FSE

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"3 of a kind!" Ryan declared, the skunk's grin wide on his muzzle as he revealed his cards. Several groans met the teen, various other teenagers, and even a few kids, sitting in a circle around him and two other mammals. Texas Hold 'em was the name of the game, perfect for small bouts in the short period of time the students were waiting for their respective parents to show up. His opponents, a deer and a cheetah, looked over the cards in their hands before leering at the cocky mustelid.

The last card, a Queen of Clubs, had been revealed, joining the matching 9, 7 and the Jack of Spades and 2 of Hearts already on the board. The skunk's 2 Queens put him in a comfortable lead, and it only served to frustrate the deer sitting to his left, who flicked his eyes over his cards rapidly before sighing in defeat.

"I'm out," Kevin laid down his hand, dropping his mismatching pair of eights and resting his head in his paws.

Ryan smirked smugly, turning his attention to the cheetah. For a few moments, he didn't say anything, simply letting his green eyes peer over his cards at his opponent. Several of the other non-players looked over his shoulder as he drew out the moment, small smirks forming on their muzzles as they saw his hand.

"Well?" He offered, his grin faltering slightly. If there was one thing Ryan didn't like about Mark's playing, it was his propensity for dramatics. The feline was practicing on becoming an actor, and incorporated dramatic flairs in many of the things he did. It was never easy to tell if he had a winning hand or was bluffing through his nose.

"Flush," Mark called out at last, laying down his 2 and 4 of Clubs with the matching 9, 7 and Queen presented. The skunk's eyes widened, his own hand clearly outclassed. He groaned in defeat while Kevin chuckled to himself, the crowd murmuring at the amazing play.

"I can't believe you got me like that," laughed Ryan, picking his hand back up. "That was a dick move, holding out like that. You just wanted to see me squirm, didn't you?"

Mark grinned, nodding his answer. "It's not everyday I get a flush. So I wanted to revel in it a little. Sue me." He shrugged, handing over his cards to the deer.

"Hate to see the day when you get a royal straight." Kevin joked, looking to the skunk. "He's gonna be unbearable."

The trio laughed at the thought, their audience dispersing after it was clear there wouldn't be another round. A car's honking horn interrupted their time and the three turned over to look over at the street, seeing an older looking female cheetah waving from an open SUV window.

"Well, my ride's here." Mark said, slinging his backpack over his shoulders. "Catch ya later guys!" He left after receiving affirmative nods from his friends, jogging to his mother.

"And he leaves us with clean up duty," Kevin mused, looking at the pile of cards that lay were their feline friend sat. Both teens rolled their eyes. "Again..."

"You know where Derek is?" Ryan asked, giving the cards to the deer. "I need to give him back his notes from history."

Kevin nodded, shuffling the deck once all the cards were in his paws. "I think he should be at the library, if he hasn't left already."

"Awesome, thanks," He slung his own black backpack over his shoulders, stepping over the deer's red one. "See ya tomorrow?"

"You know it!"

With a nod, the skunk turned and walked to the library. He looked over the entrance to the school, sighing as he felt the AC cool him off from the decidedly increasing temperature from outside. He rubbed his eyes as if to drive the heat away from them, and soon had to duck away from a few roaming students. The group paid little attention to him, focusing on carrying a ladder throughout he hall. Ryan glanced up, seeing a large black banner that read "Congratulations Class of 2020" in gold, cursive letters.

It was his final year in this school, along with his friends. Graduation was only a matter of time, and though he didn't have any plans for the future, aside from a few prospective colleges, he knew his two friends would be trying their paws at some side jobs or traveling, enriching themselves as much as possible to prepare for their new majors. The skunk sighed wistfully, wondering once more what he'd do once he got into college.

He wandered the halls on auto pilot, his mind still buzzing, until he arrived at the school library. Ryan looked over the various tables for any signs of the dalmatian, but after several glances, it was clear he wasn't in the main room. He searched all around the library, checking every aisle that had a student in it, but he saw neither hide nor hair of the spotted canine. After several dozen minutes of checking and rechecking the room, he stopped back at the entrance, panting after the slight jog his gait had become.

"Crap," he sighed, rubbing his eyes as he walked back out into the hallway. "Great, gotta wait until Monday." He rubbed the bridge of his nose, closing the heavy library door behind him. The door slammed against it's frame with a loud 'THUD', making the skunk's ears rattle.

"Hello there," A deep voice growled out behind him. Ryan stiffened, his fur standing on end from the familiar growl. His breath caught in his throat as he turned around, and he almost jumped form seeing the speaker.

"Conner..." The skunk swallowed after saying the name. Said gator looked down at him, a bemused smirk on his long muzzle that did not help the skunk feel any more comfortable with his presence. The near foot in height difference, not to mention the considerable bulk in muscle the reptile had on him, did not help matters either.

"Can I help you?" He asked warily, glancing around and wincing to himself when he saw the hallways devoid of student activity. It was unusual to see the alligator without a 'lackey' or two, but the reptile's figure still made him an intimidating sight, even when alone.

"What, a guy can't wish the best to his fellow graduate?" Conner said, a jovial tone in his low voice.

"In the middle of an empty hallway... after hours...?" He drew out, slightly unnerved at the notion. Conner's grin never left him. "Listen, I really have to go find a friend, and there's no other work to do so..." Something in the reptile's earlier statement suddenly stood out to him, and his train of thought nearly crashed as it processed that fact fully. "Wait a minute, you're graduating?"

The jock scoffed. "Talk about harsh, that cut deep!" He leaned back, giving the skunk a little more breathing room. "I'm not here to shake you down or persuade you into anything. I really want to wish you the best." His arm twitched, but he held it to his side, as if restraining himself. "But yes, I am graduating with you." He added, gruffly.

"Sorry. I just didn't expect..." At the gator's irritated grunt, he changed his wording. "Didn't expect you to catch up so fast. Last I heard..."

"Yeah, last anybody heard my grades were in the toilet." The gator inhaled slowly, almost looking as if the next sentence pained him to say. "I was gonna flunk out too. Principal made me an offer to get into a program to help me, if I could change my attitude."

"I didn't know this school had those kinds of programs..."

"I was a special case. My brother wasn't the greatest of guys out there, he influenced a lot of what I did. Long story short, my parents couldn't be bothered to care, and I ended up following his... less than stellar example. A friend brought up my situation to the board of education, or whoever runs that schtick, and they approved me."

"That's..." A little hard to believe. "Good to hear. So, what, did they assign you a therapist or something?" Immediately after he said those words, he realized how much of a jerk he sounded like. it didn't go unnoticed to the gator, his head jerking to look at him and a sneer on his muzzle. "...Sorry, that was... insensitive."

