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Chapter XLIII You See Dead People?

"So, you think Jai might be gifted?" Richard asked in an interested tone. It was lunchtime currently and everyone, even Allison was seated around one of the outer tables. Lucas had asked everyone to sit together because he wanted to discuss something. The little fox just nodded gently, quite obviously convinced in his idea. "You absolutely sure? Can you tell that? Normally only Trackers can tell, and if he was Gifted he would have long been scooped up by the Knights or Brotherhood... What do you think Allison?" He asked the pretty coyote next to him. She hadn't yet told him where exactly they would go on their date but he was sure it would be interesting.

"It is possible that his Gift could have awoken only recently. That happens on occasion. Most gifts manifest when puberty begins, but in some people gifts do not truly manifest until later, if they ever truly manifest." She said in a calm, neutral manner. "Those whose gifts manifest late are often harder to track... or something could be hiding his gift from the Tracker's. It's possible that a God could have claimed him... though not knowing I couldn't guess which one." She admitted. "But truly, what makes you think Mishra might be gifted?"

"It's just a feeling..." Lucas said with a shrug. "He seems to look off into space sometimes, as if he sees something that no one else can. Plus he always seems to stop mid-sentence about something that seems to be haunting him. And at night, he hasn't gotten a good night's sleep in a while." He said, gesturing to the cheetah who was seated towards the middle of the room with the rest of the journalism club. The cat seemed to be having a particularly heated discussion with a very pretty mink, though they were too far away to properly eavesdrop, especially with the sheer volume in the cafeteria.

"Sees thing no one else can see eh?" She said mildly, looking at the cheetah. Could the guy be Gifted? "Sounds like a Medium... spirits are drawn naturally to them. They exist on the spiritual plane of our world, which for whatever reason Mages and Non-Mediums are completely unable to see."

"I remember that you brought up Mediums before." Lucas stated. "You said only Mundanes could be one... But why are spirits attracted to Mediums though? Something special about them?"

"Mediums are the only ones spirits can interact with at will." Richard replied helpfully. "They are also the closest mortals to Hades the God of the Dead." He supplied.

Lucas just nodded, but he still seemed very curious, not that Richard really blamed him, he still was pretty new to the Hidden World after all, and there was a lot even he didn't understand, even with growing up in the world himself.

"Can the Gods really 'claim' people? What does that mean? Also... whatever happened to demigods? If the Gods exist, are the stories about Hercules and Perseus true as well?"

Allison was the one who took this question much to his surprise. "Yes, God's can claim mortals. Rarely a mortal is born that catches a particular God's attention so they mark them. The mortal is always Gifted and their gifts tend to be unusually potent. Thorne for example is an incredibly powerful empath, and is a chosen of Athena." She said. "If Mishra is indeed a Medium he could be marked by Hades. The God of the dead is usually reluctant to allow his Servants to be used by the two organizations."

"Oh... that would make sense. But if his Gift is really that powerful won't it be dangerous if this continues and his powers will keep getting stronger. Maybe you should talk to him Allison?" Lucas asked. "He would listen to you I bet."

Allison just shook her head. "I am not sure Mason, I have never been good at doing recruiting, plus Mishra and I have never spoken, so it would be odd for me to randomly go up and speak with him on such matters, he is most familiar with you. If anyone should approach him, it should be you."

"Are you sure...?" Lucas asked awkwardly, he looked very shy which Richard honestly found kinda cute. No wonder Ian was so enamoured with him. Hard to believe someone so sweet and shy could be so ruthless if provoked. He shivered at the memory of the fight against the Cabal and seeing Lucas slaughtering all of them in retaliation for the death of his mother. Right then a tinge of pity went through his stomach. His mum's funeral was tomorrow he could only imagine what Lucas was feeling.

"Yes, out of all of us you have known him the longest and he seems to genuinely like you." She teased lightly. "I cannot exactly pin down Mishra's sexuality myself honestly, he has never shown an interest in romance, though he could be asexual..." She said with a shrug. "But you could try talking to him later...if he is Gifted we can get him help. If he is a Medium then without training he is at a high risk of possession."

"Possession? As in demonic?" Xander asked in a frightened tone.

