Debbye pulled up in front of Lee’s apartment building to find Lee waiting with a single carry-bag. Looking at the single bag, she puzzled, “I thought you were bringing a lot of camera stuff?”
“This is all I’ll really need,” Lee smilingly replied. “I decided to just bring the basics rather than a complete set of hardware. Especially,” he chuckled, “since someone slipped out from the role as ‘photographer’s assistant’. That was a nice ‘number’ you pulled on him. So,” continued the cat, “was your father concerned enough that you had to quote Lyman?”
“No, mom had already ‘worked’ on him,” answered the squirrel. “Lyman’s comment did help reassure him.”
“I’m sure Lyman will be overjoyed to hear that,” answered Lee with a grin.
Depositing the bag in the back seat, Lee climbed in and buckled up. “So where are we going?” he asked.
“It’s a surprise. You just relax and let me take care of everything.”
As she drove, Debbye inquired, “So how did the racquetball games go this morning?”
Lee looked somewhat rueful. “I’m afraid it should be ‘game’ not ‘games’. Neither of us was in good form and it took the entire time to play one game, which I eventually won.”
“That’s good to hear,” Debbye enthused. “I take it that you relaxed enough to get a good night’s rest?”
“Very much so.” answered Lee, adding with a wide grin, “Though the effects of that kiss required some extra time to overcome.”
Debbye blushed, then shyly asked, “It affected you that strongly?
“Truly! But then, you always have.”
Under her fur, Debbye turned an even deeper shade of red. “I’m embarrassed,” she mumbled, “I knew what you do to me, but I never thought, never imagined, that I’d affect you that strongly.”
As they stopped at a stoplight, Lee smiled tenderly and spoke quietly, “Debbye, believe me, you do just that. I’ve been on my own for a few years and know the downside of that. So finding you, and that you feel similarly about me, well, that’s awesome and wonderful enough to be scary.” With that, he leaned over and kissed her gently on the muzzle.
Debbye smiled blissfully for a moment, then reverted to a more normal demeanor as the light changed and she drove on. “Hold that thought,” she requested with a smile, “until we get to where we can talk without interruptions.”
Working her way out of the city, Debbye finally headed north on I-270. Exiting east on highway 161, she turned left at the first traffic light. Lee looked around and commented, “I’ve got some idea of where we are, but I’ll be interested in seeing which park you’ve picked.”
Debbye just grinned at him and returned her concentration to following the route she’d memorized. Finally, she pulled into the parking area for Walnut Bluff Park. Turning off the engine, she turned, leaned over, and returned Lee’s earlier kiss. Holding him there, muzzle to muzzle, she whispered, “I, too, know that awesome and joyous feeling, Lee. The intensity’s scary, but,” she added,” you take the edge off that. When I’m with you, it just feels ‘right’; like the two of us together can cope where separately we couldn’t.”
Lee hugged her close and whispered his reply, “You do the same for me.”
They stayed that way for a few minutes, but before they could do anything more, they were interrupted by a growl from Lee’s stomach. Backing away, Debbye laughed, “It seems that we’re being reminded of something.”
Lee shook his head and chuckled, “I knew I should have grabbed a snack before leaving the club.” Gesturing at the expanse leading up to the edge of the inlet from Hoover Reservoir, he continued, “How about we find a nice spot on the top of the bluff?”
“Sounds good to me,” replied Debbye. “The cooler really is a ‘two-paw’ carry,” she continued. “Do you want to carry it while I carry the spread and your camera gear or would you prefer to carry it between us while our free paws carry the other stuff?”
Lee looked at the terrain and answered, “I think I’d rather carry it between us so I can better watch for my footing.”
As they got out of the car, Lee picked up his camera bag, and Debbye carefully locked the doors. “Can’t be too careful,” she explained in response to his questioning look; Lee just nodded. Lee arrived at the back of the car just as Debbye opened the trunk and lifted the spread off of the cooler. Grabbing the handle on one side, she nodded to Lee, “Grab the other side and let’s get going with this.”
Lee grabbed the other handle and they lifted the cooler out of the trunk. Catching the trunk lid with the spread, Debbye shut it and then led the way to a spot at the top of the bluff. The place she selected was a nice flat area shaded by an old walnut tree. They were far enough along the curving inlet that the houses and buildings on the western side of the reservoir were hidden from view. Gesturing with her head, Debbye asked, “This seem like a suitably idyllic spot for our picnic?”
Lee looked around and grinned, “Seems perfect to me, let’s get things set up.”
Setting the cooler down out of the way, Debbye unfolded the spread and positioned it so that they could sit comfortably in the shade. With Lee's help, she positioned the cooler off to one side so that it was accessible, but didn’t block their view. Lee placed his camera bag next to it.
Debbye opened up the cooler and set out plates and utensils for lunch. Waving Lee over, she gestured at the setting and the cooler. “Lunch’s ready. Help yourself and don’t worry, there’s plenty.”
Lee picked up his setting and joined Debbye in front of the cooler. After a quick look inside, he turned to Debbye in surprise, “I know I’ve got a hearty appetite, but that’s a lot of food for just lunch for the two of us.”
Debbye blushed, “It’s not just for lunch. I was rather hoping that you’d want to have dinner out here, too.”
“I’d certainly enjoy that,” smiled Lee, ”but not if it gets you into trouble.”
“No problem; mom was with me when I fixed this. She told me to just be home at a reasonable hour, so I don’t miss church tomorrow. She’ll square things with dad.”
