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"So... You two really think an apology is going to fix things? I understand you feel like you owe it to him but why not just leave him alone? Why bring yourselves back into his life when he clearly is better off without either of you."

"Brandon... take it easy..." Emrys squeezed his mate's leg tightly in an attempt to reinforce the importance of his statement. The jindo knew Conall well enough to know that he would not sit by and take insults for very long. He also knew Brandon well enough to know that if the two canines did get into an altercation it would not turn out very well for the collie.

"I don't really think it matters what you think." It was Kathleen who spoke up first. "You certainly have no say in this. I'm not even sure why you are here."

Emrys shot her a glare that could freeze water. He understood that she was frustrated, but no one would question Brandon's right to be there. The shepherd belonged here more than the two of them ever would. "Brandon is here because he is worried about Flynn. He is also here because he is my mate and has every right to be here. He was there for Flynn when everything happened and he is also the one who introduced Flynn to Caim."

"Ah so you introduced him to his rebound. Can't say as I have ever done that before." Conall's expression was stoic. He was not afraid, and he obviously did not mind flaunting his stupidity.

"I would refrain from saying anything that might allude to Caim being a rebound again. He has been my friend since I was a pup. I get a bit protective of him. Besides even I know that is not how Flynn works." Emrys could feel the muscles of Brandon's leg tighten under his forepaw. That was not a good sign.

"Wait, he? Seriously? How the hell did that happen? He never has shown any interest in males, not even when he saw Emrys in the shower. Trust me, if anything would get a rise out of him it would have been that." He grinned at the two furs seated across from him. Emrys could have killed him for that little remark. Kathleen gave the collie a hard elbow to the ribs causing him to whimper slightly. "What? I think we have known each other long enough to be past formality. Besides I am sure Brandon agrees with me. Nothing wrong with a little mutual appreciation right buddy?" He gestured to the shepherd as if he would take the collie's side.

Emrys could feel the air tremble with the low growl now emanating from his mate. He squeezed the muscular leg once more, hoping that Brandon would catch his meaning. The jindo had never seen his mate this upset before. Then again, no one had ever spoken to him like this either. At least, he did not remember Conall ever acting quite this way. It was possible he had just ignored the snide comments back then due to some puppy love induced idiocy. He searched for something to say that would help defuse the situation before someone ended up hurt. Thankfully, Kathleen picked up the conversation.

"No, Flynn is definitely not the type to rebound. He is probably putting all of himself into this relationship as he did ours." A touch of sadness laced the feline's voice. Conall sighed, rolling his eyes and leaning back in exasperation. "He has always been that way. I am surprised that his new mate is male, I must admit. This Caim is very lucky to have him. Honestly I just want to apologize and wish them the best."

"How about we change the subject... I think you two should meet Caim before you both go judging him." Emrys tried to smile, though it must have looked awkward being so forced. Conall glanced at him and winked. So much for the smile having to be forced.

"Emrys is right. So how has school been treating you? Almost a year behind all three of us now." Her smile was a vain attempt at something genuine. It was a wasted effort as her half-heartedness only made it seem more out of place. Kathleen sighed as that realization set in.

"It has been going well. I should come out with a 4.0 this semester, barring any more idiotic professors this time around." His grimace indicated his aversion to talking about the subject.

"So did you two meet last semester then?"

"We certainly did!" The excitement in his voice seemed to surprise all three of the other furs. "He and I met at a party I went to one night. Things just kind of took off from there!"

Conall snorted, "You met at a party? A bit cliché don't you think? I thought to hear something a bit more meaningful coming from a hopeless romantic like you, Emrys." The glares from Kathleen and Emrys should have seared him to the bone.

Brandon was a bit more vocal about the situation. "Say one more thing about Emrys, mutt, and I swear to all that is holy I will break you. It is not your place to say anything of how we met. Keep your jealousy in check or I will do it for you." It was obvious to all that this was much more than a threat. Conall just huffed and sat back, placing his arm around Kathleen.

The feline narrowed her eyes at him and shook her head. "I honestly should have known he would be like this." The comment brought Conall's attention to center on her. His expression questioning. "Conall just feels like he took advantage of Emrys. He just doesn't want anyone else to do the same. I promise it is nothing personal."

"I feel there is more to this than just a need to protect. More like..." He stopped as the door opened abruptly. Flynn walked in, a cold look in his eyes as they found Conall and Kathleen. Emrys had never seen this look in his friend's eyes. It certainly did not fit.

Kathleen and Conall both stood, shame overtaking even their postures as they seemed to be preparing what they would say once the awkward silence that had now settled in the room had been broken. The jindo glanced at Brandon who looked on with an amused expression. How had such a wonderful day, the day his mate finally had come back to him, turned into such a nightmare so quickly?

"To what do we owe the displeasure of seeing you two again? I thought you both were perfectly happy finally being able to be together." Flynn had obviously taken time to calm himself.

