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Between Black and Gold

by Rahne Kallon

***

I've never been the biggest fan of Halloween. Out of all the holidays in the year, that's just one that never appealed to me. I don't know, maybe it's just something I grew out of as a kid. I mean, I thought I was too old to trick-or-treat when I was thirteen. Now as a twenty-three year old Border Collie, I barely even acknowledge the holiday.

It's not like I can truly avoid it, though, with practically everyone in Toronto gearing up for it. Caper Tails, my favorite dance club that my friends and I go to every week, is actually having a Halloween dance. My school, Lakeshore University is riddled with decorations around campus. My art professor even organized a special Halloween contest, which is....kind of mind-blowing.

Even the student union, which is usually my sanctuary when I'm not in classes, is barely recognizable at this point. I'd probably the be odd one out if it wasn't for my boyfriend coercing me into helping him set up decorations.

"Alright, Ian, what do you think?" my Golden Retriever asks, looking down at me from the second floor balcony after hanging a large Halloween sign over it.

"It's...okay?" I kind of shrug. I'm not sure what Jamie's expecting me to say. I mean, he knows this isn't my thing.

"You_could_show a little enthusiasm, you know..." he says, wagging in hopes that I might actually join in some of the fun. I have to admit, sometimes I find it really hard to say no to him. Especially with him looking down at me with that huge smile. He's even more beautiful with his blond hair draping over his face like that.

I find my own tail wagging as I smile back at him. "How about...you and the others have a good time for me?"

A sudden frown falls over his face. "I guess that means you won't be coming to Caper Tails tomorrow night?" I can hear the cheerfulness fading in his voice

"You already know the answer to that." I try to let him down as easy as I can; I don't like to disappoint him, and given how often we dance together... he's definitely disappointed.

"I guess I do." Jamie sighs. He then rolls his eyes at me, giving the slightest chuckle. "You're such a stubborn Collie. At the very least, I hoped you'd do Professor Rampton's contest. I mean...the chance to illustrate a story by Nathan Taylor? Not even you can pass that up."

Right then, I cross my arms and give him the slightest smirk. "I didn't."

His eyes suddenly go wide and he quickly leans over the balcony. "You didn't...what?"

"I didn't pass it up." My devious smirk turns back into a smile the moment I see the reaction bursting from Jamie's face.

"Oh my...Holy shit, dude!" He wags uncontrollably, completely taken aback, with a wave of glee lighting up his face. "Why the hell didn't you say anything?"

I just chuckle and shrug again. "I didn't wanna make a big deal out of it."

"Oh shut up," he says, still elated and wagging. "So, what'd you draw? You've totally have to show me now." He immediately heads towards the stairs, making his way down to the first floor.

"Ehhh...." Suddenly I feel the excitement in my own tail diminishing. "It's...nothing spectacular, really. Just a little something I came up with. You'd probably hate it."

"Please." He dismisses the notion as he walks up to me. "I've seen almost everything you've drawn over the past year. You know there's nothing of yours I'd ever hate. Even the rough stuff."

My tail starts going again. "You flatter me."

He smiles widely. "I'm just honest. Now come on, show me." He gestures in that playful, yet demanding way that kinda turns me on. Now _that_I definitely have trouble saying no to.

"Alright, alright," I concede, leading Jamie to a nearby couch and fishing my tablet out of my bag.

"Bet I'm in for a real surprise here." He's hardly able to sit still, very much perpetuating the stereotype of his breed, which I find both cute and amusing.

"You could say that," I say with a little less enthusiasm as I swipe my finger across the screen a couple times. "Here it is..." I enlarge the picture before handing Jamie the tablet.

"Wait, what's...this?" His green eyes once again go wide as he stares at a picture of a...green-eyed Golden Retriever. With long, black hair, instead of blond. "Is...that..."

"Yeah. It's...you," I tell him, somewhat bashful as I try not to look away.

"Goddamn..." he remarks, with the slightest chuckle. "Me without my blond hair." He starts to marvel at it before looking back at me. "How'd you come up with this?"

"It's just something I had in my head," I say modestly. "If I'm gonna take part in a Halloween contest, for the chance to illustrate a story by my favorite writer...you better believe I'm probably gonna do something pretty...out there. I may not be the biggest fan of Halloween, but illustrating for Nathan Taylor is, like, a dream of mine."

"This is definitely 'out there'," he giggles. "I like it. I like it a lot. Thank you." He kisses my cheek, putting that smile back on my face. "I've often wondered what I'd look like with dark hair..."

"It's not something you're supposed to take to heart. Don't get any ideas, blondie..." I tell him, stroking along his own cheek.

"Oh? And what's that supposed to mean, hmm?" He gives me a seductive, coy look as he leans in to me.

My smile widens when he works his paw down my lower back. "This was just some drawing I came up with. I would never actually want you to change...this...." I say, running my fingers through that gorgeous, blond hair.

He giggles, thumping the couch with his tail. "Goldies can change their hair, you know."

I look right into those green hues of his. "But no Goldie on earth looks as perfect as you do."

"You flatter me..." he says, and this time he's the bashful one.

"I'm just honest."

"I think all this honesty needs rewarding." He gives the perfect gesture with his finger.

I grin and lick his nose. "I like the sound of that. When's your next class?"

"Not for two more hours. I've got some free time until then..."

"Well then. How about you 'reward' me right now?" My tail starts thumping the couch as well.

He smirks. "Your place?"

"Let's do it." And with that, we quickly grab our stuff and take off. I live closer to the university than Jamie does, so it's more convenient.

****

We don't waste any time once we're in my bedroom. "Down, boy," Jamie says as he pushes me down onto the bed. I chuckle and get my clothes off as soon as I can, wagging like crazy as I watch this sexy Golden Retriever strip down in front of me. It might as well be a strip tease with way he's sensually rocking his hips as he pulls down his boxers. And then he kicks them off like a pro, standing gorgeous and naked with a semi-erect cock that's just begging to be stimulated, much like mine.

"I always said you should be a dancer." I smirk while gesturing for him to join me as I situate myself on the bed.

"How about I give you a private dance?" His voice is rife with charm and seduction as he slowly crawls onto the bed, instantly making me hard as he hovers over me.

"Give me your best moves." I lay back as he straddles my lap.

"You're in for a world of trouble." He smirks as he slowly grinds that luscious rump over my length, making me shiver against him. He knows me well, and he knows it won't be long before one of us is begging to be inside the other.

He sensually works his hips over me, rocking himself in every direction as we both start to leak precum onto each other's fur. I can't stop myself from vocalizing my enjoyment, especially when my paws grab his hips. Then it really turns hot when I start grinding against his rump myself, responding to his movements, trying to match his rhythm. That's when he starts panting and letting his own vocals loose. And it's beautiful. When he moans, it's like an erotic symphony in my ears, and it makes me want to fuck him like crazy.

