Road Trip

A story of discovery, transformation, and self-exploration by Anima

Daniel's eyelids drooped with fatigue as he steered his van down the Interstate, each oasis of light from a street-lamps jolting him back awake. At last, he decided to play it safe and stop for the night. The next exit was for a place called 'Otter's Creek', a tiny town which boasted motels, (The plural surprised him), and a gas station. The tall, gangly young man registered in the dim office, holding his breath against a noxious cloud of cigarette smoke and cheap disinfectant. Taking his key, Dan stumbled to his room and crashed for the night.

Hours of restless sleep later, dawn slid its pale gold fingers across his sweaty, sheet tangled body. Groaning, the young man stretched impressively. Brushing a lock of hair away from his eye, Daniel sighed.

"Man, these dreams have GOT to stop," he mumbled half to himself, and half to whatever deity ruled over his short life. With a quiet whisper of cloth on cloth, he slid out of bed and made his way to the sink. Splashes of cold water felt bracing against his red-cheeked face, washing away the unsettling scenes his mind had fed him during sleep. There had been huge cats, an awful lot of them, running across his body. Their weight had forced him deep into the earth, to a point where the rock was hot and soft. That part had felt good...until the magma engulfed his body and twisted it into bizarre shapes. Daniel shivered slightly, dabbing his smooth fine-boned face with a towel.

"Maybe some tea before bed would help." He mumbled in amusement, stepping into the small shower stall. Water, warm despite the other residents' attempts to drain the tank, coursed over his smooth lanky form. He sighed softly in pleasure at the wonderful cleansing, and began soaping a sponge. Fifteen minutes later, dry and now fully alert, Dan struggled into a pair of tight jeans and a loose baggy T-shirt emblazoned with a roaring tiger's visage. Packing up the rest of his things, Dan checked out and strode back across the dry, cracked parking lot to his van.

He paused a moment to admire his transportation, softly gilded in the early morning light. By any standard the van was large, and would've normally seated at least ten people. But its owner had removed the rear bench seats and installed a cot, a small stereo, and even a tiny fridge. A stylized ocean landscape was painted across the van, breaking waves on tall pillars of unyielding rock. Dolphins cavorted in the shallows and gulls wheeled in the idealistic blue sky. Daniel was proud of this project of his, a worthy vehicle that was, if impractical, comfortable as well as beautiful. Normally he would've slept on the cot and avoided paying for a room, but he'd decided last night he needed a shower. Smiling slightly in pride, he climbed up into the driver's seat, keyed the powerful engine and set off back towards the highway. Soon he was speeding along through the peaceful rural scenery lining the Interstate, listening to a favorite song on the radio.

As the morning ebbed away, the sun rose in the sky and burned away the thin veil of mist that had thickened the air since dawn. Growing uncomfortably warm, Dan cranked down his window. The fresh breeze revived him, blowing his black locks back in soft streamers. Idly he noted a smudge of gray smoke ahead in the sky. As he drew closer to the smoke's source, he realized it was a broken-down station wagon.

Normally he wouldn't have stopped for fear of criminals, but nobody had paused to help the two passengers and he knew there was no phone for at least twenty miles in any direction. And the pair didn't look exactly threatening. So, sighing a bit at this notch in his non-existent schedule, he pulled off the road in front of the wagon. A relieved voice hailed him as his sneakers hit the sun-warmed asphalt of the shoulder. Dan circled the van and made towards it.

"I'm so glad someone stopped, I was just about to start walking!" The owner of the 'wagon mopped his forehead with a hankie, then extended his hand with a smile. "My name's Richard."

Daniel nodded, and shook the man's unusually smooth hand. The guy looked to be about thirty, with a dark tan and a well-toned body. He wore a tight plaid shirt that hinted at his figure, and oil-smeared khakis. A short woman of similar age to Richard leaned on her side against the car, and smiled a greeting.

"That's my cousin Quecy. She's not feeling too well," he added, his face falling a bit in his concern. "Say, you look a bit young. Are you sure you should be driving?" Richard asked, a smile forming at the corners of his mouth, and raised an eyebrow.

"I'm Daniel, nineteen and been driving for three years." A shared grin. Dan gestured up and down the hightway, "I'm sorry to say there's not a phone within miles. If you like, I can take you to the next town..." He gestured at his van, which dwarfed and shamed the smaller, drab vehicle.

"You'd do that for us? That'd be wonderful!" Richard broke into another grin, and slapped Dan on the back companionably. Wincing a bit, the youth smiled hesitantly and walked the pair to the sliding door of his van. Both exclaimed as the door slid open to reveal the interior: well-kept and cozy.

Quecy took the cot, while Richard looked about in consternation, setting the two large cases he'd brought against the rears of the front bucket seats. He seemed to be looking for a seat.

"Um, ride shotgun with me sir?" Dan asked, puzzled at the man's hesitation.

"I, I can't...bad back you know. The seats in the 'wagon are specially designed for me. I'll just sit on the floor back here..." Richard proceeded to do so, settling down cross-legged on the lush blue hued carpet. Daniel shrugged helplessly, and took his seat.

"I'm really not sure where the next town is, actually. All the signs around here seem to have been damaged or taken down." Indeed, the road signs Dan had seen sported spray paint, bullet holes and scorch marks. The fruit of the local yokels' boredom most likely. Richard nodded, calling up to the front.

"No problem, we're both comfortable back here." Daniel nodded, pulling back onto the highway and building his speed back up. The three sat in silence until Dan had merged with the meager traffic flow.

"So, where were you two headed?" Daniel asked, gazing at the pair in his rear-view mirror.

"Hollywood. We're responding to a need for furry monsters." Richard grinned and his friend chuckled. Intrigued, Dan followed up on this.

"Actors, hmm? Do you make your own costumes?" The two actors glanced at each other, grinning.

"Yep, and believe me, we make the best felineoids you'll ever see." Quecy giggled.

"Felines? You play cats?" Dan turned to look back at them for a second, smiling a bit. "I love cats. I suppose you left the costumes in the car though." Quecy shook her brown-haired head after a moment, rising up on her elbows and pointing at the cases.

"Too expensive to risk that, they're in there. Very compact. We'll show you our creations when

we can find a place to change, hmm?"

"I'd like that. As for me, I'm just getting out on my own for a while, traveling aimlessly around the US." Daniel smiled, waving out at the fields to either side of the road. "This wasn't the most fascinating part of my trip until you two appeared." Richard laughed, and bowed slightly from his seat on the floor.

"Happy to be of service, Dan." They drove for an hour or so, chatting about their experiences on the road, current world-issues and, surprisingly enough, animals. Through carefully phrased questions, the two managed to learn his feelings towards creatures other than humans, including the possibility of life from other worlds. Dan didn't mind the odd questions, and was in fact pleased to have some companionship, even from two such eccentric people.

At last, an undamaged if faded sign announced that 'Dusty Grotto' was ahead. The young driver pulled off the highway, and into a gas station. He fueled up while his new friends asked inside about a tow. Watching Richard and Quecy through the glass storefront, he could tell things weren't going well. Finally, they stepped back out into the grass-scented air of late summer.

"He doesn't have a truck, and the only guy in this town that does...charges too much. We don't have too much money you see. Thanks for all your help though..." The forlorn pair settled down on the sidewalk running in front of the store. Dan thought in silence for a moment while he finished filling the gas tank, then fetched their bags from the van.

"Don't suppose you'd be in the mood to show me your costumes now, huh?" He said with a sad smile, depositing the cases on the walk. Rich looked up, and shook his head quickly.