"No... arguably worse... not all spirits are benevolent. While rare, there are incredibly malevolent spirits that could cause serious harm to a person's soul. Demons don't really possess people, only warp them to suit their needs. But the malevolent spirits completely take over a soul and are almost impossible to remove. Mediums are generally among the Gifted that have the strictest training structure because of that possibility." She stated.

"Empaths and Telepaths are also strict, as they start their training in complete isolation before gradually going around more people so to prevent the person from being overwhelmed and going insane from their gifts. It was sadly common many years ago before mental wards were figured out, but they still require a lot of practice. Thorne himself actually mastered things quite excellently, but he has always had an innate talent."

"So telepaths and empaths are prone to insanity? Is it because they hear people's thoughts and feel their emotions?"

"Indeed, though you are talking about Emotional Empaths. Physical Empaths can sense people's health and body. But yes, inexperienced Empaths of both kinds and Telepaths are prone to being overwhelmed by the rush of differing thoughts and even when trained ones tend to avoid massive crowds less their wards fail. They generally prefer living in less populous areas, though some like Thorne remain in the cities."

"Interesting..." Lucas muttered while rubbing his chin. "So am curious is your teacher Mr. Luo is a Physical Empath? I am sure being able to sense the bodies exact physical state would be useful in terms of medicinal use."

"He is indeed a Physical Empath, the large majority of Mundane Healers are Physical Empaths. It makes their gift useful. Some even go into standard medicine as well. Emotional Empaths also excel in the areas involving the mind and emotions being able to sense what a person is feeling." She explained calmly before deciding to change the topic at hand. "If however you truly believe Mishra is Gifted, you need to talk with him. Out of all of us you are the one he trusts the most. He would probably believe you more than me or even Thorne."

Lucas nodded, beginning to understand just what she meant, he had known Jai longer than anyone. Even if they're were never particularly close they had always been friendly towards each other, and Jai certainly seemed to have a high opinion of him. "Okay... I'll talk to him..." He said as he got up. "There is still about ten minutes left of lunch so I will try and get things settled before class." With that Lucas reluctantly walked up to where the cheetah was sitting. He noticed the boy looked quite steamed in contrast to his usually friendly nature, while the lovely mink looked annoyed.

"I can't keep doing all this by myself Nancy! I haven't got a good night's rest in a week! I'm exhausted because I have been doing all the work! You are my partner! You should be doing at least SOME of the work you know! Why should I split credit with you when I myself do all the work? It's just not fair! You shouldn't get credit when you do nothing! If you don't step up, I'm demanding you get kicked out of the club! I don't care if you need the credit for college!"

"Oh shut up will you!? How dare you talk to me this way! I shouldn't have to take orders from a filthy Muslim like you! I don't even know why they LET you people in this school! Bad enough you are a foreigner, but an Islamic one? Now even one of our teachers is one of you!" She snarled out which made the cheetah recoil as if he was struck, and everyone around them went completely silent...Obviously shocked at the girl's racist tirade.

Lucas himself was only seconds away of going berserk on her. Not only did she go after Jai which was uncalled for, she dared to go after a teacher, and his own Uncle who had been nothing but nice to everyone.

After a few moments an angry looking ocelot stooped and faced her. "Enough Hodges! Don't you say anymore! How dare you insult Mishra like that! He is easily one of our hardest workers as well as the assistant editor! Not only that, you actually are making racist statements about Mr. Közen? One of your own teachers? I've had enough! I've been willing to let you get away with your lazy antics for far too long! As of now you are officially kicked out of the Journalism Club, and I will make damn sure none of the other clubs will take you! Now get out! Go sit at another table, this one is for the Journalism Club!" The bespectacled young man said firmly.

Hodges looked positively dumbfounded, it was obvious she didn't expect to get chewed out! Briefly she looked around, hoping to find at least some support, but all she got was a bunch of baleful glares as everyone was obviously disgusted by her words and attitude. With a humph she darted up, tray in paws.

"Fine! Choose the Muslim over me! I will just sit where my ideas are appreciated!" She snarled before she walked off towards where Emmett was sitting with his flunkies. Jai just sat there somewhat quietly, still obviously in shock at the tirade directed against him.

