FSE

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OK, another section and i hope you all enjoy it. I'm off to go suffer through more work....followed by more work...criticism and all that good stuff is welcome as always

"You know...we can't make a habit of this..." Lucas said as Jake kissed him.

Jake hugged his mate closer, "Come-on, it's not even the afternoon yet, don't go getting regretful on me,"

Lucas chuckled and kissed his mate again. He'd woken up earlier to Jake's paws roaming over him, eventually groping him. Before Lucas was able to raise up any objections the bear had him playing along with him, his mate obviously happy with the victory. He didn't think it was fair, how Jake had tricked him. He woke up to his mate's paws roaming over his body, and Jake asked him to skip school while he licked at his sheath; it made it hard enough to form sentences. Lucas couldn't' say he was displeased though, in fact he was more than happy. "I'm not getting regretful," Lucas replied, nipping at Jake's shoulder, "I'm very content with our day off,"

Jake gasped as Lucas traced over the fresh mark on his shoulder, the wolf having bit him just a few minutes before. There was always the pain of it but it went away eventually and it was mostly now pleasure. He also liked how the mark was; it was visible if he wasn't wearing a shirt. His fur hid the mark a bit but it was clear there was something there, much like it is evident when someone has spilt a drink on an essay paper. It was a link to the wolf, or that's how it felt. Jake smiled at the wolf, happy with the day off so far. "I love you,"

Lucas pulled away from Jake's neck and kissed him, "I love you too," he said as he kissed Jake before pulling away. They stayed like they were for a minute, neither willing to move from their position. Lucas knew that it was cold in the house, that as soon as he got out of the covers again it would be cold. He pulled on Jake more, nestling closer to him; he was fine with staying in the bed all day.

Jake smiled and hugged Lucas, he wanted to spend the day with him before everything got crazy. Despite the fact that they lived together they wouldn't have much time for each other after today. The rest of the week would be spent taking exams and then they would be home for Christmas. Then he wouldn't be able to see the wolf for a few weeks, something he didn't look forward to. He wasn't filled with the dread like at Thanksgiving, now he did just not want to miss the wolf. Jake pulled away from Lucas and got onto his back, staring up at the ceiling. He leaned back onto the pillow and let out a sigh. His thoughts ran to the upcoming break, and about what could happen at Lucas's house, not all of them appealing.

"Whatcha' thinking about?"

"Nothing much...just felt like sighing," Jake lied, feeling Lucas move on top of him and lean against his chest. He didn't mind it, everything Lucas did was fine to him. As long as the wolf was there he felt fine. Jake looked down at Lucas and began to run his paw over Lucas's head, petting the wolf.

Lucas nuzzled against the bear and let out a content sigh. He relaxed and enjoyed the feeling of Jake's paws. The way Jake's paws gently moved over him was relaxing, he nestled closer to his mate. He felt himself drifting back to sleep again also; the gentle way he rocked up and down as Jake breathed, the warmth his mate offered, the quietness of the room, everything was great for sleeping. Lucas closed his eyes and decided he would just rest a bit, not planning to sleep.

Jake smiled as he watched the wolf drift off to sleep, Lucas eventually finally falling into it. He continued to rub the wolf, his paws going down Lucas's back gently. He wasn't very tired but guessed he could sleep some more. He pulled on Lucas a bit, wondering if it would be possible to sleep like this. He smiled as Lucas nestled closer to him in his sleep and gently pulled on him. Jake leaned up and kissed his mate once more, before trying to catch up on some sleep also. It wasn't hard to sleep, in fact he was surprised at just how quickly he fell into it.

Jake woke up an hour later, Lucas still asleep on top of him. The same smile still covered his muzzle, waking up to seeing his mate. He felt his stomach rumble and gently moved his mate off of him. Jake got out of the bed and made sure to cover Lucas up. He put on a pair of underwear and wind pants. Looking back at Lucas he pulled out some clothes for Lucas also and put them under the covers, so that they would hopefully be warm when Lucas woke up.

Walking down to the kitchen he looked around. He wanted to make the wolf something nice to eat, but wasn't sure what he could make. There was a good bit of food in the refrigerator and he was happy to think of what he could do. Jake pulled out some items and decided to make whatever came to mind. He got to work, deciding what the dish would be as he went.

Lucas moved closer to where Jake was and realized the bear wasn't there. "Jake?" he asked, and reached out for the bear. Opening his eyes he looked around for his mate a bit, but couldn't find him in the room. He felt something and pulled it from under the covers, it was a pair of boxers. He felt around more and found a jacket and pair of sweat pants. He looked around for Jake a bit more, wondering where his mate was. He realized what Jake had done, and smiled, happy he had some warm clothes and didn't have to leave the bed to put them on.

He put on the clothes and threw the covers off of him. A blast of cold air hit his chest, but he didn't mind, he'd decided to not zip up the jacket. A new stimulation hit him, this time a smell. He realized Jake was in the kitchen and began to walk towards it. As he walked he felt something under his feet and stopped quickly. Looking down he saw the bear's glasses, and was thankful he hadn't crushed them. He put them in his pocket and sighed, the bear couldn't just leave them lying around.

Dismissing the matter for the moment he continued to walk to the kitchen. He saw the bear standing over the stove, in a pair of wind pants. Lucas moved up behind him and hugged him, "What cha cookin' good lookin'?"

Jake jumped a bit as Lucas hugged him. He looked back at the wolf, and shook his head, not only at the poor line but at how he had snuck up on him when he was working in the kitchen. Jake released the skillet and turned around in the wolf's arms. He smiled down at him and kissed him on the lips, "Lunch," he finally answered.

Lucas pulled on Jake a bit more and smiled, "What can I do to help?"

"Just get out the stuff,"

"Aww, you don't want me to help with the food?"

"Sorry Puppy...you've helped before, and you confirmed the myth...you really can burn a salad,"

Lucas frowned, "I wasn't that bad...maybe not as good as you, but hey, just one of your many talents," he replied and kissed the bear once again.

Jake blushed a bit and pulled away. He returned to the meal, "Well, it's almost done...I was thinking I'd just treat you to it in bed...but you're up now..."

Lucas smiled, "That would've been korny,"

"Says the guy who used the worst line in the world," Jake replied, sliding the food down onto a plate. He only saw one though; he looked back at Lucas, who didn't have one. "Do we not have more plates?"

"No...this is the only clean one," Lucas replied, "But that's fine, I don't mind sharing with you Big-guy,"

Jake chuckled and leaned over, kissing his mate on the top of the head. He made up the plate, putting on the vegetables and main course and walking back to the table. Lucas wasn't there though, instead the wolf was on the couch, pouring a soda into a single glass. "We out of glasses too?" Jake asked.

"No, I just thought it'd be fun to share it all,"

"Wait..." Jake said, confused now, "So we do have more plates?"

Lucas chuckled and took the plate from Jake and set it down on the coffee table, "No, I was telling the truth, this is the only plate...but I just got one glass-we can share it, right?"

"What if I don't want to drink your backwash?" Jake joked as he sat next to Lucas.

"Then you ever kissing me wouldn't make any sense..." Lucas replied casually.

Jake chuckled, "Hmm...I guess you have a point,"

"Speaking of glasses, where are yours?"

Jake stopped for a second and looked around him, he hadn't noticed he wasn't even wearing them. "Umm...that's a good question,"

Lucas sighed and pulled them out of his pocket, "They were on the floor..."

Jake chuckled nervously and took them from the wolf, "Sorry..." he responded as he put them on. The world became a bit less blurry as he did.

"You know you need to keep up with them," Lucas said

"Sorry," Jake said again, a bit more solemn.

