(I added my character from another fanfiction in here just for fun. See if you can find him IF you have read his story.)

Chapter 4

The tom took a deep breath, carried the huge tray containing several plates of ethnic food, and put on a smile before reaching the customers. Derek passed down the plates to the ones at the far end on the left side and then made his way counter clockwise. The tom gave them a warm smile and told them to call him if they need anything else.

"Are you guys doing okay?" He asked the table behind him. They all nodded approvingly with warm smiles on their faces.

"May I get more salsa please?"

"Right away ma'am,"

Derek swiftly made his way to the counter, leaving behind the tray and replacing it with a small cup of red salsa; returning to the she-kat and asked her if she needed anything else only to be waved off with a 'no thanks'.

"Derek, you have another table!" The dark furred tom turned his head to his boss, pointing toward the husky. Derek had his paws tied with now knowing that he has four tables to attend to now. He made headway to the new customer, greeted him and asked what drink he would like as a she-kat went to lay some chips and salsa. Memorizing the husky's drink, he quickly went to fulfill it.

'It's going to be a long day.'

On his way, he counted the total of the price of his first table in his head as he took down a cup and filled it with ice in one scooping motion within the icebox then filling it with water. After setting the cup down, he took out his pen and put down the initial price followed by multiplying it with the tax receiving his total price and marking it down. Not once had he used the calculator he was assigned with since math was his forte.

Derek ripped the ticket, wrote thank you on the back with a smile drawn on it, grabbed the cup of water, and deposited the ticket to the right customer. The husky was impressed that his drink arrived just as he set the menu down.

"Are you ready to order sir?" Derek asked putting on a warm smile. The husky chuckled warmly, shifting to sit up straight.

"I would like the Camaron Flameado."

Derek only hesitated a bit, but still wrote down the order on his receipt pad. "It'll be out as soon as possible."

He hadn't gotten much experience on preparing this dish since it was used as a small show for the customer. Six Gulf Shrimp sautéed with onions, tomatoes, peppers, and chopped cilantro all smothered with Monterrey cheese. The cheese won't be melted until the alcohol was poured on it and lit on fire with the lighter he'd be given. Derek had only made three since he worked here and turned out okay for the most part.

He informed the cooks of the order and all gave cheers in Spanish to him. If he had to guess from the time he had spent here, they were probably telling him good luck or something. Derek spotted two familiar customers being seated in one of his table routes so he asked Leon to heat up four tortillas for him.

"Hey guys, welcome to Telle's Mexican Restaurant. What would you two like to drink?"

"Hey Derek, I didn't know you worked here." Colby said, smiling at the dark tom's career choice. "Well, I'd like to have a Root Beer."

"Alright… What about you Jake?"

"I'll just have water." Jake said a little lively but Derek could tell that something was bothering the cinnamon tom. His eyes were so distant and he probably doesn't know where he is at this moment and was just going with the flow.

"Got it. Take your time looking over the menus and I'll be right back to take your order." He gave Jake one last look and thought that maybe he would like to see him make the restaurant's special dish.

"I have an idea, I'm about to do a cool trick to a dish we have here so I don't mind you guys coming over to watch. Most customers do and it's just exciting."

"Sure, to whom you'll be show casing?"

"The gray husky over there," Derek pointed and then went to see if any other customers wanted anything and was asked for checks. Two tables down with two remaining and Derek sighed that he could slow down a bit until a third party comes in. A bell rang notifying that his dish was ready and he quickly placed the spare plate with the container of tortillas Leon just placed on the huge tray. Quickly grabbing a fork and spoon, he made his way to the husky, not before taking a stand, and started to begin the small show.

"What's this now?"

"Just a little show; you'll enjoy it just as much as you'll enjoy eating it."

Derek took the small silver cup of alcohol and poured it around on the shrimp in a circular motion. Taking the lighter in one paw, he lit it and immediately caught on fire. The husky's eyes widened to the dark tom's enjoyment seeing that he wasn't prepared for something like this. As the small flames began to die out, he used the spoon and fork to spread and mix the cheese with the shrimp and its contents. Opening the container of tortillas, the dark furred tom scooped up some of the shrimp and placed it on the tortilla carefully and did so again with a second scoop. After wrapping his first tortilla successfully, he placed it on the spare plate and handed it over to the amazed husky.

