Diminutive silver straights hung ominously before the passage of the slim filament carrying the last remaining hope of the young cub's rapidly approaching destiny. Wet before hand to straighten and fortify the meager strand by desperate yet steady hands, it is guided slowly into the narrow breach with skilled experience. Twitching and pulled towards the left side of the eyelet by some breeze or even the residual static cling of the thread, the sting grinds along the smooth side bending near double back into a loop before a correction draws it back out slight. With the obstruction of the bend removed the tailor finishes the move threading and looping the end a full foot and half down setting the needle proper.
Tucked and knelt down back stage of the Plymouth Elementary school auditorium a tan colored hare holds the back seam of a reindeer custom together as the needle passes through the fabric mending the opening created by a stuck zipper pulled off it's tracks. Wiggling and looking back nervously the snowy white raccoon arctic-fox hybrid kit with black face mask and tail rings flinches and pulls away as the needle dives into his costume. Pausing with a slight air of irritation the hare looks up through his horned rimmed glasses holding the cub steady with a firm but reassuring hand till he kept still. Once the tailor's patron regained his balance and stayed in place the needle flashed in and out in loops and cross stitches to hold the broken zipper closed.
“Why did you take your costume off in the first place Collin?” Trent asked his adopted son through clenched jaw, buck teeth holding the sticking pin and spare needle as he worked to patch up the suit, “You're going on in a few minutes, what were you up to back here?”
Shifting and shivering as his papa sewed him up tight into his suit, Collin blushed and bit his lip his long tail tucked down between his legs as he waited for the patch job to finish. Waving his friends Sarah and Mikky dressed as elves on stage, Ms. Fitzgerald turned and gestured for him to hurry up as the stage lighting dropped and the carols for Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer started up from the class chorus.
“I had to go to the bathroom,” The kit replied in hushed tones as he felt the thread tied off and the dangling ends snipped free, “I couldn't hold it.”
Turning the boy around as he could get a good look at him, the hare frowned as he adjusted the antlers headgear so they stood up straight and brushing a lock of hair out of emerald eyes.
“Why didn't you go to the bathroom before we left the house like I asked?” Trent asked holding Collin's chin with one paw as he placed the red foam nose over the kit's wet black snout, “You had plenty of time then?”
“I didn't have to go then,” The young cub pouted a little frustrated, it wasn't his fault he had a tiny bladder after all, “Where's Andrew at? I can't see him yet.”
“Your father best be finding a battery for the camera,” The hare spoke softly leading the cub to the edge of the stage as his entrance approached, “He'll be ready don't worry sweet heart. Now don't forget your lines and have fun.”
With a nudge Trent prodded Collin onto the stage joining the other cubs dressed as reindeer hopping about and giggling together as they played their reindeer games, the chorus singing out the story as it progressed along. Laughing and calling out encouragement the crowd of captive parents snapped pictures and roamed about for the best shots making the auditorium a bit noisy with the sound of chairs scrapping about along with the songs and action on the stage. Watching pensively from the side of the stage Trent kept an eye on his boy as he was turned away from the other reindeer as well as watching the seats for his mate. Noting the back door swing open letting in a hassled looking sandy ferret clutching a camera triumphantly in his paws, the hare smiled and noted how Collin perked up as saw his other daddy and he finished his lines confidently.
As the play carried on into the next scene Trent was joined at the edge of the stage by an elderly raccoon dressed in a long skirt and sever tight bun behind her pointed ears, a copy of the play's cast and schedule held tightly in her paw. Sharp green eyes wandered over the current class presentation silently in an apparent appraising manner. Nodding in recognition to the current superintendent and making room for her the hare whispered a greeting to his boss.
“It is a pleasure to see you Mrs. Wingard,” Trent warmly opened in greeting, “I do hope you find this year's Christmas presentation to your liking. I know you make an effort to see each one every year. Your presence and contributions are always motivational.”
The old raccoon turned to regard Trent with a polite yet guarded expression on her face, her features world weary and defined by drawn lines and sunken cheeks. As the stage grew dark between scenes the superintendent replied with a stern yet soft spoken voice.
