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Chris took a deep breath and gave Brutus a call. Mitch sat up in the bed and rubbed his eyes. The Wolf got out from under the covers and looked over at the human. Chris held the phone up to his ear, his finger nervously held between his teeth. After three rings, the Dalmatian answered the phone. It was hard to hear anything clearly, but Chris was certain that he heard sirens blaring in the background. Chris removed his finger.

"Brutus," Chris began, "Are you there?"

Mitch noticed how tense and nervous the human was. He sat down beside Chris, who had sunk down onto the floor. The Wolf wrapped an arm around the human and gave him a comforting lick on the cheek.

"Brutus," Chris said again, his voice breaking, "Please, are you ok?"

Brutus whined.

"I'm ok," Brutus replied, his voice barely above a whisper, "I messed up so bad Chris, it's all my fault."

Chris's eyes started to swim with tears. Mitch blinked and moved his chin to the shoulder below Chris's phone. Chris did his best to compose himself, and hide the worry in his voice.

"What happened Bru-," Chris blinked, sending a flurry of tears down his cheek, "Hon, what happened?"

Brutus whined again.

"I can't talk right now," Brutus began, "I need to ride with Owen in the ambulance. Can you come down to the hospital to see me? They're taking us to the big Fur hospital downtown."

Mitch's jaw dropped and he jumped up from his seat on the floor. He rapidly dressed and ran out of the bedroom. Chris nodded and wiped his eyes.

"I'll be right there," Chris replied, "Don't you worry Brutus. It'll be ok, I promise."

Brutus hung up the phone and Chris let out a heavy sob. He looked around the room, composed himself, and dressed. He needed to be strong for Brutus. The human walked out into the living room and saw Mitch out the window. The Wolf was sitting in his Jeep, his paws clutching the steering wheel tightly, staring straight ahead. Chris sighed and walked out to the Jeep, now he had to be strong for Mitch as well.

The Wolf looked over at him, tears in his eyes.

"Is Owen ok?" Mitch asked as Chris put his seatbelt on, "Did Brutus say that Owen was ok?"

Chris sighed and shook his head.

"He didn't say," Chris reached over and put a hand on Mitch's thigh, "Are you alright to drive?"

Mitch let go of the steering wheel and moved a paw down to squeeze Chris's hand. The human leaned over and planted a kiss on the Wolf's cheek. Mitch jerked back and turned away from the other male. The Wolf started to cry, his muscular back shuddering with each sob. Chris fought the urge to cry and gently rubbed Mitch's back.

"What if Owen dies Chris?" Mitch asked, "What do you do when your best friend could die?"

Chris kept rubbing the Wolf's back.

"We don't know how bad it is yet Mitch," Chris began, "He may not be that hurt."

Mitch whined and nodded. He looked up at the human, tears soaking the fur under his eyes and on the sides of his muzzle. Chris did his best to wipe up the liquid, and gave the Wolf a reassuring smile. Mitch looked down at the floor of his car and sighed.

"You should drive," Mitch rubbed his arm, "I'm too jittery to get the key in the ignition."

Mitch bent down and picked up his keychain off of the floor. He handed it to the human and chuckled.

"I kept dropping it," Mitch sighed, "Just like Owen does when he's drunk. That's why he always loses his keys. He pulls them out at a party, or on the way home, and just, drops them. Then, poof, those keys are gone forever."

Chris pat the Wolf's shoulder.

"Let me in the driver's seat babe," Chris began, "Let's go see what's up."

Mitch nodded and unbuckled his seatbelt. The Wolf got out of the car, slowly, and meandered around the back of the Jeep. Chris sighed and changed seats. He started the car, and turned on the radio. He dialed through the stations, and settled on one that played Classical by the time Mitch had got back into the Jeep. The Wolf smiled.

"I love Vivaldi," The Wolf began as he buckled up and moved his seat back, "He's one of my favorite composers."

Chris started to drive and smiled.

"You can tell which composer this is?" Chris asked, "I honestly had no idea, it's only been playing for a few moments."

Mitch chuckled and looked over at the human.

"Of course I can," Mitch replied as he turned up the volume, "This is La Stravaganza. I love classical music, I play it whenever I need to buckle down and concentrate on something."

Chris drove off of the campus and turned onto the freeway. The city was a few miles away from campus, and was an easy drive this late at night. Traffic was nearly non-existent, and aside from the red glow of taillights far ahead in the distance, the couple were utterly alone. It was peaceful, and in the quiet isolation of that cold winter night, the reason that the pair were speeding along this empty road was nearly lost.