"We are here to apologize, ass." Conall straightened up, his tone returning to its former smugness. "We thought you would appreciate the gesture. We didn't have to come all this way to this. It just seemed like the right thing to do."

"The right thing to do? Seriously? Since when did either of you give thought to what the right thing to do is? The right thing to do would have been to dump me instead of cheating on me. The right thing to do would have been to not sleep with your brother's mate. A bit too late to consider what is right don't you think?"

"Not at all. Better late than never."

"Speak your peace and then be on your way. I don't have time for idle talk." Flynn had never been this callous to anyone before. Emrys was only now realizing just how deep the wound must have been. The jindo glanced at Brandon who stood with crossed arms. A look of amusement spread across his muzzle as he readied for what he must have thought would be a good show.

Kathleen sighed, "Look Flynn. We just wanted to say that we are deeply sorry for the pain we caused you. I know I was stupid in not ending things sooner. I made a mistake, as does everyone at some point. I just hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me..."

Silence was the immediate answer. Flynn glanced at Emrys and Brandon, to which the jindo responded with a terse nod before grabbing his own mate's forepaw and exiting the room. The two entered Emrys' bedroom and left the door cracked. He knew that it was wrong to listen in. Yet he wanted to be sure that Flynn would be okay. After all the two had been best friends for so long, how could he not feel a sort of need to protect the collie? Brandon squeezed his forepaw as they sat, listening to the low rumble of conversation coming from the common room.

"You can't just stay mad at us forever, Flynn. I'm your brother for gods' sakes. We are blood and nothing can change that. I screwed up, yes. I missed you being there to talk to. I grew tired of running through fuckbuddies and was jealous of what you seemed to have with Kat. When you left I saw how lonely she was and at first I thought we could just keep each other company until you came to visit or one of us went to visit you. I can't help that it turned into more... I can't apologize for my own feelings but I can apologize for not thinking about yours. I have been lonely since I lost Emrys to be honest. Kat eased that feeling. I feel like I can finally be happy, truly happy again. If only you can forgive us and we can go back to how we were..." Conall attempted to smile, yet stopped when Flynn's expression remained unchanged.

The younger collie thought for a moment. He had not wanted to hear this. Why couldn't they just leave him alone? Caim had soothed his wounds and now he was happier than ever. Why not just let time smooth things over? "You know, I am not sure whether I should forgive you or throw you both out. You come here to apologize to me like this was something that neither of you could control. Kathleen you of all furs should have been able to see where this would lead. You are more sensible than that. Conall you want me to feel sorry for you? For how lonely you supposedly felt? You messed things up with Emrys because of your own lack of self-control. How the hell can you feel bad about losing him when you could not appreciate what you had when you were together? No. Neither of you deserve anything but pity from me. I don't hate either of you. In fact I love you both even now. Things like that do not just go away. Honestly at this point I am almost happy things turned out this way."

Kathleen frowned and her eyes brimmed with tears. Conall noticed and his own shame was overcome with a touch of anger. "Happy? The fuck kind of response is that?" Kathleen's glare cut him short. He took a deep breath to still his anger. He opened his muzzle to speak but stopped as his eyes caught something behind his brother. Flynn turned to find Caim peeking around the open doorway. He had finally made it.

Flynn held out a forepaw in invitation making the ocelot smile brightly as he approached. Caim's own forepaw was soft and warm as their fingers intertwined. Once more this day got a little brighter. A loud scoff drew his attention and Flynn glanced over to see Kathleen's face had taken on what seemed to almost be a despaired look. Conall own expression was one of disbelief as he looked from her to Flynn and back. The collie knew what was coming next. Honestly he was not sure he could blame Conall for this inevitable outburst.

"Well this is just fucking fantastic! Here I am thinking we are here to apologize so that we can all move on and it turns out you still love him. The hell Kat?"

"Conall it isn't like that..."

"Bullshit! I told you we never should have come. I wasn't sure of what it was that kept telling me this was a bad idea until now. I think I knew your feelings for him were still there. Why don't you just say it Kat? And you..." His attention turned to Flynn. Conall was obviously finished holding his tongue. This he must get from their father. "You brought him here on purpose didn't you? What did you think this would accomplish? I'm sure if you wanted Kat back you could have just told her. You didn't have to include your little rebound slut. Fuck why do I surround myself with all of you?! I always just end up so pissed off."

Flynn's fist connected before anyone knew what happened. He blinked as he saw his brother lying on the floor staring up at him in disbelief. Blood trailed from the corner of his muzzle. "Get out. Both of you." Was that his voice? The canine looked back at Caim who wore a look of utter shock. What does he think of his choice of mate now?

"You hit me... You just fucking hit me, your own brother, over some little cat you just met a few months ago?"

"I said get out! Neither of you are welcome here!"

