FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

God, how many years has it been? he thought as he looked out the big window. He sat on the sill watching the outside as life goes as it does. There was a little chill in the air as he sat there waiting making him adjust his jacket.

John spied at the familiar settings outside Erik's Tavern trying to answer his own question. The scenery didn't seem like it changed all that much in the years he's been away. He recognized the house across the street with the blue trimming from the strings of holiday lights wrapped in the railings of the deck because a certain husband was "just too tired to put them away." It was one of those things that makes everyone wonder how they were still together.

Its been at least 5 years... 10 maybe? Then he blinked in surprise as it dawned on him. 11? 11 long ass years!

Just then a memory flashed in front of his eyes. One that he was very fond of. It was snow leopard kitten of ten years young with that kind of sunny smile that could be passed on to even the gloomiest person and brighten up a room. She was someone he knew before he and his folks moved away because his mom was in the military. Even though he stayed for almost a year last time, this place felt more like home to him than anywhere else he moved to.

His last memory of the kitten always choked him up. He was leaving with his parents when she jumped in his arms begging him not to go. He really cared for that kitten even if he wasn't babysitting her. But there was always that one thing she said to him that brought a smile back to him.

She looked up at him with that sunny smile and sparkling blue eyes as she said to him, "Let's get married!" It was one of those silly things kids say because they are were kids, but he didn't feel any less flattered. He was 15 the last time he saw her and he really did miss her.

He wondered how that little squirt was doing now. She had to be about 21 by now. Her parents were kind enough to put him up in their house and they told him that she was in her first year at college. They had told him that she moved out after high school to try to fend for herself. She had gotten herself a job to pay for her way through college. An admiral ambition to be sure.

"John?" a feminine voice called bringing him out of his thoughts. He turned to see a Eve standing there wearing a black apron. She was a curvy Husky and the woman that was going to be Erik's wife. "Erik's ready to introduce you to everyone."

John nodded with a broad smile. "You got it!" He hopped off the window sill and followed her across the floor.

_Damn, _he thought. _If she wasn't about to marry Erik I would cozy up to her in a heartbeat, even if she was ten years older than me. Nice figure with personality to match. _He saw himself as something of a player, but he was definitely NO homewrecker.

He noticed a handful of staff waiting for him all with welcoming smiles. They were all of various species of anthros with the same kind of apron that Eve had on. There were some cute girls in the group, but there were three individuals at one end that caught his eye. There was another human besides himself who looked to be about his age but he looked a little meek and unassuming. Though it was nice to know that he wasn't the only human there. Standing next to him at perhaps a half foot taller than him was a grey wolfess. She would be someone he would hit on but the sight of her carved out biceps meant that she could probably toss him around and that was more of a turn off for him.

However, the one towering behind those two made his eyes pop. There stood a blue woman with gorgeous raven black hair flowing like two rivers down her shoulders only to be moved around two of the biggest mountains he had ever seen under a shirt that was screaming to contain them! He wondered if there was a bra out there that could hold them at all. Her ivory horns really caught one's attention against her dark hair! And her blue and cream colored tail... attached to some thick, juicy hips! He couldn't tell what she was but she was a fucking bombshell!

Next target acquired! he mused. More information required. I must talk to that WOMAN!

"Okay, everyone!" Erik said snapping John out of his thoughts. "This is Johnathan."

John nodded politely and smiled. "Pleasure to meet you guys. Call me John."

"Hi, John," everyone responded.

"John here has been the stick up my ass I was telling you all about," Erik said getting a few laughs and snickers from his staff.

John smirked at the gruff Rottweiler. "At least I used lube! I know how to treat a woman." That got the room roaring.

"Yeah, yeah..." Erik said taking the jab in stride. "You should have seen this guy. He came in a couple months ago, looked me right in the eye and said 'you look like you could use more costumers.'"

"That got his attention and then all it took was to wear him down. I majored in Computer Science and Social Media Marketing. So I'll be your new personal computer guy."

"Social Media?" the other human asked. "I didn't know there was a degree in that."

John nodded. "Yup. Not only can I reach out online to new costumers, but I can also help keep track of the books."

"As well as a new set of hands to float around if need be."

John was just about to make a quip in protest when he saw the serious look in Erik's eyes making him swallow his words before they had a chance to come out of his mouth. It was a look that told him that he would be kicked out if he didn't agree to his terms.

"I'd be happy to!" he nervously said. He cleared his throat before continuing. "Anyway, I'm going to need time with each of you before I get to work online. I'll also be getting interviews from our costumers. Believe me, you want to know what they say. Last Summer I was hired by a restaurant and increased their clientele by twenty-eight percent."

"Damn!" the wolf woman exclaimed. "That's impressive!"

"Indeed," the gorgeous raven-haired woman said. "I have been helping with the books, but these 'computers' are outside of my understanding. I look forward to working with you, though." She gave him a smile that made his heart crash in his chest for a moment causing his hot blood to run south.

"Likewise," he said returning her smile.

That smile of hers makes me think she prefers it gentle, _he thought. _But her build tells me she can take it rough. I can do both, gorgeous!

"All right, everyone!" Erik bellowed. "We open in a couple hours. Everyone to your stations and make sure they're clean. I also expect each of you to make some time for John. Flimua," Erik said to the tall beauty, "I don't have anywhere for you to be at the moment, so you'll be his first interview."

"Very well," she nodded.

"Hey, John," the wolfess called. "If you want somewhere to sit down, I just cleaned that table over there."

"Thanks, Ms..." He held out his hand to her.

"Name's Alexis." She took his hand with a firm grip about what he was expecting. "Welcome aboard." Her attitude kind of looked like she could be something of a tomboy.

"Thanks. That's... quite the grip." That earned him a big toothy grin.

The other human male stepped up when they let go. "That's because she use to be a Tomb Raider. Kinda need it when you're scaling a mountain side. Lucas." John nodded as they shook but stopped when he saw his eyes glazed over.

When Lucas looked back up after a moment his whole demeanor changed from the way he stood to the look in his eyes and the grip of his hand. He was just more confident now.

"And my name's Kyle," he said with a different tone in his voice. John's eyebrow pop up quizzically at him but he smiled not taking any offence by it. Lucas/Kyle pointed a finger to his head. "Split personality."

"Ah! Okay. Well its good to meet you both."

The two human men let go of each other and went there separate ways. At the table Alexis pointed out John pulled a chair for Flimua like the "gentleman" he was.

"Thank you, good sir," she smiled. Her voice had such an angelic richness that caressed his ears and down to his loins as they started to stir.

Wonder how musical she would sound moaning my name...

"You are very welcome," he said helping her in. He moved around to the other side of the table taking the seat across from her. He glanced at her to notice her v-neck showed an ungodly amount of cleavage. He reached in his jacket pulling out a small notepad and his cell phone which he set on the table. "Hope you don't mind if I record this. I find it easier than trying to write everything down." He brought up an audio recording app and was about to start it.

"Not at all..." Her smile took on a different tone at that moment. "However, I would like to let you know that I'm not looking for any kind relationship at the moment."

John paused. "I'm sorry?" he asked trying not to show that she hit a sweet spot. He did hear her, but he just never got shot down before he started before.

Flimua's smile never dropped as she brought an elegant finger up to her nose and tapped it. "First of all, young man, I am a dragon. Or more precisely an Ancient Dragon. My kind have some outward characteristics similar to that of you humans but all the senses are of any other dragon. That means I could smell your pheromones wafting off of you the moment you laid eyes on me. And I am much older than you give me credit for. What's the phrase your parents use? Oh yes. I have around the block a few times. But in my case, I've been around a few hundred thousand times."

John's face twisted in a false sense of pain at being found out so quickly by her. "Well damn it..." he seethed through his teeth.

"Though I will say it does feel nice to be desired. So please don't take it too hard."

John sighed in defeat but looked back at her dropping the façade and giving her a genuine smile. "Let's start over." He touched the record button on his phone. "Hi, I'm John. What's your name?"

*~~

"Hi, squirt!" John said softly smiling sweetly. "I'm John. What's your name?"

The fifteen year old young man stood next to a moving truck helping his parents unload. He was carrying one of his boxes out of the back when a family of snow leopards came out out of the house next door to meet their new neighbors. The parents had already introduced themselves as Jessica and Mack. Mack was a tall trim man while Jessica was just sexy and their ten year old kitten was hiding behind her mother. John had crouched down to get a better look her the cute thing.

"H-Hi, I'm Lyra..."

"Lyra," he said letting her name roll off his tongue. "That's a very pretty name!"

Lyra's eyes started to shine a little reminding him of the blue of the ocean and a small smile showed itself as she inched her way out from behind her mother. Her plush, silver fur gave her face a cute rounded feature. Her look was complete with a pink tee with denim overalls. It was that kind of combination that could turn anyone to mush on the inside. Which was exactly what was happening to John as his brain was having a cuteness overload. He was doing his best not to just swipe her away so he could enjoy cuddling her like a doll. He would be scaring the living daylights out of her.

"R-really?" she asked.

John nodded. "Its also the name of a star constellation called 'Lyra the Harp.'" He glanced up to see her parents looking at each other like it was news to them.

Of course, being the hot blooded american teen that was, he took a quick glance down at the mother's chest while the snow leopard parents were momentarily distracted. It was enough to get a nice eyeful of her big breasts stretching her shirt out.

I got a next door MILF! _he thought. _Awesome!

When Lyra's parents looked back to him his eyes immediately went back to theirs before they caught him. "I like to dabble in star gazing. But tell me, Lyra, can you sing like a harp?"

She giggled. "Maybe..."

He grinned as he stood back up. "We're going to get along just fine!"

"Can I help?"

"That's up to your parents."

Lyra turns to look at her mom and dad.

"As long as you be careful, you can help," Jessica said.

Lyra threw her arms up. "Yay!" She turned and rushed for the truck only to get hook by one of the straps over her overalls.

"Hold up there, squirt!" John warned. "Most of that stuff is pretty heavy. Why don't we start with... those boxes on the sofa? They have our DVD's so they should be light enough."

"Right!" She turns back to the truck and went straight for a box of movies.

John was about to pick up the box he had set down when Lyra's father spoke. "You're quite the sweet talker, aren't you?"

John lifted his box and grinned at the snow leopard parents. "Yeah, I try."

It was at that point that his dad stepped up to meet the neighbors. "And it gets on our nerves sometimes," he teased.

"Keep telling yourself that, Dad. It's what got you Mom, isn't it?" He turned and started for the house. Lyra caught up to him and they walked side by side.

"You're cub is SOOO adorable!" John's mom said from the back of the truck. "I don't think I've ever seen John warm up that quickly to anyone before."

"Yeah, she's our little angel," Jessica said as they watched the two. "She's able to make friends with just about anyone."

"Why doesn't he warm up?" Mack asked.

"That would be my fault," John's mom answered as she hopped down. "I'm in the military, so we've never really been able to put down roots anywhere."

"I see. That explains the light load."

"Well, I pray you'll be able to this time," Lyra's mom said.

"We all do," John's mom said. Just then a light bulb lit up. "You know, my son is a very responsible young man. More so than ANY teen at his age and has hardly gotten into any major trouble. And he's always looking for a paying job..."

"NO I'M NOT!!!" John called from the porch.

His mom just ignored him. "...because he's got too much free time."

