FSE

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formerly SoFurry search engine

Sixthday ended just as the rest of the week had. The Warp Core Team had been focusing on finishing up power checks and were setting up for functional checks. Everything was going smoothly, which put Travis on edge. This was prime time for Murphy to come in and kick over the ant hill. So many things could go wrong. Serenity didn't seem too worried. Shi had gone through this song and dance before. Shi knew what to expect and how to handle any problems. Today ended just fine, so the best course of action would be to just let it go.

Ardiz and Kris had been helping with power checks after they had finished that lab checkout for the video shelf. With the amount of power and data wiring that was strewn all over the ship, the help was appreciated. They weren't done yet as several monkey wrenches had been thrown into their checkouts. There was some contention that started on Fifthday that caused some headaches. It wasn't until this afternoon that the problem was found and fixed but did result in some lost time. During all the discourse, Travis did his best to continue with the other lines to help save time.

Tucker and Travis were up at the top of the warp core where the upper data shelf was located. This shelf had several units meant to collect and aggregate as much data from the upper half of the core. It also covered a portion of the readings coming from the reaction chamber, but most of the reaction chamber was collected on the lower data shelf on the opposite end. These two shelves accounted for around twenty percent of the total data collected for Warp Core SI. The rest were recording of displays, a few other data sources, and control input recordings from the bridge. The whole system was a convoluted mess, but it was their mess.

Tucker was finishing up the power checks for the shelf. They had gone line by line up here for the major units with no major difficulties. Sure, there was the occasional mispin, but Tucker easily fixed those issues. It seemed like today was going to be as normal as it could get, besides the disagreement happening in main engineering down below. Kris, Ardiz, and Serenity were still arguing about a problem that had cropped up. Something was fishy with the core shelf. The drawings that detailed how the shelf was wired did not match with what was observed physically with the shelf. Power was going where it needed to physically which meant that the shelf was wired correctly. There were several mislabels on the drawing that confused everyone. Serenity was for fixing the drawing to reflect what was physically there, while Kris was more inclined to keep the drawing and reflect what was going on physically. Both sides had pros and cons. Ardiz was trying to mediate the disagreement without causing undue tension. With how long it took to find the issue and how much time was taken arguing, tempers were flaring slightly. Luckily, with an empathetic Chakat trying to maintain peace with the help of hir Skunktaur coworker, it hasn't developed into a screaming match yet. Key word on the yet.

Tucker wasn't one to get involved in such matters. Travis was the newbie, so he stayed well clear from the blast zone. To pass the time, they continued with the checks. As much as Travis wanted to help, there came a point where he could do no more. He came down the shaft with Tucker with slight disappointment. He didn't want to be seen as a slacker. That would frustrate him to no end. He always had to be doing something or entertaining himself, lest his mind start going to the darker places.

The team had decided that since the day was ending that it was time for them to go home. Tucker ambled off to go do turnover for swing shift. After he left, Travis asked if they were still planning on going out for the day. Ardiz said that hy couldn't make it since hy was heading to a concert in Berdoovia. Kris was spending the weekend going fishing with his sons, so he also couldn't make it. There was a round of farewells as Kris and Ardiz left for the weekend. Only Serenity stayed behind. Travis' nerves started to gain an advantage. He dreaded spending alone time with hir. He knew he needed to answer hir offer soon or risk alienating hir. He needed to decide, and fast.

“So," Travis started slowly. “Since it's just us today, are we canceling or…" He left the question to hang. Shi smiled that saucy grin that threatened to make him blush. He fortunately limited it to a slight pinking of his cheeks. For the moment, at least.

“Well, I've been craving a milkshake recently. Remember that burger place I mentioned?"

“Yeah?"

“They make these magnificent milkshakes that are to die for. I'd like to take you, if you'd join me?" Travis knew this was a prime opportunity. He could tell hir his answer over dinner. Now, if only he knew what that answer would be! He didn't have a lot of time before shi'd start taking his silence as rejection. A full week without an answer would be enough according to his thoughts.

“Sure, I'm fine with that. So, down to the Spaceport?"

“While the Spaceport location is just as good, it's a little cramped. There's a larger one in Amistad, much cozier. We should be able to get a beam down." That would be easier, seeing as neither of them would have to go too far to go home. Travis agreed with hir plan and followed hir out of engineering. Just like last time, they showed their badges to the transporter technician and off they went.

---

Amistad was overcast when Serenity and Travis landed planetside. While the weather didn't vary very much due to how close Amistad was to the equator, the weather patterns did change over the course of the year. The seasons changed every twelve weeks in a very similar fashion to Terra. The cities further away from the equator get a much more severe change then those closer for obvious reasons. Amistad was considered in the Tropical zone, so the weather patterns for fall and winter made things wet while spring and summer got hot and slightly muggy. Currently the southern hemisphere of Chakona was experiencing its fall season and was transiting to the winter season. It was going to be colder than usual with more constant rain.

The weather was scheduled to start raining tomorrow and last into most of the following week. Travis was excited for this storm. He always did love thunderstorms. A few of his treasured moments involved him sitting on a covered porch, listening to the rain and thunder as he played his bass. Those were much simpler times, but he hoped to at least catch a little of that this fall season. He was also thinking of bringing his bass to Serenity's parents place tomorrow for their enjoyment. He'd have to ask if that was okay, first.

Travis shook off the transporter effects and checked his surroundings. While the pub they had gone to last week was on the west side from the government center, today they were on the north and east corner where Amistad bordered Gull Cove. It looked to be a mostly residential area with a few small businesses scattered here or there. The populace moved about leisurely as the weekend started for most citizens. As he turned to his right to finish his observations, Serenity appeared beside him. Shi looked over at him with a smile in hir eyes that just melted his numbed heart. How could he refuse such a creature? What stupidity was holding him back from taking the leap they both wanted?

