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Chapter XXXI- Friendship and Talks

Breakfast was... incredibly awkward Xander found as everyone sat at the table. The Agents as per usual were sitting with Jordan at the head, the raccoon Agent talking in hushed tones to the wolf. He seemed like a nice man Xander figured, though he hadn't interacted with him near as much Agent Wallace, the friendly Kodiak had sometimes joined them in the basement while Agent Wilson hardly left Jordan's side it seemed. He himself had somehow found himself between the brothers. Ian still seemed a bit steamed at the whole Monet seducing Richard thing, though he presumed Ian would still keep his promise to Lucas.

Lucas himself was sitting between Ian and Erin and was also talking with both. Jonah was facing him and the dingo hadn't spoken a word after telling his story. Xander felt sorry for the dingo, he could only imagine the pain the dingo must've felt at seeing him...though he still felt upset that Jonah's grudge was over something so petty. But he hoped things could get better between them, though the quasi-demonic energy still befuddled him a bit but he didn't feel comfortable enough to inquire something so personal, especially after Jonah had opened up to him.

However he was broken from his thoughts when he heard Jordan speak to him. "So Xander, how have you been liking Greenhart?" The man questioned gently. "I'm not sure what education you had prior to us finding you, but I hope you have found it to your liking?"

That caught Xander off-guard somewhat, he hadn't expected anyone to actually ASK if he enjoyed the school. Which surprisingly he actually did like sans those bullies harassing him though the beatings they had given him paled in contrast to the brutal, almost daily beatings he had gotten from Derrick... when the bull or his cronies weren't raping him... 'Think of something else!' he swiftly thought to himself, now wasn't the time to dwell on those things.

"It's great Mr. Jordan! The school is remarkably clean and the staff seem very good in the subject they teach, though I've only been there a few days, and the cafeteria food actually edible, not near as bad as the food served in American Public Schools... but you really didn't have to spend so much... that school surely can't be cheap if the reports of it being the most expensive school in the country thing is true."

Jordan merely let out a kind chuckle. "As I said before, money is not an issue to us, my father might not be 'happy' about the unexpected charge, but he would never turn do a child in need," Jordan mumbled, "But paying for your education is a priority. Oh, and Samuel will be the one to take you to school today, I have need for Martin's services today. Is that alright with everybody?" Everybody just nodded, it wasn't such a huge deal they figured, it didn't make that much a difference who took them as long as they got to school on time.

Seemingly finished Jordan began to talk with the Agents once again and Xander continued his looking around at the others. Everybody seemed to be more focused on eating than talking. The breakfast was a light quiche. It was delicious of course, he hadn't had a bad meal since he was taken here which made him feel happy. What little food he'd got from Derrick was either half rotten or grossly undercooked. It was honesty very nice having a nice breakfast with his friends...However once again his focus was broken when a particular conversation started.

"Hey Dad, any idea now we're going to bring up the fact that I'm gay to Mum?" Ian randomly blurted, catching literally everyone by surprise. Jordan even started chocking on his coffee. He spluttered and coughed for several moments trying to clear his airways but once he found himself under control he quickly shot a startled look to his son. Even Xander could sense the worry of such news.

"Where'd that come from Ian?" The man asked before rubbing his temples. It seemed that the idea of telling his wife their eldest son was gay was not an appealing situation. "No, I have not... I've figured your sexual leanings years ago, but I'm not sure your mother figured the same thing." The elder wolf explained. "My wife is... a very passionate lady and has always hated surprises... but you are right, we can't keep it from her, but please refrain from any romantic gestures with Lucas when she arrives, at least until we tell her..." he said, once again rubbing his temples, "Hera help us all."

Ian obviously didn't look happy about his father's proposal, but a small nod from Lucas seemed enough to make him agree with it. "I don't like hiding..." Ian muttered despondent. "Bad enough I can't even hold Lucas' paw outside, but now I'll be forced to hide it at home... it isn't fair! Why do I have to hide! They're plenty of gay Mages back home and the Council doesn't bat an eyelash over them!" he grumbled lightly.

