FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Surprise everyone! I'm back with not only a story, but a continuation to everyone's favorite series (I hope). I know it's been a while since i last posted something, let alone for this series...a year and some change according to the site, and I susppose I owe you, my fans, an apology. My story....my entire story...all 450 pages of it, was being held hostage by my external hard drive, which decided that it would stop reading its USB plug. Meaning that, while everything was still safe and sound, I couldn't get any access to it. Anyways, that was over a year ago, but as of two weeks ago, I got it ALL back!! Oh, I've never been so happy to have my writing again...and what was I to do but read it? I can tell you, I fell in love with Maxi and everyone all over again. I missed writing about them, to be honest...but that didn't keep me from writing. Putting my laptop decided, I wanted to try my hand at writing the wold fashioned way, pen and paper...and I'm already 4 chapters into a completely NEW series...which promises to probably be double the size of this one when completed. The biggest thing I took away from this was is it isn't a bad thing to write short chapters.

I have since carried that mantra over into this series. For you see, since my last chapter, I had about 40 pages already into the next one. But after having just come from the pen and paper, I saw that it would still grow before my original ending for this chapter was reached. As a result, I've since splintered off the one massive chapter into, currently, 3 smaller ones, each still important, and still ending with a cliffhanger (You know, I just do love those). So, this means that with my shortened chapters, I should be posting a lot more often...especially to make up for lost time. I do feel terrible if i kept anyone waiting....I guess it wasn't so bad for me since I know the ending..well, most of it...but that's another post for another day. Anyways, I guess to any and all die-hard fans who are reading this...I hope you'll forgive me for being away for far too long, and even if you don't...that you won't take it out on Maxi....he misses you too.

So, let's play a quick catch up. My life...nothing new, well....except that I got accepted into at least one grad school (still waiting to hear back from 5), so...I'm gonna get a PhD!! WOO! Boy, that was easy. Beyond that, nothing to tell really...my life isn't all that interesting.

As for the story, well, since I'd feel bad making you reread the last few chapters as a refresher course, I'll give you the cliffnotes. This chapter picks up exactly where the last left off, meaning that Maxi had been relocated out of the paws of P.O.O.D.L.E. by the ever suave Locke, and after spending the first day with Locke's father, Alphonse, taking a tour of the "city" he was currently mayor of, the two boys settled down into separate rooms. That morning began with a bike ride into the countryside, and end with Maxi and Locke romping through the woods after having finally confessing to each other their feelings. This story picks up after they had fallen asleep together under the shade of a large oak tree. Hope that about covers all the "recent" stuff.

One thing I should note, is that this is the first story I've posted on the new site....so I don't quite know how everything works. Specifically...I can't quite figure out where I can write that witty little tag line so I can entice all of you wonderful people into slogging through my personal life before you hit the main story. If anyone knows how to do that, it would be MUCH welcome.

Anyways, with the formalities out of the way, I welcome both new and returning readers to the next installment of "Wrong Bride, Right Groom", and I look forwards to reading any comments, questions, or critiques at the end. All characters belong to me etc etc...yadda yadda.

ENJOY!

Sincerely,

Cyan Spirt

---

The sudden, yet familiar sound of the halfbreed's cell phone ring caused the boy to stir, rolling over in the lion's embrace and shutting his eyes, trying not to wake up, trying not to ruin this moment...their moment. But alas, it was not to be. With a heavy sigh, Locke reached under Maxi's arm to search his pocket, opening his emerald eyes only once he had the screen in front of his face to check his caller ID. "Morning Davy..." he said, sleep evident in his voice.

"About time I got a hold of you!" the tiger/lizard said harshly though his line, "I've been calling you for over an hour. And what do you mean 'morning'? It's nearly seven at night!."

"Sorry, I've been..." his words drifting off as he looked up at Maxi's relaxed face as he slept, his whiskers peacefully twitching, "...busy."

