Time: 9:23PM - Monday Evening

“Again, thank you so much for this Rain!” The female voice on the other end of the phone said. “I know it was a little last minute but your prices, resume and references were just too irresistible!” She went on. “I hope Miranda isn’t giving you too much trouble!”

“No ma’am! She’s basically been nothing more than a angel! Very well behaved and just all around w-wonderful!” He squeezed his free hand as hard as possibly could, trying to resist what was happening to him right now. And she was far from the last person he wanted to talk to.

As he was talking to her, her daughter, the “sweet angel”, was currently in his crotch, lapping away at his balls and licking the cum that was dripping down his shaft. 

“Oh are you feeling okay? You sound a little drained. She hasn’t been giving you a lot of trouble has she? It is rather late in the day.” She asked, concerned.

“Oh no no no! I’m fine! Please don’t worry, I’m just…” He gave a quick glance over to her daughter, Miranda, who met his eyes and gave him a devious smile while she had one of his balls bulging in her cheek before spitting it out. “Just yeah, a little tired. It's been an active day is all.” He quickly turned away from her, looking at anything else in the room and shaking his leg.

“Oh you poor dear! Let me have a word with Miranda please. I just want to let her know that I expect her best attitude while we’re away for the next month or so.”

Rain could feel his heart almost stop when she asked to speak to her daughter. He looked down to her again and there it was. The face of a sweet innocent little girl twisted into a sinister knowing looking of a conniving canine with a look in her eye that said it all. Knew too much for how old she was, expressing a sexual energy someone much older than her should be giving off. 

Rain covered his phone before giving her a glare. Before he could get a word out, she snatched the phone out of his hand and was right back in his lap, his throbbing cock laying against her face, her free hand fondling his balls and the phone up to her ear. 

“Hi mama! Rain said you wanted to talk!” She spoke to her in a completely normal voice. Rain tried to pull away but she squeezed his balls and he had to cover his mouth from the surprise, yet not too painful, groping. The sultry look in her eye war  warned him she could do much worse if he tried to move away again. He could only sit back and just try to listen in on their conversation as best he could. 

“Oh I am! Yeah, he’s really nice to me! He even gives me fresh home cooked meals every day! Oh? Okay I’ll tell him! Really?!” She threw her arm up in the air, whooping like she just won something. “I’ll be good mom! Love you!!” She clicked the phone off  before throwing the phone onto the carpet.

“Hey! Don’t jus-ahhHH!” She licked up along up his trembling pole and stopping halfway.
“Mom said we can order out and eat a few times. She said you needed a break for working so hard doing such a goood job taking care of me.” She giggled as she slowly stroked him off. “And you have…” She stopped, leaving Rain unfinished and trembling. He tried to stand up but his muscles refused to listen to him. Miranda stood up and before taking her shirt off and standing up, squishing her chubby developing chest, teasing his cock a little with the soft home it's come to know and love and enveloping 

“C-come on… You don’t want to do this… You shouldn’t want to do this!” He looked at her chest and saw the necklace. His blood boiled and he squeezed his fist as hard as he could while she approached him and began a slowly tit fucking him. “That damn necklace…!” He growled.

She looked down and smiled as she pulled back to look at the necklace again. “Oh, your pretty gift...I love it sooo much!” She turned it around so the ruby base wouldn’t get in the way. “You want me to go back to my cute little normal self? “ She went up to the tip and pulled the tip down to chest and looped the chain around him and had him between her boobs again. “Maybe if you cum hard enough you can break the chain!” She laughed while Rain actually gave her advice a shot, struggling to pull his cock against the thin gold chain. His nose flared, veins on his neck and cock bulged as he forced his muscles to move as hard as possible. “Ah you’d better stop before your pretty cock gets hurt!” she teased him. She wrapped her arms around his cock in a hug and gave it a big squeeze. Rain’s agitation mixed with his anticipating orgasm. The result was a throat scratching restrained growl from Rain before a fountain of cum erupted from his equine piece, splattering him and covering her from head to toe in gooey rain that seemed to go on and on.

Rain gasped for air while he could feel his cock being played with by his tormentor, massaging his balls for more spikes of seed that didn’t seem to have an end in sight. She stood up and sucked the cum out of his shaft like it was a protein smoothie. Deep slow sucks, trying to get at the smallest remains of cum he still had left, even licking his slit. Rain was almost in tears from how hard she continued sucking on his over sensitive cock. When she was finally satisfied drinking her fill, she let go of his limp cock, gathered up her clothes and left the living room to the hall that lead towards the big house bathroom.

“Thank you for the snack, but I’m really hungry for dinner! Can we go out to eat?” She called out from the bathroom along with the sound of running water. Rain sat down in the big leather chair and just thought about what what had become his life in the last week and a half alone. “Raaaaain?”

