?: Alright, sir, $40.
?: Keep the change.
? (Thinking): He’s going to flip for this gift. Can’t believe it’s been 2 years already for us.
My name is Dodger, and today I’m on my way to meet my lover, my soulmate, and possibly soon, my fiance. However, I’m afraid if I say who my lover is, some of you might be disgusted or displeased with my decision. First off, it’s should be noted that I’m gay; now for some in this day and age, it doesn’t sound like a big deal. Everyone has their preference of who they want to be with, but that’s not the part I’m afraid of. I should also mention that this animal I’m with is not the same species as me. I’m a Jack Russell Terrier and my lover is an orange tomcat. Again, what’s the big deal, you ask, well I’m entering our apartment right now.
Dodger: I’m home!
There he is, the same beautiful tomcat with the most handsome chest and body at the kitchen table. Looking at his age you would think he’s my adopted son, well I did adopt him and at first, I did only see him like a little brother to me, but he’s the lover I’m talking about. His name is Oliver, as he comes running up and with me picking him up for a deep kiss.
Oliver: Welcome back Dodger. I miss you.
Settling for another kiss.
Dodger: I miss you too. Happy anniversary.
I show him a plush doll of me holding a rose. He gave it a nice whiff.
Oliver: It’s beautiful, and it’s from a mini-you.
I laugh and he laughs with that smile of his. His smile is so wonderful and it always cheers me up. That smiles always reminds me of why this kid is important to me. Okay for some, this still doesn't seem like a big deal yet. You’re probably thinking that it’s just two animals deeply and madly in love with one another, but I still haven’t told you his age yet, and better yet, I haven’t told you my age.
I’m 29 and Oliver, just turned 13 yesterday. Now some of you see why you should be worried or disgust and some are thinking about calling the cops on me, but please let me explain myself and say that I didn’t force this kid or manipulated him to be my partner. Like most relationships, it just happened and it blossomed on its own. As I said, this kid means everything to me and the last thing I want is to hurt him, he knows my deepest love for him and he feels the same way, we take things slow and we put a lot of effort to help each other. So how did it come to this?
Well at the time, my dream was to become a rock star or join some type of band, unfortunately, due to my family being pretty poor, not poor to the point where we lived on the streets, but we didn’t make that much money and not knowing many people I decided to work at a record store. I know it’s not the most helpful job, but it makes enough money for me to pay the rent and put enough food on the table. I live in an apartment with a next-door neighbor, Rita. She’s a great friend and although I like men, she’s one of the few women I like to fuck. Although she does most of the fucking with a strap-on because she’s a real tomboy and sometimes she likes to pretend that she’s the butch and I’m the bitch. She finds it hot when she pegs me with her strapon and I love it too, especially how she strokes my cock and making me beg to cum. Anyway, back to the topic, I was on my lunch break and saw a hot dog cart nearby. On my way, I notice the dog was shooting a little kitten and shoved him down. I saw the kid running, crying and I don’t know, but something was telling me to feed that kid. First I ask my boss if he knew the owner of the hot dog cart, he did, so I told him what happen and he said he’ll call the company. I went up to the cart and order two hotdogs, one with mustard on it and one with ketchup and mustard on the side. I found him by the alleyway sitting down looking scared and crying. I gently tap his shoulder. He jumped and as soon he was about to get up I handed him the dog. He stopped on his tracks and look at the dog like he found some gold. He looked at me not sure if he should take it.
Dodger: Go on. It’s yours.
He looked at the dog again and while looking at me, he slowly grabs the dog. I didn’t want to make him uncomfortable, so I sat down at a nearby bench and ate my dog. I felt something tugging my pants, I turned to see him giving me a soft smile.
Oliver: Th-thank you …
Even back then, before I took him and raise him, that smile somehow made me forget that incident the kid had a few minutes ago.
Dodger: You’re welcome. But why were you trying to get a hotdog by yourself? Where’d your parents?
He stopped and look at the grown and sniffled. Again some type of bone in my body told me to pick him up and hug him, so that’s what I did as he sobs and rests his head on my shoulders. About 10 mins later he tries his best and tells me his situation. His dad was forced to sell drugs and met his mother through the organization, they got married, but he screwed up on an order and the gang was almost caught by the cops and that ended up getting both of his parents killed, but before the gang could find Oliver, he managed to get away and lost them. However, this forced him to live in the streets and to fend for himself, although he found out the hard way that the world’s very cruel. Well, I couldn’t just leave the poor kid on the streets, I took him with me to my apartment and he’s been living with me ever since. Of crouse, it took some time for him to get used to living in a place and having someone taking care of him, but with enough time, he became very loving and close to me, but at the time it was more like a brotherly love for the both of us. He met my neighbor Rita and those two also became really close to each other, like a mother and son love. Every time I see them together, I smile. Over the three years, he became like a brother to me and now I’ve worked at my job a little more hard for him, I help him got into school and he’s been doing better. Gets decent grades and has some stable friends. Rita would babysit for him whenever I’m at work and he was home from school but I would always have time for him and we’ve grown more and more closely with each other. We talk about everything, the good times and we even talk when something is bothering us, but we are always there for each other and I can’t tell how much we needed each other and trust each other and that’s when I noticed that I felt something with Oliver. The way I look at him, the way we hang out and have a great time and the fact that he’s the one I think about the most, whether I’m having a good day or not, I started to think about sometimes that I first hope wasn’t true.
