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Chapter 26 "Friends and Family"

"Brr, it got cold fast this year. Hope it doesn't snow too much." It was indeed brisk that afternoon, Aiden and Jacob bundled up against the chill November air as they strolled through the city. It had been Aiden's idea to go on this walk, spurred on by Jacob's occasional prodding about them dating. He figured, if Jacob wanted them to date, they may as well give it a try. So far however, it just felt like two friends on a walk to Aiden.

"A little snow never hurt." Jacob said with a shrug. "I actually like a little snow every year, so long as it's not a blizzard. Although, getting snowed in for a day has its perks."

"I suppose I could get a lot of writing done if I was trapped inside for a day." Aiden conceded as he gave it some thought. "I bet you get a good amount of art commissions done when you get stuck inside all day."

"If nothing else, I can get a lot of gardening done." Jacob said with a laugh, giving the fox a nudge. "Very unlikely to get in trouble during a blizzard."

"You're lucky your boss doesn't drug test," Aiden replied with a roll of his eyes. "Not everyone gets to work for their supplier. One well timed drug test for me and I've got a scandal on my hands."

"Alice isn't my supplier. It's just one of the benefits of working with an old friend."

"Perks of the job, eh?" Aiden shared a chuckle with Jacob as the two continued their walk. Despite the temperature there were plenty of other people walking about and enjoying the afternoon, To Aiden, it was a pleasing enough time, but it still felt nothing like a date. As they walked side by side the fox reached out to take Jacob's hand, locking fingers like a couple would.

Jacob tensed up at the unexpected touch. He quickly glanced down as he felt Aiden squeeze his hand, hesitating to return that grip. While Aiden walked on normally, Jacob started glancing around nervously. There were a lot of people around, both men in full view as they walked with hands held. He was both impressed and thrown off by the fox's sudden, forward gesture, and a little uncomfortable with it as well.

The walk became awkward as they continued hand in hand. While Aiden attempted to continue the casual conversation Jacob seemed more interested in the people around them. After just a few blocks the raccoon took the first chance he had to free his hand, pointing towards a bookstore window to show Aiden an interesting book on display. When they resumed their walk, Aiden reached out to find nothing but air, Jacob's hands now tucked in his jacket pockets.

Aiden just shrugged it off as his hands being cold, though he didn't think it was that cold yet. Well, there were plenty of other ways to see how it felt to be on a date with him. "Hey Jacob, how about we get some coffee to warm up?"

"That sounds like a great idea." Jacob agreed, the coon always up for a cup of coffee, and they made for the nearest cafe they could find. As they waited in line, Aiden tried to wrap his arm around Jacob's waist, something he had often done with Layla and other past girlfriends. Jacob tensed up again at the touch, and took the first chance he had to step out of the touch. Aiden tried again while they waited for their drinks, and again Jacob stepped out of reach as soon as he could, leaving Aiden feeling a bit confused.

"So, Jacob, what do you normally do when you're on a date with a guy?" The fox asked as they resumed their walk. "You've mentioned us dating a few times, but I've never been great at it I guess."

"I don't know." Jacob admitted, glancing around once again. "I just like hanging out I suppose. Going on walks, or just getting something to eat together. Then going to my place for, well, you know what. I'm not all that complicated."

"Holding hands not a usual thing I take it?"

Jacob hesitated, looking away uncomfortably as he sipped his coffee and bought himself some time. "I'm not that big on public displays, I guess." He finally muttered. "I like to keep the affectionate stuff in private, y'know?"

"Holding hands?" Aiden said with a laugh. "Oh yeah, nothing get's me in the mood more than holding hands. That's some kinky stuff."

"Come on, man." Jacob groaned, not sharing Aiden's mirth. "I just don't like being all touchy feely in public. You know I'm a reserved, quiet guy."

"What about all the flirting you apparently did with me before?" Aiden had to ask. "Sure, I was oblivious to it, but weren't you always the one touching me, and flirting with me?"

