Cynocephalae Eleutherius ("The Posstitute") Part 3

As ever, thanks to MightyPH for his character, Duke.

Danny's only held up half of his side of the bargain. He promised Duke they'd strike out into the crowd to try and find someone for himself.

"I've already given you what you want." Duke says. "Nothing's stopping you from backing out now, but it'd be a real shame if y'did. One'a the guys here must be willin' to give ya a shot. And even if, somehow, they're not, we'll still have a real good time lookin' around."

"No, I need to branch out. Put myself out there." Danny is ready to dive in, headfirst. "I ought to know what my business offers firsthand anyway. Let's go have some fun, Duke."

They both grab their respective bottles of liquor out of the ice bucket. But knowing they're already pushing it, they elect to descend from the stage the proper way.

For the next hour, you're left to observe from afar, in your elevated position.

Duke and Danny careen around the venue picking out humans and anthros alike who suit Danny's tastes, and starting up conversations. They grow more raucous and inebriated as they go. You eventually lose track of both of them, but Duke ends up making his way back to you. If you thought he was out of it earlier, you were gravely mistaken.

He can barely walk, and you have to meet him before he tries getting back on the stage. "Oh, hhheyyya-'non. We'gotim one. Z'got a fuckin' date- s-s-Sunday. Human guy. Real-real pretty-type. Tall, soft face, long blond hair. s'not my type at all, too faggy. Danny likes'm though.

Where is Danny anyway? "Did they leave together, Duke? I lost track of Danny, I'm a little worried about him."

Duke claims Danny's still here. "Neh-neh. He's z'around somewhere. Fuckin' flop'd awhileago. Z'in a booth or somethin'."

You instruct Duke to sit down and stay where he is. You'll be back in a minute. Thankfully, you don't have to ask too many people before you're pointed in the right direction. You find his paws just barely sticking through the curtain of Duke's booth. You pull the curtain aside to see that he completely passed out while trying to move the panel, presumably planning to sleep it off in the room back there. You pull him out, set him up in a position where he won't be at risk of choking on his own vomit, and replace the panel, preserving the secret, at least until it can be made presentable again.

It's not like Danny lives here, and while you got the impression Lauren would be good natured about keeping an eye on him, you don't want to make his employees responsible for his excess.

You can't just enlist one of the patrons to take Danny home, either. He couldn't get to bed under his own power even if they did. He's not going to be waking up for a while. You figure your best bet is to let him recover at your place. You're going to be dealing with the aftermath with Duke anyway.

You could carry Danny a short distance if you had to, but not all the way to your car, and Duke should be able to make it at least part of the way before he burns out. Luckily, a large, intimidating, intensely muscular rhino man in a mesh top notices you struggling to figure out your plan of action. "You need help with him, honey?"
Yes, yes you do.

He picks up Danny like it's nothing, and you regroup with Duke. "It's time to go. Danny's coming with us."

Duke has to support himself on you as you limp out the front door together, with Danny in your new rhino friend's arms, like some kind of classical painting, following close behind

You get Duke settled into the front passenger seat, and you and the kind bar patron gingerly load Danny into the back, then you embark on your way back home, with plenty of urgency.

Duke is mostly keeping his eyes closed, trying to stave off the motion sickness. But partway through the ride, it gets him, and you have to roll his window down.

Shortly after that, you wonder if Danny's in such bad shape he needs some kind of medical attention, But after waiting a few more minutes, you hear him groaning, and a strained "What the fuck?"

"Oh, good." You say. "We couldn't just leave you at The Cy. Duke and I decided to take you with us, for your own good." It's not quite true that Duke was involved in the choice, but it'll work. And just as quickly as Danny stirred, he's back out again. He might not have even heard most of what you said.

The rest of the drive back is pretty stressful. Duke continues to hang out the window, regretting his lack of moderation in surprisingly frequent, medium length bursts, presumably making a mess of that whole side of the car in the process. And you still can't shake the feeling that Danny was a hair's breadth away from needing to make a stop at the Emergency Room. But at least they had fun, right? And Danny opened a new chapter in his life, to use his own metaphor. That's priceless.

You're tremendously relieved to make it back, and especially glad that you won't have to carry both of them inside. Though, if you had the choice, you'd definitely prefer to carry Duke. But you don't get a choice.

You park on the street in front of your house and leave the car running. "Duke, I need you to wait in here. Danny's the first priority, he's in much worse shape than you."

Duke has enough sense, or enough hesitancy to move, to heed your words, without saying anything himself.

With some sizable effort, you manage to lug Danny out of the back and into the house. He could definitely stand to lose some weight. While you get him in the door, you can't take him much farther. It looks like that couch in the entrance room is finally seeing some use.

When you return to the car, you find Duke leaning out the open door, making a terrible mess on the pavement.

You wait until it seems like most of it is out of his system before helping him into the house and to the ground floor bathroom. You have to leave Duke to his struggle for now.

They're both going to be hurting in the morning and all you have on hand in the medicine cabinet for them is some Acetaminophen that's probably expired, or close to it. The alcohol's already being hard enough on their bodies. "Duke, I'm going to go pick up some stuff, you're going to need it tomorrow. If this clears up while I'm gone and you need to go lay down, take the trashcan out from under the sink and go straight to the couch. Don't try to get up the stairs on your own."

"Ugh, alright. I got'cha." At least Duke's coherent. "Jesus Christ, man. Never let me do this again. I ain't cut out for it no more. Before ya go, z'Danny okay?"

That depends on your definition of 'okay.' "He's breathing — He's safe, but completely out of it. I bet he won't be too happy with himself tomorrow morning."

Before you head back out, you check on Danny one last time. He's in bad shape. It was the right move to keep an eye on him. If he had tried to sleep it off in the back room of The Cy, it could have turned out badly.

You set out for the nearest gas station, it's just a couple streets over. You're not going too far, this should be quick.

You pick up a few bottles of electrolyte drinks, and a pack of painkillers that won't actually poison them more, to help Duke and Danny through the inevitable hangover. They really gouge you on this stuff, but that's the price you pay for convenience.

You exit the store and realize just how much of a mess Duke made of the passenger side of the car. There are big, obvious streaks of vomit all down the right side of your car. You should probably get that off as soon as possible, it has to be bad for the paint. But you don't have time for that tonight.

On your way back, you're delayed by a substantial amount. A human police officer happens to notice the mess while you're waiting at a red light, you're pulled over and put under scrutiny yourself.

The officer grills you, "Ya mind telling me what happened to the other side o' your car? You aware that mess was there?"

You're going to try to get through this as quickly as you can. "I did know, sir. My friends went a little overboard tonight while we were out. I was the designated driver. I got them home and I'm just coming back from getting some odds and ends to help them get through it a little easier."

He asks the obvious questions. "Where'd you come back from? You have anything to drink yerself, son?"

He probably won't believe you if you say no. "Just one beer, about four hours ago now, sir. We were at The Cy."

The officer cringes at the implication of what you just told him. He's definitely judging you for that, even if he's trying to hide it. Then, he groans as if this is an exceptional chore for him. "Step out of the car, field sobriety test."

You're not sure if he's making you do it just to give you a hard time, or if he's just trying to call your bluff.
You're not impaired at all at this point, you have no issue completing all the tasks he gives you.
And yet, he mutters "Inconclusive."

He's definitely holding your preference in company against you, he wastes even more of your time with the breathalyzer. Naturally, you barely even register on it.

He looks disappointed that he can't ruin your life tonight, then launches into a rehearsed, stiff spiel he clearly resents. "Alright. You're free to go. The county would like to thank you for making the responsible choice for yourself and those you care about. However, I should also remind you that it's much preferred that you refrain from partaking entirely next time. Even a little bit of alcohol in your system can be the difference between an accident and a close call."

You get back in the car and finally get back underway. Duke's probably wondering what the Hell happened.

Strangely, you're followed by the officer. He might just be going the same way. But this is a residential street, there's nothing here. He's trying to catch you in a mistake so he can give you even more grief. It makes for a tense few minutes taking care to do everything perfectly right.

You pull into your driveway without incident and the police car continues on. Maybe he really was just going the same way.

Finally back in the house, you're relieved to see that Danny has stirred again at some point while you were gone. He's in a different position than you left him. You leave the painkillers on the dining room table and put three of the four drinks in the minifridge for Duke and Danny to make use of tomorrow while you're at work.

