FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

By: Jizzal

The birds were singing, the sun was shining, the day was bright, promising, new, and Edgar was cursing.

"God...damn it!"

Cursing loudly.

"Mother fucking...gah!"

Cursing copiously, and loudly.

"I swear...if one more time this...meh," the rabbit just sighed, there was no sense in talking to himself, and the more he did the more he was going to be late.

His alarm clock had failed to go off, so he overslept after he arrived rather late home last night, and today he needed to be up before seven. It was just one thing after another, and his bad luck wasn't turning, it was just getting worse. The pair of 'lucky rabbit' feet he had apparently weren't worth a damn thing. Rather disgruntled, he figured if he rushed then his situation had more room to fall apart. He stumbled his way through his room, expertly walking around the dirty clothes that practically clung to his floor. He ran a paw between his large ears while he stumbled to the bathroom that was thankfully adjacent to his bedroom. That was the good part about being the last child, no waiting in lines anymore. Though it had been that way for the past nearly four years.

"This sucks..." Edgar mumbled to himself as he placed his paws on the counter before turning on the sink. His teardrop shaped tail gave the occasional twitch while his eyes adjusted fully, though he couldn't say he enjoyed what he saw.

Brown fur, brown eyes, though at least his teeth weren't brown...that would have been gross. He grabbed his toothbrush and dampened it before squeezing out a fair amount of toothpaste. The rabbit scrubbed his teeth lazily as he rubbed his eyes with the back of his paw, dribbling some white gunk from his lips while he kept the water running. The good part about waking up almost an hour late was now he could properly freshen up, and he had always told himself he wanted to improve his hygiene. After a gargle and a spit he washed out his month and twitched his whiskers. Minty fresh, but the tall-tell rumbling on the floor above him signaled that his parents were awake and no doubt there was some arguing going on.

Edgar contemplated a shower, but he shrugged off that idea and merely applied some deodorant into his armpits and padded back to his room. He glanced over the floor as he scratched his boxer-clad rump, hoping to find something that didn't look, or smell, like he shouldn't wear it. Thankfully he found some khaki cargo pants and managed to get a dark colored t-shirt on his fuzzy upper half before snagging some socks, which stretched over his big, bunny feet. He wiggled into his sneakers and picked up his backpack before he left his room, but he was sure to grab his cell phone and his sky blue hat that read "Mr. Cao's Chinese Diner," he'd need that later.

After making his way up the stairs and getting himself only a simple twist of the doorknob away from being on his way, a familiar voice called him. He didn't bother translating what was being said, but he walked up the next set of stairs with a little grumble, knowing whatever it was his summon was going to be a waste of time. He caught sight of a familiar female skunk, his mother, in the kitchen with her arms crossed while a black furred lagomorph sat at the table, arms also crossed, and his body only clad in some less than appealing looking underwear, his father of course.

"What is it?" Edgar rolled his eyes, the sight of his parents both looking upset had been a common sight since he could remember, but it didn't make things any easier.

"Why are you late? You just got up didn't you? Wasting your damn time staying up too late," his father stated, brows furrowed.

Here we go again.

"I got home late and then my clock-" Edgar's explanation was cut off however, as usual.

"Damn it Edgar, all you do is make excuses! I swear you people just have no god damn sense, both of you are just lazy," his father grumbled, which of course got his wife rather agitated. Well, further agitated.

"Shut up Thomas! Don't you dare group us together like that; you're the one being a complete-" she was interrupted however.

"I don't want to hear it. You can't keep on sleeping all damn day unless you're out working. I don't pay for you to go to that fucking school so you can sleep away tuition and-"

"I have a job, Dad," it was Edgar's turn to interrupt.

His father went silent and he adjusted his glasses, trying to think...just what did his son do? He couldn't have had a job. Oh wait, he did...but Alzheimer's was showing its ugly face once again.

"Oh...well get to class then," the memory impaired rabbit grunted and got up from the table, making his way back to the master bedroom. Whatever argument he and his wife were having was done the second their son was added to the conflict. He had some use after all.

The skunk just sighed and rubbed her face along her forehead, she was probably suffering from a migraine by now, and her apathetic looking son just stood there.

"Do you want some breakfast first?" she asked, trying to help Edgar forget about the useless conversation he just shared with the parent he clearly took after, looks wise at least.

Being the third, and final child in his family's household, Edgar always felt like he took after his dad almost to the letter. Not only was he obviously more rabbit than anything else, he figured he got his anger issues from that certain parent as well. And of course his love for saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. His older brothers took after their mother and were skunks. One had moved out, the other was in college dorms, and that just left Edgar alone with his parents, who had a less than savory relationship by this point. He always figured the only reason they were still together was because he still lived under their roof. Or maybe the pointless arguing is what kept them sane, he had to wonder if it was possible that people could stay together for almost thirty years and stay sane if they only got along.

