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I am trying to get into the habit of publishing as quickly as possible and solicit feedback early and often.\n\nIf you leave me feedback in a comment I am legally obligated to suck your dick.","description_bbcode_parsed":"Continuing to try to "move fast and break things". I am trying to get into the habit of publishing as quickly as possible and solicit feedback early and often.

If you leave me feedback in a comment I am legally obligated to suck your dick.","writing":"[t]Intro[/t]\n[b]This is a work in progress posted to elicit early feedback. It will eventually be rendered with other scenes as Chapter 4 of Everybody Yiffs. If you are comfortable reading pre-release material please consider leaving some feedback in the form of a comment [/b]\n\nNote: Pepper's boss and coworkers are just random non-discript wolves. If you have a wolf fursona I will subsitute it into the story at no cost.\n\nWhen leaving a comment please focus on the story, pacing, and characters, and ignore minor typos. Consider answering one or more of the following questions:\n\n* Was there anything you specifically liked?\n* Was there anything you specifically disliked?\n* Did any of the tropes used strike you as overly cliche?\n* Feelings of decay and gentrification are big themes in this story, is that getting through here?\n* Should the part with the secretary be cut?\n* Pepper does architecture for a living but that isn't really touched upon as I didn't think it mattered much in the context of this chapter, is that a mistake?\n* I am concerned that the characters in Pepper's workplace are just a little too douchey\n* What is the insulting comment that Rez makes about Salmy?\n* Do the interactions with the boss seem realistic or oddly out of place? What about the reference to the midget?\n* Should Pepper's boss specifically mention the problem is that Pepper is a bear or is the reference to \"social species\" enough?\n* The plot point about Salmy taking over Pepper's work doesn't get mentioned again and feels like it needs to be cut, otherwise Pepper would owe him big time. What do you think?\n* Does the boss playing golf in his office seem cliche? Should we show his lack of shits in some other manner?\n* Should Pepper be seeking PTO or just remote work?\n* Is it clear that Shepard is referring to foxes when he notes the influence on divorce rates?\n* Are the interactions with Salmy when he follows Pepper to his car funny?\n* Do the interactions at work show that Pepper has his own troubles socializing?\n* Does the dialogue with between Pepper and his coworkers feel authentic?\n* Do we properly transition into Pepper feeling bashful and taken aback by Salmy's act of kindness? (Implying he is sort of gay for Salmy?)\n* Did we succeed in further developing Pepper's character and showing how much of a pushover he can be?\n* Are these scenes overly long or tedious?\n\n[t]Previously on Everybody Yiffs...[/t]\nAfter [url=https://inkbunny.net/s/2765823]Brandon's wet dream[/url], he wakes up to find his father, Pepper, making breakfast for him downstairs. An awkward and rather depressing conversation follows and Pepper fails to lift Brandon's spirits. He doesn't even know how to hug his kid.\n\nPepper leaves for work, he needs to tell his boss he is taking time off for his son. But as we will see in the following scenes Pepper is nearly as socially inept as Brandon is. And foxes aren't the only species at the bottom of the totem pole.\n\nI am uploading these drafts out of order, the scene where Brandon has breakfast with Pepper still hasn't been uploaded yet, just to keep things confusing.\n\n[t]Pepper's Work[/t]\n*Pepper's company's office was a quarter of a floor rented out in what used to be a town hall, in an up and coming part of the West End. Pepper parks his car on the side of the street, there is nowhere else to park it. Everywhere there is constriction. The old remnants of pre-war society are being slowly stripped away and converted into office space and strip malls and apartments. Everything is getting a fresh paint job or an added parking garage or just being demolished to make room for something entirely new. As Pepper pulls his suitcase out of his car he can only guess what his company pays for rent in this part of town.*\n\n*The interior of the office building is quite lavish, clean and fresh, and decorated in that inoffensive corporate style that lacks all taste or humanity. Pepper punches in the keycode and goes up the elevator to his floor.\n\n[t]Secretary[/t]\nPepper turns the corner to his company's section of the floor's office space. He is about to go through the door but the secretary out front stops him.*\n\nSecretary: Can I help you?\n\nPepper: Uh no, thank you.\n\n*Pepper tries to open the glass door to his work area but it is locked.*\n\nPepper: Can you unlock the door please?\n\nSecretary: I'm sorry sir, do you have an appointment?\n\nPepper (nonplussed): What?