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The results...are predictable and a fallout ensues.\nRated M for minor violence.", "description_bbcode_parsed": "Xavier and Pent's relationship is discovered by a member of the school newspaper. The results...are predictable and a fallout ensues.
Rated M for minor violence.", "writing": "Tabloid Tales by Pent Ghelsburg\n\nDisclaimer: The characters depicted in this work are purely fictional. Any resemblance to persons alive or dead is purely coincidental. They are the original and rightful intellectual property of their creators. I use them with permission and respect. This work involves underaged characters. You have been warned.\t\n\n\tSeveral days came and passed like the wind. The weather continued to warm up and snow had all but melted from the floor. Cubs of all ages were returning to the outdoors and with it, the return of spring had become all too real. Spring break was still several weeks off but the radio's had already begun to talk about it. Virtually every channel mentioned either in passing or through some advertisement that they had been paid to do.\n\n\tXavier and Pent hadn't hung out since their last sleepover together. The chipmunk's parents suggested that Xavier spend some time with other friends. While they understood he cared for Pent, they also understood he shouldn't ignore his other friends. After all, he had already complained about losing friends and they didn't want him to lose more. Still, they were happy he seemed so much more comfortable with their relationship now.\n\n\tOn Thursday at school, Xavier was out and about before classes started. The school lacrosse team had already begun recruiting and he already convinced himself that he wasn't going to join. He had asked his parents to let him try out for a private team. He didn't want to have to deal with the pressure from teammates about his friendship with Pent. Until now he had kept their closer relationship under wraps.\n\n\tXavier was outside, hanging out looking for someone to talk to. He saw the school lacrosse team hanging out around the corner but decided to avoid them. The chipmunk eventually came across Matthew who was hanging around with his latest girlfriend. The girl walked away as soon as the rodent approached.\n\n\"Oh, hey Xae. How goes it?\" The otter asked the other boy.\n\nXavier smiled. \"Good. Another one already, Matt?\"\n\n\"You know me…I can't stand being alone. Besides Candice here is going to be the best one yet. Just wait!\" The smaller cub seemed confident.\n\nThe bigger boy rolled his eyes. \"That's good.\"\n\n\"I heard it didn't work out between you and Gloria. That sucks.\" The otter had heard about him being dumped through the grapevine.\n\nThe chipmunk shrugged. \"It's fine. You were just trying to help.\"\n\n\"Did you find a new girlfriend yet? I mean you're the star lacrosse player I can't imagine that you wouldn't have people interested in something.\" Matt tried to think to himself of who could be a possible match.\n\nXavier shook his head. \"I'm not interested. I'm seeing someone. I'm not single anymore.\"\n\n\"Oh? Who's the lucky girl?\" He tried to brown-nose the boy thinking he could get it out of him.\n\nThe bigger cub shook his finger. \"Don't worry about it. That's none of your business.\"\n\n\"Aw…come on, Xae. As long as we've known each other. Why can't you tell me?\" The otter was dumbfounded as to why his friend was hiding this important news.\n\nXavier shook his head. \"Nah, dude. Just let it go.\"\n\n\"Please?\" He continued to plead with his friend.\n\nThe rodent rolled his eyes. \"The answer is no.\"\n\n\"Fine but this isn't over…I will find out one way or another.\" Matthew warned him.\n\nXavier sighed. \"Look, I'd just appreciate it if you let it go. Why does it matter so much to you?\"\n\n\"Because of gossip, my friend. Juicy…gossip!\" The smaller cub loved drama even when he wasn't involved in it.\n\nThe chipmunk sighed. \"Please just let it go, alright?\"\n\n\"Fine. I don't know what the big deal is.\" Matt figured he would tell him eventually.\n\n\"Thanks. I just want to keep it private.\" The bigger boy further explained his reasoning.\n\nThe otter shrugged. \"Suit yourself. I hope it works out. Can't blame me for being curious, I hope.\"\n\n\"Naw, haha. I know you're into that stuff.\" The rodent forced a smile.\n\nXavier and Matt parted ways. Curiosity began to burn within the young otter. He wanted to know who it was more than anything. Just why was his friend trying to hide it? The possibilities began to run rampant in his mind.\n\nOver the next few days, Matt started checking in on Xavier more periodically. The otter didn't make himself apparent to the other boy and only kept an eye on him during lunch. Xavier hadn't been sitting by anyone in particular. Each day he checked the chipmunk was with someone different. Even in the halls when he passed his old friend, he was either alone or with someone else.\n\nXavier had been working on repairing his image again, trying to hang out with more people. Of course, he still hung around with Pent but the idea of being found out was very much in the back of his mind. He wanted nothing less than to be discovered. Pent didn't seem to mind either as the cub knew how his boyfriend felt about it and wasn't brave enough to venture into the realm of public knowledge just yet.\n\nMatt had begun to lose hope that he'd ever find out. He was checking in on Xavier every once in a while but it seemed stupid to keep going at it. He began to think the other cub was beginning to be lying. He hadn't seen him do romantic with anyone. The otter contemplated his options. Perhaps Xavier just wanted to fly solo? He couldn't be sure and questions circulated in his mind.\n\nOne day after school Matt was mingling with his latest girlfriend. The girl was all over him with hugs and being rather too touchy-feely for his liking. He saw Xavier hanging with the white fox boy who he still didn't remember the name of. The nerd he heard so much about that rumors dictated \"destroyed\" Xavier's social status. He still wondered why he hung out with the boy but supposed it didn't matter.\n\nMatt watched them far afar. Not quite able to read lips but the two seemed rather comfortable around each other. He had seen the fox boy around and noticed he barely spoke to anyone. He couldn't help but wonder how cubs on such ends of the social spectrum could end up as friends together. It was an issue he always kept at the back of his mind even if he never brought it up to Xavier.\n\nXavier and Pent were over by the car loop. The fox wasn't going home with his boyfriend today but they still enjoyed time together even when they couldn't hang out. They had been very good about not being public about their relationship. Never hugging…kissing….or anything else that seemed romantic in front of other people. Instead of keeping it behind closed doors. Neither boy is ready to make that leap just yet.\n\nTime had continued to pass and still nothing seemed suspicious to Matt. He had all but given up on finding out who it was. Xavier had been ignoring him out of fear that he'd be asked about it again. It wasn't something the otter had thought about as he was much too concerned about knowing the hidden truth. He had all but stopped checking in on Xavier. He had forgotten to be diligent about it and he soon turned his mind to other things.\n\nOne day during recess he again noticed Xavier was hanging out with Pent. Sitting next to him and reading a book with him. The two of them sharing a book seem unconcerned with the world. Smiles on both of their faces. The otter had never seen the chipmunk read before. This seemed odd to him. He knew the fox boy was a bookworm but how had he convinced him to read a book with him?\n\nThen he began to notice a pattern. The two boys seemed to hang out a lot. Xavier had fallen back into the habit of just hanging out with the fox. He had forgotten about his other friends again. In his mind, he just wanted to be around Pent. The concern of arousing suspicion as to something other than friendship never occurred in his mind. From Matt's perspective, they seemed to be closer than just friends.\n\nYet, it remained just a guess. He hadn't seen them do anything suspicious outright. They just seemed like good friends who hung out a lot together. He didn't even know that they hung out outside of school. Still, he hadn't seen Xavier around a single girl lately and that made him wonder even more. He couldn't help but think that Xavier was lying and that he was single but he couldn't be sure.\n\nMatt decided to ask around. He knew most of the students in his grade level that were equally into gossip. All of them knew who Xavier was but none of them reported seeing the chipmunk hanging around any girls lately. They last saw him with Gloria and everyone knew how that ended. When he mentioned the fox boy, none of them knew what he was talking about. It seemed like he had reached a dead end.\n\nAt gym class that day, Matt witnessed something happen that he wholly did not expect. They were in the lockers. He was in the same class as Xavier and Pent, even if they seldom grouped up. The otter wasn't the most physically active cub either, instead often finding himself lazing about doing gym. So usually he would make up some story and sit on the bleachers so he didn't have to do physical activity.\n\nXavier and Pent were in the middle. Both cubs were shirtless and laughing at each other about something. Some members of the school lacrosse team came up to them, attempting to start trouble.\n\n\"Hey, nerds!\" A bear boy stood with his arms crossed defensively.\n\nThe chipmunk looked over at them. He recognized all of them but knew none of their names.\n\n\"What? Cat got your tongues? Not going to say anything?\" A burly cat backed his friend up.\n\nPent wasn't one to say anything unless someone tried getting aggressive with him. He eyed them warily. They remained silent.\n\n\"Stupid Nerds...Are the babies afraid?\" The bear continued to goad them on.\n\nXavier looked over at Pent who didn't seem nearly as bothered as he was. The fox had gotten used to being bullied and this was tame compared to some things he'd dealt with in the past. The cat approached the chipmunk and tried shoving him to get a rise out of him. It was the first time someone had tried to start a fight with him. The fox simply grabbed his boyfriend's wrist in an attempt to ease any anger he was feeling.\n\nThe chipmunk had never been an overly assertive cub but he'd also never had to deal with badgering from other people before. He was feeling more annoyed than anything else but it\n wasn't enough for him to boil over.\n\n\"Leave us alone.\" Xavier finally spoke.\n\nThe two lacrosse players seemed surprised. \"Oh, he speaks. Such a brave one…\"\n\n\"What's your problem anyhow? Why is it such a big deal that we're friends?\" The chipmunk had asked the question in his mind countless times.\n\nThe bear looked at him with an angry scowl. \"Because he's a nerd…you're a nerd. Why is that hard to understand?\"\n\n\"You're just jealous that I chose to be his friend over being on the team with you all.\" Xavier stood up defiantly.\n\nThe cat hissed at him. \"We're not jealous. We don't like nerds.\"\n\n\"I don't care if you think I'm a nerd or not. Pent is my best friend and there isn't anything you can do to change that.\" The chipmunk looked down at the fox and smiled at him.\n\nXavier had stood up for Pent before but it wasn't something that Matt was aware of. The otter continued to watch in interest. The two lacrosse players stormed away. It was clear they were getting nowhere.\n\n\"Sorry, Pent. I don't know why they keep bothering us.\" Xavier felt bad about it.\n\nPent shrugged. \"It's fine. Thanks for standing up for us.\"\n\n\"Of course. Let's head to gym class.\" The two cubs finished getting dressed and made their way to the court. \n\nMatt didn't think it was that odd that someone would stand up for a friend but it still seemed weird to him that he stood up for the nerd. It didn't quite add up, at least in his naïve sense of reasoning. However, he wasn't entirely sure if he should drop the issue. He knew if he found out who Xavier was going out with that it would be front-page news for the school tabloid. To have his name as the source was priceless to him.\n\nIt wasn't until that weekend that he finally got the break he was looking for. Xavier had finally joined the local lacrosse team. Word of him making the jump to a private squad was all over the school. Some of his biggest fans were already planning to go and watch him at his first game. A few of them had even shown up to his practices, something which the chipmunk boy never paid attention to.\n\nMatt had decided to go as he had gone to Xavier's games in the past. He was also interested in seeing if the cub had gotten any better since the last game he attended. Of course, the chipmunk had invited Pent who was more than happy to attend despite having no real understanding of the sport. Xavier had no idea how many of his fellow students were planning on attending the game and was in for quite a surprise.\n\nThe day of the game arrived and the day was one of bright sunlight and blazing heat. The private team was a smaller one that seldom attracted much of a crowd. It was the first game of the season and they had quite a few new players including Xavier himself. The coach had seen the chipmunk try out but had no idea just how good the boy was. The field had already been mowed and freshly chalked as the game was soon to begin.\n\nThe home team arrived first with their parents not long behind them. The members of the team arrived by bus with their parents coming by car to show their support. The bleachers had a large banner with the home team's serpent logo unfurled above it. Its green and grey colors flapping against the wind despite being tied against opposing columns. Some of the parents opened up some coolers to share with their fellow patrons.\n\nXavier stood in the locker room with the other members of his team. He had gotten to know very few of them. All he cared about was the game. He wanted to win and to show off his skills to Pent, who he was confident was in the crowd. The chipmunk wasn't nervous. His sense of focus remains unaltered as he spins the stick in his hand. The coach soon gave off words of confidence, which he didn't pay attention to.