FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Chapter 22: Meeting the Father

Geoff finished his tea, and gave his mom a hug, "I've missed having you around, Mom. When are you leaving?"

Avery stood and picked up the cups and put them in the sink, "Soon. A half hour or so. It's getting late back home, don't forget there's a four hour time difference."

Geoff shook his head, "I better talk to Da, then. See if he's still mad." He went upstairs and knocked on the door to his father's study.

"Enter." Geoff opened the door and poked his head in. "Come on in, Geoff."

His ears lay flat against his head as he slipped into the room and stood in front of his father's desk, "I'm sorry, sir. I acted rashly, again."

"You did. Again. While you didn't lash out at undeserving people, and you did what you thought was necessary to protect someone, it was done without thinking things through, or even getting all of the information. You had no reason for running off. That is what bothers me. Faelen was right, you put all of us in danger for selfish reasons. Every time I think you've learned your lesson, you pull a stunt like this. I don't even know how to punish you anymore, without making things harder on Nathanial. You haven't quite given me enough reason to pull you off the football team."

Geoff paled, and curled his tail up at the threat, "But Faelen would have to quit, too."

"Maybe you should start considering how your actions affect others, before doing something asinine again. If punishing you doesn't work, I may have to punish you in ways that affects those you care about."

"Yes, sir. I try to think before reacting, I'll try harder."

"Do that. Avery's told you I'm going home tonight?"

"Yes, Da. In a half hour. Dirk is staying? I doubt he's happy about that."

"No, he's not happy. But I'm not leaving the lot of you here alone. I want you to behave. I know you're generally good, but all of you are stressed and liable to get testy."

"We'll do our best, Da. Don't worry. It's not like you'll be trapped over there. You can get back any time you want." His father looked doubtful, "You don't think the teleporter thing will collapse, do you?"

"No. Not really. If it does, that Mage will have a lot to answer for. I don't trust it, though, not after what Nathanial was saying."

"We should fly him to Ireland, then, so he can see the other side. If he does, he may be able to replace it with a more trustworthy one."

"I've thought about that. Like lots of other things, it'd have to wait for things to settle down. I'd also have difficulty explaining why he's there. But, we'll talk when I get back. You have homework."

"Yes, Da." Geoff left the office and wandered downstairs. Faelen's door was closed, the TV and computer were on, but unused, and the gym empty. He poked his head into his room, but no one was there. 'Huh. They're all in Faelen's room? What's going on in there?' He opened the door to see Nathanial standing by Faelen's bed, and the other three lying together naked. Nicholas was obviously tied to Micah and Faelen was still hard. "What in the hells!?" All four jumped, Nathanial spinning around to glare at him. Geoff laughed, "Well, since Faelen is still alive, I guess he didn't do anything to Micah." He closed the door behind him, "Just be thankful that it wasn't Mom who saw this." He walked over and leaned across Faelen to poke at Micah's hole, "Hey, it looks like he's still inside you! Yup, his knot is really up there. Wow! How'd you get it all in there, Micah?"

Micah glared, "You really are ruining the pleasant after sex time, Geoff. It's supposed to be a calm and peaceful period where we enjoy each others presence and just relax." They both burst out laughing. Micah had copied Geoff's accent and almost got his speech pattern right.

Nicholas gave Geoff a 'what in the hell are you doing' look, "Geoff, stop poking around my dick. And what are you going on about?"

Nathanial tried to placate his brother, "Micah walked in on us while we were still tied, right after the first time we had sex. They were switching roles."

"Oh. Don't poke around my dick like that, anyway."

Geoff was starting to get annoyed by Nicholas' attitude, he dropped his paw lower and began rubbing along Nicholas' taint and tail-hole, "What if I poke around here?"

