“Stay With Me"

“Uhm, hey. Mister Moon?"

Johnny's voice caught Buster's attention, the koala turned to look at him as he came through the small crowd, carrying a bundle of papers, immediately he recognized it as the script of their next big show. It had been almost a year since “Out of this World" had made their little troupe stars on the Redshore strip, but with another season now under their belts, Suki as well as several of the higher-ups of the Majestic had suggested updating the program. Only this time, it was Johnny that was the headliner: A soulful dancer searching for love. He knew that Johnny wasn't entirely convinced of his dancing talent; but by far combining that with his other talents were eaten up by every audience. “Johnny? What is it?"

“I-I've been reading through this script and I am confused about this first dance sequence; it's a--a solo dance?"

“Yes! Exactly!" Buster replied excitedly. “Picture it, a shadowy dance by night. You expressing your passion, your true desire to be with the one you love. Slow, exotic movements choreographed to your song. Then, the spotlight hits you and your enthusiasm picks up, you begin to sing a soft, sad melodic song to try and win her heart. I mean when Gunter came up with that, I-I had goosebumps, literal chills up my spine!"

Johnny hesitated for a minute, his face burning with embarrassment. “Right...I guess I'll have to thank him for that later. So it's choreography then? I'm not gonna have to go to Mr. Kickenclobber again am I?"

“Unfortunately he's still employed by Mr. Crystal, so he's out. How about your cat friend? What was her name? Nooshy?"

“She's been gone for a few days. Visiting family I think, I don't know if she'll be back in time." He sighed. “What's the song again?"

“It'll be to Stay with Me, you familiar with that one?"

“Oh. Yeah sure I sang that for our first audition."

“That's right! I remember!" Buster chuckled and jokingly bopped the side of his own head. “Oh those were the days, weren't they?"

“They sure were." Johnny lamented.

Buster bounced back into his original pose. “Whelp! Then all you've got to do is come up with a captivating dance to sing to!"

“B-but? Me?"

“Sure, why not?"

Johnny was practically shaking now. “I've never done anything like this, and you want to try and have that done by--"

“Don't worry, you've got plenty of time!" Buster patted Johnny's hand.

“How much time, exactly?"

“We're going to need it locked in, in two weeks."

“Two weeks? On my own?"

“Look, Johnny. You've got to have a little confidence in yourself. You keep pushing yourself and you'll soon find out you've got no limits except for the ones you set yourself. If you haven't gotten anything this weekend we will check to see if we can find someone for you, alright?"

“I'll...I'll try, Mr. Moon." Johnny replied.

“Atta boy. And we'll be here to back you up, one hundred percent."

“Alright. Thanks for the talk, Mr. Moon. I'm just nervous about making a fool out of myself come opening--night?" He looked and noticed that in the rush of things, Buster had vanished, leaving Johnny to the crowded construction zone.

“You can handle this Johnny, you gotta be more self confident, Johnny..." Johnny spoke to himself as he made his way toward the back of the sound stage in an idle, wandering walk that even he wasn't sure where he was going. “I mean, romance? A fool for love? Who am I kidding? I've never really even fancied someone that much before." He breathed out deep, letting the sigh filter through his lips in a long exhale. He ran his hand through his peaked hair and brushed it back, his hand following along the thick of his neck to the base. “And I don't even got a trainer for this."

As he reached the end of a dark corridor, a soft blue light coming through one of the doors caught Johnny's attention. Curious, he made his way toward the door and pushed it open to reveal a brightly lit stage. Someone must have left one of the stage lights on and it was brightly illuminating a spot on the stage. He peered back over his shoulder to see that there was no one nearby, he looked into the sound stage and saw that no one was there before moving inside. “Hello?" He asked aloud, his voice echoing as he made his way onto the stage. “Is...is someone there?"

“Oop! There we go." He heard a voice from above him and looked up to see a giraffe working on the stage light before turning it off. “Oh hey. Did you say something?"

“Yeah! I was wondering if anyone was using this stage for anything?"

“Using the stage? Oh, no I don't think it's booked for anything. We're just doing a few repairs to the lights."

Johnny silently thanked his luck to find a secluded place he might be able to practice. “Oh, great. Great. Say you don't think I could use this place for a couple hours, do you? I got this big part coming up and--"

“Hey. I'm not exactly the boss around here, so I shouldn't be the one you need to ask..." The giraffe looked around. “But it's not going to be used for at least the next hour or so, so I don't see a problem in letting you use it."

“Really? Thanks I mean, you'd be helping me out a ton."

“Sure. Just don't forget to lock up when you go."

“Think you could do me a favor and turn on that blue spot again? It might help set the mood."

“Sure thing boss." The giraffe smiled and as he walked past toward the stage door, he flicked on a switch, illuminating the blue bulb again.

As he left the room, Johnny looked out into the pitch black auditorium, squinting his eyes as if to check and make sure he was really alone. He made his way to the audio setup off the stage's other side and pulled out his iPod to connect to it. He exhaled slowly and queued up the music, allowing the song to come through the speakers and hit 'Play' before making his way back to the center.

“Guess it's true I'm not good at a one night stand--" Johnny heard the music echoing through his head as he closed his eyes and slowly began to sway to it. He tried to imagine a slow, sweeping dance. “But I still need love, because I'm just a man--These nights never seem to go to plan. I don't want you to leave, will you hold my hand?"

As the chorus began to sweep up he began to sing along to it; softly at first then he began to sing louder. “Oh won't you stay with me? Cause you're all I need? This ain't love it's clear to see--so darlin' stay with me?" Getting caught up in the moment, Johnny brought his back leg forward too fast and tangled it over the foreleg, causing him to stumble and fall to his feet. “Nnh! Dammit!" He grunted as he rubbed his calf. “No, no this is all wrong."

“Johnny?" A voice from the back of the auditorium caught his attention. He squinted and made out a familiar looking shape moving toward him. It was Ryan, as his face came into view, he bore the expression of concern for the gorilla. “What are you doing in here?"

“Ryan? I'd ask the same thing."

Ryan smirked. “I think I asked you first."

“I'm tryin' to come up with a routine for our next show. I'm supposed to sing and dance to this song but I don't have a trainer or a choreographer and I'm supposed to get this done in two weeks and--"

“Whoa whoa, calm down man. He said as he placed a palm onto the stage and hopped up effortlessly. “It's okay."

“How'd you find me, anyway?"

Ryan shrugged. “Well I happened to be walking by and I could hear you singing, so I got curious."

Johnny turned off the music. “Oh."

“But if you're needing some help, I mean I could help. I've had a few years experience as a dancer, you know. What's the motive?"

“Love." Johnny answered somewhat shyly. “I mean it's about my character finding love and wanting to win it over. It's all very early I don't even know if there's a part for that side of it or anything. I don't even know if it works. I just know I gotta dance to try and win someone over--"

“Knowing you I bet it would work." Ryan said.

“What?"

Ryan smiled and shook his head. “Look, let's try this again. If you'd like I can lead you--"

“It's a solo piece, no partner."

Ryan had moved behind Johnny, his hands resting on the gorilla's hips. “That's okay, I can be your shadow. I'll help you move."

Johnny was flustered, he'd never expected the tiger to move so confidently. His cheeks were burning and he wasn't really sure why. “Uhm...sure, fine...I guess." He said as he reached his finger to the play button.

“Now move as I do..."

Johnny nodded his head as the lyrics started. He sang and closed his eyes. “Guess it's true, I'm not good at a one night stand--" He felt Ryan's hands slide up his back and down his arm, the tiger moved slowly, prompting Johnny to follow his motions. “But I still need love, 'cause I'm just a man..." Ryan's hands slid down again, gripping Johnny's hips and moving them with his own. “These nights never seem to go to plan. I don't want you to leave, will you hold my hand?" He felt Ryan's digits slip in between his, and almost like a puppet, Ryan moved Johnny's arms out and back in, swaying in a slow, rhythmic pattern. “Oh, won't you, stay with me? 'Cause you're all I need? This ain't love, it's clear to see--but darling, stay with me?"

It was then that Ryan pulled away from Johnny, stretching out as the gorilla held onto his paw, it had become a dance. Ryan saw the confusion on his face and smiled. “Remember, I am your shadow, follow my lead. Seek the love you're trying to find..."