Edgar shook his head and hefted his backpack around his shoulders again, "No thanks. Later Mom, -bye- Dad," the bunny forced that second part out while he walked back down the stairs and zoomed to the door.

"You know how he gets...he forgets things easily. We love you, have a good day," his mother said quietly before she went to go join the now calmed down rabbit in their room, no doubt for the half-time of their morning argument.

Now feeling drained and irritated, Edgar finally left. He couldn't help but feel like an ass for not saying he loved his mom back, though he was running late, and he didn't want to dwell on negativity, but that was all he did as he pedaled his way to school. All he could think about was his family, his life, his everything. Most would have been very grateful to have what he had, though he didn't know if he had the strength to put up with it all. The twenty minute bike ride went by fairly fast, but he couldn't help but sigh as he say the familiar sign before the building he had been seeing just about everyday, not counting the summer, for the past four years. Saint Mathew's High school.

His first period had long since started, and after he parked, and thoroughly locked up his bike he showed up with only fifteen minutes left of English class. His tardiness however interrupted the entire class as he sat down in his seat, not having a single book for his class or even notes, but he figured showing up unprepared was better than not showing up at all. His teacher however crossed his arms and just shook his head.

"Mr. Denore what excuse do you have for being late?" The rather stern human asked in mid-lecture. He stopped the entire class just to put all the attention on the bunny who arrived very late, and happened this particular teacher's favorite item to single out.

"No I don't have any excuse, I'm sorry I'm late."

"Oh you're sorry? Well that's all I needed to hear, now let's put all of this behind us shall we? Class, how about a round of applause for Mr. Denore who's very sorry indeed?" Eings chuckled and gave a mock clap, which was joined by a few teacher's pets as well.

That was all it took, now there was going to be war.

"I'm sorry I was too busy thinking of a way on how I could teach a useless class and get paid for it," Edgar shrugged, as he didn't think twice about what he said.

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Well when you retire I hope to be the next choice for teaching this class, that way I can constantly chastise my students and look for any chance I can to remind them just how wonderful I am, even though I decide to work at some crappy school that doesn't pay me enough so I can't afford to get that stick surgically removed from my ass." Yeah, the bunny didn't think too well when he was running off his schedule.

The class snickered a few times at Edgar's remark, but he certainly wasn't laughing since he knew he just dug his own grave.

"Well Mr. Denore, I'll see you after class along with the dean and together we can try and cure you of this behavior you have. With your approval I'd like to continue class, or would you rather dazzle us with your intellect?" His teacher remarked, not nearly as full of wit as his smart-assed student who had the -gall- to show up late.

"I'll be quiet, that sounds good to me, now can we get back to you telling us how Hemmingway is a fantastic author even though he was an alcoholic and probably beat his wife before he 'collapsed under his own greatness' which is slang for shot himself in the face cause he was constantly drunk yet still never happy...oh, and forgive me I meant to say -wives-."

Edgar just couldn't stop once he started. Mr. Eings was good at coaxing the worst possible behavior from the irritable rabbit, but this time he didn't have to say much to get this sort of reaction. The rest of the class was surprised things had started and ended so quickly, usually they went back and forth for a while before the bunny finally said something he would have regretted. And it certainly wasn't the first time he decided to make harsh comments about Mr. Eings' favorite author.

"Get the Hell out of my class, -now-."

After an exasperated sigh and a roll of his eyes the rabbit grabbed his backpack and shrugged before he left the classroom. His fellow classmates watched him go, a few were still laughing, but a zebra that sat next to the now empty seat just rested his face in his hand. Damn that Edgar, he was getting worse.

The rest of his day was pretty much a blur. His other classes didn't have any real excitement, possibly because the rest of his teachers didn't appear to have a vendetta on the brown furred rabbit who had yet another wrench thrown into his gears of plans. He barely spoke with his friends at lunch, though that was how things were going on days such as this. The normally quick mouthed and cynical bunny just ate his cup 'o noodles in dead silence. They could tell something was wrong, but they didn't know how to help, and Edgar of course didn't want to talk about it. He certainly didn't want to talk to one of the counselors. The rabbit didn't trust them mostly because if he told them about any of his 'problems,' such as his homosexuality, they'd throw a Bible at him. Literally. Also due to the fact most of them were dicks.

