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Part II : + 32

Fred relaxed a bit, opening one eye. He had just dozed off in the large burgundy leather chair, stretching out his legs, having a little thought for the « Cattle Class » he liked to talk about, the passengers who didn't have the opportunity to do so. He leaned over a little, admiring on his left through the porthole the immense blue expanse that was revealed to him, just brightened up by a few white clouds which broke the monotony of the excessively azure sky. Beneath him, some ten miles under, another blue expanse, with a sharper and more moving glow, presented itself to his gaze. He rubbed his eyes a little, just to get rid of his eye trouble that was blurring his vision just used after this hour of restorative rest. He had no difficulty hearing the faint sound produced by the operation of the reactors and the various pipelines, barely aware of the speed with which the plane was bringing him back to Europe.

Fred looked at the sleeping man in the next seat, a slight, tired smile on his lips. It had been so long since he had lived with him. Greg had of course changed over the years. If he was still muscular, his body was also covered with a layer of fat and his fur could no longer hide the tufts of gray that grew year after year. Greg grumbled a sound in his sleep, his eyes hidden behind the blindfold, his glasses resting on the small tablet next to him. A rectangular model with rounded angles, matching the ring that still hung from the nose, made of silver, replacing the old model in surgical steel whose clasp had ended up breaking with fatigue. The rott shifted a bit in his sleep before sinking back deep into the rest. The reclining posture underlined his still seductive forms, hidden under his black polo shirt and dark blue pants. A thin blanket shielded his body from the onslaught of the air conditioning too cool for Fred's taste.

Fred stood up and was careful to walk around Greg without disturbing him. Noting that the toilets were free, he rushed into it. Or rather fitted into it. Apparently there was only one size toilet stall for airplanes. The size "too small", even in "business".

Fred pulled on his yellow shirt back into position in his dark brown pants before running some water down his face. He took the opportunity to look at himself in the mirror to see that on him too, the last thirty two years had had an impact. Here too, fat began to invade his cheeks, and here too the gray was more present. Fred sighed, opening his fly and taking advantage of his urination to admire the off-white ring that pierced his penis like the one that also adorned Greg's cock. Fred couldn't help but think back to when they had shown Greg's parents their wedding rings for the first time.

&

The Ladder Street house was experiencing unusual activity. Sam, sitting on his play mat, watched from the corner of the living room where the little tiger was isolated with his toys, the adults come and go for the preparations for the meal. Ed, wearing his brown apron as usual and nothing else on him, was busy cutting thin slices of beef in order to marinate them in a preparation to soak the muscle fibers, then taking care of to chop the vegetables as Mark, dressed in a more classic style, set the table.

« What time do they arrive?

- They shouldn't delay now.

- However, I would have liked to have had more time to prepare the meal, the meat will hardly be marinated.

- You can always extend the aperitif or watch TV a bit.

- Or that stupid Mrs. Keaton could have chosen another time than my visit to have her heart attack... "

Mark winced maliciously.

« You said it yourself, we don't choose that kind of moment.

- Yes and I take back what I said. She has enough high blood pressure to pump up an airship and she gorges herself on salty junk meals. It's money thrown in the air, you can believe me. "

Ed didn't hide his bitterness in his voice at seeing some of his patients spoiling his efforts to keep them alive with their bad habits. He put the knife down when the front door rang.

« Stay, I'll open it. "

Mark had finished setting up a table for four, not counting little Sam's high chair, and opened the door. His face lit up as he saw his son enter, hugging him before letting Fred in as well.

" Here they are at last ! So how was the trip ? "

Greg and Fred looked at each other for a moment, to determine who was going to answer first. Greg spoke up. Sam had taken the opportunity to run awkwardly towards the newcomers to distribute his affection to his older brother and to Fred.

" As usual, no worries. And here ?

- As usual too. Ed is late, one of his patients snapped between his fingers.

- Don't listen to this ominous bird. She survived but I don't think she will be released from the hospital anytime soon. "

The newlyweds kissed the grumpy bear each in turn, insensitive to its nakedness but nevertheless pleasant to see for Fred.

« What about you boys, what's up ? Haven't you forgotten your kid ?

- No dad, we dropped him off at his grandparents' house for the day, we'll pick him up tonight.

- Mom and Dad have been waiting for his visit for so long. They only last saw him for our wedding almost a year ago.

- How are you Greg, and the club ?

- Boarf. As usual. The boss complains every year about what it costs him by forgetting what we bring him.

- Are you going to move then ?