The bathroom door is open, but Duke's not in there. He must be on the couch. Stepping into the main room, you realize he's awake, reclined on the couch, flipping through options on the TV. "Oh hey! I was startin' to worry."

Duke seems to be in much higher spirits, and much better shape, already. "That was a pretty fast turnaround, Duke. Good to see you're feeling better."

Duke dispatches with your positivity. "Hell naw. I still feel like shit. But I ain't pukin' my guts out no more, so I can't complain too-too much."

You hand him the drink. "If you think you can keep it down, this'll keep the hangover from being as bad. You probably need it for practical reasons, too. You've lost a lot of fluids."

The wide, squarish bottle and narrow mouth make it impossible for Duke to chug it like he intended to. That's good, he'd probably make himself sick again if he got it down too fast."Gah. Guess I'm gonna have to sip it."

Duke shifts the subject. "So what happened? You were gone for a while there."

You don't want him getting upset, so you play it down. "Just a traffic stop. They saw your calling card on the side of the car. Had some questions for me"

"It was the fuckin' county cops, wasn't it" Duke seems to have sussed it out. "They give you a hard time? It's like you take a time machine back twenny years as soon as you're outta the city. I knew I was always on thinner ice if a client dragged me too far outta the way. I always tried to avoid that."

"It wasn't that bad" You insist. "I got a funny look when I mentioned we came from The Cy, but that's all. I'm sure it just conjured an image in the guy's head that he wasn't too happy with."

"You were a human on his own. You prob'ly got off easy" Duke speculates. "If I was with ya, they'd run both'a us through the wringer."

He's speaking from experience, you're sure. And you're inclined to believe him, despite your instinct that how he would've been dressing played a part in drawing the unwanted attention in the first place. Even if that's the case, they shouldn't have been treating him differently. "I don't know, I think the fact that you're actually wearing pants would have helped a little bit, at least."

Duke finishes his drink. "Hey, I was wearin' pants back then too, even underwear. A'course, back then, I was makin' sure you could see 'em. High-waisted, powder blue, and pokin' outta them short shorts that were barely even on in the first place."

If you didn't know better, you'd say he was still fond of that outfit. "It sounds like you want to show it to me. The last time I heard you talk about what you used to wear, I got the impression you wanted to leave it in the past."

"I don't hate it at all. I spent some'a the best nights'a my life wearin' that stuff." Duke clarifies. "I just needed to move on to somethin' a little more 'mature.' Y'know, change'a venue, change'a clientele. That sweater fell into my lap, almost literally. Someone left it behind at The Cy, the first week we were open, and never came back to claim it."

Duke tires of the conversation. "Aw, dammit. I gotta get to bed. I can't keep fighting this shit. I didn't wanna pass out before Danny's back in the land'a the livin', but I just can't do it. Can ya help me up the stairs?"

"I think he'll be fine, Duke. You need to recover, too." You remind him, as you help him to his feet. Duke can barely stand, he's so weakened. He's basically hanging off of you as you guide him to the front of the house. "God. I'm sorry we gave ya all this trouble, Anon. It's- It's just been a long time."

Before you head up the stairs with Duke, you check on Danny one last time. “Hey, Danny. We’re turning in for the night. Are you going to be okay?”

It seems like he’s turning a corner. “Ugh. What the fuck? I’m trying to s-sleep. I’m fine.” In light of that, you feel bad for waking him up, but it’s better to be sure he’s okay. You leave him to it.

It’s a bit of a struggle getting Duke up the stairs in his weakened state, but you manage it. You help him get out of his clothes. Even though your priorities ought to be more selfless, you can’t help but wonder how things might have gone differently.

He’s yours now. You could have held his face in your hands and stared into his beautiful eyes. You could have had him absolutely melt in your arms as you scratched just the right spot on his long neck. You could have pinned him by his shoulders as you gave him what he was craving, right or wrong. But you didn’t.

You could have felt the reverberations in his resolute but still delicate chest, issued from a golden heart that’s continued beating through countless hardships and heartbreaks you can’t even fathom.

You could have dug your fingers through his fur to squeeze the myriad soft curves of his body.
He was begging you to find an excuse to take him away from sight and do as you pleased with him, and as he wished you would do.

Why, when you had all the cause in the world, did you not take him up on his offers?

You had two chances to marvel at his body, to sate your urges and frustrations. But you refused them both times.

It can’t be that you're just that righteous. What happened next is proof enough of that. It stirred something in you to see Danny’s confession and the ‘reward’ Duke gave him. Duke had confessed his love for you only hours prior, and as soon as a new stimulus had presented itself to you, your first, darkest instinct was to cut the new interloper in on your relationship. Visions of sharing Danny, using him to fulfill the few things you can’t, or won’t dare offer to Duke. You had Duke’s needs in mind the whole time, but can you really call that loyalty?

If those thoughts weren’t just a passing whim that hit you in the moment, you won’t be able to keep it to yourself forever, not if The Cy is going to remain a regular fixture in your life, and Danny with it. Hopefully, you won’t have to worry about it, maybe that date Danny has planned goes well for him.

Duke notices you’re lost in thought. “Hey, don’t worry about the thing with Danny. I really was just payin’ him back. He deserved to have that wish fulfilled. I’m still all in on you, Anon. I’m gonna need ya here with me to get through this. Please.”

He thinks he’s the one on thin ice? “That’s not what I’m hung up on, Duke. Don’t worry about that. I thought it was a cute gesture. I’m just taking a minute to reflect. A lot happened tonight. I’m good now. Go ahead and relax.

He tries to take your word for it, but he’s still cautious. He slowly and apprehensively lays back and covers himself. “I just don’t wanna be alone. I don’t wanna be alone ever again.”
You were going to let him have the bed all to himself, but hearing that, you’re sure he wants you to stick close.

Joining him melts any concerns you have about loyalty away. Duke takes the opportunity to engulf you. The feeling of his fur against your skin. The warmth of his body against your body, and the intensity with which he employs his whole form to anchor you right where you are. All of them combine to cast your mind back to the first night you spent with him, and so do all the sensations and emotions of yesterday, which somehow feels like a lifetime ago. You realize just how quickly you’ve fallen in love. How it feels like you’ve helped Duke climb out of Hell like it was no big deal. Feeling like this must mean it was meant to be. Just one week of your life, but here at the end of it, you feel like you’ve known this man forever, and you’ve come to care for him as though he’s family.

Duke nuzzles your neck, just as he had a week ago. “Thank you. Everything that’s been missin’ is here. I still don’t know what y’saw in me, I still don’t feel like I deserve this, I still can’t believe it’s real, but I can’t turn it down.”

You feel Duke’s arms shudder as he forces himself to hug you as tightly as his body can muster. “All I know is that I love you, Anon. You’re a miracle worker.”

In the position he has you, your arm can barely move, but you manage to shift your arm just enough to gently pet the middle of his back. “Now that’s something I wouldn’t mind you getting stuck on. I love you too Duke.”

“And for the record.” You add. “I know exactly how you feel. I’d never have imagined myself in this situation with someone like you. Meeting you has changed me, Duke. I should be thanking you, too.”

The next morning, you wake up before your alarm. Duke has curled himself up, facing the opposite direction. You carefully get out of bed. You don’t want to wake him up, and to that end, you get yourself ready for work as quietly as possible.

You manage to pull it off. Duke remains asleep. You wish you could be here to wait on him as he nurses the hangover, it feels awful to leave him hanging, but you have a lot to explain. And now that you think of it, you’re the only one who can provide coverage of last night’s event at The Cy. Whatever you want to call it. You have your work cut out for you.

You write a quick note for Duke and leave it on the dresser, so he knows when to expect you back, among other things.

You don’t even make it down the stairs before you realize Danny’s awake. “Good, you’re up. Now I have someone to whine to. God, I really don’t know what I’m feeling right now, except a Hell of a headache, that’s for me to piece together later. I get the feeling you and Duke must have done me a solid last night. I appreciate that.”

He’s found all three of the other drinks you bought last night, the empty bottles are set aside. Given the state he was in, you’re not surprised at all that Danny needed them.

You wonder if he’s still impaired at all. “It’s great to see you’re okay. You really gave us a scare.”

“I don’t know about ‘okay’” He corrects you. “But I’ll live. You wouldn’t mind dropping me off at the bar so I can get to my car and get home, would you?”

