FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

CHAPTER 1

Traitor.

That one word, in Marilyn's voice, made his head swim and twisted his gut bitterly. He wasn't sure his stomach was up to taking his cream-heavy coffee just now. He had to remind himself to breathe. Simple questions churned, many hard answers surfaced (none of them good). Rafe lifted his eyes and found them wandering to the window. He could make out his own reflection in ghostly color. A downturned muzzle, hazel fur, flop-ears, haggard eyes. Until a car passed outside, its brights washing away his visage for a glimpse of the cold, dark world.

"More coffee, sir?"

"Yeah," Rafe's voice cracked. Dang it, even the corgi waitress' scent brought his mind back to Marilyn.

Rafe thought over the events of the past few weeks, trying to be objective... At every turn what seemed right had come crashing down around his ears. Had he truly betrayed her? Was the kind of damage he'd wrought been worth some sense of moral high ground? Or was the world simply so cruel to those who attempt to do right for right's sake? He took a sip and immediately grimaced; the refill thinned out his creamer, and he was reminded just how bitter coffee really was.

Where had it started going so wrong with Marilyn? They'd always made better friends than couple, but they talked about that. They'd both talked about not bringing the divorce drama to the office... And it hadn't been about that. It hadn't been revenge. When you found a coworker, ex or no, fudging company policy for a cut under the table... you reported them to the manager. That was where it started. Nothing changed. Well... nothing he thought was related at the time. Her promotion to secretary, long private meetings... Rafe hadn't put the pieces together until the company anniversary cookout, the manager's announcement. His engagement to Marilyn.

Rafe growled. All the respect, the years he'd looked up to a seemingly upstanding manager; all the talk of business ethics. The motivation he drew from the corporate vision-casting. Rafe caught himself hunched low over his coffee. He wasn't sure he could handle thinking about his former manager.

Coffee was really bitter.

"Mr. Artin?"

That voice was familiar. A shadow fell over his table. Fox ears? He couldn't think of any foxes he knew, at least not well. He turned a flat gaze to the newcomer. Pale fur, a loose sleeveless tank top and slim khakis. He- or was it she? No, the fox's scent was definitely male, though that was about the only obvious cue. "I wasn't expecting company."

"Rafael Artin, isn't it?" The fox sat down across from him, head a bit low but ears perked toward him. "You don't mind if I call you Rafe, neh?"

He knew this fox. The voice, the smooth inflection. Wasn't he one of the sales reps? Rafe grimaced; that only made it worse. A stranger he could tell off. "Look, it's really not a good time, so-"

"Are you trying to ignore it?" There was nothing harsh in his tone, only pointedness.

Rafe sighed. The blasted grapevine. "No. I just don't know what to think, yet."

"Is that so? Or are you unhappy with what you're telling yourself?"

Rafe paused, giving himself a moment to accept the fact this coworker wasn't letting him be. Not without either a fight or a talk. And he hadn't the energy to fight it.

He found himself studying the figure across the table. His fur wasn't completely white; just a little tan crept into his coat around the neck and upper arms, that he could see. The ruffles around the chest of that shirt didn't exactly strike him as masculine. His face was soft, his figure narrow and vaguely tomgirl. The shirt was a subtly feminine thing, almost as if to offset his scent. The corgi waitress stopped by and the fox's amber eyes were drawn away. After a singsong greeting, he ordered one of the specials with no hesitation whatsoever. Even his voice was hard to assign a gender.

The corgi left with a smile twice as genuine as the one she'd had five seconds earlier, and Rafe averted his eyes before he felt the fox's gaze upon him again. He tried not to look across the table. He didn't want to jump to conclusions about the fox. Mostly because they were awkward conclusions. He'd seen this guy show up in perfectly normal business casual; that was reassuring. He could even picture the fox's cubicle. Damn it, what was the name on that placard? Toshiba...? That didn't sound right. "I'm sorry, but your name..."

"Yoshida Miyabi," he preempted.

"Look, obviously you realize what I'm going through," Rafe muttered over his mug. "But I barely know you, Mister Yoshida. ... That is the surname, right?"

"Yes, but Miyabi is fine."

