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Marion stared at the blank TV in front of him, being lulled into and out of a content slumber while feeling the occasional tug from the large male behind him. He couldn't deny how nice it felt to be nestled into another's embrace. It was much different than when he drifted to sleep with Chris, not better, but not worse either. There was an undeniable new element to being with someone who wasn't family--someone who could be close without the thickness of shared blood. Even aside from the different physical aspects, there was a different emotional feel; though he didn't know how to describe it.

"Mm--na...reaction...."

Marion stifled a laugh at the bear's mumbling in his sleep, especially that even in his sleep the bear spoke about chemistry. It reminded him of Chris, and also made him wonder if he said anything in his sleep. A smile spread over his features as Ben tugged him closer--possibly his new favorite feeling.

It was warm too. He had thought perhaps after how they had made out he was just imagining the content heat of his body but even after they stopped themselves and just held onto each other it didn't go away. Of course, with a bear, he knew he would have plenty to nestle into--a nice plus. And each tug from Ben gave him that ursine feeling too, because it was soft and comfy, but strong too. Perhaps his eyes weren't of as much use because of how he was facing, but his position did give him new insight into his boyfriend: insight he hadn't gained a few hours before.

Sure Ben was a big bear, but was there such a thing as a small one? And even still, Ben was better sized, and proportioned, than most bears he saw. The bear's stomach had a bit of pudge to it, as a bear should've, but not as much as Mary seemed to think all bear's had--where if you slept with one nestling into your back you'd end up with a crick in your back because 'all bear furs had beer guts' according to her. Quite the opposite was the case--the bear's chest was probably the most comfortable thing he'd felt in sometime. And everything about the bear was proportioned with his stomach--thick, but not fat.

Of course, when he'd been making out he'd realized as much. His paws had ran along the bear, feeling Ben's body and even the strength underneath his thick skin. The tugging had shown him the muscle wasn't useless or for show. Then again, in his experience, the big guys who didn't look like they lived at the gym were the strongest because all their muscles were there from hard labor.

The bear's arms were strong and large--the forearms being about as big as both of Marion's. Ben's legs reminded him of tree trunks--not great oak ones, but certainly not saplings either. There was an obvious strength in Ben's legs--for lifting and strength, not endurance of course. And while he'd been embracing and letting his paws run over Ben's back he well formed muscle there too.

He knew Ben hadn't lied during their date, everything about the bear--being this close--told him as much. If the bear wanted to, Marion was sure his back would snap with one overzealous 'bear hug' Ben might give. And at the same time, as cliché as he might be, he was also sure Ben was a gentle giant--more times than not.

Still, aside from the occasional mumbles, Ben seemed to be a content, non-violent sleeper: unlike Chris who occasionally kicked in his sleep. He was sure he could sleep happily with Ben, not counting the other physicals they might experience together. Even if he would never admit it to Marion for not liking the word: he was currently loving cuddling with Ben.

That was what to call it right?

A paw roamed up his stomach, and after a bit collided with his own. He was a bit surprised at the complexity of the sleeping bear's next action--interweaving their fingers together so that they were holding paws. Of course, when Ben leaned down and pressed his lips against his head before pulling him closer he realized the bear was up.

"Goodnight Marion," Ben whispered, nuzzling the wolf for a few moments but not wanting to wake him. He smiled at the way the wolf's ears flickered, and after a moment returned to resting his head against the top of the wolf's. He wondered if he'd be fine for the night: he usually took his meds before bed--to help with his asthma, but...this was nice and he didn't want to disturb the wolf.

They had had such a nice night. He couldn't deny how fast he was falling for Marion. Every time he was with the wolf he felt like a part of him, usually dead or numb, came alive. It was impossible not to smile or to

Marion wondered for a few moments what to do. He enjoyed the tugs from Ben and after a few moments brought their clasped paws up to his muzzle, gently kissing Ben's--alerting the bear to his awakeness. It was for naught though, because nothing happened, aside from a mumble from the bear who was sleeping yet again.

Oh well, it was still fine for the wolf. He nestled back into the bear and let out a sigh of contentment--wondering if perhaps they would go on another date tomorrow--if Ben would like that.

