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The Cohen Loop

Angie Mae, Part 1

copyright comidacomida 2019

Despite having grown up in the middle of the United States, Angie Mae Klein wasn't as 'small town' as most people presumed. She came from a wealthy family that got even richer off of the real estate boom back in the 2030s and her parents spared no expense when it came to trips. She'd visited both coasts of the United States, been to twelve different countries, and had prepared to join the Unity Programme since fifth grade. Her time at the Centre was everything she thought it'd be, and then some.

During her time in the Programme she had learned so much but, even more important, she had met amazing people, made friends, and even made a connection she had only ever dreamed about. Walker was her first Phin partner, and he was everything she had hoped he would be. Walker was smart, funny, friendly, and supportive; he was like the older brother she'd never had. Perhaps that's why it hurt so much when she lost him.

After Walker's death she had very nearly flunked out of the Programme and, when she looked back on those dark days, she was fairly certainly that's what she had been trying to do. Even after the administration found a way for her to stay in classes she had done the unthinkable an pushed away her new partner, a Longos who, through no fault of his own got the worst of her depression in the form of indifference at its best or, at its worst, her abject apathy. He didn't deserve it and, despite her trying to push him away, he was nothing but gracious and thankful for her presence.

Angie Mae didn't make it easier for him when she found out why he was without a partner. She'd never met Christina Valentine, but when she discovered that she was pregnant with Roller's child she pushed him away even more. Angie Mae wasn't in the Programme to 'fool around' with her Phin partner and she didn't bother to stop and realize that Roller didn't either-- she just threw all of her doubt and judgmental attitude right at him, doubling up with condescension and disapproval... but he still didn't' give up on her.

She was nothing but horrible to Roller, but he remained gracious and patient. It took a long time but well-into their Tier 6 classes he finally opened up and they had a long discussion... a very VERY long discussion. Angie Mae explained to him that she didn't hate him, an apologized for how she'd treated him; subconsciously, she realized, she was resisting having him around because he was supposed to replace Walker as her partner and she didn't want a replacement. It hurt and, to her surprise, he empathized.

Only once they had addressed her pain did she even realize how ardent Roller had been about suppressing his own. After she'd opened up to him, the Longos did the same. He had really and truly been in love with his Human partner and her impression of what she thought him to be, in actuality he couldn't have been further from the truth. Roller was nursing a broken heart, having been abandoned by a Human partner that didn't want the child she was carrying. Once Angie Mae took the time to learn a little more about her partner she realized that she'd been doing to Roller what Christina had, and that was her eye opening moment.

Although it wasn't perfect, they agreed to start fresh. Angie Mae was more inclusive and Roller was more open, both of them opening up and allowing themselves to accept and involve the other. It improved their relationship so much more after that. Roller became her partner in fact as well as by assignment, and she became his, neither replacing or substituting for the one they had lost, and they took the time to forge their relationship anew... and they became friends-- with only some minor hiccups.

One of those little road bumps was Jackson Robberts. Despite not having joined the Unity Programme to find love, it seemed to have found her. Jackson was a college student, and refined. He was intelligent, attentive, and in-tune with her... and he had a really sexy accent. She certainly hadn't expected to fall for anyone, and definitely not as hard as she fell for Jackson but, after her long talk with Roller she realized that her blossoming relationship with her fellow Human student was creating tension for her Phin partner, and she had to focus on fixing that.

Jackson was understanding, exactly as she expected him to be, and he acknowledged that they should take the time to put forth more effort into their respective partnerships-- her with Roller and he with Tailor. That continued to be the norm for the rest of their time at the Unity Center and, as their Tier 6 classes progressed the polite distance they kept only helped her fall all the more for Jackson; she was all the more relieved when, toward the end of the term, Roller gave her his blessing and told her that he had no intention of getting between her and the other Human so long as she kept up her grades. She did.

As the final days of class came and went it was hard for Angie Mae to come to grips with that her time at the Unity Center was coming to a close. She'd learned so much in all of her classes, and even more on top of that in Tier 6. She'd made amazing friends and they'd become a Pod. Most of them were moving on together but, if fate was on their side, those who weren't advancing to Station Zero with most of them would one day be reunited... that was her hope, at least. She even surprised herself by being glad that Heather and Aiden would be there.

Heather was an amazing young woman from the start-- part Human and part Phin, and Angie Mae had taken an instant liking to her. True, they were two of the three Human girls in the class, but Angie Mae had always gotten along better with boys anyway. No, the reservations Angie Mae had had when first meeting the cousins was Aiden. He was a Tikk, and the Tikk had taken Walker from her. It took time, but she was able to get past that, and she was glad she had.

