Abandoned
#3 of Warmth
Abandoned
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Kathy's Side
Ryan led Kathy upstairs and into his room. He led Kathy to his bed and sat her down.
"I'll be right back" Ryan said.
Kathy nodded as he left the room. "So this is his room, huh?" Kathy said. She set the bat she had been holding at the foot of the bed. "He must really love baseball" Kathy said as she saw the walls were decorated with baseball memorabilia.
As Kathy continued to look around Ryan's room her gaze focused on a picture on his nightstand. Kathy reached for the picture. Inside the frame was a picture of a boy wearing a baseball uniform hugging two people. On his left was a girl who was older than Ryan who had long blonde hair. The other was a Panther Fur.
(That must be Ryan when he was a kid) Kathy thought to herself. (But who are the two standing next to him? Kathy then noticed writing on the bottom right corner of the picture.
"Way to go, little bro! Never give up! Love, Nicky. " Kathy read to herself.
(So Nicky is Ryan's older sister. But who's the Fur? They all seem to be very close.) Kathy examined the picture again. She noticed how happy their faces were.
"It reminds me of..." Kathy whispered as she put the picture back on the nightstand. She then stared at the ceiling. "Chris... David..." Tears started to form in the corner of Kathy's eyes.
The sound of footsteps was coming closer to the room. Kathy realized Ryan was coming back and quickly wiped the side of her eyes. (I don't want him to worry about me more.)
Ryan stepped in with a large navy blue towel. "Use this to dry off" he said as he handed her the towel.
Kathy stood up and started to rub her damp fur with the towel. (Good, he didn't notice.) Kathy was relieved that Ryan hadn't been able to notice she had been crying.
Kathy continued to dry herself off. She moved the towel to dry every part of the body. She started with her arms and legs and slowly made her way inward. She was now rubbing the towel on the inside of her thighs. She moved the towel upwards towards her stomach and then to her breasts.
It was at this point she noticed Ryan looking at her; his face was red. Realization came to Kathy as she turned her back to Ryan. (Oh my god! He's blushing! He's staring at me! Oh No! Now I'm starting to blush! Why am I blushing? I've never worn clothes in all my life. I've never been embarrassed by it before... but why am I now?)
Kathy finished drying herself off and turned around seeing Ryan carrying a pillow and blanket. He laid them down on the floor.
(He's letting me stay the night? In his room!?) Kathy blushed at the thought. (That pillow and blanket look really comfortable.)
"You can sleep in my bed tonight" Ryan said.
(What?! I can't let him do that. I'll feel like a burden if I take his bed.)
"Oh no, I don't want to be a bother. I can sleep on the floor; I'm used to it."
(Hopefully that'll convince him.) Kathy looked at Ryan's face. His expression turned to one of concern and sadness. (Why is he making that face?)
"No, I insist you sleep on my bed." Ryan replied.
"But..."
"No buts." Ryan interrupted as he led Kathy to lie down on his bed. "I just want you to stay warm and get better."
Kathy just lied there as she watched Ryan walk away. (Why? Why does he keep going out of his way to help me? I just can't understand his reasons.)
*click*
The lights went out. Kathy saw Ryan's silhouette in the dark. She noticed him undressing. Kathy started to blush again. (And why do I have these feelings when I'm around Ryan? Am I just thankful for him showing me kindness or-)
"Good night Kathy."
(Or is it more than that...)
"...Good night" Kathy responded.
Kathy laid there staring at the ceiling. (I'm so confused. Chris...David... what do I do?) Kathy closed her eyes as memories of the past came to her mind.
Denver, Colorado -Four Years Ago- 6:00 p.m.
"I'm home!"
Name: Chris Species: Fur - German Shepherd Age: 21
Chris closed the door to the apartment room he had rented three years ago. Chris was carrying a couple of plastic bags filled with food. He set the bags on the table.
"Welcome back Chris!" Chris heard his excited little sister.
"How was your day, Kathy?" Chris asked as she came into view.
Name: Kathy Species: Fur â€" German Shepherd Age: 13
Kathy ran up to her older brother and spread her arms around his stomach. "It was great! Guess what! I know all of the state capitals now!"
