Chapter Fourteen

Kyle and Sophie were very excited to finally get some furniture into their house, to begin making it into a home. With Sophie's great strength, lifting things like the table was no problem at all. The only thing Kyle needed to do was help direct Sophie as she brought the furniture in through the door. It was a tight fit on some things, but they managed.

The only way they were able to get the bed in was in pieces, to assemble once they had it in place. They worked together on this, Sophie holding the heavy iron pieces together, and Kyle screwing and bolting them together. Had only one of them been working on it, it would have taken twice the time it did. Kyle helped Sophie set the bed up so the head was against one wall, a window to their left, so as to catch a breeze across the bed when the window was open. The door to the bathroom was just to the right of the bed.

Kyle stood up from where he had a set of tools, wiping a bit of dust from his face as he looked at the assembled bed. He smiled and nodded as he looked at Sophie, who stood at the foot of the bed, hip cocked to the side as she looked carefully at the whole arrangement.

Well? Is it to your liking? Kyle asked. Sophie smiled gently and gave a positive, nodding her head to emphasize it.

Yes, this should be just fine, she said as she began to think on other matters, her mind drifting away from Kyle's. He smiled as he put the tools away and hugged her.

"Well, okay. I'll leave you to your project. If you need anything, let me know." Sophie purred and gave a positive as she hugged him back.

I will, Kyle. He gave her a quick peck on the lips before leaving the bedroom.

While Sophie was busy in the bedroom, Kyle got busy with setting up the table in the dining room. The legs just slid in, and could be changed out easily. Nara had showed him how to do it. He was a rather nice fellow. Kyle fully intended to buy more furniture from him in the future. Kyle smiled to himself as he positioned the chairs. He had bought a certain shape of chair that would allow Sophie to sit comfortably, and allow her dorsal tubes to extend outwards without being squished. Kyle knew how sensitive they were. He set the chairs up so they could sit side-by-side, instead of across the table. Once that was set up, he looked over the dresser they had bought. He would have to wait until Sophie was done with whatever she was doing, but it looked nice. It had nine drawers, and was a reddish-brown color. It looked like Cherry wood. Kyle smiled and carefully wiped it, making sure he wiped off the few drops of rain that remained. He turned and looked out the windows.

It was softly raining, but more of a drizzle than anything else. It was far from the howling downpours they had recently. If anything, it was nice. It was cool and moist. He set the cloth aside as he opened the window and stuck his head out, inhaling the wet scent of the air. There was something about the scent of the air when it rained that made his lungs feel good, and cleared his head. Looking at the trees, the grass and the small clouds of mist that hung on the tops of the trees, Kyle thought about how distant humans had become from the natural world. He had not seen real plants until he was eighteen, and many humans on space stations never saw real plants or animals in their whole lives, outside of videos.

Speaking of animals, the sound of soft feet pattering on the wood floor brought Kyle's attention as he turned and watched Josey hop across the floor.

"Ah, there you are, you little imp," he said as Josey stopped and looked at him, one ear twitching, her nose wiggling. Kyle chuckled as he went to make sure her litter box was fresh. Once that was done, Kyle went outside to the ship to look at what they had for food, and see about what to cook for the first meal in their new home. Kyle couldn't help a mischievous smile as he cast his mind out to Sophie. How do you feel about rabbit stew for dinner? He chuckled at the mental growl from Sophie at his teasing.

Kyle, don't pick on poor Josey, she chided, knowing he was joking. He chuckled as he looked, and came up with an idea for a nice dinner with some more Sheebo, some garlic cheese, noodles and bread. Sophie agreed on his choice, trying to answer him while focusing in her task, which was taking a decent amount of concentration, whatever it was. Kyle left her be as he set everything up so he just had to fetch it and cook it. Kyle noted he would have to look into a refrigerator for their kitchen in the house, but for now, the one in their ship would work fine for storing their food.