After a long day and his final class was over, he heard an announcement over the loud speakers before the final bell rang.

"Edgar Denore, please come to the dean's office immediately."

Oh that's right, he invoked eternal damnation in English class. Such a forgetful bunny, but he yawned and made his way from his class, getting a few glances thrown his way, since just about his entire school knew about how his smart mouth was going to get him crucified. He made his way past the front counter and the dean's office door was wide open.

"You're late, please sit down," he was instructed by the angry looking squirrel who was twirling a pen in her fingers. Already seated in the office was Mr. Eings, who had a big grin on his face. Either someone said something funny prior to Edgar's arrival, or he was looking forward to the rabbit getting retribution for that morning's conflict.

"I can't be late, you -just- called me," was what the rabbit wanted to say, but he didn't, he just sat down and lowered his bag.

"Close the door," he was ordered once more by the bushy tailed rodent.

"If you told me to close the door before sitting down then I wouldn't have to get up only to sit down again," once more Edgar wanted to say something that would have probably gotten him in trouble. More trouble that is. Though he did as he was told and got up and closed the door before he sat down, resting his paws on his thighs with a heavy sigh.

"Drop the attitude," yet another order.

"Just get on with it, please," that was another thing he wanted to say, in fact he did say it. Well holding back two out of three wasn't so bad.

"Mr. Denore need I remind you that this is not the first time I have had you and Mr. Eings in my office?"

"No you don't Ms. Burg, sorry, but after a long day I suppose I'm a little-"

"Don't you speak like that in my office, you know why you're here," the squirrel placed her pen on the table and Mr. Eings just kept on grinning.

"Yes I do, I was disruptive in class, very disrespectful and I spoke badly about Hemingway or whoever," Edgar noted as his fingers tapped along his knees.

"Not only that, you arrived late and you were -very- offensive to both me and your fellow students in the class," this time his teacher was the one to speak, still with that smug grin.

"I know, though I did feel a little singled out when you spoke to me like that. This isn't the first time where I've felt like I was being targeted for no reason," Edgar noted.

"Well you were late, and often you can't keep your comments to yourself. I am very patient when it comes to all my students, there's no way that you can say with a straight face that I treat you any differently than anyone else."

But he -did-, or at least that was what Edgar thought. His classmates thought the same thing, but no one had any real reason as to why their English teacher seemed to enjoy hunting the bunny for sport. It couldn't have been the species thing, but he -was- the only rabbit in first period Senor English Seminar. They spent last year together as well unfortunately, and the year before that. It was as if the school system wanted Edgar to get stuck with this smarmy asshole.

"I agree, and there no one else has any problems with his teaching style. However time after time again you cause problems, you're accused of cheating, your language is vulgar, and you're constantly disruptive. I can't believe this, when are you going to learn?" Ms. Burg asked, tapping her blunt claws against the frames of her glasses. She never looked pleased to see Edgar, or anyone for that matter. She was just the average unpleasant and cold individual responsible. Ironic that she was given a job that put her around people, young people going through adolescence at that.

The un-amused looking rabbit just sat there while he was ruthlessly hammered like a bent nail. He just didn't care anymore. Ms. Burg continued to lecture him about how he was a bad student, and about how he was rude and disrespectful, and blah blah, he wasn't really listening. Nearly everything that left the dean's mouth was a stretched truth or merely a flat out lie, but Edgar just sat there, he was too fed up with everything to really gather up a decent argument. With any luck he'd be able to leave soon, so he sat there and tried to make amends.

"I suppose I was just stressed after having a long night and arriving late. Although I can't take back what I said this morning, I apologize, I was out of line," the rabbit said in his least apathetic sounding tone. Unfortunately that wasn't enough.

"You're suspended."

Ouch.

"Well...for how long?" the bunny wasn't too shocked, but suspension? That was fairly new.

"Until when I feel like letting you back into my school, now get out of my office. Report to room 322, you're going to write a sincere apology for both Mr. Eings and myself for your rude behavior," the still upset looking squirrel noted as he scribbled a few words on a piece of paper, probably making note of the punishment she just dished out.

Edgar sighed, but whatever, was no sense complaining about it now, at least it wasn't an in school suspension. He knew he'd have a hard time explaining it to his parents.

"Alright then...can I make a short phone call first? I'm supposed to be at work by four and from the sound of things I-"

"No you cannot, now do what you were told this instant before I call the principle in here," Ms. Burg nearly barked that last part out at the disgruntled teen.

"Well if I'm going to be late for my -job- then don't you think I should at least be able to alert my boss? I mean, if I'm late for school, you guys raise hell, sounds only fair that I-" whoops, that silly rabbit let it slip again. Now he was back to digging himself a deeper hole.

