There are moments in your life you wish that they could never end, that you could live them forever, but all you have left from them is memories and a certain kind of bitterness. Not the one you have because the happy moment is over, but rather because you probably won't ever be able to relive it…

We were already long gone, the magnificent city of Quebec had given its way to a much more monotonous decor; a heavy silence in Chuck's SUV was easily feeding our envy to get lost in our thoughts. Unconsciously looking at the fields surrounding the highway, while Jude's head was using my shoulder as a pillow, I couldn't get something out of my head.  How could a friendship, which took so much time to build up and eventually grew up into an intimate relationship, be so easily tossed away by someone else I've only knew for a couple of months?

Only a prophet of doom could pretend knowing the reason why… Some would say that this first relationship wasn't relying on good bases while some others would support the soul sister theory. They say that when you meet your soul sister, you know it instantly, like if a connection was establish between these two people. You seem to share every hobby, passion, liking, disliking, besides the mutual attraction you carry for the other.

Even if I easily connect with dogs and wolves, the connection I obviously share with Jude is far beyond the ones I'm having with Blake, Chuck, Noah and even General Matters… The week I just spent with this red wolf only confirms that supposedly theory. I have the feeling that next to him, I could lift mountains, and that nothing could ever stop us to do what we want!

But on the other hand, I don't want to hurt Blake or even less losing his friendship. The complicity we built over the years is something I cherish very deeply, but I just hope he'll understand the situation…

And before I could get lost even further into my profound questioning, a paw was gently shaking my shoulder. “We're home Vince!" Jude bent his head to kiss my cheek. Even if my mind was still preoccupied, I answered his affectionate gesture with a soft smile; then slowly unbuckled my belt and got out of the car. I, then, went behind the car, where Chuck left the trunk door opened for us and picked up my luggage.

'I'm sure he'll understand!' The tall wolf came next to me, picking his bag as well and started walking along me towards the house. 'He's a lovely guy and…' We stopped halfway to the house and exchanged a glare. '…I'm sure he'd love to do what we did with Chuck!'

“Shut up you mutt!" We both guffawed as I punched his shoulder and continued to walk towards the house; my mood considerably enlightened. We quickly walked inside my room, laughing and dropped our things on the floor, sitting on my bed as we were still chuckling. Sharing a passionate look, we kissed, the incredible sensation of our bonding immediately running down my spine.

“So…" Jude broke the kiss and looked at me with a huge smirk. “…who has the biggest…?" He quickly looked down and back at me, keeping his playful grin and patted his crotch. He laughed even harder when he saw my dumbfounded face and my highly arched eyebrow.

“You can't ask that!!" I said, still astonished by the question. “But let me check!" And before he could even reply, my hand was deep in his boxers, fingers playing with his sack; a gasp escaping the lupine's snout. After a good thirty seconds of measuring and teasing, I took off my hand and smirked. “You're slightly bigger Mister!" A proud grin crossed his face. “But…" I poked his bicep. “He's in a way better shape than you are!" It was my turn to laugh at his surprised reaction.

“You can't say I'm out of shape!" He somewhat pouted and lifted his shirt to look at his more than respectable abdominals.

“That's not what I said!" I giggled softly and rubbed his thigh; his eyes lifting once again to meet mines, his expression softening. “We both look like sardines next to him anyway!" We both agreed and shared a laugh.

“I'll add some muscles, if that's what you want!" He said as he laid back on my bed.

“That's not what I said!" I raised my hands in defense.

“But, that's what you meant!" He winked.

Touché…

------------------------------------------------------------

The sun had already set a while ago, the dinner eaten and the dishes cleaned; we were back into my room as I was preparing myself officialising my break with Blake…

“Everything is gonna be alright Vince!" The red wolf repeated for the hundredth time. “And remember that you only have to send me a text and I'll be there in no time to help you out!" He gently kissed me on the cheek.

“Thanks Jude, I hugely appreciate!" I returned the politeness. However, my mind was only thinking about the German Shepherd I called a couple of hours earlier; asking him to meet at our park, the one we loved so much to find a shelter so we could be alone together…

A last kiss to my tall friend and I left my room to head towards the exit. I waved to Chuck and my mother who were watching a movie, put my winter coat, my hat and boots and got out.

Stepping outside, I found out that the night was a bit warmer than I thought it would be, the soft snow practically melting under each of my steps as I was slowly walking to our rendezvous. I had decided to leave sooner, so Blake and I wouldn't had to walk side by side or at a short distance from the other, and also, because it would prepare me for the upcoming, well that's what I tried convincing me to believe.

Fifteen minutes later, my eyes lost in the most beautiful sky I've seen in a long while; enlightened by millions of shining stars, I turned the corner of the street leading to the park; which was located in a reclusive area of Brimfield. Walking past the park entry sign, I followed the few streetlights for a minute or two, before bifurcating on my left to continue my walk on an invisible path; gradually getting myself away from the lights. Recognizing the huge oak tree where Blake and I set our rendezvous, I took a deep breath and sighed and slowly walked to the hidden bench behind the tree.

