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The Psychology of a Crush #2

My eyes alternated between lazily hanging open and giving long lethargic blinks. I was leaned against the counter in my home's kitchen, watching my coffee pot with a deadpan stare as the dark liquid drained slowly into the glass pot under it. As per the usual on lazy mornings like this I was casually hanging around my house with just some boxer-briefs and a tank top on. Looking around with the same dead stare I took in the recently renovated space I was in. Much of it was bare, I wasn't really ever one for a lot of decorating, neither was my dad. The stainless-steel appliances contributed to a very emotionless and cold aesthetic of the kitchen, the dark cabinets also not helping. Still, it was nice. Nice enough that I hardly ever even noticed the dark theme. Eventually, I rubbed my eyes in an attempt to stimulate some sort of activity and lifted my phone to check various statuses and media activities. It wasn't really a unique morning yet in any sense of the word. My sister had posted more engagement photos of her and her soon to be husband, Robert. She had some photos of both of them at sunset on a beach, or their trip to Yosemite by the geysers. More of them just kissing in various places in Paris, Spain, Italy.... Ick, these are so basic they put dish soap to shame. I know I just spoke out of jealous for her lavish lifestyle though.

My sister looked WAY more like my dad than I did. Her fur the traditional German Shepard brown. Plus, her tail isn't quite as fluffy as mine, which I consider a win. As a consequence though, my tail also does that weird half curl thing sometimes that's not quite a husky tail but not quite a regular tail either. I let out a sigh as I looked over more pictures. The lion she was with wasn't a bad guy at least. Little boring, not quite as much of a spaz as my sister, but I think a little balance to her rambunctious personality would do wonders. Besides, he's obviously loaded. There's no way in Sam hell that MY sister could afford all those vacations by herself. The rest of my Muzzbook page was a clusterfuck of politically charged articles from my dad and "Peace, love and relaxation" yoga tips from my mom. I gave a chuckle thinking about how those two were ever able to get along as well as they did. Somehow though, they managed. Until both my sister and I were out of high school at least... I was continuing to mindlessly scroll over various people's stories. Feeling a little shitty about being stuck in town. Wearing nothing but a white tank top and underwear while my cousin, Sandra, was in Thailand helping disadvantaged children. I was taken away from my smartphone by the beeping sound of my coffee pot as it mixed the rest of the water and ground beans. I placed my phone down on the counter and poured a cup of joe from myself. Of course, to even tolerate it I put what seemed like a couple gallons of creamer in, not a proud moment, but I still needed the wake me up factor coffee provided. I spent the next couple minutes lazily sipping at the cup, placing an instant pastry into my toaster with my free hand. I was fiddling with the unnecessarily complicated toasting options on my appliance when my phone started to give a distinctive, repetitive beeping.... Wonder who's muzztiming me right now... I wrinkled my muzzle as I pondered the mystery, abandoning the hopeless toaster while I walked over and picked up my phone. Turning it over a grin crossed over my muzzle as I saw the caller.

Incoming call-

Tor(Hector)

Muzztime

I looked over at my kitchen window for a couple seconds, turning on the sink and running a little water through my messy head fur and straightening my tank top as much as I could before tentatively pressing the accept button. My grin turned into an amused smile as the video started streaming. Hector was in what looked like the university gym, shirtless, and on a treadmill. He was sweating profusely from the looks of it, he had his headphones in and a water bottle close by. It only took me a couple seconds to allow my gaze to drift from the surrounding area to his chest. He must have put is phone on the plastic board on the front of the treadmill, because I could see almost the entirety of his muscled upper body. His pectorals and biceps put mine to shame. The supple, firm surface rippling like a sea of ebony fur as he moved his arms back and forth in his jog. He had absolutely godly mid-section, at least to me. It was clear he had a fuck off 6 pack, but what was also clear, was that he had a dad-like muscle gut. The sweat running off of his body making his coat shine like his muscles had been oiled. I felt my sheath stir with activity as my canine manhood starting to tent my underwear slightly. I was really glad that he could only see my face and shoulders. Because my gay heart could barely take it. He gave was I could only assume was a signature grin. Every time I see him he starts start the conversation off with the same large, friendly and slightly dopey grin plastered across his muzzle.

"Heyyyyyy Tanner! How are you doing today mi amigo?" I laughed a little bit at his extremely extroverted introduction. His accent must come on a little thicker when he's excited?

"Ha, well my day, as you can see, ain't really begun yet." I gestured to my tank top.

"Well get off your butt dawg! It's like 3 in the afternoon." He chuckled as he said the words, his breath starting to become slightly labored. In response he pressed a button on the treadmill and slowed to a fast walk. "Well anyway, guess it's a pretty snowy day. I'd want to be snuggled up in bed right now too, you know?" He flashed a sly smile and a...I guess "friendly" wink I just thought the gesture was adorable in any case. I chuckled and rubbed my paw over my face slightly as I felt my checks flash with a sudden heat, inciting a chuckle from the Doberman. He continued in his same charismatic tone. His Hispanic accent seeming even more apparent today. I do have to admit I could get used to hearing it. "Amigo! The boys said you were a total blast to hang with on Tuesday. You should come to lunch with us more often man!" When I met up with hector in the hallway I wasn't really expected to be invited to sit with the football team at lunch. I interacted well enough, introduced myself to a couple jocks who really seemed mildly annoyed Hector had forced me on them. I even made a couple "funny" jokes. What I don't think that I made, was a big impression.

