FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Ok...so i haven't posted anythign for this in a LONG time, and I'm sorry! I worked on it, then lost my motivation, which then came back, and was quickly lost again, and then found agian, and you get where this is going? But I haven't stopped it! I'm sorry for the long wait and all that....I really don't have any excuses or reasons...well, hope everyone enjoys the newest section!

Kale smiled at the bear and leaned forward to kiss him. They were just about to pull into the driveway, another car waiting for them. Kale noticed it and sighed, he knew this day was coming all too soon. He kissed Anthony gently on the cheek and looked at the car, a silver one; it looked nice, new, expensive. "Your parents are here I take it? Nice car,"

Anthony sighed, "I guess that's them...they always come in some type of new model...waste of money if you ask me," he replied with a chuckle. They got out of the car and began to move in. Anthony ran around and opened the car door for Kale, the husky hobbling out. Anthony looked over and noticed a van was parked too.

Kale was still in his boot. He only had one more week in it and then he got more x-rays to see if he was ready for just a regular splint. He was glad that he was healing as well as he was, it was a long road though. He looked up at Anthony, who was staring off into space, obviously thinking about the two inside. For the past week Anthony had been increasingly distant. Kale was worried about him; Anthony hadn't acted like himself at all.

Anthony stared at the door, thinking about his parents that were inside. He knew they were coming, he had known for the week. Staring at the door, he could feel his blood running through him faster, a rush of adrenaline. He wasn't excited, that wasn't the reason for it; he felt scared. Anthony felt something pull on his arm and looked down to see Kale staring at him.

"You OK?" Kale asked, he was afraid of how the bear was going to react.

Anthony didn't bother faking a smile. He looked back up at the door, "I'm sorry...sorry that haven't been there for you this week. I'm supposed to be there for you...but thanks, you've been there for me Kale...I'm sorry," he said, repeating his apology again and again.

Kale looked up at the bear, surprised by his reaction. When Anthony had said thanks Kale didn't expect it; it took him by surprise. He wanted to see the bear smile again; it felt like they were both depressed now. At the thought Kale wondered why he was still depressed. He still felt fear, anger, remorse, hate, every negative emotion that could be named crash over him because of what had happened. He wanted to be better again, to be able to be a pillar of support for Anthony. Forcing a smile Kale began to move forward, "Hey Anthony, before any of this happens...I want you to know that you can lean on me....with that cliché said and done; Come-on, I'm sure it's all going to be OK,"

Anthony watched as Kale took a few steps before catching up with him. He felt a smile over his muzzle, the husky's words calming him immensely. He ran and caught up with Kale quickly and whispered a thank you to him. When they got to the door he took one last deep breath before opening the door widely. He took a step inside and saw a large group of people in his house, picking things up and carrying things away. Anthony looked around for his parents and found them sitting in two separate recliners, both doing their own thing. He looked back at Kale and gestured for him to come in, and began to walk towards his parents, "Mom...Dad..." he said, getting their attention.

Kale noticed that neither of them looked up, they both continued to read, or write, both seeming to be in their own little world. He looked over at Anthony who stood their calmly. Finally the larger male, who Kale guessed was his father, closed a book he had been reading and looked up.

"This place is a mess," he said coolly.

At that the female bear chimed in, "I didn't think we raised you to be a slob,"

Anthony chuckled, "It's all a matter of perspective. We don't all live with butlers and maids that tend to our every need,"

"We offered to take you with u-" the female began.

Anthony laughed, "That's not the point. You guys don't even dirty your hands with any of this...I'm just following ya'lls example," he said dryly.

At that the father gave his son a cold stare, "If you followed our example you wouldn't be living in such a disgraceful state; dressed like a street side performer. Take that trash off,"

Anthony gave his father a quizzical look, "Trash? Oh...you must mean my school ID...sorry I forget to take it off sometimes," he said, pulling his lanyard off his neck.

"You know what we meant Anthony," his mother said. She was a polar bear, who was actually lean looking, and had on a business suit, as did the male sitting next to her.

"Don't be a smart-ass,"

"Sorry...so...how was ya'lls flight? And how long are you staying?" Anthony asked, choking out the first part.

"Use proper language when you speak," his father said, seeming to ignore the question.

"We'll be here until tomorrow...and the flight; It was terrible; we had to wait at the airport...can you believe they lost some of my baggage?"

Anthony chuckled. His mother practically carried around a house of clothing, it was no surprise that some of it became misplaced. "Yeah...you should sue them,"

"I already called the lawyer...he said it wasn't a substantial reason for going to court..."

Anthony felt his heart sink a little; his parents still hadn't developed a sense of humor, it obviously wasn't a genetic factor, or he would've been like them. He sighed and stepped back a person running by with a bag of trash, and noticed that some of Kale's stuff was in it. Grabbing the bag from the person he gave the mover a deadly growl, "Back off...that's not yours," he said.

The mover let out a yelp and backed away, hitting Kale by accident, who yelped too and landed on his butt. Anthony immediately moved over and helped the husky up, "I'm sorry...are you OK?"

Kale took the bear's paw; "I'm fine..." he said and stood next to Anthony. He waited for a moment, and looked over at the two. He had been surprised that there were not any hellos or light conversation between Anthony and his parents. They didn't try to act like they enjoyed the other's company.

"Well...he helped you up...get back to work," Anthony's father said.

Kale looked over at the bear, "Hu-I mean...excuse me?" he asked.

"Get back to work," the larger bear said once more, more coolly.

"Umm...I think you're confuse-" Kale was stating before the mother cut in.

"You're fired!" she yelled, "I'm calling your boss right now..." she said, pulling out a phone and whispering to herself, "I swear...nothing but ingrates these days,"

Anthony moved over and grabbed his mother's phone from her paw and threw it away, threatening to break it, but it landed on the couch. "He's not a worker. That's Kale,"

"Kale? Son...that's a type of food, most related to wild cabbage...and this mutt looks like he's wild too," the father said, looking over the husky with contempt.

Kale felt the fur on the back of his neck stand up and stopped a growl from rising from his chest, he hadn't known them for five seconds and he hated them. "I'm sorry sir..."

"Don't apologize to them!" Anthony stated, almost yelling it. He stood back and made sure he was a bit in front of the husky, as though it would protect Kale even the slightest, but to his surprise the husky side stepped him.

Kale looked at the parents and took a few steps forward. He extended a paw out to the elderly male, "Hello Mr. Hostle, my name is Kale," he stated kindly.

Mr. Hoslte stared at the paw, showing no intention of accepting it. He gave the husky in front of him a threatening stare, already annoyed by his presence.

Kale felt another chill run down his back, the bear's stare was cold, colder than he thought was possible, but he didn't flinch under it. He held out his paw still, "I'm sorry sir...do your eyes work well?" he asked, moving his paw a little.

Anthony choked and coughed, not expecting Kale to try anything like that. After he moment he succeeded in trying to suppress a laugh.

At the husky's words he swatted the paw away, "My eyes work fine I'll have you know,"

"Oh...that's good, I'm glad to hear that," Kale said and looked over at Anthony's mother and did the same, extending his paw; "Hello Mrs. Hostle,"

"Don't even try it," she stated calmly.

At that Kale pulled his paw away, a bit afraid she would bite it off. Suddenly it dawned on him that these were the people who he was mooching off of, and a chill ran down through him, this time conquering him. He took a few steps back, still trying to keep his composure though.

Anthony noticed that Kale seemed to lose his will suddenly, any perseverance he had shown was gone now. Anthony made sure to do as he had before, and stand in front of the husky a little, as to protect him.

"What is he doing in our home?" Mr. Hostle asked, seeming a bit more confident when he saw Kale back down.

"He lives here with me," Anthony stated coolly.

Mrs. Hostle's eyebrows rose at that, "Excuse me?"

Anthony didn't back down, he knew that being direct would be the best path with his parents. He didn't intend to tell them that he and Kale were dating though, just to tell them that Kale lived with him. "I said that he lives with me,"

This time Mrs. Hostle's eyes went to Kale, giving him a death stare. Kale felt himself grow smaller, and stepped a bit closer to Anthony. His resolve had disappeared, just like it always did. He couldn't keep a solid emotion before one of the negative ones came in and crashed over him, the most current one being fear. He saw the male looking at him too, an angry look on his muzzle.