You’d do that for him even if it meant you’d be late for work. You doubt anyone would be happy about leaving him stranded at your house. “Of course, Danny. It’s not even that much of a detour.”

He’s not much for talking on the way, and you’re confident you know why. But he does try to clear the air over what happened between him and Duke. “Listen. I really wasn’t trying to poach Duke out from under you. I just got into my own head.”

He doesn’t need to explain himself to you. You’re not holding anything against him.. “Don’t worry about it, Danny. I didn’t mind at all, if anything, I’m proud of you for taking that step, and I wish you good luck in the future. Duke and I will still be customers, if you’ll have us.”

“Oh. — I’d like that.” He leaves it there.

You drop him off in front of The Cy and he disappears around the building.

A few more minutes later, you’re at the office.
The email you sent yesterday has made touching base with Tim and Miranda the first order of business today rather than the last, as it usually is.

You're not quite sure how it's going to go, but you have what you wrote on hand to present.

Tim doesn't even give you a chance to sit down once you're in his office and Miranda hasn't made it yet. "Well. You've had an eventful run so far, haven't you, son? I'd say history repeats itself, but I don't think that's quite true. And you've got me beat by a long shot on the timeline."

He knows exactly what's going on. “I don’t know what life’s like in the circles you and Duke run in, but it looks to my eye like you’ve found yourself something special in record time at that old bar.”

“Cassandra doesn’t like me to talk about this, but I think it’s important to tell you, before Mrs. Burton gets here.” Tim prepares to confide something about his past in you.”What I do know is that we have something more in common. You know, I was in your shoes once. A journalist for this very publication, covering things that some people might prefer to remain hidden. The truth is, I met Cassandra in the very same place. I hope she can forgive me for admitting this, but being a waitress there, at the time also implied… Let’s just say, some untoward conduct of the kind you’ve become intimately familiar with. That’s a big reason I’ve been in your corner so far. I know some of your worries. I want you to know, I’m proud of you for making such a noble choice and putting your faith in someone who’s been stuck on the fringes.”

Tim clears his throat and gets to the business at hand before you can respond. He clearly doesn’t want to dwell. "Miranda's running a little late, actually. Do you mind if I get a head start on reviewing your work?"

You don’t have a problem with that. “You’ll probably have an easier time without her constant comments, sir. Go ahead.” You hand him the flash drive and he takes a look. He seems especially engaged this time. You’re not sure if that’s because you’ve done an especially good job this time, or because he’s not being interrupted with every insight that pops into Miranda’s head.

“This is a step above your usual drafts.” Tim praises your work. “I’d have no issue publishing this as is. It feels like you were a lot more confident writing this, I don’t see you trying to make yourself look smart in here. That’s something I’ve been waiting for you to shake off. If you can keep your head in the right place going forward, you could do just about anything you put your mind to.”

“Maybe I should blame that on Duke?” Tim jokes dryly. ” He’s the only change in your life, isn’t he?”

He’s not wrong. “Maybe you should. I certainly feel different, sir. He’s been good for me. I can’t deny it. I can’t wait to help him get his life on track.”

“If he’s that good for you, I think we might want him around. If nothing else than for your morale.” Tim suggests. “Does he have any skills?”

“Almost nothing formal, unfortunately.” You admit, to Tim’s disappointment. “He doesn’t even have a high school level of education.”

“Surely, there must be something.” Tim’s looking for an excuse to help you both you and Duke out.

You draw on what you’ve seen out of Duke so far. “He’s pretty sharp, regardless of where circumstances left him. Duke was planning for a degree in aerospace engineering before things went wrong. In more practical terms, I’ve seen him type incredibly fast, and he’s capable of putting on a really clear, appealing voice with almost no hint of his natural dialect.”

“Scheduling your appointments and keeping them all in order wastes a lot of your time, doesn’t it?” Tim asks. It looks like Duke’s idea wasn’t so far-fetched after all.

“I wouldn’t mind some help.” You play along.

Tim says it outright. “Then it couldn’t hurt to see if Duke’s suitable for a role like that, right? We do like to hire within the community as much as possible. We couldn’t pay too terribly much, but he’d probably benefit from the work history, at the very least."

This is probably a good time to bring up the pending road trip. “Speaking of Duke. His family wants to see him, there’s some kind of event they’re having next month that they’re already expecting us to attend, in Pennsylvania. It’s on the 27th, which is a day I have off anyway.”

“And how exactly are you planning to do that in one day?” Tim sees the inherent difficulty in the situation. “To make that work, you’d need to-”

Tim is interrupted by Miranda finally arriving. “I’m sorry to keep you waiting. I was blocked into my driveway. Nothing I could do.”

Barely hiding his frustration at being interrupted, Tim encourages her to get caught up on her other responsibilities. “We weren’t sure you’d make it at all, Mrs. Burton. In the interest of saving your time, I’ve already decided we’re going to run what he’s given us as is, it’s especially good this time, trust me.”

“Oh… If you say so. Thank you.” Miranda is clearly relieved to have one less thing to worry about. She leaves with some urgency, she has several other major pieces to look over, as usual.

The interruption has thrown Tim off. “Let’s just wrap this up. Do you want the 26th and the 28th off too? I think you’ll need them. Just keep an eye out for something to write about when you get back.”

You’re not going to say no to that. And you’re sure you’ll find something relevant to the paper, considering what Duke’s told you about his hometown.

“Thank you, Tim. I’ll do my best, and I’ll always keep trying to make my best even better.” With that, you leave the office and get to work on the write up about what happened at The Cy.

You spend a while trying in vain to get it into a shape you liked. You didn’t like how much personal information was revealed in your first draft. But the second was too short and too dry.

The biggest obstacle here is that it’s pretty much impossible to cover this if you don’t make Danny the focus. You don’t know how open he really wants to be. That information is going to spread anyway, and you doubt Duke’s condition was supposed to end at the door. But neither of them were in a state to be making decisions like that. How do you report on that in a responsible fashion, especially when you were the only one there? You don’t.

You write down a summary of absolutely everything that happened. The event being set up on short notice. The Q and A session and autograph signing. Danny’s confession and his coming out as a result of it. And everything you’re pretty sure won’t make it to print, too. There’s no harm in being thorough. You don’t have to ask many people before another writer is glad to take it up. She was struggling to find something to write about anyway.

With the most important things to do out of the way, the rest of your day is fairly tedious. Your mind gets the chance to wander, and you spend a lot of that time worrying about Duke. You wish you could have stayed home with him instead of leaving him to his own devices. But then again, you know he appreciates having that roof over his head and more privacy than he’s had in years. You shouldn’t treat him like he’s some delicate mess who can’t take care of himself for a few hours. God knows most of the world would, if they knew what he’s been through.

When your day finally ends, you return to your car. It’s been sitting here all day with that streak down the passenger side, you managed to forget about that. You’ll have to wait a little longer to see Duke, you can’t leave the car like this.

You take a detour to put the car through the car wash. As the car is jostled around by the automatic spray and the brushes, you hear an unusual rattling sound coming from the passenger side. That’s right. Duke never had the chance to take his money from wherever he’s secreted it away in here.

You suddenly realize how careless you’ve been. That’s well over $15,000. And it’s just been sitting in the open for hours. You weren’t likely to get broken into in broad daylight in your office parking lot, but it still doesn’t feel good to know it wasn’t in a safe place.

You avoid any further delays. Keeping Duke waiting is the least of your concerns now.

You make it home, only about 15 minutes later than you had intended to.
Duke’s at the back of the house, watching some kind of action movie, picking at a bowl of dry cereal and drinking a glass of milk. “Oh hey! Work good t’ya today?”

He’s recovered well. “I can’t complain. The Baron story went through with less trouble than ever, I’ve got the day before and after your little family reunion off, too. And getting you a job is actually on the table. I don’t think you can say it was anything but good to me, Duke.”
Duke’s pointy black ears perk up and he pauses the movie. “Really? A job? Like what? Janitor? I’m not too fuckin’ proud to clean toilets.”

He’ll be glad to hear what’s really in store. “Well, I sold Tim on the few things I know you’re good at. I saw how fast you could type while you were messaging your grandfather.”

Duke talks up his value. “If you think that was fast, you should’a seen how fast I could go when I was in front’a a computer every day. What else did’ja tell him?”

