Chapter Three - Across the Way
#4 of Within Escada
Wolfe makes a new friend.
Jacob travels to Moscow while being briefed on his new assignment.
Originally uploaded in April of 2008
Within Escada - Chapter 3 - Across the Way
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Character Overview
Grant William Anderson - an 18-year-old Grizzly bear. He is Scott's boyfriend and is the quarterback for the school football team. Even with his popularity, no one says anything about him being gay. No one at their school is homophobic. He has been a good friend of the others since late elementary school.
*Warning - Adult Content* Contains homosexual characters and themes.
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"I have been called out to Moscow. The mission specs are e-mailed already." Jacob said as he quickly put together a small duffle bag. "Sounds like fun. Just be careful, okay?" Mark said as he hugged Jacob from behind. Jacob shook his head in agreement, "Don't worry. I'll be back in a few days." The two made their way down the stairs and had gone to the garage. "I love you." Mark said before Jacob climbed into the Mustang. "As do I." Jacob said as he then kissed Mark before climbing into his seat and starting the engine. Mark opened the garage door and waived to Jacob as he pulled out and drove off to the airport. 'Be safe.' Mark thought as he shut the garage door.
"We have to go to the commons in order to get our schedule this year." Jessica said as she pointed towards the double doors. Their school took up almost eight city blocks, a very large, well-built architectural triumph. Many furs say that Shadow Cascade Academy was more of a college campus, but all the students loved the beauty of the school and took pride in it.
As the doors opened, the vastness of the commons made them feel small, the sunlight making their eyes squint. Hundreds of furs were gathered around the front of the schools three story library, its large windows reflecting all light that touched them. "Wow, this is going to take awhile." Scott said as he held onto Grant's arm. "Yeah, but it's good that classes start late today." He smiled at Wolfe. "Well, not much we can do about it." Wolfe replied. They stood in the long line that slowly was making its way forward.
A lone Arctic fox was sitting on a bench after receiving his schedule. 'Well at least I got all the classes I wanted to get this year. It just sucks that I know nobody. Of course my dad wanted to take the new job but I can't complain.' Alex sighed as he looked up, meeting eyes with a wolf. The wolf was an average height and dressed very well, his eyes a smoke-blue. Alex quickly turned away; hoping that he did not actually meet eyes with what he thought was a rather attractive wolf.
'Damn it. I am always getting myself into trouble. I hope that he doesn't think anything off it.' He stared down at his schedule, averting his attention. Alex was gay; he had been for a few years. Every one of the furs he had tried to be with just wanted sex or for him to give them a muzzle job. He started having a hard time as more of the other students found out he was gay. He got up and went to his first class, arguing with himself as he made his way toward the performing arts building.
Wolfe turned to view the sculpture garden that was to one side of the library. As he turned he met eyes with a white fox, about his age and even more strikingly familiar. They met eyes for only a second but the fox turned away. Wolfe had no idea what to think, other than the fact that even he couldn't help but stare at the rather familiar white fox that caught his eye. 'Was he... No. Probably just coincidence.' Wolfe turned as a mare asked him for his name. "What's your name?" "Wolfe Escada." He replied as he held out his paw. The mare held out the schedule. He turned to view where he saw the wolf, but he was gone now. 'Oh well,' he thought, 'it's no big deal anyway.'
Wolfe turned to his friends to compare schedules, all of them sharing the same core classes. "So we all have everything but electives," Jessica stated as she held all of their schedules together, "I hope we can all sit together in them." "Yeah, it'll be great." Scott said as he smiled at Grant. Grant grinned as he met with Scott's muzzle, kissing him lightly. "I would hope so." Wolfe and Jessica grumbled as they sat on the benches nearby.
For a moment they sat silently viewing their schedules. "So Wolfe, what kind of plans do you have for our class?" Scott asked. Wolfe was the senior class president as well as the president for the associated student body. "Well I have the prom site all picked out, and funds are all setup. Pretty much everything is taken care of." Wolfe said as he pulled out a folder from his bag, he opened it to reveal a long list of activities and cost sheets. "We are lucky that we have someone who is on top of everything." Grant said as he patted Wolfe on the back. "Yeah, and it's nice that I'll really only be busy in the fall." Wolfe said as he pulled out another folder filled with hundreds of sheets of music and dotted diagrams.
Wolfe was also the drum major of the schools two hundred plus member marching band. "I cannot wait to see you guys at the first football game. Was practice this summer hard? I heard you have a bigger show compared to last year." Grant asked. "Definitely, I and everyone else had to be up at six every morning for the past week. We are going to really dominate this year's competitions." Wolfe proudly boasted. "Well with you as our fearless leader we can't lose." Scott said as he saluted Wolfe.