- Yes. The construction of the stadium has started and the Wasps will move to Bexley in three years.

- We will move ourselves at that time so as not to have too many daily trips. We don't know where yet, but we decided to have a house with a large garden. It will be ideal with Luke.

- And if not what's new here ?

- Not much I have to say. It's still so quiet here. It is even the same for the planet. They had to make their headlines in a Chinese market where a pangolin farm has burned down. I'm sad for these beasts but that's not what will change the world. "

Ed agreed. He then noticed a lack in the fingers of the young couple.

« Hey, where are your wedding rings? Are you already thinking about divorce ? "

Fred and Greg looked at each other, smirks on their lips. They made their way to the kitchen, making Mark and Ed understand to follow them.

Once out of sight of the little boy who had returned to his toys, they did not say a word and together opened their flys to reveal their sexes, now wearing a plastic ring in the glans.

Mark and Ed gasped before smiling.

« After all, nothing says the wedding ring has to be on your finger, does it ? "

Mark alternated his gaze on his son's face, then his cock.

" It is true.

- We just had them pose. We will widen the hole every year.

- As the wedding rings are ceramic, there will be no trouble for the airport gates. "

The two men closed their pants as Fred continued.

" In three to four years, we will be able to put our alliances there. I suspect Greg of having planned his shot before telling me about it.

- What do you mean ?

- Well he insisted on having a rimless and ceramic model from the start, and which opens... "

Greg smiles, raising his right hand.

" I plead the firth... "

Which made the other three men laugh.

&

Fred closed his pants before leaving the bathroom. He looked around quickly and saw that the hostesses were finishing collecting the meal trays. It was the right time and he walked down the stairs to the lower deck, knowing that he wouldn't be too much of a nuisance to the cabin crew.

Sitting in her chair and concentrating on her reading, the young woman did not see the man approaching her. It was after a discreet nudge given by the lynx sitting to her right that the young black eld raised her head to look at the latter before turning her attention to the person who was standing near her. The latter smiled affectionately at her, which made her smile in turn, seeming genuinely delighted to see the older canine again.

" Hey, uncle Fred ! "

Her voice reeked of sincerity. She stood up as Fred tried not to take up too much space by opening his arms to hug her in a friendly way.

« I knew I saw you in the boarding line, Selina ! But what are you doing on this flight to Paris ? "

The athletic young wild sow returned her attention to Fred. She wore tan pants and a dark green blouse, smiling broadly throughout. Her dark brown hair was short and curly.

" Hey, I'm on... leave and... I'm accompanying a friend who is going to see family in France. "

The individual in question confined himself to giving a small wave of the hand before following the young sow with his eyes.

« That's all you ! Say, are you following me to the upstairs bar ? If I stay here, we'll embarrass everyone. "

Fred watched the hostesses who were busy in the back of the cabin and who were obviously starting to disapprove of Fred's presence.

« Do you think I can ? I am in eco ...

• And me in "business" for once. So you can come for a while, yes. "

Convinced, Selina left her tablet to her sidekick, telling him that she would come back quickly before following Fred.

The two individuals entered the small spiral staircase to reach the upper deck. Selina looked around her. It wasn't the first time she had flown, but she had never been on an upper deck. She could see how far apart the seats were, just for "business" class. Fred guided her over the red carpet to the small bar highlighted by its faux wood display. An otter in an outfit and bow tie was preparing cocktails on the counter, a hostess was waiting with a tray near him. Fred continued walking to an empty rectangular table and took a seat, Selina settling in front of him, still smiling.

« How long has it been, Selina ?

• Um, I think it's been three years.

• Already ? Yeah, I think you just finished West Point. So what is life as a soldier ? "

Selina scowled a little, keeping her good humor. She knew Fred liked to tickle her with it. A hostess approached and Fred quickly took out his "business" class ticket to legitimize his presence.

« What will you have ? "

Fred looked at Selina.

« Do you have pineapple juice ? "

The hostess replied in the affirmative.

« I'll have a glass then.

• And for me sparkling water. "

The hostess nodded and went to get the order.

" So ?

• So, Master Sergeant, I would ask you to remember that I am technically your superior. "

Selina displayed her sarcasm to which Fred responded with a smile.

" Hey, no matter the rank, we're all somebody's subordinate. Even a general. How's life in the garrison then, Lieutenant ? "

Selina found a smile that had never really left her.

" Honestly, I feared routine. But I keep on training and training to improve myself. Sport takes a lot of my time too. "

It was true. Fred had been in the military and his body still remembered all the physical activity he had done there.