\n\nThe home team ran off onto the field to begin practicing before the game. The away team, donning crimson and gold on their jerseys was already out working their scrimmages. Pent arrived soon after taking a seat by himself, making sure to separate himself from the rest of the crowd but remaining on the side that Xavier told him to sit on. The fox was smothered in suntan lotion and wearing a hat to protect himself from the sunlight. He remembered that Xavier said he was number 9 and would be looking for that number throughout the game.\n\nMatt had made his way as well. He found many of the other school kids in a corner of the serpent bleachers. Many of them were girls. He assumed one of them had to be the girlfriend that Xavier spoke of. He scanned through them and didn't recognize any of them as familiar. He decided to sit among them so he would go unnoticed. The crowd began to cheer as the first whistle was blown, calling both teams to the center.\n\nXavier took center field and the faceoff was held. Going against a much larger boar girl who snarled at him. The chipmunk smirked as the ball was thrown in the air and easily snatched it from her. Xavier retreated a bit, passing the ball to a member of his team who fumbled it. The Gryphon crested team picked up the ball soon making their way to the goal. Soon passed to another member of the team who quickly shot it and made the first goal.\n\nThe griffin's side of the bleachers roared in a cheer. In mere moments the score had slanted in their favor. Xavier grunted. He felt like his team had failed him. It seemed like he would have to take things into his own hands. The ball was collected by one of the referees and taken back to the center of the field. He found himself facing off against the same boar girl this time. The ref threw the ball into the air and stepped back.\n\nXavier quickly swooped forward and collected the ball. He rushed forward, rotating his body around the bigger girl. Snaking himself in between each of the defends, dekeing them out like it was no big deal. His teammates called to him to pass the ball. One of the last remaining defenders tried tackling him, swooping in under his feet to trip him. Xavier bounded over and shot the ball forward.\n\nThe cheer roared as he made a goal. Pent clapped at him. His little crowd of fangirls swooned and yelled at him. It was much louder than the cheering for the Gryphon squad and he couldn't help but smile at the attention he was getting. The two teams again returned to the center of the field and faced off again. This time the boar was able to get the ball but Xavier was able to steal it from her. Again the crowd roared in response to his success.\n\nTwo members of the other team ganged up on him. Coming in on him at once both trying to tackle him but coming up short as he squeezed through them. He passed the ball forward but again a member of his team dropped it. Xavier was quick to scoop the ball up again, taking the ball back towards the net and attempting another shot. This time the goalie was able to make the save and the score remained the same.\n\nThe game continued in much the same manner with Xavier more or less carrying his team. Many of his teammates were novices and it was their first game ever. The chipmunk was far and away the best player on both teams. Scoring three times and making more than a few attempted assists that never met their mark. However, it wasn't enough. The Gryphon team was able to come out on top by two more goals. After all, lacrosse was never designed as a solo ordeal.\n\nWhen the game came to a close the Gryphon team celebrated together in the middle of the field. After the celebration toned down a bit the two teams met again for a team handshake. Many of the Gryphon players commented on Xavier who had almost single-handedly carried the other team. Even their coach tried to recruit him, a thought that remained in the back of his mind since his own teamed seemed to be lower level than himself.\n\nXavier's crew of fangirls paraded onto the field to find him once the handshake line had dispersed. They all crowded around him and began swooning over him. The sweaty chipmunk blushed and seemed sheepish around them. Matt continued to watch from afar, certain that he would see him hug one of them giving him the hint he'd been looking for. Yet instead what Xavier did surprised him.\n\nPent was behind the crowd of girls who were trying to get at Xavier. The chipmunk was very much swamped and overwhelmed. The boy tried getting through them. He just wanted to find Pent. All of these girls' fake interest in him meant nothing to him. He only wanted to see his boyfriend. He pushed his way through them, no longer interested in giving them any fanservice.\n\nXavier soon stood in front of Pent. The white fox smiled at him. Why was the chipmunk picking the boy over all the girls? Matt couldn't be certain but he continued to watch from afar.\n\n\"Thanks for coming, Pent.\" The chipmunk slicked back his sweaty fur.\n\nThe girls tried swarming him again. \"Would you all leave me alone, please? I just want to hang out with my friend.\"\n\nThey whined at him but gave in. They knew not to push their limits soon walking away from him. All of them complained among themselves about the nerdy fox boy. Matt watched as they walked away. It was apparent that Xavier wasn't interested in them. He saw him standing alone there with the white fox cub.\n\n\"You are a really good player, Xae. I'm sorry you didn't win.\"\n\nXavier frowned a bit. \"It's okay. Winning isn't everything besides they asked me to join their team.\"\n\nPent reached forward and hugged the other boy, purely out of instinct to comfort him. The hug lasted but a single second. Matt witnessed it as well. It certainly didn't last long but it made him wonder; Was Xavier dating the fox boy? This was all he needed to act on his suspicions.\n\n\"Pent…not in public…okay?\" Xavier looked around to make sure no one was looking at them.\n\n\"I'm sorry….I didn't think about it. Are you going to?\" The fox said curiously.\n\nThe chipmunk shrugged. \"It's alright. I don't think anyone saw it. I dunno. Maybe. I haven't decided yet.\"\n\n\"Whatever\n makes you happy. As long as you're having fun that's all that matters, right?\" Pent tried to be positive.\n\nXavier shook his head. \"I want to be the best one day but I guess your right.\"\n\n\"It's nice to have dreams. Is that what you want to be when you grow up?\" The bigger boy had much more realistic aspirations than sports.\n\nThe brown-furred boy hummed. \"I'm not sure. I haven't thought about it.\"\n\nThe two boys remained together until Xavier's parents picked him up. The fox went home as he had to spend time with his brother who was needing help with a test he was soon to be taking.\n\nThe night, Matt began spinning a story for the school tabloids. A poorly written editorial about school romances. Including all of the juicy details, he knew about some of the most popular students in the school. However, his feature story was about Xavier and how he was spending so much time with the fox boy. The hug they shared…and the prospect of a gay relationship in the school. He sent it in for approval.\n\nThe next day at school would be a rough one for both Xavier and Pent. The school tabloid wasn't something that was heavily monitored. It was a student-let material that most of the adults in the school simply didn't care about it. It was something that most of the students knew about but rarely bothered reading except when it came to the gossip section. Matt's section was known as being the most popular and attracted the most interest among their peer group.\n\nXavier was the first to arrive that morning. Cubs were already pointing and laughing at him. They talked in whispers as he went by. He wasn't sure what was going on but was suspicious there was something behind it. Soon he came into the school where one of the members of the school journalism team was handing out the paper with the article on it. The chipmunk looked at it briefly but put it in his bag for later to check out the sports news.\n\nHe eventually came across one of the lacrosse team members who pointed at him and yelled. \"Gay!\"\n\nThe chipmunk felt his heart sink and began to put all the pieces together. Xavier continued past them, trying to ignore them. He had been so good about keeping his relationship with Pent secret. Had the news gotten out or was this just rumors? He began to think about it to himself. He wondered if the fox had said anything about it but didn't think that was the case. None of it seemed to make sense.\n\nAs he was making his way to his locker, he overheard some of the cubs talking about him.\n\n\"Did you see the article? Word has it the star lacrosse player is dating a boy.\" He didn't recognize them nor did they recognize him.\n\nThe chipmunk reached into his bag to get the tabloid he had put away earlier. Pulling it out and scanning through it vaguely. Eventually, he came across the \"school relationship\" section of the paper and began reading it. Sure enough there it was right there. Rumors were circulating that Xavier…the star lacrosse player was dating a nerdy fox boy. He looked at the author of the story as he balled up the paper in his palm.\n\nXavier began storming through the school. He was beyond furious. He wanted to find Matt and now. He knew exactly where the otter was and headed right for the journalism room where he figured the other boy would be. Sure enough, he found the smaller otter right outside the room hanging out with some people he didn't know.\n\n\"Beat it. I want to talk to Matt, alone.\" He pointed seeming rather forceful.\n\nThe few people around the otter left. \"I suppose you are here about the article?\"\n\n\"What's your problem? Why did you write that? I thought you were my friend.\" The chipmunk stamped his foot.\n\nThe otter smirked. \"A journalist has a duty, to tell the truth, Xavier.\"\n\n\"You're a jerk you know that? How do you know it's the truth? I told you to stay out of my business and now you go around spreading these rumors about me. What the heck?\" The bigger boy shoved him against the wall.\n\nMatt shook his head. \"You know you can't touch me. All I have to do is call an adult and this conversation will be over.\"\n\n\"Fine…but why? Why did you do this? Are you so interested in destroying my reputation?\" Xavier let him go.\n\nThe smaller cub waved his finger. \"Because the news is nothing without a juicy story or two.\"\n\n\"You're a piece of work you know that?\" The chipmunk was beside himself in disappointment.\n\nThe otter smiled. \"The deed is done, Xavier. There is nothing that can be changed.\"\n\n\"You're not my friend anymore. \" The bigger boy turned away as if intending to leave.\n\nMatt shrugged. \"Suit yourself. You never treated me like a friend anyways. Go hang out with your little boyfriend.\"\n\nThe otter felt no guilt whatsoever. Gossip was already spreading. The rumor was wide. Chaos was ensuing and the order of things had been challenged. It was just what he wanted.\n\nXavier walked away, no longer interested in talking to the boy. He hung his head low. Disappointed in himself and Pent. Part of him thought that someone had seen them hug yesterday. That had to be the reason this happened, he told himself. But he figured he was too upset to deal with it right now. He needed time to cool down before he talked about it with his boyfriend.\n\nPent was experiencing a different version of the abuse. Very few people knew who the article was talking about. People were still picking on him for being a nerd. The fox was more than experienced in ignoring what people said. But even he had heard about the article. The hushed whispers of the star lacrosse player and the nerdy fox boy were talked enough about that he knew of it. The fox felt an immense sense of guilt that they had been discovered.\n\nThe fox was pretty distracted that day. He was sullen and withdrawn, closing himself entirely back into his books. Trying to not think about the issue didn't work. He thought about Xavier and what he might be dealing with. He knew everyone knew who he was and that he likely needed his support. The fox just wasn't sure if it was appropriate with all of the rumors flying around.\n\nIt was midway through the first period and Xavier asked to be excused from class. He wanted to go to peer counseling. His grades had been improving to the point that his teachers didn't mind as much him leaving. The first teacher had also noticed he was moping around today and that he wasn't grouping up like he normally did. So she wasn't about to decline the request.\n\nXavier exited the room. His gaze remained focused on the tiles on the floor. A frown on his face as he was still rather distraught. The chipmunk walked into the peer counseling room. The adult taking care of the front desk asked him for a pass and he provided it. The cub was then shown to a back room where he requested Santiago as they'd spoken about the same issue in the past.\n\nSantiago was called from his class. As one of the more popular counselors, it was something they permitted so long as he wasn't doing anything like a test. He showed up before long in the room and noticed the chipmunk from the other day in his shared space. The squirrel sat down at the desk and looked at him.\n\n\"Ah, Xavier. What brings you back?\" He asked to get things started.\n\nThe chipmunk was hunched over, handing over the school tabloid he had in his hands. \"This.\"\n\n\"I don't keep up with school drama so can you just tell me what the problem with it is?\" Santiago thought it was a strange purpose.\n\nThe younger cub sighed. \"There is an article about me and that boy I told you about last time.\"\n\n\"Oh? So you told him your feelings then? Well, that's good.\" The older boy failed to see the issue.\n\nThe cub nodded softly. \"Yeah…but that's not what this is about. I didn't want people to find out we're dating…and now there are rumors are flying that we are.\"\n\n\"So what? You told me before you both have feelings for each other. Why does it have to be kept private?\" Santiago wanted to understand the issue.\n\nXavier buried his face in his hands. \"Because I didn't want people to think that I'm gay.\"\n\n\"I know having feelings for someone of the same sex is difficult for you. You told me as much last time. But…you gotta stop worrying about what people will think about you.