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Love Without Boundaries

Chapter Two – The Second Date -

© Cederwyn Whitefurr

1st May 2023

They had walked – not touching – but not far from it, around the large park, Willow soon having Daniel in hysterics as Willow was a natural at making funny anecdotes and comments – his infectious, easy going and pleasant nature radiating out of him like the warmth from the sun. Finally, the two of them sat on a bench seat, the last rays of the sun almost gone. Willow sighed quietly, and almost timidly, reached over and placed a paw lightly on Daniel's hand.

“Thank you for a wonderful first date Daniel," Willow whispered, turning his head to gaze into Daniel's eyes. “I'd love to continue this – if you feel the same?"

“I – I would be honored, you're so sweet and kind and..." Daniel smiled weakly, feeling his face flush.

He was falling, not only falling; but plummeting for Willow, he couldn't deny the warmth and love he felt for Willow, who continued to gaze lovingly into Daniel's eyes, then did something unexpected – his head tilted slightly to the side.

“You're..." Daniel began, then blushed again, ever so timidly taking Willow's paws in his own. “Yes, yes Willow, I would love to take you on a second date, how about tomorrow – is...oh, I feel like such a fool, a love-struck puppy..."

Willow blinked, then that adorable smile crinkled his lips, his cheeks dimpling and whiskers twitching.

“You're not a puppy, Daniel..." Willow laughed delicately, then leaned forwards and ever so tenderly, licked Daniel on the forehead. “I will bring a picnic basket, right here, tomorrow, say...mid-morning? How's about 11 AM sound?"

Daniel blushed worse at the gentle lick, then he smiled and nodded.

“I'd like that...can – I mean – is there any...I'm so embarrassed, truly, about that rose thing – I had no idea, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to make it awkward..."

Willow gave a shy, delicate giggle, glancing away for a moment. “I understand the intent, truly I do, you're human, I'm a Cervid! Our two species, well, you did what you thought was a lovely, romantic gesture. I just – felt a little uncomfortable, but it was an honest, genuine mistake. You did not know, as we Cervid – we don't exactly make it common knowledge, that such things have that effect on us..."

“It doesn't stop my..." Daniel murmured, looking down at the ground.

Willow nodded, then timidly placed a finger under Daniel's chin, lifting his head up and turning it to face him.

“When two strangers, especially from different upbringings and even species, meet – it is not uncommon to make innocent mistakes! I am not offended, I was a little confused, but – an innocent mistake, meant with purest of intention and such, there is no need to feel guilty Daniel, they're beautiful – truly they are! I will cherish them, I promise. Now, tomorrow, 11 AM, right here..."

Willow rose, then smiled, and clutching the roses to his chest, he lifted them and inhaled the sweet scent; before he plucked one out and held out on his palm, to Daniel. Daniel blinked, then took it and smiled weakly up at Willow, who gave a polite nod and slowly clopped off into the night, his wedge-like tail flagging from side to side.

*

Next morning, Daniel rolled over, gazing at the rose in the glass vase, its perfume filling the bedroom. Rising, he stretched and showered, then ate a light breakfast. His mind was filled with thoughts and feelings for the effeminate Whitetail – he couldn't stop thinking about him...his beautiful body, his mere presence – intoxicating and alluring...

His morning was spent wandering around town in a haze of thoughts and a lovesick puppy look in his eyes. He couldn't help it. He'd had partners before, humans all – he'd never in a thousand years have thought he'd ever date an Anthropomorphic person...

His mind snapped out of the fantasies and what-if's, as the town bell struck ten.

“Ooof, umm, oh I'm so not ready, I need to get...something – can a Cervid drink alcohol? I..." Daniel was flustered mentally.

Quickly, he made his way across the street, weaving between the cars and he found a liquor store. Ducking inside, the concealed bell tinkled overhead. Inside, it was cool, almost chilly, and a young Arctic Vixen smiled from behind the counter, her ice-blue eyes twinkling.

“Good morning sir, is there anything I can help you with? Please, just ask!"

“Oh, um, hi!" Daniel stammered, then rubbed a hand over his head nervously. “I do need some help actually, I'm on a second date, a lovely picnic in the park and I'd need...oh, I'm so beside myself – do you know anything about Cervid? I mean, can they even..."

With a broad smile, the Vixen nodded and then smiled.

“Oh yes, I'm mated – forgive me – married to one! One moment, he's out the back loading the cold room!"

With a smile, she touched the button on the edge of the counter and a faint buzzer was heard. After a few moments, a Bull Elk come from out the back, towering over Daniel, his beautiful brown coat glistening and wearing a uniform and apron over it.

