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P.O.V. - Roger 3:30 pm Wednesday - Dorm Room

Nick's quiet voice emanated from the bathroom doorway. "Psst, Roger... you awake?"

"Yeah" I said as I opened my eyes. "I was just thinking about stuff, come on up." I slid to the side of the bed until my back was against the wall and patted the mattress invitingly.

"Uh... ok. Jim is in my room with David playing GTA V. They'll probably be at it for awhile." Nick slipped off his shoes by the door and padded quietly across the room to join me up on the bed. "Hey, what happened at lunch? We missed you."

The limited confines of the twin mattress brought Nick's muzzle close to mine. He smiled demurely and gently folded his ears as I replied. "Sorry, I unexpectedly spent the morning retaking my entrance exams. By the time I finished and got to the food court, it was locked. It's a shame really, I was in an amazing mood. It would've been a blast for sure."

Nick nodded subtly and traced imaginary designs on the blanket with an idle claw. "I wish you had called or something, I was kinda worried. I mean, I know you don't have a phone but..."

_Erf, with everything that was going on I never thought about that!_My ears splayed and Iinterrupted his drawing by placing my hand atop his. "I'm sorry, I should've rememberedand used my tablet or something. I'm still adjustingto this whole 'people caring about me' thing." I leaned in and bumped my nose to his before giving the end of his muzzle a gentle lick.

At first hepulled back in mild surprise,but he recovered quickly and returned the gesture. "It's ok. I can see how retaking all those exams could be distracting. What's that about anyway?"

"I've been doing really well in my classes and I guess enough teachers complained about my placement that they thought a retest was in order. I'm sortaconcerned though. Ms. Thurlington couldn't resist giving me some 'help.'" I made air quoteswith my fingers and rolled my eyes inexasperation.

Nickpropped himself up onone elbow and tipped his head to the side. "What do you mean?"

I exhaled with a huff. "She zapped me again... made me all confident and expressive. When I look back... argh, it's so embarrassing!" I rubbed at my temples with my fingers.

"It couldn't have been that bad, I'll bet you did fine." he said as he patted my arm reassuringly.

"Oh yeah?" I said. "How would you feel if you told Ms. Thurlington she had tight hips and that you wouldn't be surprised if lots of students fantasized about them?"

Nick's ears shot forward and his eyes brightened with a shocked smile. "You didn't?!"

I shook my head from side to side, not wanting to believe it myself. "Well it was her fault!And besides, just because I'm gaydoesn't mean I can't recognize when someone has... wait, what am I saying? That's not the point. What I mean is, ugh."

He squeezed my shoulder. "Hey... it's no big deal. You're certainly not the first student to notice how she looks in those tight skirts she's always wearing. And youdefinitelydon't have to prove how gay you are with me!"

I nodded with a slight smile. "Yeah, I know. But it's not just that. I really went crazy on the essays, especially the second one. Hell, I screwed up the first one too but maybe they won't catch it.Theyasked me to write about a book I read for school and how it related to something in my life. Sounds simple enough, right?"

"Yeah," he said "that's a pretty standard question. So, what did you write about?"

"I went back and forth trying to decide between 'A Separate Peace' 'On the Beach' and 'A Member of the Wedding.' Do you know any of those books?"

Nick rubbed at his muzzle thoughtfully and replied "I read the last one but I don't know the others... Oh, wait! Is 'A Separate Peace' that one about the two guys in school and one's naturallyathletic and good at everything until he breaks his leg and the other guy feels all guilty and stuff?"

"Uh huh, that's the one I picked. I did a solid job if it, it's just that I never read it as a school assignment. If I had stayed with an actual school book I would have been stuck talking about how seeing Jane run. Run. Run. Run. ... inspired me to join the track team or something." I stuck out my tongue jokingly and Nick grinned as he pushed at my chest.

"Come on! Your old school couldn't have been THAT bad!"

"Hah! Wanna bet?! Seriously though, I guess they have no way of checking that sort of thing so I'm probablyjust being paranoid. But that second question... it was free form and WOW did I go off on a rant! Oh god, they're probably reading it right now!" I grabbedmy pillow and buried my head under it in shame.

Nicklaughed and pulledup acorner of itto peek at me."Why? What did you write about?"

I groaned and yanked the pillow back down, talking through it in muffled tones. "I went on and on about the application of Isaac Asimov's concept of psychohistory and how, if it were real, things might play out given our past and current state of world affairs. I didn't plagiarize anything mind you, I properly footnoted all of it, but I was really going off! I quoted stuff from people like Howard Zinn, Jeff Reiman and Noam Chomsky to Sun Tzu and Erwin Rommel! To top it off, I concluded with predictions for the next 100 years and brought up concepts like dynamic socialism and feudal oligarchies! Nick, they're going to think I'm totally bonkers!"

