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this is unlucky thirteen by fate:

Mr. Vector, or Will if Issac could get used to it, had plenty of classics to expose Issac too before they left. Issac listened and liked them, but there was no embarrassing twitch to be seen. The store wasn't very busy, apparently it was a side project. Mostly Mr. Vector sold, upgraded, repaired or modified stage equipment for serious rockers and your average garage bands.

Issac stared at the list of clientele with awe. 'Echo's' 'Silent Suicide' 'James Henry' and even 'Rabid Z', the list went from these legends, to bands around the world, and local celebrates. Will never failed to write down the names of his customers, and never failed to meet the band in person if he could. Memorabilia was scattered all over in the back rooms. Pictures with the band, Will, and whatever Will gave them, hanging around like best buds, autographed and framed, were the popular trinkets, hell, Nathan even snuck into a few.

Because the store wasn't crazy, Will let them switch between homework and store work, as long as they saved the studying for a quieter environment. Eventually, Issac and Nathan left for the gym, which was only about fifteen minutes away. Issac would be paid weekly as opposed to daily, but his pockets now held his starter payment, so Issac could hand something real to Mr. Cowell, and not just words.

"Don't hurt yourselves! And nice to meet you Issac!" The wolf called after them as they left, Nathan just grinning again.

"What's so funny?" Issac asked as they walked to the car.

"My dad, he's so...goofy". Nathan smiled. "He's totally trying to be the good friend parent".

Issac frowned. "Is he normally not like that?" The thought honestly hadn't occurred to Issac.

"No no, he is, he's just.....trying too hard". Nathan, for one of the first times, went quiet. He gloomed out so noticeably he was unapproachable, his face masked with a fake smile after a moment, his speech altered with false care and happiness. "If you can imagine it he's usually worse. But whatever, I just hope Vincent's still at the gym".

Issac smiled now. "Liar, you know you'd rather just have it be the two of us. But sorry to say he will be there when we are, I texted him back at the shop".

"Texting on the Job I see. Hmmm, duly noted". He teased, making a note on invisible paper while they were at a red light. "I'm afraid I'll have to install a payback system for the loss of company time".

Issac looked at Nathan, the sun setting behind him making his eyes pop, and his fur glow like god himself was either sending a sign or torturing Isaac with his beauty. He was magnificent really, down to earth, stable, a hunk with a great body, and a sense of humor. But for some reason, as they started moving again, the list was paired up with Vincent's.

Kind/kind

Hunk/hunk

Down to earth/looking beyond

Stable/just finding his way

Nathan/Vincent

Dog/bear

Willing to return the love.......

Issac stopped, shaking his head and looking out the window to try to hide his tears. It hurt too much to finish the comparison.

"You Ok?". Nathan asked, pulling over on the side of the road. "Hey there, it's Ok. What's wrong?". The wolf had his arms around Issac, pulling him in, his voice gentle.

Issac was embarrassed, his eyes flushed and red, his body shaking slightly, and his muzzle letting out a whimper. He felt so pathetic.

"I know this isn't about the payback thing. What's up man?". The wolf cooed, calming Issac.

He looked up at the wolf again. "I'm just so confused". He managed, trying desperately to get a grip.

"About what?". Nathan answered, his voice still just as soft and comforting.

"You, me, and Vincent". Issac said softly, not even noting to leave out the bears name. "I....you love me right?".

Nathan smiled. "Of course I do. I'll be here for as long as you want me, and probably longer actually".

Issac smiled at that, but got serious again. "Nathan, I really love you both....".

"But he won't return it". Nathan countered, slipping to the offensive. "I will".

"I know but...".

"Issac, look at me". The wolf demanded in a strong assertive voice. "I love you. I can't vouch for Vincent, but I love you." He paused, choosing his words for the slightest moment "I will never let anything hurt you, and you need to hear this, look at me!".

Issac tried to look away again, he was stronger than this, why was he being such a baby?