“I had a good feeling you’d have an easy time making a more wholesome use of that ‘professional’ voice of yours” You add.

“If it’s necessary, of course I can, sir.” Duke’s eager to prove you right.

You conclude with the weakest point in his favor. “And I told him you had a good head on your shoulders, despite your lack of formal education.”

“Hell yeah I do. I’m quick with math, and I read fast as fuck. I always got As in math, and I’d blow through whole books in a week or two.” He even has a way to talk that up. That’s a good sign. He’ll definitely have to choose some different words, but you trust that he can.

Duke glances over at the clock. “Wait. Before we get all caught up in this. I think we’ll be able to make it to pay off my loan. Aspiration Auto, on the other side’a town.”

You’ve never heard of the place, but you can’t say you don’t want that envelope to stop burning a proverbial hole somewhere in your car. “Sure, let’s do it, Duke.”

Before long, you’re back in the car, and you’ve brought it around to the front of the house to pick up Duke. Before he sits down, he rifles around through the back of the passenger footwell, in a space you didn’t even know existed. That’s where the envelope has been stored all along. All in all, a pretty effective hiding place.

Duke smiles, proud of himself. “Y’just need to know where the gaps are. No one was going to find the money in there.”

He sits down in the passenger seat, flips open the envelope and starts counting the money, stacking the hundreds in piles of ten on the dash in front of him, which only leaves him room for the first $10,000. He moves those to their own stack, off to the side.

Halfway through the rest, Duke stops counting. “Wait. There’s too much money here. That should’a been it. Danny’s been adding extra. I ain’t gonna turn it down, but fuck, do I owe him.

A smartass comment comes to mind. “Let me guess, there’s some… Thing, right? There always is with you.”
“Oh-ho. I get what you’re sayin’, ya jag.” Duke has caught on. “Naw. I’m done with the complexes. Were you scared I was gonna say ‘aw gee, he paid me all this money while I was still hookin’? Guess I got no choice but to fuck ‘im like he wants, Anon.’ I wouldn’t do that t’ya. No. We’re just gonna have’ta be real good customers. And I got the impression that was gonna be the case anyway.”

It seems like Duke’s growth is actually sticking. “It is. It seems like he wants us around for moral support. Danny’s still reeling from what you made him do.“

Duke rolls his eyes. “I did him a favor. We both know it ain’t good for guys like us t’live like that. He’ll learn to love it.”

Not wanting to waste any more time on chatter, Duke resumes counting. “Holy shit. There’s almost 21 grand here. I can pay off all the debt, and have a good chunk left over.”

Duke nearly becomes emotional. “The staff at The Cy must’a been chippin’ in too. God bless’m. Let’s get going while we still can.”

Duke doesn’t know the address, so he has you navigate by landmarks. It’s a little difficult with such helpful instructions as “Turn left at the place that used to be a Pizza Hut.” But you manage to figure it out.

Arriving at Aspiration Auto, you wonder how Duke could have ever trusted them in the first place. Everything looks like it hasn’t been maintained at all since the 80s. The sign is a rusty mess, the building is falling apart, and the parking lot is in terrible shape. At best, maybe the parking lot was in better shape when Duke bought his car.

You find a spot that isn’t too terribly ravaged. Duke hesitates to get out of the car for a moment. “This bullshit has taken up a third’a my life so far. I gotta take a second to savor it.” He inhales deeply, as if he’s literally breathing in the moment, then he’s ready. “Oh, fair warning. Paulie’s gonna say some heinous shit about me, he always does. Try to keep your cool.”

You know Duke understands you’re not the impulsive type, so you brace yourself for what’s coming.

Inside is a dismal, brown space, lit by filthy, yellowed fluorescent fixtures, every exposed surface stained by an untold volume of cigarette smoke, and judging by the rather full ashtray brazenly placed in the open on the counter, it will continue to be.

Behind that counter is a tremendously large beaver man, his mass so great that you wonder if he can stand up from that chair at all.

“Well shit. Our favorite little whore’s come to see us. You finally find yerself a sugar daddy?” That must be Paulie.

He turns his attention to you. “This faggot’s no good for you, Mr. Foster. He’ll drive ya crazy.” Where did he get that name from?

He looks disappointed, apparently it was a joke that failed to land. “Aw, come on, Ain’t no one hasn’t seen Fallin’ Down. Laugh, why don’t ya.” Man, this guy’s annoying. You doubt this is as bad as he’ll get, though.

Duke doesn’t waste any time. “We’re here to pay off the loan, Paulie. It’s over.”

Paulie doesn’t like that. “Really? Those payments you’ve been makin’ were just startin’ to win over my retarded ingrate son. You really gonna kill our reconciliation process just to spare your ruined ass a bit more stretchin’?”

“It’s not my fault you’re bad with your money.” Duke’s had his hand in the envelope this whole time, he pulls out the pre-counted sum and places it on the counter gently. “Eighteen-Five. It’s all there.”

Paulie whistles at the stack of cash. “You finally rope some poor bastard into takin’ out a loan for you? Blow his nest egg? Bad deal, pal. I don’t know what he told ya, but this fuckin’ queer’s been doin’ this for years. It ain’t a new thing. He’s been makin’ the minimum payment for almost ten fuckin’ years. You got used goods. And considering the shape I’ve seen him in a few times, it ain’t been gently.”

Paulie cackles at the thought of sabotaging Duke’s way out. “In fact. He ain’t had a real job in forever. He’ll probably run around on you, takin’ just as much dick as ever, the little bitch. You’re already a damn sodomite, why give up the rest of your fuckin’ dignity to this fag?”

“First of all, it’s Duke’s own money. I’m just here for the show.” You clarify. “And second, who are you to complain about such a big windfall? You make it sound like you’re counting on Duke to pay your own debts for you. And don’t get me started on your customer service. It’s all a bad look, Paul.”

He’s fuming at that, and he doesn’t have a witty response. “This is a respectable business. Jackass. We ain’t done anything wrong.” He reluctantly slaps the paperwork down on the counter.

“You’re the one who started the name-calling, Paulie. Don’t dish it out if you can’t even take a little bit back.” Duke remarks, as he signs the documents, snatching each carbon copy before Paulie can even touch them.

Paulie’s really been rattled. “Yeah, well, we’re fuckin done. Get on out of here. You’re fuckin’ banned, and I’m gonna make sure, you’re fuckin’ banned from everywhere else, too. Faggot!. Good riddance.”
It’s a pretty pitiful display. You can’t imagine how cathartic it must feel for Duke.

You walk out just as quickly as you entered, Duke has a new spring in his step, which is nice to see.

That catharsis really starts showing once he’s sure Paulie won’t see it. Duke is absolutely beaming. It’s a good look on him. The last time you saw him like this was after he got to vent to you at the diner. If it means the same things it did last time, you have a feeling you know what’s in store for you in the immediate future.

Duke finally puts together the words to describe his feelings. “I think I get what people mean when they say a weight’s been lifted off their shoulders, it’s really just like that, ain’t it?”

It continues to amaze you just how much Duke has missed out on in life. “In my experience, people settle on turns of phrase like those because they’re so accurate, and- Hey. I swear I’ve heard you say that before.”

“Oh, uh, did I?” Duke gets a little uncomfortable. “If I did, I said it because I figured that’s what you’re supposed’ta say in whatever situation we were in. I didn’t really feel it until now.”

It doesn’t need to be truly novel to feel profound. “Maybe you did feel it before, Duke, but this is on a totally different level. Before, we were just addressing your past, making some plans. But now, we’re moving ahead at full speed. Why wouldn’t that feel special?”

“I get your point.” Duke concedes. “But if it ain’t such a big deal, why’d you bring it up and make me feel like a jackass?”

You weren’t really thinking. It just popped into your head. “It just happened, I wasn’t trying to call you a liar. I would have kept it to myself if I knew it would bother you.”

“I ain’t really bothered. Just confused.” Duke laughs off the awkwardness of the situation. “It don’t matter anyway. We got plenty’a cash leftover here. What’s the plan with it?”

You don’t want him making a habit of surrendering control of his life over to you, now that he finally has it. “It’s your money. That’s up to you. If you want my advice, I’d suggest we put some of that towards getting you into new clothes. And you’re going to need to look presentable and professional if you’re interested in that job at The Bond.”

