FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

WOW! I'm really pretty bad at this haha....the whole up loading thing that is. But good news! The story is about to start getting good (that sounds abit arrogant doesn't it...i'll leave it up to you guys to decide haha). But seriously, i'm about through with most of the editting (as in throwing in chunks of story that i felt needed to be added when i had orignially started).

Got a bit delayed in writing what with some problems that decided to come about at inopportune times--what with between trying to sort things out and irregular sleeping habits, but oh well, i'm rambling! Hope you enjoy--heh...hope the story itself is enjoyable!

______________________________________________________

Marion let out a sigh and looked up at the ceiling. What was Ben doing? Perhaps he was grading a few papers--maybe even one of them with Chris's name on it. There was a quick shift in thought, but one with a unity to it. They do know each other...so...that's good, right?

There was a light huff from the otherside of the room. Looking over he noted Chris sitting up and looking at the window.

"Do you mind if I head out for a bit?"

"Where?" Marion asked, sitting up in return and cocking his head. There was a tiny shopping mall just across the street, along with those street shops they had down in the southern area--although also in the mountains. He didn't exactly think there were any real causes for concern if Chris took a walk.

"Just to walk around. I'll be careful," Chris replied but waited for a nod of approval.

"Take your phone with you, OK?"

"I will,"

"Do you want some money?"

"No, no...I just want to walk around,"

"OK Pup...be safe,"

"I will be," Chris said and a moment later he was outside. As the door closed behind him he was sure he heard his father's phone ringing. He let out a sigh. I'm not...I'm not that upset about it anymore...not really

He found himself quickly moving down the street, staring down at the sidewalk as he moved. After a bit he was unconsciously taking his steps in such a manner that he didn't step on the cracks. I mean...how can I be? He's my dad. I know he loves me and everything. He knows what's important to me. I know he wouldn't forget the anniversary of when my mom died...

Chris faltered for a second, stepping over one of the cracks and scowling as he did so. After a moment he felt a cool wind play behind his ears. There wasn't any one sense that seemed to stand out at the moment; he simply felt like each of his senses fired off at random points. The only thing continuously moving seemed to be his feet and mind.

He knows a lot. I mean...he knows my birthday. He knows my schedule at school. He knows my favorite food, movie, music, and season. He even knows the name of the songs I play during the play at the school. It's not really that big of a deal that he forgot this, is it? I mean, it's not like this is a calendar event...if there was a long weekend two months away we would've done this then...........he would've forgotten then...

Chris sighed a little, unsure where to go. He just felt better walking; felt better moving--somewhere. Dad has been really happy lately...I should be happy too, shouldn't I? I mean, I'm happy he's happy......I just wish he'd thought about me...

This time a small growl fell from his throat. That's not fair...I know he cares he told himself quickly.

Maybe...maybe I'm just being greedy? I...I don't know. It feels like he's hiding something from me. But...I'm just a pup--he makes sure to remind me of that......oh that's not fair...he just says that as a pet-name right? I mean...but I'm still a pup...why tell me anything? Adult stuff, right? I'll understand when I'm older? At least he didn't tell me that...he...did apologize. But...

Chris let out a sigh and took a left, heading into a small shopping area of the city. It was just a street lined with lots of open stores--it had a mountain getaway look to it. It was that kind of scene you got when coming up to the mountains for some shopping--what with all the shops having that cabin look to them. This had always been one of his favorite spots in the city. Even if he could expect to see the same generic items in the store everytime it was that very sameness that made it special. They were the items of his old home--it was nice to see some things hadn't changed.

A few feet ahead he heard a laugh, that of a mother. Looking up he could see a tigress laughing modestly with another fur--he recognized her. She picked up a fur named Jason at his old school, but they had never spoken. The only reason he knew her was because Jason was the only tiger at the school, though for all he knew that had changed. A small sigh escaped him, but jumped in surprise at the same time as a loud crash of thunder fell down from the skies.

It was just the sound, not the event. After all, he'd nearly expected a downpour while he'd been at his mother's grave. Almost instantly afterwards a deluge seemed to come down onto the world. Chris was glad that the entire strip had a canopy of sorts over it; otherwise it would've been easy to be soaked in just a few moments. He stared out at the street that now seemed fuzzy as millions of drops of rain pattered against the street. "Crap..."