___________________

"I told him I had to go out for a bit," Marion admitted, feeling ashamed of his lie. Being in Ben's arms didn't help. Maybe they should've. Well, maybe they would've if he hadn't lied to his son so that he could get into his current position. He didn't know what he would do if Chris arrived at home and he wasn't there. Luckily the pup was at a friend's--still he felt anxious; as if getting home would redeem him of his wrong.

"Well...it wasn't a total lie...but..."

"I hate not telling him the truth," Marion continued. It did feel nice though. Not the lie. It was being this close to Ben. A pair of lips fell onto his cheek and a small smile ran over his features.

"When do you think you could tell him?" Ben asked, stroking over the wolf's arm lightly and enjoying the feeling of being so close to another male. With every breathe he got another whiff of Marion's scent; it made him happy. And Marion felt so nice pressed against him--the wolf didn't even seem to mind that he was thicker than him: which of course he should've been. Still, Ben couldn't help but fear a bit everytime he saw Marion that the wolf would tell him to lose his thickness--which he thought made him attractive and wondered if the wolf thought so. They could probably make up another fur with the difference in size between them--a pup perhaps.

The wolf didn't mind it though. Ben pulled him closer--happy that Marion didn't mind that one of his thighs was about a thick as both the wolf's, or that his robust frame made sure they had to cuddle tightly on the couch, or even that he'd gotten slightly excited during the movie--a fact they both ignored.

Well, perhaps ignored is too strong a word. They both knew about it, and Marion hadn't hidden nestling closer to him, but it had been up to him to not misinterpret the wolf. Just because the wolf nestled closer to him didn't mean 'hey, time for hot rough sex' or anything, it was much more just acknowledging and not being shy about it. They didn't deny they were both males, and it was even comforting to know they both liked one another physically.

"Soon..." Marion said, bringing Ben out of his thoughts, "I...was thinking by the end of, if not this week, then the next..." he said, shrugging his shoulders a little, "I mean...I'm a bit worried,"

"I understand......well, as best as I can," Ben replied, letting a small, content sigh. A part of him was ready for Marion to go ahead and come out to his son--not simply for himself. Sure, it would be nice to know he could go see his boyfriend, to not be careful he didn't let Chris onto that fact--even if that was highly unlikely, and to have that assurance that Marion let him into his life in the way that--frankly--he deserved if they were going to be a serious couple. But aside from his own selfish needs, he wanted Marion to be out for himself. IT was a lot on the wolf's shoulders, and he wanted to know the wolf he would date who was out to his son.

Marion chuckled weakly, but a larger part of him was glad the bear didn't play it like everyone else did--saying that they knew, that they somehow understood his predicament. He wasn't conceited, he was sure that other furs had it worse, or that there were some that had similar situations to him in some manner, but to acknowledge that everyone he talked to 'understood' what he was going through--that was unlikely.

A firm tug along his waist made him smile a bit and he looked over his shoulder at the bear, "I'm sorry...I know I'm that guy to date..."

"I like the guy I'm dating,"

"You know what I mean," Marion said with a light chuckle, "I'll tell Chris...I'm just scared,"

"Don't rush yourself,"

Marion stared at Ben for a few moments. Then, feeling his heartbeat increase in his chest, he leaned over and licked the bear's cheek. The idea that it would offend Ben was heavy on his mind, but--he wanted to try. When he pulled back he gave his best smile at the bear, "Thanks Ben...for being understanding,"

Ben leaned over, nudging his own muzzle against the wolf's: daring to stay for a few moments longer than he'd intended. And he found himself not really leaving either, simply nuzzling the wolf.

They stayed as they were for afew moments. Both pretended not to notice as Marion turned around so that they were face to face, or to notice how their lips came closer and closer. It took a few minutes, both moving slowly and unsurely, but after a bit Marion let out a light sigh as his lips slipped past Ben's. And once the kiss started they both began to enjoy it.

Ben growled lightly, pulling the wolf closer to him now that they were face to face. It was a bit strange kissing on his side, but he didn't mind it. He just made a note to be a bit more careful about his movements--muzzle wise. A second's indecision ran ahead of him before he let his paw drift up and stroke over the wolf's neck. That got a happy murr from the wolf, and he responded.

By biting their tongues.