It was found all too soon. Chris rounded a corner and was nearly blinded by flashing red and blue lights. There were what seemed like an army of emergency vehicles surrounding what was, at one point, a fully functional car. The car was absolutely destroyed, the body was warped and jagged, caved in on itself like a wad of paper. Blood dripped from the busted out windshield onto a fire that had started from the engine. Mitch's eyes went wide as the pair drove around the wreck.

"Chris," Mitch whined and covered his eyes, "Chris I'm going to be sick."

Chris slowed down and rolled Mitch's window down. The Wolf stuck his head out the window, took a series of deep breaths, and pulled his head back into the car. Chris rolled the Wolf's window back up and shivered. Mitch slumped, his face pressed against the now closed window.

"That was Tyler's car," Mitch began, his eyes staring blankly ahead, "They were all together Chris. Tyler, Owen, and Brutus. They were in that crash."

Chris nodded and started driving faster towards the hospital. The human gripped the steering wheel and grit his teeth.

"Aren't you going to say anything?" Mitch whined, "Aren't you worried?"

Chris turned onto the off ramp that led to the hospital.

"You don't want me to talk right now," Chris began, "I can barely keep myself composed right now."

Mitch turned off the radio and shivered. He looked over at Chris and sighed. Chris gripped the wheel harder. The silence was getting to him, suddenly the isolation didn't keep him away from the situation. It isolated him within it, suddenly, all he could feel was the slow, but certain realization, that someone he knew, could be dead or dying as he drove on through the night.

"I can't do this," Mitch whined, "It can't be right to experience beauty while someone you know is dying."

Chris took a deep breath.

"We don't know that," Chris began, "All we know is that Owen needed to be ambulanced. That's it."

Mitch snarled and punched his dashboard.

"I know that!" Mitch shouted and punched the dash again, "Did you see that car! Did you!"

Chris shrunk away from the display of rage.

"Y-yes," Chris did his best to focus on the road, "People survive stuff like that all the time Mitch. We can't jump to conclusions."

Mitch nearly lost himself to his rage again, but stopped as he looked over Chris's body. The human was scared, even if his words didn't show it. Mitch shuddered and looked down at his paws. The knuckles of his right paw were bloody and bruised. The Wolf took a deep breath and, fighting the urge to cry, dug a first aid kit out from under his seat to treat his injury.

"I'm sorry Chris," Mitch whined, "I don't know what came over me."

The human took a deep breath and relaxed. They were at the hospital. It was a large building, at least twice the size of the human's dorm building. As Chris drove by, he felt something, a sensation of being held in place. Chris shuddered and shook it off. The human pulled into the parking lot in front of the hospital and sighed.

"It's ok Mitch," Chris turned off the car and took a deep breath, "It's ok."

The Wolf looked around the parking lot and sniffled.

"I don't want to go in there," Mitch began, "I'm scared."

Chris nodded and reached over to squeeze Mitch's paw. The Wolf took a deep breath and looked back over at Chris. The human rubbed the Wolf's paw and got out of the car. He walked around the car and opened Mitch's door.

"Come on," Chris began, "We've got to head in there."

Mitch nodded and got out of the car. He reached down to grasp Chris's hand. The pair walked through the parking lot and stepped into the hospital. It was uncomfortably bright and clean. Chris hadn't noticed this before and felt himself shying away it. The reception desk was at the end of a long, green and white, tiled hallway. Chris took a deep breath and walked up to the receptionist.

She was a human of less than average height and greater than average weight. She was older with poorly dyed hair. She looked up at the pair, her eyes looking over the thick rims of her glasses.

"Can I help you?" She asked, "It's very late."

Brutus walked out of a hallway, a bandage plastered over a small cut on his muzzle. He had been crying recently, and started up again as he saw Chris and Mitch. The human walked forward and hugged the Dog tightly. The Dalmatian shuddered and sobbed, his face plastered against Chris's chest.

"I'm sorry," Brutus began, "I know you don't want to see me right now."

Chris shook his head.

"You're my friend Brutus," Chris replied, "I always want to see you."

Mitch stood awkwardly behind the pair. The Dalmatian pulled away from the human and wiped his eyes.

"Come on," Brutus started walking back to the door he came out of, "You two can wait for Owen with me."

Mitch whined.

"What happened?" Mitch asked as Brutus reached the door, "Is he ok?"

Brutus shuddered.

"He's hurt pretty bad," Brutus began, "He's in emergency surgery right now, I think they may have to, urm, take a leg."

Mitch shivered and looked away.

"There's a waiting room in here," Brutus continued, "I'll tell you more once we get there. You may need to sit down, I know I do."