“Evening Vince!" A dark figure said, making me jump and nearly scream like a little girl.

“Dammit Blake!" I easily recognized the shepherd's voice and folded my arms. “Wasn't expecting you so earlier!" I added, looking at my phone for the time it was.

“Sorry!" He said, getting up. “Wasn't my intention to scare you off!" He looked at me; his ears already flat on his head, the moonbeams making his eyes shining.

“It's okay Ake! Please, have a seat!" We both sat down on the bench, the silence immediately tensing the mood. Thinking I'd be the first one arriving at the meet spot, I didn't prepare anything to say or even a way to tell him it was over…

“So, you wanted us to meet here?" The big dog broke the train of my thoughts.

“Hum y-yeah… I…" I gabbled and looked away, a bit rattled. It took me a moment to gather the words I wanted to say before speaking.

------------------------Blake's POV---------------------------

'He'll be finally alone with me!' I subtly smiled to myself, thinking I could have been seen, but of course, only realised I was alone! 'I've missed him so much, but at the same time, I know he wanted us to meet so he'll break up with me…' I sighed, my ears and head dropping; my eyes to fall on myself. 'I ain't bad looking!' I alternatively flexed my biceps, admiring all the work I've put into the gym. 'And I'm smart!' I looked up at the moon as I was successfully able to cheer myself up.

But a little creak made me stop daydreaming for a second. Sniffing the air, I immediately tensed; he was there! 'Okay, stay cool Blake!' I was constantly repeating myself until I felt him getting just by the tree and took my biggest tone: ''Evening Vince!'' And couldn't contain myself laughing when he jumped in the air, but immediately felt bad when he put his scolding eyes on me… I couldn't stand this stare from him and went to apologize. ''So you wanted us to meet?''

He seemed to think about what he was going to say, but also, choosing the right words to tell me. I decided to help him. ''It's about Jude no?'' It was his turn to drop his eyes, took a big breath and raised an eye on me, softly nodding. ''Look Vince, I-''

''No Blake, YOU!...'' He really emphasized on the you, making my snout close in a split-second. ''…will listen to me!'' He seemed to think on what to say for a second again and raised his glare on me. 'Why is he so handsome…?' I just loved how intense he could be with only his eyes.

''Do you remember when we entered General Matters' office for the first time?'' I nodded, not seeing where he was going with that intro. ''He explained to us how the FHC was working…'' I raised my paw, making him stop talking.

''You've bond with him?!'' I asked, adding two plus two, but still wanted him to confirm.

''Yes!'' He dryly answered, looking away. ''But I'm sure you've done the same thing with Brody!'' His eyes immediately got back on me.

''I don't think so!'' I folded my arms, a bit taken aback. ''We're very good friends and he's way more friendly than what you think he is!''

''Maybe you're right!'' He scratched the back of his head, then the silence came back; needless to say it was a bit heavy. But Vince took another breath and looked into my eyes. ''I love him Blake!'' My shoulders dropped a little, but I already figured that a couple times ago. ''But, what about me?'' That was the question I was asking myself since the beginning.

''You?? Well, of course I still like you!'' I shook my head.

''That's not what I want to know?'' I firmly asked, but was getting a little scared by the upcoming answer. His shoulders dropped a bit.

''I would love to say that I both love you equally Blake, but that's impossible. That's not how things are made.'' I felt my eyes becoming fuzzy as tears were starting to obstruct my sight.

''B-but I still love you!!'' I wiped the tears away with the back of my paw and looked at Vince, looking for an answer; which never came. He looked at me, unable to say something, but his eyes were definitely trying to apologize, to reason me…

“I'm sorry…" He finally whispered, making me lose all the remaining hope I had as I collapsed on the bench. I raised my eyes one last time on the human my heart was still badly in love with and understood with those eyes that it was done. Hiding my face behind my two forearms, I just let everything go, bawling like I never did before; a sad howl soon following.

“Blake, I-“ He stepped towards me.

“JUST GO AWAY!!" I snapped back, snarling at him. He didn't need anything else to understand and excused himself before disappearing; leaving me completely alone.

------------------------Vince's POV---------------------------

In all my life, and I've been through a lot; I've never felt so cruel, insensitive and guilty. I was totally heartbroken and even worse as I could easily hear him cry far beyond the park's limits. My steps to get back home considerably slowed down as I looked at the sky, getting lost in my thoughts once again. I didn't know why, but looking at the stars during a troubling moment was somewhat soothing for me, finding a solution to every problem…

It took me a few extra steps to make my adrenaline flow go back to normal and realised that it was all but the end I wanted to have with Blake. He's just an adorable person and just didn't deserve all that at all!

Time seemed to fly by as I walked home, entering and not even daring to say a word to mom or Chuck and went to my room, finding a rapidly awakening red wolf.

