FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

"Storm isn't letting up, Mike," Geevin muttered, lounging on a thick cushion beside the window of Claws on Coffee, the cafe that Mike had created.

Mike approached the window with a refill for the drake in hand. The snowstorm raged on, frost creeping at the edges of the window to obscure the view outside. "I hope it eases soon," Mike mumbled and placed the large coffee mug down before the brown drake. "And the taxi doesn't cancel."

"Christmas Eve, snowstorm. I don't like your odds," Geevin remarked, looking around the cafe where he was the sole occupant. "You sure you don't want to try hailing one?"

Mike rocked his head in contemplation and checked his phone. "I haven't got a message that it's been canceled."

Geevin chuckled and took a sip of his coffee before looking outside again. "You do trust people easily."

Mike returned behind the counter and resumed tidying up. "Maybe... But the lady on the phone said that they would get me there. Blizzard or not."

"Not something I would leave to chance. Christmas with Liiria's folks, eh? That sounds… exciting," Geevin smirked and took another sip. "Is she meeting you at the airport?"

"She flew out this morning. They don't do many mixed-seat flights internationally," Mike explained. Due to a dragon's size, it was more common for an old freight aircraft to be refitted with cushions for dragons to travel long distances. "And besides, if the taxi doesn't come, I have a handsome drake to take me there," he said with a wink.

"Ah, hell no!" Geevin exclaimed, lifting his head suddenly. "No way am I flying out in this weather; my wings will freeze off before we get out of the city."

"Worth a shot," Mike chuckled. "I just thought you were a big, strong drake who was the master of the skies."

"Pfft, nice try," Geevin said flatly, looking outside again to judge the intensity. "I feel for anyone trying to fly tonight. I checked the surge pricing on Grub-Wym, and it's pretty nuts," he added.

Mike nodded in understanding; the dragon-based food delivery service had been a lifesaver last time Liiria was on heat. Ever since that chaotic week, the pair had indulged themselves with the service more regularly than they cared to admit.

“How long have you two been together now?"

Mike folded the small towel he was using to clean and paused in thought. “It's been a few years now," he muttered. “Honestly, I can't remember. Liiria isn't one for anniversaries; she doesn't think there should be only one special day every year."

“I bet she is just saying that," Geevin chuckled. “Everyone likes a special day."

Mike chuckled and blushed. “Don't worry, we have special days."

“Oh, I bet you do!" Geevin grinned. “Aren't you glad you moved in with her? Having furry 'ness sex on tap."

“Geevin!" retorted Mike with a wide smile. “That is not how it is."

“Uh-huh." The brown drake chuckled irreverently. “If you need ideas to spice things up—"

“I'm sure I will come to seek your infinite wisdom," Mike said flatly with a smile. “But for the millionth time, we are not getting you to join in—" Mike's words were cut off as the front door opened, and a pair of dragons stumbled in, snow swirling around them as they closed the door. “Oh, sorry. We are not exactly open," Mike said, his words drifting off as the pair turned, and he saw Reevian's familiar face.

"Oh, I'm so sorry; we saw the lights on and needed to get out of the storm," explained the white drake next to Reevian. His black harness contrasted against his ivory scales. "Are you all good, little one?" he asked, lowering his head down to look under his wing.

"I'm cawld," squeaked a small voice, and Mike's eyes widened when a small dragoness slipped out from under her father's wing. Thick scarves wrapped around almost every inch of her sky-blue scales.

Reevian gave a weak smile to Mike. “I'm sorry, Mike, we can leave-"

"No, stay. Sorry. I didn't realize it was you! You look…" his words drifted off as his eyes lingered on the missing scales around her left eye.

"It's been a while, hasn't it?" Reevian said warmly.

"It has." A pang of guilt ran through his mind. Since the funeral, he hadn't had the courage to visit the eastern markets. The memories of spending time there with Taalli were too painful to relive. "Please, have a seat! Can I get you something? I'm waiting for a taxi, but I still have time."

"I don't want to be a bother-"

"Nonsense! If I have to go, Geevin can lock up. Can't you, buddy?" Mike asked the brown drake who nodded.

Reevian smiled warmly. “Thank you, Michael, we really appreciate it." Turning, she lowered her head down to her child and smiled. “Reeva, how about you pick out a cushion, and we will all sit together?" she asked.

