User:Mona Lisa/Being Tanda
From Shifti
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This story is a work in progress. |
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This story contains adult content. |
Being Tanda
A smile crept across Tim's face as his computer made the connection. "Welcome to FurryMUCK" scrawled across the screen. For the past several months, Tim had been living here, on this screen, during his time away from his job as a filing clerk for a local software company. He ate dinner at the computer, and even had the computer at his bedside. He was addicted. Addicted to being Tanda.
He was an average looking guy, he pretty much blended in with his cubicle walls at work. No one really ever noticed him these days. Except online. As Tanda, he could be... captivating. She was clever and witty, beautiful and sexy, social and outgoing. Online he could take his time wording her responses and he never stuttered or mumbled. And he had no social fears, because he was always anonymous. He could make her description whatever he liked. She was a dainty white tiger lady with sexy curves. She wore a tight and revealing dress with a hole in the back for her long fluffy striped tail.
This evening was much like any other. As Tanda, he spent some time in a social area, chatting with anyone and everyone, being her usual entertaining self. Eventually Tanda paired off with someone, this time it was Silvercat, and they went into a private room and enjoyed some private time together.
Silvercat was one of the first characters Tim had met as Tanda. He was a panther-like humanoid with silvery fur, thus his name. She met him the first day she was created, those years ago. Silvercat was always courteous, and before long they were more than just friends, but online lovers. Tim was embarassed the first time, as he had rather limited real life experience, especially from the female perspective. He only knew what he had seen in the few adult pics and videos he had stumbled across online. Silvercat was patient and seemed to have plenty of knowledge. It certainly wasn't the last time they did it. Tim enjoyed the thrill not only of the act itself, but also of the subterfuge.
When Tim finally logged off, it was 3 am. He had really enjoyed the attention that night. He thought about the morning and how little sleep he'd get before having to head off to work. Back to boring reality where he was just Tim the filing clerk. He thought about his evening as Tanda. Her life was fun, she always had the attention of everyone in the room. She was everything he wasn't. Just before he fell asleep he whispered to no-one in particular, "I wish I could always just be Tanda."
Tim woke up abruptly to his alarm clock radio blaring David Bowie's voice, "Ch-ch-changes... gonna have to be a different man" He rolled over in bed, very groggy. Something was not right. Everything seemed tickly, and he was particularly uncomfortable for some reason. It was still early morning. A little bit of predawn light seeping between his blinds made a dim shadow of his computer monitor.
His blankets were wadded up unceremoniously at the end of the bed. He was usually bundled, as his rented room was almost always quite cold. But this morning he felt quite warm. His normally soft flannel pajamas itched something fierce. His bed even seemed bigger. What was going on, he wondered, am I really that tired?
"I said that time may change me, but I can't trace time" sang Bowie. Tim reached out to turn off the radio and as he did so he felt an odd tickle. He opened his eyes and in the dim light saw a black and white striped arm in front of him covered in thick fur. The hand was dainty and the fingers slender and delicate. And it was obeying his commands! He watched as it flicked off the alarm and felt the strange tickle again as the fur brushed against the bed. It was his own arm he saw. He brought the hand closer to examine it. It was lightly furred in white as well, with a light pink cat claw on each finger in place of fingernails. He flexed the fingers and watched the claws retract and extend. He knew that hand.
He sat up in bed and saw tiny stripey furred feet peeking out of his now much too long pj bottoms, as long blonde hair fell around his neck. He couldn't believe what he was seeing.
He leapt up out of bed, went out into the hall and rushed to the mirror in the bathroom. In the reflection looking back at him he saw HER, dressed in his pjs. Tanda, just as he had described her on FurryMUCK. Except incredibly real. He stared at the image in disbelief. Luxurious striped fur covered a curvacious body. Two lovely tiger ears poked up through her shoulder length golden blonde hair. The face was youthful and mostly human, but furred with black stripes on the cheeks, a black nose tip and beautiful blue eyes. His soft flannel pajamas hung loosely on her smaller frame, but were a bit tight across her bosom and hips. He twisted around and could see her tail reflected in the mirror. HIS tail! He just couldn't believe it. He couldn't decide whether to be frightened, exuberant or turned on. She was beautiful. But she was him! Tim, now suddenly Tanda. What happened?
He remembered his incredible evening online last night and his subsequent wish. Was this a dream? He reached behind himself and grabbed the tail poking up out of his pjs. Ow! Not only did it feel real, but he could feel himself grabbing the tail. Suddenly he realized that the uncomfortable sensation he'd been feeling since he woke up was that the pj bottoms were constricting her tail. His tail! He pulled the pjs and boxers down to free his tail and blinked, seeing that certain pieces of equipment were totally missing, with a shapely mound in their place. He was not a he anymore. He reached down to his furred crotch, feeling underneath the fur a gentle mound of feminine flesh he had only ever imagined. It was so soft!
There was a rough knock on the door. Tim (Tanda?) nearly leap out of his pjs, jostled out of his reverie.
"Hey Tim, some of us need the bathroom too," came the voice of Mick, one of his housemates.
"Um, I'll just be a minute," Tim said, not recognizing his own voice. It was soft and clear and much higher pitched. A far cry from his usual mumbled and very bland voice.
There was a pause outside. "Um... sorry miss. Take your time. My name's Mick, I live in the room across the hall. Let me know if there's anything I can do for you."
What a change! Mick always gave Tim a hard time. Stomped all over him, really. He got a little thrill realizing that Mick was being nice to him because he was now Tanda. A wry thought came to him, he might be nice because of the voice, but what would seeing him like this do? He'd probably be totally freaked out! Or worse, totally attracted to Tanda's body. Either way, he didn't want to risk it.
He pulled his pjs back up and tucked his tail in a bit more carefully. It was uncomfortable, but would have to do. He looked around the room for something to wear. In his panic he hadn't thought of an escape plan when coming INTO the bathroom. He saw his white terrycloth robe hanging there and grabbed it. Furred feet poked out underneath, but what could he do? Maybe Mick wouldn't notice. He wrapped his head in a towel, obscuring his face and tucking in his ears. Well, that was uncomfortable! But it would have to do.
He tried to sneak out of the bathroom, covering everything but his eyes and feet with the robe and towel. Mick was still right there.
"Hey, um..." Mick was saying.
Tim didn't want to hear him finish and he went straight down the hall to his room. "Excuse me," Tim couldn't help saying in a lovely soprano as he had to literally dodge around the surprised Mick.