"Oh, I'd forgotten about that! Of course we still want to show you. Come on Quec..." Chatting softly, the two actors took the cases with them into the bathroom. About ten minutes later two new creatures stepped out the door, rendering Daniel speechless. They were feline 'taurs, as centaurs are equine 'taurs. They had six limbs each, four heavier ones supporting the barrel while the two smaller sprouted from the sides of their vertical torsos. Their faces were feline as well, feral yet intelligent at once. Even their eye colors had changed; one had a lovely hue of pink tingeing her irises, 'Must be Quecy,' Dan thought, while the other sported big deep green eyes slitted with black pupils. The female had four large, furred breasts, the nipples modestly concealed in the thick fur. Neither wore any clothing apart from a utility belt around the waist of their upright portions. As they padded softly toward him, the light caught something else on their face. Positioned like a third eye, a brilliant jewel lay embedded in each alien's forehead. A dark liquid appeared to fill each structure, oozing sluggishly within. Richard's pelt was like that of a lion, appropriate for his royal name, tawny gold with red highlights around his head, throat, neck and tail. Quecy's fur was patterned much like army camouflage, but more subtle and without the blotchy patterns humans would normally use. Both pelages reflected light in a way that set off the shades to good effect, each almost a tapestry. They had whiskers too, moist black nosepads, and pointed ears. Their tails moved realistically with a life of their own, twitching and swaying thickly behind them. Each tail ended in a soft tuft of fur.

The costumed pair grinned at him, padding about and posing to show the mobility of the costumes. For a time, Dan couldn't think of anything to say. He just drank the sight in, leaning back against the sun-warmed metal of the van.

"Ohmigosh...that's incredible! You made these?" A nod. "Wow...I don't suppose I could pay you to make one for me..."

Quecy whispered something to Richard, who nearly overbalanced as he roared with laughter. When he could speak again, Rich pointed to himself.

"There's a remote possibility you could end up like this, but you'd need to get to know us much better." He then looked around the gas station, brow suddenly furrowed in thought. "Well, I guess we could put on a show in town and raise some money..." The lionesque actor turned to Quecy for confirmation. Daniel stepped forward between them before any plans could be formulated, and put an arm around each being's shoulders. He was startled at the warm, incredibly luxurious fur, and he suddenly longed to just stroke and caress the two like housecats for hours... But first, his proposal.

"I've got a proposition for you two. Make me like that, and I'll drive you to Hollywood myself."

Chapter II

Rich and Quecy couldn't believe their luck as they chatted softly in the back of Daniel's van. They had agreed after a little prodding to help Dan achieve their current state. They hadn't even bothered to remove their suits, claiming they needed plenty of experience maneuvering in costume, and that they were much more comfortable wearing them anyways. Up front their benefactor, humming along to a song on the radio, drove with practiced skill.

"You know of course dear, that he may not get his payment. If no one chooses him at the compound..."

Quecy waved away Rich's words impatiently, chuckling a bit. "That won't be a problem. Didn't you scent him when he touched our fur? He loves felines, in a deeper sense than most. And the way he has treated us suggests he's made of the right stuff. He's 'good people'. There won't be a problem!"

Daniel was oblivious to this discussion, pleased with the deal he'd made with the two pleasantly odd actors. So the miles ticked by and the sun floated across the sky.

"Oh, you two? We're stopping for food. Where'd you like to eat?" He called back, heading for the exit ramp. This was another inconsequential little town, but large enough to have a fast food joint or two.

"Um, Burger King? Quecy and I have developed a taste for their fare."

"Great, I love 'em too." Dan pulled into the parking lot of the fast food joint, and glanced back.

"You two coming in, or would you like drive-thru?" Richard consulted a second with his friend.

"We'd like drive-thru, not sure how'd they take us in these costumes." Richard ordered a dozen burgers, Dan just a couple, while Quecy ordered a dozen double-whoppers. Richard grinned at Daniel's expression, and fished a small slip of paper from a pouch on his belt.

"Don't worry, I have a special coupon for bulk orders. It won't cost anymore than our meals. Ahh, sweating in these suits, carrying their weight around, we need a lot of food, and process it quickly."

The young man made a quiet non-committal sound and placed the order. An hour later on the road, all the food was safely tucked away. Richard moved up to the front of the van, settled down between the bucket seats and rolled onto his side, belly facing Daniel. Dan chuckled at him, taking his eyes off the road for a moment.

"Just like a big housecat, hmm? Wow, you, ahhhh, made the suits anatomically correct?" His blue eyes widened a bit as he took in the subtle bulge in the lush fur. Richard giggled for a few seconds, and nodded. His paw gestured at the general area Daniel had noticed.

"We strive, hee-hee, for realism." At that moment, the van slowed and then rolled to a stop. Dan groaned at the long line of traffic that crawled forward sluggishly. He reached down and stroked Rich's belly, exhilarating in the soft feel of the fur. It was like silk, but thick and warm in a way silk could never be. It brought a number of memories to his mind...a sun-baked window seat...cinnamon...a favorite stuffed lion toy he had had years ago... Without thinking, Richard began purrrrring. The driver laughed, and briskly scritched along the belly.

"How long did it take to learn how to make that sound?" Dan asked, delighted at this new wonder. The suited actor smiled broadly, exposing some impressive teeth which must've been plastic inserts. 'Odd, I didn't see either of them take false teeth out before eating...' Daniel shrugged mentally.

"Quecy and I both seemed to have been born with the ability...and it's a great way to express how nice getting a tummyrub feels...." Daniel smiled, but shyly withdrew the hand. Traffic kept them below 10 mph for a good half hour, before they passed the scene of a crash and sped up. A few minutes of wonderfully uncrowded driving later, the artistically done-up van passed a road sign. 'Now leaving Minnesota' And a few feet in front of that, 'Welcome to South Dakota'. Richard catnapped for a bit, paws twitching during an odd dream. Daniel was distracted by this, and kept flicking his eyes from the road to watch the suited man sleep. It looked so real... The sun was dipping below the horizon then, creating a pale wash of gold and mauve as it sank from sight.

"I won't drive much longer, friends. I'm getting tired...unless one of you wants to take over?"

Quecy pricked her ears and called up front, answering for her and the snoozing Richard. "Nope, sorry, neither of us have ever driven a van before. And in these costumes..." Daniel nodded and looked back at the highway. Secretly he was asking himself why they didn't just

remove the suits, but he never would've dreamed of suggesting it! He loved seeing them like this...

The young man drove two hours past dusk, then pulled off at an exit. He planned to sleep in the van at a motel where his passengers would stay, but they dissuaded him from that.

"We'll pay for you too, least we can do. I'm afraid we'd hurt ourselves sleeping in the van, cramps or something; we need beds." Dan shrugged and thanked them, before finding a cheap spot to rest. Richard counted out some money from one of the suitcases, then looked up with a

despairing face, whiskers drooping. "Even with our coupons, we'd have to share a room if I'm to have enough money to keep boarding us...never mind, we'll just sleep in the van." Dan shook his head, resting a hand on Rich's muscled shoulder.

"Sleeping together in the van is the same as a single room anyway, and I don't mind. You two

take the beds, I'll have the floor. We young people have resilient backs you know." He winked at the other male. Quecy looked impressed by this show of gallantry, and Richard looked about ready to adopt him or something. Sheesh, what an emotional pair! Part of their charm... Sniffling a bit, Rich handed over the money and began extricating himself from the van. Road-weary bodies were stretched and limbs were flexed as the van emptied. Again the teen marveled at the ease of the actors' movements. Their spines dipped and muscular backs rippled as the pair worked out their kinks. They waited by the van while the human stepped into the office, talking quietly. Daniel got them a room on the lower floor and settled in. As he flipped off the lights, he was shocked to feel warm satiny arms encircling him in a great bear-hug.

"You don't know how much this means to us, Dan. Thanks..." Richard purred in the teen's ear before returning to his bed. Daniel, almost purring himself at that brief hug, bedded down on the floor near the TV.

