FSE

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Running On Empty

Chapter 2

By Roofles

Diesel was out on the balcony of their apartment, taking a much-needed smoke break. The great dane had a lot on his mind as he looked down over their neighborhood. The area didn’t see much in the ways of tax payer dollars; instead the residents here took it on themselves to help out, chip in and even pay a third-party company to come in to fill in the pothole.

It was a close-knit community that was just trying to survive in this cruel, unforgiving world. Diesel understood that far too well as he took another drag on his cigar. When those in charge, those above you who could actually do something seemed to always be against you? Well, you could only rely on each other and group together with those in a similar situation. Still, there was a lot of nosy Nancy’s around here which was one major downside.

As such Diesel didn’t even turn his head when his neighbor greeted him from their balcony.

“Hey,” the mastiff gave a half-hearted waved from the nearby balcony. The tan, dark muzzled mastiff had a smoke himself out. Something that wasn’t uncommon amongst canine breeds. It helped with the sharp smell of the city and the world; smoking was a good way to dull their sharp senses to at least manage to stomach it. “How’s your human doing?”

Diesel rolled his eyes at that. “He’s not my human.” The great dane grumbled, resting on the rail and feeling the morning breeze amongst his fur. There were few days he was up so early. Last night had been one of those nights he stayed awake thinking. Diesel hated thinking, it was easier to just jerk off with his roommate and crash hard after.

“Right.” Marshal the mastiff just shrugged a shoulder. “Keep telling yourself that.” The other canine took another drag and blew the smoke out of his nose, staring out over the neighborhood. The two dogs seemed to come out here often as if to survey the area and make sure everything was still in tact.

That the world hadn’t come to an abrupt end.

“Can’t a guy just be friends with another guy without there being anything more?” Diesel grumbled, not wanting to talk about it. It was a pain to hang out with other dogs. Diesel was sure Keith stunk of the great dane; he wasn’t too sure if he smelled like the human though.

Other canines picked up on it instantly. Already having fifteen notions about the great dane before they even exchanged two words. It was his damn apartment, it was only normal Keith would end up smelling like the musky canine that owned it. Diesel wasn’t blaming Keith, he just wished his neighbors would back off about it.

“Besides, I’m seeing someone anyways.” Diesel just countered gruffly.

“You mean Jimbo?” Marshal was the one to roll his eyes at that. “Did you know he was down at Collars the other day?” The great dane’s floppy ears perked up at that. It was the only sign Diesel had made he even heard the mastiff, it was all Marshal needed though. “Hah, see. Look at you! All excited and hopeful about your ‘other’ cheating on you.” The mastiff laughed loudly. “Give you a reason to do the same thing too, huh?”

Diesel gave a warning growl at that. Something he went out of his way not to do around humans, let alone his roommate. People took it as a personal offense and, usually, called the police. With another dog however, the point it made was clear. Fucking watch yourself.

“Jimbo’s not about to go outside unless he absolutely has too.” Marshal just stated the obvious.

“He works hard. Jimbo deserves his days off…” Diesel came to his boyfriend defense, his chest deflated a bit and he hadn’t even convinced himself by the end. Jimbo was a pitbull he had met during High School. The two had become close friends, being one of the few dogs in school; the wolves on the football team did not like them at all.

Back then, they had each only other.

It was Diesel that had enrolled the pitbull in the same college. It was Diesel who had gotten Jimbo his job as a night stocker at one of the local grocery stores. Diesel was the one who did most of the pitbull’s bills; and it was Jimbo who insisted that they lived apart. Not ready to “Settle down” as he had put it.

“Knock, knock.” Keith wrapped a knuckle on the door as he came out to join his roommate on the balcony. It was a small thing. Diesel had managed to cram a mini-grill on one side of it leaving the rest open, no room even for a chair to sit down on. “I brought coffee.” Keith shut the door behind him, trying not to let the apartment heat out.

And then there was Keith in all this.

An old childhood friend he had reconnected with over the past year or so. Keith had moved in after the holidays, Diesel driving down to help him out. It had been an awkward exchange and the following days weren’t much better.

Then, one day. They had just clicked again like they had done as pups. As if the two had been friends throughout all these years. It only complicated matters as Keith greeted their mastiff neighbor. Even after a shower, Keith smelled like the great dane. Diesel not about to admit it was because he liked to roll around on Keith bed.

“Good morning, Marshal.” Keith waved at the mastiff. The large tan dog just gave him a droopy expression. Marshal’s nose twitched as he sniffed at the human. “I’m going to start breakfast,” Keith told Diesel touching his arm. “You’re welcomed to join us if you like, Marshal.” He added with a smiling wave at the mastiff as he headed back in. Leaving a warm cup of java behind for his roommate.

The two just exhaled the smoke they had been holding in. The mastiff snorted it out of his nostrils once more as he turned to go back inside.

“The next time yo’ fuck on the balcony, I’m turning the hose on you.” The mastiff just said as he opened the sliding door back into his apartment. The mastiff curled his tongue around the cigar, chewing on it before swallowing it whole.

“I don’t know what y-you’re talking about.” Diesel growled once more, a rumbling sound as he bared one side of his muzzle showing his teeth. His eyes darted back inside to make sure Keith wasn’t watching.

“Oh Diesel, I brought you coffee.” Marshal mimicked in a girly voice before barking a laugh and then slamming the door shut behind him.

Diesel’s inner ears burned hot as he marched back inside, fuming a bit over it.

The great dane had to deal with a lot of flak from other canines due to his friendship with Keith. Keith could hide it from other humans, Diesel couldn’t from dogs. Both sides weren’t exactly forgiving, or accepting of it either.

Most of his neighbors didn’t approve of the human crashing with him on top of everything else. Diesel just took another drag and put the cigar out on his broad tongue. Diesel was never sure why they made these so tasty as he tossed the bud in the ashtray on the counter. The smell of it indoors helped masked the humans scent. Giving him a moment of respite.