"...cute slippers," Mick finished as Tim vanished into his room. "Hey Tim, who's the lovely lady?" Mick was knocking on the door.
Tim grimaced, shaking the towel off his head. Lovely lady? Mick couldn't have even seen anything, so why would he say that? What should he say? He couldn't respond as Tim, not with this new voice! Thinking quickly he responded, "Shh, he's still sleeping." Again came that lovely voice... Coming from his own mouth.
"Don't worry, Tim sleeps like the dead," Mick chuckled.
Mick just wouldn't leave him alone, what was he going to do? Thinking back to online... what was his best weapon against unwanted male attention as Tanda? Ah, right. Declaration of intent towards another male.
"Not while I have anything to say about it he doesn't, now go away," Tim responded in Tanda's soft voice.
Tim couldn't tell if Mick was choking or trying to hold back laughter, but it was getting quieter, as if Mick were walking away. It must have worked, he thought. He had a twinge of anger that his love life, or lack thereof, was being so openly mocked by Mick, but that was quickly overcome by a mix of confused feelings as he contemplated his situation.
What about now? Would his social life be all that better? He hadn't had a girlfriend since third grade, when his parents got him glasses. Then his dad got a job out here in California and he found himself having to make all-new friends in a strange town. It didn't help that he'd always been particularly shy, but now most anyone would think him a freak. He'd often imagine what it would be like to actually BE Tanda, but now it was true!
He locked the door, then tossed off the robe and towel. These pjs tickled so much and were far too warm! Why did he want her to have long fur? He stripped off his pjs and boxers and looked at himself. Her body was perfect, more beautiful than he had imagined. He gently smoothed out the fur, enjoying the feeling of not just the fur, but of having the fur stroked. He reached up and cupped his breasts. They were real, not only could he feel their weight in his hands, but he could feel them being held. That was nice. He reached down and gently petted the shapely furred feminine mound there, amazed at the soothing and yet exciting sensations. Enraptured in the slowly building pleasure, he sprawled out on the bed, tail down between his legs. With his other hand he stroked his breasts, feeling the pert nipples hidden under the long fur. They were so sensitive! He quickly came to a climax, unable to contain the intense thrills of this female body for long.
He lay in bed, letting the alien waves of pleasure wash over him over and over again. As they finally began to fade, he realized he had no idea how long he had been laying there. He looked at the clock. 8:15! He was supposed to be at work already! Well, he certainly couldn't go like this. That was totally out of the question. Maybe he could send a quick email.
Tim booted up his computer, noticing the sheets underneath him were soaked with feminine juices. He was glad he'd grabbed a towel. He attempted to clean himself up with it as the computer booted up. He was going to need a shower.
Tim fired up his email client. "I'm not feeling like myself today", Tim typed in an email to his boss. Thank heaven for the internet! Obviously there was no way he could call in on the phone. He chuckled ironically. What am I going to do staying home? Get on FurryMUCK? But how could I go out like this? He looked at his shapely and furred body. Then he added, "Hopefully I'll be okay tomorrow." Though he wasn't sure he really WANTED to change back. He sent off the email. Was there some way he could stay Tanda? He couldn't go back to work. Even the Equal Employment Opportunity Act wouldn't cover turning into a totally different species, not to mention the strange looks he'd get. He could certainly find employment at a circus, but that thought did not appeal to him.
Suddenly his Instant Messenger popped up. "Hello Tanda!" it said. How did... Oh right, he had left his IM set to Tanda's account last night, and it had automatically logged in when he booted up. He had an IM account set up for her as well as email, a website, and even a blog. Not only did it help maintain the illusion for Tanda's longtime friends, but it provided other outlets for Tim to be Tanda.
It was Silvercat, aka Jwdsn12. "What are you doing home?" asked Silvercat.
What indeed, thought Tim. He typed, "I'm having a really weird day and can't go in, I might lose my job."
"That's terrible! What happened? Having a pretty bad day?"
"Yeah, pretty much," Tim lied. Other than his now uncertain future and maybe getting hit on by his awful housemate, the day hadn't been all THAT bad. At least he's not at work.
"You live in San Francisco, right?" Silvercat had pestered Tim about Tanda's real life location before, and Tim had said she lived in the city just because he was familiar with it, and because Silvercat already had figured out Tanda's time zone.
"Umm yeah," Tim typed, not sure where this was going.
"Okay! I live in Palo Alto, not so far away. I happen to have the morning off, let's go do something to lift that mood up. Get your mind off your troubles."
Tim was floored. He hesitated, unsure what to say. Well, he'd known Silvercat for a few years now... And he'd always been a nice guy. He was going to have to trust SOMEONE and Silvercat was probably as close as he had to a best friend right now. Besides, he'd been wanting to meet Silvercat, but he never had the guts to tell him he was really a guy. He didn't want to break the illusion... but now there was no illusion. And who would more easily accept him in this form than Silvercat? "Sure," he typed. His finger lingered over the enter key. Did he really want to do this? Well he couldn't very well stay cooped up inside all day. Sent!
"Fantastic," Silvercat replied, "I can pick you up in about half an hour or so... I think... where do you live, exactly?"
Tim smirked, Silvercat might've been surprised to meet me yesterday and see I was actually a guy, but today will be even more of a surprise! He gave his address, adding, "Just park out front, I'll come out and meet you." Tim looked out the window and was glad to see that Mick's motorcycle was gone.
"So... What do you look like?" Silvercat inquired.
"You've read my @description, you know what I look like."
"Yeah, but what about IRL," Silvercat inquired. Tim grinned. He already knew Silvercat was asking what he looked like in real life. But his @description now matched that perfectly.
"You'll just have to see."
"I mean... Are you a girl? Because if you aren't, that's okay, we can still go hang out, I just want to prepare myself. Nothing wrong with saying what you look like, right? I mean, I'll find out soon enough."
"Exactly, you'll find out soon enough. Oh, I need to shower first, so give me an hour or so?" Tim typed, suddenly realizing.
"An hour? Heh, maybe you ARE a girl. Alright, see you then."
Tim logged off and pulled the robe on, thankful that Mick was gone. He hopped in the shower and grimaced at the strange sensation of having wet fur. He shampooed his furred body, ending up using far more shampoo than usual. He even had to shampoo his hair twice, as he wasn't used to it being so long and thick. He accidentally got shampoo in his ear, and THAT was unpleasant. Washing his TAIL was certainly different as well. Halfway through, the drain was clogged with fur, and he had to scoop it out.
