FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Chapter Five

Wayne stood in front of the open closet looking through his shirts.

"How nice should I dress for tonight?"

Ash was trying to not flick her ears as she put on a pair of earrings.

"I wouldn't worry about wearing a tie, I think that new button down shirt I got you the other day would look nice and go well with my blouse."

"Sounds good," Wayne reached for the hanger, "I don't usually worry about things like this, but I want to make a good impression tonight."

"You're not the only one." She said as she finished getting the earrings in.

"Look on the bright side, my parents can't smell fear."

Ash chuckled as she got up from her vanity. "Is everything ready to go downstairs?"

"I've got the cookies we baked this morning for my family and the wine for yours on the counter in the kitchen." Wayne said as he finished buttoning his shirt.

Ash did a final check of herself in the long mirror. She was dressed in a casual black skirt and a burgundy blouse. Wayne came up behind her and loosely wrapped his arms around her waist.

"You look great." He said, giving her a little squeeze.

"Thank you, you look good too." Ash leaned back slightly. "We probably should get going. If you don't mind driving, we can take your car."

"First stop is my parents' house anyway." Wayne went up on his toes and kissed her neck softly. "Let's get going."

***

"We're here." Wayne said as he pulled the parking brake.

"A little more rustic than I expected." She said as she looked at the barn.

"Used to be more so before all the subdivisions popped up." Wayne noticed her looking at the old barn. "The barn is more of a garage really, we never farmed more than a small vegetable garden ourselves."

"Hmmm…" Ash kept any further concerns to herself as she opened the door.

“Ash, just because we have a barn doesn’t make my family narrow-minded rednecks.” Wayne said as he got out and reached behind the front seat for the large tray of cookies. "Alright, let's go get you introduced." He smiled confidently.

Ash smiled back, though she was careful to hide her teeth. She hooked her arm around Wayne's and walked with him to the front door. After a knock the door quickly opened to a man who could only be a few years older than Wayne.

"Hey Mike, happy Thanksgiving."

Mike turned away for a moment. "It's Wayne and his girlfriend!" He called out into the home.

"Ash, this is my brother, Mike."

"Hello, Mike. Now do you believe I'm real?" She held out her hand to shake.

He smiled as he shook her hand. “I wasn’t being serious, just teasing my little brother.”

“Yes, well, I have a brother too. I guess some things are always the same.”

“It would seem so.” Wayne smirked as they entered the house.

“Mom and Wendy are in the kitchen,” he said as they walked through the foyer into the living room.

As they entered an older man Ash assumed was Wayne’s father stood up. He quickly moved to hug his sun, slapping him on the back.

“Good to see you, Wayne.”

“You too, dad, happy Thanksgiving. Let me introduce you to Ash.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Bates.”

“I think having someone a head taller than I am, call me Mr. Bates is more than a little off-putting.” He chuckled as he offered his hand. “ Besides, you're a full grown er, wolf. You can just call me Chad.”

“Alright then, Chad,” she shook his hand, “thank you for having us over.”

"I'm sorry it took so long." He turned towards his son. "Why don't you take her into the kitchen. I'm sure your mother could use your help wrapping up dinner."

"He does most of the cooking back home, so that sounds like a good idea."

Chad chuckled. "It's Mike we keep away from the stove here."

Wayne started to chuckle as well while his brother narrowed his eyes.

"That was over fifteen years ago, dad!"

"You don't forget your son almost burning down the kitchen." Chad smirked.

"It was just the toaster oven, and I put it out…"

"Come on, Ash, let me introduce you to mom and Wendy."

"You'll have to tell me the story later." Ash whispered as they made their way to the kitchen.

The room was a traditional country kitchen, complete with an actual hearth along one wall. Pots were boiling on the stove and the smell of roast turkey and stuffing filled the air. There were two women laying out biscuits on a baking sheet when they entered. The older of the two looked up and smiled widely, dusting her hands off on her apron as she approached.

"Wayne!" She wiped the flower off her hands and hugged her son tightly, "I'm so glad you could make it!"

"I wouldn't miss it. Mom, I'd like you to meet Ash."