Jordan stayed silent but he gently got up and placed his son into a gentle embrace, "I know this isn't easy son, and I hate that you are forced to hide such an important part of yourself but we both know there is no other option, the Council would demand you either marry or face exile, and I would never stand with either," he murmured into his son's ear, "I'll do everything in my power to keep you happy, you and your brother are the most important things in our lives and we'll both always love you, just be patient, things often work out in the end."

"I hope you are right dad..." Ian said, voice somewhat muffled from the fact his face was buried into father's chest. "I really do..." Lucas looked kinda happy and flattered by Ian's confession while Xander was seething with a bit of jealousy.

"I know I am," the man said firmly before he let go of his eldest son. "Now, everyone finish your breakfast. I want all of you to be on time for school."

Everybody quickly nodded, Xander included and subsequently started shovelling down their food. In about five minutes time everybody had finished their meal and quickly shuffled off into the car, though he had noticed Ian sheepishly talking to Monet, presumably apologizing for earlier. Leaving the two be, Xander made sure to wave goodbye to Jonah before he exited the house and made himself comfortable in the window seat and just watching the world pass bye. It was a bit chilly today, and there was a light rain though thankfully nothing to awful and they had avoided getting wet so far.

Bayfield looked just as busy as ever however, with people all in a hurry to get to their jobs, running errands and dropping children off to school naturally. He could vaguely see the western shores of Capilano Lake which formed the Eastern border of the town's limits with West Vancouver forming the Southern border. The suburb seemingly catered to the upper and middle class residents of the Greater Vancouver area from what he had gathered from his conversation with Erin. After about ten minutes they eventually found themselves pulled into Greenhart's parking area.

After finding a spot to park Agent Wilson turned to face them. "I might be late picking all of you up, Lord Mansfield has me on errand duty most of the day. So don't be alarmed if I'm not out there waiting for you alright?" Ian just nodded his affirmation before he led everybody out of the car.

Once they reached the entrance hall everybody split up, Erin, Monet and Richard all went to their homeroom (10-D if he remembered correctly.) While Lucas, Ian and Greg naturally went to their own (11-D) while he headed alone to his own Homeroom (11-E). Once he entered he saw Mr. Blanc was currently getting his lesson plan for the day settled. When he looked up and saw Xander enter he just gave him a kind smile.

"Good morning Xander!" The big reptile said in a warm tone. "Looks like you are the first here! Now, take your seat and wait for the others," he gently ordered.

Xander just nodded and did as he was told. Mr. Blanc had been right, outside them the room was empty. The other students were probably still getting in, he figured, so he patiently just waited for the room to fill up. He wasn't truly paying attention until he heard someone sneak up behind him.

"How'ya doing?" the voice asked. Startled, Xander swiftly turned around and saw a giant of a wolf with greyish fur and soft, kindly brown eyes. He just glared at the blasted wolf though, he hated getting snuck up on. Seeing the glare Tyler just smiled awkwardly before swiftly apologizing, "Sorry, didn't mean to startle you, how was your day yesterday?" the wolf innocently asked.

"It was alright I guess," Xander said carefully, much as he liked the wolf he wasn't sure if he could tell him anything regarding the Hidden World. What little he knew came from Jordan, who seemed determined to help him understand the politics of Mage Society. However he was surprised when he saw Tyler bend down to whisper in his ear.

"Heard you found your Elven Grandfather," he whispered lightly, "Pretty cool, most Changelings are completely rejected by both their Fey and Mage relatives, glad it turned out well for you."

Xander just gasped, his ears flicking madly in shock as he stared flabbergasted at the tall wolf. "How did you..." He started before Tyler quickly shushed him in an effort to keep him quiet.

Once he could speak without being interrupted Tyler quietly began to explain himself, "Monet told me, we're both part of the Xi?ngdìgu?nxi... The Brotherhood as most people who don't understand Chinese... my family has been members since before they moved here to Canada," he explained. "We actually trained together on occasion... well more me being her oversized punching bag, but I digress," he continued shrugging, "My Grandpa, Tan Wenyan, actually runs the local kung-fu studio."