"Well, yeah, but I was trying to get your attention. Plus that was in private, or just around trusted friends. Here we're in public, surrounded by people we don't know. Besides, I'm honestly not used to you being this forward."

"I wanted to see how it felt." Aiden admitted. "You say you want to date, so I thought we could give it a try. But now I feel like I'm making unwanted advanced on someone who just wants to be friends. Huh, I guess that's how you felt all that time."

"Listen Aiden, I do want to date you. It's just..." He quickly looked around before pulling Aiden aside to a more isolated spot. "I'd love to date you, but there's something you have to worry about now that you haven't before: homophobia. I know we live in a pretty liberal state, but there are still plenty of people who are more than happy to voice their unwanted opinions if they so much as see two men look at each other a certain way. I've had to deal with that shit so many times before, and I just don't want to anymore. I'm sorry, but I'm just not comfortable being that open in public. If we're alone or with friends, sure. But surrounded by strangers... I just can't anymore."

Aiden said nothing at first, surprised by the revelation. He honestly hadn't thought that would be an issue, not used to the idea of people judging him because of who he was dating. But at the same time, "Who cares what other people think? Screw them and their homophobia. You shouldn't have to hide who you are for fear of some random assholes on the street."

"Easy to say when you've never had your life threatened for being gay." Jacob countered, a bit of sadness in his eyes. "I'm sorry, Aiden, but I just don't feel comfortable being open around strangers." He ended with a shrug, resigned to this lifestyle, then turned to continue their walk.

Aiden could only sigh and fall into step beside Jacob. He couldn't really blame him for the way he was acting. He couldn't even pretend to understand what the coon had been through. But at the same time, did he really want to be in a relationship where he had to hide his feeling in public? Aiden wasn't so sure.

The two men continued their walk for a bit longer, though a somewhat uncomfortable vibe had settled between them. Aiden's thoughts were on their conversation, actually paying attention to the people around them now. No one seemed to be paying them any notice, and while Jacob had a point, Aiden wasn't sure his fears were warranted at all times. Was it really worth hiding your true self over?

After a while Jacob had to head off, having already planned to help Alice close the store that night. Before he left though, he pulled Aiden aside, giving him a gentle kiss. "We can make dating work, if you want. Trust me."

Aiden still wasn't so sure, considering Jacob needed to pull him aside for a kiss. He'd rather be open with any relationship instead of pretending to just be friends in public. That just felt more like a friends with benefits relationship.

On his own now, Aiden decided to continue his walk, using the time to contemplate his possible relationship with Jacob. It was starting to feel more complicated than he had expected, and certainly not for the same reasons. He was finding himself surprisingly put off by the distance he had felt from Jacob, even if the reasoning was sound. It was certainly a change from how he acted in private. It would take Aiden a bit of time to get used to a relationship like that, and he wasn't sure if he wanted to.

As he walked and thought, Aiden glanced up just as he passed in front of Goodwin Bakery. Curious, he took a moment to look through the storefront, catching a glimpse of Cheryl as she busied herself behind the store's counter. On a whim, he decided to step inside and say hello, and perhaps even buy some bread.

A pleasing bell chime announced his entrance, Cheryl looking up with a smile to greet the new customer. "Hello, welcome to... Aiden! Long time, no see. How have you been?"

"I've been doing alright." Aiden replied, trying to match her enthusiasm. "Just thought I'd take a look around, maybe get something to go with dinner tonight. How about you; been keeping busy?"

"You have no idea." Cheryl said with a little laugh. "Business always picks up at this time of year, especially right before Thanksgiving. Not to mention my Dad just promoted me to full time, so I'm now working way more often than before. A lot of it's spent with Daddy, training me with manager stuff. It's pretty exciting, actually."

"That is pretty cool. Sounds like you'll be in charge of this place in no time." They shared a chuckle as Cheryl went back to work, reorganizing the remaining product in one of the displays. Aiden took the time to look over what they had for sale, seriously considering getting some bread to go with dinner. Deciding on a fresh loaf he made his way to the counter to pay.