“Jeez, that was fast!" He sat on the mattress and rubbed his eyes, before seeing my face. “Oh god what happened, you look horrible!?" He jumped, forgetting his tiredness and hugged me very tightly against him. I just buried my face into his soft chest and let all the pressure go, wrapping my arms around his waist as all the tears I could cry were ending on my wolf's fur…

And as I thought that things couldn't get worse, I heard both my mom and Chuck yell: “Happy New Year!!!" I looked up at Jude's eyes, my voice still affected by all the emotions. “Happy new year Jude!"

That made him laugh hard, tightening his embrace on me. “Happy new year Vince!" And with that he gently kissed my nose. At least, I could start the new year on a good note…

*********************************

“GOOD MORNING LADIES!!!" Chuck shouted and looked at us with the biggest grin ever. Vacations were over; and we could see it easily on everybody's face. Getting back on the early bird mode wasn't something easy to do on the first day back at the base, but we had to do it. I exchanged a look with Jude, knowing we wouldn't go to bed late tonight, probably like the rest of the group!

“HOPE YOUR BATTERIES ARE HITTING THE SKY, BECAUSE YOU'LL NEED IT!!" He continued shouting, his mood slowly affecting us as we quickly went on our stretching and jogging routine. Meanwhile, every five minutes or so, I couldn't help but glance towards Blake; the shepherd doing the same occasionally and of course, when our eyes were meeting, we were immediately looking away. It has been so since we took the bus that was driving us back to the camp.

''I think he still has something on his mind!'' Jude quietly said, while sitting next to me at the cafeteria. Everyone has been dismissed for lunch break and honestly it was time to get something to eat because nobody would have held the tempo with how Chuck made us run all around the place. ''He doesn't seem angry at neither one of us…'' He continued, still taking care of not talking too loud and dragging the other crew members' attention on us.

''I think so too!'' I nodded as I took a bite of my spaghetti. ''I think I should have a word with him later today.''

''Don't you think it's a bit early? Wouldn't it be like turning the knife in the wound?'' He asked, starting to cut his chicken breast; lazily dipping the piece into the brown sauce.

''In fact…'' I paused, sighing a bit. ''I think he's waiting for me to go towards him.'' And before Jude could open his snout, I pursued. ''He's way too shy to come and ask for privacy in front of other people and especially when you're around, now that everything is official between us!'' I took a long and slow sip of my apple juice can. I turned my glance towards the red wolf and offered him a gentle smile. ''I'll talk to him after dinner.''

''If that's what you want, I'm with you!'' He returned the affection and cautiously put a paw on my tight, softly rubbing it before going back to his meal.

''We didn't exactly leave the other in good terms; well not the way I wanted and probably not the way he wanted as well.''

''Ten minutes before afternoon training guys!'' Noah came and sat in front of Jude, offering us a huge grin; the rest of the break being the story of the grey wolf's holidays. Thankfully, his refreshing recital put us both in a pretty good mood for the rest of the afternoon.

*********************************

“Who would've thought that it was going to be one of the nicest days I've had on the base in the last couple years?" Chuck thought out loud, standing proudly in front of all of us, who were practically out of breath; catching it on their hands and knees or simply lying on their backs. Jude and I were no exceptions while the Rottweiler rested both his paws on his hips. “I'm proud of you all! You all belong here and I'm very happy of being your teacher! But that's all for today! Shower is not an option; you all stink very badly!" He laughed and dismissed us for the day.

After everyone gathered enough energy to get up, we all walked to the communal showers; some small talks were exchanged on the way on how hard that first day was. Since our crew started the training earlier, we also had the advantage to end sooner, which meant that we had the showers to ourselves; so no wait and awkward moments!  Naturally, Jude and I took place next to one another like every other partners; Blake going at the far opposite of my position next to Brody.

A minute or two passed as people took their shower, the fog rapidly intensifying; the hot shower feeling so great after spending a day sweating and giving all you have in your guts. “Is there a shower available ladies?" Chuck shouted, peeking his head inside the showers.

“There's one next to Jude sir!" Dalton, Noah's partner shouted back. As the burly dog made his way to the designated vacant spot, the uneasiness level seemed to go up a notch. That was the first time the Rottweiler was taking a shower with us. Chuck turned on the water and was acting like nothing was wrong.

“Any reason why you've decided to shower with us today?" I asked; the other nine people now interested in the upcoming captain's answer.

“Aren't we a team?" He questioned to everybody, but no reply came back. “Or maybe you're asking because you're all nervous that a superior is seeing you naked?" His back was now facing the ceramic wall, his heavy sack now free for every eye to watch and didn't seem to be shy about showing himself.

“Then why coming here now?" Jay, the horse, revived the question game.

“Oh! Only thought that it would solidify our chemistry!" A couple seconds seemed to go by with only the water hitting the tiles. “So who got laid during Christmas vacations?" The question surprised everybody, but got a good laugh from everyone.