Seemingly concerned, Williams the ocelot who had chewed Nancy out patted him on the back in a gentle fashion. "You okay man? I'm sorry about that. I had no idea that's what she was really like. I expected that from Emmett Douglas not from her... do you want me to report this to Dr. Erikson?" Jai just shook his head and sighed. After that Williams seemed to finally notice Lucas giving him a gentle smile. "Ah, Mason! Good see you! I apologize for Hodges' actions. I believe Mr. Közen is your Uncle correct?" Lucas simply nodded yes at that. "Right, but what do you need? If I may ask?"

"I wanted to speak with Jai actually. Would that be permitted?" Williams looked towards Jai himself, as if he was nonverbally asking if the cheetah was willing to talk.

Thankfully though the boy nodded and got to his feet. "I will be glad to talk... Do you wish to talk here or go somewhere else?"

"I would prefer somewhere else. I want to know if you had any ideas on what I can draw for the school paper, if that's okay?" Jai just nodded enthusiastically at that, obviously happy that Lucas was willing to contribute. He had to give him something, Jai certainly could be persistent if he wanted to be, which Lucas honestly respected.

"Sure, we can use the Journalism Classroom if you want." He said before looking towards Williams to see if that was okay. When the ocelot nodded he smiled and led Lucas out of the cafeteria. The walk was rather quiet, neither knowing what to say at that moment. It was a rather comfortable one. Lucas was still trying to figure out just how he was going to broach the subject on Jai being Gifted. He doubted he would believe him if he said it straight out, and he was still reluctant to pry too deep into his personal life.

Once they reached the room though Lucas decided to just suck it up and say what he wanted to say. "You are a Medium aren't you?" He blurted out which made Jai give him a horrified look.

"What are you talking about? What the hell is a Medium? Are you talking about those annoying people on TV who claim to talk to dead people? That's absurd!" He snarled out, obviously a bit offended, but Lucas saw a bit of fear and even some acceptance in them though buried somewhat.

"You see things no one else can see. You talk about something bothering you at night when you try and sleep correct? Just admit it Jai, they are ghosts aren't they? The things that have been haunting you?"

Jai looked like he dearly wanted to rebuke him, but all the feline could really do was look down towards his footpaws and sigh before nodding in an extremely reluctant manner. "So you figured it out? How did you?"

"Was just a hunch... How long though? How long have you been haunted? Does anyone else know?"

Jai just shivered but managed to keep his composure. "Since I was eleven... that's when it started... It was cool at first, I felt like that kid in the Sixth Sense, but as I got older it got worse and worse until they never left me alone... Even when I am trying to sleep I hear their wailing and their loneliness... As for anyone knowing? My sister does, but no-one else does... Why are you asking me all this?"

"Because I can help... WE can help... because you see..." He said before taking a breath, he knew he was probably going to get in trouble over this, but he felt he had no choice. Raising his paw he focused and almost immediately a large sphere of darkness floated above it causing Jai to jump back. "I'm a Mage... a Dark Mage specifically. I have magic and for whatever reason I have Seersight as well."

"But if you are a mage doesn't that mean Ian is..." Jai said before Lucas cut him off.

"Yeah, he is a Mage also, a Light Mage. Richard, Erin, Jonah and Xander are as well... and Santiago of course. Ian's family is the rulers of Scotland in the Hidden Rule and have considerable influence among other Clans. Ian himself is actually the heir."

"He is? So wouldn't he be required to have an heir in turn? Does the family know you two are dating?" It was Lucas's turn to be shocked then. He was so sure that he and Ian were careful... how did he know about them? As if sensing this Jai helpfully explained. "It's not like Ian is subtle. I am a Journalism nerd I can read body language quite well and I see how he looks at you. It's honestly really sweet."

"If you say so... As for your question... his parents do as does his brother and Greg as well of course...but not anyone outside the group. If the Council, which is the magical government..." He explained and he saw Jai 's confused look. "If they found out Ian was gay, he could lose his birthrigh, or worse be banished from his Clan if he refuses to step down. They have laws forbidding homosexuals from having power... So please all of this stays between us okay?"

Jai simply nodded. "But how could you help me? I'm not a mage."

