FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

“Turn left up here,” a clouded leopard said, pointing towards the road they were approaching. Shifting a bit in his seat as the vehicle turned, glancing over at the driver.

“You sure you are ok?” the driver, a donkey, asked. “I could just drop you off.”

“They insisted on meeting you,” the feline said, sighing softly as he turned to look out the window. “882, second to last house on the right.” Tensing lightly as he felt a hand gently pat his shoulder.

“We can just turn around, go do something else, Gem.”

“No,” the feline said, taking a deep breath. “Need them to see that I’m happy after being kicked out.” As they parked out front of the familiar house, the leopard took another deep breath, turning to look at the driver. “I’m sorry in advance.” He said, before opening his door and stepping out of the car.

“Gemini!” A female voice called out. Stepping down from the patio was an older clouded leopard, quickly making her way across the yard, she pulled the younger feline into a hug. “We’ve missed you.” She said, her eyes moving to the car, watching the driver getting out. “Excited to meet this, special someone.” Her voice trailing off as the donkey stands upright.

“Mom, this is Duke.” Gemini says, slipping free from the embrace. Glancing at the donkey, giving him a quick smile. “Duke, this is my mother, Caroline.”

“Pleasure to meet you, Ma’am.” The donkey said, with a friendly smile. Stepping around the car, his gray fur dappled with spots of white, especially around his chin and mane.

“Your father is around back with your brother.” Caroline quickly said, attention quickly turning back to Gemini. “We’re so excited to hear what you’ve been doing these last few years.” Quickly turning to start making her way up the driveway, walking towards the back of the house.

“Breath, Gem,” Duke whispered softly, stepping up next to Gemini. “And just say the word, and we are out of here.”

“Well, the insults haven’t started, yet.” Gemini sighed, gently glancing down at himself, making sure his t-shirt and shorts weren’t wrinkled.

Checking his polo and shorts, Duke smiled and gently nudged the feline. “Just try to relax, I’m good with people.” Earning a sigh from the younger feline, they followed where Caroline had gone.

The sound of hushed conversation could be heard as they neared the back of the house, the driveway opening up to a large paved gathering area. “Everyone, look who I found.” Caroline announced, quieting the group for a moment. Gemini could feel piercing glare from the older leopard standing at the barbeque, even as he avoided eye contact..

“Everyone, this is Duke.” Gemini said, gesturing, before he started pointing to the others in the yard. “Duke, this is my brother Henry.” Pointing to another younger clouded leopard, then to the female tiger beside him. “His girlfriend, Veronica.” Finally making eye contact with the eldest feline, “And my father, Francis.”

“Wonderful to meet all of you. Thank you for the invitation.” Duke said, a wide smile on his snout. He blinked in surprise as the felt Gemini quickly tugged him over towards his sibling. Ever aware of the glare from the elder leopard, he’d step behind Gemini to shield him some.

After a while of conversing with his brother, Gemini and his brother were called inside to help get the food ready. Giving a quick, reassuring, word to Gemini, Duke found himself alone in the backyard with Francis. Returning the renewed glare with a smile, he stepped a bit closer. “Been checking out the Burnbrite grills for a while, how’s that one been for you?”

The elder leopard shot a cold look, tone far from pleasant. “Good. Rather straightforward, no questions of what might be wrong.”

“That’s good,” Duke said back, tone remaining friendly. “What model is this one? Looks like one of their newer ones.” The donkey chose to remain amicable even as he knew the tone wasn’t leading anywhere kind.

“Do you prefer newer models?” The leopard growled. “Something wrong with ones your age?”

Brow raised, Duke gave a light chuckle. “I’d love to keep my older grill, but replacement parts are way too hard to come by. Plus a newer one needs to know they’re loved too.”

“How much longer, Honey?” Caroline shouted out the window, head poking out for a moment.

“Just a couple of minutes!” Francis quickly responded, smile on his snout as he looked back at his wife. Turning back to check the grill he saw Duke, tapping on his phone. Eyes narrowing when the equine smiled up at him.

“I have to say your son is an absolute wonder.” Duke started, stopping by a snarl from the leopard.

“It’s bad enough that he’s here. His mother wanted him here. It’s bad enough he’s the way he is. But insisting on bringing you? Bet you’re the one who made him think he’s ga..”

