FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Ok ok so you guys are loving it and im getting many more viewers and comments and watches and such so i just wanted to say thanks to you all! THANKS!!! haha so without further ado chapter 9. :P enjoy!

Post Script: This is now the edited version, i apoligize for making you read my failtacular grammer skills before T.T

Chapter 9.

"So is this going to be a regular thing?" Kyle asked while getting into Duke's beat up pick up, backpack tossed into the natural disaster of a back seat.

"If that's okay with you? Your house is on my way anyway so I don't see why not," Duke responded, half opened eyes closing completely into a mighty and over the top yawn, "Sorry, I just hate mornings and I didn't sleep well last night." He offered Kyle a small thermos, "Coffee?"

The lanky boy stared at it in an amused disbelief, "You don't need to make your home brew for me on a daily basis; I think I'll function."

"So you don't want it?" Duke questioned rhetorically.

"Well I'll take it if it's already here," Kyle submitted, shyly but excitedly taking the thermos of warm morning wake up, "No use letting it go to waste, but really don't make it every morning if you don't have to. I don't want to be a bother."

"My mom makes it for my dad before he goes to work and there is always left overs anyway. In truth I hate the stuff, I just need to wake up and I push past the taste," Duke admitted pulling out from the curb and heading to the school, "You uh...you don't think there is going to be a mob do you?"

Kyle took a sip of the fine brew, only half listening in the way that delayed his answer due to lack of thought. "Mob...? Oh, umm, I don't think so, but then again I'm not the rest of those people," he shrugged, "I wouldn't think there would be a mass of people, but you never know."

"You are no help at all," Duke said with a weak laugh.

The two were quiet the rest of the trip, both wondering where to start an actual conversation. They might have accepted each other, or maybe even just tolerated the other, but regardless neither knew too much about the other. Duke could ask about video games but he didn't even know where to begin there without sounding out of his time. Kyle could have asked about his family, but Kyle wasn't the type to snoop into personal affairs. He knew he hated it when others asked him, so he didn't ask them out of courtesy.

Kyle watched his childhood home pass by, it was strange how a place can remain so unchanged, how overly informed everyone could be and how robotic his life seemed in perspective of the last two days. From the beginning of his memory of the Sweeton, Kyle recollected had absolutely nothing had really ever changed. Houses were rarely fixed up because houses were rarely ever damaged; people rarely moved, only handful died and when they did all of them went to the same church for the same service to be brought to the same cemetery to be put in the same dirt that their family had been. Sweeton never changed. It was a born here, live here, die here kind of town, the few that got the opportunity to leave were seen as hero's, like escape from the town was everyone's secret desire, but no one would say it.

Kyle looked in the mirror at Duke as he drove; the kid was new, different and unique. Kyle realized his attachment was probably a fascination with the new, similar to the mob at school but not as crazy. He sighed, he was still in that category though and eventually Duke would get bored of him. Kyle wasn't the most fun guy in the world he knew, but still, he wanted whatever it was to last as long as possible and that meant he had to try to keep it going.

"So what do your parents do?" Kyle asked awkwardly, not exactly sure if that was the right way to start the conversation, it seemed as good a place as any.

"My parents?" Duke asked, taking a moment's pause. "My dad he uhh...he works out of a home office. He rents out property and sells stuff online. Nothing fancy, but still, it puts food on the table. My mom used to work in an office but now she just stays at home mostly."

Kyle just nodded a response, not really sure where he could go from there. He sucked at this 'social life' thing.

"What does your mom do?" Duke asked mercifully, obviously not wanting the ride to be awkward. The previous night had been easy with video games to fill the silence, not it was just a lack of radio and the hum of the engine.

"She works at the gas station in the mornings and at Herkeys in the evenings," Kyle answered quickly, "Herkeys uhh...it sells sporting goods..." Kyle cursed himself. "I'm sorry I'm so bad at this whole, try and be normal thing. I'm not used to people actually taking an interest in me."

Duke patted him on the shoulder, "No problem amigo, I'm good at this stuff, I'll keep it going ha-ha. It's just early and I don't even want to be up so I'm a mess right now is all," he admitted, "Later it'll be better, mornings are my kryptonite."

"So you're a super hero huh?" Kyle asked "Pretty sweet."

Duke laughed out loud in a near hyena laugh. It startled Kyle a bit who stared at him like he was nuts. "What the fuck was that about?" Kyle asked half scared for the answer, half embarrassed, hoping he hadn't said anything stupid.

"Hahaha...oh man...sorry, I just can't see myself as any sort of super hero," Duke answered as he wound down.