Mike chuckled as the small dragoness' red neck frill perked up and bounded off in the direction of the cushion stack. “So, an espresso for the little one?" Mike said while pulling out a small cup.

“Oh, please no!" Reevian laughed. “But a strong cappuccino for me." Glancing to her mate, she saw him focused on their child. “Neebis? What would you like, hon?"

The white drake tore his eyes from Reeva and looked up at the menu, quickly becoming overwhelmed by the options. “Um, just a coffee for me," he said and looked back to see Reeva trying to pull the bottommost cushion. “I'll handle this," he said and padded over to control the chaos.

The teal dragoness chuckled. “Make it two cappuccinos."

“Two cappuccinos and maybe a small frothy milk for Reeva, was it?" Mike asked and wrote down the orders, nodding when she agreed. “Pick out some pastries too; they are on the house."

“Mike, you don't need to do that."

“I'm closed for the next few days, so everything must go tonight," he said warmly. “Anything you don't want, he gets," he added, pointing with the back of his pen to Geevin.

Reevian looked down at the arrangement of pastries and cakes in the cabinet. “In that case, could we get some of those tarts? They look good."

"Coming right up," Mike announced, becoming busy with the coffee machine. Seeing Reevian linger at the counter, he asked, "How are you doing, Reevian? I haven't seen you in years."

"I was going to ask you the same thing," she smiled, sitting down on her haunches to talk. "Are you still with... Liiria, was it?"

"Yup, I'm flying to meet her folks tonight," he said cheerfully. "I see you've been busy." He added, nodding towards the white drake and Reeva. The small dragoness squirmed with frustration as she struggled to untangle herself from her many scarves while Neebis helped with delicate claws.

"You could say that. Between the marketplace and her, it's never a dull moment," Reevian smiled. "She starts school soon, so that will give us a break."

Mike nodded sympathetically. "I heard there was some kind of explosion at the market. Was your place okay?" he asked, noticing her slight recoil at the memory.

"We lost the stall and my apartment," she said sadly, pointing towards the missing scales around her eye. "But I got this," she added with a sad smile.

“Oh, I'm so sorry. Are you okay now, though? Do you need a place to stay?" Mike offered and frowned when she chuckled.

“Oh, we are doing alright now," Reevian said and looked at her mate and child. “Better than alright." Turning back to Mike, she watched him continue to fill the second mug with hot coffee. “How much do you know about Grub-Wym and how it was created?" she asked.

“The food delivery company, right?" Mike answered. “I heard it was made by Drag'n'Drop."

Reevian shook her head and looked over to her mate. “We sold it to Drag'n'Drop, but Neebis was the one that started it all."

Mike's jaw dropped. “You're kidding!" he exclaimed. “That's incredible! More than half my orders are for either the flyers or their customers," he admitted. “So, Neebis. He is in tech?"

Reevian burst out laughing and shook her head. “Oh no, far from it!" she giggled. “We had help. A lot of help, from a friend. But that was a couple of years ago. Once we got it up and running, we had to sell it," she said, looking at her family.

Sliding the two coffees across the counter, he began warming the milk for Reeva. "I'm glad things worked out, after everything that happened," Mike said, focusing on the cup in hand.

"Me too," Reevian said softly. "I'll take these over," she said politely and collected one of the coffees with a paw, walking on three legs towards her mate and daughter.

Mike finished pouring frothy milk for the small hatchling and plated a collection of tarts for the group. Reeva's eyes went wide when Mike came close and crouched to transfer the delicious-looking tarts to a low table. "And there we go, some snacks and a special coffee for a special 'ness!" Mike said cheerfully, smiling when he heard a little gasp of surprise.

Neebis nodded and tilted his head down to Reeva. "And what do you say to the nice man?"

"Fank you!" she exclaimed, her whole body wiggling in excitement, clearly enjoying the fact that she had a smaller version of her parents' beverage.

"You're welcome," Mike chuckled and tucked the tray under his arm. Turning, he saw Geevin watching with a wide grin on his snout.

"Careful, Mike. I heard they are contagious!" the brown drake teased, lowering his snout to take a sip of his coffee.