"Well, if you're tryin' to get me to eat lunch with you again. I might be game game. Though, I don't think my car joke is going to be making it to any parties soon." He shook his head in disagreement and stopped the machine, and by extent, his fast walking. Probably to give me a sense of his focus on me. He picked up his phone and brought it closer to his face.

"Naw dude, I thought that joke was wayyy funny. I mean yeah, couple of the guys thought it was a groaner. But your still funny man. S'why I like hanging out witch you." A smile crept across his handsome muzzle as he tried to give consolidation.

"Well...Thanks Tor. Glad I could entertain someone. So, uh, I've really been enjoying talkin'. But did you just call to chit chat." I realized how rude that must have sounded. My ears drooping down from the normally proud and upright position and my tail ceasing its movement for a moment. "Ah, shit man. Uh, well uh what I didn't mean it like that. I REALLY enjoy talkin to you. Your great, it makes me happy to talk to you. You've been really cool and all to me and I like you man. But! Uh, not in that way or nothin. You know...?" My checks flushed with embarrassment, I honestly don't know if I've had a more disastrous statement in my life. My words were fumbled and stuttered, and my ears quickly pinned all the way against my head in a pathetic display. Why do I have to have a light furred muzzle? Just makes the blushing more obvious... I covered my eyes with embarrassment before looking back to my phone. Hector didn't seem at all phased by the statement, though, his emerald eyes looked into the phone with what seemed like a sense of purpose.

"No, no dude it's all fine. I completely get what you're saying, I like you too man. S'ides you don't have to worry about what I'm thinking about you man. You're great.... Don't let anyone say otherwise either. They do, I gotchu amigo." A delightfully pleasant smile flashed on his muzzle as he gave an affirming nod to his last statement. I couldn't help but allow myself a few short half-chuckles. My cheeks losing a lot of heat at his comforting words and my tail moving against the counter behind me once again as he continued talking. "Anyway, I actually did have a reason to call. I know, the quiz in pysch got moved up to Monday. But...Did you still want to come over and get a little studying done? My weekends usually have some major shit going on so, I figured tonight would be best." Strangely he scratched the back of his neck, a bashful look on his face. That's fucking adorable.

I looked out the window of my kitchen at the heavy flakes falling outside. Looking back to my phone with an eyebrow raised at the Doberman on the other side of the scratched phone screen. "Uh, yeah I'd be down to study. But it's snowin' bad out man. Supposed to get 6 more inches or somethin like that."

"I could pick you up.... IF you still wanted to come or like, don't want to drive in the snow." He looked almost anxious as he said that. I couldn't see his lower body but it kind of felt like he standing on his toes right now.

"Actually, that would be really awesome. Snow's a little too deep for my car right now, the plows haven't been coming back up into the tulies much anymore. And I'd take my dad's old truck, but I don't think the damn thing would start. We could just chill at my house too if you want." Instead of a laugh I just let out a few lazy laugh-like exhales of breath. As I talked to the Doberman I started to walk from my kitchen back up to my bedroom, pacing around as I continued talking.

To my surprise, the large canine practically jumped off of the treadmill in his next movement. His large cropped ears stood straight up in excitement. His emerald eyes lost the glint of nervousness that they had before. While his muzzle curved into a happy and incredibly gentle smile. His right fang hanging out of his mouth slightly.

"Uh well, I was still hoping we could hang at my place actually. I was thinking about going out to that new Viet-manse restaurant tonight. I heard that the pho they have there is seriously good. You should totally tag along after we get a little reading done." He flashed another grin and flopped one of his ears to the side. Fuck that's an extremely good look. So fucking adorable.

"That actually sounds awesome. I haven't even eaten anythin' today. So...I guess I'll see you in a couple hours?" I sat down on my bed as I finished my sentence. The un-made queen sized bed groaned under my weight. I readjusted my arm to make holding my phone up more comfortable.

"Sweet!" He looked back as someone called his name very loudly. "Yeah! Ill be back to spot you in a sec trav!" His gaze came back to his phone screen. "The coach is probably going to let us leave early so I'm probably gonna be an hour earlier than I said on Monday." Another shout came from out of the screens view. Hector gave a slight growl as he yelled back, can't say I've really every seen him anything but happy before that. His gaze once again returned to the screen and he chuckled, his friendly demeanor quickly returning. He rolled his eyes and gave a sarcastic scoff. "Sorry Tanner, Travis is acting like a baby, per the usual. I gotta go help him right now but I'm really looking forward to tonight, I feel like it'll be fun." He looked into the phone, clearly trying the best he could to make solid eye contact with me. Once our eyes were more or less on the same level he gave a charming smile, his right fang once again showing slightly in a cute display. I returned his smile as well, feeling like it was genuinely earned by him in our small conversation over the phone.

"Yeah, I'm lookin forward to it too...But anyway, go help the bear out. I'll text you my address when you're on your way."

"Cool. I'll catch you later dawg." He gave one last quick grin before pressing his finger against the end call button, my phone returning back to the home screen. I kept looking at the screen until it gradually got dimmer, then went completely dark. My trance broke shortly after and I tossed the device onto the bedding behind me.

