Axel trudged through a thick Saturday morning fog. He'd been walking for almost half an hour, heading to a local park. At last, the entrance to the manicured gardens came into view, and right there, standing on the sidewalk, was...
"Isaac!''
Axel ran as soon as he saw the fox, charging him and sweeping him off his feet into a hug. It had been a few weeks since Colt had delivered his ultimatum, and the puma hadn't been able to see Isaac since that fateful evening. Tears filled his eyes as he set Isaac down again. "God, I'm so... so damn happy to see you!'' he exclaimed. "I-I missed you so much; you have no idea...'' Axel swiped a few tears from his cheeks, unable to contain them any longer. "I'm so lucky I was able to get away. Mom worked a double; she'll be asleep most of the morning.''
"Oh, Axel...'' Isaac reached up to wipe the tears from his face. He caressed the puma's cheek as he did so, and smiled tenderly. "I'm sorry... I wish I could've met you sooner... it sucks, you know, that we have to be so, so careful right now... If Colt tells before I can help you...'' He left the rest of the sentence unfinished, the weight of it too great to speak aloud.
"I know, I know... But come on, let's walk. We've got a little time; we might as well make the most of it.'' They walked into the park, Axel leading the way. Once they settled on a trail, the pair walked side by side, shoes crunching on the gravel path beneath them. Their paws brushed against each other, and Isaac bumped against Axel's side a few times. Each time, he'd mumble an apology and space himself away, but it was like the puma had his own gravitational field, repeatedly pulling Isaac closer and closer.
Eventually, after the seventh or eighth time, Axel growled. "You keep running into me. C'mere!'' Wrapping a burly arm around the slender fox's shoulders, he pulled him to his side, holding him tight as they walked. "Ya run track but can't walk a straight line. What gives, huh? It's... it's like you wanted this or something.''
Isaac flushed, the cool morning air starkly contrasting his burning cheeks and ears. "M-maybe... maybe I did...'' he mumbled.
"Yeah?'' They summited the top of a hill, and Axel spotted a bench. Steering the fox over to it, he pressed him down to sit with him there. The pair sat silently, Axel rubbing Isaac's arm and giving him the occasional squeeze for several minutes. Finally, the puma broke the silence. "So... I've been thinking a lot about that night... you know, the night when you came to see me.''
Isaac flinched. "Oh... I know you want to know my plan, but I can't tell you. If you knew, it could screw the whole thing up. I promise I'm keeping it secret for a reason, and I also don't want to get your hopes up if it doesn't pan out...''
"N-no, that's not it. I mean, that has been weighing on my mind, but that's not what I'm really wondering about.'' Confused, Isaac looked up at the puma and found him staring straight ahead, out into the fog. With no expression on his face, Axel cleared his throat and spoke slowly. ``Right before you left, you, ah... you said you'd fallen in love with your high school bully.'' Finally, Axel turned his head and met Isaac's panicked gaze. "What did you mean?''
Isaac's thoughts raced, and he tried to speak. "I-I-I, I, uh, I just meant... I mean, we barely know each other, we haven't even dated, but I thought... we'd been getting along, and I know it's super fast, but I... I...''
The sun rose through the trees, and the fog lit up in a brilliant orange blaze, swirls of mist curling their fingers around the pair. Everything glowed; suddenly overcome with emotion, Isaac's voice choked off, and he rasped out a hoarse squeak. They looked deeply into each other's eyes, burning in the morning light and wide with passion. Axel put a paw to Isaac?s chin, tilted it up, and began to inch towards him slowly.
"Isaac, I... I just want to say...''
...
"I love you, too.''
Axel instantly closed what little distance remained, locking their lips together in an intense kiss. Isaac moaned as he made contact, and inhaled sharply when he felt Axel's paw in the small of his back, pressing his compact frame against the puma's broad and muscular one. They broke apart for just a second before Isaac craned his neck for another, and another, stealing moment after moment in the incandescent glow of the sunrise. The fog began to lift, and they barely registered that it had gone, lips entwined together, eyes shut as they kissed.
Panting for breath, Isaac broke apart first. Resting his forehead against Axel's meaty chest, he gasped, "T-that... that was intense... H-h-holy shit...''
