Several hours later, Sir Urquhart was out in the waiting/lounge area, Lady Sarah in the chair beside him, fast asleep. Dr.Rawlins walked over to them. "-Sir Urquhart?" The lynx physician looked up. "-Yes?" He looked eager for news. The wolverine physician licked his lips. "-No news yet... which means no good news... but it also means no bad news either." But anyways... you and Sarah... you've done all you can." All we can do now, is wait." It's awful late, and you two are obviously exhausted." You should go home and get some rest, perhaps." Either I or someone else could call you, if anything happens." Sir Urquhart slowly blinked. "-I thank you for your concern, my friend, but my answer is no." I'm not going... not until I hear something." There's no way I'm leaving my son like this." And neither will Sarah." Joe gave him a sympathetic look. "-I understand... I truly am sorry, Urquhart." "-I know you do, Joe," said the lynx. "It's alright." The wolverine nodded. "-I'll come back in an hour or so... hopefully I'll have some news for you by then." "-I'm sure you will," nodded Sir Urquhart. Dr.Rawlins nodded in turn, and walked off. The adult lynx then lowered his head, pulling at his bangs. He looked over at Sarah. From the expression and body position, Urquhart could tell her slumber was a restless and fitful one. He reached over and stroked her hair, gently. His darling Sarah... his love... his confidante... his backbone and support through everything life threw at him... Urquhart didn't know what he'd do without her... and of course... their son.
~*~
Tyler had came into the world, suddenly, in the early afternoon. It was clear that fate was working in its mysterious ways that day, as merely hours before, Rockavar had took his first breath and opened never before opened eyes, staring into a bright new world, howling with the rush of cold air. Sir Urquhart himself had been present at the new Crown Fox Prince's birth, (as the Royal physician) and had returned to his home, hours later, rather worn out from all the excitement from that ordeal. But he would not have rest, then. Not yet... The lynx had arrived home, to find the house dead silent, which was odd and a bit eerie, considering his wife Lady Sarah (whom was over three weeks pregnant, at the time) was supposedly there. Concerned and rather very worried, Urquhart had searched the house for her, and found her laying on a bed, sweating and groaning, in pain. It wasn't too surprising that her husband immediately knew what was wrong with her. She was in labor. But farther along, much to Urquhart's dismay. At the discovery that Sarah had already dilated about eight or nine centimeters, he realized that it was far too late to call for another doctor. He had no choice but to deliver their child, himself. The thought gave him dizzy spells and overwhelmingness, but he somehow managed to get a grip of himself. The whole procedure was a blur to him, he couldn't recall anything that had happened. Then the next thing he knew, he was looking down at a tiny creature with his face and Sarah's sky blue eyes, in his arms. Urquhart would never forget the feeling, when the little fella had actually lifted up his head and stared straight at him, with bright, awestruck and curious eyes. The strength of paternal bond and love, had overwhelmed him in a single moment, at this sight. It was funny... the lynx physician had been present at many situations like this before, but never had they felt like this. It finally gave the saying "It's like mucus; it's different when it's your own", a real meaning. Sir Urquhart couldn't deny the feeling of pride that he'd had a son (as opposed to having a daughter), as most fathers have. Tyler had been a an offspring, that any parent could be proud of, ever since. He had a bright, eager young mind, which was understandingly open and had room for much potential and knowledge. He was well-mannered and a reliable worker, for both academic and job-wise situations. And needless to say, he wasn't such a bad-looking kid, either. His appearance was orderly and well-groomed, and a nice kind of causal look. There was only ONE flaw that was visible to his father... and unfortunately, a rather important one. See, one of the reasons Urquhart had hoped for a son, was to carry on the family position. For three straight generations of his family tree, there had been a son born to each set of new parents, and they had all took on the title and job as Royal physician to the Royal Fox Family. The problem was... it seemed as if Tyler was about to break that line. True he had the brains for it, for all the medical and procedural knowledge. But alas... he lacked the STOMACH for it. He may not have looked it, but Tyler was extremely faint. A mere sight of someone else's blood could have him nauseous in seconds, or feeling ready to pass out. He'd been like that ever since he was a child. Back then, Urquhart thought it was merely a phase, and that he'd get over it, but as years passed by, things remained the same. His father had began trying to help him get over it, by getting Tyler to come to work with him, on certain occasions, to have him hanging around the kind of conditions and procedures that a (Royal) physician deals with, so that he would get used to seeing those kinds of things, to the point he would at last be accustomed to them and not be bothered by them, anymore. So far, however, this plan was unsuccessful. As soon as Tyler saw something considered 'gross', he was either out cold on the ground, or running for the first wastebasket or toilet he could find. Urquhart was slowly discovering that he was more of a bother, than a help. Tyler might as well have been a stool in the room or invisible. He could remember a time once, when he'd been delivering the baby of a female wildcat, he'd managed to drag Tyler in to merely hold the female's hand (since she didn't have a partner). Urquhart figured there was no way that this situation could do anything to Tyler... But naturally, his teenage son had shown him otherwise. He had lifted out the newborn creature, and held it up enough for the mother to see. Tyler had taken one look at the little greasy, fluid-smeared, bloody and bawling thing, and fainted. Sir Urqhart had sighed at this and muttered under his breath, to himself "-So close..." That had been some months ago. The father lynx was starting to dread that Tyler was never going to snap out of this deal. And as Sir Urquhart wasn't exactly eager on breaking the "family honor", as it were, this thought was a discomforting one.
