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• Part Three -

I pulled my shirt off and cleaned the fur on my stomach with a towel. As I began to wipe at the spot on my shirt I let my gaze wander to the mirror and noticed a pair of scuffed boots and a familiar spotted tail sticking out from under the door of the stall. I put my shirt down on the edge of the sink and walked to the stall, finding the door unlocked I opened it. To my surprise I found Marcello reclined on the edge of the toilet seat looking blearily up at me, squinting against the light.

I wondered what the hell Marc was doing just sitting alone in the bathroom. It struck me that something was odd when he just stared for a moment then got unsteadily to his feet and grabbed me in a hard embrace.

"Tai, you son of a bitch, long time no see." Marcello's words seemed muffled by my shoulder.

The odd feeling persisted until Marc raised his head and the smell of alcohol hit me full in the face.

I coughed, recoiling, "Christ! Marc! You're drunk as Hell aren't you?!"

I nearly gagged, trying without avail to free myself from his hug.

"Yeah, probably. I had a little drink before coming back from running my errands. Actually that was one of my errands."

Marcello giggled eerily and I could just catch the faint slur in his words as he spoke. "So, you here with Dorien tonight, Tai?"

We spoke as I half dragged him over to the bathroom counter. It took some effort but I managed to lever Marc up into a seated position on its edge.

I was finally able to free myself from his overtly tenacious grip. "Of course Marcello. Who else would I be here with?"

"Yeah, who else? At least you and Dorien are happy together and have a good relationship."

From the edge in his voice I could tell that Marcello was driving at something and I guessed in spite of myself. "You and Charlotte call it quits again?" I asked seeing his wavering eyes focus momentarily as he stared at me.

"Fucking A+ Tai. This time permanently, as in forever, no more, dead, gone and buried man, ex- marks the spot, Ciao, crash and burn, through, Fi-ni-to. Looks like a divorce for sure."

I felt mild chill run through me at the intensity with which Marc spoke. Dorien and I had said from the beginning that Marcello had gotten married way too young and that it wouldn't last. There had been close calls in the past, times where either Marcello or Charlotte would stay with Dorien and myself for days on end after a screaming match would force one of them out of their apartment. Gods knows we never wished ill of their relationship, but after the initial growing pains that normally plague a newlywed couple had never subsided I think we all knew something was wrong.

I just thank Gods that they had been sensible about not having kids right off the bat or things would really be ugly. That was one thing that Dorien and myself had discussed early on in our relationship when we had moved out on our own. We know several couples that have adopted, but both of us decided to forgo children. I myself am not really a kid-oriented person and Dorien is terrified as to what he might be like as a parent after his own disturbing childhood.

Marcello is normally a pretty controlled drinker but I could tell from his state that he must have been having a real rough time of things. I took a towel from the rack beside the sink and wetted it, cleaning off Marc's face and attempting to douse the smell of alcohol so that I could get closer to him. As I pushed his hair back out of his face I could tell from the redness around his eyes that he hadn't slept and had probably been crying. Still cleaning Marcello, I noted that his scent was fairly strong too, as though he hadn't showered recently.

"Why don't I have Brenda or Elise take you home Marc, that way you can get a shower, change clothes and sleep this off. You'll feel better in the morning." I suggested to try and get his mind off of things.

"Thanks Tai, 'preciate the thought, but I can't go home, Charlotte ousted me. I've been sleeping in the office upstairs for the last three days."

'Oh Boy, Well, that explains the other half of the smell.' I thought grimly to myself. "She really seems to be serious this time, huh?"

I tried my best to get close to Marcello without too much contact, I didn't want to reek of cheap alcohol and someone else's scent when I got back to the table.

I grimaced as without warning Marcello grasped my arms and pulled me close to his spotted form. For the second time in one day I found myself getting wet with anothers' tears. This was really not like Marcello, things must have been worse than he was letting on. I heard him sniffle and we looked each other in the eye. My heart sank as I could see how his normally vivid, sapphire blue eyes were dull and turbid. Handing him the towel I turned to allow him to compose himself.

"Thanks Tai, don't know what came over me."

I could hear the strain in his voice. I turned back in time to see Marcello slide off the sink, land hard, and then wobble as his knees gave out and he sank to the floor. I rushed over to steady him, letting Marc use me to pull himself upright.

"You're a real pal Tai, Dorien found himself a real good, uh, um, boyfriend? lover? Ah, fuck, mmm..."

I could tell he was racking his alcohol soaked brains for the proper word. "Husband is closest, but mate will do just fine, that is after all what we are. Or if you're not comfortable boyfriend is... adequate." I remarked flatly, helping Marcello to stand against the sink.

"Ohhh...yeah." He stated hazily.

Marcello gripped my arm almost painfully and I looked up to find him staring hard at me. That tiny, under-developed psychic part of my brain that only seems to operate at times like this suddenly started going off like an air-raid siren. I had the feeling I definitely wasn't going to like how this was gonna turn out as I shrank under Marcello's sudden and unnervingly focused gaze,

"Hey, Tai, I've always wondered; What's it like?"

"What do you mea..?," I started but he cut me off.

"You know, it, IT, sex, fucking with another male. I've wondered what it's like."

Marc paused and looked at me rather thoughtfully for being blasted out of his head, "You and Dorien seem to have a good thing going. You're both good looking pieces of tail for being males."

I felt myself shiver involuntarily, suddenly my exposed body felt cold as I remembered that I was still shirtless. This, despite the fact that my ears and nose were hot, looking back they were probably beet-red with shock and embarrassment, but I didn't bother to look.

Marcello's glazed eyes were appraising my reaction, slowly wandering down my body, stopping at my bare chest.

"Uh, Marc, I don't think you realize what you're saying." I stammered slightly in spite of myself.

The leopard's eyes narrowed frighteningly, "I don't, huh? I've seen the way you look at each other. How you kiss. I can only imagine how hard you two nail one another behind closed doors."