\n\n*The secretary just looks at him expectantly. Pepper recognized this kid, early 20s, new guy. They always seemed to be new, his boss gets a new one every few months or so when they inevitably quit due to abuse. This week's model is named \"Alex\". A dog of some sort, he never struck Pepper as the sharpest tool in the shed.*\n\nAlex: An appointment, sir.\n\nPepper: No I don't have an appointment, I--\nPepper (cont'd, confused): What? Why would I need an appointment?\nPepper (cont'd, annoyed): Listen, I just need to grab my stuff and talk to Shepard (Pepper's boss) really quick.\n\nAlex: I'm sorry sir, without an appointment I can't let you in. Mr. Shepard is currently attending to an important business call.\n\n*Pepper squints past the glass door and into his boss's office. His boss, Shepard, is casually chuckling and leaning back in his chair as he idly chats on the phone.*\n\nPepper (frowning): It doesn't look very important...\n\nAlex: I can take a message if you'd like--\n\nPepper (irritated): You don't need to take a message! Alex, look at my face! It's Pepper! I work here!\n\n*The secretary just stares back blankly.*\n\nPepper: Peppercorn Kiddo?\n\n*Alex continues to stare blankly.*\n\nPepper (increasingly livid): The only bear in the building?!\n\n*Alex continues to stare.*\n\nPepper: I shook your hand last month when we hired you!\n\nAlex: You do look sort of familiar...\n\nPepper: We've been working in the same office for the last three weeks!\n\nAlex (skeptical): Then why don't I ever see you arrive?\n\nPepper: Because I get in earlier than you!\n\n*The secretary continues to stare skeptically but then his eyes light up and his snaps his fingers.*\n\nAlex (hitting his forehead like it was obvious): Oh, of course! You're the janitor...\n\nPepper (eyes narrowing): Open the fucking door, Alex.\n\n[t]Wolf Bros[/t]\nPepper steps into the office space and we see it is mostly a bunch of cubicles, a cofee and break area, and a glass office where Pepper's boss, Shepard, resides. Shepard, like the vast majority of Pepper's coworkers here, is a wolf.*\n\n*Pepper walks up to Shepard's office, waiting. His boss is still lounging with his feet up, chatting merrily. At one point he sees Pepper there and waves at him, but when Pepper takes this as an invitation to step forward Shepard puts a finger up in a \"hold the fuck on\" gesture and Pepper just ends up standing there like an asshole. The office glass wall doesn't do much to muffle his bosses important work conversation.*\n\nShepard (muffled, laughing): ...so I'm nailing this midget, right? And you know I always wanted a midget as a pet. And the midget says...\n\n*As Pepper waits his ears perk as a pair of wolves grabbing coffee nearby are laughing loudly. He glances at them out of the corner of his eye, recognizing them as his coworkers, Rez and Sab. He doesn't have a very high opinion of them. Unfortunately for Pepper Sab notices him watching and invites him into conversation.*\n\nSab (casually leaning over): Hey, Peppercorn, what do you call a fox with a runny nose?\n\nPepper (reluctantly, trying to be friendly): Uh, I don't know, Sab. What do you call a fox with a runny nose--\n\nSab (excitedly): Full!\n\n*The wolf begins cackling madly and Pepper just responds with some vague forced chuckles. Rez notices the lackluster reaction and tries to explain.*\n\nRez: Because it's cum... Because foxes are sluts...\n\nPepper (nervous smile): Oh I get it...\n\n*Another corworker, this one a cheetah named Salmy, pokes his head over his cubicle at Pepper's voice and approaches. One of the wolves makes a snide comment about Salmy before Salmy gets there, implying Salmy is a faggot. I'm still trying to figure out what he says but it is both douchey and funny. Salmy hasn't heard it as he walks up to take a coffee break.*\n\nSalmy (friendly): Hey guys.\n\n*The wolf bros mutter some vague greetings.*\n\nSalmy (to Pepper): Hey Kiddo. Didn't see you this morning. Everything okay?\n\n*Pepper begins to respond but notices his boss finally got off the phone. He quickly excuses himself and steps in his boss's office, leaving Salmy hanging, who curiously watches and listens to Pepper's interactions with his boss through the glass.*\n\n[t]Boss Conversation[/t]\nPepper steps in the office, already sort of hesitant. His boss's office is quite spacious compared to the cubicles outside. It even has an exercise bike, one of those miniature golf putting machines, and a large window overlooking a beautiful view of the West End on this side of the river. Shepard is busy playing with his golf putter, lining up a shot.*\n\nPepper: Uh, sir?\n\nShepard (half-looking): Oh, Peppercorn! Glad to see you made it!\n\nShepard (cont'd, hitting the ball with his club): When you didn't call in I got worried. For a moment there it looked like you weren't going to come in at all...\n\nPepper (being as omega as possible): Right, of course, well first let me apologize for that... Actually that's the reason I wanted to see you. I'm having a bit of a family crisis, I was hoping to take some time off to deal with it...\n\nShepard (mulling this over aloud, lining up his shot): A family crisis...\n\nPepper: Yes, my son has fallen sick and I'd like to spend more time with him until he recovers.