Chapter Text
Monday 02:35AM
-Duuuuuuude where are ya? Missed ya at the party man. Samantha was lookin' all over ya! Hope the hangover's worth it buddy XD :P
Monday 11:43 AM
-Still alive over there??
Monday 07:43 PM
- Bruh I'm seriously worried you gotta text me back. I need those test answers :PPP but nah really you good? If this bout tryna get you with Samantha sorry, prolly too early from breaking it with Brandon. Here if ya need bruh :PP
I didn't have the energy to text back, a wrong number gives up after a day or so but I wanted to at least see what made them do it three fucking times. Huh, I'd be worried too. I used to text Chase like this...
Monday 09:32 PM
- srry think u hv the wrng #
That should do it. Still, I hope the guy's okay. Watching the train take Chase away all those years ago. I didn't respond to anything outside my parents. I barely remember working during those times and dad yelling at me for fucking up simple stuff. They knew what happened and I think that's the only time I was told to take some time. I just remember beer after beer, staying up for days at a time and not even —
Monday 09:40 PM
- WHA? Damn dude sorry he said he got a new number. wrote it down wrong.
...
Monday 09:41 PM
-yeah no prblm hope ya fnd him
Ten minutes go by and nothing. That's that then. Something swells up in my chest and then in my throat, I feel that familiar pressure in my head and I'm crying. I hadn't cried like this for months. It doesn't feel bad just, I'm crying. I meant what I said to Chase when he drove off with Kudzu and that I wasn't crying over him every night. Maybe I'm just thinking about that first time I lost him, not knowing what was going on. Empathy or whatever. Still.
-
Monday 11:50PM
www.howlerzpayton.com
HOWLER
WHERE WOLVES ARE FAMILY
Dunno why I keep checking this damned website. There was one for Echo but ...
What with folks leaving Echo more and more I thought it'd be nice to meet some new people but
-NEW MEMBERS
-PAYTON
-PUEBLO
And I stop reading there. I made the account four months ago but never bothered saying anything. A blank profile page and they'll probably delete it for spam soon. Oh well. Bed time.
-
Wednesday 03:31 PM
-Hey bro I know this a wrong number but you still got that area code of his. We still aint heard or even seen my buddy for a few days now and we're all worried. Someone got the mean idea he mighta come around Echo to be alone given how empty it is. You IN payton or Echo? Seen a big hyena guy around? has a huge patch of fur missing from his back and has a bit of a limp?
Thursday 08:42 AM
-srry dnt have phn. hvnt seen a yeen,srry. no1 in echo like that. u call the cops?
A big Hyena? Now that's a rare species around here. Which is weird you'd think they'd love this area but–
Thursday 08:44 AM
- Damn really? FUCK. Okay that's fine, thanks a lot for even responding. Think you can do a huge favor for me and if you see anyone like that in Echo let us know? We told the police but they need one more day before a missing persons can be filed. Owe ya BIG time if I ever see ya bro <3
I chewed at my bottom lip a moment looking down at my phone, leaning over in my bed and half turned to stare at the window. Pretty sure there wasn't anyone like that in Echo and we don't have much of a police station anymore. Folks could drop dead here and it wou--- No, I shouldn't just sit and not do anything. I lost someone. Well, more than just one person. If I have the chance to help someone I should do it. One look at the only drawer in my desk, thinking of what I put in there and my mind's made up.
Thursday 11:32 AM
-yeah looked around. ddnt c anything. we dnt rly have a police plc anymore but 4sure will keep an (eye emoji) out. lst someone 2, wnna help.
Told the folks about it and they were onboard at least askin' folks that came in if they saw anything like that. We get stragglers coming to Echo from time to time and sometimes folks just wind up here lost and confused, not all surprised anymore about that. So far nothing. Not a word. Only thing close so far was someone seeing a big fella walking out in the desert but that was last night and he admitted he was pretty damn drunk too. Who knows. I have a feeling in the pit of my stomach. Either I have to tell the guy nothing's here or worse hear they found the guy hurt...or even worse, dead. No. no don't think like that.
