Bear, Otter and the Kid (Bear, Otter and the Kid #1)

by T.J. Klune

He didn’t come out of my belly, but my God, I’ve made his bones, because I’ve attended to every meal, and how he sleeps, and the fact that he swims like a fish because I took him to the ocean. I’m so proud of all those things. But he is my biggest pride. —John Lennon

I shall go the way of the open sea, to the lands I knew before you came, and the cool ocean breezes shall blow from me the memory of your name. —Adela Florence Nicolson

I know you were hurt and have every reason to be angry, but just know that there hasn’t been a day that has gone by that I haven’t thought about you and Ty. Maybe that’s my punishment, knowing you are doing well and knowing I had nothing to do with it. For what it’s worth, I’m proud of you, for having done so great despite people breaking their promises to you. It was good to see you, even if it was only for a moment. I am glad I got at least that. I’ve missed you, Papa Bear.

Otter suddenly fills the world, and he’s all I can see, and he enfolds me into him protectively, shielding me while I split and shatter and fall into myself. And even if he’s not there to pick up the pieces later, I will always remember that he has at least given me this moment, this moment to break.

“I mean it, Bear. There are enough people out there that will be more than willing to knock you down. There’s no reason for you to do it to yourself.”

The fight for you was all I’ve ever known, he said to me. This is a dream. This is a dream. I bring my other hand up and cup his face in my hands. He closes his eyes.

Can you do this? the voice asks. Can you handle all of this? “Otter,” I say gently. “Look at me.” He does. I kiss him. God help me.

“Oh, Bear. It’s always been you. It will always be you. I love you, and that’s why it will always be enough.”

If someone can care about me that deeply, despite all my faults, despite all my refutations, despite all my everythings, then that makes all the storms and all the oceans worth it.

Ty shakes his head and looks at Otter sadly. “I hope you know,” he tells him, “that just because he can’t say it, doesn’t mean he doesn’t feel it. He’s always been like that and whatever he needs to work out, I hope that you can let him.”

“I’m glad Otter came back. I’m glad you were able to find him again. But if it’s okay with you, I’m still going to like girls.” With that, he leaves the kitchen, humming quietly to himself.

He presses his forehead to mine. “I love you too, Bear,” he says, and then his lips are on mine, and we are on fire, and we burn the world.

My immortal words? “Creed, I’m in love with your brother, and I think I fucked everything up.”

He grins evilly and steps forward leaning over to whisper in my ear. “You’re totally the bottom, aren’t you? I bet you love it.” “The first time we did anything, it was me fucking your brother,” I whisper back. The color drains from his face, and I know I’ve won. He pats my shoulder and tells me how nice for the both of us. He looks serious again when he says, “Is it strong?”