Chuckling but similarly breathless, Axel replied, "Y-yeah, that was one h-hell of a kiss... I didn't even hafta use tongue.''
"Well, now I just feel cheated.'' Isaac nuzzled into Axel's hoodie and laughed when the puma dragged his rough tongue across his orange-furred cheek. "H-hey! That tickles!''
"There, I used tongue. You happy?'' Axel caught the fox's eye and winked, sticking out his tongue. The puma was surprised to see Isaac's eyes get misty. "H-hey, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-"
"N-no, I'm happy. Oh, man, Axel you... you have no idea how happy I am right now.'' The fox stole another quick kiss and then hugged Axel. "I said it on accident, you know. I meant it, but I didn't mean to say it. I thought it was too soon and didn't know if you felt the same way. I'm so, so glad that it slipped out now. I'm relieved, I'm excited, I'm nervous... I think I need to pee...'' The two chuckled. "But yeah, just... sorry for getting emotional. I'm feeling a lot of things all at once, and it's a lot to process.''
"Me too, Isaac.'' Axel wrapped his arms around the fox and began to trace his paws up and down Isaac's back, making the fox sigh and melt into him. "I haven't been able to think of anything but telling you I loved you since that day. I didn't know if you actually meant it or if it was just the heat of the moment, but the second you said it, I knew I loved you too. I want to be with you, Isaac. I want to go on dates, and hang out, and cuddle... a-and kiss... You're the only man I've ever fallen in love with, and I can't believe I almost missed out by being an asshole to you. I can't believe you forgave me. I can't believe we're here, at sunrise, in the park, kissing on a bench, and all our problems seem so far away. I swear, the minute we're out of that house, I'm going to sneak into the A/V club, and I'm going to broadcast to the whole damn school that we're in love. I don't care who knows anymore. Uh, as long as you're cool with that!'' Axel hurriedly looked down and stared nervously at Isaac.
"Dude... I never was hiding it. And I've got the baddest boy in school on my side. I'm not afraid of anything.'' The fox stuck his tongue out at Axel with a wink. "I love you, Axel. Although, there is one more question that I need you to answer today.''
Axel looked at his love quizzically. "Yeah? Well, go ahead, shoot.''
"Well, this might be a silly question at this point, but I don't want any ambiguity, so...'' Isaac took a deep breath and held it for a moment. "D-do you want to be my boyfriend?''
The puma flushed a deep red. Taking Isaac's paws in his own, he stumbled over his words. "I-Isaac, that's... I don't know what to say, I... Oh my God, that's...''
The fox's expression darkened. "Oh... look, it's okay, I-I... I know this is fast, but I thought... since we already said `I love you,' I didn't think this would be that big of a deal. I don't want to rush things, so it's fine if you're not ready...''
"N-no! No, no, no, that's not it at all! Ugh, I'm sorry, I'm so bad at this. You're so much better with words...'' Axel brought Isaac's paws to his muzzle and kissed both of them tenderly. "I didn't know what to say because I just wasn't expecting you to ask me that.'' The feline smiled lovingly at Isaac. "I've waited so long to hear you ask me that question. I was almost afraid you never would! And, I can say that yes, absolutely, Isaac... I would fuckin' love to be your boyfriend.''
Isaac flung his arms around his new boyfriend and squeezed him tightly. Axel quickly returned the gesture, tugging Isaac close and resting his chin on his fox's head. They sat quietly for a while, basking in each other's closeness. Isaac occasionally nuzzled into Axel's neck and shoulder while the puma periodically planted kisses atop his boyfriend's head. Both began to sniffle as happy tears rolled down their cheeks. Eventually, they let go of each other, and Axel swiped a paw across his eyes.
"Oh, man... You're so... cute, you know that? I loved it when you were cuddling me just then, and it made me feel so... special.'' Axel let out a wet chuckle and softly kissed Isaac's nose.
The fox giggled. "Well, you're pretty cute too...''
"I am not! I'm ruggedly handsome!'' The puma feigned outrage. He crossed his arms over his chest and turned his nose to the sky, but kept his gaze focused on Isaac, and a faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
"Well, yes, fine! You're that, too. But, no...'' Isaac traced a finger idly over Axel's chest, causing the puma to shiver. "I think it's cute when you kiss my head, or how you keep pulling me close to you, like you're afraid I might disappear or something. And the way you stumble and trip over your words, and you get all flustered trying to find just the right things to say... That's cute.''
