FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Harold woke up to the most beautiful site ever, Cutie pressed up to Harold's side. During the night, they kicked off the blankets part way, and the two of them lay naked in the bed, except for the dog collar that Cutie never took off. Harold had one arm wrapped around Cutie, who nuzzled into Harold's shoulder. Harold's eye wandered down Cutie's muscled shoulder, onto his strong arms, followed the cleavage of his chest and down his sculpted abdomen. Harold enjoyed the view of Cutie's wonderful body so close. With his other paw, he gently traced a path down Cutie's chest to his pelvis, and gently traced around the rabbit's penis. Harold smiled as he remembered the wonderful organ throbbing with passion inside of him last night.

The paw gesture woke up Cutie, as his eyes fluttered open. His face lit up with joy and innocence as he gazed on Harold with a lazy coy smile. "Hey, Harold" he mumbled out. He reached out a free paw, cupped Harold's paw over his penis, pressed it down and clasped it. He reached up with his mouth and passionately kissed Harold with an element of the emotion they felt last night. Harold enjoyed the kiss, and lost himself in it.

The two of them got up to get ready for the day. Cutie dressed in his jeans and t-shirt (and dog collar), while Harold dressed in slacks and a t-shirt. Cutie ranted with excitement about how he fixed the computer issue, still prominent in his mind. Harold noticed that Cutie seemed a bit more mature, and spoke less in a sing-song manner. Cutie packed away his laptop as he spoke. "And... and I figured it out! Yeah! I did it! And if it happens again, I can fix it! Again!" He zipped up his backpack, slung it onto his back and walked to Harold with excitement in his eyes. "Thank you, Harold!" He threw his arms around Harold and snuggled into his body. "I owe it all to you!"

Harold enjoyed the hug greatly, and wrapped his arms around Cutie. "Any time, Cutie." Harold felt Cutie's paw grope his tail (causing a bit of a start from Harold and a giggle from Cutie). But the other hints and clues about Cutie nagged in his mind. Remembering back to last night, Harold switched to his measured calming therapeutic voice that he used on Cutie last night. "But Cutie, what was that yelling about last night? Can you tell me about that?"

Harold felt Cutie freeze, and after a moment, he murmured out in his child voice "nu-uh... uh... I'm sorry... please don't tell anyone... please?" He continued to hug Harold like a security blanket as he began to shiver.

Harold mentally kicked himself. Stop hurting Cutie, Harold yelled at himself. Why am I causing him pain? He rubbed Cutie's back to calm him down. "Hey Cutie, there's nothing to worry about. You were just a little bit upset." It was a lot more than a little upset, Harold thought, but I need to assuage the episode.

Cutie relaxed as he hugged Harold. He stopped shivering and sank into Harold's body. "Thanks Harold." He said in his sing-song voice. "Yer nice to me."

Harold enjoyed the moment, and Cutie's company. "Of course Cutie." he said.

The two of them swayed as they hugged. Cutie abruptly stepped back, took his back pack and said in an almost adult like voice "Well, I've got some things to do. You know, convention stuff? But at 2 PM, we can meet up, Kay?" He stepped toward the door with an excited smile. "Then we can spend the day together! And after my strip gig tonight..." He put a paw on his hip and said in a softer sexy voice and hip movement "...we can spend some quality time together."

Harold nodded, taken aback by the change in Cutie's behavior. "I'd like that." he said.

With a wide smile, Cutie waved, sent an air kiss to Harold and left.

Harold caught the air kiss in his paw. He thought about last night. It was wonderful, he said to himself. But the other clues about Cutie bothered him. Most of all, why did he call me 'Bumper'? He walked over to the desk where Cutie's laptop laid. On it was an empty drinking glass. Harold was positive he didn't bring that out. Cutie probably brought that out. He reached out to pick it up, and then had a thought. The thought worked itself into an entire idea that buzzed around his head. He left the glass alone.

Harold called up Zippy's cell phone using the hotel phone. When he got his walking papers from his company, he canceled his cell phone service to save money. Zippy answered, and Harold asked if they could meet in the hotel restaurant for breakfast, which Zippy agreed.

Harold walked down to the hotel restaurant. Already seated, Zippy waved to Harold. He walked to the table and sat down to join Zippy. Zippy dressed very sharp, in a nice dress shirt, jacket and matching tie along with dress slacks.

Zippy smiled at Harold while he held the menu open. "Hey hey, Mr Happy Pants..." he said in a joshing voice. "...a little birdie told me that a certain raccoon left the dance last night with a beautiful rabbit." He leaned in with his eyes dancing. "So, did ya..."

Harold blushed at the insinuation as he fetched his menu. "Yes... we did..." He smiled with the biggest of smiles. "His name is 'Cutie', and we..." He wanted to tell Zippy about the most incredible night ever, but he tried to focus on that idea in his head. "Zippy?" he asked. Zippy looked at Harold, listening. "It was a great night and all... but there are things about Cutie that bother me."

Zippy put on his game face and shrugged. "Like what?"

Harold spotted a good breakfast entry and closed his menu. "Well, yesterday, we..."

Right then, the waiter approached the table. Both Zippy and Harold gave their order. The waiter wrote down the orders, and left.

Harold continued where he left off. "...we went on our dinner date." He broke out to a big smile. "And, it was wonderful." He lost his smile as he continued. "But... during the date he acted a bit strange."

Zippy nodded as he listened. "How?"

Harold shrugged. "Well, Cutie seemed to be... a bit new about being on a date. Or, just being out."

Zippy also shrugged. "Not everyone dates."

Harold shook his head. "No, no, it's not like that. He seems... child-like."

That comment drew a confused look from Zippy. "How do you mean?"

Harold continued. "He speaks like a kid, as if he's... emotionally underdeveloped, or held back." He shrugged. "He seems... a bit like a kid. I don't know. I asked him about where he lived, and he didn't say where, but said something strange. He said that he doesn't get to go out that much. As if he needs permission to go out."

Zippy sipped his water. "Maybe he lives in an assisted living house. For mentally handicapped furs."

Harold shook his head as he thought about his conversations with Cutie. "No, that isn't it. I mean, I don't think he's handicapped. And also, he never took off his collar. Even when we... uh..." he ducked his head as his voice trailed off. He didn't want to say anything embarrassing.

But Zippy smiled and completed the sentence with a sly smile. "...'took a roll in the rabbit hole'?"

Harold blushed from the insinuation. "Yes... I mean, why is he wearing it?"

Zippy tapped his chin with his finger as he thought. "Maybe he's playing a slave, or something."

Harold tapped his fingers together nervously. "No, he's not playing. I mean, I've met others who pretend to be slaves, and you couldn't tell if they were slaves during their off time." He tapped his finger on the table to emphasize his point. "I think he's a slave all the time, whether he wants to be one or not!"