'I've never met anyone with such...elevated emotions before...everything seems done with such intensity, enthusiasm! These two...unique people improve my life just being near.' Thinking how odd it was he had taken so quickly to his road companions, the teen drifted off to

sleep. Dan's dreams were frightening again, filled with sensations of loneliness and fear. In spite of the rough night he woke quite refreshed, and fetched breakfast for Richard and Quecy. They were just awakening when he set hot chocolates, danishes and sausage biscuits on the nightstand between the beds. The two 'kitties' attacked the food, devouring everything within a couple minutes. Daniel chuckled as he stepped into the bathroom for a shower, and afterwards laughed out loud when Quecy called to him a request for more victuals. After donning a new black and gray T-shirt and jean shorts, he fetched the entire tray from the motel lobby.

"I'm not going back again! The woman at the desk looked about ready to kill me when I took this much..." He told the pair as they chowed down. In between mouthfuls, Quecy thanked him profusely.

"I don't usually eat this much...it must be the country air or something."

Richard mouthed, "Yeah, right." to Dan from behind Quecy's shoulders, sending Dan into a little 'coughing' fit. Soon they were back in the saddle again, Quecy up front between the seats this time while Rich happily reclined on the cot. Again without letting his brain consider the ramifications of his behavior, Dan stroked his long-fingered hand along the spine nestled beneath the female creature's jungle-hued fur. Once

again a number of impressions rose to a conscious level when he touched the fur: tall fresh grass...quiet rambling streams...gentle spring rains...lilacs. She purrrrrred, shutting her eyes and luxuriating in the caress. The vibrations were soothing...nearly forcing him to relax. Dan blushed, and snatched back his hand. Quecy's eyes snapped open, the cattaur gazing up at him in surprise.

"Sorry Quecy, I keep forgetting you two aren't pets of mine..." He explained, gesturing helplessly with the withdrawn hand. She grinned, and nudged her head up beneath his hand, forcing him to pet her. Surprised, he resumed the gentle caress.

"If you're this good to your pets, I doubt either of us would mind donning collars."

So Dan split his attention when it was safe between the road and stroking the lovely creature reclining on the floor. Richard cast envious looks and mute raspberries at her when neither up front were looking, and picked his teeth with a clawtip. Dan drove straight for about five hours before they stopped for lunch around 1:00. Chinese food this time, the young man entered the pagoda style structure and returned with his arms loaded with white cartons.

"It was really cheap, so I got a bit of everything. This stuff's messy, so we won't be able to drive and eat." Dan looked around the small parking lot. "In fact, I saw a state park back there...let's have a picnic!" Richard and Quecy thought this was a grand notion, and so it proved to be as the trio settled down fifteen minutes later at a worn and stained picnic table. Before long, all had a stack of sticky cartons before them, (Quecy's the largest). Richard and Quecy romped through the soft knee-high grass like a pair of rambunctious kittens, while Dan watched and laughed at their antics. After a space of a few minutes when he didn't see his friends, Daniel grew worried and began walking in the direction he'd last seen them heading in.

"Rich? Quecy? You two okay? Where are you?" He began to walk faster; maybe they'd fallen into a sinkhole or been shot by a nervous park ranger...he couldn't lose his new friends this soon! He was responsible for them in a way...and liked them both quite a bit...maybe too much. Dan broke into a run.

"Guys? Guys!? Yell if you ca--OOOMPH" His words as well as his breath were stolen from him by a heavy blow to his chest, and the teen found himself on his back looking into Richard's noble face. That 'noble' face was plastered with a goofy grin at the moment.

"Tag! You're IT!" Richard chuckled, and bounded off through the sea of grass. Dan growled, clenched his fists and ran after his attacker with revenge on his mind! The sun was falling back towards the skyline before anyone realized how long they'd been playing.

"Oh no, we've lost the best driving hours!" Daniel cried, and ran off to the van. Grass-stained, tired and happy, the two cat-like creatures loped after him.

"Well, I think that was worth a bit of driving time..." Richard said smugly, resting a handpaw on Dan's shoulder as they clambered into the van.

"Mmm, yeah, you're right. We'll have to do that more often!" Dan laughed, and made sure his passengers were seated before pulling out of the parking lot and onto the winding road that led back to the interstate. Nearly seven straight hours of driving later, the trio pulled off for the night. A quaint inn named 'The Blue Mule' served as room and board. Again the two actors slept on their beds and Dan on the floor. The lights went out, and soon Dan began snoring softly. A pair of gleaming eyes opened, pupils wide in the darkness.

"Quecy, I need to speak with you." Rich whispered when he was certain their benefactor was asleep. The two padded silently out onto the porch in front of their room.

"When are we going to tell him? It'll get harder and harder to explain why we keep our 'costumes' on. And I don't like deceiving him...this young man is growing on me."

Quecy nodded, and pointed back at their door. "Yes, I know what you're saying. I think he'd make a fine candidate...but we're still supposed to

be doing work in California. Do you think he'd still help us if he knew the truth?" They grinned at each other. The pair startled as a man stepped outside his room beside theirs. He took one look at Rich and Quecy, slapped a hand to his face and stumbled back into his room. A muffled 'No,

not again' escaped from the room before the door slammed shut. Quecy glanced at Rich, and they shrugged.

"As long as he ends up like us, I'm sure he'd do anything. Have you given thought to that?" Richard queried, his dark green eyes glittering in the flickering porch light above.

"Yes. I can't do it. I like him a lot, but doing it as part of a bargain? You can't build a relationship like that. No, we'll have to send him back to the community and make sure he finds a mate. It shouldn't be difficult for him. As soon as opportunity presents itself, we'll reveal ourselves."

Gladdened the matter was decided, Rich and Quecy returned to their beds.

Friday morning dawned gray and wet. Everyone's mood seemed dampened, and conversation was sparse in the van. Finally, the silence got to Daniel and he flipped on the radio. Both passengers startled as 80's music poured from the modest speaker system in the van, loud enough to make intelligent conversation difficult. Rich grinned and tried singing along to the chorus once he'd heard it through once. His voice was deep and very throaty, definitely a bass. This got them all going, and soon moods were flying high again. They sang on and off for hours, and though the rain didn't stop until they had halted for the night, the day seemed much brighter to them all. That evening as they were settling down, Richard caught Dan's wrist and sat him down on the bed.

"There's something you must know about us, dear friend." He rumbled, looking the teen in the eyes solemnly.

"What? You two aren't really actors?" He asked, sounding suspicious. The leonine male beside him was trying hard not to smile, but Quecy nearly fell off the bed as she laughed. At last, they managed to compose themselves and address the puzzled Daniel.

"No, we're actors, and we really are headed for Hollywood to appear in a film. But...in a way, we've been acting already, since the day we met. I'm afraid we have lied to you." Richard paused, looked between the two and exhaled. Here it comes. Rich spread his hands, claws snapping out

of his fingertips and then quickly vanishing again. "We're not wearing costumes. Or, not anymore. We were when you first met us, a few tricky

holograms used to disguise the unfamiliar parts of our bodies. This," he indicated his body stretched out on the bed, "is really how we are." Dan stared at the creature, tears abruptly brimming in his eyes. His puzzled look gave one to a deeply hurt expression, the young face

twisted in pain. Richard's eyes widened in shock, this was a reaction he hadn't planned on.

"I was sure wrong about you... How cruel can you be? After all the good times we've..." He turned away and stumbled to the sink, dashing water on his face. Both aliens looked extremely distraught, and Rich followed Daniel to the bathroom.

"Cruel? How is this cruel? I don't understand.."

Staring into Richard's reflected eyes on the mirror above the sink, Dan scowled angrily.

"I've always dreamed of something just like what you claimed to be: feline, powerful, graceful and intelligent. I never gave up the dream, but you're wringing my soul with this, this joke!" Dan looked miserable, face red and tear-stained. Richard smiled softly.

