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SO. AT LOOONG LAST. this commission is finally done. I have probably made Guythreepwood wait for over two months. again, a million apologies! i hope it was worth the wait! This is a direct sequel to The Camping Story.

Edited by Arkarian

Allen stretched his back, Mike's half of the canoe dropping into the sand along the shore with a heavy thud. All in all it had been a very successful river trip. Allen grinned, his rump still a bit sore and his head still swimming with Nip.

"So we just leave it here right?" Mike asked in a loud voice despite their proximity. Nip had always affected the jaguar strangely, so honestly Allen didn't even flinch.

"Yeah, just tone down the voice there Hoss, it's a riverside in the middle of a camp ground. You don't exactly have to shout over traffic or crowds." The human teased, a grin crossing his face. He grabbed his backpack and started walking towards the large restaurant they were told would be at the end of the level one rafting.

"Excuse the shit out of me." Mike mumbled.

"What was that?"

Mike looked up with a pout on his face until he realized Allen was messing with him. The jaguar growled in his throat. "You little cuss!" he announced, again louder than normal. He then proceeded to charge his boyfriend who quickly retreated.

Allen wasn't out of shape per say, but he wasn't fit enough to outrun a swift footed, athletic jaguar hopped up on a bit of Nip. In moments the two were back to how they were not even an hour before; Mike lay over Allen, tall grass raised up around them, and the jaguar reaching a hand under Allens shirt. "Whats the big idea?"Allen couldn't help but laugh, Mike was toying with his nipples.

"The big idea?" Mike asked, "The big idea is having a good time camping with my very handsome boyfriend." he declared, pinning Allens arms above his head so he could unnecessarily force a kiss on him. "This little romp though, is a smaller idea along the lines of puppy play." he growled, kissing Allens neck.

The human shivered. "The restaurant is right there." he noted, face getting red. He couldn't hide his excitement though. In the spirit of the future playtime he even wagged his rump as best he could as it rested on the ground under the controlled weight of the muscled cat.

Mike looked up a bit, admiring the fake, but aesthetically pleasing look of the large restaurant. He remembered his own parents going out to dinner there, his mother in a dress, his father actually wearing a tie. Must have been pretty fancy, at least back in the day. The great thing about it though was how it rested atop a small hill and gave any onlookers no view of there shenanigans. "I don't think it's a family restaurant, or that we have anything to worry about." Mike said simply. He was sitting up now though, looking around. "We should probably check it out in there though, see what kind of restaurant it is." He poked the pinned human gently in the gut. "I know I owe someone special a date night."

Allen smiled really big "It's me!" he declared, throwing his arms up. The jaguar smiled again and nodded.

"Well lets get going then." He stood up, helping Allen to his feet. "I think that guy there is coming to collect our canoe." He pointed at an oncoming bear in park uniform.

The bear waved back with a brief grin that quickly dropped back into a straight face. "Hope you had as much fun on the river as I have on my job!" he called.

The pair chuckled, "Tons!" Mike called back.

"Boat loads!" Allen added, getting a head shake from the bear.

"Like I haven't heard that one before."

Mike was still laughing and chiding Allen for subjecting a poor camp worker to puns when they rounded the restaurant and were greeted at large double doors by a tall deer with an impressive rack and a black suit. "Good afternoon sirs." He did a little bow. "Will you be staying for lunch or waiting in the sun room for a shuttle back to the activities center?" he was very official, but he didn't look too much older than either of them. Honestly Mike was rather intimidated while Allen was just impressed.

"We uhh...would like to make a reservation for the evening I think." Mike pulled Allen to his side by his hip, his tail did little loops behind him occasionally swatting Allens hand or leg. Mikes sudden anxiety was subtle but Allen noticed immediately. Was this deer really making him feel attacked?

"Then I can be of service." The deer bowed and opened the doors for his clients. "Dinner hours begin at five and run until eight. The bar is always open until two AM and reservations are not required but suggested, even in the off season for the park." The deer explained. "Apologies, my name is Edward and later this evening I will also be your host. Is there a specific time I can put you down for this evening?" he asked, behind an oak podium now with a pen in hand.

"Six sound good?" Mike asked, not looking away from Edwards gaze. The jaguar was very tense, though the Buck didn't seem the least bit troubled by the sudden energy in the air. In fact he seemed calmer if anything, resting slightly behind the podium.

"Six sounds good to me." Allen nodded. "Does the restaurant have a dress code?"

"Very good sirs, and no, we do not uphold strict dress codes here." Edward confirmed with a smile. "We have all sorts come in here wearing everything from suits and gowns to flannel and shorts. I assure you all will be well no matter how you gentlemen come dressed." He raised his arm behind him, guiding them from the entrance. "If you would come with me now I could show you," he started, the two following him passed the front hall and into an impressive atrium. A glass or crystal chandelier hung with imposing majesty above them, catching, bending and throwing the light from the sun around the room, effortlessly lighting the room even in the day. Allen was lost in the view, Even Mike looked away from the buck to get an eyeful. The ceilings in the middle atrium were vaulted and the balcony that ran the upper level was all intricately carved and stained dark.

"The Wenona Family kept this building original, replacing all that needed replacing with handmade replicas to maintain authenticity over the years. The Crystal Chandelier has seen the replacement of multiple bronze brackets and candlesticks. It is now run on electric torches though to lower the fire hazards." Edward began his little tour. From the atrium were two doors, one on the left and right, that stood as tall as the front doors "To the right is the sunroom, office spaces and the garden access," he waved a hoofed hand, "This here is the dining room."

They were greeted by numerous smaller chandeliers and a large open area. Each table was table clothed and accompanied by fine china. The floors looked marble and the ceilings were hand painted. The outer wall was all glass, overlooking the river they had just come down and the steep cliffs around them, the inner wall was either adjourned with art pieces or was a kitchen access door. "The bar is to the back if you gentlemen would be interested." Edward stated, "It is the only part of this room that was not original but we made sure no one could tell the difference."

"It's beautiful, Jesus Christ." Allen breathed looking around, now officially intimidated. "How can you guys even afford this? I mean, its a campground."

"The Wenona family is very generous and live on the upper levels." Edward started simply. "The Mister and Misses might even be at the dinner this evening. They are in town and currently flitting about the park as we speak."

"Isn't that something?" Mike stated more than asked, making a surprised face. The feline made no effort to hide his equally impressed face. "Do they stick around very long?"

It was small talk, but Mike's crossed arms and flicking tail created a misplaced tone. Allen walked slowly away from the two, eyes rolling.

"They are getting up in age, so they tend to stay away longer, but they have longer stays with us as well when they do get around to seeing Wenona." The buck smiled, arms behind his back and chest out."They have funded numerous parks around the country and often travel internationally." If he sensed a challenge he was doing little to agitate it but everything to stand firmly against it.

"Do they have parks around the world?" Allen asked having made his way to the window. The gardens were beautiful. Rows of plants and flowers bloomed if a sea of color. They all danced in the breeze, promising the boy behind the glass that they smelled as good as they looked. Vines weaved around broken marble columns, poke-a-dotting the smooth white surface with red, petaled dimples.

"Only one outside of Toronto Canada." Their host spoke up, walking passed Mike before the jaguar could react. "Probably not as exotic as you were expecting." He laughed, "I see you found the Marble Garden. Would you like to take a walk through?" he asked, sliding aside a glass door Allen had mistook, for a window. In came a barrage of the promised scents.

Allen followed his nose with a smile and a nod. Definitely mint and rosemary, he knew that well enough from cooking, but the flowers he was not an expert on, not that he was complaining. His inability to place the scents, or even separate them from one another, played no hand in his level of enjoyment. He was out and followed quickly by Mike who flicked his tail into Allen's hand, the appendage hung across the humans waist. Allen gave it a little squeeze smiling briefly at Mike before looking around in wonder.

It was even better outside. The warm breeze threw the smells all around, the mid day sun glowed off each petal like a gem and even the sound of the leaves in the wind put Allen at peace. "I'd kill for a garden like this." He breathed out, feeling like the air was somehow cleaner now that is smelled even better than the pine. He took in a bigger breath than before. "It's beautiful."

"Better get planting then." Mike nudged his boyfriend. "Gotta get the basics down so it can be this great wherever we move too right? Don't want to mess it up too many times!" his eyes fell back on the buck who shared a similar desire to inhale as Allen. Mike was careful to stay standing between the two. He couldn't quite place the cause for his discomfort around the buck, but he was sure it was a feral instinct amplified by the Nip they had just rolled around in. Part of him knew there was nothing wrong and another part of him wasn't going to take the chance that his feeling was misplaced.

