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** Trails collide - The Lone Wolf recap, Masked Wingman**

A small recap of what happened last, as I left things at my gran's house and walked to school without any unnecessary interruptions, a trail of thoughts started haunting me. My mind drifted through the plains of time and I started remembering some of the things for which I lost my will to live, I thought that this time I'd lose it too and my wish to disappear from this world would re-emerge, but as things kept building within my mind, scenes from the past I remembered something...or should I rather say I glanced into the untold history. The moment I figured the little things I left behind I decided to go back once and for all to simply put things to rest, but once that was settled I had little time to prepare so, in my rush to leave school to prepare for the upcoming trip to my old hometown, I accidentally bumped into a figure I've seen so many times in a position where I was the one to take the punches, that I'm tired of even hearing his name...not that I've actually took the time and interest to find it out.

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Trail of thoughts! (These small explanations are necessary as it will happen quite a bit and may become confusing, this will mark a change in character. Mainly the person describing it, the person presenting the story won't be the "main character" -by main character I only mean the one around which the whole plot will gravitate, but not the only important character also - this time the person / narrator setting the story will be the newly arrived person - a dragon 17 yrs old.)

Things are so fucking awkward right now, I have to say something. Ugh, I'm not the kind of idiot to simply start a conversation from scratch, especially with someone I...

"Sigh."

The moment I raised my eyes to look at him, he stared directly through me and I froze. I was taken aback by the sight in front of me, even though I may not be one to get attached to people...hell, not even those girls I dated made me feel this flustered about things which nonot even a god could easily control. When I set my eyes on him I thought I could simply go talk to him, but...when he ignored me I snapped and ever since I just did some horrible things...I can't take things back now, so I just need to move forward and this might be the best moment to clear things up. Somehow my reputation of being the big bad guy spreads rather easily, maybe that was the reason he ignored me...and I couldn't blame him, plus I can't say I'm a stable person to...oh, come on! What the hell am I saying? Like I actually fell for him or something...I'm straight and that's that! And I wanted to apologize for what I did, that's all.

Ugh, the hell is he staring at me like that. Oh, maybe he's waiting for me to speak first. But with him looking straight in my eyes, like he's fucking trying to read my mind or see through me...it feels so tense. Dammit, I'm overthinking things like usual...I should just say what I wanted to and end this here and now. Calm down, breath slowly and excuse yourself for a bit, just open your mouth and tell him to wait here a second...I need to fucking calm down now.

"J-just wait here a second, I-I'm gonna go and get something to drink..."

"Sigh..."

The hell is he so relieved and why is he sitting up, he intends on leaving me here alone. "Sorry, I don't know what exactly you want... but I'm not interested. If there is something I did wrong to annoy you, then I apologize" simply stated the wolf.

"WAIT!" the hell is wrong with me. Why am I getting so worked up?

"Sigh! You gonna say something or am I supposed to stay here until I grow a beard."

Ugh, his attitude is like a train wreck mashing all my thoughts to the ground...why the hell did I even want to apologize... No. What I did. I deserve that at least or maybe even worse. I should speak my mind for once...that's it no more thinking, not like I'm any good at that anyway!

"Listen, I just wanted to apologize for everything I did. The bullying and all that, it...I shouldn't have taken my frustration out on you like that...I'm sorry."

Come on, say something...anything, just don't let me hang like this. But...for some reason, I feel at ease...his eyes, they don't betray any evil intent, the more I look at him like this... I can feel no intent of judging me for anything. He feels so close and yet...he seems so distant though, for some reason. The more I feel like trying to say something and get his attention, the more I understand that words are useless before the rift I formed between us...I...lo...v...e.

"Why?" he asked as simply as stating that I had no reason to apologize.

"Ugh...I don't know, just wanted to apologize. And I wanted to talk to you..."

"Not interested...there's nothing to talk about. If there's anything else you wish to say, keep it short."

This won't do, I can't just say things like that out here. Goddammit, I have to think of something or he'll slip from my grasp if I don't do something. A quick glare around to make sure no one's looking, good - that's covered. Now stare into his eyes and do it, don't let him know what's coming...just do it without a second thought. The seconds that followed were but, a bliss, a feeling of reassurance washed over me as he didn't do anything to stop it, not one move. He stood there frozen in place as our lips connected, it lasted longer than I expected, yet when we parted...I felt empty, knowing that what is to follow may not be what I wished, for the decision is his to take.