"Yeah, no kidding," He said, but with not as much venom in his voice as the skunk was expecting. "They said it'd take time for people to believe me. I hurt a lot of students in my days here. They suggested I start with someone I haven't harmed... too much." He trailed off at the end, head pointed down.

"So, you started off with me... because you hadn't bullied me as much as the others?"

"I know it sounds like a really stupid reason, but it's true!" He leaned on the wall next to the skunk, rubbing the ridges on his muzzle. "And you know some of the others I've... wronged. Maybe you could put in the good word for me. Tell everyone I'm not all that bad anymore."

The skunk could feel the look of incredulousness taking over his muzzle. "That seems like a pretty big assumption. I'm not that social, and even then, I know a lot of people are going to be doing things this summer. You'll have to make due."

"It doesn't have to be the entire school. Just some specific ones who I... feel really shitty for hurting..."

That's the first time he's sworn this entire time. The thought didn't seem like much, but compared to his old, abrasive and mocking behavior, it was a complete 180. The skunk stared at the gator, but his muzzle was unchanging. The hurt frown didn't show any signs of breaking, and his posture seemed to slump even more. He looked 100% genuine.

I really hope I don't regret this.

"Alright, yeah." The skunk nodded. "I'll help."

The gator looked shocked for a moment or two before breaking into a wide grin. "Y-you will!? Thanks man!"

"Don't thank me until we've managed to convince at least a few others about your change," the skunk sighed, slowly losing whatever calm he had left. "So, were should we start?"

The grin never left the gator's snout. If anything, it grew broader. "Well, I heard you and your buddies like to play cards?"

"We partake in the odd game of poker, yes."

"Room for one more?" He was practically showing off his pointed teeth now. "It'd help if I got a few more guys on my side!"

"Maybe..." he squeaked. "I'd have to ask..."

Conner nodded, and reached into his back pocket. Ryan's mind was still buzzing with the surreality of the situation, and he jumped when the gator's large paw slapped his shoulder.

"That's okay, you can ask them later." The skunk jerked as a small piece of paper was shoved in front of his face. "Just text me when you know an answer. I gotta head out. Be seein' ya!" With that, the gator sauntered off, leaving the skunk to his thoughts. He sunk to the ground before actually looking at the paper and the numbers on it.

A phone number? the thought practically echoed in his mind. His phone number. He shook his head and pulled out his cell phone, immediately opening up the contacts and heading to whichever one of his friends he could find first. Mark's number flashed on the screen as he hit the call button, the skunk starting to pant lightly as the situation caught up with him.

"Talk to me." Came the cheetah's voice after a few rings.

"Mark, it's me. You will not believe what just happened!"

***

"You've got to be joking, dude." Kevin shook his head before sipping his iced coffee.

The trio were spending their Saturday at one of their usual spots; this time, it was a small café run by a family of polar bears. It was a slow day, and with few patrons in the patio section, the skunk thought it a good place to discuss recent events.

"You gotta admit, it does seem pretty out there for him to just come and ask you for help," Mark agreed.

"Well, why else would he go out of his way to talk to me then?" the skunk sighed. "I mean we don't know each other too well. In either a good or bad sense."

The other two sat in silence for a few seconds, wondering the same thing. Truthfully, they counted themselves lucky. Most other students who ended up cornered by the gator with little to no bystanders would end up in a considerably less desirable situation. But to just be asked a question... and then get the person's number?

"He could be just hitting on you," Mark said, sipping his coffee. The two looked at him in disbelief, neither able to form a word for a while until Mark looked back at them. "What?"

"Why would..." Ryan's muzzle reddened slightly. "I doubt it. Besides, he couldn't know I'm gay. I don't exactly broadcast it."

"True enough," Mark nodded. "But you're not saying you'd be against it?" A smirk tugged on his muzzle as he looked at his friend. He even raised an eyebrow suggestively, which only served to deepen his friend's blush.

"I never said that," The skunk blurted out absentmindedly, his eyes widening a second later as he realized what he had just implied. Kevin had to restrain his laugh, his paw covering his muzzle as he snickered. Mark, on his part, only let a full grin spread on his muzzle. "I-I meant-

"Wouldn't have thought you'd go for the bad-boy type," Kevin chuckled as he regained his composure. "You into some other wild stuff we don't know about?"

"What I like is my own business!" He huffed, his fail stiffening behind him as he glared at the pair.

"Mm, it's gotta be some crazy stuff if you're so defensive about it," Mark's smirk became unbearable.

Ryan, seeing no way out of it, simply buried his muzzle in his drink, hoping the iced coffee would cool down his blush.

"Chill out, dude," Mark said, his smile genuine. "We don't care what you're interested in."

"Yeah," Kevin chimed in. "It's just fun seeing you all embarrassed. Heck, It's almost like you have a crush on the guy."

Ryan's ears lowered, his eyes closed as he sipped his drink. After several moments of silence, the cheetah and deer glanced at one another, then back to the skunk.

"Do you have a crush on him?" The deer prompted.

"No, I don't." He said after taking a breath to compose himself. "I'll admit, he's..." The two leaned forward to catch the skunk's words. "Attractive... but I don't really know much about him, sans the rumors that go around."

"He does have a rather unruly reputation, doesn't he?" Kevin said. "As did his brother, if I recall."

Mark nodded in agreement. "His brother was a total asshole. Typical bully, it almost ranked up to cliche. A jock and everything, Quarterback of the football team, barely scraping by on his GPA and had smarter kids do his homework for him. The whole nine yards." He paused to sip his coffee. "Heard he butted heads with your sister on more than one occasion, back when she was in school."

"That explains why he wanted to make amends with me at least. But why ask me to help tell everybody? He said he had a few very specific people he wanted to apologize to. I can't imagine who they might be that I'd know. "

"I still say he's hitting on you," Mark shrugged, much to the skunk's annoyance. "Come on, why else would he go through all this trouble?"

"And I still say you're insane," Ryan huffed. "It sounds more like he's caught up in the sins of the father... or brother in this case."

"He's still pretty unnerving." Kevin brought up. "A few classmates have told me he's tried to rough them up like his brother did in the past."

"He told me that he worked out his issues. Maybe this is just to get comfortable doing things his own way."

"Maybe..." Kevin sighed. "That still doesn't answer what you're gonna do with him."

"Well, I was thinking of inviting him to play poker with us later tonight." The two raised their eyebrows at him, and he stared flatly at them, continuing. "As a way to see if he'll play friendly in a crowded situation."

"Wow, you really do have it bad for this guy, don't you?" Mark chuckled. "I thought you weren't supposed to invite them over until after the third date!"

