FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

The Wellings Manor's library was a state-of-the-art facility, the designers taking in the more desirable and functional qualities of both Western and Eastern libraries to build it to what it is now. The Mahogany shelves attached on the walls were filled with books, new and old, smelling of clean dried leaves that only came from papers well-preserved by the watchful eyes of its' keepers. The first floor was filled with silent conversations around the tables laden with books and lazy faces, discussions from the tutorials from the teachers and their students and the ghostly murmurs of arguments between the literary worth of some of the library's treasured books. A narrow spiral staircase led to the second floor, to where a gigantic grandfather clock was posited, its glassy metronome's ticking the only distinguishable sound on the second floor. Two cats: Black and white sat at a lone table by the second floor's balcony, overlooking the first floor. The black cat stared at a TV screen, the moving pictures played across his eyes. A tensioned grasp splayed on his body, feet trembling, repeatedly rapping on the wooden floor as if he wanted to run away.

He shivered at the image.

It was an animal, delivering nothing but destruction in all the objects in it's path. It's crazed eyes quivered in everything but anticipation and lust for ruin. The sorry excuse of a room tore under it's small black paws and sharp fangs, going on for hours until fatigue replaced it's adrenaline and finally stopped it's destruction. For a long moment it stared at Ryleigh, it's feral blue eyes twinkled with a hint of sanity. Then it tore it's gaze away from the screen as if it had no idea that it was being watched.

That was days ago. The animal was him.

"Ryleigh."

Ryleigh snapped out from his daze. Marlene stood in front of him, a blank gaze towards him. A flash of pain went by her eyes, lips quivered, a quick motion, but long enough for Ryleigh to see it. She wasn't handling this as well as she looks but she was silent, not even a meep from her as she waited for Ryleigh to speak.

"What was that? Mom?" Marlene, he snapped at himself. She insisted on 'Marlene' during their sessions.

Marlene sighed and rubbed her temples, "Maybe we should call it a day."

"Yes! I-I mean no!"

"It's for the best." she said and resettled herself in her seat, "We've made progress Ryleigh." Her lips curved into a soft smile, the first time since they started treatment for the day. Marlene's gates of her true emotions opened, her fervent affection emanated around her like a glowing aura and Ryleigh found himself smiling at her. Marlene, Ryleigh observed, was a brick wall during their sessions. Despite of the visible writhing of his face during his recollections, she always stood stock silent, not even a meep. And as usual, after the session end--especially now, the walls go crumbling down, and the compressed steam of her feelings reassured him.

"We're having Hanami later...right?" She asked.

"You, me and Alexander." he said, practically cooing at the last name.

Marlene giggled, a childlike sound, "Maybe it should just be you and Alex. I'd hate to disturb you two." she said.

"N-no!" he yelled and instantly regretted it, remembering they were in the library, then whispered, "Us three! Us three!"

Marlene just responded with more giggles. In a few moments, she stopped while Ryleigh stood silent, blushing at his guilt at her words.

"I'm guessing you'll want to go now." she said.

"Yes!" he said a little bit too eagerly.

"Mmhmm." she hummed, "Alexander's with Roland at his office, you know where it is."

"B-but--"

"Please Ryleigh, I'm very sure he's the only person you want to see after. Go. I'll see you later at the garden, make sure you're presentable."

He got up quickly, planted a quick kiss on her cheeks before stepping down the stairs. He must've stomped down too loudly, because when he was on the last step, everyone's eyes were on him. He muttered a quick apology before he stepped out through the double doors of the library.

He was in the halls again, and many days had passed since he came. Yet he still found himself searching for the correct paths through the endless maze of carpets, candelabra and armor. The intersections looked too much alike, as if the whole mansion meant to lead strangers astray. It certainly was doing it's job to Ryleigh.

Ryleigh frowned and tightened his fists, claws dug into his skin.

A Maze. A Cage.