“I’ll just cook us something here, alright?” He finally replied while stuffing his cock back in his pants and zipping them up. He finally got off the chair, his stiff muscles aching and his bones letting out a series of satisfying pops. He let out a loud sigh before going to the kitchen.

Raiding the fridge and cabinets for ingredients, he grabbed the necessary pots and pans and was ready to make dinner. 

‘How the hell did I get into this? I just wanted to work! I swear to god, when I find that story clerk, he’s gonna tell me how to get rid of that damn necklace!’ He sliced into a piece of meat with the threat before letting out another, more agitated, sigh. 

Of course Rain knew how, it's more about how to fix the problem. He didn’t have much to go on either, and he’s been researching to the best of his abilities. With less than a month at best left before her parents come back, he’d be in a rather unfavorable position for everyone. 

As Rain cooked their dinner he took deep slow breaths to calm down. ‘I have time. I can’t get to angry over this… Just need to head over to that store tomorrow while she’s in school and do what I can. More research, get back to that store and do more from there...’ 

Rain made sure the fish was seasoned and cooked thoroughly, seasoned and set to sear. Through the week his appetite has gone up tremendously thanks to being drained by Miranda every other hour of the day. He checked the rice and steamed vegetables and knew they were ready to eat now.

“Miranda! Dinners ready!” He listened out for her foot steps as he fixed both their plates. However just that was a problem thanks to his cock emerging from his sheath and strained uncomfortably in his pants. ‘Whenever she’s close by, my cock seems to be up and ready again.’ His cock throbbed painfully but he worked through it as he brought their dinners to the living room couch. Miranda was already sitting down in front of the couch and looking up at him. He sighed and handed her, her plate then sitting down to watch a western movie that was currently playing. 

“Mmmmh! This is so good!” She gushed. 

“Thanks.” As awkward as the situation is right now, he was at least thankful for complement. He was able to will the erection away as the peace of watching an old movie. He surprised himself with how fast he scarfed down his first and second plates with a small lingering hunger still bugging him. ‘Maybe I should have made something a bit more hardy…’ 

He resumed watching the movie after washing and putting his plate away, now laying on the couch and enjoying the sense of rest right now.

However that moment was shattered when his cock decided to make itself known again, with some help with Miranda’s hand reaching behind her to cup the bulge. 

“	Miranda! St-” 

“The food was delicious Rain but I think it needs a little something extra...” She cut him off, turning to him with a not so innocent grin on her face. She turned around and pulled his zipper, freeing his cock again. Her small fingers glided across his shaft as she furiously beat him off, trying to make him cum as soon as possible. The problem was he came not to long ago and was taking awhile to get anything out of him. 

All Rain could do was just watch her jerk him off while he laid there, muscles locked up by some force of magic that saw fit to keep him there. She cooed and licked at the dribble of cum that seeped out of him. Miranda didn’t even look him in the eye this time. 

“Come on now, I knew you’re in there...” She teased. “Give it to me!” All her attention was focused right on his cock as she kissed any space that didn’t have her hands wrapped firmly around. 

Rain’s nearly empty balls surged, ready to give another load at her demand. Miranda could tell and she quickly grabbed the remains of her plate and held it up as finally came, splattering her food in the sauce she wanted so bad. Rain knew he could cum a lot but this felt absurd just from the amount he felt traveling through his shaft.

By the time he was finally done her plate was overflowing with watery, milky white cum, the remains of her meal soaked in horse sperm. She beamed as she raised her plate up and eagerly gulped the contents down as Rain watched her not miss a drop. She wasn’t done yet however, as she stuck out her tongue to lick her plate over and over, trying to eat up even the smallest drop of scraps left.

“Mmmmmmmh! I just knew it would be better with some sauce! Rain, you should bottle and sell your sauce for money! I bet a lot of people would love to eat it!” The perverted little dhole girl closed in until she kissed him on the lips, forcing his mouth open and licking his tongue while his in turn was forced to lick up the bitter flavor of whatever remains of cum she still held in her little mouth. 

Her kiss was too adult. But it was to good. Really good…

Rain wished he could have pushed her away as soon as the feeling crept up his spine but his body didn’t listen to any command and just bitterly took the invasive kiss she was giving him. As bad as he wished he could have stopped, his cock thought differently and tried to raise itself back up from the way her tongue danced around his mouth. When she was finally done, Miranda pulled away so she could make Rain see the string of spit that connected their mouths before it broke.

