After 7
by Ayame
All characters and story copyright (©) Ayame 2004.

Warnings: M/M and M/F, anthropomorphic characters, sex... WIP!
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Cody was no longer sure it was a good idea. He was standing just out of the rain--cold rain--and staring at a door that he'd walked through many times before. But he couldn't bring himself to knock. He just stared at the little golden knocker/peephole thing and didn't touch it. He stared at the numbers of the small townhouse that he'd been inside many times before seven years ago.

He remembered the Narcotics Anonymous meeting that had inspired him to make the trip. The discussion had turned away from "confronting the past" to "embracing it" and forgiving oneself. The idea of turning to the past appealed to Cody suddenly. He'd gone back to the dive he'd called home for a few months, packed some clothes, a few personal items and vowed to visit his past.

On the bus back to Kent City, the old college town he'd loved and lived in many years before, he fantasized about seeing his old lovers, especially Ogun, the handsome okapi. As he fantasized, part of him began to wonder if he was visiting town not in order to confront his past, but rather just to get laid. The more he thought about that, the more appealing it was.

He had not had sex since he'd started the NA meetings. He'd been going for two years now. After his NA sponsor had helped him get off the streets and gotten him a job, he hadn't wanted to have sex. He used to trade his body for herion. He hadn't wanted to touch another person for many months. The job that his sponsor, Joe, had helped him get into was perfect for Cody at the time. He balanced Joe's business accounts and did his taxes. The work was quiet and Cody performed it alone.

But now he felt like he needed sex. It was something he used to pursue in earnest, enjoying the thrill of suduction, the thrill of conquest. He shook his head now, thinking of how he used to be. He didn't want that anymore. He'd been conquered by so many things in his life: Drugs, street thugs, other hustlers acting as pimps... it was sordid. It was dirty. He wanted to feel clean. He wanted sex to be fun again. He wanted his old, favorite lover back.

He was about to knock when a thought occured to him. What if Ogun didn't live here anymore? He was sure it took a long time to get through medical school... and what if Vince, Ogun's boyfriend, opened the door? He wasn't sure if he wanted to hurt Vince. He'd done that enough before in the past.

Cody was about to turn and walk back into the rain when he saw a small figure out of the corner of his eye. He turned and saw Vince trotting through the rain, one leathery wing over his head like an umbrella. Cody found himself smiling and wasn't sure why. But when Vince got closer, he felt like running. He didn't want to confront Vince. It was all well and good to confront the past, ask for forgiveness... but he'd taken Ogun away from Vince many times. He remembered, his face growing hot, an orgy they'd convinced Vince to participate in and how unhappy Vince was then. Cody remembered not giving a damn about the little bat. But now his chest was tight with the unfairness of what he'd done. He felt so much remorse that he wanted to bolt and run.

But Cody didn't run. He watched Vince approach, the water running off his wings. His long black hair was the same as Cody remembered it, wet and tight against the rich tan of his fur. Vince stopped when he noticed Cody. He stood in the rain for a moment, not moving, then walked forward with small, purposeful steps.

"Cody, is that you?" He said.

Cody wanted to break down and cry. There was only concern in Vince's voice. Cody didn't trust himself and nodded.

Vince pushed past him and for a brief, panicked moment, Cody was afraid that Vince was going to leave him outside. But instead, he flashed a set of noisy keys and opened the door. "Come on in," he said.

Cody nodded and followed Vince inside. He closed the door behind him, shed his wet jacket and then took in the place. The layout was the same, but things were different. New furniture, new pictures on the wall. It was very warm and inviting.

Vince had gone into another room--the kitchen, Cody remembered--and when he emerged again, his hair was drier. He tossed Cody a towel from the doorway. "Thank you," Cody said.

Vince looked at him, leaning against the doorway to the kitchen. "You look very tired, Cody."

Cody nodded. "I am."

Vince didn't say anything. He didn't push. Cody looked at him. He had changed a little, too. Put on a little weight, his stomach rounder, his face a little fuller. But somehow, it suited Vince. He looked--satisfied. Finally, Vince walked forward and sat down in the living room. Cody was standing behind a couch, clutching it with his hands. He didn't move, or copy Vince's gesture.

"I suppose you've come here to see Ogun," Vince said. Cody wondered if he had imagined that Vince's voice sounded tight. "He doesn't live here anymore."

"Oh," Cody stammered. "I'm sorry... I'll go."

Vince stood up quickly, moving faster than Cody expected. He touched Cody gently on the arm. "I think you've been through a lot. It might be hard to see Ogun, but I expect that you're doing this for a reason." Cody nodded and Vince continued, pulling out his wallet and thumbing through some business cards. He handed one to Cody. "This is the hospital where Ogun works. He's in Residency there and I think he'll be winding up his shift if you leave now."

Cody took the card. And stared at Vince. "Why are you helping me?"

Vince smiled. "You think I hate you because you slept with my old boyfriend?" He crossed his arms, his wings wrapping around his body. "I had always known that one day he would leave me. And I knew that if I did not share him while he was 'mine' that I'd lose him completely. How can I hate you, knowing how Ogun was?"

Cody didn't know what to say. He nodded, and felt stupid, but he was glad somehow that Vince didn't hate him. "I'll be going now."

Vince walked with him to the door. As Cody opened it, Vince stopped him and took his hand. He put another card into it. It was Vince's personal business card. Cody found himself smiling. "You bought the bookstore."

Vince nodded. "On the back is my phone number here. You come back after you see Ogun. I expect you'll need a place to stay. I know what happend to you."

Cody wanted to stammer... how? But then he realized that it was tabloid news years ago. Rich billionaire's son, disinherited because of drugs, whores and other sleazy business. "I'm not proud of that," Cody said quietly.

Vince only nodded. He didn't say it was OK. He just walked next to Cody, and as he left, handed him an umbrella.

* * *

The trip to the hospital wasn't a long one. Vince lived near the college campus and the hospitals were just on the other side of K University. He was grateful for the umbrella. Thick, heavy raindrops hit the taut cloth with a regular rhythm that feuled Cody for his meeting with Ogun. His heart beat steadily and he was excited and scared. He was hoping against all hope that Ogun would take him into his arms... get off work and walk with him to some swanky doctor's studio apartment... he had other fantasies that involved the slow caress of Ogun's fingers and tongue across his chest. In Cody's mind, his own body was as it had been before drugs, before malnutrition and hunger. While he had been putting on weight since joing NA, he was still skinny, much of his muscle tone gone. His fantasy-self had no such limitations. He fueled himself with the fantasy, allowed it to color his perceptions, allowed himself to feel happy anticipation.