Johnny felt Ryan pull him in again and again the feline was against his back. Together they swept low and then Ryan pulled him upright again. Taking his other hand, Ryan reached across Johnny's chest and pulled him close before slowly turning him. “Close your eyes, feel the movement, pretend I'm not here and just dance..."

Johnny could hear the tiger purring in his ear, a soft, gentle voice whispering him to continue made him blush as he closed his eyes and slowly fell into the dance. “Oh, won't you, stay with me?" He heard Ryan sing softly. “'Cause you're all I need? This ain't love it's clear to see, but darlin' stay with me?"

It was right then at that moment that Johnny's foot moved to the side, only to find nothing underneath it when he put it down. In a cry of shock, he let out an audible shout and he started to fall backwards. Ryan quickly grabbed ahold of him, but even his strength wasn't enough to stop an unstoppable falling gorilla and both clambered off the stage and into the pit below with a loud crash.

“Johnny? Johnny!" Ryan shouted in shock and surprise as the gorilla slowly opened his eyes. “Oh thank god you're okay." He breathed a sigh of relief.

“Course I'm okay. I'm thick enough that a little fall like that I hardly felt a thing."

Both of them shared a chuckle before Johnny realized that Ryan had actually landed on top of him, and they were laying practically nose to nose. His face went red as he felt the tiger's hands grip his sides ever so slightly. The tiger's tail giving a slow sway above them. “Wh-what...erm...what is this?" He asked.

The tiger's eyes had gone from worried to a confident smile in seconds. “What do you think it is?"

“I--uhm..."

Johnny wasn't even able to finish that thought, when he saw the ravenous look in Ryan's face and pressed his lips forward for a kiss. Johnny's eyes grew wide for a moment, and just as suddenly, they melted to a close as he returned the kiss. He inhaled sharply, the scent of arousal washing over him as their tongues crossed. He opened his eyes and watched Ryan's whiskers twitch and as quickly as their lips came together, he slowly pulled them apart. Ryan too looked like he was blushing as he rested on the gorilla's chest. “That...was nice, I've wanted to do that for a while."

Johnny was speechless for a moment. “I..." He paused.

Ryan noticed the expression that appeared on Johnny's face. “Johnny? What's wrong?"

Johnny tried to speak normally, but his breathless words came across weak. “I...think I need an ambulance..."

Everything seemed like a blur to Ryan as he went rushing through the theater. “Help! Help!" He shouted at the top of his lungs, sure that no one could hear him. Even when he ran into the theater crew, Buster Moon and all those that gathered, he was shaking so badly he didn't know what to say. Then the frantic dialing to 911 following their return to the unconscious Johnny's side. Everyone had gathered, enough where the local medical team had to force everyone to stay back and clear the air for the gorilla, whose breathing was shallow. His limp form covering the floor of the stage pit where they had fallen together.

He was still in shock; things had gone from wonderful to bad in a second, and as the ambulance crew had arrived and wrapped a brace around Johnny's neck, strapped him to the gurney and lifted him up into the ambulance, the tiger could feel tears welling in his eyes. He shook them clear, tigers didn't cry. They conquered. But as soon as the crew started asking him what happened, he began to break down again. Rosita and Buster were the voices of reason, asking the rest to give him some space too and that they would reconvene at the hospital to find out what had happened to their friend.

“So...did you want to fill us in?" Buster asked, peering through the rear view mirror of the van as they headed down the dark, nearly empty street.

Ryan had been distracted and poked his head up. “Hm?" He sounded off before realizing what he'd said. “Oh... I was...we were...going through a routine for his show." He said. He subconsciously hugged himself slightly, running his hands up and down his arms as he turned his gaze away. “We got a little carried away and he slipped off the stage--I tried to grab him, I wanted to pull him back up on the stage, but he was too heavy and we both fell..."

“Ryan you need to be thankful, both of you could have been seriously hurt. Or worse." Rosita put a hand gently on the back of Ryan's and squeezed gently. “He'll be okay. He's resilient like that."

Ash had been sitting quietly for the trip so far, listening to Ryan's explanation and scoffed, prompting Rosita to look at her. “Oh come on. It could have been worse? From where I'm standing it's pretty bad as it is. Why the heck did you get involved? You're not part of our crew. You don't even work at the Majestic. You're still employed by Crystal, aren't you?"

“Ash, I don't think now's the time for--"

“Why not?!" She shouted, her quills quivering along with her temper. “For all we know, he was sent here to sabotage the show for his boss! Did it feel good? Huh? Pushing Johnny off that stage like that?"

“Wha--" Ryan was taken aback by this sudden attack. His look of shock apparent to everyone but Ash who punched her hand against the inside wall of the van. “Wait! I would never...!"

“And what's he doing in here anyway Moon? Did his boo-hoo sob story fake you out too? I just need one shred of evidence of what you did you son of a--"

“ASH STOP IT!" Buster's voice exploded in an uncharacteristic shout that immediately silenced the rest of the car. “We're under a lot of pain, under a lot of stress right now. Look, I don't know what happened any more than you do. But I am not going to have you of all people accusing someone of trying to sabotage us. Do you understand?"

“But he--"

“Do. You. Understand?" Buster repeated himself, this time with more authority in his voice.

Ash fell silent and leaned back against the seat as the rest of the crew fell quiet. All that they heard for the rest of the journey was the soft sounds of the road under the van and the passing cars of late night traffic.

Once they arrived, the group made their way inside. Meena and her beau Alfonso were already there. So were Mrs. Crawley and Gunter. As they noticed the crew walk in, Mrs. Crawley stood up.

“Anything yet?"

“N-no sir. Not yet." The lizard stammered. “They said they won't be talking to any of us until they've talked with his family first.

“And is Big Daddy here?"

“Is Big Daddy here?" A gruff voice repeated as Buster and the others turned to see the big gorilla walking down the dark corridor. “Yeah he's here and he's pretty pissed off that this happened...how did it happen?"

Clay Calloway was also walking toward them from the same direction, a flimsy paper cup in his claws as he took a sip of the liquid inside and shuddered. “Hospital coffee tastes like sewage in a cup. But it keeps you awake." He admitted.

“Clay!" Ash exclaimed as she ran up and gave him an unexpected hug. “I'm glad you came."

“Mmph." Clay grunted and patted her head. “Fifteen years of solitude and I'm still a little rusty on the greetings here." He said. “So what happened?"

“Apparently he was practicing a routine and he fell off the stage." Buster explained; Ryan breathed a sigh of relief that the koala didn't just throw him under the bus. “They haven't spoken with you yet?"

“Apparently he's bein' examined. They'll let us know when they got some answers." He crossed his arms and grimaced at Buster. “Frankly speaking I'm angry with you for letting this happen."

“Letting? No-no sir...not at all. This was a complete and total accident! I will get with the Majestic as soon as possible and make sure Johnny's medical bills get covered by this--I swear!"

The frustrated growl of rage was unmistakable as Big Daddy glared at Moon. “You better, or I'm gonna take it out of your hide--"

“W-wait. No if anything happens that they can't cover I'll help cover it." Ryan stepped in the way. He swallowed. “I--I was the one responsible for Johnny falling."

“WHAT?" The ape turned his glare at Ryan. “And who are you?!"

“I'm a friend of Johnny's. We were dance partners for Out of this World and I was helping him with his routine. But he'd stepped off the stage by accident. I tried to catch him, I really--really tried but he was too heavy...and..."

Big Daddy's expression lightened some; now he just looked plain exhausted as he ran his hand over his face. “Alright, alright kid. Don't fret about nothin' I don't need you crying over this. I'm glad you stepped up, but right now I am just so mad I can't even deal with it..."

It was then that he noticed one of the doctors enter the room and the rest of the crew followed his gaze to look at the gazelle who was looking over a series of charts and papers as she approached. “Okay... you're Johnny's father right?"

“Please tell me straight doc. Is my son alright?" Big Daddy's fists continued to clench and release as he waited for the news.

“Johnny's vitals have stabilized and he's been admitted to one of our care units for observation. I recommend keeping him on a few days. But he hasn't woken up yet." She looked at the rest of the group. “Should we continue this someplace more...private?"

“There's nothin you can't say to me that can't be said in front of this lot." Big Daddy replied.

The gazelle sighed and adjusted her wire frame glasses. “Okay, the damage could have been a lot worse, but it was still pretty extensive, preliminary tests showed he had some severe bruising between his shoulder blades, a tendon strained near his clavicle...his...collarbone. His right arm was dislocated and he had two broken ribs from the fall. Thankfully his friend here was quick in reporting this to get medics on the scene as fast as possible, he'd lost consciousness from the impact and lack of airflow. It could have been life or death within minutes."