"You're Chinese?" Xander asked surprised. "You don't look it honestly... No offense." Tyler just chuckled however seemingly not offended in the least, which relieved Xander greatly, he didn't want to unintentionally drive Tyler away, it was nice to have a friend outside the group.

"That'd be because I'm only half-Chinese... My Mom's parents... My grandfather and grandmother... the one who runs the studio. They emigrated from China to here back in the 70's. They actually helped Jin's parents get settled in when they moved here. Anyway, I took after my Pops more than my Mom, do that's why I don't look Chinese."

"Cool!" Xander exclaimed, causing Mr. Blanc to shush him. Embarrassed he swiftly switched to a whispering tone as the room began to fill with the other students, "Isn't Jin the panda who hangs around Erin? Really shy and tubby?" Tyler just nodded quietly. "Wasn't his Dad a Hunter?" Tyler nodded again, his face turning remarkably darker in the process.

"Yes, he was, though he wasn't a Member when my grandparents helped them. Wei was always a drunkard, but I never thought he was abusive towards Jin let alone a member of a genocidal organization," Tyler said sadly, "I grew up with the panda, he used to always come to play with me before my training started, my grandfather actually considered teaching him before my gift manifested itself when I was nine."

"You're gift?" Xander asked confused. Was Tyler a Seer like Chase was?

Tyler just looked around uncomfortably, the room was now completely full and Mt. Blanc was trying to get everybody to sit down for roll-call. "That might be something we can talk about later, I've probably said too much already, but eh... We can talk after school maybe," he asked, "Where we can talk without whispering okay?"

"Alright," Xander said, Tyler just smiled before he sat in his own seat across from the fox. Homeroom went by pretty quickly. Mostly Mr. Blanc took roll-call and then let the class do as they pleased until the first bell rang. Xander himself just looked around the room watching the other furs interact. It still was weird to him, being in a classroom, free from Derrick's grasp...Though his attention was shaken when he heard someone speak to him.

"Um... You're Xander Rose right?" The voice timidly asked. Jumping slightly he turned and saw a shy looking beagle girl.

"Yes I am, why'd you ask?" he inquired warily, he knew he should probably not be so paranoid about people but he couldn't help it, not after Derrick screwed him over so badly... "Well?" he asked, a bit impatiently which quickly snapped the girl into speaking mode.

"I was wondering... you know Ian Mansfield right?" she asked him shyly. Raising an eyebrow he just nodded, non-verbally urging her to continue, "I was wondering... do you think you could put in a good word for me?" She again asked shyly, "I mean he's really hot! And his cute English accent is to *die* for!" she squeed lightly, "But I'm afraid of asking him out myself... the tiger he's always with scares me. Plus he's close to that weirdo Lucas Mason."

Xander had to hold back a growl at the insult to his friend but he just sneered, causing her to look uncomfortable, "So you want *me* to ask him out for you?" he asked coldly. Seemingly oblivious to his tone the girl eagerly nodded, "Sorry, I 'don't' play matchmaker. If you want to ask him out you'll have to do it yourself. Oh, and pro-tip, if you ask him out do not call Lucas a weirdo in front of him. He'd take offense, they're very good friends. Plus he's 'Scottish' not English!" he said firmly.

He inwardly smirked however when he saw her face fall and curl up. "Fine, I will ask him myself! Thanks for nothing you faggot!" she humphed, and was about to walk away before she ran right into Tyler who was glowering at her. That certainly seemed to frighten her a good bit, "Move Tyler!" she growled out, but he ignored her.

"You will apologize to him Rena! He was right, if you want to ask Mansfield out you really should ask him yourself. Plus calling Xander a faggot is disgusting! I expected more from you! Isn't your older brother gay?"

Rena did nothing but glare, but was quickly cowed by Tyler's returning one. "Alright! I'm sorry Xander," she spat out as if his name tasted like garbage, seemingly satisfied with her apology he let her return to her seat before returning his focus back on Xander with an apologetic look on his grey muzzle.

"Sorry about that, Rena always tries to get people to do her dirty-work for her, but it'll be funny if she really does ask him herself," he said with a wink.

"What do you mean?" Xander asked, surely he didn't mean... no way could he know Ian's... his thoughts were once again interrupted when Tyler once again leaned down to whisper in his hear.