“Am I being selfish?” Diesel had been questioning that all morning. The neighbors weren’t happy with this living arrangement. Even Jimbo had mentioned it once or twice, when the pitbull felt the need to talk to him. It wasn’t exactly close to work for Keith and the great dane had been the one to practically kidnap the human and bring him here.

He just shook his broad muzzle side to side, his floppy ears swaying with his jowls as he did it. In the end it really didn’t matter as he flexed in the middle of the room, stretching out. Diesel hated cramped spaces and with his size and girth it was hard to find room to be able to do this indoors.

The smoky gray great dane’s short tail wagged lazily as he came into the kitchen after shaking himself out of his funk; following his nose into the kitchen. Sniffing at the food that had been made. His ears drooped down as he saw Keith standing in front of the stove, fully dressed. The human had gotten one of the small things of Greek yogurt out for his own breakfast. Keith only had it when he was going out for the day.

The human, his roommate and best friend had made him breakfast before heading out.

Diesel wasn’t sure what to say as Keith turned the stove off.

“Oh, hey didn’t hear you come back in.” The human just smiled. “I made too much.” The human gave him a white lie. Diesel could see through it in a second; Keith always worried about his eating habits. Trying to get the canine to eat a more reasonable diet. “Mind helping me out?”

Diesel was a very large canine and took up most of the kitchen as he reached up over the human, pushing his bare chest against him, as he got a cup out from the cupboard. Keith was flushing a bit but tried not to say anything about it. Diesel had a bad habit of getting up close and into his personal bubble, without even seeming to notice. This was his apartment after all. Despite what Diesel may say, Keith was just a guest here.

“Where are you off too?” Diesel asked not recalling Keith telling him about it. It wasn’t accusing, it was a friendly question and the canine made sure to smile after to make sure the human understood. It was hard to translate certain body language between the species gap, a lot of things went right over Keith head.

“Mostly errands.” Keith gave a shrug not thinking too much about it. “Things I should’ve gotten done the other day.” He only laughed.

The two hadn’t talked about what happened that night. It wasn’t something you just brought up out of the blue. Jerking off together without your roomie was usually consider a taboo by most.

It was a couple of days since that evening; the two had grown closer because of it. On the other hand, they both seemed to refuse to even talk about it. Neither wanting to be the first to just bring it up suddenly.

“Cool.” Diesel was already heading towards his room. “Give me a second and I’ll join you.”

“I thought you worked today.” Keith looked down the hallway after the great dane. Diesel never closed his door, always telling Keith if he never needed anything to just walk right in and ask. Or take it. The problem with that was Diesel’s bed was clearly visible from where Keith was standing at the other end of the hall and the great dane preferred to sleep naked. Because of their schedule Diesel might be asleep in the middle of the morning or afternoon, Keith never quite prepared for when he looked down it.

“Nah, man. Someone else had the shift.” Diesel lied as he already was texting his boss as he looked over the clothes pile he had in one corner of his room. He gave a shirt a sniff and figured it would be good enough.

Diesel had been putting in extra hours to help pay the rent, not feeling right to charge Keith anything. The human took care of the other things the canine had never really thought about, specifically unexpected expenses. Toiletries alone were costly. Keith even bought the extra shine conditioner for the great dane.

From there it was all the little details one neglected in life. Laundry was always done, the dishes were never a problem. They hadn’t run out of soap once, without a backup waiting, since Keith had moved in. The human even did the shopping. Diesel could do a double shift without ever worrying about coming home to a cold apartment or worse yet, an empty fridge.

“Well, I don’t mind.” Keith just leaned against the wall, he was busy texting as Diesel came out.

“Been meaning to get out an about for ages.” Diesel was wearing an open polo flannel shirt with a black shirt underneath, it outlined the curves of his chest and stomach nicely as he walked over. He was wearing a pair of loose jeans Keith hadn’t seen him wear before. The canine was even wearing shoes for a change.

“You sure you’re not going to work…? Or to the courthouse?” Keith teased looking at him. The human tucked his phone away and the canine wagged his tail at that. When it was the two of them? Keith always gave him his full attention, not texting away on a phone or watching something on TV.

Unlike a certain pitbull he knew…

“Hey! I do have some good clothes, thank you very much.” The great dane folded his arms looking down at the man. The top of Keith’s head barely came up to the canine’s shoulder when they stood back to back. As such, the canine usually towered over Keith . Diesel liked to loom over him, looking down at the human practically pressed against his chest as he did so.

“Really?” Keith said as if in disbelief before laughing. He placed a hand on the canine’s chest to push him back a few steps. “You look great.” Keith just smiled after Diesel gave him some breathing room.

“W-well if it didn’t bunch up my fur so much, I’d wear them more often!” Diesel just gave a heavy shoulder shrug as he looked away. He was glad Keith couldn’t smell it as he was blushing heavily underneath that smoky gray fur of his. Diesel didn’t feel the need to mention that these skinny jeans was pinching his sack between his legs. He’d take the compliment for the pain.

“Where too first?” Keith asked ten minutes later, spending the time to put away the food for later. Even cold Diesel would enjoy the snack when they got home.

“I need to get my check from work, first.” Diesel was driving. He had a nice truck, the very thing he had used to help move Keith in from out of state.

There weren’t back seats in it. The front having been pushed back to accommodate someone of Diesel’s size in mind. The seats were wider than Keith was used too and there was a hole in the back of them for a tail to go through. He was thankful there was a panel to close or adjust the size of the opening at least. Diesel was the one who pointed it out to the confused human the first time he had gotten in.

“The seats are heated too.” Diesel loved showing off his baby and was already going over all the neat features he had gotten with it. “We can change it so only your side gets it, if you get cold.” Diesel was adjusting the dial for him already.

It was already February. Still, it was particularly cold out this year. Keith had bundled up in layers, scarf and all as he rubbed his hands together.

