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It would be considered an abnormal sight to see the tall red deer stepping out onto the empty basketball court in his old college uniform, basketball in hand. Chestnut eyes looked up into the abandoned stands that, just a few days before, had been thundering with adoring fans. Closing his eyes, Wilmer inhaled deeply before exhaling in a calming way. It wasn’t quite how he remembered it in college, the usual pale hardwood floors and dark lines replaced with dark wood and brightly-coloured lines that matched the team’s colours.
It was truly beautiful.
And Wilmer considered it to be his. Sure, it was the owner that paid for everything, but this was the stag’s baby, his lifeblood right now. And yet, he rarely ever got to set foot on this beautiful parquet floor. But today, he was treating himself in a sense. He was taking the rare opportunity to have his moment on the parquet floor under the bright stadium lights.
Nineteen years ago, he was a powerful force on the court back in Canterbury when he’d wore the Cervidae College colours. He’d been so proud to make it into the prestigious college, and on the athletic scholarship no less. But just two years into his time in college…
Disaster.
A rough game against Queen’s College of London had Triple C struggling, starting to be run-down by their rival team. It didn’t help that Cervidae had a starter on the bench from an injury. And Wilmer, as the starting power forward, was fighting to help pull his team together so, at the very least, they could make it a close loss.
In the middle of the third, Cervidae hit another speedbump in the game. With their starting center already out for an injury from a previous game, things were only made worse as some rough play sent Wilmer to the floor, crying out in pain no matter how hard he tried to ignore the throbbing in his leg. The coach and the medical staff rushed to his side, but there was little they could do for him now.
The damage was done.
Wilmer’s basketball career was over.
The doctors had said he should be able to heal and play again, but complications had set in; Wilmer could barely walk. He’d never be able to play basketball again. It had been a crushing blow, and the only thing that had kept him from a pit of utter depression was his boyfriend. Ariel had taken a leave of absence from his classes in London to come to Canterbury and be with him, to help him with the rehab and remind him that life wasn’t over just because basketball was.
But even today there were times where Wilmer would look bitterly upon his injured leg, always trying to hide his limp, his weakness. Even know, with a brace in place, he knew he shouldn’t be here. He shouldn’t be looking upon the hoop as a challenge as he started to dribble the basketball he’d been holding under his arm.
Unbeknownst to Wilmer, Ariel had started to worry; he was used to Wilmer working late, but the deer would usually call. Tonight, he’d forgotten to do so. The okapi had come searching for his husband, checking his office, the gym, and repeatedly trying to call his cell. When all came up empty, he knew where to look.
The arena.
This wasn’t the first time he’d caught Wilmer trying to play again, trying to relive his old glory days. It was dangerous, and they both knew it, but Ariel could never bring himself to stop the man. So he stood in one of the arena’s hallways where the team usually entered to a massive round of cheers and applause, watching as the stag started moving towards the basket, starting at a walk and slowly picking up speed.
The muscles in his face were clenched in pain and concentration, trying to ignore his limp, ignore his old injure as he tried working himself to a run. He couldn’t manage more than a fast jog as he reached the basket, body shifting and arm lifting as he went for a dunk. He’d barely managed to leave the ground when he collapsed with a cry of pain, the ball bouncing off to the side.
When Ariel saw his husband’s knees buckle, he gasped.
“Wil!” He dashed for the hunched figure across the dark parquet floors, sliding on his knees the last couple of feet to settle at his husband’s side, embracing him and looking him over with concern. “Wilmer...are you alright…?” He got a nod in answer before a mirthless chuckle broke past Wilmer’s lips, the red deer slowly looking up at the okapi with a thin smile and sad eyes.
“I almost did it Ari...almost…” Wilmer murmured before bowing his head, Ariel sighing as he shifted to wrap his arms around the stag’s neck, pulling him close to cradle his head against his chest; with antlers only just starting to grow back, he didn’t have to worry about them for a change and cuddled his husband close.
“I know Wilmer...I know…”
After talking with an old college rival on Twitter (Blake Toivonen, played by paulshep) Wilmer longs to relive his college days on the basketball court, injury be damned. Sadly, it just ends up being a reminder of what he cannot do, no matter how hard he tries.
Wilmer and Ariel belong to myself
Art by pac
It was truly beautiful.