A yelp escaped the wolf and Ben winced, letting out a small grunt of pain. He wasn't sure just how stupid he could be to bite the wolf--or what signals in his brain had confused a gentle love bite for treating their tongues like a rare steak. All he could think was that the wolf was probably pissed at him.

"Mmm..." Marion let out, grinning through the kiss. When the bear's lips fell away from his own for a few seconds he managed a quick laugh before leaning up and kissing Ben again. The bite had hurt, but what could make it better than a massage from the bear's own bitten tongue.

"M--Marion," Ben grumbled, lightly pushing the wolf away, though just for his own sake. When he freed his lips he was smiling down at the wolf and growling happily at the paws that were running across his back. He shook his head at the wolf, "Sorry...I...think I bit our tongues, didn't I?

"Well...I needed a breather anyway," Marion admitted, not paying attention to the bear's apology--he hadn't really noticed. Leaning up he licked Ben's lips and nose before relaxing and letting out a sigh, "Better?"

"Much..." Ben said, enjoying the taste of the wolf on his lips--even if the direct source was much better. It would've been impossible for either of them to deny the pressure along their waist. Well, he was poking Marion in the stomach and the wolf was poking him along a more sensitive region. After a second of indecision he let out a happy growl, deciding that it was stupid to not enjoy the closeness.

Marion grinned when the bear's hips pressed more firmly agasint his own. One of his paws ran up to the bear's neck and he let his paws grip at the fur there--where it was thicker but no less soft. He caught Ben's eye and leaned up, letting their lips barely touch, "I have my breath back..."

"OK," Ben replied, nudging his own nose against the wolf's. It felt really cold. Of course he knew his own nose wasn't exactly a furnace of warmth but to him, dog noses were always a bit colder. Still, it was nice too. He placed his paw gently under the wolf's chin, guiding Marion to tilt his own head to the side. He found himself waiting after though, enjoying the glimmer in the wolf's eye and the general allure of the wolf. After a second he smirked and leaned back down--feeling that strange but never unwelcome feeling of his lips sliding along someone else's.

Marion let his paw slide down to Ben's side and rest there, feeling the bear's girth and holding onto the bear in reply. He could feel a pressure along their waists: two pressures, but it wasn't something he felt he had to indulge. The real pleasure was just being as close as he was to the bear. Nestling as close as he could he couldn't help a laugh in the kiss.

They exchanged moves, sometimes Marion found himself leading in the kiss, and other times he followed Ben. He couldn't deny a bit of partiality to letting Ben lead--if only because it allowed him to stop worrying about messing up. And, when Ben led he always enjoyed the bear's paw that stroked across his muzzle, and the gentle hum of a growl that filled the room.

It was nice overall. Both felt a certain warmth between them, only pausing the kiss to allow a breath, or to whisper an unneeded but never unwelcome compliment to the other. Time didn't seem to change at all; it was very real. There weren't fireworks, there wasn't a revelation--simply an enjoyment and communication. Both were happy to be with the other, to gain support, to know the other was as into them as they were into the other.

It wasn't a give and take. They both put themselves into the act--and opened themselves up, if not verbally. One of them may have led but it was a pooling of themselves, Marion letting Ben into himself and the bear doing likewise. Of course, just because it was real didn't take away the slender; it made it better. Like at class, when one just wanted the bell to ring, or dealing with a customer who asked too many questions about medication--time was constant. In this case though, the consistency was what made it so amazing. Both were more than conscious that they had been kissing for more than just a few minutes, and both were fine to let time continue slipping by.

After a bit of time both pulled away--feeling more acquainted with the other both physically and emotionally. Ben knew the wolf's muzzle a bit better, how there was the slightest gap--probably from Marion not having worn his retainer as a pup--between his canines, how the wolf enjoyed it when he stroked a thumb across his cheek, that Marion occasionally tugged on his fur while making out, and that Marion often let him win their tongue battles. Marion knew the tenor of the bear's growl of pleasure, that Ben was a perfect five stars when it came to kissing, and that the bear's tongue was nearly twice as large as his own--making for some very fun times when kissing him; certainly when he suckled on the bear's member after he let him win a battle.