"THAT'S CALLED VIDEO GAME TIME!!!"

She still ignored him. "Perhaps he could babysit for you?"

John paused in the doorway. He looked out to see all four of them looking back at him. He could tell by the looks on their faces that the decision had already been made for him. He was just about to protest when he felt a tug on his pants leg. He looks down to see Lyra looking back at him with a sunny smile and he could feel his resolve starting to crumble.

"You have video games?" she asked. "I REALLY like you now!"

His expression softened as he stared into her eyes. He turned back out to the parents and yelled, "NO YARD WORK AND YOU GOT A DEAL!"

~~*

It was lunch time at Erik's and the place had a moderate amount of costumers compared to a usual Saturday afternoon. It was Easter weekend and most of the community is either at home or out of town spending time with loved ones. But the place still had a fair amount of seats filled and John was busy getting his interviews in. He was really enjoying getting everyone's opinions about the place. All the smiles and great energy were infectious as he couldn't help but smile himself.

Outside, a new car had pulled into an empty space. The door opened letting a foot come out as it settled on on the pavement. Its furry stone-colored ankle was exposed to the gentle breeze by a pair of tan Capris. The foot shifted as it took on the weight of its owner and a gorgeous snow leopard stood. She wore a black keyhole sweater that would have showed off an ample amount of cleavage but a tuft of cream colored fur covered it. The sun was bright enough that she kept her large sun glasses on.

Another gentle gust blew caressing the exposed fur of her chest causing her to stretch her arms into the welcoming air.

"Home sweet home," she groaned happily. She put her arms down looking at the Tavern. "And now that I'm 21, I wonder what I'll have..." The thought of finally having an alcoholic drink made her smile. She always knew that Erik's was going to be the place for her first one.

Inside, John was wrapping up his interview with another table. It was filled with college girls of a black salamander with yellow spots and a couple lizards.

"So on a scale of one to ten," he asked with a charming smile, "how would you rate this place?"

The girls giggled to each other before the iguana spoke. "A 7!"

John cocked an eyebrow and tilted his head at her answer. Everyone else he spoke to gave him a 9 or a solid 10, so this caught him by surprise.

"Why a 7?"

The salamander spoke for them this time as they all smiled right at him. "There's a certain human who hasn't give out his number yet!" All the girls giggled more.

Lizards, _he thought. _Never again... But the salamander might be an interesting experience. Smoother skin. But any one of these girls are probably hazardous for my sanity.

John was able to fake a nervous chuckled as he scratched his head. "Uh, I'm flattered, ladies, but I'm on the clock. If Erik caught me..."

"Hey, John!" Erik conveniently called. "You about done with that table?"

"Yes, sir!" he called back.

"Good. You can come over here and give me what you got."

The human turned to the girls giving them an apologetic smile before walking off towards the bar where Erik was. The girls were very vocal with their disappointment.

John sighed as he took a seat at the counter. "Thanks for that..."

Erik gave him a sly wink. "I know when someone needs an escape."

John smirked as he looked at his new boss. He was really starting to like this guy, he thought pulling out his phone.

"Eh, don't bother. That's a bit over my head, anyway. I trust you'll know what to do with that stuff. So take a breather for a minute, then if anyone comes in take their order." He hands him an order pad and a pen.

"Thanks. In that case, can I get a beer?"

Erik's face suddenly deadpanned. "You're on the clock..." Threw John's words right back at him making him drop his head in defeat.

John let out a sigh to relax, but no sooner had the last of his breath passed his lips that the door rang letting him know that his break was over. He groaned quietly as he stood up from his stool turning to the door putting on his best welcoming smile and professional attitude for the new patron.

"Welcome to Erik's," he said. "Have a seat wherever you like... and I'll be right with you." He almost hesitated when he saw a gorgeous snow leopard walking in. She looked to be a head taller than him but that was okay for him because that exposed fur from her keyhole sweater was just begging him to throw his face in there.

_HELLO, GODDESS!!! _he thought but fought to keep his excitement contained.

But something wasn't right. She didn't move. She just stood there and even though she was wearing sunglasses she was looking right at him. She tilted her head a little and her brows furrowed taking him in like she was trying to figure him out. It was starting to creep him out!

"I-if you'll just step right in," he stuttered trying to motioning her in, "I-I can t-t-take your..."

But she cut him off. "John?"

John froze when he heard his name. He didn't think he knew her. Sure, he had gone out with many a female human and anthro alike. The problem was he hadn't seen a snow leopard since he left. Who was this girl?

She reached up taking the glasses off revealing brilliant blue that kind of reminded him of the ocean.

Wait... Ocean?

"Oh... My... God... John, that is you, isn't it?" she said excitedly as the overhead lights gave those eyes of hers a sparkle that gave another note of familiarity to him. It was right there but he still couldn't put his finger on it.

Her voice pleasantly tickled his ears, though. She had a light yet rich sound to her voice like she could sing a beautiful aria. But putting her all together she was practically an aria personified.

He snapped himself away from his thoughts to address this pretty stranger before they crossed into something more erotic. "I don't believe we've met before, Miss."

She looked down at herself as if realizing something for the first time. "Hmm. I guess eleven years has a way of changing things, don't they?"

Eleven years?

"But it is really good to see you again, John. Really!" She surprised him when she smiled for him.

A very... sunny... smile...

John's eyes widened as he finally put the pieces together. "No..." he whispered taking a step back. "No, no, no! You cannot be her! You can't be that little squirt! Lyra?!" His eyes quickly gave her a once-over. "Hot damn! Time was good to you! You got big and gorgeous!"

The snow leopard giggled cheerfully. "I knew you'd remember!" She rushed him pulling him into a hug.

His face was thrust into the keyhole like he wanted but he was still too shocked that it was really her to enjoy it and wrapped his arms around her embracing his old friend.

She pulled away a little to see his face. "I've missed so much!"

He smirked up at her. "I missed you more."

She giggled as she looked down at him. "You look kind of cute down there!" He wasn't really sure if she meant because he was a little shorter than her or the fact that he was nestled between her cantaloupe sized breasts.

John suddenly heard someone smack the counter behind him. He turned around to see the salamander girl and the two lizard ladies he just interviewed paying there bill and glaring at the two of them.

"Hmph!" She turned up her snout and stormed past John and Lyra. They watched her and saw the two lizards glaring daggers at them too before they also turned up their heads and stomped right out the door.

"What was that about?" Lyra asked genuinely confused.

John looked at her as if to ask, You're kidding, right?

Erik came up to John behind the bar. "Did you just scare away my costumers?"

John gently ushered Lyra onto a stool at the bar as he addressed his boss. "Trust me, Erik. Those girls," he fanned his fingers across his throat, "not worth it. They'll probably bad mouth you online, buy its three verses hundreds. I can get you better costumers than that."

"You better," he said half joking half serious. "So who's the lovely lady that pulled you away from your job?" Lyra smiled innocently as she blushed.

"My God, Erik," John smirked. "Your fiancé is nearby..."

"Meh," the gruff Rottweiler said waving the comment off. "She knows I do it to make nice with the costumers."

"Yeah, that's what you tell her," John teased earning him a growl. "Anyway, this is Lyra. I use to babysit her when we were younger."

"Is that a fact?" he mused. "Well, I guess I should let you two catch up."

"Well hold up, Erik," John said before he could walk away. "She's a costumer."

"Oh?" He turned his attention to the snow leopard. "What'll it be?"

"Well..." she said trying to think. "This is my first time. Sooooo......"

"How about a glass of Chardonnay," John answered for her. "Let's not go to strong on her. It's on me."

Erik smiled. "Let me go get Eve. She seems to pour wine better than I do, or so she says."

Just as he was about to move, John got his attention again. "Hey, Erik. I know this is my first day so I probably have no right asking, but do you think I could..." He nods his head towards Lyra.

Erik put his hands on his hips. "You said you knew each other as kids. How long?"

"Eleven."

Erik's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Damn! Yeah, I got no problem you taking off early. I don't expect anything to happen overnight, especially since its a holiday weekend. But... I want you on it by Monday."

"Thank you, sir!" When his boss walked away he turned back to Lyra. "How the hell have you been, Lyra?!"

His boisterous comment did not surprise her given how much time they were apart. She blushed under her fur as she thought about what she accomplish since he left and was proud of them. She started to rub her hands together on her lap as she smiled at him. "Well, I..."

"No..." he said cutting her off sounding more encouraging than berating. "Don't do that. Don't act all innocent. You transformed into a goddess! Own it, girl!"

Lyra laughed as her blush changing the color of her silver fur. "I don't think I would go that far, but thank you. You turned out pretty good yourself. Your hair is less messy than it was."

"Pretty good?! I'll have you know ALL the ladies fawn over me!"

"All the ladies?" Eve asked as she set down a wine glass in front of Lyra. "Here you go, hon."

"Well, I suppose there are exceptions," he smiled at the husky. "Its not too late, Eve."

Eve chuckled as she rolled her eyes before walking away.

Lyra looked at her glass. Her first glass of wine and she was with one of her best friends in the whole world which made her smile a little. Where had all that time gone? She hadn't even heard from her other friends in a few years.

"You know," she said to him, "even though its been so long, you really kept your word. You came back."

"Of course I did!" he said gently. "We pinky swore and I always keep my word to the best of my ability."

"I still remember the first night you came to babysit."

"Hm. I won't be forgetting that night. That's the night I got hit by a freakin' freight train."

*~~

"You... You hit me like a freakin' freight train!" John said as he stared at the snow leopard's TV in disbelief.

The words on the screen had the words "PLAYER 2 WINS!" in big bold lettering letting everyone know who was the champion of this round. John looked over at the proud little kitten next to him on the couch. The fighting game they were playing was one that they were both familiar with, but it seems that one of them played it just a little more than the other.

"I kinda like that!" Lyra said. She turned to him smiling proudly and thumped a small fist to her chest. "Call me 'Freight Train' Lyra! No one can stop me!"

John just smirked at her attempt at looking tough. "You do know that you only made yourself look more adorable, right?"

"Hey..." she complained puff out her cheeks.

"Let's do this then, 'Freight Train': best two out of three, double or nothing. Loser pays."

"Two pizzas?! You're on!" They shook sealing the deal. She put her game face back on putting her focus back on the screen, hands at the ready on her controller.

"Lyra, honey!" her mom called from the kitchen. "Your friends will be here any minute."

"Little focused right now, Mom!" she said in the middle of choosing her fighter.

"I put $40 on the counter in case you lose. Just know its coming out of your allowance."

Lyra whipped around looking over the back of the couch wide-eyed at her. "Mooooom!!!

Jessica looked at her daughter and shrugged her shoulders. "Then don't lose or make bets!"

"Oh-ho!" John laughed at Lyra. "Yo mama got MY back!"

John's mom poked her head around the corner. "Hey, John!"

John didn't turn around and just waved his hand. "Yeah, yeah! Just put the money next to hers."

"Ha! You wish!"

Now he turns around to look at his mom. "Wha... what?" he asked weakly.

"I'm not bailing you out of this one!" she smirked evilly. "And you better have enough for a tip!"

"Uh..." Panicking, he sets his controller on the coffee table pats himself around finding his wallet and opens it counting what's in it. "I've got $45."

"You're lucky," she warned.

Lyra chuckled at John. "Hehe... Yo mama don' got yo back!"

