FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Chapter LII- The Next Step

Akira just blinked, he had seen Ian for about half a second before the wolf just up and carried Lucas away, as if nobody was around. "Did... did he just grab Lucas and take him away?" he asked, still a bit stunned at what just happened, he had never seen anything like that before.

"Yeah... that is exactly what happened," the younger black wolf said, rolling his eyes. He must have been Ian's younger brother. He didn't seem phased at what just happened, in fact nobody did, not even the strange black fox. Who was he? Another friend of theirs? The fox seemed to catch his stare and he grinned a wide toothy smile and Akira noticed his eyes were different colored, one was slate grey while the other was an opaque white as if he was...

"Like what you see foxy?" The older fox said while pointing towards his eye. "See ya noticed my eyes? Pretty aren't they?" He said while sticking his tongue out, seemingly amused at the attention he was getting. "I'm guessing you want to know why my eyes were mismatched eh? Simple really." He said pointing directly to his blank right eye. "I'm a bit blind in my right eye you see, childhood tragedy. Not interested in talking about it right now, but I'm completely unable to see out of it."

Akira just gave an awkward nod, not really sure what to say to that exactly, the other fox certainly seemed the candid sort. "Who are you anyway? I don't recognize you?" the dark furred fox said, eyeing the other boy curiously. "Your quite the cutie though. What's your name?"

"Akira... Akira Akayama, I'm from Japan... I'm Lucas's half-brother," Akira said awkwardly. "And thank you?" he continued, blushing a bit at the black fox's attention. He squirmed a bit before he decided to ask his own questions, it was only fair after all. "What's your name? I told you mine so it's only fair isn't it?" This made the fox laugh lightly.

"It is, Beau Moonfang, that's my name," he said, eyeing the other boy once again. "Half-brother though eh? I'm guessing from the father? Given you are japanese and all?" Akira just nodded, confirming the guess.

"Yes... we have the same father. He had an affair with my mother which resulted in me," he explained, but decided to not go much more in detail since it really wasn't Beau's business. Beau seemed to understand and backed off gently. Akira then turned towards the younger black wolf. "Who are you? I guess your Ian's younger brother?" he said, bowing towards the wolf who looked a bit confused before returning the bow.

"Richard is my name, and I guess bowing is custom for the Japanese?" the wolf asked in a polite tone.

"Yes it is... but does this happen often? Ian randomly grabbing Lucas away out of the blue?" Akira asked in a curious tone.

"Yes." Everyone answered in unison, which made Akira laugh. "You guys are an interesting group," he said, before he looked around. "So what now? Those two will probably be a while so what do you guys want to do?" Evan just let out a sigh and shook his head before speaking.

"Well, given Mansfield has abducted Lucas I guess you and he can stay the weekend, I'm sure Jordan would be willing to accommodate you all. Besides, I'll have to get a room ready for you to stay in." A fox Akira didn't know spoke up next.

"He could take to my room, I could just take one of the lower floor rooms. I don't have much stuff and it would only be fair to for Akira to stay in the loft with his siblings." The fox smiled at the younger fox as he said this, making the boy blush.

"Are you sure?" Evan asked, and the boy nodded insistently.

"I am sure, I mean Curtis is going to be staying in one of the lower rooms as well right? So I won't be lonely, but really, I do think Akira should take the room I'm staying in. You didn't even have to let me stay after all, I mean Erin, Akira and Lucas are your children and Curt is your nephew, they are family I'm not." He said rubbing the back of his head awkwardly. Evan seemed to contemplate this for several moments before he let out a gentle sigh and smiled at the boy.

"Don't worry about it boy, I can tell you've had it rough. I had a rough childhood myself so only feels right to take care of you," he said, patting the boy on the shoulder. "I don't exactly know what you went through but I can tell it wasn't pretty," he said before heading back to his car. "I'll move your stuff, did you bring any luggage Akira? I didn't see any at the hospital?"

"I do, I left it at Monet-san's so she should still have it, I didn't bring much just some clothes and some other stuff, nothing too major," Akira said, bowing to his father which the man returned.

"Very well then, I'll drop by John's, he should be off today so I can ask him if he can release your luggage with me. I'll see all of you Sunday, so have a good time, look after them Agent," he said, saluting the bear who saluted right back.

