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Doro and Lexa

Chapter 5 - Looking Back

By XP Author

Doro was lucky he had managed to find a seat without someone tall in front of him blocking the view. A common problem he often found at gatherings and movies. He wasn't in his nicest clothing, that was for later, but he was still in some formal wear. A dark blue button-down shirt, complete with lighter blue tie, and some nice slacks. Beside him was Kyle, Lexa's father, dressed similarly. In fact, most people around him were dressed fairly similarly as they sat and watched the stage. It was a fairly standard, if small, graduation ceremony for the two dozen students of this semester. Among them was Lexa, dressed in the long robe and the typical graduation hat. Doro had always thought those things were just in movies.

One of the teachers stepped up to the podium, and all noise from the gathered crowd died down. The middle aged zebra cleared his throat and began. "A lot has happened in the last four years. Our country switched presidents, our city switched mayors, and our school switched deans. We've seen students come and go, and some come back. We've seen teachers do the same. We weathered one of the worst winters in the last 40 years." He took a breath. "We've seen tragedy strike our city. From the bombing of Eagle Heights, the shoot out at the bank downtown, and the recent spree of murders around the city, leading to the rise in vigilante justice."

Many in the crowd murmured, wondering just where the teacher was going with all this. Doro was wondering as well, but kept his mouth shut. "Through all this tragedy and change, our city has persevered." He motioned back to the gathered crowd behind him. "Our students are no different. Through everything, they pushed on where many could not, so that one day they would bring a brighter future to our city, and our nation, and our world as a whole."

As the teacher started to read the names, calling up each student to hand them their certificate and diploma, Kyle leaned over to whisper to Doro. "Bit of a roundabout way to get to the point isn't it?"

Doro couldn't help but chuckle. "Lexa did mention something about a stripey wind-bag that liked to pontificate. I think they teach political science or something." It still felt odd sitting next to Kyle. The man was now showing much more gray in his dark hair and brown fur, despite only being in his late 40's. It was clear the stress of the last few years had effected him. On Doro's other side was Chuck, having stuffed himself into business casual attire, though it looked like one good flex and the lion would rip the clothes to shreds.

Doro, Kyle, and Chuck clapped as Lexa's name was called, both smiling at her as she stepped up to take her diploma, and the certificate that she was qualified to be a physical therapist in the state. Chuck leaned over to Doro. "Thanks for letting me be here with you to see this. I'm really proud of her."

Doro smiled at the large feline. "Hey, you're the one that suggested she look into this to begin with. She wouldn't be up on that stage if you hadn't said anything."

After all the students were done getting their awards, the teacher finished with calling them the alumni of that year. Both students and audience alike cheered, hats thrown in the air, and calls of congratulations shouted. When it was all said and done, the alumni all made their way out to the crowd, hugs given all around.

Lexa was no different, having three men giving her a big hug all at once. "Hey, easy! I gotta return this robe after today." She smiled at the three of them. "Thanks all of you for being here."

Chuck beamed at her. "Thanks for inviting me!"

She smiled back. "Well, I wouldn't be here if not-"

"Yeah, I know. The little man here said the same thing already." He pat her on the shoulder. "But you put the work in. You earned it."

Lexa just let out a soft, slightly embarrassed chuckle. "I guess."

Kyle spoke up next, almost sheepishly. "Thank you for inviting me, too... I know we're still patching things up, but... I mean, look at you! You turned out pretty good." He gave her a hug. "Congrats, sweetie. I always knew you were better than me. Now you've got a certificate to show it!"

It was Doro's turn to give her a hug, though he kept his arm around her afterwards. "Sorry my parents couldn't make it."

Lexa shrugged, keeping her arm around his shoulders so he was up close against her. "It's fine. I'll see them at dinner tonight." She looked at Kyle. "You still coming, Dad?"

Kyle grinned wide. "Dinner with my daughter? I wouldn't miss it for the world." He was still getting used to saying that, but he at least didn't slip up with her name anymore.

