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Rated M for a minor naughty dream", "writing": "Coming Full Circle 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\nAnother week had passed since the incident at school. Xavier and Pent remained very much estranged from each other. Neither was willing to break the ice again. Both seem just as distant and removed. Pent had gone back into the sheltered existence he lived. Confiding only in the world of non-fiction. Stuffing his face into books and consuming himself only by focusing on school once again.\n\n\tSamaliel had all but forgotten about their talk. He had returned to what was at stake for him. He was expected to take some silly test, which he had been having Pent help him prepare for. Of course, his brother was more than happy to help him. It was just like the old days for the older cub who didn't bother himself with other cubs his age. Instead sticking with his brother and occasionally bothering adults who he trusted, like Bernard.\n\n\tXavier on the other hand was dealing with something else entirely. The chipmunk found himself entirely alone. No one wanted to talk to him anymore and no one was hanging out with him. Ever since the fight with Pent, people were either associating him as a wimp who couldn't defend himself or the ever-present nerd who let the fox boy win. The rumors of him being gay had all but died out but that didn't solve his problem of finding himself in a situation very similar to Pent's.\n\n\tYet, for Xavier, he wasn't used to it. The idea of isolation was something new and foreign to him. Wandering the halls without anyone to talk to. Sitting at lunch by himself at a table far removed from any other cub. He began to feel increasingly lonely. The desire to have but a single friend ran rampant in his mind. However, it seemed that when he tried that people would ignore him or just walk away.\n\n\tOf course, he hadn't tried talking with Pent. Xavier had been caving into the idea of guilt. That it was his fault that this happened. That he'd been selfish again and thought of only himself. Always worried about being popular and what people thought of him now. But now that he was alone, he began to realize what Pent faced daily. That true friendship is hard to find and even harder to get back.\n\n\tSo that day, The chipmunk decided to finally come clean to his parents. He wanted to fix this. He didn't want to be alone anymore. He didn't just want any friends back. He wanted Pent. Xavier knew what had to be done….but he had no idea how to do it. He could only hope that his parents would have some insight into the issue. He began to look forward to seeing his parents, hopeful that they would decrease his punishment a bit.\n\n\tAfterschool came before long and with it, Xavier headed outside. Xavier had a lacrosse practice today and was still going despite everything that had happened. He was going to be formally trying out for the Gryphons in hopes of getting on a better team. He approached the car loop and proceeded to wait for one of his parents to show up. It wasn't long before his mother's familiar car pulled in.\n\nShe unlocked the door for him. \"How was school hon?\"\n\n\"Another day, I suppose.\" He tried not to think much about his day and got inside the car.\n\nThe woman smiled at him as he buckled in. \"You get used to it as you get older.\"\n\n\"Mom, can I ask you something?\" He wasted no time in getting to the point as it had been bothering him for much of the day.\n\nShe started the car out of the loop. \"Sure, honey. What is it?\"\n\n\"Do you remember that fight I got in the other day?\" Xavier twiddled his fingers hoping to not make her angry again.\n\nThe mother looked at him out of the corner of her eyes. \"What about it?\"\n\n\"Well….it was with Pent…and I think it was my fault.\" The chipmunk looked to the ground as if ashamed of himself.\n\nThe woman took a second to respond. \"Oh? How so?\"\n\n\"Uh…I told him I didn't want to be his friend anymore.\" The brown-furred cub frowned a bit.\n\nShe continued to focus on driving while she talked. \"I see…what caused you to say that?\"\n\n\"He hugged me at the lacrosse game the other day. I think people saw because they put out an article about me having a gay relationship and started to give me a hard time because of it.\" He peered out the window.\n\nShe sighed deeply. \"Honey, we talked about this before. You need to stop caring about what you people think. It's obvious he cares a lot for you.\"\n\n\"I know…but I screwed up and now I don't know what to do, Mom. I want him back…I'll do anything to have him back as my friend….Please help me.\" He pleaded with her.\n\nThe woman stopped the car at their front parking lot but didn't unlock the door. \"You know you did a terrible thing, right? That you probably crushed that boy's feelings?\"\n\n\"Yes, Mom…\"Xavier looked back at her.\n\nShe rolled her eyes. \"You are a stubborn fool sometimes, Xae. You owe him an apology. I can't help you fix your mistake.\"\n\n\"But mom….\" The chipmunk was desperate.\n\nThe older rodent waved her finger. \"But nothing. You know what you need to do. Whether he forgives you or not is up to him. I can't do anything for you.\"\n\n\"Okay…\" Xavier sighed deeply.\n\nShe stopped him before he got out. \"Don't do this again, Xae. That boy likes you a lot. I think it would mean a lot to him if you were honest with him and not go back on it.\"\n\nHe nodded and got out of the car. For the remainder of the night, he began to work on a plan. He told himself that he'd apologize to Pent. Even if the other cub hated him, it was the least he could do. Once he had worked it out in his head, he decided that he would do it tomorrow. He didn't want to be alone anymore. Even if it meant people would think he was a nerd. Even if it meant people thought he was gay. None of it seemed to matter anymore. All that mattered to him was mending a broken fence.\n\nIn the morning Xavier got up earlier to make sure he was ready for his day. He dug through his garbage but the necklace was nowhere to be seen. He checked with his parents who didn't see it either. They weren't entirely sure what he was talking about. He felt bad that it was gone but figured it was too late to do anything about it. Deciding instead that if Pent forgave him he would buy something to replace it later.\n\nThe brown-furred boy reported to school earlier that day than usual. Asking his parents didn't present a problem as both of them already knew what he wanted to do. The mother had shared the news with his father so they were both aware. They were glad he was going to make up with Pent. They seemed to get along so well and the fact that Xavier had been doing better in school certainly helped that.\n\nXavier arrived at school about 20 minutes before the first bell was supposed to ring. He hopped out of the car and his father wished him good luck. The chipmunk ran across the schoolyard to the rear of the building where he figured Pent would be hiding. He knew the fox liked peace and quiet and knew the back of the building had less traffic than the front. Sure enough, he found the white fox sitting under a tree near the rear of the gym complex.\n\nAs usual, Pent's mind was completely consumed by a book. He wasn't paying attention at all to the world around him.\n\n\"Mind if I join you?\" Xavier asked feeling almost certain the cub would say no.\n\nPent knew exactly who it was without taking his book down. \"What do you want?\"\n\n\"I just wanted to see if you wanted company for reading.\" The smaller boy tried to be hopeful.\n\nThe white fox murmured. \"No.\"\n\n\"Pent, can we just talk for a minute or two? Then I promise I will leave you alone.\" The chipmunk tried making a deal with him.\n\nThe bigger boy continued reading. \"Go away.\"\n\n\"Please?\" Xavier tried to sound as earnest as possible.\n\nThe arctic fox was in no mood to talk to him and got up. \"Goodbye.\"\n\nPent walked away, just wanting to be alone. He didn't know what Xavier wanted and frankly, he didn't care either. Xavier was at a loss for what to do. He was still hopeful that he could apologize. He began to come up with a new plan to go about it. He knew he couldn't force Pent to talk to him, especially since the Principal had asked them to separate. He needed to go about it a different way.\n\nBy lunch, he had come up with another idea. He would drop off a note inside Pent's locker inside gym class and hoped that he would read it. So during lunch, he proceeded to write the note.\n\n\"Pent, can we please talk after school? I promise it won't take long. I just really want to apologize….\" Xavier put the words from and his name to make it apparent who it was from.\n\nIn gym class, he did just that, stashing the note in Pent's locker. Pent wasn't long before he showed up. Xavier kept a close eye on the cub to see what he did with the note. He watched as the fox just ripped the note in half and threw it away. He didn't even bother reading it. It seemed that this was going to be harder than he thought. He began working on another plan during the tennis session they participated in during gym class.\n\nWhen the end of the day rolled around, Xavier still hadn't come up with anything. It felt like he was going to be able to do what he wanted to. He got dressed back into his school clothes before heading outside. He looked around for Pent one more time but didn't see the white fox anywhere. Little did he know the fox kit had signed up to stay after to help with a project that Bernard was working on.\n\nHe saw Samaliel waiting at the bus stop and immediately came up with an idea. He approached the younger cub who immediately became wary of his presence upon noticing him.\n\n\"What do you want?\" Samaliel figured he was coming over to start trouble.\n\nXavier tried to explain himself. \"I was wondering if you would help me talk with your brother.\"\n\n\"Why would I help you? You hurt my brother's feelings….again.\" The salt and pepper fox had a good memory.\n\nThe chipmunk frowned. \"Please? I just want to apologize. I know I hurt his feelings. I'm. sorry. I'm stupid, okay?\"\n\n\"Yes, you are. My brother liked you a lot. Why should\n I believe you?\" The younger boy crossed his arms defensively.\n\nThe older boy looked at the ground. \"Because now I know what it means to be truly alone. I finally understand how he feels.\"\n\n\"You don't understand anything. My brother has never known true friendship before you. Then you come along and get his hopes up. Only to crush them into dust.\" Samaliel was just as blunt as his brother was.\n\nThe chipmunk muttered. \"But…I want to apologize, Sama. I'll do anything to make it up to him.\"\n\n\"Prove it. I don't believe you.\" Samaliel tapped his foot expectantly.\n\nXavier thought about it for a second. \"Tell him I want to take him to the lacrosse game he got me tickets for. Tell him…I don't care if anyone sees us together in public anymore.\"\n\n\"Fine. I will tell him. It's up to him to decide. I'm not going to convince him one way or the other. \" The salt and pepper fox gave in despite having some reservations about it.\n\n\"Thank you!\" The chipmunk smiled widely and trotted off to his car.\n\nHis father asked him how it went but of course, he didn't get the chance to apologize. The man provided him a bit of help telling him that tomorrow was another day. That night when Pent returned home Samaliel was prepared to tell him the offer. He wasn't sure how his brother would react but he wanted to at least share it with him so he could make his own decision. The white fox walked into the living room where his brother was busy playing games.\n\nSamaliel pressed pause to check in on the older cub.\n\n\"How goes it? Did you finish Bernard's project?\" The salt and pepper fox tried to stay on top of his brother's hobbies.\n\nPent nodded. \"Yeah. He is going to submit it for judging tomorrow. How was school?\"\n\n\"It was fine. Math sucked. Do you think you could help me?\" Samaliel wanted to start slow and make his brother comfortable first.\n\nThe older boy nodded. \"Yeah, sure.\"\n\nThey walked into their room where Samaliel ran over to the desk and pulled out his math book. Inside a single paper that had been graded. He hadn't done too well on it and wanted to go over it with Pent. He showed the paper to Pent who frowned at him.\n\n\"You can do better than this.\" He said with a confident tone.\n\nSamaliel frowned. \"I know.\"\n\n\"Try this.\" Pent began showing Samaliel an easier way to do the math problems on paper.\n\nOf course, Pent spent way too much time going over it and overdid it as he often did but after it was said and done Samaliel understood. The younger boy's stomach growled as it was past their usual dinner time.\n\n\"Come on, I'll go make us something to eat.\" Pent led back into the kitchen where he started working on cooking some leftovers. It was nothing special but he knew it would be quicker to make than something from scratch.\n\n\"Hey, Pent. Can I ask you something?\" Samaliel decided to finally talk about what Xavier had brought up to him.\n\nPent maintained his focus on making vegetables and cutting them. \"Hmm?\n\n\"Do you ever still think about hanging out with Xavier?\" The salt and pepper fox wasn't aware that the chipmunk had tried to speak to him already.\n\nThe white fox looked back at him. \"Why? Did he try and come to talk to you today?\"\n\n\"Just answer the question Pent. I'm curious.\" Samaliel didn't want to spill the beans quite yet.\n\nThe bigger boy sighed. \"Sometimes. It's hard to erase him from my life. I liked him a lot.\"\n\n\"He told me he wants to apologize. He wants to invite you to the lacrosse game you won tickets for.\" The younger fox was hopeful he would say yes.\n\nPent dropped the plate on the floor causing it to shatter. \"Come again?\"\n\n\"He wants you to go with him to the lacrosse game. I think you should give him another chance.\" The smaller boy watched as his brother cleaned up the mess.\n\nThe white fox hesitated a moment. \"I dunno, Sama.\"\n\n\"He seemed sincere…I promise. I wouldn't have told you if I thought he was lying.\" Samaliel watched his brother's tail slowly wag behind him.\nPent was conflicted but he did want to give it another try. \"Okay, Sama. Only because you trust him.\"\n\nThe two brothers ate dinner together. Pent seemed a bit more chipper than usual. A slight smile on his face as a bit of hope had been restored inside of him. Though part of him still thought that Xavier was trying to lead him on. Only time would tell if that was the case.\n\nPent found he was able to sleep much easier that night. As if a weight had been released from his chest. A sense of relief even if some level of doubt remained. The fox cub had another dream of himself and Xavier, walking into the sunset together. Holding hands and kissing in front of everyone, without a care in the world. Samaliel smiled at them, glad to see them together.\n\nThe next day at school was the day of reckoning for both cubs. Pent wasn't quite nervous about what happened. He was more curious about how things would play out. Part of him was still hurt but his innate sense of loneliness wanted companionship more than anything. His sense of loyalty still yearned to have his beloved back. How the fox wanted to be with him again. The sadness in his person was replaced with a renewed sense of purpose.\n\nXavier wasn't sure what to make of the day before him. He didn't even know if Samaliel had spoken to Pent. He knew he had to try again. He simply couldn't just let it go. The chipmunk wanted to apologize even if the other cub might turn him down again. He had already worked up the confidence to admit he was wrong. Now he just needed the other cub to listen to him and see how things went.\n\nBoth boys showed up at school early again. Pent's bus dropped him off at its usual time and it was only Xavier who had to request special accommodations. Of course, his father knew what he was trying to do and was more than happy to grant the request. They'd even reduced his punishment when he finally came to terms with what happened during the fight. They were glad that he was being honest with them again.\n\nXavier sped out of the car and started immediately looking for the fox. He had already asked his parents if he could invite the cub to the lacrosse game. They told him to wait and see how the other cub was feeling about going. The chipmunk headed to the same spot he found Pent at yesterday. Sure enough, the Arctic fox was burying his nose into yet another book and still seemed to be oblivious to everything around him.\n\n\"Hey, Pent.\" He said while kneeling in front of the fox.\n\nThe bigger boy put down the book. \"Hi.\"\n\n\"Do you have a minute or two to talk?\" Xavier wanted to make sure he was okay with it first.\n\nPent nodded. \"Yeah, my brother told me you wanted to talk to me.\"\n\nXavier sat down in front of him. \"Look…I just wanted to say I'm sorry. I shouldn't have reacted the way I did when that article came out. I guess I was too afraid of people finding out and stuff.\"\n\n\"Well, you hurt my feelings. Especially when you didn't want to hang out with me anymore and told me what you did during our fight.\" Pent frowned.\n\nThe smaller boy rubbed the back of his head. \"I'm sorry, Pent. I was upset. Everyone was saying mean stuff to me. I guess I didn't know how to react.\"\n\n\"Now you know how I feel when people pick on me. When no one wants to hang around me because I'm different.\" The cub sighed.\n\nXavier reached out and grabbed Pent's paw. \"I know. I've seen how people treat you. It sucks. It does. I can't imagine what you've been through all these years.\"\n\n\"Thanks, I guess.\" The white fox looked at the boy holding his hand.\n\n\"So I was hoping you'd give me another chance. I want to go out on another date with you. I want you to come to the Lacrosse game with me. I don't care if people know anymore. I don't care what they think. I just want to be with you. I can't live without you in my life. What do you say, Pent? Can you forgive me, please?