But at the present, Urquhart honestly couldn't have cared less about the "family honor". All he wanted was his son out of this mess, safe. For one fleeting desperate moment, he started pleading in his mind. *God, I don't care if he ever even gets over that whole 'faintness' thing.. just bring him out of that surgery, alive and safe... that's all I want... is that so much to ask for?? Please take care of him, on that table in there... please! Don't let him go... he's all I've got..* The lynx had his head bowed, praying for his son's safety. Like Joe had said, there was nothing he could (physically) do. Just wait...
It was the next day, at about noon. It had only been a half day at school that day, so some of the gang went to a favourite street corner hang out, to see who would show up. So far, Richard, Buckthorne, Charles, Michael and Bullseye were there. They were all eating their lunches, and talking about the whole Tyler thing. As he gnawed into an green apple, Richard told the others about Aaron. "-Seriously guys... you should've seen him, this morning!" That pitiful look on his face is enough to make ya wanna HUG the poor guy, whether it looks wrong or not!" Looks like someone just DIED..." His teachers must've felt really sorry for that depressed expression, considering he got sent to the counselor's office like... twice I think!" They probably thought he was gonna HURT himself or something... man." His wolf friend shook his head, crunching on a piece of granola. "-Cripes... poor Aar... but ya can't blame him for being so upset, though." I mean... you saw how bad Tyler was hockin' up last night." "-My gosh... from what you guys are saying, it sounds like poor Tyler's gonna DIE!" exclaimed Charles, with a worried exasperation, holding a thermos cap of homemade broth. Michael put down his turkey sandwich, and added, "-Yeah, no kiddin!" Exactly WHAT happened, last night, guys??" Bullseye shrugged, "-Hard to say, almost." You really had to be there, to get an idea." He bit into an orange piece, and sucked out the juices, in what seemed like an odd vampire style. Buckthorne looked at him, oddly. "-For the last time, dude, what do ya eat those things like that??" Throwing the remainders of the orange piece, Bullseye replied, "-What??" I'm just getting the good and important bit!" I don't like eating the outside... it's like eatin' skin, that's just gross... plus that shit gets in yer teeth too.. it's a bugger to pick out." Buckthorne rolled his eyes, and Richard said, "-Guess that's why I prefer these things," and held up his half eaten apple. "-'Apple a day, keeps the bloody doctor away'!" jeered Michael, all cliché-like. "-Maybe so... but too many apples make ya piss like a racehorse!" snorted Bullseye. "Believe me, I've been there!" I once had about... six apples at once sitting... about thirty minutes later, my kidneys nearly exploded on me." Michael burst into laughter, and nearly choked on his sandwich, at this idea. Richard laughed, "-Hey, I remember that!" Oh man... I've never seen you run so fast!" You were bolting for that bathroom, like it was a life or death situation, dude!" The warthog gave a wry smirk, and simply lifted his arms up, and snapped his wrists together at Richard, implying the phrase "Fuck you", opposed to giving the traditional middle finger. Richard then just snorted and flicked his fingers under his chin, out to Bullseye, implying the same message. "-Right back at ya!" Charles shook his head at the two. "-You guys are insane, you know that?" Bullseye gave a wide grin and exclaimed, "Why THANK YOU, Charlie-Boy!" You are such a SWEETHEART, ya know that??" "-You're a laugh and a half, Bullseye," the hedgehog muttered, rolling his eyes. His friend stuck his chin up, and swooned "-Don't hate me, because I'm beautiful!" The others all hooted and howled at this. Finally, Buckthorne asked, "-What were we just talking about, before that little... 