"I hope you liked the small show sir." Derek said as he placed the rest of the shrimp on the table along with the container of tortillas.

"I certainly enjoyed it." The look he was given made his skin crawl. He took the stand and tray back, made Colby and Jake's drinks, and then headed toward their table. They were awfully quiet and that kind of made Derek feel uncomfortable.

"So, are you guys ready to order?"

"We'll just have the beef Enchilada Dinner covered with chili sauce. We're going to share out of it."

"I don't blame you. These platters are sort of big for one kat." Derek chuckled after writing down the order. On his way, he couldn't help but feel envious toward them. They could be with someone they loved and he wasn't allowed to express his feelings towards the tabby. His mood must have been too noticeable if he had to have his boss ask if he was okay. His cheerful smile came back and placed the order to be made quickly.

After that, he went to the employee restroom to splash water on his face. Derek had no idea that he loved the tabby that much that just thinking about him was ruining his concentration. He shook his head and focused on the husky that he needed to check up on.

"Whoa, I see you're finished sir." The husky gave him a wholehearted chuckle. It just felt strange being around this canine and something was off about him, yet Derek couldn't tell what it could be.

'You're worrying too much. There is no reason to be scared of him.'

"I'd like to have my check please. I'm in a hurry if you don't mind."

"Uh…oh…right." Derek tried to work on it, but his mind was too fogged up so he pulled out his calculator for the first time and did quick work and checked it twice.

"Here you go."

"Thanks," The husky pulled out a bill and placed it right in the tom's pockets. He was staring right into the dark furred tom's eyes, chests touching. Derek could feel that the canine was groping his leg since he still hadn't removed his paw from his pocket.

"See you soon." The husky left like nothing happened. Derek kept his stare at him, eyes widened with shock and breathing rather shallow. He gasped for air as he placed a paw on his chest hoping that what just happened didn't happen. Someone yelled out his name and spun him around only to flinch and knock down the plates.

"I'm sorry but I'm going to have to tell you to go home. You're not focused right now and I'll tend to your tables; see you Thursday."

The dark furred tom sighed and clocked out; leaving behind his receipt notebook. He rubbed a paw on his face and made his way to his car, opening it, and turning it on before shutting his own door. Derek texted his mother that he would be coming home soon and leave the door open before she left for work. With his message sent, he turned on his car and pulled out onto the streets.

Stopping at the red light, his phone vibrated and saw that his mother said okay and to buy some milk, ham, and toilet paper. He felt annoyed by the sudden errand since he just wanted to rest, but he complied. The light turned green when he put down his phone and began heading to the closest store.

Pulling up to Brookshire's, he checked his wallet to see if he had enough cash to use other than his debit card. Smiling, he got out after removing the apron with the restaurant's logo on it. The strange feeling came back and turned around to spot the husky just a few feet away from him.

'It's the guy from the restaurant. Is he following me? Could he be…a stalker?'

Derek went into the store fast, pulled a cart, and started to head to the back of the store where the milks were. He didn't know what to do. If he got out, that husky would probably mess with him again. Derek pulled out his phone in a panic and called the first person in his mind.

The phone rang for a while and was glad to hear his voice. "Chance, I need your help. There's this husky waiting outside of Brookshire's and I think he's after me…I serviced him…Not like that you idiot…Yeah, at the restaurant…Thanks, that would mean a lot to me." The phone hung up before he got the chance to say 'see ya later'.

Derek took his time getting the three items and a couple more things too like bags of chips and some cases of sodas. When he made it to the register to make it seem like he's just in there for a regular grocery shop, he started to wonder if Chance bailed on him.

"Hey Derek," The dark furred tom turned to the approaching tabby, holding a bag of donuts in his paw. "I didn't think to spot you here. Shouldn't you be working by now?" He realized what Chance was doing since in the corner of his eyes he could see the husky waiting for him from the edge of a nearby window.

"I was sent home because I couldn't stay focused."

"Do you mind if I place these with your things. I'll pay you later."

The tom nodded and they were soon going out of the store together with bags in each paw. Derek tried hard to not look at the husky eyeing him. Suddenly, he was pulled closer; making him look away from the canine, and Chance had his paw on his chin.

