Synopsis: Has there ever been that someone special in your life that you've wanted to get to, but never had the chance? Well, it seems like Jenga Harkdale may just have that chance.

Episode 3: First is the worst...
Jen is such an oblivious young wolf. It makes him so cute. But could it also destroy him?

Noes: Written in about an hour, on a deep, deep urge.

Story:
Cupidit ac Patienti
Episode 3: First is the worst…

He woke up how he always did, laying on Josh’s chest. He snuggled deeper into the wolf’s thick coat, as he lay still on the bed.

Suddenly, Josh’s phone rang, waking him. He groaned and reached for it, flipping it open. “Hello?” he mumbled into it sleepily.

“Hey hun, did I wake you? Sorry! When do you think you’ll be coming back?” Jen’s expectant voice said through the speaker.

“I’ll be heading home tomorrow, Jennie. Don’t worry.” He grinned silently to himself at the words.

“Alright. Stay safe!” Josh put his phone down as Jen hung up.

“Now,” he said, stroking the fur of the white wolf that lay on top of him, “Where were we?”

The wolf grinned, and they locked jaws, arms tight around each other.














Jen never asked for much, because he didn’t want it. Now that he had a chance to get a real boyfriend, it was perfect. He and Josh weren’t official yet, but they were so close.

Josh had had to go to his parents house for a few days after he moved in. Something about his dad getting into an accident, and him needing to be there to support him. He told Jen to stay, so he didn’t get behind at school.

Jen saw nothing wrong with the whole thing. He was overjoyed, completely oblivious.

And Drezda hated it.

Jen was so happy, but he knew it wouldn’t last. He saw through Josh’s scheme, but if he told Jen, it would ruin it for the young wolf. He was helpless to stop Josh from doing anything he wanted to Jen.

He glanced at Evan and nodded. The two of them where in the small kitchen they all shared. Evan was fixing pancakes, but he caught Drez’s nod, and nodded in return.

They both heard Jen say goodbye to Josh, and they were both suitably busy by the time the wolf walked out of his room.

“Good morning!” Jen exclaimed, bouncing jubilantly over to the fridge. He opened it and grabbed a carton of orange juice. “How’re you two today?”
He asked, as he poured himself a glass of juice.

“Fine.” Drez took the carton from Jen when he was done pouring, and returned it to the fridge, despite the wolf’s protests.

Evan grinned as he flipped a pancake. Typical Drez. “When’s Josh getting back? Neither of us has gotten a chance to really talk to him yet.”

“He’s heading back tomorrow. He’s taking me out to a bazaar when he gets back, too!” The little wolf seemed to glow with happiness.

Drez grinned falsely, knowing Jen wouldn’t catch it. He laid a plate of pancakes in front of the wolf. “Cool. I’m happy for you two.”

He sat watching as Jen dug into his pancakes. He waved away a plate when Evan offered it to him. The large panther shrugged, setting Drez’s share on the counter.

Jen looked up at the clock halfway through a moutful of pancake, and nearly choked. “Shit!! I’m gonna be late for class!!” He jumped up, scrambling for his shoes, then raced out the door.

Once the door closed, Evan spoke up. “So, you - “

“Wait.” He held up a paw. “Three. Two. One…”

Jen barged back in the door, grabbing for his coat. “Forgot my jacket! Bye!” The door slammed close.

“Alright, he’s gone.” Drez lowered his paw.

Evan shook his head. “Wow…you know him too well.”

He shrugged. “Comes from living with him for years on end. Now, what were you saying?”

“You seem…stressed, lately. Depressed. Like you’re in pain. What’s up.”

Drez let out a heavy sigh, leaning on the countertop. It felt cool under his paws. “It’s Jen. Him being with Josh…I feel something bad around that wolf. He’s bad news, but Jen loves him. I don’t want to see him hurt.”

Evan nodded. “What’re you going to do?”

“What CAN I do? If I tell Jen, he’ll hate me, and probably move out with Josh. If I tell Josh to back off and get lost, it’ll hurt Jen.” He held his head in his paws.

“Look, let’s talk to Josh sometime. Try to get to know him.”

“When does he come in, did Jen say?”

“He didn’t, which means that we need to get Jen out of the house that day.”

“How?”

Evan rubbed his muzzle, thinking. “Hmm…the bookstore. He hasn’t visited it in ages. They’re having a sale, right?”

Drez clapped a fist into his palm. “Yeah! Good thinking, bro.” He grinned widely.

Evan nodded, then leaned over his plate again, digging in to his pancakes.












“A SALE???!!!!!” The moment Drez said it, Jen was gone. He smiled to himself. Easy.

About an hour later, Josh’s jeep drove up, and the wolf walked to the door, letting himself inside with his key. He found Drez and Evan sitting at the counter, talking. They stopped, looking at him when he walked in.

The wolf raised a hand in greeting. The other two smiled, and Evan gestured to the seat on the other side of the counter. Josh sat, bemused. The other two suddenly became serious.

“Look, Josh,” Drez said, mouth a grim line, “let’s cut to the chase. You and Jen are going to go on a date today, right?” At the wolf’s nod, he continued. “He’s had a sucky life, Josh. We don’t want it any worse for him.” He smiled inside, as Josh began to blush softly. This wolf wasn’t true.

“We’re just saying, don’t hurt him. We’re all the family he has, and like family, we’d do anything for him. If you and him are serious, then you have our blessing. But if you just want him as your toy, then we’re going to need to change that.” Evan’s paws were locked in front of his muzzled. He glowered at this wolf.

Josh writhed under their looks. It was as if they knew everything. So he lied. “Guys, don’t worry. I’d never hurt him.”

Drez nodded, not trusting the wolf, “Then go with our blessing.” Josh nodded and walked to his room. Evan went and flopped onto the couch to watch TV.

Drezda just cried silently, his tears falling inward.