FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Her stomach was filled with butterflies as she sorted through the boxes of clothes for something to wear. She'd been in the city for months but still had yet to unpack, had yet to find a job which wasn't be more than temporary. Even all her furniture, the few pieces she had, was where it'd been placed when she first moved into the apartment.

Pulling the purple shirt from the bottom of the box she gave it a quick sniff. Satisfied, she stood in front of the full length mirror leaning against the wall. When she smoothed out the wrinkles she saw the stain an acquaintance's son had put on it when he upchucked on her a year earlier. She growled, followed by her stomach, and threw the shirt in the trash.

A faded orange t-shirt floated to the top of the fifth box and she seized upon it. With no stains, and time moving on, it would do. She threw it on and rushed out the door, catching the Number 5 bus as it was getting ready to pull away.

"Sorry," she said to the bus driver and the other passengers.

Putting in her ear buds, she sat back and relaxed into her own little world. Company would have been nice to talk to but she'd learned early on that most folks didn't want to talk to skunks. Prejudices died hard and she was tired of trying to change peoples' perceptions.

Which was why she'd been surprised by Firgil's offer and was still skeptical.

A half-hour passed before the bus lurched to a stop near the club. She exited and it left her alone standing in a cloud of diesel fumes. She coughed and approached the building.

By all appearances, it was clean and well maintained. There was no graffiti nor were the windows cracked and broken. The sign above the door was large but not obnoxious and gave the whole business a feeling of, if not class, respectability. The doors were, of course, locked - the club still had an hour until it opened.

Continuing around the side, she found the building as up-kept as the front, and ascended a small flight of steps leading to an entrance labeled for employees.

Raising her hand to knock, she paused and considered she still had time to back out. But if she did, what other prospects did she have? Sure, resumes were circulating, at least she hoped they still were, and there might be other offers. But when? And it wasn't like she couldn't quit the job here, assuming she took the job here, if something else came along. And she could have dinner tonight. She wouldn't be hungry anymore. But did she want to eat--

Her mind was running away again and Sylvie shut down her doubts. This job was here and tangible. She gave a knock on the door, even if it was a bit furtive. After a minute she repeated the knock and heard footsteps inside.

The view slot in the door slid back to show a pair of feline eyes glowering at her.

"Can I help you?"

"Um, I'm here about a job. Firgil said to stop by before the club opened."

"Did he now?" The eyes looked her over then narrowed. The door remained shut.

"He said he was looking for a new server."

Sylvie heard a brief scuffle behind the door and the feline looked away - pissed.

A click sounded and the door opened and closed as at least two parties were discussing whether to let her in or not.

"--the fuckin' door!" was the last thing Sylvie heard before the door opened.

A smiling mouse stood in the short hallway, either oblivious or uncaring about the cat now glaring at her. "Howdy, Sugah. How you been?" The drawl couldn't be anything but Southern.

"Hi," Sylvie said, unsure of what to do next.

"Well, don't just stand there. Come on in." The mouse ushered Sylvie in. "Don't mind Synthia. She's just being a bit of a bitch tonight."

"Fuck you, cunt," the serval replied, her middle finger extended, before slinking away.

The mouse gave a little chuckle. "I'm sorry. Where's my manners? My name's Misti. Pleased to make your acquaintance."

"Sylvie," she said and shook hands. "I'm here about the job--"

"Course you are, course you are. Follow me and I'll show you around."

"I'm supposed to meet Firgil before--"

"He's up in his office. But let me introduce you to the others. It's on the way."

Sylvie wasn't sure what to do but had little choice since the mouse refused to let go of her hand.

The inside of the building looked even better than the outside. The carpet was plush and clean, not worn like the nagging voice in her head insisted it would be. The walls were painted and everything was well-lit. Had Sylvie not known what type of business this was beforehand she would not have guessed it to be a strip club. No, scratch that - a gentleman's club.

Voices and laughter from up ahead drew her back to the mouse and the door she was opening.

"And so I told him--"

"Everyone, we have a new arrival," Misti interrupted someone else and dragged Sylvie through the door.

"Hi," Sylvie said, managing to extract her hand.

"Hello."

"Hi."

