FSE

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There was a loud knock on the door. Jake groaned, turning over to check his phone. Swiping the screen, he noted the time was 09:20 and that he had a new message from Cindy. "Hey! I'm coming over. I'll be there in five minutes." Jake rubbed his eyes and nudged Shawn, disrupting his sleep. Another knock reverberated through the room.

"Hey! Shawn... Jake! I'm here!"

Jake sat up and stretched.

"Hang on!"

Jake pulled the covers off and stood up. Grabbing a pair of jeans, he made his way to the door while simultaneously dressing himself. Opening the door, Cindy threw her arms around his neck, pushing him back a few steps.

"Whoa! Morning Cindy."

Cindy stepped back as Tyler, Josh, and Randall entered the room.

"What are you guys doing here?"

Josh stepped forward and gave Jake a hug.

"We came to visit. I know it must be rough... what happened and all, but we came to make it known that we are here for you."

Jake's eyes dropped to the floor.

"Oh... thanks."

Cindy slapped Josh's arm, leaning to his ear to whisper something.

"Don't go mentioning that in front of him. He doesn't need a reminder."

Jake's ears perked up and swiveled toward them.

"I can hear you... it's fine though. I need to learn to cope with it soon. Our plane tickets are for Monday morning at 8." A tear welled in Jake's eye.

Cindy looked down. "I'm sorry Jake."

"It's alright Cindy. Everything will be okay. I mean hell, I've got Shawn by my side now..." Jake glanced over his shoulder at Shawn who was still rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.

"Hell yeah you do! And I'm not going anywhere!"

Jake chuckled. Cindy stepped over to Jake and laced her arm through his.

"Okay guys, today is gonna be a day about you. We are all on board, so we decided that today was gonna be a day dedicated to you."

Shawn and Jake looked stunned.

"Why?"

"Because when a friend is down you do everything you can to help. That's what friends are for! Now get dressed, we are leaving in ten minutes... and no funny business!" Cindy, Tyler, Randall, and Josh all left the room, leaving them in an awkward silence. Shawn got up and grabbed a pair of jeans and shoes.

Jake began brushing his teeth. "We really gonna do this?"

"Yeah... like Cindy said, when a friend is down, you do everything you can to help. So we are gonna help them help us."

Jake felt the determination radiating from Shawn.

"Alright. I'll go with whatever you want."

Shawn grabbed Jake's waist and pulled him close, almost touching his nose.

"If you do this for me then I can do something for you later." Shawn winked.

Jake's ears swiveled back. "That's a good fox."

Cindy knocked on the door. "I can hear you! Stop making out and get dressed! We are leaving soon!"

Shawn and Jake laughed, grabbing the rest of their clothes, they dressed and exited their room, keys, phone, and wallet in hand.

Cindy pulled up beside a building that neither Shawn nor Jake recognized.

"Where are we?"

"You'll find out when we get inside."

Exiting the vehicle, Shawn and Jake exchanged nervous glances.

"Oh! You two are gonna love it! Trust me!"

Shawn and Jake followed the group, stepping inside the door, Shawn and Jake's nervousness dissipated and was replaced by sparks of excitement.

"We know you two like games, so we found the only working arcade place in 100 miles."

Shawn and Jake caught each other's eyes, wide with anticipation.

"GALAGA!" Side by side, Shawn and Jake raced around the building, finally stopping in front of a Galaga machine.

Shawn grabbed the joystick while Jake stood by. Shawn hit his paw on the "Start Game" button. A message flashed across the screen stating "0 Credits. Insert tokens now." Shawn sighed, glancing back at Jake.

"I guess we should have grabbed some tokens first..."

A young looking Panther walked up behind them.

"I can help you two out."

Shawn and Jake jumped, turning around to face the Panther.

"Who are you?"

Shawn and Jake noticed the group slowly walk up behind the Panther. Randall made his way to the front, holding a paw out to the Panther in an introduction like manner.