He tried to dry off with a towel, but with little luck, getting wet fur all over the towel. Good thing Mick has a hairdryer, he thought, because I'm gonna need it. He plugged it in and after what seemed like forever, he got his new body dry. He looked at himself in the mirror and laughed! He was a giant ball of fuzz. A kinda sexy ball of fuzz. He rummaged through the drawers and found a brush (he usually only used a comb) and worked at getting his fluffy fur to behave. Just as he thought he had it mostly tamed, the front doorbell rang. Ack!
He ran to his room (not even bothering with the robe) and shouted, "Just a minute!" at the front door with his girly voice.
Out on the porch, Jeremy (Silvercat) grinned. The voice and tardiness clinched it, Tanda's a girl. You really never know with these online meetings. He listened to her scampering across the house, then he tried the front door. It was unlocked. As he opened it, he heard a door slam elsewhere in the house. He walked into the front room and took a seat on the couch.
In his room, Tim was panicking. He was certain he had heard the front door open, Mick must have left it unlocked. He took a deep breath and laughed a bit to himself, "Okay girl, we invited him, and it's not like he's a total stranger. Now to find some clothes... Oh." Tim froze. I'm going to need to make room for a tail, he thought.
In the front room, Jeremy lounged, looking at the magazines. Huh, no Cosmo or other fashion mags, he thought. Maybe she just wasn't a magazine reader. Motorcycle magazine? PC Now? Is that a Games Games Games mag over there? He wondered if any of those were hers.
Just as he was picking up the magazine to check the recipient, he heard a door down the hall open. Jeremy looked up just as she walked into the room wearing baggy green shorts rolled up with her tail poking out through a hole in the back, a tan tshirt tied at the waist, and blue sandals on her furry feet. He dropped the magazine and his jaw in stunned silence. She was exactly as her description said she was... but words could not compare to the reality. It had to be a costume, but... it looked too real, the way her tail swished behind her nervously. She bit her lip and he realized she was waiting for him to say something.
"You're... really a tiger girl," he fumbled with the words, "that can't be a costume."
Tanda smiled, looking a bit relieved. "No costume, it's real." She walked forward and swished her tail in front of Jeremy, "See? Feel it."
Jeremy grimaced, a little reluctant to touch the proffered tail, afraid it would break the illusion. He felt the fur, and could feel the sinewy muscle underneath, "It is... well, YOU are... real." He looked up at her, obviously confused.
Tim laughed to himself, smiling as he heard the giggle come out in his soft voice, "Well I'm glad you think so, I was beginning to worry I was the only one who did."
"How... is this possible?"
"Um. I'd really rather not talk about it right now."
Jeremy's mind was whirling with questions. "But you're..." he shook his head trying to think of what to say, but he could only stand up, scratch his head, and grin, "Um, you ready to go?"
Tanda nodded. They walked to the car.
"You know, I had you figured for a guy... but you sounded so troubled, I had to help. I'm glad I was wrong." Jeremy walked around his faded green Civic and opened the door for Tim.
At first, Tim didn't know what to say to that. He got in the car and adjusted his tail awkwardly. Then he grimaced, "Wait, what made you think I was a guy?"
"Well, the first time we... you know... well you seemed a bit too... naïve? About female anatomy." A red blush showed under Tim's cheekfur as Jeremy went around to the other side of the car.
As Jeremy sat down he suddenly had a strange expression, "Is Tanda your real name?"
Tim blinked, "Um. Yeah." Somehow it didn't even seem like a lie. After all, he... she... really was Tanda. Only the mind was Tim, and after all it was always the mind behind Tanda, right?
"Huh. Just an unusual name, that's all."
"Well I'm an unusual girl," she smiled and crossed her legs, noticing that for the first time it was actually comfortable to do so.
"There's no doubt about that." Jeremy looked at her blue eyes and soft fur. He just couldn't stop looking at her. "Um... so yeah, fun right? Nature or technology?"
"What? That's a strange question."
"Well, it determines where we go. Nature or technology?"
Tanda (he was really starting to think of himself as Tanda. After all, he'd been pretending to be Tanda for so long, it was so much easier to just BE Tanda.) smirked, "Alright then, nature."
"Crowded or secluded?"
Tanda eyed Jeremy, "Semi-secluded. Don't get any ideas, mister."
Jeremy laughed, "Fair enough." He started the engine and began driving.
"So where to, then?"
"You kept me hanging on your appearance, it's only fair I get my secrets."
"Alright." She looked out the window at the people they passed by. They were all humans. She wasn't one of them anymore, she thought wryly.
Jeremy snuck a glance at her during a red light. "You're driving me crazy, you know."
Tanda started, "Huh? What do you mean?"
"I've never before in my life met a real live actual furry... I hope you aren't offended by the word, it's the only one I've got... and it is all so unbelievable, but you're here and..." Jeremy shook his head in exasperation, "I don't understand how it's possible."
"Oh."
They sat a while listening to the car before Jeremy said, "I'm sorry, that was really down of me. I'll attempt to be more chipper." With a wide grin, he flicked on his CD player and the Beach Boys came on.
Tanda reached over and turned it off, "I should just tell you. After all, you of everyone I know would probably understand best. I mean, it's really why I accepted your offer of aid this morning," she took a deep breath and looked at him.
Jeremy looked at her for a moment then said, "Okay, hold on." He pulled over to the side of the road, turned to her and said, "You have my full attention."
She took another deep breath, then went right into it, "I haven't been totally truthful with you this morning. Last night before I fell asleep, and indeed every moment before then, my name was Tim Holton. Just an average human guy. This morning, all that had changed."
Comprehension dawned on Jeremy's face, "I'm glad I pulled over. Okay, I thought it was odd a sexy tiger girl would go online to play as herself. But that only explains half of it, you see."
"I know, I know. Believe it or not, that's the easy part to explain. All I know is I made a little wish last night, and woke up like this."
"You... just wished it? That's all?"
"Well, yeah. And now I'm going to have to put holes in the back of all my shorts."
"You seem rather resigned to being Tanda."
"Well, I did wish for it. It wasn't exactly against my will or anything."
"So you're saying you want to stay Tanda?"
"Are you offering me a choice? I wasn't aware I had one. But yes, I would love to stay like this."
"Well... ah, that explains why you couldn't go to work. What will you do?"
"If I knew that, I probably wouldn't need the distraction. No offense."
"None taken. Well that certainly clears the air. Any other confessions you need to make while we're stopped?"
"Nah, I'm good. You?"
