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Elliot sat at his breakfast table with a tall cup of water. His head was pounding when he woke up. He's not even sure what he did last night. He hoped nothing too crazy. He poked at his food lazily with a fork as he was only able to eat half of it. He rolled around the conversation he had had with Pascal. The lion found that wolf oddly inspiring and felt he was genuine about the things he said.

"Hey Elliot," Troy sat down next to him, "Party too hard last night?" He grinned.

"Heh, something like that," Elliot chuckled, "I haven't drank like that in a long time."

Troy patted him on the shoulder, "You were lookin' quite dandy after midnight."

"As long as I didn't make an ass of myself," Elliot shook his head, "I'm not even sure how I got to my cabin."

"Pascal guided you," Troy started to toy with the order pad.

"Damn," Elliot sighed, "I hope I wasn't trouble."

Troy laughed, "You're starting to sound like me. Nah, man. You were good. You were very huggy and polite."

Elliot huffed, "I guess that's a good thing."

"We need to get back on our workout routine," said Troy as he set the order pad down.

"Yeah, I'm sorry about this morning," said Elliot.

"Don't worry man, we were all pretty toasted last night," Troy sighed.

"How did you do last night?" Elliot asked.

"I did pretty well actually," said Troy, "Since I've been pacing myself, Rainier has been wanting to get closer. He's offered to help support me and has helped me keep my drinking in check."

"Is that the buffalo guy?" Elliot asked.

"Yeah man," Troy nodded, "He's always been a good work out partner, and not once has he ever stated he was only coming to admire me. It was rather flattering when he told me."

"I'm glad to hear that," Elliot downed the rest of his water.

"He wants to go rafting with me tomorrow and take me to a picnic after," Troy chuckled, "It's kinda cute and romantic. Not really my thing, but I'm gonna go with it."

"Hmm, maybe I should join you guys," said Elliot, "Rafting was pretty fun and interesting the last time I went."

"Yeah man, I heard about your daring rescue," the armadillo chuckled, "Hopefully that small fry holds on this time."

"Oh? He's going out again?" Elliot asked.

"Yeah man, that coon has adventure in him," said Troy, "He's been on several outings I've been to. Not a bone of fear in him."

Elliot laughed, "He's gonna end up killing himself."

"Not as long as his guardian giant is with him," Troy laughed, "Bran practically keeps by his side when they're together. He's like the pet of that cabin."

"Bran's just a nice guy," said Elliot.

"Mmm, yeah, I guess, if you enjoy having some loud dude at your side all the time," said Troy as he stood up to go get his food.

Troy was pretty judgemental of others it seemed. Elliot didn't care for that. The lion brought his dishes to the dish bins. The lion was definitely going to go rafting tomorrow. He'd rather hang out with Bran and Hagan than Troy, and hopefully keep them away from him. The lion couldn't help but wonder if Troy was less judgemental when he was drinking. Perhaps the alcohol helped hide the prick inside him. He stopped at the front desk and signed up for the rafting trip tomorrow.

Elliot stepped out into the midday sun and lit up a smoke. He puffed on it as he walked down to the lakes shoreline. He didn't have any plans for today. Yesterday left him feeling lethargic today. As he walked down the lakeside he spotted something rather interesting. Jules looked like he was fighting ghosts as he steadily threw his fists out and did several series of kicks. Elliot approached him.

"Heya Jules," said Elliot, "Whatcha doing?"

Jules paused midpose, "Oh, hey Elliot! I'm just practicing."

"Practicing?" the lion asked.

"Yeah, I'm running through my katas," he said.

Elliot scratched his head, "What's that?"

Jules chuckled, "It's a choreographed exercise that us martial artists use to show off our knowledge and skills."

Elliot smirked, "I only know crazy street fighting."

"I teach crazy street fighters like you for a living," said Jules, "I teach them discipline, technique, and respect."

"Kind of like the stuff Jackal Chan does?" Elliot asked.

Jules laughed, "Yeah, pretty much. I'm nowhere near being a master like him. Those stunts are a bit out of my element."

"So, what exactly does a kata do for you?" Elliot was interested.

"Well, it's mostly used to show your sensei that you have a grasp on the knowledge they've taught you," said Jules, "It's also a great way to keep focused. It's kind of like meditation, but you're moving your body around. Sort of like dancing, you know. It makes you feel good about life."

"Mind showing me?" Elliot asked.

"Sure thing," said Jules, "Entry fee is twenty-five, and monthly lessons start at thirty." Elliot narrowed his eyes and Jules grinned, "But since you saved cute, little Hagan, I can waive the fee."

Elliot blushed, "I just saw him in danger."