He trudged his way through the halls, the faces or the greetings of the servants he passed by only registered as mumbles and mostly ignored. The paths were almost impossible to distinguish, but he knew it enough to reach his destination without having to go through the troubles of paltry smiles or polite conversation. He was being rude and he knew it. The few servants he encountered were met with spite, some whimpering and regretting they even tried to be polite to Ryleigh. He went through a narrow stairwell, devoid of any decorations with only the similar red carpets on the floor. The path was one usually untraveled, much to Ryleigh's liking. He went through a door and opened it and immediately, the sunlight from the outdoors met his eyes with glee.

He found this place a short while after Marlene told him that the garden was off limits for the time before their private feast. It was a downer for him. The garden was a very quiet, a peaceful spot and it, a place unfilled with any persons. The mansion was a convenient place to live in, but the idea of having too many people living under it was not an idea he was fond of. It was a necessity, and he wouldn't have minded it, but he wasn't all that used to conversing with people in a non-sexual way.

He wasn't even sure they weren't looking at him with lust.

He stepped out and silently closed the door behind him. The winds from outside the estate soared around him, brought with them was the floral scent from the hedges and flowers from the garden below. He was in the hidden balcony of the mansion, a space in between two narrow walls facing down the gates of the mansion. The roof stood strong a few inches above his head, enough that the balcony was hidden from outside view yet still letting sunlight permeate through a slight gap between the roof and the ledge.

Ryleigh rested his arms on the ledge and let out a brief sigh. The hidden balcony was peaceful, not laden with people nor did it come with the depressing voices he heard whenever he was around them. It had become his temporary resting place beside his room. The thought of being in their room was met with distaste. He didn't even want to be there anymore, mostly for reasons that concerned Alexander.

It was a confusing thing for Ryleigh. He'd been sleeping together on the same bed with Alexander the past few days, comfortably even, without a single vision of a nightmare occurring to him during his sleep. Alexander was good at that. His kisses were enough to lull him to sleep and will his nightmares away. Alexander's duty as the subhead of the servants required him to wake up early, and Ryleigh expected him to be gone when he wakes. But Alexander was always there when he himself wakes. The first thing he sees was Alexander's squinting eyes as he smiles and rubs his rough, stubbled cheeks on Ryleigh's neck. Ryleigh appreciated it very much: That Alexander would slack on his call of duty just to see Ryleigh awake and bring a smile on his face when he did.

He didn't deserve him.

The thoughts plagued him ever since Ryleigh's first treatment from Marlene. She started by showing him a video: Of him thrashing the whole suite on the hotel. He was an animal. That's all he was. An animal that's so devolved that the only purpose it knows was to let it's emotions take over and ignore the calls of it's logical mind if it even existed.

He'd come so far away through his age, twenty-one by now, yet his thinking still hadn't developed towards a mature state that was right for a boy--a man his age. Which was why he'd been avoiding all contact with others as much as possible. He learned from his conversations from Roland, in between his tutoring that half of the servants were his age. They knew alot of things, knowledge that were useful in their lives. Ryleigh was nothing more than a filthy whore.

He looked down at the garden in disdain then out at the city. The mansion was beautiful, filled with life, comfort and peace. The city, by contrast, looked so ominous and empty at the same time. Even with his distance from the taller buildings, he could still see the broken glasses from the panel of windows as well as a cloud of smoke puffing out from a faraway factory. He belonged to the city, and they, the servants, belonged to the Mansion. They, were pure. He, was dirty.

He already verbalized his own thoughts with Marlene when he broke down after watching the video of himself: Of how wrecked and rotten he felt, of how inept and stupid he was. Marlene took the words with an empathic gaze and said words that felt so robotic and scripted. During those times, Ryleigh wished that she would be Marlene his mother and not Marlene his therapist, but she didn't. Just like today, Marlene told him they made progress just like the other days. But it was all a lie. He wasn't becoming better. He was worse.

His ears perked up when he heard the door from behind him creak, and he cautiously looked behind to see a familiar gray hand shut the door behind it's muscular body.

"Hey."

"Hey."

Ryleigh reflexively moved to the side as Alexander took his position next to him. The narrow space of the balcony now felt much smaller and more cramped with the rhino present. He didn't face the rhino and let his gaze rest on the city's backdrop, but Alexander's eyes laid on him but he refused to stare back. He couldn't.

"I followed you here." Alexander said.

