FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

It was another wonderful, beautiful, gorgeous Spring day for the young man in love. The sun was shining bright in the clear blue above as he drove through the suburbs.

Mark Bentley was the youngest of his pack of brothers. He hadn't been pursuing women as long as they had, or at least as long as his brother Matt, but he certainly would be the first for something that he would definitely be bragging about. Even to his eldest brother and all-around lady-killer, Jacob.

This was the weekend he was going to propose to the woman of his life, Jasmine. And what a woman she was, being his own supervisor from his factory job. Just thinking about her brings a smile to his face and brighten his day. His smile threatened to break his face once he turned the corner and spotted her house a few doors down.

He was, in fact, proud that his brothers Matt and Lucas had reeled in their girls. Lucas finally maned up and confessed to his crush and were going steady. Matt was more of a playboy sleeping around with whoever tickled his fancy, but then found actual love with a shy mountain ranger when the boys went on vacation. It was more of a wonder that Matt didn't catch anything before those two found each other.

Jacob, on the other hand, was an enigma. None of them were sure whether he was actively seeking or waiting for the right one to come around or just not interested any longer. But it was that cool, calm, collected, and confident attitude that gave him a mysterious vibe that some girls just seem to flock to, unlike Matt who was used to do the chasing. They all knew of the turmoil Jacob went though the last time he dated someone.

Mark pulled himself out of his thoughts just in time to pull into the driveway. Just as he parked in front of the garage a large SUV pulled up right beside him. He stepped out of his car and looked to see the vehicle filled with teen anthro girls. He gave them a polite smile and a small wave making most of the girls gush a little which is what usually happens with him and his brothers, but the fox girl in the driver seat had a look of boredom as she looked at him almost like the typical high school mean girl.

The sound of the front door opening caught everyone's attention when a chocolate brown anthro bat girl came out of the house. Unlike other anthro bats he'd seen before, she did not have a long muzzle but more rounded facial features and a cute button nose. Everything about her from her narrow yet developing frame to her large pointed on top of her head made her that much more of a looker that she will become.

Her name was Rose and she was Jasmine's daughter who she took after quite a bit. Her mother explained to him once that the reason their facial features were like that was because that her grandmother was a human and the rounded structures just kept getting passed down the line.

Rose looked his way as she came towards the driveway and waves to him. "Hey, Mark!" The wings from her back fanned out a little in excitement making it harder to see her long straight hair sway behind her as she came up to greet him.

"Hey, kid!" he smiled to her. "How are ya?"

"Good. My friends and I were heading out to the mall today."

His smile dropped a little knowing full well what tomorrow was. "Going to find a last-minute Mother's Day gift?"

She sighs. "Yeah... Some of us forgot to go shopping which is why we're carpooling. You want to come?" She gave him a knowingly sly smile. I'm sure you'd have more insight on what to get my mom."

He looked down at her with a raised eyebrow and a cheeky smirk. "Not sure what you're getting at, Rose." The tone in his voice wasn't entirely convincing. He almost sounded like he playing with her.

Rose shot him back with a grin, her pointed canines being very noticeable. "Oh, come on. You've spent enough time with her."

"Please," he scoffed waving it off. "She is my supervisor, remember? It's not my fault I was put on her team. How weird would that be? Not to mention something like that could get us both fired."

"Oh, really?" She eyed him carefully leaning towards him. "Then what are you doing here now?"

"She and I are going to go over the schedule for Monday. You know, got to the people somewhere."

Her eyes narrowed on him. "On a Saturday?"

He smiles as he looks to the house and sees her mother standing at the doorway. The mature bat anthro looking much more filled out than her daughter who was still in her developing stages with a full chest and wider hips. She was the woman of the hour. The day. The week. The month. His lifetime. This was the woman he told his family he was going to marry. He saw that her hair was held up in a bun with a hairclip, but he knew that was to keep up appearances in front of her daughter. However, when his eyes landed on what she was wearing his heart soared but he was able to keep his reaction in check in front of her daughter. She was wearing the cream colored loungewear he recently bought for her. She had on a zip up sweater and pants that was perfect for wearing around the house while gently hugging every motherly curve of her body.

"No better time like the present." He waves in the mother's direction which she nods back with a smile of her own. Both of them hid their desire for each other expertly in front of Rose and the other girls.

The young bat smiles mischievously at him. "Riiiight... With what she's wearing right now, I beg to differ." She dropped her voice to a near whisper. "I've never seen that in her wardrobe before now."

The vixen driver honked the horn getting their attention. "C'mon, Rose! Let's go already!"

"Coming!" She looks back to Mark. "What about you?"

He considers it for a moment tapping his finger to his chin. "Tell you what. Ask me again next weekend and I'll drive."

"Sounds good. See ya!" She goes to join her friends.

Mark stepped onto the porch and joins Jasmine at the door watching her child climb into the SUV before pulling out onto the road. Once the kids were out of sight, the mature bat woman moved closer to the young human placing her hands on his chest staring up into his eyes.

She took one hand behind her head and took out the hairclip letting her hair fall into waves. "Hey there, stranger," she says to him with a saucy tone.

"You talk to all strangers like that?" he smiled wrapping his arms around her waist before bringing her in for a kiss.

Her wings came around wrapping him up against her in a leathery cocoon. "Only if that stranger was you." She moves them into the house closing the door behind them.

In the car, Rose and her friends were discussing the kinds of gifts they were thinking for their mothers. One of them thought of getting some flowers while another thought of picking up some chocolates or a hand lotion set. The driver, however, hadn't said anything since leaving Rose's house.

"So, what were you thinking of getting your mom, Rose?" the tabby in the front passenger seat asked.

She grins at her friends. "I was thinking of some sexy underwear. Maybe a bra and panties set. If I can find some decent priced lingerie that would be even better."

"Why wound you want to get her something like that? She's not dating anyone, is she?"

Rose smiles proudly. "I believe she's dating Mark. That's the guy I was talking to before we left."

"Oh, God, I hope not!" the vixen declared. "That would be all kinds of wrong!"

Her smile drops and she scoffs. "Excuse me?" She pulled out her phone and started to text.

At the house, the two semi-secret lovers shared a few small kisses after the door closed behind them. The two had kept their relation mostly under wraps from other. Jasmine's excuse was that just in case something didn't work out between them. But after the first year of things getting only better, the twenty-five year old human thought it would be fun to tap-dance around Rose while dropping less than subtle hints to which she laughed and went along with.

"Since when did you have such an impudent brat in this house?" he asked smiling down at her. "Did you see the way she was grinning at me? Almost like she knew something." He took his jacket off and she opened her wings enough for him to toss it on the nearby recliner.

She shares another kiss with him. "I think it started when she met you for the first time."

Mark gasps dramatically and his face stretched into an overexaggerated look of shock. "Don't give me all the credit for that! It had to have come from..." He franticly looked around until his eyes landed on a brass urn on a small table next to the TV. "...the Commander over there!"

"Hey!" she playfully scolded. She unwraps Mark only to cross her arms over her arms over her ample chest. "My husband was a good man!"

He chuckled. "But I wonder, though, if there was a hidden side that just wanted to make him take you in his arms in front of Rose and everyone."

Jasmine didn't really have anything to fire back with, so she just narrowed her eyes and stuck out her long pointed tongue at him. Just the sight of it coming out to the bottom of her neck was enough to stir his loins.

Mark started to laugh causing her to laugh along with him. When they calmed down, Mark stepped up to the urn and kneeled in front of it.