It was Mr. Eings' turn to interrupt and berate now however, "The more you sit here and complain, the longer I expect the apology to be," that smug grin was still on full display.

Edgar had no idea what he did to make an enemy of Mr. Eings over his past few semesters, English -used- to be one of his preferred classes. However a lot had changed, and it was more than just the rabbit's general attitude or behavior, there was something else just...wrong with him. He kept it bottled up, the safest route he figured, though now he just wanted to scream so loud, belt it out. Well, a portion of it at least, the accumulated stress and sheer unhappiness that had taken over his once carefree form was staggering and clearly taking its toll. It was almost too much, and it was to the point the bunny just wanted to cry...but no, he wouldn't allow them that satisfaction.

"Fair enough then...I'll be on my way," the defeated youth responded and grabbed his backpack only to sling it around his shoulders. Maybe it was just a slap to the face at this point, but one of his straps literally snapped right off his bag, though it barely elicited a sigh from the angsty rabbit.

Without another word he awkwardly picked up his backpack, which contained several thousand pages worth of material he figured he'd never need outside of this hellhole he called a school. He would have made his way to the room he was supposed to begin the unholy art that was apologizing to a smug asshole, but his alert ears caught the sound of a familiar, nagging voice.

"Mr. Denore?" Ms. Burg asked, still visible through her open door.

Edgar sighed and slowly turned around while he took a -deep- breath. His eyes met those of his 'superior' while he stood there and waited for the next salvo of bile he thought was going to be shot at him without mercy. After nearly half a minute of just staring, he finally decided to break the ice.

"...Yes?"

"Close my door," the squirrel ordered.

Oh for the love of...

The rabbit just stood there for a moment. A heavy pain surged through his mid section, almost as if he had been kicked once he was downed by an aluminum baseball bat to the back of the head complete with a cinder block launched at his groin. He could practically -feel- something boiling inside of him as he dropped his heavy, now hindrance he called a backpack. As luck would have it the edge of his thick math textbook landed right on his right foot. Oww. Serious oww.

He wanted nothing more than to just...unload, release everything out at once, go off like a bomb basically, but no. The chocolate furred lagomorph walked the twenty or so feet back to the dean's office, grabbed the handle, and very lightly closed it. And thanks to his wonderful ears, he could hear muffled laughter on the other side of the door. Now all those songs about life being unfair and high school being the worst times of one's life were starting to make sense. Edgar merely stared at that large, oak door, his paw still on the handle while his fingers clung to that cold, metal handle.

"Edgar Denore, please make your way to room to 322 to write your letter of apology."

No, someone else didn't tell him that in person, but Mr. Eings announced it over the intercom that was conveniently located on Ms. Burg's desk.

Why? Why did they have to do this? Edgar just asked himself over and over again. That bastard had already one. What else was there to gain? Why was he trying to make his life such a living hell? Why was Burg such a cunt -all- the time? Why did he feel so singled out and helpless whenever he dealt with people of authority? Why were they trying to make his life a living hell? His mind was repeating itself, and his eyes started to moisten. Eings had already won, again, but never before had there been such a one sided victory, and the declaration of the rabbit's defeat just kept getting broadcasted.

He nearly cried, he could feel it, he could sense it, he could taste it. His body wanted to just collapse, even shut down right there, but the second he caught sight of a familiar someone he regained composure as best he could, and walked over to pick up his massive, external kidney stone that held his books.

"Hey Edgar...you don't look so good, you alright?"

"I'm fine."

"You sure? I mean this morning you..." Edgar started to block off the sound of the concerned voice trying to consul him. He was in no mood to hear it, especially from that striped jerk.

"Listen...just leave me alone Lenny, I don't want to hear it," the bunny stated bluntly, not even bothering to look up to the eyes of his so called friend.

The zebra just sighed and shook his head, there was nothing he could do. Lenny obviously felt guilty, about a lot of things, though the African equine just stood there as the smaller male walked past him without giving him a second thought.

"Talk to you later then..." the zebra muttered, knowing that those ears would hear his voice.

More tears nearly swelled up in Edgar's eyes, but no, he wasn't going to let them out, not here, not now. He walked the hallway and ignored the onlookers that -gawked- at his sight. The rabbit wondered if he was being walked down that long aisle in the courtroom before he made his final stop at the big house. And from the look of things he was brought up on multiple rape and murder charges. Conversations stopped and feet stood dead in their tracks. Students and teachers alike just stared. There was no way he could show weakness, but his grip did slip and this time it was the edge of his theology text that struck his -left- foot. Damn those books were heavy, hard too. Thankfully he had lost his grip right outside of room 322, the sight of the crime that took place early that morning.