He suddenly leans down, looking right into my eyes with carnal lust. "I need you right now..." he almost pleads, shoving his tongue into my muzzle before I have a chance to respond. I squeeze his hips, gladly wrapping my tongue around his as I tilt my head.

He buries his moans in my muzzle almost as badly as I want to bury my bone in his body. I can feel him trembling when I grab his own cock, squeezing firmly along that lovely, familiar length. He then breaks the kiss and says, "_Right_now..."

Horny and just as ready as he is, I quickly grab the lube I keep on the table next to my bed and hand it to Jamie. He wastes no time in popping it open and pouring some into his paw before thoroughly working it along my length, making me shiver at the cool substance. In the process, he steals another kiss from me, one of horny anticipation. He then spreads a liberal amount of lube under his tail before tossing the bottle out of sight.

With his tail raised, he grabs my cock, shifting around in my lap as we finally reach the apex we've been waiting for. He's pretty much a pro at this, so he knows how to take me. He slowly lowers down himself onto me and I slide right into him like I belong there.

It's incredible. I grab a firm hold of his hips as I thrust back and forth into that amazing rump, completely lost in the bliss of this dog's body and vocals. And he rides me like a champ, squirming in my lap as we try to match our rhythm again. He leans back down, reacquainting me with his tongue in another kiss as my paws traverse through every inch of his upper body, feeling the fur shift between my fingers.

Our moans are once again muffled between our muzzles, with him trying to dominate my tongue. I'm happy to let him; he's a better kisser than me anyway. At the same time, he starts to slam himself onto my cock just as my thrusts become more slow and deliberate, quickly escalating our vocals as I try to push my knot into him.

But this really isn't the best position for that.

"Hold on," I tell him, breaking our kiss. "How about you get on your back?"

"Perfect," he says, panting as he slides off me. We then shift around; he lies on his back, legs spread and open for me as I situate myself on top him. He looks so fucking hot with his hair all over the bed like that. Goddamn.

I'm anxious to get back to it as I guide my cock right back into that eager passage. I slide myself all the way into him, our muzzles quickly spilling with moans as he clenches tight for me. His paws glide through the fur on my arms as I pound his rump with conviction, slamming my knot against him each and every time.

This time, I'm the one shoving my tongue into his muzzle, but he's just as eager to dominate our kiss as I am to dominate his rump.

He whines as I finally start to drive my knot into him, though not all the way. He starts pushing back against my thrusts and _really_working his tongue in my muzzle to let me know how much he wants it. At the same time, he starts pumping his own cock, probably trying to cum at the same time as me. I quickly get the hint and I'm practically ripping the sheets between my fingers as I slam myself into him as hard as I can, burying my knot within his confines.

He breaks the kiss, both of us moaning loud and completely unhindered as clenches around me. Jamie starts shooting like crazy, getting his juices all over my stomach and chest. I can't handle it. Right then and there, I flood Jamie's rump with my own seed, still gyrating against him to maximize the pleasure.

He holds me close as we ride our climaxes together, making them so much better as we spurt into and onto each other.

We're left panting and exhausted once our orgasms subside, and I pretty much collapse on top of him. Jamie just giggles and runs a paw through my hair, while a goofy smile is stuck on my face. And we just stay like that, in the afterglow of our silent breathing as we simply enjoy each other's company.

After my knot eventually goes down, we reposition ourselves, with Jamie back on top of me as we snuggle. We're still spent and sticky, but I oddly kind of enjoy that for some reason.

Suddenly, he starts laughing, causing me to arch a brow.

"What?"

"I'm actually thinkin' about dying my hair black." He wags slowly.

"You can't be serious." I roll my eyes.

"I do kinda like the idea, honestly," he says with a smile. "Halloween's right around the corner, and dying my hair would be a pretty nice fit. As you already know." He smirks.

"What's that supposed to mean?" I give him a look.

"Which of us is the dog with black hair. And black and white fur?" He snickers.

I immediately flick his nose. "Shut the fuck up."

He laughs, wagging even more. "Okay, okay. But I mean...that's why you drew me with black hair, right? Because you knew it'd be fitting for Halloween."

"Yeah...I did. But it's not something I actually thought you'd ever do. And honestly...I don't want you to."

He looks at me, curious. "Why?"

"I'll be honest with you," I say, gazing into those green eyes again. "And this is might sound stupid..."

"I've heard that before." He giggles. "But go on."

I take a deep breath and bump my cold nose against his. "Everyday I thank whatever higher power that you're my boyfriend. You wouldn't believe this, but sometimes I'm incredibly jealous of just how...beautiful you look. I mean...you're perfect."

"Oh, God..." he blushes, wagging on top of me. "You can't mean that."

I give a solemn nod. "I do. You're...pretty much my dream guy. I mean, Goldens have always been one of my favorite breeds, and I go absolutely crazy for blond guys." I can't help but smile now. "Of course it's obviously your hair, your body, and you're free to do whatever you want with it, but honestly...you're the most beautiful guy I've ever met. I think you're perfect. And I hope you never change, Jamie Scott Readon." I can feel a tear running down my cheek as I pour my heart out to him.

"That...is the sweetest thing anyone's said to me in a long time." He tenderly bumps his nose against mine as he rewards me with a kiss. He rarely kisses me like that, but when he does, it's so perfect. "Thank you," he says, brushing my cheek with a paw.

I hold him close, running a paw through his hair once again.

"You're not so bad yourself, Ian Anthony Morlen." He giggles. "I just wish you weren't so goddamn stubborn sometimes."

"I'm sorry." I smile again, licking his nose.

"Come to Caper Tails with us tomorrow. I wanna dance with my boyfriend." His tail waves through the air again.

"Jamie..."

"Come on. Don't make me beg. Sam and Rally are coming, too. You're the only one who's not going."

"You'll never have to beg me for anything," I tell him. "But you know how I feel about that. I don't want to get all dressed up for some holiday I haven't liked since I was a kid. It's just not for me. I wouldn't be much fun."

He sighs. "Like I said...stubborn as fuck."

"Sorry to keep disappointing you..." I bump my nose against his one more time.

"How about tonight then? After class. Let's go to Caper Tails tonight and dance our tails off like crazy. The Halloween dance is tomorrow night, but tonight is just a regular dance."

My tail quickly thumps the bed. "I'd like that. Sure, let's do it. Tonight."

"Awesome!" He steals a kiss before sitting up. "I need to get going, but I'll call you as soon as class is over. I should be out around eight. Sound good?"