The name plate on it read "Naval Commander John McKnight, beloved husband and father." Mark was told that John was indeed a good man. A great man who was well respected. The pictures on the wall behind him showed a tall anthro bat man in some of the best moments is the family's life with a young Rose. One even her hanging off his bicep like a monkey bar.

There were no photos of him when him when Rose was older, though, as he was killed on a mission by insurgents. Mark was told the mission was a success, but he and a few others didn't make it back.

"Hey, Commander," Mark greeted the urn. "Sorry for making out with your wife in front of you. Hope you don't mind. I said before that I have no intention in replacing you, sir, only to help fill the hole in Jasmine's heart as well as Rose's and make them happy. I'm sure that's what you want, too, and I hope I have your blessing."

"I know my husband well enough to know that he would have liked you," Jasmine said bringing her arms around his shoulders. "He would definitely approve of you."

They stood up and he turned to face her smiling lovingly at her. "Thanks. I would be very honored if I had the chance to meet him face to face." She cupped his cheek and was about to bring him in for another kiss when his phone started ringing a very specific tune.

"Hold that thought," he said reaching into his pocket.

"Ignore it..." she purred.

"Can't. Its Lucas calling. I have to answer." He answers and puts the phone to his ear. "Hey, bro. How's Indigo doing? Is she out of surgery?"

"..."

"Whoa, whoa! Slow down, Lucas! Take a deep breath... Let it out slowly... There you go."

"..."

"No, don't you dare put Kyle on! I don't care if he can explain things better. Kyle, if you can here me, don't let him switch out! I mean it!"

"..."

"Because, dude, this is YOUR moment. Yours! You have done fantastic lately. Now, start from the beginning."

"..."

Mark moves over to the couch and Jasmine sits next to him. "Yeah..."

"..."

"A new technique for veterans? Sounds risky."

"..."

"Complications? What kind?"

"..."

"They stopped the bleeding. Okay, that's good. So..."

"..."

Mark suddenly stood up his face beaming. "That's fantastic! Do you want me and the guys to join you?"

"..."

"You sure? I can..."

"..."

"Okay, Lucas. You're in charge here. Keep us up to date. Talk to you later. Love you, bro."

Mark laughs in victory after hanging up the phone and pulls Jasmine into a big hug.

"What's going on?" she asks.

"It's Indigo. Lucas said that her surgery was a success! He was told that they got all the shrapnel out of her leg and then after she recovers, she'll have full use of it without a cane anymore!"

"That is fantastic!"

"Yeah. I'm happy for him."

They stood in the living room staring into each other's eyes without any more thoughts in their minds. Except for one that they shared and a special mischievous grin played on Mark's face. It was one that unique to him as he and his brothers all had a smile that was theirs. Lucas/Kyle's were more defiant when they were serious which made them look slightly made to others. Matt was more of a thrill seeker and his smile showed whenever he thought he was going to enjoy something. Jacob's smile was the only one that couldn't be read because he almost always had one on.

"So," Mark finally said after a moment, "do you want to talk about work or make Rose even more suspicious of us?"

Jasmine wraps her arms around his neck. "Let's talk work. This kind..." She kisses him deeply.

Before either of them started to enjoy each other further, Jasmine took her younger lover by his wrist pulling him up the stairs.

Mark was very familiar with the hallway at the top. The path they were taking was one they made many, many times before to the door at the end. But it was the one closest to the stairs that he had a very naughty thought.

"You don't want to do it on Rose's bed this time?" Mark asked when they passed her daughter's room. Only he thought it was funny for asking that. If his brothers were there, they would each smack him in the head.

Jasmine looks over her shoulder at him with a severe case of mischief in her eyes. "Maybe some other time."

"Oh?" he squeaked before she yanked his arm to get him moving again.

It wasn't a "no."

The door to Jasmine's bedroom closed and the mother's kiss was almost desperate. Mark played to a little resisting at first but giving in quickly kissing her right back. He savored her lips he noticed tasted like toasted honey. And as they began to play with each other's tongues, his hands traveled down the planes of her wide hips until they rested on her round ass.

"C'mon now. Whatcha got for me?" she whispered into his ear, and then the bat tugged on the tender skin of his earlobe with her teeth.

A shudder rippled through him and his breath grew heavy as the bat's hot breath filled his ears.

"So impatient. Just trust me," he murmured, and in one swift motion, he lifted his lover into his arms and pressed her back against the wall.

Jasmine gasped and wrapped her legs around his waist as he gripped her ass, and then she brought her lips back to his. She pressed herself hard against him and her pointed tongue snuck its way into his mouth. She flicked it around softly and batted at his tongue battling for dominance, and he responded by firmly squeezing her ass cheeks making her gasp.

She thought she had him, but he was proving a difficult opponent.

"Unzip," he ordered between kisses, and the mother obliged with shaky breaths. As the zipper of her sweater drew lower it fell away and her full, naked breasts were freed surprising him that she didn't even have a bra on, even with her daughter around. He admired the perfect curve of her mounds as they didn't even show the slightest amount of sag. Her pink nipples hardened under his gaze and the sight of them only tightened his pants.

Starting at her jaw, he kissed his way down the length of her neck all the way down to the swell of her breasts. Jasmine quivered as he ran his tongue down until he reached her right nipple. He flicked at her bud until it grew even harder with desire, and then he scraped it gently between his teeth.

"Ohhh," she let out a sexy moan as he began to suck. Then she began to squirm as he increased the intensity of the motion.

He made sure the mother bat was stable against the wall, then he raised his hand and began to knead her other breast in circular strokes. She was so soft in all the right places, and he enjoyed the way she unraveled by his touch.

Jasmine shook in his grasp as he continued his ministrations making her breath come in heaves as he worked her in his hands.

"Ohhhh God..." she moaned as her back arched. "How are you so good at this?"

"You like that?" he whispered in her ear as he played with her breasts. "I suppose I can tell you my secret now. I told you that my brother, Matt, is a tail chaser, right? Well, being the experienced brother, I asked for some pointers and he was happy to teach me." He pinched one of her nipples and then dragged his fingers down her toned, flat belly until they reached the waistband of her house pants. Then he slipped his fingers under the garment and continued down further. She whimpered as they reached her soft, naked mound between her thighs. "No bra and no panties? And you were with your daughter ALL morning. For a mother, you live pretty dangerously."

"Oooohhhh, yeeeesssss..." she quivered as his fingers skimmed her plush lower lips. She was wet, ready, and the slickness against his fingertips made his blood start to run hot in his veins.

Jasmine shut her eyes in bliss and leaned her head against the wall as he worked her entrance like clay. The tiny sounds coming from her throat made her vulnerable and almost a little pathetic.

And it made him feel good that made her feel ooohhh so good!

"Should I take the sweater off?" she whispered.

Mark shook his head. "Nuh-uh. Leave it on. It looks so good on you right now the way it is."

"Okay," she murmured back. She then closed her eyes again as he increased the pressure of his thumb against her clit and rotated clockwise. High pitch noises escaped her lips as her pussy grew even wetter.

Her face scrunched up as she bit her finger and her hips started to buck. If her facial expression was any indication, the mother bat was about to cum. He was a little worried that she was going to pierce her finger with her sharp fangs, but when he glanced at her he found it in her front teeth.

As he continued to mess around with her little pearl, he slowly slid a finger into her pussy and she shuddered immediately letting out another high pitched squeak.