"Happy Thanksgiving, nice to meet you." Ash smiled and extended her hand.

Wayne's mother looked up and shook her head. "Wayne didn't tell me how tall you are." She then bypassed Ash's hand and gave the wolf a hug. "Welcome to our home, don't bother with Mrs. Bates, Julia is fine.”

Ash sighed. "Thank you." After they separated she looked back to the biscuits. "You're making biscuits from scratch?"

"Just for Thanksgiving. A tradition passed down from my grandmother."

"I'm impressed, now I'm really looking forward to dinner."

Wendy chuckled. "She's trying to pass it on to me, since she doesn't trust my husband in the kitchen. I'm Wendy, by the way."

"Yes, Chad mentioned the incident." She said as they shook hands.

Ash caught a whiff of something and locked eyes with Wendy. The woman placed her finger on her lips. Ash nodded and continued as if she hadn't noticed anything.

"I can help mom." Wayne was already rolling up his sleeves.

"Thanks, hun. I think everything else is well in hand."

"I'd offer to help, but without gloves I'd get my fur in the dough." Ash brushed down the fur on the back of her hand.

"That's alright dear, you're our guest. I just want you to enjoy the meal. And besides, I can trust Wayne already to continue the tradition. I miss him helping me in the kitchen sometimes."

"He takes good care of me when it comes to cooking, thank you for teaching him."

"Truth be told, he wanted me to teach him, that makes for a good student."

"I was better on the stove than under the hood."

"You know your way around a car better than I do, you know." Ash shook her head.

"Chad and his father made sure they both knew enough about cars, but only one of my boys can help with the biscuits."

“Mike will certainly help with eating them.” Wayne chuckled as he moved to the counter.

“Sounds like he’d fit in at my family’s table,” Ash said as she took a seat to watch the other three prepare the biscuits.

“When will grandma be here?” Wayne asked as he worked the rolling pin over the dough.

“Any minute I suppose. I’m sure we’ll hear her coming.” Julia sighed heavily. “I can’t believe she’s still riding that damn thing.”

“Come on mom, she’s too old to change, unless they take away her license she’s going to keep riding.” He smiled as he rolled out the dough.

“So, Wayne wasn’t lying about the motorcycle then?”

“No, my mother does indeed ride that deathtrap unless the weather is bad.”

“That right there is why Mike and I weren't allowed to get motorcycles.” Wayne chuckled.

“Oh hush, you both had plenty of rides in the sidecar, that was good enough.”

Ash was about to say something when her ears twitched and she turned back towards the front of the house. “Ah, I think that’s her.”

“I don’t hear…” Julia trailed off as the distinct rumble of a Harley could be heard getting louder. “You do have good ears. Go on Wayne, introduce Ash to your grandmother.”

By the time Wayne and Ash made it to the front door, his grandma had pulled up and was turning off the engine. She was dressed for riding in a leather vest and chaps over an otherwise normal grandmotherly blouse and pants. She smiled at them both as she removed her helmet and her long silver hair spilled out.

“Happy Thanksgiving, Grandma!” Wayne said as he hugged her tightly.

“Same to you,” she kissed her grandson on the cheek, “now, how about you introduce me to the lovely wolf over there.” She smiled widely at Ash.

“Grandma, This is Ash.”

Ash wasn’t given a chance to offer her hand and she was immediately hugged by the older woman.

“So good to finally meet you.” She pulled away. “Seeing young love just fills my heart. It takes me back to the old days.”

Ash was a little surprised. Wayne had told her if anyone in the family would embrace their relationship it would be his grandma. But she was always apprehensive of how older generations would view a wolf and a human being together, let alone her gender.

“Now, I’m sure my grandson didn’t force you into a skirt to make a good impression, right?”

“Grandma…” Wayne rolled his eyes.

“No, ma’am, I frankly don’t like pants. Honestly I don’t know how Wayne stands them. After all, he looks great in a kilt.”

The older woman laughed loudly. “Oh, he does!. So did his grandfather. We always had a blast at the Celtic festival.” She leaned in closer and whispered. “Gives you easier access, if you know what I mean.”

