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Isaac paced the floor in his room, shoulders and neck tense, phone in hand. It was almost 11:00, and Axel still hadn't texted to say how things went with his mother. It took all his willpower not to drive over there and ask, but he'd promised his lover that he wouldn't interfere. Damn it... why do you have to make me worry about you, Axel? Just send me a message, tell me you're all right... Isaac's phone buzzed, and he hurriedly opened it to see...

Low Battery Warning

Letting out a feral snarl, he hurled the phone at his bed as a peal of thunder crashed outside. The storm from earlier in the day had only been getting worse, and it served as an almighty backdrop to the fox's anxiety. Rubbing his reddened eyes, he clomped over to charge his phone. He had just put it on the charger when the doorbell rang.

"It's so late... who's here at eleven at night?" His parents had left him alone for the weekend, driving out of town to see relatives, so he trudged downstairs slowly to see who was there.

DING DONG! DING DONG!

The doorbell began ringing with some urgency, raising the hackles on the back of Isaac's neck as uneasy, sickened feeling filled his stomach. Cautiously, Isaac raised his eyes to look out the window to the side of the door, and what he saw caused him to scramble to unlock the door and throw it open.

"Oh my God! Axel!"

The puma stood wobbling, head bowed, an arm propping him against the doorframe. The storm had thoroughly soaked him, leaving him dripping wet, and his breath came out in short, shallow gasps of hot fog in the chilly night air. "I-Isaac, I -- " He raised his head to look at the fox, and Isaac's heart trembled when he saw the glazed, dead look in his eyes. "I... She..." His eyes fluttered, and he toppled forward, Isaac grunting under the sudden, heavy load.

Isaac reached his free paw up to shake his lover's shoulder. "Shit! Axel? AXEL?!"

...

..

.

"Mmmn..." Axel stirred, and the first thing he noticed was the gentle patter of rain against the window. The second thing he noticed was someone sitting in a chair next to the bed, and the weight of a fox's head resting on his chest, rising and falling to his every breath. Instinctively, he sat up. "I-Isaac?" His body trembled at the exertion, and his head reeled with a woozy, spinning feeling.

"Urgh... Axel?! Oh my God, you're awake!" Isaac bolted upright, putting the back of his paw to the puma's forehead. "Shit, you're running a fever. Here, drink this." Isaac pressed a glass of tepid water into his paws. "Drink it slow, okay? Try not to chug it."

Axel blearily glanced around. "I'm in your room? Wha -- how did I get here?"

"What do you mean, how...? Look, tell me what you remember." The fox stroked his hair tenderly, waiting for him to start.

"Well... mom found out about, um, me. Colt called and told her what happened at the mall. I don't think he actually meant for me to get kicked out of the house, just for me to talk to him again, but -- "

"She kicked you out?!" Isaac exclaimed. "What the hell, she can't just do that!" He winced as he realized he had interrupted. "S-sorry. Go ahead."

Axel smiled weakly. "It's... it's okay. But yeah, she kicked me out of the house. All things considered, it's better than what she did before, but I wouldn't have stayed even if she'd given me time to pack. With the look in her eyes... it wasn't safe for me to stay there anymore." Axel's voice cracked, and he took a couple of sips of water to moisten his throat. "_Ahh, t_hat's so good." Grunting, he continued. "I would've called you, but she took my phone from me. Said that she wasn't paying for a pervert like me to have it. I barely even had time to get my shoes on. I almost started walking barefoot." His breath hitched, and his eyes glimmered. "I-I-I couldn't think of anywhere else to go, so... I remembered your address, but only how to get there from school. So, I walked to school, and then I came here. I didn't know what else to do, and I had nowhere else to go. You're, like, my only friend now. I'm so sorry -- " His paws shook, and a bit of water sloshed over the edge of the glass, moistening the fur on his fingers at the same time tears trickled down his face. "I know I screwed up, but I don't know what else I could've done. Maybe if I'd talked to Colt more, let him down easier... I'm sorry, I'm sorry -- "

Axel rocked back and forth, mumbling apologies as his shoulders shook. Isaac took the glass of water from his paws and laced the puma's now damp paws into his own. Bringing them to his lips, he kissed them. "Love, it's okay. You don't have to apologize; None of this is your fault, not at all. Um, but now... I know you're still hurting from all this, but I need to ask you some more questions. Your brothers, are they all right?"

