Burning, burning, burning. Smoldering ashes fell descending through the dry hot air. The loud roaring of the raging flames echoed down the streets of Possum Springs. Dark silhouettes of people fleeing in terror rushing away from the scene as blaring sirens drew near. Flickering and flashing red and blue lights accompanied the sound as several fire trucks and ambulances pulled up. Gut wrenching horrified screams of the innocents trapped within the building as it went up into flames pierced the airways louder than any siren.
Bright red glowing blood flowed like a river down the steps of the front building steadily it made its way toward a single individual standing watching awestruck as the chaos unfurled. His yellow fur stood on end as he just spectated unmoving unable to even if he wanted. "Wh-what is this...." the young boy innocently called out his voice squeaky as he stood in his panda covered pajamas clinging to a stuffed teddy bear. The brightness of the wall of flames before him lit up the boy's face it was a young wide eyed fox. The fox's ears bounced up standing on his head as a faint voice suddenly called out at him it sounded close. He hesitantly glanced down to the teddy bear in his arms as the tones seemed to emanate from within the stuffed bear.
"Greggory..... you can't run, Greggory...." the voices called out echoing repeating horridly causing the little fox to quickly drop his teddy bear it suddenly became hot to the touch. Within a mere instant that the stuffed bear had hit the ground it exploded into ashes shooting up into the air. Tears escaped the boy's eyes as he slowly fell to his knees his body unexpectedly began aging rapidly. "What is this... what!" He muttered weakly begging for an answer his eyes distended suddenly noticing a puddle of red nearing him. He quickly raised his head up glancing around seeing blood pooling encircling him. Firefighters ran through the mess brandishing axes raised overhead their footsteps splashed droplets of blood onto the fox's face he jumped at feeling the warm liquid running down through his fur.
"Gregg..... Gregg..." a female voice yelled out her tone was one of inviting familiarity. All of a sudden the sound of the roaring flames and crashing debris and of the screaming victims and firemen ceased as Gregg slowly turned his head. Gregg's pupils expanded trembling as his mouth fell agape he wanted to run away he desperately pleaded with his limbs to move alas they would not obey. "What's a matter... G-Greggory....." the collection of voices echoed out from the whirling inferno as charred blackened figures one after another stepped out from the front entrance of the building engulfed in flames. They stood before the paralyzed fox on the ground who looked on in horror to the sight of his friends burning up right in front of him while he could do nothing. "Why did you let us burn....."
"Aaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!" Gregg screamed loudly at the very top of his lungs as he feverishly shot up sitting in bed gasping for breath. Angus quickly awoke to the sound of a horrid scream he too sat up in a daze. Gregg's heart raced pounding out from his chest he felt so uneasy he couldn't think straight as his thoughts spiraled he panted heavily and rapidly seemingly unable to catch his breath he quickly jumped up out of bed and fled from the bedroom in a panicked mad dash. Angus once he composed himself quickly followed after he flung the covers off as he jumped out of bed to give chase. Angus noticed how damp the bed was the sheets were utterly soaked in sweat. Angus darted down the hallway in his boxers wearing a plain white tee he made it into the living room seeing that Gregg was nowhere in sight however the front door was wide open.
"He wouldn't go out, would he...? oh Gregg...! what's going on...?" Angus concern deeply evident in his tone questioned to himself as he ran toward the front door he stopped for a moment at the stand beside their coat rack. Angus quickly pulled out the drawer he stuck a paw inside searching grabbing a flashlight and his inhaler thinking he'd probably need it he was already feeling a tad squeamish from lack of breath having got up to fast. Angus swiftly bolted out the door not even closing it he had a coat thrown over his shoulder before he ran into the hall. Angus flicked the flashlight on it was rather dark in the hallway since it was nearly 4am the lights in the hallway haven't worked since they moved in. He spotted a wet spot on the tile floor it illuminated glistening from the ray of light. "He must've went this way..." Angus declared before making a quick take glancing behind himself with the flashlight he took notice that the elevator at the end of the hall wasn't moving and slept dormant.
Suddenly a door creaked loudly opening up it instantly startled Angus who nearly jumped out of his shirt he turned spinning on his heel real quick while aiming the flashlight up defensively. "Hey... hey... would you please kill the light kid... my vision isn't what it used to be at my age... I don't need you damaging it sonie..." an elderly female voice called out as Angus hesitantly lowered the flash light he quickly noticed it was Ms Mutbomb standing holding a double barrel shotgun no less. The bear gulped heavily suddenly feeling a tad bit nervous but at least she wasn't aiming it at him. "What's the matter Angus, lost your boy toy...?" she poked fun while lowering the firearm to her side Angus blushed lightly at hearing her refer to Gregg in such a manner. "Uh... yes ma'am..." Angus replied meekly as he scratched the back of his head anxiously. "What's a matter with that boy, this is the third time this week he's woken me up!" She inquired a bit furiously though still showing some concern.