"No you are not, but Allison knows people, people who could help you control your gift... so you won't be constantly tormented. It's either her people or the Knights because if you don't get training you could very well be harmed by the more malicious spirits. But I trust Allison, she'd be glad to help! Plus Tyler is also in the same Group, and he is Gifted just like you." Lucas said calmly, pointing towards Jai's chest. "Though an Empath instead of a Medium," he admitted, "I don't know any other Mediums sadly, but I am sure Allison does."

"That sounds nice..." Jai said before he gasped. "Mrs. Mason!?" He cried out in shock, which made Lucas's heart sink.

Slowly turned around he saw the ghastly visage of the phantom version of his mother, the one that had haunted him so. He stepped back closer to Jai but the phantom just chuckled. "Oh, are you cheating behind that Wolf's back now?" She asked in an icy voice. "I Shouldn't have expected anything less than from a faggot!" She snarled.

"It's not like that!" He cried out.

Looking towards Jai he saw that the boy was still staring at his mother.

~~~~

"She isn't a ghost..." Jai stated in a tiny voice... "That thing isn't Mrs. Mason... no... It's a crude copy... an abomination." He muttered.

"What do you mean?" Lucas asked in a confused manner... If she wasn't a ghost, what was she? And why could Jai see her? Just what was she?"

"Observant little brat aren't we?" She spat at Jai but turned her focus back on Lucas. "You are worthless. If you weren't so weak and pathetic I would still be alive!" She shouted out towards the fox.

Lucas didn't say anything, instead he kept looking at his footpaws, his eyes blank as the phantom continued to lay verbal abuse on Lucas. Jai could only watch in silence as Lucas's body started to shake until his legs gave out on him.

Thankfully Jai managed to catch him before he hit the floor but when he tried to get a reaction from the boy to get him to snap out it. However nothing worked as he continued to stare at the floor, eyes still blank. 'What's going on?' Jai asked himself. 'It's as if the phantom is draining the life out of him... but how... why?' Shaking his head, he decided to try and get the Phantom to leave his friend alone.

"Stop it! Leave him alone!" He cried out. "You aren't his mother! You are just a pale imitation! An abomination! What are you? I know for the fact you aren't a ghost!" He shouted as he tried again to get Lucas to snap out of it. "Come-on Lucas! Get ahold of yourself! Snap out of it!" He shouted out while he shook the fox. "What did you do to him!?" He then yelled towards the spirit.

"I did nothing Medium..." The phantom said coldly. "I am simply reminding him just how pathetic and worthless he is! When I am through with him, not even that wolf will want him!"

Jai just hissed at it before he got Lucas to where he could drag him towards the door. If they could get away, maybe he could get Ian? Maybe he could get Lucas to snap out of it, but right as he reached for the door handle his paw was jerked back by an electric current. "What...?" He asked in shock. "How...?" He was only met by the laughter of the damned phantom as it enjoyed their plight.

"Good try Medium!" It cried out, it's face warped into a sick mockery of a grin. "But nobody can leave this room until I finish breaking that pathetic waste of space."

"Shut up!" Jai roared out, tired of her vile words to Lucas. His eyes were fixed on her, giving her a baleful look never thought he would hate something as much as he currently hated the monster in front of him. "Stop calling him that! He isn't worthless and he isn't a waste of space! He's my friend!" Jai said plainly. "He is a good person!"

Once again the phantom laughed. "You impress me, but it simply isn't enough! I know he is worthless, as does the boy himself. Look at him! So full of pathetic self-loathing." She said coldly. "He has always been a disappointment. A disappointment and a failure and he knows it."

"You are wrong..." Was all Jai said, his voice firm in his conviction. "You are so damned wrong! I think you know that you are wrong. You are just a phantom created to bring someone pain. A pathetic little being that can only bring pain. I honestly pity you." He said in an almost sad voice. "What a sad, pathetic existence you live." The phantom stopped laughing at that and instead started snarling as if what Jai said hit a nerve. Sensing it as a possible weakness he decided to exploit it as best he could.