Ryan grumbled but managed to keep his ears level. "Whether I do or not isn't the point. This is just to see if he'll play nice with us. Nothing more. After that, we can decide if he's really sincere about this."

For all their teasing, the two did give the idea a few moments of thought.

"I'm for it," Kevin shrugged "I mean why not? Plus if it's just him against the three of us, we shouldn't have any problem subduing him if things get nasty."

"Fighters we are not, but I guess we could handle one jock." Mark said with a grin. "Alright, I'm in. But on one condition!" He held out his paw with his index finger extended for dramatic effect.

"Really?" The skunk looked at him warily. Mark only nodded. "Fine, what is it?"

The cheetah clasped his paws together, choosing to rest his head on them. His green eyes locked on with Ryan's brown ones as he smiled mischievously. "If things get down and dirty, you have to tell us how good the sex was."

Kevin burst out laughing, throwing his head back and covering his eyes with a paw. Ryan's eyes widened as he processed the request, before he groaned. "You..." He covered his face with his paws, dragging them down slowly, still grumbling, until his entire body seemed to go limp, his head landing on the table.

"I'm not hearing a no..." Mark prodded after a few seconds, the deer's giggling filling in the background.

"Fine..." Ryan mumbled from the table. He tried to ignore the cheetah's own celebratory cheer as well as the deer's laughing.

Not like I'm going to get laid anyway...

***

It had taken a little bit of scheduling, but Ryan had managed to get the gator to meet up at his house the weekend just after graduation. Conner had sounded eager to partake in the group's poker game, a fact which amused the three friends to no end.

Just as the gator had his own reputation, the threesome of mammals had their own of being card sharks whenever they could find time to play. More often than not, any potentially friendly game turned into a high stakes game, which resulted in a smaller pool of eager challengers. Odd though his visit was, the group was eager to see what challenge the reptile to offer.

It was half past 5 when Conner car made it to the address he'd been given, the gator having a confident spring in his step as he reached his destination. Once he reached the house in question, however, he found himself shaken. It was a large house, part of the more expensive side of the neighborhood. While they weren't manors, the buildings had an air of well-to-do-ness that oozed high class. Or at least did so to a small town reptile with small town roots. And so it was with some mild trepidation that Conner rang the doorbell, practically jumping at the loud chime from outside the house.

"Glad you could make it!" Ryan smiled from the doorway, his two friends flanking him on both sides.

"Wouldn't miss this for the world," Conner rumbled. "Nice place you got..."

The skunk shrugged nonchalantly. "It's home."

"Don't mind him," Mark chuckled. "It's like pulling teeth trying to get him to accept a compliment. Especially about his house!"

"I would give my right antler to live in this house!" Kevin mock shouted, all three mammals snickering before heading inside.

Conner was busy taking everything in; It was a pretty spacious house all things considered. The door led to a sideways hallway, one end leading to what he assumed to be the kitchen and bedrooms and the other end leading to the living room. He was also entranced by how high the ceiling was, and it upset his stomach the longer he thought about it.

"So... Poker..." He said with a huff, returning his gaze to the three mammals. "Who's the dealer?"

"Well, we usually do these in rotation," Ryan said, pointing to Kevin as he continued. "It's his turn right tonight, but if you'll get your chance if you're gonna be spending more time with us."

"Got it. And you do this every week?"

"Just about," Mark answered. "Unless his parents stay home or something."

"And you guys always play at his house?"

"Pretty much," Kevin said. "I mean, if he's sick or something, we switch it to one of our houses or call it off. Otherwise we usually play here, but can you blame us? It's got a great atmosphere."

"Another big reason," Mark jumped in, literally putting himself in front of the gator's vision, "is that his parents are usually out on Saturday."

The gator raised an eye ridge at that. "Wait, you mean you get the whole house to yourselves?"

Ryan shrugged it off, leaving it at that as he led the group down the short hall, stopping at two larger doors that opened up into an even larger room. The three mammals walked inside causally, but Conner found his eyes being drawn to the large expanse the room provided. It was mostly empty, but there were plenty of electrical outlets lined along the walls. There were shelves for equipment here and there as well, and the alligator thought he could even make out a mini bartender area.

"All this space and you guys never thought to throw a party here or anything?" He asked after taking in everything.

"See, that's what I said when I first say this place too!" Mark called out from up ahead, "But we realized something after our first night alone..."

"We're all slobs," Ryan snorted, pulling out a large box from one of the shelves.

"Yeah, we make enough of a mess ourselves," Kevin sighed, "And if we're too lazy to clean that, then there's no way we'd be able to make a party happen and get away with it."

The gator nodded mutely as he looked around some more as he slowly walked to the far end of the room where the three were setting up shop. The group stood in front of a large, circular table, a full deck of cards and four chairs already set around it. To the gator's great surprise, a set of actual poker chips sat behind the cards.

"Woah, are those real?"

"Yup," Kevin grinned as he took his seat, "My mom worked in a big shot casino for a time as a dealer. She managed to get a set of these babies before she left!"

"Wicked!" His grin faltered a little as a thought hit him. "So are we playing with actual money...?"

The trio laughed quietly as they took their seats around the table.

"No worries man, these are just for show." The deer held up a green chip between his thumb and forefinger. "Makes it feel real as hell too!"

"Yeah, I mean sure ole Ryan here is pretty well off," The cheetah patted the skunk's shoulder heartily. "But we don't have the cash to bet with these coins. What is that a 10,000 piece?" He gestured to the chip held in Kevin's paw.

The deer grinned cheekily. "Yeah, I just use 10,000 as coasters for my shot glasses, so I can totally just throw these around!"

The gator smirked and joined the group, sitting next to the skunk and leaning back against his chair.

"So, how do you guys decide a dealer?"

"We had a poker game earlier today," Mark answered. "Kevin got stuck with it this time. Though with you being the new guy, you're gonna be the next guy up!"

"Alright, enough chatter, fellows," The deer proclaimed, getting into his groove. "The game's Texas Hold-em. I suppose everyone here knows how to play?"

The gator grew a confident grin and nodded wordlessly, cracking his knuckles to show off. Ryan answered with a grin of his own. "Then let's play!"

And so the night went, with several hands being dealt. True to Kevin's word, the chips added an element of realism to their game, as if they were big time business men throwing away their money on a game of chance. Conner couldn't remember when he had more fun, and was truly disappointed when their chip piles were low and the final round was upon them.