Lucas noticed the bear's tone and sighed, he hadn't wanted to depress the bear. He looked over at Jake, "Cheer up or else..."

Jake looked over at Lucas, a bit confused. He wasn't too sad, just a bit disappointed he had forgotten his glasses so easily. The wolf was right, he did need to keep better care of them. He smiled at the wolf, knowing Lucas didn't want to see him frown, "Or what?"

"I'll eat this all by myself," Lucas said, taking the plate off the table and bringing it by his side.

Jake laughed, "That'd be a compliment to me still though. Sorry...I'll try to act a bit happier,"

Lucas smiled at the bear, "I don't want you to act happy Jake...I want you to be happy,"

Jake smiled, "If you're around...I think I can be,"

"I'm the corny one?" Lucas asked with a smile as he set the plate down on the table again.

"Most of the time; yes, yes you are," Jake replied as they began to eat.

They ate the meal and watched TV, flipping through the channels. They both decided on a crime show and ate slowly; taking turns in how they ate. It was good, or at least Jake thought so, he wasn't sure if Lucas liked it though. He occasionally looked over at Lucas when he took a bite, one time the wolf caught the look.

Lucas didn't have to ask what the look was. He chuckled, "Jake, it's fine...don't worry. I like all your cooking so far...this is good," he said. He chuckled as Jake took another bite, playing it off as nothing. Lucas smiled and took another bite, and they soon finished off the meal. Lucas leaned over on the bear, resting his head on Jake's shoulder. He looked up at the bear after a moment and kissed him on the cheek, "Thanks,"

"Sorry...it was whatever I could think of...I'm thinking I'll do something better for diner," he replied.

Lucas sat up and moved closer to Jake, pushing him down onto the couch so the bear was laying down. Lucas moved to his chest, "Stop saying sorry,"

"Sorry," Jake replied instinctively.

Lucas sighed, "Troublesome...you're very troublesome you know that Big-guy?"

Jake frowned a little, "Sorry," he said again.

Lucas realized the bear wasn't getting it and leaned down and kissed him lightly on the lips, "It's fine...I guess it's better to be able to say that than to never say it,"

Jake didn't reply this time. He looked over at the TV, focusing on what was on the screen. He felt Lucas rubbing his sides and nuzzling him.

"Jake,"

Jake looked back at Lucas who was staring at him, "Yeah?" he asked, a bit scared the wolf may be angry with him. He didn't mean to be apologetic, he just was.

Lucas searched for the words but knew nothing he could say would really make an impact. He smiled and leaned forward kissing the bear on the lips again and then pulling back and licking him on the nose, "I love you,"

Jake smiled, his mate's words making him feel better again. Jake leaned up and adjusted himself so that he was comfortable. He pulled on Lucas a little, the wolf back in between his legs and his head resting on his chest. He ran a paw through Lucas's fur, playing with the wolf. Eventually his paw lazily moved over Lucas as they both watched the show, speaking occasionally, trying to decide who the guilty person was. They watched an episode and began to start another. Jake lost interest in it though, but didn't really mind, he was happy to be with the wolf. He leaned down and began to kiss the wolf's head. He pulled on Lucas a bit, bringing the wolf close enough to wear he could kiss along his neck and not have to stretch his own.

Lucas kept his attention to the TV, not paying too much of it to Jake. He wasn't trying to ignore the bear; he just knew Jake wasn't looking for his attention by kissing him. The bear was simply kissing him, it didn't mean he had to return it every time. He did enjoy it however and would move a bit, so that Jake had better access to him. He sighed as Jake's paws ran over him. They weren't like the night before, now his paws were just guiding through his fur, enjoying how it felt. At one point Lucas leaned back against Jake and nuzzled him, "That feels nice Big-guy. Thanks,"

Jake continued to kiss along the wolf, happy to hear the wolf say it. He didn't need to hear it, he just felt like kissing the wolf; it was as simple as that. He just wanted to be with Lucas.

Lucas nestled closer to Jake and continued to watch the show. He wasn't sure how long the bear kissed him but eventually Jake stopped and just nuzzled him and the kisses became placed at random times. He wanted to see who was guilty, and that was it. He was anxious for the show to be over after it was only half-way through. All the bear's ministrations were making him want to focus on Jake too. It wasn't about sex, he wasn't aroused, he simply wanted to lie down and enjoy time with Jake. The show ended and Lucas turned off the TV and turned around to face the bear.

"You didn't have to turn off the TV," Jake said.

Lucas smiled and kissed Jake, "I wanted to do what you're doing...it's funner,"

"Funner isn't a word...you mean more fun,"

Lucas chuckled and nuzzled Jake, "Yeah, that's true...grammar nerd," he joked.

Jake hugged the wolf a bit closer to him, "But what's so fun about what I'm doing?"

Lucas ran a paw through Jake's chest fur, "Jake, anything I do with you is fun, even just lying here. Besides...it's good to just enjoy each other,"

Jake looked down at Lucas and smiled again. Their noses were touching as they stared at each other. They didn't break the contact for awhile, he wasn't even sure how much time passed. At some points it seemed like an eternity, and at others it was just a few brief seconds. The only sign of change was Lucas, angling his head a bit and leaning forward, theirs lips now touching also. He felt the wolf's tongue lick his lips and could tell Lucas was smiling. Jake pulled his mate closer, as the wolf cocked his head a bit.

Lucas let out a moan as the bear's began to return the kiss. It wasn't a libido one though; it was just pleasure, a feeling of happiness running through him that came out as a moan. He also knew he was right, anything with Jake was more fun than TV. He leaned his head back further onto Jake, allowing for better access and felt Jake lean down more to kiss him. It was a strange position, him lying in the bear's lap with his head on Jake's chest as the bear leaned down to kiss him and he leaned up to do the same, but it was nice too. His tongue ran along the bear's, both simply enjoying the kiss. After a moment Lucas pulled away and smiled, "Much better than TV,"

Jake chuckled and hugged Lucas closer to him. He felt Lucas move a bit and loosened his grip so the wolf could turn around. Jake lied down on the couch fully, Lucas lying on top of him. He felt his mate lick his nose and rest his head on his chest. Jake smiled at Lucas, both staring at each other. Jake ran his paws down the wolf's back and back up, playing with the fur under his fingers.

"So what do you want to do Big-guy?" Lucas asked

Jake didn't reply, still smiling at his mate. He leaned forward and kissed Lucas again on the lips, the same smile on his muzzle. As he was about to say something he saw Lucas leaning towards him and stopped his words. He pulled on the wolf and kissed him, enjoying the feeling it offered. Jake let out a happy growl as he felt the wolf's tongue brush against his own.

Lucas felt the bear pull on him and also felt happy. If he was going to miss school, he was going to be with the bear. He moved a paw up and pulled a bit on the Jake's head, brining him further into the kiss. Lucas let himself get lost with the bear, enjoying how it felt to be close with his mate. After a bit the wolf pulled away and smiled at Jake, "You know...I think I could skip school a few days if we did this all day,"

Jake chuckled and kissed the wolf in between words, "You know...we really shouldn't...do something like that,"

Lucas let out a satisfied sigh as Jake continued to kiss him and looked at the bear, "You do realize you're killing your own argument?"

Jake pulled away a bit and chuckled, "I don't care...You mean all our 'activities' though?" he asked with a smile.