"Is that so? Well I guess I won't be convinced unless I quiz you" Chris said with a smile. He was glad that Kathy took an interest to learning new things.
"Alright, I'll name a state and you tell me the capital, ok?"
"OK!"
"Alabama."
"Montgomery."
"Alright, Alaska"
"Juneau."
"Very good. Arizona."
"Phoenix."
*click*
"Arkansas."
"Little Rock."
*click*
"California."
"Sacramento."
"Colorado."
"Hell." Chris and Kathy turned to see David.
Name: David Species: Fur â€" German Shepherd Age: 19
"I take it work was bad today, huh?" Chris asked.
"It always is..." David slouched down on the couch with a sigh. "That new movie, ‘Batman Begins', has thrown the theatre into chaos."
"That popular, huh?" Chris asked.
"Yeah, and it's been a pain to keep the theatres clean. You know, it's not really the theatres that are the problem; it's those damn humans! They try to make my life a living hell because I'm the only Fur who works at that theatre."
"I'm sure you're just overreacting."
"Yeah right!" David was getting angrier. "There were actually people who literally walked in front of me and dumped popcorn and soda on the floor! It's just my luck I got stuck with a theatre job. You got a desk job as an accountant"
"If you had studied like I did, then you could have gotten a better job" Chris remarked.
"Yeah" Kathy got into the conversation now. "Then you wouldn't have to work two jobs and we could all spend more time with each other."
Chris and David were silent.
"Well enough about my day" David finally said as he stood up and walked into the kitchen. "So how was your day Kathy?"
Kathy had finally been given the cue to give her other big brother a hug. "I've been studying a lot and now I know every state capital!"
"That's awesome, Kathy! I believe when I walked in you were asked about California's capital. So what's the capital of Colorado?"
"And please don't give David's answer" Chris added. David rolled his eyes.
"Denver!"
"Very good" Chris said. "Kathy, why don't you go watch TV in your room while I get dinner ready. I'm making a homemade pizza tonight."
"Yeah!" Kathy was excited. She gave Chris another squeeze before going to her room."
When Chris knew Kathy was gone he turned towards David. "She has a point you know."
"What's that?" David asked.
"About you having two jobs. The theatre should be enough."
"There's nothing wrong with having a second job that brings in extra money."
"There is when that job is illegal!"
David's eyes widened. "Wh-What are you talking about? I'm not doing anything illegal."
"Bullshit! I know all about your second job David. What gave you the idea to get involved with narcotics!?"
David looked away. His ears flattened against his head. "I heard you could make a lot of money fro-" David was interrupted by a punch to the face.
"You idiot! Do you know how dangerous narcotics is!? What if something happened to you? How do you think I would feel? How do you think Kathy would feel!?"
David said nothing.
"And you said it's for the money? I've told you countless times that my pay alone could support us. I've offered you the chance to even quit your job at the theatre. And yet, you still work there and put up with all the shit you receive. And then you join an illegal profession for the money? Why?"
"Because I don't want to be feel insignificant!" David finally shouted with tears in the side of eyes. "We both agreed to take care of Kathy after mom and dad died. You got a decent job and got us this place. What have I done, huh? Nothing! What I make compared to you is nothing. I knew dealing with narcotics and gangs would be dangerous, but I felt if I couldn't help out then I wouldn't have a purpose."
Chris was silent now. "David, I'm sorry you feel that way, but I don't want you to put yourself in danger anymore." Chris came up to David and hugged him. "You already have a purpose here; being our brother."
David was having a hard time keeping himself from crying as he hugged his brother harder.
*squeeze*
The two of them looked down to see Kathy hugging the both of them. She had tears in her eyes.
"Kathy..." Chris started. "Were you eavesdropping on us?" Kathy just nodded her head as she continued to cry.
"I'm happy just being with the two of you." Kathy said.
After a few moments of the three embracing Chris cleared his throat. "Why don't you two wash up so we can start on the pizza, huh?" David and Kathy just nodded their heads.