“Thanks.” Keith just chuckled lightly, blushing a bit. “Sorry for this.” Keith wasn’t just talking about the heater, the great dane waiting in the parking lot assigned to his apartment unit for it to heat up for the human.

The apartment didn’t have the best circulation and some rooms were cold while others were hot. That meant Diesel’s room was an uncomfortably warm temperature for the furred canine while Keith’s was only just above tolerable.

“I don’t mind.” Diesel stretched the truth a bit. The heat did bother him but he wasn’t about to blame the furless human for that. “My offer still stands you know,” the great dane placed his hand between the two as if laying that offer back on the table. “To keep you warm.” Diesel was looking at him and Keith had lost his voice as the great dane finally began to move out of the driveway with a satisfied grin.

The look he got alone was worth it.

The two exchange minor pleasantries as they made their way downtown. Talking about the weather and how cold it had been even in February. If they should stop and get a coffee while they were out or where they wanted to eat at for lunch. As usual they avoided the hot topics of money, religion and their political opinions. Diesel had gotten into a rather heated argument the last time it had come up, with a stranger that is.

Diesel ended up being forced into a parking garage, something he couldn’t help but grumble about as they walked down the side stairs and onto the street corner of the downtown. The great dane kept his temper in check, it didn’t stop him from being an angry driver however.

“Driving is a privilege, not a right!” The great dane just said loudly as they reached the bottom of the steps. Keith gave him a look at that. “Ok, ok. Last time I swear. Just can’t believe I get pulled over for nothing and then…”

Keith only rolled his eyes. Still, he couldn’t deny the fact that canine-Americans did get pulled over far more often than humans did. And dogs were one of the few non-human species that managed to fit in somewhat well in society. He couldn’t begin to imagine how the others got by.

“You said your paycheck?” Keith asked instead, looking forward to seeing where the great dane worked.

Diesel motioned in the direction and they headed down towards the building. Keith stuck his hands in his pocket, a bit rosy in the cheek as he nosed down at the scarf around his neck. It oddly enough smelled of the canine. The great dane didn’t seem to even notice the cold.

“And here I thought you worked in a butcher shop.” Keith joked. It took Diesel a second. The two walked into the office building.

“’Cause I’m so beefy?” The great dane flexed at that.

“Well, more of a meathead but whatever floats your boat, dude.” Keith only laughed.

“There’s some coffee and stale cookies if you want.” Diesel motioned over to the side as he slipped behind the front desk and into the back. “Only take a second!” He called loudly making Keith flush a bit.

He never worried about others seeing them together; he just wished Diesel wasn’t so loud about it sometimes.

Keith just undid his scarf, feeling a bit warm now in the heated office building. Diesel still didn’t tell him what he did. At least the canine had a steady job, with benefits or so he claimed to have. While Keith was left trying to get what little hours he could and work around his school schedule on top of it. Most days, he figured the great dane had done it right. Night classes, a few online with them and then work rather than try to do both full time.

“Hey there,” a slightly high-pitch, scratchy voice said nearby. Keith looked over to see the front desk secretary greeting him. She was a rather short, overweight female that looked as if she had been working here just one day too long. “Are you Diesel’s?” It was a strange turn of phrase until he read between the lines.

Keith frowned at that. The offensive term wasn’t lost on the human, even if he was raised half his life in the South. Back in the day, only fifty sum years or so ago, people would usually refer to them as that. Who their owner was or, for the canine, to introduce who they belonged too. “I’m Keith’s dog,” or such. Nowadays, as people become somewhat more civil; they were usually referred to in a possessive tense. As if it was impossible to even consider they weren’t owned.

She didn’t even seem to notice that it had been offensive, most didn’t.

“No. I’m his friend.” Keith corrected her a bit forcefully. He was taken aback with himself by his tone, not sure why it had bothered him more this time than it had in the past.

“That’s what I meant.” She only waved it offer with a fake smile and a roll of her eyes. She was wearing too much makeup as if it would hide the fact she had three chins; Keith could be a real bitch when it came down to it. Instantly he noticed five things wrong with her appearance but kept them to himself. Every minute that passed by he would notice another.

“He just doesn’t talk much.” She went on as if Keith had asked. “Always stays in the back or at his desk. Just working. Even takes his lunch break there. We thought he didn’t have any friends.” She openly laughed. “He didn’t even tell us when it was his birthday!” And shook her head as if pitying his friend.

Keith could only imagine the horror that would have been if they had. Keith was positive none of them were aware that Diesel hated sweets and would end up buying him a cake or some such for themselves, rather than for him.

“Ok, done and done.” Diesel came back out in a jog a good five minutes later. It had dragged on, the sound of the clock on the wall the only sound in the office.

The great dane didn’t seem to be aware of what they had been talking about or the fact nearly everyone in the room was staring at him when he walked by. As if he was going to bite or something…

“Where too next?” Keith only asked as he headed back towards the door without even a wave at the others watching them.

“Coffee?” Diesel just offered noticing the human hadn’t gotten any inside as the door shut behind them.

“Well, what else do we have on the list today?” Keith just started up where they had left off as if the canine had been with him the entire time.

“Check first. Then was going to drop it by the bank… my barber is right next to door to that...” Diesel tapped his chin thinking it over as he started off again. The canine slowed his steps down, matching his long strides to Keith’s shorter ones. He was in no rush after all with such good company.

“Barber?” Keith laughed, looking over at the canine. Diesel, like most dogs, didn’t have hair. Their fur was all they had gotten in life. While covered head to toe in it, Diesel’s fur was far thinner than most breeds. “Aren’t you afraid of going bald?” The human only teased.

Diesel was confused at first. “It takes a lot of work for what I got.” Diesel looked down over himself, there was a lot of surface area for the fur to cover. “I usually go once a week when I can manage it.”

“A week?” Keith said a bit louder than he had meant too. Keith only got his hair cut a couple of times a year.