"Oh please, I killed the little little corn plant thing in second grade."

"I'm sure you have become a slightly more capable human being since then."

"Only slightly?"

"I don't want to get your hopes up too high." The jaguar stuck out his tongue and flicked Allen's waist with his tail, wandering down one of the paths. It really was a beautiful place.

Allen pursed his lips and hiked the day pack higher upon his shoulder. "I might have killed corn, but I distinctly remember you set the home ecc. Kitchen on fire."

"Water under the bridge!" the cat shouted back without turning away from a rose bush with orange pedals. It smelled amazing.

"I thought it was cookies in the oven." Allen tossed lamely. He had to get under Mike's skin if it killed him! "What about you?" He asked the buck, walking around Mike's interception and up to their host. "Any good in a kitchen Ed?"

Mike's ears flicked and he looked away from the bush with a frown. Edward looked away from whatever flowers he was looking at. For once he didn't look so formal but it only lasted a moment. "I can't say I can even boil water honestly." He deer smiled, "But I assisted putting together the garden this spring. It was alot of heavy lifting and menial work but," he gazed back over the fruits of his labor. "Worth every bag of fertilizer."

"Yeah no kidding."

Mike had had just about enough of this guy being impressive. "When did you say the shuttles were headed back to the top?"

"Oh, I didn't. I don't recall being asked." He checked his watch "But they run regularly and you got here at a good time. The next should be in that parking lot in the next few minutes." He pointed passed the garden gates. "There are also shuttles down but you might want to just drive your car for dinner to avoid any possible problems with the night service. The shuttles stop running at seven and I'd hate to see you having to walk home if you spend a while with us."

"Noted." Mike thrust a paw out to Edward, "Thank you for your help."

"Any time sir." The buck shook the paw with a firm grip and a stare that lasted a moment longer than it should have. "I look forward to seeing you two later."

"Likewise."

~~`~

The couple started chopping wood for a midnight fire when they returned. More precisely Allen was sawing away at a log with very little progress and Mike ended up doing more than the amount they had agreed on. Not that Mike minded in the least. He was still basking in the joy of his injury blowing over and their vacation going so well. Allen didn't mind either. His shoulders were already killing him from the river. Mike had warned him more than a few times that he didn't need to paddle so hard when there was a current, but the human had been to excited to listen.

They had both needed this time away from their families a lot more than they had anticipated. It was funny in a way how they had to almost re-familiarize themselves with the finer points of their relationship. After some time of not being as open as they had been, Allen found himself remembering things he used to do and having to work himself up to doing them. Random physical contact, like Allen resting a hand on Mikes shoulder or the feline rubbing his paw pads over Allens hand while they were sitting close, were returning to them with increased regularity.

Allen huffed dramatically, finally getting threw one of the last segments of logs. He eyed his pile and Mike's with a flush in his cheeks, admiring the solid look of Mikes verses the hodgepodge of his own. He was almost too embarrassed to acknowledge at least half of his own pile was just kindling. Important sure, but not what he had set out to pile up with his fold up saw. "Are we almost done?" he asked the feline who had yet to even break stride in his own lumber related endeavors. "We're at Camp Wenona, not Burning Man."

The sleek feline chuckled, looking up and leaning on his ax casually. The sweat of hard work adding a shade to his wife beater. "Tired already?" he teased.

Allen rolled his eyes, setting up the saw for the very last segment of the long dead tree that he thought would have been much easier to saw through when he first dragged it to their area. "Not in the least." He pressed across trying hard not to look or sound even remotely strained despite the ache that was accumulating in places Allen didn't even know muscles stretched to. "Just eager to see what we have planned next." He tossed in with a smile. "I mean, it's day two, and we have dinner plans. So what are day three four and kinda five going to look like you know?"

The jaguar just watched Allen work the blade across the stump. He smiled lightly, taking in the look of Allen actually working up a sweat. It was odd, but not displeasing. The human, despite his hectic schedule was not usually in a position to work up a manual labor sweat and he clearly didn't know how it worked. His form was terrible but it was somehow endearing. Mike wasn't looking down on the human though. Actually it was the contrary, that fighting spirit was one of Allen's best features. He was timid but always tried to prove himself. It wasn't as obvious as most people, he wasn't loud or showboat-y to people he didn't know, but he never quit.

Allen had a point though. Mike had no idea what their plans might include in depth for the next few days. It had seemed like one of those things that would work itself out on a trip and the jaguar held onto the hope that it still might because he hadn't a clue besides find Allens apparent stash of sexy things and maybe go hiking. "We'll think of something." He finally spoke up, stepping away from the pile with an approving nod. He stretched backwards with the ax between his paws, feeling the bottom of his shirt lift passed his pant line, careful not to look directly at Allen, but flash a glance quick enough to make sure the human caught it.

Allen smiled, eyes trying not to seem to obvious in their intentions. He went back to work well aware Mike was done but not willing to stop on the last step. The feline was so sexy and he knew it. Worse yet, he knew how to flaunt it. Mike was a giant flirt who knew what to do even when they were freshman. Allen was in college and still was working out the kinks of social grace and sexual allure. For now though he was just trying to stay afloat and act disinterested, which was hard to do when you had a dopey grin on your face.

"Oh great, so there isn't a plan?"

"I didn't say that." Mike put down the ax and stepped behind Allen who didn't break stride in his nearly violent sawing. Mike set his paws gently on Allens arms, leaning over him. The human finally stopped and held his breath. The jaguar slipped a leg between Allens, gently pulling it back, widening Allens stance. "This way you'll have better control." He noted, his chest pressing into his mates back as he maneuvered Allen's upper body form. "You need to put your power into one motion, starting with your core. Brace yourself and don't worry about speed."

They were pressed together now, the felines paws pressing near Allens sore spots. "If this hurts, you are being counter productive you dork. Short, fast, jerking motions just waste momentum. You're using up energy stopping your own progress."

"This would have been helpful a half hour ago you know." Allen retorted, still not looking back or playing along but never losing that damn smile that would give him away in an instant. Allen was always so confused about relationships and their finer points in the past. They seemed to awkward and fake and unnatural in the sense that those people would almost seem scripted. They were just playing along. His current hypothesis on the idea though, was that that was exactly what a relationship was. It was being together, knowing the other person deep down and being there when it mattered, but also putting on a show. It was having this kind of fun with the other person. Mike knew for a fact Allen was grinning and playing hard to get to be cute. Allen knew that Mike knew and he didn't NEED to hide his smile or try so hard to have sex or be cute or seem appealing. But he did it anyway. He put forth the effort to have fun with the love of his life because it was what felt natural. It didn't matter about how literal, effective, counter intuitive or unreasonable his playing was if it got even a momentary smile out of Mike. Let alone all the physical contact he was getting now! Talk about incentive...

"I did try and tell you." Mike spoke into Allens hair, chin resting atop the crown of his head. "But I guess you are more a hands on learner huh?"

"Shut up."

"Hehe, you dork. You're shifting back to the old stance." He noted but didn't correct it himself. Instead his paws descended playfully down to Allens middle, gripping firmly but not painfully into Allens sides. "Pressure comes from here. If I can squeeze your belly, you arent putting enough of the work out from here." The feline informed, tickling a little at Allens belly making the human flinch and stop all together.

"Jesus! Want me to lose a finger?" Mike put his paws up a little in surrender then closed his hands together, arms around Allens middle. Now it was Mikes turn to wear the goofy grin.

"Sorry sassy butt. Didn't know you'd flinch so bad.. You aren't ticklish are you?"

"You know damn well." Allen huffed, looking over the progress he had made. To be fair, this change of form made the entire cut much easier. Hesitantly, but eventually with a playful enthusiasm Allen wiggled his rump a bit into Mike's crotch.

Mike murred gently. They both knew this was just teasing for later. To be honest, thanks to the Nip, Mike's balls still felt a bit sore and drained. Not that Allen's playfulness went unappreciated or would ever go unreciprocated. "So thats a yes?"

"I swear to god Mike."

"What?"

"Don't fucking try it I'll kill you."

"Do what?" The jaguar was grinning ear to ear, his teeth showing and his tail flicking in anticipation.

"I have a saw blade."

"Right here?" Mike asked, not referring to the saw and starting to tickle Allens sides. As always and as expected, Allen curled into a ball and puffed his cheeks in frustration rather than get away. Even from the ground now, he tossed out threats rather than act.

"I fucking mean it cat! Hahaah! Get-get the hell off! Stop!" He was in the fetal position now, curled against the attacker. Mike just continued moving his assault to wherever Allen wasn't protecting. If his arms pressed together to protect his armpits Mike focused on his stomach. If he protected his neck Mike was sure to address his chest.

