FA+
Shop
215
Views
Views
1
Favorites
Favorites
Category
Story / All
Species Unspecified / Any
Size 50 x 50
File Size 91.6 kB
Report this content
More from foxxpaw
So I decided to submit something for once. It's been a very long time since I've thought of uploading anything and I noticed I haven't actually uploaded any of my written work so... Well; here's a sample. It's not much and I have no idea where the story will go. Hope you all enjoy it!
Part 2: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/11258665/
Part 3: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/12086258/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Midsummer Evenings: Part 1
The afternoon sun beat down on the retriever as he worked his way through the mass of students. The canine kept his head down as he followed the crowd, the fur on the back of his paws slightly dampened from earlier. He held several books to his chest as he squeezed past a dingo out to a more open area.
“Hey, Luris!”
The retriever paused, turning to face the speaker only to receive a rough shove, knocking the canine back into several others.
“S-sorry,” Luris stammered as he gathered his things, fighting the urge to retaliate.
“What a ditz…”
“Watch where you’re going to damn dog,” the bear growled as he stepped towards the retriever.
“I didn’t mean to.” Luris said quietly.
A dingo stepped in front of the bear, cutting him off. “Beat it Seth,” he growled, his tone one of quiet anger.
“Or what?” Came the reply.
“It’s fine,” Luris sighed, getting to his paws again. “Leave him.”
“I’m not going to repeat myself again, Seth…” the dingo said, completely ignoring the retriever as he slipped a paw into his pocket. “Get lost.”
The bear sneered down at the dingo as he stepped forward, towering over the smaller canine. “And just what do you intend on doing, bitch?”
No sooner had the words left the ursine’s muzzle when the dingo pounced, throwing his weight against the bear. He brought a paw up, catching the ursine at the throat as he wrapped a hind paw around the ursine’s leg, knocking the larger creature to his back. The dingo removed his paw from his pocket, giving it a swift flick and opening the knife in the blink of an eye, placing the tip of the blade right in front of the bear’s eye.
“You really want to find out?” The dingo asked, struggling to keep his paws steady. “I catch you again and you’ll be blind, you understand me?”
“Okay, okay!”
The dingo stood and took a step back, reversing his grip on the blade. “Beat it.”
The bear shot the dingo a sharp glare before getting up and making his way into the crowd. Several of the students simply stared in shock while others ignored the spectacle, choosing instead to move on.
“U-uh…Thanks?” Luris asked, tentatively.
The dingo sighed, folding the knife up and offering the retriever a paw. “Anytime…You alright?”
“Yeah, I think so,” Luris replied, taking the dingo’s paw and hoisting himself upright.
The dingo nodded. “Good. Mind if I walk with you?” he asked, his voice taking on a much lighter tone.
The retriever paused, giving the dingo a rather confused stare.
“Just…for company’s sake.”
“I…guess, yeah.”
“Cool!”
Luris shifted uneasily before making his way out to the main streets, the dingo following behind him.
“So, I don’t think I got a chance to introduce myself,” he said, moving up to walk beside the retriever. “I’m Cole.”
“Luris.”
The dingo smiled. “So…Luris, yes? Mind if I ask you something?”
“Fire away,” he replied.
“Would you be interested in joining me at the mall later tonight?”
The retriever stopped dead, looking over.
“Ah, before you ask; no, that wasn’t a joke. I’m serious. The company would be nice.”
“Why me?”
Cole smiled. “Why not?”
“We don’t even know each other.”
“What if I wanted to change that?” Cole asked.
“Then you’re insane…” Luris replied as he turned back and began making his way down the street once more.
“I think my insanity has already been established,” Cole laughed, keeping pace. “I did jump a bear twice my size.”
“I really don’t think it’s a good idea,” Luris replied.
“The park then?”
“Why the park now?” the retriever asked as he came to a halt in front of his house.
“Because it’s close by? Well, more for the reason I’d like to hang out with someone and chat really…” the dingo replied. “Think it over, okay? I’ll be there if you decide to join me,” he said as he turned to leave.
“But-“
“Ten o’clock,” the dingo called as he glanced over his shoulder. “I’ll be waiting.”
* * *
Luris sat in his room, staring down at his paws in silence. Several small scars ran the length of both his arms just barely visible through his fur. For several long minutes the retriever sat there, looking over to the closet, a solitary tear falling onto the pad of his paw.
A light tapping at the door brought the retriever back to reality. “Hey Luris, are you feeling okay?”
The retriever pulled the sleeves on his shirt over the scars. “Just feeling a little sick…”
“Still?” The door opened, as an older retriever walked in, looking over at him. “Are you sure you’re okay? You could see the doctor you know,” She said, sitting down beside him.
“Yeah, fine…just a bit tired and a headache,” He replied, smiling slightly. “It’ll go away sooner or later.”
“It’s been constant over the past few weeks-“
“I’m fine, mom…I just need some rest is all…”
“If you’re sure.”
“Yeah…I’m sure.”
“Well, alright. Let me know if you change your mind, okay?”
“Yeah, I will.”
“Sleep well then.”