"Sounds like a plan." I nod and finally sit up as well. "I think I'll stay here in the meantime and take a quick nap. You kinda wore me out." I smirk at him.

He laughs. "You sure you didn't wear _yourself_out?"

"Only you could tire me this much. Such a needy bastard." I tap his nose.

"I'm not hearing any complaints." He snickers. "I better get going though. I wanna get to class early," he says as he gets up to retrieve his clothes. "Mind if I wash up really quick?"

"Sure, go ahead. I lay back down, letting my eyes fall shut. "I'm just gonna pass out for bit."

"Alright, sleep well. I'm just gonna shower real quick, then I'll be out the door."

"Sounds good. Call me as soon as your class is over." I gesture to him with closed eyes.

"Will do. See you soon, Ian," he says before leaving the bedroom.

"Can't wait..." I quietly utter as I shift around to make myself more comfortable before passing out.

****

I wake up feeling groggy, from a dream where Jamie and I had insanely hot sex. I'm smiling like an idiot because it was so incredible. But when I smell his scent in the air and notice the dried cum in my fur isn't mine...I realize it wasn't a dream.

Then it hits me. "Oh shit..."

I quickly grab my phone from the table, only to receive a shock that actually makes me _wish_I was dreaming. It's three in the morning. And I have four missed calls and two texts. All from Jamie.

"...Fucking shit," I swear under my breath. "Jamie's gonna kill me."

I panic. I try to call him right away, but his phone goes straight to voice mail. "Goddamn it." I want to throw my phone against the wall.

"Rally. I'll try him." That should work. He did say Sam and Rally would be there, too. But the Dalmatian's phone goes to voice mail, too.

"Fuck!" I scream out, clutching my cell phone hard. "Alright..." I take a deep breath.

"Sam..." Finally, the last straw, I try to call Sam. If that Doberman doesn't answer, I don't know what the fuck I'll do.

And to my surprise, it actually rings.

"Ian?"

"Sam! Where are you? Is Jamie with you?"

"Yeah, he's here. We just got back from Caper Tails a while ago. He's kinda passed out with Rally, though."

"Oh...I guess I thought he'd still be awake."

"We were actually wondering where you were. Jamie said you'd be coming tonight?"

"Yeah, I...overslept." I feel like such an idiot telling him that.

"Aww damn, I'm sorry, dude..." Just from the tone of his voice, I can tell I probably missed a really good time. "There's always...next time, though, right?"

"Yeah...next time..." Even though he knows I definitely won't be there 'next' time, which I just know is gonna make Jamie hate me all the more. I can't imagine how pissed off he was at me tonight. I feel terrible.

"Wait, hold on. Jamie's awake. Want me to put him on?"

"...Yeah. Please."

Sam then hands the phone off to Jamie, who answers with a fragile voice. "Ian? You there?"

"Hey...I'm so sorry about tonight. I overslept and missed your calls. I'm truly sorry..."

"...I guess I really did wear you out, eh?" he says, almost joking, trying to mask how upset he is. Even over the phone I can hear it in his voice.

"Yeah...I guess so." I sigh, not really knowing what to say. "Jamie, I really wanted to be there tonight. I did. I'm so sorry to disappoint you again..."

"It's fine, don't worry about it."

"You sure?"

"Yeah," he says rather bluntly.

"Alright, well...I guess I'll see you at school?"

"Actually, no. I won't be at school."

I quickly arch a brow. "Wait, what? Why? Don't you have classes?"

"I'm gonna be busy all day, and my professors are letting me do extra credit work, so I don't have to come class."

"What do you have going on?" I ask, curious.

"Halloween stuff," he says curtly. Now he's not really trying to mask it anymore.

"Ahh...I see."

"I might drop by Lakeshore to turn in some stuff, but that's about it."

"Well then, maybe I'll catch you around then?"

"Maybe you will."

Now I just feel awkward. That was a little cruel. I guess I deserve that. "Alright, well...I'll try to catch you when you're there."

"Sounds good. I need to get some sleep now, though. I'll see you around, Ian."

"Have a good night. Text me when you show up."

"Will do. Night," he says before handing the phone back to Sam.

"You okay, Ian?" he asks, concerned, like the thoughtful friend he is.

"Yeah, just...not too happy about letting him down. Again."

"He'll be alright." The optimism in Sam's voice really helps. I need that right now. "Why not just come to the Halloween Dance? I know it's not your thing; believe me, it's not mine either, but you know I'll never pass up the chance for a good dance. And you shouldn't either."

"Sam..." I let out a sigh.

"It could be fun, Ian. You never know. And you'd probably make it up to Jamie in a heartbeat. That's what you want, right?"

"...Yeah. Of course."

"So, think about it. Drop the stubbornness for once and just...think about it. You're always saying how much Jamie means to you. Now's a really good time to prove it, when he needs you."

"Needs me or wants me?"

He pauses. "After tonight...I'd say needs you. Think about it, okay?"

I sigh again. I can't really dispute that, and Sam knows it. He's kinda good about putting me in my place. "Alright, alright. I'll think about it."

He chuckles finally. "Good dog."

"Fuck you." I manage to grin somewhat.

"Uh huh." He snickers. "Love you, too, Ian. Have a good night, alright?"

"You, too, Sam. Good night."

And with that, I finally hang up and toss the phone on my bed.

I'm just so angry with myself. I really can't believe this happened. I've let my boyfriend down twice in a row now, and...I just don't know what to think of myself at the moment. What's even worse is that I really wanted to be there tonight. Truly. I love fucking love going to Caper Tails; it's not something I easily miss out on. So I'm all the more frustrated at myself for missing out on what must've been a great time.

But besides that, how the hell does someone miss _four_calls? It's not like I have my cell phone on vibrant. Or do I...

I grab it and scroll through the settings real quick just to make sure. And just as I thought, it's still the same dubstep ringtone I had before. So, why didn't I hear it?

But most of all, I'm almost scared to think of just how upset Jamie is this time that I've let him down again. He didn't sound too enthusiastic about seeing me today. I guess that speaks for itself.

"Where's that tablet?" I mutter to myself as I jump off the bed, going into my bag to retrieve the portable computer. I quickly bring up an older picture I drew of Jamie, enlarging it to full screen. This Is my favorite one.

And then I just...stare at it. At him. At that beautiful blond hair, those lovely green eyes and that smile I love so much.

"I'm sorry for letting you down again," I say, closing my eyes as my fingers hover over the image. I can't help but shed a tear and sigh, feeling like a terrible boyfriend. Jamie would never say that, but I certainly feel like it.