It wouldn't be easy to get back to the motel now--in fact, it would be nearly impossible. His dad had offered him money, which he regretted not taking; at least then he could've bought an umbrella or something. Still, maybe the rain would pass over quickly enough. Looking around, he noted the same bookstore he'd been to with his mother so many times and began to head for it.

_ _

Marion let out a sigh and closed his eyes, wondering if perhaps sleep would do something to help his troubled mind and heart at the moment. A part of him wondered if he should go and try to catch up with Chris--after all, the pup was still just a pup. And he didn't want Chris to be alone all in the city--even if his son knew it much better than he did. After a few moments he shook his head, deciding that a bit of time away from one another may be just what they needed to restore their balance.

The sky was still a strange gray--much like the gray that came with winter, bleak. It should've been depressing, and it probably was to many furs, but Marion didn't think so. In fact, it seemed calming. To him, the gray skies were soothing, and to him reminded him of a renewal. Much li--

*Ring* *Ring*

Marion started in the bed, hitting his head on the headboard as he did and let out a small yelp of pain. Despite the hit he quickly had his paws on the phone and was answering it, "Hello?" he asked, wondering if perhaps Chris needed him.

"Hello....Marion?" a familiar voice asked.

"Hey," Marion said, leaning back in the bed and letting out a sigh. He rubbed over his head and wondered if there would be a knot there--he didn't hope so. He hadn't hit his head terribly hard.

"I'm not calling at a bad time, am I?" Ben asked, hoping he wasn't. He wanted to talk with the wolf, if not a bit selfishly. The weekend hadn't quite seemed to start for him and he was already bored. Usually he could find something to do, but at the moment the best he could do to entertain himself was try and plan a few lessons for school. And, now that he knew about Marion and Chris, every thought of school began to inevitably lead him to think of the wolf--not in a stalking manner, but...in a thoughtful one.

"No, no...I was just...well, trying to relax,"

"You sound upset," Ben noted without thinking too much about the conversation at the moment, instead chewing on the end of the pen thoughtfully. His mind was torn between having someone to talk with and school. He was trying to think of a fun experiment he could do this coming week for the students. They were doing periodic trends--and frankly those were just boring. Even he hated teaching them to the students; despite the helpfulness of them.

"Oh, I made a big mistake," Marion said, shrugging his shoulders a bit as he did. He didn't want to come off too upset--even if he was. The thought of sleep came to him again, and he felt heat rise into his cheeks. He wasn't thinking of the nap anymore, but more focused on the area where the nap would've occurred. I wonder...if he's the cuddling type....

"What happened?" Ben asked, now capping his pen and leaning back in the chair. He could always work on his lesson plans latter, and if worst came to worst, he could even ask the students to do the unthinkable--read their textbooks. Oh the horror...the absolute horror

"Oh...well, I promised Chris we'd......that we'd take a trip this weekend," Marion began, still not feeling it was his place to tell Ben about Chris's mother--in detail--yet. "Thing is...I completely forgot,"

"Oh...."

"Yeah...oh," Marion accentuated with a small scoff. "It's an important trip too. We're here now, but...I'm scared Chris is really upset with me. He's out for a walk right now,"

"I'm sure he's not that mad," Ben replied, trying is best to sound reassuring. Still, he couldn't help but think of most pups and cubs at Chris's age...it was lucky sometimes they didn't burst a gasket just because their ride was a few minutes late.

Marion just chuckled a little. If he wasn't going to tell Ben about Nancy then he couldn't quite explain why the pup had every right to be angry, could he? And Chris surely had the right to be upset--right?

"Want to talk about it? Or want to change the subject?" Ben asked suddenly.

"What do you mean?"

"Well," Ben said, standing up and deciding to walk around his own apartment. Whenever he talked on the phone he got into a habit of pacing around. "I'm not really going to pry for details...and, umm, well, sometimes I don't like talking about my problems,"

"What problems do you have?" Marion asked with a small chuckle.

Ben thought briefly about his teaching and what exactly he was going to do as an experiment, but somehow it seemed--petty. After a moment he chuckled, "Nothing terribly extreme. But what I mean is that, I don't want to force you to talk. If you want to talk about whatever is wrong, we'll talk about that, and if you want to talk about--say the weather--then we talk about the weather,"

"Well, what do you want to talk about?" Marion asked, feeling the most genuinely happy smile he'd had all weekend spread over his features.

"Oh...I don't have too much interesting to talk about," Ben said, shrugging his shoulders as he did, "I've just been doing a bit of grading this weekend; I'm boring,"

"I don't think so," Marion said with a chuckle.