"You have to come to terms with the fact that Vincent can't return what you feel, at least not publicly. Just like I've come to terms with the fact that if I have you, I'm still your second choice". Both of them were very on edge now, the topic a bit touchy.

Issac sighed. "But, he kissed me. Even if I know he won't return the love, I'll subconsciously tell myself there is hope. Oh god Nathan I'm sorry".

The wolf tightened his embrace. "I just don't get it. He's hurt you, and I've done nothing but love you. Why do you do this to yourself, and to me". He sighed. "I will need your answer though, not now but eventually. I will need a solid yes or no".

Issac sat there in the white, fluffy embrace of a loved one. He knew he was being unfair to the wolf, but he needed more time to think this one through. So he told Nathan so, heartbroken, yet relieved for the time being that the wolf just nodded and continued driving.

...................................................................................

Vincent had already been at the gym for a few minutes when they got there. The two changed and joined him, Max taking Nathan to the offices to talk about a plan.

"So how was work?". Vincent asked, the two waiting for the others to return.

Issac shrugged. "Fine, the store isn't packed, so I actually got most of my school work done. It's that umm, 'White Noise' music store in the Terra Plaza".

Vincent smiled. "So his dad's a music buff I take it. That's cool. What do you actually do?".

Issac shrugged. "Keep the store clean, sort the shelves, help the few customers now and then. Basics. It's not that crowded cause Mr. Vector more sells and fixes stage equipment for bands. It's so cool who he's met!. You know those eight nozzle smoke machines that 'Killer Instinct' uses? He designed those to absolutely drown the stage in a safe smoke in under 20 seconds. It's kinda awesome".

Vincent made a surprised face. "Really?. 'Killer Instinct?!"

"And 'Silent Suicide', 'RabidZ', 'Echoes', it's kinda really impressive, and he's met most of them, has pictures to prove it".

Nathan and Max returned and they got straight to lifting as opposed to Ab or leg workouts. Issac was first, increasing his lift a few pounds which brought a smile to his face, progress was sweet. He lifted and went to get the drinks, silently hoping this didn't become a scene.

................................................................................

Vincent eased off the little weights, and added larger weights. He smiled, Issac was improving, but then smiled again at his luck. There was no way this wolf would out lift him, he was far too thin for the muscles to be built enough, and come on, in the wild who wins?. One bear or one mutt?

Vincent did his lifts flawlessly, counting too fifteen, getting off and stretching.

"How much do you lift?" he asked Nathan, going for the weights.

Nathan put a paw on Vincent's. "Don't touch them, it's good". It was a face that screamed a challenge. The dog started lifting, Max guiding the bar. He was going Just as fast as Vincent, and didn't seem to be having any hard time with it.

"13......14.......15". Max counted. "Good Ok-".

"Keep going". Nathan said in only a slightly strained voice.

Max looked confused but listened. "16, 17.......18....19.......20...." Still the wolf went, just pissing Vincent off. "23....24............".

Nathan pushed hard and showed effort but at last Max counted "25".

The wolf stood, his fur glistening, his black shirt damp at the corners. Vincent smiled an evil smile, catching the wolf's gaze.

"Pretty good". Vincent added more weight, bringing it up to his current max of 290, and getting ready to lift.

Issac came back and handed him the water. "Didn't you already go? No way its been 2 minutes of rest yet."

Vincent just nodded, looking at the wolf over Issac's shoulder and getting ready. Max guided the weight and the counting began.

One through eight were easy as always, it was ten through fifteen that were tough. Vincent continued to push. He caught a glance of the wolf's annoyed face and grinned.

"12......13..........". He could feel himself slow down, his arms burning with effort.

"Come on!" "Push man push!" Issac and Max encouraged. Vincent snapped into focus, his goal etched into his brain, he was stunned with the focus at first but continued pushing. "14.....15!".

Vincent held it up, he had only ever made it to fifteen, but that wasn't enough, his focus pushed his arms back up and down. Stunned Max kept counting. "Ummm 16..17.........18!".