* * *
Cole paced back and forth along the park, glancing anxiously down the road every few minutes. The dingo paused to check his watch, heaving a heavy sigh. 10:23… No surprise; the retriever hadn’t shown. Frustrated, the dingo threw himself down at the base of a tree and lay back, staring blankly at the stars for a few minutes before eventually folding his arms over his face.
It wasn’t long after he had dozed off when he felt a light prod against his side followed by a quiet voice.
“Uh, hello? Cole?”
The canine gave a quiet grumble as he turned on his side and curled up.
“Oh come on…”
“Mmmf… OH CRAP!”
The dingo hopped up and brushed his fur out hastily, turning his attention to the speaker. “Uh, hi…sorry about that…”
“Ah, you live.”
“Yeah, uh…kind of fell asleep for a little bit… What time is it?”
“Around eleven…sorry I didn’t show up earlier…”
“Ch, it’s fine. Don’t worry about it.”
“Why’re you still here?” the retriever asked, moving to lean up against the tree. “I imagine you’ve been here for well over an hour.”
“Just waiting for you.”
“But why wait so long?”
“To be honest…I don’t have anywhere else to be.”
“You could just go to bed, no?”
The dingo lowered his head, letting his ears droop a bit. “I mean, I really don’t have anywhere else to be.”
“…Your family?”
“Heh, haven’t got any. We might be related, but I won’t be associated with them…”
“Oh…I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be,” The dingo said, giving the retriever a smile. “I’m just glad you decided to come by.”
“Yeah well…I almost didn’t,” he replied. “Why’d you ask me, though?”
“Because it seemed like you could use someone to hang out with occasionally. I know I could.”
The retriever smiled slightly for a moment, though it faded quickly. “Surely there were others to ask.”
The dingo sat down, patting the spot beside him. “There were hundreds. You’ve seen the amount of students in the school… But none of them are you.”
The retriever hesitated for a moment before taking the spot, holding his knees up against his chest. “What makes me so different? Everyone’s always seeking me out, why?”
“Honestly, it was kind of a spur of the moment thing…that and I thought you might enjoy some company.”
“I don’t really do well with company.”
The dingo paused for a moment, glancing over. “Why is that?”
The retriever smirked slightly. “Seth makes it obvious, I’m sure you’ve noticed.”
“Hah, as if I could actually take that idiot seriously.” The dingo replied. “Nothing he says has ever held true, as far as I can tell.”
“So those rumors mean nothing to you then?”
The dingo gave a quiet laugh. “That sounds about right,” he said, smiling broadly. “Rumors are an individual’s opinion of something, not mine. It’s like…oh I don’t know, your favorite meal. Others might agree that it’s great, but that doesn’t mean it’s their favorite. Vice-versa, you could hate something when others like it. Jumping on a bandwagon based on someone’s personal opinions is a dumb idea.”
“I…guess that’s a relief.” Luris said.
“So why did you decide to join me if it makes you uncomfortable?”
Luris sighed and lay back. “I guess because I wanted to give myself one more chance.”
“What do you mean?”
“I…wasn’t intending to be around after school.”
“Around...?”
“I…had been thinking it over for a couple months. I wanted to prove to myself that there was something left for me this morning but…trying to talk with my family, it seemed like it’d be better if I wasn’t there to cause worry anymore. Throughout the day, I had a lot of the others harassing me and I just wanted it all to end. Seth kind of drove it home. I don’t fit in with the others. Then well…you decided to step in. I spent a good while at home just thinking. There really wasn’t much left to do besides pick up the knife...”
“O-oh…” Cole replied, lowering his gaze slightly, letting his ears droop. “I’m sorry… For what it’s worth, I’m glad you decided to come.”
“Thanks, I guess,” Luris replied. “In a sort of round about messed up way, I owe you my life.”
Cole smiled as he nudged the retriever lightly. “In that case you can hang around with me until you can return the favor, yes?”
The retriever let out a quiet laugh. “I suppose that’s fair.”
“Excellent!”
“One thing that bothers me though… Where do you intend on sleeping?”
“Hmm? Oh…I’ll probably just nap out here again,” Cole replied. “It’s actually kind of nice once you get used to it.”
Luris shifted uncomfortably. “I…well, mind if I joined you?”
“What? Out here?”
“Well…yeah…I don’t want to go back to my room.”
“Why not? Surely a bed is more comfortable than the ground…”
Lurus chuckled. “There’s grass, it’s not too terrible. Like you said, it’s kind of nice once you get used to it.”
“But you do have the option to go…I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’d love the company, but don’t feel like you need to stay.”
“It’s really just that I can’t deal with it right now…”
“Oh… yeah, I understand.”
The two lay in silence for several moments, each left to their own thoughts. The wind whispered quietly as it tickled the leaves of the tree, causing them to dance about. The moonlight barely shone through, the brief glimpse of light through the leaves one akin to the fireflies that fluttered about.
“Do you mind if I asked you a personal question…?” Luris asked, his eyes following two particular insects as they danced around one another.
“Hmm? Fire away.”
“About your family…did something happen?”
The dingo sighed quietly taking a few moments to gather his thoughts. “In a sense… I don’t really like talking about them much though…”
“It’s okay if you don’t want to,” Luris began.