I was agape, not knowing what to say at this drunken revelation, as Marc continued unabated. "So, Tai, what's it like to mate with another male? Feeling your bodies press against each other. How does it feel when his cock's rammed up your ass? How 'bout hearing him moan as he shoots his load in you. Do you like to suck each other off and taste one another's cum?"

I felt frozen in place, completely stunned.

As he talked Marcello was pulling off his shirt, his eyes still locked onto my exposed chest and stomach. I saw his firm chest and muscled stomach, covered in short, thick yellow and white fur. His back and shoulders, mottled with black spots, belying his leopard heritage. I noticed Marc's mating scent faintly, a slight musky odor against the sharp tang of sweat and alcohol. Before I could protest he had his boots and jeans off, standing before me in nothing but socks, he evidently hadn't been wearing any underwear.

I backed off as he came at me, grabbing my ears and pressing our faces together. I resisted, nearly choking on the stench of alcohol as I fought for breath. I felt one of my ears go slack as a questing paw squeezed my rump through my slacks. I grunted as I pulled back and turned my head, pain shot down the side of my head where Marcello still gripped my ear. In the middle of all this I felt a sharper stab of pain and heard a small clink as the hoop earring I wore came free from where Marcello was grasping my ear and clattered to the tile.

I managed to break the kiss but not his hold on me as he still pressed his body against mine. I could feel Marcello's swelling cock press against my crotch as he ground his hips into me. My head swam as I heard his voice, rasping, near pleading with me, "C'mon Tai, what does Dorien have that I don't? Cut me a break, we've known each other for a long time. I saw how you looked at me the first time we met. Don't you remember?"

I did remember he first time he and I had met, and admittedly I had stolen a few glances at his dazzling blue eyes and firmly chiseled body. I had admired the way his chest showed against his shirt as he moved and how his hair hung down around his face. But as soon as I learned that he was related (though not directly) to Dorien I had distanced myself. I had promised myself that I would never fool around with someone like that, I wouldn't want to jeopardize my relationship with Dorien in that way. Try telling that to a drunken, emotionally (and apparently sexually) starved leopard morph and see what it gets you. Not much.

Marcello's free paw unhooked the clasp on my belt and the front of my pants soon fell slack as he released the catch and fly. I gasped as his paw slid under my shorts and closed around my sheath.

"No, no, NO," I hissed venomously at the leopard, flashing my claws in his face.

I assumed that would be the stunt that would be costing me my life. I had just openly challenged a drunken leopard several inches and pounds larger than myself and more physically suited for a bloody fight.

To my amazement Marcello was taken aback for the split second I needed to regain my balance.

I growled, pushing him back as hard as I could. "You don't know what you're saying! Marcello, please! You're drunk. This isn't what you want! Back off!"

Marc looked hurt as he panted against the edge of the sink, I felt near tears myself. I was startled as he came at me again, I took a deep breath preparing for a fight I knew couldn't win. Even drunk Marcello was more than a match for me in both size and raw power.

Not giving up he grabbed me once again and pulled both of us to the floor, laying back with his knees bent, exposing his rump to me while he stroked himself hard with his free hand, "Free ride Tai, still not interested?"

Not exactly what I had expected but it still struck me as much as a physical blow would have. As I watched I felt myself shaking, torn by what to do. My own maleness was growing hard at the sight of the hard bodied leopard showing himself to be a willing partner. I fought myself down, realizing that Marc was drunk more than half out of his mind.

As I got to my knees, gathering my slacks up around my waist I suddenly felt the outline of the box Jenna had give to me earlier. I jerked as if physically struck, realizing what I knew I had to do. I redid the front of my slacks up and buckled my belt in place once again. I looked again at Marcello who hadn't noticed my lack of interest and seemed lost in another world as he jerked himself off.

I kneeled down beside him attempting to get him under control, leaning across his body to pin his arms if he tried something. Without warning Marcello stiffened and I jumped as his erection exploded in a violent orgasm. I was struck in the face and on the chest by bursts of his semen. I choked, retching slightly as I realized that his bingeing must have been going on for days, even his seed reeked and tasted bitterly of alcohol.

Marc relaxed as I quickly sat up and grabbed blindly for another towel. He muttered something I couldn't quite catch as I quickly cleaned my chest and face of the viscous mess. I checked my hair and rinsed my mouth out, then toweled myself dry. I turned back to Marcello who was slumped on the floor. I undertook the task of cleaning him off. It didn't take too long, as I had taken the brunt of his climax on my own chest and face. Taking advantage of his near unconscious posture I struggled to dress Marcello, pulling on his jeans and shirt, then stuffing his feet back into his boots.

He began crying once again as I levered him into a sitting position against the wall next to the sink. He went quiet as I was checking myself in the mirror after pulling my now dry shirt back on and adjusting my hair. I nudged him with my foot, seeing him shift away then sag against the sink cabinet. I guessed the booze on top of the physical exertion had been too much for him as he either fell asleep or passed out, probably the latter.

I stopped, sniffing, noting the scent of semen and musk (not to mention alcohol) in the air. I looked around and flipped the switch next to the light switch, hoping it was some kind of exhaust fan. I nodded as something above my head hummed and clean air began to circulate in the room. Still reeling from the fight, I opened the door hurriedly and looked for either Elise or Brenda. As I was looking around I collided with Elise as she passed on her way to the patio area.

"Tai?! What's wrong?, You look upset." Her brow wrinkled as she looked at me.

"It's a long story, listen, Marcello's passed out in the bathroom. We had a little fight, he's drunk out of his head."

I saw the look on her face as I stumbled over my own words. "Not again! Shit!" she hissed, anger passing over her features, "Leo's gonna have his friggin' hide as a rug for this one."

Elise took me by the shoulders, looking me over, turning me right then left. "He didn't hurt you did he? You're all right?"

