FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

"Is this the right way?"

I nod my head and look back at the shy drake.

"Don't worry, we're on the right track. I take this way all the time," I reply reassuringly.

I look from left to right, looking for a small sign with a cup of coffee resting on a thick book. Usually I'd just count my steps, but my mind was too jumbled up by everything that was going on around me.

First the note and the phone call, then the warm thoughts, and now this: the two of us going out to have tea together. I still can't quite wrap my head around it all, but I'll enjoy every minute of it.

"Is that it over there?" Anthony queries, pointing to the all too familiar wooden sign, a white cup resting atop a book bound by red leather and laced by golden strings decorating the thick plank.

"That's exactly it! You've got a good eye, Anthony," I reply, looking back and smiling at him.

He grins back, delighted to have spotted the little shop tucked away amongst the other, cascading buildings.

With swift steps, we cross the busy street, the two of us slowing down as we approach the simple glass door leading inside. It seemed like we were both a bit hesitant, our gazes fixed on the world beyond reflected in the glass before us.

I grip my courage firmly, my paw latching on to the slim handle of the door and swinging it open, offering Anthony to pass through.

"You first," I say, looking up at him with a smile.

Without a word but a simple nod, he slips through the door, the warm sound of casual greetings carrying through the air.

"Welcome to Café Chosho! How may we help you?"

I look to the small counter to our left, the familiar face of my co-worker, Alyson, looking back at me.

"Hey, Alyson!" I chime as I make my way over to the counter.

"Dave? I wasn't expecting you to be in today," she replies, tilting her head curiously.

I chuckle and gesture toward Anthony, who had followed me back to the counter like a lost pup.

"My friend here had invited me to come here to spend some time with him."

Her delicate pink ears give a faint wiggle before she adjusts here large round glasses.

"Oh! Is he the drake you had mentioned yesterday?"

I nod, trying not to grin like an idiot.

"Mhmm. We were both free for today, so he asked if I wanted to come to the café."

Alyson smiles in her odd little way, adjusting her posture ever so slightly.

"It's great to meet you, Anthony! Dave just kept goin' on and on about his first lesson during lunch. Guess you've really grown on him," she muses, her friendly smile peeking out from underneath her grey fur.

The drake carefully steps forward and bows his head politely.

"I-It's a pleasure to meet you too, Miss," he replies, the hesitance and unease of meeting someone entirely new evident in his stiff posture and fumbled words.

Strange... How come he's so nervous around Alyson? He was more casual when he first met me...

The sweet young mouse places her right paw to her cheek and giggles.

"Oh my gosh, you're too cute! I can see why Dave likes you so much," she remarks, glancing over at me.

The drake shuffles in place bashfully and tries to avert her gaze as his cheeks glow red with embarrassment

"Aw, please don't be embarrassed. I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable," she replies, stepping out from behind the counter to comfort Anthony.

I can't help but shake my head and sigh.

This is already turning out far more interesting than I had expected.

"Hey, Alyson, we got any more of that herb tea Miss Mulligan really li-"

The human turning the corner from inside the store room halts mid-step, staring at Anthony in amazement.

"Woa..."

"Don't gawk, Leroy," grumps Alyson, turning to face the human.

"Sorry, Ali, it's just... he's so... huge..."

Anthony shyly huddles behind me, the difference of size between us becoming glaringly evident.

"Wait, what're you doin' here, Dave? I thought you had the day off."

I sigh and nod.

"I do have the day off, Leroy. Anthony and I came to spend some time together at the café is all."

He readjusts his dirty blonde locks of hair, a familiar grin forming on his lips.

"Oh, I see. You two gettin' any books or are ya just here for the refreshments?"

"We're gonna check the books out before we get anything to eat," I reply, the unease of my partner seeming to lessen as I draw attention away from him.

"Gotcha. If y'all need anything, I'll be in the back with the cakes after I find the damn tea."

With that, he meanders back into the storeroom, Alyson turning to face us again as he departs.