“Aw man, why do you gotta be so serious all the time? I was hoping you’d have something fun in mind.” Duke pouts. “Like blowin’ it all gamblin’ or buyin’ silly shit we don’t need.” He’s obviously fishing for a reaction, and your brief confusion suffices. “Naw. I’m just kiddin’. I know better than that. New clothes sound like a good start.”

You know just the place to take him. “Unless you want to save it for another day, we can get started on that now. It’ll take a couple days for your stuff to be tailored to you, so it’d be a good idea to get it out of the way as soon as possible.”

“Ooh, custom tailored. Fancy.” Duke’s interested. “That’ll be new.”

With his approval, you change course. “There’s this little shop I usually go to for my stuff. The old guy who runs it is a ferret himself, he knows what it’s like to have proportions like yours, Duke. You’ll be happy with what you get.”

“I dunno.” Duke is suddenly having second thoughts? “I’ve never had a single piece’a clothing that’s been made for me. On account’a bein’ a hybrid and all. I’m kinda worried I’ll like it too much, and I won’t be able to go back.”

“That’s a good problem to have, Duke.” You encourage him. “You may never have to go back.”

“Come on, that was uh, rhetorical, or whatever they call it. A’course I’m totally up for it” It seems like you’re drifting off of whatever page Duke happens to be on. You’re not quite in sync today, but maybe you shouldn’t expect to be. Maybe there’s nothing wrong with that.

You actually manage to find street parking in front of the store. A rare occurrence, you almost never do, any other time you shop here.

The store itself is a small, cramped space, laid out to maximize the amount of merchandise in stock. The entranceway has both the checkout counter and the shoe section confining the main route through to a narrow strip. It’s not unheard of for entering customers to have to weave around those who are checking out.

The store isn’t that busy today, thankfully.
The owner is glad to see you, and the new face you’ve brought in. “Ah, hey. Good to see you sir. It’s been a while. I see you’ve been up to… Something, in that time. Am I correct to assume you’re shopping for him? We’ll get him set up with whatever he needs. By the looks of him, you came to the right place.”

“That’s right, Wil. This is Duke.” It wouldn’t be necessary, helpful or polite to explain everything. “There’s a long story with him, so I’ll keep it brief. I met Duke while I was looking for something to write about. He’s been dealt a pretty rough hand in life, and I’ve gotten myself pretty invested in making things better for him.”

“Oh, does that mean what I think it does?” You’ve never hinted at your preferences any other time you’ve been here. You didn’t know if an old guy like Wilbur would even be on your side. It’s good to know that he is.

Duke responds before you can. “Yep. It’s only been official for about two days now, but it’s been unofficial for a li~ttle longer than that.” He’s technically not lying, but the extra emphasis on ‘little’ is doing a lot of work.

“Good for you two.” Wil moves on to the sale. “So, what are you here for? We’ll get you looking and feeling better.

“I’m lookin’ for dress shirts, pants. Maybe a few ties… Uh…” Duke looks at you like he’s forgetting something. “Yeah. I think that’s it. Unless Anon’s got anything in mind.”

“They also stock some nice jeans here, Duke.” You add. “You’ll probably want some of those. And if they haven’t switched out to the summer stuff yet, we can probably also find you a nice sweater to replace that old one you always wear.”

Duke defends the sweater. “Believe it or not, that thing has a lotta sentimental value for me, I like it. I ain’t ashamed’a it like I am the other stuff. Well, ashamed’s not the right word- …Y’know what? Let’s save that for another time instead’a getting off track.”

Wil rattles off directions for Duke’s benefit. “The shirts you’re after are on the left side of the leftmost shelf at the back of the store. You’re kind of in between sizes, so you’ll either want an XL-B or an XL-C. You can try them both on. See which one you prefer. Fitting rooms are just inside the other section of the store through the hallway. The jeans, khakis and slacks are on the big shelves against the wall back there, you’ll probably want at least a size up from what you’ve got on now, maybe even two. Ties are back up here near the front. If you need any help, I’ll be here.”

“He doesn’t like to waste your time.” You remark to Duke, who’s desperately trying to commit all of that to memory. “I’ll make sure you won’t get lost.”

Duke takes the initiative and looks around once he makes his way back to the shirts. There are a lot of options for colors, and multiple brands. “Ooh. They actually have these in purple. I wouldn’t’a guessed that. I’ll get one. I feel like I’d end up regretting it if I didn’t. I probably won’t be wearing it for a while though. Feels like somethin’ I’d have’ta build up to. I come into the interview wearin’ this, they’re gonna wonder if I’m more worried about bein’ ‘different’ than gettin’ the job done.” He makes the sensible decision and selects a handful of off-white options, too.

“You’re getting ahead of yourself.” You remind him. “You were supposed to try out the different sizes first.”

He sets aside all but one of the off-white shirts and the purple shirt he selected. “The white one’s the ‘B,’ and the purple one’s the ‘C.’ You might as well help me figure out which one I like.”

Duke shuffles down the hallway to one of the fitting rooms, with you close behind.

Duke takes his t-shirt off. Somehow, it feels different, seeing him in a non-sexualized context for the first time. You appreciate the geometry of his body differently, the way things move as he does, the way the fur ripples and clumps as he bends. The way his muscles move relative to each other. You have a strong urge to dig your fingers into his fur, and to press and massage everything they can find purchase on underneath, you can already feel the sensations even though you aren’t even touching him.

Then, he starts with the smaller of the two shirts. His arms fan back, and you find yourself transfixed by the shapes created along their length by the lean, but totally untrained and undeveloped muscle, converging at his pecs which are similarly slight and soft as they’re framed by the open fabric. Some might call Duke weak and vulnerable, but to you, it’s true beauty.

You wonder how the men who carved all those immaculate marble sculptures of the humanoid form could have been anything but like yourself. Your appreciation for Duke’s form is inseparable from your feelings for him. How could anyone care so much for things like what you’re seeing right now, and not feel the same way you do?

You’re snapped back to reality by Duke’s voice. “Yeah, this one won’t work, I can already tell.” He hasn’t even finished buttoning it up. “I’d be fighting to lift my arms, and any time I’d lean or bend it’d be too short and my fur’d show, I’ve gotta go with the other ones.”

You got a little carried away, so you resolve to be a little more respectful and attentive, at least until you can get home and satisfy all those cravings that have suddenly come up.

To his surprise, but not yours, the purple shirt looks really good on him. It works really well with the gray of his fur in a way that it might not with human skin tones or other colors of fur.

Duke also likes it, as he inspects himself in the mirror. “This is nice. It’s a little long on me. But other than that, it’s just about perfect. Good. The other brand didn’t have purple.”
Some errant thought crosses Duke’s mind and he partially suppresses a chuckle. “Sorry. I got the idea of wearing a powder blue tie with this, like that silky thong I used to wear. That’d probably look good, but I don’t think there’s any choice I could make short’a crossdressing that would make me look like more of a fag.” He thinks about it for a moment. “No. There are a lotta things, actually… But I’d sure feel like one if I did wear that with this shirt. Maybe that’s why I should. Oh God, I’m gettin’ all kinds’a ideas. Let’s move on to the pants before I make a fool’a myself.”

Duke practically bursts out of the fitting room and beelines towards what he’s after. He’s much quicker to pick out what he wants here, having more freedom of colors and more confidence in the size he needs. He snatches up a khaki pair, a dark blue pair, and a slate gray pair, and a couple pairs of jeans.

On your way back to the front of the store, Duke collects the correct sized shirts and picks up a few ties on the way back to the register, one of which is exactly the powder blue color he described.

Wilbur is surprised at your haul. “Wow, I guess you’re filling out the whole wardrobe all at once. I won’t complain about that at all.” He catches himself. “Ope. Wait a minute. I forgot to measure you, Duke. I should have done that first. Step over to that little alcove with the mirrors. There’s a step down, so be careful.”

A few measurements and some notes in Wil’s notebook later, that’s handled.

Once Duke and Wilbur return to their respective places at the counter, Duke has a request. “Hey, weird question, but could you make the gray pants a little different from the rest? Is there anything you could do to them to make ‘em show off my ass a little more? Those’ll be for days I’m not feelin’ very shy. If you get my meaning.”

Wil’s amused by the suggestion “Well, that’s different. I don’t get asked to do that very often, being that I only sell men’s clothing. But sure. I can do something I think you’ll like. And that’s just on the gray ones?”