“No, it’s just that I’m not too fond of what they’re like is all. My mother is constantly putting me down, saying that everything I do is a mistake and that it’s wrong. My father is no different. They want me to do things on my own, but exactly as they say.”
“That’s unfortunate.”
“Heh, it gets worse,” Cole said quietly. “Lately they’ve decided that everything is up to me. I need to balance school with work and household chores. Not only that, but everything needs to be perfect. If I’m even a little bit late or if I missed the smallest detail on anything they freak out.”
“I guess that explains why you stay out here.”
“Yeah…I can’t be a part of their family so I make my own.”
“Sorry what?”
Cole chuckled. “I see my friends as my family. The furs I spend time with are my siblings. My teachers have kind of become my parents, aunts, and uncles.”
“What happens when you graduate?”
“I move out,” Cole said. “I might come back and visit, but it’s not as though I’ll forget everyone.”
“That makes sense,” Luris said. “I wonder if I’ll find my own family…?” he muttered, closing his eyes.
Cole glanced over and smiled to himself, returning his gaze to the stars above. I believe you already have.
* * *
Over the next few days, Luris found himself caught in a whirlwind of emotion. The rumors were still the same. He was still picked on and more often than not he found himself seeking solitude hiding out behind the school. Cole had managed to find him hiding out and joined him. In the final week of classes, a panther caught the two as they made their way off campus.
“Oi, Cole!”
The dingo turned to look over as a panther made her way over, eyeing the two curiously.
“Geez you’re a hard one to find.”
“Hello to you as well, Kara,” Cole said. “Haven’t seen you around lately…”
“Me? Uh-uh, you’re the one who went ‘n disappeared off the face of the earth!”
“Ah, sorry about that,” Cole replied.
“Ach, worry less,” The panther said, waving a paw dismissively. “So, I’m curious. who’s your boyfriend?”
“I…” Cole started, pausing for a moment. “Sorry what?”
“Your boyfriend, yes?”
Luris glanced over exchanging a confused glance with the dingo. “I think you might have the wrong dingo,” he said.
“No way I’d mistake Cole for someone else hon.”
“We’re not…where the hell did you get that idea?” Cole asked.
“It’s been floating around the academy, haven’t you heard?”
“What? No, I haven’t.”
“Ah...that explains things a bit. Anyhow, they’re sayin’ how you ‘n some dog‘ve been hanging ‘round each other tons. Everyone assumes you two are datin’.”
“That’s not exactly the case here,” Luris muttered.
“Oh. Well, you might want to clear that up with the others. I can’t say I expect them to ignore you two for long.”
“Perfect,” Luris growled. “Just what I need.”
“Eh, ignore them,” Cole said. “We have just over a week left, what could they do?”
“Make life a living hell.”
“Hah, I for one wouldn’t mind seeing two handsome dogs like you two goin’ at it,” Kara said, giving Luris a wink.
“KARA!” Cole barked.
“I…wha-… that…NO!”
The panther chuckled quietly. “Hey, a girl can dream, can’t she? Not like you haven’t said the same about me and Sarah, eh, Cole?”
“Shut up…,” Cole grumbled, blushing deeply.
“O…kay then,” Lurus said as he turned and began making his way down the street. “I’m going home, you two have fun.”
“Ah hey! Wait up!” Cole called, running over. “Sorry about that,” he muttered. “She can be a bit… risqué occasionally.”
“So I’ve noticed,” Luris replied.
“Anyway…after next week there’s nothing for the summer.”
“Yeah, not sure what I really want to do.”
“Would you be interested in work at all?”
“Work would be nice…Probably a good idea seeing as how I don’t intend on attending much of next year.”
“What? You’re dropping out?”
“No, I’m just a bit ahead in credits so I’m just taking the first semester to meet the requirements and then I’m done.”
“Don’t you think that’s a little bit much to take on at once?”
“I’ll manage. What about you? You’re graduating.”
“Haha, don’t remind me.”
“Not excited?”
“No I’m excited, but not for the same reasons others would be. I just want to get out on my own and prove that I can live my own life.”
“Sounds like you’ve got plans,” Luris replied. “You still intend on living on the streets?”
“For a while, yeah… At least until I can afford my own place.”
“I’d offer you a place to stay but I’m still living with my family…”
“Don’t worry about it! I appreciate the thought but I wouldn’t impose like that.”
“At least drop by on occasion, yea?”
Cole smiled. “Sure. You just take care of yourself, deal?”
Luris gave the dingo a small smile. “Ok, deal.”
“I’ll see you later tonight then?”
“of course.”
* * *
Luris sighed quietly, checking the time once again. The dingo was late, much later than was acceptable. The retriever groaned, slipping his paws into his pockets as he began circling the park. The canine found himself standing at the edge of an outcropping as he stared silently into the night sky. The retriever heaved a sigh and lowered his gaze to find his reflection staring back at him. For the first time, the canine felt an emptiness he had neglected to notice in the years past. Though it hadn’t been very long since he had met the dingo he had grown used to having the canine around.
Luris paused in his thoughts, allowing himself a small smile as he heard the leaves behind him rustle. “You’re late,” He said, not turning.
“Yeah, sorry about that,” came the reply.
