Burdens [Furry BxB]

Chapter 121 - Useless

The news had the same reruns playing throughout the day. It seemed nothing new was happening in the world, aside from what had happened the day prior. Another normal day. Perhaps that was what his surgery was like.

Roger finished his dinner and waited for the wolf and nurse to return. He found the buttons to transform his bed into a bed once more. They seemed to be taking a while, so he ended up moving the tray and climbing out of bed, stretching. He decided it was a good time to use the bathroom while he had a chance. He made sure to lock the door just in case they came back.

It was easier this time than before. He felt his body returning to how it once was, but he was still recovering. It did not take long, though.

He still was a bit bothered when he looked in the mirror. He looked like something he would have seen in a horror movie. He touched his face and rubbed his cheek. He splashed some water on himself just to freshen up.

He wondered why Hunter did not recoil like he might have had he been put in the same situation. Maybe he simply saw through the soon-to-be scars and injuries. Roger smiled at the idea.

He heard the door open, and he was thankful that he had closed and locked the bathroom door. There was a stillness in the other room, almost as if they were confused, or perhaps panicked.

Roger unlocked the door and walked out slowly. Hunter had been standing near the television and nearly hit his head on it when he finally located the fox. The nurse had been near the door.

"Oh, deary, you shouldn't be up and about. You might fall," the weasel said. He helped him get back into bed, placing the blanket on him with a warm smile, though something seemed a bit off with his expression. Roger could not quite place it. Disappointment? Sorrow?

The weasel took the tray and said, "Just hit the button if you need anything, sweetie. Try to get some rest." He turned and left, gently closing the door behind him so it would not slam.

Roger looked at Hunter, who had just been idly wagging his tail, an innocent smile on his face. He could not help but smile back.

"So what happened?" the fox asked.

"Well," Hunter began to say as he took his seat by the fox's bedside, "We went downstairs and found the cafeteria. He offered to buy me food, but I said no, and then we just kind of sat down and ate and talked."

Roger took a paw and rubbed the wolf's face. "What did you talk about?"

Hunter grabbed Roger's paw, and then placed it on top of his head, prompting him to pet him much like a dog would. "He asked me about my life and what I did for a living. I guess he thought I was older because he was surprised when I said I went to school with you."

The fox nodded slowly. He petted the wolf softly, as was requested. "What happened then?"

"I just kind of ate, and he was pretty quiet for a while. He wouldn't really look directly at me, and then he asked if I wanted to grab a bite to eat tomorrow, but I said I had practice and homework. He seemed kind of sad after that. Then we came back. The food down there is pretty good." Hunter laid his head on the fox's chest, eyes closed, with a happy smile.

"He likes you," Roger said, still petting the wolf.

"How do you mean?" the wolf asked. It seemed like a repeat of earlier.

"He pretty much asked you out on a date, but you turned him down. I think that's why he was sad, and kind of why he was quiet. I'm guessing he was working up the courage to ask a teenager on a date. Poor guy," the fox explained. He bent forward a little and licked the wolf's nose.

The wolf's tail stopped wagging and he looked like he had kicked someone's puppy. He said, "Should I have said yes?"

Roger shook his head. "It's better not to lead someone on. Besides, you've got me, right? Though I guess he's at least got a job."

The wolf nuzzled into the fox's side, his tail active once more.

Roger checked the time and noticed that it was already getting late. He had no idea how far away the hospital was from home and he could not check. "How long did it take for you to get here?"

Hunter thought for a moment, and then said, "About an hour in the bus. It was quicker when Greg drove."

"You have school tomorrow," Roger said. "You can't afford to just stay here with me. If your grades dip, they'll remove you from the team."

Hunter nodded slowly, understanding, but he whined in protest, giving the largest puppy-dog-eyes that Roger had seen him give. The fox's heart melted, but he remained resolute. "None of that," he said. "You have to get back and maybe bring my homework so I have something to do, okay?"

The wolf reluctantly agreed. He slowly got up and grabbed his bag, still whining, but doing as he needed.

Hunter looked at him and said, "What if something happens to you?"

Roger said, "Hey. I'll be fine over here, okay? They're taking good care of me."

"If you say so." The wolf knelt next to the fox and gave him a kiss, of which was returned.

Roger could feel his heartbeat increase substantially, and suddenly his worries vanished. He could stay like that for hours if he had the opportunity, and he regretted telling the wolf that he had to go, but reality did not change.

The wolf broke away and smiled at him. He asked, "Do you need anything from your house?"

Roger looked around and saw his phone. "Oh, right. I guess if you could get me my phone charger, that would be great." Next to his wallet was his keys, so he grabbed them and gave them to the wolf. "It's just in my room, next to my bed. You might have seen it. Also... I guess some clothes."

The wolf nodded. "I'll bring them tomorrow. I'll come as soon as practice is over, okay?"

Roger nodded. "I would like that."

They expressed their love vocally, and then through longing gazes, and another kiss.

Hunter departed, even through his hesitation. The room was silent except for the television. Everything felt empty again.

He could still smell the wolf, taste him on his lips. It gave him a bit of relief. He did not know how he could have been so lucky.

And yet here he was, lying in bed, being useless.

A burden.