Chapter I – His Scent Jumari

It was intoxicating. Even now, surrounded by the stench of raw fish and soy sauce I could make out his masculine aroma. Lunch with Dom was always a pleasure. It has become a Thursday ritual; he would invite the boys out for Spring Sushi and we would spend a blissful 3 hours stuffing ourselves with food until we could no longer move. I could barely eat anything, much to the chagrin of the others. Davi and Kevin would complain and poke fun at me for having no more than 3 pieces of sushi. I could never eat though, not when he was near me. He made my stomach feel sick. Not sick, but that's the best way I can describe it. It's more like that feeling of weightlessness when you're on a freefall ride. Your stomach tickles and floats and cramps and all sorts of other feelings all the while you're trying to contain yourself. He made me feel the same way. Domenic. His ears perked up. Shit I must have said it out loud.

"Hmm?"

"Oh nothing" I sheepishly muttered.

I could feel my cheeks flush with embarrassment. Good thing I'm brown, otherwise everyone would notice. Everyone's voices began to drown out as I imagined his face again. He had soft eyes full of warmth that hid behind his rectangle glasses. A genuine smile that would radiate out and make even the gloomiest of skies shine. His beard was well kept and trimmed. Perfect for nuzzling up against in a cold winter night, I thought. A face that always gleamed of joy and made these inexplicable feelings well up inside of me. His body was built sturdy and strong, he had a healthy coat and a tail that always displayed his emotions. Never betraying his words though, he always said what he felt and I loved that about him.

"Foomaloo"

"Pharmacy"

"Fumiquites"

Here they go again. Davide and Kevin have begun their game of coming up with retarded ass names for me. I broke out of my daydream to yell at them.

"What?" I barked

"Oh now he wakes up" Davide said with a cackle.

"Are you gonna eat anything man?" Kevin looked at me, smiling at Davi's comment.

I could see they were enjoying themselves. Their tails wagging harder than I've ever seen before. I looked to my side and saw even Dom's tail wagging. I could only timidly smile when he looked at me. Looking back at the two idiots I gave them a snarl.

"No no, I'm full"

"Insane"

"Insane eats two pieces, full"

"Jumari doesn't like to eat" Dom's voice rang out.

"You know what? Just for you Dom" I wolfed down 5 pieces of salmon, messily and sloppily but wolfed down nonetheless.

"Insane!" everyone said in unison.

I felt a rush of joy knowing I impressed him. I only ever do things for him. I could barely taste the sushi. My mind was transfixed on Dom's heavy musk surrounding me. I used to only see him as a friend. I wonder when that changed. At some point, I started enjoying meeting him more and more, if only just for a quick sniff. His scent slowly evolved. It used to be that of a young pup but now he smells like a grown wolf. His mane has become thicker, his howl deeper. I began dreaming of him more and more. Now I long to be in his presence every waking moment. Now I can't think of anything else. Just the passing thought of him gets my tail wagging and makes me feel hot. I found myself staring at Domenic. Once again I let his odour fill my nostrils and I felt elated. It all ended far too soon however. The waitress brought the bill, cueing the end of the lunch. I took out $25 and placed it on the table. The waitress asked if I wanted change and me being the cheap ass I am, said yes please. She came back with $3.60. I left only the small change and hastily put away the loonie and toonie. We all stood up in unison and began to make our way out of Spring Sushi. I hurriedly caught up to Dom, walking beside him always made my heart go doki doki ^w^. I heard whisperings behind me and could make out the word 'gay' multiple times but I paid it no heed. Kevin and Davi say 'gay' so much I'm surprised a gender studies major hasn't knocked them out yet.

"Okay guys, I gotta get to class" informed Dom

"With EJ?" Davi asked

"EEEEEEEEEJJJAAAAAAAYYYY"

I looked to the autistic screeching. Who would have thought it was from Kevin? Oh, wait. Everyone knows it would be Kevin.

"Why do I know you guys?" I questioned, exasperated from years of torture.

"Bcuz ur of the sand" blurted Davide, his toothy grin gleaming with joy from his sick burn.

The three of them laughed and I could only stand there irritated out of my mind.

"Okay I actually have to go so seeya"

The other two said their farewells.

"Seeya Dom"

"Seeya, I love you"

Hearing that made my tail go stiff and my fur stand on end. I should be the only one allowed to say that. I'm the only one that … Wait, am I jealous? I know that it was only in jest, but hearing Kevin say that made me so angry. I must beat him. I'm going to say something so cool and hot that Dom could never get me off his mind.

"Yeah… bye"

Fuck.

"Yeah seeya Jumari"

He reached out his paw and grabbed mine. In that moment, I felt a rush of blood fill my face. He smiled at me with his affectionate face. With his soft lips and pleasant gaze, smooth fur and firm grip. And his scent. His heavenly scent. Dom pulled his hand away from me and I attempted to reach out. If only I could tell him. If only he could know how I feel. I took another deep breath. His essence was still in the air and I wanted to consume as much of it as I could. He smelled so sweet yet manly. He was so powerful and I was at his mercy. My breath became hot and I wanted to pant. But no, I must control myself. I can't let anyone know. But I want him. I want him to want me. He's so overwhelming and I am powerless to his whims. I gazed into his eyes and he stared back. It felt like hours when it must have only been mere seconds. And before I even realized, he was walking away. I took in another deep breath, trying to savour what was left of his sweet man-perfume. I wanted to call out, I wanted to chase after him. But for now, I'll settle with just his scent. His strong, powerful, loving scent.