“This way,'' shi pointed out, indicating the direction they needed to go. “It's just up Zephyr Lane." Shi offered hir hand from him to take. He didn't even have to think about it. He took hir hand in his and relished in the feel of hir paw pads. They were warm and supple against his own hand. It felt so right to hold hir hand like this. It was like a missing piece of his soul had slid perfectly into place. Several thoughts tried to make themselves known that he knew shi would catch. All shi showed to indicate hir response was a slight squeezing of his hand. He knew right then and there that he was accepted by hir. The feeling that brought on was one of liberation.

He was in complete awe at what he was doing. Here he was, walking to a dinner date alone with the most amazing person he had ever met. Not only was shi taking him on this date, but shi was happy about it! Shi wanted to be here with him. To learn and laugh with him. His joy was so great that he felt like he could take on the universe and win with relative ease. His steps were light and undeterred. He walked with hir up the street, just enjoying hir company.

It didn't take them long to reach the restaurant. The sign said, “Crazy Red's Gourmet Burgers and Shakes." Travis remembered seeing one at the Spaceport when he first arrived on Chakona. He never tried it, but the way it was packed meant it must be a local favorite. Judging by the patrons already inside and outside, he assumed that they all would be slightly packed. Serenity led him inside where the smell of burgers hit him right upside the head. The hustle and bustle of the cooks and patrons was a cacophony of sound but wasn't so bad as to hurt the ears. The groups of people eating, talking, and clamoring brought a small smile to Travis' lips. This was normalcy. This is what he had wanted in his life.

Like most sit-down restaurants, a waiter sat them down at a booth for taurs. Serenity took hir seat first and patted beside hir. Travis took the stop next to hir with a bashful “thank you." Hir lower body curled more towards him, which allowed hir tail to wrap around his waist. He knew that this motion was considered very intimate for Chakats. Shi had done it several times to him over the course of the past two weeks. He didn't know why or how, but somehow, he had gotten into hir heart of hearts and was there to stay. If you can't beat them, join them, as the saying went. He snuggled in closer as they shared a menu. The prices seemed reasonable for the type of fare. Not only that, but there were also so many different burger options, he was having a hard time deciding. He decided to get some advice.

“So, what's good here? Got any suggestions?"

“I'm partial to the Surf's Up Burger. Be warned, it's got pineapple and teriyaki sauce on it. The other I get is the Three Alarm when I want something spicy." Travis' mouth watered. He liked both of those options. While he wasn't much for spicy, he did like this one burger he made himself that had jalapenos, spicy jack cheese, and a special hot sauce. The recipe was before the Gene Wars and was good in his opinion. He also noticed a few others that caught his eye.

“I'm interested in that Surf's Up one. The bacon one also sounds good."

“That's Kairen's usual. Shi absolutely loves bacon."

“Well, of course shi loves bacon. It's food from the gods. Meat candy is good on everything." Serenity laughed heartily at that. Shi pulled him in closer and nuzzled him.

“Kairen says the same thing. I think you two will get along just fine." That slowed Travis' playfulness, but only a smidge. He smiled as well, though it didn't quite reach his eyes.

“I hope so." Before Serenity could comment, their waiter approached to take their drink orders. They also decided to order as well with both getting the Surf's Up. Serenity also ordered a strawberry milkshake for hirself. Travis was more into the vanilla version. The waiter wrote down everything, then said it would be out in a few minutes. Once the waiter moved on to other tables, Serenity returned hir gaze to Travis. He looked back to hir and had penetrating green eyes studying him. He raised an eyebrow at hir, hoping to diffuse any questions or comments shi may have for him. He wasn't successful.

“You know, you are one strange Human."

Deciding to go into his usual banter, Travis responded with, “No! When did you find out?" They both laughed at his casual acceptance of strangeness. They calmed down a little as the waiter came by with their drinks. They took a few sips as they relaxed into a comfortable silence. A few minutes passed before Serenity decided to ask about what his favorite part of Chakona was, besides hir of course. They talked, debated, and laughed back and forth about their home and the wonders that came with it. Serenity then asked a question that opened the proverbial can of worms that Travis was hoping wouldn't be opened.

“What are your plans for the future?" The future? He didn't exactly know. He wanted to say that he would go back to being a mercenary if only to persuade hir to stop pursuing him. He knew that would be a lie. He was just as enamored with hir as shi was of him. He wasn't going to get rid of hir that easily.

“I'm not sure. I would like to stay here. I enjoy what I do with Ess-Eye." He paused to gather his thoughts. There were so many different paths he could take, but only one offered him any happiness. He wished for the strength to take it. He liked working in SI. He especially liked working with Serenity. He didn't want to change that. “I also enjoy spending time with you. Going back into service would take all that away. I don't want that." Serenity melted at his words. To know that shi was having an active effect was both humbling and encouraging. Shi didn't want him to leave Chakona. Shi loved having him around, and shi knew hir family did as well. Shi would be heartbroken if he left.

“Neither do I. I'd rather you stay here. I'd miss you too much if you had to leave." Travis blushed a little at hir words. He was still uncomfortable with praise and having someone say they wanted him around. He was getting better, though. His insecurities were slowly dying bit by bit. They were still under the surface. They just weren't as prominent now. He could still feel them wanting to come out. He held them under lock and key. He would not burden anyone with his problems. They were his and his alone to deal with.