Wolfe chuckled as the bell for classes to soon start rang. "Looks like we are finally going to start senior year. Come on Grant, it's a way to the physical sport center." Jessica pulled on Grant's paw as she sat up. He nodded and just before he walked away he locked muzzles with Scott. "See you in English love." Grant winked as Scott blushed. "We will." Scott winked back. They all stood as they made their way to their classes.
Alex stood behind a music stand as he assembled his snare drum, attaching the harness to the drum before slinging it over his shoulders. The classroom that was the instrumental performance room was nearly five times bigger than at his last school. 'They go all out at this school.' Alex thought. He let out a sigh as the percussion instructor made his way toward him, holding a very large binder. "Alex, right? So did you learn all of the music?" The badger smiled as he stood in front of the wolf. "Yes Mr. Histav. All of it." Alex said timidly. "Well I would like to hear it. I did not make you center snare for nothing. Start at movement three at the end of the solo." Mr. Histav opened his folder and flipped to the page.
Alex sighed as he pulled at his sticks from their sheath on the snare, high quality Vic Firth outdoor snare sticks of fine maple wood clicked as he settled them in his paws. Before he even started, he clicked his sticks twice for counting and broke right into the music. All was silent as he played; no slips, missed notes, or even the slightest delay in tempo. A crowd slowly formed as the fox stared into space, focusing on his performance.
Wolfe and Scott made their way into the large classroom that had a large group of furs centered around the podium. "Sounds like center snare is showing off again. Typical." Scott said annoyed with the sound. "Do you not remember? The center was some fur who tried out before practice week. He moved here from Texas." Wolfe said as he approached the circle. "Come on, let's go see." He grabbed Scott's paw and slowly made his way through the crowd.
When Wolfe got to the podium he froze as he saw the white fox from earlier standing proudly behind his snare and continuing to beat the head of the drum. "Wow." Wolfe could say nothing more. Not just because the fox was an amazing musician but also because he could not help but admire how attractive the fox was. He was athletic looking, with white fur and a little shorter then Wolfe. He soon felt himself getting slightly turned on; quickly leaning on the podium to hide is tenting pants. 'Damn, this fox is hot. I knew he looked familiar, I couldn't help but be distracted almost all practice week.' "Wow is right, this guy is amazing." Scott said. "You can say that again." Wolfe uttered as he focused on the fox. Scott smiled; he knew what Wolfe was hinting at. Wolfe had never been with another male fur, he wanted to but every one of them was looking for a hook up rather than a relationship. A quick pawing, fast muzzling, or even a short yiff was all they were looking for. What was worse is that Wolfe would get close to some of them and then they would just ask him to go down on them on day one. Scott could not remember how many times Wolfe ended up at his house crying his eyes out because he thought he had finally met someone special, but it all being apparent that his hopefulness of a mate was wrong. It was a good thing that Wolfe never submitted to their requests, Scott had saved himself for someone truly special and recommended Wolfe does the same.
"So what are you thinking?" Scott whispered, winking at Wolfe. "Uh, I don't think he is even gay, he certainly looks like the macho tough guy over there." Wolfe whispered back at the panther. "It is worth a try. Cannot really hurt, you just have to be careful with your approach. Don't make him uncomfortable." Scott said as he nudged Wolfe's shoulder. Wolfe nodded, as he soon stood up straight. "He is at the end now."
Alex was nearing the end. He noticed the wolf from earlier was now staring right at him from the corner of his eye. 'Is that the... He was familiar. Just please not think anything of earlier.' He was at the end, his sticks rebounding from his strikes as he meticulously played the last of the notes with precision. He finished, the furs around him breaking into a cheer. "Well, looks like we are all set for our lead snare." Mr. Histav extended his paw to shake with Alex. "Thank you. But, I'm just doing what comes natural." The fox blushed as he came face to face with the director, a very tall black bear. "Music's is best when done naturally. Therefore, you are the fur everyone is talking of. My name is Dr. Volks. You definitely have talent." He extended his paw. "Thank you sir." Alex said as he shook the bear's paw.
Everyone was still talking about Alex and his small performance as they took their seats on the risers. "It is definite." Dr. Volks said. "I don't know who that is though." Alex said sadly as he looked down. "That would be me." The wolf who had been watching him stepped forward. "Alex, this is Wolfe Escada the drum major and the panther next to him is the captain, Scott Wilson." Wolfe and Scott both greeted Alex as they shook paws.