My mind was swimming with thought. I might have been taking his invitation to DINNER as a little too literal, but everything from his body language to his word choice was giving me the I LIKE YOU vibes. Despite the anxiety that was racking my brain I still couldn't help but let my tail wag wildly. I didn't want to admit it, but I was definitely crushing on another guy. A tall, muscly, handsome, masculine and extremely kind guy. I laid back unto my bed and lifted my paws to my eyes, rubbing them furiously as I thought about all of what transpired. God...What the hell would dad say if he knew you were feeling like this about another dude? Probably kick me right out to the curb. I can almost hear the yelling "No son of mine is goin to live under MA roof if he's datin sum fairy, fag." I scoffed at the thought, a sinking feeling weighing heavily on my gut as I thought about the consequence of my little crush on Hector. Maybe I'm just over thinking this. He probably doesn't even like you that way, more than likely he's just being a nice dude because that's who he is. You run into him first day of classes...Then suddenly your going to Viet manse with him and over to his apartment? In this FIRST week?! No, shits way to cliché. Still, even if it is just as friends it could be good. He's a sweet guy, couldn't ever hurt to hang around him....If he is into you though... I took my paws off of my eyes and gazed at my ceiling, trying to find the words in my own thought. Well than you'd be the luckiest fucking dog ever._I let myself smile as I thought about Hector. His large, comforting arms wrapped around me. I can't even deny now that'd I'd love the experience, his masculine scene. His body wrapped around mine as he embraced me.... _Oh god, you're a bottom. I chuckled to myself and grabbed my phone in my paw again, looking at the time. Alright tanner got 2 hours to get ready. Let's make this a good night.

By the time 5 started to roll around I was already out of the shower and furiously trying to pick out an outfit. I started with a grey long sleeve that I ended up promptly removing, it made me look like I had even more of a belly than I actually do. I was tossing various articles of clothing everywhere in my search for a perfectly average outfit. I must have put on and taken off at least 4 different outfits. Eventually, I settled on a simple pair of dark blue jeans, my usual converse paw covers, a white north face t-shirt and a black denim jacket. And, of course, a pair of tight fitting boxer briefs. Not that I'd really be showing them to anyone tonight...Unless...The night went well I guess. The theme tonight will be classy casual ladies and gentlemen. I took my phone off of my desk and looked at the time, noticing a text from Hector telling me he was on his way to my house. As if on que the house's driveway movement sensor made an electronic chime, notifying of someone coming up the driveway. I made my way to the window and saw a silver ford explorer sport trac meandering lazily up my long, snowy driveway. My tail swayed gently behind me as I watched the truck stop on the paved circle in front of my house's garage. The man inside turning the vehicle off and stepping out into the extremely snowy landscape, surveying the area before his eyes gradually rested on the front door to my house. I looked around at the front room of my house to see if I'd forgotten anything. I slung my backpack onto my shoulder and padding around in my pockets to make sure I had my house keys, phone and wallet before opening the front door to my house and stepping out. The cold winter air blew up against the back of my furry neck as I turned the deadbolt on the door. I heard some snow crunching behind me, a smile crossing my muzzle before I had even turned around.

"Hey there." I turned to see the large, ebony furred canine standing behind me. He had on a simple flannel jacket and a pair of blue jeans, rustic look, but I liked it.

"Hey yourself." I turned back for a couple seconds to make sure the bottom door lock was engaged before turning back once more. "Alrighty, you ready to dip?"

"Yup! Let's split." He turned and started back down the snowy staircase. Looking back every so often to make sure I was still following. After my converse had been already properly frozen by the cold weather conditions we arrived at his truck. To my surprise he made his way over to the passenger side of the truck, pulling on the door handle a couple times before the ice around the door broke and it flew open. He held the door until I climbed into the leather bucket seat, flashing me a smile as I did.

"What a gentleman. A fragile young man such as I could never hope to have the strength...." I spoke in an extremely sarcastic, fake aristocratic southerner accent. My muzzle turning into a mischievous grin.

"Ha! That's right! S'why you gotta have a big canine like me around." He chuckled through most of the statement, giving a short playful flex of his biceps before gently closing the door and climbing in on the driver's side. He brushed the snow off of his paws before closing the driver's door and starting the engine. To my relief the heater was already on full blast, the warm air filling the cabin of the truck and adding to the comfortable atmosphere. I looked around the cabin of the truck out of curiosity as Hector backed out of my driveway. The truck itself was in good condition, none of the grey leather seats had any tears or major signs of wear. The interior design though, typical of American cars in the mid-2000s, was extremely dreary. The stickers that he had attached to the back window of his truck did liven things up though. He had a variety of energy drinks and jackets thrown into the backseat of the vehicle but, I do that too, so I can't fault him for disorganization. When I looked back out of the front window we were already merging onto the main road back into town. The Doberman looked extremely focused on the road, his steely gaze locked onto the snow-covered road as he drove. I spoke a few times, each time his ear moving slightly towards my direction and his answer coming back in his same happy voice. It was nice, not to have to worry about snow driving for a little bit. After a couple shots back and fourth about how classes or our days were going I eventually settled to watching out of the passenger window as the snowy pine trees zoomed by. I continued to occasionally make small talk with Hector, but I was content to watching the view as we drove towards town.

