{"sf1_id":1953752,"sf2_id":"ynZ9OBRm","title":"Home for some Holiday Chapter 1","author":"JasonVUK","words":10876,"posted_at":"2023-02-13T13:24:08.000Z","tags":["Britain","British","HMOFA","Human","M/F","Male/Female","Rabbit","Yorkshire"],"url":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/1953752-home-for-some-holiday-chapter-1","original_url":"https://sofurry.com/s/ynZ9OBRm","image_url":"https://cdn.sofurryfiles.com/submissions/thumbnails/39/7e/397e5fb5-8adf-4119-a327-3c77f9c4da46","description":"This is my first attempt at not only a \"greentext\" style story but also second-person story. So apologies if it's not right or doesn't seem to flow well. I actually had a harder time with this than I thought I would.","content":"Home for some Holidays\n\nChapter One\n\n\\\u003eYou are roused from your dreamless sleep by the blaring of your alarm.\n\n\\\u003eYou groan and grunt before your hand grasps your phone and you turn off the offending noise.\n\n\\\u003eDespite the short sleep from the night previous, you're refreshed enough to face the world.\n\n\\\u003e\"God fuckin' damn it.\"\n\n\\\u003eOkay maybe not quite.\n\n\\\u003ePulling your arse out of bed you shamble your way through your apartment and to your bathroom.\n\n\\\u003eLook into the bathroom mirror. What a handsome human mug you have … right …\n\n\\\u003eYou are Anon.\n\n\\\u003e …. PFFFFTT!\u0026nbsp; Sorry just kidding, no you're not.\n\n\\\u003eYou're Dwayne Cooper. It's August 2006, you're 28 and you stand a smidge over 5'10\n\n\\\u003eYou have a quick shower and shave before returning to your bedroom to put on clean clothes.\n\n\\\u003eBlue jeans, dark blue T-shirt, you're looking sharp as fuck.\n\n\\\u003eFirst thing you do is open the curtains to your apartment, and gaze outside.\n\n\\\u003eAH London!\u0026nbsp; Yep, you're British. You gaze along the streets and buildings of London, the crown jewel, the capital of the great country of England and can't help but think.\n\n\\\u003e\"What a shit hole.\"\n\n\\\u003eFuck this city. Sure, it was the capital, sure it was the only city foreigners knew, the palace and the Queen were here. But you disliked the people, they were snobbish and rude, ruder than you, you disliked how busy and cramped it was, you wanted to go home back up North.\n\n\\\u003eAh the North! Where men were men, women could be quite manly too, and beer had taste and you didn't have to get a new mortgage to have a couple of pints on a night.\n\n\\\u003eYou should maybe check with work see if you can get some time off.\n\n\\\u003eThoughts of London and the like aside you check your phone see if there's any missed calls.\n\n\\\u003eOne from mum. Missed her call about an hour ago.\u0026nbsp; Wait what time is it?\n\n\\\u003eCheck the clock. Says 11:15. You slept in.\u0026nbsp; Fuck it.\n\n\\\u003eMake a mental note to ring mum back later. You're hungry now.\n\n\\\u003eGo to the kitchen and open the fridge. Find a cold steak from last night.\u0026nbsp; Nice!\n\n\\\u003eGrab steak and throw it in the oven, let it reheat. Take the time to check your emails.\n\n\\\u003eNothing but random stuff from things you subscribe to.\n\n\\\u003eWait a fuckin' tick.\n\n\\\u003eYou focus on something, a name. One you've not seen in a while.\n\n\\\u003eAllison Cranny.\n\n\\\u003eWell damn you've not heard from her in years. 10 Years to be exact.\n\n\\\u003eYou two used to go to school together.\n\n\\\u003eShe was a cute, kinda timid, nerdy little white and brown rabbit anthro. She didn't have too many friends. But she was a sweet girl.\n\n\\\u003eYou have fond memories of fingering her around the back of the school bike sheds when you were 15.\n\n\\\u003eAlso that blowjob in the boy's P.E changing rooms when you were 16. NICE!\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003eWonder what she wants?\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003eYou open the email.\u0026nbsp; The heck?\n\n\\\u003eShe and others are organising a school reunion. Really?\u0026nbsp; You thought that was an American thing.\n\n\\\u003eWell, you _did_ want to go back home for a bit of time, you supposed.\n\n\\\u003eBut some of those wankers you were happy not seeing ever again.\n\n\\\u003eLike that lion anthro; Adam Davis.\n\n\\\u003eHe was a big guy for his age back then, but that gave him the ego to pick on people smaller than him.\n\n\\\u003ePeople like you and yours friends.\n\n\\\u003eNot you specifically obviously, not after _the event._ Which you recall fondly.\n\n\\\u003eAllison says she wants to do it for Halloween.\u0026nbsp; Eh. Fuck it. Why not? It'll be a laugh if nothing else.\n\n\\\u003eYou reply saying you'll be there if you can.\n\n\\\u003eTime to check in to work.\n\n\\\u003eYou pull up a number on your phone and give it a ring.\n\n\\\u003e\"Hello Mr Cooper.\" Comes a sweet voice on the other end.\n\n\\\u003e\"Hey Lucy lass, listen is there any work for me today?\" you ask as politely as you can.\n\n\\\u003e\"Didn't you just get back last night?\" Lucy replies\n\n\\\u003eYes that you did, you just got back into England last night. You say as such.\n\n\\\u003e “Well I believe that gives you some time off, I'm sure nothing dreadful will happen with you off.\"\n\n\\\u003e “Don't jinx it, please.\" You ask in a semi-serious tone. You never know in your line of work.\n\n\\\u003e “Of course sorry. But yeah, nothing going on just now. Management are just dealing with the aftermath.\"\n\n\\\u003eGood, lets them get some work done, keeps them out of your hair.\n\n\\\u003e “May be a little early to ask, but do you think you could book me time off around Halloween? Just got an email from an old friend about a school reunion.\" You ask, fingers crossed.\n\n\\\u003e “Sure I don't see the harm. I'll get it booked off, obviously if there _are_ dire circumstances …\" she trails off.\n\n\\\u003e “Aye, I know. I'll be back at work before I can blink.\" He reply with a sardonic smirk.\n\n\\\u003e “Right anything else Mr Cooper?\" Lucy asks.\n\n\\\u003eYou reply there's nothing else and she bids you a good day, then hangs up.\n\n\\\u003eAh Lucy, nice lass, great arse, even for an Antelope anthro.\n\n\\\u003eYou go back to the oven; the steak is cooked enough for you. You pull it out, piping hot with your bare hands and start eating it, no plate, no knife, no fork.\u0026nbsp; Your mum would fucking kill you.\n\n\\\u003eSpeaking of which, you need to ring her.\n\n\\\u003eOctober rolls around pretty quickly.\n\n\\\u003eWork had you go off to do a little job around the Mediterranean which spanned about a month.\n\n\\\u003eYou were finished around halfway through September. Easy peasy.\n\n\\\u003eThough you had been picking shit out of your teeth for days afterwards.\n\n\\\u003eIn that time Allison has contacted you again. She asked if you were going to dress up for Halloween?\n\n\\\u003eWhy the hell not, it'll be fun?\n\n\\\u003eYou replied in the positive, which garnered some excitement from her.\u0026nbsp; You two exchanged numbers.\n\n\\\u003e “Hello Dwayne?! Is that you?\" comes a voice you didn't recognise.\n\n\\\u003e “Allison?\"\n\n\\\u003e “Oh my god, Dwayne!\u0026nbsp; How've you been it's been so long!\" the voice replies.\n\n\\\u003eProbably Allison? Maybe? Only one way to check.\n\n\\\u003e “I'm great and how's my little _geyser?\"_ you ask in a cheeky tone.\n\n\\\u003eYou hear an inhale.\n\n\\\u003e “Oh! My! God!\" Yep definitely Allison.\n\n\\\u003e “I can't fuckin' believe you remember that!\" she says in a whispered embarrassed tone.\n\n\\\u003e You wanked off to some of those memories.\n\n\\\u003e “How could I forget the nerdy little rabbit girl asking to be fingered behind the bike sheds?\"\n\n\\\u003e You snort and laugh while you hear her groan from embarrassment.\n\n\\\u003e “You didn't tell anyone did you?\" she asks\n\n\\\u003e “I've not seen anyone else since school ended, so no.\" you reply.\n\n\\\u003eThe two of you chat briefly, mostly about the reunion, where it'll be, the dress code.\n\n\\\u003ei.e. is someone likely to come dressed as Frankenstein's slutty wife? Or Little Red Riding Hoe?\n\n\\\u003eSeems dress code is whatever, you're all adults.\u0026nbsp; But then you have to ask.\n\n\\\u003e“Did Adam and Becky get invited?\" you ask.\n\n\\\u003eRebecca Fisher was the Hyena girl equivalent to Adam.\u0026nbsp; A big girl who bullied people smaller than her.\n\n\\\u003eLike Allison Cranny.\n\n\\\u003e“I didn't, but I know others did and I know they're going.\" She replies timidly.\n\n\\\u003eYou recall Allison saying she was really scared of Becky.\n\n\\\u003eDidn't help the size difference. Allison's 5'2 to Becky's 6'1.\n\n\\\u003e “Well bollocks.\" You kindly comment with frustration. “Alright never know, ten years is a long time, people change.\"\n\n\\\u003e “Yeah I suppose so.