He pried at my grip on the pillow and slid his head under it to join me. "They're not going to commit you to an insane asylum! They're mainly checking for grammar, structure, presentation... stuff like that. Worst case scenario, you'll end up back in your old classes."

His clean, warm breath played across my muzzle and the familiar scent helped me feel more relaxed. "Hrumph... You're always so... right. I do tend to get carried away." I gave his nose a quick dart with my tongue and his tail thumped against the mattress.

"It's kinda stuffy under here." he said. "And we'd better get off the bed before Jim comes back. Unless... have you told him yet?"

I removed the pillow from our heads and fluffed out my flattened fur as I replied "No, I can never seem to find a smooth way to slip it into conversation. Anyway, he must know I'm gay by now so why set up an awkward moment by mentioning it?"

Before Nick could mount a proper response, his phone rang and he exclaimed "Oh! That's my parent's ring tone!" I sat up quickly to dismount the bed and give him some privacy but he grabbed my arm and begged "Don't go anywhere, they've been dying to meet you!"

I felt a sudden surge of dread as Nick thumbed the screen and held the phone to his ear.

What the hell am I getting worked up about? It's just his parents. It's not like they know we've been making out!

"Hi!" he said as his tail wagged excitedly. "... It's good to hear you too! ... Oh, hey Dad. I'm glad you're there, now you can both meet Roger!" He scooted to the edge of the bed and dragged me alongside him with a surprisingly strong grip. "... Yeah, hold on. I'll set us up for a video call. Just disconnect and wait for it to ring, then press the big green button that appears, ok? ... Ok." Nick tapped the screen and turned his brown eyed gaze upon me with pleading, splayed ears. "PLEASE do this for me! Please, please, please! Don't worry about the flickering and stuff, they already know all about it."

They do?! What else have you been telling them?! As Nick arranged the video call I self-consciously adjusted my shirt collar and plastered on a toothy grin. Nick looked up from the phone and chastised me. "No, no! Don't show your teeth, my Dad's a dentist. He'll never stop talking about..."

With a _bwoop_sound the screen on Nick's phone came to life and the sight of his parentsinterrupted him. The two Coyotes sat side by side on a massive sofa and were momentarily engrossed in their own conversation. Nick's father took the phone from his mother as he talked. "Here, see this little thingy on the back of the case? Just flip it out and then you can set the phone down."

"You and your gadgets." said his mother before turning her attention back towards the camera. "Hi boys! You must be Roger. I'm so glad we finally get to meet you!"

"Hi!" said Nick as he held the phone out in front of us. "Yeah, this is Roger."

With a conscious effort I kept my mouth closed but perked my ears and tried to convey the very essence of innocence. We could see ourselves in a tiny window in the corner of the phone's display and Nick must have been watching me there. It was clear he thought I was overdoing the Angelic Wolf act and he kicked my paw as it dangled next to his. I steadfastly ignored him and waved to his parents.What does he expect me to do? He said not to show any teeth and I can't just glare at them.

"Oh dear," said his mother as she put a hand to her muzzle "You're still having trouble talking aren't you? We didn't mean to put you on the spot."

Nick swung a paw at me again and replied. "It's ok mom, he's been able to use his voice since yesterday. Hey, we were talking right before you called. He was telling me how he got to retake his entrance exams and now he's going to be in the Advanced Placement program!"

"What? I didn't..." Nick batted at me again and one of his toeclaws dug into the side of my ankle. "OW!" I shot him a momentary glare out of the corner of my eye but managed to maintain my closed mouth smile. "I uh, just took them this morning but the results aren't in yet. We're HOPING I get into the A.P. program though. So... Nick was telling me there's a dentist in the family. I have to admit, I've been envious of his gleaming smile. Now I know his secret." I anticipated Nick's assault on my appendage this time and swung my leg at just the right moment, capturing his ankle under mine.

Nick's father waved a hand dismissively but was obviously flattered as he responded "Ah, his teeth were perfect to begin with. If all of my clients had teeth like his I wouldn't have any work to do. That reminds me Roger, what are your plans for the summer? If you can find the time to come out, I'll set you up with braces or whatever else you may need. Smile really wide for me once."

"Dad!" Nick interjected "His teeth are fine!"

"Are you sure? Ya know, sometimes in accidents like that..." The Coyote stopped talking mid-sentence as Nick's mother cut in.

"Scott, don't bring that up." she scolded. "I'm sorry Roger, we're just concerned. We heard about the accident. You certainly look good, are you ok?"

I fidgeted and tried to think of a way to shift the focus of conversation. "No lasting damage, my voice should be back to normal again in a little while. Thanks for asking, and for the offer on the dental work too, but my summer plans are still kinda up in the air and I can't afford a plane ticket to... ya know, I have no idea where you live."