"So, with all this time spent working, I suppose your dating life has taken a hit." He asked, partly to resume the conversation and partly out of curiosity. "Seems everyone's getting really busy these days."

"Yeah, no dating for me, for a while anyway." Cheryl replied as she rang up his bread. "But I'm actually okay with that. After you, I realised I was dating for the wrong reasons. I usually just went for guys or girls I thought were sexy, that I thought I could have some fun with or would be great in bed. And I did have a lot of fun, don't get me wrong, but it's not a good way to find a long term relationship."

"Long term? You mean marriage, and having kids?"

"Pretty much." Cheryl said with a nod, handing Aiden his purchase. "After what happened with us, I realized I couldn't just screw around and date people just for their looks. I'm focusing on the long term success for everything else in my life. I need to do that with dating, too. Take the time to find a guy I can really connect with, someone I'd want to marry. I'm not in any rush of course, but from now on I plan to date for the long term."

"So, you're just going to date to find a guy to marry?" Aiden was a bit surprised by the maturity Cheryl was showing. Especially compared to the energetic party girl he had dated over the summer. "Dating me really made you think this way?"

"Well, almost getting knocked up by you did." She replied with a laugh. "I mean, it's not like I'm going to go hunting for a spouse. I'm just not going to do random pick ups anymore. I've decided to just wait and get to know people first, see if something clicks. Then, if it feels like there might be something there, I'll try dating them. More important to make sure you really feel something for someone before you get too serious, right?"

"Yeah, you're right." Aiden said with a smile. "Sounds like dating would be a lot easier if we all followed that mentality." With that food for thought Aiden bid Cheryl farwell, taking his bread and heading back out for home. Once again, the torgie had given him something to think about. Aiden might just have to adapt that philosophy for himself, especially when it came to Jacob.

---

While Aiden was out enjoying his afternoon and examining his relationship with Jacob, Max was spending her weekend afternoon taking care of some household chores. Normally she would make the work more interesting by playing her favorite music and just enjoying herself, but Jessica's continued presence while she studied and waited for Aiden discouraged the skunk from doing just that. Instead she quietly hummed to herself while folding her laundry, the vixen muttering to herself about the upcoming holidays.

"I hope Nii-san makes his butternut squash soup again this year." Jessica said, again procrastinating her work. "It's so good, I just hope he has the time to make it." For once Jessica seemed to be sincere with her praise for her brother, and not just gloating to get under Max's skin. The fox had actually been more tolerable the past week or so, and Max was actually finding her company almost enjoyable. It was better than being alone at least.

"I can't wait for Thanksgiving, especially dinner." Jessica continued, forgetting her studying entirely now. "Great food and wonderful time spent with great family. You looking forward to a big family dinner, Max?"

"Not really." Max admitted as she folded her freshly cleaned clothes. "It's just me and my parents these days, and my dad and I don't really... get along. I'm used to it though, and maybe afterwards Aiden and I could have our own little Thanksgiving here. Then maybe I will get to try his soup."

She was mostly joking, but that thought seemed to sour Jessica's mood a bit. Max couldn't see the scowl the vixen was giving her, her back turned as she folder some panties, but the fox was clearly not happy. "Well, it's better fresh, but I suppose leftovers will have to do. That's assuming the family doesn't eat it all, of course."

"Well, it wouldn't be the end of the world. " Max said with a shrug. "Would be a shame to miss out on this soup, but I do get to eat his cooking nearly everyday. I'm sure I could get him to make me some another time."

"He really only makes it once a year." Jessica countered, a bit of snark in her tone. "He makes it from scratch, so it takes a lot of time and work. Aiden really only goes through that much trouble for family."

It wasn't so much what she said but the way she said it that made Max twitch. Jessica seemed to be getting competitive again. So much for her pleasant company. Max had no interest in arguing with the vixen today, however. "Well I don't want to put him out. If I miss it this year maybe I'll get another chance next year."