"Oh God! I'mgonnacumI'mgonnacumI'mgonnaCUUUMMM!!!" she cried out around her finger as her lower half jerked.

"Then cum for me, baby. Cum for me," he instructed as he inserted another finger and fucked her with them.

Jasmine let out a cry of pleasure as his fingers pistoned in and out of her. Her dark eyes flew open and rolled back as she seized up. The mother bat's tunnel suddenly tightened trapping his digits inside as she finally reached her climax.

"Ffffuuuuck... Maaaaark!!!" she yelled as her orgasm rippled through her making her tongue roll out past her chin.

Her pleasured expression brought a grin to his face. "Atta girl," he whispered as he slowly pulled his fingers out of her. Jasmine's sweet nectar clung to him and he brought his index finger to his lips licking the juices. She tasted exquisite as always.

He then brought his coated fingers to her lip which she eagerly sucked into her mouth lapping away her own arousal until his fingers were clean.

"The bed. Now!" she demanded.

The hardened tone from her was a major turn-on, but he wasn't going to let her get off again that easily.

"Ask me nicely," he whispered.

He thought he was going to hear her say the magic word when she wrapped her arms around his shoulders, but instead she opened her mouth showing her sharp canines and hissed at him. Her state of euphoria, however, made her less intimidating.

"Make me cum again..." she growled.

That was all the begging he needed.

He swept her up into her arms holding her bridal style keeping her firmly against him. He couldn't wait to do this on their wedding night. But for right now, the open sweater and the house pants around her knees was a sight he wanted to saver.

"Only because you asked me so nicely," he whispered carrying her slowly over to the bed.

"I am not nice right now," she whispered back as she drew herself tighter around him. She demonstrated her point by gently biting the crook of his neck.

"EEEEEE!!! HEY!!!" he squealed playfully. "Watch the teeth, you naughty woman!"

"Your fault again, you naughty boy," Jasmine grinned wickedly, but her eyes were hooded with lust.

"Why is everything my fault around here?"

"Did I say it was a bad thing?" she purred bringing him in for another loving kiss. "You have opened me up to something new. Though to be honest, I didn't think I would fall in love again after my husband died, let alone with a man that was twenty years younger than me. I'm old enough to be your mother."

Mark chuckled wickedly, "Then can I call you Mommy?"

Jasmine tried to glare at him, but her lips were pulled into a smile and her bottom lip quivered as she tried to keep the giggles at bay. "Sh-shut up! I'm a fucking cradle robber!"

Mark pulled the tone of his voice as high as he could. "Buh, buh, buh, Mommy, me wanna pway wid yoo tiddies!"

Jasmine covered her to to keep herself from laughing but it hardly helped. When she finally got control of herself, she looked up at him with a loving smile.

"Seriously though, everything changed after John was killed and I've been worried that Rose would turn into a delinquent because her grades were dropping. You've made a difference when came into my life. You've made me happy again and it's made her happy, too. Her grades were improving and she's more outgoing." She pressed her face further into his shoulder. "Thank you."

Mark smiled down at her. "Happy to be a part of both of your lives. Now, on the bed!" After that wholesome moment he unceremoniously tossed her onto the mattress making her cry out in delight. Her soft breasts bounced and rolled from the stunt turning him on even more.

Before she settled, before she could even register what happened, he immediately grabbed her pants ripping them off of her shapely legs and throwing them across the room. Then he hurriedly discarded his own until he barer than she was. He still left the open sweater on her because it looked so hot on her like that.

She laid there on the bed looking up at him with her legs slightly spread as an open invitation. He licked his lips as he stared down at the wetness between her thighs.

"Damn, baby! You're soaked!" he teased just standing there admiring his handiwork.

"Asshole..." she growled glaring at him. She looked down to his cock as it was standing proud at attention. "You hurried out of your clothes, and now you're just standing there? Get the fuck over here and fuck me!"

Without another word he crawled onto the bed after her. He settled himself above her being careful where his hands and arms were so he wouldn't accidently hurt her wings' membrane. He lightly pressed the tip of his shaft against her dripping entrance making her whimper.

"Damn it! Hurry up!" she demanded again.

"Patience is a virtue," he grinned.

Mark slowly inserted himself and Jasmine's slick pussy gripped him like a fist in spite of her age or how many times they had already made love. He groaned in bliss as she braced herself around him, and then he began to thrust into her.

"Oh fuck! How are you still so tight?" he growled as her tunnel constricted around him while he built up a rhythm. She arched her back as he pumped into her.

"Ohhhh, yeeeahhh... Fuck meeeee, Maaaaak!" she moaned as he started to pick up the pace.

Mark got settled into a steady rhythm and Jasmine was getting closer to her second climax. His heart rate was increasing and the tightness of her pussy felt amazing, and the slight rasp of her moaning was sexy music to his ears.

"Cum for me again, babe," he said picking up to the maximum speed he could handle with the force of a jackhammer.

Suddenly, the mother bat began to quake once more as her eyes shut tight in ecstasy.

"YES, YES, AAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!" she screamed as she came, gripping the sheets beneath her as a rush of wetness splashed against him. Her hips bucked and spasmed as she rode out the waves of her climax. She wrapped her legs around his waist when she felt he was slowing down to remove himself from her pussy. "No! Don't you dare! I want your cum inside me!"

"Again?" he asked concerned. "But what if I... I heard that..."

She cuts him off when she reached up with both hands and pulled him down into a deep passionate kiss. "It's sweet that you're thinking of things like that, but I want to have your child. I love you."

He stared deep into her eyes and said, "And I love you, too." With all doubts pushed out of his mind, he renewed thrusting.

In and out he moved bringing himself back to speed in her warm, inviting passage enjoying the way she gripped around him. His blood boiled as he neared his own climax and Jasmine watched with a smile of encouragement as he slammed into her.

"I came for you, now come for me, Mark," she begged. "Fill me up! I want your child!"

Her longing tone was enough to send him over the edge and arched into her. He came with an explosion of euphoria, his seed coating her tunnel giving her exactly wat she needed from him filling her to the brim.

As his heart rate started to settle, Mark rolled off of his lover and laid beside her. Jasmine rolled onto her side bringing herself closer to him sighing with delight as they nestled against each other.

The moment was absolutely perfect for the pair until a short jingle and a series of buzzes interrupted their bliss as Jasmine's phone received a text. She groaned lazily as she went to retrieve the offending device from the nightstand.

Mark grumbled to her saying, "Ignore it."

Instead, she ignored his comment and checked her cell. "You want salt and pepper on your words? It's from Rose."

Mark lifted his head. "Is she alright?"

"Doesn't sound like it. Sorry to interrupt your guys' alone time, but I have a 911."

"911?!" Mark nearly yelled sitting up concerned.

Jasmine gently place her hand on his. "It's not as bad as it sounds. She uses 911 when she needs my help. Listen: I need a ride home. My 'friends' are being bitches! Help! And her flying license hasn't come in the mail yet." She sets her phone back on the nightstand and shifted to get off the bed. "Well, duty calls..."

Mark follows her to the edge grabbing her wrist. "Hold up. Let me go get her."

She smirks at him. "You sure? We went at it pretty good there a moment ago."

He smirks back. "Unlike you, I'll recover faster on the way over there. Besides, I think it's a good time to let her in on our, quote-unquote, secret."

"I don't approve of that first part," she told him, "but for that second part I guess I'll allow it."

He gives her another kiss. "Thanks."