“Ahh! Now we know why you're here!" Jay continued. “Hearing our stories about how we fuck pussies will probably make you jerk off tonight?" He laughed, all along with the other guys.

“He's got quite the dirty mind!" Wes, Jay's partner, added; making everybody laugh louder.

“I'm not that much of a twisted guy!" Chuck joined the laughter. “But I do like to get out of my comfort zone once in a while..!" I quickly caught the double meaning and glanced at him to find out he was already looking at me. He lightly smirked and winked at me which made me blush profusely; my eyes wandering down on his well-defined rump, memories of our little outing at the chalet still fresh in my mind. “Don't you agree Vince?"

The question took me completely off guard. Returning to my main duty, carefully watching the ceramic in front of me, I chuckled uneasily. “Y-yeah, of course Chuck!"

'He's way naughtier than I thought he was!' Jude looked at me and exchanged a knowing grin with me.

“Don't get me wrong guys, I do have my pussy too!" That crude comment made me cough while the 8 others were guffawing and Chuck added. “But have you ever tried or even thought about going the other way around?"  The question got to my brain, but I still couldn't conceive he talked about my mother like that!

“You mean with another guy?" Noah asked, seeming to take his time to rinse himself off.

“Why not!?" The buff Rottweiler nodded and turned around to face the wall. “Already tried couple times ago and honestly, it felt right!" Then for the next minute or so, people argued about having or not having sex with another guy.  He then turned the water off and started to walk away before saying. “Well if anyone needs to be cheered up or only have a chat, I'm always there for you guys!"

“Well… That was weird!" Jay said after the captain left the showers, everybody laughing once again. It took a couple minutes before everybody was out of the shower and making their own way to their rooms.

“Guess he really enjoyed that night with us!" Jude remarked as I closed our dorm's door.

“More than we actually thought in fact!" We both chuckled and I went to hold the red wolf's hips tightly against mines, before gently kissing his lips.

“Do you think that entire scene was an invitation?" He smiled after the kiss, his paws getting a good grip at my hips as well.

“So you think he put on a show only for us?" I rested my head on his chest, my hands softly rubbing his sides.

“He was probably asking to everybody, but in my humble opinion, he was aiming right for you!" I broke the embrace and looked directly into the tall lupine's eyes. “He succeeded so easily to catch your attention by talking about your mother, the only thing left for him was to send the invitation."

“You're sick!" I poked his stomach. “You don't even seem to care about it!" I walked away and sat on the edge of my bed.

“I think it's funny!" He joined me on the bed and licked my cheek. “He knows we're together, I just think he wants to have fun."

“As long as you're with me, I don't mind!" Before he could add anything, I pushed him down on the mattress. “So what do you think?" I grinned at him as I sat on his hips. It didn't take long until I felt his groin poking on my butt.

“I don't mind either! But for the first time, you should go alone, you know…" He placed his paws on my hips once again, his eyes filled with lust. “… to set things down."

“I won't do anything without you!" I let myself fall on top of him, eyes only getting inches away from his.

“Go see him tonight, you'll see by yourself!"

“Jeez! There's no way I can win with you on that!" I quickly pecked his nose. “Okay, I'll go see him tonight, but I swear nothing will happen!" He, then, pulled me tighter against him and smiled fondly.

“I know!" We both closed our eyes, our lips touching the others was the next thing our bodies felt and it seemed to last forever; the sensation was overwhelming.

“Think you're ready for a round?" I asked after breaking the kiss, my body already reacting to my lover's excitement.

“I always am!"

*********************************

And here I was again; walking alone towards Blake, lost in my thoughts. I was endlessly rehashing what I had said to him the first time. 'I was way too shaky and insensitive!' I concluded as I was following the corridor leading to the gym; where I knew he would be at this exact time of the day! And just as I was about to turn and cross the gym's door, I saw him standing next to the shakes bar's counter, chatting with the employee. We made eye contact and both modestly waved at each other, which was a positive sign!

I quickly went to the washrooms to fill my bottle which contained some pre-workout and quickly started my little routine. As I began my first Arnold-presses series, I couldn't help myself but looking at the Shepherd who was now warming up on the bench press. Though, I rapidly refocused myself on the exercise.

“So what brings you here Vince?" Blake sat on the bench next to me as I was dropping my weights on the rubber mat; his tone being quite posed and sincere; which was completely unexpected for me.

“Can't I come here for a little workout as well?" I instantly answered, maybe a bit too defensively, but still in good humor.

“Of course!" He lightly chuckled. “But you usually come later, not when I start my exercises!" He remarked and I couldn't help but feel caught! And from his reaction, I knew he knew that he got me! “So?" He insisted with a little smile.

“Okay!! I came to see how you were doing! But from what I can see, you seem to be going pretty well!"

