After the Words

Warning M-Rated Story Contains Mature Rated Content

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Chapter Four: Weaknesses

Mae burst into her house through the front door panting heavily after having just ran all the way home and in her shape as well I'm not just talking about injuries, I'm talking about her own gravitational pull that is a result of her sheer and utter roundness. Mae closed the door shut and locked it before giving in and sliding down the door to the floor. She was trembling heavily while staring at the floor her paws shaking she blinked rapidly as a red puddle suddenly popped up on the floor.

~Drip~

Mae raised a paw touching her forehead gently feeling a twinge of pain she glared at her paw. "H-hair dye... n-no!" she mumbled before realizing the truth she quickly turned looking down the hall her vision suddenly blurred and doubled distorted. A massive throbbing headache overwhelmed Mae practically paralyzing her as she fell forward to the floor she somehow managed to muster the strength to catch herself in the nick of time and not slam her head into the floor, as if she needed any more brain damage.

"MAE! OH LORD!" Candy shrieked loudly in utter fear she quickly sprinted down the hall toward her daughter lying on the floor shaking with blood dripping from her face. A rumbling like earthquake could be heard as Stan charged downstairs holding a bat responding to the sound of his wife's scream. "M-mom... D-daddy..." Mae squeaked lowly as her mom pulled her up into her loving arms. Stan stared at his daughter and wife on the floor he dropped the bat and fell to his knees wrapping his arms around the both of them.

"Wh-what happened t-to you? D-did someone do this to you?" Stan demanded as he took off his over shirt and gently pressed it against Mae's forehead. Candy sobbed lightly she wiped her eyes as she broke the hug and stared at her daughter awaiting a response to her husbands question. "Please sweetie what happened?!" She questioned while gently rubbing her paw over one of Mae's ears. Tears flowed freely down Mae's cheeks as she raised a paw holding onto her mother's. The two kittens sniffled in unison, Mae's vision recovered a bit she could clearly see the worried expressions on her parents faces as they tended to her.

The grief stricken family of three sat in silence on the floor for a moment, but to Stan and Candy it felt as if a decade had passed. "They... they're b-ba-back!" Mae spoke weakly as Candy and Stan's eyes distended at hearing their daughter say that, it could only mean one thing. Mae's vision grew moist and unclear as the sight of her parents was shrouded.

After the incident with the murder cult, Mae eventually confided in her parents mainly her mom, then Candy shared it with her husband. Candy wanted her daughter to be seen by a doctor or at least talk to someone about it like a therapist but Mae didn't want to refusing and since the dreams had stopped they never really payed it any thought again. Mae at the time had linked the weird dreams with the cult and the thing in the hole. Since they were presumably gone she didn't understand why these nightmares resurfaced.

Mae squinted her eyes closed her body still trembling from the fear and as well as the blood loss. She could still hear that shadowy figure's voice echoing in the back of her mind. It's voice was deep and staticky and made her shutter just hearing it. She raised her paws, covering her ears trying to block it out but alas it didn't help. Stan gritted his teeth as he watched his daughter tears descending from her face as she shook holding her ears tightly. He couldn't take much more.

Candy sluggishly looked over toward her husband who was already glaring at her they both nodded in unison. Candy turned back toward her daughter as she ever so cautiously raised her left paw caressing the side of Mae's cheeks. It startled the kitten she jumped at her mother's touch Mae raised her head looking at her. "Mae honey... I think you should go lie down and try to get some rest sweetie... I heard you up half the night on your laptop... You need to rest!" She spoke firmly yet in a motherly tone. "Deer help her upstairs so she doesn't fall, I'll go get the med kit and bandage her forehead!" Candy continued while instructing her husband.

Mae's mom swiftly jumped up and ran down the hall and into the supply closet she began rummaging around. Stan lowered his shirt that was now partially damp with blood he shifted it in his paw a little and proceeded to dab little areas around her face trying to clean off the blood. Every time he dabbed Mae's face she'd twitch in pain a bit as her face throbbed pretty much everywhere. "Sweetie how did this happen?" Stan asked once more in a softer tone.

