AN A LITTLE NOTHING /COONAVERSE CROSSOVER
Legal Notice: This story is Copyright © 2007-2009 by Tigermark. This story may not be sold or used for commercial profit in any way, shape, form or fashion. This story may not be modified in any way. This story may not be posted on a mirror site or any other Internet site without the written permission of the author. This story may not be distributed on print, magnetic, electrical or optical mediums or any other mediums yet to be discovered. Characters are not to be used without obtaining author’s permission. This story is a fan fiction of Joe Martelle’s Open Season, and Chuck Percy’s Change of Season, and every attempt is made for it, with the authors’ permission, to be canon to those stories and the Coonaverse.
Rick Coona, Kelso (Kel) Amanda Vixxen Ujinkhan, Max Badger, Kath Badger, Kacy Kelso Coona, Richard Randolph Coona, Gwen Smith (Harcourt-Smythe) Coona, Jo-Ann Procyon, Dr. Charles Procyon, Straga Nona, Mike Ferretti, Cassandra Bhunny Ferretti, Panda Phil, Bruno and Flit the Air Elemental are Copyright Joe Martelle.
Kassir Ujinkhan, Lynne Smyth, Marie Cassini, Richard Kassir Charles Procyon and Kelso Gwenwyfar Procyon © Chuck Percy
Tigermark M’Rega © his player. Tammy Lynx (TL), Rachel, and Brianna M’Rega © Tigermark. Aslaug Larsdater and Aramis Dagaz © their players. Joe Latrans © Silver Coyote. Tani the kitsuné angel, The Amigos, and the Scruffy Squad © the ALN writing team.
All other characters not credited here were created for this story and are © Tigermark
Any resemblance to persons furry, non furry living, dead or undead is purely coincidental.
Chapter 12
Epilogue
Early in the morning after the banishment circle, Gwen was up, getting ready for work. Rick was still sleeping, getting his schedule reset for work later at Open Season. Kass and Kel had already left for their home on base, but they’d promised to check in later. The kits would be up soon, and Gwen and Jo-Ann would get them ready for day care. Except for the sleeping tiger and skunkette in the other rooms, life at Casa Coona North was on the way to returning to its regular routine.
Gwen was still concerned about Flit, the air elemental that had saved the kidnapped children from the demon’s clutches. She was almost afraid to summon the little ball of energy, but if she hadn’t heard anything by mid-morning, she would.
The skunkette moved to the kitchen to get some coffee going and warm up the breakfast Kass had prepared. She was about to eat when Lynne padded in.
“Good morning, Gwen. Breakfast smells good.”
“Well, good morning to you, too. I didn’t expect you up so early. Breakfast is courtesy of Kass.”
Lynne warmed her plate up in the microwave and got a cup of coffee before sitting down at the table with Gwen.
“Actually, I wanted to talk a little about, well, what happened and how I should go about training for the job I took on. Tigermark said he wished he could stay and train me, but he’d likely disappear back to his home after the demon was gone. He said you and Kass would probably be my best trainers. I think I’ve got a lot to learn, both with magick and with physical combat.”
Gwen thought for several moments, and then finally gave a nod. “I think he’s right. If you’re going to be a paladin, I’d think you should be able to handle both arcane and mundane threats. Kass can certainly teach you about the physical stuff, if you’re not of a mind to enter the military and get training that way.”
Lynne shook her head. “I thought about that, but I get the feeling that would restrict me too much. If I’m going to be a paladin, I think I’ll have to be available when I’m needed, not when the government can spare me. I’m not even sure if I’ll be able to keep working at the job I have.”
Gwen smiled warmly. “Oh, I think I can convince your employer to be flexible with your schedule, since I’m his employer.”
The two shared a laugh at that, and Lynne felt better. A thought struck Gwen, and she asked the question without delay.
“What say we get everyone together this evening at Open Season? Tigermark included, if he hasn’t vanished back to his home before then.”
“Oh that’s a great idea! I think we could all use some fun after all that’s happened,” Lynne enthused.
“Good. Now I’ve got to get going. Help me with the kits? You can tell Rick and ask Tigermark when they wake up.”
Gwen stood up and took her plate and cup to the sink, with Lynne finishing her coffee on the way to do the same. Together they went to join Jo-Ann in getting the children dressed for the day.