\" The squirrel remembered making a similar comment last time.\n\nThe chipmunk stammered. \"B-b-but…\"\n\n\"I understand you want people to like you and whatnot. It's just natural to want to fit in. But people will need to accept your relationship for what it is. Gay or not, it's ultimately what makes both of you happy.\" Santiago was blunt and to the point as usual.\n\nThe younger boy thought to himself. \"I guess.\"\n\n\"I'm sure people are making fun of you. It's not like the whole gay thing is anyone wants to admit and your peers are afraid of it. You're no different than anyone else. Eventually, people will accept it for what it is…so maybe you just embrace it and live your life.\" The squirrel continued to try to convince him.\n\nXavier looked at him. \"Maybe…but I doubt it.\"\n\n\"Ultimately it's up to you to decide. You're old enough to make your own decisions. Just make sure it's something you can live with.\" Santiago leaned back in his chair.\n\nThe rodent still wasn't sure. \"Thanks.\"\n\nThe squirrel wrote him a pass and handed it to him. \"Feel free to stop by if you need to talk again. Hang in there alright?\"\n\nXavier nodded and left the room. He began thinking to himself. The talk with Santiago hadn't helped. He was thinking about spending time away from Pent. Telling himself that if people didn't see them together that the rumors would die out. Sure he liked being with Pent but was it worth being called gay? It was a tradeoff he wasn't sure he wanted to make.\n\nFrom that point until lunch Xavier continued to think to himself. Rationalizing in his mind that it was time to spend time away from Pent. After all his parents had told him to and he had fallen right back into the trap of his desires. The constant badgering\n and pointing of cubs at him from across the hall, the wayward stares as he passed, and the hushed whispers that he was all too certain were about him. It was all too much for him to bare. He wanted it to be over with sooner rather than later.\n\nBy lunchtime, he had made up his mind. Xavier was going to tell Pent he wanted to spend time apart. He just needed to make sure to do it away from everyone else so that no one got any ideas. The chipmunk stood in front of the lunch room waiting for the other boy. The fox hadn't had quite as bad of a day but was still dealing with his usual bullies who never seemed to let up. But so far no one had confronted him about being together with Xavier.\n\nPent approached before long and the chipmunk called him over to a staircase where they could hide and talk. The fox still felt bad about the article and blamed himself for it.\n\n\"Hey, Pent. How was your day?\" Xavier asked as to not let in on his intention.\n\nPent shrugged. \"Nothing special, I suppose. Hopefully, the other kids aren't giving you trouble about the article?\"\n\n\"You could say that…haha. I was kind of hoping we could talk about it.\" The chipmunk wasn't sure has his boyfriend would react.\n\nThe fox cocked an eyebrow. \"Sure? What about it?\"\n\n\"Well…I was kind of thinking we can spend some time apart….you know….until rumors settle down. Would you be okay with that?\" Xavier got right to the point as he was hungry.\n\nPent murmured. \"You mean you don't want to hang out anymore?\"\n\n\"Just for now…okay? I just don't want the rumors to get any worse than they already are….please?\" The chipmunk pleaded with his boyfriend.\n\nThe fox forced a smile. \"Okay…\"\n\n\"Thanks, Pent. I appreciate it.\" The chipmunk walked away and back to the lunch room.\n\nPent felt alone again. Just as he had been before. Feeling like he'd been abandoned by the one he loved. A sense of disappointment filled him. He didn't understand why hanging out with his boyfriend was such a problem. He didn't understand why people card so much. All he knew is that it hurt him and it made him feel empty inside. He dragged himself into the lunch room and grabbed himself a tray to eat. Not even bothering to thank the lunch worker as he usually did.\n\nThe fox sat by himself for the first time in a while. He'd gotten used to sitting near Xavier and not having him nearby made him feel even more lonely. Loneliness had become something new for him. The desire for company….the need for socialization. Something he had only too recently become used to. Pent slowly worked himself through eating, no one paying him any attention. It was just like the old days.\n\nEven after school, Xavier kept his distance from the other cub. Pent thought their relationship could be over again. His negative state of mind hinders any sense of hope he might have otherwise experienced. His brother even noticed they weren't hanging out like they usually had been the last few weeks.\n\n\"Where is Xae?\" The younger boy asked his brother.\n\nPent came up with a quick white lie. \"Hanging out with someone else.\"\n\nSamaliel dropped the issue after that as it didn't seem like an unlikely possibility since Xavier was popular. Within a day Pent had already returned to his old ways of shutting himself into a book. Sitting along constantly. Always thinking to himself about things. About school… his grades and Xavier. Fortunately, he was still able to focus on school and continued to keep his grades up.\n\nA week had passed and peer counseling had already been notified of the lonely fox boy at lunch and in the halls. The same fox boy who shut himself off from the world at large. It was a patient that Santiago knew all too well and one that he decided to take up again. Santiago decided to confront the boy one morning. He had been reported in the same spot under the tree out front so he knew exactly where to find him.\n\n\"I hear you've been having trouble with other cubs again, Pent?\" The squirrel squatted down in front of the boy who had his face in another thick book.\n\nThe white fox wasn't in the mood to talk. \"No.\"\n\n\"I can't help you if you don't talk to me.\" Santiago knew of ways to get under kids' skin when push came to shove.\n\nPent huffed. \"I'm fine.\"\n\n\"You're not fine. I don't like seeing cubs alone. Where are your friends?\" The squirrel forgot that Pent had very few of them.\n\nThe fox grumbled. \"Nowhere….\"\n\n\"I see. Well…if you're not going to talk then I suppose you don't need a pass to the book fair later?\" Santiago wondered if a little incentive might spark the cub's interest.\n\nThe white fox slid his book down a bit. \"I don't have money.\"\n\n\"What if I told you we're giving out free book passes to students today? Would you like one?\" The squirrel pulled out a small ticket from his pocket and showed it to Pent.\n\nThe younger boy finally put the book in his lap. \"Any book?\"\n\n\"Yup…but you have to tell me what's wrong. That's the deal.\" He closed his hand over it.\n\nPent sighed. \"No one likes me.\"\n\n\"I suppose they are picking on you again?\" The rodent was certain that was the case.\n\nThe fox shrugged. \"It's not that. I don't even care about that anymore.\"\n\n\"Then what is it?\" Santiago sat down next to him.\n\nPent wondered if he should tell him but he wanted that ticket. \"You remember that boy I told you about?\"\n\n\"Yeah, what about him?\" The squirrel listened intently and started to take notes.\n\nThe younger boy looked down at the floor. \"Well…we started dating and I thought it was going well.\"\n\n\"Did you guys break up then?\" Santiago wondered if the relationship may have been short-lived.\n\nThe fox started twiddling his fingers as if nervous. \"I dunno. He was upset about a school article that made people think he was gay.\"\n\nSantiago recalled a similar conversation the other day with Xavier. He wasn't 100% sure but it was likely who he was talking about. However, he knew he couldn't bring it up because of the school's privacy rules in peer counseling.\n\n\"Did it bother you that the article was written?\" The squirrel wanted to know how he felt.\n\nPent thought to himself. \"I guess not because I was already picked on but I felt bad for him.\"\n\n\"How come?\" The older boy continued to take notes.\n\nThe fox frowned. \"Because it was my fault. I hugged him at the lacrosse game and I think someone saw…\"\n\n\"Oh, I see. Well, I don't think it's your fault. It sounds like he's just worried about what people think.\" Santiago felt like a broken record from the other day.\n\nThe cub murmured a bit. \"I guess. Now he doesn't want to hang out anymore.\"\n\n\"That sucks. How did that make you feel when he told you that?\" The squirrel couldn't help but feel bad for him.\n\nThe younger boy sighed. \"He made me feel sad and abandoned. Like I was completely alone again. I'm tired of being lonely, Santiago…I just one person who will stand by me no matter what….\"\n\n\"I'm sorry you feel that way but your feelings are important. Did you tell him that?\" The teen was certain this wasn't the case.\n\nPent shook his head. \"No.\"\n\n\"Then maybe you should?\" The older boy made a suggestion he felt would fall short.\n\nThe fox thought to himself. \"I'll be fine.\"\n\nSantiago handed him the ticket, feeling like it was all for naught. The cub soon closed himself back up in the book. Shutting himself off from the world. The teen could hear something sounding like sniffling. He wanted to intervene in the issue himself but every fiber of his being told him he shouldn't. He wanted to confront Xavier and set things right but he knew he couldn't. \n\nSantiago began to think of other ways to solve their problem. He couldn't just invite them in for a session together. They would both know he had spoken to each of them. There had to be some external reasoning outside of the issues in their relationship. He continued to work it out in his head but he wasn't sure there was a solution to solve the little problem he was facing. It was like nothing he'd ever dealt with before.\n\nPent continued isolating himself throughout the day. Xavier had found a group of friends who didn't believe the rumors. He'd even created a false girlfriend for himself to dispel any further rumors. Of course, he hoped Pent wouldn't hear about it but he figured it was unlikely since he knew the fox talked to no one else. The chipmunk was rather happy that the rumors had started to die down.\n\nThat day at lunch Pent sat at the end of the tables by himself as he had been doing the past few days. There was a fair amount of space between him and the other cubs at the table. Xavier had noticed the fox sitting alone quite a few days in the past and had never gotten up to join him. The chipmunk's guilt was starting to get to him. Seeing the fox there by himself reminded him of before he met the cub. He looked back at his old boyfriend a few times but didn't go over.\n\nAfter school, Pent's negativity had begun to take hold in his mind. He was under the impression that Xavier didn't want to hang out with him anymore. The rumors of the supposed new girlfriend that Xavier himself had made their way to Pent's ears. The fox was upset and jealous once again. His loneliness and sense of abandonment serve only to make him even angrier.\n\nThe fox finally decided to confront Xavier after school. It was apparent to him that it was over with. The familiar sense of a fake friendship….a fake relationship stirred within him. He wanted these feelings gone. To return to the norm of life before things without Xavier. To be completely alone and without anyone in the world. The downtrodden fox walked with his hung head low out of the school, ready to take matters into his hand.\n\nPent found Xavier hanging with his latest friends. None of them are longstanding. Most of them hung around with him simply because he was the star lacrosse player. He had his arms around one of the girls. Yet another wolf girl who had found his fancy. Pent's jealousy spurred up within him as he walked up to his\n old boyfriend. \n\n\"Can we talk?\" The fox said avoiding the other cub's gaze.\n\nXavier stared him down. \"Not here, Pent….\"\n\n\"No, here…now…no excuses….nothing.\" Pent stood his ground making it apparent he was upset.\n\nThe chipmunk was confused. \"What's wrong?\"\n\n\"You are. I thought you were my friend and all you've been doing is avoiding me. I thought you liked me.\" The fox was trying to not get overly emotional.\n\nXavier murmured. \"I am your friend. I do like you.\"\n\n'Then why did you lie to me? Why did you tell me what you did when all you've done is lead me on?\" The white cub's eyes started tearing up.\n\nThe brown-furred cub didn't know how to respond, especially with others around. \"Pent…\"\n\n\"It's over, Xavier. If you're so worried about what people think about our friendship…about hanging out with me….about….you know….then I'm not interested. Just leave me alone. I don't need you. I don't need anyone.\" Pent wiped his face of the tears still trying to be strong.\n\nThe smaller boy stood there dumbfounded. \"But…\"\n\n\"But, nothing. It's clear who you've chosen to be with and it's not me, Xae.\" Pent making his way past the other cub.\n\nXavier stopped the cub and grabbed his wrist, pushing him to the ground. \"Don't blame me for this…It's all your fault…\"\n\nThe fox's eyes grew wide with anger. He wasn't about to put up with nonsense from anyone. He swept his legs underneath the cub and tripped him in one fell swoop. Standing back up to make sure Xavier knew he meant business. The chipmunk couldn't believe what just happened. He tried to stand back up but the fox stepped on him to keep him down. The crowd around them cheered \"Fight…Fight…Fight.\"\n\nThe moment the chanting happened a member of administration came out to investigate. The large bulldog of a woman broke his way through the crowd of kids. Seeing the familiar sight of two boys having a scuffle. She grabbed the white fox's hand and pulled him down before getting the chipmunk off the ground.\n\n\"You two are coming with me….now.\" The woman said in a stern tone.\n\nThe principal was more than strong enough to drag both of the cubs by their wrists to her office. She had zero tolerance for fights, regardless of whether they escalated to actual violence or not. She sat on her desk. Her many military medals and an old uniform were donned behind her in a small glass frame. \n\n\"Explain yourselves. Names and your side of the story. You first.\" She pointed at the chipmunk.\n\nThe brown-furred boy stared intently at Pent before looking at her. \"My name is Xavier. He came over to me and tried to start something….I just wanted to defend myself.