Jeremy started up the car again and chuckled, "No, I think I'm okay for now." They drove for a while and then Jeremy said, "Still quite unbelievable, if I wasn't seeing with my own eyes..."
"Yeah."
They pulled into a small parking lot by the sea near 22nd street. Tanda laughed, "The beach, eh? The water in San Francisco's bit cold for swimming."
"Who said anything about swimming?" Jeremy got out of the car and was going around to the other side to open the door, but Tanda had already gotten out.
"Then what..." she began, then saw him coming around to open the door for her, "Oh. I didn't..."
"Chivalry isn't dead, but it may as well be."
"Sorry."
"Don't be, I just need to get faster at opening the door for you," he grinned, "Come on, let's walk."
The beach was relatively empty, just a few people out for a morning jog. A brisk wind swept over the greenish waves as they strolled along the beach. Tanda's fur ruffled in the wind, but she didn't really feel cold, though Jeremy zipped his windbreaker closed.
"People are staring at me," Tanda said quietly after a while.
"It's because you're beautiful."
"Oh, I doubt that."
"Well your doubts are unfortunate because you are very beautiful."
"Ha ha. I meant I doubt that's the reason they're staring."
"Well it is certainly part of the reason."
"The rest of the reason being they think I'm wearing a strange costume, and don't know why I would." She grimaced and looked down at her sand filled sandals, "Well these aren't helping." She kicked them off to the side of sandy trail and kept walking. The feel of the cool sand on her feet was wonderful.
Jeremy chuckled. "So you think they'll let you keep your job?"
"You kidding? I can't go back there like this."
"Well, you'll have to put some shoes on, that's for sure. But they couldn't turn you away, that's racial discrimination, right?"
"That aside, I doubt I could prove I was the same person. I certainly don't FEEL like the same person."
A little girl and her mother were coming up a side street towards the beach. The girl broke from her mother and ran up pointing, "Kitty!" The mother rushed forward and pulled the little girl away, telling her it's rude to point all the while glaring at Tanda.
Jeremy chuckled, "Well perhaps you could get work as a mascot."
"Like for an amusement park, or sports team? How embarrassing," she grimaced, "Besides, eventually someone would realize this is far too realistic for a suit."
She smirked at him slyly, then broke into a run down to the water, but stopped when the sand became damp.
Jeremy came jogging up a moment later, panting a bit. "Well that was unexpected."
"I feel so much more energetic. I... was something of a computer potato before."
Jeremy put his hands on his knees, taking short breaths, "You and me both. I'll have to get in shape before I can keep up with you."
She looked at him, "Well, you're no bodybuilder, that's for sure. But at least you've got a cute butt."
Jeremy turned to check himself, "Really? I always wondered." He paused and looked at her, "Wait, so you're gay?"
Tanda startled, "Now what does THAT mean?"
"Err.. I mean..." he furrowed his brow, "I guess that's not what I meant. Do you like guys or girls?"
Tanda frowned, "Let's take things one at a time, huh?"
"I'm sorry, I just keep thinking how before this morning, these past three years, you were a guy."
"I'd really rather you didn't. This is who I am now."
Jeremy nodded, "Uh-huh." He looked at her. He didn't know what Tim had looked like... But there was no trace of masculinity in her. She was sexy and feminine, and so very alluring. His mind drifted to last night's encounter as he looked at her.
They walked along the beach in silence for a while, Tanda looking out at the waves, Jeremy watching her, both lost in thought.
Thus distracted, they practically stumbled into a beachside campsite. Two teens huddled around a small campfire with half a sixpack of Coors. The first, a somewhat burly teen in jeans and a plaid jacket, stood up and ran his hand through his sandy hair, just a few feet from Tanda.
She startled, backing up a few feet.
"What's this?" The teen wiped beer from his mouth with a plaid sleeve and taunted, "I thought the zoo was across town?"
"Yeah," laughed the second, "See the sign? No pets." He stood up, a tall gangly youth, and gawked at Tanda contemptuously.
"Hey look, man," Jeremy said, "We're just going for a walk here."
The first teen gestured at Tanda with his beer can, "What's the costume for, freak?"
"Heh, I'd bet she'd look real hot without it," quipped the second teen, tossing a handful of sand at Tanda.
Jeremy stepped up to the second teen and snarled, "Back off!" The teen fell backwards into the sand with a drunken grunt.
"Alright, alright. You can keep your catgirl, we're just having some fun," said the first with an offhand wave.
Jeremy turned towards the first team, but Tanda put her hand on Jeremy's outstretched arm and whispered, "Let's just go." Jeremy nodded and they headed back down the beach, the occasional jeers of the teens drifting on the wind. Tanda sighed, brushing sand off as they walked.
Jeremy scowled, "Stupid punks."
"They're just kids. Drunk kids."
Jeremy smirked, "Should we call the cops? They're certainly not legal drinking age."
"No, let's just go."
Jeremy frowned, "You'd think that here of all places... isn't San Francisco supposed to be the most tolerant city in the world?"
Tanda grabbed her sandals as they walked back to the car, "Well, that was fun, all things considered."
Jeremy looked at his watch and grimaced, "I've gotta take you home, got some things that need doing."
"Yeah, maybe we can do this again sometime."
Tanda watched the trees whiz by as they drove. "Hey, thanks for uh... Y'know, defending me."
Jeremy smiled, "Yeah, no problem."
Tanda squirmed a bit in her seat, "Damp fur and sand is no fun."
"Yeah... Sorry about that. I didn't expect anything like that."
As they pulled up the street towards Tim's house, Tanda could see the motorcycle parked out front, "Uhoh," she said.
"What?" asked Jeremy, already looking worried. He parked across the street from house, looking out at it.
"Could we... I know you have to go, but... I just can't face my housemate right now."
"Ah. Think he'd get mad at you tracking in some sand?" Jeremy grinned.
Tanda glared at Jeremy.
He sighed, "Well this just isn't your lucky day. I uh, have to do some stuff at home and I suppose you could tag along. As long as that's not too secluded for you."
"I... I guess that's fine. I just... don't know what to do with myself now."
"Sorry about the mess," Jeremy grimaced, indicating the empty soda cans, various computer bits, food wrappers, and other detritus scattered about the small studio. The place was small, a couch and TV on one end, a cluttered table with several computers on and near it at the other, and a kitchen and bathroom beyond them.
"I could see why you'd want to get out of the house," she giggled, "...just what is it that you do, anyway?"