Zippy returned Harold's look with his own puzzled one. "But... if he's a slave, then where is his master? Why is he alone?"

Harold nodded at the chain of logic. "I've been thinking about that. Remember that bear from yesterday, the one with Cutie?"

Zippy grimaced as he gripped his paw into a fist. "That bear better watch it or someone will teach him a lesson!" he gruffed out in anger. After he calmed down, he asked "So you think the bear... what... left his slave all alone in a hotel room? That doesn't make sense. I mean, what's to keep Cutie here?"

Harold again nodded. "I remember something the bear said to Cutie yesterday, that he can't leave, then tapped his collar as a threat." His face locked up in terror. "I think... it would hurt Cutie if he tried to leave the hotel." Zippy nodded. "But, how can I confirm that?"

Zippy quickly answered. "Easy. Offer to take him for dinner at a restaurant outside of the hotel. See how he reacts."

Harold nodded. "Yes, I'll do that. Good idea. Thanks Zippy." His face took on a serious tone. "But, how do I get more information on Cutie? Every time I ask him about something personal he freezes up, as if I'm on taboo ground."

Zippy smiled at his friend. "Easy. You let your good friend who is a cop find out. I can start with the con owner and director to ferret out information."

Harold reached out and grasped Zippy's paw. "Thanks Zippy. I can always count on you. And, there is one more thing you can do for me." Zippy raised an eye with a smirk. "Do you have your fingerprint dust kit with you?"

* * *

As Zippy and Harold ate their breakfast, Harold told Zippy about his experience at the dance, about how Dennis interfered with the date, and conveniently used Remo to sabotage the date. Zippy talked about how he met up with a few friends and shot the breeze, catching up on things.

After breakfast, Harold returned to his room while Zippy retrieved his fingerprint dusting kit, and then met Harold in his hotel room. Harold directed Zippy to the glass on the table. Zippy carefully dusted for prints while Harold got out his laptop and hooked it up to the hotel wireless. He also got out his digital camera. Zippy managed to highlight a few clear prints on the glass. Harold took a careful picture of the prints, loaded it up to his laptop, and worked an imaging program to highlight the image of the prints. Zippy took out his cellphone and called a friend at the police station and called in a favor to run a finger print check off of a digital image to be sent to him via email, which Harold sent out.

After all of that was done, Zippy smiled at his friend as he collected up his fingerprint dusting kit. "That's sent off. My friend said that it should take an hour or two to run a search, and will call me back with the results."

Harold sat on his bed, grateful for his friend and his police connections. "Perfect, Zippy. Thanks."

Zippy put away his kit, and headed toward the door. "Now, I'll check out this... rabbit named Dennis, right?" Harold nodded. "I'll check out his story and his friends." He waved a paw to Harold as he left.

Harold waved back. He smiled as he felt things go his way. He left the room to wander about the convention.

The hotel buzzed with the joyous convention goers. Couples mingled about the hotel, enjoying themselves. Furs socialized with old friends, and furs eyed the good looking large sized furs who provided the eye candy. Harold himself received a few favorable views from passer-byes. The convention also featured a number of events in meeting rooms, and they were well attended. But Harold ignored the events, and meandered about the hotel, with his mind focused elsewhere.

At one point, Harold stood near a gift shop as he window shopped, when he heard a familiar voice behind him. "Hi... um... Harold?"

Harold internally groaned as he recognized the voice as the possum named Remo from last night. Harold hated it that he abandoned Remo at the dance, essentially to pursue another fur right in front of him. He steeled himself for the confrontation and turned to face Remo.

Remo dressed impeccably in a nice suit, as if it was part of his persona. He bobbed his head and kept glancing down, as if he didn't want to offend anyone. He seemed like the type who wasn't that good at sticking up for himself, and was good at being needy and clingy. He briefly glanced at Harold's eyes before he averted his gaze down again. "S-sir? Harold... I believe?"

Harold internally groaned again. He would rather take a fur who was directly angry at him rather than someone who was passive-aggressive. He studied different personality types in his psychology classes, and could quickly tell the possum's nature. At least with anger, the direct issue would bubble up fast. "Hello Remo." I might as well apologize, he said to himself. "Look, about last night..."

Remo averted his eyes to the ground, as he interrupted Harold. "I know... I know, you want... someone who is sexy..." he said. "...I can leave... you alone..." but made no effort to leave, and seemed to expect 'someone' to save the day.

Harold turned and left. He knew this type very well, and would just sooner escape, regardless of the outcome.

Harold wandered about the convention, taking in the sights and the furs attending it. Since this was his first time there, he didn't know any of the others who attended, except for Zippy. Harold's mind wandered to last night, and a longing smile stretched out on his face as images of a sexy and innocent white furred rabbit caressed his mind.

Harold shook his head as he tried to clear his constant thoughts about Cutie. What is this about Cutie, Harold wondered. Why am I trying to do all of these? I mean, it isn't like I'm in love with him...

Harold was walking down an isle in the hotel when the thought struck him full force in the face, causing him to stop still. I'm in love with Cutie, Harold realized. I'm head over heels in love with Cutie! Harold smiled as that core bit of knowledge filled him with vim and vigor. He knew it wasn't just a quick physical fling, but actually cared about the rabbit. I want to spend the rest of my life with him!

Then, Harold had a few sobering thoughts and lost his smile. But, I don't know a thing about him. I don't even know his first name. He sat down on a bench as horror clutched his heart. What if... Cutie thinks this is just a weekend love deal... and I never see him again... *gasp*...

Harold panicked at the thought of losing Cutie. He began to hyperventilate, and immediately reverted to a breathing exercise he learned in graduate school. He forced his eyes shut, forced all contrary thoughts out of his head, and listened to his breath. The air flows in... breathe... the air flows out... breathe...

After a few minutes of focus, Harold managed to get his panic under control. He opened his eyes, and watched the convention furs walk by, busy with their agenda, busy with their thoughts. Harold mulled over his dilemma as he tried to remain calm.

After a half hour, Harold spotted Zippy walking toward him. As Zippy walked, he wore a very grim face... as if... he had bad news... Harold dreaded talking to his otter friend.

Zippy approached Harold, leaned down, and said in a low and commanding voice "Your room. Now!" Without waiting for a response, he marched off. Harold scampered after the fast paced otter.

Once the two of them entered the hotel room, Zippy pointed to a chair. "Sit!" he commanded. Harold quickly sat, and waited. Zippy paced back and forth in the small room, as he worked out thoughts in his mind. Harold knew that when Zippy had something serious on his mind, it would work its way out on his terms. Harold just had to be patient.

As Zippy paced back and forth in silence, Harold became frantic. Breaking protocol, he yelped out "Zippy! What is it?"