"Maybe, if you're lucky. But it is just one of the many perks to actually being family that the closest of friends can't enjoy. I guess I just got lucky, having Aiden as my big brother."

"Guess so." Max agreed, mostly trying not to encourage the annoying girl. The sooner they moved on from this conversation, the better.

But Jessica didn't give it up, determined to stake her claim as the closest to Aiden's heart. "I may be a bit spoiled, but Aiden's always been such a good brother to me. I remember, growing up, always getting to sample his cooking, or sit with him when he practiced. And he always had time to help me study, or just play with me. Oh, it was so great."

"Okay, I get it." Max sighed, starting to feel a bit frustrated and envious. "Aiden's a great brother and you've got a lady boner for him. I've heard it all before."

"Jealous?" Jessica said with a smirk of superiority. "I suppose I can understand. I know you and Aiden have gotten pretty close as friends, but family will always be closer. Especially when it comes to the bond between siblings."

"Enough already." Max had to take a steadying breath to keep her voice calm. Jessica's words were reminding her too much of her own past, and of thoughts she didn't want to have. "Please, stop."

"It may just be me, but I think having a brother is the best thing anyone could ask for. I can't imagine what I'd do without him."

"Just... stop."

"Yep, no greater love or connection exists. But I guess that's something you couldn't understand."

"Shut up!" Max suddenly snapped, turning on Jessica as her emotions boiled over. "Just shut the fuck up already! You just keep going on and on, running your mouth even when I ask you to stop! I can't take it anymore! Just shut up and... and get out of my home!"

She thrust her finger towards the door, fully intent on throwing Jessica out, when she saw Aiden standing just inside, looking just as stunned as his sister. A lump welled up in her chest as tears formed in her eyes, and with a wail Max ran up to her room, slamming the door behind her.

Jessica just sat there in stunned silence. She hadn't expected Max to suddenly explode at her like that, and could only stare blankly at Aiden when she noticed him.

"What did you do?" Aiden demanded calmly, clearly displeased by this welcome home. "What the hell did you say to her?"

"Nothing!" Jessica said, already on the defensive. "We were just talking and I said some stuff about you and then she yelled at me. She tried to throw me out! Can you believe that?"

Aiden narrowed his eyes at the younger fox, clearly believing there was more to the story. "Jessica, I think you should go home now."

"But, but Nii-san-"

"No buts, Jessica." Aiden interrupted her sternly. "Whatever you said upset Max enough to make her cry. This place is her home, Jessica, a place where she should feel safe at all times. You, a guest, have upset her here, and I won't allow it. You need to leave. Go home, now."

"But..." Jessica was once again stunned, her brother's words hitting her deep. "You're really kicking me out?"

"I already warned you about this, but you didn't listen. Now get your stuff and go." Was his response. "And don't come back until I tell you it's okay. In the meantime, you think about what you've done, and how best to apologise."

With a whimper, Jessica collected her books, slowly making her way to the door. She tried to flash him a sorry look, but he firmly pointed to the door, reiterating his decision.

Once she was gone, Aiden turned his attention to Max's door. He felt partially responsible for whatever had happened, and knew he had to do something to help her feel better. Several moments later he was knocking on her door, a fresh cup of tea in his hands. "Hey Max, I made you some tea. I'll just leave it here if you want to be alone for now."

There was no reply, but Max did eventually open the door for him, wiping a few tears from her eyes. Without a word she let him in, the two quietly sitting side by side on her bed as she sipped her tea.

"I really don't like her." Max finally broke the silence, sniffling but trying not to cry again. "She always does this to piss me off on purpose, I swear it. I'm sorry Aiden I just... I couldn't listen to her anymore."

"It's okay." Aiden tried to comfort her, though it did hurt to think it was his little sister who had caused her pain. "So, what did she do, exactly? What did she say?"

"She just wouldn't stop talking about you." Max sighed. "She just kept going on about how wonderful you are, and how you're the best brother ever, and... and how I couldn't understand how it felt." Max let out another cry, but quickly regained her composure with a deep breath. "She just keeps reminding me of what I've lost, and can't have anymore."