Lee shook his head, “I can’t turn away such good fortune; of course I’ll have dinner out here with you. Thank you very much for thinking of it.” With that, he leaned over and kissed her muzzle, giving it a little lick as he pulled back.”
Debbye jerked away and Lee barely caught her before she fell over. “My apologies, I didn’t mean to scare you. Since it bothers you, I won’t try it again.”
Shaken, Debbye blushed, “No, that's not it at all, Lee; I was just surprised. I kinda enjoyed it. Care to try it again?”
“Fine by me.” Lee leaned over and gently licked his tongue over Debbye’s muzzle.
“M-m-m-m. Yes, I do enjoy that feeling. Let me try it on you.” Debbye turned her head slightly and licked out at Lee’s muzzle, gently tracing it's curve.
“M-r-r-r. Yes, that's very nice.”
Only the awkwardness of their positions kept the two from immediately continuing this exploration. Returning their attention to lunch, they loaded their plates, grabbed drinks, and shut the cooler. Sitting companionably together on the spread, the pair enjoyed lunch with light conversation.
Lee wiped the remains of lunch from his muzzle; then gently wiped Debbye's. "All part of our personalized service."
"Right. I'll bet you tell that to all the girls."
"Just the ones I'm especially interested in."
"Well then, it's a good thing I'm especially interested in you, too. Tell me, when do you want to shoot the photos?"
Lee stretched, "Actually, I'd like to give lunch a chance to settle first. How about you?"
"Sounds good to me. Where do you want to sit and rest?"
Lee gestured at the old walnut. "Over against that tree looks perfect." Taking Debbye's paw, he led her over. Finding a suitable spot among the roots, he sat down carefully, being sure not to trap his tail. Leaning back against the tree, he guided the squirrel to sit between his spread legs, carefully position her tail, and lean back. Wrapping his arms gently around her, he rested his muzzle on her head. "Comfortable?"
"Very," sighed Debbye, interlacing her paws with his, "It just feels good to sit here with you, like we're in our own private world and safe."
" 'Tis a pleasant interlude, though I don't know how safe you'd feel if you knew some of my thoughts."
A chuckle, then "Lee, I've got older girlfriends who've told me plenty; I doubt I'd be surprised at your thoughts and you've already shown yourself as a gentlefur who keeps himself under control. I do feel safe with you; let me show you how safe I feel." With that, she wriggled against him as the tip of her tail traced the curve of his muzzle.
The tensing of his arms and the hiss of an indrawn breath evidenced the effects of her actions. "Debbye! Are you sure there's not some vixen blood in you?"
"Absolutely!" chuckled the squirrel. "I learned those moves years ago but you're the first male fur to catch my interest with whom I've felt safe enough to try 'em."
"I'm flattered but curious. How many others have caught your interest?"
"Only a couple," she admitted with a blush. "I'm afraid I've been very picky."
"If it makes you feel any better, I've been just as picky. In all the time I've dated, there've been only three furs, before you, that I've really been interested in and none of them affected me like you do."
"My turn to be flattered. Since you mentioned it," she grinned, "as strongly as we're falling for each other, I'd really like to know more about you than just what I've picked up from our conversations."
"Fair enough, long as you match me. For me, though, you're using the wrong tense. It's not that I am falling for you, but that I have fallen for you, Debbye; utterly, completely, and irrevocably."
"Lee! How long have you known, and how?”
“Since the week after we first met and," he chuckled, "There's a story there that I think you'll find amusing more than anything else."
"Do tell? I guess I'll just have to coax it out of you." The tip of her tail again traced his muzzle and this time added a gentle caress.
Lee's arms again tensed and Debbye could feel other reactions. "Enough!" groaned Lee, and Debbye relaxed into him. "I was going to tell you anyway. It was mid-week after we first met and I was showing all the 'symptoms' so Lyman set up a little 'test'."
"Why do I think this part of the story isn't going to amuse me?"
"Probably 'cause you know too well how young male furs think. Anyway, he suggested that we 'get out for some air' one night and we 'just happened' to end up at 'The Gentlefur's Club"."
"Grrrr. Is that what I think it is?"
"Probably, though at least he didn't insist that we sit 'stage front' nor did he set me up like another fur was that night. The interesting thing was that though I could appreciate the performers' 'charms' aesthetically, they didn't affect me in the way you would expect them to; Lyman was quite surprised at my lack of reaction. The following Saturday you hit me with far more effect and I knew I'd fallen hard."
"That Saturday? Lee, I was wearing a very conservative swimsuit and later just a regular blouse and slacks, nothing exotic."
"I know, and you still rocked me back like those furs in the 'bare minimum' never did.'
"That's amusing," she chuckled, "that I should've affected you so strongly, so quickly; especially since I've never considered myself anywhere near as attractive as one of those performers."
"Debbye, to this fur you're all that and much more," replied Lee as he gently traced the outline of her ears with his tongue. He chuckled at her indrawn breath. "Two can play at that game, shall we relax and talk now?"
"I think we'd best,' came the reply as she relaxed back against him. "I realize it's more your nature than mine, but you've aroused my curiosity. What happened to that other fur you mentioned?"
"Well, there was another pair of friends there, a big fox and a ferret. It seems that the fox had annoyed his friend not long before and the ferret took a unique revenge. That ferret," chuckled Lee, "must have known every fur working at the club. He got the fox relaxed, then sprang his trap. One of the girls stepped up on each side of him and the pair escorted him up on stage. They then announced that he'd 'won a special treat'; the next thing you know, they'd pulled his shirt off and used it to tie him to the pole onstage before he realized what was going on. For the next half-hour or so, every performer made certain that he got an 'up close & personal' performance. Most of the male furs there envied him, but I rather felt sorry for him since he was clearly embarrassed by his situation and couldn't do anything about it. His 'friend', the ferret, had an electronic camera out and took lots of 'incriminating' pictures, which I'm certain he'll bring out at the most inopportune times for the fox. Anyway, they finally let him go and thanked him for being a good sport about it, but I suspect he'll be a while living this down."