The retriever turned slightly, his smile fading all too quickly. Cole’s usual tone of voice had suddenly disappeared. The light hearted mannerism that the retriever had come to love was suddenly replaced by a tone all too familiar.
“Hey…everything alright?” Luris asked, the worry apparent in his voice.
“Just feeling a little off tonight,” Cole replied, giving the retriever a smile. “Had a bit of a stressful day at home…”
“Ah…I’m sorry.”
“Oh don’t worry about it. Anyway, what’ve you been up to? You looked a little down.”
The retriever waved a paw dismissively. “Oh just thinking, that’s all.”
“About?”
“Nothing in particular,” The retriever replied.
The dingo was silent for a few moments simply giving the retriever a long stare. It was obvious the canine knew better, though Luris kept his muzzle sealed. “Well, okay,” Cole said, laying down beside the retriever. “What d’you think of Kara?”
Luris was silent for a few moments eventually heaving a sigh and taking a spot beside the dingo. “I think she’s kind of forward.”
Cole chuckled at the comment, giving a nod. “Yeah, that’s definitely one way to describe her,” he said.
“D’you think she was just making it all up?” Luris asked, looking over.
“Hmm?”
“About the rumors, what they’re saying and all.”
Cole sighed quietly. “I doubt it. She’s not that kind of fur.”
“Does it bother you at all?”
“A little bit, but I don’t think it’s worth losing a friend over.”
“You know they’ll come after us, right?”
The dingo smiled. “Let them.”
“Don’t you go attacking anyone again!”
“I won’t…”
“You attacked Seth,” Luris said rather bluntly.
“I was…on edge,” Cole said. “I kind of lost my temper.”
“I…guess I didn’t really help, squeezing by and all.”
The dingo chuckled quietly. “Well, no…but it’s not like you were doing anything that bothered me.”
“What was bothering you though?”
“I was just having a particularly bad day,” The dingo replied. “feeling a little down and generally just upset with my life.”
“Was…it because you were lonely?”
“Hah, might as well just have said it outright, eh?” the dingo asked, giving the retriever a wry grin. “Yeah, I was lonely. Seth hadn’t made things much better earlier that day.”
“What’d he do?”
“Oh nothing unusual. It was his usual teasing really. Saying I was some damn hobo with no life, living alone on the streets with no one who loves me.”
“Owch…I Can see why that bothered you…” Luris replied, lowering his ears.
“I guess…just, the day before my parents were kind of harsh on me…Apparently I wasn’t good enough for them. I guess that’s why it got to me. Your being shoved gave me an excuse to take it out on the guy…”
“I…see.”
The dingo heaved a sigh. “I’m sorry, I know I’m really not the most respectable guy out there…”
“Believe me, you’re much nicer than most.”
“Heh, I try…sometimes it just gets to be too much, you know?”
“Yeah, I hear you,” Luris replied. “I…don’t mean to bring up negative memories, but…are you at home long?”
Cole gave a bark of laughter, shaking his head. “No way. I go home on occasion just to pick up a couple things and take care of whatever chores they decide to throw at me while I’m there. Other than that I might be home for a couple hours at most.”
“Oh…So, what are your plans for the weekend?”
Cole thought for a moment before responding. “I’m thinking of staying at the shore actually…Found a nice little spot where I can just set up camp.”
“You looking forward to it?” Luris asked.
“Oh absolutely,” Cole replied. “I’ve been just dozing off in parks and napping at school mostly.”
This time it was the retrievers turn to give the dingo a silent stare.
“Ok no…I’m not,” Cole replied, his tone changing slightly. “I hate sleeping out in the open. The wind is so harsh and it’s cold. The nights just drag on forever without company. I just want to cry a lot of the time…”
“Alright then,” Luris said. “I’m dragging you home with me tomorrow evening.”
“W-What?” Cole stammered. “But your family?”
“They can be a little harsh, but they’re not that mean. If you need a place to stay for a while I’m sure they’d welcome you.”
“I…I don’t know about that Luris,” Cole replied. “I really don’t like being a burden.”
“You won’t be,” The retriever replied. “I get lonely too you know.”
“We haven’t even known each other for that long.”
“And I still feel terrible for letting you go without a bed,” Luris replied. “There’s a spare room and a futon you can use. And I’m sure you’d enjoy having a warm shower again.”
“I…I couldn’t.”
“Please?” Luris pressed. “I don’t like the idea of leaving you out here on your own when I have the option to help you out a bit…even if it’s just a little…”
Cole sighed. “I…I really shouldn’t, Luris.”
“What’s the worst that could happen?”
“I just don’t feel comfortable.”
“Well then come over after classes are out and you can decide after staying for a little while then. Deal?”
“But-“
“At the VERY least come and relax for a while after class. Get a hot shower and a decent meal for once.”
“Luris I…” Cole began, stopping short as he took note of the retriever’s expression. Despite having a family that cared, it was clear that Luris had felt the effects of being alone far more strongly than himself. “I…accept your invitation,” the dingo replied, giving the retriever a small smile. “But only because you insist.”
For the first time in years, Luris smiled. Not one of mere amusement or entertainment, but one of genuine happiness.