Alex, being completely shy, did not make eye contact with Wolfe. He was embarrassed about earlier and really had no idea what to say. As he continued to avoid Wolfe's eyes the starting bell rang. "All right now, everyone take his or her seats. We have a good amount of review to do since you all had the weekend." Dr. Volks said as he stood upon the podium. Everyone made it to their respective seats in sections, Wolfe and Scott still standing by the podium. Alex had made his way to the back of the risers standing amongst the other field percussionists. "So let us get started you all know each other from over the summer and because of the practice week. Everyone knows the drum major and captain so I'll let them take it from here." Mr. Volks stepped off the podium and stood aside as Wolfe and Scott got into position in front of the large group of furs.
"From the top, movements and all, including visuals." Wolfe opened his folder with the music inside. He made eye contact with Scott. "Band attention!" Wolfe shouted, all the furs snapping to a ready position as they awaited their next command. Wolfe raised his paws to count off, Scott watching him to follow suit as the off field percussion started to play the beginning of their ten minute show.
The class ended an hour later, all of the students eagerly excited at their own progress and talking amongst one another of the competitions to come. Alex had put away his snare in the locker he had been given for his equipment. 'Now for the rest of my classes.' Alex sighed. He tucked away his music and shut the door of the locker. "So... Alex, right? What's up?" Wolfe said as he stood next to Alex's locker. Alex yipped as he was startled by Wolfe and his sudden appearance. "Uh... Hi. I am... Okay I guess." He said as he reconciled his composure. Wolfe smiled and picked up Alex's schedule that had fallen to the floor. He took a quick glance at it before handing it to the fox; he was in all the same classes as Wolfe.
"Hey, so where are you off to now?" He asked as Alex tried to give an answer. "I have English next in the Language Arts building room 236." "Really? That is where I am headed. Are you going there with anyone?" Wolfe asked as he tried not to grin in excitement. "No. I don't know anybody." He looked down at his foot paws. "Not anymore. Wolfe Dimitrivich Escada, I'll be the first." Wolfe smiled as he held out his paw. Alex smiled back, holding back his true excitement and shook the wolf's paw. "Alexander Kene Stevenson, but I go by Alex."
The bell for the passing period rang as they stood silently. "Well we better get going then. It's a trek to that building." Wolfe made his way out of the locker room, Alex following close behind. "So where are you from?" Wolfe asked. "I am from Texas, I moved here this summer. My dad took up a job out here." Alex stated. "That's cool. What's he do?" "He is a real estate investor. He took up the chance to get into a really good market out here." "That's nice; my dad is a stock investor so it's like the same thing." Wolfe said. So many questions to ask in so little time and Wolfe could only remain silent.
It was awkward. Wolfe tried to figure out what to say next but could come up with nothing as he walked next to Alex. They had made their way toward the commons that was now flooded with furs. "Just stay close," Wolfe said as he put his paw on Alex's shoulder, "I wouldn't want you to get lost." Alex tried not to make too much of it, the wolf placing a firm grip on him to keep him close by. Alex could not help but stare at wolf from the corner of his eye.
Wolfe was about six feet tall with the most luxurious coat. It was black but dusty, the gray and brown of his under coat truly enhancing the overall shine of his fur. The wolf's natural scent was intoxicating, a mix of weak cologne and the light smell of what could be similar to wet clay. Moreover, the wolf was muscular. He was trim and had a very strong build that Alex could not help but shudder at the thought of what the Wolfe looked like naked. 'This is one hot wolf.' Alex thought as he pushed his way past a large bear.
"Hey buddy. Watch where... Wolfe!" Grant exclaimed. "Hey Grant, looks like Alex was just trying to keep up." Wolfe smiled as he winked at Grant. Grant saw the wink, knowing exactly what the wolf was trying to say without words. "Aw... Looks like you're completely new around here, huh?" Grant extended his paw to meet Alex's. "Yeah, but I have at least met someone who is willing to help me out." He nodded as he looked over at Wolfe. "No sweat. I can understand where you're coming from." Wolfe smiled as he heard a familiar fur calling his name.
"Wolfe! Come on we got an elevator on hold." Scott yelled as he and Jessica stood in the elevator to go up to their next class. Wolfe tugged Alex by the strap on his backpack, "Come on, I'll introduce you." The three of them made it over to the elevator, the doors closing after. "Hi there! I'm Scott and this is Jessica." Scott said as he and Jessica both extended their paws. Alex greeted them and shyly looked down at his foot paws. "You already met Grant by my understanding." Scott said as he pulled the large bruin closer to him.