"Poor guy," chuckled Debbye. "Now, back to my original question, what's the basic info on Lee Evans?"
"How about we trade information?"
"I ask a question, you answer it, then I give you my answer?
"Sounds fair enough to me, so fire away."
"Okay, what's your full name?"
"Lee Paul Evans. Yours is?"
"Debbye Jana Squirrel. What's your birth date and place of birth?"
"I was born on November 26, 1973 in Brazosport, TX. When and where were you born?"
"I was born on February 17, 1980, here in Columbus."
Lee laughed, "You don't know how much this sounds like a job interview!"
"Well," grinned Debbye back at him, "aren't we discussing something equally important to us?"
"True; okay, next question?"
"Do you have any siblings?"
"I sure do; my slightly younger twin, Marilee Marie Evans and my brothers Jonathan Thomas Evans, 19, and Raphael Charles Evans, 15, also known as 'the brat'. Do you have any sibs?"
"Nope, I missed those joys, I'm an only child. So, how about your parents?"
"My folks are Jonathan Lee Evans and the former Marie Adele Downhope. Yours are?"
" My father is George Leland Squirrel and my mother is the former Linda Jane Beachey. So, are your folks still alive?"
"Sure are and still happily married to each other. It's kinda amusing how they met. Mom's from southern California and grew up with hot rods and surfing in the fifties before they became big; she got a BS in Chemistry from UCLA and then came east to get her MS at her father's alma mater. Dad was in his early teens when his family moved from Chicago to Texas. He completed his BS, also in Chemistry, at Texas A&M and then went to his father's alma mater for an MS degree. As you've probably guessed, both of my folks went to the same graduate school. They were thrown together in their first class of the semester and dad still insists that the chemistry between them was far more powerful than the chemistry they were studying."
"I wish my folks' story was that outrageous," grinned Debbye, "but it's much simpler. Mom had just started in the secretarial pool of one of the state government offices when dad showed up to give a deposition; she typed it and worked with him to correct it. They both liked what they saw, started dating, and the rest is history." Debbye stopped and considered for a moment, then asked, "How do you and your sister get along?"
"Marilee and I get along pretty nicely now. When we were young, we fought and played like most youngsters, then our younger brothers came along and it was us against these 'interlopers' and we developed a close bond. We helped each other study starting in junior high and it worked pretty good all the way through high school. She sometimes studied with her friends, but they'd ask me to join them if it were a course I was also taking. It didn't take long for them to accept me as a friend of theirs who happened to be a guy. It had an interesting side effect," chuckled Lee. "I was considered a 'safe friendly date' when they were 'tween romantic interests and I ended up going to a number of events I probably wouldn't have attended otherwise."
"As long as they stayed strictly 'between friends', I guess I've no cause for worry," she chuckled. "Did you and Marilee go to the same college?"
"Sure did and we continued our joint studying, with Lyman's presence giving additional perspective."
"You mentioned 'friendly dates' and that brings up a question I'm definitely interested in. You've said you don't date much, but what is your dating history?"
Lee blushed, "Not as extensive as you might expect. In all of junior high and high school, I had maybe six real dates."
"Only six? Lee, you're not that unattractive!"
"Thank you, m'dear," chuckled the cat. "Anyway, there is an explanation, though it's a part of my history I'm not fond of revisiting."
Debbye leaned back against him and squeezed his paws, "It's okay, you're here with me and it's just between us."
"Well, I had a normal enough kitten-hood. Then, about seventh grade, I started a bit of precocious internal growth and developed different interests and tastes from my 'peers'. I didn't really fit into any of the social groups that formed and there weren't that many furs that shared my interests; so I became something of a loner. It didn't help that I looked like a 'young nerd' with thick-rimmed glasses, pens & pencils in his pocket, and carrying a briefcase."
"I imagine it didn't," came the droll reply.
"In any case, this status brought out the bullies in the different groups and I was beaten up more than once. In exasperation, dad signed me up with a friend of his for self-defense lessons; I don't think he quite expected his friend to teach me not just the physical aspects but the understanding and discipline that went with it. The next few encounters with the bullies went my way and they decided to pick on a safer target. I still keep in practice and the understanding and discipline have helped in many other areas."
"So when you came to Lyman's aid at that party, you were hardly unprepared."
"Precisely. Settling those furs was easy in comparison. Back to my story; since I had the 'nerd look' and wasn't in any of the groups, not many young femme furs were interested in dating me. I wasn't a hermit or anything like that; I had a few friends, was active in scouts and church, and generally kept busy with my own interests. I did, though, hide somewhat behind a shell and dated rarely, only with a femme whose company I enjoyed and only to something we'd both enjoy."
"That male would never have helped me out and then treated me the way you did. What happened?"
"A number of events changed me. The first happened between my junior and senior years in high school. Both Marilee and I attended NSF [National Science Foundation] summer programs that summer; she went to one at UCLA, so she could see mom's folks, and I went to my folks' alma mater just north of Chicago. It was my first real time 'on my own' and it was with furs I had a lot in common with. My shell ended up breaking quickly as I made friends and enjoyed an occasional date with one or another of the few girls who attended. 'Twas only occasional and nothing serious; just a group of friends going out together. There were some romantic relationships that developed, but none that involved me."