The feline blushed. "O-oh... well, I guess that's... huh. If you really think that's cute, I think... yeah, fine. I'll take cute.'' Impulsively, Axel licked the tip of Isaac's nose with his broad, rough tongue.
"Ew, Axel, whyyyy?!'' The puma cackled as Isaac rubbed his nose into his arm, a full-throated sound that echoed in the early morning light. The fox glared at him for a minute before dissolving into laughter himself.
An alarm on Axel's phone beeped. He pulled it out to silence it and sighed. "Well, I gotta get home. Colt's making me go to a movie with him today.''
"I don't know why you hang out with him still. He's an asshole.'' Isaac huffed and pouted.
Axel snorted. "Yeah, I know he's an asshole. But we were best friends all through middle and high school. I hope he'll come around if I can talk to him about it. I think I'm getting somewhere; he actually jokes about it now.''
"Well, just be careful. I don't trust him any further than I could throw him, and...'' The fox made a muscle, and his thin arm made only the slightest of bulges. "I don't think I could throw him very far.''
"Nah, just kick `im! You've got insane legs, dude. And you're stronger than you think; I can tell just how strong you are when you hug me tight. It almost hurts sometimes!''
Isaac looked stricken. "Oh, hun, I didn't mean to hurt you. I'm sorry. I didn't realize, I'll be more careful, I-``
Axel cut him off with a kiss on the lips. "I did say `almost'. And even if you had, I'd have been impressed, not upset. Hell, I'd love to take you to the gym with me and find out just how much you can bench. I bet it's more than you'd expect.''
"W-well... I can't deny I'd like to get some more muscle. And I can help you start running; that'll really help your stamina when you play.''
Axel smiled at the fox. "It's a date!'' They kissed again, then stood up. "I gotta get going. I need to be home to make breakfast and shower before this afternoon, and I have some homework. My new tutor sucks, man, I miss the way you helped me. I still get stuff done, but it's so much harder...''
"Oh! Breakfast! I almost forgot! Come on!'' Isaac grabbed the puma's paw and took off at a light jog. They swiftly arrived at the parking lot, where a familiar red car was the only vehicle in sight. Isaac opened the rear passenger door and fished around in an insulated bag, eventually producing two bagel sandwiches wrapped in plastic. He handed one to Axel and explained, "I made these before I came out here, but I was so nervous waiting for you that I totally forgot that I made breakfast to share. You can eat it while you walk; it's sausage, egg, and cheese today. Text me later and tell me how the sausage is, I seasoned it myself.''
"I will, hun. I promise. Catch you later. And...'' Axel leaned down and kissed Isaac's cheek. "I love you.''
"L-love you too, Axel...'' Isaac replied bashfully. "Um... you sure I can't drive you home? It's so early in the morning, I can't imagine anyone would be watching...''
The puma considered. "Yeah, that should be fine. And it'll give me a little more time to spend with you, too.''
They got in the car and drove off, Axel eating while they traveled. This time, he couldn't resist bolting the sandwich, and he raved about how delicious it was, much to Isaac's delight. The fox dropped his boyfriend off without incident, and they passionately kissed goodbye before Axel left. The puma practically skipped inside, quietly shutting the door behind him.
"Who was that?''
A quiet voice called out to him, and the bottom dropped out of Axel's stomach. He turned to find his brothers by the front window. The twins had matching curious expressions, and the one who had spoken chirped up again. "I didn't recognize the car, but he's a fox, right? Was that Isaac?''
"Y-yes, that's Isaac... He's... just a friend of mine, Caleb. Go get ready for breakfast, I-"
"You know, I have lots of friends. But I don't kiss any of them. Is that a grown-up thing I'm too young to understand? `Cause we're only four years younger than you, Ax. Pretty sure that's not something `just friends' do.'' The other twin piped up, raising an eyebrow skeptically.
"Ben, you... I don't know what you two saw, but I-I d-don't kiss... boys. That's not... I mean, I would never...'' Axel started to shake, a violent tremor that began on his paws and spread up his arms and shoulders. He hugged his paws to his biceps and squeezed, attempting to hide his panic.
