"Fur-Piled: Love Re-Ignited" (C) July 2007
Story by T. Cougar

The characters in the story below, except for Tyler Cougar, are based on Fur-Piled by Leo Magna.

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Husky knocked on the door, three slow knocks.
The door opened revealing a cougar in shorts and a sleeveless shirt. “Come in. I didn’t think knocking could sound sad, but you managed. I know you won’t want to be cheered up right now so I'm not going to try, but I'm here for you.”
“Thanks. Ian and Andy just don’t have the whole listen and do nothing gene.”
“That’s pretty normal for a fox; coyotes generally have a longer attention span but I know Ian, so that’s no surprise. But you shouldn’t be the one to complain, you may be as loyal as the day is long, but you have the attention span of 6 month old pup; easily distracted by shiny new things.”
“At least you warned me that you weren’t going to try and cheer me up.”
“I’m not insulting you, just stating facts; sometimes you have to have someone point out the facts to you if you can’t see through the emotion. Sit down and I'll bring you something to drink.”
Husky sat on the couch in the living room glad he decided to see Tyler. Andy and Ian were great friends but sometimes tried a little too hard or sometimes not enough and a little short on the talking about emotions. “I'm surprised Tyler hasn't found someone yet,” Husky thought to himself, “cougars aren't all that common plus he's smart -and- cute. I can’t believe he’s not taken. If he would just go out a few times with me, Ian, and Andy, he would get snatched in a heartbeat. I guess not everyone is as flamboyant as Andy. Tyler really needs a button that says “I’m gay” or no one would ever know. He’s taller than Saetto minus Saetto’s ears. Saetto…”
“I see I didn’t get the Lemonade ready fast enough.”
“I’m sorry. I was just thinking about him,” said Husky.
“It’s ok. Don’t try to take a drink, you might choke to death if you try and drink and cry at the same time,” Tyler said as he took the Lemonade back out of Husky’s hand and set it on the table beside the couch. “Now tell me from the beginning what happened.”
“I’m sure you've heard already,” Husky whimpered.
“Perhaps, but I never give any stock to anything I hear from an unrelated party. Things don’t usually make it through the first telling unharmed. In fact, I don’t always trust what a related party says. Often, our emotions lead us to a version that may, in fact, be -very- different from what actually happened.”
Husky took a deep breath, “Car came back and I didn’t know he was coming. He called up through my bedroom window. It didn’t wake Saetto at first, but I couldn’t speak. I didn’t believe it. I looked out the window and there he was, smiling of all things. I didn’t know what to do, and then I heard Saetto ask what’s going on. He was surprised it was Car and wanted to let him in. I didn’t have time to say anything; I was panicked.”
“Understandably,” Tyler replied as the only things that gave away that he was not a statue were an occasional blink and the rhythmic hypnotic swish of his sleek tail.
Husky was now completely focused on the tail as he continued, “Before I knew it Car, me, and Saetto were on the couch. Chris (you remember my roommate?) blurted out that we might have a threesome. I admitted to Saetto that Car was my ex-boyfriend. Car started asking how I could not tell anyone. 'How could I keep our relationship a secret and more importantly why?' Saetto left the room to make breakfast so Car and I could talk. Car asked me to go outside to talk in privacy. I told him the he left -me- and I was with Saetto. He said it didn’t have t be that way and kissed me. I pushed him away but Saetto has seen it form the kitchen. He stormed out of the house and got in his car and hasn’t talked to me since. I told Car to leave and haven’t talked to him sense.”
As Tyler was taking in the last of the story, he noticed Husky voiced had lowered and his eye lids were starting to shut. He then noticed Husky was staring at his tail which was still rhythmically swishing back and forth. Tyler grabbed his tale thinking it had not been the first time someone was nearly hypnotized by it.
“That was a lot of emotions to relive that quickly. Lie down and get some rest, you look exhausted. We'll figure this out.”
Tyler got up and Husky lay across the couch. Tyler got a light sheet to place over Husky.
“Thanks.”
“Shhh, go to sleep.”
Tyler was now in the kitchen at the table thinking about the whole story he had just reheard. He thought aloud, “Ok, how can I help a love sick pup reunite with a jealous and hopefully equally in love boyfriend? Of course, Saetto wouldn’t talk directly to Husky at this point, nor if he did, would the discussion be remotely rational. Let see, it's 10:45; I don’t have much time but it’s worth a shot.” Tyler stood and walked to a pad of paper. He scribbled a message for Husky and put it on the floor in front of the couch so Husky couldn’t miss it even if he had to step on it.