“Yes, sir. I’d appreciate it.” Duke wasn’t expecting to be taken seriously, the fact that he shrank back a little in response is proof of that.

Wilbur tries to mitigate the embarrassment. “Oh, it’s fine. It’s no trouble.” He punches the prices into the old register manually. “With everything, including the modifications, it comes out to $1,574.43”

Duke recoils at the price. “You sure that’s right?”

Just the shirts are $120 each, add in everything else, and all the manual work that’s going to be done, it’s perfectly reasonable. “It’s right, you just have expensive tastes, especially given your background.”

“What d’ya mean, ‘given my background?’” You’re not sure if that’s mild offense or real confusion from Duke.

You were referring to his upbringing, more than anything else. “It’s just that I would have expected you to be a little more pragmatic, considering where you’re from and the kind of people who raised you.”

“Oh, yeah. With most things, I guess I’m like that. I haven’t had much of a choice.” Duke makes a distinction. :”But in terms’a clothes, I like what I like. And I would usually figure out a way to afford what I wanted. I always needed to have stuff I was actually happy with. I’m a little different that way, call it my weakness, if y’want. It was hard to settle for anything else. That’s why I didn’t own much. I was always putting it off for when I’d be able to afford something I actually wanted. Obviously, I never got there.”

Duke retrieves the envelope and pulls out all but five of the bills.”That’ll be $25.57 in change, right?” He didn’t even pause to think about it. Either he’s really good at multitasking, or he really wasn’t kidding about being quick with math, either way, that’s a good sign.

“That’s right.” Wilbur confirms. “I should have this ready for you in about… Nine or ten days? Could I get your phone number, so I’ll be able to let you know?

“Just use Anon’s number. I’m staying with him anyways, and I don’t have a working phone’a my own yet.” You’re surprised Duke’s willing to admit he’s that dependent on you at the moment. But he did soften the blow by qualifying it.”

“Alright then.” Wil stows the money in the old register, and hands Duke a handwritten receipt. “That works. I hope things go well for you two. We appreciate your business.”

As you leave with Duke, he remarks on how strange he found the experience. “It feels kinda weird spendin’ all’at money, then walkin’ out with jack shit.” He looks down at the receipt. “Well, there’s this, I guess.”

For once, the drive home is uneventful, Duke puts on more music that illustrates the taste he’s inherited from his grandfather. Most of it is stuff you haven’t heard.

Duke makes one more request of you on the way, though. “Hey, can we get somethin’ quick? I’m kinda hungry.”

“You’re not up for real food?” You ask, already knowing the answer.

“Naw. Maybe some other day. I’m just ready to relax. Today’s been more than enough for me already.” You can’t blame him for being a little overwhelmed. You accommodate his request and pick something up from a drive-thru.

Returning home, the feeling of euphoria hasn’t left Duke yet. “Y’know, I thought I’d be settled down by now. But I’m still feeling really good, Anon. Every other time I’ve felt anything like this, there’s always been something awful mixed in with it. There was a time I felt guilty, I was doing something I wasn’t supposed to. But it was what I thought I needed. Time I was scared, I was doing somethin’ real fuckin’ stupid. But I liked it, at first anyway. A time I felt like I was betraying myself, for even thinking about giving up on the rules I set. But I made it about you.”

Duke starts up the stairs, and you follow him, interested in what he has to say. “This is different. There’s all kinds’a stupid lines comin’ to mind right now. I figured things’d stop feeling so important to me and I’d get a chance to breathe. But it’s just been one good thing after another. I always thought gettin’ into a real relationship would start out with a lot more fuckin’, but when you feel like this, you’re not really up for it. Y’just wanna soak it all in, and sex feels like it would be a distraction. Right now, I just wanna feel secure, cozy. I don’t want what you can give me, I want what you are. Does z’at make sense, Anon? I must sound crazy.”

You’re not sure why he’s acting like there hasn’t been much intimacy so far. You gave him everything you had, and then a little more the next morning. One day where he’s not feeling up to it is perfectly fine. “You don’t sound crazy at all, Duke. If anything, it sounds like I did my job and actually left you satisfied for once. I get the feeling that’s been rare for you. It has been for me, too. For different reasons, obviously. But I think I’m feeling more or less the same way right now. It’s been great so far, but the feelings are just so intense, you can’t treat them casually.”

You gave Duke the words he couldn’t find for himself. “A’course you’d have the words for it. You nailed it. It was real good gettin’ pounded into a shakin’ mess, but I just ain’t up for that all the time.”

Duke changes the subject for a moment. “Y’mind lettin’ me use the computer again? I been wanting to see if Pap’s cooled off any.”

You have no problem with that, you should have told him he was free to use it before.

He sits down and quickly pulls up Facebook. He has a ton of messages waiting. It looks like Art must have really regretted the things he said, there are dozens of frantically typed apologies. Most of them were sent the first day.

Duke regrets not making sure his grandfather was actually done communicating. “Oh, shit. I wish I would’a got to these sooner. I didn’t know.”

He sends Art a quick summary of events. “Hey. I’m sorry I didn’t get back to you, Pap. I thought we were done and you didn’t want to talk anymore. That’s what it sounded like. I think you’d like to know that I already have my debt paid off, and there’s a chance I already have a real job lined up.”

Art responds immediately, clearly scrambling to reply as soon as possible. “g” “goodt” “thats great buddy proud of u i was worried”

He calms down a little bit and takes his time with the next message. “i thought you were mad at me. i shoudnt of said that stuff i was just scared for you. im sorry. will you still have time to come see us?”

Duke’s excited to have even more good news. “We’ll be there sometime in the afternoon, the day before, and we won’t have to run partway through the picnic. Maybe we can even stick around for breakfast the next morning before we have to go. We’ll have plenty of extra time to catch up, without all the family and friends around to make the conversation difficult.”
“i think we will need it bud its been a long time. good to hear. dont be afraid to call and talk on the phone. i wont yell at you again i promise.”

“I think we’ll both prefer to keep in contact that way, Pap. Sounds good. I’ll be giving you a call sometime soon.” Duke’s a little bit eager to end the interaction. It must be just as hard for him to read Art’s “You know what I meant” grammar as it is for you.

“Well, I guess we know what the rest’a the money’s going towards.” Duke remarks. “I gotta get a phone for myself now. I had an old second hand piece’a shit from years ago that quit on me a while back.”

He has a little over $400 left, is he really planning to spend that much? “You don’t need to spend all of that on a phone, if you don’t want to. You can get a phone that’ll do everything you need it to, and have some money left over, too.”

“I know, but I want something that’ll actually last a few years before they slow it down on me.” It seems like he’s not that familiar with what a phone should actually cost. You’re going to have to walk him through it tomorrow and help him make an informed choice. You wonder if the old phone he was talking about was the one he had as a teenager before he ran away.

Whatever he chooses, it’s his money anyway. You’ll give him some advice, but you don’t want to be making his decisions for him.

For now though, Duke just wants to head back downstairs and relax. “You wanna go watch some TV, Anon? I’m not ready to go to bed yet. I got too much on my mind right now. I’d just be lying there awake.”

On the way to the living room, Duke grabs a couple drinks from the fridge, and you settle in close together on the couch.

“How do y’feel about spooky stuff, Anon?” Duke asks, with obvious intent behind it. “Y’get nightmares easy?”

It depends. “Unless you’re talking about something really graphic or grotesque, I should be fine. That stuff usually doesn’t stay with me unless the imagery is especially bad.”

“Alright, cool. ‘Cause I always used to fall asleep to these cheesy old shows about monsters and urban legends. I’m sure we can find that stuff again, or somethin’ like it. It sounds weird, but it’ll probably start makin’ my eyes heavy before too long.”

Duke actually manages to find the specific series he was thinking of, and puts it on.
He wasn’t kidding. It really is low budget, and low effort. It’s full of poorly acted “dramatizations” with cheap props. It’s mostly relegated to the usual subjects, everything from the Phantom Mothman to Black Shuck to Fearsome Critters.
But there’s also something you haven’t seen before. A dramatization of an encounter with an uncanny Owl Priest, who’s described as having bright orange feathers cascading down the back of his head and down into his cloak.