Thursday 02:22 PM
super sweet of ya to help man! yknow he gets like this sometimes, fresh break up and maybe wanted to cool it. those techie guys said his phone last had a gps on route 93 so they're sending some cops that way. hope they dont spook ya town, heard about what happened there and seemed INTENSE
Thursday 04:13 PM
-nevermind they said they cant get anyone out there. fucking useless amirite? gettin some buds to come over and we're gonna head out that way and look ourselves. would be great to have a local kinda point us around where's what and shit yknow? think ya can help? aint leavin till sunday.
Something made me freeze up reading that while walking out of the shop. Sunday. Group of friends. Coming to Echo. I felt a tremble in my leg and had to catch myself, dad giving me a weird look as he backed out of the shop. For a brief moment I think about chucking my phone to the ground so I can pretend it never had anything to do with me. Maybe I'm not AS over what happened as I thought. I let it sit for the night before responding
Friday 12:02 AM
- sure. go to
For a few minutes I stared at the screen before typing out my old address. I doubt dad wants people snooping around our home here.
should b unlckd. ya c a big wolf its me
Friday 12:23 AM
SWEEEEEET. hope ya cool with some money helpin us out and stuff. here's me so ya know it aint some stranger banging ya door down with random shit
Once more I felt a pressure in my chest opening that picture he sent. He was a fox, had a weird color to his fur so he was darker than Jenna and with really big ears. Squinting and opening the picture he really did have some of the same patterns as Jenna but just...darker. He seemed either older or just lucky enough to have some handsome--- Handsome? It struck me hard for a moment before I started laughing, loudly. It was so much Ma came in asking if everything was good. I had to rub at my eyes since they were watering for some reason.
"Yeah Ma, stuff's good. Just felt good, better for a change ."
-
Friday 12:30 AM
thnx ill bsure 2 look 4 u. u meseta? lots of foxes here
Is that insensitive to ask? Jenna wasn't too keen on seeing her own family so having a long lost cousin come around might cause an issue? Maybe? Don't want the poor guy getting harassed by long lost family he may not even know. ...Wait are Meseta only foxes? ¡Miiiiiierda! I'm about to g---
Friday 12:35 AM
Meseta? Like the native tribe? Nah man I aint really, I got a cousin that is? Does that count? Either way dont think it'd be an issue. Havent seen any extended family so if there is they wont know me, no weird family issues. Send me yourself though bro! Gotta know who we're lookin' for :PPPP
Jeeze. I mean it's fair, he sent me one of his so he can at least see me. I don't have any good photos though, almost all are from ages ago brought over from the other phones. Ugh, the recent one will do better just in case. No need to make it a big deal just take an unflattering selfie. Lights in my room are good enough. I still got my work clothing on with a few oil stains on it but fuck it, whatever. The smile I put on was fine, tired, but fine. It's been awhile since I took a picture for someone else but.... and sent. Man that was awful, my tooth poked out and I looked goofy as hell. ...Man do I really look like that? Neck looks a little matted, my eyes are tired... jee—
Friday 12:40 AM
Duuuuuuuude you look like fire!! (several fire emojis) Big guy too, doubt we'll run into trouble with you having our back bro. I gotta get some alone time with the bed ill shoot ya a message tomorrow once we know what we're doing. sleep well Gran Fuego.
BIG FIRE? That's a new one but hey it's funny. Big fire. Is my fur really that red? Well the black on my neck is also a bit. Eh whatever. Time for a shower.
...
Huh. Slipping off the stained clothing of work I held the shirt in my hand, barely hanging onto my fingers and I'm staring at myself in the mirror. It's weird. Not that I'm like seeing anything that shouldn't be there but....no it's nothing. The shower is cranked up to the max, it sears my back and I hiss. I hadn't taken this hot of a shower in awhile but it helps clear my head. What a fucking week this has been and I got this going on now? Apparently I started lingering in the shower so much my father's banging down the door.