# # #
Tigermark awoke feeling very hungover. Considering how long he’d used Soul Fire this time, he didn’t consider that unusual. The divine power God allowed him to channel always had physical consequences. The tiger marveled, as much as one could with a roaring headache and more aches in every joint and muscle, at the power he was given to wield. Soul Fire, as he called it, could be as destructive as an atomic bomb, or as precise as a surgeon’s scalpel. It could pluck a bad guy out from a pile of innocents and not singe a hair on any of their fur. He’d noticed that each time he was given it; he could withstand the physical strain better and for longer periods of time, and control it more precisely. The first few times, he’d been merely a conduit, like Lynne with the lightning and the grizzly. The last few, he’d felt more freedom to choose when, where, and how it was used. Still, he had no doubts about who was in control of it.
Needing to use the bathroom, TM rolled out of bed. As was almost expected by now, his clothing had been removed and neatly folded on the chair by the bed. He grabbed a robe, since he didn’t know for sure what time it was and if the kits were about. He’d just about gotten to the door when Tani appeared in his path. He stopped short, surprised to see the kitsuné angel, and relieved to see that she was dressed this time.
“Hi Tani glad to see you hang on I’ll be right back,” Tigermark said hastily as he walked quickly around her. The vixen gave a “humpf” as the door closed behind him. In a few minutes he returned, looking much less frantic.
“Sorry, bathroom. Now, are we done? Is it time to go?”
Tani looked at him with a mixture of mischief and speculation. “Why, in a hurry to leave your girlfriend?”
Now Tigermark looked very cross, causing Tani to take a step back. “Whoa, just kidding, okay? Really though, you look literally like you’ve been to Hell and back. The Boss says you can rest a bit before we go. TL would have my tails if I brought you home looking like this.”
Tigermark took a deep breath and let it out. What the angel said was probably true, and he did still feel very tired. With a nod he conceded the point.
“Okay, so I could use some rest. Any idea how long?”
“Oh, it won’t be too long. The Boss just wants you to rest and relax a little, not take up residence. I’ll come get you when it’s time. Oh, you’ll be glad to know the demon Specaurious arrived back in Hell with great hoopla and commotion. He’s been sent to the lowest, farthest reaches of the place, and given a new nickname. I think ‘Stinkaurious’ fits him quite well.”
With that, Tani faded out and disappeared. Tigermark laughed to himself, and then padded to the kitchen, his stomach reminding him that he hadn’t eaten since dinner the previous evening. Rick and Lynne were there enjoying what they said was a late lunch.
“Hey, Tiger, glad to see you’re up and about. Help yourself, there’s fruit and sandwich fixings in the fridge, and juice or coffee to drink,” Rick said with a sweeping motion of his paw in the general direction of the refrigerator.
Lynne smiled warmly and added, “I’m glad you’re alright. I thought we might have to give you the Kel and Lynne special again.”
Tigermark felt himself blush furiously at the memory of awakening in their tender care before, causing both Rick and Lynne to laugh heartily. While they got themselves settled back down, TM assembled his lunch and then joined them at the table.
“So, what’s going on, other than watching a white tiger turn red?”
“Rick’s puttering around here analyzing everything we learned about dealing with a demon, and I’m trying to get my head around my new vocation. Oh, and Gwen and I decided it would be fun if everyone got together tonight at Open Season, the club Rick work’s in. That includes you if you’re still here.”
Lynne had a hopeful expression on her face. Rick just smiled and gave a shrug. Tigermark was about to explain that he didn’t drink when a voice that seemed to come from everywhere chimed in.
“Oh do go, TM. Remember, R&R!”
“Ah, thanks Tani. Glad to see I have your permission,” TM replied in a mildly sarcastic tone. His grin belied any real anger, though. He returned his attention to Rick and Lynne.
“Sure, I’ll come along. I don’t drink, but if you have something non-alcoholic, that’d be fine. Say, do you have a band there?”
Rick grinned broadly. “Three nights a week. Tonight though, I think it’s just a D.J. and an 80’s dance party.
“Sounds like a plan, then,” TM responded with a grin of his own.
# # #
Gwen was busy in her office, slogging through another round of reports and proposals. She’d taken a day off when the attack by the Brethren seemed imminent, and now she was playing catch-up. She’d had lunch sent in so she could keep at it, but she suddenly realized she’d let time get away from her. She had intended to call Flit to make sure the air elemental was alright by midday, but she’d been so busy she’d almost forgotten.