“I'm indeed pretty relaxed right now. I'm in my element I have to say though!" He flexed his bicep and we both smiled. “But, honestly, I have my ups and downs Vince!" The conversation became suddenly very more serious. “I was afraid of the first time we would meet head to head again! I even thought about leaving when I saw you coming in!"

“Well, I'm glad you decided to stay, because I didn't really need that workout session. Chuck gave us the time of our lives!!" I tried to put the conversation into a more positive direction which seemed to success as Blake's smile crossed his lips once again.

“You're right! But I can't help coming here though!"

“I know that very well!" And we shared a real laugh. That sensation of hearing him laugh made me feel so good and more relaxed.  “And what about Jude?"  I risked myself as the funny moment was dying out.

“I don't have anything against him Vince!" He shook his head and looked at me with the corner of his eye; his mind seeming to be thinking about something. “You were the problem! I mean, we grew up together, we were best friends and at some point lovers…" He sighed loudly; his emotions were about to get the best of him, but I gently placed my hand on his shoulder; his eyes locked on mine.

“I know Blake and believe me, I'll never forget these times! You helped me going through so much in my life. You were always with me for the good and the bad moments and that's something so important for me!" I gently smiled; the words making the hefty dog crack a little smile.

“I just wish you find the good one! The one you'll bound with, like I did with Jude! It is simply amazing; the first time I touched him, it was like getting an electric discharge in every part of my body, unless that it was a pleasant feeling!" I remembered; my excited tone making Blake smile more towards the polite way of saying he didn't want to hear that.

“Maybe we should continue working out Vince!" The German shepherd suggested me; confirming at the same time my suppositions. I apologised and acquiesced to his offer as we started working out together.

A couple of sets were done without much being exchanged other than counting the reps. And from the way he was acting, I knew he had something on his mind and it was bugging him. “I know you're holding me back something Ake; I can tell by the way you're constantly scratching your hand!"

“Ehh…" He foolishly scratched the back of his head. “Yeah… I mean…" He paused again, his tail closed to be tucked between his legs. “I was thinking about how great your partnership with Jude seems so easy compared to mine…"

“What? You appeared to be such in good terms with Brody lately! Why are you saying that?"

“Well… first of all, I never got any close feelings as you in term of bonding with him; we're totally the opposite of the other. And secondly, he definitely hates you and that's pissing me off!" He clenched his teeth; hesitation had let his way to anger as his fur was slowly rising on his neck.

“Whoa! Calm down big boy! First you have to know that my hate for him is reciprocal even if I always try to be kind and friendly! But I'm still curious about in which way he's describing me." I wondered, looking rather intensely at the canine, both hands were resting on my hips as I was waiting for his reply.

“Most of the time it's negatively; he's complaining about how close you seem to be with Chuck, he's also always complaining about the fact everybody is kind with you…"

“So he's jealous of me then?"

“Hell yeah he is! What's weird though is that he is even talking about you when he's on his phone!" The last part made me look at him with a complete puzzled glare.

“You know who he's talking to?"

“You know I'm not the kind of dog who likes to know everything about everyone…" I nodded at that but I was still getting concerned. “ Though I think he talks to some member of his family since his grandad was sick a couple months ago…"

“But why he'd talk to his family about me? As far as I'm concerned, I don't know any members of his family…"

“I can't help you on that Vince!" The dog shrugged. “Well, maybe after the training, I can ask for another partner!" He brought the conversation back on the first topic.

“Maybe you could ask to repass the FHC test!" I suggested him; sparks in his eyes illuminating is once scowling appearance.

“That could be a great idea!!" He beamed, his tail wagging quite intensely. “I'll inform myself to General Matters! Thanks Vince!" He slightly chuckled, which could only make me giggle as well. Unconsciously though, my head turned towards the clock; my face instantly turning into a slightly panicked one, Blake quizzically looked at me.

“Time flew by so quickly! I gotta go Blake!" A last smile to the German shepherd and I started making my way towards the exit.

“Wait!! Why!?" I heard the disappointment in the big dog's voice.

“Sorry to leave you like that, but I have an appointment with someone in ten minutes!" I lied, which was something I hated doing to my friends, but I didn't want him inquiring more about it.

“Okay, I understand…" I turned myself again to see the shepherd coming my way. “Well, at least…" He walked next to me and before I could even react, Blake's arms were tightly shut around me. “I'm happy we can stay friends!" He tightened the hug a little bit before quickly releasing the embrace, his tail lightly wiggling.

“I am so glad you think that way Blake!" I warmly smiled at the canine and waved one last time at him before shouting at him and over my shoulder. “I'll see you soon big dog!"

*********************************

A bright grin was plastered on my face as I was silently walking through the corridors of the facility and a few steps later, outside towards the captains' quarters. That terrible feeling of getting away from one of your closest friends had vanished in a split-second when his toned arms clamped me. But that revelation about Brody was slightly darkening that pleasant reconciliation and to be honest it was a bit worrying.