\"\n\nShe looked at the fox who was looking at the floor. Pent had never been in trouble before and his tail was between his legs.\n\n\"And yourself?\" She said expecting an answer.\n\nThe fox grumbled. \"My name is Pent…he grabbed me by the wrist and threw me down so I just tripped him so I could avoid getting hurt.\"\n\nShe had seen neither of them before. The woman went to her computer to check their student records. \n\n\"Each of you bring me your student id card. No funny business or I will have you escorted out by the police. Is that clear?\" She warned them.\n\nXavier nodded and brought his up followed by Pent who did the same. Xavier's record had a few suspensions but nothing recent. Pent's on the other hand was spot clean with nothing of the sort. She texted both of their parents to make sure they knew he would be late.\n\n\"And what do you two think caused this little conflict?\" She said looking up from the computer, pointing at Pent first this time.\n\nThe fox sighed. \"Because he lied to me. He pretends to be my friend and then doesn't want to hang out with me….because he's worried what people think about him then he tells me he has feelings and doubles back on that too…\"\n\n\"Is this true?\" She looked back at the chipmunk.\n\nXavier stuttered. \"No! I would never have gay feelings for some boy, especially some….nerd!\"\n\nPent felt his heart sink even more. He looked to the floor. Already thought it was over, this was just more proof this was the case.\n\n\"And what do you think caused this then?\" The principal wanted his side of the story.\n\nThe chipmunk came up with a white lie on the spot. \"He won't leave me alone. He has a crush on me and won't accept that I'm not into him. I have a girlfriend. I'm not interested and I told him as much. People already think I'm a nerd because I tried to be nice.\"\n\nThe fox had a frown on his face. Anger was replaced by the innate sadness that came with betrayal. He wanted to leave. To be alone.\n\n\"What do you propose as a solution?\" The bulldog pointed at the Chipmunk.\n\nXavier scowled. \"For him to leave me alone. Forever. I want nothing to do with him anymore.\"\n\n\"And you?\" The principal felt like this was going nowhere.\n\n\"That sounds fine to me. I don't need him anyways. Can I go home now?\" Pent wanted to be done with this.\n\n\"You take the bus according to your file? I will arrange for someone to come pick you up.\" She shot a quick email over to the school transportation department.\n\nThe woman wasn't sure why he had agreed when he had seemed so fiery before. \"Then it is settled. I don't want to see you two near each other again. No suspension will be issued. Pent you may go home. Xavier, you will remain here for a moment so that you two can be separated.\"\n\nThe white fox got up and grabbed his backpack. His back was still covered in dirt from the little scuffle. He just wanted to go home. Friendship was a lie. Lost to him. Hope was non-existent. To him, the only person he had in the world was his brother. Everyone else was despicable, and terrible, and didn't care for him.\n\nXavier sat there for a few minutes. His anger had driven his actions. The adrenaline of his rage had caused his decision to say what he did. The chipmunk waited until he was dismissed and slowly walked out of the school. He was frustrated and angry. Telling himself that he didn't need Pent anymore. To his irrational state of mind, he had done it purely for the other cub, no part of him wanted it.\n\nThe chipmunk returned outside and looked around to see if the fox was anywhere. Pent was standing on the corner already reading another book. He turned around so that he didn't have to look at him. The brown-furred cub saw that his father was already waiting for him. Upon seeing the car he figured he'd be in trouble for being late. The man had already been briefly told what happened but didn't have a full picture of the details.\n\nThe older male opened the front door as he wanted to his son's side of the story. Xavier crossed his arms defensively the moment he entered the car. A scowl on his face, looking to be rather annoyed.\n\n\"The Principal texted me to tell me you almost got into a fight with another boy today. I thought you were over this nonsense?\" The man was disappointed in the boy.\n\nXavier huffed. \"I don't want to talk about it.\"\n\n\"Well, you're going to. Your mother was already worried sick that you went and got yourself hurt again.\" He started the car and headed out of the school pick-up loop.\n\nThe boy whined. \"Not right now.\"\n\n\"Since you're not going to cooperate, we're just going to have to ground you even longer.\" He made a threat that he figured would work.\n\nXavier turned his head. \"I don't care.\"\n\n\"You're a stubborn fool sometimes you know that? Suit yourself. You're grounded for a month unless you tell us what happened.\" The man knew his wife would support his decision on the long duration of the punishment.\n\nThe chipmunk sighed. \"Fine.\"\n\nThey were silent for the remainder of the car ride. Xavier was still beside himself with anger. He couldn't think straight. All he knew was that he was upset. His father's threats of punishment meant nothing to him. He took out his phone and deleted Pent from his contact list. He wanted nothing more to do with the fox. It was over with. He didn't have to live a \"lie\" anymore, he told himself.\n\nPent was picked up and taken home by a member of the school transportation staff. The cub had no desire to talk. He dug his snout into another book. The all-too-familiar reality of bottling up his emotions was something he was used to. Books were the only friends…the only comfort he had outside of his home life. He hoped that Samaliel wouldn't ask about his day but he was almost certain that he would.\n\nThe fox kit arrived home to find his brother waiting for him in the living room. Samaliel assumed his brother had gone to a club or something. \n\n\"Sorry, I'm late.\" The older fox said as he shuffled his shoes off.\n\nSamaliel shrugged. \"It's fine. How was school?\"\n\n\"Fine. Nothing special happened.\" Pent didn't want to talk about what happened.\n\nThe salt and pepper fox was curious. \"Why were you late then?\"\n\n\"I stayed after to help Mr. Bernard.\" The bigger boy came up with a lie of his own to deter the issue.\n\nSamaliel nodded. \"Oh, that's cool. What did you all work on?\"\n\n\"Something with heat displacement.\" It was what they went over in Science today and made sense enough to him.\n\nThe smaller boy smiled. \"Sweet. Do you want to go ahead and make dinner?\"\n\n\"Yeah, sure.\" Pent walked away, allowing Samaliel to see the dirt on his back and tail.\n\nThe younger boy couldn't help but ask. \"Hey, Pent. Why is your backside dirty?\"\n\n\"I laid down on the floor during lunch.\" The fox didn't want his brother to know what happened.\n\nSamaliel decided to let the issue go and the two made food together. There were no signs that something was bothering Pent. He was very good about hiding his emotions, at least when he was around other people. Pent didn't like to have his younger brother worried about him, no matter what the issue was. It wasn't until that night that Samaliel got some hints that there was more to it than his brother was letting on.\n\nBefore Pent went to the bathroom to get cleaned up for the night, he ripped off his necklace. Thinking to himself what\n he could do with it so his brother didn't ask where it was. Taking it off made him feel even more empty and lost. Staring at the thing before finally flushing it down the toilet. He had no intention of pursuing the friendship let alone the relationship with the other boy. \n\nPent took much longer in the shower than usual. Closing his eyes, trying to wipe out the memory of his former crush. He didn't want to think about it anymore. It made him feel upset. By the time he stepped out and dried himself his fur was matted and the skin underneath was pruned. Still, he felt a little bit better now than he did before as a cold shower was always a bit therapeutic for him.\n\nSamaliel and Pent soon retired to bed. The older fox looked out the window as he always did. The comfort from the gazing starlight pierced through him. The day had been a lot for him to take in. The pain he was experiencing still hadn't gone away. It continued to well up inside of him, trying with all of his will to not let it go. But it was not meant to be. The cub began to sob, sniffling rather audibly.\n\n\"Pent?\" Samaliel hadn't yet fallen asleep.\n\nThe white fox didn't respond. Still trying to control himself but his bodily desire to give in was just too much. His crying grew steadily louder until his brother could ignore it no longer. Climbing down the bunk bed until he was sitting next to the bigger cub. Pent was balled up into the fetal position, his eyes red and with tears flowing down his cheeks.\n\n\"What's wrong?\" The salt and pepper fox wanted to help.\n\nPent mumbled in a broken voice. \"N-nothing…\"\n\n\"It's nothing. Something happened today, didn't it? Did someone pick on you again?\" Samaliel knew full well that Pent dealt with bullies on frequent occasions.\n\nThe white fox covered his face. \"N-no…\"\n\n\"Then what is it? I can't try to help you if you don't tell me.\" The smaller boy stroked his brother's back to try to comfort him.\n\nThe older boy sniffled again. \"X-Xavier d-doesn't w-want t-to b-be f-friends a-anymore.\"\n\n\"Oh…did you guys fight?\" Samaliel began to understand the situation.\n\nPent nodded. \"I-I g-guess…\"\n\nThe white fox started crying again as he broke down further. \"It will be okay, Pent. I'm sure you will make a new friend.\"\n\n\"N-no…n-o…n-oo….f-f-friends.\" Pent cried into his brother's shoulder.\n\nSamaliel held his hand behind Pent's back and stroked his head. \"You liked him, huh?\"\n\nThe younger fox had never seen his brother this emotional over something. Pent had never told him about his feelings for the chipmunk but this made him suspicious of something more than friendship. Samaliel was familiar with the idea of crushes. Even at his age, it was something some of his friends had talked about before. The older fox continued to weep into his brother's shoulder.\n\n\"Oh, Pent... I'm sorry he hurt your feelings.\" The salt and pepper fox could feel his shoulder getting damp.\n\nIt took a bit for Pent to settle down before he could talk again. The younger brother continued to try to offer support for him. Pent's eyes were beet red and still rather teary.\n\n\"Sorry…\" Pent wiped his eyes, feeling guilty about breaking down.\n\nSamaliel smiled. \"It's fine, Pent. You're feelings matter…You can't just bottle them up all the time. Besides…I've cried on you plenty of times. It's only fair.\"\n\n\"Thanks.\" The fox sniffled again.\n\nThe salt and pepper fox looked at him eye to eye. \"Can I ask you something?\"\n\n\"Yeah, Sama.\" Pent tried forcing a smile.\n\nThe younger cub tried to be serious. \"Did you, you know ….like-like him?\"\n\n\"Sama…\"The older boy was familiar with the vernacular but still wasn't sure he should tell him.\n\nThe smaller boy smiled. \"Come on, Pent. I told you about my crush. You can tell me anything.\"\n\n\"Yes, Sama. I did…but that doesn't matter anymore. He lied to me.\" Pent frowned.\n\nSamaliel hugged his brother. \"I understand. Just try and get some sleep tonight.\"\n\nPent forced a smile and hugged the younger boy back. \"I'll try.\"\n\nThe two boys broke their embrace before going back to bed. Pent had left out most of the details of his relationship with Xavier as he still thought the cub was too young to know. He peered out the window again. The stars gazed back at him. One piercing across the sky with a streaking light. He made no wish, he simply was too broken to even bother with it. Eventually, fatigue took over his mind and he fell asleep.\n\nXavier had a much less emotional night. He had remained in his room at the behest of his parent's will. They were upset with him. They thought he had changed and that he was passed all this. He didn't care. He just wanted to be alone. Sitting in his bed, he took the scorbunny plush that Pent had won him and threw it against the wall. Tearing off the medallion from his neck and throwing it in the garbage.\n\nThe chipmunk didn't want to do anything. He just wanted to sulk in his misery. His version of loneliness was different. It wasn't that he didn't have friends, it was just he always thought there was more. The idea of friendship was fleeting to him, never long-term, and always fleeting. He didn't truly value it. It was something of a novelty for him. Sometimes for popularity and others for the sake of companionship.\n\nXavier had very few true friends. Most of them were attracted to him for his popularity. But since that had died off, he had lost many of them. Now he was left with a shell of his social circle. The constant desire of trying to be accepted was something that rang all too true for him. Yet the young cub always seemed to manage it, at least until now.\n\nThe brown-furred cub was still upset. Angry more at Pent than himself. Still blaming the other boy. Like he was out to get him and decrease his status even more. His feelings for the boy were being suppressed again. His anger and sometimes self-centered attitude overrode any other sense of emotion he might have felt. After all a young cub may not truly understand themselves until what they once had was lost.\n\nAt dinner, Xavier was without words. His parents couldn't help but notice either. They tried talking to him but he was in no mood to respond. It was apparent to them that he was still upset about what had happened. They began to think there was something more to it than just another fight. He even turned down ice cream which was even more concerning to the two parents as they knew he had a sweet tooth.\n\nXavier washed up and retired to bed. The chipmunk's anger hadn't subsided at all. Resting his mind was proving difficult. It took some time before he finally fell asleep. Even with his mind clouded by anger he still dreamed. A dream of himself entirely alone. Without a friend in the world. Isolated without anyone in the world. The cub who looked all too much like himself soon became Pent. He looked upon the cub but he would not turn to help him, instead leaving him to suffer. A life no one should live and yet he seemed fine to condemn the other to it. ", "writing_bbcode_parsed": "Tabloid Tales by Pent Ghelsburg

