Blue Eyes 02
#2 of Blue Eyes
This is a continuation of the blue eyes story. This proved far more difficult for me than I expected.
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Joshua apologised softly as he jostled past an elderly couple in downtown Los Angeles. His large husky frame made it impossible for him to pass unnoticed through the throng, though all he really wanted was to just slip quietly back into anonymity as soon as possible. He pulled his broad brimmed hat further over his bright blue eyes and tried not to look around too much.
It was as they had topped the first ridge outside the city that the snow-white husky suddenly realised how different this world was from his own. Even though the morning sun was just a faint glow on the horizon, there were people on the cobbled streets: mad people. Carriages and citizens of every species imaginable chased each other from all directions in an endless dance that made his eyes water. The city itself seemed to be smouldering with activity: steam rose up into the crisp morning air from every street.
Josh breathed out slowly, that first impression seemed a lifetime away. It was a little after noon, and they were in the thick of it now. The sights, sounds and smells of all these people were all but overpowering his keen senses. Horse hooves rang shrilly on the even paving and all the while the dense city air was abuzz with voices. A hundred, no, a thousand scent-paths must have passed through where he was walking today. He could feel them as their scent mingled with his own and clung to his coat. It was an odd sense of violation, like sharing his fur with strangers.
The husky willed himself to focus on the diminutive fox before him. Mike glided effortlessly through the throng, bushy tail bobbing with excitement. As he slipped through the crowd he pointed things out to his husky companion as though he was a little red tour guide, "... and that must be the apothecary (we'll get something for that rash of yours there), the post office (we should send word to father sometime too)."
Josh glanced at the post office. The grand brick structure stood apart from the other, more hastily constructed buildings that surrounded it. This place had a feeling of unlimited energy. As though things were moving so quickly, the buildings themselves didn't stay still for very long.
He turned back to ask Mike why there were people just standing in a line outside the door and the fox was gone. No! Panic rose up into his throat like molten lead. Even the sweet scent of him was lost in the mire.
Swivelling his head frantically, Josh took a few halting steps forward then broke into a run. No longer apologising as he forced his way past protesting pedestrians. "Mike?" The name stuck in his throat "Mike!" it came out more like a yelp than a shout but he didn't care. This had been his worst fear since entering this world. This wasn't like towns he was used to, here you could get lost within six paces and never find your way back.
He turned a corner, burst through a knot of lady-cats on their way to church and almost toppled over the little fox. Mike tilted his head back and looked up quizzically.
"You're going to have to keep up or we'll miss my appointment." He turned around and smiled coyly.
"I'm sorry, I..." Josh looked down and to his embarrassment found his tail poking up between his legs. Mike glanced down and straight back up again. His eyebrows raised with what might have been amusement, but his soft brown eyes were filled with sympathy. Before the expression could register anything certain he switched to a confident grin.
"Maybe, it'll be easier if I hold on to you." With that he slipped a slender black paw into the husky's.
Despite everything, Josh felt a tingle shoot up his arm, as if every hair was suddenly standing to attention. Mike's grin broadened (he must feel it too, he has to) then they were off, weaving their crazy path through people as though they weren't even there. For a moment, the euphoria of Mike's touch overpowered everything else. Josh wanted to gather the little vulpine into his arms and hold him still, just for a moment. They hadn't really had that much time together; their journey had been all too short.
The presence of all those other people soon bore back down on him. He hunched his shoulders against the imaginary burden of all those eyes. With them holding paws like that, surely it must be obvious to everyone that they were lovers? Guilt gnawed at the pit of his stomach, as though his very thoughts and desires were laid bare for everyone on the street to condemn.
"None of their business." he mumbled under his breath.
Minutes later they turned down a street identical to every other and the sounds of the main street cut off abruptly as though they had closed a door. Josh looked up in awe. Their street was sandwiched between two large grey buildings. They rose up out of the ground as though they were one with the dour grey cobbles. They were so close together here that the walls seemed to be leaning inwards. Josh was sure that if they were built any higher they would be touching. Identical doors opened out in all directions, it was hard to imagine that behind all those doors there were even more people, working away industriously, surrounded by walls.
"Come," Mike had been tugging ineffectually at the husky's paw "this way."