The pair followed Brutus out into the hallway and into the small bluish waiting room. They were the only people there. On the walls were motivational and kitschy educational posters about surgeries and the Fur body. Brutus took a deep breath and sunk into one of the obscenely cushioned chairs. Mitch and Chris followed suit, and awkwardly sat in silence for a while.

"Well," Brutus began, "Where do I start?"

Mitch took a deep breath.

"We saw the car on the way here," Mitch replied, "What happened?"

Brutus looked down at his footpaws and shuddered. Chris leaned over and squeezed the Dalmatian's paw.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"Can't you drive faster?" Owen asked from the backseat, "Do we really have to go to the liquor store?"

Tyler smirked and ran his hand up the length of Brutus's thigh.

"We do," Tyler began, "You'll thank me later."

Owen huffed and crossed his arms.

"Can't we just finish what we started?" Owen asked, "I didn't get a chance to get my rocks off like you guys did."

Tyler chuckled.

"Just rub one out in the back," The Pronghorn began, "It's my car, I really don't mind."

Owen grumbled and turned his head to look out the window. Tyler started rubbing up Brutus's thigh more insistently, his fingers reaching over to rub the outline of his package. Brutus gulped and did his best to relax.

"Can I try something?" Tyler asked.

Brutus chuckled nervously.

"What is it?" Brutus asked.

Owen groaned.

"So now you two get to mess around again?" Owen began, "That's not fair at all."

Tyler dismissively waved his free hand at the Deer. Brutus gulped and adjusted the steering wheel in an attempt to keep the car going straight.

"Can I give you road head?" Tyler asked, his fingers already undoing the Dalmatian's fly, "I've always wanted to try it, and after seeing Owen going to down on you, I want a turn."

Brutus chuckled and shook his head.

"I don't know," Brutus began, the inside of his ears turning red as Tyler released the canine's sheath, "I'm having a hard enough time with this car as it is, it really doesn't like to turn."

Tyler chuckled and reached down to kiss over the Dog's sheath. Brutus tensed and relaxed as he slowly started to get hard again. The Pronghorn started to moan as he began kissing and suckling over the tip of Brutus's member. The Dog growled in pleasure and momentarily closed his eyes. As he did so, the car drifted left, into the other lane of traffic. Brutus gasped and shuddered, his attention now fully off of the road. Owen sat up in the backseat, and started hitting the back of the Dalmatian's chair.

"Brutus!" The Deer shouted, "Jesus Christ move!"

Brutus snapped out of it and saw headlights rapidly approaching. He yanked the wheel, hard, to the right, and gasped. The Dog had made it into the other lane through a gap in the raised concrete barrier that separated the lanes of traffic. There was another gap, but there was no way that the Dog could make it. He took a deep breath, and tried anyway. It beat being destroyed by a semi-truck in a head-on collision.

With a loud crunch the car made impact. The airbags deployed, the car went airborne, rolled, and lay still.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"The next thing I remember," Brutus sighed, "The paramedics were pulling me out of the car."

Mitch and Chris had stayed quiet throughout the story. Chris reached over and squeezed Brutus's paw. The Dalmatian sighed and wiped his eyes.

"What happened to Tyler?" Mitch asked, "Did the ambulance not grab him?"

Brutus whined and squeezed Chris's hand tightly.

"He died," Brutus began, "On impact I think."

Mitch shook with emotion, and Chris leaned towards him. The human looked into the Wolf's eyes, trying to ascertain the Wolf's reaction. Mitch looked at Chris and nodded slowly.

"I'm ok," Mitch stood up, "I just need to take a walk."

The Wolf turned around and walked out of the room, the fur on his neck bristling. Brutus noticed this detail and recoiled, turning his head back over to look at Chris. The human sighed, he supposed Mitch had a right to be angry. As long as he left Brutus out of it, Chris was fine. The Dalmatian echoed the sigh and brought his legs up to his chest.

"He blames me doesn't he?" Brutus wrapped his arms around his legs, "He thinks it's my fault."

Chris shook his head and knelt down in front of the Dalmatian.

"He doesn't blame anyone," Chris took both of Brutus's paws, "He's just mad at the world. Mad at God too probably."

"You think so?" Brutus asked softly, "What do you think? Do you think it's my fault?"

"It's no-one's fault," Chris replied, "A lot of bad things happened all at once. You can't place the blame with anyone."

Brutus nodded slowly and looked at the other set of doors.

"I hope Owen's ok," Brutus said, still holding his gaze at the door.

Chris nodded.

"Me too," Chris replied, "I think he will be, he's tough."

Brutus managed a half-hearted chuckle.