\"\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003eShe doesn't sound convinced. Frankly neither are you.\n\n\\\u003eAdam and Becky had this _Alpha Ego_ thing.\u0026nbsp; Thinking because they were the biggest then they should have the most stuff, the most followers.\n\n\\\u003eWho did they think they were? Mad Max villains?\n\n\\\u003eRegardless.\n\n\\\u003e “Don't be scared of them either way, if shit happens, I'll deal with it.\"\n\n\\\u003e “You promise?\" Allison asks hopefully.\n\n\\\u003e “Aye, I promise.\"\n\n\\\u003e “Think we could meet up before the reunion?\" she asks.\n\n\\\u003eYou ponder to yourself, should you? Yeah, why not. You're on holiday now anyway.\n\n\\\u003eYou tell her the affirmative and you both set a time and place.\n\n\\\u003eYou both end the phone call cordially and hang up.\n\n\\\u003eRight, you need to find a costume.\n\n\\\u003eSomething tasteful. But what?\n\n\\\u003eAbout a week or so goes by before you drive back home.\n\n\\\u003eSix fucking hours!\n\n\\\u003ePissing road works again.\u0026nbsp; There's _always_ something being fixed because they didn't fix it properly the last time!\n\n\\\u003eYou return home. Well to your mum's house.\u0026nbsp; The house you were raised in.\n\n\\\u003eStanding outside you feel a wave of nostalgia, you've not been back in, how long was it now?\n\n\\\u003eToo long.\n\n\\\u003eYou had great, and terrible memories here.\n\n\\\u003eQueue the violin music!\n\n\\\u003eYou were mostly raised by your mum and grandad on your dad's side.\u0026nbsp; You barely remember your dad.\n\n\\\u003eHe wasn't a dead beat, and he didn't leave, per say.\n\n\\\u003eHe was just busy being, well …\n\n\\\u003eDead.\n\n\\\u003eYour dad, John Cooper. K.I.A. He was a soldier, a sniper during the Falklands, he was killed when you were a kid.\n\n\\\u003eYou barely remember his voice.\n\n\\\u003eEveryone says how much you look like him.\n\n\\\u003eOld photos prove that to be so.\n\n\\\u003eEveryone loved and respected John.\u0026nbsp; He was a tough but fair man.\n\n\\\u003eYour grandad says you two would've gotten on like fire and dynamite.\n\n\\\u003eOld family saying which usually meant “great\".\n\n\\\u003eYeah it's weird.\n\n\\\u003eYou walk up to the door and knock then wait.\n\n\\\u003eThe door opens and there she is, standing a few inches shorter than you, short brown hair which is starting to grey.\n\n\\\u003eYour loving mum!\u0026nbsp; Hello mum!\n\n\\\u003e “Dwayne you little bastard come 'ere and give yer mum a love!\"\n\n\\\u003eYour mum wraps you in a hug, a damn tight hug. Your mum was always a tough ol' bird.\n\n\\\u003eYou hug her in return, though not quite so hard. You're a tough ol' prick yourself.\n\n\\\u003e “You're running a bit late lad.\" Your mum says as she pulls away.\n\n\\\u003e “Pissing road works.\" You reply.\n\n\\\u003eShe shakes her head. She knows how it is.\u0026nbsp; Everyone in England knows how it is.\n\n\\\u003e “Come in son, I'll make ya a cup a'tea.\"\n\n\\\u003eMum's tea. Fuck yeah!\n\n\\\u003eIt's not long till you have your case in the house, and your sat down on sofa with a cup of tea and a plate of biscuits.\u0026nbsp; Cookies if you're a yank.\n\n\\\u003e “Allison is pretty excited to see you Dwayne.\u0026nbsp; She was always a sweet girl t' you.\"\n\n\\\u003eGee wiz, you wonder why?\n\n\\\u003e “Aye? We were going to meet up later and have a chat.\"\n\n\\\u003e “Wonderful! Maybe you two'll hit it off again.\" She says with excitement.\n\n\\\u003eNow hold on there mother!\n\n\\\u003e “Eh?\u0026nbsp; We were just friends mum, that's all.\" You try and argue.\n\n\\\u003e “Oh aye? And you must think I'm blind and daft. The looks that girl gave you.\"\n\n\\\u003eThe what now?\n\n\\\u003e “I'd made my peace thinking I was going to have grandkids hopping around and eating their veggies.\"\n\n\\\u003eTHE! WHAT! NOW!?\n\n\\\u003e “Mum, mum!\u0026nbsp; Please me and Allison are just friends, honest!\" you plead your case.\n\n\\\u003eYour mum raises a hand in surrender.\n\n\\\u003e “Alright if you say so.\"\n\n\\\u003eThe pair of you continue to talk, going over anything and everything till the night draws in.\n\n\\\u003eMum pulls out the meal she'd prepared for the two of you for the evening.\n\n\\\u003eCan't go wrong with chips and burgers.\n\n\\\u003eAfter food and more conversation your mother bids you goodnight as she heads for bed.\n\n\\\u003eYou grab your luggage and go back to your old room.\n\n\\\u003eIt's just like you left it.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003eYou unpacked your luggage.\n\n\\\u003eYou don't have a costume yet. You and Allison would do that together.\n\n\\\u003eYour mum's words went through your head.\n\n\\\u003eOh shit!\u0026nbsp; Does Allison think this is a date?\n\n\\\u003eYou can't date right now.\u0026nbsp; Your life is … well\n\n\\\u003eYour life is your life. It's complicated.\n\n\\\u003eShe deserves a nice uncomplicated guy to settle down with.\n\n\\\u003eYou're just a mess. You can admit it.\n\n\\\u003eA mess filled will with rage and hunger.\n\n\\\u003eThe following day comes quickly. Unlike a few months back you wake up at your usual time.\n\n\\\u003e8:24am\n\n\\\u003eYou get up. You'll get a shower late but it's time for a shave\n\n\\\u003eYou spend a fortune on razor blades. You idly think.\n\n\\\u003eShave done.\u0026nbsp; Nice and trim.\u0026nbsp; Almost look handsome.\n\n\\\u003ePut on loose, light comfy clothes.\n\n\\\u003eGo for a morning run.\n\n\\\u003eOnce you step outside the late October air greets you.\n\n\\\u003eIts bloody cold.\n\n\\\u003eYou can also smell the rain in the clouds. Typical.\n\n\\\u003eYou go for your jog, a comfortable pace you've developed over the last few years.\n\n\\\u003eA pace of 14 miles per hour.\n\n\\\u003eMight as well see how much of the area you remember.\n\n\\\u003eYour jog slowly turns into a literal trek down memory lane as you jog around the town.\n\n\\\u003eSo many old memories. So many friends. Good times and bad times. Some scuffles and fights.\n\n\\\u003ePerhaps this reunion was really a good idea.\n\n\\\u003eGet back to your roots. See old friends and faces.\n\n\\\u003eWhen you return the clock read 9:49\n\n\\\u003eNot bad.\n\n\\\u003eYou hear sounds from the kitchen.\n\n\\\u003eThe clattering of pans and your mother humming to herself.\n\n\\\u003e “I'm back mum!\" you shout\n\n\\\u003e “Is that what that sound was, I thought someone had just to rob me.\" She jokes.\n\n\\\u003eNo one in their right mind would try and rob your mother.\n\n\\\u003eUnless they had a death wish of course.\n\n\\\u003e “Funny! I'm just gonna pop in shower.\" You call to her\n\n\\\u003e “ 'aight, don't take too long, breakfast is nearly ready.\" She says as your run upstairs.\n\n\\\u003eOne shower and clothes change later you're down for breakfast sat next to your mum on the dining table with breakfast.\n\n\\\u003eSausage, bacon, hashbrowns and a mug of tea for you. A full cooked breakfast for her.\n\n\\\u003eYou dig in heartily.\n\n\\\u003eAs you eat you look to your mother, she looks pensive, like she wants to say something.\n\n\\\u003eYou decide to break the ice.\n\n\\\u003e “What's up mum?\"\n\n\\\u003eShe puts down her knife and fork and sighs.\n\n\\\u003e “Dwayne I've got something to tell you.\"\n\n\\\u003eOh no.\u0026nbsp; No. No!\u0026nbsp; Please God don't let it be the C word. Please God plea…\n\n\\\u003e “I've been seeing someone.\"\n\n\\\u003eOH THANK CHRIST!\n\n\\\u003e “For FUCK sake mum!\" you roar, startling her.\n\n\\\u003eYou laugh.\n\n\\\u003e “Never start a sentence fucking like that ever again!\"\n\n\\\u003eYou lean back in your chair and laugh more in relief.\n\n\\\u003e You mum looks at your confused.\n\n\\\u003e “I thought you were about to say you were fucking dying!\"\n\n\\\u003eNow your mum laughs.\n\n\\\u003e “Don't be so bloody stupid!\" she shouts back all the while smiling.\n\n\\\u003e “Nothing can kill me without my permission.\" She says and flexes her arm muscles.\n\n\\\u003e She's not buff, but she's always had a strong body.\n\n\\\u003eNo wonder someone fell for her.\n\n\\\u003eThe poor guy.\n\n\\\u003e “So, you're seeing someone?\u0026nbsp; Anyone I know?\" you ask\n\n\\\u003e “Your remember James Arkwright?\"\n\n\\\u003e James Arkwright.\n\n\\\u003e Before you left the town he was the butcher's apprentice.\n\n\\\u003e He was also a bit younger than your mum, by a fair bit. Your mum was in her mid 50s.\n\n\\\u003e You decide to approach the topic slowly and cautiously.\n\n\\\u003e “Mum you're like 10 years older than him, if not more!\"\n\n\\\u003eSmooth\n\n\\\u003e “You cheeky bastard!\" she retorts, none too happy.\n\n\\\u003eQuick salvage this.\n\n\\\u003e “Okay look, I'm happy for you, honest!\" you put your hands up in surrender.