The fox glanced toward the counter where the corgi was working on a drink. Oh, right. Now he'd ordered something, Rafe wasn't going to be rid of him just yet.

"Listen, there's something you should know." Miyabi caught his attention again, and something in the fox's eyes made him sit a little straighter. "I hate to throw more bad news on your situation, but... Well, I think it would be better to know sooner."

"Lay it on me," Rafe sighed.

He said it in an undertone. "I... overheard the manager talking with the regional director. Everything you reported was written off as slander, and it sounded like upper management was buying it."

Somehow, he didn't find this very surprising. "Doesn't matter to me. I don't work there anymore."

Miyabi shook his head. "I know. Everything you tried to stand up for... and it was all for nothing..."

Rafe leaned back and sighed at the fox. "So... how come you believe me?"

"The whole office believes you. They could probably prove you right. Unfortunately they're all afraid of a round of 'unexpected layoffs."

Rafe groaned. He felt like that should have made him feel better. Instead he was miffed a dozen sales reps and a handful of customer service knew he was in the right, and none of them spoke up. And only one had a mind to bother talking to him.

"Rafe, if there's anything I can do..."

He found those amber eyes studying him. And his mind was blanking. He literally did not know what to tell the fox anymore. Those amber eyes were intense, as though Miyabi could stare right into his jumbled thoughts. The corgi came by to drop off the fox's drink, and even she sensed the solemnity in the air; she said nothing, just set down the paper cup and Miyabi's card.

"You look exhausted, neh?" The fox smirked without humor.

"I am," Rafe admitted.

"Insomnia?"

"Can't get my mind off... wherever it all went wrong."

Miyabi uncapped his coffee to stir in a huge head of whipped cream. "Ever had a cinnamon dolce?"

"Can't say I have." Reminded of the mug in his hands, Rafe decided to polish off the last of his coffee. There was more than he thought; it took him two swallows to chug, and it left him shuddering at so much of the bitter taste.

The fox giggled softly. "Black coffee isn't your thing? Try this, you might like it." He capped his drink and pushed it across the table.

Rafe shook his head.

"Come on, I haven't drunk off it or anything. Just one sip."

It'll shush the fox. He acquiesced to take a single sip. He lifted it to his muzzle, tipping carefully as it was likely too hot. Actually, it wasn't too bad - must've been all the whipped cream. He blinked, swirling the sip in his muzzle.

"Not bad, neh?" Miyabi grinned as Rafe passed the cup back.

"It tastes like someone put cinnamon toast crunch in the coffee grounds."

"Doesn't it, though?" Miyabi smiled, and Rafe found himself smiling back. "But it's 2 AM. You should get some rest."

"Right," Rafe sighed. "Tried that the other night. Wasn't working very well then, either. And now I'm spiked on coffee."

"I can help."

"Look, sleeping pills don't-"

"It's not a drug." Miyabi smiled.

"And I'm not into the natural medicine thing-"

"Trust me," Miyabi giggled. "I can help, if you'll let me."

Rafe wanted to tell him off. He wanted to be alone; he needed time to sort out his feelings. And, unfortunately, job hunt. But Miyabi's interruption was a breath of fresh air, getting his mind off Marilyn and the whole mess. He was caving. "Alright," he sighed.

"Let me drive you home."

"Alright."

The fox took his cinnamon dolce, and headed for the door. Rafe left a tip, then did a double-take at his escort's backside. No, he wasn't seeing triple. Miyabi had three tails. Three fluffy, swishy tails with hints off-white fur, like barely toasted marshmallows.

He shook his head and hurried along before he was caught staring. At this point, he wasn't sure anything more would surprise him about Miyabi. They stepped out into a chill night breeze, which didn't seem to faze the fox in the slightest.

"Where's your car, Rafe?"

"I thought you were driving? I'm not sure I could even stay in the right lane, at this point." Not a good situation he'd left himself in, he admitted.

"I didn't drive here, but I can drive yours if you don't mind. That way you have your car at home."