It took a little bit longer than usual to get into town, Hector is obviously a significantly safer driver than I am. When we arrived at his apartment's parking lot it had already started to become dark. The apartments were pretty typical of university establishments. The outside of the building was an inconspicuous blue color, most of the cars in the parking lot were boring Hondas, Toyotas and Kias. I followed behind the Doberman as he led me up to his apartment, occasionally moving my ears to the side to listen to loud music playing from a random apartment or random excited sounding yelling. As we made our way up the concrete staircase I couldn't help but notice Hectors behavior. He was walking at a steady pace, looking back over his shoulder in a subtle move that wasn't so subtle. His short, docked tail appeared to be wiggling too, the tiny furred appendage was hard to track though in the dim lighting. After climbing 3 flights of stairs and walking down a sketchy lit balcony/hallway he eventually stopped at a door, the apartment number 357 listed on the front of the door.

After a couple seconds of undoing locks, he opened the door to a modestly sized front room, flipping a light to the left of the door and illuminating the space. Typical of a college dude apartment the living room was virtually empty besides a brown leather couch, a TV complete with an Xbox setup and a wi-fi router which was unceremoniously on the carpeted ground with exposed wires.

"You can just set your backpack down wherever if you want, I'm just gonna get my book from my room." He wandered off to the right side of the front room, disappearing into a small hallway alcove. As suggested I tossed my backpack down on the leather couch, continuing on with my investigation of the apartment by wandering into the kitchen, just off of the front room. The space was typical of a lot of cheaply and quickly build apartment building during the late 2000s. It wasn't in any way special, the cabinets were unpainted, instead just appearing the natural color of the cheapest wood available at the time. The rest of the kitchens backsplash and appliances were painted a sort of off white. The stove top itself was covered in a variety of grease and other various stains, sort of implying its frequent use. Despite the somewhat dirty stovetop the rest of the kitchen was uncharacteristically tidy for a college apartment. There were no dishes in the sink or laid around on the counter and everything looked as if it had been wiped down fairly recently. I heard the light sound of paw steps on carpet behind me and turned around to see my Doberman host leaning against the doorway to the kitchen. He had taken off his jacket and was dressed simply in a pair of jeans and a tight muscle shirt that defined his generously muscled and proportioned physique. He was grinning as he spoke.

"Getting a feel for the place? Making sure I don't have any dark secrets hidden in the cabinets?" He kept his playful bravado up through the sentence.

"Naw, just sort of noticin' how clean this place is. Honestly didn't expect the student housing to be in such good shape." He pushed off from the wall and stood up to his full height as we talked.

"Eh it is pretty decent for what's it's been through I guess. I just cleaned earlier this morning before classes.... I do consider myself lucky, Travis's place is missing like 2 of the cabinet doors." He shook his head and rolled a rumbling low chuckle from his muzzle.

"Jeez. Well at least you have a pretty decent place. But uh, do you have a roommate or anythin? Seems like it would probably get expensive." I moved past the Doberman and back into the front room of the apartment, picking up my backpack and pulling out my phycology textbook as we spoke.

"I did have a roommate when I first moved in, but he dropped out a couple weeks ago. The housing office just hasn't assigned me a new one yet I guess." He gave a nonchalant shrug of his shoulders. "It's fine though, rents not AS horrible as it is at some universities at least. Anyway, we should probably get some actual studying done huh?" He trotted over to the couch where he had laid out his own text book, picking it up and sitting down on the leather surface of the couch. After a couple seconds he padded the seat on the couch next to his, flashing a friendly grin. "Come on and take a sit amigo. I don't bite too hard." His grin turned a little mischievous in its nature and I couldn't help but laugh at his goofy and cliché joke.

"Y-yeah, sorry." I blurted out as I put my backpack down, leaning it against the couch before reluctantly sitting next to the Doberman and opening my textbook to chapter 1.

To my surprise the next few hours mostly passed by without any major interruption. Hector had stopped reading a couple times. Once to go to the restroom, once to make the both of us coffee and a couple other times to ask me a question, usually related to a complicated series of Greek words. Despite the droll subject I was actually really enjoying being able to study with hector. He wasn't at all distracting and, despite his occasional shortcomings, seemed like one of the nicest, smartest and best-looking guys I've met at the university. Honestly, I was lucky just to be friends with him. I was taken out of my thoughts by a sudden shifting of weight next to me. Looking over I could see Hector standing up and stretching, his shirt lifting off of his belly just enough to let his muscle gut poke out slightly when he lifted his arms above his head. I only allowed myself a tiny peak, looking quickly back to my textbook when he finished stretching, so I didn't seem like I was checking him out. I could see in my peripheral vision that he was looking down at me and I took myself away from the book to return his gaze.

"Ha, you look like your pretty into the book amigo. But uh, it's getting pretty late. I was hoping we could head down to that restaurant before it closes." I picked my phone up and checked the time, seeing it was already 8:40. I put my book down, standing up and doing a similar stretching ritual as hector, even lifting my arms above my head slightly. When my gaze came back down I noticed for a moment hectors eyes were not level with my own, instead pointing slightly down. His gaze quickly snapped back to attention, though, I smiled internally.

"For sure! Damn, I didn't think time would pass so quickly from just readin a textbook." I packed my textbook into my bag and put my phone back into my pocket. Also putting on my jacket and preparing to leave the apartment for the cold world outside. "Alright, well. You ready to head out?" I looked back as Hector finished putting on a hoodie over his muscle shirt, grabbing his keys from the cardboard box that acted as his end table for the living room.