Her words felt like a slap in the face to him. He looked back into the kitchen to see if Jessica was going to say something to chastise her for what her daughter said. But when he looked at her she was looking back at him with her hands on her hips and a smirk. Lyra had earned that one, but her mom looked really hot at that moment.

John looked down at his opponent. "Let's agree that neither of our parents have backs."

They both looked back over the couch to the kitchen to see their mothers just short of glaring at them as they crossed their arms, pretty much telling them to get on with their round.

"Agreed," Lyra said.

When the players turned back to the TV, the mothers looked at each other with very pleased with the outcome. They grinned to the other and fist bumped. Jessica eyed the money she set down for Lyra's loss and looks back to John's mother. She tilts her head towards the kids silently asking if John will take her money should he lose. But John's mom looked her dead in the eye and confidently shook her head.

John and Lyra had chosen their fighters and waited to start.

"READY?" the announcer called. "3... 2..."

Ding-dong!

The door bell made the kids jump as John's reflexes made him hit the pause button and Lyra's fur poofed out from the shock. They both got up and moved towards the door while Lyra tried to get her pelt under control.

"You need a quieter doorbell!" John said as Lyra went for the door knob.

"But then I don't get to see kids jump so high," she teased.

Lyra opened the door and was immediately bum rushed by a pair of brown bunnies, giggling loudly as they all greeted each other. John watched the display before a taller white wolf girl walked in with a little more control than the bunnies. The bunny girls looked to be about the same age as Lyra while the wolf looked a little bit older. The wolf girl had long white hair that was a few shades darker than the rest of her and a big, bushy tail that almost touched the floor.

"My God, you two," the little wolf sighed. "Always so excited."

John came up to the wolf and said, "I take it you try to be the ring leader here?"

She looked up to him. "Key word there: try!"

"I'm so happy you guys made it!" Lyra cried.

"Well, yeah! This is our last weekend of summer break," the little wolf said. "Why shouldn't we spend it together?"

"Oh! John, these are my best friends in the whole world. These are the twins, Rose and Lily."

"Hi!" they said in unison.

"And that's Tina," she said indicating the wolf.

Tina nodded then turned to Jessica in the kitchen. "My parents are waiting in the car. Rose and Lily's parents are at the tavern saving you guys a table."

"The pleasure's mine, ladies," he said.

"Love you, John," his mom said. "Stay out of trouble and all that."

"Right. Love you, too." He moved out of the way for the adults as they left and closed the door. He turned to the girls and said, "Pizza tonight. What would you like and I'll make the call."

"Cheese," Lyra said.

"Ham and pepperoni," the twins said.

"I'm fine with those," Tina said.

"Okay, so one ham and pepperoni and one cheese. Got it." He turns his attention to Lyra. "Shall we?"

The kitten smiled. "We shall."

Everyone relocated back to the living room where the game was patiently waiting and John and Lyra took their places on the couch. Rose and Lily watched from behind while Tina sat on the arm next to John. He felt like the wolf was a little too close but decided not to say anything.

Tina leaned in towards him a little. "I didn't want to say this in front of the adults, but you're kinda cute!"

Now he's a little creeped out by her and managed to hide it. He reached up and gently wrapped a hand around her muzzle moving her back where she was. "Okay. One: Back up. Two: I'm too old for you. And three: You are too young for me so don't even try."

"Ready?" Lyra asked.

John brought his attention back to the TV and picked up his controller. "Ready." He hit "Restart" on the menu.

"Ready?" the announcer called again. "3... 2... 1... FIGHT!!!"

Lyra made her fighter charge at John's, but was ready making his character jump over hers and attacked from behind scoring the first hit.

A few seconds in the fight John had been using hit-and-run tactics instead of going head-to-head like what Lyra was wanting to do. Her fighter was down to a third of its health while John's was closer to full. Changing his strategy clearly gave him the advantage.

Behind them the twins were watching intensely keeping a close eye on every move they made. They smiled as they tip-toed behind John so they were on either side of him. They watched as he made another hit and then jumped high out of the way.

"You're pretty good," Tina whispered hotly in his ear when his fighter was at the apex of the maneuver.

"Back up, will you?!" John demanded trying to elbow her away. Suddenly, his vision went dark when the twins covered his eyes when his fighter was coming down. "HEY!" But before he could react to hit the pause button again Tina quickly snatched his controller right out his hands. The twins took their hands away giving his eyesight back just in time for him to see Tina's tail go around the couch. "GET BACK HERE!"

John gives chase as he follows the pup in the kitchen, both of them being careful not to hit anything. They stood at opposite ends of the island staring each other down.

He smiled menacingly at her. "Okay, mutt - I mean, pup..." he said through his teeth. "Give me back the controller and I promise to give you a nice scratching behind your ears..."

Her ears perked up and her tail wagged behind her. "Deal!" She placed the controller on the counter and slid it across the surface. "But you've already lost. Lyra is the queen of combos."

He whipped his around to see the combo counter at the top of the screen was climbing and his fighter's health was rapidly falling. He grabs the controller hoping he can still salvage a victory, but it wasn't working as his character was caught in the flurry of strikes and couldn't escape.

"30 HIT COMBO!!!" the announcer called. "BONUS DAMAGE!!!" An invisible force struck his fighter sending it flying backwards in slow motion bringing its health down to zero. "PLAYER 2 WINS!!!"

Lyra turns around and throws up victory fingers.

John was mad now. "That's cheating! I win by default! A real warrior follows the rules of one-on-one combat!"

But Lyra's smile never falls. "But a real warrior also knows when to rely on their friends when they need help. I didn't ask for help but they gave it anyway. It's what real people do when they have your back when it's up against the wall. My dad taught us that."

John paused a moment to think about what she said. He never had any friends like she did with them because he was always moving around.

"Hey, cheer up," Tina said. "We're all friends now."

John cracked a smile. "Easy for you to say. I gotta pay for the pizzas now."

She showed off a toothy grin. "Even better! And FYI, I really do like you. Also, I prefer gentle scratching during a movie."

John groaned as he picked up the phone and started dialing.

~~*

Lyra thoughtfully looked down at her glass that was almost finished. "That was good night."

"Yeah," John said. "That night, though... You still cheated."

Lyra turned her head towards him and stuck her tongue out. "I'd be happy to whip you once more for old time's sake."

John smiled warmly at the thought of playing games with her again. "I think I'd like that. But do you have the time these days?"

Lyra's smile faded a little as she sighed. "No, not really. Between my job and school I hardly have any down time."

"Yeah, same. But I had to put mine down for good. I tried to play with my roommates in college, but it didn't feel right because..." He faltered because he wasn't sure how she would look at him. "Anyway, what are you going for?"

"Oh, I'm looking to become an actor."

It was such a simple statement from her that John could only stare and blink. It was not something that should have been said so nonchalantly.

Lyra tilted her head. "Are you okay?"

"Hm?" He shook his head bringing himself back. "Yeah, yeah, I'm good. You just said that so casually. I'm sure you could make any movie a box office hit."

"Thanks," she smiled. "But I was thinking maybe theater, but that doesn't sound too bad later on." She swirled her wine in her glass before she finished it.

"There's no doubt you'll be a star." He stood up and offered her a hand. "Ready?"

Lyra took his hand as she stood. "Where are we going?"

"Well, I haven't had a chance to check out most of the town since I got back. I've been trying to break Erik down."

"You managed a crack, that's all!" Erik admitted.

John just continued. "So I thought we could explore a little."

Lyra's face beamed. "That's a great idea!" She took a step away from the bar only to stumble as she lost her balance. She grabbed her chair righting herself.

"You got your keys, right?"

"Yeah."

"Can I see them real quick?" His tone was surprisingly calm.

She reached into her pocket pulling them out. "Right here..."

The moment he saw the keys he swiped them right out of here hand. "Not anymore!" He quickly tosses them over his shoulder towards Erick, which he expertly caught without looking. "I'm not risking you driving and getting hurt. So Erik will hang on to them for you."

Lyra couldn't help but let out a small laugh at what just happened in front of her. She wasn't sure about John when he tossed the keys but Erik has definitely been well practiced in catching a fair number of them. She watched as Erik gently tossed her keys over his shoulder just as Eve moved behind him to which she caught them only to set them in a plastic cup next to the register. Everyone was on the same wavelength here.

Lyra's wide eyes traveled back to John and said, "You belong here..."

John gave her a big grin. "You just now figuring that out?" He turned back to Erik. "See you later!"

"Get out of here!" he called back.

John offered his arm to the snow leopard which she happily took. As the two moved towards the door they spotted Alexis cleaning up the table the co-eds were using earlier. When she looked up to see them arm in arm, a delightfully mischievous smile crossed her muzzle.

"Well, well," she said. "Who's this pretty little thing you got wrapped around your arm?"

"She is pretty. Prettier than you," John said.

"Ha! I never admitted to being pretty. If anything, I'm guilty of being sexy!" she said striking a pose.

John chuckled. "She's an old friend of mine. Erik gave me the rest of the day to spend with her."

"Well that was nice of him. You know, there is another Casanova I know, but the difference between you two is that he doesn't even try. You gonna try to put the moves on her?"

John's smile fell as he actually felt appalled. "Absolutely not!" His free had reached up to gently grasp Lyra's fingers. "She's way too precious to me for anything like that."

Alexis shrugged. "Well its not my life, I already have a man. You two have fun and take your time," she finished with a sly wink.

John actually felt his cheeks heat up a little bit catching her meaning while Lyra missed it entirely.

"Thank you! We will," Lyra said smiling sweetly.

When John led her out of the building he had pointed to the house he spotted earlier with the Christmas lights. Lyra nearly busted up laughing when she saw it. When they started walking down the sidewalk she had pointed out to him that the new mayor had kept his word by recently planting more trees in the community which surprised him because there weren't a lot of politicians who keep their word.

After a few minutes, they came across the town's park. They stopped for a moment as they watched some kids running around and playing. John mentions that after he came back he heard a rumor that the previous mayor wanted to tear the park down so he could put up a large statue of himself. Lyra gasped asking what had happened. John told her that it wasn't a rumor because it was Erik who put a stop to him getting the whole community together. Erik came down on the previous mayor when he tried to bribe him for support. It was a good thing Eric had just installed new security cameras that could pick up audio.

"What happened to the old mayor?" Lyra asked.

John snapped his fingers. "Doing time thanks to Erik the Crusader!"

Lyra laughed. "That's awesome!"

Shortly after the park, the two came up to the town's old movie theater. John looked up at it and knew that not even the new mayor could save this place. Chipped paint on the outside and some chairs inside needed to be fixed or replaced. It would have just been cosmetic but the foundation wasn't the greatest anymore so the whole thing will have to eventually get torn down.

John wasn't too attached to the place as he only saw a few movies the whole time he lived there last, but he couldn't help but feel for the people who were still there.

"Hey, check that out," Lyra said pointing to the posters on the wall. "Looks like they're going to play a few more before they close."

"Now THAT'S dedication," John said as they moved closer to see what was playing. There, in the poster's case, was something that really caught his eye. "The Original Godzilla" the poster said.

"Oh WOW!" Lyra exclaimed. "That's the original one from 1954!"

John raised an eyebrow and smirked at her. "You're a Godzilla fan now?"

She put on a proud smile for him. "No thanks to you."