Nathanial took Geoff's paw and put it just below his tail, "I'd rather some poking and rubbing here, if you don't mind. You aren't allowed playing with anyone else without my permission, remember?" Nathanial grabbed Geoff's scruff and pulled him in to a kiss, just like Liam had done to Nicholas. Geoff started to make a noise of protest before melting and returning the kiss.

Nicholas chuckled and gave Micah a quick kiss before turning to Faelen, "How long until I can pull out? It'd probably hurt him if I tried now, right?"

"Yes, definitely. Like Nathanial was saying for first entry, the separation should be controlled by the bottom. He's the one that feels the pain. As for how long, it depends on you. How long does it usually take for your knot to slide back into your sheath? Take that and add ten. The stimulation of being locking in someone means it takes longer to deflate. I could spray your penis with cold water if you want to separate quickly."

Nicholas looked scared, "Gah! No thanks! I'll wait. Probably another ten minutes or so."

Nathanial broke his kiss, "Oh, Nick, Mike, Garret wants to know if you want to go have supper with him. Call him and let him know. Now, Geoff, I could use your help with this." He put Geoff's other paw on his erection.

Geoff sighed, "Mom and Da, are leaving in twenty. I should see them off."

"Then lets just suck each other off. We did that yesterday evening in time."

That earned a chuckle, "Yeah, Mom was worried I was pestering you to have sex. Right. Lets go." He picked Nathanial up and tossed him over his shoulder.

---

Faelen walked behind Geoff and Nathanial as they headed home from school. He was really tired. He mowed the lawn last evening, weeding the gardens, prepared supper, did a little homework, and finally managed to finish his cardio workout. He even tried those stretches Liam showed him. He wanted to have sex with his dad again, but he figured Liam wouldn't want him to, Da was supposed to be resting. He considered asking Nicholas, but he felt it was best if the two younger Marks kept each other occupied so they weren't bothering them. They slept in Gwen's room last night, as opposed to sleeping with him or Dirk, Dirk had even gone out and bought them some lube to use. Liam seemed to be really skilled at manipulating people when he wanted to. Faelen sighed without meaning to as he thought of the Rottie. If he didn't need to escort Geoff home he would've gone to Liam's training session, just to watch him. He noticed Geoff look back at him with an amused grin. "What?"

Geoff's grin got bigger, even Nathanial was smiling now. Geoff's voice held hidden laughter, "Oh, nothing. You just sounded like you were thinking of a certain black and tan dog."

Faelen frowned, "Huh? Why?"

Geoff chuckled and shook his head. Nathanial playfully shoved his boyfriend and answered, "A very heartfelt sigh. You've been distracted most of today, and you noticeably perk up whenever you see Liam-sensei."

Faelen shook his head, "Sorry, sir. I'll be more mindful of my surroundings. We may have a short walk home, but there are likely to be Hunters around." He looked around, surprised at how close to home they actually were. He really was out of it. His self discipline was sorely lacking these last few days. He concentrated on maintaining his vigilance. Geoff was about to say something, probably about being addressed by 'sir', but Faelen cut him off. "Nathanial. Who is driving the SUV that just pulled onto Creekside? They appeared to be watching us before turning onto the side street."

Geoff kept silent, but his body tensed. Nathanial's ears twitched, and he slowed down as his focus shifted. "Three people are in it. I don't recognize them... wait. There is magic around them. Hmm." He slowed down even more.

"Sir, if we're going to stop, can we do so somewhere a little less vulnerable? There's a playground around the corner to the right."

"Stop calling me 'sir'. Yes, we should." Geoff picked up Nathanial in his arms, and broke into a run with Faelen keeping pace. He wasn't even sure if Nathanial noticed he wasn't walking anymore. They quickly reached the playground and went to a park bench, some of the adults giving them odd looks as they kept an eye on their children. Faelen knelt in front of Nathanial as Geoff put him down and pretended to check one of Nathanial's ankles and hindpaw.

The adults turned their attention back to their children, except one mother, a tiny otter wearing a flower print skirt and pale pink blouse. She walked over, "Are you okay?" She sounded genuinely concerned.