"I-I'm not sure. They were there, but quiet the entire time that Mom was yelling at me, though I could tell they wanted to talk to me. I think she hit Caleb; I don't know why. They had nothing to do with it. It's not FAIR!" Axel suddenly growled and clenched his paws, straining against Isaac's grip. The fox never wavered, though; he just slipped out of Axel's grasp and flung his arms around the trembling puma. "I HATE her! Why... why do I have to hate her so damn much?" Axel slumped against the headboard and let out a gasping, shuddery sob. "W-why am I crying...?"

"Axel, hun, i-it's okay. You're safe. Just let it all out. I've got you."

And Axel did, his face scrunching up as he bawled. He wrapped his arms tightly around his fox and squeezed him closer and closer. After a few minutes, he was reduced to short, gasping breaths and wet sniffles. Isaac stood up, only a little taller standing than the puma was sitting, and stroked his hair again. "Take deep breaths; you're going to hyperventilate. You're okay, it's all going to be okay." Isaac put a paw on Axel's chest. "Focus on my hand. Breathe in, feel it move away from you -- good, now breathe out slowly, bring it back towards you..." The puma's breathing gradually slowed, and he rubbed his bleary eyes.

"T-thank you. I don't know what I'd have done without you, Isaac, I..." Axel jumped as a breeze wafted from a nearby vent and ruffled his fur. He looked down at himself, and came to a sudden realization. "Isaac, did you take off my clothes?!"

The fox blanched. "W-well, uh, you see... Yes. I did. But you were literally dripping wet! It got all over me, and the floor, and I couldn't put you to bed in soaked clothes -- You're wearing shorts! I grabbed a pair of my dad's gym shorts and put those on you, for, y'know, modesty..." Isaac blushed, legs fidgeting restlessly as he rubbed a paw along the back of his neck.

"Y-you even took off my boxers?"

"They were soaked!" Isaac threw up his paws, then lowered them in defeat. "I did my best not to look; I would never take advantage of you like that. I promise, it wasn't sexy at all..."

Axel leaned back, grinning feverishly. "What, you don't think I'm sexy?" He pressed his palms together and flexed his chest, waggling his eyebrows at Isaac.

The fox's brain short-circuited. "What... you, you, uh... that's not... buh..." He stared at the puma for a few moments, practically drooling, before he shook his head vigorously. "I-I swear, it wasn't sexy, Axel. I was terrified. You collapsed, I barely got you up the stairs, and you were just conscious enough to sit in my chair and help me get you undressed and into bed. W-why would you choose now to flirt with me, of all times?"

"Dunno, really. You're cute when you're flustered. And I wanted to see something cute." Isaac's ears folded down and he turned red. "Looks like it worked, too." Axel yawned. "M'tired... Can I... can I please stay the night? Would that be okay?"

"Of course. Get some rest. I called my parents, they're coming home soon. Since tomorrow's a holiday, we're going to take some time to figure this out then. But, when I talked to them, they said it was okay for you to stay as long as you needed. You'll be safe here, Axel. I told you, I had a plan. You staying here was always part of it, now we just need to -- Well, I'll tell you about it in the morning." Isaac kissed him on the cheek, and Axel sank down under the covers. "Get some rest. I'll be on the couch downstairs if you need anything -- "

"Y-you're not going to..." Axel sat back up, grabbing Isaac's wrist. "You're not going to stay? But I-I really don't want to be alone right now. Would you, please?"

"I mean, it wouldn't be really appropriate. I... I haven't told my parents we're dating, even. They suspect us. They know you're gay, but I didn't want to tell them we were together until you were ready. If they come home and see us in bed together, they're probably gonna know."

Axel bit his lip. "W-will they care?"

"What? No, not at all. I mean, you used to bully me, and they know that, so they might be a little over-protective, but they'll come around."

"Then... I don't care if they know. Does that mean you'll stay?" Axel gazed up at Isaac, his wide eyes full of a mixture of fear and longing.

Damn, those eyes. How could I say no? Isaac sighed, smiling softly at his puma. "Okay, fine. Let me get undressed and get the light."