“This lovely young man has some questions Steve, can you assist him please?"

Daniel looked up, not just up, but up at the Bull Elk, who stood like seven or eight feet on powerfully muscled legs and black cloven hooves.

“Hi!" Smiled the Elk. “I'm Steve, it'd be my pleasure to answer any questions you have!"

“Hi..." Daniel squeaked, then blushed, before shaking his head. “Sorry, I don't mean to be rude, sir... I'm on a date, with a beautiful Whitetail Cervid and..."

Frustrated, Daniel gestured around the shop.

“Oh, I think I understand now," Steve chuckled. “You're unsure just what to get? Well, we Cervid? We like sweet things, I guess it is ingrained into us. Now, hmm, any idea of preferences for your romantic interest? White? Red, Alcoholic, non-alcoholic..."

“I, uh... I don't know, I don't even know if ..."

With a grin, the Elk nodded. “Trust me, we Cervid don't mind a drink – or three. Now, you're shy, I get it, you're confused, dating, and – look, you seem nice, so I'll give you a free piece of advice. Never, ever, feed a Cervid Honey Mead..."

“Honey mead?" Daniel blinked, even more confused.

Glancing at the snickering Vixen, the Elk snorted and flicked a glance at her, before he looked back at Daniel.

“It...has an effect on us...a rather embarrassing one."

“He loses all his inhibitions..." Snickered the Vixen. “Such a monster..."

“Oh, oh no... I'd...never - “ Daniel blushed worse.

Snickering, the Elk nodded. “I'm thinking...oh, here's a lovely one!"

His large paw delicately picked up a lovely bottle, then he grinned and handed it over.

“A lovely, sweet Moscato, I'm sure it'll be a hit! Complement it with some nice soft cheeses and crackers for an appetizer, then the main course... It'll be perfect!"

“Thank you, both of you, for all your help. I've never dated a Cervid before, so...oh, I'm so embarrassed..."

With a giggle, the Vixen rang up the bottle, then bagged it in a paper bag and set it on the counter.

“Never? Oh, oh my..."

Daniel paid her, then his eyebrows raised in curiosity.

Steve's own eyebrows raised, then he walked over behind the counter and gently placed a paw over his lover's muzzle, silencing her.

“Ahem...yes, well, please do tell us what your partner thinks of the wine, we'd love to know!"

Daniel blushed again, as he nodded. “I will, thank you..."

As he left the store, before the door closed, he heard the Vixen's hysterical giggle.

“He has no idea..."

The door closed behind him, the concealed bell tinkling merrily...

*

Willow had laid out the picnic on a large blanket, laying with one leg folded over the other, a palm pressed against the ground, and holding his upper body upright. A light, floppy hat covered his head, protecting his sensitive eyes from the bright sunlight and his ears poking through two holes. His smile spread across his muzzle, as he saw Daniel making his way towards him, holding a brown paper bag.

“Over here!" Willow called, waving his paw. “Oh, you shouldn't have, what is it?"

Daniel smiled, feeling his heart leap into his throat as he handed over the bag, Willow took it and sat up, before he opened it and took it out.

“Oooo!" Willow squealed, then blushed and giggled. “Mmm, yummy!"

Hurriedly, Willow set the bottle down, then dug through the pack until he produced a corkscrew. Unplugging it, he held the bottle up and breathed deeply of the sweet, fruity scent.

“Mmmm..." Willow sighed in pleasure. “Excellent choice!"

“Thank you," Daniel blushed, watching Willow's muzzle and general expression, his warmth and love for the Whitetail exploding like fireworks inside him. “I had some help, I wasn't sure if..."

Willow put down the bottle carefully, then leaned forwards, a smile curling his lips as he sniffed ever so gently at Daniel, who blinked and shrank back in confusion.

“You know," Willow smirked. “You really should wear some sort of aftershave or something...just saying..."

Daniel blushed from the toe tips to the top of his head as he swallowed and awkwardly looked away, before Willow giggled and poured a glass for Daniel, then a small amount into a bowl for himself.

“Please, eat, enjoy! I didn't know what you'd like so..."

Willow gestured at the plethora of food – some were cold meat cuts and others were fruits and vegetables."

“Uh..." Daniel murmured. “I thought..."

Willow sighed and smiled weakly. “Yes, we Cervid are herbivores, not to say strictly herbivores...we don't mind meat..."

Daniel choked, then blushed a brilliant burgundy, making Willow giggle shyly.

“I - “ Daniel murmured. “Willow!"

Raising his eyebrow, Willow plucked a piece of fruit off the platter and popped it into his mouth, chewing it and then swallowing. “What?"