With that taken care of, Kyle went around the house to have a look at where he planned to have a garden. With the soft rain falling, it was nice and wet. Kyle couldn't help smiling as he knelt in the grass and ran his hands over the tender, green shoots of grass. He touched the pieces of rotted wood, wondering what had been there before. It was very hard to tell, but he guessed it had been either the base of a shed, or maybe a raised bed for planting. While the raised bed was a nice idea, and he might make one elsewhere, he rather liked the idea of a greenhouse, as it would be in the perfect spot to catch nice sun for the whole day. He nodded as he settled on it. It would be perfect. Now all he needed was some plants. He was pretty certain he could buy tomato seeds or even plants at the markets in Zeraven, and plenty of other nice plants to produce food. For him, at least. For Sophie, they'd need meat, and that's where the lagoon came in. Kyle smiled as he headed back to the ship.

Kyle had been looking into aqua-farming, and it was not as hard as it would have otherwise looked. In fact, Kyle and Sophie could qualify for grants for doing so. They hardly needed that, of course, but it was nice to know. Being able to farm and grow their own food would certainly help them save on trips to the market, even thought they loved going. Kyle did like the idea of being able to go down to their lagoon and gather up fresh seafood whenever they wanted. Sophie agreed, and was very eager to start on their little aqua-farm.

Hours passed as Kyle researched aqua-farming, making notes, before taking a break and doing a few paintings. By the time the afternoon came, Kyle felt his stomach growl. He smiled as he cleaned his brushes and reached out to Sophie. Hey, pretty lady. Feeling hungry? he asked. He felt a positive, and felt how hungry Sophie was. Kyle was surprised. He blinked. Sophie, what are you up to, over there? he wondered.

You'll see, said Sophie with a feeling of growing pride. Kyle smiled at this and directed her to come to the ship and have some good, hot food.

Sophie was most certainly hungry as she eagerly dug into the food. Kyle smiled widely as he ate his portion, happy Sophie liked the dish, and glad for her feelings on her project. Kyle swallowed his food as he looked up at the love of his life.

"So, how's it going?" he asked, not trying to pry, but wondering if her project was going according to plan. Sophie purred as she ate some bread, her tongue delicately biting off a chunk of the buttered bread and retracting into her mouth.

Very well. It's taking a bit longer than I thought, but it should be done by tomorrow, she replied. Kyle smiled and gently reached out and caressed her tail with his hand. Sophie purred and lovingly wound her tail around his wrist. Kyle smiled as they shared feelings of pure love and affection through their wonderful Bond. No words were needed, even mental ones.

XXX

The next day found Kyle down in the secret passage, looking over things while Sophie was once again busy in their bedroom. Kyle looked around with a flashlight at the secret storeroom, still awed at the ancient bottles of liqueur and vinegar that were worth a good deal. In fact, Kyle was not really sure what they were worth, and even the Ethernet didn't have a good guess. Kyle lifted up one of the bottles of Drambuie and looked it over. Kyle was most certainly not a drinker, and had no idea what they would do with the stuff if they couldn't sell it. Kyle knew there were people off-world who collected wines and such things, but he had no idea if there were any there on Zerichs II. He'd have to ask Granny Rose. If anybody would know, she would. He smiled as he very gently and carefully set the bottle back in the rack and headed back to the house.

Kyle stopped when his flashlight illuminated something white. He froze, only to realize what, or more accurately who it was.

"Josey! How'd you get down here, you little imp?" he asked as he watched the rabbit hop towards him on the dirt floor. He shook his head as he stooped and picked her up and carried her back into the house, closing the wall that hid the door to the passage. Kyle passed by the closed door to the bedroom, almost certain he could hear humming from inside. Kyle smiled, and wondered what Sophie was up to. He stopped and looked at the door just across from their bedroom. He gently opened it as he set Josey down on the floor. It was a second bedroom.

This one was smaller than theirs was, the window facing the front of the house. Kyle guessed it was a guest bedroom. Kyle looked around at the room, Josey following. It had a nice feeling to it. He glanced up at the brown beams in the ceiling, and it made him smile. He smiled as he looked at Josey as she explored. He wondered if Josey wanted this as her own room. The thought made him chuckle. This was not the only other bedroom in the house. It had seemed that the house had been built with a large family in mind. Then again, since Zerichs II was such a rural world, and Homesteading the norm, it made sense. Kyle scooped up Josey as he closed the door. He wondered what they would do with the extra space, as he doubted they would ever have guests. Then again, you never know.