Zippy stopped pacing and faced Harold. He still had his somber expression on, but seemed to be at a loss for words. After a few moments, he spoke in a hesitant voice. "Harold... you... uh... turn on your computer... and check your email..."

Harold promptly opened up his laptop, and powered up.

Zippy continued to speak. "Harold... oh fur... I mean... wow..." He waved his paws about. "My friend at the police department got back the results of the fingerprint, and you really hit pay dirt!"

Harold watched Zippy while the laptop booted up. "What?"

Zippy went on as he began to pace back and forth again. "That rabbit's real name is Robert Pixley." Zippy stared at Harold as if that was supposed to mean something. "'Pixley'!" Harold returned a look that indicated that he didn't have a clue about what Zippy spoke of. Zippy stared at his friend in disbelief. "The 'Pixley' name is famous for Olympic level gymnastics. Jonathon Pixley was an Olympic gymnast in his day, and later on became a gymnastics coach."

Harold launched his email program while he listened. "Yes?"

Zippy continued. "He had four children. The oldest was Shannon Pixley. She won silver at the Olympics in gymnastics, and a day later killed herself. The next oldest Cindy Pixley won silver four years later at the Olympics, and a few days later killed herself." Zippy threw his paws up in the air in exasperation. "Oh come on, Harold, this was huge news a number of years ago!"

Harold shook his head as the email program retrieved his email.

Zippy went on. "The next oldest was William Pixly. He competed at nationals. He ran away from home at the age of 17, and died from a drug overdose a year later while working as a prostitute." Zippy pointed to the email that just loaded onto Harold's computer. "And that leads to the youngest member of the Pixley clan, Robert."

Harold launched the retrieved email and looked at it. In it were two links. He launched the first one, and the web browser opened to an old news article that contained an old story about a gymnastics event eight years ago. It showed a picture of a 15 year old rabbit named Robert Pixley, who stood on the wining platform. He stood up straight and appeared nervous. Around his neck hung a gold metal. Harold recognized the beautiful, innocent features and same face of his beloved Cutie at once. The young rabbit stood up prim and proper, as if commanded to do so. He had an expressionless face on that attempted to hide his fear, and tried to be brave.

Zippy continued to speak. "Harold, Robert ran away from home when he was 15. You've uncovered one hell of a missing fur case, except no one is looking for him."

Harold turned to Zippy with a confused look. "What do you mean?"

Zippy shrugged. "His mom was an orphan, and died when he was a kid. His dad was an only child, and died in jail a few years ago. His brother and sisters are all dead." He tapped at the laptop. "Click on the next link in the email." Harold did so while Zippy went on. "As a gymnastics coach, his father was a real tyrant. He even earned the nick name 'The drill sergeant'."

The web browser showed a news story with a picture of Jonathan Pixley. He wore handcuffs and was being led away by police. His expression was dour and oppressive, as if he had no time for anything other than his own agenda. He glared at the camera with an angry look. Harold looked at the picture and could only the raw terror that Cutie went through as a kid, with Jonathan as a father and a coach. How can that... 'thing'... be Cutie's father, Harold asked himself. Cutie is nothing like him...

Zippy continued. "He was charged with child abuse. He coached his own kids, along with a number of other child gymnasts." He pointed to a spot on the news article. "Here... he used to even yell at the kids if they left any food on their plate."

Harold nodded as he remembered back to his date. He told Zippy about the plate licking episode, along with Cutie asking for permission to leave the table.

"Sounds about right." Zippy pointed to the computer screen and continued in a resigned voice. "Robert Pixley is all alone. No one is looking for him."

Harold went back to the picture of Robert standing on the podium. The face on the screen was definitely the Cutie he dearly loved more than life itself. He took in the innocence of the beautiful rabbit in the picture. I've found you Cutie... or Robert Pixley... whatever your name is. His heart ached for his pain. You're not alone. I love you.

Zippy interrupted Harold's attention. "Wait, that's not all." he said, his voice on edge.

Harold jerked his head back to the otter. "What... is it?" he asked in fear.

Zippy took off his jacket and draped it onto the desk. "It's... about why Cutie... is here at the convention... he..." Zippy waved his paws about, as if his emotions controlled them on its own.

Harold felt a deep pang in his chest, and felt the news couldn't be good. In a low voice, he said "What is it?"

Zippy shrugged, and couldn't meet Harold's eyes. "While I talked to the convention organizers... I found out... oh fur..." He waved his paws about in exasperation as he searched for words. "Dennis and his friends... um... won Cutie in a poker game from Steven Pistlor... the bear from the lobby... so Cutie could be allowed to strip here... and other things..."

It felt as if a full force of bricks hit Harold in the emotional chest. "...won him... in a poker game?" he slowly repeated.

Zippy continued to speak. "Steven Pistlor is some sort of big-time lawyer. From what I understand, he's pretty dangerous. And the bear owns Cutie." He faced Harold and grimly said "Steven Pistlor uses Cutie for his sexual pleasure. Basically, Cutie is a sex slave." He waved his paws about. "Sometimes Steven will... share... Cutie... his prized possession... with others..."

Share Cutie? Harold's mind reeled. As he remembered back to the dance last night, he recalled how the other convention furs fawned over Cutie... wanting to probably... touch him... and other things... raging jealousy coursed through his body. Harold slowly stood up, gasping for what to say. "But... but... they can't do that..." By now, his brain worked on automatic. He blurted out "...I love him!"

Zippy nodded as he tapped his chin, trying to think. "I know, it's bad, and..." Zippy slowly looked at Harold in the eyes as the full meaning of what Harold said slowly dawned on Zippy. "What? You... love him?" Harold nodded, still reeling. Zippy continued. "After one night together?"

Harold nodded again. "I love him!" He said with more direct force.

Zippy stared at Harold in shock. He glanced at the bathroom. "Hold on... I have to go to the bathroom. Excuse me..." He walked in and shut the door.

Harold slowly sat down as all of the information swirled about his head. Cutie... Robert... whoever he is... is a slave, trapped by the bear Steven Pistlor, and is gambled like a play toy by the convention people. He had a sudden desire to run out of the hotel room, beat the crap out of the convention organizers, seek out Cutie and runaway with him. His mind raced on with dozens of escape scenarios.

Harold glanced at Zippy's jacket and saw a wallet in the pocket. Out of the wallet stuck a small piece of paper that said 'Steven P...' Harold took the piece of paper out and read it. It said 'Steven Pistlor', and a phone number followed it. Harold's eyes narrowed on the paper in anger as he thought of the pushy bear. I should have belted him, he thought to himself. With his free paw, he reached for the phone and dialed the number. He glanced at the bathroom door, and verified it was still closed. I've got to do... something...