The Owl Priest is a tall, dark and thin figure, sometimes reported in typical vestments of a priest, but also sometimes in more casual dress, often with a wide-brimmed hat. He is allegedly found in abandoned places, especially churches, but has been sighted in shady corners of old bars, and down dark alleyways.
He appears to wayward and conflicted souls, whom he subjects to tests of character, often involving imagery of demons, chains, divine judgement and fire. According to legend, those who pass his tests, emerge unscathed, coming away with a moral lesson and renewed confidence in the purity of their hearts. Those who fail his tests, however, are reduced to ash, and their immortal souls sent straight to Hell, never to be seen or heard from again, and not even the slightest bit of evidence of what happened to them remains.

You weren’t expecting something novel in a show like this. You figured that once you’d seen one, you’d seen them all. Writing about ‘Baron’ has uncovered a mild interest in writing fiction for you, maybe you’ll keep that in mind as a source of inspiration if you ever get around to doing some creative writing.

While your attention has been devoted to the TV, Duke fell asleep on your shoulder at some point, and you didn’t even notice. You’re probably not going to be moving for a while, so you turn off the TV and try to get some rest yourself.

Over the next week, you settle into a pattern with Duke. You go to work, come home, and help him solve another piece of the puzzle of getting his life back on track. Duke’s interest in sex seems pretty limited, but he’s going through a lot right now, or maybe he’s just enjoying not having his life revolve around sex for the first time in a long time. You’re sure it won’t last too long, and you’re sure if you asked, he’d be perfectly willing to oblige you. But you feel like it’s important to let him be the one to make the first move.

And in any case, you can’t complain. Getting to spend your time with Duke, and continuing to get to know him even better is nice in its own right, and getting to fall asleep next to him every night hasn’t stopped feeling special. You’re just happy to have him around.

That changes for the better after Duke gets his new clothes. He’s excited to take the flamboyant combination he picked out on a test run. Duke leaves the purple shirt unbuttoned a little further down than would be considered ‘casual.’ He’s practically exposing his whole chest, except for the light blue tie hanging down to cover it. It’s a surprisingly provocative statement, and you can’t deny that it looks really good on him.

With the pants, he doesn’t do anything special or suggestive, he knows the alterations he had Wil make will be more than enough. They leave nothing to the imagination, the curvature of his ass is not subdued at all.
All put together, he looks more confident and forceful than you’ve ever seen him. Before, with the sweater, and his fabled ‘old outfit,’ you got the impression that he was dressing to maximize his appeal, to entice potential hookups, and later, clients. This is different. He’s wearing this to express himself, to say ‘I know I’m hot, but you can’t have me that easily anymore, enjoy looking.’

And it works. If you didn’t already have him to yourself, you just know you’d be desperate to figure out the way to make him give you a shot. You’d even consider doing things you wouldn’t normally do, if it would have tipped the scales in your favor. He’s that hot right now. If he had been dressed like this when you first met him, you doubt you would have been strong enough to resist the urge to buy his services then and there, you only barely managed it in the first place.

“Oh yeah. If I got your jaw on the floor, I’m gonna turn a lotta heads at The Cy. You ready to go show me off to everyone? We’ll see how Danny’s doin’ while we’re there.”

While the place doesn’t go silent as Duke walks in the door, he does attract some attention. You even come across the same large rhino man who helped you lug Danny out of here last time.

He’s dressed slightly more modestly this time, and the makeup isn’t as extreme, but it’s definitely the same guy, you haven’t forgotten that voice and tone so quickly. “Oh heeey! It’s The Lovely Couple. I was wondering when we’d see you here again. I know the hangover from last time must have been aawfuuuul~.” He giggles in a manner that feels unsuitable for his sheer size and build.

He switches from belated empathy to active praise. “Anyway, I love that new outfit of yours, Duke. You’re killing it, honey.” The colors are great, and showing all that fur must have half the bottoms in this place foaming at the mouth to get at you. But too bad for them, you’ve got yours, don’t you~.”

Okay, maybe Duke’s exuding a little too much confidence. This guy thinks you’re the bottom in the relationship? Where did he get that idea?

Duke pushes past the awkwardness and corrects the misconception. “Heh-heh. It ain’t like that. I mean, I am taken now, but it’s the other way around. Anon here ain’t up for that at all, and even if he were, I’d still rather be on the receiving end myself, most’a the time.”

“Oh, you got one of those~, hon?” The rhino seems offended. “I guess there had to be a catch, right? I swear, there are more and more of those guys who won’t even give it a shot every year. You see us having a great time, but it doesn’t even make you curious? I don’t get it. And I don’t want to judge, but I’d neverrrr~ be comfortable with such strict roles. It seems unfair.”

Duke insists there’s no problem, slipping back into his suppressed voice. “Our preferences line up. It works out.”

The rhino turns Duke’s own words against him. “Come on, you said ‘most of the time.’ What happens when the dice roll the wrong way?”

“Eeeee-Bwuua-cht.” He mimics the sound of a car crash. “You’ve got to figure something out, you two are too cute together to let his internalized-whatever ruin it for you.”

Duke’s visibly starting to get upset, you have to back him up here before this gets any worse. He looks like he’s seriously considering punching this guy, and you doubt that would end well.

“I’d do whatever I had to, to keep Duke happy.” You interject. “I don’t think it’d ever come to that, and I’m pretty sure I’m the kind of guy who can’t get anything out of it, but if somehow, there was no other choice, I’d do it. A little discomfort would be worth it for him. I love Duke, and I’d do anything for him. I’d hope there was some other, better solution, but I’d never let that be the end between us.”

“You won’t have to, Anon, this asshole’s talking nonsense.” Duke assures you, still hiding his accent, he’s doing a much worse job of hiding the seething anger in his voice. “I’d never make you do something you didn’t want to. I’d rather go without than hurt you. Thinking with my dick is how my life got fucked up in the first place. I wouldn’t let it happen again.”

“Oh, come on!” The rhino raises his voice, disrupting the whole bar. “He’s one of those bi guys who might as well be straight! He’s going to catch the scent of some woman or an even faggier faggot and toss you to the curb. That’s how all t-”

He’s interrupted by Danny stepping in to intervene. “Roger! Give it a break or I’ll have to kick you out for the rest of the night. You’re getting cut off either way, you’ve clearly had too much to drink.”

Roger’s tune changes immediately upon the application of consequences. He realizes he’s made a mistake and the embarrassment on his face is clear. He doesn’t say anything else and walks straight out of the bar in shame.

Danny assumes the blame. “Sorry about him. Roger’s usually a decent customer, he’s been coming here from the start, and this is the first time he’s acted out like that. I know that’s my fault. I thought it wouldn’t hurt to let him drink at-cost as a thank you for helping me out when we went overboard ourselves. He redeemed that discount tonight.”

“Yeah. Well, you know not to do that again.” Duke shakes off the anger. “Even if he bails your ass out a second time.”

Danny’s curious about how things have gone since you’ve seen each other last. “Anyway, how have you guys been? Aside from the past couple minutes.”

“Everything’s lookin’ up, Danny.” Duke relates, gladly. “Debt’s taken care of, I got a job interview lined up, and it looks like I’m gonna be able to patch things up with my family. It’s all workin’ out for once!”

Danny’s glad to hear that, but he hasn’t had such a good time himself. “I wish I could say the same, Duke, but I just can’t. It turns out I wasn’t just striking out with women for lack of enthusiasm. It happened with Martin, too. I had a great time with him, I learned a lot about how things should go, then I put him off somehow. He wasn’t interested in seeing me again. I don’t know what I’m doing so wrong. I thought being gay was supposed to make that part easy.”

Duke tries to make him feel better about it. “Ooh, that’s a shame. I’m sure you were just nervous and he wasn’t up for teachin’ you everything. If y’keep tryin’, I’m sure you’ll get there. And if you start thinkin’ you’re the weak link, we can set aside some time and figure out what you’re doing wrong. How z’at sound?”

“I’d appreciate that, Duke. I think I’ll need it.” Danny’s confidence is already low after one failure. “But enough about me. You- You, uh, You look really good tonight, Duke. I like what you’re wearing- A lot. It feels weird to just be able to say that to you without worrying about what other people will think of me.”

Duke revels in the praise. “Well, thank you. I put a lotta thought in’ta this. And a lot more money than I’m used to, too. It feels good to be noticed in a different way.”

“Well, I’ve got to get back to keeping an eye on things.” Danny disengages from the conversation.“Make sure you two touch base with me again before you leave for the night. I’ll have something for you. And just a little more to talk about.”

