Shapeless

Ch 33 confirmation

The next day, Peter rolled out of bed having stayed up all night. The groggy feeling wasn't pleasant but getting to know Chester had been. The fox was sleeping, curled up at the foot of his blue covered bed, chest rising and falling. The fuzzy red fur ball looked so cute, warming his toes and snoring softly.
Peter ran a hand through his blonde hair; totally messing it up. Just how I like it. He smirked, sliding down the stair railing. He looked at the kitchen and a pang of sadness hit him. He couldn't help wishing Skyler could be there waiting for him. The house felt empty without her, like something was missing... the blonde shook his head with a sigh. There was nothing he could do about it.
Waiting for his bagel to pop up, Peter stared at the closed window. He drew the curtains back to look outside. The weather was getting colder and the sky staying darker. Their Summer feeling was slowly shifting into fall.
A green leaf fluttered down as if to emphasize his point and the wind shook some branches.
Peter sighed. He wished the heat would come back. Not because he hated the cold but because it would mean so much time hadn't passed. most of the school year was gone and they still hadn't found any new leads on how to defeat the shapeless. The slump in his shoulders dropped even more and he nearly screamed when something brushed against his leg.
"Peter!" The ecstatic voice barked and he relaxed, turning around.
"Hi Chester." He couldn't help grinning when he met gazes with the fox's earnest brown eyes and lolling tongue.
The fox growled and Peter understood, opening the fridge.
He pulled out a thick sausage and tossed it into his friend's mouth.
The fox gulped it down gratefully, bushy tail wagging.
Peter laughed, barely remembering to grab his bagel out of the toaster, almost tripping over Chester as he did.
The blonde decided to start a conversation while he spread the cream cheese.
"So how did you sleep, Chester?"
The fox curled his tail around his paws. "I slept pretty well thanks!" He ran in a circle to nip at his own tail. And Peter snorted.
"Ready to go to school?" He couldn't help the excitement of bringing his new friend with him. They had had all weekend to get to know each other and it was amazing. Though the fact that they could speak wouldn't do much for his homework assignment. If he wasn't careful he could accidentally put something "ridiculous " like; "the fox told me he loves bacon! He has a deep voice."
That would be very hard to explain to a teacher. Correction. That would be very hard to explain to anyone without getting sent to a mental hospital!
Shaking his head in amusement, he took a bite of his breakfast.
The tick of the clock on the wall sent him dashing to the door.
"Hurry up Chester we can't be late!"
The fox tilted its head. "Why not?"
Peter rolled his blue eyes. "Because then we won't have a way to get to school!" The fox blinked in panic. "But I want to go to school!" The alarm laced tone made him laugh.
"Then come on!" He looked at the counter and a brief glance made him snatch the mushroom sandwich for the bus ride. Teasing Skyler was fun and what better way to annoy his best friend than by eating what she thought was disgusting. Better even, around her.

He had barely made it to the bus stop when the vehicle pulled up. That was too close! He had the fox running at his heels.
The doors creaked open earning a look from the driver. Peter understood the message as he boarded. "Don't worry, he's trained." The blonde informed and the driver gaped in disbelief. "I don't get paid enough for this." The man grumbled under his breath and resumed driving.
Peter took a seat. The fox jumped up beside him. Skyler's bus stop was next.
He bubbled with amusement, imagining her disgust with his choice of food.

The brunette boarded and smiled at her friend. She gave a shy wave to the fox. She seemed spooked this morning. Or maybe it was the bags under her eyes. "The fox took my spot." Skyler laughed weakly. Peter shrugged. "Try telling him that."
Skyler rolled her eyes. "Why don't you do that, Doctor DoLittle." She teased and Peter laughed with her.
"What's wrong Skyhawk? You look tense."
Skyler shrugged. "I honestly don't know what is going on." She admitted nervously. Peter's brows furrowed in concern.
The look made Skyler surrender. "I have always had nightmares. It's just that these felt so... real." She shuddered.
"Like it-"
"Was a vision." Peter finished for her and she nodded.
Peter scratched the back of his head. "I didn't realize you could have visions in your sleep." He murmured.
"Neither did I!" Skyler threw her hands in the air in an exasperated gesture. "But who knows? It's not like anything stays the same anymore!" She snapped. She froze when Peter flinched.
But it hadn't struck him because she yelled. It was how close to home the statement hit. She was right, nothing was the same. It seemed like something worse happened every day and it was nearly impossible to keep up.
The dread of their situation settled in his stomach and he retrieved his sandwich from his pocket.
Skyler stroked her blonde tipped hair nervously. "Sorry, I'm just frustrated- and ew what is that?" She wrinkled her nose and Peter took a bite. "Mushroom sandwich." He smirked, taking another mouthful.
Skyler sighed with disgusted amusement. "We really need to talk about that." She argued.
Peter flipped his hair. "Why? Because it's so delicious?" He asked smugly and Skyler gave a real laugh this time. The sound made him smile. He had hoped his antics would cheer her up.
"You are ridiculous."
Peter winked. "Thank you."
He was acting a lot like Jason but he was distracting them with a subject change and he was glad. The Shapeless needed to be discussed but not now. Not yet. He didn't think Skyler could handle that kind of a conversation in her current state.