I shook my head then nodded gratefully. Elise turned and hurried off to the kitchen, to get Leo no doubt. As I hurried back to the table I saw both Dorien and Jenna staring at me puzzled.

"We were getting worried. Is everything all right Tai?"

I could see the concern in Dorien's face as I sat down next to him.

"Yeah, yeah, I just had a little run-in with Marcello in the bathroom. It looks like he and Charlotte are calling it quits for good and he seems to be taking it pretty bad. He's really pissed out of his head." I explained.

I could see that both he and Jenna were waiting, sensing that there was more. I squirmed, "We had a little bit of a fight, that's all, he's really out of it."

I saw the tension in Dorien's face ease and he rubbed against me good-naturedly. "Well, let's pick up where we left off then."

I could see the spark in Dorien's eye, he knew there was more but he didn't want to push me on an uncomfortable subject right here. I leaned forward and whispered, "Later, I promise." into his ear feeling him nod lightly to acknowledge.

I looked over at Jenna who was staring intently at me. I could see her nostrils flare just slightly, I realized that she could probably catch Marcello's scent on my fur and I hoped that I had done a good enough job cleaning myself of Marcello's sexual scent. I could explain myself to Dor but I would have harder time of it with Jenna.

I turned slightly as I heard the door to the bathroom open and close and saw Carmen heading our way.

"Tai, sweetie, are you all right?" I could see the tenseness in her jaw, her long, scarlet tail switching back and forth.

"I for the life of me don't know what we're gonna do with that boy. He thinks it's the end of the world but we've all told him he's better off getting on with his life, finding someone new. Someone that's serious about a relationship and won't screw around on him like some bitch in her first heat. Sorry guys."

Carmen grinned hastily trying to relieve the tension.

"Yeah, Brenda and Leo are trying to bring him around. That boy smells like day-old road kill soaked in cheap whiskey. I guess from his ramblings Charlotte kicked him out, I thought his behavior lately was getting way beyond personal hygiene quirks."

She sat down next to Jenna as she spoke. "Say, you guys know a lot of nice people, maybe you could set him up with someone decent when he gets dried out?"

I found myself completely flabbergasted. Jenna and Dorien were just staring mutely at me, evidently electing me as group spokesperson.

"Uh, sure Carmen, we know a lot of decent people, we'll talk to a few of them. That's a good idea, always good to plan ahead, huh?" I wasn't sure if half of it made sense but it seemed to please Carmen.

I also didn't mention that half of the people we knew preferred mating with people of the same sex as them, but that could wait.

"Good, now I guess I better get back, so Leo and I can decide what in God's green pasture to do with the spotted hellion."

I looked side-ways as I saw Jenna's mouth open, "He could always stay with us for a few days till he gets settled somewhere."

Just what I needed. As if Marcello hadn't Godzilla-ed his way through things and left a rampaging trail of disaster running through my evening already.

"Really? Would that be OK with you guys? I know it is your house and all, but I don't know where we're gonna put him if Marcello has to stay with us, we had finally just got him out of the house."

I could see the look in Carmen's eyes. Dorien and I looked at one another and I shrugged, what else could we do?

Looking strained Dorien nodded, "Sure, We'd love to have Marc. It's only the decent thing to do to help... I guess."

Dorien smiled weakly, adding under his breath so that only I could hear, "I'm gonna fucking kill her, I swear."

My eyes widened involuntarily, the last time I heard Dorien use the word fuck in public was when Val, with his huge, clawed feet and nearly three hundred pound frame, accidentally stepped on my lover's fluffy tail.

"Jeez, that's a load off my mind, I don't know of anyone else I would rather he recoup with than you guys." Carmen turned hurrying back to the kitchen area to tell Leo.

Dorien and I both watched as she receded from sight then slowly turned to face Jenna, who was now squirming in her seat. "What?, What?!, What'd I do?!!" She asked not looking either of us in the eye.

Dorien's ears were back against his head, mimicking how I felt. We both turned as we heard Leo coming down our aisle. He had Marcello, still pretty much incoherent, draped gracelessly over his arm like a sack of flour.

"Where do you guys want this?" He asked gruffly.

Turning to me his voice softened, "You sure you're all right, Tai?"

I closed my eyes as I nodded weakly. I felt Dorien patting me all over, then prodding me playfully in the side making me jump. "Seems fine to me Uncle Leo."

Leaning forward I looked at Jenna, "Where are you parked?"

"Next to you guys, why?"

I waved to Leo indicating Jenna, "The back-seat of her car should be fine Leo."

As Leo stalked off half dragging Marcello's limp form with him I heard Jenna hiss, "What?! Are you nuts? What if pukes on my upholstery?"

"You wanted him, now you can haul him home." I stated wearily.

"What am I supposed to do with him then?" Jen asked.

"Val and Katie should be home by now, I'm sure they'll be happy to help you get him upstairs, past that I don't give a damn! Give him a bath, play dress up, make a kinky video. I don't friggin' care! Just get him home, clean him up and put him to bed in the guest room. I'm more concerned with salvaging what's left of this evening!"

I hugged Dorien close to myself then used the hand behind his back to gesture at Jenna indicating my pocket then Dorien and myself, closing with a pointing finger then drawing my hand across my throat.

I nodded curtly as she put up her hands in a submissive gesture, catching the subtle 'or-else' clause at the end of my silent statement.

"All right, all right. I guess I'll go then. I'll catch you guys at home, Thanks for the meal. I'll go say bye to everyone."

She slid out of the booth and walked toward the front of the restaurant. As she left I let myself fall forward, allowing my forehead to meet the table with a soft bang, making the silverware rattle on the table.

"Let's get out of here before things get anymore screwed up."

I sat up and looked at Dorien. He nodded and we both got up and started to walk in the direction Jenna had disappeared in. As we neared the kitchen doors Brenda and Carmen came out.

"Oh, guys. Jenna said you might be getting ready to leave, we thought we would come say Ciao."