After two rings, Harold heard on the phone the same gruff voice he heard in the lobby yesterday. "Who is this?" the voice on the other end demanded.

Harold's mind went blank. He blurted out the first name that came to mind. "Peter Bently!" he said in his best authority voice. Peter Bently was the name of his childhood rabbit doll, which he had since he was three years old, and still possessed. When Harold was kicked out of his home by his dad, he came back later to take possession of his things, and made sure to take Peter with him. Nowadays, almost all of the fur was rubbed off of the old and worn doll. His mom had to sew buttons on for the eyes when the original eyes flaked off. The doll had big floppy ears, and possessed a perpetually happy smile that any child could utilize to ward off monsters. When he was a kid, whenever anything bad happened in the house that was Harold's fault, he said that 'Peter Bently' did it. That tactic never work, and both were grounded as a result. Harold treasured Peter greatly.

After a pause, the voice on the other end rumbled out "What do you want?"

Thinking very fast, Harold blurted out "Yes... um... yes... Mr. Pistlor... I'm... um... opening up a gay bar... yeah... in the local area... aaaaaand... I'm checking out strippers for the bar... urrrummm... aaaaand... I'm wondering... I'm checking out a hot stripper named Cutie?" Harold mentally bonked himself on the head for how lame he sounded.

After another pause, the voice on the phone bellowed out "What the hell kind of shit are you trying to pull Peter?!? Who the fur is this?!? How the fuck did you get this number?!?"

Harold froze, as he had nothing to say. He just sat in his chair, with the phone pressed up to his ear and his other paw held the slip of paper, while wild panic gripped him.

The other voice kept on going. "Hello? Hello? Peter?"

The bathroom door opened and out walked Zippy. He glanced at Harold and saw him holding the phone with one paw and the slip of paper with the other. He gasped in stunned disbelief as he realized what was going on.

Harold's body unfroze, slammed down the phone receiver and put the paper back into Zippy's pocket. He meekly smiled at Zippy.

Zippy stalked over to Harold. He picked up his jacket, took out the slip of paper and slowly said in an angry voice "What... the fur did... you do? What the fuck did you do?"

Harold cast his eyes to the ground. He softly said "I... I just had to do... something... and I saw that number... so..."

Zippy yelled at his friend. "I stole that number, you love sick fur-ball!" He jammed his arms into his jacket, putting it on, and paced back and forth while he muttered under his breath.

Harold waited for Zippy to calm down. Not seeing an end to his rage, he softly said "I'm sorry..."

Zippy jerked toward Harold and spoke with a harsh voice "OK, I get it! You're in love with Cutie! But... but..." He waved his paws about. "I'm the cop here!" He tapped his finger to his chest. "...what you did... oh fur... I stole that number, so I could get some information on Steven, and..." he jabbed a finger into Harold's chest "...you blew it!"

Zippy's cellphone interrupted his medley of chewing-out. He answered the phone with a loud "Yeah?!" His face drained of anger and looked off to the window in shock. "What? ... Oh... I'll be there... yes... about two hours..." He hung up his phone and stared out the window in stunned silence.

Harold piped in. "Zippy? What's wrong?"

Zippy glanced at Harold, and in a somber voice said "Sarah's been shot. She's at the hospital now. It's serious." Sarah was Zippy's police partner and a good friend. Sometimes, when Harold and Zippy had a get together, they invited Sarah along. Harold was also good friends with her. "I've got to head back now." He put his phone away.

Harold stared back in shock. "Oh no... that's terrible..." he mumbled out. "I'll come with you..." He stood up. Suddenly, he remembered his own pending dilemma, and stammered out "Well..."

Zippy shook his head and walked to the door. Over his shoulder he said "No, no, you stay here. Enjoy the convention." Remembering the argument, he stopped, turned around and said in a stern voice "But... don't do anything stupid!" He shook a finger at Harold. "This isn't over!" Harold meekly nodded. Zippy went to the door and left. Before he shut the door, he said "Nothing stupid!" and closed the door.

Harold thought of all of the recent information, as it churned in his head. Cutie... who was Robert Pixley... runaway kid... sex slave... poker winning...

Harold yelled out "No!" He couldn't stand by and let such a beautiful... rabbit... *sniff*... suffer anymore... not while I love him, he thought to himself. "I... love... Cutie..." he said to no one. I... I have to rescue him...

But the concept of him rescuing someone... even the love of his life, the most beautiful and innocent rabbit ever... Harold wasn't that much of an action oriented raccoon. I'll have to think about this.

Harold left his hotel room. He meandered about the hotel in a daze, with his entire focus rested on Cutie's dilemma. He wandered to a bench, sat and mulled about it. I don't even know if Cutie feels the same way about me. What if I rescue him, and he doesn't love me back? His heart ached as he tried to sort through his thoughts.

After ten minutes, a warm pair of white furred muscled arms wrapped around Harold from behind and hugged him with warm passion. A familiar and innocent voice whispered into Harold's ear "There you are, my love, there you are." Cutie nuzzled the side of Harold's head with his cheek. "Yer so beautiful, so beautiful."

Harold's heart leaped with joy as he heard those words. He loves me! He loves me! Harold yelled on the inside. "Hello, my love." he said back, and rubbed the arms around him with affection.

Harold stood up and drew the beautiful rabbit to his own body, wrapped his arms around, and kissed him with an element of the passionate energy they shared last night. Cutie sank into the kiss and gripped Harold tight in his hug, and kissed back, leaving no doubt about where he focused his attention right now. Harold couldn't help but rub his arousal into Cutie, which he seemed to enjoy.

They separated and stood holding each other's paws. Harold looked at Cutie into the face and smiled. He's with me, he thought. I'm so lucky. Cutie smiled with radiant beauty at Harold.

After their moment, they separated, and walked in the hotel lobby paw in paw. Cutie spoke excitedly in his sing-song voice. "I had a real exciting day, Harold. Yeah. It was fun!"

Harold smiled, and asked "What did you do?"

Cutie swung his paw about with excitement, holding Harold's paw. "Well, I got to do a demonstration of my contortion stuff... yeah... and... my bendiness... and other stuff..." His voice trailed off to silence.

Harold could only imagine what that was like as he smiled. "Nice. What else?"

Cutie went on as he meekly walked. "And... they all liked it... they really cheered about it..." Cutie waved at another fur who walked by. He seemed uncomfortable with the subject matter and slid into an uncomfortable silence.

Harold nodded as he sensed something that Cutie seemed to hold back. "And, what else?"

Cutie didn't speak for a few steps. He piped in "And tonight, I get to dance!" He gave a sexy ass shake. His maneuver drew approving glances from nearby furs, and from Harold. Cutie lapsed into silence again as he looked away.