Cole felt a light tapping against his legs and glanced down, letting out a small chuckle at the sight which greeted him. Both canines had begun wagging their tails, eager for the coming weekend.
Part 2: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/11258665/
Part 3: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/12086258/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Midsummer Evenings: Part 1
The afternoon sun beat down on the retriever as he worked his way through the mass of students. The canine kept his head down as he followed the crowd, the fur on the back of his paws slightly dampened from earlier. He held several books to his chest as he squeezed past a dingo out to a more open area.
“Hey, Luris!”
The retriever paused, turning to face the speaker only to receive a rough shove, knocking the canine back into several others.
“S-sorry,” Luris stammered as he gathered his things, fighting the urge to retaliate.
“What a ditz…”
“Watch where you’re going to damn dog,” the bear growled as he stepped towards the retriever.
“I didn’t mean to.” Luris said quietly.
A dingo stepped in front of the bear, cutting him off. “Beat it Seth,” he growled, his tone one of quiet anger.
“Or what?” Came the reply.
“It’s fine,” Luris sighed, getting to his paws again. “Leave him.”
“I’m not going to repeat myself again, Seth…” the dingo said, completely ignoring the retriever as he slipped a paw into his pocket. “Get lost.”
The bear sneered down at the dingo as he stepped forward, towering over the smaller canine. “And just what do you intend on doing, bitch?”
No sooner had the words left the ursine’s muzzle when the dingo pounced, throwing his weight against the bear. He brought a paw up, catching the ursine at the throat as he wrapped a hind paw around the ursine’s leg, knocking the larger creature to his back. The dingo removed his paw from his pocket, giving it a swift flick and opening the knife in the blink of an eye, placing the tip of the blade right in front of the bear’s eye.
“You really want to find out?” The dingo asked, struggling to keep his paws steady. “I catch you again and you’ll be blind, you understand me?”
“Okay, okay!”
The dingo stood and took a step back, reversing his grip on the blade. “Beat it.”
The bear shot the dingo a sharp glare before getting up and making his way into the crowd. Several of the students simply stared in shock while others ignored the spectacle, choosing instead to move on.
“U-uh…Thanks?” Luris asked, tentatively.
The dingo sighed, folding the knife up and offering the retriever a paw. “Anytime…You alright?”
“Yeah, I think so,” Luris replied, taking the dingo’s paw and hoisting himself upright.
The dingo nodded. “Good. Mind if I walk with you?” he asked, his voice taking on a much lighter tone.
The retriever paused, giving the dingo a rather confused stare.
“Just…for company’s sake.”
“I…guess, yeah.”
“Cool!”
Luris shifted uneasily before making his way out to the main streets, the dingo following behind him.
“So, I don’t think I got a chance to introduce myself,” he said, moving up to walk beside the retriever. “I’m Cole.”
“Luris.”
The dingo smiled. “So…Luris, yes? Mind if I ask you something?”
“Fire away,” he replied.
“Would you be interested in joining me at the mall later tonight?”
The retriever stopped dead, looking over.
“Ah, before you ask; no, that wasn’t a joke. I’m serious. The company would be nice.”
“Why me?”
Cole smiled. “Why not?”
“We don’t even know each other.”
“What if I wanted to change that?” Cole asked.
“Then you’re insane…” Luris replied as he turned back and began making his way down the street once more.
“I think my insanity has already been established,” Cole laughed, keeping pace. “I did jump a bear twice my size.”
“I really don’t think it’s a good idea,” Luris replied.
“The park then?”
“Why the park now?” the retriever asked as he came to a halt in front of his house.
“Because it’s close by? Well, more for the reason I’d like to hang out with someone and chat really…” the dingo replied. “Think it over, okay? I’ll be there if you decide to join me,” he said as he turned to leave.
“But-“
“Ten o’clock,” the dingo called as he glanced over his shoulder. “I’ll be waiting.”
* * *
Luris sat in his room, staring down at his paws in silence. Several small scars ran the length of both his arms just barely visible through his fur. For several long minutes the retriever sat there, looking over to the closet, a solitary tear falling onto the pad of his paw.
A light tapping at the door brought the retriever back to reality. “Hey Luris, are you feeling okay?”
The retriever pulled the sleeves on his shirt over the scars. “Just feeling a little sick…”
“Still?” The door opened, as an older retriever walked in, looking over at him. “Are you sure you’re okay? You could see the doctor you know,” She said, sitting down beside him.
“Yeah, fine…just a bit tired and a headache,” He replied, smiling slightly. “It’ll go away sooner or later.”
“It’s been constant over the past few weeks-“
“I’m fine, mom…I just need some rest is all…”
“If you’re sure.”
“Yeah…I’m sure.”
“Well, alright. Let me know if you change your mind, okay?”
“Yeah, I will.”
“Sleep well then.”
* * *
Cole paced back and forth along the park, glancing anxiously down the road every few minutes. The dingo paused to check his watch, heaving a heavy sigh. 10:23… No surprise; the retriever hadn’t shown. Frustrated, the dingo threw himself down at the base of a tree and lay back, staring blankly at the stars for a few minutes before eventually folding his arms over his face.