"I'm fully aware of the fact Mansfield's gay, and his relationship with Lucas. Santiago won't stop bitching about it," he said jokingly with a smile on his large muzzle, "Pretty annoying honestly, it's his own damn fault he didn't approach Lucas sooner!"

"Wait, Santiago told you? I thought he said he wasn't going to tell anyone!" Xander whispered somewhat shrilly. He had thought Santiago was a good guy, but him breaking his word angered him.

As if sensing the fox's mild fuming Tyler quickly went on damage control, "We don't keep secrets from each other, we made that promise when we were kids, and made damn sure to keep it, and I would never out Mansfield, so his secret is safe with me," Tyler said calmly...but before Xander could reply the bell rang which made Tyler chuckle lightly. "Looks like classes are starting! Come-on let's get to class, aye little buddy?" He teased lightly, causing Xander to blush and growl playfully.

"Everybody's tiny to you Mr. Giant!" he teased back while poking Tyler's tummy. He smiled when he found out Tyler was actually ticklish there but decided not to torment him further. "But you are right! Let's go!" he said before heading out of the room, ignoring the odd looks he got from his classmates, with Tyler right behind him the entire time.

School went by pretty quickly. Since he and Tyler shared their first classes with Ian, Lucas and Greg made it go a lot faster and Xander was actually surprised when the lunch bell started ringing.

"Lunch already? Wow, time seems to be going fast today!" he said to Tyler as they neared the cafeteria. He was honestly famished, the nice breakfast he had had long since vanished from his stomach.

"It goes like that sometimes, other days it seems to crawl by extra slowly... but you sitting with me again?" Xander just nodded which made the big wolf smile. "Great! We can talk some more then!" He cheered which made Xander laugh as they entered the crowded room. As per usual they got their meals and sat down at their own table and were eventually joined by Santiago.

"What are you two up to?" The hunky white feline asked, his pale grey eyes looking at them both with keen, feline interest. Tyler just shrugged while Xander just smiled nervously. He still wasn't fully comfortable around the leopard, he reminded him way to much of the jocks who tormented him so horribly after he was outed. Though deep down he knew it was unfair, he knew for a fact that Santiago was a good guy, and 'not' the embodiment of pure, unadulterated evil that Ian made him out to be whenever someone brought up the feline around him.

"Nothing really, how've you been?" Tyler asked him casually while biting into his egg roll.

Santiago just shrugged however. "Was alright I guess... supposed to be a Clan Meeting today back home... Dad and Javier are actually being called back from Victoria so it must be serious, so I doubt I'll be able to hang out tonight, sorry buddy!" Santiago said regretfully obviously not happy at the situation.

Tyler himself frowned, obviously disappointed as well but quick as it came he merely shrugged it off, "That sucks, but Clan business is Clan business, any idea about what it's about Santi?" he asked, seemingly curious about the supposed meeting.

Santiago himself just shrugged before biting into his own egg roll and slowly chewed, seemingly debating if he should explain his thoughts or not. The pro-telling side seemed to have won though, Xander observed as the leopard quickly started explaining himself to the two. "Grandpa is probably gonna announce his retirement and have Uncle Alonso start taking over the day to day matters..." He started calmly. "I believe he has been discussing it with Grandma and Uncle for a few months. Plus Abele is probably looking to retire from the BCC," he said before he started chewing again, "But that's my theory, I expect that Mateo will take over Uncle Alonso's current duties if that's true."

"How is Mateo? I don't see him around much, he still married to Adrienne?" Tyler inquired in a curious manner.

"Yeah, they're still married, got a 8 month old now, adorable little thing, has Uncle Alonso wrapped around his tiny finger! But he is the first grandson I guess, Dad'll probably start badgering Javier to finally marry Serena. Julio is only 11 so he probably isn't even interested in girls yet, and I think he knows I have no intention of marrying a chick, so only Javier can provide grandkids," he said rolling his eyes, "Uncle keeps on shoving pictures of the little one in Dads face whenever he returns home."

"I'm sure he does. So if Alonso does get kicked up who'll run the BCGC? Mateo is far too young to be considered."