'performance'?" Michael replied, "-Oh yeah!" The Tyler thing!" Right?" Richard nodded, "-Yep, that was it... man... you two might be sorry you missed it, but hey... it wasn't really pretty, anyways, so... be GLAD you had a project and were studying!" Charles sighed, "-Like it really helped me!" That studying I did, was worth beans!" I did the test, and got it back, and I got a 85%!" I just needed one more percent, and I would've gotten an A!" Michael raised an eyebrow. "-Wait a sec... you're telling me, you got a high B on your chemistry test, and you're COMPLAINING??" Oh shut up!" I would KILL for that mark!" Charles grumbled, "-Well 'I' could do better!" I KNOW I could!" YOU might consider that a good mark, but I have much higher standards for my grades." Richard snorted, "-Oh get over it, Charles!" Don't make me come over there, and pour that nice hot broth on your crotch, man!" I'll SO do it!" Amidst the chorus of laughter, a new person walked up to the group. "-Hey fellas." They all turned to see Rockavar walking up. "-Hey Rocky!" "Rock-Miester!" "How's it goin, man?" "'Sup, Rockavar?" "What brings ya round, Rocky?" The fox finally answered, "-Just came by to see ya'll... sorry I took so dang long." "-Yeah, Rockavar... we ain't seen ya for a couple days!" What you been up to?" asked Bullseye. Rockavar gave a heavy sigh. "-Oh... not much, really." Just... needed time to cool off." The others nodded. They all knew he was talking about the Tyler/Vera thing. "-So yeah... where's everyone else?" Rockavar questioned. Buckthorne thought outloud. "-Well... Aaron went home... Ian had to stop by the store... and... forgot where Lewis went." The fox chewed his lip. "What about Tyler?" The guys exchanged glances. Richard asked him, "-You didn't hear?" Rockavar looked confused. "-Hear what?" Bullseye added, "-About Tyler... last night?" Rockavar lifted his shoulders. "-Nooo... why?" What happened?" They all looked suddenly grave. Buckthorne explained, "-He was... doing pretty bad." He was... throwing up and shit... his dad said something about him having appendicitis, and they rushed him up to the hospital." Rockavar looked astounded. "-The hospital??" What for??" Buckthorne repeated, "-The appendicitis!" Urquhart said his appendix was all infected up, and he was gonna surgery to get it removed, before it exploded." The fox was struck with sudden fright. "-Surgery??" Oh my god... is he gonna be okay??" IS he okay??" Bullseye told him, "-Whoa, Rockavar.. calm down a little, man!" And to answer your question... we haven't heard anything yet... so we don't know." Rockavar looked completely devastated at this upsetting news. "-Oh my god..." he repeated. Richard looked at him. "Yo, Rocky... what you keep saying that for??" It's not like it's your fault, or anything!" What's the matter?" Rockavar stuttered blankly, "But I... last time we... I... he... said..." He couldn't say it. Bullseye gave him a funny gaze. "-Rockavar, what's with you... you got a monkey up your ass??" What you trying to say?" The Prince finally managed a reply. "-Nothing... I just... see I... I just ... I need to go." He then turned around, and walked away, leaving the rest of them utterly stumped.
Rockavar had never felt so guilty and torn up, ever. He couldn't believe what was happening. His friend Tyler, in a hospital, getting surgery. What was worse... was the fact that the last time he'd seen Tyler... Rockavar had yelled at and pushed him around, in a violent, raging matter, for something that wasn't even his fault. But he'd been so angry and stubborn, Rockavar had stormed off, and refused to talk to him since. He'd never gotten the chance to apologize and say he was sorry. To admit he was wrong. And now... it almost seemed like he'd never get the chance... The fox was remorseful as ever, and kicked himself for being such an asshole. Some friend, he was. And poor Tyler, he thought. He was probably totally freaked out of his mind, and in a lot of pain. Rockavar's ears flattened against his skull, guilt ridden. Suddenly, he knew what needed to be done. He had to set this situation from before, with the REAL person to blame. He then headed off again.
