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Note to self, do not turn down a ride when it's offered, I thought to myself as I kicked up pieces of concrete from the sidewalk. That awkward conversation with Collin made it hard for me to concentrate on work. To the point that when Jane had come to pick up Collin at seven, she was quick to catch on that something was amiss. Thank lion Christ she didn't pry like she usually did.

Collin had seemed to sweep the matter under the rug, even though I caught how little he talked during the rest of the day. So I decided to turn down Jane's offer of giving me a ride to the Shelter to save us both from being uncomfortable.

Though, when placed next to walking after missing the bus, I was starting to really think that a short and awkward drive was a hell a lot better than a cold and tired walk.

I sighed, leaving a frosty mist trail that was barely visible under the street light. My tail curled up around my leg to capture the bit of warmth that lingered on my pants leg. Normally the autumn breeze here in Rockfell would have never bothered me, but now? Well, now it just reminded me of the chill in Collin's voice and how distant he had become. I wanted to ask Jane about what Collin meant, but that would put her on the spot. That, and I wanted to just let things slide into black. No problems. No troubles. "Tomorrow, things will be better." I shook my head. Collin never held anything too close to heart. He wasn't like me, someone that carries his grudges like a sword to battle. He'd rather let it float away than have it hold him down. Something I should learn to do, but that's easier said than done.

My head dropped. I shouldn't have pressed Collin, but that was done and over with. If he still hasn't calmed down, I'll apologize. If he gets over it, I'll just stick to the original plan and pretend nothing happened. My steps faltered at the side of the road, by the crosswalk. The homeless shelter was right across the street from me, but I didn't pay attention to the porch light that feigned a welcoming sensation. I was more focused on the road. When the light turned green, I could feel my eyes narrow and the fur on my tail rise.

A red Ford Mustang slowly crept past me. There was a scratch going down from the side mirror towards the door handle. Even though it was dark and the windows were tinted a coat too close to being illegal, I could still clearly see a liger who was just a little bit smaller than myself driving in the car. As the car drove by our eyes met, and I felt like someone jabbed me in the chest. It was my brother, Rob. Although the passing glance was brief and Rob had already drove off, it felt like it lasted for several minutes. I could clearly see the disgust, disappointment, and annoyance that plagued his hazel eyes. I couldn't help but squeeze my claws into my palm. What the hell was he doing out by the homeless shelter? He couldn't have been here looking for me.

If that was the case he would have stopped already. The chill in the air couldn't match the way I felt inside as I looked at the stone building across the street. An eerie sensation rocked me to the bone as lead seemed to have wrapped around my feet, making it hard for me to make my way into the homeless shelter.

Nevertheless, I made my way in, and standing at the front desk was the manager of the shelter, Tyler. He was a badger who, on the surface, was the kind of guy you'd like to be around and talk with over a cup of joe. Inside, he was a cunning, two-faced prick. I had had too many encounters with this guy, and seeing him made it seem that those lead blocks were now on my shoulders as well. Also, that massive black trash bag by his side did not make me feel any better. "Hello, Zeke. You're getting in late," Tyler said with a nod, leaning against the front desk. I shrugged. "Missed the bus, so had to walk on back. No big deal. What's going on with the bag?" Tyler eyes glanced at the trash bag on the floor, then back at me with that "I have some bad news that's going to destroy your world" look. "I have a few things I need to discuss with you, Zeke."

"Why do I feel like it's nothing good?" I asked.

Tyler's eyes softened. "Sadly it isn't. Zeke, you know how I feel about everyone here at the shelter: that we are all a family here and that we look out for and help one another. However, since you've been here there have been more incidents where we have had to break up fights and even had to call the police more than once.

"Now I know that no family is perfect, so fights happen. However, it has gotten to the point that outside of Miles, mostly everyone here is scared witless of you. Today was a prime example. Instead of trying to figure out what happened to your belongings or even coming to me, you exploded. If not for Miles, another fight would have broken out, just last time.