"¡¿Qué carajo haces ahí?! ¡Apresúrate!"
"¡Sí, sí, sólo un segundo!"
Yeah the water bills already pretty high with how much we gotta take anyway, we're a family of fluffy fuckers arent we. I barely get time to really shampoo myself but it's something. I can take a quick rinse before they show up on Sunday. The room is coated in steam and I can barely see in front of me but I like it that way. Something about voluntary heat and humidity is relaxing. Guess that's why people use saunas a lot, might have to give them a go one of these days. Flopping back into the bed I set the fans back on me and groan. Air drying while I sleep, I gotta clean these sheets and blankets anyway.
....
...
It's been two hours and I can't sleep. My mind's racing it feels like, going through everything the past few years and then this week. Is something happening in P---No wait Chase and Kud went to a different state right? Those two would be fine if something's happening. I should text h--- Right. If Chase and Kud were in trouble I'm sure someone would at least let me know even if I can't go speak to him regardless. Chase would at least allow that. Is it bad that I'm thinking about him again? I mean it's not like I'm crying about him. Something's happening to someone and friends are coming to Echo and I think about Chase. That's normal, right? To be worried about a friend. Yeah, yeah that's fine. It's not ...like before.
.....He was handsome though. I feel myself smiling again. Those hackjobs online about therapy would say a bunch of mumbo jumbo about this being a breakthrough but what's the harm in finding another dude cute again. Just means I'm actually moving on without someone else making me do that. Doing shit on my own, like always. It might take longer but fuck it, dont need those big shots dictating my life. Grabbed my phone to check to see if maybe he said something but nah, he did go to bed. I suppose I'm just curious about what he's gotta say and who else is there and, ugh. Might as well toss something on to listen to and distract myself. Few videos of some fav songs of mine without the lyrics ought to do it. There, love this one. Got that old southern twang to it and....
“Hey.”
"Mmhey."
Another headache. Hard to not with how dry it's getting and ...ah shit I havent been drinking water. Ma's always getting on my case about how much I drank the past few years. Something about balancing everything out. There's an empty 3L bottle tipped over at the foot of the bed, might as well fill 'er up. It's a slow up from the bed and I'm rubbing my head. Weekend means I got at least one day off an--- What time is it?! I forgot to plug my phone in but at least it's got 30% power left. No message from Fox, hm. For a second I get a little sad but it's gone when I see the time. 10am. Not...awful but I'm sure Ma's gonna give me an earful.
....Which doesn't happen. She's watching the news in the living room stretched out a---Nope, asleep. Hope she's good. Hey who am I to judge sleeping in? I just did the same! I pulled her blanket up and gave her a gentle kiss on the forehead before going to fill up the bottle. I went to scribble a little note and stuck it on the TV so she'll see it.
"Heading to Echo! It's about the Hyena guy that got lost on his way there.
My cell is on but low, I'll be home for dinner! Love ya both."
Thankfully it's not as hot out as I thought. It is bright out or maybe my headache is still there. A deep breath and I'm going to the truck and hopping inside. Thankfully the drive over isn't too long and I'm sitting there thinking about what I'm even going to do there. Backyard at the old place is--
Friday 11:01 AM
yooooo gran fuego! we're heading out tomorrow actually but we wont be there till super late. so still sunday but earlier! Here's the rest of the gang by the way! Ryan's the puma, Stacy's the cheetah, Drew's the little weasle guy.
Pulled over I roll my eyes at the text. No picture cam---Oh, there it is. Huh, they all looked like all of Chase's other friends from college. College folks got that certain look around them trying to look all trendy and edgy. What happened to just a shirt and jeans? He still hasn't told me his name though and he's in the picture too. Cowboy hat, trimmed pattern poncho with some weird combo of shirts under it. Man really gets into the wild west look. It's cu--- ARGH, no, stop. He's the only sensible looking dude amongst them, the rest look like they slapped together some hipster outfits. Won't say anything though.