He knew she'd be around here. Rockavar walked across the place, scanning around, until he spotted her. As soon as he had seen her, he wasted no time in getting to her. "Vera!!" The young vixen froze, at the sound of her name. She turned around, to see the person, she was dreading to see. "Rockavar!" she said, shocked. "-W... what are you doing here??" He immediately took charge of things. "Listen to me... Vera... I know you're trying to 'avoid' me and shit... but we NEED to talk!" NOW!" She seemed rather irritated at him 'commanding' her. "-Oh really?" she snorted. "Well I beg the differ... we've said all we need to say, before..." She started to turn away, but Rockavar stubbornly got into her face and insisted, "-YES, we DO need to talk!" And in fact... I'm not gonna let you outta my sight, until you DO stand in one place long enough, to hear what I have to say, becuz it's pretty damn important!!" Vera flattened her ears in an aggressive air, but she glowered, "-Fine... then start talking." "-Okay then... first things first... I need your cooperation, in answering a question or two." The vixen sniffed, "-Depends on what they are." ...But go on." Rockavar continued, "-First... and listen closely... 'what'... did you do, two days ago?" Vera looked lost, already. "-What?" What on Mobius, do you mean, by that??" Rockavar scowled, "-Vera... don't act like that..." I'm not stupid!" Now answer the question!" She shook her head, "-I have no clue what you're talking about..." Rockavar snapped, "-Fine then... I'LL say it!" At lunchtime... you ran outside, and saw Tyler!" You went all emotional and weepy on him, threw yourself into his arms, and KISSED him!!" Vera's eyes widened. "-Who... who told you that?" Rockavar stared coldly. "-TYLER did!" Becuz he actually felt bad about it, like he was doing something bad to me, and he chose to be the good friend and came clean!" Which is more than I can say for 'some people'!" She looked nervous, and slowly asked, "-So what did you say?" The fox lowered his head and looked away. "-Thanks to the thought of YOU throwing yourself at another guy who happens to be my FRIEND, really got to me." So I went all got all pissed and told HIM off!" And it wasn't even his fault!" I was a complete ass to him, and I haven't spoken to him since, becuz I was being so stubborn!" And now I hear that I may not even have a chance to apologize, becuz Ty's in the hospital getting SURGERY!" Vera gasped, in horror. "-What???" Ignoring her question, Rockavar said, "-If he doesn't make it... he'll.... he'll DIE thinking I'm MAD at him!" And I'm NOT!" He's my FRIEND!" And I... totally lost it!" And.. it's all YOUR fucking fault!" he screamed at Vera. The vixen gasped at the horrid accusation. "-MY fault??" Rockavar, how could you SAY such a thing to me!?" And in just WHAT way HOW??" The male breathed heavily, in ferocity. "-HOW could you just go around, CHEATING on me with one of my fucking best FRIENDS?!?" he yelled at Vera. Anger and frustration shot up like a rocket, into Vera's brain. "-'Cheating' on you??" Rockavar, we BROKE UP!" I'm not WITH you, remember?" There's no 'us'!" We're OVER!" I'm not YOURS to save!" she cried, in fury. "Not anymore-" The female turned around, trying to collect herself. Rockavar bit his lip hard, trying to hold back his rage and bitter emotion. Finally, he wet his mouth, and turned back to her. "-Did you do this because you're MAD at me??" Rockavar demanded to know. Vera glowered. "-No... I BROKE UP with you, because I was mad at you!" Rockavar looked on, bewilderedly. "-Vera, WHY are you mad at me?" What did I do??" Vera whirled around, with fury. "-WHY?" WHY am I mad at you, you ask?" Because YOU dragged me into that what I thought would be an everlasting, beautiful thing... and like a foolish dreamer, I fell for it." Only to find then, that all my silly little dreams turned out to be just a totally MEANINGLESS, DEAD-END relationship!!" Her words cut through Rockavar, like a dagger clean through the throat, sliced him deep, with such pain and aguish, he could barely believe. Finally, he managed to get out, "-O-kay... I understand the 'dead-end' bit... but 'meaningless'??" Vera, WHAT is the MATTER with you??" She didn't reply, she couldn't bring herself to. "-Wh... WHAT are you trying to say??" That our relationship... meant NOTHING to you??" It was just a little 'fling' or something??" A MEANINGLESS commitment?" Everything we said... everything we shared... everything we felt... EVERYTHING??" It was all just NOTHING??" NOTHING?!?!?" he shrieked, with emotional rage. Vera just stared, with no readable emotion upon her face. Rockavar fumed with over-abused anger. "-You know what... I thought you were different than other girls... you were special... beautiful... intelligent... amazing... and an endless list of other things..." He shook his muzzle. "-But now... I see what you REALLY are." Vera looked up at him, as he harshly finished through his teeth, "-Just another selfish BITCH, with a heart of ice!!" An invisible hand reached out and gave the shocked young vixen a blow to the face. She gawked at him, hurt beyond words. Her eyes went glassy, from tears she was desperately trying to hold in. Finally, in a quavery voice, she responded, "-Lewis was right... you ARE an asshole." Then, without warning, she reached up, and slapped Rockavar across the face, swift and hard, so that they both thought they heard something crack. The young vixen grit her teeth. "-I hate you... I HATE you!" she cried. "-I wish I'd never met you!" You... you fucking asshole!" With her eyes now brimming and spilling over with tears, Vera ran off. Rockavar stood, still stunned from her hitting him. He slowly raised a hand to his stinging cheek. A salty tear or two, trickled down the same cheek, wetting his fingertips, and dampening his very soul, into greater remorse, and depths of despair.
