win, then you leave me, Blake, and that fox alone, deal?"

Vick guffawed. "Sure, hell, I know we're going to win." He looked over at the bear, who recently recovered.

I just shook my head in disbelief, I still couldn't grasp the fact he just accepted this deal. I didn't know what to say, but he did tell me to trust him, and in an odd way, I did.

"Ok, I'll participate too, but if you lose Vick, you also have to play how I want you to, on MY team...deal?" I extended my paw.

Vick looked at my paw, then at Austin. "Is he your teammate?"

"Yeah I am! You have a problem with that?" Austin growled.

"No, no problem..." Vick grabbed my paw. "Deal!"

The party moved from the house, to Vick's outdoor basketball court. Everyone seemed excited to see yet another basketball game that night. The entire way outside I stared at Austin. He was indeed shorter than me, Vick, and the bear, Vick's teammate. I honestly did not know if we would be ok playing with such a disadvantage, especially with something so important on the line. Once we were on the court, I stepped out of my pants, I always wore shorts under them, and removed my shirt. Vick did the same, being that he's a basketball player, we are always were prepared for a game. Vick pointed at someone and the lights flashed on the court, making the entire basketball playground viewable.

Trust him? How could I trust someone who blew me off like ten minutes ago? He is like 5 foot 4, and probably never dribbled, let alone touched a basketball in his life, and he wanted me to trust him. The thought of trusting him was about fifty-fifty, because in some crazy, sixth sense sort of way, I did trust him.

Someone in the crowd threw a ball to Vick. "Ok you little fagots," Vick announced, earning a growl from Austin. "The game is to fifteen, two on two, half court, very simple. Winner has to win by two points, but you really don't have to worry about that, now do you?" Vick threw me the ball. "You bitches get ball first."

For the second time, I bit my tongue. I knew if a person talk trash, then they would most likely lose. "Check..." I passed the ball back to Vick, and he gave it to me once more.

The game started.

I passed the ball to Austin, but before it could get to him, Vick intercepted it and shot, making a three pointer; it only counted as two points in this type of game. Vick grinned as he bounced over to his teammate, slapping hand to paw. The ball was passed back to me. I repeated the steps, passing the ball to Vick, getting it back shortly. This time I actually dribbled the ball a little.

Vick guarded me, he was a decent match up, but I didn't get his spot for being equal to him. I faked a shot, tricking him to jump so I can run around him and make the layup. It was an easy point, though we were still one behind. Now it was Vick's and his mate's ball. He checked it in and dribbled a little, my eyes stayed on the ball. Vick passed it to his teammate, hitting a perfect alley-op. The performance made the crowd go wild; they loved to see such a beautiful play executed.

Vick pointed at me and smirked.

"Game is all mine baby!"

And it seemed that way. Shot after shot, Vick executed every play professionally. With the giant bear on his team, it was no way Austin could block the dunks. Before I could blink twice, the score was ten to two; my hopes of winning had vanished when they were at five.

I had the ball in my paws once again. Austin raised his paws and called a time out, running over towards me.

"Let's get a little serious now." I tilt my head. The entire game I had been serious, there was no time to not be serious.

"What the hell do you mean? I've been serious this entire game... you know, I'm the one with the two points on the board right now, so please tell me how the hell am I not serious?!"

A grin formed on the wolf's face, which made me a little angry.

"I guess it's me who haven't been taking this game seriously? Let's change this." His grin faded away and he started to look serious, or the way he presented himself inside. "Layups and these little one point shots aren't going to help us win, we need to go for straight two point shots. If we do that then we can catch up. You're a decent shooter, so take all the shots you need, and I will too. And when the ball turns over to them, let me guard the person with the ball."

His strategy was not full proof, it was just shoot and pray, not my style of playing. "I don't think so, that isn't even a good plan..." Austin rolled his eyes when he heard what I had to say.

"Just do what I say. If they score before we do, then we'll do whatever you say, ok?" The only thing I could do is stare at him, he seemed so sure of the plan.

I closed my eyes and sighed, taking in as much air as I can. "Ok, fine...you have one chance, and if that doesn't work...then we're basically screwed." The grin that came upon his face couldn't be described; it was a mixture of excitement, greed, and revenge all in one. With the approval, he bounced off to his place.

Vick stepped up. I checked the ball to him, and the game started, once again. I started dribbling toward the basket, but Vick was determined to keep me from scoring; he followed me side to side, his eyes fixed on the ball. If he looked at it any harder, he would probably burn a hole in the ball. Vick wasn't giving me any shooting room: I couldn't drive it to the basket, or cross him over.

"Hey!" Austin clapped his paws, as he jet from one side of the court to the other. The bear wasn't able to keep up with him, leaving the little wolf wide open. I passed the ball to Austin and he shot it from behind the three point line. Everyone watched the ball twirl in the air, until it made its way through the hoop, hitting nothing but net. The crowd really enjoyed that shot. It was Austin's first shot of the night, and a pretty good one at that.

"Lucky ass shot!" Vick spat. "Not like you're gonna win, it's over! Check!" Austin ran up to guard Vick. Vick looked at him a little oddly, but smirked after a second of examining the smaller wolf. Once the ball hit Vick's hand again, Austin quickly gained possession. Austin quickly turned around and took the shot inches from the half-court line, and made yet another shot. If the crowd liked the last shot, then they killed over this one, everyone roared from excitement.

"Do it again you little spit-fuck!" Anger, it was written all over Vick's face. Austin, on the other hand, just looked up at him and smiled triumphantly.

When the next play started, Austin repeated his actions, stealing the ball from Vick in a lightning fast motion, and put up another shot, tossing the orange ball into the air and letting it smoothly go through the hoop. Austin spun around to face Vick, who face was now puffed up and red.

"You were saying?" Austin grinned.

I don't know what happened: the fact that Austin's plan worked, or Vick being so mad that it affected his game, because after that the game worked in our favor. Austin ability to steal the ball outdid NBA players, the ball was there and gone in an instant. In no time at all, Austin and I had put up enough points to tie the game. The little wolf was better than I expected. The score: 13-13. Vick had possession of the ball, with Austin guarding him.

Vick rimmed the three point line, with Austin following close in front of him. Vick was playing it safe, he tried not to drive the ball in because Austin would steal the ball from him and make another shot, possibly ending the game. The only thing Vick could do is run around until he found an open shot. He ran from left, to the right, staying on the line, Austin stayed on his tail, watching the ball as I did in the beginning, but as he stopped on the court, his foot slid instead of stopping. Vick saw that chance and took it; he stopped also and took the jump shot. The white wolf looked at him and grinned, before jumping extremely high and grabbed the ball.

My eyes widened as I watched the short wolf jump high enough to grab the ball, but my time to observe had to be cut short. Austin passed the ball to me, and good timing; I just worked my way around the large bear and was open for a clear shot. As soon as the ball hit my paws, I took the shot. I watched the ball the same way I did earlier that day at the game, and just like the earlier shot, I made it.

"YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!!!" The audience all cheered once the winning shot was made. Vick fell to his knees, the bear pushed his way through the crowd, and Austin ran up to me and jump-hugged me. I looked down at him and of course I had a confused, blush look.

"Awesome game!"

"Uhhh..." Austin looked down and noticed that his arms were around me and removed them. A blush creeped across his white cheeks. An awkward silence fell between the two of us, but that ended when Vick approached us yelling at the top of his lungs.

"Fuck you! That was some cheating bull shit! I want a rematch!"

"Dude...we won, just get over it." I lightly pushed Austin back in case Vick tried something irrational.

"A damn lie! You can't beat me! You're a bunch of QUEERS!" Vick swung at me for the second time that night, and for the second time he was stopped, but my saviors this time were the crowd. Everyone went quiet. Vick turned around and saw that everyone disapproved of his attitude. He shook off the hands/paws holding him back. "Fuck all of you! Everyone here are bitches for taking up for the two faggots!" With those last words, he stormed off...

*Despair*

"Dude, you were awesome out there..." I said walking beside Austin. After the game Austin and I decided to walk home together. His house was only a few blocks from the party, and mine turned out to be a block or two from his house. "Who knew you'd know how to play basketball..."

"Well, duh! The short kid can't dribble or shoot a ball!" Austin teased. "I play ball in my spare time...which I have a lot of nowadays."

"With the move and all, huh?"

Austin looked down and sighed. "Yeah, you can say that..."

"Is there something else?"

Looking at his face, I could tell something bothered him. His expression changed, he seemed empty now.

"N-no...it's the move...coming to a new town without any...friends." Austin shoved his paws into his pants' pocket. "It's hard to find people to trust these days. Everyone wants a certain thing out of you, if they don't get it then they just abandon you."

"Is that why you didn't want to talk to me at the party, because you're scared of opening up and letting a friend in?"

There was a short pause. I looked over; Austin had his eyes closed and breath clouds orbited his head. "That's one of the reasons why... I assumed you would be the jock type. You're on the basketball team, and I've seen how some of the players act around school... just thought you would be the same way...."

I understood him completely. The guys at my school were jerks, just about all the sport players act like they owned the school. "What made you change your mind about me?"

Austin stopped walking, and turned towards me. "You were the only one at that god-damn party who stood up for that cheerleader guy... I mean, others stood around and watched that fox get picked on, but you... you didn't care what people thought of you, you stood up to your own teammates and defended him..."

"I'm not like them..." I whispered. "My team...friends...or even family, I'm not that cruel..."

There was a long pause, Austin and I began walking again. Silence filled the air around us, the cold felt uncomfortable being silence right hand man, both together made me want to continue the conversation.

I looked over at him without breaking pace. "Why did you help?"

Austin's ears lay flat on his head. I don't know if it was from the question, or being just cold. "Because it pisses me off to see someone hurt... When weaker people get picked on, it makes me mad! People never consider how much pain they bring others with their teasing, and joking... I won't stand around and let jerks have their way..."

"So you really care?" I asked after he was done explaining.

Austin nodded. "Yes, I care more than you know..."

A big grin spread across my muzzle. It was great to hear another guy cared about Milo. He was so alone at times, this guy could really lighten up his mood. "You know Milo also cares, he likes you..." Austin blushed a crimson red, his cheeks burned from the words I spoke.

"Eh...h-he isn't my type..." Austin staggered, looking down to make sure we wouldn't make eye contact.

"Hmmm..." I nodded. "So what's your type? Girl?"

Austin began to blush an even darker red. "N-no..."

I smiled wide, this was a relief, he was either a hermit, or sexually confused. Either way it was my chance. "So what's your type exactly?"

Austin came to an halt once more, turned toward me, still facing the ground with the same dark red blush. "Well...y-you're..."

"Hurry! Hurry! Let's get out of here!" Deep, loud whispered came from an alley no more than a couple feet from Austin and I. I glanced at Austin, and he looked at me, confused. I placed a finger to my muzzle, telling him not to make a sound and I walked closer to the alley, and peeked around the corner. At the end of the alley, three dark figures ran, and disappeared as they turned the corner. I thought it was strange to see someone flee like that, so I moved into the alley to investigate.

"What's wrong?!" Austin whispered. I waved my paw for him to come with me, he was at my side within seconds. We slowly started down the alleyway, looking at every shadow, and every object that moved. Once we got halfway through the alley, someone came into view. In front of us, lying motionless, was a kid, very small and looked beat up. I took a few more steps toward the kid, and once I was close enough, I gasped and ran over to him.

"Milo! Milo!!!!" I held picked him in my arms, and cradled his small fox body. "Milo...Buddy! Speak to me!" I shook him a couple times, but he was limp in my arms, lifeless. I looked at Austin with tears the size of golf balls raging down my face. "Call for help!" I squeaked. My words couldn't leave my muzzle correctly. "G-get...g-get...h-h-help..."

*Anger*

This world, it's made up of good, and evil. Good people do good deeds, they do not harm others, and they always are hurt at the end. It makes you question if being a good person is worth it, because if in the end all you get is pain and hurt, then why try?

That's pretty simple; good people are placed on this earth so the bad people can strip them of their dignity, take what has been worked hard for, and leave the good guy naked, lost...

The line between good and evil is very thin, most people choose the good road, and others are forced to pick the bad route. No matter how hard you try to stay good, evil will force its way in. It's up to you to beat it back out, only if you want to, because sometime being the bad guy eases the pain.

Sitting across the room from a fox that looked lifeless made forced me to stand at that cross road. It had been hours since I brought my best friend's limp body into the hospital, and just thirty minutes since they brought him back in a hospital bed all wrapped up, hooked up to a million tubes and gadgets. The site of my friend in this condition made me think in only a negative way.

Rage

Fury

Wrath

Hostility

Ferocity

Bitterness

Hate

Scorn

Spite

Vengefulness

Dislike

Resentment

Anger...

