A Regretful Realization

Chapter 4: Remorse

Blake POV

I went through the usual grind of the school week pretty normally with football practice and school work keeping me busy. When I made it past Friday I have to say I was pretty relieved.

"Wow....I'm exhausted.." I slurred my words a bit from the drowsiness. As I laid down on my bed I saw a note on my clock. I grabbed it with one paw and opened it. "Oh right....shopping.." Usually, I didn't mind it but that meant I had to get out of bed. I was a bit moody as I got in my car and drove to the grocery store outlet to get food. After groceries, I'd have to go to Under Armor for some new threads as well. My old ones were already starting to get dirty and stained. I'm not exactly all too careful with them at school.

Felix POV

Lucky me, I got stuck grocery shopping with my mother. I really hated it since she never got anything I wanted. Probably didn't help that she hates homosexuals. Actually, now that I thought about it, the two little pieces started to fit together like a puzzle.

***

On the way to the store, we passed the local Under Armor. It had an advertisement of a cute black wolf wearing a deep red hoodie that fit pretty tight, exposing his muscles. I couldn't look away honestly which unfortunately caught my mom's attention. She sped off to find a parking spot looking more furious than ever.

When we got out she pulled me by the shirt so we were face to face. "I can't believe you, you little-" she contemplated something for a moment before smacking me hard across the face. The impact caused me to fall over onto my back. My mother huffed slightly then left me alone on the ground with tears streaming down my face. I didn't move a muscle until I felt a paw on my shoulder.

Blake POV

I pulled into the grocery store outlet and hopped out of my car. There was no rush so I hung out a bit. After a few minutes, I heard a car zoom into the spot next to me which made me jump slightly. As if I wasn't spooked enough the sound of a woman shouting echoed through the parking lot.

"I can't believe you, you disgusting little-" There was a long pause right before a loud smack followed by the sound of crying as a female panther stormed off into the grocery store. I walked around the parked car next to me and gasped inwardly at what I saw. It was the kid from earlier this week, the panther with the pink markings Brandon had tried to pick on. Without warning, I could feel my massive blush but tried to shake it off. Right now this panther needed a friend, so I placed a paw on his shoulder.

Felix POV

I turned to face the fur who'd placed their paw on my shoulder and recognized them almost instantly. I whimpered as he sat next to me. He looked a little sad. Like he was full of regret. I placed my own paw on his shoulder and he flinched....probably expecting payback. As much as I'd like to, I don't think I could bring myself to harm him...

"A-are you ok?" I asked shyly.

"I'm sorry." He said simply. Seemed to be the only thing he could get out. I tried not to be mad.

"What for?" I asked him and he stared at me calmly.

"I was a real jerk... I don't like being mean....but if I'm not... If I don't do what I'm told I could lose my spot on the team. I really like football but I don't like the conditions that come with it.." The timber wolf explained. I was pretty shocked. He spilled the beans like they were already falling. Honestly, my first reaction was to give him a big hug.....I knew what it was like to do something you didn't want to. Though Football seemed a little silly to me.

That was a good enough apology for me. "I forgive you," I replied with a small smile. "I know what's it's like to be forced to do something you don't want to do."

He smiled at me and gave me crushing hug. I hugged him back but not as firm. When we let go of each other we blushed equally. "My name is Felix..nice to meet you."

"Blake.." He responded.

***

We'd been making casual small talk. He explained that he gets a housing grant for being on the team to be able to pay for his housing and works a part time job for most everything else. When my mom came back, she saw us she scoffed and I glared at her. That was a first....she took a step back with a disgusted look on her face.

"You have the nerve to GLARE at me you little FAGGOT?! I'm your mother!!" In no time Blake stood up and glared in her face, growling deeply. I was scared she'd hit him and he'd attack her, but instead, mom backed up to her car. "Don't come home until your 'FRIEND' is gone!!!!" She huffed shakily before starting her car and speeding off.

"But I-I.." I whimpered slightly. Where would I go? I had no place to stay!

"It's ok Felix.." He visibly thought things over in his head. "You can come stay at my place." Blake gave me a warm smile and held out his paw. I took it and stood up, being sure to brush the dirt off my pants.

"So uh.." He scratched the back of his head. "You need anything from the store. I just remembered I came here for groceries.. heh.."

I smiled excitedly at that. No one had ever asked me what I'd wanted before! 'He's so nice..' I sort of spaced off until I felt myself being shaken. When I snapped out of it Blake was holding my shoulders.

"Oh uh yeah....could you get some Soda?" I asked.

"Sure thing. I'll be back in 15 minutes. That's my car right there if you want to sit and wait for me.

"Alright." I nodded as he walked off.