The twins looked mortified. Caleb dashed to his older brother and hugged him. "Ax, no, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to freak you out! I was just messing with you, I didn't think-"
Ben joined in on the hug. "I'm sorry, too. I know how mom can... how she is, sometimes. I should've known better. Look, we don't care if you're into dudes, Ax. A-and we won't tell anyone, promise.''
Axel sobbed with relief. "Guys... oh, shit, c'mere!'' Axel scooped the boys up in his arms and gave them a bone-crushing hug, lifting them off the ground as the twins groaned and giggled. Setting them down, he sniffled. "Hey, you know what? I think it's time for you to have breakfast. You guys want pancakes?''
The twins let out a synchronized cheer at the suggestion, and Axel made each a large stack of the delicious pastry. As they ate, Ben asked, "Ax, why don't you ever eat breakfast with us? Do you not like it or someth-!''
Caleb elbowed his brother in the ribs. "Shut up! You know why he doesn't. Don't be mean!''
Talking around a mouthful of pancake, Ben mumbled, "No, I don't know why... I wanna eat breakfast with my big bro for once...''
Axel's heart shattered. "Guys, guys, calm down, no arguing at the table! Ben... look, um...'' The older puma swallowed. "Ben, we don't really... uh, we can't...'' Ben looked at Axel innocently, and Axel sighed. ``Look, Ben, the truth is you guys need breakfast more than me, and we don't always have... enough. So I just eat dinner later, that's enough for me, I-"
"You don't eat breakfast?!'' Ben cried. "Dude, what the fuck?''
"Language,'' Axel said sternly.
"Oh, like you have any room to talk. You could've had some pancakes. I'd have given you some of mine!''
Caleb sighed. "He wouldn't have taken them. He'd rather us be full than all of us be slightly hungry.''
Ben grumbled. "W-well, I'm not hungry anymore. Axel, you finish this.'' The younger puma pushed half a stack of pancakes towards his older brother.
Axel smiled. "No, it's okay, Ben. I did actually eat this morning. Um... m-my... my boyfriend made me breakfast.''
Grinning, Ben slid his breakfast back over toward himself. "Ooh, he's your boyfriend, huh? Nice! How's that going?''
"Well...'' Axel blushed and looked down shyly. "We only made it official today, so it hasn't been long, but... It's nice. Heh, shit, no, it's incredible! I just... damn, I love him so fuckin' much-''
"Language,'' said Ben, wagging a finger at Axel. Axel stopped, and the three broke out into laughter. When it subsided, Ben asked, "So, when do we get to meet him?''
"Uh, well, that's...'' Axel hesitated. "It's complicated. See, here's the thing...''
Axel explained the situation with Colt and the need for extreme secrecy to the twins. He also told them that Isaac was trying to get them out of the house, but he didn't know the plan.
"Well, good. Mom's freakin' crazy; she keeps going through my phone to make sure I'm not `harboring gay thoughts.' And she won't let my friends sleep over in my room! It's insane!'' Caleb ranted.
Ben nodded. "Yeah, same. And she told us to stop hanging out with one of our friends because he was gay. We just lie to her about it, but I wish she wasn't such a b-"
"Hey!'' Axel growled. "That's not an okay thing to call our mom!''
"But she is! Did you forget what she did to you? We hid in our rooms for a week, we were so scared!''
Axel blinked. "R-really? I... I didn't know that. I'm sorry, I... She didn't... did she hit you guys?''
"Shyeah? I mean, it wasn't anything like you got, but she said we needed "discipline'' so we wouldn't grow up to like guys. It's been better this year, but when she caught you with Colt? Man, she tanned our hides good.''
"What,'' Axel said flatly. His paws were trembling again, but the look on his face wasn't fear anymore. Instead, his nostrils flared, and his teeth were bared in a snarl. He started to rise from his seat.
The twins each grabbed an arm and pulled Axel back to his chair. "Dude, no! You're eighteen, you could go to jail! You can't do anything right now!'' Caleb pleaded with his older brother, eyes full of panic. "We'll just keep toeing the line for now, and hopefully, your boyfriend's plan, whatever it is, comes through. We'll be okay. You'll be okay, Ax. We've got you.'' The twins hugged their brother, and Axel calmed down enough to unclench his fists and hug them back.