So many questions unsolved were echoing in my mind but were cut short when I stopped to face the glass door, leading to Chuck's apartment. For a moment, I froze; not knowing what to talk about with the Rottweiler since he seemed to be the one wanting to tell me; but maybe it was also wishful thinking?

Shaking my head to clear my mind, I stepped inside the lobby and stopped in front of the buzzers from all the captains' rooms. Pressing on the number “14", I stood there for a couple of seconds before the intercom came to life. “Who's asking?" Was the frigid greeting I received.

''Private Filiatrault, captain!'' I answered, just as cold as I could be.

''Get in!'' And just as he was done speaking, the loud and annoying buzz of the main entrance door started ringing. I ran inside as fast as I can, so the noise would stop, then, climbed up the stairs to the third floor and stopped in front of the door. Knocking three times, I waited until Chuck yelled that it was unlocked, then got in, not really knowing what the burly dog had in mind by inviting me over.

“I'm glad you got my subtle invitation Vince!" The Rottweiler came to welcome me with two glasses of water in hand. To my surprise, he didn't seem in play mode since he was wearing boxers and not being in the buff like I imagined he would have been. I think he guessed that too because he started laughing when he saw my puzzled look I was giving him. “Well don't stand like that in the porch, come and have a seat, we need to talk!"

So I followed him to the living room and sat on the couch. Chuck, then, placed the glasses on the low table and also sat at a relatively comfortable distance from me, indicating me at the same time that he didn't have any intentions in having a round with me, which made me a bit more composed.

“Sorry for having to use such cheap words about your mom earlier, but I had to make sure that you get my intentions!" He said matter-of-factly as he had lean into the couch folder, his arms resting on top of it; his upper body entirely directed in my position. “And I'm also pleased you didn't think I wanted to get a go with you all of the sudden!" He chuckled then rapidly took a sip from his water so he couldn't see my “that's exactly what I thought you meant" face.

“Well I ain't such a dirty minded guy you know!" I nervously laughed and forced my best smile to him.

“I was the same at your age, don't worry!" He laughed louder and seemed to look comfortable again afterwards. “Though what I want to talk to you about is more serious and concerns you quite deeply." He affirmed while glaring right into my eyes, the ambiance drastically changing from a light to an oppressing one, his sudden seriousness taking me aback.

“Well, I think I might have an idea of what it is about since you've gotten way too serious…!" I scratched the back of my head and it was now my turn to take a sip from my drink.

“I had an emergency meeting during lunch break!" He acknowledged my supposition. “And we discussed it just before I got home thirty minutes ago, so I got to know more details." He slightly got closer to me, somehow fearing someone could hear us. “We actually have a 4-men squad tracking them down this very instant!" He said with a bit of gloom in his tone.

“Wow! That's good news no??" I jumped from the couch, my voice cracking with enthusiasm, but as soon as I look down at the Rottweiler, I knew it wasn't such good news. “What's the problem?" I asked as I sat back.

“They won't be caught that easily, you know that…"

------------------Change of view------------------

The night was pretty quiet in Chrastava; the air was cold and heavy, a sign that a good amount of snow was about to fall on the small northern town of Czech Republic. No one could be seen or heard in the distance as everyone was peacefully sleeping, in preparation for their upcoming day of usual work. In fact, only a small part of the town had its own throng going on which consisted of three small bars that could have been mistaken with taverns from their insalubrity. At this time of the night, only a handful of lone drunken locals were filling the places, some singing to old patriotic hymns, some sleeping on the counters or simply sitting alone at a table to deal with their misery.

However, two figures seemed to stand out of all of them, peacefully sitting around a small wooden table, slowly sipping to a Lehké beer. Installed in the middle of the place, they didn't seem to mind their surroundings, nor did they seem to bother the other men. They were still heavily coated, which indicated that they had recently gotten in. The barman, an imposing white tiger, seemed rather affable with the few ones who were still able to say something coherent.

“Targets located!" A voice whispered into his mic.

“Are you sure of that Alpha Team?" A louder and authoritative voice answered.

“Affirmative Captain! They are sitting in the middle of the Prašivý Pes Bar and having a beer." The same voice retorted, keeping the two men in sight.

“Can you confirm Charlie Team?" The captain asked without losing any precious seconds.

“Affirmative!" A feminine voice echoed in their headsets. “From my position, there is no doubt that these two are Mark and Xander! I just sent you a picture Captain!"

“Alright! I want you to capture and neutralize them. I want them ALIVE!" The captain barked in the mic. “But you can use force if necessary!"

“Rodger that!" Both teams confirmed the orders.

“So how do we approach them?" The same feminine voice wondered out loud in the mic so her three accomplices could also think about a plan.

“We will make them run into us!" Another said after a minute or two of quiet pondering. “Cobra, Vito, go for the back door and wait until they get out or for further explanations!" He commanded and the two teams started executing the plan.