"Ben...." Marion sighed, burying his nose in the nook of the bear's shirt and letting out a content sigh. The bear's chest vibrated with a growl and Marion felt himself being pulled tightly closer. The bear had a nice scent--really nice. With a free paw he moved it across Ben's chest, daring to dip past the buttons and feel the fur. It was thick and soft, very pleasant. Another sigh escaped him. He was wondering if he was falling in love--it was a warm feeling...

______________________________________________

"I...It's embarrassing, isn't it?" Marion asked, a bit of heat in his cheeks but he was smiling nonetheless. He reached forward and took a sip of wine, but the glass was empty, and he quickly put it down and fumbled about with a piece of bread. The food had been gone for easily an hour, and about forty minutes ago he'd stopped caring if it was strange to sit and talk for so long.

"Here..." Ben said, putting forward the bottle of wine and smiling gently. "And I think it's neat...I'm no cook I hate to say...I would love knowing how to," he said, pulling the bottle back before he overfilled the wolf's glass. He didn't want to pour too much and act like he wanted Marion to get drunk, but even more than that he certainly didn't want to come across as a miser of any sort. Then again, a bit tipsy wasn't a bad thing--the wolf was really charming when he wasn't impaired by his own fears.

"Thanks..."

"My pleasure," Ben replied taking a small sip himself. He was glad he did, because a part of him wanted to ask Marion how much he weighed, even though he wasn't sure that was an appropriate question either way. The wolf looked like he weighed near two-hundred at most; he could drink a bit. Still, he made a mental note to offer to drive if Marion seemed in anyway incapable. It was a problem he really didn't have to worry about for himself, not since his college days--being a big bear had its advantages. Binge drinking for him meant setting aside a pay-check. "So...you how long have you been cooking?"

"Uhh...just about two years--well, that's when I could consider it cooking,"

"Really?"

"Yeah...the first year...three years ago with Chris is when it all changed. Before that, I'll be honest, I ate out or ordered in every night--aside from having some lunch meats and bread...you know...simple stuff,"

Ben chuckled a little and scratched at his cheek, "You're making me feel bad...here I thought sandwiches were a good dish..."

Marion laughed a little, pressing his leg a bit against the bear's, "They can be...." he replied, enjoying Ben's smile. "Now my fridge is really different. I've got fruits, vegetables, meats, herbs, and so much stuff that before I wouldn't have been able to put together to make a dish,"

"So, is cooking really like chemistry?"

"I'd think so a bit. I mean, sometimes it's about knowing the formula--like how you can't just throw everything in a pot and say 'alakazam' and expect a great meal--well, unless it's meatloaf,"

Ben chuffled a little, "So...there is hope for me cooking,"

"We'll have to compare dishes one day," Marion said, wondering if perhaps it would be possible to go on a picnic with the bear.

"Maybe...I'd hate to disappoint you though.......I can't say I watch those cooking shows as much as you seem to,"

"Well...they do give me a lot of ideas," Marion replied. He poked at his dish with his fork and smiled a little, "I mean...sometimes just sitting down and watching them, taking notes on what they put in what, or how they think...it really helps. Then, I still do it, I try to just integrate something I saw into my cooking, or experiment with an idea in my head. Still...it's pretty embarrassing, right, I mean...actually sitting down and taking notes on it?"

"I don't think so...you say you're a good cook and I believe you...maybe you could show me some notes at some point?"

"That...would be nice, but you have to promise not to laugh,"

"No promises," Ben replied, and chuckled at how that seemed to make Marion smile even more. "What's the craziest thing you've done? Cooking wise I mean,"

"Ohh...that's a tough one...I've probably had an equal number of failures and successes, with varying degree. But....my biggest mistake? Well....Ohhh...." Marion said, beginning to rake his brain and seeing all the failed dishes in his mind--though thankfully not tasting them. "It would have to be....Oh. Yeah. Gravy salad,"

Ben's face contorted.

"Now hear me out!" Marion said quickly, knowing and understanding the look of disgust on the bear's face. "It was a fruit salad,"

Ben's face didn't change terribly. "With...gravy?"

"Well...umm...yeah..." Marion said, admittedly understanding the fact the bear's face didn't change terribly. "It was my first year...and...I...I don't know...it was a spur of the moment type of deal,"

"Still," Ben said with a laugh, "I mean...Ew,"

"Heheh...yeah...it was pretty bad. Tell you what. I'll not bring that if we compare dishes,"

"I would be thankful,"

"So...what about yourself?"