"Busy my ass," the other male grumbled. "You've been hanging out with that holier-then-though lion, haven't you?"

"And what if I have?" Locke replied, doing his best not to raise his voice and wake his comfy golden pillow.

Heaving a heavy sigh though the phone, the panther could picture him rubbing that large furry forehead with an orange and black stripped paw. "He's not one of us. He'll never be one of us. And the first chance he gets, he's gonna run and never look back."

Looking up again at the sweet, innocent complexion before him, he winced as his friend's words pierced him. "He-He wouldn't..."

"If you really think that, then he's got you eating out of the palm of his paw like the lap-dog you vowed you'd never be."

The line went dead for a minute as the words sank in to him, quickly dousing his flame of passion with a wave of truth. "Look, was there something you wanted Davy?" he said bluntly, not wanting to hear another word cast its ugly shadow over his new-found happiness.

Taken aback by the sudden harshness of his best friend's words, Davy took a second to readjust. "It's Friday, remember?"

Of course he did! Slapping himself in the forehead with his free paw, he didn't hear Maxi beginning to stir. How could he forget their weekly ritual? Every Friday since they could, they'd visit the bar/club where Davy's sister worked as head bartender. "Yeah...of course I remember."

"Good. So, how soon should I pick you up from your house?"

At that, Locke balked; he wasn't at home. "How about in an hour and a half?"

"Ninety minutes?" his friend replied, "what the heck do you have to do?"

"Umm...change my clothes." He'd say 'eat', but Davy would counter that they'd get something on the way there.

"Change?" he asked, surprised. "Why do you have to switch clothes?"

Not about to tell him that he was covered in mud from walking through the forest arm-in-arm with Maxi, and still damp from splashing in the lake; he lied through his teeth. "Because I always like to look presentable; you know that."

"I guess so..." If his voice gave the indication that he thought there was more to the story, he didn't press it.

"So, can Maxi come along with us?" Locke asked sweetly.

"Who?"

"You know very well who, Davy."

Another sigh. "Does he have to?" The line went dead again, the wordless response was all that was needed to convey the answer. "Fine...I guess. But on one condition, he sits in the back."

Deciding that this was the best deal he was gonna get, he accepted. After a few less then amicable pleasantries, they said their farewells and hung up. The obsidian pelted boy was about to drift back to sleep for another twenty minutes or so, but stopped once he felt fingers playfully clawing though his hair. "So, where are we going?" Maxi asked mid yawn before blinking several times to rid the sleep from his eyes.

"Well, that was my friend, Davy. You remember him, right? He was the one who drove us the other night?" Turning around in the lion's lap so that they could face each other, he could see the wrinkles on his brow suggesting deep discomfort. Leaning in close, he didn't even bother asking this time before his lips pressed softly against the other cat's in an attempt to lighten his mood.

"Yeah, I remember," The feline replied as he reached up towards the clouds, hearing his joints pop in the process. As his arms fell back down, one curled around the smaller boy's waist and drew him in close, the other cupping his cheek softly.

Nuzzling the paw against his face, Locke couldn't help but purr like a kitten into the lion's palm. "Anyways, he called to remind me that we have our weekly drinking ritual tonight and...I'd love it if you'd join us. Please say yes, Maxi. It took a lot just getting him to let you in his jeep."

He couldn't very well say 'no' to Lock, not after today...how could he? Besides, it might do him some good to try and forget all the stress of the week's problems. "But, I've got nothing to wear," he said playfully. Dragging his fingers loosely over the half-breed's whiskers, lips, and up till he bopped him on his cute button nose.

"You're about my size. I should think there must be something I have that'll fit you." Taking some quick mental measurements, he began to catalogue his closest from memory.

"I'm quite a bit bigger then you...ya know," Maxi teased, "everything will be tight on me."

