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Depression and writers block. You know the drill.", "description_bbcode_parsed": "September is ending, in story at least, and the gang is sending summer off with a late bang.

Sorry this took so long. Depression and writers block. You know the drill.", "writing": "Collared Chapter 14: Dunes\n\nBy TerraMGP\n\n\tMichigan was known for nature. The auto plants may have largely gone, and states like California may overshadow it in terms of produce, but one thing the state could never have taken from it was her natural beauty. It was an easy thing to lose sight of for those who lived there. The large swathes of forest studded with deep lakes carved by the recession of ancient glaciers. Teeming wildlife from the throngs of feral deer all the way to lumbering bears and mighty moose. Powerful echoes of old shared ancestors for many who called the state their home. Then there was the cold beauty of the great lakes themselves spreading out as far as the eye could see. Cool crystal that swallowed the edge of the world in depths which looked placid to the naked eye. \n\n\tThis beauty was not lost on one small group of teens as they wound their way towards a massive sand dune standing several stories tall at its peak. The old white van pulled itself into the empty parking lot for the park and right up to one of the spots closest to the beach. \n\n\tEveryone's eyes were fixed on the towering ridge of sand which hid dozens like just out of sight. Everyone, that was, except for the boy behind the wheel.\n\n\t``This was a mistake.'' Justin muttered. His shaggy blonde headfur hung over one eye and threatened to slip over his face completely. \n\n\t``Oh what's wrong now.'' Becky muttered from the middle seat. Her keen eye was fixed on the tableau before her. She was lost in the inspiration of the dunes and didn't want her creative spark quashed by her idiot cousin once more.\n\n\tJustin snorted his annoyance. Low notes of panic already rolling under each word. ``I mean what if mom has a medical complication? Or if she goes into labor. I know it'd be premature but that's all the more reason why she'd need the car. If she had to wait for an ambulance then it may be too late for them to fix anything!''\n\n\tA soothing paw slipped over his shoulder, soon followed by a familiar warmth pushing into him. Hui had contorted herself as best she could and pushed against Justin offering up wordless comfort and support. The poor girl's side dug hard into the arm rest as she did so. \n\n\tBecky rolled her eyes and glanced to Esme, who was struggling not to burst out laughing. Then back to Gretchen in the back seat. The newest member of their little group silent and in fact had been laying down for half the trip in order to deal with van-induced car sickness. ``Look.'' She sighed, now realizing she probably wasn't getting any backup. ``Meredith is a big girl. Plus your dad's working like, what, a few blocks over?''\n\n\t``Well yeah'' Justin nodded ``But...''\n\n\t``And your car is there. And your keys are there. Plus, if something was really that wrong you think she could drive herself? She'd call your dad anyways.'' Once again the badger was forced to be the voice of reason. This time, at least, she could feel some sympathy for Justin. \n\n\t``She's right, Master'' Hui nodded in her typical over-exaggerated way ``If anything bad happens your dad would drop everything and be there to help. You should just relax and enjoy the day. I mean it's not every year things stay this warm out into September.''\n\n\t``Fine'' The otter boy rolled his eyes and kissed his little love on the top of her head. ``But I don't want to hear any Billie Joe Armstrong jokes while we're out here. Got it?''\n\n\t``Why did you have to put it in my head, then.'' Esme huffed. The lanky gecko yanked the sliding door open and hopped out to bask in the unseasonable warmth. Only a tastefully smallish bikini and carefully color coordinated hijab to block any of her scales from the precious warmth of the sunlight. Even her feet had stayed bare to soak up the feeling of warm asphalt.\n\n\t``Are we stopped yet?'' Gretchen groaned from the back seat. The frizzy haired mole barely able to cast her eyes up and watch the others all vacating from the vehicle.\n\n\tWarren Dunes state park was normally a very busy attraction. Swimming and family's playing on the dunes in the summer. Some brisk camping when fall months got cool enough or spring warm enough. Even the more adventurous going sledding or tubing down them during winter. There were, however, exceptions. Most people didn't make plans to go out and sit on the beach during the early fall, for example. But then most people actually planned their trips out.\n\n\tThis was a whim. One last hoorah. A chance to cap off what may be the last time everyone could collectively do this before the three youngest among them also went off to college and this sort of thing was no longer logistically viable.\n\n\tNot that the quintet were together during those early moments. Esme practically danced off towards the beach in order to soak up some sun while the other girls took turns swapping into swimsuits in the van. A task only Hui and Becky managed while Gretchen seemed to panic at even the sight of the simple blue one piece swimsuit Hui had gotten for her. Justin, meanwhile, sat on the asphalt in front of the van, leaning against the grill and waiting for his mom to text him back. Knots of irrational anxiety still rolled around in his gut as he went unread.\n\n\tThe otter boy remained in that position for a good long while. He wasn't sure how long. He was dimly aware of another vehicle pulling up near the van. He caught the bright red paint just as the engine died and quickly stuffed his phone into his jacket pocket. Justin then pulled himself up just in time to see two more familiar furs hopping out of the Jeep. One, a red panda girl looking quite a bit like Hui though wearing a simple white one piece suit instead of the admittedly bulky pokemon bikini his girl had brought with him. The other a black goat in board shorts and a tank top hanging on the roll bars of the jeep and grinning ear to ear.\n\n\t``Aloha, dude!'' Ozzy snickered ``Where's the waves?''\n\n\t\n\n--------------------\n\n\tXiulan had worried most of the trip down. Ozzy hadn't met half the people they were going to be seeing. There was no way he could be ready to handle the quirky annoyances that Xi herself had finally admitted in the waning days of high school were in fact `friends'. Hell, Justin had even told her about the tire fire that was their attempt at a game without the lovable misanthrope Pim the damphyr fairy. There was no way anyone could just magically get along with the likes of Becky and Esme. They were both acquired tastes. Not to mention Xiulan's living squeaky shopping cart wheel of a little sister.\n\n\tAnd yet, he was fine. Ozzy had wasted almost no time in charming the pants off of everyone. He was cool, confident, funny. He'd even gotten Esme to giggle-snort. Something that was sure to mortify the kernel of wannabe prep Xi saw in the diehard theater nerd.\n\n\tIt would be a lie to claim it wasn't annoying. Ozzy was every bit the social butterfly Xiulan wished she was. The notes of Cali surfer boy he played up for laughs shattered the ice and now everyone was talking about him. Even Justin failed Xi as an ear to bend as the otter and goat both went off to find a good spot for them to set up so they could start cooking. Which meant somehow finding the one cheap standing grill in the whole park who's last users were kind enough to actually scrape some of the gunk off of it before they left.\n\n\t``Hey there'' the voice ripped though the red panda's web of thoughts and dragged her attention back into reality. She looked down to see familiar pools of green tinged blue looking up at him. A wry smirk from the stocky badger girl who had been one of the two most prominent things in Xiulan's life only a few months ago. Here she was now, and the young woman felt her heart skipping a beat.\n\n\t``Hey, Becky.'' Xi more whimpered than actually said the words. She kicked herself for not showing any confidence. But there was no confidence to be had. Not now. Not with her.\n\n\t``Hey.'' Becky giggled back ``You been a good girl since last time? I uh, it is girl mode today, right? I mean Hui told me. And I kinda assumed...''