{"sf1_id":2147406,"sf2_id":"pnG82gw1","title":"Home for some Holidays Chapter 3","author":"JasonVUK","words":4716,"posted_at":"2024-06-20T12:34:50.000Z","tags":["Bunny","HMOFA","Hare","Human","Hyena","Lion","Male/Female","Rabbit"],"url":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/2147406-home-for-some-holidays-chapter-3","original_url":"https://sofurry.com/s/pnG82gw1","image_url":"https://cdn.sofurryfiles.com/submissions/thumbnails/bb/7f/bb7f8fdf-7fac-47e2-8de8-1accbb94834c","description":"Imported from SF2 with no description.","content":"\u003e Well it’s been a while since I updated this story, I hope everyone enjoys it. Keeping with Greentext for the time being. Not entirely happy with the ending of this chapter. Hopefully the next one will be more fun.\n\u003e \n\u003e * * *\n\n\\\u003eBe you.\n\n\\\u003eBe Dwayne Cooper.\n\n\\\u003eYou’re Five-foot-ten-and-a-bit-inches tall.\n\n\\\u003eYou’re dressed in a dumb fuck “_American Killer”_ costume.\n\n\\\u003eYou’re running to the back of your old school’s assembly hall, dodging other costumed acquaintances and former classmates.\n\n\\\u003eTrying to reach the back of the hall to get to the back doors to save your bunny.\n\n\\\u003eBunny named Allison Cranny.\n\n\\\u003eA bunny who has feelings for you.\n\n\\\u003eFeelings you desperately want to return.\n\n\\\u003eYou make your way to the back doors and run out.\n\n\\\u003eIt’s dark.\n\n\\\u003eYou see others gathered in small groups.\n\n\\\u003eYou see Allison.\n\n\\\u003eShe’s not far.\n\n\\\u003eAdam Davis and Rebecca Fisher along with their friends have Allison and her friends cornered.\n\n\\\u003eYou rush towards the group.\n\n\\\u003eYou hear their voices.\n\n\\\u003e “Just take the drink, we’re all adults here right?.” You can almost hear the grin in Becca’s.\n\n\\\u003e “Aye, we’re not kids anymore lass, lighten up a little.” Adam adds, confidant and suave.\n\n\\\u003eHe adjusts his Viking gear and puts a fake hair behind his ear and mane.\n\n\\\u003e “You don’t need ya mum’s permission Cranny, let yourself go, stay and chat with some old friends.” Becca adds leaning closer to her.\n\n\\\u003e “It’ll be good for you.” Adam adds, charming smile still in place.\n\n\\\u003eAllison has the cup in her hands.\n\n\\\u003eShe looks unsure. Untrusting.\n\n\\\u003eHer friends aren’t helping.\n\n\\\u003eBefore you reach them someone else does.\n\n\\\u003eA literal knight in plastic armour.\n\n\\\u003e “How’s about you both fuckin’ leave her be?”\n\n\\\u003eA hare!\n\n\\\u003eHoly shit, you know this hare.\n\n\\\u003eTimothy Granger!\n\n\\\u003eTim was always a little taller than you and he still is.\n\n\\\u003eTim forces himself between Adam and Becca.\n\n\\\u003eThey tower over him in height and muscle.\n\n\\\u003eAnd gut size.\n\n\\\u003e “Well, look whose here!\u0026nbsp; Timmy boy!” Adam exclaims excitedly.\n\n\\\u003e “Piss off with your _“Timmy boy”_ Adam, we’re not friends, and neither are either of you Allison’s friend.” The hare spat.\n\n\\\u003eRebecca steps forward.\n\n\\\u003e “I’d be careful who you’re raising your voice to _mate._ You’re bein’ awfully rude.” She snarls, her words slurring.\n\n\\\u003eWhatever alcohol she’s been having is starting to hold its sway on her.\n\n\\\u003eShe’s not a very good pirate if she’s already drunk.\n\n\\\u003eOr maybe that _does_ make her a good pirate.\n\n\\\u003eAllison cowers behind Tim.\n\n\\\u003eTim, for what it was worth, didn’t back down, glaring at the large pirate dressed hyena.\n\n\\\u003eThen you step in.\n\n\\\u003eYou take Allison’s cup from her, making the poor girl yelp in surprise.\n\n\\\u003e “If you didn’t want to be rude Rebecca.” You bring the cup to\u0026nbsp; your lips and down the drink. “You’d have stayed at home.” You toss the plastic cup at her face. “Or whatever you call the shit tip you crawled out from.”\n\n\\\u003eThe drink definitely wasn’t just fruit punch, you could taste alcohol in it. Brandy maybe?\u0026nbsp; Vodka?