"You say that like it's a bad thing." That got a chuckle out of them. Taking a moment from laughing, Locke watched the lines of light and shade from the day's setting sun shift on the lion's tawny complexion, like ripples across a sandy pond. "Now, come on. I told him we'd be ready in ninety minutes, so we don't have a lot of time to waste," he said as he slipped from the feline's arms and stood up before offering a helping paw.

Staring up at the silhouette of the black cat against the reds, oranges, and yellows of the setting sun distracted him for a moment, the way one is suddenly overtaken by the sight of a beautiful butterfly fluttering across their path. "That soon!?!" he said once he had collected himself. Taking the offered paw, the lion was easily pulled to his feet and into the waiting arms of his boyfriend.

"Please..." Locke pleaded, flashing one of his trade-mark puppy dog looks with his large emerald eyes. Pressing his face against the larger male's chest, he purred softly, his whiskers brushing across the lion's chin and neck. "I know you hate each other," he stipulated softly, "But please...for me? Will you do it for me?"

Maxi was not one for giving in to demands, but he thought he owed it to Locke now that they were dating. "Alright, ya' got me. I'll go." Ruffling the panther's black curls, he pressed his cold nose against the boy's forehead and kissed him gently.

"Then we'd better get moving!" With that, he slipped free from their embrace; reaching out to take the lion by the paw, he pulled him towards his motorcycle. With their picnic already packed, they wasted no time in suiting up; Locke handing Maxi his helmet before taking his seat up front, the lion quickly mounting the bike behind him.

As they pulled out of their little enclave in the forest, Maxi's paws tightened around the half-breed's middle, pulling himself closer against his driver. No longer scared about the younger male's driving, he closed his eyes and relaxed into the sounds of the engine revving and the feel of wind blowing past his face. Feeling more confident, he leaned in to whisper underneath the black helmet. "Go faster biker boy."

Whether or not Locke heard him he didn't know, but they began to pick up speed as they passed cars on both sides; weaving between lanes of traffic with the elegance and grace of an accomplished dancer. As they took a hairpin turn, they leaned in unison around the curve, their heads appearing be mere inches from the pavement. Once they had pulled out of it, Maxi felt his adrenaline rushing through his veins, heard the throb of his heart beating in his head; nearly blanking out to the point that he could recall nothing else till they were safely back in the Governor's garage and Locke was removing his helmet. "You gonna get off, or just sit there like a statue?"

Snapping out of his trace, the lion turned to stare through his visor at his friend next to him; his obsidian pelt standing out against the khaki clam-diggers, lime green t-shirt, and red bandanna around his forearm. Reaching up, he undid the chin strap, and after a bit of struggling, managed to raise the helmet high enough for his bushy golden mane to come flowing out. "Would I be a good statue?" he asked, holding his black helmet between his paws as he slid one leg over to sit pleasantly facing his host.

"The sexiest," the half-breed commented, taking the helmet from his passenger to store on one of the shelves next to the door. "Now, come on," he said, opening the door into the house and allowing the lion to enter before he followed.

"So, who gets the shower first?" Maxi asked once they were inside the kitchen as he absentmindedly began to run his claws through his matted mane.

Locke resisted the temptation to suggest that they take one together, instead offering, "how about you go first? Your mane probably takes ages to dry."

Scratching at the base of his neck, the lion laughed at that. "You're preaching to the choir. But I still don't have any idea what to wear."

"Don't worry about that..." the panther/wolf said as he began to gently nudge the feline up the stairs, "I'll take care of that while you're bathing. I can leave them on the chair in there while you're getting squeaky clean."

"I don't know what's scarier," the lion admitted as he opened the bathroom door, "letting you pick out my outfit, or knowing that we'll be separated by only a thin piece of plastic when you come in to drop off my clothes."

Locke scrunched up his face. "You're a bastard, a real bastard, you know that?" he asked rhetorically before pulling the other boy into a quick kiss, "but, you're my bastard." With that, he placed his open palm against Maxi's blue shirt and pushed him back inside the room before reaching in and closing the door on him. "Now go get naked. I'll be in, in a few minutes with your clothes." He waited for the water to start before venturing across the hallway to figure out what they'd wear.