“You’re a good kisser Rain! I wonder how good your cock will kiss me down here…” She stood so her crotch was right in her face and pulled down her shorts, showing off her smooth pussy, just inches in front of him. He’s ashamed to admit that for the last week he’s been here, he’s seen her there thanks to her flashing him now and then, but he’s never been so close to it before. “I bet it’ll feel sooo good, won’t it? You’ve had sex before. I wonder how good real sex will be like...”

She began to rub down her small lips. While looking down at him. Miranda let out a small moan as she continued playing with her smooth slit. Being so close, Rain could smell her scent easily. It wasn’t very strong but it was enough to push his cock back to life fully, throbbing painfully.

“But we’ll see how good it is this weekend next week! I want a whole weekend of me and you together!” She stopped and pulled her shorts back up and walked out the room. “Can’t wait to have our special weekend together!” She called from upstairs.

Rain felt whatever was holding him in place finally fade away but he didn’t move from the position he’s currently in. He sighed and finally moved, turning so he was on his back. He just now noticed that his flaccid cock slapped his thigh, limp and tired.

...Or so he wished. 

Whatever twisted spirit of perversion that attached to him brought his cock back to life, painfully throbbing and eager for another chance to empty his balls of their contents. He watched himself twitch and bob, around like a rubber flag pole waving in the wind. He gripped the base of this cock and gave himself a few short strokes. As small as the touches were, they felt amazing on his exhausted cock. Strokes became longer but slower, going as far up to his cock as he could at his current angle with his right hand and his left reaching down to massage his balls. Even with very little cum still in them, they were still nice and heavy in his palm.

His thought about all the porn, naked adult women and cum filled pussies he’d seen but everything would melt away and have Miranda be the center of attention. Her eyes on him, her mouth locked around his cock, the way she would gag and choke herself on his cock and still not let up no matter what...

Another short five minutes and Rain violently shook as another load of came finally came out, spraying himself and part of the couch in the weak, transparent gray-white cum he could release. Rain laid flat back down on the couch. In his haze, Rain licked his sticky palms clean of his spilled seed. The constant milking through the day had finally gotten to him and he felt himself begin to fall into a desperately needed sleep. 

Even then, he remembered everything that had lead up to where he is now: the sexual plaything of a young girl possessed by an innocent looking present he wanted to give her…

One Week, Three Days Earlier. Time: 7:38AM - Friday Morning

Rain was sound asleep, the pelting rain against the window doing its job and soothing him through the early morning after a hard couple of days of work, work and more work. 
He freelanced a lot working online but cash was starting to become a little shorter than usual thanks to an unexpected reunion he wanted to go to. So for the last couple of weeks he’s been doing various odd jobs around town. They were simple enough, house sitting, taking care of pets, running errands and anything else he could think of. Websites, printed ads offering his services were almost every place that let him put a poster up. Aside from some prank calls from a couple of punks, he was getting good business and building a better résumé with every job done.

Rain snorted, startled awake by his phone going off rather loudly. Rain slowly came to, wiping the sleep out of his eyes and the dried drool of the side of his mouth. He reached for his phone on the counter and glanced at the time before dropping his head.

‘It's not even eight yet…’ He saw the number but didn’t recognize anything other than the first three regional numbers. He cleared his throat and shook his head to help him hurry back up  awake before answering.

“Hello?” 

“Umm h-hi! Is this Rain?” Whoever the voice belonged to, it was a woman for sure. Very cautious and nervous to.

“Yes ma’am, this is Rain. May I ask who’s speaking?” She didn’t immediately reply back. The line was near silent for a couple more seconds.

“Yes, sorry. I had to talk to my husband for a quick second. My name is Melody Laggins. I wanted to inquire you about your services. I have a job that might be of interest to you.” Rain was a little suspicious judging by the way she spoke but he was more than willing to listen if she has a worthwhile job for him and serious about it.

By now he was out of bed, walked over to his laptop at his work desk and turned his computer on. 

“What kind of job do you have in mind? I’m willing to do just about anything within reason.” He held back a yawn as she talked.

“See, my husband and I are going on a job he has to go on and our anniversary in the same month. He’s going to be working half the month and the rest will just be us there to relax. We’ve both been very excited to do this almost all year!” Her tone changed into a much more excited one. “So we wanted someone to house sit and baby sit our little girl until we get back. We don’t really have any family that’s willing to fly up to us or close by. And none of either of our friends would be up to the task you see.”

“Yes, I understand.” She was going on but he didn’t want to interrupt her.
She went into more detail about her situation. While listening to her, he opened his recently updated résumé, his email and contract.

“... So from then we’ve just been lo-oh my gosh! I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to ramble on like that!”

“Oh no ma’am, you’re fine!” He reassured her. “So you’d like me to just watch over your daughter and house for the next month or so, right?” She went quiet again for a few seconds longer.