As they left the room, Kyle heard some thunder. Josey fidgeted in his arms as he looked out the window. Sure enough, it was raining again. Kyle was glad of it, and knew how Sophie liked the wet, cool air. Kyle gently closed the door, set Josey down, and went back to organizing their kitchen, the little rabbit following. As soon as another peal of thunder sounded, Josey scampered to Kyle and hid against his leg. Kyle smiled, knelt and gently petted her. "It's okay, Josey. Nobody's gonna hurt you," Kyle comforted as he scratched behind her ears. The little rabbit stopped shaking. Satisfied she was okay, he stood and went back to his work.

Kyle had taken some of the cooking implements from their ship, and put them in the kitchen. Forks, knives, spoons, ladles, the basics. He also had a few pots, pans and other things. There were plenty of nice, wooden drawers to put everything in, so it was just a matter of putting everything away and where they were easy to reach. Kyle looked up at the ceiling as he closed the drawer of forks, spoons and knives. He thought for a moment that it would be helpful to have big things like the ladles and frying pans hanging where he could reach them easy. He shook his head, put a pot on the stove, and then thought what to cook.

Kyle heard a small thump, and looked up at Josey, where she sat on the counter. She looked at him, wiggling her nose. "Gonna help me, are you?" he asked. Josey stared at him. Kyle smiled. "Well, what do you think I should cook for me and Sophie?" Joesy turned away from him and crawled along the counter towards where he had a couple of vegetables laid out. He moved to stop her, and noticed a tomato that Josey nudged aside with her nose. Kyle smiled as he carefully picked her up, set her down with a plate of lettuce, and petted her. "Thanks, Josey. Bisque it is." With that, he set to work.

Time ticked by as Kyle set to cooking, adding ingredients, tasting, stirring. Kyle was so absorbed, he didn't notice the great, dark form sneaking up behind him until dark arms encircled his waist and soft, moist lips caressed his ear with a gentle kiss.

Hello, my love, Sophie purred. Kyle smiled as he lovingly held her great hands and leaned back against her.

"Hello, pretty lady. How's the project?" he asked as he turned his head to look at her face. Sophie grinned, her silvery teeth showing.

Finished. Kyle smiled wider, feeling her delighted feelings through their link.

"Wonderful! Come and have some supper. It's almost ready," said Kyle as Sophie purred. She gave him a kiss on the cheek as she helped him set the table. Kyle heard Sophie trill, and he turned to look as Josey hopped up onto the table, wanting to have her own seat. Kyle gave a soft huff as Sophie picked her up and cuddled her. He looked, and saw Sophie's basket she used to carry herbs, and now Josey in. With a smile, he got the basket and set it on the other side of the table, with some nice greens in it for the little rabbit. Sophie purred as she set Josey inside to eat, while Kyle set out the dishes, and brought the steaming pot over to the table and set it down.

Sophie gave a gentle trill as he ladled up two big bowls of his Eramore Bisque, rich in tomatoes, shrimp, Albarr and other delightful food. Sophie sat in her chair, tail happily weaving back and forth as Kyle sat next to her and buttered some warm bread. She slid an arm around his shoulders and nuzzled her head against his. Kyle giggled as they shared a quick kiss, and dug into the wonderful fare.

Oh, Kyle this is wonderful, said Sophie as she ate a healthy spoonful of the bisque, pouring the steaming broth and seafood into the mouth of her tongue, trilling happily at the wonderful flavor.

"I'm so happy you like it, Sophie." She nuzzled him again.

I'm so lucky to have you as my mate. Kyle smiled and blushed a tiny bit at her praise and warm, gentle, tender feelings. Kyle reach up and stroked her smooth dome.

So am I. I'd be nothing without you, Sophie. She purred comfortingly as she wound her tail around his waist, the two happily eating, side by side. Well, three if you counted Josey, who was thoroughly enjoying the beet tops he had given her. All the while, the rain pattered outside, slowing from the thunderous downpour, to a gentle drizzle. By the time they had cleared the plates, washed them and put them away, the sun was setting, and it was getting dark. Sophie's excitement grew, and Kyle could feel it. As soon as the last plate was put away, she turned to him with a loving purr.

