Coming to Terms Part 2

Story by pentrep on SoFurry

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#16 of Background Stories

The second part of the seventh continuation of my background story. It's about how Pent deals with his own growing relationship and increased attraction to his friend Arthur.


Coming to terms: Part 2 by: Pent Ghelsburg

Disclaimer: This story series is the second part of the seventh continuation of my other series. While it is not directly related to the background story of my fursona, it is very early in his life. This story attempts to maintain the scientific realism of my other works. However the basic theme now shifts from something new but not all together different. Let me know if you have any comments, suggestions, or criticisms. I am open to everything so please feel free to leave me a message!

"Love is physics and chemistry"

Severo Ochoa

Chapter 6: Satisfaction

Morning came with the loud interruption of the same alarm as every other morning. I awoke in the bundle of my own sheets since it wasn't yet cold enough to need anything more than that. Besides As much fur as I had, I didn't need a comforter or blanket. Yawning and Stretching I roused myself from my state of slumber. It was a new day and I was anxious to see Arthur and even more anxious to return to school.

I began my morning routine, taking an extra cold shower to wake myself up. No time was wasted, as I was very keen on showing off my labor from the previous night. Once I got out, I dried myself rather rapidly. By the time I was done, I was still quite soggy from lack of effort spent on my part. Even dripping on the carpet as I made my way out back into my room in order to dress myself.

Making sure that I grabbed the small bottle of cologne I'd made for Arthur.

I searched for a school uniform, seeing that there wasn't many options since it was almost the end of the week. The usual black contrast would have to do. Racing to put on the clothing was a simple enough task to manage. After finishing all that was left was storing the bottle in my pocket. Gathering my things, I made my way into the Kitchen. Samaliel was already tasked with making some waffles for the morning along with a side of strawberries.

The smell was rather alluring, a mix of the batter along with the the scent of fresh fruit wafted in the air. The teenage fox continued to cater to the meal as the batter solidified into a more familiar shape. Serving up the drinks before doing the same with the waffles and fresh produce onto plates for consumption. Samaliel had become rather the adept cook in a short amount of time, nothing professional, but nothing to shabby either.

"Feeling better today?" The older fox asked me before sitting down.

"Yeah, I am. Thanks for asking." I responded with a cheerful chirp.

"That's good. You need me to take you to school?" Samaliel asked still overly worried about my temperament.

"Nah, I'm fine. I'll just take the bus." I began nibbling away at the fruit since it was my favorite part of any meal.

"Alright, any plans today?It is Friday after all." The teen asked curiously.

"I'm not sure. I was going to ask and see what Arthur had planned." I answered rather calmly.

"That sounds like a great idea. Just call me once you figure out what your doing alright?"

"Sure no problem." I continued eating the rest of my meal in silence.

Once the foodstuff was finished, I picked my bagged lunch from the side of the table. Returning to kiss my brother on the head, I was ready to head off to school. I wasted no time in making my way to the spot where I was to usually picked up. Unlike the day before I was well ahead of the arrival of the bus. Catching it make the usual turn from the west side of the road.

Chapter 7: Transfers

The bus stopped to park in front of me, it's glass doors opening to allow me entry onto the transport. I made my way to the same spot where I normally sat, several rows back where Elliot had was already waiting for me. The boy eyed me curiously as I made my way to back to sit with him.

"Where were you yesterday?" The Inu asked inquisitively.

"I didn't feel well, so I stayed home." It was a bit of a white lie but it would have to pass.

"Are you feeling better?" Elliot asked with a bit of concern.

"Yeah, I am. Thanks for asking." I responded with confidence.

"That's good. Glad to have you back." The smaller boy looked at me with a smile.

"Have anything planned for the weekend?" I asked to be somewhat sociable.

"Nah, probably just play some games." The puppy looked back not giving it much thought.

"That sounds good. I hope you enjoy it." I wasn't much into gaming so the idea didn't much appeal to me.

"You want to come over?" The dog wagged his tail anticipating my answer.

