FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Niv and Mela sat in the lobby, waiting and watching as people came and went. It was quiet and uneventful. There was an occasional tap and nod to pick out a person of noteworthy appearance, but no one had bothered them the whole morning. Just how Niv liked it.

They were in the midst of admiring the fashion of a young woman standing by the door, when a short and curvy panda woman walked in. They both took a moment to appreciate her figure. She was dressed somewhat like an airship captain; ruffled white shirt, vest, pants and tall boots in earthy tones. Her purple-streaked black hair was tied up in a ponytail, a thick lock framing the right side of her round face. She seemed to be in good spirits, by the look of it.

There was confidence in her step as she deftly maneuvered around the other people with haste, bringing her near the ogling tigers. They caught themselves before they were noticed, but the path of the crowd brought the woman directly past their spot. Her icy blue eyes, scanning ahead, seemed to fall on them anyway, and she stopped in front of them.

They both looked up expectantly, putting on pleasant expressions for their new guest. Niv worried that they'd offended the woman, scenarios started playing in his head and he began mentally preparing an apology while trying not to glance at her chest and make things worse. Mela surreptitiously looked the woman up and down without shame.

"Hi. Do excuse my intrusion," She began, placing a large hand on her chest and looking to Mela, "but I happened notice your lovely necklace and I was wondering if I could ask where you got it? It really brings out your eyes."

"Oh, thank you." Mela replied. "But you'll have to ask this one, it was a gift from him." Mela gestured casually to Niv, a possibly smug look on her face as both women looked at him. "He never bothered to mention."

"I like your taste, handsome." The woman said, placing a hand on her hip and eyeing Mela, then titled her head back in his direction. "What's your secret?"

"Uh? Um..." Niv floundered, put on the spot and trying to think. "I uhm... I-I don't, um," he paused, still trying to recall, "Really remember... who made it." He had his chin in his hand, gazing to the ceiling and shaking his head slightly as he spoke. "It... it was a... custom order."

"_Very_good taste, then." She said, giving a smile.

"Wuh- I- Uh..." Niv tripped over his own thoughts trying to protest.

"Look at her," Mela interjected, leaning back in her chair and enjoying the show as she gestured to the woman, "I'd say she would know."

"You flatter me. My name is Lorrie, by the way." She said, offering a hand.

"Mela, and my adorable mess, Niv." Mela replied, shaking Lorrie's hand with a few gentle pumps. "Nice grip." She commented, conveying more with her narrowed eyes and thin smile.

"Oh you are a flirt_._" Lorrie playfully accused through a similar expression.

"You started it." Mela countered with a smirk. "And look at the mess you made." She gestured at Niv, who just looked confused, making her giggle.

"Ya caught me." Lorrie said, putting up her hands and shrugging. "I hope you won't think me rude. It wasn't my intention to step on anyone's toes, promise." She didn't sound as though she felt all that guilty, but the sentiment felt genuine.

"Oh not at all," Mela waved a hand dismissively, "He probably didn't even notice." She giggled more at Niv's renewed confusion. "I however feel a bit neglected," She said through a lingering smile, placing a hand on her chest, "if I'm honest." She faked a small frown, tilting her head away.

"I'll make a point of rectifying that if I see you again, love." Lorrie said apologetically. "Promise." She leaned towards Niv, putting a hand up to her mouth. "Wish me luck on that." She pretended to whisper.

"Alright!" Lorrie said, straightening her posture and clapping her hands together. "I do believe I've stolen enough of your time, and I should be on my way as it is." She began to walk off, making her way into the building proper. "Don't be strangers!"

"Lovely meeting you!" Mela called with a wave. The pair of them watched until she was obscured by the bustling crowd. "She was nice." Mela said to back of Niv's head, as he'd watched a bit longer than she had, which she noticed. She couldn't blame him. Hell, she envied him for having a better view. She thwapped his arm with the back of her hand. "It's not polite to stare, dear." She grinned, looking back into the crowd in the hopes of another glance.