\" Xavier squeezed Pent's hand tighter with his own.\n\nPent's heart was beating a little faster in his chest. He still had feelings for the boy even despite everything that had happened. The fox lurched forward and hugged Xavier, holding him in his arms. The two remained that way for several moments.\n\n\"I forgive you, Xae…I missed being with you so much….\" Pent held him tighter than he ever had before.\n\nXavier started to cry. \"Thank you, Pent….I'm sorry…I'm so sorry.\"\n\n\"It's okay, Xae. I'm here for you.\" The white fox stroked his boyfriend's back to comfort him.\n\nThe first bell rang soon after. The two boys walked in together, hand in hand. Right through the doors, seeming unconcerned with the wayward stares from their peers. Wayward whispers were exchanged. That it was true. That the star lacrosse player was dating a boy. That he was gay. Yet it all fell on deaf ears. Neither of them cared anymore. They had finally moved past it all.\n\nXavier walked Pent to his first class where they parted ways and separated ways. He felt much better about himself. Knowing that he had at least one person he cared for was all that mattered to him now. He no longer felt alone. The emptiness he had experienced had all but left him. The familiar warmth of companionship had returned to his heart and he wouldn't have changed it for anything in the world.\n\nXavier got more grief than Pent did about it. People asked him on and off about what it was like to be gay. He simply didn't answer them. Ignoring them as people had told him to do in the past. He found that it was a rather effective strategy. They eventually just gave up and moved on with their lives. Though he hoped the anomaly of someone having a gay relationship in school would soon wear off.\n\nAt lunch, Xavier had no issue sitting with Pent. The two find themselves still to be removed from the other students. They talked and laughed with each other, seeming to enjoy each other's company without worrying about the other students. Some of the other cubs stared at them. Yet even still they remained in their space, seemingly inseparable once again.\n\n\"When\n is the lacrosse game, Xae?\" Pent asked with his mouth half full.\n\nXavier shrugged. \"I think it's this weekend. Do you wanna go with me?\"\n\n\"Heck yeah, I do. I'm not gonna turn down a date from you.\" The fox's smile was a mile wide.\n\nThe chipmunk giggled. \"Cool. I know we're gonna have a great time.\"\n\n\"Hey, Xae?\" The white fox sipped on his milk.\n\nThe chipmunk looked at him. \"Yeah?\"\n\n\"I noticed they didn't give you a cookie. Would you like mine?\" Pent held out the chocolate chip snack.\n\nXavier looked at it. \"Are you sure?\"\n\n\"Yeah, I know you like cookies.\" The arctic fox waited for him to take it.\n\nThe chipmunk took hold of it before breaking it in half. \"Thanks, but I want you to have some too.\"\n\nPent munched on it and watched his friend do the same. The two smiled widely as they worked through the treat. Xavier put his arm behind the other cub and pulled him in closer. The rest of the cubs still eyed them warily but only made the occasional snide comment toward them. Still, neither of them seemed to care. \n\nOn the way to gym class, the two boys were noticed by the principal. The same bulldog woman from the other day when they got in trouble. She eyed them warily as they passed her. The two were holding hands and didn't seem to be having any more issues. She was glad they had made up but wasn't aware of the closeness of their relationship. She smiled at them and said nothing as they passed by her.\n\nBefore gym class, the two cubs changed in the same general area. Both boys still not watching the other undress. Xavier showed off his new athletic shoes to the other cub, who still had the same shoes he'd worn for the last year. The new footwear was red with white stripes looking very much like a running shoe. Pent admired them as the other cub put them on his socked paws to show them off.\n\nIn gym class the activity today was a game of flag football. The students were advised to not hit each other. The coaches knew that sometimes contact sports got out of hand and couldn't afford any more drama with parents. Pent and Xavier ended up on the same team with neither of them being that great at the game. The game began before long with the usual whistle from one of the coaches to start things off.\n\nThe game wasn't a particularly exciting one. Neither team was successful at running or passing the ball. Most of the cubs couldn't pass the ball let alone catch it. Many of them weren't athletic at all while the ones who were just didn't have the skill set to make it work. Even Pent and Xavier struggled to make their presence known, though mostly because no one on their team would pass it to them.\n\nStill, the two boyfriends enjoyed themselves. When they did get the ball they passed it to whoever was open. Both of them were much more team-oriented than the rest of their age mates on their teams. But it wasn't meant to be. The game ended up in a stalemate with neither side scoring even a single point. The coach decided to just call the thing a tie. She was just as frustrated as the kids were.\n\nBack in the locker room, the two boyfriends were getting ready to get undressed. Toweling themselves down to dry off some of the sweat that had accumulated on their young bodies. Of of the members of the school lacrosse team was going around and causing mischief. When they saw Pent with his back to the hall, they immediately ran over and depantsed the cub. The fox blushed and covered himself.\n\nLooking back he couldn't see who it was, only seeing their back as they ran away. The fox blushed and rolled his eyes, simply kicking off his gym shorts.\n\n\"Don't worry, Pent. You look cute in your boxers.\" Xavier complimented him since he seemed to be embarrassed by his lack of dress.\n\nPent blushed again. \"You looked?\"\n\n\"Yeah, it's no big deal. It's not like I haven't seen you in your underwear before…haha.\" The chipmunk shrugged and didn't make a big deal out of it.\n\nThe white fox looked down. \"I guess…\"\n\nXavier pulled his shorts down showing off his boxers. \"Now we match.\"\n\nThe bigger boy couldn't help but look at him before looking away. \"Xae….\"\n\n\"It's okay, Pent. You can look if you want. \" The chipmunk approached him closer only a few inches from him.\n\nPent flinched before looking back. The other cub was too close for him to get a good look at him in his boxers. But he could see some sweat on his body. \n\nThe fox smiled \"You're so handsome, Xavier.\"\n\nThe chipmunk leaned in and hugged his boyfriend. \"I think you are handsome too, Pent.\"\n\nThe fox took an inadvertent sniff of the other cub. Picking up his smell again. The two remained hugging for a few seconds. More and more of the boy's scent entered his nose. The combination of musk, pheromones, and sweat was all too tantalizing for him. Xavier eventually broke the hug, snapping Pent out of his state of stupefaction.\n\n\"Let's get ready to head out so you don't miss the bus.\" The chipmunk suggested since they'd already been there a few minutes.\n\nPent nodded, his mind still thinking about the smell a bit. \"A-a-alright.\"\n\nThey proceeded to get dressed back into their school clothing. Grabbing their bags once they were ready to leave. Holding hands once again as they made their way back out. They were one of the last ones out of the school so it didn't take them very long to get out of the school. After they arrived in front of the school, they made their way to the bus area since it was they left earlier than when Xavier was normally picked up.\n\nSamaliel was standing around with his newest friend Cameron. The two were rather dirty from the tug-of-war they had in their gym class. Pent and Xavier approached them without much thinking about the fact they were holding hands again. \n\n\"Hiya, Sama. How was school?\" The older boy asked the younger one to grab his attention.\n\nSamaliel turned around to look at Pent, noticing he was holding hands with the chipmunk. \"Good. Oh, hey Xavier. I guess you guys made up?\"\n\nPent nodded and looked at his boyfriend. \"Yeah, we're going to be hanging out again Sama.\"\n\n\"Cool, Pent. I'm glad you guys are friends again.\" The salt and pepper cub smiled widely.\n\n\nXavier nodded. \"Alright, well I'll see you two later. I'll let you know when the game is alright, Pent?\"\n\n\"Yeah, Xae. See you later\" Pent waved to him as he parted from the two brothers.\n\nThe white fox watched as he walked away. His brother noticed and chuckled at him.\n\n\"What?\" The white fox looked back at the younger boy.\n\nSamaliel jabbed him in the side playfully. \"Nothing, you're just funny when you're around him.\"\n\n\"Huh? What do you mean?\" Pent wasn't sure what he was talking about.\n\nThe salt and pepper cub began to sing. \"Xavier and Pent…sitting in a tree…K-I-S-S-I-N-G.\"\n\n\"Sama…\" Pent couldn't help but blush.\n\nThe smaller cub playfully shoved into his brother. \"I'm just having a bit of fun. Let's go home lover boy.\"\n\nIt seemed that the cat was out of the bag with his younger brother now. Pent regretted him figuring it out. However, he also knew there was no taking it back now. That day on the way home Xavier started to come up with a plan to replace the necklaces. He had noticed that Pent was wearing his anymore and he wanted to do something nice for him just as Pent had done in the past.\n\nXavier hopped in the car, seeming much more chipper than usual. His father noticed the big smile on his face.\n\n\"Have a good day at school today champ? Are people still bugging you?\" The father asked as he tried to be involved in his son's life.\n\nXavier nodded. \"Uh-huh. People are still bugging me but I don't care.\"\n\n\"Oh? What changed that? It seemed to bother you a lot.\" He pulled out of the car loop.\n\nThe chipmunk smiled. \"I made up with Pent today. He's the only friend I need.\"\n\n\"Finally realized what true friendship means, eh?\" The father smirked a bit.\n\nThe brown-furred boy looked out the window. \"I guess. He just makes me happy. I'm tired of trying to worry about what other people think about me.\"\n\n\"Well, it's good to have more friends but at least you have one that's important to you.\" The father was glad they had made up.\n\nXavier chirped back. \"Uh-huh. I like him a lot, Dad. Can you take us to the lacrosse game?\"\n\n\"You mean the one he got you tickets for? You're still grounded, cubby. When is it?\" The father didn't want to back out of the punishment he had handed out.\n\nThe chipmunk boy frowned. \"Aw….but dad….please?\"\n\n\"When is it, bucko?\" The man wanted to know.\n\nXavier thought about it for a second. \"I'm not sure but I think it's this weekend.\"\n\n\"I will talk to your mother about it.\" The older male wasn't about to make that kind of decision without her.\n\nThe boy remained hopeful he would give in but wasn't sure that he would. The two walked into the house together. Xavier had homework so he decided to go straight back to his room to work on it. He knew that if his parents saw him working hard that they were much more likely to grant his request. His father on the other hand went back to the kitchen where his wife was already waiting for him.\n\n\"Where's Xae?\" She asked as he hadn't stopped in to say hello.\n\nThe husband shrugged. \"Probably in his room. He forgot to take his shoes off. I think he's trying to impress us again.\"\n\n\"Is he now? To what end? I suppose he wants out of his punishment?\" The woman knew he'd been punished for a while now but for a good reason.\n\nDoug nodded. \"Something like that. He told me he made up with Pent today.\"\n\n\"Oh, good. I'm glad. I wasn't sure he would. Our son is so fickle sometimes.\" She couldn't help but smile.\n\nHe chucked. \"Yes, he is. Sometimes he doesn't know what he wants. But I think he's learned now to follow his heart and not his head.\"\n\n\"How do you know? What makes you so certain he won't do it again?\" His wife wasn't so certain.\n\nThe father thought about it for a second. \"I don't think he liked being alone. I think he finally realized Pent is his only true friend.\"\n\n\"I can agree\n with that. He's been rather withdrawn recently. So what is it he wants to do?\" She was curious now.\n\nThe man hummed. \"He wants one of us to take him and Pent to the lacrosse game they got tickets for.\"\n\n\"Oh, I see and what do you think? Should we let them?\" She wasn't sure what to do.\n\nHe smirked. \"I have an idea if you want to make him squirm a bit.\"\n\n\"You're cruel sometimes you know that? What is it?\" The wife rolled her eyes at him.\n\nThe husband tapped his head. \"He has a test this week, doesn't he? We tell him if he gets an A he can go with Pent.\"\n\n\"You know as well as I do that he's never gotten an A….ever. That seems unreasonable.\" She scowled at him.\n\nThe father sighed. \"Then what? Do you have a better idea?\"\n\n\"Why not let him study by himself and aim for a B instead? We don't want him to just rely on Pent to help him.\" The wife figured it was a reasonable goal.\n\nHe nodded at her. \"I like that idea. We can tell him at dinner.\"\n\nThe deal was sealed. The parents told Xavier during their meal and of course, he was more than alright with agreeing to it. Upon checking the tickets, the chipmunk discovered he was right about the game being this weekend. He knew it would be a hard task to accomplish, especially without Pent's help. But he wanted to go and get a chance to redeem himself in the fox's eyes.\n\nAfter food, he went right to work. Math was the one subject he hated more than anything else. Yet here he was pouring over the very books which he despised. Within the first five minutes of getting underway, he was bored. He looked at his phone, thinking about calling Pent but realized he had deleted the cub's number. It seemed he would have to figure it out on his own, just as his parents had intended.\n\nOver the next few days, Xavier continued to study on his own. At school, he tried to ask Pent for help but the fox wasn't able to help him as much as he liked since he was wrapping up the hockey season. So Xavier more or less was depending totally on his focus and self-discipline to get him through the ordeal. Neither of which he had in high demand, except when it came to the sport he loved.\n\nThe day of the test arrived before long. Pent gave him some words of wisdom and last-minute tricks of the trade to get him through the day. A last-minute cram session before school. Yet the time had come, he had to take the test. Their nerves were already high for him and stress was even higher. It was now or never. The fox had convinced him that he could do it, he felt confident that he could pull it off.\n\nWalking into the math class, he got one final look at his book before the tests were handed out. A 25-question assignment, just the same as every other math exam he took. He looked at it, dreading even putting his name on it. The ink on the paper seemingly laughed at him. He remembered what Pent had told him and eventually began to start the test. Working through it one question at a time.\n\nThe test took him almost the entire period. It was one of the first times he'd ever used most of the time. He often rushed but not today. Even going back to check his work over to make sure he was happy with it. Finally giving in to being done with it. Walking up to the table where the teacher was sitting, handing them the paper.\n\n\"Do you think you could grade it now? I kind of made a deal with my parents and they want to see the grade.\" It wasn't the first time he'd requested it.\n\nShe nodded at him and he walked away. Xavier watched her hand with interest. Sure, he cared about his grades now but this was more intense for him. The pressure of wanting something so badly that he simply thought he couldn't wait. Every movement of her hand made him even more stressed and worried about the final result. It didn't take her long to grade it and she put it in the computer before holding it up for him to take it.\n\nXavier got back up and walked towards her desk slowly. He took a deep breath before taking the paper. Looking at the top of the paper, a red \"79\" was inked across the paper. His heart sank. He had missed the mark by one point.\n\n\"Is there nothing I can do to get a B? Extra credit….anything?\" He was desperate.\n\nShe looked at him, it wasn't like him to try and improve his grade on the spot. \"Why? Your grade is fine. You did quite well.\"\n\n\"But I needed a B. The deal with my parents was for a B. Please? I'll do anything.\" Xavier pleaded with her.\n\nShe'd never seen him like this. The little jock boy caring so much about 1 point was something new for her. She eyed him warily. The woman thought about it for a second. Yet, she remained silent and steadfast. He began to walk away and back to his desk. His head dropped down. It felt over to him. Of course, she noticed, feeling guilty about it. The rest of the class he remained silent, without a word.\n\nWhen class ended, she called him over and asked for his paper. He looked at her as she re-examined the test. A red marker in her hand. She crossed out the 79 and replaced it with an 80.\n\n\"Thank you! I promise you won't regret this.\" He said with a wide smile on his face.\n\nShe nodded to him and shewed him off. She had other tests to grade. Xavier folded the paper and put it back in his bag. He was happy. It meant he could go to the game with his boyfriend. He couldn't wait to tell the fox. It wouldn't be until lunch that he saw Pent again. It was the only time in school he saw the cub except in passing and in gym class. When Xavier arrived into the lunch room he immediately began looking around for the white fox.\n\nHe saw the fox reading in his usual spot. His food was untouched as if waiting for Xavier to arrive. The chipmunk made his way through the line. Once he had his food, he wasted no time in rushing to join Pent at his table. The two were just as removed from the rest of the cubs as they usually were.