"If I can help you two with anything, let me know. We really haven't had too many customers today, so we can-"

The familiar chime of the door opening catches us by surprise, cutting off Alyson mid-sentence.

"Sorry, lemme take care of this."

Without a moment of hesitation, Alyson steps back behind the counter, musing her friendly greeting as she does for all customers. Of course, Anthony and I take the opportunity to slip away into the vast library of books, both digital and physical.

"Sorry for being so awkward," mutters Anthony.

I glance over at him.

"Don't worry about it. People can be scary sometimes. It might be cause we don't know 'em, or maybe because they might be upset with us. No matter why, sometimes people can be kinda hard to approach. No need to apologize for being a little afraid, alright?"

A reassuring smile finds its way onto my muzzle, my elbow gently nudging him.

"Y'know, I was a little afraid about meeting you and Master Nightfang on Wednesday. I was worried I'd make a complete fool of myself while speaking to you or mess up while I was casting, but everything went better than I had expected. Even though I was scared, I still managed to keep at it. It's not easy sometimes, but all it takes is a little practice. Sometimes you've just gotta meet the right person that makes you feel at ease... y'know?"

Anthony nods his head and sighs.

"Y-Yeah... Thanks, Dave."

"No problem, friend."

I shift my gaze to the sprawling selection of books that reach above my head and span the length of the wall, dreaming of what world of fantasy I was to immerse myself in next. As I stand there, undressing the books with my eyes, I can't help but let out an airy chuckle, the whole past few days seeming to have touched me more deeply than I'd like to admit. Funny thing how easily people can change even the smallest of things in your life...

"H-Hey, Dave..." mutters the warmly familiar voice.

"Hmm?"

"Do you... have any recommendations on what I should get?"

I look over to Anthony, my head tilting slightly.

"What kind of story you in the mood for?"

He takes a moment to reply, allowing himself a thoughtful pause.

"Something adventurous but thought provoking. Or maybe something deep and emotional."

He hesitates, looking away for a moment before gazing back at me.

Do you know where the um... the uh... D-Do you happen to carry..."

"Carry what?"

He looks about anxiously before taking a step back.

"N-Never mind. U-Uh... Could you point me in the direction of the historical fiction books?"

I nod.

"Right over there. Our selection isn't very big, but we carry some amazing pieces. I'd recommend checking out 'Bitter Sweet' by Nel Peters; she had quite a way with words."

Anthony nods sheepishly before wandering off to the small section on the other end of the store.

Why didn't he tell me what he was looking for? It seems odd he'd bring it up and then just drop it... Is he hiding something? I mean, that's certainly not odd; we barely know each other. It'd be rather rude of me to expect him to be forthcoming about something personal like that. But what could be so personal about purchasing books...?

I sigh and shake my head.

Don't think too much 'bout it. Besides, you've been waiting to get your paws on some of these new publications; no use worrying about something silly like that when you can be nose deep in some of these babies.

I begin to peruse the huge selection of books, the countless colorfully bound leather spines giving off an enticing smile unlike anything else in the world.

With a deft snatch, I grab hold of one of the thicker volumes, its spine bearing the title 'White Roses'. My index finger slips beneath the thick cover and gently parts it from the first my page, my eyes hungrily scanning the interior of the cover for a brief insight to the plot.

_The small island of Ma'dreya serves as a busy port for passing explorers, pirates, and navy alike. Men of all stripes visit this place for reasons as varying as their kinds, though the most popular attraction is the brothel whose name is as deceptive as the cut-throat's who run it: The White Rose. Medio, a young wolf from the far north, has been tasked with training the brothel's newest addition, a young human girl from a land she herself knows little of. Pirates from the southernmost parts of Bretynnia speak of the civil war that rages on the mainland and the battle of the royal navy against their vessels. One evening, a dashing husky finds his way to the bustling whorehouse, requesting only the company of Medio. His demeanor is like no other and his touch evokes a warmth that Medio had long forgotten. Could a gentlemanly patron and a softly spoken promise be Medio's way out of the brothel? Or will it simply lead to an untimely end? In a world steeped in mystery and conflict, love blossoms in the most unexpected places._It takes me a moment to become animated again, my paw slowly shutting the thick novel.