« And what will you do after your leave ? "

Selina sipped part of her drink.

" I don't know myself. Sometimes I think the army doesn't know either, you know. I have asked to serve on an outdoor field but everything is on hold. "

Fred nodded in understanding. He asked for a sheet of paper and a pen and started to write something.

" I hope your mother won't do like mine.

• Why ? What had she done ? "

Fred smiles.

" The day I got enlisted, she insisted on seeing the recruiter first. I never knew what they said to each other but when I came out afterwards, I felt that he wanted to have me executed on the spot... "

Selina sneered.

" No, Mom made up her mind.

• What about the rest of the family ?

• Well, Blessing is finishing her training as a volunteer firefighter, Awa has started the formalities to get into the police. As for Prince, he still hesitates between the police, the firefighters or becoming a nurse. But he is only 10 yet, he can still dream of being a cosmonaut too. "

Fred was drinking his glass too, attentive and delighted, finishing writing.

" It doesn't surprise me to see all the Swift wearing a uniform after all. You've got it in your blood. "

Selina agreed.

" And your mother ? "

She scowled a little.

« Hey, she's getting out of it, coming to terms with it."

• It's time. It's been almost two years, right ?

• Since daddy died, yes. "

Fred closed his eyes a little, his head tilted before lifting it up, a sad smile on his face.

" Karl was a good friend, but I know your mother will come back. She is a strong woman. You are all in the family.

• I like to believe it. But I don't know how I would have reacted if Dad had fallen to the ground in front of me like it happened to Mum. She did everything you know.

• I know. But ruptured aneurysm is almost always fatal. Your father will have at least had the pride to see you out of West Point. And see his daughter be the first Swift to become officer ! "

Fred smiled more openly, thinking back to the first time he had crossed paths with Grace.

&

Carrying a filled opaque plastic bag in his right hand, Fred looked around, trying to find his bearings. The white walls around him bore little indication. All he knew was that he was in the right military hospital. Finally, he hoped so. For the occasion, he had brought out an old outfit of military inspiration, believing that the visit he was making justified it. He walked slowly, trying to follow the rare signs posted on the walls, eliminating passages that obviously did not lead to the right place. He knew where he needed to go, but he couldn't find his way out of the main hallways. The floor was tiled in a light brown but gave no indication of what to do next.

" You are looking for something ? "

A black sow stood before him. Tall, athletic, very female, and to Fred completely uninteresting, spoke to him in a powerful but calm voice, almost friendly, her hair tied in a long braid behind her back.

« Uh yes madam, I'm looking for the room ..."

Fred looked at his cell phone screen.

« 224. "

The nurse looked at him intently.

« Are you coming to see someone ?

- Yes, Master Corporal Swift. He served under my command in the Fezzan campaign. "

The notion of the campaign made the nurse smile slightly. Fred understood that she also appreciated that he implied that he had been in the military.

" The ass of the 224 indeed. It's this way, then the second hallway on the left, before the rest room. "

Fred was hardly surprised to learn that Karl had a reputation.

" It wasn't too difficult for you to deal with, I hope.

- No, that's okay. He was a little wild at first but two or three rockets helped him civilize a bit, thank you. How is he ? "

The nurse smiled more openly. Fred could read her name on her blouse. Grace.

" He's recovering. He should be able to get out in a few weeks. It won't be too soon. He is a very bad influence on his three roommates.

- He hasn't changed too much then... "

_Fred thanked the nurse and took the right direction. _

He followed the corridor, sometimes cluttered with an empty bed, various devices being transferred before arriving at the brown door which had the correct number. It was closed. Fred knocked and a weak

" Come in "

led him through the door.

Fred quickly looked around the room, which was quite large.

Past the small patio where the visitors' cloakroom and the access to the toilets were located, he saw four beds, only one of which was occupied. There was a table and chairs, occupied by patients dressed in sick or injured clothes who were playing cards. Fred greeted them quickly before returning his attention to the slender boar that was resting on the far bed. Fred couldn't help but feel his heart sinking when he saw what had happened to his friend.

Karl was naked under the thin sheet. The right elbow was pierced with needles that delivered the painkillers and medications he needed at the moment. All the infusions were going to the right because it was no longer possible to go to the left arm.

Fred bit his lip at the large bandage on his shoulder and the drain coming out of it to finish purging his infected fluids. Karl turned his head, smiling at his friend.

" Hey sergeant, don't look like that. They're removing this stuff tomorrow. "

Fred didn't know what to say after seeing that his left arm was missing. He knew it, but seeing it was quite another thing.