“How is he?" Rosita asked.

“As I said, he's stabilized. But he is still unconscious. I can allow family to see him, if you have anyone else you'd like to call?"

Big Daddy looked around the room at the group and smiled softly. “You're lookin' at his family." He said.

The nurse insisted on no more than two at a time to visit; first was Big Daddy and Buster, then Ash and Mrs. Crawley, then Gunter and Rosita and Clay had visited on his own. The felines passed one another in the hallway and the lion placed a comforting paw on Ryan's shoulder as he stepped into the room. The sound of the heart monitor was both comforting and unnerving at the same time as he approached the unconscious gorilla in the bed. Johnny's hand was resting in the center of his chest and Ryan frowned as he looked over him.

“Oh man, Johnny... I am sorry..." He said softly as he rested a hand on Johnny's. “I-I didn't mean to..." He sighed. “I didn't mean for this to happen, I mean it was not how I imagined our first kiss going..." He glanced behind him, just to check and make sure no one was in the doorway. “I thought helping you was the perfect time...I've been wanting to talk to you about it for the longest time and--" He was tearing up, and he didn't even mean to. He didn't expect to get this emotional, but seeing Johnny not even responding to him. He squeezed Johnny's fingers tighter. “Damn it... I can't even apologize properly. What is wrong with me? I put you in here. You have to get better, please you have to wake up..."

Ryan felt a gentle squeeze back from Johnny's hand, he watched the gorilla's face contort slightly and he mumbled something before falling still again. “Can you hear me?" He asked. “Johnny?" It was no use, Johnny was out again, Ryan patted the gorilla's hand. “It's okay... it's okay, you'll be okay. But what are you going to say to me I wonder?"

He sighed and walked to one of the cushioned chairs near the door to the room and he sat down. Slowly, the lull sound of the heartbeat monitor, concussed by the hiss of the oxygen machine feeding into him was enough, and after fighting eye-flutter for a few minutes, Ryan's eyes slowly fell closed.

It felt like it was about five seconds before Ryan heard the sound of the room's door being opened and he jerked awake; suddenly realizing that it was morning, an early morning light was filling the hospital room through the closed blinds on the opposite wall and he staggered to his feet immediately as another familiar face poked through the door's small opening.

“Hello? Anybody here?"

Ryan recognized the wolf immediately, shaking off the drowsiness he blinked. “Porsha Crystal?"

“Oh! Hey!" She said cheerfully. “I thought everybody went home, what are you still doing here?"

Ryan looked at the chair, and then could suddenly feel the strain of sitting in one position for hours in the small of his back as he stretched his backside a bit. “Mmm! I must have fallen asleep. Guess I was more tired than I realized."

Porsha stepped into the room, she was dressed in a bright pink jacket, a green shirt underneath and a pair of tight blue jeans that looked like they were painted onto her legs, as usual, she had a big smile on her face, which then shifted to confusion as she looked Ryan over “I see--and...you are?"

“Oh, we've met a couple times. I'm Ryan, I'm one of the performers at Mr. Crystal's hotel. Or...I guess I was..."

“Oh! Okay. I loved your crew during the show, you all danced so well. You should come back."

“Hah...well, erm...thanks." He said.

“How's the big ape doing?" She asked.

Ryan looked at Johnny and let out a sigh. “No change so far." He said.

“You look so tired." Porsha said. “I know! Let's go out for some coffee! I could use a good burst of energy, you know..."

Ryan's confusion continued. “You--you could?"

Porsha giggled and grabbed Ryan's hand. “Yeah! Come on. I want to introduce you to my favorite drink, and who knows? Johnny might even be awake by the time we get back!"

Ryan didn't argue, he couldn't argue with how Porsha tugged on his arm, he practically felt his feet leave the floor as she raced him toward the elevators. It was the first time in hours that he could use a pick-me-up.

Johnny could feel his body tingling as he woke again, he inhaled sharply as he turned his head to the side before noticing a strange tickling in his nostrils. As he opened his eyes he could see the plastic wings of something against his nose, confused he looked up to see his father over him. “Dad?" He asked in surprise as Big Daddy embraced him.

“There's my son! Awake at last!" He exclaimed.

“Whmmmph?" Johnny tried to reply but was muffled by his dad's large shoulder until he pulled away. “What happened I--nnh!" It was then that he noticed the pain in his arm. “Ahh jeez it wasn't a dream?"

“You had us worried." Buster said, leaning in. “How are you feeling?"

Johnny's eyes scanned the room, and he realized most of his friends were present. “Mister Moon? Ash? Miss. Crawley? Oh man I feel like I'm on display now. What're you all doin' here?" Looking around more thoroughly he realized. “What am I doin' in the hospital?"

“You don't remember?" Ash asked. “You fell off stage. Ryan said he was practicing with you and you slipped--"

“Ryan? Where's Ryan at?" He looked around, but found the tiger was nowhere to be seen.

Just then, the gazelle walked in, tilting her glasses back. “Okay, okay. Let's give him some room now that he's awake. Marcus, you may stay with your son but everyone else let's clear the room a little."

As the group departed, Big Daddy took to the side to watch as the doctor examined Johnny. “How are you feeling?" She asked.

“I'm alright... little achy, a little confused but...uahhh." His mouth was forced open by the doctor who shined a light in, then moved to his ears and his eyes.

“Do you know who you are? What happened?"

“Of course I know who I am, I'm still piecing everything else together." Johnny answered. “But I remember falling, and hitting the ground and Ryan--" His voice trailed off as he remembered the brief kiss. The thought made him blush.

“Ryan what?" Big Daddy asked.

“He--he was worried about me...took me a minute to realize I was hurt and then nothin' until I woke up just now."

Big Daddy had a pensive look in his eye, he quirked an eyebrow. “You okay? You don't seem to be tellin' me everything." Johnny looked at him. “I'm your father, I can tell when my boy is hiding something from me, eh?"

“Dad. I'm not hiding anything from you. That's the way it went down."

“Your vitals are strong, but your heart rate is a little elevated." The doctor interrupted as she grazed the stethoscope along Johnny's chest. “Must have been an oddity because it's coming back down."

***

“So tell me, tell me. What's it like to work for that stick-in-the-mud Klaus Kickenclobber?" Porsha asked as Ryan returned with her triple-chocolate mocha frappucino with extra fudge and whipped cream.

He sat down across from her with his large glass of hot tea and stared into it, watching his reflection ripple before picking up the drink and taking a sip. “You know, so much stuff goes around about him, but he's not a half-bad teacher. He has a habit of breaking down self confidence in some people, but he can build it up just as effectively. You know?"

“I've always heard he was a Class-A jerk." She replied without batting an eye. “But his students are the best in the business according to my daddy."

Taking a sip, Ryan lowered his cup and smirked at the wolf. “Gee, thanks." He said.

“Look, I know you've got better things to do than hang out with the best looking girl in the city an' all, but I couldn't watch you linger in that hospital room all down and depressed. Your boyfriend's gonna be fine."

Ryan gagged on his mouthful of tea and turned his head just in case his reflex spit take would escape. Thankfully it didn't and he swallowed the hot liquid in an audible gulp. When he looked back at her, Porsha had an all-too-pleased smirk on her face. “What--what are you talking about?" He asked, trying to regain his composure.

“Oh you don't have to keep it from me. I may be sheltered, spoiled, a little bit of a brat, maybe a little naive sometimes. But trust me, in this business I've developed a sort of sixth sense." She paused as Ryan took another gentle sip, avoiding her eye contact. “Plus I caught some of your guys' dance and you were touching places like you knew what you were doing..." Again, Ryan avoided a spit and swallowed hard. “Are--are you going to keep doing that? Or are we going to need to get you a straw to drink through?"

Ryan put his drink down and grabbed Porsha's hands, clutching them between his paws. “Porsha, please. Please! Don't tell anyone!" He begged. “I don't know how his dad would react to a gay tiger kissing his only son...I...I don't even know how Johnny's going to react when he wakes up. He didn't really have time to process that before he lost consciousness...fuck--it was stupid of me to do that..."

“You kissed him?" Porsha let out an audible gasp for joy, her eyes widening. “OH. MY. GOSH. I can't believe it!"