Wayne gave an apologetic look, but Ash just laughed.

“It sure does.” She smiled back.

“And no calling me ma'am, that makes me feel ten years older, and at my age that's even worse. You can call me Summer.”

“Summer? That's a lovely name.”

“Thank you, that's why I changed it from Maryann when I got married. Did you know you can change more than just your last name for free when you get married?”

“I didn't, but wolves are matrilineal, traditionally the husband takes the wife's family name.”

“I forgot about that. Well, don't feel pressured to follow any traditions, do what feels right for you.” Summer turned to her grandson. “Is your mother done with the biscuits?”

“Not yet, I was helping her when you got here.”

“Excellent. Do you mind getting the casserole out of the sidecar, bending over isn’t as easy as it used to be.”

“No problem.” Wayne went to get it.

“So,” Summer turned back to Ash, “we’ll only have you two for part of the night then?”

“I’m afraid so. We need to visit my family tonight, Wayne is also meeting them for the first time.”

“A big day all around for you two. I hope you don’t pop any buttons from stuffing yourself twice.”

“I’ll be fine, it’s Wayne I’m worried about.”

Derrick was waiting by the door to greet his grandmother and after a hug she hurried to the kitchen.

“Mom, you’re still in your leathers.” Julia sighed as she hugged her mother.

“Calm down dear, I just stepped in the house. I'm not going to sit down for dinner dressed like this. Wendy! How are you?” She gave her granddaughter in law a big hug.

“I'm great, grandma,” she returned the hug, “How's the hog running?”

“Just fine ever since Derrick tuned it, thanks for loaning me your husband.”

“He was your grandson first, and besides that, he has such good memories about Grandma’s Bike.”

“We all do.” Wayne smiled widely as he placed the casserole dish down on the counter.

“I really wish you would stop riding, mom.”

“Julia, let’s not make things awkward for our guest by starting a fight.”

Wayne turned his head before his mother could see his smile. Ash was fighting back one too.

“Now, “ Grandma slipped off her vest, “Let’s get these biscuits in the oven.”

***

The biscuits were made and the table was set. Ash sat down next to Wayne at the dining room table. Her stomach was rumbling uncomfortably as she had intentionally had only a light breakfast and skipped lunch entirely.

It’s going to be hard to human my food. She thought as the meal started and plates were passed around.

“So,” Mike started after he had a plate full of food. “You two met at a conference. Are you a writer too?”

Ash finished swallowing her first bite of food before replying. “No, I’m not a writer. We were actually both attending different conferences at the same hotel. I work in supply chain, actually.”

“How common of a thing is that?” Julia asked.

“With smaller conferences it’s not uncommon.” Wayne answered. “One time a toy collector’s convention was going on at the same time as a writing convention. That one was fun as there is a lot of crossover between that and genre writers like me.”

“Geeks going to geek.” Mike replied with a smirk.

Wayne smirked back at his brother before continuing the story. “We met in the hotel bar after we were both done for the day and things just sort of clicked.”

“After you rescued me from a persistent fox.” Ash turned and smiled.

“To be fair, she did interrupt our conversation. And she should have taken the hint you weren't interested.”

“She wasn't the first female to not get the hint that I wasn't interested.” Ash saw the look on the older brother's face. “Are you a little surprised by that, Mike?”

“I, ah…I mean I thought a lot of herms…” His face flushed red.

“We have our orientations just like males and females. For the record I'm not attracted to females or other herms, even masculine presenting ones. That said, Wayne is the first human I ever dated.”

“I hope Wayne has been a good ambassador then.” Derrick tried to shift the attention to his brother.

“Oh please.” Wayne shook his head.

“Come on, you've dated other furs before.” Derrick helped himself to another biscuit.

“I hope that means Wayne is taking good care of you, dear.” Summer winked.

“Mom, please…”

“What? Good And fulfilling sex is an important part of a healthy relationship. I made sure Chad was taking good care of you.”

“Yes, I remember.” Chad grumbled.

“And you two are still together, so obviously I was right to make sure.” Summer brushed off her daughter's objections. “Now I realize there's a bit more for Wayne to take care of with you. I’m assuming he was ok with that being bi.” she saw the look on Ash’s face. “Oh, I've known he was bi longer than his parents have.”