Each player eyed their cards wisely, anxiously waiting for the last set to be played. The table grew quiet as the three cards were flipped up. A Queen of clubs, a 4 of Diamonds and a 6 of spades greeted the three. Ryan looked to his companions briefly before tossing his bet in, a little more then half his stack of playing chips. The other two glanced to one another in mutual apprehension.

"I must not fear, fear is the mind killer. Fear is the little death that brings total obliteration." Mark murmured just loud enough to be heard as Kevin turned over another card. The Queen of Spades made her appearance on the table.

"You got that from a video game, didn't you?" Ryan sighed, tossing more of his chips in to raise the pot.

"You bet your butt I did," the cheetah chuckled. "A poker simulator, if you couldn't tell!"

"It's no wonder you're so good." Conner responded, calling the skunk's raise. "Playing both on and offline. Are you guys gonna go professional or something?"

"Well Mark's hoping to. Not sure about the rest of us though," Kevin shrugged, waiting for the any new bids.

"I don't think 'practicing for when he cleans house in Vegas' counts as 'professional'," Ryan laughed.

"Laugh it up, fuzzbutts," Mark grinned, nodding at the cards on the table. "Just don't ask for any favors when I'm rolling in cash thanks to my expert poker skills!"

Conner licked his scaly lips, brow furrowed as he looked at his options. He had two pair with an ace kicker; the 4 in his hand complimenting the 4 on the board and the two Queens laying next to it tempting his mouth into a grin.

"I'll go all in," He said, pushing his respectably sized pile into the table.

"Ohh, big player going here!" Mark quipped. The cheetah checked his hand, then over to his own pile, sized smaller than the gator's own. "Ahh, hell, why not? I'll call!"

"Well, I'd hate to be the one to rock the boat now," skunk shrugged, pushing his remaining chips into the pile.

"If you guys are all done comparing dick sizes..." Kevin said before turning over the last card.

A 7 of spades hit the board, causing the gator's eyes to flicker nervously. It relieved him when he heard Mark groan in exasperation, throwing his 2 of hearts and 3 of clubs down on the table.

"You were actually hoping for a straight to 6?" The skunk asked, holding back his snickering. "Really?"

"I've had stranger things happen to me in these games!" Mark sighed and leaned back, looking expectantly at the skunk. "Don't tell me, you got the other Queen and a matching 4, right?"

"I wanna see what our guest has, first," Ryan teased, glancing over at the alligator.

"Alright, fine," He grinned and turned over his cards. "Two Pair. Ace kicker."

"Mm, not bad, not bad..." The skunk seemed to concede, but it lacked any real conviction to it.

Mark stared at him flatly. "Alright, now you're just getting back at me for this morning."

"Now why would you think that?" Ryan asked with a cheeky grin.

"Just show us your hand, you dork," Kevin chuckled.

Ryan rolled his eyes before causally revealing his two cards. Three pairs of eyes widened at the hand, leaving the skunk to grin smugly. Two 7s, one of hearts and one of diamonds, were held out in his paw.

"I believe that's a full house!" Kevin called. "Ryan has won the pot!"

"Damn, I can't believe it!" Mark whined. "How did you bluff me that hard?"

"Practice my friend, lots and lots of practice." He turned to the gator, still staring at his cards. "So, how'd you enjoy the game?

The reptile looked dumbfounded, as he set his cards down on the table. He looked down at the table, seemingly lost in thought for a good few moments.

"I think we broke him..." Kevin remarked.

The trio jerked back when he stood up, the gator's form dwarfing theirs and casting a shadow over the table..

"Oh, crap. I think he's pissed..." Mark hissed.

Ryan stood in front of the towering reptile, holding his paws up placatingly. "Listen, it's only a friendly game. You don't have to..."

He stopped when he heard a deep guttural sound, which, in fact, turned out to be the gator's laughter. Conner nearly doubled over, wiping his eyes as he turned to the three. "I lost." He said once he had caught his breath.

"Um... yeah..." Mark let out cautiously. "And so did I... we all lose sometime..."

The other two cast glances the cheetah's way, but Conner didn't seem bothered by the remark.

"Yeah, and I'm cool with that." At the three's confused stares, he continued. "I used to be really competitive in everything, and, combined with my issues, it wasn't a pretty sight. But right now, I don't rightfully care! I got beaten soundly, and it was just fun!" He laughed and fell back int his seat, grinning widely. "So when can we do this again?"

"Next weekend, if you're up for it." Kevin said after settling down. "As for me and Mark, we'll be heading home. It's getting late out there."

"Already?" the skunk asked shuffling the cards back into a pile.

Mark pointed to the analogue clock that lay on one of the barren shelves, reading almost 8 p.m. "It might be summer vacation, but my folks'll flip if I miss dinner."

"We'll probably have to get something on the way back," groaned Kevin. "We forgot to call to tell them how late we'd be running."

Both Ryan and Conner laughed as the other two mammals groaned in half hearted frustration, following them to the door to see them off.

"You're not going home too, Conner?" the skunk asked.

"I've got some time to kill," he replied. Ryan smiled back, quite happy to spend more time with the jock, now that he'd gotten a good feel on him.

His reverie was interrupted by the other pair snickering to themselves, both deer and cheetah giving the others a teasing look. Ryan recognized that look and glared them down, but Conner was still in the dark.

"Did I miss something? What's so funny?" he wondered while the skunk continued to shoot daggers at his friends.

"Nothing, nothing," Kevin dismissed, opening the door with a cheeky smile. "Just remembering something funny, is all."

"Yeah, don't worry about it! Focus on enjoying your alone time," Mark joined in, wearing a matching grin as he headed out. "Just don't do anything too wild! Our vacation has only just started and we'd like him to be able to sit properly at breakfast!"

The two burst into laughter as they ran out the door, both quick to leave to keep from facing their host's ire. Ryan blushed hard, and closed the door firmly, muttering to himself as the laughter died away. Conner chuckled and looked at the now very flustered skunk.

"So, what did they mean by that?" He wondered playfully, doing absolutely nothing to hide the amusement in his voice.

"Ignore them. Their idiots sometimes," Ryan sighed as he locked the door. "So, how long do you have? Any time for a drink or two?"

"A drink sounds good. Just let me-" A ringtone interrupted his thought, causing the gator to growl in frustration. "Hold that thought, really quick" He reached into his pocket to retrieve his phone, pulling it out in a practiced motion and practically snarled. "Yeah, what?"

Ryan sat back down as his guest started pacing around the room, his tail lashing out as the discussion with whoever was on the phone got more intense.

"I know-" More muffled voices... "Yeah, I know it's late but-" A louder set of muffled voices, this time louder and more annoyed. "At a friend's house-" This time the voice was quieter, only the gator could hear it. "Because he invited me over!" The skunk's ears folded as he heard loud, mocking laughter from the phone. "Fuck you, old man!" With that, the gator ended the call, throwing the phone to the sofa where it hit the cushions with a soft thump.