“Mr. Taft, it is a pleasure for you to join us this year,” Mrs. Wingard stated with a tight smile “I can see your own contributions have been well received as well. The play is coming along quiet nicely, a fine new class to welcome into our district. It always brings a sense of contentment to get to know our new students from the start and through to the finish. And what better way to get to know them and their families then a gathering like this.”
As the second scene started fog roiled across the stage as Jeremy dressed up as Santa Clause wandered back and forth peering and waving at the fog in futility. Speaking with his elves the plump raccoon kit went on about having to cancel the Christmas Eve trip as it was not safe to dare the night with no light to guide him. Off to the side Collin held up a red filtered flash light to his face lighting up the stage and drawing the attention of the Santa and the crowd. All eyes turned to Rudolph as Santa approached to make his offer, Mrs. Wingard's gaze held tight on the smaller white furred kit lingering as her paw tightened on her schedule.
“I can't say that I have done much for the play myself, I'm only here making sure my own son is prepared and supported,” Trent spoke with a smile as he watched the play carry on, the reindeer all lining up and hooked to the cardboard sleigh bells ringing and tinkling on the lines and bridles, “I haven't had as much time to see to extra curricular activities since he got here, as well as picking up the extra classes at the high school. Not that I have a problem helping cover some of the history department's work load, I know how tight the budget has gotten. It no problem to help out as I can.”
“Well in any case I am well aware of your dedication, and grateful for your support even if it is more familial focused tonight,” Mrs. Wingard stated with a tight smile, and turning with an curious expression, “But I must admit I wasn't aware you were married, let alone had a child. When did all that happen I wonder? Will I get to meet them after the play? I would like to make their acquaintances and give my regards to your wife.”
Dashing together about the stage Collin lead the group of reindeer guiding the sleigh as it stopped form cardboard house, to styrofoam home halting long enough for Jeremy to wiggle down the chimney and deliver the presents. While he watched the play on going, Trent pressed his lips together in a thin line taking a moment to glance at Andrew out in the crowd snapping pictures and back again at Collin running about the stage. He was surprised at his hesitation as well as the instinctual defensiveness that crept up his spine in regards to his family and the consideration others would take to it. This hadn't been expected but the hare didn't shy away, only choosing his words cautiously and supporting them with conviction as he always had prior.
“I actually have no wife Mrs. Wingard, and my son is not my own he is adopted,” Trent confided turning to look the superintendent in the face, steady and unashamed, “Recently so, just this past October. Though if you'd like to him and my mate, I would be happy to introduce you after the play is through.”
“It would be a pleasure Mr. Taft, I welcome the chance to meet them,” The old raccoon educator stated as she turned to watch the play wrapping up, the audience clapping as the cubs stood in a line bowing together, “And I shouldn't pry into your personal affairs, no need to feel put out dear. It is not mine to judge, but if it would make you feel better I can think of few others that would make as fit a parent such as yourself. I have seen the effort you put into instilling creativity with your students, and you are no slouch when it comes to fighting for improvements within the district. I am sure you'll find raising your son quiet fulfilling indeed.”
With the sincere statement from his superior Trent found the tension that had risen earlier fading away into the background leaving the hare feeling relived though intrigued with this new facet of himself. As the students broke up and came off through the back stage Collin stopped before Trent giving him a hug and letting his papa pull the thread holding his costume together off. Stepping out the kit was leaking excitement and stage nerves as he pointed out all his lines and how they all came out proper asking if Trent had seen it all. Looking down on the lively boy Mrs. Wingard watched with a sudden burst of apprehension in her expression that flicked across her face for but a moment, replaced quickly with a pleasant smile as she was introduced to the boy.
“You did a good job Collin, I'm so proud of you,” Trent spoke with a smile as he knelt down to help the kit out of his suit before turning to introduce him to the superintendent, “Mrs. Wingard this is my son Collin Conway. Collin say hello to Mrs. Wingard, she's the superintendent for the school district.”