“Enough!” A shout came from the house. Walking out was Gemini, tears rolling down his snout as he glared at his father. “Insult me all you want, Francis. I grew up being the disappointment, where you threw your insults and hatred. But you will not insult one of the few people who actually cares about me!” Stepping in front of the donkey, he growled. “I knew you wouldn’t be able to be nice, even though Mom said you would be.”

“I will not be disrespected in my own home, by a mewling kitten.” the older feline snarled. Stepping around the grill, starting to storm towards the couple. A growl and glare shot towards the house instantly quieting his wife and son before anything was said.

“Have to show respect to earn respect. Isn’t that what you always told me?” Gemini stepped towards Francis, feeling Duke grabbing his paw, he tugged it away. “That started after you told me no tail raising fairy is ever going to be your son. Have you ever told Mother about that? That at the age of fifteen, I no longer was your!”

The punch was thrown before anyone could react. Gemini was knocked back, Duke barely catching him. Francis snarled as he looked down at Gemini. “I gave you a chance to change your ways, to earn my respect.” Looking over at the other felines coming out of the house. “Do not help him, he is not my son, he and his creep are not welcome here.” His eyes widened as he saw movement. Duke’s face was nothing but pure rage as he started to step around Gemini, but he stopped as the younger leopard moved one of his paws from his snout, covered in blood, to take the donkey’s hand.

“We’re leaving, Duke.” Gemini said, his other paw moving from his snout to join the one gently pulling on Duke’s hand.

Duke nodded, turning to gently help Gemini back around to his car. Glancing back to watch the others following them. Spotting some of the neighbors out, and Gemini trying to hide, Duke scooted around the side of him, doing his best to shield the smaller feline. Getting to his car, he opens the passenger door, helping Gemini get in before closing the door and quickly going to the other side. Giving Francis one last look, before he got into his car. Immediately starting his car, pulling away he made it around the corner to pull into a convenience store. Parking around the side in the shade, he turned to Gemini and hugged him tightly. “You’re ok. You’re safe.” He softly said as the feline broke in his embrace. Hearing the feline crying, Duke held him just a bit tighter, softly humming into one of his ears.

They remained like that for a couple minutes, before Gemini started squirming, his sobbing having quieted down. “Duke! I’m getting blood all over you.” He said, gently pressing the donkey away. Looking at the dark spot in the donkey’s brown polo, he let out a long sigh. “I’m sorry Duke. I knew we shouldn’t have gone.” He let out a soft mew as he felt a gentle kiss on his forehead.

“Breathe. I’m going to run in, get some water, see if they have anything for first aid. Don’t worry, I’ll be right here.”

“Ok.” Gemini quietly watched the equine get out and hustle into the convenience store. Grabbing his phone, he sent a quick message, before he turned on the camera. Flipping it to see himself, he let out a long sigh, seeing just how bad he looked. Lost in staring at the image of himself, he jumped when the door opened and Duke slipped back into the car.

“Water, they had bandages, but nothing like a proper first aid. Tissues will hopefully help clean things.” Duke set things down as he mentioned them, a couple bottles of water going into the cup holders, a couple travel packs of tissues. “And the worst t-shirt of my collection.” He said, holding up a knockoff band graphic shirt. Slowly struggling to get out of his polo in the confined space, before slipping into the shirt, he gave Gemini a wink. “Sorry it wasn’t a very good show.”

Gemini flushed a bit, ears lowered as he had been watching. Gently started washing his face. Between him and Duke, they got the feline’s nose to stop bleeding. Giving his mouth a quick wash out with water, the feline sighed softly. “We need to go to the police station.”

“What?”

“Need to let them know that anything Francis calls in, is a lie. When I was kicked out, he reported me abducted. Luckily I’m good friends with a couple of the officers. And they know from last time.”

Duke nodded, getting the car started and setting off. Following Gemini’s directions he found himself in parking in front of the station. The two got out, and as they were walking inside, an officer greeted them. Immediately getting them pulled aside, he already had the paperwork ready. Giving their testimonies, and after a bit of questioning Gemini declined to press any charges. Making sure things were quick and smooth, Duke found himself handed one of the officer’s cards, before they were escorted back out to the lobby so they could be on their way.

“I messaged him while you were getting the water and stuff,” Gemini said as they got to the car. “He was the one who handled everything last time.”

“Seems like he genuinely cares.”

“He understands.” Getting situated while Duke walked around to get in, Gemini looked at his phone, feeling it vibrate. Seeing notifications for missed calls and messages, all from his mother and brother, he felt a few tears welling.