Definitely gonna get it. Sounds like one hell of read. And I need to make sure to tell Leroy to put the fantasy romance in the romance section, not the the fantasy fiction section.

I tuck the book beneath my arm before searching through the countless others that sit in front of me, hoping to glimpse something that'd contrast my first choice.

What's this...?

I grab hold of another volume, this one being considerably lighter; a digital copy, perhaps?

As I pull back the flap, the familiar light of a tablet screen begins to shine, an elegantly designed front cover bearing the golden title, "The Vagabond's Tale", looking back at me. I gently flick my finger to read a preview, the fine text stretching across the screen telling me quite the story.

In the days of old when everything was a mystery and knowledge was as fleeting as the warmth of summer, there existed a quiet traveling poet by the name of Allem. A soul who'd prefer to keep to his own, he rarely found himself in the company of others, traveling the roads alone and without conversation. That is, until he meets the young pup, Derren. At auction to the highest bidder, he intervenes in an act of sympathy, taking him under his wing to bring him an understanding of life and art unique to himself. In a gripping tale of adventure, friendship, loss, and the hardships of life, a bond like no other unfolds between two loveable characters thrown together by the handmaidens of fate.

A distinct smirk of interest and entertainment forms on my muzzle as I set the tablet on my other volume before looking around for my scaled companion. With ease, I manage to scope him out, the tall figure having taken residence in a completely different part of the store than he had been initially.

Is he in the romance section? Was that what he wanted to ask me? If we carried any romance novels? Maybe... But that's something simple that I doubt anyone would get so flustered over.

An almost childish grin forms on my muzzle as I observe him shyly picking up volume after volume, his thick fingers carefully flipping through each books initial pages. As I stare at him, I can't help but notice the other two books already sitting next to him, neither of them looking like anything I'd stocked in that section recently.

So his taste isn't exclusive to a single genre. Maybe he's an avid reader?

The drake sets the book he'd been holding on his other two before stepping over near the counter and asking Alyson to ring him up. With swift steps, I join him.

"Find what you were lookin' for, Dave?"

I nod, Anthony seeming to jump at the sound of my name.

"I most certainly did, Ali. I found two little gems that must've slipped underneath my radar."

"Oh? What'd ya pick out?"

"'White Roses' and 'The Vagabond's Tale'," I reply.

"Haven't read either of 'em. Tell me if they're any good, alright?"

"Don't I always?"

She giggles and nods.

"That you do."

"Alright sweetie, that'll be twenty two fifty."

Anthony pulls his wallet from his pocket and quickly hands her the bills.

"H-Here you go."

With a distinct pop followed by the jingle of coins, she retrieves his change, setting the bill and two coins on the counter for him.

"Here's your change, Hun, and here are your books. Hope you enjoy 'em," she chimes.

"Thank you. I definitely will," replies Anthony as he stashes away the change.

"Next," she chuckles, motioning for me to step over.

I set my books on the counter before searching for my wallet.

"Oh my! Quite a thick read you've got yourself," she remarks as she scans the first book.

"The plot sounds like a rather hefty one, so I wouldn't expect it to be a light read," I reply.

"Haven't gotten my paws on a nice, thick read in a while. Definitely wish I could find somethin'" she sighs as she scans the second book.

"Have you tried the 'Light and Shadow' series?"

She shakes her head.

"No, I haven't."

"It's pretty good so far. The first two books are a bit lengthy but definitely worth it. I'm just waiting for 'em to come out with the third one."

"What's the series about?"

"It's about two assassins: one works for a king, the other works for himself. It's about their travels, their targets, and their eventual unraveling of the bigger picture they've been helping put together, and the terrible things it brings with it. It's really somethin' else."