Alex lifted his head, seeing Scott and Grant kiss lightly. "They are together. Kind of cute, huh?" Jessica said as she moved next to Alex. "Uh... I guess." Alex looked away as he turned bright red underneath his coat. "Do not be afraid. They don't bite... Except each other." Wolfe chuckled as the door opened to the second floor. They all shuffled out of the elevator and down the hallway. "Here we are! The wonderful fun of English!" Jessica said sarcastically as she opened the door to the classroom.
Their classrooms were very large, especially for the core math and English classes, much like college. They made their way towards the far center of the room and all took a seat, Wolfe sitting next to Alex. "I will sit here next to you. Is that ok?" Wolfe said as he smiled at Alex warmly. Alex tried to hide his obvious red face, "Yeah, that's fine." He looked away to face the front of the class. Alex was nervous; he was shaking in his seat. 'God! He is so hot, and he is so nice. But, I can only dream.' Alex opened his backpack and pulled out a notebook.
A small raccoon opened the door next to the dry erase boards and came to the front of the classroom, waiting patiently as more students exchanged greetings and took their seats. The bell rang with its sharp tone, many of the furs wincing at the sound. "Welcome, my name is Professor Oflor. This is English 12 - Advanced Composition and Studies." The raccoon said as she withdrew a rooster and a stack of papers. Making her way around the room as she handed out the papers she took note of the students. "Nice to see you again Mr. Escada. Let's see what this year has in store." She said as she glanced over at his friends. 'Oh what fun.' Wolfe thought as he too glanced over to his friends who knew exactly what he was thinking. English would suck because once again they had the same teacher from last year.
The day progressed much the same way cycling through Economics, Calculus, Physics, the break period that was lunch, and Psychology. The last class of the day was where all of them broke apart for their second elective. Scott had Advanced Photography, Jessica to pep squad, and Grant to football. Both Wolfe and Alex had Advanced German together. "So how long are you going to be silent? It's nerve racking." Wolfe said as he opened the door to their final class. "Oh... Sorry, I'm just being..." Alex trailed off not finishing his sentence. "Well we are almost done now. Come on, will sit together." Wolfe said as he led Alex toward the desks.
Alex was nervous all day. He fought against himself not to take glances at Wolfe and trying to keep himself from staring into his smoke-blue eyes. The wolf was strong too, when they were coming down a flight of stairs in the mezzanine Alex tripped and nearly fell headfirst down them. Wolfe had been walking down just a few steps ahead of him and quickly lunged to catch Alex, the wolf holding him tight. Alex could not help but blush a fiery red as Wolfe asked him if he was ok. Alex felt something special about this wolf, but he knew that it could not be.
A German Sheppard entered the classroom from a door on the far end of the class. "Guter Nachmittag Kategorie. Willkommen zu vorgerücktem Deutschem." (Good afternoon class. Welcome to Advanced German.) The Sheppard walked to the board and wrote his name. "Mein Name ist Dr. Guiseppe, ließ uns jetzt anfangen." (My name is Dr. Guiseppe, let us begin.) The teacher then wrote a clear statement in English, 'No English is to be used in the class.' "Nicht ist dieses Spaß." (Won't this be fun.) Wolfe said as he patted Alex on the shoulder. Alex smiled; he was going to have fun in this class.
The class flew by in a flash. Wolfe and Alex learning about one another, even in another language. However, as fast as the class started it ended. The two exited the classroom laughing at a joke Alex told. He was no longer nervous after talking to Wolfe. The two walked out of the class continuing to converse in German as they made their way toward the parking lot elevators.
"So then I opened the door and there it was. It is so beautiful and I was speechless just from looking at it." Wolfe exclaimed. "That is awesome. My dad got me a motorcycle for my birthday last year. I love it." Alex said as they entered the elevator. The two smiled at one another as the doors opened. Scott, Jessica, and Grant were standing together just outside. "Hey you two. We've been waiting you know." Scott said as he puffed out his chest toward Wolfe.
Wolfe blushed and chuckled to himself. "Well... Tomorrow we have an early day." Alex said. "Yeah, since we have to be here an hour early for the zero periods that is field practice." Wolfe said as he slowly started to make his way to the car. "So we'll see you two tomorrow have a good day." Jessica said to Grant and Alex as she opened the door. "I sure hope so, that would be awesome." Alex tried to keep himself from glancing at Wolfe but the wolf caught it. Wolfe turned away, acting as if he did not see it, which set Alex's nerves at ease.
"See you bright and early!" Alex said as he made his way to the lockers near the elevators to collect his helmet and jacket. "Yeah, are you guys tomorrow." Grant ran over to Scott and kissed him goodbye. "I'll call you tonight Grant." Scott said as he got into Wolfe's car. Grant then made his way to the elevator to go down a floor to his car. They all waved to one another and went their separate ways.