“You ok?”

“Yea. Just take me home, please.”

“Ok, Gem.” Duke frowned, reaching over to gently pet the feline. Getting his phone out, he put on some quiet music, sending a message before he set off. Occasionally glancing over to the feline as he drove, giving a gentle pet every so often.

Was nearly half an hour when the feline saw the sign for their exit off the highway. Noticing that Duke wasn’t turning off, he glanced over “Hun? Where are you going?”

“Home. One that you’ll be welcome at. Plus there’s someone there that can check your snout and make sure nothing serious is wrong.” Duke glanced over, giving a warm smile to Gemini. “I got to meet your family. I’d love you to meet mine.” Reaching over, gently taking the feline’s paw into his hand. “We can leave any time. Even if we just stop by and say hello.”

Gemini looked down at the hand holding his, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Ok.” He said quietly. Slowly turning to look back out the window, he rode quietly, doing his best to keep his composure. Quietly observing as they got off a few exits later, driving through some neighborhoods, before pulling up to a simple blue two story home. Blinking, he looked at the house, before looking over to Duke. “Are you ok?” He asked, noting the slight nervous look that the donkey had.

“Not everyday you get to introduce your boyfriend to your kids,” Duke said with a light chuckle, “and your ex-wife.”

“I’ve met John.” The feline leaned over, giving his partner a gentle kiss, wincing faintly. “And it can’t be any more embarrassing than that.”

“Don’t remind me. Or him for that matter, poor kid won't ever let me live that one down.”

“Need another moment, or are you ready?” Gemini asked, smiling as he saw the nerves seeming to melt away.

“If at any point.”

“I’ll say the word.”

The two exit the vehicle, Gemini moving around next to Duke as they head up to the house. Duke gave a quick knock before opening the front door. “Hey, made it!” he announced. Stepping inside, Gemini quietly behind him. Reaching back to take one of the feline’s paws, giving it another reassuring squeeze as he leaned back. “They do ask if you take your shoes off.” He whispered, gently kicking his shoes off.

“What the hell are you wearing?” A deep voice asked from up the stairs. Slow heavy steps came down the stairs. A donkey came into view, a younger version of Duke, with a bright blonde mane. “Hey Gemini.” He said, spotting the leopard.

“Hello to you too, John.” Duke said, chuckling. “Had a bit of a mess, needed to change.” The two equines exchanged a quick embrace.

“Glad to see you came out for dinner,” John said, giving Gemini a friendly smile. “Everyone’s excited to meet you.”

As if on cue, the sounds of multiple hooves on wooden floors could be heard. An older mare leading the group, followed by a pair of identical mules. Duke gently let go of Gemini’s paw, stepping a bit closer, getting between the feline and the ladies. “Hey, how’s everyone doing?” There were hugs shared, and a bit of chatter before Duke glanced over. Stepping over. “The past months you all have been begging to meet him. He’s the one that I’ve been gushing about.” Gently stepping beside the leopard, wrapping an arm around him to hug him gently. “This is Gemini.” Turning to smile at the feline, “Gemini, these are my daughters Sarah and Ellie May. You’ve met John and their wonderful mother, Sue.”

“Nice to meet you all.” Gemini eked out sheepishly, giving them all a soft smile, though he instantly winced, letting out a soft gasp. Immediately he felt strong arms around him as Duke pulled him in, turned to face the larger male, he saw the concern in his eyes.

“Girls, go make sure foods are not burning, John get the first aid kit from the bathroom,” the mare spoke, her voice stern as she gave orders. “Duke, bring him to the living room.”

“Alright, let’s go.” Duke said, before he scooped the feline up. Carrying him in his arms, he chuckled at the surprised flicking of the fluffy tail against him. It wasn’t a long trip, just past the stairwell into the large living room. Duke brought the feline over to the couch and sat him down.

“So what happened?” Sue asked, moving in to sit next to Gemini. Looking up at Duke, before turning her attention to Gemini.

“His father took a cheap shot.” Duke snorted, seeing the concern on the feline’s face.

“Here’s this Mom,” John’s voice announced his arrival as he handed a red bag to the mare.

“Thank you, sweety.” She said, smiling at John, “Go show your dad your latest project. He might be able to give you an idea or two.”

“I’d rather stay.” Duke said, though he quieted at the stern look the mare gave him.