Debbye grinned, "Well, I'd hate to think you were fickle. So, did you go back into your shell after that summer?"
"Nope, I was a whole lot more comfortable mixing with other furs when I got home. Then Marilee and her friends started helping me with little tips on fashion sense and such. I think," he chuckled, "that they were using me as a bit of a project in learning how to make a guy over. It didn't take me long to realize what was going on and then we had a little chat. I explained that, while I realized my ignorance and welcomed their comments & advice, other males might not be so appreciative and accepting; they laughed, admitted I was right, and thanked me for handling matters tactfully. This did not hurt my self-confidence."
"I rather imagine it didn't."
"That year I managed more dates than in the previous three yeas combined and I was noticed more by the girls. It was," he chuckled, "the only year I got asked to the Sadie Hawkins Dance; even had to choose which invitation to accept."
"A Sadie Hawkins Dance? We had those in high school, too."
"I think it's common. So, tell me, who'd you ask?"
Debbye looked down and blushed, "I'm afraid I didn't ask, not any of the years."
"But why? I'm certain there must've been some guy that you were dying to date."
The squirrel's blush deepened, "I told you I've been very picky. The couple of guys that did catch my attention and interest had already been asked and, well, I wasn't going to ask just any fur."
"I think I've just been complimented," chuckled the cat.
Debbye matched the chuckle as she leaned back against him and relaxed. "So which invitation did you accept?"
"The one from a young lady who'd been interested and friendly before that year. I figured she'd be a much better companion than one who'd only taken an interest in me recently."
"I knew it! A fur of honor, discernment, and intelligence."
Lee chuckled, "I don't think I'd go quite that far, but thank you."
"Modest, too." Chuckled Debbye. "So how was college for you?"
Since I'd broken out of my shell, I had no problem making friends of either sex. There were a number of friendly dates, but there were only three femmes I had anything approaching regular dates with."
"And they were?"
"Well, there was Patti; she was the sister of a good friend and I served as her "escort" whenever she brought his girlfriend up to see him. We enjoyed each other's company, but there was never anything more. The other two ladies were Sherri and Meryl. I met Sherri through the campus SF society and we became friends; we enjoyed going together to various events that were more fun that way. I met Meryl at a dorm party where we were 'bout the only two starved for intelligent conversation; we became friends and escorted each other to more than one function. In both cases, though, it was strictly friendship without that 'spark' needed to take it to another level."
"I believe it's my turn to be complimented."
" 'Tis.'tis. I've been just as picky since I moved to Columbus. With the exception of the times I've escorted Rava to a company function, I've not dated any femme fur more than a couple times. A couple of them remain as friends, but that's it since there's just not been that 'spark' there."
"But why should Rava need an escort?"
"Think about it, m'dear. She's got a very lively personality and if she didn't have an escort, some of those wives would gossip more than they do now and with considerably more venom."
“Why do they gossip now?”
She’s doing what some consider a ‘male’s job’ and she’s doing it well, she’s single, she’s well off, and she’s living on her own. There’s lots of material there for those who feel threatened by her or who are envious of her. I know her better than to believe any of that and, as a friend, I’ve tried to help her keep down the opportunities for the gossips to feed. I think,” he chuckled, “that she’ll have to find another escort now that I’ve got you.” A gentle hug accompanied this.
“I suppose I should apologize to her,” agreed Debbye, “but I’m not going to apologize for finding you.”
“Nor I for you. So, tell me, you said you were picky – how much have you dated?”
“Well, some in high school, though there were few repeats. Most teenaged males seem somewhat afraid of my father.”
“If he ’played with their minds’ like my dad dealt with the guys that came for Marilee, I see why they might.”
“Anyway, that was in high school. In the last year, at college, it’s not been all that different; though the other girls in ‘The Clique’ have tried unsuccessfully to find me a steady guy.”
“I’ll bet you’ve told them all about me,” chuckled Lee.
“Well, yeah,’ admitted Debbye. “We don’t keep too many secrets from each other.”
“I know Sabrina’s situation, do the others have guys?”
“Susan’s always had guys,” chuckled the squirrel, “though lately she’s been interested in one guy in particular. Cindy’s found herself dating a guy we used to consider a ‘nerdy nuisance’ at best, but he turned out to be just the fur for her.”
“I could’ve told you, there’s more to ‘nerds’ than meets the eye.’
“As you’ve admitted. After watching all that, now I have you.”
“Yes, you definitely,” as he hugged her close, “have me.”
With the hug, her muzzle came around and up to lick Lee’s muzzle. He responded by moving his muzzle to lick hers. This mutual licking evolved into a deep kiss that both held for as long as possible.
Debbye’s eyes gleamed as she broke form the kiss and relaxed against Lee’s chest. “I’d say we’ve got each other. I can’t tell which of us put more into that.”
Cuddling her close, Lee smiled. “Agreed; this openness between us definitely improves communications. After that last, though, I think perhaps we should divert ourselves for a while.”
“Yes, things were starting to get a bit intense and I don’t want to rush matters. Care to take the pictures now?”
“Just the thing. Let me help you up.” With the aid of Lee’s offered paw as a brace, Debbye stood up and then extended a paw to help Lee stand. After a brief hug, they headed over to Lee’s carry bag. Opening the bag, Lee explained it’s sparse contents. “I decided that a good basic set-up and some good film made the best choice for today rather than a bunch of lenses and a selection of films.”
“Sounds good to me; I’ve really only used a basic camera.”