After getting dressed, Mark makes it downstairs grabbing his jacket, but then stops in front of the Commander.

"Commander," he said standing ridged. "I have accepted my first mission. My task is to rescue Rose from her bitch friends (her words, not mine) and return her home safely. Do I have any questions for you? Yes, sir." He reaches into the inside pocket of his jacket pulling out a small velvet box. He opened it revealing a gorgeous ring inside. "Nice, huh? My family thought so too when I showed it off to them a while back. It's a real diamond set on a 24-karat gold band. Do you think they'll both like it? I can imagine you seeing this and going 'Hooyah!'" He closed the ring putting it back in his jacket. "Wherever you are, Commander," he brings his heels together and salutes him, "wish me luck." He turns on his heels but his weakened legs made him fall over.

Mark was able to grab the recliner before he hit the floor. He carefully untangled his legs and looked back at the urn scowling. "Laugh it up, Commander. Got to admit, though, she's a hell of a woman!"

With his feet firmly under him he headed out the door to start his rescue mission.

It took him the better part of an hour to make his way to the mall where Rose and her so-called friends had gone to due to the horrific lunch rush traffic. Going around the parking lot he spotted the same SUV from earlier and parked a few spaces away from it. There was an empty spot next to it but he didn't want his car getting recognized in case one of the girls decided to come back and do something to it.

Mark stepped out and looked at the mall. It didn't span over a lot of ground like most other malls but it did make up for it with three levels. The top two levels were right in front in front of him while all three could be seen on the opposite side at the bottom of the hill it sat on. It would definitely be a place to get lost in.

Mark pulled out his phone to text Jasmine to see if Rose told her where she was. She texted him back saying that she managed to lose the others and was hunkered down in the food court. He texted back his thanks and went in.

After a while of following signs during the afternoon bustle, he found the food court at last. He looked around keeping his eyes peeled for any anthro juvenile bats. He spotted a few in the distance but their muzzles were a bit too long to be Rose. It wasn't until he almost walked past a table that he looked down and found her sitting there. She hadn't noticed him yet as she stared into space at her half-eaten burger and fries. He'd never seen her so upset before. He sends Jasmine a text telling her he found her daughter.

"Excuse me," Mark said to her smiling, "but is this seat taken?" She jolted awake and looked up at him wide-eyed in surprise to see him.

"Mark!" she exclaimed after a moment. She got out of her seat and instantly wrapped her arms around him burying her head in his chest.

"Hey, kid," he said hugging her back. "You holding up okay?" He helps her back into her seat before sitting across from her.

"Yeah, sorta. Where's Mom?"

"She got your 911 but I volunteered to come get you. Talk to me. What happened?"

Rose groaned. "It's so stupid. It started right after we left the house. We got to talking about what we were going to get and that was when I mentioned you were probably dating my mom. And don't you tell me you're not!"

Mark held up his hands in mock defeat. "You're right. You are absolutely right. I am, in fact, dating your mother and we are very much in love. Happy?" The smile on her face was worth a thousand sunny Spring days.

"Very happy!"

"So, what happened next?" His phone buzzed interrupting them. "Hang on. That's your mom." The message she sent was a thank you for finding her before he put the phone back in his pocket. "Sorry about that. You were sayin?"

"After that, Jessica, the fox that was driving, said, and I quote, all kinds of wrong. That was when I texted Mom for help. The others mentioned something about you being human but I so pissed that I didn't hear the rest because they were being specieists and I was getting angrier by the second. When we got here that was when I lost it on them calling them bitches..."

"Easy, easy," he told her when she was starting to get a little loud. "Bring it down some. There are other people around us."

"Oh... Sorry..."

"It's okay. Go on."

"Anyway, I called them... uh..." She hesitated when she realized she swore in front of him.

"Bitches," he nodded telling her she was good.

"...bitches for thinking you weren't good enough for my mom because you were a human and not an anthro like the rest of us. They tried to talk to me but I practically jumped out of the car and ran in here."

Mark took in what she told him as he leaned back in his seat crossing his arms. "I see. Wow. I got to be honest, I'm flattered. Take it from me, my brothers and I had it rough growing up with anthros all because because we were human. We've learned to deal with it. But you're the first I know of to defend me. Thank you."

Rose nodded. "You've made my mom happy. I should be thanking you." She took a couple of her remaining fries and took a bite of them. "And while we're on the subject, when did you guys start dating?"

Mark took a couple of her fries and took a bite as well. "It was a dark and stormy night..." he said making it overly dramatic making her chuckle. "Ha! Got ya! But seriously, it was a few years ago and it was a downpour that night."

"I think I remember that night. It was so bad that my mom wasn't able to come home right away. I was really worried about her."

"It was my dad's birthday and we somehow managed to make it to Erik's Tavern before it got worse. I had recently turned 21 meaning we could all enjoy a few drinks. After we made it inside, we were looking for a table and that's when I spotted your mom sitting at the bar by herself. I was already acquainted with her at the time and it was weird seeing her knock one back and then slump over the counter. I could practically hear her crying from the door."

Rose covered her mouth. "Oh no. I think I know when that was. That was the day we... were told..." She couldn't finish the sentence as her eyes started to get moist.

Mark took her hands in his assuring her that he was there for her. "I told my family to go on without me and I sat down next to her. I kept her company that night making sure she didn't drown in alcohol. We became good friends that night but it wasn't a couple years later that I asked her out and things went from there."

Rose was grateful to hear about what happened and a smile crossed her lips. But then she thought of something that would turned her smile into something mischievous. Mark looked at her face with a raised eyebrow wondering what was going on inside her head thinking what she'll say next will probably give him a run for his money.

"Soooo, who asked the other to bed first?" Her question made his other eyebrow lift up. She had a long way to go, he thought.

"There's that cheeky attitude again!" he teased. "You are a naughty, bad girl! But to answer your question, that was definitely me. But if you ask your mom, she'll say it was her. No doubt." Rose laughed. "So, when did you figure out something was up?"

"Right around the same time a couple years ago. The first night was my parents' anniversary. After that, she started feeling better. And then a week later she was smiling again. Thank you, Mark. Seriously."

Mark felt a lot of happiness welling up in his chest. Rose was nothing like all the teens he grew up with because all they ever wondered about who was popular and who was dating who. This teenager mostly cared about her family and defended a man he felt she hardly knew. The thought of her possibly becoming his step-daughter made him even happier.

Mark lifted his coat to reach into his jacket for the ring box. But when he was about to say something he heard someone call out from behind him.

"Rose!" a girl called with an Australian accent. "Oh, thank goodness we found you!"

Rose looked past Mark while he looked over his shoulder to see a group of three girls heading right for them. There was a spotted tabby cat, a shorter grey mouse, and a kangaroo. No vixen, though. When he made them out, Mark slipped out of his seat and leaned against the back of it crossing his arms looking like a bouncer giving them a stone-cold stare. The approaching girls stopped in their tracks at the sight of him.

They all stared at each other for a moment before the mouse stepped forward. Mark's eyes followed her but showed no sign of stopping her. This one had a back bone to her.

The girl opened her mouth to say something but Mark immediately cut her off. "There something we can do for you, ladies?" he asked with an even tone.

The mouse cleared her throat and looked him right in the eye. "We were hoping we could talk to Rose. I'm Sera."

Mark looked over his shoulder to see a sour look on Rose's face. "I don't think she's in the mood right now."