"Well, I don't do terribly much honestly...umm...it may sound bad, but...I think dating you would be the most interesting thing that's happened to me in the past four months. School takes up most of my time. And when I'm not doing something with school I'm usually reading,"

"Well, that's not a bad thing...exciting life can sometimes be a bit bad,"

"Well, I used to work out a lot," Ben said after a bit of time.

"Really?" Marion asked, not finding it hard to believe. Then again, a lot of bear's had a strong looking physique.

"Well, it was an intramural sports," Ben said with a small shrug of his shoulders. "But...still, we met and did workouts,"

"What sport?"

"Oh...umm, I tried rugby for two years,"

"Ahh, that's like football, right?"

"Sort of..." Ben said with a chuckle.

"Was it fun?"

"Yeah...not bad...it was how I met," Ben said and stopped. It was a weird place to stop. After a moment he looked at Marion and shrugged his shoulders, "It was how I met my ex,"

"Ahh..."

"Yeah..." Ben replied, feeling a bit of a fool for mentioning it.

"So...why did you two call it quits?" Marion asked, deciding to go for a bit of serious conversation.

"Oh......well...he...was, well, into things I wasn't really. Of course...I'll admit we were both young and stupid at the beginning and that sure somethings were fun, but...Uhh...suffice to say that apparently, we decided on a monogamous relationship...he thought that meant it was one sided and conditional,"

"Oh...umm...well, I'm sorry to hear that,"

Ben shrugged his shoulders, "It's fine...it was a long time ago...haven't even spoken to him in four years.," he told the wolf, hoping to let Marion know that it was truly in the past. He was blushing a bit, sure the wolf understood what he had meant. He had had a few wild times in college--at least in his book. Of course, having his ex 'surprise' him with an extra party member hadn't exactly floated his boat. And of course he had been the rude one for refusing to accept a third party member to what he thought was something special. In the end he got ditched for that extra member. He shook his head and let out a small sigh, quickly emptying his glass.

Marion smiled a little and brushed his leg against Ben's, noting the small grin that ran across Ben's features as he did. A part of him was happy the bear had had a bad experience in a relationship--because those few words told him a lot about the bear: that Ben was looking for something serious. He took another sip of wine, "So...were you a gym buff?"

"Kind of sort of. I mean, I hit the gym and pumped iron and everything, but it wasn't like a lived at the gym. Mostly I did extra stuff to get away from studying...which took up most of my time,"

"I know how that is....trust me," Marion said with a small roll of his eyes.

"Yeah, but it's paying off now isn't it?" Ben asked with a chuckle.

"Yeah...that's true," Marion replied with a small laugh. He wished he could say the same for Ben. He knew the bear was smart, but he also knew he made more than the bear did in three years in a single year--it wasn't fair. Still, he tried not to feel bad about it, after all, Ben had chosen to be a teacher; that was honorable.

They spoke for a few more minutes--until they had emptied the bottle of wine. Marion was a bit more tipsy, constantly smiling and occasionally complimenting Ben's looks. They made their way outside, Ben leaning over and taking the wolf's paw into his own. The wolf wasn't terribly drunk, just enough to have his inhibitions taken away.

"So...my place for a movie?" Ben asked, grinning at the wolf as they walked into the cool air of the night.

"Yeah......and...could you drive?" Marion asked, a part of him not minding the idea of being perhaps stuck at Ben's for the night. Of course, he also knew that he probably wasn't legal to drive either.

"Of course..." Ben said before putting a paw around the wolf. Looking down, he gave his most confident smile, "You know...incase you need to lean on me," he told his boyfriend and couldn't help himself from pulling Marion closer when the wolf did lean on him.

_____________________________

"Ben,"

Ben quickly turned around and waved, but let out a small grunt as the smaller male embraced him.

"You look nice" Marion told Ben, reminding himself not to nuzzle the bear. He wanted to hug the bear--to come on slightly strong. Of course, he wasn't too sure if a hug was considered strong or not, but he was happy to do it. Aside from wanting to come on slightly strong, he wanted to hug the bear.