"So testy! What's wrong?" Mike laughed, giving the tickling one last go before sitting back a bit and letting Allen recover. Mike couldn't honestly remember feeling this happy. Even when they were at school or first started dating. At school there were always people around and things to do to distract him or a schedule to keep or a playbook to memorize. Here it was just him, and Allen and his thoughts. It was perfect. Especially now that that damn buck from the restaurant wasn't stinking up the place. Bucks had a tendency to just smell like sex all the time and it really got to Mike, well he was coming off the Nip. It was probably harmless but he body couldn't help but get defensive.

He just imagined them together for the future and it was bright. Mike sat forward again and wrapped Allen in a big hug. He tensed at first much to the cats amusement but he softened into it. "I love you doof."

"Yeah yeah." Allen mumbled, finally looking up and facing Mike. "Fucking tickle monster."

Mike laughed out loud and stood up fast, offering a paw to Allen. "We should go for a walk and shower before we head to dinner."

"Agreed." Allen huffed, accepting the paw and getting to his feet. No sooner did he regain equilibrium and orientation did Mike pick Allen up and swing him over his shoulder. "Hey! Now what's the big idea!"

"You didn't say the magic word." Mike said simply, effortlessly holding Allen in place despite his squirming.

"Jesus, I love you too asshole!" Allen huffed but grinned.

"Oooooh no," Mike shook his head. "Password has changed."

"Magic word." Allen corrected.

"It just changed again." Mike rolled his eyes, and started turning around in circles, Allen swinging with him.

"Put me down! Please! Alakazam! Hocus pocus!" Allen tried, still fighting the grip but for a moment appreciating the hint of musk emanating from Mike's shirt.

The jaguar was having too much fun spinning Allen around to even think about some sort of magic word. He usually gave hints but this time he didn't think he'd stop until he was done and tired.

Allen was just fine with that.

~~~

"So run it by me again where exactly we got lost?" Allen asked again, walking lazily behind Mike who was hunched over a map. They had been trying to find a landmark for almost twenty minutes now. To their right was the Wenona river, so they were headed north, but they didn't know how far along the trail they were and if they had missed their trail back up or had yet to stumble upon it.

"We aren't lost." Mike huffed, trying to make sense of any of the map. It was probably the least descriptive piece of public information he had ever looked upon. The river itself didn't even seem to be drawn to scale or to twist at all!

"Then where are we exactly?" Allen asked as-a-matter-of-fact-ly. The trail itself was one of those that was simply well trotted. A line of dirt where the grass didnt grow and the tree's parted. To their right at the moment was a steep drop two or three hundred feet down and probably only fifty feet out. At the bottom was the ever curving river.

"Camp Wenona Walking trail C." Mike replied "In the scale of the whole universe that is pinpoint accuracy." The jaguar pointed out, eyes not leaving the map any longer than necessary to try and compare any landmarks.

"Oh Jesus, we are so lost." Allen rolled his eyes.

"How?"

"You just compared our scale to the entire universe. We are beyond lost."

"We will make it back in time for dinner," Mike waved a paw, "Look, I think that is the next landmark." He pointed at a large boulder with a plaque on it in the center of the trail. Allen was not blind to the swish of Mike's tail and how relieved his voice sounded, but he didn't bring it up. "I told you we'd be fine, right up this path away from the river is a short path to the main road only a mile is from our cabin. We'll be showered and dressed with time to spare."

"If you say so." Allen caught up to the now jogging jaguar. "Mind slowing down though? Thought we had plenty of time."

"We do," the feline reassured his sarcastic and disbelieving mate. "Just thought a jog would do us some good. Get the blood pumping and what not."

"Oh god." Allen groaned, walking again, "At what cost?"

The feline huffed out a laugh "Cardiovascular health, blood flow, respiratory health, leg strength, libido enhancement, self esteem, general health, plus two to sexiness factor." He counted out on his fingers with a shrug, "Only costs fifteen minutes a day."

"Yuck." Allen spat "No thanks."

They walked on up the path now, Mike's nose not buried in a useless map. Unfortunately the short walk to the main road was uphill so only a few minutes in Allen was feeling a dragging feeling in his legs. He wasn't out of shape. He wasn't in shape, and he wasn't in the process of getting from one to another. Allen was riding out his youthful metabolism as long as he could before he knew there would be trouble and to be honest after Mike's short list, he was starting to see the benefits. Despite his obviously superior than average athleticism, Mike wasn't breaking a sweat or even noting the incline as far as Allen could tell. He blushed and gently grabbed hold of Mikes tail. "Ok so maybe the gym isn't such a bad idea." He conceded, not looking up at his mate. It was probably the first time he had said it or even realistically considered it a thing he should make a serious habit of.

Additionally to the fitness aspect, Allen wasn't exactly the most self loving person. He didn't hate his body, but it wasn't a source of pride or strength by any means. He was only now seeing that to being a charismatic problem for himself. He might be more willing to put himself out into the world and not just cling to Mike if he thought better of himself.

Mike grinned but continued walking. "We can talk about a little plan later tonight beautiful." He was careful to avoid the phrase 'I told you so!' or any of its variations. Allen was skittish about things he didn't take a natural interest in or possess much skill. Scaring him off the idea with general douchebag-ery was not the winning strategy. "What do we even have to wear to the dinner?" Mike asked next, "I have no idea what clothes i packed."

"I'm sure you have a flannel in there somewhere. Not like we planned on dress shirts. Like the butler said, it's causal."

"I think he was a waiter."

"Server something." Allen waved his hand, letting go of Mike's tail. "He sat at the desk and did a bit of everything so I'm going with butler."

"He did have the suit." The feline nodded.

"And all the class and decorum." Allen added, "Sounded stuffy."

"You hung on his every last word!" Mike laughed. "Jesus, he was a giant flirt and you went with his stuffy voice as long as you could."

"I was high and the garden was hella impressive!" Allen shouted over Mike. "I will not justify high, post sex flirtations."

Mike laughed and jabbed Allen in the stomach before jogging a bit ahead. "Whatever you say you flirt!"

"Piss offfff." Allen groaned, jogging a bit to catch up. "Maybe I like a gentleman of high nobility."

"Oh you're gunna get it later if you don't think I can be just as suave as some antlered country boy in a suit." Mike turned, walking backwards and striking a pose, muscles out, "Boom! Fucking grade A nobility."

"Your brothers on parole and your dad snuck us beer."

"Boom! Trouble in the kingdom!"

"Boom! Understatement!" Allen posed along with his dorky boyfriend.

"Ok ok so I had to grow into my noble stature." The jaguar polished off his claws on his chest, "it was a struggle, but I had a rich guiding uncle and a take-no-shit mother who refused to raise another loser."

"How did he get away with anything? You're mom is as crazy as mine, but you know, in a way that attributes good parenthood and decent children."

"You turned out ok." Mike stopped walking and pulled Allen close, paws at his waist. "Umph, look at you, only like, thirty percent crazy and enfeebled after growing up with your mother."

"You know just how to woo a man." Allen rolled his eyes but kissed Mike anyway. "How did I ever doubt your class and charm?"

"We all have out thirty percent moments." Mike shrugged, walking now with Allen's shoulder under his arm and his own tail playfully flicking at Allens rump. "I won't hold it against you because I'm such a gentleman."

"My hero." Allen grinned, despite all of Mike's over the top banter. It was probably his favorite way to see Mike. Sure the serious athlete was hot and the naked lover was amazing, but the playful goofy friend he had known MUCH longer than the other two was always his favorite.

"What the fuck?" Mike muttered.

"Oh so classy." Allen laughed, pushing away from Mike's arm. "Sorry if my thirty percent is-"

"No dork, look." Mike pointed to the side of the path.

In the middle of the woods was a small box of little kittens gently mewing in the woods. Allen wasn't sure he was even seeing it right until he got close enough to confirm the little heads poking out were indeed cats. In all the woods natural noise he couldn't hear them until he was standing over them. "What the actual fuck." Allen stated more than asked. It was obviously intentional. The cardboard box said 'free to good home' in sharpie and there was a blanket and two empty cans of cat food under the five squirming bodies.

"Well that's not something you see every day."

"How long have they been here?" Allen asked, disgusted by the small box and how the cats much have been rolling around in their own mess for a while judging by the smell.

"Damned if I know." Mike scratched his head.

"Are they ok?"

"They look ok, and they look to be alive."

"Who did this?" Allen went on asking questions.

"Do I look like I can ask them?" Mike snapped. Allen looked up from his now squatting position besides the box with a shit eating grin. "Piss off." Mike huffed, whiskers flicking. "What do we do now?"

"We can't leave them here." Allen said simply. "We can at least take them to the front offices I guess." He was already petting a brown one with heterochromia iridum.

"Well that box is falling to pieces. Poor little guys."

"Backpacks?" Allen asked, "I don't feel like taking turns holding a tattered shit covered box for a mile." He spoke honestly. "Kittens be damned."