"Mmmhmm." Ryleigh hummed, a frown shaped up on his muzzle, but he smoothed it back into a straight line before Alexander could take notice. For a while they stared off at the city's buildings and only Alexander's hushed breaths registered on Ryleigh's ears. After a long while, Alexander's hand curved around Ryleigh's hip and pulled the cat towards his body. Ryleigh whimpered and gripped Alexander's arm before their bodies could fully connect. He turned to Alexander and shook his head. Alexander then grimaced and let the cat go.

"Talk to me." Alexander said. He sounded desperate.

Ryleigh shook his head again.

"Did I do anything wrong?"

Ryleigh bit his lip.

"Don't you want me?"

"I do!" Ryleigh finally yelled.

"Then what's wrong?" Alexander said, and pulled Ryleigh hard against his body, ignoring Ryleigh's yipping. He cupped Ryleigh's face on his hands and forced a kiss on the cat's lips.

The cat felt himself grow hot, unable to resist the urge to open his muzzle and let Alexander's broad tongue dominate him. He cried. He wanted Alexander so much. But he can't. He can't...

He forcefully stepped back from Alexander and looked at him with pleading eyes, "No...Please."

Ryleigh stared at him, now only noticing that Alexander didn't wear his usual tailcoats but wore a white tank top and short shorts instead. He was sweaty all around, his eyes a little faded and gazing at him tiredly. Alexander panted, like he'd spent most of his energy from their kiss. Ryleigh felt his heart sink at Alexander's pitiful state. He couldn't bear not to tell Alexander what was wrong. He wasn't worthy of Alexander, but Alexander deserved to know the truth.

"Please..." he said, "Let me just sort my mind out."

"Then tell m--"

"Alex!"

Alex's jaws clenched at Ryleigh's outburst. The rhino nodded and Ryleigh sat down with his back on the ledge.

"Sit beside me." Ryleigh said, "I need you."

Alexander then sat beside Ryleigh. Their shoulders touched and it took all of Ryleigh's control to keep himself from leaning his head against Alexander. He rubbed his paws against legs in nervousness, his teeth repeatedly biting his lip. Alexander was there for him, not staring at Ryleigh but being patient enough to let the cat mull over his thoughts.

Ryleigh muttered to himself, and it was minutes later before he finally spoke, "I don't know what to do..." he admitted weakly, "I'm starting to think that I shouldn't have ran away from the Dungeon."

Alexander gasped, a foreign expression from the otherwise calm rhino, "Don't say that!" he said and hugged Ryleigh protectively.

Ryleigh whimpered and felt Alexander's kisses land softly on his neck then on his cheek. He curled his small arms around Alexander's thick neck and invited more kisses from Alexander's lips with a tilt of his head. Alexander readily gave it to him and Ryleigh moaned in constrained bliss.

Then Alexander's kissing stopped and so did Ryleigh's moans. Ryleigh gave one last peck on Alexander's lip before he pulled back.

"Talk to me."

"But--"

"Trust me."

Ryleigh breathed. He knew that Alexander already had a grasp on his miserable state the moment he stepped in the balcony and read his demeanor. Maybe it was something that Marlene taught Alexander. One look and he knew what Ryleigh was thinking. He was perceptive like that.

Ryleigh wiped a stray tear on his eye, "You shouldn't be here. You've got duties to attend to."

"Don't push me away. You're hurting me." Alexander said and his words hammered on Ryleigh's chest.

"I'm worthless!" Ryleigh finally blurted out which brought another gasp from Alexander.

"Why do you think that?" Alex asked weakly.

"Because I don't know anything! I can't even read a fucking book without having to look at the dictionary. I barely even know anything else than getting fucked! I'm a fucking slut Alex..."

"...Just. A fucking, filthy slut." He said. By the time he finished, he was already sobbing. He hadn't realized how much pent up emotions he was holding back. It seemed to him that the treatment from his mother only served as a key to unlock everything he so desperately tried to repress. He did all of those to preserve his loose sanity and it's being threatened once again by his torrent of emotions.

Ryleigh settled his rump on Alexander's lap and he felt the rhino's hands trail down to the small of his back and pull him in. He buried his face on Alexander's neck, feeling the thick veins pulsate with warmness. He let his tears pour out on Alexander and the rhino shushed him to calm down and said nothing else.