Daniel squirmed and laughed nervously; before he began picking pieces of fruits, vegetables, and a few cold cuts. Looking around, Daniel noticed no knives or forks, then he groaned quietly.

“Oops," Willow murmured. “Sorry, we Cervid's don't use cutlery, an oversight, please forgive me! I should have remembered to pack some!"

Daniel smiled and gently laid a hand on Willow's forearm. “We have much to learn about each other – and our differences, that make us unique..."

Embarrassed, Willow glanced down, then picked up his bowl in trembling paws and held it up to his nostrils, inhaling the scent and then taking a cautious sip.

“How...is it?"

Willow swirled the wine around in his mouth for a moment, then swallowed and sighed. “Beautiful...just like this stunning summers day - “

Placing it back down, Willow trailed a hooflet lightly around the edge, making a quiet warbling sound, his tail flagging with a quiet whisking sound against the rug, before he smiled shyly, peering from beneath his floppy hat.

“Just like a human, sitting across from me..." Willow murmured.

Daniel felt the love and affection radiating from Willow, like a warm blanket folding itself around him.

“You know, Willow - “ Daniel murmured, gently stroking Willow's forearm. “I can not believe how lucky I am, to find someone as kind, sweet and gentle as you..."

Willow's eyes vanished behind his eyelids, before he reached up and with a crooked finger, lightly brushed across his eyelids, then his muzzle wrinkled slightly.

“Stop, please...you'll make me cry..." Willow's faint voice come to Daniel's ears.

Daniel reached forwards, placing his hand lightly on Willow's cheek, caressing it ever so gently.

“I'd never want you to cry my sweet... Come, enjoy our picnic, please?"

Willow sniffled, then dabbed at his eyes with his furred fingers, then smiled nervously, tilting his head to lean into Daniel's gentle caresses.

*

They finished their repast, then packed away the leftovers back into the hamper, before laying side by side together, gazing up at the scudding clouds, Daniel's hand interlaced with Willow's paw. They lay like that for hours, not saying a word, just sharing the remnants of the day, as afternoon passed into sunset.

“Look at the colors - “ Daniel murmured, watching the rays turn a pink and orange color.

“It's like a painting – Willow's sleepy voice come. “It's beautiful -"

Daniel drew a deep breath, smelling the scent of Willow beside him, and the clear crisp twilight air. A sense of peace filled from from toes to head and he used his free hand to lightly trace random patterns on Willow's furred paw, holding it against his belly. Willow twitched and giggled before after half an hour, he turned his head and pressed his lips against Daniel's ear.

“Daniel, can I ask you something?" Willow breathed, his breath tickling Daniel's ear

“Of course!" Daniel murmured in reply.

“I..." Willow shivered and swallowed, then laughed nervously. “I know we haven't known each other very long – yet I feel, instinctually, like I've known you forever, I know, it'll sound crazy – but..."

Daniel sat up, pulling Willow up gently, holding both his paws in his hands, as he gazed into Willow's deep brown eyes.

“But?" Daniel gently prodded.

“But - “ Willow smiled, then dropped his head, glancing shyly through his beautiful long eyelashes. “But...I think I'm falling in love with you."

Daniel's heart skipped a beat at the words, and he reached out and placed both hands on Willow's cheeks, gently rubbing his thumbs up and down on the adorable black stripe on either side of Willow's nose.

“Willow," Daniel whispered, then smiled nervously. “I don't think I am falling in love with you, I know I am..."

Willow blinked slowly, before he leaned forwards, his cold, leathery nose touching Daniel's, before Willow tilted his head to the side and the two of them shared a gentle, tender kiss. After they pulled away, they both smiled and Willow nervously licked his furred lips, both feeling a deep connection between them.

“I don't..." Willow began, then swallowed and flicked an ear, before his sweet, innocent smile brought out his adorable cheek dimples. “Know where this is going to go, Daniel. But I do know – I want to be with you! I want to explore this – feeling – I have, we have, I want to see where it will lead..."

Daniel nodded, his heart overflowing with love for Willow, before he smiled and leaned forwards again, Willow reciprocating as they shared a longer, more passionate kiss between human and stag.

“Mmm..." Willow gurgled, deep in his throat.

“I'd love that too Willow. We will take it one day at a time, see where this journey shall take us...together..."

Willow nodded, then Daniel sat beside the quivering stag, gently placing an arm around his shoulder and pulling him close. Together, the two of them took in the beauty of the sunset together, Willow's head resting on Daniel's shoulder, his wedge-like tail slowly flagging from side to side.

TO BE CONTINUED...