\n\nShepard (absentmindedly): I didn't realize you had kids...\n\n*Boss makes a shot and misses, cursing under his breath. Pepper doesn't even noticed, he is distracted by the view just outside the window, a pair of rats are working on rafters on the side of the building. They are giving it a fresh paint job, replacing the speckled Foxlish lettering that once marked it as a city hall.*\n\nShepard: Peppercorn?\n\nPepper (twisting back quickly): Hmm?\n\nShepard (expectantly, golf club on shoulder): I said I didn't know you had a son.\n\nPepper: Oh, well... You know I mostly prefer to keep to myself...\n\nShepard (vaguely irked, turning back to the game): So I noticed. That seems to be a running theme with you...\n\nPepper: ...sir?\n\nShepard (matter-of-factly): Well you don't eat lunch with the rest of the pack. You never attend any of the after-work social events. You've been working here, what, three years now? Sometimes it feels like I don't even know you.\n\n*Internally Pepper can't stand it when his boss refers to his employee's as 'the pack'.*\n\nPepper (politely correcting): Five years.\n\nShepard (putting, repeating as if impressed): Five years...\nShepard (cont'd): That's a long time to be a stranger.\n\nYou never take lunch breaks with the others, you never attend company events. You've been working here for three years now but sometimes it feels like we barely know you.\n\nPepper: Well--\n\nShepard (interrupting, lifting his paw for emphasis): I always wanted to build a social office, you know? A social work environment. I kept telling my partners: \"Be on the lookout for social species.\"\nShepard (rolling his eyes): But you know the climate in this city. You can't have too many wolves in one place. The government practically forces diversity hires, regardless of whether it results in a suboptimal work environment. I don't understand what's so wrong about a place where social species can work with other social species and the solitary species can go work on their own...\n\nPepper (shifting uncomfortably): Is my performance in question--?\n\nShepard (interrupting again, lining a new shot, curious): Are you a married man, Peppercorn?\n\nPepper (a bit taken aback): I was...\n\nShepard (shrugging, sarcastic): What a surprise...\n\nPepper (shocked): Excuse me?\n\nShepard (glancing back at him, clarifying): Well divorce rates in this city are at an all-time high. It seems like the idea of family values has gone out the window. No doubt influenced by our esteemed neighbors across the river...\n\n*Pepper tries not to make a face as he licks his lips, clearly insulted but trying to remain civil and just get out of there as quickly as possible.*\n\nPepper: About my son--\n\nShepard: Show me some documentation affirming your offspring's illness and we can talk about remote work.\n\nPepper (hesitanting): Remote work? I was looking for time off.\n\nShepard: Well you are always free to use your PTO days.\n\nPepper: PTO? I'm not on a vacation...\n\nShepard (laughing, like it's a joke): Well you can't just not come into work and expect to get paid...\n\nPepper (shocked, nonplussed): My son is very ill...\n\nShepard (direct, skeptical): What evidence do I have that you even have a son? As far as I know you have never mentioned having any family whatsoever. Do you have any medical documentation regarding your son's condition? How exactly is he sick?\n\n*Pepper just stands there, unsure of how to respond. Shepard steps over and puts his paw on Pepper's shoulder, acting like he's giving in and doing Pepper a favor.*\n\nShepard: Look, I'll tell you what, you can take the rest of the day off without dipping into your PTO and decide where you want to go from here. If you want to work remotely I'm sure we can work something out temporarily.\n\n*Pepper just stands there as his boss goes back to his game. For a moment Pepper opens his mouth and it looks like he's going to say something, stand up for himself. But like a beta bitch he just turns away stiffly and begins to leave. But before he gets to the door, Salmy, who has been listening to the other side, steps in.*\n\nSalmy (grabbing Pepper's arm to stop him, feigning surprise): Pepper! What are you still doing here? I thought you had left already...\n\nSalmy (cont'd, interrupting before Pepper can say anything): Oh by the way I went ahead and sent that email letting everyone know you'd be on paid medical leave. I really appreciate you trusting me me to manage your projects while you take time off.\n\nSalmy (to Shepard): Just go ahead and forward his contacts to me.\n\nShepard (noticeably irked): I don't recall authorizing any sort of medical leave...\n\nSalmy (innocently): Well I think the situatiom is fairly clear-cut, don't you? After all, as a company with more than 50 employees we *are* legally obligated to offer paid medical leave to any full-time employees for a period of at least 60 days. I could write a letter to the Labor Bureau if you want me to double check the procedure...\n\nShepard (a little too loud): No!\nShepard (cont'd, clearing his throat): No, I don't think that will be necessary...