We all shared the perfunctory round of hugs and stood back as Carmen started talking. "Thanks guys, I really mean it. Marcello has some problems in his life right now. He needs someone other than his father and I riding him."

I choked suddenly, somehow managing to produce a convincing, if strangled, cough to cover it up. I felt my ears flush hotly at her choice of that term, silently hoping it didn't show.

"I'm glad he has you two, you're like brothers to him, he trusts you."

"We're glad to help, Carmen, take care Bren." Dor and I walked into the kitchen area finding Elise and Leo coming back in from putting Marcello in Jenna's car.

"Leaving so soon boys?" I saw that Leo was back in good spirits.

He came up and hefted Dorien in one arm and me in the other. "It's always so good to see you boys, I wish you would come in more often, I have sacks of sugar that weigh more than you two."

"Yeah Leo but the way you and Carmen force feed them they wouldn't be able to get through the door." Elise smiled, hugging Dorien as Leo set him down but kept me pinned under one arm.

"I'm counting on you to keep my favorite nephew happy, Tai my boy, Capice?" The grin on his face gave him away, but he added a little squeeze around my ribcage for emphasis, making my tail bristle slightly in alarm.

Dorien and Leo moved away from Elise and myself, and she came over, hugging me warmly. She studied me for a moment, then reach into her pocket, producing my earring. "I thought so, here."

I adjusted my head allowing Elise to gently probe the flesh of my ear, "Does that hurt? OK, it doesn't look like your ear was torn, this just came loose. Here we go. There."

I heard the catch click on the hoop as Elsie secured it in my ear once again, "Thanks Elise."

"You're welcome Tai, if Marcello had hurt you I'd have skinned him myself, that little boy needs you whole." I decided not to argue species semantics with Elise right then.

We leaned against one another watching Leo and Dor talk. I felt Elise shift against me, pulling away and feeling my side and down my thigh. I felt her hand pat the side of my leg then remembered that the box was in my pocket.

I started to jerk away but Elise grabbed the front of my shirt, "Ah! Hang on there cat-boy. You got something in your pocket Tai? Or are you just happy to see me? I thought you weren't my type?" She smiled waiting for an explanation.

"Shh, OK, come with me." I hissed.

I turned back to Dorien and Leo who were still embroiled in their conversation. "Be right back love, I think I forgot something."

I saw Dorien look up nodding at my words then sink back into his conversation. I grabbed Elise by the arm and hauled her with me out through the doors into the restaurant area.

"What is it?" She asked.

I reached into my pocket, taking out the box and lobbing it to her. I saw her eyes widen as she opened it, covering her mouth with one hand, "My God, Tai they must have cost a fortune. They're beautiful. Does Dor know?"

I shook my head "NO, and I would like to keep it that way till I get the chance to tell him myself, OKAY?"

Elise nodded as she closed the box and handed it back to me. I took the box and slipped it back into my pocket.

As we were walking back into the kitchen Elise came up beside me and socked me lightly in the kidneys, "It's about time you little S.O.B."

I saw Dorien look up as we passed through the doors. "Find it Hon?"

I grinned nodding, "Yeah, found it, let's take off, what's the damage for the food Leo?"

We go through this every time, Dor and I both know that Leo would never let us pay but that doesn't stop us from trying.

"What?! Would you two dead-beat little pischers get outta here, go on, beat it!" Leo came up behind us and shoved us playfully toward the door.

"We'll come by to check up on the boy, maybe bring him some fresh clothes in case you decide it's in the world's best interests to burn the ones he's wearing. Whether he's in them at the time is up to you."

I looked over my shoulder to see Elise sneaking out the kitchen door and cursed to myself, she could at least wait till we were out the door. As Dorien and I reached the door, we waved to Leo and walked out on to the sidewalk. I looked up at the rapidly darkening dusk sky, even though it was almost the third week of October it was still staying light out till around seven, still fairly late for the time of year. Not much longer though, daylight savings time was just around the corner.

Glancing at my watch I noted that it was nearly quarter till, the streetlights were just barely coming on along the street as we walked. As we strolled an idea struck me, "Let's go see Raelynne and Susan."

I suggested to Dor as we walked. "We never got to finish the meal properly, a coffee and dessert would be good."

We struck out for the Java Junkie, Raelynne and Susan's homey little coffee shop located about four blocks from Marino's.

As we approached we saw a few acquaintances across the street, waving as they passed. From their direction I assumed they were headed toward the university dorms located about two blocks away on the other side of the downtown area. Dorien and I responded, waving back as we went inside. It was warmer inside, even at dusk it tends to get cool here as fall sets in.

I saw Raelynne sitting behind the counter, looking up as the bells on the door jangled. I gazed around seeing that the place was unusually quiet, like Marino's; only one other person was in the place, sitting off to the side of the café. Rae stood as Dor and I walked up to the counter. I like Rae, she's about six years older than Dor or myself, a lapin (rabbit), though she swears up and down her father was a hare. One has to watch that, the last person to call her a "bunny" needed dental work.

She has short chocolate and white colored fur, with longish hair always tangled in an elaborate braid of some kind. Rae wears her long ears draped demurely along the back of her head.

Her light brown eyes lit up as she approached. "Tai, Dorien, just the two I need to see on a slow night."

"Kinda weird," I commented looking around, "Normally the place is packed with the university crowd, must be that play the drama dept. is putting on, huh?"

Rae scowled, "Yeah. Damn actors. Always steal all the business when their stupid plays are running."

Rae isn't much of a school theater connoisseur but then neither are Dor or I. Who really wants to see the Bard's plays being hacked apart by nervous Gen X college students who have enough trouble speaking normal English on a regular basis. I shudder to imagine what it must be like in front of five hundred people.

"Well, choose your seats wisely gentlemen." Rae gestured around jokingly, "What'll it be, usual?"

Dorien and I both nodded. "OK one Irish coffee for Tai and one Cafe Mocha for Dorien, easy on the cinnamon, got it. Be right back."