Mae sighed heavily. They sat in silence for a moment, Stan's whiskers bounced up and down as he waited patiently. The sound of Candy scavenging in the closet behind them was audible throughout the hallway. "I..." Mae spoke lowly breaking the silence. "I... I-I r-ran into a pole..." Stan suddenly spat trying desperately not laugh as he pat his daughter on the back trying the hold in his chuckles.

Suddenly Candy burst out into heavy laughter it was unforgivably loud and very audible. Mae grumbled as her snout lowered. "It's alright kitten, but you really need to be more careful and pay more attention when you're out walking about. I'm just glad you didn't accidentally walk out into traffic or something. It would have been awful..." Stan spoke concerned as he pulled his daughter closer. "You'd get splattered all over town sweetie!" Stan joked with a light chuckle. Mae joined in with a little giggle it only lasted for a brief moment because the mere act of laughter caused her pulsing pain.

Stan stood up and held out a paw for Mae whom was sitting on her tush on the floor. She grabbed his paw pulling on it bouncing up real quick almost too fast. Mae wobbled back and forth for a second as she leaned against the door feeling very dazed and off balance her head spun. Stan unexpectedly in a show of great strength he scooped his daughter up into his arms. "Whoa! H-heyyy!" Mae yelled out at suddenly being swept off of her feet. "It's a good thing you haven't hit your growth spurt yet..." Stan poked fun as he proceeded up the stairs.

By the time Mae's dad that was carrying her in his arms reached the top of the first flight of stairs he was panting heavily which wasn't that surprising after all he was beginning to get up there in years. "Honey I really think you should start on your mother's diet..." Stan mumbled weakly. "Jeez... thanks for the confidence dad..." Mae replied sadly, Stan continued to struggle as he stopped for a breath at the start of the second flight of stairs.

"Uhh... you gonna be alright?" Mae questioned sounding quite a bit concerned while clinging onto him for dear life with her arms wrapped around her father's neck. "I-I'm f-fine sweetie... n-no w-wo-worries...!" Stan grunted aloud trying to push through straining.

~pant, pant~

"L-Let your o-old man carry you! D-don't you worry... I j-just don't want you getting h-hurt anymore today..." he continued choking out as he gasped for air while nearing the top of the second flight of stairs. Mae reached out and turned the knob for her father who was struggling just to remain standing. "Old man is right, sheesh you shouldn't push yourself so hard dad..." Mae thought to herself as she pushed the door open staring into her room, her vision suddenly blurred for a moment signaling her utter exhaustion.

"I-I should probably take it easy too..." Mae mumbled to herself as her father lowered her down in bed she sat up with her legs tossed over the edge. Stan sighed intensely as he flopped down beside of his daughter still panting Mae raised a brow at him. "Dad seriously... I probably coulda made it upstairs myself, m-maybe... also I totes coulda just slept on the couch too..." Mae added her tone weak as her dad remained quiet except for his heavy breathing that filed the room.

"You didn't have to ya kno... b-but..." Mae spoke softly with a stutter to her words. She turned to her father who was lying on his back in the bed still regaining his composure. Mae leaned down and pecked him on the cheek suddenly, causing Stan to blush lightly he hadn't had any kisses from his daughter since she was a lil sprout not much shorter than she is currently. "Th-thank you!" Mae uttered with a bright smile. Stan wrapped an arm around her back pulling her close. "I love you so much kitten, it really scared me seeing you like that! I dunno what I'd do if I lost you..." Stan spoke with meaning as he swallowed harshly gulping before smooching his daughter on the side of her forehead her face twinged at the pressure of her father's lips. "Ahh dad stahp it hurts!" She groaned out in defense as she tried to gently push him away. "Ohh hehe sorry sweetie..." Stan replied before pushing himself up outta bed.

"I'm gonna go see what your mother is doing okay, you lay down and try to get some rest alright..." Stan instructed fatherly as he turned toward the door he stopped briefly. "...and no laptop..." he added causing Mae to sigh her paw that was only inches away from her raggedy laptop on the floor. She complied and carefully lied back in bed stretching out a bit. Sunlight was still shining in through the window directly beside of Mae. She raised a paw grabbing the little string yanking it sending the blinds crashing down blocking out a fair bit of the sun's rays.