You finally get seated and order your dinner with Duke. While you wait, Duke receives a few more comments and compliments on his appearance. All the positive attention gives him an idea. “I might as well put my money where my mouth is and make some use’a the new phone. I spent all’at money for the good camera, but I ain’t used it yet. You wanna play ‘annoying tourist’ with me for a little bit, or should I go do that on my own?”

You hate to disappoint him, you usually don’t like to have your picture taken, but you did say you’d do whatever it takes to make Duke happy.

He drags you around the bar to take group photos with anything he finds interesting, and anyone who’s up for it.

You feel like you’re not adding much to the experience, but at least it’s easy to smile for real with Duke’s hand on your shoulder.

You get back to your table just before your food arrives and Duke remarks on your lack of enthusiasm. “I get that you don’t like having your picture taken, but I’m real glad you did anyway for my sake, Anon. I appreciate it.”

“I just never know what to do with myself.” You explain. “I feel like I always look out of place in photos. It’s just awkward.”

“Aw, that’s not true. Look at these.” Duke flips his phone around to show you the pictures he took.

He has a point. You looked like you were actually comfortable and enjoying yourself for once. It wasn’t quite true, but with Duke’s help, it at least looked like it.

“We been good for each other so far, and I ain’t gonna stop lookin’ out for ya just ‘cause my own problems are gettin’ solved.” Duke is eager to reciprocate the support you’ve given him, and he wants you to know it. “As flattered as I am by the idea, I don’t wanna be the one exception to whatever self esteem thing you’ve got going on. I know you’ve got things you wanna say, and things you wish you could do. Stuff you keep to yourself. Don’t just be the guy you think they’re expecting you to be. It’s corny as Hell, but I want you to be yourself, not just around me, I want to share you with the world.”

The server brings your food before you’re forced to respond to that. It gives you some time to think about what he said.

You didn’t really expect to be accused of having a self esteem problem, especially not by Duke. You really just didn’t want to have your picture taken because you’re bad at faking a smile.

But then again, you had the whole overcompensation problem that was holding your work back until recently. And it probably does look a little insecure from the outside that you’re not putting your own name to the work you’re most proud of. And you weren’t exactly comfortable with putting yourself out there without treating it like a side effect of some other goal, like that hookup app, or happening to be in the right place, talking to the right people at the right time.

Okay, you kind of see where Duke’s coming from. You do tend to expect permission and input from others before you can really do what you wanted to do anyway.

You finally break the silence. “I wouldn’t say it’s a self esteem thing, Duke. There’s no imposter syndrome, and I’m usually proud of my work. But I understand what you’re getting at. I’ve never been very confident unless there was something or someone backing me up. I doubt that’ll change, but it’s been all the better to have you as my motivation. You’ve been that motivation for me since I first pulled aside that curtain back there.”

“There y’go gettin’ sappy again.” Duke realizes he brought it on himself. “Guess I kinda started it this time.”
“Guess that’s just you.” Duke consigns himself to live with your sentimentality. “I better learn to love that, too.”

After that, Duke moves on to small talk, your work, what he’s currently trying to achieve, and his feelings on finally seeing his family again as the reality of it grows more and more tangible to him, which brings up something he hadn’t even considered until now. “Y’sure you’re up for driving that far, Anon? That’s gonna be an all day thing. We won’t be able to just get up and go when we feel like it.”

“It’s too close to fly, it wouldn’t be worth it.” You explain. “We’d be sitting around in the airport a lot longer than we’d actually be in the air. And it would just be way too expensive for not saving us much time or hassle anyway. I’ll be fine. If you feel comfortable with it, maybe we can switch out so I can take a break.”

Duke’s eyes widen as he’s overcome by a sudden burst of concern. “Oh shit. I left the duffle bag in the storage unit! They might’a tossed all my shit. My ID n’at was in there. Fuck.”

The panic subsides and Duke collects himself. “I should just calm down, Danny wouldn’t let that happen, and I’m sure everyone else here knows better.”

Duke is clearly a little on edge, anxious and eager for you both to finish up and talk to Danny again.

Danny has been keeping an eye out for when you and Duke were ready to go. He ducked into his office and brought Duke’s belongings with him, as well as another large textile bag with The Cy’s branding on it.

“Here’s your stuff, Duke. We weren’t in any state to worry about it last time, and you haven’t been in since, so I’ve been keeping it safe for you.” Danny proves that Duke had nothing to worry about. ”I’ve also got something else for you. I think we’ve built enough of a reputation for quality by now that we can start getting back to doing fun things with the brand again. We’re looking into different suppliers for our merch, and I figure I might as well rely on your opinion one last time. Let me know what you two think of this stuff.”

“And… There’s one more thing.” Somehow, Danny isn’t done yet. He hands Duke a small, ornate gold pin featuring The Cy’s logo on it. Nested profiles of a human and an anthro of no discernable species in particular, that suggest the letters C and E. “They had a handful of these made sixty years ago, when they laid out the new mission statement. It’s been a tradition for each owner since then to award these to people who advance the community, or go above and beyond for the sake of the business.”

Duke doesn’t feel like he’s earned it. “Aw, come on. I haven’t done shit for you. And if anything, I been draggin’ ‘the community’ backwards”

“I doubt we would have made it half this far without you, Duke.” Danny confides. “Until I came across you, I wasn’t sure what I was going to do. I didn’t have the guts to fully commit to changing things up…” He trails off. “I needed a reason for you to stick around. So I pretended like I wasn’t just planning to pick up where Uncle Matt left off, ‘but better’ somehow, but that it was always the plan to reinvent this place. That I would be in need of someone like you anyway, so it made sense to help you out.”

Duke has a hard time believing it. “Y’changed your plans just to give me a job?”

“Well, not exactly. I already knew what my best bet was. I just didn’t know if I could go through with it.” Danny explains. ”You made the difference, and it was for the better. That’s why you’ve earned that pin.”

You see the parallel between your experiences with Duke. If it wasn’t for a few things neither of you could control, Danny would be in your position right now. You can’t blame him for his frustration.

Duke finally understands the real intent of the gesture, and it moves him. “Huh… Y’just have to keep makin’ me feel like shit over breakin’ your heart, don’cha?” Duke’s tone changes, he’s putting his foot down. “Look, Danny, there’s nothing wrong with you, There was a time in my life I’d have given you a chance, gladly even. But by the time we met, that was already long past. And I doubt it’s coming back. I don’t know exactly what you’re looking for outta me, but I’m pretty sure it’s not an option for you. I’m starting to feel like I made a mistake by giving you a taste of something you couldn’t have.”

Danny fears he may have been misunderstood. “No, no. This isn’t some last ditch effort to poach you out from under his nose, don’t get that idea. I was planning on giving you this last time, at the end of the night. But we never got that far.”

“Even though it was never going to work out the way I wanted.” He affirms the boundary. “I’m still perfectly glad to have you as a friend, Duke. That’s enough for me. I would have loved more, but if it’s not an option, it’s not an option.”

Duke finds it funny somehow. “Heh heh! You share your notes with this guy, Anon? You said the same thing to me.” Not wanting to appear cruel, he voices his continued support for Danny. “I’m sorry, I just couldn’t help it. It’s alright. I guess I’ll have to put in a little more effort to help y’move on, huh? We’ll find somebody for ya. Hell, maybe Anon can use his powers for good here.”

You’re not exactly sure what he’s getting at. “What? Put his face up on the front page and say ‘He’s available?’”

“Neh-neh. He likes hybrids like me.” Duke relates his vision. “You know a lot’a us struggle. Maybe this is a good opportunity to start focusing on people like me. In the process, who knows, you might find some guy to point Danny’s way?
You’ve considered writing about the struggles hybrids face before, but it’s been almost impossible. “A lot of hybrids don’t like to talk at length about how they don’t fit in, no matter what I offer them for their time. You were an exception, Duke.”

“I get that. But maybe it’d be different with me around?” Duke offers some insight into the mindset of others like himself. “It’d probably make a lotta people feel less like they’re gonna get screwed over somehow, to have someone like me in the room.”

Before you get too involved in your own conversation, Danny butts back in. “There’s- There’s more to it than that, but sure, I’ll take whatever help I can get. Try enough times and you’ll get somewhere eventually, right?”