"Shawn, Jake, this is David. He's a real good buddy of mine. Told him you two were into this kind of stuff and he said he'd be happy to let you two play to your heart's content. Ya see... he owns this place."

Shawn and Jake were baffled. "You... you're like eighteen... how do you own this place?"

"My dad owned it, but he passed away a few years ago. Left it and his whole fortune to me. I run this place as a side hobby."

Jake glanced down.

"I heard what happened. I'm sorry to hear. I hope you're doing okay." David held out his fist. "Take this."

Jake opened his paw. David dropped a small key into it.

"What's this?"

"It's the key to my machine. All you do is insert it into this slot and turn it and you have 99 credits until the key is removed."

Jake's eyes lit up. "Awe Yes!" Jake pumped his fist into the air. "That means Galaga all day!"

David chuckled. He turned and whispered something to Randall, then walked into a back room. Shawn's curiosity got the better of him.

"What did he say?"

"Nothing. Just letting me know he needs the key by five so he can shut the machines down."

Shawn glared into Randall's soul, examining it for any signs of a lie. "Sure."

Shawn turned back to the Galaga machine and noticed the new message flashing at the bottom of the screen. "99 credits. Press start."

Regaining his eagerness, Shawn slammed his paw on the start button, losing all other thoughts.

Seeming to be twenty minutes later, Jake lost his final life. Noticing the message at the bottom of the start screen now saying "0 credits, insert coins now" Shawn and Jake glanced at each other.

"We managed to blow through 99 credits in a Galaga machine in twenty minutes."

Cindy approached the two from behind, clearing her throat just loud enough to interrupt their conversation.

"Actually, you two have been on this machine for about three hours now. The four of us went and got some lunch while you played. Neither of you have moved except to switch spots since we left an hour and a half ago."

Shawn and Jake stared at each other in total disbelief, not wanting to accept they just lost three hours of their lives.

"That's... impossible!" Jake's ear twitched as he started to believe Cindy more and more. "I swear we've... been here... for... three hours now." Jake's gaze dropped to the floor, noticing for the first time that there was a dark blue fluffy carpet below them.

"It seems you've come to terms with it Jake!" Josh winked, nudging Jake's arm with his elbow.

Jake glanced at Cindy, "Well what else were you planning on doing today?"

Cindy shifted her weight to her other foot. "Today is all about the two of YOU. It's what YOU want to do. We are just along for the ride."

A smile grew across Jake's muzzle, but the hurt look on Shawn's cause him to revert back to the depression he was currently struggling to control. A wave of emotions swept over him, causing his knees to buckle. Jake collapsed to the floor, catching himself on his paws and knees, tears slowly streaming down his cheeks. A collective gasp from everyone near enough to see what happened didn't assist Jake's willpower. Within seconds, Shawn was on the floor right beside Jake, Cindy's paw was on his shoulder, Josh, Randall, and Tyler all stood around, attempting to divert everyone's attention somewhere else.

Jake's paw clenched to a fist as he slammed it against the floor. The burning sting in his paw felt like nothing compared to the sting in his heart. Jake's breathing quickened, causing him to feel light-headed when a voice seemed to grab his heart.

"Jake, I love you."

Jake glanced around him, remembering his surroundings. His eyes fell on the glowing hazelnut color of Shawn's. The sights seeming to instantly calm him more than any words ever could.

Jake whimpered, his arms feeling useless as he fell against Shawn.

Shawn caressed Jake's neck, stopping every few moments to scratch his ears. Jake's breathing was slowing and his tears slowed. Shawn clenched his fist, fighting back his own emotion to remain in controlling for Jake, knowing he needed him most right now.

Cindy's voice finally penetrated the silence, forcing Shawn's attention to her.

"Are you okay?"

She was looking at Shawn, directing to question to him rather than Jake.