\n\n\\\u003e “I just didn't know you'd enjoy such young men.\" You snort with laughter.\n\n\\\u003eYour mum crosses her arms and give you the stink eye.\n\n\\\u003e “I'll have you know we've been together since March last year, and we're happy together.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou can't argue with that.\n\n\\\u003e “Well, I'm happy for you, both of you.\"\n\n\\\u003ePause for dramatic effect.\n\n\\\u003e “Does this mean you get cheaper meat from butchers?\"\n\n\\\u003eYour mum throws a napkin at you as you both laugh.\n\n\\\u003eA few hours later and it's almost time to meet with Allison.\n\n\\\u003eYou've helped clean the house, had a quick drink of tea before you left, shouting bye to your mother.\n\n\\\u003eYou get in your car and drive off to meet her.\n\n\\\u003eShe'd chosen an old favourite meeting place.\n\n\\\u003eLinda's café.\n\n\\\u003eGood cakes.\n\n\\\u003eLinda herself was a Labrador anthro about as tall as your mum. Nice lady.\n\n\\\u003eHusband was a plumber. He was a Labrador too.\n\n\\\u003eYou park up in the nearest car park. Local citizen badge in the window.\n\n\\\u003eDon't want a fine.\n\n\\\u003eThen walk the rest of the way to the café. Which thankfully wasn't far.\n\n\\\u003eArrive at the café\n\n\\\u003eIt's a little after midday\n\n\\\u003eCafé isn't too busy.\n\n\\\u003eYou step inside and look around, there's a few people, humans and anthros sat at tables, chatting, eating and drinking.\n\n\\\u003eRather pleasant really.\n\n\\\u003eYou walk up to the counter, order a simple tea.\n\n\\\u003eLinda recognises you instantly.\u0026nbsp; She had the memory of an elephant.\n\n\\\u003eIs that speciesist? Maybe.\n\n\\\u003eYou order a cup of tea and the pair of you chat briefly.\n\n\\\u003eShe and her family are doing well, kids are well, eldest is thinking of marrying his girlfriend.\n\n\\\u003eAww bless.\n\n\\\u003eYou're doing well. Just having a break from work to visit old friends and family. No kids. No wife.\n\n\\\u003eBefore she can ask more you hear a voice from the door\n\n\\\u003e “Oh my god Dwayne!\"\n\n\\\u003eYou turn and look\n\n\\\u003e …..\n\n\\\u003e Well holy fuck!\n\n\\\u003eGone is the timid petite 5'2 nerd bunny you once knew.\n\n\\\u003eHello mature, hourglass figured, just a little shorter than you, bombshell of a bunny.\n\n\\\u003eAgain, holy shit.\n\n\\\u003eYou can see it in her, she's just brimming with confidence.\n\n\\\u003eThe way she holds herself, the way she walks, the clothes she's wearing.\n\n\\\u003eA light blouse with a purple jacket on top, dark blue jeans, and stylish shoes on her plantigrade feet.\n\n\\\u003e “Holy … Allison!\" you smile big as the bunny rushes up and hugs you.\n\n\\\u003eNice firm tiddies!\n\n\\\u003eYou return her embrace. Then after a gentle squeeze you separate, you smile at one another.\n\n\\\u003e “Well look at you, where'd that little bookworm go?\" you ask cheekily.\n\n\\\u003e “She grew up.\" The young rabbit replies with a large grin.\n\n\\\u003eShe orders her own drink, a black coffee and you both get something to eat.\n\n\\\u003eThe pair of you sit at a table in the corner, with you sitting with your back to the wall, just in case.\n\n\\\u003e “So, wow look at you.\" You say again looking her over.\n\n\\\u003eShe blushes, that's a good and bad sign if there ever was one.\n\n\\\u003e “Well some of it was just growing older, my growth spurt really hit me hard when I turned 19 which also started to make my uh, you know what's, get bigger.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou glance down, yep they're bigger than you remember. You don't know the cup size but, they're definitely bigger.\n\n\\\u003e “I went to college, did a course in finance, spent a few years there, went to university.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou interrupt her while having a grin on your face.\n\n\\\u003e “How did college and Uni go for you?\u0026nbsp; You have any _fun?\"_\n\n\\\u003eYou put emphasis into fun.\n\n\\\u003eShe blushes.\u0026nbsp; Score!\n\n\\\u003e “I ah, had a few moments in college yeah, but uh nothing to say in polite company.\"\n\n\\\u003eShe motions to the people behind her discreetly. Fair point.\n\n\\\u003e “Promise to tell you later though.\" She grins. “I also started going to the gym once a week, keep myself fit.\"\n\n\\\u003e “It's done wonders for you.\" You quip. “You're surer of yourself too.\"\n\n\\\u003e “Thanks Dwayne. Had to stand up for myself without my knight around.\" She gives you a sly wink.\n\n\\\u003eYou shake your head. “I was no knight lass, maybe I just liked to fight.\"\n\n\\\u003e She shrugged at your comment. “Maybe, but you didn't take shit from bullies, and I admired that, still do.\"\n\n\\\u003e “So with all that learning what do you do?\"\n\n\\\u003e “I work at McDonalds.\" She states in a bored tone. Then suddenly laughs at your dumbstruck look. “I'm kidding, fuckin' hell! Can you imagine?\u0026nbsp; No, I work the finances for a distribution company in town, pays pretty nice.\"\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003eYou breathe a sigh of relief, laughing softly to yourself.\n\n\\\u003e “What about you? After secondary you just disappeared. Where'd you go?\" she asks.\n\n\\\u003eYou note the subtle change in tone, rejected, sad, lonely. Does she feel you abandoned her?\n\n\\\u003e “I joined the army.\"\n\n\\\u003eThat gets her attention, her eyes opening wider.\n\n\\\u003e “Like your dad.\" she states.\n\n\\\u003e “Aye, I joined the army as soon as I could, I blazed through boot camp then I was shipped off to Afghanistan, deal with the Taliban.\" Your hands subconsciously clench. She notices.\n\n\\\u003e “How'd that go?\" she asks hesitantly.\n\n\\\u003e “About as well as you'd expect.\" You reply. You inhale then exhale. “I'm a sergeant now.\"\n\n\\\u003eHer cute bunny ears perk up.\n\n\\\u003e “Hey congratulation!\u0026nbsp; That's fantastic. Well _sergeant_ Dwayne Cooper, I'm glad you're home safe and sound.\"\n\n\\\u003eNot exactly, but she doesn't need to know.\n\n\\\u003e “You are alright right?\" she suddenly asks hesitantly, giving you a worried look.\n\n\\\u003eYou are and yet you're not, not at all, but the worst didn't happen in Afghanistan.\n\n\\\u003e “Yeah I'm fine. \u0026nbsp;Just the usual fare.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou give her an encouraging smile\n\n\\\u003e “Did you get shot?\" she asks before sipping her coffee.\n\n\\\u003e “Here and there, didn't leave a scar so sadly no story telling war wounds.\"\n\n\\\u003eShe snorts, seemingly pacified with your nonchalant attitude to it.\n\n\\\u003eThat's likely for the best.\n\n\\\u003e “So what else has been going on?\" you start. “Is there a Mister Cranny I should meet and threaten?\" you grin.\n\n\\\u003eShe just laughs and waves you off with a hand.\n\n\\\u003e “No, but bloody hell not without trying.\u0026nbsp; I've gone out with a few guys, mainly rabbits, delved into other species, humans included.\" She looks at specifically when she mentions humans.\n\n\\\u003eTry and play it off, quick!\n\n\\\u003e “Did you ever try Tim Granger?\" you ask\n\n\\\u003eTim Granger was a rabbit anthro and one of your best mates throughout school, you'd known him for over 20 years now.\n\n\\\u003e “No, he moved away to a different college, but I heard he's coming back for the reunion.\"\n\n\\\u003eOkay, this could work, all you had to do was hope and pray he wasn't married.\n\n\\\u003e “What about you, there a Mrs Cooper waiting for you back in London?\" she asks teasingly.\n\n\\\u003eYou shake your head in the negative.\n\n\\\u003e “No, not after …\" you go quiet. Allison winces.\n\n\\\u003eWasn't a particularly good memory. When she found out Allison was furious.\n\n\\\u003e “But no, I had a few flings but nothing serious.\"\n\n\\\u003eAllison looks thoughtful, you're sure you see a smile at the edge of her mouth.\n\n\\\u003e “Well we're still young, we could mister or misses right soon.\" She says with a smile.\n\n\\\u003eReal subtle like isn't she?\n\n\\\u003e “Yeah, you never know.\"\n\n\\\u003eThe two of you finish your drinks and down your foods then you're off to the shops\n\n\\\u003eThe pair of you enter the first costume shop you find. It's a little small but deals with various holiday costumes, the cashier is a lady(?) poodle morph in goth clothes.\u0026nbsp; (S)He(?) looks hilarious. The fluffy poodle fur clashing with the black and depressing clothes.\n\n\\\u003eThe two of you hold your laughter and look for the Halloween section.\n\n\\\u003eOnce there you start looking through the men and women sections, human and anthro respectively.\n\n\\\u003eAllison has one costume in hand already then pulls out a Wolfman costume and holds it up for you.\n\n\\\u003e “Hey there big bad wolf, you want to see what treats little red riding hood has in her basket?