"Thanks," Ben replied, feeling strangely happy someone wanted to hear what he had to talk about--even if he couldn't think of a subject. "Umm...what to talk about? Well......" he said and felt a bit of blood run to his cheeks suddenly. The kiss probably wasn't an appropriate topic. And besides, it wasn't so much talking as an odd desire to do it again. Would Marion be freaked out by that? What exactly was their relationship? Well he's my boyfriend, duh......yeah, yeah, he's definitely my boyfriend. I mean...we kissed! We kissed... Ben told himself in his mind, a bit of smile coming to his muzzle at the thought.

"Well.....?"

"Well, how about......oh, I really don't know," Ben said with a gruff laugh. "It's been so long since I've talked with someone just to talk. Well, someone like you I mean. At the school it's usually, 'oh did you hear this' or 'hey how's this going' type of stuff,"

"You have to know something to talk about,"

"How about my lack of knowledge about what's proper to talk about?" Ben asked with a shake of his head. I mean, I have a few ideas...but I don't' want to scare him away, do I? Then again, if we're a serious couple then shouldn't we be talking about what interests us? I mean, I'm not looking to just have a good friend. Well...I mean...I am...but......a special friend...one who more than just a friend.

"Well...just anything, you know..."

"Ok...umm," Ben began and let out a sigh, "What do you usually answer, even though it never asks a question?" he asked, blurting out the second thing that came to mind--because he was really quite sure the wolf was not interested in the latest article on negative thermal expansion--even if it really was a riveting read.

"What?"

"It's a riddle," Ben explained with a grimace. Were riddles really the first thing that came to mind? Come-on...ask him about chemistry--you two share that. And...well, I do love chemistry. And we have chemistry. I mean, both as jobs and in pe--God that's a terrible pun... Ben thought but nevertheless marked it in his head--it was terrible but he thought it also sounded kind of sweet.

"Well...that's......a telephone!" Marion said after a moment, snapping his fingers as he did so.

"Yeah," Ben replied with a laugh and shook his head once again, "Is it sad that the best I could do was a riddle off the top of my head?"

"I don't think so...we've been talking, haven't we?"

"True," Ben admitted, chuckling again. See, he's nice. Oh well, I knew he was nice...very nice. I just...hope he doesn't get deterred if I can't think of anything to talk about. That's not good, I mean, if I'm looking for a mate, I should have more to say! Well, maybe if I stopped thinking about this so much and focused on the conversation then I would be able to talk for quite some time and yet I'm still thinking about this--shut up Ben...don't tell yourself to shut up actually do it! Oh for the love of....... he was thinking but luckily the wolf came to his rescue.

"So, what do you plan to do over the weekend?"

"Well...I'm a bit tired of thinking about school," Ben replied, And about thinking about thinking....

"I got tired of that years ago," Marion said with a laugh.

Ben laughed lightly before continuing, "I enjoy it. But...I don't know. I mean, there is absolutely nothing worth watching on TV. I'm not in the mood for anything academic. And I can't think of any good books to read at the moment. I'm really at a loss...it's already the beginning of the weekend and I'm bored,"

"How about a movie?"

"Any recommendations?"

"Well...you know my favorite movie,"

"That Shawshunk thing?"

_"Shawshank..._Shawshank Redemption," Marion replied with a mockingly disappointed tone.

Ben made sure the jot the name down in his mind this time. At the very least, it might offer a few hours of entertainment. "OK...I think I'll do that,"

"Well, you're not gonna hang-up on me now are you?"

"No. I'm having fun talking to you," Ben said with a smile, "Who would I be to hang-up on...well, you know?"

"Your boyfriend?" Marion suggested after a moment. Ok, we kissed. I like him. We should...well, you know...settle down our boundaries I guess

"Yeah," Ben replied quickly enough to show that had been the word on his mind the entire time.

"So...officially official..." Marion said with a chuckle, smiling a bit to himself too. A boyfriend...it's been a long time......don't tell him that though! he quickly told himself.

"I'll go update my facebook right now," Ben said sarcastically, unable to help a small laugh.

Marion couldn't help a small laugh of his own. "So........"

".......You like chemistry...right?" Ben asked, wincing a bit as he did.