"This will only be the confirmation of his stepping down, it'll probably take a few years until he officially steps down, and it might go to Gabriel Wallace until Mateo is old enough. He is Uncles second in command after all." That named surprised Xander...he knew a Mage called Wallace... the friendly bear agent who often drove them to and from school and just happened to be a Guardian Core member.

"Wallace? Does he have a son named Martin?" He asked out of the blue catching both the wolf and leopard by surprise.

"Yeah I do actually, I believe he's one of the agents who are guardian the Mansfield's house right?" Xander just nodded his affirmation which made Santiago smile, "I like Martin, he's a great Agent and a good man, you guys are lucky you have him."

"He certainly seems that way!" Xander said as he to continued eating his food. The food served here truly WAS far better than anything served back at his old school, but then again this school spared no expense in anything. From the Teachers to the equipment to the food He certainly knew why it was so expensive. "So both your families are wealthy right? Or are you scholarship students like Monet?" he asked.

Naturally as always, Tyler was the one to answer. "Both our families are pretty well off, my Dad's vice-president if Thorne Shipping Co. I'm sure you've heard of it yes?" Xander nodded, he had certainly heard of TSC it was supposedly one of the largest shipping companies in the entire west coast.

"Wow, I had no idea you were related to those Thorne's! Your Grandfather work for the Brotherhood also?"

"Yeah, my Great-grandfather Augustus Thorne was the one who started working with them, you'd be surprised at how high up the latter the connections go, both the Brotherhood and the Knights, heck even the Council have plants in nearly every level of government. The Prime Minister actually converses with the Clans and Knights for debriefing in regards to the Hidden World," he explained, which just made Xander's head spin.

"So it's like some kind of Illuminati thing? Secret society with tons of influence?" That made them both burst in laughter, which embarrassed Xander immensely. "What's so funny!?" he demanded, cursing the pale fur on his face which did little to hide his blush.

"The Illuminati is bullshit! It's actually a decoy to distract people from the Knights antics. If people found out that there was an actual secret society who have such a huge amount of influence in politics and many other areas, they'd probably flip and start anarchy...Which is why the Knights invented the Illuminati," Santiago explained, "The Freemasons though... they typically don't intervene in Hidden World affairs, they prefer to leave it to the other groups," he continued.

"This sounds FAR too complicated!" Xander complained rubbing his head which made the other two burst out laughing once again, eventually joined by Xander himself as he enjoyed their company.

~~~

Eventually lunch ended and then school as Xander found himself sitting in the courtyard. It was pretty chilly, 41° from what he had heard but he was grateful his uniform kept him warm, though he certainly felt sorry for the girls... they had to be freezing in just those skirts, though some seemed to have added tights under their skirts to keep their uniform.

He just sighed from where he sat, catching Tyler's attention. "Everything alright?" he asked, when Xander nodded he smiled in mild relief. "Good!" he exclaimed happily before quieting down. "I was wondering..." he began, somewhat awkwardly which caught Xander's interest.

"Wondering what?" he asked, making Tyler fidget awkwardly before finding his voice.

"I was wondering... do you want to hang out with me today? I drive to school so we could maybe get something to eat, and maybe hang out at my house. I can drive you back to the Mansfield's later if that's cool? We can talk more."

That certainly caught Xander off-guard but at the same time he trusted Tyler, it would be cool to hang out with him for the day, "That sounds cool!" he said happily, "But I'll have to ask Lucas first, Grandpa put him in charge of watching over me..." Xander said before walking up to Lucas who was huddled up with Ian on one of the benches. The white fox quickly caught sight of him and waved as he came close, "Hey Lucas, I was thinking about hanging out with Tyler today, that okay?" he asked awkwardly, it was weird asking someone who was technically younger than him for permission to do something, but he knew his Grandfather had made the other fox to keep an eye on him.

"Sure! Just have Tyler drive you back before it gets to late alright?" The younger fox said, Xander nodded and started heading back towards Tyler who was getting his stuff together. Once he saw Xander return he smiled and asked.

"What'd he say?"

"Said I could go so long as I'm not out to late. So I guess you can take me home around nine or so, okay?" he said lightly as he tried to help the giant wolf gather his things. Tyler just nodded and smiled before patting Xander on the back.

"That's great! I know a great place to eat in West Vancouver! It's called the Fortune Wok good place to get a quick meal I say!" he said while leading them to his car with Xander eager to see more of the city he would be staying in for the imminent future.

