FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

The winter air was biting as the collie stepped quickly out of the door. The cold was a stark contrast from the warmth of his cozy two-story home. He slogged through the snow hurriedly, pulling his coat tight to protect himself from the freezing whisper of wind that blew. His paws were growing numb, his feet soaked from the slush that caked the sidewalk. I really hate the cold... He thought ruefully as he continued along his way. Furs passed him left and right, ignoring him as they each went on their respective ways. He tugged his hood, pulling it closer around his head to attempt to warm his chilled ears. Stopping, the fur stepped up quickly into a nearby building, a sign that read 'The Dancing Deity' swung on well-maintained iron hinges.

The warmth greeted like an old lover, the scent of spiced wine and the din of voices bringing the whole room together. He found a hook along the wall and hung up his coat. Sighing, he meandered over to the fireplace to warm himself. The fire popped and hissed as it burned, bright and hot. The stone of the fireplace was radiating with the heat of the fire within. The collie loved this place. The oldest bar in Ruston, which was an old town in and of itself. The room was filled with furs of different kinds, from equines to felines and even some of the avian persuasion. It was a place of commonality among the residents here. A place where all were equal and none were turned away, so long as they abided by the owner's rules. He looked down at his paws as feeling began to return to them. The white fur on his palms glistened in the firelight. He smiled comfortably. The collie felt at home here, no one ever bothered him here.

He was not all that odd really, well-formed if a bit too thin for his own tastes. His merle fur was thick and well-kept. He kept it conditioned thoroughly as it was his pride. He was the second merle in his bloodline, which stretched back several generations. He turned, placing his back towards the fire just in time to notice someone walking towards him. Kathleen was a beautiful Siamese, tall and shapely with beautiful bright green eyes. Her smile was intoxicating as she stepped close and wrapped her arms around his waist. The feline kissed him softly on the cheek, smiling at him as he grinned like a pup with a new toy. "Well some things never change, after all we have done you still grin like that after just a kiss on the cheek. I wonder..." She leaned in and kissed him deeply on the muzzle. Her soft lips meeting his and her tongue pressing inside his maw, entwining with his own as she moaned softly. She left him panting heavily as she pulled away, giving a low, lusty laugh. "That is quite the reaction Flynn, I think it deserves something a bit more special when he have a bit of time to ourselves..." She traced a finger along his chest as she purred softly.

"Kat, I feel like you enjoy teasing me more than anything else." He winked, chuckling softly as her expression took on a teasing smile.

"Oh, you know better than that my dear Flynn... I would never tease you if I did not enjoy the consequences. And trust me, I really enjoy the consequences...." She grinned as her paw tugged his shirt, pulling him forward into another passionate exchange. This time they were interrupted as someone cleared their throat behind Kathleen.

Flynn opened his eyes to see a short canine watching the display with a grin, his foot tapping impatiently. "Well you two are putting the fire to shame. And here I thought I would be in for it for being late." The Jindo chuckled at his two friends as they blushed and quickly separated. The blonde fur covering his head and back reflected the intense light if the flame form the fireplace. The stark white countershade of fur on his bottom jaw ran down and disappeared into the neck of his shirt. His curled tail wagged slowly back and forth as he chuckled at his blushing friends. "No need to blush so much. If I'm not mistaken it's not abnormal for lovers to kiss, right?"

Flynn chuckled awkwardly and nodded, scratching behind his ear as he attempted to shake off his embarrassment. "I suppose you're right Emrys. Though I don't think it's proper for one to stare when two lovers are kissing, but I would be worried if you didn't."

"Hey! What the heck is that supposed to mean?"

Flynn and Kat both laughed as Emrys stuck his tongue out at the two furs. Kat stepped forward and stroked the Jindo under his chin. Emrys whimpered softly as his hindpaw began to thump the floor uncontrollably. "Well some things never change, right?" Kat chuckled as the canine's cheeks began to show crimson through his fur. The feline turned towards Flynn and halted as she saw sadness flash across his face. "Flynn? What's the matter sweetheart?" Her voice was laced with concern.

Flynn sighed and smiled in a failed attempt to mask his obvious anxiety. He walked over to one of the nearby sofas and flopped down. The other two furs took this as their cue to do the same and sat on either side of the collie. "Ok... well I finally heard back from one of the colleges I applied to. I got accepted..."