The conversation flowed smoothly--much like it always did. More than a few times Marion wondered if he and Ben were at the stage where they would occasionally kiss the other? Was that even a stage? If they were talking in person how would they be doing it? At a café? Walking down the street? Paws intertwined?

He could imagine it. Perhaps a kiss on the cheek. After all, they got along, and they were interested right? Or was it too soon to be thinking about just how interested in one another they truly were. "Well...I'm more of a effects type guy...I mean, if I have to with my patients I can explain the more specific details of how it's happening, but for the most part I like to give them the causes--like how any Ritalin and dopamine are related and how so,"

"Yeah, but it's much more than that," Ben replied, more and more happy he'd called Marion. Sure, they were talking chemistry--a subject sure to bore most, but he was having genuine fun. The wolf was able to keep up at all times. It was a bit funny because the wolf's pay level was on an entirely different level, even if Ben's understanding was a bit greater.

Marion chuckled lightly as the bear continued, going on about just what and let out a sigh. Why was it too early to think about just how far this was going to go? They were both adults--both beginning to tapper off the curve of their prime: even if they didn't want to admit it. Why not move faster? They'd had fifteen or more years to figure out what they liked in a person after all.

"Ohh...it's raining..." Marion said, looking towards the window and standing up immediately.

"I'll talk with you later?" Ben asked, already knowing that Marion would hang up. He knew it wasn't the rain, it was the fact that Chris was still outside.

"Yeah...sorry,"

"Don't be...you two be safe....OK?"

"OK......." Marion said and swallowed the lump in his throat, "Thanks for the talk Ben...I'll see you later...right?"

"Of course....thanks for the talk Marion,"

"It was my pleasure...really Ben," Marion replied, blushing a little, but was sure the bear was doing the same. Marion felt a smile spread over his features and he closed the phone. He looked back down at it to see if there were any messages from Chris: there weren't. Regardless, he quickly moved to the door, stopping only to grab his keys.

Chris couldn't help a small chuckle as he turned the page. It was a book he'd read so many years ago--about a pup who didn't get a toy he wanted so he ran away from home, only to come back about an hour later. The pup's parents hadn't even realized he'd run away. The colored pages were very well done, and by then end of five minutes Chris realized he'd read it; that he'd finished the book his mother had made last three nights of story time.

She...could do that he thought, admiring her ability to draw something out and make it feel so natural--so right. She would ask him what he thought was going to happen, and he would reply with some answer about the pup finding a toy on the road, or some happy-ending of his own nature. His mother would simply smile and tell him that they would find out the next night--which they always did.

After setting the book back he looked about the store, before quickly walking over to the fantasy section. He loved fantasy. Well, most of it. He loved the stories that had happy ever afters in them. What was better than reading about the hero, or heroes, that had lost everything rising up from despair and conquering the odds, finding happiness in the journey. As cliché as it was, he always thought about himself as the heroes in the book, or at least thought about a parallel in their lives; even if his despair wasn't as comparable to some of the heroes'--like Galvin who lost his entire village but fought his way to dethrone the vile king.

His eyes scanned over the large selection of books, much to his dismay he had already read the majority of them. There were the current best-sellers, and then there were the ones like The Lord of The Rings or The Eye of the World, and even a series like Redwall--one of his favorites pieces. But sadly, there weren't any that caught his eye that were new. His father had recommended a few books, but he couldn't read some of them.

Sometimes he wondered if his dad realized he was still only a freshman. Some of the books his father suggested were a thousand pages long, and they were old too. He knew it was perhaps stupid to not want to read them because of their age, but one of them, a story about a man falsely imprisoned was too hard for him. After thee chapters he hadn't even been sure who the main character was--even if his father assured him it was one of the best books ever written: he was so sure. Besides, there were movies about many of the books his father recommended.

"Can I help you with somethi--Chris?" a voice asked.

The voice made Chris's ears jump; it was a familiar voice. He slowly turned around to see a young looking jaguar cocking her head at him. The memory came flooding back--not as painful as he had feared but it still smarted his eyes. He managed a weak nod, "Hello Mrs. Jasmine..."

"Chris...you've grown up so much," Mrs. Jasmine said, putting her paws over the wolf's shoulders and squeezing them encouragingly. She had known the pup, well, since he had been a pup--even if right now she could easily see he had grown so much.

"Thanks..." Chris replied, shifting his eyes away. He'd forgotten the jaguar worked here--one of the reasons his mother had so loved this shop. After all, his mother and the jaguar had been best-friends.