“Well, yeah.” Diesel continued to explain as they crossed the street at a cross-walk. A car honked at them, even with them having the right-of-way. The great dane just ignored it as Keith looked over to figure out what that guys problem had been. “There’s a lot of little things you need to do. Constantly. To keep up with it.”

Keith still wasn’t following.

Diesel only smiled at that. “Well… think of it like the other night.” Diesel voice soften a bit as Keith flushed, recalling every moment of it. “Canine’s anatomy is a bit different from humans. Not just the goods either.” The great dane winked at him with a loud bark of a laugh pointing out the bank. “Our fur covers are whole body. Some breeds have it thinner in places like in their pits and between their legs. I’m furry as fuck.” Diesel only barked again a laugh again, his voice back to its loud boastful self.

It was an unnerving sound coming from the large canine, that bark; it even made Keith tense up a bit. A nearby cat half-jumped up into a tree at the sound as they passed by them. Ironically, it would be a canine, most of which served in public service jobs, that would be coming to their rescue in such a scenario.

“Our barbers aren’t like your barbers…” Diesel rolled his eyes at that. “I don’t think Chuck would mind doing you too if you want.” The great dane offered. “We’re going there already.”

It was another five minutes before the bell above the door rung and they walked into the barbershop. It wasn’t like the ones Keith had been in. Usually there were several seats lined up in front of mirrors. The room was as large but open and there were only a few moveable chairs in the corners.

Keith just scrunched up his brow as a golden retriever came over to greet them from the back, still trying to figure out the trick of this place.

“Chuck this is my roomie Keith, Keith this is my barber Chuck.” Diesel introduced each other and how they were acquainted to the canine, old habits die hard after all.

“Welcome. Welcome!” The golden retriever shook Keith’s hand with both his own, pulling him closer the next second to give him a courtesy sniff with a bumpy brown nose. “So, this is Keith! I’ve been wondering.” The retriever looked over at Diesel. “He’s cuter than you described.” The dog’s tail wouldn’t stop wagging as he led them further inside.

“Cuter?” Keith mouthed to Diesel behind the retrievers back. Diesel just grinned, glad once more Keith couldn’t tell when he was blushing or not.

“Just the one? Or for both of you…” Chuck stopped at that giving Keith a full once over and back up to his face. “I guess I could deal with that fuzz on his face.” The retriever inspected the beard Keith was trying to grow out for winter. It hadn’t come in as full and thick as he had hoped it would, looking like a bad five o'clock shadow instead.

“His fuzz on that face likes it were it is, thanks.” Keith said in his own defense. He smiled despite himself as the canine just began to pant openly, turning towards Diesel. He seemed like a friendly enough guy.

“He wants to watch.” Diesel just said already taking off his overshirt and folding it up to place on one of the side counters. His wallet and cellphone soon joined it.

“Oh. I see.” Chuck was grinning from cheek to cheek as he turned away from the two.

“Not like that.” Keith tried to explain.

“I understand. The only thing curious-er than a cat is a human.” The golden retriever just nodded as he moved by. The next second the three of them were surrounded by a curtain, the barber pulling it out from the very wall. It looped out and around them giving them plenty of space and privacy.

Diesel moved a chair over for Keith. Keith didn’t even get a chance to say thanks as the great dane stripped naked right in front of him. When he stood up, Diesel bumped his nose against Keith’s who flushed even more than he already was. Keith could feel the great dane snorted his breath over Keith’s face ruining the moment.

“You have to make appointments. No walk-ins.” Chuck just said professionally already beginning to look the great dane over. Diesel opened his arms up and was facing towards Keith while Chuck slid clumps of his fur between his fingers to examine the length of it. “Well, except for my favorite customers of course!” The golden retriever added, trying to grease the great dane’s palm for a larger tip.

“Or when it’s slow as fuck.” Diesel rolled his eyes with a hearty chuckle. He winced as Chuck gave a clump of his fur a rough tug.

Keith wasn’t sure if he should look away or not. Would it be more offensive than just staring at the stark naked great dane in front of him? Keith understood why they called them great now. Diesel was larger than the other dog next to him was. Muscles were clearly outlined underneath that thin smoky gray fur. Let alone everything about Diesel was large, from his hands to his feet to… other places. Keith made sure to keep his eyes above belt level.

Even with the two being canines they were different as night as day; at that wasn’t just a remark about their fur color either.

“Usually you strip down one area at a time.” Chuck just shrugged a shoulder, moving around with what looked like a rather large bib around his neck. “To keep his fur off me.” The golden retriever explained. “It’s a bitch to pick another dog’s fur out of yours; you know what I’m talking about.” He added giving Keith a wink. Keith did not know what he was talking about.

“You’re going to be naked one time or another.” Diesel just rolled his eyes as he lowered his arms back down, standing there as the retriever began working on his back. “Humans are the only prudes around here.”

“Thanks.” Keith flipped him off.

When Chuck wasn’t looking, Diesel bowed down a little bit to offer up the opening of his sheath once more. The great dane couldn’t help but laugh at the look he got from Keith after.

“Stop moving,” Chuck just took hold of a good hand full of the great dane’s thick hide once more. Diesel barely noticed. “This is why we don’t usually let someone watch. Too much of a distraction!” The flamboyant canine tossed one hand into the air.

“It’s an art.” Diesel even rolled his eyes at that before Chuck could say it. “Barber’s take their work way too seriously.”

“I spent three hours just this morning on Miss Johnson.” The retriever rolled his eyes, flicking his wrist as he inspected the great dane as if he were a sculpture rather than another living being. There was a comb in one hand, scissors in the other and his nose was scrunched up. He went back to work as he continued. “She has to come in tomorrow to finish it. Don’t get me started on her hair! I do NOT know what she was thinking trying to do that without me.”