Isaac stripped down to his briefs before putting on a small pair of running shorts, turning off the light, and climbing into bed. They lay there in the dark, rain gently tapping against the window, the clock on the nightstand glowing the hour: 2:24 AM. The fox chuckled. "You know, I'm usually in bed by eleven. You really messed up my sleep schedule tonight."

"My bad. Thanks again, man. I appreciate, well, everything." Axel heard the rustle of fabric as Isaac rolled over to face the edge of the bed. The puma's heart quickened, as the fresh scent of whatever deodorant Isaac used finally wafted over to him. "Did you shower tonight?"

"That's a weird question. But yes, I did. Why do you -- Ah!" Isaac squeaked as the massive puma wrapped his arms around him, sliding one under his head and the other over the top, both coming to rest against his bare chest.

"Mmm -- You smell good. Is... is this okay?"

"Uh-huh..." Isaac meekly assented, feeling the warmth of his boyfriend -- Hah, my boyfriend! -- pressing up against his back. He was still feverish, and he was burning hot against the fox's short fur. "You're so warm... wow. That fever really is doing a number on you. And your heartbeat, geez, I can feel it. It's so fast. Are you sure that you're okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. I feel really good, actually." Axel hesitated a moment and spoke slowly. "Maybe I am a little nervous... I've never..." He nosed his muzzle into the crook of Isaac's neck, and snuffled around, then sighed. "I've never cuddled with anyone before -- not intentionally, anyway. That one time with Colt doesn't count."

"Never...? But you've had girlfriends, you never cuddled with any of them?"

"No, we just, uh, kissed and... did other stuff." Axel unconsciously squeezed his fox tightly.

"Mmmn. Other stuff?"

"Y'know... s-sex... sorry..." The puma stumbled through an apology, suddenly feeling shy.

"Why are you sorry? I figured you had done that, at least. You had a bit of a reputation around school."

"W-what about you? Have you ever, erm, you know... with a guy?"

"No, Axel, I've never had sex." Isaac put special emphasis on the last word, really drawing it out to make his boyfriend squirm. "I told you, aside from my parents, you're the first person I ever told I was gay. Pretty sure whatever guy I was hooking up with would've figured that out."

"O-oh. I guess, yeah." Axel let out a deep breath he didn't know he'd been holding. "I guess I'll shut up. You're probably exhausted."

"Heh, I definitely am. But it's okay; I enjoy talking to you." Isaac shuffled himself closer to Axel and snuggled into his arms. "Goodnight, love."

The feeling of the fox's thick, soft fur pressing against him caused Axel's heart to drum against his chest. "G-goodnight, Isaac. L-love you too."

...

Zzz...

...

Isaac awoke first, yawning and attempting to stretch. He was pleasantly surprised to find that Axel hadn't let go of him all night. In fact, he'd only gotten closer to the fox, his legs now tangled up with Isaac's, and his chin now rested on top of the fox's head. Isaac shifted around and received a strong squeeze from his boyfriend, who simultaneously nuzzled his face against the fox. The puma then let out a loud huff and started purring.

Aww! Oh my gosh, he's so cute! Isaac chirred happily, the tip of his tail twitching wildly as he snuggled back against his boyfriend.He's all mine... my Axel... With a sigh and a smile, he pressed himself as close as he could to the puma. I really should wake him up, it's getting late. But... I'll let him sleep. Let him have this, just for a little longer. And it's not like I don't want it too.

After a very tender few minutes, Axel tensed up, clinging tightly to Isaac as he stretched and yawned. "Mmrf... O-oh. Hey, beautiful." The fox blushed as Axel kissed the top of his head. "How are you feeling?"

"How am I feeling? The better question is, how are YOU feeling? You had one hell of a night." Isaac untangled his legs and rolled around, turning to face Axel.

"Aww, I was comfy... But honestly, I'm kinda fine? Like, I'm really worried about my brothers, and I need to do... something. I don't know what I even CAN do. But, I'm also just so... so..." Axel's voice dropped off, and he hugged Isaac to his chest. He whispered, "I feel guilty. Guilty that I'm so happy right now, while they're..."

