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"pools": [], "description": "The not so distant future is a place where society has sentient animals called Companions. \nThis is the story of one Companion, Karson, in his journey to find a place in the world and his own companionship along the way.", "description_bbcode_parsed": "The not so distant future is a place where society has sentient animals called Companions.
This is the story of one Companion, Karson, in his journey to find a place in the world and his own companionship along the way.", "writing": "FRIENDS AND LOVERS\n\nChapter 1 - Road Trip\n\n\tThe clock read 6:25.\n\n\tKarson knew Rachel would arrive any minute. He sat patiently on the couch and attempted to read the newspaper, but found he could not concentrate. As he started to read the article on a consumer goods company specializing in Companion products, he heard the jingle of keys in the lock. He quickly folded the paper and stood with his tail wagging for his roommate and lover to walk through the door.\n\n\tRachel shuffled in, a plastic bag of take out in one hand and a stack of office papers in the other. She kicked the door closed and her face broke into a smile as she faced Karson. She held out the plastic bag to him.\n\n\t``Hey sweetie! Would you take care of that for me? I?m going to change out of my work clothes real quick.''\n\n\t``Of course, Rachel.''\n\n\tKarson took the bag, but not before leaning up to give her a kiss. Rachel scurried back to her room to change while he unpacked the dinner. By the time she emerged in jeans and a t-shirt, he had everything all set including drinks. Rachel joined him at the table.\n\n\t``Thanks Kar. So glad it?s Friday. Sorry about the take out again this week, but I figured it would be faster this way so we can get on the road.''\n\n\tKarson smiled and took a bite of his sub.\n\n\t``It is all right; I am excited to get out of town actually. I have not been out of the city in quite some time.''\n\n\t``Oh, right,'' Rachel said.\n\n\tShe took a bite of her own sub.\n\n\t``The farm was it? I bet that was nice, but trust me you'll like my hometown. I can show you all the places I used to go when I was growing up.''\n\n\t``I certainly look forward to it.''\n\n\tThey finished the dinner quickly and Karson helped Rachel pack; he finished his own earlier that day. They each had a single suitcase and chose to carry a light jacket. The April weather was relatively calm and warm. Karson followed Rachel out of the apartment as they made their way down to the car.\n\n\tAfter suitcases were stowed in the trunk, Rachel briefly pulled Karson into her arms. He giggled lightly as she snuggled against his cheek, and the two shared an intimate kiss. Rachel stroked his ears in that tender way she used to show her affection.\n\n\t``I'm excited Kar! But I'm also kind of nervous. I haven?t brought a guy home in years!''\n\n\tThey both shared a laugh at her statement, but her tone turned serious for a moment.\n\n\t``Are you ready for this? I don't think my parents really know that we are...well, you know. But if things get weird I just want to say that I love you no matter what, okay?''\n\n\tKarson returned her gaze and grasped her hand.\n\n\t``Do not worry Rachel, things will be fine. Just for the record, know that I will always love you no matter what.''\n\n\tWith both having said their peace, the two kissed again and hopped in the car.\n\n\t``Riverside here we come!''\n\n\tRachel drove off to the expressway.\n\n\tFour hours and a couple of rest stops later, Rachel exited the freeway and drove down the familiar Ohio streets of her childhood. She pointed out a landmark here and there to Karson as they passed, such as the corner that used to be her favorite spot in summertime to get a Popsicle. The corner had long ago become a quick mart peddling cheap coffee and cigarettes.\n\n\tAs they turned down the last street, Rachel slowed to try and observe what changes had taken place over the last two years since she visited. That Christmas seemed like a lifetime ago and it was before her previous relationship. The thought flashed through her mind - if not for that breakup, Karson would not be with her right now. Rachel gave up trying to take in all the subtle changes to her neighborhood in the dark, and finally turned into the drive of her parents? house.\n\n\tKarson waved to Rachel's mother Vanessa, who stood on the front porch as they exited the car. She waited a brief moment for the visitors to stretch before she met them halfway up the walk. It occurred to Karson just how much Rachel looked like her mother, save for the gray hair and age lines.\n\n\t``Rachel! I'm so glad you made it.''\n\n\tShe briefly hugged her daughter before turning her attention to Karson.\n\n\t``It?s so nice to finally meet you Karson.''\n\n\tVanessa hugged him as only a mother could.\n\n\tHis tail wagged instantly at her firm embrace.\n\n\t``It is very nice to meet you as well, Mrs. Nolan.''\n\n\tShe laughed and put her hand on his arm.\n\n\t``Oh, stop it Karson. Just call me Vanessa.''\n\n\tRachel started to turn back to the car.\n\n\t``I'll just grab our bags-``\n\n\t``Come on Rach, the bags are not going anywhere. Besides you need to introduce your Companion. Come inside and say hello to your father first, you know how distracted he can be.''\n\n\tVanessa took Karson by the hand and led him up the walkway back to the porch.\n\n\t``Would you like something to drink, Karson? I was just setting a pot of water for some tea. Rachel tells me that you enjoy some from time to time.''\n\n\t``Yes, that would be lovely, thank you.''\n\n\tVanessa engaged the Companion in more small talk as they made their way in the front door. Rachel paused, inhaled deeply, and looked up at the starry sky as she exhaled.\n\n\t``It's good to be home.''\n\n\tShe entered the house and closed the door just as Karson was answering a question from her mother.\n\n\t``No, this is the first time I have been to Ohio.''\n\n\t``Ah, okay. Well, I'm sure you?ll enjoy it. Thankfully, the weekend is supposed to have very nice weather. It would be a great opportunity to get out for some fresh air.''\n\n\tThe rising pitch of the kettle sounded from the kitchen.\n\n\t``That?s the water! Excuse me.''\n\n\tAs Vanessa shuffled off, she caught Rachel?s eye and made a significant gesture toward the den.\n\n\tRachel took Karson by the hand and led him to the doorway opposite the kitchen, across the room from the front door.\n\n\t``Come on, it's time to go say hi to Dad. I have to warn you though, he?s a big fan of those crime scene shows, so don't take it too personally if he?s distracted.''\n\n\tThey walked down the three steps leading into the most stereotypical den imaginable.\n\n\tOff to one side were a small fireplace and two simple, well-worn padded chairs with a square coffee table between. The other side of the room had an old sofa, and Rachel's father sat in an old, but sturdy, leather recliner with remote in one hand and soda can in the other. The chair faced away from the doorway, and her father watched the not-so-small TV display. Rachel took note that the channel changed every few seconds, and considered it the right time to make the introductions since she knew her father was not currently engaged in a show.\n\n\t``Hey Dad, we're here!''\n\n\tHe rose slightly from his chair to turn around, and the pair could clearly see his face crease in a smile.\n\n\t``Rachel! Come here and give your Daddy a kiss.''\n\n\tShe walked over and stooped to hug and kiss her father.\n\n\t``Dad, I'd like you to meet someone. This is Karson, the Companion I adopted last year.''\n\n\tHer father got up from the chair and stood in front of them.\n\n\tKarson extended his hand in greeting.\n\n\t``It is very nice to meet you Mr. Nolan.''\n\n\t``Gary. You can call me Gary.''\n\n\tHe took Karson's hand in a firm, almost crushing handshake. He pumped his hand a couple of times before letting go.\n\n\t``Nice to meet you. Welcome to Riverside. You're a Second Gen right? Haven't seen one of you in a while.''\n\n\t``Dad used to be a car salesman,'' Rachel commented.\n\n\t``Yep. Sold plenty of iron to folks with Companions. Always asking if the upholstery could handle fur and claws.''\n\n\tVanessa stood at the threshold of the den.\n\n\t``Karson dear, the tea is ready. Would you like to join me in the kitchen for a cup?''\n\n\t``Yes, thank you, Vanessa.''\n\n\t``It's just through here. You can tell me all about your trip.''\n\n\tKarson looked briefly at Rachel, who gave him a reassuring smile in return.\n\n\t``Of course, coming.''\n\n\tHe departed the den.\n\n\tWhen Karson left Rachel and her father alone, Gary sat back down in his chair. He resumed flipping through channels and took a sip of his soda. Rachel stood for a moment before sitting down on the nearby sofa. She watched her father flip through a few more channels before she prompted him.\n\n\t``Well?''\n\n\t``Well, what?''\n\n\tHe took another sip.\n\n\t``Aren't you going to ask about Karson?''\n\n\tGary shrugged.\n\n\t``Why should I? You are free to do whatever you like.''\n\n\tRachel sighed.\n\n\t``Not now, Daddy. It's been nearly ten years since I moved out, and I don't feel like having this conversation again. It would really mean a lot to me for you to like Karson. Don't let our past get in the way.''\n\n\tGary turned off the TV before turning to his daughter.\n\n\t``Rachel, listen. I know it was a long time ago. I?m okay with it, really. I just wanted to give you as much opportunity as I could, but you should know by now that I respect you for wanting to make your own way through life. I'm always proud of your accomplishments, whatever they may be. If you want to add a Companion to your life, who am I to stop you?''\n\n\tRachel smiled.\n\n\t``Alright, point taken. But really Dad, Karson is special to me. I just would really like for you two to get along. Trust me; he is one hundred times more interesting than Tony.''\n\n\tGary laughed.\n\n\t''Well, I should hope so! From what your mother told me, Tony sounded like a pompous jackass. Glad I never had to meet him.''\n\n\t``Well, anyway, be nice to Karson. He?s different, but in a good way.''\n\n\tHe nodded.\n\n\t``Okay, if it?ll make my little girl happy.''\n\n\tShe leaned over and kissed her father?s cheek.\n\n\t``Thanks Dad.''\n\nChapter 2 - Reminiscing\n\n\t``I?m so glad you two could finally visit.''\n\n \tVanessa stirred her tea.\n\n\tKarson took a sip of his own, which was an accomplishment in itself since she did not have any Companion style cups. \n\n\t``I agree. Rachel talked about it for some time, but I told her we would never make it out here unless we did it instead of plan it.''\n\n\tThey shared a laugh.\n\n\t``Do you have any specific plans while you?re in town? I thought maybe I?d make us all dinner tomorrow evening?''\n\n\tVanessa raised her eyebrows hopefully.\n\n\t``I am sure that would be just fine. Rachel mentioned maybe a trip to the zoo tomorrow. She said something about showing me some of her favorite spots as a child. Really, I am just along for the ride, so to speak.''\n\n\tKarson grinned and took another sip of tea.\n\n\t``This is really nice. Did you add lemon?''\n\n\t``Yes, I thought it complimented the tea nicely. Just add a drop of honey and it?s perfect.''\n\n\tThe two sat quietly for a moment enjoying their tea. Vanessa got up from the table briefly and pulled out a binder from a hidden corner. She returned to the table and pushed the book across to Karson.\n\n\t``I was waiting for you to visit so I could show you this.''\n\n\tKarson looked at the binder worn with age.\n\n\t``What is it?''\n\n\t``It's an old photo album I keep with pictures of Rachel, along with other things. I thought you might be interested in seeing it. Go ahead, take a look.''\n\n\tVanessa smiled as the Companion reverently open the binder.\n\n\tThe first one that greeted him was Rachel?s baby picture. She was wrapped in a white blanket and wore the cutest expression. Karson traced a finger over the photo, which did not escape Vanessa?s notice as she watched him over her cup of tea. He flipped through page after page and she filled him in on the details of where and when the photos were taken.\n\n\tKarson was up to Rachel?s high school pictures when she came strolling into the kitchen. She walked past the table and retrieved a drink from the refrigerator before sitting down next to him. Glancing at the current page, she laughed at the picture of her standing in a group of classmates at a bowling alley.\n\n\t``Wow, that was so long ago! I remember I used to go hang out at the lanes every Saturday afternoon. All the preppies went to the mall, and all the misfits went bowling. I can?t believe you kept all of these pictures, Mom.''\n\n\t``Ah well, you know how mothers can be.''\n\n\tRachel shared a few stories that belonged to some of the pictures for Karson, and the three at the table enjoyed reminiscing. After the page with Rachel in her college cap and gown, Karson came across a familiar picture. It was the photo from his first weekend with Rachel. He could scarcely believe it had nearly been a year since it was taken.\n\n\tKarson looked at the photo for a moment and then looked at Rachel. She returned his gaze with a secret glint in her eye and grasped his hand under the table. This also did not escape Vanessa?s notice, as Rachel leaned closer to him.\n\n\t``I remember that day. Those clothes suited you so well, Kar.''\n\n\tShe turned to her mother.\n\n\t``Do you have all the photos I sent you in here?''\n\n\tVanessa nodded.\n\n\tKarson started to turn past the page that had the photo from his birthday where Rachel was kissing him.\n\n\tVanessa commented quickly.\n\n\t``That?s one of my favorites you know.''\n\n\tRachel pulled the page back.\n\n\t``Oh, I forgot I even sent you that one.''\n\n\tKarson shifted in his seat.\n\n\tVanessa giggled in an all-knowing way.\n\n\tRachel looked at her mother.\n\n\t``What?''\n\n\t``Rachel honey, you don?t have to pretend. It?s plain to see even as I sit here. So how long has this been going on, hm?''\n\n\tShe smiled at Karson who looked decidedly nervous.\n\n\tHe knew the subject would come up sooner or later, but not quite this soon. Karson cleared his throat and plucked up his courage.\n\n\t``Mrs. Nolan, I just want to say that Rachel-''\n\n\t``Please call me Vanessa, Karson. I just think it?s adorable that?s all. I don?t want to poke my nose into your business, but I care about you after all...both of you. Does anyone else know?''\n\n\t``Mom...''\n\n\tRachel had that not in front of my boyfriend voice. \n\n\t``Oh all right, you can tell me about it some other time. I will not embarrass you in front of such a gentleman as Karson.''\n\n\tThe Companion relaxed slightly and Rachel blew out a sigh of relief. Vanessa yawned suddenly.\n\n\t``Excuse me! I didn?t realize what time it is. I need to get your father to bed or he will spend all night flipping through channels. I went ahead and made up your room. I?ll probably make breakfast around 8:30 or so, if you?re up around then.''\n\n\tShe rose from the table and hugged her daughter.\n\n\t``I?m so glad to see you.''\n\n\tShe leaned over and hugged Karson as well.\n\n\t``And you too, Karson. Have a good night, and I?ll see you in the morning.''\n\n\tVanessa ambled her way into the den and they heard her address Gary.\n\n\t``Come on lazy bones, let?s get to bed.''\n\n\tRachel and Karson sat quietly at the table for a few minutes, listening to her parents go upstairs and get settled. The house was suddenly very still. Karson grasped Rachel?s hand and squeezed. She returned his gaze and traced a finger through the fur of his arm.\n\n\tAfter a moment, Rachel barely spoke above a whisper.\n\n\t``Would you like to see my old room?''\n\n\tShe squeezed his hand and gave him a wink, and he knew that she implied more than just sleep. He grinned in return and nodded his head slowly. Rachel jerked her head towards the stairs, and the two quietly crept through the house to the second floor.\n\n\tShe pushed open the door of the small bedroom on the opposite end of the hallway from the master bedroom. It was the typical single child?s bedroom with a four-poster bed, chest of drawers, a sitting table with mirror, wide closet, bedside table and various other furnishings. Rachel ushered Karson in first, and closed the door behind them as she turned on the light.\n\n\tKarson gazed around soaking in all the details. The majority of the room had been stripped of Rachel?s personal possessions, but much of the furniture was unchanged. There were even a few of her old stuffed toys sitting on the bed in front of the two large fluffy pillows. He walked over and picked up a worn and lopsided teddy bear. Rachel giggled slightly as he pressed his nose against the bear and inhaled. Karson closed his eyes and smiled.\n\n\t``This bear has your scent. Was this your favorite?''\n\n\tRachel came over and plucked the bear out of his grasp and hugged the plush.\n\n\t``Yeah, I can?t believe this poor little guy?s still around. I had him since I was about eight years old, used to call him Mr. Cuddles.''\n\n\tShe hugged the bear once more before depositing him on the bed, and turned back to Karson.\n\n\t``But now I have a new Mr. Cuddles. Or maybe I should spell cuddles with a K?''\n\n\tRachel traced a finger around the back of Karson?s left ear, and he did not wait to find out what she would do next. He clutched her waist and began kissing the crook of her neck. She responded to his attentions by running her fingers through the fur on the back of his neck and hugging him close. She nibbled on one of his ear tips.\n\n\t``Does this mean you feel like cuddling?''\n\n\t``I think I could manage,'' he said between kisses.\n\n\tRachel pushed him away gently.\n\n\t``Hold that thought.''\n\n\tShe quickly pushed the plush toys off the bed and pulled down the covers before clicking off the light. In two quick motions, she stripped down to her underwear and hopped onto the bed. She pulled a knee up seductively and curled her finger in a come here motion. Just as quickly, Karson shed his clothing and crawled up next to her.\n\n\tShe pushed him down and combed her fingers through the thick fur of his chest. Karson closed his eyes and sighed happily.\n\n\t``I love it when you do that,'' he whispered.\n\n\tRachel giggled lightly and pressed her lips against his in a tender and lingering kiss.\n\n\t``I know you do, lover. That?s why I do it.''\n\n\tShe leaned down and nuzzled into his neck, which allowed Karson to gently nibble on her ear.\n\n\t``I hope you know what you are doing, Romeo.''\n\n\tShe did not use her pet name for Karson very much, but ever since their first time together it had come to hold a special meaning for the both of them.\n\n\t``Of course I know,'' he replied slyly.\n\n\tShe moaned softly into his neck fur and Karson felt her hand roam lower. He squirmed as she fondled him intimately.\n\n\t``Well, as long as we are both clear on our intentions.''\n\n\tHe nodded wordlessly and ran his hands over her shoulders. Rachel?s face was still buried in his neck ruff as her other hand found his tail. Karson let the faintest whine escape his throat as she expertly tickled just the right spots in front and back.\n\n\tRachel finally raised her head from her nuzzling and looked into Karson?s face. She clearly read the expression of want in the dim light, and she was all too happy to satisfy him. Over the few months the two were sleeping together, they came to know each others tendencies in their lovemaking. When Rachel rolled on top of Karson, he knew exactly what to do next, and the two burrowed under the covers as they made love.\n\n\tThe two drew out their session, letting their passion smolder rather than ending in a quick flash. They lay together when finished, with Rachel clutching Karson in her arms much the way she once held her teddy bear. She randomly traced her finger through various patches of fur on his head. Karson was nuzzled against her chest with his eyes closed.\n\n\t``Have I ever told you that you?re the most passionate person I?ve ever known?''\n\n\tKarson?s hand stroked the side of her naked hip.\t\n\n\t``Yes, but not lately.''\n\n\t``Well, it?s true. Even in the heat of lovemaking, you have the most tender and gentle touch. There are times when it feels like our two souls merge. I?ve never known that feeling with anyone else. You really are special Karson; I just wanted to tell you that.''\n\n\tShe emphasized her sentiment by placing a firm kiss on his forehead.\n\n\t``You mean the world to me, Rachel. I love you more than I will ever be able to express with words.''\n\n\tKarson snuggled up closer to her.\n\n\tShe smiled in the darkness and squeezed him.\n\n\t``I know lover, I feel the same way.''\n\n\tThe two drifted off to sleep in their shared comfort.\n\nChapter 3 - The Zoo\n\n\tKarson's nose twitched as it was greeted with the most wonderful aroma. He yawned and stretched, but his eyes snapped open when he found himself alone in the bed. He looked around the room and saw their suitcases sitting nearby on the dresser. Quickly, Karson rose and donned a shirt and a pair of shorts.\n\n\tHe stopped in the bathroom before heading back downstairs to the kitchen and the enticing smells of breakfast. His keen hearing picked up the strands of conversation between Rachel and her mother.\n\n\t``Well, maybe he should try to get published?''\n\n\t``That?s what I said too, but you know how hard it is for people to take Companions seriously. It?s hard enough for people to not treat them like...pets!''\n\n\tThere was a clink from silverware hitting a plate. Karson stood still and waited to hear the next comment.\n\n\t``That?s true, but what about a pen name? People have been writing that way for hundreds of years. Also, you could just pretend you're his agent?''\n\n\tRachel sighed.\n\n\t``Hm, I hadn?t thought of that. Anyway, I'll send you a link of one of the articles he wrote.''\n\n\tShe giggled softly.\n\n\t``Not only is he the smartest person I know, but he?s also the cutest. You would die if you saw the way his tongue pokes out when he?s sleeping! It?s the most adorable-Oh! Good morning Karson.''\n\n\tKarson strolled into the kitchen and sat down at the table next to Rachel. He smiled at her and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.\n\n\t``Whatever you are making smells wonderful, Vanessa.''\n\n\t``Why thank you Karson. It's just simple bacon and eggs with some toast. We also have some orange juice if would you like a glass?''\n\n\t``Yes, thank you.''\n\n\tHe turned to Rachel but addressed both women.\n\n\t``So what other cute things have you told your mother about me?''\n\n\tRachel blushed slightly but answered playfully.\n\n\t``Oh you know, the usual. Like how you snore in your sleep, and how you have to turn around three times before you lay down. Also, how you like to chase your tail...you know normal boyfriend stuff.''\n\n\tKarson laughed lightly and poked her in the side.\n\n\t``Uh huh. But what if I mentioned how you have terrible table manners and you snore as well?''\n\n\tThis time Vanessa was the one to laugh.\n\n\t``Karson, honey, I've known that since Rach was five years old!''\n\n\tHis ears laid back in embarrassment as his comment backfired, but Rachel thought it was cute.\n\n\t``Aw, don't worry about it Kar. Wait ?til you taste the way Mom makes her eggs. That will cheer you up.''\n\n\tShe was already eating another bite of her almost finished breakfast when Vanessa placed a loaded plate in front of him.\n\n\tHe sniffed the meal and grinned at Vanessa. Karson took a mouthful of eggs and chewed enthusiastically.\n\n\t``Yummy!''\n\n\tShe winked at him and went back to fixing her own plate.\n\n\t``So I was going to take Karson to the zoo, but I don't think we?ll be there all day. I also wanted to take a drive by the old high school. What time were you planning dinner?''\n\n\tRachel finished shoveling the remainder of her food into her mouth as her mother replied.\n\n\t``I usually plan for 6pm; your father has gotten used to that schedule. I'll make chicken and dumplings since this is a special occasion.''\n\n\tRachel's face lit up at the mention of her mother's dish.\n\n\t``Oh, you?re in for a treat!''\n\n\tKarson nodded and continued his wonderful tasting breakfast.\n\n\tAfter breakfast was finished, Rachel left with Karson for the Columbus Zoo. They arrived an hour later and made their way to the main entrance. Since it was early on a Saturday, there were many families there with children and a surprising number of Companions. Karson was glad that he would not be the only one there, although he did notice that leashes led the majority of them.\n\n\tAlthough Rachel was Karson?s Guardian, she simply refused to lead him around on a leash. It took some time for Karson to get used to the practice, but there were occasions where he still felt awkward not having it on. Today, however, was not one of those days. He followed Rachel through the turnstile with a happy smile on his face as she led him to the giant marquee with a map of the zoo.\n\n\t``I haven?t been here in a long time, but it doesn?t look like much has changed. The lions are still in the same place, as well as the elephants. The bears, the wolves, the apes all seem the same as ever. It does look like the aviary is larger though.''\n\n\tShe dissected the map, making a mental path to the different animals she wanted to see.\n\n\t``Is there any exhibit in particular you?d like to check out?''\n\n\tKarson shrugged.\n\n\t``I am not sure. I would like to check out everything, since I have only been to the zoo once before. I have of course read and seen videos of many of the animals here, but there are only a few I have seen in person.''\n\n\tRachel grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the nearest path.\n\n\t``Well, come on then! Let?s go check out the lions; they?re always fun to watch. Maybe we can catch them feeding the big cats.''\n\n\tRachel tugged him along and he could not help smiling at her enthusiasm.\n\n\tKarson found the lions very interesting indeed, but they did not spend long at their location. Rachel was disappointed when she discovered feeding time would not be for another couple of hours, so she shuffled him along to the next point of interest. They briefly stopped by the cheetahs, the mountain lions, the lynx and many other varieties of large felines. When they passed into the next section of animals, Karson got a chance to see the primates up close.\n\n\tHe found the gorillas and the chimps fascinating. He viewed their appearance and behavior with wonder, considering that a person could make a parallel comparison between a human and a chimp much the same way they compared a Companion and a canine. Rachel noticed his scrutinizing gaze of the primates.\n\n\tShe leaned close to Karson and teased him.\n\n\t``Would you still find me attractive if I had fur like a chimp?''\n\n\tKarson smiled but turned her question around.\n\n\t``Would you still think I was cute if I did not have fur?''\n\n\tShe giggled and put her arm around his shoulder.\n\n\t``Of course I would. I would just have to cuddle you more often to keep you warm.''\n\n\tHe smiled and squeezed her hand.\n\n\t``I think I could handle that.''\n\n\tThey moved on to the canines, which included the various foxes, and some of the numerous varieties of wolves. They stopped in front of the Gray Wolf cage, and while Karson silently read the info plaque Rachel suddenly stiffened and grasped his arm.\n\n\t``Karson, look,'' she whispered loudly. \n\n\tHe raised his head and saw one of the wolves staring intently at him from only a few inches away on the other side of the wire barrier. The wolf did not project any threatening body language, but seemed to be curious. Karson returned the stare for a moment and then lowered his gaze and laid back his ears in a submissive display. The wolf sniffed the air with its ears cocked forward. When Karson met its gaze once more, the wolf lay down next to the barrier and rolled over exposing its throat and belly. The Companion clearly saw it was a female wolf. He backed up slowly and moved away from the cage pulling Rachel with him.\n\n\tRachel watched the exchange in awed silence and followed Karson as he shuffled a fair distance away. As he moved by, the wolf walked as far as the cage would allow her, and she huffed in disappointment as Karson moved past her point of view. Rachel squeezed Karson?s arm when they were at the next cage.\n\n\t``What was all that?''\n\n\tShe sounded a little unsettled.\n\n\t``I am not sure; I have never seen anything like that happen before.''\n\n\tKarson seemed to ponder his own actions, and commented further in a slightly embarrassed tone.\n\n\t``Do not take this the wrong way Rachel, but that was a female wolf. I think she was showing submission to me.''\n\n\tRachel stifled a giggle.\n\n\t``Oh, really? A female wolf interested in you? You really are cute if a wild wolf is attracted to you.''\n\n\tKarson kissed Rachel?s hand.\n\n\t``Do not worry, she is not my type.''\n\n\tShe continued to tease her mate.\n\n\t``Just what is your type, hm?''\n\n\tThe Companion poked her in the stomach playfully.\n\n\t``Someone who likes me for my mind, not just my body. That wolf might have thought I was a stud, but I cannot carry on a conversation with her.''\n\n\tRachel made a cute smile at his response.\n\n\t``Smart and sexy!''\n\n\tThe two laughed and moved on to the next section of the zoo.