"I will sir! Have a nice day!" Evan just chuckled, finding the other man amusing before he gave both of his present children a hug and a kiss on the head and getting into his car to drove off, leaving them all alone.

"So, now what?" Curtis asked in a curious tone. "What do you guys want to do?"

"We can play some card games or something?" the unnamed fox said in a polite manner, this one had a distinctive Brooklyn accent and he was skinny, but he looked like he had put on a bit of weight recently. "I'm Xander by the way, the dingo is Jonah since he hasn't introduced himself," the fox boy said with a smile. "So you and Lucas are related? That's really cool, it's good to meet you Akira," Xander said letting out a paw to shake which Akira took, understanding the western custom.

"It's good to meet you too Xander, and Jonah," he said, directing his words towards the dingo who had yet to say anything. The boy just shrugged and gave a half-hearted wave, looking bored more than anything. "But we were going to start a game of poker before you guys got here so how about it? You ever play?" Akira just shook his head no.

"Not really, I play a mean game of mahjong though? Do you guys have a mahjong tile set?" Xander just shrugged, but Richard spoke up. "We do actually, though we never really use it, but if you want to show us how to play?"

"I know how to play," Jonah said, catching everyone by surprise.

"You know how to play Mahjong Jonah, that's honestly surprising," Richard admitted, scratching his cheek embarrassed. The dingo look almost offended at the shock and rolled his eyes.

"Don't be so shocked, Chase taught me to play it and I kept it up," he muttered, making the wolf blush lightly.

"Oh, whose Chase?" Akira asked in a curious tone, and instantly regretted it when a dark look crossed the dingo's face and he sensed a dark energy come from the boy, even seeing sparks of fire rise around him. 'Fire Mage,' was what Akira thought and he knew he was nowhere near as experienced enough with his own power to fight the boy. "Did I do something wrong?" The dingo just sighed and shook his head, his body releasing the tension that had been built in.

"It's nothing... Chase was someone very special to me. He passed away two years ago," Jonah said in a solemn tone. "Brain cancer, he was the first person to ever treat with with genuine love and care and I miss him everyday." Akira felt pity for the dingo, but he had the feeling that the dingo was one who didn't appreciate pity much. Thankfully though, Xander spoke up to try and lift the mood.

"So, how about you and Jonah show us all to play mahjong? I'm genuinely curious to learn." Richard also spoke up, just as hopeful to lift the mood up.