When he turned back to them, the kangaroo stepped up. "G'Day, Mark. I'm Grace." He noticed that her accent was rather thick. "Rose told us about you."

Mark nodded politely. "G'Day."

Grace hesitated for a moment. "Right, well, we understand if she doesn't want to talk, but perhaps hear us out?"

"Where's your ringleader?"

"We ditched her on the second floor," the feline said. "Call me Char, short for Charlotte."

"Why would you do that?" Rose demanded.

"She doesn't speak for us," Sera said cautiously. "That's what we wanted to say. And she didn't look all that worried about you like we were when we came in."

"Fair dinkum," Grace agreed. "She was the on knockin' about Mark, not us. We doubt she even noticed we left her up there." The sour expression on Rose's face lessened as she listened to her friends. "I was the one who said he was a handsome bloke!"

Mark blinked from Grace's statement. He looked down to see Sera staring up at him with that look of attraction in her eyes he's seen often enough. They were practically sparkling at him at him and he also noticed her rubbing her thighs together. Him and his brothers have had good genetics passed down from their dad that had that kind of effect on women. Most of the time it worked but it seemed it didn't do anything to Jessica. He placed a hand on Sera's head and gently backed her up.

Mark looked away and sighed. "Some days it's a curse being this good looking..." he murmured to himself.

"And I said it was cool that he makes your mom happy," Char said. "Seriously, we're happy for you."

Mark looked over his shoulder again at Rose to see all of her resentment was gone. She really was so angry that she didn't hear them when she took off from them. She looked back at him giving him a nod.

Mark uncrossed his arms. "Okay, looks like all's well. Have a seat." The girls moved around the table taking a seat. "This is actually great that there're witnesses. Oh, and Grace, I was told about the Aussie transfer student that's been friends with Rose. And for the record, I'm not a handsome bloke," he said with his own accent then flashed them with his signature mischievous grin. "I'm a handsome larrikin!"

(Author's note: For those that don't know, a "larrikin" is Aussie slang word for someone who is pretty much a troublemaker but still a good person.)

"Crikey!" Grace said fanning herself with her hand. "Hot as the Outback in Summer, here!"

Everyone giggled as they settled in their seats, Mark taking his original one across from Rose.

"Wait. Back up a second," Rose said. "What did you mean when you said there's witnesses?"

Mark reached into his jacket keeping the ring box hidden under his hands as he set it in front of him. All eyes were on it.

"Rose, I love your mother very much," he said wearing a very serious expression. "And I've come to care about you just as much. I've told your mom and your dad that I'm not trying to replace him, but to fill the hole in your hearts and make you two happy. With that being said, I have something I want to ask you first..." With a smooth move of his fingers, he opened the box showing the gorgeous ring inside. She gasped covering her mouth with both hands and her eyes sparkled just as brilliantly as the diamond she was looking at. "Would you like to be my step-daughter?"

Rose nodded her head so fast that her triangular ears were flopping back and forth. "Yes!" she said quietly so as to not draw the wrong kind of attention. "I would love to your wife... er, step-daughter! Hell yes! Fuck yes!"

"Hey, hey! Language." He slipped the ring back into his jacket. "I let you slide earlier because you were venting."

Rose grinned at him with half-lidded eye challenging him. "And how do you plan to punish me without tipping my mom off?"

His shoulders slumped at her well-executed counterattack. "Damn... You got me there."

Rose chuckled at her victory.

"So, I can marry you if your mom says no?" he asked with a half grin.

Rose laughed. "Doubtful, but absolutely," she said as a more of a joke.

"Okay, but you need to graduate high school before that happens," he joked back.

"Good onya, Rose!" Grace said wrapping her arms around her shoulders.

Mark suddenly got an idea and got out his phone to text Jasmine telling her that he's going to hang out with her before he brought her home.

"Hey, ladies," Mark said getting their attention. "What say we blow this popsicle stand and hang out for a while."

"That sounds good," Char agreed.

"I'm in!" Grace said.

"Yeah," Sera said.

"What about Mom?" Rose asked.

As if on cue Mark got a reply from her. He looked at it and said, "She says good and to take as much time as we like. Shall we?"

Rose nodded and everyone stood up and left the mall. No one even asked about of even thought of Jessica.

"So, what do you have planned?" Char asked as they gathered around his car. The largest among them, Grace, took the front so the others could fit comfortably in the back.

"Has anyone besides rose eaten anything?" he asked.

"Nah," Grace answered. "We were to busy tryin' to find her."

"And I only ate half of it," Rose said.

"Great!" he exclaimed. "If you ladies are okay with it, we can all get some lunch where we're going."

"That sounds good, but where were you headed?" Char asked again as they piled into his car.

Mark suddenly felt a little anxious as he gripped the steering wheel a little tighter. "There's something I need to pick up out at my parent's place. If all goes well," he said looking at Rose in the mirror, "then we might give your mom the best Mother's Day ever."

Rose smiled happily. "Well, whatever it is, count me in!"

Mark nodded before turning the car on. When the radio clicked on it was in the middle of a song from the 80's and he noticed that Rose didn't really care for the melody.

"What's wrong, back there?" he asked seeing that none of them cared for it. "Don't have an ear for the classics?"

"It's not that," Rose said. "It's just..." He couldn't if she was embarrassed or anything because her hair fell covering over half her face.

"You are going to find this hard to believe," Sera interrupted, "but Rose is a metalhead."

Mark's eyebrows shot up to his forehead at the discovery. "Really?! Sweet little thing like you likes the hard stuff?"

She chuckles a little lifting her face. "Yeah..."

"There's nothing wrong with that. What station do you listen to?"

She tells him which one and he starts to turn to it.

"If it's not what you listen to, I'd turn down the volume if I were you," Grace warned.

"I'm good. My oldest brother likes metal, too. You ladies might meet him when we get there." He finds the station and suddenly the speakers are blasting a power cord and a rapid drumbeat the likes of which he never heard of before making him turn it down. "What the...?! Just who is this band?"

"Well, I wasn't expecting them right off the bat."

"Yesss!!!" Rose hissed looking very happy now. "That's my favorite band! Slitherin' Joe!

Mark glanced at Rose in the mirror. "Slitherin' Joe? I've heard of a lot of hard rock and metal bands from Jacob, but I haven't heard of them."

"They're an all-girl anthro band lead by Josephine Hopkins, who everyone calls 'Joe.'"

"Ah! That makes sense," he said as drove past the city limits. "Tell me more. I think Jacob might like them."

Rose was happy to go into great detail about the band. They were of four different morphs that made their debut a few years ago and made quite the name for themselves in that time. It could have been the fact that Joe was a diamondback rattlesnake anthro, but not a lot of people were sure. All Mark was sure of was that Joe was Rose's idol from the way she talked about how cool she was.

Rose also pointed out that the band was a big supporter of the military going on an annual tour towards the end of June and having the biggest show on the 4th of July where all the proceeds are donated to organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project.

"She's so cool..." Rose sighed dreamily when she finished. The other girls quietly agreed.

"Yeah, you said that about five times already," Mark laughed.

"Yeah, well, it's true! Her tour schedule said that one of their stops is going to be two cities over. I really want to go see them. I'd even settle for the nosebleed section."

Hearing her talk like that made him have a step-dad moment thinking that maybe he could do something about that. Didn't he know someone who get concert tickets? That idea would have to be revisited as they were coming up to a farmhouse with a barn. A wave of nostalgia washed over him as he looked to the house. After leaving their last home due to complications with the school system, this was a step up with plenty of room for boys to be boys. He noticed that there were several vehicles at the edge of the property that he knew were either waiting to be serviced or waiting to be picked up. It was good that his dad's business was still doing good.