Vincent could feel his arms burn even in his blind focus, even in the zone. He pushed two more out, then surrendered to gravity's pressure.

"Twenty man!". Issac cheered, Max patting the bear on the back. Vincent was huffing loud, his arms falling to his sides like limp noodles. He met Nathan's gaze, it was like a statue, betraying no sign of the annoyance Vincent knew was there.

The bear gave a cocky smile, "What's your max again?" he asked casually, knowing for a fact he could get under the wolf's skin. He didn't respond, and Vincent didn't expect it.

Issac gave him his water which he drank greedily, walking over to the chairs for a rest.

"Ok." Max said. "Now for something new, boxing!".

Issac and Vincent looked confused. "Boxing?". Issac asked.

Max smiled a taunting smile. "Yah know, fighting with fisted paws?".

Issac made a face. "Really?. I had no idea". He scoffed sarcastically.

.............................................................................

The boxing ring had it's own bell, punching bags, equipment, and audience chairs. It was in the basement of the building so it was poorly lit, but that made it a little more foreboding.

Max took them through basics, then had them use the bags and hop around on their toes. Issac was the fastest on his feet but Nathan had the fastest paws. They were a blur as the speed bag made noises of contact.

Vincent was slow but in turn the strongest and the best blocker with his massive arms. Max nodded at all of their quick take up of the sport, and offered them matches with himself as the opponent.

They agreed and went in one by one. Vincent was up first, Issac and Nathan taking a seat in the fold out chairs.

"Ok, so your bear is stronger then me". Nathan admitted, as the tiger faced off with Vincent.

Issac turned. "That's what that was about?". Nathan nodded. "Look don't pick on him, he's confused enough as is".

Nathan sighed. "You sure give a lot of love to someone who can't return it" he said calmly in the sense he was clearly hiding his anger

Issac didn't look at him. "It's just called being a friend".

"Well you two are a little closer than that". Nathan countered coldly. "How long have you hung out and he invites you to live with him?! How can anyone compare?!"

Nathan was angry, and Issac didn't like it. Vincent punched at Max, who dodged and countered with a hit to the bears padded head.

"If you're gonna compare yourself to Vincent then this will...." Issac began.

Nathan turned, a look of fury in his eyes for the first time ever. "I'm making the comparison because you do!" he growled " Do you think I want this to be complicated, I would much rather just get the love back for the love I give!"

Issac shrank down. "Stop yelling" he whimpered.

Nathan stood, fuming, and walked toward the ring, getting on the boxing gear. Then Issac watched as Nathan got in, pushed Max aside and punched Vincent straight in the face...............................

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Vincent stumbled back from the impact, his face felt like...well he had been punched. The crazy wolf was asking for it.

"Hey!" Max said, shoving the wolf aside. "Hell no is that shit happening here! You ok?" Vincent waved him off "If you want to stay at the gym then this cant happen." It was Max so it sounded more like advice then an actual threat, not like Max couldn't fight if he wanted too.

"Fine, fair fight." The wolf mumbled under his breath and threw the mouth guard. "Unless you're afraid of me." He still stood hostile and ready, bouncing on his feet.

Had he not been punched a moment ago, Vincent would have scoffed. "Bring it on." he took his fighting stance. "Max, the bell." The bear did smile on the inside, from the moment he set eyes on the wolfs grin, and had his hold on Issac, he had wanted to beat his face in.

"You sure?" Vincent nodded, and the bell rang.

Vincent swore under his breath. The wolf was a swift little prick, dodging and blocking at a distance, coming in for quick powerful blows and then returning to his safe zone. When he wasn't doing that he was professionally dancing circles around the bear, he had clearly boxed before.

"So you've done this before I take it." Vincent said, his mouth guard awkward in his mouth, making his speech slurred, the annoyance in it hidden.

"Yeah," Nathan said with a similar problem, "But I'm rusty, it's been a few months." He did a hop and some jabs, "But it's coming back." He took a pause, "I'm sorry for the cheap shot."

Vincent stopped, but got right back into his bounce, "Pardon?"