Jules grinned, "Come on. Stand next to me. I'll show you the basics."

Elliot stood next to the kangaroo. Jules started to walk him through the most basic kata. The lion followed him step by step. He threw his fist down to the side, then came up with a punch. Jules had them turn the other direction to repeat with the opposite side. One, two, three punches and steps forward. The kangaroo had them turn and do one, two, three kicks. He then turned about face and let out a yell.

Elliot chuckled, "That's it, huh?"

"Yup," said Jules, "You forgot to kiai though."

"What's that do?" Elliot asked.

Jules chuckled, "Traditionally, you do a kiai when you strike on an opponent or use it as a means to unsettle them, or when doing a performance, you use one, when your routine is part way through if you like and, at the end. It's to symbolize a pause or end in your performance."

Elliot chuckled, "Got it. What then? Do you just repeat the same routine?"

Jules nodded, "You keep doing the same kata over and over until you get it right. Once you complete it flawlessly, you get to move onto the next one."

"Flawless, eh?" Elliot took up the ready position, "Ok. Lets see how flawless I can be before my knees give out."

Jules laughed, "Alright then, let's go through this."

The kangaroo laughed along with Elliot as the lion made a fair share of mistakes here and there. Elliot nearly scared the skin off Jules when he let out a roaring kiai. Jules had him take the volume down a bit.

The kangaroo kept them progressing. One after another, the kangaroo showed the lion several different katas and forms. Elliot had no idea that learning martial arts was a slow going but fun process. He had to remind himself when he gets home to investigate doing this a bit more.

Jules handed him a bottle of water, "Good show, man. Not too bad for a first timer."

Elliot chuckled as he took the top off his bottle to take a swig, "I'm probably gonna feel this tomorrow. Shoulda did some stretches first."

Jules laughed, "Oh yeah, I guess I got a little too excited about teaching someone. Usually people just watch me do my thing."

"Well, I was highly curious," Elliot grinned, "Thanks for showing me. Kinda thinking I'll want to investigate doing this a bit more when I leave. Can get me out of the house."

Jules smiled, "It's quite beneficial to healthy living. Helps you stretch your body out, gets you fit feeling, and helps you center your mind. I've been at this for forty years now. Kinda how I turned myself off during the games."

"That's cheating," Elliot teased, "The rest of us old dudes take a hammering while you meditate your way to Shangri-la?"

Jules laughed, "Okay, you brick wall you." He stuck out his tongue, "You stuck things out better than my brick wall."

Elliot smirked, "That is true. I guess I'll have to give that wolf a few lessons."

"Mmhmm," Jules swished his tail, "If you can keep him from trying to snuggle you the whole time."

"I guess he does that with everyone, huh?" Elliot asked.

"Yeah," Jules nodded, "He doesn't get much down time as an officer. He's always giving out tickets, dealing with anger, getting hit and beat on, pulling his weapons out on someone. He's always trying to save, serve, and protect. He gets a bad rap just because of his job. Fortunately he's doing more office work these days, but he doesn't get respect from his superiors in the office. He doesn't have time to make relationships work either. So, once a year, he scraps together all his PTO and calls in a few favors so he can spend a month here. Here, he explores all his desires, wants, and needs. He's always starving to be touched. I'm lucky if I can spend the first day out of our cabin. He'll hold me for hours and...."

"And?" Elliot raised an eyebrow.

"TMI." said Jules, "I've said enough. You get the gist I'm sure."

Elliot nodded, "I guess I've been pretty starved too. But I've been wallowing in my own self pity."

Jules nodded, "It happens to the best of us. I think that's why most of us come here. Gets us away from the family. Gets us away from all the bullshit life throws at us. Is it expensive? Yeah, sure. But it's worth it. I'm just thankful my son agrees to watch my dojo for me every year I come here."

Elliot chuckled, "I left my garage in my daughters hands. She's probably destroyed what personality my employees had left."

"She's a firecracker, eh?" Jules laughed.

Elliot nodded, "Yeah. She's always been a handful. If it wasn't for her, I probably wouldn't have stuck around this long. I was a mess when her mother passed away."

Jules patted Elliot on the shoulder and gave him a polite smile, "I'm glad you're here today. You seem to be making quite a difference for some people here. Even me. Even though you blasted me in the face."

Elliot blushed, "Hey now, that was an accident."

Jules elbowed him playfully, "I know. I'm trying to help you get your mind off things. Enough of the depressing things. We need to have fun. Do you like tea?"

"Tea?" Elliot asked, "Like, sweet tea?"

Jules chuckled, "Real tea. Come on. Let's go on a hike. I've reserved one of the hotsprings for this afternoon. There's going to be tea and manju and dangos. And if we're lucky, we'll get some jerky delivered."