“Well, this one’s all manual and easy to use. I loaded a short roll in first so that you could practice if needed.”
Debbye turned and licked the side of his muzzle, “Thanks, I want to take some good pictures of you.”
Lee blushed and turned to explaining how the SLR [single-lens reflex] camera worked. By the time she’d worked through the practice roll, Debbye showed comfortable proficiency with it. As he replaced the practice roll with a full 36-shot roll, Lee inquired, “Do you want to be the first subject or do you want to shoot first?”
Since I seem to be ‘on a roll’ now, I’d like to continue shooting.”
“Good enough.” He handed her the reloaded camera. “Now, where do you want me to pose?”
After the twelfth shot, Debbye stopped. “Lee, can I ask a personal favor for my remaining shots?”
“Sure, long as it’s not too outrageous.”
“Well,’ she blushed, “I’d like to take my remaining shots of you with your shirt off.” At his quizzical glance, she blushed more deeply. “I, ah, liked what I saw last Saturday and I wanted some pic’s of you like that.”
“I’m flattered,” came the blushing reply. “I know I’m no outstanding specimen…”
“You are to me.”
“Then, sure. As long as I can ask something similar of you when it’s my turn.”
Debbye hesitated, looked down a minute, then looked Lee in the eyes and quietly replied, “With the same restrictions you asked for, yes, you can.”
Lee smiled, then started to slip off his shirt. “It’s a deal then.” At the look in her eyes, he continued, “Don’t worry, I’ll not ask for anything you’d be uncomfortable with.”
“I know, Lee. I considered that when I answered; I trust you.”
“Thank you.”
For the next six shots, Debbye concentrated on poses that defined Lee’s fur pattern and musculature, a process she found quite pleasurable. After the final shot, Lee slipped his shirt on. “I feel like I’ve just done a photo shoot for ‘Playfemme’.”
“It’d better be for just this femme,” she joked.
“There’s none other I’d pose for.”
Taking the camera, Lee took an assortment of shots for his first twelve, then, “For my last six, I’d like to get some ‘special’ poses of you – no removal of clothing, just some poses I’d like to shoot.”
“No problem, Lee. As I said, I trust you.”
“And I’m not about to abuse that trust.”
“I know,” she hugged him, “where do you want me to pose?”
In three poses on the edge of the spread, shooting so that the spread didn’t show, and in three poses on the front of her car; Lee captured different aspects of Debbye as he saw her.
Afterwards, as they walked paw in paw back to the spread, Debbye commented, “That was ‘interesting’; I think I caught something of what you were feeling in those last two shots.”
When Lee turned toward her with a raised eyebrow, it was replaced with a gleam in both eyes that reflected hers. “I think you may have at that, he murmured as he pulled her close and they kissed ardently. At the feel of the camera pressing into him, Lee pulled back and smiled, “Most definitely! Shall we finish our walk back?”
At Debbye’s nod, they turned and finished the stroll with arms around each other’s waists, Debbye’s head nestled against Lee’s side, and their tails twined. Back at the spread, Lee helped Debbye sit comfortably, put up the film and camera, grabbed a couple drinks from the cooler, and handed her one as he sat next to her.
Relaxing together, they sat holding paws with their tails curled together. Presently, Debbye turned and asked quietly, “May I ask another question?”
Noticing a certain tenseness on Debbye’s part, Lee mentally braced himself. “Sure, go ahead.”
“Well,’ she continued with a blush, “last night you mentioned the effects of massage on male furs. How did you know about it?”
Blast, he thought, she would pick up on that; I forgot there’s a good memory to go with the sharp mind. There’s no easy way out of this, so I’d best tell the full truth. ‘Sides, he chuckled to himself, it’s best I speak the truth, she deserves it. With a slight blush he answered, “I’ll not lie to you, I know about it from direct experience.”
Debbye raised an eyebrow and blushed a bit further, I wasn’t expecting quite such blunt honesty; at least he’s willing to “tell it straight” and not try to cover up anything. “Tell me more.”
Blushing in return, Lee answered, “There are establishments that offer a massage for all the muscles a fur has.”
With a hard look in her eye, “And how did they do the massage?”
“With paws, only.”
“Really?”
“Yep.”
“Really?”
“Really!” He raised his paw in the appropriate sign, “Scout’s honor.”
From you, I’ll believe it. So, are you a virgin?”
Lee blushed, looked down for a moment, and then looked her in the eyes. “Despite a bunch of reading and a very active imagination, yes, I am.”
Debbye hugged him warmly, “You don’t know how good that makes me feel.” Then, shyly, “Would you believe I’m one, too?”
“I never really thought else wise.”
“Thank you. Would you consider me strange if I said I wanted to stay one until I got married? If I’m getting married in white, I want it to mean what it’s supposed to.”
Lee returned the hug, “Strange? No, but I would consider you a femme who’s made up her own mind and decided what she’ll do. I admire that and," here he blushed again, “I find you all the more interesting because of it.”
Debbye looked down shyly, “I’m flattered you feel that way; I know I’m jumping the gun, but would you still feel that way if we got involved further and there was a long wait because of it? I’d not want to get married until I finish college and I know guys have ‘needs’ and I’d hate to drive you off.”
“Yep, I’ll still feel that way. You’re worth waiting for. An adolescent might not be willing, but an adult guy that really cared about you would; I would. ‘Sides, I’ve got to finish my Masters degree and that’ll take about as long.”
“Lee! You’re that sure?” she asked with amazement.
“Absolutely!” he firmly responded.