"Yeah, teach us, I would like to know how to play as well, so how about it? It sounds like a lot of fun, and it'll take up some time until Lucas and Ian are finished shagging." This made everyone laugh and the group went inside and grabbed the mahjong table, the others eager to learn how to play the game.

~~~

Lucas just sighed as he snuggled into the wolf's chest, he had a nice nap and he was just waiting for Ian himself to wake up since the wolf had completely engulfed him during his sleep and Lucas was completely and utterly pinned by the wolf's weight as he let out cute sounding snores. Lucas didn't really mind though, he enjoyed this, he felt loved and cared for when he was around the wolf and he still didn't understand just how lucky he had gotten with the wolf.

It had been just about a month since they met right? It had to be, Lucas decided that he should do something nice for the wolf on the occasion. As he was debating on just what to cook for the occasion, Ian let out a very loud yawn and his fangs were exposed to the fox while he murmured a bit, before he slowly opened his eyes and smiled at the fox.

"Hey love, good to see you," the wolf said before he bent down to gently kiss the fox then moving away chastly. "I had the most wonderful dream." Ian stated in a loving tone as he used one of his paws to pet the side of Lucas's face. "I was dreaming about our wedding night, and us being surrounded by our loved ones," he said as he kissed Lucas again. "I know that sounds like something a bit crazy since we haven't even been together a month, but I hope one day we can make that reality. Even if I lose my birthright I'll still have you and my parents and the people that matters," Ian said with a strange amount of raw passion in his voice.

"I don't need people who won't accept me, and who won't accept you. I love my family more than anything, but if they can't accept me being gay then I don't need them," he said, sounding almost sad. "I just hope it doesn't come to that, it would still hurt to be rejected by my clan," he continued, looking down. "I guess I'm being selfish huh? I want my cake and eat it too. I want you, but I also want my birthright and right now having both is impossible unless the laws are changed," he said, shaking his head in frustration.

"You can worry about that later Ian, right now let's just focus on the now," Lucas said kindly as he bent up to kiss the wolf's chin and cheeks. "I love you and you love me, your parents are accepting as are Greg and Rich and I say your grandfather will be accepting as well if he truly loves you. He'd want you to be happy and not live a lie," Ian just gave a coy grin and nuzzled the fox gently.

"How did I get such a smart boyfriend, Aphrodite truly spoiled me with you! Wise, kind, adorable, and a supreme chef of the highest order. You put our hired chefs back home to shame," Ian said, showering his beloved with praises which made the fox blush brightly at the shown affection. "I love you Lucas and I'm so glad we met," Ian said with eyes shining bright. "I know I sound like a broken record, but I could never say it enough to show my feelings towards you." Ian stretched out, letting Lucas move away from him. "But let's get a shower and join the rest, my dad should be getting back soon if he's not back already."

Ian grabbed his clothes and put them back on and Lucas followed suit. Sneaking out of the room, they noticed the downstairs area was empty so they rushed towards the bathroom and locked it, before they stripped and got into the shower. After a steamy shower where Ian got frisky again, resulting in a quick fuck sans the tying, the two of them got dressed again and head upstairs to see everyone sitting around a table watching Akira and Jonah playing with some domino-looking things.

"Hey that's the mahjong set grandpa Amos gave us!" Ian shouted as he walked up to the group. "I never thought it would get any use honestly." Richard perked up at hearing his brother's voice.

"Yeah, Akira and Jonah are showing us how to play the game, it's actually pretty cool," he said as he poked at the seat next to him. "You and Lucas should watch." Ian and Lucas looked towards each other and nodded as they took the offered the seat and watched the two canines play.

"So, dad not back yet?" Ian asked his brother in a curious tone. "Has he called?" Richard nodded.

"Yeah, he called a few minutes ago. Mom got on the plane okay and they are stopping to get something to eat and will be back later," Richard said with a small shrug as he put his attention towards the game in front of them. Lucas did the same, honestly curious as to how the game was played. Both Akira and Jonah both were extremely skilled in it, he understood Akira being good at it, but he really didn't expect Jonah of all people to be talented at it, though he really should know better than to judge a book by it's cover. This continued for a bit until they heard the car pull into the parking lot.

"Oh hey! Dad's back!" Ian said as he rushed towards the door with Richard chuckling and following his elder brother to greet their father. Greg let out a sigh and shook his head.

"Looks like we will have to put this up for now, thank you Jonah, Akira, it was fascinating to watch you guys play." The tiger then got up and bowed, before joining the wolf boys with Lucas and Xander following behind him. Curtis and Agent Wallace stayed to pick up the tiles. Walking into the foyer, they saw Jordan laughing and looking a bit tipsy, hanging onto the arm of Agent Wilson who looked mildly exasperated at the drunk wolf. Ian let out a sigh, rolling his eyes.

"Got drunk dad?" he teased, which made the other man burst out in loud laughter.

"Yush! I decided to get meself a drink... I miss ma wife..." he said while laughing again. Ian just sighed and moved over to his father's side with Richard taking the other and Greg taking the back.

"Go to sleep dad, you're drunk. You'll feel better tomorrow," Ian said before he turned towards Lucas. "We're going to take my dad to his room, just hang around with the others alright? This shouldn't take too long," he said, before he and the other two gently led the laughing drunk man to the stairs and up them. Agent Wilson just let out an awkward cough as the man disappeared from sight.

"I tried to tell him that getting drunk wouldn't be a good idea, but he didn't listen to me of course." The raccoon agent shrugged. "But I understand how he feels, I miss my wife everyday. Living apart from family is always hard, but at least he has his children staying with them to make things easier," the man said before he let out a yawn. "But I'm tired, I'm going to call Jennifer and maybe take a nap, have a nice day all of you," he said, before leaving himself. Taking control of the situation, Agent Wallace spoke up in a surprisingly firm tone, something Lucas never heard from him before.

"Okay folks! Let's move to the downstairs area," the man ordered. "While I am sure Samuel and the kids will both be sure to put a soundproof spell on the rooms, I still think it would be best to head downstairs." All the others nodded and did as the man bidded, heading downstairs and once they reached it, Agent Wallace let out a sigh. "Poor Jordan, it's hard to be away from a spouse. I might take a trip back home in a few days so I can spend some time with my wife and kids. My eldest has a soccer game and I promised I would go see it and support him."

"If you need to go home you can Agent Wallace," Lucas said, putting a paw on the man's arm. "I'm sure Agent Parker would understand," he said in a comforting tone. "How often are you sent away from your family?"

"It happens on occasion, but this is the longest time I've been away from them. Given recent events, I will probably be here for a good while, but I don't really mind since it's part of the job and Jordan makes sure to pay both Samuel and I well enough. Probably more than I make with my usual salary actually. But I understand what you mean, I will look into that, but I still know I am meant to be here until all of you are completely safe. The Hunters and Cabal have both gotten extremely bold, I never thought the Hunters would be as bold as to attack a public event in broad daylight," the man said in a concerned tone. "It's getting wild with them and they are going hard against you Master Lucas, and that worries me," he said as his eyes drilled into Lucas.

"I know, it scares me too, but I'm strong and I have all of you to help," Lucas said with a shrug. "I'm not going to let them keep me down in fear, I'm done with that. I'm done with being scared, scared of reaching out to others. I'm done being alone, for years I just gave up on being loved," Lucas said, remembering the painful memories of life before he had met Ian. He never wanted to return to them, even seeing Thomas wasn't as awful as he thought it would be. The fact that the doberman did seem sincerely remorseful did help, though he was still angry at the fact that Thomas was gay himself. But maybe that roo was a good influence on him? He did feel bad at how he treated the other boy... maybe he could apologize later? "Ian saved my life, and I'll forever be grateful for him," he continued, wondering how Ian was handling his father.