It wasn’t long after he had dozed off when he felt a light prod against his side followed by a quiet voice.
“Uh, hello? Cole?”
The canine gave a quiet grumble as he turned on his side and curled up.
“Oh come on…”
“Mmmf… OH CRAP!”
The dingo hopped up and brushed his fur out hastily, turning his attention to the speaker. “Uh, hi…sorry about that…”
“Ah, you live.”
“Yeah, uh…kind of fell asleep for a little bit… What time is it?”
“Around eleven…sorry I didn’t show up earlier…”
“Ch, it’s fine. Don’t worry about it.”
“Why’re you still here?” the retriever asked, moving to lean up against the tree. “I imagine you’ve been here for well over an hour.”
“Just waiting for you.”
“But why wait so long?”
“To be honest…I don’t have anywhere else to be.”
“You could just go to bed, no?”
The dingo lowered his head, letting his ears droop a bit. “I mean, I really don’t have anywhere else to be.”
“…Your family?”
“Heh, haven’t got any. We might be related, but I won’t be associated with them…”
“Oh…I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be,” The dingo said, giving the retriever a smile. “I’m just glad you decided to come by.”
“Yeah well…I almost didn’t,” he replied. “Why’d you ask me, though?”
“Because it seemed like you could use someone to hang out with occasionally. I know I could.”
The retriever smiled slightly for a moment, though it faded quickly. “Surely there were others to ask.”
The dingo sat down, patting the spot beside him. “There were hundreds. You’ve seen the amount of students in the school… But none of them are you.”
The retriever hesitated for a moment before taking the spot, holding his knees up against his chest. “What makes me so different? Everyone’s always seeking me out, why?”
“Honestly, it was kind of a spur of the moment thing…that and I thought you might enjoy some company.”
“I don’t really do well with company.”
The dingo paused for a moment, glancing over. “Why is that?”
The retriever smirked slightly. “Seth makes it obvious, I’m sure you’ve noticed.”
“Hah, as if I could actually take that idiot seriously.” The dingo replied. “Nothing he says has ever held true, as far as I can tell.”
“So those rumors mean nothing to you then?”
The dingo gave a quiet laugh. “That sounds about right,” he said, smiling broadly. “Rumors are an individual’s opinion of something, not mine. It’s like…oh I don’t know, your favorite meal. Others might agree that it’s great, but that doesn’t mean it’s their favorite. Vice-versa, you could hate something when others like it. Jumping on a bandwagon based on someone’s personal opinions is a dumb idea.”
“I…guess that’s a relief.” Luris said.
“So why did you decide to join me if it makes you uncomfortable?”
Luris sighed and lay back. “I guess because I wanted to give myself one more chance.”
“What do you mean?”
“I…wasn’t intending to be around after school.”
“Around...?”
“I…had been thinking it over for a couple months. I wanted to prove to myself that there was something left for me this morning but…trying to talk with my family, it seemed like it’d be better if I wasn’t there to cause worry anymore. Throughout the day, I had a lot of the others harassing me and I just wanted it all to end. Seth kind of drove it home. I don’t fit in with the others. Then well…you decided to step in. I spent a good while at home just thinking. There really wasn’t much left to do besides pick up the knife...”
“O-oh…” Cole replied, lowering his gaze slightly, letting his ears droop. “I’m sorry… For what it’s worth, I’m glad you decided to come.”
“Thanks, I guess,” Luris replied. “In a sort of round about messed up way, I owe you my life.”
Cole smiled as he nudged the retriever lightly. “In that case you can hang around with me until you can return the favor, yes?”
The retriever let out a quiet laugh. “I suppose that’s fair.”
“Excellent!”
“One thing that bothers me though… Where do you intend on sleeping?”
“Hmm? Oh…I’ll probably just nap out here again,” Cole replied. “It’s actually kind of nice once you get used to it.”
Luris shifted uncomfortably. “I…well, mind if I joined you?”
“What? Out here?”
“Well…yeah…I don’t want to go back to my room.”
“Why not? Surely a bed is more comfortable than the ground…”
Lurus chuckled. “There’s grass, it’s not too terrible. Like you said, it’s kind of nice once you get used to it.”
“But you do have the option to go…I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’d love the company, but don’t feel like you need to stay.”
“It’s really just that I can’t deal with it right now…”
“Oh… yeah, I understand.”
The two lay in silence for several moments, each left to their own thoughts. The wind whispered quietly as it tickled the leaves of the tree, causing them to dance about. The moonlight barely shone through, the brief glimpse of light through the leaves one akin to the fireflies that fluttered about.
“Do you mind if I asked you a personal question…?” Luris asked, his eyes following two particular insects as they danced around one another.
“Hmm? Fire away.”
“About your family…did something happen?”
The dingo sighed quietly taking a few moments to gather his thoughts. “In a sense… I don’t really like talking about them much though…”
“It’s okay if you don’t want to,” Luris began.
“No, it’s just that I’m not too fond of what they’re like is all. My mother is constantly putting me down, saying that everything I do is a mistake and that it’s wrong. My father is no different. They want me to do things on my own, but exactly as they say.”
“That’s unfortunate.”