The door he chose was unremarkable. Its dull green paint flecked off in places. Above it, bold brass letters proclaimed these to be the offices of "Shorter & Shorter."
A bell tinkled merrily as they entered the room. Joshua dropped Mikes paw immediately and stepped in after him apologetically. Just shy of the door a young grey wolf sat behind an enormous oak desk. His half-moon spectacles flashed in sunlight filtering through the windows. It was dusty in here, and quiet, almost unsettling after the activity outside.
"Shorter & Shorter attorneys at law, how may I be of assistance?" for a moment Josh didn't know who had spoken; then the grey wolf looked up.
"Well? The candy store is one block over and unless you have an appointment, I am going to have to ask you to leave."
"No," Mike interjected quickly. "I am here about the job, I sent a letter?"
The wolf sniffed. "Right, we've been expecting you. Through there please, your driver will have to wait out here."
Joshua collapsed gratefully onto the rough wooden bench in the corner and took off his hat. Mike was already wearily making his way to the door.
***
The old wolf looked up from his desk as he heard a hesitant rapping on the door. That must be the new applicant now. He took a swig from the bottle, returned it to his draw and shut it quietly.
"Enter!"
He cursed silently when he saw the bright red fur. Wolves and foxes, always bloody wolves and foxes! He thought irritably. The legal profession seemed to attract them like the scent of fresh blood. Why couldn't they get a nice friendly squirrel or maybe even a rabbit? Of course, he was a wolf himself but when he started there was hardly anyone practising in these parts at all.
He sighed and shuffled the papers on his desk, more for effect than necessity. Everything was in perfect order, it always was.
"Mr. Shorter?"
"No," he replied "Gamble, call me Gamble."
"Oh, um, sir. I'm Michael Templeton, you received my communications?"
"Yes, you're three days late." Gamble replied gruffly, indicating the fox take the chair opposite.
"Well, the stage..."
"I didn't ask for an excuse, Mr. Templeton."
"Oh, right."
"Now, I have read through your résumé and I see there's very little in the way of actual experience here. What can you offer this firm?"
The little fellow's ears canted sideways and his eyes darted about seeking the answer to an impossible question. Gamble fixed him with an unforgiving lupine gaze. It was cruel but he liked to see them think.
"Well," the young fox swallowed "let's see. I have a strong work ethic; I am conversant with all current statutes and common law. I have, uh, many hours community service. I've applied to the Bar..."
He grinned slyly "... and I make a fantastic cup of tea. Er, sir."
"You think you're funny, Mr. Templeton?"
"Er, no, sir I didn't mean..."
"You think our profession is a joke? That we while away the hours with tea and crumpets do you? Perhaps a cigar and brandy for afters?"
"I didn't say that, sir, if you'll look at my record you'll see I have excellent letters of reference and..."
"Every minute of every day must be accounted for, you will conduct yourself professionally at all times and if I ever see you without proper attire you will be dismissed, are we clear?"
"Yes, but... you mean I've got the job?"
"Ensure you are here tomorrow at eight."
The fox's jaw slackened in wonder and his eyes lost focus. Gamble returned his attention to his papers.
"That is all."
The fox got up hurriedly "Thank you, sir, I won't let you down, sir." he proffered a slightly trembling paw.
"I said that is all."
"Right." Mike made a beeline for the door.
"Oh, and Templeton?"
"Yes, sir?"
"White with two sugars, please try and remember."
"Yes, sir!"
Mike bounded through the door and collected his companion on his way through.
"Cute couple," Gamble muttered watching through his window as they crossed the street together, holding paws.
"Kingsley? Kingsley, get in here you layabout."
The young wolf sidled into the room, his supercilious smirk momentarily erased by fear of a sudden reprisal.
"We have a new junior partner starting up on the morrow. See to it."
Kingsley turned and left without a word, Gamble quietly opened his drawer and retrieved the bottle.
***
"You're hired?"
"Yes!"
Mike felt as light as a feather. Were it not for the fact that he was anchored so solidly down to earth by his grip on the large husky, he probably would have floated away.