How many times had Ryleigh cried on Alexander? He didn't know. But he was sure that Alexander didn't care if Ryleigh cried on him everytime. Knowing how affectionate Alexander was towards him, he'd care more why he cried and go through hell to calm him down.

Ryleigh already lost count of how long he was crying but Alexander was resolute. He held him all the way without much of a complaint for Ryleigh being the prissy bitch he was. Alexander felt good against him, a pillar of warmth and coolness that was Ryleigh's pacifier.

He became aware of how hot Alexander felt against his clothes, and his paws around Alexander's neck felt was wet. He took a small whiff of Alexander's scent and was surprised that he hadn't noticed that Alexander smelled of sweat and musk.

"Y-you're sweaty." he stated, still trembling a little.

"Hmm?" Alexander said as if coming out from a trance, "I just finished working out."

"Oh." Ryleigh said, and took a big deep breath and buried his nose on Alexander's neck. "I'm pathetic aren't I?"

Alexander snickered,"Yes. Yes you are."

Ryleigh groaned, "That's supposed to make me feel better?"

Alex ruffled his head, "No, I'm just teasing you kit." he said, "You're really stupid you know that?"

"You're an asshole, you know that?"

Alexander gave a long sigh, one of relief. It seemed like he was really worried about Ryleigh, "Do you want to talk to me now?" he asked calmly.

"If you're willing to listen." Ryleigh said.

"I'm still here, aren't I?"

Ryleigh mentally slapped himself. Of course Alex would listen!

"The treatment's been tough for me." Ryleigh started, "I feel worse...The video, she showed me."

Ryleigh checked Alexander for any reactions, there was none, so he continued, "I don't know what's wrong with me Alex. I mean I've always had these kind of thoughts when I was back down at the Dungeon but this..." he said, "It's killing me."

"I can't even look at the other servants in the eye without thinking that they're better than me, or that I'm a terrible monster or...or..."

"That I'm no different to Godric."

Ryleigh balked from Alexander when the growled and snarled, "You are nothing like Godric!" Alexander shouted. Ryleigh's ears hurt from Alexander's ominous basso, and he almost wanted to crawl away from the angry rhino. But Alexander kissed him again and rooted him in place. Ryleigh yelped but let Alexander's tongue glide against his own. Alexander shook and Ryleigh realized he wasn't angry at Ryleigh, he was angry at his thoughts. His stupid, ugly thoughts.

"You're such a crybaby." Alex said after their mouths parted, "But no. You're not anything like Godric. He breaks things--people because he wants to, you break things because you can't help it."

He continued, "And you, you stupid kitty are overthinking things."

Ryleigh cringed at Alexander's excessive name-calling and was about to complain, but the rhino silenced him with a finger on his lips, "Even I went through the same phase when I got treated by your mother, and so did Roland, and so did everyone else."

Ryleigh furrowed his eyebrows and spoke, "You?"

Alexander nodded, and his eyes squinted for a second before speaking, "You never asked me where my mother or father was."

"Oh. I--Where--"

"They're dead."

Ryleigh swallowed hard. He should've seen it coming. He'd never seen Alexander's mother or father, nor had he even thought about where they were. He was too absorbed in his own world, never thought about Alexander's real parents.

"What happened?" he asked toning his voice down.

Alexander waved his hand dismissively, "Doesn't matter." he said and Ryleigh shrunk. He wanted to know.

"I'm not a genius when it comes to these things but I know what you're feeling. I felt it before. And it's perfectly normal to be..."

"Depressed?" Ryleigh filled in.

"Is that what you're feeling?" Alexander asked.

Ryleigh lowered his head, "...Yes."

"Do you want me to make you feel better?"

Ryleigh looked up and smiled lightly at Alexander, "You already did."

Alexander licked his lips in sluggish motion, fully wetting his mouth. He grinned, his hand slithered down to Ryleigh's tail and Ryleigh shuddered against Alexander's touch.

"I mean make you feel better."

Shit! "Oh...Oh! Y-you mean now?"

"No stupid. We still have Hanami today."