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Tyler got in his car and got out his cell phone. After a few minutes, “That was easy enough, now that I have his number I just have to get him to agree.”
“Hello, may I speak with Saetto? Good. Saetto, this is Tyler Cougar. I am a friend of Husky's. Something has happened and I think you should know. Would you be willing to meet me? Don’t panic; just meet me at The Sandwich Hut two blocks from your house in 20 minutes?” Tyler hung up.
“First part of the plan accomplished, the rest will be by ear,” Tyler thought aloud.

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“Saetto, I presume?”
“Yes. Is Husky ok?”, responded a rather large eyes and slightly panicked Saetto.
“I think, in the end, it will very much depend on you.”
“What? Is he hurt?”
“Yes, but only emotionally.”
“Huh?”
“Forgive me; I don’t always make myself clear. I have bad habit of having the first half of conversation in my head and continue to the middle out loud. Please do not panic, if Husky was in physical peril I certainly would have said that you should go to where he is. He is suffering in a way that many declare is worse the physical pain.” Tyler placed the napkin on his lap and order two club sandwiches and two waters from the waiter.
“I still don’t understand what's going on!” Saetto was confused and starting to get a little annoyed at having been told the something bad has happened to Husky and that it was lie. “You told me something happened, I thought he was hurt.”
“Ah, I was just saying to Husky this morning, I never jump to conclusions that are not very well founded. All I said was something happened to Husky and you were immediately concerned with his health and welfare. While you may have admitted that you still care for Husky to yourself, you would not, because of pride, have told others that you still cared for him. I have put you in a situation where you had to show your concern publicly, at least publicly to me.”
“What are driving at?”, Saetto was starting to feel he had been tricked and didn’t care for the thought.
“Calm down,” Tyler stared unflinching at the growing anger in the eyes of Saetto, “Deep love can cause deep anger, but master the one to conquer the other. Do you think Husky still loves Car in the same way he loves you? When you are in love, do you sulk and cry and not eat? Well, I have a sulking, crying, not eating pup so drained from his desire to win you back and his blame of himself that he is currently sleeping in the middle of the day on my couch. Does that sound like he's glad to have his old flame back in town? Those are the things you do when you are in love, Saetto?”
“Well no, of course not, but he still kissed Car and he did it right in front of me!” Saetto whimpered this last statement.
“Did he?”
“Huh? Yeah. I saw it right in the lawn for everyone to see!” Saetto was getting flustered again.
“Well it seems I have found the difference in your story and Husky’s, and I believe it is the point at which everything depends. Husky says Car kissed him by surprise and he immediately pushed him away and said he was with you. You say Husky kissed Car? I am right?”
“Well yeah…”
“Did you see Husky grab Car, pull him close, and kiss him?”
“No,” Saetto sulked.
“So you saw them kiss and you immediately left the window area, you did not see Husky push Car away?”
“No.”
“And when you came downstairs to make your grand exit, did Husky try to stop you, talk to you, explain what happened? Did he ignore said old flame as he pleaded with you to listen?”
“Yes.”
“Change of subject, have on any occasion, save the one in question, you witnessed anything that would make you second guess Husky’s devotion to you?”
“Well…no.” Saetto was no longer trying to beat the logic but wasn’t willing to admit defeat just yet. It wouldn't be so bad if this darn cougar wasn’t so methodical. His tail twitches like a metronome and never misses a beat.
“Let’s recap, shall we? You looked down out of the window, saw Car and Husky kissing (maybe you saw Car kissing Husky, maybe you say Husky kissing Car, maybe the kiss was mutual, that is not for us know, we are neither Car nor Husky). You believe that Husky kissed Car and Husky said Car kissed him. You know Car is an ex-boyfriend who has returned to be with Husky and you know Husky has never before given evidence that he is not totally devoted to you. Am I correct so far?”
“Er…”
“It seems to be that since our theory of who kissed who rests on conjecture, we must take into consideration the individuals involved. An ex-boyfriend returned and Husky, your would-be boyfriend, who, in fact, need I even say is a dog. Dogs are one of the most loyal species on this planet. Except for dolphins, of course.” Tyler let out a slight snicker at the last comment, always self-amused at his humor. “Now, I don’t want you to make any explanations or talk to me anymore about this matter. I have put before you my argument and hope you find it useful. I see you haven’t eaten any of your lunch, waiter could we get a to-go box. One check is fine (to the waiter). I’ll get the check.” This last statement whispered to Saetto. “I will now take me leave. Here is my home address, number, and cell number. If you wish to speak to Husky he will be there through tomorrow. You have the power to make a miserable pup happy and this quite site to see. Don’t let pride or misunderstanding force you to cause pain to the one you love”
“Wait ... ,” Saetto called after Tyler but he was already to far. Saetto looked at the table cloth.