\nShepard (strained smile to Pepper): I hope your son makes a quick recovery, we're all rooting for him.\nShepard (cont'd, strained smile): Be sure to stay in touch.\n\n*Pepper murmurs a thank you and shuffles back towards his cubicle as Salmy follows. Pepper has his ears down, feeling humiliated that Salmy had to step in for him.\n\n[t]Walk to Car[/t]\nSalmy (walking with Pepper, dismissive scoffing): Fucking wolves. They strut around like they're roosters, act like they own this city...\n\n*Pepper arrives at his cubicle and throws his briefcase down, immediately packing up his work area.*\n\nSalmy (watching, curiously): So what's the deal back home?\n\nPepper (clearly stiff and humilated): Thank you very much for your help, Salmy. I'm afraid I really need to get going now...\n\n*Pepper continues stuffing the suitcase but pauses and turns around to find Salmy waiting behind him.*\n\nPepper (nonplussed, emphasizing): *Thank you*, Salmy, I appreciate it.\n\nSalmy (clueless, shrugging): Yeah no problem.\n\n*Pepper waits patiently for Salmy to leave but the cheetah just stands there. Pepper frowns and slams the suitcase shut. He shuffles past the cheetah and down the hall. Salmly follows.\n\nSalmy (casually keeping pace): So you have a kid, huh?\n\nPepper (reluctant): I do...\n\nSalmy: What's his name?\n\nPepper: Hazel...\n\nSalmy: You never mentioned him before. \n\nPepper: It must have slipped my mind...\n\n*Pepper quickens, trying to outrun the cheetah and his own shame. Salmy seems to keep up effortlessly though, and Pepper briefly reflects on the absurdity of trying to outrun a cheetah.*\n\nSalmy: He must be pretty sick if you're pulling him out of school. What's he have?\n\n*Pepper panicks. He can't imagine telling Salmy his kid is a fox or has priapism. He blurts out the first thing that comes to mind.*\n\nPepper: Oh it's...stomach...cancer...\n\n*Pepper cringes internally at the stupidity of what he just said, but Salmy eats it up.*\n\nSalmy (horrified): Jesus...is he going to be okay?\n\nPepper: Well um, yes, I mean the prognosis looks good... The doctor's say it seems like we caught it in time.\nPepper(cont'd, trying to shake the chee): Listen Salmy, I'm actually really busy right now...\n\nSalmy (empathetic): I can only imagine, what with everything going on... Do you have anyone helping you two out?\n\nPepper: No, actually we seem to be getting along just fine on our own...\n\n*Pepper practically bursts out of the building and hurries to his car, he can't unlock it fast enough as he quickly says goodbye to Salmy and jumps in, exhaling in his seat and starting the ignition. Before he can hit the gas Salmy has stuffed his head through the car window.*\n\nSalmy: It's going to be a real shame not having you around the office. For me I mean. What with you being the only other non-wolf at the office... Are you going to be gone for long?\n\nPepper (trying not to scream): A few weeks I think.\n\nSalmy: It's still a shame though. I always thought we could have been better friends. I was always friendly with you, wasn't I? I always tried to strike up a conversation whenever I got the chance...\n\nPepper (nodding politely, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel like he is about to gun it): Yep, you always tried... You...you're still trying...\n\nSalmy: Well you're an interesting person.\nSalmy (cont'd, scratching his ear): And well, now I'm gonna really embarrass myself...\n\n*Salmy pulls out his billfold and a pen and starts writing down his number on his business card): I know we don't really talk outside of work but if you end up wanting to do something together. I mean...if you need anything, evdn if it's just someone to talk to... You can call this number.\n\n*Salmy seems a bit shy as he hands the card to Pepper.*\n\nPepper (expression softening): Oh... T-Thanks Salmy...\nPepper (cont'd, quickly turning back to the dash): I really *do* need to get going now though...\n\nSalmy (smiling): I understand. See you around, Kiddo.\n\nPepper watched as the cheetah disappeared into the building, and realizes to his surprise that he had been holding his breath. He forced himself to exhale. His heart was racing. Why was he always so awkward around Salmy?\n\nHe stared down at the business card. \"Cancer...\" he muttered. \"Stupid! So fucking stupid!\" he hit his wheel with a paw and jumped when the horn honked, stiffening as a passing wolf couple glanced back at him curiously.\n\nRegaining his composure, Pepper pulled Vera's business card out of his wallet, putting it side by side next to Salmy's on the dash. He looked at one, then the other, then flipped over Vera's card to read the directions on the other side.\n\n\"Fuck it...\" Pepper muttered before speeding off.\n\n[t]End Notes[/t]\n* [url=https://inkbunny.net/j/455073-DarkCollective-everybody-yiffs-future-direction]Outline for the rest of the chapters.[/url]","writing_bbcode_parsed":"Intro
This is a work in progress posted to elicit early feedback. It will eventually be rendered with other scenes as Chapter 4 of Everybody Yiffs. If you are comfortable reading pre-release material please consider leaving some feedback in the form of a comment