“Really?” Ash’s ears perked. “He came out to you first?”

“No, it was just obvious to me and my husband.” Summer turned towards Wayne.” Oh, are you still in contact with that football player dear?”

“Yes, he and his husband are doing well; their bed and breakfast has really taken off.”

“I'm glad to hear that. Anyway, where was I?”

“Our sex life.” Ash replied with an amused smile.

“Ah, yes.”

“Don't worry about us, Summer, he takes good care of all of me.”

“Good, I wouldn't want either of my grandsons to let their partners down.” She turned towards Wendy, “How have things been between you and Derrick in the bedroom, Wendy?”

Ash smiled widely as she buttered a fresh biscuit.

“Everything has been going quite well there.” Wendy smiled as she looked over to her husband.

Derrick smiled back, not looking embarrassed at all. It was enough for Wayne to raise an eyebrow.

“Should we tell them?” Derrick asked, his smile getting wider.

“I think so,” Wendy smiled widely as she turned back to Summer. “We have something new to be thankful for. We're having a baby!”

There was a shocked silence at the dining room table but it didn’t last long.

“Gods! Are you serious?” Chad nearly jumped out of his seat.

Julia followed suit, running around to hug Wendy tightly with tears in her eyes.

Summer laughed with joy. “Well, I walked into that one.” She shook her head softly. “I never expected I would live long enough to meet my first great-grandchild.”

“Congratulations.” Ash smiled, “did you know what you are having?”

Derrick shook his head. “We want to be surprised. Boy or girl, I'd be happy Either way.”

“Or herm,” Wendy added, giving her husband a nudge, “even though we don’t have one on either side, you never know.”

“I know he didn't mean any insult, but you’re right. My gran was the first herm in my family, so you could always end up with a bigger surprise than you are expecting.”

“It doesn't matter, I already love them.” Derrick smiled. “So, what do you think, Uncle Wayne?”

“Oh, oh yeah, I would be an uncle.” Wayne laughed, “I was too surprised by the news to think about that.” He turned to Ash, “I promise Thanksgiving isn't usually this exciting.”

“We've been trying longer than you two have been dating, you know.” Derrick sighed, “but the timing was perfect.”

“Does your family know, Wendy?” Summer asked.

“We video chatted before we left to come here. Mom and Julie are already making plans to drive down tomorrow.”

Wayne leaned in close to Ash. “Julie is her step-mom.” He smiled, “that sounds more fun than Black Friday shopping.”

“I hope you are alright with my son's aversion to shopping.” Julie shook her head, “one year stuck in a line and he never lets anyone forget it.”

“I was ten, and we were in that line for three hours, mom. That would make anyone want to avoid the craziest shopping day of the year.”

Ash stifled a laugh. “I enjoy a nice shopping trip, but Black Friday is crazy. Especially when wolf instincts start to kick in. I’d rather spend the time in my gym working off all the pumpkin pie I ate the night before.”

Derrick grinned. “Are you going to make Wayne work out with you?”

“Oh, I already do. It's part of our morning routine most days since he moved in.”

“I thought he was looking a little better. Good job getting his butt in shape.”

“Thank you, but to be fair, he already had a good butt.”

Summer laughed and slapped Ash on the back. “Oh gods! I love this wolf.”

***

Wayne pulled up to the curb and put on the hand brake before turning off the ignition. Ash checked her hair in the mirror before looking over to her boyfriend.

"Now, you remember what I said, right?"

Wayne sighed. "No wolf jokes or puns."

"Oh come on, it's not that much of a sacrifice." She leaned over and gave him a quick nuzzle.

"Before we go in, how do I smell?"

"Like you ate Thanksgiving dinner." She winked. "You're fine, love."

Wayne touched the side of her muzzle and gave her a quick kiss. "Ok, I'm ready."

Ash smiled and they exited the car. Wayne grabbed the bottles of wine he had brought for the evening. He took in the surroundings. It looked like an average medium-sized suburban home. As they got closer even he could smell the food cooking for dinner. Before Ash could knock, the door opened.