~crrrreeeeaaaaaak~
The sound of a loud metal door opening up suddenly could be heard echoing down the halls of the apartment building. "Sounds like him..." Ms Mutbomb spoke as she turned to walk back inside her apartment a short girl stood inside beside the door looking at Angus with a glassy look in her eye she'd just woken up as well. "You better go get em!" The elderly mouse encouraged with a quick smirk Angus swiftly bolted down the hallway not wanting to waste anymore time. "Grandma, who was that? What's going going on? What was that scream...? D-did somebody die?" The little mouse girl questioned rapidly while standing in a sweater waiting in anticipation for a response from her grandmother who closed the door shut locking it. "Hehe calm down Lori, it's nothing just my idiotic neighbors up to their shenanigans as per usual." Ms Mutbomb uttered lowly as she raised her shotgun up placing it back on the rack beside the door. "Let's go have some cookies, what'd'ya say?" The elderly mouse added with a small smile as she turned looking at her adorable granddaughter who bounced on her heels in sheer excitement she loved her granny's cookies. Lori had just come to visit her grandmother she arrived in Bright Harbor just yesterday in fact.
Beads of sweat ran down Gregg's face he breathed heavily trying to compose himself he couldn't understand why he'd just ran all of sudden he just couldn’t stay put. A sense of impending doom had descended upon him causing a panic attack all he could do was run and hope to clear his racing thoughts. The smooth concrete was chilling it felt quite relieving on the fox's back as he laid himself out on the rooftop. A refreshing breeze blew past ruffling the fur on his exposed chest he was only in his boxers that were stained heavily with sweat. Gregg gazed up into the darkened sky seeing glimmering sparkles flickering on and off, the sight was calming as he sighed deeply exhaling. Footsteps heavy ones smacking repeatedly against the concrete drew near causing Gregg's ear to jump at the sound. He glanced slightly to his right seeing Angus standing just a few feet away with a worried expression plainly visible on the bear's face. "Gregg...." he called out while stepping closer his voice was one of exhaustion.
Gregg sluggishly pushed himself sitting up remaining silent as Angus kneeled down in front of him the protective bear wrapped his rather large coat around the fox's back. Gregg seemed a little surprised at first to feel Angus' soft plushy coat against his back the warm fabric was nice it had his boyfriend's scent all over it Gregg sniffed lightly smelling his aroma was nice, it smelled like home. "You'll catch cold out here like that, especially when you're all sweaty..." Angus lectured lovingly as he sat on his knees in front of Gregg who for some reason couldn't look him in the eye he was too afraid to thinking he might disappear again. Gregg squinted his eyes tightly as his face cringed scrunching up, the scene in the nightmare still fresh in his memories no amount of running would allow him to escape the haunting visions. Angus in teddy bear form burning up into nothing but ashes flashed through his mind, then his boyfriend along with all of his friends engulfed in flames stepping out of an inferno with hollowed out bleeding eyes and devilish grins adorned their wicked faces.
Angus sat his flashlight down aside on the concrete he shifted his legs around getting into a more comfortable crisscross sitting position as he sighed lightly watching Gregg who was trembling with his head lowered. "G-Gregg... can I tell you something..." Angus asked breaking the silence as he nervously twiddled his thumbs together Gregg remained unresponsive though it didn't matter to Angus he was gonna talk all he wanted. "I-I... remember the day that you saved my life, the day... the day th-that I... that I knew I was in love with you..." Angus spoke slowly taking his time his voice calm and soothing as he gently placed a paw on top of Gregg's leg trying to comfort the stressed fox. "My f-father had just got out of the hospital about two weeks later... he'd stopping drinking entirely at this point, though it was doctors orders until he recovered fully. My mom had recently left him and me, I don't know if it was my fault or his... he was the abusive drunk after all, he'd beat her too sometimes. She was hateful and abusive to me as well she never tired to protect me... n-not like you did..." Angus uttered weakly stopping for a brief moment to catch his breath chasing after Gregg this early in the morning was quite taxing on the hefty bear who was still feeling drowsy.