Kyle gave him a look, "That's why you cackled like a psycho? Because you can't see yourself as a hero?" he asked in a bit of disbelief, "That seems a bit much." Not that Kyle could even pretend to understand Duke, but he thought he would have at least been a bit prepared for unusual situations. He was wrong; Duke was a wild card all right.

"Yeah I guess it just caught me off guard," Duke admitted a bit embarrassed. He parked his truck in one swift motion, "So any crazy plans today?"

Kyle fished his stuff out of the back, "Get through Humpday. That's about it," Kyle sighed.

"What is Humpday?" Duke asked honestly, "Is that a spirit week thing?"

The lanky boy rolled his eyes, "Seriously what circus did you escape from? You've never heard of Humpday? It just means Wednesday, you know, the middle of the week? 'Get over the hump'?" Kyle tried.

Duke shook his head, "I've never heard that before in my life."

~~~~

The two shared plenty of classes, but homeroom was not one of them. Kyle took his customary seat against the window and watched his classmates. Apparently today's theme thing was pyjamas. His bothering to put on pants made him over dressed today, he succeeded in trying too hard.

"You hate me don't you?" Quinn asked, sitting beside him, purple pyjama pants, zebra slippers and a night shirt gracing her, "Come on you didn't even have to get dressed today to be in spirit damn it!" she exclaimed.

"How do you know I don't sleep naked?" Kyle asked playfully, "That might have been a disaster."

She did an over exaggerated shiver, "To much information buddy. Where's your knew friend?" she questioned.

"He's not in our homeroom," Kyle answered, "But seriously it's like he tried to be in all my classes! I think we have like six of them together that aren't lunch!" Quinn wore a content grin, like she had won or knew something Kyle didn't. Kyle didn't like that, "What's so funny?"

"You think of Duke as a friend," she answered, "I'm just happy for you. You don't really give people a chance, and I don't know what's different about this kid, but you've opened up to him." She poked his belly, hand grabbing the coat, "You're even wearing his clothes! Ooooh how sweet," she mocked lightly, just enough sarcasm for Kyle to flush red but still take the joke.

"Shut up, you know I don't have any other clothes," Kyle pouted, "And I was ju.." He stopped mid-sentence as Alice walked over just beside Quinn, beautiful eyes looking into his expectantly, "He-hey Alice."

"Hi Kyle," she replied, rocking on her feet, not taking a seat like Quinn. Her night clothes were all sky blue and silky, her hair done up in two pony tails to look extra adorable. It was working. "Are you umm...do you have any plans for Friday?"

Kyle's heart nearly stopped, if he had food he would have choked to death. Was she...? She couldn't be...but she was right? Alice was...THE Alice Stone was asking him out?!

Don't jump to conclusions; she just wanted to know what he was doing

"No-no I'm not doing anything that day...Nothing Friday. I'm plan free," he re-iterated, getting a light jab from Quinn that mercifully made him stop.

"Would you like to go to the homecoming game with me?" She asked, "I mean, if you aren't going with someone else of course," she clarified. Her voice was angelic.

Kyle must have been staring up at her with a shocked look because Quinn 'AHEM'-ed very loudly snapping him once more into focus, "I'd love to."

Alice smiled, "Awesome! See you there around six?"

"That's my favourite time," Kyle replied lamely. Alice smiled and walked back to her group of friends. Kyle looked back at Quinn, "What the fuck just happened?"

Quinn poked his belly again, "Hahaha you were a total spaz that what! 'It's my favourite time.'" She mocked.

Kyle cocked his head, not the least bit amused.

"Oh take a joke you got a date with Alice," Quinn confirmed, "I don't know where that came from but she asked you," Quinn beamed, "Are you two like secret lovers finally coming out?"

The lanky boy sat back in his chair with a dopey grin on his face, "Nothing you say could ruin this moment so get it all out," He noted. He had a date. With ALICE STONE!

"You're not the manliest of men she has dated," Quinn noted, starting to make a list with Kyle's distinct challenge of not being able to ruin the moment.

"Okay okay, I didn't mean for you to take it as a personal challenge to ruin my moment..." At that moment Mr Rokuro, their homeroom teacher placed a note from the counselling office on Kyle's desk and said nothing. Mr Rokuro wasn't the most talkative man.

Kyle stared at the offensive paper, noting it was calling him down after the announcements. Quinn put a hand on his shoulder, "Hey, nothing can ruin your day right?" She asked sincerely.

Kyle nodded, a scowl on his face, "Nothing," he confirmed, "But the universe is gunna try is hardest now isn't it?"

~~~~

Kyle found himself in the all too familiar counselling office. He always found it ironic because it felt like the place belonged to that of a serial killer and not a helper. The main office itself was fine; it had a very open feel, banners from multitudes of colleges, motivational posters, plants, all the little things that made you think it was a place of welcome. Hell they even had a quality desk lady who smiled when you walked in and greeted you.