\n\n\t``No, it is.'' Xiulan nodded her affirmation. She could feel a blush blooming on her cheeks ``I, uh, you asked though. Thank you. That was really nice of you.''\n\n\t``Well I just want to be sure. Hui reminded me and I`m still getting used to this whole thing but you shouldn`t have to feel dysphonic just because of that.'' Becky reached up and slipped a paw into Xiulan's. It was a shaky grip. Awkward. Uncontrolled enough to once again remind Xi of how much stronger the shortstack was. That she could probably hoist Xiulan over her head for a few moments if she really wanted to.\n\n\tIt reminded her of another strong woman, and just like that Xiulan could feel her heart strings snap with a discordant note.\n\n\t``Y-you ok?'' Becky blinked ``I'm not pushing too far or anything am I?''\n\n\tThe red panda shook her head and took the paw firmly, then cast her eyes off to the side and squirmed ``No. N-not at all. I just kinda. I donno. It's been a while. I'm sorry I haven't talked all that much.''\n\n\t``We agreed this summer.'' Becky's tone became firm but soothing ``You need to figure your shit out. I'm ok with that. Besides I'm spending half my time trying to get into a good program for film school. I may never be the next Terrentino or Anderson. But if I work hard maybe I can at least be the next Brad Jones.''\n\n\t``Why would you want to be the guy who puts his wife in all the Resident Evil movies and ruins them.'' Xiulan snorted\n\n\t``I mean `Wes' Anderson. Why would... How does your brain even go to that hack?'' Before either of them realized it there was a loud crack. When they looked down Xiulan's swimsuit was a bit skewed on her butt, and a splotch of red just barely tingling the fur as the flesh under it shifted color made it all too clear what had taken place.\n\n\t``S-sorry about that.'' Becky mumbled. She then looked up as the taller fur pushed into her. Their eyes locking once more\n\n\t``It's ok, Miss.'' Xiulan curled her toes into the sand. There was a rush of feelings neither of the teens had felt in months. Feelings that sent confusing waves of sparks in between them. Neither spoke for a long time. Just leaning in to each other.\n\n\tFinally after what felt like a too-short eternity Becky took a step forwards and tugged on the other girl's paw. ``Come on.'' She finally said with her voice once again full of confidence ``If we let my idiot cousin handle all of the logistics by himself we'll be here all night. Besides, I wanna see if I can get a few good shots of you. Ya know. For inspiration.''\n\n--------------------\n\n\tGetting the wood for the fire that night was apparently the first priority. Not that Gretchen understood it. She honestly struggled to understand why they were even at the beach in September. Now on top of it people were traipsing around the woods hauling logs and sticks up towards the spot they'd chosen. She bristled at the very notion of it.\n\n\t``Why does it always have to be woods.'' She sighed. She'd tried to go down and help. It was mostly for the sake of serving her Mistress and spending more time with her. It didn't last long. There was no way they'd have any sexy times like they did counseling camp that summer. Not with everyone else around. Especially not after whatever had happened at that bear guy's house. Master Justin freaking out just when things were getting good. Once again something she had no way of talking about with anyone else so she just had to shut up and suck it up.\n\n\t``Hey, are you doing ok?''\n\n\tThe voice slipped in from behind. Gretchen jumped. The soft little divot of sand she'd carved out as a seat threatened to cave in around her and she quickly hammered herself back into it. Some of the falling sand got over her shirt and into her hair. But at least her little hidey hole was safe.\n\n\tShe gazed at the source of the voice. It was the gecko girl from their D&D game. Esme. The beanpole of a woman strode up beside Gretchen and crouched down offering a hand. She still had the baby blue hijab from before. This time however contrasted with a striking bikini hugging her slender soft scales. Black with blue accents seemingly picked to near-match the hijab she wore. Her long black hair left to flow free in the wind.\n\n\tEsme crouched down and looked over Gretchen's handiwork. She offered a nod of approval while leaning her body forward, propped up against her own knees and balancing on her long toes. ``Sorry. I didn't mean to startle you. I take it you're not really interested in rooting around in the woods either?''\n\n\t``Nope'' She snapped. Gretchen winced and ran her digger claws down her muzzle. She glanced up at Esme, expecting the gecko girl to tease her for the childish little habit. She didn't see any contempt. A fact that simply tightened the perpetual knot of self loathing in her gut. ``Sorry. That probably sounds dismissive.''\n\n\t``Sounds fine to me.'' Esme eyed the mole for a moment before leaning back again into the sand. ``You sure you're ok, though? I'm not trying to judge or anything but you've seemed really on edge ever since we met.''\n\n\tGretchen shook her head and looked back down at the sand shifting between her sneakers ``We only met one time. And I'm not ok. I'm never ok. That's just pretty normal for me.''\n\n\t``Well that's not good! You uh, you seein' someone about that?''\n\n\tThere was a flat giggle-snort from the mole girl. She tried her best not to sigh, failed, and slumped back with her head resting against the sand. ``Everyone always asks that. They ask if I'm ok and then get upset when I'm honest. But if I'm honest with most people they won't ask again. Except my parents. Just gotta nod and smile around them I guess. It's nothing new, though. Not like I'm gonna hurt myself or anything.'' Even as she said that Gretchen pushed her thighs harder together. Once again she was reminded of another reason she didn't really want to get into a swimsuit.\n\n\tFor the longest time Esme didn't say anything. She shifted a knee up to her chest and leaned her head on it, looking down at the familiar figures bustling below in that small strip of woods. When she finally did, it was with a stifled little snicker which failed to hide her own anxiety. ``Look, I just really felt bad. I feel like I got in your face and it wasn't your fault. I guess It's just a bit frustrating is all. I don't get to game much these days. I didn't get to last year either as much as I wanted.''\n\n\t``And I ruined it.'' Gretchen muttered\n\n\t``No, you didn't. You're new to this. I know you're new. This whole thing is how I vent my acting when I don't have any active role to prep. And, well... I guess I just had a different idea of you in my head when Hui said you were going to join the game, that's all.''\n\n\tThere was another long pause. Gretchen pulled herself up a bit more and filtered out some of the worst things she knew she could say. ``I guess...'' She sighed ``I guess you were kinda looking for someone who knows how to play those kinds of games then? What with me being some big geeky loser and all?''\n\n\t``I don't think you're a loser.'' Esme scooted in and put a hand on Gretchen's shoulder ``I suppose I just, I don't know. There's nothing at all wrong with you. This is totally my hang-up. I just get tired of being the only one in to `girly' things. I mean we have way more girls in our group... well it's a bad stereotype but you and I both now most gamers are sweaty basement dwelling boys.''\n\n\t``Sorry.'' the words slipped from Gretchen's muzzle before she even realized it.\n\n\t``No, I'm not, look I'm not saying it's anything bad or wrong. You're nice. It's my problem. I'm on edge. I have a lot of shit to figure out and I just feel bad for taking some of it out on you. That's all I wanted to say. I know you and Hui and I guess Justin all have this `thing' of yours going on. They're both my friends. Well, friend and a half. Justin's not the worst I guess. Maybe.'' Both girls snickered at the remark. A simple little thing that seemed to clear the air out between them in an instant. ``Look I just want to say I'm sorry. Plus I hope we can be friends? You know, at least give it a shot or something.''\n\n\t``Yeah, well, I don't know if you'll say that when you get to know me.'' Gretchen sighed ``But if you are ok with it then I'm willing to give it a shot. Mistress would want me to anyways.''