Alyson bags my book, slipping the receipt and redemption code inside the plastic bag.

"Sounds like something for my boyfriend and I. Might have to check that out when I'm on my break."

"Glad to help out," I chuckle, rubbing the back of my neck bashfully.

"Here ya go, Dave. That'll be thirty four twenty seven," she states.

"Damn that's expensive," I groan, setting the exact change on the counter.

"Sorry, Sweetie. Hardbacks are getting more expensive to make and not many people are buying 'em, so we gotta keep up the prices to make profit."

I sigh heavily grabbing hold of the plastic bag.

"I know... just wish it wasn't so pricey."

Alyson makes a bit of a face before diverting my attention to another subject.

"You know how to activate your digital book, right?"

I nod.

"Yeah, of course. Just input the code in my tablet and open it in the EZ-Read. I've sold plenty of these to know how the work."

"Just checking to make sure," she sighs, folding her paws behind her back.

"Looks like Leroy's back at the café. If you two wanna place an order, better do it quick."

I glance back to the counter on the other side of the store, the all-too familiar sight of the young human propped against the wall sitting in front of me.

"Alright. Thanks for taking care of us, Ali," I muse, managing a friendly smile.

"No problem. Hope you two enjoy yourselves," she giggles.

"C'mon, Anthony."

Without hesitation, Anthony follows me to the quaint counter parallel to the one at which we just stood, the quiet chime of the door opening playing to our steps.

"Welcome to Café Chosho! How may we help you?" announces Alyson, her voice growing quieter as we approach the counter.

"Ey, you two! Kept me waitin' long enough," chuckles the human.

"Finding a good read takes time, y'know?"

He shrugs nonchalantly.

"Not much for books, remember? 's why I work at the café, Dave."

I roll my eyes and sigh.

"Yeah yeah, whatever. Could I get some peach tea the way I usually get it with a side of dansii sugar cookies?"

"Sure thing, man. And what can I get you, big fella?" he queries, looking up at Anthony.

"M-Me?"

Leroy nods.

"What can I get ya, big man?"

Anthony fidgets diffidently.

"D-Do you have any cherra root tea?"

"One sec, lemme see."

Leroy vanishes to the back room, the quiet sound of him digging through boxes slipping out from behind the cracked door.

"Any idea on what you'd like to eat?"

Anthony looks over at me.

"No, not really... what would you suggest?"

"We can share my sugar cookies if you'd like. I'll double the order so we can both have some."

"Are... are you sure? I-I mean-"

"I wouldn't have offered if I wasn't cool with it," I reply, giving him a gentle nudge as my statement comes to an end.

"Found the cherra root tea! Took me a minute, but I found it!" Leroy calls out, practically pouncing out of the store room.

"Anything else I can get y'all?"

"Could you double up the order of the cookies, please?"

"Sure thing. That gonna be everything?"

Anthony and I both nod simultaneously.

"Yep. How much do I owe ya?"

"Uh... Twelve ren even."

I furrow my brow curiously.

"You sure that's right? I could swear it'd cost more than that."

"Don't worry 'bout it. I've got y'all covered, alright?" he replies, his reply's end punctuated by a sly wink.

"Thanks, man. I owe ya one," I chuckle, smiling at my coworker.

"I'll bring you two your stuff when it's ready, so why don't y'all find yerselves a table, hmm?"

"You're the best, Leroy," I remark, my smile remaining stitched to my lips.

He smiles back before disappearing back into the storeroom.

"Would that table be alright with you, David?"

I glance over to the table situated near the window looking out at the bustling street.

"Sure. I was kinda hoping you'd pick a spot near the window."

We both step over to the small glass table, one taking a seat across from the other. I take a moment just to look at him, his clear blue eyes seeming to shimmer in the light of noon.

"You alright, Dave?"

I pull my head out of the clouds and nod.