“I would, too," he said softly. That earned him a snuggle and purr. They fell back into silence again. The low conversation around them offered a white noise backdrop. It wasn't long before their food came out of the kitchen. They dug in with gusto. Travis found that Serenity had good taste when it came to this establishment. The pineapple and teriyaki sauce combined to give a vibe of being on the beach. When they were almost done, their milkshakes came out. For the rest of the evening, they kept talking.

Their conversations roamed as topics came and went. Travis found that he was falling more and more into hir clutches. He was losing ground. Shi had maneuvered him into hir arms. He wanted to reciprocate and cling to hir. His heart was into it. He yearned to give up and let hir love him. His brain just wouldn't get with the program. He hoped that he would get over himself and let go. For the time being, he was content with cuddling next to this wonderful Chakat beside him. There was no place he'd rather be.

During their meal, Travis noticed something out of place. He felt eyes watching him with hostility. That feeling brought up flashbacks of being hunted. He searched for the tango and saw a set of eyes glaring at them. Well, specifically him. The teen Chakat that was on the other side of the restaurant was bristling and snarling quietly. The rage was palpable, even to him. His joy evaporated from the intensity.

“Don't look now," he whispered, “but hostiles off the starboard bow." Serenity casually looked around and saw who Travis was talking about. Hir own glare forced the teen to look away, but the anger persisted.

“Don't worry about it. I don't care what everyone else thinks. I'm sitting with you because I want to. No one will change that." He could tell that hir reassurance rubbed the teen the wrong way. Shi seemed to gag a little before shi and hir two friends left the establishment. It was no small loss. Travis was perfectly content to let such anger go on its way. There was no need to let such animosity taint their dinner. They continued without a care.

---

They shared their meal and milkshakes in good spirits. They laughed and joked with the closeness of two longtime friends. Travis was sure they were that close if hir feelings were any indication. Hir tail had yet to move away from his waist. He wasn't going to call hir on that. He knew that such actions were a sign of great affection. He was honored that shi had so much love for him. Their bond was rapidly growing with all these talks and outings they had gone on over the past week.

They ended their meal and paid at the register. They left the establishment in high spirits. Talking resumed as they walked through the streets. The starry sky above showed a blanket of twinkling lights. They were so close, yet so far away in the grand scheme of things. The twin moons of Ka'turna and Cha'turna glowed brightly, shining down on the denizens of Amistad as it slowly set itself for a good night's sleep. Travis felt the beginnings of sleep come across his eyes. He had to get home soon, and he bet his bottom credit that Serenity was also feeling it as well. He didn't want the night to end, yet all good things must.

Their walk was easy going and slow. They both were trying to prolong their separation as much as they could. As they were walking, Travis had an epiphany. He had to tell hir his feelings. He needed to answer hir offer. He knew that he was slowly running out of time. He may lose Serenity if he dallies any longer. He had to give up on all his fears and doubts before they took away all his happiness.

Steeling himself, Travis asked softly, “Ren?" They stopped on their path to the train station. Shi turned to him, waiting for what he had to say. A deep breath, then, “I want to be a part of your family." Surprise crossed across hir face. Hir eyes went wide and hir muzzle opened in shock. Those words were everything shi wanted to hir. Yet, shi could feel the turn in him. He wasn't going to answer hir fully. Shi didn't know which way this was going to go. This could go very good or very bad.

“You do? Does that mean you accept?" Hope was blossoming within hir, but shi tempered that. Shi knew that Travis was still trying to come to terms with his past and a relationship with hir. Shi just couldn't let that hope lead to disappointment in the future.

“Not yet," he responded hesitantly. “I want to, but I still have a few more things to think about. Can I give you my answer tomorrow? I really want to be accepted by you and yours. I just want to make sure I don't harm any of you if I accept or decline." Shi smiled sadly at him. Shi could understand that. He was looking out for hir and those shi cared about. It was admirable if it didn't cause so much heartache.

“I understand." That came out worse than what shi wanted. To hir shame, he noticed. He knew shi was depressed that he still hadn't answered the way shi was yearning for. It hurt both to be so close to bliss.

“Ren, I really do want this. I want to be with you. I haven't been more alive than I have been with you." In that moment, his mind switched gears. Why was he thinking so negatively? Serenity had shown time and time again that shi was all in for this. There was no need to hide any longer. He could find true peace right here and now. He just had to let his heart lead him. “You know what? Screw it. Chakat Serenity, daughter of Braveheart and Marathon, I--" He never got to finish.

When the voice yelled out in interruption, Travis didn't respond with full comprehension. His brain had been focusing on revealing his emotions and feelings to the someone who wanted him. Every fiber of his being was poised to gain everything he wanted in life. When the new voice yelled out in protest, his mind went to a screeching halt. All the words he wanted to stay crashed at the tip of his tongue. The rock that hit his back didn't help much, either.

Chakona was known for being a place of acceptance. People can have the freedom to be whoever they want to be, to do whatever they want to do with their life. That did not mean that Chakona was free from its own problems. While Humanity was accepted as part of the Federation and the makers of the Morph species, there were those that believed Humanity should have never left Terra. With the recent actions of a few Human supremacist movements, no one could really blame those who had such thoughts. Frankly, Travis wished he could just change into something else to escape the shame of being who he was. That shame came back in full force when he realized what was going on.

Two Chakat teens and a Skunktaur teen were grabbing rocks and throwing them at Travis. Most were no bigger than a palm, but they still hurt when they landed. Several ended up catching Serenity, which confused hir for only a moment. Anger then started to flow through hir veins when shi recognized who was attacking them and who the true target was. Travis was concerned hir anger would cause something shi would later regret. He tried to cut that off before it got them into trouble. He reached out to hold and shield hir from the onslaught of projectiles coming their way. That was a big mistake.

