FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Tab stood with his shoulders hunched forward, the gray wolf wishing he could disappear into the fluid crowd that moved like a river around Justin and him.

"This looks nice," Justin said in his higher voice. The fox was as different from Tab as night and day. Gregarious, funny, relaxed, and in a relationship.

"I guess," Tab mumbled. It was the day after Awakeners Feast and the mall was a madhouse with thrifty furs searching for post-holiday deals. He snarled when a deer bumped into him, sending the other fur into a startled retreat.

"It's not marked down," Justin frowned.

They'd window shopped all morning and Justin had two bags brimming with miscellania that no one set out to buy but always ended up with one way or another. A solar powered dancing cactus. A melon baller. A keychain with a built in bottle opener and flashlight. Tab, on the other hand, bought a hat and immediately regretted it.

Tab leaned, looking at his translucent reflection and reaching up to straighten his new fedora. The ear slits were too wide.

"You look fine," Justin put his hands on his hips and looked up at the wolf. "Focus on me. I'm having a crisis here!"

Tab laughed. His friend could be so dramatic. "Alright. Let's go in and check it out."

Justin nodded firmly and marched into the Artisan Crafts store.

A wave of cinnamon and spice hit the two canines like wet snowball. "Strong," Tab coughed.

"Yeah," Justin gagged as he picked up the scented candle that caught his eye. "But do you think Danna would like it?"

"Danna?" Tab froze.

"Well, you don't think I could live with this scented turd stick at my place, do you?" He turned the candle in his hands, weighing it like he was in the produce aisle at the market.

Tab was miles away. Every time he heard her name it felt like an old wound being ripped back open.

***

"Aww. You are just so sweet," the bat stood on her toes and planted the most platonic kiss Tab had ever experienced on the side of his muzzle.

Spring. Long before the Awakeners Feast. He stood in front of the girl he'd lusted after for three months. The girl he'd lost to his friend Justin. It was his last ditch attempt to spark a fire, to let her know he was interested.

That was what hurt the most. Danna and Justin didn't even know there was a contest for her affections. Tab had to admit that he was partly to blame. He'd never been good with relationships, but the complete and utter blindness to his intentions he placed fully on Danna and Justin.

"You like it?" he groaned.

"Oh, absolutely! It's so...so-"

Ridiculous, Tab thought.

"-sweet!"

"It really is," Justin clapped a hand on the wolf's shoulder. "I don't know we're ever going to be able to repay you."

"I'm just glad I can help you guys out." Tab watched Danna squeal as she ran he long bat fingers over the reasonably smooth paint job on her - and Justin's apparently - slightly used moped. The red bow still hung from the side mirror.

Justin threw his arms around the bigger fur, squeezing tight and getting the wolf to grunt as the air suddenly left his lungs.

Danna sat down, fondling the handlebars. "How are you still single?" The careless knife plunged deep. "Any fur would be lucky to have someone like you."

Tab did what he could to block out the rest of those horrible memories.

***

"Earth to Tab," Justin waved a hand in front of his pal's vacant eyes.

"Huh?"

"I said, what do you think?"

Tab blinked. "It's a fine candle. Danna will love it. She's partial to orange blossom."

Justin raised an eyebrow and looked at the candle's sticker. "Honestly, I can't smell anything in this place. It's all just a burning cloud at this point."

Tab waited inside the store while Justin made his purchase. Canine repellent odors aside, it was a welcome respite from the unending crowds.

"I could eat," Justin patted the wolf's back firmly. "Foodcourt?"

"Sure," Tab shrugged and let the fox lead the way.

The foodcourt was throwback to the garish sensibilities of the early nineties. Neon, formica, and plastic plants galore. Tab made the only sensible choice, ordering from Olyrea's East Eurasian Cuisine. It was a meal that let him show off his skills with chopsticks. He waited for Justin, finding an out-of-the-way table as far from the throng as he could manage.

The fox came cheerfully, a spring in his step and a tray of fast food in his arms. "Ok, Tab," he sat down. "Wanna tell me what's wrong?"

"What?" Tab was taken aback.

"I'm not an idiot," he kept his smile, struggling with a ketchup packet. "You've been acting weird lately. I mean, weird for you even."