\n\n\tBoth girls turned their attention back to the small figures scurrying about in the woods. They watched as the boys cajoled an overly large beech log free from where it had sunken into the dirt. Becky joined in, and the log popped free with almost comical ease. At that moment Gretchen couldn't help but wonder if this was what having friends was like.\n\n--------------------\n\n\t``Where is he?'' Becky's exasperated grumble was loud, but was hardly the first. Between dragging logs up the dune's back end to prep a fire and finding a public grill that could be made somewhat sanitary all of the teens were now exhausted and starving. As such it was rather annoying when Justin insisted that he go get the coolers for them. But he had insisted that he had a surprise for everyone.\n\n\tNow they were all regretting it. Ozzy had managed to get the embers going but without anything to cook they were all stuck watching the fire longingly and occasionally throwing some small bits of branch in along with whatever coals had been left in the bottom of the grill to begin with.\n\n\tThus it was that when Justin finally crested the small bit of dune he'd climbed and stood triumphant like some conquering hunter coming back with a catch, he was met with a bevy of branches tossed in his general direction. Far too far off to actually hit, naturally. But enough for the group to get their point across.\n\n\tNone of it phased Justin. He simply slid his way down the dune while keeping a paw on the lid of the cooler to keep it shut. Then once he got to the bottom the boy sprang back up and grabbed hold of his `catch', hauling it along the trail and slamming it down on the ground with a confident chuckle.\n\n\t``So why exactly couldn't one of us go with you to help?'' Esme sighed\n\n\t``Because it's a surprise!'' Justin bellowed triumphantly\n\n\t``And you couldn't just drive the van around here becauuuuse.'' Becky chimed in\n\n\t``Well I didn't want to lose our parking spot.'' Justin sighed\n\n\t``lose it to who?'' Becky let the question land flat. They all watched the realization hitting Justin's face. Then just as quickly he shook it off. The smirk returning. \n\n\t``Look, don't focus on that. Focus on this. This whole thing's got to be special. So I went and got us something to make sure it's epic.''\n\n\t``What?'' Hui's eagerness and positivist at her chirp did little to cut though the mood\n\n\t``The best thing.'' Justin was grinning ear to ear. Salivating. His rudder tail thudding and thumping on the ground while he swayed side to side. Ears twitching in anticipation as he reached down and popped the lid opened. Slowly and carefully moving it back to let them take it all in.\n\n\t``It's... shrimp?'' Xiulan's crestfallen tone reverberated among the rest of them. There it was. Dug up from the ice of the cooler. Buried amid the cans of Vanilla Coke and Canada Dry that had been stuffed in to hide it on the way.\n\n\t``Yep, Shrimp.'' Justin's maw glistened with a thin string of saliva. There sat a massive net bag stuffed full of peeled, thawed, white-pink curls all tightly packed into the center of the ice like some grand treasure. ``One pound for each of us. Along with a whole jar of Ghee!''\n\n\tThey all stood there. Stunned Silent. Looking between Justin and the box. Nobody speaking for the longest time. Nobody even daring to move\n\n\t``I, uh... I'm Halal.'' Esme finally pointed out, raising a hand awkwardly as she let that painfully obvious fact land.\n\n\t``Kosher.'' Gretchen chimed in, raising a digger claw\n\n\tJustin quickly turned his attention to Hui, who hung her head and shook it softly. ``Yeah, Master, I'm still sticking with the SDA thing. I know your family does seafood still and you do meat but, uh...''\n\n\tHe then looked to Xiulan who shook her head and huffed ``Hey I'm not SDA anymore but I'm not trying any shellfish without getting an allergy shot first.''\n\n\t``Yeah, about that.'' Becky chimed in ``You sure Shrimp are ok this late in the year? We're not exactly living near the ocean ya know. Did you at least go to a supermarket? Does our Meijer even do a fish selection anymore?''\n\n\tThe excitement that had been on Justin's face was now painfully forced. He desperately cast his eyes on Ozzy. The goat in turn sighed and took a few steps closer, eyeing the offering carefully. ``I mean... I've never really had any fresh water shrimp. Are there fresh water shrimp? Sure they didn't fly this stuff out?'' He leaned down and sniffed the air as if trying to judge the quality of the offered seafood.\n\n\tJustin grumbled and slammed the case shut. His tail swiping though underbrush like an ogre club until the tip painfully stubbed itself against a thick tree trunk. ``You know what? Fine. You guys don't want any? Great. More for me then!'' \n\n\tBefore anyone could respond he had already dragged the cooler over to the grill and began angrily laying out his prizes on top of the fire. He then picked up the jar of ghee and began to look it over trying like hell to figure out how to warm and prep the stuff for use on them\n\n\t``Is uh, is he really gonna...'' Ozzy started\n\n\tBecky sighed in frustration and nodded. Hui quickly tugging at her friend's arm and whimpering loudly.\n\n\t``Shouldn't we do something?'' Hui whined ``I mean, there's no way he can really eat all of that. Can he?''\n\n\t``You know how he can get.'' The badger girl muttered, unable to take her eyes off of the scene as her idiot cousin began devouring the things just as soon as they were fully cooked. Popping them right off of the tongs. Into his mouth and then dancing around in pain from the heat.\n\n\t``Well I know what I'm going to do.'' Ozzy snickered. He yanked his keys up from his pocket and jingled them in front of the others a moment. ``I think if I hurry I can hit up that supermarket we passed a few exits back. Anyone want anything specific, better let me know now.''\n\n--------------------\n\n\tSunset had crept up on the teens far sooner than any had expected. With the light dying out the bulk of them had taken to the water in hopes of enjoying the last chance they may get before the big lake became too cold for anyone to swim comfortably.\n\n\tNormally Justin and Hui would be in there with them. Justin especially. Before the little shrimp incident that had probably been part of the plan. Instead he and Hui found themselves walking along the shoreline, paw in paw. Neither one spoke. It would have been nice to say it was simply due to the romantic atmosphere. But both knew that was wrong. It was why Justin kept looking off to the side. It was why Hui's paw gripped a little too tight. \n\n\t``Are you sure you`re ok to walk?'' The concern in her voice was palpable. So was the fear. One sought to mask the other. Instead the worry in her voice only amplified itself.\n\n\tJustin held her close and nodded. He let out a small sigh. Some of it likely pain. Most of it wasn`t. ``I know.'' he sighed.\n\n\t``That you`re ok to walk?'' Hui whimpered\n\n\tThe look he gave her stopped her dead. For most of their lives Justin had been angry. Depressed, even. Always looking for a fight. Lashing out. Slumping into periods of brooding malaise that Hui pretended not to be aware of. She was used to all of that. This, though. This was different. The look on his face wounded her to her soul.\n\n\t``That`s not what I mean.'' Justin sighed. ``I know you`re worried about more than that. I know you don`t wan t to have this talk. But we have to. After what happened out at the farmhouse we have to.''\n\n\tThere it was. Cutting the young woman deep into her soul. Everything in her screamed to make it stop. She wanted to drop to her knees. To beg him not to say all the horrible things she could imagine would be her worst case scenarios. All of that anguish amounted to little more than a wordless `I`m sorry` tracing her lips. \n\n\t``Shhh'' The boy turned and pulled his beloved close to him. His paws gripped hers as he held her tight to his chest ``I love you, Hui. I'm not talking about anything bad. I want to be with you. I'll always want to be with you. When I gave you this ring... wait.'' Justin blinked as he looked over her finger ``Where's the ring?''\n\n\tHui was already blushing. She cast her eyes aside with a nervous little giggle snort and whined loudly ``I mean, I didn't want to wear it to the beach. That just seems like it's asking for trouble.''