Edgar stepped inside and closed the door behind him after dragging his backpack by one of those broken straps. Like a machine he went directly to his seat and sat down, and like a criminal he began to atone for his actions. He pulled out his English notebook and a pen before he started to apologize with all of his might, or at least enough so that he could get out of there soon, if he was lucky he'd only be a few minutes late to work. About five minutes into his letter of guilt, Mr. Eings graced the rabbit with his presence, still all smiles and sat down in his comfortable, black leather chair. The middle-aged human let out a contented sigh as the tips of his fingers tapped along each other and his gaze fell on his prey. Even though he had already effectively killed and devoured his meal, he was still enjoying the sight of it now toiling away, rotting in the sun.

All the bunny could do was close his eyes and take a deep breath. He paused for just a second, his mind was able to clear slightly and he actually felt a fraction calmer. He was almost done, and it wasn't that bad now that he-

"Mr. Denore I don't think anyone ever wrote without writing," the lightly tanned bastard commented.

"I'm sure you've taken plenty of time from your writing to stop and stroke off your ego countless times. After all look at where it got you..." No! Damn it all! Stupid, stupid bunny he did it again.

After twenty minutes of lecturing and verbal abuse, ten minutes of writing, forty minutes of coerced revising, another twenty minutes of lecturing, and thirty seconds of gloating, Edgar was finished apologizing to Mr. Eings. The rabbit dragged his belongings back out of the classroom, making damn sure to close the smarmy asshole's door on the way out. He didn't bother to listen for laughs this time, all he could hear was his heartbeat, and all he felt was...well, a myriad of things actually, but he had no time to dwell on those. He was late, very late. Edgar placed his backpack in the thankfully large and sturdy basket behind his seat on his bicycle and pedaled away. He fished out his cell phone and alerted those waiting for him that he was on his way. Though in the back of his mind he just had to think what kind of teacher would sit there and watch a student write rather than doing something useful with his time.

After a thirty-minute bike ride, which made the bunny thankful his kind was known for their leg power, he stopped himself and locked his only means of transportation to the offered rack and hefted up his bag. A burly badger opened the door for him and gave a little smile to the teen that looked like he had been through Hell and back.

"Hey Edgar, things alright?" The large yet amiable looking fellow inquired.

"Yeah, they're fine..." The short, defeated looking lad sighed.

"Looks like you need a new bag though little buddy, sure things are alright?"

"Yeah...I'm sure, thanks though," the rabbit lied and made his way into the restaurant.

For the past six months, Mr. Cao's Chinese Diner had been a sort of home away from home for the troubled bunny. He had the hat to prove it. Edgar walked past a few customers that showed up regularly and some fellow employees, all of which offered a wave and a sincere smile to the one who was clearly having a bad day. After some weak nods, he vanished into the backroom and tossed his backpack into the corner next to his locker. The rabbit reached inside of his private locker and pulled out a black hoodie and slipped it on quickly, things were a little chilly. He was about ready to turn around and head back out, but he reached into his bag and pulled out the hat that wore the name of the friendly establishment proudly on the front.

Edgar slipped the cap onto his head, which thankfully didn't cause any discomfort around his ears, and traveled deeper into the employees' only section, being sure to clock in before he arrived at his destination. He gave a few knocks on the desired door before timidly peeking his head inside. Sitting there behind a desk and doing what looked like tedious paper work was a large, hefty panda sitting there. His eyes looked up as someone entered his office and he gazed to the bunny who still looked down in the dumps through his pair of 'Grandfatherly' bifocals. The large bear who looked to be in at least his early fifties stood up and dusted his paws off on the upper half of his dark gray, traditionally made Chinese suit, complete with a small, quaint cap between his rounded ears.

"Hi Mr. Cao...sorry I'm late, and sorry I couldn't call until I was already pretty much late. I just got...tied up at school, didn't get a chance to do much of anything. I'm really sorry..." Edgar lowered his head along with his ears, feeling rather ashamed of himself. Here he was before his boss, completely humbled.

The monochrome bruin stood there without saying a word and gave a soft nod. A large, black furred paw removed that hat which bore his name, gently tapped the rabbit on the top of the head before he gave it a soft rub. All had been forgiven.

"Thank you Sir," the bunny almost felt like smiling, though he did blush under the gesture. "I'll get right to work," he commented before he was returned his hat, the only uniform he really had thanks to the laid back nature of his employer. However the big bear very rarely spoke, but he was able to get by without using verbal means obviously.