"Maybe on Sunday. I'll have to figure out my own plans, alright?" I didn't want to upset my friend.

"Sure here's my number." The boy fished out a small slip of paper before scribbling the digits onto it and handing it to me.

"Cool, thanks." I placed the little note in my pocket for later.

The conversation ended rather abruptly once the vehicle made it's final stop at school. As per usual the kids towards the front of the bus filed out toward the entrance to the school. Not many were in front on this particular day. It was perhaps too brisk for them as the seasons were finally beginning to shift. I lead Elliot out onto the still half green lot.

"See you later then?" Elliot asked knowing it was almost time for home room.

"Yeah, that sounds good. I'll call you this weekend." I waved good bye to the smaller cub.

I was rather content that I had finally managed to make another friend. I couldn't help but look around for Arthur who was not to be found. I figured he was probably already in class. The first warning bell rang, it seemed it was time for me to get going anyways. I made my way inside the building before heading off to homeroom. I was eager for school to start, to get back to work, and most of all to see Arthur again.

Entering into the classroom, Fontaine didn't pay me much attention. I wasn't late yet and I hadn't been absent many days. However it seemed the room was more full that it had been previously. No empty seats were to be had. Looking around, I examined the room for new students. It seemed we had a few. Two of them drew my attention, they seemed quite similar possibly twins. But what was more concerning was that they were rabbits.

It made me consider the couple from the other day. I wasn't adverse to the species, but it was just strange seeming them in an otherwise all canine setting. Perhaps it was because of mutation from the accident? I decided that explanation would have to do and paid them no further attention. My schoolwork was much more important to me and I knew I would have to go out of my way to make up whatever I had missed.

Chapter 8: Catching up

The school day was normal. The only difference of this particular day was having to stop by after class in order to pick up my missing work. I didn't have much and didn't pay it much thought since the work was often easy for me anyways. Only Math and Science doubled up assignments since the teachers often assigned nightly tasks. It didn't bother me much since those were my two strongest subjects.

Once lunch rolled around, I was more excited than usual. I joined the usual stampede into the cafeteria. I was glad I didn't have to bother with the line as the wait was usually beyond what they offered as food. Not to mention the cost wasn't commensurable to the quality of the product. Often times it was under-cooked and sometimes it was just the opposite. It was like playing roulette from a menu in which you had very little choice from to start with.

I looked around at all the other cubs coming across the usual crowd of kids along with the pair of rabbit transfers. It seemed one was male and the other was female from what I could tell. I detracted my attention to continue looking around for Arthur. I caught a glimpse of the boy over at his usual table, with enough space separated from him and the other kids to make room for me. I made my way over with anticipation taking a deep breath as I neared him.

"Hey, Arthur." I leaned over the boy to hug him from behind, attracting some attention from the other kids.

"Hiya, Pent. Care to join me?" The puppy patted the empty space to the right of him.

"Sure." I joined him on the wooden bench but not too close to be crowded.

"Feeling better today?" Arthur still was a bit concerned about me.

"Of course, silly. I told you last night." I smiled at him, satisfied that he cared so much about me.

"Just making sure, hehe." The larger cub slung his arm over me pulling me in closer.

I could feel his body warmth next to my own. It rather comforting despite my already full coat of fur that I'd grown in for the winter. I felt a bit nervous being this in the open about our close relationship. Arthur didn't seem bothered about it but picked up on my increased sense of anxiety.

"What's wrong?" Arthur let me go for a moment.

"Everyone is staring at us...?" I commented noting the public venue of our escapade.

"So what?" Who cares what they think?" The puppy seemed happy enough to just ignore them.

"I guess it's just making me uncomfortable is all." I gave away my sense of insecurity.

"It'll be ok don't worry." The taller cub leaned in to kiss me on the cheek.

I blushed a bit as Arthur pecked me on the side. More muffled rumblings began to occur after he did . I didn't know why I cared so much about their conversations, especially since I didn't actually really know any of them. Still it made me a bit uneasy.