I open my eyes and look at the picture again. I need to make it up to him. Somehow.

"Maybe Sam's right..." I mutter as I set the tablet onto the table. "Maybe."

I guess I've got some thinking to do. But for now, I need sleep. I'm still tired, and I just want to pass out. I take a deep breath and wipe my eyes before getting comfortable once again. And with my eyes closed, I'm soon back asleep.

****

It's finally Halloween now, and it seems like everyone on campus is excited for it but me. Now I really do feel like the odd one out. They even displayed all the pictures for Rampton's contest in the hallway this morning.

I haven't seen Jamie today at all, though. I guess he wasn't kidding about not showing up. It feels weird being in Professor Rampton's class without him. Sam and Rally aren't here either, which makes it all the more awkward, because it's the only class all four of us have together. I'm guessing Jamie's probably with them.

I just can't get him off my mind. I keep staring out the window, thinking about doing...anything with him instead of being in class right now. I've barely heard a word Rampton's said since class started.

But thankfully it ends early because of the holiday. I could really use a latte.

I gather my stuff and make my way out with the rest of the class, until the professor stops me with, "Hold on, Ian. I'd like a word."

"Uh, sure, Professor." I walk over to the older Border Collie as he seats himself on the edge of his desk. "What's up?"

"Tell me, has my class suddenly become too boring for you, Mr. Morlen?"

"What?" I look at him, dumbfounded. "No. No, not at all. This is one of my favorite classes, Professor."

"I'm glad to hear that." He nods. "But I ask, because it seemed like you were more concerned with daydreaming than paying attention in class. Which is rare for you."

I quickly lower my head. I can't believe he even noticed that. "Sorry about that, Professor."

He shifts around on his desk. "Is everything alright? You're one of my brightest students and you're usually so full of energy."

"I've...had my ups and downs lately."

"Trouble in paradise?" he asks.

"Yeah..." I arch a brow. "How'd you know?"

He smiles. "I was young once. The one time Jamie's not here, you have trouble focusing. I'm sure Sam and Rally being absent have something to do with that as well."

"Wow..." I've got that dumbfounded look on my face again. "How'd you put that together?"

He chuckles. "I can read between the lines. Or in this case...color between them."

That actually makes me laugh. I need that right now. I love Rampton's sense of humor, however corny it can be sometimes.

"It's not just that, though," I tell him. "This...Halloween thing..."

"Not the biggest fan, I take it?" He shifts around and crosses a foot over the other.

"Not exactly." I lower my head with another sigh.

"I kind of figured you weren't," he says matter-of-factly.

"What gave it away?"

"Well..." he says, "you were the very last one to submit anything for the contest. Last one by far. In fact, you almost missed the deadline. And you haven't exactly shown the same enthusiasm that other students have."

"Wow...you're pretty good at this, Professor," I say with a nod.

He smiles. "Like I said. Lines." He chuckles again. "Try not worry, though; It's only for one day. Everything'll be back to normal tomorrow. And as for Jamie..."

My tail suddenly freezes as I listen intently.

"I have a feeling you two will pull through whatever's going on. You're too cute not to," he finally says before standing up and returning to his chair.

Suddenly I'm not sure what to say. I feel such an overwhelming warmth, hoping--knowing that he's right, reminding me how much I love that fucking Retriever. "Thank you, Professor," I say with all the sincerity in my voice. "You don't know how much that means to me."

He winks at me. "Remember. I was young once."

I give him my biggest smile before finally heading out.

"And Ian," he stops me again, prompting me to turn back around.

"Yeah?"

"That really was a nice portrait you did. You should be proud." He nods.

My tail finally wags again. "Thanks, Professor. I'll see you soon."

"Have a good day," he says as I finally leave the classroom.

****

I feel a lot better. Not perfect, but better. Especially after picking up this pumpkin spice latte from Winter Leaves. Surprisingly, I kinda like it. I guess Halloween's good for something.

Now I just have to figure out what to do about Jamie. I still feel pretty bad about missing the dance last night. And I'm still wondering when he's gonna show up. If he's gonna show up.

Eventually, I wander back into the student union, which is filled to the brim with a ton of other students going about their business. It's here especially that everyone seems to have that Halloween spirit. So many people are dressed up, it's kind of amusing. I always find it funny to see how many people dress in black costumes.

Soon enough I come across that Halloween sign that Jamie hung over the balcony yesterday. And I just...look at it, imagining he's right up there looking down at me with that smile.

"You know...that's actually not bad," I say to myself. "It looks good."

"About time you said that." My tail wags as I instantly recognize that voice.

"Jamie!" I quickly turn around to hug him...only to be shocked at the dog standing before me. It's Jamie. With black hair. I almost drop my latte.

"Hey." He smiles at me.

"You...dyed your hair. You actually...did it." I'm in such shock, I barely know what to say. It hardly even looks like Jamie.

"Yup." He wags. "What do you think?"

"I...it..." I'm stumbling like an idiot as I just...look at it. I mean, it's obviously the same long, straight hair he had before. He's just...not blond anymore. Which kills me. That really kills me."I'm...not sure what to think."

"Oh, come on." He strokes my muzzle. "It's not _that_bad."

"No...it isn't," I finally admit. "But it's not you."

"Hmm..." He glares before pulling me close. He grabs my paws and plants them squarely onto his rump. "I'm still the same Goldie," he says before tilting his head and slipping that all-too-familiar tongue into my muzzle.

I don't resist. Like clockwork, I tilt my head in the opposite direction and give that slick muscle a warm and wet welcome as I squeeze his rump.

And when he pulls back and smiles, I just gaze into those green eyes.

"The very same," he says. "After all, it was your idea, remember?"

I nod, almost regretting that drawing now. "I know. And like I said, it's your choice."

"Right. So try to be happy for me?" He strokes my cheek. "I actually like this."

I nod once more, trying to smile for him. "You look good, Jamie."

"Thank you." He wags again, just the same as always.

"I guess you're not mad at me anymore?"

"Not as much as I was." He shakes his head. "I've calmed down."

"I'm sorry again. I really meant to be there." I lower my head, once again feeling like a shitty boyfriend.

"I know," he says, lifting my chin, bringing my blue eyes level with his green ones. "It's alright. There'll be other dances."

"...Like the Halloween dance tonight."

"Yup." He nods. "But I'm not gonna ask you to come."

"Wait, what?" I suddenly look at him, stunned. "Why's that?"

"Because I'm sick of being disappointed. So I think it's better if I just stop asking." The bluntness and tone of his voice kills me even more than his dark hair. I'm so far beyond speechless, I don't know what to fucking say. And suddenly, I feel my eyes watering up.