Ben looked down at the wolf, still a bit surprised by the wolf--who was acting a bit out of his comfort zone it seemed. It wasn't a bad change, and after a moment he quickly reprimanded himself for not returning the embrace. And after that he reprimanded himself for thinking too much on it. Sure, he had no doubt the wolf was analyzing every move, but wouldn't it better to just relax and let themselves loose.

It lasted for a minute. Marion let out a content sigh at the scent of the bear--warm and calming. When he pulled back it was only because, even if he wanted to continue it, he didn't want to disturb Ben by staying any longer. Besides, hadn't they said that they would, be together a good bit more afterwards. He smiled up at the bear and nodded at the restaurant, "So...umm...did you get a seat?"

"Yeah," Ben replied with a smile, "It'll be Vaughn, party for two,"

"Party...I thought this was a date?"

"Dates can be parties," Ben replied, moving over to a bench and sitting down, not minding the fact Marion didn't leave terribly much space between them.

Marion smirked at Ben, let out a mental sigh and decided to go for it. "They can be romantic one too...s--sometimes,"

Ben chuckled in reply before leaning down and planting a light kiss on the wolf's lips, "They can..." he replied with a smirk of his own. A second passed, as did the moment as it should've and he straightened up and let out a 'hur-rum' like sigh.

The sigh reminded Marion of Treebeard's sounds--strong, big, and gentle.

"So, how was your day? Week?" Ben asked, still smiling happily.

Marion shrugged his shoulders a bit, "Not bad...You?"

"Ehh, a bit boring honestly...I gave a test today and caught one of my students cheating,"

"Not Chris I hope,"

"Heh...no, it wans't his class,"

"Well...what did you do?"

"I'm not sure what I'll do," Ben replied with a shrug of his shoulders, "I mean...you coming back from a zero is nearly impossible....and I don't want to be that guy...and the student did admit to cheating...saying he was just scared of failing..."

"Still doesn't make it right,"

"Yeah..."

Marion let out a sigh and shrugged his shoulders, "Maybe you could create another test for him,"

Ben grimaced and scowled down at the wolf, "Do you know how long that would take?"

"Oh...Umm..."

"I'm thinking I'll make him stay after-school one day and do some problems I select from the textbook, but the best he'll be able to do is a B at most,"

Marion nodded a bit, "That sounds fair,"

"I'm too kind," Ben said with a slight roll of his eyes.

"I think so..."

Ben smiled down at the wolf and felt a bit of heat rising into his cheeks, "Well...thanks..."

"It's true," Marion replied with a smirk, leaning a bit closer to the bear.

"So, I was thinking...for the movie, we might watch something oldish...how do you feel about Indiana Jones?"

"You said old...so I assume that means we're not going near the travesty and abomination they made a few years ago...right?"

"Oh come-on...I didn't think Crystal Skull was that bad..."

"The only good thing about it was the music," Marion replied with a scowl of his own.

"Well, we won't be watching that one...I figured we'd watch the first one,"

"Sounds good," Marion replied with a small smile, "Popcorn?"

"I only have the slightly sweet kind...hope that doesn't bother you,"

"No, Chris loves that kind...I'm more of a normal, but I don't mind the sweet kind either,"

"Go--"

"Vaughn, party of two, your table is now ready," a voice cut out over their conversation.

"Well, I believe that's us," Marion said with a grin.

Ben chuckled a little and stood up, holding out a paw to the wolf, "So...let the date begin?"

_______________________________________________

"So, what's the plan for tonight pup?" Marion asked, plopping another pretzel in his mouth and trying to act calm. He knew what his plan was, he knew what Chris's plan was. Still, for the majority of the week he'd had a light fear that perhaps their plans wouldn't go through. Chris was going to go to a friend's for a bit where he would then go to a lockout for the majority of the weekend--he'd paid thirty bucks for it. Paintball, some arcade place with laserguns and go-carts, and more--a typical teenage fun weekend he thought.

He'd already taken that all into account. The pup would be well taken care of--he trusted the group, he knew the chaperons, nothing--he thought--had escaped him. It was a bit dual-purposed, because as much as he wanted Chris to be safe, he had his own motives for knowing the pup was in good paws--leaving his own quite free. Marion swallowed the pretzel slowly.

"Well...I'm going to the lockout with Reid, right?" Chris asked, cocking his head. Had something come up?