“So how did my feelings evolved with Oliver?” Well, there are some little reasons I’ve just mentioned previously, I like his smile and how much energy he has. In some ways, he’s somewhat opposite of me, a laid back dog that doesn’t have as much energy as he uses to and doesn’t go out as much, so in a way, he’s the other part of my life that I was missing and every time I come home from work, I always look forward and wonder what kinds of plans he might have to us or what plans I have for him. He never makes my life dull anymore, but the main reason my love change for him in terms of sexually, well I should say more romantically, is a story that happened while he was at school and I was home alone. See, as a teenager, my mother said I had a moderated sex drive that was normal for animals my age. I started masturbating around 12 and my first time ever having sex with another animal was during 7th grade when I thought I was alone in the locker rooms, but a Great Dane caught me wanking off and I felt some guilt and ashamed, but then he presented his cock to me, which he was bigger than me, not too much maybe about an inch more. He told me he understands my trouble and is willing to help if I help him. Truth be told, even at a young age I was interested in a grown-up penis and his was nice looking, plus I did catch animals having sex with each other, whether on accident or on purpose and wonder what it’s like myself. So long story short, we ended up 69 ourselves with a blowjob. I was a rookie for sure, but with some pointers I liked it and his tongue was good on my dick that we both ended up cumming. From that point on I began to have sex with other men both from my age or a little older, but none of them ended up being dates, just more something for me to relieve if jerking off wasn’t enough. The only two animals closest to me that knows I’m gay is my mother and Rita.
My mother is accepting of that fact and she’s relieved because she doesn’t have to worry about me getting some random girl pregnant. She trusts me, but of course she still my mother and does worry about me having sex with too many men, but she says she understands and knows the feeling. I love my mother very much. How my best friend Rita knew about is actually a story in of itself, I might tell the full one at a later time, but I was getting really horny to the point where I didn’t care if I did the fucking or someone fucked me, but I needed some kind of sex, but see most of the people I know in this place, besides Rita, are either with someone else or they are married. Now I may like and in some cases want sex, but I’m not the type of dog that cucks someone else’s lovers and I’m not a rapist. If the couples don’t feel right about having sex with someone other than their partner, then that’s okay and I respect that. So when I told Rita about my problem she asks, “What if a woman had sex with you?”
I told her that I really wasn’t into chicks.
Rita: Who said you had to fuck them? What if I just suck your dick or fuck your ass with a strap on? Better yet, why don’t you let me rim you?
I thought about it, “Well, what have I got to lose?” I said let’s try it. We went to my room. Man, it was the best decision I made. Again if you want the full story I tell it later, but trust me when I say that I became Rita’s submissive for awhile.
So one day, while I was off from work I was getting bore and realize it’s been a while since I’ve had sex with someone. Now my sex drive is not as high as it was when I was young, but there are still moments where I would like to be fucked once in a while when I’m in the mood. So I called Rita and we got to work. She rimmed my ass to get ready and took it by her strap on and we were getting into it. However, before I was about to cum, I felt that she was getting slower, I thought that she was getting tired, but then she just stopped. I was about to ask her about it, then I realized why she stopped. There stood Oliver by my bedroom door witnessing what he saw. I didn’t know how long he’s been there, and if that wasn’t awkward enough my dick just came on the bed as well.
There was silence in the air. One of us wanted to say something, but we all too nervous. Finally, Oliver just ran quickly to his room. Rita excused herself too, leaving me wondering what I should tell him. I forgot that today was a half a day for Oliver and I knew it was my fault for not remembering, and for not locking the door. I figure I should apologize to him for not locking the door and forgetting about him. I knock on the door and he opened it.
We sat on his bed as I was about to begin the conversation, but Oliver started.
Oliver: Do you love Rita?
I asked him what he meant.
Oliver: Like, is she your girlfriend?
I chuckled and told him no, she's not my girlfriend.
Oliver: Then why were you two having sex?
I was a little surprised that he knew what we were doing, but keep in mind, even when living on the streets, his parents didn’t have the greatest job, so it’s safe to say he probably knows what sex is at an early age. I told him the truth about my sex drive and explain to him that there’s going to be times where I need someone to fuck or have someone fuck me because my body needs it.
Oliver: Have you or your partners ever force you to have sex or have they rape you?
Dodger: No, kid. See like you, I’m also a street animal, so I know when someone is dangerous or shady. Plus most of the animals in this building are married or have a lover themselves, so I would never do anything stupid like that, that’s just not me. Plus I’m really gay, but again I only have sex with animals I’ve known and trusted for a long time, so to answer your question on “Well if I’m gay then why do I make love to Rita?” Well, it’s because I trust her and she’s the only one that understands me and trusts me as well.
Oliver: … … So, have you fallen in love with any guy that you’ve had sex with?
Dodger: … Honestly, I haven’t found anyone special to me yet. Don’t get wrong, it’s not like I don’t enjoy having sex, there’s been moments where I’ve really enjoyed being taken care of my sexual needs and I can tell when someone puts there hard work into it, but so far they haven’t done anything that makes me want to actually spend my life devoted to this animal or found one animal that makes me feel special. … Well, that’s not really true. There is one animal that entered my life and he’s really worth spending and devoting my time with … And I’m staring at him right now.
The kid turned his eyes down and I saw a shy smile and a blush.
Oliver: Really?
I place my arm around him and drew him to a hug.
Dodger: Oliver. You being a part of my life was and still is the best decision I’ve made. I’m glad I found you at the alleyway and gave you the hotdog, I’m glad I took and adopted you when you were alone and I’m glad that Rita and I spend many days taking care of you. To be honest, I never really thought I was going to have a family, but still, if I had to adopt and raise a child, I would raise you in a heartbeat. I love you so much, Oliver. You’ve given me something new in life, you make my job worth it to earn money and use it to spend time with my favorite little brother. You show me new places and even got me into activities I wouldn’t want to do alone. Thank you, for everything.