“Damn. What happens if someone real, like… nasty comes in then?” Keith only asked, taking a seat. It was a bit of a problem. The height of the chair was the perfect height for the great dane’s groin, still facing towards him. Keith just stared up at his friend’s face.

Diesel wagged his tail at that, returning the smile. While playing with himself a little bit. Keith glared at that, Diesel only stuck his tongue out in reply. “Stick it in.” The great dane mouthed at him; Keith couldn’t read his lips however with that broad snout of his.

“Kick their stanky ass out!” Chuck just said loudly toss his head to one side to get his floppy ears out of his face. “Ain’t no charity here!”

“Barbers usually have a few core clienteles. They stay with them for years, if not longer and thus don’t take many others. Sometimes it’s impossible to find a good one to take you.” Diesel just lifted his arm back up for the other canine, not even bothered by just how close Chuck was next to him. Still just explaining things to Keith as if he were taking notes on everything. “It’s their business.”

“And home.” Chuck added. “My wife would kill me,” Chuck waved both hands now. The two exchanged a look at that.

“Wife?” Keith mouthed to Diesel. The great dane only shrugged unsure. Chuck smelled far too much like shampoo products to be able to smell his own scent, let alone another canines on him.

“They can be as picky as they’d like. Not about to get in no trouble, no no!” Diesel was spun around and Keith got a good view of his back. Keith couldn’t help but chuckle as Diesel clenched his butt cheeks, looking over one shoulder at him. The great dane was enjoying showing off a bit too much as he stuck his tongue out once more at him.

“Back in the day, leg up.” Chuck crouched down as Diesel put one leg up on one of the side chairs. The golden retriever didn’t even seem to notice that his nose was practically touching Diesel’s hanging sack as he did his inner thigh. “We weren’t called barbers. They called us groomers. Hah! Like we were some kind of animals.” Chuck gave a crude growl after that, a very animal thing to do.

“I-Is that… so…” Keith was trying not to watch as Diesel as he bent forward a little. For only a second, Keith could see the great dane’s tail hole. The flesh of it was a dark gray like his lips were. He turned around the next second to let Chuck do his behind and back of his thigh. Diesel just smiled at Keith once more.

“Could always scoot closer, watch up close.” Diesel just grinned down at him. The great dane was leaning overhead as he had done in the hallway, using one hand for support against the wall.

“Don’t make me use the ice water.” Chuck only threatening.

Diesel didn’t so much as yip as sucked in his breath at the threat, that hefty sheath tightening against him once more as it had done the other night. Keith didn’t watch, the action made his sack bounce. The human only flushed brightly.

It was a good half hour later by the time Chuck decided he was done.

“Usually it takes longer.” Diesel didn’t move to dress. “I go weekly just to make sure it doesn’t.” The great dane’s tail wagged as the retriever came back in from around the privacy curtain.

“The bill.” He passed the paper over to diesel. “And your human can brush you off.” Chuck forced a rather large dog brush into Keith’s hand and left the two.

Keith looked it over in confusion. The two had been teasing the retriever by the end of it. Diesel moving only a fraction of an inch here or there right when Chuck had gotten the perfect angle. Diesel didn’t mind one bit putting on a show for Keith.

“Artists.” Diesel looked at the paper before putting it on the counter where his wallet was. “Just so touchy about their work.” The great dane was flexing for him as Keith gave him the once over, walking around him and inspecting him as if he were a fine piece of art.

“Yeah.” Keith looked down at the brush as he came back in front of the great dane. “The hell am I supposed to do with this?”

Diesel just grinned at him and took a step closer. He was glad Chuck had already swept up most the fur. The cool tiles beneath his toes felt good, naked and exposed like this in front of Keith once more. “Well,” Diesel reached a hand down to take Keith’s wrist and lift it up slowly placing the end of the brush on that burly chest of his. “You brush me now.” The dog let out a soft growl that reverberated in his throat.

Keith flushed a bit more at that. He had been pushed back to the counter as Diesel leaned over him as he had done before.

“If it’s easier.” Diesel just said and in the next second had lifted Keith up onto the counter for him to sit down. “That should help.” Diesel placed both hand against the glass mirror, trapping Keith between his arms as he tilted his broad muzzle up a bit. “This part is such a pain to do by myself… I’m glad I got someone to do it.” He murred low and deep. Keith could see his chest rumble with that sound.

“Didn’t you p-pay Chuck to do it?” Keith asked still holding the handle of the brush, pressed against Diesel’s bare chest.

“Nope.” Diesel just closed his eyes. “Do it with the fur. It takes a little longer… but it feels so good than against...”

Keith only flushed as he dragged the brush through Diesel’s fur. His whole face turning red as Diesel let out a low, deep murr of satisfaction as he did so. The brush dragged through that smoky gray fur pulling out any strays in it as it scratched underneath along the great dane’s muscular chest. Keith stopped above his groin and lifted the brush back up to do down the next part of his chest.

“You’re rather good at this.” Diesel encouraged, turning his head to the side so Keith could brush behind one of his floppy ears and down his neck. The great dane shivered after making the human blush even more.

“T-thanks?” Keith only replied, his mouth having gone as dry as a desert.

“We should steal it.” Diesel said after the fifth past. Keith had worked his way under his muzzle and neck to the other side. The great dane lifting one arm up for him so Keith could do his side. Keith could feel the raw heat pumping off the canine, this close together. “Just… stuff it in your pants and we can sneak out. Best belly rubs for life!” The great dane’s tail wagged lazily behind him.

“Why don’t you stick it in your pants?” Keith was still blushing from all this. He had only done Diesel’s chest and neck so far.

“Can’t. Back of my pants has a tail through it and the front… well your hand might be able to fit in me. That brush probably wouldn’t.” The great dane just reasoned as if already thinking about it. He rested his forehead against that arm, leaning a bit closer and pushing his armpit against the human’s face. “You’ll do it for me, won’t you?”