"Shut up Medium!" It cried out angrily.

Just as Jai was about to say something else he heard a small chuckle come from behind him. Turning around as fast as he was able he saw what looked like a figure wearing a hood that hid his face... 'How did he get in here? Was he another phantom?' Jai wondered before shaking his head. No way was this one a phantom. He actually kinda felt like Lucas... Another mage?

However the Phantom certainly seemed to recognize the figure as it got even angrier. "You!? What are you doing here!? How did you get in!?" The figure just shrugged and Jai could honestly swear that the figure was smiling, even if he couldn't see his face.

"Your little Ward might be good on keeping people out but it has nothing to stop someone with even a novice understanding of runes could smash through it easily. Your boss was foolish to send you." The figure said in a mocking tone as he lifted his arm and a small ball of light floated above his paw. "Now! How about we play a game? Either you go your own way or I will keep on destroying you until you stop coming back? How does that sound my friend?"

All the phantom could do was snarl in hatred, but it sighed and much to Jai's surprise seemed to relent. "Fine! I will leave the boy alone for now. But mark my words I will break him and you will not stop me!" It said before it faded away leaving the three behind. Almost immediately Lucas let out a small groan which caught Jai's attention.

"What... happened...?" The fox said as he shook his head, his eyes looking weary. "I remember we were talking and then I blacked out..." He said before he saw the other guy. "And who is he?"

Jai only shrugged at that but the mysterious fur seemed quite happy to answer, he was a rather tall fur, a few centimetres taller than himself, and judging by what he could see of his tail he looked like a fox of some kind. "I am nobody important, at least not yet." He said simply. "Just passing through! Been keeping an eye on you my friend." He said in reference to Lucas before turning it towards Jai. "You were quite brave though I must admit!" The fur said cheerfully.

"Thanks... But can we see your face? No offense but the hood makes you look kinda creepy." The boy simply shrugged before he removed his hood showing a black furred fox with white tipped ears. His nose was pink and most striking of all were his eyes which were a slate grey but his left eye was discoloured... as if...

"Your eyes..." Lucas said in surprise. "Your blind in your left eye aren't you? Is that why it is discoloured?" The newly introduced figure just shook his head at the question and Lucas simply winced, realizing how rude his question had just sounded.

"Well aren't you? He asked you a question did he not? Either way, we both thank you for running that thing off..." Jai said with both a firm yet shy tone, obviously still somewhat shaken from the events that just transpired.

"Well, aren't you both nosy? But since you asked so nicely... Yes, I am blind in my left eye, but that is a story for another time... I have a feeling we might see each other again soon! Be careful Lucas, be on your watch as I wouldn't put it past the Hunters to attack where you are most vulnerable, especially with so many other Mages around! But I must really be getting off! So see you two later!" The unnamed fox said before he opened a portal which made Lucas jump and switch to his rune sight. It couldn't be... was this other guy a rune user to?

"Wait!" Lucas cried out just as the fox was about to step into the portal. "Can you please tell us your name? Also... how did you open that portal? Can you see runes too? Are you like me?"

"Again, so nosy! But if you must know my name is Beau. Yes I can see and use runes as well, but I am not quite like you... You are quite special. Really though, I should get going. You two should be getting to class as you are already several minutes late. Now, Ciao!" Beau said simply before walking into the portal and vanishing for good, leaving the two alone and wondering just what the heck had happened just now before they both quickly hurried towards class hoping not to get into too much trouble for being late.