"What's so funny?" Chris asked, a slight smile on his face.

"The irony," Brutus looked back at the human, "I'm the one with the fatal illness, and yet, people who come into my life keep dying. I thought I'd be the one to leave them, not the other way around."

Chris stayed silent. He really didn't know what to say.

"Did you know my best friend killed herself?" Brutus asked.

Chris shook his head.

"Urm, no," Chris looked up at the Dalmatian, "I didn't know that."

"I had just been diagnosed with FHIV," Brutus began, "My parents kept me out of school for a while, you know, they wanted to make sure I'd be able to handle it, what with my condition and all."

Brutus took a deep breath.

"The day I went back," Brutus continued, "I remember looking around for my friend. She was a vixen, named Nikki. She had been made fun of for her weight since we were in kindergarten, but I had always been there."

Chris squeezed the Dog's paws.

"Brutus you don't have to tell me this," Chris began, "Just relax ok, there's more than enough bad things going on now without you bringing up the past."

Brutus shook his head.

"I want to Chris," Brutus replied, "Please, can I just get this off of my chest?"

Chris sighed and nodded.

"She wasn't there," Brutus said with a sigh, "I asked my other friends what happened. She couldn't handle the ridicule anymore. She broke into her parent's medicine cabinet on Friday, when her parents went out to dinner, and they found her on the bathroom floor that Saturday."

Chris stood up.

"I try not to blame myself," Brutus began, "But that had to have been my fault. Just like this was."

The human looked over Brutus, tears welling in his eyes. Chris never liked to see anyone hurting like this. Brutus looked up at the human and shook his head.

"I should stop," Brutus stood up and hugged the human, "I haven't even thought about how this is making you feel. Are you ok?"

Chris returned the hug. He wasn't sure how he felt. He really didn't know Tyler and Owen at all. The bulk of his emotions came from worry, worry about Mitch and Brutus. He made a mental point to go and check on the Wolf after he finished up with Brutus.

"I don't know," Chris shrugged, "I'm glad you're ok."

Brutus smiled.

"At least you don't hate me for this," Brutus began, "I know how shitty it is of me to go out and try and get laid after we had just broke up."

Chris shook his head.

"I'd never hate you for that," Chris replied, "It would take a lot to make me hate you Brutus. You're too damn charming for your own good."

Brutus nuzzled the human's cheek.

"I'm going to try and catch some sleep," Brutus yawned, "It's been a pretty hectic night."

"Would you like us to take you home?" Chris asked.

The Dalmatian thought about it for a moment and shook his head.

"No," Brutus began, "Thanks but, I think I owe it to Owen to be here."

Chris nodded.

"Mitch and I might join you," Chris replied, "I'll be right back, I've got to go and check on him."

The Dalmatian walked over to one of the smaller sofas in the waiting room and collapsed into it. Chris smiled and walked over to kiss the Dalmatian on the forehead.

"Are you going to be up when we get back?" Chris asked.

Brutus yawned and shook his head.

"Probably not," The Dalmatian began, "Don't worry about me, I'll see you later."

"Yeah," Chris took off his jacket and draped it over the Dog, "See you soon buddy."

Chris walked out of the waiting room and gently closed the door behind him. He looked through the window at the sleeping Dalmatian and smiled. His phone rang in his pocket, startling the human out of his musings. Chris pulled out his smartphone and saw Thomas's name and picture on the screen. The human groaned, he'd have to do some very good acting in order to keep the Fox from freaking out.

"Thomas?" Chris feigned a yawn, "Why are you calling me this late?"

"I know it's late, I'm sorry," Thomas said excitedly, "Did you hear the news?"

Chris groaned and pantomimed a stretch.

"What news?" Chris asked, "What's going on?"

"It's Andrew," Thomas began, "He's dead."

Chris sighed.

"Ok," Chris began, "That's great, is that all?"

Thomas scoffed.

"Don't you know what that means?" Thomas asked, "It means you're practically done. No trial, no nothing."

Chris rapidly felt the desire to maintain this ruse depleting.

"I know what it means," Chris snapped, "I've got bigger things to deal with."

Thomas's end of the conversation was silent except for a couple of electronic beeps and whooshes. Chris groaned. He recognized those sounds. Thomas was tracking his location again.

"Why are you at the hospital?" Thomas asked, his voice deadpan, "Chris what happened?"

"Nothing," Chris sighed, "There was a car crash. I wasn't in it."

"Jesus," Thomas replied, "Is everyone ok?"

Chris took a deep breath.

"No," Chris replied, "One of them is in emergency surgery, and the other didn't make it."