\n\n\t``Ok, yeah. Fair.'' The slight blow to the pathos he felt was clear in Justin's voice. Still he gripped her that much harder. ``I'm just saying I know we're too young for me to propose. But when I gave you that ring on white day it was because I do want to be with you. I love you, and I know you'd never do anything to really hurt me. I know that deep down in my heart of hearts. I just...''\n\n\t``It was too much, with Ryan?'' Hui whimpered\n\n\tJustin's blush grew. He turned away to hide it. His tail dragging a long furrow in the sand ``I mean it's not like we're prudes. We've both fucked your brother before. And I can't say I've never considered fucking them in `girl mode'. Is them the right thing to use for that? I donno. You know what I mean though. I'm fucked up. So are you. It's one of the many things I think's cute about you.''\n\n\t``Master'' The giggle-snort from before had shifted into a warbling whine of embarrassment. Hui's voice hitting all the wrong pitches while she leaned herself hard into Justin's shoulder and nestled her cheek into his shoulder. The gesture caused him to pull away a moment and then wrap his arm tightly around her hugging her close as he could.\n\n\t``That's just it, though. I can't forgive Ryan right now. Not for what he did. I don't know if I ever can. I just thought he wanted to do a basic `inspection' thing. A bit of kink might creep in, sure. But the way he was acting. He was being a creep. And everyone was just going along with it. Apparently because everyone knew he wanted to `test' me. Because he was going to threaten me just... just the way `she' did at the start''\n\n\t``I... hadn't thought about that.'' The suddenly crestfallen red panda girl slumped where she stood. Her body doll-limp until Justin's finger crooked under her muzzle and guided her up.\n\n\t``I know. You just thought it'd be fun, and hot. Like I said it's not like any of this is new to us. It was all so wrong, though. `He' was wrong. I don't know what to think anymore. If Ryan is gonna act like that then who do I trust? Ms. Blake didn't really teach me all that much and I'm not about to go track her down again. Everyone out there online acts like a fucking 50 shades reject. I don't know. I'm rambling at this point. I don't want to stop what we have, Hui. I like it, and I love you. I just gotta hit pause. I think we both need to reflect on what it is we want and how all of this works. Plus there's Gretchen.''\n\n\t``W-what about Gretchen?'' the fear had crept back into Hui's voice. Those big amber eyes started to well with tears once more\n\n\tJust as quickly as the tears came, Justin's smile banished them. That crooked, dorky grin that seemed to make everything ok. ``Love, how long have we known each other? You were in Kindergarten, I was in first grade. We grew up together way before we even started dating. And we've been dating longer than a lot of people stay married. I don't just want to be your Master. I want to be your husband. I want us to have kids. I've known that basically since you confessed. Meanwhile we've only known Gretchen since this summer. Even less time for me even if I've been living with her. She deserves a chance to get to know all of us. Not just the adorable little perv I love so much and the big oaf she got stuck with.''\n\n\t``Master, I-''\n\n\t``Justin.'' he corrected swiftly ``At least for now. For a while. I promise you I'm not going anywhere. But we're adults now. We gotta handle this shit like adults. Right?''\n\n\tHui managed a crestfallen nod and slumped once more into her boyfriend's arms. The two just flopped down into the sand and watched as the sun began sinking down over lake Michigan. Threads of gold and pink shooting off into the darkening sky, sending the summer off into slumber.\n\n--------------------\n\n\tIt wasn't much of a fire. Everyone around it was thinking the same thing. All of them too polite to say anything. Scrawny beech branches and driftwood made up the bulk of the burn, all surrounded by some scavenged rocks as if the mass of sand under it was somehow still at risk of spreading. The assembled friends sat in a small ring. Mostly made up of logs they'd dragged over and a couple of folding chairs found in Justin's basement. Gretchen had insisted on getting them. The very idea of sitting on a log had made her look like she was ready to bust out in hives. Yet when the time came she sat at the edge of one log beside Hui. With Becky and Esme taking the two chairs and Ozzy sat back in the sand with a can of Faygo and Xiulan sat near Becky on a small hunk of rotted out log big enough for one.\n\n\t``It's almost like back home.'' Ozzy snickered to himself. ``Smell's different. Sure as hell ain't the ocean. But that lake, man. Fucking huge.''\n\n\tEsme looked over to the goat and then to Hui ``Why exactly is it a lake, anyways? Why not classify it as a sea?''\n\n\t``No salt.'' Gretchen replied flatly. The timid mole glanced to her Mistress for a moment and then down at the sand with a half muttered 'sorry'.\n\n\t``It's ok.'' Hui giggled ``It's not like I knew. It's just the lake. Ya know?''\n\n\t``Figures that miss smarty pants would draw in a smartier-pants so we wouldn't tease her as much.'' Esme snickered``\n\n\tGretchen blushed, then shook her head. Her whole body slumped for a few moments while she looked around at the others assembled around. ``I need to get something from the car.'' She finally mumbled. One paw held out for Justin to hand her the van keys.\n\n\t``Oh boy, is it another surprise?'' Xiulan giggled ``So what are you going to try eating a whole loaf of sourdough bread or something? Cause I could stand watching that kind of reaction again.''\n\n\t``Shut up.'' Justin growled ``All you guys` fault anyways. None of you know what`s good.''\n\n\tGretchen didn't say anything. She simply pulled herself up from the log and trudged her way back towards the van. A few of the others looking on at her before casting their eyes back towards the fire. None of them paid too much attention when she got back. Not until she pulled the guitar over her lap. A tattered old acoustic thing half plastered in Green Day and Stone Sour stickers. Her digger claws moved with shocking deftness to twist and turn the knobs while picking at each string gingerly. Not once did the frizzy haired mole spare a glance up at the others, all of whom had now turned to look on at her in wonderment.\n\n\t``The hell did you get that?'' Justin snickered\n\n\t``It's your dad's.'' The chubby girl shrugged ``He said I could borrow it.''\n\n\t``Yeah but where did you hide it.'' Hui pressed\n\n\t``I just left it under that bundle of blankets we didn't take out. What with the cooler and all the bags I figured nobody would bother looking.''\n\n\tOzzy let out a small snort and scooted himself back on his perch. ``I thought you said you weren't into music. What happened to that?''\n\n\t`` Oh, that was a lie.'' The casual tone cutting perhaps a bit more than she had intended. ``I really just didn't want to talk to you about it. Still don't. Honestly.'' She ignored the assured follow-up indignation and instead turned herself towards Hui. Shimmering garnet eyes under a mop of brown curls gazed at those deep amber eyes she longed for so much. Her claws pursed into a makeshift pick while she began to strum out a shaky little tune. Her voice shifting into a clear, crystalline soprano.\n\n``Hold on, Little girl\n\nShow me what he's done to you\n\nStand up little girl\n\nBroken heart can't be that bad\n\nWhen it's through, it's though\n\nFate will twist the both of you\n\nSo come on baby, come on over\n\nLet me be the one to show you\n\nI'm the one who wants to be with you\n\nDeep inside I hope you feel it too''\n\n\tThere was a bit of a surprise when a soft tenor slipped in at the start of the second verse. Master Justin gazed into her eyes a moment and then turned to Hui. Somehow the off-pitch boy managing to sing towards both of them as the song went on. Slowly the others picked up. Esme and Becky chiming in on the chorus while both reading off of Becky's phone. Xiulan dragged in quite literally a few bars later thanks to Becky hauling her over and holding her close. After a few moments Ozzy had managed to snag the cooler up and was using the lid to help with the rhythm of the song.\n\n\tThe gathered teens swayed and sang the tune into the firelight as it flickered off into the cloudless evening. Embers dancing and cracking up to the stars.\n\n", "writing_bbcode_parsed": "Collared Chapter 14: Dunes