An hour later the three of them sat down to a pizza topped pepperoni and sausage.
"I've got an idea" David said. "How about tomorrow night the three of us go and see Batman Begins?"
"I thought you couldn't stand that movie" Chris smirked.
"I said I couldn't stand cleaning after the damn humans who go and see it" David corrected Chris.
"Why do you hate humans so much, David?" asked Kathy.
"They killed most of our kind" David said plainly.
"But that was sixteen years ago, David" Chris added in.
"They might not be hunting us anymore, but they still despise us. The only reason any Fur ever got a job is because of the fair employment act that was passed fifteen years ago. Humans don't want to have anything to do with us unless they have selfish reasons to do so." David took a bite of his pizza.
"I'm sure there are humans who aren't like that, right" Kathy asked.
"Hmm, I doubt it" David replied.
"Don't listen to him, Kathy" Chris said. "What would you do if you met one of those humans?"
"I'd become best friends with him or her!"
David started to snicker. "Friendship between a human and Fur? That's funny. So about the movie?"
"What do you think Kathy?" Chris asked.
"I think it sounds fun!"
"Then I guess we're all going to see the movie" Chris announced.
"Nice!" David smiled.
The Next Day -11:00 p.m.-
"That was awesome!" David exclaimed exiting the theatre.
"Do you think there will be a sequel?" Chris asked.
"Of course! There are plenty of freaks in Gotham for Batman to fight!" David replied.
"There's also Bruce and Rachel's relationship. Do you think they'll get together in the next film?"
"We're just going to have to wait two or three years to find out" David said. The three of them started to walk home. The apartment was twenty minutes away.
They were three blocks away when they heard a voice from behind. "Well, well, well. Look who we've got here, Doug."
David's eyes were wide with fear as the three of them turned around. "Steven..." David whispered.
"You've got some nerve not showing up last night you furry freak" said Steven. "You think I'm going to pay you for not showing up?"
"I don't expect you to pay me at all, Steven" replied David. "I'm through with you and your business!"
Steven was silent for a moment until he started laughing. "Ha... hahahahaha! We'll that's unfortunate, because I can't let anyone just leave with their life." Steven reached into his pocket and pulled out a pistol.
Chris, David, and Kathy's eyes went wide. Chris motioned Kathy behind him.
"It's too bad, David" said Steven. "You were doing very well, for a filthy Fur!"
*bang*
*thud*
"Chris!!!" Kathy shouted.
"Well isn't that a shame?" Steven said sarcastically. "He saves your life, but it doesn't make a difference!" Steven positioned the pistol again.
*bang*
David just stood there in a daze. He looked down at his blood-covered chest. His vision started to turn black as he started to fall face first to the ground. "Fo- forgive me Chris... Kathy..."
*thud*
"David!!!" Kathy shouted. She was bawling from seeing both her brothers on the ground covered in blood.
"Seems like it's just you little girl" Steven gave an evil smirk. He lifted the pistol.
The sounds of sirens could be heard in the distance.
"Dude, we got to get out of here!" shouted Doug.
"What's one more dead Fur?" Steven replied.
"That's not the point! If you kill her and they catch us, we'll face charges for murdering a child even if she is Fur."
Steven lowered his pistol. "Well it seems you lucked out today girlie. Have a good day. Steven started to laugh again as he and Doug ran in the opposite direction of the sirens.
Kathy just sat on the ground with tears flowing down her face. "Nooo!" she shouted. "Why am I still alive!?" She looked at her brothers. "My brothers are both dead! I don't have anything to live for if I don't have them!"
"Don't say that Kathy..." Kathy gasped as she heard Chris' voice.
"Chris! Just hold on, help will be here soon."
"I'm afraid it's too late for me, Kathy." Chris' voice was low.
"No! You can't leave me! I can't live without you and David!"
"I'm so sorry, Kathy. This was the l-last thing I wanted for you."
Kathy was now hugging Chris around the neck while she cried furiously.
"I...I don't want you to... to throw you life away" Chris was having trouble speaking.
"But..." Kathy whispered.
"Besides... you still have to... have to befriend a human like you said"
"But..."
