The days after Kristofferson had joined the whackbat team and hooked up with Agnes had been among the best and worst of his life. On one paw, the team had won three games in a row with him playing, and he was rapidly becoming one of the more popular kids in school. He and Agnes were taking things slow and steady, but she'd turned out to be a good confidant for Kris.

But with his newfound popularity came nasty rumors, and Ash had barely spoken to him since that day nearly a week ago. The small fox refused to look at him, and spent most of his time alone in his room. A couple of times Kristofferson had thought he heard the small fox crying, but each time he tried to see what was wrong Ash had simply walked away without a word. The rumors bothered Kris more than he cared to admit, but they paled in comparison to his concern over his cousin. Something was bothering Ash, and no matter how many times Kristofferson tried to tell himself it wasn't his problem, he could not ignore it. Especially since he was probably to blame for Ash's melancholy state.

"What's wrong," asked Agnes.

Kristofferson and Agnes walked along the banks of the river near her house. Kristofferson was quiet a while before answering.

"A lot of things, Agnes," said Kris.

"I could tell," she replied. "You've been so quiet tonight."

"Well, I'm worried about Ash. He barely speaks anymore, he just sits in his room alone all day. He's hateful to anyone who tries to talk to him."

"That's just normal Ash," said Agnes, placing a comforting paw on Kris' shoulder. "He hardly ever says two words to anyone. He's….different. You know that."

"I know, but something has changed ever since I joined the team. He quit, you know?"

"Quit whackbat?! Are you sure?"

The two foxes stopped walking. Agnes now had a bit of worry in her eyes as well.

"Yes, Coach Skip told the team before our last game."

"But whackbat is Ash's life. Well, that and comic books. What would make him quit?"

"Me. I played a perfect 8th the first time I ever played, and Coach Skip benched Ash for me. I don't think he could stand the humiliation. I wish I'd never tried out."

"But you can't blame yourself for that. You have a right to play sports too. It isn't your fault Ash is too immature to handle someone being better than him."

"You know, I told myself the same thing, but it doesn't make me feel any better. Fact is, Ash lost one of the few things that made him happy because of me. I feel wretched for it."

"What do his parents say?"

"Well, they finally noticed something was wrong yesterday. As usual it took them forever. Now they want me to speak to him. I can't seem to get them to understand that I'm the problem."

Agnes put her arms around Kristofferson's neck. Kris returned her embrace. The sun was beginning to set, the crimson and amber hues made the river appear to be on fire.

"I just hope my father gets well soon. It will be best for everyone once I can leave," said Kris.

"Don't say that, Kris," replied Agnes. "You make everyone's lives better when you're around. One day, Ash will see that too."

"That's not the only thing bothering me," said Kris.

"What else is there?"

"I'm not sure I should say."

"You know you can trust me."

"I know…..it's something Foxie wants me to do tonight. I have to meet him outside after dark. I think it has something to do with the farmers."

"Bogis, Bunce and Bean?!"

"Yeah, I think so."

"Oh Kris, no! That's too dangerous! Tell your uncle you can't do it!"

"I can't do that Agnes. For one thing, I gave my word. For another….I don't think Uncle Foxie would take no for an answer."

"You have to tell someone!"

"No! Agnes, please, understand I can't back out and no one can know. If I told anyone, it would make more trouble than if I just go."

"But if you're caught you'll die."

"Hopefully, we won't get caught. Uncle Foxie used to be a professional after all. He's really good at it."

"But he was caught once before!"

"I know. Well, hopefully he learned from his mistakes. Anyway, it's getting late, I better head home."

"Kris…."

"Agnes, please, I gotta go. Remember, don't tell anyone."

"I won't, but please try to get out of it. Your uncle has no business dragging you into such a mess."

Kristofferson gave Agnes a peck on the cheek and left for home. She had a point, but what was Kris to do? He'd given his word, and he was not a fox that would go back on a promise. Plus, he'd do anything to get out of the house and away from Ash for a while.

"You're up to something with my father," said Ash. "What is it?"

The family had just finished dinner, Kris had headed to Ash's room to get ready to meet his uncle outside, who had already left to meet Kylie.

"I uh…," Kris started. "What do you mean?"

"I know my father has been leaving at night, and I saw him talking to you yesterday. What are you planning?"

Kris sighed. It was not in him to deceive people, and this was the first time his cousin had spoken to him in days. Kris blamed himself for Ash's recent depression, so he came clean.

"He wants me to help steal some cider from Bean," said Kris. "I really don't know the details or the entire plan, but it had something to do with sneaking into the cellar under the farmer's house."

Ash's eyes lit up.

"Wait," said Kris. "You can't tell anyone. I have to get dressed to go, but you have to stay here. And pretend I never said a word."
Ash nodded in agreement.

=^.^=

While Kristofferson was getting ready, Ash snuck out of the house to meet his father. Ahead he found them, talking over the plan.

"….where he lives," Ash heard Kylie say.

"Where he keeps the cider," said Mr. Fox.

"Below where he lives," said Ash, now having caught up with them.

"Wha-? Where did you come from," said Mr. Fox. "Go back to the tree and do your homework!"

"I want to help you steal some cider," said Ash.

"We're going to a book party," said Mr. Fox. "And keep your mouth about any cider because no one ever said that. Now get out of here!"

"But…" Ash could tell he was losing this fight.

"But nothing," said Mr. Fox. "You're gonna get me in a lot of trouble. Besides, you're too little and uncoordinated."

This hit Ash in the pit of his stomach. For a moment he was hurt, he nearly felt like he was going to cry. But the hurt turned to anger within seconds, and he just stared back at his father and spit.

"One, two, three!" shouted Mr. Fox, pointing back at the tree.

Ash growled in frustration and left. Hot tears burned his eyes as he headed back to the house. He passed Kristofferson on the way. Kris looked like he was about to say something but Ash shot him a dark look. Whatever Kris was going to say died on his lips. Ash went back inside. He was nearly hysterical, he could not decide whether to cry or start breaking things. That his mom was asleep meant he must be quiet, so he put a pillow over his muzzle and screamed into it. He screamed until his throat was raw and sore, and then the screams turned into sobs.

His father hated him, and had literally just told him he was too little and uncoordinated to be of any worth. Not only that, but apparently Kristofferson was good enough. Why didn't his father just adopt Kristofferson. Maybe he would. Maybe Kristofferson's dad would die and Kris would live here full time. Then Ash would probably have to move out of his room. After all, Kris meant more to Ash's parents than their own son.

All of these thoughts and more, some of them very dark, went through Ash's mind. The little fox curled into a ball on his bed, his tiny form made to look smaller than ever, like a child half his age, as he cried softly to himself alone in the darkness of his room.

~Author's note~

Poor little Ash, shunned by his parents and oblivious to Kris' feelings, while neither cousin is exactly sure what they feel for each other. So many questions and doubts, it's starting to eat away at both of them. But don't despair, the night is darkest before dawn :)