\n\n\\\u003eLikely the latter because if makes you want to gip.\n\n\\\u003eYou hate vodka.\n\n\\\u003eThe hyena glares at you, standing to her full height of 6-foot-5 to try some sort of intimidation thing.\n\n\\\u003ePerfect height to kick her in the stomach.\n\n\\\u003eBut you don’t, as that would be rude.\n\n\\\u003e “You’ve always been an arsehole Dwayne!” she snarls, her words slurring once more.\n\n\\\u003e You shrug. You know you have; you tell her as such.\n\n\\\u003eTim snorts and tries to keep from laughing.\n\n\\\u003e “Dwayne mate, all we wanted was for poor little Ally here to lighten up, she’s way too tense.” Adam steps in, grinning at you.\n\n\\\u003eYou ignore the _mate_ and push down the urge to punch his teeth down his throat.\n\n\\\u003e “Well Adam _mate_,” you spat, “surely someone even as bright as you should figure out, you and all your bum-chums here, aren’t making her and her friends comfortable.”\n\n\\\u003eScoffs and multiple insulted “_fuck you_”s come from behind them.\n\n\\\u003eYou don’t care.\n\n\\\u003eBecca steps closer to you.\n\n\\\u003eTim continues to stand his ground, though seems thankful her ire is directed at you.\n\n\\\u003eBecca stands to her full height, shoulders back.\n\n\\\u003eShe starts snarling like an animal.\n\n\\\u003eYou’re so _very_ scared …\n\n\\\u003eNot really.\n\n\\\u003eYou stare her right in the eye.\n\n\\\u003e “Go on Becca, try it. I fuckin’ dare you.”\n\n\\\u003eYou _really_ want her to try and hit you.\n\n\\\u003eYou give her a biggest shit-eating grin you can muster.\n\n\\\u003eShe’s mad, really mad.\n\n\\\u003eAbout to pop a blood vessel levels of mad.\n\n\\\u003eAdam reached forward and put his hand on Rebecca’s shoulder.\n\n\\\u003eShe spins around and snarls loudly.\n\n\\\u003e “Oi! Forget ‘em let’s go.” Adam snaps at her.\n\n\\\u003eIt takes a second before Rebecca calms down.\n\n\\\u003e “Right, fuck ‘em.” She huffs, before spinning around and spits on you.\n\n\\\u003eHer saliva glob lands right on your cheek.\n\n\\\u003eYou’re absolutely furious.\n\n\\\u003eYou need to calm down quickly.\n\n\\\u003eYour muscles tense up.\n\n\\\u003eYour fists clench tightly.\n\n\\\u003eYou’re going to tear this bitch apart!\n\n\\\u003e “Dwayne don’t!”\n\n\\\u003eAllison’s voice calls out to you pulling you back from descending into rage.\n\n\\\u003eYou feel her hands on your chest pushing against you.\n\n\\\u003eYour eyes focus on her and all you see is fear.\n\n\\\u003eYou come back to your senses instantly, as if a cold bucket of water was poured on you.\n\n\\\u003eYou looked from Allison to Rebecca, giving the Hyena a small glare as she’s pulled away by Adam.\n\n\\\u003eYou look back to Allison.\n\n\\\u003e “Lets head back inside.” Tim says as he finally turns his back to the two departing bullies.\n\n\\\u003eAllison clings to you as the three of you head back inside, followed by Allison’s friends.\n\n\\\u003eThe occupants unaware of the altercation that almost took place.\n\n\\\u003eThe three of you silently agree to stick together for the remainder of the night.\n\n\\\u003eYou and Tim decide to catch up, seeing what the pair of you had been up to in 10 years.\n\n\\\u003eHe’s impressed and not at all shocked to hear you’re a sergeant in the army.\n\n\\\u003eThat isn’t sarcasm.\n\n\\\u003eHe doesn’t delve too deep into what you do, what you’ve done.\n\n\\\u003eHe’s being respectful. You can appreciate that.\n\n\\\u003e “And what about you Tim, what’s 10 years done for you?” you ask.\n\n\\\u003e “I work in IT,” he smiles with a simple shrug.\n\n\\\u003eSounds good so far.\n\n\\\u003e “I sort out information for the company, I fix computers when they break or buy replacement parts when needed, I’m _technically_ a senior member of that group but I still do the grunt work.” He explains.\n\n\\\u003eOkay, okay!\u0026nbsp; Managerial position, that’s good, big money maybe.\n\n\\\u003eAllison seems impressed as well.\n\n\\\u003e “I work finances for Kalen Distributors.” Allison announces.