Thus I stared at his now red face; glare lowered to the ground offering him a shade of black to cover his face in tints of darkness, therefore giving the image before me a ghoulish look. The more I looked at him, the more I realized that he had no words to comply the facts that occurred before his eyes. This was my chance to say the only thing that I can muster the courage to...but I...Fuck this, I'm doing it now or never.

With that the few words that came out of my mouth, were but a whisper. To me it looked as if I shouted it for the entire world to hear, but that was probably just my imagination.

"Will you go out with me?!"

The next second, he slowly raised his head from the ground with a look of confusion and seemed genuinely lost for once. This time, no more smart remarks came my way...no more mocking words, like the few times I tried to confess to some people that I ended up falling for...but he's different from them, I knew that from the first time I met him, yet what good did it do me. The first thing I did was simply get anxious from just asking him a question that was not answered; he probably didn't even do it on purpose as I later found out. At first I just was curious about him, as he was quite the character, hard to get along with, barely spoke (not like I heard him say more than about five words per sentence every few hours), all girls seemed to like him, and not only; he was a shady character, but there were some moments that even I was caught off guard. The more I saw the few sides he rarely showed of him, the more I was drawn to him...before I knew it, I was caught on a road of life ruled by "pure chance" that could either lead to catching up with him for once or with me being left far behind as he moved further away from me. The later would be what I'd love to avoid...but, I haven't done much progress to that.

My thoughts drifted for a while, but now...I need to focus on the confused wolf in front of me.

"If it's alright with you, that is...I mean, just...ugh, forget it!"

In the end, I had to chicken out. The thing is that at the moment I am more confused than he is and I don't know exactly what's more confusing, that I am feeling like such or that I am confused as to the reason for being confused. Ugh, I'mma get a major headache tonight...I'm losing my mind aren't I?

"Idiot!"

With that he leaned forward and almost slumped to the ground, but fortunately I managed to catch him in time. Slowly, I lowered him to the ground, while still partially holding him in my arms. Something happened, what if it's my fault...he can't, I need to do something.

"Hey! Hold on. Are you alright? Is something wrong? What's happened?"

"Shut up! You're shouting in my ear and it sure as hell does not help. I'm just a bit...light headed, I guess" he answered simply without much problem.

"Sigh, that's a relief. Thought I..."

Shit, I almost said that out loud...I know it isn't really my fault, but for some reason I still felt responsible.

"No, it's not like that. I just didn't eat anything...for a while."

"Oh, that's good. I mean...not like it's a good thing, but...you know...I."

"Just so I could put you out of your misery, since you can't put your feelings into words it seems. I understand, you don't have to explain yourself so much and...sorry, but I'm not interested. *Sigh!* You're a nuisance, but for a different fact and not what you may think. This is something I would have not foreseen in a million years and it may prove to be troublesome, but...*sigh*just let's sit at the table and we can talk more once I get to eat something."

This...was...unexpected. The first time I see him put his thoughts into so many words, like usual I would have expected him to simply say 'whatever, I don't care' or even 'fuck off, I'm out'...but not this. Regaining my composure, I rise from the ground and help him to his feet.

"So, from what I'm guessing...you're giving me a maybe."

"I'm not giving you an answer, yet. Things are complicated...and I have my own past to confront before I know for sure...just don't expect things to turn out good for either of us. Either way...I guess I may as well tell you a bit...of it."

This is confusing as hell, but...he didn't shrug me off and I may hear a lot of stuff that I doubt he'd be willingly tell anyone, especially because of how he is. In a way, my heart skipped a beat at his answer and I'm a bit afraid of what I might hear, but also curious as to what I might find out about him and the fact that he is saying this now willingly, without having any ulterior motives for trusting me.

A shallow sound snapped me back to reality and I realized I was just sitting there like an idiot, while the few people to pass by the now empty alleyway stared in our direction as ghosts to pass through a haunted house and bump into unwanted visitors. With that out of my mind I focused more on the here and now, rather than letting my mind drift to unknown realms.

"Do you want something to eat?" I slowly asked while attempting to keep a straight face...well not the best choice of words if I might say, but shall do with what I got.

Wait, he said he wanted to grab a bite a second ago...didn't he? Crap, I don't want to look like a 'wanna-be idiot'...I don't want to leave a bad impression from the start.

