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To You, I Belong

Chapter 5: Getting Warmer

***

Traffic was unusually light for a Saturday afternoon for the downtown area. The residents apparently decided to stay indoors until the rain subsided, giving Erik and Brittany a fairly uninhibited view of the town. Slowly but surely, the rain from above began to subside to a drizzle. The two didn't seem to notice, however, due to Erik's tour guiding.

"See that building over there?" He pointed from underneath her umbrella to an apartment complex to the north. "Does it look familiar?"

Brittany's head tilted slightly as she thought. "No, it really doesn't. Why do you ask?"

"That's the apartment complex where I live. I kind of think that it's cool that you can see it from here. It shows how the town is literally built around the college." He looked over to her and chuckled. "I'm surprised that you didn't recognize it."

"In case you don't remember," Brittany reminded in a comedic, teacher-like tone, "I believe it was in the dead of night when I was last there. It's kind of hard to see a building when it's dark outside, wouldn't you say?"

"Good point," he replied. He smiled as they continued to walk under the shelter of Brittany's umbrella. Erik looked around the town and saw a familiar place for him. "I just found my idea for where I could take you for lunch."

"Care to share?"

Erik pointed to a blue and white striped awning just down and across the road from them. "That place right there; it's called the Blue and White Deli. Ten guess how it got the name..." Brittany giggled at the joke. "They have the best sandwiches and salads around. I haven't been there in quite a while myself, so what do you say?"

"Well, if this place is as good as you say it is," Brittany responded, "then I guess we'll go there. I trust your judgment."

Erik nodded in agreement, and the two crossed the road at the intersection. It didn't take very long to reach the edge of the awning. Beneath it were three vacant tables, each with two seats accompanying them. Through the window, the two could see a few customers already inside and eating their meals along with three workers behind the counter.

Erik grinned at the sight. "This is a rather slow day for them, especially for a Saturday," he commented. "I'll have to thank Jim for forecasting the rain today when he gets back."

Brittany looked over to him as they entered through the door. "Is Jim a friend of yours?"

"Yeah, he's actually my roommate too. He already has a degree for meteorology, and now he's working on his music degree. An odd combination, yes, but he said he wanted to get it just for fun. You might actually get a chance to meet him; he's coming back today from visiting his family in the Pocono's."

"Sounds like a nice guy," she said. The two made their way to the counter and were greeted by one of the workers. "I'll just have a Caesar salad, thank you."

"Can you make that two?" Erik asked. The worked smiled and said that she could. They shifted over to the right and waited for their salads to be ready.

Brittany raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Not trying to copy me, are you?"

"Oh, never," he replied with a nervous laugh. "It's just a coincidence. I actually like those salads a lot. The way they make them here is just amazing. They're so good." Erik walked over to a bottled beverage holder and pulled out a bottle of water. "You want one?"

"Sure," she answered. Erik pulled out another water bottle and turned over to her direction.

"Catch!" he called, throwing the bottle underhanded to her. Caught by surprise, Brittany quickly turned to catch the incoming bottle. She shook her head at him and laughed. Erik walked back over to her. "Nice reflexes. I didn't mean to startle you."

"It's all right." Brittany placed the bottle on the counter. "It helps when you played softball when you were little."

"That's cool. I have to confess though...I wasn't really all that athletic when I was a kid."

Brittany laughed lightly. "Don't worry about. You're secret's safe with me." Not too much later, the worker arrived with their two salads. Brittany was surprised at what was placed in front of her. "Good grief! These are huge! I don't think I'll be able to finish all of this in one shot."

"I'd be more surprised if you said that you could," Erik said. "I can never eat one of these by myself. I usually save the rest for dinner with whatever I have that evening." He turned his attention over to the cashier and paid for both salads and the waters. "So, would you like to sit in here, or would you like to take one of the tables under the awning?"

Brittany looked out the window to see what it was like outside. Besides the drizzle that was still falling lightly, it looked good enough to sit outside. "How about braving it out under the awning?"

"Sounds like a plan to me," he agreed. They gathered their lunches and made their way out the door, with Erik walking ahead of Brittany. He got to the door first and held it open for her. She smiled at him as she made her way to one of the vacant tables. Erik was soon to follow as he sat across from her.

"And all this time, I thought chivalry was dead," Brittany joked. "It's nice to see that some men still know how to do these things for a girl like me."