Harold sensed the uneasy silence between them. Throwing caution to the wind, he stopped walking, faced Cutie and asked again. "But, what else?"

Cutie didn't look at Harold as he began to get flustered. "Uh... nothing much... just... the convention furs... uh..." he looked at anywhere but to Harold.

Harold didn't like where it headed, but he pressed forward. In a gentle voice, he said "You can tell me." He gave a gentle squeeze to Cutie's paw. "You won't get into trouble."

Cutie briefly looked at Harold's face, and then looked at the ground. "Uh... I... had to..." He moved about, visibly uncomfortable. His voice dropped to a whisper as he spoke. "...had to... show... private bunny ass... in their hotel room..."

The phrase 'private bunny ass' and 'their hotel room' did not set well with Harold. Harold's voice instantly took an angry tone. "What?!?" Visions of the convention furs taking their turn on Cutie didn't set well with Harold.

Cutie whimpered out his words as if he was trying to dodge something dangerous. "They... they said that... you know..." He looked about uncomfortably, not wanting to talk about the experience. "...that I had to do that... since they allowed me... to be here... Fredrick wanted... to do more..."

Harold held Cutie's paws and pulled the rabbit toward him. In a panicked voice he said "What did they do to you?!?"

Knowing that he did something wrong, Cutie's eyes wavered and stared at Harold's chest. He continued to whimper in a small voice "But... I didn't... I mean... uh... Dennis yelled at Fredrick not to... so... uh... he didn't..." He reached around Harold and clung to his body like a security blanket. In a very small voice he said "I'm sorry... I didn't mean to... I had to..." He shivered as he held Harold.

Harold gently hugged Cutie as he patted his back. In a calming voice he said "You didn't do anything wrong." He was vastly relieved that the con furs didn't get very far with Cutie, but knowing what he knew, he felt hardcore anger towards the convention furs.

Cutie seemed to relax in Harold's arms. He spoke in a soft voice "Sometime... I have to, Bumper... but I don't wanna... I sorry..."

Harold gently shushed Cutie back to a safe and secure state. He gently rocked the muscled rabbit with gentle care. "You're OK, you're safe." I love him, he thought to himself. No one will ever hurt you again. Harold wasn't that much of a forceful fur, but he knew he could stand up to anyone when it counted, and this counted. This was a no brainer for Harold. I have to rescue Cutie.

Harold and Cutie stood in the lobby in silence as Harold thought about what Cutie said. He planned on bringing his friend Zippy in on this once he could tell the otter. But right now, he just wanted to calm down Cutie.

After a few minutes, they stepped apart. Cutie looked much relieved. Harold felt hungry. He said to Cutie "Hey, let's get something to eat." He figured that distraction would be good for the both of them. "My treat."

Cutie smiled, and the radiant beauty and innocence beamed out from the rabbit, like the sun coming out from behind a cloud. "Yeah!" he sang out. "I'd love that!" And at once, Cutie walked toward the hotel restaurant with Harold in tow, paw in paw.

Harold smiled as he felt he did something right. Finally, he thought to himself. I'm not causing him pain. But something nagged at the back of his mind as he walked with Cutie in the hotel lobby. It was something Cutie just said earlier. Something familiar... from last night... Then, it struck Harold in the face like a glass of cold water. Cutie just referred to me as 'Bumper' again, he thought. He did it again, as if... Harold couldn't wrap his mind around this. ...as if... in times of crisis... he calls me 'Bumper'...

As the two of them approached the restaurant, they passed by the hotel main entrance way. Harold remembered something that Zippy suggested. Harold stepped toward the entrance, as he tried to guide Cutie with him. "Cutie, let me take you to a nice restaurant I saw driving here..."

Cutie immediately began to panic as he frantically tugged on Harold's paw, away from the entrance and toward the hotel restaurant. "Nu-uh... no... I don'... I don' wanna go... nu-uh..." he squeaked out in a scared small voice. "...I wanna eat here... please..."

Harold sighed in resignation as he guessed the answer to one of his questions about Cutie's collar. He changed direction, and walked toward the hotel restaurant. With a resigned voice, he said "OK Cutie."

Much relieved, Cutie smiled again, took Harold's arm and led him toward the restaurant. The two of them sat at a table and enjoyed a meal together. They talked about nonsense things, like what occurred at the convention, what they liked there, their favorite songs they heard while dancing last night, etc. Harold soaked up the attention Cutie lavished on him, and sank into the beauty and innocence of Cutie's presence. Cutie spoke about things at random, furs he saw, things he noted at the convention. The two of them ate their meal as they enjoyed the lunch date.

When they finished their meal (along with a spotless plate lick and asking of permission to leave the table), Harold paid for the meal, and walked out back into the hotel lobby, paw in paw. Harold felt positively giddy with that first excitement of meeting someone new and wonderful, with Cutie. He also sensed that Cutie was very much taken with Harold. Every once in a while, while they walked, Cutie would lean his head on Harold's shoulder and giggle with excitement. It gave Harold a jolt of pleasure every time.

While they walked, Cutie excitedly pointed at a convention sign. "Yeah... now... uh... that one is... uh... different fashion ideas... yeah... for larger sized furs..." he raced on, as words pelted out of his mouth. "...and... and... that one... is..."

Harold just smiled and listened to the stream of talk from the rabbit. He didn't notice the large badger approach him, until the badger rudely shoulder bumped Harold. Harold heard the badger mutter low and angry "Fucken' raccoon..." Harold turned and glared at the badger leaving. What the fur, he said to himself. What was that about?

The badger walked a few steps and turned to glare at Harold with a cold hatred. Harold was struck by familiarity. At once, he recognized the badger as one of the convention organizers, and was also one of the furs sitting at the group of furs at the dance last night, who lavished attention on Cutie. Harold was not in the mood for this, and coldly glared back with his own fury. After a moment, the badger broke the stare and walked away.

Harold shuddered from the left over adrenaline surge. He shook his head, and returned his attention back to Cutie, and heard him speaking about something with his excited voice.

"Please Harold? Huh?" Cutie excitedly bantered to Harold. "Can we? Huh?"

Harold faced Cutie and asked "What is it?"

Cutie gave small jumps of excitement as he asked again in his sing-song voice "Can we go to the store? Kay?" He pointed again and again at the gift shop in the hotel lobby. His innocent eyes pleaded for a 'yes'.

Harold smiled at Cutie. "Of course. Anything you want." He said, and they walked to the store, holding paws. Harold wondered about the badger. I guess he's jealous, Harold thought to himself. Harold wondered if he was the fur that Cutie talked about, the one who wanted 'something more'... Harold shuddered at that sickening thought. I'll protect you, Cutie. Unconsciously, he gave a slight squeeze to Cutie's paw as they walked.