Keith ended up snorting at that and pulling back, trying not to laugh. The two were trying to be quiet about it as another customer had come in. “What do you mean probably?” The human shook his head, trying to rub off the great dane’s musk from his nose.

“Well… maybe it would, maybe it wouldn’t fit.” Diesel turned around to face his back to him now and took several moments to enjoy the feel of the back rub as Keith brushed it off for him. His hands gripped the counter behind him tightly and the great dane had moved his rear between Keith’s legs. That short tail was wagging against the human’s thigh now.

Keith held his breath as one of those strong hands brush over his leg. It rubbed down it to his ankle and then back up.

“If you steal it, I can return the favor you know.” The great dane offered up.

“Not sure how comfortable that would feel… thanks though.” Keith only chuckled again, placing a hand on Diesel’s back. He could feel the muscle underneath that thin fur and warm hide.

Keith had stopped. Instead of asking, Diesel just stood up to his full height and then rested back against the counter, leaning back and pushing Keith lightly against the glass and feeling that face against the curve of his spine. Diesel took a few moments like that, holding both of Keith’s legs now.

“Does it uh… bother you, that I don’t have fur?” Keith asked quietly. Diesel stayed where he was for a few more seconds as if he hadn’t heard him before giving a gruff, heavy sigh and moving forward. The great dane let him go. “I mean I’m not able to understand all, all this… Like another canine would…”

The great dane turned back around. Keith handed him the brush and Diesel continued to do the work on his arms, it had to get done. It would bother him endlessly otherwise, as if someone had put fiberglass under his fur.

“You know, it’s fun to tease you.” Diesel started up letting Keith watch the way he brushed his arms for future reference. “And I… honestly don’t mind this.” His droopy ears splayed out a bit. “The fact you want to know about these things it… it means a lot… to me.” Diesel coughed a few times at the end trying to hide the words, flushing even more as he looked away. “No one has ever really asked about me… to even try to get to know me.”

“Well… I do. I’m just an idiot when it comes to it.” Keith tried not to let it get to him as he brushed one of his cheeks off, sniffing lightly.

“You’re not an idiot.” Diesel said softly looking at him now. The great dane hesitated before placing one hand on his knee and crouched down until they were on eye level. “Just a bit ignorant to things. There’s a huge difference. You wanting to learn about me… about us, I should be saying… is a huge step.”

Keith just gave a small nod at that, hoping it was really the case and not just Diesel trying to make him feel better. “Is this where we uh… hug?” He asked awkwardly as he was still sitting on the counter.

“Dude, if you don’t hug me right now I’m going to hug you.” Diesel started up, trying not to let him see his eyes were slightly damp. His butt was wagging with his tail now.

“Shouldn’t you put some pants on?” Keith could barely look the canine straight in the eye, let alone at his naked body.

“Maybe you should take your pants off?” Diesel only countered. The two shared a chuckle and then a hug.

Diesel wrapped a hand under Keith’s rear and lifted him off the counter, pulling him right against him as Diesel nuzzled that broad snout down at the human once more. Keith just returned the hug, trying not to focus too much on the fact his nose was being crushed against the canine’s chest. It had a musky warm smell; Keith was beginning to get used to it.

It was Diesel who broke it off the next second, half-dropping Keith to the ground as he began scratching over himself with both hands as if he only now noticed fire ants crawling all over him.

“Is it really that bad?” Keith bent over to pick up the brush Diesel had dropped.

“You have no idea!” Diesel was growling now as he began biting at one of his arms.

The human rose back up and the two stopped as Diesel groin was right in front of the human’s face. Diesel wasn’t sure what to do and just froze, looking down slowly at him.

“W-well I guess I could start here?” Keith just offered up to him, resting on one knee as he brought the brush up. Diesel was still biting his arm as that brush ran down his inner thigh.

The great dane let go. “W-would it be easier if I took a seat?” He offered in a small, timid voice. It wasn’t like the great dane to be seem uncertain. That helped Keith though, glad he wasn’t the only one feel like this.

“C-couldn’t hurt.” The human just offered and then began to do the great dane’s lower body as Diesel sat in the chair.

Over his thick thighs, down his muscular calfs and then even to his feet. Working around the large paw padded underside and around the paw padded toes. Diesel rubbed his foot over the human’s chest in thanks as Keith moved back up.

Keith wasn’t sure how to ask about his groin. The golden retriever had barely touched up the area; not like Diesel was about to point that out.

“Y-you said the only way to get to know you was by your s-smell.” Keith swallowed, his mouth still as dry as a desert. Diesel only gave a dumb nod. Keith was holding his thighs, gripping them tightly as he looked up at him. Then back down.

If he didn’t do it now, Keith never would.

Diesel placed one hand on Keith’s shoulder, opening his legs a bit as the human moved down. That hanging sack was a darker gray than the rest of him, it matched the fur around his groin and of that hefty sheath. It was the same color of fur as those under the great dane’s arms and on his chest.

Diesel didn’t push him into it as he always imagined he would, watching those pornos and jerking off thinking about it. No, he just opened himself up and Keith was the one who took a breath of his musky core. The great dane flexed one leg, curling the toes of his other as that nose pressed right against him.

Keith took a lung filling breath of the canine before moving back, breathing it out and feeling warm since the first time they had gone out together…

The human looked up at him, just in time for the great dane to hold one side of his face and lick up all over it. Keith gagged at that, wiping it off.

“Dude!” Keith was still blushing.

“Dude. You’re going to reek of my sack otherwise.” Diesel just pointed out. Keith eyes widen at that as his cheeks turned fully red now. The great dane rolled his eyes, pulled him closer and gave him another long lick with that broad tongue of his.

The golden retriever had allowed them to use a blow dryer moments later to finish getting rid of the left over fur on the great dane’s body.

“Not exactly what I thought of you blowing me...” Diesel said muzzle first against the warm rush of hot air from the industrial sized furdryer Keith had to use both hands to hold. He just moved it over his shoulders and chest, under each arm as if it were a shower head instead.