~~~

Lucas just watched as Xander and Tyler both walked towards the parking lot. It was strange, he had gotten used to Xander being around, but at the very same time he knew for a fact he was in good paws.

"You sure he'll be okay?" Ian asked from beside him. He seemed a bit more reluctant to let Xander go but had trusted Lucas judgment which made the fox smile. It was nice that Ian trusted him that much.

"I'm positive, Tyler's a good guy! I know that he'll look out for Xander," Ian just looked at him somewhat surprised at his vote of confidence in the taller wolf.

"How do you know him anyway? You are hardly the most social type lo- er... I mean Lucas." He said, correcting himself mid-sentence with a sheepish grin. "Wish Agent Wilson would get here though... I'm tired if not being able to hold your paw," he whispered quietly as he could.

"He and Erin used to um... 'date' a year or so ago...So he was always over at my house... or well Erin's bedroom... Actually saw him getting out of the shower once when I was going to take a leak... big doesn't even *begin* to describe his dick," Lucas said blushing at the memory while Ian just raised a querying eyebrow.

"He bigger then me?" Ian whispered extra low in Lucas' ear. The fox just nodded, face still blood red from the image, "How big then? I'm honestly curious!"

"36cm..." Lucas muttered awkwardly, "Or close to it... but can we not talk about Tyler's dick? It's getting very awkward!" He hissed, thankfully Ian just nodded and Lucas said the first thing that popped into his mind. "What's your Mom like?" That caught Ian off guard obviously judging by surprised look on his muzzle.

"She's my Mum... why do you ask?" He asked, wondering about the sudden interest in his Mother... who he truly did miss. He still wasn't fully used to being away from her for so long... being with his dad was great but he truly missed his mom and wished she was able to move with them, he doubted his dad was happy with just his paw either. Thankfully though Lucas spoke up before he continued to think about his dad masturbating... that was seriously icky.

"I just want to know about her, what does she do? What's she like? Is she an elemental mage like you and Jordan?" the little fox asked at a mile per minute.

"Slow down!" Ian said causing Lucas to blush madly as he nodded. "Now, what were you saying again? And slowly this time!" Lucas then repeated himself, and Ian started to tab his chin lightly in thought. "My mom's pretty cool, she's a Fire Mage... from what Dad said she was pretty hot-blooded before they got married, though she calmed down after Richard and I were born... but she's very nice and always made sure to make sure we were happy... I miss her honestly..." Ian said, ears dropping slightly.

"She works for the Courts, she's a Lord Advocate... which is kinda like those Prosecutor people on those American criminal dramas..." he said, "So she's often pretty busy and her job prevented her from moving with us. Dad works as the family company's President, so he pretty much ran things and often travelled for work. But since we moved here for my safety, he works at home as you've probably seen."

"That's neat... wait... she works for the Mundane court system? What about Mages... how do you handle criminal matters?" Lucas asked very interested in learning more about how things worked.

"It depends, we technically are required to follow both Mage as well as and Mundane laws. General crimes like theft, rape and murder are typically handled by the Mundane courts, unless the crimes are done by magical means, then it's handled by the Council. Crimes like using forbidden magics and Clan disputes are handled exclusively by the Council obviously. If someone is convicted of using forbidden spells it's usually death or exile..." He said in a lecturing tone.

"In fact, the Cabal are actually made up descendants of exiled Mages not under Council command we typically call them rogue clans... since they were born outside the Council's control they are not restrained in their usage of the dark arts including binding themselves to Angel's and Demons," he said, mouth twitching in disgust at the thought.

"Like what happened to Erin? Wait? They don't do anything about the children born into those clans?" Lucas asked in a shocked manner.

