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Good Enough--Crossroads--Chapter 10--First Date

Chance waited nervously in the living room, periodically gazing out of the window hopefully. His heart was pounding painfully in his chest in his nervousness and his excitement. Before David and Michelle had left, they had each wished him the best of luck on his first date, with David ensuring that Chance had money to spend by slipping him one hundred dollars.

Part of Chance wished he wasn't waiting alone. He paced the living room, a furry mess of nerves and energy. More than once, he had doubled back into the bathroom to look at what he was wearing. The green button-down shirt and black jeans were casual enough, right? Maybe he should wear his hat or maybe not. Maybe comb and gel his hair backwards or maybe just leave it playfully messy... maybe...

What to say? Chance had agonized over that simple question most of the night. What exactly was there to say on this date? What hadn't he said before or what hadn't they talked about? What if he talked too much? Or worse, what if he didn't say enough and Zack thought--

A loud ringing sounded through the house and Chance stiffened. He glanced out of the window and Zack's pickup outside and he hurried over to the front door, nearly tripping over himself as he did so. He yanked the door open and smiled up at the buff jackal who stood before him.

I'm not overdressed, Chance thought happily, looking over his date's clothes. A baby blue shirt, left untucked, with black jeans and a nice silver watch. He carried something neatly and carefully packaged in his paws. He's not wearing red... Oh fuck, say something!

"Hey," Chance said in a wheezy voice. He cleared his throat and said, in what he hoped sounded more confident, "Hi, Zack."

Zack smiled. "Hey back, Charlie. Your folks gone?"

"Y-yeah, they're going out too... So, maybe we should get going?"

"Yeah, but first, I got something for you," Zack said, holding out the rather large, though weirdly flat package. Chance grasped it gently. "Go ahead, open it."

"Well, first come in," Chance said. He stepped aside and Zack entered. Chance indicated the couch and Zack sat down, Chance sitting beside him. "So, what's here? Feels like a canvas."

"Open it."

"Is this a painting?" Chance questioned as he began to gently unwrap it. His jaw dropped in surprise when he saw it; the painting was amazing. It was a portrait of Chance on a beach, dressed in a hawaiian shirt with a lei of blue flowers around his neck, a pencil stuck behind his ear. But what drew his attention even more was the smiling face of Zack, looking over his shoulder, purple flowers around his neck and his arms around Chance's waist.

"Wow," Chance gasped in amazement. "This is... wow..."

"Figured you'd like it," Zack said. "Kind of went Hawaiian. Not sure why."

"This is incredible," Chance breathed. "Hold on, I'm going to put this up in my room."

He stood and walked towards his room, still looking down at the painting. He quickly found a place to put it up, taking down one of his own drawings to make sure that the painting was visible. He stepped back and grinned.

"Glad you like it," Zack said. Chance looked over; he hadn't even noticed that Zack had followed him.

"You're really talented," Chance said. "I don't know what to say. Thank you!"

"So, you hungry?" Zack questioned.

"Yeah. What'd you have in mind?"

"What do you want?"

"... I don't know... sushi?"

"Really?"

Chance shrugged. "Or we could hit the steakhouse by the school."

"Nah, that steakhouse is awful," Zack said, gagging. "I know of a sushi place, but I'm using a fork. I don't know how to use the sticks."

"I can show you," Chance said happily. "It's just as easy as using a pencil."

---

"Fuck," Zack hissed as the sushi roll slipped from his chopsticks for the sixth time. Chance giggled as he watched the jackal fuss with the chopsticks, purposely avoiding using the provided fork. Even the waitress seemed surprised by his determination when she came back to refill his soda.

"You have a fork," she noted, walking away. He nodded as he attempted to lift another sushi roll. With a gentle, slow movement, Zack lifted it into his mouth, chewing thoughtfully.

"Well done," Chance said kindly. "Took quite a few tries, but you got it."

"This tastes like fish," Zack remarked.

"It's actually eel." Chance took a roll for himself.

Zack paused then continued to chew. "It's not that bad." He swallowed. "Although the soy sauce makes it way too salty for me."