"What?!" The other two furs yelped in unison. Kat and Emrys both giggled with delight as they congratulated the collie on his success. Kat's expression turned to playful agitation as she began to interrogate her mate on the details of his acceptance. "Which one was it? It was Trent U right? I knew you would make it! If I can get in then you definitely can!" Her excitement was almost palpable. Flynn sighed and shook his head. Her demeanor began to shift as Flynn's solemn gaze finally reached her. "Flynn... What's wrong? You should be happy about this." A realization crept into her mind and she sat back as Emrys stared questioningly at the two furs.

"Kat? Flynn? What's wrong? Why are you two being so quiet?"

Flynn sighed and spoke softly, "I got a full ride to Prowers University... and I think I am going to take it..." He looked over at Kat, her eyes brimming with tears as she forced a smile onto her face.

"That's good Flynn! I mean, a bit far away... but Prowers is a fantastic school! A full ride there is hard to come by."

"Yeah.... I mean I am excited. I just..." Flynn looked up at Kat noticing the strain in her eyes as she forced herself to smile for him. The two were startled by a slight chuckle from Emrys. The Jindo lay back and grinned knowingly. His smirk garnering a curious stare from his two friends.

"Well, if you are worried that Flynn is going to get into trouble then I suppose I will just have to keep an eye on him." His smile grew as Flynn and Kat glanced at each other, a shocked expression spreading across both of their faces.

"What?!" Flynn exclaimed, scooting forward anxiously in his seat. "You mean you are going to Prowers too? Since when? Why so hush-hush about it? Geez Emrys you could have mentioned this before now..."

"Eh. I thought it would be fun to let you sweat a bit!"

Kat gave a genuine smile as she leaned over to scratch Emrys behind his ear, "Well then that just means that you have to watch out for my puppy then doesn't it?"

Emrys sighed and glanced at the blushing collie, "I suppose I can manage to keep him out of trouble. But there is a price... Flynn I happen to be in need of a roommate."

Flynn grinned and nodded eagerly. "Emrys consider us officially roomies! Just, keep all of your... endeavors down ok? I do plan on trying to keep my grades up."

"Hey! You make me sound like some kind of slut! I can't help it if I happen to be more skilled and better looking than the girls around here? Not including Kat of course!"

Kat gave a jokingly disapproving glare, "Why thank you for not including me in that. I happen to get no complaints from my certain someone..." Flynn blushed as the feline gave him a suggestive smile. Kat nuzzled the collie lovingly before resting her head on his shoulder. "I guess this won't be so bad... I suppose I can deal with the distance as long as you come back to me." She winked and her usual smile spread across her muzzle. She looked up and waved over a waitress, ordering for the three of them before turning back to begin recounting events from her shopping trip earlier in the week. Emrys was of course enthralled, but Flynn just could not seem to keep his mind on the conversation.

Earlier that day he had spoken with his older brother, Conall, about his relationship with Kat and where it would stand once he moved away. Conall was not the wisest of canines, yet he had been in enough relationships to know how Flynn could be sure that he and Kat would have the best chance of making it. Unfortunately, Conall had been less than helpful. He regrettably informed Flynn that long distance relationships have a habit of failing. He told Flynn that not only should he be prepare for this, but that maybe the collie would be better off ending things now before he or Kat ended up getting hurt. Flynn could not help but wonder if Conall was right. Should he preemptively end the relationship and save them both from inevitable heartache? He knew that he loved Kat and that he would strive to make it work as long as she wanted to. Yet, did these doubts contradict that? If he truly loved her would he be considering ending things now?

Flynn excused himself from the table and walked out into the cold. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a cigarette, lighting it and taking a long drag. He glanced over to see Emrys standing next to him, a disapproving look in his eyes. "I thought you were going to quit smoking. You know it is really an unattractive habit."

Flynn shrugged and looked at the lit stick in his forepaw. "Kat doesn't seem to mind. Plus it is a hard habit to kill. Anyway... what brings you out here? You seemed pretty interested in Kat's shenanigans."

"I came out here to check on you." The Jindo grabbed the cigarette and snuffed it out in the snow before placing it in a nearby trash bin. "It is not like you to just walk out like that. What's wrong Flynn? You have never been so tight lipped around me before. Is this whole moving away thing really that upsetting to you? I mean I will be there with you after all. You won't be alone..."

Flynn sighed and looked over at his short friend. Emrys was wispy for a Jindo, yet his fur was thick enough to offset that fact. His hazel eyes were framed by a wolfish muzzle. His ears flicked and turned with every little shift in his emotions. Emrys would definitely be cute, if Flynn was into that sort of thing. He wasn't, yet Emrys always seemed to calm him. The Jindo made him feel at ease and never ceased to be able to make hi smile even when he was at his lowest. The collie chuckled and looked up to the cloudy sky. "Emrys, you never fail to make smile. I guess I am just in a really tough spot. I mean things are so great with Kat. She could be the one.... Yet I can't help but worry about whether or not we will make it once I leave. Conall said long distance relationships don't last and that I might be better off just ending it. I can't very well hurt her like that, but I don't want us to end up hating one another..."