\" Allison asks in a seductive turn and shows you the other costume.\n\n\\\u003eSexy Red Riding Hood.\n\n\\\u003eGod damn she'd look good in it.\n\n\\\u003eYou'd be turned on if it weren't for two thing.\n\n\\\u003eA- That was cringey as fuck\n\n\\\u003eB- Wolfman … you'll leave it at that.\n\n\\\u003eSo you just laugh and shake your head.\n\n\\\u003e “I can be hairy enough Ally, no need to give me more hair.\" You reply\n\n\\\u003e “I think you'd pull off a beard real well.\" She replies in turn.\n\n\\\u003eNot what you meant.\n\n\\\u003eShe tries again, even puts back Red Riding Hood.\n\n\\\u003e “I guess Halloween and monsters aren't scary anymore when you've been to war.\" She says.\n\n\\\u003e “You'd be surprised.\" Is all you reply with.\n\n\\\u003eThe two of you continue for about an hour or so looking for costumes all the while just chatting, talking about anything and everything that comes to mind.\n\n\\\u003eEventually you pick two costumes.\n\n\\\u003eShe gets a scary sexy clown girl costume.\n\n\\\u003eYou get “Hillbilly serial killer\" a pair of cheap overalls a faceless bald mask and some scary skull mask that goes over your face and comes with a dinky toy chainsaw.\u0026nbsp; It's scary you guess.\n\n\\\u003eThe cashier asks if you want anything else.\n\n\\\u003eYes are you a boy or a girl? You want to ask but bite your tongue.\n\n\\\u003eAllison says no, you quickly pay before she does and off you both go\n\n\\\u003eDespite the time you took finding costumes, it's still only early in the day.\n\n\\\u003eSo you just hang around, walk around the city centre and talk away like the old friends you were.\n\n\\\u003eYou find out she wants kids one day. At least three kids.\n\n\\\u003eIs it rude so say “Must be the rabbit genetics\"?\n\n\\\u003eYou wonder how it would go if you had kids.\n\n\\\u003eTurns out she already has everything planned for raising kids.\u0026nbsp; She goes into long details how she'd start off, then how she'd balance work with taking care of her kids. How she'd fit every single nanosecond she could to be with them.\n\n\\\u003eShe's sounds like Super-Mum!\n\n\\\u003eShe'll be a great mother.\n\n\\\u003eYou both conclude when the sun starts disappearing and the sky turns dark.\n\n\\\u003e “So what're you doing tomorrow?\" you ask.\n\n\\\u003e “Work then going to gym.\" She replies with a huff.\n\n\\\u003e “You want to meet at the gym? I could do with a little work out.\" You smile\n\n\\\u003eHer face lights up with joy.\n\n\\\u003e “Yeah, absolutely! You staying with your mum while you're here?\" she asks.\n\n\\\u003eYou nod.\n\n\\\u003e “I'll drop you a text when I'm done with work and I'll come pick you up.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou agree with her plan.\n\n\\\u003eShe hugs you and kisses you on your cheek.\n\n\\\u003e “I've really missed you Dwayne.\" She has a small sad smile on her face as she looks up at you.\n\n\\\u003eIt breaks your heart. You kiss her on the nose and her nose twitches.\n\n\\\u003eToo fucking adorable.\n\n\\\u003e “I missed you too.\"\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003eYou both go your separate ways all the while you curse yourself for kissing her, you can't get attached.\n\n\\\u003eGet back to your car and drive home. Well to your mum's house.\n\n\\\u003eDoor is locked but mum gave you a spare key.\n\n\\\u003eOpen the door and find the lights are off, everything is dark.\n\n\\\u003eAnd yet you see just fine.\n\n\\\u003eYou close and lock the door behind you quietly.\n\n\\\u003eDespite knowing better you go into combat mode.\n\n\\\u003eYou listen for anything that doesn't fit the place, your eyes focus in the dark.\n\n\\\u003eYou move from the hallway as quiet as a ghost and enter the living room.\n\n\\\u003eEyes scan the room, top to bottom, left to right, every corner observed for something hidden.\n\n\\\u003eYou see a piece of folded paper on the coffee table.\n\n\\\u003eWalking cautiously to it you continue to look about\n\n\\\u003eYou pick it up and read.\n\n\\\u003eOh bloody hell.\n\n\\\u003eYour mum has gone out with her new fella.\n\n\\\u003eCombat mode ceases.\n\n\\\u003eYou sigh with relief and put the note down.\n\n\\\u003eYou go to the light switch and turn on the big light.\n\n\\\u003eYou see everything all the same.\n\n\\\u003eYour night proceeds thusly. You make dinner in the kitchen. Turn on the TV to watch something _not_ terrible, then go for a nightly run before returning and heading to bed.\n\n\\\u003eYou hear your mother's return. She's laughing. She's happy. That makes you happy. You go back to sleep.\n\n\\\u003eThe following morning begins very much the same as the previous. You're up and awake early.\u0026nbsp; You go for your long morning run before returning home.\n\n\\\u003eYou hear nothing when you return except the soft snoring of your mother upstairs.\n\n\\\u003eYou were meeting with Allison today at the gym, maybe you could find where she worked and jog over there, meet her there so she wouldn't have to come get you.\u0026nbsp; That was an idea!\n\n\\\u003eYou take a quick shower after that you have cereal before checking up on your mum.\n\n\\\u003eShe's still snoozing. Good.\n\n\\\u003eYou get dressed, putting a coat on since the October weather is cold and wet.\n\n\\\u003eYou leave your mum a note on the dining tale that you're heading out for the day and that you have your phone with you.\n\n\\\u003eYou decide, as weird as it is, to take a look at the old school.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003eSee if there's anyone you remember.\n\n\\\u003eAnd if that plan doesn't pan out, go do something else.\n\n\\\u003eYou decide to walk rather than take your car.\u0026nbsp; It's a nice _enough_ day.\n\n\\\u003eMeaning it's dry for the time being.\n\n\\\u003eOutside once more the cold air hits you.\n\n\\\u003eIt's not terrible, the coat helps alleviate it.\n\n\\\u003eAround you kids in uniforms are making their way to school, same as you did all those years ago.\n\n\\\u003eWithin the hour you find yourself approaching the school, it's changed a little since you've been there.\n\n\\\u003eA few renovations and extra areas built that clashed heavily with the original brick work of the original building.\n\n\\\u003eNot surprising as parts of the school were over a thousand years old.\n\n\\\u003eYe' ole England innit?\n\n\\\u003eYou chuckle to yourself and scan the area mentally reliving old memories.\n\n\\\u003eA small part of you realises you look like a creep.\n\n\\\u003eApparently so did some copper.\n\n\\\u003e “You alright there sir?\" comes a voice to your right.\n\n\\\u003eYou turn your head slightly and look at him from the corner of your eye.\n\n\\\u003eA human police officer in a high visibility jacket a couple of inches shorter than you, around 5'6.\n\n\\\u003eHe's a community officer. The middle ground between a security guard and an actual cop.\n\n\\\u003eYour mouth moves before your brain think.\n\n\\\u003e “Yeah just looking.\"\n\n\\\u003e “At what?\" he asks in a not too condescending tone.\n\n\\\u003eNow your brain catches up\n\n\\\u003e “Whoa I'm not looking at the kids mate!\" you say with a heightened voice. “I'm not a creeper.\"\n\n\\\u003eHe doesn't look too convinced.\n\n\\\u003e “I used to go to school here, me and some friends are having a reunion here in a few days.\"\n\n\\\u003eThat gets his attention.\n\n\\\u003e “Oh aye?\u0026nbsp; Who're you then?\" he asks looking you over slowly.\n\n\\\u003e “Dwayne Cooper.\"\n\n\\\u003eHe looks you in the face, wide eyed with realisation, a smile growing across his bald-headed mug.\n\n\\\u003e “Dwayne!\u0026nbsp; You don't recognise me do ya?\" he asks excitedly\n\n\\\u003eNo?\u0026nbsp; Maybe?\n\n\\\u003e “Dennis Lowery.\" He says pointing at himself.\n\n\\\u003eHold the fuck up!\n\n\\\u003eYou point at him with surprise.\n\n\\\u003e “You're bald!\"\n\n\\\u003eHe laughs.\n\n\\\u003e “Aye I am!\"\n\n\\\u003eYou remember Dennis Lowery.\u0026nbsp; He was a skinny guy with a full head of hair, like _really_ full.\n\n\\\u003eLike down to his arse, full.\u0026nbsp; Like got in trouble a lot with the teachers because it was too long for a boy, full.\n\n\\\u003eThis copper before you is looking a little chubby, and again he's as bald as an egg.\u0026nbsp; You resist slapping his bald head with a saliva covered hand for good luck.\n\n\\\u003e “You look…\" fat, bald, “good. You're looking a lot different.\"\n\n\\\u003eHe chuckles and puts his hands in his trouser pockets casually.\n\n\\\u003e “That's kids for ya.\"\n\n\\\u003eHe got married? Shitting hell you've missed a lot.\n\n\\\u003e “Anyone I know?\" you dare to ask, not quite recalling if he was dating anyone.\n\n\\\u003e “You remember Teresa?