The hug got tighter, I looked and saw the biggest smile and some tears coming out of him.
Oliver: I should also thank you for saving my life and given me a chance. I’m proud of myself for talking to you and trusting you. The moment you handed me that hotdog it was like that was enough for me to trust you. If you hadn’t entered my life, I would have been dead a long time. I’m glad you and Rita got to be my parents, I couldn’t ask for a perfect one than you two. You help me get out of my comfort zone and to stand up and talk to new people and now I’ve made tons of friends. Of course, none of them can compare to the awesome brother I have. I love you too, Dodger. Thank you for being my best friend and guardian.
Now it was my turn to hug him a bit tighter. We just stood there for a long while until we let go, still smiling. I took into his eyes, but I felt something in my heart. That hug and the way we confess like that, I can’t remember being that open to anyone, but him.
Oliver: I’m sorry I walk in unexpected.
Dodger: It’s okay. Believe me, you’re not the first kid that’s walk in on someone having sex. We should have locked door. Sorry if we scared you.
Oliver: I wasn’t really scared, just more surprised. I mean, I always thought that Rita was actually your girlfriend, so you two having sex wasn’t what surprised me. I was more surprised to see you on the bottom and her on top, but now that you told me more about yourself I understand now.
He placed his hand on mine.
Oliver: I don’t care that you’re gay, Dodger. We’ve always stick together and that’s not going to change. I still love you.
Dodger: Thanks, kid. I love you, too. Say, if you don’t have any or too much school work, let’s go for a walk and have some pizza for dinner.
Oliver: Sounds like a plan.
Over the next two years, we went back to our normal days and normal bonds, but after that talk I had with Oliver we became even more open with each other and it was during these years that my love for Oliver grew even more. All I could think about while on break was Oliver. I couldn’t explain it to myself at the time, I mean sure I love the kid, but I started comparing him to all my other friends and loved ones, no one, not even Rita or my mother ever came close to how much I depended on him. Whenever I’m in a bad mood or I’m having trouble sleeping all I have to do is think about him and that smile and it’s like I’m better already. If that wasn’t enough, I started to have dreams about Oliver. That wasn’t anything new, I had dreams about him before, but they were mostly fun innocent dreams, but they soon turn into a romance type of dream. I had a dream about us watching a movie and he was cuddling under my arms. I was a little creep out, but I just thought it was another innocent dream. The next one I had was us at a local swimming pool; we were splashing each other and having a race, Olive splash me unexpected and we started running and I got him pinned down and we just looked at each other, I noticed his eyes and before I did anything, I heard a knock and it woke me up. It was my mother coming for a visit and to see Oliver, she adores the child very much and loves to spoil him as much as I do. That dream felt nice but weird, why did I have a dream like that about Oliver?
The last dream is what got me good. It was the 4th of July, Oliver’s favorite holiday, and I planned a picnic for him. We reach a perfect spot to see the fireworks and we were eating, having a great time when I whip out my guitar and sang a song just for him. The look of his face and his eyes encourage me to continue. Afterward, the fireworks started and he held my hand, looking at me.
Oliver: That was beautiful.
I looked at him and we lean over and started kissing. I woke up with a start as I screamed.
Dodger (Thinking): The hell was that!? What am I thinking!?
Oliver: Dodger. Are you okay?
He stood at the door, shirtless, leaving me looking at his chest. I gulped. That dream I just had didn’t help me notice how cute he is as my heart was pounding again. He came close and placed his hand on my lap.
Oliver: Dodge?
Dodger: Uh, yeah. I’m fine, kid. Just had a nightmare.
Oliver: Was it a serious one?
Dodger: … *Whispering* Yeah.
Oliver: ?
Dodger: It’s nothing, kid. I’ll be okay.
Oliver: You sure? Do you want me to sleep with you? It always helps me when your next to me after a bad dream.
Dodger: … Would you mind?
Oliver: Why would I? Since when have I minded sleeping with my brother?
Dodger: I don’t know. I thought wouldn’t want to sleep with an old brother anymore.
Oliver (Chuckling): Come on you’re not that old. You still beat me in arm wrestling with you’re cheating arms.
Dodger (Chuckles): Well if you’re going to accuse my arms of cheating, then I’m going to start accusing your cheating legs for running so fast.
Oliver: Not my fault you can’t keep up with my legs, you old fart.
We started laughing. I looked at him and thought about the offer. I know it wouldn’t help after that dream, but how can I say no to him? I moved a little and opened the covers for him.
Dodger: Kid?
Oliver: Hmm…? Oh, right.
He crawls to the bed and just held me in his arms and I held him, rubbing his head. I looked at his body and thought how beautiful he is. He rested his head on my chest as I sighed and smiled.
Dodger (Thinking): This is actually what I’ve dreamt of, but better. Am I really that desperate for a boyfriend that I’m willing to date a kid? Am I a cubophile? Or is this genuine love?
I kissed his forehead and him being with me did make me feel better. I fell asleep and woke up the next morning. Oliver came to the room and made me breakfast, some eggs with toast. We sat on the bed eating and thanked him for staying with me. We went to our usual places and just continue on like normal.