"Yeah, I'm all ready. Let's go get some dank pho noodles bro." He led the way out of the apartment, holding the front door open for me before closing it and locking the deadbolt. I had already begun to walk down the apartment complex corridors, navigating it the best I could remember how to. Luckily, Hector caught up to me quickly and had assumed the lead of our little caravan, making traveling through the maze a little easier for me. Eventually when we arrived at the parking lot I could see the snow had picked up since the last time I was out in it. The wind howling as it blew through the hallway we were standing in, pushing up against the light poles in the lot and swaying them back and forth. Hector had already started to walk out into the snowing sideways conditions, looking back to see me jogging after him. When we reached his Explorer I quickly ran around to the passenger side, waiting for him to unlock it. Once the telltale electronic lock sound could be heard I pulled on the handle of the door. It took me a couple solid pulls before the ice surrounding the door broke free, after that occurred I practically leapt into the seat, slamming the door shut. Hector was already in the interior, putting the key into the ignition and starting the vehicle before going back outside with a plastic scraper that he retrieved from the driver's door cubby. For a while, the only thing I could do was listen to the gentle high idle of the truck's engine and the lovely sound of ice being removed from a front windshield, all the while rubbing my paws together in an attempt to create heat within my paws. Much to my relief hectors truck doesn't take nearly as long to warm up as my Audi. The heater starting to blow glorious warm air as the thermostat of the vehicle opened. Around the same time the driver's door of the truck opened, hector shaking himself around and brushing the snow off of his feet before also climbing into the warm interior of the car. When I looked over at him I couldn't stop myself from bursting out laughing. The laugh quickly becoming so potent that I curled over myself in my seat and started slapping against the doors hand rest.

"What....?" I looked over at his face, tears now forming in my eyes from all the laughing. The spurt of laughter quickly returning as I saw his face again. A few minutes passed of me completely lost in laughter until an annoyed grunt came out of Hectors muzzle. I managed to look up at his face with enough composer to form a sentence.

"Y-your eyebrows! There...." I broke into another fit of laughing. "Your eyebrows have a ton of icicles all in them!" My laugh started to tapper out into a series of chuckles. He brought down the drivers mirror, quickly brushing the ice out of his ridiculous looking frozen eyebrows and turning over to my still chuckling form with a slight frown on his face.

"Come on, its not THAT funny. Besides, I was out there scraping the windshield for YOU. So...There." He gave a fake pouting face and stuck his tongue out. He looked out of the back window of the vehicle. Shifting the truck into 4-wheel drive and then into reverse before inching out of the parking space.

"I'm sorry I'm sorry. It's not that funny I know." I managed to get out int between light chuckles. My ears perked at his ending statement. "Oh! My knight in shining armor! I simply couldn't have hoped to be rescued from my icy prison without thee!" My tone was extremely sarcastic and joking, but his light frown turned into a smile, obviously I did something right.

"S'right. I DID rescue you. I think I'm owed a kiss from the damsel." As he drove slowly up the snowy hill he looked over at me with his sly, toothy grin. Obviously seeing the extremely surprised look on my face he chuckled, returning his gaze to the road. "I'm just kidding bro. Though, your reaction was pretty priceless." I forced a similar, Though more awkward, chuckle.

"F-for sure. That was a pretty good one man. Definitely got me." I looked out of the passenger window at the passing town as we drove, my ears still somewhat pinned against my head and my checks flustered with embarrassment. The amount of homoerotism going on in this car right now is too much for me....

The restaurant was not what I was expecting at all. Most of the buildings in downtown Timberland were mostly made of old brick, owed to the town's long history. The restaurant that Hector had just parked besides though was in stark contrast to the rest of the buildings. The establishment looked sleek and modern. The new construction was made primarily of a glass and steel beam combo that allowed light to flow in from almost all angles. The structure looked like it belonged in downtown Portland or Seattle rather than here. I stepped out of the truck, walking quickly through the plowed snowbank and over to the sidewalk to join Hector.

"Damn, got lucky finding a parking space so close to the front." He waited for me to get to the sidewalk before starting to make his way towards the double doors of the restaurant, holding the door open for me as we both made out way in. The restaurant was significantly louder than I might have expected from the outside. The glass walls of the place were obviously well insulated because the hum of random conversation hits you like a wall. The room was populated by all manner of different furs. Most of them looked fairly young, probably a lot of other students from the college. Given the décor and appearance of the place though a young audience seemed fitting. The building was split into 3 levels. Where we were on the ground floor had all sorts of larger looking tables, probably for parties and other events which required more seating, second was a raised wooden platform a few smaller tables set up near the edge of the floor and a variety of booths decorated with a variety of nice-looking pillows. Further back it looked like a set of stairs led out towards the back of the second level, probably to an outdoor seating area of some sort. The entire room was decorated with a variety of exotic looking plants. Some of them looked like they could be fake, but the sheer color variation was mesmerizing. The center was being lit by an ornamental chandelier at the center of the room and the tables and booths lit by a variety of candles, lanterns and conventional lights all creating an extremely calming aroma and mood. The very faint sound of a Asian inspired tune under all of the talking providing a great compliment to the atmosphere

"Table for two?" I looked back to see a perky racoon host behind the front counter. He held in his paw two menus and wore an extremely enthusiastic smile, his eyes betraying nothing but a sense of friendliness as he smiled at the two tall canines that entered his restaurant. I suppose that IS his job though huh?

