Where Life Can Lead

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Rick finally rolled out of the shitty motel bed he had been laying in and looked at the clock. It was nearly mid-morning. He stood, gathering up his clothes. As he hunted down his apparel he was thankful, as always, that he didn't remember a thing from the night before. As he grabbed his tank top off a broken lamp and a sock from the ceiling fan he heard a knock on the door.

"Housekeeping!" a woman called.

"Give me five minutes" he replied.

He looked around the room, making sure there wasn't any incriminating evidence, grabbed his money, ID, and cell phone off the night stand and headed for the bathroom. He locked the door behind him and then climbed out the window.

As he dropped to the ground he heard the door to the room open and the woman shout a few obscenities. "Time to leave" he mumbled and started to walk quickly away from the back of the building, his walk turned into a run as the woman got into the bathroom and began shouting at him through the open window.

As soon as he was away from the building and down a deserted alley he took out his phone and hit his first speed dial number.

He stood there, bouncing on his toes as the phone rang. He could feel his headache coming on and he needed a ride soon.

"Hello?"

"Hey, it's Rick. Can you come get me? Or send someone to get me? I'm next to the pawn shop on Charles Street".

There was a cough on the other end before Rick heard, "Yeah, give me like ten minutes", and with that the guy hung up.

Rick just pocketed his phone and took out the wad of money that he'd been left in the motel room and counted it out. He nodded as he counted out what was his and what would go to his 'boss' then put them in separate pockets of his small jacket. He reached into an inner pocket of his jacket and took out his pack of smokes. He grabbed a cigarette and lit it, taking a long drag in an attempt to sedate his headache for a few minutes until Chris got there.

As Rick stood in the entrance to the alley he shrugged off the questioning, curious, and suspicious looks he got from people walking by. Being a "fur" as his kind was referred to he was used to it.

Rick was a five foot four, sixteen year old, tri-color Smooth Fox Terrier. His head was completely black save for tan coloring on his ear tips and a white blaze that went straight down the center of his face from the top of his head to his nose. His body fur was all white, his arms and legs white, and his tail white with a black blaze that, again, went from tip to base on the back. It added an interesting and unusual symmetry to his coloring that was quite unheard of. He had a slim build, somewhat compact but not really muscular. Being a terrier breed, and one of which the 'feral' version of his breed was meant to hunt small game he had more of a natural runner's build.

He went through two full cigarettes before Chris finally pulled up in his gray Chevrolet Corsica. It had taken about fifteen minutes instead of the ten he had told Rick, but it had gone by the same. Rick walked over to the passenger side and got in.

As he shut the door he said, "Thanks for getting me Chris. Didn't realize that guy was going to take me way out here".

"It's nothing. You get what you were supposed to?"

"Yeah and a little extra. Don't tell him though, 'kay? The last time that happened he took it".

"Yeah no problem. How much extra?"

"Fifty bucks. I don't know why though, wasn't anything special."

"Damn boy. What are you gonna use it for?"

Rick thought and said, "Prolly do some shopping. Had planned on going to the mall anyways, so this is just a bit of a bonus. Do you know if James got another delivery?"

Chris nodded and said, "Yeah, sometime last night."

"Awesome", Rick mumbled, hoping that Chris wouldn't hear it. He did.

Chris shook his human head, "You need to stop sticking that muzzle of yours into every pile of white powder you find. That shit's going to kill you one of these days".

Rick looked out the window, ears sunken as he said "I know. I can't help it", his voice low and sunken.

Chris just sighed as he added, "Anyways, yes, he got a delivery. Had another fight too, big one. I think they're trying to make him pay more or something, I didn't catch it all."

Rick nodded and didn't say anything else. Fights were common place with deliveries. James bought his drugs from a local gang, which in turn for only doing business with them they looked out for his furs.