Thomas whined.

"I'm coming to get you," Thomas began, "Just stay right there."

"Thomas, no," Chris sighed, "It's ok. I'm here with Brutus and Mitch."

Thomas paused.

"Why is Mitch there?" Thomas asked, "Are you guys hanging out again?"

Chris put his head in his hands.

"I really don't want to talk about it right now," Chris began, "I'll update you later. Don't worry about coming out ok?"

Thomas sighed.

"Ok," Thomas replied, "You call me if you need anything ok? I'll make sure I'm available."

Chris smiled.

"Ok," Chris began, "Good night Thomas, tell Barry hello for me."

Chris hung up the phone and sighed. He jumped as Mitch came up behind him and grabbed his shoulder. The Wolf chuckled.

"I'm sorry," Mitch pulled the human into an embrace, "I didn't mean to scare you."

Chris pressed himself up against the Wolf.

"Are you ok?" Chris asked, "I was worried about you."

Mitch nodded and nuzzled Chris's cheek.

"I will be," Mitch replied, "How's Brutus?"

Chris sighed and looked away.

"He's not taking it well," Chris began, "He's sleeping in the waiting room."

Mitch nodded.

"I wouldn't expect him to," Mitch rubbed the human's back, "He's been through a lot."

The human closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

"Can we spend the night here?" Chris asked, "Brutus wanted to wait up for Owen, I think that would be good for us to do as well."

Mitch shook his head.

"Not for Owen," Mitch began, "He really doesn't do hospitals. He doesn't like visiting people in them, and he really doesn't like people visiting him."

Chris blinked.

"Why?" Chris asked.

Mitch chuckled.

"Owen's terrified of hospitals," Mitch began, "No one knows why. I think he just doesn't like the idea of people coming around and seeing him when he's not at his best. He's kinda vain that way."

Chris sighed.

"What about Brutus?" Chris asked, "We can't just leave him here."

Mitch rubbed his face.

"Do you really want to stay here?" Mitch asked.

Chris nodded.

"Come on then," Mitch walked back to the door and held it open, "Let's try and find a comfy couch."

Chris smiled and walked into the waiting room. He got on the couch across from Brutus's snoring body and yawned. Mitch walked in and sat down beside him.

"Come here," Mitch gave his chest a pat, "It's probably way more comfortable than that old sofa."

Chris curled up next to his mate, his fingers rubbing slow and delicate patterns into the Wolf's torso. The human smiled and hugged the canine tightly. Mitch chuckled and gave his boyfriend a kiss on the forehead.

"What about you?" Chris asked, "Aren't you going to be uncomfortable?"

Mitch shrugged.

"It's worth it," The Wolf wrapped his arms tightly around the human, "Sweet dreams Chris."

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The Next Afternoon

One of the doctors, a tall and handsome Bat, walked into the waiting room. He looked over Mitch and Chris as they slept and smiled. Brutus hadn't slept much and was sitting up, wide awake. The Dog yawned and stretched, and the Bat didn't react. Brutus sat up from his couch and cleared his throat.

"Were you working with a Deer?" Brutus asked, "I'm the Dalmatian that came in with him. Is he ok?"

The Bat was clearly exhausted, and he sat down on the couch next to the sleeping couple with a groan. He bent his head down and rubbed his neck.

"Yeah," The doctor replied, "He's ok."

Brutus beamed and his tail started to wag.

"He wants to see you," The Bat continued, "The nurses said he was very insistent on that."

Brutus's tail stopped wagging.

"I'm sure it'll be ok," The Bat smiled and looked over at the sleeping couple, "Gosh, I remember when my wife would fall asleep with me like that."

Brutus cracked a slight smile.

"They friends of yours?" The doctor asked.

The Dalmatian nodded.

"Yeah," Brutus replied, "They are."

The Bat got up from the couch and walked over to the door.

"Come on," The Bat began, "I'll take you to his room on my way to my coffee break."

Brutus stood up, looked back at Chris and Mitch, and left the room. The Bat led the Dog through the halls. The hospital was bustling and seemed to be filled to the brim with nurses and doctors.

"It's been a crazy 48 hours," The Bat sighed, "This is the first break I've had since yesterday morning."

Brutus pressed himself against the wall as a hospital bed rolled by. The Doctor looked back at the Dalmatian and smirked. Brutus looked around and sighed.

"So how badly was he hurt?" Brutus asked, "It looked really bad last night."

The Bat took a right turn and led the Dalmatian into another hallway. It was quieter, almost eerily so. The Dalmatian saw one other being, and only for a moment. The doctor looked back at the Dog and sighed.