Chance smirked. "I know what you mean. I'm not really a fan of soy sauce myself. So," he started as Zack began to struggle once more with his chopsticks, "I'm really curious. What got you interested in a tiny little wolf like me?"

"You're... not... tiny," Zack growled, trying to pick up another sushi roll. Perhaps he was finally angry enough to give up; he set them down and picked up his fork, stabbing irritably. "You're not tiny," he repeated. "You're a pretty cool guy and a good artist. You're kinda interesting. What got you interested in me?"

Your muscles. Your eyes. The way you talk. Take your pick. "Maybe I just have a thing for bad boys," Chance said teasingly. He lifted a sushi roll to his mouth and chewed thoughtfully. "I'm really glad you asked me out."

"Glad you came out," Zack said. "I'm surprised you said yes the first time I asked. Took forever for my last..." He trailed off.

"Last what?" Chance asked suspiciously, though he was sure he wouldn't like the answer.

"Drop it. Say, what's your favorite color?" Zack asked offhandedly.

"Azure. What were you going to say?" Chance demanded.

"What's your favorite kind of music?"

"I don't have a favorite. What were you going to say?" Chance questioned, anger rising.

"Then what's your--"

"Zack, if you don't answer me, I swear I'll get up and walk home," Chance warned.

Zack scowled and Chance felt his anger start to ebb when he saw the pained look. Zack looked downward, though his arms were crossed, tension very visibly building in his body and radiating almost palpably into the air.

"My last boyfriend took forever to agree to date me," Zack said finally. "Can we not talk about that?"

"Are you talking about Junior?"

Zack sighed. He took a sip from his soda before answering. "I am. Charlie, I'm not trying to compare you to him. You're not like him." Chance clenched his fists and scoffed. "What's wrong?"

"I've just been wondering lately if he's really my friend," Chance confessed. "More often than not, he's chewing me out about being around you. He keeps saying your some kind of bad person or something. I swear, he thinks you're the devil or something."

"I wouldn't deny a small resemblance," Zack said with a cheeky grin.

"Ha, ha," Chance replied with a smirk. But his expression quickly darkened. "I know he's trying to look out for me but... I... I don't need him to. You're a great guy from what I've seen. I really don't get why everyone at school's so afraid of you." Zack shifted nervously in his seat. "Did something happen that you're not telling me? Is there a reason everyone's scared of you?"

"I don't know," Zack said. "I don't get it either. I'm not some kind of bully."

"I know," Chance said, grinning. He lifted another sushi roll with his chopsticks and held it out. Zack leaned forward and ate it, smirking. "You're really cute when you smile like that, you know."

"Like what?"

"Like you're about to do something n... mischievous," Chance said rapidly. He felt his face warm with his words. Like you're about to do something naughty.

"You're cute when you blush like that."

Chance was sure his blush deepened, though he was starting to get concerned by the constant thumping of his tail; it was starting to hurt.

"I think we should get going. The play starts in about half an hour."

"Yeah, okay," Chance replied, silently trying to will himself to calm down. Play it cool. Don't be nervous. Don't be dorky.

---

The gymnasium/auditorium of Briarwood Elementary was already filled up with eager spectators, parents and friends and family. And it was noisy too; Chance had caught all the extra sound before he had even stepped into the gym. No, in the midst of it all, Chance found himself wincing as he gazed across the assembled crowd and the carefully arranged chairs in the middle of the floor. Even the bleachers had been pulled out to allow for extra room.

"Hey," Chance said, ears flattened against his head to block out some of the sound. He felt as though he had to shout just to be heard. "Why don't we find a place to sit?"

"Yeah," Zack answered and Chance noted his distracted reply. Must be worried about his brother. "Let's try and find some near the middle. We'll have the best view that way."

They bobbed and weaved through the sea of people, reaching a spot in the middle with a good view. Chance sat next to Zack and scanned the stage. The set was hidden behind crimson curtains and Chance found himself interested and excited for the play.

"You look distracted."

Chance looked up; Zack was looking at him carefully. "Just curious. I haven't been to many plays before."

"Really? You haven't seen any performances where you're from? Where _are_you from anyway?"