"Yeah, I'm fine. S-Sorry..."

An awkward pause comes between us, my head alive with uncountable thoughts.

"So uh... why'd you move to Anorra?"

Anthony's ears perk up as his eyes lock with mine.

"Oh uh... some family business... None of my relatives live here, so it's a bit of an unusual arrangement."

"Must be kinda lonely not havin' 'em around. Ever write home?"

He sighs heavily, his ears drooping and his gaze shifting to the table.

"Not really, no... We really don't have all that much contact..."

Not much contact? With his own family? Wow... that's... harsh...

"What got you brought to Master Nightfang? I've been kinda curious since you've got plenty of talent," I query, trying to take his mind off the previous subject.

"Oh uh... well, it was rather a chance meeting. I ran into him while attending an open lecture on the arckane at the university in Veneya district. After the lecture had ended, I asked him a few questions about the material he had covered. He seemed rather impressed by my interest, so he asked me if I wanted to become his student. He said he'd already found another likely candidate to study by his side, but he wanted another underling to pass his knowledge on to. So... that's how I was accepted into his study. And now I know that the other student he had chosen was you... Really glad I went to the lecture... Everything panned out the way it did because I went. Guess you might call it fate," he replies, a faint smile painting onto his snout as his voice softens.

His warm accent lulls me into a state of calm that doesn't really compare to anything else, the warm touch of his spoken words wrapping around me like the warm embrace of the lover I'd never had.

"How'd you get wrapped up in all this, Dave?"

It takes me a moment to return from my dreamy state.

"Well... I wanted to pursue magick ever since I was a kitten, so as soon as I heard word from my friend, Lin, I inquired if there were any arckane philosophers or teachers in Anorra. Fortunately for me, his professor happened to be good friends with Master Nightfang, so he got me his contact information. After a good month or two of back and forth between my parents, Lin, and Master Nightfang, I had found a way to get up here and pay for my living expenses. Of course, I couldn't live forever on the money my Mum had given me, so I sought out a well-paying job. After I bit of searching, I stumbled on the Café and applied for an interview. Alyson was the one who interviewed me and called me two days later to tell me I got the job. Lin said I was lucky for having gotten a good job as fast as I did. From there, we worked out scheduling times based on my meetings with Master Nightfang and now... Now I'm here..."

"Two orders a dansii sugar cookies, a cup of cherra root tea, and a cup of peach tea just the way mister kitty likes it," announces Leroy as he sets a small tray of on our table, the sweet smell of peaches immediately drifting into my nose.

"Twelve even, correct?"

"Yup, twelve ren."

I dexterously retrieve the three bills, passing them to Leroy in a single, flawless motion.

"Keep the receipt. And thanks again."

"No problem, dude. I've got ya covered," he chuckles as he makes his way back behind the counter and slips the bills into the register tray.

"Eat up, Anthony. Not every day that we get to go out together."

Anthony sheepishly takes a cookie from the tray, taking a bite out of the almost perfectly round pastry.

"Oh my... this is really good!"

A warm smile forms on his muzzle as he takes another bite.

"Glad you like 'em as much as I do," I chuckle before taking a sip of my tea, the hot beverage warming me from the inside out.

"They're amazing, David! Thanks for ordering these," he chimes, swaying from side to side before tossing the rest into his mouth.

"Damn, I've never met someone who loves 'em as much as me," I giggle, grabbing one of the thick confections and taking a bite of it.

"Thanks for coming with me," Anthony sighs, smiling contently as he takes a sip of his beverage.

"No no, thank you for inviting me," I rebuttal, letting out a playful chuckle as I do.

I move to a new city, I'm taking lessons for an art that I love, and I've found an absolutely loveable drake who seems to genuinely enjoy my company. I've gotten ahold of books I'll enjoy reading in my spare time and a possible companion to share my hours with. Life's been so fortunate to me... I'll be sure to make the best of what I've been given; no use wasting an opportunity like this.