Rafe glanced at the fox. Walking must've been how he kept so trim, ordering liquid cinnamon calories. "That's fine." He pointed it out and led the way. A gold sedan, a bit dated but respectable and well kept. Bought and paid for, and that was the biggest reason he loved his car. Some spark of judgement - perhaps his better judgement - was a bit hesitant handing his keys over to the fox he barely knew. But at this point an 18 year old stallion would drive better than he could. Rafe reminded himself to walk to the passenger side.

After the din of closing doors and the click of seatbelts came the whirr of power seating. Miyabi cocked his head at Rafe with a sheepish smirk as the noise went on. He wasn't that much shorter than Rafe, but more of it was torso; he had to move the seat all the way forward and a little up.

It wasn't a long trip, but there were quite a few turns involved and Rafe had to direct him one step at a time because he couldn't think of road names. It was apparent Miyabi was unfamiliar with the area, too. He missed one turn, but it wasn't a big deal. Before long, Rafe was pointing out his usual parking space in front of this second-story apartment.

The whirr of power seats again. "You don't have to do that."

"I want to. It's your car."

As soon as the seat was back to approximately where the fox had found it, Rafe got his keys back and headed up the exterior stairs of the apartment complex. He was acutely aware of the fox's footfalls behind him. And though he wasn't exactly sure what Miyabi planned to do, he was too tired to complain, and he did say he'd accept Miyabi's help. Though he was growing increasingly unsure what that was going to look like.

His apartment was a comfortably spacious two-bedroom. He and Marilyn had been conservative, but the apartment had been short an original occupant for upwards of two years. One of the bedrooms had been converted into a media room - a place to crash in front of the tube, relax, and leave dishes lying around for later that could be closed off from the publicly presentable main room. So the first thing Miyabi got a glimpse of was a tidy sitting area with some alphabetized bookcases, next to a walk-out window and a small balcony. The other half of the room was a small dining room off the kitchenette. It was pretty obvious Rafe had let the dusting go untended for a while, but at least it wasn't a mess. Looking back, he saw the fox wore a smile as he took everything in.

"So how are you planning to help me sleep?"

"Don't mind me," Miyabi smiled. "Just do your normal thing, get ready for bed."

Rafe stared at him for several moments. He was expecting the fox to pull out some pill or all-natural remedy. But he just stood there with his smile masking his intentions.

Finding no more energy to push the subject than before, Rafe went to the bedroom and shut the door.

He'd taken down all the pictures with Marilyn; they were all in a pile in the corner he kept his eyes away from.

Worry gnawed at him while he brushed his teeth. Was he ignoring the cues? Did he just bring some sort of gay seducer home with him? I probably didn't have much to worry about. Miyabi didn't look that strong. He turned back the covers, stripped off his shirt and shoes, but decided his pants were staying right where they were.

The fox was perusing titles in his book and video collection, his tails bobbing as though to some unheard beat. His ears perked, and he walked over to Rafe. "Already?"

"If you've got a suggestion, now's the time."

Miyabi looked him up and down. "You sleep like that?"

Around total strangers, yes. "Now's the time," he repeated. Soft hands touched his chest. Damn, Miyabi was stepping close. His heart skipped a beat; this sneaky fox really was...!

Miyabi dropped the smile. "Relax."

And he tapped Rafe's sternum hard. A shudder ran through him, and a tingle. The odd thing was, the next moment he did feel more relaxed. His muscles all felt a little looser. "What the heck...?"

"There's nothing to get worked up about, neh?" The fox's features were sober enough to dispel Rafe's immediate worries. The unfamiliar hands were still touching him, though. They came to his shoulders and turned him about, and Miyabi gently pushed him toward his bed, knocking out the lights on the way.

Rafe's half-formed questions were batted aside with "Shush" as he was pushed to sit on his bed, then onto his back. The fox loomed over him, a slightly darker shadow than the rest of the room, but for a glint from his eye. Rafe focused on that glint, watched it blink. Then a finger struck his forehead, and he felt his consciousness slipping away like an animal shooed. He thought he heard Miyabi's voice, but he caught none of it; he was already asleep.

* * * * *

Rafe woke to a very bright room. His room, his familiar ceiling. Moreover, he felt rested. Far better rested than any time in the past week, since getting fired. Not so much as a bad dream to plague him. He stirred, pulling sheets off himself as his gaze wandered the room. The alarm sat silently on the nightstand, declaring 1:49. Had he seriously just slept over ten hours?