He asked around for "Dr. Ogunsanwo" and was directed to a staff lounge. He smiled and weaved his way through hallways full of gurneys and various electrical equipment full of lights and dials. The colors were muted: grays, blues, teal green. Cody was thoroughly relaxed when he found Ogun in the lounge, alone. sipping coffe from a paper cup.

Ogun looked wonderful! If anything, the past seven years had only added to his looks. And while, he, like Cody, looked tired, with Ogun, it was more of a general dishevelment, rather than the 'walking dead' look that Cody sported.

Ogun looked up. "Oh my god. Cody, is that you?"

Cody smiled and sat down on the couch next his old lover. "It's been a long time."

Ogun nodded.

Cody continued, "So, you're a doctor now? That's wonderful. What's your specialty?"

"I'm a surgeon."

"That's wonderful!"

"I heard about what happened to you, Cody. That's some really stupid shit you got into."

"I know. Believe me, I know." Cody looke Ogun up and down. He was dressed in teal green scrubs. The color was great against the reddish-brown and white of his fur. His glasses were the latest fashion and suited his face well. He took another sip of coffee and Cody saw a band on his left hand.

"Ogun... are you..."

Ogun smiled and it was not a nice smile. "Yes."

"But I thought--"

"I really don't want to talk about that here. No one knows. And my wife and I have an understanding."

"Who--"

"Sally Sutherby," Ogun said.

Cody recognized the last name. The Sutherbys were a very wealthy family. They'd been to Cody's house many times for social parties. He tried to remember Sally. "She's the law student, right?"

"A lawyer and up for partnership soon, I think," Ogun said, sipping his coffee. He frowned. "Cody, why did you come here?"

"I was hoping--" He couldn't believe the words were falling out his mouth. That luscious body that had once been his... the fantasies he'd allowed himself to have. What had he expected? That Ogun would carry his skinny body out of the OR and ravage him in some expensive townhouse?

Ogun stared at him. "I know what happened to you. And I don't want to get AIDS or anything else."

"But I'm clean," Cody stammered.

"Doesn't matter. I don't believe you. You're a junkie. My relationships are much more discreet now."

"What about Vince?"

"What about him?"

Cody couldn't imagine that his heart would hurt so much. In some ways, he was glad of the pain. For many years, he had felt nothing. Even during his recovery he had felt little emotion. He hadn't allowed it. This trip back to Kent City was pushing all of his buttons all of a sudden. He couldn't take it anymore. He bent over and began to sob.

"Oh, for crissake! Cody, get the hell out of here."

Cody didn't stand at first. He let the tears stream out, down his face, into his already damp fur. Then he rubbed his eyes and stood. He took one last look at Ogun's cross face and wiped the last tears away. "I won't bother you again," he said, glad that his voice was at least a little steady.

"Good," was all Ogun said. He turned away, sipping at his coffee and Cody left.

* * *

Cody found himself staring at Vince's door for the second time that night. It was late, but it was a Saturday, so he hoped that Vince was still awake. He knocked gently, and waited. Presently, he heard the snick-snick of locks turning and Vince opened the door, his small body bathed in warm light. His hair was dry, long and glossy. He smiled kindly at Cody.

"I thought you'd be back," Vince said. He let Cody in, helping him with his umbrella and letting him sink into the couch. "Hey, don't get too comfortable. I made dinner."

"Really? Isn't it late for dinner?"

"Yeah, but I thought you'd be hungry and I can always eat." He smiled.

"Well, OK." Cody got up and followed Vince into the kitchen. A spicy, warm smell filled his nose. He looked at Vince, who was getting plates out. "What is it?"

"Palak Paneer. It keeps well... I mean you just put it on simmer and let it keep warm and it will taste good no matter what. It's an Indian dish. A friend, Meyer, taught me how to make it."

"Wow." Cody was impressed. The Palak Paneer, once it was on his plate didn't look like much. In fact, it looked like green slime with little cubes of something white swimming around it it. But it tasted delicious. It must have been the Indian version of comfort food. Cody found himself eating second helpings of the green stuff with a side of bread. He ate in silence and it was only after he was truly full for the first time in almost a year, that he looked up and noticed Vince was watching him.

Cody felt his face heat up and knew the blush showed under the velvety, white fur on his muzzle. "Sorry," he said. "I made a pig of myself."

Vince dismissed the apology, wiggling his two free fingers in the air. "I thought you'd be hungry. You don't look like you've had a decent meal in ages."

"Yeah, you can't live by Ramen noodles alone." They grinned at each other. There was silence after Cody's silly comment which Vince covered by cleaning up the table. Cody stood up to help, but Vince waved him away. "Relax," he said.

So Cody watched him busy himself around the kitchen. For a person with only 2 free fingers and a thumb (his other 2 digits made up his wings), Vince was really graceful and dexterous. He made everything he did look easy and smooth. Cody enjoyed watching him and was surprised by how much he liked it. He just liked being there with Vince, enjoying the warm feeling of fullness, the bright, happy tones of the kitchen, the unconcious moves of Vince cleaning.

When Vince was through, he went to the refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of beer. "Can you?" He asked Cody.

"Sure. As far as I'm concerned, I'm NA, not AA."

Vince smiled and tossed him a green bottle. He sat down across from Cody again. "Cody, just so you know, you can stay here as long as you want or need to." He unscrewed the cap to his beer and took a swig.

Cody looked at him and realized there were a thousand things that needed to be said and hadn't... at least for him. He was enjoying the company of someone he had thoroughly hurt in the past. He needed to know that he was forgiven. Vince was drinking deeply from his bottle and watching Cody patiently. Cody wondered if Vince knew what he was thinking.

"Vince! I'm so sorry about everything! I'd been such an asshole to you!"

"Cody, that was a long time ago. This is now."

"But I don't deserve everything you've done for me."

Vince smiled. "All I've done is feed you and give you an umbrella. Maybe you can help me out. I might need another assistant at the bookstore soon. That way, you won't feel like a burden. I'll pay you, but take rent out of the paycheck. Sound fair?"

Cody nodded. "Plenty fair. I never expected this... any of this to happen. To tell you the truth, I had this elaborate fantasy about seeing Ogun again and seducing him... I guess so that I could feel again..."

"What do you feel now, Cody?"

"A lot of things...Ogun hurt me."

"I thought he had," Vince said.

"How did you put up with him for so long? Didn't you help put him through med-school?"

"I did."

"Aren't you angry at him?"

Vince shrugged. "Where would that get me? Cody, I believe there is only "now." I try to enjoy the now as much as possible. I remember the past and try to enjoy the things that were good about it. I look forward to the future, but I try to live in the now."