Doro looked to Chuck. "Will you be joining us tonight, too?"

Chuck shook his head, looking a little sad. "Nah, I won't. I'm real sorry, but Ginger's got the night off for once, and... y'know, I really want to spend time with my sister, you know?" Chuck's sister, Ginger, was a cop and always seemed to be working some case, especially in the last few months. Chuck and Ginger were both adopted, leading to how a lion's little sister was a rabbit.

Lexa reached out to touch his arm. "It's alright. You be with your sister. Give her my well wishes, yeah?"

The big lion nodded. "I will. I hope dinner goes well for you." He gave a knowing smirk to Doro, who blushed slightly. Lexa just quirked an eyebrow.

* * *

Lexa ran her hands through her hair as the warm water poured down from the shower. She smiled as the hands that had been washing her back slipped instead around her middle, Doro pressing his body against hers as he held her. She shifted her tail just a bit so it bumped and rubbed between his legs, getting a squeak and moan from him. "H-hey... we just finished getting cleaned up... if you start up again, we'll be late for dinner..."

She giggled mischievously. "Sorry. I can't help it when you're all up against me like this." She slid her tail down so she could turn around in his grip. It left his head right up at her boobs. She gasped when he gave them a soft kiss. "Now who's the one teasing?"

Doro giggled, giving her breasts a gentle kiss again before backing up. She leaned down to let him give her a more proper kiss. "We should get dressed."

Lexa turned the water off and the both of them stepped out, wrapping towels about each other to dry fur as best as could be before using a blow-drier. "So, did my father behave himself out there today?"

Doro, helping to dry her back, nodded some. "Yeah. He was in nothing but proud dad mode the whole time. I was more worried about Chuck. Thought he was going to start crying when your name was called."

Lexa let out a chuckle. "He's such a big softy." She sighed slightly, running a brush through her hair. "I hope Ginger comes through the treatments alright." Chuck's younger sister, Ginger, had a degenerative disease, but one that was treatable. Though the treatments were not the kindest to the body, and as a result, the sweet lioness was always a little frail.

The two helped each other finish both drying off and grooming fur back into place. Lexa stayed in the bathroom to not only get dressed, but to put her hair up, while Doro went to the bedroom for his clothes. He had gotten himself a new suit for the occasion, and because his old one didn't fit quite as well anymore. A charcoal gray, three piece affair, with a black tie and soft blue shirt. Tailored to fit him just right, once he slipped on the jacket and looked at himself in the mirror, he smiled. He glanced over his shoulder to make sure Lexa wasn't in the doorway, and quickly pulled something from the drawer of his night stand, stuffing it into his pocket.

Stepping out into the main room, he called out. "You almost ready?"

Lexa's voice echoed back from the bathroom. "Just about. Just finishing up here." She was lacing up her shoes. The outfit she wore, at Doro's insistence, was the same dress he had gotten her way back for his 18th birthday dinner. It fit her even better now that she had a real set of boobs to fill it. A blue dress that flowed as she walked, with string straps that crossed at her back, leaving her arms, shoulders, and back exposed. Her shoes were fancy, though not heels, as she still refused to wear those. Instead, they had ribbons that wrapped up her legs to the back of her calf. She finished tying them off and stepped out. "So, how do I look?"

The smaller rat just stared at her, a dumb smile on his face. "Like the most gorgeous woman on the planet."

Lexa actually felt herself blush a little. Years of hearing him say that, and it never got old.

* * *

"So you spent a night in some stranger's cabin? Just... out in the middle of the woods?" Kyle looked between Doro and Lexa. "What happened if they had come back?"

Lexa set her fork down as she finished her meal. "Well, we would have explained ourselves. I mean, there was a raging ice storm going on outside, so it wasn't likely."

Margaret shook her head. "I still don't know how you missed the weather report about it. It was all over the news!"