The lion's whiskers still tingled even as leaned against the faux-marble countertop of the vanity and stared dreamily into the mirror before him. He had started the water as soon as his host left in hopes that it'd heat up by the time he undressed. Reflecting on their time spent romping through the forest as he unlaced his sneakers; Maxi couldn't help but feel a sense of security...that this was going to become something memorable. Once his shoes were off, they were quickly followed by his socks and shirt, leaving him in only his jeans and underwear. Running his paws across his bare chest, he could just make out the beginnings of a six-pack abs under his tummy's slight budge.

It was about then that he noticed the clouds of warm steam rising over the shower's plastic curtain, enveloping the room in a moist fog that completely obscured the mirror. Deciding it was time to shed the rest of his clothes, he undid the snap and slipped his fingers under the waist of his jeans, easily pushing them to the floor. After struggling out of the white thong and tucking it under the folds of clothing on the floor, he covertly slipped behind the curtain and felt the first jet of water scorch his back. Purring contently, he let the warmth of the shower seep into him, undoing all the knots and balls of stress that were bunching up his nerves.

Stepping closer towards the nozzle, he closed his auburn eyes as water drenched his face, neck, and shoulders; his mane now thoroughly drenched. The lion rolled his head from side to side, the crack of his joints ringing in his ears. Dragging his fingers down his stomach to nudge the flaccid shaft that dwelled within his golden sheath, he resisted the temptation to paw-off only by wrapping his tail around his waist; using the tuff of coarse hair at the tip as a distraction for his paws. Once thoroughly soaked, he reached out to take the half-empty bottle of shampoo and started creating a silky lavender lather between his paws.

Maxi shifted the shower head towards the tiled wall for a moment and began the task of scrubbing himself clean, starting with his feet. As he moved his pads in circles across his pelt, he pulled out bits of leaf and twigs that had become trapped in his dense fur during their walk. Sliding along his legs, over his muscled calves and thighs, he weaved himself a new suit of white bubbly foam that hid his body from view. Now at his waist, he was just about to start washing his sheath when he jumped from the knock on the door. "Everything alright in there?" Locke asked through the wood paneling.

"Everything's just fine," the lion shouted back over the roar of the shower once he recovered from the sudden interruption. Whether due to embarrassment from being almost exposed, or out of a subconscious desire to be naughty, he felt the crimson tip of his cock poke out over the lip of his sheath.

"Can I come in and drop your stuff off?" the half-breed responded, his paw already slowly turning the door knob to let himself in.

"Uhhh, yeah...sure." Maxi was shaking, and not because there was now cold air circulating the room thanks to the open door. He was nervous, unsure, maybe...even a tad scared. Yet, despite all of that, he was still, slowly, getting aroused. Peaking head around the side of the plastic privacy curtain, he quickly pulled it across his body to hide his naked body and raging hard-on as he watched the panther/wolf slowly enter the room.

Upon entering the room fully, their eyes met through the opaque white clouds of steam. Blushing under his black fur, ears turning a soft pink, Locke held a bundle of clothes clasped to his chest as he avoided the temptation to look over the feline's scantly hidden nude body. "You...umm...almost done in here?" he asked, lips trembling as he walked closer towards the boy hidden behind the curtain in order to place his new outfit atop the closed seat of the toilet.

Making sure a bulge couldn't be seen through the slightly transparent plastic he was wrapped in, the lion nodded slowly. "Uh huh. I was just about to wash my mane is all..." he lied, not about to explain how he was moments away from stroking his plumping sheath.

"Oh..." the half-breed said, swallowing hard and avoiding looking back into those beautiful golden eyes he had long since admired. Standing in the center of the small room, looking towards the floor, twiddling his thumbs, he felt like a robot without a directive: should he stay and wait till he was asked to leave? Or should he walk out in search of a purpose?