Cody was confused, "Like 'eat drink and be merry?'"

Vince patted his round belly and laughed. "Something like that. I enjoyed being with Ogun for the most part... he was the first and only lover I've ever had. He brought me out of my lonely shell and made me enjoy life. He did hurt me a lot, too. And I knew he would leave me eventually. I'm not ambitious like he is. I knew that day would come and when it did, I let him go. But in the end, I feel like he gave me a lot of 'life.' I don't know how else to explain it, you know, Cody?"

"I don't understand."

"You don't know how to let go of the past, is all. Look, I don't believe in God, Cody. I think that when you die, that's it. So all I've got is 'now.' Why should I waste it moping about Ogun? I have a good life. I have friends, I have a bookstore. I have a beer in my hands and I'm about to get another." He smiled and got up. "Want one?"

Cody found himself smiling, too. "Yes, please."

Vince handed him another and stood next to the table. "Do you like Kung-fu movies?"

"I love them," Cody said.

"Good. Let's watch something."

They went into the living room and Vince put a disk into the player. But whether it was the full tummy, the beer, or just the wonderful feeling of belonging and well-being, Cody soon fell asleep. His heavy head with two perfect curls of horn slumped against Vince's shoulder.

While Cody slept, Vince let his head stay where it rested. He went so far as to lightly draw his wing around Cody's shoulders and was rewarded when Cody's body involuntarily snuggled closer. When the movie ended, Vince sat in the dark with Cody's warm body next to his. He felt something he couldn't quite explain towards Cody. Finally, he had to tear himself away. He didn't think that he was Cody's type and it felt sort of wrong to take secret comfort in Cody's body melded so neatly to his own. He slowly disentangled himself from the taller man and helped him lay on the couch, arranging his hoofed feet on one side and his horned head on the other. He found a blanket, covered him and allowed himself a precious moment to watch him sleep peacefully. He felt good that he'd given Cody that and no matter what happened, he would cherish the memory forever.

He fell asleep upstairs in his large, Queen-sized bed and felt it was very, very empty.

* * *

Cody awoke late in the morning and wasn't sure where he was at first. He had a brief moment of panic and then he remembered. He remembered falling asleep with his head on Vince's shoulder. And he knew that Vince had been the one who must have arranged him on the beige couch and covered him with this warm blanket. He was touched and felt warmly towards Vince.

The smell of cooking food came from the kitchen and a sleepy-eyed Vince leaned in the doorway, watching Cody wake up. He had his hands wrapped around a large coffee mug and suddenly, to Cody, coffee seemed like best thing in the world.

He sat up and folded the blanket neatly at the edge of the couch and joined Vince who had retreated back to the kitchen. He was chivvying some eggs and the smell of sausage and bacon was very tempting. "Mugs are in the cupboard above the coffee-machine."

Cody nodded, and got one out, filled it with black coffee and sat down. He watched Vince busy himself around the kitchen for the second time in 24 hours and though how peaceful and domestic it was.

"You aren't doing this special because I'm here, are you?"

Vince laughed. "No, you're my tenant, remember? I always make a big breakfast on Sunday. We'll bring some of the sausage and biscuits to Jasmine at work. She's my assistant."

"Jasmine--the hyena?"

"Yes. Remember her?"

"Sure do. She was friends with my friend, Fajera. But since Fajera left for Rhyiad, I haven't heard much about either of them."

Vince nodded, not turning away from the stove. He was loading a plate with pancakes and sausage. "Rhyiad is at war with the neighboring country... I can't remember the name. We know Fajera is safe. She's in the household of Balthazar. Remember that fellow that came to visit for a physics lecture?"

"Vaguely. The big hyena?"

"That's him. It's the safest place for her, really."

"So Jasmine's your assistant?"

"For now. She's leaving at the end of summer. She's got a big job lined up at Ivy U. She's going to be a professor with tenure."

Cody whistled. "That's something. Math, right?"

Vince set down a few plates and went back to get the rest. "Something like that. She talks about it a lot, but I only understand about a tenth of it." He set down a plate of bacon and put an empty plate in front of Cody. "Eat!" He ordered, and began to load up his own plate.

Cody hadn't seen so much home-cooked food in one place for years. The last time was when he was invited to Joe's for Thanksgiving. He couldn't believe his eyes. He raised an eyebrow at Vince. "I might think you're trying to fatten me up."

Vince laughed. "You bag of bones! You need it."

Cody took a few pancakes and some sausage. It was delicous. "Man, I'm going to get fat if you cook like this all the time. Your friend, Meyer, does he have any low-fat recipes?"

Vince burst into a fit of laughter. Cody was puzzled, but Vince said, "When you meet Meyer and his lover, Kiefer, you'll know why I think that's funny."

"They're big guys, huh?"

"Huge," Vince said. "I don't mind having a belly, but I wouldn't want to be as big as those 2. Heh, when they sit around the house, they really sit around the house, you know?"

Cody chuckled. "I can't imagine you being that big either."

"Yeah, I'd be like a little ball with wings sticking out at either end." He blew air into his cheeks and the two of them dissolved into laughter. It felt good. The rest of breakfast Vince chatted about the bookstore and what Jasmine had been doing there, the stuff Cody would take over if he wanted to. Cody did want to. He was looking forward to working with Vince and even if it was briefly, working with Jasmine. He remembered her as a bright, friendly and very energetic person. For the first time in a long time, Cody felt alive. He watched Vince eat and again, felt inexplicably warm and at home.

* * *

The bookstore was near campus. It was small, but every available space was filled with books. Somehow, it wasn't cluttered though. In the same way that Vince's home felt warm and welcome, the bookstore felt open and inviting. Small displays in various parts of the store highlighted various books. One display was devoted to vampire books and another to tai-chi. As they walked further into the store, Cody saw Jasmine leaning back in a reclining computer-chair. She was reading a book and had it open directly above her face, so she didn't see them until they were at the counter.

"Good customer service skills, there hon," Vince said sarcastically.

Jasmine did a little yip and a jump. "Whoa, I totally didn't see you two come in. Hey, aren't you Cody, Fajera's friend?" She glared at Vince, "And it's not been busy by the way." She stood up and looked Cody up and down. "Wow, you really look like death warmed over."

"Gee, thanks," Cody said, but really, he appreciated the honesty. Narcotics Anonymous had really taught him the importance of the truth. It hurt less than it had before.

"Whoa, sorry! Mouth spoke before brain," she said. "So what brought you into town?"

Vince spoke before Cody. "He's going to be your replacement. So you can train him as soon as you're both ready."