“…so how are we gonna do this?" Xander muttered to Mark as they were about to finish their beers. They had been in the bar for about twenty minutes now; both of them had stripped off their coat and jacket to be more comfortable. “We're slowly running out of supplies and we're pretty damn low on ammos…" The Doberman lowly whined and pressed his head heavily against his palm, dully playing with his bottle with the other.

“For each problem, there is a solution!" Mark rationalised and emptied the rest of his beverage. “But for now, we just relax! Something we haven't been able to do a lot in the past years… Next round's on me!" The man then slowly got up and walked towards the bartender.

“AHOJ PAVEL!!" A guy shouted as he entered the bar and waved at the tiger who only raised his eyes as he'd have to deal with another drunken man.

“ 'Hoj Milan!" The feline flatly welcomed the customer as he watched him approach the counter. “I'm warning you, if you're only here to warm you off from the streets without buying something, I'll kick your ass off like the last time!" Pavel spoke to Milan in Czech with a deep voice, his finger pointing rather menacingly at the relatively small man. Meanwhile, Mark had been standing next to the bar, looking at the scene without much interest and was waiting for the barman to give him some attention to call his two beers.

“Oh no my tall friend, today is my lucky day!!" He resumed staggering to the bar and next to Mark while fidgeting to find something in his pocket. “I found this while I was on my way home!" He lifted as high as could a 500 Czech Koruna so everyone conscious enough could see. But something caught Mark's eyes on the paper, but wasn't sure enough to tell what it was; so he kept looking at the poor man.

“I bet you stole it from someone!" The tiger accused him. “You don't even have a home…"

“What do you know about that kitty? I do have a home, may not be big, but still!" Milan grumbled and put the money on the counter. “Gimme a bottle of Vodka please!" He asked and as Mark was about to inch closer to get a closer look at the paper, the tiger took it away, rapidly giving the Czech's change and the prized bottle at the same time.

“Drink and go, I don't want to clean you!" Pavel gritted his teeth and looked at the man with daggers in his eyes.

“Dekuji!" Milan simply thanked the barman and went to sit in a corner to drink on someone else's profit. Mark slowly watched the obvious homeless guy walk away and turned towards the white furred feline.

“Hopeless!" Pavel added before looking at the other man standing in front of him. “For you?" He asked with a thick English accent since he knew the human and the Doberman didn't really speak Czech.

“Two Lehké prosím!" He ordered, payed and thanked him, then waited a couple seconds to indicate the tiger he wasn't done. “Could I get a closer look at the paper your client just gave you?" He inquired and Pavel gave him a suspicious look. “Oh believe me, I won't steal it from you, I'm just not accustomed to Czech Koruna yet and I find them quite interesting!"

“Pretty boring for me, but okay!" The big feline returned to his cashier and took the 500 bill out to hand it over to the man. He stayed close to Mark so he could have a hand on him if he was trying to trick him, but he didn't. After a ten seconds inspection, the human gave back the paper to Pavel, thanked him for his kindness and went to sit back with his eternal acolyte.

“We're undercover Xan!" Mark calmly said after both of them took a long sip of their cold drink.

“You got that from the money bill?" The burly canine supposed after watching the scene from afar. “They were marked?" Mark only nodded at that.

“The marks were as fresh as a nun on Easter Day!" He sipped on his beer again, the remark making the dog crack a smile. “So that means they wanted to tell us that they are watching us this very instant…!" The man sighed and seemed to ponder on a way to escape.

“We really can't afford to compromise our mission now…" Xander severely said as he was also thinking about a way to escape.

“Damn, I hate to keep secrets!!" He carefully hit his fist on the table so he wouldn't draw too much attention from the other clients. “So they are definitely waiting for us to get out…" He finally said after a five minutes of silence between the two and got up. “I'll go to the toilet to see if we couldn't escape by a window."

“Alright, I'll keep thinking about a plan." They nodded to each other and Mark started walking towards the washrooms.

“We have movements here!" One of the squad members who were assigned to look at the front part of the bar said. “Seems like he's going towards the bathroom! Vito, Cobra, do we have any eyes from that location?"

“Negative Mikey!" Cobra, the only female of the group answered. “I'll go take a look and report." The elite soldier left her position which was about 50 feet away from the bar's back door and discreetly walked around the corner, making sure she couldn't be seen and rapidly scanned the walls for any possible ways out. After making sure everything was under control, she went back to her original position. “Scan completed Mikey, nobody could fit through that small window."

“Never underestimate them team!" Mac, the last crew member who was alongside Mikey, recalled. “Don't let your guard down!"

“Well even your fat ass couldn't fit in that little window!" Mark said as he went back to the table and took a sip from the Lehké.

“I have other things that are fatter than my ass you know!" The dog pouted and looked at his friend with a bored expression.

“Oh yeah I forgot your head could swell past your ass's size!" He laughed and slapped his companion's shoulder before finishing his Czech brew. “So…" He stopped laughing. “…I came up with a plan…"

“Alright everyone, they are both getting up, be ready to intervene at any moment!" Mac informed his two other teammates. They watched as they split up, Xander going for the main door while Mark went behind again.

