FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

*"Hello Kino. It's really nice to see you again." He said in a deep and guttural, yet gentle voice. "I'm glad to finally have you over. I hope we can make tonight special for you." Despite my prior shyness I looked up at this enormous male, surprising even myself. "Thank you. I hope it'll be fairly enjoyable for you too." He let a low laugh and put his massive hand on my head. "You're beautiful and sweet. I found myself in love; same as you." He assured me as he stroked my beige fur, and gently rubbed my large ears. It should have been an otherwise average day for me, but I had something of a change in the last week. An opportunity; if you will, had arisen. *

** The background to the "main event" is not extremely complex. Allow me to tell it, and my tale will make more sense. I had been "scoped out" as I suppose is the term, during a somewhat random outing to a local cafe. It was a quiet, relaxed sort of place; like a coffee shop with a sandwich bar. I had sat away from the other patrons, and was quietly reading while eating a turkey sandwich with cheese. I had noticed the sudden hush that fell over the otherwise conversing customers, but didn't look up like everyone else seemed to. Either I was that involved in my book; or I didn't wish to stare at whomever had entered. I had always thought myself too polite for that. I could however pick up whispers of the others near me; and the doe at the counter began stuttering, albeit cheerfully. "Welcome t-to Buck Star's; Sir..." I did wonder to myself why the clerk had trailed off, when I was aware of a deep voice that replied with a simple: "Thank you Miss. I wonder if I might purchase a-" I hadn't bothered to look before, but I was indeed distracted now. "Your order will b... be right up." The doe seemed very lost in her own thoughts. Absentmindedly and maybe a bit more interested at this point; I shot a glance over to the service counter. I saw why there were so many silent, awestruck expressions. A massive Bull Rhinoceros; sticking out like a bad scar on someone's cheek, stood near my position. I could swear he was looking back as well. When his eyes turned toward me again and locked on mine; I was certain. I blushed and looked away as my heart pounded a bit faster. I knew that the Men's restroom was behind me; and in a sudden burst of adrenaline, I made my way to it. I was so thrown off by the warm look that this undoubtedly masculine rhino had given, that I forgot my book. I walked into the bathroom and when I was sure nobody else was inside; ran to the end stall and locked myself within. Never had it occurred to me that I had overreacted, that he may just have been acknowledging my presence. Such was the curse of my socially-crippling nature. I was surely in no danger, from anyone in the entire cafe, but that's how I behaved. I was beginning to come down from my fright, when I heard the door to the room open and close quietly. I shivered, not out of fear, but something else that I couldn't place. "Little Fennec? Are you alright?" The rhinoceros was very close. I wanted to answer, but my throat had dried. "I deeply apologize for frightening you. Would you please, come talk to me? I'm told that you don't often speak to anyone, but it would make me feel better about scaring you." As if my legs had gained sentience, I began to stand from the corner. Before I was aware of my own actions; I had unlocked the stall door and peered out. The rhino had come to the end stall and was looking at the mirror above the wash basin on the parallel wall. He didn't speak for a moment, then began to clean his hands, with some difficulty due to the size of them. I croaked out a small question toward the imposing figure. "Who.. wh- what?" He smiled as he looked down at the basin of water. "What is your name, shy one?" I said my name so quietly that it sounded to me like a whistle in my throat. "Nobody will hurt you; certainly not me." the rhino assured me. "I don't do things like that. Won't you come closer?" He gestured with his head to the basin to his left. I shakily stumbled towards the basin and fidgeted with my paws. I heard him chuckle to himself. "Don't you need some water for that?" He slowly reached over and turned the handle; a warm fountain of life-giving water washed over my digits. We stood side by side for a minute. "Kino." He looked towards me as I repeated my name. "It is K-Kino." He smiled again with the gentle warmth that a father would show his child. "A lovely name for such a lovely reynard." I nodded nervously, feeling the compliment ease my heart. I was aware of his adjective choice, but I didn't want to be rude by questioning him. "Th-thank you. Why- um... do you take such interest in me?" I stammered. "Firstly, I feel that I should tell you honestly. I do not intend to frighten you further." The grey male seemed to be mulling over his answer for a moment. "I guess... I noticed you because, frankly- I'm currently on the lookout for someone to become long-term friends with." I looked sideways at him quizzically. The rhinoceros sighed. "What I mean to say, is that; if you wish, I would like to get to know you better." He laughed to himself. "I suppose that I'm asking you on a romantic outing." Realization hit me a moment before he finished speaking. He quickly added; "A date. I won't force you to say yes; but it would make me very happy." I thought to myself for a moment or two. With a deep breath, I made my final decision. I looked up towards the armored behemoth and replied with my answer. "I'd like to."**