Edgar slipped his cap back on and gave a heavy sigh. He was lucky to have this job, even with school taking up most of his time, and sanity. Over the summer was when he first stepped into the large double doors. The place was an average sized restaurant that showcased many rare and seemingly atmospheric pieces of artwork along the walls and in cabinets, as well as a friendly atmosphere. Mr. Cao was quite a sight, but his establishment was the gem in the middle of a less than savory neighborhood. Business was fairly good, and problems were few. Edgar's job however was simple, he was a delivery bunny since he knew he wouldn't last in the kitchen and his sharp tongue could spell disaster for when he dealt with more unruly customers if they got too much ice in their free water. Thankfully the place was given a plethora of fairly well behaved individuals that couldn't get enough of that Chinese cooking.

As he walked back into the main area of the restaurant, a feral dragon the size of a large dog made his way over and sat before the bunny, expecting a greeting of course.

"Oh, hey there Matty, having a good day?" Edgar asked while he bent down and patted the white-scaled reptile on the head between his dull horns.

A light rumble escaped the dragon and he nodded. "Of course, what about you? Anton said you weren't looking so well."

The rabbit shrugged and stood back up, "Just been a long day...any deliveries for me right now?" He asked the sentient quadruped.

"Ahh, not right now, but if you had arrived ten minutes earlier I wouldn't have had to send Eustace out. It has been a fairly slow day, I suppose most showed up here in person." The dragon answered.

"How many?"

"Hmm...212 as of now," the reptile responded with a big grin. The dog-sized dragon was a scaly calculator with a photographic memory.

"Heh, not bad for a Tuesday I guess," the bunny said to himself while an elderly white tiger dressed in a similar manner to Mr. Cao walked over with a small, yellow slip of paper.

"Ahh, Edgar my boy, how are you?" The feline asked with a smile while offering the slip of paper to the previously disgruntled teen. He was only a few inches or so taller than the rabbit who was getting asked the same question over and over again, but he wore a sincere smile.

"I'm doing ok Mr. Tseng, I trust you're well?"

The feline merely nodded, and with that Edgar took the offered piece of paper and looked it over.

"Mmm, we have a delivery, the address is on there of course. However it's quite a ways away, but due to the fact I just got off the phone with Eustace you're going to have to be the one to deliver it. I know you only have your bicycle, but please understand that this is a loyal customer that orders in quite often," the elderly cat spoke with a gentle, hushed tone.

The rabbit blinked at the address...it was a place he had never been to before, but it wasn't completely lost to him, he knew the street name at least.

"So I have to deliver it? No problem, I came in late anyway...did Eustace get lost? Normally he does most of the traveling in this direction," Edgar commented, it wasn't a complaint though.

"You're correct, as I said he just called, he shouldn't be back for another thirty minutes however due to his horrible sense of direction. I swear that boy..." Mr. Tseng gave a soft chuckle and patted the bunny on the shoulder. "Off with you now, oh, and do be careful, as I'm sure you've heard a few stores have been recently robbed at gunpoint these past few weeks. Police still haven't caught him, though so far no one has been killed, only shot as far I heard," he warned the rabbit.

"I'm aware, though thanks, I'll be back sooner or later, and if you can tell Eustace I'm sorry that I was late," Edgar nodded and walked past Matty who gave a little wave with his tail. He pondered how the old guy would be so calm in delivery even when speaking about possible danger.

"Be careful out there," the dragon commented as the bunny made his way to the kitchen counter.

After carefully receiving the styrofoam box filled with the main course and side dish along with a large cup of piping hot soup from the rat that ran the kitchen, the rabbit was on his way. He got a wave from the large badger on the way out, and the door was held open for him once again. The rabbit nodded thankfully and carefully strapped the order into the basket on his bike, something he had done hundreds of times by now. He double-checked the address before he started off on his way.

One of the perks for his job was that he was given lots of 'me time' even while on the clock, though it was mostly as he pedaled down the bleak sidewalks and back streets. However on the other side of that same coin it meant he was given lots of time to think about negative subjects, and his mood quickly soured once more.

Damn life at home, damn school, damn Eings, damn Burg, damn it all.

Edgar gave a heavy sigh and shook his head, he just hated this feeling, but it wouldn't go away. He was about ready to add more to that list of angst, but he arrived to the apartment complex that was listed on the directional slip with the order. He didn't notice that he literally crossed the other side of the train tracks, but he did take a moment to marvel the structure. It certainly was a nice, warm looking place with the main office adjacent. Even from just the front door alone he figured those that lived here made a fair share of money, but chances were didn't want to buy a house in his little city. He locked up his bike out of habit and picked up the still warm food in his paws before he made his way inside. The entire trip took about twenty-five minutes, but all the negative thoughts made it feel faster and longer at the same time.