“I understand you’re concerned, Duke. But you are angry, and we know how you are when angry. Go check out your son’s project, I’ll make sure everything’s ok here.” She watched as John and Duke left, listening to the steps going upstairs. Turning to the feline, that stern look turned much softer. “Now, Gemini, where does it all hurt?”

“It’s nothing, Ma’am. I’ll be ok.”

“Oh, bless your heart, Ma’am.” Sue chuckled as she gently took both of Gemini’s paws. “You can call me Sue.” Leaning in some. “May I check your snout, Gemini?” She smiled as she got a soft nod. Letting go of his paws, she gently got to work, checking out what she could. “I would like to check inside your mouth, if that’s ok?” With another small nod, she smiled softly. Reaching down to the red bag, she opened it up and fished out a small flashlight, “Open as wide as you can, I know it’s going to hurt, but I’m going to need to look.”

“Ok.” Gemini said softly, slowly opening his maw, wincing as he did so. Sue was rather quick as she looked.

Ok, you can close your mouth.” Sue said. “I’ll be right back.” Gemini was amazed at how graceful the large equine was as she left the room. She barely gave him time to take in the room before she was back with two glasses, one with water, one empty. “You have a broken tooth, and your gums look a bit rough. This is going to sound gross, but I’m a nurse, I’ve seen worse.” Handing him the glasses of water. “Get some of this and swirl it around. Need to get it as clean as we can.” She started digging through the kit as he did. Once he was done, she got some gauze put in place before she got up. “I’ll be right back.”

Alone for a minute, Gemini blinked some, before he started looking around the living room. Standing up, he went over to the wall full of pictures and awards. Scanning through curiously as he saw various pictures of the kids, Sue, and Duke. Stopping at one of all five of the equines, all dressed up looking quite happy.

“That’s one of my favorites.” Sue said, smiling as she looked at the feline. Stepping closer, “Do you have any allergies to medicine?” She asked, offering him a small cup of water, then a small pill when he shook his head. “This is a simple pain reliever, try to drink on the other side of your mouth.” Let him take the medicine, before taking the cup from him, setting it on a table.

“Does Duke dating me bother you, or the kids?”

“Why would it?” Sue looked down at the feline curiously.

“I’m a few years older than your eldest kid.”

“How much of our situation has he told you?”

“He’s explained a lot. People change, you two amicably split, still are parents to your kids, and are still friends.”

“That’s the most of it.” Gently patting Gemini’s shoulder, she nods back towards the couch. “Let me tell you a story.” They move back over to the couch, Gemini gently sitting on it, Sue sitting in the chair next to the couch. “Firstly, I have to ask. Do you intend on keeping him from seeing his kids?”

“No.” Gemini chuckles softly. “They are his world, I know I’m secondary to them.”

“Does that bother you?” Sue asks, noting a tear in the corner of the feline’s eye.

“Bother me? No. Jealous of, maybe a bit.” Blinking, he felt the tear rolling down his cheek, gently wiping it away. “I love that he cares about his kids. I know what it’s like to not have that, and mine was there every day.”

Placing a hand on Gemini’s shoulder, Sue gave a tender squeeze. “A little over a year ago, I noticed Duke wasn’t doing the best. He still stopped by, did stuff with me and the kids, and had a wonderful time. But there was something off,” sighing gently, “we’ve been friends since we were kids, I know when he’s putting on a face for others. He’d had a breakup early last year, first partner since we had split. Think it was hitting him hard, even when it was just me and him, he had to be strong and wouldn’t tell me anything.” Her soft smile grew some. “Then, suddenly he came by and he was his old self again, maybe even better.” Giving the feline’s shoulder another gentle squeeze, she let go and sat back. “My friend Duke was back, he told me about this wonderful date he’d been on, gushing about this adorable feline.” She smiled a bit as she watched Gemini’s ears flick back and he glanced away. “Ever since, Duke has been the best he’s been in a long time.”

Gemini looked down, then over to the pictures on the wall. “I’m sure there's something much more plausible than me being the cause of that.”