Lucas laughed a little, "Yes all of them, but Jake...in all honesty...I'm a bit sore after last night...but that doesn't mean I wouldn't let you a fourth time...or a fifth...or," he began and stole a kiss from his mate, "a sixth...or, well, you get the idea. But I like this just as much...exploring you as we pull on each other. It's better every time Big-guy, whether we're just making out or just...well, going at it...Jake you're the greatest,"

Jake blushed heavily. He looked at the wolf still though, Lucas kissing his lips lightly and playing with his fur. He began to return them a bit more, opening his muzzle more and more as the wolf's tongue probed his muzzle. After a moment they were kissing again, both letting out happy moans and growls of appreciation. Every move was mutual, he wanted to please Lucas as much as possible and the wolf was the same way. Eventually he pulled away from his mate, a smile on his muzzle, "So...how about that fourth time then?"

___

The rest of the week passed as Jake thought it would, hectically and with little time to really spend with the wolf. Before he knew it, it was the day of break, the day they had to go back home-again. They had finished exams and grades would be sent later in the break. Jake threw in the last of the bags as Lucas came down the stairs, "You locked the door right?"

"Yeah, of course I did," Lucas replied while nodding his head. He looked at Jake and frowned a little, "Why do we have to say goodbye so soon again?"

Jake chuckled and looked at his car, "Well, it could be worse..."

"You're still coming over on the twenty-eighth right?"

"Yeah, you can expect me on the dot,"

Lucas smiled and hugged Jake lightly, "I'll see you then Big-guy..."

Jake hugged the wolf in return and pulled away, "Well...I suck at this stuff so...Cya' later," he said simply and went to his car. He didn't want a big sobby good-bye, he'd see the wolf again. He did stop and turned around. Looking at Lucas he saw that his mate hadn't gone to his car. Jake smiled at the wolf, "I love you,"

Lucas fought his urge to go and hug his mate, "I love you too," he said simply.

Jake smiled at the wolf once more and left, driving off from the wolf. He didn't feel sad, but he wasn't happy. The idea of spending the next few weeks without Lucas was painful. He knew it was only a few weeks, that they would have much longer together but it wasn't a piety whinny issue of missing the wolf; he simply wanted to be with Lucas wherever the wolf was-or would ever be. Jake thought about Lucas for an hour on the interstate, then his mind drifted away from it. He mostly listened to music and went over small pieces of information for school in his head, trying to study in his mind a bit. After a few hours on the road he thought about calling the wolf but the phone rang before he could answer it. He saw Lucas was calling, "Hey, how are you doing?"

"Not bad...I have a plan..."

"Oh no..." Jake joked.

"I want to ask you this time...would you be OK coming inside my house?"

Jake grimaced, he still didn't want to be near Lucas's mother.

"If you don't want to you don't have to,"

Jake swallowed the lump in his throat, "It should be OK...after all, I'm coming over in a few weeks anyway am I not?"

Lucas smiled, "Thanks Big-guy, my dad said he'd make lunch...but I wanted to check with you," he said. He remembered the last time Jake went into his house, how it made the bear react. He didn't want that to happen ever again.

"I don't want to sound...well, you know...but, you won't leave me will you?" Jake asked, he knew it sounded childish, but he was actually afraid of what would happen if he was left alone in the house. He didn't want to be without Lucas near there.

"No, I'll be there every step of the way," Lucas replied. He took the bear's silence as a good thing, though he knew it wouldn't be comfortable, not for Jake, but he would do everything he could to help him. "So...just head to my house and we'll eat lunch there, OK?"

Jake nodded and was about to hang up before he realized there was no way Lucas could know that he'd nodded, "Yeah, that's OK,"

Lucas mouthed a silent apology to the bear as he hung up the phone. He knew it was uncomfortable for Jake to be around his mother. Sometimes it felt like he was pushing the bear, making Jake do things he didn't want to do. He drove to his town, the last two hours seeming to pass in mere minutes. They only made one stop to use the restroom and stretch their legs, but drove the rest of the way uninterrupted. By one they were pulling into his town and after a bit they were pulling into his neighborhood. Lucas felt himself becoming more nervous, but he tried to push it away, to be strong for Jake.

Jake looked up at the house and sighed, getting out of the car and moving forward. He didn't pay much attention to his mate waiting for him. He didn't want to be afraid, but it wasn't possible it seemed. No matter how hard he tried he couldn't get rid of the nagging feeling of fear. It wasn't a true fear, like being attacked, just a fear of the unknown, not knowing what to anticipate. He walked into the house with Lucas; it was oddly silent, which did little good to calm his nerves. Jake jumped at a sudden crashing sound.

"Crap!" Mr. Vadikson yelled.

Jake and Lucas moved quickly into the kitchen and saw Mr. Vadikson standing over a mess of food. It looked like the wolf had dropped a mixing of some sort.

Noticing the two come in Mr. Vadikson immediately ignored the mess, "Sorry about that..." he said, a bit embarrassed the two had heard his burst of anger, though it wasn't too bad. A simple yell was the closest to fuming he ever got, but to him it still was rage. He looked at the two and moved over and hugged the two at once, "How are ya'll doing? Good semester?"

Lucas returned the hug, "Yeah, it was,"

"Not bad..." Jake said, his voice already giving signs of his nervousness.

Lucas looked around and frowned, "Where is everyone?"

"Your mother will be in sooner or later, she's picking up Ana who was at a friend's house...you two are kind of early,"

"Can I help out any?" Jake asked, trying to get his mind off the current situation.

Mr. Vadikson looked at the bear, "Yeah....umm, I have something in the oven...could you get it out and I'll take care of this,"

"Oh, lucky...Jake's actually quite the cook. Well...since I can only apparently 'burn salad' I'm going to go to my car and unpack," Lucas said, laughing a bit as he went.

Mr. Vadikson laughed and looked at Jake, "You said that?"

Jake chuckled a little, "He's not as bad as I make him out to be,"

Mr. Vadikson finished putting all the mess into a small bag and walked to the trash can and threw it away. He smiled, "Least it was just waste anyway..."

Jake pulled out the food from the oven and placed it on two heat plates waiting for it, and then looked down at it. He wasn't trying to tell what it was, he was just lost in thought for a few seconds, but the older wolf brought him out of it. He saw the black wolf leaning against the corner, looking at him a bit seriously.

"Don't be so nervous..."

Jake sighed and looked over at the wolf, "Sorry...it's evident?"

"A little more than a bit," Mr. Vadikson replied with a chuckle. He knew it must be different for Jake now, and hard. The bear wasn't just a 'friend of his son' anymore; he was his son's mate. This was the first time he'd really interact with the others as that, at least with their knowledge. He could see Jake wanted to be accepted but at the same time saw the bear knew that wasn't about to happen. Mr. Vadikson patted the bear on the shoulder, "Just be yourself,"

Jake grimaced a bit, "Yeah...that'll do a lot of good," he said, and immediately bit his tongue. He looked at Mr. Vadikson, "Sorry...forget I said that...I'm going to see if Lucas needs help," he said and walked off.

Mr. Vadikson frowned as the bear walked off. He didn't mean to make the bear even more uncomfortable. He wondered what the bear meant though, why Jake seemed so depressed. Mulling it over he finished preparing the rest of the meal and then set the dishes on the table.

Lucas was trying to open the door when he suddenly opened, threatening to hit him if he hadn't moved. He saw the bear coming out, "Hey, you OK?" he said and set down his things.

Jake looked over at Lucas, "Not really...I'm sorry. I'm just bad at this stuff...I'm making a fool of myself, I don't know what to say, I can't keep a calm appearance, I don't even know when to keep my mouth shut..." he said, rambling a bit.

"Woah...just calm down Big-guy...you sure you want to stay?"

"I can..." Jake said, answering the question half way.