"Oh, I'm ready," Cody said. He didn't want Vince to think he was going to keep free-loading off of him. Anyway, it was really pleasant looking at Jasmine. Seven years had been very good to her. She was curvy in all the right places. Her short t-shirt revealed a flat cream-colored belly when she moved. He longed to follow the spots that ran down her body with his eyes forever. Her hair, which had always been long, fell to her waist. She had it in a pony-tail, so it must be even longer down. It was a bright, clean blonde and looked soft and touchable.

If Vince noticed him staring at Jasmine, he didn't say anything. He just leaned over the counter and handed her the bag of biscuits and sausage. She grinned. "You know, I'm the worst Buddhist ever. I just love sausage sooo much!" She opened the bag and began to eat.

Vince turned to Cody. "I'll show you the back room."

Cody was reluctant to leave Jasmine, but then as he turned to watch Vince move to the back of the shop, he felt warm and happy watching him, too. It was a different feeling, but one he liked all the same.

The back room was obviously where Jasmine worked. Everything was the opposite of Vince's neat, orderly home. It was cluttered, messy and while Cody could see a sort of organization imposed on it, that pattern of clutter was difficult to read. He saw small notes Jasmine had written to herself. Some were business-related, others were long equations scribbled, crossed out and re-written. Cody knew that once he took over the spot, he'd have to clean it out. He favored order over clutter.

Vince watched Cody look around. He smiled as Cody looked at Jasmine's work space. The only area of the back room that was clear of clutter was a large space by the bay-doors. That's where Jasmine and Vince received new inventory. It was the only place Vince asked that she keep clean.

"Wow," Cody said, "Brilliant minds--are they always so messy?"

"Ha-ha," came Jasmine's voice. Her head peered through the doorway. "I heard that."

Cody turned and smiled at her, "What, that you're brilliant?"

Jasmine folded her arms across her breasts. "Like I didn't already know that." She stuck her tongue out at Cody.

Vince sat down and watched the two of them, their playful banter continuing. He saw something between them. He wondered if they saw it. If they knew how any of them felt. He stood up suddenly, interrupting them. "I'm going to leave you two to start training. I have to run a few errands."

"Aw, Vince? On Sunday?" Jasmine whined playfully.

Vince smiled back. "I won't be long." He left quietly out the back door, waving at Cody as he passed by.

Cody found himself alone with the most beautiful woman he'd seen in a long time. She made him sit at her desk, her strong black paws pushing him into the soft chair. She leaned over his shoulder and began to tutor him on her method of bookkeeping.

As the afternoon wore on, the two of them argued over the best accounting methods. Jasmine's were self-taught, while Cody had 2 years worth of a business degree behind him. It took awhile, but finally, they compromised something that would work for them both while Jasmine was still in town.

* * *

Vince didn't really do much on his "errands." He wandered around the small streets of downtown Kent City, if one main street and a few buildings with a bank could be called a "downtown." He saw plainly that there was something about Jasmine that Cody liked. He didn't like that it bothered him so much. He knew that Jasmine would enjoy Cody, too. Cody was, as Vince remembered, very bright and enjoyed math, astronomy and other subjects that Jasmine loved to talk about. He might understand some of the math that she was working on. And while Cody wasn't as good-looking as he'd once been, a few months of good nutrition and hard work would put both weight and muscle-tone back onto him. That was all he was lacking, really. Although Vince didn't think Cody's fur would ever completly heal over the track-scars on his arms. And Vince believed that the dark circles under his eyes would always be present. But on a man like Cody, Jasmine could accept these things. He knew Jasmine. He loved her like a sister.

If Jasmine and Cody ended up with one another, he would accept it. If it made them both happy, he vowed to be happy, too.

Vince stopped thinking about how he felt about Cody and focused on what Cody would need now that he was staying. He thought about where Cody would sleep. There was an extra room in the townhouse that Vince used to store business receipts and tax documents. They could move that to storage and fix it up into a bedroom. He also had some of Ogun's old clothes and thought they would fit Cody. He could also take Cody shopping. He'd noticed that Cody had only brought a small backpack with him. He didn't have a lot of clothes. Also, Vince suspected that Cody would enjoy having somthing new to wear. It had probably been a long time since he'd gone shopping.

He wandered into Meyer's restaurant and was happy to see Meyer sitting with Kiefer at an empty table. It was before the night's busy dinner-time. Meyer was a large, fluffy black chow and Kiefer was a golden brown chow. The two of them looked almost like brothers and had grown up together in Europe. Meyer waved at Vince and Kiefer said, "Sit down, batty."

Vince smiled. "Hi guys."

"What's up? Long time, no see you!"

"A friend," Vince realized that Cody had crossed over from 'rival' to 'friend' overnight, "is in town. He's going to be my roommate and new assistant for a while."

"Oh!" Meyer smiled. "Sounds like fun!" Kiefer giggled and winked.

Vince flushed, his nose growing hot. "It's not like that. Remember Cody Spectre?"

"The rich kid? The one that was always cheating with Ogun?" Kiefer was outraged.

Vince smiled. "Yeah, him. He's been through a lot. It's changed him."

Meyer said, "Heard he was in rehab. Hmmm.... so he will take over for your Jasmine?"

Kiefer said, "Ogun was here a few nights ago with his sham wife. Shameless, he is."

Vince waved the comment away. "I'm over that." He didn't let the hurt show. It did still hurt. "Hey, do you guys know where they have Narcotics Anonymous around here?"

Meyer looked thoughtful, his black hands folded over his round belly. "That one guy that was here for the benefit, remember him, Kiefer? You know the elk?"

"Elk, elk, elk.... Oh yeah! He had this fundraiser and rented the private room. His name was... Keller?"

Meyer smiled, white teeth flashing against the black of his fur. "Yes! I have his business card. He runs those sorts of programs--at least he does AA. I know he can help you." Meyer stood and went to find the card.

Kiefer smiled at Vince. "You look pretty happy, actually. You sure you're not crushing on Cody?"

Vince felt himself flush again. "No! I mean, I don't know. It's weird, Kiefer. I mean, he did do a lot of terrible things to me in the past. But I also know he's been through a ton. Being so low can change a person. I think--no, I know it changed him for the better. I just feel like I want to take care of him."

Kiefer nodded. "Hmmm.... I don't want to see you hurt, Vince."

"Nonsense. I am a bat of steel."

Kiefer laughed. Then he pushed a plate that had a small, half eaten cake on it. "Try this, it's Meyer's new recipe."

Vince took a bite. It was cheesecake and was smooth, creamy and perfect. It tasted slightly of lemon and some other fruit.