"Yes. Just the two of us." Hector answered in an unusually professional tone of voice lacking much of the accent and flare of his usual tone, causing me to turn to him and twist my head to the side in confusion. I got back only a grin and an eyebrow raise from him and I looked back to the raccoon.

The host looked to be checking a computer behind the counter before looking back up and speaking in a joyful tone. "Great! We have a table available on the loft, if you could follow me reallll quick." He stepped out from behind the greeting table and made his way down one of the alleys between the table groups and up the stairs to the second level. Hector and I followed closely behind, narrowly avoiding a stray leaf of a hanging bush on our way up the stairs. After a short walk the host gestured to a small table next to a bonsai tree, overlooking the rest of the restaurant. I began to walk over to the table, but I was cut off slightly as Hector stepped up and pulled out a chair, putting his paw forward and presenting the seat to me. I shot him an extremely suspicious look and reluctantly sat down in the seat. The Doberman helping me push in the chair slightly before taking his own seat across the table. "Dawwwwwww you guys are adorable." The host said in a very cutesy sounding tone of voice, sending a slight cringe down my spine as he set the menus down on the table. "Can I get you guys anything to drink?" W both answered that we were fine with water and the raccoon just nodded. "Your server will be over momentarily you guys." He then turned heel and walked off.

"What was that?" I looked straight at the Doberman in front of me, a steely gaze on my face. Surprisingly he gave me a dopey looking grin, chuckling lightly as he did so.

"I knew it would mess with you bro. Your face right now just proves that. S'ides, you seem like you've needed my help most the night, figured why would I let you down now?" I scoffed and rolled my eyes, just inciting another chuckle out of the ebony furred canine across from me. "Anyway, let get into these menus. Can't wait for some noodles man." He reached over grabbing a menu and the red information packet in front of his face, looking over it and occasionally flipping pages. After another suspicious look and a raised eyebrow sent the Dobermans direction, I followed suit.

Most of the names on the menu I could not hope in a million years to be able to pronounce. Lucky for me, the menu had numbers listed next to every dish. I was just about to decide between number 88 (a fried rice dish?) and number 109 (Some classic beef pho) when I was taken away from the menu by the bellow of a wild animal....

"Oh. MY. GOSH. HECTORRR?!" I blinked a couple times before looking up from the menu. I saw Hector and he looked like he had just experienced a nightmare before his face. His eyes wide in what could only be described as terror as he looked on, past my face to a place behind my head. Turning my body around to look behind me I saw a female ocelot fast walking over to our table. The chair hector was sitting on creaked as it adjusted to no longer being subjected to his weight as he stood up. The ocelots pace quickly turned into a jog, then a run as she sprinted towards hector. He gave a last, pleading look to the feline before bracing his body as she jumped at him, throwing her arms around his chest and legs around his waist. I looked around nervously at the rest of the restaurants patrons who were now looking at our table with curious expressions.

"Oh my gosh I can't believe you're here!!!!! Why didn't you tell my you were in Timberland!!!!" The ocelot exclaimed, just as loud as the first few times she shouted. I could hear a couple pitiful groans out of Hector as she continued to crush his body in a suffocating hold not unlike the ancient snake tribes of the old world would with their prey.

"N-nice to see you too Angie...But uh. LuNgs. Breath...." He managed to force out before the feline jumped off of him. Hector quickly took a few deep breaths in, leaning down slightly and resting on his legs before standing back up to face the ocelot. To great relief the rest of the restaurant seemed to get back to their own business, much of the patrons turning back to face their own company as Hector and the ocelot spoke.

"Dang angie, always so fully of energy..." He chuckled to the feline.

"You know it! It's why you couldn't handle all...This...Well than, among other reasons." She gave a wink to hector which, judging by the look on his face, caused a blush.

"Anyway...Angie, this is Tanner. Tanner, this is Angie she's...." Hector started before Angie interrupted in a rambunctious tone.

"Only his BFF from high school! Well, one of his high schools anyway. Oh also, we lowkey dated for a couple weeks but...Eh, that's sorta lost history. Point is! This guy." She gestured to hector and gave his biceps a provocative squeeze. Hands off the goods lady. I growled internally despite myself. She took a couple steps back from Hector while I also simultaneously stood up. She of course continued talking. "This guy.... Is the best! Ugh, if only we worked better as a couple than as friends." She gave a pretend pouting underlip and then chuckled as hector shook his head.

"Ha, yeah. If only you were not such a jealous spaz." Hector chuckled and shot a playful frown at the feline.

"Hey! In my defense Kathy was on the cheer team AND was always looking at you like she had the hots for you." She crossed her arms and flipped her purple died bangs back out of her eyes. Her outfit was extremely modern looking. She had on a white thirty-two branded Bennie on with a little snowboarder symbol on the side. A really sleek looking black bomber jacket and a white vans Off the wall shirt adorned her midsection and flowed seamlessly down to a pair of blue skinny jeans, completing the look with a pair of black and white vans covering her paws. Her face was like something out of a supermodel magazine, she had a stunning pair of golden eyes and a muzzle full of intricate fur patterns. Her fur itself was a beautiful off tan color that didn't upset the eyes nor draw an incredible amount of attention to it.

"Yeah, but in MY defense, I never had the hots for Kathy so...there." He chuckled back to her.

"Anyway! Back to my first question. What are you doing here?" She turned her head and raised an eyebrow at Hector.