"I was debating on rather to allow you to stay or not. However, I had received a surprise visit from a member of your family today. He had brought over your stuff and per our conversation I found out a few disturbing things that...um..."

"And what...did he say?"

Tyler took a deep breath and closed his eyes. Like he 'actually' felt bad. "Apparently this is not something unusual. Your attitude, that is. Per your brother, you have always had a short temper where you would erupt at a moment's notice. So this anger issue of yours is ongoing whereas I had hoped it was just your way of coping with your 'transition' to the shelter, like most of our residents.

"This had made me rethink things and I have come up to the conclusion that, Zeke..." Tyler paused and his black and white muzzle scrunched up as if he was struggling to say something. "Because of the constant complaints, and police intervention, I will need you to remove yourself from the premises. I am truly sorry for this."

For a moment neither me nor Tyler said anything as we stood there looking at each other. Tyler had a look of mock pity on his face that under normal circumstances would have ticked me off to no end. Yet, I don't know. I'm not sure if you had ever stood on the other end of the table and got some kind of shocking news. One where it left you standing feeling hollow, shocked.

That's the best way I could explain it. Just, gobsmacked to the point that I stood there looking stupid as I said, "Excuse me?"

Tyler sighed and shook his head. "I'm truly sorry Zeke, but I can't keep a loose cannon here any longer."

"Wait, you can't be serious," I said, louder than I should have. "I've only gotten into a fight a few times, and none of it was even worthy to have the cops called in the first place."

"You made a guest's nosebleed, Zeke," Tyler pointed out.

"And he took the watch my grandpa gave me and clawed up my arm in the process!" I snapped. "Tyler, this is some bullshit and you know it."

Tyler's eyes narrowed. "See, this is what your brother had warned me about, and I see what he means. You always let your temper get the better of you instead of just talking it out."

I forcefully bit my lip, hard. I could see the glint in the damn badger's eyes. He wanted me to snap, to prove his and my brother's point, and oh how I wanted to. Who the fuck did my brother think he is? Him and my parents already kicked me out of the house and their lives, and now he wanted to kick me out of the shelter as well?

Now that was a new low!

My blood was boiling, but I didn't want this prick to get what he wanted, so I reigned myself in before saying, "Then what about all the guys that stole from me, started the fights, and even hurt me? What are you going to do about them? Because I never once started anything."

"That's not what I have heard."

My nose flared up. "You didn't answer my question."

"I don't have to answer anything, Zeke. Look, I know you're upset and everything, but my decision won't change," Tyler said, and picked up the trash bag, handing it to me. "Here are the things that you had, and the belongings your brother brought."

My fur stood up on end and my vision began to fade. "Fine. Fuck it. I don't need this place anyway You and this entire establishment can go fuck yourselves." I snatched my bag out of Tyler's paws and stormed out of the shelter.

I could hear Tyler spouting more bullshit out of his mouth, but I didn't bother to pay attention. All I knew is that I needed to get away, far away

Never in my entire life had I suffered such humiliation like these last few months. Kicked out of my home, then kicked out from the only shelter in town. No family, no friends, nothing to truly call my own.

Homeless.

That was what I was. Truly homeless.

The fights was a load of crap. Never once did I start any of them. When I had my stuff stolen, not a single person stepped up and stopped the assholes. Then when I confronted them, they had the nerve to deny it and even throw the first blow! So what, was I was supposed to just take a beating, and let the only things that belong to me get stolen? As for reporting to Tyler, what a joke! The only time he actually listened to anyone's complaints was when he was bored.

So what did I do wrong to have my family hate me to the point that my brother even had to show up and give Tyler what he needed to royally fuck me over? Now the apartment with a queen size bed, TV, video games... everything I had planned out and hoped for was not going to come true.

I was going to stay homeless. A fucking bum on the streets.