"No, no, honey, no!" Pulling free of Axel's embrace, Isaac looked at his face and saw that his eyes were squinted shut, tears leaking out. "It's okay, Axel! We're going to help your brothers, I promise. My parents will be home by now, and -- "

"Breakfast is ready! Better hurry before your dad eats it all!" Isaac's mom hollered up the stairs.

Shocked out of his emotional spiral, Axel blinked. "A-ah. Uh... What am I gonna wear? Isn't my stuff still downstairs?"

"I guess I can go get them. Or I might have a bathrobe you could borrow... Hang on." Isaac peeled the covers off himself and swung his legs over the edge of the bed. Axel moved to do the same, and something caught his attention.

"Oh... shit..."

"What -- " Isaac turned and noticed that someone had folded Axel's clothes and placed them on the nightstand next to where the puma had been sleeping. "Ah. I'd hoped they wouldn't come in here..."

Axel stared at the clothes and chuckled nervously. "Well, I mean, all we were doing was cuddling. That's not so bad, right?"

"They might know we're dating, though. Are you, uhm... okay with that?"

Axel looked back at Isaac. "If it's just your parents? Nah. I'm... still a little nervous about being, well, out, at school. But if you want to be, er, 'out' there too, I-I can... hrm..."

"Weren't you gonna break into the AV club for me?" Isaac grinned wryly, and Axel's eyes went wide as he hurriedly opened his mouth. The fox cut him off. "No, no, I'm just messing with you, hun. We can take this one step at a time. There's no need to rush; besides, I'm a little nervous too. Come on; let's get dressed, and we'll head downstairs, okay?"

"Okay. Thanks, Isaac."

Isaac already had some clothes laid out, so he started changing. As he pulled a soft, well-worn t-shirt over his head, he saw Axel slipping out of the pair of gym shorts he'd loaned him.

Oh shit.

I forgot...

He wasn't wearing anything underneath those...

Isaac ogled the puma, taking in the sights that he'd never dared to see in the locker room. His own clothes forgotten, he marveled at the sight of Axel's strong, lithe back. He made a sad little whine when Axel pulled up his boxers, and somehow, the puma heard it. Turning around, Axel asked, "Hun? Is everything all -- SHIT! SORRY!"

Axel whipped back around, and Isaac felt confused for a moment, before realizing he had been staring at Axel -- that tall, muscular, gorgeous puma -- and something further south had gotten excited, showing hard through his tight briefs.

"Ah! Shit! No, I'm sorry!" The fox nearly tripped as he yanked his jeans up. "Shit! I can't believe I let myself do that... I'm so sorry, Axel, I -- "

"D-don't apologize, please. I-I don't, er, mind..." Axel quickly pulled up his pants as well. Still facing away, he mumbled. "I mean, if I'm being honest, it... it happened to me, too. L-last night."

"W-what?"

"You'd fallen asleep, but I was still awake, and holding you, and you were just so... so damn soft, and small, and cute... and then you, ah, pushed back into me, and it just kinda... happened. I didn't do anything, though! I just thought it might make you more comfortable if you knew. That's all." Still shirtless, Axel turned to face Isaac, head hanging down, whiskers drooping. "I'm sorry, I should've told you sooner, but I didn't know what to say."

"No, you're fine." Isaac swallowed. "Honestly, I -- heh." The fox blushed as a devious thought entered his mind. "I just don't think it's fair that you got to see mine, and I didn't get to see yours."

"You... you want to see... that?" Axel's mouth went dry, and his heart fluttered in his chest. "Do you mean, like... now?"

"I mean, i-if you want..." The fox smiled at Axel, palms growing sweaty, fingers and toes tingling.

Slowly, with trembling paws, Axel reached towards the button on his pants. Undoing it, he fumbled with the zipper a moment before getting it down. "Okay... if you're sure, I -- "

"BOYS! COME ON, IT'S GETTING COLD!"

The pair jumped, broken from their reverie. "She sounds mad, heh..." Taking a deep breath, Isaac hollered back, "SORRY MOM, WE'RE COMING!" The fox grabbed a bottle of cologne, sprayed himself, and then tossed it to Axel. "Here, it's supposed to be for special occasions, but... dad has an even better sense of smell than I do, and I can smell your, uh... excitement, from here. Just a spray should do it."