Mae with her head resting against a plush cool pillow she slowly closed her eyes and found herself out like a light in mere moments before her father could even get all the way down the stairs. She was really exhausted from staying up half the night to falling down the stairs not once but twice then running into a pole not to mention the haunting visions she's been experiencing. She needed a good rest.

Elsewhere in the city of Bright Harbor. It was way past afternoon nearly five o' clock now. The sun remained steadfast towering over the beach city. Traffic was backed up as people were out shopping and heading to the beach to catch what few waves were to be had. Although it seemed that some dark clouds were on the horizon beginning to make their way toward the city.

Gregg had laid himself out flat across the sofa he stared blankly at the tv, the news was on. A small stack of envelopes was sitting on the table in front of the sofa, they were red and marked as bills due urgent final notice. There was a massive amount of glare on the screen shown from rays of sunlight pouring in through the opened window in their living room. Gregg sighed feeling a bit down as he tossed about on the firmly soft cushions. "I hope you are okay Bea..." he muttered to himself.

~~~"In other news, recent reports of criminal activity are spiking in low income areas..."

"Sounds like business as usual Diana."

"Not likely Todd, this spike is recent because crime has been relatively low in Bright Harbor for the past two years. Shockingly multiple reports of break ins, larceny and even one murder have occurred within this week alone. It's quite unsettling Todd, authorities urge everyone to be sure to lock your doors and always be prepared and ready if anything should occur to defend yourself and call the authorities right away."

"Will do Diana! This just in breaking news of a possible mini tsunami in our future we hand you over to Amy with the weather, Amy how we looking out there...?"

"Not good Todd, weatherologists claim that a tier 5 tsunami is heading for our quaint beach side city of Bright Harbor. Major flooding is expected, the beaches will be inaccessible during this time and thereafter for at least a few days. The damage it may cause is estimated to be minimal as long as it doesn't evolve to a tier 4 by the time it hits. We're expecting downpours much later tonight as well as some fierce high speed winds reaching anywhere from up to 35mph enough to knock anyone down. Just like with the reports of recent crimes we also urge everyone to stay inside. Those of you on ground level especially and anyone within seven miles of the beach it's recommended that you board up your windows and try to seal up your homes and businesses to avoid any massive water damage."

"Wow well thanks for the warning Amy, you heard it here first folks stay home and stay safe. I'm Todd signing off..."~~~

Angus listened to the news from inside the kitchen, sweat fell from his brow as he stirred a steaming pot of noodles and watched his sauce remaining vigilant as he'd been simmering it for hours wanting the spices to blend perfectly with the meat. He desired to make something so special and unmistakably delicious for his boyfriend especially after their little intimate shower earlier this morning. "Emm... goodness it's smelling so good!" Angus moaned as he whiffed the aroma in the air it was really intense in the kitchen.

Angus turned the stove to low so to insure his sauce would not burn he then took a few steps to his left and reached up into a cabinet next to the fridge searching for dining ware. Within a few moments Angus had the table set with two plates spoons and forks he laid out some pot holders where he planned to dock his pots. He then quickly dashed to the fridge and pulled out two sodas one grape and one orange flavored they were a bit generic but hey it's all they could afford on their tight budget what with the semi-not-worth-it-apartment rent they had to pay.

Angus filled two glasses nearly full with ice cubes from the freezer he sat everything on the table sighing breathing heavily before jolting back toward the stove to check on his sauce.

~Ding!~

The oven timer had just gone off alerting Angus who quickly reached for an oven mitt. Moments later he pulled out a pan with cheesy garlic toasts resting on top in the dead center of the pan. The toasts they were smoking hot the cheese melted finely glistening from the oven light above, the crust had a nice perfectly golden edge. The strong smell of garlic on the Texas like toasts mixed in with the aroma of the fancy spaghetti.

~Gurgurgurgurggglle!~

Angus' ears perked up suddenly hearing an odd noise it startled him a little bit as he slowly peeked into the living room. "Wh-what was that?" Angus questioned as he raised a paw scratching his head. He noticed one of Gregg's legs sticking up hanging over the edge of the sofa arm his cute toes wiggled. "Oh... uhh... hehe... s-sorry, that was me...!" Gregg suddenly spoke up as he sat up in the sofa he plopped on his knees and leaned over the back staring at Angus in his cute apron.