"...I'm sorry..." My head's back down, with my ears flat against my head and I feel _twice_as shitty.

He brings my head back up again. "It's fine. Halloween just isn't your thing. I have to respect that. It's your choice whether or not to go, just like it's my choice whether or not to dye my hair. You do what you want. I won't push you anymore."

"Right..." is all I can say as I take a deep breath and wipe my eyes.

"We'll dance another night, okay?" He hugs me tightly.

"Sure," I say with another deep breath, trying to compose myself. "We'll do that."

"I need to head off for now, though. I'm meeting Sam and Rally for dinner before we head to the dance. I'll see you soon?"

"Alright." I nod, finally giving him an actual smile. "Have a good time, Jamie."

"Thanks." He wags. "See you later, Ian."

"See you." I wave to him as he walks out of the student union.

****

I don't even know how to feel right now. My head's all over the place, and I can't help but feel like crap after what Jamie said to me. His words truly stung, and I can't get them out of my head. In addition to the fact that he's no longer the blond boy I'm so crazy about.

I know it's a trivial thing, really. The color of someone's hair. It's absolutely trivial and I shouldn't give a shit. But he was so_perfect_the way he was. He was my dream guy. He could've been a model if he wanted to.

Even now as I look at my portrait of him in the hallway, I wonder what possessed me to even come up with such an idea. What the fuck was I thinking.

But more importantly, why am I so fucking selfish. And stubborn. And why do I keep disappointing him. Everything he told me makes me wonder if I even deserve someone so special when I've been an absolute shithead.

He deserves better than that. Even if he wouldn't dream of saying that to me, he really does. I'm trying not to cry again, but it's really hard when his words are eating away at me. I don't want to disappoint him anymore. He's been way too sweet to me and I seriously need to make it up to him.

Seeing him so happy in this picture...it actually does bring a smile to my face. "I love you, Jamie," I say quietly as I take a deep breath, just taking a few moments to admire the picture now. And the Golden Retriever within.

"That's a gorgeous portrait," I hear someone say behind me.

"Thank you," I say, turning to face the wagging gray fox.

Then something else hits me. I recognize this fox. "Wait a sec...aren't you...Nathan Taylor?"

"That'd be me." He nods with a smile.

"Oh my God." My tail's suddenly swaying. I'm standing right in front of my favorite writer. My dad would lose his shit. This is very guy I've dreamed of illustrating for. Him and others of course, but especially him, and here he is standing right in front of me. "It's an honor, sir. Truly," I say, enthusiastically, but less so than I should be.

He chuckles and holds out a paw. "Good to meet you as well, mister..."

"Ian Morlen, sir," I say, graciously shaking his paw.

He laughs. "Please, no need to call me sir. Nathan is fine."

"Nathan..." I nod, trying to calm my tail, trying not to embarrass myself.

"So..." he steps forward, takes a closer look at the portrait. "You drew this, eh?"

I nod. "Yeah. For the contest."

He wags. "I'm amazed. It really is a beautiful portrait."

I feel another, bigger wave of warmth, engulfing a good amount of the heaviness I've been feeling for the past half hour. I can't believe this. "You don't know how much it means to me to hear you say that. Thank you. Thank you so much," I say as sincere as I can.

"You're very welcome, Ian. It's unique, too; you rarely see Golden Retrievers with dark hair."

"He, uh...he's actually a natural blond."

"Oh?" He arches a brow, curious. "He's a real Golden?"

"Yeah..." I blush a little. Well...a lot. "That's my boyfriend, Jamie Readon."

"Jamie Readon," he says. "That's a cute name."

I actually blush so much now that a giggle escapes my throat."Glad you think so."

"I'm curious. Are there any pictures of him with his natural blond hair?"

"Yeah. Hold on." I dig into my bag and pull out my tablet. I quickly find a picture of Jamie and I that Rally took a few weeks ago and enlarge it.

"Oh my God," Nathan says, looking over the image. "That's Jamie, huh?"

"Yeah..." I say, looking fondly over it, "in his natural blond."

"He looks incredibly different."

"You're telling me."

He laughs. "You two look really cute together, though. Almost reminds me of Alley and I."

My tail starts going again. "That...truly means a lot. Really. Thank you, Nathan, I just...thank you." I give him my biggest smile, however goofy I probably look.

"Not a problem. I know it's like to be head over heels for someone."

"That...doesn't even describe it, for me." I smile, admiring everything about the Retriever holding me in that picture.

"I'll bet." He winks before glancing back at the portrait again.

"So...Jamie." His own tail sways again. "I'd love to meet him."

"Really?" My eyes go _really_wide now. "Why's that?"

The vulpine smiles. "I think it's only fitting I meet the guy pictured in the winning contest portrait."

"What..." I almost faint. "Are you...serious?"

He gives a solemn nod. " Absolutely."

"But...what makes mine so much better than everyone else's? Some of these guys are way better artists than me." I'm quick to point out, despite feeling incredibly joyous.

"It's not necessarily about being the best artist," he says, almost sage-like. "When you get down to it, it's hard to compare one artist to another, because everyone has their own style. And it comes down to much more than just the person with the most amount of detail or the best anatomy." He looks at my portrait again. "But every now and then, you see a picture with such...raw passion, that you can't help but be captivated by it. And you really captured that. I can see all the passion and love that went into this. And why not? You have the perfect motivator."

"I...can't believe you just said all that..." I say, completely stunned by his words.

"Nothing's a better motivator than the person you're in love with." He pats my shoulder.

"Thank you so much, Nathan. I just...don't even know what to say..." I quickly grab his paw, shaking it again.

He chuckles, even blushing slightly as he gives my own paw a soft squeeze. "It's no problem, man. I love being blown away by what the younger generation can come up with. And if this is any indication of your talent as an artist, then...I'd be honored to have you illustrate my story. Maybe even more, depending on how things work out."

"I must be dreaming. I've _dreamed_of this for...I don't even know how long..." I'm overcome with tears of joy. I can't help but look away, cause I'm so fucking embarrassed that I'm actually crying in front of my favorite author.

He smiles wide, squeezing my paw. "Sometimes dreams come true."

I place my other paw on top of his, reciprocating the squeeze. "Thank you so much. I can't say that enough, just...thank you."

"You're welcome, Ian. It's a pleasure," he says with another firm nod. "So. Where's Jamie right now?"

I take a deep breath and wipe my eyes again. "He's probably down at Caper Tails now."

"For the Halloween dance?" Nathan asks.

"Yeah."

"So, how come he's there and you're here?"

"Eh..." I'm not quite sure I want to say this to Nathan, but...after what he just did for me, I can't help but be honest with him. "I'm not the...biggest fan of Halloween."