"We had to take the leg," The doctor began, "Other than that, he just had a few cracked ribs and some bruises. He's very lucky."

Brutus nodded.

"How was the operation?" The Dalmatian asked, "Did he do alright? Last time I had to go under the knife I had an allergic reaction to the anesthesia. That was miserable."

The Bat chuckled.

"That's no good," The other male replied, "Why were you in the hospital?"

Brutus sighed.

"FHIV," Brutus began, "I have a slow acting strain that goes after the kidneys. They wanted to make sure everything was still, you know, intact."

The doctor put his hand on the Dog's shoulder.

"He's in there," The Bat said, "I probably won't see you again."

"Thank you," Brutus replied as he opened the door, "I'll do my best to stay out of everyone's fur."

The doctor nodded and turned around to walk back down the hallway. Brutus stepped into Owen's room, doing his best to close the door as quietly as possible behind him. The Deer was awake and looked intently at Brutus as the Dog pulled up a chair and sat down at Owen's bedside. Brutus opened his mouth to speak, but couldn't.

"Are you ok?" Owen asked, grimacing as he reached a hand out to brush the Dog's paw, "You know it wasn't your fault right."

Brutus sighed and nodded.

"Ok," Owen continued, "I'm really happy you came."

Brutus's ears raised.

"Of course I came," Brutus began, "Chris and Mitch did too. I can go and get them if you want."

Owen shook his head.

"I don't think I want to see them," Owen replied, "I'm not too happy with them at the moment."

"Well why?" Brutus asked.

Owen sighed.

"Because of what they did to you," Owen began, "How is any of it fair to you?"

The Dalmatian sat back and rubbed the back of his neck.

"You were perfect for Chris," The Deer continued, "He had made the right choice, but now."

Owen scoffed and shook his head.

"He's out of his mind if he thinks he knows Mitch," Owen continued, "Next fall, Chris will be playing second fiddle to the hockey team again. Once a new captain is picked for the next season, Mitch will fall right back in line."

Brutus shook his head.

"He can live his life," The Dalmatian began, "I'll get over it, and when I'm ready, find someone new."

Owen nodded.

"I still don't want to see them just yet," Owen replied, "I told the nurse I only wanted to see you."

"Well," Brutus smiled, "That's ok with me."

"I'm amazed I got out of this as healthy as I did," Owen chuckled, "Maybe I'll even be able to play hockey again this season."

Brutus chuckled and nodded.

"How would they do that?" Brutus asked, "Never mind, that was a dumb question. I'm sure they make an ice skate prosthetic."

Owen chuckled awkwardly.

"Why would I need one of those?" Owen looked down toward his feet, "Wait, what?"

The Deer moved the toes on his intact leg and breathed a sigh of relief. He tried to do the same for his recently amputated leg. His eyes widened as he realized he didn't have toes anymore. Owen reached forward and felt up from where his toes used to be. He shuddered and bit back a sob as he traced his fingers up the mattress, past where his knee used to be, and made contact with his stump.

"I'm so sorry," Brutus muttered through the paw plastered over his mouth, "God, I'm an asshole."

Owen took a deep breath.

"No," Owen looked away from the Dog in shame as tears rolled freely down his cheeks, "Fuck, I can't believe this."

Owen looked back at Brutus, his hands clutching the covers.

"I hate hospitals," Owen sniffled, "They scare me."

Brutus nodded and held the Deer's hand.

"I know," Brutus replied, "I know exactly how you feel."

Owen wiped his eyes with his free hand.

"I suppose you do," Owen nodded, "You must think I'm acting silly. Like a fawn who won't take his medicine."

Brutus chuckled.

"I don't know much about fawns," Brutus began, "But I've seen Bambi. I don't think you're acting like a fawn would. Hell, you're braver than I am."

Owen chuckled and smiled.

"I don't see how," Owen replied, "I'd be terrified if I was in your shoes."

"Believe me, I am," Brutus began, "Every time I come in for a check-up, I have to be ready to hear the worst. Every time I come in, they give me a number. How much time I have left. I'm so scared that the next time I get my check up, it'll be a year, or six months, or less"

Owen squeezed the Dog's paw.

"You're different from me, because you feel like you have to be strong for others," Brutus continued, "I would have never done what you just did for me."

"What was that?" Owen asked.

"You made sure I was ok," Brutus chuckled, "When you're the one in the hospital bed."

Owen blushed a little.

"Well, you're a good guy," Owen began, "I know we don't know each other that well, but I'd love to be your friend. I always try and take care of my friends."

"That's very admirable," Brutus replied, "I'll have to bring you in to the hospital next time, maybe then I'll get the pampering I deserve."