"Dad!" Ash smiled widely and leaned in for a big hug.

Her father almost lifted Ash up off the ground. "I've missed you, cub."

"Me too, I'm sorry we didn't come over sooner." Ash nuzzled her father's muzzle gently. "So, I think it's time for an introduction." She stepped back and took Wayne by the hand. "Dad this is Wayne,"

"Nice to finally meet you, Mr Gibbous." Wayne extended his arm and the wolf took it.

Following some advice from Ash, Wayne squeezed the wolf’s hand as firmly as he could. Mr. Gibbous locked his golden eyes with the young human.

"I see you're not afraid to use a real grip."

"I don't scare easily."

"Good. I don't care what you have covering your back, but I wouldn't trust my children with anything less."

"Dad…" Ash stared down her muzzle at her father.

"What? I said the same thing to Kara when your brother introduced her.”

Wayne chuckled. “Good to know I’m not getting special treatment.”

Ash shook her head.

“Come on in, and you can drop the mister, I'm not a fan of honorifics.”

“Just Gibbous then?” Wayne asked.

“It worked fine in the Army. Dinner is almost ready, I hope Wayne has room for it.”

“We tried to save some room.” Wayne smiled.

“I have plenty of room in my gut for more turkey.” Ash smiled. “Oh, and don’t worry about the mixed company, Wayne is used to eating with a wolf.”

“That will make your brother happy.”

Wayne and Ash followed her father into the home, the smells of dinner growing stronger. As they entered the living room the soft conversations stopped and ears and eyes focused on the human. Wayne fought the urge to lock eyes with Ash’s family; he didn't want to accidentally come off as challenging any of them.

“I thought he’d be taller.” A young male said with a large grin on his muzzle.

“Thanks for breaking the ice, Ryan.” Ash sighed. “Wayne, meet my idiot brother.”

Wayne smiled and offered his hand. “Don’t feel left out, she got to meet my idiot brother today too.”

The gathered wolves chuckled and Ryan stood up to shake his hand.

“Nice to meet you, I’m Ryan Whitefang, and this is my wife, Kara.”

“Pleasure to meet you.” Kara said as she shook hands.

“Likewise. You wouldn’t happen to be any relation to Sarah Whitefang, the author?”

“Yes,” Kara blinked, “she’s my moms cousin.”

“I shared a table with her last year at the EastCon Gala.”

Kara smiled. “Small world.”

“Didn’t you meet Ash at a convention too?” An older wolf said as they got up off a recliner.

“Sort of,” Ash said with a shrug. “Wayne, this is my uncle Silas Gibbous.”

“Nice to meet you, sir.” Wayne shook hands. Although the wolf was clearly presenting male, Wayne could make out his breasts under the loose fitting flannel shirt Silas was wearing. “We were both attending different events at the hotel, but we met in the bar.”

“Ah, I see.” Silas gave his niece a hug. “So, before we go any farther, you know I have to ask you if you want to go out on Monday.”

Ash smiled softly as she shook her head. “Uncle Silas, my answer hasn’t changed. I appreciate that you took me on a hunt for heritage’s sake but really, I’m happy just getting my meat from the supermarket.”

“I know, cub, but I have to ask. It’s just been so lonely on the hunt since your grandfather passed.”

“I could give my brother a call if you’re looking for a hunting buddy. Most of his friends that hunted moved away after college, and dad’s knees can’t handle the hiking anymore.”

“What about you, Wayne?”

“My dad took me out as a kid, but it really wasn’t for me. I still grew up around It, just like working on cars, but it was just something my dad and brother did, like my mom and I baking cookies for the Winter Solstice.”

“Don’t worry Uncle Silas,” Ryan patted his uncle's back, “once the girls are old enough Kara and I want you to take them on their first hunt.”

Wayne looked around then turned to Ash. “I don’t mean to be rude, but don’t you have a sister?”

“Ash didn’t tell you?” Gibbous raised an eyebrow.

“Whoops,” Ash’s ears drooped and her tail lowered, “I guess it slipped my mind. Shelly goes to college pretty far away and is working a retail job that will need her tomorrow.”