“Heh, it gets worse,” Cole said quietly. “Lately they’ve decided that everything is up to me. I need to balance school with work and household chores. Not only that, but everything needs to be perfect. If I’m even a little bit late or if I missed the smallest detail on anything they freak out.”
“I guess that explains why you stay out here.”
“Yeah…I can’t be a part of their family so I make my own.”
“Sorry what?”
Cole chuckled. “I see my friends as my family. The furs I spend time with are my siblings. My teachers have kind of become my parents, aunts, and uncles.”
“What happens when you graduate?”
“I move out,” Cole said. “I might come back and visit, but it’s not as though I’ll forget everyone.”
“That makes sense,” Luris said. “I wonder if I’ll find my own family…?” he muttered, closing his eyes.
Cole glanced over and smiled to himself, returning his gaze to the stars above. I believe you already have.
* * *
Over the next few days, Luris found himself caught in a whirlwind of emotion. The rumors were still the same. He was still picked on and more often than not he found himself seeking solitude hiding out behind the school. Cole had managed to find him hiding out and joined him. In the final week of classes, a panther caught the two as they made their way off campus.
“Oi, Cole!”
The dingo turned to look over as a panther made her way over, eyeing the two curiously.
“Geez you’re a hard one to find.”
“Hello to you as well, Kara,” Cole said. “Haven’t seen you around lately…”
“Me? Uh-uh, you’re the one who went ‘n disappeared off the face of the earth!”
“Ah, sorry about that,” Cole replied.
“Ach, worry less,” The panther said, waving a paw dismissively. “So, I’m curious. who’s your boyfriend?”
“I…” Cole started, pausing for a moment. “Sorry what?”
“Your boyfriend, yes?”
Luris glanced over exchanging a confused glance with the dingo. “I think you might have the wrong dingo,” he said.
“No way I’d mistake Cole for someone else hon.”
“We’re not…where the hell did you get that idea?” Cole asked.
“It’s been floating around the academy, haven’t you heard?”
“What? No, I haven’t.”
“Ah...that explains things a bit. Anyhow, they’re sayin’ how you ‘n some dog‘ve been hanging ‘round each other tons. Everyone assumes you two are datin’.”
“That’s not exactly the case here,” Luris muttered.
“Oh. Well, you might want to clear that up with the others. I can’t say I expect them to ignore you two for long.”
“Perfect,” Luris growled. “Just what I need.”
“Eh, ignore them,” Cole said. “We have just over a week left, what could they do?”
“Make life a living hell.”
“Hah, I for one wouldn’t mind seeing two handsome dogs like you two goin’ at it,” Kara said, giving Luris a wink.
“KARA!” Cole barked.
“I…wha-… that…NO!”
The panther chuckled quietly. “Hey, a girl can dream, can’t she? Not like you haven’t said the same about me and Sarah, eh, Cole?”
“Shut up…,” Cole grumbled, blushing deeply.
“O…kay then,” Lurus said as he turned and began making his way down the street. “I’m going home, you two have fun.”
“Ah hey! Wait up!” Cole called, running over. “Sorry about that,” he muttered. “She can be a bit… risqué occasionally.”
“So I’ve noticed,” Luris replied.
“Anyway…after next week there’s nothing for the summer.”
“Yeah, not sure what I really want to do.”
“Would you be interested in work at all?”
“Work would be nice…Probably a good idea seeing as how I don’t intend on attending much of next year.”
“What? You’re dropping out?”
“No, I’m just a bit ahead in credits so I’m just taking the first semester to meet the requirements and then I’m done.”
“Don’t you think that’s a little bit much to take on at once?”
“I’ll manage. What about you? You’re graduating.”
“Haha, don’t remind me.”
“Not excited?”
“No I’m excited, but not for the same reasons others would be. I just want to get out on my own and prove that I can live my own life.”
“Sounds like you’ve got plans,” Luris replied. “You still intend on living on the streets?”
“For a while, yeah… At least until I can afford my own place.”
“I’d offer you a place to stay but I’m still living with my family…”
“Don’t worry about it! I appreciate the thought but I wouldn’t impose like that.”
“At least drop by on occasion, yea?”
Cole smiled. “Sure. You just take care of yourself, deal?”
Luris gave the dingo a small smile. “Ok, deal.”
“I’ll see you later tonight then?”
“of course.”
* * *
Luris sighed quietly, checking the time once again. The dingo was late, much later than was acceptable. The retriever groaned, slipping his paws into his pockets as he began circling the park. The canine found himself standing at the edge of an outcropping as he stared silently into the night sky. The retriever heaved a sigh and lowered his gaze to find his reflection staring back at him. For the first time, the canine felt an emptiness he had neglected to notice in the years past. Though it hadn’t been very long since he had met the dingo he had grown used to having the canine around.
Luris paused in his thoughts, allowing himself a small smile as he heard the leaves behind him rustle. “You’re late,” He said, not turning.
“Yeah, sorry about that,” came the reply.
The retriever turned slightly, his smile fading all too quickly. Cole’s usual tone of voice had suddenly disappeared. The light hearted mannerism that the retriever had come to love was suddenly replaced by a tone all too familiar.
“Hey…everything alright?” Luris asked, the worry apparent in his voice.