\n\n\tThey stopped in one of the many small food stations spread throughout the park for a quick snack. Karson ate the remains of his corn dog as Rachel waited, since she always finished before him. She studied a hand map and randomly offered suggestions on where they could visit once they got done. As Karson wiped his muzzle with a napkin, Rachel started to gather up the trash but Karson stood up.\n\n\t``Here let me get that. You can figure out what animal we should visit next.''\n\n\tHe took the tray with the trash and headed for one of the bins at the edge of the tables. In a corner of the patio a small group of teenagers sat laughing. One of them, a boy about sixteen, held up a tennis ball and shouted at Karson.\n\n\t``Hey boy! Want to get the ball? Huh? Wanna get it?''\n\n\tHe waved the ball like he was going to throw it for him to fetch. \n\n\tThe statement was lost on Karson as he walked by ignoring the boy, not knowing that the comment was directed at him. He cleared his tray of trash, deposited it on top of the bin and had already turned back toward Rachel when the boy shouted again even louder.\n\n\t``Hey! Doggie, I?m talking to you.''\n\n\tKarson blinked and turned to the boy now that he had his attention. The boy pulled a silly face with a stupid grin and bounced the ball several times on the table.\n\n\t``Want the ball?''\n\n\tThe rest of the teenagers at the table broke out in fits of laughter when Karson stared at the boy with a questioning look. The boy pointed at his hand.\n\n\t``The ball? I thought all dogs liked to play fetch?''\n\n\tThe boy stood up and tossed the ball past Karson.\n\n\t``Go fetch boy!''\n\n\tKarson showed no response to the boy?s action and simply glanced as the ball went bouncing past him. The table full of teenagers erupted in laughter as the boy looked irritated that the Companion had not fallen for his intended joke.\n\n\tKarson blinked and simply said, ``Excuse me,'' before he walked toward Rachel again.\n\n\tThe boy?s face turned crimson as he shouted at Karson.\n\n\t``Go fetch my ball you damn mutt!''\n\n\tThe group of teens ooohed at his comment and Karson paused for the briefest moment. It had taken Rachel up to this point to realize what was going on, since she was absorbed in looking over the map of the zoo. She ran up to Karson.\n\n\t``Just ignore them, come on let?s go.''\n\n\tAs Rachel turned, Karson caught movement out of the corner of his eye.\n\n\tThe boy picked up his drink and hurled it in their direction. The Companion saw it was going to hit Rachel, and without thinking he blocked the thrown drink. His torso was soaked as the cup crashed into him and exploded in a cascade of soda. Rachel was livid as she turned on the teenager.\n\n\t``Hey you little jerk! How would you like it if I came over there and kicked your ass?''\n\n\tHer voice rose in volume as she took a couple of steps in the direction of the teenagers' table. She suddenly felt Karson pull on her hand.\n\n\t``They are not worth it Rachel. It is fine, it is just soda. I will go to the restroom and get dried off.''\n\n\tRachel was steaming mad, but when she looked at Karson?s face she saw his pleading look. She knew from past experiences that he did not deal well with conflict, preferring to avoid it if at all possible. Karson?s entire body language was a clear indication that he was stressed, the way his ears folded back and his tail curled. She silently counted to ten.\n\n\tTurning back to the kids who had grown uncharacteristically quiet now that an adult was yelling at them, she called out to the boy.\n\n\t``You?re lucky I?m not in the mood for a fight. I?m still reporting you to security, so if I were you I?d leave before you get kicked out.''\n\n\tShe swiftly turned her back on the kids and escorted Karson down the walkway.\n\n\tKarson?s keen hearing caught the comment of one of the other kids.\n\n\t``Tommy you?re such an asshole.''\n\n\tRachel?s concern grew after Karson came out of the restroom. He managed to get most of the soda dried from his shirt and fur, but he was unusually quiet...even for him. She knew from past experience that the incident affected him more than he would allow anyone to see. He tried to hide his unhappiness as he gave her a thin smile.\n\n\t``What do you want to see next?''\n\n\t``I?m not sure. I think I?ve had about enough of the zoo. How about we just go for a drive?''\n\n\tKarson did not object to the idea of leaving the zoo. He followed in silence as Rachel held his hand and led him back to the main entrance. When they were safely in the car, Rachel turned to him.\n\n\t``Kar, sweetie, I?m really sorry about back there. I didn?t realize what was going on until it was too late. Just try not to let it get to you. All you have to do is remember that I love you, no matter what.''\n\n\tShe tenderly stroked his ears.\n\n\t``I know, and it does mean a lot.''\n\n\tHe managed a small smile, but Rachel could tell he was feeling depressed.\n\n\t``Tell you what, after dinner I?ll groom you. That usually helps you relax.''\n\n\tHe just nodded.\n\n\tRachel started up the car and headed back to her hometown. Before long they drove through residential neighborhoods again, and she pointed out several places where she used to visit friends. She navigated down several streets until they pulled into the parking lot of her old high school. She marveled at how little it had changed since her attendance. \n\n\t``I can hardly believe that my twenty year reunion will be in a few years.''\n\n\t``I never thought about any kind of reunion. I do not even know if they have Companion reunions.''\n\n\tRachel laughed lightly.\n\n\t``Yeah but if they did you probably wouldn?t have them ask ?Why aren?t you married yet??''\n\n\tShe pulled a face and Karson smiled.\n\n\t``Well, I think we?ve had enough sight seeing for one day. Let?s get you home and get some dinner in your tummy; I?m sure that would make you feel better.'' \n\n\tKarson nodded.\n\n\t``Yeah, I think you are right.''\n\n\tRachel smiled at him and headed back to her parent?s home once again. The door barely closed before her mother called to her from the kitchen.\n\n\t``Rachel, you may as well sit down. Dinner will be ready in just a few minutes.''\n\n\t``Okay Mom.''\n\n\tShe turned to Karson.\n\n\t``I know you probably want to go change shirts. I promise we won't start without you.''\n\n\tShe kissed him on the cheek and watched him climb the stairs before she turned to the kitchen.\n\n\t``Would you mind getting the drinks ready? I've got some tea and cold water. I'm afraid we only have diet soda.''\n\n\tRachel went to the refrigerator and got out the pitcher of tea.\n\n\t``This will be fine. I'm sure Karson will want some water. Speaking of which, would you happen to have a straw? It?s difficult for Kar to drink out of normal glasses.''\n\n\t``Yes, there are some in the drawer next to the knives.''\n\n\tBy the time Vanessa finished preparing her side dishes and set everything on the table, Karson walked into the kitchen. He had a fresh shirt and his expression had brightened a bit. Rachel motioned him to sit down next to her assigned seat.\n\n\t``Dinner smells wonderful Vanessa, I am eager to taste your chicken and dumplings.''\n\n\tHe took a sip of water using the straw Rachel found. The two shared a brief smile as Rachel's mother brought over a bowl loaded with biscuits.\n\n\t``Thank you Karson, I look forward to your review. Gary, dinner?s ready!''\n\n\tA moment later, Gary ambled in and took his place to the left of Rachel, and Vanessa sat down on his left. Vanessa held out her hand for Karson?s plate.\n\n\t``Since you?re our guest, you get the first serving.''\n\n\tHe passed his plate and she scooped out a large portion for him. Karson waited for everyone to load up his or her plate before he took his first bite. He found the home cooked meal delicious, and in a rare instance he cleaned his plate before Rachel. She giggled at him when he held out his plate to Vanessa.\n\n\t``May I please have some more?''\n\n\tVanessa gladly took his plate and served him another helping.\n\n\t``Of course dear, there?s plenty.''\n\n\tRachel was silently relieved when she noticed his tail wag during the meal and hoped that the day's incident would soon be forgotten. As everyone finished eating, Vanessa was commenting to Rachel about one of her neighbors who had just moved in a few weeks ago. She described the family as friendly, having talked to them on a few occasions.\n\n\t``It seems like a lot of people have Companions now. There?s a new family that has a Companion down the block. She?s a Irish Setter who?s mainly the housekeeper for their daughter when the parents are away. They frequently get home late or sometimes have business trips to go to. I think she?s a...what did they call her dear?''\n\n\t``Fifth Gen,'' Gary supplied. ``One of the new ones.''\n\n\tHe took a sip of soda before he pointed at Karson.\n\n\t``Her features are a lot different than Karson's. Have you ever met one of the Fifths?''\n\n\t``No, I have not. I have a close friend who is a Second Gen like me, but I do not really get much chance to go out and meet new people.''\n\n\t``Ah, I see. Well, anyway the Fifths have shortened noses and their ears are not quite as large. Also, they don't have paws for feet. They still have tails though.''\n\n\tKarson nodded politely, already knowing many of the details of the Fifth Generation Companions. He tried to stay current by reading everything the Intelligent Horizons Corporation published.\n\n\tVanessa continued her previous thread.\n\n\t``I was planning to go for a walk if you want to join me?''\n\n\tRachel eyed Karson briefly before replying to her mother.\n\n\t``Thanks Mom, but I think we?ll pass.''\n\n\t``Okay. But first, we need to have some dessert. I made an apple pie and I have some ice cream in the freezer.''\n\n\tRachel smiled at her mother.\n\n\t``Gee whiz Mom, pulling out all the stops eh? Or are you just trying to impress my boyfr-err, I mean my Companion?''\n\n\tShe quickly glanced at her father hoping he would not pick up on her unintentional slip. Much to her chagrin, he had.\n\n\tHe cleared his throat in a business like manner, set his utensils down and swallowed his food. Rachel knew his behavior all too well and mentally cringed waiting for the inevitable question.\n\n\t``Rachel, is that true? Is Karson your...boyfriend?''\n\n\tHe uttered the last word with an almost disappointed tone in his voice.\n\n\tRachel sat silent for a moment and Vanessa attempted to interject.\n\n\t``Gary, I was going to tell you about this later-``\n\n\tHe cut his wife off with a glance and addressed Rachel again.\n\n\t``Are you sure you want to do this? I have nothing against Karson personally, but surely you realize the implications of a relationship with a Companion?''\n\n\t``I know what he is Dad!''\n\n\tShe instantly regretted her outburst.\n\n\tKarson?s ears lay back and he stared down at his lap.\n\n\tShe turned to her father.\n\n\t``I know it?s strange and difficult to understand, but I don't care. You don't know him like I do.''\n\n\tGary looked over at Rachel with concern in his eyes.\n\n\t``Rach, I'm just trying to be practical here. I don't want you subjected to anymore prejudice than you have to be.''\n\n\tRachel frowned.\n\n\t``Oh so now it's also because I'm a woman AND I love a Companion? Come on Dad, I thought we settled this crap a long time ago!''\n\n\tHe sighed.\n\n\t``I didn?t mean it like that. You know I respect you and love you. All I'm asking is that you know what you're getting into. It?s your own business what you do with your life or how you live it. But I'm your father; I can't help that I want to look out for you.''\n\n\tRachel sighed and her expression softened. She laid her hand on Gary's.\n\n\t``I know Daddy, and I appreciate that. This is one decision that I'm not going to change my mind on though. I hope you can understand that.''\n\n\tHe nodded his head slowly.\n\n\t``Yes, I understand.''\n\n\tThe table sat in silence for a moment.\n\n\tVanessa cleared her throat and leaned over to Gary.\t\n\n\t``It's almost 8pm, isn't that new crime drama episode on?''\n\n\t``Oh my goodness!''\n\n\tGary jumped up from the table and shuffled into the den.\n\n\tOnce he was settled he called back to the kitchen.\n\n\t``Can you bring me a slice of pie, Van?''\n\n\tVanessa winked at Rachel and called back.\n\n\t``Yes dear.''\n\n\tShe looked over at Karson who looked decidedly nervous.\n\n\t``Don't worry about him. He?s a big softy under that grumpy exterior. Now how about that pie?''\n\n\tThe three chatted about the daily experience at the zoo. Karson interjected interesting facts he picked up about the animals as they were discussed, which amazed Vanessa to no end. He was a veritable wealth of information, and Karson's underlying personality emerged as she listened to him talk.\n\n\t``I can see why Rachel likes you so much, Karson. You really are the smartest person I've ever met, but at the same time you are probably the most soft-spoken. I find it refreshing though, since you obviously do not feel the need to flaunt your intelligence like so many people I've known in my life. Before I retired, I used to be a grade school teacher.''\n\n\t``I always thought teaching would be a rewarding career, getting to fill young minds with knowledge.''\n\n\tKarson pondered the possibility for a moment.\n\n\t``Well, idealistically it?s rewarding. But in reality, it?s tiring and frustrating. Kids these days have the attention span of a gnat, and they don't care about anything other than gossip and messaging their friends. A lot different than when I was in school.''\n\n\t``Me too,'' Rachel chimed in.\n\n\tShe took the break in the conversation as an opportunity to excuse them from the table.\n\n\t``I promised Karson I'd help him groom. All that fur won't brush itself.''\n\n\tRachel stood up from the table.\n\n\tVanessa rose as well.\n\n\t``So that?s how you stay looking so nice, hm? Okay, I'm going on my walk.''\n\n\tShe cleared the table as the pair went up to Rachel's bedroom.\n\n\tAfter Rachel closed the bedroom door, she pulled out Karson?s grooming kit from his suitcase. He stripped off his clothes and sat on the bed by the time she joined him. She wrapped her arms around his narrow chest from behind and cuddled him.\n\n\t``How are you feeling, sweetie?''\n\n\tKarson sighed.\n\n\t``I am doing better now. I think the dinner helped quite a bit, although I thought your father seemed a little upset.''\n\n\tRachel nodded.\n\n\t``Yeah, he can be pretty blunt. But his intentions are good, and he?s my father after all. He just needs time to adjust. Besides, I?m not giving you up no matter what.''\n\n\tShe hugged him and pressed her cheek against his.\n\n\t``Will you be all right?''\n\n\tKarson nodded.\n\n\t``Yes, but if it is okay I do not think I want to talk about this afternoon.''\n\n\tRachel hugged him tightly.\n\n\t``Sure, no problem.''\n\n\tShe held her concerns in check and tried to lighten the mood.\n\n\t``Just lie back and let me take care of the grooming.''\n\n\tHe nodded and lay down on his back across the bed.\n\n\tShe took the medium brush in hand and methodically groomed Karson?s neck and chest. Rachel had gotten quite adept at grooming since the two became more intimate, and enjoyed giving attention to the Companion since it was also a way to bond with him. After a few moments, she felt him relax as she continued down his torso and worked on his stomach and abdomen. They both giggled as she briefly brushed his crotch, but did not spend much time there and moved down to his thighs.\n\n\tWhen she finished with his front, Karson sighed in relaxation. Rachel motioned for him to flip over and he gladly complied. She started once again at his neck and alternated between brushing and massaging.\n\n\tKarson?s tail wagged as Rachel began her grooming, but by the time she reached his lower back his tail was motionless. She continued to brush anyway, and finished his tail and lower legs. Rachel knew by how relaxed his body was that Karson had fallen asleep. She smiled to herself and stroked his head tenderly. Karson sighed in his sleep and curled up into his usual sleeping position, instinctively moving closer to Rachel.\n\n\tRachel was not yet ready to go to bed, but she did not want to disturb the sleeping Companion. She briefly left the bed and changed into her nightclothes, then pulled out her phone and earbuds before she returned. Finding a comfortable spot at the head of the bed, she gently pulled Karson up next to her and draped his sleeping form across her lap.\n\n\tRachel hummed softly along with her music, and stroked Karson?s head lovingly. She recalled many times when she comforted him in a similar fashion after a rather unpleasant experience like the day?s incident. He always managed to come through the ordeal no worse for wear, but she wondered at how much the repeated prejudice wore on his psyche. Just as the thought crossed her mind, Karson flinched in his sleep and grabbed Rachel. She leaned down and kissed his head and whispered in his ear.\n\n\t``Shh, it?s okay sweetie I?m here. Just go back to sleep, everything?s fine.''\n\n\tShe continued to stroke his head until his breathing became regular again. Rachel left her music on shuffle and let her mind wander. Naturally, her thoughts lingered on Karson and how much she cared about him. Then random threads drifted by and led her thought patterns to their future together, and she contemplated what it would be like to not have to hide her love for the Companion out of fear of prejudice.\n\n\tHer longstanding wish was for Karson to be happy, which would in turn bring her happiness. A mind so intelligent and spirit so compassionate did not deserve as much hardship as he received. Perhaps that is how the universe works, Rachel pondered. You cannot have the best unless you experience the worst.\n\nChapter 4 - New Developments\n\n\tRachel awoke quickly when Karson shook her shoulder.\n\n\t``I'm up! What's the matter?''\n\n\tShe rubbed her eyes and sat up.\n\n\tKarson sat next to her and smiled.\n\n\t``Relax Rachel, nothing is wrong. I just thought you might like some breakfast?''\n\n\tIt took her a moment to realize there was a tray loaded with eggs, bacon and last night's biscuits. Karson held a glass of orange juice for her.\n\n\t``Thank you!''\n\n\tShe gladly took the glass and sipped it as he pulled the tray closer. Karson picked up a piece of bacon and nibbled on it, while Rachel reached for a biscuit.\n\n\t``What time is it?''\n\n\t``A little after 9. I woke up early, so I let you sleep. I had a nice chat with your Mom; she is such a character.''\n\n\tHe chewed another bite of bacon.\n\n\tRachel scooped some eggs up in her biscuit, and mumbled around her food.\n\n\t``Yeah, that?s Mom all right. Anything interesting come up?''\n\n\t``Oh, just the usual chit chat. I told her I would email a copy of the article I wrote last month for the newspaper.''\n\n\t``Cool.''\n\n\tA short while later, Rachel sat at the kitchen table with her mother and Karson. They were engaged in a game of Cribbage as Vanessa related a tale of her youth.\n\n\t``That was actually how I met your father, I believe. If I hadn?t borrowed the car from my friend, I never would?ve had to pull into that used car lot for help with the flat tire. Funny how things work out.''\n\n\t``Fascinating,'' Karson replied.\n\n\t``Let's see, that?s fourteen points for me and the win. Sorry kids, guess I got lucky three games in a row!''\n\n\tVanessa laughed at Rachel's sour expression.\n\n \tKarson turned his cards in and tickled her under the chin.\n\n\t``She never likes it when I beat her either.''\n\n\tRachel poked her tongue out at him before she joined in the laughter. They were clearing the board and boxing the cards when Gary walked into the kitchen.\n\n\t``Karson, would you mind joining me out back for a minute?''\n\n\tThe Companion stood immediately.\n\n\t``Yes, of course Gary.''\n\n\tRachel looked after him as he left the room behind her father. She turned to her mother with a questioning look.\n\n\t``I'm sure your father just wants to have a private chat. You know how he gets when it comes to you.''\n\n\tRachel sighed in exasperation.\n\n\t``Great, now Dad is probably going to scare the pants off Karson.''\n\n\tShe suddenly looked depressed and worried for the Companion.\n\n\t``You worry too much, Rach. You have to be willing to let him stand on his own. You can't always be there to help him up and dust him off if he falls down. He has to learn how to do that for himself. Trust me.''\n\n\tRachel stared off into the next room.\n\n\t``I know, Mom.''\n\n\tShe suddenly turned back to her mother.\n\n\t``Wait a minute, did he tell you about yesterday?''\n\n\tVanessa nodded in response.\n\n\tRachel sat in stunned silence for a moment.\n\n\t``Wow,'' she finally said. ``I never thought he would willingly talk about that stuff with anyone else.''\n\n\t``Rachel, honey, I've been a mother for thirty years and a teacher for quite a few of those. I can tell when someone has something they need to talk about.''\n\n\tRachel stood up from the table and leaned around the corner of the doorway. She caught a glimpse of her father standing on the backyard patio talking to Karson. The Companion was nodding at Gary.\n\n\t``Thank you for letting us stay for the weekend. I know it means a lot to Rachel to be able to visit.''\n\n\t``Sure, no problem. I wish she would visit more often, but I know how crazy life in the city can be.''\n\n\tGary cleared his throat.\n\n\t``Listen, Karson. I'm not really one for small talk, and you?re a bright fellow. I'm sure you realize why I wanted to talk to you?''\n\n\tKarson nodded.\n\n\t``I have a feeling it is pertaining to my arrangements with Rachel?''\n\n\t``Bingo! Vanessa told me more about the situation. Now before you feel the need to defend yourself, I just wanted to say I do not have a problem with it. I just needed to hear it from you.''\n\n\tGary paused for a brief moment before he asked Karson the question.\n\n\t``Are you in love with Rachel?''\n\n\tKarson looked Gary directly in the eye and responded confidently.\n\n\t``Yes, I am in love with Rachel. We are in love.''\n\n\tGary nodded but persisted.\n\n\t``Are you sure? How do you know?''\n\n\tKarson blinked and chose his words carefully.\n\n\t``Rachel means the world to me Gary. Rachel is my world. I would do anything for her.''\n\n\tGary smiled as he heard the conviction in Karson's voice and knew that he meant every word. He placed his hand on the Companion's shoulder.\n\n\t``I believe you. I?ve seen all sorts of Guardians in my time, and you can believe me when I say I understand how hard it can be for Companions. I just would rather Rachel not have to deal with that if she can avoid it. But she?s a big girl and I know it must mean a lot to her if she?s willing to put up with the bad stuff in order to get the good stuff.''\n\n\tHe shook his head as if shaking off a fog.\n\n\t``Anyway, that?s all I needed to hear. I love my little girl dearly, and the last thing I want for her is a broken heart. All I ask is that you make her happy.''\n\n\tKarson smiled.\n\n\t``You have my word, for that is my highest intention. Thank you, Gary. I will not let you down.''\n\n\t``Okay then, you can go back inside now.''\n\n\tRachel waited in the kitchen doorway as Karson slid the patio door closed. She looked at him apprehensively.\n\n\t``How did it go?''\n\n\tHe smiled at her.\n\n\t``Fine. Your father just wanted to talk to me for a moment.''\n\n\tHe walked over and Rachel took her hand.\n\n\t``Talk about us you mean.''\n\n\tKarson nodded.\n\n\t``Well?''\n\n\t``He understands the situation. He only wants the same thing I do.''\n\n\t``And what would that be?''\n\n\t``To make you happy, of course.''\n\n\tKarson kissed her hand and Rachel relaxed.\n\n\t``Oh,'' was all she could manage to reply.\n\n\tKarson tugged her hand toward the front door.\n\n\t``Would you care to join me for a walk?''\n\n\tShe snapped out of her surprised state at the mention of a walk.\n\n\t``Yes, that sounds nice. You want me to ask Mom too?''\n\n\tHe shook his head.\n\n\t``Nah, save this one for you and me.''\n\n\tRachel smiled and kissed his cheek.\n\n\t``'Kay.''\n\n\tShe leaned back into the kitchen briefly and was about to tell her mother when Vanessa just winked back at her.\n\n\t``I know already. Go on, lunch will be here when you get back.''\n\n\tRachel flashed her mother a huge grin and followed Karson to the front door.\n\n\tVanessa waited until she heard the door click shut before she giggle.\n\n\t``Kids.''\n\n\tRachel and Karson walked down the street holding hands and enjoyed the quiet neighborhood. Rachel pointed out a house or two where a childhood friend once lived. Karson took in the scenery and secretly wished that he could live in such a peaceful place.\n\nRachel cleared her throat, and Karson could tell that she wanted to ask a question, but she hesitated for several moments. He patiently waited for her to finally speak.\n\n\t``Kar, I?ve been curious about something. This may be a touchy subject, so if you don?t want to talk about it I?ll understand.''\n\n\t``By all means, ask away.''\n\n\t``I know you said you had only been to the zoo once before. What did you think about it? I mean since you were face to face with pretty much wild animals, and considering you are a...well, you know...''\n\n\tHer question trailed off.\n\n\t``Considering I am a Companion.''\n\n\tShe nodded and appeared uncomfortable having asked the question. Karson gave her a reassuring smile and continued the discussion.\n\n\t``That is something that I have often thought about since the first time I saw a canine. Especially after the first time I met a German Shepherd, which I am obviously modeled after. There have been many debates in publications and on the web about the Corporation that created Companions, ranging from religious implications to the scientific process of creating us.\n\n\t``I know that I am not completely an animal or human, but somewhere in between. That means that the only group I really belong to is Companions. Therefore, I am judged by the same standards as the rest of my kind. I know that not everyone in this world is as open minded as many of the people I?ve had the pleasure of knowing.''\n\n\tRachel smiled and squeezed his hand, as he continued.\n\n\t``I would like to think everything is intelligent in its own way. But I suppose there will always be people afraid of things they do not understand. I have come to understand from reading history that there is an inherent fear people possess from things that are different. I expect that I would still encounter the same misunderstandings if I was human but the only difference being I was bright orange.''\n\n\tRachel chuckled at his outrageous analogy.\n\n\t``Yeah I suppose you?re right.''\n\n\tShe pondered his reasoning as he continued.\n\n\t``I may have fur and a tail, but I am no closer to understanding how a dog thinks than you are. I only wish more people could see past my exterior, instead of thinking that since I have a tail I like to play ?fetch?.''\n\n\tRachel distinctly heard the bitter tone of his voice as he said the word. She put her arm around the Companion?s shoulder and leaned close to him as they meandered down the sidewalk.\n\n\t``This world would be a much better place if there were more people like you in it, Karson. I thank my lucky star that you came into my life.''\n\n\t``Me too. But really, I try not to let it worry me. Whenever I have the misfortune of meeting undesirable people, I just remember that there is always a balance in everything. You cannot have the good without the bad. Darkness exists because of light. For every smart person there are at least ten stupid inconsiderate people.''\n\n\tRachel turned to Karson suddenly.\n\n\t``That doesn?t sound very balanced-''\n\n\tShe saw his serious expression crack and he winked at her. Rachel burst out laughing at his jest.\n\n\t``Oh my goodness Kar! You nearly had me there, I really thought you were serious.''\n\n\t``Well, you are pretty easy to lure into a joke.''\n\n\tShe gasped in mock outrage and swatted him on the shoulder.\n\n\t``Oh, you?re just asking for it now!''\n\n\tShe attempted to curl her arm around his neck in a headlock, but he easily squirmed free and skipped out of her reach. Rachel laughed.\n\n\t``So it?s like that eh?''\n\n\tKarson taunted as he hopped around her.\t\n\n\t``Am I too fast for you?''\n\n\tThis prompted a playful round of tag between the two. Rachel chased Karson up and down the sidewalk and sometimes into the street. He always managed to dodge out of her grasp at the last second. Rachel made a lunge at him and finally caught his legs as the two went rolling into the grass in front of one of the houses.\n\n\t``The fox always catches the hen!''\n\n\tRachel tickled him mercilessly, and Karson squealed in laughter.\n\n\tThe Companion was practically crying from the onslaught, but soon realized that his assailant was no longer attacking him. He slowly uncurled from his defensive position.\n\n\t``Giving up so soon?''\n\n\tKarson did not realize that Rachel?s attention was no longer on him.\n\n\tRachel addressed a young little girl standing several feet away. \n\n\t``Hello there! I?m sorry; I didn?t realize we were on your lawn.''\n\n\tThe girl laughed at the pair.\n\n\t``You have a Companion too! I never get to play tag with mine though.''\n\n\tRachel guessed the girl was about 8 years old.