Elliot laughed as Jules led him down the lakeside, "I mean, I guess I can go. I've got nothing better to do. Just, steal me away I guess."

Jules smirked over his shoulder, "You're gonna love it. Also, it'll make those body aches go away."

"What body aches," Elliot puffed up his chest, trying to look macho.

"Mmhmm," Jules chuckled, "You were struggling to keep up there at the end. Don't think I didn't see you wince a few times. You were bold to join me, but if you keep pushing yourself, your gonna hurt something."

"I suppose you're right," Elliot chuckled.

Him and Jules walked a good distance up into the woods. The kangaroo was quite a knowledge pool. Elliot wondered why he chose the life as a martial arts teacher instead of something else. The kangaroo even knew a lot about cars, which impressed Elliot. Like two regular old men, they went off about all the classics they've worked on.

Jules led them up a side path. Up the mountainside and hidden by a bunch of trees was what looked like a small log cabin with walls jutting out from it. Steam could be seen billowing up into the sky. Jules opened the cabin door and led Elliot in.

"Ayyy!" Bran boomed as he bounded over and picked Jules up into a hug, "There he is! And there's Elliot!" Bran set the kangaroo down and picked up Elliot into a hug. The lion groaned as his back popped.

"Ah, hehe, hey there Bran," Elliot grunted as the wolf set him down.

"So nice of you to join us," his tail wagged rapidly, "Shall we?" The wolf motioned over to the hot spring. It looked entirely manmade. Which Elliot didn't doubt as Virginia wasn't exactly volcanically active. The wolf stripped his tanktop and shorts off without hesitation. He leapt into the pool of water. He stood up with his body steaming, and his well defined muscles glistening in the afternoon sun, "Woof! Nice and hot babes!"

Jules laughed as he dropped his clothes down, "You goober. Where's Hagan and Rannulf?"

"When I left breakfast, they said they were going to explore the woods for a bit," the wolf said as he leaned down into the pool so only his head stuck out.

"Explore," Jules quoted with his fingers, "Hopefully they won't be too long. I only reserved this for three hours."

Elliot put his clothes onto a bench. It would seem he finally grew accustomed to not caring about being nude. He stepped over to the hot spring and dipped his toes in. The water was quite warm. Jules patted the lions back as he leapt into the pool. Elliot sighed as he hopped in. The rush of warm water was quite welcoming. It also smelled of honey and lavender. Almost like the bath in the bathhouse.

"Oh man, this feels nice," said Elliot as he sat down against the edge of the pool.

Jules settled in next to him, "Just what we needed after a long day of battle."

Elliot laughed, "Now all us warriors can bathe and relax in luxury."

The door to the cabin opened, "Hello boys!" Pascal said as he set down a box, "Elliot! Hey big guy. How'd you fair this morning?"

"I survived," Elliot laughed.

Pascal winked at him, "I've brought you boys your snacks, and I'll start the tea up for you."

The wolf went to the back of the cabin and turned on a hotplate. He filled up a kettle with water and put it on. He then went back to the box he carried in and sorted out the snacks. He stopped by the hot spring.

"Ok boys," Pascal wagged his tail, "I've got your water on, and the snacks laid out. Anything else I can do for you?"

"You wanna join us!?" Bran grinned.

Pascal looked down at his watch, "Oh, I dunno. You guys were the only thing I had to do until five."

Bran laughed, "Get in here!"

Pascal grinned as he slid his clothes off and stepped into the pool, "You guys treat me too well." Elliot blushed as the wolf sat next to him and put his arm around him, "And you, you get very cuddly when you're drunk."

Elliot huffed, "I really don't remember much of last night."

"You're lucky I can hold my liquor," Pascal chuckled as he gave the lions cheek a smooch, "I carried you to bed all by myself."

Elliot could feel himself burning, and not from the hot spring, "I'm sorry you had to."

"Aww, don't worry big guy," Pascal grinned and winked, "You made my evening. You actually gave me a genuine hug! I like seeing that Elliot."

Elliot chuckled, "I guess you guys have infected me."

"Our kindness is addicting," Pascal hugged against the lion.

The door opened and four more guys came in. Hagan and Gunner, Gunners friend Holt, and someone new. Elliot remembered the lion from the games. He'd never this other guy which he assumed was Rannulf. He was a jerboa that was short and fit. He walked gracefully like a princess would, but had none of the manners considering he was another nudist it seemed.

"Helloooo boys!" Rannulf jumped into the pool of hot water.

"Rannu!" Bran hugged the small guy against him, "Bout time you guys got here!"