Note: Pepper's boss and coworkers are just random non-discript wolves. If you have a wolf fursona I will subsitute it into the story at no cost.

When leaving a comment please focus on the story, pacing, and characters, and ignore minor typos. Consider answering one or more of the following questions:

* Was there anything you specifically liked?
* Was there anything you specifically disliked?
* Did any of the tropes used strike you as overly cliche?
* Feelings of decay and gentrification are big themes in this story, is that getting through here?
* Should the part with the secretary be cut?
* Pepper does architecture for a living but that isn't really touched upon as I didn't think it mattered much in the context of this chapter, is that a mistake?
* I am concerned that the characters in Pepper's workplace are just a little too douchey
* What is the insulting comment that Rez makes about Salmy?
* Do the interactions with the boss seem realistic or oddly out of place? What about the reference to the midget?
* Should Pepper's boss specifically mention the problem is that Pepper is a bear or is the reference to "social species" enough?
* The plot point about Salmy taking over Pepper's work doesn't get mentioned again and feels like it needs to be cut, otherwise Pepper would owe him big time. What do you think?
* Does the boss playing golf in his office seem cliche? Should we show his lack of shits in some other manner?
* Should Pepper be seeking PTO or just remote work?
* Is it clear that Shepard is referring to foxes when he notes the influence on divorce rates?
* Are the interactions with Salmy when he follows Pepper to his car funny?
* Do the interactions at work show that Pepper has his own troubles socializing?
* Does the dialogue with between Pepper and his coworkers feel authentic?
* Do we properly transition into Pepper feeling bashful and taken aback by Salmy's act of kindness? (Implying he is sort of gay for Salmy?)
* Did we succeed in further developing Pepper's character and showing how much of a pushover he can be?
* Are these scenes overly long or tedious?

Previously on Everybody Yiffs...
After Brandon's wet dream, he wakes up to find his father, Pepper, making breakfast for him downstairs. An awkward and rather depressing conversation follows and Pepper fails to lift Brandon's spirits. He doesn't even know how to hug his kid.

Pepper leaves for work, he needs to tell his boss he is taking time off for his son. But as we will see in the following scenes Pepper is nearly as socially inept as Brandon is. And foxes aren't the only species at the bottom of the totem pole.

I am uploading these drafts out of order, the scene where Brandon has breakfast with Pepper still hasn't been uploaded yet, just to keep things confusing.

Pepper's Work
*Pepper's company's office was a quarter of a floor rented out in what used to be a town hall, in an up and coming part of the West End. Pepper parks his car on the side of the street, there is nowhere else to park it. Everywhere there is constriction. The old remnants of pre-war society are being slowly stripped away and converted into office space and strip malls and apartments. Everything is getting a fresh paint job or an added parking garage or just being demolished to make room for something entirely new. As Pepper pulls his suitcase out of his car he can only guess what his company pays for rent in this part of town.*

*The interior of the office building is quite lavish, clean and fresh, and decorated in that inoffensive corporate style that lacks all taste or humanity. Pepper punches in the keycode and goes up the elevator to his floor.

Secretary
Pepper turns the corner to his company's section of the floor's office space. He is about to go through the door but the secretary out front stops him.*

Secretary: Can I help you?

Pepper: Uh no, thank you.

*Pepper tries to open the glass door to his work area but it is locked.*

Pepper: Can you unlock the door please?

Secretary: I'm sorry sir, do you have an appointment?

Pepper (nonplussed): What?

*The secretary just looks at him expectantly. Pepper recognized this kid, early 20s, new guy. They always seemed to be new, his boss gets a new one every few months or so when they inevitably quit due to abuse. This week's model is named "Alex". A dog of some sort, he never struck Pepper as the sharpest tool in the shed.*

Alex: An appointment, sir.