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“Well, look who’s up. Did you rest any?”
“Yeah. Why do I always fall a sleep after a long conversation with you?”, Husky asked still groggy.
“I’m glad you didn’t jump to the conclusion that it’s because I’m boring. I think it has to do with the fact that when I’m listening and concentrating, I tend to move my tail a little too rhythmically. I think I accidentally put people in a near hypnotic sleep now that I think of it. Don’t worry; of course, I didn’t video tape you acting like a duck or anything. Thought that not a bad idea for the next a party that goes dull,” Tyler said amused with himself for a brief moment.
“I’m surprised I’ve never noticed, that's a pretty neat tool you’ve got there. Promise you’ll never use it on me?”
“That would be a pie crust promise, easily made, easily broken.”
“Where do hear these things?” Husky asked smiling.
“Here and there and everywhere”
“I got your note. Where have you been anyway? You invite company over and then leave?”
“You come over as company and go to sleep?”, Tyler replied amused.
“Touche,” Husky smiled briefly
“I am glad to see that a little rest has made you feel a little better. I had to run out to a meeting, don’t worry about it. Anyway, I got some movies for tonight, some popcorn, and some ice cream. It’s not love but its company, I've certainly gotten used to it.”
“Thanks for letting me stay here tonight; I was tired of trying to be cheered up. You know, we never really talk that much about your love life.”
Tyler sighed a little. He was glad to have been asked though a little saddened at the same time. It had not escaped his attention that few people ask how his situation with love proceeded. Mostly, a few friends would stop by for advice or knowledge, help on a business deal, but rarely asked much in return. Of course, Tyler didn’t resent it too much, he was glad to have friends that came around, that’s better than no one coming around at all.
“It’s slow for me. I’m not a night person and, well, it’s hard to meet people just at random. I haven’t the courage to just approach people and ask if there gay and single. I can usually suspect, but I would still want to ask first.” Now Tyler sulked a little but still held his head up though you could see a trace of water in his eyes.
“I can’t imagine you being afraid of too much. You go up and ask anyone almost anything. Plus all the deals you make at work. All the big shots you schmooze.”
“That’s different, that’s work. This is love. The laws of love are more fickle than the rules of deal making. Emotion is not usually a big part of work deals.” Tyler chuckled at the thought of having a tiff at a business meeting because no one noticed Thelma’s new hair cut which happened not too many weeks before.
“I think I'm going to make it priority number to find you someone.”
“Er…Thanks, I think.” Tyler replied, a little worried at the prospect of meeting a blind date in a nice restaurant and the date being Andy in drag.
“Do you want to go out and do something?” Husky asked.
“Why don’t we stay around the house today? It nice outside. You wanna take a swim? I rarely use the pool as it is; I should get some use out of beyond hiring cutest pool cleaner in the city which has become my only justification for keeping it at all.” Tyler slyly smiled at the bemused Husky.
“I’ll meet you out back. You can change in the guest bath just around the corner off form the kitchen. See you in a few minutes.”
Tyler went upstairs and put on red and white board shorts. He then scribbled his second note of the day. He went downstairs grabbed a piece of tape and put the note on the front door. The note read: “We are in the pool, please come around back and ring the bell.”
Husky was already sitting on the edge of the pool with two feet dangling in. He never heard it coming, just a silent blur of brown and a stiff breeze as Tyler ran full speed inches beside him and stretched his form so as to hit the water like a knife starting with the tips of his fingers to the tip of his tail.
Tyler’s nosed pierced the top of the rippling water first and then his shoulders popped above water. He looked to Husky.
“I thought cats didn’t like the water?” Husky snickered.
“I never claimed to be an ordinary feline. If you haven’t noticed, I am not your typical house cat. Besides, when have dogs been known for their love of baths?”
“Right.”
Tyler got out and went to the pool house. He grabbed two rafts and extra set of sun glasses. He threw the rafts in the pool and gave husky a pair of sunglasses went in and grabbed two drinks and came out.
“Well, shall we then?”
Husky jumped in the pool and swam for a few minutes as Tyler waded in, this time by the pool stairs.