“Shelly isn’t happy about it, in fact she’s quitting after this weekend, she doesn’t want to miss the Solstice too.” Her father added. “She’s all set to move to a job on campus next semester, so she’ll have off on school holidays moving forward.”

Ash looked around the living room. “Speaking of missing family members, where are Ellie and Sasha?”

“Helping mom and gran in the kitchen.” Her brother replied.

“Come on, Ash, maybe we can help too.” Wayne nodded towards the kitchen.

“If mom and gran let you, they are territorial about the kitchen during a holiday.”

The family laughed at Ash’s observation. She took Wayne by the hand and led him towards the kitchen.

“Aunt Ash!” a pair of young voices called out before running over to give their aunt hugs.

The younger of the two looked up at Wayne then back to her aunt. “Is that your human boyfriend?”

“You can just say boyfriend, Sasha, you don’t have to point out he’s human.” Ash’s mother corrected her granddaughter.”

An older wolf chuckled as they stirred a pot on the stove. “Cinder, the first thing you told me about him was that he was human.”

Cinder's ears folded back slightly. “Mom, that is not the same and you know it.”

“Isn’t it though?” The older herm smiled rather smugly as they stepped away from the stove. “Happy Thanksgiving, Wayne, welcome to our table. I hope you saved room for a second feast.”

“I hope so too, everything smells delicious. Is there anything I can do to help?”

“See? That shows far more about his character than his race, doesn’t it girls?”

The cubs giggled as they nodded to their great-gran.

“Thank you for the offer, but the food is pretty much prepared, but we could use some help getting the food out to the table. Cinder answered politely, but wane could tell she was still annoyed at her mother by her tail.

Wayne assisted in getting the food out on the table and before long he was sitting down next to Ash for his second Thanksgiving dinner of the day. Sitting across from the couple Ash’s gran, Ember, watched Wayne intently, just shy of staring him down. Plates were piled high with food and the hungry wolf family started to eat. Although Wayne’s plate wasn’t quite as full, he matched the pace and enthusiasm of Ash’s family.

“Thank you for bringing the wine. This one in particular is very nice.” Ember said before sipping from their glass.

“It’s a favorite of a friend of mine. When Ash told me you enjoyed sweet reds, I knew it was perfect.”

“I heard you were a writer, what kind of books do you write?”

“Science fiction and fantasy are my focus, but I’ve done a fair share of ghost writing to support myself. Hopefully I will be moving away from that if some of my projects continue to do well.”

“At least you are still able to support yourself with your passion. Waiting tables to get through my undergrad was my least favorite job. I'll take a classroom of entitled freshmen jocks over that any day.”

“I did my time working retail while I built up my writing gigs. You do what you have to to get by.”

They nodded. “Very true.”

“I think everyone should have to work in retail or food service to teach them some empathy.” Cinder said, shaking her head. “Some people were just so…”

“Babe, that was over thirty years ago, I think you can let go.” Her husband said with a sigh.

“Did you ever write a story with a unicorn or a princess?” Ellie asked.

“A princess yes, but no unicorns, yet.” Wayne winked.

Ember tapped the side of her wine glass with a well trimmed claw. “Hopefully she wasn't some damsel in distress.”

Wayne laughed. “You couldn’t pay me enough to write that.”

“Good answer.” Ember smiled before sipping more of their wine.

“Wayne, I have to say your car really takes me back.” Gibbous said as he looked out the large bay window.

“Yeah, she’s a classic.”

“And now I feel old.” He laughed.

Sasha swallowed a large mouthful of turkey to chime in. “It's a very pretty color.”

“Thank you.” Wane smiled, “my grandmother picked it out, it was her car until she couldn't drive it anymore, so she gave it to me.”

“When was that?”

“High school. I come from a family of mechanics and my dad and brother run a body shop. The old girl has been clear coated a few times to keep her shiny.”

“It's not just his family, Wane knows his way around cars. He started doing the maintenance on my SUV even before he moved in, and it has saved me money and time.”

“I have to earn my keep.” Wayne smiled.