\n\n\t``If I introduce you to mine, can I meet yours?''\n\n\tWithout waiting for an answer, the little girl turned away.\n\n\t``Daisy! Come here, I need you!''\n\n\tRachel stood up and pulled Karson off the grass.\n\n \tThey dusted each other off as the girl walked right up to Karson and touched the fur of his arm.\n\n\t``Oh, you?re really soft, but not as soft as Daisy.''\n\n\tRachel laughed and spoke up.\n\n\t``Hi, I?m Rachel. What?s your name?''\n\n\tA female Companion called from the front door.\t\n\n\t``That?s Bridget.''\n\n\tShe quickly walked up and put her arm around the girl. The new Companion was an Irish Setter who thrust out her free hand.\n\n\t``Which would make me Daisy. I look after Bridget when her parents are busy.''\n\n\tRachel took the offered hand.\n\n\t``Nice to meet you. Sorry about landing on the front yard, I guess we got carried away. This is Karson by the way.''\n\n\tKarson took his turn to shake Daisy?s hand.\n\n\t``Nice to meet you.''\n\n\tHe knelt down in front of Bridget and held out his hand for her.\n\n\t``Nice to meet you too, Bridget.''\n\n\tShe giggled and shook his hand in an exaggerated fashion.\n\n\t``Bridget, I have lunch ready for you. Go on in, it's on the table. I?ll be there in just a minute.''\n\n\tDaisy waited until the girl went inside before looking Karson over.\n\n\t``Second Gen right? I haven?t had a chance to meet a Second in person. I?m a Fifth, but most of my school class were Fourths.''\n\n\tRachel nodded her head.\n\n\t``How long have you been in the neighborhood, Daisy? My mother Vanessa lives down that way a couple of blocks.''\n\n\t``I?ve been Bridget?s sitter for two years now, but we only moved to the neighborhood a couple of months ago. I think I?ve probably talked to your mother once or twice. She likes to take walks in the evening?''\n\n\tRachel nodded.\n\n\t``Yes, I?m certain I have. Very nice lady.''\n\n\tDaisy smiled at Rachel and turned to Karson.\n\n\t``It would be interesting to have a chat sometime, but right now I need to look after Bridget. Will you be around later?''\n\n\t``I am sorry, Daisy, but we will be leaving later this evening.''\n\n\tDaisy looked disappointed, but only for a moment.\n\n\t``Speaking of which, we should probably head back and get our own lunch.''\n\n\tRachel took Karson by the hand.\n\n\t``It was really nice to meet you Daisy. I?ll tell my Mom to stop by when she goes for a walk.''\n\n\t``That would be nice. A pleasure to meet you both, have a nice day!''\n\n\tWith that she turned and made her way back inside the house. Rachel pulled Karson back onto the walkway.\n\n\t``She certainly was perky.''\n\n\tThey both giggled softly when Karson?s stomach growled loudly.\n\n\t``Maybe we should hurry up? I don?t want to have to carry you all the way to my Mom?s house.''\n\n\tKarson feigned fatigue.\n\n\t``But what if I am unable to go on? Save me Rachel from my terrible hunger pains!''\n\n\tShe laughed at his antics.\n\n\t``Oh put a sock in it fuzzy buns! You eat more than me, and I don?t know how you keep from gaining any weight.''\n\n\tKarson winked at her.\n\n\t``I have to keep up my figure to make sure you cuddle me enough.''\n\n\tRachel walked backwards in front of him and put her arms around his neck.\n\n\t``You don?t have to worry about that. I can?t resist that cute little butt of yours.''\n\n\tShe planted a kiss squarely on his nose.\n\n\t``Come on, let?s pick up the pace. I?m getting hungry too!''\n\n\tShe turned back around and trotted off down the sidewalk ahead of him.\n\n\t``Race ya?''\n\n\tRachel glanced over her shoulder and broke out in a run. Karson grinned and joined the chase as the two ran back down the block to Rachel?s house. Although Karson had the lead for most of the way, he slowed and let Rachel win. She grinned and panted as he followed her inside.\n\n\t``You didn?t have to let me win.''\n\n\tHe laughed.\n\n\t``I know.''\n\n\tAs they walked into the kitchen, Vanessa motioned for them to sit.\n\n\t``Welcome back, I?ve got sandwiches for you on the table.''\n\n\t``Thanks Mom!''\n\n\t``Yes, thank you Vanessa.''\n\n\tKarson and Rachel sat and ate while Vanessa joined them with some tea. The two recounted meeting the other Companion. Vanessa nodded after hearing her description.\n\n\t``Yeah, I?ve met Daisy before and Bridget is a pretty little girl. I?ll have to stop by and say hello again.''\n\n\tThe three continued their small talk for a while longer. Vanessa was clearing the table when Gary yelled from the next room.\n\n\t``Everyone come in here quickly!''\n\n\tHe turned the volume up on the TV as they all came into the den. The news announcer presented a breaking news story.\n\n\t``We?ve just received word of a an incident from New York. We take you to Tom Henderson with a live report.''\n\n\t``Thank you Bill. The crowd you see behind me is the scene of the precinct in which a Companion has been taken into custody for the alleged murder of another man. As you can see this has sparked a flurry of activity for Companion rights groups. Unfortunately, details on the actual incident are sketchy at this time; we will try to get more information as the story develops. This is Tom Henderson, Action 4 news. Back to you Bill.''\n\n\tEveryone was silent as the news report sunk in and the anchorman continued.\n\n\t\t``We will continue to keep you up to date with this late breaking story. If you?re just tuning in, it?s been reported that a Companion has been involved in the murder of another man. We do not have any firm details of the incident, but it?s been confirmed that the Companion has been taken into custody. The victim has not been identified yet, and the Companion?s identity has not been released to the public. This is reportedly the first time a Companion has ever been involved in a crime of this nature. After this break we?ll be speaking to one of our Special Correspondents to Congress on the subject of Companion Rights-''\n\n\tGary muted the TV and turned to Vanessa and Rachel.\n\n\tRachel turned to Karson.\n\n\t``This doesn?t sound good, Karson. I think maybe we should get back home before things start getting crazy. I really don?t think you should be out in public.''\n\n\t``I think you are right Rachel.''\n\n\tKarson was subdued, and Rachel looked nervous.\n\n\tVanessa briefly broke the tension.\n\n\t``Come on Rachel, let?s get you all packed up.''\n\n\tRachel followed her mother up the stairs leaving Karson alone with Gary.\n\n\tGary cleared his throat and spoke like a concerned father, not only for his daughter but for Karson as well.\n\n\t``Will you be all right?''\n\n\t``I believe so, but thank you for asking Gary. I suppose the best course of action will be to just stay at home and see how the story develops.''\n\n\tKarson was at a loss, knowing that the outcome of the situation could have a significant impact on his life.\n\n\t``You?re welcome to stay here any time you need, just remember that.''\n\n\tGary turned the volume back up on the TV and changed to some other news channels trying to find more information. Karson sat on the couch taking in all the information available.\n\n\tA short while later Rachel and Vanessa came down with the luggage. Rachel tossed Karson his jacket as she walked into the den again.\n\n\t``Anything new? We?re all packed and ready to go.''\n\n\tKarson shook his head.\n\n\t``Unfortunately, no. All anyone knows is that a man was shot and a Companion was at the scene with his Guardian. We will probably have to wait a few days to find out what happened, since the police are trying to keep a tight lid on the situation to prevent riots breaking out.''\n\n\tHe sighed heavily and slipped on his jacket.\n\n\t``We should go ahead and depart.''\n\n\tGary stood up and embraced each of them.\n\n\t``I?m so glad you could visit, Rach. It was really nice to meet you as well, Karson.''\n\n\tVanessa had her turn next.\n\n\t``Call me when you get home, okay? And you can call me as well Karson if you need to. Take care you two, I love you.''\n\n\tThe parents saw the pair out the door and stood on the front porch as they pulled away.\n\n\tKarson waved from the passenger side and sighed when the house disappeared from view when they turned the corner.\n\n\tRachel reached out and squeezed his hand.\n\n\t``Some weekend huh?''\n\n\t``Indeed.''\n\nChapter 5 - Tension\n\n\tRachel and Karson got back to the apartment a few hours later. They passed more than one group of people gathered on a street corner holding homemade signs. Protesters from both sides of the issue shouted their views to everyone around.\n\n\tRachel seemed a little more at ease now that Karson was safely home. He took his suitcase to the second bedroom to unpack as she checked the messages. In particular, there was a message from Molly Becker. She had obviously heard the news story and was calling to check on them. She extended an invitation for the two to come to dinner at The Grinning Bulldog.\n\nRachel picked up the phone and dialed up Molly.\n\n\t``Hello Bobby. Yes, I heard. No, Karson?s just fine. How are you doing?''\n\n\tKarson walked back in to the living room and listened to Rachel?s conversation.\n\n\t``That?s good. Can I speak to Molly please? Thanks.''\n\n\tShe turned to Karson.\n\n\t``I?m just checking in with Molly.'' \n\n\tRachel walked over and put her arm around the Companion and squeezed him affectionately. Just then Molly picked up the phone.\n\n\t``Hi Molly, I?m just returning your call. We?re fine; I took Karson down to see my parents but we just got back. Yeah, I think dinner would be good, how about Tuesday? Okay, good, we can catch up then. I?m not sure, I think we?ll just have to wait and see what develops. All right, you take care. We?ll see you on Tuesday. Goodnight.''\n\n\tRachel sighed and hung up the phone.\n\n\t``Molly says hello, as well as Bobby. You should probably talk to Bobby tomorrow.''\n\n\tShe walked back over and put the house phone on the receiver.\n\n\tKarson heard her sniff while she had her back turned to him.\n\n\tHe walked over and put a hand on her shoulder.\n\n\t``Rachel?''\n\n\tWhen she turned around, she was quietly crying.\n\n\tThe Companion was full of concern.\n\n\t``What is wrong?''\n\n\tShe threw her arms around him and buried her face in his neck.\n\n\t``Karson, I?m scared! What?s going to happen for you...for us? I don?t want to lose you.''\n\n\tShe sobbed on his shoulder and Karson stroked her back.\n\n\t``I do not know Rachel. I wish I could tell you. We just have to believe that everything will be all right. Please, do not cry, I am right here.''\n\n\tHe spoke soothingly and hugged her until she stopped crying.\n\n\tShe sniffed again as she broke his hug. He smiled and brushed away a leftover tear. She tried to smile back at him, but her chin dropped.\n\n\t``I just don?t know what I?d do if I had to give you up.''\n\n\tHe raised her chin and looked her in the eye.\n\n\t``I am not going anywhere, Rachel. Come on, how about I fix you a nice hot bath to soak in?''\n\n\tShe smiled and sniffed again.\n\n\t``I think I?d like it more if you took a hot shower with me.''\n\n\tKarson laughed lightly.\n\n\t``That is the Rachel I know. I will join you, since you asked so nicely. Let me get it ready.''\n\n\tRachel nodded and let him go, and the water started a moment later. By the time she joined him in the bathroom, he was already stripped and steam poured out of the shower. She shed her clothing and stepped under the spray. The water was hot and relaxing. Karson closed the shower door as he stepped in after her. Rachel hardly waited until he turned around to face her before she pushed him against the wall in a passionate kiss.\n\n\tKarson murmured against her as she pressed her body against his. He wrapped his arms around her torso and exerted his own force against her. She broke the kiss and smoothed her wet hands over his face. He playfully nipped at her fingers as she tapped his nose.\n\n\tHe gave her a wide grin.\n\n\t``Someone is feeling frisky.''\n\n\t``Shh, no talking,'' Rachel said.\n\n\tShe pressed him against the wall in another kiss and Karson did not resist.\n\n\tThe pair slowly washed each other between bouts of kissing and caressing. Rachel hardly spoke a word to the Companion and embraced him as if he would vanish at any moment if she let him out of her grasp. Karson guessed that it was in reaction to the unknown future of Companions, somehow fearing that he would be forcibly taken away from her. The Companion did his best to put her fears at ease and return the love she gave to him.\n\n\tThey spent a long time just holding each other under the hot shower. Rachel was feeling more like herself after the tender touching and embracing. Her good spirit returned in full when Karson spoke up.\n\n\t``I think I will need to get out soon sweetie, otherwise my fur is never going to get dry.''\n\n\tShe laughed.\n\n\t``You?re right. Besides, I don?t want my sheets smelling like wet dog.''\n\n\tHe poked his tongue out and blew a raspberry.\n\n\tRachel swatted his behind as he stepped out of the shower.\n\n\t``I?ll be out shortly.''\n\n\tHe laughed at her and gave his own retort.\n\n\t``Good, because wrinkly skin is not very sexy.''\n\n\tShe laughed loudly.\n\n\t``Hey! I resemble that remark.''\n\n\tHe blew her a kiss and closed the bathroom door.\n\n\tRachel stood under the shower for another minute before turning off the water.\n\n\tShe went to the bedroom and slipped on her nightclothes before joining Karson in the second bedroom. She found him sitting in front of the fan checking email. Pulling up the second chair she finally got for the room, Rachel brushed her hair and inquired about Karson?s messages.\n\n\t``The forums were flooded with messages once that news story spread. My inbox is overflowing. It will probably take me all day tomorrow to sift through everything and get caught up. Good thing I do not plan on going anywhere.''\n\n\tHe chuckled dryly.\n\n\t``Hopefully things won?t be too crazy at work tomorrow. I only have one project left to finish this week, so I don?t think I?ll have any overtime. Let me know if I need to pick up anything from the store.''\n\n\tKarson nodded as he continued to sort through his email.\n\n\tRachel stood and hugged him from behind. She kissed him firmly on the cheek.\n\n\t``I?m going to watch a little TV. Love you!''\n\n\tHe reached a hand up and stroked her cheek in return.\n\n\t``Love you too. I will come to bed when I dry a bit more, okay?''\n\n\tShe nodded and went to her bedroom, leaving Karson alone at the computer.\n\n\tWhen he felt dry enough, Karson shut down the computer and turned off the fan. He quickly made his way around the apartment and made sure the lights were off and the door locked before heading to the bedroom. He crept into the room, which was only lit by the glow of the TV.\n\n\tKarson gently took the remote from Rachel?s hand and turned the set off. Even in the darkness, he saw her curled up with Romeo, his German Shepherd plush she got for him such a long time ago. He went around to the other side of the bed and crawled under the covers.\n\n\tAs soon as she felt his presence, she roused sleepily from her dozing and pulled him into her embrace.\n\n\t``Finally decided to join me, hm?''\n\n\tShe planted a kiss on his forehead and promptly went back to sleep.\n\n\tKarson snuggled into her arms and sighed contentedly. He briefly pondered what the future would hold for him. A few minutes later his breathing was soft and regular as he slumbered next to his friend and lover.\n\nChapter 6 - New Information\n\n\tThe next day was a typical Monday morning. Rachel hurried off to work and left Karson to his own routine. The two messaged back and forth on one of her breaks and had their online chat during lunch. For the most part, the day was uneventful. Karson managed to go through all his accumulated email and scanned a large portion of the threads on the forums resulting from the news story.\n\n\tAt 4:58 the phone rang and Karson picked up when he saw it was Rachel calling. She did not even wait for him to speak.\n\n\t``Karson! Quick, turn on CNN. They?re about to broadcast a public statement from the New York police chief regarding the murder story. Every TV in the office is turned on.''\n\n\tKarson rushed to pull up the channel.\n\n\t``Watching it now.''\n\n\t``Okay, I gotta go! I love you!''\n\n\t``I love you too,'' Karson replied.\n\n\tHe hung up the phone just as the police chief took the podium, and listened intently.\n\n\t``At this time I would like to give a prepared statement regarding the incident that occurred recently. We will not be taking any questions at this time.\n\n\t``On Saturday morning approximately 10:30am, the individual Christopher Larson was shot and killed after an attempted assault on Beverly Augustus. It has been determined that Larson followed Augustus and her Companion into a parking garage. Larson confronted Augustus with a gun intending to rob her. Augustus fled when her Companion, Jefferson, entered into a struggle with Larson.\n\n\t``The assailant temporarily subdued Jefferson and chased Augustus, and wounded her with a gunshot to the leg from a second handgun. According to Augustus? statement, Larson was intent on killing her. From details corroborated from the victims? statements, Larson was shot from behind when Augustus? Companion saw that she was in mortal danger.\n\n\t``The Companion expended all remaining rounds from Larson?s dropped gun, killing him at the scene. Beverly Augustus is in stable condition at a local hospital and is under guard for her safety. Her Companion Jefferson was taken into protective custody to await trial.''\n\n\tThe police chief paused briefly to pull out another document and the press erupted into a chorus of shouts and questions. The chief held up his hand to quell the outburst. \n\n\t``Quiet please! Again, I will not be taking questions at this time. However, I have a prepared statement from Beverly Augustus that she requested be read on her behalf.\n\n\t?I want to go on record and say that Jefferson acted swiftly and bravely without regard to his own safety. If he had not been with me, I know I would not be alive this day. Jefferson acted in self-defense and I support him in his actions. I only ask that he be judged in that context, as any one of us would be if we were put in the same shoes.?\n\n\tThe police chief cleared his throat before continuing.\n\n``This concludes our press conference, thank you for your patience. We will disclose more information when it becomes available.''\n\n\tThe crowd erupted once again as the chief left the podium, and the news caster cut back in as the live feed ended.\n\n``New details involving the shooting of an attacker by a Companion. If you are just tuning in, once again the Companion Jefferson of Beverly Augustus is being held in custody from the incident on Saturday-''\n\n\tKarson turned the TV off and sat on the couch in silence as he let the new information soak in. The news was not quite as dire as he feared, but he also knew that the outcome of the trial would set the precedence for every other Companion. He would have to keep a sharp eye out for any new information from Congress or the Corporation.\n\n\tWhen Karson returned to the computer, he already had several new emails waiting for him. The first one he noticed was from Rachel. He opened the note and saw she expressed the same relief he had immediately felt. The rest of the emails were from other users on the forums he frequently talked with, expressing their own opinions about the unknown outcome of the trial.\n\n\tHe opened a new browser and went to the Intelligent Horizons main page and searched through all the available documentation pertaining to Companion?s and their inherent legal status as outlined by Congress. Karson already read through this material a number of times in the past, especially after he gained free access to the web from living with Rachel. In his searching, he came to understand the current state of Companion rights as sentient beings.\n\n\tSince Companions were considered the intellectual property of a corporation, they did not quite fall under the same jurisdiction as ``people'' in the eyes of Congress. However, since Companions were intended to be free thinking beings capable of speech and designed for a variety of tasks, the government was reluctant to consider them ``property''.\n\n\tUltimately, the initial ruling was to give the Companions very limited civil rights. This basically provided the Corporation a means to continue to develop and produce the Companions for private use, but not held responsible for the actions of an individual Companion. Congress decreed that each Companion was subject to the local laws under which their Guardian was subject to. The Companion would be protected from such things as abuse and mistreatment, but were not given such things as the right to legally earn money or own property (land or possessions).\n\n\tThis decision fueled a long lasting debate from both sides, and the government was under constant pressure by various lobby groups petitioning for rights to either be granted or taken away. With the newest development and the looming trial of the Companion involved in the shooting, the public knew it was just a matter of time before Congress was forced to make a new ruling on the ultimate rights of all Companions.\n\n\tKarson was surprised when he heard the front door open and Rachel calling for him.\n\n\t``Karson? I?m home.''\n\n\tHe glanced over and saw the clock said 6:20pm. The Companion shook his head and blinked rapidly as he went to greet Rachel.\n\n\t``Hello.''\n\n\tHe gave Rachel a kiss.\n\n\tShe chuckled lightly.\n\n\t``You okay? You look a little dazed.''\n\n\tKarson rubbed his eyes.\n\n\t``Yes, I am fine. I have just been doing a lot of reading on the computer and time got away from me. How are you?''\n\n\tShe made her way into the bedroom to change, but called back to him.\n\n\t``I?m good. The office was buzzing today after that press conference; we hardly got any work done. There are protesters everywhere!''\n\n\t``Do you want me to fix dinner?''\n\n\t``Yes, actually that would be nice.''\n\n\tShe came back into the living room and flopped down in the recliner.\n\n\t``I just want to sit here for a little while, maybe listen to some music.''\n\n\t``Okay, you sit back and I will take care of dinner.''\n\n\tKarson went into the kitchen to prepare the food. A moment later he came back and handed Rachel a glass of white wine.\n\n\t``Here, you seem like you need a drink.''\n\n\t``Thank you, sweetie.''\n\n\tShe took a sip of the cold wine and sank into the chair. When Karson disappeared back into the kitchen, she turned on the stereo and dialed in the soft jazz station.\n\n\tA short time later, Karson put out place settings.\n\n\t``Come sit at the table, dinner is ready.''\n\n\tRachel left the music playing and took her usual seat.\n\n\tKarson brought the main dish and placed it between them before sitting down.\n\n\t``Mm, garlic chicken and rice.''\n\n\tShe scooped out a large portion and took a bite.\n\n\t``Oh my goodness, this tastes great Karson! Thank you for fixing dinner.''\n\n\tHe smiled across the table at her.\n\n\t``My pleasure, Rachel. Would you like another glass of wine?''\n\n\tShe held out her glass to him.\n\n\t``Don?t mind if I do.''\n\n\tThe two enjoyed the quiet dinner, and though the current events were on their minds they avoided discussing it. When they finished eating, Karson cleared the table. He spoke to Rachel as he packed up the leftovers and rinsed the dishes.\n\n\t``Would you like to play cards or another game?''\n\n\tRachel frowned and shook her head.\n\n\t``No, I?m sorry Kar. I just don?t feel like games tonight.''\n\n\tHe finished putting the dishes in the washer and sat back down at the table.\n\n\t``That is fine, is there anything you would like to do?''\n\n\tShe smirked at him.\n\n\t``Well, I can think of something, but honestly can we just sit and cuddle tonight? I know it sounds kind of silly because we cuddle all night long, but right now I just want to hold you.''\n\n\tKarson stood and went over to Rachel, and he bowed from the waist as he thrust out his arm.\n\n\t``It would be my pleasure, milady.''\n\n\t``Oh my, what a gentleman.''\n\n\tShe placed her hand upon his arm. He in turn covered her hand with his, and she rose from her chair. Karson escorted her over to the couch. They each got situated comfortably as Rachel reclined back across the couch and had Karson lay down next to her.\n\nShe hugged him close and buried her face in his neck fur. Rachel relished the feel of his soft fur against her cheeks and inhaled his scent. Karson stroked his fingers down the back of her neck. The two had spent many evenings cuddling on the couch, but this time the atmosphere was subtly different.\n\n\tRachel clung to Karson as if it was the last evening they would have together. She sighed deeply and her hand stroked his side. Karson spoke barely above the jazz music playing in the background.\n\n\t``I can tell something is on your mind, and I am guessing it is more than just that trial?''\n\n\t``You know me too well, Kar. I just can?t shake this feeling of worry. I?m sure things will work out for the best, but it?s scary not knowing what will happen.''\n\n\tKarson nodded and ran his slim fingers through her hair.\n\n\t``I know it is Rachel. I do not think I ever told you, but I was really scared that first day you brought me home.''\n\n\tShe pulled away from his neck and stared him in the face, their noses nearly touching.\n\n\t``You were?''\n\n\tHe nodded.\n\n\t``Why?''\n\n\tKarson smiled and kissed her nose.\n\n\t``Well, put yourself in my place. I had just spent the previous 15 years of my life living with the same person. You tend to get used to the routine; you know what to expect and you can read all the subtle signs. I could almost tell what Kara was thinking just by the way she would cast a gaze or draw a breath to speak.''\n\n\tRachel looked away for a moment.\n\n\t``I never thought of it that way.''\n\n\t``When you showed up at the agency, I was depressed. I was plucked out of my safe, secure and predictable world and dropped in a sea of uncertainty. I had no idea what kind of a person you were, or would be. But you know what made all the difference?''\n\n\tRachel laid her head on his chest.\n\n\t``What?''\n\n\tKarson smiled and closed his eyes as he recalled the afternoon when she talked to the Companion in that tiny little room.\n\n\t``You asked me if I wanted to be your friend, and in return you said you would be my friend. I knew at that moment that everything would be okay. Those few words showed me that you were not expecting me to behave like a...well, you know. It was much different than when the Carlson family picked me up.''\n\n\tAfter a moment of silence, Rachel ventured the inevitable question.\n\n\t``Would you tell me about it?''\n\n\tKarson could tell from her tone of voice that she was intensely curious about it, but he knew she would not pressure him if he declined. Not that he intended to, but it gave him a reassuring feeling to know that Rachel always offered him a choice. He stroked her head as she listened to his heartbeat.\n\n\t``I was barely matured by the time I finished the training school. You could say I was pretty naive since the only people I interacted with were the teaching staff or other Companions. The staff was polite but distant and I was very submissive, even for a Companion.\n\n\t``When I had my first interview it was very formal, and Kara?s father was only concerned that I would obey any rules he set down, and of course any commands that pertained to me watching over his daughter. They did not even pick me up in person; I was dropped off at their estate. I did not meet Kara for several days after I arrived, since her father wanted to make sure I could adjust to the way the house was run. It was an extremely awkward time in my life.''\n\n\tRachel reached under his shirt and rubbed his stomach.\n\n\t``But you did adjust. What was it like living there? You obviously cared about Kara.''\n\n\tKarson chuckled lightly and squirmed under the fingers combing through his fur.\n\n\t``Yes, I adjusted and yes, I cared about Kara. I really had no choice actually, but as you know I came to care for her deeply as the years passed. In a way she helped me learn how to think for myself, and develop an independent personality. Many Companions end up closing off their free will because they are instilled with such a strong obligation to please their Guardians.\n\n\t``I have come to realize that it is possible to do both. Companions are capable of providing their service for Guardians, but they do not have to sacrifice their own personality in the process. I count my blessings that you value my thoughts and feelings and actually encourage me to express them.''\n\n\tKarson hugged Rachel and kissed her head.\n\n\t``I wouldn?t have it any other way, especially now that I can share my love for you. You know, maybe you should write a book? I?m sure there are plenty of people who could benefit from your insights.''\n\n\tKarson kissed her head.\n\n\t``Perhaps. I will have to give it some thought.''\n\n\tHe felt Rachel?s hand stray down the back of his shorts and stroke his rump.\n\n\tWhile she fondled his backside, he tickled her behind the ear.\n\n\t``What do you think you are doing, hm?''\n\n\tRachel giggled softly.\n\n\t``I just can?t keep my hands off your cute little fuzzy butt.''