Doro shrugged. "I dunno, but we came out fine." He shook his head a little. "Going back after the RV wasn't much fun, though... Thankfully it wasn't banged up or anything. Was worried we wouldn't get the rental deposit back..."

It was Jason's turn to speak up. "That would have been on you to pay for, too. I can't cover all your expenses, especially when they're your own fault." All were gathered around the table, most of the plates before them now empty. The restaurant was quite a fancy place, the kind that anything less than a suit and tie felt under-dressed.

The waiter came over, nodding to everyone. "Was the meal to everyone's liking?" The tall canine smiled as he got nothing but emphatic approval from the five rodents at the table. "Very good. Would anyone like desert or more refills?"

Jason looked at the others. "Go ahead if you want something." Doro's parents had offered to foot the bill for this. It had actually taken a few reassurances to Kyle when he saw the prices on the menu the first time, but he did eventually get the steak that he finished. Lexa had the same. One of the few things neither would ever argue about with one another was their love of a good, juicy steak.

Kyle still shook his head. "No, I'm good. Pretty stuffed from that. I wouldn't want to impose anymore anyway."

Lexa smiled at the waiter. "I'll have two slices of cheesecake to go, if that's alright."

Kyle looked at her. "TWO!?"

She just smiled. "One for me, one for Doro. For later."

Doro chuckled. "I'll just have what's left here to go as well please." He had only eaten half of his chicken parmesan.

Jason turned down the offer, but Margaret did actually speak up again. "You know, I think I'll have a slice of chocolate cake. Also to go, please."

The waiter nodded to everyone, moving to take Doro's plate. "Very good. I will get this boxed up for you and get those desserts in a moment."

Kyle shook his head a little but laughed. "Kinda wish I hadn't filled up on the meal as much as I did now." He nodded over at Doro. "Though you really should eat a little more. Maybe get some meat on your bones."

Doro shook his head. "It's alright. I've never been a big eater. Besides, Lexa makes sure I get enough protein in me." Lexa nearly choked on her water when he said that.

Jason smiled. "Well, I guess she would know about proper diet and all with the gym and her training." He nodded to her. "Congratulations again."

Lexa cleared her throat, recovering from Doro's comment. "Yeah... thank you." She blushed a little as she gave a sheepish smile.

Kyle nodded to Doro's parents. "And I want to thank both of you. Not just for the meal, but for looking after my girl while I was... well, being a bit of a stubborn ass about it. You were there when I wasn't, and as a father, you have my deepest gratitude." He smiled at Lexa. "She turned out pretty good."

Margaret smiled at Kyle. "We didn't do much, really. It is Doro you should thank. He was by her side the whole time. We just helped where we could is all."

Lexa reached over and gave Margaret's hand a gentle squeeze. "You helped a lot. You paid for our first 6 months of rent, my surgery, and even my tuition. Which I still plan to pay you back for, no arguments!" Margaret just smiled at her.

Kyle cleared his throat. "Yeah, I... uh... I know it's a huge faux pas but... I gotta ask. Just how can you afford all this? I can't imagine running a book store is THAT profitable..."

Lexa gave a wide-eyed look at her father. "DAD!"

Doro spoke up. "Oh, it's simple. See, we run a secret slave trade through the back of the store."

Kyle looked at the shorter man. "What?"

Jason glared at his son. "Doro! You know you're not to tell people about that!"

Kyle looked at Jason now. "Wait, he's serious!?"

Doro nodded slowly. "Yes, father. I'm sorry." He laid his hand on the table palm up. "I shall take my punishment."

Jason shook his head. "No. You will not be punished. I will take it from your mate." He looked at Lexa, holding his hand out. "Give me your hand."

Kyle just looked between everyone, "W-wait a minute here..."

Lexa laid her hand in Jason's, nodding slowly. "Of course, Mr. Zei. I understand. I am ready." She closed her eyes and braced herself.