"Promise me you... you won't stop until... until you become friends with one"
"I... I promise, Chris."
Chris painfully turned his head towards Kathy's and gave her a kiss on her cheek. "David and I, we always loved you... and... always... always will..." Chris' eyes slowly shut. Kathy had stopped crying, she had nothing left to cry out. She returned a kiss to Chris' cheek. She slowly laid his head down. She walked over to David.
"I didn't care how much money we had" Kathy said staring at David. "I was just happy being with you two." With that she kneeled down and kissed David on the cheek.
Kathy took one last look at her brothers before she walked off.
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Kathy's eyes flew open. "My promise!" she gasped.
Kathy looked around and saw she wasn't in Ryan's room anymore. She recognized it as the apartment she and her brothers had stayed at. "It can't be..."
"It's been a long time Kathy..." a familiar voice behind her echoed.
Kathy's ears went straight up as turned around. The sight made her eyes water. In front of her was Chris and David as she remembered them. She practically jumped on the both of them.
"I've missed both of you!" Kathy said crying.
Kathy hugged the two of them for a few seconds longer before allowing them to get up.
"I'm sorry Chris" Kathy said.
"For what, Kathy?"
"I had forgotten about the promise I made to you until now."
"Are you sure about that?" Chris smirked.
"What do you mean?" Kathy was confused.
"Do you recall when you first met Ryan? After he showed you kindness you had an indescribable urge to get to know him, right?" Kathy nodded her head. "Your mind may have forgotten the promise, but your heart hadn't.
Kathy smiled at this revelation.
"I can't believe you actually found one, though!" David said. After watching you for four years I thought I was right."
"You guys have been watching me?" Kathy was shocked and happy at the same time.
"That's right" Chris said. "We were watching what was happening to you in that alley a while ago."
"I thought we were going to be reunited again" David said. "That is, until Ryan showed up."
"Don't make it sound like a bad thing, David" Chris remarked. "We're truly grateful for what he has done for you. You're very lucky to have met each other."
Kathy started to blush.
David snickered. "We also know how he's been affecting you emotionally" David said with a smirk.
"What are you talking about!?" Kathy asked, embarrassed.
"We are constantly reading your emotions" explained Chris. "Ever since you met Ryan you've been filled with embarrassment, confusion, and doubt. The only conclusion I can draw from this is-"
"You have feelings for him! That's where your embarrassment is coming from." David interrupted.
Kathy was blushing so hard. "But isn't having feelings for a human wrong for a Fur?"
"When did anyone ever say that?" inquired Chris. "No one can tell you who you can or cannot have feelings for. The question is ‘do you think it's wrong'?"
A smile appeared on Kathy's face as she slowly shook her head from side to side.
"That's why you were filled with confusion; you've been worried about your feelings for him and how they go against the views of society."
"Personally I don't blame you" David said. "Hell, I was getting confused watching the two of you."
"That's because you're too closed-minded, David. You've always been like that."
"Aw, shut up Chris!" David sighed and brought his attention to Kathy. "The last thing we need to talk to you about is the doubt in your heart."
"But I don't doubt that I have feeling for Ryan!" Kathy said.
"It's not doubt yourself that you doubt Kathy, it's Ryan you doubt" David replied. "You, Chris, and I have seen how kind he's been to you. We're all surprised that there's a human like Ryan who actually accepts Furs."
"I wasn't" Chris said with a smirk on his face.
"Oh, shut up!" David said with an annoyed tone. "Fine, both Kathy and I were surprised, but that's not the point!" David focused on Kathy again. "The point is that you doubt that he will return your feelings despite all he's done for you thus far."
"I know..." Kathy whispered. "I'm just afraid of what he might do if he doesn't feel the same way..."
"Kathy" Chris moved closer to her. "What's the worse he'll do? Say no? You don't think he'll just toss you out on the streets, do you?"
"That IS what she's afraid of" David said moving closer to Kathy as well. "She doesn't want to lose someone she has feeling for and be left to wander the streets alone again."
"So... what should I do?" Kathy looked at her brothers.