“Just feeling a little off tonight,” Cole replied, giving the retriever a smile. “Had a bit of a stressful day at home…”
“Ah…I’m sorry.”
“Oh don’t worry about it. Anyway, what’ve you been up to? You looked a little down.”
The retriever waved a paw dismissively. “Oh just thinking, that’s all.”
“About?”
“Nothing in particular,” The retriever replied.
The dingo was silent for a few moments simply giving the retriever a long stare. It was obvious the canine knew better, though Luris kept his muzzle sealed. “Well, okay,” Cole said, laying down beside the retriever. “What d’you think of Kara?”
Luris was silent for a few moments eventually heaving a sigh and taking a spot beside the dingo. “I think she’s kind of forward.”
Cole chuckled at the comment, giving a nod. “Yeah, that’s definitely one way to describe her,” he said.
“D’you think she was just making it all up?” Luris asked, looking over.
“Hmm?”
“About the rumors, what they’re saying and all.”
Cole sighed quietly. “I doubt it. She’s not that kind of fur.”
“Does it bother you at all?”
“A little bit, but I don’t think it’s worth losing a friend over.”
“You know they’ll come after us, right?”
The dingo smiled. “Let them.”
“Don’t you go attacking anyone again!”
“I won’t…”
“You attacked Seth,” Luris said rather bluntly.
“I was…on edge,” Cole said. “I kind of lost my temper.”
“I…guess I didn’t really help, squeezing by and all.”
The dingo chuckled quietly. “Well, no…but it’s not like you were doing anything that bothered me.”
“What was bothering you though?”
“I was just having a particularly bad day,” The dingo replied. “feeling a little down and generally just upset with my life.”
“Was…it because you were lonely?”
“Hah, might as well just have said it outright, eh?” the dingo asked, giving the retriever a wry grin. “Yeah, I was lonely. Seth hadn’t made things much better earlier that day.”
“What’d he do?”
“Oh nothing unusual. It was his usual teasing really. Saying I was some damn hobo with no life, living alone on the streets with no one who loves me.”
“Owch…I Can see why that bothered you…” Luris replied, lowering his ears.
“I guess…just, the day before my parents were kind of harsh on me…Apparently I wasn’t good enough for them. I guess that’s why it got to me. Your being shoved gave me an excuse to take it out on the guy…”
“I…see.”
The dingo heaved a sigh. “I’m sorry, I know I’m really not the most respectable guy out there…”
“Believe me, you’re much nicer than most.”
“Heh, I try…sometimes it just gets to be too much, you know?”
“Yeah, I hear you,” Luris replied. “I…don’t mean to bring up negative memories, but…are you at home long?”
Cole gave a bark of laughter, shaking his head. “No way. I go home on occasion just to pick up a couple things and take care of whatever chores they decide to throw at me while I’m there. Other than that I might be home for a couple hours at most.”
“Oh…So, what are your plans for the weekend?”
Cole thought for a moment before responding. “I’m thinking of staying at the shore actually…Found a nice little spot where I can just set up camp.”
“You looking forward to it?” Luris asked.
“Oh absolutely,” Cole replied. “I’ve been just dozing off in parks and napping at school mostly.”
This time it was the retrievers turn to give the dingo a silent stare.
“Ok no…I’m not,” Cole replied, his tone changing slightly. “I hate sleeping out in the open. The wind is so harsh and it’s cold. The nights just drag on forever without company. I just want to cry a lot of the time…”
“Alright then,” Luris said. “I’m dragging you home with me tomorrow evening.”
“W-What?” Cole stammered. “But your family?”
“They can be a little harsh, but they’re not that mean. If you need a place to stay for a while I’m sure they’d welcome you.”
“I…I don’t know about that Luris,” Cole replied. “I really don’t like being a burden.”
“You won’t be,” The retriever replied. “I get lonely too you know.”
“We haven’t even known each other for that long.”
“And I still feel terrible for letting you go without a bed,” Luris replied. “There’s a spare room and a futon you can use. And I’m sure you’d enjoy having a warm shower again.”
“I…I couldn’t.”
“Please?” Luris pressed. “I don’t like the idea of leaving you out here on your own when I have the option to help you out a bit…even if it’s just a little…”
Cole sighed. “I…I really shouldn’t, Luris.”
“What’s the worst that could happen?”
“I just don’t feel comfortable.”
“Well then come over after classes are out and you can decide after staying for a little while then. Deal?”
“But-“
“At the VERY least come and relax for a while after class. Get a hot shower and a decent meal for once.”
“Luris I…” Cole began, stopping short as he took note of the retriever’s expression. Despite having a family that cared, it was clear that Luris had felt the effects of being alone far more strongly than himself. “I…accept your invitation,” the dingo replied, giving the retriever a small smile. “But only because you insist.”
For the first time in years, Luris smiled. Not one of mere amusement or entertainment, but one of genuine happiness.
Cole felt a light tapping against his legs and glanced down, letting out a small chuckle at the sight which greeted him. Both canines had begun wagging their tails, eager for the coming weekend.
Category Story / All
Species Unspecified / Any
Size 50 x 50px
File Size 91.6 kB
Comments