~~~~

Thomas just sighed as he stared towards the smartboard. He really wished he was anywhere but at school at the moment. His thoughts were elsewhere, namely wondering if he should be checking himself into a mental-ward... he was honestly considering what Rick had proposed days ago that he should go to Mrs. Mason's funeral. Which was most definitely a sign he was going bonkers...

Speaking of the roo, he sighed again. Not for the first time he wondered what they truly were. Were they dating? Rick most definitely in love with him, and made no secret about it. He himself had fallen in love with the kangaroo when he had accepted him, despite the awful things he had done. There were many times where he had stayed up all night and truly wondered if he truly deserved Rick's love? How could he...after what he had done to Lucas?

Looking away from the blackboard, Thomas took his wallet out and looked at the picture of him and Lucas after they had been to the fair. He remembered how happy he had been that day. They had had a blast, and had gorged themselves full of the food at the festival before they both wound up throwing up after riding the tilt-a-whirl. Those had definitely been the days... and the day he had realized he might be gay. Shaking his head, he tried to remove that thought. Being gay in his hyper religious home was absolute hell. He was honestly glad they decided to just disown him.

Putting his wallet up he looked back towards the smart-board in boredom. One thing he could complain about was the fact he and Rick didn't share any classes this term, so they only got to see each other at lunch. It wasn't like he didn't see him everyday anyway, since they lived together. Maybe after the funeral (if Lucas hadn't skinned him alive by then) he could finally allow himself to fully move on and be happy with Rick...without the guilt he carried? If maybe fate decided to be extra kind, maybe he and Lucas could make peace even? Sure it unrealistic to the umpteenth degree since Lucas was very good at holding grudges, but it was still a nice enough thought.

He was shaken from his thoughts when the final bell rang signalling the end of the school day. Sighing he gathered up his books and placed them in his bag before he walked to the door and eventually found Rick standing outside, presumably waiting for him. He like Thomas was dressed in the same uniform a burgundy jacket, white undershirt and brown slacks. Eddington Academy while not in the same tier as Greenhart had been, but it was still an excellent school all around...Plus it was way cheaper than Greenhart was... So Rick's parents had actually decided to help pay his tuition as long as he helped out at their family business on weekends.

Which certainly was a great deal Thomas thought, even if he thought he didn't feel he truly deserved it. He was just grateful he didn't have to drop out of school since he couldn't afford it. As he got closer Rick turned and seemed to notice him judging by the smile.

"Hey love, how was school?" The perpetually cheerful kangaroo said before leaning up and giving Thomas a quick kiss which made Thomas smile and blush. He had long learned how to ignore the insults and jeers he sometimes got. It wasn't like they would try anything. He was around 183cm and bullies were always cowards anyway.

"Was okay I guess..." Thomas said with a small shrug. "Had my thoughts on other matters honestly, so I had trouble concentrating most of the day," he admitted in a somewhat embarrassed manner, "But I'll be fine, so don't worry."

"You really should pay attention in class you know Tom... especially if you want to get into a good college. That's coming up pretty soon you know, next year." Thomas just nodded, he knew it was coming and Rick's parents were adamant that both of them would be going to college like Rick's brother Walker who was currently in his Sophomore year of college. He actually quite liked the older roo. He had always been a remarkably chill man. Far as he knew the roo was working part time at Zara's to have extra spending money.

"I know... so still thinking about applying for UBC?" He asked the roo. He himself had seriously considered it, but he didn't feel comfortable going back to Vancouver... at least before he patched things up with Lucas which was obviously not going to happen this century or hell, millennia.

"Well yeah, it is a damn good school! Plus Walker is attending there. Sure he will be in his final year and everything, but he would still be useful to have around during the first year. Plus I really miss him."

"He comes back every other weekend though, you see him at least twice a month." Thomas pointed out in a half serious tone which only gave him a firm elbow in the ribs for his trouble which made him wince a bit.

"Shut up! That doesn't matter, I still miss him. He's my brother after all, we grew up together. So do you wanna head home, or do you wanna go grab a bite to eat?" The Roo asked as they both headed for his truck. It was a rather old model... A Ford Escape 08 model. It was his dad's car before he had decided to upgrade to a 12 model. It might have been a bit beaten up, but it still worked great far as Thomas was concerned. He had actually gotten to be a pretty good mechanic helping Rick's dad in his garage.

"Honestly? Getting a bite would be great I think! I am pretty hungry! How about Cafe Brio?"

"Sounds great honestly!" Rick exclaimed cheerfully. I have actually been craving some good Italian honestly!" He admitted rubbing his own stomach.

With that decided the two decided to do exactly that and eventually after everything they found themselves lying in their bed. They had just gotten done making love and Thomas had actually decided to let Rick top this time. Right at that moment they were merely snuggled up under the covers. Rick was watching some comedy show on TV while Thomas himself just stared up at the ceiling thinking about tomorrow and what he was planning that day.

He must really have had a deathwish going to the Funeral. He knew for a fact he was probably the last person he ever wanted to see, let alone at his mom's funeral. He wondered if Lucas had found himself a boyfriend? If so, he would undoubtedly be as well so he had getting possibly slugged by an angry boyfriend to look forward to. Though he did probably deserve a slug for what he had done.