"Welcome."

A half-dozen pairs of eyes were looking at her, all with the same indifference to her species as Firgil had. As for what else was staring at her, however, that was another story and Sylvie felt herself blush at the nakedness of a few of the other girls.

"You the new serving girl?" a golden - clothed - tigress said.

"Yes, she is," Misti answered for her. "Her name's Sylvie."

The tigress frowned. "Misti, don't you need to finish getting ready? Aren't you first up tonight?"

"Oh, shoot. That's right." She turned to Sylvie. "I'll finish the introductions later."

"I'm sure we can introduce ourselves just fine." There was no threat in the tigress' voice, just certainty.

Misti opened her mouth to say something else but thought better and shut it. She gave a short nod and made her way to her vanity.

"Sorry about her," the tigress said to Sylvie. "My name's Tiffany." She extended her hand.

Sylvie took it and was glad to get it back. "Sylvie."

Tiffany gave a warm smiled. "We gathered as much. This here's Lucy and Amanda."

"Hello," the llama and alpaca said at the same time.

"They usually work together. Next to them is Morgan--"

"Hello," the mink said and returned to primping herself in the mirror.

"--Misti you already met, and Julie and Vickie are on the other side of her." The jaguar and vixen were too far away to hear their introductions. "There are a few others you'll meet but they're either off tonight or will come in later. Oh, and be careful. Synthia's here tonight."

"I already met her." Sylvie needed no physical presence to know who was being discussed.

"Really?" Tiffany looked her over. "And you still have your tail? She must like you."

Sylvie's eyes grew wide. "I think she wished I was someplace else."

The tigress gave a laugh and placed her hand on Sylvie's shoulder. "Honey, I don't think you being someplace else would do any good. The only thing that'll make her happy is if all the other girls on the planet were to disappear and she could have Firgil all to herself. She's been trying to get in his pants ever since DK left."

"DK?"

"She used to clean up the place. Rumour has it she and Firgil had something on the side but she wouldn't say and no one asked Firgil. After she left for somewhere else, Synthia took over her position but that's the only position he's ever let her in." Tiffany gave a laugh and was joined by Lucy with a chuckle from Amanda. "She's convinced every new girl is a threat, especially me."

Sylvie couldn't help glancing over the tigress. "I can see why."

Tiffany's smile grew and she laughed again. "Honey, he's not my type."

"Well, not everyone's into foxes, I guess, but he's--"

"No," Tiffany said and gave her a wink. "He's not my type."

"What...?" Then it dawned on her. "You mean...."

"Yes. I like girls." Tiffany kissed her on the cheek. "But don't worry. I won't do anything unless you want to."

Lucy and Amanda snickered and Misti came over to her.

"Come on, Sylvie. I want to make sure it's warm enough on stage."

Unsure what to do, the skunk allowed herself to be pulled from the room. Her head was spinning and she failed to catch the names of the two bouncers who'd shown up. There was no time to ask as she was dragged past the kitchen, where she wasn't even introduced to the staff, and up a flight of stairs.

"Here she is, Firgil. I'm going back down." And with that, the mouse disappeared and left Sylvie to stare at the fox.

"Glad to see you decided to come," he said, pulling off his reading glasses and tossing them on the desk next to a small stack of money before rubbing his eyes. "Did you have a chance to meet any of others?"

"Some. Misti, mostly, but Tiffany introduced me to the others."

"Ah."

Sylvie waited for him to say more but he just sat and stared at her and she could feel herself becoming warm.

"Would you like something to drink?"

"Um, yeah. An iced tea would be nice."

Firgil nodded. "I'll be right back, then," he said and walked down the steps, leaving Sylvie unsure of what to do.

She waited a minute before walking to the wall to look at the pictures. Most were of Firgil and the girls downstairs and, she was sure, other girls who'd worked for him in the past. A pang of jealousy passed through her and she reminded herself it was possible employment she was here for, not a date.

The rest of his office was well-coordinated and was of obvious quality; not pretentious but she could tell he was proud of his business. On his desk were a slew of magazines on management and advertising, not the smut she would have expected in a place like this, and she felt the knots begin to untie themselves; perhaps she could work here.