~*~
Tyler had came into the world, suddenly, in the early afternoon. It was clear that fate was working in its mysterious ways that day, as merely hours before, Rockavar had took his first breath and opened never before opened eyes, staring into a bright new world, howling with the rush of cold air. Sir Urquhart himself had been present at the new Crown Fox Prince's birth, (as the Royal physician) and had returned to his home, hours later, rather worn out from all the excitement from that ordeal. But he would not have rest, then. Not yet... The lynx had arrived home, to find the house dead silent, which was odd and a bit eerie, considering his wife Lady Sarah (whom was over three weeks pregnant, at the time) was supposedly there. Concerned and rather very worried, Urquhart had searched the house for her, and found her laying on a bed, sweating and groaning, in pain. It wasn't too surprising that her husband immediately knew what was wrong with her. She was in labor. But farther along, much to Urquhart's dismay. At the discovery that Sarah had already dilated about eight or nine centimeters, he realized that it was far too late to call for another doctor. He had no choice but to deliver their child, himself. The thought gave him dizzy spells and overwhelmingness, but he somehow managed to get a grip of himself. The whole procedure was a blur to him, he couldn't recall anything that had happened. Then the next thing he knew, he was looking down at a tiny creature with his face and Sarah's sky blue eyes, in his arms. Urquhart would never forget the feeling, when the little fella had actually lifted up his head and stared straight at him, with bright, awestruck and curious eyes. The strength of paternal bond and love, had overwhelmed him in a single moment, at this sight. It was funny... the lynx physician had been present at many situations like this before, but never had they felt like this. It finally gave the saying "It's like mucus; it's different when it's your own", a real meaning. Sir Urquhart couldn't deny the feeling of pride that he'd had a son (as opposed to having a daughter), as most fathers have. Tyler had been a an offspring, that any parent could be proud of, ever since. He had a bright, eager young mind, which was understandingly open and had room for much potential and knowledge. He was well-mannered and a reliable worker, for both academic and job-wise situations. And needless to say, he wasn't such a bad-looking kid, either. His appearance was orderly and well-groomed, and a nice kind of causal look. There was only ONE flaw that was visible to his father... and unfortunately, a rather important one. See, one of the reasons Urquhart had hoped for a son, was to carry on the family position. For three straight generations of his family tree, there had been a son born to each set of new parents, and they had all took on the title and job as Royal physician to the Royal Fox Family. The problem was... it seemed as if Tyler was about to break that line. True he had the brains for it, for all the medical and procedural knowledge. But alas... he lacked the STOMACH for it. He may not have looked it, but Tyler was extremely faint. A mere sight of someone else's blood could have him nauseous in seconds, or feeling ready to pass out. He'd been like that ever since he was a child. Back then, Urquhart thought it was merely a phase, and that he'd get over it, but as years passed by, things remained the same. His father had began trying to help him get over it, by getting Tyler to come to work with him, on certain occasions, to have him hanging around the kind of conditions and procedures that a (Royal) physician deals with, so that he would get used to seeing those kinds of things, to the point he would at last be accustomed to them and not be bothered by them, anymore. So far, however, this plan was unsuccessful. As soon as Tyler saw something considered 'gross', he was either out cold on the ground, or running for the first wastebasket or toilet he could find. Urquhart was slowly discovering that he was more of a bother, than a help. Tyler might as well have been a stool in the room or invisible. He could remember a time once, when he'd been delivering the baby of a female wildcat, he'd managed to drag Tyler in to merely hold the female's hand (since she didn't have a partner). Urquhart figured there was no way that this situation could do anything to Tyler... But naturally, his teenage son had shown him otherwise. He had lifted out the newborn creature, and held it up enough for the mother to see. Tyler had taken one look at the little greasy, fluid-smeared, bloody and bawling thing, and fainted. Sir Urqhart had sighed at this and muttered under his breath, to himself "-So close..." That had been some months ago. The father lynx was starting to dread that Tyler was never going to snap out of this deal. And as Sir Urquhart wasn't exactly eager on breaking the "family honor", as it were, this thought was a discomforting one.