"So later? Afterwards? Tonight? We're gonna--We're gonna!"

"Ssssshhh." Alexander calmed him down. He must've fussed like a child, because Alexander laughed at him, "Tonight. But--" he said and waved a finger at Ryleigh's face.

"--Only if you discuss your feelings with Marlene. All of them."

Hanami, dubbed 'flower viewing' is a tradition done in great numbers. It had come into that season where the Cherry Blossom tree's flowers went into full bloom and the petals would fall. The tradition originated from an Eastern country, where there were much festivities ranging from moon viewing down to one of the most popular of them: Hanami.

It had come to Ryleigh's knowledge that Marlene had become a constant traveler around the globe. She came across the tradition during one of her voyages and upon seeing the beauty of the event, had requested a Cherry Blossom tree to be shipped back at the city. Ryleigh suspected that the whole thing about Marlene going on journeys around the world was something Marlene granted on herself to be a temporary remedy for her weariness. A chance to run away from it all.

Ryleigh and Alexander sat themselves against the tree. They were clad in black tuxedos completed with a bowtie on their necks. Ryleigh fiddled with his own, finding it too tight to his liking. He tried to adjust it but it only went tighter under his paws. Clothes were still an alien entity to him, even his tuxedo felt tighter than any other thing he wore. Or maybe it was only his pants.

He couldn't stop thinking of what he and Alexander could do later.

Marlene served the food over the low table, their naked feet tucked underneath the circular wood as the three of them started their feast. Alexander snickered as he rubbed his feet against Ryleigh's and it only served to agitate the cat's already angry groin. He bit his lip. He was the expert here, with years of experience in the job. So why was he on the receiving end of all the teasing? Alexander should just be as turned on and flustered as he was, shouldn't he?

"--Ryleigh."

His thought was cut short and he looked up to Marlene. She had a worried expression on her face. She must'v'e been calling him many times already and he haven't heard her until now. Alexander chuckled beside him and slipped his hand under Ryleigh's rump and pinched him. Ryleigh's cheeks puffed as he tried to stop himself from yipping. Alex grinned at him, and drew his hand out to the table to reach for food as if nothing happened. Damn Alex.

"M-mother?"

"Are you okay?" She asked.

"Oh y-yeah! I'm fine. T-the salad please?"

"Sure." she said. Her voice was soft, and Ryleigh noticed it sounded weaker, more nonchalant than usual. She wasn't frowning, but she wasn't smiling either. Her muzzle was drawn in a rigid thin line as she offered the food to Ryleigh.

Ryleigh took the plate and mouthed his thanks. She momentarily smiled at him, but it was gone as fast as it came. She spoke, "Alexander says you have something to tell me." Ryleigh cringed at her words and narrowed his eyes at Alexander.

Alexander just shrugged, "Gotta tell her you know?"

Ryleigh bit his lip. He wasn't ready. Confrontations like this aren't something anyone could really be ready for, and more so since it happened all too fast and it was his estranged mother he was speaking to. But this was his chance. To talk to her as his mother and not his therapist. He didn't have the words to speak the full range of what he wants to say, but he'll try, if only to get it out of his chest.

Alexander's arms hand slid to his waist and pulled him in. The gesture always put Ryleigh at ease, and it wasn't losing it's effect. Alexander urged him on with a tilt of his head.

Ryleigh nodded, reassured. He spoke, "I've been feeling down lately mom and I think it's because of the treatment."

She blinked, "I know."

"Am I really getting any better?"

She sighed, "Let me be honest with you--I'm not sure either. You're a unique case, and I can't really be objective since you're my..." she croaked, "My son."

Alexander tensed beside Ryleigh. He wasn't taking this all too well either.

"Then I'm n-not?"

"I don't know Ryleigh." she said, "But I can't have confidence in my abilities if you yourself don't trust me. I don't even trust myself. Not with you."

"I-I-I didn't know you felt that way...I'm sorry."

"You shouldn't be!" Marlene yelled, "It's my fault, all of it. If only--"

"Don't blame yourself!" Ryleigh yelled as well but he shouldn't have. Marlene hugged herself on her bosom to calm herself down but it didn't seem to be working, "If it's because I don't trust you then it's my fault. Mom. Just p-please. Help me." he pleaded, "I need you to be strong for me right now. I don't even think I can stand on my own two legs without anyone's help."