\n\n\tHe nodded.\n\n\t``I can tell, but you are dangerously close to Mr. Fuzzy Tail and you know what that leads to.''\n\n\t``You bet your little black nose I do.''\n\n\tRachel pulled her hand out of his shorts and grabbed the base of Karson?s tail. His body stiffened suddenly in surprise as her hand pulled slowly down the length of his tail. He could already feel the firmness in his crotch and shifted under Rachel when she repeated the motion.\n\n\tHe stuttered slightly as he muttered at Rachel.\n\n\t``Y-you are such a te-tease.''\n\n\tShe rose off his chest and pressed her nose to his.\n\n\t``You know you like it.''\n\n\tRachel kissed him while she stroked his tail a time or two more.\n\n\t``Is this winding you up, lover?''\n\n\tKarson had since closed his eyes but nodded his head vigorously. She grinned wickedly above him and let go of her grasp on his tail to trace a finger down his chest.\n\n\t``I think I need to take you to bed so I can give you some extra special attention.''\n\n\tHis eyes popped open and he nodded again.\n\n\tRachel quickly got off the couch and tugged his hand.\n\n\t``Come on Romeo, the bedchamber lies in wait.''\n\n\tKarson grinned and hopped up to follow her.\n\n\tClothes flew across the room as the two stripped down and jumped into bed. Rachel stirred up the fire of Karson?s passion, and he lavished his attentions back on his lover. He was not rough, but his actions carried a sense of urgency not usually present in their lovemaking.\n\n\tKarson pleasured his lover in many ways, and she rode the waves of passion with him as they steered a course through the night. Sometime after midnight the pair lay sprawled across the bed absently stroking each others body.\n\n\tRachel propped her head up and held Karson?s right hand as she brushed her lips across his fingertips. He in turn circled a finger across her chest, under her chin and down to her navel. The two had not spoken a word for some time, only expressing their feelings through touch.\n\n\tKarson sat up and held out his arms, inviting Rachel to lie across his lap. She shifted position and sighed up at him. He stroked her cheek and spoke softly to her.\n\n\t``I love you.''\n\n\t``And I love you, Karson.''\n\n\tHe smiled down at her.\n\n\t``As much as I would love to please you all night, perhaps you should get some sleep? I would not want you falling asleep during work tomorrow.''\n\n\tShe frowned.\n\n\t``I know. You?re right.''\n\n\tRachel procrastinated getting up from his lap until he lightly pinched her bottom.\n\n\t``Hey! Don?t make me have to tickle you.''\n\n\tHe deftly squirmed out from under her and pulled back the covers from the bed.\n\n\t``Come on miss contrary, bedtime. You can tickle me under the covers.''\n\n\tHe slid into bed and held the covers up for her. She reluctantly joined him, still nude. Rachel did not mind since she liked feeling his fur against her skin. Karson had to admit that he also liked when she pressed her nude body against his.\n\n\tShe snuggled up against him and buried her face in his chest. Karson stroked her head and only a few minutes passed before he noticed her breathing was light and regular. He kissed her head and hugged her close, but sleep was far from his thoughts as he contemplated his future.\n\nChapter 7 - Good News\n\n\tThe alarm clock jolted Rachel from her slumber. Her muscles protested as she stretched and remembered some of the vigorous activities from last night.\n\n\tRachel glanced at the clock.\n\n\t``Shit!''\n\n\tIt was already 8:30 and she was supposed to start work at 9.\n\n\tShe flung the covers off and scampered out of bed quickly into the bathroom. She ran to her dresser and threw on the first set of clothes she could find. Rachel normally rushed through her morning routine, but this time she really was in a rush.\n\n\tBy the time she was dressed and ran a brush through her hair, the clock read 8:40. She grabbed her purse and briefcase, quickly checked to make sure she had her keys and was grabbing her jacket when she glanced back at the bed.\n\n\tKarson?s nose barely poked out from under the covers and Rachel could not help pausing for a second.\n\nShe smiled, crept over to the bed, and briefly pulled the cover back from his head. He looked adorable in his usual curled up sleeping position, and Rachel longed to stay and stroke his ears. She sighed softly and pushed those thoughts to the side as she reminded herself that if she were late she would have to work late.\n\n\t``Love you, sleepyhead,'' she whispered and kissed his nose.\n\n\tThen she rushed out to her car and on to work. The apartment was still once more as Karson snoozed under the covers.\n\n\tAround 10, Karson came awake and crawled out of bed. He made a trip to the bathroom, got some water, and went about his routine of eating and exercising. By the time he finished, it was nearly noon. He decided to check his email and try to catch Rachel online.\n\n\tThe normal amount of forum notifications and the usual advertisements awaited him, but there was nothing from Rachel. Karson was rarely disappointed when she did not email him, but he always enjoyed getting a note from her. As his thoughts centered on his lover, the familiar doorbell chime of the messenger rang. He opened the waiting chat dialogue and Rachel greeted him.\n\nRachel: Hi sleepyhead. :D\n\nKarson: Ya, sorry about that. I guess I stayed up pretty late. You did not seem to mind tho ;)\n\nRachel: Certainly not, Mr. Kuddles. Before I forget, I was 30 mins late to work, so I prob won?t be home till 7\n\nKarson: Do you want me to fix dinner again?\n\nRachel: No, silly, we?re eating at the Bulldog tonight remember?\n\nKarson: Oh, right. I will be ready to go when you get home then.\n\n...\n\nRachel: Shoot! Sorry sweetie, I have to go. There is an unexpected conference call I have to attend. So much for lunch! TTYL LOVE YOU!!\n\n\tBefore he could even type a response she dropped offline. Karson sighed in real disappointment, but brightened at the thought of dinner later. It had been a few weeks since he saw Bobby or Molly. Karson decided to surf through some of the major news sights to pass the time.\n\n\tAfter pulling up the first sight, he was immediately confronted with the headline: Companion Trial Date Set, Congress Still Silent. Karson clicked the link and quickly read the news story. According to the article, the prosecutors convinced the municipal court judge assigned to the case to proceed with the trial in spite of the fact there was no announcement regarding Companion Rights.\n\n\tWith the trial date set for the following Monday, Karson had a feeling it would be a long week. He sincerely hoped there would not be any further incidents to complicate matters. The article also went on to state that Beverly Augustus and Jefferson were under a gag order from the court, preventing them from making any further public statements. Karson knew that speculation would run wild on the forums and the news until the trial started. The final bit of news he gleaned from the article was the trial testimony would not be broadcast.\n\n\tHe returned to the familiar forums after scanning the rest of the headlines of the day. Karson responded to a few threads, chiming in with his opinions on the topics. He tried to be objective whenever he wrote anything in a public forum, but given the circumstances his views tended to have an optimistic slant.\n\n\tSince there were a number of known Companions on one of the forums he visited, it was a common occurrence to find a large number of hateful posts from anti-Companion users. He read a particularly scathing post from one such user. They commented on a Companion's description of the intimate relationship she had with her Guardian - similar to Karson?s own relationship. He actually felt rising anger and had to exert all his restraint to not post an equally inflammatory response.\n\n\tIt was very rare for Karson to let his emotions get beyond his control, and he could feel he was dangerously close to the edge. He decided he needed a quick distraction before his temper got the best of him, so Karson hopped up from the computer and went about straightening, dusting and cleaning like a furious tornado. After considerable time and several rooms, he felt more in control.\n\n\tHe still felt brief twinges of annoyance as snippets of the post flashed in his mind. He could not help remembering statements like ``this is an abomination against nature'' and ``Companions are no more than talking animals.'' Karson shook his head and had the fleeting thought that he was glad Rachel had not read the post.\n\n\tThe Companion kept a close eye on the clock and got dressed as it neared 7. He decided to wear something a little nicer than his daily attire and picked out a long sleeved white button shirt to go with his black pants. He pulled out a dark forest green vest Bobby gave him for Christmas to complete his outfit. As an afterthought, he also grabbed the flat cap hat Rachel once gave him.\n\n\tKarson stood in the small bedroom brushing the fur of his face and neck when Rachel entered the apartment. He grinned at himself in the mirror when she called.\n\n\t``Hey Romeo, your sweetheart is home!''\n\n\tKarson donned his hat and strode out of the bedroom.\n\n\tRachel nearly dropped her purse and bag when she saw the dressed and groomed Companion. Her mouth hung open and she gaped at him in silence.\n\n\tKarson tugged the tip of his cap down across his eyes.\n\n\t``Evenin? mate! What do you think?''\n\n\tHe twirled around for her to see his ensemble.\n\n\t``I think we might have to go to dinner more often. Wow, Karson. You look...magnificent.''\n\n\tKarson crossed the room and planted a kiss on her cheek.\n\n\t``Well, you look pretty good yourself.''\n\n\tHe grinned at her and wrapped his arm around her waist.\n\n\tRachel suddenly felt self-conscious about her appearance and squirmed out of his grasp.\n\n\t``Maybe I should change? I just threw this on and it?s been a long day-''\n\n\tKarson grabbed her by the hand and pulled her back into his grasp.\n\n\t``Rachel, even on your worst day you look as radiant as the sun. I think what you have on is fine. If you think I am overdressed I can go change really quick, it is no problem.''\n\n\tShe blushed at his compliment and cracked a smile.\n\n\tHe started to walk back to the hallway but she stopped him.\n\n\t``Don?t you dare change! You?re so handsome in that outfit I need a picture.''\n\n\tKarson laughed and let her snap a few quick shots from her phone. She stuffed it back in her purse.\n\n\t``Just let me change my shirt real quick and then we?ll go, `kay?''\n\n\tShe dashed into the bedroom and emerged just a moment later in a sea foam blouse that complimented Karson?s vest.\n\n\t``There! Now we match. Let?s roll, I?m hungry!''\n\n\tKarson held out his forearm for her.\n\n\t``Lead the way, milady!''\n\n\tA short drive later, Karson followed Rachel into The Grinning Bulldog, which was now a favorite hang out of the pair. Karson even spent a few afternoons there with Bobby apart from Rachel. She had in fact encouraged him, deeming it important that Karson be social outside of their relationship. Bobby appointed himself Karson?s ``Best Friend,'' and the two were quite inseparable when they got together.\n\n\tRachel likewise treated Molly as the sister she never had. Molly and Bobby were open about their own relationship, but Karson and Rachel chose to keep their love under wraps at first. The four friends became considerably closer after the new couple shared the news with the other couple. Rachel enjoyed having a female friend she could relate to when it came to all things Companion, especially now that their friends knew of their budding relationship.\n\n\tBobby was stationed at his usual table when the pair entered the pub, and he called out cheerfully as they caught his eye.\n\n\t``Well, well! Look at this fine young pair.''\n\n\tThe boisterous Companion hopped off his stool and trotted over to give each of them a friendly hug.\n\n\t``You?re as lovely as ever, Rachel my dear. And who is this dashing fella you brought tonight? Better watch out, Karson might get jealous.''\n\n\tKarson laughed heartily at Bobby?s jibe.\n\n\tRachel hugged the beagle.\n\n\t``How are you Bobby? I?m sorry that we haven?t been able to stop by lately.''\n\n\t``Oh, I?m doing just fine; Molly too. She?ll be happy to see you both.''\n\n\tAs if on cue, Molly turned up and flung her arms around Rachel.\n\n\t``Rachel my dear, how very nice to see you again!''\n\n\tThe two hugged briefly, but Molly gasped when she saw Karson standing there in his finery.\n\n\t``My goodness Karson, you look so handsome!''\n\n\tBobby jabbed his Companion friend in the ribs.\n\n\t``See? I told you she?d be jealous!''\n\n\tKarson grinned at Molly as she wrapped her arms around him.\n\n\t``It?s so good to see you again. The both of you look wonderful. Hope you?re hungry, the fish ?n chips are just about ready. Let me nip back to the kitchen; beagle boy here can show you to the booth.''\n\n\tShe gave a playful wink at Bobby when he poked his tongue out at her, and disappeared into the back.\n\n\tThe pair followed the Beagle Companion and sat down to await Molly?s return. They chatted for a moment about what happened since last they met. Molly stuck her head out of the kitchen and called over to Rachel.\n\n\t``Mind giving me a hand?''\n\n\tRachel kissed Karson and stood up.\n\n\t``Behave you two.''\n\n\tShe strode back into the kitchen and heard the two Companions erupt in laughter just as the door swung closed. She shook her head and went around to the counter where the food preparation was.\n\n\tMolly smiled a little sheepishly as she confessed to Rachel.\n\n\t``Sorry lass, I just needed an excuse to get you alone for a second. You?ve obviously heard about that news story by now? So what d?ya think?''\n\n\tRachel leaned against the counter, crossed her arms and sighed heavily.\n\n\t``Honestly, I?m a little scared. Who knows what kind of a ruling Congress is going to make about Companions? A lot of crazy thoughts have gone through my mind lately, thinking about what we?ll do if things go bad.''\n\n\tMolly prepared the dishes distractedly, but could not hide the same apprehension from her voice.\n\n\t``I understand, and I?d be lying if I said it didn?t worry me as well. But we just have to trust that everything will work out for the best. Besides, if things do turn out the way I?d like, I might have a little surprise to tell you.''\n\n\tRachel?s eye lit up and she prodded her friend for more info.\n\n\t``Oh yeah, like what kind of surprise?''\n\n\t``Well, I was going to wait, but what the hell.''\n\n\tMolly looked around to make certain they were alone and dropped into a secretive whisper.\n\n\t''Bobby and I are getting hitched!''\n\n\tRachel gasped in surprise and the two girls squeezed hands together excitedly.\n\n\t``Oh my goodness, Molly that?s wonderful! When did this come about?''\n\n\tMolly still spoke in a hushed tone, but her voice was strong and full of affection.\n\n\t``Well, we?ve talked about it a number of times, and we think that when the ruling is made we?re going to make it official. Keep your fingers crossed!''\n\n\tRachel giggled with her for a moment as she thought about the possibility.\n\n\tMolly quickly grasped Rachel?s hand.\n\n\t``Don?t tell Karson yet, though. I want it to be a surprise and let Bobby tell him.''\n\n\tRachel nodded solemnly.\n\n\t``Of course, you have my word.''\n\n\tMolly smiled.\n\n\t``What do you say we feed the boys before they cause too much trouble, eh?''\n\n\tRachel laughed and picked up the large serving tray with plates as Molly picked up the drinks.\n\n\t``Aye, lassie!''\n\n\tBobby finished the punchline of a joke as the girls came to the booth.\n\n\t``-so he says, ?That?s not my tail!?''\n\n\tKarson laughed as Rachel sat down next to him. \tBobby kissed Molly as she joined them.\n\n\t``Another fine meal you?ve prepared my dear!''\n\n\tMolly smiled and raised her glass of ale.\n\n\t``To good friends!''\n\n\tThe other three repeated her toast as their glasses clinked together. Everyone began eating and complimenting Molly on the fish and chips. Dinner talk was light and cheerful even though the Companion situation was at the back of everyone?s mind.\n\n\tMolly nudged Bobby.\n\n\t``Did you tell Karson about your newest hobby?''\n\n\tBobby?s eyes popped open wide and he shook his head while he finished his bite.\n\n\tMolly grinned and raised her eyebrows at Karson.\n\n\tHis curiosity got the better of him.\n\n\t``What are you up to now?''\n\n\tThe Beagle stuck out his chest proudly.\n\n\t``I?m going to start making me own brew!''\n\n\tRachel and Karson ahhed and he continued.\n\n\t``I decided to try experimenting with different types of beer, to find something a little more specifically suited to a Companion?s palette. I?m actually close to finishing my second batch of a brew. It turned out wonderfully the first time, so I had to try it again. If it?s just as good, we may actually try selling it here at the bar.''\n\n\tBobby raised his glass and took a drink.\n\n\t``My brew is what we?re drinking right now.''\n\n\tKarson nodded his head and sniffed the drink again.\n\n\t``I thought this tasted a little different. But I dare say it is even better than the wheat ale I usually have here.''\n\n\tBobby winked and clinked glasses with his fellow Companion.\n\n\t``Exactly. Molly has had a lot of experience with beverages and she really thinks this has a good chance of catching on. Especially since we have a number of Companion customers here.''\n\n\tRachel raised her glass.\n\n\t``To Bobby?s Beagle Brew!''\n\n\tMolly laughed heartily at her toast.\n\n\t``You hear that bucko? Rachel just gave you the perfect name!''\n\n\tThey all touched glasses and laughed. Dinner continued as they speculated about how to market the new brew or how the public might receive it. A while after the foursome finished eating, one of Molly?s servers walked up to the booth looking a little anxious.\n\n\t``Molly! I think you should turn on CNN, I just heard that the government has made a press release!''\n\n\t``Oh my goodness, Bobby hit the tube!''\n\n\tEveryone in the pub gathered around the bar to watch the large 60'' screen. Bobby quickly dialed in the channel and all present listened to the anchor.\n\n\t\t``-just tuning in, Congress has in fact released a new ruling on Companion Rights. The statement will be available to see on our website shortly, but for now we will give you a breakdown of the new information.\n\n\t\tAccording to the newest charter, all Companions are now subject to the federal laws for the state in which they reside. Companions are considered to be a full citizen after 1 year under Guardianship, and it is now legal for Companions to earn wages and be employed. In addition, it is now legal for Companions to own property, meaning both land and material possessions, once they reach citizenship status.\n\n\t\t``All current adoption contracts are open for conversion to the newest charter for Guardians. At the census last year, approximately 100,000 new adoption contracts were filed with the Intelligent Horizons Corporation, bringing the estimated Companion population to nearly 1 million since their creation. Further statistical breakdowns can be found on our website as well. Again if you are just tuning in, Congress has just released a new Companion charter granting citizenship rights. When we come back from break we will be speaking to Companion analyst-''\n\n\tRachel turned her attention away from the TV and faced Karson, who wore the largest grin she had ever seen on his face.\n\n\t``I think that sounds like good news. What do you think, Kar?''\n\n\tHe nodded.\n\n\t``Definitely. I can be free to pursue my writing now.''\n\n\tRachel smiled at him.\n\n\t``I think that?s wonderful! Technically, we still have about a month before you hit your 1 year, but I can go down to the agency and talk to them about your contract. In the meantime, come here.''\n\n\tShe hugged him close and, amid all the commotion and excited talking in the bar, she spoke softly in his ear.\n\n\t``I love you.''\n\n\tKarson hugged her tight as he was a little too overcome with the elation of the ruling to find words to reply. He merely squeezed her and kissed her. After another moment, the pair broke their embrace and Rachel turned to where Molly stood.\n\n\tMolly was no longer standing next to Rachel, but was now behind the bar passionately kissing and hugging Bobby. She ignored the world for the moment in the arms of her Companion lover and Rachel could not blame her.\n\n\tSomeone shouted, ``Hey you two get a room!''\n\n\tThe crowd laughed in good humor and the couple broke out of their spell. There was a round of applause as Bobby bowed and Molly waved a bar rag like a handkerchief.\n\n\t``Alright boys and girls, a round of drinks on the house!''\n\n\tMolly yelled at the top of her lungs and the crowd cheered in response. Rachel imagined there would be similar celebrations going on around the country as she handed a drink to Karson and held up her glass for the latest toast that was shouted out.\n\n\tThe patrons of The Grinning Bulldog had a lively time commemorating the announcement. Molly made last call around 10pm deciding to close a little early. As everyone trickled out, they called farewells to Molly and Bobby.\n\n\tWhen the clock hit 11pm, Rachel decided that she needed to be getting home as well. Molly motioned for her to get Karson, and Rachel suddenly remembered her secretive announcement. Bobby was unaware that Molly leaked the surprise and he sat at his favorite stool with Karson by his side. He was just about to launch into another joke when Molly called to him.\n\n\t``Bobby, it's time.''\n\n\tBobby immediately perked up recognizing that tone in her voice. He hopped off his stool and took Karson by the arm, escorting him over to where Rachel and Molly stood by the bar. Karson looked a little confused, but waited patiently as Rachel leaned casually against him.\n\n\tBobby took Molly?s hand.\n\n\t``Do you want to tell them, or should I?''\n\n\tShe smiled sweetly at the Beagle.\n\n\t``I think you should tell them.''\n\n\tBobby nodded and took a deep breath. He looked right at Karson.\n\n\t``I?m going to marry Molly! We were waiting for the ruling to be released, and this makes it official. Karson, I?d like for you to be my best man. Well, Companion in this case.''\n\n\tHe chuckled at Karson?s shocked but pleasant expression.\n\n\tRachel just smiled knowingly as Molly gave her a wink.\n\n\tKarson walked over and hugged Bobby and patted him on the back.\n\n\t``Congratulations my friend! This is certainly a momentous day. I am so happy for you both! I would be honored.''\n\n\tMolly embraced Karson after he finished hugging Bobby.\n\n\t``Thank you very much, Karson.''\n\n\tShe kissed him on the cheek, and then turned to Rachel.\n\n\t``You will of course be my bridesmaid won?t you?''\n\n\tRachel nearly squealed with glee.\n\n\t``Hell yes I will!''\n\n\tMolly laughed with her and the four gathered in a group hug. The air was full of their shared love and compassion as each of them wanted to hold on to the moment as long as possible.\n\n\tUnfortunately, even the elation from the evening's special news could not forestall Rachel?s fatigue, and she yawned hugely when the group hug broke.\n\n\tMolly nudged her friend.\n\n\t``You should go on and head home. I?ll call you in the next couple of days so you can help me with some planning.''\n\n\tRachel nodded but even her yawns could not wipe the grin from her face.\n\n\t``Sounds good Molly. Thank you for the great meal!''\n\n\tThe two women hugged again, and Rachel patted Bobby on the back.\n\n\t``Congratulations, you lucky devil! I?ll see you again soon.''\n\n\tBobby winked at her. He wrapped his arm around Karson?s shoulder in a brotherly fashion.\n\n\t``Guess the two of us guys are going to spend a lot of time together since the girls will be busy with wedding stuff, eh mate?''\n\n\tKarson grinned and nodded.\n\n\tRachel pulled him by the hand away from his buddy and playfully joked with Bobby.\n\n\t``Don?t make me have to separate you two. Karson is only on loan.''\n\n\tKarson jumped in surprise as Rachel lightly swatted his rump.\n\n\t``Come on, Kuddles, time to go.''\n\n\tKarson?s ears blushed in embarrassment.\n\n\t``Rachel...''\n\n\tShe laughed at his embarrassment and kissed him sweetly on the nose.\n\n\tRachel leaned close and whispered.\n\n\t``You know I?m just teasing. Come on hot stuff; let?s get home so we can cuddle in bed.''\n\n\tHe nodded.\n\n\t``Okay, you two behave. I will talk to you soon Bobby.''\n\n\tKarson waved as Rachel pulled him out the door.\n\n\t``Bye!''\n\n\tMolly called after them and locked the door as she turned out all but the lights over the bar. Bobby gathered up all the empty glasses left over from the various toasts. Molly swaggered over to the end of the last booth and leaned against the side seductively. She waited until Bobby had set down an armload of glasses before she caught his attention.\n\n\t``Psst. Hey, beagle boy.''\n\n\tBobby played along. He looked left and right, and gave her a questioning gaze as he pointed to himself.\n\n\t``Who me?''\n\n\t``Yeah, you. Come here stud, I want to tell you something.''\n\n\tBobby stalked over to her and put his hands on his hips.\n\n\t``Say your peace lass, I don?t have all night.''\n\n\tMolly curled a finger under his nose.\n\n\t``Come closer.''\n\n\tThe Companion leaned closer till his nose almost touched hers.\n\n\tShe leaned past his muzzle and whispered in his ear.\n\n\t``I love you, Bobby Beagle.''\n\n\tBobby broke character and wrapped his arms around Molly and squeezed her tight.\n\n\t``I love you as well, Molly Becker. I can hardly believe I?m going to get married!''\n\n\tMolly laughed and pressed her nose to his, but she continued the charade.\n\n\t``Oh really? To who?''\n\n\tBobby shook her playfully in his grasp.\n\n\t``To you, you silly maid! I?m going to marry you!''\n\n\tShe patted his cheek.\n\n\t``Oh go on, you can?t marry me without a ring.''\n\n\tBobby?s ears drooped and he slackened his grip on Molly. His tone turned a bit serious.\n\n\t``I know, love, and I?m working on it. I promise.''\n\n\tMolly suddenly stroked his cheek in apology.\n\n\t``Aw Bobby, I?m sorry! I was only playing. I didn?t mean anything by it.''\n\n\tHe nodded solemnly.\n\n\t``I know sweetheart, but I also know that it means a lot. Trust me; I?ll get it straightened out.''\n\n\tShe kissed him firmly.\n\n\t``I know you will. You always do.''\n\n\tHer kiss brightened his mood and he swatted her behind.\n\n\t``What do you say we leave off cleaning up and go upstairs?''\n\n\t``Ooh, you handsome devil, always straight to the point.''\n\n\tBobby took Molly by the hand and led her up the back corner stairway to the second floor loft. It was not their main home, but they spent enough time at the bar to use it frequently. For their purposes it would suffice for the evening.\n\nChapter 8 - A New Goal\n\n\tThe next few days passed relatively quickly for Karson and Rachel. They resumed their normal schedule after the federal ruling had time to disseminate through society. Karson wrote during the day and the two played games after dinner each night. \n\n\tThe weekend was the usual affair, and the pair visited The Grinning Bulldog again on Saturday after spending the afternoon in the park. Karson noticed there was a larger number of Companions out and about since the last time they visited. He took it as a good sign that Companions were able to move about more freely. Karson also noticed that he rarely saw any Guardians using a leash.\n\n\tDuring their visit to the Bulldog, Karson took the opportunity to approach Molly for a special request when Rachel made a trip to the restroom. He knew she would likely tell Bobby about the proposition, which did not bother him. However, he strictly wanted to keep it a surprise from Rachel.\n\n\tQuite simply, Karson asked Molly for a job.\n\n\tShe was curious as to why he would want to keep it a secret from Rachel, but did not persist when he told her that he needed a way to make some money. Molly knew Karson was very reliable and trustworthy, and did not hesitate to say yes. They agreed that he would work part time during the middle of the day, which would allow him to get home before Rachel and still give him time to write during the evenings.\n\n\tTo make a little extra money, Karson wrote the occasional article for one of the newspapers and did some ghost writing for a new magazine targeted at Guardians and their Companions. Now that Companion rights had changed, the magazine was also changing its format to accommodate the newfound readership. He wondered if the editor would allow him to publish anything under his own name.\n\n\tMonday arrived in its usual way with Rachel rushing off to work.\n\n\t``Have a good day sweetie! Talk to you at lunch?''\n\n\tShe kissed Karson, and he nodded before she disappeared out the door.\n\n\tHe went about some chores before he settled in to write. After a nice chat during lunch, he took a break during the afternoon to look online at the possibility of getting a bicycle for travel to the Bulldog. It was roughly 6 miles away; not a considerable distance, but Karson did not want to spend his new income on public transit if he could avoid it. He figured the better investment would be his own transportation.