“Don't touch hir, pig!" The apparent ringleader threw hir rock like a seasoned baseball pitcher. The next thing Travis knew was white hot searing pain and stars in his eyes. Shi had caught him right in the front of his skull just above his eye.

“AH!" The force of the blow knocked Travis to his knees. For several long seconds, his brain was in a fog as he tried to regain motor function. He couldn't focus on much else other than the pain. It hurt to think, it hurt to see, and it hurt to move. He put a hand to his head and felt something sticky where the rock had smacked him. He was bleeding a bit, not enough to cause much panic, but enough to be a nuisance. He was pretty sure he didn't have a concussion. He hadn't passed out yet, which was a very good sign. He'd likely only need a few stitches to patch him up if that.

Serenity had moved to his side as soon as he fell. Shi felt dread and anger rise in hir mind. How dare they attack hir friend! Hir first thoughts were to remove the threat to hir and hir chosen Companion. Hir claws were itching to shred some idiots to pieces. The growl that had started with the initial pelting turned into an enraged roar. Shi turned to face the aggressors and prepared to bum rush them. Shi'd beat them into submission with prejudice. Or shi would have if Travis hadn't grabbed hir tail. The sudden sensation paused hir rampage long enough for his words to pierce through hir haze.

“Don't, Ren! It's not worth it! They're not...worth…" A pained groan stopped Travis short. While it did stop hir charge, hir anger was reinforced. Shi turned back to the hooligans and made said anger very clear.

“Run, you cretins! Now!" They didn't seem to want to move. The leader scoffed. Shi picked up another rock and readied to throw it.

“Not until that pig leaves our neighborhood. Humans aren't welcome here!" Shi reared back but stopped short. The palpable anger that went straight to the teens mind overrode everything shi was planning. Hir ears went flat back against hir head as hir tail went between hir legs. Shi lowered hirself to the ground in submission to the obviously stronger 'Kat. Serenity was in full angry ball of fur mode. Hir tail was all puffed up and whipping around in the common sign of an angry feline. Hir hackles all along hir spine were raised, from the back of hir neck to the base of hir tail. Hir snarl froze everyone in hearing distance, including the two other accomplices.

“GO!!!" shi roared with both sets of lungs. That got the trio moving. They sprinted away at full speed from both. They were tripping over themselves in their haste to get away. That would have been funny if the circumstances had been different. Serenity remained ever vigilant over Travis, hissing and snarling. Once they were gone, hir focus returned to the wounded Human.

He slowly stood up, trying to regain some balance. Serenity helped steady him. His eyes refocused on hir concerned visage. He tried to give hir a reassuring smile, but that came out more of a grimace. He chuckled slightly, which just agitated his growing migraine even more. He hissed to himself as he gingerly felt around the impact site on his skull.

“Damn, that was epic. I knew Chakats had two sets of lungs, but that roar showed how powerful they really are."

“This is no laughing matter! I can't believe they attacked you and--Oh, deities, you're bleeding!"

He pulled his hand away as he said, “Yeah, they beaned me pretty good." Blood was coating his fingers. He felt around again to ascertain how bad the damage was. “My skull seems to be undamaged. Hopefully it's nothing more than a laceration."

“Laceration or not, we need to get you to a doctor."

Travis tried to shake that off with, “I'm fine. Really. It's just a flesh wound," but Serenity wasn't having it. Shi turned his head and inspected the wound hirself. Shi shook hir head in exasperation from how casual he was taking this.

“Flesh wound he says. Dummy, this could get infected or worse! You also need to be checked out for a concussion. This could be serious. We're getting you to a doc, and that's final." There was no room for arguing. When Serenity was adamant about something, it was going to happen. Especially when it concerned the safety of someone shi cared about.

---

The wound Travis received didn't necessitate an ambulance per se. Serenity wasn't taking chances and called one anyway. The constables arrived first to get their statements. The wolftaur and Chakat duo interviewed them and several witnesses that saw the entire confrontation. The medics that came soon after inspected his injury with delicate paws. The wonders of technology allowed for the medics to ascertain that Travis was not suffering from a concussion and his wound needed a few stitches to sew shut. The injuries were not serious enough to warrant a full hospital stay in their opinion.

During the procedure, the paramedic that was conducting the scan seemed to notice something. The Chakat's face dropped into a frown. Travis immediately cut off any questions that would come up from what he knew would be on that scan. Luckily, Serenity was talking to the constables and wouldn't hear what he was about to say.

“Don't ask, shir. It's not important for you, and its history is well beyond your pay grade. Let it slide. Oh, and don't tell a single soul. Got me?" His tone left no room for argument. The Chakat nodded but was highly disturbed at what shi saw. Hir partner just nodded in agreement and continued like nothing was amiss. They used a few tools to patch his head and said he could return home. The two medics returned to their vehicle and went about their evening.

The constables had asked him if he wanted to press charges against the youths. He knew that Serenity would have been all for that. Travis was more forgiving, which was a testament to his strength of character and sheer will. He just wanted to let bygones be bygones. Stirring up the legal process would be more trouble than those three were worth. Besides, he knew why they did it. The rage and disgust on their muzzles were clear. Especially when they said he wasn't welcomed here. He couldn't blame them for their anger.

Serenity and Travis were left alone once the constables went about their patrol. The two stood together, Travis nursing his poor head. Serenity stayed by his side and offered hir support and comfort. He was thankful to have a caring friend by his side. It reminded him of his old buddy from his time as a mercenary. He had been a good friend. It was a little depressing to have lost contact with him. Travis knew that when the time came, they would be reunited. It would be a glorious day for both. Others would say that hell had broken loose. In Travis' opinion, they wouldn't be wrong. Chaos and insanity would follow wherever they went.