\n\n\"Hey, Pent. Have a good day today?\" Xavier asked as the other cub smiled at him.\n\nThe bigger boy nodded. \"Better now that you're here with me.\"\n\n\"You're sweet. Guess what?\" The chipmunk tried to tease him into guessing.\n\nPent thought to himself. \"I dunno. You got on the gryphons?\"\n\n\"I haven't heard back from them yet but…remember the test I took today? Check it out!\" The chipmunk pulled out the paper and proudly presented it to the fox cub.\n\nThe Arctic fox looked at it. \"Nice dude. I'm happy for you.\"\n\n\"You know what that means? If you're still up for it, we get to go to the lacrosse game this Sunday. It's at 10.\" The brown-furred boy said with a huge smile on his face.\n\nThe bigger cub's tail started to wag. \"Heck yeah, I'm in. I wouldn't miss it for anything.\"\n\n\"Sweet. I'm glad you're going to go. I'll let my parents know once they see my test. Maybe you can come over after if you want.\" Xavier wanted to have another sleepover.\n\nPent hummed. \"I'm not sure. It's a school day.\"\n\n\"Yeah, but we go to the same school. My parents can drop you off. We even do homework together if you want.\" The chipmunk wanted him to come over.\n\nThe fox nodded. \"Okay, I'll bring over a bag of stuff to change into but that sounds fun.\"\n\n\"Cool, you can sleep in my bed again if you want…\" Xavier leaned in and whispered to the other cub.\n\nThe bigger boy smiled. \"I would like that.\"\n\n\"It's a date then.\" The chipmunk kissed the other boy on the cheek causing him to blush.\n\nA few people \"ewed\" at them upon seeing them show affection for one another. The two cubs didn't pay them any mind. The rest of lunch went by rather quickly for the two cubs. Spending time together made them forget about all their problems. Nothing else in the world mattered to them. \n\nWhen gym rolled around, the class gave them something new to try. An activity designed to force the cubs to work together. The sport in question for this day was a 4 part marathon and each of the pairs of kids was told to split up the activities evenly. Pent decided to take the swimming parts of it while his boyfriend took the running parts of it. The winner was to be awarded an activity of choice on another day.\n\nSwimsuits were provided by the school to the cubs who were participating in the swimming part of it. Holding up the pair of trunks in front of him, he thought about going to the shower stalls so he could strip there. He didn't want other people to see him naked as he was still somewhat shy about his body. After a few moments of thinking about it, he decided to do that.\n\nHe headed over toward the bathrooms. Stepping out of his shoes and socks and into the shower stalls. Completely stripping before changing into the bathing suit that was a bit too snug on him. He returned before long with his clothes in hand, wearing naught but the swim trunks he had been given. He saw that Xavier had changed already and was waiting for him.\n\n\"Ready to win, Pent?\" The chipmunk said confidently.\n\nPent nodded. \"Let's go show these chumps whose boss.\"\n\nThe first leg of the race was to start outside. It was a lap around the school and back inside the school pool. That was where the first race in water would take place for four laps in the pool. From there the foot racers would pick up for another lap around the block. Only to return to the pool for a final four laps would occur. Swimmers would be expected to use at least two strokes.\n\nThe whistle was blown and the race began before long with Xavier darting off into the distance. The cubs who weren't on this particular heat started cheering each of them on. Though none of them were particularly cheering for one person or another. The chipmunk was an athletic cub, easily able to keep in front of the other cubs. Finishing almost half a minute before any of the other cubs who were behind him.\n\nPent launched off once he felt Xavier hit his hand. He started with a freestyle since it was the easiest thing to do. He already had a big lead and had nothing to worry about. Still, he continued at full speed with no intention of slowing down.\n Continuing in his second lap making what he thought to be good practice. About halfway into his second lap, the other cubs started on the swimming portion of the race.\n\nThe fox picked up pace to keep up his head. Swimming as fast as he could, seemingly continue to pull ahead of the other cubs. Xavier cheered him on from the other side of the pool. He could hear his voice and it was only making him try harder. The fox finished his heat and tapped Xavier on the hand. He had finished almost a full two laps ahead of the other cubs, who were still in the middle of their swimming laps.\n\nXavier was confident they would win now. It was practically guaranteed. He made a concerted effort to go as fast as he possibly could. He wanted nothing more than to humiliate the other cubs. When he finished, the other cubs had barely even started their final sprint on land to the last water route. Pent started again, this time using the butterfly.\n\nPent thought himself to be a strong swimmer. He had never joined a team but had been taught how to swim at a young age. Even going every so often when he could go to the local pool. It was a hobby he never got the chance to foster much since the winter didn't allow it as much. He was able to make quick work of his last few laps. Coming out on top an entire three laps ahead of the other cubs who had barely started their last swimming sprint.\n\nPent was greeted by Xavier who helped him out of the pool. The two celebrated with each other. The dry cub hugged the wet one despite him being soaked. Pent smelt of chlorine and his body dripped with water. The coach congratulated them and asked them what they wanted to do in the future. Both boys looked at each other, neither quite yet decided on the issue, and decided to defer it for later.\n\nPent and Xavier returned to the locker room shortly after. Both cubs hand and hand one again. They were quite happy with themselves. They had soundly beat the competition. There was no challenge for either of them. They did not attempt gloating about it, knowing full well it wouldn't have meant anything to the many people who thought they disliked them.\n\n\"I'm gonna hit the shower real quick, Xae. You don't have to wait up if you don't want.\" Pent said as he started to walk towards the bathrooms.\n\nXavier looked at his boyfriend's body. His lithe form dripping with water walked away from him. The chipmunk stared at the other cub's butt for a bit watching his tail sway back and forth. He hadn't noticed the other boy's body before and it seemed somewhat attractive to him. Pent proceeded to strip and wash himself off. He just wanted to get rid of the sticky matted feeling that chlorine caused him to have.\n\nPent didn't spend very long in the showers and dried off with a nearby towel before returning in the boxers he had brought with him. He made his way back to the locker rooms and found Xavier had already changed back into his school clothes. The other boy stared at him from afar, still admiring his form. Pent couldn't help but notice as it was the first time Xavier had checked him out.\n\n\"Do I have something stuck on me or something?\" Pent checked himself out just in case.\n\nXavier shook his head. \"Oh….uh nah. Sorry. I just noticed how nice your body looks that's all.\" The chipmunk wanted to be honest.\n\n\"Oh…thanks…I like yours too.\" The fox blushed a bit before leaning in to kiss his boyfriend on the cheek.\n\nThe chipmunk blushed a bit as he brought Pent in for another hug. \"We rocked today.\"\n\nPent could pick up the smell of the other boy, taking a few inadvertent sniffs of him. \"Yeah….\"\n\n\"That tickles. Pent…haha.\" The fox's nose was plucked right against him.\n\nThe bigger cub pulled back a bit and blushed. \"Sorry…\"\n\n\"It's okay. It's not like it hurt or anything.\" The brown-furred boy shrugged.\n\nPent contemplated telling him that he liked how he smelled. He confided within himself for a moment. Xavier noticed he seemed distracted.\n\n\"Are you alright? Is something wrong?\" Xavier knew Pent well enough to know when something was bothering him.\n\nThe white fox shook his head. \"Nah, it's nothing….just thinking about you.\"\n\nThe fox finally returned to his locker trying to forget about how Xavier smelled. He wanted to smell him more but he knew it was weird. Xavier would be disgusted for sure, he told himself.\nPent got dressed back up into his school uniform. He didn't want to miss the bus. The two walked out together and separated ways. Pent's heart was beating fast again. Being complimented by the other cub gave him a bit of a confidence boost. \n\nXavier reported to his parents his success in the test. They were all too happy to give in to his request. They even got rid of the rest of his punishment. He had shown vast improvement and it seemed pointless to continue it. He was happy to hear this and even more ecstatic to be able to go to the game with his boyfriend on Sunday. It was only a matter of time before he got to see him again.\n\nThe next two days went by fairly quickly for both boys. They still had forgotten to exchange phone numbers again so they weren't able to talk throughout. Still, both cubs were able to keep themselves occupied until Saturday afternoon. Xavier had been working hard on extra chores to score some cash. He still wanted to replace the necklaces. He'd never bought jewelry and frankly didn't like it much.\n\nBut the necklace was different to him. Pent had given it to him and he knew the fox wore it all the time just as he did. He regretted throwing it out but had already created a plan to replace it. He had saved up $50 in hopes that would be enough to buy something. However, he knew nothing about jewelry and the only people he knew who owned the stuff were his parents. So it seemed he would have to turn to them again.\n \nSo that afternoon he decided to ask his father who was the only one home that day as his mother worked Saturdays. His father was lazing about on the chair watching some soccer. Xavier was very much a chip off the old block when it came to watching sports. The cub was still in his pajamas since it was a nasty day out. He was hopeful that the weather would improve tomorrow.\n\nHe made himself some peanut butter and jelly along with some chips before joining his old man on the sofa. The older male was transfixed watching his favorite European club get its' butt handed to it. The man was gnawing down some popcorn trying to drown his sorrows of the poor score on the screen. It was about to go to commercial so he eased back in the chair and noticed his son had joined him.\n\n\"Oh, hey Xae.\" The man continued to gorge himself on popcorn.\n\nXavier munched on the same popcorn. \"How goes the game, Pops?\"\n\n\"It goes but as usual Paris is choking.\" The older male shrugged as he still enjoyed watching the sport.\n\nThe cub watched the television shortly. \"Oh, that stinks.\"\n\n\"Are you going to watch the game with me?\" The father couldn't be certain.\n\nThe chipmunk boy thought about it for a second. \"Maybe for a bit but I was wondering if you could give me some advice on something.\"\n\n\"Sure what's up, Champ?\" He looked over at his son since the game was going poorly anyways.\n\nXavier looked at the floor as if ashamed. \"Well….do you remember that best friend necklace that Pent bought me?\"\n\n\"Yeah, you used to wear it all the time. What about it?\" The father noticed he wasn't wearing it.\n\nThe cub sighed. \"Well, I threw it away when we fought. I think he got rid of his too…I would like to replace them and was hoping you could pick something out.\"\n\n\"You really like him, huh?' The older man couldn't help but smile.\n\nThe brown-furred cub nodded. \"Uh-huh. Will you help me pick something out?\"\n\n\"Son, do you know how expensive jewelry is?\" The man didn't think this was the case.\n\nXavier shook his head. \"I've never bought jewelry before so I guess not?\"\n\n\"It's a lot more than you think. How much do you have?\" He didn't think the boy would have much since he knew how much allowance he was given.\n\nThe boy knew exactly what he had because he'd been saving for a while. \"I have $50.\"\n\n\"That's probably not enough, son. Jewelry is pretty expensive. I'm not sure how your little boyfriend could afford those necklaces.\" The father tried to be soft about it.\n\nThe cub frowned, feeling even worse about it. \"Oh…So I need to save more?\"\n\n\"When I say more…I don't mean a little bit. I'm talking 100s of bucks, kiddo.\" He wasn't sure how he could help.\n\nThe chipmunk boy shuffled his paws. \"Okay…\"\n\n\"I know you want to buy him a replacement but why not just get him something else or make him something instead?\" The father made a suggestion he had come up with.\n\nXavier looked back up at him. \"Like what?\"\n\n\"Go ask your mother about those little bracelets she's been crafting for people online. I bet she'd help you make one for both of you.\" He smiled at his son.\n\nThe younger male leaned in and hugged his father. \"Thanks, Dad.\"\n\nXavier immediately sped off the couch. His father chuckled at him. The cub had forgotten all about the game but the man knew he didn't care for soccer. The chipmunk boy padded over to the kitchen where he found his mother making some. The woman looked at him as he entered and he soon explained his purpose to her. She was more than happy to help him and instructed him on how to make friendship bracelets.\n\nShe allowed him to pick two colors, picking some for himself and some for Pent. She showed him how to braid and weave friendship bracelets. It was a fairly simple craft, one which only required some form of yawn or other form of fabric to weave together. Connecting and tossing over each different strand until a variety of colored bracelets was created. It took him about an hour to create both but when he was done he held it up for her to see.\n\nShe smiled at her son and hugged him. He was so glad he had finally found someone special that wasn't fake. He'd changed so much\n since meeting Pent and she was more than happy for him. Now it was just a matter of time until the lacrosse game. He was excited to show his boyfriend and stuck it in his pocket. He couldn't wait to show him what he made and hoped he would like it.\n\nSaturday for Pent was much less productive. He helped his brother study for an upcoming test that the younger boy had been stressing about. The older fox was always willing to help his brother. They spent a few hours on the subject in question and when they were done the older fox and his younger brother played games together. It was more or less to pass the time and a lazy day overall.\n\nThat night Pent had his first naughty dream about Xavier. He'd thought about the other cub on more than enough occasions that visions of him no longer bothered him as much. But that night…he thought about seeing the cub undress in front of him down to his boxers. Pent reached forward…to tug on them but instead, the other boy rested his hand right on his crotch. The dream abruptly ended when Pent awoke in the middle of the night with his heart racing fast…\n\nGetting up to wash his face, he realized he had gotten a bit hard from it. He'd never had sexual thoughts about Xavier before. Only vague visions of him undressing in front of him and the occasional thoughts of him barefoot. It was a lot for his mind to process. He began to wonder what Xavier looked like down there…what it would be like to touch him. The fox eventually fought off the thoughts, allowing himself to go to sleep.\n\nThe next morning came before long and Pent awoke to a bit of morning wood and took a moment to settle down. He huffed as he got up. He didn't want Xavier to know about this dream…about what he thought about. It just seemed weird to him even if he found the other cub attractive. He decided to ignore it, still looking forward to seeing the other cub at the lacrosse game.\n\nPent got out of his pajamas before getting dressed and put on a simple graphic t-shirt and jean shorts. The white fox stashed a change of clothes into the book bag he was bringing with him. He was certain it would be hot today and didn't want to be miserable at the lacrosse game. The fox put on his socks and shoes before going into the kitchen. Samaliel was already up and making food for himself.\n\n\"You're up late. I thought for certain I'd have to get you up.\" The younger fox saw his brother enter the room.\n\nPent huffed. \"I just had a bad dream that's all.\"\n\n\"That sucks. I'm going to go to Cameron's today. Is that alright?\" Samaliel wanted to make sure it was alright.\n\nThe white fox thought about who he was talking about. \"Oh is that the new transient kid?\"\n\n\"Yeah, the American cheefox boy. I figured I'd offer to hang out since he's new and stuff.\" The salt and pepper boy served himself up a waffle and fruit.\n\nThe older boy shrugged. \"Yeah, sure. That's fine. I'm gonna sleep over at his house after.\"\n\n\"I hope you have fun on your little date…\" Samaliel laughed.\n\nThe white fox rolled his eyes. \"Sama….we're not…\"\n\n\"Oh, hush. I might be 10 but I'm not stupid. You don't need to hide it from me. I saw you guys holding hands the other day.\" The smaller boy smirked.\n\nPent stammered. \"But…\"\n\n\"I don't care who you date, Pent. I just want you to be happy. I'm just glad you have a friend.\" The younger boy hugged his brother.\n\nThe bigger boy hugged him back. \"Thanks, Sama.\"\n\n\"Good luck today. I hope you guys have fun.\" Samaliel finished the rest of his meal and hopped on his way out the door.\n\nPent proceeded to make himself food, choosing some granola mixed with fruit and juice. He was pretty hungry and so he worked through it pretty quickly. He wondered how hot it would be so he turned on the radio. The weather channel soon provided him with a forecast for the day.\n\n\"Today's expected highs are 27 degrees. Light Rain is expected in the mid to late afternoon. Wind will persist throughout the day.