Should probably explain what 'his furs' means. You see, James is a pimp. He's not just any pimp though, he's a human that pimps furs. Now pimping and prostitution is illegal, but what Rick is can't even really be called a hooker. He might as well be a slave with benefits, which yes, it's an oxymoron. Normal prostitution rings are just controlled with drugs and fear. A human run fur ring is run like a business. The prostitutes sign contracts and everything, binding them to their pimp. Now, while prostituting anyone, furs or humans, is illegal, placing a fur into indentured servitude isn't. Furs aren't even technically arrested. They're just bought out of their contracts and sent to shelters, which often times are worse off than where they were before. That money used to pay them out? It's paid to the human they just arrested, who uses the money to pay his bail. The furs that get sent to the shelters? Most of them just leave and go back to their 'pimps', which is the nice way to say owners. It's a big, pointless loop that never does anything but get in the way. The only time it does any good is when drugs are involved, and then only when they're caught with them. Which is never. With drugs the 'pimp' gets sentenced without the chance of parole, does hard time, the furs go through rehab and everyone is happy. Except for the fact that ninety percent of the time the furs end up back on the drugs they were on before or harder stuff and just get sucked to a different human. Very few get lucky and make it out for good.

The arrangement that James has is with a local gang known for two things: being violent and being loaded. Violent because every member has done time or at least been arrested for some kind of assault or armed crime. Loaded because they sell the best or worst, depending on how you look at it, cocaine and crack in the city. So, he buys his drugs solely from them, and they watch out for people who don't like furs or just want to take advantage of them, and they beat the shit out of them.

Best part about it all? James provides only the best in young furs. Thirteen to seventeen year old male canines. The law makes no differential between fur ages, whether they're ten or a hundred; it's all the same to them. A six year old fur can walk into a Speedway or something and buy a case of beer and a pack of smokes in front of two cops and they won't do a damn thing. No one cares. The only thing they crack down on is hard drugs: meth, heroine, crack, that sort of thing. The way it's always been, and no one expects it to change.

Chris and Rick pulled up to where they lived and as Rick started to get out Chris said, "I'll catch you later. Got to go pick up your brother and then get some food."

Rick nodded, "Aight, see yah".

He got out and watched Chris drive off before heading inside. Where they all lived was a relatively small apartment building, only two stories, with the first two rooms of the top floor on the right being owned by James. He trudged up the stairs and opened the second door on his right, walking into a typical looking, inner-city, shitty apartment except they had no cockroaches or mice. As he walked in he waved to another boy, a thirteen year old and a relatively new arrival named Kasey, who was sitting in a recliner watching TV, caddy-corner to it.

He plopped down on the couch directly across from the TV and next to James. He reached into his pocket that had James' money and set it on the coffee table in front of him then leaned back.

James finished the line he was doing before looking down at the money and nodded, "Nice pup" Rick hated that pet name, "You're off tonight, do what you will just don't bug me."

Rick smiled and it was quite audible as his tail wagged, slapping the couch. He didn't get nights off to often so he was excited when he did. He looked down at the powder that rested on a wooden cutting board, and cut up a four inch long line and snorted it, leaning his head back and inhaling deeply through his nostrils. He waited a moment, his migraine subsiding, rubbing his nose a bit before heading off to the room he shared with his brother. When he walked in it seemed like he was sharing it with the new boy as well, considering there was a third mattress on the floor. He shrugged it off, not really caring. He was a cute kid and Rick was sure there was a reason James put him with the Terrier.

Rick walked to the far corner where two piles of clothes lay; a dirty pile and a clean pile. They had a closet and a dresser, but Rick wasn't really too keen on using them. Didn't really matter to him. He stripped off what he was wearing, standing stark naked as he looked at his clean pile. He grabbed a pair of a plaid gray boxers and a pair of boot cut jeans that were a bit of a loose fit but not so much that they would fall off his shapely ass. For tops he threw on a cotton, long-sleeve, white shirt and a white graphic t-shirt over it that had a bunch of designs on the right side with a black, felt fleur de lis centered in the designs. He grabbed a studded belt and put that on, part style and part purpose. He walked to a full body mirror and checked himself, as was habit before going anywhere before heading for the door to leave.

Before he made it out the bedroom door he had to spin around and grab his pants from the previous night. Reaching into the pockets he grabbed his stuff, making sure to pocket the money first before grabbing his jacket and walking out the door.

James looked up at him and gave him a questioning look, to which Rick answered, "Out of smokes, and I might go to mall".

James nodded as he opened a drawer on his side of the table and tossed a small bag at Rick. "In case you need it. Just watch yourself you here?"