By TerraMGP

\tMichigan was known for nature. The auto plants may have largely gone, and states like California may overshadow it in terms of produce, but one thing the state could never have taken from it was her natural beauty. It was an easy thing to lose sight of for those who lived there. The large swathes of forest studded with deep lakes carved by the recession of ancient glaciers. Teeming wildlife from the throngs of feral deer all the way to lumbering bears and mighty moose. Powerful echoes of old shared ancestors for many who called the state their home. Then there was the cold beauty of the great lakes themselves spreading out as far as the eye could see. Cool crystal that swallowed the edge of the world in depths which looked placid to the naked eye.

\tThis beauty was not lost on one small group of teens as they wound their way towards a massive sand dune standing several stories tall at its peak. The old white van pulled itself into the empty parking lot for the park and right up to one of the spots closest to the beach.

\tEveryone's eyes were fixed on the towering ridge of sand which hid dozens like just out of sight. Everyone, that was, except for the boy behind the wheel.

\t``This was a mistake.'' Justin muttered. His shaggy blonde headfur hung over one eye and threatened to slip over his face completely.

\t``Oh what's wrong now.'' Becky muttered from the middle seat. Her keen eye was fixed on the tableau before her. She was lost in the inspiration of the dunes and didn't want her creative spark quashed by her idiot cousin once more.

\tJustin snorted his annoyance. Low notes of panic already rolling under each word. ``I mean what if mom has a medical complication? Or if she goes into labor. I know it'd be premature but that's all the more reason why she'd need the car. If she had to wait for an ambulance then it may be too late for them to fix anything!''

\tA soothing paw slipped over his shoulder, soon followed by a familiar warmth pushing into him. Hui had contorted herself as best she could and pushed against Justin offering up wordless comfort and support. The poor girl's side dug hard into the arm rest as she did so.

\tBecky rolled her eyes and glanced to Esme, who was struggling not to burst out laughing. Then back to Gretchen in the back seat. The newest member of their little group silent and in fact had been laying down for half the trip in order to deal with van-induced car sickness. ``Look.'' She sighed, now realizing she probably wasn't getting any backup. ``Meredith is a big girl. Plus your dad's working like, what, a few blocks over?''

\t``Well yeah'' Justin nodded ``But...''

\t``And your car is there. And your keys are there. Plus, if something was really that wrong you think she could drive herself? She'd call your dad anyways.'' Once again the badger was forced to be the voice of reason. This time, at least, she could feel some sympathy for Justin.

\t``She's right, Master'' Hui nodded in her typical over-exaggerated way ``If anything bad happens your dad would drop everything and be there to help. You should just relax and enjoy the day. I mean it's not every year things stay this warm out into September.''

\t``Fine'' The otter boy rolled his eyes and kissed his little love on the top of her head. ``But I don't want to hear any Billie Joe Armstrong  jokes while we're out here. Got it?''

\t``Why did you have to put it in my head, then.'' Esme huffed. The lanky gecko yanked the sliding door open and hopped out to bask in the unseasonable warmth. Only a tastefully smallish bikini and carefully color coordinated hijab to block any of her scales from the precious warmth of the sunlight. Even her feet had stayed bare to soak up the feeling of warm asphalt.

\t``Are we stopped yet?'' Gretchen groaned from the back seat. The frizzy haired mole barely able to cast her eyes up and watch the others all vacating from the vehicle.

\tWarren Dunes state park was normally a very busy attraction. Swimming and family's playing on the dunes in the summer. Some brisk camping when fall months got cool enough or spring warm enough. Even the more adventurous going sledding or tubing down them during winter. There were, however, exceptions. Most people didn't make plans to go out and sit on the beach during the early fall, for example. But then most people actually planned their trips out.

\tThis was a whim. One last hoorah. A chance to cap off what may be the last time everyone could collectively do this before the three youngest among them also went off to college and this sort of thing was no longer logistically viable.

\tNot that the quintet were together during those early moments. Esme practically danced off towards the beach in order to soak up some sun while the other girls took turns swapping into swimsuits in the van. A task only Hui and Becky managed while Gretchen seemed to panic at even the sight of the simple blue one piece swimsuit Hui had gotten for her. Justin, meanwhile, sat on the asphalt in front of the van, leaning against the grill and waiting for his mom to text him back. Knots of irrational anxiety still rolled around in his gut as he went unread.

\tThe otter boy remained in that position for a good long while. He wasn't sure how long. He was dimly aware of another vehicle pulling up near the van. He caught the bright red paint just as the engine died and quickly stuffed his phone into his jacket pocket. Justin then pulled himself up just in time to see two more familiar furs hopping out of the Jeep. One, a red panda girl looking quite a bit like Hui though wearing a simple white one piece suit instead of the admittedly bulky pokemon bikini his girl had brought with him. The other a black goat in board shorts and a tank top hanging on the roll bars of the jeep and grinning ear to ear.

\t``Aloha, dude!'' Ozzy snickered ``Where's the waves?''

\t

--------------------

\tXiulan had worried most of the trip down. Ozzy hadn't met half the people they were going to be seeing. There was no way he could be ready to handle the quirky annoyances that Xi herself had finally admitted in the waning days of high school were in fact `friends'. Hell, Justin had even told her about the tire fire that was their attempt at a game without the lovable misanthrope Pim the damphyr fairy. There was no way anyone could just magically get along with the likes of Becky and Esme. They were both acquired tastes. Not to mention Xiulan's living squeaky shopping cart wheel of a little sister.

\tAnd yet, he was fine. Ozzy had wasted almost no time in charming the pants off of everyone. He was cool, confident, funny. He'd even gotten Esme to giggle-snort. Something that was sure to mortify the kernel of wannabe prep Xi saw in the diehard theater nerd.

\tIt would be a lie to claim it wasn't annoying. Ozzy was every bit the social butterfly Xiulan wished she was. The notes of Cali surfer boy he played up for laughs shattered the ice and now everyone was talking about him. Even Justin failed Xi as an ear to bend as the otter and goat both went off to find a good spot for them to set up so they could start cooking. Which meant somehow finding the one cheap standing grill in the whole park who's last users were kind enough to actually scrape some of the gunk off of it before they left.

\t``Hey there'' the voice ripped though the red panda's web of thoughts and dragged her attention back into reality. She looked down to see familiar pools of green tinged blue looking up at him. A wry smirk from the stocky badger girl who had been one of the two most prominent things in Xiulan's life only a few months ago. Here she was now, and the young woman felt her heart skipping a beat.

\t``Hey, Becky.'' Xi more whimpered than actually said the words. She kicked herself for not showing any confidence. But there was no confidence to be had. Not now. Not with her.