"I see. Well, we're not lying to you. We're not making jokes. I'll prove it." He reached across Dan's chest to snatch his razor. His big fingers pried the blade loose, and he made a shallow gash on his forearm. Daniel watched in fascination as a thin pinkish fluid welled and spurted from the cut. Rich winced, and began licking the wound with a unnaturally long tongue. And as Dan thought about it, he never recalled the 'costumes' having zippers or other seals. Then other things rose to his attention. Their fangs, which never came out, even while the two ate. The fact that he had never seen them without their costumes on after they had changed, not for showers, nothing. The exorbitant amount of food they consumed, enough, Rich had thought a few times, to keep a lion fed.

'And their pads sweat when they exert themselves, their eyes are too expressive to be mask pieces, and...oh a hundred other things I just didn't see before.' Daniel looked into Rich's face, and had any other doubt existed in the human's mind, the look on the other's face would have

eliminated it.

"I don't see a way you could've faked that, I saw how that blade sliced. The way you move in the costume, it must be skin tight. I'm sorry..." And with that apology, the human fainted dead away and crumpled to a heap on the tile floor. Richard glanced helplessly at Quecy, who had padded over to the bathroom doorway. The male alien made a despairing face, and jabbed a thick finger at the slack-faced Daniel.

"I'm getting tired of this, being fainted over all the time. I think it's starting to affect my self-esteem!"

Quecy smiled, and batted Rich's tail as she padded past him to inspect Dan. "I'm sure. He's fine, just put him on the bed. This must be a terrible shock for him...and did you hear what he said? His dream? He's going to like what's in store for him..." She smiled, widely enough to show her gums. Rich nodded, chuckling, as he scooped Dan off the floor with his powerful arms and carried him to one of the beds.

"I'll sleep on the floor tonight, all right?" He mumbled, making the human comfortable. Quecy smiled and wrapped her arms around Rich's torso.

"Couldn't we share a bed?"

The male glanced at the bed with a skeptical look. "It's too small. We'd have to...oh. All right," He giggled and snuggled up against the female. And so the rest of the night went.

Daniel yawned and stretched out on the bed, enjoying the luxury of the soft quilt. "Wait, quilt?" He looked around and saw Richard snuggled up close with Quecy on the other bed.

"Hmmmm." He shrugged and began freshening up. What a strange dream... Dan looked around the sink for his razor, and found it in two pieces. The blade had a dried film on it... The bottom abruptly fell out of his stomach, and the razor dropped to the sink with a noisy metallic

clatter. From a deep level of sleep, Richard heard the sound and awoke.

"Daniel? You up?" He called and padded over into the bathroom. The young man was seated on the toilet seat, head in his hands.

"Wasn't a dream. I'm not sure whether to be elated or terrified..." He mumbled, looking up after a lengthy moment at the felineoid. After watching him for a minute or so, Rich crossed the empty floor between them and snugged Dan's head to his silken chest. The teen shivered at the feel of that fur, catching another string of memories. It was like a barely detected scent or strain of music.

"Elated, I should hope. There's absolutely no reason to be terrified of us." Richard soothed his friend, purrring gently.

"You're right. Thanks Rich...but that's not your real name is it?" The alien's emerald eyes sparkled cheerfully, and his whiskers brushed Dan's forehead.

"No, actually. Our names are mostly in the subsonic range and not audible to you. So when we arrive on Earth, we take new names. I like mine...Quecy's sounds like her own." Dan slowly stood up from the toilet and walked with Rich back into the bedroom. His eyes slid across Quecy's sleeping form in the bed.

"You two are lovers then? Mated?" He asked, sitting on a corner of his bed. Richard shook his head, and flopped down on the floor near the teen's feet.

"No, we're not mated. See, reproduction and sex in our species are two unrelated issues. Sex, for us, is just that. Very pleasurable, but nothing comes of it. We reproduce through assimilation and reconstruction."

"Ah. Clear as mud." Dan sighed, scratching his friend's ears. The felineoid mmmed as the human's fingernails worked over his skull, growing cross-eyed out of Dan's sight.

"Let me explain. If Quecy wanted to get pregnant, she would find someone she could relate to. After they had formed a close emotional bond, she would eat the partner." Dan's eyes widened when no punch line was evident. Richard giggled and quieted his horrified questions.

"The partner isn't harmed, amazingly enough. His essence is absorbed and integrated into a new cattaur body and is born a few months later. Most species don't retain their memory through this process, only humans and Altarians have this quality. And Altarians taste horrible, so we're

concentrating on you." Richard laughed at his own wit during another incredulous pause. "So the two can continue relations after birth."

This time, Dan actually tumbled off the bed with shock. "You, you mean you're after us as mates?!" He cried, muffled under a quilt spotted with teddy bears. Richard shushed him, and removed the quilt as Quecy stirred.

"Yes. We've been on Earth for about three years now, and have made almost 10,000 'converts'. The first was a photographer named Frederic, who sheltered a female cattaur. They grew on each other, and she saved his life by eating him. See, wounds are irrelevant once the

absorption process has begun. They're living quite happily at our base of operations in Wisconsin. We'd like you to go there once our trip is completed...Quecy and I assumed you'd like to participate in our 'breeding program'?" He smiled, and purred away smugly on the quilt next to

Dan. The human backed away on his hands and rear, appearing suddenly uneasy.

"I don't know, if the females are here just to breed, would they even care about their partners?" Richard nodded enthusiastically, happy to hear this concern.

"Oh of course! It's impossible for us to absorb someone who isn't very close to us indeed. See, being eaten by one of our females opens full mind-to-mind contact between 'cub' and 'mother'. No secrets of any kind, no concealed motives. You might guess that any negative feelings would be catastrophic in that contact. From what I've heard, our femmes give themselves wholly to their human mates, throwing their heart and soul into the relationship. They have to, if the two didn't love each other, the telepathic contact would be fatal for one or both of them." The cattaur paused for breath, and nuzzled Dan. Chuckling quietly to himself, Dan leaned back into Rich's arms and cuddled softly. He could get used to this casual snuggling.

"Yes, I think I will participate. Has Quecy got her eye on anyone? Oh, and I don't mind at all if you two, um, you know. I'll sleep in the van for your privacy..." Rich tried to quiet his giggles, and laid his head on the human's shoulder.

"Um, no, we don't mind if you're there. We abstained before in fear of revealing ourselves.

Making out in a costume is a bit difficult... But thanks for the green light, it's appreciated. In fact, if you ever want to join in...but then you'd want to get to know us better. We don't give much thought to sex, but I know your culture is different." Dan wriggled a bit in Rich's arms, ideas shifting in his head.

"We're compatible that way? That's funny. Well, I don't know. We'll see what develops... Of course I'd LOVE to snuggle up with a felineoid, but I'd rather it was one that really loved me. It would be my first, as well..." Richard nodded and rubbed his soft, golden cheek against Dan's.

"Of course. Oh, one other facet of our species I suppose I should mention. Our eating habits. We, um, eat all our food, whenever possible, whole and alive. We've eaten like that on our home planet for centuries. Interesting how closely linked our digestive and reproductive functions are,

isn't it?" Dan mmhmmed, and settled himself deeper into Rich's soft chestfur.

"Cool, I think I'd like to see you eat like that. You know, we should wake Quecy and get going."

Reluctantly, Daniel pulled himself from the wonderful embrace he'd been enjoying and stepped over to the other alien. For a moment the teen stood there, looking at the beautiful creature. It was still fairly dim outside, and her fur looked like a forest shifting in the wind with its colors and

patterns. At last, he reached out and placed a hand on Quecy's shoulder. Her pinkish eyes slid open and regarded the human. With a quiet exhalation, she spread her jaws amazingly wide and yawned.