Pepper: No I don't have an appointment, I--
Pepper (cont'd, confused): What? Why would I need an appointment?
Pepper (cont'd, annoyed): Listen, I just need to grab my stuff and talk to Shepard (Pepper's boss) really quick.

Alex: I'm sorry sir, without an appointment I can't let you in. Mr. Shepard is currently attending to an important business call.

*Pepper squints past the glass door and into his boss's office. His boss, Shepard, is casually chuckling and leaning back in his chair as he idly chats on the phone.*

Pepper (frowning): It doesn't look very important...

Alex: I can take a message if you'd like--

Pepper (irritated): You don't need to take a message! Alex, look at my face! It's Pepper! I work here!

*The secretary just stares back blankly.*

Pepper: Peppercorn Kiddo?

*Alex continues to stare blankly.*

Pepper (increasingly livid): The only bear in the building?!

*Alex continues to stare.*

Pepper: I shook your hand last month when we hired you!

Alex: You do look sort of familiar...

Pepper: We've been working in the same office for the last three weeks!

Alex (skeptical): Then why don't I ever see you arrive?

Pepper: Because I get in earlier than you!

*The secretary continues to stare skeptically but then his eyes light up and his snaps his fingers.*

Alex (hitting his forehead like it was obvious): Oh, of course! You're the janitor...

Pepper (eyes narrowing): Open the fucking door, Alex.

Wolf Bros
Pepper steps into the office space and we see it is mostly a bunch of cubicles, a cofee and break area, and a glass office where Pepper's boss, Shepard, resides. Shepard, like the vast majority of Pepper's coworkers here, is a wolf.*

*Pepper walks up to Shepard's office, waiting. His boss is still lounging with his feet up, chatting merrily. At one point he sees Pepper there and waves at him, but when Pepper takes this as an invitation to step forward Shepard puts a finger up in a "hold the fuck on" gesture and Pepper just ends up standing there like an asshole. The office glass wall doesn't do much to muffle his bosses important work conversation.*

Shepard (muffled, laughing): ...so I'm nailing this midget, right? And you know I always wanted a midget as a pet. And the midget says...

*As Pepper waits his ears perk as a pair of wolves grabbing coffee nearby are laughing loudly. He glances at them out of the corner of his eye, recognizing them as his coworkers, Rez and Sab. He doesn't have a very high opinion of them. Unfortunately for Pepper Sab notices him watching and invites him into conversation.*

Sab (casually leaning over): Hey, Peppercorn, what do you call a fox with a runny nose?

Pepper (reluctantly, trying to be friendly): Uh, I don't know, Sab. What do you call a fox with a runny nose--

Sab (excitedly): Full!

*The wolf begins cackling madly and Pepper just responds with some vague forced chuckles. Rez notices the lackluster reaction and tries to explain.*

Rez: Because it's cum... Because foxes are sluts...

Pepper (nervous smile): Oh I get it...

*Another corworker, this one a cheetah named Salmy, pokes his head over his cubicle at Pepper's voice and approaches. One of the wolves makes a snide comment about Salmy before Salmy gets there, implying Salmy is a faggot. I'm still trying to figure out what he says but it is both douchey and funny. Salmy hasn't heard it as he walks up to take a coffee break.*

Salmy (friendly): Hey guys.

*The wolf bros mutter some vague greetings.*

Salmy (to Pepper): Hey Kiddo. Didn't see you this morning. Everything okay?

*Pepper begins to respond but notices his boss finally got off the phone. He quickly excuses himself and steps in his boss's office, leaving Salmy hanging, who curiously watches and listens to Pepper's interactions with his boss through the glass.*

Boss Conversation
Pepper steps in the office, already sort of hesitant. His boss's office is quite spacious compared to the cubicles outside. It even has an exercise bike, one of those miniature golf putting machines, and a large window overlooking a beautiful view of the West End on this side of the river. Shepard is busy playing with his golf putter, lining up a shot.*

Pepper: Uh, sir?

Shepard (half-looking): Oh, Peppercorn! Glad to see you made it!

Shepard (cont'd, hitting the ball with his club): When you didn't call in I got worried. For a moment there it looked like you weren't going to come in at all...

Pepper (being as omega as possible): Right, of course, well first let me apologize for that... Actually that's the reason I wanted to see you. I'm having a bit of a family crisis, I was hoping to take some time off to deal with it...

Shepard (mulling this over aloud, lining up his shot): A family crisis...

Pepper: Yes, my son has fallen sick and I'd like to spend more time with him until he recovers.

Shepard (absentmindedly): I didn't realize you had kids...