She stood up and went to lock her door, just in case. She didn’t need someone walking in and seeing a little glowing ball bouncing about or having a conversation with her. With the door locked, she prepared to summon the elemental. Before she could, there was a slight “pop” from the middle of the room and Flit appeared. The little azure sphere didn’t seem to glow and spark quite as bright as before, which caused Gwen some concern.
“There you are,” she chided half-heartedly. “Are you alright? Where have you been, Flit?”
The sighing voice of the elemental, like a breeze through leaves, sounded tired. “Doing what was commanded. Tiger said to check on kits, and defend them if needed. It was needed.”
Gwen managed a smile. Elementals took every request and command very literally.
“Very good, Flit. Jo-Ann told me about one that ran afoul of your protection. Why so long in returning? The danger to the kits was over yesterday.”
“Made sure kits home safe, then rested. Bad demon. Very strong. Had to knock down boxes or that would have been the end of kits and Flit.”
Gwen “oh’d” and then smiled as she made a dismissive gesture. “I’m glad you’re alright. Go now and rest, but be ready and able to assist me when I call upon you again.”
The little sphere bobbled up and down, still rather lethargically, and then disappeared. Gwen sat back down and let out a long sigh. The situation had been potentially very costly to her and all the Coona clan. What would they have done if Tigermark hadn’t shown up when he did? She didn’t want to think about that, and said a heartfelt thank you that he had been there. She looked down at the paperwork still waiting for her, and then made a face.
“Screw this! I’m going to go see the kits down in daycare.”
Without a second thought, Gwen stood up and left her office, feeling a strong desire to spend a little time with her children.
# # #
Tigermark had gone back to bed for a while after lunch, but now he was up and getting dressed for the evening. He hadn’t packed anything dressy, but Rick assured him a pair of black dockers and a white polo shirt was fine for the Open Season. He walked out into the living room just as Gwen returned home from work with the kits in tow. A large ruckus ensued as Rick and Lynne greeted them. After that, Lynne and Gwen began ushering the kits off to get comfortable. Kath Badger was coming by to watch them while the adults were gone, so since they didn’t have to go back out it wasn’t surprising the little ones wanted out of the restrictions of clothing as soon as possible. Little Kacy held back a bit, catching Tigermark’s attention. He knelt down, and she practically flew into his arms for a hug.
“Mister Murrega, you didn’t stay in our room last night, an I was scared. I wanted to see ya this morning, but Mama said you had a big night an needed ta rest. I’m glad you’re okay.”
Tigermark held her tight for a moment more, so she wouldn’t see the tear in his eye. He was just able to keep a catch out of his voice.
“Kacy, it’s alright. The reason I was staying in your room was to keep you safe, and now what was threatening you is gone. I’m gonna miss you, y’know?”
Kacy gave his neck a last squeeze. “I’m gonna miss you, too. How long before ya gotta go ‘way?”
“Not long, little one. Not long.”
“Ah, ‘k. Can ya tell me one more story before ya go?”
“I think I can do that,” Tigermark said as he let the little raccoon-skunk go. She scampered away yelling, “Yah! Mister Murrega’s gonna tell us a story!”
In short order he was sitting in a chair in the living room, surrounded by the Coona clan kits. He began a story as Rick, Gwen, Lynne, and Jo-Ann, who’d just arrived home, grinned to themselves. Who knew a paladin could be a great kit-sitter while the rest of them got ready? Rick made his goodbyes as he was ready to leave for work. The femmes slipped away to the back rooms to get dressed and ready to go.
# # #
Open Season was already starting to fill up when the group arrived. Rick, of course, was already at work at his job as shot slinger. Mike Ferretti was his co-bartender, and Kelso was waitressing as she still did from time to time. Max Badger, the owner, liked to say that he had the only gold medal waitress in town, referring to her gold medals from the previous summer’s Olympics.
Gwen led the way as she, Jo-Ann, Lynne, and Tigermark walked in the door. TM felt very underdressed and outclassed by the three incredibly lovely ladies he was with. Seeing them all naked was passé now, but seeing them in the dresses they were wearing was a sight to behold! Bruno, the large grizzly who served as the club’s bouncer, met them as they entered.
“Wal, halloo ladies! My doncha all look grand. Who’s dis with youz?”
To Tigermark’s surprise, all three femmes grabbed hold of him, laughing uproariously. Gwen managed to answer the grizzly’s question.
“Bruno, this is Tigermark. He’s been staying at CCN and helping us with some security work. The job is finished so we’re out to celebrate!”