Scott responded "Oh we're in a small town on the West coast called Coronado. Don't worry if you haven't heard of it. It's a little known place and that's how we like it. You really should come out. Nick will be flying back anyway and we'd feel better if he weren't traveling alone. And don't worry about the cost, I've got so many Frequent Flyer miles the extra ticket would be free."

Coronado?! Damn, they must be loaded! Dentists usually do alright but therehas to be more to the story. I scratched the back of my neck and looked at Nick. His ears were folded down and I'd swear he was almost whimpering. The pathetic sight left me helpless. With a gentle sigh I replied "I have to admit, the thought of spending summer break getting my teeth drilled and scraped IStempting. The problem is, I don't know what my situation will be. That's a couple months away and a few points have to get sorted out in the mean time that I don't have any control over."

"Don't let Scott's hobby frighten you off." said Nick's mother as Scott shot her a hurt look. "There's lots of fun things to do here. We're right on the beach. There's surfing and boogie boarding, and there's a nice bike path too."

As she paused, Scott muttered and playfully shoved at his wife's shoulder. "Hobby?! If that's a hobby then what's my job?"

She laughed and poked his arm. "Stop it! Not in front of the kids. You'll embarrass Nick."

"Me?" he retaliated. "You're the one who started it!"

While they were distracted Nick tipped his muzzle towards my ear and whispered "Come on, it would be SO awesome!"

I released the hold I had on his leg and gently patted at his paw with mine as I replied "You don't have to sell me on the idea, I'd love it. I just can't commit until a few family matters fall into place."

Despite my lowered tone, his parents must have heard me and Nick's mother commented "We understand. If it would help, we could arrange a conference call with your, uh... family... and let them know you'd be in good hands."

Hmm, that was an awkward pause. What's he been telling them?! I smiled and forgot to hide my teeth but luckily themomentary lapse wasn't enough to elicit more dentally oriented conversation. "Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. Hey, I don't want to monopolize the conversation. I'm sure you'd like to catch up with Nick privately. I've gotta..."

Before I could finish the sentence, Nick tightenedhis holdon my wrist toprevent my escape. "It's ok, we talk all the time." I raised an eyebrow but otherwise didn't resist while he turned his attention back to the phone."Did you guys get a chance to see the essay I scanned and sent over? Mr. Yorke gave me an A on structure and an A+on content! If it weren't a timed essay I'm sure I would have gotten an A+ on both sections. Even so, it was stillthe highest grade in the class."

Nick's tail beat the mattress behind him as his fatherresponded"Yes, that's wonderful. From what I know of Mr. Yorke he's not one to give out A's lightly either."

Nick practically squirmed under the praise until his mother brought up another angle."Good grades are important but don't forget there's more to life than studying, drawing and hiding in your room."

"I know mom." he replied. "In fact, that gives me the perfect moment to tell you guys. Roger and I are going to the dance next week!"

I completely froze andmy heart started hammering. Are you kidding me?! Holy crap, you don't just...

The needle on the record playing my line of thought scratched abruptly out of it's groove as his parents both lit up, their ears forward and tails wagging. His mother was the first to speak. "How exciting! What kind of dance is it? Will there be a live stream that we can watch? What are you going to wear?"

Scott jumped in and looked at Nick's mother as he said "Come on Kim! Would you have wanted your parents watching over your shoulder at our first dance? I know I wouldn't have!" He turned his attention back towards us. "Even if there is a live cam, don't worry about it guys. Just promise to take a few photos for us. What's the dress code? Do you need to rent a tux?"

Nick shook his head. "No it's casual, and yes, I'm sure there will be LOTS of pictures. Some of the gang from G.L.A. will be there and I think Chris is gonna be documenting the evening for an article in the school paper. I have to admit, I can't wait!" He let go of my wrist and clasped my hand, holding it aloft in his excitement.

At this point I was dumbfounded by the entire exchange and sat there speechless until I saw my slack-jawed expression in the little box on the screen of Nick's phone. I quickly tried to compose myself and fought to catch a ride on his wave of enthusiasm. "Heh, yeah... me neither. He's been trying to teach me to dance but I still need allot of practice."

His mother rocked forward and slapped her palms down on her lap. She was positively beaming. "This is so... oh... I know, I know. I don't mean to embarrass you dear." She sniffed and briefly held the back of her fingers against her nose. "Ok, I'll let you boys go. I know you have lots to do. It was wonderful meeting you Roger!"

"Thanks for calling." said Nick. "I really miss you guys! I'll call you soon, ok?"

Nick's father clasped Kim's hand and they both waved as he spoke. "We miss you too Nick and it was good to meet you Roger, you already feel like a member of the family."

Nick let go of my hand and waved in return. "Goodbye!"

Almost in unison they replied "We love you Nick, bye!" and the display went dark.