“Uuugh..." Ryan groaned and dropped his forehead to the table, it collided with a dull thud that shook the drink cups sitting on it. “What am I going to do?"

“You're going to stop feeling sorry for yourself to start with."

Ryan looked up at Porsha, his body still slumped across the table. She had a stern look on her face, but somehow her eyes fell softly on him. “What are you talking about?"

“You. You big dunce." She said as she grabbed his shoulders and sat him upright. “Look, you like the big gorilla, right?"

“Y-yeah." He stammered.

“So you show him. You go home, take a shower because you're getting a little ripe; no offense, that's my sharp wolf nose talking. You are going to dress up really nice. You are going to march straight over to that hospital, and you are going to talk to him about it, you are gonna show him you care. And you aren't going to be ashamed of your feelings!"

“Yeah?" Ryan replied insecurely, to which Porsha gave him a stern nod. “But what if I'm fooling myself? What if he isn't gay and he hates me for kissing him? What if he told his dad and I am pummeled into orange juice pulp?"

“Eck. Nobody wants that." Porsha said jokingly. “Look, neither of us have known Johnny that long, but he seems really sweet. Even if he doesn't like ya back I don't think he'll hold it against you."

“Really?" He paused. “O-okay. I'll do it. Thanks Porsha."

“Anytime!"

As Ryan made his way out the doors of the cafe, he groaned and rested against them for a moment with a sigh. “But I'd like him to hold it against me." He pondered aloud at that double entendre.

Ryan was a short bus ride from his apartment, which was only a few blocks from the Crystal Tower. It made it convenient for him to travel there by foot or by bike and he'd found a pretty good deal on a small studio apartment. On his way, he kept on thinking over the night before, holding Johnny close to him, feeling the gorilla's fur between his fingers as he moved them gently along his arms; that sway of their hips together, it was almost too much for the tiger to handle. Johnny had kissed him back, and he found himself wanting more. By the time he reached his apartment, Ryan found himself needing to grab a cold shower. He wouldn't be able to walk upright otherwise.

He entered the apartment and began to peel his clothes off as he took his phone out to check for messages. Casually deleting them as he stepped out of his pants and walked into the bathroom in only a pair of dark blue boxer shorts and his tanktop, which were swiftly discarded to the hamper as well. As he turned on the shower, he noticed one message had come in from Buster Moon and he picked it up. News through his voicemail that Johnny was awake and doing well brought tears to Ryan's eyes and as he stepped into the shower, he began to sob out of relief that Johnny was better. The worst day of his life had finally started to feel a little better.

He put his hands to the back wall of the shower and let the jets pour over his hurting muscles. He'd been so stressed out that he didn't even realize he too hadn't really slept much in the last ten or twelve hours. He trembled at the thought that Johnny might turn him down, but was hopeful that their friendship wasn't tarnished by what he'd done.

***

“So...what about the show?" Johnny asked Buster as he pulled the tray of food toward himself and began to dig into the mashed potatoes. He took a bite and recoiled a little; they were a little watery, and the macaroni and cheese in the dish next to it looked congealed and cold. But he was absolutely starving and began to eat from the dishes ravenously. “I mean we can't afford to put it on hold for six weeks until I'm back to normal can we?"

“You just let me worry about that." Buster said. “Remember, Gunter had plenty of concepts we can use in the meantime to replace the planet of war. And as far as the next project goes, we're still writing it. It'll be done in time for you to properly let your star shine." He smiled.

Johnny blushed. “Thanks... Mister Moon..."

“You know, you could call me Buster. You don't have to be so formal."

“Thanks. It just doesn't feel right to call you anything else--but I'll work on it." He smiled as he stuck his fork into the thick slab of Salsbury Steak and lifted it on the plate. “Oh man, what is this? Looks like the hospital ran this thing through the crematorium." He laughed as the soggy slab of meat slapped against its plate.

“Say I could take that off ya plate if you're not gonna eat it." Big Daddy said with a grin.

Johnny sighed in defeat. “Go on and take it then." He said and instantly the gorilla snapped the meat off his plate.

“You know, I could always help you with the Jello." Ash suggested, reaching for the jiggly green substance.

Johnny quickly slid the cup away from her. “Hey, hey. You don't mess with the best part." He said with a laugh. “That's mine, thank you."

“So, Johnny, I had a question." Big Daddy said, already having slammed through his steak. “I understand the back and shoulder injuries from your fall, but I'm a little confused by the ribs, how'd they get cracked?"

Johnny picked up a spoon of his jello and responded without thought. “Must have happened when Ryan landed on top of me."

Big Daddy's eyes widened. “Landed on top of you?"

Johnny swallowed without chewing any part of the desert and noted the concern in his father's eyes. “Mmmh. Yeah. When I slipped, Ryan tried to grab me but I was too heavy and I dragged us both off the stage."

“And how is it he was so close to you to grab you anyway?"

“He was helping me with my dance, why are you getting so aggressive with your questions, dad?"

“Because I am worried he might've tried to hurt you. That's why!"

“Well don't worry! Because he'd never hurt me. He's the kindest, most gentle person I've met in Redshore, he was only trying to help and it just sorta backfired."

Big Daddy gave a sigh of frustration. “So? How long you two been havin' it off then?"

Johnny suddenly threw his hands back. “Oh, dad! What the hell?" He shouted. “Why would you even think that?"

“Having...what off? Huh?" Buster looked confused as Ash grabbed his hand.

“Okay, come on. Moon. I think we're going to give these two a little time alone."

Buster's confusion didn't fade as he was led out the door, which closed quietly behind them. Big Daddy looked at his son with a stern look on his face. “Look, I was young too. Before  I met your mum I wasn't exactly the first fish in the pond if ya get me."

“Dad. Dad, I don't want to know about your sexcapades. No, Ryan and I aren't doing that." He paused for a moment. “Actually I'm surprised you'd think that of me without half a thought."

Big Daddy gave a half-hearted shrug. “Well. Ya know, you're my son."

Johnny smiled. “Dad."

The two hugged, and slowly the big ape released him. “So...you ain't, are ya?"

Just as Johnny was about to answer, the  sound of the door opening caught their attention and they turned to see Ryan in the doorway;

Ryan was dressed in a suede blue jacket and black v-neck shirt underneath that really slimmed his appearance some. He had a pair of faded blue jeans and a pair of black accented Chucks on his feet. As the trio's gazes met, Ryan cleared his throat. “Hey." He said.

Johnny couldn't help but smile at the tiger. “Hey, glad you made it."

Big Daddy could sense the tension in the room and rubbed his son's head. “Well, guess that's my cue to skedaddle. I gotta go check in with the boys anyway." He looked sternly at Ryan as he approached, then gently planted his hand on the man's shoulder as he left without another word.

“You're awake."

Ryan's observation filled the void of silence that filled the room after Big Daddy had left. The tiger's tail swished a little bit as he simply gazed at the gorilla. He hadn't even realized that they had put Johnny into a hospital gown and all of a sudden those feelings of worry and guilt just hit him like a brick. He had to pause for a moment and put a hand over his face to keep himself from fainting. It was so far the most relieved he'd felt all day, and the flood of it nearly sent him to the floor.

“Are you all right? We're in a hospital, if you need someone to come in and check on you--"

Ryan let out a chuckle and sniffled a little. “I'm fine, you big dummy." He said.

“Well that's more than I can say." Johnny laughed, then winced as his ribs reminded him why he should be lying down more. “Ouch..."

“Johnny, I am so sorry this happened. I should have been watching and--"

“You kissed me." Johnny said, suddenly stopping Ryan's rant before it even started.

His face started to burn and Ryan approached the bed, sliding his hands into his pocket. “Yeah...about that..." He hadn't expected the elephant in the room to come up so suddenly. “It was a spur of the moment thing, I didn't even know you got hurt. I shouldn't have done that without warning and--"

Johnny shook his head. “No, no I mean... I get it. I kinda figured you were into guys. But-why me?"

Ryan was surprised to hear him ask this. “Oh, man. Why you? That's a question."

“Well I mean... do I give off some kinda vibe? I don't even really find myself attracted to me at times. I haven't had a girlfriend for more than a week...ever. I wasn't very popular in school, I was always considered...weird because I liked to sing. I never thought I'd get snogged by a guy. Much less someone with so much going for him-it... it just confused me."