Wolfe pulled out of his parking space with Scott and Jessica in tow. He made his way to the exit of the garage and waited at the exit for the light to turn green. When he stopped a jet-black Japanese motorcycle with a white fox pulled up next to him. It was Alex; he didn't have his helmet on. "Nice bike you got there." Wolfe said with a toothed grin after rolling down his window. "It gets me from a to b." Alex said as he reached into his leather jacket. He pulled out a small folded piece of paper no bigger than a business card and handed it to Wolfe. Alex smiled and put his helmet on and closed the visor. He sped down the road, his bike letting out a load roar.
Wolfe sighed and then made his way out of the structure, smiling as he remembered what the card said. 'Thanks Wolfe for today. Give me a call. 626.555.5559.' Alex's name was written at the end. Scott and Jessica knew exactly what Wolfe could be smiling about but they said nothing, letting him be as they made their way home.
It was a long flight. Jacob had landed in Japan to make a connecting flight to Moscow. He was to meet another fur by the waiting area before getting on his next flight. It was quiet, even for a rather large airport. He checked into the ticket counter and made his way toward a seat, glancing over the tar mat that was the runways.
"Excuse me, sir. Would you happen to have the current time?" A small swine approached Jacob; he looked to be in his sixties and had a small pair of spectacles on his snout. Jacob looked over to him with a blank face but then smiled. "I sure do. It is 456, omega." he grinned. "Nice to see you again, Jacob. Here are the rest of the mission specs." The swine said as he sat next to the wolf and pulled out a folder from his bag.
"This looks fun." Jacob said as he flipped through the various pages. "Don't forget to go to the red cafe near your hotel at three to pick up your gear." The swine said as he rose from his seat. "I won't forget. See you later Thomas." The wolf said as he to sat up to board his flight. "See you later too Jacob." The swine turned and made his way out of the airport.
Jacob made his way to his seat, preferring one in the center so that he could watch the in flight movie. "Is there anything you would like to drink sir?" A kind sheep asked. "Vodka martini, shaken, not stirred." Jacob grinned and almost laughed at himself for his order. The sheep nearly broke into laughter, but just nodded in agreement and went to prepare Jacob's drink. 'Now for some down time.' Jacob thought as a few other passengers began to fill the plane.
"See you tomorrow morning Wolfe." Scott said as he shut the door. "Yeah, see you tomorrow." Jessica smiled and winked at him. Wolfe blushed and waved goodbye. As Wolfe turned at the end of the block Jessica asked Scott a question she had been dying to ask. "So did Alex give Wolfe his number?" She said in excitement. "Your guess is as good as mine. I think so." Scott said as he turned to go inside his house.
Jessica grinned, "Oh what has that wolf gotten into. In addition, that fox is one fine catch. It sucks that he is gay." "He is?" Scott exclaimed and quickly ran up to the fox. "He is, I asked him at lunch when we went to get a soda. He didn't want Wolfe to know so keep it between us." She smiled and flashed her tail to and fro. "I can keep it. No worries promise." Scott raised his paw. "I'll hold you to it." She raised her paw to meet Scotts.
They smiled and nodded in agreement. "Besides, it will be more fun to watch them learn of each other." Scott said as he winked. "Sure will. Well, I have to go. I'll be here tomorrow. See you then." She turned and waved goodbye. "Careful crossing the hedge. See you later." Scott said jokingly as he opened his front door giving a final wave. Jessica smiled and waved back, hoping over the hedge and proceeding to her own house.
Wolfe dropped his bag on the couch that sat on one side of his room. He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out the small card Alex had given him and examined the phone number. 'What do I do? It does say to call him.' Wolfe thought as he traced the numbers with his eyes. 'He cannot be gay, but who knows. Even then just talking to him was great.' He reached into his pocket and pulled out his cell phone, taking a seat on the couch and turned on his stereo.
Wolfe stared at his phone as he looked at the keypad. He finally worked up his courage and punched in the number. Letting out a sigh, he pressed the dial button and waited for the phone to begin ringing.
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Just wanted to add: If your got a chance leave some comments or something. It's always appreciated. Be on the lookout for another chapter of Within Escada, Chapter Four - Next to the Big Tree.
WDE
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All characters, structure, scenario, and plot © 2010, 2013 Wolfe Dimitrivich Escada aka XenialShadow
All artists, music, brand names, company names, slogans, registers, and trademarks are copyright to their respective entities and used only to enhance the story.
The majority of the story is purely fictitious and is not to be taken into account in the event of coincidental reality.
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