\n\n\\\u003eTim looks at her with a big grin.\n\n\\\u003e “No way? We did commissioned work for K-D a few years back, needed an update with their systems!” He says smiling.\n\n\\\u003eThe pair then begin to talk about computer related things that go over your head.\n\n\\\u003eWhich honestly is perfect.\n\n\\\u003eThey’re bonding just like you wanted.\n\n\\\u003eBut it still doesn’t stop the ache in your heart.\n\n\\\u003eBut you know this is for the best.\n\n\\\u003eWithin the next hour a DJ announces there will be dancing for anyone interested.\n\n\\\u003eMost were tipsy enough to be interested.\n\n\\\u003eThe typical 90s music gets played, that was played at every disco in the UK ever.\n\n\\\u003eBut everyone is into it.\n\n\\\u003eThe guys show off their “pure skill” and flail around like lunatics.\n\n\\\u003eOr break dance like an old man in his 80s who still thinks he’s “hip”.\n\n\\\u003eThe girls show off their stuff.\n\n\\\u003eButts and chests swinging.\n\n\\\u003eYou can tell just by looking though whose a mother and who isn’t.\n\n\\\u003eYou remember your mother telling you; “You can tell from a lady’s moves if she’s got kids or not.” Then after a pause adds. “And how much she moves depending on how many kids.” She’d then laugh.\n\n\\\u003eCome to think of it. You’ve not seen your sister.\n\n\\\u003eProbably couldn’t get the time off and get on the plane from America.\n\n\\\u003eAh well. Maybe you should go visit some time.\n\n\\\u003eEventually you, Tim and Allison get on the dance floor.\n\n\\\u003eYou’d like to say you showed up all these losers with your expert skills.\n\n\\\u003eShowed them how to really rock the dance floor.\n\n\\\u003eBut you’d be a big fat (but still _incredibly handsome)_ liar!\n\n\\\u003eYou and Tim show you both have the dancing coordination of a dying fish!\n\n\\\u003eAllison is a little bit better, but that’s just because she’s cute.\n\n\\\u003eAfter making near 30-year-old fools of yourselves you skip the next song and move away from the dance floor.\n\n\\\u003eYou’re all puffing and panting from exhaustion.\n\n\\\u003eTim speaks up first.\n\n\\\u003e “We used to rock the dance floor all night when we were kids, the hell’s wrong with us?”\n\n\\\u003eHe gasps between breaths.\n\n\\\u003eAllison replies quickly. “We’re nearly 30 Tim, and other than Dwayne how _active_ are we really?”\n\n\\\u003e “You go t’gym.” You add.\n\n\\\u003e “Aye, at me own pace.” She replies then grins.\n\n\\\u003e “I have my bicycle.” Tim admits bashfully.\n\n\\\u003eThe night progresses nicely.\n\n\\\u003eYou don’t see anymore of Adam, Rebecca or their friends.\n\n\\\u003eExcept for Sofia who hangs around Matt Knob, glory unto his name.\n\n\\\u003eYou all have more drinks, chat amongst one another, chat amongst friends.\n\n\\\u003eYou hit the dance floor once more.\n\n\\\u003eOkay truthfully, Allison _drags you_ to the dance floor.\n\n\\\u003eHer favourite song is on.\n\n\\\u003e”Spice up your life” by the Spice Girls.\n\n\\\u003eThe DJ puts on the typical disco lights as many girls get up with their friends and boyfriends to dance with them.\n\n\\\u003eThe girls are shaking their hips, wiggling their chests.\n\n\\\u003eAt one point during the song Allison turns and grinds her perky rear against our crotch.\n\n\\\u003eThe urge to breed her rises dramatically.\n\n\\\u003eShe looks at you from over her shoulder.\n\n\\\u003eShe’s giving you a serious case of bedroom eyes.\n\n\\\u003eShe licks her lips and winks at you.\n\n\\\u003eYou feel yourself strain in your trousers.\n\n\\\u003eThis damn bunny.\n\n\\\u003eShe’s not even being subtle anymore.\n\n\\\u003eYou try and fight the urge but she keeps pushing her rear against you and grinding.\n\n\\\u003eMaybe there was something in the punch after all.\n\n\\\u003eMercifully the song ends and you pull away.\n\n\\\u003eAllison turns and puts her arms around your neck.\n\n\\\u003eShe gives you a luscious smile.\n\n\\\u003eYou’re not a mind reader but you know _exactly_ what’s going on in her head.