"We did it, Josh, we've made it! I wouldn't have thought it possible." Mike breathed in deeply. Aah, the smell of the city. He'd been too preoccupied with the interview to really let it all sink in: the frenetic march of progress, the intimate obscurity of city living. This is why he had chosen this place; the prospect of gold had drawn people in their droves. This was a city going places. He glanced up at Joshua and felt a twinge of guilt.
"How are you feeling?" he tried not to look for the position of his partner's tail.
"Jus' tired, I guess." came the uncertain reply.
Mike nodded encouragingly. "Tired, yes, well it's been a long day. How about we go get something to eat then find us some lodgings?"
Josh nodded uncertainly and shrugged his broad white shoulders. His eyes and ears swivelled constantly as though expecting attack at any moment. It hurt to see him like this, he was usually so confident and in control.
"Right," Mike chose his most cheerful voice. "I think I saw an inn somewhere nearby, let's make it an early night, shall we?"
They found it without too much trouble. The squat little building looked hastily erected, like so many in this city. Mike dragged the reluctant husky inside then dropped his paw self-consciously. Affecting his most cavalier attitude, he sauntered over to the bar and leaned confidently on the counter.
"Evening, I'd like to inquire about lodgings for myself and my, er, driver?"
"A dollar for the night and dinner's extra." came the disinterested reply from the rotund rabbit behind the counter. She was a big one all right.
It was expensive but it was getting late in the day and he didn't think Josh would last much longer in the city.
Dinner was a simple affair of cold meats, congealed gravy and lumpy potatoes. Still, after camp food it was a veritable feast and there was no shortage of it. Their broad hostess made up for her obvious lack of culinary skill with volume. They ate in silence at a crude little wooden table.
Mike watched his husky companion closely as they ate, savouring the moment, trying to capture every feature of Josh's face: the shape of his ears, the thick fur around his neck, his broad shoulders, muscles bulging impressively as he shovelled food off his plate with the determination of a dog with his last meal.
Finally they would get a chance to be in a real bed, with pillows! Finally, they might be able to talk for once without the fleas and interminable mosquitoes of the open road.
Unfortunately, their room turned out to be less luxurious than a dollar a night would suggest. It was furnished only with two simple beds which were (to Mike's infinite disappointment) separated by a large chest of drawers. Fantasies of sharing a bed for the night receded rapidly.
It was probably for the best anyway, the last thing they needed was a nosey bunny surprising them in bed together. If that happened they'd be sure to be run out of town, or worse. He hurriedly got undressed and took the bed furthest from the window, rolling over just in time to watch Josh do the same.
Mike felt his body react as Joshua bent over and pulled off his blue jeans.
"You're beautiful, you know that?" The words were out of his mouth before he could think. Josh paused with his pants around his ankles.
"So are you."
The husky turned to face him, sheath swaying impressively in the lamplight.
"You.. goin' to sleep now?"
"I think so."
"Ok, so, I guess I'll see you in the morning?"
"I guess so."
"Good night, then."
"Good night."
"I love you." Mike whispered softly so the other couldn't hear.
Mike closed his eyes against the faint glow of the lamp. He knew he should get some sleep. Tomorrow could be the first day of a long and prosperous career, he should be excited. Why then was his mind filled with the three feet that separated him from his partner. The answer was immediate: this was the furthest he'd slept from his canine companion since that night by the river.
He smiled at the memory. This one was different, he had told himself every night since then. This one is special. This won't be like the others, all the others.
Suddenly that distance seemed far too much. He needed reassurance, just a touch. Maybe if they both stretched out an arm they could hold paws for a while. The thought had come to his head unbidden. It was a silly thought, a childish thought, but then again he was felling a little childish.
He glanced over at the other bed to see if Josh was still awake. The bed was empty. His heart started skipped a beat. Where could he be? The door was still locked from the inside. And the windows were barred.
He yelped involuntarily as something grabbed him by the arm.
"It's jus' me" Josh rumbled like distant thunder, his blue eyes smouldering in the lamp light. Mikes heart-rate didn't slow.
"I needed to be closer. Can I sleep here on the floor?" He was kneeling now; he must have crept up when the vulpine wasn't looking.
Mike nodded incredulously as the husky lay down. The paw on his arm shifted to his thigh and Josh let out a sigh of contentment. "Sorry 'bout today..."