\t``Hey.'' Becky giggled back ``You been a good girl since last time? I uh, it is girl mode today, right? I mean Hui told me. And I kinda assumed...''

\t``No, it is.'' Xiulan nodded her affirmation. She could feel a blush blooming on her cheeks ``I, uh, you asked though. Thank you. That was really nice of you.''

\t``Well I just want to be sure. Hui reminded me and I`m still getting used to this whole thing but you shouldn`t have to feel dysphonic just because of that.'' Becky reached up and slipped a paw into Xiulan's. It was a shaky grip. Awkward. Uncontrolled enough to once again remind Xi of how much stronger the shortstack was. That she could probably hoist Xiulan over her head for a few moments if she really wanted to.

\tIt reminded her of another strong woman, and just like that Xiulan could feel her heart strings snap with a discordant note.

\t``Y-you ok?'' Becky blinked ``I'm not pushing too far or anything am I?''

\tThe red panda shook her head and took the paw firmly, then cast her eyes off to the side and squirmed ``No. N-not at all. I just kinda. I donno. It's been a while. I'm sorry I haven't talked all that much.''

\t``We agreed this summer.'' Becky's tone became firm but soothing ``You need to figure your shit out. I'm ok with that. Besides I'm spending half my time trying to get into a good program for film school. I may never be the next Terrentino or Anderson. But if I work hard maybe I can at least be the next Brad Jones.''

\t``Why would you want to be the guy who puts his wife in all the Resident Evil movies and ruins them.'' Xiulan snorted

\t``I mean `Wes' Anderson. Why would... How does your brain even go to that hack?'' Before either of them realized it there was a loud crack. When they looked down Xiulan's swimsuit was a bit skewed on her butt, and a splotch of red just barely tingling the fur as the flesh under it shifted color made it all too clear what had taken place.

\t``S-sorry about that.'' Becky mumbled. She then looked up as the taller fur pushed into her. Their eyes locking once more

\t``It's ok, Miss.'' Xiulan curled her toes into the sand. There was a rush of feelings neither of the teens had felt in months. Feelings that sent confusing waves of sparks in between them. Neither spoke for a long time. Just leaning in to each other.

\tFinally after what felt like a too-short eternity Becky took a step forwards and tugged on the other girl's paw. ``Come on.'' She finally said with her voice once again full of confidence ``If we let my idiot cousin handle all of the logistics by himself we'll be here all night. Besides, I wanna see if I can get a few good shots of you. Ya know. For inspiration.''

--------------------

\tGetting the wood for the fire that night was apparently the first priority. Not that Gretchen understood it. She honestly struggled to understand why they were even at the beach in September. Now on top of it people were traipsing around the woods hauling logs and sticks up towards the spot they'd chosen. She bristled at the very notion of it.

\t``Why does it always have to be woods.'' She sighed. She'd tried to go down and help. It was mostly for the sake of serving her Mistress and spending more time with her. It didn't last long. There was no way they'd have any sexy times like they did counseling camp that summer. Not with everyone else around. Especially not after whatever had happened at that bear guy's house. Master Justin freaking out just when things were getting good. Once again something she had no way of talking about with anyone else so she just had to shut up and suck it up.

\t``Hey, are you doing ok?''

\tThe voice slipped in from behind. Gretchen jumped. The soft little divot of sand she'd carved out as a seat threatened to cave in around her and she quickly hammered herself back into it. Some of the falling sand got over her shirt and into her hair. But at least her little hidey hole was safe.

\tShe gazed at the source of the voice. It was the gecko girl from their D&D game. Esme. The beanpole of a woman strode up beside Gretchen and crouched down offering a hand. She still had the baby blue hijab from before. This time however contrasted with a striking bikini hugging her slender soft scales. Black with blue accents seemingly picked to near-match the hijab she wore. Her long black hair left to flow free in the wind.

\tEsme crouched down and looked over Gretchen's handiwork. She offered a nod of approval while leaning her body forward, propped up against her own knees and balancing on her long toes. ``Sorry. I didn't mean to startle you. I take it you're not really interested in rooting around in the woods either?''

\t``Nope'' She snapped. Gretchen winced and ran her digger claws down her muzzle. She glanced up at Esme, expecting the gecko girl to tease her for the childish little habit. She didn't see any contempt. A fact that simply tightened the perpetual knot of self loathing in her gut. ``Sorry. That probably sounds dismissive.''

\t``Sounds fine to me.'' Esme eyed the mole for a moment before leaning back again into the sand. ``You sure you're ok, though? I'm not trying to judge or anything but you've seemed really on edge ever since we met.''

\tGretchen shook her head and looked back down at the sand shifting between her sneakers ``We only met one time. And I'm not ok. I'm never ok. That's just pretty normal for me.''

\t``Well that's not good! You uh, you seein' someone about that?''

\tThere was a flat giggle-snort from the mole girl. She tried her best not to sigh, failed, and slumped back with her head resting against the sand. ``Everyone always asks that. They ask if I'm ok and then get upset when I'm honest. But if I'm honest with most people they won't ask again. Except my parents. Just gotta nod and smile around them I guess. It's nothing new, though. Not like I'm gonna hurt myself or anything.'' Even as she said that Gretchen pushed her thighs harder together. Once again she was reminded of another reason she didn't really want to get into a swimsuit.

\tFor the longest time Esme didn't say anything. She shifted a knee up to her chest and leaned her head on it, looking down at the familiar figures bustling below in that small strip of woods. When she finally did, it was with a stifled little snicker which failed to hide her own anxiety. ``Look, I just really felt bad. I feel like I got in your face and it wasn't your fault. I guess It's just a bit frustrating is all. I don't get to game much these days. I didn't get to last year either as much as I wanted.''

\t``And I ruined it.'' Gretchen muttered

\t``No, you didn't. You're new to this. I know you're new. This whole thing is how I vent my acting when I don't have any active role to prep. And, well... I guess I just had a different idea of you in my head when Hui said you were going to join the game, that's all.''

\tThere was another long pause. Gretchen pulled herself up a bit more and filtered out some of the worst things she knew she could say. ``I guess...'' She sighed ``I guess you were kinda looking for someone who knows how to play those kinds of games then? What with me being some big geeky loser and all?''

\t``I don't think you're a loser.'' Esme scooted in and put a hand on Gretchen's shoulder ``I suppose I just, I don't know. There's nothing at all wrong with you. This is totally my hang-up. I just get tired of being the only one in to `girly' things. I mean we have way more girls in our group... well it's a bad stereotype but you and I both now most gamers are sweaty basement dwelling boys.''

\t``Sorry.'' the words slipped from Gretchen's muzzle before she even realized it.

\t``No, I'm not, look I'm not saying it's anything bad or wrong. You're nice. It's my problem. I'm on edge. I have a lot of shit to figure out and I just feel bad for taking some of it out on you. That's all I wanted to say. I know you and Hui and I guess Justin all have this `thing' of yours going on. They're both my friends. Well, friend and a half. Justin's not the worst I guess. Maybe.'' Both girls snickered at the remark. A simple little thing that seemed to clear the air out between them in an instant. ``Look I just want to say I'm sorry. Plus I hope we can be friends? You know, at least give it a shot or something.''

\t``Yeah, well, I don't know if you'll say that when you get to know me.'' Gretchen sighed ``But if you are ok with it then I'm willing to give it a shot. Mistress would want me to anyways.''