"Isn't obvious!?" David smiled. "Tell him how you feel! Show him how you feel!"
Kathy was surprised she was hearing this from David.
"David's right" Chris commented. "Besides, I'm sure he has feeling for you too."
Kathy turned red again. "How can you be so sure? Can you read his emotions too?"
"No, but I'm afraid I can't say anything more than that. Besides, it's time for you to wake up."
"Wake up?" Kathy asked. "But I don't want to wake up! I never thought I would get the chance to see you two again." Kathy started to cry. "There's so much I want to talk about! It's not fair... I miss you two so much."
Chris and David looked at each other and in unison they both hugged Kathy. Kathy's crying stopped. "Will I ever see you two again?" she asked. Her eyes were slowly closing."
"I don't know" Chris said. "Just know that we're always watching you."
Kathy smiled being hugged by her brothers for the first time in years. Their warmth surrounded her as she finally closed her eyes.
-Present Time-
Kathy's eyes opened slowly. She looked around and saw that it was Ryan's room. Kathy smiled as the advice of Chris and David were fresh her in mind. (Thank you Chris, David.) Kathy looked at the floor and saw Ryan lying under his blanket. (It's now or never) Kathy smirked.
Kathy got off of Ryan's bed and kneeled on the floor. She slowly crawled her way closer to Ryan. (My heart is pounding - I've never been so nervous in my life before....) Kathy's right paw grabbed a hold of his blanket. She slowly scooted herself underneath. After the blanket completely covered her she wrapped her right arm around Ryan's chest and pulled herself closer to him. (He's so warm...)
Ryan's eyes opened to the sudden feeling of warmth surrounding him. He looked at Kathy. "Kathy? What are you doing?"
"You said you wanted me to stay warm, and that's what I'm doing." (And enjoying it)
Kathy started moving herself over Ryan. (It's time he knew how I felt about him)
"You are the weirdest human I have ever met, and I mean that in a good way." Kathy lowered herself on Ryan.
"Kathy...?" Ryan said looking into her eyes.
"I want to thank you for saving my life" Kathy said as she brought her lips closer to his.
"It was nothing real-!" Kathy's lips were now on Ryan's.
(Please don't push me away...)
Kathy's fears vanished as Ryan wrapped his arms around Kathy and pulled her closer.
(Thank you)
Kathy's emotions were soaring as she was kissing Ryan. She soon wanted more as she started to lick Ryan's lips; wanting to delve deeper. Ryan soon gave into Kathy and opened his mouth. Kathy wasted no time sending her tongue into his mouth, meeting up with his.
Their tongues wrestled with each other, trying to push the other back. Ryan started to rub Kathy's back. Kathy put her arms around his neck, bringing them closer.
After three minutes Ryan broke the kiss. The two just stared in each other's eyes.
After moments of silence Ryan said "You know you'd probably be more comfortable on the bed."
(Is he still worried about me? He won't stop, huh?)
"No" Kathy said softly. "I'm comfortable just lying here." Kathy laid her head on Ryan's chest as she started to doze off. "...I love you, Ryan" Kathy said in a low voice. There was a long pause.
"I love you too, Kathy."
Kathy smiled as she drifted off to sleep. (Thank you, Chris. Thank you, David. Thank you, Ryan.)
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Ryan's Side
(I can't believe I'm doing this) Ryan thought as he and Kathy started making out. (My parents would kill me if they saw me making out with a Fur, but... that doesn't bother me. Hmm, I guess you really rubbed off on me Nicky...)
Thoughts of Nicky caused Ryan to break the kiss. (Nicky... I don't want to make the same mistake you did, for Kathy's sake. I can't let her have feeling for me... especially since I've grown fond of her.)
"You know you'd probably be more comfortable on the bed" Ryan finally said.
"No, I'm comfortable just lying here" Kathy said as she laid her head on his chest.
(This isn't good. I have to stop this before-)
"...I love you, Ryan" Kathy whispered.
(Crap! Now what do I do? If I say nothing then I'll just hurt her feelings. I really care for Kathy, but-)
"Don't you love her too, Ryan?"