Feeling the sensitive tip press into the cold plastic, Maxi knew it'd be only a matter of time till Locke began to smell his sexual musk over the scent of shampoo and steam. "Don't worry. I'll come get you when I'm dressed...okay?" he said, desperate for the other boy to leave.

Taking this as his cue to exit, Locke nodded slowly while edging backwards towards the door. "I'll be waiting," he said as he ducked out; adding "I hope you like what I've picked out," just before he closed the door.

With the half-breed gone, Maxi let the go of the shower curtain, letting it swing back to reveal his nakedness to the empty bathroom. Concentrating on his curiosity as to what he'll be wearing tonight, he felt his dick recede back into his sheath. The lion made quick work of washing his body, ducking under the water to wash the suds from his pelt. Putting his head forwards, he closed his eyes as his thick hair fell around his face in wet curls before running his claws through the dense foliage. Grasping the bottle of shampoo again, he drizzled the light purple goo over his head before massaging it into lather. For over five minutes he stood there working the soap along ever follicle till at last he felt anymore time spent would simply be a waste of energy.

After throwing his head back under the water a second time, he checked himself over to see that his pelt was sleek and clean before turning the shower off. Stepping out of the tub, he reached over for a towel and began to wipe his arms and legs, followed by his chest, before wrapping it loosely around his waist. Taking a second one, he vigorously rubbed his mane while walking towards the foggy mirror. As Maxi stood in front of it he reached out with is right paw, sliding it across the cold glass to clear a swath of mirror that he could see his reflection. Letting the towel rest atop his head, corners draped across his shoulders, he checked his reflection for a minute before wandering over to the toilet to see what Locke had picked out for him. As he unfolded the bundle and removed each piece of cloth, he began to get a funny feeling in the pit of his stomach. "You've got to be kidding me..."

* * *

Locke lay patiently on his bed, waiting for his guest to get out of the shower; no, not his guest, his boyfriend, he reminded himself. The half-breed felt giddy just thinking about it as he reclined, barefoot with one leg atop the other, on his mattress just staring up at the collage of pictures. "I really need to get a camera," he told himself, his fingers tracing the outlines of a few photos tacked to his wall. "I want some pictures of us together," he thought out loud, "maybe I can get someone at the bar to take a few. Maxi's gonna look so hot in his new outfit!" Speaking of the lion, where was he? The water had gone off nearly fifteen minutes ago.

He was about to mount a search-and-rescue party when someone hesitantly knocked his door. "Locke?" Maxi said, his teeth chattering from having just left the sauna-like bathroom.

"Yes Maxi?" he said, sitting up, "What is it?"

"Do I really have to wear this?"

Disappointed his selection didn't please the lion, he nervously curled a finger through his hair. "Can I at least see you in it?"

"I guess so," the lion replied. Shakily, the handle began to turn slowly till at long last the door opened to reveal Maxi in his new outfit.

Locke's eyes nearly bugged out of his head, while his jeans seemed to shrink. "Wow..." he gasped, taking in the sight of his boyfriend in the doorway clothed in his outfit. Holding the pair of black combat boots in his left paw as he leaned against the doorframe with his right shoulder, the lion's tawny cheeks flushed as he was oogled by the other boy. Dressed in a pair of tight black jeans that had metal snaps, buckles, zippers, straps, chains, and buttons running the length of each leg; a neon blue belt complete with glow-stick holder and money pouch; and long-sleeved black mesh shirt under which he wore nothing but the glorious golden pelt god graced him with, he was an absolute rave god! Some accessories, such as the black fingerless gloves, white socks with little black skulls, and a red leather choker with silver heart, topped off his look. "You are so fucking sexy!" he cried out, rushing to Maxi's side.

"Really?" the cat replied, blushing at the compliment as the smaller boy loosely wrapped his black arms around his waist and gave him a quick peck on the cheek.