Mike shook his head. "I don't think that's going to happen any time soon, Liiria being a dragoness and all."

"Word on the street is, there are options," Geevin chuckled. "My offer still stands if you need some..." He paused to glance at the hatchling gnawing on the crust of the tart. "Special sauce," he added with a wink.

Mike blushed bright red. "Why I told you about that specific detail of Liiria's upbringing is beyond me."

"Oh, I'm not complaining!" chuckled the brown drake. "I think you two would make good parents. Liiria is on good money; you could raise them to mind the shop when you go out-"

"Them? As in plural?" Mike shook his head as he returned behind the counter, cleaning the surface with a cloth and looking back at the trio enjoying their meal together. "I don't think I would get anything done." Mike watched as the large white drake retrieved a small cloth from his harness and wiped the hatchling's snout, his efforts all for naught when the dragoness began greedily drinking from her small mug.

The bell above the door jingled, rousing Mike from his thoughts as three dark dragons entered, snowflakes melting against their shadowy scales. "Nuut! What are you doing here?" Mike asked, recognizing one as a regular customer. "With guests!"

"Howdy," greeted Nuut with an awkward smile. "This is the place I was telling you about," he added, addressing the two black dragons flanking him. Mike nodded in understanding as he saw one of the black dragon's yellow eyes, recalling Nuut purchasing a flask with matching colors for his neighbor.

Mike cocked his head at the other dragon, evidently female; her entire body exuded danger. Inky black scales were adorned with a complex red pattern, giving her an almost venomous appearance. A tight black nylon harness clung to her toned body, its design painfully familiar to Mike. "Zuurah, Feerah, this is Mike," Nuut announced.

"So, this is the Mike everyone keeps talking about," grinned Feerah, her ivory smile contrasting against her dark body. "I've heard so much about you."

"All good, I hope," Mike said nervously. While accustomed to serving dragons, her movements and gaze conveyed a fierce presence. "I like your harness; it looks... practical," he said politely, frowning when he noticed Nuut rolling his eyes.

"See, Nuut! He gets it," Feerah teased. "He has been begging to get me in one of his lacy ones since I moved in with them—"

"Not a lacy one!" the small gray drake exclaimed, much to the amusement of his neighbor. "Just one that doesn't get you stopped by security every time we go out."

"What can I say, I'm dangerous," Feerah chuckled, running her tail against Nuut's to make him jump.

As the gray drake blushed, Zuurah came to his aid, lifting a wing and wrapping it around the smaller drake. “Back off, Fee, Nuut is taken."

“Mom and dad said we should always share our… play things," she teased, gazing down at the smaller gray male's body with a hungry look.

“Yeah, but you have a habit of breaking my toys," retorted Zuurah with a smirk. Looking up at the menu, the black drake became confused. “What is it that you get me?"

“Black, with a shot of caramel," Nuut said meekly, unhooking two flasks from his harness and sliding them across the counter.

“Same for me, but without the caramel," Feerah said and unhooked a dented metal canteen from her harness.

Mike nodded as he collected the canisters and set his espresso machine to work. “So, Feerah, was it? I take it you are in the military?" Mike asked as the machine began to pour Nuut's coffee.

“Was," Feerah said simply and looked around the cafe. “I knew your friend, Taalli." She added and met Mike's gaze. “I'm so sorry to hear what happened to her; she was a good egg."

Mike swallowed and gave a small nod. “Thanks, were you in her unit?" Closing the lid on Nuut's flask, he adjusted the dials on the machine to make the next two stronger.

“Not exactly. She spoke of you during training, and I ran into her out in the field," she explained. “She always said you made the best coffee."

Mike smiled sadly, his chest tightening at the memory of his lost friend. Looking up at the orange crystal figurine that sat proudly on his espresso machine, he tried not to cry.

“Mwikal! Frank you," squeaked a small voice from the other side of the counter. Blinking quickly, Mike turned and looked over the surface to see Reeva standing on her hind legs, trying to place her mug on the counter.

"Well, aren't you well trained?" chuckled Feerah, smiling at Neebis and Reevian, who looked on warmly. "Need help?" she asked and, with a paw, lifted Reeva around the waist the last few inches needed to slide the mug to Mike. "There ya go, squirt." The black dragoness chuckled, lowering the hatchling down to the ground.