Come see our new room, she crooned. Kyle smiled as he followed her, Sophie trotting happily on all fours ahead of him as she lead the way. She sat by the door, grinned and used her tail to open the door. Kyle stepped through the doorway, and stared in awe at the sight within.

The whole room had been coated with the same resin Sophie had made her nest with, back on Reinhardt's station. This, though, was bigger, and far more elaborate. Ribbed tubes and sections that reminded of a spinal column flowed and merged, only to split in another spot. The whole design was almost too complicated for his eyes to follow. From floor to ceiling, the whole room was covered with the blackish resin. At the middle of the room, against one wall, the bed stood, transformed.

The wrought iron frame Sophie had used as a base on which to construct her vision for their bed. Each of the four posts looked like vertebrae and ribbed tubes, along with ribs and bones, flowing together. At the top of the bower, a fine curtain of creamy silk hung, creating a canopy and curtains around the bed. The blankets and pillows also were of the same resin. At the head of the bed, a light gave off a gentle, golden light from where it extended out from the wall above the pillows. As Kyle moved forward, he felt the tubes along the floor, and how they flowed towards the door, the dresser, and the bathroom.

He could feel Sophie's mind, and her excitement, and he knew she could feel his awe at what he was seeing.

Sophie, this is amazing! She trilled as she came closer and hugged him.

I'm so glad you like it. I wanted our nest to be comfortable, safe, warm. Everything we need. Kyle hugged her. He could feel her mind, and how she had designed things like the floor, so he could find the bathroom in the night without a light. She held his hand as she led him to the bed and sat down on it, Kyle following. It was soft and silky, the single most comfortable bed he had ever felt. His hand caressed the silken sheets in wonder and awe at Sophie's amazing talent. Kyle felt a gentle breeze, and looked up where Sophie had opened the window, so they could smell the nice scent of the rain, and feel the cool air. Sophie purred lovingly as she sat back down and wrapped her arms and tail around him lovingly.

Thank you, Sophie. She purred deeper as she stroked his hair.

You're welcome, Kyle. He snuggled against her as she gently rocked him. He felt her purr change into her thrum, as the sound lowered to the point he could barely hear it. Sophie pulled back, looking at him. You know, I read something interesting, she began. Kyle looked up at her as she gave him a toothy grin. I read humans think it's good luck to make love, the first night in a house . . . Kyle smiled at her.

But it's not our first night, he replied. Sophie grinned wider as she cupped his face and her tail lovingly caressed his chest.

Oh, I think we can make an exception, don't you think? Kyle smiled as he kissed her, Sophie tenderly running her long fingers through his hair.

The next day, Kyle and Sophie investigated the remains of the shed or whatever had been there. Kyle took a small handful of the dirt and looked at it as Sophie helped him pull up the rotten wood that had once been a frame or base for something. Sophie smelled the dirt, liking the damp, earthy smell. She then set the rotted wood aside as Kyle carefully looked at the old frame, and the square of land where it had been. The earth was nice, and it looked like it has good soil. This close to the house, it would be a nice place to garden. It also would get a good amount of sun.

"You know, I might not even need to make a greenhouse. It's nice enough that I could just have a small garden right here, open to the air. That would be better for the plants, too." Sophie gave a positive.

Yes. The air and rain would be good for them. But, maybe a small greenhouse for delicate plants? Kyle liked that idea and nodded.

"Good idea." Kyle knelt and took a handful of the soil, feeling how damp, earthy and mulchy the dirt was. Sophie gave a soft purr as she did the same, feeling the texture of the dirt, able to appreciate it as more than just dirt, but the place where they would grow food and help provide for themselves. She looked at Kyle, smiled as she gently nuzzled him.

I love you, Kyle. You're so smart, and kind and wonderful, her mind awash in warm feelings of tenderness and affection for her mate and Bonded One. Kyle smiled and blushed a tiny bit at the wonderful, warm feelings that cascaded through their link.

"Thank you, Sophie. I love you more than anything. You're strong, you're kind, you encourage me, pick me up when I need it. I'd be lost without you." She smiled as she nuzzled him again.

You'll never be lost, my love, because I'm always with you. Kyle turned and hugged her, Sophie gladly returning the embrace. Kyle felt something against his leg, and looked down at Josey. Sophie trilled and Kyle laughed.