As silence filled the empty space where his parents had just been, I sorted through the jumble of my emotions. Nick must have sensed my situation and turned to face me as he lowered the phone to his side. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to put you on the spot like that. I didn't plan it that way. All of a sudden it just felt like the right time."

I ran my fingers through the fur on my head and offered a rumpled smile. "It's ok. Sorry I panicked like that. I have to admit, that is NOT how I thought things were going to play out. There's no question, you have the coolest parents I've ever met."

"So you're not mad?" he said with an expectant wag of his tail.

"No just... floored... in a good way. It's hard for me to imagine what it must be like growing up in a family where you can be so open with your parents. Is there anything you haven't told them about me, about us?"

Nick's ears still held a slightly apologetic stance as he replied "I've never shared anything outrageous with them. I mean, they still think the only tongue I've ever had in my mouth is my own." He grinned sheepishly and I was finally able to let go of the last vestiges of anger I had been harboring.

"Heh, that's a relief." I said as I swung my dangling paws back and forth. A moment passed and I chewed absentmindedly at my lip until I decided to say what else was on my mind. "Ya know, all that talk about the dance... I didn't realize there'd be an article in the school paper and what not. Not that I mind a few photos for your folks it's just... the paper? ... Really?"

"I dunno" Nick responded. "Chris was just floating the idea at lunch. You're not having second thoughts, are you?"

"No," I said. "When I make a commitment I stick to it. It's only that I had hoped to ease myself into the shallow end of the 'Out' pool. Instead, it seems to have morphed into more of a headfirst dive into the deep end."

Nick lowered his muzzle and rolled his eyes up to look at me. "I'm sorry, I know I can be pushy sometimes. I still feel bad for dragging you downstairs to watch TV with the girls."

I reached around his shoulders and drew him into a sideways hug. "Ah stop it, the only way you force me to do anything is by being so damn_sexah._" His ears loweredin embarrassment and I couldn't resist nibbling the nearest one.

Nick shivered and half-heartedly pushed me away. "Do you have any idea what that does to me?! Now I can't stand up."

"Huh?" I said as I played dumb and grabbed at the growing bulge in his jeans. "Why not?"

Hesquirmed in my grasp. "Stop it! Jim could walk in any second and I don't wanna be all 'Hey Jim... sproing!'"

Nick's attempt at the springy,cartoon sound effect had me laughing as I responded. "Alright, alright... but the day is gonna come! This Wolf has NEEDS Coyote boy!"

Despite my urges I managed to let go and Nick straightened his clothes as he talked. "You're not the only one! Hey, I've been talking with Bea and it looks like the cabin will be ours either Friday or Saturday night. I'll bring my bluetooth speaker and sync it up with my phone so we can get more dance practice in."

I pushed off from the edge of the bed and stretched as I stood in the middle of the room. "I suppose we'll have a LITTLE time for dancing,"

Nick stayed on the raised mattress and looked down at me as he idly picked at the claws on his fingers. "Ya know, I'm not sure if I'm ready for... certain things. I mean, I wanna do SOME things but maybe not everything."

I stepped back over to the bed and leaned my shoulder against the siderail. "Ah, don't stress about it. I'm not exactly a seasoned, porn-star veteran either. We can go at whatever pace you want."

Nick stopped his claw inspection and softly jumped down from his perch before pulling me in for a hug. He tipped his muzzle up to look at me and I lowered my head to brush his lips briefly with my tongue. With a smile, he quietly said "Thanks" and returned the kiss before letting go. "Hey, not to change the subject... well, ok... to totally change the subject... there's some stuff I've been meaning to ask you about. Like that _apology_note from Ashley the other day. I've been dying to know what she wrote."

"Heh, that..." I said as I settled into my chair. "I forgot all about it. It went something like 'I hope you never talk again! That's what you get for being a f#cking c#ck-sucker!'"

Nick's jaw dropped and his tail started waggingtightly. "Oh my god! And you passed it over to Mr. Yorke! No wonder she freaked!"

"Yeah, she even signed it 'Sincerely, Ashley Padmore.'" I laughed and shook my head as I added "I guess she thought I'd read it later in my room and just throw it away. She's obviously not the brightest bulb in the pack. That reminds me, I never did hear any more about it. It's just as well, chances are she got that attitude from her parents. I'll bet if the school contacted them they'd get all up in arms and start spoutingsome 'freedom of speech'crap."

Nick pulled overJim's chair andcommented "I suppose, butI know Mr. Yorke and he does NOT back down. Her parents are in for a serious surprise if they try that with him."

"As long as they don't drag me into it." I replied. "Anyway, you said 'some stuff.' Anything else on your mind?"

He fidgeted momentarily and glanced out the window as he talked. "I uh, don't mean to pry but... about the dream you had last night..."