*Boss makes a shot and misses, cursing under his breath. Pepper doesn't even noticed, he is distracted by the view just outside the window, a pair of rats are working on rafters on the side of the building. They are giving it a fresh paint job, replacing the speckled Foxlish lettering that once marked it as a city hall.*

Shepard: Peppercorn?

Pepper (twisting back quickly): Hmm?

Shepard (expectantly, golf club on shoulder): I said I didn't know you had a son.

Pepper: Oh, well... You know I mostly prefer to keep to myself...

Shepard (vaguely irked, turning back to the game): So I noticed. That seems to be a running theme with you...

Pepper: ...sir?

Shepard (matter-of-factly): Well you don't eat lunch with the rest of the pack. You never attend any of the after-work social events. You've been working here, what, three years now? Sometimes it feels like I don't even know you.

*Internally Pepper can't stand it when his boss refers to his employee's as 'the pack'.*

Pepper (politely correcting): Five years.

Shepard (putting, repeating as if impressed): Five years...
Shepard (cont'd): That's a long time to be a stranger.

You never take lunch breaks with the others, you never attend company events. You've been working here for three years now but sometimes it feels like we barely know you.

Pepper: Well--

Shepard (interrupting, lifting his paw for emphasis): I always wanted to build a social office, you know? A social work environment. I kept telling my partners: "Be on the lookout for social species."
Shepard (rolling his eyes): But you know the climate in this city. You can't have too many wolves in one place. The government practically forces diversity hires, regardless of whether it results in a suboptimal work environment. I don't understand what's so wrong about a place where social species can work with other social species and the solitary species can go work on their own...

Pepper (shifting uncomfortably): Is my performance in question--?

Shepard (interrupting again, lining a new shot, curious): Are you a married man, Peppercorn?

Pepper (a bit taken aback): I was...

Shepard (shrugging, sarcastic): What a surprise...

Pepper (shocked): Excuse me?

Shepard (glancing back at him, clarifying): Well divorce rates in this city are at an all-time high. It seems like the idea of family values has gone out the window. No doubt influenced by our esteemed neighbors across the river...

*Pepper tries not to make a face as he licks his lips, clearly insulted but trying to remain civil and just get out of there as quickly as possible.*

Pepper: About my son--

Shepard: Show me some documentation affirming your offspring's illness and we can talk about remote work.

Pepper (hesitanting): Remote work? I was looking for time off.

Shepard: Well you are always free to use your PTO days.

Pepper: PTO? I'm not on a vacation...

Shepard (laughing, like it's a joke): Well you can't just not come into work and expect to get paid...

Pepper (shocked, nonplussed): My son is very ill...

Shepard (direct, skeptical): What evidence do I have that you even have a son? As far as I know you have never mentioned having any family whatsoever. Do you have any medical documentation regarding your son's condition? How exactly is he sick?

*Pepper just stands there, unsure of how to respond. Shepard steps over and puts his paw on Pepper's shoulder, acting like he's giving in and doing Pepper a favor.*

Shepard: Look, I'll tell you what, you can take the rest of the day off without dipping into your PTO and decide where you want to go from here. If you want to work remotely I'm sure we can work something out temporarily.

*Pepper just stands there as his boss goes back to his game. For a moment Pepper opens his mouth and it looks like he's going to say something, stand up for himself. But like a beta bitch he just turns away stiffly and begins to leave. But before he gets to the door, Salmy, who has been listening to the other side, steps in.*

Salmy (grabbing Pepper's arm to stop him, feigning surprise): Pepper! What are you still doing here? I thought you had left already...

Salmy (cont'd, interrupting before Pepper can say anything): Oh by the way I went ahead and sent that email letting everyone know you'd be on paid medical leave. I really appreciate you trusting me me to manage your projects while you take time off.

Salmy (to Shepard): Just go ahead and forward his contacts to me.

Shepard (noticeably irked): I don't recall authorizing any sort of medical leave...

Salmy (innocently): Well I think the situatiom is fairly clear-cut, don't you? After all, as a company with more than 50 employees we *are* legally obligated to offer paid medical leave to any full-time employees for a period of at least 60 days. I could write a letter to the Labor Bureau if you want me to double check the procedure...

Shepard (a little too loud): No!
Shepard (cont'd, clearing his throat): No, I don't think that will be necessary...
Shepard (strained smile to Pepper): I hope your son makes a quick recovery, we're all rooting for him.
Shepard (cont'd, strained smile): Be sure to stay in touch.

