FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

The artificial lighting of the stairwell gave way to the sun-lit lobby as Lorrie ascended from the underground platform. The high windows of the train station allowed the room to bathe in the natural warmth of the afternoon. The panda paused to soak it in, letting the sensation wash over her. With her parents headed home, Alex would be expecting her back pretty soon. There was a lot of tidying up to do before they could all decompress, something she was looking forward to greatly.

I'm going to have a nice, long soak, she thought, with candles, and incense, everything. Calm and quiet. She smiled to herself, humming as she considered going the other direction. We do have the house to ourselves again. She tapped her chin thoughtfully with a finger.

A dense aroma interrupted her musing, comforting and sweet. It called her attention to one side, where the station's small café was putting out fresh baked goods. Oh no,_she thought, _my one weakness! She turned to make her way over, but only a few steps in, a not-uncommon sight caught her eye: Admirers.

Spotting the pair of tigers was trivial, as one sat nearly a head taller than everyone else in the dining area. With brilliant white hair shining like a beacon, the lady was roughly seven foot tall, by her reckoning. The average-sized fellow beside her sheepishly averted his gaze as he realized they'd been caught. The woman did not, however, holding just long enough for eyes to meet, to _acknowledge_it. She flashed the panda a little grin before attending to her embarrassed friend.

I think someone would enjoy a closer look,_she thought, pulling the small chain from her vest pocket and clicking open the watch at the end, _I certainly would. There was plenty of time, she noted, her free hand undoing several buttons on her shirt. With a little sway in her step, she set off, adjusting her top en route to adequately frame her chest. She made sure the large, spherical pendant she wore sat nestled right at the top of her cleavage.

The crowd wasn't terribly dense, but still required some mindful weaving here and there. Using the time to mull over some clever ice-breakers, it occurred to her that these two may be an item. However, a catch of this potential was far too good for her to pass up the invitation. If nothing else, it would be a fun little diversion. And judging by the combination of agitated fidgeting and amused grinning, they were absolutely anticipating the panda's arrival anyway.

Getting a bit closer gave her a better look at the pair. They were dressed in t-shirts and jeans, suggesting a casual outing. The lady's hair was short, a bit messy, and barely flirting with her shoulders, while the fellow had only a small strip of brown hair, nestled in his fur like a crest. He also had a long, reddish goatee, tapering to a point on his chin. His clothes were loose and baggy, but she seemed to prefer a closer fit, showing off her toned, pear-shaped figure.

Lorrie's gaze lingered there a moment. Now now, she thought, don't get ahead of yourself. Arriving at the table, she leant against a vacant chair, placing a hand on her hip and letting them cant as she shifted her weight to one foot.

"Beg your pardon..." She began, and a pair of broad faces looked up at her, rounded ears swiveling forward. One was kind and confident, graced with eyes of the palest, icy blue. The other was apprehensive, hazel eyes alert and searching.

"By chance," Lorrie continued, "I happened to catch some wandering eyes. Thought you might like to have 'em back." Holding her pose with a sly grin, the panda waited for the return volley.

"How _kind_of you." The woman replied, her voice taking Lorrie by surprise. It was deep and smooth, rumbling through her like a gentle thunder in the distance. Lorrie's hand went from her hip to her chest, staring with raised eyebrows as the lady continued. "And fortunate you were dressed for the job." The tiger's tone suggested she was already on to the panda's game, and that smile all but confirmed it. Lorrie let herself drop into the empty seat, and the woman's expression switched in a flash. She seemed to tense, as though ready to spring up from her chair. "Are you alright?"

"Oh, perfectly fine, darling." The panda reassured her. "Forgive me, but that voice-" She paused, chancing a quick look over the woman. Damn , she thought. She began dramatically fanning herself with an open hand. "-I was not prepared."

"You had me worried." A subtle smirk teased at the edge of the woman's mouth as she relaxed back into her seat.

"Don't fret, dear, I'll pull through." Lorrie smiled back, waving off her concern. "Do you... mind if I join you?" She gestured at herself, her tone somewhat apologetic for asking after the fact.