Jason reached out his free hand... and gently slapped her wrist. "Bad. Don't do it again." Margaret couldn't hold her laughter anymore and just burst into a fit of giggles. The rest of the table did the same a moment later, except for Kyle, who just looked confused at what happened.

Jason pat the man on the shoulder. "Sorry. Just a bit of fun at your expense."

Lexa smiled at her father. "It's a joke I made a long time ago. It's kind of gotten more elaborate over the years." Kyle shook his head, but couldn't help but join in with the laughter with an awkward chuckle of his own.

Jason calmed himself a little. "The truth is that when I was their age, I made some smart and, honestly, very lucky stock investments. The book store doesn't actually pull in that much money. It's mostly for collectors and enthusiasts. Though you would still be surprised at some of the things in our back room. Every so often, we get a unique find. Some times people will sell books they don't know the value of. First edition or rare books."

Doro nodded. "Yeah. Had someone sell a signed copy of someone's autobiography the other day. They only signed like, five dozen of the things ever. So it's pretty rare. We usually put them up for auction... unless Dad wants them for his own collection."

Jason just shrugged, but nodded. "There are perks to owning a book store when you are a collector yourself."

After the to-go boxes of desserts and Doro's meal were set down and the bill was paid for, everyone made their way outside. In front of the place was a fancy fountain showing a trio of mermaids holding a pitcher above them, water trickling down the statues into a small pool at the base. Beyond that was a little balcony with a railing to look out on the city beyond. The restaurant was on a slight incline, and gave a nice view of the city at night, especially on clear nights like this one.

Doro handed his boxes over to his father. "Dad, could you hold onto these for me for a sec."

Jason smiled, nodding. "Sure."

Doro then took the box from Lexa and handed it to Kyle. "Here, hold on to this for a sec, kay?"

Kyle looked at his daughter, who looked just as confused. "Uh... okay."

Doro grabbed Lexa's hand. "Hey, follow me."

She nodded slowly, following at her boyfriend's insistence. "Sure... but what's this all about?"

He led her to the little balcony. "Just... just wanna enjoy this night, y'know?" He gave her a hug around the middle, then leaned on the railing to look out at the city lights beyond.

She returned the hug, then leaned against the railing beside him. "Yeah. It has been a pretty good day. And it is a really nice night." She smiled at him. "Thanks for always being at my side."

Doro blushed, nodding slowly. He pursed his lips, looking visibly nervous. "Yeah... about that."

She looked at him again, looking suddenly concerned at his shift in demeanor. "What? What's wrong."

He shook his head, taking a step back from the railing, though still facing her. "Nothing! Just... I'm glad that you've always been at my side, too. And... uh..." He felt his heart pounding so hard in his chest that it might break free and run away. "I want to keep being at your side forever. And have you at mine..."

Lexa turned to look at him more fully. "Of course I wo-" Her eyes went wide as he dropped himself to one knee, fishing for something in his pocket. Her hands flew up to her mouth as she saw just what it was.

Doro held out a small box, within was a gold ring, a small gem set at the top. "Would you marry me?"

Lexa felt herself shaking, tears welling up in her eyes. She nodded quickly, letting out a sound that was half laugh, half cry. "Of course!" She leaned down to wrap her love in an tight hug. "Yes!" Doro beamed wide, tears in his own eyes and returned the hug in kind. She rained kisses upon him as they embraced, then lifted him off of his feet with her hugging, twirling around and laughing giddily.

A few of the other patrons leaving or entering the restaurant started to clap, as well as the valet and door man. Jason had the smile of a proud father plastered on his face, struggling to fight tears of his own. Margaret didn't bother fighting them, laughing and grinning. Kyle shared the proud father smile, and leaned over to the other to parents. "I'm going to guess she said yes." The three chuckled at the obvious understatement as the pair came back to their parents, hand-in-hand and smiling brighter than the city lights behind them.

* * *