“Har, har.” Keith rolled his eyes as he turned it off. “I’m done.”

“Just like a man. Once they finish, who cares about getting the other off.” Diesel huffed, folding his arms.

“I think we’ve stayed here long enough.” Keith only laughed as the great dane finally got up and got dressed. Keith kept his back to him and the two didn’t say anything more about what had happened.

They waved goodbye to the golden retriever, who made sure they had cleaned up “all” of the mess they had made.

Keith made Diesel hold the dust pan as he awkwardly swept the fur into it before they were allowed to leave.

“That went well.” Diesel just smiled after walking down the street. His hand brushed against Keith’s. The human didn’t take it.

“If only all my haircuts were like that.” Keith was still walking oddly as the got roughly a block down. The human stopped, looking side to side. “M-make sure no one sees!” Keith finally said as he darted to the down one of the side alleyways. Diesel lifted an eyebrow and followed after quickly.

“About holding hands?” The great dane was confused until he saw Keith zipping his pants down. “Oh… I think Chuck has a restroom back at the barbers.” The great dane motioned over one shoulder. He used his large body to block Keith from view.

“Not that and don’t look!” Keith glared at him, turning his back to the canine once more. Diesel just watched as Keith pulled his pants down and then turned around, one hand holding his boxers up. The other holding the dog brush from the barbershop. “Happy now?”

Diesel jaw dropped. “You didn’t.” The great dane took a step closer. “How? When!”

Keith just gave a shrug. “I’ve had my run in with lady law once or twice… you pick up a few things.” He just gave a wink, tossing it over to the great dane who caught it as if it were a bar of gold and not just an oversized dog brush.

“Where did you even…” Diesel stammered taking hold of it, sniffing at it out of habit and then wrinkled his nose.

“S-shut up!” Keith just flushed, giving him a punch to the arm. “Y-you’re the one who wanted it so badly!”

Before Keith could say anything else he found himself in another full body hug by the great dane.

“Y-you’re welcome… you don’t have to grope my ass though.” Keith flushed as the great dane rubbed over his rear with one hand, giving it another rough squeeze.

“I’m just so happy.” Diesel whined, pulling back and wiping away an imaginary tear from the corner of one eye. “Best belly rubs for life.”

“Well… I missed your birthday.” Keith had to thank that bitch of a secretary at Diesel’s office for reminding him about the canine’s birthday. “Hope this makes up for it.” He just shrugged.

Diesel looked on the verge of real tears as he sniffled, holding it with both hands.

“Are you really going to just walk around with that like that?” Keith wanted to disavow his friend, regretting getting it for him. Diesel had slung the end of the brush handle tie around his neck and was proudly walking with it out.

“I’m making a statement.” Diesel just shrugged, giving a wink to a random stranger who happened to walk by.

“Which would be…?” Keith only frowned.

“I really love belly rubs.” And Keith nearly pushed him out into traffic.

…

“Let’s go to another café.” Diesel had stopped outside the door a good fifteen minutes later. The weather hadn’t gotten any better and the two decided it would be a good time to get something warm to drink.

The coffee shop was a small, cute store cramped between two rather oppressive office buildings. It was a wonder it had survived as long as it had. They stopped outside to look at the menu taped to the inner window; It was one of the few in the area that weren’t a massive chain like the starbucks; the buck sign was the only sign visible on the street.

“Don’t like the coffee here?” Keith asked, confused as he looked down from the smiling sign of a biscotti soaking in a coffee cup. “I figured you’d enjoy the phallic imagery of this place.”

Diesel didn’t even crack a smile at that.

“Hey, what’s up?” Keith asked moving a bit closer. He placed a hand on his arm. It was the canine who pulled back.

“Let’s just go somewhere else, ok?” Diesel insisted, getting angry about it. The great dane neck fur burned as he clenched one hand into a tight fist. It was shaking.

Keith wasn’t about to push it and the two headed down the street.

“I don’t like this area.” Diesel spoke up after a minute of the two walking in silence. “We should head back to where Chuck’s was.” The great dane perked up at the idea. “That whole area was nice. T-there was that little bakery you wanted to check out.”

Keith didn’t point out that Diesel hated sweets and it was the primary reason why they hadn’t gone in.

Keith wasn’t sure what the matter was and didn’t press it either, just nodding. “Your truck is that way anyways.” Keith just smiled as if it made sense to head back.

It was only after they were two blocks away that the great dane shuddered and stopped, letting out his breath. They had walked in silence the whole time. “Sorry,” Diesel said a bit harshly. The canine winced after saying it like that.

“For what?” Keith noticed but didn’t focus on it.

“You… did you see the signs in the window?” Diesel just nodded back over one shoulder at where that shop was. It made sense Keith wouldn’t take much notice.

Keith took a second on that trying to recall. “Uh… the crossed-out fire hydrant?” Keith thought the biscotti coffee cup was cutely inappropriate.

“It means dogs, like me, aren’t welcome.” Diesel just said as he pointed out a coffee shop on the other side of the street.

“T-that’s illegal, though!” Keith said as if about to march right back down there with his lawyer and give them a piece of his mind.

“No, it’s not...” Diesel just gave a half-sigh, shaking his head. “It’s legal not to have bathrooms for everyone.” The dog didn’t go into much more detail after that. His shoulders had deflated.

“And they could refuse service too?” Keith asked trying to walk in Diesel’s shoes, to understand where he was coming from. He wanted to understand his friend. If it made him this mad then Keith was too!

“They don’t need too.” Diesel only shook his head. “There were clear signs up that told you… uh, told me I should say… that I wasn’t welcomed there. Like the collar and chain post…” Diesel picked out a table for them out from of the coffee shop. “I’ll grab the coffee, what do you want?”

“You don’t have too. I can pay for mine.” Keith tried but the great dane just shook it off.