But at the present, Urquhart honestly couldn't have cared less about the "family honor". All he wanted was his son out of this mess, safe. For one fleeting desperate moment, he started pleading in his mind. *God, I don't care if he ever even gets over that whole 'faintness' thing.. just bring him out of that surgery, alive and safe... that's all I want... is that so much to ask for?? Please take care of him, on that table in there... please! Don't let him go... he's all I've got..* The lynx had his head bowed, praying for his son's safety. Like Joe had said, there was nothing he could (physically) do. Just wait...
It was the next day, at about noon. It had only been a half day at school that day, so some of the gang went to a favourite street corner hang out, to see who would show up. So far, Richard, Buckthorne, Charles, Michael and Bullseye were there. They were all eating their lunches, and talking about the whole Tyler thing. As he gnawed into an green apple, Richard told the others about Aaron. "-Seriously guys... you should've seen him, this morning!" That pitiful look on his face is enough to make ya wanna HUG the poor guy, whether it looks wrong or not!" Looks like someone just DIED..." His teachers must've felt really sorry for that depressed expression, considering he got sent to the counselor's office like... twice I think!" They probably thought he was gonna HURT himself or something... man." His wolf friend shook his head, crunching on a piece of granola. "-Cripes... poor Aar... but ya can't blame him for being so upset, though." I mean... you saw how bad Tyler was hockin' up last night." "-My gosh... from what you guys are saying, it sounds like poor Tyler's gonna DIE!" exclaimed Charles, with a worried exasperation, holding a thermos cap of homemade broth. Michael put down his turkey sandwich, and added, "-Yeah, no kiddin!" Exactly WHAT happened, last night, guys??" Bullseye shrugged, "-Hard to say, almost." You really had to be there, to get an idea." He bit into an orange piece, and sucked out the juices, in what seemed like an odd vampire style. Buckthorne looked at him, oddly. "-For the last time, dude, what do ya eat those things like that??" Throwing the remainders of the orange piece, Bullseye replied, "-What??" I'm just getting the good and important bit!" I don't like eating the outside... it's like eatin' skin, that's just gross... plus that shit gets in yer teeth too.. it's a bugger to pick out." Buckthorne rolled his eyes, and Richard said, "-Guess that's why I prefer these things," and held up his half eaten apple. "-'Apple a day, keeps the bloody doctor away'!" jeered Michael, all cliché-like. "-Maybe so... but too many apples make ya piss like a racehorse!" snorted Bullseye. "Believe me, I've been there!" I once had about... six apples at once sitting... about thirty minutes later, my kidneys nearly exploded on me." Michael burst into laughter, and nearly choked on his sandwich, at this idea. Richard laughed, "-Hey, I remember that!" Oh man... I've never seen you run so fast!" You were bolting for that bathroom, like it was a life or death situation, dude!" The warthog gave a wry smirk, and simply lifted his arms up, and snapped his wrists together at Richard, implying the phrase "Fuck you", opposed to giving the traditional middle finger. Richard then just snorted and flicked his fingers under his chin, out to Bullseye, implying the same message. "-Right back at ya!" Charles shook his head at the two. "-You guys are insane, you know that?" Bullseye gave a wide grin and exclaimed, "Why THANK YOU, Charlie-Boy!" You are such a SWEETHEART, ya know that??" "-You're a laugh and a half, Bullseye," the hedgehog muttered, rolling his eyes. His friend stuck his chin up, and swooned "-Don't hate me, because I'm beautiful!" The others all hooted and howled at this. Finally, Buckthorne asked, "-What were we just talking about, before that little... 