"Of course I'm fine! You should be asking Jake that question! He needs the comfort more than I do!" the words seemed to taste sour as they left his lips, a soft growl escaping his throat as he finished. Cindy's stern stare never wavered, anger nor fear ever crossing her muzzle. Her stare alone seemed to demolish all of Shawn's walls, leaving him feeling naked, afraid to look anywhere but her.

"Shawn, I need to talk to you. Now. Josh, Randall, and Tyler can look after Jake. Come with me?"

Cindy stood, nodding to the three males as she slowly walked around the corner. Shawn knew Jake needed him, but his state right now was not good for him. Slowly lifting Jake up, Josh slid in his place, leaving him feeling empty, like he lost his weight to reality.

Shawn rounded the corner, a sudden blur crossed his vision, leaving his cheek burning and stinging. Shawn staggered back, to be caught by a paw grabbing his shirt, pulling him closer to the one owning it. Cindy's soft voice rang in his ears, seeming to be amplified in the sudden silence.

"You need to get a hold of yourself! You think Jake needs you right now... and you're right, but he doesn't need what you are right now! He doesn't need anger fueling his emotion. He's upset and you might be comforting him, but your anger isn't doing much good."

Shawn's expression of surprise was erasing, leaving behind a sadness in his eyes. His tears finally made themselves visible. Shawn caught his breath and grabbed Cindy in a huge hug, his tail whipping back and forth quickly. Cindy placed her paw on Shawn's shoulder, pulling him closer to her.

With a quick squeeze, Shawn broke away from the hug, racing back around the corner, taking his place again having good Jake lay on his lap. Jake's expression was soft, his tears had stopped, but he was still too weak to move. Shawn placed his paw on Jake's shoulder, rubbing his thumb in small circles. A tear left Shawn's eyes and landed on Jake's muzzle. Jake flinched slightly, shifting his glassy eyes to Shawn's. The fire behind them sparked a fuse inside Jake, giving him the energy to lift himself up. Shawn kept his arms around Jake's waist, cradling him close.

"Shawn... I love you too."

Shawn closed his eyes, another tear rolling down his cheek, dropping onto Jake's paw. Shawn released Jake, allowing him the freedom to stand on his own.

Jake quickly turned around, enveloping Shawn in a massive hug, burying his muzzle in Shawn's chest. Shawn felt a twinge of anger push at him, but it was pushed aside when Jake's paw came to rest on his shoulder. Jake pulled away, sniffing. Pointing to the wet marks on Shawn's shirt.

"I'm sorry."

"There's nothing to be sorry for. You know I'll always be there for you when you need a shoulder to cry on."

Jake chuckled, wiping his eyes. Shawn wrapped his arms around Jake's elbows and pulled him close, squeezing his arms.

Cindy's words echoed in his head, reminding him he needs to stay calm for Jake. A paw grabbed Shawn and Jake's shoulder, snapping them out of their trance. Shawn looked up to see Josh and Randall, soft smiles etched in their muzzle. The moment faded, leaving a nostalgic aroma as Jake pulled back, gently kissing Shawn's cheek.

"Well not to interrupt the mood... but we should probably get going... a bit too much attention has been brought to us than we need."

The group left the arcade, being sure to return the game key to David.

The group got in the car, headed off towards nowhere. The radio was playing song after song, ever slightly changing the mood. Finally, Randall broke in, interrupting the song Burn It Down by Linkin Park. Cindy turned the radio down.

"I've got an idea."

Tyler glanced over his shoulder at Randall. "What's up?"

"Why don't we go get bathing suits and go out on my dad's boat?"

Tyler, Jake, and Shawn seemed to revel in the idea. Anticipation spreading across their muzzle. Josh seemed to be deep in thought. Cindy noticed, deciding it was safe to probe his mind, she pulled into a convenience store.

"Hey, can you guys go get some chips and some drinks?"

"Yeah, we will be back in a few."

Everyone got out of the vehicle.

"Hey... Josh, can I talk to you while I get some gas? I hate being alone."

Josh fell behind the group and walked back to the car, standing beside Cindy, longingly watching the boys walk into the store.