"Why?" Mr. Hostle asked.

Anthony felt himself grow a bit weaker now. He knew that if he told his parents the truth then they would just use it to attack the husky-beat him down with what he'd already been through. He cursed himself for not having thought of a good reason. "Because..." he began, digging for the words.

Kale took a sigh, and stepped forward again, him and Anthony seeming to take turns in supporting the other. He knew that looking strong here would be impossible, "Because I needed a place to stay and Anthony has helped me out tremendously," he said, his voice shaking.

Mr. Hostle looked over at Kale, "What's wrong mutt? No one to look out for you?"

Kale grinded his teeth, "No..." he managed to get out. To his surprise nothing more came though, instead the two gave each other a quick look, barely noticeable. It wasn't a good look though, just a quick glance, like they were preparing for more.

"And let me guess...you just thought you could live here...we're rich...we've got money, why not use it as you wish?" Mrs. Hostle asked, scoffing at the husky.

"I...I-" Kale was stuttering now. His worst fear was that they would only see him as someone that was out for their money. "No, I don't care about tha-"

"Oh, don't lie you mutt. I can tell just by how you present yourself that you're only after money. Look at you, dressing in such scruffy clothes and acting as though you're not just mooching off people; it's sick. I'll bet your parents can't stand you," Mr. Hostle said, his tone was surprisingly cold.

"That's enough!" Anthony yelled, his voice going through the house, a few workers stopping, but quickly returning to their work. "He doesn't answer to you,"

"But you do," his father said, redirecting his attention back to his son, "Watch your tone. Now, what possessed you to think we want to have trash living here?" Mr. Hostle asked.

"He's not trash!" Anthony growled, and then tried to calm himself, a quick lie, hoping it would work, rising to his brain. "What's wrong with you two!? You said he could live here!"

Now they both gave a surprised look.

Anthony decided to strike while there was still some doubt. He scoffed and shook his head, "Oh right...like ya'll even care what I do! I called you guys months ago asking if he could! Finally I hear back from the receptionist...the receptionist! I didn't even get to talk to my own parents. And guess what I hear? The same thing I always hear when I need something, 'just make sure you keep up with school' or 'just don't waste too much money on it'...that's what I get,"

Both his parents just looked at each other, and then sighed. Anthony's father looked over at him, "Anthony...we didn't-"

"Didn't what?" Anthony interrupted, knowing that if he faltered then his parent's would truly look into Kale, "Didn't bother to see if your only son had called? I should have figured, after all you two didn't even call on my birthday. You guys are so caught up in your work that you couldn't care less about me. You probably wish you'd just given me off to some other family. I should've know you wouldn't check to see if I called. God, you two never understand; I didn't think you would," he finished by pushing a worker out of his way as he moved to the elevator.

Kale watched in shock as Anthony stampeded off, and by the time he realized he was alone with the parents found it was too late to catch up. He quickly hobbled to the elevator and waited for it to come back down. He wanted to make sure the bear was alright. He didn't know what to make of the bear's outburst, he was scared that Anthony was truly angry at not only his parents but at him. In the elevator Kale found himself shaking lightly. He began to walk out the elevator as soon as the doors were beginning to open and was greeted by the bear.

"I'm so sorry," Anthony began and pulled Kale into a hug. He pulled on him tightly and repeated his apology a few times, nuzzling the husky along his head.

Kale pulled away from the bear as soon as he could, "What are you talking about?"

Anthony looked at the husky, "Are you alright?"

Kale looked down at the floor and then back at the bear, "I'm...I'll be fine. What about you, I was worried,"

Anthony pulled the husky into another embrace, "No, no..." he said, laughing and actually rocking back and forth, "I'm fine,"

Kale pulled away from Anthony once again, confused as to what was going on now. He looked at Anthony, "What's wrong with you?" he asked.

Anthony didn't try to hug the husky again, although he stepped forward to do so, "I had to lie...did it sound good?"

"What do you mean?" Kale asked, and then sighed, "You mean about the calling your parents thing?"

"Yeah...sorry...I had to...if they knew why you're actually here they wouldn't allow you to live here,"

"Will that lie actually hold?" Kale asked.

"You have no idea how well that lie will hold up..." Anthony said with a sigh. It was a sad truth; his parents would believe it without question if he had played his role correctly. Anthony looked down at Kale then over at a wall, "When I was been a cub, they usually weren't around; instead a butler or someone lived and tended to me. In those years I would ask for something, always getting it, but never talking to my parents. It was always the same response, 'they say to make sure you keep up with school' or something about money. It was disgusting. After awhile I didn't even bother asking, but I've never tried this lie before, but my parents aren't care enough to check it out," he said, spitting out most of the words.

Kale listened to the bear, and felt sorry for him. He had no idea what it was like for the bear, he himself had had to grovel around for what he wanted, but he did get one part of the bear's story-the neglect. Even that wasn't the same, but Kale didn't think on it too much, pushing it out of his mind before a negative wave of emotion made him break down again. "I'm sorry..." he found himself saying.

"Me too..." Anthony replied, the same venom in his tone. He seemed to realize this and looked over at Kale, "I'm sorry...they're getting to me," he said with a chuckle. "Are you OK...really?" he asked.

Kale smiled, "Yeah, I'll be OK," he said.

Anthony moved a bit closer to Kale and tried to bring him into another hug, Kale accepting it this time. He nuzzled the husky affectionately, "I'm sorry..."

Kale returned the affection, "It's fine...I'm used to this type of treatment," he said with a sigh. He held onto Anthony for a moment before both pulled away. He looked up at the bear, "So...how long till you have to reinstate contact with em?" he asked.

Anthony chuckled at the husky's words, he made it sound like talking his parents was the same as talking with some aliens or something. "I guess an hour or less...but I'd be willing to bet they're straight back to their work anyway," he said, chuckling lightly. It was strange; he could laugh at his parent's behavior after it was over, but if he was near them while it was happening it infuriated him. He let out a sigh, "Well, let's just play a game or something..."

"Cool...one with a lot of violence?"

"That'd be preferable at the moment," Anthony responded with a grin, looking forward to beating something into the ground in a game, pretending it was his parents. They began to walk off and he felt Kale next to him, and hug him lightly.

"I really am sorry,"

Anthony looked down at the husky and smiled, "It's OK..." he replied.

Kale smiled lightly and walked with the bear. They sat down at the couch and began to play a game, the point of it to get through waves of enemies without dying. Kale did better than Anthony, he was much better than the bear at games. As they played he was glad to see that the bear was loosening up. After the eighth wave the bear seemed to be better. Distracted by his thoughts, Kale didn't notice as an assassin snuck up from behind, but it didn't kill him, instead it killed Anthony.

"Dude! Why didn't you kill that guy?" Anthony asked, pressing the start button and using up the only extra life they had.

"Sorry...he was sneaky," Kale lied.

"Yeah...the ninja wearing black in a white room is really sneaky," Anthony replied with a chuckle. He didn't push the issue, he wasn't angry; the opposite actually. The husky was making him happier, he felt better with Kale around.

"You'd be surprised..." Kale said, tapping his controller quickly, but it was unlike normal, it was a random tempo of him tapping the buttons on the controller. He didn't know why but he wasn't able to play as well as he normally did, and soon Anthony died yet again, followed quickly by dying himself.

"Why didn't you cover me?" Anthony asked, looking at the TV screen that so clearly stated their failure.

Kale smiled lightly, "Sorry...I'm just not doing well right now,"

Anthony sighed and turned off the console, "Are you OK?" he asked, as he turned around.

Kale sighed, "Yeah...I'm fine. Just a bit off my game. Sorry...can't seem to cover you," he said. The game was flashing their failure in brilliant colors, and Kale couldn't help but think that it was funny. He noticed the bear slowly moving closer to him.

Anthony chuckled and put an arm around the husky, "Well...I can cover you," he said, and gave a confused look when Kale began to laugh. He looked at the husky, "What's so funny?"

"You," Kale replied and tried to stop laughing. When he managed to control his laughter he looked up at the bear, "You can be really corny sometimes...you know that?"