Although Aiden was a Phin the influence of his Human heritage was obvious in all the ways that he was naturally comfortable with mannerisms and expressions that most Phins had to learn after the fact. He was easy and outgoing and, once Angie Mae was willing to accept that he wasn't an enemy it didn't take long before he became a friend. Out of all of the other students, Angie Mae felt closest to Jackson, but when it came to the other partner pairings, she had to admit that she felt a deep friendship with the cousins. Then again, at times it seemed to her that all of the other students did too. In that way, Heather and Aiden reminded her a lot of Max and Carver.

Despite Lone Carver being the only Amplus in their class, he, inexplicably seemed to get along well with everyone regardless. He was so relaxed, calming, and open that Angie Mae had stopped being scared of him long since. It was something of a victory for her due to a phobia she'd suffered ever since being attacked by a neighbor's dog when she was six; any time she was near any large creature, animal or human-esque, she would suffer from horrible anxiety. Carver, inexplicably, had managed to sooth his way past that within weeks. She supposed it only made sense that Carver, who was partnered with one of her friends from the Land Earth Unity Centre would become part of he Pod on Water Earth.

They weren't alone in that distinction either, and Angie Mae treasured the close ties she'd made with the other students of her class-- like Tyrone and Pusher or, as they preferred to be called, Angel and Seraph. She liked both of them, of course, but Seraph, like Carver, was a large Phin and it took time for her to dispel the lingering sense of ease with him being around. Angel, likewise made her uneasy, but for entirely different reasons.

Having grown up in a 'particular sociological climate', Angie Mae had never met anyone like Angel before so, in that regard, he was as much an alien to her as a Phin. Oh, she'd met black people and she'd met homosexuals and she'd even known a few gender non-binary folks, but combine all of those and inject some over-the-top flamboyance and she still couldn't quite match the unique qualities of her most eccentric friend. Quite frankly, she loved him for it, and she saw him pushing her outside her comfort zone to be a good thing. Truth be told, she didn't think that Station Zero would be the same without him, so she was overjoyed that he and Seraph would be joining the group.

The morning of their last day at the Center, it was that very thought which occupied Angie Mae's mind the most. She was up early, preparing breakfast for herself and Roller, finding it hard to concentrate as she considered everyone they'd be leaving behind. Even though most of the class was moving on to Station Zero, there were a number of individuals she'd had the pleasure of getting to meet, getting to know, and getting to befriend who would not be joining them... and it saddened her.

Other than Max, Andy Butler had been one of the first friends Angie Mae had made during her time at the Unity Centre and, it saddened that Andy, who had become Swimmer when his Phin genetics took over after she became pregnant, would be staying behind. It was possible, of course, that Andy would join them later after the calf was born, but it still felt like a farewell with no guarantee of being reunited, and it saddened Angie Mae to think that another chapter of her life had closed. Coaster had been a fine foil to a lot of Andy's personality quirks and she would miss the Longos just as much.

She wasn't able to spend that much time being sorrowful, however, as Roller came out of his room to join her and, together, they ate breakfast. His upbeat attitude was infectious and, as they took a seat at the table, his tail swayed excitedly through the water. "I am happy that the administration was willing to let us have a farewell party tonight. Do you think everyone will be there?"

She honestly didn't know, but Roller's excitement started to help build her own, banishing first hints of a darkening mood. "I don't know... but I hope so."

He offered the Phin equivalent of a smile at her. "Me too. I know Max and Carver are coming... and I think Jackson said he would too."

Angie Mae didn't miss the way that her partner threw in the comment about Jackson. It wasn't that long ago in her mind that the two were at odds with one another-- Jackson because he wanted more alone time with her, and Roller because... well... she didn't want to continue dwelling on that unpleasant time, so she set it aside and smiled reassuringly at him. "Hopefully Tailor will be able to make it."

Roller nodded his head, beak wagging up and down in an impression of the Human mannerism. "I made everyone a kelp roll... I hope I get to give it to them in person."

She couldn't help but laugh; Roller was so amazing some times. Phins had a long history of providing meaningful gifts wrapped in kelp to those who were important in their lives. The term 'kelp roll' wasn't the correct word for it, but there wasn't a direct translation in English-- regardless, Angie May realized the significance. "I do too."

He leveled his gaze at her. "I have one for you too."