“Yes, yes that’s right! Sorry but I really must be going to work soon!  would it be possible for me to call you again later on today?” 

Rain tapped his forehead, remembering he forgot he didn’t put in his work email on the posters he put around town when he was making them.

“No, that’s no problem, you can call me again. I forgot to put my email address on my posters but do you have an email I can send my information to. It’ll have my résumé with everything on it, including the numbers to any previous employers of mine if you’d like to hear their thoughts on me and my work ethic, their experience, etc.”

“Oh that will be perfect! I can give it to you right now! Do you have a pen on hand?” Rain looked around, pulling his drawers open and finding his pens for his little notepad he kept close by. 

“Okay, ready!” They exchanged addresses and he quickly sent his information to her email. “Alrighty, I just sent you my information. So whenever you can today you can look it over, send it back and call me whenever it's convenient for you to get back to me. I’ll more than likely be open all day and have my phone on me.”

“Thank you Rain! Hopefully if I’m not to overworked by the time I come home, I’ll contact and get much more in depth with you tonight. If not I’ll definitely be able to talk to you tomorrow!” 

“That’s good, I’ll be free all day tomorrow as well.” Rain told her.

“Great! Oh! I have to go now, talk to you soon! Bye for now!” Melody hung up. Rain put his phone down and stretched, a shiver ran down his spine as he felt and heard a series of satisfying pops from his bones and his stiff muscles really loosening up after just waking up.

“Oooooohhh man….” He let out a loud sigh. “Alright… First things first, I need to get something to eat.” Rain trudged to the kitchen, grabbing for his favorite mug and a pack of instant coffee. He put on a cup of water and looked inside to pick out his breakfast. “Wha?” The fridge is barren, save for a couple of bottles of condiments, pickles and a note. 

“Note self: buy food”

Dumbfounded, he inspected the note, flipping it over like it was some sort of complicated puzzle he had to solve.“Ohh!! That’s right!” Rain slapped his hands together. He was so tired yesterday because of how hard he was working himself yesterday. Lots of heavy lifting. After coming home and scarfing down any food in the fridge while half asleep, he left himself a note. “Thanks past Rain…”

He sighed and walked to the window closest to him and placed his hand on it. Very cold. So cold he was almost sure his fingers would have stuck to the window. 

“Ah well. Perfect weather to go out and grab a hot meal before I get to work today anyway.” After fixing his cup, he decided against drinking it, letting it cool while he goes off for some breakfast. With a black, heavy wool jacket and a pair of big thick jeans, Rain left his apartment, locking the door behind him. As big and furnished as his complex looks, it was surprisingly cheap to live in. The general location is set generally in the center of the city. At worst, any place is a twenty minute walk by foot. By car would take much less. 

He took the stairs, listening out for any other creatures stirring up so early in the morning like he is. One… Two… At least two other sets of footsteps walking around their apartment. On a good day he’d hear maybe eight or more steps moving around. He signed himself out when he reached the foyer and felt the cold slap of winter on every exposed piece of skin. The bitter cold wasn’t as bad as he imagined, but it still bit him hard. Thankfully the sun helped dramatically as it shined in his face. 

‘Time to get the the day started.’ After adjusting to the new view, he marveled at the landscape that tried its best to hide the sun with no clouds in the open sky to do their job. Unlike his home, the city was much more alive even with being so early in the day. People walked all around, tending to their own lives and doing their own things, possibly with their own days half ending or just starting like him. 

Rain walked right into the heavy crowd of people seamlessly, doing his best to try not to get in anyone's way. Compared to most other people, he stood out just a bit. His sandy brown red mane helped him stand out, along with his impressive height. Just out of view, he could feel a few scant glances from strangers. But growing up in the city taught him to just ignore them whenever he felt a new pair odd eyes burning into the back of his neck.

After a ten minute walk, he made it to his destination. A small time diner but a place he’d call his second home. Every step inside was like going back in time. An old school seventies to eighties style place. Pink and baby blue decorated the walls and roof. Checkerboard black and white floor, cleaned and shined with care. Business doesn’t usually pick up until the late afternoon but there’s a fair amount of folk inside.

“Ohh if it ain’t my favorite cute stallion!” Rain turned to the direction the call came from and made eye contact with a smiling older looking dragon. A body covered in dark blue scales, speckled along with drops of red and black from head to tail. 

“Of course! None other around as far as I know!” He bellowed back with a smile. “How you’ve been doing Sammy?” The multi colored dragon stepped out from behind the counter and gave Rain a warm hug. 