"Mom. D-do you love me?"

Marlene looked up at him wide-eyed, as if Ryleigh was crazy, "Of course I love you Ryleigh!"

Ryleigh hesitated. His next words seemed to early to say, but Marlene was doing all she can to help him recover, even if it meant she had to face Ryleigh and see all the neglect she did all these years. Ryleigh had to say it.

"I love you mom."

He felt lightheaded, and the words was distant to him, yet it was entirely familiar. It seemed to radiate to Marlene because the next thing he knew They were both hugging. They didn't cry. Not this time. They should be crying, but they weren't. In fact, they both laughed as if Ryleigh's insanity had passed to her, or maybe it was the other way around. He didn't know. Maybe it runs in the family.

"I love you son."

"I love you mom."

Someone cleared his throat.

"Alex." they both said.

"Hanami?" he said.

"Oh yeah, Hanami."

They all settled down on their table again. The air reeked nothing of the tension it previously had but was now filled with jubilant atmosphere. Ryleigh could feel it in his skin and inside him. He wasn't ever-trembling as he had before, nor was he suspicious of his mother and to some lesser extent, Alexander.

Alexander looked at him. He smiled, there was something in his eyes. Pride perhaps? The issue was quickly dispelled when Alexander drew him in for a short kiss and Ryleigh didn't argue despite of Marlene being present and watching them. He heard Marlene giggle but said nothing of it. She only attended to eating her food while Alexander and Ryleigh made out.

"I'm so turned on right now." Alexander said almost growlingly, his words coming out in an animalistic rumble.

Ryleigh flicked a seductive grin at the rhino. He cupped Alexander's chin then skimmed his fingers down to his chest, to his stomach and eventually his groin. Ryleigh groped for Alexander's unmistakable erection and Alexander breathed and his body tensed under Ryleigh's touch.

"Revenge."

"Boys. There's time for that later."

Ryleigh snickered.

The three of them ate, appreciating the cherry blossoms as they fluttered towards them and onto the ground. They shared laughs when a petal directly landed on Alexander's tongue just when he was about to drink. All the while, Alexander writhed beside Ryleigh and kept adjusting the buckle of his belt as well as the cloth of his pants. He was sweaty and he kept fanning himself to cool off. Alexander undid the top button from his undershirt and Ryleigh got a full view of the sweat from his chest.Serves his right, Ryleigh thought. Alexander deserved it. He certainly wasn't gonna get played without him fighting back.

The rhino was either experienced or inexperienced in the joys of sex, Ryleigh guessed it was the latter. All he did was whisper and grope him a little bit and the results were more than he expected.

Oh yes, he's enjoying this.

Marlene talked about herself as they ate, Ryleigh smiled althroughout. There was no need to talk about himself, both Alexander and Marlene knew about him, all of him. He wanted to ask about Marlene's life and she willingly divulged everything like a leaking water faucet.

Ryleigh was correct to assume that her travels was mostly in due to her weariness over Ryleigh's 'departure'--She seemed to insist on the word, but Ryleigh could beg to disagree that the more truthful term was 'throwing away', but he didn't say. It was a touchy subject, and he already accepted the fact that it wasn't her fault.

She had practically already traveled around the globe, missing a few countries due to a mishap from the travel agency. She didn't argue with the agency's administrator, she actually thanked him afterwards because the mishap flew her to the East. It was just around the time when the Hanami festivities were starting and Ryleigh smiled as her eyes sparkled with joy. He could understand her though. The sight of the Cherry Blossoms was peaceful and a good nap under the tree after they ate would be nice. Ryleigh licked his lips and reminded himself that he and Alexander were gonna have a more daring and exhaustive adventure afterwards. Sleep could wait until then and when he did, he wanted the both of them to be spent and dry.

Marlene went on. She told him about the objects he found on the basement of the hotel. Just around the time he was about to escape, they planned to visit him. He learned that in the span of the days he was left alone, Alexander couldn't sleep and was continually working out in the gym to the point he almost fainted once when he went for a three-hour binge. Alexander blushed at the mention of that and Ryleigh couldn't help but blush as well.