\" he asks\n\n\\\u003eYou remember a few of them, which one?\u0026nbsp; You ask this.\n\n\\\u003e “Malbec.\" He simply replies.\n\n\\\u003eWell stone you.\u0026nbsp; You remember Teresa Malbec. She was a rat anthro, everyone made fun of her for being poor.\n\n\\\u003eNot you of course. Because you're amazing like that.\n\n\\\u003eShe had this sort of not-quite-goth-thing going on.\n\n\\\u003eGood for them you suppose.\n\n\\\u003e “Good for you both.\" You say. “Since when?\"\n\n\\\u003e “We started going out in secret in the final year. About three years after that we got married. About nine months after that we had our first kids.\"\n\n\\\u003eKids. Anthro and human couplings usually do this, it defies science and no one can explain it.\n\n\\\u003eUsually when an anthro and human get together for kids, the genes stay separate, twins are formed 70-80% of the time. Both will have characteristics of either parent but it's always human and an anthro.\n\n\\\u003eHybrids were the other 20-30% and typically rare, but not unheard of.\n\n\\\u003e “Aye, twins, boy rat, girl human.\" He points to his head. “That's where my hair went.\"\n\n\\\u003e “Stressful I take it.\" You grin.\n\n\\\u003e “Aye, but worth it.\"\n\n\\\u003eThere's a comfortable silence between the two of you before you ask if he's going to the reunion.\n\n\\\u003e “Yeah, we both are, my parents are looking after the kids while we go.\" He explains.\n\n\\\u003e “How is Teresa by the way?\" you ask.\n\n\\\u003e “A lot better than she used to be. Though not looking forward to seeing Fisher.\" He frowns.\n\n\\\u003eTeresa had been among the top three of Rebecca's targets to bully in school. Teresa being a rat was only round 5 feet tall on a good day, and rather scrawny and malnourished.\n\n\\\u003e “So what about yourself? Wife and kids?\" Dennis asks his frown once more being replaced with a smile.\n\n\\\u003e “No kids, no wife.\u0026nbsp; Just work.\" You reply.\n\n\\\u003eHe then asks the obvious, where are you working?\n\n\\\u003e “Soldier in the army. Just got back from Afghanistan.\"\n\n\\\u003eHis eyes open wide.\n\n\\\u003e “Bugger me. I knew you were in the cadets but didn't think you'd go full on squaddie.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou let him get over the surprise.\n\n\\\u003e “Well um, thank you for your service, I guess right?\"\n\n\\\u003eYou chuckle with little humour.\n\n\\\u003e “Appreciate it.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou're quick to change the subject.\n\n\\\u003e “You know who else is going?\"\n\n\\\u003eHe shakes his head.\n\n\\\u003e “Not really. Me and our lass got invited by Nat Bromley and she only mentioned Allison and Fisher and Adam Davis aaaaaand Matt Knob.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou internally burst out laughing. \u0026nbsp;You almost forgot about Matt Knob!\n\n\\\u003eMatt Knob was the tallest student in the school at 6 foot 7. Which was weird as he was crow. With bad eyesight. Even when he had his glasses on. Which he rarely did.\n\n\\\u003eEveryone placed bets on whether or not Matt was a stoner, as he always seemed stoned. But he was adamant he was just a “chill guy\".\n\n\\\u003e “I fucking love Matt Knob.\" You suddenly state.\n\n\\\u003e “I fucking love him too.\" Dennis adds.\n\n\\\u003eYou both share a laugh at the thought of Matt Knob.\n\n\\\u003e “What's he doing?\" you ask.\n\n\\\u003e “You remember Sofia Dunn?\" he asks.\n\n\\\u003eYou do!\u0026nbsp; Sofia Dunn was a tabby cat girl and the daughter of your French teacher, Mrs Dunn.\n\n\\\u003eShe was also part of Rebecca Fisher's bullying crew. Because they were all so fucking original.\n\n\\\u003e “They're together. Not married or anything, no kids but together.\"\n\n\\\u003eThat's unexpected. Sofia bullied Matt a fair bit. He was a gentle giant. She was a short, short-tempered bitch of a cat.\n\n\\\u003eHer mum was never best pleased.\n\n\\\u003e “You think shit'll get dragged in with Becca and Adam?\" you ask and Dennis winces like he stepped on Lego.\n\n\\\u003e “I'm hoping not.\u0026nbsp; I have seen Adam lately down at the pub, but I've not talk to him.\" Dennis replies.\n\n\\\u003eDennis used to be bullied by Adam because of his hair. The fucking cat even cut some of it off once, “as a joke\".\n\n\\\u003e “Think you can arrest him if he starts shit?\" you ask.\n\n\\\u003eDennis replies with a shake of his head. “No, I'm just a community cop, sorry.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou nod. “Doesn't matter, I'll deal with him if I have to.\"\n\n\\\u003eDennis smiled thankfully, then he had a thoughtful look.\n\n\\\u003e “You were never scared of him Dwayne, why?\"\n\n\\\u003eEven when you were young you didn't have much fear in you. You thought to yourself.\n\n\\\u003eAdam was big, had teeth and claws. But you were meaner.\n\n\\\u003eEveryone who knew your dad said he never backed down from a fight. Didn't tolerate bullies.\n\n\\\u003eSo neither did you.\u0026nbsp; You like to think he'd be smiling down on you for what you'd done.\n\n\\\u003e “I don't scare easy, never have.\" Is all you reply with.\n\n\\\u003eHe accepts your reasoning.\n\n\\\u003e “How long you been back in town?\" he asks suddenly.\n\n\\\u003e “Just a day, met up with Allison and had a chat and a walk about.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou pause and take a look around at the place, comparing it to your memory.\n\n\\\u003e “Things haven't really changed all that much.\" You comment\n\n\\\u003eHe has his hands in his pocket jacket pockets and nods.\u0026nbsp; “Aye, true that.\"\n\n\\\u003e “So now, just having a wander about, see who I can see.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou two continue to chat aimlessly for another half an hour before his duties pull him away.\n\n\\\u003e “Right best go Dwayne.\" He waves at you as he walks onwards. “See you later mate!\"\n\n\\\u003eYou wave and shout him goodbye.\n\n\\\u003eYou turn back to the school looking the building over once more before heading off on your way.\n\n\\\u003eYou explore some of your old haunts for a few hours before heading back home.\n\n\\\u003eOn your way back, you drop Allison a text asking her _where_ she worked, so you'd come and meet her.\n\n\\\u003eYou finally arrive home when Allison replies.\u0026nbsp; You know the address, it's not terribly far away and you have a rough estimate of when to set off.\n\n\\\u003eInside the house your mum is all smiles. You tease and make fun of her to which you both laugh.\n\n\\\u003eSeems James Arkwright is a regular Casanova as they both had a good time out.\n\n\\\u003eGood for them. It makes you happy.\n\n\\\u003eYou go get a shower and a change of clothes then grab a gym bag, a loose-fitting t-shirt, shorts, trainers and a bottle of water and stuff forementioned items into said bag.\n\n\\\u003eA few short hours later before you leave for your jog, your mother informs you Grandad was coming round this evening.\n\n\\\u003eGod damn.\n\n\\\u003eWhen was the last time you saw him in the flesh?\n\n\\\u003eCouple of years back.\u0026nbsp; You've spoken to him via skype when you were in Afghanistan.\n\n\\\u003eHe's proud of you. Taking on the family tradition.\n\n\\\u003eWhile dad fought in the Falklands. Your grandad, Sergeant Alexander Cooper, fought in WW2 and his father Alister fought in WW1.\n\n\\\u003eYou wouldn't be half surprised if there was a, Sir Cooper: knight of the realm, centuries ago.\n\n\\\u003eAnyway, it'll be good to see Grandad again!\u0026nbsp; You're looking forward to it.\n\n\\\u003eYour mum asks for you to bring Allison round.\u0026nbsp; You mentally curse in your head but agree vocally.\n\n\\\u003eFree of the matchmaking mother you start your jog, again at 14 miles an hour, towards her place of work.\n\n\\\u003eIt takes you around forty-five minutes to get there due to the twists and turns and streets you must cross.\u0026nbsp; But you've done worse.\n\n\\\u003eYou're not even sweating, not even tired. The cold brisk wind blows against your face.\n\n\\\u003eYou arrive at her place of work. A tall multi-story building with the name “Kalen Distributors\" written on the front of a sign near the entrance.\n\n\\\u003eYou walk closer to the building, your eyes spot the sign for a receptionist area.\n\n\\\u003eYou enter.\n\n\\\u003eThe inside is as all lobbies are like.\n\n\\\u003eReceptionist's desk.\u0026nbsp; Woman behind it. She's human.\u0026nbsp; Glasses. Tapping away at a computer.\n\n\\\u003eYou stride towards the desk and await to be acknowledged.\n\n\\\u003eYou don't have to wait long.\n\n\\\u003e “'ello sir, how can we 'elp ye today?\"\n\n\\\u003eThe lady. “Janet\" as her name badge says. Turns and fake-smiles at you.\n\n\\\u003e You explain you're here to meet with Allison Cranny from finances department, whenever she's finished.