"What does that mean?" Tab narrowed his eyes and rubbed his chopsticks in his hands.

"It means what it means. You've been acting different. Distant, kinda. Did... did I do something?"

It surprised him. Both that Justin picked up on his mood and that he wasn't as good at hiding his feelings as he thought he was. "It's nothing. Just a little under the weather lately."

The fox scoffed at that. "Tab, don't be like this. We've been friends for too long for you to think I won't figure it out."

"Really, it's nothing." Tab pinched a few noodles together and slurped them down.

"No," Justin said thoughtfully. "It might have been nothing six months ago, but now I'm starting to worry. You just aren't happy like you used to be. I had to practically drag you out here today. Tell me," ketchup oozed over his fingers, "what's up?"

This was the absolute worst time to learn his friend was less of mindless zombie than he'd thought. Tab couldn't bring himself to say anything, gripped by a sudden fear that it would all come tumbling out.

"Six months ago," Justin said to himself. "That was before you started that job at the dealership. I know because I was suddenly paying for three meals once Danna started going out with us."

Tab flinched. The fox was getting close. "Stop it." His words weren't as strong as he aimed for, and Justin either didn't hear or didn't care.

"You watched that time-travel movie, what, three month ago? You hated that, but it didn't fuck you up."

"They remade a classic, Jus, a classic," Tab stabbed his noodles. "They killed a beloved franchise just to cash in on nostalgia. To hell with artistic integrity, I guess, right? It should be illegal-" Tab looked beyond the foxy smirk of his friend to see his shouting had attracted unwanted attention. He ducked his head back into his noodles.

"See," Justin sighed. "I miss that. You used to be passionate about stuff, but ever since we started hanging out with Danna, you've been all reserved and shit."

"I just didn't want her to think I was weird," Tab blurted out too quickly.

"You never care what other furs think about you," Justin huffed. "Why would-" he cut off suddenly.

Tab's eyes widened and he knew the fox had connected the dots.

"You had a thing for her?" Justin had the decency to drop his voice to a whisper.

"Have a thing! And I saw her first, you dolt!"

Justin's ears fell back as Tab proceeded to berate him.

"I am so fucking pissed," the wolf fumed. "I was trying to show Danna I wasn't like other guys. And then you swoop in and mess up everything!"

"Tab... I-"

"Save it," Tab growled. He looked at his noodles again. His appetite was completely gone. Pushing the tray aside he jumped to his feet and began to leave. "I need to be alone. I'm always alone, might as well enjoy it."

"Wait!"

Tab could hear a chair tip over and the sounds of running. Justin put his hand on Tab's arm and the wolf shook it off.

"Tab! Stop! I swear, I had no idea you liked her." Justin tugged at the bigger fur's arm again. "Can you just listen to me."

"There's nothing more to say," Tab stopped and spun on his now ex-best friend.

"Don't be like this," Justin's mouth pinched tight in defiance. "You never said anything to me about this."

"What the hell was I supposed to say? 'Back off, I claim her?' That would have made me as bad as everyone else."

Justin's face softened. "Tell me what I can do to fix this. We've known each other too long to let a girl come between us. What do you want?"

"Give me Danna," Tab blurted out.

Justin sighed. "You know that's not how it works, Tab. Be serious. Tell me what will make us ok again."

Tab tugged at the brim of his hat and leaned against the wall, his arms folded.

Justin didn't leave. "Hit me, Tab."

"What?" he tilted his head to see the fox was serious.

"I'll take the blame for this. You probably did drop hints, but I," he shrugged apologetically, "can be kinda self absorbed." His nose twitched. "So, hit me."

"Yeah, and then I get arrested," Tab snorted.

"Fine, we can go someplace else," he grabbed Tab by the wrist and pulled. "But not your place. You own a fucking sword for God knows why."

"It's a katana," Tab growled. He yanked his hand back but kept following the bright red tail as Justin barged his way down the main hall of the mall using his bags as a battering ram. Winding through a maze of kiosks, Justin finally slowed down by the old Hibernation Mattress store.

It closed almost a month ago, not that many furs noticed. It was in an unfortunate position tucked away near exit to the parking structure. The crowd thinned out, but Tab was still not about to hit Justin. He opened his mouth to tell the fox such when Justin shushed him.

"Just keep your eyes out for any security, alright?"