Lucas patted Jake, "Come-on...you're my big strong bear...you have to be more sure of yourself!" he said and saw Jake blush a little, "You are just a great person, please, just try and see that,"

Jake looked down at Lucas and smiled, "Can I help you with those?" he asked.

Lucas let the bear grab a few bags and chuckled, "See, so strong," he joked as the bear just mumbled something under his breath. Before Jake opened the door Lucas stopped him, "Jake, seriously, you really are a great person,"

Jake stood still for a moment before opening the door and walking in. He went straight to the wolf's room and put down the stuff. He was going to have to be better; he couldn't let every little thing get to him. Jake took in a deep breath and turned around, gaining his resolve. He saw Lucas walk in and put down the bags too. He walked up to the wolf, gave a light smile, placed his paws on his mate's shoulders, and kissed Lucas quickly on the lips. "OK...if you can do it I can,"

Lucas smiled and kissed Jake again, "That's what I like to hear," he said, and pulled on Jake a little. "Now come-on, my mom'll be home any time now and I'm sure she'll be ebullient to see you,"

Jake frowned a little but also chuckled. After a moment he looked at Lucas more seriously, "Thanks,"

Lucas smiled and leaned up, kissing his mate once more, "OK, come-on Big-guy,"

Jake followed the wolf out of the room, keeping close to him. He felt better, but he also still felt nervous, afraid of what might happen. They walked into the kitchen and Jake noticed Lucas's father give him a look. Jake smiled, trying to let him know that he was better, or at least trying. Mr. Vadikson seemed to get it and smiled before returning to setting the table.

Lucas walked over and helped his father, gesturing for Jake to help him also, talking a bit as he did, "So, how have things been the while I was gone?"

Mr. Vadikson laughed, "You weren't gone that long...I really don't get the point of ya'll going back to just take exams and come back..."

Jake helped set the table and watched as the two wolves talked-one a black wolf, the other a grey. He stopped for a moment, amazed at how they resembled each other; not necessarily in their appearance but in how they acted. Despite the fact that Lucas was adopted he resembled his father, it was strange how much so, as if their relation was beyond a familial one. Lucas really was like his father; the way he moved, the way in which he spoke, how he thought, how he spoke, it all resembled the wolf's father.

He watched them a bit, seeing how they interacted. They did look alike a bit but for the most part they were different. Mr. Vadikson's fur was pitch black, much like the night during a lunar eclipse, and Lucas's fur was a blend of grey and white, which was only becoming whiter. In some ways it made Lucas look like he may be the older wolf, Mr. Vadikson showing no signs of aging, while he son's fur still turned whiter. The older wolf's eyes were different too, they were blue, unlike the green eyes of his mate. There was also the older wolf's physique, how strong he was. Jake knew that some of his own muscle was due to effort but for the most part it was his own natural muscle, just how he was built. Mr. Vadikson's body was in some ways like his a bit, having a good bit of natural muscle and some more effortful muscle too. He looked stronger because of his species though, it was uncommon for a wolf to be like Mr. Vadikson was. He was as tall, if not taller, than Jake and just as built. It was obvious he could be intimidating if he wished to be. Jake remembered when the wolf had helped hold him up back during spring back, the wolf's strength was enough to pick him up.

"Jake...you OK?" Lucas asked, the bear staring off into space.

Jake shook his head and looked at the two, both staring at him the same way, "Yeah...sorry, was just thinking,"

"What's up?" Lucas asked, thinking it was the bear's nervousness.

"You...really take after your father," Jake said, trying to make it sound as normal as he could.

Lucas looked back at his father and then a bit at himself and then at his mate, a bit confused, but Jake continued a bit.

"Not physically, I mean, just how you act...carry yourself, and what not...You look alike in a few respects too I guess. You just take after your dad a lot it seems...Sorry...just a random thought..."

Lucas heard his father chuckle a little. He smiled at the bear, "Thanks," he said and continued to work. It as rare to hear someone say he was like his father, whenever people found out he was adopted they tried to stay away from those types of things, but Jake had said what he'd wanted to hear, even as a pup. The best part was that Jake didn't say it because he thought it would make him happy, the bear said it because he just thought it was true. He just wanted to be like his father, not to look like him, but to be like him. He looked up at his father, who was smiling too. It was the closest to a beaming smile he'd ever seen on his father, and the chuckle was still going. Lucas rubbed his eyes a bit, not because they were watering, but because he thought his father's eyes were. In all his life he couldn't remember his father crying when someone said something.

Mr. Vadikson quickly rubbed away any signs that his eyes had watered and looked away, "The meat should be done now," he said, and quickly walked off, but he heard his son laughing as he did. When he got into the kitchen Mr. Vadikson chuckled a bit more and wiped away any loose tears. They weren't sad tears, the bear's words made him feel the happiest he had in years. It was something to say your son was like you, but when someone else said it; it had a different effect. He suppressed them, but his happiness stayed there.

Lucas couldn't help but laugh at his father, how he moved away so quickly. His father was also someone who refused to let anyone see him tearful, even if they were happy tears. He looked at Jake whose head was cocked to the side.

"Did I do something wrong?" he asked, a bit afraid.

Lucas moved over to the bear and hugged him, "No, in fact...that was great," he said and leaned up to kiss the bear.

Jake was a bit scared when the wolf didn't pull away, and any sound he made was drowned out in the wolf's muzzle. Jake returned the hug and began to return the kiss. It was quick though, as the door opened somewhere in the house. Jake opened his eyes, and tried to pull away but Lucas didn't budge, still kissing him. The wolf finally pulled away and smiled at him.

"Don't worry Big-guy...I'm not that dumb...but I'm beginning to think my mother has cameras in the house...her timing is...horrible," he said with a laugh.

Jake smiled and tried to laugh, but his nervousness and anxiety spread over him like a forest fire. It was easy to be strong at the idea of being around Mrs. Vadikson, but when she was actually near by his motivation shrunk. Apparently it was evident because Lucas stood next to him, very close and leaned up next to him.

"Just relax...it'll be fine,"

Jake let out a sigh and looked down at Lucas and gave a weak smile, "OK..." he replied and followed the wolf into the next room. He saw Mrs. Vadikson and smiled, "Hi..." he said, his voice not cracking for once.

Ana saw her brother and ran to hug him, "Lucas! You're back!" she yelled with delight and hugged her brother. When she saw Jake she did the same, hugging the bear also.

Jake smiled down at the pup, "You ready for Christmas?"

The pup nodded her head quickly, and told the bear about what she wanted. She spoke quickly, making it difficult to follow. Ana ignored her mother as she continued to barrage Jake with random bits of information about things she wanted-most of them things that were impossible, such as a space suit and other childish things.

"How was your trip Lucas?" she asked as she hugged her son.

Lucas returned the hug genuinely, he didn't hate his mother, he was sure that was impossible. "It was good," he replied with a smile and pulled away. He looked at her for a moment, trying to find any signs of discomfort, and didn't have to look hard. It wasn't right to say discomfort though; it was more like ill-contempt.

Mrs. Vadikson looked over at Jake, and walked off, not even giving the bear a simple hello.

Jake looked up at Lucas, who was mouthing a sorry to him. Jake smiled back, his smile not very strong or sure. The entire time thought Ana was still going on about how Santa was going to visit her first, or how she'd been a good girl all year. Jake looked down at her, "Are you sure? I hear some wolves get a lump of coal when they think they've been the best little boy or girl,"

"That's not true!" Ana said back, not believing the bear's statement.

"Ask your brother, he got one I'm sure," Jake said, with a chuckle.

Lucas couldn't help but laugh at the bear, and smiled down as his sister looked back at him. "It's true...I got tons of coal," he said, deciding to play along with Jake.

