BriarI wake up sometime later, but I can tell the sun is shining. My brain aches and I don't open my eyes, but hear voices from the direction of the front door on the other side of the room."Why the fuck is my girlfriend sleeping on your couch?"Ugh. Brad."I think the better question is why were you at a party when your girlfriend was throwing her guts up?" Quinn says quietly, as if to not wake me, but I can still hear the vemon in his tone. Brad scoffs in response and I can tell he's getting agitated."I didn't know she was that sick." He says and I nearly scream at him. I told him exactly how sick I was.He just didn't care."She threw up all night. Twice while she was unconcious. She could have choked on her own vomit. She could have fucking died." Quinn seethes and my stomach drops. I don't even remember throwing up those times. Brad sighs and growls a little in frustration."Whatever. I'll take her home." He says and I peek my eyes open just a little and see him trying to push
BriarIt had been a couple of weeks since the stomach bug fiasco. Brad had apologized to me and started making more of an effort in our relationship. It was nice, but it just didn't really feel the same anymore. I didn't trust him like I had before. Izzy was clueless to the whole situation, always off in her own little world and Sadie had been colder to me lately, basically ignoring me. I wasn't sure what that was about but I also didn't really care. Quinn had told me what she said when they left for the party and it pissed me off, so I ignored her back.Very mature. I know.But Quinn had turned out to be a surprise friend. He took me to his Sunday Dungeon night and I actually had a great time. The other guys seemed a little lost on how to handle a woman in their midst, but they did a good job of explaining things to me and I told Quinn I'd go again if he let me. He seemed surprised I had enjoyed it so much, but didn't tell me no. Otherwise our communication had been strictly related
QuinnI spend the rest of the day and most of the next week in a shitty mood after my run in with Briar. The way she assumed I had a one night stand pissed me off, but it was the way she seemed jealous about it. Like she had any right to be. We aren't in a relationship and if I want to sleep with someone I can.I mean, I don't want to.But I can.I can't even get hard without her face popping into my head and it's really annoying since I'm desperately trying not to have these feelings for her. And then she just ghosts me. Well, not really ghosts me since I haven't made any attempt to see her either, but usually not a day goes by without her asking to see Hank, or sending me a picture of some sweater she thinks he'd look cute in or a toy she thinks he'd like. I had broken my own fucking rule and went and gotten attached to someone who is very much so not available.I groan in frustration at the thought as we go on nearly a week of no communication. I know she's seen Hank, I've watched
BriarI go to Quinn's house every day for the first few days after we found Hank just to check on him. I bring him treats and toys, much to Quinn's frustration. He says I'm rewarding his bad behavior. I say I'm making my baby feel better. I'm so busy with school and my daily visits to Quinn, I don't even have time to miss Brad.Or else I just don't miss him, which is entirely possible.A week after finding Hank, I push myself out of bed and get dressed before wandering into the kitchen for a much needed cup of coffee. I stop in my tracks when I realize there's a man in nothing but his boxers standing in front of the fridge and I roll my eyes at my roommates bringing home guys."Excuse me." I say and the guy turns around. I have to blink a few times to make sure what I'm seeing is real."Oh. Sorry, Bri." Brad says and my mouth drops open."What the fuck are you doing here?" I ask and he shrugs unapologetically."I hooked up with Sadie." He says and anger flares deep in my gut."Are you
QuinnI'd be lying if I said it didn't feel good to have Briar wrapped up in my arms this morning. I felt bad for her, for what she found out and how she learned it. She's the kindest person I know and the fact that people who said they cared for her treated her so shitty makes my heart ache.Unfortunately, the snuggles didn't last long. She got up and cooked breakfast shortly after. I mean, I know I shouldn't complain. A hot girl in my kitchen cooking for me? A guy couldn't ask for much more. Except having that same hot girl pressed against him on the couch. Even fully clothed, I'd take that any day.It's a Sunday and she was all too pleased to go to Dungeons with me. She was a little anxious about going to her house, so I went with her. Luckily Douche Bag Brad and Side Bitch Sadie weren't home while she showered and got dressed. Izzy tried to make idle conversation with me, but I didn't say anything to her and hid in Briar's room until she was done."So, do we like Izzy?" I ask as w
BriarI woke up the next morning to Quinn's hands running gently over my face and through my hair. I groaned a little and readjusted, trying to get back to sleep, but he kept up his soft movements until I huffed out in annoyance. I heard his deep chuckle, raspy from sleep and tried to tuck my face back into his chest."It's seven, baby. Do you have class this morning?" He asks and my heart does a little flutter at the pet name. I smile wide up at him and shake my head."Not till ten." I say and Quinn grunts in response."Lazy ass college kids." He says, but there is only humor in his tone. I let out a laugh and push myself flush against him.That's when I feel it.The monstrosity in his pants.The shlongasaurus of the century.Who knew Quinn was packing that kind of heat?I didn't even get a decent feel before he pulled back, hissing a little at the contact."Sorry. It'll go away in a second. I just have to think about un-sexy things." He says and I chuckle."What are un-sexy things?"