"I'm not a squirt, I'm Reeva!" she announced proudly, her red neck frill perking up in defiance.

"Oh honey, you were a squirt once. Wasn't she, Dad?" Feerah chuckled, looking back at the white drake whose frill suddenly stood up as well.

"Thank you, Reeva, that was a big help!" Mike interrupted before the hatchling could ask a follow-up question. "Did you like it?" he asked and smiled when she nodded enthusiastically. "That's good, I think I have some coloring pencils on the shelf there if you want," he added and smiled when she gasped in surprise.

"Coloring pencils!" added Feerah in mock surprise and looked down at the little dragoness with a smile.

"D-do you want to draw with me?" Reeva asked hopefully, looking up at the powerful dragoness.

Feerah smiled and lowered her head down to the hatchling's level. "If it's okay with Mom and Dad."

“Oh, of course!" Reevian called out when her daughter turned to her with wide eyes, mouthing 'thank-you' to the black dragoness. Reeva squealed with glee and bounded over to the low table Mike had gestured to.

“I'll bring yours over, sis," chuckled Zuurah with a smirk. Glancing at Nuut, who was also watching the large, powerful ness lay down at the tiny table, he added, “Don't get any ideas," and squeezed his wing around his mate. Lowering his head slightly, “If we adopted, we couldn't have our special sleep-in snuggle on the weekend." He teased with a whisper. “And I already have you a gift."

“There we go!" Mike sealed the lid on the last flask and slid all three across the counter. Looking over at the black dragoness working on a drawing with the hatchling, he smiled. Something about such a fierce dragoness struggling with the pencils and crayons was quite endearing.

The ring of the bell above the door made him look past the two drakes. Stepping in from the storm were Keenis and Meg. “Well, looks like all my regulars are here!" Mike chuckled and nodded to the green drake and the woman under his wing.

“So, what can I whip up for my two favorite doctors?" Mike inquired with a polite smile, noting the fatigue evident in the bags under their eyes, signaling the end of their recent shift together.

“Something warm and caffeinated," Meg requested, unhooking the flask from the drake's harness. “Hon, you didn't finish this morning's coffee," she remarked while sloshing the contents in the flask.

“Did I? Oh, I didn't notice…" His words trailed off as he noticed Feerah's harness. “Sorry, yes. Coffee, the usual, please, Mike," he added, glancing back at the black dragoness.

“Checking out 'nesses on me, Keen bean?" Meg teased, playfully swatting his shoulder before handing the flask to Mike.

“What? No!" Keenis exclaimed, finally tearing his eyes from the dragoness. He looked down at Meg, her orange hair a frazzled mess after the long shift. Lowering his head, he softly kissed her forehead. “She looked familiar, is all," he whispered as Mike began preparing their order.

“One of your harem?" Meg chuckled, running her fingers up the top of his snout to rub between his eyes.

“I'm not sure; it's hard to keep count." Closing his eyes, he enjoyed her touch for a moment before opening them and lifting his head. Glancing around, he smiled weakly when he saw some other patrons quickly looking away, except for a teal dragoness.

“Hello, doc," said Reevian warmly. “Can I buy you this one?" she asked, standing and walking towards him. The long scar he had given her ran along her belly, faded but still visible.

The green drake's eyes widened as he recognized the dragoness he had saved many years ago. “You don't have to—"

“I insist."

Keenis' eyes naturally scanned the damaged scales around the eye he had worked on and gave a polite nod. “Thanks." Looking over at the hatchling drawing alongside the black dragoness, he felt his heart melt. “Reevian, isn't it? How is the eye?"

“Good, thanks to you," the teal dragoness replied, tapping her wrist to the scanner to pay for his drink. “And Reeva is doing well too; she starts school soon."

“They grow up so fast," Keenis said warmly while looking over at the hatchling. “No growth issues? Claws and paws are all good?"

“Right as rain, would you like to meet her?" Reevian asked and saw the human behind Keenis nod enthusiastically.

“I'll bring yours over," Meg added and gave him a gentle push. Her heart warmed as she watched her mate walk with Reevian to lay down next to the pair. Once they were out of earshot, she smiled. “It's good to see him interacting with his ex-patients. It gives him closure," she said to Mike. “The military really did a number on him."