"Yeah," said Hagan as he stripped his shorts off, "We bumped into Gunner and Holt and decided to invite them out here." Hagan noticed Elliot was there, "Elliot! I didn't know you were coming!"

"I invited him," Jules grinned as he put his arm around the lion. Elliot blushed several shades as both Pascal and Jules were hanging off of him now.

"Hey Hagan," Elliot nodded up to him.

The raccoon slipped into the pool, "Good to see you again. Way to go at the games yesterday. Had to help Jules ice his face though."

Elliot lowered his ears, "Oh man, now I feel worse about it."

Jules laughed, "I told you don't worry about it."

"I'm lucky it wasn't me," said Gunner, the dragon sat opposite from Elliot, "I might have been a little upset. Jules is cool as a cucumber though."

"Years of discipline," Jules chuckled, "Also, it wasn't as bad as getting socked or kicked in the face."

Pascal stood up as he heard the tea kettle whistling, "Woo! Waters ready!" The wolf pulled the kettle off of the hotplate and set out eight cups. He dropped several bags of green tea into the kettle and let it set, "Hey Rannulf, help me with these."

Rannulf got out of the pool and brought the tray of cups over, setting them down on the edge, "Is there still a radio up here?"

Pascal laughed, "Of course there is!" The wolf pulled on a picture frame and it opened up to a radio system. He put on some samba music, "Oh yeah!" The wolf started to dance. He spun around and picked up the tea kettle. The wolf was making an absolute cheeseball of himself as he pranced back over to the hot spring, "Here we go boys. Tea is ready! Let me get the snacks!" He pranced back over to the table and brought the trays over. "Bon appetit boys!"

"Gimme them snacks!" Bran slid across the pool and picked up several tasty looking snack cakes, "Ah man, I love these things! Here El, try one." The wolf held up one of the cakes.

"Oh!" Elliot took it, "What is it?"

"Those are the manjus," said Jules as he poured himself some tea, "They're like squishy rice biscuits filled with red bean."

Elliot raised an eyebrow, "Red bean?"

"Just stick it in your mouth!" Bran laughed, "You'll love it."

The lion popped the morsel into his maw. The covering was kinda pasty and the red bean exploded over his tongue. It was such an odd but satisfying flavor. He squished it around as he chewed and chewed. He'd never had such a thing. He reached over for another.

"These are good," Elliot laughed as he popped it into his mouth.

Bran wagged his tail, "I love these things! Try the dango too!" The wolf handed him three squishy balls on a stick, "They're dessert dumplings!"

Elliot chuckled, "They look pretty good."

"Hey!" Hagan protested, "Don't you two go hogging all the snacks!"

Bran chuckled and picked Hagan up, "Here friend!" The wolf stuck a dango stick into his maw.

"Mmpf." The raccoon pulled one of the balls off and chewed on it even thought it was far too big for him to work around, "Ahf, geevs, dis is worse tan rying to uck ur dick."

Bran laughed, "Which one's tastier though?"

Hagan blushed as he swallowed, "The dangos."

"Aww," Bran frowned and flattened his ears, "You said I was delicious."

Elliot choked on his dango, "Hnnk, to much info." The lion chuckled.

"Taste it for yourself," said Bran as he shook his junk at Elliot.

Elliot blushed and didn't know what to say.

"Bran, leave Elliot alone," said Jules as he tugged the wolf back into the pool, "Go sit, boy."

"Aww, I was only teasing," the wolf sat down and made the grumpiest face he could.

"Such a precious child sometimes," Jules smirked and poured himself and Elliot some tea, "Here, drink this, sit down, relax. Breathe it all out."

Elliot blushed as he did as he was told, "Sorry. I just don't know how to handle...."

Jules pushed a finger up to the lions lips, "Shh. Relax. Drink your tea, and relax."

"But," Elliot went to protest and Jules raised an eyebrow, "Ok, fine."

"Loosen up big guy," Jules sat down next to him, sipping into his tea.

Bran moved across the pool to sit next to Elliot, "I'm sorry El. I forget to mind my manners sometimes." His whole demeanor had changed, "I forget that not everyone has my kind of fun here."

Jules set his teacup down, "Bran. It's ok. Elliot understands."

Elliot sipped his tea. Did he understand? "Yeah, it's ok. I'm just still working out how to react to you guys when you tease me."

Bran huffed, "Please. Don't hesitate to push me off. I know better. I just like to be flirty and touchy feely. It's not often I get this freedom of expression."

"It's ok," Elliot nodded, "I know."

Bran made a true frown as his eyes watered up, "I'm sorry..."

Jules elbowed Elliot and whispered to him, "Give him a hug. He'll perk right up."