"Well, we're here, ladies," Mark declared as he pulled into the driveway.

"You used to be farmers?" Char asked.

Mark chuckled. "Just because we lived in a farmhouse did not make us farmers. At the time, it was the only thing listed that was big enough for a family of six. After we moved out, my mom turned my room into a sewing room and the others into guest rooms." Mark parked the car next to the house and everyone got out. "The barn came with the house, obviously. But that was great for my dad because he set up an auto repair shop." Mark looked to see a car he recognized. "Well, look at that. Jacob's here, too. You ladies are in for a treat."

"Why's that?" Sera asked coming around his car.

"Because he's a man of mystery," he answered giving them a dramatic wave of his hands. "He's a guy who could give James Bond a run for his money."

Mark looked around and realized he might have overdone it a little bit with that comment when he saw that familiar sparkle in each of their eyes. Rose was the only one who saw right though it and shook her head. She gave him a look that reminded him that they don't know him like she does.

Before anyone moved toward the house, they stopped smelling something in the air. There was a wonderful aroma and it was coming from the house.

"Oh wow!" Rose sighed. "What is that? Is that apple and cinnamon?"

Mark quickly turned to her in bewilderment. "Are you serious?" He looked around to see all the girls looking at him with confused expressions on their faces. "Have any of you ever had an apple pie before?"

"Of course, we have," Grace answered. We had some yesterday when we were making plans for today. Char's mum bought one when she went shopping that day."

"Store bought?!" he nearly shouted. "That's it! Everyone inside, now!"

Mark waved his hands wildly herding the girls up the porch steps grumbling. When they were in front of the door, he pushed his way through them and threw it open.

"Mom!" he announced. "There better be two in the oven! We got some pie virgins here!"

"Are you shitting me, Mark?!" everyone heard a woman call back from the kitchen. "Who the hell's never had an apple pie before?"

"That's what I said!"

An older human woman with an apron came around the corner with her hands on her hips. Her blond hair showed signs of greying but it mixed in so well that it worked well for her. But it was the scowl on her mostly wrinkle-free face that drew everyone's attention.

Mark stood there pointing his finger above the girls' heads. "Store bought!"

"Oh, hell no! That's not going to do. I just met you and I'm already disappointed in you lot. Don't you be snickering back there!" she said pointing to the mouse who couldn't help herself at how funny it all seemed. "If you're going to laugh in this house, you better laugh." The air around her suddenly shifted as she smiled and let out a hearty laugh.

Mark couldn't hold his poker face any longer and started to laugh out loud as well making everyone else catch a case of it. "Good one, Mom. Girls, allow me to introduce Susan Bentley. When she found out that my brothers didn't have a big enough funny bone among them, she decided to make me the joker."

"And I did a pretty good job of it, if I do say so myself," she said proudly brushing her fingers against her chest making the girls chuckle.

"C'mon, get in here," Mark ushered the girls towards the kitchen. "Got anything for lunch, Mom? No one here's really eaten."

Susan's face beamed. "Now that's what I like to hear! You are in luck because I just whipped up some egg salad."

"Egg salad sandwiches. Yes! Mom, this jill right here is Grace," he said introducing the kangaroo. "So, it's a given that she never had an American Apple pie before."

"G'Day, ma'am," she nodded. "Lookin' forward to tryin' it."

"The mouse is Sera, and the tabby is Char..."

"Hi," they said.

"Welcome," Susan greeted shaking each of their hands. "It a pleasure to meet you ladies."

"And this one here, Mom..." Mark said as he wrapped his arms lovingly around Rose's shoulders, "this is hopefully your future granddaughter."

"Hi... Grandma," Rose greeted letting the word roll like she was testing it.

Susan's demeaner melted from hearing that from the young bat causing her to smile. "Rose... So good to finally meet you, dear."

"Its nice t meet you, too."

"Hey, Mom," Mark interrupted, "where's Dad and Jacob? I saw his car."

"Oh, with the pies in the oven, they'll be here any second..."

"God, I love the smell of your apple pie, Susan," an older gentleman said coming up behind everyone with Jacob following behind him in their shop jumpsuits. The man was tall and looked like he could have had a dignified air about him if he didn't have a smudge of grease on his left cheek. He did sport a little paunch in his middle, but it didn't look like it slowed him down. He paused when he saw they had company. "Oh. Hello, everyone."

"Speak of the devil! Hey, Dad." He looked around and couldn't help but snicker when he saw the girls practically drooling at the sight of the new arrivals. "Ladies, this handsome gentleman is my dad, Robert. And the other guy is his clone and my oldest..."

"Seriously, Mark?!" Char shouted cutting him off. "What's with all the handsome men around here?"

"Fair dinkum!" Grace agreed.

"Yeah, our dad aged well," Jacob said. "And we hope to do the same."

"Suddenly, I feel like a grave robber..." Sera said guiltily.

Mark laughed. "If you ladies are hot and bothered with dad as he is, then you would wet yourselves if you saw the pictures of him when he was younger. And we, his four sons, reap the benefits of such strong genes."

All three girls gasped happily. "SHOW US!!!"

"Hell no!" Susan interjected. "I keep those in my firebox for MY personal pleasure. They're MINE!"

Once everyone calmed down from their hearty laughter, and the pies came out of the oven to cool, they all took a seat in the dinning room. However, Susan stopped her husband and eldest to wash up before they even reached the table. It had been a while since the old home was filled with such a sound. Her boys visited often enough and they all got together at least once a month, but she can never get enough.

Mark made himself a couple sandwiches from the egg salad on his plate and shook a little pepper on them. He took his first bite and the sharpness sent him reeling is savory bliss. His mom always made her egg salad with a splash of vinegar to give it the zip he loved so much. He looked around to see the girls were enjoying it, too, much to his mother's delight.

While everyone ate, Mark and the girls recounted the events that happened earlier. After a while, Sera had said she realized that Jessica had come to her very often at school for a class or an assignment she was having trouble with. That revelation made the others realized that that same vixen came to each of them as well but for different classes. Each of them thought that because she was one of the popular kids that if they helped her then they would be in the same social circle as her. They had already helped her for most of the year only to find that nothing had changed.

Mark and Jacob looked at each other with concern.

"Lucas..." Mark said.

"No doubt," Jacob confirmed.

"Hate to break it to you, ladies..."

"But she's been playing you the whole time."

The pink in Char's and Rose's ears turned beat red with rage. The young bat clenched her fists on top of the table.

Rose seethed through her teeth. "Why that... THAT..."

"Its okay, girls," Susan said. "Let it out. We won't tell your parents."

Just before Rose could raise her fists, Sera's hits the table with enough force from her little body that all the plates rattled which surprised everyone. "THAT FUCKING BITCH!!!" she shouted.

"What she said!" Grace agreed.

"There you go," Robert said. "Now, other clawing her eyes out, what do you plan to do?"

"Unless we are actually working with her," Char growled, "she can do her own fucking work!" The others expressed their agreement.

After a few minutes, everyone finally calmed down some. Susan had gone back into the kitchen to retrieve her freshly made pies, and when she came back with them the wonderful aroma suddenly made all the emotions diminish greatly. It was almost as if the specific recipe was made for just such an occasion. All the mouths around table watered when she served everyone a generous slice.