“He served as well?" Mike asked. Despite being a frequent customer, the green drake hardly spoke of what he did, other than that he was a doctor.

“One tour, one too many if you ask me," Meg mused, watching her mate glance at the black dragoness again while talking to the small hatchling.

“I know what you mean," Mike said softly, his voice lost amongst the hiss of steam from the machine.

“I was surprised you were open, Christmas Eve and all."

“I'm not really open, just waiting for a cab," Mike explained but waved a hand dismissively when Meg opened her mouth to protest. “Weather looks rough, I wouldn't kick you guys out. Geevin can lock up if my cab ever arrives."

Meg turned to look out the glass window; only the headlights of cars could be seen driving through the white haze. “A cab on Christmas Eve? You really are after a miracle, aren't you?"

“Not exactly a hallmark movie, but I do have a flight to catch tonight." Checking the clock on the wall, he was relieved to see he still had plenty of time. “I should be alright."

“Going somewhere nice?" Meg asked, noticing the large suitcase nestled against the back wall.

“Europe! Meeting my girlfriend's folks. Well, we have talked on the phone, but this will be the first time in person."

“Oh, that's always fun." Meg chuckled, remembering her first time meeting Keenis' parents. Nodding to the green drake, she continued, “His folks didn't really get us at first. But they came around, eventually."

Mike nodded in understanding, “Liiria's folks are a mix too, so thankfully we have that in common."

“Oh, you're sweet then." Meg laughed.

“Yeah, I'm sure it will go well. Here you go." He smiled and slid the drinks across the counter.

With a nod of thanks, Meg took the heavy flask and her own coffee over to where the green drake lay. All of the dragons, except Neebis and Geevin, sat around the coloring table, talking amongst themselves while Reeva colored in with Feerah.

Cleaning the machine, Mike glanced over at the white dragon. While his neck was curled in a tight S shape, his eyes were closed, and he breathed slowly. Smiling, Mike caught fragments of the conversation happening at the coloring area. The black dragoness offered some words of wisdom to the small hatchling.

"School sucks, but it sucks more if you ain't smart when you finish. A smart 'ness gets the good drakes and the money, so stick to the books, little squirt."

"Are you a smart 'ness?" squeaked the small hatchling, looking up at the strong dragoness in wonder.

"I am now, little one," she said warmly. "Oh! Aren't you a little artist!" she exclaimed, changing the subject to the hatchling's piece of paper.

Mike chuckled and looked back at the front door as the bell rang, his cloth pausing on the coffee machine.

"Hi, are you guys open?" asked Viina with a weak smile, her red frill flat against her white scales. Leaning against her partner, she felt safe under the wing of the large drake beside her. His dark blue wing draped over her side, hiding her deformed wing stumps from view.

"Oo, They have snacks!" added the drake cheerfully.

A hush settled over the café, casting a quiet spell as the onlookers observed the new pair, leaving Reevian as the sole conversationalist with Reeva. "I like what you did with the light blue. I think you might look like this when you grow up..." Her words trailed off, finding no other voices joining the conversation.

"Hi, Ree," smiled Riimack. His grin faltered, a subtle quiver in his lip. "Merry Christmas?" With a nudge from Viina, he withdrew his wing from his mate and ambled toward his sister, his silver scales glistening beneath the warm café lights.

The teal dragoness' jaw opened and closed, attempting to comprehend what she was witnessing. Rising to her feet, she maneuvered around the group, approaching her long-lost brother. "Riimy… how?" she weakly whispered, her eyes locking onto his.

Mike beamed as the silver drake advanced, pressing his front against hers and rubbing his cheek along hers in a friendly hug. Reevian's eyes widened, and she gasped, feeling the tangible reality of his presence once again.

"But how?" Mike whispered, turning to the white dragoness. "I thought he-"

"He did, or… was, I don't know." Viina said softly. "I was passing by the tree in the central park and saw him looking at the lights."

Mike frowned. “Viina, is this really happening?"

“I don't know, but don't take this away from me," she replied, her voice breaking softly. “It's Christmas, Mike; it's when family comes together, right?"

Looking over at the brother and sister hugging tightly, he nodded. “If anyone deserves a miracle," he said and turned back to the white dragoness. “What can I get you two?"