"What are you doing down here, I thought you were living up North with your father," Mrs. Jasmine continued, still eyeing the pup. He looked healthy, but she still noted one similarity she'd seen nearly three years ago. There was still that same look of pain in the pup's eyes--though if it was there all the time she did not know.

"We...came down....to see Mom," Chris said, mumbling out the later part and looking away. He didn't want the jaguar to see him cry.

"Oh...well, that is very sweet of you Chris. And I'm really glad to see you also...it's been far too long--and I miss how you used to come in here and read stories all the time," the jaguar said with a small laugh, hoping to draw the pup away from the unpleasant memory. She could only hope he wasn't dwelling on it after all these years.

Chris let out a small chuckle, and felt the tears receding. She wasn't going to push him--she knew exactly how he felt, right? After all, no one missed his mother more than him--and only Mrs. Jasmine came close. He looked down at the ground for a few moments before there was a pulling feeling on his shoulder.

"Come-on...let's talk for a little,"

Chris was surprised, mainly because they did just that. It wasn't difficult to talk with the jaguar, and most of the time it felt therapeutic even. He didn't break down and tell her about how much he missed his mom, but that wasn't the point it seemed. He was able to just talk, and to talk knowing that she understood exactly what it felt like to lose her--to have lost his mom.

"Chris...here, I want to show you this," Mrs. Jasmine said, quickly moving behind her counter and pulling out a book. It didn't take Chris long to recognize it. When it was extended to him he took it gently, feeling memories swell into his mind. His mother had loved this book, it was just a collection of stories--some sad and others happy.

Chris looked up at the jaguar, "I remember this..." he said, not willing to open the book, but still content to just hold it in his paws. He wondered if there was a copy at his house--or was it something that had been lost after he'd moved?

"It was your mother's favorite,"

"Yeah...." Chris replied, smiling a little. He opened his mouth to speak but was cut off by a vibrating feeling in his pocket. He stuck the book under his arm and quickly moved to answer the phone. "Hello?"

"Chris, are you OK?"

"Y--Yeah, I'm fine," Chris replied, noting the bit of tension in his father's voice. There was a sigh of relief on the other end of the phone.

"I'm at the bookstore on Gin-Drive...it's on the left if you're coming from the hotel," Chris replied, looking back down at the book and stroking over its cover. He smiled lightly to himself, glad to hear his father's voice for some reason.

"OK...umm...well, I'm on my way: I was worried about you when I heard the thunder,"

Chris nodded slowly, "OK....I'll see you in a bit,"

"OK...I'll be right there Pup,"

"OK..."

"Bye,"

Chris slowly put the phone back up and set the book down on the counter, "That was my dad," he said, unable to entirely draw his eyes from the book.

"Oh...I guess he is on his way?"

"Yes Ma'am," Chris replied and forced his eyes away. It was harder than he imagined, but eventually he was looking around the shop again. It hadn't really changed, and to the best of his knowledge, neither had Mrs. Jasmine. They spoke lightly for a few more minutes, sometimes reflecting on the past, other times talking about the present. And it was never painful Chris thought. He enjoyed--having someone to talk to who knew so clearly what it was like. He knew his father cared, but it wasn't the same--not like this. A few minutes passed before a familiar scent ran over his nose.

"Hey there Pup," Marion said, shaking himself off a bit from just the general spray of mist one got from walking anywhere near the outside.

Mrs. Jasmine looked between the two a few times, having to do some double-takes. She had always seen the similarities between Chris and his mother, but this was her first time seeing the wolf in person. She had only heard about him at Nancy's funeral, but had had no interest in meeting him--a chance she regretted missing. She wasn't sure what she would've said, but perhaps she would've felt better about having not seen Chris till now. Seeing the wolf was like looking at a grown up Chris, with only a few subtle changes. After a moment she shook her head and smiled at the wolf, "Hello, you must be Chris's father,"

"Yes I am," Marion replied, a bit of pride evident in his tone. He moved up and put a paw on the pup's shoulder, "And you?" he asked, wondering what purpose the jaguar had in talking with Chris--not that he minded. Still, as with everything, he liked to know just who his son was talking with and hanging around.

"I'm Janis Jasmine...me and Nancy were friends," the jaguar replied, noting how the wolf's expression changed at that.