“Oh I’m as fine as I can be in this horrible weather! Trying to keep warm and make sure to give people a nice hot meal!” Sammy is practically hanging off of Rain’s neck as he hugged him. “So what kind of fuel do you need today?” Rain heard the other patrons and chef snicker at the affectionate but knew it was all in good fun. He could recognize a few of the voices from people he’s seen here often. He waved and they smiled as they waved back.

“Well for today, I’d like something really filling. So no soups today. A couple of burgers or pasta would be nice. Or just anything you feel like whipping up for me.” Rain had to turn so Sammy kissed him on the cheek instead of the lips. “Nice try Sammy. Maybe next time you’ll sneak one on me.” He laughed.

The colorful draco puffed his cheek in mock anger as he let go of Rain’s neck. “One day I’ll steal a sweet kiss from my horsey! Oh well. I’ll get to work in your meal. It’ll be ten bucks. And you sneak a tip in there and I’ll make sure every drop is laced with that fake onion spice you hate.” Rain’s nosed twitched at the memory of what happened when he ate some of it.

“P-please no. No offense, but I’d rather kiss you anywhere after a romantic date than deal with that again.” Sammy’s tail perked up. “Don’t get any ideas, Scales.” Sammy walked back over behind the counter and went to the kitchen. But not before turning to Rain and wiggling his tail at him.

‘I don’t know if I should be happy I came stumbling in here half drunk one night. Now I have a dragon always trying to get in my pants or make me question my sexuality. Or both. Yeah it's both…’ Rain took his favorite spot in the back corner and pulled out his phone. He noted everything he has to do in the next couple of days and let out a heavy sigh. ‘Right, who needs sleep anyway?’

Instead of worrying over the smaller details, Rain just did his best to pass the time. A few rounds in a game, and half a video later his food, hot and ready is placed in front of him by Sammy. A steaming plate of spaghetti sprinkled with two kinds of cheeses along with two veggie burgers, both of them stabbed with toothpicks that have little hearts at the top of them. He pulled out a roll of one dollar bills and handed it over to him. Danny openly counted the money making sure it was exactly ten and no more.

Satisfied, he nodded and pocketed the payment.

“What? I said I wouldn’t go extra.” Rain gave him an innocent smile. In the back of his mind, Sammy was thinking he might have miscounted. 

‘Darn that smile! Now I have to double check!’ Sammy felt defeated by the simple smile.

Danny ate slowly as he thought about his plans for today. The hot meal felt more like a treat to himself than anything, considering how little time to himself that wasn’t devoted to straight up sleep. The extra bit of cheddar cheese snuck in made Rain smile with every bite, the small addition making him feel a tiny bit special.

‘Alright… Need to deliver some cement today. Than I need to go over to Calie’s place, pick up her mail and just wait for him to come back tonight. Then… I already took care of the web page job a while back and just need to hand in the code to the client. And I don’t know exactly what time tonight Mrs.Laggins will  be calling me but she will be. So long as I’m not in a loud place and my phone is charged I’ll be fine.’ Rain checked the battery to see its sitting at eighty seven percent ‘Alright, I’ll make a reminder to charge it up at three. Better safe than sorry.’

Rain mindlessly chewed on his food while continuing to fiddle with his phone. Making dates, checking and putting more reminders and doing whatever else he can. All packed up and finished, he gets up, ready to go.

“Aw, leaving me so soon?” The draco cooed, resting on the counter and a claw on his cheek. “We haven’t even cuddled yet.”

“Put that on my tab. Don’t think I won’t pay it back.” Rain winked playfully at him. Unable to take the faux romantic tactic, the dragon swooned, pretending to fall back behind the counter as Rain left. He laughed under his breath while hearing the other patrons laughing as loud as they could from the spectacle.

The walk to the construction site wasn’t a long one. The entire walk downtown, he silently observed the city. Groups of other furs sitting down in benches to talk, the nice clear blue skies. Even the occasional chill from the weather running up his spine. His ears picked up the sound of revving power tools and other loud noises as he walked towards the source. Turning the corner, a billow of smoke, steam and dust covered his view before fanning it out of his face.

‘Alright… Need to go see Jacob and drop off this cement for him.’ A giraffe stopped him from entering past the tapped off line but he flashed him a card. He inspected the card before giving it back and handing him a spare helmet he has on hand. 

“He should be up in the main building behind me. Big burly Bear in a white button up shirt. If he’s not inside, check the very back and ask around. And try to keep yourself out of trouble alright?” Rain nodded, understanding that a slip up could lead to a very bad situation for everyone. He walked through the busy area, doing his best to avoid any tools and stay out of the workers way and entered the big white half done building. Two steps inside and he heard the familiar voice of the manager shouting orders over the power tools.