Faelen smiled up at her, "Yes, ma'am. He tripped and twisted his ankle, it isn't broken, from what I can tell. He's a little stunned and shaken up, he hit his head when he fell, but he'll be fine. He doesn't have a concussion, I've already checked for that before we moved him."

"Oh, head injuries are very dangerous, you should call an ambulance. It's better to be safe than sorry."

"I agree, ma'am, but I've played soccer for years, and we've had extensive first aid training, including how to recognize the symptoms of a concussion. I'll let him rest for a few minutes and see how he is. If he's still a little rattled, I assure you we'll call an ambulance."

She looked at Nathanial's face, her expression and voice thoughtful, "Akita, Akita. Ah! You must be Nathanial Marks! Lily's boy. I'm so sorry about what happened, it sounded like a terrible tragedy. To lose your mother so young. I pray for you and your family to have the strength to make it through these difficult times. Please, if I can help just let me know."

She patted Faelen on his shoulder and gave a pitying look at the other two before heading back to her children. She missed the murderous glare Nathanial gave her as he came back to himself. "Bloody bitch. I'll help her, and no prayer will keep her safe."

Geoff's tone was reproachful, "She meant well. I didn't channel more Dark energy into you without realizing it, did I?"

Nathanial's gaze was cold, "No. But you're right, she did seem to mean well. Even if she got it all wrong. My difficult times are over, now that that woman is dead. Anyway, who gives a damn what she thinks. That was Agent Arrie and two other people I didn't recognize. They were under some sort of illusion. I'm... concerned by their actions. Why spy on us like that? Under an illusion, yet. I'm keeping an eye on them, in case they head back toward us, or toward home." He froze. "Micah. Nick. They're out of range, I can't sense them. What if they're going after them? But why would Arrie...?" He pulled out his phone and called Agent Ella. "Yes, Ms. Ella? Are you on duty right now? Yes? Good. Do you see me? Good, scan over three blocks west, one north. Grey SUV heading north. Arrie is in it with two other people, under an illusion. They were watching me, and are now heading toward Nicholas' school, roughly. What is she doing?" He listened, "Could you please try to find out? She's just leaving my range, now, and I'm getting a little concerned." Pause, "Thanks, Ella. I appreciate this." He hung up and put his phone back into his pocket, "Ella is looking into it. It could be something benign, like Arrie showing some friends who we are. Hopefully not who you two are. I think Ella would blow a gasket at that. Huh, Ella put a scrying thing on us. She must be a little concerned, too."

"Si... Geoff," Faelen was about to call him 'sir', "Let's get home. We can act and talk more freely there." Geoff nodded. "Nathanial, you've twisted your left ankle. Please lean on Geoff and limp a bit."

"I did? When did I do that? Must've been when I was trying to pierce that illusion. I feel fine. It doesn't hurt at all."

Geoff and Faelen laughed. Geoff poked Nathanial in the side, "Silly pup. I had to carry you here, so we weren't so obvious. You were moving too slow for our taste, and we wanted somewhere safer. Faelen pretended to check your ankle to cover for why I was carrying you. So, now you need to limp a bit."

"Oh. That was smart. I wouldn't have even thought of something like that."

Geoff grinned, "Neither would I. Faelen doesn't get good grades, but he's really good at stuff like this. A top notch bodyguard and protector. My big brother is awesome."

Faelen blushed, he couldn't remember saying he thought of Geoff like a little brother, but Geoff obviously wasn't going to forget, or let him forget that it happened. "Let's go." Geoff stood and helped Nathanial up, wrapping his arm around him. Nathanial gave a fairly good performance as he limped along, and they made their way back home. Geoff must have enjoyed holding Nathanial like that, because he gave no indication that the slow pace was annoying him.