“My fault we had to come all the way back down here.” Diesel only shrugged and that was that as he headed inside without even getting Keith’s order.

They were having such a great day out too, despite the cold. Keith ended up looking at every person and fur alike that walked by after that until Diesel returned. Wondering if they were ok with the two-having coffee together. Who would hate them for just being alive? If they were ok with Diesel. With him? Or was it just the fact they were friends…

Keith didn’t understand it. He never could, even growing up in such a horrible home.

“Where’s yours?” Keith asked as a rather large mug of coffee was placed on the table. The ceramic mug was from the place and they’d have to return it after. It was topped with enough whip cream to fill the glass if it were empty.

“Well, you said you didn’t want me to pay for yours.” Diesel just chuckled lightly, his mood seeming to improve a bit. “So, I bought one for me… that you can have some of.” And his tail wagged lightly.

“Do you share everything?” Keith only laughed, glad to see his friend was doing better. He wasn’t sure how he’d do with that same kind of open discrimination. Keith brushed a finger over the whip cream and took a taste. “Yum! It’s homemade I’m sure.”

“Nice.” Diesel folded his arms on the table, smiling over at him. Watching him with those somber soft powder-blue eyes. Looking into them, Keith couldn’t understand how anyone could possibly come to hate the great dane.

Keith wasn’t sure what he wanted with that look. He took another dollop of whip cream on the tip of his finger and without missing a beat, Diesel was the one to lick it clean. Keith flushed a bit as he lost his finger for a second inside that muzzle before the great dane let it slip free.

“Very good.” Diesel wiped his mouth off, drooling slightly. “And yes. We do tend to share everything.” Diesel added with a wink, finally replying to what he had asked; just waiting for a moment to ‘share’ the coffee with Keith.

“Everything, huh?” Keith teased as he turned the straws around to take a sip off. It wasn’t as sweet as he thought it would be. Diesel didn’t normally like sweet things.

Keith was blushing a bit at the thought of sharing. Diesel was still watching him. Was sharing his scent just another thing dogs do? That Diesel did…

“One time during high school,” Diesel just brought up an example. “I forgot my cup before practice. Jimbo let me use his for the whole game.” The great dane just shrugged a shoulder. “He had been wearing it half the game already and well, sharing is caring.”

“You two are rather close, huh?” Keith just asked with a smile. It was rare for Diesel to talk about his boyfriend.

“Well, we were. Yeah.” Diesel just nodded, looking to the side now. He rather not let such thoughts ruin his day. The canine was enjoying his day off. With Keith, he didn’t have to baby him with everything they did; the human actually seemed to enjoy his company! “What about you?” Diesel just asked turning the question back around on him on relationships.

“Me what?” Keith asked then laughed a bit, flushing some more. “I’ve only been here a month now or so, dude.” Keith shrugged a shoulder, that flush keeping his cheeks a rosy red. It might’ve been the cold. Diesel smiled at it either way. “I was lucky enough to get work when I got here… Haven’t been able to focus on anything else really what with school.”

“Well we did make sure to time your arrival here for the new year.” Diesel just mentioned. “Make sure you were in time for classes. And despite seasonal hiring, there are a lot of places that are looking right after the holidays. Most people going back to school or such leaving those positions open.”

Keith still nodded. “I’m thankful for everything I have, is all. I don’t want to push what little luck I have.”

“Well luck might be pushing it.” Diesel teased a bit, taking the coffee mug in both hands and lifting it up a little. The great dane lapped at it like a water bowl. Keith didn’t mind as much anymore, it had shocked him the first time he saw the great dane doing it.

At first Keith had thought Diesel had been making a joke, almost about to laugh at it. The others around them this afternoon either didn’t care or were revolted by it. With the canine’s broad muzzle, he couldn’t eat or drink things with his mouth fully closed. Let alone for the saliva factor. It was one of the small things people seemed to forget all about until it was staring you right in the face and then it was impossible to ignore.

Diesel set the glass down, letting out a breath as he licked his muzzle clean. “This place is better than I thought. We’ll have to come here more often.” He just mentioned without seeming to notice the stares.

It was rude for a lot of non-humans to eat or drink in public due to it. Though it wasn’t illegal, most preferred to order out and take it home to eat instead.

“Get a coffee before getting a haircut.” Keith just smiled. “Uh… furcut?” He offered unsure if that would be offensive or not.

Diesel didn’t mind either way with him. “Relax. You won’t be able to make everyone happy. Some people get pissed off if you don’t say furcut. If you do however, some will get insulted by the fact you aren’t treating them as an equal by calling it a haircut.” Diesel shook his head. “And then there are those who will never be happy.”

Keith didn’t blame any of them. How could he? He was a privileged white American male. Despite everything his family had tried to drill into him, he knew just how lucky he had gotten off in the grand scheme of things.

“You know, I think you’re my… e-equal… right?” Keith was blushing badly again, his voice no more than a whisper. He was terrible at talking about this stuff. All his friends back home talked about getting some pussy, when the next time they could get smashed drunk or when the next football game was on. It wasn’t anything real or with substance to it.

Keith couldn’t even recall any of their names right now, out here with Diesel.

Diesel let out that loud bark like laugh again and slapped a hand, hard down on the table shaking the coffee cup and spilling some of it out. “I get it.” Diesel had to take a few breaths to calm down. “I really do, that you’re trying and all. But trust me on this one.” And Diesel placed one hand over Keith’s. “There had never been a time I ever thought you ever thought otherwise.”

Keith only looked down at the table not saying a thing in his embarrassment.

Diesel took another drink, getting some whip cream on his nose again. He waited for Keith to look up before licking it off with that broad, long pink tongue of his. Then grinned. With Keith, Diesel could always be himself.

“Don’t ever change, dude.” Diesel just assured him with a large grin.

“You should… You should change everything about yourself.” Keith only laughed, getting a soft kick from under the table as the two enjoyed their day off together.