Nathan rolled his eyes, "I'm sorry ok. It's just....im a little frustrated." He stopped bouncing first, taking out the mouth guard and leaning on the ropes. "Issac's kinda been...unsure of me." He admitted through clenched teeth, his version of humble pie involving given credit where credit was do, tasting like shit.

They had noticed he left the room of course, Vincent thought that's honestly what calmed the wolf down. "Well you're new, it'll take time to earn trust." Vincent followed suit, the pie just as crappy, noting that Max stayed quiet.

Then Nathan laughed. A full hearty chuckle, that felt to Vincent like the laugh of an inside joke. "What's so funny?" the bear asked with a bit of frustration, because even calm Vincent has a last straw somewhere.

"Oh god, you really don't know. Well either that or the slim chance that Issac is right is the fact." Nathan said, looking into Vincent's eyes. "He still loves you yah big lug. I mean duh!"

Vincent took a step back, staring at the wolf with regret and a sigh, "I know that..." and the truth was he did. The way Issac still stared at him, the way things played out Issac just hadn't shown a lot of interest sense the 'big letdown'. With Nathan, his mom, and everything else, Vincent didn't blame him.

"I knew Issac was wrong," Nathan said now with a little less enthusiasm, shaking his head, "Damn I wish he were right." He sighed "You still love him, don't you?"

Vincent wasn't sure how to answer, it had caught him completely off guard. But he didn't deny it out of disgust or lack of feeling interest on instinct, and in that simple act of not knowing, he gave an unmistakable answer. He did have feelings for Issac. They were mistakable for something between best friends and brotherly love and general 'First sight' shocking kind of love, but the feelings were real.

"I knew it." The wolf stated, shrugging, "But we better go find him then shouldn't we?"

Vincent stopped him, "You cant tell Issac I still like him." It was hard to say, the words like physical wounds, making his stomach churn with his cowardice, but Vincent felt he needed too. He didn't want to hurt Issac again. The dog would never admit it out loud, but Vincent had indeed hurt him in a greater way then even Jeromy could manage with his 'no'. The thought sickened Vincent, he had vowed to be the silent guardian angel, and nothing more.

"Why? At least he would love you back, your all I'm compared too dude, But I can't hate you for that for long." He looked like one who had given in to pressure, broken, but content. Vincent's eyes flashed in frustration, his massive paw to Nathan's chest.

"Don't you dare give up. You're his only shot at happiness man, I can't do it, so it's up to you."

"Cant or wont?" Nathan asked, moving the paw and starting to walk again.

Once more he was stopped, an anger in Vincent's eyes, "Don't fuck with this man. You love him, go make him happy."

It was Nathan's turn to be angered, throwing the arm aside, and pushing Vincent against the ring, "You think I don't want it to be that easy?! He won't return it. He'd return it to you, don't squander him, stop being a wuss and take the shot!"

The bear fell quiet, thinking to himself, every possible scenario running through his head. "What if its not real love?" he said lamely, looking up. Nathan was on him, he thrust his hand into Vincent's mouth, pulling out the mouth guard and locked their lips together.

Nathan, waved his arms in shock, their tongues collided, washing a wave of shock, then disgust over the bear, he quickly pushed Nathan off. "What the fuck is your problem man!"

Nathan looked pleased with himself, "If it were Issac would have reacted the same way?"

Realization is a slap in the face. Obvious facts become blinding truths and creeds. The previously shaded became filled with the angelic light of realization. He was in love. It was real, and it was with a guy. Gay or bi, it didn't matter. He was honestly and truly head over heels in love with one Issac Howell.

Vincent smiled, taking of the equipment and following the smug and grinning wolf out. He crossed off his sexuality as a mental checklist problem, it was pretty clear now. Gay or bi, he was sure he wanted it. He walked with a noticeable spring in is step as he searched for Issac around the gym. It wasn't until he wasn't in the showers, lockers or sauna did Vincent realize something was up.

"I think Issac... left." Nathan said, sounding confused for a change. "Where would he go tiger?"