"Good morning my friend. What's for breakfast?" She purred, and bumped her moist nose against Dan's. He smiled, and excused himself to fetch food. The trio took it easy, enjoying a leisurely meal and taking their time in bathing. The sun was high in the sky by the time they left the motel. Once again they piled into the van and took off. To keep everyone occupied and amused, Quecy told stories from the felineoid culture. The values were quite different from humans' in many respects but agreed on the most important issues. Stealing, murder, lying, and adultery were all in the 'wrong' category, though the adultery one was stretched quite a bit. In return, Dan told them stories of the same type, fairy-tales and the plots from a few movies and plays. Time flew by, and soon the sun was winking farewell over the horizon. To make up for their late start, Dan drove until nearly eleven o'clock before stopping for the night. No motels were in sight, so the three merely settled down in the van. Daniel was just leaning back in his reclined seat with a sigh, when strong arms seized him and tugged his gangly frame back into the rear of the van. Within seconds, the disoriented teen found himself tucked snugly between two warm furry bodies.

"We thought you'd be warmer this way..." Richard purred, his eyes gleaming with good humor in the lights of a passing car. Dan giggled quietly and nestled his head against Quecy's mumbling stomach. He'd so wanted to do this...

"Well, I'm plenty comfortable now." And for the first time in ages, Dan had no disturbing dreams.

Chapter III

Dan awoke to the somewhat comical sight of Richard trying to fold a map he'd removed from the glove compartment.

"Blasted thing, what's the point of all these folds? It's like, what was that called, origami!" Dan chuckled, rising from his comfortable position against Quecy and taking the map. He managed to fold it after only two tries. Rich giggled, and pointed at the map.

"I was just going over our route, judging how much longer our trip is going to last. Not that I want it to, of course!" He added quickly, and rested a heavy handpaw on the human's shoulder. Dan smiled, and touched the paw.

"As my father always used to say, 'Getting there is half the fun!' And for once, it's true." A warm voice purred in the teen's ear, while another paw alighted on his shoulder.

"Indeed. Though it may turn out to be lots less fun soon unless I get breakfast." The two males took her very seriously, and scrambled to get the van moving again. Soon the trio was munching breakfast sandwiches from another fast food place, and nursing tall cups of orange juice and coffee. Quecy put away roughly two and a half dozen sausage-egg biscuits, while between them the two males accounted for twelve. Then they were on the road once more. Two more days passed like this, sleeping on the side of the road and eating when they were hungry. Soon they encountered the sign announcing that the group had left Utah.

"Just one more state between us and California!" Dan cried, beeping his horn as the sign flashed by. As night began to fall, they stopped in the city of Provo. So close now to their destination, they could afford to stay at the Holiday inn. The clerk was rather wary of the two 'costumed' people, but could do nothing about it. The guests at the swimming pool were quite the opposite, loving the sight of two alien cat-creatures cavorting in the warm, shallow water. It was a lovely night, one of those you stick in your head's scrapbook. The water and the air were almost

the same temperature, steam rising off the pool and reflecting the lights. But the play eventually took its toll, and aching bodies demanded rest. As the three were settling in for the night, Dan interposed himself between the two felineoids.

"I...I don't really know how to phrase this in the way I want to...or if this is even something we should discuss yet...but I feel I must. How do you two feel about me? We haven't known each other for too long, but I think you should have some idea which way you're leaning..." The silence was not unlike a wet blanket, and the two aliens regarded their friend. Quecy was the first to speak.

"I'm not sure anymore, Daniel. I told myself not to get too involved with you since we'd be parting ways, but lately... I've been feeling things for you I tell myself I shouldn't be." She shrugged helplessly, and held the human's chin in her soft paw. "We ARE a very emotional race, and once we're committed to someone, there's little hope of getting rid of us." Richard nodded, and tenderly hugged Dan to his chest.

"I feel the same way, I think. I've never known bonding love before, so I can't be sure if this is what I feel. I do know that I'd be willing to suffer for you, a loyalty I associate only with close friends like Quecy. Plus..." Richard's brilliant eyes dropped to the floor, "I sorely wish to mate with you..."

Even Quecy looked surprised at this admission, and glanced from the human to her cattaur friend with wide eyes. Daniel looked about ready to take another tumble off the bed.

"I, I don't know what to.... I can't...why..." The teen broke off and got to his feet, pacing aimlessly around the small room. His thin frame was tense, shoulders hunched, and his pale flesh exhibited goosebumps. Dan started to leave, then turned back to Richard and shook his head, eyes glistening. The air was charged with tension. "I'm so confused, I didn't know how I felt about other males...but you stir something in me Rich

I've rarely felt before." The rest of his words, if any were lost as his throat closed up. The lionesque creature enfolded Dan in his arms and held him close. Quecy hmmmed, and padded over to the sink for a drink. Richard whispered soothingly in his friend's ear, paws stroking the slender human's quivering frame.

"You aren't the only one who's confused. I've never felt anything for other males before, though same-sex relationships aren't unknown on my home world. It's brave of you to reveal your feelings, where the persecution is so intense. Heh, listen to me getting all analytic on you..."

Dan laughed weakly and nodded, lifting his teary face from the alien's bicep.

"Would we be looked down upon on your world?" Rich shook his head quickly, and touched his cool moist nosepad to Dan's.

"Although same sex relationships are rarer there than here, our people wouldn't criticize us. If you like, we could go there..." Dan interrupted with a quiet no, and clasped a catpaw in his hands.

"We'll talk about that later...plenty of time for it." So the two newfound lovers cuddled in each other's arms through the night, while Quecy slept apart on the other bed. Daniel dreamt that night of the wonderful life he would share with Richard, the most beautiful creature he had ever

encountered.

Upon awakening, the two males found Quecy gone. Dan checked the van while Richard called the kitchen and asked for her. Quecy was curled up in a tight ball on the cot in the van, breathing shallowly. Daniel climbed in and crouched beside her, nearly frantic with concern.

"Quecy! What's wrong? Are you ill?" She shook her head, and refused to look at the human.

"I'm fine, just need some time alone." She mumbled. The human stubbornly sat down and encircled her plump barrel with an arm. He stroked her soft cheek, shaking his head a bit.

"Don't try that line on me, Rich has told me how social your race is." She sniffled, and shrugged slightly.

"I just feel...left out. I'm so used to my relationship with Richard, and now that's all going to change. I'm happy for you two, but that doesn't help me much. I know I'm selfish, but..." The trembling alien's words came in bursts between long pauses, obviously difficult for her to say. Dan stroked his hand along Quecy's flank, long fingers smoothing the marbled fur.

"Things don't have to change like that, kitten. I don't mind if you and Rich carry on as before, he's told me about your needs. And I do love you too, just differently...if you like, I could share your bed as well." Quecy shook her head, looking up finally. Gray tears ran from her eyes,

further matting her downy cheeks.

"This isn't all about sex, Daniel! It's part of it, but not nearly the whole picture. Now that Rich has you to concentrate on, he can't be my friend. You see, we tend to love so completely, we don't have enough love left over for another. I assume humans are the same. So you see, I'm alone now." Dan grimaced, and pressed his cheek to Quecy's damp one.

"You're right, relationships involving more than two beings never last long from what I've heard. That doesn't mean we can't try. And in any case, you're not alone! You have us as friends if not lovers, and as long as you have one of those departments filled you can never be alone.

Please dear, don't cry like this..." She sniffled and nodded, trapping Dan against her in a firm hug.

"Yes, you may be right. I'll be fine...this will just take some getting used to. And who knows what may develop? Statistics are often wrong...and I think you'd make a fine catch." The two smiled, and Quecy licked Dan's cheek with a smooth tongue. "Yeah, things will work out... Let's get some breakfast." The teen chuckled softly, and led her back to the room.

After all the excitement, Dan made the decision to take a little time off and get to know his two new friends better. So he found a state park and rented out a camping spot for a couple of weeks. The three romped nearly every day through the woods, dancing on the carpet of rusty pine

needles. In response to a request Daniel made, the two aliens showed him how to hunt. The small mammal population of their camp site plummeted in the time the three were there. Well into the second week of their retreat, Dan approached Richard near supper time.