"What are you doing?" Tab turned his back to the fox. The shoppers weren't paying attention to the two of them. Most were more concerned with bracing themselves for the blast of cold that would greet them outside the mall.

Tab could hear Justin searching through his purchases, then a snap.

"What was- Did you just break the lock?"

"No," Justin laughed. "My new stainless steel spatula did... Act surprised when you get this for your birthday."

Tab managed to get out half a snort before he was yanked backwards through the jimmied plywood door the renovation crew put up.

"Damn it, Justin! Get off," Tab yanked his coat free. There was fumbling and Justin clicked on a hanging work lamp. The walls were sandblasted to the grey brick. Sheets of dusty plastic were laid out over a workbench and a stack of the old store's abandoned product.

Tab watched the shadows from the swaying lamp until Justin steadied it with a hand. He shook his head. "Get out of my way. I told you I'm not going to settle this like a feral and I meant it."

Justin looked down. His sharp vulpine features were softened in the diffused light. It made it hard for Tab to keep his temper hot. "I know," Justin said quietly, "I was thinking there might be another way."

Tab tensed, wondering if Justin was going to start the fight just so he could get hit. "I don't see how."

Justin took a moment, still not looking the wolf in the eyes. "You won't make it easy and just punch me and go out for a beer-"

"Blagh," Tab stuck out his tongue.

Justin quickly pressed on, having been audience to Tab's monologues about his distaste for alcohol and its associated cultures. "And you can't just take Danna like in the old days... "

"But?" Tab prodded.

Vulpine eyes flickered green as they caught the light looking up. "But you can claim me."

"What?" Tab balked.

"Don't make me drag this out," Justin groaned and rubbed his arm. "You're the one always talking about the old ways and how much you admire them. J-just claim me. It'll be like having a claim on my mate. And maybe getting your rocks off will get that stick out of your ass."

Tab waited for Justin to say he was joking, for him to give any indication he wasn't seriously suggesting what he was. But as the seconds ticked by and Justin stared unwaveringly, Tab knew the fox was serious.

"I- I'm not-"

Just wagged a finger defiantly. "Don't even try that! I've noticed you peeking when we're at the gym - not that you go with me much anymore. And don't think I don't remember that time when we were pups and I slept over."

Tab nearly choked. "W-we were in high school! A-and y-you-"

"Were asleep?" Justin raised an eyebrow. "Think again, wolfie. I knew you were pulling the covers back and staring at my cute fuzzy ass."

"Th-that-" Tab was burning hotter than the yellow light bulb.

"It's alright," Justin eased into a smile that came naturally. "I'm a fox. We know we've got the kind of body that all furs wanna fuck. Knew it since species-specific sex-ed when I was, like, ten. Hell, I've had lesbians giving me the same look you are right now."

Tab felt his throat tighten. He'd been revisiting that night long ago without realizing it. "Yeah, well, whatever. Still doesn't change you stealing my mate."

"She was never your-" Justin started to growl before catching himself. He sighed a deep exasperated sigh he'd picked up from the world weary Tab. "You're right. I fucked up. But I don't want to lose you. And I'm offering myself to do that. Claim me."

Tab's mind swirled. He prided himself on keeping to a chivalrous fourteenth century code of ethics. This was his fantasy staring up at him. His arms trembled, reaching out. He took Justin by the shoulders, touching him in a way he'd never done before.

Justin nodded encouragement as Tab slid his hands down the thin fox arms, feeling the slight contours under the coat.

With a jerk of his head, Justin motioned to the stack of mattresses under the plastic tarp. "Mind if we get more comfortable? I've never done this before, so you'll need to tell me what happens."

Tab's heart hammered. "Well, after vanquishing his rival," he paused, deciding Justin was indeed vanquished, "the lord would usually strip the fur."

Justin shrugged out of his coat, turning and pulling the covering off the mattresses.

Tab bent to pick up his friend's coat, dusting it and laying it on the workbench with his own. He turned to see Justin sitting down.

"Would you like to do the honors, lord?"

There was a sudden rush of blood to Tab's cock, leaving him lightheaded as he shambled forward. Justin was patient while the wolf looked him over, finally deciding where to start. Tab bent down. He was intensely aware of the fox watching him.