Owen smirked.

"Sounds like you're a real lap dog at heart," Owen said with a grin, "Isn't that Dog slang for a bottom?"

Brutus nodded.

"You're just jealous because Deer are bred to be bottoms," Brutus stuck out his tongue, "You lack the predatory drive that we Dogs have to sniff out and find great asses to tap."

Owen laughed.

"Leave it to the Dog to bring ass sniffing into the conversation," Owen reached down to slap his missing knee and hit the mattress, "I am a top though."

The Deer sighed.

"Not that it matters anymore," Owen continued, "Who wants to date an amputee? I mean if it was below the knee, I could see me being close to the old me. Jesus, they took so much."

Brutus rubbed the back of his neck.

"I guess we both have a short list of people willing to date us," Brutus began, "I seem to do well enough. I'm sure you'll be fine."

Owen nodded.

"I'd get with you in a heartbeat," Owen blinked, "Wait, where's Tyler? Last I remember he was... oh."

Owen looked down at the bed.

"I remember now," Owen continued, "Fuck, he was a good friend. You know he's the other reason I came out of the closest."

Brutus nodded.

"He was telling me about how you met last night," Brutus began, "I'd kill for the chance to date a guy like that."

Owen rubbed his arm.

"I never told Mitch about him," Owen replied, "We all went to school together. I was worried that Mitch would snatch Tyler up, he'd do that a lot."

Brutus nodded.

"How long have you guys been, urm," Brutus began, "Fooling around?"

Owen chuckled.

"Since the eighth grade," Owen smirked, "We weren't monogamous, but we were close. He wanted to have a relationship since sophomore year of high school, but I wasn't ready. I wish I could have been."

Brutus rubbed the Deer's arm.

"You can't think like that," Brutus sighed, "What's in the past is in the past. Regretting and wishing isn't going to change it at all."

Owen nodded.

"You're wise beyond your years," Owen cracked a smile.

"Not quite," Brutus smirked, "I am 133 in dog years."

The Deer chuckled and leaned over to give the Dog a nuzzle. Brutus smiled and nuzzled the Deer back.

"Would you date me?" Owen rubbed his arm, "Well, not me, but a Deer with three legs?"

Brutus feigned thinking for a moment. Owen leaned forward, his eyes big and hopeful.

"That would depend on their personality," Brutus began, "If they were like you, I totally would."

Owen smiled.

"Good," Owen replied, "That makes me feel a lot better."

Brutus nodded.

"I aim to please," Brutus chuckled, "Must be a Dog thing."

Owen smiled.

"Thank you for coming in and spending time with me," Owen began, "Can you get Mitch? I have something I need to say to him."

Brutus nodded.

"I'll ask one of the nurses," Brutus replied, "I don't think that they want us wandering the halls."

Brutus stood up from Owen's bedside and walked out to the hallway. After the door closed behind him, Brutus looked back through the little window in the door. The Deer smiled and waved at the Dog. Brutus smiled and turned away, his shoulders slumping against the wall. Emotionally, he was drained, and the conversation that he had with Owen did not help in the slightest.

The Dog looked up and got a human woman's attention as she walked by. The nurse looked over the Dalmatian and smiled.

"Hello," She began, "Do you need something?"

Brutus nodded.

"Yeah," Brutus replied, "I was wondering if it would be alright to bring someone to visit my friend in there. Is it ok if I just bring him, or do you want someone to supervise us?"

The nurse shook her head.

"It should be ok," She began, "Just keep it brief. He needs his rest."

Brutus nodded and thanked the woman before walking back to the waiting room. Thomas was sitting in there with Chris and Mitch. The Fox got up and hugged the Dalmatian tightly.

"Oh you poor dear," The Fox began, "I'm so happy you're ok."

Brutus hugged Thomas back and looked over at Mitch. He broke away from the hug and walked over to the door.

"Owen wants to talk to you," Brutus raised a paw as Chris and Mitch got out of their seats, "Just Mitch."

Chris sat back down and kissed Mitch's paw. The Wolf ruffled Chris's hair and walked over to Brutus. The Dalmatian led the Wolf over to Owen's room silently. There was a definite awkwardness between the two, and neither could come up with any sort of conversation. Brutus stood beside the Owen's door, out of sight from the little window.

"Go ahead," Brutus began, "Keep it brief."

Mitch nodded and slowly entered the room. Owen looked at the Wolf with a neutral expression. Mitch closed the door behind him and walked over to the Deer's bedside.

"How are you doing pal?" Mitch asked, "How are you feeling?"

Owen sighed.