"If you promise not to bill us." The woman teased, and the panda grinned.

"Of course not, darling, the 'job' is its own reward. That, and meeting such interesting_people." She glanced between them. "But where _are my manners?" Lorrie composed herself, crossing her legs and tidying her clothes. She continued with a more serious tone, though it was still light. "I'm Lorelei, Lorrie if you like." She extended a hand across the table.

"We do." The woman gladly accepted with a firm grip, and a few gentle pumps.

"Oh, we are cheeky!" She gave the tiger a sly look.

"Mela, and Niv." The woman titled her head toward her friend, and he offered a timid wave and a quiet 'hi'. Taking this as a preference, Lorrie responded in a similar fashion, flourishing her fingers and flashing him a friendly smile.

Not a ring between them, she thought.

"It's a pleasure to meet you both." Lorrie said, sure to meet their eyes in turn. While looking away from the fellow, she noticed his gaze dip briefly, and a hint of satisfaction filtered into her smile. And I daresay it's mutual all around, she thought. "I must say, I adore your necklace." She nodded at the large oval that hung from the woman's neck, rainbow moonstone set in silver. "It's a wonderful compliment to your eyes."

"Isn't it beautiful?" Mela said, delicately touching the stone. Its significance was clear in her tone, meaning more to her than any worldly value.

"Very! Can I ask where you got it?" Lorrie said.

"It was a gift, actually." The woman titled her head toward the gentleman, her expression turning warm, almost bashful as she glanced in his direction.

"Ah. You've got a good eye, dear." Lorrie said to him, looking the woman over as she spoke. Big rock for just a friend, she thought. The tiger was definitely aware of the attention, though she said nothing. Their eyes locked in a mutual knowing. Lorrie finally broke away, turning that same admiration on him as she asked, "What's your secret?"

"Uhh...?" He didn't seem to know how he should answer, looking very put-on-the-spot as his ears flattened against his head. Mela leaned in, loudly whispering at him.

"I think she's asking where you got it."

Lorrie gave him a look confirming the counsel. Oh no they're adorable, she thought.

"Oh, right, uhm..." He began rubbing his neck, staring off into nothing. A moment passed as his eyes darted about, chasing the thought backward through his mind. Wrinkles of frustration gradually creased the features of his face. With a heavy sigh, he gave up. "I... I honestly can't remember. Fuck, that's gonna bother me now."

"It's alright, dear, don't worry about it." Lorrie said in a gentle tone. "I hate to make a cute face frown."

"I think his name was Dave," Niv continued, looking to the floor, "but I don't remember his shop name..."

Lorrie was lost for a moment as she considered the information. What does the owner's name have to-, she thought, but the pieces fell quickly into place. "Oh! Custom work?" She asked, eyebrows high. "Your own design, then, I assume?"

"Mhm." He gave a timid nod, eyeing his handiwork. "He did a perfect job."

"It's good work. I like your taste." Lorrie took the opportunity to let her eyes wander from the pendant. The panda folded her arms under her chest, pushing it out as she leaned up on the table, staring him down. "You like mine?" She held back a laugh as he tried to play it cool, not letting his gaze linger. "Thought I'd ask, since you've been looking."

"I wasn't- I mean- I just-" His ears flattened as he stammered, shrinking into his seat.

"Ooo, busted." Mela joined in, nudging him. She seemed to recognize that he wasn't really in any trouble. Not the kind he was imagining, anyway. The pun, whether deliberate or not, earned the panda's approval and amusement.

"No harm in looking, dear. The shop has windows for a reason, after all." The panda held her pendant with a finger and thumb, slowly turning it back and forth to catch the light. "Quartz and gold, hand-crafted by myself and a friend." She held a moment, but he insisted on being modest, not letting his eyes linger more than a moment. Mela on the other hand, was absolutely shameless about accepting the invitation, much to the panda's satisfaction. "That is what you were looking at, right?"

"Yeah..." He nodded sheepishly.

"Isn't it always?" Lorrie shot the observation to Mela with a knowing look. Easing back into her seat, she removed the ornament, holding it out for him.