Disclaimer: The characters depicted in this work are purely fictional. Any resemblance to persons alive or dead is purely coincidental. They are the original and rightful intellectual property of their creators. I use them with permission and respect. This work involves underaged characters. You have been warned.\t

\tSeveral days came and passed like the wind. The weather continued to warm up and snow had all but melted from the floor. Cubs of all ages were returning to the outdoors and with it, the return of spring had become all too real. Spring break was still several weeks off but the radio's had already begun to talk about it. Virtually every channel mentioned either in passing or through some advertisement that they had been paid to do.

\tXavier and Pent hadn't hung out since their last sleepover together. The chipmunk's parents suggested that Xavier spend some time with other friends. While they understood he cared for Pent, they also understood he shouldn't ignore his other friends. After all, he had already complained about losing friends and they didn't want him to lose more. Still, they were happy he seemed so much more comfortable with their relationship now.

\tOn Thursday at school, Xavier was out and about before classes started. The school lacrosse team had already begun recruiting and he already convinced himself that he wasn't going to join. He had asked his parents to let him try out for a private team. He didn't want to have to deal with the pressure from teammates about his friendship with Pent. Until now he had kept their closer relationship under wraps.

\tXavier was outside, hanging out looking for someone to talk to. He saw the school lacrosse team hanging out around the corner but decided to avoid them. The chipmunk eventually came across Matthew who was hanging around with his latest girlfriend. The girl walked away as soon as the rodent approached.

"Oh, hey Xae. How goes it?" The otter asked the other boy.

Xavier smiled. "Good. Another one already, Matt?"

"You know me…I can't stand being alone. Besides Candice here is going to be the best one yet. Just wait!" The smaller cub seemed confident.

The bigger boy rolled his eyes. "That's good."

"I heard it didn't work out between you and Gloria. That sucks." The otter had heard about him being dumped through the grapevine.

The chipmunk shrugged. "It's fine. You were just trying to help."

"Did you find a new girlfriend yet? I mean you're the star lacrosse player I can't imagine that you wouldn't have people interested in something." Matt tried to think to himself of who could be a possible match.

Xavier shook his head. "I'm not interested. I'm seeing someone. I'm not single anymore."

"Oh? Who's the lucky girl?" He tried to brown-nose the boy thinking he could get it out of him.

The bigger cub shook his finger. "Don't worry about it. That's none of your business."

"Aw…come on, Xae. As long as we've known each other. Why can't you tell me?" The otter was dumbfounded as to why his friend was hiding this important news.

Xavier shook his head. "Nah, dude. Just let it go."

"Please?" He continued to plead with his friend.

The rodent rolled his eyes. "The answer is no."

"Fine but this isn't over…I will find out one way or another."  Matthew warned him.

Xavier sighed. "Look, I'd just appreciate it if you let it go. Why does it matter so much to you?"

"Because of gossip, my friend. Juicy…gossip!" The smaller cub loved drama even when he wasn't involved in it.

The chipmunk sighed. "Please just let it go, alright?"

"Fine. I don't know what the big deal is." Matt figured he would tell him eventually.

"Thanks. I just want to keep it private." The bigger boy further explained his reasoning.

The otter shrugged. "Suit yourself. I hope it works out. Can't blame me for being curious, I hope."

"Naw, haha. I know you're into that stuff." The rodent forced a smile.

Xavier and Matt parted ways. Curiosity began to burn within the young otter. He wanted to know who it was more than anything. Just why was his friend trying to hide it? The possibilities began to run rampant in his mind.

Over the next few days, Matt started checking in on Xavier more periodically. The otter didn't make himself apparent to the other boy and only kept an eye on him during lunch. Xavier hadn't been sitting by anyone in particular. Each day he checked the chipmunk was with someone different. Even in the halls when he passed his old friend, he was either alone or with someone else.

Xavier had been working on repairing his image again, trying to hang out with more people. Of course, he still hung around with Pent but the idea of being found out was very much in the back of his mind. He wanted nothing less than to be discovered. Pent didn't seem to mind either as the cub knew how his boyfriend felt about it and wasn't brave enough to venture into the realm of public knowledge just yet.

Matt had begun to lose hope that he'd ever find out. He was checking in on Xavier every once in a while but it seemed stupid to keep going at it. He began to think the other cub was beginning to be lying. He hadn't seen him do romantic with anyone. The otter contemplated his options. Perhaps Xavier just wanted to fly solo? He couldn't be sure and questions circulated in his mind.

One day after school Matt was mingling with his latest girlfriend. The girl was all over him with hugs and being rather too touchy-feely for his liking. He saw Xavier hanging with the white fox boy who he still didn't remember the name of. The nerd he heard so much about that rumors dictated "destroyed" Xavier's social status. He still wondered why he hung out with the boy but supposed it didn't matter.

Matt watched them far afar. Not quite able to read lips but the two seemed rather comfortable around each other. He had seen the fox boy around and noticed he barely spoke to anyone. He couldn't help but wonder how cubs on such ends of the social spectrum could end up as friends together. It was an issue he always kept at the back of his mind even if he never brought it up to Xavier.

Xavier and Pent were over by the car loop. The fox wasn't going home with his boyfriend today but they still enjoyed time together even when they couldn't hang out. They had been very good about not being public about their relationship. Never hugging…kissing….or anything else that seemed romantic in front of other people. Instead of keeping it behind closed doors. Neither boy is ready to make that leap just yet.

Time had continued to pass and still nothing seemed suspicious to Matt. He had all but given up on finding out who it was. Xavier had been ignoring him out of fear that he'd be asked about it again. It wasn't something the otter had thought about as he was much too concerned about knowing the hidden truth.  He had all but stopped checking in on Xavier.  He had forgotten to be diligent about it and he soon turned his mind to other things.

One day during recess he again noticed Xavier was hanging out with Pent. Sitting next to him and reading a book with him. The two of them sharing a book seem unconcerned with the world. Smiles on both of their faces. The otter had never seen the chipmunk read before. This seemed odd to him. He knew the fox boy was a bookworm but how had he convinced him to read a book with him?

Then he began to notice a pattern. The two boys seemed to hang out a lot. Xavier had fallen back into the habit of just hanging out with the fox. He had forgotten about his other friends again. In his mind, he just wanted to be around Pent. The concern of arousing suspicion as to something other than friendship never occurred in his mind. From Matt's perspective, they seemed to be closer than just friends.

Yet, it remained just a guess.  He hadn't seen them do anything suspicious outright. They just seemed like good friends who hung out a lot together. He didn't even know that they hung out outside of school. Still, he hadn't seen Xavier around a single girl lately and that made him wonder even more. He couldn't help but think that Xavier was lying and that he was single but he couldn't be sure.

Matt decided to ask around. He knew most of the students in his grade level that were equally into gossip. All of them knew who Xavier was but none of them reported seeing the chipmunk hanging around any girls lately. They last saw him with Gloria and everyone knew how that ended. When he mentioned the fox boy, none of them knew what he was talking about. It seemed like he had reached a dead end.

At gym class that day, Matt witnessed something happen that he wholly did not expect. They were in the lockers. He was in the same class as Xavier and Pent, even if they seldom grouped up.  The otter wasn't the most physically active cub either, instead often finding himself lazing about doing gym. So usually he would make up some story and sit on the bleachers so he didn't have to do physical activity.

Xavier and Pent were in the middle. Both cubs were shirtless and laughing at each other about something. Some members of the school lacrosse team came up to them, attempting to start trouble.

"Hey, nerds!" A bear boy stood with his arms crossed defensively.

The chipmunk looked over at them. He recognized all of them but knew none of their names.

"What? Cat got your tongues? Not going to say anything?" A burly cat backed his friend up.

Pent wasn't one to say anything unless someone tried getting aggressive with him. He eyed them warily. They remained silent.

"Stupid Nerds...Are the babies afraid?" The bear continued to goad them on.

Xavier looked over at Pent who didn't seem nearly as bothered as he was. The fox had gotten used to being bullied and this was tame compared to some things he'd dealt with in the past. The cat approached the chipmunk and tried shoving him to get a rise out of him. It was the first time someone had tried to start a fight with him. The fox simply grabbed his boyfriend's wrist in an attempt to ease any anger he was feeling.

The chipmunk had never been an overly assertive cub but he'd also never had to deal with badgering from other people before. He was feeling more annoyed than anything else but it
 wasn't enough for him to boil over.

"Leave us alone." Xavier finally spoke.

The two lacrosse players seemed surprised. "Oh, he speaks. Such a brave one…"

"What's your problem anyhow? Why is it such a big deal that we're friends?" The chipmunk had asked the question in his mind countless times.

The bear looked at him with an angry scowl. "Because he's a nerd…you're a nerd. Why is that hard to understand?"

"You're just jealous that I chose to be his friend over being on the team with you all." Xavier stood up defiantly.

The cat hissed at him. "We're not jealous. We don't like nerds."

"I don't care if you think I'm a nerd or not. Pent is my best friend and there isn't anything you can do to change that." The chipmunk looked down at the fox and smiled at him.

Xavier had stood up for Pent before but it wasn't something that Matt was aware of. The otter continued to watch in interest. The two lacrosse players stormed away. It was clear they were getting nowhere.

"Sorry, Pent. I don't know why they keep bothering us." Xavier felt bad about it.

Pent shrugged. "It's fine. Thanks for standing up for us."

"Of course. Let's head to gym class." The two cubs finished getting dressed and made their way to the court.

Matt didn't think it was that odd that someone would stand up for a friend but it still seemed weird to him that he stood up for the nerd. It didn't quite add up, at least in his naïve sense of reasoning. However, he wasn't entirely sure if he should drop the issue. He knew if he found out who Xavier was going out with that it would be front-page news for the school tabloid. To have his name as the source was priceless to him.

It wasn't until that weekend that he finally got the break he was looking for. Xavier had finally joined the local lacrosse team. Word of him making the jump to a private squad was all over the school. Some of his biggest fans were already planning to go and watch him at his first game. A few of them had even shown up to his practices, something which the chipmunk boy never paid attention to.

Matt had decided to go as he had gone to Xavier's games in the past. He was also interested in seeing if the cub had gotten any better since the last game he attended.  Of course, the chipmunk had invited Pent who was more than happy to attend despite having no real understanding of the sport. Xavier had no idea how many of his fellow students were planning on attending the game and was in for quite a surprise.