"Rich, glad I found you. Dinner's almost ready." The human sat himself down next to Richard, who was lounging on a patch of soft grass near the local stream. Purrring softly, the felineoid gathered Dan to his chest and nuzzled him. Quecy was far removed from the spot, the only sounds being the soft noise of running water and the rustle of grass around the two creatures.

"Would you mind...tonight...making love with me?" Dan asked muffledly, face buried in rich fur.

"I was going to insist on it if you failed to bring it up..." Richard sighed fondly, and kissed Dan's cheek. "Yes love, I'd like nothing better..." Rising to his paws, the 'taur shifted Daniel onto his back and briskly padded deeper into the woods. Dan wrapped his arms trustingly around Richard's torso and enjoyed the ride. All too soon it was over, and the pair stood in a small clearing. A bowl-shaped depression was present here, filled with soft dry grasses and moss. Wildflowers and tall grass ringed the spot, giving it a 'curtained' appearance. The teen looked up questioningly at Rich. The big cat smiled, and gestured towards the cushioned pit.

"I've been making it since we got here, in case you decided to explore this facet of our relationship..." Rich spread the tall grass, giving his love a look into the cushioned pit.

"Well, you've outdone yourself kitty. It looks wonderful..." Dan chuckled, and stepped into the depression. His feet sank into the lining, and after testing his footing, he lay down. Richard was panting quietly as he followed Dan and reclined next to him. They embraced, Dan's arms around

Rich's vertical torso, and lay still for a long while just enjoying each other's warmth and presence. Songbirds were conducting a dusk symphony, joined by the crickets as the light waned. Lovingly if not patiently, Rich slid Daniel out of his jeans and T-shirt. Shivering slightly in the open air, the

young human stripped off his undergarments. Rich regarded the object of his affection with a gentle smile, taking in the smooth hard body. The teen's thick raven hair was a stark contrast to his lightly tanned skin, which gleamed almost like ivory in the pale light. Richard made an almost

inaudible groan, lowering his muzzle within a few centimeters of Daniel's lips.

"Oh love, I've so wanted to share myself with you...I don't care if it sounds corny, it's how I feel."

Dan shook his head, raising a trembling hand and stroking it along Rich's cheek.

"No, it's not corny at all. I admit I didn't think of us at first, together like this...but I want you so badly to be my mate..." Richard began purrrrrring loudly when he detected the human's strong erection, inhaling his scent and watching the pink flesh pulse slowly. Dan nestled up close to

Rich's silken belly, the head of his cock running through the fur and making him gasp. As Richard felt his human lover's member near his own genitals, he willed the flexible, pulsing sheath from its pocket. Seeking like some species of blind worm, the organ felt for Dan's cock. Shuddering in anticipation, Dan made little cries as the wet rim of the fleshy tube touched him, the felineoid's strong pulse communicated through the flesh. Eager to proceed now that the sheath had found its prey, Richard thrust his body against Dan's and absorbed the human's cock into his sheath, accompanied by a slick sucking noise.

"Aoooshh! Rich, ohhhh, I'm not going to last long like this!" Dan cried, his nerves taut as bowstrings. Richard whispered in his ear.

"I've already cum once already, you have me so excited... You have nothing to worry about..." Dan writhed in ecstasy as his nerves told him of the steamy, moist canal that had enveloped his shaft. And moments later, as the sheath squirmed further up the penis, his balls too were swallowed by the tube. Helpless in the face of such exquisite sensations, Dan could do nothing more than stroke and caress his lover haltingly while the alien sheath milked him. Their lips met, Rich's larger tongue gliding into his lover's mouth to explore. Dan met Rich's tongue with

his own, swirling it about in an erotic dance, helping release and express pent-up feelings. Richard came several times before Dan reached his peak, the 'taur's thick, musky lubricant splashing over the human while in return he received the human's seed. It was drawn greedily deep inside Richard's body, to be secreted in a private pocket like the rarest of jewels. Their cries of joyous pleasure sent birds vaulting into the sky, and momentarily stilled the cricket's chorus. The two lay against each other in the most intimate embrace the younger had ever experienced, while their racing pulses became one.

"Oh Rich...that was the best thing I've ever felt in my life..." Dan whispered, nuzzling the felineoid tenderly. Rich purrred and smiled, his warm smooth tongue stroking the human's face.

"For I as well...I've never felt this intimate with anyone. And I mean that with all my heart, dearest love." Darkness settled across the woodscape like a mourning cloth, the moon suddenly shrouded in clouds and providing no light.

"Didn't think you were going to have all the fun by yourselves, did you?" A quiet voice queried from right beside Rich's ear. Before Richard could come back with a retort, Daniel reached over and pulled an all-too-willing Quecy into the cozy embrace the two had been sharing.

"Of course not love...please, join us in the nest." And then, Quecy too had her share of fun.

Daniel picked up the metallic suitcase and loaded it into the van. The early morning sun was busy burning away a little fog while the three lovers packed up their campsite. Quecy let out a regretful sigh as she regarded the fields and the woods that now held so many sweet memories. Richard stepped up beside her, placing an arm around her shoulders.

"We had a great time, didn't we? And this won't be the last time, either." Dan voiced his agreement as he joined the two aliens in looking over their camp.

"Indeed not. We haven't even gotten to California yet, and I've heard there's plenty to do there. I'm not planning on parting ways with you two, so unless you are..." The two 'taurs shook their heads violently, and nuzzled him. Quecy pulled back slightly though, and cocked her head to the

side.

"Something I've been meaning to ask you love, how is it you came to be living the way you were before we entangled you in our web?" She grinned, nibbling Dan's fingers. His face fell ever so slightly, his color seeming to leek out into the misty morning air.

"My entire family died in a car accident eight months ago. We were wealthy, and I was so messed up I decided to take some time to sort myself out. A roadtrip sounded like just the thing. Actually, I'm doubly glad I 'got caught in your web', otherwise, I may not be breathing today... So as you can discern, there's nothing for me here. And I guess I'm operating on the assumption that none of us are ever leaving each other?" She nodded, and Rich cheek-rubbed him in response.

"I'm so sorry Dan...we can't really imagine what losing a family member is like as we really don't have any. No emotionally tying relations anyway. But as to us staying together, no need to worry about that, we wouldn't want to stay on Earth any longer than we had to but for you. As soon as we can, we'll take you to our planet. We can start a home..." Rich nodded, and nibbled the teen's ear.

"And if/when you're ready, you can let Quecy eat you." They all grinned, turned around and returned to the van, none sparing a glance back.

Chapter IV

What was left of the drive to Hollywood took another four days. Only a judicious amount of play kept the trio from making better time, but not one member of the party had regrets. Rich and Quecy used a pay phone to get in touch with Planet Studios, the company that had hired the

pair. The director was delighted his stars had at long last arrived, and was anxious to begin filming. Relieved they still had the position, the two felineoids checked into an expensive hotel reserved for the movie staff. After washing the 'road dust' off themselves, the group relaxed and

enjoyed the luxurious accommodations.

"Mmm, best place we've stayed since the woods I believe..." Richard purrred as he reclined on the gigantic waterbed. Quecy nodded briefly before turning her attention back to the huge plate of sandwiches. Dan stepped out of the bathroom with a towel around his waist, and glanced around for his clothes.

"Um, either of you seen my jeans? Or the rest of my stuff for that matter?" Quecy giggled between mouthfuls, shaking her head while she quivered in mirth. Richard simply looked smug.

"Welllll, I know you wanted to see the sights...but us two aliens simply needed a calm night. So we tossed your clothes in the Jacuzzi." Dan's jaw dropped, and he rushed off to confirm the 'taur's words. He returned toting a red pair of soggy boxer shorts.