Quinn"Unless you've changed your mind about staying here?" I prod and Briar shakes her head."No. That's just as much my place as it is theirs. I won't let them run me out of it." She says firmly and I nod in understanding even though part of me wishes she would change her mind."Well, the offer stands." I say, lifting the mini fridge and carrying it to her house.When we walk in she leads me to her room and clears an area for the fridge. I plug it in and it starts to hum and I'm grateful since I forgot to check and make sure it still works before I spent over an hour cleaning it. Briar lets out an excited squeal and gives me a hug just as her house mates appear in her doorway."What's up with that?" Backstabbing Sadie asks."It's my new fridge. Where I will keeping all of the food that I buy." Briar says, glaring daggers at the girls. Sadie scoffs and rolls her eyes before walking away while Izzy stands there looking nervous."Is this how things are going to be now, Briar? You're go
Briar"Quinn?""Yes, Briar?" His deep voice slipping through my phone has my body aching, but I tuck those feelings away for now."Do you care if I call you 'Q'?" I ask."Yes. I care. Don't ever call me 'Q'." He says firmly and I whine a little."Well then what can I call you?" I ask and he huffs."You can call me 'Quinn'." He says and I groan, giving up for now."Fine. Quinn?""Yes, Briar?" He asks again, clearly losing patience with me."I bought a new nightstand. I don't suppose you, being incredibly intelligent and exceptionally strong, would be willing to put it together for me, would you?" I ask sweetly. He grunts out a laugh and I wait anxiously for his reply."I'm on my way." He says."Thank you thank you thank you!" I repeat until he gets annoyed and hangs up on me.A few minutes later he's at my door in a plaid shirt and jeans with a toolbox looking much too delicious to be in my bedroom without me making some poor decisions. I bite my bottom lip as I take him in and he clea
12 Years Later...HankI lift my heavy eyelids and take a deep breath, watching the flames in the fireplace as their warmth permeates my fur. Laying on my bed in front of the fireplace is my favorite place to be.Except in bed between Mom and Dad.I hear the patter of feet rushing through the house, but I'm too tired to lift my head. I can tell it's Stella though.My oldest pup.She comes into the living room and smiles when she sees me. My tail begins to thump in joy as she kneels beside me, pressing her forehead to mine like she always does.She's the goodest girl.I lick her cheek and her sweet laughter rings through the room. She runs her little hand along my body, feeling my fur. She gets a worried look on her face and I don't like it so I whine a little."Mom!" She calls out and a few moments later Mom comes in the room."Yeah, Stel?" She asks and Stella looks back down at me."Hank looks tired, Mom." She says and Mom comes over to kneel by me too. My tail thumps some more as sh
QuinnI rushed us to the vet, ignoring the pain in my hand because, well, it was fucking worth it. The look on that smug bastard's face when I broke his nose was priceless. Even if the feel of the bone breaking against my hand was cringey.Briar reaches for me and I hold her hand firmly, grateful that she seems to understand that sometimes touching her is the easiest way for me to communicate. I have too many feelings swirling around in me to say them out loud.We reach the office and we're through the door in the next moment. The receptionist seemed to be expecting us because she said the vet would be out soon. I started pacing again, but tried to stop since I know it's my anxious habit and I hate the way Briar sits all curled in on herself while I do that. But when I turn to her she gives me a knowing smile.She gets me.The doctor comes out and she stands next to me, holding my hand while we wait for answers."He's gonna be fine." The doctor says and we both let out a breath of rel
QuinnI rushed us to the vet, ignoring the pain in my hand because, well, it was fucking worth it. The look on that smug bastard's face when I broke his nose was priceless. Even if the feel of the bone breaking against my hand was cringey.Briar reaches for me and I hold her hand firmly, grateful that she seems to understand that sometimes touching her is the easiest way for me to communicate. I have too many feelings swirling around in me to say them out loud.We reach the office and we're through the door in the next moment. The receptionist seemed to be expecting us because she said the vet would be out soon. I started pacing again, but tried to stop since I know it's my anxious habit and I hate the way Briar sits all curled in on herself while I do that. But when I turn to her she gives me a knowing smile.She gets me.The doctor comes out and she stands next to me, holding my hand while we wait for answers."He's gonna be fine." The doctor says and we both let out a breath of rel
BriarI watch Quinn storm into the living room and put his shoes on and panic begins to grip me. Surely, he wasn't serious about that whole killing thing?"Quinn, what are you doing?" I ask, walking up to him with my arms crossed in front of me. I don't want to make him angry; he's already upset enough as it is, but I can't watch him make any stupid decisions either."I'm going to his house." He says firmly, shoving his keys in his pocket. My concern ratchets up a few notches and I stand between him and the door."No, baby. That's not a good idea." I say and he narrows his eyes at me."Why?" He asks. He stands to his full height and I never realized how intimidating he can be when he does that."His father is a judge." I say gently, taking a step towards him. I cup both of his cheeks in my hands and his eyes soften slightly. "If you do anything he won't hesitate to press charges. I can't lose you too." I say, choking on a sob.Quinn sighs heavily, letting out a frustrated growl. He gr