"Th-that was you...?" Angus cocked a brow as he inquired. "Hehe yea, I'm kind of a bit hungry and it just smells so damn good... I've been sniffin it for the last thirty minutes!" Gregg complimented as he licked his lips moistening them up, his tummy was ready for sweet nourishment! Gregg's tail wagged to and fro as he began bouncing on his knees in the sofa. "Foood! Food! Food! Fooooooooood!" Gregg yodeled with much vigor causing Angus to chuckle softly. "Come on in the kitchen then, it's nearly done I've already set the table..." Angus spoke humbly as he turned walking back into the kitchen.

Gregg hoped up jumping over the sofa he hurried into the kitchen instantly seeing the fully set table. A pot of noodles and a pan of sauce as well as a spread of bread centered the table. Plates resided on the placemats with silverware symmetrically aligned with each other. Glasses with fizzing soda filled to the brim were at the ready. A single rose was resting in a single rose sized glass vase half full of water sitting at the edge of the table. Finally Angus sat in the opposite chair waiting with a smile on his face.

"W-wow... y-you..." Gregg mumbled as he sat down perpendicular from Angus. He noticed the sweat running down his boyfriend's face, it was rather hot in there he knew that he'd been cooking for what seemed like all day. Greggory slowly lowered his head in slight dismay. "I... Angus, I could've helped you set up the table at least... I know I'm not all that good at cooking and stuff, b-but I coulda-" Gregg was suddenly interrupted by Angus who sat a paw resting on top of his own causing him to look up and over at the bear.

"Gregg... I... I did this all for you... I just wanted to try and make you feel better... and what better way than with some yummy food..." Angus explained happily with a small smile as Gregg stared at him seeing his boyfriend's chubby cheeks flushed red a bit was quite a cute sight. "...I k-know you've been a bit st-stressed with losing your job... and having t-those n-nightmares at night are bothering you more than you're telling me..." Angus continued getting a bit more serious but still managed to stutter a bit as he raised a cloth wiping his brow free from sweat, it was sweltering in the kitchen from the hours slaving away at the stove.

"I..." Gregg slowly lowered his head staring at his empty plate a shadow emerged visible over his face... "I'm...-" he choked out nearly inaudibly. Angus hadn't caught on to what Gregg had said as the bear stared concern evident on his face. "-...uselsss..." the fox thought to himself. He recalled back to when he had first met Angus he was organized as he is now, he was soft he was kind and sweet he was also a bit broken too, but he hid it well. It was several years back in fact just over half a decade ago.

A teen-aged second year freshman Gregg walked through the halls of his high school like he owned it feeling especially triumphant today after he had just acquired a leather jacket through less legal means and got off scott free. He was a rebel, he was a degenerate the worst kind of influence the kind your mama actively tells you to avoid. He was also not like the other students at his school, Gregg knew this to be true everyone walked by in droves with their fake smiles adorned like masks.

Gregg on this day while carelessly walking he turned a corner and slammed harshly into a big object yet it was quite fuzzy and soft it didn't hurt at all. Both Gregg and the stranger collided falling into the floor. Gregg bounced backward ruffling his jacket, the other kid tripped falling forward dropping his books all over the floor his face pressed onto the cool tiles. Gregg sat on his rump he scratched his head slightly confused as he stared at the big ass raised into the air before him. Gregg hopped up with steam pouring out of his ears he side stepped around the individual who was trying to collect their books they had dropped.

"HEY YOU!" Gregg obnoxiously screamed aloud making himself heard as other more reputable students passing by all halted to gawk at the spectacle. The husky brown bear looked up through his glasses with a crack going up one of the lens that were reflecting the light off of his face. This bear was Angus he stared at the fox his arms crossed a contemptible sneer plain as day on his face. "Why don't you watch where you're standing..." Gregg yelled angrily as he suddenly kicked Angus' textbooks sending them crashing against a closed locker bending the covers as a few lose pages shot out onto the floor. Gregg then punched the locker directly behind Angus his fist flying right past the startled bear's face.