The sheets. He hadn't been under the sheets when...

Miyabi.

Rafe was still wearing his pants, though. And everything else in his room seemed to be in order. Miyabi must've just...done whatever he did to make Rafe sleep so deeply, tucked him in, and left. What an odd fox.

Hunger would hit when he was more awake, he guessed, but before that he stepped into the bathroom to shower. By the time he emerged, dripping, he felt better than any time in the past year.

He spent a good long while with a brush working the kinks and knots out of his coat. It had been a long time since he'd had the luxury and desire to do a thorough job of it, especially with the swathe of fur that hung from his tail. By the time he'd finished, he studied his nude body in the bathroom mirror. His eyes were a brighter blue, his hair was a richer golden-brown... He looked like a dog five years younger.

Hopefully a little wiser than he had been five years ago, though. Falling for the first puppy-eyed girl to confess to him. How quickly they fell into the throes of enamored intimacy, and the next thing he knew he had Misses Artin. Things were so much simpler when he could enjoy the attention of the frolicking types who weren't in for a serious commitment yet.

Just imagining the old days and foolish trysts had a hint of red peeking from his genital sheath. Rafe smirked at it in the mirror, but shook his head. "Sorry, friend. It's time for breakfast." He grabbed a bathrobe on the way out of his room.

He paused in the kitchenette, on the way to the fridge. The sink was empty. It was behind a half-wall so he usually didn't mind leaving dishes there until he had a dishwasher load, but... he didn't recall the last time he'd done dishes. Huh.

It was a good day. He felt like some eggs were in order, if he had any left. No sooner had he set out eggs, milk, mushrooms, ham, and a few of his favorite egg seasonings, he heard the balcony door the slew open. His head whipped around. "Miyabi!"

"Oh, good 'morning' finally." The fox wore a bright grin, tails swishing behind him as he stepped in and slid the door shut behind him. "I didn't realize your balcony had such a wonderful view of the park."

Rafe pulled the robe tight around himself and fastened the ties, struggling to find words. "You just... Were you here all night? In my house, while I was asleep, and you were doing who-knows-what? A stranger's house? Really, you're something else."

"Dusting, and dishes." Miyabi shrugged innocently. "That's what I did. Though, no, I did actually go home and come back."

Rafe's eyes darted to the little table by the door where he left a spare key.

"Will you relax?" The fox giggled, stepping towards him. "You're going to work yourself right back to where you were last night, at this rate. You look a lot better, by the way, after that rest. Looks like you needed that. Now..."

Rafe tensed as Miyabi stepped close, but he merely brushed past him into the kitchen. "Miyabi, what are you-"

"Taking over breakfast." He cocked his head at Rafe. "I can manage eggs. Scrambled, or omelette? Looks like you got out all the trimmings."

"I... Uh... You can make omelettes?" This strange fox was making him feel like a guest in his own home.

"Wouldn't offer if I couldn't, neh?" He was already lighting the stove, a square of butter melting in a pan.

Rafe shook his head. "Wha- I don't get it. Why are you doing this? Before yesterday- No, I still hardly know you."

"Because..." Miyabi paused, shrugged. "I want to. You're living what may be the hardest time of your life. I'm just trying to...even it out a little, and maybe give you some time to think. It's not like we have jobs, for the time being."

"But... wait, you don't...?"

Miyabi tossed his head. "Watching what happened to you there was the last straw, for me, even before they gave you the boot. You don't know half the shady business strategies they used. Put in my two weeks, fifteen days ago." He flicked a tail or two at Rafe. "Go on, get some fresh air and sort your thoughts. Might be a little easier with a good night's rest, neh?"

Floored and left with no rebuttal, he did just that. Though he stopped in his room to put on some pants before venturing out to the balcony. He left a set of collapsible camping chairs on the balcony along with a hand-me-down wrought iron porch table that showed its age in rust.

Miyabi was right, the view of the park was pretty impressive. It was the middle of the work week, so there weren't many visitors at the moment. A few scattered couples, a few joggers. The tree leaves were all different colors from yellow to red, but the grass was still slightly green.