"I love you."

Derek wasn't prepared for the gentle kiss that the tom bestowed upon him. Those soft lips locked against his as he fumbled his tongue; tasting him in a new way. This was exactly like he dreamed it would feel but not the way he wanted it. He felt Chance smile and pulled away making Derek whine in his head.

"He fell for it. That guy won't bother you again." Chance was pushed back, almost tripping from the force, and just stared surprised at Derek. "I'm sorry, but what else could I do to convince him that you're already taken?"

"But not like that." Derek shuddered looking away from the tabby. He could still feel Chance's lips if they were still touching his, hating him for stirring his emotions to get rid of a stalker.

"I walked here from school after practice so do you mind giving me a ride back to my truck."

"Sure," Derek just kept on going to his car, set the bags in the back and unlocked the doors to climb inside. Two minutes later they were back in the school parking lot, almost void of student drivers.

"Thanks," Chance said as he unbuckled his seat belt.

"Why…?"

"Huh…"

"Why did you kiss me?" The dark furred tom growled.

"To help you; I saw how that guy looked at you so I decided to make it seem like we were a couple and it worked." Chance explained. "Why are you making such a big deal out of this? I know you're gay, but we are just friends."

"Just friends," Derek gave a soft chuckle, tearing in the corner of his eyes. "I'd hate to break it to you like this, but I'm in love with you." He heard Chance gasp to himself. "I always have, ever since I first met you. Even now, I still love you even if that kiss was a lie. That's why I've always checked up on when you look depressed. I've been the first one to ever come to your aid when your drunken ass can't drive. I care about you, but since you said we're just friends, I'll have to learn to live with it."

"Derek, I didn't…"

"Just…go home." The way he told Chance to leave made him feel like an ass. The grunt he received from the tabby made it clear that he didn't appreciate it. His door was shut hard, making him flinch, and drove off slowly heading back home.

Five minutes of silent driving, he made it to his home and taking in the small supplies he bought, including the donuts Chance used for his plot. He left the bags on the kitchen table and went straight to his room, removing his cameo shirt with the restaurant logo and khaki pants, wearing nothing but his boxers and lied on his bed to sleep.

Chance's drive home also went in silence. He was angry at himself for doing something that would lead to deeper sadness. No matter whom he helped, that other kat would be harmed nonetheless. He didn't realize that Derek loved him since he was always mopping to himself and suppressing his depression through drinking and self harm.

"…I'm in love with you. I always have, ever since I first met you."

'After all this time, why didn't you say anything?" The tabby thought. He pulled up to the apartments and parked his truck in his spot. His father wasn't home so that made him feel a bit better knowing that he will still be gone for a couple hours.

The tabby entered his home and went straight to the restroom for a quick shower. Though his thoughts were still on Derek, he didn't do anything to ease his need and kept those thoughts way from his mind. Chance tried to remember one time that gave him a hint of Derek's love for him and can't even recall one simple moment. He dug his claws in his forearm, closed his eyes, and let the water wash off any prickle of blood that escaped.

'Remember…'

Chance still had a void of any recollection toward the subject. He kept telling himself to remember, but nothing ever came up. The water soon started going cold, so he turned off the shower, dried off, and headed into his room with the towel wrapped around his waist.

He sat at the edge of his bed after putting on some shorts and buried his paws on his face, sighing. "I'm such a loser. I hid my feeling from him for nothing. I made it seem like I wasn't interested because I thought he would never fall for a guy like me. I'm too depressing. I'm covered with scars. I'm a huge fucking jerk with no respect to others. What does Derek see within me that made him love me?" He sighed again and lied down on his bed. Hours had passed by and he slowly drifted into sleep.

"Chance, you have to wait like everyone else."

"But I want to go on the ride now! How much more do I have to wait?" The little tabby asked with a pouted face. His father chuckled and told him that it won't be much longer. "Oh…! You said that a long time ago! I want to ride now!"

"Chance please, calm down." His father asked a bit annoyed in his behavior.

