FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

"I'm so anxious, Alyssa. What am I supposed to say once I'm in there?"

"Whatever you feel is right. I can't help you much with that part, but keep my advice in mind, please." Alyssa gripped Julie's shoulders and stared into her eyes to ensure she was focused. They were standing by the door to the office since school ended for the day.

"Okay... Okay, I guess I'll go in there now." Julie sighed and tightly hugged Alyssa's waist. "Thank you..." She couldn't go into detail right now, but that thank you was for everything Alyssa had done for her.

"Anytime, Jule, now go get him." Alyssa rubbed Julie's upper back and took a step back.

"Can't believe this is happening..." Julie hesitantly pushed the door open.

"Ah, there you are. He's expecting you so, go on." The same kind receptionist Julie met last time was present.

"Thank you..." Julie grinned and walked to the principal's door, gripping its handle and turning it. After a second, Julie pushed it open. As expected, Mr. Willam was at his desk, but what stole Julie's breath was Midnight sitting to the left of his desk, and Midnight seemed just as shocked.

"Glad you could make it, Julie. You may stand there. Just... Close the door, if you may," the principal said, and Julie did. "I know we discussed the other day that you were interested in taking Midnight. Now, I believe strongly in destiny. I wouldn't give him to anyone he couldn't connect with." Mr. Willam nodded, and Julie knew what to do.

She crouched, and with her right hand, beckoned Midnight toward her.

He stood and walked to her with no hesitation but didn't stop at that. Midnight leaned his head up and affectionately nuzzled her palm, and Julie smiled. She couldn't help it.

"You two must have been acquainted with each other at some point before this, right?" Mr. Willam was surprised at how easily and intensely Midnight took to her.

"A bit," Julie replied, and he, fortunately, didn't question further.

"He seems to like you and vice versa. Have you any prior experience with owning pokémon?"

"I own a liepard. My mother and I have been taking good care of her for a few years now." Julie stood. This was going better than she expected.

"Well, I can't possibly get in the way of this. You graduate in two months correct?" Mr. Willam leaned forward in his chair.

"Correct, sir." She suppressed the burst of happiness building within.

"Right... So you can focus on your final days at this school, why don't I give Midnight to you on the day of graduation? It would be quite the parting gift."

Julie agreed wholeheartedly. Midnight clouded her thoughts and took her from what she should be focused on if she were honest. If Julie had him in her hands now, it would likely be to a more substantial extent.

"That... sounds great. Thank you, Mister Willam." Julie grinned, especially down at Midnight.

"Of course; good luck with your studies!"

After leaving the office, Julie deeply sighed and leaned against the wall.

"So... What happened?" Alyssa gave her no time to gather herself.

"I got him!" Julie abruptly wrapped her arms around Alyssa and squeezed her sides.

"F-For real?" She spoke with a slight wheeze, as Julie was currently squeezing the life out of her.

"Yes, right after graduation!"

"So close." Alyssa took a deep breath after Julie released her. They received a few glances from students that passed by, which they paid no mind to.

"Mhm, but... I have him. I feel so relieved." Julie, every night now, would anticipate holding him in her arms for good, permanently. She had no problem waiting for that day and would work hard on all of her homework, pass every test that came her way.

--

Walking home through Goldenrod's busy streets with Alyssa that afternoon, Julie felt at peace knowing her life would move along much smoother after graduation with Midnight by her side. Julie would genuinely have something to hold onto, something by her side that would surely smoothen out her days and keep her company, that would explore cities with her and keep her smiling.

"What are the odds that this ended in my favor?" Julie asked as they exited a Pokémart with two waters.

"Feels like a dream, huh?" Alyssa shrugged. "I wouldn't question it."

"It was my dream for a long time. It just finally came true..." And it wasn't difficult, surprisingly. All Julie had to do was put herself out there. "I couldn't imagine the result if I hadn't stepped into that office. You helped me in that department."

"Needed a push. That was all."

"It wouldn't be the first time you've pushed me. I think I'm too afraid to act on situations half the time... Whether it be depression or something as big as this. I owe you for it."

Alyssa sipped her water. "Only thing you owe me is your friendship, and I don't think that's going anywhere."

Julie grinned. "Not any time soon."