« You know what sergeant ? I obeyed. I didn't get killed. "

Fred let see a smirk, giving him time to digest the news.

" It's chief by the way. Chief sergeant. You will do two months for having forgotten it. "

Fred's voice showed his emotion. The card players had focused their attention on the duo. They all recognized the deep friendship between the two men. Karl's voice was still weak, but Fred could hear enough warmth in it to know his friend would be okay.

« You will also excuse me for not going to your wedding. I was busy with a cute little landmine that day. "

Fred was nodding. He knew that black humor was a valuable and effective way to deal with unhappiness.

« Dude, I'd rather not have seen you there and see that you're gonna be better than the other way around."

Karl kept a broad smile, sincere but which did not hide his sadness sometimes. To become one-armed was to ensure demobilization. And Karl didn't know what to do else. This, Fred knew. He put the filled bag on the bed and pulled out a bottle of juice with the amber content.

" Since I know you don't like flowers, I chose something else as a gift for your convalescence. "

Karl looked cautiously at the glass bottle and the design of the big, smiling, red, juicy apple on the label. There was still something big and bulky in the bag, but Fred paid no attention.

The door opened, and a troop of four nurses entered. Fred recognized Grace at the head of the procession and the smiles of the sick quickly disappeared.

" Stay still, gentlemen, it's just a routine visit. "

Grace's voice carried far away, but she spoke first to the nursing students following her. The nurse walked around the room.

" You see ladies, our job requires giving more than patient care. They also need our full attention to perfect the conditions for their convalescence. "

Fred didn't know why, but this woman was giving him the willies.

" This also involves our... let's say abnegation to rule out anything that could harm their health conditions and on the contrary to promote behaviors adapted to their well-being, even if they are not necessarily aware of it. "

Casually, Grace had approached Karl's bed and was now taking the bottle in her hands despite Fred's best efforts.

" The fruit juice is very good, as long as you don't abuse it, and you take care of the conservation of the product. "

Fred had knots in his stomach as she could see the young woman rubbing her finger on the sealed ring which was in fact broken.

« Do you have a glass ? "

The patients pointed to the clean plastic cups on the table. A student took one and carried it to Grace who opened the bottle, smelling the contents as Fred's face felt completely. She poured herself a glass before closing the bottle and handing it to another student.

« I allow myself this because I have finished my service, never dare you do it otherwise ! "

Grace then snapped. Karl was looking away, as if it didn't concern him. Fred wanted to disappear.

" Ohh, this ain't booze. Single malt. It's at least a 16 years ! "

Fred was biting his lip.

« 30 in fact ..."

Grace smiles.

« Monsieur knows how to receive..."

She looked at Karl.

" You can be proud of your friend, he isn't making fun of you. Harriet, will you take this to the break room ? "

The bottle thus disappeared. The smile Grace gave to Fred was murderous.

« If it takes you to try another day, don't bring such a smelly drink, will you ? "

Fred nodded tentatively.

" Yes Ma'am.

- But I speak, I speak, and for you it's time to go, isn't it ? "

Fred nodded again. He had played, lost and he had to retire. He waved his hand at Karl and then at the other patients.

« Well, madam is right, I have to go. I'll call you later, Karl. Take care of yourself. And don't forget that, Karl. You saved my life. If you need anything, don't hesitate, get it ? "

Karl vaguely nodded as Fred left.

Satisfied, Grace and the other girls withdrew and the patients stood between them, disappointed.

Karl closed his eyes and seemed to count to 20. Then he recovered.

« Help me with this thing guys ..."

A patient approached and helped Karl remove the second gift from the bag carelessly left by Fred. They saw a thick and tall book with an amber cover titled

" The hidden wonders of Scotland. "

Karl smiled, the book in his lap, and opened it.

Instead of a page, a whole block came loose and gave way to a series of hollowed-out pages that held in place a large flask of whiskey that drew more than a smile from the room.

The patients stomped with joy in silence as Karl carried the bottle in triumph, a big smile on his face.

&

On the plane, Selina had a hand over her mouth, giggling. She was trying to control herself but she couldn't do it.

Fred could barely do himself, finished sipping his water.

" I don't believe it ! Mom told me this story but she never mentioned the drink ! "

Fred was smiling.

" I can imagine. But Selina, you never have to talk about it again.

• But why ?

• Your mother would know that I was the one who spoke and I want to keep my organs in place. You won't be able to do it until after I'm dead, I'm afraid ! "

Fred's smile didn't end.