Ana gave a small squeal, "No, Jamie's much nicer than me!"

"Who's Jamie?" Lucas asked, his sister's change a funny show to watch.

"The girl who ate my cupcake in class, she deserves coal, not me!" Ana said.

Jake and Lucas both began to laugh, Ana's behavior too funny. Lucas picked up his sister, "You want Santa to give someone else coal?"

Ana just nodded her head.

"Do you want him to give me coal?" Lucas asked.

"Yeah!" Ana replied.

"I agree with her," Jake said, laughing at the wolf's hurt expression.

"And to believe I got either of you presents!" he said and put his sister down as she ran down the hall, running somewhere into the house. Lucas looked at Jake who was still laughing, "You're cruel," he chuckled.

Jake smiled up at Lucas, "Wait...you didn't get coal?"

"Hahaha..." Lucas replied as he sat down next to the bear, but as soon as he did his father came into the room.

"Come-on you two, time to eat," Mr. Vadikson said, his voice back to normal.

Jake sat on the couch for a moment before his mate's paw took his own and pulled on him. The wolf guided him into the kitchen, and to the other side of the table. He saw Mrs. Vadikson's face when she saw that they were holding paws and the icy glare he received along with it, though it only made him squeeze the wolf's paw more. Lucas let go and Jake put his paws on his lap, not moving a bit.

They said grace then began to eat. It was good, Jake was surprised at how good the food was. He looked at Mrs. Vadikson, "You cooked this?" he asked.

"Nope...I don't really like to cook," she replied, keeping her answer short. She wanted to eat and be done. Looking at her son, with the bear, it was a sight that made her stomach churn a little.

"Dad cooks most of the times actually," Lucas said, a genuine smile on his muzzle.

"Oh, that's cool..." Jake replied and took another bite, "Would you mind if I got any recipes...I think my list is a bit dull,"

"Oh, that's right...Lucas said you cook too,"

Jake shrugged, but the wolf answered for him.

"Yeah, Jake's cooking is great, and he's pretty skilled in a kitchen...he can crack an egg with one paw,"

"Better than mine?" Mr. Vadikson asked with a chuckle.

Lucas swallowed and looked at Jake, and then at his father, "That's not fair..."

Jake felt his face blush a bit but he smiled a little too. "If Lucas won't say it; yours is much better...I'm not that great..."

Lucas chuckled a little, "Your both good...my dad does have a few years on you though Big-guy,"

Mr. Vadikson chuckled, "Well, so long as you don't have to eat anything Lucas cooks,"

Jake laughed, "No...we don't do anything that crazy,"

Lucas faked a hurt expression, "I'm not that ba-OK, I may be bad, but you two don't have to gang up on me,"

Mr. Vadikson chuckled and looked back at Jake, "Yeah...I can give you a lot of recipes. When you come back after Christmas I may even be able to show you a thing or two,"

"That'd be cool," Jake said, and scooped some of the potatoes onto his plate. The wolf's cooking really was good, it didn't seem like most. While his own was just a random assortment of books and his own personal touch, Mr. Vadikson's tasted like it was actually defined, as if he knew some culinary arts.

The rest of the meal passed relatively peacefully, Jake was happy that Mrs. Vadikson didn't say anything. After a bit he took his plate to the kitchen in order to set it down and return, and when he turned around Mrs. Vadikson was there, staring at him. Jake tried to ignore it, but it was obvious that she had an objective.

"I want you staying away from Lucas," Mrs. Vadikson said, his eyes glaring at the bear.

Jake backed away and tried to say something. Summing up what he could he stood up a bit straighter, "No ma'am," he replied, "Why don't you like me?"

"You aren't right in the head. You think what you do is 'normal' or that anything about you is 'normal' don't you? Let me tell you, you are a poison; you make everything around you worse. You've hurt this family and Lucas thinks he's like one of you,"

"But..."

"I wasn't asking. You'll only hurt yourself and this family, can't you see your doing it already? My son doesn't know what he's doing right now, and he doesn't love you...I don't know how you made him think any of this but I assure you one thing, it won't last. One day he'll realize it's a mistake and he'll end this. People like you...it's sick. You think you're doing something for him? That you can do anything for him? Everything was fine in the summer, after he started seeing that girl, and then you did something to him,"

"I didn't d-" Jake said, his voice low, a whisper practically.

"Don't try to fool me. The best thing you can do is to stay away. He was happy with Lana, he was happy without you, he was happy before you. People liked Lana too, but you think they can like you?" Mrs. Vadikson asked, playing off Lucas's time with the otter.

Jake opened his mouth but the wolf continued again.

"And as to why I don't like it...whatever you want to call yourself...it's just that I hate things like you. You've corrupted my son...he doesn't even seem like Lucas any more because of you, it's all your fault. Like I said you're a poison and you poisoned him. You brought this all to us...You've made Lucas something like what you are. You've already done enough damage...Leave my family alone. You've eaten, so leave,"

Jake wasn't able to say anything, after the wolf had said he was hurting the family his tongue became tied and his eyes were widened. It was hard enough to know that the wolf didn't like him, but everything else was too much, just like throwing salt into a wound. Before he could do anything the wolf turned away and walked off, going somewhere else in the house. It was more shock, he wasn't sad, just paralyzed, but he knew the sadness would come later. Looking down at his paws he saw they were shaking. He shoved them into his jacket pockets and walked back out to the dining room and saw Mr. Vadikson and Lucas still sitting and talking-as though nothing had happened. Jake tried his best to look happy.

Lucas smiled up at the bear but knew something was off as soon as he looked, Jake's smile was forced too much. Lucas had a bad feeling when he saw his mother leave, and the bear's face confirmed that something was wrong. He hated himself for not going with Jake, he told the bear he wouldn't leave him alone and then this was happening, Lucas cursed himself in his mind-he could never be a mate. Looking back at his father he saw his father knew something was off to. Lucas was glad Ana was already gone, she'd excused herself awhile back. Lucas saw his father let out a heavy sigh and then stand up to walk away, most likely to find his wife. Lucas watched until his father left then stood up and walked up to Jake. He gently took hold of the bear's arms and could feel them shaking, though Jake tried to pull away. When everyone was gone he looked at the bear, "What happened?"

Jake forced his smile still, which was now just looking odd. His eyes watered and he could feel himself shake. He didn't want to be sad, he didn't want to believe anything that the wolf had said, but part of him said it was true. He pushed it away, telling himself it was just a lie, even though he knew it was pointless, "Nothing...I'm fine,"

Lucas pulled the bear's paws out of his pocket and put them in his own paws, "Jake, please..."

Jake looked at the wolf and felt his eyes watering, Mrs. Vadikson's words playing over in his mind. He didn't believe them necessarily, at least not about Lucas not loving him, he knew the wolf did, but everything else hurt. Jake felt a tear escape him and he chocked out a quiet sob, but still held back the majority of his tears. He felt the wolf's paws move from his own and hug him, the last thread cut now. Jake sobbed and leaned on Lucas, not really sure what to do. He hated to cry just because of what someone said, but he couldn't help it. It was the first time he had been insulted just because he was gay; just because of who he was.

Lucas pulled on Jake, trying to soothe the bear in any way he could. His own rage was diminished by seeing the bear cry, though he knew it would come back; the only thing stopping him from going to his mother was the fact that Jake needed him. he wasn't sure what he would do though, all he felt like he could do was be there for Jake. He felt the bear leaning on him and he led Jake to the nearby living room and set him down on the couch, Jake leaning on him the entire time. Lucas calmed the bear down, Jake's tears eventually dying down a bit but still coming. He moved the bear back so that they were looking at each other, "Jake...what happened?"