Bruno looked the tiger up and down, and then offered his paw. “Any friend o’ da Coonas is welcome. Nice ta meetcha.”
Tigermark shook the offered paw. The grip was friendly and not overbearing. “Likewise, Bruno. With you on the job, I doubt there’s ever much trouble here.”
Bruno nodded decisively. “Got dat right. Kass has a table for youz over dat way.”
They thanked Bruno and made their way over to where Kass was sitting. Max Badger walked up to his bouncer and asked who the stranger with the Coona crew was.
“Hi Boss. Dey said his name was Tigermark. Did some security work for Gwen or somethin’. I tell ya, he seems easygoing enough. Good t’ing, too. I wouldn’t want ta try and throw him outta here. I’ve seen his type before, in da service. Don’t look like much, but from da scars I saw, he’s a tough so-and-so.”
“Well, I suppose I had best go meet him. Wouldn’t want him mad at me,” Max replied with a wink. As he made his way toward Kass’ table, the femmes ushered the tiger over to the bar where Rick was at work.
“Hi Rick,” Gwen called as they piled onto a set of empty barstools.
Rick looked over from where he’d just delivered a draft to a customer. “Oh, hello my love, I see Tigermark is still with us.”
“Yes,” Gwen stated simply. Mike Ferretti just then stepped out from the storage area behind the bar. Gwen fixed him with a warm smile. He smiled back, looking a bit unsettled. Gwen always had that effect on him, as he said she could look right into his soul with her green eyes. He then noticed the big male tiger with them.
“Ay, hello. Welcome to Open Season. You a friend of the Coonas?”
Jo-Ann chimed in before anyone else answered. “He’s been doing some special work for us. Oh, and thanks to him, you can tell that bunny of yours that it’s safe to let your kit out again. We got the guys who’ve been kidnapping kits in the area.”
“Oh wow! That’s great! Cassy’ll be sooo relieved. Thank you, whoever you are. My honey bunny’s been so scared to let our little one out of her sight. She normally would be at work here, but she’s been staying home afraid to even bring our boy out to the sitter’s.”
Tigermark gave a nod. “You’re very welcome. Thank God I was able to help.”
Mike looked at him a little strangely, especially when Kel came up to the waitress’ station and then grabbed the tiger in a tight hug.
“TM! Hey great to see you again. How soon do you have to leave?”
Tigermark grinned at the exuberant welcome. “Pretty soon. Not sure exactly, but it won’t be very long.”
“Coolness! Glad you could come out tonight. Mike, I need two drafts, a mudslide, two daiquiris, and a martini no olive.”
“Coming right up!” the ferret tossed over his shoulder as he set to work. Rick took a second to give Gwen a quick kiss. He’d just turned to head back behind the bar when a growling voice rumbled off to the side.
“Coona! How many times I gotta tell you to stop kissin’ on the guests?”
Rick, the femmes and Tigermark turned to see Max Badger stepping around a couple headed for the end of the bar, doing their best to act like they hadn’t heard the fur in the suit. His smile belied his gruff statement, so Tigermark relaxed. Rick smiled and made the introduction.
“Max, this is Tigermark. He’s been helping with the security at home while all this mess with kits being kidnapped was going on. Tiger, this is Max Badger, owner of this fine establishment.”
Tigermark extended his paw to shake. “Max, it’s a pleasure. Very nice place you have here.”
“Thank you; it’s a pleasure having you join us. Make yourself at home, and I’ll have the boys whip up some grub for everyone. Looks like a celebration is on tap for tonight.”
“Got that right!” the femmes said in unison.
With a hearty laugh TM and the femmes headed back to Kass’ table while Rick, Mike, and Kel got back to work. Once they were settled, conversation turned to exactly what happened during the battle. Tigermark sat back and listened more than he spoke, as was his usual custom, but then everyone all but demanded he tell the story from his perspective. He shrugged and gave Kass a squint-eyed look, which the snow leopard knew meant a war story was in the offing. He grinned, recalling an old saying that went something like, “You know the difference between a war story and fairy tale? A fairy tale begins with, ‘Once upon a time.’ A war story begins with, ‘You ain’t gonna believe this shit.” Tigermark chose a different starting line.