~~~

Ian sighed as he tucked his father in, the man had fallen asleep almost as soon as his head hit the pillow. He really must have been drunk. "What a mess, he's going to have a nasty hangover tomorrow." Ian sighed, shaking his head in amazement. Greg just chuckled and patted Ian's back.

"Well, that is his own fault," the tiger said, shaking his head in an amused matter before becoming a bit more serious. "But Ian, I want to talk to you," he said, looking directly at wolf before turning his attention to Richard. "Alone, if possible." Richard just shrugged and left the room, going downstairs from what Ian could tell, he just looked at the tiger confused. What did he want? Greg was often serious, but how he was acting was unusual for him. It wasn't often he felt the need to talk to Ian on his own.

"What do you need Greg, I hope you had a good time at the hospital," Ian said in a sheepish manner, surely he wasn't angry about that was he? After all, things turned out fine. Greg shook his head and smiled.

"I had a nice enough time, it was eye-opening you could say," the tiger said in a light tone. "Lucas has a lot of insight for someone so meek, it catches you off-guard sometimes. He's a smart boy, I think you chose well with him if I am to be honest." Ian was greatly relieved by this statement, part of him had been worried that the tiger didn't like the fox and only tolerated him since he was Ian's mate, but the fact he seemed to approve of the boy made Ian happy. Servant or not, Ian loved the tiger like a brother and he greatly wanted both his love and the tiger to get along.

"Yeah, he is pretty amazing, but what did you want to talk about Greg?" Ian asked, wanting to get back to the fox in all honesty, but at the same time he wondered what what was going on in the tiger's head. He rarely got the chance to get into it since Greg often kept his own feelings and thoughts guarded so not to interfere with his duties towards Ian. Greg stayed silent for several moments looking unsure as to say, but Ian gently encouraged him to spit it out already which seemed to make the tiger more confident as he spoke out.

"I think... I think I'm going to take your advice." Greg stated, blushing a bit as he said so, rubbing the back of his head.

"What...? What do you-" Ian was about to ask, before the answer came to him right at that moment. "Oh, you mean the getting your own life thing?" Greg nodded which brightened Ian up as he leapt at the tiger, nearly knocking the both of them over.