"Uh, you actually said you were a bit hungry. Tale whatever you'd like, it'll be my treat."

Now that's a good save, if I may say so myself.

"You don't have to...do that..." he said reluctantly, but trailed off at the end like there was more to say, yet he simply looked to the side like something distracted him.

While I looked at him in curiosity to the words he spoke, unsure of what he meant by that, the little wolf sat down at the table and stared longly at me.

"Ah, want me to get a menu?"

"That'd help, I guess. Just thought you'd want to sit down for a change...I mean, you usually have practice right about now, so you must be tired since...the PE teacher must've worked you up quite a bit the past few weeks for the upcoming tournament."

"Huh? You knew about that..."

"Ah, I...not really...just that I...ugh, don't take it the wrong way, ok!?" he answered a bit hesitant at first, quickly reverting to his usual self after letting out a *sigh* of relief.

"How come you found out? I mean not many people come to cheer us up, since they're kind of scared of bumping into me...ugh..."

With that I looked down to my feet, feeling a bit annoyed at my statement. But in its own way, it was the truth at the very least. Yet, I think the coach may have something to do with it as well...but I can't really 'not' think that it may, as well, be my fault.

A small chuckle dragged me out of my usual day dreaming. As I looked in his direction, I smiled for some reason. It may be him or just the fact that I said something embarrassing for once without a second thought as to what others may think...maybe just one person, but right now he didn't seem to mind.

"Ha, well someone seems to find my situation amusing. Mind sharing some embarrassing stuff about yourself?" somehow I replied, while returning to my charming self...erm, gonna keep that as only a mental note to never say it out loud...or maybe.

"Uhmm...that's...there's not really anything to say" he replied to my question like I was asking about a myth to not even exist, and there my friends I think I stepped on a landmine.

"Sorry, if I said something inappropriate..."

Hopefully this'll be a save. I don't mind listening to him, however there are certain things you don't ask out of the blue like that...on the first...date? Should I consider this our first date? Oh my gosh, I'm on a date...with someone. Wait, wait, wait...don't freak out. This ain't even something planned; it can't be a date, can it? As I started imagining things about a certain wolf, despite the cold weather outside...I started feeling a bit hot-headed. I need to cool off, this should be nothing. I mean I dated quite a few girls before...though I can't really call that dating...ugh, he probably thinks I'm a self-righteous jerk.

"You feeling okay?...uhm...you didn't do anything wrong if that's what you thinking about."

For the next few minutes I shut myself out and kept thinking of stupid self-loathing stuff, don't know how much time I stood there like a statue, but I know it's been too long. For now, my companion stared worriedly at me, as he probably said some things as my mind drifted to other planes of existence.

"S-sorry, I kind of got lost in my own thoughts..."

This is just too embarrassing. I can't stand it any longer; I am digging my own grave.

*Sigh* "So, what do you want to eat? I mean, it's my first time eating out so I got no clue as to what to order."

"What? Wait, what?"

The hell just happened? I'm at a loss for words...

"You're an idiot! Just forget it...what happened until now."

What...but that would mean he doesn't even wants to give me a chance...

"Gah! That hurt...why'd you hit me?"

"Idiot! Stop thinking about idiotic motives for what I said and ask me directly. It seems you don't even get the simplest of things. If you want to doze off at random moments and think for yourself of stupid stuff like what you thinking now without even asking me, then I'll hit you again!"

"What?"

I don't get it...

"You've been sulking for a while now. If you want to be the idiot to worry that every move you make will mark a point or not on a date (though this is not technically a date...but I'm not gonna say that out loud, more for my own sake than his...), then you'd better be prepared 'cause you're going to get hit a whole lot harder than that."

What...the...HELL... I kind of get where he's going, but I don't understand wh...oh, I've probably been sulking 'cause of some things that came up in our conversation, more or less because I didn't want to make myself look like a fool in front of him. I guess, I really am an idiot for worrying for such things.

"Sorry, I'm not really good at such things. But if you keep saying stuff like 'forgetting everything that happened until now', I might get the wrong idea."

"Then how about a date, tomorrow?"

Huh? I did not expect that at all...

"Hmm...you're pretty cute when you're surprised. Ugh, forget what I just said!!!"