I could feel nothing but hate. No happiness my friend was alive, or gratitude that the doctors saved his life, or fear of if he isn't ok in the end; just utter, unconditional, unforgivable hate. Police officers came and went, not staying long enough to get the details, or even the location of the event, they were just sitting on their lazy ass not defending the person who was laying in the hospital bed. My friend lie in a bed, beaten, with cracked ribs, broken nose, a few fractures, hundreds of bruises, and raped, and guess where the police were? No one knows. Protect and serve my ass.

I blamed everyone at that moment. Like I said, nothing could be felt but hate. Where were the other cheerleaders? They were supposed to make sure he made it home ok! Why would his parents even let him go to a party, especially when they knew how hard it was for him at school!

No

It was not his cheerleader friends fault, nor his parents. The blame could only be directed at one person. Me. I was at the party, I told him to get out of there alone, and while he was getting the beat down of his life, I was out flirting with a guy he has a crush on.

I stood up and walked over to his bed. I reach out to touch him, but stopped half-way. He was in so much pain; I couldn't risk causing more than I've already done. Tear started to flow down my cheeks. I wondered how he felt during the attack, how scared he was, or what he was thinking. What if he thought of me? I was supposed to protect him. His friend who had his back through anything should have been there!

"I-I'm so sorry, Milo...Milo..." I was brought down to my knees out of self-pity. "I'm sorry...I'm sorry...I'm sorry...I'm so sorry...

"He's going to be ok..." I felt a paw rest on my shoulder. The voice, it was the last person I wanted to be faced with. I looked up to find Austin looking down with tears in his eyes.

"Please...just go away..." I shrugged his paw from my shoulder.

"Blake... I'm here to help, and I'm not leaving Milo, not until he wakes up."

I spun around, stood up, and snarled, showing every single canine tooth I had. "I want you to go! This is my friend, I'll stay here with him. Don't come back for a visit... Just stay away from me and him. I want you out of my life!" His ears matted against the top of his head, and his tail tucked between his legs.

"W-what did I do, Blake?"

"Because of you Milo is in the hospital! He's in this position because of you! If you didn't ask me to walk home with you, maybe I could have been there with Milo, maybe he would be safely at home, and maybe he wouldn't have to deal with this horrible event every day for the rest of his fucking life!" It wasn't fair to put the blame on Austin, but I didn't care. He deserved to feel this pain. Deep down, I believed that he was responsible for all of this.

Austin didn't argue back, he didn't look at me. He just walked out the room and shut the door silently. I gave my attention back to Milo, not thinking of Austin at all, and started to sob again, but this time it was harder, with more tears. I was so lost right now. All I needed was for Milo to wake up so I can know he's ok...

*Vengeful*

Two days past since the accident; both of those days were spent with tears streaming down my face, and at the bedside of my half-dead friend. The wires and tubes connected to his body brought tears every time I glanced at his stiff body. Each glance made me think of the pain he is going through, or put through in that alley; I wanted the police to find those guys and give them nothing less than the electric chair. In my opinion, those guys should fry for what they did to the innocent soul that lie in the hospital bed.

I looked down at him and thought about the last real conversation we had, before all of this chaos happened; my eyes started to pour again...

"Yeah, yeah. I know. For a minute there I thought I'd have to go sit down or hid myself while you played." Milo and myself started out of the gym, pushing our way through the commotion the game set.

"Why is that?" I asked, looking down and watching my feet and Milo as I walked. Compared to me, Milo was a midget.

The little fox grinned and looked at me, ready to make a joke. "Because....I know how you like looking at my ass during the game...wouldn't want you to get distracted, now would we?"

I grabbed Milo paw in both of mine, stroked it gently, and kissed his little paw. Nothing registered in my mind; I just wanted the old Milo back, the one who constantly haunt my memories every second of these long two days. I gave my all to keep the memory of him a live, and not think I would lose him...

"Ok..." I sighed. "I'll go to the party, but you have to promise me one thing."

"Anything..." The way Milo looked, he was waiting for something big. His eyes gazed up at me in anticipation.

"You..." There was a short pause. "Have to promise..." Another pause. "Not to try and get me wasted so you can sleep with me." He punched me on the chest and started laughing, followed by my own joyful laugh.

"Please...you're not even on the top of my fuck list." I looked at Milo in shock.

"Oh really? What number am I?" Milo grinned and poked my chest.

"You're...number 12." Knowing I was on his little list was creepy, but knowing I was number twelve sort of hurt.

"Number 12..." I said to myself, chuckling; tears continued to fall from my eyes. That had to be the first time I've experienced joy in the past 2 days. But happiness only last for short periods of time, because closely following, a bad memory worked its way to the surface. This particular memory brought the heaviest guilt upon my soul, a mistake I shouldn't have made...

"Milo, just go home, I'll take care of things!" I knew Milo would argue with me, but I shot him a serious glare, and he didn't disobey, he just ran through the crowd. I felt my shirt collar being grasped, turning my attention back to the problem at hand, at Vick.

My paw moved to the left side of my chest and clenched my left pec. The most horrible mistake I have ever made was sending Milo off by himself. I was guilty for what happened to him, everything that happened to him was obviously my fault. If only I was strong and protected him from Vick and his group, then maybe I could have been there to fight off his attackers...

I buried my face in Milo's bed sheets and sobbed...and sobbed...and sobbed.

"I'm sorry buddy..." I sniffled and continued to cry.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, I could hear a soft voice, so weak that air could probably shatter it. I looked up to find something that brought even more tears to my eyes. There, looking directly at me in the most fragile manner, lied Milo, barely awake.

"Blake..." I grabbed his paw and kissed it again.

"I'm here, Milo...I'm not going anywhere..."

"B-Blake..." The little fox repeated.

I licked my lips, smiled, and whipped the tears from my eyes. "Yeah..." My excitement danced around me like fire; my entire mood had set ablaze, and I was happier than a man winning the lottery. "Right here...right here Milo..."

Milo's chest moved up and down, slowly, as he breathed. I could tell he was in a great amount of pain; he often flinched when his chest went back down. "Blake...Vick..."

My eyes widened. "W-what did you say? Milo..."

"N-no...Vick...p-please..." Milo cried out in a soft tone.

Vick? Stop? Everything stood still, my world shattered, I could hear my heart beat. The breathes I took were now slower than Milo's, and probably more painful. Reality came down on me all at once. After listening to Milo, everything became clear. The attacker, cause of Milo being in the hospital, it wasn't a random select. No. The person who attacked Milo was...

"Vick!" I jumped up and stormed out of Milo's room, my fist clenched and teeth grinding. Vick attacked Milo that night! It all made sense. He was still mad that he was beaten that night, and instead of being a man, he went out and nearly killed Milo. The thought of Vick being the attacker stirred up so many emotions, but the only thing on my mind at the time was revenge!

As I left the hospital, someone stopped me.

"Blake..." I turned around to catch sight of Austin. "Where are you going? Is Milo ok?"

I started back walking. It was rude to ignore him, but in a way I still blamed Austin for what happened. I didn't want to talk to him right now, especially in this state. I saw a cab and ran too it before someone else could get it. I jumped in the back seat, and so did Austin.

"To Madison Street." I said to the driver.

"What's going on? I know you said do not talk to you..." Austin started.

"Yeah! I told you to stay the hell away! Why are you here?" I beamed at the little white wolf sitting next to me. The cab started to move. I instructed the driver to take me home, I needed to get something.

Austin grabbed my arm. "You can't blame this on me! I'm sorry, but we both were at that party, and we both were having a good time, but you cannot put all of this on me!" I looked down and bit my lip. He was right about one thing. I couldn't put all of it on just him. The person I had to blame was soon to meet real pain.

"I know who did it..." I whispered. Austin stared at me with wide eyes.

"Are you talking about...Milo's attacker?"

I nodded and picked my head up to look Austin straight in the eye. "Yes..."

"Who?"

"Vick..."

As strange as it was, Austin had the same reaction I did: his fist tightened, teeth clenched, and he let out a low snarl. "The guy...from the party..."

I sat up straight and looked forward. "Exactly..."

After that Austin did not speak, his anger put him in silence for the rest of our ride. My-self, on the other hand, not only could not speak from the intense amount of anger I held, but it was getting hard to breathe. Thoughts raced in a never-ending marathon. I wanted revenge; to bring justice on this predicament, and there was one way to obtain justice.

I paid the cab driver once he arrived at our destination. I walked straight to the door; Austin followed close behind me, still speechless. I dug in my pocket in search of a key. No one was home, and Friday morning was the last time I had been here. After finding the key, I unlocked the door, turned around, and finally spoke to Austin, "Stay right here...I'll be back in a second!"

I ran into the house, up the stairs, and into my parent's room. Once in there, I went to a desk and opened the top drawer, which had a black box in it. I took the box out, set it on the desk, and lift the lid, revealing a shiny black piece of steal on top of a lot of papers. I eyed the object for a few seconds before picking it up and twisting it around in my paws. This small object would be my way of Justice. My dad's not-so hidden M9 would help in my plan to bring justice to this situation.

Usually a moment like this, someone would think about their reactions, but at the time my mind clouded with hate and disdain; nothing mattered more than revenge. The image of Vick blurred my vision, his face covered with fear and awe, eyes glowing with resent, then....all I see is a flash - a bright flash with no bang before it.

I shook the thought out of mind before placing the safely at my waist, then went back to the black box, ruffling through the papers until I found a key, taking it and making way back downstairs and out the door. Soon as I stepped out of the door, I gave Austin instructions to follow me to a car in the driveway. This car was my stepdad's, it was a metallic black 2010 Mustang GT, his pride and joy. A rule was set by him, long ago, not to drive the vehicle, but as known, I was not thinking. My goal was strictly to get my paws on Vick.

Once in the car, Austin spoke, anger dancing around his tone, "Where are we going? To Vick?!" A low growl escaped as he spoke Vick's name.

At that exact moment, I was at a loss of words. Telling him my plan didn't seem like a good thing to do, Austin would probably try to talk me out of it, or calm my angered mood - honestly, that was the exact opposite from what I wanted him to do. It wasn't until I had started the car and drove off when I answered him.

"Yes," I gripped the stirring wheel. "I'm going to go over to that bastards house..." There was a brief pause. The next words I wanted to blurt out were "AND KILL THAT WORTHLESS PIECE OF SHIT!" but I paused and said the only words that could possibly substitute what I was thinking. "...and I'm gonna make him pay..."

"Good! I wanna sink my claws in that fuckers throat!" Austin sighed in frustration.

I couldn't see Austin's face due to the fact I was concentrating solely on the road, making alley routes and running stop signs -ticket or not, my goal, Vick, was my destination. Though I couldn't see his face, the wolf's voice made sure his anger was present, letting out loud snarls and cussing silently.

The reckless driving paid off in the end, making it to Vick's house in less than seven minutes. I brought the car to a spot in front of the house mailbox, parked it, and hopped out of the car, leaving the keys and Austin inside. I looked up at the house and memories of Friday night flashed through my thoughts.

-BANG-

I knocked on the door with a balled up paw. No one answered.

-BANG- -BANG

Twice the second time; I received the same outcome, the door was left unanswered. By now, Austin had finally caught up with me.

-BOOM-

Austin kicked the door with much force behind the attack. We waited for a few seconds before both, Austin and I, let out a growl of frustration.

"Dammit!" I snarled. "He's not h-.."

"We're around back!" Someone yelled from around the house. The voice wasn't Vick's, but I knew he would be around the corner. I wasted no time, literally dashing in the voice's direction. My eagerness drove my actions. Once the first person came into view, my run halted.

The first person I saw pointed at me, gaining the other's attention. It was another human, probably a relative of Vick. "Hey, isn't that Blake?" He blurted out. I looked around and counted out the number of people. Six total, two humans, and four furs: that bear from the party; a tiger; husky; Rott Weiler. None seemed like adults.

All twelve eyes glared at me; I could only glare back. From the looks of the setting, I was on the same basketball court we played on at the party, and it seemed like I had just interrupted a game: Vick held a basketball in his arms.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" Vick asked.

The glare I beamed at the guys quickly directed on Vick. I just stood there and looked at him, not making any moves, or thinking of any other thing. The spotlight put Vick in its circle.

"Are you just gonna stand there? I asked you a question!" Vick tossed the ball behind him and started walking toward the spot I stationed. I remained silent, just glaring. "Hey!" He yelled, now standing in front of me. "I asked you a question b-.." As he was getting his sentence out, I pulled out the gun, sticking the cold piece of steel inside his mouth.

"Shut the fuck up..." I whispered. "...or I'll kill you..."

Vick's eyes widened in fear and in a way, I liked how he presented his fear. I could see his pupils dilate as the metallic black object entered through his jaws. His reaction caused me to growl... This was my justice. I knew if the police found him he would be released with community service at most, that's why I didn't turn to the police, this sort of thing was better handled through revenge.

The other five guys gasped.

I looked at the furless figure before me, growled, and tightened my grip around the gun.

"You know why I'm here, huh? Don't lie, or I'll blast your brains out." My voice was dark and cold, it scared even myself.

Vick nodded, his eyes began to water.