*~~

It had been a couple months since John and his parents moved into the neighborhood. His family and Lyra's had gotten pretty close in that time. It was a Friday night tonight and John's dad had a particularly rough week at work. Lyra's parents offered to take them to Erik's to unwind and asked John to babysit Lyra for a couple hours.

"Thank you again for coming, John," Lyra's mom said.

"My pleasure, Jessica," John said. "Its has been a while since you guys went for a few drinks."

"Yeah," Mack said. "I don't think I've seen your dad like this. Anything we should know about him before something bad happens?"

John thought for a second before looking at the snow leopard parents. "If he gets to drinking, I mean really drinking, make sure he gets water. Force it on him if you have to. He's not destructive at all, but he gets really happy. I was told by my mom that one night when I was a baby she went to go get him from the bar and he was trying to get on the counter to dance with his buddies."

Mack's eye went wide after hearing that. "Oh... Okay then."

"We'll... be sure to keep him grounded," Jessica said.

"Thank you. I'm pretty sure I would have been beyond embarrassed if I saw that."

"I'm sure. Okay, Lyra," she said to her kitten standing next to John, "listen to John and don't burn the house down."

"Right! But what if he DOES tell me to burn down the house?" she laughed.

Her parents chuckled bending down kissing her forehead. Jessica gently put a hand on John's cheek before leaving.

The human teen and kitten moved to the living room window and watched as their parents climbed into Jessica's van and drove off. With the parents gone the two eyed each other almost mischievously.

John reached into his back pocket pulling out a DVD. "Care for a movie tonight?"

"Yay!" she cried throwing her fists up. "What kind?!" She took a closer look at it and read the title. "Godzilla vs Megalon? Who's Godzilla?"

"One of the greatest monsters of all time. Also known as 'The King of Monsters.' While he's not the first monster, that honor belongs to King Kong, Godzilla help kick start monster movies as a whole. I think you might like it."

She took another closer look at the cover. Her eyes landed on the colorful robot flying around and her face cringed. "Are these people in cheesy rubber suits?"

John chuckled at that. "Well, this one was released back in 1973. They didn't have the kind of special effects the movies have today."

Lyra looked a little more interested. "Okay, I'll give it a try." She moved past him towards the TV.

"Hold it!" He hooked a finger in the collar of her shirt making her give a small fake choke. "Do you have any homework?"

She turned to him with nervous smile. "Um... No." She sounded like it was more of a question.

John, however, didn't buy it. "Come on..."

"Okay, Math. But I can do it Sunday."

John shook his head. "No. Its going to be hanging over your head until Sunday, and your parents will be asking until its done."

"But I..." John cuts her off putting a finger to her lips.

"Listen, I feel the same way." He takes his finger away. "I want to play video games before doing homework as much as any other kid. But the fact is is that its not going away. Take it from me when I say its better to get it done and out of the way. Think about it. Would you rather have it hanging over your head like a little devil," he said waving his fingers over her head, "or have it all done and have the entire weekend to play?"

Lyra blinked as it finally hit her. Have it done now so she can play!

"Okay!" She quickly went to the staircase up towards her room.

"I'll be down here in the living room doing my own if you need me."

"Okay."

John thought to himself how her parents are going to react when they find out he motivated their daughter into getting her homework done. He thought that maybe Jessica would kiss him. On the lips would be stretching it, but he was a teenage boy after all.

John shook his head out of the clouds before they got to the point where he couldn't concentrate. He opened his backpack and sat down on the floor pulling out his first book placing it on the coffee table.

Just as he opened his book he heard Lyra call from up stairs. "Hey, John, can you help me, please?"

"Yeah, sure. I'll be right up." He groaned as he got up off the floor. When he got upstairs he went through the door on his right into her room. "Whacha got?"

She settled back into her chair at her desk. "My teacher started teaching us multi... multica... multi-plah..."

"Multiplication?"

"That! Its confusing."

"Okay, but don't think I'm going to answer it for you. I'll need you to figure it out yourself. Let's see where you're at." He took a look at the chapter to see that it was an introduction to multiplication. No sweat for him. "Okay, which problems were you assigned?" he asked turning the pages back to the problems.

"Numbers 1 through 20."

"Okay. This is the only hint I'm going to give you. I can tell by looking that numbers 1, 2, and 3 have the same answer."

She looked down at the problems seeing the numbers like they were all over the place. "They do?"

He nodded and tore a page out of her note book to write on. "I'm going to give you something different from the book, so pay attention." She nodded as he wrote. "Let's use 4 x 2. First off, what's 4 + 4?"

"8."

"Good. How many 4's are in there in this problem?"

"2."

"Right." He circles the 2's points. "You put this 4 here and here. That's what multiplication is. You take the first number and put it on all the points of the second number and add them up. Start doing it like that and before long you'll be doing it in your head."

"Oh! Okay! You explained it a lot better than my teacher did."

John chuckled at the complement. "I'm going to let you in on something else that'll put you ahead a little bit. Zero. Anything times zero will always be zero because zero means there's nothing there."

Before too long she was starting to get it on her own with only him to nudge her back on track if she was having trouble. Within an hour she was done and John applauded her. They moved back down to living room to watch the movie. She saw his book but he put it in his backpack before she could get a good look at it. He told her that it was more advanced math and that she shouldn't worry about it right now.

While the movie was playing Lyra was about to criticize the special effects like how Jet Jaguar looked like he could barely move around when she remembered him saying how early of a movie it was. She did comment on how silly the actors were being inside their monster suits. It was during the fight after Gigan was summoned that she was getting into it, cheering for Godzilla when he finally arrived to the fight and then booing the cheap shots the bad monsters were making. Right around the time Megalon and Gigan were called to retreat Lyra let out a big yawn as she leaned into John. Sleep was starting to call her.

John was just about to call it a night for Lyra turning the volume down on the TV when he saw the lights of the van pulling in. He carefully laid her down on the cushions for a moment so he can get to the door.

John opened the door just as Lyra's parents were about to. "Shhhh... She's just about to fall asleep," he whispered.

"Okay," Jessica whispered back.

"I'll take her up," Mack said softly. "Your mom is hauling your dad in your house right now."

"That's okay," John said stopping him. "I got her. You might wake her up with your booze breath."

"Hey, its not..." He didn't finish as almost tipped over only to be caught by his wife by his shirt. "O-okay..."

"Thank you, John," she said.

John went back into the living room kneeling next to Lyra while her parents made their way upstairs.

"Hey, squirt," he said softly. "Time for bed. C'mon." When he lifted her up and her arms wrapped lazily around his neck. "A little old to be carried like this, aren't ya?"

"Shut up... Too tired..." she mumbled. "Did Godzilla win?"

"Yes he did. Its why he's called 'King of the Monsters.'"

~~*

John looked at the movie poster fondly as the memory faded. "Yeah. Sorry, not sorry, I turned you into a geek," he grinned at up at her.

Lyra laughed. "You're the geek. I bet you have all the merchandise."

John chuckled as he shook his head. "Ain't got the time, space, and definitely not the money. So I just look into the movies. I've got all but one left."

"That's cool," she said as John led here away from the theater.

"There's a toy store the next block over. Wanna check it out?"

Lyra's face lit up into that sunny smile that he just loved on her. "Sure!" She wrapped her arm around his again before leaving the theater behind.

Heading down the sidewalk to the corner, John said, "Sooo... How's college life treating you?"

"Its been good," she smiled warmly.

"I bet there's a whole lot of boys just throwing themselves at your feet," he said a little disheartened. He wasn't sure why, though. He always felt like a big brother to her when they were younger.

"There... were a few," she said almost sounding regretful. "I tried to go out but some of them couldn't understand that I was working and studying to get through college."

"I know why," he said looking sorrowfully up at her. "Because I was close to being like one of them. They wanted to make you have time for them whenever they want and damn your responsibilities."

"How did you get out of that? Scare them away with your Godzilla collection?"

John just shrugged. "Whenever girls say they're busy, I just stop and force myself to believe her. Maybe she really did have something going on. You can't force someone without the risk of losing them."

"You must have got a lot of numbers, though."

John chuckled as they stopped at an intersection waiting for a green light. "I got my little black book tucked away somewhere." The light turned green and they walked across with a few other people that gathered. "Was there at least one guy that treated you right?"

"There was," she smiled fondly at the thought of him. She brought her voice down some because of the crowd as she continued. "We dated for six months when we could find the time, then we..."

John tugged gently on her cutting off because of the people around them. "Yeah, I, uh... ahem, get the picture."

John looked up to see the toy store coming up. It wasn't exactly as big as he remembered, but looking through its window he could tell that the place was well stocked. The doll house sitting in the window looked pretty new.

As they stepped through the door John continued. "So, what happened?"

"I'm... not sure. Aside from you, he was very good to me and it felt great." Her head as well as her voice came down like she ashamed of what she did. "But there was something about the experience that just... didn't feel right."

The two stopped next to a row of little girl's bikes sitting in front of the doll house they saw. John looked up at her curiously feeling like they were probably on the same wavelength. He could relate because that was just how he felt right after his one night stands. He didn't really believe much in destiny, but he chalked it up to he hadn't found the right one yet. But he felt like he had to make sure, though.

"Can you guess?" he asked turning to face her.

She closed her eyes thinking for the right answer. But when she opened them and looked into his she wrapped her arms around her middle accidentally accentuating her bust. The look in those ocean blue orbs said she might know.

Her features softened into a small smile as she looked down at him and a blush shown on her cheeks. "I think... its because he wasn't you..."

John's heart thumped hard against his rib cage as his brain registered her words throwing him for a loop. "Wait... What..." He took a step back bumping his heel into a training wheel on one of the bikes. The shock of the sudden presence made him lose his balance and started to fall backwards towards the doll house.

*~~

It was a week before Christmas since John had moved in. His family and Lyra's have gotten to be real close friends in such a short amount of time making him think that something could be going on between the adults. Or it could have been his hormones running a bit wild. The families not only shared dinners together but also good times by inviting each other out. In that time Lyra had gotten more attached to John and they were practically treating each other like siblings.

It was another Friday as Lyra got off the bus for the last time for the next two weeks for Winter break. But unlike other days of the week, John wasn't on the bus this time and didn't get off the bus with her. It was odd to her because he rode it with her that morning. It wasn't until after she started walking from the corner and the bus pulled away that a car turned down on the street. She thought she saw John in the passenger seat when the car drove by.

The car stopped in front of his house and her suspicion was proven right when John stepped out of the car. He must have missed the bus and asked one of his classmates for a ride. She was about to jog up to him when he walked around the car to the other side. Curious, she walked up until she was beside the car and looked through the window to see that he was talking to the driver. The driver being a very pretty mink. He must be thanking her for the ride...

... that was until he leaned in and kissed her. Deeply.

The teens broke the kiss and had a long good-bye before the mink drove off. John waved her off and looked to the sidewalk to see Lyra with a sour look on her face.

"Hey, Lyra," he said. "Are you okay?"

"Fine," she said with venom laced in her tone. "Everything is fine." She whips around and continues down the sidewalk to her house.

John just stood there watching the kitten scratching his head. He had seen how angry a woman can get but he couldn't understand what could have set her off.

Later that night, John was asked to babysit again. He stepped up to the door and rang the doorbell. Jessica opened the door smiling at him as she let him in.