“Vito, Cobra, you'll be facing Mark, he should come out very shortly." Mikey informed them and watched as the Doberman opened the door and walked out. “Xander is out, I repeat, Xander is out." The Doberman casually walked passed a couple of drunken locals who were gathered for a cigarette and moved forward, coming right in the soldiers' way. “He's coming right at us, what's the situation for you?"

“Nothing so f-“ Cobra was cut short when she heard glass shattering coming from the alley where the bathroom's window was. “I just heard something coming from the bathroom alley!"

“DON'T GO!" Mac softly shouted in the mic. “That's probably nothing, keep waiting! Xander turned right on a street 20 feet above us, we'll have to follow him!" At the same moment, another glass sound, softer this one occurred in the same direction where the first one had been heard.

“Second sound coming from the same place Mac, he's wiggling his way out, we're going!" Cobra said again as they got out of their guarding positions.

“NO! Stay there!" Mac ordered again.

“We're going!" Cobra retorted.

“Alright, fine! Keep us updated!" Mac finished and resumed following the canine.

“Only broken bottles in the alley guys, we're coming back!" Vito affirmed as they were already running back to their original positions.

“Fuck! Told you guys..!" Mac cursed under his breath.

“We're about to engage with the target, he's getting too far!" Mikey added a second later. What the squad didn't know is while Xander was walking away with the two soldiers behind his heels; Mark went behind to create a little diversion by breaking two bottles he had taken with him to the washrooms in the alley. He then came back in the main area and also got out by the main entrance and kept following the soldiers who were quite noticeable even in the dark night.

“Xander stopped walking!" Mac informed Vito and Cobra, making them abruptly stop in their tracks. “He turned and is now facing us, engagement is now eminent, we're on Turpišova street!"

“Change in plans!! Get both of your asses over here, we'll neutralize Xander first then we'll bait Mark out!" Mikey ordered and the two others acknowledged him, already rushing for their location.

“They only sent me two guys to stop me?" Xander barked and laughed at how he thought the U.S. Army was underestimating him, taking another confident step towards the soldiers.

“We don't want to harm you Xander! Don't resist and everything will be fine!" Mac retorted, the three men now being 15 feet away from each other.

“How laughable! You think we're all gonna walk back hands in hands to the U.S.?" The Doberman stopped and stood there, fearless.

“People have been looking for you guys for so many years alr-“ Mikey added, but was cut short as the canine started laughing uncontrollably.

“How pathetic! Stories never always end well! Goodnight gentlemen!" Xander turned around and started walking away from the two soldiers. Both were about to protest, but as they were about to make a step towards the dog, a hand grabbed a side of both heads and knocked them together quite strongly, bodies instantly falling unconscious at Mark's feet.

“Sorry guys…" The man apologized and briefly patted the soldiers shoulders then ran to his partner.

“We better get going, they called for back-ups a minute ago, they'll be there anytime soon!" They nodded to each other's and disappeared in the night as small snowflakes were starting to pierce through the skies and be reflected in the very few lampposts. When Cobra and Vito arrived thirty seconds later, the only thing they found were their partners lying down on the ground.

Ten minutes had passed since they successfully escaped; Mark and Xander still running in the smallest streets they could follow only to stop as they were about to get out of the village, hiding behind a small convenience store to catch their breath.

“We're are we heading now?" Xander asked as two minutes flew by. Mark was about to reply to the dog when phone rings broke the silence. Quickly looking around to see where it was coming from, they saw a small public phone about 75 feet away from them. Carefully approaching the machine that hadn't ceased to ring, Mark took the initiative to answer the call.

“Good escape guys! You undoubtedly had to!" A poised and strong voice said.

“Who are you and how did you find us?" Mark retorted, now fearing again that were being watched.

“I won't answer these questions, but you are safe for now! I was one of the guys who were supervising the mission to capture you. You both have gotten softer with time; you're starting to become a bit too careless concerning your mission! I hope the Pacifier made the good decision in recruiting you. We still have high expectations that haven't been met so far!"

“WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU?!?" Mark lost his cool and yelled; something that was quite unusual for him to do.

“Let's say I'm a friend. Oh and by the way Mark, I've heard that your son, Vince right? Well he has enlisted in the army and believe me, he will be coming for you with all he's got. Oh and by the way, you have a bus leaving for your next destination in Liberec in two hours, don't be late!" And the line cut. Mark who couldn't believe what he had just heard let the handset fall from his hand; his mouth agape and turned to the Doberman.

“What was that call?" Xander asked, worried about his friend's expression.

“Why did he do that…?" He desperately looked into the canine's eyes in hope for an answer.

“Who did what?" The imposing dog glanced back at Mark with an even more concerned look.

“My Vince is in the U.S. Army now…"

“Oh…"