Kiefer smiled. "Guava," he said, answering Vince's unspoken question. "Ah, here's Meyer with the card."

Vince stood up to take it from Meyer. "Thank you. And your new recipe is wonderful."

Meyer smiled. "Danke! Be careful, Vince. If you need anything..."

"Thanks."

Kiefer grabbed his hand as he passed the table. "Vince... don't be careful... be happy."

Vince flushed again. Stammered good-byes to the couple and made his way back to the bookstore. It was one thing to be peaceful... it was another all together to be happy.

* * *

When Vince got back to the bookstore, Jasmine and Cody were both at the checkout counter pouring over a paper with equations and notes. Jasmine was explaining her theories to Cody and Cody seemed absorbed. Vince watched them, unnoticed.

Finally, Cody looked up and saw Vince, quietly leaning against one of the wooden bookcases in the store. He smiled and waved. Jasmine, on the other hand, leaped up and pounced at Vince. She kissed him on the cheek.

"Thank you thank you thank you! You've found someone who understands my work!"

Vince frowned and tried to look mean. "You were supposed to be teaching him how to run the store."

Jasmine waved the comment away. "Grouchy! He already knows how to run a business... better than I do! But he understands my theories about topology and geometric geography..."

Cody looked embarrassed. "I've always had a head for numbers."

"No, he has a very good head for numbers," Jasmine beamed at him. "Oh, it's going to be so much fun working with him."

"So I'm chopped liver?"

"Ew, no! Hey, Vince, are we still doing Meditation tonight?"

Vince couldn't believe he'd forgotten. Every Sunday, he and Jasmine went to the Buddhist temple (it was really a room in someone's house) and meditated. Others came, but it wasn't like church. It was quiet and refreshing. "Sure, why don't you show Cody how to close the store and we'll go early."

"Sweet!" Jasmine bounced away and grabbed a startled Cody by the hand. Vince went to the desk and cleaned up while she showed him how to close everything down for the night. The process generally took about fifteen minutes or so, but with explinations, took a little longer. Vince found himself enjoying their enthusiasm, and felt old suddenly--like he was an old man watching two youthful lovers. He shook the thought away. He remembered to live in the now, focused on the now and let his disapointment slide away like water.

* * *

Cody had never meditated before. He sat in between Jasmine and Vince in the front of a small, dimly-lit room. His legs wouldn't "lotus-up" as Jasmine called it, so he'd had to settle for sitting "Indian-style." He glanced at Vince, who was able to assume the lotus posistion easily. He wondered idly how flexible Vince was.

In fact, that was all his mind did: wander. He wasn't able to focus and it was all he could do to not fidget. He tried to mull over all of the incredible things that had happened to him. On a whim, he'd left Shyton and Joe, his sponsor behind. All he'd left for Joe was a brief note. He'd promised he'd call when he got to Kent City. He realized he'd have to do that later. Shyton was in a different time-zone. He remembered what a ball of nerves he'd been riding on the bus and standing in front of Vince's door. It gave him so much pleasure to think of Vince's kindness... so he focused on that for a while. Thinking of Vince's wet hair, his handing him an umbrella, the great sausage breakfast and the surprising Palak Paneer.

Then he glanced at Jasmine and his thoughts went completely out of control. He fantasized: the old Cody seducing Jasmine. How in his alternate fantasy world he was taller than she was and not skinny. He surprised her with a kiss and then she was tearing off his clothes, pushing him to the floor, ravaging him. He imagined her tongue moving across the short brown fur of his belly and down further, taking in his entire erection. He let the fantasy continue for some time and when he heard someone cough behind him, realized that in real life, he had an erection.

He was embarassed, but also glad to feel so much... emotion. He glanced at Vince, and his erection did not subside. His fantasy world took off again, thinking of what a giving lover Vince must be... hard working in bed... bringing Cody to a slow, wonderful building climax....

Cody shook his head. He wondered if he'd ever get over his hormones. He began to think about NA meetings and realized he would have to start going again. He didn't have a sponsor in Kent City. He would have to pick one.

He was actually surprised when Vince touched him gently on the shoulder. He said it was time to go. Jasmine was still sitting lotus-style in front of a low-burning candle. The sky outside was dark. Vince beckoned Cody to follow him.

Outside of the room, Vince said, "She will stay a little longer. She can meditate longer than I can. I'm not as good as she is."

"Oh." Cody said, feeling stupid.

"Come on, let's go home."

The simple phrase filled him with happiness and it was with joy that he followed Vince out of the 'temple' and across Kent City.

On the way, Vince handed him a card. "This fellow, Keller, he will know who runs NA around here. I don't think there will be as big of a group as in Shyton."

Cody shook his head. "You're probably right. Kent City is small." He looked into the sky, seeing stars for the first time since he'd arrived. "Hey, Vince, there's Orion."

He pointed to the sky and could tell that Vince was having a hard time. He put his hand on Vince's back and felt the smaller man stiffen for a second, then relax. He leaned closer and pointed in Vince's line of vision. "See the stars that make up the belt?"

Vince nodded.

"Jeez. I really love stars." He smiled and Vince smiled back.

"Hungry?"

"Starving."

When they got home, Vince cooked and Cody watched. They ate, and Vince suggested that they go shopping tomorrow.

"No! You can't take me shopping. I mean, I don't want to be such a freeloader."

Vince waved the comment away. "It will be fun. We don't have to buy a lot. In fact, we could go thrifting if that makes you feel better."

Cody nodded. It did. "That would be cool. Thanks Vince. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Vince looked surprised, but then smiled at Cody. They chatted about various things the rest of the night and Cody enjoyed the easy conversation he had with Vince. Again, they watched a kung-fu movie, and again, Cody fell asleep leaning against Vince.

Vince put his arm around Cody and stayed next to him as long as he dared. The sensation of Cody next to him was wonderful. He remembered his touch on his shoulder when they were looking at stars. He savored the sensation. When he felt he'd sat with Cody too long, he helped Cody lay down, covered him and went upstairs to bed.

He stared at the ceiling for a long time. He recoginzed how he was feeling. He was falling for Cody and he was scared he was going to be hurt. He was ashamed of himself at how much that bothered him. He, who always talked about living in the 'now,' who believed that life was worth living no matter what the price, he was scared of being hurt. Cross with himself, he stared at the ceiling until his mind was blank and finally fell asleep.

* * *

Cody and Jasmine worked side by side the next day. They got along wonderfully. Vince brought them all lunch from Meyer's, sandwhiches and carrot sticks. Cody smiled at him, remembering his comment about "low fat" food from Meyer. Vince promised to take Cody shopping on Tuesday and left them together for the evening shift and Cody and Jasmine continued to get along famously.