Ryan's eyes widened. (That voice... Nicky? Of course I love her... ever since I first met her I was attracted to her, but that's what scared me. I didn't want to get to close to her. I was relieved when my watch went off; it gave me an excuse to leave.)
"But you regretted that didn't you?"
(Yeah, I wanted to talk her longer, but... it just reminded me of what happened to you when you got too close to Sean...)
Aurora, Colorado -5 Years ago- 4:30 p.m.
"I'm back from practice!"
Name: Ryan Species: Human Age: 13
"Nicky, are you here?"
"I'm in the living room" Nicky yelled out to him.
Name: Nicky Species: Human Age: 18
Ryan walked into the living room and saw Nicky typing away on her laptop.
"Have fun today?" Nicky asked keeping her eyes on the screen.
"Yeah, we had a practice game today. My team won, of course" Ryan said with a smirk.
Nicky chuckled. "So how's high school baseball compared to middle school baseball?"
"I have to deal with the players who came from other middle schools. They're all upset about the games they lost and taking it out on me and a few others who went to my school."
"Sorry to hear that."
"Oh, don't be!" Ryan smiled. "It just reminds me and others how great we are"
Ryan noticed Nicky hadn't once looked at him since he got home. "What are you working on?"
"Oh, I'm planning some events for the HFA (Human-Fur Alliance). You should come more often you know. You always had fun when you came while you were in middle school."
"I know, but baseball practice is more time consuming in high school. I don't know if I'll be able to go anymore for a while."
Nicky looked a little disappointed. Ryan noticed this and decided to change the subject. "So, any word from mom and dad?"
"They said they'll be back next weekend." Nicky finally stopped typing. "...Ryan, there's something I have to talk to you about. It's about my replacement after I graduate."
(Her replacement... why would she want to talk to me about that?) Ryan tensed up. (She couldn't possibly be thinking off-)
*ding dong*
"I'll get it!" Ryan said as he ran off to answer the door. (Saved by the bell. How often does that happen?) Ryan opened the door and saw a face he hasn't seen in a while. "Hey Sean, how've you been?"
Name: Sean Species: Fur â€" Panther Age: 18
"I'm doing well. How about you?"
"Oh I'm good; I've just been busy with baseball practice."
"I see... Is Nicky here?"
"Yeah, she's in the living room. Come in."
Ryan and Sean walked into the living. Nicky had gone back to typing. Sean walked behind her put his paws over her eyes. "Guess who"
Nicky stopped typing and smiled. In a sarcastic voice she said "Hmm... I don't know... I wonder if he's ticklish!" With that Nicky stood up and turned around. She then threw her hands under both of Sean's arms and started tickling him.
Sean couldn't stop laughing as he fell to the floor. "I should never have told you about this!" Sean shouted as Nicky continued to tickle him.
Ryan just stood there; amused by their antics. (They've always been like this together. She's always so serious except when Sean is around.)
Nicky eventually stopped tickling Sean and allowed him to catch his breath.
(Sean's probably here to help Nicky) Ryan thought. (I'll just leave them alone.) "I'm going to go take a shower, Nicky." Ryan started up the stairs.
"Oh... alright then" Nicky said.
Ryan started the water in the bathroom. He held his hand under the shower to see if it was hot enough. "Damn shower; it takes forever for the water to get hot. I don't need a cold shower, ya know!"
Ryan remembered he had left his stuff down stairs. (Maybe the water will have warmed up by the time I bring my stuff up... maybe.)
As Ryan was walking down the stairs he saw Nicky and Sean sitting on the couch, their backs facing Ryan and Sean's arm was around Nicky's neck. (What are they up to?) Ryan thought as he stopped and started listening in on them.
"Did you talk to Ryan about it?" Sean asked.
"I tried, but I didn't get the chance to."
"Do you think he'll even be interested?"
"I don't know, but if we don't find a replacement for myself before graduation, then the school is going shut down the HFA."
"I know... but is there anyone else that could take over?"
"There are plenty of Furs that could do it, but the school's rule is that the HFA can only continue to exist as long as it is a human that's in charge. I don't like that rule more than anyone else, but we can't do anything about it."