The fox reached down and idly scratched Josh behind the ears. "You did very well for your first time in the city. Far better than I can ride a horse, anyway."
Josh chuckled at that and Mike's heart lifted.
He needed to find a safe place out of the city, somewhere with less people where Josh could feel safe. It felt strange to be the one doing the protecting for a change, strange but good. That was the difference: they were partners, they were equal. For the first time in ages the little fox felt he had something to contribute.
A stirring at his thigh snapped him out of his thoughts. Mike tensed as the paw crept upwards. "What are you doing?" he whispered urgently. No reply.
"Honey, now is not the time, we're in a public place." The paw was getting dangerously close now and he was sure he could hear Josh chuckling.
"These walls are paper thin!" he hissed "She'll hear you."
Josh's head popped up from the side of the bed and he raised an eyebrow dubiously. They both knew who the vocal one was.
"Me, I mean, they'll hear me." Mike corrected bashfully. The very thought triggered an erection.
Josh brushed his paw over his partner's crotch and flashed a toothy smile.
"I want to try something" he said matter-of-factly. He was a dog of few words, but Mike knew those words were always carefully chosen.
"Ok..." Mike squeaked uncertainly as the husky gently stroked his growing shaft. He bit his lip so as not to make any other sounds.
"I don't think you'll fit in here with me though, these beds are barely big enough for one of you-oooooh!"
Josh stuck his head under the blankets and licked Mike's penis speculatively. "Is that nice?" he asked "not sore?"
"N- No, it's nice but you needn't..." Suddenly Josh enveloped the vulpine's whole shaft with his mouth.
Mike bit his left paw and buried the claws of the other into his mate's back. Still, he couldn't help but let a stifled moan escape.
Seemingly encouraged by this reaction, Josh bobbed his head up and down a little, sending shudders of pleasure down the vulpine's spine. Mike managed a softer moan this time.
"I've never tasted you before." Josh said excitedly as he pulled away, "this is fun."
"Yes." Mike panted breathlessly. "But mostly for me."
"Good."
Josh ripped the rest of the blankets off and resumed playing.
Playing, that's what it was, Mike realised with a start, and he was the toy.
Again, the muzzle closed over his penis. This time Josh sucked wetly, humming appreciatively as he did so. Mike moaned softly in response. He was the toy and he didn't want it to stop.
Neither did Josh. Withdrawing his muzzle, he pumped the quivering vulpine with his paw. Slowly, frustratingly slowly he worked up and down with all the patience of a dog who could spend all day watching cows eat. He waited just long enough to coax a little more pre-cum from the tip then licked this off greedily, sending a thrill through Mike's body.
Mike closed his eyes and revelled in the sensations. He had completely given himself over to his partner. It was liberating, frightening and exciting all at the same time.
Pleased by this response, the husky focused on Mike's engorged glans; working his tongue around the concentration of sensitive nerve endings. This time Mike did make a noise: a high pitched juddering noise that Josh recognised, so he worked harder. Mike's shaft was slick with saliva and pre-cum and it started slipping from his mouth.
Mike giggled. "You'll need to try harder than that."
The husky seemed to take this as a challenge. Once again he took Mike's full length in his mouth but this time he was rougher. He bobbed his head up and down, pressing un-forgivingly with his tongue. He shifted to a better position and thrust a little faster.
Mike's arched his back and started whimpering. Josh intensified the thrusting, sucking as hard as he did so. The fox instinctively grabbed hold of the soft white ears and thrust desperately into his mouth. The thrusts came harder and harder. Josh was just sucking now, expectantly, excitedly.
With a yelp Mike came hotly into Josh's mouth, the husky sucked and gulped at his mate's member as it pulsed wildly in his mouth. Ears burning as Mike squeezed involuntarily. Then it was over. Mike heaved a sigh of relief. The fur on his chest and back were matted with sweat and he felt like he had run a marathon.
Also panting heavily from the excitement, Josh leant over and gave Mike a kiss and resumed his position on the floor. Sleep took them in minutes. When they awoke the next morning they found their paws locked together in an embrace neither had been willing to relinquish, even in sleep.