And Wilmer considered it to be his. Sure, it was the owner that paid for everything, but this was the stag’s baby, his lifeblood right now. And yet, he rarely ever got to set foot on this beautiful parquet floor. But today, he was treating himself in a sense. He was taking the rare opportunity to have his moment on the parquet floor under the bright stadium lights.
Nineteen years ago, he was a powerful force on the court back in Canterbury when he’d wore the Cervidae College colours. He’d been so proud to make it into the prestigious college, and on the athletic scholarship no less. But just two years into his time in college…
Disaster.
A rough game against Queen’s College of London had Triple C struggling, starting to be run-down by their rival team. It didn’t help that Cervidae had a starter on the bench from an injury. And Wilmer, as the starting power forward, was fighting to help pull his team together so, at the very least, they could make it a close loss.
In the middle of the third, Cervidae hit another speedbump in the game. With their starting center already out for an injury from a previous game, things were only made worse as some rough play sent Wilmer to the floor, crying out in pain no matter how hard he tried to ignore the throbbing in his leg. The coach and the medical staff rushed to his side, but there was little they could do for him now.
The damage was done.
Wilmer’s basketball career was over.
The doctors had said he should be able to heal and play again, but complications had set in; Wilmer could barely walk. He’d never be able to play basketball again. It had been a crushing blow, and the only thing that had kept him from a pit of utter depression was his boyfriend. Ariel had taken a leave of absence from his classes in London to come to Canterbury and be with him, to help him with the rehab and remind him that life wasn’t over just because basketball was.
But even today there were times where Wilmer would look bitterly upon his injured leg, always trying to hide his limp, his weakness. Even know, with a brace in place, he knew he shouldn’t be here. He shouldn’t be looking upon the hoop as a challenge as he started to dribble the basketball he’d been holding under his arm.
Unbeknownst to Wilmer, Ariel had started to worry; he was used to Wilmer working late, but the deer would usually call. Tonight, he’d forgotten to do so. The okapi had come searching for his husband, checking his office, the gym, and repeatedly trying to call his cell. When all came up empty, he knew where to look.
The arena.
This wasn’t the first time he’d caught Wilmer trying to play again, trying to relive his old glory days. It was dangerous, and they both knew it, but Ariel could never bring himself to stop the man. So he stood in one of the arena’s hallways where the team usually entered to a massive round of cheers and applause, watching as the stag started moving towards the basket, starting at a walk and slowly picking up speed.
The muscles in his face were clenched in pain and concentration, trying to ignore his limp, ignore his old injure as he tried working himself to a run. He couldn’t manage more than a fast jog as he reached the basket, body shifting and arm lifting as he went for a dunk. He’d barely managed to leave the ground when he collapsed with a cry of pain, the ball bouncing off to the side.
When Ariel saw his husband’s knees buckle, he gasped.
“Wil!” He dashed for the hunched figure across the dark parquet floors, sliding on his knees the last couple of feet to settle at his husband’s side, embracing him and looking him over with concern. “Wilmer...are you alright…?” He got a nod in answer before a mirthless chuckle broke past Wilmer’s lips, the red deer slowly looking up at the okapi with a thin smile and sad eyes.
“I almost did it Ari...almost…” Wilmer murmured before bowing his head, Ariel sighing as he shifted to wrap his arms around the stag’s neck, pulling him close to cradle his head against his chest; with antlers only just starting to grow back, he didn’t have to worry about them for a change and cuddled his husband close.
“I know Wilmer...I know…”
After talking with an old college rival on Twitter (Blake Toivonen, played by paulshep) Wilmer longs to relive his college days on the basketball court, injury be damned. Sadly, it just ends up being a reminder of what he cannot do, no matter how hard he tries.
Wilmer and Ariel belong to myself
Art by pac
Category Artwork (Digital) / General Furry Art
Species Unspecified / Any
Size 1280 x 1173px
File Size 111.4 kB
Listed in Folders
Oh god, this made me tear up, and the problem is, I'm not sure if it's out of joy or sorrow. Bets, this is wonderful, horribly, yet beautifully wonderful. Ariel is truly and angel, and Wilmer his so strong in his endeavors. They need each other, help each other when the other falls, and most importantly, they love each other unconditionally.
Great story, I loved every word...
Now if you'll excuse me, I need some tissues...
Great story, I loved every word...
Now if you'll excuse me, I need some tissues...
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