"Good," Firgil said from behind her, making her jump. "You pass."

"What?"

He laughed and handed her tea. "I didn't know if you wanted lemon or not so I played it safe." Resuming his seat behind the desk, he motioned for her to have a seat as well.

"What did I pass?"

"Trust."

"What?"

He smiled. "I was watching you," he pointed to the tiny camera camouflaged in the corner, "seeing what you'd do if I left you alone." He held up the stack of cash before putting it in a desk drawer. "Sorry I didn't tell you ahead of time. I just needed to be sure where the money would go if you chose to accept the job."

Sylvie didn't know what to say.

"So, what do you think of the place so far?"

"It's not like I thought it would be."

"Well, it's still early." He laughed and waved his hand. "No, I won't let it fall to that level. This will always be a gentleman's club or I'll close it down myself."

The look in his eyes told her there was no doubt in his mind he would do so.

"But why a gentleman's club?"

He sighed. "I don't know. Most people would assume it's because I was repressed or undersexed growing up. I was neither, but I did enjoy how girls looked, full of curves, but they weren't something I lusted after. It's just to me the female form is something to admire more than simply something I want to get in bed with, and there's such variety.

"In regards to High Tails, though, this is something I apply directly to the business. Those who come in here for a lap dance or more are turned away. That's not how I operate. Yes, we serve alcohol. Yes, the performers are nude. But that's where the similarity ends. I think by now most of my clientele know this and come here with the same opinion and appreciation."

"But you must get some new customers in here."

His eyebrows went up and he nodded. "More than I'd like, unfortunately. The girls usually set them straight fairly quick and, for those who don't take the hint, there's always Bruce and Bob." Sylvie gave him a confused look and he nodded. "That's right. Misti showed you around. Come on, then." He got up from behind his desk and motioned Sylvie toward the door. "Let's get you properly introduced."

She was about to remind him she hadn't committed to the job yet...but neither had she said no. Smiling and giving a slight bow, she descended the steps, noting he was behind her and not bothered by her skunkishness. She wished she could share his nonchalance as they entered the kitchen.

"Nathan's behind the grill, there," Firgil pointed to the newt who was flipping a burger under the serious stare of a nearby raccoon, "and is responsible for some out more tasty creations. Roger is the head of the kitchen and bartender, and primarily keeps Nathan's creativity contained within reason.

"Will, here," Firgil said, stepping back, "is our lone busser and part-time server."

"Howdy," the wolf said, pausing long enough to shake her hand before continuing out to the dining area.

"You'd also be dealing with Mary, but it's her night off and Will's covering for her. On the one hand, his tips aren't that great but, on the other, he does bring in a different clientele if they know he's working."

Firgil motioned Sylvie over to the door and pushed it open so she could see Will being flirted with by a busty snow leopard.

"That's Emily Ravenwood. She comes often in, treats everyone well, and, more importantly, spends money." He grinned and pointed her down the hallway.

"I didn't think the club opened for a while yet."

"Well, for her I make an exception."

Sylvie couldn't help feel another pang of jealousy and looked down at the floor.

"And here we have Bob and Bruce."

"Hello," the first bear said in deep voice and Sylvie watched her hand disappear into his. Bruce, the smaller of the two but still more massive than her, smiled and nodded.

"This is Sylvie, guys. She's interviewing to be the new server."

"Cool," Bob said. "Hope to see you around." He returned her hand.

"As you can see," Firgil said as they walked away, "they leave little room for misunderstanding."

Sylvie smiled and again began to relax. This wouldn't be so bad, she thought. Everyone's friendly...well, most everyone, but the place is clean and well-maintained. If I do take....

Her thought was interrupted by Amanda helping Lucy with her tassels.

"And now you're back to where you began."

"I can show her around from here if you'd like, Firgil," Tiffany said.

The fox pulled out his watched and took a look at it, nodding. "If you would. I still have to balance the books from last night before we open and it appears Ms. Ravenwood has already ordered something from the kitchen." He turned to Sylvie. "Once Tiffany's done showing you around, pick a seat and place your order with Will. I already told him what the deal was and he'll take care of you. Just come see me before you leave and let me know what you decide."