Both Harold and Cutie entered the hotel gift shop. It was a standard small gift shop that sold small souvenirs, amenities, things like that. But Cutie enjoyed the experience of being in a store, as a kid on his first outing. He pointed at the toys, post cards and variety of things that hotel patrons needed or might want. Harold just smiled, happy that Cutie enjoyed himself. A particular t-shirt that had a logo of the hotel caught his attention. "Wow, that's neat!" he said as he fawned over it.

Harold walked over, checked the shirt size, retrieved the shirt and said "Then it's yours", and brought it over to the cashier. Cutie watched with excitement as the cashier rang up the shirt and put it into the bag, which Harold handed to the over-excited rabbit.

Cutie clutched the shirt with enthusiasm. "Thank you Harold!" he exclaimed, threw his arms around Harold and kissed. Always happy to be in his arms, Harold kissed back.

After Cutie stashed away his prize possession into his backpack, Harold and Cutie walked paw in paw aimlessly around the hotel lobby. As they walked, Cutie waved at other furs at random. Harold noticed that the other furs waved back to Cutie with a smile, but once they saw Harold, they loss their smile. As if, I don't belong, Harold thought to himself. He felt self-conscious under the extreme scrutiny.

Wanting to be less conspicuous, Harold led Cutie to the back pool area. The hotel pool area was located at the back of the hotel. Being a hot and sunny day, it allowed for furs to enjoy the nice outdoor weather while they showed off some fur. Since this was the West Coast Chubby Fur convention, large sized furs provided the eye candy for the convention goers.

Harold wasn't interested in swimming, but wanted a simple change of scenery, as he and Cutie had been walking about indoors for a while. The pool area also featured an outdoor bar, and the usual alcohol thirsty clientele crowded about it. Harold thought a drink might be good. But when the two of them stepped out to the pool area, Harold heard a very faint click come from Cutie's collar.

Cutie stiffened up in terror, and in a soft scared voice he muttered "Nu-uh... no... I'm still at the hotel..." He bolted back into the hotel lobby.

Harold stared at Cutie in astonishment. "What's going on?" he blurted out, although a part of him figured it out already.

Cutie began to panic as he backed away from the hotel doorway to the pool area. "Uh... I... I hate pools... please Harold..."

Harold reluctantly followed Cutie back in. I guess, the collar will hurt him if... he's far enough away... from his room... Harold rolled the information in his mind as Cutie and Harold walked.

Harold and Cutie meandered about the hotel. The realization that the two of them were basically prisoners in the hotel dawned on Harold. He couldn't even ask Zippy for help, due to the otter's pending dilemma with Sarah. Nor, could he talk to Cutie. Harold guessed that Cutie wasn't allowed to talk about it. Harold kept trying to plan their escape, and came up with no solutions.

After a while of walking around, Harold knew that Cutie had another strip gig tonight, so treated Cutie to another dinner, which he accepted. Cutie babbled on and on about random stuff. Harold listened with interest, while he enjoyed the company.

After dinner (and another plate lick), both Harold and Cutie walked to the convention room that hosted the strip event. Cutie turned to Harold and said "I gotta go up to my room and get ready. You wait here." His eyes danced with excitement.

Harold's masked face sparked with interest. "Mind if I watch you change?" He wanted to see Cutie undress again. And, to get any clues about Cutie that might help him.

Cutie cringed away. "No... I can't... no..." He fidgeted about.

Harold nodded his head in resignation. "No problem. Go ahead."

Cutie smiled, kissed Harold, and ran off to his hotel room.

Harold fumed that he and Cutie were prisoners in the hotel... and he had to do something... but what? He trudged into the convention room and seated himself at a table in the back. He wasn't that worried about getting a good view of Cutie, since he would see him up close tonight... His desire for the rabbit welled up in him, and he squirmed with discomfort.

Furs gathered into the convention room and got good seats, and got out their money. Obviously, they intended to enjoy strip show. Harold's mind ran through plots to rescue his Cutie, but the ideas didn't go anywhere.

After about ten minutes, the convention leader named Dennis walked to Harold's table, sat down beside him and stared forward without saying a word.

Harold briefly glared at the rabbit. Memories of last night flared up as he thought about the manipulative rabbit's efforts, to separate Cutie from him by using Remo. He hated everything about Dennis. He hated his speaking manner, his clothes, his... convention associates... He jerked his gaze forward as he fumed.

After a pause, Dennis spoke up in that same annoying pleasant voice. "Remo says hi." His gaze stayed forward.

Harold internally groaned. Yes, he used Remo to manipulate me, he thought to himself. He just muttered to himself about nothing in particular, but didn't respond.

Dennis spoke again, the voice never changing in its pleasant sunshine manner. "He is really interested in you. If you want, I could set you up on a date tonight with him."

Harold clenched his paws in anger. In a low growling voice he said to Dennis "I'm... with... Cutie..." He glared straight forward as his anger grew.

Dennis nodded at this. "Remo is a friend of mine, and I thought the two of you might be right for each other." He faced Harold and said "He really is fond of you." His pleasant demeanor got under Harold's fur immensely.

Harold snapped back at Dennis. "I'M WITH..." He realized how loud he spoke, and piped down. He continued to speak in a lower but clearly angry voice "I'm... with... Cutie..." The glare he gave Dennis reflected his anger.

Dennis nodded, his warm smile never breaking. "Yes, you are." He paused, as if deciding how to choose his next words. "Cutie is really fond of you... he told us that today." He leaned toward Harold gently and said "He wouldn't stop talking about you."

Harold faced forward, not wanting to look at Dennis. Under his breath he said with anger "Is that a problem?" Cutie loves me, he thought to himself.

Dennis watched the furs amble into the conference room. "Of course not." he pleasantly answered.

That answer surprised Harold. He expected some sort of angry retort, but only got polite and warm responses. His instincts told him that Dennis was up to something.

Dennis continued to talk. "The important thing is that Cutie is happy..." At this point, he faced Harold and tapped him on the shoulder. Harold turned to Dennis as he continued. "...whether he is with you... or with someone else."

Harold had no idea where Dennis was going with this point. He was at a loss for words, but didn't like it.

Dennis spoke on, a bit quieter. "...but you have to understand something." He leaned in to emphasize his point, and his smile lessened. "Tomorrow morning, when the convention ends, you will go back to your life, and Cutie goes back to his."

At this point, Harold simply wanted to jump up and pummel Dennis. He attempted to keep calm, but anger dripped out as he tersely retorted "Why? So you can win him in another poker game?"

Dennis' calm and warm manner evaporated, and anger sparked on his face. Immediately, his voice bubbled with rage. "Is that what your pushy otter friend told you? You think I'm the villain?" Faster than Harold could react, he clutched Harold's shirt and jerked him close to his own face. Rage flashed on his face as he spoke in a low and dangerous voice. "Listen up, you idiot!"