"Hey Thomas..." Rick asked quietly, in an almost shy tone. "I know you would rather not have this brought up but I am curious. Do you ever miss your parents? I mean I know they disowned you and everything, but do you ever wish they didn't?"

Thomas simply looked at the kangaroo in mild surprise. Nobody had actually ever asked him that question before. Maybe they thought it would be insensitive, but the answer was a hilariously easy one. "Honestly? I don't miss them at all. In fact, them disowning me was probably the best thing to ever happen to me. Both of them are hypocritical pieces of shit anyway. Dad has been sleeping with his current Secretary Marni for years! Not to mention the bastard has half a dozen love children from his other secretaries that he paid off and replaced when they became pregnant. He and my mom probably haven't slept in the same bed since they had me." Thomas said coldly. "My Mother herself has been hooked to a cocktail of xanax, lortabs, oxy and booze to cope with her shithole of a life, not to mention her constant plastic surgeries."

"I never knew your dad was a cheater honestly. Before you told me I always saw him as a very Conservative yet respectable man." Rick admitted awkwardly.

"That's what they want they want people to think. They use their piety to cover up they are both absolutely miserable in their marriage. Honestly I think the only reason they got married was because people expected them to do so. I never saw them be affectionate." He said with a nonchalant shrug. "So to answer your question? No, I don't miss them at all really. I thank god that I found you however Rick. You honestly saved me from myself. You accepted me, even after everything I had done. I might never understand exactly why you chose me out of everyone, but I am glad you did." Rick just gave a tiny smile and an even tinier blush at words which made Thomas smile and kiss the roo's nose making him snuffle.

"Are you ready for the funeral though?" Rick then asked him. "I mean you will be seeing Lucas for the first time in nearly two years. I know it was my idea in the first place, but I feel obligated to say you don't have to do anything if you don't want to." Rick said as he rubbed Thomas's exposed belly making the dobbie murr somewhat.

"Yes, am sure I want to go. This might be my only chance to see Lucas and hopefully make amends. It might be somewhat delusional, but I am still willing to take the risk if Lucas still hates my guts, it might make it easier to just move on and accept that I ruined the relationship between him and I." Thomas said in a mostly offhand manner. "But if we do somehow make amends, it means a lot has been taken off my plate. Though I am still betting on the former, since Lucas has always been able to hold a nasty grudge against those who hurt him and forgives incredibly slowly."

"That is understandable of course, but remember you got me okay? I'll be there the entire time."

Thomas could only smile and kiss the kangaroo. "Thank you..."

~~~~

Richard simply stared at the clock, as if willing it to finally ring. This had day had been passing by so slow that it was driving him mad. He and Allison had still yet to fully decide on where they would be going on their date, so he was genuinely curious on what she had planned. But knowing her it was definitely going to be an interesting one. Once again he simply shook his head, not for the first time wondering exactly why he wound up developing feelings for her of all people... not that he was really complaining.

"Looking to his side he saw Allison busy taking notes as usual. Erin he noticed was talking to Jin again. He was actually had kinda fond of the panda. He knew the guy had it rough at home, after Allison was forced to take his dad out. His dad was the main breadwinner, and with him gone the Meng family were having financial problems. The only reason he was still able to stay in school here was because his Dad's pension. Chewing on his pen he looked towards the clock and glared at it. Sighing once again he chewed even more on his pen. He was so bored... Normally he found the class interesting but right now he just wanted the day to end so he could go out with Allison.

Finally though, after what felt like ages the bell FINALLY rang, which resulted in everybody gathering their stuff and running out before the teacher could even dismiss them. Soon enough it was only him, Erin, Allison and Jin. With a deep breath Richard walked up towards Allison and smiled at her awkwardly as he tried to figure out just what he was about to say. "So, you figure out where we are going today? He asked her shyly. She just looked at him a bit blankly before she simply nodded.

"I have, and I am sure you will like it! Now, let us get going, I will meet you at the gates. Just like that Richard was left by himself as Erin and Jin had exited a bit before Allison did. Going on his way to the Gates he had a skip in his step. He hoped things would continue to go so well.