Friday 11:05 am
thts fine. going to plce now actly. do some headstrt stuff. ill snd pics. bring lots of watr and shit
Aint gonna bother looking at any message until later since the car charger for this phone sucks ass. Aint long until I see the familiar town come into view and it looks...the same. Of course it's the same only been five months but it feels like five years. Heard Carl's family is thinking about moving since they can't really be the only ones living there. Won't be hard to get a place in Payton but man Carl's gonna hate moving. Flynn and his Aunt are busy as hell basically, officially shutting the town down and sending shit to the Big Government. Wonder how that works? Do y---
I'm swerving the car suddenly, one look to the side and outta the corner I swear something appeared just in front of the truck. I don't hit anything since these brakes are brand new and the road doesn't have any potholes in it here. I'm SWEARING as I get out of the car and look around, the truck in the middle of both sides of the road and thank fuck there's no one that comes this way. But nothing's here, clearly. And that's the answer really. I'm distracted, got a lot on my mind and I moved my eyes suddenly and...ergh. A few minutes pass before I climb back into the truck and slowly get myself back on the road.
Twenty more minutes and I'm pulling into my old home. Clint doesn't seem to be around down the road which is good. Don't feel like dealing with him. Place looks like shit and it's fine, don't think we'd be staying here anyway. I take a moment to just look around and take in a breath. Nostalgia hits me hard and I can't help but laugh and take some steps towards it. Going in, the nostalgia hits hard again and I shake it off. Nothing's left, not even in my room. I trace my fingers along the holes I punched in the drywall and groan. At least it's good I feel shame for it rather than rationalize it. I think I'll go to the train tracks and walk down them, that's a good start I think. If anyone gets lost around here they tend to end up there. Might as well get-
"Hey."
"Yo." Wait what? I feel suddenly aware of where I'm at and my place within it. Jeez, I should ask Ma for some extra dinner tonight. I think stuff's catching up with me. Still, the fur on my neck is standing and I think I ought to get going....
------------
“Forget about…
“... it Leo, not going to tell you again.” Dinner tonight was something else. Steak, rice, some…vegetable things. I had no idea what it was but it was simple and damn good. Dad was getting on my case asking about some additional time off and telling me to forget about it. Apparently there’s been some major theft spree going on in Payton and car parts are being damaged or outright taken. So we got a lot of folks coming to get repairs and install these new parts. Amazing for business but bad for the timing. I told them beforehand about taking A day at least for this search but something really bothered me about it, something really digging into my head and winding me up an–
“LEO! I’m fucking talking to you, pay attention.”
“Sorry.”
Dad looks ready to throw his fork at me but Ma gives him a look and he cools off. It’s a few minutes of weird silence before I speak up again. “Hey, uh, I know it sounds weird and all after what happened in Echo to go and help some stranger but I think it’d be good for me too yeah? I PROMISE it’s only a day and I’ll give them all the emergency contact stuff they need. After what happened to the others and Cha–”
“How is that boy anyway?”
“Chase? I, Idunno, we didn’t exchange numbers. Moved to a different state but Jenna said she’d tell me if something happened to him.”
“Mm, alright. He’s a good kid, a bit weird but I hope he’s good.”
I smile a bit hearing dad actually speaking nice about him. It might be hard to see but he respects Chase a great deal. His son's first love actually came around to see the family, those sorts of things. That and I doubt he can actually hate a single person in our former group. …Okay maybe he’d hate Flynn but Flynn would hate him too. Wonder how he’s actually doing. We spoke a little before the town decided it was going down the drain and he seemed a bit off. I’ll shoot him a message tonight to make sure. Carl too. …Maybe TJ, no not TJ. Okay maybe TJ.