The night was growing longer, and both had to get home soon. They embraced in farewell, Serenity holding him tighter than usual. Travis just held hir and let hir feelings wash over him. Shi was too kind. Kinder than hir own good in his own estimation. Travis wouldn't complain. He enjoyed these moments immensely. He wished he could have more of them. Life would be so much nicer and brighter if he could wake up in one of hir cuddles. Just like this past Firstday.

“I'm sorry, Travis." Hir statement made him smile in amusement. Shi was taking on the sins of others. He wanted to tell hir to not do so, but that would make him a hypocrite. The weight of Humanity's sins also weighs heavily on him. It would be stupid of him to try to change hir mind.

“Hey, it's all good," he tried to console hir. “I'm fine. I've had worse. I once got shot in the head when I was a mercenary." Shi snapped hir head up to look at him in shock. He chuckled at hir reaction. Most people reacted the same way when he told this story. “Yeah, that happened. I was lucky I was wearing my helmet and my personal shields were fully charged. That shot did knock me unconscious for a few seconds. Woke up with a head splitting migraine after that." Serenity shook hir head in half amusement and half exasperation. Of all the things he could have told hir, him being shot was the one that shi wasn't expecting.

Serenity sighed and leaned further onto him. One of hir handpaws gripped him on his leg, locking him into hir arms. Shi poured every bit of love, care, and devotion into him. It was overwhelming to say the least. Every inch of him was alight with nerves. Everywhere hir fur touched him felt like bolts of electricity were firing off. His skin was relishing in the soft feel of it rubbing against him. Here was another prime opportunity to take the dive. His courage had long left him, though. He would wait for tomorrow.

Serenity pulled away but didn't let go of him. Shi smiled and gave him a small lick to the tip of his nose. His brain malfunctioned at that point. All thought and motor control decided to take a vacation as the sensation short circuited everything.

“I really enjoyed my time tonight, even with the interruption." He winced as he remembered that he was about to tell hir something. He might as well get it out now since he had the chance. It may not be the answer shi wanted, but it would allow for both to recover and think over the course of the night.

“Speaking of, I never finished what I was going to say. Serenity, daughter of Braveheart and Marathon, I have fallen in love with you." He couldn't believe he was doing this. He must be mad. “I don't know what's in store for me, but I can't see myself going on in life without you in it. Tomorrow, I promise that I will give you my answer." Hir grin grew larger and a little brighter as the words were said.

“I look forward to it. In the meantime, we both need to get some sleep. Good night, Travis. See you tomorrow. Tail High." Shi left him with a chaste kiss before turning away. Shi made hir way to the train station down the street as Travis tried to reboot his mind again. It seemed that shi could find ways to make him a bumbling idiot or to shut him down completely. He stared at hir retreating from, enticed by the view offered. Just like that time in front of the pub, shi turned to him. This time, however, shi blew him a kiss before waving. Oh, that 'Kat was going to be the death of him.

---

Seventhday arrived, and Travis wasn't ready for it. He had spent the entire night thinking on the ramifications of what he was planning on saying tonight. All the variables, all the parameters, all the things that could go wrong were bouncing in his head. They weren't the only thoughts. He also could see the happiness he could have. The joy and peace of the quiet family life. Both sides were fighting to gain an advantage in his mind. His mind and heart argued over every detail, every facet of what could happen. He had spent the night in a restless sleep. He was too wired and anxious to get more than a few winks. When he had awoken the next morning, he was slightly tired and cranky. A good breakfast with a light bit of caffeine brought him into a better mood. The hot shower relaxed him enough to not overthink so hard. That peace didn't last too long.

The decision he had before him was causing too much stress in his mind. The answer he wanted to say didn't match with the answer he should say. Those answers swapped their positions several times over the morning. He needed a distraction to ease his mind. A walk sounded like a good idea. Besides, it was good for him. He had been slightly slacking in his home workout routines. If he was going to maintain his certification, he needed to be in his best condition.

The walk to the local plaza was a five-minute bus ride from his condo. Walking to the plaza made it into a twenty-minute trek. That was fine with Travis. He needed to exercise. His brain went into a sort of autopilot mode during his walk. This allowed him to clear his head and focus on the here and now. As he approached the plaza, he noticed all the different people wandering about. In all those people, he saw the wonder of life right before his eyes.

So many different people all gathered in one place. The morphs and aliens around him paid him no heed. A glance or two, a greeting, or a huff of indignation. He watched these people move about their day. All the different colors and shapes that surrounded him made the world seem so much more beautiful. Here he was, a simple Human, gazing on what could be considered paradise. A near utopia, or as close to one as society could get. He was humbled when he realized that he was a part of all this.

Once he stopped in the plaza, he took a seat by the main fountain. He started to watch the people passing him by, cataloging everything he could observe. This wasn't as much of a distraction as Travis hoped. His mind returned to the dark places where pessimism and cynicism rule. He fell further and further into a depressive slump. The answer he so desperately wanted was nowhere in sight. Hope was slowly draining away from him. He rested his head in his palms and tried to blot out the dark words coming to him. So engrossed in his thinking, he didn't hear someone call his name. Nor did he acknowledge them when they stood in front of him. It was the pain of an ear flick that told him someone was trying to get his attention.

“Ow! What was that f--" His words halted as he looked at the being in front of him. A Skuntaur, in male phase, light pink on black fur, long orange-pink hair tied into a ponytail. Those milky eyes that could see yet didn't. Travis instantly recognized who was trying to get his attention. “Baiyo!"