“You need to give yourself more credit.” Sue chuckled, sitting up some. “He told me that on your first date, he was rather blunt about having kids, and you said you had no problem with that.” She leaned in. “You are what he’s excited to talk about. Big new job at work? Sure that’s nice. But Gemini, he’s gotten multiple job offers from different places, so we went out to celebrate? That’s the excitement we hear about.” Chuckling as she watched the feline squirm a bit. Leaning back, as she heard heavy footfalls coming down the stairs she stood up. “He’s been wanting to show you off to us for a while now, and I can see why.” She says, heading towards the kitchen, she calls out towards the stairs. “Cinnamon roll is doing much better. I’ll want to check everything after dinner though.”

Gemini blinked for a moment, processing those words, not noticing the quick steps approaching. He mewled out in surprise as the couch shifted with a heavy weight and strong arms wrapped him in a tight hug. “Cinnamon roll?” Gemini tightly returned the embrace, gently nosing at Duke with the good side of his snout.

“Everyone in the family has a nickname,” Duke smiled, returning the gentle nosing with a soft kiss before slowly letting up on his embrace. “Means she likes you.” Bringing his hand up, being very gentle, he turned Gemini’s head, long ears lowering as he saw a bit of the bandage. “How is it?”

“Sore, but the bleeding stopped.” Looking up at Duke, sniffling softly as he hugged the donkey. “I’m sorry for making you see that. For getting angry.”

“Gem,” Duke brought his hand up, gently petting the feline’s cheek, being mindful of his injury. “You have nothing to apologize for. I tried talking to him, asked him about his grill, just made small talk and it was anger.” Pulling the feline in, feeling the smaller male nuzzling against his neck and under his chin some making him smile. “You have me, you have everyone in this home.” Petting over Gemini’s back, he leaned in whispering softly. “I love you Gem.”

Gemini’s eyes went wide as he heard that, ears perked some as he nosed up against that chin softly. “I love you too, Duke.” Wincing as he smiled, hugging the donkey as tight as he could, the two remained quietly embraced for a while.

“Foods ready.” John’s voice brought them out of their shared silence. The younger donkey standing in the doorway waiting to make sure there was a response, seeing them moving and starting to stand up, made his way back towards the kitchen.

Making their way into the dining room, they found Sarah and Ellie May setting a few dishes on the table, followed closely behind by Sue and John. Gemini was looking over the food curiously, tail idly flicking back and forth.

“Would have done a bit better to help accommodate you Gemini, but it was a bit last minute.” Sue says, smiling at the feline before pointing to a couple of the dishes. “We did add a protein mix into those. Have some for when Ellie May’s boy comes over.”

“Thank you, Sue,” Gemini said, ears lowering some. “You didn’t have to.”

“Nonsense,” she chuckles. “I’m just hoping it mixed in enough. I know you felines are more carnivores than the canine we’re used to.”

“It’ll be fine, I’m sure, Ma’am.”

Sue’s ear flicked lightly, but she smiled. “You can call me Sue, dear. Only get called Ma’am when the kids know they’re in trouble.” Gently clapping her hands together. “Now, food’s getting cold, let’s eat.”

The six got settled in, passing dishes around and filling their plates. As everyone started eating and conversing, Duke and Sue were occasionally glancing over to Gemini, who was seated next to Duke, watching and directing conversation to make sure the feline wasn’t too uncomfortable.

As everyone was starting to finish eating, while Sarah was talking about school and her girlfriend being accepted into their hopeful university, Duke looked over to see Gemini looking down at his plate. Noticing the damp spot under his eye, he leaned in softly. “If it’s too much, we can go, Gem.”

Blinking, ears flicking a bit as he glanced up, seeing the concerned looks on everyones’ faces, Gemini turned to look at Duke. “I’ll be ok.” He whispered back, giving Duke a soft smile.

“Hey, Gemini,” John said, catching everyone’s attention. “Dad said you were going to be doing some teaching assistant work next semester with one of the accounting instructors.”

“Yea?” Gemini responded, looking at the younger donkey.

“One of the classes I’ve been dreading.” Giving a nervous chuckle, John smiled. “Which instructor are you going to be working with?”

“Oh, um Professor Lengsly.” Gemini said, starting to get more relaxed.

“Would it be better if I took one of their classes?” Smiling some, John glanced at Duke, seeing his father giving him an approving smile. “Would that be weird if you were the TA and I was in the class? And if I took one of those classes, or one of the other professors, would I be able to get some help with the material if I needed it?”

“I mean, Professor Lengsly isn’t an easy instructor, but in my opinion they’re the best accounting instructor at the university.” Thinking for a moment, he shrugged. “If it’d be weird for you then we can figure something out, don’t think I’ll be an assistant for all their classes, but I don’t think it’d be weird for me.” Nodding some. “Though I’ll be happy to help if you need it.”