“YEAH. NEED YOU TWO TO TAKE CARE OF IT. GET TO IT!” The two workers nodded and hauled off a couple stacks of timber for whatever he wanted them to do with it. Rain tapped him on the shoulder and the big bear turned around, wide eyed with fear. Seeing it was just Rain, he calmed down with a sigh. “HAD ME SCARED THERE! COME ON, LET’S GET OUT OF HERE.”

Jacob ushered Rain to follow him out the building. He followed, going right back outside with the manager far enough back until the loud noise finally subsided.

“Alrighty!” He turned to Rain. “Sorry I had to drag you in here during business hours. With most of my workers either needed here working or M.I.A, I needed some extra hands.” He grabbed one of the many chairs around the open field and took a seat. Rain followed and did the same.

“Oh it's no problem sir! I understand you’re busy and it's hard to keep track of everything at once.” Rain knew the headaches of doing so more than anyone. He wouldn’t let a problem like that leave him with a sour experience. “So where do you want me to deliver the bags of cement? I have my own car back at my apartment so i can get there in short time.” Rain held back on the detail that he used it sparingly so he wouldn’t have to waste so much money on gas.

“Well see… I wanted to talk about something different.” The smile that was one his face faded as his face hardened. “I was hoping you’d be interested in taking a part time job with us.”

Rain was taken back by the sudden offer. Dozens of different questions rambled around in his head as he tried to figure out why this is happening.

“W-wow. I’m… Honestly I’m really surprised. And honored! I mean I’d love to!” Jacob’s face softened considerably and his joyous smile returned. “But why suddenly throw the offer at me now? Not to say I’m not honored and thankful but why lie about the job at all?”

“Well… As hard as it is to believe, I never meant to make it a delivery job. When I was talking with you on the phone I was also talking to another worker of mine at the same time. When I said I wanted you to come here and do a delivery, I ended up asking him if he wanted to work part time. Obviously I meant to say the reverse for you two. By the time I realized what I said and hung up on you, I was just too damn embarrassed to do so. It's not very professional but what's happened, happened.”

Jacob reached behind him and pulled out a piece of paper, folded over and over multiple times over. He unfolded it and showed it to Rain. 

“My flyer. One of my old ones to…” Rain took the offered crinkled paper in hand and looked it over. A few spelling mistakes aside, it has his old but still used email, number and other contact info.

“I’ve had my eyes on you for a while. I know you do a lot of odd jobs on the side.” He leaned back and popped his knuckles. “And from what I’ve heard, you’re incredibly dependable and have always gotten your jobs done. No complaints, no issues you couldn’t fix or get over. Your record is damn near spotless.” The older, burly black bear stood up and stretched before offering his large paw out to him. “As sudden as this is, would you really be okay with working with me?”

Rain stood up vigorously shook it with a firm grip.

“We’ll need to go over details but until then, you got me on your team!” The look in the bear’s eyes was like a kid on Christmas day, opening a present and getting exactly what he wanted.

“That’s FANTASTIC!” He hollered. “You’ll have to take a couple of courses over safety and take a test before you’re given a license to work like we do. But it's all formality and easy to pass as long as you have some sort of common sense. It’ll be on a weekend and you’d only need to spare a couple hours. I’ll get thing set up and let you know a couple days ahead. How’s that sound?”

The first thing that came to mind was the house sitting job he already had in the works.

‘It's only a few hours. I’m sure their kid won’t do anything while I’m away for a couple hours. I’ll have to try and figure something out. Plus bringing it up might not be a good idea if I want this...’ He thought.

“Sounds fine with me! As long as you let me know a few days ahead is very appreciated!” The older bear clapped his hand together in triumph. 

“Hot damn! Alright! I’ll try to have everything you need done by this weekend if not the weekend after that. For now, get on! Be happy and I’ll call you!” He gave Rain a slap on the shoulder, knocking him forward with the force. Rain loved the energy the man gave off. The infectious smile reached his lips as he walked back to the building and back to the entrance while handing the hard hat back to the giraffe.

‘Alright! Got a new side job on the way and I have a potential well paying job coming up in the future. To add on that, I don’t even need to lug around bags of cement around town so I’m free for the rest of the day!’ Rain felt so excited that he wanted to jump, dance and sing about his good fortune but resisted the urges. 

While standing alongside groups of people on the sidewalk for cars to drive by, he pulled out his phone and saw it’s still early on in the day.

‘I have another seven to eight hours until Calie gets home. So I’ll stop by her place before then, grab her mail and just wait for her to get back. Besides that I just have to worry about Mrs.Laggins’s calling me to let me know the details about our agreement.’ Rain noticed the group around him began walking through the crosswalk, he put his phone away and continued through the huge crowd. ‘So what else should I be up to? Hmmm… Wow. It's been so long since I had some time to myself that I don’t know what I want to do! Haha!’