“You're using that Human brain too much, Travis," Baiyo said as hy poked Travis with a claw. “It seems I still have to advise you on life." Travis jumped up and hugged the Skunk, who heartily laughed at his enthusiasm. Hy returned the hug in equal measure. “I told you we would see each other again, love." Hy still maintained that Oxford style accent, but it was much richer in this form versus the sultry undertones in hys female phase. Travis didn't really care about the change and accepted it like normal. They separated from their hug as Travis motioned to the area around him.

“I didn't expect to see you around here. How've you been?"

Baiyo shrugged in response, saying, “I've been good. What about you? There's all this tension in your shoulders and back. You've been stressed. What happened?" The panic bells went off once again. It seemed that more and more people were interested in his thoughts and feelings. It was putting him on edge. He had long since convinced himself that anyone who tried to get him to talk was trying to either sell him something or use what he said against him. That wall had been slowly whittled down by Serenity over the past two weeks. He was more inclined to share now that he had someone that cared. He hoped that Baiyoshay was as trustworthy as Serenity was.

“Would you join me for a few minutes, Baiyo? I'd really like your advice." Travis motioned to the ring around the fountain. It was just wide enough to sit a taur on top. Baiyo hopped on without any difficulty and settled hymself down. Travis sat with one leg down on the ground while the other was curled up to his chest. They made themselves comfortable on the stone border of the fountain. Then, Travis opened the can that was his fears.

Over the next couple of minutes, Travis explained everything he could. He lamented over his indecision and the control his dark thoughts had over him. Baiyoshay listened attentively. Hy asked the odd question for clarification or to get Travis to explain more. The more Travis talked, the lighter he felt. The weight that had dragged him down came off his mind. That allowed a clear picture to come forth and present itself. Travis knew deep in his soul that Serenity loved him. Shi wouldn't turn him away if he laid everything bare before hir. The answer was leaning in the direction that he wanted, yet he was still struggling to let it come out. Travis ended his exposition and waited for his friend to say anything.

Barely a minute passed when Baiyo said, “I see. Do you want my personal advice?" Travis nodded stiffly. He didn't know what to expect, but he would take it like a man should.

“Please, Baiyo. I don't want to stay in this state of limbo any longer."

“Alright, then my advice is simple and straightforward: give it a shot." Travis knew that would be the answer. He had known that Baiyo would be like the rest of Chakona. Chakat society made love sound so easy on paper. You loved who you loved, and that was that. To someone like Travis who was raised outside of Chakona, this was a hard concept to grasp. For one who had major insecurities on top of that, Travis had it way worse.

“I know I should. I just don't want to be disappointed when it inevitably fails." There was a moment of silence that Travis instantly noticed. He heard Baiyo scoot a little closer.

In a low whisper, Baiyo asked, “What are you talking about?" Travis raised his head in confusion. He didn't know what Baiyo was thinking. The sheer incredulity on hys face warned Travis that he was in hot water.

“Huh? What do you mean?" Baiyo stood fully up, towering over Travis. For a second, Travis thought Baiyo was going to give him a major attitude adjustment. Well, he wasn't wrong, but it was much different than what Travis was expecting.

“Shi loves you, idiot!" Baiyo looked up and seemed to say a prayer of, “Deities, give me strength." Baiyo reached out and grabbed Travis by his shirt. Travis then felt several jerking motions as Baiyo rocked him. “Pull yourself together! Inevitably fails? Is that really where your mind goes?" Travis was released and fell back onto his hands. Baiyo stepped closer, which casted a shadow across Travis. Hy loomed over the Human as hy continued, “Shi has made it clear this past week that shi wants you in hir life, and you told me that you want hir in yours! Forget about the what if's and focus on what's in front of you!" Baiyo stepped off the fountain and started pacing. Travis tracked the movement as he sat himself up. Baiyo's front feet started stomping in agitation.

“But what about--"

“You've been invited into their home. Tonight, you will give hir your answer. This should have happened last week, but better late than never. You better make hir the happiest 'Kat you can, or I swear I'll spray you." Travis' hands went up to try to appease the very angry skunk. He didn't want that. He'd heard about how skunk spray is extremely difficult to clean.

“Alright, alright! I'll tell hir tonight. No need to be so aggressive." Baiyo scoffed at him. Hy grabbed Travis and stood him up on his own two feet. Baiyo turned him around and pointed back to where his condo was.

“Go home, freshen yourself up, and knock hir dead. If I learn you aren't hir Companion, we're going to have words, love." Travis nervously chuckled at those words. He took a few steps before he paused. There were several things that didn't make sense. Baiyo seemed intent on pushing him and Serenity together. All the while, they were barely acquaintances. Travis turned to look back.

“Baiyo, why are…" Baiyoshay was nowhere to be found. Travis looked around trying to find hym. He didn't even see a retreating form. It was like hy was never there. It kind of freaked him out a little but pushed the issue out of his mind. He had things he had to do, people to see, and a Companion to answer. He quickly started the trek back to his home. He never noticed the set of eyes watching him from the shadows nearby. A wistful smile came to the figure's muzzle as they watched the retreating Human's back.

“In time, love. I just hope you have the strength for what comes…"

---

Travis rushed home with excitement coursing through him. While having Baiyo disappear on him was slightly disconcerting, the words the wise Skunktaur had told him were still ringing in his ears. There was no need to hide behind his fears any longer. Full steam ahead, break through the ice, and damn what squalls may come. He was going to achieve happiness tonight if it was the last thing he did!