"Michigan," Chance replied. "It's not like I couldn't see any plays where I used to live, but I guess I wasn't interested at the time."

"Oh."

Chance noted the slightly put-out tone in Zack's voice. "No, Zack, I'm enjoying our time together. Really, I am!" Chance put a paw on Zack's arm. Zack tensed and Chance pulled away, frowning. He looked down, embarrassed. "I'm having a great time with you. Please don't think you did anything wrong..."

Zack opened his mouth to reply but someone else spoke up and plopped down beside them. "Hi," Seth Bailey said.

Zack's jaw dropped in amazement. "You made it! I thought you wouldn't show up."

Seth shrugged. Something else appeared to have garnered his attention. "Hey," he murmured, poking his brother, "is that Mom and Dad?" He pointed.

Zack followed his brother's finger and so did Chance. There, he could see Mr. and Mrs. Bailey near a wall, whispering to each other and looking over the crowd. Mrs. Bailey pointed to a few rows and the pair walked over and seated themselves a few rows ahead of their children (and Chance).

Then the lights dimmed. The play had begun and the curtains parted to reveal a set resembling a rocky cliff. Chance was silently impressed with how the set looked; it was painted nicely, though there were a few mistakes here and there, something to be expected when not done by machines. Chance watched as the cast stepped onto the stage, and felt a wash of energy surge through him with the first song.

And then the hyenas stepped onto the stage. The scene had changed to resemble a more isolate rocky area. It had taken Chance a moment to recognize Tristan beneath the costume, but there he was and Chance glanced over to see the proud looks on Zack's and Seth's faces. The hyenas each took a step forward to say a few lines; simple and slightly stilted, but that was to be expected from a children's play. Their voices carried in the large gym, resonating strongly.

"That Scar is a real menace!"

_ _ "A bit of a grump if you ask me!"

_ _ "Was he always that mean?"

_ _ "Maybe he just had a bad day?"

_ _ "But he's mean to us every day!"

"He doesn't believe in us..."

_ _ "Hey, it's not that bad!" Tristan shouted his line, looking more towards his castmates than the crowd. "We..."

_ _ Now he looked at the crowd and his voice's echo died. Silence filled the air as the young actor stood, immobile. For a second, Chance wondered if this was a "dramatic pause", but his expression quickly fell when he saw that Tristan looked terrified.

He's got stage fright, Chance realized. Come on, Tristan, you can do this. For a moment, Chance considered nudging Zack to get him to speak. Something to help his little brother feel confident. Anything...

"That's my boy!"

Geoff Bailey's voice rang out from a few rows ahead. A decent amount of the audience hurriedly shushed him, but Tristan grinned happily on stage. When he opened his mouth to speak again, it sounded much stronger than when he'd began.

"It's not that bad! We can show him we're perfect the job!"

_ _ The other "hyenas" replied to him. "We can?!"

_ _ Tristan nodded and began to sing.

"Oh, Mr. Scar, he isn't right! Even with his power and might!

He thinks we're nuts,s unsavory mutts, that really aren't so bright!"

Soon, the others joined in and the song continued. Chance smiled happily as he listened and he joined in the clapping as the song ended, but he doubted any of his clapping would be heard over the two jackals seated beside him. And when the play ended, he smiled up proudly as his date jumped up and cheered loudly, particularly when they all took their bows and accepted the applause.

When the production ended and the curtains closed for a final time, Chance followed Zack and Seth to meet with Mr. and Mrs. Bailey who had gone to meet their youngest son at the side entrance. The little actors and actresses were already leaving, having rapidly changed from their costumes.

"So, how was that?" Zack asked Chance.

"It was great!" Chance replied, grinning. "It was really cool to see Tristan up there."

"I'm glad you liked it," Zack answered, grinning back.

They soon found the little jackal speaking happily to his parents with a wide grin on his face.

"You came!" Tristan exclaimed, beaming. "Did you like it?! Does this mean you're staying?!"

"We loved it, sweetie," Mrs. Bailey assured him. "You were amazing. But we can't stay. We still have to catch a plane early in the morning."