\n\n\tThe selection of bicycles that would accommodate his body type was severely limited, as well as expensive. Feeling a little disappointed, he pondered how to manage the commute when an advertisement on one of the web pages caught his eye. It was for inline skates made specifically for Companions. When he visited the sight, it had the inventory of skates available for sorting by different criteria, body type being one of them.\n\n\tHe selected ``Second Generation'' and was presented with a page of 20 different models of skates. They ranged in price from $40-200, and he looked at them all. He was reluctant to spend $200 on a pair of skates, but he also knew they would get a good deal of use.\n\n\tHe finally singled out the ``Sprinter'' model because of the reviews, pointing out that the skates were very comfortable and quite durable. Karson made note of the model number and color (Speed Demon Red), but would have to wait until his first paycheck to make the order. He was satisfied to see that with shipping the skates would cost him $75, and he deemed it an acceptable expenditure.\n\n\tKarson spent the rest of the day writing until he heard the familiar clack of the door locks opening. He continued to work knowing Rachel would step in on her way to the bedroom to change clothes.\n\n\tThis time however, she called excitedly from the living room.\n\n\t``Karson, did you hear the news? I bet there?s a story on right now, come here.''\n\n\tHe was unaware of any breaking news since he was absorbed in his work, and he rushed to find out what Rachel referred to.\n\n\t``What has happened?''\n\n\t``The trial?s over! It only lasted 2 hours, can you believe that?''\n\n\tKarson?s reaction was stunned silence.\n\n\tRachel flipped through TV channels trying to find a news report and finally landed on a local news station.\n\n\t``Here we go, let?s see what they have to say about it.''\n\n\tHe focused his attention on the feed as the reporter conducted an interview with Augustus? attorney.\n\n\t``My client is very happy with the outcome of the trial. Jefferson accepted his assigned community service willingly and has been absolved of all charges. He will be able to join Beverly Augustus when she is released from the hospital at the end of the week.''\n\n\t``What does this mean for Companions from a legal standpoint now?''\n\n\t``My firm will gladly accept cases to give legal representation for Companions. We will work hard to make sure you get a fair and equal ruling. Contact the law offices of-''\n\n\tRachel began flicking through channels to try and find more coverage and landed on CNN. The anchor was in the middle of the report.\n\n\t``-Companion to Beverly Augustus was found not guilty to charges of murder, however a sentence of 40 hours of community service was given. In a statement taken from Jefferson after the proceedings, the Companion told reporters:\n\n\t?I am just thankful that Beverly was not severely hurt. I will gladly do my service, and I look forward to joining my brethren as a proud citizen of this country.?''\n\n\t``Stay tuned to CNN for continuing coverage of the latest developments in Companion rights. Later this week, we have an exclusive interview with Jefferson and Beverly Augustus, as well as all the up to date information on world affairs.\n\n\t``If you are just joining us, again the Companion Jefferson has been found not guilty in the trial-''\n\n\tRachel punched the mute button and looked at Karson.\n\n\tHe appeared to be processing the new information and was lost in thought.\n\n\tShe reached out a hand and grasped his fingers.\n\n\t``Is everything okay, Kar?''\n\n\tHe blinked and snapped out of his daze, and smiled at Rachel.\n\n\t``Yes, I think everything will be fine now.''\n\n\tHe squeezed her fingers back.\n\n\t``Would you like me to fix us dinner?''\n\n\tShe tugged his hand and shook her head.\n\n\t``Not just yet. Come here and sit with me.''\n\n\tShe slipped into the large recliner and pulled him down into her lap. Rachel hugged him close and rubbed her cheek against his affectionately.\n\n\t``All this good news is almost overwhelming.''\n\n\tKarson nodded his head and stroked her arm.\n\n\t``I know what you mean. I am glad I have you around.''\n\n\tRachel giggled softly in his ear.\n\n\t``Funny, I was about to say the same thing. I would?ve never given you up, even if I didn?t have a choice. I love you so much, Karson.''\n\n\tKarson sighed happily.\n\n\t``I love you as well, Rachel.''\n\n\tThe two enjoyed the moment of closeness. The quiet spell was broken when Karson?s stomach grumbled and Rachel laughed.\n\n\t``Maybe we better get dinner going? You have to keep your strength up you know.''\n\n\tKarson flicked his ears.\n\n\t``For what?''\n\n\tShe kissed him firmly and grasped his tail.\n\n\t``For later tonight!''\n\n\tHe grinned back at her.\n\n\tRachel pushed him off her lap.\n\n\t``Come on Kuddles, I?ll help you make dinner.''\n\n\tThe pair had fun preparing dinner and joked with each other at every opportunity. Rachel teased Karson constantly and he loved every minute of it. They ate their dinner hastily and could not keep their eyes off each other. Karson had scarcely wiped his mouth after his last bite before Rachel pulled him away from the table.\n\n\tIt took several minutes for the two to make their way down the hall and into the bedroom as they engaged in kissing and caressing. They left a trail of discarded clothing on the journey to the bedroom.\n\nOnce Rachel had him backed up against the bed, she pushed Karson down and crawled over him.\n\n\tShe was everywhere at once, kissing and fondling, and Karson did not resist in the slightest. His lover pressed her lips to his muzzle and kissed him so passionately he did not notice her hands were busy tugging on his tail.\n\n\tWhen she got the desired result, Karson gasped as he felt her intimate grasp. A thin whine escaped his throat.\n\n\tRachel giggled.\n\n\t``You like that, Kuddles?''\n\n\tA shaky nod was his only response.\n\n\tThe two lovers playfully took turns administering to each others needs. After an intense bought of lovemaking, Karson lay in a daze next to Rachel as she absently ran her fingers through his chest fur. When she raised her eyebrows at him in an unspoken question, he smiled back at her.\n\n\t``I think I need a little time to recover.''\n\n\tShe giggled and lay across his chest, and nuzzled into his neck the way he loved so much.\n\n\tKarson wrapped his arms around her back and stroked her neck, and she reached up and stroked the tip of his left ear.\n\n\tRachel mumbled into his fur.\n\n\t``Just don?t take too long, I might not be able to wait. I?ll have to take matters into my own hands. You wouldn?t want me to tie you up and make you watch?''\n\n\tKarson gave a playful growl and tickled her side, imagining the experience.\n\n\t``What if I tied you up and teased you until you could not stand it?''\n\n\tShe nipped at his neck and squirmed on top of him.\n\n\t``Forget about teasing me, you?re already doing that! The feel of your fur against my skin is driving me crazy.''\n\n\tKarson rumbled at the sensual female.\n\n\t``My goodness, you are wild tonight! Sounds like I do not have much choice.''\n\n\tRachel grinned wickedly at him and took hold of his wrists while she straddled his stomach.\n\n\t``No, you don't.''\n\n\tShe rolled over with the Companion on top of her and the two were once again in the throws of passion.\n\n\tThe morning arrived with Rachel rushing off in her usual fashion.\n\n\tKarson kissed her as she departed and Rachel affectionately stroked his cheek.\n\n\t``Have a good day, lover.''\n\n\tShe left with a tired, but happy smile.\n\n\t``You too sweetie, I love you!''\n\n\t``Love you! Bye!''\n\n\tKarson waited until the door closed and yawned. He figured he should get some breakfast since he was up, even if he felt like going back to bed. His muzzle split in a devilish grin.\n\n\t``That woman will be the death of me, but oh what a way to go!''\n\nChapter 9 - Union\n\n\tDays passed in a flash as Karson and Rachel went through their routine. He wrote during the day, did his chores, and got used to working at The Grinning Bulldog. Molly and Bobby were of course happy to see him frequently, and somehow the three of them managed to keep Karson?s part time job a secret from Rachel.\n\n\tAfter the second day on the job, Karson explained to Molly about shopping for skates for transportation, and right then and there she gave him an advance to cover the cost. She insisted that he order the skates and send them to the bar, and two days later they were waiting for him when he arrived at work.\n\n\tSince he only worked three days a week at the Bulldog, he figured he was making about $75 a payday. Molly paid him in cash every Friday and it was not long before Karson opened a savings account at a local bank, now that banks were legally obligated to accept Companion customers.\n\n\tLife continued at a happy pace for Karson. Rachel helped Molly plan the wedding ceremony and reception, and the two often asked the opinion of their Companion counterparts when it came to food, clothing or flowers. As the date approached, Karson saw Bobby become nervous and anxious. During work one afternoon, he sat down with his friend.\n\n\t``Is everything okay Bobby? You seem on edge lately?''\n\n\tBobby sipped his glass of water. He had cut back on his drinking recently, and it did not escape Karson?s notice.\n\n\t``Aye, but I?m okay. I just can hardly believe it?s actually going to happen! I had dreamed of the day when I could call Molly my wife, and now...well, it?s like a dream come true.''\n\n\tKarson smiled at his friend.\n\n\t``I know what you mean. I am so very happy for both of you.''\n\n\t``Speaking of which, let me show you something.''\n\n\tBobby reached into his pocket and pulled out a tiny clam shell box.\n\n\tKarson?s eyes lit up when Bobby popped open the lid and showed the ring he intended to give Molly.\n\n\t``Cast your peepers on that!''\n\n\tThe ring was a thin titanium band overlaid with an intertwining Celtic weave pattern; in the center was an embedded diamond stud.\n\n\tKarson tentatively reached for the ring.\n\n\t``May I?''\n\n\tBobby nodded and let him pick up the ring. Karson held it in the light and it sparkled brilliantly. He also noticed the inscription inside the band: Love always, BB. Karson placed it carefully back in the box.\n\n\t``It is a lovely ring for a lovely bride.''\n\n\tBobby beamed at his friend.\n\n\t``Thanks mate.''\n\n\tHe quickly stuffed the box back in his pocket.\n\n\t``I?m going to show Molly tonight. I know she does not let on, but I can tell she is nervous since it took me so long to get the ring.''\n\n\t``Where did you get it?''\n\n\t``There?s a place about 2 miles from here, Franklin Jewelers. I had them make this specially for me, so it?s a one of a kind just like Molly!''\n\n\tKarson giggled.\n\n\t``How poetic.''\n\n\tHe made a mental note of where the jeweler was for future reference.\n\n\tAs Karson prepared dinner later that evening, Rachel answered the phone and squealed.\n\n\t``Really? Tell me all about it!''\n\n\tShe winked at Karson and ran into the bedroom. \tHe shook his head with a grin and continued dinner, having already guessed who called.\n\n\tRachel returned to the kitchen a short while later as Karson waited on the casserole in the oven to finish. She stood next to him and planted a kiss on his cheek. He could tell she wanted to share her news and prompted her.\n\n\t``Who was that?''\n\n\t``Molly called and said Bobby ?officially? proposed to her and gave her the ring.''\n\n\tShe laughed at her own statement.\n\n\t``Well, he didn?t give her the ring yet, but he showed it to Molly. She said it was wonderful and she sounded really excited. I can?t wait until next weekend! It?s going to be a great ceremony.''\n\n\tKarson wrapped his arm around her waist and smiled.\n\n\t``I am sure it will be. I cannot wait to see you in that bridesmaid?s dress.''\n\n\tRachel gave him a playful shove.\n\n\t``Oh, stop it!''\n\n\tThe stove bell dinged and Karson pulled out the casserole to cool. He indicated Rachel go ahead and sit down. When the table was set and they began eating, Karson seemed a little distracted as Rachel talked about what would happen at the wedding reception.\n\n\t``After the bride and groom cut the cake, there?s the first dance. I can?t really dance, but I?m sure my two left feet can manage for one quick song.''\n\n\tRachel noticed Karson had stopped eating but pretended to be listening and lost in his own thoughts.\n\n\t``Then all the Companions will have to wear hats and dance around in a circle. Won?t that be fun?''\n\n\tKarson nodded.\n\n\t``I am sure it will be.''\n\n\tRachel?s brow furrowed as she laid a hand on his arm.\n\n\t``Karson, what?s bothering you? You?ve hardly been listening.''\n\n\t``What?''\n\n\tRachel stared at him.\n\n\tHe sighed and attempted a weak smile.\n\n\t``Sorry I got distracted. I was just thinking.''\n\n\tRachel held his gaze.\n\n\t``Kar, I can?t help you if you don?t talk to me. There?s obviously something on your mind. You know you can talk to me about anything, right?''\n\n\tHe looked away, which caused Rachel to fill with genuine concern, but she waited for him to speak his mind.\n\n\t``What if I am unable to be successful with my writing? I do not want to be a burden to you, Rachel, but I do not feel like I really contribute that much to our situation. Lately, I guess I have been feeling a lot of uncertainty, since I have not gotten any fruitful leads through my published articles. I know you love me, but will that be enough? I want to be more to you than just a stay at home lover.''\n\n\tRachel immediately knelt down by Karson's side and gently pulled his shoulders around so he was facing her. She reached up and held his face in her hands, tenderly staring directly into his soft eyes.\n\n\t``Listen to me carefully, Karson. I love you with all my heart and soul. Yes, I love you physically, but that?s not the one and only reason you hold a special place in my heart. I love your personality, I love who you are and the way you think. I want you to do what makes you happy, and I know that writing is a big part of that.''\n\n\tShe paused a beat to let her words sink in.\n\n\t``It doesn?t matter to me if you make one dollar or a million, I?ll still love and respect you. It takes time to be successful and I just know that it will come along, you just have to trust in yourself, the way I trust in you.''\n\n\tKarson?s ears perked slightly though his eyes turned away from her gaze.\n\n\t``I know, and I truly appreciate your belief in me. I just want to prove that I am deserving of your love and support.''\n\n\tRachel felt her eyes well up with tears and she hugged him close as she buried her face in his chest.\n\n\t``Karson, you silly, sentimental, wonderfully brilliant and compassionate Companion...you have proven yourself a dozen times over, so get this absurd notion of having to ?prove yourself? out of your head.''\n\n\tHe stroked her hair and kissed her head.\n\n\t``I do not know how I ended up so lucky to have such a wonderful partner.''\n\n\tHer tears of happiness dampened his shirt.\n\n\t``See? Just when I didn?t think I could love you any more, you go and say something like that.''\n\n\tKarson stroked her neck and spoke softly.\n\n\t``I am sorry Rachel. I did not mean to upset you; I just had a moment of insecurity. But once again your love and support has set me right.''\n\n\tHe lifted her chin off his chest and continued.\n\n\t``I love you so much. Thank you.''\n\n\tHe pressed his lips to hers in a tender kiss.\n\n\tAfter a few moments, they each regained their composure and cleaned up the remains of dinner. They decided to curl up in bed and snuggle instead of engaging in the usual after dinner game. Rachel?s reaction to Karson?s concerns further strengthened his drive to focus on his writing and his determination to get published.\n\n\tThe remaining days before the special event passed more quickly than anyone could have imagined, and finally the wedding date arrived. Rachel dropped Karson off at the site of the ceremony and went to join Molly in getting prepared. When he caught up with Bobby, the Beagle was a bundle of nervous energy. Karson found it amusing that his friend was so flustered he could scarcely concentrate on getting dressed, and had to help him get organized.\n\n\tKarson got Bobby situated before slipping into his own outfit. The groom was decked out in a fancy black tuxedo with a bright green bow tie and a white vest under his jacket. Karson wore a similar outfit without jacket, but his vest was light green and he had a black bow tie. The pair looked quite handsome and they got a number of compliments as Karson escorted Bobby to the staging area.\n\n\tThe church in which the ceremony took place was a small hall that could easily accommodate several hundred people, though this day there were only about 50 in attendance. Molly invited many of her friends, and Bobby a fair number of Companions he knew. There was no real family to speak of since Molly was an only child and her parents had passed many years before.\n\n\tAs the congregation settled and the organ came to life, Bobby took his place at the altar with Karson standing at his side. Bobby?s tail instinctively tucked slightly between his legs as he waited for the ceremony to start. Karson put a reassuring hand on the groom?s shoulder.\n\n\t``Buck up mate, you will do just fine.''\n\n\tBobby nodded and smiled. He blew out a sigh to try and relax.\n\n\tA moment later all in attendance rose and turned to the entryway. Rachel appeared in the doorway and Karson?s breath was briefly taken away when he saw her wearing a beautiful sea foam green dress. The sleeves ran down her arms with white lace, and the front was cut in a gentle curving V that swept up to her shoulders.\n\n\tThe rest of the dress seemed to flow down her body and was form fitting, but regal. She held a bouquet of lilies at her waist and proceeded up the aisle at a measured pace. When she reached the altar, she curtsied in front of Bobby and discreetly winked at Karson before taking her place opposite the Companions.\n\n\tThere were quite a number of hushed gasps and exclamations when the wedding march started and Molly appeared.\n\n\tKarson heard Bobby mutter.\n\n\t``What a sight!''\n\n\tHe had to agree with his friend; Molly looked positively radiant. Karson quickly glanced over at Rachel and saw her smile back at him with just as much brilliance.\n\n\tMolly walked up the aisle slowly, and nodded at many of the faces that gazed upon her with love and friendship. Her gown was similar in design to Rachel?s but with much more flourish. The white satin of her dress shimmered in the light when she moved, and there was more lace and a number of bows adorning the sides of the gown. The train trailed a pace behind her, and the veil could not hide the happiness in her smile or the love gleaming in her eyes.\n\n\tOnce Bobby saw Molly walking up to the altar, his tail gained a life of its own and wagged furiously, much to the amusement of a number of guests. Molly giggled softly at him, and he shrugged with his charming smile. He lifted her veil and the minister proceeded with the rights.\n\n\tBobby took the ring from Karson when he produced it, and slipped it onto Molly?s finger after repeating the vows. Rachel sniffed and shed tears of happiness for her friend.\n\n\tLikewise, Rachel produced a ring for Molly when the time came, much to the surprise of Bobby. He stared in open-mouthed shock when Molly grasped his hand and slid the ring on his finger. The minister declared the union complete and gave permission for the couple to kiss. Molly threw her arms around the Beagle and kissed him firmly. The congregation erupted in cheering and clapping as the wedded couple trotted down the aisle.\n\n\tKarson thrust out his arm for Rachel formally.\n\n\t``Milady?''\n\n\tShe took his arm graciously, but not before planting a kiss on his cheek. The two followed the happy couple outside where a rain of rice pelted them.\n\n\tEveryone in attendance had a good time at the reception. Karson and Rachel greeted many happy friends and enjoyed the antics of the new husband and wife. When it came time to cut the cake, Bobby was modest and fed Molly a piece she could easily handle. Molly on the other hand was not as gracious, and crammed a full slice into Bobby?s muzzle. He took it in stride and licked his face after she smeared icing all over his nose, much to the amusement of the party.\n\n\tThen came the chance for the new couple to have the first dance, and they paraded around for a minute before everyone else joined them on the floor. Karson took his turn with Molly and she hugged him close. Just before they parted Molly spoke in his ear.\n\n\t``Thank you so much Karson for being there for Bobby, I really appreciate it.''\n\n\tHe kissed her on the cheek.\n\n\t``It is my pleasure, Molly.''\n\n\tThen she was whisked away by the next dancer. He took the opportunity to stand back and watch the crowd mingle.\n\n\tRachel sauntered up to him and held out a glass.\n\n\t``Almost time for the toast. You know, as best man you are supposed to give the first one.''\n\n\tKarson took the glass and nodded. He sniffed the contents.\n\n\t``What is this? It does not smell like champagne?''\n\n\tShe grinned at him.\n\n\t``It?s Beagle Brew remember? Bobby said he would have a batch ready for the wedding and here it is. It?s good too!''\n\n\tKarson took a taste and agreed that it was very nice.\n\n\tWhen the song ended Karson turned.\n\n\t``I guess that is my cue. I will be right back.''\n\n\tHe kissed Rachel and made his way through the crowd to the small stage that had a microphone set up.\n\n\t``May I have your attention please? It is now time to toast the happy couple. Everyone, please take a glass. This evening marks such a special occasion; it is one for the history books.''\n\n\tKarson held up his glass to Bobby and Molly.\n\n\t``This evening will forever be remembered, as the night of new experiences and something that has never occurred before. Let us give a cheer and raise a glass to commemorate the first public appearance of Bobby?s Beagle Brew!''\n\n\tThe crowd clapped out of reflex, but the applause quickly died away as everyone looked around confused. Karson let the confusion spread for just a moment longer.\n\n\t``Oh yes, and it is also Bobby and Molly?s wedding!''\n\n\tBobby?s laughing guffaw could be heard over the entire party and Karson held up his glass to his friend.\n\n\t``Sorry, I could not resist a small joke. When you hang around with a Companion like Bobby, you cannot help but make the best of every day you are given.''\n\n\tThe crowd quieted down as Karson turned serious for a moment.\n\n\t``Molly and Bobby mean a great deal to me. They have been the greatest friends a Companion could ever have and I feel blessed to know them. The way they care for each other and show compassion to everyone they meet is rare in this world.\n\n\t``To Molly- may your kindness be returned to you tenfold and your love never ending. To Bobby- may you never run out of stories or a joke to always cheer your friends, and in return may you always be cheered. My friends, I love you both and wish you nothing but the best in life! Cheers!''\n\n\tThe crowd drank from their glasses and applauded Karson?s toast. As soon as he left the stage, other guests made their way up to give individual toasts to the couple. Karson returned to Rachel and could see that her eyes watered.\n\n\t``That was a lovely toast, Karson.''\n\n\tBefore he could respond, Bobby appeared and slapped him on the back.\n\n\t``Nearly choked me up there, mate. Those were fine words and I thank you for them.''\n\n\t``You are welcome my friend.''\n\n\t``Take a gander at this ring, eh? I was completely floored when Molly pulled it out to put it on my finger. That sly girl, she told me that she was not going to get me a ring. I should have known that she had something up her sleeve.''\n\n\tBobby held out his left hand for Rachel and Karson to see. His ring was a flat band of intertwined silver and onyx-inlaid platinum, creating a black and white kind of look to the ring. It stood out against the white fur of his hand.\n\n\t``That?s lovely, Bobby,'' Rachel said.\n\n\t``Yes, quite nice,'' Karson commented.\n\n\tBobby looked over at Molly who chatted with another couple. He sighed happily and turned back to Karson and Rachel.\n\n\t``If I loved that girl any more I?d have to marry her twice!''\n\n\tRachel giggled and kissed him on the cheek.\n\n\t``Congratulations, Bobby. I?m going to talk to Molly, you boys behave!''\n\n\tThe guys watched as the girls talked across the room. The women laughed and covered their mouths as they conversed, but it was plain by the looks they were giving that Bobby and Karson were the topic of conversation. Bobby laughed and put his arm around his best friend.\n\n\t``Gotta love those girls! The world would definitely be a boring place without them, eh?''\n\n\t``Indeed. So, how is the Brew doing? I almost forgot that you were bringing it along to the party.''\n\n\tBobby brightened even further at the mention of his Brew.\n\n\t``Oh, you would not believe how popular it is! I?ve already had many people ask me where they can get it, and not just Companions either. I got a business card from another bar owner asking if he can sell my beer. Can you imagine? Selling my brew! I tell ya, things are looking up!''\n\n\tKarson patted his friend on the back, genuinely happy for his success.\n\n\t``That is great news! I am really happy for you. And you know...for getting married as well.''\n\n\tKarson winced as Bobby laughed so loud and hard he nearly fell over.\n\n\tWhen he had regained his breath, Bobby grabbed a glass of his brew and sat down.\n\n\t``Oh goodness Karson, you should consider being a comic! You kill me with that wit of yours.''\n\n\tThe two Companions joked and laughed and talked about a number of things before the girls joined them.\n\nMolly came up between the guys and laid an arm across each of their shoulders. She leaned over to Karson first.\n\n\t``That was the best toast I?ve ever heard, Karson. It really meant a lot to me, thank you.''\n\n\tKarson ducked his head in embarrassment, but accepted the compliment.\n\n\tMolly leaned over to Bobby.\n\n\t``So how much longer do I need to wear this ridiculous dress? I?d kill to have a pair of jeans and sneakers right now.''\n\n\tRachel laughed at her friend?s comment.\n\n\t``Better live it up while you can, never know if you?ll wear that dress again. When are you two going on honeymoon?''\n\n\tMolly blew on Bobby?s ear as she replied.\n\n\t``Well, we?re not going to take a real honeymoon just yet. Bobby has several potential leads to get his new brew out and about, and it?s best to take advantage of the situation. We?ll take an extended leave when we see how things will turn out. Until then we?re just going to have a three day weekend at the Windsor Hotel downtown.''\n\n\tBobby blushed and shifted in his seat when Molly commented casually.\n\n\t``I don?t think we?ll be leaving the room much or getting very much sleep though.''\n\n\tBobby cleared his throat.\n\n\t``Come on love, I don?t think these two want that much information.''\n\n\tMolly laughed and sat in her husband?s lap.\n\n\tShe turned to Rachel.\n\n\t``I don?t know what he?s talking about, but I plan on soaking in that Jacuzzi every chance I get and ordering the massage treatment. I hear room service is the best there.''\n\n\tRachel and Karson could clearly hear Bobby mutter to his wife.\n\n\t``I thought you were talking about shagging all weekend? Are you really going to sit in that hot tub the whole time?''\n\n\tThis caused Karson to unsuccessfully stifle his laughter, and in a few seconds all four of them laughed uncontrollably.\n\n\tThe party eventually wound down and the wedded couple said goodbye to everyone who departed. Rachel and Karson were the only ones left when the catering staff began clearing and cleaning. They stayed until Molly insisted they head home.\n\n\tBobby pushed Karson toward the door.\n\n\t``Go on you silly boy, we?ve kept you away from your girl long enough. You two go have a nice evening. As soon as we?re done here, it?s off to the hotel and shagg-''\n\n\tMolly jabbed Bobby in the ribs and he quickly recovered.\n\n\t``...Uh, relaxing for the rest of the weekend.''\n\n\tRachel bade the couple goodbye and pulled Karson after her as he said his farewells. When the two arrived at Rachel?s car, she briefly pushed Karson to one side and pressed against him.\n\n\t``You look so sexy in that suit Kar. I think you might need to keep it.''\n\n\tHe smiled and ran his hands down her sides.\n\n\t``I could say the same for that dress. It looks magnificent on you.''\n\n\tRachel laughed and kissed his nose.\n\n\t``That?s too bad, because I don?t plan to be wearing it for much longer.''\n\n\tKarson grinned at her.\n\n\t``Can you at least wait until we get home?''\n\n\tShe sighed in mock exasperation.\n\n\t``I guess if I have to. But promise me you?ll give me a massage when we get home?''\n\n\t``Consider it done, milady.''\n\n\t``That?s what I like to hear, Romeo!''\n\n\tThe two kissed briefly before getting in the car. As the sun set, Rachel and Karson recounted their favorite moments from the wedding. Each of them secretly hoped that one day they too would experience such a wondrous experience.\n\n", "writing_bbcode_parsed": "FRIENDS AND LOVERS