"Ah, Ian careful! If you're not careful, you'll wake your dad up!" the tiger said as he got his balance and held the wolf an arm's length from him. "But yeah, I think it's time. Allison planted the seeds in my head honestly. I mean, I never thought I would be able to use ferrokenisis or have the use for it...but I managed to do it on my first try to get that bullet out of Lucas." As he said this, Greg stared at his paws, as if he was still amazed at that feat. "Ferrokenis is an extremely advanced form of earth magic and I did it on my first try, it's unpresidented," he said while letting out a sigh. "But if I can do that, what else can I do that I never bothered with because it had nothing to do with you? What other skills and powers do I have? I've held myself back for so long because I felt learning anything but what I needed to protect you was a waste of time."

"Yeah, I was proud of you when I saw you managed that, you are an amazing earth mage Greg. One of the best I've ever met. Hell, you could probably give some fully grown earth mage's a run for their money if you wanted to," Ian said, before tapping his chin, a thought coming up. "Something I always wondered, given the Black Art of earth. How does Bone Magic work? It always confused me how that skill was connected to earth." Greg just shook his head, while learning the practice of the Black Art's were absolutely forbidden they were still common knowledge. The black art of earth was as stated: Bone Magic.

"It's simple really, the bone is largely made up of collagen and calcium which is a metal. When someone uses bone magic, they are simply bending the calcium in the bones, which is of course painful. It's the same logic with water and blood magic and air with breath Magic," Greg said, doing his best to explain what he had been taught about the black arts, which as a Protector required him to understand and be able to counter if necessary. Ian just nodded then asked another question.

"So why is the black art of fire combustion magic? It doesn't fit with the others which manipulate the body in some harmful way. Combustion Magic just blows things up?" Greg knew this one, he had asked his teacher who was a very powerful Fire Mage the same question and he would never forget the lesson he was taught regarding it.

"Because it's almost uncontrollable, it can easily harm not only people on your own side, but yourself if you aren't careful. If you lose focus for even a second while you are charging up your attack, the entire thing could blow up in your face and either kill or seriously injure you or anyone close to you. It's forbidden and considered black because it's too dangerous to use without the risk of blowback on yourself." Ian just nodded, seemingly satisfied with the answer before he spoke up again.

"Alright, so back on topic. You said you want more of a life for yourself outside of me? What do you mean by that exactly?" Greg just blushed at that, seemingly feeling a bit awkward, which made Ian smile, it was nice seeing Greg act closer to his old self.

"Well... I want to get a girlfriend I guess? No offense, but I'm tired of everyone else having sex but me. Even I have my own needs," he said, remembering the time Erin had caught him wanking in the shower and a strong blush came on his orange cheeks. The girl had totally teased him and there had been a few times when he was alone he had let himself fap to the thought of getting to see more of a glimpse of the shadowed bits he had glimpsed that night, but was far to afraid of angering Lucas to even think of trying anything given how protective the boy seemed of his sister. Plus would it really be cool to date your friend's sister? Wasn't there a rule against that? Ian seemed to notice the internal struggle and chuckled.

"'You've had thought about Erin haven't you?" Greg gave a guilty nod, the red growing to show in the white parts of his face as well. "I mean, I don't blame you. Erin is a pretty girl and she obviously likes you a lot." Ian shrugged as he said that, seemingly completely nochallant on the manner. "I doubt Lucas would really mind if you started dating her honestly, or start seeing her at any rate. He does like you and I know he trusts you enough to know you would never hurt her right?" Ian said, looking straight at the tiger. "Seriously if you want to fuck her go ahead, she's old enough to make her own decisions."

"Ian!" Greg protested a bit, his blush getting even darker. Those dark thoughts of taking the pretty vixen and having his way with her. Ian just laughed and patted the other boy on his arm.

"But I'm glad, glad that you are finally trying to do your own thing outside of being my Protector. You are an amazing guy Greg, and you deserve to be happy," Ian said as he started to leave, turning right towards the tiger once again. "But really, if you are interested in her just talk to her man." He then left the room, leaving Greg alone in the room and just as he was about to leave he heard Jordan's voice speak up sleepily.

"You know, he's right Greg. If you do like Erin you should tell her and see where it goes, of course you should talk with Lucas first. And if he is okay with it, there is no reason you shouldn't try. If things don't work out, it's okay, not all relationships will work out but we all want you to be happy. You are like a son to me and Rebecca."