The day of the game arrived and the day was one of bright sunlight and blazing heat. The private team was a smaller one that seldom attracted much of a crowd. It was the first game of the season and they had quite a few new players including Xavier himself. The coach had seen the chipmunk try out but had no idea just how good the boy was. The field had already been mowed and freshly chalked as the game was soon to begin.

The home team arrived first with their parents not long behind them. The members of the team arrived by bus with their parents coming by car to show their support. The bleachers had a large banner with the home team's serpent logo unfurled above it. Its green and grey colors flapping against the wind despite being tied against opposing columns. Some of the parents opened up some coolers to share with their fellow patrons.

Xavier stood in the locker room with the other members of his team. He had gotten to know very few of them. All he cared about was the game. He wanted to win and to show off his skills to Pent, who he was confident was in the crowd. The chipmunk wasn't nervous. His sense of focus remains unaltered as he spins the stick in his hand. The coach soon gave off words of confidence, which he didn't pay attention to.

The home team ran off onto the field to begin practicing before the game. The away team, donning crimson and gold on their jerseys was already out working their scrimmages. Pent arrived soon after taking a seat by himself, making sure to separate himself from the rest of the crowd but remaining on the side that Xavier told him to sit on. The fox was smothered in suntan lotion and wearing a hat to protect himself from the sunlight. He remembered that Xavier said he was number 9 and would be looking for that number throughout the game.

Matt had made his way as well. He found many of the other school kids in a corner of the serpent bleachers. Many of them were girls. He assumed one of them had to be the girlfriend that Xavier spoke of. He scanned through them and didn't recognize any of them as familiar. He decided to sit among them so he would go unnoticed. The crowd began to cheer as the first whistle was blown, calling both teams to the center.

Xavier took center field and the faceoff was held. Going against a much larger boar girl who snarled at him. The chipmunk smirked as the ball was thrown in the air and easily snatched it from her. Xavier retreated a bit, passing the ball to a member of his team who fumbled it. The Gryphon crested team picked up the ball soon making their way to the goal. Soon passed to another member of the team who quickly shot it and made the first goal.

The griffin's side of the bleachers roared in a cheer. In mere moments the score had slanted in their favor. Xavier grunted. He felt like his team had failed him. It seemed like he would have to take things into his own hands. The ball was collected by one of the referees and taken back to the center of the field. He found himself facing off against the same boar girl this time. The ref threw the ball into the air and stepped back.

Xavier quickly swooped forward and collected the ball. He rushed forward, rotating his body around the bigger girl. Snaking himself in between each of the defends, dekeing them out like it was no big deal. His teammates called to him to pass the ball. One of the last remaining defenders tried tackling him, swooping in under his feet to trip him. Xavier bounded over and shot the ball forward.

The cheer roared as he made a goal. Pent clapped at him. His little crowd of fangirls swooned and yelled at him. It was much louder than the cheering for the Gryphon squad and he couldn't help but smile at the attention he was getting. The two teams again returned to the center of the field and faced off again. This time the boar was able to get the ball but Xavier was able to steal it from her. Again the crowd roared in response to his success.

Two members of the other team ganged up on him. Coming in on him at once both trying to tackle him but coming up short as he squeezed through them. He passed the ball forward but again a member of his team dropped it. Xavier was quick to scoop the ball up again, taking the ball back towards the net and attempting another shot. This time the goalie was able to make the save and the score remained the same.

The game continued in much the same manner with Xavier more or less carrying his team. Many of his teammates were novices and it was their first game ever. The chipmunk was far and away the best player on both teams. Scoring three times and making more than a few attempted assists that never met their mark. However, it wasn't enough. The Gryphon team was able to come out on top by two more goals. After all, lacrosse was never designed as a solo ordeal.

When the game came to a close the Gryphon team celebrated together in the middle of the field. After the celebration toned down a bit the two teams met again for a team handshake. Many of the Gryphon players commented on Xavier who had almost single-handedly carried the other team. Even their coach tried to recruit him, a thought that remained in the back of his mind since his own teamed seemed to be lower level than himself.

Xavier's crew of fangirls paraded onto the field to find him once the handshake line had dispersed. They all crowded around him and began swooning over him. The sweaty chipmunk blushed and seemed sheepish around them. Matt continued to watch from afar, certain that he would see him hug one of them giving him the hint he'd been looking for. Yet instead what Xavier did surprised him.

Pent was behind the crowd of girls who were trying to get at Xavier. The chipmunk was very much swamped and overwhelmed. The boy tried getting through them. He just wanted to find Pent. All of these girls' fake interest in him meant nothing to him. He only wanted to see his boyfriend. He pushed his way through them, no longer interested in giving them any fanservice.

Xavier soon stood in front of Pent. The white fox smiled at him. Why was the chipmunk picking the boy over all the girls? Matt couldn't be certain but he continued to watch from afar.

"Thanks for coming, Pent." The chipmunk slicked back his sweaty fur.

The girls tried swarming him again. "Would you all leave me alone, please? I just want to hang out with my friend."

They whined at him but gave in. They knew not to push their limits soon walking away from him. All of them complained among themselves about the nerdy fox boy. Matt watched as they walked away. It was apparent that Xavier wasn't interested in them. He saw him standing alone there with the white fox cub.

"You are a really good player, Xae. I'm sorry you didn't win."

Xavier frowned a bit. "It's okay. Winning isn't everything besides they asked me to join their team."

Pent reached forward and hugged the other boy, purely out of instinct to comfort him. The hug lasted but a single second. Matt witnessed it as well. It certainly didn't last long but it made him wonder; Was Xavier dating the fox boy?  This was all he needed to act on his suspicions.

"Pent…not in public…okay?" Xavier looked around to make sure no one was looking at them.

"I'm sorry….I didn't think about it. Are you going to?" The fox said curiously.

The chipmunk shrugged. "It's alright. I don't think anyone saw it. I dunno. Maybe. I haven't decided yet."

"Whatever
 makes you happy. As long as you're having fun that's all that matters, right?" Pent tried to be positive.

Xavier shook his head. "I want to be the best one day but I guess your right."

"It's nice to have dreams. Is that what you want to be when you grow up?" The bigger boy had much more realistic aspirations than sports.

The brown-furred boy hummed. "I'm not sure. I haven't thought about it."

The two boys remained together until Xavier's parents picked him up. The fox went home as he had to spend time with his brother who was needing help with a test he was soon to be taking.

The night, Matt began spinning a story for the school tabloids. A poorly written editorial about school romances. Including all of the juicy details, he knew about some of the most popular students in the school. However, his feature story was about Xavier and how he was spending so much time with the fox boy. The hug they shared…and the prospect of a gay relationship in the school. He sent it in for approval.

The next day at school would be a rough one for both Xavier and Pent. The school tabloid wasn't something that was heavily monitored.  It was a student-let material that most of the adults in the school simply didn't care about it. It was something that most of the students knew about but rarely bothered reading except when it came to the gossip section. Matt's section was known as being the most popular and attracted the most interest among their peer group.

Xavier was the first to arrive that morning. Cubs were already pointing and laughing at him. They talked in whispers as he went by. He wasn't sure what was going on but was suspicious there was something behind it. Soon he came into the school where one of the members of the school journalism team was handing out the paper with the article on it. The chipmunk looked at it briefly but put it in his bag for later to check out the sports news.

He eventually came across one of the lacrosse team members who pointed at him and yelled. "Gay!"

The chipmunk felt his heart sink and began to put all the pieces together. Xavier continued past them, trying to ignore them. He had been so good about keeping his relationship with Pent secret. Had the news gotten out or was this just rumors? He began to think about it to himself. He wondered if the fox had said anything about it but didn't think that was the case. None of it seemed to make sense.

As he was making his way to his locker, he overheard some of the cubs talking about him.

"Did you see the article? Word has it the star lacrosse player is dating a boy." He didn't recognize them nor did they recognize him.

The chipmunk reached into his bag to get the tabloid he had put away earlier. Pulling it out and scanning through it vaguely. Eventually, he came across the "school relationship" section of the paper and began reading it. Sure enough there it was right there. Rumors were circulating that Xavier…the star lacrosse player was dating a nerdy fox boy. He looked at the author of the story as he balled up the paper in his palm.

Xavier began storming through the school. He was beyond furious. He wanted to find Matt and now. He knew exactly where the otter was and headed right for the journalism room where he figured the other boy would be.  Sure enough, he found the smaller otter right outside the room hanging out with some people he didn't know.

"Beat it. I want to talk to Matt, alone." He pointed seeming rather forceful.

The few people around the otter left. "I suppose you are here about the article?"

"What's your problem? Why did you write that? I thought you were my friend." The chipmunk stamped his foot.

The otter smirked. "A journalist has a duty, to tell the truth, Xavier."

"You're a jerk you know that? How do you know it's the truth? I told you to stay out of my business and now you go around spreading these rumors about me. What the heck?" The bigger boy shoved him against the wall.

Matt shook his head. "You know you can't touch me. All I have to do is call an adult and this conversation will be over."

"Fine…but why? Why did you do this? Are you so interested in destroying my reputation?" Xavier let him go.

The smaller cub waved his finger. "Because the news is nothing without a juicy story or two."

"You're a piece of work you know that?" The chipmunk was beside himself in disappointment.

The otter smiled. "The deed is done, Xavier. There is nothing that can be changed."

"You're not my friend anymore. " The bigger boy turned away as if intending to leave.

Matt shrugged. "Suit yourself. You never treated me like a friend anyways. Go hang out with your little boyfriend."

The otter felt no guilt whatsoever. Gossip was already spreading. The rumor was wide. Chaos was ensuing and the order of things had been challenged. It was just what he wanted.

Xavier walked away, no longer interested in talking to the boy. He hung his head low. Disappointed in himself and Pent. Part of him thought that someone had seen them hug yesterday.  That had to be the reason this happened, he told himself. But he figured he was too upset to deal with it right now. He needed time to cool down before he talked about it with his boyfriend.

Pent was experiencing a different version of the abuse. Very few people knew who the article was talking about. People were still picking on him for being a nerd. The fox was more than experienced in ignoring what people said. But even he had heard about the article. The hushed whispers of the star lacrosse player and the nerdy fox boy were talked enough about that he knew of it. The fox felt an immense sense of guilt that they had been discovered.

The fox was pretty distracted that day. He was sullen and withdrawn, closing himself entirely back into his books. Trying to not think about the issue didn't work. He thought about Xavier and what he might be dealing with. He knew everyone knew who he was and that he likely needed his support. The fox just wasn't sure if it was appropriate with all of the rumors flying around.

It was midway through the first period and Xavier asked to be excused from class. He wanted to go to peer counseling. His grades had been improving to the point that his teachers didn't mind as much him leaving. The first teacher had also noticed he was moping around today and that he wasn't grouping up like he normally did. So she wasn't about to decline the request.

Xavier exited the room. His gaze remained focused on the tiles on the floor. A frown on his face as he was still rather distraught. The chipmunk walked into the peer counseling room. The adult taking care of the front desk asked him for a pass and he provided it. The cub was then shown to a back room where he requested Santiago as they'd spoken about the same issue in the past.

Santiago was called from his class. As one of the more popular counselors, it was something they permitted so long as he wasn't doing anything like a test. He showed up before long in the room and noticed the chipmunk from the other day in his shared space. The squirrel sat down at the desk and looked at him.

"Ah, Xavier. What brings you back?" He asked to get things started.

The chipmunk was hunched over, handing over the school tabloid he had in his hands. "This."

"I don't keep up with school drama so can you just tell me what the problem with it is?" Santiago thought it was a strange purpose.

The younger cub sighed. "There is an article about me and that boy I told you about last time."

"Oh? So you told him your feelings then? Well, that's good." The older boy failed to see the issue.

The cub nodded softly. "Yeah…but that's not what this is about. I didn't want people to find out we're dating…and now there are rumors are flying that we are."

"So what? You told me before you both have feelings for each other. Why does it have to be kept private?" Santiago wanted to understand the issue.