Chapter 1 - Road Trip

\tThe clock read 6:25.

\tKarson knew Rachel would arrive any minute. He sat patiently on the couch and attempted to read the newspaper, but found he could not concentrate. As he started to read the article on a consumer goods company specializing in Companion products, he heard the jingle of keys in the lock. He quickly folded the paper and stood with his tail wagging for his roommate and lover to walk through the door.

\tRachel shuffled in, a plastic bag of take out in one hand and a stack of office papers in the other. She kicked the door closed and her face broke into a smile as she faced Karson. She held out the plastic bag to him.

\t``Hey sweetie! Would you take care of that for me? I?m going to change out of my work clothes real quick.''

\t``Of course, Rachel.''

\tKarson took the bag, but not before leaning up to give her a kiss. Rachel scurried back to her room to change while he unpacked the dinner. By the time she emerged in jeans and a t-shirt, he had everything all set including drinks. Rachel joined him at the table.

\t``Thanks Kar. So glad it?s Friday. Sorry about the take out again this week, but I figured it would be faster this way so we can get on the road.''

\tKarson smiled and took a bite of his sub.

\t``It is all right; I am excited to get out of town actually. I have not been out of the city in quite some time.''

\t``Oh, right,'' Rachel said.

\tShe took a bite of her own sub.

\t``The farm was it? I bet that was nice, but trust me you'll like my hometown. I can show you all the places I used to go when I was growing up.''

\t``I certainly look forward to it.''

\tThey finished the dinner quickly and Karson helped Rachel pack; he finished his own earlier that day. They each had a single suitcase and chose to carry a light jacket. The April weather was relatively calm and warm. Karson followed Rachel out of the apartment as they made their way down to the car.

\tAfter suitcases were stowed in the trunk, Rachel briefly pulled Karson into her arms. He giggled lightly as she snuggled against his cheek, and the two shared an intimate kiss. Rachel stroked his ears in that tender way she used to show her affection.

\t``I'm excited Kar! But I'm also kind of nervous. I haven?t brought a guy home in years!''

\tThey both shared a laugh at her statement, but her tone turned serious for a moment.

\t``Are you ready for this? I don't think my parents really know that we are...well, you know. But if things get weird I just want to say that I love you no matter what, okay?''

\tKarson returned her gaze and grasped her hand.

\t``Do not worry Rachel, things will be fine. Just for the record, know that I will always love you no matter what.''

\tWith both having said their peace, the two kissed again and hopped in the car.

\t``Riverside here we come!''

\tRachel drove off to the expressway.

\tFour hours and a couple of rest stops later, Rachel exited the freeway and drove down the familiar Ohio streets of her childhood. She pointed out a landmark here and there to Karson as they passed, such as the corner that used to be her favorite spot in summertime to get a Popsicle. The corner had long ago become a quick mart peddling cheap coffee and cigarettes.

\tAs they turned down the last street, Rachel slowed to try and observe what changes had taken place over the last two years since she visited. That Christmas seemed like a lifetime ago and it was before her previous relationship. The thought flashed through her mind - if not for that breakup, Karson would not be with her right now. Rachel gave up trying to take in all the subtle changes to her neighborhood in the dark, and finally turned into the drive of her parents? house.

\tKarson waved to Rachel's mother Vanessa, who stood on the front porch as they exited the car. She waited a brief moment for the visitors to stretch before she met them halfway up the walk. It occurred to Karson just how much Rachel looked like her mother, save for the gray hair and age lines.

\t``Rachel! I'm so glad you made it.''

\tShe briefly hugged her daughter before turning her attention to Karson.

\t``It?s so nice to finally meet you Karson.''

\tVanessa hugged him as only a mother could.