During work I just kept replaying that dream I had over and over, I even daydream Oliver sleeping with me as we held each other. I really liked it and wish we stayed like that forever. There was no doubt that I was really in love with him, but I didn’t want to believe it. I couldn’t think straight at all and it was affecting my work. My boss noticed I was not in the right mind. I apologize and asked if I could leave early to get my mind straight.
I hopped into my car and started driving. I parked my car near the park where I first met Oliver. I stepped out and saw the hotdog cart, the last owner was fired after being reported what he did tp Oliver and he got even more hot-tempered with his customers. I went up and order one hotdog, but I wasn’t really hungry. I sat down on the bench and just stared at the hotdog and thought about the day I met him and our lives together.
I still ask myself why him, of all cubs or animals, did I help out, or more importantly why was I so eager to take him in and raise him? I mean helping him out or getting him something to eat was something I could understand, but I had no idea how to take care of a child before. Was it because I felt sorry for him? Was I lonely and thought maybe taking care of him would help me?
I also thought that if this was someone else, would I have felt the same way I feel about Oliver? Now that I think about it, it was Oliver that came to me after I gave him the hotdog. He didn’t have to come up and thanked me. He could have just walked away and never see me again, but he didn’t. I get that he was thanking me, but the fact that he was already open to me and agreed to let me take him in, that was dangerous for him. For one, he didn’t know me at the time. For all he knew, I could have been one of those cubophiles that tortures and rapes little cubs for sick pleasure, which thankfully I’m not. Did he come to me, because I was so kind to give him food? Did he really trust me that quickly?
Then I started to think about when or why did I feel a different type of love for Oliver. I knew I didn’t want to kid to suffer any more after being forced on the street because of his parents and their bad choices. Thankfully with the help of Rita and my mom, the kid saw a big improvement and at first, I just treated and loved him like a son and a brother. We kept little to no secrets and I didn’t feel anything during those years. I had a feeling it was the incident where he caught me and Rita that did it and our chat afterward. I meant every word that I said to him and that he does mean the world to me. The smile and hug we had afterward, every time I think about that hug it was definitely different. It felt so real like we just made up after a fight or something like that. It felt like we can say anything we wanted to each other and no one will judge us and there were moments where I needed Oliver as much as he needed me. If I’m ever in the dumps or just not having a good day, all he has to do is cuddle next to me and BOOM, I’m all better. He knows how to have fun and takes me to places I probably wouldn’t go by myself. Then, of course, the dreams I’ve been having where I am treating him like he was my boyfriend. I’ll never forget the concerned look on his face and offering to stay with me that night. I was afraid that if I said yes I might end up kissing him or worse, give in to my sexual side for him, but I didn’t. I kept my composer and we just laid together, side-by-side, with our arms wrapped around and I fell asleep with no troubles. Even now, I’m sitting here just thinking about Oliver and smiling for the most part, but still deep in thought.
Dodger: I guess I want our love to be more than brotherly love, but should I tell him? How should I? What will he think of me if I do?
I’m afraid to tell him how I really feel, because what if he leaves me? What if he thinks I’m going to hurt him if he doesn’t love me like that? I can’t tell anyone about this because I’m sure they would separate us and I know that would devastate both of us. I could just keep it to myself and treat him like I’ve always treated him, but for how long and the kid’s not dumb. We’ve been together for so long that he’s going to know for sure something is up with me, even if I keep my distance from him or try to hide it.
Dodger: I’ll just tell him how I feel about him, but I need to think of how to do it without scaring or making him feel unsafe. I just hope he won’t look down on me or hate me if I tell him the truth.
I took the hotdog and put it in my lunchbox for Oliver and drove home. As I was thinking about how should I explain my feelings towards Oliver, the phone rang and it was the school. They said Oliver looked too distracted and it looked like he was worried about something. I hop back to my car and drove to his school to see him sitting in the office with a worried look on his face. He turned to see me and he gave me a little smile. I smiled back and came up towards him.
Dodger: Everything okay?
He looked at me with a smile, but he looked very shy and a bit scared. Kind of like how he was when we first met. I decided not to press it for now, but he gave me a hug and I hugged him back, of course.
The principal came out and I asked him what had happened.
Principal: We’re not too sure. Apparently, Oliver was in deep thoughts about something and the teacher noticed he looked glum and asked him if everything’s okay during recess. He said that he was just thinking, but he looked like he was about to cry. So he asked him if he wanted to come here to talk or take a breather. He came here and I try to ask him what’s wrong, but he’s too scared to tell anyone he says.
I look at Oliver and he just looked at me with a scared and nervous look. I was worried. It pains me to see him like that.
Dodger: Is it alright if I sign him out and take him home?
Principal: Of course. Let me get the sign out paper.
I turned and kneel at the kid, giving him a soft smile.
Oliver: Are you mad at me?
Dodger: Come on, kid. You know it takes a lot more for me to get mad at you, but I am worried. I’ve never seen you looking or acting like this for a long time. No one’s picking on you or harassing you, are they?
Oliver: N-no, it’s not the students. I already know how to deal with animals like them. It’s something else. I’m feeling different, and I don’t know how to feel or handle it.
Dodger: Wanta talk about it?
Oliver: … … I- I… I want to, I really do, but I can’t. I’m scared, Dodge!
I gave him a soft smile and went in for a soft hug around his head. He hugged my neck.
Dodger: It’s okay, kid. You don’t have to tell me right now. Let’s get you home and you take all the time you need to relax. Just remember that I’m always here for you if you want to talk.
We let go of each other and he looked a little better, but I could tell he was still scared.
Before he said anything else, the principal came back with paper and I signed him out. I took him by his hand and we drove back home. I turned and saw him asleep on the passenger side. I nudged him and we went inside.