It was a new day. Marilyn actually seemed a little bit further in the past. Marilyn's chapter as Misses Artin was closed, and if her less than ethical business practices endured... Well, Rafe tried to do right, whether it had done any good or not. The company could swindle all it wanted. But... what could he do about it? The best thing for him would be to move on.

Easier said than done.

There was a brisk wind through the balcony. Rafe's bathrobe was plenty warm, but his feet were a little chilly. He actually liked the contrast, it made him feel a little more alive.

It wasn't too long before the fox emerged with a plate bearing an expertly folded omelette. Rafe held the plate, admitted the scent was incredible, but set it aside on the table, instead studying his companion.

The fox swept his tails to the side and took the other chair. Rafe regarded him, and wondered if what he was considering was wise. Miyabi was odd, dangerously presumptuous, rather more effeminate than was proper, and possibly gay. The last one made him hesitant; he'd hate to give the wrong impression to the fox. But... if he was understanding of this, he would be understanding of a simple 'no,' hopefully.

"So... Everybody at the office knew Marilyn wasn't being entirely honest with the books?"

The fox sighed quietly. "The ones who hadn't seen it heard the others talk. We suspected the manager was supporting her, but you dragged that whole mess into the open."

"Wasn't the only mess in there." Rafe leaned back. "I was the last person to figure out what all the 'private meetings' were about, wasn't I?"

"It's natural to blind yourself to that kind of thing. Even for your ex, neh?"

"If I weren't so stunned, I'd have punched them both when they went public at the cookout. That was a lowball... Were they that callous, or ...?" And she called me a traitor?

He took a deep breath, finding nothing more to say amid the mass of half-formed thoughts. There was silence from the fox. The moment stretched on, fraying Rafe's nerves until he found the guts to look up.

Miyabi was leaning in, watching him calmly, soberly.

Rafe grimaced. "You're not going to say anything?"

"You looked like you had more to say," he shrugged.

"Nothing else I know how to say."

The fox's eyes drifted out to the park. There was a few families out and about; some lucky kids were out of school already. "I think, at this point, you know what needs to happen. Closure. Severance. A fresh start. Let's just say, we both need it right about now. Same boat, neh? Figured we could help each other."

"I could manage," Rafe started instantly. "Not that... some company isn't welcome. You just came out of left field, I gotta say. You seem to know me inside and out, and I couldn't even remember your name."

Miyabi smirked. "I saw you at the office. You make acquaintances easily, friendly ones even." He shrugged. "But that takes no effort. That's just grease on on the corporate gears so nobody gets chafed. Friends don't come without time and effort to develop, and I've never seen you take another step."

Rafe winced. It was true, really. "And what if I had had other friends? Better friends?"

"I wondered about that. But then you were alone in that state in the coffee shop."

Also true, he admitted with a sigh. "Miyabi." He caught the fox's gaze and forced himself to hold it. "Thank you."

He smiled. "Eat your omelette before it gets cold."

Rafe accepted his breakfast with a chuckle, finally remembering his hunger. Turned out the egg was kinda cold already, but the stuffings were kept warm. Even so, he had to admit, "This is a really good omelette. It'd be amazing if it were fresher."

"I could make you another, if you prefer." Miyabi shrugged. "It's your grocery budget."

"Wouldn't do to waste all this, either," he added, gesturing at the omelette with is fork. A fresh one was temping, though. A grin came upon him as he noticed, "You didn't make one for yourself."

His shoulders stayed shrugged. "I've been imposing enough as is, neh?"

"I have an idea."

Rafe rose and beckoned the fox follow him inside. Taking the omelette to the kitchen, he retrieved a clean plate and knife and divided the meal.

"Here." Grinning, he offered Miyabi half the fruits of his labor and tosses a fork his way. "You make another one and we'll split that too."

"Like I said," Miyabi smiled and accepted the plate. "On your grocery budget."

"You earned it."