Conner clenched his fists angrily as he did all he could to keep from lashing out. It saddened the skunk to see the once so happy reptile break apart like this.

I guess this is why he acted like a bully his first year. He thought sadly. He slowly approached the fuming jock, hoping to offer at least a little comfort.

"Bad call, eh?"

"Could say that..." The gator huffed, snorting through his nose to vent out his anger. "Gonna have to deal with his fat ass when I get home."

Ryan sighed and rubbed the back of his head. He had a solution, he just hoped the gator would be up for it.

"If you want you can stay here for the night."

"Really?" The gator looked at the skunk, his anger immediately bleeding out of his expression, much to Ryan's amusement.

"Yeah, it sounds like you're having a bad day. Just let me get some spare blankets. You can take the couch."

Conner's eyes lit up, and the skunk couldn't help but smile with him. "Thanks man, you're a lifesaver!"

Both teens got to work on bringing up some blankets from a lenin closet by the wash room, and soon the couch was dressed up like a mini bed. The two of them sat next to each other once they were done, resting after their eventful day.

"Thanks again for letting me stay here," Conner said. "My old man's been a real hard ass lately."

"We all have days like that. It's no problem." Even if my own days don't sound nearly as bad.

"If only it were some days," groaned the gator. "He gets like this all the time when he drinks, which is way too much. I'm surprised his liver can take all the abuse he's put it through!"

They both chuckled at the morbid joke, and soon a comfortable silence fell upon them.

"So, um..." the skunk fumbled a little, feeling his cheeks heat up with how friendly the atmosphere had gotten. "It's still pretty early. You wanna watch some tv? Eat some snacks?"

"Sure. Be a shame not to use this plasma screen for nothing but decoration."

Ryan smiled and handed him the remote before getting up. "Turn on whatever you want, I'll make some popcorn."

Conner watched the skunk's fluffy tail disappear past the doorway, before looking at the remote. He mentally thanked the skunk's parents for not getting a system that required 15 different remotes and was soon lost in the tried and true, old style tradition of channel surfing. He'd finally settled on a comedian's act, a female gazelle wearing a costume of something he was sure was insensitive to some species or another, when Ryan came back, popcorn and drinks in hand.

"No way, you like her too?" Ryan asked as took his seat and handed a soda to his guest.

"Hell yeah," Conner said, grasping a large pawful of popcorn. "She's crass and doesn't give a fuck about what her jokes are about! What's not to love?"

"Got that right," The skunk said, gobbling his own pawful of popcorn. Before long the gazelle continued on her next bit and the two were laughing heartily at her comedy act, almost choking on popcorn at some points.

They watched the next show as well, and before either knew it, the clock struck midnight. It still didn't deter Conner from his viewing; the gator was slouched back against the couch, stomach covered in corn kernels. What did catch his attention was the steadily snoring skunk at his side, his host apparently too pooped from laugher.

"Dude?" He asked, prodding the skunk with his elbow. "Ryan?"

"Huh, wuzzat?" Ryan mumbled as he returned to the waking world.

"You literally fell asleep on me. Missed her whole second act!" Conner bemoaned. "There was this great bit she did with a chicken and-"

Ryan's yawn cut him off, and the mephit stretched his arms up, cracking his back in the progress. "Sorry about that. I still haven't recovered from all that work preparing for the finals. I'm still feeling out of it, even now."

"That's what happens when you try to be an egghead," the gator playfully jibbed. "Want me to help you up to your room?"

"It's alright, you don't..." Another yawn escaped him, this one lasting several seconds.

"You're not going anywhere wiped out like that," Conner snickered and hefted the skunk up, propping his arm up over his neck. "You've done a lot for me. Least I can do is get you to your proper bed."

It was slightly awkward for the skunk, who felt more like a rag doll than anything, but he had to admire how easily the strong reptile carried him.

Wouldn't have minded sleeping down here with you, either. He thought to himself.

"So, where's your room?" Conner's voice rumbled in his chest, something that Ryan felt rather than heard.

He was almost lulled to sleep by that deep voice, but a small jostle brought him back. "It's up the stairs, to the left."

His eyes were heavy, but he was still able to guide Conner to the staircase. Once there, the gator hefted Ryan up, carrying him bridal style up the stairs. Ryan blushed hard; partially because of the intimate gesture, but also because he could feel the gator's firm muscles on his back as well. His reverie was disturbed once more as Conner shifted him back to a standing position, both of them heading inside.

The skunk's room was surprisingly big; the queen size bed and end tables only taking up a bit of space, leaving a sizable amount of open space in the middle. A wooden desk was sitting to the far end against the wall, with a computer hooked up on it. After a second of gawking, the gator saw what he thought was, and was proven right in thinking was, a small hallway.

"Bathroom..." the skunk nodded his head to the hall.

"You get your own... Dude how loaded did you say your parents were again?"

"I'll give you the tour later," He practically whined, clinging to the reptile's strong arm. "Bed now, pleeeease!"

Conner rolled his eyes, hefting up the skunk as he trudged towards the bed. He set his passenger down and turned to leave, only to find himself being pulled down as well. Despite his lithe figure, the skunk was surprisingly strong, and Conner soon found himself on his side, laying on the bed. The gator looked curiously as his now bedmate snuggled up against his large form.

"So, is this what your friends were on about?" He snickered.

"Just shut up and let me rest," Ryan moaned, settling himself against the gator.

Conner snorted, but didn't move away. "Whatever you say, chief."

***

It was some time later that Ryan awoke to someone's breathing. At first he thought it was his own, but then the breathing snorted and he was jerked awake. There wasn't enough light to see, but he could feel somebody's body pressed against his own, his ears heating up at the proximity. Not only that, but a thick arm was wrapped around him, keeping him pinned to whoever was hugging him.

His mind raced, his thoughts a jumble as he tried to think of what happened the night before. It came back to him in a slow stream of memories; the poker game, Conner's dad laughing at him on the phone, his offer to let him stay the night, and his own drowsy admittance of wanting to sleep next to him.

So, we're here now. He thought, pressing his paw against the gator's muscled arm. Me being hugged by the guy who had threatened to beat my face in the previous year. I guess stranger things have happened.

The skunk's form twitched and he felt his limbs start to ache from their current positions. He calmed himself, and started to shift his body to get more comfortable, when a thought came to him.