\"\n\nThe fox decided to grab his rain jacket just in case before he left. He finished his meal before going into the front room where the coat rack was situated. He grabbed his red rain jacket and proceeded to go outside. Pent put his book bag on his lap and proceeded to wait. The boy looked at his phone. It was already pretty close to 10 and he was expecting the chipmunk's family car to arrive at any moment.\nPent proceeded to wait. Excitement was already building inside of him. The chance to spend time with Xavier was already enough for him to be anxious. The addition of seeing a professional lacrosse game was just an extra. Time began to pass and the clock continued to pass time. Pent looked at his phone again. It was now several minutes past 8 and they still hadn't arrived.\n\nHe began to think negative again. Perhaps Xavier had led him again. Perhaps it was all for naught. He hung his head low, ready to give up. A quarter past the hour tolled and he was ready to give up. Pent stood up, he was tired of waiting and feeling distraught. His tail is between his leg. He checked his phone and saw nothing from Xavier, forgetting that he had deleted his number. Just as he was about to head inside he heard a beep of a car horn.\n\nTurning around he saw the familiar vehicle of Xavier's mother's car was waiting for him. Pent's tail wagging behind him rather evidently. The sorrow left his person as he grabbed his bag and locked the door. The fox turned around and sped towards the vehicle almost tripping over himself in the process. Soon joining his boyfriend in the back seat. Pent noticed he was wearing a blue white and red sports jersey.\n\n\"Sorry, we're late, Pent. The traffic was kind of bad.\" The boy's mother explained to him.\n\nPent smiled and leaned into Xavier. The two sitting next to each other again.\n\n\"Hey, Pent. Ready for the Lacrosse game?\" The chipmunk smiled at his boyfriend.\n\nThe bigger boy nodded. \"Yeah. I was getting worried you guys forgot about me.\"\n\nXavier hugged his friend. \"Sorry. My mom tried to get here as fast as she could.\"\n\n\"It's okay…I'm just glad to go hang out with you again.\" The fox kit's worries had all but washed away.\n\nThe chipmunk reached into his pocket. \"Me too. I noticed you don't have your necklace and I guess you got rid of it when we fought.\"\n\n\"Yeah…I was upset. I guess you did too?\" Pent had noticed the same before.\n\nThe smaller cub nodded. \"Yeah, I felt guilty about it and so I made us something new.\"\n\nXavier held out the small fabric bracelets in his palm, expecting Pent to take one.\n\n\"Oh, wow. You made these?\" The fox looked at them for a second.\n\nThe brown-furred cub smiled. \"Yeah, do you like it?\"\n\n\"Totally…I love it.\" The Arctic fox took one and put it on his wrist.\n\nXavier put his own on. \"Now we match again.\"\n\n\"Cool thanks, Xae.\" The white cub tightened it a bit so it didn't wiggle around as much.\n\nPent and Xavier exchanged phone numbers again as they both learned they had deleted each other. They were each given a bottle of sunblock to protect themselves from the sunlight. The car soon began to smell like coconut. The two continued to talk about nothing specific until they arrived at the stadium where the Lacrosse game was. The fox left his bag in the car so it wouldn't be searched or taken from him.\n\nWhen they pulled up to the parking lot, Xavier's mother stopped the vehicle and asked the boys to get out and take a picture. The two boys proudly showed off their bracelets to the camera.\nThe fox's tail wagged behind him softly as he stood there with his boyfriend. He could smell barbecue on the wind. It was apparent someone was tailgating. The chipmunk's mother told them she would pick them up after the game and to have a good time before leaving them to their own devices.\n\nXavier had already been given the tickets by his parents. He had been here enough that he knew where everything was. He took Pent by the hand and held it in his own and took the lead. They soon arrived in an area where more furs were congregating around. It was the entrance to the stadium and only a few lines were filtering inside. Xavier and his boyfriend proceeded to the front where they were checked in by security.\n\nNeither boy had brought anything inside so it was a pretty quick process. Their tickets were checked and they were pointed in the direction of their seats. The arena was a 3-level one with spiral ramps at each corner of it that led to the upper levels of it. They could hear yelling and screaming. Xavier assumed this meant that the game had to have started already, though he couldn't be sure.\n\nThe chipmunk figured they could get snacks or food and drink later since they were already likely late. Pent continued to follow him until they were in an open area again of several rows of bleachers of seats. The sunlight immediately hit upon them since they were in one of the top rings of seating. The smaller boy tugged on him again trying to get him to stop looking around since he didn't want his boyfriend to get lost.\n\nHe continued to lead them up the stairs until they reached one of the top rows. A large scoreboard sat overtop them providing at least a little shade from the otherwise blazing hot heat of the sun. They found themselves mostly alone. The row in which they sat was almost empty as they made their way to the center of it. Sitting down they soon found themselves looking directly at the center of the arena.\n\nEven as high up as they were, they could still make out the action below. It was only midway through the first period with 2 more periods to play. The score was only 1-0 which meant that very little action had happened so far. The game was between Calgary and Toronto and it was being played in a local arena so neither of them was considered to be the home team.\n\n\"Which one do you like, Xavier?\" Pent asked as he had never seen either of them before.\n\nHe pointed at the field. \"The blue ones. They are the Toronto Rocks. The black ones are\n the Calgary Roughnecks.\"\n\n\"Cool. I'll root for them then.\" The white fox decided to cheer on the same team his boyfriend was into.\n\nThere was no one in front of them so it made it pretty easy for them to see what was happening. Both teams were deadlocked on the field with the defense on both parts doing what they needed to keep things off the scoreboard. Xavier watched with interest as he tried to cheer on his favorite team to victory. He was on the edge of his seat the entire time. Pent tried to get himself into the sport but was finding it harder since he didn't understand it.\n\nThe first period continued much the same with neither team scoring another goal. Both teams trotted off the field as the whistle was blown. About an hour has passed and a short break followed with a set time for intermission. Xavier was getting hungry even know it was a little bit before lunch. He decided to take his boyfriend for something to eat since he knew the next period would last well beyond when he usually ate lunch.\n\n\"Come on, Pent. Let's get something to eat.\" Xavier tugged on the fox to get him out of his chair.\n\nThe two boys made their way back down the stands and into the outer ring of the arena. Furs were all around them. Huge lines flowed in front of the many vendors' stands and even larger ones in front of the bathrooms. The places were packed. Pent began to feel anxious with all the people around but still followed Xavier to wherever he was taking him. Xavier knew the perfect place that he remembered seldom saw that much traffic.\n\nThey proceeded around to the back of the arena where the crowd thinned out a bit. A small burger stand stood alone removed from all but an even smaller merchandise stall. Xavier took Pent over to it and showed him the menu. He knew the place had all sorts of burgers and figured the fox would find something he liked. The food here was rather expensive and the white cub began to feel uncertain of what to order.\n\nPent reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. The other boy shook his head at him. Xavier had intended to buy him lunch all along after all it was his idea to come here. He had brought the $50 he had saved and hoped it was enough to get them something to eat and drink and perhaps a snack for after. They waited in line until it was their turn the vendor greeted them and asked what they wanted.\n\nXavier ordered himself a cheeseburger and fries and allowed Pent to order himself whatever he wanted. He paid for the two meals and was left over with just enough to get but a single ice cream cone. The cub decided it would have to wait until the second-period intermission since it had taken a long time to get their lunch. He nudged his boyfriend to go back the way they came once they had gotten their food.\n\nThey returned to their seats after a short walk back to the stand. Xavier and Pent sat down again and began to eat. The second period started before long with both teams taking the field and facing off. This period started with a bang with the Rocks scoring within seconds of their opening drive. Xavier uproariously cheered and almost caused his tray of food to spill on his lap.\n\nPent grabbed the tray to keep it from tipping over. The thing settled down as he did so. The other boy settled down soon after, still with a smile on his face since his team had scored. They began eating again and continued to watch the game. The back-and-forth motion of the team continued with a deadlock again for some time. It wasn't until near the end of the second period that the Rocks scored a second time.\n\nThe whistle was blown again. Xavier was beside himself. The rocks were on top. He proudly displayed the jersey he was wearing with his favorite player, #9, on the back of it. Both boys had finished their meals by this point so the chipmunk figured he'd do the nice thing and throw it away for both of them. He remembered Pent had said his favorite flavor was vanilla and decided to take advantage of the last bit of money he had in his pocket.\n\nXavier left Pent on his own for a bit. He had told him he was going to use the bathroom. He wanted it to be a surprise. Returning soon after with a fairly large scoop of the familiar white ice cream and a waffle cone. The chipmunk held it out to Pent, expecting him to take it from him. The fox looked at it briefly so that his boyfriend could sit down. The other cub doing so before sliding his shoes off.\n\nThe chipmunk leaned into him, pressing his left shoulder into the bigger cub. Pent smiled at him and tried to relax. Inadvertently smelling his boyfriend's body smell. It tantalized his nose and made him want to smell more of him. Taking one long sniff of him as he sat there on him. Fortunately for him, the other cub suspected nothing.\n\n\"Hey, Pent…take your shoes off and take a load off. It's not like anyone is around us anyways.\"\n\nPent looked at him briefly. \"Huh? Uh…I'm okay.\"\n\nPent watched the other boy take his shoes off with interest. The other cub adjusted himself a bit and eased his socked paws onto the seat in front of them. The fox looked at the boy's socked paws again, thinking about them. Holding the ice cream in the middle of them so they could both share. There was no game going on and Xavier couldn't help but notice his boyfriend was staring at what appeared to be his feet.\n\n\"Whatcha looking at Pent?' The chipmunk took the ice cream cone back so they could share it.\n\nThe bigger boy snapped himself out of it. \"N-n-nothing…\"\n\nXavier shrugged it off as no big deal, wiggling his toes a bit in his socks. He began licking at the ice cream cone, holding it for Pent to take some. Pent was still distracted by the other cub's feet. He wanted to look at him barefoot again. Thinking of the time he got to briefly touch his feet in the winter. Remembering the time they had sat in the stream together....barefoot. The white fox began twiddling his fingers as if nervous.\n\n\"What's wrong, Pent?\" Xavier noticed he still hadn't eaten any of the ice cream.\n\nPent stammered. \"I-i-I'm f-f-fine…\"\n\n\"I got your favorite flavor. Don't you want some?\" He held it out closer to him.\n\nThe fox kit smiled and took a lick. The savory flavor of vanilla tantalized his taste buds as he licked it again. He then took a small chomp out of it before stopping himself.\n\n\"Sorry…\" He felt bad for taking more of it than he felt like he should have.\n\nXavier smiled. \"It's okay. I got it for us to share. I know you like vanilla. You can have more. Go on…I don't mind.\"\n\nPent took another lick and another bite. The other boy smiled since he was enjoying it. The two continued to share the cone until it was gone. The cone was the only thing left. Xavier chomped on half of it before offering the remaining piece to Pent. The white fox shook his head and gave it back to his boyfriend. The chipmunk was more than glad to finish it off. The game once again started before long.\n\nThe white fox once again found himself staring at the other cubs' socked paws. The socks were loose around his feet and he began to fantasize about them barefoot. He couldn't focus on the game. They were the only thing he could think about. Looking at them…touching them…and even rubbing them. Xavier had turned his attention back to the game and was transfixed on it.\n\nHe got up, not wanting to think about it anymore. Excusing himself to go to the bathroom so that he could distract himself with something else. The smaller cub moved his legs so he could go past him. Xavier thought to himself. It wasn't the first time Pent had acted weird around him when he took his shoes off. Did his paws bother the fox? He didn't even take his socks off. They didn't seem to smell...at least from where he was sitting. He didn't understand what the problem was.\n\nPent followed signs to the bathroom. Shutting himself into one of the stalls once he was inside. Thinking to himself he was weird. All these wayward thoughts were becoming too much to bear on his young mind. He wasn't sure what to think about them. Should he tell Xavier or should he just continue to ignore them? The fox felt like his boyfriend would think he was weird if he shared them. \n\nThe game continued to play and the Rocks scored again followed by the uproar of the crowd. It had been several minutes since Pent had left and Xavier began to wonder where he went. He knew he had gone to the bathroom but this seemed too long for that. He put his shoes back on and decided to go check on him and see what was up. Pent was still in the bathroom shut in, not much caring for anyone around him.\n\nXavier found his way to the nearest bathroom. No one was inside so he tilted his head to see if he could see shoes. Sure enough, he saw the fox's sneakers underneath.\n\n\"What's wrong, Pent?\" He asked certain something was wrong.\n\nPent jumped in place as he was started. \"Xavier? N-nothing I'm fine.\"\n\n\"Then why are you still in the bathroom? Are you not feeling well?\" Xavier wanted his boyfriend to come out.\n\nThe white fox sighed. \"I…I'm…f-fine…\"\n\n\"Come on out and we can talk about it if you want. I know somethings bugging you.\" The chipmunk knew the fox all too well by now.\n\nPent shook his head. \"No.\"\n\n\"Please? I promise we can talk through this. I want to help you.\" The chipmunk pleaded with him.\n\nThe bigger boy sighed. \"I want to go home.\"\n\n\"Why? Aren't you having fun?\" The brown-furred cub just wanted to know the reason behind the other boy's odd behavior.\n\nThe white cub finally opened the door. \"Yes…but I want to go home Xae.\"\n\n\"But Pent...Please tell me what's wrong…If it's something I did I want to fix it.\" Xavier fingered his pocket.\n\nPent sighed. \"It's not you. It's me. I'm stupid…I'm weird…Can I please go home now?\"\n\n\"You're not weird and you're not stupid. Can't you just tell me?\" The chipmunk was getting desperate.\n\nThe fox looked at the floor. \"I don't want to talk about it.\"\n\n\"Okay…\" Xavier texted\n his mother to pick them up.\n\nThey proceeded to walk out, not saying anything more between them. Xavier felt like he had screwed up. Like he had done something or said something wrong. Why was Pent acting so weird all of a sudden? It just didn't make sense. They proceeded to wait outside until his mother picked them up.\n\nBack in the car, they sat opposite one another. Xavier informed his mother to take Pent home, who didn't question the issue. It was almost like they fought when in fact it was just Pent fighting himself. The desire to be closer….to be intimate with Xavier and the realization that there was something about his feet…his scent…that he found all too appealing. He didn't want to think about it anymore. He just wanted to go home.\n\nPent was dropped off and once he was Xavier had a bit of a breakdown. He was sad, certain that he'd screwed up and made Pent upset. Tears welled up in his eyes. He felt like Pent was mad at him and unwilling to talk about it. He looked at his bracelet and hoped whatever had happened between them would be fixed soon and that things would go back to the way they were. He looked into the outside, thinking about that should have been\n\nThe fox returned to his house. Just as distraught. His bag on his back to an empty house. He took a quick shower and ate a small meal when dinner came around. The fox flopped around in bed, not even willing to read. His mind was distracted by his thoughts. How badly he wanted his interest in the other cub's feet and his scent to go away. It was just weird…He just wanted to be normal.\n\nAt night both of them peered into the same night sky. A practice that Pent had gotten Xavier into. The night sky gazed back at them with the sprinkling of lights and starry darkness above. Both boys were confused for different reasons. Both boys want a return to normalcy. A return to being together. A return to just being themselves without a care in the world.", "writing_bbcode_parsed": "Coming Full Circle 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