\tBoth girls turned their attention back to the small figures scurrying about in the woods. They watched as the boys cajoled an overly large beech log free from where it had sunken into the dirt. Becky joined in, and the log popped free with almost comical ease. At that moment Gretchen couldn't help but wonder if this was what having friends was like.

--------------------

\t``Where is he?'' Becky's exasperated grumble was loud, but was hardly the first. Between dragging logs up the dune's back end to prep a fire and finding a public grill that could be made somewhat sanitary all of the teens were now exhausted and starving. As such it was rather annoying when Justin insisted that he go get the coolers for them. But he had insisted that he had a surprise for everyone.

\tNow they were all regretting it. Ozzy had managed to get the embers going but without anything to cook they were all stuck watching the fire longingly and occasionally throwing some small bits of branch in along with whatever coals had been left in the bottom of the grill to begin with.

\tThus it was that when Justin finally crested the small bit of dune he'd climbed and stood triumphant like some conquering hunter coming back with a catch, he was met with a bevy of branches tossed in his general direction. Far too far off to actually hit, naturally. But enough for the group to get their point across.

\tNone of it phased Justin. He simply slid his way down the dune while keeping a paw on the lid of the cooler to keep it shut. Then once he got to the bottom the boy sprang back up and grabbed hold of his `catch', hauling it along the trail and slamming it down on the ground with a confident chuckle.

\t``So why exactly couldn't one of us go with you to help?'' Esme sighed

\t``Because it's a surprise!'' Justin bellowed triumphantly

\t``And you couldn't just drive the van around here becauuuuse.'' Becky chimed in

\t``Well I didn't want to lose our parking spot.'' Justin sighed

\t``lose it to who?'' Becky let the question land flat. They all watched the realization hitting Justin's face. Then just as quickly he shook it off. The smirk returning.

\t``Look, don't focus on that. Focus on this. This whole thing's got to be special. So I went and got us something to make sure it's epic.''

\t``What?'' Hui's eagerness and positivist at her chirp did little to cut though the mood

\t``The best thing.'' Justin was grinning ear to ear. Salivating. His rudder tail thudding and thumping on the ground while he swayed side to side. Ears twitching in anticipation as he reached down and popped the lid opened. Slowly and carefully moving it back to let them take it all in.

\t``It's... shrimp?'' Xiulan's crestfallen tone reverberated among the rest of them. There it was. Dug up from the ice of the cooler. Buried amid the cans of Vanilla Coke and Canada Dry that had been stuffed in to hide it on the way.

\t``Yep, Shrimp.'' Justin's maw glistened with a thin string of saliva. There sat a massive net bag stuffed full of peeled, thawed, white-pink curls all tightly packed into the center of the ice like some grand treasure. ``One pound for each of us. Along with a whole jar of Ghee!''

\tThey all stood there. Stunned Silent. Looking between Justin and the box. Nobody speaking for the longest time. Nobody even daring to move

\t``I, uh... I'm Halal.'' Esme finally pointed out, raising a hand awkwardly as she let that painfully obvious fact land.

\t``Kosher.'' Gretchen chimed in, raising a digger claw

\tJustin quickly turned his attention to Hui, who hung her head and shook it softly. ``Yeah, Master, I'm still sticking with the SDA thing. I know your family does seafood still and you do meat but, uh...''

\tHe then looked to Xiulan who shook her head and huffed ``Hey I'm not SDA anymore but I'm not trying any shellfish without getting an allergy shot first.''

\t``Yeah, about that.'' Becky chimed in ``You sure Shrimp are ok this late in the year? We're not exactly living near the ocean ya know. Did you at least go to a supermarket? Does our Meijer even do a fish selection anymore?''

\tThe excitement that had been on Justin's face was now painfully forced. He desperately cast his eyes on Ozzy. The goat in turn sighed and took a few steps closer, eyeing the offering carefully. ``I mean... I've never really had any fresh water shrimp. Are there fresh water shrimp? Sure they didn't fly this stuff out?'' He leaned down and sniffed the air as if trying to judge the quality of the offered seafood.

\tJustin grumbled and slammed the case shut. His tail swiping though underbrush like an ogre club until the tip painfully stubbed itself against a thick tree trunk. ``You know what? Fine. You guys don't want any? Great. More for me then!''

\tBefore anyone could respond he had already dragged the cooler over to the grill and began angrily laying out his prizes on top of the fire. He then picked up the jar of ghee and began to look it over trying like hell to figure out how to warm and prep the stuff for use on them

\t``Is uh, is he really gonna...'' Ozzy started

\tBecky sighed in frustration and nodded. Hui quickly tugging at her friend's arm and whimpering loudly.

\t``Shouldn't we do something?'' Hui whined ``I mean, there's no way he can really eat all of that. Can he?''

\t``You know how he can get.'' The badger girl muttered, unable to take her eyes off of the scene as her idiot cousin began devouring the things just as soon as they were fully cooked. Popping them right off of the tongs. Into his mouth and then dancing around in pain from the heat.

\t``Well I know what I'm going to do.'' Ozzy snickered. He yanked his keys up from his pocket and jingled them in front of the others a moment. ``I think if I hurry I can hit up that supermarket we passed a few exits back. Anyone want anything specific, better let me know now.''

--------------------

\tSunset had crept up on the teens far sooner than any had expected. With the light dying out the bulk of them had taken to the water in hopes of enjoying the last chance they may get before the big lake became too cold for anyone to swim comfortably.

\tNormally Justin and Hui would be in there with them. Justin especially. Before the little shrimp incident that had probably been part of the plan. Instead he and Hui found themselves walking along the shoreline, paw in paw. Neither one spoke. It would have been nice to say it was simply due to the romantic atmosphere. But both knew that was wrong. It was why Justin kept looking off to the side. It was why Hui's paw gripped a little too tight.

\t``Are you sure you`re ok to walk?'' The concern in her voice was palpable. So was the fear. One sought to mask the other. Instead the worry in her voice only amplified itself.

\tJustin held her close and nodded. He let out a small sigh. Some of it likely pain. Most of it wasn`t. ``I know.'' he sighed.

\t``That you`re ok to walk?'' Hui whimpered

\tThe look he gave her stopped her dead. For most of their lives Justin had been angry. Depressed, even. Always looking for a fight. Lashing out. Slumping into periods of brooding malaise that Hui pretended not to be aware of. She was used to all of that. This, though. This was different. The look on his face wounded her to her soul.

\t``That`s not what I mean.'' Justin sighed. ``I know you`re worried about more than that. I know you don`t wan t to have this talk. But we have to. After what happened out at the farmhouse we have to.''

\tThere it was. Cutting the young woman deep into her soul. Everything in her screamed to make it stop. She wanted to drop to her knees. To beg him not to say all the horrible things she could imagine would be her worst case scenarios. All of that anguish amounted to little more than a wordless `I`m sorry` tracing her lips.

\t``Shhh'' The boy turned and pulled his beloved close to him. His paws gripped hers as he held her tight to his chest ``I love you, Hui. I'm not talking about anything bad. I want to be with you. I'll always want to be with you. When I gave you this ring... wait.'' Justin blinked as he looked over her finger ``Where's the ring?''

\tHui was already blushing. She cast her eyes aside with a nervous little giggle snort and whined loudly ``I mean, I didn't want to wear it to the beach. That just seems like it's asking for trouble.''