They talked about Jasmine's paper and her new theories. What Cody didn't understand, Jasmine walked him through. Cody had gotten through Calculus II a long time ago in college and was proud that the knowledge came back easily. Jasmine's math was way beyond Calculus, but with her patient tutoring, Cody soon began to grasp the basics and was well able to follow much of her first paper, which had been published in "Math! Today." That evening they said goodbye to one another and Cody found himself looking forward to seeing her the next day.

He walked back to Vince's--no, it was his place too--with a light step, smiling at the funny things Jasmine said and her light attitude. She'd invited him to come to tai-chi with her the next morning and he'd accepted.

It was evening and just getting dark. Cody had been given a spare set of keys and let himself into the townhouse. Vince was sitting in a darkened living room eating popcorn and watching a sci-fi movie. Cody recognized it and took 2 beers from the refrigerator and handed one to Vince.

Vince smiled at him as Cody settled down next to him on the couch. "Thanks."

"No problem. It's your beer." He grinned at Vince. He told Vince about the tai-chi session that Jasmine had invited him to.

Vince put his ears back. "I went once. I was so sleepy I kept tripping over my feet. I'm not a morning person." He took a swig of beer.

"Hey, I was wondering if I could use your phone--"

"Of course--"

"I mean, to make a call to Shyton, long-distance."

"Oh, sure. There's a calling card in the junk drawer in the kitchen. It should still have a lot of time on it. I don't use it much."

"No family out-of-state?"

Vince shook his head. "Both of my parents passed away when I was in high school. I was never close to anyone else in my family so I don't keep in contact."

"Oh. I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything. But thanks for not being sorry," Vince said sincerely. "I hate when people are sorry about that sort of thing. It was a car accident. I wasn't in the car. I was at home, studying when it happened. Had finals and everything. I didn't have to take any exams my junior year."

"So then what happened?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, you were an orphan then, right?"

Vince nodded. "Foster family for a year. Then I came here to go to school. I dropped out after my first year and started working for old man Hoss in the bookstore. I bought it from him for a song about four years ago. I met Ogun in that bookstore," he said.

"Wow, that's a lot to go through."

"Well, you sort of know what it's like."

"Sort of... but I made my own problems. I have no family because of what I did. They don't want to see me anymore. You didn't create your problems. You worked through them."

"You worked through yours," Vince pointed out. He pushed the bag of popcorn in Cody's direction, but Cody held up his hand.

"No thanks. I'll use the card then."

Vince nodded and Cody went into the kitchen. It took a few tries before he found the right drawer, but the card was on top of all of the odds n' ends inside.

He knew Joe's number by memory and after entering the string of calling card numbers, dialed quickly. Joe picked up on the third ring. Cody heard his rough voice through the phone. Joe smoked two packs a day and his voice was gravelly and deep. "Hello?"

"Joe! It's me, Cody!"

"You sonofabitch!," Joe said, lightly, "Where you at?"

"I'm in Kent City. I'm working for a friend here now. I'm sorry to call so late, but I didn't want you to worry that I'd fallen off the wagon. I'm going to go to NA meetings here."

"Hang on. I have a book with a name you should contact."

"Is it Keller?"

"Sounds familiar. Might be. Hang on."

Cody imagined the large fox rummaging around his desk and smiled. He liked Joe. When Joe came back on, he said, "Yeah, fellow's name is Keller. He arranges both AA and NA for Kent City."

"Oh, then I already have his number. My friend, Vince, gave it to me."

"Cool. Are you OK Cody? You sound good, actually. I was worried about you. I mean, I got your note and all and I understand about confronting the past... but I never expected you'd stay there."

"Me neither. But I really feel like I'm at home."

"Well, that's priceless, isn't it? If you ever need anything, or you're, you know, tempted to start using again..."

Cody cut him off. "It won't happen, but I appreciate the sentiment, Joe."

"I know you do. Take care of yourself Cody. You've come a long way."

"Thanks Joe."

"'Sno problem." He could hear Joe's smile as they hung up.

Vince was still in the living room watching TV when Cody came back in. The movie was over and now he was watching "Iron Chef." Vince turned when he saw Cody.

"Everything OK?"

Cody smiled. "Totally."

"I have a surprise for you," Vince said. He stood up, brushed popcorn crumbs off of his shirt and said, "Follow me."

Cody raised an eyebrow, but he followed Vince upstairs. For a brief moment, Cody's fantasy life kicked in and he imagined the large bed he knew to be in Vince's room. He imagined the deft fingers of Vince on his body. He remembered that once when he'd asked Ogun a long time ago, that Ogun had said Vince was a good lover. Of course, Ogun took all the credit for Vince's abilities.

But they didn't go into Vince's room. Instead, Vince turned the corner and led him down a tiny hallway, barely a few-steps long. They entered a small room where a twin bed was made up against one wall, an orange quilt covering it. Cody's backpack was on the bed and the clothes that had been in it were washed and folded neatly next to the bag. The bed was next to the window and the window afforded a glimpse of stars between tree branches. There was a small table with a lamp on it next to the bed and a small dresser.

Vince said, "I put some of Ogun's old clothes that he left here in there. When we go thrifting--we'll go tomorrow for sure--you can use this too. The closet space in here is small..."

Cody looked around, astounded. "Did you do this just for me?"

"Well, I'd been meaning to clean this room out for some time..." Vince said. He flushed and felt his nose grow hot.

Cody put his arms around him and hugged him. "Thank you. This is too much, Vince."

Vince wanted the hug to last forever, but instead he pushed Cody away gently. "Nonsense. I had this stuff lying around. I needed to do something with it besides having it rot in storage."

But Cody hugged him again, tears running down his long nose. Part of Vince said, "Kiss him, you fool!" But another part didn't want to take advantage of Cody when he seemed so vulnerable. He pulled himself away again and said, "I'll let you look around and see if Ogun's clothes fit you. They should. You're not as tall, but not by much. Anyway, I'm missing Iron Chef."

Cody smiled, nodded and sat down on the bed. He didn't know that it was a quilt Vince's mother had made, but he appreciated the craftmanship of it nevertheless. Vince left the room and Cody lay down on the quilt and looked at the stars.

* * *

The next day, he told Jasmine about what Vince had done, fixing up the room for him. Jasmine listened to Cody gush about how sweet and wonderful Vince had been to him since he arrived in Kent City. She listened and smiled.

"I think you like him."

"Of course I like him."

Jasmine smiled, her blue eyes flashing. "I mean, like him-like him."

"What is this? Kindergarten?"