"Really..." He remarks, arching a brow once again.

Shit. I think I finally stepped in it. "It's never been my thing. I mean, I love Caper Tails, I love dancing, and we go out with our friends all the time...but I decided to sit this one out."

He crosses his arms over his chest. "Because you don't like Halloween."

Suddenly, I feel a lot more foolish than before. Probably due to his authorly talents, Nathan has a way with words that paints of clear picture of just how absurd this whole thing is (and how stupid I've been) with absolute brevity. To which all I can respond with is a very embarrassed, "Yeah..."

"Come on," he says. "If you guys go out as much as you say you do, then I'm sure he's wishing you were there with him right now."

He hit the nail on the head. "He...does, yeah."

"Then what are you waiting for?" He laughs. "Dude. Who cares if it's Halloween? Forgot about that, and just treat it like a normal dance. Because that's what it is. Just a dance. You think everybody going there tonight actually gives a shit about Halloween?"

I actually chuckle a bit, wagging my tail again. "I guess not."

"Of course not, dude." He ruffles my hair. "Come on, why don't we head over there now? I'll even go with you."

"Seriously? You and me?" Now my tail's going insane.

"Sure." He smiles. "I was getting ready to head there anyway."

"You know what." I throw my paws up, shaking my head. "Fuck it. Let's do it." I smile at him. "Let's go."

"That's the spirit," Nathan says as we leave the hallway.

****

It isn't long before we reach Caper Tails. And I have to admit, it feels out-fucking-standing to be back here. Especially after I missed last night's dance.

It's all familiar; the lasers, the dim lighting, the music especially, and the myriad of people dancing, here to just let loose and have a good time. And maybe...maybe that's what Halloween's about anyway. Just letting loose and having a good time. I can't believe I'm finally realizing that. And this place is practically a home away from home. I guess that's why we come here so often. This is my haven, where I belong. And I fucking love it.

Even as we walk through the club, the hard bass of electro house and complextro constantly hits me and jolts through my body. Goddamn I can't believe I missed this last night.

"I'm gonna find Jamie. I'll meet up in a bit, okay?" I tell Nathan, raising my voice so he can hear me over the music."

"Alright, I'll be around!" he says as we part ways and I make my way through the legions of gyrating, sweaty bodies.

Jamie and I usually come together with Sam and Rally, so I have no idea how I'll find any them in this mess of people. Jamie's especially gonna be hard to find, since he doesn't have his blond hair. So...this should be interesting.

Maybe they'll be easier to spot from the balcony. That's actually not a bad idea.

I quickly run upstairs, trying not to bump into anyone as I reach the second floor.

"This...is gonna be harder than I thought," I say, trying to spot any one of them on the dance floor. And it's not like I can call any of them either, cause they likely won't hear their phones over the muisc. And I _know_none of them don't put their phones on vibrate.

Still, I'm not really doing myself any favors up here. All I see is blending clusterfuck of gyrating bodies.

"Ian? Is that you, dude?" a familiar voice asks, tapping my arm. I instantly recognize that voice as I turn to face its owner.

"Rally! Holy shit!" I yell, giving that Dalmatian the biggest hug I can muster.

He giggles, wagging like crazy as he hugs me right back. "It's great to see you, dude! What are you even doing here? I thought you didn't like Halloween."

"I don't. But not everyone is here for Halloween. Some people just wanna dance." I smile and wrap my arms around him.

He grins. "Come here, you," he says, quickly bringing his arms around my waist, holding me close and pressing his nose to mine as we do just that: dance. "So why weren't you here last night? We all missed you. And Jamie was pissed."

"I know. I overslept," I tell him. "I meant to be here, believe me. I've been beating myself up all day."

"I bet," he says, rocking back and forth with me. "I'm really glad you came tonight, though. Jamie's gonna freak when he sees you."

"Where is he? I can't find him anywhere."

"He's downstairs somewhere. He was at the bar last I saw him. I was about to head back there."

"Sweet. Let's head there now. I wanna surprise him."

"Oh, not yet." He smirks. "I'm not finished with you, mister."

I grin right back at him. "Is that so?" I press my nose to his. "And just what does the spotty have in mind?"

"Everything," Rally declares in the sexiest voice as he kisses me. And immediately, I remember just how much of an amazing kisser he is. I'm quick and eager to wrap my tongue around his, especially as he runs his paws down my back, cupping my rump. I pull him even closer, grinding my crotch against his as we gyrate our bodies to the music, all the while mesmerized by that luscious tongue.

I often tell Jamie he's the best kisser I know, but he'll always call bullshit and say that Rally's a much better kisser. It really marks the fun of being in an open relationship, because it's incredibly relieving to be able to fuck anyone of my friends (or anyone period) and yet still come back to my boyfriend at the end of the day, because we both know I'm his and he's mine. And it's funny, a long time ago I never would've imagined comparing other guys to my boyfriend, let alone my either of best friends, but it's actually a lot of fun, especially for us. That's why I can't help but moan into that Dalmatian's muzzle as we lose ourselves in the music and grind against each other with all the passion of two dogs who simply love dancing.

Rally's a totally different kind of dog; I mean, he and Jamie certainly share a lot of the same personality beats (and I'm partial to the floppy ears of either breed), but Jamie can often be passive, even passive-aggressive. Rally's direct; he knows what he wants, when he wants it, and he'll go after it, with no apologies. There's no bullshit with him. He's also totally different in bed, a better dancer, and a better kisser than Jamie. But also far less passionate or intimate, more carnal. I don't think we'd ever work as boyfriends, because overall, he's just too much for me.

Still, I swear, it takes some kind of expert to kiss like he does. All the way through the entire song, we haven't broken tongues at all, which is like a record, because not even Jamie kisses me this long.

My paws start to run under his shirt, traversing through his much shorter, spotted fur as the song gradually transitions into something much faster, which isn't as easy to dirty dance to. As such, Rally finally breaks the kiss, licking my nose as we stop.

"Goddamn, Spotty," I say, panting as I look at him. "You really did miss me. That must be a new record."

"That's for missing last night." He smiles, but at the same time, gives me a firm look. "Jamie's not the only one who was upset."

I hug him tightly. "I'll never miss another one. I promise."

"Good." He hugs me just as tight.

When we pull back, I look him right in those light blue eyes. "And you're a fucking _amazing_kisser."

He giggles. "I think you might've enjoyed that enjoyed that a little too much."

"Nah." I smirk. "You were just the appetizer. Jamie's the main course."

"Oh my." He snickers. "Alright, let's find him. He's probably still by the bar." He starts to head back downstairs.

"Rally, wait," I tell him before he can reach the first step.