Ryan could still feel his face burning. “As cute as you are, you're a regular ditz." He said with a smile. “I'd wanted to kiss you from the moment I saw you, but I didn't think you'd ever give me the time of day, and when you came in that one day and showed up Klaus like that, I mean I'd never been more attracted to someone. You're also sweet and gentle, and polite and friendly..." He shrugged. “I guess I thought you were too good to be true."

“You think awfully highly of me."

“What can I say, I'm a good judge of character." Ryan asserted and rested his arms on the bed at Johnny's side. He sighed and looked into his chestnut eyes. “So... what now? I've laid all my cards out on the table, how about you? Did--I assume too much?"

“Yes, you did." Johnny answered sharply. He sighed and closed his eyes. “And now that's another can of worms I can't put back in." He rubbed his face. “I-I don't even know what I'm feeling now, am I into girls? Into guys? Was that just a fluke? Some glitch in the Matrix? And why in the bloody hell can't I get you out of my head, even in my dreams I felt you there...you were holdin' my hand. Dad's talking about you taking advantage of me and I'm just so confused."

“Then let's just forget it." Ryan said. “Let's just go back to the way we were before last night. When we were just friends."

Johnny looked at Ryan, a heart-shattering look in his eyes as he spoke up. “I--I just don't know if I can do that, Ry."

Ryan felt his heart shatter inside, the look Johnny gave him, it was the same look he'd gotten before when his last steady boyfriend had broken up with him. He also didn't think it was a good idea for them to stay friends, it had already been three years since that heartbreak too and he hadn't seen him since. His mind deflated and he looked on the verge of crying, but he inhaled through his nose and spoke. “Alright...I understand." He said.

The tiger turned and headed for the door. Johnny wanted to call him back, but hesitated. Maybe it was for the best that they separate for a while, to sort out their feelings before trying to resume their friendship. Right now, he was too lost over what had happened to really stop him. As he opened the door, another feline had appeared behind it. Nooshy took a step back as Ryan walked through her, barely acknowledging her.

“Oh, hey don't mind me. I'm just your local every day door mat. Thanks?"

“Sorry." Ryan managed to mutter before walking out of the room.

Nooshy looked at Johnny. “Well you look worse than I thought you would." She pointed out. “And what's with stripes there?"

“I don't think we're friends anymore." Johnny said as the door closed, the sound of it clicking making his throat tighten in anxiety. “Shit..." He uttered softly.

“What? Why not? I thought you two were thick as thieves."

Johnny shook his head, thinking to change the subject. “What are you doing back? I thought you weren't coming back till next week?"

“Oh, Rosita sent a text, said you had some sort of accident. Was it because of Ryan then? Is that why you're breaking up with him?"

“It's not--why does everyone assume this is like some kind of a relationship? Ryan and I were mates, that's all. Friends."

“Sounds pretty serious to me. I mean, I knew this girl in high school. Sasha was her name; total queen among seniors, but she preferred hangin' out with me. So I guess we got on pretty good. Then one day see, she falls into her pool and almost drowns. I'm frozen in fear from watching her laying on the side of the pool while some of her friends perform CPR and another one calls nine one one for an ambulance. I mean I loved her dearly but I couldn't even muster the strength to get up and help her when she needed me; I learned two important lessons that day, one to never rely on myself when someone else is having an emergency. And two, that unless you got someone really special that you'd move the world to save their life, friends will just come and go out of yours."

“What are you getting at?" Suddenly he felt the sharp pain of Nooshy's hand slapping him upside the back of his head. “OWWW! What'cha do that for?"

“I'm knocking some sense into you, you big donut! That man there is your best mate! He's the one who saved your life and I for one think you should hold onto that."

Johnny burst through his hospital door not thirty seconds later and began to dart through the hall with a renewed vigor that allowed him to mostly ignore the incredible pain shooting through his body. His bare feet slapped loudly against the tile flooring as the nurses at the station began to panic and scramble at this sudden breakout.

“Hey! No wait! What are you--?" He heard the nurses shouting from behind him, but he couldn't slow down. Nooshy was right. Whether or not he could see himself with Ryan, it was no excuse to let him go like that. He couldn't be too far behind, after all the elevators were at the end of the corridor and he could easily catch up to him.

“Sir! Come back!" A security guard and another doctor had emerged from the doorway he was just passing and he skidded to a halt, making a sharp left turn and heading down another hallway. His robe was flapping and his backside was hanging out as he ran, but he didn't care.

Johnny blew past his dad and Buster at a vending machine and heard the shocked and concerned voices of the both of them fading fast as he ran. He was beginning to run out of steam, he was breathing heavier and his chest was burning more than it should have, but he needed to get to the elevators.

Turning the corner to the elevator room, he saw the doors to one of them just closing. “Wa-wait! Hold the elevator!" He shouted to no avail and the car began making its way down the shaft. Johnny turned and burst through the doorway to the stairwell and began to run down them. Where he could, he even leaped the banister and progressed his way down from there. It was the eleventh floor, he couldn't have that far to go, right?

Eleven, eight, three, one. Johnny descended the stairwell like lightning and burst through the door to try and meet the elevator he'd raced down. As it opened three old turtles and a fox emerged, but Ryan was not among the occupants. He had to get to the door, that was his only chance. He bolted down the hallway, made his way through the crowded waiting room, leaped over the counter of the reception area and ran to the automatic front door, which slid open and revealed nothing but the cool, rainy air of the night just beyond it. A flickering of lightning left little hidden as it illuminated the parking lot just outside.

“Ryan!" He shouted out into the night. “Ryan! Come back! Please!" He yelled even louder. Only this time Ryan's name was completely muffled out by a particularly loud crack of thunder that filled the sky.

It was at this point that Johnny's spare adrenaline had worn off, and now the sudden burning sensation in his chest began to expand out across it. Johnny gasped for air and fell to one knee, holding himself against the door with his hand as he couldn't catch his breath. He exhaled, then couldn't inhale, his eyes rolled back and he collapsed into darkness...

“Johnny?"

Johnny woke up in a large, grassy field and looked around. He wasn't sure where he was, but recognized the voice calling to him. “Ryan?" He asked as he got to his feet. “Ryan? Where are you?"

“Johnny...!" He heard the voice again, this time sounding like it was just out of his sight.

Johnny went to take a step, only to realize his foot was stuck, and as he looked down he saw that his converse sneaker was caught in some black mud, which quickly began to pull him in. He struggled to free his foot from this bog, and in an act of despair he began to struggle against it. He felt the bog pulling down on him, soon sinking his feet, then his ankles and all of a sudden he was waist deep in the muck. Keeping his hands up, Johnny looked around for some way to pull himself out. Looking up, he saw branches hanging above him, but as he reached for them, he realized they were just out of his arm's length. Sinking more, his stomach was quickly submerged, every time he made a move the sinking happened faster and faster. He couldn't stick his hands in, he'd never get them out again, so he reached for a stray cord that was sitting on top of the mud. He groaned as he leaned forward for it and found that it too was just too far for him. This move doomed him, however and Johnny fell forward into the mud. Barely able to move, he stuck his face above the grime and took a deep breath. “Help...help..." His voice was getting weaker and weaker and just as his head was about to sink below the mud, he reached his hand up and was surprised to feel a branch caress his palm. Instinctively, Johnny gripped it and he felt something pull. He pulled as well, trying to drag himself from the mud. As his eyes opened and he could see who it was, he was surprised to see Ryan pulling on the branch to get him out.

“Come on, Johnny. You can do it!" He encouraged him.

Slowly, Johnny was dragged to the edge of the muddy pool and spilled out onto the bank, breathing deeply and laughing in delight for surviving this close call. Ryan smiled and rested on top of Johnny's chest; he could feel his heart racing as Ryan's hands caressed the gorilla's large chest, but just before anything could happen a bright light flooded his vision, obscuring Ryan's smiling face.

“Nnh! Ahh!" Johnny jolted awake suddenly and realized he was back on his hospital bed.

“Hey!" Nooshy complained as Johnny's jolt kicked her off the foot of his bed and she landed gracefully onto the floor. “Watch it!"

“Wha-what happened? Where am I?"

“Okay don't go crazy, Johnny. At least...not again. You gave these doctors a good run through the hospital last night. Eventually you lost to your exhaustion and passed out again, so they brought you back up here."

“Oh man, what a dream." He panted as he felt himself from head to toe, and realized the kind of impact it had on him. “I..."