\tHis tail wagged instantly at her firm embrace.

\t``It is very nice to meet you as well, Mrs. Nolan.''

\tShe laughed and put her hand on his arm.

\t``Oh, stop it Karson. Just call me Vanessa.''

\tRachel started to turn back to the car.

\t``I'll just grab our bags-``

\t``Come on Rach, the bags are not going anywhere. Besides you need to introduce your Companion. Come inside and say hello to your father first, you know how distracted he can be.''

\tVanessa took Karson by the hand and led him up the walkway back to the porch.

\t``Would you like something to drink, Karson? I was just setting a pot of water for some tea. Rachel tells me that you enjoy some from time to time.''

\t``Yes, that would be lovely, thank you.''

\tVanessa engaged the Companion in more small talk as they made their way in the front door. Rachel paused, inhaled deeply, and looked up at the starry sky as she exhaled.

\t``It's good to be home.''

\tShe entered the house and closed the door just as Karson was answering a question from her mother.

\t``No, this is the first time I have been to Ohio.''

\t``Ah, okay. Well, I'm sure you?ll enjoy it. Thankfully, the weekend is supposed to have very nice weather. It would be a great opportunity to get out for some fresh air.''

\tThe rising pitch of the kettle sounded from the kitchen.

\t``That?s the water! Excuse me.''

\tAs Vanessa shuffled off, she caught Rachel?s eye and made a significant gesture toward the den.

\tRachel took Karson by the hand and led him to the doorway opposite the kitchen, across the room from the front door.

\t``Come on, it's time to go say hi to Dad. I have to warn you though, he?s a big fan of those crime scene shows, so don't take it too personally if he?s distracted.''

\tThey walked down the three steps leading into the most stereotypical den imaginable.

\tOff to one side were a small fireplace and two simple, well-worn padded chairs with a square coffee table between. The other side of the room had an old sofa, and Rachel's father sat in an old, but sturdy, leather recliner with remote in one hand and soda can in the other. The chair faced away from the doorway, and her father watched the not-so-small TV display. Rachel took note that the channel changed every few seconds, and considered it the right time to make the introductions since she knew her father was not currently engaged in a show.

\t``Hey Dad, we're here!''

\tHe rose slightly from his chair to turn around, and the pair could clearly see his face crease in a smile.

\t``Rachel! Come here and give your Daddy a kiss.''

\tShe walked over and stooped to hug and kiss her father.

\t``Dad, I'd like you to meet someone. This is Karson, the Companion I adopted last year.''

\tHer father got up from the chair and stood in front of them.

\tKarson extended his hand in greeting.

\t``It is very nice to meet you Mr. Nolan.''

\t``Gary. You can call me Gary.''

\tHe took Karson's hand in a firm, almost crushing handshake. He pumped his hand a couple of times before letting go.

\t``Nice to meet you. Welcome to Riverside. You're a Second Gen right? Haven't seen one of you in a while.''

\t``Dad used to be a car salesman,'' Rachel commented.

\t``Yep. Sold plenty of iron to folks with Companions. Always asking if the upholstery could handle fur and claws.''

\tVanessa stood at the threshold of the den.

\t``Karson dear, the tea is ready. Would you like to join me in the kitchen for a cup?''

\t``Yes, thank you, Vanessa.''

\t``It's just through here. You can tell me all about your trip.''

\tKarson looked briefly at Rachel, who gave him a reassuring smile in return.

\t``Of course, coming.''

\tHe departed the den.

\tWhen Karson left Rachel and her father alone, Gary sat back down in his chair. He resumed flipping through channels and took a sip of his soda. Rachel stood for a moment before sitting down on the nearby sofa. She watched her father flip through a few more channels before she prompted him.

\t``Well?''

\t``Well, what?''

\tHe took another sip.

\t``Aren't you going to ask about Karson?''

\tGary shrugged.

\t``Why should I? You are free to do whatever you like.''

\tRachel sighed.

\t``Not now, Daddy. It's been nearly ten years since I moved out, and I don't feel like having this conversation again. It would really mean a lot to me for you to like Karson. Don't let our past get in the way.''

\tGary turned off the TV before turning to his daughter.

\t``Rachel, listen. I know it was a long time ago. I?m okay with it, really. I just wanted to give you as much opportunity as I could, but you should know by now that I respect you for wanting to make your own way through life. I'm always proud of your accomplishments, whatever they may be. If you want to add a Companion to your life, who am I to stop you?''

\tRachel smiled.

\t``Alright, point taken. But really Dad, Karson is special to me. I just would really like for you two to get along. Trust me; he is one hundred times more interesting than Tony.''

\tGary laughed.

\t''Well, I should hope so! From what your mother told me, Tony sounded like a pompous jackass. Glad I never had to meet him.''

\t``Well, anyway, be nice to Karson. He?s different, but in a good way.''

\tHe nodded.

\t``Okay, if it?ll make my little girl happy.''

\tShe leaned over and kissed her father?s cheek.

\t``Thanks Dad.''

Chapter 2 - Reminiscing

\t``I?m so glad you two could finally visit.''

 \tVanessa stirred her tea.

\tKarson took a sip of his own, which was an accomplishment in itself since she did not have any Companion style cups.

\t``I agree. Rachel talked about it for some time, but I told her we would never make it out here unless we did it instead of plan it.''

\tThey shared a laugh.

\t``Do you have any specific plans while you?re in town? I thought maybe I?d make us all dinner tomorrow evening?''

\tVanessa raised her eyebrows hopefully.

\t``I am sure that would be just fine. Rachel mentioned maybe a trip to the zoo tomorrow. She said something about showing me some of her favorite spots as a child. Really, I am just along for the ride, so to speak.''

\tKarson grinned and took another sip of tea.

\t``This is really nice. Did you add lemon?''

\t``Yes, I thought it complimented the tea nicely. Just add a drop of honey and it?s perfect.''

\tThe two sat quietly for a moment enjoying their tea. Vanessa got up from the table briefly and pulled out a binder from a hidden corner. She returned to the table and pushed the book across to Karson.

\t``I was waiting for you to visit so I could show you this.''

\tKarson looked at the binder worn with age.

\t``What is it?''

\t``It's an old photo album I keep with pictures of Rachel, along with other things. I thought you might be interested in seeing it. Go ahead, take a look.''

\tVanessa smiled as the Companion reverently open the binder.

\tThe first one that greeted him was Rachel?s baby picture. She was wrapped in a white blanket and wore the cutest expression. Karson traced a finger over the photo, which did not escape Vanessa?s notice as she watched him over her cup of tea. He flipped through page after page and she filled him in on the details of where and when the photos were taken.

\tKarson was up to Rachel?s high school pictures when she came strolling into the kitchen. She walked past the table and retrieved a drink from the refrigerator before sitting down next to him. Glancing at the current page, she laughed at the picture of her standing in a group of classmates at a bowling alley.

\t``Wow, that was so long ago! I remember I used to go hang out at the lanes every Saturday afternoon. All the preppies went to the mall, and all the misfits went bowling. I can?t believe you kept all of these pictures, Mom.''

\t``Ah well, you know how mothers can be.''

\tRachel shared a few stories that belonged to some of the pictures for Karson, and the three at the table enjoyed reminiscing. After the page with Rachel in her college cap and gown, Karson came across a familiar picture. It was the photo from his first weekend with Rachel. He could scarcely believe it had nearly been a year since it was taken.

\tKarson looked at the photo for a moment and then looked at Rachel. She returned his gaze with a secret glint in her eye and grasped his hand under the table. This also did not escape Vanessa?s notice, as Rachel leaned closer to him.

\t``I remember that day. Those clothes suited you so well, Kar.''

\tShe turned to her mother.

\t``Do you have all the photos I sent you in here?''

\tVanessa nodded.

\tKarson started to turn past the page that had the photo from his birthday where Rachel was kissing him.

\tVanessa commented quickly.

\t``That?s one of my favorites you know.''

\tRachel pulled the page back.

\t``Oh, I forgot I even sent you that one.''

\tKarson shifted in his seat.

\tVanessa giggled in an all-knowing way.

\tRachel looked at her mother.

\t``What?''

\t``Rachel honey, you don?t have to pretend. It?s plain to see even as I sit here. So how long has this been going on, hm?''

\tShe smiled at Karson who looked decidedly nervous.

\tHe knew the subject would come up sooner or later, but not quite this soon. Karson cleared his throat and plucked up his courage.

\t``Mrs. Nolan, I just want to say that Rachel-''

\t``Please call me Vanessa, Karson. I just think it?s adorable that?s all. I don?t want to poke my nose into your business, but I care about you after all...both of you. Does anyone else know?''

\t``Mom...''

\tRachel had that not in front of my boyfriend voice.

\t``Oh all right, you can tell me about it some other time. I will not embarrass you in front of such a gentleman as Karson.''

\tThe Companion relaxed slightly and Rachel blew out a sigh of relief. Vanessa yawned suddenly.

\t``Excuse me! I didn?t realize what time it is. I need to get your father to bed or he will spend all night flipping through channels. I went ahead and made up your room. I?ll probably make breakfast around 8:30 or so, if you?re up around then.''

\tShe rose from the table and hugged her daughter.

\t``I?m so glad to see you.''

\tShe leaned over and hugged Karson as well.

\t``And you too, Karson. Have a good night, and I?ll see you in the morning.''

\tVanessa ambled her way into the den and they heard her address Gary.

\t``Come on lazy bones, let?s get to bed.''

\tRachel and Karson sat quietly at the table for a few minutes, listening to her parents go upstairs and get settled. The house was suddenly very still. Karson grasped Rachel?s hand and squeezed. She returned his gaze and traced a finger through the fur of his arm.

\tAfter a moment, Rachel barely spoke above a whisper.

\t``Would you like to see my old room?''

\tShe squeezed his hand and gave him a wink, and he knew that she implied more than just sleep. He grinned in return and nodded his head slowly. Rachel jerked her head towards the stairs, and the two quietly crept through the house to the second floor.

\tShe pushed open the door of the small bedroom on the opposite end of the hallway from the master bedroom. It was the typical single child?s bedroom with a four-poster bed, chest of drawers, a sitting table with mirror, wide closet, bedside table and various other furnishings. Rachel ushered Karson in first, and closed the door behind them as she turned on the light.

\tKarson gazed around soaking in all the details. The majority of the room had been stripped of Rachel?s personal possessions, but much of the furniture was unchanged. There were even a few of her old stuffed toys sitting on the bed in front of the two large fluffy pillows. He walked over and picked up a worn and lopsided teddy bear. Rachel giggled slightly as he pressed his nose against the bear and inhaled. Karson closed his eyes and smiled.

\t``This bear has your scent. Was this your favorite?''

\tRachel came over and plucked the bear out of his grasp and hugged the plush.

\t``Yeah, I can?t believe this poor little guy?s still around. I had him since I was about eight years old, used to call him Mr. Cuddles.''

\tShe hugged the bear once more before depositing him on the bed, and turned back to Karson.

\t``But now I have a new Mr. Cuddles. Or maybe I should spell cuddles with a K?''

\tRachel traced a finger around the back of Karson?s left ear, and he did not wait to find out what she would do next. He clutched her waist and began kissing the crook of her neck. She responded to his attentions by running her fingers through the fur on the back of his neck and hugging him close. She nibbled on one of his ear tips.

\t``Does this mean you feel like cuddling?''

\t``I think I could manage,'' he said between kisses.

\tRachel pushed him away gently.

\t``Hold that thought.''

\tShe quickly pushed the plush toys off the bed and pulled down the covers before clicking off the light. In two quick motions, she stripped down to her underwear and hopped onto the bed. She pulled a knee up seductively and curled her finger in a come here motion. Just as quickly, Karson shed his clothing and crawled up next to her.

\tShe pushed him down and combed her fingers through the thick fur of his chest. Karson closed his eyes and sighed happily.

\t``I love it when you do that,'' he whispered.

\tRachel giggled lightly and pressed her lips against his in a tender and lingering kiss.

\t``I know you do, lover. That?s why I do it.''

\tShe leaned down and nuzzled into his neck, which allowed Karson to gently nibble on her ear.

\t``I hope you know what you are doing, Romeo.''

\tShe did not use her pet name for Karson very much, but ever since their first time together it had come to hold a special meaning for the both of them.

\t``Of course I know,'' he replied slyly.

\tShe moaned softly into his neck fur and Karson felt her hand roam lower. He squirmed as she fondled him intimately.

\t``Well, as long as we are both clear on our intentions.''

\tHe nodded wordlessly and ran his hands over her shoulders. Rachel?s face was still buried in his neck ruff as her other hand found his tail. Karson let the faintest whine escape his throat as she expertly tickled just the right spots in front and back.

\tRachel finally raised her head from her nuzzling and looked into Karson?s face. She clearly read the expression of want in the dim light, and she was all too happy to satisfy him. Over the few months the two were sleeping together, they came to know each others tendencies in their lovemaking. When Rachel rolled on top of Karson, he knew exactly what to do next, and the two burrowed under the covers as they made love.

\tThe two drew out their session, letting their passion smolder rather than ending in a quick flash. They lay together when finished, with Rachel clutching Karson in her arms much the way she once held her teddy bear. She randomly traced her finger through various patches of fur on his head. Karson was nuzzled against her chest with his eyes closed.

\t``Have I ever told you that you?re the most passionate person I?ve ever known?''

\tKarson?s hand stroked the side of her naked hip.\t

\t``Yes, but not lately.''

\t``Well, it?s true. Even in the heat of lovemaking, you have the most tender and gentle touch. There are times when it feels like our two souls merge. I?ve never known that feeling with anyone else. You really are special Karson; I just wanted to tell you that.''

\tShe emphasized her sentiment by placing a firm kiss on his forehead.

\t``You mean the world to me, Rachel. I love you more than I will ever be able to express with words.''

\tKarson snuggled up closer to her.

\tShe smiled in the darkness and squeezed him.

\t``I know lover, I feel the same way.''

\tThe two drifted off to sleep in their shared comfort.

Chapter 3 - The Zoo

\tKarson's nose twitched as it was greeted with the most wonderful aroma. He yawned and stretched, but his eyes snapped open when he found himself alone in the bed. He looked around the room and saw their suitcases sitting nearby on the dresser. Quickly, Karson rose and donned a shirt and a pair of shorts.

\tHe stopped in the bathroom before heading back downstairs to the kitchen and the enticing smells of breakfast. His keen hearing picked up the strands of conversation between Rachel and her mother.

\t``Well, maybe he should try to get published?''

\t``That?s what I said too, but you know how hard it is for people to take Companions seriously. It?s hard enough for people to not treat them like...pets!''

\tThere was a clink from silverware hitting a plate. Karson stood still and waited to hear the next comment.

\t``That?s true, but what about a pen name? People have been writing that way for hundreds of years. Also, you could just pretend you're his agent?''

\tRachel sighed.

\t``Hm, I hadn?t thought of that. Anyway, I'll send you a link of one of the articles he wrote.''

\tShe giggled softly.

\t``Not only is he the smartest person I know, but he?s also the cutest. You would die if you saw the way his tongue pokes out when he?s sleeping! It?s the most adorable-Oh! Good morning Karson.''

\tKarson strolled into the kitchen and sat down at the table next to Rachel. He smiled at her and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.

\t``Whatever you are making smells wonderful, Vanessa.''

\t``Why thank you Karson. It's just simple bacon and eggs with some toast. We also have some orange juice if would you like a glass?''

\t``Yes, thank you.''

\tHe turned to Rachel but addressed both women.

\t``So what other cute things have you told your mother about me?''

\tRachel blushed slightly but answered playfully.

\t``Oh you know, the usual. Like how you snore in your sleep, and how you have to turn around three times before you lay down. Also, how you like to chase your tail...you know normal boyfriend stuff.''

\tKarson laughed lightly and poked her in the side.

\t``Uh huh. But what if I mentioned how you have terrible table manners and you snore as well?''

\tThis time Vanessa was the one to laugh.

\t``Karson, honey, I've known that since Rach was five years old!''

\tHis ears laid back in embarrassment as his comment backfired, but Rachel thought it was cute.

\t``Aw, don't worry about it Kar. Wait ?til you taste the way Mom makes her eggs. That will cheer you up.''

\tShe was already eating another bite of her almost finished breakfast when Vanessa placed a loaded plate in front of him.

\tHe sniffed the meal and grinned at Vanessa. Karson took a mouthful of eggs and chewed enthusiastically.

\t``Yummy!''

\tShe winked at him and went back to fixing her own plate.

\t``So I was going to take Karson to the zoo, but I don't think we?ll be there all day. I also wanted to take a drive by the old high school. What time were you planning dinner?''

\tRachel finished shoveling the remainder of her food into her mouth as her mother replied.

\t``I usually plan for 6pm; your father has gotten used to that schedule. I'll make chicken and dumplings since this is a special occasion.''

\tRachel's face lit up at the mention of her mother's dish.

\t``Oh, you?re in for a treat!''

\tKarson nodded and continued his wonderful tasting breakfast.

\tAfter breakfast was finished, Rachel left with Karson for the Columbus Zoo. They arrived an hour later and made their way to the main entrance. Since it was early on a Saturday, there were many families there with children and a surprising number of Companions. Karson was glad that he would not be the only one there, although he did notice that leashes led the majority of them.

\tAlthough Rachel was Karson?s Guardian, she simply refused to lead him around on a leash. It took some time for Karson to get used to the practice, but there were occasions where he still felt awkward not having it on. Today, however, was not one of those days. He followed Rachel through the turnstile with a happy smile on his face as she led him to the giant marquee with a map of the zoo.

\t``I haven?t been here in a long time, but it doesn?t look like much has changed. The lions are still in the same place, as well as the elephants. The bears, the wolves, the apes all seem the same as ever. It does look like the aviary is larger though.''

\tShe dissected the map, making a mental path to the different animals she wanted to see.

\t``Is there any exhibit in particular you?d like to check out?''

\tKarson shrugged.

\t``I am not sure. I would like to check out everything, since I have only been to the zoo once before. I have of course read and seen videos of many of the animals here, but there are only a few I have seen in person.''

\tRachel grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the nearest path.

\t``Well, come on then! Let?s go check out the lions; they?re always fun to watch. Maybe we can catch them feeding the big cats.''

\tRachel tugged him along and he could not help smiling at her enthusiasm.

\tKarson found the lions very interesting indeed, but they did not spend long at their location. Rachel was disappointed when she discovered feeding time would not be for another couple of hours, so she shuffled him along to the next point of interest. They briefly stopped by the cheetahs, the mountain lions, the lynx and many other varieties of large felines. When they passed into the next section of animals, Karson got a chance to see the primates up close.

\tHe found the gorillas and the chimps fascinating. He viewed their appearance and behavior with wonder, considering that a person could make a parallel comparison between a human and a chimp much the same way they compared a Companion and a canine. Rachel noticed his scrutinizing gaze of the primates.

\tShe leaned close to Karson and teased him.

\t``Would you still find me attractive if I had fur like a chimp?''

\tKarson smiled but turned her question around.

\t``Would you still think I was cute if I did not have fur?''

\tShe giggled and put her arm around his shoulder.

\t``Of course I would. I would just have to cuddle you more often to keep you warm.''

\tHe smiled and squeezed her hand.

\t``I think I could handle that.''

\tThey moved on to the canines, which included the various foxes, and some of the numerous varieties of wolves. They stopped in front of the Gray Wolf cage, and while Karson silently read the info plaque Rachel suddenly stiffened and grasped his arm.

\t``Karson, look,'' she whispered loudly.

\tHe raised his head and saw one of the wolves staring intently at him from only a few inches away on the other side of the wire barrier. The wolf did not project any threatening body language, but seemed to be curious. Karson returned the stare for a moment and then lowered his gaze and laid back his ears in a submissive display. The wolf sniffed the air with its ears cocked forward. When Karson met its gaze once more, the wolf lay down next to the barrier and rolled over exposing its throat and belly. The Companion clearly saw it was a female wolf. He backed up slowly and moved away from the cage pulling Rachel with him.

\tRachel watched the exchange in awed silence and followed Karson as he shuffled a fair distance away. As he moved by, the wolf walked as far as the cage would allow her, and she huffed in disappointment as Karson moved past her point of view. Rachel squeezed Karson?s arm when they were at the next cage.

\t``What was all that?''

\tShe sounded a little unsettled.

\t``I am not sure; I have never seen anything like that happen before.''

\tKarson seemed to ponder his own actions, and commented further in a slightly embarrassed tone.

\t``Do not take this the wrong way Rachel, but that was a female wolf. I think she was showing submission to me.''

\tRachel stifled a giggle.

\t``Oh, really? A female wolf interested in you? You really are cute if a wild wolf is attracted to you.''

\tKarson kissed Rachel?s hand.

\t``Do not worry, she is not my type.''

\tShe continued to tease her mate.

\t``Just what is your type, hm?''

\tThe Companion poked her in the stomach playfully.

\t``Someone who likes me for my mind, not just my body. That wolf might have thought I was a stud, but I cannot carry on a conversation with her.''

\tRachel made a cute smile at his response.

\t``Smart and sexy!''

\tThe two laughed and moved on to the next section of the zoo.

\tThey stopped in one of the many small food stations spread throughout the park for a quick snack. Karson ate the remains of his corn dog as Rachel waited, since she always finished before him. She studied a hand map and randomly offered suggestions on where they could visit once they got done. As Karson wiped his muzzle with a napkin, Rachel started to gather up the trash but Karson stood up.

\t``Here let me get that. You can figure out what animal we should visit next.''

\tHe took the tray with the trash and headed for one of the bins at the edge of the tables. In a corner of the patio a small group of teenagers sat laughing. One of them, a boy about sixteen, held up a tennis ball and shouted at Karson.

\t``Hey boy! Want to get the ball? Huh? Wanna get it?''

\tHe waved the ball like he was going to throw it for him to fetch.

\tThe statement was lost on Karson as he walked by ignoring the boy, not knowing that the comment was directed at him. He cleared his tray of trash, deposited it on top of the bin and had already turned back toward Rachel when the boy shouted again even louder.

\t``Hey! Doggie, I?m talking to you.''

\tKarson blinked and turned to the boy now that he had his attention. The boy pulled a silly face with a stupid grin and bounced the ball several times on the table.

\t``Want the ball?''

\tThe rest of the teenagers at the table broke out in fits of laughter when Karson stared at the boy with a questioning look. The boy pointed at his hand.

\t``The ball? I thought all dogs liked to play fetch?''

\tThe boy stood up and tossed the ball past Karson.

\t``Go fetch boy!''

\tKarson showed no response to the boy?s action and simply glanced as the ball went bouncing past him. The table full of teenagers erupted in laughter as the boy looked irritated that the Companion had not fallen for his intended joke.

\tKarson blinked and simply said, ``Excuse me,'' before he walked toward Rachel again.

\tThe boy?s face turned crimson as he shouted at Karson.

\t``Go fetch my ball you damn mutt!''

\tThe group of teens ooohed at his comment and Karson paused for the briefest moment. It had taken Rachel up to this point to realize what was going on, since she was absorbed in looking over the map of the zoo. She ran up to Karson.