Tristan's mood didn't darken. He rushed forward, hugging his mother joyfully. "Thank you for coming to my play! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"

"Hey there, you three," Mr. Bailey said when he noticed them approaching. "Nice to see you again Charlie."

"Pleased to meet you again, sir," Chance said kindly.

Mr. Bailey waved it off. "Nah, call me Geoff. How was your date?" he asked, a knowing smile on his face. Chance blushed.

"It was really fun," Zack said happily. "We went for sushi."

"Sushi, huh? Did you like it?" Geoff questioned, surprised.

"It was pretty good," Zack said. "I think I'll stay away from the soy sauce though."

"Mhmm," Geoff agreed knowingly. "I'm not a fan of soy sauce either. Say, do you two think you're up for some ice cream? It would be a nice treat as a family and it would extend your date a little."

"Yes!" Chance exclaimed. All eyes fell upon him and Chance felt himself feeling oddly small. "Uh... I mean... sure."

Zack chuckled. "I wouldn't mind some ice cream, no."

"Alright, let's try and beat the crowd then," Karen suggested. "This parking lot can get pretty cluttered quickly."

---

Thirty minutes later, they had pulled up to an ice cream parlor that Chance had never seen before. He stepped out of the car and looked up, reading the parlor's sign with a smile: FROZEN GOODIES.

"This place any good?" Chance wondered.

"Oh, hell yeah," Zack assured him. "Come on."

Chance followed him and the Baileys inside.

"Welcome to Frozen Goodies," the raccoon behind the counter greeted pleasantly. "What would you like? We've got some new flavors if you're interested."

"You two go first," Karen said. "We'll stay out of your fur."

Zack stepped forward, Chance beside him. "Two cones, please," Zack said. "I'll have rocky road and he'll have..."

Chance shrugged, looking up at the new flavors. "I'll try the cherry..."

The raccoon hurriedly got their cones, scooping their chosen flavors in as carefully as he could. Zack fumbled with pulling his wallet from his pocket, and Chance hurriedly passed money onto the cashier, who counted out the change just in time for Zack to glare at the exchange.

"You should've let me pay," Zack said as the raccoon handed him the cone.

Chance took his own and moved over to a table, sitting down. "How come? This is my date too."

"I should pay," Zack insisted, watching Chance lick his cone. His frown faded when he saw Chance lick from his cone in an almost sinful way.

"What's wrong?" he asked innocently.

"Does it taste good?"

"Yeah," Chance remarked. "It's awesome. Though it's not too sweet."

"You got some on your cheek."

Chance lowered his cone. He picked up his napkin to wipe his cheek but Zack leaned over quickly. Chance felt his lips touch his cheek and his jaw dropped. His body froze and he looked at Zack as the jackal pulled back, grinning smugly.

"I think it's pretty sweet," he said.

Chance blushed deeply before he heard someone say, "Aww!" He looked over. The Baileys were watching them intently, with Karen gushing and Seth gagging.

"Guys, a little privacy?" Zack said, smiling. They looked away, still grinning or, in Seth's case, rolling his eyes.

---

"So, I guess this is it, huh?" Zack said, putting his car in park in front of Chance's home.

Chance looked over at him, his paw gripping the door handle. A small bit of sadness worked through him as he looked over; he didn't want the date to end so soon. "Yeah," he murmured dejectedly. Does it have to be though? We could--

"Hey, come here," Zack said, unlatching his seatbelt. Chance looked over just in time to see Zack nearing. He let out a small squeak of surprise as Zack kissed him. Chance allowed himself to melt into the kiss.

My first kiss.

Zack pulled back faster than Chance wanted him to, but Chance didn't hold on. Zack was smiling at him, that grin that Chance had come to love seeing. "Let's go then. I'll walk you to the door."

"You don't have to do that!" Chance insisted. He had seen his father's car when they'd driven up. He knew that his father and stepmother were home already. "It's right there. I'll be fine."

"Maybe I just don't want to leave yet," Zack answered. "Come on, let's go."

Chance walked up the small walkway to the front door and stepped onto the small porch. He turned to look back at Zack, unsure of what to say. He glanced over towards the living room window, silently praying that his father was in the bedroom or asleep already.