"I try whenever possible," Erik answered. "But what can I say? I was brought up that way. So these things are sort of pre-programmed into my mind." He opened the lid to his salad and began to dig into the lettuce bed. "I don't know if I said this already, but thanks so much for the lift last night."

Brittany began to remember the events that night, leading up to the kiss Erik left on her hand. She blushed at the thought. "You already did, and you're very welcome. My friends didn't mind."

"They seem like very nice friends. How did you come about meeting them?"

"Well, Kerri and I work at the same hospital, but she has been working there for a bit longer than me. Kerri was one of the first nurses that I met when I first arrived."

"You're a nurse?"

Brittany took a sip of her water before continuing. "Yep. I'm an RN at a hospital just outside of the University of Pittsburgh along with Kerri. I've been there for two years so far, but it wasn't easy initially."

"What happened?" Erik asked.

Brittany chuckled to herself. "Let's just say that things were 'interesting' in the first few weeks of me being there and leave it at that." She took a bite from her salad and smiled again at the thought. "Anyhow, Kerri was usually there to help me out and make sure that I was doing a good job with what I was doing. It kind of also helps that she lives rather close to me."

"Oh? Where do you live?"

"Washington, PA. It's just south of Pittsburgh." "I've heard of that place," Erik said. "Jim told me about when his high school's football team made it to the state finals and played Washington High in Hershey. He said it was a great game, but Washington came from behind and won 19-12. He's still a little sore over that game."

"Was he on the football team?"

Erik laughed. "Jim? A football player? No way. He was in the marching band and proud of it. He's probably the biggest band geek I've ever met."

"Nice," Brittany said with a laugh. "Now I really want to meet him." She took a few more sips of her water. "But what about you?" she asked. "I've told you a little about me, and I seem to know more about your roommate than I do about you."

Erik blinked at her comment before coming around to reality again. "Oh, I'm sorry. I guess I haven't told you a lot about myself have I?" Brittany raised an eyebrow with a grin. "All right...I get the point. Where do I begin?" He thought for a moment. "Well, I'm a student here, and I'm working on my Spanish degree. I already have a theatre degree."

"You do acting?"

"To answer a question with a question, did I not dress up as the Phantom last night?"

Brittany sighed. "Good point. Well, have you gotten any roles?"

Erik shook his head. "No, not yet. I haven't been pursuing it very passionately. Perhaps I will once I get my Spanish degree, seeing as though that takes up a good amount of my time." He pushed his fork around in his salad. "Outside of classes, I have a part-time job on the weekends."

"Well," Brittany inquired, "what is it?"

"Would you believe that I work at the bookstore on campus?"

Brittany stifled a laugh. "You're kidding, right? You actually work there?"

"It's not that bad," he defended. "It gives me an income flow, so I'm not complaining. Besides, if I didn't have that job, I'd be doing absolutely nothing all the time on the weekend."

"Oh no...I wasn't laughing about your job," Brittany said. "I just found it rather ironic, seeing as though that's where we just were a little while ago. It also kind of explains how you knew the jaguar back there so well."

"There's that too," Erik agreed. He put his fork over the rest of his salad and closed the lid. "See? I told you I can never finish one of these." He grinned and finished the rest of his water bottle. Steadily, a noise from above them began to grow. Darker blotches of grey were dotting the white stripes of the awning as well as the pavement around them. "Dang...it's starting to rain again. Jim said that it was supposed to stop an hour ago."

Brittany giggled. "I guess he was wrong again, huh?"

"He probably lied to me just to piss me off. Jim likes to do that to me sometimes." He shook his head and gave a small smile. "I'll just have to return the favor to him when he gets back. Speaking of which, he should be getting back soon. You said earlier that you might want to meet him, so now's your chance. Would you like to come back to my apartment and wait for him?"

"Why not? I mean, I don't have anywhere I have to be for a little while yet." Brittany pulled her cell phone from her jeans pocket. "Just let me call Kerri and give her a heads up, just in case she's wondering where I am." She quickly dialed Kerri's cell number and waited for an expected response. One ring went by. Two rings. Three. After the forth ring, Kerri's voice mail activated. "Hey, Kerri. It's just me. I ran into Erik, our friend from last night, at the bookstore, and I'm going over to his apartment to meet his roommate. Give a call when you get this. Bye." She flipped her phone shut and put it back in her pocket.

"No answer, I presume?"

"Yeah, and that's what puzzles me," Brittany said. "She hardly ever lets her phone ring like that." She shrugged her shoulders. "Ah well, she must have left it in the room, and she and Aaron are probably out for a bit." She grabbed what was left of her salad and her umbrella. "Well, shall we go?"