Harold found out that Dennis was a lot stronger than he guessed, but glared back at Dennis. He refused to be scared, in spite of the obvious reason.

Dennis' other paw pointed at Harold's face in anger. "You think you're the only one who fell for that... beautiful rabbit?" Dennis then tapped a finger at himself.

Harold saw that there was no mistaking his meaning. His world tumbled around him. No, no, he wailed to himself. I love him. He's with me! He just stared back in shock.

Dennis released Harold and stared straight ahead, his expression stone cold. Harold also stared ahead as his emotions churned. After a moment, Dennis spoke up in a low voice. "Harold, you're playing with fire. Steven Pistlor... owns Cutie... sometimes he will..." He hesitated with his wording. "...share... his prize possession... with others..."

Harold didn't say a word. He didn't want to consider the possibility that they... were intimate... Harold choked up.

Dennis continued. "As you may have guessed, Cutie has a thing for large sized furs. He liked me because of my size..." he motioned to himself with a paw sweep. "...but that is as far as it went." He spoke almost in a slow whisper. "Cutie... is the most..." His voice broke, and his expression showed sorrow. After a moment, he regained control and continued to speak "...most... beautiful rabbit I've ever seen... ever. I just want to... protect him from all the... *sniff*... trouble in the world... right now, he's very happy with your company, and I'm... I guess I have to be content with that."

Harold squeezed his eyes shut as he tried not to think of what this meant.

Dennis spoke on. "I'm not the only one. A number of the convention organizers..." he waved his paw about to nobody in particular. "...are in love with him." He glanced at Harold and chuckled. "We... well... we almost tore our friendship up over him. But, we have an agreement to not fight over him." He glanced at the clock. "But, it's difficult to keep the truce up."

Harold's eyes teared up. He wiped them with his sleeve. He loves me, he thought to himself.

Dennis spoke on. "I made the mistake of telling Cutie about this convention, and he begged me to let him go. So, my friends and I risked our lives just to give Cutie a few days of happiness by fixing that poker game." He tapped Harold on the shoulder to make sure he paid attention. "Steven Pistlor is a very dangerous bear and not to be crossed." He glanced at the clock. "But one thing about him is that he always keeps his word. To a fault." He leaned in and softly spoke. "That's the only reason why Cutie is here, and why I'm still alive. Got that?"

Harold clutched his chair. His heart raced as he tried to think of what to do. He kept silent.

Dennis stood up, but kept his voice down. "I highly recommend you either accept the company of Remo, or be alone tonight. However, if you choose to be with Cutie, then... I guess I can give you tonight with Cutie. But you're risking the wrath of a number of the other furs who want to be with him."

Again, the concept of 'the other furs' taking their turn with Cutie entered his mind. He squeezed his eyes shut and tried to push it out of his mind.

Dennis continued to speak. "I don't expect you to thank me, but you must understand..." He leaned down and spoke quieter, making sure Harold understood everything. "...whatever you choose to do, Cutie goes home tomorrow morning. Please... for Cutie's sake, and your own, don't draw this out."

Without giving Harold a chance to respond, Dennis strode away to the entrance.

Harold's mind churned with rage and emotion. No, no, no, he thought to himself. I can't leave him... I love him...

After a few minutes, Dennis walked out to the center of the dance floor, as the lights went down. He wore a professional happy face, and provided an eager announcement to the audience about Cutie's performance. The crowd roared their approval as a sexy and exciting rabbit dressed in leather strutted his way to the center of the floor. His aura dripped sexual excitement, with every hip thrust, every leg kick, every paw brush, and every sultry sexual eye gaze. The audience took it all in with a roar of approval. The industrial rock music began its throbbing beat, and his body synced with it. His body shook to the music, and the audience yelled out their approval, and strove to attract the rabbit's attention with a wave of a paw gripping cash. Cutie danced over to each audience member, relieved the cash laden paw with personal sexual attention, in exchange for an intimate grope. He also rewarded the audience by stripping off an article of clothing, as he worked his way to a full furry showoff, except for his dog collar.

Harold watched the dance from the back of the convention. Sure enough, Harold enjoyed the dance, but his mind kept going over and over on the information Dennis told him. I can't give him up, he thought to himself. I love him. He considered Remo again, but couldn't bring himself to abandon Cutie. There's something more than a weekend fling between us. However, Harold had to be absolutely sure of Cutie's love before he did something... extreme... such as escape. As Cutie danced, Harold's mind raced about what Dennis told him, but he couldn't bring himself to even consider abandoning Cutie.

After the dance, Cutie talked with audience members with excitement. The audience members and convention leaders crowded around him and conversed with him as he dressed. After a few minutes, Cutie wormed his way from the crowd, sought out Harold and threw himself into his arms. Cutie was fully dressed, and smelled of excitement. Harold took it all in as he held Cutie in a warm and tight hug, not wanting to let go. He didn't care that the other furs stared at him with jealousy. All that mattered to Harold was that Cutie was with him, then and there.

Harold knew what he had to do. He made up his mind. He stepped back, held Cutie's paws, looked deep into his eyes and said "So, what do you say we continue this in my room?"

Cutie's eyes lit up with joy and nodded his head. As the two of them left, Harold caught a brief glance of Dennis. He saw the convention leader with a very grim expression, but the rabbit didn't interfere with their exit.

Harold and Cutie trotted off to Harold's room very fast, eager to enjoy the moment. Harold unlocked it with Cutie close behind. They kissed passionately as they shed their clothes, eager to feel each other's fur under their paws. They got onto the bed and made love with a passionate force that shook the bed.

After their hardcore sex act, Harold and Cutie lay in bed, with Cutie nuzzled into the crook of Harold's shoulder. Harold gently caressed Cutie's ear, causing Cutie to softly moan with pleasure. He burrowed himself into the crook of Harold's arm. Harold held Cutie in his arm as he thought about what to say to Cutie. I have to know if he even wants to attempt to escape with me, he thought to himself. I have to come clean about what I know.

Harold nervously cleared his throat. "Um... Cutie?" he said.

Cutie kept his eyes closed as he nuzzled. "Yes... Harold?"

OK, here it goes, Harold thought to himself. "I... I love you." He held his breath in fear as his paw caressed Cutie's ear.

Cutie softly replied "I love you too. Hmmmmmm..."

Harold breathed out a sigh of relief. I can do this, he thought to himself. We can do this. He tensed up before he continued. "I... I want you to live with me."

Harold felt Cutie also tense up. He slowly propped himself up and looked at Harold. His eyes began to water. "Wha..." he asked, almost in a whisper.