Once inside the garage Geoff pulled Nathanial into a mutually passionate kiss. Faelen smiled and went inside. Dirk was at the stove preparing tea, "You guys okay? You're awfully late." Faelen filled him in, "Smart. Good job on the subterfuge. Agent Arrie's behaviour is really suspicious, though. I hope she isn't tipping people off about us. How was your day, otherwise?"

"It was good. Lots of people were whispering and pointing as we walked around the halls. It was to be expected, but it really bothered Nathanial. It wasn't malicious like on Tuesday, more sympathetic, but Nathanial hates being the centre of attention. Even Betty left us alone. Classes were the same as always, the homework is picking up. I must have two hours worth for the weekend, and a quiz for Monday."

"You better study. You've missed a lot."

"Why? As long as I pass, it doesn't really matter. I'll be working for the McDougal's once I graduate, so it's not like I need any of this. I already know most of what I need to serve him, and what I don't know, I can't learn in school anyway."

His father didn't seem to have an answer to that. Nathanial did, "And if Geoff goes to university, what then? I'm not sure if they'd like you following him around all the time if you aren't a student, too. If he joins a university soccer league, how will you stay by him? Did you forget that Dalhousie Collegiate separates classes by grades? If you don't make the honour roll you'll be in almost none of the same classes as Geoff. You were probably put in Geoff's classes this year because Conor insisted, I don't know if he can do that again, especially since we've made at least one enemy in the faculty, maybe more. And those are just some of the practical reasons, not the esoteric ones." Faelen looked uncertain, "What of your pride? Are you going to coast and slack off, doing far less than you're capable of, just because 'it doesn't really matter'? Then why do you try in soccer? You've won awards for your skills, you could still make the team and stay close to Geoff without trying that hard. It's not like soccer helps you protect him, unless it's from stray soccer balls. I would've thought you'd never do less than you could because of laziness."

Geoff rubbed Nathanial's shoulders, "Whoa, calm down, pup. What's gotten you so worked up today?"

"Nothing. I just have a hard time trying to get Nicholas and Micah to work at school, too. I can't understand not trying. Even if you don't use it, directly, I think learning, just for the sake of learning, is valuable and important. And all of my points are true. Aren't they, Faelen?"

Faelen felt ashamed, he hung his head and nodded, "Yeah. I've never thought beyond High School. Or even about the marks based separation in this school, if we're here next year." Nathanial and Geoff looked shocked. They didn't seem to consider the likelihood Geoff and Faelen would go back to Ireland after the school year. "I should have. It's my duty to try to think of all possible outcomes and plan for them. I have a lot of studying to do this weekend. But, right now, I have some exercising to do, then a date to get ready for. I won't be eating tea, Da. I'll grab a sandwich to tide me over, till I eat with Liam."

"You know where you're going?"

"Yeah. I'm meeting him at his place at four thirty, then we're going to a Chinese restaurant downtown. Apparently he knows the owner and is getting a really good meal done. Then we're going to walk around for a bit, or maybe come back here, depending on the weather. It may rain, again."

"Grab a taco, then. They're ready, I'm just finishing up the Mexican rice and sauce."

"Cool! I wish you'd made these another night, I love tacos. Well, I love pretty much everything you make, Da. I would've missed whatever it was. Thanks." Faelen quickly made and ate a taco as Geoff and Nathanial headed downstairs. Nicholas and Micah came in while Faelen was just finishing. "Hey pups. Did you notice a grey SUV following you at all?"

Nicholas shook his head, Micah nodded, "Yup. Agent Arrie was in it. I waved, but she seemed really surprised. JWD was there, too. He waved back, he wasn't as surprised as Arrie."

Faelen raised an eyebrow, "It took Nathanial a couple of minutes to figure out who was in it. Who's JWD?"

"He's a Mage. He owns the magic bookstore in downtown Halifax. That's where Sensei and I got some books."