Another week had passed since the incident at school. Xavier and Pent remained very much estranged from each other. Neither was willing to break the ice again. Both seem just as distant and removed. Pent had gone back into the sheltered existence he lived. Confiding only in the world of non-fiction. Stuffing his face into books and consuming himself only by focusing on school once again.

\tSamaliel had all but forgotten about their talk. He had returned to what was at stake for him. He was expected to take some silly test, which he had been having Pent help him prepare for. Of course, his brother was more than happy to help him. It was just like the old days for the older cub who didn't bother himself with other cubs his age. Instead sticking with his brother and occasionally bothering adults who he trusted, like Bernard.

\tXavier on the other hand was dealing with something else entirely. The chipmunk found himself entirely alone. No one wanted to talk to him anymore and no one was hanging out with him. Ever since the fight with Pent, people were either associating him as a wimp who couldn't defend himself or the ever-present nerd who let the fox boy win. The rumors of him being gay had all but died out but that didn't solve his problem of finding himself in a situation very similar to Pent's.

\tYet, for Xavier, he wasn't used to it. The idea of isolation was something new and foreign to him. Wandering the halls without anyone to talk to. Sitting at lunch by himself at a table far removed from any other cub. He began to feel increasingly lonely. The desire to have but a single friend ran rampant in his mind. However, it seemed that when he tried that people would ignore him or just walk away.

\tOf course, he hadn't tried talking with Pent. Xavier had been caving into the idea of guilt. That it was his fault that this happened. That he'd been selfish again and thought of only himself. Always worried about being popular and what people thought of him now. But now that he was alone, he began to realize what Pent faced daily. That true friendship is hard to find and even harder to get back.

\tSo that day, The chipmunk decided to finally come clean to his parents. He wanted to fix this. He didn't want to be alone anymore. He didn't just want any friends back. He wanted Pent. Xavier knew what had to be done….but he had no idea how to do it. He could only hope that his parents would have some insight into the issue. He began to look forward to seeing his parents, hopeful that they would decrease his punishment a bit.

\tAfterschool came before long and with it, Xavier headed outside. Xavier had a lacrosse practice today and was still going despite everything that had happened. He was going to be formally trying out for the Gryphons in hopes of getting on a better team. He approached the car loop and proceeded to wait for one of his parents to show up. It wasn't long before his mother's familiar car pulled in.

She unlocked the door for him. "How was school hon?"

"Another day, I suppose." He tried not to think much about his day and got inside the car.

The woman smiled at him as he buckled in. "You get used to it as you get older."

"Mom, can I ask you something?" He wasted no time in getting to the point as it had been bothering him for much of the day.

She started the car out of the loop. "Sure, honey. What is it?"

"Do you remember that fight I got in the other day?" Xavier twiddled his fingers hoping to not make her angry again.

The mother looked at him out of the corner of her eyes. "What about it?"

"Well….it was with Pent…and I think it was my fault."  The chipmunk looked to the ground as if ashamed of himself.

The woman took a second to respond. "Oh? How so?"

"Uh…I told him I didn't want to be his friend anymore." The brown-furred cub frowned a bit.

She continued to focus on driving while she talked. "I see…what caused you to say that?"

"He hugged me at the lacrosse game the other day. I think people saw because they put out an article about me having a gay relationship and started to give me a hard time because of it." He peered out the window.

She sighed deeply. "Honey, we talked about this before. You need to stop caring about what you people think. It's obvious he cares a lot for you."

"I know…but I screwed up and now I don't know what to do, Mom. I want him back…I'll do anything to have him back as my friend….Please help me." He pleaded with her.

The woman stopped the car at their front parking lot but didn't unlock the door. "You know you did a terrible thing, right? That you probably crushed that boy's feelings?"

"Yes, Mom…"Xavier looked back at her.

She rolled her eyes. "You are a stubborn fool sometimes, Xae. You owe him an apology. I can't help you fix your mistake."

"But mom…." The chipmunk was desperate.

The older rodent waved her finger. "But nothing. You know what you need to do. Whether he forgives you or not is up to him. I can't do anything for you."

"Okay…" Xavier sighed deeply.

She stopped him before he got out. "Don't do this again, Xae. That boy likes you a lot. I think it would mean a lot to him if you were honest with him and not go back on it."

He nodded and got out of the car. For the remainder of the night, he began to work on a plan. He told himself that he'd apologize to Pent. Even if the other cub hated him, it was the least he could do.  Once he had worked it out in his head, he decided that he would do it tomorrow. He didn't want to be alone anymore. Even if it meant people would think he was a nerd. Even if it meant people thought he was gay. None of it seemed to matter anymore. All that mattered to him was mending a broken fence.

In the morning Xavier got up earlier to make sure he was ready for his day. He dug through his garbage but the necklace was nowhere to be seen.  He checked with his parents who didn't see it either. They weren't entirely sure what he was talking about. He felt bad that it was gone but figured it was too late to do anything about it. Deciding instead that if Pent forgave him he would buy something to replace it later.

The brown-furred boy reported to school earlier that day than usual. Asking his parents didn't present a problem as both of them already knew what he wanted to do. The mother had shared the news with his father so they were both aware. They were glad he was going to make up with Pent. They seemed to get along so well and the fact that Xavier had been doing better in school certainly helped that.

Xavier arrived at school about 20 minutes before the first bell was supposed to ring. He hopped out of the car and his father wished him good luck. The chipmunk ran across the schoolyard to the rear of the building where he figured Pent would be hiding. He knew the fox liked peace and quiet and knew the back of the building had less traffic than the front. Sure enough, he found the white fox sitting under a tree near the rear of the gym complex.

As usual, Pent's mind was completely consumed by a book. He wasn't paying attention at all to the world around him.

"Mind if I join you?" Xavier asked feeling almost certain the cub would say no.

Pent knew exactly who it was without taking his book down. "What do you want?"

"I just wanted to see if you wanted company for reading."  The smaller boy tried to be hopeful.

The white fox murmured. "No."

"Pent, can we just talk for a minute or two? Then I promise I will leave you alone." The chipmunk tried making a deal with him.

The bigger boy continued reading. "Go away."

"Please?" Xavier tried to sound as earnest as possible.

The arctic fox was in no mood to talk to him and got up. "Goodbye."

Pent walked away, just wanting to be alone. He didn't know what Xavier wanted and frankly, he didn't care either. Xavier was at a loss for what to do. He was still hopeful that he could apologize. He began to come up with a new plan to go about it. He knew he couldn't force Pent to talk to him, especially since the Principal had asked them to separate. He needed to go about it a different way.

By lunch, he had come up with another idea. He would drop off a note inside Pent's locker inside gym class and hoped that he would read it. So during lunch, he proceeded to write the note.

"Pent, can we please talk after school? I promise it won't take long. I just really want to apologize…." Xavier put the words from and his name to make it apparent who it was from.

In gym class, he did just that, stashing the note in Pent's locker. Pent wasn't long before he showed up. Xavier kept a close eye on the cub to see what he did with the note. He watched as the fox just ripped the note in half and threw it away. He didn't even bother reading it. It seemed that this was going to be harder than he thought.  He began working on another plan during the tennis session they participated in during gym class.

When the end of the day rolled around, Xavier still hadn't come up with anything. It felt like he was going to be able to do what he wanted to. He got dressed back into his school clothes before heading outside. He looked around for Pent one more time but didn't see the white fox anywhere. Little did he know the fox kit had signed up to stay after to help with a project that Bernard was working on.

He saw Samaliel waiting at the bus stop and immediately came up with an idea. He approached the younger cub who immediately became wary of his presence upon noticing him.

"What do you want?" Samaliel figured he was coming over to start trouble.

Xavier tried to explain himself. "I was wondering if you would help me talk with your brother."

"Why would I help you? You hurt my brother's feelings….again." The salt and pepper fox had a good memory.

The chipmunk frowned. "Please? I just want to apologize. I know I hurt his feelings. I'm. sorry. I'm stupid, okay?"

"Yes, you are. My brother liked you a lot. Why should
 I believe you?"  The younger boy crossed his arms defensively.

The older boy looked at the ground. "Because now I know what it means to be truly alone. I finally understand how he feels."

"You don't understand anything. My brother has never known true friendship before you. Then you come along and get his hopes up. Only to crush them into dust." Samaliel was just as blunt as his brother was.

The chipmunk muttered. "But…I want to apologize, Sama. I'll do anything to make it up to him."

"Prove it. I don't believe you." Samaliel tapped his foot expectantly.

Xavier thought about it for a second. "Tell him I want to take him to the lacrosse game he got me tickets for. Tell him…I don't care if anyone sees us together in public anymore."

"Fine. I will tell him. It's up to him to decide.  I'm not going to convince him one way or the other. " The salt and pepper fox gave in despite having some reservations about it.

"Thank you!" The chipmunk smiled widely and trotted off to his car.

His father asked him how it went but of course, he didn't get the chance to apologize. The man provided him a bit of help telling him that tomorrow was another day. That night when Pent returned home Samaliel was prepared to tell him the offer. He wasn't sure how his brother would react but he wanted to at least share it with him so he could make his own decision.  The white fox walked into the living room where his brother was busy playing games.

Samaliel pressed pause to check in on the older cub.

"How goes it? Did you finish Bernard's project?" The salt and pepper fox tried to stay on top of his brother's hobbies.

Pent nodded. "Yeah. He is going to submit it for judging tomorrow. How was school?"

"It was fine. Math sucked. Do you think you could help me?" Samaliel wanted to start slow and make his brother comfortable first.

The older boy nodded. "Yeah, sure."

They walked into their room where Samaliel ran over to the desk and pulled out his math book. Inside a single paper that had been graded. He hadn't done too well on it and wanted to go over it with Pent. He showed the paper to Pent who frowned at him.

"You can do better than this." He said with a confident tone.

Samaliel frowned. "I know."

"Try this." Pent began showing Samaliel an easier way to do the math problems on paper.

Of course, Pent spent way too much time going over it and overdid it as he often did but after it was said and done Samaliel understood.  The younger boy's stomach growled as it was past their usual dinner time.

"Come on, I'll go make us something to eat." Pent led back into the kitchen where he started working on cooking some leftovers. It was nothing special but he knew it would be quicker to make than something from scratch.

"Hey, Pent. Can I ask you something?" Samaliel decided to finally talk about what Xavier had brought up to him.

Pent maintained his focus on making vegetables and cutting them. "Hmm?

"Do you ever still think about hanging out with Xavier?" The salt and pepper fox wasn't aware that the chipmunk had tried to speak to him already.

The white fox looked back at him. "Why? Did he try and come to talk to you today?"

"Just answer the question Pent. I'm curious." Samaliel didn't want to spill the beans quite yet.

The bigger boy sighed. "Sometimes. It's hard to erase him from my life. I liked him a lot."

"He told me he wants to apologize. He wants to invite you to the lacrosse game you won tickets for." The younger fox was hopeful he would say yes.

Pent dropped the plate on the floor causing it to shatter. "Come again?"

"He wants you to go with him to the lacrosse game. I think you should give him another chance." The smaller boy watched as his brother cleaned up the mess.

The white fox hesitated a moment. "I dunno, Sama."

"He seemed sincere…I promise. I wouldn't have told you if I thought he was lying." Samaliel watched his brother's tail slowly wag behind him.
Pent was conflicted but he did want to give it another try. "Okay, Sama. Only because you trust him."

The two brothers ate dinner together. Pent seemed a bit more chipper than usual. A slight smile on his face as a bit of hope had been restored inside of him. Though part of him still thought that Xavier was trying to lead him on. Only time would tell if that was the case.

Pent found he was able to sleep much easier that night. As if a weight had been released from his chest. A sense of relief even if some level of doubt remained. The fox cub had another dream of himself and Xavier, walking into the sunset together. Holding hands and kissing in front of everyone, without a care in the world. Samaliel smiled at them, glad to see them together.

The next day at school was the day of reckoning for both cubs. Pent wasn't quite nervous about what happened. He was more curious about how things would play out. Part of him was still hurt but his innate sense of loneliness wanted companionship more than anything. His sense of loyalty still yearned to have his beloved back. How the fox wanted to be with him again. The sadness in his person was replaced with a renewed sense of purpose.

Xavier wasn't sure what to make of the day before him. He didn't even know if Samaliel had spoken to Pent. He knew he had to try again. He simply couldn't just let it go. The chipmunk wanted to apologize even if the other cub might turn him down again. He had already worked up the confidence to admit he was wrong. Now he just needed the other cub to listen to him and see how things went.

Both boys showed up at school early again. Pent's bus dropped him off at its usual time and it was only Xavier who had to request special accommodations. Of course, his father knew what he was trying to do and was more than happy to grant the request. They'd even reduced his punishment when he finally came to terms with what happened during the fight. They were glad that he was being honest with them again.

Xavier sped out of the car and started immediately looking for the fox. He had already asked his parents if he could invite the cub to the lacrosse game. They told him to wait and see how the other cub was feeling about going. The chipmunk headed to the same spot he found Pent at yesterday. Sure enough, the Arctic fox was burying his nose into yet another book and still seemed to be oblivious to everything around him.