\n\n\\\u003e “I think I love you Dwayne.” She mutters softly then leans her head on your chest.\n\n\\\u003e “I noticed.” You reply quietly.\n\n\\\u003eYou wanted to reply with the same.\n\n\\\u003eDesperately.\n\n\\\u003eYou look towards Tim.\n\n\\\u003eYou see his dejected look.\n\n\\\u003eHe loves her too.\n\n\\\u003eHe’s doing his best to hide it.\n\n\\\u003eYou motion him over.\n\n\\\u003eConfused he comes over.\n\n\\\u003eThe DJ starts playing slow music.\n\n\\\u003ePerfect.\n\n\\\u003eCouples, married or not come onto the dance floor.\n\n\\\u003e “What’s up?” Tim asks as he approaches you.\n\n\\\u003eYou look down to Allison who seems to be dozing off.\n\n\\\u003e “Hold onto her, I need the loo.” You say and gently pass her over.\n\n\\\u003eAllison whines cutely for a moment before she finds warmth against Tim’s chest.\n\n\\\u003eHe’s removed some over his plastic knight armour, including the chest plate.\n\n\\\u003eAllison snuggles up against his chest, possibly thinking it’s yours.\n\n\\\u003eTim gives you a curious look.\n\n\\\u003eYou smile at him and nod.\n\n\\\u003eYou walk off towards the gents as the pair start swaying to the music.\n\n\\\u003eIn the gents you empty you bladder in the urinal then zip up.\n\n\\\u003eYou wash your hands in the sink and look at your reflection.\n\n\\\u003eYou’ve taken off the stupid bald over-head mask but you’re still in the dungarees.\n\n\\\u003eWhat are you doing? You wonder to yourself.\n\n\\\u003eThis whole thing was a bad idea.\n\n\\\u003eYou shouldn’t have come back.\n\n\\\u003eBut weakness brought your back.\n\n\\\u003eFond memories brought you back.\n\n\\\u003eThe chance to play pretend brought you back.\n\n\\\u003eTo pretend you could have a normal life.\n\n\\\u003eCute little rabbit wife.\n\n\\\u003eLots of rabbit and human kids.\n\n\\\u003eJoy and laughter.\n\n\\\u003eIce cream in the park.\n\n\\\u003eGood beer and good food shared with a loved one.\n\n\\\u003eWith Allison.\n\n\\\u003eYou wanted to pretend you were owed such a thing.\n\n\\\u003eYou clenched your fists and close your eyes.\n\n\\\u003eRein in your anger.\n\n\\\u003eYou’ll wait here till the slow music changes.\n\n\\\u003eThe door to the toilet opens.\n\n\\\u003eAdam’s friends walk in.\n\n\\\u003eAll of them that came anyway.\n\n\\\u003eYou noticed Adam isn’t among them.\n\n\\\u003eSynchronised urge to piss?\n\n\\\u003e “Dwayne.” One of them, a Doberman, greets.\n\n\\\u003e “Mick.” You nod back then look to the rest of them.\n\n\\\u003e “Synchronised pissing contest?” you ask with a smirk.\n\n\\\u003e “Something like that.” Mick replies with his own smirk, showing off his teeth.\n\n\\\u003eYou nod nonchalantly and rubs your still wet hands over your dungarees.\n\n\\\u003eNot long after you leave the toilets as you end your call.\n\n\\\u003eJust a little chat with a friend from work.\n\n\\\u003eYou make your way back to the dance floor.\n\n\\\u003eThe music hasn’t stopped but you immediately see something wrong.\n\n\\\u003eThe group dancers have parted, Tim is on the ground, Allison is kneeling beside him.\n\n\\\u003eSeveral people are pushing Adam away from the scene.\n\n\\\u003eYou rush over.\n\n\\\u003e “What the _fuck_ is going on?!” You snap.\n\n\\\u003eTim slowly pushes himself up from the floor.\n\n\\\u003eHe doesn’t look hurt.\n\n\\\u003e “Dickhead tried to start shit is all Dwayne.” Tim grunts as he get to his feet.\n\n\\\u003e “We argued, shouting. Then he tripped me.” Tim grimaces, rubbing his back.\n\n\\\u003eAdam wouldn’t have been stupid enough to start an actual fight in a crowded place.\n\n\\\u003e “Thank you Tim.” Allison whispers, clearly shaken.\n\n\\\u003eTim bows his head.\n\n\\\u003e “A knight must defend the princess, right?” he remarks with a grin.\n\n\\\u003eYou snort loudly.\n\n\\\u003eAllison laughs.\n\n\\\u003eSome of Allisons friends come over quickly to check on her.\n\n\\\u003eWhile distracted you step closer to Tim.\n\n\\\u003e “So how was the dance?” you ask.