He looks back at me, with his spiky pink hair almost glowing amongst the laser lights. "Yeah?"

I hesitate. But I have to know. "Just...how mad was Jamie was last night? Really."

He turns back around and gives it to me straight. "He was pretty pissed. I can't remember the last time I've seen him that upset. Because he knew you wouldn't be coming tonight. Well...thought, rather. We all thought you weren't. So, he was crushed. He really wanted to dance with you. Ended up spending most of the night at the bar, drunk."

"Goddamn..." I say, horrified. I'm not even sure what to say to that.

"It's okay," Rally says, walking back up to hold me close. "All the more reason why he'll be happy to see you here tonight. Trust me. He'll be floored." He smiles.

I hold him just as close. "I hope so. I need to make it up to him. After all the shit I've put him through. I've been such a shitty boyfriend."

Rally runs his paws along my back reassuringly. "You're not a shitty boyfriend, Ian. You're just a stubborn cock." He grins.

Admittedly, that gets a slight chuckle from me, and I shake my head. "Well, I'm ready to change that. For once...I just want to make him happy."

Rally gives a genune smile and lets me go. "Come on, then." He gestures. "Let's go surprise him."

I nod, sighing deeply as I wipe a sudden tear from my eye. "Let's do it."

And with that, I follow Rally back downstairs.

"By the way, dude," he says, "have you seen his hair?"

"Oh, I've seen it, alright."

Rally laughs.

We soon reach the bar. And to my surprise, my Golden's right there, sitting with Sam. They've got their backs to the crowd, so they don't notice me.

"Hey, Jamie!" Rally calls out. "Look who I found."

Jamie turns halfway around. Immediately his green eyes go wide in shock. "...Ian?"

The look on his face is absolutely perfect: the right amount of shock, surprise, happiness and relief flooding his emotions as he gets up from the bar stool, stunned. I wish I could frame it. "Hey." I smile at him, wagging. Of course the first thing I notice is his black hair, silightly illuminated by the red glow of the back wall behind the bar. But honestly, just seeing the look on his face from my even being here, against all odds, is enough to make me not care. I'm just happy to see him, to do something right for a change, by being here when he needed me. Not wanted me, but needed me.

"Well, holy shit. This _is_a surprise," Sam says with a huge smile of his own. I give the Doberman a nod before bringing my full attention back to Jamie.

"Y-you actually came..." My Golden stares at me, completely taken aback. "I don't even..."

"I owe my boyfriend a dance." I say, holding out my paw with a bigger smile.

After a moment of speechlessness, he finally takes it. "I can't believe it..."

"It's time I started being a better boyfriend." I squeeze his paw and kiss his nose. "I don't care if it's Halloween. I just want to dance with you."

He quickly pulls me into a hug. The biggest hug he's given me in days. I'm just as happy to return it with ten times the affection. To hold him. To let him know with this action that I never want to hurt him again. "Thank you. You're just...you're amazing," he says.

"Not nearly as much as you." I squeeze him, basking in his familiar scent, even amongst the myriad of other scents surrounding me. "Come on," I pull back with another smile. "Let's dance."

"Absolutely," he says overyoyed, leading me away from the bar.

"And Sam..." I gesture to the Doberman. "Thank you."

He smiles. "No problem."

And here I am, finally, on the dance floor with my boyfriend. It feels like it's been way too long, even as he wraps his arms around me. My paws go right for his hips, holding him as we let the music drive us. It's back to sexy electro house, with a thumping bass so dirty I'd probably fuck to it.

Now, more than ever, it feels like I'm back home. Whether or not it's Halloween, whether or not my Retriever is blonde, it's still Jamie, and this is still Caper Tails.

And just like clockwork, Jamie grabs my paw and spins me around, his front to my back. His golden paws grace my hips, and I'm happy to let him lead and take control of my body. It feels like the perfect eternity as I dance to the beat of the song while falling into Jamie's rhythm.

It isn't long before I feel his paws dipping into my shorts and gliding through my fur, to which I respond by rolling my hips in every direction as we grind against each other. And God, do we grind like crazy. This is where Jamie truly differs from Rally. Sure, Rally's a better dancer, but Jamie knows exactly how to get me going; his movements are much more deliberate and sensual, which maximizes the grinding.

Eventually, though, his paws travel back to my waist and wrap around me, while mine rest on top of his, occasionally giving squeezing them as we dance perfectly in sync with each other. Soon enough, he rests his head along my shoulder, cheek to cheek, almost muzzle to muzzle and we stay like that for what _does_feel like an eternity. And I'm perfectly happy with that. I can't remember the last time we danced so intimately like that, and it lets me know just how happy he is to have me here. I close my eyes, I'm pretty sure he closes his, and we ride out the rest of the song just like that.

At some point, Jamie spins me back around and we get through two more songs before practically collapsing onto one another, panting and sweating as we embrace each other.

"Come on," he says with an exhausted smile. "Upstairs."

I nod with a similar smile, probably more exhausted than he is. He grabs my paw again, leading me through the still-crowded dance floor back to the balcony. It's less crowded than it was earlier, thankfully, which allows us to move about more freely.

We both lean against the railing, looking down at the at the dance floor, still beating and going wild to the music. By now, Jamie's caught his breath and I've just about caught mine as we both relax from all the dancing.

"So," he looks at me fondly, tail swaying as he smiles.

"So..." I say right back with the same smile, my tail waving much like his.

"What made you change your mind?"

"A special someone made me realize how ridiculous I was being," I tell him. And it feels good to tell him that, almost redeeming to admit my wrongs.

"Took you long enough," he chuckles.

I smile again, almost giggling. "Also made me realize just how much you mean to me," I say, brushing my fingers along his ear. "How much I love being with you and being able to call you my boyfriend. It means everything to me. And I want to make you just as happy as you make me."

He stands up straight, running his own paw along my cheek. "I couldn't be happier tonight." He presses his nose against mine. My eyes fall shut as his tongue finds its way into my muzzle. My paws immediately wrap around his waist to hold him just as his paws do the same.

Just then I feel the sudden, brief glow from one of the spotlights illuminating us, which makes our kiss all the more perfect as my tongue slides across his.

And when Jamie breaks the kiss, I feel another warm glow in my chest. Much better than the feeling I got from my Professor or Nathan. The kind that only Jamie can give me. He smiles and asks, "Wanna head back down to the bar?"

"Sure," I rub my paws up and down his sides before letting him go.

And with that, we hit the bar again for drinks. I could certainly use one after everything I've been through. I'm elated to find Sam and Rally there again. It feels great; all four of us, together, like it always is. Like it should be. And most importantly, me with my boyfriend.