Dirk moved the rice off the heat, "If it's two Mages known to the Marks, it's likely got nothing with us. It may be that they're just checking to make sure you're all right, and watching to make sure Hunters don't bother you on the way home."

Faelen pondered, "If Lily was behind getting the Hunters after them, shouldn't they leave them alone, now?"

"Nicholas and Micah, yes. They were after Nathanial without Lily's involvement. Why don't you pups go put your school stuff away. Tea will be ready in five to ten minutes." Dirk shooed them all from the kitchen.

"You guys get much sleep last night?"

Micah skipped down the stairs, "Nope! Nick really gave it to me. I loved it, all five times. I wish we were eating a bit later, I wanna get him in me some more!"

Nicholas blushed, unable to look at Faelen. Faelen just laughed and pulled him over, rubbing his ears, "Just don't overdo it. You still need to sleep and get other stuff done." Faelen pulled off his jacket and began unbuttoning his shirt as he walked through the rec-room. Micah and Nicholas put their book bags by the table next to the computer, it was set up for Geoff and Faelen to do their school work. "I think I'll miss having you guys around all the time when you go back home." Nicholas was stripping off his clothes. "Um, Nicholas, why are you stripping?"

He stopped, "Oh. Right. It's just a habit. I always strip when I get home from school, I, heh, forgot I wasn't home. Sort of. I knew it wasn't home, but it felt like home. Would Dirk mind if I ate in just shorts, or naked?"

Faelen walked into his room, and stripped, calling out, "Doubt it. He hates clothes, too. He only dresses if Avery or Gwen's around. He wears shorts 'cause Conor doesn't like him being completely naked." Faelen folded his school uniform up and walked back into the rec-room. Nicholas was going over to the TV, Micah was ogling his groin. Micah looked over at Faelen, eyes drawn to his swaying sheath. "Nick, grab a towel from the gym to sit on, please." Nicholas looked back at him and nodded, his eyes widening a little as Faelen walked by and into the gym. Faelen tossed him out a towel, but Nicholas just followed him in and sat on the towel on a bench. "You going to watch me exercise? Doesn't sound like fun."

Nick leered, "Oh, it is. It is." Micah walked into the gym, naked, and sat by Nicholas.

"Come on, guys. Don't push it. Don't forget you're eating in a few minutes. Da may not mind you being naked at supper, but he won't like you being all aroused. If you aren't going to work out, shoo."

Nicholas laughed, "Well, someone has a high opinion of himself. Why do you think we'll get all aroused by you lifting weights?"

Faelen smiled, "Because you get worked up very easily. Whether it's me, Geoff, or Liam working out while naked, you'd get horny." He began stretching, Nicholas' sheath twitched as he saw Faelen's muscles working. "Told you." Nicholas just grinned and leaned back, Micah's eyes went from Faelen to Nicholas, his paw twitching toward his brother. Faelen shook his head and continued.

When Dirk called down for them to come up for tea, Faelen was almost impressed by his audience. They were still retracted, with just a little pink showing. He thought they still enjoyed watching him a lot. Nathanial sounded surprised when they walked out of the gym naked and headed up without getting dressed at all. Faelen made them bring towels up to sit on. That was over a half hour ago, and it sounded like they were just finishing tea. He was just finishing up his last minutes on the cross trainer. He listened to them walking down the stairs, Micah was worked up about something. Geoff's pre-birthday party. It wasn't going to be much, but the Marks seemed keen on it. Faelen wasn't fussed about birthdays, he much preferred remaining in the background, where he belonged, and other people's birthdays were always a lot of work. All those people to watch, making sure Geoff didn't wander off, noises and commotion everywhere possibly hiding a threat. It was just too stressful. That actually made this sound like an ideal birthday. "Huh. Maybe it'll be fun, after all. Then I get to endure the next weekend."

"What's next weekend?" Geoff walked in. "We're going home, aren't we?"

"Yeah. I hate parties."