Xavier buried his face in his hands. "Because I didn't want people to think that I'm gay."

"I know having feelings for someone of the same sex is difficult for you. You told me as much last time. But…you gotta stop worrying about what people will think about you." The squirrel remembered making a similar comment last time.

The chipmunk stammered. "B-b-but…"

"I understand you want people to like you and whatnot. It's just natural to want to fit in. But people will need to accept your relationship for what it is. Gay or not, it's ultimately what makes both of you happy."  Santiago was blunt and to the point as usual.

The younger boy thought to himself. "I guess."

"I'm sure people are making fun of you. It's not like the whole gay thing is anyone wants to admit and your peers are afraid of it. You're no different than anyone else. Eventually, people will accept it for what it is…so maybe you just embrace it and live your life." The squirrel continued to try to convince him.

Xavier looked at him. "Maybe…but I doubt it."

"Ultimately it's up to you to decide. You're old enough to make your own decisions. Just make sure it's something you can live with." Santiago leaned back in his chair.

The rodent still wasn't sure. "Thanks."

The squirrel wrote him a pass and handed it to him. "Feel free to stop by if you need to talk again. Hang in there alright?"

Xavier nodded and left the room. He began thinking to himself. The talk with Santiago hadn't helped. He was thinking about spending time away from Pent. Telling himself that if people didn't see them together that the rumors would die out. Sure he liked being with Pent but was it worth being called gay? It was a tradeoff he wasn't sure he wanted to make.

From that point until lunch Xavier continued to think to himself. Rationalizing in his mind that it was time to spend time away from Pent. After all his parents had told him to and he had fallen right back into the trap of his desires. The constant badgering
 and pointing of cubs at him from across the hall, the wayward stares as he passed, and the hushed whispers that he was all too certain were about him. It was all too much for him to bare. He wanted it to be over with sooner rather than later.

By lunchtime, he had made up his mind. Xavier was going to tell Pent he wanted to spend time apart. He just needed to make sure to do it away from everyone else so that no one got any ideas. The chipmunk stood in front of the lunch room waiting for the other boy. The fox hadn't had quite as bad of a day but was still dealing with his usual bullies who never seemed to let up. But so far no one had confronted him about being together with Xavier.

Pent approached before long and the chipmunk called him over to a staircase where they could hide and talk. The fox still felt bad about the article and blamed himself for it.

"Hey, Pent. How was your day?" Xavier asked as to not let in on his intention.

Pent shrugged. "Nothing special, I suppose. Hopefully, the other kids aren't giving you trouble about the article?"

"You could say that…haha. I was kind of hoping we could talk about it." The chipmunk wasn't sure has his boyfriend would react.

The fox cocked an eyebrow. "Sure? What about it?"

"Well…I was kind of thinking we can spend some time apart….you know….until rumors settle down. Would you be okay with that?" Xavier got right to the point as he was hungry.

Pent murmured. "You mean you don't want to hang out anymore?"

"Just for now…okay? I just don't want the rumors to get any worse than they already are….please?" The chipmunk pleaded with his boyfriend.

The fox forced a smile. "Okay…"

"Thanks, Pent. I appreciate it." The chipmunk walked away and back to the lunch room.

Pent felt alone again. Just as he had been before. Feeling like he'd been abandoned by the one he loved. A sense of disappointment filled him. He didn't understand why hanging out with his boyfriend was such a problem. He didn't understand why people card so much. All he knew is that it hurt him and it made him feel empty inside. He dragged himself into the lunch room and grabbed himself a tray to eat. Not even bothering to thank the lunch worker as he usually did.

The fox sat by himself for the first time in a while. He'd gotten used to sitting near Xavier and not having him nearby made him feel even more lonely. Loneliness had become something new for him. The desire for company….the need for socialization. Something he had only too recently become used to. Pent slowly worked himself through eating, no one paying him any attention. It was just like the old days.

Even after school, Xavier kept his distance from the other cub. Pent thought their relationship could be over again. His negative state of mind hinders any sense of hope he might have otherwise experienced. His brother even noticed they weren't hanging out like they usually had been the last few weeks.

"Where is Xae?" The younger boy asked his brother.

Pent came up with a quick white lie. "Hanging out with someone else."

Samaliel dropped the issue after that as it didn't seem like an unlikely possibility since Xavier was popular. Within a day Pent had already returned to his old ways of shutting himself into a book. Sitting along constantly. Always thinking to himself about things. About school… his grades and Xavier. Fortunately, he was still able to focus on school and continued to keep his grades up.

A week had passed and peer counseling had already been notified of the lonely fox boy at lunch and in the halls. The same fox boy who shut himself off from the world at large. It was a patient that Santiago knew all too well and one that he decided to take up again. Santiago decided to confront the boy one morning. He had been reported in the same spot under the tree out front so he knew exactly where to find him.

"I hear you've been having trouble with other cubs again, Pent?" The squirrel squatted down in front of the boy who had his face in another thick book.

The white fox wasn't in the mood to talk. "No."

"I can't help you if you don't talk to me." Santiago knew of ways to get under kids' skin when push came to shove.

Pent huffed. "I'm fine."

"You're not fine. I don't like seeing cubs alone. Where are your friends?" The squirrel forgot that Pent had very few of them.

The fox grumbled. "Nowhere…."

"I see. Well…if you're not going to talk then I suppose you don't need a pass to the book fair later?" Santiago wondered if a little incentive might spark the cub's interest.

The white fox slid his book down a bit. "I don't have money."

"What if I told you we're giving out free book passes to students today? Would you like one?" The squirrel pulled out a small ticket from his pocket and showed it to Pent.

The younger boy finally put the book in his lap. "Any book?"

"Yup…but you have to tell me what's wrong. That's the deal." He closed his hand over it.

Pent sighed. "No one likes me."

"I suppose they are picking on you again?" The rodent was certain that was the case.

The fox shrugged. "It's not that. I don't even care about that anymore."

"Then what is it?" Santiago sat down next to him.

Pent wondered if he should tell him but he wanted that ticket. "You remember that boy I told you about?"

"Yeah, what about him?" The squirrel listened intently and started to take notes.

The younger boy looked down at the floor. "Well…we started dating and I thought it was going well."

"Did you guys break up then?" Santiago wondered if the relationship may have been short-lived.

The fox started twiddling his fingers as if nervous. "I dunno. He was upset about a school article that made people think he was gay."

Santiago recalled a similar conversation the other day with Xavier. He wasn't 100% sure but it was likely who he was talking about. However, he knew he couldn't bring it up because of the school's privacy rules in peer counseling.

"Did it bother you that the article was written?" The squirrel wanted to know how he felt.

Pent thought to himself. "I guess not because I was already picked on but I felt bad for him."

"How come?" The older boy continued to take notes.

The fox frowned. "Because it was my fault. I hugged him at the lacrosse game and I think someone saw…"

"Oh, I see. Well, I don't think it's your fault. It sounds like he's just worried about what people think." Santiago felt like a broken record from the other day.

The cub murmured a bit. "I guess. Now he doesn't want to hang out anymore."

"That sucks. How did that make you feel when he told you that?" The squirrel couldn't help but feel bad for him.

The younger boy sighed. "He made me feel sad and abandoned. Like I was completely alone again. I'm tired of being lonely, Santiago…I just one person who will stand by me no matter what…."

"I'm sorry you feel that way but your feelings are important. Did you tell him that?" The teen was certain this wasn't the case.

Pent shook his head. "No."

"Then maybe you should?" The older boy made a suggestion he felt would fall short.

The fox thought to himself. "I'll be fine."

Santiago handed him the ticket, feeling like it was all for naught. The cub soon closed himself back up in the book. Shutting himself off from the world. The teen could hear something sounding like sniffling. He wanted to intervene in the issue himself but every fiber of his being told him he shouldn't. He wanted to confront Xavier and set things right but he knew he couldn't.

Santiago began to think of other ways to solve their problem. He couldn't just invite them in for a session together. They would both know he had spoken to each of them. There had to be some external reasoning outside of the issues in their relationship. He continued to work it out in his head but he wasn't sure there was a solution to solve the little problem he was facing. It was like nothing he'd ever dealt with before.

Pent continued isolating himself throughout the day. Xavier had found a group of friends who didn't believe the rumors. He'd even created a false girlfriend for himself to dispel any further rumors. Of course, he hoped Pent wouldn't hear about it but he figured it was unlikely since he knew the fox talked to no one else.  The chipmunk was rather happy that the rumors had started to die down.

That day at lunch Pent sat at the end of the tables by himself as he had been doing the past few days. There was a fair amount of space between him and the other cubs at the table. Xavier had noticed the fox sitting alone quite a few days in the past and had never gotten up to join him. The chipmunk's guilt was starting to get to him. Seeing the fox there by himself reminded him of before he met the cub. He looked back at his old boyfriend a few times but didn't go over.

After school, Pent's negativity had begun to take hold in his mind. He was under the impression that Xavier didn't want to hang out with him anymore. The rumors of the supposed new girlfriend that Xavier himself had made their way to Pent's ears. The fox was upset and jealous once again. His loneliness and sense of abandonment serve only to make him even angrier.

The fox finally decided to confront Xavier after school. It was apparent to him that it was over with. The familiar sense of a fake friendship….a fake relationship stirred within him. He wanted these feelings gone. To return to the norm of life before things without Xavier. To be completely alone and without anyone in the world. The downtrodden fox walked with his hung head low out of the school, ready to take matters into his hand.

Pent found Xavier hanging with his latest friends. None of them are longstanding. Most of them hung around with him simply because he was the star lacrosse player. He had his arms around one of the girls. Yet another wolf girl who had found his fancy. Pent's jealousy spurred up within him as he walked up to his
 old boyfriend.

"Can we talk?" The fox said avoiding the other cub's gaze.

Xavier stared him down. "Not here, Pent…."

"No, here…now…no excuses….nothing." Pent stood his ground making it apparent he was upset.

The chipmunk was confused. "What's wrong?"

"You are. I thought you were my friend and all you've been doing is avoiding me. I thought you liked me." The fox was trying to not get overly emotional.

Xavier murmured. "I am your friend. I do like you."

'Then why did you lie to me? Why did you tell me what you did when all you've done is lead me on?" The white cub's eyes started tearing up.

The brown-furred cub didn't know how to respond, especially with others around. "Pent…"

"It's over, Xavier. If you're so worried about what people think about our friendship…about hanging out with me….about….you know….then I'm not interested. Just leave me alone. I don't need you. I don't need anyone." Pent wiped his face of the tears still trying to be strong.

The smaller boy stood there dumbfounded. "But…"

"But, nothing. It's clear who you've chosen to be with and it's not me, Xae." Pent making his way past the other cub.

Xavier stopped the cub and grabbed his wrist, pushing him to the ground. "Don't blame me for this…It's all your fault…"

The fox's eyes grew wide with anger. He wasn't about to put up with nonsense from anyone. He swept his legs underneath the cub and tripped him in one fell swoop. Standing back up to make sure Xavier knew he meant business. The chipmunk couldn't believe what just happened. He tried to stand back up but the fox stepped on him to keep him down. The crowd around them cheered "Fight…Fight…Fight."

The moment the chanting happened a member of administration came out to investigate.  The large bulldog of a woman broke his way through the crowd of kids. Seeing the familiar sight of two boys having a scuffle. She grabbed the white fox's hand and pulled him down before getting the chipmunk off the ground.

"You two are coming with me….now." The woman said in a stern tone.

The principal was more than strong enough to drag both of the cubs by their wrists to her office. She had zero tolerance for fights, regardless of whether they escalated to actual violence or not. She sat on her desk. Her many military medals and an old uniform were donned behind her in a small glass frame.

"Explain yourselves. Names and your side of the story. You first." She pointed at the chipmunk.

The brown-furred boy stared intently at Pent before looking at her. "My name is Xavier. He came over to me and tried to start something….I just wanted to defend myself."

She looked at the fox who was looking at the floor. Pent had never been in trouble before and his tail was between his legs.