Elliot blushed and cleared his throat. He held his arms open to Bran, "Come here big guy."

Bran wiggled a grin through his frown and hugged the lion to him, "Thank you. And I'm sorry."

"Stop apologizing," Jules interjected.

"Sorry," Bran stuck his tongue out at Jules. The wolf flexed his muscles up around Elliot. The lion felt this hug was taking far too long so he started to pat Bran on the back. The wolf loosened up and cleared his throat as he let go, "Don't think ill of my banter El. Should you banter back though, I won't hold back."

Elliot huffed, "We'll see."

"Elliot? Banter?" Pascal guffawed as he shot across the pool, making a wave wash over them, "Never. I wouldn't dream of it."

Elliot laughed, "You hush. You forced me into this mess."

Pascal huffed as he stood up, Elliot slapped a paw over his eyes as the wolf had a boner for whatever reason, yet again, in his face. "I'll have you know, I played a decent counselor to you. I talked with you and made sure you were ok. I was being supportive."

Elliot laughed as he playfully slapped Pascals cock, "And now you tease me all the time."

Pascal gasped, "How dare you slap me! I'll have you know, my advanced counseling guidances involves that slab of meat."

"Are you going to inject me with good intentions?" Elliot teased him.

"Oh sure!" Bran huffed, "You guys can tease each other, but I can't." He crossed his arms and huffed again.

"Oh, now big wolfle is grumpy," Pascal chuckled, "Maybe I'll inject him with my good intentions right here." Pascal winked down at Elliot.

"You wouldn't." Elliot narrowed his eyes.

Jules cleared his throat, "Boys. Sit. We came here for tea, snacks, and relaxation. We can fornicate later. For now. Relax." Pascal and Bran wanted to continue but Jules stood up making them both shrink back. Elliot now wondered what made them so obedient to Jules. The kangaroo poured them both a cup of tea and they sat down. "Better," he said as he sat back down next to Elliot.

Rannulf chuckled, "You boys are so whipped. It's cute."

"Jules is a scary fella," said Holt. Him and Gunner were doing exactly what Jules wanted, enjoying their tea and relaxing.

"Well, the extra spicy hornwolfs are here," Hagan laughed, "I'm surprised neither of them has burst yet."

Pascal winked at Hagan, "Just you wait."

Hagan blushed, "Call me." He retorted.

Jules sighed as he sank back into his seat, "You boys are always so fired up. That's why I wanted to come up here. Just take a day to relax and ease into everything. Enjoy the smells and sunlit sky. Think of this as a day for meditation and reflection. Look back on all the great memories we've made so far here this year. And our new friends, Hagan, Elliot, and Gunner. We've been humble to accept them and they've shown eagerness, though one is still wary, to know us and get closer to us. We still have more to know about them and them of us. So, stop the teasing and cock waving a bit, huh?"

Pascal leaned real close to Jules, "Are you trying to tell me to behave?"

"Yes," said Jules simply.

Pascal smirked and gave Jules a smooch, "Just for you daddy roo."

Jules sighed and rolled his eyes, "I hate you and love you Pascal."

Pascal chuckled, "I should relax though. Been doing so much work the last few days. Had to get all the games set up, had to double check everything for this weekend was a go. There's been so much testing and planning."

"What's this weekend?" Hagan asked.

Pascal grinned, "Well, I'm sure as you noticed, there's no activities planned for Saturday and Sunday. It's the Dad Camp camping trip. We're all gonna go hike the mountain and camp overnight."

"It's so much fun," said Rannulf, "And! It's a nature walk. You'll all have to travel in the nude like me."

"Another year of y'all telling me what a perfect ass I have all the way up, too," said Holt.

"But it is perfect," said Bran.

Holt laughed, "Yeah, yeah. I seriously hope we don't have to do a cabin challenge while we're up there though. I'll kill."

Pascal chuckled, "Why would we ever do that?"

"Speaking of," said Rannulf, "While Hagan and I were hiking this morning, we saw something unusual. Prison cell walls, like, a whole stack of them. Are we finally getting a sex dungeon?"

Pascal smirked, "You'll find out soon."

"What the hell kind of challenge do you guys have in mind that can involve cell walls?" Elliot asked, "Cause you ain't getting me in one."

Pascal chuckled, "You'll find out soon. My goodness. You guys are always so eager to see what we're doing. If it makes you feel better, they're not for you guys."

"Oh, now I'm even more curious," Rannulf laughed.

"You'll just have to wait and see," Pascal said, "They'll be gone by tonight."

"Mmm, I guess that's what you're doing at five?" Jules asked.

"Of course they're having Mr. Muscles do it," said Rannulf as he ran a paw over the wolfs chest, "All you beefcakes can come see me for a massage after."