"I... I remember we both had just got out of school that day and it was crazy hot out, summer was still in full swing... you knew I was still dealing with my mom leaving and suggested we go to a pool party together some kids were throwing at the local park, I was reluctant at first because I couldn't swim I didn't know how. But we went and it was fun we had some hot dogs we played a ton of games trying to win enough of those stupid little paper tickets to exchange for a prize. You decided to just steal the prizes that you wanted, you nicked a pretty nifty glow in the dark bracelet while no one was looking and you gave it to me. It was almost too small for my wrist actually, hehe... I should have laid off those hot dogs a little more. Anyway half the day had gone by and the sun was already beginning to go down and yet we hadn't even got in the pool. I knew you wanted too, but I just couldn't not only that but I was... I was a little self conscious back then, about taking my shirt off.... then, it happened I was standing close to the edge of the pool thinking of going in when suddenly someone came up from behind me and shoved me in. It took me completely off guard I fell crashing into the water unfortunately for me I was lollygaging by the deep end too. I sank while resisting with all of my strength I kicked my legs and grabbed out with my arms trying to reach the surface but I just couldn't. I dunno what the lifeguard was doing or if there even was one I could see through the water that people were just standing around some even seemed to be laughing others were just ignoring what was happening. I choked struggling gasping for air as my back fell against the bottom of the pool then all of sudden a shadow loomed over top of me from above..... hehe... it was you... I... I still remember the taste of your lips even now to this day, they were sweet you'd just finished downing a gigantic piece of chocolate cake they were so soft against mine. My bracelet was glowing lightly that side of the pool was darker immersed in shadows I stared up at you your face lightly illuminated by the bracelet you'd given me as you breathed life back into me. You could have simply pulled me up to the surface you didn't have to do what you did, so you must have wanted too I was so relieved. Ever since we first met you've always seemed to look out for me and care for me when no one else would, you've even saved my life a few times....." Angus explained thoroughly Gregg sluggishly raised his head up hearing his boyfriend's lengthy tale.
"I wanna help you, I want to be there... for you....." Angus proclaimed his tone full of vigor and determination as he shuffled toward Gregg. "I'm here now... and I'm not going anywhere...!" Angus added as he abruptly pulled Gregg closer into a loving and supportive hug the fox suddenly choked at feeling Angus squeezing his arms around him. The images of the nightmare seemed like a distant fading memory now as tears streamed out from his eyes descending down the furry fox's face dripping on to the back of his boyfriend's white t-shirt. "An-Angus.... I... I just don't... I don't want to lose you... p-please... please don't let go....." Gregg begged weakly as a single image flashed through his mind of a teen aged Angus staring wide eyed up at him from the depths of shadowy waters while they were lip locked he recalled that moment vividly as his heart pounded loudly it was one of the best moments in his lifetime. That was also the exact moment in time that Gregg decided he wanted to be more than just a friend to Angus he knew that he knew that he loved him.
Angus just sat in silence holding his boyfriend close he listened to the light sobbing from his lover as he pat him gently on the back knowing all he could do at this point was merely exist here with him that was enough. Angus glanced up his eyes widened to the beautiful sight of a clear cloudless sky stars shined brightly their twinkling light reflected in the bear's eyes as he just took in the scene enjoying it for what it was a fleeting but one of a kind moment. A ominous pair of eyes spectated from within the darkened doorway of the entrance leading to the rooftop mere yards away from the two boys it just watched in silence. Angus sighed heavily as Gregg grew quiet seems he had gotten a lot out, Angus could feel a little damp spot on the back of his shirt from all of the tears dripping puddling in the fabric. Unexpectedly Angus forced Gregg backwards on to the concrete flooring a thud could be heard as Gregg's head thumped against the floor he groaned out in pain squinting his eyes feeling a small knot on the back of his head. "O-oops.... I'm... s-sorry d-did I hurt you...?" Angus questioned deeply concerned as he hovered above the fox on the ground who had raised a paw nursing his throbbing head.
Gregg slowly opened his eyes seeing Angus above him he was holding himself up with his paws pressed onto the concrete his legs were spread and he was on his knees. Gregg could feel the pulsing pain in his head it made him smile as he stared up at Angus who looked a little confused seeing a smile on the fox's face. "I'm awake... this is real..." Gregg thought to himself as he sluggishly raised a paw up and gently pressed it against one of Angus' chubby cheeks he could feel the warmth of his fuzzy fur on his paw. "Angus, I... I love you... I love you so much... an... and I'm... I...-" "-Gregg stop... just stop... I love you is enough.... I... I love you too!" Angus spoke interrupting the fox as he slowly lowered his head pressing his lips against the fox's who instantly pressed back like he was starving for affection and Angus was a box of chocolates that he intended to devour. Light nearly inaudible foot steps neared the two who were entangled in one another's affection they were too busy to notice that a sweet smell had begun to fill the air.