"Y-you can smell that?!" Axel blushed so hard he felt light-headed, and he propped himself against the wall. "Wait, so this morning, when I woke up, could you tell that I... l-last night..."

"Sorta. It had mostly faded, I couldn't tell if it was you o-or, well, me. Heh." Isaac picked up Axel's shirt and tossed it at him. "Hurry, or she's gonna come up here. We gotta get downstairs before it gets cold."

Axel swiftly pulled on the shirt, muffled voice breaking through. "What do you mean, me or you? So last night, you also got..."

"W-well, yeah." Isaac sighed and swiped a paw through his hair. "It wasn't the right time, like, at all, but... look, you're super hot, you know that, right? And you're smart, too; you learn super quickly, and you're a total sweetheart... Of course you turn me on. God, I can barely look at you without wanting you to jump me..." Isaac's voice trailed off, and he felt his face flush, forcing him to look away. "Heh, sorry..."

"No, it's, um, it's cool. I just didn't know you felt that way too. I thought I was weird, and the only one thinking that kind of, er, stuff."

Isaac cackled. "Nope, definitely not the only one. I get horny, too." Axel blushed again, and Isaac patted him on the shoulder. "Come on, let's go see what's for breakfast."

They stumbled down the stairs and rounded the corner into the kitchen. Isaac's dad sat at the table, reading a book while patiently waiting for the boys. The pair sat at the table as Isaac's mom lifted a few pancakes off a griddle. "Hey, thought you said breakfast was ready, mom. You're lying to me now?" Isaac teased.

Mrs. Talbot gave a most unladylike snort. "You're lucky it's taking longer than usual. You boys need to eat." Her face softened at seeing Axel's shy smile. "I hear you two had a pretty busy night last night."

"Ah, yeah. it was pretty rough. I think we got through it okay, though." Isaac surreptitiously rubbed his paw against Axel's, and the edges of the puma's mouth quirked up at the touch. "Come on, Axel, let's sit down."

"Oh, um, actually... Do you need any help, Mrs. Talbot? I can carry some things for you, or something." Axel wrapped a paw around his arm and gave his best smile, restlessly shifting his weight from one foot to the other.

"What a gentleman! But no, you're a guest. I wouldn't dream of making you help. HUGH!" she suddenly shouted, causing Axel to wince. "Get off your tail and help me bring this over!"

Mr. Talbot dug a finger into his ear. "Woman, you're going to make me deaf one of these days..." But he swiftly stood up and gave his wife a peck on the cheek as he rounded the counter. "You're lucky I love you so much." He reached out for a slice of bacon...

"You're lucky I'm feeding you at all, you ungrateful brute!" Mrs. Talbot laughed and smacked her husband's paw. He laughed too and pulled away from the treat. "Now grab some of those plates, and I'll get the juice -- mmph!"

Hugh had moved his paw to the side of her muzzle and turned her face for a full kiss. "Love you too, commander." Grabbing several plates laden with food, he balanced them on his arms and brought them to the table.

Axel whistled. "Neat trick, Mr. Talbot! Where'd you learn to do that?"

The older fox grinned. "Worked at a diner most of high school and college. In fact, that's where I met Carol! She still makes the best coffee I've ever had."

"Oh, you! I already married you. You don't have to keep flattering me. But you should, or else I'll stop cooking for you." Carol stuck out her tongue and brought over a pitcher of juice and a carafe of coffee. "Axel, would you like some coffee with breakfast?" She poured him a glass of orange juice as he pondered.

"N-no, thank you, I don't usually have caffeine. Makes me jittery."

"Oh, all right. I guess you are a little young to need it. You'll want it when you get to college, trust me! I'll give you my secret recipe, though, don't you worry." She finished pouring drinks and sat down at the table. "Okay, everyone, dig in! I made more than plenty, so have as much as you like!"

Hugh and Isaac loaded up their plates, but Axel only took a few pancakes and a modest portion of eggs. Mrs. Talbot frowned at him. "Axel, honey, are you not feeling well still? I can make you something else, if you need -- "

"No! No, I feel fine, really. I just, well, I'm not used to eating breakfast. I appreciate it, but- "

"Are you hungry, Axel?"

