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Kristofferson knew that his cousin was different, but he didn’t quite know how. He knew the obvious ways that Ash stood out, he wore a cape and tucked his pants into his socks. He spit and grumped and always woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Kristofferson didn’t know why the kids at school were so mean to Ash though, all that didn’t seem to match the harsh treatment he got. Beaver was the worst perpetrator, often pulling cruel pranks and whispering mean things to Ash. Kristofferson didn’t know exactly what was said, but based on Ash’s reaction he knew it must be bad.
Kristofferson knew Ash was different, but he didn’t quite know how until he walked in on him changing. He got a quick glimpse of a chest not like his before the door slammed shut in his face. Kristofferson went red to the tips of his ears.
The door opened moments later to reveal Ash, now fully dressed. He pulled Kristofferson inside and slammed the door shut behind him.
“You didn’t see nothin’.” Ash stated.
“I’m sorry,” Kristofferston started before being cut off by Ash.
“You didn’t see nothin’.” It was a harsh, heavy statement. Ash had his arms crossed over his chest, face sour. Kristofferson nodded, and Ash relaxed.
“If I had seen something though,” Kristofferson started, feeling Ash tense again. “It wouldn’t be a problem.”
Next thing Kristofferson knew he had been tackled to the floor in a hug, his cousin’s face pressed to his neck and the wet feeling of tears on his fur. Kristofferson petted along Ash’s back, staring at the ceiling and letting him cry.
“That’s why the kids at school are so mean to you, isn’t it?” Kristofferson felt Ash nod into his fur. This wasn’t acceptable, on the other side of the river being ‘different’ wasn’t a bad thing at all. Besides that, this was Kristofferson's cussing cousin they were talking about, and he had a vested interest in keeping him safe.
Kristofferson was plotting. He had started following Ash around at school, sticking close to his cousin and making sure to always be his lab partner, much to Agnes’s dismay. Ash didn’t seem to understand why, but he wasn’t being picked on so much so he was mostly okay with it.
Then Beaver wrote it on the inside of Ash’s gym locker, stealing his clothes while he was at it. The slur shone in bright pink paint, and Ash almost cried. Kristofferson walked Ash home, helping him change and get in bed before rushing back to school.
He volunteered to be Beaver’s partner in science class, mixing several chemicals before asking Beaver to smell it. Beaver, of course, had forgotten about wafting and stuck his nose directly over the beaker. Kristofferson tapped the side of the beaker, and a large explosion caught Beaver’s fur on fire. Pandemonium broke out in the classroom as creatures rushed to extinguish the fire. Kristofferson quietly slipped out the back door and ran home to his cousin.
“Ash,” He whispered.
“What do you want?” Ash said tearfully.
“I set Beaver’s fur on fire.” Ash sat straight up in bed and stared at his cousin. He gestured for Kristofferson to get on the bed, and then was told the whole story.
“Thank you,” Ash said, “You’re the best friend I have.” Kristofferson smiled.
“And you’re mine.” Kristofferson had decided soon after they met that his cousin was under his protection, and anyone who cussed around would find out. They loved each other after all, even though Ash was grumpy and Kristofferson was perfect. They were family.