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After they both got on the rafts, they paddled to retrieve the beverages from the pool side. They proceeded to let the rafts float. It hadn’t been 10 minutes before the rear door bell rang.
“Are you expecting anyone?”, Husky asked.
“Might just be a neighbor wanting to borrow an egg.” Tyler eased off the raft and swam to the stairs barely making ripples in the water. He eased up out the water shook a little then proceeded around the corner of the house. He looked through the gate hole and saw Saetto. “So my plan –will- work out” Tyler thought happily to himself.
“Er…Big House.” Saetto said looking at the ground.
“Don’t be too impressed, money doesn’t buy everything."
“Is Husky still here?”, Saetto asked still looking at the ground.
“Why yes, have you decided to forgive him and yourself?”
“Yes.”
“Good, now I am a very observant feline. It will be a little too awkward if you just waltz out back. What will you say? What will he say? No, I think the silence would spoil the moment. Better to have a plan, a point of conversation to get the ball rolling. There is a blue raft in the pool house just over there. I want you to come with me. I will peek around the corner to see if Husky is floating with his back to it. If so, run into the pool house and position yourself behind that blue raft. I will send Husky for it and when he goes to move it -WHAM- there you are. A little fear then exultant jubilation. He will ask you, 'how you got there, why you are there, how you knew he was here?' By the time you get through all that, the awkwardness of not speaking for a few weeks should be over with.”
Tyler peeked around the corner and sure enough Husky had his back to the pool house. Tyler grabbed Saetto’s arm and pulled him forward and then pushed him towards the pool house. “Go on now, behind the blue raft.”

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“Who was it?”, Husky asked as Tyler glided back into the pool and up on the raft.
“Just a neighbor...needed an egg.” Tyler said coolly.
Husky didn’t push the issue knowing Tyler liked his little secrets and riddles. Husky was content to just drift and not think about anything for the moment.
Tyler unsheathed a few claws and took a firm quick swipe and the side of the raft which immediately started to sink spilling his drink into the pool.
“Oh, Great!” Tyler roared in surprised. “My raft has a hole. Could you get another out of the pool house while I clean this up?”
“No problem,” said Husky.
“There is a blue one in front. I saw it earlier.”
“O.k.”
Husky entered the pool house and saw a blue raft leaning across from the door. He grabbed it and as he lowered it to his side, he screamed. “AACCKK!”.
Then he realized it wasn’t just anyone behind the raft it was…"SAETTO!”
“What are you doing here? How did you know I was here?” Husky wasn’t breathing as he spoke.
“Shh,” Saetto pulled him close and put his finger to Husky’s lips. Then he pulled Husky close, hugged the dog, and gave him a deep kiss. “I love you Husky Dog, of this I am sure.”
Saetto grasped Husky’s hand and noticed that he had never seen a tail wagging so fast in all his life. It was a blur sending water droplets everywhere. They walked in the sun and noticed a relatively dry Tyler standing by the back door of the house.
“Well, I think I might leave you alone for a little while. From what I hear Saetto, you’re not a stranger to Speedo’s. Maybe you are already prepared for a pool day? I leave you for now with two warnings. This pool is secluded from any prying eyes outside of this house. I will be going out for a few hours so you needn’t worry about the eyes inside the house. Second, if you plan to make up, feel free to use any room but my own, but please make it a room, not the kitchen floor.” Tyler smiled and disappeared silently before Saetto or Husky could think of a response.
“Saetto, I can’t believe it, are you real?” Husky asked so excited it came out in a whimper of disbelief as he squeezed his arm around Saetto's waist and buried his head under his chin.
“I’m sorry I was a jerk and I didn’t believe you. I believe you now. Do you forgive me?”, Saetto asked with his ears hanging down beside his head.
“Forgive you? You didn’t do anything.”
“I should have called before.”
“I love you Saetto,” Husky nuzzled Saetto even harder as his tail began to disappear in a whirl.
“How did you know I was –Tyler’s meeting this morning, it was with you wasn’t it?”
“He can be very persuasive you know.” Saetto grinned at Husky.
“Its in the tail; you have to be very careful of the tail.”
Husky had Saetto's hand in his as they raced into the house. Just as the message machine picked up and Husky heard Tyler’s voice, “Husky/Saetto don’t pick up, if you happen to get this message, I am staying out tonight. You two need some privacy and you won’t get that with Chris or Ian or Andy around. You will have the house to yourselves tonight. If you don’t object, perhaps I can join you two for lunch at my house tomorrow? Talk to you then.”
Husky smiled and squeezed Saetto’s hand.
“He's very sweet,” Saetto smiled at Husky.
“We need to find him someone…but that can wait for tomorrow.” Husky pulled Saetto so hard towards the stairs leading upstairs that Saetto nearly lost his balance.

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Tyler drove around for awhile deciding where he should stay. He wiped the small mist that had formed under his right eye. Though he had hoped to share this evening with a friend, he was content to know he brought two people back together. Plus, at least, he may have lunch to look forward too.

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"Fur-Piled: Love Re-Ignited" (C) July 2007
Story by T. Cougar Comments welcome!: tylercougar@gmail.com