Shifting closer, Locke reached up to gently finger the heart charm dangling from the front of the lion's choker. "Uh huh, you bet!" But seeing Maxi's face, it was obvious something troubled him, "Why...you don't think so?"

Shrugging, he looked off to the side and out of the window just over the Locke's bed; watching the brilliant oranges, reds, and yellows shift across the sky, interrupted only by the occasional cloud. "It's not that. I've just never worn something like this."

"I don't want to force you into it. I want you to be comfortable."

"You didn't force me," Maxi responded.

"So what don't you like about it?"

"The shirt," Maxi said without a second thought. Shifting focus down to the panther's face, his expression unsure; "That's...not going to be a problem, is it?"

Locke shook his head before leaning up to plant another kiss on the boy's cheek. "Not at all. In fact, I think I've got the purr-fect substitute," he said with a grin, releasing Maxi's waist to rush over and dig through one of his drawers. Unbeknownst to Locke, so that when he eventually turned around he nearly dropped what he was holding, Maxi was in the process of peeling off the skintight mesh. Looking through the small holes in black netting, their eyes met, and suddenly felt a rush of energy.

Once he had finally removed it, Maxi self-consciously crossed his arms over his stomach, hiding his bare chest, and reverted back to staring out the window as if unaware that the panther/wolf remained watching him. "You know..." he began, offhandedly as though talking to a stranger at a coffee shop, "you're the first person to ever tell me that I'm sexy. They all say that I'm handsome, or good looking...but no one's ever said I was sexy. Then again, even after looking at my face plastered across your wall, I can't say I see it myself."

"Well, you are..." Locke said softly as he crossed the room to be by Maxi's side again. "But, you're more than just a pretty face to me. I think you're stunning, gorgeous, and...beautiful." With that, he pressed the shirt into the lion's chest and stepped back to watch him unfold it, happy in the knowledge that he gave the cat some self-confidence.

"I like this one much better, thanks." he mumbled through the fabric as he slipped the short-sleeved black polo over his head. Making sure his mane wasn't caught in the collar; he buttoned the lower of the two buttons, leaving the top one open to reveal the beginnings of his golden chestfur. "Am I still sexy?" he teased, turning his hips this way and that till he was satisfied with his new look.

"The sexiest!" Locke answered, reaching up to gently flip down the stiff collar. "Okay, now that you're done, it's my turn to take a shower."

"I'll pick out your outfit then," the lion said quickly as his host rushed passed him into the bathroom.

"Thanks!" the half-breed replied just before closing the door.

Left alone in the half-breed's room, Maxi soon heard the sound of water against tile through the house's thin walls. Unfamiliar with the layout, he began to carefully pick his way around the clutter in order to find where the panther/wolf kept his clubbing gear. Opening up several of the draws, he was reminded by the sight of his host's boxers that he hadn't been given a pair of his own; still in the same white thong that he arrived in. Tempted to take a pair and quickly change, he looked over at the clock on the nightstand and saw it was nearly eight at night...no time. "Not like anyone's gonna see them tonight, I'll get a pair tomorrow," he told himself, closing the drawer before continuing his search.

Eventually, in the back corner of his closest, Maxi found several plastic bins which appeared to have been recently disturbed. Peering in, he found silk, leather, and sequins looking out at him. "This must be it," he mumbled out loud before beginning to dig through the contents. A minute or so later and he had an outfit. A pair of green cargo pants also covered from hip to hem in metal snaps, buckles, and safety pins; a silver studded black belt; and an ivory white silk top with a low V-cut collar and huge ruffles along the sleeves and cuffs that could easily hide one's paw amongst the fabric. In his search, he found a simple chain necklace he preferred over the red collar that Locke had given him. Quickly exchanging them, he tossed the leather strap atop the pile of clothes. He added on a pair of crisp orange boxers from the drawer, a pair of white socks, and the same set of green converse that Locke was wearing earlier.