"Well, tanner and I are both going to Timberwolf." He gestured to me, giving me a knowing smile and an apologetic gaze before turning back to Angie.

"No. Way! I'm getting signed up for spring term like right now!" She blurted out loudly and giddily causing some of the restaurants patrons to turn back momentarily. "I'm going to be studying Bio-chem!"

"That's awesome Ange! Knew you could make it. I mean, you always were smarter than me..." He shrugged. "So, uh, did you want to pull up a chair or something Ange?"

She looked back and forth between Hector and I, shaking her head. "No that's alright. You boys look like you were having a grand ole time here. I just wanted to come say his to this nerd." She said pulling hector into a hug before releasing him and squeezing his arm once more. "Keep working on those muscles Tor. Your looking fine." She said giving a ok gesture with her hands with a click of her tongue before turning to me. "It was nice being able to meet you Tanner." I held out my paw in response, but she quickly used it to pull me into a hug. She is WAY stronger than she looks. "I... am a hugger Tanner." She leant further into the hug, bringing her mouth almost all the way next to my ear, causing me to feel incredibly uncomfortable. She whispered to me in a playful tone. "Don't worry about in Tan man. No competition from me, he's a MAJOR homo. Also, he wouldn't take you to a place like this if he didn't like you." She stepped back, releasing her hands from around my waist and giving me a wink before turning back to Hector. "Well, it's been good you guys. But I'll let you get back to it. Tanner...Stay cool big guy and Tor..." She looked over to Hector, who was now transfixing her with a suspicious gaze. "Try not to break the pup." She gave him a playful wink and turned to head out of the restaurant. I hadn't even noticed before, but a tiger was waiting patiently at the entrance to the stairs, giving a small nod to Hector who returned the gesture, before wrapping his arm around the ocelot and descending the stairs with her. I turned back to Hector who was already taking his seat at the same time I was returning to mine.

"Heh, she's quite the character huh?" He opened the menu for a brief moment before setting it back down and smiling across at me.

I could help but still have a smile on my face from what the feline had said to me, my tail pushing up against the chair occasionally in an attempt to wag. "Yeah. She's something alright."

"Are you two ready to order?" A red panda appeared at the side of our table with a notepad in hand.

"Yeah, can I get number 109, the beef pho. extra spice please." The Waitress nodded as she listened to Hectors order, writing it down and turning to me.

I Looked blankly at my menu for a couple seconds before just putting it down and setting it at the end of the table. "I'll just have what he's having. Spice it up too." I said in a confident tone. The panda nodded and smiled before taking the menus and walking off to the kitchen.

"Feeling ballzy tonight are we?" I looked over to see my Doberman company with a raised eyebrow and a grin once again plastered on his face.

"Maybe I am. Heard some news that put a little pep in my step." I stated plainly to him

"You DID huh? Well it's a welcome change. Makes you look really regal when you straighten your posture out." He sent a wink my way causing my confident swagger to faulter slightly. Not a hard person to fluster Tanner...

We spent the rest of the evening enjoying each other's company. The pho was, as advertised, very good. The spice did eventually become a little much for me, causing hector to shake his head in silent judgement of me. He was an extremely easy person to be around. He never talked to fast, never raised his tone and always kept his ears pointed straight towards me, like I was somehow the most interesting fur in the world to him. It was a nice change of pace. Despite many protests from me Hector did manage to sneak paying my bill when it came time to leave. I could only send him a disappointed look and offer to pay the tip at least, I left a generous 25 percent tip before we walked back out to his truck.

"Ok ok. What's your last name." Hector raised an eyebrow at me. Before quickly looking back to the road. "What? Seems like good info to know!"

"Yeah but it's too simple, I was expecting something like have you ever committed a crime or where would you want to live if you could." He smiled the whole time through the sentence. "Ok, well. My last name is Gutierrez. Hector Phillipe Gutierrez. What about you?" His accent came on extraordinarily strong with that statement.

"Tanner Garret Williams. Your turn I think."

"Alright...Ah, here's one. Who did you date in high school?" He kept his gaze on the road this time as we started hitting some of the downtown traffic.

"Well. There was this one girl, Rachel. That I dated for a little while. It was mostly just a popularity thing for her I think though, like datin' someone on the football team gave her some kind of edge I guess." My voice got a little quieter through the statement. In truth, I'd never liked Rachel, it was mostly just to keep the homophobes in my school off my back that I agreed to take her out every once in a while.

"Ah, come on. Good looking guy like you didn't have all the girls falling at your feet?" His accent didn't really show up very much in the statement, probably an acclimation to his environment that its only shows up when it does. Maybe he just puts it on to bring up the romance factor? "Well, if I were in your high school. It wouldn't really matter if you were on the football team or the robotics team. I'd still think you were a catch. Just saying." He still didn't look away from the road once again, but I could almost feel his grin from the passenger seat.

I felt my own muzzle curl into a smile as well, my tail making subtle movements in my seat.

"Well. Thanks Tor. For what it's worth if we were in the same high school I'd think you were a catch too." I sighed and looked out the window. "If I'm honest. I really could hav-....Well, I could have used a friend like you back then. Your awesome. I mean, tonight was awesome. I just, really can't thank you enough for invitin' me..." I didn't even finish my sentence before I felt a strong paw rest on my shoulder, making light circular motions around my jacket, causing the fabric to rub against my fur in a comforting gesture.