Debbye moved from the hug to warmly embrace Lee and was met with an ardent kiss. A bit later, somewhat breathlessly, Debbye asked, “You said you’d fallen hard, but that hard?”
Moving his head back, Lee caressed her cheek with his paw, “I’m certain of it, my very dear squirrel. I know we’ve still got a lot to find out about each other, but I’m certain that I’ve fallen hard and permanently.”
“I don’t want to rush into anything.”
“Nor do I; I’m quite willing to take all the time for us to be certain of our hearts before doing anything. You mean too much to me for rash actions.”
“It’s not rash, my sweet cat, but you’re too far away from me now; c’mere.”
Lee moved his head back and the world went a way for a while for both of them. Finally, the kiss broke and Debbye moved to lay her head against Lee’s chest. “I guess I’m just not yet that certain, Lee; can you be patient with me until I am?”
Holding her close, he whispered, “Of course I can. How could I not? Given how I feel, I can be quite patient.”
Debbye snuggled against him and just lay there for a while enjoying the warmth of being close to him. Presently, an impish smile formed on her face. “Lee, how much attention did you pay when you were getting those massages?”
“Well, I did pay some attention to what was being done to me. Why?”
“Could you give me at least a partial massage, I feel like I could use a good backrub.”
“Sure, stretch out on the spread and I’ll see what I can do.
Stretching out with her head resting on her paws, Debbye waited for Lee’s attentions. Sitting carefully beside her, Lee started with her neck and shoulders; then proceeded to work on her back, proper, with careful attention to truly relieve and relax her. As he was finishing her back, Debbye spoke up, ”The moves that served to stimulate you, do you think that they would work on femmes too?”
“I don’t know,’ he replied in a distracted tone, “I never considered that possibility.”
“Well, how about an experiment to see if they do?”
“I don’t think we’d better. Like I said last night, not unless, or until, things are much closer between us; especially now that I know your stand on waiting.’
“You feel the need to be that cautious?”
“I do, dear one. If it affects you as it does me, you’ve got me sufficiently aroused already that I’m not certain either of us would be in control of ourselves. I care about you too much to take that kind of chance.”
“Then,” she said as she twisted to open her arms to him, “can you let me hold you and thank you for this?”
“Certainly.” Laying down beside her and taking her in his arms, he gently licked her muzzle. Reaching behind him, she reached a paw up and teased the ruff on his neck, provoking a soft, deep purr from him. “So, kitty likes this?”
“You know I wouldn’t take that from any other fur.”
“Going to do anything about it?”
“Just this,” came the answer as he pulled her closer, into a gentle kiss. Her paws moved to stroke his back as they snuggled together, gently enjoying each other’s company.
Some time later, Lee lay on his back with Debbye snuggled close, her head resting on his chest and brushing the underside of his muzzle. “Thank you, Lee” she murmured quietly, “for caring enough to keep control when I didn’t. What happened scares me a bit; I’ve never done something like that before,”
“Perhaps it took special company?” asked the cat with a chuckle. “It’d be rather flattering if that were the case.”
“Well…,” came the wry reply, “it might be.”
Chuckling, Lee gently licked her headfur and ears. “Your actions tell me plenty, dear one; I can wait ‘til you’re comfortable with saying the words. As to the other, I suspect you’ll have your turn to restrain me.”
Debbye smiled to herself and held further response. Looking around, she suggested, “How about taking a walk to work off some of this ‘nervous energy’?”
“Fine by me; let me help you up.”
After assisting Lee in turn, Debbye grabbed drinks from the cooler and the set off paw in paw.
Working their way carefully, they headed toward the end of the inlet the park surrounded. There, on the water’s edge, they enjoyed each other’s company while skipping stones across the water. They were sufficiently engrossed in this that it wasn’t’ until a significant portion of the sky had darkened and a wind had picked up that they realized the changing weather.
Looking up, Lee reacted first, “Uh-oh, that’s a thunderstorm brewing, and quickly; we’d better head back and pack up.”
“I’m with you on that!"
The two of them were still some twenty feet from the spread and moving as fast as they could when the heavens unplugged and drenched them thoroughly. Lee slowed to a walk. “Can’t get any wetter; might as well move more carefully now.”
Debbye looked at the carry bag “Are the camera and film safe?” she asked as they folded up the spread.
“No problem, the bag has a water-proof liner since it’s intended for rough use.”
They got everything loaded back in the car and climbed in. Debbye started the heater on its highest setting and turned on the wipers. “So, what now? Even if it stopped right now, it’s going to be way too wet to continue here.”
“Well…how about taking the stuff back to my place and finishing there? We can dry off, then dry our clothes and the spread while we’re eating.” He looked Debbye over, “I think one of my shirts and a pair of shorts will fit you. I do like, though, the way that wet blouse fits you.”
“Keep your eyes to yourself, buster,” she chuckled as she gently punched his arm.
Lee made a big show out of averting his eyes as she headed the car out. By the time they’d arrived at the freeway, both were chuckling and they remained in good spirits all the way to Lee’s apartment.
By the time they arrived back at Lee’s apartment, the storm had passed on; still, they were lucky to find a parking space close to the door. They carried in the cooler and Lee escorted Debbye into the main bathroom, laid a shirt and a pair of shorts on the bed [while grabbing some dry clothes for himself], and shut the bedroom door as he went out to get the rest of their things from the car. Returning, he set the soaked spread in a laundry basket, left the other stuff for later, and headed for the second bathroom.