“Something sweet, maybe something strawberry," she said, someone in the corner of her eye catching her attention.

“Say no more," Mike said and opened the small fridge behind the counter, collecting a can of whipped cream to make a dessert-like cold drink.

“Who is the drake?" Viina asked and gestured to Neebis, his head dipping down every so often as he drifted off to sleep.

“Reevian's mate, his name is Neebis. Are you two related?" Mike asked, noticing the similarities between the pair. Both of their bodies were covered in the same alabaster white scales, complete with matching crimson neck frills.

“I… I don't know." Looking briefly at Riimack, her heart melted. The large drake was laying down, trying to appear as small as possible while engaging with his niece. His expressions were dramatic and comical as he eagerly listened to the long-winded story she was telling.

Looking back at the sleeping white drake, she cocked her head; the way his horns curved back was almost identical to hers, albeit thicker.

"Go say hi," Mike offered. "I'll bring your drinks over." A flicker of a smile flashed on the dragoness' snout before she dipped her head in thanks and approached the resting drake.

Viina glanced back to Riimack as she lay down in front of Neebis. She missed him but could tell by the glossy eyes of his sister that Reevian needed him more. Focusing on the white drake, she saw he hadn't finished his drink, clearly exhausted from keeping up with his hatchling. Brushing a paw against his, she smiled as his eyes slowly opened and went wide.

Mike smiled and picked up one of the large drinks for the pair, carrying it over to the two white dragons. He chuckled as they complimented each other on their neck frills. Returning to the counter, he collected the second drink and brought it over to Riimack and the rest of the party. "Here we go," he announced and placed the drink on a low table, smiling as the hatchling's eyes widened in wonder at such a colorful creation.

“You can drink all that!?" asked Reeva, looking at her silver uncle.

“Maybe if I have a helper!" he exclaimed, smiling as she gasped in surprise and looked to her mother for permission.

“Of course, just don't make yourself sick," Reevian said warmly, content to deal with the consequences if it meant the hatchling got to experience a special moment with her lost uncle.

As the hatchling grinned and lowered her head into the cream, Mike placed a hand on Riimack's shoulder. “Can I ask something—"

“I don't know, I'm sorry. I really don't know how it happened," Riimack said, his wise blue eyes holding Mike's gaze. “And I don't know about her either."

Mike opened his mouth to press the subject but was cut off. “Mike, I think your cab is here!" called Geevin from across the cafe, the brown drake squinting through the frozen glass to look outside.

“Okay, I'll be there in a sec," Mike called back over his shoulder and looked up at Riimack's sad eyes.

“Trust me, if I knew, I would tell you," Riimack explained, glancing down at the hatchling whose snout had a small cream mountain on the tip. “I'm sorry."

Nodding, Mike patted his shoulder. “You all can stay as long as you like. Geevin's in charge," he announced to the group.

They all took turns expressing their gratitude, raising their drinks in a salute.

Turning, Mike could see the blurry outline of the taxi outside. Returning behind the counter, he undid his orange apron and collected his suitcase. Turning back to Geevin, he gave a nod. “Make sure you empty the register-"

“And the bins. Lock the register and front door. Take all the pastries home so they don't go to waste. I've got this, buddy," Geevin chuckled. “Go on, your ride is waiting."

“Thanks, Geevin," Mike said warmly with a hand on the door handle. The color of the cab diffused through the iced windows. He turned back to face the rest, smiling as the two white dragons got up to join the rest of the group. With a deep breath, he gave a nod goodbye to Geevin and stepped out into the storm.

"Hello, Michael."

Mike's head snapped around at Taalli's voice. The large orange dragoness sat patiently on the side of the road, her scales gleaming under the streetlights as snow fell around her. "Sorry I'm late."

The thud of Mike's suitcase hitting the ground shook him from his stupor. "Taalli," he said simply, his voice weak. "You're alive? But, how?"

She shrugged and looked up at the cafe sign, her lip twitching as her emotions threatened to overwhelm her. Glancing down the street, she saw the various decorations that the city had hung from the lights. "It's Christmas," she said softly.

"It is," Mike replied and stepped closer, the snow easing to the point that it seemed to hang motionless in the air between them.