“Hello Mrs. Wingard, it's nice to meet you,” The kit smiled up holding out his paw like a gentle man should, letting the old raccoon take his paw in her own, “Did you like the play? I got to play Rudolph, but I almost missed the play cause my zipper got stuck.”
Mrs. Wingard held Collin's paw gently as they shook hands, her fingers stroking the back of his paw softly as she held it her eyes softening as she spoke to the cub.
“It's a pleasure to meet you Collin,” She stated warmly as she looked the boy over, “I must say you played a good Rudolph, you must have practice well before the play. Are you having a good time in your new school? I now it can be hard when you first come into a new place.”
Collin nods at the question feeling a bit shy at the slight scrutiny, backing up and holding onto Trent tightly as they talked.
“It's OK in class, I got couple good friends,” The kit stated openly his long bushy tail curling about his legs, “I like Ms. Fitzgerald a lot, she's a good teacher. Its not so bad here, its a nice school.”
“Ms. Fitzgerald is a fine teacher, I'm sure you'll learn a lot in her class,” Mrs. Wingard stated as she stood and looked across the back stage as Andrew came up to scoop Collin into his arms, “And let me guess this would be your mate Mr. Taft?”
The hare took a hold of Andrew's paw as he introduced his mate to the superintendent, the lanky ferret giving the old raccoon an appraising look of his own.
“You are correct Mrs. Wingard, this is Andrew Hendricks my mate,” Trent introduced noting his companion's guarded expression praying for him to be polite, “He shares custody with me, and he also serves in the Army Reserve.”
“Mrs. Wingard,” Andrew greeted holding out his paw to shake, curious on how open Trent had been with his introduction, “It is an honor to meet you.”
“Like wise Mr. Hendricks,” The superintendent stated giving the ferret a firm grasp as they shook paws. Her tone was polite and polished once more, the picture perfect of professionalism, “And may I thank you for your serve in these trying times. I can understand how burdensome it must be for you, considering all the conditions involved. Your lucky to have the companionship and trust of Trent here, I can only imagine what comfort it must bring.”
Andrew smiled back tightly taking it all in at face value, but suspicious none the less as he was far less trusting then his mate. But good manners had been shown and it would not do well to respond with less then offered. He had an example to make for Collin after all, and Trent's silent sidelong glance bore into him relentlessly.
“It is a great comfort Mrs. Wingard, one that I share and return to him unconditional,” The ferret stated boldly shift Collin in his arms so the kit could rest easily, “It is well that he has such an understanding boss and environment to work in, it is very reassuring for me. I thank you for being so understanding about it.”
“Understanding and respecting differences are not necessarily the same Mr. Hendricks,” The old raccoon said with a bemused expression, “But so long as you both care for each other, and hold faithful to one another and your son, how can I say anything negative about it. Take care of them Mr. Hendricks and all should work out in the end. Now if your excuse me there are other I must attend to. Do have a good evening, it was a pleasure to meet you, and you as well Collin.”
“Bye Mrs. Wingard,” The small white kit waved as the superintendent took her leave, turning to mingle with the other parents and students leaving the trio to their own devices.
“Do you really think it was a good idea to let her know,” Andrew asked Trent as they headed to the jeep outside and towards home, “You do know there is no anti discrimination law for us in the state. She could try to fire you.”
Collin looked over at Trent worried as he heard his father speak in hushed tones, not understanding why anyone would want to fire his other papa. Concerned and confused the kit reached over for the hare to take him in his arms as he inquired about it. Taking the cub into his own arms Trent shoot an irritated warning look at Andrew.
“Why would she want to fire you? I thought she liked you?” Collins asked looking up with a frown as Trent lifted him up as Andrew held open the door.
“She's not going to fire me, she has no reason too,” The hare reassured his mate and son both, helping the boy into the car seat once they got to his jeep, “And besides I have a contract that says nothing about sexual orientation, nor is there any rules about marriage. And even if there were we aren't married. So there is nothing to worry about Collin, you dad's just being paranoid.”