"And you, too, Bunny-Butt." Sophie snickered at this as she scooped up Josey and cuddled her.

Later that day, Kyle was measuring things in the kitchen for a refrigerator, taking careful measurements and writing them down. He wanted a good size fridge, so they could store a good amount of meat and other things. Maybe a second freezer, elsewhere in the house? He would have to see what they could get, and how big it was. Once Kyle had the measurements down, he went to the bedroom to see how Sophie was doing. She had been setting up the dresser, last he checked. He gently reached out to her, and felt the warm tenderness of her mind greet him in reply, directing him to the bathroom. Kyle walked through their bedroom, seeing the dresser set up and already with a few clothes and sheets in it. Kyle walked into the bathroom, and saw Sophie was finishing cleaning the mirror and was using a rag tied to her tail to clean the walls.

The bathroom had amber-colored tiles on the floor, and off-white, or "Eggshell" walls, which made it feel less like a sterile hospital room, and more like a cozy, nice place to bathe and freshen up. Sophie hummed to herself as she finished and removed the rag on her tail.

Finished. This is actually a nice room. I rather like it, she said, a small trill sounding from her as she glanced around. Kyle smiled and mentally agreed as he looked at the nice big bath and shower.

Agreed. I don't need to tell you it's almost three times the size of most bathrooms on space stations or ships, said Kyle. Sophie hummed a bit, thinking how small bathrooms were in Kyle's memories of space stations and such. They were often so small, she would have trouble fitting in them on her own, never mind with Kyle! She set the rags down and hugged Kyle.

I'm so glad we have our own home. He returned her embrace.

So am I, Sophie. A home like this, on land like this . . . it's something most people only ever dream of. She lovingly stroked his hair and he looked at their reflection in the mirror.

Kyle was tall for a modern human, but Sophie was much larger, her dark form contrasting with his pale skin and sandy-blonde hair, yet they complemented each other perfectly. Sophie smiled as she saw what her mate saw in the mirror, all the details of color and things her kind normally were ignorant of. She purred as she lovingly caressed his shoulder with her fingers. He blessed her life in ways he could not fully fathom, and she was grateful every waking moment for her wonderful mate, friend and companion. Kyle felt her loving thoughts, and hugged her in reply, giving warm feelings of his own in return. Kyle pulled back and looked up at her. "So, how about we head to Zeraven and look for a fridge?" Sophie smiled and gave a positive.

XXX

It was nice and sunny in Zeraven when they landed, which was a nice switch. Kyle liked the rain of course, but sunny days were also nice. As Sophie followed him out into the city, Kyle looked at the handwritten notes he had made from Granny Rose's advice on where to shop for what. Sophie, clad in her burnoose, gently touched Kyle's shoulder as he read. "Hmm, she said to look at Odds & Ends for appliances, so we'll head there first." Sophie gave a positive as they headed for their first stop.

Odds & Ends was a rather small shop for what it sold, Kyle felt, but it stretched far back into the building, stacked with all manner of appliances and devices.

"With ya in a minute!" called a voice. While Sophie looked around, the manager of the shop came in, a tall man of African heritage. Sophie gave a soft trill, interested in how different humans could be. Kyle felt her curiosity.

Humans are interesting. I wonder why they call these humans "black"? They're not black, they're a really pretty brown. But I really am black! Kyle smiled.

And the most beautiful woman in the whole Universe, he lovingly replied, earning warm mental caresses in return.

"So, what can I get ya?" he shopkeeper asked. Kyle smiled as Sophie came up, ready to help.

"We need a good fridge," said Kyle. The shopkeeper smiled.

"Follow me . . ."

Kyle and Sophie bought a nice fridge with a big freezer. The shopkeeper, Todd, even had it delivered to their ship free of charge. It wasn't too expensive, either. Sophie followed Kyle down the sidewalk, her arm around his waist.