"Now, John," she said, "you know you are pretty much family now. You don't need to use the doorbell."

"So does that mean I can barge in whenever I want?" he joked. "And catch you in bed all by your lonesome?"

The mother snow leopard smirked at his attempt to be funny. "Knock before letting yourself in." Her smile dropped and her voice sounded more concerned. "I should warn you, though. Lyra hasn't been herself today. Do you know what happened?"

"I noticed. I don't have a clue. I caught a ride with a girl and when she dropped me off I saw her on the sidewalk and she was staring daggers at me."

Jessica crossed her arms under her breasts which drew his eyes to them for a moment. "That's weird," she said.

"Oh... He's here..." Lyra said from the stairs. She hopped down past the last couple of steps and stepped right up to him. The look in her eyes said she was pissed and John was the source. "So... Who was she? The one who brought you home."

Confused, John responded, "Why..."

Lyra snarled baring her teeth. Her foot went back before she let it fly hitting him square in the shin.

"Oho!" he howled in pain. He grabbed his leg making him hop around on his other towards the living room.

Mack came out of the kitchen to find out what was going on as Jessica tried to catch John. However, John's heel caught the living room rug making him lose his balance more and fell backwards. Sharp pain in his back and the sound of something smashing behind him was all he could register at the moment as he laid among pink shards of what was once a big doll house.

John groaned as he tried to sit up but Mack was on him with a first-aid kit. It was a good thing he was an EMT. Lyra watched in horror at what she had done.

"Easy, John," he said unzipping John's coat helping him out of his sleeves. "Roll over this way." He did as he was told slowly rolling over off his coat and smashed doll house. There weren't any cuts in his shirt or the inside of his coat. Mack lifted his shirt to see bruises starting to form on his skin and examined him to see if there was anything broken. Jessica came around to check on him.

"You're okay," Mack told John. "You got some bruising but thankfully nothing's broken." John sighed at the news.

"Lyra Isabelle!" Jessica called her child with her middle name making her jump. She held up John's coat showing her daughter cuts in the back showing the inside fluff. "You could've seriously hurt him! Go to your room!"

Tears finally started to run down her cheeks as the consequence of what might have happen finally registering with her. She could have lost her best friend. "I'm sorry, John!" she called as she ran up the stairs crying to her room.

"And you're not coming out for the rest of the night!" her mother called after her before the door shut. "Are you okay, John?"

He groaned as he got his legs under him. "I'll live." He recoiled grabbing the leg Lyra kicked. Mack helped him lift his pant leg to see a hot red bruise where she struck. "Damn. Now that's power! Next time you think of it, sign her up for soccer."

"Do you want us to cancel tonight?"

"What? No!" John said standing his ground. "This is a chance for my parents to meet your friends. Poker night or not. Don't worry about me. I'll keep her in her room."

Jessica nodded. "Okay. I have a pork roast in the oven with a timer going. There's less than an hour on it."

About a half hour after the snow leopard parents left, John was watching a Godzilla movie he had brought for him and Lyra to watch but was now viewing alone. Upstairs, Lyra carefully opens her door peeking out. Figuring he was into his movie enough she could slip past him and quietly grab a drink from the kitchen and be back in her room before he notices her. She really did regret what she did as the fur on her cheeks were matted down but she was starting to get thirsty.

Lyra opens her door a little so she could slip through. She tip-toed over to the stairs and started to carefully go down them. She was almost down when the third to last step creaked a little making her pause in fright but an explosion from the movie followed to hopefully drown her out.

John paused his movie and that thought was dashed. "There had better not be a certain snow leopard kitten trying to sneak into the kitchen for anything while dinner is in the oven," he called without looking back. "Or that certain kitten will be in bigger trouble when I call her parents. Anymore noise and I begin the hunt. I'm going to count down from 10 and then I'm going to turn around. When I do that certain kitten better not be there. 10..."

Lyra gulped as she started to quietly make her way back up to her room.

"9... 8... 7..."

Lyra was halfway up and started to get nervous.

"6... 5... 4..."

She took a chance and dashed the rest of the way up and closed her door.

"3... 2... 1!" John looked back over the couch and he didn't see anyone behind him. He resumed his movie.

Lyra laid on her hugging her stuffed bunny. Her eyes had run out of tears and were now red instead. There was a knock at her door before opening as John came in with a plate dinner and a glass of chocolate milk. Their eyes met briefly before he set everything on her desk.

John turned to leave and Lyra thought that this was her last chance to say something to him.

"John?" she said in a shaky voice, weakened from crying and emotions.

John turned to her.

"I really am sorry for hurting you. Please don't be mad at me."

John moved over to her bed and kneeled beside her. "I don't get mad, especially with you. I forgive you. I am, however, disappointed like your parents are." He reached over to gently brush her face with his fingers. "You can't let your emotions go wild like that. Promise me you won't let that happen again?"

Lyra sniffled. "I promise."

John moves to pet the top of her head. "That's a good girl. Good night."

Christmas arrives the following week and Lyra had not seen John in all that time. She had thought that he really was mad at her from what she did to him. That was until she saw him coming up the sidewalk carrying two presents to her house. One of which was huge.

Lyra rushed over to the door opening it for him. "John! Merry Christmas! I though you really were mad at me."

"Merry Christmas, squirt! I told you, I wasn't mad at you. But you'll be singing a different tune when you open your presents." John looked up to see Lyra's parents join them. "I wasn't around much because I was shoveling snow around here. Got a new coat and these for you." He set them down in front of her. "Go ahead and open them."

Lyra looked at the bigger gift. It was easily as big as she was.

"That was nice of you, John," Jessica said. "Lyra, what do you say?"

"Let her open them first," John insisted.

Lyra took the smaller of the two and unwrapped it revealing a nice play tea set. She giggled seeing the over the top fancy designs in the set. The bigger one looked like it would take a little more effort. She got her claws ready and scratched lightly at it until she found purchase. The wrapping paper tore away across the front revealing a brand new doll house, one with a lot of bells and whistles.

The moment she saw the doll house she looked up at John as tears of joy started to fill her eyes.

"Thank you!" she cried as she jumped into his arms.

As John held her up, he looked to her parents. "I didn't quite get enough to pay for it all so I'll be working to pay my parents back. But its worth it to see her smile again."

Without warning, Lyra planted her wet lips on his cheek.

~~*

John was spared from smashing another doll house when Lyra grabbed his arm. His heart was pounding from the shock.

"Whew! Thank you!" John exclaimed as she pulled him up. "Damn, that actually took me back."

Lyra's ears flattened against her head in shame because she remembered that moment, too. "I can't tell you enough how sorry I am for that time."

"And I told you that I forgive you," he said caressing the fur on her forearm. They both tingled from the sensation, her from his touch and him from the feel of her plush fur. "But now that its been brought up, I have to know why."

Lyra's ears flattened further almost disappearing under her fur. "Its because you kissed that girl that dropped you off... I was... jealous."

John couldn't stop his hand from smacking his face. "God, I am such a guy... I am SO sorry. She was the head cheerleader who wanted to get under her boyfriend jock's skin and I saw her as a test to see if I could land her. She was using me just as I was using her, that's all it was. We only dated until after New Year's."

Lyra's ears lifted and her eye shown with a little hope in them as she heard him. "So," she said in a small voice, "are you seeing anyone right now?"

"Not right now, no."

Lyra started to get fidgety on her feet as she put her hands behind her staring at John. She didn't realize that only made her breasts more pronounced against her sweater which he definitely took notice.

Not thinking of what she did, she asked, "So, do you think we..." Suddenly her eyes glanced up when she saw someone she might have recognized. "Is that who I think it is?"

John turned around looking out the window. He was surprised to see a white wolfess walking down the sidewalk. Her long, flowing white hair was a few shades darker than the rest her.

He lifted his sleeve checking his watch and inwardly cursed.

"It is! Its Tina!" She hurried out to catch her.

"Damn it!" he hissed as he chased after her. But he wasn't quick enough.

Lyra stood behind Tina a few steps back from her. "Hi, Tina! Its good to see you!"

The wolfess turned around to see Lyra, but she was looking at her like she was a complete stranger.

"Um... Hi?" Tina said her face twisted in confusion. "Do I know you? You want my autograph or something?"

Lyra slowly shook her head clearly confused herself. "I don't want an autograph. Don't you remember? Its me, Lyra. Your best friend."

Tina raised an eyebrow when she eyed Lyra up and down. "I... think I would remember a sexy thing like you, honey. Are you looking for a job? I think I can talk to my agent and he can totally hook you up in a modeling gig."

Lyra took a step back from her friend. "Uh... No thank you. Tina... What happened to you?"

Just then a sporty looking car with its top down pulled up to the curb beside them. The Doberman driving was a real hunk of a morph man. He wore his black button shirt completely open showing off his lean muscles and trim figure.

"Hey, babe," he called to Tina. "You ready to go?"

"Oh!" Tina said turning to the newcomer. "Uh... Who are you again? I feel like its on the tip of my tongue."

The Doberman smiled like he heard it before. "My name's Damion." He looks past her to see Lyra and John and waves to them. "Are these friends of yours?"

Tina opens the door and climbs in. "I have no clue who they are."

Lyra gasps as Tina was taken away in the car. She puts a hand over her muzzle as the hurt started to lance at her heart. Tears started to fall from her eyes.

"What... what happened to Tina?" She turned desperately towards John. "Who was that man?"

John took in a breath and let it out. "That guy is Damion Grey. He's an underwear model." He points to his right. She follows his finger to a bus stop shelter and her eyes immediately landed on the blown up poster ad of the same Doberman down to just his tighty-whities passionately showing off his pecs and abs. "I hear the two have been dating for a while."

"I don't get it, John! Tina is the smartest person we've ever known." She stopped for a moment trying to collect herself. She sniffled and wiped her tears from her cheeks. "What about Lily and Rose? John, please tell me they didn't end up like Tina."

John winced at the mention of the twins but quickly hid it under a forced smile. "Funny you should mention them. They did escape and are resting comfortably in there new home. They're close by if you want to see them."

Lyra sniffled. "I'd like that. If only just to see they're okay."

John offered his hand to her. "Follow me, then."

Lyra took his hand without question and he led them further down the street. The two rounded the corner coming up to floral shop. John didn't stop and think about it as he went inside. They were greeted by a Golden Lab running the counter.

"Welcome back, sir!" he said greeting John. "The usual?"

"Yes, sir," John responded.

"Would you like to add anything this time around? A few different flowers with them or a card perhaps? No charge."

"No thank you. That won't be necessary."

"Okay, I'll be right back."

Lyra could tell something was wrong. John was straining to keep the smile on his face for her and his hand was trembling in hers. That one year that they had known each other she had never seen him scared or very emotional. And right now his eyes looked like they would burst at any moment.

"John?"

He jumped slightly when he heard his name. When he looked up at her she felt him relax a little and his hand stopped shaking.

"Is everything alright?"

John only gave her a sympathetic smile and adjusted his hand in hers. "I need you to trust me on this. Please?" Even his voice was starting to break up.

Lyra nodded putting her faith in him. When the time was right, he would tell her.

The clerk came back a moment later with two small bouquets. One had beautiful roses while the other had white lilies. John had let go of Lyra long enough to pay for the flowers. When he had finished he handed her the roses to hold. She held them up taking in their aroma.