God dammit! Why am I fidgeting like a school girl?! When he said those things though, it felt like he was praising me for some reason so I got my hopes up. I can't help it if it's him. I just wish I had pink scales, even though that would've been embarrassing, at least he wouldn't have been able to know if I was blushing...or not, thing which I am probably doing right now.

"So..."

"You want to know my reason for asking you out."

"That obvious, huh? You're rather sharp for someone that barely even glances at his surroundings."

"At least I hear what others say to me when they talk, especially when we're seated at the same table."

"Sorry!"

A long pause came up in our back and forth conversation, things went silent and a sense of complete awkwardness came to a halt between us. For once in my life, I had nothing left to say. In a way I was speechless, for I have never met anyone like him...if someone was too bored of being around me, they'd just come up and say that it's all over or simply say goodbye. In a way I never minded such things happening, as I too wanted them to end, never really found someone that I'd be attracted to in more than a physical relationship. I'm not really sure what it is, but I kind of find him interesting...and I feel like I want to be with him so I can learn more of him, I don't know what it is...but I'm definitely confused.

My mind drifted back to the real world, escaping the cage through the endless thoughts that kept me in, as I heard his voice in a whisper, in an attempt to draw my attention.

"Hey, so I wanted to tell you of something first."

"I'm listening" I mumbled out as a reply, to assure him that I was focused on the task at hand.

"Right now, I don't want to lead you on...like something can come up between us...I am a bit confused about my own feelings...I mean, up until now I've only had my grandma and...memories."

He said the few things he could muster, it felt like he wanted to shut himself in a room and forget everything, as his final word came out as a low whisper. What could be so bad about his so called 'memories' that it'd make him want to run away from 'reality'. Right now, I myself felt a bit heartbroken of the thought that he might not even want to give me a chance...but I've done enough harm for a lifetime, and I never even knew anything about him, things as simple as his past, his friends...if he had any, not like I've seen him too friendly to those that approach him.

I don't know what drove me to do this, but I slowly got up from my chair and sat next to him. What I did next, just came naturally. My left arm slowly moved to his shoulder and pulled him close, maybe I was afraid I'd lose him soon so I decided to take the opportunity I had now and make so that he won't be able to leave me, or maybe I just was as confused as him, it could have just been the fact that I did not want to give him the chance to run away and forget...me.

"Then...let's find out together. What will our future bring towards us!?"

I don't know if it was a simple act of sympathy, or he was stupid enough to give me even more hope for a better outcome of today. But somehow I kind of guessed, and it didn't feel like that...he actually felt alone in his battle with the past and the future and just needed someone...not necessarily a lover, but a friend and I guess, even though I've been quite a douche, he chose to confide in me. It made me slightly happy, that at least he didn't freak out on my actions and ran away, but even more...he gave in to my confession, even if just slightly.

His reaction to my sudden actions came later than I expected, and somehow it surprised me what he did. Instead of sitting there like a statue, he turned towards me and hugged me closely. Even if he tried to supress his voice, I still heard the few sobs he probably has kept in for longer than even I could. We stood there for a short while, and for once I didn't care what the passing by the cafe thought of it all. When he recovered a bit, he let go of me and I took my hand from his shoulder, but he took it in his own and held it tightly between us. Whilst apologizing for putting me through all this.

In a way I did not mind it all that much, this kind of situation...after all I've been in way worse poses than this. What truly bothered me was the fact that an uncertain future now stood in my path.

The waiter came and in the end I was forced to put an order for the both of us, as he seemed lost in thought and barely managed to give a reply. Luckily though, I kind of knew the restaurant's menu inside out and picked some light snacks for the both of us.

All this time he wouldn't let go of my hand, it was different than how most people would see it...it felt like if he'd let go, something horrible would happen. In the end our food came and he still refused to let go, I asked him if he was okay, but he didn't respond. Instead of saying anything to any of my questions, he simply looked at me and asked me one last time to reconsider everything and go back to my usual life...not like I have much to go back to. Not to my parents, my siblings are mostly gone to boarding schools due to my parents wanting to "train them for a better future", unlike mine...I had no friends, and nobody liked me enough to even want to know of me, not like I could blame them...I was as unsocial as he is, or worse. After a short while I simply reminded him that no matter what, we're in this together.