"Ian! There you are," a familiar voice calls out to me.

"Nathan, hey!" I wave at him to join us.

Jamie looks at him. "Wow. You're...Nathan Taylor..." he says, astonished. "I had no idea you came here...."

Sam and Rally's eyes are just as wide. Sam's especially, since he probably loves Nathan's work even more than I do.

"Now this is a _real_surprise," Sam says, shocked. "It's truly an honor, sir."

"Wow, Nathan, right here..." Rally remarks.

The fox chuckles. "Hey there, guys." He then looks right my Golden. "And you...must be Jamie," he declares.

Jamie almost falls out of his chair. "You...know my name?"

Nathan wags. "I do. I've heard a lot about you."

Jamie hardly knows what to say. "Sir, I..."

Nathan smiles. "Just call me Nathan." He then snaps his fingers. "How about I buy you guys another round?"

With a quick unanimous 'yes', Nathan joins us at the bar. And the rest of the night is fucking gold as we spend countless hours talking, drinking, and dancing together.

****

After what has to the best night out I've had in a long time, Jamie and I eventually retire to my place. Right back in my bedroom.

I'm quick to get out of my clothes, stripping down to my boxers because I'm so sweaty from all the dancing. Jamie does the same, and we both snuggle up in my bed.

He gives me a funny, coy-ish look.

"What?"

"You...Ian, you are just..." He giggles. "I don't even know. You're fuckin' amazing."

I blush and flick his nose. "Stop..."

"No, really. You are. Thank you. Tonight was just...absolutely crazy. I can't remember the last time I've had so much fun." He strokes my cheek.

"Me, too." I smile at him. "It was worth it."

"Wasn't it?"

"Yeah. Yeah, it was. And you know what?" I say, running my fingers through his black hair. "You look incredible. Truly. You're no less gorgeous than you were before. And you're still the same wonderful Golden I know."

He sighs quietly, closing his eyes and pressing his nose against mine. "Thank you..."

"Absolutely," I tell him, gazing into those beautiful eyes once he opens them back up.

Before I can say anything else, he kisses me. Passionately. I run my paws through his fur as we tilt our tilt our heads, allowing our tongues the chance to roll around and play fight.

He shifts around on top of me as my paw travels down to his boxers, stroking the base of his tail before I squeeze his rump. He moans quietly into my muzzle as he starts to grind himself against me. I happily grind back, feeling that familiar canine tip poking through his boxers.

For a moment, he stops, quickly pulling off that pesky underwear and throwing it across the room. I follow suit, tossing mine right after his. Then he's back on top of me, both of us naked, becoming hornier with every second as our paws run all over each other while our tongues go right back to their brawl.

He's hard now, ready and willing, and I soon join him, already leaking precum. He gazes at me, panting with a heavy lust.

"This time you're topping," I tell him as I lick his nose.

"Perfect," he responds, quickly grabbing the lube. "Turn around, gorgeous," he says while pouring the lube into his paws and lathering himself with it.

I grin, my tail thumping the bed as he briefly stands up, allowing me to turn over onto my stomach, wiggling my ass for him. He then rubs a generous amount of lube under my tail, preparing me for his slightly bigger cock. And I'm eager for it. I want him to fuck me like crazy.

He gently places a paw on my back, holding my body still as he guides himself toward my entrance with his other paw. He shifts his body into the perfect position on top of me, and I can feel that luscious cock poking at my entrance.

"Go on..." I tell him.

And then, my world erupts as he slides himself into me. All the way in, up to his knot. Our muzzles spill forth with vocals, with mine eclipsing his. And he doesn't waste a second. He immediately begins thrusting hard, pounding my rump like only he knows how to. And Oh my God, does he _know_how to.

I close my eyes, my ears swiveling back as I push back against his movements, which only prompts him to increase his tempo, driving himself deeper into me. He slams into me, hard and slow and deliberate, making sure every thrust yields a moan or whine out of me.

And every now and then, he'll grind himself around inside me, especially as I clench down on his rod, which makes him whine just as much as I do.

He then pulls out, causing me to open my eyes. "Jamie?" I glance back at him as he sits up.

"Wanna turn back over?" He smiles at me, panting.

"Ohhh, this again, eh?" I giggle slightly.

"Of course." He wags.

I smile and quickly turn onto my back again, looking up at him, still horny as hell. Like a good dog, I spread my legs and gesture for him to get that cock back inside me.

He grins and leans back down, in a complete reversal of the last time we fucked, which I find...very fitting. After all, this is my favorite position.

He leans down and I look up at him, at that wonderful, golden face, those green eyes, and the new black hair. I just admire all of it, noting how truly lucky I am to have this Retriever.

"I love you," I quietly mouth the words to him. He smiles and does the same. Then, without warning, he slides that thickness _all_the way back inside me at once. My head immediately goes back against the pillows as I arch my body into his, moaning like crazy while I shift my legs around Jamie's waist. Goddamn, I can't remember the last time he entered me like that. But I'm squirming against him, eyes closed, especially with his tongue and teeth dragging along my neck.

"You're so cute when you squirm like that," he pants before invading my muzzle with his tongue once again.

My paws run all through the fur on his upper body, making sure to rake my claws through his fur as he slams into me with increasing vigor, burying himself each and every time. I can hardly take it. I'm leaking my crazy onto his stomach, and I just know one of us is going to cum soon.

Taking a page out of his own book, I start chasing his tongue while tightening my legs around his waist. And he definitely gets the hint as he forces that knot further and further into me. He even goes the extra step by jerking me off himself, his paw squeezing firmly along my length, giving special attention to my own knot. He's making me whine and squirm like just entered the next dimension of bliss.

And then, right when I pin his tongue down, he shoves that knot all the way in, making me moan, pant, and writhe under him. And then, I feel his body tremble against me, his vocals going wild as fills me with shot after shot of liquid passion and love. That's enough to push me well beyond the edge and my own juices come spilling onto his paw as well as our bellies, drenching the fur.

We're both collapsed and panting the same as we always do, but just a little more this time. I give him the slightest smile as I run a paw through his hair. "You're so fuckin' incredible," I tell him.

"Not nearly as much as you," he says, giggling with exhaustion on top of me.

Now, as I hold him close in the silence of our mutual afterglow, gaze into his eyes once more and bask in his scent, I realize, more than ever, that I've got to be the luckiest Border Collie in the world. Blond or black, this Retriever is still perfect. Every bit of him.

I chuckle slightly as we hold each other.

"What?" He smiles.

"You know...Halloween's not so bad."

He gives me a tired laugh. "I'll definitely sleep to that."

"Me, too." I smile and kiss him once more.