"The Rogue Clans are typically nomadic so it's hard to find them, plus the Council prefers not to get involved with them. As long as they do not actively cause trouble like attacking Mundanes or openly practice the Forbidden Arts, we leave them be. Not ALL people born in the Outsider Clans are evil though, some just were victims of circumstance."

"But I thought exiled Mages lost their magic? Like what happened to Xander's mom? How do their descendants have magic?" He then asked.

"Same way Ahtan's like your father produce Mages, they lose their ability to use magic but it's still in their genes, plus not all exiles lose their magic. That's only if you break serious laws like well... mating with the Fey or use of the Forbidden Arts. Like a blood mage, their powers are a corrupt form of water magic. But if they haven't used it to harm the clans or people outside they are simply banished, if they use it against the clans they are simply executed for treason."

"But I thought the UK didn't allow the death penalty?" Lucas asked confused.

"The Mundane Government doesn't, but the Council retains it in cases heinous treason. We have our own laws outside the Mundane ones. But enough of that, why are you worried about my Mum? You aren't scared of meeting her are you?" When Lucas just nodded, not saying anything Ian felt his heart drop, he didn't want Lucas afraid, not of his mother... he meant everything to him and he desperately wanted his mother and boyfriend to get along because he absolutely refused to choose between them! Not that he thought Lucas would ever ask such a thing.

"Oh Lucas..." he whispered into his ear, trying to send the fox waves of comforting energy in hopes to help him relax, "She'll love you, I know she will, she might be surprised... but I doubt she could ever hate someone like you, not after hearing what you've been through!" he said with conviction.

"I hope you're right Ian..." Lucas mumbled shyly, and once again Ian felt the need to silently curse the fact he couldn't hold Lucas close in an attempt to sway his needless fears.

"I know I am!" was all he whispered.

They continued to stay silent until Lucas spoke again with another worry. "Greg doesn't hate me does he?" he asked worriedly, "He was so angry at me... yesterday... and he seemed to resent me being around you because I've brought you all nothing but trouble..."

Ian could only stare. Him being worried about meeting Ian's mother, the wolf could understand, but Greg *hating* him? He doubted Greg hated anyone (except maybe the people who slaughtered his Clan) it would've been out of character for him. "Greg doesn't hate you! Just talk to him later alright? When we get home!" Ian said cheerfully.

"You sure he doesn't?" Lucas asked shyly, he was afraid to actually approach the tiger lest he start yelling at him again.

Ian just sighed and pulled Lucas into a hug, holding him close while he whispered into his ear, "He doesn't hate you, silly fox, I think he was more frustrated with me than anything... and it just so happened that I ran ahead in order to keep up with you. Now, feel better?" Lucas just nodded, even if he still felt a bit sick in his tummy at the thought of approaching the tiger he decided it was probably for the best, "Good, so when we get home go talk to him."

***

After another ten or so minutes of waiting Agent Wilson had finally pulled into the parking lot. It was only him, Ian, Richard and Greg today. (Erin decided she had missed enough practice and told them she'd have one of her friends drive her to Ian's house, and Allison had gone back to Master Luo's clinic and said she was going to stay at her own house as she had spent far too much time at Ian's house in her opinion much to Richard's dismay.)

The ride back was uneventful and he just spent the entire time cuddled up into Ian's chest, glad it was just them so he could do this. Ian's quick heartbeat relaxed him greatly as he lay snuggled against him. Ian's own muzzle laid atop his own head eyes closed and seemingly enjoying the closeness as much as Lucas was. Eventually they made it into the garage and everyone got out one by one and entered the house.

The first thing Lucas saw in the house was Jonah lounging on one of the sofas staring at the ceiling while Jordan tapped away on his laptop, a Bluetooth in his ear while he quickly jabbered away to the person on the other end of the line. Looking up he smiled and nodded at the fox before returning to what he was doing. Lucas smiled back while everyone else stepped in, which was when Jordan noticed people were missing.

"Where's Xander and Erin?" he asked.

It was Richard who spoke, just as he sat down next to Jonah. "Erin's at gymnastics practice and Xander is hanging with a friend, so no need to worry. Lucas trusts the guy so Xander will be okay Dad." With a nod the elder wolf turned his focus back to his job, quickly apologizing to the other person. Lucas just stood there debating on what to do...Ian just went down towards the basement while Richard struck up a conversation with Jonah, apologizing for last night probably.