"Well, I'm a programmer... Today I'm technically on-call, or more specifically on-email," Jeremy flipped open his laptop on the kitchen table, "But I've been away a little too long, gotta check my email."
"Well that sounds rather droll. Cool that you can telecommute, though. I always wondered why you were online so much."
"Yeah, I like that part the best." Jeremy popped open his soda and squinted at his screen, "Oh boy, looks like I have a doozy, test found a server crash in my code. Um. Feel free to watch TV or raid the fridge, I gotta get some work done. This might take a while."
Tanda nodded, "You won't even know I'm here."
Jeremy didn't respond, he was already typing and clicking frantically, deep in his work with a furrowed brow.
"Just like that," she commented to herself as she flopped onto the couch with a yawn and stretch. She eyed the small pile of remotes on the cluttered coffee table with some distaste, then picked up a sudoku book lying on top of a stray keyboard. After doing several puzzles in pencil, she curled up for a nap on the couch.
"Done!" Jeremy closed his laptop triumphantly. He looked over to the couch where Tanda had went but didn't see her. Had she left? He didn't remember her saying anything. Wait, that's a tail dangling off the couch. He stood up, pushing the chair back, and saw her sprawled out on the couch, fast asleep. "Huh, well it's been about 5 hours."
He walked over to look at her. Her face, those lips, so perfect. She was more beautiful than he had ever imagined... Those three years of fantasy online, and here she was, real and in front of his eyes. He admired her gorgeous body and found himself getting quite turned on. He sat on the floor next to her and ran a finger along a stripe on her cheek.
Tanda stirred slightly and a soft purr began in her throat. Just like online, he thought. He lightly kissed her lips and touched her side, then slid a hand up under her shirt to feel her furred and braless breasts. They were incredible, and the fur so soft and pettable. He looked at her shorts and couldn't help but wonder if she was wearing anything underneath.
A shiver ran down her spine as his hand stroked her breasts, then down her furred stomach towards her... Tanda awoke with a start to find Jeremy nearly laying on top of her. Her shirt was pushed up above her breasts and her shorts were around her ankles.
"What are you doing?" Tanda protested, trying to squirm out from under his much larger body.
"You loved it online. Now I can give it to you in real life," Jeremy said, sliding his hand down to cup her feminine mound.
"No! Get off of me!" She tried to squeeze out from under him as he positioned himself on her, but couldn't escape.
"Isn't this the reason you made the wish? I can feel your flesh, it wants this. You want this."
She screamed, feeling something firm in his khakis prodding at her crotch. Tanda wrenched a hand free, intending to slap him, but felt with surprise as her claws ripped into his cheek.
Jeremy leapt back in pain, his hand to his face. He looked down, seeing blood on his fingers, "You freak! Look what you've done! I've loved you for three years and now this..."
Tanda rolled off the couch, scrambling on her knees with her shorts around her ankles.
Jeremy came up behind her, putting a hand on her still-bare backside, "I'm sorry, you were just so darned sexy laying there..."
Tanda whirled about hissing, "You don't get it. Back off if you want to stay a man!" She extended claws out on both hands and Jeremy took a few steps back and tripped over the coffee table. Tanda took that moment to pull her shorts up and run for the door.
"I'm sorry, come back! Tanda, you're my dream girl!" was Jeremy's plaintive cry, but Tanda was not listening. She slammed the door shut behind her and ran through the dark parking lot to the street. She pulled her shirt back down and ran along the streets, sobbing. She knew Silvercat had been rather amorous online, but... never expected anything like this. He was her best friend. She thought... Well this was not the price she intended to pay for friendship.
Not even a day as a girl and then this happens. Was she being unreasonable, seeing as she had so willingly submitted to him the night before? Online or in real life, did it matter? Could she blame him, could he have stopped himself? Maybe it was her own fault, maybe she should have worn long pants or slept under a blanket so as not to entice him. Had she wanted it herself? Before she had fully awoken, she WAS excited. She remembered the thrill as he touched her breasts, and a deep shame came over her. Was that the reason she had made this wish? For pleasure, for seduction? Was she now an unwitting temptress? Is that why Mick reacted so strongly to her? She didn't have answers, no answers. Only questions that tortured her mind with guilt and rage.
She wandered the streets, thankful it was evening. At least if she stayed out of the lights, less people stared. Eventually some landmarks became familiar. She was pretty close to the college campus. Maybe Christine? Christine was Tim's sister, and they hadn't talked much lately. But when they were younger they had been close. And she knew he was online as Tanda, if only she would believe before she called the cops.
"Who's there?" came the voice from within.
"Christine! It's me. Tim." Tanda felt a little strange saying that. "Please let me in... I don't know what to do."
"You sure don't sound like Tim," Christine said as she cracked the door a little. She looked out and saw Tanda in the dim porch light, "Huh. Nice costume, just like those drawings in that silly book you bought. You getting ready for that convention?"
"Um... can I come in? I need your help."
Christine sighed and shrugged, "Yeah sure, whatever. It's not like I need to study or anthing..." She opened the door all the way and froze as Tanda stepped in. "Wow. That's an amazing costume. How the heck do you look so... short?"
Tanda closed the door, "Is it just you here today?"
Christine walked around Tanda, looking her up and down, "Yeah, the roomies went clubbing. Where'd you hide the zipper?"
Suddenly a feral hissing came from under the television stand and claws swiped at Tanda's bare feet. Tanda leapt back, nearly knocking a picture frame off the wall.
Christine laughed, "Bonnie, be nice, he's not here to replace you." The cat continued hissing and growling and Christine frowned, "Alrighty, I'm sticking you in the bathroom." She scooped up Bonnie expertly and tossed her through a small door, quickly shutting it as claws skittered across tile. She turned back to Tanda again, "So... did you make the costume or... Oh my god, your tail swishes!"
Tanda flopped down on the sofa, "That ain't the half of it."
"So you're saying you just wished it, and poof you're a furry sex fantasy?"
Tanda winced, "Please be tame, I've had a rough night."
"Oh?" Christine raised an eyebrow and looked Tanda over, "Oooh." She sat up and grinned, "Boy troubles already? You sly girl."
Tanda frowned, visibly pained.
"Sorry... you remember what the shrink said: 'resorts to humor when things go awry.' Thanks mister, how much do I owe you for THAT one?"
"I... didn't know what to do, I thought it might be nice to meet with a friend from online, you know, a fellow furry and all. I fell asleep on his couch, and before you know it..." She raised her hands, unable to finish her sentence.