"Both of these are for the twins," he explained. "They seem to enjoy the flowers of the other's namesake."

Lyra smiled fondly. "That's them alright."

They stepped out of the shop and moved over so another costumer could go in. John reached into his jacket pulling out a sleep mask from an inside pocket.

"Wha...?" she said starting to laugh. "What's with that?"

"Its for when things get slow at Erik's," John joked creating levity. But then his tone became a little more somber. "But right now its for you."

"Okay," she said putting her trust in him again. She took the lilies from him and bent down a little so he could put the mask over her eyes.

When the mask was in place, John placed his hands on hers taking the lilies from her. He put a hand in hers again and she could feel his hand trembling again.

"Follow me," he tried to say optimistically, but she found his voice breaking again.

She wasn't sure how long they had been walking, but she could feel when the ground changed. The cement sidewalk they were following had turned to asphalt thinking that they had crossed the street when they started walking on the sidewalk again. He had turned her 90 degrees to her right after a while and found herself walking on gravel. She kept quiet when she suddenly found herself walking on grass and going up a slight incline. She felt herself being guided left and right like they were weaving around something.

"We're here," John finally said stopping.

Lyra let go of his hand and reached up to take the mask off. She nearly screamed as she covered her mouth in shock and horror nearly dropping the flowers. Standing in front of her were two headstones with Lily and Rose's names on them. Between them was a separate carved stone in the shape of two hands holding with a heart shaped hole cut in the middle. She saw the dates under their names. Lily had died first in the spring of their first year of college and Rose followed a little over a year later.

Lyra convulsed into a fit no longer able to stand as her eyes let her tears go in full force. John caught her before she could collapse easing her down to the ground. She looked up at him and saw tears falling from his eyes as well as moisture under his eyes. She now realized that he must have been crying since the flower shop after he put the mask on her.

"John..." she said with a shattered voice. "I thought you said..."

He cut her off with a wavering voice of his own. "What I said was that they escaped and are resting comfortably. They escaped the pain of life." He kneels down next to her wrapping her in his arms as she falls into his chest letting all her emotions go. "I know, I know. Let it all out.

"I managed to catch up with the twin's parents. From what I could understand everyone went to different colleges. Lily and Rose attended the same one and went to a party towards the end of their first year in college. There, Lily was slipped a roofy. It wasn't enough to knock her out so she felt everything when they raped her. Rose went to rescue her but it was too late. Lily's heart gave out from the drugs and the stress. The group was arrested after Rose nearly killed them but the damage was already done. After that Rose just wasn't herself anymore. Her other half was dead and she spiraled downward into depression. She was on anti-depressants for a while but then she got a hold of some harder stuff until one day she overdosed." He leaned towards the headstones setting the roses at the base of Lily's. "And after hearing the tragedy, Tina locked herself away in her room her for days until she finally came out as a changed person, constantly forgetting even the people closest to her. I wanted to tell you that she was a victim of the times, but that would have been an outright lie and I couldn't do that to you. I tried to help her remember three different times but nothing worked.

"Hey." She looks up at him and he cups her face, holding onto her gently like she was fragile porcelain. Tears matting down the fur on her cheeks again. "Things may have changed, friends maybe gone, but this is not the end it. Don't let all this get to you. The change in Tina, the twins' deaths, none of it. The best thing we can do for all of them is to live on for their sake. Lily and Rose will be happier knowing that you moved on remembering them keeping the good times in your heart than following them."

"How? How can I when ev... everyone is gone?! I'm so alone..."

"You are not alone. God is with you. Jesus is with you. You have yours, the twins', and even Tina's parents. They all care about you. Tina too. She's in there somewhere. We just have to try to get her back. And... you've also got me."

Lyra opened her eyes a little looking up at him as if seeing him after a bad nightmare. "I got you?"

"That's right." He brings his hand up with his pinky. "Just like last time..."

*~~

"Lyra!" John yelled.

He had been watching Lyra trying out her new bike from his porch. He thought she was was doing well this time around without the training wheels. She had spilled before and her pelt and pads took the worst of the impacts, cuts, and scrapes. But this time she looked like she spilled over the curb and into the street. He ran over to see if she was alright.

When he got to her she was sobbing with tears matting down the fur on her cute cheeks holding her left leg. He tossed the bike back on the lawn to get a better look to find blood on her leg and hands. He turned to the curb and saw blood and small clumps of fur and flesh stuck to the cement.

"Oh shit! MOM!!!" His mom instantly showed up at the door at the sound of her son's cry. "Grab a towel and bring the car around! Lyra's hurt bad!"

John's mom nodded and disappeared back inside. John kneeled down next to the hurt kitten trying to comfort her.

"What a time for Mack to get an emergency call," John muttered.

Time seemed to slow down as he waited forever but the next thing he knew his mom had pull up next to them tossing a towel out the passenger window. He caught it and moved to Lyra's injured leg.

"I'm going to need you to move your hands, Lyra. Can you do that?"

Trying hard to fight back the pain she was able to nod. Her hands slowly moved away and he slipped the towel on tying it tight behind her leg. She seethed through her teeth from the pain and more tears streamed down her face. He never saw what kind of damage was done but he was sure he didn't want to. When that was done he open the rear door, scooped her up and cradled her as he slid into the back seat before driving away.

At the hospital, Lyra was able to be rushed in. She was wheeled to an x-ray to get a better look at any other damage. When the image showed nothing to her bones a doctor came to check the wound. He was satisfied that the swelling wasn't too bad he booked her in right away. The doctor explained to the three of them what he was going to do.

The first thing they were going to do was to put her to sleep. While she was out they were going to clean the wound of any dirt, debris, and dead or damaged skin. She would need to be shaved around the area though. Since she didn't have any fractures she wouldn't need to put in any plates in so all they would need to do is clean and close it. The doctor would allow John to come in and watch if he wanted.

Lyra's eyes started to fluttered open after the surgery was finished. She looked around to see that she was still in the OR room with the doctor, nurse, and John watching over her. Looking down, she saw that her leg had been bandaged up and couldn't feel a thing. The doctor and nurse greeted her as they started to wheel her out of the room.

"Hey, squirt," John gently said on her her right through his face mask. "You were a real trooper today."

"Thanks..." she said groggily. "But I was crying the whole time."

John took off the mask and just smiled for her. "I know what'll get you feeling better. When we get older, let's go out."

She instantly sat up wide eyed and hopeful. "You mean it?!"

John and the nurse eased her back down but he nodded and winked at her. "I told Tina I like older women, but I like tough women more."

That sunny smile she was known for was bright as ever. "Yeah! When we get older let's go out! Better yet, let's get married!"

John chuckled petting her head. "Let's not get carried away. Date first. Got a surprise for you..." They were already in the Recovery Room outside of a curtained space. He pull the curtain aside revealing her friends and her parents.

"Hey, everyone!" Lyra called still groggy from the anesthesia. "John promised to take me out when I get older!"

As everyone gathered around Tina looked at the injured kitten and shook her head. "If I had know getting hurt was going to land you a date with John, I'd have done it a while ago."

John just shook his head at the white wolf. "But then I'd know you did it on purpose." That earned a chuckle from everyone.

Before John could meet up with his parents, Jessica stopped him and planted a quick kiss on his lips. "Thank you for looking out for her."

John's face turned beet red. He cleared his throat and stood up straight. "That's why I'm here." He looked up to see Mack giving him a thankful nod.

When his path was cleared John started back to his parents who watched at the whole scene with extreme interest. His face still red from embarrassment but walked over to them like a champion.

"You gonna take her out?" his dad asked.

John shrugged with a smug grin. "I would if I could but she's married."

"I was talking about Lyra," he said like it was suppose to have been the most obvious question.

John felt the blood finally drain from his face. He looked back at Lyra seeing her chatting with everyone with that cute smile of hers. At first he didn't feel so sure about it given how young she was, but remembering how she lit up made him think otherwise. "Let's just see what happens between now and then."

"That might not be an option," his mom said with a mournful look on her face. John had seen that look on her face a few times and it meant only one thing. "Before we left the house, I got a call from DC."

Now all the blood drained from his face. "No!"

"I'm so sorry, John. I know how much you care about Lyra, but I'm under orders to report to Fort McNair in DC. I have to bring everyone."

John wanted to argue. He should have argued. But this was the life he was born into. He should have listened to his head a long time ago and kept his distance from everyone.

"When? For how long?"

"I was assured this will be the last time. We are to report on base until my current contract is up. We start packing tomorrow. They want us over there by the end of next week."

John felt the ache grip at his heart. "Lyra... She's going to be so heartbroken."

The days came and went. When Lyra was released from the hospital she was instructed not to use her injured leg for a while. John had told her the news and just as he predicted she was inconsolable.

The day had finally come when John had to leave the neighborhood behind. He had loaded the last box of DVD's on the moving truck and looked out to see all the kids he looked after on the lawn. They had all helped out with the exception of Lyra because of her injury. Tina had just turned 13 and he was glad he was around to be at her birthday party, as well as Lyra's. Tina had also became quite the leader to the group in her own right. This was the hardest move he ever had and that was saying something.

John hopped down from the moving truck they rented and addressed everyone. "Well, ladies, I guess this is it. I just want you all to know that this last year had been the best I've ever had. Tina, take care of them."

The young wolfess nodded looking like she was going to cry.

"Do your best and I'll be sure to give you a kiss next time."

Tina's eyes opened wide and stood rigid. "You can count on me!"

Lyra suddenly dropped her crutches and rush hobbled over to him as she was starting to cry again. He caught her before she fell. "Please don't go! I don't want you go!"

"I'm sorry, Lyra." His heart wrenching at idea of leaving as he looked into her eyes. "This is just the way things are. But I'm going to tell you all right now. Don't think of this as 'good-bye.' This is more like 'see you later.' Because I don't know how long it'll take me, but I will definitely come back."

Lyra sniffled. "Promise?"

John raises his hand with his pinky extended. "I promise. I've felt more at home here than I did anywhere else."

Lyra raised her pinky and wrapped it with his sealing the deal.

~~*

Lyra had unknowingly wrapped her pinky around his remembering the promise they shared.

"That last time I saw you," he said down to a near whisper when his hand gripped his shirt over his heart, "it nearly killed me seeing you like that. But now I'm back just like I promised and I'm ready to make good on my other promises."

That was when she remembered them. The promise to take her out and the kiss to Tina if they can get her memory back.

A fresh set of tears filled her eyes again, but these were tears of joy as she smiled up at him. "I... I can't believe you remembered them. That's so silly."

John nodded as he started to bring himself closer to her. "Silly, sure. But to me they were what kept me going to bring me back to you." He gently touched their foreheads together reflecting how much he cared about her. "What you said back at the toy store, about how that guy wasn't me?"

Her heart started to thump in her chest as she felt his nose touch hers. "Y-yeah?"

John cupped her cheek as he gazed into eyes. Eyes that he would never get tired of. "I actually felt the same way with every girl I've been with. They weren't you." His heart fluttered in his chest when he confessed that to her. He was in love with her and that was how he told her.

Lyra felt so much joy at that moment as it pulled her lips into that sunny smile she was known for. "What about your thing with younger girls?" Her feline nose flared taking in his scent. His hand against her furry cheek felt so soothing.

John saw her relax against him and decided to go for the finale. "I got rid of that notion a long time ago." He angled up touching his lips to hers.