"I will, Firgil. Thank you."

"Now, what else to show you," Tiffany said. "Ah, yes." She walked away and Sylvie noticed her clothing had receded considerably from what she'd been wearing earlier.

"This is the bathroom," the tigress pointed out, opening the door to a well lit and clean room with more than one stall. "It used to be the men's but Firgil changed that rather quickly."

They began walking again and Sylvie asked, "How long have you been working here?"

"Since High Tails opened, which was about," Tiffany bit her lip, "eight years ago. Before that- Oh, here's the utility closet." She opened the door to the mop, brooms, and cleaning supplies. "Just in case you need them. Synthia usually cleans up after we leave but Firgil has a service which comes in once a month really go through everything." She closed the door. "Now, where were we?"

"I'd asked how long you'd worked here."

"Ah, yes. Eight years. Before that I worked at the Cottontail Club doing pretty much the same thing, though I was in a faux S&M act. When it began to get too real I left and joined High Tails as its first act."

"Can I ask you another question?"

Tiffany stopped walking and turned to look at her. "It's about our names, isn't it?"

Sylvie could feel herself blush and a smile curled the corners of her mouth.

The tigress gave a gentle laugh. "The best I can figure, Firgil's kink is alliterative names. Other than DK, everyone who's ever worked here has a first name which matches their species in some way. How he managed to find a serval - and don't ever call her a cat - who spells Synthia with an 'S', is beyond me. Vickie would be the next closest but since she is a vixen I assume she passes. Everyone he's hired has worked out and always left on good terms."

"Except Synthia, of course."

Tiffany pursed her lips. "No, she's a good worker. We all give her grief, but that's only because she gives it to us." She looked around. "Between you and me, I've seen her practicing dancing on stage after we close and she's not bad. If she could just get over Firgil then I'm sure she'd be happier."

Sylvie nodded thoughtfully, impressed Tiffany could be that perceptive. Of course, there were a number of stereotypes which had already been broken so what was one more?

"Up here we have what we call the Back Room."

"I thought Firgil said you didn't do anything other than...dancing."

"At work, no." She gave Sylvie a coy smile. "This room is simply for smaller gatherings who make reservations for special events. Stag parties and the like. It's a more private setting where they can be loud and, well, male. Firgil's right, though. Nothing more goes on back here than on the main stage." She waved toward two cameras Sylvie failed to notice.

They left the Back Room behind and followed the curve of the hallway. From the other side of the wall Sylvie could hear the sound system being checked.

"That's Mark," Tiffany said of the voice coming through the speakers. "How much you'll see of him I don't know. He's very good at what he does but he doesn't usually stick around after work. This, however," Tiffany motioned to a busty raccoon walking by, "is Rachael and you'll be seeing a lot of her."

The girl arched her brows and tripped over...nothing that Sylvie could see.

"Howdy," the coon said, adjusting her dress to cover the little of her breasts it did conceal. With a few well-practiced brushes the rest of her clothing was neat and smooth. "Are you going to be the new server? Oh, I hope so. You're very pretty, you know. I'm sure we'll be great friends. If there's anything you need just ask me. All of my friends know--"

"Yes, Rachael," Tiffany interrupted. "Thank you. I still need to show Sylvie around the rest of the club."

"Oh, yes. Right. Of course. Sorry. We'll talk later tonight, Stephanie!"

Tiffany rolled her eyes and pulled Sylvie along.

"Is she...?" the skunk asked when they were out of earshot.

"Scatterbrained? A motor-mouth? Not good with names?" Tiffany laughed. "Yes to all the above. But she's good with customers and easy on the eyes - she makes a good impression on the clientele, especially the first-timers."

Sylvie felt her stomach gurgle, apparently loud enough for Tiffany to take notice. "You're hungry."

Sylvie blushed and nodded. "Yes, but I can wait until we're finished with the tour."

"Really, Rachael was about it. I just needed to tell her something so we could get out of there. At any rate, the club opens in fifteen minutes and I need to finish getting ready." A sly smile appeared. "You can help if you'd like."

Sylvie's eyes grew large and the tigress gave a laugh.