"A-are you sure?" He asked.

"Just be careful with it." She encouraged him. He was far more receptive to this, ears springing up as he reached out a cupped hand. Lorrie gingerly lowered the sphere, pooling the chain in his palm.

"It's like an eyeball." He held the trinket up, his face lit as much by wonder as by the dazzling light that filtered through the stone. Lorrie smiled, genuinely taking pleasure in his enthusiasm. She was reminded of Alex, and the way he often admired his finds. "How do you manage with something so big?" He asked, making the panda laugh.

"I'm usually the one asking that question. Funny enough, the answer's still the same; just tuck it in." Lorrie said, gesturing at her chest. His eyes followed the motion, then quickly darted away.

"It's beautiful work." Mela admired the trinket intently as it was passed to her. "Do you make a lot of jewelry? It looks very professional." She asked, handing it back to the panda.

"Thank you, that's very flattering." Lorrie answered as she returned the pendant to its perch. "In truth, we only dabble, really. More of a hobby than anything. Leather is my meat and potatoes."

"Oh yeah?" The fellow's ears perked up, and he leaned in a little. "What kind of stuff do you make?"

"I mostly specialize in firearm accessories;" Lorrie started counting on her fingers, "holsters, belts, bags, things of that nature. The demand isn't great, though, so I find myself doing much more 'indulgent' work. Costume bits, armour, accessories and even some... specialty gear, let's say." The corner of her mouth lifted in a devious grin. The lady knew what she getting at, but the gentleman gave her a confused look. "You know; cuffs, collars... harnesses." Lorrie elaborated with an affected nonchalance. The implication was still lost on him, so much so that his friend had to lean over and whisper in his ear. Properly this time. The face he made was priceless.

"OH. Right. Duh." He seemed more embarrassed about the miss, surprisingly. The subject itself apparently didn't bother him all that much.

"You should swing by sometime, we'd love to have you in." Lorrie offered. "I'm sure we have something to your tickle your fancy. If not, we can surely make arrangements. My jewelry friend, Alex, is an excellent tailor, and quite experienced with... unique physiques." Yet again her eyes scanned over the woman. "Between the two of us, we can pretty thoroughly kit you out for just about any kind of... activities."

"What's the going rate these days, to have one's fancy tickled?" Mela grinned.

"I'd be delighted to discuss some details. Perhaps..." Lorrie leaned over the table, resting on her elbows with an expectant expression, "over dinner?"

"Perhaps." Mela reclined in her seat, crossing her arms. Tilting her head toward the quite clueless fellow, she asked, "What do you think, love?"

"Ah." Lorrie ran her tongue over her teeth as she processed the remark. The emphasis was subtle, but unmistakable. Damn, she thought. "I had suspected as much." She said, a hint of disappointment slipping into her tone. "But," she continued, sounding more hopeful, "if that's not stepping on any toes, I happily stand by my offer." Both women turned their attention on the man, one eager for an answer, the other amused by the situation. "Whaddya say, handsome?"

"I... don't know what's happening..." His eyes darted between them nervously, before settling a helpless gaze on Mela. "What am I being asked?"

"I think she means to steal me from you." Mela answered with a satisfied grin, only confusing him further.

"I'd never!" Lorrie feigned offense, though she made it obvious. "I merely wish to borrow any that are interested." Lorrie waited, gauging the reaction. If the jig is up, she thought, might as well go all in. Again the woman took the panda's meaning, nudging her fellow and giving him an encouraging look. He, on the other hand, seemed intimidated by the proposition. There was interest, Lorrie could tell, but he hadn't the will to pull the trigger. Mela acted on his indecision swiftly, halting his consideration with a hand on his leg.

"We're very flattered, but we'll have to decline." Her tone was respectful, but firm.

"I understand." Lorrie replied in kind. "I do apologize if I overstepped my bounds, that wasn't my intention."

"No harm done... right?" Mela said.

"Yeah, it's fine." Niv agreed.