“What's wrong?"

“I think I need to talk to Ryan...I figured something out."

It had been almost a week since that night; Johnny had not heard from Ryan, his phone continued to go right to voicemail, and he wasn't in his usual spots. As soon as he got a little more mobile, he decided it was time to swallow the pill and pay a visit to Crystal Towers where Klaus Kickenclober held his studio. Just approaching these old stomping--or rather, 'dancing' grounds was enough to make Johnny's hands shake and his ears ring. But he needed to talk to Ryan, he needed to apologize about how he acted; but Klaus made no pretense of pleasantries as Johnny approached as he swiped his stick in front of Johnny as he entered; as if barring his passage through a toll bridge. The inadvertent snap against his leg made Johnny grunt in pain and look at the monkey.

Klaus was wearing his typical beret; but this season's selected color was red along with his jumper that was zipped about halfway up revealing a somewhat pudgy chest dressed in a tank top shirt underneath. His tights were the same color of black as they had always been. “Owww..." Johnny winced, rubbing his leg. “That's not a nice way of greeting someone, Mr. Kickenclober."

“Well, well. Look who it is. It's Mister Johnny-I'm-so-much-better-than-you." He said. “And what can I do for you on this fine afternoon?"

“Well you se--"

“STOP! This... this is not a fine afternoon, Johnny. This is a terrible afternoon! Having to arrange a subpar dance class takes work if I am to build them into a team that won't go running off to some two-bit show in a competitor's market. Peh!" He snorted. “The Majestic is not so grand, so you know. Their choreographer is a cheat not inspired by greatness, and if you're taking a class with that traitor then you've got--!"

Johnny thrust his hands up in surrender. “Whoa whoa whoa. No, no you've got it wrong. I'm not even training with their choreographer!

“Oh." Klaus uttered before returning the stick to his shoulder; it was less a stick and more a riding crop, which he used on his students more frequently than Johnny would have admitted. “Well then what are you doing here? Time is money and I don't work for free."

“You don't make a very easy man to talk to." Johnny said.

“Then my time would not be so valuable."

Johnny rolled his eyes. Kickenclober was just as difficult in a casual conversation than he was as his instructor. “Look, I just need to know where Ryan was. I've been trying to reach him and--"

“Yes, yes. I am aware of your little lover's spat you are having."

“Wha? Lover--we aren't lovers! Clearly!"

“Clearly." Klaus said as he kicked the door to his office open. “And yet, you come to me in search of him?"

“He's worked here before, I thought you might have some way of getting in touch with him."

“And why would I help you? Do you think Ryan's pedigree is anywhere near the league of a big, uncoordinated man who by some stroke of luck managed to pull off one of the greatest shows in Redshore city because he feels entitled to be?" He poked Johnny square in the ribs and he winced in pain.

“Ow. Okay you are taking this superiority complex of yours way too seriously. Don't you have any sense of humanity in you? Or are you just so full of yourself you can't do anything but harass anyone that meets your high standards?" He grunted as he snapped the stick away from him. Feeling the immediate pangs of regret for taking it, he sighed and handed it back without a word. “Just--just forget it. I don't know why I even bothered to come here in the first place."

As he turned around he heard Klaus speak. “Johnny." He looked at the monkey, whose expression had softened and subtly he flicked the blinds shut to his studio room. “Have a seat."

Johnny, sure this was a trap of some sort hesitated for a moment, but seated himself. It was quiet in the room; obviously Klaus had soundproofing set up, which allowed every sound inside the office; a ticking clock, the sound of their chairs squeaking under their weight to be somewhat amplified. Klaus sat down facing away from him to look out the blinds to the cityscape outdoors. “Listen, I understand. I do." He said. “And as hard as it is for me to admit, you are my most improved student. Even if you went through the means of accomplishing this without me. I'm hard on you more because I have to be. Because I want to drive my students to greatness...and you seem to do that effortlessly. Maybe that is why Ryan likes you, I could never get him to concentrate quite as hard after you left, my prodigal student losing his drive because of you. And what shocked me more was that he'd quit last week."

“What? He quit?"

“I've never...ever had a student quit that I didn't force out. Even you...your resolve was shaken but you did not quit. Ryan...he was my best dancer, always picked first for every routine. And he left not because of a broken spirit..." He turned around to face Johnny. “But because of a broken heart. I--I'd never seen anything like that." He shook his head. “I suppose that if you could promise you would talk him into reconsidering, then perhaps I could accidentally leave his file out for you to copy his home address?"

The sun was beating down hard as Johnny made his way to the address he had scrawled out from Kickenclober's files, and with the promise of talking to Ryan he was on his way. He was surprised how close Ryan actually lived to the studio and by the time he'd gotten to the apartment building he lived in, he was already getting nervous. He entered the building and went right up the stairs to the fourth floor, down the hall and he knocked on apartment 4F. After a few moments, the door chain slid to the side and Ryan opened the door; at first a crack.

“Johnny?" He asked as he opened the door the rest of the way.

Johnny felt his face turn red from embarrassment. Ryan was in a pair of blue boxer briefs and a shirt that just barely exposed his naval. “H-hey." He said.

“What are you doing here? Come in."

Johnny stepped into the cool apartment, which was dark. The shades were drawn and it literally looked as if Ryan had just gotten out of bed. “Sorry, sorry I'm not disturbing you am I?"

“Hm? Oh, no no. I just had a nap, I've got a scene to do tomorrow and I tend to do my training at night."

“Doesn't it disturb the neighbors?"

Ryan laughed. “The neighbors that were disturbed by my antics at night moved out a long time ago." He said, looking Johnny over. “You're looking well." He said. “How are you doing?"

“In better shape than I was last week. That's for sure." Johnny said. “My ribs are still mending, my arm is a little sore. But as long as I take it easy I should be right as rain in no time."

“That's good." Ryan said. “I'm happy to hear it, how did you find me anyway?" There was a short pause before he took a breath realizing: “Klaus. That dick."

“It wasn't really his fault. I went to see him and he wanted me to ask you about reconsidering going back to his class--"

“Oh I'll go back. That old coot couldn't handle a thing without me." Ryan waved his hand dismissively. “I just... needed some time off."

“Was it..." Johnny frowned. “Was it because of me?"

“Can you blame me? I made such a fool out of myself I just needed to back away from everything that reminded me of you--and then you show up on my doorstep like the big, beautiful boob you are."

“I-I just wanted to clear the air. I mean, I don't want there to be awkwardness between us. You're my best mate and I miss having you around."

Ryan sighed. “Look, why don't you grab yourself a drink or something and we can talk. I'm a little rank right now, so I should take a quick shower. I'll be out in five minutes, okay?"

“Oh. Sure." Johnny said, trying to sound positive.

He walked into the nook that could be considered a kitchen; it had tile and a nice island counter, a fridge and a stove but it wasn't a full room dedicated to it. He could move over half a foot and be standing in the living room. Opening the fridge, he found the second shelf stocked full of bottled water. He pulled one out and shut the door “This is a nice place you got here." He said. “How'dyou afford to live alone in the city? Your dancing?"

“Some of it." Ryan said from the next room over as Johnny seated himself on the couch. Glancing over, he could see the silhouette of the tiger in the adjoining room, the lighting giving him an almost perfect view of his naked back. The sight caused Johnny's face to burn with embarrassment and he opened his bottle to take a deep drink of water. “But right now I'm only getting gigs part time until I get my big break I'm going to have to settle for other work. I actually work as a barista in a coffee shop during the week."

“R-really." Johnny said, finding it impossible to resist another glance as Ryan's naked body vanished around the door and the sound of water came on. “I must not be going to the right one."

“I work part time, my boss seems to be happy when I only work sixteen hours a week, so it's not likely you'd catch me very easy."

“Must be nice to have that knowledge to whip up some great coffee concoction anytime you want."

After a few moments the shower turned off and a few seconds later, Ryan peeked his wet  head around the corner. “Actually I'm not a fan of coffee, gets me way too wired and people can't stand a cat who can't keep his claws to himself."

As he disappeared again, Johnny couldn't help but look one more time as he caught glimpses of Ryan getting dressed. “Speaking of...erm...I guess we should really talk about that night?"

This time Ryan reappeared, dressed in a tank top blue shirt and gray sweatpants. His claws scratched softly at the carpet as he hopped over the back of the couch and landed next to Johnny. “No, we really don't have to." He said. “I crossed a line I'm never going to live down, and while it's sweet you'd come all the way over here I'm fine. We're good."