Pascal gave Rannulf a smooch, "Oh boy, you'll be up all night. We're using all the muscle we've got."

"Can't even tell us what you're doing?" Rannulf gave him a coy smile.

"You'll find out," Pascal grinned as he booped the jerboas nose.

Elliot poured himself some more tea, "I'm sure it'll be something ridiculous. At least Pascal won't be murdering anyone this time."

"The only thing he's allowed to murder for the rest of his time here is someones ass," said Jules, "Ennis told me after the corporal punishment that Elric said no one can stage a surprise murder anymore."

Pascal laughed, "I just got carried away. Red and Roger did warn me it was too much. But, lesson learned. Though, I didn't mind the spankings."

Pascals radio went off, "Guardians to Pascal. Where are you?"

"Ah man," Pascal sighed as he pulled himself out of the hot spring and picked up his radio, "Pascal is currently at hot spring four."

"Hate to pull you away," it was Sean on the other end, "We need your arms. Elric asked if we could push things up a bit."

Pascal sighed, "Alright bud. I'm on my way." The wolf shook the water off of himself, "Well boys, looks like duty comes early. Hope you'll survive without me."

"Do you have to?" Rannulf whined up at him.

"Yessss, I have to," Pascal chuckled as he started to get dressed, "You guys enjoy the rest of your time. If you need me, you know how to find me." The wolf winked as he went out the door and everyone called their goodbyes after him.

"Poor guy," said Jules, "He's been on his toes the whole time this year. I think they may need to hire some new help for next year."

"I've considered it," said Bran.

"You'd have to leave your life behind," said Jules as he refilled his tea, he sighed as he only got half a cup. He went to go put fresh water on as he dumped the tea bags into the trash.

"What?" Elliot asked.

"Hmm?" said Jules, clearly not wanting to clarify.

"What do you mean by that?" Elliot was quite curious.

Bran answered, "All the counselors work for Elric outside of the camp. He also pays for you to relocate, for your home and amenities, and gives you a paycheck. Basically, if he has a job you can do, he gives you two weeks to pack up and move."

"That's not a light decision," said Elliot, "Is it worth that?"

"I think so," said Bran, "Only catch, you can't have your family move in with you if you want the free housing. That's how he keeps it affordable. Everyone that chooses to have him pay for their home gets a studio home. They're quite cute."

"Family can visit though, yeah?" Elliot asked.

"Of course," said Jules, "Taking a position with his company is fulfilling, and he treats everyone quite well. He'd never forbid family from visiting. I see it more of a place where one can go when they've run out of options or they have nothing to lose, or you're just really easy going and bored with normal life. Like Pascal."

Elliot looked into the bottom of his empty tea cup, "Maybe I can look into it."

"Oh?" Hagan piped in, "Is life at home not working?"

"I don't know," said Elliot, "I've been stagnant for a long time now. Maybe a fresh start is what I need."

Gunner chuckled, "You seem to be getting a fresh start here from what I've seen. You're just in the cusp of exploration."

"I suppose," said Elliot, "I'm just not sure what it is that I'm doing anymore. I'm enjoying my time with you guys though, and that's something. Perhaps I'm headed in the right direction."

Jules reached into a cabinet, "What say we play a game? We've still got a while left up here."

"How about some watersports?" Rannulf teased.

"You'd like that too much," Jules laughed.

The seven of them played through a few games. One card game was a rather lewd pairing game. Elliot didn't even know some of the terms used. It sure was funny though. Jules looked at the clock up on the wall.

"Ok, last round guys," he said, "Times almost up."

"Aww, I'm so close to winning," Rannulf whined.

"Guess I've got a dirtier mind," said Holt.

"Yeah you do," Gunner chuckled as he gave the lion a smooch.

Holt giggled, "Alright. Let's finish this."

Once the game ended, Jules started to clean things up. Elliot helped him while the rest of the guys dried themselves off. The kangaroo stacked the trays together on the table and emptied the teapot. He looked up at Elliot as the lion stacked the snacks together.

"Bran," said Jules, "Finish the snacks off."

"Don't mind if I do," the wolf wagged his tail as he pushed a mouthful of them into his maw.

Elliot laughed, "You're about as bad as I am."

Bran chuckled after swallowing, "I down about five thousand calories a day. I'm a lot of wolf to feed."

"I don't even count calories," Elliot laughed as he patted his gut.

"Thanks for coming with Elliot," said Jules, "I hope you enjoyed yourself."

"I did, thank you," he said.

"Yeah! Thanks Jules," said Gunner, "We appreciate you letting us join up."

"No worries," Jules grinned, "Now come on, let's head out."