"Excellent. Well, I appreciate you humoring me." Lorrie said, standing up from the table. "I suppose I should excuse myself now."

"So soon?" Mela asked.

"I risk overstaying my welcome, I think." Lorrie said, giving them an extra opportunity.

"I don't think so. I'm having a great time." Mela said, turning to Niv. "Unless you feel differently?" He simply shook his head.

"Well..." Lorrie chewed her lip as she considered, but the woman insisted with a gesture at the now empty chair.

"Please."

Lorrie peeked at her watch with a thoughtful hum. "Oh... alright then." She said, returning to the still warm seat. "I'll try to behave myself." It clearly wasn't a promise. "So, what brings you out and about this afternoon, if I might ask? Just sight-seeing?" She brought her hand up to her chin, intimating herself.

"In the mean-time." Mela replied. "We're picking up my dad."

"Oh, lovely." Lorrie said. The fellow's reaction made her reconsider. "I think?"

"They haven't met yet." Mela explained.

"Ah. That can be quite intimidating." The panda gave him a warm smile. "I'm sure it'll be fine, right?" She turned to the woman for confirmation, which came in the form of a confident nod. "Right."

"Logically, I know that..." Niv said, gazing at his lap.

"But feelings aren't logical." Lorrie finished his thought. It was a phrase she knew well, and it cast a new light on the fellow. The quiet demeanor, the reluctance to engage, deferring of authority. _Should have caught it sooner,_she thought, watching Mela make a comforting gesture.

"Yeah." He conceded.

"I understand." Lorrie said. "My friend deals with a similar situation. Having someone he can anchor to helps him a lot, and I daresay you are in good hands." She gestured at Mela, grinning as she added, "Imagine my envy."

"Sure, take her side, and be all reasonable." He feigned irritation, crossing his arms and hunching his shoulders in an exaggerated motion. He turned away from the table and sipped on his drink for good measure.

"It's not the double-team I had in mind, but I'll take it." Lorrie said, giggling as he choked just a little. "It's normal to feel nervous, dear. But remember, he's just a person, like anyone."

"I mean..." He gestured at the woman of great stature beside him.

"And? What's your point?" Lorrie replied. He sighed heavily.

"Help me out here?" He asked Mela. She held up a finger and began looking through her phone.

"Please do, I'm intrigued now." Lorrie said.

"Ah, this should do the trick." Mela held out her phone for the panda, displaying a picture of herself, and presumably her father, at the beach. The resemblance was unmistakable, from the shape of the markings to the shiny white hair. Nearly a foot taller than her, he had a chiseled physique, with long silky hair down to his knees.

"Oh." Lorrie leaned up on the table. Her eyes jumped between the phone and its owner a few times as she did some mental calculations. "Well, um... when does the gentleman arrive?"

"A while yet, we're here early." Mela answered. "And you'll have better luck trying this one again." She gestured to Niv.

"Damn. Just can't catch a break today, can I?" Lorrie laughed.

"And on top of that," Niv pointed at the phone, "he's incredibly smart, well-accomplished-"

"-Kind, compassionate," Mela cut him off, "and a big softie who's excited to meet you."

"Sure, make me feel worse about it." He shot back sarcastically. She gave him a playful nudge in return. "I know I shouldn't be worried. I know... I just..." He conceded with a sigh of frustration.

"I know sweety. It's alright, I understand." Mela pulled him close, kissing the top of his head. "You're okay. And you'll be okay."

"As I said, good hands." Lorrie reiterated confidently. "But if you like, I could probably-" The chiming of the station clock interrupted her. "What? That can't be." According to her watch, she still had a few minutes. Her phone agreed with the station, however. "Damn thing's slow. Very sorry, I must be going." Hopping to her feet, she started toward the front of the station. "It was lovely meeting you!" She called back, blowing the couple a kiss and disappearing into the crowd.

You didn't give them your info, she thought.

"Drat!" She stopped at the realization, but immediately kept going. There were too many people to wade through, and the shuttle wouldn't wait. Perhaps she'd be fortunate enough to encounter them again, but this window had closed.