"Good." I said; my finger pressed firmly against the trigger, ready to pull back on it. "Now, tell me who the fuck else was with you?" I slowly removed the pistol from his mouth, but never taking aim from Vick.

Vick's words came out in a bundle, "Dude! Why are you pointing a gun at me, get that thing out of here!" His eyes pierced the gun.

I rolled my eyes and pressed the gun against Vick's forehead.

"You know why I'm here!" I yelled, putting more force behind the gun. "Don't play games, I swear to God I will end your life right here and now!"

"I-I don't..." Vick gulped.

"Don't you?" I said in a snarl. "A few seconds you knew what I was talking about. Did you just suddenly have amnesia?"

"M-man...just put the gun d-down..." Vick shook with fear, his eyes were wide and full of tears. The fear he showed almost made me want to put the gun away. At the last moment I was beginning to doubt what I was doing. The gun slowly moved declined, but was quickly raised. I was quickly reminded of why I was here...

"Stop fucking around! Milo is in a hospital bed and you're the reason!" Vick stepped back, I guess in an attempt to flee, but his body went still once I directed the gun at his head.

"I-it wasn't me..." Vick said weakly.

"Liar!" I swung the pistol and hit Vick in the jaw, causing him to fall to the ground. "Don't deny it! I've been with him at the hospital since Friday, and the day he wakes up, he says one thing. Guess what that was?" I took a brief pause to let someone, anyone, speak. "The first thing he did was tell me who did those things to him! Cracked ribs! Broken Nose! Fractured bones! AND! AND he was RAPED!" I pointed the gun at Vick's defenseless body. "You almost killed my buddy, and for what? Because you were mad at ME for taking a little spot on a sports team that doesn't even matter? Oh, that's fucking low, even for you.

"I want to hear it from your mouth. Tell me everything you did to him, or so help me God I will paint this entire court with your blood!"

Everything went silent, so silent that I could hear the soft winter wind blowing through my fur; I couldn't feel it from my blood boiling, but the sound of it definitely triggered my eardrums. Though the wind was not what I wanted to hear. The silent dragged on, and on, and still no reply from Vick.

"I don't have all day," I hissed. "Your life is ticking."

Vick blinked a few times before looking up at me; tears now flowing down his smooth cheeks. "I did it..." He sniffed. "I did those things to Milo..."

Small growls escaped my muzzle.

"Who else?" I demanded.

"Just m-..."

"Don't fucking lie to me! I found Milo myself seconds after you nearly killed him and I saw three guys in that alley!" I had my finger at ready, wrapped around the trigger. His lying only miffed me even more.

"Me...Trent...and...Carlos..." I could hear a few gasps from the other five guys. In fact, the guys he named were all here. Trent was the bear, and Carlos would be the Tiger.

Trent and Carlos stole my attention. I raised the gun and pointed at Trent.

"So you two..." I lowered the gun back down at Vick. "I'll handle when I'm finish with your little partner in crime.

"Please don't shoot me..." Vick sat in front of me with tears rolling down his face. "I'm sorry...I'm sorry...don't shoot..." He pleaded, but his apology and begging for me not to shoot him wasn't enough for me to forgive him. The only way I could ever put this behind me was to follow through with the plan. I had to kill him: for me and for Milo.

"I bet Milo pleaded. I bet he was begging you to stop, but did you care about how he felt? Was his cry recognized that night?" I shook my head. "No...because if he was given a chance, he would not be at the hospital, laying in a hospital bed, half cautious right now, would he? Heh, I'm not giving you a chance. If Milo didn't get it, then you sure as hell don't deserve one. I hope that captain spot was worth it, because I don't think there will be a team where you're going."

I aimed the gun, directing his head in the line of fire. I slowly pulled back the trigger...

"No!" A voice said from behind. I turned my head slightly to catch Austin in my sight. I forgot he was even here; he just sat in the back quietly, watching the whole event. "Don't shoot him Blake.."

I guffawed, "Don't shoot him? You gotta be kidding. Do you remember what he did to Milo. MILO was in a fucking comma because of him."

"But he's alive..." Austin attempted to reason. "Killing Vick isn't going to change anything. Milo will be ok, while if you kill Vick...he'll just be...dead...."

"Naw...I've thought about that too...but you're wrong Austin!" I said. "Milo will not be ok. He'll live with that event for the rest of his life, every day he will look in the mirror and be disgusted. He won't be the same person I once knew; the happy-go-lucky guy that always joked and made fun of me. He will be nothing but an empty shell all because of these bastards! Milo won't be physically gone, but his life, personality, things people loved about him...they will be dead..." I gave my attention back to Vick, my paw still gripped tightly around the gun. I wasn't having second thoughts, this is what had to be done.

"Yea," Austin whispered, barely getting his message across. "And so will his friend, Blake Hunt..."

The gun went off...

-POW-

*Guilt*

I looked to the right... a white wall. I turned to my left... another white wall. Same was in front and behind me. I was in an all-white room. The room was small, containing only a table and two chairs, which I was sitting in one. The other chair was placed on the other side of the table.

I sat in this white room unaccompanied. This wasn't my first time here, I've been visiting the little white prison for a month now, and every time I was here, I would shake uncontrollably. The shaking could be blamed on the extremely low temperature. No. The reason why my limbs vibrated was because I was afraid of what may happen. Three times I've been in this room; the last two times I was interrogated harshly.

Yes, this was a...

"Mr. Blake Hunt?" The door opened and a German Shepherd poked his head in, speaking my name. "Officer Dan would like to speak with you..." The German Shepherd pushed the door open wider, and larger canine walked in. The guy was a fairly large Pit Bull, and he was muscle built on top of muscle! He walked over to the empty chair, pulled it out, and sat down.

"This makes meeting number three, Blake Hunt." Officer Dan said, leaning forward in his seat.

"Sir...I can explain..." The Pit Bull raised a paw, silencing me.

"Three times...Some would guess after the FIRST, a person would lay low and not get into ANY trouble with the law. Not you..." He took a pause before standing up. "I understand the second time wasn't your fault, but after your first convection, wouldn't you think to just stay afar from trouble? At least...at least until your first offence died down?"

I shift nervously in my chair. "Sir...can I tell you what happened?"

Officer Dan shook his head and started pacing back and forward, slowly. "I don't understand...first you steal your stepfather's gun, causing him to be sent away to prison for a partially expired guns license. Then you take that gun and go off to one of your fellow basketball players house, and shoot him..." His pace came to a halt. "True enough the guy beat, raped, and nearly killed your friend, but that doesn't give reason to why the jury voted innocent...You shot that kid in the leg, you assaulted him..."

Yes, you heard correctly. That day I went to avenge my friend, Milo, I was right there in front of him, the gun was in my grasp, and the barrel was pointed straight for Vick's head..

"But he's alive..." Austin attempted to reason. "Killing Vick isn't going to change anything. Milo will be ok, while if you kill Vick...he'll just be...dead...."

"Naw...I've thought about that too...but you're wrong Austin!" I said. "Milo will not be ok. He'll live with that event for the rest of his life, every day he will look in the mirror and be disgusted. He won't be the same person I once knew; the happy-go-lucky guy that always joked and made fun of me. He will be nothing but an empty shell all because of these bastards! Milo won't be physically gone, but his life, personality, things people loved about him...they will be dead..." I gave my attention back to Vick, my paw still gripped tightly around the gun. I wasn't having second thoughts, this is what had to be done.

"Yea," Austin whispered, barely getting his message across. "And so will his friend, Blake Hunt..."

I tried to ignore Austin's last words, but they couldn't be shrugged away. There was a deep message behind what he said. So will I? If I shot Vick, I would lose myself. Forever the fact that I shot and killed someone would remain on my shoulder. Could I really live with that?

I moved the guns target from his head, to his leg. Killing someone was not an option. When Milo gets out of the hospital he would need someone to help him out; a person to show him the way; a friend...and I was the one to do all of those things. If I shot Vick, I would go to jail, and possibly never see my friend again.

"You're right Austin..." My paw trembled as I held the gun. "Killing him won't change anything...but taking away what made him go this far will..." I looked at Vick with tears now running down my face. "You wanted my captains position? Try getting it with a permanently damaged leg!" I shouted as the trigger pulled back.

The gun went off...

Luck had been on my side. I shot Vick in the leg and was put on probation, one hundred hours of community service, lost captain spot on the team, and suspended for five games. The jury understood my situation, especially since my actions were out of pure anger for a friend. In my opinion, I was very lucky.

Vick, on the other paw, did not have as much luck. The night Vick assaulted Milo, Vick was drunk and high. He pleaded guilty telling the entire truth, and even though he was wheeled into the court room in a wheel chair, the jury did not feel any sympathy for him. In the end, he had a year worth of probation, two thousand hours of community service, suspension from school, and laid off of the basketball team. The only luck he had was his injury which prevented him from going to Juvi.

"So let us see what you have done now?" Officer Dan took out a small note pad, flipped a few pages, and began reading. "You were in a fight...broke the guys nose... Lucky for him a broken nose is fixable, unlike a LEG that was shot..." He sighed and placed the note pad down. "What happen?"

FINALLY I was given the chance to talk. I sat up straight. "Today was completely normal, you know? Every day after each block, I walk to Milo's locker to check on him. He hasn't been himself: quit the cheerleader squad, don't hang out with his friends, go straight home after school...stuff like that, so I check on him between classes. Well, after fourth block I went to check on him, and when I get there I see two large senior football player dudes, standing in front of Milo. They had him forced back to the locker. So I walk over to them and see what is going on, and I could hear them calling Milo a faggot, dirty, a slut...and other names. Milo has been through a lot and I don't want anyone giving him any trouble. I stepped up to stop them but they turned the tables on me, and one of the guys, a lion, rushed at me and knocked me against the locker...that's where it all started."

Officer Dan rubbed his chin, looking off into another direction as I finish explaining what happened.

"So...you were protecting your friend again?" I nodded. "A school fight isn't really big in policemen eyes, but if you're supposed to stay clear from trouble, then it is a big deal. We reviewed the cameras at your school before I came in, and I see you're telling the truth. The guy did rush after you first. You're a good friend, trying to protect that little fox, but you should ask yourself is he worth going to jail for. You're on probation, kid. Something like this would put you behind bars, but since it was self-defense, you will be able to walk out of here with not even a warning."

"Sir..." I closed my eyes and sighed. "Milo is definitely worth going to jail for..."

If anything, I knew that was the complete and honest truth. Milo had been very distant lately: not talking to anyone, doing anything, or being alive. He walked around like a zombie at school. It hurt to see him like that, but it hurt more to be ignored by him. I know it isn't his fault, but it hurts nonetheless. The only thing I could do, as a friend, for him now was to protect him until he returned to his normal self...if he ever would.

"You're an alright kid...you're free to go. Stay out of trouble." Officer Dan stood up; I copied and left the room... Outside, I was greeted by a short female black wolf, known as my mother. Once she caught site of me leaving the room, she stood up and walked out of the police station. I followed a few steps behind her.

The ride home started fairly silent, the sound of my stepdad's mustang purred lightly, giving off the only source of sound. Silence had been common between me and my mom since her husband was sent to jail. She blamed me constantly for what happened, and I didn't blame her. Even though my stepfather had to serve only 6 months, my mom treated me as if he would serve a life sentence. She ignored me, didn't leave money to get food, didn't buy food, or even my phone bill; she totally neglected me. I had to steal money out of the emergency banking account to provide myself with the things needed. My mom had every right to be mad, but not taking care of me took it to an entire different level. Since my own mother has not fed me in weeks, I've been staying with Austin and his folks since my stepdad's deportation. His parents were never home as well, they didn't even know I came over and ate their food.

"You can't keep ignoring me mom." I said. "I screwed up...I get it...but it's a certain limit a parent must stop..."

My mom didn't stop, she didn't even speak. Her eyes remained on the road.

"You're a grown man now..." My mom spoke softly, gradually changing into a much louder tone. "Steal my husband's car and GUN. Shot a kid in the leg...in and out of the police station. Since you want to be an adult, I'll show you how it feels to be one..." She paused. "I'm cutting you out of my life."

I looked at her in shock. Those weren't the words expected to come from her. Even before the incident my mom never really spoke to me, and for that to come out of her mouth when she finally does... It hurt like hell, but in a way I deserved it. I deserved everything she would say to me, except one thing...

"You're worthless. Lately you've gotten in more trouble than ever, and your next step is probably jail! I wish they would go ahead and lock you up..." My mom tightened her grip around the stirring wheel. "All of this because of your little faggot friend..."

'faggot friend...'

'faggot friend...'

'faggot friend...'

Those two, tiny words were the ones to break me. Hearing that caused me to lose my train of thought, and I forgot that it was my mother who said it.

"Faggot friend?" I shouted. "Do you have any fucking idea what Milo has went through? He was beaten and raped in an alley way, and scarred for life! He needs all the help he can get right now, and if I wasn't such a bad friend to him, none of it probably would have happened. You're one selfish bitch, you know that? Just because he's gay doesn't mean he isn't worth saving! I'm GAY, so am I worth saving?!"