The moment the girls took their first bite, the last bit of rage they had completely melted away and were replaced with moans of delight. The flakey crust, the soft crunch from the apples, the sweet cinnamon, and then there was a hint of a flavor that was a bit sour but it went well in the pie. Robert told them that was his wife's secret ingredient: a little lemon juice in the filling.

"Oh, by the way, Mark," his father said. "The box you wanted me to make is done. Its sitting in the barn."

Mark suddenly froze just as he swallowed another bite looking like he was terrified of what he was just told. The piece got got lodged and he looked like he was about to choke when Jacob reached over to pat his back so he could finally swallow it.

Mark cleared his throat nervously and gave a very weak smile. "Tha-That's great, Dad. Thanks."

"Are you okay?" Rose asked concerned.

He coughed before he turned to her still giving the same weak smile. "Not really. But I'll be fine."

"You want to take a look?" his father asked cautiously.

Mark let out a groaning sigh. "Sure... Sure. Let's just get this over with."

"Just remember this was your idea."

"I know, I know..."

Everyone rose from the table and followed Robert to the door except Susan who stayed behind to clean up.

"Hey, Mom," Mark said coming up to her. "Got a second?"

"I always have time for my kids," she smiled to him.

"Heh. Well, I just wanted to let you know that I probably won't be around tomorrow."

"I kinda figured that. You are going to propose to Jazmine, after all."

"Yeah. And I also wanted let you know how much I appreciate all you've done." He moved in giving his mom a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "I love you, Mom. Have a happy Mother's Day."

"Thank you, Mark. I love you, too. I'm so proud of you. I'm sure you'll make them both happy."

Mark chuckled mischievously. "Well, even if Jazmine says no, Rose has already agreed to be my back up bride."

His mom chuckled as well. "Well, just make sure she graduates college and secures a job. She needs to contribute, too."

Mark laughed. "Okay, Mom." Gives her another kiss before following everyone out the door.

When they reached the barn, they went over to where the office desk was. The area next to it looked like a small mancave. There was a slightly worn sofa and coffee table in front of a tv, a foosball table, and an electric guitar. But on the floor in front of the desk were several large boards situated in the shape of a large cross all held together with hinges. What was really odd about the construction was the raised lips on the farthest panel and rope attached to the other panels besides the one where they meet.

Rose looked at Mark and saw his hands shaking. She had seen him come around the house plenty of time to see her mom. He came with a great attitude and was always happy to see them, but this was the first time she had ever seen him like this and his movements seemed kind of reluctant.

"You know you don't have to do it like this," Robert said to his youngest son. "There are plenty of other ways to propose."

Mark shook his hands. "Yeah, I know. But where's the fun in a traditional proposal? I got a reputation to keep up," he laughed nervously.

Rose looks between Mark and the boards and doesn't understand the situation.

"Well, I'm glad somebody's facing their fears," Jacob jabbed.

"What's wrong?" Rose finally asked.

"Claustrophobia," Mark answered. "I asked my dad to build me a box I can hide in and then pop out to propose to your mom."

"That sounds romantic and all," Char said, "but you're going to have a heart attack."

"Not if I do it fast enough," he chuckled weakly. He bent down to pick it up and the panels flopped all over the place making it harder for him to handle. "Thanks again, Dad."

"No problem," he nodded. "Just be careful."

"I will. Ready to head home, ladies?"

Mark got a chorus of acknowledgements from them and awkwardly carried the trick box of the barn. Rose was the last to follow until she was stopped by Jacob.

"Hold up a second," he nearly whispered. "I'm not sure if you knew, but your future step-dad is quite the trickster."

"Oh yeah," she confirmed.

"He's pulled plenty of pranks on us over the years and we get him back from time to time. So here's what you should do: after he gets into the box, put a single piece of tape on the lid and seal him in. Not too long of a piece, though."

"What?! Are you crazy?!"

"Don't worry. A single piece won't hold him in if he starts to panic. Trust me, I'm his older brother. He'll probably congratulate you."

She thought about it for a moment before a wicked smile showed on her cute face. "Okay then..." She turned around and hurried to join Mark and her friends.

Everyone piled into Mark's car and he pulled out of the driveway taking everyone home.

Later that evening, Mark invited Jazmine and Rose out to Erik's Tavern to celebrate the lovers finally coming out, but mostly just to have a nice night out together. The bell at the door signaled the trio entering and Mark spotted a corner table. When they got comfortable, Mark looked up to see a young human man about the same age as him come up to their table.

"Good evening, everyone," their waiter greeted with a smile.

"You're new here," Mark observed.

"That I am. I just started last month. My name's John and I'll be your waiter."

"Pleasure's mine. You getting the regulars down yet?" Mark snickered.

John nervously scratched the back of his neck nervously. "Not yet, but I'm working on it."

Mark smiled wickedly at him. "Then I'll give you a few more. I'm Mark Bentley..."

"Hold up!" John said cutting him off blinking with realization. "You wouldn't happen to be related to Lucas, are you? Sometimes goes by Kyle?"

"Why, yes I am! I'm his younger brother."

"Nice," he laughed. "Though, I have to say, it gets confusing to who I'm talking to when I'm working with him."

Mark chuckled. "Yeah, my brothers and I know the feeling."

"So, what can I get you guys?"

The three of them told him what they wanted to drink followed by their food orders.

"Alright, I'll be back with your drinks shortly," John said before turning on his heel.

"Hold up," Mark said stopping him. "Tell Erik I'd like to talk to him for a second."

"Sure thing."

When John was finally out of earshot, Rose turned to Mark. "What do you need to talk to him about?"

"You'll find out when he gets here."

"Oh, okay." The look of curiosity on her face turned into a cheeky grin as she stared at the adults. "So who took the other to bed first?"

Mark scoffed. "Didn't I already tell you? I'm the one who charmed her!"

"Oh, really?" Jasmine scoffed back. "Honey, he was putty in my hands when I told him to get on it."

"She really didn't stand a when I slipped her that roofie. The rest came down to my skill under the sheets."

"Oh, please! No. You didn't stand a chance when I showed you the goods." She emphasized her point by cupping her breasts and jiggling them in front of them.

Both lover and daughter watched the display in dumbfounded amazement. Mark opened his mouth in an attempt to say something to counter, but his mind was completely blank as his eyes were transfixed on her orbs. So he just dropped his head in defeat. The whole scene left Rose laughing by the two lovers.

"Well, it sure seems lively over here," a gruff voice said.

"Hey, Erik," Mark greeted.

Erik nodded. "John said you wanted to see me?"

"Yup. Erik, my friend, I need you to ring the bell for me tonight."

The Rottweiler's brown spot eyebrows lifted onto his forehead. "The bell, eh?" He turns around looking at a bell hanging above the register. "Not a lot of people know about it these days. I think the last time I rang that thing was about seven, eight years ago. You better have something good for it."

"Definitely."

"Okay, then."

Just then, John returned to the table with everyone's drinks.

"John, listen up," Erik said before he had a chance to set anything down. "I want you to find Alexis and Flimua and go around the room to get orders for rounds. Tell them its on the house and tell them not to drink it until I say. Got it?"

John blinked at the sudden request and nodded. "You got it, boss." He set down the drinks before turning to find his coworkers.

After a few minutes of watching the staff collecting orders, Rose finally asked, "So, what's all got to do with the bell?"

"When you want to get the whole room's attention for something important you want to raise a glass to, you can ask to have the bell rang."