After getting himself somewhat presentable, he thought about what he should do next. There were still a few hours left before he had to make the trek to Azure Beach. He then remembered that he should call to check in on Serenity and make sure shi was okay. Yesterday did upset hir a little bit. Shi may still be a bit out of whack. Travis punched in hir number. A few rings, then a familiar face came on screen. Like usual in their own home, they seemed to not wear a stitch of clothing. Damn, he really had to get used to that if he was going to be a part of this family.

“Travis! How good to see you." Travis smiled at the Stellar Foxtaur that had answered.

“Morning, Sequoia. How are you?" Travis made all the effort to keep his eyes from roaming too much. While he did appreciate the slight show, he remained a gentleman at heart.

“I'm doing well, thank you for asking. What's up?"

“I was wanting to check in on Serenity. Did shi tell you what happened?" Sequoia nodded sadly. Hir head turned to regard someone out of the frame. Shi kept talking as shi observed whoever was in hir field of view.

“Shi did. Ren's still a little shaken up, but shi's okay. You want to talk to hir?"

“Please?" Sequoia stood from hir spot and started walking. It seemed that Serenity was relaxing on the couch with hir sister, if the glimpsed he could catch were any indication. The PADD was passed over to someone else who brought it up to their face. Serenity's happy visage soon came into view.

“Hi, Travis."

“Hi, Ren.You feeling okay?" Hir smile lit up hir face. Travis was relieved that shi was doing better.

“I'm doing well, actually. A lot better after a good night's sleep."

“I'd have to agree with that. Though, I think I'd have a better night's sleep next to you than alone." Shi laughed before that turned into a purr full of mirth. It seems that yesterday did not affect hir that much. He may as well push forward with the plan forming in his head.

“I would have liked that. I love the comfort of sleeping next to those I love. I miss holding you, Mate of my Heart."

“I feel the same. I'm still invited to come over later, right?"

“Of course. That hasn't changed."

“You think your family would enjoy it if I brought my bass along?"

“Oh, that would be wonderful!" shi responded. He was sure his smile was from ear to ear. Shi leaned further on the arm rest and placed hir head in hir paw. “I think they would enjoy a little demonstration. Want to come early and spend the rest of the day with us? We don't mind."

“Sure, I'd like that. See you in a few?"

“I'll be waiting." They disconnected the call. Travis jumped from the couch he had been sitting on and rushed to pack up. He got his bass and his travel case out. Everything he would need was loaded in either the case or his backpack. During this mad dash, a stray thought hit him. Last time he had gone over, Serenity offered to let him stay the night. He grabbed a set of clothes for that possible offer. This time, he would accept if offered. He wasn't going to miss this opportunity.

---

About forty minutes later, Travis stepped off the bus in Serenity's neighborhood. He remembered the way from last time. He loved how this area was so close to the beach. He could practically taste the sea air from here. He noticed that there were several paths that led out to the beach from this neighborhood. He thought about asking Serenity if the beach was a good idea for a picnic. He'd had to set something up. A beach trip sounded very nice.

Braveheart and Marathon's home soon came up on his right. The houses were slightly larger than his condo and were especially made for large Chakat clans. He had passed several other passerbys, greeting each cordially. There were so many families around here. The feeling of warmth and acceptance was palpable. He had a stray thought of moving out here. That thought then evolved into moving in with Serenity. That he stomped into the ground. While he was thinking of being hir Companion, that didn't mean he was allowed to move in. Play it cool and safe. The time will come.

He approached the front door but didn't get to knock. It opened and a blue-grey blur flew out. Lapis gave a few quick steps before shi jumped off the porch and into his arms. He had to set his bass down in its case before he reached out with his arms. He easily caught hir mid-flight and brought hir in for a snuggle. Lapis eagerly licked his face and nuzzled into his hair. The tickling sensation he caught caused laughter to bubble up from deep in his belly.

“Hey, Lapis. Good to see you."

“Hi, Uncle Travis! You're back!" His heart melted at hir words. It seems that this cub was full on bringing him into the family without Travis even trying. Diamond also stepped out from the house. Shi also wrapped him in hir own hug.

“Welcome back. Come on in, everyone is waiting inside." The teen reached down to pick up his bass, then brought both inside. A swarm of greeting came from everyone present. Marathon and Braveheart were cuddling in front of the fireplace on a sitting mat. Amethyst, Kairen, and Sequoia were scattered around in a loose circle with the older couple. He couldn't see Serenity, but he knew shi'd be around. Diamond set his bass by the front door, which was soon joined by his backpack. He set Lapis down as he found a spot in the circle. Shi curled up beside Amethyst as Diamond took a spot beside hir parents.

Travis felt a body come up from behind and warp strong handpaws around his torso. Another set crossed over his chest as a head leaned on his shoulder. He leaned back into the embrace, already knowing who it could be. He looked up and saw the navy blue and silver fur, along with the deep green eyes he loved to look at.

“Hi, Ren." He reached up and placed a hand along hir muzzle. Shi nuzzled it in response. The purr motor started up behind him. He loved the feeling of hir purr rumbling against his back. He was glad he had decided on his answer. He didn't want to lose any of this. The closeness and warmth of family was too intoxicating. His soul was parched, and they were offering fresh water to quench his desire. He just hoped he'd never hurt them from his own stupidity.

“Hello, my love. Thank you for coming."

“I wouldn't miss it for the world."

---

The family welcomed him like one of their own. He could feel their hope underlie the anticipation they had. They knew that something monumental was going to occur, but they didn't know which way it was going to fall. They would have to be patient as Travis found the right moment. He focused on socializing for now. That included telling his side of the story about what happened last night. When the perpetrators were mentioned, Braveheart tried to apologize for the incident. Travis just waved it off. He understood why, and wouldn't hold it against the kids, or Chakats in general. He knew what the cost was for their freedom.