Angus jumped suddenly as he slid back pressing his body against the locker behind him. He could feel the coldness of the metal even through his long sleeve t-shirt. He quickly raised his arms up covering his ears and his face in a frightened manner as his body subconsciously began to tremble, while Gregg clinched a fist tightly raising it high into the air above Angus with intent to harm. Students onlooking gasped, a few teachers had even stopped to watch signaling how despicable the school system was here.

"...I'm s-sorry..." Angus had managed to choke out apologetically...

Gregg furiously crashed his fist down toward the frightened bear cowering on the floor beneath him. Everyone watched in awe as he suddenly came to a halt, some students and even a teacher expressed dissatisfaction that he hadn't struck the other kid. They all had grown accustomed and even looked forward to Gregg's bulling watching him beat his victims, they enjoyed it. Gregg anger still visible in his eyes he watched the movements of the bear on the floor his eyes began to distend. He noticed one of Angus' sleeves had slid down crinkling into the groove of his inner elbow. Gregg slowly dropped his fist to his side seeing bruises littering the bear's arm he suddenly grew even angrier at the sight of it as his sharp fangs gritted together.

After a few seconds thinking it was safe Angus cautiously looked up peering through the spaces between his fingers that he was using as a shield. He noticed everyone gathered around glaring at them even the teachers who just like the other onlookers did nothing, they always do nothing... Angus finally mustered the courage to try and look at his attacker he hesitantly glanced up still using his hands as a makeshift shield his eyes caught the cold piercing gaze of the fox it sent a chill down the bear's spine. Gregg suddenly turned silence befell him as he pocketed his fists saving them for later he shot an icy glare at the other students who all jumped back away from the fox. "Beat it pussies!" Gregg commanded with conviction in his tone instantly the crowd scattered going about their business. Angus sighed heavily as his tensed body eased up just a bit while a single line of tears escaped down his left cheek as Gregg slowly begun to walk away from him.

Gregg furiously stomped down the halls his teeth still gritting against one another his fists were clinched so tightly in his pockets that his claws had dug into his skin puncturing drawing a bit of blood. "You pathetic little weakling..." the fox emptily spoke to himself his tone low and one of despair. Students walking past jumped back utterly fearful to the sight of Gregg's animalistic expression.

Nearly a week had passed since Gregg had his little altercation with Angus. That was the first time he had ever seen him the first time he'd met him. It was because Angus was relatively new to this school or rather new to Gregg at least. Angus' family had just moved to Possum Springs they sure did pick one hell of a shit hole to come to live. Gregg with a yawn he walked up the steps to the front door of his school as the morning bell rung loudly overhead. Into through the glass doors he trudged down the halls as students made active efforts to avoid him some gave crude smiles in hopes of not getting a beating.

Turning a corner, the same exact corner in fact. Gregg took it slow this time as he came to a halt after turning over the edge of the wall. He was greeted with the sight of Angus half of his head was in his locker so he hadn't noticed Gregg standing beside of him. Gregg studied him scanning him up and down seeing the slight contours of his body through his clothes that appeared clean. Yet Gregg could still make them out like it was his sixth sense or something he could see it he could see them. Bruises, indents in his clothes scuffs damaging the outer layers of fabric on his clothes not enough for common onlookers to notice.

Gregg squinted his eyes shut. "Why do I..." he thought to himself. "What do I care for, it's not my problem..." Gregg continued thinking to himself as sighed heavily. Slowly he opened his eyes only to see Angus hiding behind his books as he held them up over his face using them like a shield suppose it was better than using his hands. "R-relax dweeb, I'm not gonna hit cha, wouldn't even be worth my energy..." Gregg spoke somewhat kindly yet with what he said you'd swore it was an insult.

Angus with cautious movements he lowered the books as he stared at Gregg face to face with the school's most ruthless bully. He had to look down a couple of inches only a few though just to to make eye contact simply put because the fearsome fox was shorter. "H-Hi..." Angus muttered meekly the first thing he would ever say to Gregg who's eyes curved a bit at hearing the timidness of his voice was a bit surprising his appearance made it seem like it would be far deeper or scratchy but no it was smooth like butter and gentle.