"Oh!" She decided not to press the issue knowing she'll find out what his announcement is.

"I'm actually surprised you knew about it," Jasmine said.

"I overheard a couple of the regulars talk about it one time," he said.

Mark's table watched as all the staff returned to Erik after completing and delivering the orders to the entire floor. They saw Erik nod to his staff before taking out some glasses and pouring each of them a beer. When the staff had their drinks, Erik moved to the bell taking the rope in his hand. He looked directly at Mark silently asking if he was ready. Mark nods to him.

Ding... Ding... Ding...

The whole room fell quiet looking to Erik. A few murmurs were heard talking about the bell.

Erik turned to his tavern. "Its been a while since I rang this bell. I only do that when someone has something big they wish to share." He looks to Mark. "Mark Bentley, you have the floor."

Mark stood up and all eyes were on him. He inhaled before saying, "April Fools!" He went to sit back down but was on his feet again after Jasmine smacked his shoulder. "I'm kidding you!" The whole room chuckled at his antics. "As most of you know, my brother, Lucas, had been chasing Indigo for a couple years, all the while she was teasing him to come after her. On St. Patrick's this year, he finally got her." He heard someone cheer from the back. "Thanks for that. Also that night, he won a million dollars. He put that money to use by paying for the surgery she needed to remove the shrapnel in her leg. I'd like to announce that her surgery... was a complete success!"

The whole floor suddenly erupted in hollering and cheering. Everyone giving their best to let them know that the news was great and well supported.

"So, let's raise our glasses!" Mark called lifting his glass in the air. Jasmine and Rose followed suit. He looked around to see everyone doing the same, even Erik and his staff. "To Lucas and Indigo!"

"Cheers!" everyone called out

The next morning, Rose got up early and started in on breakfast. On any other day it would have been her mom cooking and making sure she got her daughter ready and organized for school. However, Mother's Day was the day when Rose would take the reins for a change.

Rose's super sharp ears picked up movement behind her. It was a slow coming down the steps and she could hear pained groaning.

"Good morning, Mom," she said gently remembering the great time they all had last night.

"Mmm... Morning, honey..." Jasmine croaked as she came around the corner dragging her feet before stopping at the threshold.

Rose turned to see her and saw that her mother looked worse than she thought. Both of her ears were drooping and her hair was a mess. Her robe was loosely tied but thankfully she managed to put on a pair of house pants so nothing of her was in plain view. Even her wings were dragging along the floor.

"Um... Are you okay?" Rose asked.

"I think I had a few too many last night..." she answered taking a seat at the table. "I hadn't drank that much since college before I met your dad. Breakfast smells wonderful."

"Thanks. It'll be done soon. Then you can relax with a nice hot meal." She poured her a cup of coffee setting it front of her. "Here. This should help."

"Thank you, honey. I feel so lucky you didn't turn out to be a rebel."

The young bat's face turned solemn. "After we were told about Dad, all we had was each other. And my grades were slipping because I was so worried about us." Then a slight smile came to her lips. "But then Mark came into our lives, you cradle robber."

"Don't even get me started on that," her mother laughed taking a sip of her coffee. "But you're right. I wish that guy would ask me already..."

Rose silently smirked and finished making breakfast. After she set a plate down in front of her mom, she received a text.

"Who's texting you at this hour?" Jasmine asked.

"My friends," she answered. "They're going to be here any minute. They are helping me set up your Mother's Day gift."

"Well that's nice of them," she said starting to feel better from her hangover.

"You enjoy your breakfast while I go outside to meet them." She went over to the kitchen's junk drawer and pulled out a roll of clear tape. She took a small enough piece sticking it to her shirt under her wing.

"What's that for?"

"Oh, you'll see..." Rose giggled.

"Think you might need a bigger piece?"

Rose didn't answer and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "It'll be outside. I'll call you when we're ready."

Jasmine chuckled. "Okay, honey."

Outside, Mark and her friends were already waiting in the driveway. Mark was looking a lot more nervous than he did the day before when he grabbed the trick that his shoulders were trembling. His face face was so pale that he could have been mistaken for a ghost.

"You know," he squeaked, "my dad was right. There are plenty of other ways to propose... And I don't think my poem is all that great either."

"Oh no!" Rose declared putting her hands on her hips. "This is a very cute idea and I'm not going to see you chicken out. Besides, you're only going to be in there once and only for a few minutes."

"I-I guess you're right..."

"Of course, I am. Now get in there!"

"Alright, alright! A little help, ladies." He stepped on the bottom panel and kneeled down.

Each of the girls took a panel with Rose taking the front panel and Grace being the tallest taking the lid and back panels. The front and side panels were brought up first surrounding him before Grace lifted the back to join the others.

"I'm lowering the lid," Grace warned. "Are you okay?"

"C-can we just g-get this over w-w-with!" he said with a shaky voice. Grace lowered the lid over him covering him completely.

"You got this, Mark," Rose said a little over encouragingly. She reached under her wing pulling the tape from her shirt. "Just breath. You're doing this for the women you love. That should calm you down." She put a finger on her lips telling her friends to keep quiet while she put the piece of tape on the lid to the front panel sealing him in. She did hear him take a deep breath and let it out slowly while her friends were making horrified faces at her.

"You know, I actually feel a little better," he said. "Thanks. Okay, I'm ready. And be quick about it. I don't know how much longer I can hold out like this."

"Okay." She turned around and let out several high-pitched squeaks towards the door.

"Okay, I'm coming!" they heard from inside.

The door opened with Jazmine looking a lot better than when she first walked into the kitchen.

"Hey, everyone!" the mother bat greeted. She sees the box in the driveway and whistles. "Wow! That's a big box!"

"Yup!" her daughter confirmed. "But before you open it, it's got a little message for you. Happy Mother's Day!" She taps the lid twice.

"My darling, Jasmine," Mark started from inside which surprised her. "When I first met you, you were lost. Tragedy befell you, your heart nearly frost. But after that first night, I wanted to be your light. I know this is overdue. My love for you is the key. So, I have a question for you. Jasmine..." He hit the lid from inside but it didn't lift off. "What the hell?" He hit it twice and it still didn't pop off. "HEY!!! Rose, did Jacob put you up to this? Get me out of here!"

Mark started to get frantic as he was flailing inside trying to get out. He repeatedly punched all the panels seeing if there was anything that would give. Jasmine wanted to help but then Rose held back watching the box bounce around in amusement. He finally stopped hitting the walls and their keen hearing picked up shuffling inside. They then noticed that the lid had lifted a little making the tape stretch. They all heard strained groaning before the tape finally broke and the lid came flying off making all the panels drop away like they were supposed to.

Mar panted hard catching his breath as he was spread eagle face up. He had somehow flipped himself over inside the box so he could push the lid off with his feet.

He looked up at Jasmine shocked face from the ground and lifted the ring box opening it. "Will you please marry me?"

Jasmine snicker at the whole display before she doubled over in a fit of laughter. "Yes!" she managed to say.

"Great..." he groaned happily as he let his arms down. "Well done, Rose..." he panted giving her a thumbs up before dropping it. "But did Jacob ever tell you what happened after the first time the guys pranked me back?"

Rose blinked hesitating to answer. "Um... No..."

"Shame... A warning like that would have come in handy." He looked up at her with a grin that was pure wickedness. "I put hair coloring in their shampoo turning all their hair blue! Better watch yourself, cupcake!"

End