"Hey, Pent." He said while kneeling in front of the fox.

The bigger boy put down the book. "Hi."

"Do you have a minute or two to talk?" Xavier wanted to make sure he was okay with it first.

Pent nodded. "Yeah, my brother told me you wanted to talk to me."

Xavier sat down in front of him. "Look…I just wanted to say I'm sorry. I shouldn't have reacted the way I did when that article came out. I guess I was too afraid of people finding out and stuff."

"Well, you hurt my feelings. Especially when you didn't want to hang out with me anymore and told me what you did during our fight." Pent frowned.

The smaller boy rubbed the back of his head. "I'm sorry, Pent. I was upset. Everyone was saying mean stuff to me. I guess I didn't know how to react."

"Now you know how I feel when people pick on me. When no one wants to hang around me because I'm different."  The cub sighed.

Xavier reached out and grabbed Pent's paw. "I know. I've seen how people treat you. It sucks. It does. I can't imagine what you've been through all these years."

"Thanks, I guess." The white fox looked at the boy holding his hand.

"So I was hoping you'd give me another chance. I want to go out on another date with you. I want you to come to the Lacrosse game with me. I don't care if people know anymore. I don't care what they think. I just want to be with you. I can't live without you in my life. What do you say, Pent? Can you forgive me, please?" Xavier squeezed Pent's hand tighter with his own.

Pent's heart was beating a little faster in his chest. He still had feelings for the boy even despite everything that had happened. The fox lurched forward and hugged Xavier, holding him in his arms. The two remained that way for several moments.

"I forgive you, Xae…I missed being with you so much…." Pent held him tighter than he ever had before.

Xavier started to cry. "Thank you, Pent….I'm sorry…I'm so sorry."

"It's okay, Xae. I'm here for you." The white fox stroked his boyfriend's back to comfort him.

The first bell rang soon after. The two boys walked in together, hand in hand. Right through the doors, seeming unconcerned with the wayward stares from their peers. Wayward whispers were exchanged. That it was true. That the star lacrosse player was dating a boy. That he was gay. Yet it all fell on deaf ears. Neither of them cared anymore. They had finally moved past it all.

Xavier walked Pent to his first class where they parted ways and separated ways. He felt much better about himself. Knowing that he had at least one person he cared for was all that mattered to him now. He no longer felt alone. The emptiness he had experienced had all but left him. The familiar warmth of companionship had returned to his heart and he wouldn't have changed it for anything in the world.

Xavier got more grief than Pent did about it. People asked him on and off about what it was like to be gay. He simply didn't answer them. Ignoring them as people had told him to do in the past. He found that it was a rather effective strategy. They eventually just gave up and moved on with their lives. Though he hoped the anomaly of someone having a gay relationship in school would soon wear off.

At lunch, Xavier had no issue sitting with Pent. The two find themselves still to be removed from the other students. They talked and laughed with each other, seeming to enjoy each other's company without worrying about the other students. Some of the other cubs stared at them. Yet even still they remained in their space, seemingly inseparable once again.

"When
 is the lacrosse game, Xae?" Pent asked with his mouth half full.

Xavier shrugged. "I think it's this weekend. Do you wanna go with me?"

"Heck yeah, I do. I'm not gonna turn down a date from you." The fox's smile was a mile wide.

The chipmunk giggled. "Cool. I know we're gonna have a great time."

"Hey, Xae?" The white fox sipped on his milk.

The chipmunk looked at him. "Yeah?"

"I noticed they didn't give you a cookie. Would you like mine?" Pent held out the chocolate chip snack.

Xavier looked at it. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I know you like cookies."  The arctic fox waited for him to take it.

The chipmunk took hold of it before breaking it in half. "Thanks, but I want you to have some too."

Pent munched on it and watched his friend do the same. The two smiled widely as they worked through the treat. Xavier put his arm behind the other cub and pulled him in closer. The rest of the cubs still eyed them warily but only made the occasional snide comment toward them.  Still, neither of them seemed to care.  

On the way to gym class, the two boys were noticed by the principal. The same bulldog woman from the other day when they got in trouble. She eyed them warily as they passed her. The two were holding hands and didn't seem to be having any more issues. She was glad they had made up but wasn't aware of the closeness of their relationship. She smiled at them and said nothing as they passed by her.

Before gym class, the two cubs changed in the same general area. Both boys still not watching the other undress. Xavier showed off his new athletic shoes to the other cub, who still had the same shoes he'd worn for the last year. The new footwear was red with white stripes looking very much like a running shoe. Pent admired them as the other cub put them on his socked paws to show them off.

In gym class the activity today was a game of flag football. The students were advised to not hit each other. The coaches knew that sometimes contact sports got out of hand and couldn't afford any more drama with parents. Pent and Xavier ended up on the same team with neither of them being that great at the game. The game began before long with the usual whistle from one of the coaches to start things off.

The game wasn't a particularly exciting one. Neither team was successful at running or passing the ball. Most of the cubs couldn't pass the ball let alone catch it. Many of them weren't athletic at all while the ones who were just didn't have the skill set to make it work. Even Pent and Xavier struggled to make their presence known, though mostly because no one on their team would pass it to them.

Still, the two boyfriends enjoyed themselves. When they did get the ball they passed it to whoever was open. Both of them were much more team-oriented than the rest of their age mates on their teams. But it wasn't meant to be. The game ended up in a stalemate with neither side scoring even a single point. The coach decided to just call the thing a tie. She was just as frustrated as the kids were.

Back in the locker room, the two boyfriends were getting ready to get undressed. Toweling themselves down to dry off some of the sweat that had accumulated on their young bodies. Of of the members of the school lacrosse team was going around and causing mischief. When they saw Pent with his back to the hall, they immediately ran over and depantsed the cub. The fox blushed and covered himself.

Looking back he couldn't see who it was, only seeing their back as they ran away. The fox blushed and rolled his eyes, simply kicking off his gym shorts.

"Don't worry, Pent. You look cute in your boxers." Xavier complimented him since he seemed to be embarrassed by his lack of dress.

Pent blushed again. "You looked?"

"Yeah, it's no big deal. It's not like  I haven't seen you in your underwear before…haha." The chipmunk shrugged and didn't make a big deal out of it.

The white fox looked down. "I guess…"

Xavier pulled his shorts down showing off his boxers. "Now we match."

The bigger boy couldn't help but look at him before looking away. "Xae…."

"It's okay, Pent. You can look if you want. " The chipmunk approached him closer only a few inches from him.

Pent flinched before looking back.  The other cub was too close for him to get a good look at him in his boxers. But he could see some sweat on his body.

The fox smiled "You're so handsome, Xavier."

The chipmunk leaned in and hugged his boyfriend. "I think you are handsome too, Pent."

The fox took an inadvertent sniff of the other cub. Picking up his smell again. The two remained hugging for a few seconds. More and more of the boy's scent entered his nose. The combination of musk, pheromones, and sweat was all too tantalizing for him. Xavier eventually broke the hug, snapping Pent out of his state of stupefaction.

"Let's get ready to head out so you don't miss the bus." The chipmunk suggested since they'd already been there a few minutes.

Pent nodded, his mind still thinking about the smell a bit. "A-a-alright."

They proceeded to get dressed back into their school clothing. Grabbing their bags once they were ready to leave. Holding hands once again as they made their way back out. They were one of the last ones out of the school so it didn't take them very long to get out of the school. After they arrived in front of the school, they made their way to the bus area since it was they left earlier than when Xavier was normally picked up.

Samaliel was standing around with his newest friend Cameron. The two were rather dirty from the tug-of-war they had in their gym class. Pent and Xavier approached them without much thinking about the fact they were holding hands again.

"Hiya, Sama. How was school?" The older boy asked the younger one to grab his attention.

Samaliel turned around to look at Pent, noticing he was holding hands with the chipmunk. "Good. Oh, hey Xavier. I guess you guys made up?"

Pent nodded and looked at his boyfriend. "Yeah, we're going to be hanging out again Sama."

"Cool, Pent. I'm glad you guys are friends again." The salt and pepper cub smiled widely.


Xavier nodded. "Alright, well I'll see you two later. I'll let you know when the game is alright, Pent?"

"Yeah, Xae. See you later" Pent waved to him as he parted from the two brothers.

The white fox watched as he walked away. His brother noticed and chuckled at him.

"What?" The white fox looked back at the younger boy.

Samaliel jabbed him in the side playfully. "Nothing, you're just funny when you're around him."

"Huh? What do you mean?" Pent wasn't sure what he was talking about.

The salt and pepper cub began to sing. "Xavier and Pent…sitting in a tree…K-I-S-S-I-N-G."

"Sama…" Pent couldn't help but blush.

The smaller cub playfully shoved into his brother. "I'm just having a bit of fun. Let's go home lover boy."

It seemed that the cat was out of the bag with his younger brother now. Pent regretted him figuring it out. However, he also knew there was no taking it back now. That day on the way home Xavier started to come up with a plan to replace the necklaces. He had noticed that Pent was wearing his anymore and he wanted to do something nice for him just as Pent had done in the past.

Xavier hopped in the car, seeming much more chipper than usual. His father noticed the big smile on his face.

"Have a good day at school today champ? Are people still bugging you?" The father asked as he tried to be involved in his son's life.

Xavier nodded. "Uh-huh. People are still bugging me but I don't care."

"Oh? What changed that? It seemed to bother you a lot." He pulled out of the car loop.

The chipmunk smiled. "I made up with Pent today. He's the only friend I need."

"Finally realized what true friendship means, eh?" The father smirked a bit.

The brown-furred boy looked out the window. "I guess. He just makes me happy. I'm tired of trying to worry about what other people think about me."

"Well, it's good to have more friends but at least you have one that's important to you." The father was glad they had made up.

Xavier chirped back. "Uh-huh. I like him a lot, Dad. Can you take us to the lacrosse game?"

"You mean the one he got you tickets for?  You're still grounded, cubby. When is it?" The father didn't want to back out of the punishment he had handed out.

The chipmunk boy frowned. "Aw….but dad….please?"

"When is it, bucko?" The man wanted to know.

Xavier thought about it for a second. "I'm not sure but I think it's this weekend."

"I will talk to your mother about it." The older male wasn't about to make that kind of decision without her.

The boy remained hopeful he would give in but wasn't sure that he would. The two walked into the house together. Xavier had homework so he decided to go straight back to his room to work on it. He knew that if his parents saw him working hard that they were much more likely to grant his request. His father on the other hand went back to the kitchen where his wife was already waiting for him.

"Where's Xae?" She asked as he hadn't stopped in to say hello.

The husband shrugged. "Probably in his room. He forgot to take his shoes off. I think he's trying to impress us again."

"Is he now? To what end? I suppose he wants out of his punishment?" The woman knew he'd been punished for a while now but for a good reason.

Doug nodded. "Something like that. He told me he made up with Pent today."

"Oh, good. I'm glad. I wasn't sure he would. Our son is so fickle sometimes."  She couldn't help but smile.

He chucked. "Yes, he is. Sometimes he doesn't know what he wants. But I think he's learned now to follow his heart and not his head."

"How do you know? What makes you so certain he won't do it again?" His wife wasn't so certain.

The father thought about it for a second. "I don't think he liked being alone. I think he finally realized Pent is his only true friend."

"I can agree
 with that. He's been rather withdrawn recently. So what is it he wants to do?"  She was curious now.

The man hummed. "He wants one of us to take him and Pent to the lacrosse game they got tickets for."

"Oh, I see and what do you think? Should we let them?" She wasn't sure what to do.

He smirked. "I have an idea if you want to make him squirm a bit."

"You're cruel sometimes you know that? What is it?" The wife rolled her eyes at him.

The husband tapped his head. "He has a test this week, doesn't he? We tell him if he gets an A he can go with Pent."

"You know as well as I do that he's never gotten an A….ever. That seems unreasonable." She scowled at him.

The father sighed. "Then what? Do you have a better idea?"

"Why not let him study by himself and aim for a B instead? We don't want him to just rely on Pent to help him."  The wife figured it was a reasonable goal.

He nodded at her. "I like that idea. We can tell him at dinner."

The deal was sealed. The parents told Xavier during their meal and of course, he was more than alright with agreeing to it. Upon checking the tickets, the chipmunk discovered he was right about the game being this weekend. He knew it would be a hard task to accomplish, especially without Pent's help. But he wanted to go and get a chance to redeem himself in the fox's eyes.

After food, he went right to work. Math was the one subject he hated more than anything else. Yet here he was pouring over the very books which he despised. Within the first five minutes of getting underway, he was bored. He looked at his phone, thinking about calling Pent but realized he had deleted the cub's number. It seemed he would have to figure it out on his own, just as his parents had intended.

Over the next few days, Xavier continued to study on his own. At school, he tried to ask Pent for help but the fox wasn't able to help him as much as he liked since he was wrapping up the hockey season. So Xavier more or less was depending totally on his focus and self-discipline to get him through the ordeal. Neither of which he had in high demand, except when it came to the sport he loved.

The day of the test arrived before long. Pent gave him some words of wisdom and last-minute tricks of the trade to get him through the day. A last-minute cram session before school. Yet the time had come, he had to take the test. Their nerves were already high for him and stress was even higher. It was now or never. The fox had convinced him that he could do it, he felt confident that he could pull it off.

Walking into the math class, he got one final look at his book before the tests were handed out. A 25-question assignment, just the same as every other math exam he took. He looked at it, dreading even putting his name on it. The ink on the paper seemingly laughed at him. He remembered what Pent had told him and eventually began to start the test. Working through it one question at a time.

The test took him almost the entire period. It was one of the first times he'd ever used most of the time. He often rushed but not today. Even going back to check his work over to make sure he was happy with it. Finally giving in to being done with it. Walking up to the table where the teacher was sitting, handing them the paper.

"Do you think you could grade it now? I kind of made a deal with my parents and they want to see the grade." It wasn't the first time he'd requested it.

She nodded at him and he walked away. Xavier watched her hand with interest. Sure, he cared about his grades now but this was more intense for him. The pressure of wanting something so badly that he simply thought he couldn't wait. Every movement of her hand made him even more stressed and worried about the final result. It didn't take her long to grade it and she put it in the computer before holding it up for him to take it.

Xavier got back up and walked towards her desk slowly. He took a deep breath before taking the paper. Looking at the top of the paper, a red "79" was inked across the paper. His heart sank. He had missed the mark by one point.

"Is there nothing I can do to get a B? Extra credit….anything?" He was desperate.

She looked at him, it wasn't like him to try and improve his grade on the spot. "Why? Your grade is fine. You did quite well."

"But I needed a B. The deal with my parents was for a B. Please? I'll do anything." Xavier pleaded with her.

She'd never seen him like this. The little jock boy caring so much about 1 point was something new for her. She eyed him warily. The woman thought about it for a second.  Yet, she remained silent and steadfast. He began to walk away and back to his desk. His head dropped down. It felt over to him. Of course, she noticed, feeling guilty about it. The rest of the class he remained silent, without a word.

When class ended, she called him over and asked for his paper. He looked at her as she re-examined the test. A red marker in her hand. She crossed out the 79 and replaced it with an 80.