"Well, now that that's taken care of, what next?" Kyle wondered. Sophie trilled as she thought. She caught a scent on the wind. It smelled smoky, but also metallic. She trilled as they looked up, and Kyle saw a carved wooden sign of something he never imagined he would ever see. The sign displayed a hammer and anvil, and read Smithy. Kyle stared and blinked for several moments. "Is that . . .A blacksmith shop?" Kyle could hardly believe it. Blacksmithing was now a relic of an ancient past, practiced by a few odd individuals as a hobby, often on isolated worlds, but as a profession? It was long-dead. Sophie was amused, and interested, but seeing Kyle's mental images of forges and fire made her wary. She knew how useful fire could be, but she still didn't like it much.

Why don't you go in and have a look around? I'll explore on the roofs, she said as she slipped into an alley and climbed the wall. Kyle gave her a positive as he walked up to the big, wooden doors, clad in black iron, and opened them.

A small bell above the door rang musically as Kyle entered. He stared in awe.

The shop was wood and iron, almost without exception. Shelves lined almost every available inch of space on the walls. Chandeliers of black and shiny metals hung here and there, lamps delicately wrought stood to the sides, lit and glowing. Clocks adorned walls, ticking. Kyle gave a soft gasp of wonder at this. He had never seen anything like it before. He looked down, and saw a man sitting on a stool, filing what looked like a gear or cog for a clock. He had long, curly brown hair, and a mustache kind of like Kyle saw many Celtic men wear. This man, though, was not tall enough to be a Celt, and in fact, was shorter than Kyle. He looked to be around the same age, too.

"Um, excuse me?" Kyle called.

"Rmm, what do you want?" he asked in a gruff tone. Kyle was about to respond, when another voice called out.

"Alex! Be nice!" a deep, female voice chided. The man, Alex, winced and flinched, but didn't mess up the filing. Kyle looked up as a familiar female Baleeja walked in, her footsteps deep on the wood, her arms bare, muscles powerful. "I'm sorry, you'll have to forgive Alex." She looked at Alex, who busied himself with his work. "He needs to work on his manners!" she hissed, ears back. Her tone was that of a chiding mother.

"Sorry. How can I help you?" Alex asked, looking up. Kyle smiled and waved his hands.

"It's all right. He was busy," Kyle said, not wanting someone to get in trouble. The Baleeja's ears flicked as she regarded Kyle with pretty hazel eyes.

"Welcome to our shop. I'm Niju." Kyle shook her hand, noting the strong, but gentle grip and soft, smooth fur.

"I'm Kyle. Nice to meet you." She smiled back at him.

"So, Kyle, what can I do for you?" Kyle smiled as he glanced around.

"Um, I'm mostly looking. I've never actually seen a real blacksmith's shop before." Niju smiled and nodded, hands on her hips.

"Most Off-Worlders haven't. But we do far more than just blacksmithing here!" Kyle looked at her. Before either could speak, another voice rang out.

"Someone there, love?" asked a deep, but musical voice.

"Yes, dear. Someone new."

"Be right there!" Kyle watched as a tall man came in from the back, and he stared when he recognized him. He was the same man who had been with Niju at the Immigration Office. His left leg was artificial from the knee down. His black hair was frosted by white along his temples. His arms were not large, but powerful, corded with trained muscle. The man smiled and offered his hand, which Kyle shook.

"I'm Hank, and you already met my wife." Kyle nodded.

"This is Kyle. He's new, dear. From Off-World." Hank smiled gently and nodded.

"And I take it you're surprised to see a Smithy, huh?" Kyle scratched his head and nodded. Hank smiled and motioned to a few of their wares. "We do more than just hammering here. We also do machining, engraving, engineering, anything related to iron or steel, really. "Smith" is kind of a catch-all term here, and even a machinist can be called a "smith" here." Kyle smiled at the idea. It made perfect sense.

"Do you work only in iron and steel?" Kyle asked. Niju approached, putting her hand on her husband's shoulder.

"Not at all. We know how to work most metals, and what we can't, we know people who can," she replied. Kyle looked at several sculptures that looked like they were made of bronze, a metal Kyle had never actually seen before. It was very rare nowadays. Hank noticed his gaze, and smiled.

"We can do casting, forging, welding, anything with metals, really. We also do repairs." Kyle smiled at him.

"That's amazing. I have little doubt I'm going to be visiting a lot." Hank and Niju both smiled at this.

"We're always happy to have new customers and friends. Even if a few of us are grumpy curmudgeons!" she shot at Alex. Hank looked at Alex, arms crossed, but amused.