Johnny's eyebrows raised “We are?"

Ryan smiled softly and put a hand on Johnny's wrist. “Yes. We are. And--well I mean if you want to I mean...I'd like to keep being friends with you."

“Really?" Johnny was about busting in happiness at this. “Because I tried to catch up with you that night and--I couldn't. I don't want our friendship to end like that. I mean I--" Johnny stopped when Ryan put his fingers on his lips.

“We're good. You don't need to make any more excuses."

“Yeah?"

Ryan nodded “Yeah."

Ryan grunted in surprise as Johnny suddenly embraced him, tightening his arms around the tiger's waist and giving him a hard hug. “Oh I'm so happy to hear that, I thought you'd never want to talk to me again!"

“Nonsense." Ryan chuckled. “Especially now that you know my address."

“Oh, right...I'm so inconsiderate. I've got to go, I'll let you get to your practice. I'm just happy we're on speaking terms again."

Ryan pushed a smile to his lips. “We never weren't." He said.

Johnny got up and Ryan led him to the door. “So, tomorrow then. I'll meet up with you and we can maybe have lunch after your performance?"

“Sure. As long as I'm buying, you can tell me everything that's going on with your productions too!"

“Right!" Johnny said as he stepped out the door and turned to face him. “Well you have a good night then."

“You too." Ryan said as he smiled and closed the door.

Inside the door, Ryan leaned against it and sighed, burying his face into his forearm. “I'm never going to get over these feelings...am I..." He asked himself.

Meanwhile, outside the door, Johnny had leaned against the door with his back and sighed, resting his head against it and looking upward. “Gods what are these feelings I'm having and why won't they stop?"

“Oh, won't you...stay with me? Cause you're all I need---" Johnny continued his musical solo as he brushed his teeth. He hummed as the brush shifted from his teeth to his tongue. Topping it off with a swig of mouthwash he swished it about in his cheeks before finally spitting it out, noticing Big Daddy standing in his doorway, his enormous shape casting a great big shadow against the wall. 'GYAH! Dad!"

“A bit jumpy?" Big Daddy asked.

“I wish you wouldn't do that, you're gonna give me a heart attack."

Marcus smiled. “Well you seem in too good a mood to hold it against me. What's goin on?"

Johnny shook his head. “Nothing much, really. I'm just in a good mood. That's all."

“This got to do with your tiger friend?"

Johnny shrugged. “Maybe, I don't know. I was just glad to finally be able to touch base with him. Ever since he left the hospital that night, he wasn't taking any of my calls or hangin' in his usual spots. But we talked it out last night and I think we're good."

“That's good. That's good." Big Daddy said putting his hands on Johnny's shoulders. “Listen, son. I've got to head back to Caltonia tonight, eh? Me and the crew we still got some community service and I gotta get back to it."

Johnny nodded, remembering his father had gotten off prison time early in exchange for community service. “It okay, dad. I think I've recovered enough to get on by myself, you go and keep yourself out of trouble."

Big Daddy snorted in amusement, then ruffled his son's hair. “There was a time I told you the same thing." He said. “And listen, you know I love ya, right?"

“Course." Johnny said confidently.

Big Daddy smiled. “Good. I just wanted to tell you if you get with your tiger friend, I love you for who you are."

“Dad, I'm not gay. You don't gotta worry about it."

There was a long pause, Big Daddy chuckled lightly and patted Johnny on the head. “Sure." He said shortly. “Well, I'm outta here."

“Wait...already?"

“Yeah, 'fraid so. My parole officer just sent me a message, said I needed to get back tonight. But I'll try to make it back in a couple weeks, see how you're doin'."

Johnny smiled at his father. “Sure, dad. Have a safe trip, yeah?"

“You know it. Heh heh. I still think it's crazy you livin' up in luxury like this. This place is still *way* better than my first apartment."

The younger gorilla laughed nervously. “Oh c'mon dad. It's not like it's an apartment, it's a plush hotel room."

“All to yourself though." He smiled. “My boy's done pretty alright for himself."

“Thanks, dad."

***

Ryan stretched his legs, one at a time, lifting them expertly over his head, feeling the tightness of the leotard he wore stretch with him as he moved. Performing his stretching exercises had become quite routine and it allowed him to focus more on the dances ahead. He yawned a wide, gaping maw, showing his sharp predatory teeth to some of the other dancers who cowered away briefly. A dancer named Jasmine, a fellow dancer who was also a tigress smiled at him. “You know, showing off your athletics or your teeth could be pretty confusing to some of the dancers here." She said.

Ryan stretched his arms back and then forward to touch his toes. “Sorry." He said. “I was up pretty late last night practicing."

“Usually that's not the kind of thing that wears you out." She pointed out. “Did you have trouble sleeping?"

Ryan contorted enough to stretch his back, it felt like it was on the verge of a solid crack before he turned back the other way. “A little bit, yes."

“Oh, I see." The tigress smiled knowingly now. “And what's his name?"

“What?" Ryan almost lost his balance and stumbled forward, but caught himself at the last minute. “What are you talking about?"

“Sweetie, we've known each other for years and the last time you acted like this you were pining for someone, so you might as well drop the act."

Ryan blushed. “Look it was nothing, just a one-way crush." He said.

“Mmhmm." Jasmine uttered, unconvinced.

“Look, can we please get on with the routine. It could be very dangerous."

“Well working with fire usually is. But it's a nice acrobatics scene involving a stage show of flames that erupts into three spinning rings of fire and you are at the center."

“But I'm not supposed to be jumping through them."

Jasmine shook her head. “Nope, from what I understand, you're going to be leaping over them.

“Oh, okay that's much better." Ryan replied sarcastically as the two worked their way toward the main stage.

“So, what's his name?"

“Who?"

Jasmine nudged the tiger. “Your loverboy." She replied with a teasing tone to her voice, pressing her elbow against his fur. “He's got to have a name."

“He's not my loverboy." Ryan repeated, looking a little irritated. “We just sort of decided we weren't right for each other, on account of him being fairly straight." He looked at her and she still had that expectant look in her eyes. He sighed. “Johnny. His name's Johnny."

“Oh that's a cute name! We could all use a little Johnny in our lives."

Ryan smiled. “Oh, trust me. He's one of a kind..."

As the pair entered the building where the show was to be recorded, they failed to notice a small puff of dark smoke under the machinery as they passed it. It was a moment of blink-and-you'll miss it and it fizzled out again. No one noticed, in fact and as they walked inside they were completely unaware that somewhere deep inside a small spark had started to grow...

“Ayyy thanks mate." Nooshy said with a gasp of relief as Johnny placed her volcano coffee onto the table in front of her, and quickly she snapped it up to slurp the drink down. “Ohhh that's the stuff." She practically melted into the table. “You sure you don't want a bite?"

“Nah. Doctor's orders, I gotta keep my diet in check so my ribs heal proper." Johnny said. “You just enjoy that."

“Don't mind if I do." She took another long sip, then looked Johnny in the eyes. “You okay?" She asked. “I mean, I know your dad's headed out of town and all but that's really nothin' to go on about..."

Johnny twiddled his fingers. “No, it's not that..." He sighed and glanced down at his hands, the tuft of hair atop his head dipping down a little bit. “It's...let me ask you somethin' Noosh. You ever get to a point in life where you think you're set in and you know who you are, but something comes along to--well to change things?"

“Well, sure."

“You have?" Johnny looked at her hopefully. “What did you do when that happened?"

“Well I had to wait an extra day or two to get the spare keys, but when I changed the locks on my old flat I think things turned out for the better."

“No no no, no..." Johnny groaned, placing his head onto the table. “I'm not talking about changing the locks or changing your underwear or anything like that. I'm talking about a pure, surreal ideology of a person. Can someone...y'know be raised straight and suddenly--not be?"

Nooshy paused, mid-sip. Her eye twitched, Johnny thought she may have been suffering from brain freeze. “What are you talking about?"

“I'm talking about me, Nooshy. I mean I've always fancied girls but, I guess I been questioning that too, lately."

“Oooohhh riiiight." She exaggerated her speech to further her point. “Well I mean, people are always discovering things about themselves that they might not have admitted to around their parents, or their friends. People who set the expectation to act a certain way." She said. “But I'm pretty surprised hearing this come out of you. Soooo who's got your eye?"