Depositing her outside the kitchen with Will, Tiffany left to resume her preparations.

"Come on," the wolf said. "There's a good seat that's out of the way but no one usually sits at. It'll give you an idea of what happens here at night."

Sylvie followed and noted the wolf wasn't unattractive. And, like the rest, he was friendly and didn't seem the least off-put by her species. At least from this angle, not having to deal with the public yet, she began to think this could be a very nice job. It was better than the nothing she currently had and she didn't think Firgil would be the type to hold a grudge if she were to leave some day to better her career.

"Who do we have here, young William?"

The wolf stopped abruptly, causing Sylvie to almost run into him.

"This is Sylvie, Ms. Ravenwood. She may be our new server."

She turned to face the leopard and felt downright poor. Emily Ravenwood was dressed in nothing but high end fashions and the jewelry she wore wasn't costume. Her hair and nails would cost Sylvie a month's rent. What impressed her the most, however, was the fact the snow leopard was beautiful. She might have the money and connections but Sylvie could tell her body was all natural...and stunning.

"Pleased to meet you," Sylvie said, giving a small bow.

"She is polite, Will," Emily said and Sylvie could see his tail drop as he was being addressed. No doubt he was intoxicated by her presence also. "I hope you stay around, Sylvie," she said, turning her attention back to the skunk. "High Tails is a wonderful establishment I recommend to all my friends. I believe you'd fit in well here."

"Thank you, Ms. Ravenwood. I would have to agree with what I've seen so far."

"Good." She turned back to Will. "I believe you were showing the young lady to her seat?"

"Hmm," he said from a far away place. "Oh, yes. Sorry, Sylvie. Right this way." He extended an arm towards Sylvie's seat and they left the table.

"She can be an...imposing sight," Sylvie said as she sat at the proffered table.

"Yes," he said looking back at her. "She is. Too bad she's taken. Not like I'd have a chance, though."

"I don't know. A handsome wolf like you--" It was out of Sylvie's mouth before she could stop herself.

Will smiled. "Nice of you to say. So, what would you like for dinner?"

Sylvie was still shocked by her comment. "Um, whatever."

"Vegetarian?"

"Not unless I need to be." The answer elicited another smile.

"Do you trust me?"

"Shouldn't I?"

"We'll see. I'll have Nathan throw something special together for you, okay?"

She nodded and Will left her alone at the table, wall to her right, staring at the stage with three poles. The curtain behind it was black and sparkling in the light. Music began to play through the speakers, followed by a crack, then a dull hum.

"Fuck!" Mark shouted from somewhere behind the curtain. "Piece of fucking made in...." The rest of his epithet was drown out by the hum of a bad ground. After a minute of grumbling the music came back on and the lights went through their tests.

"Here you go," Will said, placing an iced tea before Sylvie. "Firgil said it was what you were drinking earlier."

"Thank you."

"And the appetizer will be right up. Roger's riding Nathan's ass about a card game the other night."

Sylvie reached for the sweetener and watched Will stop by Emily Ravenwood's table before floating back to the kitchen. The leopard caught Sylvie looking and held up her glass in salute before taking a drink.

Hearing a sound from behind her, Sylvie looked to see a number of the seats were starting to be filled with customers. Most were male, though a few appeared to have their dates with them. Those who were alone were busy looking at Rachael's name tag precariously mounted on her bosom.

"Hot, hot, hot," Will said placing the plate on the table, blowing on his fingers to dissipate the heat. "I'll be back in a little while. Your food should up in about ten minutes. Wave if you need anything."

Sylvie opened her mouth to answer but the wolf was already gone to take drink orders from patrons who looked much less enthusiastic to see him than the departing Rachael.

Looking back to her plate she saw a variety of breaded and fried objects, all steaming and threatening to burn her mouth. Picking up her fork she stabbed one of the short cone-shaped pieces and cream cheese oozed out the side. Her mouth began watering before the smell hit her nose. Blowing across the stuffed jalapeño she put the bite in her mouth, savouring the texture and the tang as it flowed across her tongue. Whether it tasted like it did because it was that good or because she was hungry mattered little. It was the first real food she'd had in two days and she wasn't about to scarf it down.