Somewhat later, dry and in dry clothing, he came out to find Debbye setting out supper, her back to him. His sight of her in his shirt brought a whistle and a smiling comment, “I think that shirt looks better on you than it’s ever looked on me.” When Debbye turned, blush and all, and curtsied in response Lee stepped up and hugged her. Seeing what she was doing, he softly kissed her headfur and quietly admonished her, “You didn’t have to do it all, I’m willing to do my share of that.”
She smiled as she answered him, “You’ve done plenty, bringing everything in, loaning me these clothes, and agreeing to handle the drying of everything. Lee, this is my share of tonight’s efforts.”
Lee gathered her close and whispered into her hair, “Dear one, now I know I’m blessed. A principled, spirited femme with beauty and brains; I could never ask for more.”
The squirrel blushed at the praise, “Lee, really, I’m not…”
“Yes you are,” he replied, kissing her forehead. “You’re all that and more to me.”
Debbye hugged him for a moment, then stepped back, “I really need to finish this, Lee; much as I’m enjoying this…”
With a chuckle, he released her, “And I need to take care of these wet things.” Gathering their wet clothes into the basket, he headed for the door. He winked at Debbye in passing, “I’ll be right back.”
“I’ll be waiting,” came the warm response.
Returning to the apartment, Lee found Debbye almost finished with her chosen task. “They’re all in the washers,” he announced. At her look he shrugged, “Well. I figured we might as well do ‘em right.”
“Good enough,” she nodded. Gesturing to the table, she continued, “It’s ready. Where do you want to sit?”
“How about keeping things informal and sitting together on the couch?”
“Suits me; come and get your food, then.”
Their plates filled and drinks in their paws, they moved to the couch and sat side-by-side as they ate, their tails curled around each other.
Finishing his meal, Lee wiped his muzzle and then gently wiped hers. Picking up the remains of their dinner, he carried them over to the trash. Looking at the clock as he bent back up, Lee turned, “I’ll be back in a few minutes, it’s time to put our things in the dryers.”
After a quick mock pout, Debbye smiled, “Hurry back, I’m growing used to your presence.”
“With an incentive like that? You’d better believe I’ll hurry!’
Both were chuckling as Lee stepped out the door. Ten minutes later he was back. “We’ve got about forty-five minutes ‘til everything is dry.”
“Good enough. Now c’mere, I’ve missed you.”
Sitting down beside her, Lee wrapped his arm around her as she wrapped hers around him. For a short while, they quietly, contentedly snuggled. Stirring himself, Lee turned to her, “So. What did you have planned for tomorrow?”
“Well, nothing definite; I was thinking that it’d be nice if we went to a movie.”
“Sounds good to me, any particular one in mind?”
“Er, no. Can I pick one and surprise you? I’ll even drive.”
“As long as you let me pay our way in and we swing by a 1-hour photo place.”
“Why?”
“I thought we’d get these pictures processed right away. I don’t normally feel like paying the extra fees, but these seem worth it.”
Debbye softly kissed his cheek, “Thank you. I very much want to see how the shots turned out. I was a little afraid to ask ‘cause I wasn’t certain how you’d react.”
Returning the kiss, he quietly assured her, “You never have to worry about speaking your mind to me. I much prefer ‘straight talk’ to ‘beating around the bush’ or not talking at all.”
“I’ll remember that and remind you that I'd appreciate the same treatment.”
“It’s a deal, then.”
“Let’s seal it properly,” she smiled as she turned her muzzle to his. The resultant slow, sweet kiss left both pairs of eyes glistening as they finally broke apart.
“My, that does seem properly sealed,” he chuckled as he held her close. Stirring after a bit, he asked, “Care for some music while we wait?”
“Sure, what do you have?”
“Let me show you.”
Standing up, he helped her up and led her over to the shelves where the CD’s and tapes were stored. Gesturing at the selection, he offered, “Take your pick.”
Looking over the selection, Debbye noticed one thing first. “You don’t have any type of music that’s too loud. Is it taste or something more?”
“Mostly ‘something more’ affecting taste. This cat’s got fairly sensitive hearing and I won’t buy anything that hurts my ears at normal sound settings.”
“Sounds reasonable. How many of these can I pick?”
“The CD player takes up to five.”
Lee smiled as he looked at her choices, then at her. Loading up the player, he turned the system on and the apartment was filled with soft, slow music.
“Umm. Nice choices you made.” Lee looked at Debbye and smiled, “Neither of us is dressed for it and there’s not that much room, but – care to dance, my princess?”
Her eyes glistened as she replied, “With you, my prince, most definitely.”
Taking her paw, he led her to a clear area and held her close as they started dancing. The two of them danced through the first CD and most of the second before returning to the couch to snuggle, Debbye’s head nestled in his soft neck fur, and listening to the music.
Presently, the time came to retrieve their items from the dryer. As he stepped out and pulled the door partially shut, Lee waved at the stored music. “Go ahead and pick some more out, I’m enjoying just relaxing here with you.”
I don’t know that I find it so relaxing mused Debbye as she padded over to the shelves, just his presence affects me intensely.
Lyman pulled into the complex parking lot after a good dinner and saw the lights on in Lee’s apartment. H-m-m-m! That’s odd. I’d have expected them to stay out later; I hope nothing happened. Maybe I should stop by and see. Pulling into an empty slot, Lyman headed for Lee’s apartment. Reaching the door, he knocked vigorously and was surprised to find the door ajar and opening under his knock. “Hey, Lee, what…” he started, then stopped with a bit of a blush as he saw Debbye standing there in Lee’s shirt.
At the sound of the door, Debbye turned. “That didn’t take long, Lee…” she began, then halted and blushed as she saw Lyman in the doorway.