"Say no more, kemosabe. Men are walking erections. But just because you're sexy doesn't give him an excuse not to control himself." She looked thoughtful, then smiled, "Huh, that's funny."
"What?"
"I guess I kinda always wanted a younger sister, someone I could... Say... would you like to go clothes shopping?"
"What about studying?"
"It is the panacea to your pain! Besides, I have an older sister at long last. I think celebration is in order."
"Looking like this?" Tanda gestured at her furred body and held out her tail.
"Too true. That shirt and shorts combo will not do. Looks like you raided a thrift store and left your taste at home. Maybe Jaz has something your size." She grabbed Tanda's hand and started upstairs.
"We're just gonna raid her closet?"
"Why not? She raids my chocolate stash all the time." She stepped into her roommate's closet and flicked on the light, "So what happened? He tried to jump you..."
"Well, I got away before he could do anything. Left him something to remember me by," Tanda said somewhat absently, looking at her fingers as she extended and retracted her claws.
Christine peeked out, "Something to... Oh wow, those would leave a mark. If every girl came equipped with those, half the males in the world would be eunuchs."
"I don't know, maybe I was too harsh on him."
"What'd they put in your Cheerios? He tried to jump you while you were sleeping. If that doesn't make him scum, I don't know what does." She paused. "Aha. This skirt is perfect." Christine held out a short flared dark blue skirt with white embroidery on it, "Huh, wonder why I've never seen Jaz wear it. Well, try it on, it should be about your size." She tossed the skirt to Tanda, who caught it clumsily.
Tanda stood there looking blankly at the skirt. She blushed, "I've never... worn anything like this."
"Well thank the maker for small favors. What? You're telling me you don't even know how to put it on?"
Tanda nodded.
"Well, first thing you'll have to do is take off those ridiculous shorts."
Tanda blushed, then struggled to take them off, her tail getting caught in the tail-hole she had hastily cut that morning. When she finally managed, Christine stared at Tanda's half naked form. Tanda caught the look and covered up self-consciously. "What?"
"Sorry... I guess I didn't really believe you until just now. I half expected to see a misshapen lump hidden under an uncomfortable zipper down there."
"Oh."
"Huh. I guess you'll need some undies too." Christine rummaged through some drawers. "Pink? Red? Black? Ooooh, leopard spots."
"Just something simple she won't miss. I am not terribly comfortable stealing your roomie's panties."
"You wouldn't fit in mine, you're like a toothpick. Besides, she'll never notice. I'll stick them back in her laundry after our shopping trip."
"With bits of white and black fur on them?"
"Bonnie likes to sleep in the laundry baskets." Christine tossed Tanda a pair of white undies. "How 'bout these, she's got a ton of 'em."
Tanda hiked them up her legs, they fit snugly, except for her tail poking over the back. "Hey, these are better than boxers or briefs." She smoothed down her leg fur, then posed with her hands on her hips.
"Great, you've got a career as a lingere model. Get that skirt on, I'll see if I can find a top. Ah, and a bra."
"Bra?"
"Yeah, you don't just let them dangle like that. It can hurt, they're distracting, and eventually they'll droop. A good bra is a girl's best friend."
Tanda had just managed to squeeze into the skirt with her tail tucked inside when the bra landed on her head. "Um. Thanks." She slipped off the tshirt and got tangled in bra straps.
"Yeah, turn around. I can get that." Christine deftly adjusted the bra and buckled it. "How's that feel?"
"Super. So that's what that ache was."
"Yeah, here's a top. Let's go. Did you bring your car?" Christine scooped up the tshirt and shorts and tossed them into her room.
Tanda frowned.
"Just as well, you might not even reach the pedals anymore. We'll have to make do with the bug."
"Oh! My wallet..." Tanda fished in her shorts pockets for her keys and wallet. She looked down at the skirt and top and grimaced, "Ummm, where are the pockets?"
"Pockets? Silly, girls don't get pockets. They get purses. Pockets lead to lumps. And as we know, lumps are what men have, not us gals." Christine looked about, "I think I have one of my old purses still, you can borrow that. We'll just have to get you your own." Christine looked in her closet and pulled out a red shiny leather purse, "Ah. This should match." She tossed it to Tanda, then slung her own purse over her shoulder and led the way.
Christine looked over at Tim as she stopped at the light. Tim had never really been a macho guy, being a girl seemed to suit him somehow. She looked at her shaplely form dimly outlined by the streetlights, and then the light turned green.
"I must say, you didn't think your wish through very well didja?" Christine chuckled a little as they pulled into the parking lot.
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"Well, it's not like you can be a normal member of society. Sure you're a girl, nothing wrong with that. But ummm, the fur and tail kinda make you stand out, to say the least."
"Not to mention needing to cut holes in all my clothes. My tail doesn't fit well in this skirt." Tanda grimaced, then started, "Hey. You said something about a convention?"
"Did I?" Christine cocked her head as they parked and got out of the car. "Oh right. That. Turns out there's a few furries in my biology class," she chuckled at the look of astonishment on Tanda's face, "...not real ones, Tim, just those obsessed with your current condition. Anyhow, they were talking about an upcoming furry convention in the area." She paused a moment, "You should go to it."
"Well, maybe at least there I'd blend in." Tanda nearly whispered to Christine as various people in the department store stared at her.
Christine chuckled, "Doubt you'd ever really blend in, but at least you wouldn't be so out of place there. Ah here, let's get you some unders."
"I'm not sure I'd want to go by myself, I wouldn't want another encounter like today." Tanda frowned, a little embarrassed standing among all the girly underwear while passerbys stared at her.
"Don't worry, none of it will bite you. No grandma panties for you, your tail wouldn't fit. Ah, over here. Is there someone else you know from fairymud?"
"FurryMUCK. What would be the point? Like you said, all men are walking hard-ons." She blushed a little as she noticed a mother and daughter that were picking out clothes nearby leave hurriedly.
"Well maybe not ALL men, but I see your concern... These should be the right size, is red okay?" She tossed them to Tanda, "You know any girls on there?"
Tanda caught them gingerly and chuckled. "Plenty, but are any female in Real Life? Yeah, these are cute."
Christine raised an eyebrow, "Well SOME have got to be. Oh, my friend from German class is... Hey, why don't you go with her? She's going. I'll let her know your predicament."
"What, that I'm every male furry's sex fantasy?"
"No, not that. The part where you're worried about accidentally meeting up with a certain obsessive and abusive aquaintance."
"Ah."
"Now, let's see if we can find you a dress..."