Hesitantly Angus pulled his lips away from Gregg's and they just stared gazing into each other's eyes for a moment as if they were trying to capture the expression on their faces to preserve it forever. "Hehehe... hehehe..." Gregg suddenly giggled out so happily and quite surprisingly Angus cocked a brow in slight confusion. "Wh-what's so funny...?" The bear questioned with a perplexed expression on his face Gregg ceased his laughter and just continued to stare he felt so much relief. Gregg lied out straight his back was on Angus' coat so it protected him from the chilly pavement he could feel the warmth of his boyfriend's body heat engulfing him he felt so safe and secure in this moment. "Aghh...." Angus groaned out all of a sudden before flopping over on the ground laying beside of Gregg who seemed a bit sad that he wasn't on top of him anymore. "Wha-what's wrong....?" Gregg questioned a look of worry plainly evident on his face he quickly pushed himself up curving his chest as he leaned forward for a moment to look over at Angus who groaned out in pain suddenly. "An-Angus...." Gregg repeated as the bear abruptly sighed out in slight relief. "Hehe... I'm fine... it's just... my knees were hurting... the concrete is quite hard....." Angus explained as Gregg suddenly burst out into laughter he worried for nothing as he lied back down beside of his boyfriend.
"Hey Gregg... I... I was gonna say earlier... the sky at night is so beautiful here, just like it was in Possum Springs..." Angus stated happily as he slowly motioned one of his paws down to his side he crept it over grabbing ahold of Gregg's paw. Angus turned his head slowly to look at Gregg his eyes broadened to the shocking sight of Gregg looking over to him with a cookie half way out of his mouth it bobbed up and down as he chewed on the scrumptious looking dessert. "Wh-what the hell...! Where... where did you get a cookie?" The deeply confused bear questioned his tone hid slight dismay that he didn't have one too. "You... you shouldn't just eat random stuff you find on the ground...! Even if it is a cookie, who knows how old that is!" Angus lectured as Gregg opened his mouth sucking the entire cookie into it like a black hole. "Hehe... no, no... it's not like that... s-someone left em here... they were..... they were on a plate on the ground..." Gregg explained in between munches with a full mouth bits of the mushed up cookie was visible through his teeth as he spoke. Gregg suddenly extended his other paw holding two cookies in it offering them to Angus who's expression brightened quickly as he grabbed them shoving one in his mouth instantly the taste quickly surprised him. "H-hey... th-these are...-" "-Yup!" Gregg uttered loudly as he shoved another cookie into his mouth they were chocolate chip and so warm and gooy. The sound of footsteps hitting against metal descending down the stairwell echoed out from the doorway a few yards away from the two boys who were relaxing sprawled out on the roof top eating cookies at 5 am.
"I delivered em just like you said grandma!" A small mouse girl spoke giddily as she stepped back inside of her apartment closing the door shut behind her. "Oh hehe that's good!" Ms Mutbomb uttered as she sat on her couch holding a tall glass of milk. "They were doing some crazy stuff up there..." Lori the little mouse spoke as she slowly snuck into the kitchen desiring more cookies. "Oh, and what were they doing?" Ms Mutbomb inquired as she took a swig downing half of the glass in one gulp. "One of them... one was crying a lot... th-though his boyfriend seemed to cheer him up real quick, then they kissssed... for an entire minute, I was beginning to wonder how they were breathing....?" Lori explained all of sudden her grandmother burst out into laughter at hearing that. "They had no idea I was there too, I was a compete ninja! Mae would be so proud!" Lori complimented herself as she stuck a hand into the cookie jar her paw bounced back and forth feeling the cool ceramic walls crumbs stuck to her fur as she ran circles around the bottom of the jar. "Wh-what there's no more...?" Lori questioned sadly as she reluctantly pulled her paw out of the empty jar she licked the crumbs off of her paw teasing her taste buds. "Aww man...." - "Lori!" Her grandmother suddenly called out the little mouse girl turned standing up on her tip toes she peered over the kitchen countertop gazing into the living room seeing her gram holding a cookie into the air. "You can have the last one!" She spoke kindly as her granddaughter bolted toward her.
Meanwhile just a few flights of stairs up on the rooftop Angus and Gregg lie beside of one another they both stared up wide eyed into the night sky though rays of sunlight were creeping on the distant horizon. "That's.... some dream....." Angus replied softly not sure what to make of the things Gregg just told him. "It... it was horrible... it... it felt so real... I actually felt like I... like I was burning up standing so close to that building... the building looked familiar too!" Gregg uttered weakly as he rested a arm underneath his head propping it up the bump from before was still aching painfully. "I... I think... it was Bea's apartment building....." Gregg added his tone low while he slowly turned his head glancing over at Angus who's expression was one of worry for his friends. "Then those voices, all of my friends... their fa-faces....." Gregg stuttered his voice grew hollow as they briefly flashed through his mind the horrific images of his friends bloody burned and lifeless faces he swiftly shook his head casting out his thoughts not wanting to think of that anymore. "It was... just a dream, a nightmare... it's over now!" Angus reassured lovingly with a soft smile as he slowly shuffled closer toward Gregg there noses booped together causing the fox to giggle at feeling his hubby's soft sniffer against his own, hearing him say that and having him so close it really did make him feel better and safer more secure. "Y-yea... you're right... it was just a dream....."