"You did that...because of me?"

Alexander was about to retort but Ryleigh gave a quick kiss at the rhino's stubbled cheeks before he could speak.

The objects were meant to be carefully shown to him by Marlene herself, defenseless, trusting that Ryleigh would not assault a woman he just met. He had to admit to himself that he would've done that. He didn't really care if it was a man or a woman. Strangers were strangers, and with his unsteady disposition at that time, she could've died with Ryleigh's own bloodied claws.

Ryleigh asked why Roland let him out in the first place, if he hadn't been let out in the first place then the possible disaster could've been averted much further, but then again, there was a disaster that happened. He gave a regretful gaze to Alexander's chest and with his buttons undone, the scars he inflicted showing. Alexander noticed and gave him a weary smile. He did his buttons back and from there, he took the conversation over.

It was due to Roland's complacency that he let Ryleigh out. He was never married and thus never had children but Alexander told him how Roland always treated him as his grandson. Since Ryleigh was sort of Alexander's brother then it was fitting for Roland to look at Ryleigh as his other grandson.

He was fine with that. He thoroughly enjoyed his times with Roland despite of Ryleigh's difficulty during their tutorials. Compared to the other servants under Roland's teaching, he was in remedial. But it was during his time with Roland he didn't feel like he was lacking. The otter was ever-patient with him and, to his good humor, threatened he'd go back to drinking if Ryleigh didn't take his studies seriously.

And it occured to Ryleigh.

He had a family.

"What are you smiling about?" Marlene asked.

Ryleigh shrugged and thinned his lips down. He didn't know he already smiled. He tried to look as nonchalant as possible. He didn't want her to think he's crazier than he already was, "Just happy." he simply said, because he was.

"...Mom." Alexander called.

Both Marlene and Ryleigh turned to him. Alexander stared off at the distance, a snarl threatening to break his otherwise calm face. The two cats followed his gaze. Ryleigh sucked in a breath to see another white cat enter the garden, the same cat drawn into the many portraits around the mansion. Giovanni Wellings. He paced towards them with his hands hidden behind his back, his silky white pants creased in delicate patterns with every step, tight-collared shirt folded themselves around his lithe form as his white cloak flapped in a blur of light, blown by the chilly winds. His long legs stopped in front of their table, onyx eyes connecting with Ryleigh's own.

"You must be Ryleigh." he said. It was a simple statement, but his voice chilled Ryleigh to the bones. It was soft like how he and Marlene spoke, but his mellow tone exuded silent authority.

Ryleigh swallowed, "Y-yes I am, sir--"

"Giovanni. Marlene's sister. Master of the house. Alexander, follow me."

Ryleigh stared at Giovanni as he walked away. He had no idea what happened. Marlene's brother came and went for only a brief time, yet the globe of air from the three of them changed from relaxed to tensed. Ryleigh's spoon fell from his grasp, Marlene's teeth bit on her lip like vise, Alexander snarled at the disappearing form of Giovanni. Ryleigh picked the fallen utensil on the floor and dropped it again when Alexander growled. He looked up just in time to see Alexander ball his hands into fists before he stood up. He directed an apologetic glance to the two cats before he followed Giovanni out from the garden. And just like that, he was gone.

"That's your brother?" Ryleigh said as if he couldn't believe it.

Marlene nodded, a curt gesture, "Terrifying, isn't he?"

Ryleigh let his face do the talking.

She sighed, "Why don't we call it a day?