Dorien and I proceeded to walk toward the back of the cafe picking a secluded table obviously more by habit that necessity tonight. As we strolled back I felt Dorien tug on my sleeve to get my attention.

"Hmm Babe?" I asked.

"There's Tom, er, Thomas from Jenna and my Art History class."

I followed his finger to one of the booths off to the side. Seated in it was a handsome male skunk with snow white and jet-black fur. I thought he looked to be slightly older than we.

He was turned side-ways in the booth, leaning against the wall, engrossed in a thick book. The skunk was dressed in a plain, dark grey sweatshirt that was neatly patched on one elbow and faded black jeans. I could see his black and white streaked hair pulled back into a loose ponytail falling about mid-shoulder. A pair of small, square reading glasses was settled on the end of his muzzle, partially obscuring his jade green eyes.

He looked up as we passed him, closing his book and sitting up. "Dorien? Hello!"

He put his book down on the table and removed his glasses. Then the skunk slid out of the booth, stretching gracefully as he stood to meet us.

"Dorien, Hi. How are you?" He clasped paws with Dor, then turned to regard at me. "Hello. I've seen you around but I don't believe we've met?"

"Oh, sorry, ha." Dorien chuckled looking up. "Thomas this is my, my, uh, well, that is, uh, Tai?" He stammered tripping himself up.

I reached out grasping Thomas' raven furred paw, "I'm Tai, pleased to make your acquaintance."

I saw his eyebrow arch and my heart raced in my chest. It's unfortunately always been this way, the first time I meet someone and Dor and I have to be introduced as each other's mates.

"So you're Tai, I've heard a lot about you from Jenna, oh, and Dorien here."

I still didn't calm down. "You have, from Jenna, uh, a lot?" I heard myself squeak. "Really, like what? That Dor and I are, well, that we, er, Ah, shit."

I shut up realizing I wasn't making much sense. How much had Jenna told him I wondered desperately.

"Hmm? Like what, oh, just the usual stuff, nothing incriminating."

"Not that we're... uh..." I began.

"Roommates? Yes Jenna told me, oh, Oh! Or do mean if she mentioned that you're involved with each other, mates with one another? Is that the subject we're prevaricating about the bush with here?"

I relaxed visibly, seeing this he chuckled, "Ah, you were expecting a different reaction, not surprising. It's a free country, and hey, I'm from California and still pathetically single myself, so you're better off than I am. Anyway, I'll let you guys get back to your choice of seating. Nice meeting you Tai, Dorien, I'll see you in class next week. Say 'Hi' to Jenna for me. Maybe we can all get together sometime?"

Tom's ears perked as he glanced up, "Oh, here comes the person with your coffee, see you guys later."

Dorien and I walked back to our chosen booth, reaching it at the same time as Rae. She was smiling, having seen our exchange with Thomas.

"Playing pick-up, boys?" she teased us playfully as she set our drinks down.

Dorien shifted in his seat, "Thomas? Oh, no. No. He's just someone Jenna and I know from class."

"Oohh-kkaayy," Rae drawled, looking back over her shoulder in Thomas' direction. "I have to admit, he is quite a looker but I'd get him to ditch that ratty sweat-shirt first, though. Other than that, not bad at all."

I got in a dig of my own, "Oh? And how would you know? He's not your type."

"Touché, ace." Rae grinned.

"From the way I've heard him talk about Jenna, he's not any of our types." I smiled as Dorien spoke in a low tone.

Rae laughed quietly, poking me lightly in the side, "Must break your heart. Ah, stripes and spots don't mix very well anyway. Suzie will probably be out in a while to say hey. Till then is there anything else I can get you two lover-boys?"

I thought about it, finally shaking my head, "No, thanks, but I'll let you know."

"Dorien?"

Dor was thinking, "Have any hot desserts tonight?" he asked.

"Hmm, I think Susan made a couple cobblers earlier, peach?" Rae asked looking at Dorien.

"No, I'm allergic, you have cherry or apple?" Dorien asked.

I recalled the last time he had eaten something with peaches in it. Dor had broken out in a Gods-awful rash that had lasted for days, he almost scratched himself bald in one spot on his chest.

"I think she made a cherry one, I'll check and bring some if we have it."

Rae made her way across the room pausing at Thomas' booth to inquire as to his need for more coffee. I saw him shake his head, as he did so an errant strand of shockingly white hair drifted down across his face. As Raelynne walked away from him he looked our direction waving at us pleasantly before shifting his gaze downward once again. I moved close to Dorien wrapping my arm around him as we talked.

"Another enlightened member of society for a change instead of some damn Nazi, huh?"

Dorien put down his coffee looking up at me. I smiled and wiped his lip before letting him speak, "Oh yes, he's very smart, top percentile. From what I hear I guess he came here from California last year. I've liked him from the start, he doesn't seem to have many preconceptions about him at all. Very likable."

I sensed the pause, "And very attractive, too, yeah?"

I asked, nudging Dorien in the side, making him fidget against me, "Yes, of course, but like I said he seems to like Jenna. Hey! Stop it! That tickles! Please! Tai!"

I stopped as his voice crested in a squeak. We laughed and held one another. "So," Dor asked, "Why were you so desperate to get away from my family, Mister?"

I sighed leaning back, "I love your family Dor but they were just screwing our evening up. It's not their fault, it just seems to happen that way."

"I know, I know." At least one thing always seems to go wrong in our day or evening whenever we go around Dor's family. They're sweet, but sometimes they can really make you friggin' nuts.

I decided now was the perfect time to act before Rae or Susan came back and I pulled away from Dor who looked at me, puzzled.

"Speaking of, I was hoping to do this earlier," I started, "but your family did their thing and I had to wait." I reached into my pocket withdrawing the box and holding it out to my lover.

"Open it," I prompted as Dorien took the box from my hands.