Here he was with his object of affection, alone in the house with nobody to interrupt them. I'm sure he wouldn't mind... The thought was too tempting to stop and he slowly shifted his body so that he was facing the big gator's body. He slowly laid an arm over the gator's side, being careful to make it seem casual, and gently pressed his muzzle into the gator's chest. His eyes widened in surprise when he felt the smooth scales against his fur instead of the shirt he saw him wear.

He took his shirt off? Why would he do that?

The skunk had to calm himself from shaking. It'd do him no good to be discovered now. But his curiosity had been roused, and he slowly brushed his leg up against the jock's, his cheeks heating up as he noticed something very apparent.

Conner's legs were bare. He wasn't wearing any pants.

Ryan inhaled sharply, his senses filled with the gator's scent, and he had to keep himself from humming to himself at how nice his light musk smelled.

I wonder what else he took off...

It was the one question ringing in his head, the thought of the gator being completely naked in bed with him being almost too good to be true. Too curious to resist, he shifted and moved the arm he was laying on downwards. He wanted to risk a glance down, but he knew he was risking a lot by moving as much as he was. Instead, he stared at the gator's muscled chest, content to simply feel what he knew to be lying so close. His paw trembled at the thought of just touching the jock's flesh. Just a bit more and...

He had to stifle a yelp as the gator's big body turned, rolling over onto his back and snorting a bit before lying still once again. It was then that Ryan realized that all his blankets were off, his body having been warmed by the gator's own body heat. And from his own blushing.

The moon shone through his open window, bathing the two in a soft light. More importantly, to the skunk's mind at least, it meant he could see the jock's body for himself. He took advantage of his new position, laying on Conner's chest just right to see his body. He gazed over the reptile's stomach, his slight belly belying his active nature, but giving him a more rugged appeal.

He swallowed the lump in his throat as he raised his head to get the gator's crotch into his view, his eyes drawn to the full jock that he wore. It was the only article of clothing the gator had on him, and he could feel his heart beat furiously at the thought of it. He closed his eyes and bit his lip, determined to keep his mind from thinking too hard about what lay underneath that piece of fabric.

Even as he managed to take his eyes off the jock's package, his eyes trailed along the thick muscles that were visible on his legs. It was another perk to having scales instead of fur, he mused. Having all your assets immediately visible to ogle, something that a wasn't possible unless you had really short fur or overly developed muscles. Conner's seemed to be a nice balance, and the skunk let out a happy hum at being able to see his guest's muscles unobstructed.

"Take a picture. It'll last longer."

Conner's voice derailed his train of thought, and he jerked his head up, coming muzzle to snout with the shirtless gator. Ryan expected another return of that furious reptile he saw in the living room, and stared in fright of what could happen to him.

He wasn't angry, though. If anything, he wore a bemused smirk while the skunk tried to speak up.

"I... didn't mean to stare..." Ryan muttered weakly.

"Heh, I don't care if ya stare." The gator chuckled as he reached down to give his jock a grope. He laughed as the skunk's tail stiffened, his blush so deep that it shone through his black fur. "Oh, this is gonna be fun. I knew your friends were onto something back there."

That got the skunk to sit up and he looked almost hopeful. "So, wait, are you actually..."

"Why do ya think my old man's such a hard ass with me. Not much of a son if all I do is sleep with other dudes."

"You're dad's an idiot," It came with such boldness that the skunk shocked himself. He calmed down when he heard Conner laugh at it, though.

"You don't know how long I've wanted to say that to him!"

The two lay in silence for a time, Ryan's previous boldness slowly returning to him.

"Do you mind if I do something?" His voice was husky with restrained lust and he had to swallow to wet his throat as he leaned over the gator's crotch. It served to draw another chuckle from the well muscled reptile.

"Do whatever ya want, man. I ain't stopping you."

Not a second after he said that, the skunk scrambled down and buried his muzzle against the jock's bulge, inhaling the musky scent and rubbing his muzzle over it. The gator grunted in surprise at his partner's sudden change in attitude, but didn't find it unwelcome. He could feel his shaft firm up from the attention, filling and stretching the fabric lewdly.

Slowly, almost delicately, the skunk removed the offending piece of fabric, letting the full length out into the open air along with a pair of heavy looking balls. He grasped the steadily throbbing cock first, his eyes full of lust as he gave it a light squeeze. He'd enjoyed the light bit of musk that he got from being pressed so close to Conner's body before, but he was practically drowning in it now. That didn't stop him from continuing to play with the thick gator dick, his paws encircling the thick shaft as much as they could. He began to pant when he found that he could just barely feel his fingertips touch, salivating at how hung the reptile was.

"First time you see a dick in real life?" The gator's voice was headier than before, the skunk's teasing working almost too well. It had been a while since he'd been with someone else, and he regretted not jerking off the night before, if only to prolong this new experience. He tried to keep his breathing even, but found it increasingly difficult the more bold his partner became.

A simple nod was all he got, the skunk too focused on enjoying the moment to offer any verbal response. He almost felt overwhelmed that he got to play with such a large cock, and he soon lowered his muzzle to the swollen head, giving it a long, lavishing lick. The gator's natural taste exploded over his tongue as he dragged it over the surface, and he moaned in desire with each passing second. It wasn't long before he brought his muzzle up and slowly dove down on that thick stalk.

Conner gasped as that warm maw encircled his cock, more moans forced out of him as that tongue went wild, swirling around the girth and tasting all it could. The skunk drooled a little, eyes half lidded in arousal as he enjoyed the musky taste, and even moaned when some of the big guy's pre coated his tongue. He opened his maw as wide as he could, slowly taking more of that thick shaft into his muzzle, determined to fit all he could in one go.

It made for an incredibly arousing sight, the gator's dick throbbing and steadily leaking inside that warm mouth. His technique was sloppy, his inexperience showing as he had to back up several times before he could even a quarter ways down his rod without choking, but like any virgin that really wanted it, his enthusiasm made up for it.

Even after several near breathless minutes of fawning over the jock's dick, Ryan was only able to get around halfway before he had to come up for air, panting heavily, and sporting a large tent in his shorts. Noticing the skunk's bulge, Conner decided it was time for him to show his gratitude.

"You've got the energy down, but you need a little practice." With an almost predatory grin, Conner slid the skunk's pants and underwear down in one go, letting his decently sized cock out into the cool air, pre already leaking down the shaft. "Lemme show you..." He wasted no time grasping and stroking that rigid member, making its owner shudder and moan as he prepared him.

A quick glance up saw the skunk looking down at him, panting in anticipation and excitement. Conner dragged out the moment, teasing the cock in front of him with a slow lick from his wide tongue while he pulled his partner's pants down further. His bushy tail fluffed out, flagged up high as his ass was exposed. Ryan whined when he felt the gators fingers grip his rump, giving an involuntary flex from how pent up he was.