Rain’s thoughts on the irony stopped when he looked at the series of small owned shops on the corner. Hair and fur salons, tattoo parlors, candy shops. But out of all of them, one in particular stood out. It wasn’t bigger than any other shop. It was much smaller in fact. As if it was being compressed between two buildings that just happen to move next door to it. Rain stepped out of the sidewalk and took a few steps to get a better look at the little building and not get in anyone else's way.

It looked more like a little personal house than a place of business. It's either painted in a dark burgundy red or the red paint that used to cover it simply faded away to reach the shade it has now. Old stone steps with black steel guard rails lead to a brand new sleek, brown door. A single window is set up so it was impossible to get a good view of what is being sold. The only indication of its being a store are the large “open” sign hanging besides the door on a nail and the walkway from the sidewalk leading straight to the entrance.

‘Well couldn’t hurt to look at least.’ With his mind made up, he walked inside the odd place. As soon as he took a step inside his nose is assaulted with the musky yet familiar scent of old books. It reminded him of his public library way out in the country. ‘Whew! Talk about old memories! Haven’t thought about that in years!’ Rain had to blink and cover his eyes for a few seconds. The much darker inside messed with his eyes a tiny bit. Wiping them, he finally got a good look at the interior. 

It may as well have been a library with how many rows of books lined the walls. Rain marveled at how much the shop carried despite its small stature. But the big eye opening surprise is the huge assortment of random items that littered every single space possible. A few that stood out are packs of old drink dispensers that look straight out of the seventies, racks of battle axes and a few cases with jewelry aligning the insides. Rain walked through, trying to see more of what the strange little shop was either offering to sell or willing to take.

“Hello?” He called out. “I’m… Umm… I’m just looking around at the moment. Your sign said “open” so I assume it's okay!” Rain didn’t hear a reply. “Hello?”

Rain looked around for any kind of contact or a hint of some kind that someone is around. Instead, he found a note on a stand that read “We sell gifts, books and take whatever you have to offer. Feel free to read. But if you want to buy anything, knock on the door in the back. I’ll come out and deal with you. Oh and please be quiet.”

‘Oops’. Rain was glad no one else was around to hear his accidental blunder. ‘Well. Since I have some spare time, a new book to read does sound nice. Maybe I’ll find something here I’ll like.’ He searched through the rows of books until he found the romance section. He’s a sucker for a good romance novel and felt a tinge of excitement at the prospect of finding a new unread story. ‘Ooooh! “Her Endless Scent”. THAT sounds like something.’ He picked up the hardcover book, turning it over to inspect the art. A large pink cloud sitting among the many other orange and purple clouds of the sunset. Shifting thought the rows of nick nacks, he made his way to a set of tables arranged as a reading area. ‘Alright, I’ll read for maybe an hour and then just call it.’ Getting comfortable in his seat, he opened it and started getting into it.

*Some time later that day...

Rain was begrudgingly half way through the story before he realized it. The story wasn’t anything to write home about, but the main character interested him. He wasn’t very strong or handsome, at least according to what others have told him, but used his wits to have a woman fall in love with him after learning about her secrets. Rain marveled at his strategy and ideals and wished there was more mentioning of his background. Closing the book with his thumb on the page, Rain took a moment to let out a restrained sigh that he didn’t realize he was holding back until then.

“Okay, I’m checking out this book!” He whispered to himself.

“That’s a good book, if I do say so myself.” Rain practically jumped in his chair at the new voice whispering back into in his ear.

Rain turned around to see an elderly wolf looking at him with a the softest smile he’s ever seen on his gray muzzle. The look in his eyes reminded him of his schools librarian: small and colorful with a twinkle from years of experience, ready to pass on knowledge. 

“Haha, I’m sorry young one. Whenever someone comes in and finds a good book to read, I can’t help but want to scare them a little bit. These old bones like to rattle with laughs when I see the look in your eyes!” The elderly wolf let out a cackle infectious enough to make Rain want to join in. “Now come, if you’d like to check out my book, I would love to let you do so.” He gestured to the front of the stores counter. Rain watched the older gentlemen saunter towards the front at his own pace. 

‘Well, he seems pretty nice. And he’s got a good sense of humor to boot! Waaaay better than dealing with an angry old man!’ 

Rain pulled himself out the the chair and moved it back in place. He grabbed the book and as he went to follow the shop owner, he noticed that he was already at the counter, smiling and waving.

‘Wow! Moves really fast for his age!’ Impressed, he hurried, not wanting to keep him waiting and eager to continue where he left off. “You’re pretty fast!” Rain continued to compliment him “And light on your paws! I swear I didn’t even notice you were behind me until you said something! Living in the city, I’ve gotten used to keeping my eyes and ears open!”