\n\n\\\u003eShe looks you up and down, her smile changing ever so slightly before looking you in the eye.\n\n\\\u003e “I'll leave a message with finance to let her know you're here.\"\n\n\\\u003eShe asks politely for you to sit down to wait. You do so.\n\n\\\u003eAs you wait you ponder what it's like to be home.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003eIt's great seeing your mum again.\n\n\\\u003eSeeing the old house.\n\n\\\u003eAll those memories of you and your siblings and your friends.\n\n\\\u003eThe ever fading memories of your dad.\n\n\\\u003eYour thoughts drift to Allison and what your mum said earlier.\n\n\\\u003eDo you love Allison?\n\n\\\u003eCan you love her?\n\n\\\u003eShe was a good friend in school.\n\n\\\u003eAnd she is undeniably beautiful, incredibly fun to be with, easy to talk to.\n\n\\\u003eYour mother liked her.\n\n\\\u003eAllison's mother liked you from what you recall.\n\n\\\u003eShe was perfect wife material.\n\n\\\u003eExcept _you_ were the problem.\n\n\\\u003eAllison deserved to be with someone who wasn't complicated.\n\n\\\u003eSomeone who would return home at the end of the day, preferably _not_ in a body bag or a shoe box.\n\n\\\u003eSomeone loyal and loving.\n\n\\\u003eMaybe you'd get inspiration at the reunion.\n\n\\\u003eYou're pulled from your thoughts by footsteps and a familiar smell.\n\n\\\u003eLifting your head you see Allison step around the corner, her eyes meet yours and her face lights up with glee.\n\n\\\u003e “Dwayne!\u0026nbsp; You came!\" she walks over to you briskly.\n\n\\\u003eYou stand and laugh softly.\n\n\\\u003e “Said I would didn't I?\"\n\n\\\u003eYou heft the bag over your shoulder for emphasis.\n\n\\\u003e “We off to the gym?\"\n\n\\\u003eShe nods happily.\n\n\\\u003e “I'm so happy you're coming with me! It'll be fun to do something together.\"\n\n\\\u003eShe gives you a particular look, and her scent changes.\n\n\\\u003eOh yeah you know _exactly_ what type of workout she wants to do together.\n\n\\\u003eYou both exit the lobby with Allison giving Janet a wave and goodbye and leads you to her car\n\n\\\u003e “There's also something else Dwayne.\" She says once she's pulled out of the car park and driving to the gym.\n\n\\\u003eYou say nothing and wait, but look at her, signalling you were listening.\n\n\\\u003e “There's been some guys giving me shit at the gym lately.\" She begins.\n\n\\\u003eYou raise your brow. Your hands clench.\n\n\\\u003e “I don't want ye' to do anythin' rash!\" she quickly explains.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\\u003eFighting was typically your go to problem solver.\n\n\\\u003e “Just be around me, hopefully they'll think you're my boyfriend and back off.\"\n\n\\\u003e “Failing that I've got some friends who'll help me remove bodies.\" You reply with a smirk.\n\n\\\u003eAllison laughs, slapping your chest with the back of her hand/paw(?)\n\n\\\u003eYou were only partially joking.\n\n\\\u003e “Oh aye, very funny Mr Solider.\"\n\n\\\u003eAgain, only partially joking.\n\n\\\u003e “Won't the gym owners or instructors step in, to sort 'em out?\" you ask.\n\n\\\u003eAllison rolls her eyes and groans aloud.\n\n\\\u003e “I wish, they're friends with one of the instructors so he won't do shit.\u0026nbsp; The others just can't be bothered, there's only one woman instructor and she's on pregnancy leave.\"\n\n\\\u003eAllison threw her arms up in exasperation.\n\n\\\u003e “If things get out of hand, I'll be calm and deal with the situation accordingly. It's what I've been trained for.\" You reply in honesty.\n\n\\\u003eShe glances at you fondly for a second before focusing on the road.\n\n\\\u003e “You have changed. I remember when your take on diplomacy was to kick the shit out of someone 'til they made peace.\" She chuckles\n\n\\\u003eYou were always a fighter.\n\n\\\u003e “I never fought unless I thought I had to.\" You shoot back with a smirk.\n\n\\\u003e “Then you must a thought you had to a _lot_.\" She counters.\n\n\\\u003eOkay fair point.\n\n\\\u003eThe rest of the drive there you talk about your respective days.\n\n\\\u003eHers had been, run-of-the-mill, by the books and boring.\n\n\\\u003eYou told her about your meet up with Dennis Lowery and you two chatting. You asked if she knew about Matt Knob and Sofia Dunn.\n\n\\\u003eShe did she says, she was happy for them.\n\n\\\u003eSoon enough you arrive at the gym. It's a large two-story building, must be one hell of a gym.\n\n\\\u003e “The bottom floor has swimming pool, the second floor is the gym.\" Allison explains, likely having seen your reaction.\n\n\\\u003eMakes sense.\n\n\\\u003eShe parks up, you both get out and make your way to the entrance.\n\n\\\u003eOpening the door for you, take note of the entrance.\n\n\\\u003eSilver painted walls, with a golden rail, posters about fitness along the walls.\n\n\\\u003eAhead are signs for the swimming pool areas and the gym upstairs, there's a lift, and a set of stairs next to it. Directions for toilets in the far-left corner.\n\n\\\u003eAs you look around Allison gently guides you to the lady at the desk.\n\n\\\u003eAn anthro lady, a jackal to be specific or something similar.\n\n\\\u003eWhite sleeveless t-shirt shows off her strong arms.\n\n\\\u003eHot damn!\n\n\\\u003e “Allison, how are you dear?\"\n\n\\\u003eLady has an accent. Not English, Egyptian maybe?\n\n\\\u003eYou were in Egypt last year. It was very nice, too much sand though.\n\n\\\u003e “Hey Janet, just finished work, same stuff different day you know how it is.\" Allison replies\n\n\\\u003eAllison turns to you and smiles\n\n\\\u003e “This is an old friend of mine, he's visiting a while.\"\n\n\\\u003eLook at Janet and give a friendly smile and a nod.\n\n\\\u003e “Ya'right?\" you greet.\n\n\\\u003e “Ya'right.\" Janet replies\n\n\\\u003eAllison scans what can only be a membership card and then tries to purchase a one-day use for you.\n\n\\\u003eJump in and pay for it yourself.\n\n\\\u003eAllison tries to complain but you stop her.\n\n\\\u003eYou're a grown arse man damn it. You have money.\n\n\\\u003eJanet finds you both amusing and lets you go once you've paid.\n\n\\\u003eYou both ascend to the next floor using the stairs.\n\n\\\u003eThere you see the changing rooms.\n\n\\\u003eAllison says she'll meet you outside them.\n\n\\\u003eYou agree and separate to get changed.\n\n\\\u003eEnter the changing rooms. You can smell the stench of sweat, terrible deodorant and guys who _really_ need to get a room.\u0026nbsp; And not _this_ room.\n\n\\\u003eIgnore the smell and get changed, you add a little or your own terrible deodorant to your pits.\n\n\\\u003ePut your stuff in a locker, then exit changing room.\n\n\\\u003eAllison is not outside waiting for you.\n\n\\\u003eMaybe having a shower beforehand probably?\n\n\\\u003eYou don't wait much longer before Allison appears.\n\n\\\u003eAnd hot damn!\n\n\\\u003ePurple shorts that stop just above her knees and a loose fitting grey sleeveless t-shirt.\n\n\\\u003eThe entire ensemble teases the viewer of her fit frame and handful sized breasts.\n\n\\\u003eA bombshell as they'd say in America.\n\n\\\u003eAllison takes notice of yours expression.\n\n\\\u003e “You got a problem there lad?\" she grins at you with her hands on her hips.\n\n\\\u003eGod damn this bunny!\n\n\\\u003eHer grins fades when she looks towards the gym itself.\n\n\\\u003e “Oh great, they're here.\" She mutters but you hear her.\n\n\\\u003eYou turn around and spot several people working out on various equipment, young and old, anthro and human.\n\n\\\u003eYour instincts land on two specific individuals.\n\n\\\u003eTwo guys, anthros. A rat and a horse. Rat is a little shorter than you, horse is a little taller.\n\n\\\u003eBoth have a decent physique, bigger than yours, but you're not built for size.\n\n\\\u003e “The rat and the horse?\" you ask.\n\n\\\u003e “Aye, thems the two.\" She replies with a grimace. “Stick by me?\"\n\n\\\u003e “Already promised, wasn't thinking of doing anything but anyways. Lets go.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou nonchalantly make you way over to the gym. Firstly, the treadmills.\n\n\\\u003eThere's a couple of them. Allison takes the far end one with you beside her.\n\n\\\u003eThe radio around you starts playing some AC/DC.\n\n\\\u003eGood shit!\n\n\\\u003eThe two of you start your respective runs in peace.\n\n\\\u003eThe two guys seem to be keeping their distance.\n\n\\\u003eFor now at least.\n\n\\\u003eA minute or so later you subtly turn your attention to Allison.\n\n\\\u003eShe's keeping a good pace. Her breath is even. There's a determined look on her face as she stares ahead.\n\n\\\u003eSeeing her panting in time to her strides, her leg muscles flexing to keep up her pace, the shapely contours of her arse in those shorts, the way her breasts bounce just a little in her sports bra.