"I'm ok," Owen began, "I've been better for sure."

Mitch chuckled and sat down beside the Deer's bed.

"Yeah," Mitch replied, "I'm so happy that you're alive. I was really scared for you."

Owen smiled and rubbed Mitch's paw.

"Mitch?" Owen asked as he noticed the discoloration on Mitch's knuckles, "What did you do?"

Mitch pulled his paw back and chuckled.

"It's nothing a little antiseptic couldn't fix," The Wolf replied, "Don't worry about it."

Owen took a deep breath.

"Can I ask you something?" Owen asked, "I know it's probably bad timing, but it's been bothering me ever since I saw you and Chris at my house."

Mitch blinked and nodded.

"Of course Owen," Mitch gently punched the Deer's shoulder, "We're best friends, you can ask me anything."

The Deer gave a slight smile. Mitch chuckled and looked down.

"What is it dude?" Mitch asked.

"I'm worried about you and Chris," Owen began, "You said you were done with him."

Mitch rubbed the back of his neck.

"Are you sure you want to talk about this?" Mitch asked, "I don't think getting involved in drama is going to be good for your recovery."

Owen nodded.

"You said that you never wanted to see him again," Owen sighed, "Why are you getting involved with him again? You guys broke poor Brutus's heart."

Mitch grumbled.

"Did he ask you to talk to me about this?" Mitch shook his head, "That's just typical."

Owen clenched his fists.

"No," Owen began, "He's a great guy, really. I know you don't see that, but the stunt you pulled with Chris was totally fucked up. They'd still be together if you hadn't messed with Chris's head like that."

Mitch frowned.

"I never wanted to see him again because he hurt me," Mitch began, "You know how easily attachments can form. I really did want him. I do want him. You can't fault me for following my heart."

"I can if you won't commit," Owen replied, "I know you. I know how you are. What makes you think that you won't do what you did to Russell to Chris?"

Mitch growled.

"Where do you get off?" Mitch asked, "Why are we even talking about this right now?"

"Because I could have died," Owen snapped, "I wanted to do the right thing. I know I can't change your mind. I know I can't make you two break up. The one thing I can do, is beg you to treat Chris the way he deserves to be treated. The way Brutus treated him."

Mitch's face softened and his anger abided.

"Why didn't you say that in the first place?" Mitch asked, "I will. I don't want to lose him again Owen."

Owen nodded and shifted his body around in an attempt to get comfortable.

"Ok," Owen began, "I'm sorry too, I shouldn't have pulled you into an argument like that."

Mitch and Owen sat in silence for a while.

"Are we ok?" Mitch asked.

"Yeah," The Deer replied, "You're my best friend. It'll take a lot to change that."

Mitch nodded.

"Do you want me to stick around?" Mitch asked.

Owen thought for a moment and shook his head.

"Oh did you hear?" Mitch began, "The guy who attacked Chris died in prison. He attacked a guard and they shot him."

Owen breathed a sigh of relief.

"I'm glad Chris doesn't have to go through the whole legal process," Owen replied, "How's he holding up?"

"He's ok," Mitch nodded and sighed, "He was really worried about you."

"Ok," Owen replied, "I'd say bring him back to see me, but I think the doctors want me to rest."

Mitch chuckled.

"Ok," Mitch ruffled the Deer's headfur, "We'll come back tomorrow and see you. Is that ok?"

"That sounds wonderful," Owen began, "Are you doing anything today?"

"Maybe lunch," Mitch replied, "If Chris is up to it."

"I think he will be," Owen smiled, "Go on."

Mitch bent forward and gave Owen a kiss on the forehead. The Deer smiled and closed his eyes. Mitch carefully walked out into the hallway, gently easing the door closed as he did. Brutus looked down at the floor.

"How much of that did you hear?" Mitch asked.

"Enough," Brutus replied, "Please treat Chris well. I know I'm not with him anymore, but yeah, I still care about him."

Mitch hugged the Dalmatian tightly. Brutus flinched and, after an awkward pause, hugged the Wolf back. After a few moments, Mitch pulled back and clapped the Dog on the shoulder.

"Come on," Mitch began, "Come get lunch with us."

Brutus shook his head.

"I don't know," Brutus rubbed the back of his neck, "Wouldn't it be weird?"

Mitch shrugged.

"I insist," Mitch began as he started walking back to the waiting room, "Chris and I would love it if you came."

Mitch put an arm around Brutus's shoulder. Brutus shied away at first, but stopped as he saw Mitch's smile. Brutus looked down at the floor, a smile forming on his own face as his tail started to wag.

It was going to be ok.