Cody learns to love

The one chapter where Fox visits Cody in the mall

  After all his classes ended, Fox decided to go see Cody. He wasn't ready to return home yet, at least he thought so, but he wanted to talk to Cody. So he went to the mall instead. He knew Cody will make time for him, he wasn't all that busy when nobody was falling into the water fountain. Fox would know, he spent a lot of afternoons sitting at Cody's office, doing his school work or reading while Cody worked and talking with Cody when Cody wasn't particularly busy.

  He was not expecting to run into his literature teacher. To be honest, he still hasn't goten used to the idea of Cody dating. It wasn't that he had anything against Mr. Kenobi, quite the opposite, he was fond of the man. It was just the thought of Cody having a significant other, someone he loved that wasn't a sibling, that Fox had a problem with. He knew it was stupid. He should be happy for Cody. Some part of him was happy for Cody. But then there was the part that was opposed to the idea.

  It wasn't like it mattered how Fox felt about it anyway. He just had to be somewhat nice to Mr. Kenobi and keep his concerns to himself. It wasn't that hard.

  Luckily for  Fox, Mr. Kenobi left shortly after Fox arrived. Fox couldn't really tell if he honestly had to go or if he was leaving because of Fox. He didn't care all that much either.

  "So... any particular reason why you are here?" Cody asked.

  Fox shrugged. "I guess I just... wanted to see you?"

  "Oh, Fox'ika... Come here." Cody opened his arms. Fox only hesitated a second before giving in and embracing Cody. Cody hugged him back tightly. "I missed you."

  "I missed you more," Fox grumbled. It was true. He might've decided he wanted to leave home but he never wanted to leave Cody. If he could, he would chose to be a five years old kid again, just so he could sit on Cody's lap and sleep in Cody's bed when he had nightmares. Too bad that wasn't possible.

  "I missed you the most," Cody said jokingly, ruffling Fox's hair before letting go. Fox hated getting his hair ruffled. Cody knew he hated getting his hair messed up. Why did Cody touch his hair if he knew Fox hated- "Sorry, Fox, I know you hate it when I touch your hair. I got a little carried away."

  Maybe Fox could let it slip. Just this once. "It's okay."

  "So how have you been?"

  "Fine." Fox shrugged.

  "Are you considering coming home?"

  That was a good question. Fox wanted to go home and never leave again, but at the same time, the thought of the chaos that was inevitably awaiting him made him want to stay as far as he could. "I think I will wait a bit before returning."

  "Okay. If there is anything that would make you feel better at home, just tell me. I can't promise anything but I will try to make everything as comfortable for you as possible."

  "I think I just need some time," Fox lied. Cody had enough problems of his own. He didn't have time for Fox's petty problems.

  "Alright. Let me know if there was anything I could do. Do you want to sit for a bit? There isn't much going on right now, I just need to keep an eye on the cameras."

  "No one falling into the fountain today?"

  "Not yet. Do you want some snacks? I have some crisps and butter biscuits, the ones that you like."

  Crisps and biscuits sounded appealing. But not enough. Not more than coffee. "Can I have some caff?"

  "Coffee isn't healthy for you, Fox." This was the one thing about Cody that was annoying. He always cared about Fox's health and he cared way too much. Whether it was reducing the amount of coffee that Fox drank or making Fox eat more vitamins, Cody was insistent.