"I'll see you on Monday, then?" he said finally.

Zack gave him a small, playful jab. "You don't have to sound so sad about it. It's not even two days away."

"It's still two days though," Chance replied, shrugging. He smiled at Zack, silently noting that he was actually looking into those gorgeous eyes. Zack was coming closer and Chance didn't move when he understood what was about to happen.

This second kiss was perfection.

Zack's lips were warm and Chance gave in to this sensation that surged through him. The world around seemed to evanesce when Zack's paw touched his shoulder and the other at his waist, almost latching onto the belt loop of his pants. They broke apart after a moment, but then quickly came together once more. And again. And again. Chance wasn't sure when his arms had pulled Zack closer or when he'd his tongue had touched Zack's (or if Zack's had touched his first), but he didn't care.

Chance was losing himself to these feelings, to this moment, and he loved it.

They pulled apart calmly and Chance found himself strangely breathless and absently pulling his knees closer together. Don't wreck this with a boner.

"Something to tide you over," Zack said in a husky, almost seductive, tone, smiling smugly.

Chance was going to reply, opening his mouth to do so, but he quickly closed it. There was nothing left to say right now. Chance watched Zack walk back to his car and pull off. He was still smirking as he unlocked the front door.

Oh, God, am I in love?

---

"Charles, come into the kitchen!" David called as Chance entered the house. Still smiling happily, Chance did as he was told, seeing his father loading the dishwasher, still dressed as he was when he had left for his own date. "Did you have fun on your little date? What'd you do?"

"Just dinner and a show," Chance answered.

"Did it go well?" David questioned, closing the dishwasher. He pressed a few buttons and the machine rumbled into life. "End it with a kiss?"

Chance nodded proudly.

"So, what show did you guys go see?"

"Well, her_little brother was performing in his school's play. It was _The Lion King," Chance explained. "Was a pretty good show too, although Tristan got stage fright."

"Were his parents there?"

"Yeah, we hung out a bit after the show," Chance said. "Hopefully, we'll have another date here soon."

"Looking forward to seeing him again?" David inquired, his eyes narrowing.

"Yeah, he's... I mean she's really fun to be around," Chance said, eyes widening in fear.

"What was her name again?" David asked.

Chance was about to answer, but his response died in his throat. He knows, he realized. How? I was being careful. How'd he find out? He doesn't know it's Zack, does he? Please just tell me if you know. Please don't be mad at me.

"Dad..."

"Charles, we'll talk about this lying habit of yours in the morning," David said severely, "and we'll discuss punishment then too. For now, go to your room. Go to bed. I don't want to hear another sound out of that room tonight."

"Dad, please..."

"You heard me. Out."

"Dad, you're--"

"You're already in trouble, don't make it worse," David snapped. Chance flinched, fighting back his tears. "I warned you and I told you not to be around that faggot jackal! Who the fuck do you think you are to be so fucking disobedient?! Go to your room! Now!"

Chance hurried out of the kitchen. He dashed into his room, closing the door carefully to ensure it didn't slam. When the door clicked shut, he finally allowed himself to cry, dragging himself over to his bed to sob into his pillow. Faggot, his father had said. Chance could never remember his father ever using such a harsh word.

When he finally got himself under control, he sat upright and glanced across his room. The painting Zack had given him hung on his wall and Chance felt a small shred of happiness. He had one amazing day with his boyfriend.

_What'd I do wrong? I like him, he likes me... But Dad hates me now. Was it worth it? Was one afternoon with Zack worth having my dad hate me? _

His phone vibrated. Zack had texted him: Hey, i'm home. Loved today! Can't wait for date 2!

Chance sighed. He wanted to reply right away, but he thought for a moment. Would there even be a date two?

Hopefully, he thought, there will be a date two.

---

David Argent was furious, but his anger began to cool when son's muffled whimpers escaped through his cracked-open door. David waited in the kitchen, trying his hardest to calm down before he went to speak to little Charles, but by the time he thought himself calm enough, the noise had ceased entirely. Sighing, he stood and trudged to his son's room. His son was lying on his bed, his form calm and sleeping, an occasional sniffle escaping from his mouth.