After stopping by Christine's place so Tanda could change out of Jaz's clothes and into some of her own, Christine offered Tanda a ride home.
Once in the car, Tanda looked at the heap of clothes covering her feet to her seatbelt under the dim light from the stoplight and smiled in spite of herself. "Thanks for taking me shopping. I admit, that was fun."
"Yeah, no problem. It was enlightening."
"Hm? How so?"
"Well, I didn't expect you to enjoy picking out dresses so much. We got what, five dresses? And only a few pairs of pants and shirts?"
"Well, they don't cinch my tail as much, though I guess I'll still have to make a few alterations."
"Uh-huh." Christine snuck a glace at her brother's new form while they stopped at a red light. She paused a moment, then grinned. "That and just watching peoples' reactions. I've never seen a department clear out so fast. And the look on the checkout lady's face when I told her it was your husband's credit card? Priceless."
"Yeah, sorry." Tanda sighed sadly. "When I went to the beach, the reaction wasn't much better."
"Tim? What's the name I should tell Kira to watch for online? I forget."
"Tanda," She smiled, "And if you don't mind... I'd like it if you called me Tanda from now on."
"Oh?. You think it's totally permanent, then?"
"I have no reason to think otherwise. Besides, why'd I buy this much clothing if I didn't? In any case, my wish didn't have a specified expiration date."
"Boy, your boss will have a surprise when you go in for work."
"Excuse me?"
"What, you think just because you got your wish that your rent will pay itself? That your credit card company will foot the bill for all those dresses?"
Tanda was silent.
"Like I said, you didn't think your wish through very well." Christine was serious.
"They're not just going to believe I'm Tim like this."
"Well, obviously you aren't Tim. You're Tanda, just like you wanted." Christine sounded a little annoyed.
"Hey, I thought you were happy for me."
"Well, I had to cheer you up somehow. But really, it's just like you to make a rash decision without considering how it might affect you or anyone else."
Tanda was silent.
"Remember when you dropped out of college? You left me as the only one in the family who might finish and you wasted all that money mom and dad had been paying. And now you're stuck doing lame dead-end jobs like the... Whatever it is you do."
"Well I'm not stuck there anymore, there's no way I can go back to work now."
"Actually, I don't know about that. Talk to your HR or something."
"You think I'll be able to keep my job?" Tanda didn't sound very hopeful.
"Heck if I know. But trying to keep it has gotta be easier than trying to find a new one. Tell them you got some body work done over the holidays. That it's just side effects from your estrogen treatment. Make up a new disease." She grinned a little.
Tanda giggled, "I like the third option. Tigergirlitis, I think they call it. Rapid onset..."
"...Makes you feel hot." Christine giggled too. "Yeah, they'll believe that one. Boy, you're lucky the holidays are just over, could you imagine dad's face if you'd shown up like this for Christmas?"
Tanda was quiet again. "Well... Maybe it's best we don't tell mom and dad."
"What, and make them think you dropped off the face of the earth? Does that mean I get the honor of lying for you?"
"I don't know..."
"Don't worry, I'm not gonna tell them. But you'll have to, sooner or later. Just like you can't keep running from work. At least not if you think this is permanent."
"Yeah." Tanda stared very intently at her feet. She wriggled her toes. "Well, I guess I can email Wendy, she's the head of HR. Maybe we can figure something out."
"Yeah. Well, hey we're here." Christine pulled up behind Mick's motorcycle. "Just don't be a stranger. I'm glad you popped by tonight."
"Yeah, and I got another lecture."
"You deserved it. And you got some new shoes and stuff. Focus on the positive. I just hope some of my lecture sunk in."
Tanda nodded, "Well thanks anyway. See you around."
"I hope so. Good luck, Tanda."
Tanda smiled as Christine used her name and then picked up her pile of clothes. It's pretty late at night, she thought, and it looks like Mick's light is out. Huzzah.
She climbed up the stairs to the front door, got out her keys from her new purse, then turned and waved to Christine as the blue VW Beetle pulled away. She opened the door carefully so as to not make any sound. The floor creaked as she crept towards her room.
She stopped. There was something in front of the door, but she couldn't tell what in the darkness. She reached over it and somehow opened the door and flicked on the light. It was two dozen red roses in a vase. Tanda was stunned, and nearly dropped her bundle. She scooted them out of the way with her foot and plopped her new clothes on the bed. She came back and picked up the vase, noticing now the small pink teddy bear next to it. She scooped that up and brought it all into her room and locked the door.
Who could they be from? She set the roses next to her computer and picked up the card nestled in them.
To: T.
I'm very sorry about what I did today.
I was a total jerk. Please forgive me.
-J.W.
She threw the note in the trash, growling. She picked up the little pink bear and tore it to shreds with her claws before throwing it away. Pompous ass, she thought, thinks he can buy sex from me? She thought back to their meetings online, and how quickly it had turned to sex. Heck, they hardly ever spent time together doing anything else. She sighed. Of course she was the one who suggested she go with him, but he should have KNOWN it was because she couldn't go home. She ripped the petals off the roses and threw them all away, then flopped on her bed sobbing.
When she woke up, light was streaming through the blinds into her face. She brought her hands to her face, looking at her furred fingers in the golden light. It wasn't a dream, it was all real. She smiled.
She sat up. She smoothed out the now-rumpled dress she had picked out the night before. It was light blue with short sleeves and went down to her ankles. She had fallen in love with way dresses swished about her feet. Sure they were more comfortable for her tail than pants, but she was still going to cut tail holes in both the dresses and pants anyway. No, the real reason she'd picked them was the swishing.
Then she saw the vase still sitting there and she grimaced at it. She intentionally toppled the flower vase into the trashcan and sighed as she heard the water sloosh out. Well, at least the can is waterproof. I'll deal with it later, she thought.
She thought about work. Well, it's not like I spend all that much time interacting with other coworkers, she thought, I'll just be that curiosity: the tiger in filing. Sure, she'd likely get strange looks and people would avoid her, but... nobody really ever paid attention to her before, so the only difference would be the strange looks.
But wasn't Tanda supposed to be witty? Social? Outgoing? Wasn't that the reason she'd made the wish? She sighed. People still don't want to talk to her, they dodge out of her way. Well, other than Silvercat. And Christine. And those drunk teens. And the little girl at the beach. That was certainly more people than Tim usually talked to in a typical day. Yesterday had not been a typical day.