My mom slammed on breaks, turned her head towards me, and beamed a glare that pierced my soul.

"You're what?!" She queried.

I looked her straight in the eye and said it again, "I'm gay."

At first, I didn't plan on telling my mom about my sexuality until after high school, but plans change, and the cause of it was pure anger. For some reason, I had to defend Milo from everyone, even my own mother. Deep down I felt guilty for not helping Milo that night, and even though it wouldn't ease the pain I felt for not being there for my pal, I protected him.

"We are a God-believing family! You can't be gay, God smites those who are filthy like that fox!"

"So you're calling me filthy too then, because I'm just like him! But why do you care anyway, huh? I'm a grown man, remember?" I shot back.

Mom reach over my chest and opened the door. "Get out of my car you filthy faggot!"

I gave her an 'are you serious' look. "Really, mom?" She nodded and I jumped out of the car and held the car door half-open. "Some mother you are." I slammed the door.

At the start, I didn't know how cold my mom was, but I could see it now. After I shut the door, she sped off, without even taking a second glance at the son she left behind.

True enough, I had been hurt. Not only did my mom call me a faggot and throw me out, she was heartless enough to not care about Milo. The money my stepdad brought home, vacations they both took, and the items purchased always interested my mom, but at the end of the day, she was a nice woman. She cared for people, donated to charity, told me how proud she was of me. When I needed her the most, she bailed.

"Now what?" I asked myself. I couldn't go home; my mom wouldn't let me in her home. Next best place would be Austin's house, but school wasn't over yet. I would have to wait for him to finish his classes before going there. There was only one place I could go. This certain place helped me clear my mind whenever a problem occurred...

I walked up to the large building and took a nice, long look at it. It had been a few weeks since I last entered this place. Inside this building held my problem solver. Nothing could compare to the rush this place gave me: not alcohol, drugs, or anything. My last good memory happened inside this place...

"Ball passed to number 22, over to 30, back to 22! 22 runs down the court, passes it to 7!" The ball hit my paws. I could feel only one thing. Power. The announcers screaming my number, the rough, bumpy touch of the ball in my palms, and cheers from the crowd could drive any man insane.

I looked up at the circle hoop with a back board behind it, and I let the ball lose, behind the three point line. Everything went in slow motion like in the movies; the basketball turned in slow motion, repeatedly, moving to the goal at its own pace, until finally...

The bell rang, and the shot went in, causing the crowd to uproar in excitement. Everyone rushed on the field and grabbed the players, patting them on the back and telling how good they played, mostly parents.

I pushed open the door to Maple Grove's basketball gym. A strong breeze of cold air rushed over my face, giving me a good taste of that basketball's rubber smell. Scientifically proven, scents trigger memories. The basketballs sweet smell definitely set off a rerun in my head...

I passed the ball to Austin, but before it could get to him, Vick intercepted it and shot, making a three pointer; it only counted as two points in this type of game. Vick grinned as he bounced over to his teammate, slapping hand to paw. The ball was passed back to me. I repeated the steps, passing the ball to Vick, getting it back shortly. This time I actually dribbled the ball a little.

Vick guarded me, he was a decent match up, but I didn't get his spot for being equal to him. I faked a shot, tricking him to jump so I can run around him and make the layup. It was an easy point, though we were still one behind. Now it was Vick's and his mate's ball. He checked it in and dribbled a little, my eyes stayed on the ball. Vick passed it to his teammate, hitting a perfect alley-op. The performance made the crowd go wild; they loved to see such a beautiful play executed.

Vick pointed at me and smirked.

"Game is all mine baby!"

And it seemed that way. Shot after shot, Vick executed every play professionally. With the giant bear on his team, it was no way Austin could block the dunks. Before I could blink twice, the score was ten to two; my hopes of winning had vanished when they were at five.

I had the ball in my paws once again. Austin raised his paws and called a time out, running over towards me.

"Let's get a little serious now." I tilt my head. The entire game I had been serious, there was no time to not be serious.

"What the hell do you mean? I've been serious this entire game... you know, I'm the one with the two points on the board right now, so please tell me how the hell am I not serious?!"

A grin formed on the wolf's face, which made me a little angry.

"I guess it's me who haven't been taking this game seriously? Let's change this." His grin faded away and he started to look serious, or the way he presented himself inside. "Layups and these little one point shots aren't going to help us win, we need to go for straight two point shots. If we do that then we can catch up. You're a decent shooter, so take all the shots you need, and I will too. And when the ball turns over to them, let me guard the person with the ball."

His strategy was not full proof, it was just shoot and pray, not my style of playing. "I don't think so, that isn't even a good plan..." Austin rolled his eyes when he heard what I had to say.

"Just do what I say. If they score before we do, then we'll do whatever you say, ok?" The only thing I could do is stare at him, he seemed so sure of the plan.

I closed my eyes and sighed, taking in as much air as I can. "Ok, fine...you have one chance, and if that doesn't work...then we're basically screwed." The grin that came upon his face couldn't be described; it was a mixture of excitement, greed, and revenge all in one. With the approval, he bounced off to his place.

Vick stepped up. I checked the ball to him, and the game started, once again. I started dribbling toward the basket, but Vick was determined to keep me from scoring; he followed me side to side, his eyes fixed on the ball. If he looked at it any harder, he would probably burn a hole in the ball. Vick wasn't giving me any shooting room: I couldn't drive it to the basket, or cross him over.

"Hey!" Austin clapped his paws, as he jet from one side of the court to the other. The bear wasn't able to keep up with him, leaving the little wolf wide open. I passed the ball to Austin and he shot it from behind the three point line. Everyone watched the ball twirl in the air, until it made its way through the hoop, hitting nothing but net. The crowd really enjoyed that shot. It was Austin's first shot of the night, and a pretty good one at that.

"Lucky ass shot!" Vick spat. "Not like you're gonna win, it's over! Check!" Austin ran up to guard Vick. Vick looked at him a little oddly, but smirked after a second of examining the smaller wolf. Once the ball hit Vick's hand again, Austin quickly gained possession. Austin quickly turned around and took the shot inches from the half-court line, and made yet another shot. If the crowd liked the last shot, then they killed over this one, everyone roared from excitement.

"Do it again you little spit-fuck!" Anger, it was written all over Vick's face. Austin, on the other hand, just looked up at him and smiled triumphantly.

When the next play started, Austin repeated his actions, stealing the ball from Vick in a lightning fast motion, and put up another shot, tossing the orange ball into the air and letting it smoothly go through the hoop. Austin spun around to face Vick, who face was now puffed up and red.

"You were saying?" Austin grinned.

I don't know what happened: the fact that Austin's plan worked, or Vick being so mad that it affected his game, because after that the game worked in our favor. Austin ability to steal the ball outdid NBA players, the ball was there and gone in an instant. In no time at all, Austin and I had put up enough points to tie the game. The little wolf was better than I expected. The score: 13-13. Vick had possession of the ball, with Austin guarding him.

Vick rimmed the three point line, with Austin following close in front of him. Vick was playing it safe, he tried not to drive the ball in because Austin would steal the ball from him and make another shot, possibly ending the game. The only thing Vick could do is run around until he found an open shot. He ran from left, to the right, staying on the line, Austin stayed on his tail, watching the ball as I did in the beginning, but as he stopped on the court, his foot slid instead of stopping. Vick saw that chance and took it; he stopped also and took the jump shot. The white wolf looked at him and grinned, before jumping extremely high and grabbed the ball.

My eyes widened as I watched the short wolf jump high enough to grab the ball, but my time to observe had to be cut short. Austin passed the ball to me, and good timing; I just worked my way around the large bear and was open for a clear shot. As soon as the ball hit my paws, I took the shot. I watched the ball the same way I did earlier that day at the game, and just like the earlier shot, I made it...

I stepped into the gym and walked onto the crystal clean basketball court. Being out of school early made me think I would be the only one here, but when I walked in, I noticed someone sitting in the bleachers. I walked a little closer to confirm who it was, and to my surprise...

"M-Milo...?" The little fox head shot up. He looked at me, surprised. "What are you doing here? Everyone is in class...shouldn't you be too?"

Milo didn't answer; he just looked at me for a few seconds more, then went back to gazing at the floor beneath. Since the accident, Milo or I haven't spoken one word to each other, not unless you count that 'Vick' thing. But I wasn't the only one getting the cold shoulder; every friend he had were ignored.

A month had passed and I never approached Milo. I thought if I gave him time to recover from his incident, he would turn back into my old friend, so I stayed clear, waiting for that moment each and every day that he would come to me. That day haven't come.

Today would be different. It wasn't a coincident to have Milo be here at this exact time. I needed to find out what he has been thinking...how he feels...if I could make anything better. Those things I needed to know, because as a friend, knowing and doing anything in my power to help is my responsibility. Waiting for him to come out to me didn't seem to work; I had to take another approach.

I walked up the bleachers and took the seat next to Milo, leaving a foot's worth of space between us. "Milo...what's wrong with you?" I paused briefly, hoping I'd get an answer, but to no surprise I received nothing. "You have to talk to someone...you walk around school like you're dead..."

"Naw...I've thought about that too...but you're wrong Austin!" I said. "Milo will not be ok. He'll live with that event for the rest of his life, every day he will look in the mirror and be disgusted. He won't be the same person I once knew; the happy-go-lucky guy that always joked and made fun of me. He will be nothing but an empty shell all because of these bastards! Milo won't be physically gone, but his life, personality, things people loved about him...they will be dead..."

It pained me to see Milo antisocial. I knew it would happen; most rape victims are never the same afterward. They lose trust in the world, and lock themselves in a place in their heads, shutting out everyone around, even family and loved ones.

I shook my head; my teeth clapped down tight; fist clenched in a ball... This was my fault! I couldn't protect my friend, and now I have the slightest idea how to help him. "I don't know what to do Milo. I see you walking down the halls, I want...no...I need to help you. Every second, of every minute, of every hour, of every day I worry about you. You're my friend, and I know as a friend I should have been there to protect you. When you needed me the most I was out...having fun... Milo... I'm lost now... I don't know what to do....what to say...I'm in a pool of guilt, drowning... P-plea..."

Milo placed a paw on my thigh and looked up at the ceiling.

"This is the last place I felt happy, you know?" He said as he gazed off into space. "That night at the game, all my friends surrounded me, the cameras flashed taking the cheerleading squads picture, we won our first home game...it felt amazing... I felt so happy. My life was complete...

"I can remember your face once you hit that winning shot. It was priceless. You looked so surprised." Milo chuckled lightly. "Like you're doubting your skills, or something. I watched you that entire game... every point you scored, I made sure the other cheerleaders cheered extra loud."

I looked down at his paw resting on my thigh and blushed. I didn't know Milo watched me so closely. He looked over me during the games, making sure I had more support than I needed.

"Milo..."

"But you've been an even greater friend than I could ever be to you." Milo looked in my direction, but his head was down. "You protect me from any and every one...put yourself in danger...get into unnecessary fights, like when people call me a faggot, you jump to my defense... It's really sweet to have a big guy protecting me, but you're not my boyfriend..."

At that exact moment, everything made sense. I knew the answer to all of my millions of questions. It was all so clear. The reason for wanting to protect Milo came to after hearing that one word.

Boyfriend

Milo always lurked my mind, nothing was more important in my life than him. I was risking jail time, and almost killed someone for his sake. To protect and make sure Milo is happy had been a goal of mine for some time now, even before the incident. Boyfriends have the same features, the protect the one they are with, and care about their mate a lot...

I placed a paw over Milo's paw. "Not yet I'm not..." Milo looked up at me, his eyes full and anxious. "No use hiding it now...Milo, I'm gay. I've been gay since we met, but didn't want to come out to anyone. With my captain spot at risk, and family, I didn't know how to come out to everyone. But none of that matters now. I'm not the captain of the basketball team anymore and I told my mom less than an hour ago, she didn't take it well...eh, she basically threw me out the car..."

Milo gasped.

"It's alright, we were having problems for a while now, so that just set everything off." I explained. "But that isn't important. What is important is this..." I leaned down, gently pressing our lips together in a sweet, blissful, yet short, kiss. I pulled back to see something I've not been able to witness in what seemed like a decade: Milo was smiling.

"Does this mean..." Milo said softly. I nodded, before being tackled with a hug. We feel back, now laying down on the bleachers. Milo seemed happy, happier than he had been in a month's time. Seeing him this way also made myself happy, after all my hard-work, trying to make sure he would be happy in the end.

Milo held my torso tight, nuzzling and sighing in content. I looked down and stared at his small frame on top of my chest and smiled. That moment, that single moment had to be the most happiest moment I had ever experienced. No basketball game, gift, test score could come close to making me feel the way I did now.

I wrapped my arms around Milo. Nothing in this world could spoil this moment...