“I'll have to invite you down for a few beers next time the truck acts up.” Gibbous smiled.

“I wouldn't mind, as long as you provide the beer.”

“Oh no…I should have kept it a secret!” Ash said in an exaggerated voice.

***

After dinner was done, Wayne volunteered to help with cleaning up the dishes. Ember joined him, wanting some time alone with the young man.

“So you always take care of the dishes back home?”

“It keeps Ash from having wet fur and smelling like dish soap, so it’s a small sacrifice for the greater good. She does the vacuuming though, and that works for me.”

“My husband and I also traded chores we disliked for ones we could tolerate, it's a good way to tackle the load. However, I’m more concerned about other areas of your relationship.”

“Oh?”

“I know there are males out there who don’t pull their weight in the bedroom with a herm partner.”

“Ah, I see. Well, Ash had to answer my grandmother’s questions, so this is only fair.”

“Did she? Hmm, she's a wise woman then.” Ember opened the dishwasher. “I will be blunt. do you take care of all her needs?”

“I will also be blunt. Ash is the first herm I’ve ever been in a relationship with, but not the first partner who had a penis.”

“Oh really?” They paused to load a few more plates into the dishwasher. “Top or bottom?”

“Switch.”

“And what about her, ah, wolf features?”

“Her fur feels amazing against my skin as I snuggle against her every night. Or do you mean her claws? Because If your back isn't scratched you’re not doing a good job, wolf or otherwise.”

“Agreed on the last point. But, what about her knot?”

Wayne turned and locked eyes with the elder wolf. “I begged her for it on our first night together. I’m pretty sure I enjoy being knotted more than Ash enjoys locking me in. And that’s not even mentioning all the love and attention I show it with my tongue and mouth, along with the rest of her shaft.”

The old wolf didn’t look shocked or amused. instead she smiled softly and her eyes took on a far off look. “My late husband was the first wolf who would bend over for me, let alone take my knot. He didn’t have your experience before we met, but learned how to for me.”

“That honestly sounds romantic.”

“Not simply romantic, it was love. But trust me, he very quickly learned to enjoy it. After all, you hit the prostate just right and…” a wide wolf's grin split their muzzle.

“Well then, Ash must take after you.”

Ember blinked but then started to laugh. They wiped away a tear and regained their composure.

“Keep taking care of each other, Wayne, and good luck.”

***

Wayne let out a soft sigh as he pulled into the garage. He gave Ash a little nudge to rouse her.

"We're home." He said as he cut the engine.

"Mmm, goooood…" Ash replied as she stretched out in her seat. "Sorry, apparently two turkey dinners will knock me out."

Wayne chuckled as he opened the door. "I don't blame you for napping. I'm feeling a bit better now that dinner has settled."

"So, I think things went well tonight."

"Yeah, we both got out with our hides intact."

Ash laughed as they entered the house.

"Tell me the truth, you knew Wendy was pregnant as soon as you met her, didn't you?"

"Of course I did, and she knew it too, she has fur friends after all. But, I've been around enough humans to know announcing a pregnancy is a big deal, so I kept my mouth shut."

"So before next Thanksgiving I'll be an uncle, huh?"

"That's how it usually works." She let out a long sigh. "Your grandma though…"

"I told you she was a motorcycle riding former hippie."

"Yeah, but her questions…and I thought wolves were direct."

"I don't think Mike and Wendy were grilled as much in the past, but I think she was doubly curious about us for obvious reasons."

"Yeah, but my own girlfriends would be more subtle in their questions."

"That I believe."

"By the way, mom told me before we left you really impressed gran."

"I was just my normal self with them."

"What did you two talk about? While I wasn't there?"

"At first we talked about chores and how we split them up. Then I pretty much got a better worded version of what my grandma asked about our sexual activities."

"Gods, they asked about it too?"

"Despite their initial impressions, I think our grandmother's have a lot in common. They may have even attended the same rallies more than once when they were younger."

"Even if that's true, gran still overstepped."

"I don't think so. Firstly, we both know wolves are more open about these kinds of things."

"Alright, that's true."