Erik nodded with a smile. "Sounds good to me." Brittany's umbrella opened with a snap, and the two started off back to the apartment complex at the southern edge of the campus. The rain from above picked itself up from the earlier drizzles to a steady light rain, creating something of a rhythm as the drops hit the umbrella. The occasional car passed by along the road as they waited at a crosswalk for a green light. While they waited, Brittany looked over to Erik, who seemed to be in his own world, and smiled.

"Erik," she said to get his attention.

Erik's attention went straight over to the rabbit next to him. "Yes?"

"I just wanted to thank you for lunch and for giving me such a nice tour of the town. I enjoyed it a lot."

Erik blushed a bit and smiled as well. "You're very welcome. I'm just glad I ran into you again. I wasn't sure if I'd see you before the weekend was over."

"Same here," she agreed. She paused for a moment as the light went green, allowing them to cross. "Totally random comment, but the place that we went for lunch kind of reminds me of that other restaurant chain that sells sandwiches and salads almost like this place."

"True, but I like to go there instead. The prices may be a little more expensive, but they make up for it in quantity. Besides, I sometimes get a discount there, because I know a few of the people that work there."

"Well, there's that little perk too," Brittany said with a laugh. "I'd be the same way too, I guess."

Erik just laughed lightly once more before going silent again along with Brittany. His eyes glanced over to her again, but she didn't notice. A strange feeling began to overcome Erik as he continued to gaze at her. Something in his mind compelled him to do something that he had never considered before this time. His arm seemingly moved unconsciously towards Brittany and around her waist. Surprised by Erik's move, Brittany jumped slightly and looked up to see a blushing Erik. "I...I'm sorry, Brittany. I don't know why I did that. Please don't be angry," he said in a rushed panic.

Brittany began to blush as well, almost more so than Erik. "No..." she said. "It's all right. You just startled me, that's all." She handed her umbrella to him and moved in closer to him. "This way, neither of us will get wet from the rain."

Erik's heart began to race. He started to blush an even brighter shade of red as he looked over to a now content Brittany by his side. Though no smile was present over his muzzle due to nerves, he felt as if the whole world stopped just for the two of them, and he was the happiest man in the entire world.

***

"I swear to God, finding a parking spot in this damned lot gets harder and harder every time I leave and come back," James grumbled to himself as he settled for a rather distant space from the apartments. His hand fumbled around behind him in search of his umbrella. With rather quick success, he got out of his car and briskly made his way to the main doors. "Heh, looks like everyone at home won't be going outside anytime soon; not with this weather on its way at least," he said to himself.

The fox made his way up the two flights of stairs to his floor and down the hallway to his room just as always. To his surprise, his door was locked. 'Odd...I know Erik said that he'd be out for lunch, but it's almost 3pm. He should've gotten back by now.' James shrugged the thought off and unlocked the door. After placing his suitcase on his bed, he slumped into his chair and sighed. "Finally, some time to just unwind," he said. He reached over for his headphones, turned on his CD player, and began to read a book that he recently bought while he was visiting his family.

As he read, his mind began to wander elsewhere from the orchestral pieces that he listened to at the same time. Hearing of his sister's success as a teacher as well as his father's and mother's successes put a smile to his muzzle, but his mind ultimately brought him to the events of earlier that day. It would be three years prior that his wife had died in November, and although he had since been able to cope with his tragedy and go on with his life, thinking about what happened still brought tears to his eyes. 'Lina...' he thought. 'I miss you.'

A barely audible knock came on the door over James' music. He snapped back to reality and quickly dried off his eyes before answering. "The door's open. Come on in," he called. The door opened and Erik walked through. "Hey there, buddy," James said with a smile.

"What's up, Jim? How was home?"

"Good as always," James answered. "They were happy to see me again. Then again, when aren't they, right?" The two laughed. From behind Erik, Brittany entered through the doorway. James stopped laughing long enough to notice the new visitor. "Hello...and who might this be?" he asked.

"Jim, this is Brittany. I met here last night at the ball, and I was lucky enough to run into her again today. I told her a little about you, and I figured that I should introduce you to her." He looked back to Brittany and motioned her to come up next to him. "Don't be so shy. He doesn't bite," Erik joked. "So Brittany, this is James Kitsune; roommate, friend, and gigantic band geek."

"It's nice to be able to meet you," Brittany said with a smile.