~~~

"It's not like we have a care facility." The otter behind the front counter sassed back at Mike. "We can't just accept unwanted pets even if we wanted too."

"I understand that, but I don't know what you want us to do." Mike huffed. Allen was graciously out of the conversation. The older woman a lot less cheerful than the one who got them situated the days before.

"There is an animal shelter in Riley just ten minutes from the camp grounds." She shrugged. "Pet fees for camp visitors are extra."

Mike pinched his temples. "Great. Can I have directions?" he maintained civility.

"I dont have a map of Riley, but when you exit the campgrounds turn right and head straight for ten minutes." Allen concealed a grin, just imagining Mikes frustration.

"Thank you." Mike said, slamming both paws on the counter before turning around, "Lets go Allen."

"I'll call the restaurant I guess." Allen spoke up in the car. "Our reservation is in a half hour."

"She was fucking useless." Mike hissed. "Heartless old bitch."

Allen grinned into the receiver of his phone. The dial tone stopped after two rings without explanation. He tried again with the same result, noting Mike's clenched fists around the steering wheel. He rarely drove with two paws so Allen thought it was funny he needed to squeeze something. "I cant get through to the restaurant."

"Perfect." Mike hissed. Then he suddenly turned around. "Fuck it, we can have cats in a campsite for free if we found them."

"Whatever you say pussy cat."

Mike made the 'i got my eyes on you' gesture at a stop sign. "Thats 'Mr. Pussy cat.' To you. Sorry. That otter just pissed me off is all."

"I get it." Allen agreed, giving Mike a once over for the tenth time at least. He had managed to pack a black and red flannel, and jeans for the surprise occasion. While Allen had showered he even bothered to clean their boots of dirt. All in all Allen was surprised as ever how quickly Mike managed to clean up so well. He could not have dressed any more like a southern farmer without a straw hat, but it had a rough and tough kind of charm.

"Why work in a park if you don't like nature? Cats count as nature right?" Mike rolled his eyes "Sorry."

"I still get it." Allen assured his mate. "We can leave them in the tent with food and water for a bit and do something with them when we leave tomorrow."

They were silent for a while longer. Allen playing with one of the kittens in his lap and Mike driving, casting a tender eye to Allen. "You have such a good soul you know that?" He spoke softly.

The compliment was unexpected and made Allen blink a bit in initial confusion. "Pardon?"

Mike smiled and drove on. "You are a fantastic human being and that is so rare." Mike elaborated. "You keep me grounded when i need to be. you're kindness is borderline naive and you always know what to say and what to do when You are put on the spot."

"Oh god." Allen groaned. "Stooop please." he pressed his forehead into the window. "I never know what to say!"

"Humble and kind and a good soul Allen." Mike nodded, jostling the humans hair. "I mean it dork." he pulled into their lot and turned off the car. "I really do."

Allen blushed in a mix of emotions and embarrassment. It wasn't that he doubted Mike liked or loved him, it was just one of those compliments that wasn't meant to be returned. Allen knew very little about social grace, but he knew that. simply returning 'You have a nice soul too' would cheapen what Mike had said severely. The ball was still in his court though.

They had opened a can of tuna and left water out for the cats and were quickly back in the car. "Hope they don't rip up the blankets." Mike groaned, "That would be perfect."

"We only left out the ones we didn't use for us,. the good ones are safe." Allen reminded him, strumming his fingers to the radio. "We are going to make good time."

"Way early. Edward might even remark on our attendance." Mike teased.

"Hush up and leave him alone." Allen smiled. "I don't think he could care any less."

~~~

"Very punctual pair aren't you?" the deer at the front deer remarked, getting a grin from the jaguar in flannel and the jaguar getting a shove from the human in a grey sweater. "Luckily your table is already ready for you this evening."

The dining room in the day was nothing compared to it at night. The atmosphere was darkened to a somber tone, the tables were detailed in fine china and lit by candles and a small orchestral band was playing a set at the center of the whole thing. The outer windows viewed a magnificently lit outer garden. The marble rubble casting shadows in the omni colored darkness.

"You two will be over here by the west wall." Edward directed them to a table. "Can i offer you gentleman anything to drink? Are you able to view our wine selections? We have an impressive selection of aged reds."

"Water will be fine." Allen grinned. "Wine sounds good though yeah?"

"Do you card?" Mike offered an overly toothy smile.

The deer smiled and did a little bow, "I'm afraid i'd have to now. Will water be ok with you? we have Coke products."

"Water is fine." Mike smiled back and picked up the menu. Their server departed with another bow. "Useless menu huh?"

"So many options." Allen agreed sarcastically, reading the only eight things on the menu and glancing at the extensive wine menu left for them. "At least they have good choices."

Mike put down his menu and picked up the wine selection, "Jesus and four options for each meal and appetizer." he squinted at the fine print. "some of this shit is really old." he noted with an intimidated look around the room before setting the menu down with care.

"I've never had duck." Allen noted, then, setting down his menu. "Think it's any good?"

"It's spectacular." Their host interrupted, placing down two waters. "Chef Dustin's orange mango sauce is to die for. Very tender bird with very earthy sides of garlic potatoes and asparagus with a balsamic drizzle. Very well rounded meal."

Allen nodded, "Ok well i guess that settles that. I'll have the duck."

"Surf and turf please." Mike added, "Medium rare. "I'd also like to try the escargot and a soup for each of us."

"Very good sir," Edward scribbled without missing a beat, "Which soups would you gentleman care for? and can i also recommend the crab cakes? both they and the escargot come in small quantities per serving but both are fresh today."

"Lobster bisque." Allen ordered, looking at the prices of the appetizers and back up at Mike with trepidation.

"Sure!" Mike handed off his menu, "the more the merrier! I'll have the peppered sausage soup."

Edward smiled and bowed again, "Excellent sirs. The band will be finishing up in twenty minutes, I should have your appetizers out before then, followed by the soups and side salads,and finishing with your entree. Feel free to dance and mingle." he motioned to the open space around the band where some couples clumsily danced in good spirits. "I'll be sure to grab your attention as the food arrives."

"Jeez do you have every table and patron memorized?" Allen asked. Mike made a snuffling noise in response to the apparent add on to Edwards list of impressive features.

The buck looked around for a moment and showed Allen his clipboard with a particularly guilty look. Mike sat forward and Allen chuckled and blushed bright red before Edward bowed again and left with a grin of his own.

"What was that?" Mike snapped, eyes following Edwards departure to the kitchen.

"Oh don't get your tail in a twist." Allen laughed now. "The table set up was dotted with helpful reminders."

"Like what? whats that mean?" Mike rest his cheek into his fist on the table.

"'Table four," Allen pointed to the dance floor, "'old lion couple.'" he pointed to the bar "Table sixteen 'cougar and nerdy glasses'" he recited the info on their table. "Table nine, 'jock jaguar and old man sweater.'"

Mike tried very hard to be offended, but he couldn't help but laugh. "Oh my god, thats fucking fantastic."

"Right? And here i thought he just had a good memory." Allen smiled, looking over to the dance floor. "Jesus do you remember prom? i think that was the last time i danced."

"I remember prom because you got sick and drunk and didn't remember the after prom." Mike noted with a playful smile. "You kept telling my date to treat me right and then you kissed my feet."

Allen blushed and drank some water not looking away from the older couples dance. "I like your feet."

"I'm very much aware." Mike followed Allens look.

It was mostly older couples laughing as they made their way around the dance area. The band took up most of the space honestly but it still looked fun and cute in a way, especially to see the old tiger couple who had laughs and smiles painted on their faces as they moved the slowest around the other patrons.

"So you want to try working out when we get back to school?" Mike asked, turning back to Allen. The soft almost playful music perforating the room but not forcing them to speak up.

"I guess so." Allen shrugged, still looking at the dance floor. He gulped, not wanting to have to explain his mess of feelings on the topic.

"Well we can start you small." the feline explained. "Some treadmill work and getting you on a schedule before we amp it up to anything more intense."

"Oh god." Allen groaned, "I don't like the sound of intense."

"But you do like the sound of working out yeah?" Mike asked. "I know you dork. You wouldn't have brought it up unless it had been on your mind for a while."

They sat quietly enjoying the ambiance a bit more. Allen's mind working hard to contain its own storm. "It has." he conceded much to Mike's surprise.

"Anything specific on your mind?"

The human shrugged. not looking away from the wolf on the piano.

Another pause.

"I guess i just don't want to fall behind." Allen shrugged.

"Fall behind how?"

"I dont know." Allen responded more on instinct than anything. "Actually i do. It's that. I don't think much of myself and you know that." Allen and Mike both knew that despite himself Allen was a very self aware person. Infact it was moments like this that forced Mike to remember that amidst the sea of counter-examples. "I want to feel like i deserve your compliments." Mike was about to speak up but Allen actually went on. He was not about to interrupt. "I want to feel like...i deserve it. My life is pretty good you know? and i know i can only work for it and i have through school work but i don't do anything else really. I dont have a job or extensive productive hobbies or a sport or anything like that. I think maybe if i do this thing and get discipline i'll feel worthy."

Mike set his paw on his mates hand. Squeezing gently and looking back at the dance floor he said nothing. They both knew he thought Allen deserved everything and that allen didn't. Words weren't going to fix it if they hadn't already. "I'm proud of you." he said simply.

Allen squeezed back. "I know deep down i'm a good guy and i don't think i'm UNworthy exactly." he tried to explain.

Mike shushed his boyfriend, "I get it. And i'm here to help."Allen stopped talking and nodded. "Anything you need i'm here for you you big dork." the jaguar smiled.

Allen nodded and Mike could see the severity of the mood melt off of him. the human looked down at his sweater and scratched his hair, closing one eye. "Would you actually do me a favor?"

"Of course." Mike smiled, knowing this was going somewhere good if Allen was so suddenly bashful. The human guided them to the bathroom and Mike was already murring before Allen pulled them into the handicap stall.

"Whats all this about?" Mike purred.

"Can i wear your flannel?" Allen snapped the jaguar out of his fantasy.

"...what?"

"Your shirt, can i wear it? i only have a bowser shirt on under this old man sweater and you have a nice thermal." Allen explained with a blush.

Mike took a moment before bursting into obnoxious laughter than made Allen step back a bit startled.

"What's so funny?"

"Oh my god," Mike hid his face in his paws. "Here i thought you wanted public sex and you are just embarrassed about your old man sweater."

"You thought..." Allen looked around and frowned aggressively at the revelation. "Well fuck me sideways. Sorry!"

"Don't tempt me." Mike purred again, chuckling and unbuttoning his shirt.

Allen took the sweater off and looked around "I mean...we could if you-"

"Just give me your sweater." Mike shook his head with his damn superior and playful grin. "This food is too expensive to let cool down anyway, wouldn't wanna miss it."

"We could be quick."Allen noted very seriously.

"Get dressed." Mike kissed Allens forehead and grabbed the sweater from his hands in exchange for the flannel. "I love you you dork."

Allen heard the bathroom door quietly close before he bonked his head into the stall door "Smooth move casanova."