"All of the human members aren't as enthusiastic about the HFA as the Furs are" Sean stated. Many don't come to the meeting as often as they should be. Soon only Furs will be left."
"That's fine. We formed the HFA for two reasons: To bring humans and Furs closer together, and to give Furs the chance to feel alive. The second is more important than the first. And if the school closes it down..."
"I know..." Sean frowned. "Ryan may be our only hope."
Ryan frowned at this realization.
"Yeah..." Nicky sighed. "I remember how much fun he always had during the activities we held and how he got along with everyone, but... I also know how much he loves baseball."
"I guess we're to blame for that" Sean said with smile. "It was when we decided to hold a baseball game for everyone."
"Oh yeah..." Nicky said as her head moved to Sean's shoulder. "I remember, when it was his first turn up to bat you gave him easy, underhanded pitches."
"He missed each one..."
"But you saw how disappointed he was so you kept pitching to him." Nicky smiled.
"It took five more pitches before he hit the ball. By that time, the whole team wanted to help out."
"They purposely kept making mistakes. They just kept allowing Ryan to run the bases."
"Then you and I decided to add the finishing touch." Sean smirked.
"When Ryan was almost home you threw the ball to me."
"When you caught it you didn't tag him until he had touched the plate."
"He was so happy and everyone cheered for him"
"It was soon after that day he decided to join his middle school's baseball team, right?"
"Yeah... that's when he started showing up less and less..." Nicky said with a sad look on her face.
The two of them were silent.
Ryan was shocked. (I can't believe they did all that for me... I didn't realize they were so sad when I stopped coming.)
"But we fully supported him and his decision" Sean said.
"We would attend all of his baseball games... something our parents never once did." Nicky was silent for a few seconds. "Sean, you don't know how much it meant to Ryan that you always came with me to every game."
"Really?"
"He's come to think of you as an older brother."
Ryan gasped. (Nicky! I told you never to tell Sean that!)
"He does?" Sean was surprised.
Nicky started laughing a little. "He once even asked me if you could be his brother."
Sean started to laugh a bit now. "I would love to have Ryan as a little brother, but... it would kind of make things a bit awkward." Sean smirked.
Nicky smirked as well. "That's true. That would mean that we would be brother and sister as well." Nicky turned her head towards Sean. "And we both know brothers and sisters aren't allowed to do this." Nicky shifted forward and kissed Sean.
(What the hell!?) Ryan though.
Sean wrapped his arms around Nicky as he lowered himself onto the couch.
Ryan couldn't believe what was happening. He quickly ran upstairs without Nicky or Sean hearing him. (Maybe I do need a cold shower!) Ryan thought as he entered the bathroom.
The cold water was pouring down on Ryan. "For once I'm glad that the water didn't heat up." Ryan thought about what he had just seen. "Nicky... Isn't that against the law or something? I know you don't care he's a Fur, I don't care that he's a Fur (I just can't believe it's Sean!), but the rest of the world does... I need to talk to you and Sean."
Ten minutes later Ryan walked downstairs. And saw Nicky and Sean still sitting on the couch, but now they were watching TV. He walked up behind them and said "Can we talk?"
Nicky and Sean turned their heads to see Ryan. Nicky nodded "Of course. Is something wrong?"
Ryan sighed. "I overheard you two talking..."
Nicky and Sean's eyes widened a bit. "So..." Nicky started. "What do you think?"
"I don't know... You know how much I care for the HFA, but I also love baseball. I just need some time to think..."
Nicky and Sean looked at each other. "We understand, Ryan" Nicky said. "Is there anything else you want to talk about?"
"Yeah... Um... It's about the relationship you two share..."
"What are you talking about?" Nicky asked.
"I saw you two making out on the couch..."
Nicky and Sean's eyes practically flew out of their sockets. "How long have you been together like this?" Ryan asked them.
"Almost three years" Sean said.
Ryan was shocked (They've been a couple ever since I first met him?) "Nicky... you know how the world would see this. I have nothing against Sean or Furs in general, but... why did you decide to date one?"