\n\n\\\u003e “Before “_Tiny-Cock the lion”_ showed up it was nice, really nice.” Tim admits with a smile.\n\n\\\u003e “Good lad.” You reply and pat him on the shoulder.\n\n\\\u003eYou both look to Allison as more come to check on her.\n\n\\\u003e “You did good Tim.”\n\n\\\u003eTim smiles back at you, tired, the alcohol is getting to him too.\n\n\\\u003eYou look to Allison as she looks to you and Tim.\n\n\\\u003eYou step around Tim, arm still around him, and step closer to Allison.\n\n\\\u003e “One more dance?” you ask with a cheeky grin.\n\n\\\u003e “I’m knackered Dwayne.” Allison chuckles dryly.\n\n\\\u003e “Mentally and emotionally, I think I’d best head off.” She adds.\n\n\\\u003eYou nod your head in understanding.\n\n\\\u003e “I’ll take you home love.” You reply then snap your fingers as a plan comes to you.\n\n\\\u003e “How about later on we all go out into town and have a few drinks together, just us and some friends, yeah?” you offer with a large grin.\n\n\\\u003e “What like tomorrow?” asks Big Stan, the Hulk Corgi as he looks up to the rest of you.\n\n\\\u003e “Tomorrow, maybe day after, some time soon.” You say, looking down at him.\n\n\\\u003eMatt Knob, lord of all he sees, steps up to the rest of you.\n\n\\\u003e “I’d like to go out, grab some food maybe?” His wisdom knows no bounds nor depths.\n\n\\\u003eYou look to Allison with a soft and pleading smile.\n\n\\\u003eA hopeful look in your soft hazel eyes.\n\n\\\u003eYou’re really pulling out all the stops here.\n\n\\\u003e “What you say lass, a bit of fun with just friends …” you say in your nicest voice.\n\n\\\u003e “… and maybe Sofia Dunn.” You quickly add.\n\n\\\u003eSaid cat tell you to fuck off.\n\n\\\u003eYou blatantly ignore her and not kick her in the cunt.\n\n\\\u003eFor Matt Knob’s sake only.\n\n\\\u003eHe needs that cunt for spawning children.\n\n\\\u003eAllison sighs, thinking it over in that drunken head of hers.\n\n\\\u003eThe finally nods in agreement.\n\n\\\u003e “HUZZAH!” Dennis, the bald headed human friend of yours, shouts with victory.\n\n\\\u003e “HUZZAH!” you all echo drunkenly.\n\n\\\u003eYou’re still sober.\n\n\\\u003eYou all exchange phone numbers and agree to at least talk tomorrow.\n\n\\\u003eYou know none of them will want to talk tomorrow.\n\n\\\u003eThey’ll be nursing hangovers.\n\n\\\u003eYou escort Allison towards the exit.\n\n\\\u003eShe leans her head on your shoulder.\n\n\\\u003eFeels good.\n\n\\\u003eBad.\n\n\\\u003eSad.\n\n\\\u003eHeart breaks.\n\n\\\u003eAllison shifts in her grasp.\n\n\\\u003e “The fuck happened there?” she mutters.\n\n\\\u003eYou look down at her.\n\n\\\u003e “What you mean?” you ask then follow her gaze.\n\n\\\u003eBoy’s toilets.\n\n\\\u003eDoors opened.\n\n\\\u003eStaff and other party members are panicking.\n\n\\\u003eYou push Allison with more haste.\n\n\\\u003e “Ah probably some idiot puking in the sink.” You say as you make your way to the exit.\n\n\\\u003eAllison shrugs and mutters agreement and snuggles into you.\n\n\\\u003eYou’ll pay for the structural damage via direct debit. No biggie.\n\n\\\u003eYou get Allison into her car.\n\n\\\u003eYou can in the driver’s seat.\n\n\\\u003eHaving to adjust the seat so you’ll fit.\n\n\\\u003eYou a little taller than her.\n\n\\\u003eYou decide to take her to your house for the night.\n\n\\\u003eYou drive home giving your old school a glance as you leave.\n\n\\\u003eHalloween is still in full swing.\n\n\\\u003eYou see kids still in costume trick or treating.\n\n\\\u003eKids laughing together and swapping sweets.\n\n\\\u003eParents smiling at their little ones.\n\n\\\u003e_This could be you._\n\n\\\u003eA small part of you says.\n\n\\\u003e_No, no it can’t._\n\n\\\u003eThe rest of you replies.\n\n\\\u003eYou grip the steering wheel tighter.\n\n\\\u003eYou finally reach home.\n\n\\\u003eYou park outside your mum’s house.\n\n\\\u003eYou turn your head to look at Allison.\n\n\\\u003eShe’s dozed off.\n\n\\\u003ePoor dear.\n\n\\\u003eWhatever actually _was_ put into those bowls was strong.