The statement caught her by surprise. "For me? You don't really need to give me anything, Roller. Having you as a partner is all the kelp roll I need."

They spent the rest of breakfast in idle chat, just enjoying one another's company. Angie Mae enjoyed being able to have the quiet time with Roller, thankful that she'd given him a chance and gotten to know him rather than continue to assume she already did. Once they had eaten, the two cleaned up and then went off to prepare their belongings; with the going away party that night and an early hour departure the following that morning they wouldn't have much time to pack so Angie Mae made sure they were ready.

It was early afternoon when the two met up again in the central room of their dorm, each with the regulated single trunk of personal effects. With nothing else to do, Angie Mae went to take a seat on the low, slightly curved shelf that functioned as the equivalent of a Phin sofa and, a moment later Roller joined her. The Phin continued staring forward even as he spoke up "If you would like some time to spend with Jackson tonight I can see about staying late at the party and helping to clean up."

It was a gracious offer, and one Angie Mae was pretty sure she was going to accept, but she wasn't ready to commit to it considering the number of things that could happen between the afternoon and the night. Leaning her head on his shoulder, she took his arm in both of hers and gave it a hug. "Thank you... I'll let you know if I want to take you up on it."

Roller let out a soft trill of happiness and laid his beak down across her head. They remained that way for quite some time, and she honestly didn't mind, just enjoying being with him-- it was something she hadn't had since Walker. That thought brought back an entirely different wave of emotions; he apparently felt her tense up. "Is something wrong, Angie Mae?"

She had gotten past lying with him. "...thinking about Walker."

He slid his arm out of her grasp and wrapped it around her shoulder, pulling her even closer. "You still miss him... I understand that."

There were a number of times in her life when people said those words, but she didn't really think they did-- Roller was different; she knew he understood. "I know you do, Roller... I know you do."

A long silence followed the statement and she heard him swallow audibly before his next words. "Angie Mae? Is it alright if I consider you my step-sibling?"

The term 'step-sibling' was another non-perfect translation from Phin. She didn't even need a second to consider it. "Of course."

In addition to Pods, there were other social relationships, such as taking an important friend as a semi-official member of one's family. He had just put into words the perfect understanding of what she needed and wanted. Angie Mae had never had the chance to have that with Walker and, despite the bumpy start with Roller, things were finally starting to get to where they were meant to be. She didn't bother hiding her tears as she turned and gave the Longos a proper embrace; he returned it with a happy whistle.

* * * * * *

Although the going away party wasn't exactly a Unity Programme 'sanctioned event', it was readily obvious to Angie Mae that there had been some support for it, especially considering the fact that the common area had been decorated and, to her knowledge, all of the students had been too busy to contribute to the prep work required for the streamers, banners, and ribbons to be cut, sized, and put in place. Then, of course, there was the matter of the staff members present.

Warm Shallows Drifter, despite having said his goodbyes the prior day was there, dressed in the exact same wetsuit he always used when teaching class. While Angie Mae's previous teachers occasionally switched out what they wore to one of several different varieties of suits, Warm Shallows Drifter wore carbon copies of the exact same thing, seemingly such perfect replicas that she sometimes wondered if it was just the same suit he wore all the time. The Phin stood at the front of the cafeteria, motioning to a single set of tables pushed together to accommodate everyone. "This way please, graduates."

He wasn't alone, either; in addition to Warm Shallows Drifter, Angie Mae recognized Dark Ring Astute High Overseer, Hunter's father and the director of Water Earth's Unity Center as well as Watcher, one of the few Amplus who worked aboard the Unity Center too-- he was also Carver's mother. Angie Mae was also pleased to see among the visiting Phins was Tailor, which was a surprise considering she was still female and being in public was usually discouraged. More surprising still, she had her calf with her, and her calf's father, Striped Instructor. Angie Mae would have described him as looking to be 'politely inconvenienced' but, to his credit, it was courteous and attentive in the small talk that ensued.

The going away party was subdued, but enjoyable. Angie Mae had a chance to talk to all of her classmates, including those going with to Station Zero and those staying behind. She admittedly shed a few tears as she reminisced with Swimmer and Drifter; both promised to do everything they could to join the rest of their class as soon as their calves were born and they returned to their male (and in Swimmer's case, HUMAN) physiology. The two of them had to leave early since they were due back to F-3 to help the instructor prepare for the next semester and even more goodbyes (and tears) were shared.