Harold pressed forward. "I want you to come home with me. Please. I love you." Harold's eyes pleaded for a 'Yes'.

Cutie sat on the bed and faced away from Harold. Harold heard a stifled sob. "I... can't... *sniff*"

Harold sat up and pulled Cutie's back to his own body. "We can escape together. Please, come with me. I love you."

Cutie began to gently sob as he clutched Harold's arm. "I... *sob*... can't..." he said, his words coming out hesitantly between sobs.

I've got to do this, Harold told himself. "Cutie, I know about your collar. I know it can hurt you. We can deal with it." Cutie turned around to face Harold shocked. "And, I know about Steven Pistlor." Cutie backed away from Harold, scared. "And, I know your real name is 'Robert Pixley'."

At that name, Cutie's face lit up with fear. Immediately, he bolted to the corner of the hotel room in terror. "Noooo!!!" he screamed out. He tucked himself into the corner of the room and shuddered as he sobbed.

Harold felt absolutely horrified as to what he did. But, I have to do it, he resolved. He got out of bed, walked over to the corner where Cutie sat, got on the ground next to him and touched his shoulder.

Cutie jerked, but didn't shake away the paw. His muscled body shuddered as he sobbed, facing the corner.

Harold gently pulled on Cutie, guiding the rabbit to his own body.

Cutie let Harold take him into his arms. Cutie clutched Harold as a lifeline, while he gently sobbed. He said to himself over and over "I'm Cutie... I'm Cutie... I'm Cutie..."

Harold held the muscled rabbit in his arms and gently rocked him back and forth, cooing to him. I guess that 'Robert Pixley' is someone he wants to leave behind, he said to himself. He is Cutie, now.

Cutie slowly calmed down, while he clutched Harold's fur like a security blanket. He kept his head down as he quieted down. The two of them sat on the ground for a several minutes.

Harold began to cry, as he felt his attempt fail. It was too good to be true, he thought to himself. I guess we aren't meant to be together. Harold hugged Cutie as he silently wept. At least we have tonight.

After a moment, Cutie spoke up, almost in a whisper. "Ha... Harold?" He continued to clutch Harold's fur.

Harold answered. "Yes, my love?" He cradled Cutie tenderly.

Cutie hesitated before he spoke again. "...OK..."

Harold didn't know what Cutie spoke about. "OK what?" he asked.

Cutie raised his head up, looked Harold in the eye while he kneaded Harold's fur. "OK, I'll live with you." he said softly.

Harold's heart leaped up with joy. "You will?" he exclaimed. He felt full of elation.

Cutie spoke on. "But... would you ask Steven? He'd be real mad... I mean..." His face lit up with terror.

Harold felt dread wash over him. He didn't even have an escape plan ready. "Um..." His friend Zippy was at least two hours away... "Um..." OK, here is what I'll do, Harold planned out. I'll call Zippy, get the police here, we escape before morning...

The hotel door thumped loudly with heavy pounding, causing his heart to skip a beat. He heard Dennis' voice bellow out "Harold! Open up!"

Harold panicked as he and Cutie scrambled to stand up. "We have tonight!" he yelled at the door.

The door immediately opened, and Dennis entered, followed by four convention furs. All had a very angry expression on their face. "Harold!" Dennis yelled out as they marched in.

Before either Harold or Cutie could react, two furs each rushed in and grabbed Harold and Cutie, and held them immobile.

Cutie struggled to get free. "I love Harold! Noooo..." he yelled. He tried to squirm out of the tight grips, but the paws of the impeding furs held him firm.

Harold struggled, but couldn't escape the strong paws on him. "You said we had tonight!" He yelled at Dennis.

Dennis ignored Harold, and approached Cutie with a syringe. Despite the rabbit's struggles, Dennis managed to inject the rabbit with it, with the two furs holding him still.

Harold yelled out "Let him go! Don't hurt him!" He struggled against the strong paws on his arms. He tried to kick, but his foot didn't connect. "No!!!"

Cutie struggled and squirmed, but the drug slowed him down. "Nooo... I love Harold... nooo..." He quickly slumped over, in a stupor. One of the furs grabbed a blanket, wrapped up Cutie and carried him outside. The other one gathered his things and followed.

Harold growled with anger. "Don't do this! No!" He continued to struggle.

Dennis approached Harold and glared at his face. In a voice dripping with anger he asked "Harold Spinster. You wouldn't happen to know who 'Peter Bently' is, now would you?"

Harold's surprise reaction betrayed him, and told Dennis what he suspected. Peter Bently was the name Harold used to call Steven Pistlor this afternoon, seized by a sudden lapse of good judgment. He quickly recovered and spit in his face. "No, you fur ball! Let me go!"

One of the furs holding Harold slammed his paw into Harold's stomach, causing him to double over. The other one followed up with a kick to his chest. They began to pummel him. Harold shrank into a ball as he tried to protect himself.

Dennis yelled out "Stop it! Stop it!" He yanked the two fighting furs off of Harold and sent them out of the room. "Get out of here!"

Harold collapsed to the ground as he tried to catch his breath. Pain assaulted his senses.

Dennis got onto the ground and spoke in a dangerous voice. "So, 'Peter Bently', you went and fucked up royal, did you? I just got a call from Steven, yelling at me about how 'Peter Bently' called from this hotel, asking about Cutie..." He grabbed Harold's ear and jerked his head up so they saw eye to eye. "You idiot!"

Harold tried to push him away, but only managed to weakly fumble his paw on Dennis' arm.

Dennis let go of Harold's head and spoke on. "I was generous to you. I gave you tonight with Cutie... for Cutie's sake, mind you. The other furs in love with Cutie wanted to..." He chuckled a bit harshly before he spoke. "...what does it matter? Whether you thank me or not, I just saved your life from them. And now, I'll save your life from Steven." He returned to yelling at Harold again. "But remember, you fucked up!"

Harold heard Dennis work something. He weakly raised his head while he gasped for breath. He saw Dennis fill a syringe with medicine. While Dennis filled the syringe, he said "Steven wants Cutie returned to his room, ready for pick up first thing in the morning."

Harold gasped out "Nooooo..." He tried to get his arm under him to prop himself up.

Dennis continued to speak. "And it is up to me to clean up your dirty work. Please..." He switched to a sorrowful voice. "...let him go. For Cutie's sake, and yours."

Harold began to breathe easier. He managed to prop himself up onto his paws and knees. He felt a pin prick in his arm. He tried to react, but it ended before he could respond.

Dennis gently spoke, with a twinge of sorrow. "Don't mess with Steven." He stood up. "He's very dangerous."

Harold felt a wave of lethargic energy wash over him. "Noooo..." he mumbled out. "I... love... Cutie..." The wave overtook Harold and he slumped onto the floor. He fell asleep immediately.