He stopped. "Justin... What if someone comes in?"

Justin smirked. "No one will."

"But what if-"

"This is your problem." Justin's grin never failed to captivate the wolf. The way his fangs would peek out, the way his whiskers would fan like a palm frond, the way it added a glimmer to those quick vulpine eyes. "You spend too much time worrying about the coulds and mights. Just take those first impulses you get and act on them."

Justin brought his hand up to poke his friend on the nose. Tab pretended it was an off switch to his analytical brain. He exhaled and grabbed the hem of Justin's shirt.

He lifted slowly. Not in hesitation, but to savor the experience. Justin was right, it had been a while since Tab joined him at the gym. It was a pleasant surprise to see the fox's sculpted abdomen. Not overly muscled, but it was plain to see the fox put effort into his body. His ribs jutted in an almost feminine fashion, causing a reflexive gasp when Tab got to the fox's nipples.

"Put your arms up," Tab whispered. He worked the shirt over Justin's head, leaning in while his vision was obscured. He pressed his muzzle into the divot in the fox's collarbone and took a deep breath. Justin's scent flooded Tab and the wolf shuddered.

Justin giggled. "You should have made this move a long time ago."

Tab dropped the shirt. "I had no idea you were into being claimed."

Justin fell back on his elbows, grinning coyly. "Oh, I'm totally into it. Danna's got a strap-on. The things she does to me," he whistled sharply and toed off his shoes.

Tab snarled. He knew what Justin was doing by bring up Danna. Manipulating him to get a reaction. Fine, the wolf thought, if the fox wants it rough, he can have it rough.

Tab grabbed Justin's waist. Justin yelped as he was pulled closer to the edge of the stacked mattresses. Tab sunk his fingers in, cinching the pants tight so he could loosen the belt. Justin squirmed but Tab could plainly see the smile that tugged at his friend's lips.

The faux struggling stopped when Tab started to unzip Justin's fly. The room seemed incredibly silent, like the crowds in the mall were gone and it was only the two of them. Tab took his time, listening to the rip of each tooth in the zipper. He smirked when he realized Justin was wearing a sky blue pair of briefs. He watched bulge unveil. Justin shimmied his hips so Tab could free him of his pants.

"God," Justin gasped, "you are a fucking stud."

Tab could feel himself blushing again. He tipped his fedora. "You're not bad yourself, m'lady."

Justin snickered and kicked Tab's leg. "Asshole."

Tab caught Justin by the ankle. "Real tough coming from a fox who's about to get claimed." He lifted Justin's foot and pulled off his sock, tossing it over his shoulder before getting the other one.

Justin shuddered. His cock was starting to leak. A dark patch started to spread on his briefs. Tab reached out, touching the last article of clothing. His tail thrashed between his legs, brushing Tab's thighs.

The excitement was far from one sided. Tab could barely breath. His fingertips basked in the searing heat coming through that thin fabric. Danna was a distant memory, she would never connect with him the way his longtime friend did. She might have put him in the friend zone but as he started to pull down those blue briefs he started to think it was a blessing in disguise.

He'd never gotten off on cocks, not even animated ones, but Justin's was like a forbidden fruit. Tantalizingly forbidden. Justin lifted his legs straight up, spreading them once he was completely nude. Tab growled approvingly as Justin set his heels on his shoulders.

"I- I don't have any lube," Tab blurted.

"I know," Justin hummed. "Just spit on your finger and loosen me up. It'll hurt, but I want you to know I'm learning my lesson."

Tab opened his mouth, ever the good fur, ready to let Justin put this off. Maybe until next week when they could do this at his apartment. But the fox knew what he doing and gave a sharp look. Tab could see this was what Justin wanted.

Obligingly the wolf clapped his hands on the fox's firm globes, kneading and spreading them before taking a hand away.

"Pftt," Tab spit as daintily as he could.

Justin laughed. "You're about to fuck me, Tab. Really hock one up!"

"I was hoping to keep the act from getting too messy. I mean, there is the issue of leaving the mall, and- Ow!"

Justin knocked his foot against Tab's head and giggled. "Overthinking it again."

Tab's eyes narrowed. He took off his fedora and tossed it like a frisbee. It missed the workbench, but Justin wouldn't have seen that. Spitting again, far less daintily, he slapped his wet hand against the fox's taut ass.