“Mijo, just do what you think is best for you. You’re a strong man, just….in a hard place right now. You know your father and I are here for you.” Ma sounded tired but I think that’s just the uncertainty of how to help her child through life right now. I’m fucked and I know it, I wouldn't want to be in their shoes but they’re still here and we’re still family. One way or another we’ll be fine. “Thanks Ma, the moment anything weird happens I’m calling right away instead of waiting. Thanks for dinner as always.” I go and gather some of the empty plates and give Ma a kiss on the cheek before setting to do the dishes for her.
Friday 08:34 PM
Hey flynn u hear about a big hyena getting lost in echo?
Friday 08:36 PM
Why the fuck would I know about that? That’s the first thing you wanna ask about in a month? Damn Leo.
Flynn, please.
Friday 08:40 PM
Some guy txt me thinking it was the hyena. Says been lost 4 a few days now, last seen headin 2 echo.
Friday 08:50 PM
Sucks to be that guy then. No there hasn't been any Hyena sighting in Echo, Auntie had to get a listing of everyone currently in town for the Government and nothing matched. You sure it’s a good idea sticking your nose in another weird Echo case dipshit?
I knew he wouldn't understand.
Friday 09:00 PM
Prrly not but
I stare at the screen to think about what to say. Why…why am I doing this? These are complete strangers and I’d be going back to the town that ruined so many people’s lives and killed countless others too. I should just leave it to the p…olice…the ones that couldn't even get… it’s so dumb, so fucking dumb but I feel like if I cant help now I cant help anyone ever again. I’m no savior but dammit I…
Friday 09:00 PM
Prrly not but am only helping for 1 day. Point them where stuffs k to look and not. How r u dng btw?
I don't get a message back right away. Not entirely surprised but if Flynn wanted to tell me to fuck off he would, so I wont take it as a bad thing he didnt say ANYTHING at all. I wish he would though, I know stuff is damaged and never will be the same. I care about them all still, I just want to know they’re okay and we can leave it at that.
Friday 09:30 PM
Fine, I guess.
Fine. Fine is good. It’s an answer.
Friday 09:34PM
Cool. here if u need anything bud.
This time I didn't get any answer back and honestly I wasn’t expecting one. It’s nice to know, at least, Flynn will respond. I’ll have to remember that for later. I’m still hesitant on sending Carl anything but it’s worth a shot.
Friday 09:39 PM
Hey carl u doin good? U need help movin just hit me up k? Helpin some ppl look 4 a frnd that got lost comin 2 echo. U see a hyena walkin around let me know k?
If Carl responds right away I’ll assume the worst. Not really but, it’d be funny. I’ll have to check in a few more days but man what a week. Dad’s out working on something in the garage and Ma’s got her shows on and I’m still lingering in the kitchen after these dishes. The air seems heavy tonight still, windows are open since it’s just the right time for fall, setting in where it’s pretty cool but not overbearing. It’s got the same energy as that night though, like I know something bad is about to happen. For the small time I looked up self help online and a bunch of weird “feelings” folks can get there’s apparently that sense of doom that I thought was fake is pretty legit. It’s like, your past experiences make you think something similar is gonna happen. Really weird but I ain't gonna put much weight to it.
“Turnin in early Ma, ya need me just knock alrigh’?” I hear her usual, rapid fire air kisses from here and roll my eyes. She’s been doing that since I was a kid and honestly I hope it never stops. It’s her little weird thing and makes her, her. I can still hear Dad working outside and him swearing at every tiny thing and I can’t help but laugh a little. I know where I get my anger issues from but sometimes he does it to the next level. For a moment I sit at the edge of my bed, shirt stuck in my hand and I’m twirling it around my hand back and forth. I wonder if–
Friday 10:10 PM
YO! GRAN FUEGO! We’re gonna stay at a hotel just down the way so you don't gotta wait for us late tomorrow. It’s here. And don't worry we got plenty to stay out here for a week to try and find out what happened. We think we know what it is, but, well, easier to explain in person. But real talk man, I seriously appreciate all this. Bryce is my longest buddy and he’s got issues but he’s been managing so well and I have to do everything I can to help him. Regardless of what happens ya got a new buddy in me for life amigo. <333333333
It’s then I’m crying, not ugly crying just…that kinda crying chicks do at really sad movies. There’s no doubt in my mind now that I have to help these people. It’s like some fucked up way I’m getting a second chance to be a good person. No, I am a good person that just did fucked things. I -have- to do things to help now, it’s like I have this sense of duty now to make up for what I did before. If this were happening to Chase, TJ, Flynn, any of them I’d drop everything STILL to go and help. I don't care if they’d get angry if I came near them. I'll go there in my old ass age of 50 or whatever to help.