~~~

The dinner carried on as one would expect. Soup and a side salad along with their appetizers, The music changed out from classic to slow jazz, and finally just as Mike noted it had been some time since the appetizers had been finished, Edward and a skunk waiter had their main dishes.

Allen and Mike were foodies at heart, and Allen enjoyed his duck stupendously, but the human couldn't get over how much Mike was raving about the meals. It was so excitable that Allen had first thought he was being sarcastic.

"Best soup I've ever had!", "Oh my god this is amazing...", "Allen you have to try this."

Eventually their plates emptied and they, like every other patron it seemed, turned to the band still playing softly in the middle. One by one couples old and young, with and without kids, in various levels of dressy and casual clothes found their way to the dance floor.

Allen didn't actually expect to join them. It was a fun loving slow dance, most of the pairs were just laughing at one another or watching their feet. A few cubs and kids ran around or did their own version of dancing. Allen was just smiling and watching, perfectly content with dessert on the way. But Mike had other plans. He had Allen on his feet, hand in hand before Allen could even ask what was happening.

They spun around like a couple of idiots, Mikes hands careful to hold Allens and not stray to his waist. He figured if he could manage that they could get out of here as just a couple of goofy friends. Allen was enjoying himself and thats all that mattered. Hell, they even got a few hoots and hollers from presumably unsuspecting dinner goers.

The issue with taking charge of the moment was that Mike could not dance to save his life. He could hop on his toes at a club, but formal dancing was an art he never really considered learning. At prom he had stepped on his dates toes more than once much to her frustration. The human just went along with him anyway. Allen was looking at his feet even more than Mike was! They had a few close calls before their dessert was on the table and Allen fled, smiling out of the literal center of attention.

There was a smile painted on Allen's face that would have made falling while dancing worth it. It was contagious. The only time they stopped smiling the rest of the dinner was when they spooned iced cream into their mouths, and even then only for a split moment.

"I love you." Allen said very quietly, mixing the remainder of his fudge and whipped cream into a mess.

"What a coincidence." Mike beamed, his brownie scraps long since devoured.

"This was a lot of fun." Allen went on, emptying his bowl of all sugary contents. "like the whole thing, camping trip and all."

"Yeah, now we just have to worry about those kittens." Mike scratched at his neck then stretched out, "At least the vet or whatever is up the road."

"Just make a right!" Allen mocked the information woman.

"Shut up." Mike stuck out his tongue, "God she was useless."

"The only smudge on the whole trip though." Allen shrugged. "I missed sleeping next to you."

"Only one more night then you have to wait another few weeks." he jaguar chuckled and rubbed over his chest and abs. "ALL THIS is gunna be in another house."

Allen made a face and mimicked his motions. "BACK AT YOU."

"I see you are enjoying the evening?" Edward returned, collecting the last of the dishes in one smooth motion around the table.

"Very much so."

"This idiot was drooling all evening." Allen grinned.

"Well i'm glad the food was up to snuff. I'll send your compliments to the chef."

"Please do."

"Oh, earlier you said the owners might be in?" Mike caught Edwards attention in the nick of time.

"hmm? Oh yes, Debby and Harry Winona were dancing right along with you." the deer informed them with a wave of the hand. I think..." he started, scanning the room. "Yep, they already retired for the evening it seems."

"Shame. Which one's were they?"

Edward chuckled and zipped his lips. "Personal policy of the family not to have that question answered i'm afraid."

"Oh well." Allen turned back to the table. "We can always just google them when we get home."

"There is that!" Edward laughed, "Oh, if it weren't for the service out here being so limited their policy might be entirely pointless eh?"

"Very true." Mike stood up and offered a paw. "Thank you for the evening Sir." He said with conviction. Getting a solid handshake back as expected.

"I'm glad i could impress the young couple." he grinned.

"Oh can it, you have to be two years older than us tops." Allen crossed his arms.

Both Mike and Edward laughed this time, "Not many deer around your town eh?"

"Not enough for him to know." Mike smiled, waving the host off.

"Not enough deer to know what?" Allen asked hesitantly.

"You didn't stare at his rack?" Mike asked inquisitively. "the dude has to be thirty five at least." The jaguar grinned, leaving a ten on the table as tip.

Allen had to double take at the back of Edwards head, "You're joking?"

"Cross my heart. Didn't pin you as the Daddy type." Mike winked, walking away from the table.

"Sh-shut up! thats not..." Allen followed behind, sweater in hand and a pout on his lips. "Can it cat. And come this way. I want to see the garden at night before we go."

Mike followed behind Allen to the same door they had used earlier. Thankfully it was unlocked. The Garden was just as beautiful at night but in an entirely different sense. In the day all the colors popped and had a life of their own, at night they all seemed to become one colorful life-form. The spotlights were not too intense, so it was a very enjoyable walk through the garden.

"Smells more like Lavender now." Mike noted getting a nod from his mate. Anticipating the sudden alone-ness they held hands on this walk through. The cicadas were buzzing and the crickets were chirping in the last vestitures of light.

It was still warm, they had prepared for an unpresent chill. Allen was playing with the fur and pads of Mike's paws.

"Enjoying the garden?" A fragile voice asked from the restaurant. It was the elderly tiger couple. "I remember the first time i saw it completed. Absolutely breath-taking. the wife reminisced.

"You come to Wenona often than?" Allen asked, "It is beautiful."

"Oh we come every year now." she shook her husbands paw with enthusiasm. "These old bones still let us do that huh?" she laughed. They were walking over to join Allen and Mike now. The boys waited up.

"That they do dear." came a simple response. Allen almost thought it was snide, that the old man was bitter, but his smile said differently.