Aiden sighed, wrapping an arm around her back. "I'm sorry, Max. I... I don't know what's up with her. I sent her home though, and told her not to come back. I'll make sure to have a proper talk with her later."

"Okay." Max said, somewhat distant as she stared into the distant, sipping her tea. Mint tea, she noticed. He had made her favorite comfort drink.

"Listen, Max, I won't make any excuses for my sister." Aiden offered, wanting to see her smile again. "But what she said is wrong. I care about you very much, like a sister even. I know no one could ever replace your brother, but I do consider you to be like family. I mean, how could I not after all this time living together?"

"Jessica says you're a really great big brother." Max said with a soft chuckle. "She's got quite the crush on you. I can see why though. Do you really think of me as family? As a sister?"

"Of course I do." Aiden smiled, giving her a hug. "I guess Jessica's just jealous of that idea, but too bad. You and I, we're definitely family."

"I like that." Max smiled softly, leaning into his hug. "And I am very happy with the idea of you being like a big brother. Just, keep your sister away from me for a little while, okay?"

"No problem." Aiden said with a wink, just happy to see that smile on her face again. With all the confusing relationships he had been dealing with lately, it was nice to know he had a very stable one with Max.

---

"Okay Maxi, let's get this over with. Smiles and happy thoughts." Max repeated that mantra to herself as she pulled into her parents' driveway, already dreading what was to come. Thanksgiving was here, and while Aiden had eagerly left for his relatives with fresh food in hand, Max had taken her time before leaving for the traditional family dinner with a bottle of wine. The skunk was admittedly nervous as she got out of her car. The last time she was here, she had finally told off her father. She could only hope enough time had passed for him to cool off.

Her mother welcomed her inside warmly of course, pulling her inside with a warm hug and bright smile. "Oh, it's so good to see you, honey. And I love what you did with your hair. That color looks fantastic on you. Come in out of the cold and warm up by the fire."

"Thanks Mom." While Max was worried about her father, she knew her mother would always make her feel at home. She came inside, matching her mother's enthusiasm as much as possible as they moved to the living room, where her father sat reading. "Hi Daddy. Happy Thanksgiving."

"Hello, Maxine." Her father replied curtly. He didn't even raise from his chair when she came to give him a kiss. Once the greetings were out of the way, they all sat around the fire, Max enjoying some pleasant conversation with her mother while her father calmly read and ignored them.

"So, how are your classes going?" Sofia asked, genuinely curious. "You haven't told me anything about what classes you're taking or how you're doing."

"They've actually been a lot of fun. I have an intro to dancing class, and a singing class that have been a blast. I've been learning so much, especially how to really control my breathing and vocal range. It's not as easy as I thought, but it's been totally worth it. And I'm not half bad at this stuff either. Take a look at this."

With a smile she reached for her purse, pulling out a piece of paper. "I still have to take all my finals of course, but here are my grades so far. I've been doing better than I expected."

Her mother took the paper, looking over the grades with a smile. "This is wonderful, sweetheart. You're even getting a B in math. I remember you always hated math. You're doing wonderfully, not that I expected any less. Reginald, look at how well you're daughter is doing."

The man gave a soft grunt as he took the paper, quietly looking over the information. "Only five classes?"

"That's the average number of classes students take." Max explained calmly. "And one of them is a general intro to college life class, so it honestly doesn't really count for anything. I'm just required to take it."

"B's in math and history, A's in dancing and singing. And what, exactly, do you intend to do with these classes, and this performing arts major?"

"Well, I want to get into theater." Max tried to explain, masking how hurt she felt at his indifference. "I'm going to take classes for singing and dancing, and acting too. I want to perform in plays and sing in musicals, all on a stage in front of an audience. It's what I really want to do."

"Well, I suppose it's better than stripping." He muttered, handing the grades back to his wife before returning to his book.