"Well, I just hope you're getting paid enough to replace these!" The distraught teen cried, waving the tiny pair of shorts like a flag. The tawny felineoid leaped off the bed, padded over and rubbed up against his human softly. He didn't seem a tad repentant.

"Uh, well, yes...I guess I won't be needing clothes for a while then?" Rich nodded, purrring louder. Quecy finished her dinner and joined Rich in entwining their friend in slinky feline bodies. Slowly, the three lowered themselves to the lush sapphire carpet and snuggled. Dan's

towel was soon forgotten, as passion bound them all together. Quecy snugged her lower belly up against Dan's buttocks, and began exploring them with her dripping wet sheath. Richard took a similar position on the human's other side, rubbing his human lover's engorged member with the slick fleshy tube. Dan's slim hands were very busy, stroking, petting and gently squeezing his lovers.

"Are we ever leaving this room again?" He murmured, practically bathing in the thick lubrication the pair of aliens were spurting over his body.

"Mmmm, not any time soon if I have my way..." Richard purrred, wrapping his arms around Dan. Quecy grinned, bending over and rubbing her four breasts against the human's head.

"Gee, if we could only get a film deal along these lines..." The other two groaned, and rolled their eyes. Suddenly at some unspoken signal, Quecy squeezed her warm pulsing sheath between Daniel's cheeks and through the tight ring of his anus. At the same moment, Richard

shoved his hips forward and impaled himself on the teen's eager penis. Quecy let out a near-mewl of joy as her organ slid deep within the human, filling his passage wonderfully. Almost faint with pleasure, Dan could do nothing more than hold Richard tight and go with the flow. A blur of thrusting, spurting, periods of wet warmth and howls of ecstasy followed, culminating in a group Jacuzzi session.

"I assume you'll want to join us on the set, love?" Rich asked, pushing Dan's wet ebon locks out of his eyes. He chuckled and nodded, putting his arms around the shoulders of both cattaurs.

"Sure, I'm looking forward to watching you two in action."

Reynold Busch, the director of the film, met them personally at the door to the set. He was an imposing figure, middle aged and easily six foot three. A magnificent mustache concealed much of his face, along with overgrown eyebrows and a huge pair of horn rimmed glasses.

"Richard! Quecy! It's been forever, come on in. I'll show you to your dressing rooms. And who's this young man?" Rey arched a bushy eyebrow at Dan. The two kitties each put a protective arm around their friend and lover.

"He's with us. Dan, meet Mr. Busch. Rey, meet Daniel. This young man is responsible for getting us here. We had some trouble with our car... He is to be treated well, Rey..." The director grinned, and clapped Dan on the back.

"Well m'boy, glad to meet you." He put a hand aside his mouth and spoke more quietly. "I know all about these two and their kind, as I certainly hope you do." Daniel nodded. "Wonderful! And congratulations on hooking whichever of them you did." A chuckle went around the foursome.

"Yes, Rey is a good friend of ours. He's helped a lot in our getting established and in fact is seeing a felineoid back at the compound. You can trust him." Quecy murmured, as Richard nodded in confirmation. As the two stars were led to their dressing rooms, Rey took Dan on a little

tour of the set.

"The film is called 'In Season'. The plot goes like this: Aliens land on earth, greet world leaders, and offer to take a representative group of humans back to their world. For some reason, the aliens select only superb athletes and proven survivors, no big brains or fine artists. The group leaves, and never returns. The aliens do return however, and request more. Eventually the main characters are selected for a group. Only then do they discover the aliens are hunting us for sport..." Rey cracks up, and Daniel joins in a moment later.

"I know, I know, it's so out of character for our aliens. But you must admit, they do indeed look predatory..." Dan nodded, still giggling. By now they had reached the set, which was a mockup of the US Senate floor.

"This is where our two friends will introduce themselves to the world. Quec and Rich are the only two actual felineoids we'll be using for the film. The rest are either costumed or CG characters."

Nodding thoughtfully, Daniel examined the props and equipment. "Will I be able to watch the filming?" He asked, looking through the viewfinder of an expensive looking camera.

"Of course! And in fact...I may even be able to get you a part. It seems...ahem...that one of our stunt people is allergic to cats. And this includes cattaurs as well..." Chuckles were exchanged.

"Stunts?"

"Well, you'd be attacked by one of our kitties. You trust them, so it shouldn't be hard. It'll seem pretty lame from your perspective but we'll be adding all sorts of nice blood and guts through the magic of technology." Daniel nodded, and shook Reynold's hand.

"I'd be honored, sir."

"Rey."

"Alright, Rey. For now, I'm going for a doughnut."

"Mmm, any cream-filled left, or did the lighting crew get 'em all?"

And so began Dan's film career. The shooting of the senate scene went well, and only required three takes. Both aliens were impossible that night back in the hotel suite, congratulating themselves on their superb acting. Dan fed Quecy sandwiches and rubbed Rich's belly while

they discussed the next day's work. Eventually the two switched places, Quecy receiving the strokes and Rich getting the food. Mildly surprised at the softer feel of the female felineoid, Dan tickled her belly.

"Putting on some weight, love. I must say I approve, just more of you to snuggle up with..." She nodded sleepily, purrring loud enough to concern their downstairs neighbors about the hotel's plumbing. Richard finished off the platter of sandwiches, (Three empties had already been

shoved aside,) and leapt onto the bed. The water-filled mattress rolled violently, and threw the cocky 'taur across the room! Quecy snorted as a prelude to a long, drawn out chuckle. Dan was less dignified, rolling on the carpet and clutching his sides.

"Yes, I'm sure it amuses you both to no end...but I feel my spine is somewhat...knotted." Rich yowled, lying under a fallen nightstand in a golden furred heap. Wiping tears from his eyes, Dan stepped over and assisted his lover. It took an hour of back rubbing and deep massage before

Richard admitted he would live, and the trio *carefully* climbed into bed. Rich then demonstrated how much better he was feeling by engaging in a little exercise with his dears...

The next morning, the set had undergone a dramatic transformation. Gone was the senate floor and stationary cameras, the bulk of the floor now taken up with blue tarps crisscrossed with thin black lines.

"Ah, welcome back stars. Today we're filming the spaceship landing and take-off, thus the blue junk. We need it so we can replace the blue with the computer-generated scene. And yes Dan, you'll need to get done up too. You play a character who goes on the first flight to the 'malicious, tyrannical' aliens' planet." Rey grinned, as the rest giggled a bit. So the young man acquiesced to being powdered, suited, combed and outlined. The costume was a simple gray jumpsuit with a few logos emblazoned on the sleeves and breast. He felt ridiculous, walking around and waving energetically at an unseen audience. He climbed a prop ramp, and that was the end of his part.

Some of the other 'flight-crew' members participated in an interview, but Dan was exempted for lack of preparation time. The cattaurs it seemed could pick up lines just like that, but the poor human had never been good at memorization. Gradually, the movie-making industry became somewhat of a bore to Dan as day after day for a couple of weeks he merely watched his mates act. One scene in particular, wherein Richard tortured one of the humans for information, was repeated at least twenty times before everyone felt it came out right. So the human was always glad to return to the hotel and socialize with the two 'taurs. Rey joined them for dinner quite often, but never overstayed his welcome. Finally though, the two weeks were up and it was Dan's turn to act. A camera mounted on a rolling cart ran alongside a constructed forest, which Daniel was supposed to run through full-tilt. A pair of instructors was doing their best to teach Dan how to look terrified and hopeless, but really just served to provoke the human into sputtering fits of laughter.

"Will he be all right? He doesn't seem to be taking this too seriously Rich." Rey whispered in the felineoid's ear, watching the instructors throw up their hands in disgusted defeat.