\n\n\\\u003eIt’s not a surprise Adam was getting uppity towards the end.\n\n\\\u003eGuy was likely just used to drinking lager and draft beers.\n\n\\\u003eYou close your eyes and lean your head back against the head rest.\n\n\\\u003eA part of you is tired.\n\n\\\u003eAlso kinda hungry.\n\n\\\u003eYour stomach roars.\n\n\\\u003eScratch that _very_ hungry.\n\n\\\u003eYou glance to Allison and look her over from head to toe.\n\n\\\u003eShe looks good.\n\n\\\u003eShe looks beautiful.\n\n\\\u003ePeaceful in her sleep.\n\n\\\u003eShe snorts then farts.\n\n\\\u003eA woman after your own heart.\n\n\\\u003eYou turn your gaze forward staring down the lit street.\n\n\\\u003eMore kids in costumes going door to door.\n\n\\\u003eYour gaze focuses on a young interspecies couple.\n\n\\\u003eMale dog, female human.\n\n\\\u003eThe woman is holding a young wolf pup in her arms.\n\n\\\u003eThey and their kids are all dressed up.\n\n\\\u003eA vampire, a werewolf, some other things likely from TV you didn’t know, a Power Ranger – classic.\n\n\\\u003eThe kids rush back to their parents from the house they were just at giddily.\n\n\\\u003eThey show their parents what they had gotten from the house excitedly.\n\n\\\u003eThe parents put on a show of being excited for them.\n\n\\\u003eMaybe they are excited for them.\n\n\\\u003eYou ponder quietly to yourself.\n\n\\\u003eWhat type of dad would you be?\n\n\\\u003eA cool dad?\n\n\\\u003eAn _awesome_ dad?\n\n\\\u003eThe type of dad kids look up to?\n\n\\\u003eTelling cool, but heavily censored, war stories.\n\n\\\u003eMaybe embellish them a bit like a Stallone movie.\n\n\\\u003eMaybe your kids would be inspired by you.\n\n\\\u003eMaybe one would go into the army.\n\n\\\u003eMaybe one would go into the rescue services.\n\n\\\u003eMaybe you could trade stories with them.\n\n\\\u003eOr most likely you’d be the dad you thought you’d become.\n\n\\\u003eThe dad not there.\n\n\\\u003eThe “what was Dad like mum?” dad.\n\n\\\u003eThe “buried in a shoe box” dad.\n\n\\\u003eThe “ashes on the mantle place, but it’s actually soil because they couldn’t find your remains” dad.\n\n\\\u003eThe killed in action dad.\n\n\\\u003eThe type of dad your dad was.\n\n\\\u003eYou don’t hate him for it.\n\n\\\u003eNever.\n\n\\\u003eDidn’t ever cross your mind.\n\n\\\u003eHe wouldn’t have chosen his fate.\n\n\\\u003eNeither would you.\n\n\\\u003eBut it was hard.\n\n\\\u003eSo very hard.\n\n\\\u003ePeople would talk about him.\n\n\\\u003eYour mum would talk about him.\n\n\\\u003eYour grandad would talk about him.\n\n\\\u003eHis old squad-mates would talk about him.\n\n\\\u003eYou’d see pictures of him.\n\n\\\u003eSome days you felt you almost knew him.\n\n\\\u003eBut you don’t.\n\n\\\u003eYou never have.\n\n\\\u003eYou never will.\n\n\\\u003eHis memory lived on through others.\n\n\\\u003eOn good days, you thought you could almost remember his voice.\n\n_\\\u003e “’ere lad don’t tell yer mam, but I got us some ice cream from ice cream man”_\n\n\\\u003eRemember his touch as he held you in his arms.\n\n\\\u003eBut he was like a ghost.\n\n\\\u003eHe haunted your mind and heart.\n\n\\\u003eHe haunted your career.\n\n\\\u003eHis legacy haunted your life.\n\n\\\u003eIt didn’t help you and he looked a lot alike.\n\n\\\u003eWere you ever good enough to step out of his shadow?\n\n\\\u003eA war hero’s shadow.\n\n\\\u003eYou know honestly you wouldn’t.\n\n\\\u003eNot after everything.\n\n\\\u003e …. _Everything._\n\n\\\u003eYou would never want your children to feel like that.\n\n\\\u003eYou would never want Allison to feel like that.\n\n\\\u003eYou wouldn’t.\n\n\\\u003eYou focus back on the family; they’ve moved several houses down the street.\n\n\\\u003eCloser to yours.\n\n\\\u003eYou turn to Allison.\n\n\\\u003eStill snoozing.\n\n\\\u003eYou want to smile.\n\n\\\u003eYou get out of her car then walk around to the other side.\n\n\\\u003eYou unbuckle her then pick her up bridal style.\n\n\\\u003eShe’s not heavy.