“Well, there we were, surrounded by Specaurious and his henchfurs, me low on ammo and Lynne low on batteries, booby traps everywhere and the cavalry two blocks away…”
Lynne began to laugh, followed by the rest of the furs at the table, even Kass, who knew this was a smoke screen to not reveal the more harrowing or grotesque aspects of what he and Lynne had experienced. He’d used the same tactic to keep from having to delve too deeply into things that were not … suitable to be revealed to those who hadn’t gone through similar events or didn’t need to know the details. TM turned out to be able to spin as funny a yarn for the adults as he was the kits back at CCN.
Kel had set up drinks for everyone, including a virgin iced tea for Tigermark, during the course of the story. As the tiger concluded his tale and they managed to get their laughter under control, Gwen started a round of applause. TM just nodded, blushing a bit and waving a paw in thanks. When they could speak again, Jo-Ann looked puzzled.
“Tiger, I thought you weren’t supposed to call his name aloud? The demon, I mean.”
TM smiled, recalling that he had said that earlier. “You aren’t, when they’re active and free. To do so alerts them to where and who called their name. Now though, he has no power or ability to know about it. We used the name during the banishment ritual, to make sure it was permanent.”
Here Lynne and Gwen giggled together loudly. Kass just looked inscrutable while he tried not to break down laughing again. At the blank look of Jo-Ann and Kel, who had just walked back up, TM explained.
“Part of the ritual Straga Nona came up with included Gwen and Lynne spraying down the demon with their musk. Tani told me it was quite effective.”
Everyone laughed, glad that their table was a bit away from the main crowd so they could talk freely. Tigermark continued with what he was saying.
“Specaurious is one of the nastiest of the minor demons. In the beginning, before the rebellion and war in Heaven, he was to be the angel that watched over children. His name means something like ‘Special Golden One.’ When his side lost and he was thrown out of Heaven, he turned completely opposite and preyed on children and parents. He’s as sneaky as they come, and he’d be more of a threat if his overreaching ambition didn’t keep him in trouble with the more powerful demons and Lucifer.”
No one said anything for a second, and then they heard the crowd go still. They all looked to where everyone was staring. There at the door, where Bruno was also looking a bit overwhelmed, stood a stunning, petite, red and white vixen in a well-fitted little black dress. All the males seemed to be in awe of her as she walked on in and headed for the table where the Coona crew sat. All the femmes were either also in awe, jealous, or envious. The femmes at Kass’ table were more intrigued, as the little vixen seemed to exude power. Kass’ expression looked more speculative. Tigermark just had a knowing smirk on his face. The femme walked right up to the table and stopped, cocking her head and looking at TM.
“Well, aren’t you going to introduce me to them all?”
Tigermark gave a nod of his head and sighed. He knew what the vixen’s presence meant.
“Everyone, I’d like you to meet Tani, the kitsuné angel who is my, ah, handler I suppose would be the term.”
They all exchanged greetings as Tani went around the table from fur to fur. Lynne let out a gasp when she shook paws.
“You! You’re the vixen in my visions from the start of this. You were-”
“-The one who was ushering that little femme’s soul to a better place, yes,” Tani finished. She smiled mischievously at Lynne, which was normal for her.
“Lynne, you have taken on a great challenge. You will do well at it, I’m certain, but I can still see you hold out a hope, however slight, that you’ll go with TM. I’m sorry, but that’s not the case. You have been chosen by the Guardians of this plane of existence to do the same kind of work here that TM does in other realms. Train hard, and be as courageous as you’ve already shown yourself to be, and trust that things will go well.”
Lynne, looking a little sad and defiant at the same time, was about to reply when the sound system boomed to life.
“Heeyyy every body! Panda Phil here, spinning out all your favorite eighties dance tunes tonight, so get out on the dance floor and shake that tail!”
A song from Furry League started blasting out as the panda in the Hawaiian shirt began doing his set. Tani stood and talked with everyone a few more minutes before a song from Bonnie Tyger began. As the strains of “Holdin’ Out For A Hero’s” staccato beat revved up, the kitsuné held out her paw to TM.
“C’mon Tiger, dance with me!”
Tigermark looked askance at her for a second, but then grinned and took her paw. Thinking this was going to be an interesting sight, the others at the table leaned forward to watch. When they got on the floor, TM took hold of the vixen in a classic ballroom stance and began to deftly whirl her around the dance floor. As the song progressed, their movement took them out of sight of the Coona crew for a brief flash at a time. As the music moved on toward the ending, suddenly Tani had three tails! Another flash out of sight and then she had wings! A last pass out of sight behind another couple and she and Tigermark were gone. It took a few seconds for the Coona crew to realize they weren’t going to reappear. They turned their attention back to each other, now feeling a bit melancholy. Lynne looked especially down.