"Floor number 3..." Edgar recited as he walked up the stairs, but he soon arrived at his destination. He couldn't help but sigh at the room number, 322. After repressing those spite-ridden thoughts once more he knocked on the door ant waited patiently.

He didn't have to wait long as he heard heavy footfalls approaching the door and it opened up before him, showing a pot bellied red-tailed hawk. The avian towered over the bunny and was glad in a football jersey and some jeans while his bare talons tapped against the carpet silently. The fellow was familiar, he showed up to the restaurant several times before. That grinning beak was certainly a welcomed sight, was always a pleasure dealing with regulars.

"Here he is, heh, why don't you come on inside kid?" The bird asked and stepped aside, giving room for the rabbit.

"Oh, sure thing, sorry for the delay," Edgar noted as he entered the apartment. The first word that came to mind was 'swanky.'

There were black leather couches with cream-colored carpet that felt as absorbent and conforming as quicksand. The entertainment system was impressive and rested on the far end of the room, showing a football game or something, he wasn't paying much attention to details. The walls bore exotic paintings that blended perfectly with the entire room, even though he labeled a few as 'too artsy.' It was impressive, and immediately the rabbit felt as if he had stumbled into a whole different world.

"Nice place, isn't it?" The hawk replied with a chuckle and closed the door, winking down at the awe-struck bunny.

"Oh, well yes it is, very nice, where should I put this?"

"In the kitchen please, but save your compliment, this isn't my place," the bird chuckled again and led the bunny to the kitchen, which didn't surprise him with its looks. Everything was so clean and looked new, yet it fit perfectly with the rest of the scheme.

"It isn't?" The rabbit asked as he set the bag carefully on the counter, separating the box and the cup respectively.

"Nah, a friend of mine's...and speak of the devil," the avian's smug smirk grew as he gestured behind him, coaxing the rabbit's curiosity.

Edgar peeked over to get a view of the approaching figure, and when he did...he could have sworn that the world stopped turning and time stood still. It was the most breathtaking sight he had ever seen in his life. A part of him thought he had been dreaming, or hallucinating, whatever it was, it was too good to be true.

Too beautiful to be real.

Too graceful to bless this planet with its presence.

Too awe inspiring to truly exist, as if it was a muse.

Too...perfect? Maybe that was a strong word, but the rabbit couldn't pull his eyes away.

He couldn't even blink.

"Hey Amar, this is...huh, you know I never got your name even though I've seen you so many times. What's your name kiddo?" Edgar never heard those words...his eyes were busy.

A pair of golden pupils that shone like the sun stayed locked onto the modest pair of brown ones that quivered timidly. The rabbit's heartbeat rapidly increased as the form drew itself closer. Slithering his way was a snake, a large snake. More specifically it was a naga, a large naga. The upper half of the reptilian creature was mostly covered by a cream colored robe, the one a king might have worn, but it was all that was worn by this serpent. The robe did well to conceal those soft, black scales that coated nearly every inch of the cobra, they too gave a gentle shimmer. That broad hood was pierced with three golden earrings along the otter edges. Edgar's gaze fell from those eyes, rather reluctantly, but he didn't feel as if he had the right to look into them. His ears went limp and the lower half that supported the anthromorphic portion caught his sight. Long, strong, thick lengths of snake became visible as the owner of the quaint home settled himself a few feet away from the bird and bunny.

A snake...no, not a snake, a naga...but not just a naga, a cobra, that broad hood was a dead give away.

A light hiss broke the awkward silence, and perked those ears that had fallen limp, as well as the rest of the rabbit's form from the look of things.

"Huh, I, oh I'm sorry, what was that?" The rabbit asked and looked to the hawk with the sort of embarrassed expression that could have been interpreted as, 'I think I just made a mess in my pants.'

"I asked your name kid, it's impolite to stare though," the avian replied with a teasing smirk.

"I...I'm sorry," great, now he had done it. The rabbit felt terrible almost immediately, but another hiss got his attention. Where was that noise coming from? Oh that's right, snakes hissed. Edgar's attention was given to the standing...or was he slouching? Either way it didn't matter, he was -looking- at the snake rather than staring.

"Think nothing of it, now then what is your name? I'm sure you know Turcel, correct? Well my name is Amar, Amar Crushar," the naga noted with a polite, regal tone.