\n\n\\\u003eIt makes your heart flutter, as well as do others things elsewhere.\n\n\\\u003eGod fucking damn it Dwayne, head out of the gutter!\u0026nbsp; You're trying to avoid falling for her.\n\n\\\u003e “You checkin' me out Dwayne?\" You hear her say.\n\n\\\u003eOh crap, you've been staring at her legs, quick look at her face!\n\n\\\u003eYou look up. She's looking at you from the corner of her eye and giving you a sly smirk.\n\n\\\u003eShit.\n\n\\\u003eYou say nothing and look straight ahead, though you can't help the grin that spreads across your face.\n\n\\\u003eAfter several more minutes the pair of you leave the treadmills in search for something else.\n\n\\\u003e “This is your day lass, what's next?\" you ask.\n\n\\\u003eAllison looks at you then points to a set of dumbbells and various other weights.\n\n\\\u003e “I work me arms on them, try and keep me upper body strength goin'.\" She replies.\n\n\\\u003eYou chuckle as you think of an incredibly ripped Allison.\n\n\\\u003e “You tryin' out for _Ms Universe_ eh?\" You jest.\n\n\\\u003e “Fuck off dick head.\" She replies with a laugh.\n\n\\\u003eAt the dumbbells she picks up a sensibly sized and weighted dumbbell.\n\n\\\u003e “I'm just making sure me arms don't wither to skin and bones while I'm typing at my computer.\" Allison explains as she starts curling.\n\n\\\u003eYou pick up another and join her.\n\n\\\u003e “So Dwayne, you get much of a work out in the army?\" she asks suddenly, a little hint of humour in her voice.\n\n\\\u003e “Aye, heftin' around a load of kit from one place to another and dodging bullets really makes you lose the pounds. I'd suggest it to anyone whose not afraid of getting shot.\" You reply dryly with a lopsided grin.\n\n\\\u003eDark humour was common in your old squad.\n\n\\\u003eYou hear the muffled sound of footsteps approach.\u0026nbsp; The smell of sweat and musk.\n\n\\\u003e A much larger dumbbell appears in your peripheral vision.\n\n\\\u003eThe horse anthro from earlier gets _way_ too close for comfort.\n\n\\\u003e “How you doin'?\" he asks with a large grin.\n\n\\\u003e “Fine.\" You reply.\n\n\\\u003eYou notice the rat getting up close to Allison and she's not happy about in the slightest.\n\n\\\u003eYou do the _you_ thing and step in.\n\n\\\u003e “You mind mate? She likes her personal space.\" You say staring towards the rat.\n\n\\\u003e “Oh and you'd know would ye?\" he asks with a cocky grin.\n\n\\\u003eWhat a fucking idiot.\n\n\\\u003eYou decide to get to the point.\n\n\\\u003e “Aye I would, you're getting on her nerves. Be a good lad, take your mate, and leave her alone.\"\n\n\\\u003eNice and diplomatic.\n\n\\\u003eYour instructor would've been proud … ish.\n\n\\\u003e “Sorry to say but we saw her first.\" The rat replies with a grin.\n\n\\\u003eAllison steps away from him.\n\n\\\u003eYou want to break his freakin' neck.\n\n\\\u003e “Saw her first?\u0026nbsp; What are ye' twelve?\" you shoot back.\n\n\\\u003e “I'm only asking politely once more.\u0026nbsp; Fuck off!\"\n\n\\\u003eDiplomacy at its best.\n\n\\\u003e “You want to fuckin' start mate?\" the rat snarled.\n\n\\\u003eAllison looked uncomfortable as she looked between the two of you.\n\n\\\u003e “I'd fuckin' 'ave you mate.\"\n\n\\\u003eYeah you were never good at keeping your cool for long.\n\n\\\u003eThe rat drops his dumbbell narrowly missing his foot and glares at you.\n\n\\\u003eYou stand up, proving your height superiority.\n\n\\\u003eThe horse stand up proving his supremacy in height.\n\n\\\u003e “How about you fuck off?\" the horse says with a glare aimed right at you.\n\n\\\u003eCalm down Dwayne, you're going to end up killing them both by accident.\n\n\\\u003e “How about you all calm the fuck down.\" Allison demands glaring at the three of you.\n\n\\\u003e “All this fuckin' testosterone.\" She glares at the three of you.\n\n\\\u003e “What happened to calm and collected?\" she bites at you while crossing her arms.\n\n\\\u003eYou suppress the tempting urge to spill their guts and eat them.\n\n\\\u003eWouldn't want to cause a scene of course.\n\n\\\u003eAn idea strikes you.\n\n\\\u003e “Alright, how about this?\" you begin gaining the others attention. You voice still heated.\n\n\\\u003e “Seeing as how you, _fine_ gentlemen seem to be honourable, sporting types.\" There couldn't be anymore sarcasm dripping from your words if you tried.\n\n\\\u003e “How about a wager?\" This gets their attention, and you notice Allison doesn't thrilled.\n\n\\\u003eYou point to the large weights not far from your position.\n\n\\\u003e “Whoever can lift the heaviest weights on the barbell _and_ rep them three times, over their head, can take the lovely bunny here home.\"\n\n\\\u003eThe two guys grin and Allison storms around to you.\n\n\\\u003e “I'm not a fuckin' prize to be won!\" she argues.\n\n\\\u003e “True, but this'll be the only way to sort this out, right?\" You reply. “Trust me.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou gave her a look, she's not pleased, but she seems to be thinking it over.\n\n\\\u003e “Whoever loses, never talks to her again, fair?\" you add looking to the two anthros.\n\n\\\u003eThey look between one another, then to you, looking you up and down.\n\n\\\u003eLikely comparing the muscle build between then three of you, they're definitely on the larger size.\n\n\\\u003eTo their credit, these guys are in great shape.\n\n\\\u003eStrong bulky muscles. Chiselled abs on the rat, a little pudge on the horse, but no one would call him fat.\n\n\\\u003eProbably took years of working out, very balanced diets.\n\n\\\u003eJust a pity all that work is wasted on two shit personalities.\n\n\\\u003eYou on the other hand.\u0026nbsp; You're not fat. You're in the best shape of your life.\n\n\\\u003eToned athletic build, perfect for strength, speed and endurance.\u0026nbsp; You served the Regiment well.\n\n\\\u003eThe horse barks a laugh and nods heartily.\n\n\\\u003e “Yeah sure, it's a deal.\" He says.\n\n\\\u003e “You two'll have to pick between yourselves.\" You mention, then glance at the rat.\n\n\\\u003e “As I'm such a generous bloke, I'll even let you load up the weights, how's that?\"\n\n\\\u003eThe horse seems excited, he's all for it.\n\n\\\u003eThe rat however doesn't seem so sure. You can smell his nervousness.\u0026nbsp; He knows somethings up.\n\n\\\u003eGuess you were wrong before. The rat is the smarter one.\n\n\\\u003e “Alright, you're on.\" The horse hastily agrees.\n\n\\\u003eThe two male anthros walk to the large weights.\n\n\\\u003eAllison waits by you.\n\n\\\u003e “This is fucking ridiculous.\" She whispered angrily.\n\n\\\u003e “Don't worry about it, I have this.\" You reply calmly.\n\n\\\u003eYou even give her a reassuring grin.\n\n\\\u003eThe pair of you walk over.\n\n\\\u003eIn the few seconds you spoke the two anthro men are loading a bar with weights.\n\n\\\u003eBig weights.\n\n\\\u003eSomething their muscles are used to.\n\n\\\u003eIt looks very impressive.\n\n\\\u003e_You sure do hope you can lift it!_\n\n\\\u003eSarcasm levels set to max.\n\n\\\u003e “Alright, here is 250 pounds. My mate here will go first, then me, then you skinny.\" The horse smirks.\n\n\\\u003eThe rat huffs and moved behind the weighted bar.\n\n\\\u003eHe dries his hands then grips the bar.\n\n\\\u003eAfter a few seconds he lifts it off its stand.\n\n\\\u003eHe steps forward then lifts the bar up then back down. One rep.\n\n\\\u003eUp and back down. Second rep\n\n\\\u003eHis arms shake a little.\n\n\\\u003eUp and back down. Third\n\n\\\u003eThe rat steps back placing the bar on the stand.\n\n\\\u003eHis arms come down to his sides heavily. The boys may be bringing out the big guns first?\n\n\\\u003eHowever, the rat's form was good, his stance was correct, and he lifted it like a pro.\n\n\\\u003eThe horse goes next.\n\n\\\u003eAllison grabs your attention.\n\n\\\u003e “Dwayne this is daft, you can't lift that. That's 250 pounds! … You're gonna break your fuckin' neck.\"\n\n\\\u003e “Don't worry.\" Is all you respond with.\n\n\\\u003eThe pair of you look back to see the horse is done.\n\n\\\u003e “You're turn.\" He says cockily to you.\n\n\\\u003eYou dry your hands and take position.\n\n\\\u003eYou grip the 250 pound steel bar.\n\n\\\u003eAllison reeks of nervousness.\n\n\\\u003eBless her kind soul.\n\n\\\u003eYou lift the bar. Your arms don't even tremble.\n\n\\\u003eYou step forward and do three slow reps above your head.\n\n\\\u003eYou step back and place the bar back in place.\n\n\\\u003eNo problemo! As they say in … Terminator 2.\n\n\\\u003eYou turn to the guys.\n\n\\\u003e “Alright, that was easy, next weights?\"\n\n\\\u003eYou say trying to sound as nonchalant and bored as you can.\n\n\\\u003eThe horse moves you out of the way and the pair remove smaller weights and add larger ones.