Venturing into Charles's bedroom, David approached the bed, checking that his son was asleep before he kindly tousled Charles's hair. The sniffling seemed to stop at once, and Charles spoke in a low voice, clearly asleep and just barely understandable.

"Daddy..."

_ _ David pulled back, his heart hurting as he pulled the blanket over Charles and left the room. He closed the door as gently and quietly as possible (which wasn't easy as the door squeaked obnoxiously). Yes, he was still furious. But he was confused as well. And worried. And sorry. And unsure.

In a word: Lost.

David wandered into the backyard and seated himself on the porch, looking up at the night sky miserably. What to do now? As a father, he was happy to see his son happy. Yet he was angry to see him kissing another male on his front porch. As a parent, it warmed his heart to have seen such a genuine, pure smile on his son's face. As a man of religion and principles, he was disgusted to know his son was having these... inclinations towards homosexuality.

He dwelled on his own thoughts briefly before pulling his cell phone out of his pocket and dialing a familiar number, one he hadn't called in so long he didn't remember the last time he had spoken to her. The phone rang once, twice...

"Hello?" came the confused greeting. "David?"

"Hi, Elaine," David said uneasily. He hadn't imagined himself talking to his ex-wife again, at least not now. "I need to ask you something."

"This is a surprise," Elaine remarked. "What's wrong? Is Chance okay? Please tell me he's--!"

"He's fine, but I've been thinking you may need to come and get him."

"Come and...? What do you mean?"

David took a deep breath and spoke in a voice of forced calm. "I've been having some issues with him and I don't know what to do anymore. He's been lying to me, sneaking around with some jackal and he just got back from a date with another boy! It doesn't matter what I say to him, he doesn't--!"

"Dave, calm down," Elaine said. David silenced himself. Undoubtedly, a habit he had meant to break before passing it on. "So he kissed a boy. So what?"

"Elaine, it's wrong!"

"No, it isn't," Elaine huffed. She sighed heavily. "You've changed, Dave. I remember a wolf who wasn't so closed-minded."

"I haven't changed."

"You have! I remember the wolf I loved to be someone a little less arrogant and a little less vindictive," Elaine said. "No wonder Chance thinks you hate him."

"I don't hate him!"

"Really? Could've fooled me," Elaine scoffed indignantly. "Everytime he calls me, he has nothing but bad things to say about you and your new wife. What've you two been doing to him? What kind of dad makes his son feel so bad?"

"Are you calling me a bad parent?"

"Maybe I am! How well do you even know our son?"

"I know him very well! Better than you! He doesn't even see you that often!"

"If you know him so well, what's his favorite color?"

David blinked, momentarily caught off-guard by the question. "What's that got to do with anything?!"

"What's his favorite food?"

"I don't--"

"Who're his friends?"

"Elaine! What's any of this got to do with anything?!"

Elaine chuckled on the other side. "First, his favorite color's blue, he loves extra spicy burritos, and he's friends with a jackal named Zack, two foxes--Junior and Lexi--and a bear named Benny. Amazing how I know so much more about him than _you_when he lives with you."

David clenched the phone in a fist, breathing heavily.

"Get to know him," Elaine suggested. "He's still figuring out who he is and he could use someone to help him figure it out. If you won't, someone else will and who knows what'll happen to him then?" She took a deep breath. "Right now, I can't be there for another month or so. If you still want me to come get him, then we'll make arrangements for him to move."

"Okay."

"Bye."

Elaine didn't wait for David to say bye before she hung up. David glared at the device as if he longed to throw it but quickly thought against it, setting it on his lap as he returned his gaze to the sky. Behind him, the back door opened and his wife stepped out, dressed in her nightgown beneath a yellow robe.

"Davey? Are you okay?" Michelle asked.

"Fine," David lied. "Could be better." She watched him closely. "Am I a bad father?"

"Do you want me to answer that?"

David looked at her and shrugged. "Be gentle."

"You're doing what you think is right," Michelle began, "but even parents make mistakes. Do you really want Chance to grow up resenting you because he found someone who makes him happy? We both saw them on the porch. He really likes that jackal."