"And I think they were just concerned that I was taking complete care of you, all of you."

"And what did you say?"

"I just let them know I love all of you."

"All of me, huh?"

"And I admitted that I take the knot."

Ash's ears focused on Wayne and her eyes went wide. "Are you serious?"

"Of course I am. Apparently, so did your grandfather. He was the first male they met that would."

"I…Didn't know that."

"So, I think it meant more to your gran that I embrace you being a herm fully than whether I was a wolf or not."

"They fought hard for herm acceptance back in the day, and kept fighting for my mom, uncle, and finally me, though things got easier with each generation. As much as they are a modern wolf, loyalty and protection run strong in even the least traditional wolves.”

“That's not a bad thing.

No, it's not. Though now I wonder what kind of a talk my dad had with them before my parents got married."

"I’m sure your father must have given an equivalent answer or your gran would have chased him off."

“Yes, well, maybe. Anyway, don't bother asking for my knot tonight, I'm too full and tired for sex.”

“Yeah, me too. I can wait till tomorrow.”

“Oh really?”

“Why not spend black Friday celebrating our physical relationship instead of mindless consumerism?”

“Hmmm…maybe. But, we still need a proper workout first.”

“Deal.”

Wayne and Ash entered the dimly lit kitchen. They had no leftovers to put away, other than the half finished bottle of riesling. Rather than putting it away, they decided on a nightcap to finish off the bottle.

“Mmmm,” Ash sipped her wine and leaned against the counter, “tonight went well, but I think we should just alternate thanksgivings moving forward.”

“I agree, but how will we handle the Solstice?”

“We’ll figure it out after we sleep off all this turkey.”

Wayne chuckled before knocking back the rest of his wine. “Come on, let's head up to bed.”

Ash finished her wine and they headed up to their bedroom. As much as both of them were ready for bed, they were sluggish as they slowly undressed and got ready for bed. Wayne unbuttoned his shirt as he watched Ash remove her earrings from her twitching ears.”

“You know, I already love your ears, you don’t have to wear earrings.”

“I like how they look in my ears, even if getting them in or out is a pain in the tail.” Ash said as she finished. “At least I was sane enough to only get one piercing per ear.”

Wayne placed his shirt into the hamper. “I’m happy with none in mine, and they don’t even move around.”

“No, but they are fun to nip.”

“I thought we weren’t fooling around.”

“I can wait till tomorrow.” Ash smiled as she tossed her blouse into the hamper. “Could you unhook my bra for me?”

Wayne moved behind her and easily unhooked Ash’s bra. The wolf sighed as she shrugged out of the bra. she brushed the fur covering her breasts a bit before slipping out of her skirt.

“Did you really like me in a kilt?” Wayne asked as he unbuckled his belt.

“I said I did at the Celtic festival.” She replied as she gathered her skirt.

“Yeah, but I wasn’t sure if you liked the kilt or you liked having easy access to me.”

“I assure you, it is both. You look good, and I feel better knowing your boys aren’t shoved into a pair of pants. And if I remember correctly, we both enjoyed the easy access when we snuck off into the woods.” She smiled slyly.

“And let's not forget being ‘true Scotsmen’ for the rest of the festival.”

“Speaking of which,” she pushed down her panties and stepped out of them, “get out of those briefs and get into our bed.”

“You just want me to climb in first because I warm the bed up better than you.”

“What can I say, there are advantages to your partner having bare skin.”

Wayne laughed as he tossed his briefs into the hamper and climbed into the cool bed. He shivered slightly, but the cool sheets were relaxing to him. Ash took a few moments to brush down her fur in a few places before climbing into a nice warm bed. She pulled Wayne close and he cuddled tightly against her silver gray fur.

“I am so thankful I found you.” Ash whispered into his ear.

“Me too…” He sighed softly. “I love you.”

“Love you too…”

They held each other tightly and slowly drifted off to sleep together.

___________________________________________________

Original story and setting by Syntaxerror37

FA: https://www.furaffinity.net/user/sevencrown37/

SoFurry: https://sevencrown.sofurry.com/

Discord: therealse37

Bluesky: @sevencrown37.bsky.social