Anthony smiled, and pulled on Kale a bit more, "Yeah...but you have really corny taste anyway,"

Kale hugged the bear a little and smiled, "I do, don't I?"

Anthony kissed Kale lightly and let out a happy growl, beginning to push onto the husky, who pulled on him in return. Anthony let out a pleasant moan as the husky's tongue began to probe his maw. He rubbed Kale's stomach and began to move a paw to the husky's crotch, but was soon stopped by the interference.

"Anthony...are you in here?" a voice asked.

Anthony tried to hide his surprise and quickly ended the kiss. He recognized the voice as his mother and felt a sinking feeling in his stomach-hoping she had not seen him and Kale. He stared at Kale for a moment, both hidden by the couch. Putting a finger to his lips he slowly sat up and looked at his mother, "What?"

"Were you sleeping on the couch?"

Anthon rubbed his eyes slightly. Guessing it was good to play along with whatever idea may have been in her head. "I was trying..."

Mrs. Hostle just shook her head in disapproval and then looked around the room, "Where is that mutt?"

Anthony was glad that he growled, because his drowned out the noise as Kale growled too. "He is not a mutt," he said simply

"Fine...where is your 'friend'?" she asked, spitting out the last part.

Anthony tried not to look down at the husky, thinking of a lie. "I don't know...I stormed off. You mean you two didn't eat him?"

At this Mrs. Hostle sighed, "No, before we could kick the mutt out he ran after you," she said, obviously not lying.

"He'll be staying here...I don't care what you think. You already said it was fine and he can't go back...end of discussion. If you two have a problem then you can deal with it on the way out the door...how long are ya'll staying anyway...just an hour...two?" Anthony asked.

"If your father heard you say that then he'd show you to respect your elders," Mrs. Hostle said.

"I'm not trying to argue...you guys already said he could live here. Why are you trying to tell me he can't now?" Anthony said, going back to the lie. "I mean, if you aren't going to be around anyway then it's not your problem. You know that once you leave I'd just let him live here anyway...so it's either deal with it or get angry about it but in either case he'll still live with me,"

Mrs. Hostle let out a defeated sigh, "Fine...but we want to talk with him. Find where ever he went,"

"Good...why don't you guys like that I finally have someone who isn't just after money?" Anthony asked.

Mrs. Hostle looked at Anthony and chuckled, "Please...how long have you known him? Look at him. I give him a year before he starts to ask for your money. That's all the trash ever wants..."

"He isn't after money...in fact I think he kind of hates that there is so much, " he said with a chuckle. The look on his mother's face was humorous, but at the realization that she couldn't name anything more important than money his frown came back. He waited till his mother left, and returned his attention to Kale, who was staring up at the ceiling. When he was sure his mother was gone he leaned back down with Kale, "I'm sorry...are you OK?"

"Yeah...I shouldn't let what people think affect me," Kale said calmly, his voice shaking though.

Anthony nuzzled the husky, "You're right. What they think doesn't matter,"

At that Kale felt his wall break again, and himself shaking again. He let out a chocked sob and pulled on the bear, the insults replaying in his mind over and over. It didn't seem to matter where he went, there was never anything good out of it. When he felt like he was able to speak he looked up at the bear, "I'm not after your money," he said, his voice still shaking.

Anthony pulled on the husky and kissed the top of his head, "I know..." he said and repeated it a few more times. Out of all the people he had met, Kale and Taylor and possibly Eric were the only ones that didn't seem to care about his money. It wasn't a real surprise that Kale said what he did; the school, the city, his parents, everyone thought the same thing-that Kale was after money. After a few more minutes Kale finally relaxed.

The wave of negative emotions seemed to finally go away, a more normal feeling coming back to him. It was strange how he was recovering. He was glad that he could feel himself starting to get better, the nightmares beginning to seem like random chance instead of haunting memories, the need to be with someone turning to more of a want than a need, and the feeling of despair occasionally being overpowered with a happy moment in life. It was thanks to the bear, the bear was always there for him, even when he broke. Kale looked up at the bear and gave a weak smile, but it was genuine. Leaning forward he gently kissed the bear and then nestled back into his arms.

Anthony held Kale gently, rocking the husky and kissing the top of his head. For the first time he thought he may truly hate his mother, that she had said those things. He tried to comfort the husky, and hoped Kale hadn't expected any approval from them, such a thing did not exist. He was glad when Kale stopped crying, and after a few moment he looked down at him and nuzzled him lightly, "Are you OK?"

"I'm fine..." Kale replied, he did feel better now; the stings of the insults seemed less painful now. He looked up at Anthony and hugged the bear.

Anthony smiled and felt Kale nestle closer to him. Running his paws over Kale's chest he could feel the warmth of his fur underneath. It felt nice, and he began to run his paw up Kale's shirt and lightly tousle the fur as he ran his fingers through it. The sound of the occasional sigh from Kale was all that was heard.

The rest of the day passed uneventfully, both parties avoiding the other as much as possible, until dinner. Anthony felt his phone vibrating and opened it, to see a text message. "You and the mutt are to eat with us...come to Blue's at seven. Try not to dress like savages," he read out loud.

Kale looked over at the bear, but before he could say anything Anthony spoke his own mind.

"If you don't want to you don't have to go...and if you do decide to go; you are not dressing up. We will not give into their demands,"

Kale chuckled and stood up, "Well...I'm not going to leave in that hell hole alone, of course I'm going with you,"

Anthony smiled, "Thanks,"

Kale chuckled, "What's the worst that cou-never mind,"

Anthony laughed, "Yeah...don't say those words...not tonight,"

They quickly got ready, both grabbing a jacket and heading out the door, deciding the sooner they got it over with the better. Along the way they talked a bit, Kale asking the bear about his parents more, "So...have they always been...you know, so...mean?"

Anthony chuckled lightly, "Yes, I'm sorry. They like it up there on their high-horse, and love to place over people below them,"

"It's no problem," Kale said with a sad sigh, "I'm more than used to those types of people,"

"If things get bad...you can go outside to the car..." Anthony said.

They got ready, both wearing casual clothes, and were walking into the restaurant. It wasn't one that was overly fancy, though to Kale it was the most extravagant looking restaurant, like those on TV. He noted that most of the people in it did have on suits. It didn't make since to him. He couldn't' tell who was a customer and who was a waiter, they all looked the same. He tried to relax, knowing he needed to at least appear like he was familiar with being outside. After a moment he saw Anthony's parents, a scowl on their face. "Anthony? Do they have permanent scowls?"

Anthony chuckled, "That's a great question," he replied and looked over at his parents. He tried to smile at them and found it a bit hard to make it seem genuine. Anthony grabbed Kale and they walked through the restaurant. They sat down at a booth, the seats made of sort of leather. He sat down first, so that if things went awry the husky could get up and leave. "How are ya'll?"

His parents didn't look at him right away, instead glaring at Kale. His father was the first to speak, "Fine...let's just get it out of the way,"

Kale felt his stomach churn. He didn't like it so far. A waiter came by and placed water down, and then asked what they would like to drink. The waiter asked Kale first and the husky looked up at him, "What?...I've got water..."

"Yes sir...but would you like something else?"

Kale didn't know what the waiter meant. He'd never been anywhere nice, of even close to fancy. "What do you mea...no, I'm fine...fine..." he said and covered his face, ashamed that he was messing up already.

The waiter looked at Kale for a moment, confused before turning his attention to the group of bears, "And for the miss?" he asked.

"

"I'll have the same," Mr. Hostle said plainly, before the waiter even asked.

"Umm...a grape soda, and an orange soda," Anthony said, after the waiter asked him.

"Excuse me?" the waiter asked.

"Give me a grape soda and an orange soda," Anthony said again, ordered for Kale too. He knew the husky's favorite things to drink. He waited till the waiter left and leaned over to Kale, "In some places water is just a given drink..." he explained.