Nicky was shocked at this question. "Why?" Nicky asked. "Because I love Sean. It's that simple."
"But aren't you afraid of what will happen if anyone finds out?"
"I couldn't care less. In fact, we were going to announce it at the senior dance next week."
Ryan just gasped at her statement. "I've heard the stories of what happens to people like you two..." Tears started forming in Ryan's eyes. "I just don't want anything to happen to you, to either of you. You two are my only family." "Ryan looked at Sean. "I really do think of you as my older brother!"
It was at this point both Nicky and Sean had gotten off the couch. They both kneeled down by Ryan and gave him a hug.
"We both love you Ryan" Nicky whispered into his ear. "We would never do something to hurt you, but this is something we have to do..."
"You must always follow your heart" said Sean. "Even when you know society condemns it you must always be willing to do what your heart believes is right."
Nicky and Sean looked at each other. "And be willing to accept the consequences of your actions..."
Ryan was silent. He couldn't handle everything that was happening. He started to become very tired. Soon he fell asleep in their embrace. (Please don't let this be the last time...)
One Week Later -12:00 a.m.
*beep...beep...beep*
The sound of the heart monitor filled the room. The sound was agonizing to Ryan. (Damn it! Why did this have to happen!? Why did they have to tell everyone? Why did they have to get ambushed and stabbed? Sean died on the way to the hospital and now they say Nicky might not make it... Why did this have to happen...?) Ryan couldn't hold back the tears.
"Ryan..." Nicky said in a soft voice. Ryan went over to her bed. "Please don't cry Ryan. Sean and I knew full well that this might have happened." Tears started to roll down her eyes. "Do you hate me, Ryan?"
"What?!"
"Do you hate me for doing this? Do you hate me and Sean for what we did?"
"I could never hate you guys! I love both of you!"
*beep............................beep..........................beep*
Nicky straightened her arms, reaching out to Ryan. Ryan accepted her invite and hugged her.
"Always follow your heart Ryan... no matter what."
Ryan held Nicky close to him. He was crying harder as listened to the sound of Nicky and the heart monitor.
*beep........................beep............................beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep*
(Nicky...)
Ryan released his hold on her and looked at her. "I never got the chance to tell you that I made my decision..."
The Following Monday -9:00 a.m.-
"I'm sorry about what happened to your sister" the principal told Ryan. "She was a wonderful person."
"Thank you, sir. I came to discuss what will happen to the HFA."
"It is unfortunate, but without someone in charge I'm afraid we're going to have to shut it down."
"That's not necessary, sir. I want to take charge of the HFA."
"What!? But you have a future with baseball! Why on earth would you give that up!?"
Ryan smirked. "I was told to follow my heart... no matter what the consequences may be" (Isn't that right Nicky, Sean?)
Present Time
"I know that you're sad about what happened to me and Sean, but the time we spent together was the best time of our lives. It was even better when you were around. What is your heart telling you to do?"
Ryan was silent.
"Never forget to always follow your heart..."
(Nicky... Nicky?) She was no longer answering Ryan. (You're gone again? Well, it was nice to hear your voice again... even for a little while. I know what to do now.)
"I love you too, Kathy." (Thank you, Nicky.) Ryan drifted off to sleep.
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Unknown Side
"She's grown up so much, huh Chris?"
"She certainly has."
"It makes me depressed that she doesn't need us anymore..."
"We're still here which means she still does need us"
"Shouldn't we be meeting those bound to Ryan's soul soon?"
"I think they're arriving now..."
On cue a flash of light appeared in front of Chris and David.
"It's good to finally meet you two" Chris welcomed them. "What are your names?
"My name is Nicky."
"And I'm Sean."
"Now that all four of are gathered" said Chris. "There are things we need to discuss..."
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Sorry for taking so long, I've really been busy with finals (Plus this is over 20 pages worth! My previous two stories were only 6 pages each.)
What'd you think about this chapter?
What do you think of each character?
I'm thinking about holding a contest for my next chapter (Periodically check my journel)
My finals will be done this Friday (Then I get two weeks off school. That's right, only two weeks)