Then you had your average councillors office, it seemed every councillor in the school had a different theme and different personalities and styles. Their rooms were unique and personal; the kind of rooms with just enough personal touch to show they cared, but still was within reason. The actual councillor that talked about problems and not just college plans was a very dull and melancholy man.

Mr Wilson was about as boring of a man as one could be. He had next too no emotions in his voice, always making him sound indifferent even if he was apologizing or wishing you the best of luck. His coldness didn't make anyone want to open up to him; even though he promised to help, he was just naturally not the type of person you opened up too. Not to say he was bad at his job. Mr Wilson asked all the right questions, fixed problems and got to the bottom of things.

But the one thing Kyle couldn't stand the most was that he was nosy. If he suspected problems he came to you, he didn't wait around like a fish, he viciously attacked, and Kyle was often the target of such random attacks through the years. Kyle wasn't even sure if the man legitimately cared, or just legitimately wanted too butt in where he didn't belong. Today was no different.

Kyle sat down in the dull off white office, eying the walls for some sense that maybe Mr Wilson had gained some kind of personality. His walls were as bare as the last time. "Hello Kyle." The councillor greeted more on instinct than actual attempt at a friendly welcome.

"Mr Wilson," Kyle gave a little nod.

The man eyed him through thick rimmed glasses with equally thick lens' making his eyes look a bit bigger than they should have. His face was young but somehow seemed aged and matured with its fattened features and terribly cold expression. He shuffled through piles of papers like somehow they all applied to the moment, "How have you been since out last meeting?" he asked casually.

"Just peachy," Kyle gave a quick answer.

"And how are your grades doing?"

"You're the teacher you tell me. I can't see my grades in my computer."

The man made a note on one of the papers that was clipped to a clipboard making Kyle feel observed and self-conscious. "Very true, and I'll guess they are going well seeing as I wasn't asked to see you by any of your teachers for academic reasons."

"Then why am I here?" Kyle asked calmly. After his first few sessions with this infuriating man Kyle had learned to never let his emotions show. It was a safety mechanism that made sure the asshole couldn't get a mental grip on him with his scientific detachment and lack of empathy.

"I have reports of you and Ms Taylor entering the boy's bathroom together and not departing for some extended periods of time," the man stated absently, obviously not caring.

Kyle rolled his eyes, it wasn't the first time someone had caught Quinn and him in the bathroom while she fixed up his face or upper body with make-up, "You know that you know that you still aren't going to get me to say anything," Kyle said, "Are you really going to waste more time?"

The reason Wilson bothered Kyle so regularly was his home life. Kyle never told him a damn thing and that made it a hot topic, even if a question around the neighbourhood could sum up the gist of the household, and more importantly Scott. Everything was so unstable that even Wilson could screw it up by peeking and prodding, and that was the last thing Kyle needed. He just wanted his mom as safe as possible, comfortable as allowed and most importantly under a roof. Scott's ass-hole-ish-ness aside he paid bills. But the beatings apparently fell under abuse and Wilson cared, or at least was required to care as a counsellor.

"How did you get those bruises on your face Kyle?" he asked directly. Kyle smiled that the man had learned not to bother beating around the bush with questions. Kyle remembered with a hint of satisfaction the first time Wilson thought he had trapped Kyle, and more importantly the moment Wilson realized Kyle was toying with him. In retrospect that might be why Wilson was so pushy when it came to Kyle but it was still worth it.

"I fell and bumped my head, hurt like a mother fucker," Kyle noted, watching Wilson flinch with a bit of satisfaction. The man couldn't stand foul language.

"Why do you bother lying Kyle? The situation will only get worse with time, not better. What happens if he or she hurts you so bad you can't even come here to get my help?"

"Why would you think I'm lying?" Kyle continued with overly done innocence, "It took quite a bit out of me to admit I freaking fell over my own two feet, why would there be more?"

The very plain man stared at him a moment and gave a heavy sigh, "Okay, then you should be more careful," he conceded, "How has life been? Make any friends since the last time you were with me? Get a girlfriend maybe?" he asked at the end as usual, Kyle could never tell if it was a legitimate question or an attempt from Wilson to strike back where it hurt.

The man also pestered him about his god damn social life, "Yes actually," Kyle admitted, "I made a friend and I have a date."

The doctor looked up giving the closest thing he had to an emotion, a look of surprise, "Really? Well that's exciting. May I ask who your friend is? I'd be curious to see who is compatible with such a rare case as yourself," Kyle felt a twinge; the man knew he hated feeling singled out; it was revenge for the swearing before.