*Pepper murmurs a thank you and shuffles back towards his cubicle as Salmy follows. Pepper has his ears down, feeling humiliated that Salmy had to step in for him.

Walk to Car
Salmy (walking with Pepper, dismissive scoffing): Fucking wolves. They strut around like they're roosters, act like they own this city...

*Pepper arrives at his cubicle and throws his briefcase down, immediately packing up his work area.*

Salmy (watching, curiously): So what's the deal back home?

Pepper (clearly stiff and humilated): Thank you very much for your help, Salmy. I'm afraid I really need to get going now...

*Pepper continues stuffing the suitcase but pauses and turns around to find Salmy waiting behind him.*

Pepper (nonplussed, emphasizing): *Thank you*, Salmy, I appreciate it.

Salmy (clueless, shrugging): Yeah no problem.

*Pepper waits patiently for Salmy to leave but the cheetah just stands there. Pepper frowns and slams the suitcase shut. He shuffles past the cheetah and down the hall. Salmly follows.

Salmy (casually keeping pace): So you have a kid, huh?

Pepper (reluctant): I do...

Salmy: What's his name?

Pepper: Hazel...

Salmy: You never mentioned him before.

Pepper: It must have slipped my mind...

*Pepper quickens, trying to outrun the cheetah and his own shame. Salmy seems to keep up effortlessly though, and Pepper briefly reflects on the absurdity of trying to outrun a cheetah.*

Salmy: He must be pretty sick if you're pulling him out of school. What's he have?

*Pepper panicks. He can't imagine telling Salmy his kid is a fox or has priapism. He blurts out the first thing that comes to mind.*

Pepper: Oh it's...stomach...cancer...

*Pepper cringes internally at the stupidity of what he just said, but Salmy eats it up.*

Salmy (horrified): Jesus...is he going to be okay?

Pepper: Well um, yes, I mean the prognosis looks good... The doctor's say it seems like we caught it in time.
Pepper(cont'd, trying to shake the chee): Listen Salmy, I'm actually really busy right now...

Salmy (empathetic): I can only imagine, what with everything going on... Do you have anyone helping you two out?

Pepper: No, actually we seem to be getting along just fine on our own...

*Pepper practically bursts out of the building and hurries to his car, he can't unlock it fast enough as he quickly says goodbye to Salmy and jumps in, exhaling in his seat and starting the ignition. Before he can hit the gas Salmy has stuffed his head through the car window.*

Salmy: It's going to be a real shame not having you around the office. For me I mean. What with you being the only other non-wolf at the office... Are you going to be gone for long?

Pepper (trying not to scream): A few weeks I think.

Salmy: It's still a shame though. I always thought we could have been better friends. I was always friendly with you, wasn't I? I always tried to strike up a conversation whenever I got the chance...

Pepper (nodding politely, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel like he is about to gun it): Yep, you always tried... You...you're still trying...

Salmy: Well you're an interesting person.
Salmy (cont'd, scratching his ear): And well, now I'm gonna really embarrass myself...

*Salmy pulls out his billfold and a pen and starts writing down his number on his business card): I know we don't really talk outside of work but if you end up wanting to do something together. I mean...if you need anything, evdn if it's just someone to talk to... You can call this number.

*Salmy seems a bit shy as he hands the card to Pepper.*

Pepper (expression softening): Oh... T-Thanks Salmy...
Pepper (cont'd, quickly turning back to the dash): I really *do* need to get going now though...

Salmy (smiling): I understand. See you around, Kiddo.

Pepper watched as the cheetah disappeared into the building, and realizes to his surprise that he had been holding his breath. He forced himself to exhale. His heart was racing. Why was he always so awkward around Salmy?

He stared down at the business card. "Cancer..." he muttered. "Stupid! So fucking stupid!" he hit his wheel with a paw and jumped when the horn honked, stiffening as a passing wolf couple glanced back at him curiously.

Regaining his composure, Pepper pulled Vera's business card out of his wallet, putting it side by side next to Salmy's on the dash. He looked at one, then the other, then flipped over Vera's card to read the directions on the other side.

"Fuck it..." Pepper muttered before speeding off.

End Notes
* Outline for the rest of the chapters.","pools_count":2,"title":"Study: Pepper & Salmy at Work","deleted":"f","public":"t","mimetype":"image/jpeg","pagecount":"1","rating_id":"2","rating_name":"Adult","ratings":[{"content_tag_id":"4","name":"Sexual Themes","description":"Erotic imagery, sexual activity or arousal","rating_id":"2"}],"submission_type_id":"12","type_name":"Writing - Document","guest_block":"t","friends_only":"f","comments_count":"0","views":"510"}