They shivered as they kissed each other deeply. Her free hand reached up grabbing the shoulder of his jacket too afraid to let him go. He wrapped his arms around her afraid of the same.

A gust of wind blew around them and all of a sudden they heard someone cheering. "Whooooo-hooooo!!!"

John and Lyra let each other go with an audible smack of their lips. They looked around the cemetery only to find that they were alone. The wind blew again and they heard the cheering again. "Whooo!" They located the sound coming from Lily and Rose's headstones. More specifically the stonework piece between them. The wind was blowing against the carved out heart but it still sounded like the twins were really cheering for them. That belief made them smile warmly.

John put a hand on each of their stones. "Thanks, you two. That means a lots."

He moved aside giving Lyra room to place the bouquet of lilies in front of Rose. "Good-bye, guys. I'll always remember the good times."

John put his hands on his hips and looked around realizing something. "You know... We maybe alone, but I don't feel alone."

She turned to him eyeing him like candy. "I know what you mean. How do we fix that?"

"I have a couple ideas where pick back up. Your parents place seeing as they were kind enough to put me up..."

"No," she flatly said.

"You sure? Your old room, on your bed?"

"No."

"Or we could get a hotel room."

Lyra approached him wrapping her arms him with a saucy look in her oceanic irises. "Better."

"Whooooo-hooooo!!!" the wind blew again.

***

Lyra and John had entered their hotel room and started to get settled in.

"Hey, John," she said sounding timid. "I wanted to thank you."

"For what?"

Lyra's face turned red through the fur on her cheeks as she lowered her head. "For today. I'm glad you were there to support me through it."

She looked so pure and innocent right then that, in his eyes, he just wanted to keep her just as she is. She was a good kid and that was what made her so beautiful.

"If it's possible, I'd like to just talk with you for a moment."

"Yeah, sure," he said gently.

Following her lead, they went to sit down on the bed. Her feet crossed under her and the resulting trip made her fall forward. She fell into his waiting arms and was silent for a moment, her face turning more red.

"The... The first time I did it... have sex... It was a wonderful thing he and I did..."

John stood her upright and was surprised that she would want to talk about that. He looked at her wanting to say something, but couldn't. So he stayed quiet and let her continue.

"Because it was my first time, I really didn't know what I was doing. I felt so ashamed afterwards, though, like I betrayed you. When I started to cry he tried to comfort me, but I pushed him away. We didn't see each other much after that. I had hoped that I would find you and ask you if you feel the same. Because... I love you!"

Hearing what she said, he grabbed her shoulders with both hands and kissed her. She was surprised at first, but then her eyes swelled with happy tears and she smiled.

"I love you, too," he said gently. "And I have never said that to another girl."

"Please..."

John took his cue as he trailed his fingers down to the bottom hem of her sweater. She lifted her arms allowing him to pull it off. He blinked when he saw her breasts bounced free of her shirt and no bra. He raised an eyebrow at her and she giggled.

There clothes were off, showing each other their naked bodies. Lyra showed the curves of her toned body. Round, full breasts looked ripe for the picking. Pink nipples surrounded by cream colored under fur was really beautiful.

Compared to her small waist, Lyra had a nice rounded ass and juicy thighs. The privet place between her thighs John could see the lips of her cute pussy through the small gap.

She moved her hands to hide herself suddenly becoming self-conscious. "Don't... Don't look at me like that... Its embarressing..."

Lyra was so cute, and her body so beautiful, that it made him want to stare and record every part of her in his mind. Looking at her made her shy away more.

"How can I not? You need to own it because you are so beautiful."

"Don't... Don't say things like that..."

"I'll say it as many times as I like, because its true."

John held Lyra's shoulders and kissed her gently before they're tangled tongues delivered hot desire. They could feel each other's breath on their faces. Lyra moved her hands on his back, stroking his hair and back. She slowly laid on the bed, intoxicated by his kiss.

Lyra's beautiful breasts rose and fell with her breathing. John caressed her rounded curves using his fingertips to stroke back and forth through her downy fur making her tremble.

"M... More... More..." she moaned finally getting into the swing of it.

John then started to caress her breasts a little harder, his tender touch moving all over. Her small nipples gradually hardened under the touch of his seductive fingers. He went down her body and kissed furry globes, sucking on her hard nipples.

"Ah... That's... That's good..."

While John caressed her breasts with his tongue, his hands reached down to her tender waist wandering and stroking further to her round hips, feeling her tempting curves.

"H... Hot... My body... is so hot..."

His hand softly squeezed Lyra's flank. Then his fingers reached between her legs and found their way to her lower lips. Hot juices flowed from her pussy, moistening his caressing hand.

His fingers continued to stimulate her delicate clitoris making the arousing thrill spread throughout her body. So much so she couldn't stop her body from writhing in pleasure.

"Y... Yes... Right there..."

His fingertips gently opened her petals, exposing her pink, moist opening. With the tip of his finger he gently reached the center of her pussy slowly exploring her. His finger gently ground back and forth along the narrow slit. He kissed her all the way from her breasts to her inner thigh and finally his lips suckled that little clit teasing it with her tongue.

She moaned loudly in pleasure unable to form any words. Her waist wiggled constantly under the influence of his mouth and fingertips, her juices coming out in a steady flow.

Her next next moan turned into a cry of a blissful aria as she reached her climax. Her tender body was covered in sweat and juices.

"John... come... I want you... in me..."

Not wanting to deny the lady for too long John quickly pulled a condom from his wallet and was about to open it when Lyra placed a hand over it stopping him.

"N-no... I want you, John... I want to feel all of you..."

He nodded setting the condom on the nightstand.

Climbing in the bed over her, John held Lyra's right leg up and straddled her left, putting his erect cock against her moist slit. He pushed forward, his rod sliding into the narrow slit with ease, wet from her juices. Her nectar flowed forth as his cock was inserted, making wet sloppy sounds.

Lyra's pussy tightly gripped his thick cock in a pleasurable vice. The walls twitched and undulated all around him. The head of his cock became more and more sensitive as the massage intensified, an electric current was sent between the partners.

"So... so big... More... more..." She gazed up at him and he saw the eyes of a predator in those oceanic irises. "Fuck me..."

John couldn't believe what he just heard. Gone was the sweet girl from earlier only to be replaced by this lustful beast.

He obliged her gradually speeding up his thrusts, sweat and juices splashed between their hips and groins with his high-speed pumping. The faster the thrusting, the stronger the force of the bumps making Lyra's plump breasts constantly rock with each impact. Her soft ass also trembling with each thump.

"I can't... I can't take it anymore... I'm going to die... Harder!" she roared.

With unknown strength in her raised leg she pushed him back and she rolled forward after him, all while they were still joined.

Lyra loomed over him going into full predator mode. She ground her pelvis as she growled quietly before she started to pound down on top of him. He took her flanks in his hands trying his best to match her pace.

He looked to the new snow leopard above him, staring at how her breasts bounced each time she slammed him down into the mattress. Her eyes closed, focused entirely on the blissful pleasure she was feeling.

They moaned in ecstasy as she brought her self down hard causing John's rod to ram against her cervix. The burning energy exploded from within Lyra's body as she rode him. His cock erupted spurting his seed deep inside her for a while before finally calming down in her warm depths.

Lyra slowed down before she fell over next to him, his rod slipping from the warm confines. Both of them were spent, lying on the wet sheets of the bed. The only exchange between them was their breath and body heat with each other.

"W... Wow... That was... great..." she managed to say with a lustful growl. She blinked as she was surprised at what kind of an animal she became towards the end and blushed.

Looking at Lyra's gasping form, John could not help but smile and hold her close. Lyra started to purr.

After a while of enjoying their afterglow, John blurted out, "You know, you turned turned out just like your mom."

Lyra eyed him suspiciously with an amused smirk. "And how would you know?"

"Weeellll..."

*~~

It was the same night after John had played for Lyra her first Godzilla movie. He started carrying Lyra after her parents had already disappeared upstairs after coming home from the tavern. He knew that Mack should have went straight to bed so Jessica must have followed him even though she wasn't quite as drunk as her husband or his parents.

John made it up the stairs and got himself into Lyra's room turning on her light. He carried her over to her bed and found that she doesn't make her bed making it easier for him so he didn't have to worry about flipping the covers. As he eased her onto the mattress he heard a door close out in the hall. He shrugged thinking maybe Jessica closed their bedroom door.

When he got Lyra situated he pulled the covers over her and turned to the door.

"Good night, John," she said before turning over.

"Good night," he said back before turning the light off.

John gently closed her door behind him. He was about to take a step down the stairs when he felt a powerful need to the use the bathroom so he made a quick detour. A yawn caught him off guard and found himself just as tired as everyone else as he found the door and opened it.

The light was on inside and he found himself wide awake now. There was no way he could prepared himself when he accidentally walked in on Jessica getting into the shower. The two of them froze staring at each other. From the way she was stepping into the tub he could see everything about her. From the pink nipples on her sizable bust to her firm round ass and the hint of her lower lips underneath. It was a kind of sight that would start a nosebleed in most anime.

"O-oh, J-John," she stammered more from surprise than shock. "I thought you left by now."

John gulped hard. "I'm so sorry," he managed to squeeze out before he carefully shut the door. Thinking that now he can hold it at least until he got outside he made his way towards the stairs again. That was a sight that was going to be burned into his mind and be the cause of many wet dreams for a while.

The bathroom door opened behind him and Jessica called to him. "John?"

He instantly froze in place at the sound of the mother's voice but didn't dare turn around.

"Is Lyra tucked in?"

"Yes, ma'am!" he squeaked. His hearing somehow became sharper as he heard her step out into the hallway behind him.

"I didn't want my child seeing me. Can I get you to stay a little longer? Just until after I get out of the shower."

"I don't think..."

"John, turn around and look at me. I bet you watch porn on your computer when you're all alone. I'm not embarrassed. You just surprised me, that's all."

"Most of those women aren't quite as sexy as you, though."

Carefully he turned his head followed by his upper body. The mother snow leopard stood there in all her naked glory and he feared that he was going to pass out. Her big breast were as fantastic as he thought they would be and she wasn't even ashamed to be standing there out in the open like that.

Jessica giggled. "Thanks. It feels nice being praised by a younger man. Listen, with my husband passed out on the bed I need someone else to help me blow dry my fur. I just need someone to get my back, is all. Can I please get you to do it?"

John gulped again but his mouth was dry as a bone and his eyes roamed over her frame. "Y-yeah, sure. You get your shower and I'll just step outside for a minute..."

She stopped him grabbing the back of his shirt. "What are you, a redneck? Besides, you don't know who'll be watching. I can wait for you." She pulled on him and shoved him into the bathroom.

While Jessica was in the shower John waited for her in the living room. In the darkness all he could hear was the running shower. His mind was running wild at what was going on up there now that he seen her in her birthday pelt. He pictured the cascading water running over and down her firm and supple curves while her hands caressing over herself.

Thankfully, John didn't have to wait long for her to finish otherwise he would have driven himself crazy. He lifted himself off the couch and stepped up the stairs.

In the bathroom, John proceeded to use the blow dryer on her back like she asked him to as she sat on the edge of the tub. He used his other hand to caress her fur helping it get as dry as possible. As wet as it was her fur slid smoothly under his hand making him relax some in her presence.