'performance'?" Michael replied, "-Oh yeah!" The Tyler thing!" Right?" Richard nodded, "-Yep, that was it... man... you two might be sorry you missed it, but hey... it wasn't really pretty, anyways, so... be GLAD you had a project and were studying!" Charles sighed, "-Like it really helped me!" That studying I did, was worth beans!" I did the test, and got it back, and I got a 85%!" I just needed one more percent, and I would've gotten an A!" Michael raised an eyebrow. "-Wait a sec... you're telling me, you got a high B on your chemistry test, and you're COMPLAINING??" Oh shut up!" I would KILL for that mark!" Charles grumbled, "-Well 'I' could do better!" I KNOW I could!" YOU might consider that a good mark, but I have much higher standards for my grades." Richard snorted, "-Oh get over it, Charles!" Don't make me come over there, and pour that nice hot broth on your crotch, man!" I'll SO do it!" Amidst the chorus of laughter, a new person walked up to the group. "-Hey fellas." They all turned to see Rockavar walking up. "-Hey Rocky!" "Rock-Miester!" "How's it goin, man?" "'Sup, Rockavar?" "What brings ya round, Rocky?" The fox finally answered, "-Just came by to see ya'll... sorry I took so dang long." "-Yeah, Rockavar... we ain't seen ya for a couple days!" What you been up to?" asked Bullseye. Rockavar gave a heavy sigh. "-Oh... not much, really." Just... needed time to cool off." The others nodded. They all knew he was talking about the Tyler/Vera thing. "-So yeah... where's everyone else?" Rockavar questioned. Buckthorne thought outloud. "-Well... Aaron went home... Ian had to stop by the store... and... forgot where Lewis went." The fox chewed his lip. "What about Tyler?" The guys exchanged glances. Richard asked him, "-You didn't hear?" Rockavar looked confused. "-Hear what?" Bullseye added, "-About Tyler... last night?" Rockavar lifted his shoulders. "-Nooo... why?" What happened?" They all looked suddenly grave. Buckthorne explained, "-He was... doing pretty bad." He was... throwing up and shit... his dad said something about him having appendicitis, and they rushed him up to the hospital." Rockavar looked astounded. "-The hospital??" What for??" Buckthorne repeated, "-The appendicitis!" Urquhart said his appendix was all infected up, and he was gonna surgery to get it removed, before it exploded." The fox was struck with sudden fright. "-Surgery??" Oh my god... is he gonna be okay??" IS he okay??" Bullseye told him, "-Whoa, Rockavar.. calm down a little, man!" And to answer your question... we haven't heard anything yet... so we don't know." Rockavar looked completely devastated at this upsetting news. "-Oh my god..." he repeated. Richard looked at him. "Yo, Rocky... what you keep saying that for??" It's not like it's your fault, or anything!" What's the matter?" Rockavar stuttered blankly, "But I... last time we... I... he... said..." He couldn't say it. Bullseye gave him a funny gaze. "-Rockavar, what's with you... you got a monkey up your ass??" What you trying to say?" The Prince finally managed a reply. "-Nothing... I just... see I... I just ... I need to go." He then turned around, and walked away, leaving the rest of them utterly stumped.
Rockavar had never felt so guilty and torn up, ever. He couldn't believe what was happening. His friend Tyler, in a hospital, getting surgery. What was worse... was the fact that the last time he'd seen Tyler... Rockavar had yelled at and pushed him around, in a violent, raging matter, for something that wasn't even his fault. But he'd been so angry and stubborn, Rockavar had stormed off, and refused to talk to him since. He'd never gotten the chance to apologize and say he was sorry. To admit he was wrong. And now... it almost seemed like he'd never get the chance... The fox was remorseful as ever, and kicked himself for being such an asshole. Some friend, he was. And poor Tyler, he thought. He was probably totally freaked out of his mind, and in a lot of pain. Rockavar's ears flattened against his skull, guilt ridden. Suddenly, he knew what needed to be done. He had to set this situation from before, with the REAL person to blame. He then headed off again.