"When it first opened." she went on, "it was mostly wild flowers. beautiful, but not exactly aromatic you know? And OH, the bees. You wouldn't believe how quickly they took hold of this garden when it was just wildflowers."

"They had to sprinkle in the camomile and the bamboo." her husband finished.

"And the rest just happened in time." She added, the two sat on a marble bench. "It all just takes time." she spoke distantly to anyone listening to her wisdom. She snapped back in a heartbeat though. "So what is it the young people do for fun at camp now-a-days? is it still the same?"

"I would hope so." Mike smiled, leaning on a post. "We hiked a bit and rented a canoe."

"Had an open fire i hope," she didn't miss a beat and nodded slowly with a smile when Allen confirmed. "It's been a while since we had one ourselves honestly."

"We usually just go for the walks." the husband explained. "Old bones let us walk, but our clocks don't let us stay up too late anymore."

"Oh no, it's already pretty late along." she agreed. "But i do miss the family around the fire. It's been ages since RJ's visited us for a trip here."

"Or anywhere really. He's a busy boy."

"Family business." she nodded. "God bless."

Allen turned away, unable to hide his smile. They were the epitome of a happy old couple. It was too much to handle in a large dose.

"If you boys have things too do you can leave us old folks here to rest." She smiled. "I'm just glad you're enjoying the park."

"And the garden."

"Oh yes, and the garden. RJ worked so hard on it. It turned out beautifully."

Mike made a face, "Your son works here and he won't visit you?" Allen elbowed him for prying but it had already slipped out.

"hmm?...Oh! dear!" she chuckled. "dear RJ owns the parks." The two boys didn't respond. she chuckled again and offered a paw. "Debby Wenona." she introduced herself.

"Harold." the husband did as well.

"Wow." was all Allen had to say before taking their paws.

"It's an honor." Mike said honestly. "I came here a lot as a kid. I'm glad it remained in such good shape while you have so many other parks to keep up as well."

"Oh thats great dear. I'm so happy we could do that for you." she said with conviction. "Thats why we did it. Why RJ does it."

"The memories." Harold nodded solemnly.

She nodded too, with more frantic energy. "The memories."

~~~

"Well you can cross meeting the Wenona's off your bucket list." Allen joked, taking off his shirt and rifling through his bag.

"A major milestone." Mike nodded. "One for the ages. They were pretty chill though. I half expected them to be bickering old folks." Allen agreed. Mike was laying out blankets and digging through his own bag.

"Ok so, what you didn't peep through seems to be, throat numbing spray," Allen set things out one by one on the blankets. "our own basic bondage kit," he advertised the still unopened box of leather-ish wonders. "And...drumroll." Mike patted his thighs in rapid succession. Allen laughed, "Nice. edible thongs."

Mike stopped and burst into laughter. "What?! let me see!" the giggle fit didn't stop. "Oh my god thats great. Not so sexy exactly. but..." he went on laughing.

"Ok ok, dont mock my gag purchase."

"Oh no i like the gag." he leaned over and grabbed the kit. "It's practical."

Allen smiled, looking up at Mike as he leaned over him buck naked. They tent was lit by an LED lantern. Not too bright and with an adjustable dimmer.

"You're so hot." Allen swooned. laying back, still under the covers and in boxers.

"You're the hot one. look at that face." Mike smiled, tossing off the cover and laying over Allen. he kissed his cheek and neck and ears in rapid little pecks. Allen giggled.

"Oh please." the human rolled his eyes, getting comfy. "You're the college athlete and i'm not even in a club."

Mike made a face, "Since when does extracurricular activities constitute hotness?"

"I dunno," Allen shrugged, playing with whatever tufts of fur were immediately available on Mike's chest. "But when it's a sport where physical prowess is a necessity and the gym is a requirement. I have to say that the odds are tipped heavily in your favor good sir."

The jaguar laid back beside his mate. hands behind his head. "Sir huh?" he smiled. a purr reverberated in the tent. The sound sent shivers up Allens spine. "And that makes you 'boy' right?" he smiled with undressing eyes. They trailed the contours of the blanket around Allen. The human only managed a little nod, his throat caught on the words like a fish on the line. " Actually i prefer pup." Mike noted casually. "Get to it pup." Mike purred.

Allen continued to represent a fish in his scramble out of the blankets. "What sh-should I do?" he stuttered. "First th-that is."

The jaguar gently grabbed Allens chin, bringing him close for a kiss. He lay sprawled out in his bare glory like a roman emperor; Allen sat kneeling beside him. "Rules are the same." he spoke into Allen's neck, completely in control. "Pups don't need clothes." he suddenly grabbed at Allens obvious bulge in his boxers making the human whimper and fall over in a startle. He lay now on his mates stomach, cheek on his abs and legs splayed so as to not mess with 'Sir's' firm grip.

"Ok ok..." Allen breathed, harder than ever. His face felt flushed and his mind was racing. This was still beyond a doubt his favorite role play. From day one he loved the idea of just serving his mate. Unconditional, erotic trust that whatever happen would be for the betterment of the scene and would be enjoyable to some degree. He just finally had the words to describe it that way. Nothing was hotter to Allen then just handing himself over and feeling confident in that pass.

"Rule breakers get punished, obedient pups get rewards. Rule two is you listen to every word and obey." Mike stroked Allens hair, running the tips of his claws carefully across his scalp. "Rule three is that you don't cum until i say so. Tell me if you understand these rules."

"Yes sir." Allen nodded, not falling for the simple trick of messing up titles like he would have when he had first started.

"Good." Mike released his crotch. "Now get those clothes out of my sight and kneel." Mike said with a wave of his paw, trying to seem as disinterested as his constant purring would allow.

Allen was buck naked in moments. drawers and socks thrown unceremoniously against the one tent wall. He was at attention, hands on the ground, butt up and cock semi-hard but already shiny with pre.

The jaguar chuckled, unable to entirely switch character and to be honest that was when Allen and him had the most fun. Their open sexy was somehow a lot more focused when they could make snide remarks now and then or just call one another cute. "I need a massage." He spoke formally. "I see that they work best when you rub and lick. Don't be too shy about the sweatier regions pup. They need attention too."

"Yes sir." Allen grinned, finally having a way to direct his energy. he started by straddling Mike's waist, careful to be able to nudge his sir's cock with the right wiggle of the hips. He went for the shoulders, kneading the muscular bulk the best way his untrained hands knew how. Whether it felt good or not, Mike purred louder and Allen moved on. He went to the chest and arms, leaning in to kiss and lick where he had already rubbed. His mates armpits were musky and just before Allen thought too long about how he should get to them, Mike had Allens head firmly on one paw and pressed his nose into the damp smell.

"What did i say about shyness? thats borderline insubordination that you would deny me your tongue." A paw came down hard on Allens rear making him yelp and get the taste of athletic feline in his mouth. He licked harder then, stopping everything else to focus on the task at hand.

"I'm sorry sir."

"Other arm."

Allen moved over, giving the other pit just as much love and getting a spank anyway. This time though the hand stayed and rubbed his bare ass. Allen moaned into Mike's pit and eventually moved on. The feline was being particularly frisky that night. Allen's tongue was all the way down to Mike's abs when he was stopped again.

"Pup, sit up." Mike crawled out from under Allen and get to the small collection of toys and items. "On all fours." Mike clarified, not looking back at Allen who assumed the position. A butterflies erupted in his stomach as Allen tried to see what Mike was messing with. Was it the...It was! Mike was ripping threw the plastic of the kit and tossing it aside.

Allens butt swayed in a sort of tail wag he adopted for such games. Mike had told him it was cute and it sort of just became a habit.

"Now pup, i want you to close your eyes." Mike said simply. Allen complied. He heard shuffling as Mike got closer, then felt an unfamiliar but smooth something cover his eyes. The blindfold! Allen dared to open a single eye. Total darkness. "Now stay." Mike voice and breath hit his face, much closer than Allen had thought. He heard more scurrying and the tent unzipping. then silence.

The humans heart was loud in his ears as he tried to find more noises to latch onto. Nothing. Nothing beyond the woods. He jumped a bit on his knees, and excited little hop that sounded much louder than usual in the silence. His mind raced with possibilities. He recalled his first experiences with sensation deprivation. before he knew it was a word. Before he could appreciate this thrill. The rush of having such limited control voluntarily.

Steps were followed by tent shuffling and the zipper returning to its place. "Sit up, hands out." Mike ordered, already one of Allens wrists in his hand. the boy felt the cool rush of leather and felt. His hands were bound together behind his back and he was grinning like an idiot. Then he felt his feet be bound and heard the zipping of a bag. Allen tried to move his arms experimentally but found them to be bound to his ankle braces. His heart raced faster.

"Open your mouth." Mike ordered, again, much closer to Allen's face than he thought. Allens immediate thought was the ball gag. He opened wide, unfamiliar with the girth of the ball. Instead he felt a rush of minty air hit the back of his throat and started gagging.

"What was that?" Allen asked on reflex. The throat spray.

"Oh? Talking without permission?" a loud sounding, firm smack came to Allens rear with something definitely not alive.

"Is that a paddle?" Allen asked with a surprised grin.

Another smack. "Do you like it?" Mike asked in a way Allen knew he was wearing that shit-eating grin.

the human chuckled and shrugged with a nod, "It's pretty nice."

Another smack.

"Cherry Bomb brand paddle. 'for those heated nights.'" Mike read, running the paddle up Allens back and making him flinch.

"Hey."

"I'm not gunna smack you in the head with it." Mike rolled his eyes. Allen thought he heard the paddle hitting the ground. There was more shuffling and after a bit of less graceful fumbling around Allens crotch he felt the familiar sensation of his cock ring.

"Hows your throat?" Mike asked with presumably getting more things. "The bottle says wait five to eight minutes. It should feel like a cold tingle."

"It only tingles." Allen spoke up, flicking his tongue to flex the bit that also got hit with the spray.

"All the same." the jaguar sighed. "What to do with this one..." he thought out loud. "hmm..."

Again, the jaguar caught Allen by surprise. Allen soon had a face full of feet, the pads were unquestionable. They smelled right and tasted right and without any instruction Allen went to town. He couldn't hold them with his hands tied, but he did his best to lap between ever toe.

"Good boy." Mike purred, applying more pressure until Allen got the message and lay down on his back. With some adjusting his wrists didn't hurt and he was back at those beautiful foot pads. He wished he could see them, could touch them like they deserved. It had been a while surely since they had been rubbed and treated like they should. Allen whimpered, rubbing his cheeks into them and sucking on the toes. Then the foot was withdrawn and replaced with its counterpart. Allen showed no sense of discrepancy. Each of those feet was equally beautiful and deserving.

Mike played along, did the things he knew would drive Allen up the wall. He slapped/kicked around his cheeks, pressed gently and oh so carefully into his neck and ran the down his bare chest, not stopping until it rubbed his rock hard dick. Allen was a leaky guy and this time was no acception. He was dripping.

"Oh, someone seems ready to play around. Is it you pup?"

Allen nodded. panting almost as cartoonishly as a real dog. He blushed and tried to control himself. Mike pulled Allen close. The jaguar was now sitting again with the bound boy across his lap, face in his chest. "Find my nipples." Mike instructed. A bottle could be heard snapping open. Allen got werrie but focused on his task. He nibbled and suckled at Mikes chest playfully.

Mike did not return the finesse. The jaguar quickly found and pressed his lubed up digit up to the knuckle on the first push. It went in easy with minimum pain, but Allen still held his breath for a moment. "Don't stop." Mike cooed, slowly working the digit. Allen tried as hard as he could to focus on sucking Mikes nipples, but he could hardly stay in his current position before his ass was involved!

"I can't..." he moaned, physically trying to sit back up and opening his mouth to find the chest he knew had to be there somewhere just out of reach.

"Cant? Thats quitter talk boy." Mike pressed a second finger in making Allen jump. He was tighter than usual and Mike was being careful, but it was a lot of sensation. All he could do was moan. "Fine." Mike sat up, kneeling now over the bound up boy, fingers no longer playing. Allen was still on his back, panting harder than before. He already missed Mikes fingers.

When Allen tried to sit up, Mike gently pushed him back down. Allen felt Mike's lips press into his own and returned the kiss trying hard not to breath heavily into it and failing.

"Minty fresh." Mike said simply. Allen just sat unaware on the ground until Mikes cock hit him in the face. Without instruction Allen's mouth was open and trying to take in the welcomed member. the feline positioned himself so he was leaning over Allen and slowly pushed his cock as far in as he had ever tried. Allen didn't even cough. With only the slightest hesitation, Mike pushed his hips farther up until his balls rested on Allen's face. No gagging. Not even a worried sound.

Mike couldn't hold back an impressed grin. "I'll be damned." he said simply. Allen started getting to work sucking his dick, equally as impressed by the level of comfort. Before long Mike was thrusting, gently mind you, until he started to pick up some rhythm. "Oh my god..." Mike moaned, loving every sensation. He had not been lied too when he was told deep throating was on another level from BJ's. They weren't even comparable.

Allen was hardly doing any work. he had since abandoned trying to work his tongue into play and focused on breathing and the situation. Now that Mike was thrusting his air supply was steadier, only really interrupted when Mike stayed deep a moment and his balls rested on Allens nose.

Then Mike resumed being the boss. If Throat fucking wasn't enough the cocky fuck stuck his fingers right back in. Allen physically moaned, but it came out as more an intermittent gagging. This throat spray was un-fucking-believable.

Mike pulled out, slapping Allen in the face with his wet cock. "You like that?"

"y-yes!" Allen managed, gulping down air.

"Good." Mike went back to town, thrusting harder and trying not to moan himself. He preoccupied himself with fingering Allen and started to suck his cock. Allen moaned, thrashed a little, and before Mike could even wonder if he should stop Allen came right in his mouth. Mike started swallowing immediately, fingering allen harder and consequently thrusting faster himself.

The feline groaned, sitting up and licking his lips, ignoring the fact that Allen broke a rule and fucked Allen harder. He was so close before Allen came and now...

He roared loud, aware of how alone they were and came down the back of Allens throat.

Allen groaned, loving the sensation of Mikes ejaculating cock wiggle in his throat. The numbness had become a full feeling he could only compare to taking a big bite of food. It was uncomfortable and odd for a while, like his first time with anal, but also like that it became enjoyable quickly! The jaguar panted and purred, eventually pulling out and leaving a wet trail of slobber on Allen's face, his cock softening and flopping out satisfyingly.

Allens eyes were un-blinded and he was looking up at the dorky grin of his boyfriend in the strange lighting. They were both sweaty and panting and spent. "I love you." Allen laughed out, rolling over and hiding his face. Mike laughed with him. "haha...fuuuck that was good."

"Yes it was." Mike agreed, freeing bis boyfriend of his bonds and holding him close. "And no messy clean up when we swallow the evidence."

Allen rolled his eyes, "Oh you charmer."

"I try."