Rick nodded, "Yeah, I will". As he walked for the door he patted and grabbed at his pockets, making sure he had what he needed then headed out. As he shut the door and headed down the stairs he sighed in relief. He didn't like keeping things from James, for several reasons. First off he was the first one to actually care about Rick. Even though that care only came because he was underage, gay, and sexy, it was still more than he'd had before. The other reason he didn't like to keep things from him was because, while James wasn't a violent guy normally, he could have a short fuse. One of his boys lying to him about how much they made or if they made extra and withheld it were both things that could set him off. Rick, when he was younger, actually saw James throw someone out because they had been hoarding extra cash in a small box. Now it may not sound bad, being thrown out, but it is when you add the fact that the fifteen year old was thrown out of a window on the second floor.

Rick walked to a bus stop that was just down the street from the apartments. He had some time to kill before the bus arrived so he sat on the bench and pulled out the last smoke he had. Just before he could light it he heard someone call his name.

"Rick?"

The terrier looked up across the street trying to find the person who had called his name.

"It is you Rick, where've you been dog?"

Rick's ears perked and his tail started up to full pace as he shouted, "Seth! How've you been, I haven't seen you in forever!" He checked to make sure no cars were coming as he jogged across the street. He went up to the male and hugged him tightly, needing to get on his tip-toes to do so.

The pair hugged for a brief moment before Seth replied "I've been alright. Same shit different day, you know?"

Rick nodded, "Yeah I know how it goes. When did you get back, seems like it's been forever since I saw you".

"Just last week actually".

Rick nodded as they headed back across the street for the bus stop. Seth was one Rick's best friends, and had been the one to take him to James after finding him on the streets. Seth was even the one who had taught Rick the "tools and tricks of the trade" as he had put it. When Seth turned eighteen, James booted him out, because being "of age" he wasn't considered worthwhile to keep around anymore. So Seth had had to find his own way.

Seth had been one of the lucky ones. He had gotten cleaned up, got off coke, and was able to join the military on a two year run with the ability to reenlist if he wanted to. It was an experimental program allowing furs into the military, and he had been one of the first.

"Unfortunately I won't be in town for too long, only another week or so. Even though my two year run is up I'm reenlisting."

"Really?" The terrier was a bit heartbroken to hear that.

"Yeah. Right after training I got promoted to Sergeant and was put in charge of the 'Fighting Fur Squad'. Little nickname that the humans gave us, but we've grown accustomed to it. My Captain is still human, but that's to be expected. As far as I know I'm the highest ranked fur in the military, but then again that's not saying much right now."

Rick nodded. He was happy for his friend, of course. He'd lucked out and gotten a chance to make a career and a life for himself. Not many furs could say that. But at the same time he was really bummed about it.

"Well I'm happy for you man. Kind of sucks you won't be here for much longer though".

"Yeah, it does. I'm not sure when I'll get leave again".

Rick nodded, a little sullen, but he perked up a bit as he said, "Hey, as far as I know today's my birthday, and I'm actually headed to the mall to do a little shopping. Want to come with?"

Seth slapped his forehead, "Ah, Gods, how could I forget. Yeah man I'll come with yah, happy birthday."

Rick let out a short yip in excitement, adding emphasis to the "Awesome".

"Hey, my place is on the way from this stop, could we stop by so I can change into my fatigues? I can swing discounts at a lot of places when I'm in uniform. We can get a cab the rest of the way, fare's on me".

"Sure, that sounds like a plan".

Rick was just excited that they'd have a chance to hang out while he was still in town.

So the pair chatted while they waited for the bus, mostly just catching up. Seth did most of the talking, going over basic and what he'd been doing for the past two years. Once they were on the bus and headed into the city Seth dropped a question.

"So, still living with James?"

"Yeah, Jesse too" Rick nodded.

Seth sighed, "Figured. So what's he got you both on"?

"What do you mean?" Rick replied, trying to feign ignorance. It didn't work.

"Don't bullshit me kid. I know you're tweaking' right now, I can see your eyes".

Rick sighed, looking out the window, "Coke mostly. Some pills here and there, smokes too but that was all me".

Seth sighed, "I'd hoped that that would be one thing you didn't pick up from me".

"How could I not have?" Rick questioned, "You know I practically worshipped you. You gave me a home and taught me everything I knew back then".