« You have to know the rest I think.

• Yes. Papa was released two months later and immediately returned to the hospital to watch Mom on the way out like a big stalker.

• And a year later I received his wedding announcement. "

Fred was handling the now folded sheet of paper in his hands. Selina looked at her watch.

" I'd better come back down. We will arrive in two hours and I want to rest a little before. By the way, are you on vacation too ? Greg is there ? "

Fred looked at his friend, shaking his head sadly.

" He's sleeping right now. He has had tiring days.

• Is it better between you then ? "

Fred shook his head again, much to Selina's dismay.

" No, we are still apart. We're on the flight together, that's all. I accompany him, his father has just died. "

Selina looked at Fred, a hand over her mouth.

" Oh no. What happened ?

• We do not know anything. Heart attack it seems. He died in his sleep. "

Selina was showing her sincere sadness. She had had the opportunity to meet Greg's parents and she understood the situation.

" Looks like he won't have suffered at least. It's sad for his husband.

• That's life, unfortunately.

• And then ?

• Then? I don't know. But I don't think his husband will be able to be alone. He's 78, you know. But we'll see. "

The guests stood up then, Fred accompanying his friend to the stairs, giving her the paper.

" What's this ? "

Fred gave her a kiss on the cheek.

« Something fully immature for your... boss, I guess. "

Fred was still smiling when he got back to his chair. Selina was wondering, wincing on the stairs as she read the paper. She was tempted to simply throw it away but she changed her mind and resumed her place, responding first and discreetly to her companion who had not had time to ask the question.

" A family friend that I call that. But we'll have to review our procedures, sir. He didn't get caught up in it. "

The lynx read the unfolded paper before rolling it into a ball and throwing it away, smirking.

" Good kisses to SPECTER. 007. "

Upstairs, Fred was returning to his seat. Greg was still asleep but he had moved and his blanket was on the floor. Fred took it and gently covered him with it before taking a second which he spread over his own lying body. He didn't blame Selina for lying to him, he completely understood the need to not say anything about it. Raising little Luke had sharpened Fred's lie detector far beyond his imagination. He smirked at his little joke before letting himself be lulled by the light vibrations of the flight and he fell asleep when a last memory inspired by his conversation infiltrated his dreams.

&

_As usual for two months, Fred walks through the doors of the hospital to spend some few hours with his father. _

Once again, the spring was early, the weather already warm and the trees well endowed with leaves. He wore only a polo shirt under his light jacket and canvas pants planned for the summer. Fred paced the vinyl-lined hallways and empty wheelchairs, trunks and too busy nurses to answer his hello. He passed from halls to halls, occupied with seated patients and sometimes infused with sedatives or opiates depending on the degree of pain felt.

As he entered his room, he felt the shock of seeing John's emaciated and weakened body as always. Fred still felt injustice to see his father devoured like this by his own lungs, he who had never smoked in his life.

The room was large and furnished with care in such a way that the whole thing made you forget its location in the palliative care unit. John was lying under a thin sheet. His body had lost for months everything that was no longer necessary for his survival, offering little flesh on his bones to see. He was breathing softly and deeply, helped by the thin plastic tube that entered his nostrils. Fred bit his cheek again when he saw him like that. He noticed a drip in the crook of his right elbow that wasn't there the last time. Fred preferred the view offered by the picture window which looked out over the mountains beyond the city. He appreciated that all the more knowing how much she was being billed. But for his father, no expense was superfluous for his comfort.

John turned his raised head to greet his boy with a smile. He still wore that awful hospital gown. Fred also noticed the presence of a small box in his right hand. A new remote for the TV that worked silently ? John didn't need the sound to see the parade of weather charts appearing.

« How are you, daddy ?"

- Not good. I have seen better days. "

_His voice was weakened by sickness and weariness, but it remained strong and deep. Fred clung to the idea. _

" I can imagine. How was the midday meal ?

- Not great, as always. But their wine is good, I must say.

- Are the nurses finally pretty ?

- Ah, here it shouldn't be expected. And then despite all this time, I still have your mother's face in my head. Nothing will surpass that, I know it now. I'm glad to have you with me, Fred.

- It's okay, dad.

- You helped me a lot. I could never tell you how happy and proud I am to have had you as a son. And yet you know how many times I've told you...

- Oh yes...

- It will never be enough.

- Knowing you, yes... But...

- But what ?

- I never told you. It is normal that I do too. Dad... I... am proud and happy to have a father like you...

- Thank you... You... know what day it is...

- The 6th, dad.