"I-I'm Edgar *cough* Edgar Denore, it's nice to meet you," the rabbit was able to stumble out an introduction.

Turcel naturally felt a little out of the loop, but the hawk gave a good-natured chuckle and tapped one of his claw tips on the counter. "Now then, shall we get onto business?"

Business? What bu-oh, the delivery.

"Y-Yes of course, sorry about that," the bunny gave a nervous chuckle. He forgot he had to a job to do here, but he pulled his act together fairly quickly.

"That'll be...$12.22," Edgar read that price from the receipt he was surprised he still had in his paw.

The bird nodded and reached for his back pocket, but then the snake made his way over and shook his head at his guest. Turcel shrugged, but didn't say anything, after all who was he to complain that he was getting treated to dinner. Amar slipped a scaled hand into his breast pocket and after shuffling his fingers in it for a few seconds retrieved and unfolded a crisp, clean fifty-dollar bill.

"Allow me, here you are Edgar," the snake spoke, allowing the rabbit's ears to be graced once again by his voice.

The words send a jolt down the bunny's form, or maybe it was the fact he knew he didn't have enough change on him for that sort of thing, he neglected to make proper preparations before he left the restaurant. Running late early in his day had come back to haunt him once again.

"I, err, sorry I don't have change for that much Sir," Edgar said with a pang of disappointment.

"Then consider the change a tip, and my apology," the snake responded with a smirk and presented it to the rabbit.

"I...what...apology?" The delivery bunny just stood there in shock; never mind the tip, that apology caught him off guard.

"For my own staring," Amar gave a sort chuckle as he said that, but he reached for Edgar's paw and grasped it firmly.

The rabbit gasped as those large, scaled digits gripped on his soft, tender paw. He couldn't move, but the snake withdrew himself, leaving the money in Edgar's belonging now.

"I...thank you?" The rabbit asked goofily, but his tail gave a little twitch. "Staring?"

"Why of course, I couldn't help myself, such a handsome lad you are...now then, Mr. Cao's Chinese Diner? Hmm, do you have a business card you can leave with me?" The serpent inquired while the hawk ducked into the large fridge to help himself to a beverage, which he cracked open loudly and began to chug down his beer like a thirsty frat boy.

"Handsome...business card?" Edgar appeared to be developing a habit that was common with parrots. Though after he came to his senses he slipped the bill into his pocket and fumbled his paws around his hips and thighs, looking for his...ah, found it, wallet. His quick paw pulled it out and flipped it open, and shelled out nearly two-dozen cards for various companies. He set his wallet on the counter behind the large container of soup and started to look through them before he found the one for his restaurant; glad he kept one in that mess he called a wallet.

He graciously offered the card to Amar who took it with a smile and glanced down at the contact info momentarily. "Thank you," the serpent mused.

Edgar smiled and just stood there for a moment, ignoring the third party who was already helping himself to some egg rolls he had ordered. Turcel gave a slight burp and chuckled at the two, but he had to be the verbal reminder for the enthralled rabbit and the snake he assumed was merely curious.

"This is great, gotta get me more of this again soon, you're by far my favorite delivery boy too," the bird smirked and licked over his claw tips.

Edgar was reminded of his job and mentally gave a sigh before he smiled to the hawk and gave him a soft nod. "Thanks, though I really should be going. Thanks again for everything, enjoy your meal," the rabbit smiled and re-adjusted his hat before he made his way to the door.

Before he could touch that doorknob however, the naga moved up silently behind him and placed a hand on his shoulder, telling every working nerve in his body to freeze.

"Expect a call from me soon, travel sssafely out there," Amar hissed to purposely give himself a lisp on, and he got the desired reaction: a blushing rabbit.

"I-I-I look forward to it..." Edgar stuttered out as the door was opened for him and he stepped reluctantly into the hallway. He turned and his eyes caught Amar's once again. Those golden orbs nearly made the bunny's body quiver and melt where he stood, but he didn't want to look away...no, he -couldn't-.

"Ssssee you soon..." the snake hissed once more and gave a wide grin to the delivery rabbit before he closed the door.

"I hope so..." Edgar whispered to himself, unsure of why he said that to himself, but the brief encounter with his customer, or more importantly, his customer's acquaintance.

Once the rabbit dragged his feet down the hallway, he still felt a deep blush in his cheeks. Not only did he get a massive tip, he felt as if he was dancing on cloud nine. Such an interesting person that Amar was, so very very...yeah interesting was a good way to describe it. His mind wasted no time in painting vivid pictures about that handsome snake. That little tail couldn't help but flutter all while he walked down the stairs and back to his bike.

"I really hope so..."