"Back then?" Seth asked, a little curious.

"Boy I know things now that'd make your head spin". Rick giggled, but once he realized what he'd said he stopped immediately. His ears twitched a bit, his constantly wagging tail became a bit erratic; the one sure sign that was his equivalent of a blush.

Seth grinned, a little curious, but left it alone.

"So, what are you headed to the mall for?" Seth asked, figuring now would be a good time to change the subject to something a little brighter.

"Some new clothes mostly. Need some new stuff people haven't seen, maybe something new for the club."

"Club?"

"Don't ask, something on the side that I keep quiet about."

Seth just gave the young terrier a look for a moment before looking out the window. Just in time too as he reached up and pulled the cord above them so they could stop and get out. The bus pulled up to the side of the street and the pair got off, heading across the road to Seth's apartment building.

Rick followed Seth inside as they headed up the stairs.

"What floor is it on?"

"The fourth".

"Ugh, isn't there an elevator we can take?"

"There is, but it's not working right now. Come on, a little exercise is good for you".

"Says the soldier".

"Oh come on, you're a terrier and a sex fiend, you should have stamina through the roof" Seth laughed.

Rick wasn't going to take that as he said, "Smart ass. Race you to the fourth floor" he shouted, bolting past him up the stairs.

It was a moment before Seth realized what had just happened before shouting, "You're on!" and took off, trying to catch up the pup, which he eventually did. He had the opportunity to overtake him, but something caught his eye; and it was in fact Rick's shapely ass. So, Seth decided, he was content enough to lose the race as long as he didn't trip while checking out his best friend. Thinking that, it just didn't sit right in his head for some reason. He didn't have time to think about it as they reached the floor in no time.

"Hah, look who's talking now Mr. Soldier", Rick laughed.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Enjoy it while you can pup".

Rick mock growled at his friend a bit, "Gods I hate being called that".

"I know. That's why I call you it. Pup".

Rick just groaned and followed the larger male to his apartment. They stopped outside and just as Seth was about to open his door he stopped to say, "Uh, I just remembered that my place is a bit trashed right now. So, just excuse the mess".

As Rick began to say something about where he lived Seth opened the door and stepped. With him out of the way Rick saw the "mess, and his jaw dropped.

Mess was easily the understatement of the week.

"You know. I was going to comment on where I live and how it can't be any worse, but I take it back. This, is, horrendous" he finished, laughing a bit.

"Oh, shut up pup" Seth sent back. This only made Rick laugh more as he said, "Well it's definitely you're apartment, no doubt there".

Seth had never been the tidiest of individuals, but having his own place really brought it out. It was primarily two things: dirty clothes, and empty beer cans. Rick knew better than to think it was from a party, Seth had turned his back on that scene.

"You now, instead of standing there you could help me find my drab".

"I think this is safer. I might lose a forepaw in that mess".

Seth shot the terrier a dirty look and just sighed. As he looked around he stripped off the t-shirt he'd been wearing, showing off his toned and now ripped torso and arms. Rick caught himself gaping and quickly shut his jaw so fast that his teeth audibly clacked. He wasn't sure if Seth had heard, and if he had he wasn't letting on. So, Rick busied himself; partially looking around but mostly looking at Seth.

Seth was a six foot even Belgian Malinois. His overall coat was trimmed and kept short, partially because that's how it was but also because he had always taken care of his appearance. That and he was always a fan of showing off his body and muscle structure. His fur was a light mahogany with black tips on his back that went straight down his spine to the tip of his tail and branched out over his ribs, but didn't go past. His muzzle was black, as was his jaw and face up to just under his eyes. The rest of his head was mahogany, with the exception of his ears, which were black also.

After shuffling through a pile of clothes Rick said, "Found the pants", holding them up.

Seth looked over in time to see Rick toss them to him. He set them down while he picked up the tank-top he'd grabbed, pulling it on before undoing his belt and jeans, sliding them off. He didn't even think twice until he noticed what he was wearing underneath: a pair of black and light blue striped bikini briefs that were firmly hugging his butt. He didn't bother trying to hide anything. He'd heard Rick's teeth clack and figured what he'd been doing. He also remembered that he'd been checking out Rick and figured this might as well be his way of thanking him. So, he just grabbed his drab pants, pulled them up and belted them, turning to look at Rick who promptly looked away, his terrier tail taking up it's odd pace of nervous wagging again.