~~~

"Run it by me again."

"Just humor me."

"Just humor me!" The jaguar retorted, driving down a long stretch of road on the way home. They had already left the campgrounds and taken the kittens to the shelter. Well...most of them.

"I think a pet will do her good."

"Your mom can hardly raise a child. no offence but i distinctly remember MY mom driving YOU too and from my games because your mom just didn't feel like it."

Allen shrugged, petting the brown heterochromic cat, "I just think it'll do her good.Giver her a chance to not eff it up and not be lonely."

Mike shook his head. "You're crazy, but i love your heart. We're almost home." he noted, reaching behind them to jiggle the bag from the pet store. "And already invested!"

"Shut up." Allen smiled, kissing the cats ears. "You're just jealous of all the attention he's getting!"

"Firstly, it's a she. I can't hear a word she's saying but she smells like a she." The jaguar shrugged.

Allen just smiled smugly for the few more minutes before they turned down their street. "What should we call her?"

"Your mom's problem now." Mike pulled into his driveway. "I hate cats, they smell and i want nothing to do with her."

Allen made a surprised face. "Wow. masochism?"

"Feral and Sapiens felines are entirely different breeds!" Mike groaned. "Sapiens aren't ALL little assholes."

"Only half."

"I'll believe that statistic." Mike smiled and kissed Allen for the last time until school in the following weeks. "love you. i had a great time."

"Yeah," his mate agreed, "It was incredible. Im so tired though i could sleep for a month."

"I hear that." Mike groaned and stretched, getting out of the car. "Go give her the cat, i'll bring ur bags over."

"Mike." Allen stopped him, still seated in the car. The jaguar got back in.

"Whats up?"

Allen kept petting the cat. "Mike, i want to move in with you."

the jaguar blinked. He wasn't sure what to expect from the conversation but that wasn't it. "What?"

"Do you remember Barrey? He said his landlord has an apartment." Allen explained. "Out by the school and still on the grounds. It's technically a dorm sort of. Apartment when schools not in session. Allen only pays rent not from his scholarship for the non-school months and we could get one." Allen spoke very fast. "We can always come visit here but i just...i don't like not being around you for a few months a year like that and requiring a special get away..." The words just sort of fell out all at once. Allen had planned the talk and all the prep fell through when it came down to it.