I felt something vibrate in my pocket. Shuffling in my pocket, I pulled out my phone and looked at it. Austin sent me a message. I opened the text message.

Austin: Hey...I need 2 tlk 2 u about what we discussed last nite...we'll tlk tonight at my place... c ya there.

Shit...

*Surprised*

I paced back and forward, glancing at my watch every five seconds. I looked up into the sky to see dark was falling quickly. My pacing continued as I wait for Austin. After the text he sent, I rushed back to his house. Unfortunately I arrived extremely early; school hadn't released their prisoners, so I stood in Austin's front yard, pacing.

Nervous

Nervous would explain my current state perfectly. You see, the night before I could have made the biggest mistake of my life. I wasn't drunk, nor was I high, but the mistake I made would be perfect examples of what could happen if I was either one. Last night I did something selfish, and I probably ruined my friendship with Austin...

DING DONG

The door bell rung, followed by a few quick knocks.

"BLAKE, THE PIZZA IS HERE! CAN YOU GRAB THE DOOR!" Austin yelled from the kitchen. I sat on the couch in Austin's living room, watching a boring movie. I looked over at the door before hopping over the couch and opening the door. A thin skunk stood in front of me with three large pizzas.

"Your total will be twenty-five, ninety-six." I shuffled around my pocket, pulling out a twenty and ten dollar bill. The skunk reach me the pizza and started to unzip a little bag around his waist, sliding out the change that he owed and placed it in my open paw. "Thank you, and have a nice night." He said, turning around and walking off.

I returned to the sofa and placed the pizza on a table in front of the couch. Austin walked in shortly after, sitting on the couch next to me, placing two cups, a liter of coke, and a bottle of vodka next to the pizza. Tonight was yet another without Austin's parents, and we took advantage of every night without them: Staying up late; drinking their alcohol; ordering movies on PPV on Austin's 42" plasma. Austin's parents were like mine, very wealthy, but not rich, so Austin, like myself, received everything he wanted, yet his parents were always out.

"So what movie are we gonna be watching tonight?" I asked, opening a box of pizza, and taking out a slice of peperoni pizza.

"I was thinking about ordering something off of PaperView. I heard they have some good movies out...so many to choose from..." Austin said as he scrolled down a list of movies.

"Just settle for one, man. Anything is fine." I took a bit of my pizza. "But if it helps you with your choice...I like scary movies."

Austin shook his head. "Heck no, I'm not up for anything scary, not unless you're willing to sleep with me tonight!"

-Cough- -Cough-

Austin's last comment caused me to chock on the pizza I tried to force down. He quickly began slapping my back with a paw. I successfully swallowed the chewed up food, and let out a sigh of relief. I probably made a big deal out of nothing, but when you're gay you don't expect comments like those, especially from guys you have a crush on.

"Are you alright, dude?!?"

I sighed once more, before giving a nod. "I'm cool...I'm cool..."

"Alright..." Austin said, returning his attention, slowly, back to the list of movies.

He searched for ten minutes before finding something he liked. We ended up watching a basketball game. None of the movies were exciting, and we both didn't want to watch cartoons, so sport it was.

Staying with Austin, I learned a few things. But what excited me the most was that he enjoyed Basketball. He didn't play for our team, he thought it would interfere with his grades, but he knew every little game detail. It made watching with him much easier. The both of us, me and Austin, sat on the couch, eating pizza and drinking, and yelling at the TV screen every time a player would miss a shot. I'm guessing the alcohol had taken affect, because both of our voices were louder than usual, and our speech started to become slurred, but that was half the fun of it.

Austin and I were having the time of our life, but it all ended close to the game was over. Our food supply was close to depletion, as for our drinks. The game had fifty seconds left on the clock. The team we were going for were just one basket up; if the other team scored a three-pointer then it would be over...

As the game came to an end, so was the our pizza, having one slice left. Without noticing, Austin and I reach for the last slice with identical timing, causing our paws to bump each other. We both looked down, then at each other quickly. I gave a sly grin before snatching the pizza, not giving Austin time to retaliate.

"DUDE! NO FAIR" The small wolf pounced at me, but I dodged it, moving further down the couch. He tried at another attempt, successfully landing a perfect pounce, knocking me off the couch and onto floor. "Give it to me!" He said as we wrestled on the floor.

All I could do was chuckle at the event. I extended my arms far out. Austin stretched his arms after the pizza, but his luck was no good. It didn't take long for him to give up; his struggle stopped. Austin looked down, our muzzles were inches apart.

"You're a jerk, you know that dude?" Austin said, looking down at me with a defeated expression.

I stared up at him, smiling. "Awwww...don't be upset that I won, and you lost!"

"Shut up!"

I leaned up and bumped our noses. "Make me..."

Austin frown soon faded. He looked down with a glow in his eyes. The next thing that happened completely took me by surprise, even though I did it. I leaned up and pressed my lips against Austin's. I guess it took Austin by surprise as well: his eyes went wide and he jumped up, placing a paw over his muzzle.

Austin looked down at me in shock. He didn't say anything; his eyes never looked away.

I, myself, was so shocked, I couldn't find the words to say. The usual, I'm sorry would have worked in any other situation, but not when you kiss your friend. Only thing I could say at that moment was...

"Austin...I'm gay..."

The little wolf turned around slowly and walked up the stairs, without giving me a second glance...

How could I forget about last night so easily? That specific event caused me to lose ample amount of sleep, and right before I went to aid Milo that was the only thing on my mind. The entire 'helping Milo' thing completely diverted my thoughts. I was shocked at the fact I had been so absent-minded.

My pacing continued. Question began racing my thoughts: some good, and some bad.

Does he hate me?

What if he doesn't want to be friends?

Is he that type of guy?

Maybe he liked it?

If so then would he want to be my boyfriend?

How would I tell him that I'm now dating Milo?

Is it possible that he'll kick me out of his house?

The list goes on and on. Every new question would bring an ounce more fear; I couldn't take the stress. Just a few hours ago I was with Milo, happy, thinking that no problem could come my way, but with my luck, one came within seconds of entering my happy place.

Now, I had many things to worry about, but the most important is losing a good friend. From that day at Vick's, Austin has been by my side, helping me out, going to my court meetings, directing me out of fights. Second to Milo, Austin had become one of my best friends.

"Blake..." I turned around to find Austin walking towards me. Once my eyes caught sight of the timber wolf, my entire body froze.

"H-hi...A-Austin..." Austin came to an halt in front of me.

"We need to talk...inside..." The little wolf made his way around me, to the door, opened it, and walked inside his home.

I followed Austin: entering his home, up the stairs, and into his bedroom. The little adventure up to his room was quiet. Neither Austin, nor I spoke. I wanted to say something, anything, but the nervous stir in my stomach kept my words at bay. The silent didn't end when we were in his room. He just motioned me to sit on the bed and started pacing.

Seconds passed; those seconds turned into minutes; the minutes escaladed to ten minutes, and still nothing had been said. Austin just walked in the same pattern, not saying a word, nor did he realize I was still there. He had a serious expression on his face, like he was thinking of something to say. He tapped his chin, turned, looked at me, opened his mouth, then returned to his pacing.

Finally he let out a loud sigh. He turned to face me. "Blake...last night...it was completely unexpected...I didn't know you were..."

"Yeah..." Austin looked down in a dissatisfied motion.

"I can understand some guys like...other guys...but you?" I wanted to reach out to him, or for him to do it for me, but his head remained facing the ceiling. "Since when?"

"I've always been gay...ever since the first time we met...That night at the party...I was sort of flirting with you..." As I said that, I noticed his body flinch.

Austin remained motionless. "I...I...never noticed...before... So that means you have a crush on me? It's not important, just a little creepy knowing that my best-friend has a crush on me..."

This is what I expected. He would think us being friends as weird and uncomfortable, and I would most-likely lose one of the best friends I've ever had. For this exact reason is why I feared coming out to everyone: Rejection. Gay guys often were made outcast after revealing their secret, so I decided not to tell anyone. At least, that was the original plan.

Hearing him say 'it would be creepy', I started to feeling as if telling him was my biggest mistake. My ears laid flat against my head and I faced the ground, as I said, "I-I had a crush on you...ever since you moved into my class..."

I didn't know what to expect next. Basically, I just confessed that I liked a guy, and from the way he responded, he didn't have any interest in sharing those feelings, or even staying buddies. The same question popped up repeatedly: What is he going to do next. My entire body shook from anxiety. Suddenly, I felt something being placed on my right shoulder, ceasing the shiver. I looked to my right to find a small paw, then I looked up to see Austin standing above me.

"Cheer up buddy." Austin said with a smile on his face. "I accept it, just like I accepted Milo...Just no funny business."

The event took me by surprise. For the last few hours I stressed about him not accepting me or disowning me as a friend, but I was faced with a totally different result. After so much worry of him reacting like my mom, I was blessed with good luck.

I just gazed up at Austin. What was I to say? Thank you? You're a good friend? I didn't want to make the situation uncomfortable with girly reactions, so I decided to make it into a joke, not knowing I would get a not-so-expected reaction.

"Funny business?" I tilt my head. "Like what?"

Austin just stared down at me, our face's no more than a few inches apart. He stared at me with a blank expression. I didn't know if that was exceeding the limit of the whole 'gay' thing.

"Like..." I felt the paw Austin placed on my shoulder wrap around my neck. His muzzle lowered slightly and he pressed his lips against mine, pushing me back onto his bed. Instincts quickly kicked in; my arms wrapped around his back, grazing over his soft back-fur.

Austin slid a paw up my shirt, gently rubbing over my abs and chest, caressing my torso. His other paw was placed firmly behind my neck, pulling me upward, as he deepened the kiss.

I rolled over, switching the scene, now taking the dominant role. I felt his legs slowly wrap around me; his paw still behind my neck, pulling me into the passionate kiss; his other paw clawing at my pecs, leaving claw marks in my fur, causing me to let out light moans.

The kiss was more enjoyable than we expected. It seem like neither of us wanted it to end, but in the end we had to take a break to catch up on our oxygen intake. We just lay in his bed, staring into one another eyes. At that moment I felt three ways: loved, hot, and surprised. Out of all the outcomes, this one was not expected.

In the short period of time our kiss last, it felt like my world had been flipped upside down. I felt warm, like the feeling you get when you're happy, or the warm sensation you feel after making the winning basket. I felt as if the world had been lift off of my shoulder; like Austin had taken my troubles away. But little did he know, this kiss would add more problems than he took away.

I looked deep into Austin's hazel eyes. They were so full of life, desire, and happiness. Those eyes, they reminded me of someone else eyes. They reminded me of Milo's...

I pushed Austin off of my chest and sat straight up. "I have to go..." Austin placed his little gray paw on my shoulder. I couldn't look at him, not now. I've waited so long for that moment, and once it happened I could feel nothing but guilt. Kissing him while I'm in a relationship with Milo is completely out of line. "Please...don't. This was a mistake..." I stood up and walked out the door, without even giving him a second glance...

*Remorse*

One kiss could change your life. A simple peck on the lips takes away all your problems; it could change one of your worse days around in just seconds. But two kisses, that could crumble the strongest of man. The most difficult thing a person can go through is having two loves at the exact same time. Not only is it confusing, but it hurts, because deep down you know one of those people will end up getting hurt.

Nothing ever goes how one plans. Life throws in obstacles to overcome; some not so easy to get around, and most are just impossible to trounce. Yet, a few lucky souls find a way to overtake the most difficult of situations. While others become stuck in that web most people call life. Furs use to tell me that if you had friends, you can overcome the difficult problems in life. I knew that was true, everyone does. You have friends for multiple reasons, but the most important of them all is they will always have your back in any situation.

Of course that old saying is true. My pals could help me out of anything. During our first semester, of school, my grades took a turn for the worse. I went to Milo and provided his help as a tutor. When mom was angry at me for her husband being sent to prison, Austin took me in with open arms.

Now, neither Milo nor Austin could help me. The two that caused probably one of the biggest problems I had to deal with. It was because of my two best friends I walked along the dark sidewalk, alone. It wasn't entirely their fault, or intention to caused such a headache.

I watched my feet place themselves in front of one another, slowly walking down the side walk, lost deep in thought. Earlier today I kissed Milo. The kiss we shared was filled with passion and care for one another. It felt like something I've always wanted it. Not long afterward I shared a kiss with Austin. When our lips met, I felt a different sensation: lust, passion, and love.

The attraction toward Austin was strong. Before all of this, I always saw myself with him. Of course he was eye-candy, but the little wolf was also my first real crush. That day he walked into my class I immediately went into an eye-goggle, drooling, dorky state.

There was no attraction with Milo, yet I loved him and would put my life on the line for my new boyfriend. Milo had me wrapped around his little finger. I owed him, he deserved me, I had to do anything to make him happy. In a way, the attraction between me and Milo was not as strong as the one between Austin and I...

But

I knew who would win this battle for my heart. The one, fur, has been by my side throughout every hard time. A friend I owed my all too; my obvious choice.