"Jordan..." Greg said in surprise. "We didn't wake you did we? If so, I'm so sorry." The man chuckled, sounding much more sober than he had any right to be.

"I've been awake, I just decided to let you two talk it out," the man said with a laugh as he sat up in the bed. "You are a lot like your father, you know. Before he met your mother he had no interest in things that distracted him from me, but once he met her, that was that and they were happy together and eventually had you," the man said with a sad smile, remembering the past.

"I miss Ivan, he was my best friend and I will never forgive the Hunter's for taking him from us. But we have you, and you've become a good man, your dad would have been so proud of you. Just like me and Rebecca are proud of you." Greg didn't know what to say, he had always cared deeply for Ian's parents, considering them as close to parents you could really get outside being his actual parents.

"Thank's Jordan, that means a lot to hear from you," Greg said, giving the man a bow to show his respect for his father figure and employer. Jordan simply waved this off and smiled.

"It's no problem Greg, but go join the rest of the kids, just know we all love you and will support you no matter what decision you make." Greg nodded and bowed once again, before he exited the room and headed downstairs. Seeing nobody was on the main floor, he figured everybody had moved downstairs so he decided to do the same and saw everyone was scattered around the room, all of them talking amongst themselves and when Erin noticed him she beamed and called out his name.

"Hey Greg!" she shouted as she ran up towards the tiger boy and hugged him, making the tiger blush and go stiff... in several areas. "Ian said you guys had a talk, how did that go?" she asked in a curious manner, looking up at him with her bright blue eyes, which made Greg blush even darker.

"It went well..." he muttered, while giving a glance to Ian who was snuggled up against Lucas, holding him tightly. The wolf just gave him a wink before he bent down to kiss Lucas lightly. Greg struggled with his thoughts. Did he really want to ask Lucas if he could date his sister? Really, he didn't have to, Erin was her own person, so he really didn't need Lucas's permission to date her, but at the same time he didn't want to anger the fox and risk his wrath, especially if things didn't work out. Letting out a deep sigh, he looked towards Lucas and asked him the question with a very nervous voice.

"Hey Lucas, could I talk to you for a bit? Just you and me?" The latter part of the question was directed to Ian mostly, who nodded and looked towards Lucas, who had a confused look on his face. But, after exchanging a look with Ian, he smiled and nodded as Ian let him go.

"Sure... we can go into your room, I don't think you would appreciate being in Ian's room honestly," Lucas said with a chuckle, and the two got up and entered Greg's room. The room was as spartan as ever, the tiger didn't really have an eye for interior design, maybe he could get help with that? His room really was kinda boring. Lucas didn't say anything at first, he simply sat on Xander's cot and looked right at Greg, his eyes curious and his head tilted in the typical canine fashion. He truly was quite cute, even Greg had to admit that. He understood why Ian was so infatuated with him.

"So, what do you want to talk about Greg?" he politely asked, his eyes burning right into the tiger who flushed once again. Was he really going to do this? Well, it was better late than never right? What's the worst thing he could do? He surely wouldn't try and kill him for asking if he could date his sister right? ... right? Greg felt a small chill go down his back at the thought of the fox flipping out on him? Was he really willing to do this? "Greg? You okay man? You look like you are going to be sick?" Greg blushed and shook his head, trying to get his shit together.

"Um... hey Lucas, I have a question I'd like to ask?" Lucas simply nodded, still looking a bit confused, but he was willing to humor the tiger.

"Sure, what do you want to ask?"

"I... I kinda want to ask Erin out," Greg muttered, blushing as he let those words out, Lucas tilted his head once again, still looking confused. He didn't immediately start flipping out and going purple-eyed on him, so that was a plus wasn't it? Lucas stayed silent for a few moments, as if contemplating the question, but he finally seemed to find his words and he gave Greg a small smile, seemingly amused at the question as he started laughing, which surprised Greg. This was a good thing right? He didn't seem angry, but why was he laughing? This continued for several moments before Lucas calmed himself down enough to stop laughing and when he saw Greg's confused face he blushed.

"Ah sorry, you just caught me by surprise, but why are you asking me? I mean, I am her brother, but it's really none of my business who she dates," he said with a shrug. "As long as you treat her well, I'm fine if you date her. If you make her happy that's great," he said, before he became a bit more serious. "Of course if you ever hurt her I'll destroy you, but you are a good guy. I trust you." Greg just let out a sigh of relief, this was as best it could end up as.

