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The Gift

Daniel's Storyline, Chapter 2.2

copyright comidacomida 2018

Although there were for spirits in the next room with nothing between us other than a wall that I knew any of the four could easily walk through, I felt like I was alone enough to take care of 'other business' before sleeping. For the first time in a long time I didn't bother with dvd porn, internet porn, or even magazine porn; I had a menagerie of imagination material in my apartment. Aiden had that smile; Talapus had that self-confidence; Herne was that imposing alpha male; Kon-- well... Kon was Kon.

By the time I was done I'm pretty sure I needed twice as many tissues as usual but, god, four sexy furries all fighting for my attention? And, I guess it goes without saying, yes: the euphoria didn't last very long when I realized that what I'd done only proved Herne's point. Sighing, I went to sleep, realizing that I had been wrong and that Herne was right about a lot of things. I'd have to start thinking with the right head.

When the morning arrived I was still in that headspace of figuring out where I went wrong. I've always considered myself to be the fundamental emotional artist-- a musician led by his heart, following his dreams and pursuing his bliss. Granted, that usually meant spending what time I wasn't at work or being creative pursuing porn, but, as I considered it, Herne got me thinking about what I wanted out of life.

Would I be happy living my life working at a movie theater and wiling away my hours at home alternating between playing videogames and rubbing one out? No, I wouldn't. The question was, what would I do about it? I wasn't exactly what you'd call an extrovert, but I also wasn't shy; usually just spent most of my time at home because it was easy. How did non-shut-ins go about meeting people and getting their life started? I honestly didn't know, but I knew someone who possibly did.

Getting dressed, I exited my room and walked into the living room where all four spirits were gathered. Talapus was seated in what I'd come to realize was his 'usual spot' on the couch while Aiden was flopped out on what I'd chosen as my preferred TV watching cushion beside the Coyote. Kon was splayed out on the floor, head propped up on one palm with his elbow dug into the carpet. Herne was on the opposite side of the room from the three and, though he was the first to notice me he responded with nothing more than a nod of his head.

Kon noticed me second, his two tails swishing on the floor behind him as he declared "Danny! Good morning!"

I kept my response simple and straight forward. "Hi Kon. Hello, everyone."

Talapus's greeting was a little more subdued, somewhere between acting as if he were imitating the general indifference of Herne and toning down the over-exuberance of the Fox. The Coyote's tail, which was curled around to resting beside his thigh on the sofa cushion beat a few times as he raised his paw, palm out in greeting. "Hello, Daniel. Good to see you again."

Aiden was definitely more in Kon's camp. The Bat stood up and smiled, offering a wink before he, stretched his arms as he arched his back. The gesture gave me a good view of the long swath of membranous skin that spread from his wrists to his ankles00 his wings. It seemed strange that he had no trouble wearing clothes but, then again, I realized he was a spirit, so whatever rules he lived by didn't have to take logic into account.

I was so focused on the strange anatomy that I completely missed the question that followed his greeting. Kon, however, covered for me. "We just had a movie night last night, Aiden-- I don't think Danny wants to go see a movie today too."

Kon was right, and I addressed the Bat accordingly. "I work at a movie theater, Aiden. I was just gonna hang out today until my shift started."

He seemed dejected by the answer. "How could you get tired of movies? They're more than just entertainment; they shape society!"

I shrugged. "Honestly? I have other things to take care of. Movies are more of a past time or a way to relax."

Talpaus wriggling the toes at the end of his feet paws, which were still resting on the coffee table. When he spoke, it was casually, in an almost bored tone. "Daniel works tonight anyway. He probably wants some time to relax."

At first I was a little surprised that the Coyote knew my schedule so well but, after that singular moment I remembered that he had been my secret room mate for far longer than the other spirits. I could have objected to the statement or pointed out that he didn't know me as well as he thought he did but that would just have raised more discussion and, to be honest, I really didn't need it so I took the easy way out and agreed. "Exactly. I'm just gonna take some free time today and relax."

Kon sprang up from his place on the couch. "Yeah! Now THAT's an idea. I'll join you, Danny-- I like relaxing."

I shook my head. "Thanks for the offer, Kon, but I think I just want to take this afternoon and collect my thoughts.

My statement was the first thing that got any reaction out of Herne. The Elk looked up from the collection of what appeared to be yarn or something he had in his hands; his Emerald eyes focused on me as his ears raised. His first words were direct. "It is nearly noon, Daniel. You should consider eating something."

Kon, who was dressed in a white undershirt and jeans, brushed a paw across the front of his groin. "I have something you can eat if you're hungry, Danny."

Talapus, as expected, chimed in, running a finger along the string of his loincloth as he spoke. "He might be looking for a meal instead of just a snack, Yokai."

Aiden, not to be left undone, added in his own to cents but, thankfully, he took a different approach. "Hey, David-- a new burger place just opened their doors last week down on Center St... I bet they'd have a killer lunch plate and they've been advertising their $5 special ever since the grand opening."

Herne spoke to the other three spirits in an almost condescending manner. "Daniel was able to find food for himself long before any of us entered his life. I am confident that he will do so today without the need of any input... especially when the offered meal is less nutritious and more... leisurely."

The second part of his statement was directed most prominently at that Coyote and Fox. While Kon simply stuck his tongue out at the Elk, Talapus quickly changed his approach, addressing Aiden. "Daniel almost never eats out. If anything he'd stop by the grocery store and pick up something from their deli."

The fact that the Coyote knew me so well was enough to put me off my game plan and, rather than just get my day started I felt compelled to argue. "Well, maybe I might want to go try a restaurant for a change of pace."

Apparently I'd taken the exact approach he'd hoped for; his tail beat against the cushion again and his muzzle parted into a grin. "Well... if you are feeling adventurous I could recommend an Indian restaurant."

Kon glanced to the Coyote. "Feather Indian or red dot Indian?"

Aiden shot him a glance. "Dude! That's not cool!"

The Fox replied in the same tone. "What? It's not like it's a big deal. He's a feather Indian so it make sense to ask!"

The Bat scowled, pushing his shades back up onto the bridge of his muzzle to hide his angry gaze. "That's so not P.C. it's insulting. Indigenous Americans aren't called Indians anymore you know."

I glanced at Aiden. "Indigenous Americans? That's like, Native Americans, right?"

Aiden sighed, but, before the conversation could continue Talapus interjected. "South Asian Indian, Kon. Daniel's first floor neighbor orders from there sometimes-- it smells amazing. If he's off to experiment he should consider trying it."

Kon, having apparently passed up the idea of trying to make something sexual out of the food discussion actually contributed to the discussion. "If he's leaving the house then we should consider doing a picnic... that way he can get out and still eat something from home-- baby steps and all that." He swished his tail appreciatively to accentuate his suggestion, smiling at me with tented eyes.

I glanced at Herne, who had remained fairly quiet during the entire conversation. When he didn't respond to my unspoken question I gave it a voice. "What do YOU think, Herne?"

The Elk said nothing, his green eyes glinting as he turned his head aside, regarding me. "I believe I have already said my piece; you have been able to feed yourself without interference before our arrival... what do YOU think, Daniel?"

It was honestly a good question. On one hand, I had 'guests' of a sort to consider, but on the other, it WAS my decision. Glancing from spirit to spirit I--