Jasmine laughed. "I mean, you're all Vince this, Vince that. His hair is so cute when it's wet... blah, blah, blah."

Cody smiled. "I think you're cute, too."

"Of course you do," Jasmine said. "I am cute."

"Anyway," Cody said, "I don't think he likes me like that. I mean, I hugged him last night and he pushed me away--twice."

Jasmine shrugged. "That doesn't mean anything. Vince is.... Vince." She concluded. "Hmmm... but you were saying how I was cute?"

"I thought you already knew," and they began to laugh and couldn't stop. Vince walked into the bookstore while they were laughing. When they saw his confused face, the laughed even more.

"Great. Inside joke. Got it. Ready to thrift?"

"Aw, you've never taken me thrifting."

Vince stuck out his tongue. "You've never asked. And I bet you own 50 pairs of shoes and enough outfits that you could wear something new ever day of the year and not repeat yourself."

Jasmine looked thoughtfully at Cody, rubbing her chin as if she had a beard growing there. "Hmm... he's probably right." She turned around, "But you know Vince, it just doesn't do to be a mathmatician with no fashion sense. It's just so cliche." She smiled at that thought and waved to both of them as they left the store.

Cody was still smiling as they walked to the townhouse and took Vince's car. The air was cool and moist: it wasn't humid, it was more like moving through water. He felt alive and refreshed. He didn't notice Vince's expression at all. He was too much on a natural high.

When he got into Vince's little car, a red manual, two door economy car, he turned to Vince and asked where they were going.

"Ravenna," Vince answered. Ravenna was a small town near Kent City which boasted a lot of thrift stores and antique stores. He put the car in gear and began driving. "You and Jasmine are getting along really well."

"Yeah," Cody said. "She's really smart, you know, and funny too. God, I feel like a school boy talking about her. She's gorgeous, too."

Vince smiled. "I know. She's about the most beautiful woman I've ever seen."

Cody raised an eyebrow. "I thought you were..."

Vince laughed. "Like being gay means I can't recognize beauty when I see it."

Cody laughed with him.

"Hey," Vince asked, "how was tai-chi?"

"Hard! But I had a good time anyway. I think I'll keep going. I'm in terrible shape. Although Jasmine made me unload about a ton of books today. She said to remind you to order the 'Skullgrave Series.'"

"Oh, okay," Vince said absently. His eyes were on the road. Cody looked out the window and saw flowers beginning to grow on the side of the small two-lane country highway they drove on. He hadn't been out of the big city of Shyton for a long time and seeing these flowers growing in yellows, reds and oranges at the side of the road made him happy.

Vince surprised him by asking: "Are you... interested in Jasmine?"

Cody felt his heart race at the thought of her. "Well, she is beautiful and I enjoy talking to her. Maybe it's time I dated someone. Would you mind if I asked her out?"

Vince was puzzled. "Why should you ask me?"

"You said you loved her like a brother."

"Oh. Well, of course I wouldn't mind," Vince said, his voice tight. "You know she's leaving a couple of months, though."

Cody smiled. "I know. But whatever happened to living in the 'now?' It's about time I tried doing that a little. "

Vince smiled. He had resolved to be happy for them both if they got together. Of course, that all depended on Jasmine. But knowing her, she'd enjoy spending time with Cody. Vince had heard he was a good lover and Jasmine liked men who understood her math. That naturally made her very choosy about who she "spent time with" these days.

They thrifted in Ravenna for a few hours. Vince bought Cody a lot of nice clothes and he enjoyed watching Cody try them on and model the clothes out of the dressing room. He may have been skinny, but his ass was still very cute in tight jeans. Vince allowed himself the pleasure of watching. He realized it might be all he had.

* * *

Jasmine beat Cody to the punch... asking him out instead of the other way around. It was Friday night and while Cody had meant to ask her many times to go on a date, he was shy about it. It wasn't like Cody hadn't had a lot of experience sexually, but he did have little dating experience and was worried he'd say something stupid.

As they closed the shop, Jasmine asked if he'd like to go dancing at a club.

"Aren't we a little old for that?"

"Nonsense! Anyway, there's this place in Cleaver City that's totally upscale. You have to dress up to get in."

"I don't really have anything super dressy. Vince just bought me nice, casual things."

"And he made sure you look hot in them," Jasmine said, eyeing his rear.

Cody blushed.

"Anyway," Jasmine continued, "my brother left a suit at my place. It should fit you. I hope you like swing music."

Cody wasn't sure he liked or disliked swing. He'd heard a little of it, but really, it didn't matter to him where they went, as long as he was with Jasmine. "Okay. That would be super."

"Cool," she grabbed Cody's hand. "Let's go."

Jasmine also lived near the bookstore. But her place was on the other side of Kent City. While she rummaged around in her closets looking for her brother's abandoned clothes, Cody called Vince. He wasn't home, so he left a message saying he was going out with Jasmine.

The suit Jasmine presented to Cody was pretty slick. He tried it on and it fit fairly well. Jasmine's brother was a little taller than Cody and he had to cinch the belt a little, but otherwise, it looked pretty good. It was a soft fabric, light blue in color that set off the color of his pale brown fur very well. Jasmine went back into her room to change and came out in a bright red dress. It clung to her figure and then flared out at the waist. She spun around in it quickly, the kind of tight spin only dancers and marial artists can pull off, and when she did, the skirt lifted into the air and revealed bright red matching panties.

Cody wanted her right there and then, but he just told her she was beautiful. Jasmine smiled and then went int the bathroom to fuss with her hair, as she called it. When she came out again, it was done up in a number of fluffy ponytails and looked classy and wild at the same time.

Jasmine drove the long drive into Cleaver City. It was a larg city, nearly as big as Shyton. She seemed to know her way around and found the last free parking spot on the street. She took Cody's hand again and led him to the club.

When they got in, Cody was assaulted with the loud, brassy sound of a Big Band. They were live on the stage and already a lot of people were dancing. Cody had learned to dance a number of dances as a young man, but some of what these people were doing was way beyond his skill level.

"Jitterbugs," Jasmine yelled. She had to yell over the music. Cody nodded. "Want to get a drink?"

"Yes!"

He and Jasmine went to the bar and both ordered Long Island Ice Teas. Jasmine drank hers down in one gulp. Cody noticed the bar sold cigarettes and bought a pack. He enjoyed smoking sometimes. They both had another round and then Jasmine dragged him onto the dance floor.

It wasn't too hard to pick up some of the moves. Cody followed Jasmine's lead, which was easy since she was taller and bigger than he was. She moved him effortlessly across the floor and time began to loose meaning. Cody couldn't believe they'd been dancing for an hour when Jasmine stopped and said they should get some water and more drinks.