"He'll be puurrrfect, believe me." Rich chuckled, and slapped Rey on the back. And the young man really was perfect, as the reviewed tapes showed. Somehow Dan had managed to coax out tears as he was running through the faux woods, creating streaks that shone like silver

tracks in the harsh lighting of the scene. And the tackle he endured from Richard hadn't been as rough as many other, ahem, similar maneuvers he'd experienced. A final battle scene with the aliens and earthlings was the final shoot, including over three thousand computer generated

spaceships and a cast of 150 extras in a ground battle. The trio had little to do with that scene, just one shot of the two 'taurs commanding their troops. And then, it was over.

"Just relax while it's all put together, you're off the contract only after we're satisfied with the completed picture." Rey told them, beaming with anticipation of success. So the hotel room once more dominated their lives for a time, which of course no one minded.

Chapter V

Dan relaxed in the Jacuzzi with his lovers, talking leisurely about the future.

"Where will we live on your planet Rich? Will I be able to get a job?" He mumbled, eyes shut and skin flushed from the heat of the pool.

"I have a home we can share, quite lovely, located in a shady wood. As for a job, if you want one, it'll be a simple matter to determine your aptitude and train that area. Education in our society is an art, much like gardening." Richard replied, smoothing back his soaked head-fur. Quecy nodded, stepping out of the water onto a thick bath towel.

"You'll love it there Dan. Your world is a lovely change, but I certainly prefer ours for the long term. I was trained in language arts and exobiology. Rich has the same skills as well as artistic leanings. You should show him some of your paintings dear!" Quecy shook off, then toweled what

she could reach of her body. She glanced imperiously at the two males and wiggled her damp hindquarters as them. Laughing, the human stepped out onto the towel and finished drying the damp felineoid. Richard received the same treatment, then padded off to fetch his portfolio.

"He hasn't decided on a medium to specialize in yet. He does sculpture, painting, sketching, textiles, chalk, light work, and those are just the areas he has won awards in. I think his sketches are wonderful...though his light sculptures too are the best I've ever seen...well, I'll leave you to decide what you like." Dan nodded, settling back against Quecy's flank as Rich returned with a small black box topped with a glittering pyramid structure.

"I put all my best stuff on hologram so I can carry them around easily." He explained, setting the box down and activating it. Image after image, all rendered in exquisite color and three dimensions flashed by, each more stunning than the last. Still lifes, animated work, plasma

sculptures created by manipulation of magnetic fields, gigantic rugs picturing scenes from the cattaur history, and even an example of creative architecture in the form of a multi-tiered and cantilevered tower. After the show was over, Daniel blinked and rubbed his eyes.

"Incredible...I've rarely seen anything that even approached that level of skill on earth. Have you done anything on Quecy and me?" Richard nodded, his ears' interiors blushing fiercely.

"Kinda presumptuous actually. I made this one before we three were mated yet..." The kitty artist punched up a sequence on the box and produced a new image. The three lovers basked in the glow of the display.

"Wow. I...sheesh. Rich, it's-- That's really, um...Gee." Dan stuttered, his eyes glazing over.

Quecy stared at the rotating sketch, in full color and exquisite detail.

"I never thought of trying that! Is it possible anatomically? Have you tried it before? Does it hurt?" Richard sighed and shook his head, turning off the projector.

"When I told you how badly I lusted for you Dan, I was understating pretty severely. I think my fantasizing started exactly three hours after I met you, and just got sweeter and more intense every moment I spent with you." Rich shrugged, sniffling a bit with emotion. "I was about ready to explode when I confessed my feelings, refined and concentrated even more by the addition of real love to physical lust. I wanted to possess you, and be possessed by you, mind body and soul. At that point, not in that order however." Dan giggled, and pounced the big kitty.

"I never suspected...what do you say we try that pictured fantasy out, hmm?" Quecy nearly died when Rich gurgled and then fainted dead away. The human shrugged, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"Just makes it easier to position him..." Quecy nodded, mirthful tears wetting her cheeks, and flipped the projector back on.

"For reference. It looks like a complicated procedure..." As it did turn out to be. It took the whole night and most of the next morning, but the three finally did succeed in fulfilling Rich's prophecy-in-art. They lay in a heap afterwards, coated in lubricating fluid, saliva, sweat, tears, semen, and a tiny bit of blood from yet another unfriendly brush with the room's furnishings.

"Draw us more often, would you Rich?" Quecy gasped, stroking her still partially engorged sheath with her tail. Dan nodded, while engaged in a deep sticky kiss with Richard. Not exactly the most restful evening...

As the lights went down, Quecy, Richard and Dan munched popcorn. The private screening was about two and a half hours long, and impressed everyone with all the special effects, surround sound, and altered film.

"I'm so glad Rey decided to mess with our looks after the filming, think of what reception we'd get as a species if all the earthlings thought we were the creatures from this movie. 'Course, they'd be partially right about our eating habits..." Quecy and Dan shushed Rich. Everyone was quite happy with the way the movie had turned out, and estimates of returns would nearly triple the production costs. The trio decided to remain on earth until the film came out in theaters, more for the aliens' pride than any contractual obligation.

'Seamless, fantastic, and enthralling,' were the words the papers used to describe the movie a couple months later when it was released. The two 'taurs were in hysterics as Dan read them the reviews.

"The aliens were more convincing than any others we've seen this year, though their movements were jerky enough to reveal their costume-nature. Also notable was the debut of a upcoming young actor, Dan Trepe, whose work in this film was exceptional despite a relatively

minor role. Rumors claim he's already drafted for another four films over the next two years. Extensive and expert use of CG work perhaps made up for the expense of the alien costumes, which the director claimed had cost him several million dollars. He also pleaded No Comment

when asked about a sequel." Richard sighed through his giggles, and gathered Dan to his chest. The teen relaxed into the tawny, silken fur and stroked his hands along the cattaur's muscled arms.

"No, no sequel. Are you two packed? The shuttle is due any minute now." Quecy wiped her eyes and nodded, while Dan tickled his loving captor. Now at the cattuar's base, the trio awaited pick-up. A soft chime sounded from the console in the cabin, heralding the arrival of the

shuttle. Chill, damp air bathed the two aliens and their human as they crossed the airfield. Glistening sleekly in the lights of the compound, the shuttle lay like a beached whale. Dan ooohed at the sight, admiring the clean lines and fancy-looking equipment studding the hull. Rich smiled,

nosing his excited mate. The moon shown as a silver crescent in the velvet sky, lending a fairytale-look to the night.

"She's all yours, sir. Please return the shuttle to the appropriate bay on the mothership when you've reached it." The spindly green pilot instructed Richard, as he handed over a small stack of ID cards. They thanked him, and stepped up into the elevator. The lift whirred, bearing them up into the ship's belly. Inside, soft gold light illuminated the hallways and showed the way to the cockpit via flashing signals. There were enough seats for the group up front, comfortably close together.

"Yes, I DO know how to fly these." Rich replied indignantly to Daniel's look. The shuttle's new pilot set about proving it by lifting off smoothly and leaving the earth's atmosphere behind within minutes. Rapidly, the dark sky blackened further, while the dim pinpricks of light brightened and

were joined by others. Rear view screens showed earth suspended in space, fascinating Daniel with its lovely swirls of clouds and cerulean seas. He enjoyed the sight with Quecy and Rich, holding their paws as his home planet dwindled.

"Well...the mothership should be here in about half hour. Too bad really, there are a number of things I'd like to show you before we return to our planet. But I'm sure you two are eager to get home..." Rich's voiced assumption went unanswered-- "Well...maybe we could just take a little trip

around the solar system? Or a long trip?" Quecy wrapped her arms around Rich's torso, while Dan snuggled from the other side and whispered in his love's soft, pointed ear.

"The longer the better. Remember, getting there is half the fun."

THE END

(Enjoy the story? Please send all feedback to Yaounde3@hotmail.com. Only constructive criticism will be accepted. Oh, and if you'd like to post this somewhere or expand on my little universe, please notify/request/bribe me first. :K) Thanks for reading.)

-Anima