"Why're you so uptight today?" Arthur asked trying to figure out what was wrong.

"I dunno alright?" In truth I just didn't like being so public about our relationship yet.

I got up from the table, no longer wanting to eat. I had lost my appetite and wanted some time alone. Looking at my watch it seemed I still had about 15 minutes to burn so I ventured outside. No one else was outside so at least I got the isolation I desired. Little did I know that Arthur was hot on my heels.

"What's with your mood today?" The canine seemed a bit upset at my departure.

"I don't want to talk about it." I folded my arms a bit defensively.

"Well I can't try to make it better if you don't tell me what it is." Arthur really just wanted to help me feel better.

"Look...I'm just not ready to be so public about our relationship yet, alright?" I wanted to avoid conflict but Arthur had forced the issue.

"I don't understand, why not?" The dog seemed much more sure of himself than I did.

"I don't know. I can't explain it." I very much wanted to avoid conflict.

"You don't even really know the other kids. Why do you care so much what they think? It's not like they are your friends." Arthur was able to pick up that much from my sensitivity at lunch.

"I just...don't like all the attention, alright? I'm not used to it." I carefully tread my words

"So do you want me to just leave you alone?" Arthur's words were stuttered in a muffled volume.

"No...I just think we should take it slower." I picked myself up from where I was sitting making my way to the puppy.

Arthur watched as I came close to him, eventually we were in arms reach of each other. I leaned in to kiss him on the cheek returning his affection from earlier and to re-assure him of my own feelings. The taller boy soon turned his head towards mine and for the first time we truly joined lips. Arthur wrapped his right paw around the back of my head. I closed my eyes simply enjoying the moment, it was sickly sweet for sure.

The bell finally rang signaling the end of lunch. Reluctantly Arthur broke the embrace and we stood there staring at each other for a moment.

"I love you Pent." Arthur said with a smile.

"I love you too." I responded with a chirp.

The canine was wagging his tail on the way back towards the cafeteria. I soon followed after, not wanting to be late. My head still buzzing with thoughts of the kiss. I slowly dilly dallied back to class, finding myself lost in my own thoughts.

Chapter 9: Physical Education

It wasn't until I entered into the gym that I snapped out of it. The coaches were busy as per usual instructing a number of students in the ways of physical activity. The scream of whistles really what caught me off guard. The squeaks of shoes on the wooden gym floor screeched and could be heard down the hall even when I was outside the perimeter of the large room. The scent too gave away the poorly kept nature of the area.

It wasn't strong enough to bother me even with the keen sense of smell I had. Now that I had regained my composure, I was able to carry about my day. Making my way back into the locker room, I didn't pay much attention to the other kids as they were much to busy to worry about me. After but a short distance towards the rear portion of the building. I ventured into the east side where the boys lockers were situated.

Once I was inside, I could pick up the faint smell of sweat and various other body odors that permeated the room. Mixed with the moisture of the showers, it was much harder to avoid then the smell of the main gym. Still I managed to ignore it for the most part, finding my locker near the middle column of red aluminum fixtures. The furniture had seen better days. Most of them squeaked when they opened or had to be forced even when the combination was entered correctly.

My own locker usually popped open when I hit it with the side of my right paw. It was a trick the former owner of the property had shown me in the past, before being transferred schools. Inside of the metal door was where I kept my spare gym clothes. I only took it home once a week to be washed so more often than not the stuff didn't smell too appealing. My own body odor didn't bother me much, it was the other boys aroma that often surprised me.

Luckily I was getting used to it and the odor of the place didn't bother me as much as it had in the past. Once I had fetched my clothing out of the storage space, I made my way to the bench in order to change clothes for the class. I began the process of undressing from my school uniform, putting it in the same bag where I stored my usual set of PE clothes.