Ryleigh bathed, slickening his arousal as well as his hole. They were unused for a long time, and much longer if it would not be Alexander to use them for his pleasures. He felt hot under the cool tub's tides, his arousal fully unsheathing itself from cover. Alex filled his mind as he squeezed his throbbing cock with his fingers. This must be how his customers felt when they wanted him, patient as they waited in line, impatient when it was finally their turn. His cock burned with sensation after not being touched for so long, under his skillful paws he pictured Alexander's hands as his own, stroking him, juicing him--

He stopped at that thought. There was no need to fantasize for what could be reality in a few minutes. He will wait patiently as his customers did and attack when Alexander shows himself. He got off the tub and dried himself, slipping a bathrobe on his body before he left the bathroom. Dusk gave way to dawn over the hours he waited for Alexander, the rich shade of moonlight touched his room's carpets and gave an alluring contrast of blue to the yellow of the tea candles lit on the bed's end table. He flashed a smile to no one in particular and swayed his hips to the beat of the flickering candles, letting his body cast shadows of his own curving figure towards the walls. He'll wait and oh yes he will wait for Alexander to come. Because when he comes, they will make love for the first time. No more short kisses nor fondling but lengthy explorations of the other's bare skin.

He undid the sash on his bathrobe and let the cloth fall on the floor. With eager anticipation, the cat buried himself in the scent of Alexander on the pillows and the day's stress melted in the sheets. He spread his legs wide enough to let Alexander see his hole when he comes and sprawled his arms on the bed's post. He was ready.

The door opened.

In came Alexander, his bowtie unstrapped around his veiny neck, buttons undid around his chest. Alexander breathed the scent of the teacandle's scent and licked his lips when the Sandalwood and Patchouli's aroma reached his lungs. Ryleigh supressed a giggle when Alexander's body shivered under their effects. They were ready.

Alexander wobbled his way towards Ryleigh's spread form on the bed, grunting when he reached the bed's end and falling flat faced on Ryleigh's stomach. Ryleigh shuddered in pleasure as Alexander's wet lips reached his skin, and the rhino pushed his legs against Ryleigh's exposed rump while his meaty tongue glided against Ryleigh's skin and up towards his nipples. He bit on the nub and pinched the other with his gray hand. Ryleigh moaned but not before Alexander's muzzle found his own, and they were locked in tight combat of licks and saliva. The cat's paw strayed its way under Alexander's shirt and searched for his strong nubs. He found it and when he did, he pinched it with a soft graze from his claw. Alexander's muffled moan vibrated under their kiss and when they slipped off each other's muzzles, they were left staring into each other's lust-filled eyes, breathing hard, the aphrodisiac scents making their cocks and bodies throb for each other's touch.

Alexander closed his eyes and bit his lip and Ryleigh migrated his paw to Alexander's face to ask.

"What's wrong?"

Alexander connected his hand with Ryleigh's, his green eyes closed again, so tight that the muscles around his eyes trembled. When he opened them, they were glassy and Ryleigh thumbed their sides to sway them away. Ryleigh's lusts faded under Alexander's face and his bodily desires gave way to a pure desire not for Alexander's body but for Alexander himself. He kissed Alexander but the rhino kept his muzzle closed. He understood.

"You have to go, don't you?"

"It's Giovanni." Alexander said. Ryleigh could feel the contempt under Alexander's hushed words and he himself felt it. This was supposed to be special night and it was ruined.

"Tonight?"

"Now." Alexander said, "I'll be gone for--for days...a long time."

Ryleigh gave a weak smile, "I'll wait for you."

"But you'll be left alon--"

"I can take care of myself, and Marlene's with me. I'll be fine."

"But--"

"No buts." Ryleigh said, "Think of what you can do to me when you return." Ryleigh said and growled, "Pent up...you and I will be, and when we finally do it. I want you to explode inside me, fill me with everything you've held back. We'll do it anywhere, anyway you want. I can even be inside you."

"No." Alexander rumbled, "I want to be inside you." And Ryleigh felt Alexander's fingers play with his tailhole, teasing them at his rim, pushing at his ring, "And I won't let myself be the only one on the receiving end of suggestive words. You will be as well. And when we do it, you will be just as pent up as I am. You will explode on me and I, in you. Now sleep."

"I don't want to." Ryleigh murmured, "What if you never return, and the last I can remember is seeing you walk away from me?"

"All the more reason for you to sleep." Alexander whispered.

"Then kiss me, so I could sleep."

Alexander did, and when they finished, he tucked Ryleigh to bed and kissed him again on his forehead. Ryleigh murred and licked Alexander's stubbled chin one last time. And he closed his eyes and let darkness take over him like nights before. He smiled.

_Alexander will be worth the wait. _