\n\n\\\u003eYou close the car door with your knee, then lock it.\n\n\\\u003eYou make your way home.\n\n\\\u003eYou open the door and step inside.\n\n\\\u003eGrandad and mum are watching horror movies in the living room.\n\n\\\u003eThey turn and smile upon seeing you.\n\n\\\u003eThen immediately look at the dozing bunny in your arms.\n\n\\\u003e “Someone spiked the punch.” You say with a laugh.\n\n\\\u003eMum rushes over to tend to the poor bun.\n\n\\\u003eGrandad not far behind her.\n\n\\\u003e “Poor lass. I swear kids these days.” Your mum shakes her head.\n\n\\\u003eGrandad snorts loudly.\n\n\\\u003e “Mary said the exact same thing, when you and John stumbled home drunk one night.” He says with a grin.\n\n\\\u003eMum gives him a sour look but says nothing else.\n\n\\\u003e “I’ll put her in my room.” You say then make your way up the stairs.\n\n\\\u003eEver careful not to hit her head on the railing.\n\n\\\u003eYou finally get to your room and make you way to the bed.\n\n\\\u003eYou carefully lay the sleeping bun down.\n\n\\\u003eShe mutters incoherently in her slumber then snuggles into your pillow.\n\n\\\u003eIt smells strongly of you.\n\n\\\u003eYou look at her peaceful face once more.\n\n\\\u003eYou give in to weakness and kiss her gently on the cheek.\n\n\\\u003e “Good night Allison.”\n\n\\\u003eYou quietly leave the room.\n\n\\\u003eYou head downstairs.\n\n\\\u003eYour mum and grandad are whispering to one another in the living room.\n\n\\\u003eYou close them out, you don’t want to be rude.\n\n\\\u003eThey finally notice you when you reach the foot of the stairs.\n\n\\\u003eYour grandad is frowning, worried.\n\n\\\u003eYour mum has the same look.\n\n\\\u003eYou don’t like that look.\n\n\\\u003eGrandad nods to your mum then he stands up from his chair.\n\n\\\u003e “Why don’t you have a drink with your old grandad lad?” he asks.\n\n\\\u003eThe smile on his face is suspicious.\n\n\\\u003eYou don’t like where this is going.\n\n\\\u003eYou nod your head though.\n\n\\\u003e “Aye, everyone got drunk at the party but me.”\n\n\\\u003e “I’ll keep me ear out for trick ‘r treaters.” You mum pipes in with a kindly smile.\n\n\\\u003eYour grandad leads you into the kitchen.\n\n\\\u003eThere’s a few bottles of the heavy stuff on the kitchen table.\n\n\\\u003eYou wonder how long they had this, whatever _this_ was, planned.\n\n\\\u003eYou both sit down at the table close to one another.\n\n\\\u003eYou sit on his right.\n\n\\\u003eGrandad places his walking stick on another chair.\n\n\\\u003eHe opens the bottle of whiskey and pours you a drink.\n\n\\\u003e “I bought this bottle before I shipped off to the war.” He announces.\n\n\\\u003eHoly shit whiskey from WW2.\n\n\\\u003eHe pours his own glass.\n\n\\\u003e “I wanted to open it when I got back to celebrate our victory, but it was lost. I found it years later when going through my father’s things.” He explains with a smile.\n\n\\\u003e “Been waiting for a good time to open it.” He looks at you with a smile.\n\n\\\u003e “And every time a good time comes, I forget where I put it.” He laughs softly.\n\n\\\u003e “Sorry it’s for such a shite reason.” You apologise, it seemed like the right thing to do.\n\n\\\u003eUsing his left hand he lifts his glass to his lips and takes a sip.\n\n\\\u003eHe swallows then coughs briefly.\n\n\\\u003eHe smiles once more then looks at you.\n\n\\\u003e “It’s not a shite reason lad.” He pats you on the back with his right hand.\n\n\\\u003e “A drink with me grandson.” He smiled at you fondly.\n\n\\\u003e “You’ve got other grandkids grandad.” You chuckle.\n\n\\\u003e “Aye, but your my favourite.” He laughs to himself.\n\n\\\u003eYou take a sip of the drink.\n\n\\\u003eIt’s strong.\n\n\\\u003eThe burn as it goes down your throat is both welcoming and familiar.\n\n\\\u003eYou barely flinch as you down the glass.\n\n\\\u003eGrandad is already pouring you both another glass.\n\n\\\u003e “Did you have a fun night lad?” he asks before taking another sip.