"Thanks. See my shirt or jacket anywhere?"

Rick kept looking, trying to get the combined images of his best friend's ripped body and his shapely ass out of his head. All he was doing unfortunately was combining them into one image. The smaller canid had to walk away, moving to the closet as it to look there, just so he could adjust his boxers, his harden was catching as it emerged from its sheathe.

"Found 'em", Seth shouted triumphantly. Not a second to soon as Rick had nearly turned the handle to open the closet, which would have released the avalanche that was just waiting to happen.

So, Seth fully dressed, they headed back outside. Rick couldn't help the images of his best friend that were popping into his head. They just came naturally and it was beginning to bother him.

Before hailing a cab Rick asked, "Hey, can we head to the gas station real quick? Need to get a few things".

Seth nodded and they trekked across a few streets to get there. As Rick went inside, Seth sat down on a bench, taking out his phone to play a game.

Rick headed straight to the bathroom right off the bat. He pulled a small bag of white powder and a square Tupperware lid from an inner pocket in his jacket. He was so glad that James had tossed him the bag, else he'd be hitting a wall soon enough. He poured out and evened out a pair of lines on the lid, bringing it to his nose, plugging a nostril and doing one, then the other back to back. He tilted his head back, inhaling deeply and harshly, before rubbing his nose a bit. He looked into the mirror to make sure he rubbed off any excess before sealing the bag and pocketing his paraphernalia. Once he was all set he left the bathroom, grabbed a Full Throttle and headed for the counter.

He set the can on the counter, and as he pulled a ten from his jacket he said, "Can I get a pack of Paul Mall Red shorts too".

The attendee nodded, turning around and grabbing the pack, scanning it, and setting it on the counter. After he scanned the energy drink he said, "Eight thirty-eight".

Rick handed him the ten, got his change, pocketing it with his money and his smokes and headed outside, can in hand. He walked to Seth who looked up asking, "All set?" With a nod from Rick he pocketed his phone and they headed for the side-walk to hail their cab.

Rick popped the top to the drink as they waited for a cab to pull up, which only a few minutes. As they climbed into the back the driver asked "Where to?"

"The mall", Rick replied.

The ride was quiet for the most part, except when Rick decided to light a cigarette in the back seat which caused the cabbie to yell at him. To relieve the yelling he tossed it out the window, grumbling a bit with Seth just chuckling and chiding him at the same time. Rick ended up drinking down the energy drink instead since he couldn't smoke and finished just as they pulled up to the mall.

They stepped out, Seth paying the fare, and then walked in. "Where to first".

"First, we should get some food. I'm starving right now".

"Is it because you haven't eaten, or because you're coked?"

Rick flinched a little at that but said, "Because I actually haven't eaten yet".

Seth gave him a look, to which Rick answered, "Yeah, alright, I'm coked up. Get off my back alright? I'm actually hungry because I'm hungry right now, 'kay?"

Seth sighed and just let it go as they walked to the food court. Once they reached it, they didn't make it very far in as Rick immediately ducked around a corner to the left, back plastered to the wall, tail tucked and ears seemingly nailed to his head.

"What's wrong?"

"My ex is out there. He's the Dobie at the center table on the left."

Seth poked his head around the corner, spying the Dobie after a moment of looking before turning back to Rick.

"Okay, so? Why are you hiding?"

Rick looked at the ground a bit sheepishly before saying "Well, he wasn't the best boyfriend in the world." He sighed, took a deep breath and said, "He likes to drink. A lot. And he can't really handle liquor in the most civilized manner."

Seth could see where this was going, but held his tongue.

"He wasn't overly abusive, but he flew off the handle one night. I found out he was cheating on me, which doesn't make sense now cause he knew what I did but I guess there's a difference, I don't know. Anyways I asked him about it and he put me in the hospital. After that I stayed away and spent as much time at James' as possible. Jesse already lived there so it wasn't that big of a deal".

Seth's fists were clenched. "He needs a lesson". He started for the Dobie and made it a short ways before Rick was able to stop him.