Greg just went off into the kitchen, feeling there was no better time than the present Lucas followed the tiger. He stood there for several seconds before he managed to gather up the courage to talk. "Hey Greg, think we can talk?"

"Sure!" the tiger said in a surprised tone, he hadn't heard the fox enter apparently, "What do you want to talk about Lucas? I was about to put some tea in the kettle and maybe fix a few sandwiches," he said. 'Well, at least he isn't hostile...' Lucas thought to himself before sitting on one of the chairs within the kitchen.

"I uh... I want to apologize for yesterday..." Lucas said shyly, "I know it was wrong for me to rush on ahead knowing Ian would follow, but I was so determined to get to Xander that I wasn't thinking," he confessed, "But I do care for him, and I'd do just about anything to keep him safe and happy. I love him Greg, more than I loved anyone! Well, besides Erin of course, she comes first in my mind. Though I doubt Ian is much different regarding Richard," Which made Greg snuffle a bit.

"He is pretty protective of him...I think he takes the responsibility of being a big brother more serious than even more than you do sometimes, I can't believe he went after Monet..." He said while shaking his head. "Even more surprised you got him to apologize though," he said before he sighed to himself before placing his own head into his paws, "I guess I should apologize also, I should've never accused you of not caring for Ian. It's just that he's my entire purpose to even live."

"I know, Ian told me how serious Protectors take their duty. It must've been hard, growing up after watching your entire Clan massacred right in front of you," Lucas said uncomfortably, "Do you ever regret taking the vow...Knowing you might never have a life of your own?"

Greg just shook his head, he had removed it from his paws and now stated straight at Lucas, "No, I've wanted to be a Protector as long as I can remember... All the men in my family had served as Protector for Ian's family. My Father served as Jordan's, my Grandfather was Isaac's and my great-grandfather was a protégé of Arlen's... Ian's great-grandfather."

"I think you guys mentioned him sometimes. What was he like? Was he born into the Clan?"

"I never knew him personally, I was only a year old or so when he died, which is odd, he was only 78 when he died, incredibly young by our standards. Though almost nobody actually knew much about him, I remember Jordan saying he was always kind of enigmatic, that he was always traveling in his younger years, and that he was born in Dublin I think and he served in WWII with several Scottish Mages."

"Do you think he has anything to do with Allison? I don't know why, but I can't help but feel as if those two are connected in some way..." Lucas muttered but Greg just shook his head in dismissal of the thought.

"Impossible, Arlen died in February, Monet was born in November, nine months after he died, plus Arlen had no family growing up, he was born in an orphanage I think. How she knows so much about him is beyond me, but I doubt she has any true connection with the man, his soul is with Hades while Allison is here."

"If you say so..." Lucas said before perking up. "Can I cook dinner tonight? I know you usually do, but I want to do it, I haven't been able to cook in ages! I actually really miss it." Greg just shook his head no, "Why not? I'm a reasonably good cook!" He said while pouting a little.

"You are far better than 'reasonably' good, that cake you baked for Xander's birthday was bloody fantastic! But you're our guest, I can't let you do something I should do myself, which includes cooking," the tiger said before he was assaulted by Lucas's huge puppy dog eyes. Frowning he found it almost impossible to resist those huge blue eyes and the adorable little pout. He honestly hadn't expected the fox to play so dirty! Sighing in defeat he reluctantly consented on sharing cooking. "Fine!" he snarled out. "You can cook! So stop pouting will you!"

Almost instantly Lucas lit up and hugged the tiger, catching him off-guard. "Thank you! Trust me you won't regret it! I'll go ask Ian what he wants to eat then I'll get things ready!" the fox said before running of to find the mentioned wolf, leaving the startled tiger behind.

"Wow," the tiger said in shock. "I didn't even know the kit could even get that energetic... but I guess it's better than his more gloomy nature," he said to himself before giving one final shrug before going back to making the tea he was about to make before the interruption, not noticing Ian smiling from the doorway, happy that his love and best friend were getting along.