"Oh Reginald, please." Sofia scolded him. "I've heard enough of that talk from you. If Maxine wants to be an actress, then that's what's important. Not what you want for her, but what she wants for herself. And for the record, I think she's a fine exotic dancer, and it's not a shameful profession to have. I, for one, am proud of her."

While her father just grunted in reply, Max couldn't help but smile at her mother's defending. Having her support eased the sting of her father's scorn just a bit.

"Come on, dear." Sofia continued, patting her daughter on the knee. "Let's leave Mr. Grumpypants to his book. Help me finished up dinner and you can tell me more about your classes."

"Sure thing, Mom." Max was more than happy to help her mother in the kitchen, glad for the excuse to get away from her father. Still, it was only a temporary reprieve. She'd still have to survive a long and possibly tense Thanksgiving dinner.

"Ah, it's good to be home." Max sighed as she returned to her apartment later that evening, tired from the day's affairs.. Thanksgiving dinner had indeed been stressful, her parents divided on their support for her. It had Max feeling a bit guilty for the tension she was causing, and was thankful to be home where she could relax and destress.

She soon found herself relaxing on the couch, blankly watching the Christmas specials the networks were already airing and sipping a glass of wine. She wasn't expecting Aiden home until late, so she jumped in surprised when he came home less than an hour later.

"Man, it's cold out there." The fox said as he brought an armload of leftovers into the kitchenette. "Happy Thanksgiving again, Max. How was dinner with the folks?"

"Could have been worse." Max said, getting comfortable once more. "I survived at least. How about you? I didn't expect you to be home for a few hours still."

"Well, I thought it would be best to leave before my uncles got me too drunk." He replied with a chuckle. "Besides, there was a family member who was missing." He circled around the couch with a smirk, holding out a slice of pumpkin pie. "Can't have dessert without one of my sisters."

Max was speechless for a moment, taking the plate so Aiden could sit beside her. A smile spread across her face, taking a bite as she found her words again. "You're such a sweetheart, you know that?"

"I've been told as much." Aiden chuckled. "So, was dinner really that bad for you?"

"It wasn't great." She admitted. "Half of it was spent with my father questioning the value of my choices, and my mother defending me. It made things really awkward, though it was kind of nice having me mom on my side."

"Ouch. Well, at least you won't have to deal with that again until Christmas."

"Nope." Max said with a snort. "Because my parents won't be home for Christmas. My dad is taking my mom to see a show in Atlantic City, and it only plays on Christmas Eve. She's always wanted to see it, which is good, but they'll be down there all week, and I wasn't invited."

"Ouch." Aiden repeated. "That... I don't even know what to say to that."

"It's okay. I'm kinda glad that Daddy's actually doing something nice and romantic for Mom. It just stings a bit to be left out. And of course I now have no plans for Christmas. I wonder if I can talk my way into dinner at Cheryl's."

"Or, you could spend Christmas with me and my family." Aiden offered without hesitation. "There'll be plenty of room for you, and I know my parents won't say no. They even asked about you tonight."

"I... I wouldn't want to impose."

"Don't even worry about it." Aiden said with a dismissive wave. "I know you'll be welcome. And there's no way I'd leave you alone on Christmas."

"Let me think about it, okay?" Max offered, honestly moved by the offer. "Thank you. It means a lot to me. Spending Christmas with your family would be nice. Though, I bet Jessica wouldn't be happy about it."

Jessica can get over herself." Aiden smirked at her. "Though it was interesting having to explain to my parents why she's not allowed over here anymore. Let's just say, she's in a lot of trouble all around now. But like I said, I'm not leaving you alone on Christmas."

"Thanks Aiden." Max said again with a smile, leaning against his shoulder as she got comfortable. "I'd love to spend Christmas with your family, and with you." She sighed warmly, Aiden's kindness and warmth washing away all the stress from the day. It was times like these she truly considered herself lucky to have a friend like him to come home to. "So, a little birdie told me you make a really good butternut squash soup..."