He knew she'd be around here. Rockavar walked across the place, scanning around, until he spotted her. As soon as he had seen her, he wasted no time in getting to her. "Vera!!" The young vixen froze, at the sound of her name. She turned around, to see the person, she was dreading to see. "Rockavar!" she said, shocked. "-W... what are you doing here??" He immediately took charge of things. "Listen to me... Vera... I know you're trying to 'avoid' me and shit... but we NEED to talk!" NOW!" She seemed rather irritated at him 'commanding' her. "-Oh really?" she snorted. "Well I beg the differ... we've said all we need to say, before..." She started to turn away, but Rockavar stubbornly got into her face and insisted, "-YES, we DO need to talk!" And in fact... I'm not gonna let you outta my sight, until you DO stand in one place long enough, to hear what I have to say, becuz it's pretty damn important!!" Vera flattened her ears in an aggressive air, but she glowered, "-Fine... then start talking." "-Okay then... first things first... I need your cooperation, in answering a question or two." The vixen sniffed, "-Depends on what they are." ...But go on." Rockavar continued, "-First... and listen closely... 'what'... did you do, two days ago?" Vera looked lost, already. "-What?" What on Mobius, do you mean, by that??" Rockavar scowled, "-Vera... don't act like that..." I'm not stupid!" Now answer the question!" She shook her head, "-I have no clue what you're talking about..." Rockavar snapped, "-Fine then... I'LL say it!" At lunchtime... you ran outside, and saw Tyler!" You went all emotional and weepy on him, threw yourself into his arms, and KISSED him!!" Vera's eyes widened. "-Who... who told you that?" Rockavar stared coldly. "-TYLER did!" Becuz he actually felt bad about it, like he was doing something bad to me, and he chose to be the good friend and came clean!" Which is more than I can say for 'some people'!" She looked nervous, and slowly asked, "-So what did you say?" The fox lowered his head and looked away. "-Thanks to the thought of YOU throwing yourself at another guy who happens to be my FRIEND, really got to me." So I went all got all pissed and told HIM off!" And it wasn't even his fault!" I was a complete ass to him, and I haven't spoken to him since, becuz I was being so stubborn!" And now I hear that I may not even have a chance to apologize, becuz Ty's in the hospital getting SURGERY!" Vera gasped, in horror. "-What???" Ignoring her question, Rockavar said, "-If he doesn't make it... he'll.... he'll DIE thinking I'm MAD at him!" And I'm NOT!" He's my FRIEND!" And I... totally lost it!" And.. it's all YOUR fucking fault!" he screamed at Vera. The vixen gasped at the horrid accusation. "-MY fault??" Rockavar, how could you SAY such a thing to me!?" And in just WHAT way HOW??" The male breathed heavily, in ferocity. "-HOW could you just go around, CHEATING on me with one of my fucking best FRIENDS?!?" he yelled at Vera. Anger and frustration shot up like a rocket, into Vera's brain. "-'Cheating' on you??" Rockavar, we BROKE UP!" I'm not WITH you, remember?" There's no 'us'!" We're OVER!" I'm not YOURS to save!" she cried, in fury. "Not anymore-" The female turned around, trying to collect herself. Rockavar bit his lip hard, trying to hold back his rage and bitter emotion. Finally, he wet his mouth, and turned back to her. "-Did you do this because you're MAD at me??" Rockavar demanded to know. Vera glowered. "-No... I BROKE UP with you, because I was mad at you!" Rockavar looked on, bewilderedly. "-Vera, WHY are you mad at me?" What did I do??" Vera whirled around, with fury. "-WHY?" WHY am I mad at you, you ask?" Because YOU dragged me into that what I thought would be an everlasting, beautiful thing... and like a foolish dreamer, I fell for it." Only to find then, that all my silly little dreams turned out to be just a totally MEANINGLESS, DEAD-END relationship!!" Her words cut through Rockavar, like a dagger clean through the throat, sliced him deep, with such pain and aguish, he could barely believe. Finally, he managed to get out, "-O-kay... I understand the 'dead-end' bit... but 'meaningless'??" Vera, WHAT is the MATTER with you??" She didn't reply, she couldn't bring herself to. "-Wh... WHAT are you trying to say??" That our relationship... meant NOTHING to you??" It was just a little 'fling' or something??" A MEANINGLESS commitment?" Everything we said... everything we shared... everything we felt... EVERYTHING??" It was all just NOTHING??" NOTHING?!?!?" he shrieked, with emotional rage. Vera just stared, with no readable emotion upon her face. Rockavar fumed with over-abused anger. "-You know what... I thought you were different than other girls... you were special... beautiful... intelligent... amazing... and an endless list of other things..." He shook his muzzle. "-But now... I see what you REALLY are." Vera looked up at him, as he harshly finished through his teeth, "-Just another selfish BITCH, with a heart of ice!!" An invisible hand reached out and gave the shocked young vixen a blow to the face. She gawked at him, hurt beyond words. Her eyes went glassy, from tears she was desperately trying to hold in. Finally, in a quavery voice, she responded, "-Lewis was right... you ARE an asshole." Then, without warning, she reached up, and slapped Rockavar across the face, swift and hard, so that they both thought they heard something crack. The young vixen grit her teeth. "-I hate you... I HATE you!" she cried. "-I wish I'd never met you!" You... you fucking asshole!" With her eyes now brimming and spilling over with tears, Vera ran off. Rockavar stood, still stunned from her hitting him. He slowly raised a hand to his stinging cheek. A salty tear or two, trickled down the same cheek, wetting his fingertips, and dampening his very soul, into greater remorse, and depths of despair.