“Dang, why did he have to go so soon? He was feeling like one of us!”
“He has a home and family to return to,” Kass interjected. “Would we do any less if it had been us? Who knows, maybe we’ll see him again one day.”
Lynne nodded, but she was dejected for the next half hour. Gwen, who Kass noticed had been looking at her watch and the door, suddenly smiled and gave him a wink when she saw him looking at her. She cleared her throat and tried to direct Lynne’s attention toward the door.
“You never know, maybe he was here just to get you looking the right direction.”
She raised her paw and a fur that Bruno had just cleared in raised a paw in response. Lynne wasn’t paying much attention until she felt a shadow over her. She looked up with a start, right into a clear, intense, green eye. The smile with it was warm and friendly, but she could feel an edge to the attention. Gwen introduced the new fur.
“Everyone, this is Marc Brannigan, late of the Navy and now a corporate pilot for Harcourt-Smythe Enterprises.”
A round of greetings followed, with Lynne last. She was staring as though caught in a trance. The male was fit; she could see the muscles under his fur. He was dressed very similarly to what Tigermark had been wearing, but she could see the corporate logo on his shirt. The fur was another white tiger, and Lynne was getting chills, knowing that things never happen by accident. Gwen went on with making the new fur feel welcome.
“Marc, pull up a chair and join us. There’s a spot over there by Lynne.”
“Please do,” Kass added. “And tell us a little about yourself.”
Marc was momentarily distracted, looking earnestly into Lynne’s eyes. He looked up and realized he’d been asked a question. He recovered quickly and replied.
“Well, not much to tell. I’m twenty nine, just got discharged from the Navy, and was offered a job by Mrs. Coona.”
“Well,” Jo-Ann stated, taking up the interrogation of the tiger. “That’s an odd age to get out. What did you do there?”
“I was a fighter pilot, ma’am. I was injured when another jet crashed on the carrier just after I’d cleared the arresting cables. Piece of his landing gear came through my canopy and took my right eye. I was medically discharged, but I can still fly in the civilian world.”
Jo-Ann looked chagrined. “Sorry, didn’t mean to play twenty questions. I’m a police officer, so it comes with the territory. You don’t need to be so formal, though. We’re all friends here.”
“And maybe something more, if Lynne’s expression is any clue,” she thought mischievously.
Marc nodded. Gwen chimed in, “Marc will be based here in Seattle, so when he came in this afternoon, I had a feeling he might enjoy our little get-together. What do you think, Lynne?”
The skunkette looked quickly around the table, startled out of her contemplation of this new male. She smiled rather shyly, but vigorously nodded her agreement.
# # #
Tani and Tigermark looked down on the scene “below” them. They were back in that indistinct white “place” where they met and briefed before and after assignments. Tani had said it was a place that existed outside time and space, a sort of prep room for agents before their missions, and a debriefing room for after. Right now they were looking at the scene at Open Season, which they’d left a short while ago.
“Tani, you are a hopeless romantic,” Tigermark teased.
“Takes one to know one. You were concerned for her, don’t deny it.”
TM nodded. “Still am. She’s got a big job to learn. Glad to see she won’t be doing it alone. And a white tiger, too? Was her crush on me that bad?”
Tani gave a smirk. “Well, conceited much? Let’s just say she has a thing for older white tigers. He’ll be a good aid to her in her vocation, as well as a good mate.”
Tigermark nodded and went back to watching. The eye patch the tiger wore gave him a rakish look. Lynne would likely find that appealing. The tiger seemed pretty taken with her, too, as he kept a close eye on the skunkette’s reactions to what he said. After a moment, TM smiled and turned away from the tableau.
“Take me home, Tani. Oh, nice dress by the way.”
The kitsuné smiled demurely, and the LBD was replaced with her usual attire. “Don’t want to watch your girlfriend with another male?”
Tigermark fixed her with a hard glare, but she could tell he was teasing back at her. “The only gal I’m concerned about right now has tawny fur and ear tufts.”
Tani gave a snort of merriment. It was good not to have to spend all the healing time that usually followed a mission. She nodded and TM began to fade, transitioning back to his home. Just before he was completely gone, Tani heard him muse to himself.
“Wonder if TL will go along with going around in just our fur at home after the cubs are grown and moved away?”
Tani nearly fell over laughing at the prospect of that conversation.
The End.
(at least for now.)