What?! Thought Lyman. Why is she wearing just one of Lee’s shirts? Could they have stayed here and…Nah, I can’t really see either of them doing that. But then, what…?
The shifting expressions on Lyman’s face, moving to one of incredulity, gave a good indication of Lyman’s thoughts. Oh, drek, realized Debbye as she blushed more deeply, he sees how I’m dressed and he thinks we “did something”. I’d better try and correct his impressions. “Lyman, I think…”
“Gangway!” came Lee’s interruption as he barreled in carrying a basket of freshly dried laundry. His eyebrows raised, Lyman stepped out of the way as Lee carried the basket into his bedroom. Moments later, Lee reappeared, looked at Debbye, and gestured to the bedroom, “Your cleaned and dried clothes await, m’dear.”
Unable to resist the impulse, Debbye curtsied, “Thank you. I’ll be back in moments.”
As Debbye shut the bedroom door, Lyman turned to Lee, “Okay, what was that all about?”
“That? We got thoroughly drenched in a thunderstorm that hit our picnic. We came back here and I loaned her a shirt and a pair of shorts to wear while I washed and dried our clothes. We finished up the picnic supplies for dinner and we’ve just been relaxing together, listening to music, while waiting for the dryer to finish.”
“A shirt and a pair of shorts?”
“Yep. Why?”
Lyman began to blush. “I didn’t see the shorts and, when I saw her here in what appeared to be just one of your shirts, I kinda wondered if…”
“If we had ‘done something’?” Lee answered. “You’d think that of me or any femme I’d be this interested in? Shame on you,” grinned Lee, “you’ve a dirty mind and you’re getting too much exercise by jumping to conclusions.”
“So I see,” sighed his friend. “I apologize to you and I’ll apologize to the lady when she reappears.”
“Apology accepted.”
“So, do you two have anything planned for tomorrow?”
“Sure do. Why?”
“If you hadn’t, the sports car club has trials tomorrow and I’d’ve asked if you wanted to join me.”
“I am sorry, but we’ve already made plans.”
Lyman shrugged, “I understand; no problem.”
Debbye opened the bedroom door and returned to join them. At Lee’s soft “ahem”, Lyman turned to her, “I owe you and apology for jumping to conclusions a little while ago; I really should know better.”
“Yes, you should,” answered the squirrel drolly. Sticking out her paw, she continued, “Apology accepted.”
Lyman shook her paw then sighed, “I guess I’ll be on my way then. Sorry to have intruded.”
Debbye just smiled and Lee reminded him, “I’m driving Monday – see you then.”
After Lyman’s departure, Lee changed into his freshly dried clothes and rejoined Debbye. Gently holding her from behind, he whispered, “I’m sorry about that intrusion. Worse, I don’t think we can recover the mood.”
“I’m afraid you’re right,” she sighed, intertwining her paws with his, “but I did enjoy that time.” She turned her head to softly lick his neck, “Further, I’ve no desire to leave your company at this hour. Any suggestions?”
“Well, since you really didn’t pack a dessert, how about we go out for ice cream and a stroll?”
“I know just the place for both.”
“Then if you’ll do the driving, I’ll do my share by treating.”
“Fair enough; you’re learning fast,” she answered with an open smile.
“I have to,” Lee grinned. Offering her his arm, he escorted her out the door.
At the ice cream store, Debbye chuckled, “I really shouldn’t tell you, but this is one of the Clique’s favorite hangouts.”
“Don’t worry,” came the amused response, “I won’t tell.”
Strolling paw-in-paw, they ambled through the little park as they ate their ice cream cones. Somewhat enthralled watching Lee’s tongue systematically lick his cone, Debbye was startled by a cold drop of melted ice cream landing on her fur. “Darn, and I forgot a napkin; that’s going to be a mess before I can clean it.”
“Not necessarily,” grinned Lee with a gleam in his eye. “May I help?”
“Sure, but…” Her words were cut off by the feel of his tongue licking the spot and continuing with the surrounding area. “Ohhh! I love that my sweet kitty! I think you’d better stop before at least one of us loses control.”
“Agreed,” came a slightly ragged response. Standing straight, Lee pulled her into a tight hug and then led her over to a park bench where they cuddled while finishing their cones. The cuddling continued, with small talk, ‘til dusk forced their return to the car.
Returning to the apartment, they cleaned out the cooler and Lee folded the spread. Despite reluctance on both parts for the evening to end, Lee carried both items out and placed them in Debbye’s trunk. Returning to his apartment, he took her in his arms and kissed her deeply, their tails twirling around the pair. “I hate for this to end, but you do need to get home at a ‘reasonable hour.”
“I know,” she sighed, “So, 2pm tomorrow good for you?”
“Fine, I’ll be looking forward to it.”
“No more than I will.”
Escorting Debbye to her car, Lee held the door while she seated herself and buckled up. As the door shut, she lowered the window. “One for the road?”
“How can I resist?”
After the kiss, Lee whispered, “Good night, dear princess. Take care.”
Her paw caressing his muzzle, she replied, “To you, too, my feline prince. Pleasant dreams.”
A whispered, “Likewise for you.” and he withdrew.
Raising the window, she waved and drove out.
After Debbye’s car had passed out of sight, Lee returned to his apartment, finished cleaning up, and prepared for bed with a somewhat distracted air. His dreams that night were “colorful”.
For her part, Debbye drove carefully, realizing that her reflections on the day were something of a distraction. Once home, she took care of necessary things with a distracted air that matched Lee’s. She too had “colorful” dreams that night.