I watched, puzzlement awash on his face as he opened the box and withdrew another miniscule case with a hinged lid. He looked at me and I nodded indicating that he should open that one too. Dorien opened the box revealing a gold chain set into a black satin insert, only about two inches of the chain showed, the rest was tucked under the insert. I could see the puzzlement deepen as he looked at it.

"A neck chain? Tai?"

I couldn't help but smile at how well my plan was working.

I took the box from him and grasped the chain in my fingers, "Why don't you try it on?" I suggested.

I pulled on the chain, watching as the satin came free to reveal a pair of intricate, nearly identical band design rings dangling at the end of it. I laughed as I saw Dorien's mouth sag open.

"Surprise, Love. Do you like them?" I asked unhooking the clasp on the chain and slipping the rings off of it, holding them out to sparkle in the muted light of the dimly lit cafe.

I put the chain back in the case, then took hold of Dorien's right paw slipping the proper sized ring onto his finger. I then placed the other ring on my own hand. I could feel Dorien tremble as I grasped his newly adorned hand in mine. I noticed tears welling up in his eyes as I felt his free paw stroking the fur on my cheek and chin.

"Why are you crying?" I asked wiping his eyes with my fingers.

"I don't know, Oh God, Tai, Lover." He answered putting his head on my shoulder.

We hugged for a long time just sitting there holding hands. I wiped his eyes again and we turned to see Raelynne and Suzie seated at a table near us holding hands. Even Thomas was looking up, smiling as he waved again then went back to his book. This was something Dorien and I had discussed several times. Neither of us felt pressured to exchange rings or get married. Both of us were just happy to be mates and enjoy our lives without the added pressure of marriage hanging over our heads.

We had said that we would at least like to some day get a set of rings to exchange, not necessarily engagement rings, but just something to that we felt would strengthen our bond with each other and act as a visual reminder of our love. I also hoped the rings would help when we're out in public as well. Usually both Dorien and myself get hit on mercilessly when we're out at a bar, club or concert, by humans and morphs of both sexes.

I can't recall how many times I've struggled with stares and lecherous touches from drunken fools. Some even going so far as to proposition me with money. But admittedly most of the one's that have to go that far couldn't get lucky with someone of their own species if the other person were blind and in a coma. Most of the time I just suggest they would have a better time with something inflatable or battery powered. I have been known to sling a few drinks, but only when Robert or Val is around to back me up. The bothering party usually sees this as pretty final unless they're really blasted.

Even offers like sex for money are subtle compared to some of the pick-up's I've endured. I can recall one time when Val and I had been at a small club, waiting for Dorien to get back from home with Jenna and Katie, Val's human fiancé, then girlfriend. A pair of large, sleek tiger males had been eyeing me across the room and been relentlessly attempting to flirt with me since Val and I had arrived, both stolidly oblivious to my indifference. The situation had peaked when I had gone to the pay-phones near our table to check on Dorien's progress in getting back.

The two tigers had moved in behind me, cornering me against the phones. The larger of the two had grabbed me by the wrist, the other gripping my tail as they attempted to coerce me into leaving with them. I was hissing, about to lash out against the larger tiger when Val, having seen the two sneak up and try to forcibly come-on to me, came up from behind and seized the smaller one by the scruff of the neck. This prompted him to let go of my tail.

Val isn't a small person by any regard. A red wolf, he stands scraping seven foot plus, and weighs a good three-twenty or so. The first time we had met he scared the shit out of me, a huge, very broad, muscular wolf with dark red fur and piercing yellow eyes. The tigers had let go of me to face him, both of them bristling at the interruption. Val had stepped in between the tigers and myself then catching me off guard, he had surrounded me with one of his huge arms.

Glaring at the tigers, with his teeth bared and ears back, he had snarled, "Back off! He's mine!" I recovered my senses quickly, not allowing myself to seem surprised and did my best to play up the part. I made coy and stood back against Val, practically wrapping myself around his chest and glaring venomously at the tigers. Despite the situation I didn't altogether dislike the feel of his tightly muscled arm curled protectively around my waist.

The tigers were backing down slowly, but hesitantly, prompting Val to do something that caught even me completely cold. Still glaring at the tigers Val had grabbed my head in his huge paw and kissed me hard, pressing our bodies together. I had gasped as we parted still stunned at what Val had done. The tigers were beating a hasty retreat, growling quietly and Val had let go of me. I felt strange in that no one had ever overstepped their own comfort to protected me like that before. In light of the circumstances Val didn't have to get involved, but he did.

Before the incident I had assumed he just tolerated my presence for Katie and Jenna's sake, and that he probably despised me in private. I've found this from some of our former friends in the past, they play nice to our faces then shred us like we're freaks as soon as we're out of earshot. I felt odd as I realized I had definitely been wrong about Val.

We had looked at each other for a moment before Val broke the awkward silence, "Sorry, I didn't know what else to do. I didn't think we could take both of them down if it had come to it, but I couldn't let them jump you like that. Dorien, Jen and Katie would never have forgiven me."

"Thank You Val, I don't know what I would have done, probably have gotten myself killed in a fight with two tigers."

I had laughed holding his arm, "I always forget how relatively small in stature I am, compared to say, lions, tigers, or wolves. We cheetahs usually aren't really that big."

It was true, even-though the two individuals we had just sent packing hadn't been as big as some of the tigers I've seen, they probably could've hurt or killed me pretty easily had they really wanted to. I looked Val in the eye smiling, "I didn't mind the submissive toy bit, besides, you're a good kisser, I can understand what Katie sees in you."

We had laughed, Val hitting my shoulder, nearly knocking me to the floor, as we made our way back to the table. To this day I think only Val, Dorien and myself know about this incident, although I saw Val and Katie talking later that evening while they hugged each other and they both had looked over at me smiling. As with Thomas, new introductions for Dor and myself are always a hassle, you just never know how people are going to react.