Friday 10:15 PM
Ofc, hate myself if i just sat and did nothin. Ill do all i can, dw. Even give ya shop addrs so ya can tell me what happen. Just msg me when ya on the way
Friday 10:34 PM
A picture of the Fox giving a mighty, ear to ear grin with his cowboy hat tipped over his eyes and a thumbs up from him and two others in front of the screen.
I wish the others were still like this. It's like the picture we took in the hotel room before…everything happened. Why am I so hung up on this? I told Chase I was good, that I wasn’t really happy but I’m doing okay. My growl of frustration is so loud and sudden Ma’s knocking on the door and already turning the knob before my head turns towards it. “M’okay Ma, just hit my toe on the desk again.” I get a little, hushed belittling to be more grown up about it before he’s shuffling back to the couch. I might as well get some good sleep, gonna be nervous all day and need to prep anyway. Sunday’s gonna be hell on me.
“Leo.”
“LEO.”
“LEO.” “LEO!” “Jenna?”
“Flynn just stop.” “TJ’s crying now, thanks.”
"Chase is fine, stop asking.”
“I love you.”
“mine.”
My fucking head. The light’s blinding as I crack open my eyes and toss my blanket over my head and whine. I gotta take some Advil or something, this is getting silly. And talk about a weird fucking dream. I swore Chase and I were back at school in math class. He had this weird look on his face. Flynn was there throwing shit at Carl who was trying to swat it away. Jenna was the teacher…which, well that ain't so odd she does think she’s the boss sometimes. All this thinking of the past is sticking with me. Still, any dream where Chase is in it that’s just weird rather than sad is a plus. People have weird dreams. I need to get up, today’s not the day to be a lazy wolf no matter how much I want to be. My hands run through my face and then to the back of my neck but I stop, suddenly feeling more awake and alert. Some of the fur is standing up, not like I slept on it for a cowlick but like I ought to be on high alert. Eh, it’s the weird dream that got me on edge. Not exactly a highlight of stability right now.
“Maaaaaadre? Where are y–” There’s a note on the table.
“Out for the day. Set out the chicken in the freezer or you’re getting your ass kicked.”
“Well.” That’s that I suppose. I look around and see if they made anything before leaving but I’m left to fend for myself with some eggs and bacon. Should make more but, eh, I should look to trim this down. I hadn't put on weight but it would get me something to focus on, maybe just bulk up. Get back to my football days. Yeah, that’d be good. Might be a local team to play on if they still have those. I hear my phone going off as I’m cooking, I'll get it when I’m done. Fucking -starving-. At least it doesn't take long for it to get done and I’m stuffing my maw with some bacon before slapping some more down on the pan. Alright, let’s check.
Saturday 9:44 AM
Goooooood morning Fuego. Just in case something happens to us too might as well have someone know where we’re at yeah?If it does just pass it to the cops or something, don't look or anything. We’ll be there by like, 7? Waiting for Drew to get done with work, they’re having to cover for someone.