Kale didn't look up, he didn't even reply. He felt stupid, felt like an idiot; he wished he'd stayed away-that at the very least he'd just said a simple no. Kale felt a nudge, the bear's leg hitting him. He glanced over at Anthony whose eyes tried to calm him, telling him everything would be OK. Kale gave a mental sigh and sat up, wondering if he could still make a rebound to the bear's parents. From how they glared at him; it seemed like a no. After a moment he felt Anthony lightly pat him on the knee under the table. Kale looked around, trying to pick up on anything he could; a way to behave, a way to act, anything. The waiter came back and to his thanks, the waiter didn't start with him.

They all ordered, Kale ordering exactly what Anthony ordered. It was mostly silent, none of them looking at each other. There was the occasional question, but it was always Anthony asking, trying to break the ice. Kale noticed that his parents actually sounded nice sometimes, only when they talked to Anthony though, and that in itself was a rarity. Whenever the bear said something about Kale though his parents' tones changed instantly, losing all the kindness. When the food finally came they ate, and Kale barely touched it. It wasn't that it was bad, he just wasn't hungry. He looked around the restaurant again, frowning as people laughed and smiled.

"Mutt," Mr. Hostle said.

Kale immediately turned around, but from his side vision he saw Anthony shake his head at him. Kale looked at the bear, "Mr. Hostle...could you please call me Kale...or at the very least not call me that," he said, trying to sound polite. That small request took all his strength in itself.

"If you're going to live under my house I'll call you what I want to, you got that...Mutt?" Mr. Hostle asked.

Kale didn't look away but instead nodded, just like a dog, "Yes sir..." he said and looked back down at the table.

"As I was trying to say," Mr. Hostle began, "Mutt, why do you think you can just mooch off us?"

Kale tried to answer but before he could Anthony cut in.

"Kale isn't mooching off of ya'll, or me. Seriously, what's the big point?"

"Anthony, your father will talk to you later...right now he and the dog are speaking," Mrs. Hostle said coldly and then looked back at Kale waiting for a response.

"I have never had any intention of mooching off of ya'll...I'm sorry if that's how it appears,"

"Appears?" Mrs. Hostle asked with a scoff, "Child, you eat our food, you sleep in our home, I'm assuming my son bought you those dreadful rags, and you go to school with him...and he probably drives...am I right? Now tell me, how does it appear you are not feeding off us?"

Kale felt his tongue stick to the roof of his mouth. He wanted to say something, to say anything but all he could hear was himself agreeing. Anthony's parents were right, he was just living off the bear. He wasn't doing anything to pay the bear, he rarely did any house work either. The bear usually told him to let him take care of it. Kale felt like a mere pet, something around so that he could be petted and a mere passing form of entertainment.

Mrs. Hostle looked over at Anthony, "Why do you have to take in the ones that are hurt...son you always do this," she said with an angry sigh.

Kale felt his eyes widen a bit.

"What are you talking about?" Anthony asked.

"Even when you were young. You think that everyone can have the same opportunities; you think that everyone can get the same treatment. It's time to wake up; that's a lie and you should damn well realize it," Mr. Hostle replied.

Anthony gritted his teeth, but didn't say anything.

"This...Kale person...is he just another one of your charity projects? If so...this is the most pathetic one yet," Mrs. Hostle said, her husband sighing. "Do you know anything about his past? Where he's from? I hope so, because you're mother and I don't. We did look at the mutt's medicals though."

Kale stopped listening, he didn't want to hear any of it.

Mr. Hostle continued, "Did you know that he's from a deadbeat town, went to a godforsaken school, he's an only child, it wouldn't even be a surprise if he carried some sort of disease...oh, and tha-"

Kale stood up and began to walk away. Everything was right; the bear's words, the assumptions, everything. He didn't hear Anthony getting up to come after him and assumed that the bear finally knew he was worthless. Kale was glad for one thing at the moment, that it wasn't a scene. No one starred at him as he walked out, no one had really heard the conversation, on one even noticed his existence; nothing about him was even slightly worth noting. He got to the door and walked out, keeping up an apathetic composure till he was able to get into the parking lot where it was dark. At the first sign that he was just a shadow in the darkness he took off, running as fast as he could. He didn't know where, he didn't care.

"The mutt isn't anything. He's a nothing. I don't know what possessed you to help him but there is no cure for those 'things'...His life back in that rathole...it's a joke, a bad joke. It's a shame that such a cesspool is draining here...some places would be better off gone," his father said, finishing what he was saying about Kale. When the husky stood up and left he didn't even stop his talk. He'd talked mostly about Kale's background and his parents-though it was all just insinuation.

Anthony wanted to get up and go after Kale but he stopped himself. He looked back at his parents, "You two...are so sad. I'm sorry for you both, you know that? You two understand a lot...so you know that I'm pretty much an adult now...right? Well, I understand a lot more now. I'm not just some idealistic idea chasing cub anymore, I've become someone. I'm my own person and I will never be like you two. You know, it's funny...I should be angry, should be pissed at yo-"

"Anthony, don't spe-" his father tried to say before the bear continued.

"Shut-up Tim. Just shut up and listen to me...k, Timmy?" Anthony asked, using his father's first name. His tone was calm, he actually wasn't angry. He just wanted to talk for a moment. "I have every right to be angry, even without the events of tonight. But I'm not. I'm sorry for you though. You two don't care about the public, only your money. It's sad...you're like empty shells. And I have more to say but after I say it...here's what's going to happen; I'm going to stand up and leave here. You two will not get up and you'll enjoy your miserable time together, OK? Now, with that said...Mom, Dad, I'm sorry for you both as I said. You two are pathetic people and I hope you can realize that one day. You have a great thing going on...you help tons of people but you only care about their money. Neither of you care about the public. You're both so caught up in how to get a quick dime that you two don't ever think about others...not me, and not anyone. That guy who you just made walk away...he's better off than both of you, he's at least got a connection to the world. He isn't sitting up on a high frozen throne...I hope you two realize that someday," he said and stood up. Anthony moved over to his parents, "I guess I'll see ya'll around sometime...despite it all; I still love you guys...I hope you two find some help," he said and began to leave.

Anthony was surprised. It was the first time his parents just listened. He wasn't sure if it got through to them, but he guessed that them not doing anything was a good sign. He'd either done something to them or they did just not want to cause a scene. He looked back once and saw them both talking to each other. With a sigh he walked outside and walked to his car. "Kale are you alrigh-Kale...Kale..." he said again, looking for the husky.

Kale didn't know where he was, he didn't care. He'd stopped running after a few minutes. He just wanted to get far enough away. He walked into a gas station and looked around, not sure what he was doing. He saw the person at the register look at him with cautious eyes. At the look Kale frowned and walked back outside. He didn't want any trouble. Walking down the sidewalk of the gas station something caught his eye, a single piece of money. It was only a five, not much. Kale picked it up and looked around, no one nearby to claim it. He pocketed it and walked around for a bit. He was somewhere in a big city. He saw a bus and tried to get on.

"Ticket?" the driver asked.

"I have five bucks..." Kale said and tried to hand the driver the money.

"Sorry kid...can't let you on without a ticket,"

"Where do I get a ticket?" Kale asked, his tone weak.

"In the grand station,"

"Cool...thanks," Kale replied apathetically and got off. He had no idea where the station was, but he wasn't about the ask either. Looking around he saw a nearby taxi and walked over to it. He knocked on the window, "How far could this get me?"

"About half way through the city...we take cards too," the cabby driver replied.

"So...this couldn't get me to another city?" he asked with the same apathetic mood.

"Nope," the cabby driver said, obviously wanting Kale to go away so he could find someone to drive.

Kale walked away. He let out a defeated sigh. He noticed that no one in the city looked at him, no one seemed to care. Looking at a nearby citizen he pulled on their sleeve, causing the wolf he was talking to the jump a little. "Where's the park...you know?" Kale asked.

"Umm...it's just that way," the wolf said quickly and walked away, checking his pockets and wrist as he walked.

Kale sighed and began his walk to the park. It only took him a few minutes. When he went in there weren't many around. Just a few people, all of them like him, no where to go. Kale knew this type of area, sometimes he would sleep at the park back home; when his parents were angry. Kale stopped and listened for a moment, hearing water run. He guessed there would be a bridge nearby and began to walk along the path. After a moment he found it and jumped down under it, laying down as soon as he did. He felt tired-drained. Being near the bear's family, took everything away. He knew they were right though, he wasn't anything.