Milo

I flipped my cell phone open and began dialing a number.

This was a bad time in Milo's life. For the past few weeks he has been down in the dirt, not talking to anyone, never smiling. Today was different for him. He showed me the brightest smile I've ever seen, it was like having the old Milo back, and if being with him would make his days better, who was I to take it away?

I placed the phone to my ear, hearing the light ring as it called the number I pushed in.

Austin would understand. I mean, the night before last he was given a chance. The mood wasn't perfect, but it was his chance to open up, and take me for himself. He was the one to leave me that night... But I didn't blame him. I forced myself onto him, he just reacted normally.

The ringing came to a halt and a very exhausted voice answered.

"Hello?"

"Austin..."

"Blake, is that you?" Austin's voice gradually changed.

"Yeah...Hey...about earlier..."

"MAN!" Austin cut me off. "Don't worry about it, I totally reacted the same way you did...It was my fault, can you forgive me?"

I paused for a second, looking down at the sidewalk. The next part wasn't easy to say, but I had to. "It's ok, buddy...but that's not why I called you..."

"It's not?" His voice seemed calm.

"No...the reason I called you is to say...I can't be with you. Our kiss earlier was a mistake... I'm dating Milo... I'm sorry..."

I could hear Austin give off a disappointed sigh before saying, "Me too..."

The phone clicked and my call ended. I stared at the phone, not believing what just happened. Did he hang up on me, or was it a dropped call? As much as I wanted to believe the call was dropped, I knew what really happened. I dialed another number, then placed the phone back to my ear. It didn't take long for this fur to answer.

"Hey, Milo. I'm going to need a place to stay tonight." I closed my eyes and sighed.

*Tension*

One of Milo's ears laid flat against his head, as the other stuck straight up. His muzzle rubbed over my chest, while the fox's little paws wrapped securely around my midsection. A few grunts and groans came from the tiny fox lying on top of my chest.

I watched Milo sleep on my chest, peacefully, the sight granted a smile to form across my muzzle. He looked so happy, even when he slept, nowadays. His happiness was none other cause by the relationship we have been in for a week now. Everything seemed to be going great. Milo's attitude had definitely took a turn for the best; his assignments were being turned in on time; and he has become more social, at least, that is what he has told me. You see, I haven't been in school in the last week due to the fight I participated in. That week I spent away from school, I stayed at Milo's place -mom still would not let the 'gay' thing die. His parents were extremely cool with my staying, especially since I spent every day in the hospital with their son. Mr. and Mrs. McNeil, Milo's parents, even considered me apart of their family, and not just because I was dating their son.

The five day suspension, the school set for me, was almost over. I had done four out of five days of my sentence. Current day was Sunday, meaning I would miss the following Monday, and return on Tuesday. My excitement for returning to the place where all problems begin wasn't at its peak. Honestly, I really wasn't ready to get back to school. So many problems would occur; two which were going to happen, no matter what.

First, the relationship with Milo would go public. Everyone would know I am gay when the see Milo and myself walk through the double doors. It was never my plan to come out in high-school - mainly because I didn't want my mom to find out. But seeing that the fur I feared most knew, letting the others know would be a piece of cake. Although, keeping the relationship a secret would have been better, Milo wanted to be open, and show off his new toy. The little fox is a blabber mouth; all of his friends knew, and since his friends are girls, the whole school would probably know. Everyone knows how girls like to spread the latest news.

The second problem which worried me was seeing Austin in class. Last week, when I told him about my relationship with Milo, was the last time we conversed. He didn't answer my text -I sent plenty of those- nor did he pay attention to my calls. It hurt knowing he was ignoring me. My best friend, someone believed to have my furry back, was dodging my contacts. I was slightly happy to return to school to see Austin. Yet, the way he'll react seeing me, would often cancel out that desire to see him.

Going back to school wasn't all bad. It did have it's positive points. My five game suspension would be lifted this week. Next game I would be able to start, and star, in. Of course the team would be a little upset I'll be returning; who wouldn't? I was determined to play my best. I'll be a complete ball hog. Though it isn't my style, not being able to play in five games had really made me ball hungry. A little time in the spotlight would do me good.

The early morning light beat its way through Milo's curtains, and onto the sleeping fox's face. Milo shifted, groaned a little, before slowly opening his eyes, catching view of my smiling face.

"Morning, kit."

Leaning down, nuzzling my chest, Milo gave a sleepy smile and inhaled my scent. "Morning, Mr. Wolf. How long you been up?"

"A few hours."

Slowly sliding his nose up my chest, Milo looked up at me. He tilt his head and asked, "A few hours? What you been doing?"

I smile spread over my face. "Just watching my most precious gift sleep." Milo copied, and smiled. He rest his chin on my chest and gazed up at me. The room went quiet; we just lay there, watching each other. That is until Milo ended our silent time. The fox moved up my chest, giving me a light peck on the lips, before removing himself from the bed. He raised his arms as he stretched his small frame, then ending with a yawn.

"I'll wash up, then make us breakfast, ok?"

Leaning up, I sat straight in Milo's bed. "That sounds awesome..." My stomach agreed with me, rumbling noisily. Milo chuckled and walked to the door, before turning back to look at me.

"Thank you...Blake...For everything..."

A light, but very bright, smile formed. "Don't thank me for. I like being with you, it's a privilege being in your presence twenty-four-seven."

Milo sighed in content. "You're so amazing..." He said in a whisper, before leaving the door way.

Breakfast came and went. Milo didn't prepare much of a meal: toast, eggs, and bacon. He made enough for two small portions, not taking in the fact I was eating. But I didn't complain. The meal satisfied my grumpy stomach, not to mention the small portions were delicious. Milo really knew how to cook a meal. He would just have to work on the quantity.

After the food was safely stored in are stomach, we decided to spend the day on the couch and watch movies all day. Milo and I had the house to ourselves, which was quite rare in the McNeil household. Unlike my parents, Mr. and Mrs. McNeil worked closer to home and were the type of parents who believed family should spend time together. Today was a change of event. Milo and I were able to spend time alone.

An ideal relationship consist of: kissing, hugging, cuddling, and the most least important of them all: yiff. At the moment, my bond with Milo was nowhere near an ideal relationship. We could hug and cuddle until our hearts exploded. Yiff was not a big factor, I never even considered having sex with Milo. We lacked kissing. Our first kiss was so passionate, yet I haven't received one like that since the first. It was always a cheek kiss, or a quick peck on the lips.

Laying back, to get comfortable, Milo rest his head on my chest, as we watched a Western movie. Hours passed, and we sat them out, moving from one movie to another. One particular movie popped up that sparked my interest, and raised me to question my boyfriend: Dear John. The movie was a love story, about a guy who had to endure a long distance relationship, as he went into war in another country. He sent letters to his beloved, getting them in return.

"Hey," I whispered in Milo's ear, once the movie ended. His ears perked up and he looked back at me. "Would you wait for me if I went off into another country to fight in a war?"

"Of course," Milo smiled. "You are so worth waiting for. I wouldn't be like that girl who couldn't handle the situation." He snuggled closer, letting out a light murrawl.

"You must really care about me to stay faithful for so long..."

Shaking his head, Milo shifted positions, now face-to-face. "Yeah, I care about you a lot...always have..."

"Prove it..." I smiled softly, and brushed a paw over Milo's cheek. His face showed confusing, tilting his head.

"How?"

"Kiss me." I replied.

Milo looked at me nervously, in a hesitant manner, not sure of what to say or do next. He leaned forward and gave me a mere peck on the lips, the retreated back.

One would think the with the mood right, a romantic movie playing in the background, and a cute couple cuddled up on a Sunday morning would have a few make-out sessions, at least one or two would have made my day, but not with Milo. He reacted the same as any other day.

"A real kiss..." I sighed.

Milo's eyes darted away from mines. "That...was a real kiss..."

"No, that was a peck on the lips. A real kiss is the one we shared at the gym that day..."

There came a brief pause. The little fox's eyes never returned to me. He just lay there, doing his best to avoid looking in my direction. I noticed that his smile, the one I loved, had vanished, and now he showed fright, despair...pain. His attitude went from lovey-dovey, to sad and depressed.

"D-did...what's wrong?" I asked out of concern for my boyfriend.

Milo finally shifted his face back to face me. Tears were gathering in his eye-sockets. "Would you be...u-upset if we didn't kiss...for a while? Everything that happened to me...the rape thing....is just...I don't know how to explain it... I can do the hugs, and I'm a little uncomfortable with the cuddling... It's not your fault... I'm just recovering from the incident, and physical contact scares me..."

Everything made sense. Milo wasn't against kissing me, he just feared doing so. It was completely understandable, especially after what Vick and his pals did. Most rape victims would still be traumatized, but Milo was making great progress with as much cuddling and hugging we had partaken in.

I wrapped my arms around Milo, lightly, and whispered, "Don't worry, I can wait. It's not important... as long as you're happy..." Milo hooked his arms under my arms, nuzzling into my chest. Light whimpers could be heard from his chest, and his tail laid restlessly on my leg.

The determination to make Milo happy was strong within me. If something pleased him, then I'd do it! There was nothing I would not do for the little guy; he was my main priority. But through that determination, an omen lurked. I could make Milo happy, but one question floated around in my thoughts...

"Who will make me happy..."

*Desire*

To my dismay, I had to go back to school, ending my mini-vacation. That Tuesday morning, I woke up with Milo, got dressed, ate breakfast, and received a ride to school from Mrs. McNeil. The ride allowed me to think; think about what would happen today once everyone saw Milo and I together. Teasing and the bullies would surely come our way, and my social life would take a down-slide. The mere thought of how it would affect my status on the basketball team made me shiver.

With every stop-sign passed, my stomach bubble, twist, and turned. Nerves were at an uproar, making me shake in my seat. Not once in my life have I been this nervous; not even before a game. I just wanted to jump out of the car and run home, hide under Milo's bed, and never 'come out'.

Mrs. Neil made the last turn into the school. The car came to a halt.

"Ok, boys, have a nice day. I'll be back to pick you up after school."

"K, mom." Milo said...

"Yes, ma'am." I replied.

Milo, who sat in the front seat, exited the vehicle. I, on the other hand, did not exit the vehicle as quick. I dragged my body out of the car, then gave Mrs. Neil a thank-you smile before I turned around, walking off with Milo. The sound of Mrs. Neil car vanished soon after.

As we walked the halls of Maple Grove, it felt as if every pair of eyes were focused on me and my boyfriend. Milo attempted to grab my paw, but my arm shied away. I looked down at the little fox, nervously. He knew exactly what was going on, giving a sneer. Milo grabbed my arm and started pulling me further into the building.

If everyone wasn't looking at first, they were definitely looking now. Eyes pierced Milo and me as we darted through the hallway. As we passed furs, they began to chat quietly to themselves. It was obvious what the conversations were about, though I tried to believe otherwise.

What Milo had done was quite simple, and evil in many ways. Yesterday I could remember him telling me he would show me off to the school. At the time he said it, I wasn't paying much attention, but now I was experiencing his little plan first hand. Dragging me through the halls of the school was his way of flashing off his new toy.

Milo ran around the entire school with me by his side, sporting the biggest grin with all of his shiny white canines shining. His smile made me forget about the ones watching; I began to care less and less. That was until we passed one particular person: Austin.

You know how in the movies when everything goes in slow-motion as an important part comes up? Well, that is exactly what happened when passing Austin in the hallway. The gray and white wolf's eyes followed me and Milo, and my eyes watched his eyes follow. Before I knew it, we entered another hallway, and Austin disappeared from view.

After Milo finished showing me off to the world, it was time to get to class. Luckily, we stopped in the hall of my first period class. Milo gave me a peck on the cheek as we went our separate way.

First period drained me. After being away for so long, it feels like one class period equals an entire day, especially if your first block class is Economics. With my stepfather being an accountant, I heard enough of it at home. My first day back in a classroom and I fall of sleep; like I didn't get enough of that during my suspension.

As one class end, the next one began, and going to each one made my stomach bubbly. Time tortured me; I counted down each minute, even during lunch I watched the clock. Faith seemed to know exactly how to get the best of me. The reason the time made me weary is because my last period class is the one Austin and I shared. I dread the moment I would face Austin.

I couldn't make up my mind. Did I want to see Austin, or didn't I? Part of me looked forward to last period, the moment I could see Austin, and maybe have a conversation. The other part felt like skipping the class altogether. A constant battle was fought between the two decisions, though I knew which would be chosen. I've missed plenty of school already; I would just have to man-up.

Fourth period could not decide rather it wanted to end, or have time motionless. One second ten minutes would pass in the blink of an eye, and the next five minutes would feel like half-an-hour. Time played tricks on the mind, torturing and manipulating me as my emotions changed. By the end of fourth period, time wrecked me, mentally.