"I-I mean, sure, but -- "

"Do you want more food?"

"I... I don't want to impose, I -- "

With a grunt, Carol snatched his plate away and started loading it with bacon, more eggs, and a couple more pancakes. Axel's eyes went wide at the amount of food she piled onto his plate. When she finally handed it back, he just stared at all of it for a moment. "This... I can eat all of this?"

"Well, I hope you can, son, because she's gonna make you sit there till you do." Hugh smiled widely, his plate nearly as full as the puma's. "Come on, don't just stare at it! Get it while it's hot!"

Axel needed no further coaxing, and dug into the food before him. He still ate with tiny, delicate bites, a stark contrast to Isaac's large mouthfuls. He noticed, though, that Isaac had waited to eat until he did. If he's going to make a habit of waiting, I'll have to make sure I start eating sooner. I can't let him go hungry...

After they ate, they chatted a while. Mr. Talbot asked Axel lots of questions about his football career while Isaac and his mom cleaned up dishes. As they scrubbed, Carol leaned down and whispered in her son's ear. "So... you and Axel, huh?"

The young fox blushed and nearly dropped a cup he was holding. "Y-yeah. He doesn't really want anyone to know yet, though. And I mean, I get it ... He's still barely coming to terms with all this. I don't wanna rush him."

"That's good. Don't force him into anything. I don't think your father knows; he might suspect, but he doesn't know like I do. I checked on you two last night. It was cute." Carol laughed as the inside of her son's ears flushed a dark red. "Just promise me one thing."

"S-sure, mom, what?"

"Don't let us catch you having sex. I really don't want to have that conversation."

"Mom!" Isaac shouted, scandalized, then realized he'd drawn a strange look from his dad and from Axel. Cringing, he mumbled an apology, then started drying dishes again. Quietly, he whispered, "So... what if we don't let you catch us?"

"Well, I'd hope you'd be honest if it came up, but you two are adults. I won't tell you what to do. Just wear a condom, especially if you're having sex with other people."

"We'd have to have sex at all, first..." Isaac grumbled, then he caught the bemused look on his mom's face. "Oh, uh, I said that out loud, didn't I?"

"Yes, you did, sweetie, but it's okay. You're young! Embrace it. Last plate, coming up!" With that, the dishes were all dry and put away. Returning to the table, Carol smiled at Axel. "I do hope my husband has been behaving himself."

"Yeah! He knows a lot about football. It's great to talk to someone other than, uh... Colt." The puma's face fell, and memories of the previous day flooded his mind.

"Hey, kid, it's okay. What's on your mind?" Mr. Talbot leaned forward and patted Axel's paw.

"O-oh, it's -- Well, I'm worried about my brothers, mostly. I don't know what I'm going to do. I need to do something, I can't just leave them there with her..." Axel put a claw in his mouth and chewed on it.

"Oh, well, that's something we've been on top of for a while now." Hugh smiled at Axel. "We're working on getting your brothers taken out of your house for their safety. And unless you have family to contest it, we're looking to foster them here with you, at our house."

"What? Really?! You'd do that for us? But... why? I mean, I treated Isaac like shit --" Axel caught a swift glare from Isaac's mom, and he hastily revised his sentence. "S-sorry! I treated him, uh, really badly, and I hate that I haven't made it up to him yet. So... why would you want to take care of us?"

"Because you need help, Axel. It's just that simple." Carol smiled gently at the puma before continuing. "I know you haven't always been good to Isaac, but he seems to really believe you've turned over a new leaf, and Hugh and I trust his judgement. Also, your brothers aren't you. They have done nothing to warrant our anger, so as far as we see it, they're completely innocent. Even if they don't get placed with us, we'll make sure that you get to see them regularly, too, so don't worry about that -- Oh!" Mrs. Talbot and Isaac each reached out to lay a paw on Axel's shoulder, as his eyes welled up and he cried.

"S-sorry, ma'am, I... I just really appreciate what you're doing for us. I think this is the best I could've possibly hoped for. Thank you... thank you so, so much!" Axel put his face in his paws and let the tears flow freely, hopeful that his brothers would finally be safe.

Isaac moved his paw to Axel's back and rubbed in small, soft circles, gently massaging the emotional puma. "It's okay... we're here for you." The younger fox moved to stroking Axel's hair, eliciting a muffled purr in between the hiccups and sobs.