The conversation shifted to his bass. They started asking if he would play them a song or two. He agreed on the condition that he didn't sing. His singing voice was out of use for a long while. He'd need time to rebuild his vocal strength before he could sing again. They were totally fine with that. He pulled out what he needed and quickly got his bass ready. The first request was for the song that he had written for Serenity. Travis had completed it on Fifthday and found today was the perfect day to play it. He got his PADD out and prepared to play. His mind fell into itself. The music he had painstakingly made flowed from his heart and into their ears.

Serenity swayed gently behind him in time with the music. The background instruments he had added supported the melody from his bass. The addition of birdsong and water running transported the listener to a deep forest full of life. Drums gave a beat that almost felt like the heartbeat of the forest itself. The entire ensemble that Travis had created filled them with wonder and contentment. He had done well with this song. So well, in fact, that Serenity could see a scene in hir mind's eye. Shi would try to work on it for him. It should mesh well with the song.

The next several songs were much different than the one he made. He mentioned that these songs were more for practice, but he enjoyed them when he needed to play something a little more hoppy. He explained that the technique he was using was called slap bass. It was the basis for a style of music called funk, made popular in the late twentieth century. It was also used in several other genres that he could technically play. It was a little more chaotic than they were expecting, but they enjoyed it all the same. It was wacky, crazy, and all round a riot. Lapis even jumped up and started grooving to the music to everyone's laughter. He was glad that they enjoyed his little talent he had.

The afternoon was finished off with the movie they had wanted to watch. The superhero movie was old but was still enjoyable. Lapis had claimed his lap as hir personal seat for the movie. Serenity had claimed his right side while Kairen got the other. Sequoia and Amethyst snuggled up against their respective denmates. Diamond was able to use a few bed pillows to get a seat in front of Travis right next to the large bowl of popcorn they had to share. The parents sat above on the couch with their own bowl between them. They enjoyed the movie together as one happy family.

Once the movie was done, Braveheart and Marathon went to get dinner started. Travis offered to help but was gently told that they were fine. He entertained Lapis instead. This special cub had grown on him so much in the two days he interacted with hir. Shi was so innocent and sweet. Travis found himself enjoying his time with the cub, since he normally didn't like kids. Most to him were mere annoyances at best. This cub was different, and he made sure shi knew it.

Lapis had run off to grab hir favorite plushy. Each one of the sisters had a plush they got the day they were born. It had been a family tradition to give a child a plush to remind them of their family. Each plush had been well taken care of and stayed with the recipient till the day they died. Then they were buried with that plush to take it with them on the next great adventure. It was a sweet tradition that brought a small tear to Travis' eye. Lapis came back with the plush in hir arms. Hirs was a large Tiger Dolphin, one of the marine mammals in the seas of Chakona. He awed at the sight of the cub holding that plush like a dear friend. After showing the dolphin off, shi ran back to put it back in its place.

As Lapis left, Travis whispered into Serenity's ear, “That is one amazing cub."

“That shi is," Serenity responded as shi smiled fondly.

“Shi's going to grow up to be a heartbreaker. You know that, right?" That got a laugh out of Serenity. Shi shook hir head as thoughts of potential suitors trying to keep up with Lapis came and went.

“Yeah, the little stinker is going to be a handful. Mom and dad are prepared for it as best they can. Here's hoping shi lives a long and happy life." Travis leaned in further to hir side and silently agreed. That cub deserved that long and happy life.

Dinner was served not long after. Today's dish was pasta and pesto that was delightfully tangy. Labroha meat was used as the protein base for the pasta. A side salad was added to offset the spice and tang of the pasta. Everyone gathered at the dinner table and dug in. The dinner conversation was focused on all sorts of topics. Travis was able to provide some of his life experience when they started talking about starships and what went into them. They traded stories and opinions easily. There had been some disagreement on certain topics, but those were approached with respect and open minds. There were even some topics that Travis had his mind changed on due to how the other explained it.

As the meal ended, Travis commented that he wished he could eat their cooking every day. That garnered snickering from the others at the table. Diamond mentioned that he could if he moved closer. He blushed as thoughts of moving in with them took root. While he would like that, he wanted more rapport and integration before taking that step. It wasn't out of the cards, however. Serenity gave him a shoulder bump, which bolstered his spirits. He knew what he had to do.

He cleared his thoughts and said, “Well since we are on the subject, I might as well bite the bullet." He turned to Serenity and reached for hir hand. Shi took his own as they stared into the other's eyes. He steeled his courage. “Serenity, this past Firstday, you asked if I wanted to be your Companion. In that time, I have thought long and hard what I want for my life. In it, I see so many things, both the good and the bad. This morning, a friend gave me the proverbial boot to my head and kicked my rear end in gear. So, tonight, I am going to answer your question." Everyone held on to a bated breath at the scene unfolding before them. Serenity had gone stock still at what was about to happen.

He really couldn't believe he was going to do this. His mind was starting to tailspin with all the what ifs that plagued him. A voice broke through said thoughts before they could capsize his plans and sink everything he wanted. Baiyoshay's words rattled in his head. He had to forget about the future's uncertainty and focus on the present. He wouldn't let his chance slip by. Seeing the hopeful expression on Serenity's muzzle drove home how much he wanted to love this wonderful, amazing, caring, loving Chakat. He'd take this opportunity with both hands.

“Chakat Serenity, I accept your proposal. I will gladly be your Companion if you would have me."