Conner took that as his cue and finally opened his long maw up, enveloping the entire cock in one go, the shape letting him take every inch with ease. Ryan soon became nothing but a pile of whining fur on top of him, his cock practically drooling as it was lavished by that talented tongue. He tried his best to thrust deeper, if only to feel more of that tongue on his flesh, but found himself held in place by the gator's paws on his thighs and butt. His whines became more insistent when he felt a finger rub against his tailhole, making him try to buck into the warm orifice surrounding his dick.

The gator laughed around his dick, knowing the vibrations were adding a little something extra to the sensations already assaulting him the helpless mammal. He grunted when he felt two paws grab onto his head, doing their best to push the reptile's maw up and down the dick in his muzzle. Too soon to let ya blow now, he thought and slowly stopped his slurping, bringing his snout from the Ryan's crotch. Much to his disappointment, if his whines were anything to go from.

"Why'd you stop?" He huffed, shuddering slightly as his dick throbbed in the air, shining in the moonlight with spit and pre.

"I wanted to have more fun with ya. And trust me, this next part is something you're gonna wanna do when you're still horny." He backed up off the bed, his own cock still wet ad throbbing. Ryan blushed heavily as he guessed what was coming next and was quick to pull off his disheveled clothes, tossing them to the ground and leaving him well and truly exposed. Conner nodded approvingly, grinning toothily as he appraised the nude mephit. "Very nice. Now, lift up those legs!"

Still blushing, Ryan laid back and held his legs up, exposing his butt to his audience of one. Licking his lips in anticipation, Conner groped that toned ass and spread his cheeks to get a good look at that pink tailhole.

"How have you not been hit on before?" he wondered, trailing a scaled finger across the presented tailhole. "You're far too hot to be single."

Ryan shivered at the contact, his cock jumping as his sensitive rear was played with. "Never really put myself out there." He answered breathlessly, a blush lighting his cheeks. "I'm still a virgin, actually. I've only ever used my fingers before..."

"We'll fix that soon enough," he growled before spitting onto the skunk's tailhole, smearing the makeshift lube on it before doing likewise to his own meaty member. Ryan squirmed at the feeling of spit drooling across his rear, but he had to admit it turned him on seeing the gator act so crudely. "You ready?"

"Yeah," he replied shyly, remembering how much that cock spread his fingers. "Just go slow alright?"

That earned him a chuckle, but the gator complied and slowly pressed the tip of his dick to the skunk's rear entrance, pressing and prodding the tight ring of flesh until i started to give. It took a few moments before Ryan managed to relax himself enough to let the gator's thick cock in, but he immediately tightened up once that first hurdle was overcome. He winced in pain as he as stretched out so much for the first time, his fingers having nothing on the gator's girth.

Conner hissed at the vice like grip his partner had, taking hold of his raised legs to keep collapsing. Hearing the wince of pain, he held himself steady until he felt Ryan's passage relax, biting his lip as he felt that ass ripple along his dick. Those clenching insides practically massaged his sensitive head and shortened his already limited fuse, his cock jumping and drooling copious amounts of pre. He waited until there was just enough give before pressing on forward, growling as more and more of his dick sunk into those warm depths.

The slow pace had helped Ryan adjust, and he panted as he felt himself filled, now used to the large intruder. This time, there was a more pleasurable feeling that hit his brain, the stretching from before still making him sore, but an underlying pleasure slowly replacing it. That feeling multiplied tenfold suddenly, his cock jumping as he felt that gator dick press something inside him, his cock flexing hard and leaving him gasping.

Both boys made their own lustful nosies as Ryan's hips drew ever closer to the gator's thighs; Ryan's a quiet hissing moan as his rear was further spread open by the almost never ending length of cock, and the gator's a low growl as his shaft was enveloped and squeezed by the skunk's tight rear. After several long, agonizing moments, both pairs of hips pressed against one another, their owners looking at each other with lust in their eyes.

Eagerness soon took over, and Conner grabbed the skunk's legs, using them as handles as he dragged his cock out at a languish pace. It made the skunk squirm and cling to the bed, his dick jumping and drooling pre with every inch that was removed. When it finally came time for the gator to slide back in, he found Ryan trying to push himself back onto his maleness again, clearly eager for more.

Conner found the pert rear to be more than accommodating when he thrust back in, growling as he sunk his entire cock in one go. He revealed in the moan it got out of the smaller fur, grinding his dick in deeper to make him moan cutely. It made the next thrusts come quicker, the gator letting his eagerness take control once he saw his partner's enjoyment. His paws soon joined his thoughts, one lifting up and giving the upturned ass a firm spank, forcing another 'yip' from the mammal, and a throb from his drooling cock.

Overwhelmed with the sensation of that fat cock stretching him so nicely, Ryan lowered his legs, trying to wrap them around the gator's waist and keep him buried that much longer. Conner got the message and leaned forward, his large body overshadowing the smaller fur's.

"I'm gonna cum real soon with how tight you are..." he panted.

With a purr he never knew he possessed, Ryan whispered huskily, "Fill me up, stud."

This time the clenching was intentional, and it got the gator to moan out, lust totally taking over his mind as he grabbed the skunk's waist and proceeded to ram himself deep into his snug ass. Harder and harder the gator thrust, his large balls audibly slapping against that firm rear every time he hilted it. The bed squeaked in complaint at how rough they were going, but neither were willing to slow their pace. With no one around to interrupt their lustful actions, the two moaned and panted as loud as they could, each emboldened by their partner's noises to either thrust harder or moan louder.

All too soon, Ryan found himself pushed towards the edge, and he buried his muzzle against the gator's neck, but it did little to muffle his whatever pants and moans Conner's cock drove out of him. "Cu-cumming!!" He almost squeaked as he hit his peak, his cock firing off several thick shots of cum, each one punctuated by a moan which in turn were punctuated by another thrust that jostled his dick as it covered their stomachs with his load.

Conner groaned out as the skunk's orgasm made his passage tighten around his fat cock, every thrust feeling like it was trying to milk his load right out of him. The sensory overload proved to be too much for even the burly gator to handle, and he buried himself deep on the last thrust, growling and clinging to the skunk as he filled his tailhole with hot gator cream.

The boys shuddered and moaned as they rode out their orgasms, panting heavily after several seconds of bliss. Conner laid himself down, his strong arms keeping him from flattening his partner, and letting him remained hilted until his erection died down. Ryan didn't have any qualms with that, and rested his head against a pillow, letting the afterglow set in.

"That was wild.." he panted after managing to catch his breath.