Kale let out a low sigh and closed his eyes, wanting to get some sleep. His mind kept playing Anthony over again and again. He sighed, he liked the bear, a lot, but he knew he didn't belong. After all the bear's parents were right; he was trash. They would hate him even more if they knew he liked their son. Kale tried to cast the bear's image out of his mind, but couldn't, instead holding onto it. He wished the bear was with him, wished that Anthony was nearby. Kale felt a tear build up but he suppressed it. "Anthony...I'm sorry,"

"That's what I'm saying Taylor, I don't know where he is!" Anthony yelled into the phone, looking around frantically for the husky.

"Ok, Ok...calm down Anth-" taylor was trying to say before the bear cut her off.

"No! I can't! I can't find Kale...Where is he?" Anthony asked, his voice whining a bit. He didn't know where Kale would go, where could the husky go. It was horrible, Anthony didn't even know the city. It was a large city, much too large for his taste, and he'd lost Kale. Anthony shut his eyes and let out a troubled groan.

"Kale's strong. He'll be fine. Don't worr-"

"That's not the problem! I know he's strong...I'm not that worried about him getting being defenseless...Taylor...what if," Anthony said and stopped, his voice trembling and then breaking, tears falling quicker than he thought possible, "What if he doesn't come back?"

The wolf tried to calm him down, and after a few minutes it worked. Anthony talked with her and hung up after awhile. There wasn't anything she could really do. He couldn't expect her to come look for him. Anthony got in his car and put in the GPS for the police station. He headed there and was glad it was nearby. He ran inside and looked at the nearest person, a female fox filing her nails. "Hey, I need some help,"

"OK, you'll need to fil-" the fox was saying before Anthony continued.

"Someone is lost...I can't find him...you have to help me...he ran away and I can't find him and he doesn't know the city, I don't even know the city, but I don't know where he would...you have to help....he's not here and I can't find him...where would he go or wha-" Anthony stammered but his words were jumbled together.

"Wow, kid...calm down..." the fox said. She was a bit surprised to see the bear, and how he looked so scared. Usually the only people that came in looking for help were for filing reports on fender benders and petty things. "Just slow down...who is it that's not here?"

Anthony tried to calm down, it wasn't easy though. "I'm looking for a husky...his name is Kale...Smith...He's eightee-"

"This isn't a child?" the officer asked.

"No ma'am...but he ran away,"

"I don't know if I can help you wit-"

Anthony moved closer, "But you have to,"

The officer sighed, "I'm sorry...I don't know if we can help...we can keep an eye out...but that's all. What does he look like?" she asked, pulling out a pad.

"He's about five ten...umm...he has grey and white fur, his eyes are hazel. He has a tattoo on his right arm...a red tattoo, and he's in a cast, a leg cast...well technically its a boot but that's not important...," Anthony said, calmer than before. He was still breathing hard though. His mind raced through anything that could happen,

The fox smiled at the bear, "It's going to be OK you know?"

"No I don't know!" Anthony snapped back, "And neither do you..." he said and immediately felt ashamed. "I'm sorry...I'm scared...I need to go look for him...just...call me if you find him...please?" he asked and gave the fox his number before running out the door.

He looked around the city and ran to his car, deciding to drive through the city in search for him. He didn't know where he was going, what he was doing, or if Kale was OK, he felt helpless. Anthony gave a light whimper and pulled out into the traffic, cutting off a car that honked a horn at him. He drove around until midnight, looking for the husky. He looked everywhere, got out and asked at small stores, any where. He went into the bus station and asked but he had no luck. Anthony pulled into a parking lot of a nearby supermarket and leaned his head against his seat. He cried and felt his tears running down his muzzle quickly, "Kale..."

Kale woke up to a kick.

"What the hell are you doing on Terig turf you shit-head?" the attacker asked.

Kale let out a grunt and looked up to see a leopard holding a knife at him. Kale immediately panicked and began to back away, "Don't...I'm sorry...don't..." he said, backing up more and bumping into someone. He didn't feel as though he had the energy to fight, he didn't have the will to do anything besides back up. He turned around the see a coyote smiling at him. He looked down and saw a bag in the canine's paw. He immediately realized what it was, and why being under the bridge was a bad idea.

The coyote grabbed Kale roughly, picking him up. "What do we do with him?" he asked, his voice heavy and deep.

Kale guessed that the coyote was the dealer, he knew what they were like. Memories played through his head of home and of the things that had happened. He struggled to get away from the coyote, "Please...let me go!" he asked, no will in him to fight.

The coyote dropped Kale quickly, the husky landing on the ground with a thud. Kale thought that everything would be OK for a moment before the leopard's knife was pointed at his throat, "Give me all your money,"

Kale gulped and looked at the leopard, "I...some change...please...just take it,"

"Some change?" the leopard asked and pushed a bit with the knife, "that ain't much, you gotta give me more incentive to let ya' go,"

Kale backed away. In his mind he was cursing himself. His life was horrible, if something could go wrong, it did. Out of all the luck, he had to get into this type of situation. That was his life, that was all it was. Kale's mind ran through everything, all his troubles, all the judgments, all of the wrong boiling up inside him. A flicker of rage built up in him but he tried to suppress it. "Please...just let me go,"

"Aww...I can't just do that...me and this man here; we were trying to do some friendly business. Now I know anyone with a common mind knows better than to come down here...so you some sort of 'tard or something?" the leopard asked with a mocking laugh.

Kale couldn't stop the growl, his apathetic feeling was quickly passing away, and the fear quickly draining from him. The image of his parents and teachers played in his mind, how they assumed he was an idiot. Each word the leopard said was annoying. He wanted to kill him, the bite his throat out. "Please...just let me go," he said again, growling.

"Don't you growl at me you rotten mutt!" the leopard said and pushed the knife against Kale's throat, pricking the husky lightly.

"Just let me go!" Kale said, growling more now and his fangs bared.

"Hey, I think the mutt wan-" the leopard was saying before he was on the ground.

Kale kicked out at the leopard, his foot connecting with the leopard's leg. "Don't call me a mutt!" he yelled and jumped at the animal. He heard shuffling feet and felt a hit from the coyote, who was trying to pull him off. Kale didn't move though, snapping and clawing at the person beneath him. It wasn't that he felt truly threatened; in all honesty he had been in this type of situation before, back at his old home. It was just rage, a built up aggression that the leopard was unlucky enough to be the target of. Kale felt a small pinch and kept hitting the leopard.

"Get off him you freak!" the coyote yelled, punching Kale in the face.

Kale was pulled off the leopard and turned his attention on the coyote, his next victim. With a quick punch he made sure to hit the coyote in the chest, depriving him of air. As the coyote fell Kale jumped at him, giving off a rage filled cry and tackling him to the ground. He slammed the coyote's head against the ground once before being pulled back off by the leopard. He couldn't do anything though. Everything seemed to be flying by, as though it was all a matter of seconds. He banged his head backwards, hitting the leopard and being dropped. He felt another pinch and punched the leopard once more, connecting his paw to the leopards face. After a moment the coyote grabbed him and Kale realized he wasn't able to do anything.

"Good, hold him," the leopard said with a mock laugh. He slung at Kale.

Kale felt stinging pain on his muzzle and let out a yelp. He gnashed his teeth about and yelled at the two and suddenly felt himself being dropped. He caught himself and saw the two running off in different directions. He tried to chase after the coyote but tripped, the boot on his leg causing him to stumble. He saw lights above him and heard voices yelling. He scrambled to his feet and tried to move again. A light was shining directly in his eyes though and he could hear a lot of yelling. He felt someone grab him from behind and he immediately swung, trying to hit his assailant. The connection of his paw to fur told him he hit someone but then he felt his body going down, being tackled to the ground. It was too much weight to be more than just one person. Kale managed to get out of the hold though and escape a bit from the people. Instead of running he turned around though and punched out at whoever was nearby, another connection with someone, this time hearing a small cry. He didn't see who it was, only silhouettes because the lights were pointed in his eyes. He heard more yells, angrier this time multiple people yelling the same thing at him. He moved forwards and felt something hit his body; stopping him and making him fall to the ground in pain and shake uncontrollably. It only lasted for a moment till there were more people on him. He felt his muzzle being pushed into the ground and a single voice yelling at him.