I told him I brought him a hotdog, but he said he wanted to go to his room and think for a bit. I didn’t want him to be alone, but I figure I should give him his space because I remembered I had some things on my mind too.
At this point, I forgot about my deep love for Oliver and was now worried about him. Again, I can’t remember the last time I saw him this scared or upset. I know that he’s very shy around new animals, but I’ve never seen him like this in a long time. I just hope it’s nothing too serious.
Around 5 in the evening I went to check up on the kid.
*KNOCK KNOCK*
Oliver: Hold on! … Okay, come on in!
Dodger: Doing okay?
Oliver: Well, I’m still scared, but I’m a little better.
I moved to the bed and gently rub his head as he put it on my chest.
Oliver: I really wanted to tell you why I was distracted during school, but I’m afraid if tell you, you’ll hate me, kick me out and never love me anymore. I don’t want that.
Dodger: Kid, have you ever really see me get angry or threaten to kick you out of our place before? I mean, okay there were some times in the early days I got a little mad, but that was because I was new on how to raise and take care of a child, but never once did I want you out of my life. I still don’t want you out of my life either. I meant everything I said about loving and needed you and still do. No matter what you say will never cause me to hate you. We’ve always told each other what was wrong and we help out. I think you should know that, kid.
Oliver: … But if I…
I drew him closer for a hug.
Dodger: Oliver, I’m not going to force you or punish you for not telling me what’s wrong. If you still want to keep to yourself that’s okay, but to be honest, I’m also worried about you. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you act like this. If there’s a problem and you want to get it off your chest then you can tell me. The last thing I want is for something horrible to happen to you. I don’t want to lose you as much as you don’t want to lose me, but you’ve got to tell me what’s troubling you if you want me to help you.
Oliver: … … Promise you’ll never leave me? Even if I tell you the truth?
He grabbed my hand, I looked at his face, held his hand and look him in the eyes.
Dodger: Oliver. You mean the whole world to me. To lose you, would be the same as to lose my one and only brother and to kiss the best part of my life good-bye. I promise that no matter what you have to say, I’ll never leave you.
He looked into my eyes and say he was about to cry so I hugged and held him for dear life.
Oliver: Thank you. Thank you, so much. You’re proving to me that I can trust you a lot more than ever. I love you.
Dodger: I love you too. Let it all out.
After some time he sniffled and smiled at me. I looked at the time.
Dodger: It’s almost dinner time. What shall I make you?
Oliver: Could I just have a grilled cheese sandwich? I’m still kind of not in the mood for a big dinner.
I kissed his forehead and headed for the door.
Oliver: Oh, and Dodge!
I turned back.
Oliver: Thank you for talking to me. I really needed this. Could you sleep with me tonight, please?
Dodger: Sure kid. My room or yours?
Oliver: I’ll be in your room around 9.
Soon he was out of his room giving me his biggest smile, I was so relieved that everything was okay now. We had our dinner and asked if I was up to play a video game with him. We did for about an hour.
Oliver: Well I’m about to take a shower. See you tonight?
Dodger: The door’s always open for my little bro.
I sat on the bed waiting for my brother. I was shirtless like before, but we’re used to it. I saw the door open and there he was, in his bottom pajamas. I smiled, he smiled and made his way to the bed. He snuggled up close to me as I put my arm around him and snuggled him as well.
Dodger: You smell nice.
Oliver (Chuckling): Thanks. I also want to thank you for talking to be early. I really did needed that. So, tomorrow I’m going to tell you the truth and tell you why I was scared yesterday.
Dodger: Are you sure? If you still don’t feel like talking about, you don’t have to so early. Like I said, I’m never going to kick you out of my life. So if you want to keep the secret for yourself, I’m okay with that.
But he shook his head.
Oliver: I trust you a lot and after that conversation, it’s clear to me I have no reason to be afraid of you or not to trust you. You’ve helped me out since day one. So you have the right to know what’s going on.
Dodger: … … Well, if you’re ready to tell me your secret. I want to tell you my secret, too. It’s been bothering me and I also have to tell you, because I trust you too.
Oliver: Okay. Tomorrow’s another half a day. So after school, I’ll walk by your work and we can chat at the park.
Dodger: Sounds like a plan.
He grabbed my face and kissed me on the cheek.
Oliver: I love you.
I gave him a quick peck on his forehead.
Dodger: Love you too.
Honestly waiting for the kid to be here felt like a year. I kind of wish I didn’t say I would also tell him my secret if he tells me his, but then again he’s the one that offered and I didn’t push or force him to tell me. Plus, if he really trusts me that much, then I felt there was no reason for me to be afraid to tell him how I’m feeling for him, but still. I don't want him to be scared of me and run away if I tell him.
I can handle if he doesn’t love me the way I think I love him or if he’s not ready for that kind of relationship right now. He’s still a kid after all. I don’t want him to feel like he has to love me as a boyfriend or feel like I’m putting some pressure onto him, he’s been through enough already as a young child. I made up my mind and decided that I’ve made a promise and I’ll tell him how I’m feeling for him and see where this goes. I just hope I don’t make it worse for him.
Oliver: Hey Dodge.
Dodger: Hey, I was thinking about you.
Oliver: I got you a hot dog, ketchup and mustard.
Dodger: Thanks. I told my boss about us and he gave me permission to leave early. I got about 15 minutes until my shift ends. You can wait by his office or stand by me before we go.
The shift was over and we headed to the park. Oliver was holding me by the hand as I looked at him.