The party continued as the night went on. Eventually Tailor said her goodbyes, offering hugs to everyone before finally being led away by Striped Instructor. Dark Ring Astute High Overseer excused himself shortly thereafter, explaining to the class that he'd be there to see them off in the morning too. As the already quiet gathering slowly began to split apart into small groups for chatting and reminiscing, Angie Mae began to feel just a little over-saturated with all of the socializing, and so she slipped into one of the rooms attached to the cafeteria: the lab.

Applied instruction days were simultaneously some of the best and worst experiences Angie Mae had during her time in Tier 6. She loved every opportunity she had in the class to put to use the things she'd learned but there were elements that seemed, at the time, almost impossible. Slowly walking into the room, she brushed her fingers across each workspace as she strolled her way to the front of the class. In her mind, the worst of the lab classes was when she and the other students had to split the directions, relying on one another to correctly play a game of 'telephone' with the projects. It was horrible... for a number of reasons.

Coming to a stop at the front of the class, she saw that the instruction table used by Warm Shallows Drifter still had a data pad resting on it. She had just picked it up when a Phinine voice called from the doorway in English; it was Roller. "I figured you would probably be here."

He really did know her, and it made her smile when she turned around to see his slow approach. "Oh? Why's that?"

He stopped just within arm's distance. "Well, to start, I saw that you disappeared. Second, if ever you are not with the group you are usually thinking... and the best place to think for you has always been in a class room."

Roller had a point, but she challenged him with an alternative "But you didn't check the scholastic class?"

His face hinted at Phinine smile. "I checked there first. The door was locked."

She didn't even try to mask her laughter. Taking a step closer, she threw her arms around his shoulders and gave him a hug. It only lasted a moment, at which point she pulled back. Although she knew she didn't have to explain herself to him, she wanted him to understand. "I just... needed a break from all of it."

He let out an affirmative click in acknowledgement. "Would you prefer to be alone? I can go if you like."

Reaching out her hand, she laced her fingers with his. "Actually..."

Roller must have seen her eyes flicker back to the data pad because his guess was spot on. "You would like to try doing the partner-guided experiment again?"

She smiled so wide her cheeks hurt. "Would you be okay with that?"

Rather than answering, he chittered out a chuckle as he stepped past her and picked up the instructional tool. "Just get into position and tell me when you're ready."

Over the course of twenty minutes they accomplished what they hadn't been able to do in a full hour during class. As Angie Mae finished the last step in the process and the solution in the flask turned a faint green she let out a breath, slowly straightening up and smiling. A slow, distinctive, purposeful clap caught her attention, causing her to look up from her work and turn around to see Warm Shallows Drifter standing in the doorway. Glancing back to Roller, she could tell it was evident that he was also oblivious to their ex-teacher's presence.

The older Phin approached, motioning for Roller to join him and Angie Mae at the work station. "You already completed this project in class before we finished for the semester. Why would you feel compelled to try it again?"

Angie Mae stared at the flask for several seconds before looking up and at Warm Shallows Drifter. "It didn't feel like it was a success last time."

The Longos let out a condescending whistle. "It is as green as it was last time."

Angie Mae felt Roller's fingers slip into her grasp and she gave his hand a gentle squeeze as she answered the question. "Well... this time I wanted us to do it right."

Warm Shallows Drifter didn't miss the body language and, though his expression remained neutrally Phin-like, he chose to speak in English, adding in a total inflection that gave no doubt that he approved. "In that case, I would say that you have passed with an even better grade... or, I would were I still your instructor."

Unwilling and unable to stand on professional indifference any longer, Angie Mae had the option of fighting back tears or controlling herself and passing up the opportunity to embrace Warm Shallows Drifter; she chose to hold back the tears and instead wrapped her arms around the Longos. "Thank you... for everything."

She had been around Phins long enough to tell that a neutral expression of Warm Shallows Drifter did not indicate his indifference; the slight reddening of his throat and the barely audible trill made her realize that he was embarrassed... but not in a bad way. An embrace was a very Human gesture, and she was honestly surprised when he returned it. His next words were spoken at a whisper. "One day I am going to have a son, Angie Mae Kline... and I will count myself lucky if he is anything like you."

At that moment Angie Mae lost the fight against her tears.

* * * * * *

The going away party lasted for another hour but, by that time Angie Mae was more than ready for bed. She gave each of the attendees one more hug, even those who would be joining her on the skiff to Station Zero in the morning. Dark Ring Astute High Overseer had returned to remind the group that they would need to be ready to board at exactly 7:00 and then, after smacking Hunter's beak over something his son had said or done, the Director departed once again, leaving the class to its own devices.