"Take him down, cuff him!" A voice yelled.

Kale continued to gnash his teeth, yelling at the people on top of him, yelling for them to get off him. He still didn't realize what was going on, his rage had blinded him along with the lights. He felt his arms jerked behind him back and at the familiar saying stopped, realizing what was going on. He still felt angry though.

"You have the right to remain silent," an officer was reading.

Kale struggled a bit more, "Let me go! I didn't do anything!" he yelled, angry that he was the one being cuffed and that the others were getting away. He was jerked up and let out a pained yelp, and a tear begin to run down his muzzle.

"Anything yo-hey kid," the officer said, stopping in the middle of his address. "Kid, are you alright?"

Kale struggled more, repeating his previous statements. His rage was going away along with the adrenaline and he felt a small pain in his side.

"Kid...are you bleeding? Are you alright?"

"Am I bleeding? Of course I'm not ble-" Kale was saying before realizing that his shirt felt wet. Kale looked down at where a flashlight was pointed, his shirt now having a red color to it. Kale stopped struggling.

"Hey, kid, you have to tell me if your alright," the officer said again.

Kale looked up it was a bull. He looked back down at his shirt, not sure how to respond only seeing the red continue to encroach upon him. He tried to say something but his words were caught in his throat.

The looked to another officer, "Call a bus,"

Kale felt an officer setting him down and someone else come by. His system was running out of adrenaline, he felt cold. It didn't help that it was already cold outside. Kale let out a whine as someone put pressure onto him, and then a yelp-another officer seeming to hold him down. Kale felt his vision go black.

___

Anthony woke up to his phone ringing. "Hello?" he asked frantically, hoping it was the police or Kale.

"Mr. Hostle?" a voice asked.

"Yes, who is this?"

"My name is Officer Conrad and I-" the officer was trying to say before Anthony cut him off.

"Kale! Did you find Kale?" Anthony asked, completely awake now.

"Uhh..." Conrad began.

"Did you find him?" Anthony asked again, anger rising in his tone.

"You need to get to Memorial Hospital," the officer said.

"What? Why is he in the hospital?" Anthony asked, his tone continuing to rise with anger. Fear was setting in also, fear that Kale was hurt.

"It'll be easier to explain when you get here..." Conrad replied and hung up.

Anthony felt a sinking feeling in his gut. He put his paws on the wheel and realized he'd left his keys in the ignition. Anthony started the car and heard the gears grind, his wheels not spinning. He'd forgotten to put it into drive. Anthony put down the break and began to drive, his wheels screeching a little. As he drove he looked on his GPS, realizing he wasn't even going towards the hospital. He made a U-turn and headed towards it. When he arrived he ran in and was heading to the desk when he was pulled aside, a bull pulling him away. Anthony hit the paw away, "I'm sorry, I need t-"

"Are you Anthony?" the bull asked.

Anthony stopped in his tracks and looked at the bull, "Yes, who are you?" he asked, already guessing it was the officer though.

"My name is Isaac Conrad...I'm with the city PD,"

"Kale...is Kale alright?" Anthony asked, not really caring what the bull did or who he even was.

"We don't actually know if it's him. He does match the description you gave us though. The doctors had him out of surgery and once he wakes up you can talk with him but for now can you confirm it's who you're looking for,"

Anthony felt himself nodding and walking quickly with the officer. They went up to the elevator and to the fifth floor. Walking to the end of the hallway Anthony walked in and saw the husky asleep. He immediately noticed the cuff on Kale's paw attached to the bed. It was often used by police when an arrestee needed hospital attention. It explained why Kale was at the end of the hallway and why he was on the last floor. Anthony looked back at the bull though, "Why is he cuffed?" he growled.

"He attacked one of my men,"

"Attacked...Kale wouldn't do that,"

"Look Kid, that's what he did and when he gets up I need to ask him some questions...you can stay here if you want," Conrad said.

Anthony went over to a chair and pulled it closer to the bed, it was just like any other hospital. He was happy to see Kale, but sad that it was like this. The feeling of happiness faded to sorrow at seeing Kale in a hospital. Anthony shook his head, the husky always seemed hurt-he couldn't help him. He saw a gash along the husky's muzzle, a white bandage covering the majority of it up. Standing up he walked around the bed, looking at Kale more analytically. He couldn't tell much and wasn't about the uncover the husky either. He saw there was an IV drip and looked at the chart, which told him little to nothing-nothing about the surgery procedures. It did tell him that he needed blood and was given some, and was now just on a saline drip now. It told him the locations too; the left shoulder and in the chest, in-between the sixth and seventh rib on the right side.

Sitting back down he stared at Kale again. He leaned on his paws and watched Kale, the husky sleeping lightly. After a moment he looked back at the bull, "You said out of surgery...why was he in surgery?" he asked.

"He was stabbed twice,"

Anthony stood up, "And you arrested him!? What kind of whack job cop are you?" he asked, containing his voice to a loud growl.

Conrad had visible anger on his face but pushed it away. He knew that people tended to get angry, especially in these type situations, "Look...my people are out searching for the attackers. He was under the bridge in the park...not the best place to be at night. You know how it is. I mean that it was-"

"No, I don't know how it is at night! If you ask me this city is lacking in the enforcement area," Anthony interrupted, his growl reverberating in the room.

Conrad grimaced, he hated dealing with these type people. Before he could say anything though Anthony turned around and sat down next to the husky again. He wasn't sure if he was just hearing things but he thought he heard the bear whimper. Conrad wondered if he should leave, but just as he considered it he saw Kale's eyes move.

Kale let out a light groan, pain coursing through his body. He felt like he'd just been shocked to death. He didn't open his eyes, he didn't want to yet. It was warm, much warmer than in the park and he thought he felt a blanket on him. The quietness wasn't like the park either, everything was calm-nice. The images of what happened played through his head, but it wasn't surprising. He grimaced and tried to cast them away, not wanting to think of them. His mind ran to Anthony, he thought he could even smell the bear's scent. Kale nestled closer to the pillow and let out a sigh, drifting back to sleep, and within a matter of seconds he was out again.

Anthony opened his mouth to say something but couldn't find any words. He watched as Kale went back to sleep, and felt a smile on his muzzle; happy to see the husky was at least waking up. He stood up from his seat and looked back at the bull, gesturing for them to go outside. Before going Anthony walked over to the blinds and closed them, darkening the room. He saw that the bull was already outside. Before going out Anthony leaned down and gently kissed Kale. He walked outside and closed the door, "Will he be excused from school?"

"Yes...are you his guardian or something?" Conrad asked, wondering how the two knew each other.

"No, he lives with me and we go to the same school,"

"College,"

"No...we're both seniors," Anthony answered, happy the bull didn't dwell on the fact that the two were living together.

"I need to get in touch with his parents then,"

Anthony shook his head, "That won't be happening,"

"Why not?"

Anthony looked down at the floor, "They aren't in his life...we'll leave it at that," he said, not wanting to go on. He looked back up at the bull, "Can we have him transferred to a different hospital...I'd feel better if he was at mine,"

"Yours?" the bull asked.

Anthony looked away, angry at himself. He didn't mean to ever refer to the hospital as his own; it just happened sometimes. He was there all the time and it was a secondary home to him. Looking back at the officer he grimaced, "Sorry...slip of the tongue. I mean to Newsburg. I'm more than familiar with the channels that will need to be gone through..."

"Hostle..." the bull said, thinking.

"Yeah? What?" Anthony asked, thinking the bull was asking him something.

"You mean...you're the owner of the Hostle medical company?"

Anthony shook his paws in the air, "No, I'm just their son...so will you allow it?"

The bull looked at Anthony for a bit longer. "I still need to talk with him,"

Anthony looked at the door, wishing he was still with Kale. He nodded and walked off, feeling hungry. He didn't even bother saying anything to the bull. He went to the elevator and waited for it to come. While he was waiting the bull came back, standing next to him. "You want to get a bite?" Anthony asked, not looking at him.

