FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Much like any other Wednesday in the height of summer, the day is hot and altogether unpleasant. Crickets chirp outside, a small troop of kangaroos lie exhausted in the sun, and above the birds spread their wings and take to the skies, oblivious to the heat at their backs. Feral animals have always interested me - indeed, I find origin biology the most interesting of my subjects this year - but today all I care about is getting undercover and away from the biting sun.

It is a relief, then, to emerge into the air-conditioned house I've spent my life in, shutting the door with smarmy force behind me. I pad to the fridge and pull it open, shaking out my wings and enjoying the cool air before remembering the many conversations I've had with my parents about energy conservation. How boring.

I grab the milk carton and, after a few surreptitious glances around, raise it to my beak, about to take a refreshing swig when-

"Theodore, just what do you think you're doing?"

I frown and turn, lowering the carton to see my mother standing in the doorway, a hand on her hip. "This isn't a den, Theo, we live in civility. Please, follow the example of your peers and use a glass."

I sigh but relent, grabbing a glass from the cupboard and plonking it down on the counter. My mother slides onto a stool and leans over the countertop. "So, how was school?"

"Oh, you know, just the... usual."

I see my mother pause, an eyebrow twitching slightly as her tail flicks. I lower my gaze, fixating on the pouring milk when it feels like she's peering deep into me, but by the time I look up she's moved on. "What about your bio? You had a test, yeah?"

I grin. "Yup, and she marked it then and there. 80%!"

The lion smiles broadly, leaning over to ruffle my scruffy hair. "Nice job! See, I told you study changes everything!"

"Hey, I was already on a 75% average!"

"And now you're on 79 or something. See? Study." She grins again, her sharp, feline teeth glinting as she stands and grabs the carton, sliding it back into the fridge. "That certainly deserves a reward. What do ya want for dinner?"

I hesitate, but before I can answer I see mother turn and smile slyly, and I know she's onto me as she steps close, looking down. "What's going on, Theo? There's something you aren't telling me, isn't there?"

My breath catches slightly, and I shift uncomfortably. "No..."

"Right, we'll do this the hard way then." She pulls up another stool and perches on it, crossing a furred leg. "So, you come home 10 minutes late. Unusual for you. You aren't excited about choosing dinner... so you have other plans? Yes, that must be it." She pauses, then leans close, her muzzle near my neck, and inhales deeply. "Strong deodorant." She pulls away and sneezes. "Must you wear such... pertinent stuff?"

"I like the smell. And it's what's cool right now."

"Uh huh. Well, I think I've got it. You've..." She pauses for dramatic effect, then slams a paw on the table. "Made a friend and wanna go play racing games together!"

I pause, then nod enthusiastically. "That... yup, that's it." I accompany it with a weak smile, and my mother smiles triumphantly. Woah, I certainly got out of that one-"

"Oh Aly, don't tease him, obviously he's found a girl he likes."

I freeze, going pale which is more than obvious beneath the light fur covering the front of my face. I turn to see mum stepping down the stairs, her talons tapping with jollity and she ruffles her sapphire blue feathers. My mother, still at the table, giggles. "You ruin the fun, Kyano. So, Theo, who is this mystery girl?"

"Or boy." Mum stands behind mother, wrapping her wings around her wife.

I look down, the pale colour becoming a deep red as I kick the bench with my own talons. "A... she's just a friend!"

"A likely story indeed."

"And why is this the first we've heard of this?" Mother cocks her head, looking a little hurt, and I sigh.

"Because we haven't known each other that long. I thought you might be... hesitant about me going out with--

"YOU'RE GOING OUT!!!??" My feline mother gasps, jumping to her feet, and behind her the bluejay giggles, rolling her eyes and giving me a wink. "Oh of course they are. Probably even kissed!"

"Hey! No we haven't!" I firmly deny, standing up, not quite matching mother's height but giving it my best shot none the less. "Look, please don't get into it, I'm meeting her parents and that's scary enough!" I step away and fold my arms, my wings flapping a little behind me as I shrug. "Look, you'll meet her soon, okay? Just... give me some time." I turn and head toward my bedroom, shaking my head with just a little amusement as I hear, behind me, mother sniffle a little and say "They grow up so fast..."