Emrys scoffed and folded his arms in exasperation. "Your first mistake was listening to Conall. He is not really one I would trust with a relationship."

"I never saw you as one to hold a grudge."

"Watch it Flynn... Conall cheated on ME if you recall. I think that is more than enough reason to hold a grudge. Besides, how many so-called relationships has he been in? He goes through guys and girls like you go through those cancer sticks you're holding. What did I tell you about that?"

Flynn stopped, surprised to find himself about to light another cigarette. He handed it over to Emrys who thanked him with a less than pleasant tone. "Emrys, how is it that you can read me so well? Am I really that much of an open book? Wouldn't surprise me really... I feel like I have been anything but myself lately."

Emrys shook his head in answer. His face had taken on a wistful, almost sad expression. "No Flynn, you are anything but an open book to everyone else. We have been friends for a long time. I have been here for you at your lowest of times, and that is not about to change. I'm not about to leave your side."

Flynn smiled and pulled the jindo into a tight embrace. "Thanks buddy. You have no idea how much your friendship means to me. I am happy that I can lean on you when times get tough."

"Yeah... I know... You dense fool." This last portion was barely audible. Flynn noticed the whisper, yet before he could ask Emrys what to repeat himself Kat came out to check on the two furs. Her face was stoic as she grabbed the collie's head and kissed him deeply, their muzzles meeting roughly, though he did not complain. Emrys stepped back to give the two some space as they separated and Kat began her lecture.

"Flynn McEwen you listen up! I don't care where you are going or how long we will be apart! All I care about is that we work hard to try and make this work! If we end up deciding to end things then so be it. At least we will have tried. But I will not stand by while you act all depressed and ignore me during what little time we have left!" By the time she finished there were tears streaming down her face. She stood silently, glaring at the canine before her as if daring him to say the wrong thing. Flynn was struck silent by her outburst. He knew she would be upset, but he had never seen Kat cry before.

"You're right... I am being selfish. I mean we have made it this far right? We know we both are strong willed. We can do this. I am willing to do all that I can to make things work between us Kat. I won't allow us to become a statistic." Flynn smiled at this. It was one of the bravest moments of his life. Relationships often fail when two are separated for long amounts of time. Yet if Kat was determined to make it work, then he would do his best to make it happen.

Kat smiled as Flynn wiped away her tears. He leaned in and gently kissed her supple lips. Her tail twitched happily as she lost herself in his arms. Emrys looked on as the two continued their display. He was happy for the two furs. Theirs was a relationship that he could only dream of having. Kat was lucky to have such a loyal mate. Flynn had always been the type to do whatever he could to make sure his friends were happy. Now that he and Kat were more than that the collie seemed to take that to the next level. He always seemed to be trying to think of little things to do for his mate. Emrys could not help but feel a slight twinge of jealousy that Kat was getting so much attention from Flynn. Why couldn't he have that?

The jindo chuckled and turned, walking off silently without even the slightest utterance of a goodbye. He could not bring himself to disturb the two as they stood there kissing and nuzzling one another like lovesick puppies. His walk was lonely and cold, his tail shivering as an icy wind slid through his coat like a knife. Kat had Flynn to keep her warm on their way home while he had no one. He wanted someone to hold him like that; someone to kiss him and make him feel like he was all that mattered in the world. He held the face of someone in his mind. The fur he had come to realize his feelings for, yet all too late. He blinked away a tear before noticing a car pulling up beside him. His forepaw found a knife inside his coat pocket as he eyed the vehicle suspiciously. It drew close and Emrys sighed as recognition set in.

"Hey there Emrys! A bit cold for you to be walking home alone isn't it? Where's that idiot brother of mine?"

"With his mate, Conall. I felt like they could use some alone time."

"Ah couldn't we all...? Well hop in and I'll give you a ride! I have been thinking about how stupid I was to betray you like that... I thought we could talk things out. I even brought something to help ease the tension between us! Good tequila like we used to drink together."

Emrys stopped and considered his options. He was cold.... And he was tired of feeling so alone. He would never go back to Conall, he did not believe in second chances. He knew that if he got into that car then talking would not be the only thing that would happen. Conall may be a cheat, but he was a smooth talker. The canine knew exactly how to get what he wanted out of the jindo, especially is tequila was involved. Yet, Emrys just wanted this feeling of loneliness to disappear. He looked over at the handsome muzzle smiling over at him. He sighed and climbed into the passenger seat.