Conrad didn't reply. He got into the elevator with the bear though, and they moved down to main lobby. He walked with Anthony into a restaurant and they both ordered. Conrad pulled out his wallet and Anthony stopped him.

"I'll take care of it," Anthony said.

"What?" Conrad asked, "No, I don't think so Kid...just to spite you, I'm paying for yours," he replied.

Anthony chuckled and didn't fight the bull about it. He hadn't meant it as he was throwing his money around. He knew he needed to be careful, it could easily seem like that. They got their meals and sat down, "I didn't mean to insult ya' just then,"

Conrad looked up, "OK, that's fine," he replied and began to eat. He didn't care if the bear was rich, the bear was friends with a suspect, that was all that mattered. "So, what can you tell me about Kale?"

"Off the record?" Anthony asked jokingly. He saw the bull nod anyway though and thought for a moment, "Kale is a good guy. I mean, he's one of the better people I've met. Since everyone thinks about it, my money I mean, he dosen't it seems. Everyone says otherwise, but I don't think he does. He's kind to me...he's nice to those who are nice to him,"

"And those who aren't?"

Anthony realized his wording seemed bad. He wanted to defend Kale. He looked at the officer, "He isn't kind to I guess. Don't go thinking that means he tries to beat them up...got it? I don't want you to be thinking he's a bad guy. I don't know why he hit any of your people, or how he even got into a conflict...but Kale...Kale isn't violent. He can't stand it,"

"Why would he even be under the bridge if he lives with you?" Conrad asked.

Anthony looked away, the night before playing in his mind. He wondered where his parents were, probably off somewhere new. Looking back at the officer he could tell the bull was still waiting on an answer, "I don't know that,"

"You have to tell me,"

Anthony looked at the bull, his eyes full of anger. He stood up, "No, I don't have to tell you anything..."

Conrad watched as the bear walked away and sighed, he knew the kid was right. He wasn't sure to make of all this. He was interested and hated that he had been told by his captain to stay and get the husky's statement and possibly take him in. It was only fair though, after all, he was the one who noted all the things that night.

Anthony didn't go back to Kale's room figuring Kale would still be asleep. Instead he walked to the desk on the first floor and asked for the doctor that had performed the surgery on Kale. He waited for close to an hour before he was able to speak to the surgeon. The surgeon's name was Dr. Inez. He walked in and looked over her, a grey tabby, small glasses on her face. Apparently she thought she knew him.

"Mr. Hostle, it's good to see you,"

Anthony stared at her, not sure what to say. It wasn't very shocking for someone to know his father, especially in a hospital, but he hated to be compared to him. He knew she was just confused because they looked alike but couldn't' help but feel a slight insult at the greeting. She began to talk again, Anthony standing there staring at her.

"So, how may I help you today sir?"

Anthony felt his paws shake lightly, not sure why. He felt scared suddenly, he'd never really talked with any doctors outside his parent's hospital, where he was more or less looked out for. She seemed calm, not uneasy or stressed. Anthony couldn't stop a small growl in his chest, but was glad he could mask it in his voice. "Why did you perform surgery on Kale?"

"Excuse me?"

"Kale Smith," Anthony said, "Oh, and I'm not my father," he added in, deciding to break the misconception already.

"Your father?" the tabby asked and looked at the bear for a second. She stood up and walked closer, his paws tracing the bear's face but never touching him, "Oh my, so you aren't. Are you Anthony?"

"Yes..." Anthony replied hesitantly, backing away a bit.

"You've grown so much! Wow, you sound and look just like your father, do you know that?"

"I don't really see him enough," Anthony replied, wondering how the tabby knew him.

The tabby seemed to just nod. She didn't expect the bear to see his parents a lot, he knew they traveled a lot.

"Kale Smith, why did you perform surgery on him?"

Dr. Inez looked at Anthony, "I'm sorry...I don't recall who that is,"

Anthony didn't care if the growl was heard now, "Kale Smith, the husky you performed surgery on this morning,"

The doctor's face dropped a little, not in shock or fear, just in a simple case of remembrance. "Oh...him," she said, not showing much interest, "He came in an ambulance and was a pretty quick patch up, though he got lucky. From what I gathered he was in a drug deal and it just went wrong...I swear, children are such morons today,"

Anthony felt a surge of anger, just another doctor that made general assumptions about the masses. He hated that she just went back to her desk and sat down, she didn't show any concern for the husky. "Why did you ask?"

Anthony looked at her, "Why do you want to know?" he asked, but he knew he was right, that she was just curious due to him asking about what she considered a street mutt.

"Just someone like you, from a refined area...concerned for...well...that," Inez replied, not even giving Kale a general statement.

Anthony moved forward, "I'm concerned for 'that' because it is my best friend and you, though you may have skill, have no concern for them. You haven't even looked back at him, the only thing the chart says is gang victim. Don't you care about the people? I'm getting really sick of people on their all high throne of power they think they can just sit on and smile so smugly down on everyone else..." he said and stared at the tabby for a moment before walking out.

He felt sick, the only thing he'd done was waste an hour of his time to talk with a doctor who didn't care a bit about who she treated-just like his parents. Anthony let out a sigh, wondering if it was a trait that they all learned in school. He decided to go see if Kale was doing better.

Conrad got up after the bear left and went back to Kale's room. When he went in it was only a few minutes before Kale woke up. When the husky did he tried to get up and jerked at the cuff a few times before realizing that he was even in the room. Conrad stared at Kale, waiting for him to say something.

"Who are you?" Kale asked, a pain was running through him. His body felt hot, like he was running a fever. He felt sick. He had jerked his paw quickly and tried to get out of whatever was holding him to the bed. He realized it was a handcuff, but that was the only thing. The last thing he remembered was being jerked up and a lot of voices yelling, his body feeling wet and hot.

"My name is Isaac Conrad, I'm with the city PD,"

Kale felt his mind throb, like he was remembering the night more vividly. The leopard, the coyote, the lights, the sounds, they all began to come back to him. He snarled at the cop, not realizing it and when he did he suppressed it quickly. "Sorry..." he said, obviously fighting back his anger and looked down at his paw, "Why am I cuffed?"

"Because you attacked two of my people,"

Kale remembered after the two under the bridge ran away, then the lights. He realized that it was police shining lights in his face, and that the people he had struggled against then were also the police. It made him feel horrible, he knew this would be a bad thing to go through. He silently wished for Anthony, but knew the bear was better off if he wasn't around. Just for evidence he considered his most current circumstances-how he was never in anything other than trouble. He looked back at the bull that was just staring at him. "What happened?"

"You attacked two of my people...Jenny and Walter,"

"No...I don't mean that...I mean...what happened?" Kale asked again, trying to piece together all the pieces in his mind. It was like he had nothing but snapshots in his mind all the pieces jumbled around.

Conrad finally understood what the husky meant. At actually seeing Kale react to his situation he felt a bit relieved. He didn't seem like he was angry or trying to get away, it seemed like he was simply scared. It was strange, but he knew he had judged the husky, assumed things about him because he had hit two of his people. "Well, first...what were you doing in the park?"

Kale tried to remember, he rubbed the front of his head. His head was throbbing, and it also felt like it was on fire. He let out a pained groan, "I was there to get some sleep,"

"Sleep? Why were you sleeping in the park?" Conrad asked. It didn't make any sense, Anthony told him that Kale was living with him and he knew there was no way the bear was sleeping in the park.

"Because I was tired..." Kale replied, as if it was common sense.

Conrad looked at Kale, he didn't want him to be defensive all the time. He guessed it would be better to not bring up too many details that didn't matter. He got a reason for Kale being in the park, that was good enough. "Are you from around here?"

"Not even close..." Kale said under his breath, apparently loud enough for the officer to hear though.