Dodger (Thinking): It’s now or never. Just don’t mess it up.
Oliver: Dodger. You look worried. Everything alright?
Dodger: I’m okay. It’s just. Well, like you I’m scared to tell you my secret. I mean, we’ve always told each other the truth, but like you, I’m afraid that if I tell you my secret, you’ll leave me for good.
He stopped and looked at me, without letting go of my hand.
Oliver: Dodge. I love you too much to leave you. Whatever you have to tell me, it’ll never change the way how I see you. You’ve never proved to me that I should be afraid of you, especially yesterday. It’s time I put more faith in you and tell you my secret and like you said do me if you want to keep your secret to yourself then I’m okay with that.
I smiled and could tell he’s serious.
Dodger: Thanks, kid. I needed that. Come on, let’s go to the park and we’ll tell each other what’s going on.
We found the park and we sat down at the bench. The tension was in the air, I can feel it from Oliver and I know he can feel it with me as well. I’m still nervous and I glance and can tell he’s still thinking too.
Dodger: Do you want to go first? Or should I?
Oliver: *Blushing* I… I’ll go. Dodger, have you ever asked yourself why you decided to adopt me? Or why I came up to you after you gave me that hot dog?
Dodger:?
Oliver: Don’t get wrong. I’m very glad you did, otherwise, we wouldn’t be where we are right now. But I sometimes ask myself why did I come up to you like that? I mean, I’ve lived on the streets because of what my parents did and I knew how dangerous it was to talk to strangers, but something in my mind was telling me that I can trust this dog. Maybe it was because you were the first animal that gave me something out of kindness and I was so touched by it, that I wanted to at least thank you. Then you offered me to stay at your place when I told you about my situation and I agreed to it. Again, I knew that was dangerous and stupid of me to do that, but I’m glad I did. I think I did that, because one, I didn’t want to live in the street anymore, but I also felt that I can trust you, you just seem like a nice enough dog to me that I wanted someone to love me again, someone I can trust and to help me out.
Dodger: …
Oliver: Now, well look at us. I don’t think anyone can deny that we’re more than best friends. We really do have a strong bond together and I was proud to call you my real brother or my real dad. I never knew my original parents that well, so I can’t say if they ever really loved me or not, but I can say with confidence that you really did and still love me very much. Thanks do you, Rita, and grandmother that you guys were able to change my life. I went to a new school, made new friends, and you guys help me with my confidence and got me to smile for so long that I felt free from the streets and into a loving home. I really can’t thank you enough for all that you’ve done for me.
I smiled and I felt my heart was crying the way he said that.
Oliver: Ever since. I’ve always looked forward to coming home from school or you coming from work and just hanging out and spending some time with you. You always make me happy and I just can't help myself but be with you for as long as I can. At the time, I really saw you as my dad and even as a big brother to me. Right now though, I’m feeling something else towards you and at first, I thought it was just because I love you and it’s still the same brotherly love, but now I don’t think that it is brotherly love, but something else. Do you remember when I accidentally walked in on you and Rita and we that conversation afterward?
Dodger: I do.
Oliver: Well what you said was the best moment of my life. I loved how open we were to each other. When you told me how much I’ve made your life better and that I’m special to you, it made me feel all warm inside. To know that a little kid like me made someone that already cared for me and made life better as well, I can’t tell you how much that meant to me, because this is the same dog that’s also made my life all the better. I also meant every word I said when I said that you mean the world to me, you really do.
I placed my arm around his head and rubbed it, while he came closer to me.
Oliver: So, here’s what I’m getting at. For the last two years, I realized that I wanted to spend as much time as I can with you and at first I didn’t think anything of it, but I will admit I noticed myself staring at you a lot more than I should be. I sometimes catch myself daydreaming about you during school and even having dreams about you.
Dodger: I have dreams about you too, kid.
Oliver: … I know you do, but I don’t know if you’ve ever had these kinds of dreams. Should I tell you?
Dodger: It’s up to you, but I’m curious.
Oliver: Well at first they started off as innocent dreams. Where we would just play games or walking or even just cuddle with each other, like what we’re doing right now. Then I started having other dreams where they make me feel wired, but giddy inside. Like I have butterflies in my tummy when I think about them.
Dodger: Could you give an example?
Oliver: … *Breaths* The first time I’ve noticed was when I dreamt about us just lying down on the sofa and you were holding me. I looked at your body and face and thought you were handsome. I remember blushing and being a little nervous. Then I had another dream of us going to a water park and we were trying all the water slides. I splashed some water you and we were having a splash fight and I motion you to chase me. You caught up and we wrestled, laughing and trying to pin one of us down! You were stronger and got me, but it caused me to look at your eyes and face again. I felt like my heart was going to stop as you rub my face, and I liked it. I woke up and thought it was wired, but then again I said to myself that I love Dodger, so maybe it just another innocent dream, like always.
I looked at him as he continues. My eyes widened as I was surprised. I wondered if this was going where I think it’s going.
Oliver: There was one dream. That dream was the reason that I got scared to tell you because I’m pretty sure this dream is how I see you and part hopes it’s true, but the other part doesn’t want it to be true, because I don’t know how you’re going to react.
Dodger: Try me.
He looks at me and I didn’t want him to think I was mad, but I did let him know from my eyes that I want to know. Taking a deep breath.