"Thank you! I promise you won't regret this." He said with a wide smile on his face.

She nodded to him and shewed him off. She had other tests to grade. Xavier folded the paper and put it back in his bag. He was happy. It meant he could go to the game with his boyfriend. He couldn't wait to tell the fox.  It wouldn't be until lunch that he saw Pent again. It was the only time in school he saw the cub except in passing and in gym class. When Xavier arrived into the lunch room he immediately began looking around for the white fox.

He saw the fox reading in his usual spot. His food was untouched as if waiting for Xavier to arrive. The chipmunk made his way through the line. Once he had his food, he wasted no time in rushing to join Pent at his table. The two were just as removed from the rest of the cubs as they usually were.

"Hey, Pent. Have a good day today?" Xavier asked as the other cub smiled at him.

The bigger boy nodded. "Better now that you're here with me."

"You're sweet. Guess what?" The chipmunk tried to tease him into guessing.

Pent thought to himself. "I dunno. You got on the gryphons?"

"I haven't heard back from them yet but…remember the test I took today? Check it out!" The chipmunk pulled out the paper and proudly presented it to the fox cub.

The Arctic fox looked at it. "Nice dude. I'm happy for you."

"You know what that means? If you're still up for it, we get to go to the lacrosse game this Sunday. It's at 10." The brown-furred boy said with a huge smile on his face.

The bigger cub's tail started to wag. "Heck yeah, I'm in. I wouldn't miss it for anything."

"Sweet. I'm glad you're going to go. I'll let my parents know once they see my test. Maybe you can come over after if you want."  Xavier wanted to have another sleepover.

Pent hummed. "I'm not sure. It's a school day."

"Yeah, but we go to the same school. My parents can drop you off. We even do homework together if you want." The chipmunk wanted him to come over.

The fox nodded. "Okay, I'll bring over a bag of stuff to change into but that sounds fun."

"Cool, you can sleep in my bed again if you want…" Xavier leaned in and whispered to the other cub.

The bigger boy smiled. "I would like that."

"It's a date then." The chipmunk kissed the other boy on the cheek causing him to blush.

A few people "ewed" at them upon seeing them show affection for one another.  The two cubs didn't pay them any mind. The rest of lunch went by rather quickly for the two cubs. Spending time together made them forget about all their problems. Nothing else in the world mattered to them.  

When gym rolled around, the class gave them something new to try. An activity designed to force the cubs to work together. The sport in question for this day was a 4 part marathon and each of the pairs of kids was told to split up the activities evenly. Pent decided to take the swimming parts of it while his boyfriend took the running parts of it. The winner was to be awarded an activity of choice on another day.

Swimsuits were provided by the school to the cubs who were participating in the swimming part of it. Holding up the pair of trunks in front of him, he thought about going to the shower stalls so he could strip there. He didn't want other people to see him naked as he was still somewhat shy about his body. After a few moments of thinking about it, he decided to do that.

He headed over toward the bathrooms. Stepping out of his shoes and socks and into the shower stalls. Completely stripping before changing into the bathing suit that was a bit too snug on him. He returned before long with his clothes in hand, wearing naught but the swim trunks he had been given. He saw that Xavier had changed already and was waiting for him.

"Ready to win, Pent?" The chipmunk said confidently.

Pent nodded. "Let's go show these chumps whose boss."

The first leg of the race was to start outside. It was a lap around the school and back inside the school pool. That was where the first race in water would take place for four laps in the pool. From there the foot racers would pick up for another lap around the block. Only to return to the pool for a final four laps would occur. Swimmers would be expected to use at least two strokes.

The whistle was blown and the race began before long with Xavier darting off into the distance. The cubs who weren't on this particular heat started cheering each of them on. Though none of them were particularly cheering for one person or another. The chipmunk was an athletic cub, easily able to keep in front of the other cubs. Finishing almost half a minute before any of the other cubs who were behind him.

Pent launched off once he felt Xavier hit his hand. He started with a freestyle since it was the easiest thing to do. He already had a big lead and had nothing to worry about. Still, he continued at full speed with no intention of slowing down.
 Continuing in his second lap making what he thought to be good practice. About halfway into his second lap, the other cubs started on the swimming portion of the race.

The fox picked up pace to keep up his head. Swimming as fast as he could, seemingly continue to pull ahead of the other cubs. Xavier cheered him on from the other side of the pool. He could hear his voice and it was only making him try harder. The fox finished his heat and tapped Xavier on the hand. He had finished almost a full two laps ahead of the other cubs, who were still in the middle of their swimming laps.

Xavier was confident they would win now. It was practically guaranteed. He made a concerted effort to go as fast as he possibly could. He wanted nothing more than to humiliate the other cubs. When he finished, the other cubs had barely even started their final sprint on land to the last water route. Pent started again, this time using the butterfly.

Pent thought himself to be a strong swimmer. He had never joined a team but had been taught how to swim at a young age. Even going every so often when he could go to the local pool. It was a hobby he never got the chance to foster much since the winter didn't allow it as much. He was able to make quick work of his last few laps. Coming out on top an entire three laps ahead of the other cubs who had barely started their last swimming sprint.

Pent was greeted by Xavier who helped him out of the pool. The two celebrated with each other. The dry cub hugged the wet one despite him being soaked. Pent smelt of chlorine and his body dripped with water. The coach congratulated them and asked them what they wanted to do in the future. Both boys looked at each other, neither quite yet decided on the issue, and decided to defer it for later.

Pent and Xavier returned to the locker room shortly after. Both cubs hand and hand one again. They were quite happy with themselves. They had soundly beat the competition. There was no challenge for either of them.  They did not attempt gloating about it, knowing full well it wouldn't have meant anything to the many people who thought they disliked them.

"I'm gonna hit the shower real quick, Xae. You don't have to wait up if you don't want." Pent said as he started to walk towards the bathrooms.

Xavier looked at his boyfriend's body. His lithe form dripping with water walked away from him. The chipmunk stared at the other cub's butt for a bit watching his tail sway back and forth. He hadn't noticed the other boy's body before and it seemed somewhat attractive to him. Pent proceeded to strip and wash himself off. He just wanted to get rid of the sticky matted feeling that chlorine caused him to have.

Pent didn't spend very long in the showers and dried off with a nearby towel before returning in the boxers he had brought with him. He made his way back to the locker rooms and found Xavier had already changed back into his school clothes. The other boy stared at him from afar, still admiring his form. Pent couldn't help but notice as it was the first time Xavier had checked him out.

"Do I have something stuck on me or something?" Pent checked himself out just in case.

Xavier shook his head. "Oh….uh nah. Sorry. I just noticed how nice your body looks that's all." The chipmunk wanted to be honest.

"Oh…thanks…I like yours too." The fox blushed a bit before leaning in to kiss his boyfriend on the cheek.

The chipmunk blushed a bit as he brought Pent in for another hug. "We rocked today."

Pent could pick up the smell of the other boy, taking a few inadvertent sniffs of him. "Yeah…."

"That tickles. Pent…haha." The fox's nose was plucked right against him.

The bigger cub pulled back a bit and blushed. "Sorry…"

"It's okay. It's not like it hurt or anything." The brown-furred boy shrugged.

Pent contemplated telling him that he liked how he smelled. He confided within himself for a moment. Xavier noticed he seemed distracted.

"Are you alright? Is something wrong?" Xavier knew Pent well enough to know when something was bothering him.

The white fox shook his head. "Nah, it's nothing….just thinking about you."

The fox finally returned to his locker trying to forget about how Xavier smelled. He wanted to smell him more but he knew it was weird. Xavier would be disgusted for sure, he told himself.
Pent got dressed back up into his school uniform. He didn't want to miss the bus. The two walked out together and separated ways. Pent's heart was beating fast again. Being complimented by the other cub gave him a bit of a confidence boost.  

Xavier reported to his parents his success in the test. They were all too happy to give in to his request. They even got rid of the rest of his punishment. He had shown vast improvement and it seemed pointless to continue it. He was happy to hear this and even more ecstatic to be able to go to the game with his boyfriend on Sunday. It was only a matter of time before he got to see him again.

The next two days went by fairly quickly for both boys. They still had forgotten to exchange phone numbers again so they weren't able to talk throughout. Still, both cubs were able to keep themselves occupied until Saturday afternoon. Xavier had been working hard on extra chores to score some cash. He still wanted to replace the necklaces. He'd never bought jewelry and frankly didn't like it much.

But the necklace was different to him. Pent had given it to him and he knew the fox wore it all the time just as he did. He regretted throwing it out but had already created a plan to replace it. He had saved up $50 in hopes that would be enough to buy something. However, he knew nothing about jewelry and the only people he knew who owned the stuff were his parents. So it seemed he would have to turn to them again.
 
So that afternoon he decided to ask his father who was the only one home that day as his mother worked Saturdays.  His father was lazing about on the chair watching some soccer. Xavier was very much a chip off the old block when it came to watching sports. The cub was still in his pajamas since it was a nasty day out. He was hopeful that the weather would improve tomorrow.

He made himself some peanut butter and jelly along with some chips before joining his old man on the sofa. The older male was transfixed watching his favorite European club get its' butt handed to it.  The man was gnawing down some popcorn trying to drown his sorrows of the poor score on the screen. It was about to go to commercial so he eased back in the chair and noticed his son had joined him.

"Oh, hey Xae." The man continued to gorge himself on popcorn.

Xavier munched on the same popcorn. "How goes the game, Pops?"

"It goes but as usual Paris is choking." The older male shrugged as he still enjoyed watching the sport.

The cub watched the television shortly. "Oh, that stinks."

"Are you going to watch the game with me?" The father couldn't be certain.

The chipmunk boy thought about it for a second. "Maybe for a bit but I was wondering if you could give me some advice on something."

"Sure what's up, Champ?"  He looked over at his son since the game was going poorly anyways.

Xavier looked at the floor as if ashamed. "Well….do you remember that best friend necklace that Pent bought me?"

"Yeah, you used to wear it all the time. What about it?" The father noticed he wasn't wearing it.

The cub sighed. "Well, I threw it away when we fought. I think he got rid of his too…I would like to replace them and was hoping you could pick something out."

"You really like him, huh?' The older man couldn't help but smile.

The brown-furred cub nodded. "Uh-huh. Will you help me pick something out?"

"Son, do you know how expensive jewelry is?" The man didn't think this was the case.

Xavier shook his head. "I've never bought jewelry before so I guess not?"

"It's a lot more than you think. How much do you have?" He didn't think the boy would have much since he knew how much allowance he was given.

The boy knew exactly what he had because he'd been saving for a while. "I have $50."

"That's probably not enough, son. Jewelry is pretty expensive. I'm not sure how your little boyfriend could afford those necklaces." The father tried to be soft about it.

The cub frowned, feeling even worse about it. "Oh…So I need to save more?"

"When I say more…I don't mean a little bit. I'm talking 100s of bucks, kiddo."  He wasn't sure how he could help.

The chipmunk boy shuffled his paws. "Okay…"

"I know you want to buy him a replacement but why not just get him something else or make him something instead?" The father made a suggestion he had come up with.

Xavier looked back up at him. "Like what?"

"Go ask your mother about those little bracelets she's been crafting for people online. I bet she'd help you make one for both of you."  He smiled at his son.

The younger male leaned in and hugged his father. "Thanks, Dad."

Xavier immediately sped off the couch. His father chuckled at him. The cub had forgotten all about the game but the man knew he didn't care for soccer. The chipmunk boy padded over to the kitchen where he found his mother making some. The woman looked at him as he entered and he soon explained his purpose to her. She was more than happy to help him and instructed him on how to make friendship bracelets.

She allowed him to pick two colors, picking some for himself and some for Pent.  She showed him how to braid and weave friendship bracelets. It was a fairly simple craft, one which only required some form of yawn or other form of fabric to weave together. Connecting and tossing over each different strand until a variety of colored bracelets was created. It took him about an hour to create both but when he was done he held it up for her to see.

She smiled at her son and hugged him. He was so glad he had finally found someone special that wasn't fake. He'd changed so much
 since meeting Pent and she was more than happy for him.  Now it was just a matter of time until the lacrosse game. He was excited to show his boyfriend and stuck it in his pocket. He couldn't wait to show him what he made and hoped he would like it.

Saturday for Pent was much less productive. He helped his brother study for an upcoming test that the younger boy had been stressing about. The older fox was always willing to help his brother. They spent a few hours on the subject in question and when they were done the older fox and his younger brother played games together. It was more or less to pass the time and a lazy day overall.

That night Pent had his first naughty dream about Xavier. He'd thought about the other cub on more than enough occasions that visions of him no longer bothered him as much. But that night…he thought about seeing the cub undress in front of him down to his boxers. Pent reached forward…to tug on them but instead, the other boy rested his hand right on his crotch. The dream abruptly ended when Pent awoke in the middle of the night with his heart racing fast…

Getting up to wash his face, he realized he had gotten a bit hard from it. He'd never had sexual thoughts about Xavier before. Only vague visions of him undressing in front of him and the occasional thoughts of him barefoot. It was a lot for his mind to process. He began to wonder what Xavier looked like down there…what it would be like to touch him. The fox eventually fought off the thoughts, allowing himself to go to sleep.

The next morning came before long and Pent awoke to a bit of morning wood and took a moment to settle down. He huffed as he got up. He didn't want Xavier to know about this dream…about what he thought about. It just seemed weird to him even if he found the other cub attractive. He decided to ignore it, still looking forward to seeing the other cub at the lacrosse game.

Pent got out of his pajamas before getting dressed and put on a simple graphic t-shirt and jean shorts. The white fox stashed a change of clothes into the book bag he was bringing with him. He was certain it would be hot today and didn't want to be miserable at the lacrosse game. The fox put on his socks and shoes before going into the kitchen. Samaliel was already up and making food for himself.

"You're up late. I thought for certain I'd have to get you up." The younger fox saw his brother enter the room.

Pent huffed. "I just had a bad dream that's all."

"That sucks. I'm going to go to Cameron's today. Is that alright?" Samaliel wanted to make sure it was alright.

The white fox thought about who he was talking about. "Oh is that the new transient kid?"

"Yeah, the American cheefox boy. I figured I'd offer to hang out since he's new and stuff." The salt and pepper boy served himself up a waffle and fruit.

The older boy shrugged. "Yeah, sure. That's fine.  I'm gonna sleep over at his house after."

"I hope you have fun on your little date…" Samaliel laughed.

The white fox rolled his eyes. "Sama….we're not…"

"Oh, hush. I might be 10 but I'm not stupid. You don't need to hide it from me. I saw you guys holding hands the other day." The smaller boy smirked.

Pent stammered. "But…"

"I don't care who you date, Pent. I just want you to be happy. I'm just glad you have a friend." The younger boy hugged his brother.

The bigger boy hugged him back. "Thanks, Sama."

"Good luck today. I hope you guys have fun." Samaliel finished the rest of his meal and hopped on his way out the door.

Pent proceeded to make himself food, choosing some granola mixed with fruit and juice. He was pretty hungry and so he worked through it pretty quickly. He wondered how hot it would be so he turned on the radio. The weather channel soon provided him with a  forecast for the day.