Axel's phone vibrated, and he pulled it out of his pocket. It was a text from Colt, saying he would be on his way in an hour. "Thanks, guys... But I gotta shower and get changed. I'm going out with Colt this afternoon, and-"
"Why?! He's an asshole!'' Ben interjected.
"Because he's got me by the balls, and there's nothing I can do about it. Besides, I'm hoping he'll come around one of these days.''
"Okay, I guess...'' Ben looked skeptical but didn't argue further. "...You didn't call me on my language.''
"That's because he really is an asshole.'' Axel laughed and stood up. "You guys good to clean up?''
"Yeah, you cooked, we'll clean.'' They started gathering dishes as Axel wandered to his room for a change of clothes.
Axel was showered, dressed, and in Colt's car an hour and a half later. They were headed to see a late showing of a new action movie based on a comic book series that Axel liked. Since it was still early in the afternoon, they went to the mall to walk around and kill time. After a late lunch at the food court, Axel found himself in a novelty store full of graphic t-shirts, costume jewelry, and...
"Hey, gay-boy, check this out!'' Colt held up a massive dildo, waving it around. "Bet you'd love this, huh?''
"Put it down, Colt,'' Axel mumbled. "I-I don't even know if I'd like it like that...''
The beefy badger bopped Axel on the nose with it, laughing, before he put it back. "Only one way to find out! You've never tried anything before?''
"The only guy I ever wanted to do that with, you made me stop seeing.'' The puma glared at Colt, frustrated that he couldn't be open about his relationship.
The stocky badger sighed. "I told you, he's no good for you! You're way out of his league, that skinny little faggot-"
Axel grabbed Colt by the lapels, pushing his face so close he could smell the badger's breath, and snarled. "Never, EVER call him that again! You may have gotten me to stop seeing him, but you do NOT have the right to insult him. Do I make myself clear?!''
"Y-yup! Yup! Crystal clear!'' He trembled at the sight of the furious puma and shrank back into himself. "I'm sorry!''
Axel released the badger and stalked out of the store. Colt hurriedly followed after him. They walked silently, Colt following behind Axel as they wandered aimlessly around the mall. After a while, having wandered into a deserted aisle in a used bookstore, Colt tried to break the awkward silence between them.
"S-so... you really are gay, huh?''
Axel's ears splayed back, and he muttered, "Yeah, I guess I am.''
"I guess... I guess that's cool. I'm, uh... sorry I threatened to out you to your mom. That was awful, I don't... I don't want you to get hurt again.''
The puma turned to face Colt, shocked. The badger was standing still, looking down at his feet. "Colt, I... You're okay with me being... gay?''
"I think I was just stunned to find out how I did. It was a real shock, you know? I mean, Isaac Talbot, of all people! You used to hate that guy! What...'' Colt looked up at Axel, a pleading look in his eyes. ``What did you see in him that made you fall for him?''
Finally! This could be my chance to convince him! Axel smiled wistfully. "Well, he was one of the first people to really see me. Not as a star football player or as some prize catch, just... me. We started talking more when he got assigned to tutor me, and, well, things just progressed from there. I... I love him, Colt. I've never felt this way about anyone before, and I wish you could get along with him. He's a great guy, he runs track, and he's really good at it, and he cooks, and he's so nice...'' Axel's voice trailed off as his thoughts filled with memories of Isaac, and he especially remembered that morning in the park, when the sun hit the fog and they shared that incredible kiss...
"You... you're actually in love with that fox, huh? Do you think you're in love with someone you barely know? All you did was pick on him for years, and suddenly, it's true love? I don't buy it, man.'' Colt scoffed at Axel, but his paws were balled up into fists, and Axel worried that his claws would puncture his palms. "You could do so much better, Ax. There are better guys out there, ones with a social standing who don't need rescuing or protecting. Ones who have been there for a hell of a lot longer than Isaac fucking Talbot!'' The badger licked his lips, took a step towards Axel and muttered, "Screw it!''
He rushed at Axel and planted a deep kiss on his lips. It was rough and wet, and when Colt pulled away, Axel's jaw hung open as he stared, unblinking, into the distance.