"Really? You've never said anything. Right. Never mind. I hate the noise and fuss, but it seems to go with the territory. It probably drives you nuts, with everyone going to and fro, the noise and commotion, potential threats everywhere." Faelen burst out laughing and had to get off the machine. "What?"

"That's almost exactly what I was thinking before you came in. Hey, can you spare a bit of time from Nathanial to give me a quick brush. I'm going to hop in the shower right after. Or maybe I should shower then brush. Yeah, it should make my coat shinier that way."

Geoff smiled, "You're acting like you barely know him, and are concerned about making a good first impression. You've had sex with him, slept with him, and seen each other right after waking up already. You don't have anything to hide."

"He hasn't seen me at my best. I want to show that I can look good. I want him to know that I care enough to put in the effort." He was fidgeting and shifting his weight from side to side.

"You do love him." Geoff leaned against the door frame, arms crossed.

"N-no. Not yet. Maybe." Faelen scratched the back of his neck.

Geoff shook his head, and pointed at Faelen, accusingly, "You do. You're just nervous because he isn't sure."

"We don't know each other that well. He hasn't told me what and who he is. Until he's comfortable enough to do that, I can't really say I know him enough to be in love." Faelen turned his back to Geoff as he cleaned the machine. He focused on trying to not accuse Geoff of not really being in love.

"I loved Nathanial before I really knew him."

Faelen was really having trouble not saying something to insult Geoff, "You still don't know him that well. That's a different type of love."

"It's still love."

Faelen sighed, "You may be right. I should clean up."

He felt heavy inside, weary even. He walked past Geoff, tossing the towel into the hamper. He should empty that when he got home, do a load of laundry. Geoff clapped him on the shoulder, "Hey, I'll scrub your back for you. I didn't mean to bring you down, I was just wanting you to feel as happy as I do. Whether he's your true love or not, enjoy yourself. Live for you for once. I love you, Faelen, I want you to be happy. That's a different type of love, too, but still powerful and still valid."

That made Faelen smile, he put his sweaty arm around Geoff, "Yeah, it is. Thanks."

Nicholas was walking downstairs, "You getting in the shower, Faelen? I was just about to. I can wait, you have to get ready. Or I could scrub you, if you scrub me."

Faelen smiled, "You aren't jealous I'm going on a date with your master? Or that he's dating me?"

Nicholas blushed, about to say something, but Geoff jumped in, "Master? Not as in Sensei type craft master? Did I miss something?" His eyes were narrowed suspiciously.

Faelen laughed, "Yup. Ask Micah. I need to shower. I can get Nick to scrub me if you want to spend some time with Nathanial."

"You trying to ditch me?" Geoff was still a little put off.

"No, I like having you scrub my back, but if you're going to shower with Nathanial later, there's no point in getting all wet now. If you still want to talk, you can even come in with us."

"I want to hear about this 'master' thing."

Faelen was still chuckling about the conversation in the bathroom as he walked down the road to Liam's. Geoff was half horrified and half aroused at the whole scene. He couldn't make up his mind, and his indignant comments were interspersed with his moans as he squeezed his cock through his pants. Nicholas couldn't seem to believe Faelen was going into so much detail, but he was getting really worked up reliving the blowjob he gave Liam. Faelen found the whole thing hilarious. He managed to get clean and Geoff brushed him dry, it looked like Nicholas went to drag Micah off somewhere, probably Gwen's room. Faelen was told to dress well, but not in a suit and tie. He decided on dark grey slacks, black leather belt, a stormy purple long sleeved shirt left unbuttoned, and an icy blue shirt underneath. Geoff said he looked like a thunderstorm. He wore his black bomber style leather coat, it was slightly chilly out, and he expected it to be cooler later. Nova Scotia didn't seem to be as warm as Ireland, and he never considered Ireland all that warm. He walked up to Liam's house, almost right on time. His phone rang right as he knocked. He pulled it out, it was Liam. The door opened, "Hi, Mr. Smith, one moment, Liam just called. Hi, Liam? I just got to your house. You just got off the bus? Oh. Okay. I'll be here. See you soon." He put the phone away. "Sorry, Mr. Smith. I gather Liam isn't here yet." Liam's father was a Rottweiler, too. He was reasonably attractive, but generally quite average. He wore jeans and a white tee shirt, his belly poked a bit past his belt.