That’s pretty smart actually. Friend gets lost on the road to Echo and then if they’re heading that way too and something else happens? At least I’ll know and hopefully their family too. That’d be weird if I was the only one but I guess I’m the only one that might have their texts about this. I’m looking at my phone too long and the smell of burnt bacon reaches my snout, FUCKFUCK. At least it isn't that burnt but, hey, crunchy bacon. It’s a quick breakfast and I lean back in the chair and look around. Should I …do something? I aint got anything planned and I shouldn't tire myself out before tomorrow. Hmm. I’ll leave the message on seen so I don't distract them all from getting ready. Let’s take a walk. After I set the chicken out.
The town’s as busy as ever, hell I might just run into them without even knowing. THEN AGAIN with how much he commented on my fur I doubt he’d ignore it. Wait, if we're in the same area why not just ride together? Well, I mean I need my own way back and it’d be weird to have them drop me off. Don’t think Dad wants strangers knowing where we live, he’s been on edge since the whole Echo thing an—
“FUCK.”
Some lady turns to look at me and I hold my hands up and put on a sorry face. How the hell am I gonna explain what actually happened anyway? I really fucking hope they don’t ask too much I dont think they’d believe me if it happened anyway. We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. I’ll just spend a few hours wandering around and getting some lunch, there’s this grill that opened up a few months back.
I ate. Way. Too. Much. And I gotta eat Ma’s dinner too. I’m lumbering my way back home as the sun’s setting and apparently had such good timing that Dad’s driving in as I’m walking up and I break into a little sprint to catch up. I get to Ma’s door before Dad gets out and go to open it up for her and help her out. I know she doesn't NEED it but, it’s respectful. Dad gives a little chuff and heads to the front door and I lead Ma back inside. “You went out?” “Mhm, just to get some exercise and fresh air.” “Hmph, good. You leave the chi–” “Si.” “GOOD.” We’re all inside and Dad gives me a little shove and we rough house for a hot second before splitting up in the house.
Dinner’s good but I’m struggling to get my meal down. I’ve cleaned off every plate Ma set before me and I wasn’t gonna start now. My stomach’s gonna hate me tomorrow but… and dinner’s done. We didn’t talk much, Dad going on about business and looking to maybe expand a bit. It aint awful hearing him talk about work since he’s also talking about what we’re doing as a family and everything at the same time. His fingers snap towards me to get my attention refocused on him.
“Boy, you’re heading for Echo tomorrow right? You got everything in order? Get with us if something’s wrong, I know you can kick their ass but after what happened. No fucking around you hear?”
“Yeah Dad, I know. Just showing them where people tend to get lost and where some of the danger areas are at. Flynn’s in the know they’re coming too so if they cause trouble there’s already some folks aware. Covered bases.”
“Mmm, good. Smart. Proud of ya.”
I smile.
Saturday 08:00 PM
We’re on the way to Echo!
Huh, thought he’d say more. Maybe I’m used to him already being really talkative but I don’t mind. I’m going to be heading to bed early anyway. Shower. Lay in bed. Check some news maybe. There’s this UTube channel I saw come up where they restore old cars and she’s really damn good at it. Might as well learn how to do that shit while I’m young. It’s an 84 Volkswagen. Doesn’t look half bad.
It’s 11 before I know it. Fuck, phone’s almost dead and I gotta stuff it against the charger before I forget. There’s a few strings of texts from Fox with pictures and they’re….staying at the same Hotel. No point fixating on it, it’s the only Hotel for miles that actually matters. And Open.
Saturday 11:23 PM
Glad nuthng hppnd. Headin 2 bed myself. Meet at place at noon?
Saturday 11:24 PM
Sure thing. We’re fucking BEAT man. Can't wait.
It barely takes any time for me to sleep. It shocks me how quickly I feel myself falling, I ought to be too nervous but that might have exhausted my….
I wake up falling out of bed and get right to my feet, fists up and shake my head awake. Dad had opened my door to wake me up and apparently that got me rolling off. He just stares at me. I stare at him. He stares at me and walks out calling me a dumbass. Whatever. He shouldn’t have spooked me like that. I slap on my shirt and pull up my jeans and get ready to go. I made a pack and filled it with some water and generic hiking snack stuff. TJ told me ages ago what’s good for hiking around and this might as well be a giant hiking trip. I give Ma a kiss to the cheek before heading out and make sure Dad doesn’t need anything from me before I’m off. It’s already 10 and I’m sure I won't be late but still.