Jake looked away for a moment, not really wanting to tell the wolf, if he did ti would just make Mrs. Vadikson right; he'd just hurt the family. "She's right...I'm just hurting you guys...I'm only going to make things worse,"

Lucas felt a surge of anger in him directed at his mother, but he tried to comfort the bear, slowly stroking his head, "Jake, you won't. You can't listen to her...please..."

Jake felt the wolf hug him, it did make things better, helped him to feel as though everything would be alright. He choked away a sob and looked up at his mate, who gently leaned forward and kissed him on the lips. Jake felt a small genuine smile come over him as the wolf nuzzled him. The tears were still there, all the emotions were with them too.

"Jake...What happened?"

Jake shook his head, not wanting to tell the wolf, but Lucas just asked him every time he didn't respond. After a moment Jake began to speak, his voice shaking, "I'm sorry, she's right...this is my fault,"

"Jake..." Lucas said, still trying ot be comforting. After a bit he knew that he would have to make the bear speak, "Jake...Jake!" he said sternly.

Jake looked up his tears still falling. The wolf's face wasn't angry though, neither was the voice, it was demanding, but with a kindness to it.

"Come-on Big-guy...we're mates...so tell me what's going on,"

"I feel pathetic..."

Lucas hugged the bear a bit, but felt Jake pull away and did so also, "Why?"

"I'm sitting here...crying," Jake began and a growl came out of him, "I'm crying because of what someone said to me? How is that not pathetic?" he said, the tears still flowing out of him.

Lucas frowned at the bear, "What did she tell you?"

"I'm...poison, I'm hurting your family, I'm not right in the head, that...this can't work..." Jake said, sighing out a tear. He wasn't sobbing anymore, which he was glad for, but he still felt sad. It wasn't like him to cry just because someone said something to him, something that was hurtful. He still felt pathetic, annoyed at his own inability to brush off what someone had said. He was brought out of his thoughts by Lucas's growl.

"I'll make her take it back," Lucas said with a growl as he stood up. He was about to walk away when he felt Jake pulling on him.

"Don't, please," Jake said, not wanting Lucas to leave.

"She's wrong though! How can I just let her say that? You're my mate! Why shouldn't I make her take those things back? Why are you not angry? I'm not going to let someone say something like that about you!" Lucas asked, trying to surprises his own anger. He could take his mother's comments, he didn't get hurt by them, or by what most people said. The only thing that annoyed him was when someone targeted Jake, as his mother had done. Looking down at the bear he could still see some streaks in his fur from where the tears had fallen. It calmed him down, instantly, realizing that he wasn't even thinking about how Jake felt-he felt ashamed for forgetting it. He sat down and looked at Jake, "I'm sorry...I'm a horrible mate aren't I? I just got angry and didn't even think about how you were feeling...I'm sorry,"

Jake looked at the wolf strangely, "It's fine..."

"I'm sorry,"

"Hey, at least you got angry at something like that...and didn't just blubber like me...you'd think I'd be man enough to take what people say by now...it's kind of pathetic isn't it?"

"Jake, no, it's not,"

"And you're not a horrible mate, you're my mate..." Jake said, and let out a light sigh.

Lucas smiled a little, it was as though Jake had planned out the entire thing as soon as he'd sat back down. He had little doubt that Jake didn't have some of it planned before the beginning. He heard another sigh, different though.

"Lucas...I'm sorry if this sounds too rude," Jake began and looked at his mate, "I don't care if your mother doesn't like me, because I'm not going to sit around waiting for everyone to like me. I love you, and you love me...that should be all that matters. I don't care what happened in the past, I don't care about any of our mistakes...all I care about is that me and you and be together...that...should be more than enough, even if I really am a poison to this family,"

Lucas smiled lightly at the bear, "You know...you were doing amazing until you got to the end...you're not a poison, Jake. It sounds like you worked this little bit out by yourself though Big-guy,"

Jake felt his eyes widen a bit, "I...guess, maybe I did..." he said, not really realizing the revelation in his own mind. He saw the wolf chuckle lightly, and then look at him with a grin. "What?"

Lucas smiled, "I just thought of the worst one..."

"What?"

"The worst line...you're not a poison...Jake, you're just what the doctor ordered," Lucas said, watching Jake's reaction.

At first he just blushed, then Jake couldn't help but laugh; the line was too much. It was almost becoming a habit to see who could make the worst line possible. "That...was terrible," Jake said, wiping away the last of his tears, the last of them from happiness thankfully, "But...it was kind,"

Lucas smiled and moved closer to Jake and put an arm around him, "So...is everything OK?"

"Well, I'll be sleeping on the couch tonight...but..." Mr. Vadikson said, walking into the room. He saw they both looked up at him in surprise, "Oh...wait...not me?"

Jake began to wipe at his muzzle, trying to dry away where the tears were. He felt someone sit down next to him and pat him on the shoulder.

"I'm sorry for what she said...it's...not right," Mr. Vadikson said and looked at Jake, "So...before I interrupted...everything is OK?" he asked, repeating his son's question to the bear.

Jake looked at the wolf, deciding it wasn't such a bad thing if the wolf knew he'd been crying. Mr. Vadikson probably knew anyway, "I'm fine..."

Mr. Vadikson smiled, "That's good..."

"Dad...do you want my room?" Lucas asked, he knew his father wasn't joking, he really would be on the couch.

"No, I'l-"

"You're taking my room," Lucas said, "Sorry...I gave you a chance to kindly accept it,"

"I'm the father here...you realize that?" Mr. Vadikson asked, surprised to hear his son's firm tone.

"Yeah...but I'll be fine on the couch. It kind of feels like this is my fault," Lucas said with a smile. "Come-on...it's the least you can do,"

Mr. Vadikson chuckled, it was fun to see his son act this way. "Better...we'll just switch until the cold shoulder ends..."

Jake chuckled as he watched the two talk about the arrangements. He looked over to a clock and stood up, realizing it was time to go. He smiled down at Lucas and looked over at Mr. Vadikson, "Thanks, lunch was good,"

"You leaving?"

"I need to get moving...with my luck I'll still be stuck in traffic for an hour or more," Jake said, looking down the driveway his car was.

"I'll walk with you Big-guy,"

Jake looked down at Lucas, "As long as you don't follow me to the house,"

Lucas smiled lightly, and leaned up and kissed the bear. He waited till Jake said good-bye and they both walked down the driveway. At the car door he leaned up and kissed Jake once more, "Be careful Big-guy,"

Jake looked to the car and down the road, "I'll try Puppy," he said and let out a small sigh, "So...I'll see you in a few weeks?"

"Yeah, but you'll hear from me everyday,"

Jake let out an exasperated sigh, "Great...just great," he joked.

Lucas chuckled lightly, and let out a yelp as the bear hugged him tightly. He returned it, but it only lasted for a moment. He waited till Jake got into the car and began to drive off, and then walked back up to the house. He got back in and his father was sitting on the couch. Walking over he sat down next to him, "So...Mom pretty PO'ed?"

Mr. Vadikson sighed lightly, "I guess...she didn't really hesitate to speak her mind,"

Lucas felt his anger return a little but he suppressed it, "Well, she'll just have to get over it..." he said and was surprised to hear his father begin to laugh. He looked at him, not sure what he'd said that was funny, "You OK?"

"You know something?" Mr. Vadikson asked with a chuckle, "That's exactly what I told her...and why I'll be sleeping on the couch..."