The bell rang; I picked up my books, backpack, droopy body, and walked out the classroom, slumped over to keep the bubbly feel at ease. The time had finally come; soon I would be face-to-face with the person I didn't want to see: Austin. In the deepest parts of my mind, I wanted to talk to Austin, try to maintain our friendship, but at the same time the idea of avoiding him didn't sound so bad.

The body, usually, represent your thoughts. Like after tasting something disgusting, your face will shrivel up; or when you're nervous a blush would stain your cheeks. This case excluded me from the fact. My mind wanted to go and face Austin, yet my body made matters difficult by dragging around.

As I pulled myself to class, mentally, Milo came into view, wrapping his tiny arms around my midsection.

"Hey, boyfriend!" He squealed.

I took a few glances around. Luckily he didn't grab any attention.

"Milo. How's it going, kit?" Milo grinned and his grip loosened.

"Great! Classes today have been awesome. Everyone is talking about us, and most say we make a cute couple!" Milo giggled. "I agree with them: Basketball cheerleader dating the star basketball player....sounds nice, huh?"

Without a clue on how to respond to that, I just nodded; that was all it took to bring about one of Milo's exciting smiles.

The bell rung

I leaned down to kiss Milo; he didn't respond how I expected. Instead of moving into my lips, he retreated.

"Blake..."

"Yeah..." I turned around to walk away, and soon as I did, I saw Ausin. The little white wolf seemed to have been watching my little romance session with Milo; the expression on his face did not appear to be pleased. I wanted to say something, my mouth was sealed closed. The right words just would not come out.

Austin glared for a few seconds; then walked away. His little white tail showed no emotion, just hanging, slowly swishing from side to side as he walked.

If only my lips would move then maybe I could apologize to my friend, Austin. But what could be said to him? I simple apology would only go so far. What I did hurt Austin, beyond description. Having your heart broken hurts, a lot; Austin did the same to me the night he left, though it was understandable.

My Language Arts teacher, Mrs. Josyer, a middle aged Eagle, called out the list on her attendance paper to make sure everyone was in class. It seemed like the class was full, yet one fur in the group was missing: Austin.

Once Mrs. Josyer finished her role-call, she closed her book and said, "Looks like everyone is here. Take out your books and turn to page 319."

"Mrs. Josyer?" Mrs. Joyser looked up at the one who spoke, which was obviously myself. I had to correct her on the mistake she had made. Everyone was not here, seeing that Austin had not showed up for class.

"Yes Mr. Hunt."

"You said everyone was here, but you forgot Austin Lones."

She shook her head, slightly. "No, no. Mr. Lones has been switched to my 2nd Period class. He apparently could not concentrate in this class, so he switched himself out."

Couldn't concentrate? Yeah, that didn't seem like Austin, because he never paid attention in this class. The kid was so intelligent that he didn't need to study or listen to the teacher to make A's in Language Arts. There must be another reason why he switched out, and I'm pretty sure that reason was me.

"Yeah," A female Kangaroo sitting beside me stated. "That little wolf got switched out, and now he's like...Office Aid! Lucky bastard."

Hearing this my paw quickly shot up!

"Yes, Mr. Hunt??" Mrs. Josyer placed a claw at her hips.

"May I use the restroom?" I said with a rush; knowing that I didn't have to go to the restroom, I just wanted to go see Austin.

My teacher gave a fake laugh. "Of course, it's not like you haven't missed half the course already. Be my guest."

I ignored the sarcasm and quickly fled the room.

Austin must really have a grudge against me, to take it this far? Switching classes, avoiding me? It wasn't like I haven't been doing the same. I avoided the little white wolf: not emailing, calling, nor texting. Both, Austin and I, had given up, and now was the time for me to start trying against before I lost the chance. Losing this friendship was not an option.

Quickly, I dashed for the office, where the Office Aid usually worked. It took a while to reach my destination -my class and the office being on two separate sides of the school. Once I made it to the office, I looked into those glass windows and saw my friend sitting there, twiddling his thumbs.

I tapped on the window; Austin's head slowly rose, his eyes widened from what he saw. I gestured for him to come outside of the office, but he stayed in his seat. He just sat there, staring. I stood in my place, staring back, until finally, he stood and walked out to face me.

"What do you want?" He asked, leaning against the wall.

"You...switched classes?" Austin nodded. "But...why??"

The little wolf's eyes wondered off. "Like you don't know."

"Me?"

"Bingo!" Austin guffawed.

"How is any of this my fault?"

Austin turned straight. "How is it your fault? I can't believe you just asked that question! Ever since we met you've been giving off false signals."

"How?" I interrupted.

"The party," Austin started. "You seemed so into me, and then that stuff with Milo happened. You changed after that, didn't give me the time of day, yet I was always with you, trying to prove that I had some feelings for you. I didn't think you were gay...I wanted you to be... but after a while I gave up because I didn't want to pursue a straight guy. I was just happy to have your friendship!"

"If that's true, then why the hell did you leave me alone the night I kissed you?" My voice had passed the qualification for inside-voices.

"You were a drunken idiot!" Austin snarled. "I was confused, scared... at that point I could have spilled my feelings and then woke up the next morning without you there! You being drunk could not be trusted. For all I know, the alcohol said you were gay, not you. I wasn't going to risk everything I've worked for since forever off of chance!"

The little white wolf had a point. That night I was drunk. I was not ready to tell him I was gay, it just burst through my muzzle -a complete mistake on my part.

"I-I'm sorry..." Were the only words that could be said.

"Yeah, well you should be!" Austin folded his arms and looked away. Silent fell, leaving me at a loss of words. Even after our little shout-fest, the hallway remained empty; just Austin and myself stood quietly, facing off in a different direction than the other.

I was the first to speak.

"I'm scared too..." I whispered, facing the ground. "I was scared...and still am..." Austin's face remained in an opposite direction, but his eyes were now locked on the fur in front of him. "That night I told you I was gay...was scary. When I kissed Milo...I was scared shitless...and the moment your lips touched mine...everything seemed to vanish...no fear, no pain, no feelings, except desire and love."

Austin's head slowly turned to look in my direction.

"No matter how hard I tried to forget about our kiss, and stay close to Milo, it failed, because my mind always returned to you. It's horrible to say, but I can't deny the truth." I took a step closer and grabbed Austin's paw. The little wolf looked up into my eyes.

"Don't do this..." Austin's voice, tiny and fragile, spoke. "You're with Milo..."

I didn't want to do any of this, but it just seemed right. I could finally show Austin my true feelings, and it felt great; so relaxing. The way he looked into my eyes, how his paw felt in mines, or how our breathing felt synchronized made me want him; more than I should.

"Austin..." I bit my lower lip, nervous. "I want you...I wanna be with you...I love your touch...I adore your kisses...I love you..."

Austin wrapped his arms around my neck, and pulled me into a blissful kiss. Our lips locked, arms around one another, hearts racing. I held him closer; closer than I'd ever held anyone before. Our bodies were as one; I loved the feeling, a feeling I could never feel with Milo.

The kiss broke. We both leaned back with our muzzles still touching.

"I love you too." Austin smiled cutely.

*Infatuation*

"Yeah. I'm going over to his house now."

.....

"To do homework."

....

"I just want to have a life outside of you, and your parents our starting to look at us funny, so I wa-..."

A door opened and Austin stood at its entrance. I raised a finger, signaling I would only be a minute.

"Milo, I'll be home around 11 or 12. I promise, k?" Austin pulled me into his house and immediately kissed me, with his back pushed firmly against the wall. I pressed the end key on my phone, placed it in my pocket, and began to kiss the little white wolf.

"We're going to hell." I said smiling.

"It'll be worth it..." Austin stood on his paw-tips and kissed me softly, chuckling.

I grinned and picked the little guy up. "Damn right!" I then start to carry him upstairs, into his room, finally ending with me laying him in his bed, with me above.

Two weeks ago was when me and Austin kissed. Two weeks ago we started a secret ago. For two weeks we have been in love. Two weeks I've been lying to Milo. It wasn't that I didn't love Milo, but it was as a friend rather than boyfriends. Milo was not boyfriend material, not now at least. After the attack, he has been distant, even with me. No kissing; no hugging; half-snuggling. He was too afraid to do anything physical. With Austin, all things were possible. I could hold him like I wanted; kiss him with enough passion to fill the ocean; and other things...

Today made one of the many days I've been at Austin's place, yet today was special. At school he slipped a note in my locker saying "Meet me at my place, I have a surprise for you." The note had me at the edge of my seat throughout the day. I could not wait to see what the little guy had for me, although I was a bit nervous.

"Now," Austin began rubbing his claws through my chest fur. "What did you call me over for? What's this surprise?"

The little paws rubbed down my torso, grabbed the hem of my shirt, and lift it slightly. "Well...I was thinking..."

"What of?"

"About us...our relationship...where we stand...where I want us to be..." The little wolf nuzzled my chest softly.

"If this is about Milo," I blurted out, trying to quickly explain myself. "it will be taken care of soon. He's still in a bad place, you know, and I don't know how to break up with him. I promise it wi-..."

Austin placed a finger over my muzzle and smiled. "No, silly. I know you're working on it, take your time, babe. I can wait. Though...what I was trying to say is...We've been together for two weeks...it has been rough, but we made it. Dates: movies, video games, parties. I have to say the last two weeks have been awesome...you've been awesome..."

I smiled and chuckled. "Babe, you're awesome. If there was a word greater than awesome, then you'd be the perfect definition."

Austin guffawed. "Cheesy much?"

I shot back a playful growl before kissing the top of his muzzle. "Shut-up. Get back to what you were saying and stop making fun of my 'cheesy' lines."

"Ok," Austin chuckled. "Well...I was thinking of taking it to the next level...like..."

"Oh..." I said, not fully grasping what had been said at that exact second. I caught on a while later, staining my face in dark red as I blushed. "OH...You mean...?"

Austin returned the blush and nodded.

Sex. It seemed like the latest trend with teenagers our age these days. The most common thing on any teenagers mind, being boy or girl, is sex, especially the guys. Parents always say to wait and have sex with the one you marry, while most adult say to take part in intercourse when you're in love.

Did I love Austin? Most definitely; I loved him as a friend, brother, and even a mate. He was everything I ever dreamed of: His height, short, cute, and cub-ish; the way he holds me close to him when he's scare or in a tight spot; how his tail would lightly wrap around my leg, and hug it tightly; the way his paws ran up and down my chest, lightly scratching my sensitive areas; how he put the needs of others before himself, never being a jerk about anything; so understanding... I loved him and all of his qualities.

"Are you ready?" I asked nervously.

"Y-yeah," He nodded for the second time. "I love you, and I want to be the one to share that experience with. I want you to be the one to take my virginity...but most importantly, I want you to be the first guy, middle, and last guy to take me in his arms, and care for and pleasure me..."

I was speechless. His words stunned and slightly aroused me at the same time. Those exact words were not expected to come from him; he was so blunt. I guess he took this serious; not like most people are age.

"I love you as well...you mean the world to me, and I would...I would..."

Austin wrapped his arms around my neck and pulled me down into another kiss; this kiss feeling different for some odd reason. The kiss we shared now had more of a drive; lust; love; heat. Every bone in my body ached for Austin's attention; even the obvious one. If a kiss made this much of a difference, I could only imagine what THAT would feel like.

The little wolf finished pulling off my shirt; his paws were already pulling it off before the kiss. Our bodies went up and down, rubbing, grinding, pushing against one another, causing the heat between us to become even hotter -the hotter the better. My paws, as for his, glided down each-others body; mine moving along his thighs; while his paws made their way to my growing bulge.

The second paw made its way toward my groin to massage my bulge. Only groans, grunts, and moans were audible from me, as I kissed the perfect set of lips. I couldn't deny that I was losing control. My erection was already leaking pre by the gallons; the briefs I wore were completely soaked, and once Austin noticed this, small giggles could be heard from beneath me. He began to push my shorts down, past my knees, finally, arriving at my ankles. My wolf cock stabbed Austin's stomach, causing him to shiver.

The kiss broke, but for only a second. We dove back into our lip-locking and tongue twisting. Now I started to undress him, while he fondled my cock in his soft paws, first removing his pants, then pulling off his shirt, casting it to the floor. I loved Austin's body. Even though he appeared short, he was very well built. I found it cute and funny to see a small guy having such a toned body.

From the feel of it, Austin's wolf meat act excited, if not more, than mine. His wolf cock stood proud and free out of his boxers. I felt a little left out, so I also allowed my own cock to be free from its imprisonment. Austin broke the kiss. He placed a paw on my chest and pushed me up, before turning around to stand on all fours. I inched closer, placing both paws on each side of his ass, slowly sliding his boxers down to reveal a cute furry butt.

"Do you have a c-..."

"No...just do it!" Austin said lustful. "It's both our first time...I trust you...."

I smiled as I removed my last article of clothing. Those words: I trust you. They were enough to please any fur. Knowing that he trust me enough to go in unprotected made me feel closer to the little wolf. I moved closer to him, placing my cock at his entrance, before looking over my own cock. I was a good 7 inches, probably bigger. That was around normal for a wolf my age.