Wrapping in to a bundle, he suddenly questioned what he was supposed to do next; they hadn't arranged anything. Should he wait here till Locke got out? Tempting as it was...the half-breed would show up in the buff and he wasn't sure he could handle a repeat of this morning. That left going into the bathroom to deliver the clothes, just as Locke had done for him; which made him equally uncomfortable. There wasn't time to deliberate. Moving into the wall way, Maxi took the two hesitant steps it took till he was before the bathroom door. "I...I'm coming in!" he shouted through the wood paneling, "I've got your outfit."

"That's fine!" Locke replied nonchalantly.

Slowly opening the door, Maxi remained hesitant as he stepped into the small room to the sight of Locke's silhouette outlined behind the plastic curtain. Walking quickly, he placed the bundle on vanity's counter and made his way back towards the door. "I hope you like it," he said quickly, averting his eyes from the half-breed's naked outline.

"I'm sure I will," he said as though completely oblivious to the fact that there was someone watching him bathe.

Maybe that was only Maxi's perception of things; maybe he was confident in his appearance, or that now since they were dating, it didn't matter. Still, it made the lion a tad uncomfortable to be here...and yet, it thrilled him; filled him with a sudden, intense, desire for sex he'd never felt before. Gripping the doorknob, he looked back towards the shower and could almost picture it; himself, silently stripping down to his pelt, throwing open the shower curtain, pouncing on his prey inside, and pushing him up against the wall. He could taste flesh and fur as he bit the panther along his neck and shoulder, the bitter flavor of shampoo in his mouth. He could feel the heat of their bodies, the water against his back and the panther's legs around his waist to rest on his hips. Suddenly, he was inside of him, it felt so hot...so tight...so- Shaking his head to rid himself of the thoughts, he offered a sudden, "alright then," before rushing from the bathroom.

Back in Locke's room, the lion slammed the door and leaned his back against it, paw clutching his chest. Maxi's heart was beating a mile a minute; sweat running down his brow. His senses felt heightened, sharper, colors more vibrant, surfaces more delicate. Overcome by a sudden light-headedness, he resorted to holding his head in his fingers. "What was that about?" he mumbled aloud as his vision slowly cleared. He had never felt something so sudden, so intense...so sexual; and his cock obviously approved as he felt his sheath swell and his sensitive tapered tip rub against the fabric of his thong.

It wasn't until he felt the shifting of the doorknob against his kidney that he snapped out of his trance. How long he had zoned out dwelling on his thoughts he didn't know, but he quickly backed away from the door to let Locke enter. "I thought you said you've never worn these kinds of clothes before," the half-breed said while the lion took a seat on his bed.

"I haven't," Maxi confirmed, leaning down as he began to put on and lace up his combat boots.

Getting ready to leave, Locke took a final look in his bedside mirror and adjusted red leather collar around his throat so that the silver charm was facing forwards. "You could've fooled me after picking out his outfit. It's really cool." Stepping back from the mirror just in time to catch Maxi looking up after lacing up his second boot, he cocked his head and smiled. "I hope you're ready Maxi, cause it's time to go!"

"As ready as I'm gonna be," he quipped. Standing up, he advanced on the door only to be intercepted by Locke, who wrapped an arm about his waist and pulled him in for a tender peck. Not to be cold, he easily reciprocated as their lips met for a quick reassuring kiss before subsequently parting.

"Now remember," the panther/wolf began as they descended the stairs, arm-in-arm, "you're my date, so don't go off with anyone else, you hear?" he teased.

Planting a small kiss on the black cheek once they reached the landing; "wouldn't dream of it," he echoed.

Headlights flashed through the front windows seconds before a few piercing honks from a car horn reached their ears. "Good, because our ride is here." Throwing open the front door, he waved to Davy in the driver's seat before signaling to give him one minutes. Grabbing a coat from the rack, he was about to head out to greet his friend when someone grabbed his wrist. "What is it Maxi?" he asked, turning to see the lion's very anxious face staring back.