"No Seth. Stop! Don't, don't make it worse. It's over, he hasn't messed with me and he probably doesn't remember me".

"Rick?"

"Shit" he mumbled.

"Is that you skank?"

Rick wanted to run but he couldn't. He wanted to hide but couldn't move. So Seth stepped in front of the smaller male, hiding him.

"Who the fuck are you? Some new dog plowing my bitch, huh? And you accused me of cheating. Dumb slut".

"I think you need to shut your muzzle mutt".

The Dobie laughed, "Big man are we? What you think cause you're a soldier you're tough shit? You're just some human's lap dog". He laughed again, for about two seconds before catching a fist to his mid-rim, causing him to "oof" and then caught another to the side of his jaw that sent him flying over a table and two chairs. Seth watched him for a moment before turning to look at the group the Dobie had been eating with. None of them moved. They were too shocked. Eventually Seth turned, putting an arm around Rick and forcing him to walk with him away from the area.

"What just happened?" the terrier asked.

"I punched out your ex. And nothing happened." Rick was speechless. They headed to the other side of the mall to the other food court, which was smaller, but also less busy. Rick sat down, coming out of his trance as Seth went and got pizza for the both of them.

"Why the Hell did you do that? That's only going to makeshift worse for me! Oh Gods he's gonna be looking for me now. He knows James and where he lives, he's got to figure I've been living there. What the Hell am I going to do?"

Seth lightly grabbed Rick by the muzzle to quiet him before stating "I just punched him out in public. He thinks we're together. He's not going to do a damn thing. For fear of getting his ass whipped if nothing else."

"But what about when you leave again? What then?"

"I'll work something out."

Rick shook his head but dropped the subject and just ate his pizza.

The rest of the day was pretty uneventful, aside from Rick using restrooms to short a line of coke every so often, getting scolded each time. He was able to get his shopping done, though he wasn't able to find a pair of briefs that he had wanted in his size. They were even able to find Seth a few things and got to take advantage of him being active military.

On their way out of the mall Rick said, "Be right back" and started to head for a restroom, but turned and looked at Seth to add "I actually have to piss this time". Seth just shook his head, but finally finished a thought that he'd started back at the food court, and took out his phone, dialing a single number.

Rick had had to actually take a piss this time, and a long one at that. He washed his hand-paws, drying them and double checking his appearance in the mirror, something that had become habit every time he got the chance before walking out. He got up to the Malinois just as he was hanging up his phone. As Seth pocketed it he looked to Rick.

"All set?"

"Yeah. Who was on the phone?"

"Oh, wrong number. Come on, let's get out of here".

Rick nodded, not really thinking about the phone call much. They walked out a side entrance, the second they got outside Rick lit up a smoke as they walked towards a bus stop that would take them back towards Seth's apartment. Rick killed his cigarette just as they made it to the bus stop, only having to wait a few minutes for the bus to arrive. They got on, paid, and headed to the back.

Once they had their seats Seth asked, "Hey, you're not working tonight, right?"

"Nope, why?"

"Why don't you stay at my place tonight? We didn't really get too much time to truly catch up, was mostly just me talking about training and what not. I'll even make you dinner".

Rick laughed "You? Cook? Should I call the fire department ahead of time?"

"Hey! The Army teaches you a lot of stuff. Including how to cook. I can even sew".

"Oh, call the Nobel Prize committee".

Seth lightly elbowed the smaller canid in the arm, "Come on. It isn't just 'here's the bad guy, here's where the bullets come out, point and shoot' you know."

Rick settled a bit and said, "Why not. If nothing else it should be entertaining watching you work a microwave."

The pair chuckled a little, but Rick grew a little solemn. "Thanks, uh, for earlier. You know. With my ex. I know I must've sounded ungrateful earlier. It's just I had forgotten about him and seeing him today kinda scared the Hell out of me".

"Hey, don't worry about it. It was something that needed to happen for someone to learn a lesson. Plus he hurt you; I can't let that go unpunished".

The terrier's tail went a bit erratic, but all he said, "Thanks" again.

Seth put his arm around the smaller male canid and gave him a brief squeeze, but didn't remove his arm when he was done. Rick nestled into the embrace a bit and thought, 'tonight may be more entertaining than I thought'.