Vincent stared at the mirror, taking in the moment. The truth was, Issac was a mystery. He kept himself to himself aside from music preferences. He didn't seem to care his mom was in rehab, or his home was a mess, or that Vincent had let him live with him. Issac made you work for his feelings mostly, so to be honest, he hadn't a clue, he just knew that if Issac didn't want to be found he wouldn't be.

Issac had fled to the locker room, tears of multiple emotions in his eyes. Anger, sorrow, regret, frustration and guilt. It was all too much, the moment the punch made contact, Issac had fled, his mind washing away in the river of feelings he had previously kept at bay. He was such a freakin pussy. It was all his fault and he didn't have the grapes to do anything about it. He imagined the worst case scenarios, and the ones that were only slightly less awful. He quickly changed and left, he didn't know where he was headed, but it sure wasn't here, and it wasn't with either of them.

He couldn't look Vincent in the eyes, the guilt of the punch would be too much, and being Vincent's kind self, his assurances of his wellbeing would only make it worse. He couldn't look Nathan in the eye for fear that he would only find blame. Issac knew he had pushed the wolf to such extremes, and being Nathan he would tell Issac the straight unfiltered truth, and that would sting and leave more marks. Isaac didn't want to cover more up......

Issac cried aloud as he left the gym into the night. The silence was welcoming, it was the only comfort that wouldn't hurt him right now. He allowed the silence to fill him up, he embraced the serenity and the chance to clear his head.

Home. That was his first stop. His real home, for all its crappy memories and smells and pains, its comfort was what he needed now. He started to walk for the wood the town was famous for. If he walked the streets he would be seen by one of the two, and that was the last thing he wanted.

Issac stared at his old house, its run down-ness depressing yet strangely welcoming, like the house itself needed a shoulder to cry on like him. He had made it in about 25 minutes, noting with a sadness that both Nathan and Vincent's cars had driven down the streets searching for him as he hid in the woods. Issac had waited an additional 20 minutes passed Vincent knocking on the house door and driving away before leaving his cover.

His bags were quite heavy, and easily snagged in branches in the woods, but they made it. He walked around to their bathroom window on the side of the structure and pushed up and hit it until the rusty lock broke.

He shimmied his way in and took a deep breath of the thick air. Booze, neglect and dust. He smiled, he was home. He left his bag in the hall and went to his room. It felt weird looking at it. The lights didn't work and no doubt the toilet wouldn't flush, but he was home. Issac crashed in his bed, crying himself to sleep, thinking of his next step.

"What do you mean you LOST him?!" Vincent's mom yelled. She was frantic in a heartbeat, even at the late hour he and Nathan arrived at Vincent's house after searching. "How do you lose a person? Did you try his phone?"

"He turned it off." Nathan said, "And it's my fault, I kinda pushed him over the edge." Vincent smiled a little at the fact that he left out the punch to the face, but also saw it was necessary.

But after that, Vincent returned to his inner mind. He thought long and hard about where Issac would go, and now that he had a fair grip on his sexuality, thought about the dogs cute...everything. His tail, his fur, the ear flick..... No he had to focus. If he were Issac where would he go? The problem was Vincent was too focused on Issac and not the dog's mindset.

"We'll call the police first." His mother stated, heading for the kitchen to the phone.

That snapped Vincent into focus. "No, you can't Issac needs his space right now and the police will only make it worse."

His mother looked stunned, "Excuse me? What if he's hurt and lost and needs our help? We need to inform them honey."

"If he needs us he'll turn on his cellphone, look please just trust me on this one mom, ok?"

She looked fierce, a glare piercing him for weakness, she needed to be sure that HE believed himself before she went ahead and did it. But her eye found no weaknesses and she submitted, dropping the phone back in its charger, "If he's not back in three days or doesn't call, then he will have left us no choice." She said with an intensity, leaving the room in a storm.

Vincent breathed a sigh of relief, he still had time. He just hoped he was right, and Issac was fine.