"Thought you said it was your first time," the gator grinned down. "You seemed to know what to do to get me going."

"Heh, nah. I just really like having you buried in me," He demonstrated by exercising his newfound muscle control, squeezing the gator's still sensitive dick and bringing it back to full hardness inside him. Conner growled pleasantly, shuddering slightly as he started grinding his still hard shaft into the skunk's filled rear.

"Fuck, you're just asking for more now."

The skunk only winked before wrapping his legs back around Conner's waist, the bed slowly creaking as the gator started up again.

***

Morning came slowly to the two, the first rays of sun irritating both pairs of eyes and forcing their owners into the waking world. Neither expressed any surprise when they found themselves intertwined with the other, bedsheets long since discarded in a haze of passion and lust.

"Morning," Ryan said with a yawn, draping an arm over his partner's well muscled chest.

"Mm, morning," huffed the gator in return, still lost in the combined glow of morning drowsiness and after sex relaxation.

After finishing his yawn, Ryan ducked his head down, seeming embarrassed. "So, about last night..."

The gator felt a slight chill go through his stomach. In his experience, that was never a good thing to hear the morning after. "Yeah...?"

To his relief, when the skunk looked up at him, he was smiling shyly. "Ya think we can make it a regular thing between us? Last night was incredible and you aren't a bad poker player, so I thought that..."

"Are you kidding? Of course we can!" He wrapped an arm around him, grinning happily. "I'd beat myself up if I let a catch like you float away!"

Ryan laughed and gave his new boyfriend a kiss on the snout, before rubbing up against him because he liked the way his scales felt on his fur. He blushed as he felt the gator's maleness spring to life when his leg brushed up against it.

"All those rounds and you still have morning wood?" he asked slyly.

"Hey, I'm still a jock," Conner rumbled back. "Gotta keep my stamina up, ya know?"

Ryan shook his head bemusedly and leaned back, tempted though he was to help the muscular reptile out. His stomach grumbled lightly, reminding him of more pressing matters. "Come down once you get dressed, I can make us some pancakes."

"Who says I have to get dressed?" Conner grinned cheekily, and spread his legs, displaying his dick proudly. "I think I got something much better than syrup!"

Ryan stared at that thick maleness again, and gave into temptation for a quick moment. He leaned down and pressed his muzzle against the thick shaft, much to Conner's surprise. He gave it a quick lick from base to tip before pulling away, smiling cheekily.

"You cocktease!" the gator called out with a laugh.

"We can have more fun after we eat some breakfast," he said as he picked up his discarded pants. He put them on, foregoing underwear, and Conner licked his lips when he saw how well they hugged his rear.

His look went unnoticed, the skunk too busy looking at a wall mounted clock. "Oh, right, before that I need to check to see if I got any mail. My sister told me she'd be mailing something for graduation."

"Do what ya gotta do," Conner said, sitting up on the bed and still at attention. "Mind if I chill out and watch tv downstairs?"

"...Naked...?" asked, eyes drifting down to the gator's crotch.

"How ever you want me," he replied, standing up to fully display himself.

Ryan blushed hotly, the thought of even just cuddling with his now boyfriend becoming very appealing. "Alright, go and make yourself comfortable. I'll be back!"

Tossing on a shirt, the teen rushed out the door, taking the steps two at a time. He winced as he felt an ache come from his rear, the night's worth of hard rutting coming back to bite him. Still, he couldn't be too upset. It was well worth the slight limp.

The gator watched at the top of the stairs as Ryan made his way through the house. Never would he have thought he'd get to have a shot with the cute mammal, especially with his reputation. Life seemed to throw him a bone, one which he had just buried in that retreating rear. He had to shake himself out of his daze before he got too excited. While meeting him with a boner in the kitchen sounded hot, it was too early to be banging like rabbits. Even he needed time to recover fully.

He descended the stairs with a swagger in his step, turning to go into the kitchen. So in bliss was he that he almost collided with a female skunk, one with a very sour expression on her muzzle. An awkward silence built, the skunk's shocked expression turning stern, then slowly sunk into an angry scowl.

"Who are you and what are you doing in my house?" The rather perturbed female asked.

"You're house? I... oh, damn..." He stuttered, glancing down and just managing to cover his nudity. "This looks bad doesn't it?"

"A naked crocodile comes out from my brother's room after I see him leaving the house with a limp that just screams 'I got beat up'? Ya got that right!"

"No wait, I can explain!"

The female skunk wasn't having any of that. She advanced on him, in spite of the size difference, no fear in her eyes and a frying pan in her left paw. "That's what they all say! Now hands up while I call the-"

"Jasmine?" Ryan's voice came from the doorway, the teen looking over the two with more surprise than anything.

"Ryan!!" Jasmine cried, leaping in front of the younger skunk and hugging him fiercely.

Conner backed away as the siblings embraced one another, glad to see the murderous gaze of the older skunk melt into the caring love and affection he knew was between true siblings. That gaze lasted for all of five seconds before she rounded back on him, frying pan still clenched tightly in her paws.

"You stay behind me, lil bro. I'll make this croc sorry he ever set foot in this house!"

The gator's eyes shifted between the two siblings, silently pleading with the younger skunk to help him out. Luckily, said skunk was just as fed up with the situation and walked in front of his sister.

"First of all, he's an alligator, not a crocodile. There's a difference," He said coming to stand besides the larger reptile. "And second of all, he's not an intruder." Jasmine had a retort on her lips, but it died as her younger brother reached up to give the gator a kiss on the snout. "He's my boyfriend."

That got a blush out of the bigger gator and a stunned look out of the older skunk. She stammered slightly before shaking her head, trying to right the thoughts that got so jumbled.

"So, why did you have a limp when you were heading outside?" She managed out.

The skunk's confident look soon turned shy, and he wasn't able to meet his sister in the eye.

"We... had some fun last night and my... rear was still sore. Going down the stairs reminded me how tender it was and..."

"Okay, way too much info!" Jasmine shook her head frantically, clutching her ears to keep her sanity.

Conner burst out laughing, the surreality of the situation finally getting to him. Once she had calmed down, Jasmine tried again.

"Let's try that again. I'm Jasmine, his big sister. Not a crazy psychopath who tries to smash people's brains in with a frying pan!" Realizing she was still holding said implement, she set it down on the counter, giggling embarrassedly at the two. "I'll go... do something that doesn't involve bashing someone's head in with cooking utensils... have fun you too!"

"You've got quite the interesting family," Conner chuckled after the elder skunk fled the room. "She always this excitable?"

"This is actually one of her tamer days," Ryan replied, pressing up against the big gator. "You should see her poker face."