"Ah, I take it you met my apprentice, Alex. He's a good guy, but kind of standoffish. Don't really blame him, though." Hank looked at Niju and gently took her hand. "Now, Hon, give him a break. He's not social, but he works hard." Kyle's heart warmed, watching the two of them, wondering if that was what he and Sophie looked like to others. He felt Sophie's mind caress his gently, happy and warmed at her mate's loving thoughts. Niju smiled at her husband, gave him a quick nuzzle, and looked at Kyle.

"So, Kyle, is there anything you're interested in?" Kyle smiled as he glanced around, feeling like a kid in a candy and toy store.

Kyle smiled as he walked out of the Smithy, carrying a packaged item. Kyle saw a lovely wall clock, and thought it was perfect for their living room. He was very happy, and had every intention to come back, make no mistake. He could feel Sophie's glee and amusement, and not just at his own feelings, but he could sense she was watching several couples and children. Her happy feelings flowed across their Bond like warm water. He smiled tenderly. As it was, he didn't notice that he wasn't alone.

"Well, hello there, cutie," said a deep, husky, but feminine voice. Kyle stopped and turned back. Kyle suppressed a yelp when he saw he was staring up into the rather impressive bust of a tall figure, towering over him. He stepped back, looked higher, and was staring into two deep blue eyes, framed by soft reddish-brown hair and brown fur. Kyle stared up at the strange, very clearly female Baleeja. She smiled at him, but there was a feral note to it. "Why, aren't you just the cutest thing? Are you lost, sweetie?" Kyle suddenly felt uncomfortable, and failed not to give a light squeak. Her eyes crinkled with mirth as she took a step forward, her powerful muscles rippling.

She was dressed in an olive-green dress that overlapped in front in a manner reminding Kyle of a Kimono, and it displayed her generous cleavage quite proudly. "Aw, do you wanna come home with me?" Kyle felt his heart beating rapidly, and wondered if this was how a rabbit felt when cornered by a wolf as the Baleeja's ears perked forward, attention solely focused on him. He vaguely saw her tail swish. He noticed how the slit in the side of her dress exposed her heavily muscled thigh and leg. Not even the best human bodybuilder, male or female, could ever hope for muscles like that.

Kyle, what . . .? Sophie popped up over a house rooftop, sensing the strange feelings from her mate, among them an odd distress. Sophie looked, and when she saw where he was, she growled. Back off, big-butt! she snarled as she bounded over the roof, dropped down and wrapped her arms around Kyle protectively and possessively. The Baleeja looked a bit surprised, but grinned.

"Is he yours? You're lucky. He's cute." She gave a wink to Kyle as Sophie growled. The Baleeja inhaled, and seemed to drink in Kyle's scent. She looked more amused, her ears flicking. She grinned at Sophie, and Kyle could feel her bare her teeth. Kyle noted this Baleeja was almost as tall as Sophie was, but, if the muscles were any indication, probably outweighed her by several hundred pounds. "If you two ever break up, be sure to let me know. Such a sweet little cutie like that doesn't come around every-" she never got to finish, as someone came up behind the Baleeja, grabbed her by the ear and yanked, pulling her head down. Her demeanor completely changed as she almost squealed in pain. "Ow! I was just kidding!" Kyle and Sophie froze as Niju stood, looking embarrassed and disgusted as she held the other Baleeja by her long, pointed ear, lightly twisting. Niju sighed.

"What am I going to do with you, Makara?" she asked. She looked at Kyle and Sophie. "Sorry about her." Without further explanation, Niju led Makara away, ear twisted, Makara's head almost on Niju's thigh. "Hey! Ow! I was just kidding! Ow! Lemme go, ow! Ow!" she screeched as she was led away. Kyle and Sophie stayed where they were, rooted to the sidewalk, Kyle blinking owlishly as he wondered what the heck just happened. Sophie was the same, not at all sure what they had just experienced.

Let's go home, Kyle suggested. Sophie agreed.

Author's note: I apologize for the long wait, but things in real life have been a pain. I have had little time to write, trying to help my mother, who's Disabled, find a job.

As an aside, I make a cameo in the story, as I really am! See if you can guess where I am!