“Just being cautious, you never know when someone will try to make an issue over it,” Andrew stated stubbornly as they drove home, “And besides I don't feel as if it was any of her business to know about it all.”
“We'll get into it once we get home,” Trent sighed looking back as Collin started to doze off as the jeep rode along, “But we will be talking about, I promise you that.”
“You in trouble dad?” Collin called out sleepy knowing that tone from Trent's voice well enough by now, “What you do?”
“I'm not sure kidio, but its best I don't dig any deeper,” Andrew quipped as he took his mate paw in his own, “But its nothing to worry about, just think about all the presents you're going to get on Christmas.”
The drive home was quiet form then on, Collin quickly falling asleep in the back half way along leaving his parents in silence though there was a tension in the air. Holding his peace till they got home, Trent unbuckled Collin lifted the sleeping kit up and carried him to his room putting him to bed. Once he was sure his son was safe and asleep, he returned to his own room were his mate was getting ready for bed looking up expectantly. Walking over Trent knelt down slowly unbuttoning the side of Andrew left pant leg revealing the prosthetic attached at the knee.
Holding still and letting his mate pull the velcro straps free and slide the steel and plastic facsimile off his stump, the war veteran sighed and relaxed into the care being offered. Soft nimble fingers stroked the scar tissue and pelt under his knee, caressing gently along the twisted muscle underneath working out the knots. Closing his eyes Andrew felt the old struggle of accepting the loving touch he craved so deeply clash with the total exposure of more then the wound itself. Looking up as he worked Trent kept a close eye on his mates expression, waiting for the tension to physically ease before speaking.
“I know you trust me, but if we're going to make this work we have to be able to trusts others as well not to judge or condemn us just because of how our family is made up,” Trent spoke softly as he massaged the wound cradled in his paws, “I don't want to have to suspect everyone we meet to be against us, and nether should Collin. That's not a healthy way to look at the world. Tell me you'll work with me to reserve our own judgment and find the benefit of the doubt for others. I'm not asking you not to fight when you have to, just hold back till there is proof fighting needs to be done o.k.?”
Leaning back as his mate worked over his limb, Andrew opened amber eyes and looked down feeling conflicted over the matter. His fur rippled and muscles flexed as the protective instinct as well as deep rooted prejudiced of his own simmered under the surface.
“Your right that I shouldn't worry Collin, I promise to be more careful with what and how I talk about such things. But our personal life between us, well it's personal.” The ferret stated a bit sullenly, “I'm not one to make statements, I can leave well enough alone unless instigated. I'm not out to change minds, I just want to be left alone when it comes to you and me. This isn't for anyone else, it's for us alone.”
“People will take notice of us, especially with Collin living with us now. Your going to have to accept a certain amount of exposure. It's just the way it is now, we can't very well go back on it at this point, that wouldn't be fair to Collin.” Trent stated evenly working out the issue along with the muscle cramps, “I know your not embarrassed or ashamed of what you are, and you never truly cared what others think despite your strong sense of propriety. Show me you can be brave enough to give them a chance to show their true intentions. Then go from there with an appropriate response.”
“I'm not afraid,” Andrew stated as he reached out pulling his mate to him, holding tightly as he rested his head in his shoulder hiding his face, “Not of them, not of what they think. I only worry about you and Collin, it is right to put your well being first before theirs.”
“Your not the only one looking out for us,” Trent replied pulling his solider boy close curling about his lanky frame, “We're a family, we go through it together. It's not your fight alone, and you know I'm not some helpless damsel in distress. Trust in us as well, its not your burden to carry alone.”
“That will be hard, I'll need help with that,” Andrew confessed as he nuzzled and held his mate close, “Will you help me find the way, I can trust enough for that. There isn't anyone else I'd trust more.”
“We'll find the way together, as lovers and as a family,” Trent kissed the top of his mate's head reaching to turn off the lights, “You need not ever face it alone. We're here with you, always.”