“It-it doesn't matter." Johnny breathed through his nostrils. “It's not like I'd go through with it. I already told him it was off the table."

Nooshy gasped loudly. “Ohhh my gosh it's Ryan. It is Ryan, isn't it?"

“Shhh!" Johnny shushed her, but it only made her smile even more.

“Oh wow. Look at you go, mate. And here I thought your pet name in a relationship would be 'Tiger' but now that you're going after one that's gotta be his pet name...what would yours be? Gorilla boy? Monkeyman?"

“J-just-just keep it down." He hushed her again. “Please! I don't even know if that's what this is."

“So, you might fancy boys and girls. Bisexuality ain't exactly new. Hell you could just be flat out gay, I've never seen you with a girl that wasn't a platonic friend. And I don't think there's anything wrong with that either."

“Look." Johnny replied with a sternness to his voice. “I still gotta figure this stuff out, alright? So no blabbing it about like I know you like to do." He stammered. “I-I mean...what if..."

“What if what?"

Johnny looked at Nooshy with a totally serious look in his eyes. “What if I'm no good at it?"

At this point, Nooshy laughed so hard that she could almost feel her whipped coffee threaten to shoot out of her nose. She fell to the ground, laughing so hard that Johnny had to look her over and make sure she was all right. “You-ah-you hahaa-not good at it?!" Her laughter was so infectious that even Johnny cracked a smile, even with the entire cafe staring at them. It took several minutes for her to compose herself again and the pair returned to their booth. “So, you guys kiss yet?" She asked with a nudge to Johnny's sore rib.

“N-no, not yet...well actually...Ryan kissed me but my accident had just happened and I never really got a chance to process it."

“So, process it now." Nooshy suggested. “Did you like it?"

Johnny thought back to that night, before the adrenaline had worn off, before the sudden shock of pain hit him, he was simply basking under the glow of Ryan's soft touch. It made his fur tingle from his chest outward in a soft ripple that eventually covered his entire body. The feeling made him blush, and even feel a little 'awakened' in his lower region. The thought of kissing him again excited him instead of repelled him and he nodded at Nooshy. “I--think so." He said.

“Then go after him, you clown." She snickered. “You ain't gonna know what you got if you don't try. You'll be fine, in fact I suspect you'll be good at it anyway." She paused and looked at the windows, as a look of confusion washed over her face. “Whoa, whoa what's this now?"

Johnny followed Nooshy's gaze and saw what she'd seen; a large crowd of people running past the cafe. Confused, both of them got up and stepped out into the air that was thick with a smokey smell, and a wash of gray and black clouds that followed the fleeing crowd. “What's going on here?"

A man running past paused to look at them. “Haven't you heard? One of the studios down the block caught fire and it's spreading fast. The Redshore fire department is handling it, but they told everyone in a three square block radius to evacuate!"

“What--?" Johnny's expression faltered as he turned to see billowing smoke pouring from some of the buildings across the street and down a ways. He went to start running toward it, but immediately felt a hand grab his own.

“Johnny! What are you doin'?" Nooshy asked in panic.

“Ryan's at that studio! I've got to go!" He shouted as he broke away from her and vanished into the crowd, leaving her alone to fend for herself.

“It must be love after all." She said with a smile.

***

Johnny rushed through the crowd, brazenly ignoring several stationed fire trucks until he was stopped with a firm shove to his chest by a large rhino.

“Just where do you think you're going?"

“I'm just looking for someone!" Johnny exclaimed, looking through the crowd and not seeing Ryan among them. “He's not here... he's not here!" He shouted at her.

“It's all right." She tried to assure him. “We're still evacuating several sound stages, it's probably a matter of time until your friend shows up."

“A matter of time? Come on, can't you move faster?"

“Not without destroying the chances of everyone still inside." She replied with a stern voice. 

Johnny looked at the crews and the people being brought out, coughing and sputtering from smoke inhalation, even some of the crowd were being treated for burns right on the street. And as he looked to the building, worry turned to panic and Johnny suddenly didn't want to wait any longer. He went running past the fire fighters and straight into the billowing clouds.

Johnny coughed uncontrollably for a minute as he rushed into the building. The objections and shouts from the rescue workers were far behind him, but as part of the ceiling collapsed when he entered, closing his escape route, he immediately began to regret this rash decision. “Ryan! Ryan where are you?" He shouted, finding the thought that even if he were there, it was unlikely he'd be able to hear him over the roar of this inferno.

Johnny got lower, trying to find room to breathe as he made his way through the corridor. There didn't appear to be anyone in this hallway and slowly, he moved his way past and into a larger, more open space. Likely the studio for their shows, it was mostly evacuated. The heat of the fire was here; this was where it had started. Several large beams had fallen from above and--that was when Johnny spotted him, half covered by debris and he looked to be pinned down by part of a support beam from above. He was unconscious and Johnny's heart skipped a beat. “No! RYAN!" He shouted across the floor, but whether it was the sound of the blaze or him being unconscious, Johnny couldn't get a response out of him.

He looked around frantically now, trying to find a way through. And what he did next surprised even him; he took several steps back, and then bolted toward the gap separating the pair of them, he leaped into the air and covered his face and his chest with his arms. He barely felt anything until he landed on the other side and felt that sharp pain in his chest. He ignored it and rushed over to Ryan. “Ryan! Ryan! Can you hear me?"

There was no response from the tiger, but Johnny could see he was breathing. He had shallow, short breaths but he was alive. Johnny was practically in tears as he examined the debris and found that it had narrowly missed crushing him by a small metal pylon protruding from the floor and with some effort and a little bit of lifting, Johnny managed to pull Ryan free and slung him over his shoulder. He was coughing now, Johnny had been inhaling too much smoke and the area all around him kept on fuzzing in and out of vision. He coughed again and held Ryan close to him, carrying him almost effortlessly across the stage and toward the back exit. He tested it by touching his hand to it; thank goodness, it was still cool to the touch and with a swift kick, the door burst open and the pair fell out into the sunlight.

“Breathe, Ryan. Breathe!" Johnny said, still suppressing his coughs as he laid Ryan on his back and began to perform what he remembered of his old CPR training. Ten compressions, he tilted Ryan's head back and opened his mouth, pressing his lips to Ryan's, Johnny breathed into him. He felt his chest rise, but it didn't exhale on its own. His tears were streaming down his face as he compressed again. His heart was pounding hard. “Five, six, seven, eight, nine... ten..." He breathed into Ryan's mouth again.

On his third attempt, their lips touched and Johnny felt the softest twitch of the tiger's whiskers. He released Ryan's lips and looked at him; his beautiful green eyes were looking into his own as he took a breath. Both of them breathing heavily as Ryan lingered in the gorilla's embrace. “J-Johnny?" He coughed.

Johnny didn't respond for a minute, his hands were still shaking. Ryan smiled and reached up, touching the gorilla's cheek softly, their breathing grew faster and eventually Johnny couldn't stand it anymore and he met their lips again; this time not for resuscitation purposes.

Ryan jolted a bit in surprise, but quickly fell into the kiss. Exhaling softly as he wrapped his arms around Johnny's shoulders to pull him in closer and Johnny obliged. Their tongues met and tangled briefly, and Johnny could definitely feel something now. His heart was pounding and he didn't want to let Ryan go as he lay almost on top of the tiger.

“Is there anyone here?" A voice calling out from the other side of the smoking building caught their attention and Johnny slowly released the kiss.

“Man, always an interruption." He said with a smile and looked at Ryan. “Well c'mon then..." He said ,helping the tiger up. “Over here!" He shouted as two paramedics rounded the corner and spotted them.

As they sat at the ambulance, Ryan with a blanket draped over his shoulders, he looked at Johnny, and then placed his hand on top of his. “What...was that?"

“I--sorta couldn't resist." Johnny answered. “I wanted to talk to you about it first, but when you looked at me like that." His fingers clutched Ryan's. “Well...I have this sneaking suspicion I might like you." He said, blushing a little.

Ryan scooted over just a little bit closer to Johnny and smiled. “Well, I think the feeling's mutual." He whispered back.

Johnny turned to face Ryan, their foreheads touching and their lips only an inch or so apart. “So... what's the policy on saving each other's lives, anyway?"

“Remind me..." Ryan's grin broadened. “...to thank you properly." He said as they kissed again.

THE END?