Turning her head she looked back at the cafe, “I like what you did with the place. Though, I'm not sure about the color." she said with a smile.

“You helped." Mike said simply, “without your pay, I don't think I could have done it."

“Oh, you would have done fine without me." Taalli said, waiving a black paw dismissively. “You always did make the best coffee."

"Taalli, I need to tell you something. I-"

"I know," Taalli said fondly. "It's okay. I found someone too," she added and gazed at the cafe windows before looking down at him again. "Trust me, I am glad you and Liiria are together. She is nice, and you deserve her."

"You've met her?" Mike asked with a frown.

"I've seen her, and I've seen how happy she is when she's with you," Taalli explained, lowering her head to his height. "After everything you did for me, and how I handled it so poorly, trust me, I am glad you are doing well." Her amber eyes held his gaze to convey her sincerity. “Maybe in another world, things could be different."

“Maybe" Mike mused, finding himself unable to hold her gaze he looked down her neck to her athletic body. Her form was that of the Leena he once knew from university, so many years ago.

“But, if I can be honest." Taalli started, waiting for him to look back up to her eyes. “Seeing you happy with Liiria, I honestly don't know if I could have given you that."

“You were great, Taalli. You really were, but I needed-"

“I know, and I am truly sorry." sniffing back a tear, she looked at the silhouette of the patrons inside the cafe, the sounds of laughter just audible through the frosted windows. “I know our story really wasn't the whole love at first sight sort of thing, was it. But I don't regret it… do you?"

Mike shook his head sadly. “I don't know what would have happened if I hadn't met you. But I'm glad I did, even if we weren't meant to be together."

Taalli nodded in understanding and took a deep breath, exhaling slowly as a heavy weight was lifted off her conscience. A long silence hung over them both as they watched the shapes move inside the cafe. They looked on, not as lovers but as friends.

"So, what now? Everyone is inside, Riimack is back too. Did you want to go in?"

Taalli shook her head and smiled. "Riimack and I talk a lot already, and as for the others… I would only cause more pain," she said, seeing the green silhouette of Keenis inside. Clearing her throat, she gave a weak smile. "Besides, you need a ride. Don't you?" she asked, lowering herself down to the cold ground.

"You don't have to. Besides, isn't it too windy to fly?" Looking around, he frowned at the snow hanging stationary in the air.

"Come on, Mike. I don't want you to miss your flight," Taalli said warmly, turning her head to gesture for him to climb on her shoulders. "After everything I did, please let me do something to help."

Mike looked up and down the deserted street, seeing no sign of his cab, he nodded. Picking up his suitcase, he placed it between her forepaws for her to carry and climbed up onto her shoulders.

Taalli smiled back at him and felt his thighs grip the sides of her neck. The reassuring pressure told her he was ready. Rising up onto her feet, she squatted down slightly and mantled her wings. The thin membranes almost glowed under the streetlights as she prepared to take off.

"Thank you, Taalli, and... Merry Christmas," Mike said warmly as he placed a hand on the side of her neck.

"Merry Christmas, Mike," she replied, her voice layered with warmth and resignation at the pain she had caused him.

Mike leaned forward as she launched into the sky, his whole body lurching with the sudden motion. "We are here, Mister Michael," called the taxi driver over his shoulder, his smile broad. "Sorry to wake you, but we made great time. Green lights the whole way," he added, his voice thick with a foreign accent.

Mike blinked and looked out of the car's window, snow hanging motionless on the glass. "Um... sorry, I must have drifted off," he mumbled, pulling out his wallet and passing a few bills to the driver. Glancing at the driver's identification printed on a placard, he nodded. "Thanks, Ashan."

"No problem at all, Mister Michael. I hope you have a safe flight. Do you need a hand with your baggage?"

Mike shook his head. "No, I think I've got it under control... thanks." Opening the door, he stepped out into the cool evening air. Pulling his suitcase out of the back of the taxi, he struggled to remember what it was he had been dreaming about on the ride to the airport.

Closing the trunk lid of the cab, he gave it a tap for the driver to leave and extended the handle of his case. Taking a deep breath, he looked around, the sensation of being watched pulling at his subconscious. Looking up, he saw the sign marked "Departures" and began the next part of his journey.