It had been this uncertainty that had almost strained our relationship to the brink of disaster when Dorien and I had first started school at the university. It was awhile after the club incident had occurred. We realized that if we were open about our love for one another on such a small campus it would be through half the student body within hours, all of it within days. We didn't know how people would react so we decided to keep our relationship under wraps in public for at least a semester. Neither of us had realized the extent to which it would hurt us both.

For our first several months, up until November, as far as anybody knew we were just best friends attending college together and were roommates in a big house a few miles away from campus. For these first weeks Dorien and I had to endure the strain of people regarding and treating us as though we were just two attractive, single, available males. It was this facet in particular that had made social events especially painful. In high-school people were accustomed to seeing Dor and I together in class, and at dances and sporting events as each others dates for the evening. They knew we were mates and kept a respectable distance.

At our new campus we both had to suffer through either staying away from events, going stag and wading through the steady stream of single, often nearly desperate females, or hesitantly accepting an invitation from female classmates to go to dances or games and always keeping them at arms length. Things had finally come to the breaking point a few weeks after Christmas. Dorien and I had both been sullen and ill tempered after having been fighting for several days.

Val and Katie had invited both of us to a small party to celebrate their engagement, back when we had first met they had only been boyfriend and girlfriend. They were holding it at Val's parents' home. Incidentally this had been the event where we had first met Raelynne and Susan on a personal basis. It was just going to be a small gathering of friends and a few family members, a few of which attended our school. Dor and I had gotten into a discussion turned ugly about how we should go about attending, separately or together.

It was three tense days later, the day of the party, that Katie and Val had cornered me as I was eating lunch. Jenna and Robert had hauled Dorien, cussing floridly and loudly, into the kitchen by his shirt collar and tail. We had all sat, or with some of us, been forced to sit, down around the kitchen table.

Val and Katie had apologized, "We're sorry, we didn't mean for this to pose such a difficult problem for anyone."

Katie had been sitting at the head of the table with Val standing behind her. Dorien and I had been forced next to one another and we sat looking at each other sullenly.

I had finally broken the silence, "We know Katie. It's not your fault there are people on campus or in your families that would never understand the complex nature of our commitment." I had gestured referring to Dorien and myself.

"That's fine Tai, Dorien, just don't let your fears about what other people think about you get the better of your relationship. It'd be such as shame if your love for each other was ruined because of a few small minded idiots."

Val had stepped in, "Do what you know is right for yourselves, you have our full support on this. But if you do decide to come to the party, I for one would be more at ease to know that you were together and happy to help us celebrate.

"Like I said before, you two do what you think is right, nobody will think less of you for it, and if they do, the hell with them. It's our party and you're our friends, they can leave if they don't like it, it won't change anything. Just please, stop fighting."

It was several hours later that Dorien and I were upstairs. I had been lying on the bed reading, while Dorien reclined on the sofa watching TV. I couldn't concentrate on the book in my hands, finding myself watching the clock. Arguing with myself, I finally closed my book with a snap making my lover jump. I got to my feet and walked over to the sofa.

"Come on," I said hauling Dorien upright, "If we don't start getting ready we'll be late."

I saw the uncertainty in Dor's eyes as we got dressed, "But what about the people from school, and Katie and Val's family members?" Dorien sounded nervous, I imagined that the subject was close to giving him a nervous breakdown.

I shrugged, "Screw 'em. I realize now that we shouldn't have to pretend we're somebody that we're not to protect ourselves from other people's opinions that have no impact on our lives. They either accept that we are who we are and move on or they hate us. There will always be people that hate us for some reason or another, but we're hurting the people in our lives that love and care about us. So let's get going, if we hurry we might still get there a little early."

We had arrived at the party at Val's parents house a while prior to the start time finding only a few cars outside the house. I picked out Jenna's car easily remembering that she and Robert were coming together, rather than go through the hassle of finding escorts. All the parking on the street directly in front of the house was taken and I got out of the car to let Dorien find suitable space to park telling him that I would wait for him at the door.

I walked up the front path to the house and was standing to wait for Dor when the front door swung open to reveal Val's mother Irene and one of his aunts coming out. They had looked up at seeing me standing there and Val's mom had smiled warmly at me, "Tai, honey, hello."

She had given me a cordial hug and asked, "Haven't seen you in a while, didn't Dorien come with you?"

I had started to reply when Val's aunt had interrupted, "Doreen? Is that your girlfriends name son? I haven't heard that name in a blue moon. Where is she?"

I had looked at the ground for a second, then at Irene who surprised me by shrugging slightly and winking at me. "Uhm, actually it's Dorien and he's parking the car."

I felt proud of myself for a few fleeting seconds. Val's aunt had looked at me strangely, "Say again?" she had asked.

I realized full well that she must have heard me the first time, but I cleared my throat, "It's Dorien, not Doreen, and He is parking the car."

I glanced back seeing Dor's shape coming up the walk. "Here he is now, come here Love."

Dorien had walked up to stand beside me, I took his hand in mine, gesturing to Val's mother and the aunt. "Hon, you know Val's mother Irene, and this is his Aunt."

I then held up Dor's hand still in my own. "This is Dorien, my mate." I stated matter-of-factly.

Dorien had squeezed my hand slightly and I felt his tail press against my leg while he said hello to Irene, who had greeted him warmly in return, and the aunt. Who, by this point, looked as though she were about to have some sort of fit, staring wide-eyed at Dorien and myself.

Irene had gestured to the door, "Go right in, Val and Katie will be thrilled to see you made it."

Val's aunt had regained some of her composure and looked as though she were about to say something. Something unpleasant by the look on her face. Dor and I tensed expectantly but never got to hear it.

At that moment Irene had seized her roughly by the arm hauling and prodding her toward one of the cars in the driveway. "Let's go Dee, don't want to be late and miss the rest of the guests because we're standing in line at the store."