"That jackal's another guy."

"So what? As long as your son's happy, you should be happy for him," she insisted. "Davey, I love you dearly, but I don't think you're handling this the right way."

"Because I don't want my son to be a faggy little--?"

"I remember our first date," she interrupted. "You took me out to that steakhouse off Meridian Street. There was a gay couple who sat a few tables away. You didn't care then."

"They weren't Chance."

"Did it bother you then?"

"No, but--"

"If it was okay for them to be gay and happy, why can't Chance be gay and happy?" Michelle asked. David didn't answer and she leaned down, kissing his cheek. "What're you thinking?"

"I'm thinking it's past time for a father-son weekend," David said. "Think I'll take my boy fishing."

---

David woke Sunday morning to a familiar sound, but it surprised him nonetheless. Someone was in the shower and when David turned to his left, his wife was still asleep, dozing peacefully until the alarm would go off. He gently moved her arm from his own and, with as little movement as he could manage, he walked to the bathroom. The shower was turned off just seconds before he knocked on the door.

"Chance?" he called.

"Just a second, Dad," his son answered, his voice manic and worried. "Just let me... Give me a second!"

When his son pulled the door open, he had only just managed to throw on a button down shirt, still unbuttoned, and underwear. "Sorry. Didn't mean to hog the bathroom. I'll just go back to my--"

"What're you doing up so early?" David questioned, analyzing his son worriedly. Without a doubt, he looked exhausted and weak. His eyes were puffy, as if he had spent hours crying or as if he had gotten no sleep at all. "You look awful. Are you okay?"

"Yeah, just tired." Charles walked over to the mirror and fumbled with his shirt's buttons.

"Why're you...? Charles, look at me," David ordered. Charles looked over and David walked closer. "What're you doing up so early? I normally have to drag you out of bed."

"I didn't want to be late for church."

"... You're not going."

Charles's jaw dropped in surprise. "Why not?"

"You need to go get some sleep," David remarked. "Did you sleep at all last night?"

"Yeah, I--"

"Charles..." David said warningly.

"Not really. Dad, I'm so sorry," Charles said meekly.

"For what?"

"For lying and being gay and going out with Zack and..." Charles sniffled, wiping his eyes as the tears started to well up once more. "Dad, I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!"

"Calm down, Charles. I'm not mad anymore," David said. Charles choked out another sob, but he was trying to keep himself quiet. "Listen to me carefully; I don't really agree with your... preferences. I won't lie, I'm very much against the idea of you being gay. But I'm willing to tolerate it for now."

"So you don't hate me?"

"How could you ask that?" David breathed, pulling his son closer, hugging him lovingly. Charles sobbed into his father's chest. When was the last time I hugged you? "Chance, I could _never_hate you. You're my only son. I love you more than you'll ever know."

"I'm sorry," Charles repeated, over and over again.

"Hey, hey, stop that," David said. David pulled away and looked at Charles. Without a doubt, it was like looking at himself in miniature... Except for those eyes. Those green eyes. "I want you to do me a favor. First, stop crying. You're damn near adult now; you need to learn how to compose yourself better. Second, I want you to go lay down. Get some sleep, please."

"Okay."

Charles started to walk past his father, but David stopped him, placing a paw on his shoulder. "I was thinking that next weekend, we'll go out to the lake. Do some fishing like when you were little."

Charles looked up in shock. "Really? I don't remember the last time we went!"

"Really," David assured him with a smile. "Just you and me, okay?"

Charles grinned happily and, despite his still-messy appearance, looked much happier. That smile, David noticed, was genuine and pure, almost childlike in its exuberance.

"Chance, I love you," David said kindly. "Always will."

"I love you too, Dad."

David gave his son one more hug. "Get your sleep. I hate seeing you like this."

Charles pulled back. "Okay."

"I'll wake you up when we get back," David said. "And I'll see if I can get Michelle to make some gourmet burritos for you."

Chance's face lit up. "Alright. Awesome!"

"You're welcome, little champ," David said. Charles walked out and David smiled. I haven't called you that in years...