Oliver: I was slightly older and so were you. I want to say that I was about 16 or 17 and you were maybe 32 or 33. I remember it was birthday and you got home from work wearing a good looking tux. I took one look and you and I was mesmerized by your tux and how made you look… handsome. I don’t know how long I stared, but you handed something from the bag and told me to try it and I did. You gave me a nice tux too and when I came out you said, “Well don’t you look like a man.” I started blushing like mad. Then you held me by the hand and took me out to a restaurant, almost like it was a date. We got to the restaurant and we were just talking, laughing and enjoying each other. I catch myself staring at your body and the way you look in that tux. Music starts to play now and some of the animals were dancing with another. You then got up from the table and reached your hand out asking for a dance. Blushing, I took your hand and just slow dance with you. I placed my head on your chest and you held me. I felt like I was in heaven and I didn’t want to let go. You then gently pull my chin up to you and I met your face and eyes. Then you said, “Happy Birthday” and I don’t know, but we just pulled closer and just kissed. I woke up so suddenly that I like a short scream. I looked around the room and just said to myself, “What was that?” I thought I was going insane. I don’t know how long I was thinking about it, but ever since that dream I just started questioning myself and why am I having these dreams about you, like you’re my boyfriend. Then I started remembering the times we’ve shared together and how much I love you and needed you so much in life. I remember all the places we’ve been to, all the laughs we’ve shared and just holding each other and just being there. I don’t know if you noticed, but I’ve been staring at you a lot more after that dream and anytime I go to sleep. All I think about is you. How I want you and your hugs and your love.
Dodger: …
Oliver: I think, Dodger. I think...  …
Dodger: You’re in love with me?
He stopped and looked at me. I think he was waiting for me to yell at him or say I don’t want him anymore, but I just looked at him with a small smile.
Oliver: … You hate me now, don’t you?
Dodger: Come on, Ki-- Oliver. It takes more than that to make me hate you.
Oliver: But isn’t it wrong? I mean, I want these thoughts to stop, but somehow I can’t. I’m only 11, I can’t be in love this early and to someone much older than me. I JUST CAN’T!
He felt some tears on my shirt. I hold him up gently and look at him.
Dodger: Well, I can say that you’re not the first kid that’s fallen in love so young. But let me ask you, do you want to stop thinking about me this why? Do you hate the fact that in your dreams I’m like a boyfriend to you?
Oliver: … … Well, I would be lying if I said I didn’t like those dreams. I’ll admit sometimes they make me feel so warm and happy, and in a way, I don’t want them to stop, but should I feel this way about you? Do you think I’m just sick or confused?
Dodger: I don’t think your sick kid. You seem fine to me. Do you think you love me because I care for you that much and you trust me?
Oliver: … I think so. I mean, name me one other animal that has taken care of me all my life and has been there for me and that trust with my life. I can’t even name one. You rarely say no to me and you let me speak and help me out when I have questions and need some advice and whenever I’m scared you always hold me and sleep with me, while never letting go. All I need is to be wrapped around your arms and I’m better.
Dodger: Are you better now?
Oliver: Yeah. I am better, actually. You have nice hands.
I chuckled and he giggled. I saw that smile slowly coming back.
Oliver: See, it’s moments like this where I wished I was older to where I’m the same age as. So I can date you and possibly marry you, but I know that can’t.
Dodger: Who says you can’t?
He looks at me confused.
Dodger: *sigh* May I tell you my secret? Because it’s the same as yours.
I saw his eyes going wide.
Dodger: Yes Oliver. Like you, after certain years I started to have strange dreams about us being a couple. I take you to movies, splashing water on you, I even sang you a song and we also kissed too. Do you remember that night where I screamed and you came to my worried?
He nodded.
Dodger: That was the dream where I screamed. Like you, I was confused and also scared. I didn’t want to believe it, but like you I noticed that I would stare at you too and think about you in my dreams and all the times we’ve shared together. Like you, I can’t think of anyone that I have let into my life and told any secrets to. I don’t even tell everything to Rita or my mom, but you, I do, because I trust you a lot and know you understand and also try to help. You always come through to me and all you have to do is smile and make me laugh and like you, I love it when I get to hold you because it makes me forget all the troubles I have in life.
He looks down and smiles.
Dodger: I was scared though. I was scared because I thought I was a sick dog and I might do something horrible to you, but I know that I don’t want to hurt you or do anything terrible to you and I’ve proven that myself a few times, but I also sacred to tell you because I didn’t want to lose you. I didn’t want you to hate me or leave me forever because if you did, I would have been a broken dog.
He held my hand and now it was his turn to look at me.
Oliver: I could never leave you, Dodger. If I did then I would go back to being a street cat and I really don’t want to start that nightmarish life again. I feel much more safe around you than the streets. Even if you were to tell me that you love me in that way, I wouldn’t have been creeped out or mad.
Dodger: Even if you didn’t love me that way?
Oliver: Even if I didn’t love you that way, I would never leave you, but lucky for you. I think I do love you that way.
We both smiled as we gazed into each other, Oliver moved closer and gave me another hug, and I returned the favor we just stood there for what must have been like hours, but it was the best hours of our lives. I think I can say that we both didn’t want it to end, but we knew we had to stop. We looked again and both felt happy and we got everything off our chest.
Dodger: Come on, kid. Let’s go home.
Oliver: Carry me?
We reached home and Oliver excuse himself to take a shower. I sat on the couch hoping that everything will be better after that, but I can safely say that I know it will. We surprised each other every day by how much we trust each other, I felt a sigh of relief that I got that secret off my chest and everything was okay in the end. Now the only thing to ask of him is where he would like to take this relationship now. If he wants to wait a bit before we move on to a love relationship or if he just wants to remind brothers then I’m okay with that. I saw him come out of his room with bottom pajamas and of course, shirtless. I patted the couch and he came up snuggling again under my arms. I rubbed him and he looked so peaceful.
