Page 24 of A Furry Thing Called Love
I sigh.“I don’t want to leave Arlo.I know it’s stupid.He’s an adult and can take care of himself—he’s not shy about reminding me of that.I just…”
“You’re just stupidly in love with him and don’t want to miss out on this opportunity,”Valery says softly.
I shake my head.“No, that’s not it… He’s been through a lot recently, and I want to be there for him.As a friend, nothing more.”
It’s not like I can tell Valery about Arlo’s health concerns without his permission, so there’s not any way I can justify myself.
“You two are getting along then?”
I try to temper my grin, but fail spectacularly.“Yeah, we are.We’re friends, as I said.I’m helping him with his dog, and we're spending time together outside of that.It’s…nice to have him in my life again.”
None of my past partners and I parted on bad terms, but then none of them meant as much to me as Valery or Arlo—for different reasons.Val and I…we were young when we met, and young when we broke up, but I can’t imagine my life without them.They’re my best friend, even when they’re too insightful, or trying to drive me insane—sometimes both at once.
And Arlo… I haven’t figured out my feelings for him yet.I know what I feel for him is deeper than anything I’ve ever felt before, but that doesn’t mean I actually know what to do with said feelings.Right now it’s all a jumbled mess in my head that I’m still trying to sort out.
“I’m glad you’re reconnecting, Jor.”They stare at me intently.“Does this mean you two are…”
“No,” I implore.“We’re friends.Nothing more.”
Val hums.“Okay.”
“I feel as if you don’t believe me, and I need you to, because nothing is happening between us.We’re friends.I’m happy to have him as my friend.He’s special, and I can use more people like him in my life.”
“Your mother on you to date again?”
I roll my eyes.“She apparently knows some ‘nice girls’ that I would ‘get along great with’.”
Valery huffs.“You mean someone boring who probably thinks LGBT is like a fancy BLT.”
I laugh.“Something like that.”
“All the more reason to come see me.‘Oh no, I can’t meet anyone because I’m going to Boston with Val to have as much gay sex as possible’.”
“You’re terrible,” I tell them, shaking my head.
Val shrugs.“You love me anyway.”
I just sigh.“I need to see if I can get someone to take care of the petting zoo at my house, but…after my current classes end, I can maybe take a trip out there.”
Val squeals and I wince.“Do you have to be so loud?”
“Oh, I’m sorry for being excited that my best friend is finally giving in and coming to see me.Let me just be all stoic and act like I don’t care.”They try for serious, but end up failing as they laugh at themself.
“You’re such a dork.”
Valery sticks their tongue out at me.“I don’t really care right now, since I get to see you after so long.”They sigh.
Smiling softly, I say, “I miss you too, Val.It’ll be good to see you.”
“Yeah.Can I tell Luka?”An evil glint enters their dark eyes.
“No, you’re going to tease him and he’s not built for that.”
Valery laughs.“Oh, come on!He’s gotten better, kinda… His not-harem has been good for his self-confidence.Please?”
I sigh.“Fine, but I don’t want any part of this.”
Val cackles evilly.“Deal!This is going to be so much fun.”