- April 6, yes. You know what this day means to me.

- Yes. It was on April 6 that you married mom.

- And it was also on April 6 that I met her. It was two years before. And you came into the world on a 6. January 6.

- I know.

- Come close to me and take my hand. "

Fred obeyed. He sits on the bed, looking at his father, a sad smile on his face.

" I'm tired, Fred. I'm exhausted. I... I love you.

_- I love you too, dad. _

_- I... Have no more strength. You know. _

- Dad...

- I'm going to go, Fred.

- Dad, no. "

Fred was having trouble swallowing. He refused to hear that. But deep down he knew it. His father had come to the end of his road.

" I am going to go. It's the perfect day for me...to find your mother...

- Dad, no...

_- You know that, Fred. For me, this is the end. _

- I...don't wanna lose you, dad...

_- I will always be with you, Fred. But I have to go...as long as I have the courage, as long as I have the strength. _

- Dad...

- But before... I would like...

- What, daddy ?

- It's silly but...

_- What ? _

- I would like...that you kiss me...

- If it is only that... "

Fred leaned down and kissed his father on the cheek.

" No, Fred... I would like you to...kiss me.

- What do you mean ? "

Fred was more than astonished.

" Like you do...

- Sure...

- I have never done it. I...would like to know this feeling... Just once in my life... With a man... "

John had looked away, aware of what he was saying. He was sincere and hesitant.

" Dad...

- But I would understand if...

- No, dad... I owe you that... "

Fred hesitated. Finally, he closed his eyes, then pressed his lips lightly to John's. He withdrew as quickly as possible. John looked at him.

" Son, you can do better than that... But thanks anyway... "

Fred looked at his father. He was not happy with himself. He was confused that he had done it but decided to start over. This time he was careful to position himself well and stay longer. His eyes were wet. He felt a lot of embarrassment doing this, but... his father had always accepted his homosexuality. He had always supported him. He had always been by his side. He could well make that effort. To thank him. Honor him.

Fred was somewhat surprised to feel his father push his tongue into his mouth. Disconcerted, even. But he stayed in place. He kissed him the best he could. It was his gift. Fred finally kissed him like any other man, with as much passion, vigor as he did with Greg.

Then Fred felt his father's tongue return to his mouth, and his lips stopped moving. Fred broke contact.

" Dad... "

_Fred was worried. He had felt his lips move less and less. John was no longer moving. His eyes were closed and his chest only heaved more and more weakly. Fred then saw the remote control button pressed, still in his father's hand. It was rectangular, light gray. It fit easily in the palm of your hand and John had hidden it in his upturned palm the entire time. The button was a slide switch. Impossible to trigger accidentally, it took voluntary pressure and John had done it. He noticed that fluid was now flowing from the infusion. Fred noticed the thin stripe of yellow and black chevrons on the edge of the plastic. He understood the meaning. _

He watched, silent, his throat more and more tightened, the silent screen where the mountain ranges of life followed one another, less and less high, more and more erratic, until the cursed plain finally displays. John's chest wasn't heaving anymore but he still had his smile on his face.

Fred was now unable to keep his tears from falling. Sniffing his pain, he hugged his reclining father, his cheek against his, his throat so tight he could barely speak, gasping.

« Kiss mum for me will you, daddy... I love you daddy..."

&

Nonchalantly, slow and weakly confident, Greg, still clad in his dark pants and black polo shirt, walked along the tiled airport floor. He had his hands free, his head bowed, and occasionally lifted his glasses which now adorned his nose. Behind him, Fred was also in pain to see his husband being so affected. From the gangway, both saw the sun set in the middle of an orange sky dotted with black clouds. Fred thought the show was a perfect match for the mood. They took their light luggage from the middle of the other passengers and then went through customs in turn. Once through the cabins, Greg looked up, trying to get his bearings. Fred followed him without saying a word.

Greg located the right lane and made his way to the hallways leading to the airport hotels. He verified the destination and registered their arrivals at the counter before taking delivery of their room where two separate beds were waiting for them. Fred knew it, he was the one who had organized the rush trip after all, according to the demands of the situation. Greg left his suitcase on the floor before lying on the bed, lying on his side. Fred took the second bed. Greg had reacted slightly when he saw the two beds, but he finally didn't say anything, letting his disappointment show on his face.

Fred was sitting and looking at his mate's back.

« I'm going to go get me something, do you want me to bring you something to eat ? "

Greg was silent. Disappointed, Fred got up and went to the door. Greg reacts to this moment there.

