FSE

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formerly SoFurry search engine

Late that next morning, they both woke up around the same time. The day started off far more silent than normal. They both knew this would be their last full day together for a very long time. Rye went through the pictures and picked out his favorites while Cloud framed the rest into a collage and put it next to the framed picture.

As the day progressed, they spent more time with each other, always cuddling. It was only four in the afternoon when they spoke their final words to each other that day.

"Will you be allowed to take the plush I won for you with you?" Cloud asked while they both lied on the couch.

"I don't think so," Rye said disappointed. "We're not allowed to bring much with us."

"Oh," Cloud replied with sorrow overcoming his voice.

"I want you to take care of him. You keep him safe for me, and I'll come back for him." Rye tried to lighten the mood but his tone of voice didn't suggest that at all.

"I will," Cloud's voice broke again. Both of their voices broke many times that day.

As the minutes ticked by, they gripped each other harder which eventually made it difficult to breathe but neither cared at that moment. Hours melted away and they both fell asleep just after seven that night.

Before five the next morning, Rye woke up next to Cloud. He didn't have to be at the airport for another hour so Rye relaxed. His bags were already packed and waiting by the door. Rye's heart felt heavier than lead and tears started to form at his eyes already. Even with Rye struggling to keep his tears back, several spilled over, damping his cheeks. Cloud woke up no more than a couple minutes after Rye and they both sat up without saying a word. They both have been dreading this day ever since Rye told Cloud that he was going into the military.

Rye changed his clothes with Cloud watching him and then Cloud changed his clothes too. "Come with me to the airport," Rye asked Cloud with his voice breaking many times in the short sentence.

"I don't know if I should," Cloud fought back the sobs also.

"I don't care what other people think, I want to spend every second I can with you," Rye tried replacing his sobs with anger to keep his voice from breaking but it didn't help much.

"I want to too," Cloud agreed to go with Rye.

Not another word was said as Rye grabbed his bags and walked out the door with Cloud close behind him. Cloud's cheeks were getting wet, as well as Rye's but he tried to think of anything to distract himself right now.

The ride the airport was too short and they both silently got out of the taxi trying harder than ever not to cry. Soon they were at the terminal, waiting for Rye's plane to start boarding. They held each other tighter than the day before, waiting for the long-dreaded announcement which also came too short.

"Flight 439 to Canidera City, now boarding."

Rye unwillingly got up and started to walk with Cloud to the ticket attendant and they stopped a dozen feet away from the attendant.

"Remember my promise Cloud," Rye said as he allowed himself to finally cry freely. His voice was full of heartbreak and his cheeks were a stream of tears.

"I will, I will," Cloud sobbed and threw himself at Rye. Rye hugged Cloud and rested his head on top of Cloud's, ignoring the tears that fell onto Cloud. Cloud's tears drenched Rye's shirt and fur.

"I love you," Rye said weeping. Until this moment, it was the first time that the otters actually confessed their love for each other.

"I love you too Rye," Cloud said, his voice distorted since his face was still buried in Rye's chest. "Call me as soon as you can."

"I will."

After a moment, Rye summoned what little strength he had left, stopped most of his uncontrollable sobs, and pushed Cloud gently away and turned his back to Cloud. He gave the attendant his ticket and walked toward the hallway leading toward the plane, but just before he was out of view, he looked back at Cloud who was staring at him still crying. Rye's heart broke at the sight.

Cloud sheepishly waved at Rye and Rye returned the wave. He went around the corner and knew he wouldn't see Cloud again for many, many months.

Fortunately, or unfortunately, Rye's seat on the plane was on the far end and his window looked out toward the airport strip instead of the terminal. Rye was able to stop crying and his tears were mostly dried but his cheeks were still slightly damp and discolored. Rye stared out the window and turned the pendant on his necklace over and over again with his fingers while he ignored the other passengers of the plane who sat at their own seats.

"Hi there," a voice from Rye's neighboring seat said.

Rye turned to look at who was talking to him and he only saw a leopard. "Hi," Rye said dimly and turned back to the window.

"You know," the leopard insisted on a conversation with his tone friendly. "I travel a lot and I see a lot of mates separate, but I don't think I've seen two hearts ache more than I saw yours and your otter-boy's heart ache."

Normally Rye would be a bit more shocked but his sorrow kept him from wondering why a person in the military would be so accepting of a gay couple showing their affection in public. "Yeah," Rye said still staring out the window.

"Don't worry about it otter boy. Boot camp is only three months long then we're back until they call for us again. I'm Jared by the way."

"Rye."

The leopard hesitated, taken-back a little by Rye's very straight-forward answers. "He must really be hurting," Jared said under his breath to his self.

"Sorry," Rye said and tried to dismiss all his thoughts about Cloud even though he never wanted to. He needed to focus on the military right now; he can't afford to be distracted the entire time. "I'll be a bit annoying like this for a while but I'll try to focus on what's ahead." He looked at Jared this time.

"Good," Jared said gleefully. "You'll be in your otter-boy's arms soon enough. Meanwhile, I've heard rumors that an otter from this city was good in a game of underwater laser tag. I could use a challenge, so I hope it's you instead of your boy."

"We're both pretty good at the game," Rye admitted modestly.

"Alright then. I've beaten everyone in Katrina at land and water laser tag. I hope you're up for the challenge. Why do you keep doing that?"

"Doing what?"

"Playing with the pendant on your necklace?"

Rye didn't realize but he was still moving the pendant between his fingers. He stopped and rested his hand on the arm chair. "It's a gift."

"From your otter boy?"

"Yes, and stop calling him that. His name is Cloud."

"Sorry. So why did you sign up for the military?"

Jared persisted on talking the entire flight, and Rye doubted that he even noticed when the plane took off. If Jared had a hidden motive, then it succeeded as Rye was again able to talk with people without feeling too depressed. Although Rye was able to stay focused on the task ahead, in the back of his mind, he yearned for the day when he'd be able to be with Cloud again.