Eventually, the crying died down, and Axel cleared his throat. "S-so, uhm... I guess I should find someplace to stay, then. Can I borrow a phone from someone? I need to make some calls..."

"Son, you don't need to worry about that. We'll let you stay here with us. We already assumed we'd be doing that for a while anyway, after Isaac called us last night." Mr. Talbot grinned at Axel. "We'll go to the store later today and pick up some clothes for you, and whatever else you need."

"Oh! I'd hate to be even more of a burden, but I -- "

"Shush! You're no burden, Axel." Carol took one of the puma's paws between her own and patted it gently. "We're happy to do this for you. Just try to enjoy it a little bit!"

Isaac piped up from behind Axel. "Yeah! I'll go with you, so I can make sure they get you stuff that actually looks good, Dad." The young fox stuck out his tongue and pretended to glare at his father.

"Hey, now, that was only a couple times! Fashion isn't my strong suit, though, you're right... But you know, black is always in style!"

"I looked like I was going to a funeral! For weeks!"

Axel let out a bark of laughter. "Oh, man, I remember that! Beginning of sophomore year, I, er, well... sorry for picking on you for that..."

Isaac laughed too. "Nah, don't worry about it. I told you, I forgive you. Besides, if our situations were reversed, I might've picked on you, too. It was quite the fashion statement."

They continued to chat around the table for about half an hour before breaking for the boys to shower, and then they headed to the mall. It was still thriving against all odds, mostly because there wasn't any decent shopping built up in the town yet. Carol and Isaac picked out several outfits for the athletic puma, and Mr. Talbot also bought some new training clothes for both boys. They had a late lunch at the food court, which Axel had never done before, and then they headed home. Once they arrived, Hugh and Carol decided to watch a movie, and Isaac decided it was time for a nap.

"Man, I'm beat. I'm gonna go lay down. You, um... you care to join me, Axel?" Isaac looked up at the puma, biting his lip.

Axel took a quick glance at the fox's parents. "Ah, i-is that going to be okay?"

Hugh's sharp ears didn't miss a word. "It's fine, we know you two are... something. You were awful close when we got in last night. Just be respectful of the space you're in, and if the door is shut, we'll knock."

"O-oh! All right, then... I guess a nap sounds great, then."

"Perfect! See you for dinner, mom, dad." Axel jumped a little as Isaac took him by the paw and led him upstairs. Once they got to the fox's room, Isaac shut the door and began to take off his shirt.

Axel blushed, attempting to look away but finding himself unable to. "Wh-what are you doing?"

"Getting ready for bed. Why, what's it look like? Do you sleep with all your clothes on? 'Cause that'd be a little weird." In one smooth motion, Isaac whipped off his t-shirt and draped it over the back of his chair.

Wow, that's kinda hot... Not now! "N-no, I guess I don't, but... your parents are here!" Despite his misgivings, Axel still hooked his fingers under his shirt and pulled it off. Seeing the lean fox undoing his shorts, Axel followed suit, leaving him in just his boxers and Isaac in his briefs.

"So? They don't care what we do, you heard dad. But, I seriously am tired, we were up all night. I just want to nap, and there's nothing strange about that. Though..." Isaac stepped up to Axel and put his paws on his bare chest, nestling his snout in the thick tuft of fur between the puma's pecs. "It'd be nice if we could cuddle some more. Is that okay?"

"You want to... Yeah, of course! I'll cuddle the shit out of you anytime you want." Axel stroked a paw over Isaac's head, stopping to rub and caress his ears for a few moments every time he made a pass, eliciting pleased chirps from the fox.

They laid down again, and Axel pulled his boyfriend close to him, resting his chin on top of Isaac's head. Within minutes, Isaac was snoring quietly, and Axel soon began drifting off as well. Soothed by the gentle sounds his fox made, he smiled.

I can't believe we get to be together now. I'm so happy that there's a plan in place, and that I get to save my brothers. Soon, they'll be safe.

I'm safe, too.

Isaac, you're the best thing that ever happened to me...

In the faintest whisper before sleep claimed him, he voiced his thought aloud.

"I love you..."