"We're gonna be in public, aren't we?" he asked, clutching the light jacket he had grabbed from Locke's room before leaving.

Sensing his concerns, he placed his paw on the nearest shoulder. "You don't have to come if you don't want. I'm not going to force you."

Maxi gave a tentative smile, truly tempted to give in and take the easy way out. "Won't everyone hate me for being....you know?"

"What? You mean being gay?"

The lion halted, his muzzle falling open, he had never really given much thought into the idea that that's what he was; he had just cared and loved those closest to him, not really considering what that made him. But, that was what it made him...gay...right? Shaking his head, that wasn't where he wanted his thoughts to go tonight. "No," he said softly, "just me being a lion...and a famous one at that. I know there's a lot of animosity around these parts towards my kind. When your father took me out yesterday, I wore a hooded sweatshirt to conceal my identity just in case of trouble."

"Oh, that..." the half-breed said unenthusiastically, as though hoping Maxi hadn't noticed his own species, "well, if it really bothers you..."

"It does," the other male interjected.

"But I still want to you come along."

"I don't know..."

Nodding slowly, he checked the coat rack, but saw nothing that'd work. "Go wait by the car...please. I'm just gonna go look for something in my father's office that might help, okay?"

"O-okay..." Maxi replied, not looking forwards to being alone with Davy, no matter how temporary. Edging towards the open door, he slipped out into the night and walked hesitantly over towards the jeep, his right paw rubbing his left elbow. "Hey," he said through the open window once he got close enough to see the tiger/lizard crossbreed sitting sternly in the driver's seat. He wasn't sure what else to say, but with the way his bright yellow eyes avoided looking at him, it didn't appear to matter.

"Hey," the half-breed replied lifelessly, staring vacantly out the front window as he waited for his friend to emerge from his house. With one paw on the key in the ignition and the other on the steering wheel, he was tempted to back out of the driveway and just go without them; not to mention, I'd give him an excuse to 'accidentally' back over the lion in the progress.

In fact, Davy was just about to put his plan into action when he saw a black figure step in front of the lighted entrance, close the door behind him, and move briskly towards his friends standing in the driveway. "Here I am, sorry it took me so long," he said slightly out of breath, leaning against the jeep's hood, "but I found what I was looking for," he added, tossing a bundle towards the lion.

"What's this?" Maxi asked out of habit before unraveling the gift, his yellow eyes lighting once he realized what it was. "Oh Locke..." he cooed, slipping into the large brown trench and tying it about his waist, "It's just what I wanted."

"Wait, there's more!" With that, he reached behind the lion's head and pulled a hood up and over the boy's wild golden mane, tucking it under the fabric. "So...will you go with us now?" he asked softly, looking up at him with those big emerald puppy-dog eyes.

Reaching down, Maxi drew the smaller male's face up into the hood, tongue coming out to gently rasp across his black lips before kissing him. "You couldn't keep me away," he whispered into Locke's ears as he wrapped his arms around his waist to hug him.

The purposely forceful coughing coming from the driver's seat of the jeep caused them to separate. "I don't like to be late," Davy said flatly, flicking the switch to unlock the doors.

"Right..." Locke replied, shooting daggers with his eyes as he circled around the front of the car to take his seat on the passenger side.

Following suit, Maxi was about to open the rear door on the driver's side and scoot over when the tiger leaned his large head out of the open window. "What do you think you're doing?" Davy inquired harshly.

"Taking my seat," the lion replied dryly as he moved to open the door, only the find it locked.

"Your seat is in the trunk," Davy growled, rolling up his window, effectively ending the conversation.

FIN!

---

Hope you guys liked it. As I said above, please don't hesitate to vote, comment, critique, or converse with me. I enjoy hearing from my readers. See you guys when the next chapter is posted