\n\n\\\u003e “Alright 300 pounds!\" the rat says with a snarl in his voice.\n\n\\\u003eThe rat goes first again.\n\n\\\u003eHe repeats the same process.\n\n\\\u003eYou notice he's tenser. His arms shake a little more on the last rep than they did before.\n\n\\\u003eBut he does it without much fuss.\n\n\\\u003eHorse's turn.\n\n\\\u003eAllison gets your attention again. She looks at you wide eyed and shakes her head.\n\n\\\u003eYou just chuckle and wink at her before waving her off.\n\n\\\u003eYou look back and its your turn again.\n\n\\\u003eSame as before.\n\n\\\u003eGet into position. Lift the bar. Step forward. Three reps. Back then down.\n\n\\\u003eNo problemo 2: Judgement Day.\n\n\\\u003e “Guys, can I suggest you bump it up a little more please? How about a nice round 400?\"\n\n\\\u003eThe pair look to one another unsure.\n\n\\\u003e “I'll sweeten the deal,\" you announce getting their attention.\n\n\\\u003e “450 pounds. I'll go first. If I fail, fair and square. You get the girl, you don't even have to try.\"\n\n\\\u003eAllison loses her cool.\n\n\\\u003e “I'm not agreeing to this!\" she stomps forward.\n\n\\\u003eShe's got a backbone now, you're glad for that.\n\n\\\u003eYou turn to her with a reassuring smile.\n\n\\\u003e “Allison please, listen to me.\" You say in a calm reserved voice.\n\n\\\u003eYou lead Allison away and talk to her quietly.\n\n\\\u003e “Don't worry, it'll be fine. I promised to look out for you right? I'm keeping my promise.\"\n\n\\\u003e “In what way?\u0026nbsp; You can't lift that fuckin' much weight!\" she whispers back furiously.\n\n\\\u003e “Trust me, go with my plan. I promise it'll go okay.\" You reply.\n\n\\\u003eShe looks over her shoulder to the two anthros who're watching and waiting.\n\n\\\u003e “You better keep this promise Dwayne or I'll never speak to you again.\" She warns, dead serious.\n\n\\\u003e “Promise,\" you smile, “can't let anything happen to me little geyser.\"\n\n\\\u003eYou slap her arm in good nature and she curses at you loudly.\n\n\\\u003eShe's funny when she's mad.\n\n\\\u003eYou nod to the two males and they get about setting up the weights.\n\n\\\u003eFour hundred. And fifty pounds. Of weight.\n\n\\\u003eOnce finished you step up to the stand. The 450-pound bar in front of you.\n\n\\\u003eYou reach up and grab it.\n\n\\\u003e “No trying to tickle me or anything lads.\" He say and look at them with a smirk.\n\n\\\u003eIf your boss caught you doing this he'd have your arse kicked.\n\n\\\u003eBut what he doesn't know doesn't hurt you.\n\n\\\u003eYou grip the bar tightly then lift.\n\n\\\u003eYour muscles tense a little as the weight becomes pronounced in your grasp.\n\n\\\u003eYou step forward, arms holding strong.\n\n\\\u003eYou grunt and let out a low groan as you push the bar up then bring it back down.\n\n\\\u003eYou keep your breathing slow and measured.\n\n\\\u003eThe bar goes up and down once more.\n\n\\\u003eYou tilt your head and look to the anthro guys.\n\n\\\u003eTo say they're shocked in an understatement.\n\n\\\u003eYou look ahead once more.\n\n\\\u003eKeep your breathing even.\n\n\\\u003eThe bar comes up and down once more, you step back and lower the bar.\n\n\\\u003eNot a tremble in the arm nor a shaking of the breath.\n\n\\\u003eNot even a sweat.\n\n\\\u003e “Your turn lads.\" You say with the largest shit-eating grin you can muster.\n\n\\\u003eYou step aside and wait.\n\n\\\u003eThis will either end in their surrender.\n\n\\\u003eHurting themselves trying to lift the weight.\n\n\\\u003eOr confrontation.\n\n\\\u003eYou are prepared for all three.\n\n\\\u003eThe horse steps forward. And he isn't happy.\n\n\\\u003e “Fuck this bollocks, bets off!\" he yells and steps closer to you.\n\n\\\u003eEveryone else in the gym looks over.\n\n\\\u003eYou're calm and collected.\n\n\\\u003e “Well then bright eyes. What're you going to do about it?\" You say with your grin still firmly in place.\n\n\\\u003e “Because she's not going with you, and you and your friend there, are going to leave her alone.\" You add with a cold serious tone.\n\n\\\u003eYou stare the horse down, you don't tremble, you don't shake. You exude sheer professional confidence.\n\n\\\u003e_If_ you really wanted it, the horse and his friend would be unconscious on the ground, _if_ they were lucky.\n\n\\\u003eYou had an idea.\n\n\\\u003eMaybe if you simply give him a _nice smile_ he'll go away.\n\n\\\u003eYou do so, showing him your pearly whites and giving him a special look in the eye.\n\n\\\u003eIt has the intended effect.\n\n\\\u003eHe steps back, confused, unsure, _scared_. You can smell the fear start to pour from him.\n\n\\\u003eIt's an addictive smell. It makes you hungry.\n\n\\\u003eThe horse in front of you looks less of a man.\n\n\\\u003eAnd more like prey.\n\n\\\u003e “Dwayne?\"\n\n\\\u003eAllison's voice snaps you out of your trance.\n\n\\\u003eYou look at her, she didn't see the smile you gave nor the special look you gave the horse.\n\n\\\u003eGood.\n\n\\\u003e “Maybe we should just go.\" She says with a defeated sigh.\n\n\\\u003eYou look back to the horse and the rat.\n\n\\\u003eHe must've seen too.\n\n\\\u003e “I don't want to hear about you two again, understand?\" you say calmly and stare at them.\n\n\\\u003eThey nod their heads in confirmation.\n\n\\\u003eYou and Allison go get changed then leave.\n\n\\\u003eShe and Janet have a quickly heartfelt heart to heart before she steps out with you close behind.\n\n\\\u003eYou hear a growl coming from behind.\n\n\\\u003eTurning you see Janet leaving her place and making her way up the stairs.\n\n\\\u003eSomeone's fucked.\n\n\\\u003eYou leave the building and quickly follow the peeved bunny.\n\n\\\u003e “Allison wait for me, hold on!\" You call after her.\n\n\\\u003eAllison curses out loud and kicks the wheel of her car.\n\n\\\u003eWhich draws another curse from her.\n\n\\\u003e “This was a terrible idea! UGH! Stupid, stupid rabbit!\" she curses herself and slaps her forehead several times.\n\n\\\u003e “Alli!\u0026nbsp; Alli!\u0026nbsp; Pack it in.\" you say as you grab her hand to stop her.\n\n\\\u003eAllison looks up to you with tears in her eyes.\n\n\\\u003eHeart = broken. Plus Awww!\n\n\\\u003eYou gently stroke her hair and put on an encouraging smile.\n\n\\\u003e “I just want them to leave me alone, that's all.\" Her voice cracks as tears run down her face.\n\n\\\u003eA primal instinct wells up in you.\n\n\\\u003eDark thoughts well up in your soul. Thoughts and feelings that aren't alien to you. But would be grotesque to others.\n\n\\\u003eOthers like poor Allison here.\n\n\\\u003eSo you quickly push them down.\n\n\\\u003eYou're just good old Dwayne right now.\n\n\\\u003eThough you are tempted to act on said feelings.\n\n\\\u003eYou pull Alli into a hug, pressing her head against your chest.\n\n\\\u003e “It's alright lass, let it all out.\" You speak softly into her ear.\n\n\\\u003eShe cries against your chest.\n\n\\\u003e “I just wanted 'em to leave me alone.\" She sobs into your chest.\n\n\\\u003eYour heart breaks.\n\n\\\u003eYou were never good at keeping your temper for long, the one thing your C.O. complained about.\n\n\\\u003eYou'd gotten better!\u0026nbsp; At least you'd not hurt them.\n\n\\\u003eBut right now, you _really_ want to hurt them.\n\n\\\u003e “Come on let's go elsewhere, I'll drive.\" You say and usher her into her car.\n\n\\\u003eAs you walk around to the driver's side of the car you hear a commotion coming from the gym.\n\n\\\u003eLooking up, you see Janet the Jackal lady pushing the horse and rat out of the building their gym bags around their shoulders, yelling less than lady-like words at them.\n\n\\\u003eThe lady is pissed and you're glad you're not a part of it.\n\n\\\u003eSeeing her standing you realise she has some height on her too, about as tall as the horse if not a smidge taller.\n\n\\\u003eYou pause for a moment watching and listening as Janet curses them out and points away from the gym, she put her thumb to the side of her neck and drags it across to the other side all the while having a large snarl on her face.\n\n\\\u003eYou rub your neck self-consciously.\n\n\\\u003eWith a shake of your head you walk on to the driver's side and get in.\n\n\\\u003e “She's really letting them have it.\" You say to sad bun-bun.\n\n\\\u003eAllison looks up and sees what's going on.\n\n\\\u003e “Yeah I could hear her.\" She chuckles dryly.\n\n\\\u003e “Aye, suppose you would.\" You smile at her. Then reach out and pat her shoulder.\n\n\\\u003e “Come on then, let's be off.\" You say before Allison passes you her keys.\n\n\\\u003eYou start up the car and drive off.","series":{"name":"Home for some Holidays","next":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/1995250-home-for-some-holidays-chapter-2.json"}}