\n\n\\\u003eYou mull it over for a moment before responding.\n\n\\\u003e “Aye, it was a good night all-in-all.”\n\n\\\u003eHe gives you a queer look.\n\n\\\u003e “Then why do ye’ look like ye just found yer dog dead?”\n\n\\\u003eYou remain quiet for a moment, eyes glued to the table.\n\n\\\u003e “Why’d ye look so glum lad?” he asks again.\n\n\\\u003eYou feel him place a comforting hand on your back.\n\n\\\u003eYour gaze shifts. You stare ahead.\n\n\\\u003eYour grandad waits for your answer patiently.\n\n\\\u003eA look of sympathy on his face.\n\n\\\u003eFinally you speak.\n\n\\\u003e “Just had a run in with Adam Davis and Rebecca Fisher.”\n\n\\\u003eYou shrug and sip your drink.\n\n\\\u003e “Nothin’ big.”\n\n\\\u003e “I remember them,” he mutters.\n\n\\\u003e “Two little shits that think they’re king and queen of the jungle or some bollocks.”\n\n\\\u003e “Not so little anymore” you interject and finish your glass.\n\n\\\u003eHe pours you another one.\n\n\\\u003e “You know what I mean, even at their worst ye never got like this.” He retorts.\n\n\\\u003eHe’s not wrong either.\n\n\\\u003eAs bad as they got.\n\n\\\u003eYou just met it with equal bullheadedness.\n\n\\\u003eWas that racist to bulls?\n\n\\\u003eWhatever.\n\n\\\u003e “It’s about Ally, isn’t it?” you hear him ask.\n\n\\\u003eYou turn to look at him.\n\n\\\u003eHe’s giving you a not-quite-smile.\n\n\\\u003eThe sympathy in his eyes isn’t judging.\n\n\\\u003eHe knows what you’re thinking.\n\n\\\u003eHe knows what you’re feeling.\n\n\\\u003eBecause he likely felt it before himself.\n\n\\\u003eDamn he’s good.\n\n\\\u003e “Yeah, it is.” You finally reply and down your glass.\n\n\\\u003eHe patted your back twice more then retracted his arm.\n\n\\\u003eHe pours you another drink.\n\n\\\u003eYou take a sip.\n\n\\\u003eHe takes a sip of his drink, then downs it.\n\n\\\u003eHe pours himself another glass.\n\n\\\u003e “I thought it would be.”\n\n\\\u003eYou remain quiet.\n\n\\\u003e “Every soldier has this thought at one point or another Dwayne.”\n\n\\\u003e “This coming from experience?” you jest lightly.\n\n\\\u003eHe gives a tiny nod of his head.\n\n\\\u003e “Aye, especially near the end of the war, I thought about dear Mary, bless her soul.”\n\n\\\u003eHe sighs.\n\n\\\u003e “Not a day went by that I didn’t think about her.”\n\n\\\u003eHe goes quiet.\n\n\\\u003eYou don’t interrupt.\n\n\\\u003eThat look you’ve seen so many times before.\n\n\\\u003ePeople call it the “thousand-yard stare”\n\n\\\u003eYou dare not ask what he’s remembering.\n\n\\\u003eYou refill his drink when he runs out.\n\n\\\u003eYou down your own then refill it.\n\n\\\u003eHe comes to with blinking eyes.\n\n\\\u003eHe looks at you with sympathetic eyes.\n\n\\\u003eRemorseful eyes.\n\n\\\u003e “It can feel like we don’t deserve happiness, right lad?” he asks.\n\n\\\u003e “Yeah.” Comes your quiet reply.\n\n\\\u003e “Not when we’ve done. _Objectionable_ things.” He says with a pointed look directed at you.\n\n\\\u003eWait what?\n\n\\\u003eYou turn to face him straight on.\n\n\\\u003eHe’s staring at you from the corner of his eye.\n\n\\\u003e “My question Dwayne,” he begins slowly.\n\n\\\u003eHe takes another sip of his whiskey.\n\n\\\u003eTops it up from the bottle.\n\n\\\u003e “The main question I wanted to ask.” He continues.\n\n\\\u003eYou hear your mum come closer.\n\n\\\u003eYou see her in your peripheral.\n\n\\\u003e “How long you been in _The Regiment_?” he finally asks.\n\n\\\u003eYou freeze.\n\n\\\u003eYou stare.\n\n\\\u003e “What?” is all you can ask.\n\n\\\u003eYou know playing dumb won’t work.\n\n\\\u003eBut you try anyway.\n\n\\\u003eYour mother speaks up.\n\n\\\u003eShe asks the question you didn’t want to hear.\n\n\\\u003e “How long you been in the S.A.S?”","series":{"name":"Home for some Holidays","previous":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/1995250-home-for-some-holidays-chapter-2.json","next":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/2160377-home-for-some-holidays-chapter-4.json"}}