Flynn enjoyed the silence of the night as he padded down the illuminated sidewalk toward his home. He could still feel the warmth of Kat's body on his fur, the smell of her clinging to his senses. His ears were laid back as he cursed himself under his breath for not staying with her. The feline knew she could be convincing, and she was definitely at the top of her game tonight. Kat had begged him to stay and she had succeeded in prolonging his leaving for more than a few hours. Unfortunately he knew he had things to take care of before tomorrow morning came. Items that required his immediate attention so as to lessen the load of paperwork he knew came with accepting entry into such a prestigious university.

Flynn rounded the corner and looked up as his house came into view. The light in the poolhouse was on, meaning Conall was still awake. His older brother seemed to never sleep. Was that something he had to look forward to? Conall was about to start his second year in college. He chose to attend the local university, which while not bad academically was much too close to home for Flynn's taste. The collie had almost reached the door when he heard a loud crash followed by a few choice obscenities coming from his brother's place of residence. The familiar voice cursing at his brother sounded an alarm in his head. He broke into a sprint and slammed against the poolhouse door, throwing it open just in time to be forced to dodge a glass flying towards his head. Emrys was in a fit of rage as he stormed out of the room only half dressed. Conall sat naked on the floor, blood pouring from his nose onto the black fur of his chest. "Shit Conall what did you do this time? Why the hell was Emrys here?"

Conall grinned as he rubbed his muzzle gently, "Oh you know why he's here." The black collie picked himself up and draped a blanket around his waist. "I really don't know why he flew off the handle like that. I mean it's not like we are together."

Flynn gave his brother another good shot in the nose. He turned and ran off after Emrys, leaving Conall cursing behind him. Emrys had already gotten around the corner before Flynn was able to catch up with him. "Emrys, slow down buddy. Tell me what happened."

Emrys wheeled around, anger still hot in his eyes. He hesitated as he wrestled with what he wanted to say. "You know your brother is a fucking asshole right? I mean where does he get off telling me he wants to try again when the whole time he is still fooling around with two girls already?! I refuse to be his on the side piece of ass! I even feel like the bigger idiot for believing him!"

Flynn was shocked to say the least. Emrys was much too smart for Conall to play him like that. What had his brother said to actually make the jindo think he was serious? "Emrys, why in the world did you believe him in the first place? I mean, I don't mean to make you feel worse but you know how he is. He's never going to change."

Emrys sat down on the curb, wiping tears that were now forming in his eyes. "I know... I just... didn't want to be alone... I see you and Kat together and all I can think about is how much I want what you two have. Flynn I am just tired of playing the best friend all the time. When will it be my turn?" The canine wrapped his arms tightly around himself and stared silently at the ground.

The collie noticed the jindo's shivering and Flynn sat close and pulled him into an embrace. Emrys meant more than anyone to Flynn. He knew that much. To hear the sadness in his friend's voice, to see that happy face now crying in his arms, it all struck him deep in some unknown place within. He could not fathom what his friend was going through, yet it was almost as if he could feel Emrys' pain. He wanted to say something, some comforting words that would make it all better. His best friend was in pain and he could do nothing to ease the sorrow. He opened his maw to speak, to say anything in order to break the overwhelming silence. It was Emrys that spoke first.

"You know. I have always wanted to be held like this. Close, personal, no expectation of something to come next. Just a warm embrace that bespoke more of feelings than physical need. Thank you for this Flynn... Kat truly is lucky to have you... If only..." He trailed off with a soft chuckle and pushed away. Flynn looked up at him curiously before standing up. Again Emrys uttered words with no explanation of meaning or hint of intent. Was there something he was missing? "I have to get some rest... See you tomorrow okay? We can discuss our living situation and I can fill you in on the details. Goodbye..."

Flynn watched his friend walk away. Curiosity itched at the back of his mind as he turned to walk back to his own home. The two had grown up together and Flynn had always felt a strong attachment to the jindo. He was Emrys' protector at times and confidant at others. It was nagging at him that he was unable to read his best friend, unable to bring that smile back onto his face. He would have to speak with Kat about the situation. She was always so level headed when it came to personal matters. The feline always had some answer, even if it was not one that was immediately desired. Flynn sighed and flopped down on his bed. Sleep would be a welcome end to such a hectic and drama filled day. It was only a matter of moments before his breathing evened out, taking on the slow rhythm of sleep, his thoughts still dwelling on his dear friend.