Things fell silent between us, yet again. Somehow I managed to eat a bit with only my right hand free, but he barely even touched his food...after a few failed attempts, in the end I did manage to make him eat most of it, though I'm not satisfied with just that as he seemed about to collapse a while back due to, should I say, 'starvation'. Although he was reluctant of my reassurance that it will all be alright, he still kept glancing back and forth between me and the plate in front of him, like a scared kid afraid to be left alone...no, that wasn't how he saw it...but how I did. What he thought during this entire time I have no clue, but for some reason I was alright with not knowing, since I knew I'd find out eventually. If that'd happen today or tomorrow, what'd be the difference!

After that we stood in silence for a short while, until he finally spoke up and asked if I'd wanted him to walk me home. Of course I said yes, what kind of idiot would I be to pass this chance, though in the end I kind of felt guilty for having those thoughts as he seemed to be kind of uncomfortable about the whole situation.

The walk was getting a bit awkward, for neither I had no clue on how to react n'or what to say to him any longer. After reaching a pass I finally decided to ask him where he lived and, though a bit surprised at my boldness, he replied shortly. Apparently he lived rather close to me, but our roads only intertwined at half the distance between my house and the cafe we've been at. Thus after finding out that little piece of information, I just thanked him for taking me this far and urged him to go home to rest, but he insisted on taking me all the way. I wanted to just tell him that he doesn't have to go that far, but when I looked in his eyes I could notice a tint of confusion and sadness, what exactly it meant...I had no clue, but I wanted to ask him about it even so, therefore I decided to let him do as he pleased.

It took me a while to muster the courage to say something, and what followed was but whisper.

"There's something bothering you, isn't it? You can talk to me if it's really that serious."

"It's nothing...to be worried about. I'll believe you...that it's all going to be alright. But I can't shake of this feeling of uneasiness for some reason."

If that was supposed to make me feel better, well it had the opposite effect in fact.

"So what's this thing that been bothering you?"

"So you noticed that. I'm worried that something bad might happen, it's more than that...I've avoided people for so long that it's became my second nature to do it, but it wasn't because I liked it or not...I..."

"You can tell me, you know. I'll be here for you, no matter of the outcome of our relationship..."

"That's what scares me the most of all. You're far too nice to me...for your own good. If my misfortune brings upon you something you can't handle, and if I'm not there...I don't know how it will end. Just be careful."

"Awww...so you do care about me. Haha...and here I was worried that I might have no chance. But listen, I don't care about stupid stuff like luck or misfortune, or whatever. All I know right now is that I have a date to prepare for tomorrow and you need to tell me everything for once, since we'll be on this together, wherever you go, I go. Simple as that."

For a second there I could have sworn I saw a flicker of hope in his eyes, yet it was gone the next second. But at least he didn't seem to be as nervous as before and reverted a bit to his usual self.

After I arrived close to my home, we parted, but not before we exchanged phone numbers. Somehow I'm still not ready for telling anyone who my parents are, n'or did I want him to get even more worried about my...own situation.

How should I put it!

Whenever I pass the front entrance, I kind of can't stop feeling uneasy and depressed, for the situation with my folks was never great, but at least we were together one way or the other and at least I had my siblings, though it was a tough relationship with our parents... After a while things fell into a back and forth exchange of goodbyes, it affected the entire family and not even my siblings would not feel welcome at this place...at some point they stopped smiling and running around the house for some reason. Most families find ways of pulling everything back together, but we weren't part of the lucky group. When my siblings got old enough to go to school, our parents decided it's best to send them to a faraway boarding school...they still visit, but it's not the same any longer...I can't even find any comfort in seeing them anymore. Nowadays...the house is kind of shallow; it's just me...and the emptiness within. My folks still come by once in a while to leave me some cash for groceries and what not, but otherwise...it's just me...only me.

Slowly I passed the gate and made my way through the front garden to the entrance, pulling my keys out I opened up and stepped inside.

"I'm home..."

Kind of sad to greet an empty house, but I've gotten used to it, I guess.

What followed was but a blur, as I shut myself from the outside and thought of the things which occurred. At least I had one thing to take comfort in for tonight, the only thing to pass through my mind right now...the date with Axel tomorrow. After taking care of some things I usually did when I got home, I went upstairs and slumped on the bed, tired of all that happened today. My mind drifted to several places, to faces that I'd never see again...probably, and to him...to our kiss and the shared emotions from the cafe.

In a few minutes everything went black and I dozed off, while my mind kept jumping between several paths...thoughts of past memories and ones to come...