Justin squeaked. "Harder, daddy."

"Would you shut up?" Tab snarled. His wet finger swiped along the crack until he found the hot pulsating pucker.

Justin gasped as Tab pushed through the tight ring of muscle. Tab twisted, sliding in and out between the first and second knuckle. It was the most intimate sensation he'd ever had. Feeling his closest friend's velvety insides, watching the heaving chest and hearing the quick shallow breaths. Tab hoped he was doing this right as he looked into Justin's wide green eyes.

"Are you alright?"

"Y-yeah," Justin nodded, panting. "Just go a little slower."

Thankful for the feedback, Tab concentrated on his finger, wanting Justin to enjoy this every bit as he was. Gradually the muscles started to relax, he added a second finger and started going deeper.

Justin's sudden moan startled him. "What? I didn't hurt you, did I?"

Justin didn't answer in words, but the glistening tip and the way he locked his ankles behind Tab's ears to pull him closer told the wolf all he needed.

"Alright, alright," Tab huffed, trying not to fall forward. "Let me-" He took his hand away and fumbled with his fly. Justin grumbled at the delay and Tab shut him up the only way he knew how.

Justin moaned deep and guttural, his claws shredding the mattress as he gripped it. Tab held down on hips, controlling the fox's hungry bucking. Tab slid in until their bodies pressed together. He bent over his claim, their chests touching.

Their eyes locked and Tab feel into the deep pools of green. They really did have a bond that went deeper than friendship, he realized. As if reading his mind, Justin pressed his lips to Tab's. The wolf's ears splayed in surprise before he leaned into it, taking over the kiss and slipping his tongue past the small sharp teeth.

They found a rhythm that seemed instinctual. It felt like they'd made love all their life. It felt right, and the wolf went slowly, making up for lost time.

Time lost all meaning until Justin's needs broke the symphony of grunts and moans.

"Oh, God, Tab!" Justin hollered. "Claim me. Now!" He tilted his head, exposing his neck in an ancient sign of ultimate vulnerability.

Tab pressed his maw to it, licking. He could feel the fox's pulse racing. He kissed his way along the shoulder, picking his spot. One final deep breath and his jaws opened wide.

Justin shrieked in ecstasy as Tab's fangs pierced him. He exploded, marking the wolf in his own way with thick ropes of cum pumping against his belly.

The coppery tang of Justin, the scent of sex and sweat, drove Tab into a primal frenzy. He rammed into Justin, jarring the orgasiming fox and shooting his seed so deep he wondered if his friend could taste him.

Tab slumped down. The rise and fall of Justin's chest, even under the added weight, and his loud breathing was intensely relaxing.

"Tab?" Justin's voice carried his smile. He cleared his throat.

Tab realized he was still biting down on the fox's shoulder. He let go immediately. "Sorry. I was..."

"Yeah. Me too."

Tab managed the energy to push off Justin, giving the fox another shudder as he pulled out. He looked at the bite mark. It bled, but a few licks seemed take care of the worst of it. "God, what's Danna going to say when she sees this?"

Justin twisted his head, trying to see his mark. "Nothing, when I teller it's from you." He rolled onto his side, facing Tab. "You said it yourself, you're in her friendzone. Friends share."

The added wink sent another flush to Tab's cheeks and snorted a laugh.

Justin's piercing eyes grew more focused. "What about us? Are we ok now? How did this claiming thing work back in the old days?"

Tab reached over and stroked Justin's head. It was rare to see the fox worried and it made the wolf know just how lucky he was to have him in his life. "We're better than ever." He brushed the soft fur. "Historically speaking, you're mine until the mark fades."

"Oh."

Was that disappointment, Tab wondered. "It's not too bad. The bite will heal in a week or two. And it's not like you have to-"

Justin put a finger to the wolf's lips. "Only a week or two?" His nose crinkled in concentration. "But, hypothetically speaking, if you were to, say, bite me again..."

Tab's hand slid down, tracing lazy circles along his friend's arm. "Well, we were going to hang out next Wednesday at my place, and I could be," he licked his lips, "hungry again."

Justin moved closer, their lips nearly touching. "If I knew you felt, I would have told you how delicious I was years ago."