Rannulf left arm in arm with Gunner and Holt. The three of them taking the lead down the mountain. Bran had put Hagan over his shoulders as them and Jules walked with Elliot.

"Whatcha got planned for the day El?" Hagan asked.

Elliot shrugged, "I had nothing planned for today. I think I'm just going with the flow of things."

Jules looked up at Hagan, then to Bran and shrugged, "Well, if you want to, you're welcome to join us El. We're gonna pick up some donuts and coffee, and go cuddle in our cabin. Bran brings a t.v. every year so we can watch movies."

"Oh, uhm..." Elliot pondered for a moment.

"The offer is there," said Jules, "You can say no. That is an option."

"No," said Elliot, "I think yes, I will join you."

"Great!" Bran boomed as he wagged his tail.

Hagan chuckled, "Hope you're sure about that. Bran gets super snuggly."

"I think I'll be alright with that," said Elliot.

At the bottom of the mountain Rannulf, Holt, and Gunner said their goodbyes. They obviously had their own cabin adventure planned. Elliot wasn't quite sure what it was about Rannulf, but he sure seemed willing to please others. The lion wondered if that's what he came out here for.

"So, what's Rannulf's story?" Elliot asked.

"He's a stripper," said Hagan, "He comes out here to ease off the entertainment and actually get his rocks off. He says he never sleeps with clients as a courtesy to them and himself. Says he'd rather keep a good professional streak to keep clients coming back. He said once you have sex with them, that's what they expect every time, and he'd rather not have that reputation."

"Oh," said Elliot.

"He's a good guy," said Jules, "Just very sex starved. I know I couldn't live with dry humping people every day and not once sleep with anyone."

"He's not dating anyone?" Elliot asked.

"Would you date a stripper?" Jules asked.

"Well...no," said Elliot, getting the point, "I guess not. It'd be kind of awkward for me I think."

"He says that's how most people feel," said Jules, "He was married at one point, but once he retired from the navy, his wife lost interest and took the kids. An evil woman if I ever knew one. So, he started stripping for a hobby to make some extra money since she was sucking his retirement dry. He said the loneliness was kicking him in the ass, and a friend told him about this place. Since he doesn't care what's between someones legs, he took the chance to come out here."

"Why do you come out here?" Elliot asked, not knowing Jule's side of things since he seems to know everyone else's.

Jules laughed, "Well, I guess you could say I was bored of my family. Typical suburbanites. It was ten years ago. My wife was going to and from things all the time, driving my sons around to soccer, football, the dojo, school plays. I was working a job on top of teaching martial arts. I accidentally found this place online when I was looking for a place guys like me can retreat for awhile. And well, I was kind of like you. Unsure. Unsettled. Then I kinda slept with someone. I had no idea what it meant, but I went back every night that first year. I divorced five years ago. My wife and I realized things were stagnant and we really only stuck together for the kids. So, I do as I please now."

"Who was it?" Elliot asked.

"Oh, uh..." Jules blushed, "He's still here."

"It's Angelo!" Hagan said.

"Oh," said Elliot, "The leopard guy at reception?"

"Yeah," Jules laid his ears back, "I uh.. I still go see him from time to time."

"Honestly you two just need to hook up," said Bran, "You two keep in touch all year round, and both of you have a lot of shared interests."

"Look, it's complicated," said Jules.

"You always say that," Bran teased him, "I say go for it."

Jules sighed, "I'll think about it. I got you to care for too."

Bran blushed. Jules led them to the main cabin to get the donuts and some coffee. Two boxes of donuts seemed a bit much. But Elliot reconsidered when he thought about himself and Bran. They could probably easily pack away a box each. They reached cabin ten and went in. The three of them had pushed their beds into a corner to join them all up. There was a night stand with a rather large t.v. on it and a dvd player beneath it.

"Home sweet home," said Bran as he set Hagan down before entering, "Alright. Clothes off boys while I find us a movie."

"Oh," said Elliot, "I should have expected that."

"That's usually what's meant by watching a movie," said Bran.

Hagan laughed as he stripped, "Not that you dork. He means getting naked."

"Oh," said the wolf as he shuffled through a stack of movies, "I mean, we don't have to if he doesn't want to. I've made him uncomfortable once today, don't want to do it twice."

"Oh no," said Elliot, "It's fine. I'm becoming accustomed to this."

Bran laughed as he pulled a movie out and popped it into the player, "That's the spirit!"

Bran, Jules, and Hagan hopped up into their bed of paradise. Elliot stripped himself down and sat on the edge of the bed, pushing his way up against the wall. The lion blushed as the wolf put his paw around his thigh, giving him a squeeze.