The human turned to a very confused jaguar. His heart dropped. he blushed and looked away. "Sorry." he was embarrassed. It was a big step and he now knew he had jumped the gun.

"Allen don't be." Mike spoke up. "Sorry i was...im just surprised is all." the feline explained, "But i'm...well honored." Mike said simply, nodding. "I'd love too." The cat leaned in to kiss Allen but the human started with the word vomit again.

"Really? cause you don't have too! its alot to agree too. we can look up all the details and make some calls."

"Allen,"

"Obviously need to find jobs over there off campus so that might take time."

"Allen."

"I mean, i don't want to seem spoiled or ask too much because its a big-"

"Mike cut him off with a big kiss, leaning over almost into his lap. The kitten started meowing in discomfort from the sudden intruder.

"Allen. I'd love too."

The car fell quiet. A weight felt lifted from them both. Allen could not honestly remember ever feeling happier. He said yes. He wouldn't have to be away from Mike any more than necessary. He felt an overwhelming sense of freedom coming with the idea of having their own apartment.

And then it all crashed down when his mom knocked hesitantly on the car window.

~~`~

"Holy shit, what did she say?" Barrey asked, helping lift a couch through their apartment door. It was a warm fall day and the sun was shining. behind Allen he could hear the hum of school life coming if from the long summer break from study and energy drinks.

"After a few minutes she tried to play it cool. She said she wasn't surprised but she didn't see it coming." Allen explained.

"Yeah, fucking riddle me that one." Mike tossed in, following behind the pair with a large tote that was popping open.

"I don't get it." Barrey conceded.

"My mom is crazy." Allen clarified. "She just didn't want to act too surprised for too long so i think she convinced herself it was all predictable."

"You are pretty gay." Barrey shrugged.

Allen made a face, dropping the couch into place. "Shut up Barrey, i can't even dress myself."

The badger laughed, "I know i know. Is that the last of the stuff?"

"Last of the basics." Mike confirmed. "Allens mom insisted on buying us a tv and kitchen stuff from somewhere local. should come in tomorrow."

"Fuck, wish my mom made me that deal."

"I bribed her with a cat." Allen shrugged.

"She took quite a liking to her. Bageera right?"

"Yup yup yup, like the jaguar." Allen stuck out his tongue. "I don't think she knew where she got that name from. I wasn't about to correct her."

"I was only prepared to say 'yes ma'am' after she got us the tv." Mike turned to Barry "fifty fucking inches dude. Movie night is a must."

The badger just made an impressed face. "Jesus."

"Shut up, she's crazy and lonely and thinks im the best thing ever."

"Before that cat." Mike pointed out with a grin.

Allen was about to argue but nodded and sighed, "Alas, i have brought about the end of an era."

"Tv's are nice consolation prizes."

"True."

"And as your friend in the neighborhood i'll have to take you guys into town for food and shit!" Barry announced. "No acceptions!"

Allen cheered for food and shook Mikes arm to spread the excitement. "Relax relax, you foodies." Mike rolled his eyes. "First things first." He clapped his hands. "I introduce you two to the wonders of the gym."

The excitement quickly died. "Well...i'll be over later for movies." Barry announced, leaving, "See yah!"

"Don't you dare." Allen said straight faced.

"Sorry," the round badger said, patting his belly, "I'm not sleeping with him so i don't have to suffer the other half of the shenanigans. Call me when you're all settled and he's not being healthy!"

"Offers on the table. Lets go find the water bottles lover!" Mike cheered now, jumping all around in parody and opening some boxes in the kitchen. Barry made a quick exit.

Allen groaned out loud, locking the door to the apartment and dragging his feet into the kitchen. His eyes wandered around the place they had managed to snag. It was only a few houses down from Barry and his roommate and the layout was identical minus the 'lived in' feel that was lacking in the bare walls and cardboard boxes.

"Do i have to go to the gym? It's day one? can't we just relax a bit?" Allen complained and sounded as tired as he could.

"Gym's not even open." Mike smiled. "Under construction." he pulled out some mugs and the coffee maker. "I just figured it was the quickest way to prevent you two from nerding out and taking up the whole afternoon."

The human looked up with mock offence that swiftly transitioned to an understanding nod. "Fair. but you could have let me know about the ruse. I almost had a heart attack thinking about exercising my heart."

Mike rolled his eyes. "We can get to the gym in a few days. Right now the only available space is in the athletic center temporarily for athletes. Figured all those muscle heads might scare you away or get you gawking."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Allen asked incredulously. "I might be gay, but i have self control thank you very much."

The jaguar hugged his mate from behind, arms wrapped firmly around his middle and fuzzy cheeks nuzzling Allens. "I know i know, i just wouldn;'t want you finding eye candy from anywhere else or feeling weird about not looking like them."

Allen rolled his eyes and made biting motions at Mikes face. "I have to look at you all the time remember? i have long since gotten over body jealousy."

Mike grinned and started tickling his life long friend, getting every curse and cuss in the book as a reward. In moments he had Allen in the fetal position trying to block every ticklish point he had from the floor.

"Fucker..." Allen half laughed half pouted.

"Oh you love it." The cat teased, turning on the coffee maker.

Allen looked up from the floor, sprawled out and arms crossed. "I do not." he lied. Anyone else might have believed him too, anyone but Mike. The jaguar knew him too well and too long, had paid him enough attention to know his little habits and quirks. Hell, Mike could have probably written a thesis about his multitude of issues and the finesse required to differentiate Allen from the front he usually put up.

Likewise Allen's Mike related thesis could have been just as impressive. The history of, the motives behind and the things he took guilty pleasure in. Mike was a lot more up front than Allen but it didn't mean he had nothing hidden away or unseen motives.

They were both a mess and for the first time Allen saw the future they had in front of them. Jobs lined up, school planned, a home secured and friends to socialize with. Allen saw the details of THEIR life and not just a life WITH Mike in it.

He got up off the ground and took the immediately offered coffee. His eyes were holding back tears well, but his voice gave him away. "We don't have cream you know."

Mike's ears flicked and he turned quickly, "You ok?" he set down his drink and turned all of his attention to Allen. His body was ready. prepared to help, console or otherwise fix the problem he wasn't even aware of.

Allen just nodded, face contorting a bit as some of the tears broke free. "I love you man." He hugged the jaguars middle tight, face buried in his warm chest. "I just...I'm just very happy." he spoke downwards with his forehead still rubbing against Mike. It wasn't so much real embarrassment as it was an instinct to hide his face when he got like this.

Mike's arms were already around Allen, holding him close. "Me too bud." he spoke quietly, looking around. Taking in the life they had now. "Never better."

They made their way to the couch, not bothering to plug the tv in. They lay with each other, Mike towards the couch back, one arms propping up his head and the other playing with Allen's hand. Allen was just smiling. It had been a long day and it was catching up with them.

"There is so much to do." Allen spoke up, not moving but seeing no need to gesture around the room or clarify what exactly needed doing.

"I haven't even seen our room." Mike realized, "You and barry got the clothes and stuff."

Allen was about to suggest they go see the bed, when his phone went off and re-instated the fact that there was indeed a world beyond them outside the door and passed the porch.

"It's Annie." Allen almost whined. "How does she even know we are here yet?"

"Sorry." Mike squeezed his eyes shut. "Facebook." was his only explanation.

"She want's to see the place tonight." he re-read the message. "Great. so she'll probably be bringing everyone."

"Place is a fucking mess, tell her not tonight." Mike sat up, suddenly very aware of how unprepared he was to receive guests.

"You know damn well that won't stop her and this is a heads up and not a request." Allen stretched. "I'll get the tv set up and the boxes moved to the wall."

"I'll unpack the dishes."

"We don't have food to serve."

Mike stopped, "I'll do something." he shrugged, taking off into the kitchen, but not before giving Allen a kiss. One of the ones with purpose and not just as a greeting or random act of affection. It lasted moments and was slow and intimate. Their faces hovered close after it was done. "I love you." he smiled and made off to do 'something'.

"Love you more."

"Love you most."

Allen smiled, opening the blinds and gazing out at the school. A lot had changed in the last year. He had no idea where past him thought he was going to be at this point in college, but it wasn't at the window of an apartment with Mike setting up dishes. It wasn't decided on a major or free of his mother. It wasn't about to receive guests from all over the country that he called his closest friends.

It most certainly wasn't in a relationship he had so much faith in.

It wasn't what he might have planned at the end of highschool, but he wouldn't change a thing.