"What about lube?" I asked out of concern. I wanted our first time to be enjoyable on both end.

Austin looked back and smiled. "You're so sweet...but I'll be fine. I'm a trooper." He giggled. I smiled and shook my head in disbelief. That kid had the strangest effect on me. Everything he did seemed so cute!

"Ok, babe..."

I pushed forward slowly, breaking through his anal ring first, gradually moving deeper. Once I managed to fit half my cock into him, he clenched his tight hole around my cock, causing me to shiver and lose my placement. It didn't hurt, not one bit; actually it was the greatest feeling I have ever felt. The way his anal walls tightened around my wolf cock, pushing more and more pre out. The pre produced coated the passageway.

"Are you ok?" I query after the sudden clench.

Austin nodded.

I took his nod as a sign to keep going. I let the other half of my cock enter him, not so slowly this time, being lost in the lustful event. Slowly, I pulled out; then pushed back in; not too fast, and not too slow. A nice pace was formed as I thrust into him, enjoying the way his tail-hole clenched around my cock as I pulled out, and loosen when I pushed back in.

Our breathing picked up; we were both, panting and groaning; though Austin did more Panting, groaning, and moaning, throwing in a few words ever now and then like "Ah...babe...faster..." or "it feels so good..." Each time he spoke drove me to deeper the thrust, or pound his cute little ass harder and faster.

Sex was just like the books said it would be, maybe better. Just like the books say, your first time would not last long, and they were correct as well. I couldn't take the constant feeling of Austin's tight hole, closed around my raging, pre-spraying cock. It didn't take long for my knot to form and begin slapping against his anal ring.

I could only imagine Austin's pleasure he received. His pants grew heavier; moans louder; body more limp. I leaned over his back and grabbed his throbbing member in my paw and started stroking his wolf wood. It appeared that Austin wasn't far from his climax as well; I could feel the hard knot pushing against my paw as the little wolf humped into it.

The climax was near, I could feel myself closing in on its limit. My knot continued to mash into Austin. It has always been a fantasy of mine to feel a tight tail hole around my knot; I was hoping Austin would let me, but I figured that may be asking of a little too much, until...

"Tie us...Blake...I want you to tie me...let me feel you inside me...I want to have all of your warms seed in my ass..." Austin said in between pants and thrust.

After he said that, I wasted no time! I thrust my cock in him a few more times; then shoved it all the way in, knot and all. Austin slumped over into a pillow and began sinking his canines into the fluff ball in front of his muzzle. Once my knot was safely in, Austin clenched his tail-hole tighter than he had done the entire time. As my knot entered the wolf's tail-hole, his cock jumped and 5 rockets of cum flew onto the sheets; I was shortly to follow with my orgasm, shooting our 7 ropes of cum into his ass, filling him with my wolf semen.

When our orgasms died down, we made ourselves comfortable. We lie on our side, bathing in our afterglow: his back against my chest, with my muzzle planted deep into his neck fur. Neither moved, nor did we speak. The moment was perfect. Our bodies remained as one, connecting our mind, body, soul, and love.

Austin sighed in content, turned his head slightly, and spoke, "I love you, Blake."

As I moved one leg between his, I said, "I love you too, Austin...more than you know..."

*Contempt*

Does having sex with your partner bring you closer?

The answer to that is, yes. Sex could do wonders in a relationship. Partaking in sex with your partner could make the worst relationships, great, and the great relationships perfect. Ever since Austin and I spent that evening together, we've been really happy. Even though our relationship wasn't open, or official, we still felt the love for one another.

Even though we were content with the way things were, I still had to end it with Milo. Having a secret relationship was not fair to him. Every time I come close to telling him, I would back out. What was I to say to the little guy? I had fallen in love with someone else? Honesty would bring one a long way, but in this situation it could break that person, especially if that person is already broken, or in the process of being mended.

I would tell Milo, only when I felt sure he is ready to take it.

In the meantime, the team had a game tonight! We were playing our last game of the season, and lucky for the team, they have put up a great season. If we won tonight, we go to playoffs. I planned to drive my team, school, and most importantly, Austin to victory. Yes, I said Austin. A lot happened in the time frame of the start of our relationship. We not only shared last period with one another, but now Austin joined the Basketball team, taking Vick's spot. After playing alongside of him that night at the party, I had to have him on the team; for the team's purpose, and my own.

Today was a big day for me. This had been my first year to partially-lead my team to the play-offs. If we win the play-offs then my name would go down in history; our picture would be taken and for eternity a picture of me and Austin will stay in our High-School. It sound girly, but I really wanted it.

Since our big game was today, the basketball players were allowed to spend the day in our GYM. No classes, no worries, and a day with spent with Austin. I couldn't think of a better way to spend it. If we won this, it would be the best day of my life.

"So what are we doing after we win tonight? I hear there is a party over at Josh's place." Austin said, leaning back into the bleachers. We were the only two players in the GYM at the time; the others decided to go get lunch.

"If we win, and we will...I'll take you out to a nice restaurant; spend the night under the stars; sneak a few drinks out of your parent's wine-cabinet. We'll have our own fun, in more than one way." I gave him a playful smile, causing him to blush lightly.

"Your plan is flawed. It rains tonight." Austin stuck out his tongue. "But the second part sounds doable."

"Oh, I've always wanted to try IT during the thunderstorm." I slyly grinned.

Austin gave me a playful nudge. "Maybe you'll last more than 4 minutes this time."

I looked at him, wide-eyed. "My first time! It's normal to not be able to go long." I said in a loud whisper.

"Yeah, yeah. Of course." The little wolf began laughing.

"I don't know why you're laughing." A sly grin formed. "You came before me..."

"Shut up." The blush returned to the little wolf's face.

I chuckled and inched closer; our shoulder touched and we pressed our foreheads together, smiling at one another.

"I love you." He said.

"I love you more." I replied.

The obvious reaction came from the exchange of 'I love you'. Our heads tilt, and our lips joined in a passionate kiss. We sat in the bleachers, faced each other, with our lips un-separate. The little wolf's tail did exactly what I expected; it slowly wrapped around my leg, holding it securely.

-BAM-

A loud noise came from the bottom of the bleachers. The kiss broke in an instant, as our heads shot to the bottom of the bleachers, though no one could be spotted. Both set of eyes searched the entire GYM floor, but nothing was there. We shrugged it off, and continued our kissing.

The day went by fairly quickly, nothing was really exciting. Austin and I spent most of the day together kissing in secret, and we went to a little pizza place to get lunch, then to his place to have a few drinks, but other than that, the day was pretty dull. Things didn't heat up until Austin and I were walking back to school. I received a very...unusual phone call.

"Hello?"

....

"Yeah...Hey, Mi-..."

....

"What? Milo, that didn't..."

....

....

....

"Calm down Milo, let me explain..."

...

"No...I don't love him..." I glanced over at Austin to see him wearing a very hurt look on his face. You could only imagine what the question had been, and how the answer would affect Austin.

...

"Where? Your house? Ok, I'll be there soon..."

I felt a paw grab my shoulder as I put my cell phone into my pocket and turned around to see Austin's hurt face, once again.

"I'm so sorry! Somehow Milo found out about us...I have to talk to him...I don't want him to be hurt again...not by me..." I explained.

"So you're going to break up with him and make it all right?" Austin whispered...

There was a short pause. That was not the reason I was going to see Milo. I had to make things right, and when I say make it right, I mean not hurting the little fox.

"I see.." Austin faced the ground. "If you leave... it's over..."

Shocked, I was not expecting Austin to say that. If I went to make things right with my friend in need, I'd risk losing the person I loved the most in my life. I looked at Austin what seemed like forever. No sign of a joke, weakness, or anything to could help me with the situation. His mood showed he was serious.

I took in one last look at Austin, and ran off into the distance. I loved Austin more than anything, but there was a time for love, and a time for friendship. I was picking the wrong time for friendship right about now.

Time could not be wasted. I rushed to Milo's house, and once I got there, I beat on his door furiously. I could feel a few drop of water falling onto my fur, giving it a soothing feel after running two miles. Rain had finally come, giving off its first few droplets of water.

Milo opened the door and glared at me.

"Milo! Please, listen to me..." I pleaded. Milo's face showed it all; he had no intention of listening to anything I had to say.

"You cheated." Milo simply said, folding his arms.

"Yes, but let me explain."

"No need to. Just go. You can say nothing to me."

"But..."

Milo simply glared at me; one of those soul-piercing glares.

"Be honest with me...don't lie, ok? If you lie and I found out it is true then you will never ever talk to you again. I'll cut you off. Being my worst enemy would be a better title then what you'd be..." Milo stared into my eyes; his own eyes filling with tears. "Did you have sex with him."

My answer wasn't put into words. Milo quickly grasped the answer seeing that I put a long pause between his question, and my actual answer.

"You're a bastard...first April catches you kissing that whore in the GYM, then I find out you had sex with him!!" Tear raced down the little fox's face. "I want you to get away from my house and never come back. Come get your shit after the game, and after that I never want to see you again." He walked back in the house and slammed the door.

*Love*

I stood at the door for a few minutes; the rain was now coming down heavier now. I couldn't believe what just took place. Milo...broke up with me. The question kept playing in my head over and over. How could I be so stupid? In less than an hour I lost two people who I cared for deeply...

I was a wandering soul, looking for a place to go; walking in the rain that seemed to be pouring even harder now. I felt lost, wandering, with no real destination. For hours I walked, lost in thought, thinking of how I could lose everything: my mom, friend, and boyfriend. Everything had been stripped from me.

My mom never gave me much attention, especially with her husband and money around. I always had to go without that motherly love that some had, yet, it felt like deep down my mom really cared for me; even if she treated me like crap for a few weeks.

Milo has been my friend for a while, helping me through everything. I could honestly say I loved that kid, but it wasn't the love you would share with a mate. The love I felt for him leaned more toward a brotherly-love. I received great pleasure seeing him laugh and smile.

Words could not explain how much I loved Austin. I felt horrible, doing the single most horrible thing I could ever do. I denied loving Austin, in his face. I could only imagine how the little guy felt after that, and he had every right to give me those options; I deserved it.

Rain poured from the dark night's sky. Lightning cut through the darkness, brightening up the entire sky and earth beneath it. The sound of rain soothed all creatures: humans, anthro-animals, all living beings alike. All while the clouds sobbed its tears, I stood outside with the small droplets trickling down my face.

My story of the life I lived, it ended here. Nothing else was left for me in this world; I had nowhere to go: My mom didn't want me; friend kicked me out; ex-lover probably didn't want anything to do with me. I could feel nothing. Emotions, or feelings, were not present; they seem to be lost.

No hate

No happiness

No love

The only thing I could feel was the cold rain rolling down my lifeless body. I was standing in the dark, cold rain, lonely and afraid. If only someone could comfort me, as I comforted many others; anyone would do. Not just anyone would do; I wanted one person to comfort me...

"Hey, dumbass." A voice said, coming from behind. I slowly turned around. "You're going to catch something, and I don't want to get anything..." As I turned around I caught full sight of Austin. "When I'm kissing you."

I couldn't believe my eyes. There, standing in the rain, stood Austin with the biggest smile presented. He walked over and stood in front of me with his paws in his pants pockets.

"You missed the game...and because of that, I missed the game." He said.

"Why are you here? Did you find me to say how much you hated me?"

"Yeah, I guess..." Austin shrugged. "If hate is the new love, then yeah; I hate you a lot." He began chuckling and moved closer. "I'm sorry for the way I reacted earlier. It hurt so much when you denied loving me... it's ok, I understa-.."

I quickly pulled Austin into my arms and hugged him tight. The feeling of the kid in my arms made me feel something again; something a few moments ago I thought I'd never feel again. I felt...loved...

"Austin...I'm not with him anymore...of course he broke up with me...and I feel a little relieved since you're here now." I began to cry a little. "I love you way to much...just the thought of me not being able to hold you again sent me into a suicidal state... I don't know what I would do without you..."

"It's ok, I forgive you." Austin wrapped his arms around me and gave a tight hug. "Especially since we won, hehe."

"We won!?!" I said excitedly.

"Yup! 54 to 52. Very close game." Austin said proudly.

"How many points did you put on the board?" I asked.

"I didn't play," Austin shook his head. "I couldn't play with you out here. I waited for you at the game, and once you didn't come, I left at the end, catching the score."

I simply smiled and pressed my lips against Austin's. Even though everything didn't go as I wanted, the most important thing stood in front of me, in the rain, kissing and being in love. I'm a very emotional kid, but the one emotion I will feel from this day forward was given to me by Austin, the love of my life. I'd feel loved forever.

YAY! It's finally up! I hope you all enjoy it. FAVE, VOTE, COMMENT! If you find something you don't like, or have questions about, just leave it in the comment. If I get enough votes and faves, I'll make a sequel :D

Austin © sonic_lover

Everyone else © Ace Wolf