Walter looked over Faelen in a way that made him uncomfortable. It wasn't like Mr. Smith was undressing him in his mind, but more the way he'd expect if he was dating a girl. The 'who is this punk dating my little princess' look. "If you would come in. You may wait inside." Even his tone was cool. Faelen gulped, and carefully wiped his hindpaws before stepping in.

"Thank you, sir."

"Would you care for some refreshments while you wait? The kitchen is this way."

"No, thank you, sir. If Liam hasn't told you, my name is Faelen O'Conall." He extended his paw.

Walter's handshake was firm, if a bit stiff, "Pleased to make your acquaintance. I'm Walter Smith. You may call me sir." Walter looked like he'd like to grind Faelen into dust.

Faelen gulped again, "Yes, sir."

"Not much of a sense of humour on this one, Liam." Faelen never noticed that Walter hadn't shut the door behind him, or that Liam had come in. "He's polite enough. Big, too."

"Liam? You were just getting off the bus. How'd you get here so fast?"

"I can normally outrun Geoff-san. It is only a few blocks to the bus stop. I was just crossing the intersection when you stepped inside. Please allow me to put my things away before we leave. Dad, could you show Faelen around?"

"Sure. Faelen, to our right is the living room, over there is the dining room. In front is the kitchen. Down this hall is the arts room. As you can see, it's used a fair bit." Walter had pointed out the various rooms. They had been standing at the intersection of the halls, and could see the first three rooms. Liam had walked into the kitchen, shaking his head at his father's 'tour', and turned left at the end and ran upstairs. They had walked down the hall to the right, past two closed doors, and turned right into a larger room. The hard wood floor was as well polished as the rest of the house, everything seemed to have a proper place and was in it. Faelen found it very comforting, he hated clutter and mess. There was a plastic mat in the corner, by two large windows, with a violin and a bamboo flute beside it. An easel and some canvases sat in the middle of the mat. Walter's phone rang, "Ah, pardon me. It's one of my employers." He answered and went to the door at the back right corner of the room and ran upstairs.

Faelen walked over to the easel. There was a canvas on it, and a canvas on the ground on a small stand. He picked it up and looked at it. It was an unfinished landscape, done in ink. Faelen would guess it was Japanese, he'd only seen a few ink paintings before, but he thought it looked very good. He turned to look at the other one, and his heart stopped. It was half done, still just in ink, but it was obviously a Wolf head. His. The detail on the muzzle and eyes, the only parts done so far, were amazing. The eyes, his eyes, just drew him in. He could feel the love that Liam must have felt when he looked at them. It was a completely different style than the landscape, but recognizably the same artist. Faelen felt a tear run down his cheek. "Faelen? Oh. You saw. Um, I... don't like people looking at my work that much. It's... personal. I put... never mind." Liam sighed, the ends of his ears flopped down over the open area, like a cover, so it was hard to tell if he was blushing, but he certainly looked like he was.

"Liam? Do you... do you see my eyes like this? I've never seen eyes that are so alive in a painting. It's incredible."

Liam muttered something, underestimating Faelen's hearing, "No, you are incredible." He raised his voice, "I was just inspired to try my hand at a portrait. I typically paint landscapes, but I wanted to try something new. I have seen your face a lot, so it was easy to recall." Liam walked over and put a cloth over the canvas, "I may not even finish it. I have other projects on the go already."

Faelen put his paws on Liam's shoulders and looked into the eyes of his suddenly shy partner, "Liam, I love you."