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"So, what's the plan now?"

The sun had begun to crest on the horizon. For the entirety of the day, Brennan had felt the overwhelming need to be at home in bed. After such a depressing series of events, he needed the chance to get some emotional and physical rest. But he didn't want to offend Vick. Part of him even wanted Vick to stay...

The strangest thing was that Vick actually did make him feel better. It seemed like such a small thing to just take someone out to dinner, but, for that time, he was focused on something other than his own misery. He could focus on Vick, on aspects of life that could still make him happy. Despite the oddness of the situation, he still felt a connection to the smaller coyote, and it was the first thing to cut through the depression since the incident had happened. Even then, he was still exhausted and desperately needed a break.

He stayed silent for a little too long, so Vick said, to fill the gap, "Well, it seems like you're a little flustered, you have had a long day. I can just walk you back to your place, if that's okay?"

Brennan paused for a little bit, still in his confused state. A small amount of time passed, several seconds, but it seemed like much longer to both of them. Brennan finally nodded, saying, "Yeah, maybe that's best..." He kept his gaze on the pavement as he began walking the familiar route home, though he hadn't moved more than a few feet when he felt Vick's hand on his arm again.

He looked up into Vick's gaze, still just as soft and calm. Rather than speak, Vick just smiled and gripped his arm a little more firmly, reassuring Brennan that he hadn't been offended. Brennan still wasn't sure he wanted to go home at all, simply because he had smiled more in just this evening than he had in the several weeks prior. He didn't want to give that up so quickly. Nevertheless, he started walking back to his apartment, Vick following not too far behind.

After about a block of silence, Brennan found his voice. "So, Vick, what do you do for a living?"

Vick perked up a little at hearing Brennan take initiative. "Well, believe it or not, I've always wanted to be a teacher. I went to college for a while to follow that dream, but I had to drop out and only ended up with a 2-year degree. So I'm a substitute teacher now. It's not a bad gig, and I still get to help kids, which is really nice, but it just isn't exactly what I wanted, you know?"

Brennan nodded. Sounds like I'm not the only one who's had issues with jobs recently...

Vick continued, "Music was also a huge part of my life up through college. I did marching band both years and even took some lessons as a composer. It was incredible. If I'm being honest, I would give anything to go back to that point and tell myself not to leave, but it's in the past now. Anymore, it's hard to keep doing music stuff, but I do still get to DJ at some of the local bars on weekends, which is at least something."

"So why did you leave?"

"It was my roommate. I had met this guy during the first week of school my freshman year. You know, everybody's mingling and meeting each other, I didn't get much of a chance to really get to know him. I thought he seemed pretty chill and that living with him would be relaxing. Wrong." His whiskers twitched, and his voice took on a harsher quality. "Three weeks was all I could take. Empty pots and pans all over the kitchen, never cleaned the house, used my shampoo without asking, not to mention the constant arguing, basically everything you don't want in a roommate. Without any money and the contract still valid, I had no choice but to come back and live with my parents, where the rent was free."

Brennan looked down at his feet, confronted with the odd realization that he should now be comforting Vick.

As if reading his mind, Vick quickly added, "But that doesn't mean I'm unhappy now. I'm still doing music, and I've got enough money to buy my booze, plus a stable..." He paused, remembering the situation, and finished, "... place to live."

"You were gonna say job."

Vick gave a short, sarcastic huff and straightened his posture. "What a harsh accusation. I will not stand for such judgement. That being acknowledged... I plead guilty, your honor."

Brennan heard himself chuckle for the first time in several weeks.

A few more minutes of small talk found Brennan in front of his apartment building. The pair stopped by the door, silent for a moment.

"Well, Brennan, it was really nice to meet you. And I'm so sorry to hear about your job situation, but I really do think-"

"Have you seen Frenzy?"

"What?"

"The animated movie?"

Vick gave Brennan a puzzled look before shaking his head.

"It's my favorite movie. I was gonna watch it tonight anyway, if you wanted to stay. If not, that's fine too, I understand you're a busy guy and all..."

The larger coyote did not have to wait for an answer. Vick was already holding the door open with a coy grin, arm folded in front of him, beckoning for Brennan to go in.

As he led Vick through the apartment building, Brennan felt his nerves sink in.

Did he actually want to leave? I hope I didn't force him to stay. It's just been so long since I've thought about anything but work, it's nice to have someone to talk to... He's being way too nice to me... Do I have enough stuff to keep him entertained? ...

Brennan slid the key into the doorknob and turned the handle, pushing the door open, his mind still racing as he flipped on the light switch. Vick followed closely behind, looking around curiously. Though the apartment was small, it was immaculate. In the small kitchen on the left, a stainless steel refrigerator shone brightly against the stove and wood cabinets. Grey tile countertops sparkled from the overhead light. Carpet covered the right half of the room, where a long, black sofa sat facing a large flat-screen TV, both sleek and clean. Between the two was a pair of doors, one closed, and the other open to expose a small bathroom.

"There are cups in the far right cabinet, the sink water is fine to drink, there's also some milk and apple juice in the fridge. If it's okay, I'm gonna go change." Vick gave him a quick nod, and Brennan moved to the closed door, gently opening it and vanishing into his bedroom.

After shutting the door behind him, Brennan quickly removed his suit coat and tie, straightening both and putting them on a hanger behind the door. He kicked his shoes against the far wall and unbuttoned his shirt with little trouble, stripping himself of both it and his slacks within a few seconds.

Clad only in a pair of striped boxers, he put his hands on his head and exhaled slowly, staring at his reflection in the mirror against the closet. Suddenly he found himself somewhat self-conscious of his appearance. His muscular chest was hidden by an extremely thick layer of grey fur. The deep crevasses of his ab muscles made his hair poke out at odd angles. Even his biceps, which he had taken care to work on within the last few months, were covered in scruffy and unkempt fur. Brennan frowned at the sight. His muscles began to tense. As hard as I try, somehow I just never seem to look right...