"Thank's Lucas... I swear I will treat her well. I promise you that," he said, as he sat down on his own bed.

"So I guess you really are taking everything to heart aren't you? Being your own person? That's great man!" Lucas said as he got up and patted the tiger on the back. "I'm going to go back to the others, you want to join me?" Greg just shook his head no. "Ah, I guess you want to stay by yourself for a bit, then well I'll see you when you come out okay man?" Greg just nodded and Lucas left the room, leaving Greg on his own. He stayed on his bed for several moments, thinking things over. So was he really going to ask Erin out? He did more or less get Lucas's blessing on it, but did he really want to get involved with someone? She was very pretty and she did seem to like him, so what harm could it do? Even if things didn't work out he would know he at least tried right?

He let out another tired sigh as he got up and walked towards the portrait of his family on the wall and stared at it for several moments. "I wish you were here dad, so I could ask your advice. You found mom and you were happy together. Do you think I'll ever find love like that? Is Erin tha person?" he asked as he put a paw on the picture and frowned. "I'll never forgive those bastards for what they did to our clan, I will avenge you one day I promise," he said as he felt the old anger move up inside him. The Hunters were monsters and they needed to be destroyed, and he would relish it if he was able to lend a paw in that destruction.

Greg shook his head one more time before he decided to make his move, taking a deep breath he got up and went outside into the main downstairs room, where he saw everyone was once again talking amongst each other. Lucas was snuggled up to Ian once again, which made Greg smile, before he focused on Erin, who was talking animatedly with Akira, who seemed to be enjoying himself. Greg was glad for that, part of him was worried that the boy wouldn't be able to adapt, but he seemed to be doing fine, though Greg was somewhat worried about how he would manage school, but Greg figured he would do well enough.

Erin seemed to catch Greg's gaze as she stopped her conversation with Akira to look at him. "Hey Greg, you need something?" she asked him in a curious manner with a bright smile, which made Greg blush. Was he really going to do this in front of everyone? He saw Ian giving him a wink and thumbs up and Lucas gave him an encouraging smile, which gave him a bit more confidence.

"I... I wanted to ask you something," Greg stuttered out, this was a lot harder than he thought. Why was asking a girl out so hard? Erin tilted her in a curious manner, but didn't say anything, which spurred Greg on to try again. He took yet another deep breath and did his best to spill his heart out. "Iwanttogooutonadatewithyou!" he stated, talking really fast, which made Erin even more confused.

"Umm? Say again Greg? You went a bit fast there just now," Greg just blushed, before shaking his head in an attempt to get it together. This was far harder than it had any right to be.

"I... I want to ask you on a date," Greg said, this time much slower. Erin gave him a surprised look and he heard Jonah and Curt both snicker from behind him and he blushed even more, but Erin gave him a bright smile.

"Sure! I would like that!" Erin said with an adorable giggle.

"Any idea where a good place to go? I'm still pretty new here, so you'd probably know the area better," Greg said, rubbing the back of his head in an awkward manner, still amazed he was doing this. Erin giggled once again before she spoke, flashing him a brilliant smile which honestly took Greg's breath away. She was such a pretty girl, so tiny compared to him that he could break her so easily by sheer accident and that thought scared him, not only because that would be a surefire way to trigger Lucas's wrath but he would never forgive himself if he hurt her. But he forced that thought out of his head, he would never hurt her, that was a promise he made himself.

"Yeah! I know exactly the place! We can go tomorrow!" she said before hugging him. "Can you bend down and close your eyes?" she asked and Greg did as she asked, and once he did so he felt her lips on his as she gave him a sweet kiss. His first kiss in all honesty, and he could hear a few people 'awwing' from behind them. This lasted a few moments before she broke away with a soft smile and a pat on the cheek. "I am going to go to my room, I'm going to find something to wear for tomorrow so see you later!" she said as she went upstairs, leaving Greg just standing there. What did he get himself into? Hopefully what Erin had in mind wasn't too expensive. Sighing, he smiled and sat down with the others, ignoring the teasing he got. Tomorrow was the day? He hoped it went well.