" I do not know. I will take like you. "

His voice was broken with grief. But there was also a hint of reproach. Fred nodded and left the room, as quietly as possible. Greg rolled onto his back, allowing his tears to flow again. It still seemed so unreal to him.

&

The bear put in the large key and opened the lock, then the door, hooking the large metal rod to its bracket on the wall next to the door. Grizzled now, Ed stepped aside, alerted to the running noises the striped young teenager made on the gravel floor behind them. A voice called out to him but Cody, in his neon blue t-shirt and green pants, didn't listen and stormed into the house, continuing his run up the stairs while Mark continued to shower him with remarks, eventually shaking his head.

" This kid listens to us as much as his father.

- We just have to hope that he inherited only that from him... "

Mark put on an embarrassed smile, he couldn't help but agree. He stepped in and took off his shoes to keep his socks on, ignoring Ed's remarks about the cold he might catch, which made the rott chuckle.

« It's good, winter is over you know. "

Mark smiled at his husband who returned it to him. Mark had changed a lot. His body had grown a bit heavy, but you could still tell the strong muscular stature under his clothes. If Ed had mostly kept his color and his physique, Mark on the other hand had turned grey. He still wore his rings on his nose and ear, but from silver, black had succeeded in order to keep the contrast between the colors that had seduced Mark decades earlier. Ed left his wooden cane against the wall, which now helped with his walks outside. Mischievous, he had chosen a model adorned with a curved pommel in the shape of a penis in order to take his revenge on his destiny of having to rely now on three feet to lead an almost normal life.

" I'm going to prepare the evening vegetables. Don't lie down too long, okay ? You know that you have insomnia if you sleep too much in the afternoon.

- Yes, dad. "

Mark knew this, but he also liked to be sardonic sometimes. The rott walked into the living room and aimed at the sofa. The room was large, enough to need three patio doors to provide normal light. The day was entering easily and abundantly. In the background, the fireplace is now extinguished. The walls were plastered in brown with exposed beams on the ceiling. Real beams, as old as the house which dates back over a century. Even more. Marc walked around a table. Like all the rest of the furnishings, it was made of wood, but modern in style. When Greg had bought the house, he had to have all the electricity, windows and insulation redone, as well as the plumbing, the house having been abandoned. Only the doors to the entrance and the kitchen were original, Greg wanted to keep the old style to a minimum. He took the opportunity to match it to his liking with recent and modern furniture, loving this kind of contrast. Mark took a seat on the sofa, lying on his side, facing the windows, a low table in front.

Cody had stormed into his room and quickly opened his computer for his daily chatter. Some of his friends had gone with their parents to visit the family in various regions, which did not prevent them from talking during the Easter holidays. He looked with annoyance at the list of his offline friends sitting at his desk. Fortunately, the icon showing the young gray wolf was circled in green. He smiles as he initiates communication with Bixente, his stomach lightened by his joy at talking to him. Bixente lived in the same village but preferred to talk to Cody that way. Cody knew his parents well enough to know why, and he understood it easily. The wolf picked up and the young teenager started the conversation, forgetting the time that had passed.

Ed had just finished. He had just spent a good hour chopping, slicing and preparing the vegetables for the evening stew and the meat was also starting to simmer gently. Four hours later they could taste the set and then Mark would do the dishes.

Ed washed and then wiped his hands. It reminded him that Mark had slept even more than he should. Ed walked over to the living room and smiled, seeing his husband lying on his side, his head resting on the pillow. Ed walked in and shook him to wake him up.

« Come on big groundhog, wake up, you're not going to sleep tonight yet ! "

Upstairs, Cody was lying shirtless on his bed, a surly book on the blanket, but to be read for school, his head resting on his hands, his feet dancing in the air, rubbing one another. against the other of boredom.

" NO !!! "

He jumped when he heard the cry. This cry was so sudden, so powerful, so frightening. Cody felt his stomach twist immediately, reacting instinctively.

The scream was followed by a noise. A piece of furniture pushed unceremoniously. The boy felt his fear grow. He then noticed a soft noise. And dragged ?

Frightened as he had never been before, the young teenager jumped out of bed and ran down the hallway and up the stairs. When he entered the living room, Ed was on his knees, his eyes filled with unspeakable fear, wet with tears. Behind him, he saw the coffee table overturned and in front of Ed, lying on the floor, on his back, Mark. His legs were slightly apart and his arms almost crossed. Ed was kneeling perpendicularly, one palm of his hand on his grandfather's chest. He was pushing it with the help of his other hand, counting.