___

Jake drove down the road slowly, he wasn't in any huge rush to get back to his old home. He wasn't sad to go back, just wasn't excited. He was dismayed at one thing though, he'd been right; about two hours on the road and he hit traffic. It was rare to move, and whenever he did it was only a few feet. For most of the time he played with his gift, toying around on it. He surfed the web for a bit and finally put it away when it looked like traffic was letting up. The rest of the drive went by fairly uneventfully. The only real incident was when a SUV decided to make sure its brakes were working-and they worked...very well.

After six hours on the road he got back to his old home. He pulled up and looked around him, it didn't even seem like winter down here. It was warm, too warm for him to even wear his coat from Lucas's father. He took it off and gently placed it over his arm, he treated the coat better than he did any other article of clothing he had. He got out his bags and began to head inside. It was late, he knew that his family had already eaten supper, it was half way to eight when he finally got home.

Walking down the path to the front door he was greeted by a wave of heat, his family had the heater on. It was silent in the house, no greeting, only the sound of some cheesy melodramatic music playing. He walked towards the music and saw his mother, father, and brothers watching a movie. He sighed and waved at them, to which they waved back at him. "Must be a good movie," he said under his breath and went upstairs.

When he got upstairs he put down his bags and sighed, "Three weeks...why does it feel like I'm at a pris-my room...where is my room?" he asked out loud, seeing a desk in the corner with a computer and files around it. He remembered after a second though, he had told his mother she could make the place her own personal office, but he hadn't expected that to happen so quickly. He let out a sigh, now the place really didn't feel like home. He wasn't angry, in truth he couldn't say he really cared. He was happy his mother finally had a decent place to work, in the past she used a small closet in the hall. Though he couldn't help but wonder where he was supposed to sleep. He walked through the house and saw both his brothers rooms, obviously they would sleep there. He didn't want to lay down in the wreck-room, he knew after the movie that his brothers would be up there. Walking back to his old room he sat down and propped up a bag under his head, deciding it was fine to sleep there.

Jake woke up the next day, it was sometime early in the morning. He was actually sweating, it was hot inside. He hated the climate down here, it was like Satan was running an illegal sweat shop in his own town. Jake sighed and stood up, deciding he'd just play a game. He realized that his old TV was still in the room, and thankfully still attached to his gaming system. He grabbed a game he hadn't played in awhile and put it in, deciding he'd beat it...again.

Half-way through the next day Jake heard felt his phone vibrating. He reached down and answered it quickly, "Hello?"

"OK, let's hang out," Jim said from the other end.

Jake felt a genuine smile crawl up his muzzle, "Cool, your house or mine...we're doing your house either way," he said, almost grunting.

Jim chuckled a little, "Fine...works for me...how bout we meet at the usual place?"

"For diner?" Jake asked

"Yeah...you doing something? You're not using a lot of fancy syllables from college..."

"Playing a game," Jake said, dodging an oncoming fireball. He wasn't very happy with himself, he'd died on the boss-he hated to die on the boss. He didn't care that he was playing on the hardest mode possible; in his youth he prided himself on being a good gamer, something that now seemed relatively sad. After a few hours he saved his progress and got up, it was time to head out.

He drove to The Shack, Jim was already there surprisingly. He waved at the gorilla as he walked, "What's up?" he asked as he sat down.

"Nothing much...I've already ordered and got you a soda...good?" Jim said, sipping at his drink.

"Yeah, that's fine...I'll order something when a waiter pops up..." Jake said and sipped from the drink. He looked around, taking note of the people inside.

"What are ya' doing?" Jim asked, the bear's eyes wandering from side to side.

"Just looking around..." Jake said. It was strange, this place didn't have the familiar hold that it once did. He wasn't losing the connection necessarily, it just didn't have the same value as other places to him anymore. A waiter came around and Jake ordered, and then talked with Jim for awhile. They spoke casually, just speaking as though no time had passed since they last saw each other. Apparently the gorilla didn't know that he and Lucas were living together, and that came as news to him.

"You've got a roommate?" Jim asked, a bit unbelieving.

"Yeah, it's fun," Jake said, not sure if he should just play it off or try and give the gorilla subtle hints.

"How's it going...the whole living together?"

"Works very well. I mean, we get to be close to each other," Jake said, trying to make it sound a bit personal, and continued, "We study together, go to school together...it's really a great way to live. I wouldn't do anything differently,"

Jim laughed at the bear, "Cool...that seems like a change for you,"

Jake smiled, and could tell the gorilla hadn't picked up on any of the language. He knew subtle hints were more like drops of water in the rain forest to Jim. He was happy though also, he didn't know how exactly his friend would react, and wasn't sure he wanted him to find out with so much time in the break left. He changed the subject, "So, how's Jules?"

"She's doing well. I think she is a bit nervous," Jim said, chuckling a bit.

"And you aren't?" Jake asked, knowing it was pushing the gorilla's buttons. He could tell just by how he talked that he was getting nervous.

Jim smiled, "A bit...just a bit,"

Jake chuckled, and smiled as he saw a waiter bringing their food. He was hungry, he'd skipped lunch-playing the game all day. He bit into the food quickly as did Jim. The meal passed relatively calmly and without anything interesting. They talked and enjoyed each others company, neither really rushing the time. When they got up Jake followed the gorilla to his house and he was happy to be inside. The gorilla always kept the place at the same temperature, winter and summer. They walked over and immediately began to play a game, both talking lightly and yelling at the other when they would die. They always played a cooperative game, in versus games it wasn't fair. They had yet to find one that they could really compete in. Jake felt his phone vibrate and picked it up, knowing it was Lucas, "What's up?"

"Hey Big-guy," Lucas said

"How are you?" Jake asked, his fingers moving quickly across the controller.

"Not bad...you busy?"

Jake looked over at Jim, who just shrugged his shoulders, "Well, I'm at Jim's but he doesn't mind if I talk for a bit,"

"OK, well, I guess just calling to talk...we can always talk later,"

Jake looked at the screen and felt his attention being stretched, "I can talk...Jim and I are playing a co-op game, which means I can practically do this with one paw behind my back," Jake laughed.

Lucas laughed too, "That's because you spent way too much time on them in high school,"

They talked for a minute before Lucas told the bear he had to go. Jake smiled and his voice became a bit more tender, "OK, I'll talk with you later; I love you," he said and hung up. He realized what he had said, but he didn't really care. Jim didn't know it was Lucas, so for all the gorilla knew it was his girlfriend.

"Who was that?" Jim asked, surprisingly apathetic.

Jake felt his throat get caught a bit and he looked over at Jim, "Good friend...really good friend," he said. The words felt bitter on his tongue, he wanted to tell him it was his mate, the best person in his life, that it was Lucas.

Jim chuckled, "You still dating the same person from spring break?"

"Yep," Jake replied, trying to cast away his guilty feelings. He was glad that the gorilla didn't inquire any further, instead they just focused on the game. The rest of the night passed slowly and Jake was happy when his feelings finally went away. After a while they quit and just sat around, Jake sitting at the piano and tapping out a few notes, playing the occasional chord. He wasn't great, he wasn't even really good, he could just play very basic things. Music wasn't his strong suit, "So...When is the wedding?"

"Oh, sometime next year," Jim said, smiling lightly as he looked at his ring. "You still going to be my best man?"

Jake smiled, "If you don't mind then yeah," he said with a smile.

They talked about the wedding for a surprising bit, though it was mostly just Jim talking, expressing a few of his thoughts. He told the bear about his fears, and his joys, about everything.

Jake sat there and listened as he had when they were in high school. He thought he was a bit of a pillar for the gorilla, not a great one but something to hold him up a bit at least. It was strange, Jake couldn't' remember ever crying on anyone's shoulder when he was young. The wolf was the only one he'd ever done that to. He shook his head, casting away his thoughts again.