"Yeah!" Marion replied quickly coughing a bit on the pretzel and hitting his chest to help it go down. He smiled at the pup and shrugged his shoulders, "Just making sure everything is good to go...not falling behind in school? Done your homework? Chem--istry...?"

"Yeah..." Chris replied, his head still cocked.

"Good," Marion replied shortly and berated himself mentally. Looking over at the pup he smiled again. He looked away. And then back. "Chris....can we talk for a second?"

"Something up? You've been acting weird all week,"

Marion grimaced at the pup's knowledge of how he was acting, a testament to his lack of ability to act and the pup's insights. He quickly shook his head though, "No...nothing terrible is up. I've just been under a little stress lately, and I wanted to make sure you're doing OK...I haven't been neglecting you, have I?"

Chris's ears flickered against his head for a moment before he shook his head, "No. I don't think so...." he replied, with a shrug of his shoulders. They had gone out to eat once this week, they had watched TV together, and he'd event fallen asleep one night in his dad's arms. That was nearly a regular week--aside from his dad's jitteriness.

"OK...I just wanted you to know that I love you Chris...and...well.......you know, I just want the best for you, no matter what,"

Chris's tail flicked behind him.

Marion let out a slight grumble. He knew this feeling now; it was that awkward one when you wanted to have a serious talk with a child and it was just plain out weird for both parties. The pup felt weird, and he couldn't blame him--he'd just given a strange confession of affection while giving no seeming meaning for it. Well, at least he hadn't done it in front of any of the pup's friends. The only thing more strange than what he felt was a grand intro for 'the birds and bees' was telling his son he was gay.

He scratched his head lightly and after a moment grumbled under his breath. When he looked back up he just chuckled lightly, "Sorry...I guess it wasn't such a big thing after all Pup...if you're fine then there's nothing to worry about..."

The odd feeling dissipated quickly away into the air. Chris nodded, "OK...cool.

"Well, be ready to go in an hour, OK? Make sure you pack everything you'll need, and I'll give you thirty bucks, OK?"

"Everything is paid for in the original costs," Chris said, feeling his ears flicker on his head. The money would be nice to have regardless--like if he wanted to get more for tokens while playing or something.

"I know, but I just want you to have a bit more incase there's something extra you want to do, or if you just find a need for it," Marion replied with a small shrug of his shoulders.

An hour later he found himself telling Chris to be polite, to call him if he needed anything, to try and get a little sleep, not to eat too much, and all his normal warnings to the pup. Chris just nodded thorugh it all--it was rather redundant. Still, he liked to be consistent, so that if anything did happen he could always tell Chris the age old argument ender 'I told you so' if he needed.

"OK...well...be careful, OK?"

"I will be...worst that could happen is me crashing in go-carts,"

"Well, if you do--and I'm sure that's against the rules," Marion noted, but smiled the same mischievous smile as his son, "Make sure you take out whoever you hit with you, OK?"

Chris laughed a bit and nodded, "I will..."

Leaning over Marion gave the pup a one armed hug, "OK...I'll pick you up Sunday afternoon. I love you Pup,"

"Love you too Dad," Chris replied, resting his head against the wolf's shoulder for a few moments before gathering his things. Once he was out he slammed the door behind him and waved at the wolf.

Marion watched as the pup ran up to the door of his friend and knocked. He waited till the pup was safely inside, smiling to himself a bit. A few more seconds passed, "Oh....and Chris...I'm ga...I love you son, and that will never change. And...I just want to let you know that...I like guys Son. There's this one guy I really like..." Marion said, watching the pup disappear from sight.

"Real smooth. I'm gay...I'm gay gay gay...not that hard to admit when I'm not terrified," Marion grumbled to himself before putting the car back into drive. He waved once more at his son, happy to see the pup wave back at him in reply from a window. A small feeling of happiness did well up in him though; he knew his son loved him, and as a plus he was going to see Ben for a date--that was nice, right?

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Well, I wanted to try a bit of a different time-flow idea for this chapter--kind of like a you start at the end and get a peice followed by starting at the beginning of a midpeice until you get back to the beginning with each end being the starting peice of another part. Did it work? It was just how the chapter came out...hope it did well and that you enjoyed it. If you have any suggestions, critiques, etc; leave a comment! Thanks for reading!