Out of My Heart and My Mind

Corruption

    The next day came quickly for T.J. Despite his adamance to not impose on Xavier, he still appreciated what the raccoon was doing for him. He honestly didn't have much of a choice but to stay with him, lest he end up returning to face the inevitable wrath of his family. He couldn't go back, at least not with his current mindset. If he returned now the cycle would start again and the outcome would likely be much worse.

    He and Xavier talked a bit more when morning came, gauging each other's interests and personalities. T.J ended up going into how he found an interest in drawing and making websites before he graduated high school months ago, which Xavier congratulated him on. The raccoon described how he wasn't sure what to do in his high school years, so he cast a wide net of electives and found that writing was something he seemed passionate about. T.J could relate, of course, as he simply used writing as a hobby before starting to write stories online for others to read.

    T.J eventually asked about Xavier's fur and eyes, seeing as though they weren't very natural for a raccoon in his world. Xavier explained that it was actually a rare trait in his family genes, one that wasn't seen in years. It made sense to T.J, who had a theory that it was akin to conditions like one where a person's eyes are different colors— heterochromia, he believed the name was. It honestly really interested him, seeing someone with such unique features. Along with that, it works with Xavier's outgoing personality.

    Xavier did have to leave T.J alone for a few hours, as he had an afternoon shift at a grocery store in addition to his writing job. He wasn't sure about leaving the boy alone for so long, given what happened within the first day he spent with him. T.J gave his word he wouldn't do anything rash, saying that he honestly stayed inside most of the time in his world. It wasn't exactly a good promise to Xavier, but he'd take what he could get.

"And you're absolutely sure you'll be okay?"

"Yes.", T.J groaned, "It's not the first time I've been left alone, you know."

"Yeah, but I just want to make sure. After what happened the other day...", he trailed off but perked up quickly, "Just take it easy, alright?"

"Roger-roger.", the boy muttered with a two-fingered salute. That got the raccoon smiling as he left T.J to his own devices.

    A few hours passed as the boy spent his time watching television and exploring more of Xavier's home. He came across a few photos of him on the walls, including one in which he looked surprisingly timid in what looked like a haunted house. It almost made him smile at the thought of the raccoon being scared...almost. The afternoon crept up fast, and T.J kept glancing to the sketchbook he got the day before. The temptation to put his thoughts into the world tugged at him hard, the boy soon finding himself in front of the book open to the first page with a pencil at the ready.

However, his mind began to bubble with thoughts about the past.

    He grit his teeth in discomfort as he could feel his heart sinking again. Even now, far away from the source of his breakdown, he can't keep it out of his head. He could hear the cheers of people echoing around him, a firm voice calling names one at a time. T.J felt his legs turn fragile, heart flying up and dropping hard simultaneously. He shook his head with a growl and stared at the blank paper, squinting his eyes and finally starting to move the pencil slowly. His eyes traced the movement carefully, as if one mistake would be catastrophic. If someone were watching, they'd see a faint glint in his eyes.

~~*~~

    It was around ten in the afternoon when Xavier stopped by Jason's diner. He knew something was wrong when he introduced T.J to him, just by the way he reacted. He knew the rabbit well, being classmates in college and bonding through their interests. Jason was timid, obviously apprehensive about the college lifestyle. When he met Xavier, however, it was like he helped brighten his outlook on the experience. It wasn't by a considerable margin, but he did become used to the workload and environment. From there, they kept in touch with each other, quickly becoming good sources of support for one another. It was a pleasant part of their lives, and something they remembered fondly.

    As Xavier entered the diner, he noticed the place was almost empty. There were a few people having small meals or drinks in the booths, but it was otherwise bare of any customers. He spotted Jason quickly, the rabbit wiping down the front counter with great swipes of his paw. His ears were pointed up straight, not even a hint of a slant down. The raccoon pulled a casual smile, knowing this wasn't going to be a good talk. Even so, he wanted to at least try to keep a cool head.

"Oh, hey!", Jason said when he spotted Xavier, "Forgot you had the night shift today. Where's T.J?"

"He's at home. I made sure he'd be alright by himself.", he said casually before taking a seat on a stool, "You seemed surprised to meet him yesterday."

Jason froze for a second, "I was just...caught off-guard, is all. You said yourself you're spontaneous."

"Yeah, but I think it goes deeper than that.", he leaned forward with a sly smile, "I know enough about you to tell that much."

One of his ears twitched slightly before he let out a sigh, "Okay, fine. Maybe I am a little apprehensive, but you know why!"

"I do."

"I know I shouldn't feel that way, but...", he slumped his shoulders as his ears fell back, "I guess I'm not so sure about him staying with you. We've known each other since college, and this guy walks in and suddenly he's your roommate!"

"Hey, come on.", Xavier smiled, "It's not like you're being replaced. Besides, you're still my first, remember? Plus, it's not like he's replacing you. He's just a little down on his luck and I...kind of feel this need to help him."

Jason let out a small chuckle, "Let me guess, you have the same zodiac sign?"

"No! At least I don't think we do, but...I guess what I'm trying to say is that I feel like I could help set him on the right path. After all, I've kind of been in the same place he is now."

"True...but don't go forgettin' me for him, alright?!"

He scoffed amusedly, "As if I'd forget my favorite chef."

"Heh. Nice to know you think of me as a source of good food."

"C'mon, you're amazing! You wouldn't be running this place if you weren't."

"True."