I get to the house with no issues. There’s nothing on the road this time and I felt myself kind of doze off mentally during the drive since there’s just. So. little. Out here. It’s 11:40 by the time I’m at the house and I didn’t see anyone behind me so I think I got enough time to mentally prepare myself. I step out of the truck and take a deep breath. Clint’s home, I can tell from the trash can actually being left out. Kinda wonder how he’s gonna be once the town’s gone. Doubt he’d leave. He can manage with no one…maybe, lonely but he’ll live I think. My eyes linger on the next door home and I get the urge to go and fix up the shrubs. Kud would hate having them be this messy.
Once I’m inside I slowly walk around and just wait to hear the telltale signs of a car driving up. It’s a wonder why we left this house here with all the stuff intact. Coulda sold some of it off I think. Ah well. I don’t even bother going to my old room, I can't stand the sight of it anymore. I linger around the backdoor and my ears flick back and my tail gives a sweep as I hear a car coming up. I don’t go for the front right away, almost too scared. When I hear voices I calm down since if they wanted to actually do wrong they’d be quiet. As I near the front door it opens and I’m greeted by …Drew? That’s the weasel guy. He’s got these weird sunglasses on with a loose fitting, thin hoodie on. It’s the only shirt he has with cargo shorts on.
“AH! Shit, man, you’re…massive.” He staggered back and his fur was standing on end. I just…stand there looking confused. “OI! Don’t be fucking rude he’s the guy helping us find Bryce.” Stacy looked more normal with what she was wearing. It still looked, Iunno, off? She’s clearly dressed for being in a shithole like this but has that preppy flair to it. Not sure how else to put it. “Right, right. Sorry! Uh…we never got his name did we.”
“Uh, Leo. I’m Leo.” Slowly I raise my paw up and gave a nervous smile before the other got out of the car but I dont see the Fox anywhere. “Where’s uh, Fox? I didn’t get his name either. Hey! Foxman you here?!” The three gave each other a look before Drew stepped back towards the trunk and looked to be making weird motions with his hands. The fuck is he doing? But Fox stepped out around the car with a sack over his shoulders and my ears perk and tail feels…heavy.
He’s dressed as a cliche cowboy but it looks well done. It’s not a costume and authentic looking. Really takes the role seriously and even his boots have spurs on them. He’s making those weird gestures with his hands and not even moving his mouth to speak. Needless to say I’m a little confused.
“He’s deaf, Leo.” Ryan spoke up, rolling his eyes. Seems I was gawking at him and it was quite obvious. I rub at my arm and then shove my hands into my pockets and watch him approach. The sack is dropped as he sets eyes on me and his ears and tail perk right up. He’s right up on me and he must have sense it before I did because he has his hands up and my fur is standing on edge with my lips pulled back. The other three dont make a move and I’m quickly holding my hands up. “SORRY! Sorry, I’m…not use to suddenly getting that attention.” The Fox looks to Ryan as he does hand gestures to him before Fox shakes his head. A phone is taken out and he’s looking like he’s texting.
Saturday 12:10 PM
YO! Sorry I never said my name. Blake! I’m sure one of them told you I’m deaf by now but don’t think it’ll stop me from talking ya ear off. Super happy to meet ya!
I just stared at my phone and looked up to them and they all at least are smiling.
“Mine.”
“HM?” I look over my shoulder and the other four follow my gaze. “Sorry, felt something against my ear prolly had a fly land there quick. But, uh, come in! Come in, we can get started.” I step aside and hold open the door as the four gather their things and head inside. I give a quick glance towards the road and in the distance I swear someone’s watching me. One blink and it's gone. Damn heat.