"Don't worry!," said Bran, "We won't do anything you say no to."

Elliot chuckled, "I'll keep that in mind."

The wolf rubbed his thigh before putting his arm around the lion. Elliot could feel his ears burn red as Bran held onto him. Jules was under his other arm and Hagan was sitting in between his legs as they watched their movie. Hagan pulled the donuts from the end of the beds and offered them up.

Elliot took two and stuffed them down, "I'm gonna have to work out after today, hehe."

"Aww," said Bran as he slid his paw down to rub the lions belly, "I love your belly!"

Elliot blushed, "Been hearing that a lot lately, hehe."

"You do carry it well, El," said Hagan as he passed up the coffee thermos.

Elliot chuckled, "Well, thanks."

"I'd totally snuggle up on ye," Hagan blushed.

Elliot could feel his ears burn.

"Careful El, you're about to get hours of belly rubs," Jules said as he sipped on the coffee, "We're pretty handsy."

Elliot laughed, "Did you invite me here under false pretenses just to get me into bed?"

"Absolutely," Jules teased, "It's how we nail everyone in the camp every year."

Hagan laughed, "So that's what we're doing?"

Jules winked, "Naw. Just friends we like."

Elliot huffed, "Everyone here always teases so much."

"Who's teasing?" Jules gave him a deadpan stare.

Elliot narrowed his eyes at him, "I'm onto you."

Jules smirked, "You could get on me."

"You'd like that too much," Elliot crossed his arms, "I won't give you the satisfaction."

Hagan looked between them both, "Get a room." The raccoon laughed.

Elliot chuckled, "We're in a room."

"So that's a yes then?" Jules grinned.

"No...maybe..." Elliot laughed, "Stop fucking with me."

"Well, I did treat you to a nice day out, and you still owe me for lessons," Jules winked.

Elliot huffed, "Lets just watch the movie. We'll see what happens."

"Gonna rut," Bran laughed.

The four of them watched the movie. Bran held onto all three of them the whole time as they bantered back and forth. The movie was one they'd all seen many times before. It starred a chiseled lion who was a detective that needed to save all of New York from a bomb threatening hacker terrorist. Typical bro movie with explosions and seduction.

Elliot and Bran packed away most the donuts. The wolf paced with the lion bite for bite. They only stopped when the coffee ran out. Hagan had slid himself all the way down between the wolf's legs. He was using Bran's obscenely huge balls as a pillow. Jules was using the wolfs chest as his own pillow. He was barely paying attention to the movie anymore as he was nuzzling against the wolfs pec.

The credits to the movie started to roll and Hagan got up to stop it, "Wanna do another one?"

"Naw," said Bran as he smooched down on Jules who had passed out, "Seems like it's nap time, hehe."

Hagan laughed, "That works too. You gonna stick around El?"

Elliot looked at the clock in the room, "I think I'm gonna go get some dinner. Probably see what Luke and Allen are up to."

"No worries," said Bran as he hugged Elliot against him, "Thanks for hanging with us. And sorry for teasing you so much."

"Don't worry," Elliot chuckled, "I didn't mind. I'm learning to shoot it back at you guys."

Bran smirked and gave Elliot a smooch on his cheek, causing the lion to blush. "We'll catch you later?"

"Tomorrow, actually," said Elliot, "I signed up for rafting again."

Bran laughed, "Don't worry, we're tying Hagan to me this time."

Hagan sighed, "Yeah, don't want a repeat of last time."

Elliot smirked, "I'd just save you again."

The raccoon blushed, "I'd be so embarrassed."

Elliot chuckled as he stood up and started to put his clothes back on, "Hopefully I don't have to save you and Bran."

"Then we both would owe you one," Bran said, "We'll see you tomorrow."

Elliot bid them goodbye and left. As he was walking he heard a lot of shouting in the distance. He figured some of the boys were being rowdy and competitive. He got himself fed and refreshed. He shook his head after.

"Damnit," Elliot laughed to himself, "I've really got to stop eating so much."

Brett came up to the table carrying a plate, "Cheesecake for the handsome lion?" The wolf grinned as he set the plate down in front of Elliot.

Elliot sighed to himself and grinned up at Brett, "You're gonna keep me fat?'

Brett chuckled as he sat down next to him, "I can think of a few exercises to keep you in shape." The wolf winked at him.

Elliot laughed, "I imagine it involves a lot of hip action."

"Only if you want it to," the wolf smirked, "I'd like to have another date with you, if that's ok."

Elliot sliced his fork down the cheesecake, "I think I'd like that."

"Great!" Brett wagged his tail, "See you around ten again?"

"I'll be here," Elliot blushed.