"My n-name's Angus... wh-what's y-yours?" He continued trying hard to maintain his composure his grip on his books was tight you could see the duct tape around the binds holding them together and the covers were heavily damaged from being kicked into a wall fairly hard his fingers left little indents on the book. Angus nervously waited in silence as Gregg merely crossed his arms. Students walking by we're tempted to stop and stare thinking a fight might break out they'd longed for some action Gregg hadn't been up to his usual aggressiveness since last week.

"Why do you wear long sleeves, it's summer?" Gregg ignoring his hello questioned instantly making Angus uncomfortable who's eyes widened a bit in surprise. "I-I... I... w-wh-why d-do you... w-wear a jacket?" Angus managed a reply stuttering heavily a bit afraid to talk back to the intimidating fox. Gregg suddenly burst out into laughter as he placed a paw on Angus' left shoulder. Angus shook a little jumping as he watched the fox laugh he seemed different from how he was before.

"Ya kno, I'm thinkin of ditch'n today... you wanna come along?" Gregg asked once he caught his breath from laughing. Angus' eyes widened in surprise he was half way expecting to be hit, not asked to ditch school. "I... I don't know..." he replied timidly as he lowered his head staring down to his feet a bit anxiously. "C'mon it'll be fun ya kno..." Gregg uttered coyly his words flowed like electric from his sly tongue as he pulled his paw back removing it from the slightly shaky bear's shoulder. The fox after an entire minute of silence began taping his sneaker in anticipation waiting impatiently for his response.

"I... I... al-alright..." Angus spoke giving in to peer pressure as he shelved his books into his locker and closed it shut. "Awesome!" Gregg cheered as he subconsciously wagged his tail a little back and forth which was slightly out of character for him, but he didn't care. Gregg turned and began walking down the hall heading for the front entrance of the school Angus nervously trailed a few steps behind him. They neared the exit as they pushed through the front doors Gregg and Angus stepped out onto the porch of the school sunlight beamed down upon them.

Angus stood beside Gregg whom looked over at him Gregg could see that he was afraid of ditching because he was fiddling with his fingers nervously. "Wh-where are we going?" Angus questioned he composed himself to run away if he didn't get an answer right away and one that he was satisfied with hearing. Gregg smirked before raising a paw and pointing a single outstretched finger into the distance. "Over there..." he spoke calmly with gentle compassion in his tone. Angus' eyes dilated as he followed Gregg's finger looking into the direction he was pointing he could see a silhouette of a Ferris wheel as well as a carousel in the distant background.

Gregg pocketed his hands and turned to walk down the steps he stopped for a brief moment before reaching the bottom step he took a glance back over his shoulder toward Angus. "By the way, name's Greggory." He finally answered back with a wide grin on his face. Angus stared at the carefree expression upon Gregg's face he was even still wagging his tail, I don't think he was aware of it. Somehow the happy go lucky smile on the fox's face made Angus feel safer his body relaxed a bit as he took a few steps closer toward Gregg. "C'mon lets go!"

~splooosh swish swish~

Angus using some kind of chopstick like utensil laid out some very slippery flat noodles in Gregg's plate it. They were still quite hot as steam ascended from them into the air.

~gurgurgurrrguggglee~

Right on queue Gregg's stomach grumbled pretty audibly pulling him from his thoughts causing Angus to chuckle. "...I-I... I'm... hungry!" The fox spoke lowly as he looked up from his thoughts to see Angus using a rather large wooden spoon and was spreading sauce over his noodles. The fox's eyes grew wide as drool escaped from his mouth like a waterfall. "Hehe, dig in my lil bug, I hope ya like it!" Angus spoke as he began filling his own plate his tummy was rumbling pretty heavily too. Gregg lifted a huge spoonful up to his mouth blowing on it attempting to cool the generously portioned bite that was smoking heavily.

"Mmmmmmhhhhhhmmmmmmm!" Gregg moaned out the deliciousness of Angus' cooking never ceased to impress but this was just pure heaven absolute bliss as Gregg's eyes curved into little smiles. Angus merely smiled at the mere sight of his hubby's giddy expression.

Chapter End

Welp I hope you guys liked it! I love writing these, I so enjoy the characters and their interactions plus this plot in my head is crazy course this game was a trip from start to finish so yea. Anyway more stuff next chapter so brace up it'll be coming soon. Also don't worry the flashback will continue eventually, it's gonna get gud! Well gooder lol.