"You don't?" Jim asked.

"No, wait...sorry, I just got caught up in my mind...what did you say?" Jake asked, apologizing for not listening. The gorilla had only been speaking about his job now though.

The rest of the night passed with some fun and good conversation. It wasn't like being with Lucas. Jake consistently found himself thinking back to his mate, how much he liked him and appreciated him. His mate was the first person he'd found that he could open up to, that he could let him know how he felt, that he knew was there for him, that could keep up a conversation with him for hours on end, with neither growing tired or angry at the other.

The next day he left Jim's house around eight in the evening, "Thanks Jim, it was fun,"

"Yeah...it was...I'm sure you can't wait home and get home to talk to your girl,"

Jake looked at the gorilla, "My girl?"

Jim cocked his head, confused now, "Yeah..."

Jake realized what Jim meant, "No, I can't wait till I get home so I can talk with Lucas..." he said, still trying to at least open Jim's head to the idea.

Jim laughed, "You've never told me the name of this person,"

Jake chuckled, "I just told you Lucas,"

Jim laughed, "OK, OK...well, I'll see you later?"

Jake laughed and nodded his head, "Yeah...bye," he said and drove off. As soon as he was away his smile disappeared though; Jim hadn't gotten the slightest hint that he was serious. He still didn't want to just flat out tell his friend, and he was kind of hoping he wouldn't have to. Jake knew he wasn't just shouting it to the world, or really an obvious person with being gay, but he expected Jim to get something. The gorilla was his friend, the one who was supposed to know him well. He sighed in aggravation, almost hating how he had always been a joker in his youth-it did little to make him easy to believe, even now. The road before him went slowly, he wasn't in any hurry. On his way back he stopped by the park and walked around. He stopped at the bench, smiling at the memories it held. Jake began to call the wolf.

"Hello?"

Jake stopped, it wasn't Lucas. He knew who it was, but it was strange to hear the voice over the line of who he had expected to be Lucas. "Hey..."

There was silence for a few moments and the phone dropped once, and was then picked up. Mr. Vadikson chuckled, "Yeah...I'm not Lucas am I? You must think I'm very snoopy to be answering my son's phone,"

Jake chuckled, "Not too much...what parent hasn't done it. But hey, talking with you is good to,"

Mr. Vadikson smiled at the bear's words, "Wow...buttering me up for something,"

Jake chuckled, "What? I'm not just sucking up...it's true..." he replied. Lucas's father was one of the people he considered close to him. He enjoyed the wolf's company extensively. "But...you're just snooping on Lucas's phone?" Jake inquired.

"No...well, not really snooping. I thought this was my phone...but mine was under me,"

Jake chuckled, that would explain it, "OK...so you're still in Lucas's room?"

"Yeah...the wife is still kind of ticked,"

Jake felt a pang of guilt run through him, "Sorry..."

"Don't be...it's not your fault," Mr. Vadikson said. He'd talked with his son and knew that Jake was feeling down, so he tried not to make the bear feel worse. "I don't mind it...Lucas's bed is surprisingly comfy,"

Jake laughed, "You kick him out?"

"Not entirely..."

"So...do you expect to get back to your old bed soon?"

Mr. Vadikson's tone became more cheerful, "Yes, very. I think the wife is calming down quiet a bit...I hope by tomorrow, but maybe tonight,"

Jake smiled, "Cool, that's good,"

"So how have you been so far?" Mr. Vadikson asked, changing the topic.

Jake sat down on a bench, "Not bad...can I tell you something?"

Mr. Vadikson sat up a bit on his son's bed a bit, "Yeah, what's up?" he asked, catching that the bear wanted him to listen for the moment.

"Ehh...it's nothing bad," Jake said, already catching the fatherly tone. "I just thought about telling Jim, Jim is my friend," he explained and continued, "and I tried dropping hints...some of which I thought were more like give always but he didn't get any of them...but I'm hoping he may be opening to it,"

Mr. Vadikson was a bit surprised to hear that news. He hadn't expected Jake to want to tell anyone about him and Lucas, at least not at home. "So...you want to tell people?"

Jake sighed, "I mean, I don't want to really tell him...it's not that I don't want to either...I mean, I think he deserves to know...and I want to be fair to Lucas also," he said, rambling around a little. When the wolf didn't say anything he took it as a sign to continue, "I guess it's just that...it never really seemed like it was a big deal, or that is what I told myself, but now it's different. I mean, I really don't want people badgering me with questions, in fact I don't really even want them asking about anything, but at the same time...I want them to know. I think..."

Mr. Vadikson sighed, the bear's words were filled with stutters and insecurity. He wasn't sure what Jake meant, it seemed like the bear was just scared. He thought for a moment before speaking, "You don't have to tell people...it doesn't mean you love Lucas less,"

Jake sighed, he knew that he didn't want to deny Lucas and that was part of it, "I know that! It's just that..."

"Jake...calm down a bit," Mr. Vadikson said, the bear almost about to go on a rant.

Jake stopped at the tone, it was stern, "Sorry...I just don't really like this. I drop some hints but no one gets it,"

"It's OK...it's not like you have to tell...."

Jake let out a sigh and looked out at the park staring at the trees, the wolf was right. He knew that telling everyone about the wolf didn't mean he loved him more, or that not telling meant he loved him less. Despite how he wanted it to be fine, that his family and friends may accept it, he knew deep down that was unlikely. "Tell me...if them finding out would make them all act...well, like Mrs. Vadikson...would that be worth it?"

Mr. Vadikson didn't reply immediately, he was thinking. Before he could the bear spoke again.

"I'm sorry...I'm a moron. I didn't mean to say that...You know, she's-" Jake was saying, trying to apologize but Mr. Vadikson interrupted.

"Jake!"

Jake stopped and thought the wolf was angry with him.

"Jake...it's OK," Mr. Vadikson said and Lucas came into the room. He smiled at his son and then looked back down at the phone. He moved forward to his son and frowned, angry that he couldn't do anything. "You're right..." he said and sighed loudly. Talking to both of them, and he knew they both understood it. It hurt to say it; that his wife really didn't support the two in the slightest. He hated it for them, he hated that his wife was like that; it was all unfair to them. He wanted for his wife to be kind to them, but knew that wasn't going to happen. There was no chance of Mrs. Vadikson changing her mind; he remembered all the long nights trying to change it. Those nights, they were terrible, to see how she felt. Mr. Vadikson stared at his son and still knew Jake was on the line. He hadn't spoken in a bit, trying to gather his thoughts, but all that came was a few words. "I'm sorry..." he said, his fatherly tone shaken.

Lucas stared at his father, he'd never seen him that way. His father smiled lightly.

"Jake...Lucas is here so I'll stop bothering you. We look forward to seeing you and Merry Christmas,"

"Yeah...you too," Jake said, a bit surprised still. He heard the phone exchange hands and knew Lucas was on the other end. Neither was saying anything, the previous display still on their minds. After a moment he spoke though, "Hey...is your dad OK?"

"Yeah," Lucas said, a small smile on his muzzle. He knew the family was a bit tense, but everything would be fine in the end. "I love you, you know that?"

"I love you too,"

Lucas smiled, "Good..." he said with a sigh and leaned back onto his bed. He talked with Jake for a few hours, both just talking as if right next to the other. When they finally hung-up it was only because Jake's phone was dying. "Jake..."

"Yeah?"

Lucas sighed, "I told you you're great...right?"

Jake smiled, "I'm only as great as you make me," he said and closed his phone.