FSE

Furry search engine

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"If only the bus had taken longer."

By: Lazarus~

I feel the freezing bites of snow on my scales as frigid rain hammers my side. 'Just another flurry', I scoff, the weatherman could not have been more off. A walk to the bus stop, while normally a short and trivial few blocks away, has become one of the most excruciating times in my life. The silhouette of the small bench against the wall of white that is the storm gives me little solace; having to wait in these conditions with nothing to do but freeze isn't all that appealing to me.

My wings tuck close under my light jacket as I slowly lower myself onto the bench, my tail slips in between the snow covered wood and backrest before thumping softly on the uncovered concrete beneath the bench. I sigh, looking up and down what I can see of the road. After a few minutes pass I decide, I am going to die; either from the cold or boredom I will survive this.

Boredom grips me, although I dare not retrieve my phone for doing so will reveal my hands to the frigid weather outside my warm pockets. I hate the cold. Not only is it an inconvenience, but with being cold blooded and-

I stop mid-thought; the sound of crunching snow pulls my attention upwards. Before me stands an arctic fox. With a massive coat, thick jeans and boots, the contrast between our clothing shows which of us had dressed for the weather. He smiles, his cream fur rippling softly in the wind. "What a fine day to wait for a bus, am I right?"

He sits next to me, crossing his legs and reclining happily against the bench, folding his arms behind his head, the cold obviously not bothering him at all. His openness surprises me, he seems happy, almost enthused to talk to strangers. How am I to respond? I don't know this guy... he's just some random fox that just so happens to arrive the same time as I did.

"I'll take your silence as a yes."

I keep my head low, my eyes straying as far away from his as they can. I can tell he's looking at me, awaiting a response. A slight smirk slips across his face and he reaches out, nudging my shoulder softly.

"You're quiet, how bout this little dragon: we'll talk when you'd like to. Assuming you want to, just say something okay?"

He turns away, pulling out his phone. I have no intention of talking to him but its obvious from his constant glances up at me that he only said what he did to get me to speak up. He thinks he can outsmart me? Ha! Funny... a fox outsmarting a dragon?

I shiver, my mind drifting from the fox back to the situation at hand: the cold. I pull my hands from my pockets and bring them to my mouth, my warm breath summoning what temporary warmth it can. After noticing my shivers, the fox smirks, his tail swaying from the side of the bench. "You're not from here are you?"

I, again, ignore him, and his smile turns to a frown. Why can't he get that I am not a not a social person? Maybe if I keep this up he'll understand. To my surprise a wide childish smile spread across his face and he slides himself over, opening his jacket and, using his hands, hugs me. He wraps the jacket around me, holding me in a tight embrace against his chest.

I tense, a velvety redness spreading across my face. I push him back, quickly standing up and turning to him, hissing as I continue blushing wildly "I DON'T KNOW YOU!"

His childish smile only grows wider, obviously pleased at the situation. "Is that not a good reason to talk and get to know me?"

I scoff in disgust, opening my mouth, ready to let out the nastiest insults I can, but before I could he interrupts calmly. "You're cute whenever you're flustered. I like that"

I freeze, again feeling the heat growing beneath my cheeks. How dare insult me like that? I'll show him cute! I hiss, and his soft blue eyes lock with mine. He smirks.

The fox points at his lip and smiles, "Ya got something purple right here."

I had known of course, the liquid fuel dripping from my mouth will be the end of him. The headlights of a bus shine brightly through the snow, illuminating us and he stands up. Until now I hadn't noticed the size difference between us, but he is definitely taller than me. It doesn't matter though... he'll burn nonetheless.

"I wonder..."

He grabs me by the arm, pulling me to him while stepping forward himself. He presses his muzzle to mine, his hand lifting to the back of my hand and holding me in place, his other giving my butt a soft squeeze; the world freezes, finally the fox smirks and lets go of me, smacking his lips softly. "...tastes like grape, I was right."

He winks and steps back, turning towards the bus . Without looking back, he raises his hand and gives me a short yet friendly flick of the wrist. A goodbye.

Still frozen from both shock and absolute bewilderment I found myself already missing the confident fox. Even though he was a complete stranger I find myself drawn to him. He was intriguing. He climbs the stairs and its in a seat near the front, giving me a slight smile through the window. After closing its doors, the bus lurches forward from its place in the snow.

I stepped forward, extending a hand to the fox within. I had so many questions. I wanted to say sorry. I... I--

The fox winks... _Why would he-- _

Then I feel it. I reach back, slipping my hand into my pocket and I pull out a small paper.

It reads

"Nick - 913-744-7625"