She booted up her computer and looked through her pile of clothes. Six dresses (she got two of one in particular she liked a lot while Christine wasn't looking), two pairs of jeans, a few shirts (errr... blouses!), a couple more bras, some undies, and four pairs of shoes. It had cost a bundle, but it really wasn't all that much clothing. Just the seed of wardrobe. Not much of her old clothes would fit now. She expected she'd have to eventually get jackets in her size too, but for now she can just "swim" in her giant jackets.
She logged in and was glad to see she had logged out of her IM before shutting down yesterday. She did not want to deal with Silvercat. She logged into her work email and began writing an email to Wendy Iverson.
Wendy, This is Tim Holton from Document Services.
She paused, unsure how to continue. She was rather hated using the name Tim now, but what else could she do? Maybe it'd be easier to discuss in person.
I've undergone some physical therapy that has changed my appearance. I would like to continue working at SmithCo, but I am concerned about the reaction of fellow co-workers. Can we meet to discuss this issue?
She sent the email, nervous about what it could mean. I could get fired, she thought. Well, maybe that wouldn't be horrible. She did have a little money saved up. But not enough to last more than a few months. Or she could get to keep her job. She realized that particular possibility scared her a bit. What would be so bad? Because it was the same old thing?
All she could do now was await a response. Now to meet ... what was her name? Kira. She logged onto FurryMUCK, smiling at seeing the familiar screen. She added Kira to her watchfor list, only to find that was not a valid name. Was Kira her Real Life name? Then what was her furry name? Uh oh, Silvercat's online. What was the command? Oh yeah... "watchfor #hidefrom Silvercat". That should do it, presuming she didn't accidentally bump into him.
She waited in a non-public area to avoid any possibility of bumping into Silvercat, and hoping Kira would pop on and contact her. Yaz, one of her good friends, paged her and they had a nice chat while she waited. Then an email came from Wendy.
Tim, Why don't we chat in the Pine conference room over lunch? I'll meet you at the receptionist's desk at noon today. Let me know if that works for you. -Wendy Iverson, HR Manager
Noon? That gave her three hours to get there, no problem. Tanda sent an assenting email, then told Yaz she had to go get ready for work. Time enough for another shower and a late breakfast.
Tanda parked her little Geo in the far end of the parking lot, a little nervous. She had gotten a few doubletakes from other drivers at red lights, followed by incredulous stares. She unbuckled her seatbelt and sighed, here goes. She smoothed out her red dress as she got out of the car. This dress felt the most business-like.
As she walked across the parking lot, she couldn't help but feel like the large building in front of her was the enemy fortress. She laughed, it's just a meeting with HR. You've already been through worse, she thought, don't panic now.
She got to the reception area with only a couple stares from early lunchgoers. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad, she thought. At least none of them are drunk teens. A tall woman with red hair and wearing a stiff green business suit stood up from one of the reception chairs with a bewildered look.
Tanda smiled inwardly as she proffered a hand, "Wendy, right?"
Wendy squinted at Tanda, like she was trying to pierce an illusion, "That's me. And you are?"
"Call me Tanda, please. I emailed you this morning."
"Um, you mean..." Wendy paused as something dawned on her, "Well, let's get to the conference room first."
Tanda nodded. The receptionist, a small asian woman, watched all this in total puzzlement.
Wendy led the way through cube farms to the conference room. Faces peeked over cube walls, staring at the pair. Wendy and Tanda walked in silence.
"Aren't I covered by the Equal Employment Opportunity Act?"
"Well yes, California law allows for you to change your gender and keep your job, but..." Wendy paused uncomfortably.
"What?"
"I think you've taken your furry obsession to an unhealthy extreme."
"You don't understand, this is who I am."
"Wearing the costume to work creates an abnormal distraction. Surely you saw the attention it created on our walk here. You will have to take it off for work."
"No, I really mean it. I can't, it's impossible."
"Are you currently in counseling?"
"What are you talking about?"
Wendy stared for a moment, "I'd like to set up an appointment for you with a counselor."
"What, like a shrink?"
"He's a psychiatrist. He's very good at talking people through possibilities and I think a session with him would be very helpful, help you work through any issues you have."
"You think I'm crazy?" Tanda stood up angrily, "Look at this tail. This is NOT a costume. See these teeth? Go ahead, have a tug on my ears."
Wendy shrunk back, "Please... don't come closer!"
"I'm REAL. This," She gestured at herself, "Is what I am," She put out a hand and demonstrated extending and retracting her claws, "See? Sure, someone might be able to do that with animatronics... but not on my salary."
"If you are looking for more compensation, this is not an effective way to get it." Wendy had backed her chair up all the way to the wall.
Tanda looked down at the cowering woman and sighed. She sat back down, "I'm not looking for more pay. Just your understanding."
Wendy looked confused and frightened, unsure what to say to that.
Tanda grimaced in annoyance. She obviously wasn't getting through to this woman. "Fine. Set up an appointment. Good thing I've saved up so many sick days."
"That's hilarious. I bet she pissed herself," Christine's voice laughed through the line.
Tanda giggled, switching the phone to the other ear, "Yeah, maybe. But now I have a shrink appointment. It's all your fault. You made me try and keep my job."
"What? Aw, come on. A little time with a shrink will probably do you good."
"Yeah, right."
"Hey, I gotta get to class. Good luck with the therapist." Christine stifled her mirth.
"Hey, wait. I tried to contact Kira online, but that's the wrong name. What's her online name?"
"Huh? I thought that was it. Huh, I guess Kira's her real name, then. I'll ask her, she's in my next class."
"Yeah, alright. Get to class."
"Right. Seeya." *click*
Tanda put the phone down. Well, perhaps Kira was on, whatever her character name was. She logged in and went to The Jive Pony, a low-key hangout she'd never seen Silvercat at. She visited with a few furs she hadn't spoken to in a while when she got a message.
Kirofox paged, "Hey there. How are you?"
Huh. Who was Kirofox? Kira's character? She tried using the whospecies command in hopes it might yield some clues.
Name Sex Species Kirofox male Foxish
That was odd. Maybe that's why Christine didn't know Kira's online name. Kira played a male character.
Tanda paged, "I'm pretty good, all things considered. Thought you had class
right now."
Kirofox paged, "What, me? Not for a few more hours yet."
Tanda paged, "Whatcha upto, then?"
Kirofox paged, "Nothing. Just looking for you, really. Killing time before
class."
Tanda paged, "Mind if I join you?"
Kirofox paged, "Come on by."
Kirofox sent her a summons, she waved to the few folks at The Jive Pony and accepted the summons.