“Ohhh you!” He waved his hand aside. “Thank you but you’re far too kind! I’ve just been around far enough to know how to step around is all. Now, now. Let’s get everything sorted out so you can get back to reading that good book. I won’t spoil it but it's very good.”

“I’ll keep you to that word!” He laughed. “But I do have a question: What exactly is this place? I thought it was just a pawn shop of some kind but you let people check out books?” Rain stopped himself from leaning on the counter to show some respect to the kind owner.

“Sharp eyes, sharp wit!” The old wolf sang. “In my years I’ve come across many many fascinating things, people and knowledge. My hot blooded youth has long faded away and now I’d like to pass on what I have and know to you young’uns when I think you deserve it.” He went on. “Besides, nowadays, nothing can beat a hot cup of tea and a soft bed to call my own. Doesn’t that sound nice?” Throughout his small story, he held onto Rain’s book, taking down notes into it. Rain tried not to glance but just off the corner of his view, he saw the title of the book written down. 

“You got me there. Just being able to relax in bed and enjoy the small wonders sounds like paradise to me.” 

“Oh silly me. I’m afraid I didn’t catch your name. I need it as to make a note here in my book. An ID of some kind would be extraordinarily helpful.” 

“Sure thing sir.” Rain pulled his wallet out and fished for his driver's ID before handing it to him. “It's still got another two years on it. I meant to get a new one sooner, but I just tend to forget, haha.”

While the old wolf is busy writing down what he needed, Rain’s phone vibrated, almost causing a second heart attack of the day. Rain check the ID to see its Mrs.Laggins.

“I’m sorry I have to take this. It’ll be just a moment.” 

“Oh no worries! Take your time!” The friendly merchant reassured the hard working stallion.

Rain sheepishly stepped away to answer his phone. “Hello, Mrs.Laggins! I’m sorry but could you call back in a few minutes?”

“Oh Rain it’ll only be a minute! I looked over the information you gave me and my husband and I have an agreement we’d like to talk to you over if that’s okay.” He could tell there was a sense of worry in her voice.

“Oh of course! I can swing by as soon as I’m done here!” He reassured her. “I’ll just be about ten… To twenty minutes and I’ll be right at your house.” Rain’s heart jumped into his throat thinking he couldn’t make it before settling down after he realized he wasn’t too far to walk back to his apartment. ‘Okay, heart attack avoided…’

	“I’ll see you soon then! Bye bye for now!” She hung up.

	“Phew.” He pocketed his phone and went back to the old gentlemen. “Sorry about that… Umm… I never caught your name sir.”

	“Matthew will suffice Mr.Rain.” He laughed. “But no need for us to be so official, just call me anything that fits you. But while it's on my mind… What, pray tell, was the emergency? Is your family well?”

	“Oh no no! My family's fine but thank you for being so concerned. It was just a little business thing. I’m actually going to be house and babysitting for this couple as they go away for a month or so. I’m actually going to meet them and introduce myself to them formally when I leave.” Rain continued on. 

	“Hmmm… Interesting. It's been such a long, long time since my youth. Always on the hunt to work, earn some money and not have to worry a bit about what I couldn’t do.” He closed his eyes as he reminisced. “I like your gumption! So how’s about I do something special for you because you’re a hard worker and because I like ya? Just one moment.” Mr. Matthew walked over to one of the many jewelry display windows and pulled out something hidden in a black and white case. “Here! I want you to take this!” He placed the case in Rain’s hands. “Its completely for free!”

	Rain was confused and thankful for the generosity but felt a bit uncomfortable. “No sir, I can’t just accept a random gift from you, especially some jewels from your collection!” 

	“You’re perfectly fine! But if you feel uncomfortable taking it for free, then just hand me whatever change you have. No dollars.” 

	Feeling a bit bothered but still appreciative of the old man's gift. “Well… Alright.” Rain fished out any loose change in his pocket and handed it to him. Looking up at the clock, he noticed he was short on time. “I’m sorry sir but I have to go! I’ll come back later! Thank you for the gift and book!” Rain grabbed his book and gift before running out the door.

	“There’s also a little library card of mine that I slipped in! Take good care of the book!” The elderly wolf called out to him. “I do hope he heard me… Oh well, he has what he needs.” He smiled. “Forgive me for being a bit rude but, I think you’ll enjoy my little gift.” 

	Satisfied with his actions, he retreated to the back of the store again after locking the door and turning the “Open” sign to “Close”. 

	“Now to just wait and catch up on my sleep…” He let out a long drawn out yawn. “I do hope you and your little friend enjoys my little gift.

CHAPTER END