His fingers clenched tighter as he began to think of all the work he had put into setting himself up for a good life. Four years of school for a good job, internships every summer to build his resume, working out four times a week to have a better body. Somehow all of it had seemed to fall apart in such a short period of time.

He closed his eyes and exhaled again, trying to ease himself into meditation. His fingers began to loosen as he counted backwards from fifty, letting his mind free itself from the negativity. 50... 49... 48...

Slowly, he felt his muscles start to relax.

34... 33... 32...

The coyote heard his fridge open as Vick poured himself a drink.

29... 28... 27...

The clip of paws against tile faded to the soft squish of carpet and a dull thud as Vick sat down on the couch.

20... 19... 18...

I hope he likes this movie...

10... 9... 8...

He loosed his arm muscles entirely and let them dangle.

5... 4... 3... 2... 1...

Brennan breathed out one last time and moved towards his closet. With a slow sweep, he opened the door and pulled out his favorite plaid pajama pants and an old tank top. Disgusted with the look but too tired to care, he threw them on, pausing only to tie the pants on loosely. He picked up the shirt and slacks from the floor, throwing them into the closet and closing the door, then walked out into the living room to get a drink and settle down for the movie.

"You have a really nice apartment, Brennan." Vick put his arm on the side of the couch to turn and look at the fluffy coyote.

"You're just saying that."

"No, really. It's not huge, but you've obviously kept it really nice. It's clean and clutter-free but doesn't feel stuffy. I like it a lot."

"Well, thanks, I guess."

Brennan pulled out a cup and poured himself some water. As he walked over to the couch, Vick scooted toward the far end, leaving plenty of room for Brennan to lay down if he wanted to. He flicked off the lights and began to sit at the closest end, away from Vick, but instead put the cup on an end table and lay down so his head was only an inch or two away from Vick's thigh. With practiced ease, he scooped up the remote and found his streaming service of choice, pulling up Frenzy and relaxing himself once more.

"Before we start..." Vick's voice was even softer and smoother than when they had first met. "Are you doing okay?"

"Yeah."

"That's a cop out answer."

"I'm doing fine, Vick."

With a sigh, Vick put his hand on Brennan's shoulder and began to rub it lightly. "You know, you don't have to be fine. You've had a rough day, a rough few weeks really, and if you need to feel sad, you deserve that. But I really do want to know how you are right now."

A small whimper escaped Brennan's throat against his will. Rather than focus on the feelings, he instead hit the play button on the remote, shifting into a more comfortable position.

"I'm a little better..."

Vick's hand gave his shoulder a slight squeeze before continuing to rub it. Brennan welcomed the comforting motion and shifted into it, pushing his backbone against the couch as the movie started.

With puns littered throughout the movie, Brennan was never surprised to hear Vick chuckle. He was surprised, however, to hear a few of his own laughs from time to time. He wasn't sure if it was the company, the movie, or a combination of the two, but he laughed like he hadn't in months at the highlights of the movie. And when the film hit its emotional climax, he even noticed a few tears running down his face, another feeling he hadn't experienced for a while.

But before he knew it, the movie was over.

While the credits began to roll, he turned his muzzle upward and asked, "So, Vick, what did you think of it?"

With a smile, Vick looked back and said, "I see why it's your favorite movie. It makes you both laugh and cry, there's suspense, drama, and the animation style was incredibly smooth. I loved it."

"I'm glad."

He had forgotten about Vick's hand on his shoulder, but he felt him give another squeeze and closed his eyes, enjoying the affection. They stayed quiet for a few minutes as the movie rolled its credit sequence, a catchy pop tune in the background. Brennan mouthed along absentmindedly, soaking in every detail of the moment. The smooth surface of the sofa, the slight buzz in the speakers, and the warm touch on his shoulder, which seemed to comfort him more than it should have.

Something's special about this guy. I don't know what it is... But it's been years since I've felt this comfortable. Or this wanted.

I don't want him to leave...

But Vick stood up as soon as the title screen reappeared, his hand leaving Brennan's shoulder for the first time in hours.

A chill seemed to sweep across the room. The coyote frowned.

"Well, Brennan, I had a really great time tonight. The food, the talks, the movie, it was all wonderful." Vick clasped his hands together in front of him, tail swaying effortlessly back and forth. "I'm sorry again, about everything. It's not fair to you. And if there's ever anything I can do, well, here, let me write down my number for you. Never hesitate to call me or anything, because I've loved spending time with you."

As Vick pulled a small notebook and pen out of his pocket, quickly scribbling inside of it, Brennan forced himself to stand up next to the fire-red coyote, his legs shaking all the while. The chill still lingered in the air.

"Alrighty..." Vick ripped the page out of the notebook and began walking towards the front door, setting the paper down on the end table as he moved. He paused at the door and turned back toward Brennan.

"I really hope I hear from you again soon."

His hand reached toward the handle.

"Guh..."

Brennan couldn't stop himself from releasing a low grunt. Vick's ears flicked slightly and his face grew a worried look, like it had when the two had first met.

"Everything okay, Brennan?"

Everything wasn't okay.

Brennan slid his right foot forward a few inches. Then his left. Everything in his head still seemed fuzzy. Why did Vick stay so willingly? Why did I even ask him to stay? I know I love that movie, but was that all that made me feel so happy?

He began walking quickly towards the door.

"Brennan?"

I really don't want him to leave...

In one quick motion, he stood himself only inches in front of Vick and wrapped his arms around the smaller coyote's torso.

And kissed him on the lips.