"The pleasure is all mine," the black fox said with a smile. "Have a seat. No sense in just standing around, right?"

"True. Thank you, James." Brittany went across the room and sat down on the couch. "So, Erik told me you're a meteorologist."

"That's right. I go on the college weather segment on TV and give the forecasts." James began to reminisce. "I was always fascinated by weather, even as a little kid. I'm just glad that I can do this kind of stuff for a living. They always tell you to find a job that you love to do, and I did just that..."

"...Even though you were wrong with today's forecast," Erik cut in with a sly look on his face. "You said that the rain would stop by noon time. Well, my friend, it's mid-afternoon, and the rain hasn't let up yet." Erik made a 'tsk tsk' noise like a teacher. "Minus points for you, Jim. Unacceptable"

"And I suppose you could do any better?" James shot back with a grin. "You look at all the models and soundings that I have to decipher, and let's see how close YOU get."

Erik leaned over to Brittany. "He gets all defensive when I criticize his forecasts. It's just funny to watch his reaction," he whispered with a small laugh.

"I heard that!" James said. Erik just burst out laughing at the exclamation. Brittany just shook her head and smiled. Through all the commotion, a little jingle could be heard. Brittany immediately recognized it and got out her cell phone.

"Kerri, I presume?" Erik asked.

"Bingo," she said as she opened her phone. "Hey there, Kerri."

"Hey, Brit. Sorry I couldn't get to your call earlier," Kerri said. "I was...busy at the time."

"No problem. I totally understand," Brittany said, not catching Kerri's ulterior meaning. "Where are you at right now?"

"Aaron and I are in the room. We're just relaxing for a bit right now. I got your message. Just so you know, we're still on for going out for dinner tonight."

Brittany nodded on her end. "Got it. I'll head on back, all right?"

"All right," Kerri said. "We'll see you in a bit. Bye now." The phone went silent on Brittany's end. She turned to James and Erik.

"Sorry guys, but I need to get back to my hotel," she said.

"That's all right," James said. "Well, since it's raining still, why don't I give you a ride over to your hotel?"

Brittany smiled. "That would be great. Thank you so much. I'm staying at the Nittany Lion Inn on the other side of the campus."

"Then that should be no problem at all. I can get you over there in just a few minutes."

"I'll sit this one out," Erik said. "I'm feeling a bit tired, and I'd like to rest for a bit. That is, if you two don't mind."

"Not at all," Brittany said. "We walked a lot today, so you just get some rest." She got up and gave him a hug. "I'll try to get in contact with you later, all right?"

"Sure," Erik replied. The two pulled back just enough so they were still facing each other, both blushing lightly. Slowly, as if by gravity, Erik began to move in to kiss her, as Brittany did the same for him. Before they got too close, James cleared his throat to snap them back to reality. Embarrassed, the two immediately let go of each other. "Um...well, I'll talk to you later, Brittany," Erik said quickly. "So long."

"Good-bye, Erik," she replied. Brittany and James then exited the door, leaving Erik to fall onto the couch and sigh heavily.

***

"So what do you think of him?" James asked Brittany as they stopped at a stop sign.

"Erik? Well, he seems like a really nice guy," she said. "Why? Is there something about him that I should know?"

"No, not at all," James assured. "I'm just curious."

Brittany sighed in relief. "You scared me. For a second, I thought that you were going to tell me some dark secret of his that only you knew about and that if anyone found out, they would be in grave danger."

James blinked at the scenario. "You've had time to think about that one, haven't you?"

"Nope. I just thought of that off the top of my head," she said with a grin. "I tend to do that sometimes."

The two laughed as the car went along the road and entered the drop off area for the hotel. "Well, here we are," James said in a butler-like voice.

Brittany laughed at the impersonation. "That was a good one," she said as the car came to a stop. "Thank you so much for the lift, James. I really appreciate it."

"You're very welcome," James said with a smile. "I figured that since you gave Erik a lift, it's only fair that I return the favor for him." Brittany got out of the car and leaned in once more to thank James. "Take care, Brittany. Hope to see you again sometime."

"You too, James. Good-bye." Brittany shut the door and headed through the doors into the hotel.

James waited until she was through the doors before going off back to the apartment. "So," he said to himself. "That's the girl that Erik told me about last night." He thought for a moment. "She sort of reminds me of Lina..."

***

END CHAPTER 5

Next Time!

"To You, I Belong" Chapter 6: Crossed Wires