---

I barely get a paw on my door before I'm tackled to the carpet, a blurred shape rushing me with the speed and force of a freight train. "A girlfriend? Ohmygosh no way!"

I sigh and raise an eyebrow. "Hello Luna."

The short, slight bird giggles and sits up, using her wings to keep me down. She's light, and I'm fairly certain I could lift her up with one leg, but I keep my position. Luna wiggles a little on top of me, her expression unreadable, but I try my best to ignore it. She's wearing a light, partially see-through white top with nothing underneath, classic Luna-home-style, and I avert my gaze. Now is really not the time for her teasing.

The bluejay moves forward a little, her feathered forehead creasing in a slight frown. "Have you done it yet?"

"What!? No! No, not... not yet."

"Aw, poor griffin. Well, you can always... you know..." She trails off, inching closer but I shake my head. "Hey, I've got a girlfriend now!"

"And?" Luna tilts her head, an eyebrow raised. I can tell it doesn't even occur to her what she's doing to me right now. She's always been like that, and whilst it keeps her at the head of things, it can be a little much sometimes. I sigh and sit up, pushing her gently to the side. She squirms backward and stands, pouting.

"Don't you have homework to be doing?" I ask, brushing myself off but not standing yet... I don't want her to see what she's done to me.

"Pfft, homework is boring. I've got student council stuff to organise anyway, for the assembly that you're supposed to be helping set up."

"Yeah yeah, well..."

"Maybe I'll tell that excuse to Miss Omara!"

"Oh god, please no." The thought of the strict, wrinkly old hedgehog telling me off for the third time this week was too much. "I promise I'll do it tomorrow!"

And with that I zip into my room, closing the door firmly behind me before Luna can burst her way in.

---

"Oh, hey there."

"I... what?" I blink, glancing around the darkened room. The curtains are shut, and the voice is deep as it continues. "I guess your parents didn't tell ya. I've got dibs on your room for a couple days. Guess your sleeping with your sisters... lucky sod."

I smile. "Hi Uncle Meringath."

"I told you not to call me that." The dragon sighs as he stands, horns nearly scraping against the ceiling. "It makes me feel old. And I'm not your uncle."

"Well, I've got to keep your ego down somehow old dragon." I chuckle as I pad to my desk and grab a few textbooks. "Are you going to give me time to move my stuff?"

"I'm heading out anyways to meet the wife, just popped by this afternoon. What are you up to? Wanna to come?"

"No, I... I have other stuff planned."

"Oh? Care to share?"

"Please don't make me go through it all again."

"Heh, alright alright. I'll give you your privacy." He pats a big hand on my shoulder as he moves to the door and I wince in pain. Griffin bones are stronger than a bird's, sure, but compared to a dragon...

Meringath pauses, cocking a grin before reaching into his pocket. "Here, take these. Keep them hidden from your mothers though."

I frown in confusion and take the packet from his claws, turning it over in my paw. Then I read the title and throw it back at him. "Condoms? Seriously?" I whisper furiously, but Merin just laughs. "Hey, things happen. Always be prepared." He bends and picks the packet up off the floor, holding it back out. I pause, then, with a blushing face, snatch it and shove it into my pocket.

---

"Luna, where's Wynter?" I ask the bird as I poke my head into her room. She's standing in the middle of her relatively spacious room, practicing her opening speech for the assembly. She turns and smiles, and I roll my eyes and repeat the question. She's disposed of the pants, and now only wears a long, thankfully opaque gown. Still, any vigorous movement could result in quite the eyeful, and whilst normally my interest would be piqued, I'm really not in the mood for it right now. I'm getting more nervous by the minute.

"Out running, why?"

"Just thought I'd let her and you know I'm staying in yours for a couple nights."

"Oh really~?" She winks at me and I roll my eyes. Maybe I should seek alternate plans... nights with Luna tend not to have much sleep.