"Hey, what's up Josh? You haven't really talked all day."

"Sorry."

"What's wrong Josh?"

"Nothing. I'm fine."

"I didn't ask if you were fine, I asked what was wrong."

Josh cursed under his breath, but Cindy still heard it.

"Josh... I know something's up... what is it?"

"Cindy, I told you, it's nothing. I don't wanna talk about it."

"I'm not giving up Josh. I will find out what's wrong and you're gonna tell me."

"Fine. You really wanna know... I had sex with coach."

Cindy coughed in reaction, letting go of the gas pump, gravity somehow keeping the pump in the tank.

"You did what?"

"I just told you what happened alright. I fucked him. I... I think I have feelings for him."

Cindy laced her fingers into Josh's.

"Josh... I... I didn't know what to say."

"It's... fine. No one else knows. You can't tell anyone."

"How?"

"He came up to me one day after practice in the lockers... and he kind of... appealed to me. So... in... a moment... I... I just lost control."

"What happened?"

"I kissed him."

"He's only a few years older than you. That's normal."

"But... I've never had these feelings for another guy. It's just so different."

"So you're having troubles with the thought of being with another guy?"

"No! I had no problem doing it with him. It felt good. I just... I don't know..."

Cindy wiped a tear out of Josh's eye.

"It's fine Josh. You're smart. You know what's right and you know what to do. You just have to look in your heart and find it."

"Thanks Cindy..."

The boys walked out of the store, everyone was laughing hard except Tyler who was only chuckling. "Hey guys, what's so funny?"

Randall calmed down enough first to explain.

"Tyler was telling us of the story when he accidentally tackled his own teammate during the homecoming game.

"It wasn't my fault! He was yelling and sweat was in my eye... I couldn't see!"

"It's okay Tyler! We believe you. Just hard to think the star quarterback sacked his own lineman!"

"It's not that funny!" Tyler chuckled to himself again, obviously finding amusement in his own misfortune. "Are you guys ready to go to the lake?"

Josh shifted his weight, feeling nervous about anything to do with water, reminding him of what happened.

Jake noticed the otter's nerves.

"Everything okay Josh?"

"Fuck, is everyone that interested in my personal life?"

Josh got in the car and slammed the door shut, leaving everyone except Cindy stunned. Jake cleared his throat.

"What was that about?"

"He's having some troubles, just don't bring it up. He's not in a very good mood right now. He will be better by tomorrow."

"Well he doesn't have to take it out on Jake! He didn't do anything to him!" Shawn felt a growl rumble in his chest, but his swift glance of Cindy's 'what did I just say' stance had him swallowing his pride.

"Shawn... everyone has their own problems and everyone works on them in their own way. Yours may be with anger, but Josh's isn't. You have to respect that."

"I know! But Jake should be the last person he yells at for anything!"

Jake put his paw on Shawn's shoulder.

"It's okay Shawn, I'm okay. It hurts a little, but I can handle it."

"I trust you Jake. I just don't want to see you hurt ever again."

"Then you're not going to want to see me when I get home."

"That's not what I meant Jake."

"I know." Jake gazed into Shawn's hazelnut eyes, basking in their fiery glow. "I know you want to keep me safe, but you can't defend me from everything. I need to learn to fight my own battles... grow stronger myself."

"I understand pup... I just... I..." Shawn was cut off when the door opened, revealing Josh's sorrowful expression.

"I'm sorry Jake... I didn't mean to upset you. You have worse problems than I do and you're handling them a whole hell of a lot better than I am. I'm so sorry."

"It's cool Josh, all is forgiven. Everyone has breaking points. Yours just happened to be me. I don't care though, you have to release it somehow."

Josh stared at Jake in disbelief, wondering what to say.

"You don't need to say anything Josh."

Josh smiles warmly, seeming to spread the mood as soon everyone is smiling. With clamoring, the group shoves themselves in Cindy's car again and head off toward the lake for some fun.