One by one the pairs went their own separate way, ultimately leaving just Max, Carver, Angie Mae, Roller, and Jackson. Saying one more goodbye, Angie Mae headed back toward her room; Roller accompanied her, and so did Jackson. Her Human class mate actually jogged to catch up and walk beside her. "I didn't see you too much tonight... you okay, Angie?"

Angie Mae rarely EVER let anyone call her by just 'Angie', but, for some reason she couldn't object when Jackson did. Turning to smile at him, she nodded, holding a hand out. "Mostly nostolgic... but yeah... I'm just fine."

He accepted her hand and gave her a slight yank, pulling her closer to him before he leaned down and gave her a soft kiss. She melted in his arms, smiling through it. Roller, plenty used to their public displays of affection nimbly sidestepped them and walked up to their dorm, opening the door and leading the way for the two love birds. Once they were all inside he quickly and silently took his leave, retreating to his room to give them privacy. Angie Mae was thankful for it, and she called out to him "Good night!"

He responded with the equivalent Phin whistle before his door closed. "Goodnight." <<<NINE>>>

Jackson smiled, flopping down onto the sofa and carrying her with him. Their lips met a moment later, and she felt her heart flutter at his closeness. It had been awhile since they'd actually had time alone, and she had to admit that she missed his proximity; it was obvious that he missed hers too and it wasn't long before his hand drifted up to palm one of her breasts through her wetsuit.

She disengaged, clearing her throat as she pulled his hand away. "Jackson..."

He blushed a little, smiling timidly. "Sorry, Angie... it's just... I-- I really like you, and it's been so long I can't control myself."

Angie Mae offered a bland smile. "I have faith in you... I'm sure you can."

He laughed it off, moving the hand down to rest against her thigh. "You're right... you're worth the wait."

It was the right answer, and she let it pass. Scooting closer to him again, she rested her head against his chest, smiling as she enjoyed his warmth, hearing his heartbeat through his suit. He let out a breath, the hand on her leg stroking it softly as his other arm wrapped around her shoulders and pulled her closer still. He began kissing the top of her head and she smiled, sighing contentedly, until the fingers on her thigh slid into the cleft between her legs and brushed inwardly inappropriately.

She sprang up immediately. "Jackson!"

He stood as well. "Relax, Angie... just... Relax, I--"

Angie Mae stood he ground. "No! YOU need to relax, Jackson... every time I do you keep forgetting that we're taking it slow and try something!"

His scowl banished his easy-going smile. "And why is that a bad thing, girl? I mean, come on! We've known each other for a long time! I like you and you like me! What's the big deal?"

She stared him down, hands at her side, fists clenching. "The BIG DEAL is that I'm not ready, and if you keep pushing me then--"

"I'm gavot with this nonsense, girl!"

*SMACK*

Angie Mae's vision went white as the back of Jackson's hand knocked her off her feet and onto the sofa. Before she knew it, he was on top of her, one hand gripping her by the throat while the other pulled at her wetsuit's zipper.

Kicking and screaming did nothing to dissuade Jackson and she cried out again as he tugged, his strong grip tearing her panties once he got her zipper down. He managed to wedge his hips between her legs and was just starting to get the zipper of own his wetsuit down past his crotch when a blurry gray form slammed into him beak-first. Jackson cried out the moment Roller collided with him with a resounding, bone-snapping crunch, sending the Human into the air and back several feet, flying off the sofa before landing on the floor.

Jackson backpedaled as he picked himself up off the floor, wheezing and wincing as he kept his arm clasped over his ribs. Stumbling, he made his way to the door leading to the hallway. "Eina! Ag man... you're gonna regret that, Domkop..."

At that moment, all Angie Mae could think about was what had just happened, and not what was yet to happen. Roller sat down next to her, taking her hand in his. "We should tell the administration..."

Unable to focus, tears in her eyes, she decided it was probably a good idea to take his advice. "Oh... okay."

So she went with the flow, letting him take her to the closest security check point. As they walked, he remained in constant contact with her; she felt like she was in a nightmare, barely registering anything he had said. Just as they arrived, Roller took both her hands in his, offering empathetically "Angie Mae... it is going to be alright."

Sadly, he was wrong; Jackson Robberts was already there. The Album security officer took notice of Angie Mae and Roller before announcing. "Roller... come with me. You are being detained for willfully harming a fellow student."