Both Dorien and I both noticed that we didn't see Dee again at the dinner or there after at the party. We found out later that Irene had taken her home after going to the store with her, not wanting to bring her sister-in-law back to the party with a surly attitude toward us. Making sure that nothing disrupted Val and Katie's evening. The rest of the evening had gone smoothly for everyone once we had moved past the initial stares and comments. Those incapable of dealing with it had left, only one or two individuals had departed early on. There were only a few people that either Dorien or myself faintly recognized as going to our school and I wasn't really that sure if they recognized us in return.

Hours later the party had wound down considerably. A small group of us, Jenna, Val, Katie, Dorien and myself were in the dimly lit den area of the house enjoying muted conversation by a warm fire. Katie was laying across Val's lap as we talked with each other. Dor and I were seated on a sofa, Dorien curled against me with his head on my upper chest. I had noticed that my lover's end of the conversation had gone slack and his breathing was deep.

Seeing his eyes shut behind his glasses I realized that Dor had fallen asleep against me and I put my finger to my lips indicating his still form to Val, Katie and Jen. I felt Dor shift, moving in his sleep, pressing his face into me then relaxing again as he dozed once more. I saw Val and Katie smiling at one another as they watched me looking at my lover's sleeping features, stroking his ears and hair, feeling as he responded to my touches, smiling peacefully and snuggling against me.

It was a calm scene. Only Jenna seemed out of place, sitting alone in a recliner. As we watched she got up, leaving the room, appearing a few moments later with Robert in tow. She put a hand over his mouth and gestured to Dorien, indicating that he should be silent, before forcing him into the recliner and draping herself over him. We all laughed softly and continued to talk quietly well into the night. I can't really say why I recall this sitting in Rae and Suzie's coffee shop, maybe just like that night, Dorien and I had found each other once again after a long struggle.

I found myself closer to tears than I had been in a long time. Dorien was still staring at me then at the ring that shone on his finger.

"Tai, these must have cost a fortune. You can't afford this. I don't want to feel as though I've forced you to waste your money on my idle_ though..."

I stopped his words by pressing my lips against his. Then I let up, "Don't say that. This is something both of us have wanted, no, have deserved for a long time. Something that lets us have a lasting reminder of our commitment to each other. So, yes they did cost me a lot, but I don't view you as a waste of time, ever, you're my heart and soul, forever."

I drew the ring off his finger and gestured for him to look on the inside of the band, "If you don't believe me, just look."

I saw him angle the ring to the light to allow him to make out the inscription written on the inside of the band. I found myself mouthing the words I had put there along with Dor as he read them.

'Dorien, My heart, soul & mate forever - Tai'

His lower lip was trembling as he slipped the ring back onto his paw slowly, looking up at me.

"What's on yours?" He asked.

I slipped my own ring off showing it to him. "It's blank, you can take it any time you want and get what-ever you want inscribed, Jenna made them throw that in being these were a surprise. Neither of us felt right speaking for you to me."

I cradled Dor's muzzle tenderly in my paw as I looked into his eyes, "I love you, Dorien."

My lover closed his eyes briefly as I stroked the fur on his cheek. He leaned forward a bit until we were kissing again, slowly and gently. Dor put his head in the crook of my neck, I could feel his warm breath as he whispered to me, "I love you too, Tai."

Rae and Suzie were hovering near the booth, pacing with excitement but afraid to intrude in Dorien's and my rapport. They finally broke and settled themselves opposite us in the booth.

"So is this a proposal, you spotted Romeo, you?" I saw the smile in Rae's eyes.

I brooded over the question, looking in my lovers' eyes, then answered, "No, just an affirmation, and a gift of love from myself to my partner, that's all." I smiled and hugged Dorien tightly.

Dorien spoke up, "I don't think it's ever really been an issue for us. We're both happy the way we are and the way we've always been, no need to pressure things unnecessarily. No, just a sign that our bond has been re-forged, stronger than ever."

Rae and Suzie looked at each other smiling broadly, "In other words," Rae started, "If it ain't broke-"

"Don't fix it." Suzie finished.

We shared a laugh, looking up as the bells on the door chimed as another customer walked in.

"Whoops, sorry guys, looks like break's over, I'll see you two later, OK?" Rae kissed both of us good-bye as she stood up and walked away.

"We should go too, it's been a long night and I'd like to get home." Dorien spoke, looking at me rather intently.

I made the connection, I was obviously going to have a full night ahead of me when we got home.

Suzie saw the look, chuckling, "I get it, the two love birds need to rush home and go at it. Tai, there are less expensive ways to get sex, you know. But they certainly aren't as satisfying, or as pretty. You have good taste for a male."

Suzie ribbed me as she walked us to the register. We paid our tab and were on our way out the door, running into other students from campus coming in. I guessed to myself that the drama dept. performance must have gotten out.

It was cold out as we walked back to the car, our breath was pluming out just slightly. Dorien pressed against me as we walked, "I'm freezing, let me inside your coat."

I opened the front of my jacket, wrapping both it and my arm around his slim body. Dorien's fingers and paws were cold and I took them in mine, blowing on them to try to warm them.

"Here, let's try this." I suggested, taking Dorien's right arm and putting it around my back, with his left arm around my chest. With this he could put his paws in the crook of my arm next to my body for the most warmth, and I could enfold both of us into my jacket, hugging us together to keep my lover warm.

"Better ?" I asked as we neared the car.

"Much, thanks love." I could feel Dor wriggle his fingers against me.

I smiled as he showed me how much better by reaching down behind my back and squeezing my posterior.

"Could you at least wait until we're warm at home before you start that?" I asked making Dor laugh.

"Shall I drive?" I inquired; Dor nodded lowering himself into the passenger's seat. The drive home was uneventful as we chatted idly, our conversation ending as we pulled into the driveway. I saw Jenna's car parked there along with Val and Katie's car but no Franklin by the maintained absence of his bike, I thought celebrating to myself.

• End Part Three -