Once I was down to my boxers, I felt a more intense sense of modesty come about me. It was as if I was being watched from afar. The omnipresent sense of foreboding became more unavoidable and soon enough I found myself turning around searching for the source of the insecurity. Sure enough Arthur was behind me, but several steps away sitting on one of the benches. A mischievous grin upon his face as if he had something in mind.

"Hehe I caught you undressing." The cub said in tone of gesture.

"Yeah, so what?" I responded, my face blood red from embarrassment.

In actuality we had seen each other before in our skivvies, but never under these newer circumstances. The situation seemed much more risky than it actually was. Arthur picked himself up from the long bench and began to walk toward me. His tail wagged behind him ever slowly as he crept ever closer to my stance. Once he was within arms reach of me he looked deeply into my eyes, not moving for several moments.

"I have a surprise for you later." Arthur leaned forward and pecked me on the cheek.

"You do? What is it?" I covered myself in a last attempt at modesty.

"You'll have to wait and see." Arthur veered off before disappearing into the distance.

The curiosity of just what it was began to swirl in my mind. Slowly but surely I resumed putting on my PE uniform. Once I had finished I made my way outside. Still the sense of eagerness to know continued to plague me. I tried to backlog it in the recesses of my mind so that I could focus on the task at hand. After all I loved physical activity and even occasionally enjoyed the thrill that came with besting others in competition. However today's docket was one of my least favorite sports, Dodgeball.

Chapter 10: Down and out

Dodgeball was a hit and miss event, both literally and physically. There were some kids who were outright stars in the sport while others were complete amateurs. Some students often took it quite seriously which often resulted in many others finding themselves injured to a various amount of degrees. I fell into the line of novice, as I could last beyond the initial barrage but once the weakest links were eliminated, I usually followed.

Going out into the field, the sunlight beat onto my body. It was always an unwelcome presence since my fur didn't offer much protection from it and only added to my already warm body heat. I could already sense it increasing once I arrived out of the covered area leading into the inside of the gym. The grass was freshly cut and smelt of a mixture of faded morning dew. Many kids both human and fur alike were standing in line waiting to be picked by the captains.

To no ones surprise the teams were rather segregated. The human children on one side and cubs on the other. It was annoying how it usually worked out this way and the coach did very little to prevent it. Once the squad selection was over with it was time for the game to get underway. 3 balls were given to both sides and they decided who would be the first serve on each of their respective teams. A sharp whistle blow signaled the start of the game.

The humans were the first to get rid of their arsenal. One volley that the strongest boys projected towards the cubs. Of course they scored first, since they acted first, some of the first not moving quite fast enough to dodge. Already down two members. The cubs retaliated quickly while the ejected made their way off court. The initial barrage of three balls scored only one victim, but the return volley of the humans ammunition scored two. The cubs were ahead.

But now the humans had all six balls. Again passing them off to the strongest in the lot, they returned in a bombardment of all six red balls. This time they scored a stronger return of four causalities. One female cub felt the pain swelter in her body once the rubber slammed against her side. However I managed to catch a ball meaning they only scored three instead of a possible four. With our reduced number we returned the battery of elastics towards them.

By this point only the strongest remained and three of the balls were caught. Even mine was captured, so it meant I was out. It was never meant to be, though it seemed Arthur was still in the game. I watched calmly from the side as the two sides exchanged blows. Bit by bit the numbers were reduced further and further before they were down to the humans having three boys and the cubs having two. Arthur seemed rather confident he could win this round.

But one of the more arrogant human boys decided he needed to be taken out and threw all their arsenal his way. This all but ended the game as the rebound caught the final cub off guard. It was over and the humans had won. Arthur seemed content that he'd lasted that long while the humans kept in their little clique celebrating their small victory. Joining me on the smile he smirked at me as the coach dismissed the game as over with the sound of his whistle.

The class was all but over and I was exhausted. By the looks of the sweat on Arthur's brows, it seemed he was too. We walked paw in paw together towards the gym. It had been a long day but it had been a meaningful one for both of us. We had grown closer and only time would tell how things would pan out for us in the end.

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