The sting in my foot forced me to stop running. Squeezing the bag in my paws, I tossed it against the lamp post before dropping on the ground. "Fuck! Can't I just catch a break, just once?! Why can't things just go my way for a fucking change!" I sat down, slamming my fist on the side walk. Ignoring the pain, ignoring the tears that had welled up in my eyes without realizing it, ignoring the look of passing cars.

Everything was ruined. What the hell was I going to do? Where was I going to go?

"Zeke!"

My ears perked as I turned around to see a panting chipmunk stumbling towards me. Wiping away my tears, I watched as Miles stopped right in front of me, bent over and resting his paws on his knees to keep him standing. "Miles, what the hell are you doing here?" I asked, my voice raspy and dry from my run.

"One...second..." Miles waved his paws and shook his head. "You really...need to learn...to slow down... Christ, you got long legs." He gulped and fell down next to me.

I looked over at the chipmunk, but then forced my gaze away. "What do you want Miles?"

"That's a warm welcome," Miles sighed after finally catching his breath. "I heard what happened to you. Tyler is a real piece of work who is going to get replaced sooner or later."

"Doesn't help me now, does it?" My tail laid limp on the ground, lifeless.

Looking at me, Miles' expression softened more before he nodded his head. "No, it doesn't. However, I didn't want you to be out here alone so thought I could keep you company."

The tension in my neck eased up a bit at Miles' words. "Miles. You really are a saint and deserve so much more than this..."

The chipmunk smiled. "Maybe one day when you become an attorney you'll remember me and help me out of the shelter."

"Ha! I need to find a place to stay before I can do that." I said, not bothering to hide the bitterness in my voice.

"You have Collin don't you?" He asked.

I shook my head. "No go...I burned that bridge earlier today..."

"I highly doubt that." Miles said. "From the way you talk about that hunk of a boss, I'm sure whatever you did wasn't that bad."

"Really? Cause it seems like my temper makes everything worse."

Miles rolled his eyes. "Everyone has a temper Zeke. Yours is just a bit hotter than others. Though you don't go off on people for no reason, unlike a lot of the drunks that find themselves in the shelter. If you go and apologize to Collin, I'm sure he'll forgive you."

"Maybe...but I doubt I can live with him anyways."

The chipmunk cheeks puffed out, adorably so. "You ligers really do have the stubbornness of both a lion and a tiger! Why would you think he won't let you stay? It can't just be because of a fight."

I smiled weakly and shrugged. "I don't think he's all that okay with me being gay."

"Uh-huh." Miles crossed his arms.

"I'm serious. I can't touch him, get too close to him, or anything whatsoever without him pulling back like I have the plague. Just staying there would be awkward and--"

"You don't know how you'll be able to handle being near him every waking moment when you have such strong feelings for him, is that it?" Miles asked.

I held up my paw, then dropped it and buried my face into my knees. "I hate you."

"Don't hate, appreciate the skills I have. Also appreciate the advice I'm giving. If you keep cock-blocking yourself, you're never going to get anywhere. Your boss knows you're gay. He invited you to live with him. That is a big sign right there! Why he doesn't want you to touch him? I don't know. Then again, from the sounds of it, you never asked him."

"No, that's just rude and weird and not something you ask your boss."

"Yet it's bothering you so much. Zeke, you're not the type of guy to hold back. I understand, you really, really like this guy. However right now, and I don't want to be an asshole when I say this but... you have nowhere to go. There's not another shelter in town, and from everything you told me, no family members that will host you. So what do you have to lose?"

I sighed and looked up to Miles. "I really hate when you're right..."

"You'll love me as soon as you do what I say. Especially when you get your life back in order and help me out after you're making that big money." Miles smiled softly before getting up. I watched as he walked over to my bag. Wrapping those tiny fingers around the tightly tied knot, he struggled to lift it over his shoulders so it wouldn't drag on the ground as he brought it over and placed it on my lap. "Now. Do you know where Collin lives?"