"And yourself?" She said expecting an answer.

The fox grumbled. "My name is Pent…he grabbed me by the wrist and threw me down so I just tripped him so I could avoid getting hurt."

She had seen neither of them before. The woman went to her computer to check their student records.  

"Each of you bring me your student id card. No funny business or I will have you escorted out by the police. Is that clear?" She warned them.

Xavier nodded and brought his up followed by Pent who did the same. Xavier's record had a few suspensions but nothing recent. Pent's on the other hand was spot clean with nothing of the sort. She texted both of their parents to make sure they knew he would be late.

"And what do you two think caused this little conflict?" She said looking up from the computer, pointing at Pent first this time.

The fox sighed. "Because he lied to me. He pretends to be my friend and then doesn't want to hang out with me….because he's worried what people think about him then he tells me he has feelings and doubles back on that too…"

"Is this true?" She looked back at the chipmunk.

Xavier stuttered. "No! I would never have gay feelings for some boy, especially some….nerd!"

Pent felt his heart sink even more. He looked to the floor. Already thought it was over, this was just more proof this was the case.

"And what do you think caused this then?" The principal wanted his side of the story.

The chipmunk came up with a white lie on the spot. "He won't leave me alone. He has a crush on me and won't accept that I'm not into him. I have a girlfriend. I'm not interested and I told him as much. People already think I'm a nerd because I tried to be nice."

The fox had a frown on his face. Anger was replaced by the innate sadness that came with betrayal. He wanted to leave. To be alone.

"What do you propose as a solution?" The bulldog pointed at the Chipmunk.

Xavier scowled. "For him to leave me alone. Forever. I want nothing to do with him anymore."

"And you?" The principal felt like this was going nowhere.

"That sounds fine to me. I don't need him anyways. Can I go home now?" Pent wanted to be done with this.

"You take the bus according to your file? I will arrange for someone to come pick you up." She shot a quick email over to the school transportation department.

The woman wasn't sure why he had agreed when he had seemed so fiery before. "Then it is settled. I don't want to see you two near each other again. No suspension will be issued. Pent you may go home. Xavier, you will remain here for a moment so that you two can be separated."

The white fox got up and grabbed his backpack. His back was still covered in dirt from the little scuffle. He just wanted to go home. Friendship was a lie. Lost to him. Hope was non-existent. To him, the only person he had in the world was his brother. Everyone else was despicable, and terrible, and didn't care for him.

Xavier sat there for a few minutes. His anger had driven his actions. The adrenaline of his rage had caused his decision to say what he did. The chipmunk waited until he was dismissed and slowly walked out of the school. He was frustrated and angry. Telling himself that he didn't need Pent anymore. To his irrational state of mind, he had done it purely for the other cub, no part of him wanted it.

The chipmunk returned outside and looked around to see if the fox was anywhere. Pent was standing on the corner already reading another book. He turned around so that he didn't have to look at him. The brown-furred cub saw that his father was already waiting for him. Upon seeing the car he figured he'd be in trouble for being late.  The man had already been briefly told what happened but didn't have a full picture of the details.

The older male opened the front door as he wanted to his son's side of the story. Xavier crossed his arms defensively the moment he entered the car. A scowl on his face, looking to be rather annoyed.

"The Principal texted me to tell me you almost got into a fight with another boy today. I thought you were over this nonsense?" The man was disappointed in the boy.

Xavier huffed. "I don't want to talk about it."

"Well, you're going to. Your mother was already worried sick that you went and got yourself hurt again." He started the car and headed out of the school pick-up loop.

The boy whined. "Not right now."

"Since you're not going to cooperate, we're just going to have to ground you even longer." He made a threat that he figured would work.

Xavier turned his head. "I don't care."

"You're a stubborn fool sometimes you know that? Suit yourself. You're grounded for a month unless you tell us what happened." The man knew his wife would support his decision on the long duration of the punishment.

The chipmunk sighed. "Fine."

They were silent for the remainder of the car ride. Xavier was still beside himself with anger. He couldn't think straight. All he knew was that he was upset. His father's threats of punishment meant nothing to him. He took out his phone and deleted Pent from his contact list. He wanted nothing more to do with the fox. It was over with. He didn't have to live a "lie" anymore, he told himself.

Pent was picked up and taken home by a member of the school transportation staff. The cub had no desire to talk. He dug his snout into another book. The all-too-familiar reality of bottling up his emotions was something he was used to. Books were the only friends…the only comfort he had outside of his home life. He hoped that Samaliel wouldn't ask about his day but he was almost certain that he would.

The fox kit arrived home to find his brother waiting for him in the living room. Samaliel assumed his brother had gone to a club or something.

"Sorry, I'm late." The older fox said as he shuffled his shoes off.

Samaliel shrugged. "It's fine. How was school?"

"Fine. Nothing special happened." Pent didn't want to talk about what happened.

The salt and pepper fox was curious. "Why were you late then?"

"I stayed after to help Mr. Bernard." The bigger boy came up with a lie of his own to deter the issue.

Samaliel nodded. "Oh, that's cool. What did you all work on?"

"Something with heat displacement." It was what they went over in Science today and made sense enough to him.

The smaller boy smiled. "Sweet. Do you want to go ahead and make dinner?"

"Yeah, sure." Pent walked away, allowing Samaliel to see the dirt on his back and tail.

The younger boy couldn't help but ask. "Hey, Pent. Why is your backside dirty?"

"I laid down on the floor during lunch." The fox didn't want his brother to know what happened.

Samaliel decided to let the issue go and the two made food together. There were no signs that something was bothering Pent. He was very good about hiding his emotions, at least when he was around other people.  Pent didn't like to have his younger brother worried about him, no matter what the issue was. It wasn't until that night that Samaliel got some hints that there was more to it than his brother was letting on.

Before Pent went to the bathroom to get cleaned up for the night, he ripped off his necklace. Thinking to himself what
 he could do with it so his brother didn't ask where it was. Taking it off made him feel even more empty and lost. Staring at the thing before finally flushing it down the toilet. He had no intention of pursuing the friendship let alone the relationship with the other boy.  

Pent took much longer in the shower than usual. Closing his eyes, trying to wipe out the memory of his former crush. He didn't want to think about it anymore. It made him feel upset. By the time he stepped out and dried himself his fur was matted and the skin underneath was pruned. Still, he felt a little bit better now than he did before as a cold shower was always a bit therapeutic for him.

Samaliel and Pent soon retired to bed. The older fox looked out the window as he always did. The comfort from the gazing starlight pierced through him. The day had been a lot for him to take in. The pain he was experiencing still hadn't gone away. It continued to well up inside of him, trying with all of his will to not let it go. But it was not meant to be. The cub began to sob, sniffling rather audibly.

"Pent?" Samaliel hadn't yet fallen asleep.

The white fox didn't respond. Still trying to control himself but his bodily desire to give in was just too much. His crying grew steadily louder until his brother could ignore it no longer. Climbing down the bunk bed until he was sitting next to the bigger cub. Pent was balled up into the fetal position, his eyes red and with tears flowing down his cheeks.

"What's wrong?" The salt and pepper fox wanted to help.

Pent mumbled in a broken voice. "N-nothing…"

"It's nothing. Something happened today, didn't it? Did someone pick on you again?" Samaliel knew full well that Pent dealt with bullies on frequent occasions.

The white fox covered his face. "N-no…"

"Then what is it? I can't try to help you if you don't tell me." The smaller boy stroked his brother's back to try to comfort him.

The older boy sniffled again. "X-Xavier d-doesn't w-want t-to b-be f-friends a-anymore."

"Oh…did you guys fight?" Samaliel began to understand the situation.

Pent nodded. "I-I g-guess…"

The white fox started crying again as he broke down further. "It will be okay, Pent. I'm sure you will make a new friend."

"N-no…n-o…n-oo….f-f-friends."  Pent cried into his brother's shoulder.

Samaliel held his hand behind Pent's back and stroked his head. "You liked him, huh?"

The younger fox had never seen his brother this emotional over something. Pent had never told him about his feelings for the chipmunk but this made him suspicious of something more than friendship. Samaliel was familiar with the idea of crushes. Even at his age, it was something some of his friends had talked about before.  The older fox continued to weep into his brother's shoulder.

"Oh, Pent... I'm sorry he hurt your feelings."  The salt and pepper fox could feel his shoulder getting damp.

It took a bit for Pent to settle down before he could talk again. The younger brother continued to try to offer support for him. Pent's eyes were beet red and still rather teary.

"Sorry…" Pent wiped his eyes, feeling guilty about breaking down.

Samaliel smiled. "It's fine, Pent. You're feelings matter…You can't just bottle them up all the time. Besides…I've cried on you plenty of times. It's only fair."

"Thanks." The fox sniffled again.

The salt and pepper fox looked at him eye to eye. "Can I ask you something?"

"Yeah, Sama." Pent tried forcing a smile.

The younger cub tried to be serious. "Did  you, you know ….like-like him?"

"Sama…"The older boy was familiar with the vernacular but still wasn't sure he should tell him.

The smaller boy smiled. "Come on, Pent. I told you about my crush. You can tell me anything."

"Yes, Sama. I did…but that doesn't matter anymore. He lied to me."  Pent frowned.

Samaliel hugged his brother. "I understand. Just try and get some sleep tonight."

Pent forced a smile and hugged the younger boy back. "I'll try."

The two boys broke their embrace before going back to bed. Pent had left out most of the details of his relationship with Xavier as he still thought the cub was too young to know. He peered out the window again. The stars gazed back at him. One piercing across the sky with a streaking light. He made no wish, he simply was too broken to even bother with it. Eventually, fatigue took over his mind and he fell asleep.

Xavier had a much less emotional night. He had remained in his room at the behest of his parent's will. They were upset with him. They thought he had changed and that he was passed all this. He didn't care. He just wanted to be alone. Sitting in his bed, he took the scorbunny plush that Pent had won him and threw it against the wall. Tearing off the medallion from his neck and throwing it in the garbage.

The chipmunk didn't want to do anything. He just wanted to sulk in his misery. His version of loneliness was different. It wasn't that he didn't have friends, it was just he always thought there was more. The idea of friendship was fleeting to him, never long-term, and always fleeting. He didn't truly value it. It was something of a novelty for him. Sometimes for popularity and others for the sake of companionship.

Xavier had very few true friends. Most of them were attracted to him for his popularity. But since that had died off, he had lost many of them. Now he was left with a shell of his social circle.  The constant desire of trying to be accepted was something that rang all too true for him. Yet the young cub always seemed to manage it, at least until now.

The brown-furred cub was still upset. Angry more at Pent than himself. Still blaming the other boy. Like he was out to get him and decrease his status even more. His feelings for the boy were being suppressed again. His anger and sometimes self-centered attitude overrode any other sense of emotion he might have felt. After all a young cub may not truly understand themselves until what they once had was lost.

At dinner, Xavier was without words. His parents couldn't help but notice either. They tried talking to him but he was in no mood to respond. It was apparent to them that he was still upset about what had happened. They began to think there was something more to it than just another fight. He even turned down ice cream which was even more concerning to the two parents as they knew he had a sweet tooth.

Xavier washed up and retired to bed. The chipmunk's anger hadn't subsided at all. Resting his mind was proving difficult. It took some time before he finally fell asleep. Even with his mind clouded by anger he still dreamed. A dream of himself entirely alone. Without a friend in the world. Isolated without anyone in the world. The cub who looked all too much like himself soon became Pent. He looked upon the cub but he would not turn to help him, instead leaving him to suffer. A life no one should live and yet he seemed fine to condemn the other to it. ", "pools_count": 1, "title": "Tabloid Tales", "deleted": "f", "public": "t", "mimetype": "application/msword", "pagecount": "1", "rating_id": "1", "rating_name": "Mature", "ratings": [ { "content_tag_id": "3", "name": "Violence", "description": "Mild violence", "rating_id": "1" } ], "submission_type_id": "12", "type_name": "Writing - Document", "guest_block": "t", "friends_only": "f", "comments_count": "4", "views": "122" }