The badger smiled giddily as he wiped his lips with the back of his paw. "Damn, man, I've been waiting to do that for years... Ever since you held me that night at your house, I've been waiting. But I never knew if you were gay until... until Isaac. I guess he was good for something `cause I wouldn't have had the nerve to try this otherwise. Um...'' Colt blushed and looked at Axel shyly. "Ax? You good, buddy?
``The puma's jaw worked soundlessly for a minute before he squeaked out, "I want to go home now, please...''
"What? The movie's in, like, an hour; you've been looking forward to it all week. What's wrong?''
"What... What's wrong?'' Axel let out a maniacal laugh. "You fucking hypocrite!'' Colt flinched as Axel shouted. "I fell in love with Isaac because he didn't treat me like he deserved me! He was kind and gentle, and he cared about me even though I did terrible things to him... I wasn't some prize to him! But you... you think that you earned the right to my heart just because I?ve known you longer? It doesn't work that way!''
"A-Ax, calm down. Remember, I can still tell your mom about you and Isaac, so you're really better off with me instead. I can be better than he ever was, I'm stronger, bigger, and I... I lo-"
``I DON'T GIVE A FUCK!'' Axel roared. Colt recoiled and took an involuntary step back. "I have HAD it with you threatening me. I have HAD it with hiding who I am and who I love. I am dating Isaac. We're boyfriends, and we're in love, and you are NOT going to come between us anymore!''
The puma jumped as applause erupted from the store, suddenly becoming self-conscious but secretly pleased with total strangers' approval. Frigidly, he murmured. "Don't bother giving me a ride. I'll get one myself. I don't want to see you again today. And DON'T follow me.'' The puma's feet pounded against the floor as he stomped away.
Reaching an exit on the other side of the mall from where Colt had parked, Axel got out his phone and called Isaac.
"Axel? You're supposed to be with Colt right now... Is everything okay?''
"Uh, no... no, it's really not okay. I think I might've just screwed up big time. C-can you come get me? I'm at the mall, south entrance. I'm right outside...''
"O-oh! Yeah, of course, hun, I'll be right there. You hang tight, and I'll see you in about 20 minutes.''
"Thanks. Hey... I love you.''
"Love you too. I'm gonna hang up now so I can drive.''
"Okay. Talk to you soon.''
Axel put his phone back in his pocket and paced around the entrance, waiting for Isaac to arrive. When he pulled up, the puma got in his car, and they left, heading for Axel's place. As they drove, Axel told Isaac everything that happened at the mall and the bookstore, sparing no detail.
"Shit, hun... That's wild. I'm so sorry you had to go through that. So all this time, Colt was just jealous of... me?''
"Yeah, seems that way.'' Axel sighed and leaned his head back. ``I don't know what he'll do next, but he's unhinged. I'm going to have you drop me off a block away from my house. I don't know if he t-told... told mom, but I don't want you in the fallout.''
"Are you sure? It's starting to rain, and I'm not afraid.'' Isaac smiled toothily.
"I... I am. I'm terrified, Isaac. Please, don't worry about me. I'll be okay, but... I need to do this carefully.''
"Okay, then. Is here far enough away?''
"Yeah, this should be good. I love you, Isaac. I'll text you tonight.''
"Love you too, Axel. Kiss for good luck?''
They shared a brief but deep kiss, Axel relishing the creamy feeling of his boyfriend's lips pressed to his own. Breaking apart, Axel exited the car and started jogging for home as the rain poured.
Bursting in the front door, Axel shivered in the air-conditioned house. He kicked off his soaked shoes and headed to his room for fresh clothes when...
"Ahem. Axel? We need to have a conversation. Now.''
Axel's mom sat at the dinner table, flanked by the twins. The boys had clearly been crying, and Caleb had a paw on his cheek.
"W-what's going on, Mom? Why are the boys crying? What... what did you do?!''
"Axel.'' She was deadly quiet. "I told you to sit. Sit.''
Trembling with an equal mixture of fear and fury, Axel did as he was told.
What's going on? Did she find out... Oh, God, no, she knows... Was it Colt? Or did one of the twins let it slip? It doesn't matter; I'll have to get us out of here...
I have to make it through this conversation...
Just make it through this conversation, Axel...
It'll be all right.
Just... just think of Isaac...
