Hold me Close, Don't let go -preview-
I could see my breath... Those frozen air particles floated up a bit before disappearing. Until I released my breath again, of course. As pretty as it was to watch, however, I didn't have the time. The temperature was dropping rapidly below freezing, and all I was wearing was a pair of jeans, a beanie and a thin, knee-length coat. I know my fur is unusually thick but... I really was starting to wish that I had put on something heavier. Scratch that. MUCH heavier. My god damn bones were freezing! I need to find a place to stay before I died... I would have made some kind of witty statement right there, but again, no time.
Making my way down the sidewalk, I saw nothing. It was late and on a Friday. All the shops had closed up early. Thoughts of going back began to creep into my mind, where they were quickly crushed under the lofty weight of hatred. There was no way I was going back there. No way in hell. Of course, if I didn't find somewhere soon, I myself would end up in hell... At least it would be warm.
Groaning, I pulled my coat tighter around my body and twisted my tail around my waist. Snow was starting to fall. I swore to myself. There had to be something open! And at last, I saw it! A tavern, with it's beautiful lights teasing me through the window. I felt warmer already. I unwrapped my tail from my coat and ran toward the tavern as fast as I could, leaving the few furs that still walked the street behind. There was a sign hanging in front of it that I stopped shortly to read.
"Welcome to Avalon Tavern.
All are Welcome. Come Inside and Enjoy Yourself"
~Dean Brougheart (Owner)
I could feel a smile form on my semi-frozen lips. All are welcome huh? I liked it here already. However, getting inside deemed to be a challenge. I forgot that I didn't grab my gloves before I left. Bare paws plus well-below freezing temperatures tended to numb up that useful appendage quite well. I couldn't wrap my paws around the doorknob to turn it... Holy shit... This is just too cruel. I glanced through the frosted glass of the door. All that warmth, right there. And I can't get any of it because I'm already too cold. Maybe someone would see me waiting out here and come open the door. Or maybe I could make an obscene gesture as I froze. That would be funny.
"Are you going inside?"
I spun around quickly. A tall, rather handsome looking feline was standing behind me, looking rather impatient. I frowned a bit. Don't rush me you asshole, I'm dying here. I was about to open my mouth to reply, but he cut me off.
"Well?" He asked me again, tilting his head to the side and raising an eyebrow.
I sighed. "I'd like to," I said, "But my paws are... kinda frozen at the moment. I can't turn the knob." I lifted them up, demonstrating the fact that I couldn't make a proper fist. He sighed and reached around me, grabbing the doorknob in his gloved paw, the lucky bastard, and opened the door. A blast of warm air hit me in my face like a custard pie from a comedy routine. Sorry. That was the best analogy I could come up with.
Stepping inside, I could see a fire in the corner. My first destination. I turned around and said a quick thank you to the guy who let me in. He just nodded to me, probably wondering why I haven't gotten out of his way yet. I practically ran to that delicious flame, thrusting my paws forward. I released a nice long sigh, feeling my paws thaw. Along with my ears, my nose, my tail... I could go on but I won't.
Anyhow, while I waited to reach my normal body temperature and then some, I took some time to glance around Avalon Tavern. It was a nice place with a homey feel to it. Almost like Cheers. Almost. There was a bar set up against the farthest wall from the door. The majority of the furs seemed to have gathered there, constantly pestering the poor bartender, who I assumed to be Mr. Dean Brougheart, for new drinks and refills. Watching that aged badger run back and forth fulfilling orders was kind of funny. Funny in an awesome way I mean. Every so often, he would slide drinks down the bar or flip the mugs around in his hand. It almost felt like I was watching one of those showoff sushi chefs. He glanced over and saw me watching him. He gave me a sweet smile and a wave before he returned to a conversation with some vixen sitting across from him.
The rest of the tavern was set up like a restaurant, though no one had any food at the moment. About a half dozen tables were scattered about the room, each one surrounded by three or four chairs. There were even some pinball machines in another corner! Sure they looked kind of dated, but still. Pinball! And then I remembered that I didn't grab any money when I left either. I mentally kicked myself as I opened and closed my paw. Sweet, I could make a fist again. Not that I planned on slugging anyone... Anyone here anyway.
Well what did you think? It was just a preview so not much has happened but... I really was just trying to work on my writing style. It's mostly inspired by James Patterson if any of you know how he is Lol.
Okay well, I'll shut up and get back to working on this.
Until next time. Ciao.