"Oh...it's very nice to meet you...umm, I'm Marion," Marion replied, extending his free paw to the jaguar. She took it, and they shook. Had Chris come here for a reason--or just ended up here? Was he intruding on something? That idea faded away when noticed the pup nestle closer to him--as slight as the feeling was.

"It's good to meet you," Janis replied.

"Likewise," Marion said, and looked down at Chris, "I'm not interrupting, am I?"

"No...I was kind of wondering how I would get back to the hotel," Chris admitted and shrugged his shoulders, "But...I was OK here,"

"Well, I was beginning to worry," Marion said, not ashamed to admit it. After a moment he looked back at the jaguar. "Thank you for looking out for him,"

"It wasn't any trouble," Janis said and before the two could turn she quickly ducked behind her counter and pulled out the book she had been showing to Chris. She moved around and smiled at the pup, "Chris...here, I want you to have this,"

"I couldn't, I don't have any mon--"

"I'll buy it..it's no--"

"I'm giving it to you Chris...as a present," Janis interrupted the two, and pushed the book into the pup's paws. "You're mother loved that book...and I want you to have it, OK? And just remember, if you ever need to talk to me, I'll be happy to talk,"

Chris slowly put his arms around the book, hesitant to take it but eager at the same time. He had been too embarrassed to ask his father for money, and even more he hadn't wanted to ask for it from the jaguar in case he might look weak to her. He wasn't sure it mattered terribly much because he couldn't help but sniffle and nod, "OK...."

Mrs. Jasmine smiled and gently hugged Chris. When she pulled back she was happy to see the pup was smiling still--even if he was a bit sad. Looking up at Marion she smiled at him too and then moved behind her desk, "Well...you two have fun on the rest of your trip, and don't be afraid to stop by,"

Even if he hadn't known her for long, Marion couldn't help but smile and nod at the jaguar. She had just made a large mark in his mind--if only because of her kindness to Chris. Still, what greater show of character was there? He put an arm around the pup and smiled down at him, "Come-on Chris...we should be going,"

"O--OK," Chris replied not bothering to hide the fact he wiped his nose on his sleeve. He turned back with Marion and began to walk out. Before he was out the door though he looked over his shoulder, "Thank you...."

Mrs. Jasmine just smiled and continued to watch the two disappear from the shop, waving them off.

The two moved down the walkway for a few moments before Marion pointed out the car. It was still a downpour. He couldn't help but smile at his son, "I really should've brought an umbrella..."

Chris tugged the book closer, but soon felt a paw on his shoulder.

"Here," Marion told the pup, giving Chris his jacket, "Wrap yourself up in that and you can hold the book under it too..."

Chris didn't object, quickly doing as he was told. He knew what it meant though--that his father was about the be completely drenched. After all, they still had a car that didn't have an electronic button for unlocking. His father would have to unlock the door for him. Still, that didn't mean the wolf would g--

Marion quickly ran out into the rain, giving a slightly yelp as he felt a piece of hail smack him on his muzzle. When did it start hailing?! he thought but nevertheless moved to unlock his son's side of the door. "Come-on Chris!"

Chris quickly ran forward, stuck between his thoughts. At one point, it was kind of his dad to do what he'd done--if not so incredibly stupid. He waited till his father got in on the other side, seeing the wolf's shirt now stuck to his chest, "Why didn't you unlock your side and unlock mine from the inside?"

"I....hehehe...I didn't think about that," Marion replied honestly, unable to stop a small laugh at how he'd managed to forget such a simple solution. For a few more moments he laughed, guessing that it was really the only thing he could do about it now. The smile it put on Chris's muzzle was enough for him to have done it again--hell, he would've even done a stupid dance in the rain for it. What would Ben have thought about it? The bear probably would've laughed at him too. After a bit Marion stifled his chuckle before shaking his head. He started up the car and let out a sigh.

"Chris...I really am sorry about this weekend," Marion said, looking over at the pup and giving his best smile. He didn't know why he smiled, but it felt right. Chris's smile faded away a little, but it stayed for the most part. Still, there was no reply from his son.

"........"

Marion swallowed the lump in his throat and looked away. Had he just ruined a moment?

"Dad..." Chris said, feeling that feeling come around again--the one he had become so accustomed to. It was calm, enjoyable even; the kind he got when he was around his family.

"Yeah?"

"We...can still eat at Henry's Buffet....right?" Chris asked, feeling the tiniest trace of a smile run along his features, and it stayed.

"Yeah...Yeah!" Marion replied, grinning with more confidence, "of course,"