"Today's expected highs are 27 degrees. Light Rain is expected in the mid to late afternoon. Wind will persist throughout the day."

The fox decided to grab his rain jacket just in case before he left. He finished his meal before going into the front room where the coat rack was situated. He grabbed his red rain jacket and proceeded to go outside. Pent put his book bag on his lap and proceeded to wait. The boy looked at his phone. It was already pretty close to 10 and he was expecting the chipmunk's family car to arrive at any moment.
Pent proceeded to wait. Excitement was already building inside of him. The chance to spend time with Xavier was already enough for him to be anxious. The addition of seeing a professional lacrosse game was just an extra. Time began to pass and the clock continued to pass time. Pent looked at his phone again. It was now several minutes past 8 and they still hadn't arrived.

He began to think negative again. Perhaps Xavier had led him again. Perhaps it was all for naught. He hung his head low, ready to give up. A quarter past the hour tolled and he was ready to give up. Pent stood up, he was tired of waiting and feeling distraught. His tail is between his leg. He checked his phone and saw nothing from Xavier, forgetting that he had deleted his number. Just as he was about to head inside he heard a beep of a car horn.

Turning around he saw the familiar vehicle of Xavier's mother's car was waiting for him. Pent's tail wagging behind him rather evidently. The sorrow left his person as he grabbed his bag and locked the door. The fox turned around and sped towards the vehicle almost tripping over himself in the process. Soon joining his boyfriend in the back seat. Pent noticed he was wearing a blue white and red sports jersey.

"Sorry, we're late, Pent. The traffic was kind of bad." The boy's mother explained to him.

Pent smiled and leaned into Xavier. The two sitting next to each other again.

"Hey, Pent. Ready for the Lacrosse game?" The chipmunk smiled at his boyfriend.

The bigger boy nodded. "Yeah. I was getting worried you guys forgot about me."

Xavier hugged his friend. "Sorry. My mom tried to get here as fast as she could."

"It's okay…I'm just glad to go hang out with you again."  The fox kit's worries had all but washed away.

The chipmunk reached into his pocket. "Me too. I noticed you don't have your necklace and I guess you got rid of it when we fought."

"Yeah…I was upset. I guess you did too?" Pent had noticed the same before.

The smaller cub nodded. "Yeah, I felt guilty about it and so I made us something new."

Xavier held out the small fabric bracelets in his palm, expecting Pent to take one.

"Oh, wow. You made these?" The fox looked at them for a second.

The brown-furred cub smiled. "Yeah, do you like it?"

"Totally…I love it." The Arctic fox took one and put it on his wrist.

Xavier put his own on. "Now we match again."

"Cool thanks, Xae." The white cub tightened it a bit so it didn't wiggle around as much.

Pent and Xavier exchanged phone numbers again as they both learned they had deleted each other. They were each given a bottle of sunblock to protect themselves from the sunlight. The car soon began to smell like coconut. The two continued to talk about nothing specific until they arrived at the stadium where the Lacrosse game was.  The fox left his bag in the car so it wouldn't be searched or taken from him.

When they pulled up to the parking lot, Xavier's mother stopped the vehicle and asked the boys to get out and take a picture. The two boys proudly showed off their bracelets to the camera.
The fox's tail wagged behind him softly as he stood there with his boyfriend. He could smell barbecue on the wind. It was apparent someone was tailgating. The chipmunk's mother told them she would pick them up after the game and to have a good time before leaving them to their own devices.

Xavier had already been given the tickets by his parents. He had been here enough that he knew where everything was. He took Pent by the hand and held it in his own and took the lead. They soon arrived in an area where more furs were congregating around. It was the entrance to the stadium and only a few lines were filtering inside. Xavier and his boyfriend proceeded to the front where they were checked in by security.

Neither boy had brought anything inside so it was a pretty quick process. Their tickets were checked and they were pointed in the direction of their seats. The arena was a 3-level one with spiral ramps at each corner of it that led to the upper levels of it.  They could hear yelling and screaming. Xavier assumed this meant that the game had to have started already, though he couldn't be sure.

The chipmunk figured they could get snacks or food and drink later since they were already likely late. Pent continued to follow him until they were in an open area again of several rows of bleachers of seats. The sunlight immediately hit upon them since they were in one of the top rings of seating. The smaller boy tugged on him again trying to get him to stop looking around since he didn't want his boyfriend to get lost.

He continued to lead them up the stairs until they reached one of the top rows. A large scoreboard sat overtop them providing at least a little shade from the otherwise blazing hot heat of the sun. They found themselves mostly alone. The row in which they sat was almost empty as they made their way to the center of it. Sitting down they soon found themselves looking directly at the center of the arena.

Even as high up as they were, they could still make out the action below. It was only midway through the first period with 2 more periods to play. The score was only 1-0 which meant that very little action had happened so far. The game was between Calgary and Toronto and it was being played in a local arena so neither of them was considered to be the home team.

"Which one do you like, Xavier?" Pent asked as he had never seen either of them before.

He pointed at the field. "The blue ones. They are the Toronto Rocks. The black ones are
 the Calgary Roughnecks."

"Cool. I'll root for them then."  The white fox decided to cheer on the same team his boyfriend was into.

There was no one in front of them so it made it pretty easy for them to see what was happening. Both teams were deadlocked on the field with the defense on both parts doing what they needed to keep things off the scoreboard. Xavier watched with interest as he tried to cheer on his favorite team to victory. He was on the edge of his seat the entire time. Pent tried to get himself into the sport but was finding it harder since he didn't understand it.

The first period continued much the same with neither team scoring another goal. Both teams trotted off the field as the whistle was blown. About an hour has passed and a short break followed with a set time for intermission. Xavier was getting hungry even know it was a little bit before lunch. He decided to take his boyfriend for something to eat since he knew the next period would last well beyond when he usually ate lunch.

"Come on, Pent. Let's get something to eat." Xavier tugged on the fox to get him out of his chair.

The two boys made their way back down the stands and into the outer ring of the arena. Furs were all around them. Huge lines flowed in front of the many vendors' stands and even larger ones in front of the bathrooms. The places were packed. Pent began to feel anxious with all the people around but still followed Xavier to wherever he was taking him. Xavier knew the perfect place that he remembered seldom saw that much traffic.

They proceeded around to the back of the arena where the crowd thinned out a bit. A small burger stand stood alone removed from all but an even smaller merchandise stall.  Xavier took Pent over to it and showed him the menu. He knew the place had all sorts of burgers and figured the fox would find something he liked. The food here was rather expensive and the white cub began to feel uncertain of what to order.

Pent reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. The other boy shook his head at him. Xavier had intended to buy him lunch all along after all it was his idea to come here. He had brought the $50 he had saved and hoped it was enough to get them something to eat and drink and perhaps a snack for after.  They waited in line until it was their turn the vendor greeted them and asked what they wanted.

Xavier ordered himself a cheeseburger and fries and allowed Pent to order himself whatever he wanted. He paid for the two meals and was left over with just enough to get but a single ice cream cone. The cub decided it would have to wait until the second-period intermission since it had taken a long time to get their lunch. He nudged his boyfriend to go back the way they came once they had gotten their food.

They returned to their seats after a short walk back to the stand. Xavier and Pent sat down again and began to eat. The second period started before long with both teams taking the field and facing off. This period started with a bang with the Rocks scoring within seconds of their opening drive. Xavier uproariously cheered and almost caused his tray of food to spill on his lap.

Pent grabbed the tray to keep it from tipping over. The thing settled down as he did so. The other boy settled down soon after, still with a smile on his face since his team had scored. They began eating again and continued to watch the game. The back-and-forth motion of the team continued with a deadlock again for some time. It wasn't until near the end of the second period that the Rocks scored a second time.

The whistle was blown again. Xavier was beside himself. The rocks were on top. He proudly displayed the jersey he was wearing with his favorite player, #9, on the back of it. Both boys had finished their meals by this point so the chipmunk figured he'd do the nice thing and throw it away for both of them. He remembered Pent had said his favorite flavor was vanilla and decided to take advantage of the last bit of money he had in his pocket.

Xavier left Pent on his own for a bit. He had told him he was going to use the bathroom. He wanted it to be a surprise. Returning soon after with a fairly large scoop of the familiar white ice cream and a waffle cone.  The chipmunk held it out to Pent, expecting him to take it from him. The fox looked at it briefly so that his boyfriend could sit down. The other cub doing so before sliding his shoes off.

The chipmunk leaned into him, pressing his left shoulder into the bigger cub. Pent smiled at him and tried to relax. Inadvertently smelling his boyfriend's body smell. It tantalized his nose and made him want to smell more of him. Taking one long sniff of him as he sat there on him. Fortunately for him, the other cub suspected nothing.

"Hey, Pent…take your shoes off and take a load off. It's not like anyone is around us anyways."

Pent looked at him briefly. "Huh? Uh…I'm okay."

Pent watched the other boy take his shoes off with interest. The other cub adjusted himself a bit and eased his socked paws onto the seat in front of them. The fox looked at the boy's socked paws again, thinking about them. Holding the ice cream in the middle of them so they could both share. There was no game going on and Xavier couldn't help but notice his boyfriend was staring at what appeared to be his feet.

"Whatcha looking at Pent?' The chipmunk took the ice cream cone back so they could share it.

The bigger boy snapped himself out of it. "N-n-nothing…"

Xavier shrugged it off as no big deal, wiggling his toes a bit in his socks. He began licking at the ice cream cone, holding it for Pent to take some. Pent was still distracted by the other cub's feet. He wanted to look at him barefoot again. Thinking of the time he got to briefly touch his feet in the winter. Remembering the time they had sat in the stream together....barefoot. The white fox began twiddling his fingers as if nervous.

"What's wrong, Pent?" Xavier noticed he still hadn't eaten any of the ice cream.

Pent stammered. "I-i-I'm f-f-fine…"

"I got your favorite flavor. Don't you want some?" He held it out closer to him.

The fox kit smiled and took a lick. The savory flavor of vanilla tantalized his taste buds as he licked it again. He then took a small chomp out of it before stopping himself.

"Sorry…" He felt bad for taking more of it than he felt like he should have.

Xavier smiled. "It's okay. I got it for us to share. I know you like vanilla. You can have more. Go on…I don't mind."

Pent took another lick and another bite. The other boy smiled since he was enjoying it. The two continued to share the cone until it was gone. The cone was the only thing left. Xavier chomped on half of it before offering the remaining piece to Pent. The white fox shook his head and gave it back to his boyfriend. The chipmunk was more than glad to finish it off. The game once again started before long.

The white fox once again found himself staring at the other cubs' socked paws. The socks were loose around his feet and he began to fantasize about them barefoot. He couldn't focus on the game. They were the only thing he could think about. Looking at them…touching them…and even rubbing them. Xavier had turned his attention back to the game and was transfixed on it.

He got up, not wanting to think about it anymore. Excusing himself to go to the bathroom so that he could distract himself with something else. The smaller cub moved his legs so he could go past him. Xavier thought to himself. It wasn't the first time Pent had acted weird around him when he took his shoes off. Did his paws bother the fox?  He didn't even take his socks off. They didn't seem to smell...at least from where he was sitting. He didn't understand what the problem was.

Pent followed signs to the bathroom. Shutting himself into one of the stalls once he was inside. Thinking to himself he was weird. All these wayward thoughts were becoming too much to bear on his young mind. He wasn't sure what to think about them. Should he tell Xavier or should he just continue to ignore them? The fox felt like his boyfriend would think he was weird if he shared them.  

The game continued to play and the Rocks scored again followed by the uproar of the crowd. It had been several minutes since Pent had left and Xavier began to wonder where he went. He knew he had gone to the bathroom but this seemed too long for that. He put his shoes back on and decided to go check on him and see what was up. Pent was still in the bathroom shut in, not much caring for anyone around him.

Xavier found his way to the nearest bathroom. No one was inside so he tilted his head to see if he could see shoes. Sure enough, he saw the fox's sneakers underneath.

"What's wrong, Pent?"  He asked certain something was wrong.

Pent jumped in place as he was started. "Xavier? N-nothing I'm fine."

"Then why are you still in the bathroom? Are you not feeling well?" Xavier wanted his boyfriend to come out.

The white fox sighed. "I…I'm…f-fine…"

"Come on out and we can talk about it if you want. I know somethings bugging you." The chipmunk knew the fox all too well by now.

Pent shook his head. "No."

"Please? I promise we can talk through this. I want to help you."  The chipmunk pleaded with him.

The bigger boy sighed. "I want to go home."

"Why? Aren't you having fun?" The brown-furred cub just wanted to know the reason behind the other boy's odd behavior.

The white cub finally opened the door. "Yes…but I want to go home Xae."

"But Pent...Please tell me what's wrong…If it's something I did I want to fix it."  Xavier fingered his pocket.

Pent sighed. "It's not you. It's me. I'm stupid…I'm weird…Can I please go home now?"

"You're not weird and you're not stupid. Can't you just tell me?" The chipmunk was getting desperate.

The fox looked at the floor. "I don't want to talk about it."

"Okay…" Xavier texted
 his mother to pick them up.

They proceeded to walk out, not saying anything more between them. Xavier felt like he had screwed up. Like he had done something or said something wrong. Why was Pent acting so weird all of a sudden? It just didn't make sense. They proceeded to wait outside until his mother picked them up.

Back in the car, they sat opposite one another. Xavier informed his mother to take Pent home, who didn't question the issue. It was almost like they fought when in fact it was just Pent fighting himself. The desire to be closer….to be intimate with Xavier and the realization that there was something about his feet…his scent…that he found all too appealing. He didn't want to think about it anymore. He just wanted to go home.

Pent was dropped off and once he was Xavier had a bit of a breakdown. He was sad, certain that he'd screwed up and made Pent upset. Tears welled up in his eyes. He felt like Pent was mad at him and unwilling to talk about it. He looked at his bracelet and hoped whatever had happened between them would be fixed soon and that things would go back to the way they were. He looked into the outside, thinking about that should have been

The fox returned to his house. Just as distraught. His bag on his back to an empty house. He took a quick shower and ate a small meal when dinner came around. The fox flopped around in bed, not even willing to read. His mind was distracted by his thoughts. How badly he wanted his interest in the other cub's feet and his scent to go away. It was just weird…He just wanted to be normal.

At night both of them peered into the same night sky. A practice that Pent had gotten Xavier into. The night sky gazed back at them with the sprinkling of lights and starry darkness above. Both boys were confused for different reasons. Both boys want a return to normalcy. A return to being together. A return to just being themselves without a care in the world.", "pools_count": 1, "title": "Coming Full Circle", "deleted": "f", "public": "t", "mimetype": "application/msword", "pagecount": "1", "rating_id": "1", "rating_name": "Mature", "ratings": [ { "content_tag_id": "2", "name": "Nudity", "description": "Nonsexual nudity exposing breasts or genitals (must not show arousal)", "rating_id": "1" } ], "submission_type_id": "12", "type_name": "Writing - Document", "guest_block": "t", "friends_only": "f", "comments_count": "6", "views": "132" }