"Well I would have been there for you if I could have Tanner. You're a great fur too, I'm lucky to be able to spend time with you." He continued to rub my shoulder even after he stopped talking. Eventually though, he did retract his paw. If I was more expressive about my feelings I probably would have let out a whine in response to his appendage ceasing contact. I would have given some indication that the presence of his touch made me feel more comfortable, but I just remained silent.

"So, what's your favorite band?" Hector broke the silence of the drive back up the hill to my house.

I just looked over to him, blinking a couple times. "That's not fair...."

The drive further up the hill to my house didn't take much longer, the questions continued being shot back and fourth though. When we pulled to a complete stop in my driveway I couldn't help but laugh at how hopelessly buried in snow my Audi was.

"I could help pull you out really quick if you want?" He put the truck's shifter into park before undoing his seatbelt and looking over at me.

I shook my head in response to his question. "That's alright, the only classes I have on Friday are lark's Psych course and Criminal courts. Pretty sure both are going to be cancelled if this keeps up." I unbuckled my own seatbelt and opened the door, getting immediately blasted in the face by a flurry of snow.

To my surprise Hector had exited the vehicle too, leaving the engine idling and waiting for me to walk around the front of the truck.

"You don't need to walk me up to the door or anything, I don't really live in that bad of a neighborhood..." I raised my voice slightly over the wind.

"S'alright, I want too. With how you've been doing today you might need my help getting up the steps anyway." Even though it was dark, windy and snowy I could still see an extremely mischievous simile across his muzzle. His tooth hanging out the side, indicating he has something evil planned.

"Wha-...Hey!" I barely had time to react before the Doberman had charged me, picking me up by my waist and hoisting me over his shoulder, carrying me with an impressive amount of strength considering my own size all the way to my front door. I of course playfully smacked his back in a mock attempt to get free, but I was loving every moment of it.

"Ha! You know if your trying to escape your doing a pretty bad job." He chuckled as he gently set me down in front of my door. I shot him a faked frown that quickly melted into a smile and a chuckle as he returned my glare with a toothy grin. I turned and started to unlock my door, stopping before turning the handle. I looked back to see Hector still standing on my steps, a...hard to describe look on his face. His eyes stared right down at me, like he somehow desired to reach his arms out and hold me. Instead his arms laid limp at his sides, his gaze transfixing me with the strange expression.

"Is something wrong Hector?" My eyes betrayed my concerned feeling, my ears moving to tuck further back on my head as I spoke.

"No...Nothing." He gave a faint smile. "Goodnight tanner."

"Yeah. Goodnight Hector...." I raised and eyebrow at him. "You're sure nothing's wrong?"

"Yeah. Positive, things really couldn't have turned out better. I really enjoyed your company tonight." I wasn't really satisfied with the answer. By the longing look still on his face he wasn't really satisfied with it either. He gave another faint smile and turned to start walking down the steps. Even though I usually wouldn't have I acted purely out of feeling I did this time.

"Hey. You." He turned just fast enough to have my wrap my arms around his midsection, pulling him into a hug. It took him a couple seconds to register the action before his strong arms wrapped around my own slightly smaller frame, his muzzle resting on my right shoulder as we hugged. It didn't take me very long to start melting in his grasp, his warm body wrapped around me, strong grip shielding me from the world as his muzzle gentle moved, nuzzling into my neck fur. It probably would have been a suspiciously long hug for any outside observer, but we were lost in our own world for the time being. I was only pulled out of it by Hectors deep baritone voice whispering gently into my ear.

"I didn't want to rush you or anything..." The sound came far gentler than his usual tone.

"Your not. Nothin is official yet. We're just..."

"Two bros hugging for an awkward amount of time?" He finished my sentence.

"Yeah...To late for no homo?" I said jokingly

"Yeah, maybe a bit." I could feel his chest rumble as the gruff chuckle came from his muzzle "Could it be official?"

I paused for a moment, then spoke in a hushed tone. "With time, I'd be lucky for it too be. It's the first date though, let's not rush things too quickly." I felt his grip tighten around me for a brief moment, his muzzle still nuzzling against my neck fur as he did so. Eventually his grip loosened, and I stepped out of the embrace, figuring we'd been standing out in freezing conditions for long enough. To my surprise he let out a slight whine as I left his grasp. "Sorry, but I figured if one of us didn't break it up we might be out in the cold for the rest of the night."

"Your right, sorry. I was just getting into it." His longing gaze had shifted into a more satisfied smile as he looked down at me. "Well, ill let you get into your warm bed."

"Yeah, Ill let you get back to yours." I turned and walked up the final step to my door. "Goodnight, Tor. I really want to do this again with you sometime."

"I'm looking forward to the days.... Goodnight Tanner." He smiled as he turned and started down the steps. Only turning back when I called out to him once more.

"And text me when you get home safe!" I said while turning my door slightly and opening the door just enough to allow the warm air to flow out.

"You worried about your knight, eh?" He smiled and turned his head slightly to the side, allowing one of his ears to flop.

"Only slightly." I smiled through my heated cheeks at him.

"I'll send a text Tanner. Now go get some sleep." He chuckled and continued back down the stairs. I watched as he finished the walk down the snowy path and back to his truck, waving at him as he backed out of the driveway. Once his lights disappeared down the road I pushed my front door all the way open, closing it behind me and heading up to bed.