"We were just leaving..." Kathleen said solemnly. Conall spat blood onto the floor as she helped him stand. Flynn noticed that Emrys and Brandon had reentered the room. The yelling must have drawn the two furs back. As they left Conall turned a glare on Caim, growling as they passed. Flynn barely had a chance to blink before his brother met the nearest wall in a most violent fashion. Brandon's own growl brought Flynn's fur to stand on end. The shepherd had pinned the canine firmly against the wall.

"Threaten him again, threaten anyone that I care for again and I swear I will ensure that your face is only acceptable in a Picasso exhibit. You got that mutt?!"

"Fuck you..." His muzzle slammed against the wall. Flynn swore he heard something crack.

"What's that? I'm sorry but I am a bit hard of hearing..." After a muffled reply Brandon released the collie, almost tossing him at the shocked Siamese. "Take him. You might want to get his muzzle x-rayed as well. I think I may have broken him." The large canine returned to his mate's side. Emrys stood with jaw open in awe. This seems to be a day full of new things for them all. The door slammed shut and the four furs stood in brief silence.

Flynn glanced down at his mate, the ocelot clinging to his arm. He was unable to see Caim's eyes but could sense that something was amiss. Had he gone too far by hitting Conall? Was it too violent of a display for such a gentle soul? "Caim?"

All eyes turned to the small feline. His forepaw dropped and he looked up at Flynn. There was something behind those beautiful eyes, something Flynn had not seen before. When he spoke his voice never once quivered. "You know, I have had others stand up for me before. It has never been something out of the ordinary to a fur like me. Yet seeing you filled with such anger over something your own brother said about me... I know it sounds rather dumb but I cannot help but feel... lucky..." His smile almost split his face in two.

"What can I say? No one talks to my mate like that." Flynn grinned mischievously. Caim grinned back before pulling the collie down and kissing him deeply.

"What no thanks for me? I stood up for you too, right?" Brandon chuckled as Emrys gave him a playful punch to the gut.

"You can just get all of your appreciation from me." The jindo winked. Brandon felt his cheeks warm slightly.

"I would take him up on that one, puppy. A cute canine like that could do wonders for you I am sure." The ocelot giggled as he watched the two furs.

"Oh I plan on it. We have quite a lot of catching up to do actually."

"Well don't let us keep you! In fact I have some things to discuss in private with my own mate..." Flynn could not help but smile at that.

"Yeah well try not to be too loud you two."

Emrys cocked an eyebrow, another wicked grin creeping onto his muzzle. His tail wagged eagerly as his forepaw found purchase on the buckle of the shepherd's belt. "They should probably be more worried about how loud we will be, love. I have a lot of pent up energy, and that aggression of yours deserves an outlet..." Brandon's own tail could have taken out a wall as Emrys led him by the belt into his room.

Flynn found himself watching as Caim walked slowly down the hall. The feline uttered not a word, opting instead to slowly strip as he padded towards the collie's room. That slender frame, that sexy back tapering into a slender waist which led further to an ample rear. It was all too much for Flynn to handle. If this was an anime he would have needed a blood transfusion. Caim disappeared around a corner wearing nothing more than a pair of boyshorts. As his tail became the only visible appendage the canine watched as it curled up, beckoning him to follow. This was going to be a great end to what should have been a great day. Conall and Kathleen never once entered back into his thoughts. Caim was all that remained.

Conall cursed as he massaged his sore jaw. "I think the bastard broke something..."

"You provoked him to it, Conall. Why didn't you just leave the poor ocelot be. Threatening him like that was uncalled for." Kathleen seemed almost disappointed in him.

"I just growled. Little bitch deserved it. I am sure he was the one that caused Flynn to be so cold. Probably filled his head with all sorts of shit."

"Flynn hit you because you called his mate a slut. You would do the same."

Conall did not answer. It was true, after all. He would not hesitate to stick up for Kat. She was everything to him, even if she did still harbor feelings for his brother.

"Conall, I wanted to say I'm sorry... I promise it is not what it seemed. I don't love Flynn anymore, not like that at least. I just feel horrible about everything that happened... It made me feel worse that he was so disappointed in us. I just thought it would be easier..." She sighed, never taking her eyes from the road.

"I think we have made enough apologies today. Besides, I'm not upset with you. It did hurt, but I understand. It took me a while to cope after Emrys, so I can't expect you to be over him any quicker. Let's just forget about them... all of them..." He would gladly forget the mangy shepherd, but no matter how he tried he could not forget that look in his brother's eyes. That level of disgust was not something that should ever be directed towards one's family. He sighed and reached to grab his lover's forepaw. He found nothing where her paw once lay. Turning he noticed now the stream of tears pouring from her eyes matting the fur of her cheeks. "Kat... It's gonna be okay... We will be fine. We just need to give everything some time."

The feline shook her head slowly, lower lip quivering as she spoke. "I... think I need some time for myself, Conall..."