Oliver: Thank you again, for listening to me and being understanding. You’re the best.
Dodger: Same to you. Thank you for hearing me out and being mature about it. I love you.
 I kissed his head, making him giggle and blush.
Oliver: I love you too. So, where should we take this now?
Dodger: Well, is what you said true, do you want me to be your boyfriend? I know you’re still too young to be worrying about being in a relationship, so if you’re not ready for one, then I’m okay with still being your brother.
Oliver: … … I mean, I would like for us to be brothers, but I thought about this while in the showers and I still can’t think of no one else I would want as a boyfriend, then you. But, you’re right. I don’t know if I’m ready for a relationship right now. I’ve never been on a date before, plus I’m just a kid. I got no money to give you nice gifts to tell you I love you and most of the dates we might go might be too kiddish for you.
Dodger: Well first off, I don’t need fancy gifts or a fancy date for you to tell me you love me. I already know how much you love me and I like going to those places with you. I mean yeah a gift would be nice, but you just being here and being cute is enough to make me happy. Heck, you cuddling me is all I need to have fun. I love wrapping you up in my arms. Plus I’ve never been on a date either. I mean, yes I have sex with others, but all of them were really more friends with benefits. So, really you’ll be my first ever real date, whenever you want to take this relationship to the next step, but again I’m in no hurry. However, if you’re also serious about a relationship between us, then here’s something we can do. Obviously we can’t tell anyone about this. Second, during school days I’ll be like a big brother and father to you, but we’ve been like that forever so nothing will be changed too much, I still gotta take care of you, help you out with school work, stuff we’ve been doing since day one, but on weekends or whenever we don’t have school or work, then we can treat each other like a loving couple, if that’s okay with you.
He thought about it, then he gave a smile.
Oliver: I think that could work. Then if one of us or both of us feels like it’s not working out, then we can just return to being the best brothers the world as ever seen.
We hugged it out again.
Oliver: So, uh Dodger. Will you go out with me tomorrow? I want to try and see how a date between us would go.
Dodger: Sure, where to?
Oliver: How about a picnic in the park, just me and you.
Dodger: Deal.
The rest of the night was just us watching T.V. I noticed he was catching a glimpse of me while blushing. I started getting a little red too, then he did something I didn’t think he was going to do.
I heard him giggling until I asked what’s up.
Oliver: It’s embarrassing.
Dodger: Tell, or I’m going to tickle it out of you.
Oliver: You wouldn’t dare.
Dodger: Want to try?
I tickled his ribs and he let out some laughs, he was trying to get the upper hand but I was one step ahead and starting laughing too. Finally, he caves in and told me.
Oliver: Well I was thinking, we always love to hug and kiss each other with no troubles, but our kiss was just more pecks on the cheek, lips or head. Now that we might be going out it means our kisses might change too, and I’m getting all giddy just thinking about it.
I chuckled but thought about what he said.
Oliver: So. … You might laugh, but. … Could I kiss you like a lover? I mean!.. … Just to see what it’s like and maybe might help us feel less awkward about and… uh… Oh geez, I’m a dork!
I turned his head to me and rubbed my fingers on his cheek.
Dodger: Yeah, you are a dork. But you’re my cute dork.
We laughed and gazed again, then without one of us asking, we just close our eyes and started pecking our lips together. We just kept pecking while gazing at each other, so far not one of us was backing away. I felt the kid putting his arms around me and I felt my arm around his back as the pecks changed to kisses. I loved every second of this and I could feel and hear Oliver enjoying this too. He pulled me down and we stood, laying and facing each other. We both took a break from kissing to stare at our eyes. I smiled and he smiled rubbing our faces.
Oliver: I love you Dodger. Thank you for finding and entering my life. It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.
Dodger: I feel the same way. I love you too, more than any other animal I’ve felt. Thank you for entering my life, I couldn’t ask for a better animal to do that.
We kissed again.
Oliver: Dodger. If our new relationship doesn’t work out, promise me we’ll still be together for as long as we live?
Dodger: I promise. You know we’ll be together forever. Although I think this new relationship will work out just fine. Let’s go to bed.
Oliver: Carry me?
Dodger (Chuckles): You know, pretty soon you’ll be a little heavy for me to do this.
Oliver: Then start working out, fatty.
Dodger (Chuckling): Hey, now.
So, that’s the story. That’s how Oliver and I became a couple and since we’re still a couple after two years, you can tell how well our relationship had turned out. Of course, it was awkward for both of us at first and took some time to work some stuff out, but our love was no different to how we interacted before. We both like to think that our love was now stronger and had evolved than before. It took time to switch from brotherly love to a couple love, but we worked it out and now we’re officially boyfriends to each other. Like the kid said, he can’t give a lot of gifts, but he makes up for it, by making food for me, I help out too of course, and for dates we usually just take walks or stare at the sunset while cuddling up and it’s our favorite moments that we do. We still give each other spaces when needed and still talk about anything.
Of all the times we’ve hung out and cuddle and just being there, I can say that I’ve made the right choice by choosing Oliver as my boyfriend. He’s a true lover for me and I want to devote my life to him and I know he does too, and as he said, if it doesn’t work out, then we’ll still be there for one another just like always.
Now some of you are wondering what are we doing now, but I’ll save that for another chapter because you guys have gotten the intro about us and how we got to this point, but stay tuned and I’ll tell you where we are now and how we’re planning on going in the near future.