"The new kid Duke," Kyle stated flatly.

The councillor raised a curious eyebrow, "I guess I can invite him in and learn a bit more about the two of you." His eyes became creepy, like a scientist trying to see how something ticked.

"Is there anything else you want to talk about Sir? I have classes to get back too."

"The girlfriend?" he asked, seeing how much he could squeeze out of the boy.

"Not in a million years," Kyle stated leaving the empty room without so much as a second glance. He could already feel a chill running through himself as he left. "Sorry Duke," he breathed out as he walked down the halls, "I think I threw you under the bus with that one."

~~~~

Kyle sat down for science in the back, Duke's lab table was packed to capacity and Kyle liked working alone usually anyway. He got stuff done faster and without a million and a half questions. He was always pretty good at science and chemistry was no different, but he never saw a practical application. What long list of jobs needed to know the periodic table of Elements by heart, or how to write chemical equations?

Today was easy though, everyone had done the experiment before, it was a freaking baking soda volcano. Kyle shrugged getting up to get the supplies and catching Duke's eye who waved a little before being hounded by people again. Well, girls again, the guys were mostly off to the other tables brooding or hanging around very close to their individual girlfriends.

At least he could use the class to think. Absently Kyle started filling out the question sheet first so he could lazily set up the experiment later, honesty he could have answered these questions in fifth grade with the instructions on a 'do it yourself: Volcano!' kit.

Paper done Kyle could think about Friday, without realizing it he acquired Duke's dopey smile. The idea of him and Alice on a date of any sort was amazing, a football game might not have been the most romantic place to start but he didn't really care. She was so beautiful, so perfect, so kind...

The only question bugging him to the brink of insanity was 'Why?' Why now would she ask? Why now? Why the football game? He supposed it was just because it was a popular event she was attending anyway but it was still bugging him.

"So whatcha doing?" Duke asked, loudly putting his hands on the lab table and propping up his head.

"Volcano stuff," Kyle answered, "What CHU doing?"

Duke smiled but shrugged, "Letting everyone else do my volcano stuffs. One of the perks of being awesome I guess. So where were you in the beginning of class? You get in trouble?"

Kyle rolled his eyes "Nope, the damn nosy councillor called me down because of the bruises on my face."

"Oh good, so you told him about your dad? Step dad?" He corrected, sounding relieved.

Kyle sighed, it wasn't that he wasn't expecting the reaction; he just didn't want to have to deal with another person telling him it was wrong to keep Scott around for him mothers sake. "No I did not. It's none of his business how I live my life. If I want to make a choice that I'm fully aware of and it happens to be self-harming then it's my choice, not his."

Duke gave him a look, "What?! That's so stupid! Why would you want that?"

"I don't want to talk about it right now okay? Go ask Quinn, she's used to yelling at me for the same thing."

That bought a moment of silence as Kyle tipped the vial of vinegar into the funnel and watched the foam spout over, "I'm not yelling," Duke stated, "If you don't want to talk about it I won't, sorry."

Of course he had to apologize...now Kyle felt bad, "You don't...Duke you don't have to apologize. I know you weren't yelling I just really don't want to talk about it is all." In truth it was nice to know Duke and Quinn cared enough to tell him he was wrong. Kyle wasn't stupid, it was a self-destructive cycle, but it was the lesser of two evils. Kyle could be a bitch and take shit from Scott, or Kyle could be a total asshole and abandon his mother to a drunk who treated her like property. Both choices sucked, Kyle's life sucked really, but he was making the best of it.

He had fumbled around with the idea of telling Wilson, but honestly what could one man do? Wilson would either arrest Scott or take Kyle away. With solution one Kyle's mother would be crushed, wouldn't go to work, the house would be re-claimed by the state, and Kyle would be pulled away from a collapsing women who couldn't even care for herself. She needed him. In solution number two Scott abuses the fuck out of her, and Kyle can't help, in essence how would have run away from the one who gave him life? In essence he would be trash.

"Thanks for caring," Kyle added weakly, he wasn't used to having people to be thankful for. Quinn was about the only person he made the choice to thank. Quinn and his real dad...before he died anyway.

Duke's massive hand clasped Kyle's shoulder, "Any time buddy, but cheer up, things will be better I promise. We can hang out all weekend and just forget all your problems."

The innocence of the suggestion made the lanky boy smile. If only it was so easy... "Are you going to the football game?" Kyle asked without meaning too.

"I wasn't planning on it, why?"

"I guess I'm going, I was just curious," Kyle stated, not sure what to do next. How do you transition from every conversation Duke had to, 'I have a date and we can't play that night.' "I'm going with Alice Stone..."