"No no no no... You won't do this to me... three... four..."

Ed stopped his movements and kissed Mark full on the mouth. No. He was blowing air into his lungs before resuming his piston movements.

" One. Two... "

Ed noticed Cody's moans. Continuing to squeeze his husband's chest, he turned his head and spoke in a tone so calm it was unreal.

« Cody... Pick up the phone and dial 112. Get close to me. "

The boy looked around. Mark's cell phone was on the table. Or was it that of his other grandfather ? Cody didn't know anymore. He just took it and dialed the emergency number. Ed motioned for him to come over. Seeing that the latter was still massaging his chest, Cody guessed that he should hold it to him. Quickly, the correspondent picked up. The phone was on speakerphone, Cody didn't miss a thing.

« SAMU-SMUR j'écoute...? »

"SAMU-SMUR, I'm listening..? "

Ed had resumed a more appropriate tone, as well as a rapid flow. He replied even before his interlocutor finished introducing himself.

« CODE BLEU AU 3 CHEMIN DES VIGNES A BIDARRAY. HOMME DE 75 ANS EN ARRET CARDIO-RESPIRATOIRE. MASSAGE EN COURS. AIDEZ MOI. »

"CODE BLUE AT 3 CHEMIN DES VIGNES IN BIDARRAY. 75 YEARS OLD MAN, NO HISTORY, CARDIO-RESPIRATORY ARREST, MASSAGE IN PROGRESS. HELP ME ! "

Ed's loud voice added to Cody's fear. On the other end of the line, communication immediately passed to another speaker.

_« Docteur Ge... _

"Here Doctor Ge ...

« JE REPETE. CODE BLEU AU 3 CHEMIN DES VIGNES A BIDARRAY. HOMME DE 75 ANS EN ARRET CARDIO-RESPIRATOIRE. MASSAGE EN COURS. AIDEZ MOI. »

I REPEAT. CODE BLUE AT 3 CHEMIN DES VIGNES IN BIDARRAY. 75 YEARS OLD MAN, NO HISTORY, CARDIO-RESPIRATORY ARREST, MASSAGE IN PROGRESS. "

The poor doctor who hadn't had time to introduce himself didn't wait any longer and sounded the alarm. Ed knew that. But it would still take time for help to come. He realized it. He could see his grandson as frightened as he had never been before. The communication was still going on and Ed sacrificed a second to lower Cody's arm.

"Go get Elorri, Cody. She must be in her office now. If she's not there, there is her nurse. Go get her and stay there. "

Ed had resumed a soft, calm voice. Cody didn't wait any longer and ran off, neglecting to put his shoes back on. Ed returned his full attention to counting and huffing.

Outside, a light wind was blowing from the west, bringing more heat and driving the clouds quickly from the southern mountains. Ed was seated in a chair, away from the group. There were four people with him. Two wore a white tunic with three blue bars crossed on the back. The third, a young albino feline, was carrying on her back a yellow jacket stamped on her back with a "Docteur" written in red. She was standing on one knee in front of Ed and didn't look like she was thirty yet. The last person, an elderly lioness dressed in civilian clothes, was rubbing her eyes with a handkerchief, standing, still gazing disbelievingly at the body.

The bear automatically thought back to his conversation with the doctor over the phone. He had responded concisely and precisely to his interlocutor, assuring him that, being a former nurse, he knew how to do the right things. His gaze remained blank, fixed straight ahead.

One of the patio doors was open. A stretcher was on the floor and a full white plastic cover was on it. The medics raised the stretcher and rolled it out.

_"Monsieur Delacroix ? « _

« Mister Delacroix ? »

Ed came out of his torpor. He looked at the young woman and thought about the question asked a few moments earlier.

« Non. Mes fils vivent aux Etats-Unis. Mon petit fils vit à Londres."

_" No. My sons live in the United States. My other grandson is in London. « _

His voice was neutral. But we felt behind all the sorrow that was waiting to come out.

The crying nurse intervened.

« Tout ira bien docteur. Je m'occuperai d'eux ce soir. »

"It's going to be okay doctor. I'll take care of them tonight. "

The doctor thanked her with her head. Ed noticed the scent of his stew that was starting to produce its first good smells.

The doctor could see all the guilt on Ed's face. She looked at him, a hand resting on his cheek.

« Il était parti depuis plus d'une demi-heure quand vous l'avez trouvé. Plus personne ne pouvait rien faire. »

"He had been gone for at least half an hour when you found him. No one could do anything more. "

The memory of the meal to come and which would no longer take place was the last straw.