"Well, I just need you to recount, to the best of your abilities what happened to you,"

Kale looked away, angry again. He didn't want to have to think about it, he hated to think about his past. Everything seemed to be wrong with his life. Looking back at the cop he tried his best to answer him, knowing if he did it would be over quicker, "I was trying to sleep under the bridge...so I wouldn't be disturbed or rained on. I wanted to sleep but I was woken in the night by a leopard with a coyote. From what I could tell...it was a drug deal. The leopard was black, full black with yellow eyes, he is about five seven, lanky and has a high pitched voice. The coyote is tan with some white patches, his eyes were green, he was about as tall as you and looked like he was well fed...that just so you can get to work on the streets," Kale said, sneering a little as he remembered the two, "Then I asked for them to leave me alone...to let me get away, but they decided to have some fun with me...when you guys came it scared them off but I didn't know who was pushing me to the ground...so I attacked,"

"What about you with the assailants...you attacked them didn't you?" Conrad asked, a device in his hands. He was putting it all in, common procedure, writing down everything the husky said. The description was a surprise though, not an unwelcome one.

"I did...it was self defense," Kale said, remembering how he lashed out. He looked away, "I'm not a mutt," he said under his breath.

Conrad didn't hear the last part, he guessed he didn't need to. He stood up and looked at the husky, "Well...this all sounds good...There may be a few more questions later but I don't think your transfer will be any trouble,"

Kale looked over quickly, "Transfer? What transfer?" he asked. He knew he was in a hospital and assumed it was the local city one. He didn't know anything else though.

"To Newburg hospital..."

Kale looked at the cop, "No, I can't,"

"What?"

"I can't go...do I have to?"

Before Conrad could say anything Anthony came back in. He could tell Kale was surprised to see the bear. He couldn't hide any emotions on his face at the sight. He looked over at Anthony, happy to see Kale up. He decided that his business was done, nothing else needed to be done. He walked over and looked at Kale before unbinding the handcuff, freeing his paw. Walking back over he extended his paw "Mr. Hostle," he said and shook his paw before walking out.

Anthony waited till the bull left and then sat down at the chair near Kale's bed. He looked at the husky, happy to see him up. He could tell Kale didn't return the feelings, that something wasn't right with the husky.

Kale looked at Anthony, not sure how to respond. He didn't want to see the bear, he wanted the bear to just forget about him, he was nothing-a waste of time. He looked away for a moment, his emotions running over him. It was good to see the bear-great in actuality, but his mind told him he wasn't worth it. He wanted to hug the bear, to tell him that he wanted to go back to the house, that he wanted to go back to the school, to tell him he still wanted to be in his life. He wanted to tell Anthony how he felt but in his mind the words of the elder bear's still played over-telling him he was a nobody, nothing.

"Are you OK?" Anthony asked.

Kale looked back at the bear, "I'm fine," he said simply.

Anthony looked at Kale and frowned, the husky's tone seemed angry. He thought that Kale was angry with him, that he hated him. It seemed that way almost. Was he angry that he didn't follow after him right away, that he didn't stand up for him immediately? Anthony looked at Kale, "I'm sorry,"

Kale looked over at Anthony, surprised at the words, "What?"

"I'm sorry...I'm sorry this happened. I'm sorry for what my parents said...Kale, I'm sorry,"

Kale looked away, surprised to hear the words still. He didn't know why Anthony was saying them. There was nothing he should be sorry for, he wasn't doing anything wrong or bad. It was his own fault. Kale hated himself because he was the cause of it all. "Why?"

Anthony looked at Kale, "Because all this...I couldn't do anything for you,"

Kale looked down at the sheets, "Why would you even want to?"

"What do you mean?"

"Why would he help me? You're parents are right...I'm sure they told you some things about me that I haven't told you...you get it don't you? I really am trash..." Kale said, he didn't have any emotion in it though. It didn't feel like some huge revelation, it just felt like cold hard facts.

"You aren't though. Kale, I don't care what my parents said about you...the only thing they told me was about your family...and Kale, I don't care about any of that,"

Kale looked over at Anthony, "Why not? It just goes to show you; I'm nothing, a nobody, I'm trash. You should stop wasting your time with me and make it easier for both of us if we just stop this stupid game now. I don't want you to be hurt because you me. I don't want you wasting your time with me...you can do things...you can be-"

Anthony growled, Kale sounded just like his mother and father had. "Kale, shut-up!"

Kale stopped in the middle of what he was saying and shut his mouth, looking away again. He stared at the closed curtains and it felt like he could feel the bear's eyes drilling into him. He didn't want ot look at him, he wanted the bear to go away, or at least he told himself that's what he wanted.

"Why do you think any of that?" Anthony asked, growling still.

"It's tru-"

"Shut-up and tell me the truth!" Anthony growled, Kale flinching at his tone.

"I am!" Kale replied, his own anger coming out, but he was the only one crying.

"No you aren't! You know it's a lie. Stop looking excuses to beat yourself up," Anthony said, Kale flinching at each word. Anthony softened his voice and sighed, "Kale...you're a great guy, the best I've ever met and I don't want you to beat yourself up like this. You don't have to go anywhere, and you don't need to. You act as though you're holding me down...but that's wrong cause I need you,"

"But...your parents are right...all I do is take money, all I do is make you have to look after m-"

"No," Anthony interrupted, his tone still soft, it didn't need to be harsh anymore, "I've only looked after you once, and that's when we first met. After that, I've always looked out for you, and yes there is a difference. You look after someone who needs help, but you look out for someone you care about. I love you, I've said that before, and I can say it again, and you are important to me. You don't have a job, so what? Neither do I? We could both argue that we're feeding off my parents...does it make it right for me just because I'm related? Kale, you are important to me, more important than anything I know and I just want you to be happy,"

Kale didn't say anything, instead looking out to a small window. He wanted it to be open now, but he knew there wasn't anything he could do about that. He rubbed his tattoo slowly, repeating it over and over in the native language.

Anthony was surprised, he had never heard the husky speak a different language, he hadn't even known he could. What he did know is that he was only repeating a phrase over and over. After a few moments Kale stopped saying it, but still mouthed the words to himself. He knew Kale wasn't happy, at least not at the moment, but he also knew that Kale didn't want to run away-that the husky wanted to be with him. It wasn't hard to see that much, and Anthony knew why he had run away. "Kale...can you answer one last question?"

Kale nodded and looked back at the bear.

"You have to promise me you'll give me your first answer, the one that pops up as soon as you hear the question. In fact I want to hear an answer before I even finish...you have to promise, and just so you know, none of this was a question," Anthony said, making sure to state it all.

Kale couldn't help but chuckle lightly at the last part. He wiped his nose on the hospital blanket and nodded.

"You have to tell me you promise,"

"I promise," Kale said, sniffling a little.

"Ok...Do you want to stay with me her-" Anthony was saying but Kale answered.

"Yes," Kale said, and stopped. He didn't really even mean to answer. He knew he promised to, but for it to happen so quickly, it was surprising. The smile on Anthony's muzzle was large, but Kale didn't smile. "I don't want to be in the way,"

"Kale...you're never in my way," Anthony said, still smiling. He knew he wouldn't be able to get rid of it, "if you want some crap about how you improve my life to a degree people would accept then...we study together and you push me in my academics...but I don't care about that stuff. You make me happy, happier than I've ever been before,"

Kale smiled lightly at the bear, but still didn't say anything. After a moment he looked at Anthony and opened his mouth, trying to find the words. "Can I come home soon?" was all he managed.

Anthony laughed and hugged the husky, but immediately regretted it as Kale yelped loudly in pain. He pulled away and felt like an idiot, forgetting Kale's injuries. "I'm sorry...I'm sorry...are you OK?"

Kale was clutching his side, and was crying again, but differently. He was happy, happy again. He looked up at Anthony who had a concerned look on his face, "I'm fine...I guess, besides being stabbed,"

Anthony leaned down and kissed Kale on the top of the head, "I'm sorry...I'm sorry...just get some sleep for me, OK? I'm gonna make sure you're closer to home,"

Kale leaned back into he hospital bed and felt the bear kiss him one more time. He looked at Anthony for a moment, "Anthony..."

"Yeah,"

"I should've said it a long time ago...but I've just been too scared to. I want you to know that I love you though..." Kale said and laughed a little, "it just took me getting mugged at knife point to know it..."

Anthony laughed a little, "I love you too...but you don't have to rush those words,"

"I'm not...I mean them," Kale said and nuzzled his pillow, tired still

Anthony watched as the husky fell asleep and smiled. The words still playing over and over in his mind. He wanted to be with the dog in front of him forever.