"I want to ride now!" The little tabby yelled louder making everyone in the line cringe and stare at them with angry looks. His dad tried to cover his mouth but he bit back and fused even more knowing that his dad tried to shut him up. From here, everything went dark. Chance could hear himself crying and the faint voices from around him.

"Can you calm that little brat of yours?"

"I'm trying, but he won't quiet down until the ride."

"Is there a problem here?"

"I'm sorry, but my son is getting impatient waiting."

"If you can't calm him down, I'm going to have to ask you to leave."

"But we waited for almost an hour!"

"Don't raise your voice at me sir!"

The voices started to die out and the only thing he could hear was his own crying. Chance didn't know why he started to cry on the line and they were up next if he could only have waited just a bit longer.

"Why didn't you wait?"

Chance looked around for the voice that came from around. When he opened his eyes, he was the only one in the eerie line for the ride. The area was lined with fog and looked around for any sign of life.

"Whenever something good comes to your life, you find a way to ruin it!"

He recognized this voice and saw his father stand before him.

"You never appreciate the good things in life and you always stay in your room! When you're not in your room, you're out with your friends drinking! Do you think I loved picking you up from the station? I could have left you there and not care about you but I didn't; do you know why? It's because I …! That's why!"

"You what…?"

Chance only stared at his father, tears rolling out of his eyes. Next to him was himself, dead in his eyes and ignoring everything his father was telling him. Chance saw his reflection in his other's eyes and noticed that he was a kitten.

"You need to grow up Chance. I don't know what I did…to make you hate me. Please, say something. I can't stand seeing you shut out like this."

"Chance…"

"Chance…"

"Chance, wake up! You're going to be late!"

The tabby quickly opened his eyes and heard the loud knocking on his bedroom door. He heard his father mumble something, making him feel guilty for every mistake he had done to lose all trust from his father. Chance got dressed in a blue t-shirt and black shorts, grabbed his bag, headed for the door and stopped just before exiting.

"What now Chance?" He heard his father agitated question and he was dressed in his janitor uniform. Out of nowhere, he embraced his father saying that he was sorry and rushed out quickly; not giving his father a chance to say anything.

Chance had never driven so fast to school before and waited a while in his truck to sort things out. Today wasn't a good day for him if he's freaking out over something like an embrace. He couldn't confide with Derek on what he was experiencing in his chest. It felt like he was going to burst if he didn't talk to anyone.

Deciding to get out of his truck, Chance made his way to the cafeteria. He spotted him, sitting by himself, and sat in front of the tom.

"What do you want?" Jake gave him a glare. Chance fisted his paws and held back a remark. This caused the small tom to raise an eye brow at him.

"I'm having trouble...with something...personal."

"So..."

"I was hoping you could hear me out. You know, listen and give me advise." Chance explained. Jake scoffed making the tabby growl in his throat.

"Why in hell should I even listen to you?" Jake darkly laughed at the troubled tom. "I don't care for your stupid problems, so leave me out of them."

Chance got up, glaring at the small tom with sad eyes making Jake gape a little. "Why did I think you could possibly help? We hardly know each other. This was a complete waste of my time."

Derek entered the school doors, backpack slung over his shoulder and head hung lower as he possibly could. He saw Chance heading his way and said hello, but the tabby just kept on walking. Tears were forming at the base of his eyes as a paw touched his arm.

"Are you okay?" Colby asked him. Derek nodded and wiped his with the back of his paw.

"I'm just feeling tired. I'll see ya around."

Derek was worried about Chance and was hoping that he wasn't mad at him. They haven't talked since they parted yesterday at the parking lot. The tom had the tabby in his mind throughout the school day. At lunch, Chance couldn't be found. Derek had wanted to talk and not being able to find him was killing him alive. It was even more difficult for him to stay focused in class since he was turning to look at the clock every two to five minutes.

The final bell rang and he went to the locker room to put on his gear for practice. Again, Chance was nowhere in sight. He told himself that the tabby could be outside waiting for practice to start.

"Hey," Derek called out to one of his team mates, "is Chance outside?"

"Chance never came to first period."

"What…do you mean?"

The tom sighed, "I mean he never came to school. I have that guy for my first class and he never showed up.

Derek went speechless at the news he was given. The tabby never went to any of his classes. Chance was out there doing who-knows-what to himself.