\t``Ok, yeah. Fair.'' The slight blow to the pathos he felt was clear in Justin's voice. Still he gripped her that much harder. ``I'm just saying I know we're too young for me to propose. But when I gave you that ring on white day it was because I do want to be with you. I love you, and I know you'd never do anything to really hurt me. I know that deep down in my heart of hearts. I just...''

\t``It was too much, with Ryan?'' Hui whimpered

\tJustin's blush grew. He turned away to hide it. His tail dragging a long furrow in the sand ``I mean it's not like we're prudes. We've both fucked your brother before. And I can't say I've never considered fucking them in `girl mode'. Is them the right thing to use for that? I donno. You know what I mean though. I'm fucked up. So are you. It's one of the many things I think's cute about you.''

\t``Master'' The giggle-snort from before had shifted into a warbling whine of embarrassment. Hui's voice hitting all the wrong pitches while she leaned herself hard into Justin's shoulder and nestled her cheek into his shoulder. The gesture caused him to pull away a moment and then wrap his arm tightly around her hugging her close as he could.

\t``That's just it, though. I can't forgive Ryan right now. Not for what he did. I don't know if I ever can. I just thought he wanted to do a basic `inspection' thing. A bit of kink might creep in, sure. But the way he was acting. He was being a creep. And everyone was just going along with it. Apparently because everyone knew he wanted to `test' me. Because he was going to threaten me just... just the way `she' did at the start''

\t``I... hadn't thought about that.'' The suddenly crestfallen red panda girl slumped where she stood. Her body doll-limp until Justin's finger crooked under her muzzle and guided her up.

\t``I know. You just thought it'd be fun, and hot. Like I said it's not like any of this is new to us. It was all so wrong, though. `He' was wrong. I don't know what to think anymore. If Ryan is gonna act like that then who do I trust? Ms. Blake didn't really teach me all that much and I'm not about to go track her down again. Everyone out there online acts like a fucking 50 shades reject. I don't know. I'm rambling at this point. I don't want to stop what we have, Hui. I like it, and I love you. I just gotta hit pause. I think we both need to reflect on what it is we want and how all of this works. Plus there's Gretchen.''

\t``W-what about Gretchen?'' the fear had crept back into Hui's voice. Those big amber eyes started to well with tears once more

\tJust as quickly as the tears came, Justin's smile banished them. That crooked, dorky grin that seemed to make everything ok. ``Love, how long have we known each other? You were in Kindergarten, I was in first grade. We grew up together way before we even started dating. And we've been dating longer than a lot of people stay married. I don't just want to be your Master. I want to be your husband. I want us to have kids. I've known that basically since you confessed. Meanwhile we've only known Gretchen since this summer. Even less time for me even if I've been living with her. She deserves a chance to get to know all of us. Not just the adorable little perv I love so much and the big oaf she got stuck with.''

\t``Master, I-''

\t``Justin.'' he corrected swiftly ``At least for now. For a while. I promise you I'm not going anywhere. But we're adults now. We gotta handle this shit like adults. Right?''

\tHui managed a crestfallen nod and slumped once more into her boyfriend's arms. The two just flopped down into the sand and watched as the sun began sinking down over lake Michigan. Threads of gold and pink shooting off into the darkening sky, sending the summer off into slumber.

--------------------

\tIt wasn't much of a fire. Everyone around it was thinking the same thing. All of them too polite to say anything. Scrawny beech branches and driftwood made up the bulk of the burn, all surrounded by some scavenged rocks as if the mass of sand under it was somehow still at risk of spreading. The assembled friends sat in a small ring. Mostly made up of logs they'd dragged over and a couple of folding chairs found in Justin's basement. Gretchen had insisted on getting them. The very idea of sitting on a log had made her look like she was ready to bust out in hives. Yet when the time came she sat at the edge of one log beside Hui. With Becky and Esme taking the two chairs and Ozzy sat back in the sand with a can of Faygo and Xiulan sat near Becky on a small hunk of rotted out log big enough for one.

\t``It's almost like back home.'' Ozzy snickered to himself. ``Smell's different. Sure as hell ain't the ocean. But that lake, man. Fucking huge.''

\tEsme looked over to the goat and then to Hui ``Why exactly is it a lake, anyways? Why not classify it as a sea?''

\t``No salt.'' Gretchen replied flatly. The timid mole glanced to her Mistress for a moment and then down at the sand with a half muttered 'sorry'.

\t``It's ok.'' Hui giggled ``It's not like I knew. It's just the lake. Ya know?''

\t``Figures that miss smarty pants would draw in a smartier-pants so we wouldn't tease her as much.'' Esme snickered``

\tGretchen blushed, then shook her head. Her whole body slumped for a few moments while she looked around at the others assembled around. ``I need to get something from the car.'' She finally mumbled. One paw held out for Justin to hand her the van keys.

\t``Oh boy, is it another surprise?'' Xiulan giggled ``So what are you going to try eating a whole loaf of sourdough bread or something? Cause I could stand watching that kind of reaction again.''

\t``Shut up.'' Justin growled ``All you guys` fault anyways. None of you know what`s good.''

\tGretchen didn't say anything. She simply pulled herself up from the log and trudged her way back towards the van. A few of the others looking on at her before casting their eyes back towards the fire. None of them paid too much attention when she got back. Not until she pulled the guitar over her lap. A tattered old acoustic thing half plastered in Green Day and Stone Sour stickers. Her digger claws moved with shocking deftness to twist and turn the knobs while picking at each string gingerly. Not once did the frizzy haired mole spare a glance up at the others, all of whom had now turned to look on at her in wonderment.

\t``The hell did you get that?'' Justin snickered

\t``It's your dad's.'' The chubby girl shrugged ``He said I could borrow it.''

\t``Yeah but where did you hide it.'' Hui pressed

\t``I just left it under that bundle of blankets we didn't take out. What with the cooler and all the bags I figured nobody would bother looking.''

\tOzzy let out a small snort and scooted himself back on his perch. ``I thought you said you weren't into music. What happened to that?''

\t`` Oh, that was a lie.'' The casual tone cutting perhaps a bit more than she had intended. ``I really just didn't want to talk to you about it. Still don't. Honestly.'' She ignored the assured follow-up indignation and instead turned herself towards Hui. Shimmering garnet eyes under a mop of brown curls gazed at those deep amber eyes she longed for so much. Her claws pursed into a makeshift pick while she began to strum out a shaky little tune. Her voice shifting into a clear, crystalline soprano.

``Hold on, Little girl

Show me what he's done to you

Stand up little girl

Broken heart can't be that bad

When it's through, it's though

Fate will twist the both of you

So come on baby, come on over

Let me be the one to show you

I'm the one who wants to be with you

Deep inside I hope you feel it too''

\tThere was a bit of a surprise when a soft tenor slipped in at the start of the second verse. Master Justin gazed into her eyes a moment and then turned to Hui. Somehow the off-pitch boy managing to sing towards both of them as the song went on. Slowly the others picked up. Esme and Becky chiming in on the chorus while both reading off of Becky's phone. Xiulan dragged in quite literally a few bars later thanks to Becky hauling her over and holding her close. After a few moments Ozzy had managed to snag the cooler up and was using the lid to help with the rhythm of the song.

\tThe gathered teens swayed and sang the tune into the firelight as it flickered off into the cloudless evening. Embers dancing and cracking up to the stars.

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