"Your husband is a very lucky man," he admitted before things felt awkward again. "You're hot as hell and you've got a great personality to boot."

Jessica looked over her shoulder and smirked. "Mister, don't think that flattering me will earn you touching me anywhere else! I'm married, after all. I have to set some boundaries. I let you look, that's all you get."

John groaned. "Yes, I'm horny just from looking at you, but I'm being serious here! Geez!" he said trying not to be too loud. "I'm saying that you're gorgeous, and I will bet good money that your daughter will end up being just as hot as you."

Jessica chuckled before turning back around. "Well, thank you. You know, if I wanted anyone to date my daughter one day, I hope its you. I know you would treat her right."

"Thank you very much."

~~*

The next day, Easter Sunday, John and Lyra waited together inside the bus stop shelter by the toy shop. John had said that the few times he tried to help Tina he would always find her arriving at this same spot to get picked up. He spoke to the store owner to find out more but all he got was that Tina always showed up at the exact same time everyday, even on the holidays. Only that on the holidays, even on Easter, he doesn't show up and she would wait around for three hours before leaving.

John looked at his watch. Tina would show up any minute.

"Do you think this'll work?" Lyra asked.

"I'm not sure," John confessed. "Its an idea I haven't tried yet but I think it would make a better impact if it came from you."

"If you think it will help I'll give it a try."

They didn't have to wait much longer when the wolfess showed up few minutes later, standing in the exact same spot as yesterday. The operation was a go.

"Hey, Tina," Lyra called taking a more careful approach this time.

"Um... Hi?" Tina said her face twisted into confusion again. "Do I know you? You want my autograph or something?"

Lyra smiled with a mixture of warmth and sympathy and shook her head. "No. I was wondering if you could help me find someone." She reaches into her pocket and pulls out a picture handing it to her. "Do recognize anyone in this? One of them is lost."

Tina took the picture only to glance at. "Look, I wish I could help but I'm meeting someone."

"What's his name?" Lyra asked sounding curious.

Tina opened her mouth but paused, hesitating as she tried to remember. "I... I don't know..."

"He's not coming today, Tina. Its Easter. He's probably spending time with his family, like we all should. Please look at the photo. Help me find my friend."

Tina eyed the snow leopard before looking at the picture. A good look this time.

John was hanging back keeping eye on the exchange. So far Lyra was doing her part. Now it was up to Tina.

Tina gazed at the picture of five children. A teen human boy was pinned into the grass by four girls. A pair of bunny twins held down each of his arms, a white wolf was settled on his back pinning his shoulders looking very comfortable where she was, and a snow leopard kitten standing behind the wolf with a party hat throwing up victory fingers with both hands wearing a sunny smile. The human looked a little grumpy as he looked at the camera, but the others were having a blast. But what drew Tina's attention was the wolf girl. She looked so familiar to her, almost like looking in a mirror.

"This picture was taken eleven years ago," Lyra said. "It's one of my favorite memories."

John watched as Tina blinked and her ears stood up straight. Something clicked for her. Just a little bit more...

"It was the day we swore we would be friends forever. Come back to us, Tina!"

Tina's hands flew to her head as she grunted in pain at the sound of her name, the sound from a distant friend calling out to her. She doubled over holding her head tighter as she nearly cried out it was hurting so much. Then the pain suddenly vanished and she gasped as the memory finally back to her.

John knew this memory well. It was one of his favorites.

*~~

It was a couple months before Lyra's trip to the hospital. It was her birthday and everyone was playing out in her backyard. Most of the parents were enjoying themselves on the porch while Lyra's parents were inside preparing the cake. Lyra herself was playing with Lily and Rose on the swings of the play set while John and Tina had set up table on the lawn playing a matching card game. Lyra wore a cone party hat to let everyone know who the birthday girl was that day.

While Lyra and the twins were laughing and having fun, John wasn't. It was his forth game against Tina and he only won once, though he was pretty sure she gave it to him. This round was going just like the others as her winning stack was much higher than his. It was his turn and was staring down at the last ten cards. He wasn't going to win, but he was determined to finish. Tina sat across from him just rested her chin on her interlaced fingers watching him in amusement.

John put a hand on a card and flipped over revealing a lion. He felt confident now as he remembered where there was another lion. He moved his hand over a few cards and went up one. He put his fingers down on it but hesitated. He took his fingers off the card and move one left and flipped it.

It was a seal!

"Dang it!" he seethed as flipped the cards back over.

Tina put her hand on the card he would have chosen and flipped it over revealing the lion he was going for. She turned over his lion claiming the pair. Suddenly she started turning cards over two by two revealing pair after pair until all the cards were face up. The stunt made John's jaw drop.

"How...?"

"You have to keep every card in mind," she said tapping her head.

"One more round!" he demanded.

Tina laughed. "You're gonna burn yourself out. You gonna make a wager?"

"C'mon, everyone," Jessica called from inside bringing out the cake. "Time to blow out the candles." She was followed by her husband who carried a gallon tub of Neapolitan ice cream

John glared at Tina while she grinned up at him. "Lucky," they said to each other before clearing off the table.

Everyone gathered around when the cake was set down. It was a twenty-four by eighteen inch that was colored as the night sky which had the constellation of Lyra the Harp that also had the the number 11 written next to it. The stars were connected as they should be and had the harp outlining it. Mack lit a match lighting the eleven candles on it. When he put the match out every one started sing "Happy Birthday" to Lyra. It was the happiest moment for her.

"Make a wish, birthday girl," Tina said when they finished singing.

Lyra closed her eyes forming her wish carefully in her head. Then in one big breath she blew out all her candles. Everyone cheered for her.

"Thanks, everyone!" Lyra said before turning to her friends. "I wanna make a pact." She puts her hand over her cake in center of them. "No matter what, we are friends forever."

John, Tina, Lily and Rose all put their hands on top of hers agreeing in their own way.

With that out of the way, Mack proceeded to cut the cake.

"You know I want a corner piece, daddy," Lyra said cutely.

Mack smiled. "Yes, honey, I know."

Lyra looked over to see John going for the ice cream.

"Hey, John, you're getting any cake?"

"Nah, I'm not a cake person."

Lyra's eyes narrowed as she growled through her teeth, "You get a piece of cake!"

John looked back at her with wide eyes and lips twisted into a funny sneer. "I don't like cake!"

From the corners of John's vision he saw the other girls stand from their seats. Tina cracked her knuckles while the twins loosened up their shoulders.

Lyra's eyes narrowed further almost disappearing. "Git 'im!" she commanded her minions.

John managed to put his paper bowl down before Tina lunged at him. He didn't get very far when she wrapped around his thighs sending him to the ground. He tried to lift himself up but the wolf girl crawled up jabbing him in either side of his ribs hard enough to throw his arms out from under him. Lily and Rose caught up to them pinning both his arms down while Tina got his shoulders.

"You sure you don't any cake?" Tina asked sweetly.

John turned his head as best as he could to look her dead in the eyes. "NEVERRRR!!!"

Lyra stepped on his back behind Tina. "Then smile!"

John looked just in time to see Jessica holding a camera. His face soured right before the flash.

~~*

Tina's eyes widen as the memory washed over her. She looked over to Lyra and didn't see a stranger anymore, but a friend she hadn't seen in a long time.

"L-Lyra?" she asked trying to hold back her tears. "Is that you? You're a super model!"

Lyra couldn't quite hold her own tears back either. "Thanks, but John already one upped you calling me a goddess."

Tina rubbed her eyes and sniffled. "Did... did he now?"

"I did," John said coming up to them. He was looking only a little more composed than the girls. "Hey, Tina. Long time."

Tina sniffled more as she saw him. "Too long. You're looking good. Both of you." Her knees were starting to get weak and shaky. Lyra quickly moved to catch her before she fell holding her close. The dam gave to their emotions as they both broke down crying in each other's arms.

John stepped up to the girls wrapping his arms around them.

"Oh, God..." Tina sobbed. "How could I ha-have forgotten my f-friends? I'm so sorry."

"Shhh..." Lyra comforted her. "That is not your fault."

"B-but... Lily and Rose... I wasn't there for them!"

"Its okay," John said as he brushed his fingers gently over her head. "No one could have predicted that. Besides..." He turned her face towards him just as Lyra moved back a little giving them space and kissed her full on the lips. He held onto her for a moment so she could register it. "You. Did. Your. Best. And no one could blame you for that."

Tina blinked touching her lips. She remembered the promise he made which made her feel better making smile a little.

"Thanks, John," she said wiping her tears away. "Could I... maybe have another?"

"If makes you feel better, then sure."

John gently cups her cheeks and they lean towards each other. But suddenly Lyra yanks him back away from her by his jacket.

"I saw that!" Lyra chastised. "That little smirk and that little glint in your eyes." John clearly didn't see anything she was talking about. "You only get the one that was promised. He's mine!"

Tina blinked her reddened eyes at her outburst. "Yours?" She looks between the two and grins. "Well, congrats then! But I thought you were too naïve for such things."

Lyra puts her hands behind her back indignantly and turned up her nose. "Hmph! I grew up!"

Tina gave her a once over staring intensely at her bust. "Damn. Yes you did..." Her eyes flashed and her hands quickly latched onto each of her breasts making her squeal in shock. "I mean look at these! They're bigger than mine!" She stared as her fingers sank into her chest. "These're awesome!"

"Hey!" she said trying to push her away. "Cut that out! Stop it!"

"No way!" she laughed. "You got your dad's height with your mom's rockin' body. I can't get enough of this!" She lifted Lyra's breasts feeling their weight. Lyra shuddered when her thumbs brushed over her nipples. "And your not even wearing a bra, you naughty girl! I'm so proud of you!"

"O-oh!" Her face reddened as she turned to John pleadingly. "J-John, make her st-stop!"

"She definitely inherited her mother's tits and ass, that's for sure," John said as he watched. "And I'm not stopping anything. I'm wishing I had some popcorn."

Lyra gasped. "John!"

The white wolfess chuckled evilly. "You need to loosen up, girl." One of her hands left her breast only to grasp her ass. "Damn, this is nice, too! Hey, John, did you...?"

John put his hands on his hips and puffed out his chest. "Why yes. Yes I did."

"Congrats again!"

"Tinaaa..." Lyra pleaded pitifully. "Somebody could see us..."

Tina sighed letting her go. "Fine!" She switched over to John wrapping her arms around his left. "So where do you guys want to go?"

Lyra wrapped her arms around John's right and tugged him her way. "Get off him!"

"Ladies, ladies!" John said trying to calm everyone with his charming side. "I've never had this many women after me at once. But I can safely say that there's enough of me to go around. Besides, if I had it my way, I would have all four of you," he said sincerely including Lily and Rose.

"See?" Tina said to the snow leopard moving closer to him pinning his arm between her breasts. "And I'm willing to share him."

"Jooooohnnnn," Lyra whined, "we just started dating! Can we please do this one step at a time?"

John looked over at Tina saying that she had a point.

"Okay," Tina sighed but not letting go of him. "I'll back off for now."

"I say we go get a drink and celebrate," John suggested as they started walking that way. "I'm sure Erik would love to hear about this one."

"What about Damion?" Lyra asked genuinely curious.

Tina thought about it for a moment. "Well, seeing as he hadn't abused or taken advantage of me at all, I guess I could give him a real shot. But I can't make any promises, though."

END