QuinnBriar and I drive home in an oppressive silence. I'm not really sure what to say or how to reassure her because I'm barely hanging on myself. I always knew I'd have to deal with Hank's death eventually. I just never imagined it would be under these circumstances. He should have years left on his life, he's barely even two years old. He's been my best friend for most of that time and I'm not exactly sure how I would function without him.I look over at Briar after I park the car, her eyes downcast and a worried expression on her face. I let out a little sigh, wishing there was something I could do, something I could say to make her feel better but if she's feeling anything like I am, the only thing that will make this better is having a healthy Hank back at home."Come on, sweetheart. Let's go inside." I say quietly, getting out of the car and rounding it to the other side. I open her door for her and her eyes pop up to mine like she didn't realize we were home already. She takes
BriarI wake up sometime in the middle of the night with a feeling of dread wound tight like a rock in my stomach. It's still pitch dark out and I feel Quinn's arm wrapped around my waist, his even breathing against my back. I readjust in bed and try to relax to go back to sleep, but my body won't calm. I sigh a little and reach out for Hank. He's next to me and I run my fingers through his fur. He lets out a strange, strangled sound that immediately puts me on edge and I bolt up in bed. I've never heard him make a sound like that."Hank?" I say his name, but the only reaction I get is his ear twitching. Concern billows through me and I reach over to flip on the lamp. Quinn stirs behind me, but my focus is on Hank.I look at him and realize he's thrown up on the bed, something else he's never done. Usually my voice or the light turning on would have him bouncing around, but his body is eerily still. I go rigid as I watch him, his breathing coming in unsteady pants."Briar?" Quinn says
BradWhy the fuck did I come back here? I knew Briar was gone with that psychopath and his cujo wannabe dog. It's not like I actually like Sadie. She's eager to please in bed, but she's so fucking annoying. I mostly just like to make Briar jealous. The way she dropped me so easy was fucking bullshit.For a dog.I scoff at the thought as I drink a cup of coffee looking out the front window, just in time to see Briar leaving that psycho's house. I watch with horror as he grabs her and sticks his tongue down her throat. Fucking whore bounced back quick. She's already fucking the guy when she said she cared about me. Fucking liar. The only person Briar has ever cared about is herself.I tighten my hold on the coffee cup and watch her smile at him, the same smile she used to give me when I did something nice. Sure, I didn't get the smile as much lately but I already had her. Once you have a girl you don't have to put in so much work. I mean, when you look like me they all fall at your feet
QuinnI hated sending Briar off to school for the day. I started to seriously consider her idea of us staying at the cabin forever, but I knew that wasn't logical. She has her own dreams, aspirations, things she wants to accomplish, and I don't want to stop her from that. Who knows, with her business degree we could even do something together professionally in the future. She's smart and responsible. I can see her succeeding in whatever it is she chooses to do.With her gone, I feel an unfamiliar new kind of anxiety. Similar to the kind I used to get from being around people for too long. I guess I've gotten used to having her around me, in my space and now it feels wrong for her to be gone. I sigh heavily and dress in running clothes, deciding to take Hank on a run. He didn't get as much exercise as he usually does at the cabin.Even though Briar and I did.I clip his leash and we start to jog when I notice Izzy grabbing mail from their mailbox. I roll my eyes and avoid looking at he
BriarThe next few days passed much too quickly and soon it was time to go home. That didn't mean I was in a hurry though. Oh no. I laid my ass in bed until Quinn started nudging me. I huffed at him and pushed him away, but he just laughed as he ran his hands over my naked body. The cool air hit me in contrast with his warms hands and I shivered a little, scooting closer to him and tucking my face into his neck."We gotta get up and get ready to go, sweetheart." He murmurs, kissing my head and I let out a grunt of protest."No we don't. We can stay here forever. Just the three of us." I say with a pout. His low chuckle makes my body come to life despite the soreness between my legs from all of our activities over the last few days."You have school tomorrow." He reminds me and that just makes me groan louder."I hate school." I pout like a child. He laughs louder and runs his thumb over my bottom lip."Come on. Let's get ready to go." He says and slaps my ass gently. I groan and tilt