“Awesome, I've been dragging my hooves on this accounting credit.”

“Though, if you do end up in one of my classes, just because I’m dating your Dad, doesn’t mean I’ll go easy on you.” Gemini had as best of a smirk as he could have, wincing lightly.

“Better not,” Duke said, giving a good chuckle, reaching over to rub over Gemini’s back.

“If anything, I’d expect you to go harder.” John said, chuckling some, everyone joining in on the laughter.

“So, are you going for accounting then, Gemini?” Sue eventually asked. “Duke never says specifically, just that you’re like living with a calculator.”

“Finish up my degree this next semester. Got one final class, plus a few for my minors.” Gemini was beaming as he was asked a bit more about himself. Their dinner ended on a much less anxious note for the feline.

Sue set the kids off to clean up the table and dishes while she took Gemini and Duke back out to the living room. Focusing on checking the feline’s snout, she worked to get him some fresh bandaging. “Do you have school or work Monday?” Smiling as she asks, seeing the confused look.

“No.” Gemini responds as she’s checking her work.

“Good, I’ve made you an appointment, at two you’re going here,” she says, handing him a slip of paper. “He’s a good friend of mine, owes me a favor, he’ll get you moving on your teeth.”

“I don’t have the money for a dentist visit.” Gemini said, squirming some.

“It’ll be taken care of. This is concerning, and needs a professional’s eye.” Sue said, moving away from the feline.

“I don’t need charity either, I can be cautious and not mess with it till I can afford.” Gemini spoke, voice raising a bit as he squirmed, gasping as he felt a firm hand on his shoulder.

“And I’m not letting my partner go with a tooth injury.” Duke said sternly. “Gem, you’ve always done everything to be independent. Today I saw why and where that started.” Pulling the feline in close. “You never let me spoil you, buy you things. Let me take care of this, please?”

Listening to Duke, trembling softly as he took in those words, Gemini gave a timid nod. “Ok.” He said quietly, mewling as he felt those arms squeezing him.

“Thank you, Gem.” Duke said softly.

Sue shook her head, chuckling softly as she packed up her first aid kit. Waiting for them to get a bit more relaxed as they embraced, she cleared her throat, looking at both of them. “Now then, I do have to ask. What in the world did you two do that traumatized my son so much?”

Duke and Gemini both froze, their eyes wide as they looked at Sue. “What?” Duke finally asked, giving a sheepish smile. “Traumatized John?”

“Few months back, he got home. Said he met your new boyfriend. Wouldn’t say anything else.” Giving them both a stern look. “What did you do?”

“He’s the one that didn’t knock.” Duke said quickly. “Later on in the evening, hadn’t called to say he was stopping by to pick things up.” Gently petting the trembling feline, trying to help him calm down. “And we were,” Duke paused as he thought quickly, “enjoying eachothers company.”

“Is that why he was knocking to announce himself for a while?” She asked, a light smirk. “Poor thing, surprised that didn’t scare your little kitty away.”

“No, but it sure was fun watching him squirm after John left.” Duke said, before he felt two paws quickly grab his snout trying to quiet him. Sue gave a good chuckle as she slipped around the corner. Duke, looking down at Gemini, who’s eyes were wide. “It’s fine, she was teasing. Getting a chuckle at ours, but mostly at John's expense.”

Eventually, Gemini felt his embarrassment subsiding enough to join the others, a few stories were shared as cleanup finished. Duke mentioned they should probably be heading out, get home at a decent time. As everyone was saying their goodbyes, and Duke started heading for the doorway, Gemini stopped the donkey, taking a deep breath as he looked at Sue and the children. “Thank you. All of you.” He said, voice trembling some. “For the first time in a very long time, I’ve felt welcome in a home, by a family. I’m sorry if I was off, or distant, but there’s a lot to process for me.” Laughing a bit. “And I’m sorry for not taking up the offer to come by sooner. Today started as one of my worst, but it ended as one of the best. Thank you for welcoming me into your family so openly.”

Gemini let out a surprised mew as he felt himself pulled into a tight hug from behind. Nestling some into Duke, before he gasped, finding himself in the middle of a large group hug. For the first time in a while, the clouded leopard felt like he had a family, and while he was scared, he knew he was happy.