Enjoyment was apparent in the fox's eyes as they shared the omelette. Rafe had to admit he was growing grateful for Miyabi's company, despite how audacious he was. Something about the fox's forwardness was invigorating. And when they were done, the next omelette was begun. This time Rafe was witness to the fox's cooking; his casual but effective movement made it obvious he was well-practiced. They chatted about the trimmings, compared favorite breakfasts, and commented on local diners they knew while the eggs cooked.

Miyabi made the omelette folding look so effortless, Rafe found himself a little jealous. Though, the fox's stance and demeanor screamed 'housewife'. That was easily the most awkward thing Rafe was confronted with. It was almost a given that Miyabi was homosexual. That wasn't something Rafe opposed to, but he wasn't one. Nor was he exactly comfortable when reminded just how extreme his companion seemed to be.

Then again, that was assuming an awful lot. A large part of his discomfort was the uncertainty. And a little worry that Miyabi might actually start hitting on him, but no such actions were forthcoming.

Once again, Rafe divided the omelette - this time oozing with melted cheese - and they devoured the delightful meal at Rafe's dining table. With plates empty, silence hung between them. Miyabi leaned his elbows on the counter, head canted a bit, seemingly waiting for something.

Rafe sat back with his hands in his lap, muzzle downturned. "So... what now?" He asked more of himself than the fox. Miyabi seemed to pick up on that, and held his gaze expectantly. But his eyes were soft, and that dispelled any hint of awkwardness to the quiet. He was letting Rafe take his time.

So, choosing his words carefully, Rafe talked at the fox.

"This has been... really fun. You've given me a lot to think about. And not brooding-thinking like you found me doing at the coffee shop. Serious thinking; where I want to go from here. But I know one thing. Marilyn... It's time to leave all that behind."

"Did she live with you here?" Miyabi nodded toward a corner of collected framed photos. Marilyn featured in one.

"Yeah."

"Then I suggest leaving this behind, too. Take a vacation to do your thinking. Get away from places steeped with her memory. You can't think objectively if you're constantly reminded of her."

Rafe nodded. "Yeah... That makes sense." He sat up straight, stuck with an idea. "My parents have a summer house. Getting time off for both Marilyn and I was such a hassle we never actually went together... It'd be a perfect place to get away from things and think."

The fox smiled. "You're on the right track. Word of caution, though. Best not be too alone, in your position."

"You're right. I'd thought of that. That's why..." He took a deep breath. "Miyabi, I'd like you to join me."

Was it too presumptuous? Or opening the door to very awkward situations, alone with a likely gay - and as he'd proven, extremely bold - person he'd met not 15 hours ago? Did he really want the company of someone so... different?

Miyabi opened his mouth, but Rafe sputtered first, "I-If you want. I would appreciate it, because you're right. But I don't have anyone who'd actually... have a conversation with, like we have been."

Miyabi giggled. "Of course. My schedule's wide open, neh?"

That freaking girly laugh - it threatened Rafe with second thoughts. But he shoved them out of mind. "I'd like... a couple days to myself first. Time to think and be honest with myself. So... would you be able to join me on the weekend?"

Miyabi smiled. "Saturday?"

"Friday evening, Saturday... Somewhere in there."

"Early Saturday, I think. I'll be out with my brothers, Friday night."

"Settled, then."

Rafe wrote down the summer house's address for Miyabi. He offered a route and directions as well, but the fox turned them down.

"I find my way." He cast an enigmatic smirk. "And probably should tend things at home, neh?"

"Of course. I wouldn't want to tie up your whole day." Rafe nodded. "I'll be packing. See you Saturday, right?"

"Oh, I'll see you between now and then I'm sure. Should get out of your fur... for a few hours at least."

Miyabi headed for the door, leaving Rafe a bit confounded. "Wait, few hours? At least tell me when you're coming back..."

The fox paused, his hand on the door handle. He glanced over his shoulder at Rafe, smiling. "I'll be back to make sure you get a good night's sleep. Wouldn't do to have you driving long distance on the kind of sleep you've been getting lately." Miyabi pushed open the door, waving one of his tails in parting as he slipped out.

The door touched closed before Rafe reached it and knocked it wide. "Hey, Miyabi, goodb-"

Rafe stared, but the hallway was empty. He blinked at it a few times.

What a weird fox.