They stood in a corner this time, sipping their drinks and sipping water, watching the dancers. Cody felt bolder. He got Jasmine's attention and said, "Hey, knock me a kiss," and pointed to his cheek.

Jasmine smiled and when she went for his cheek, he turned his head, kissing her full on the lips. She responded, her mouth wide and her tongue darting inside his. He put his arms around her, stood on tiptoe and pressed his body close to hers. There was no way she could mistake his arousal. He tenatively put his hand on her breast, caressing it and then trailed a hand down the side of her body. The press of people around them made a wall of privacy. No one noticed him sliding his hand under her dress, feeling the wetness between her legs.

Jasmine unzipped his pants and gently pulled Cody's organ out of his underwear. "Fuck me," she said loudly in his ear. Cody didn't have to be told twice. He pushed her panties to the side and pushed the tip of his cock inside of her. Jasmine moaned and pushed down, sheathing him inside. They leaned against the wall, screwing to the loud music. Cody felt so alive, so free. He pressed his face against Jasmine's bosom and came.

They held each other, sweaty and sticky for a moment and then Cody withdrew and Jasmine suddenly laughed. She straighted out her dress and said loudly in Cody's ear "I've never done that before."

Cody laughed too, "You never told me you were a virgin!"

"Ha! I meant in public like that."

But Cody had--many times in public. In back alleys, in bathrooms, underneath desks and in lockerooms. Some were mutual couplings... others were payment for herion. Cody suddenly felt a little dirty and said he needed to go outside for a smoke.

Jasmine went with him. Cody lit the cigarette with a match from the bar. It had been a few weeks since he'd smoked, so the nicotene hit him hard, causing his legs to feel woozy and his head to feel light. He tried to smile at Jasmine, but so much of his mind was back to his days as a junkie. His smile faltered.

"Hey, Cody?" She touched his arm. "Are you sorry about what we did?"

"No!" He didn't want to ruin Jasmine's experience. She'd been having fun. "No, I'm just a little tipsy and everything..."

"Want to go home?"

"Yeah, If you don't mind, thanks."

Jasmine smiled. "It's OK Cody."

They walked to the car, Cody finishing his cigarette. "What's OK?"

"Well, everything. I mean, I don't want things to be weird between us because of the sex and all."

"Oh, Oh! Well, that's not it, not really. I started remembering the past suddenly." They sat down in the car, but Jasmine didn't start it. Cody took off the suit jacket and unbuttoned his sleeve. He revealed the scars running up and down his left arm. "See?"

Jasmine touched them lightly. "They're ugly, Cody."

"I know."

"But you aren't ugly."

Cody turned away. "I'm sorry for being such a mess."

Jasmine turned his face back to her. "No, don't be sorry. It's OK! Look, we don't have a relationship or anything. But if you ever want me, like you did back in the bar, it's OK. We can be fuck-buddies."

Cody laughed suddenly, feeling better. "I haven't heard that term since college."

Jasmine smiled. "Things OK with us then?"

"Fuck buddies it is."

"Good," she smiled and pulled out, heading for I 275. "Hey Cody, if it's OK to talk about, what got you into drugs?"

Cody smoothed his long brown hair out of his eyes and looked at Jasmine. She glanced back, her eyes steady, then looked to the road again. "It's OK," he said. "It's kind of not an interesting story."

"Hmmm... Well, it's OK. I'm interested if you ever want to tell me."

"Thanks."

They drove in silence the rest of the way home. Cody fell asleep curled up in the front seat. Jasmine gently woke him and helped him into the house. Vince came out and helped, too. Together, they helped a sleepy Cody up the stairs and tucked him in.

Jasmine sat down in the living room with Vince. Vince told her she looked beautiful.

"Thanks," Jasmine said. "Hey, Vince, that's really nice what you did up there with Cody's room."

Vince smiled, but said, "It was nothing."

"You really like him. I'm really sorry I took him out, Vince."

Vince frowned. "Why? Cody wanted to ask you out all week."

"Oh, oh! Well, that's cool. We have an understanding now."

"What's that?"

"'Friends-With-Benefits.' Fuck-buddies."

Vince didn't know what to say. It hurt a lot. He'd been letting himself fall for Cody. He knew he wasn't Cody's type. Cody liked the beautiful people and Jasmine was certainly one of those. He couldn't imagine Cody wanting to be with him.

"Vince? Are you OK? Should I have not done this? I mean, if I knew you liked him..."

Vince thought furiously... anything to take her anxiety away. He didn't want Cody or Jasmine thinking he was falling for Cody. He didn't want to be 'gently let down' again. It happened too often, too many times. All of the attempts at dating after Ogun were failures. No one wanted him. He was a short, fat, little bat. He said, "You were careful, right?"

"Oh! No! We weren't. I mean, it was really spur of the moment, you know?" Jasmine had told him about her lovers in the past. They were friends. But Vince didn't want her joy to be ruined because he was jealous.

"You guys should be more careful."

Jasmine's thoughts were turned away from Vince, the way he wanted. She said finally, "Well, I don't think Cody would have done anything he thought would hurt me, give me a disease. We'll talk about it."

"Good," Vince said, summoning a smile. Jasmine snuggled in close to him and hugged him.

"I've gotta go, Vince," she said. "Opening the store tomorrow and all."

"OK. I'll walk you to your car."

They walked to the car and Jasmine took his hands. "I'm going to miss you when I go. You're the best friend I've ever had." She looked like she was going to cry.

Vince hugged her. "You're not gone yet. Just enjoy the time we have now. We'll keep in touch. I'm good at that. And you're going to love your new job. Think about that, OK?"

Jasmine smiled. "You're right. I will." She brushed tears away from her eyes and hugged him again before getting into the car. She rolled down the window. "Vince, if you aren't OK with me fooling around with Cody, please tell me."

Vince shook his head. "It's OK." He managed a smile. It wasn't like Cody would want to be with him. He didn't want to face rejection again. He really didn't. "See you Sunday!"

Jasmine waved and drove off.

It wasn't until Vince was in the house that he let his body sag under the disappointment. He went to the freezer and pulled out a pint of ice cream and ate it watching anime DVD's. He felt better letting his mind wander and his mouth full of chocolate. He sighed. He was really letting himself fall apart over Cody. It wasn't like him. He didn't just fall for people so quickly. But when he saw Cody looking so scared on his doorstep that first day, something inside of him changed. He wanted so much to comfort the man, take care of him. That feeling was so powerful, he couldn't smooth it away.

* * *

To be continued...