\t``Just ignore them, come on let?s go.''

\tAs Rachel turned, Karson caught movement out of the corner of his eye.

\tThe boy picked up his drink and hurled it in their direction. The Companion saw it was going to hit Rachel, and without thinking he blocked the thrown drink. His torso was soaked as the cup crashed into him and exploded in a cascade of soda. Rachel was livid as she turned on the teenager.

\t``Hey you little jerk! How would you like it if I came over there and kicked your ass?''

\tHer voice rose in volume as she took a couple of steps in the direction of the teenagers' table. She suddenly felt Karson pull on her hand.

\t``They are not worth it Rachel. It is fine, it is just soda. I will go to the restroom and get dried off.''

\tRachel was steaming mad, but when she looked at Karson?s face she saw his pleading look. She knew from past experiences that he did not deal well with conflict, preferring to avoid it if at all possible. Karson?s entire body language was a clear indication that he was stressed, the way his ears folded back and his tail curled. She silently counted to ten.

\tTurning back to the kids who had grown uncharacteristically quiet now that an adult was yelling at them, she called out to the boy.

\t``You?re lucky I?m not in the mood for a fight. I?m still reporting you to security, so if I were you I?d leave before you get kicked out.''

\tShe swiftly turned her back on the kids and escorted Karson down the walkway.

\tKarson?s keen hearing caught the comment of one of the other kids.

\t``Tommy you?re such an asshole.''

\tRachel?s concern grew after Karson came out of the restroom. He managed to get most of the soda dried from his shirt and fur, but he was unusually quiet...even for him. She knew from past experience that the incident affected him more than he would allow anyone to see. He tried to hide his unhappiness as he gave her a thin smile.

\t``What do you want to see next?''

\t``I?m not sure. I think I?ve had about enough of the zoo. How about we just go for a drive?''

\tKarson did not object to the idea of leaving the zoo. He followed in silence as Rachel held his hand and led him back to the main entrance. When they were safely in the car, Rachel turned to him.

\t``Kar, sweetie, I?m really sorry about back there. I didn?t realize what was going on until it was too late. Just try not to let it get to you. All you have to do is remember that I love you, no matter what.''

\tShe tenderly stroked his ears.

\t``I know, and it does mean a lot.''

\tHe managed a small smile, but Rachel could tell he was feeling depressed.

\t``Tell you what, after dinner I?ll groom you. That usually helps you relax.''

\tHe just nodded.

\tRachel started up the car and headed back to her hometown. Before long they drove through residential neighborhoods again, and she pointed out several places where she used to visit friends. She navigated down several streets until they pulled into the parking lot of her old high school. She marveled at how little it had changed since her attendance.

\t``I can hardly believe that my twenty year reunion will be in a few years.''

\t``I never thought about any kind of reunion. I do not even know if they have Companion reunions.''

\tRachel laughed lightly.

\t``Yeah but if they did you probably wouldn?t have them ask ?Why aren?t you married yet??''

\tShe pulled a face and Karson smiled.

\t``Well, I think we?ve had enough sight seeing for one day. Let?s get you home and get some dinner in your tummy; I?m sure that would make you feel better.''

\tKarson nodded.

\t``Yeah, I think you are right.''

\tRachel smiled at him and headed back to her parent?s home once again. The door barely closed before her mother called to her from the kitchen.

\t``Rachel, you may as well sit down. Dinner will be ready in just a few minutes.''

\t``Okay Mom.''

\tShe turned to Karson.

\t``I know you probably want to go change shirts. I promise we won't start without you.''

\tShe kissed him on the cheek and watched him climb the stairs before she turned to the kitchen.

\t``Would you mind getting the drinks ready? I've got some tea and cold water. I'm afraid we only have diet soda.''

\tRachel went to the refrigerator and got out the pitcher of tea.

\t``This will be fine. I'm sure Karson will want some water. Speaking of which, would you happen to have a straw? It?s difficult for Kar to drink out of normal glasses.''

\t``Yes, there are some in the drawer next to the knives.''

\tBy the time Vanessa finished preparing her side dishes and set everything on the table, Karson walked into the kitchen. He had a fresh shirt and his expression had brightened a bit. Rachel motioned him to sit down next to her assigned seat.

\t``Dinner smells wonderful Vanessa, I am eager to taste your chicken and dumplings.''

\tHe took a sip of water using the straw Rachel found. The two shared a brief smile as Rachel's mother brought over a bowl loaded with biscuits.

\t``Thank you Karson, I look forward to your review. Gary, dinner?s ready!''

\tA moment later, Gary ambled in and took his place to the left of Rachel, and Vanessa sat down on his left. Vanessa held out her hand for Karson?s plate.

\t``Since you?re our guest, you get the first serving.''

\tHe passed his plate and she scooped out a large portion for him. Karson waited for everyone to load up his or her plate before he took his first bite. He found the home cooked meal delicious, and in a rare instance he cleaned his plate before Rachel. She giggled at him when he held out his plate to Vanessa.

\t``May I please have some more?''

\tVanessa gladly took his plate and served him another helping.

\t``Of course dear, there?s plenty.''

\tRachel was silently relieved when she noticed his tail wag during the meal and hoped that the day's incident would soon be forgotten. As everyone finished eating, Vanessa was commenting to Rachel about one of her neighbors who had just moved in a few weeks ago. She described the family as friendly, having talked to them on a few occasions.

\t``It seems like a lot of people have Companions now. There?s a new family that has a Companion down the block. She?s a Irish Setter who?s mainly the housekeeper for their daughter when the parents are away. They frequently get home late or sometimes have business trips to go to. I think she?s a...what did they call her dear?''

\t``Fifth Gen,'' Gary supplied. ``One of the new ones.''

\tHe took a sip of soda before he pointed at Karson.

\t``Her features are a lot different than Karson's. Have you ever met one of the Fifths?''

\t``No, I have not. I have a close friend who is a Second Gen like me, but I do not really get much chance to go out and meet new people.''

\t``Ah, I see. Well, anyway the Fifths have shortened noses and their ears are not quite as large. Also, they don't have paws for feet. They still have tails though.''

\tKarson nodded politely, already knowing many of the details of the Fifth Generation Companions. He tried to stay current by reading everything the Intelligent Horizons Corporation published.

\tVanessa continued her previous thread.

\t``I was planning to go for a walk if you want to join me?''

\tRachel eyed Karson briefly before replying to her mother.

\t``Thanks Mom, but I think we?ll pass.''

\t``Okay. But first, we need to have some dessert. I made an apple pie and I have some ice cream in the freezer.''

\tRachel smiled at her mother.

\t``Gee whiz Mom, pulling out all the stops eh? Or are you just trying to impress my boyfr-err, I mean my Companion?''

\tShe quickly glanced at her father hoping he would not pick up on her unintentional slip. Much to her chagrin, he had.

\tHe cleared his throat in a business like manner, set his utensils down and swallowed his food. Rachel knew his behavior all too well and mentally cringed waiting for the inevitable question.

\t``Rachel, is that true? Is Karson your...boyfriend?''

\tHe uttered the last word with an almost disappointed tone in his voice.

\tRachel sat silent for a moment and Vanessa attempted to interject.

\t``Gary, I was going to tell you about this later-``

\tHe cut his wife off with a glance and addressed Rachel again.

\t``Are you sure you want to do this? I have nothing against Karson personally, but surely you realize the implications of a relationship with a Companion?''

\t``I know what he is Dad!''

\tShe instantly regretted her outburst.

\tKarson?s ears lay back and he stared down at his lap.

\tShe turned to her father.

\t``I know it?s strange and difficult to understand, but I don't care. You don't know him like I do.''

\tGary looked over at Rachel with concern in his eyes.

\t``Rach, I'm just trying to be practical here. I don't want you subjected to anymore prejudice than you have to be.''

\tRachel frowned.

\t``Oh so now it's also because I'm a woman AND I love a Companion? Come on Dad, I thought we settled this crap a long time ago!''

\tHe sighed.

\t``I didn?t mean it like that. You know I respect you and love you. All I'm asking is that you know what you're getting into. It?s your own business what you do with your life or how you live it. But I'm your father; I can't help that I want to look out for you.''

\tRachel sighed and her expression softened. She laid her hand on Gary's.

\t``I know Daddy, and I appreciate that. This is one decision that I'm not going to change my mind on though. I hope you can understand that.''

\tHe nodded his head slowly.

\t``Yes, I understand.''

\tThe table sat in silence for a moment.

\tVanessa cleared her throat and leaned over to Gary.\t

\t``It's almost 8pm, isn't that new crime drama episode on?''

\t``Oh my goodness!''

\tGary jumped up from the table and shuffled into the den.

\tOnce he was settled he called back to the kitchen.

\t``Can you bring me a slice of pie, Van?''

\tVanessa winked at Rachel and called back.

\t``Yes dear.''

\tShe looked over at Karson who looked decidedly nervous.

\t``Don't worry about him. He?s a big softy under that grumpy exterior. Now how about that pie?''

\tThe three chatted about the daily experience at the zoo. Karson interjected interesting facts he picked up about the animals as they were discussed, which amazed Vanessa to no end. He was a veritable wealth of information, and Karson's underlying personality emerged as she listened to him talk.

\t``I can see why Rachel likes you so much, Karson. You really are the smartest person I've ever met, but at the same time you are probably the most soft-spoken. I find it refreshing though, since you obviously do not feel the need to flaunt your intelligence like so many people I've known in my life. Before I retired, I used to be a grade school teacher.''

\t``I always thought teaching would be a rewarding career, getting to fill young minds with knowledge.''

\tKarson pondered the possibility for a moment.

\t``Well, idealistically it?s rewarding. But in reality, it?s tiring and frustrating. Kids these days have the attention span of a gnat, and they don't care about anything other than gossip and messaging their friends. A lot different than when I was in school.''

\t``Me too,'' Rachel chimed in.

\tShe took the break in the conversation as an opportunity to excuse them from the table.

\t``I promised Karson I'd help him groom. All that fur won't brush itself.''

\tRachel stood up from the table.

\tVanessa rose as well.

\t``So that?s how you stay looking so nice, hm? Okay, I'm going on my walk.''

\tShe cleared the table as the pair went up to Rachel's bedroom.

\tAfter Rachel closed the bedroom door, she pulled out Karson?s grooming kit from his suitcase. He stripped off his clothes and sat on the bed by the time she joined him. She wrapped her arms around his narrow chest from behind and cuddled him.

\t``How are you feeling, sweetie?''

\tKarson sighed.

\t``I am doing better now. I think the dinner helped quite a bit, although I thought your father seemed a little upset.''

\tRachel nodded.

\t``Yeah, he can be pretty blunt. But his intentions are good, and he?s my father after all. He just needs time to adjust. Besides, I?m not giving you up no matter what.''

\tShe hugged him and pressed her cheek against his.

\t``Will you be all right?''

\tKarson nodded.

\t``Yes, but if it is okay I do not think I want to talk about this afternoon.''

\tRachel hugged him tightly.

\t``Sure, no problem.''

\tShe held her concerns in check and tried to lighten the mood.

\t``Just lie back and let me take care of the grooming.''

\tHe nodded and lay down on his back across the bed.

\tShe took the medium brush in hand and methodically groomed Karson?s neck and chest. Rachel had gotten quite adept at grooming since the two became more intimate, and enjoyed giving attention to the Companion since it was also a way to bond with him. After a few moments, she felt him relax as she continued down his torso and worked on his stomach and abdomen. They both giggled as she briefly brushed his crotch, but did not spend much time there and moved down to his thighs.

\tWhen she finished with his front, Karson sighed in relaxation. Rachel motioned for him to flip over and he gladly complied. She started once again at his neck and alternated between brushing and massaging.

\tKarson?s tail wagged as Rachel began her grooming, but by the time she reached his lower back his tail was motionless. She continued to brush anyway, and finished his tail and lower legs. Rachel knew by how relaxed his body was that Karson had fallen asleep. She smiled to herself and stroked his head tenderly. Karson sighed in his sleep and curled up into his usual sleeping position, instinctively moving closer to Rachel.

\tRachel was not yet ready to go to bed, but she did not want to disturb the sleeping Companion. She briefly left the bed and changed into her nightclothes, then pulled out her phone and earbuds before she returned. Finding a comfortable spot at the head of the bed, she gently pulled Karson up next to her and draped his sleeping form across her lap.

\tRachel hummed softly along with her music, and stroked Karson?s head lovingly. She recalled many times when she comforted him in a similar fashion after a rather unpleasant experience like the day?s incident. He always managed to come through the ordeal no worse for wear, but she wondered at how much the repeated prejudice wore on his psyche. Just as the thought crossed her mind, Karson flinched in his sleep and grabbed Rachel. She leaned down and kissed his head and whispered in his ear.

\t``Shh, it?s okay sweetie I?m here. Just go back to sleep, everything?s fine.''

\tShe continued to stroke his head until his breathing became regular again. Rachel left her music on shuffle and let her mind wander. Naturally, her thoughts lingered on Karson and how much she cared about him. Then random threads drifted by and led her thought patterns to their future together, and she contemplated what it would be like to not have to hide her love for the Companion out of fear of prejudice.

\tHer longstanding wish was for Karson to be happy, which would in turn bring her happiness. A mind so intelligent and spirit so compassionate did not deserve as much hardship as he received. Perhaps that is how the universe works, Rachel pondered. You cannot have the best unless you experience the worst.

Chapter 4 - New Developments

\tRachel awoke quickly when Karson shook her shoulder.

\t``I'm up! What's the matter?''

\tShe rubbed her eyes and sat up.

\tKarson sat next to her and smiled.

\t``Relax Rachel, nothing is wrong. I just thought you might like some breakfast?''

\tIt took her a moment to realize there was a tray loaded with eggs, bacon and last night's biscuits. Karson held a glass of orange juice for her.

\t``Thank you!''

\tShe gladly took the glass and sipped it as he pulled the tray closer. Karson picked up a piece of bacon and nibbled on it, while Rachel reached for a biscuit.

\t``What time is it?''

\t``A little after 9. I woke up early, so I let you sleep. I had a nice chat with your Mom; she is such a character.''

\tHe chewed another bite of bacon.

\tRachel scooped some eggs up in her biscuit, and mumbled around her food.

\t``Yeah, that?s Mom all right. Anything interesting come up?''

\t``Oh, just the usual chit chat. I told her I would email a copy of the article I wrote last month for the newspaper.''

\t``Cool.''

\tA short while later, Rachel sat at the kitchen table with her mother and Karson. They were engaged in a game of Cribbage as Vanessa related a tale of her youth.

\t``That was actually how I met your father, I believe. If I hadn?t borrowed the car from my friend, I never would?ve had to pull into that used car lot for help with the flat tire. Funny how things work out.''

\t``Fascinating,'' Karson replied.

\t``Let's see, that?s fourteen points for me and the win. Sorry kids, guess I got lucky three games in a row!''

\tVanessa laughed at Rachel's sour expression.

 \tKarson turned his cards in and tickled her under the chin.

\t``She never likes it when I beat her either.''

\tRachel poked her tongue out at him before she joined in the laughter. They were clearing the board and boxing the cards when Gary walked into the kitchen.

\t``Karson, would you mind joining me out back for a minute?''

\tThe Companion stood immediately.

\t``Yes, of course Gary.''

\tRachel looked after him as he left the room behind her father. She turned to her mother with a questioning look.

\t``I'm sure your father just wants to have a private chat. You know how he gets when it comes to you.''

\tRachel sighed in exasperation.

\t``Great, now Dad is probably going to scare the pants off Karson.''

\tShe suddenly looked depressed and worried for the Companion.

\t``You worry too much, Rach. You have to be willing to let him stand on his own. You can't always be there to help him up and dust him off if he falls down. He has to learn how to do that for himself. Trust me.''

\tRachel stared off into the next room.

\t``I know, Mom.''

\tShe suddenly turned back to her mother.

\t``Wait a minute, did he tell you about yesterday?''

\tVanessa nodded in response.

\tRachel sat in stunned silence for a moment.

\t``Wow,'' she finally said. ``I never thought he would willingly talk about that stuff with anyone else.''

\t``Rachel, honey, I've been a mother for thirty years and a teacher for quite a few of those. I can tell when someone has something they need to talk about.''

\tRachel stood up from the table and leaned around the corner of the doorway. She caught a glimpse of her father standing on the backyard patio talking to Karson. The Companion was nodding at Gary.

\t``Thank you for letting us stay for the weekend. I know it means a lot to Rachel to be able to visit.''

\t``Sure, no problem. I wish she would visit more often, but I know how crazy life in the city can be.''

\tGary cleared his throat.

\t``Listen, Karson. I'm not really one for small talk, and you?re a bright fellow. I'm sure you realize why I wanted to talk to you?''

\tKarson nodded.

\t``I have a feeling it is pertaining to my arrangements with Rachel?''

\t``Bingo! Vanessa told me more about the situation. Now before you feel the need to defend yourself, I just wanted to say I do not have a problem with it. I just needed to hear it from you.''

\tGary paused for a brief moment before he asked Karson the question.

\t``Are you in love with Rachel?''

\tKarson looked Gary directly in the eye and responded confidently.

\t``Yes, I am in love with Rachel. We are in love.''

\tGary nodded but persisted.

\t``Are you sure? How do you know?''

\tKarson blinked and chose his words carefully.

\t``Rachel means the world to me Gary. Rachel is my world. I would do anything for her.''

\tGary smiled as he heard the conviction in Karson's voice and knew that he meant every word. He placed his hand on the Companion's shoulder.

\t``I believe you. I?ve seen all sorts of Guardians in my time, and you can believe me when I say I understand how hard it can be for Companions. I just would rather Rachel not have to deal with that if she can avoid it. But she?s a big girl and I know it must mean a lot to her if she?s willing to put up with the bad stuff in order to get the good stuff.''

\tHe shook his head as if shaking off a fog.

\t``Anyway, that?s all I needed to hear. I love my little girl dearly, and the last thing I want for her is a broken heart. All I ask is that you make her happy.''

\tKarson smiled.

\t``You have my word, for that is my highest intention. Thank you, Gary. I will not let you down.''

\t``Okay then, you can go back inside now.''

\tRachel waited in the kitchen doorway as Karson slid the patio door closed. She looked at him apprehensively.

\t``How did it go?''

\tHe smiled at her.

\t``Fine. Your father just wanted to talk to me for a moment.''

\tHe walked over and Rachel took her hand.

\t``Talk about us you mean.''

\tKarson nodded.

\t``Well?''

\t``He understands the situation. He only wants the same thing I do.''

\t``And what would that be?''

\t``To make you happy, of course.''

\tKarson kissed her hand and Rachel relaxed.

\t``Oh,'' was all she could manage to reply.

\tKarson tugged her hand toward the front door.

\t``Would you care to join me for a walk?''

\tShe snapped out of her surprised state at the mention of a walk.

\t``Yes, that sounds nice. You want me to ask Mom too?''

\tHe shook his head.

\t``Nah, save this one for you and me.''

\tRachel smiled and kissed his cheek.

\t``'Kay.''

\tShe leaned back into the kitchen briefly and was about to tell her mother when Vanessa just winked back at her.

\t``I know already. Go on, lunch will be here when you get back.''

\tRachel flashed her mother a huge grin and followed Karson to the front door.

\tVanessa waited until she heard the door click shut before she giggle.

\t``Kids.''

\tRachel and Karson walked down the street holding hands and enjoyed the quiet neighborhood. Rachel pointed out a house or two where a childhood friend once lived. Karson took in the scenery and secretly wished that he could live in such a peaceful place.

Rachel cleared her throat, and Karson could tell that she wanted to ask a question, but she hesitated for several moments. He patiently waited for her to finally speak.

\t``Kar, I?ve been curious about something. This may be a touchy subject, so if you don?t want to talk about it I?ll understand.''

\t``By all means, ask away.''

\t``I know you said you had only been to the zoo once before. What did you think about it? I mean since you were face to face with pretty much wild animals, and considering you are a...well, you know...''

\tHer question trailed off.

\t``Considering I am a Companion.''

\tShe nodded and appeared uncomfortable having asked the question. Karson gave her a reassuring smile and continued the discussion.

\t``That is something that I have often thought about since the first time I saw a canine. Especially after the first time I met a German Shepherd, which I am obviously modeled after. There have been many debates in publications and on the web about the Corporation that created Companions, ranging from religious implications to the scientific process of creating us.

\t``I know that I am not completely an animal or human, but somewhere in between. That means that the only group I really belong to is Companions. Therefore, I am judged by the same standards as the rest of my kind. I know that not everyone in this world is as open minded as many of the people I?ve had the pleasure of knowing.''

\tRachel smiled and squeezed his hand, as he continued.

\t``I would like to think everything is intelligent in its own way. But I suppose there will always be people afraid of things they do not understand. I have come to understand from reading history that there is an inherent fear people possess from things that are different. I expect that I would still encounter the same misunderstandings if I was human but the only difference being I was bright orange.''

\tRachel chuckled at his outrageous analogy.

\t``Yeah I suppose you?re right.''

\tShe pondered his reasoning as he continued.

\t``I may have fur and a tail, but I am no closer to understanding how a dog thinks than you are. I only wish more people could see past my exterior, instead of thinking that since I have a tail I like to play ?fetch?.''

\tRachel distinctly heard the bitter tone of his voice as he said the word. She put her arm around the Companion?s shoulder and leaned close to him as they meandered down the sidewalk.

\t``This world would be a much better place if there were more people like you in it, Karson. I thank my lucky star that you came into my life.''

\t``Me too. But really, I try not to let it worry me. Whenever I have the misfortune of meeting undesirable people, I just remember that there is always a balance in everything. You cannot have the good without the bad. Darkness exists because of light. For every smart person there are at least ten stupid inconsiderate people.''

\tRachel turned to Karson suddenly.

\t``That doesn?t sound very balanced-''

\tShe saw his serious expression crack and he winked at her. Rachel burst out laughing at his jest.

\t``Oh my goodness Kar! You nearly had me there, I really thought you were serious.''

\t``Well, you are pretty easy to lure into a joke.''

\tShe gasped in mock outrage and swatted him on the shoulder.

\t``Oh, you?re just asking for it now!''

\tShe attempted to curl her arm around his neck in a headlock, but he easily squirmed free and skipped out of her reach. Rachel laughed.

\t``So it?s like that eh?''

\tKarson taunted as he hopped around her.\t

\t``Am I too fast for you?''

\tThis prompted a playful round of tag between the two. Rachel chased Karson up and down the sidewalk and sometimes into the street. He always managed to dodge out of her grasp at the last second. Rachel made a lunge at him and finally caught his legs as the two went rolling into the grass in front of one of the houses.

\t``The fox always catches the hen!''

\tRachel tickled him mercilessly, and Karson squealed in laughter.

\tThe Companion was practically crying from the onslaught, but soon realized that his assailant was no longer attacking him. He slowly uncurled from his defensive position.

\t``Giving up so soon?''

\tKarson did not realize that Rachel?s attention was no longer on him.

\tRachel addressed a young little girl standing several feet away.

\t``Hello there! I?m sorry; I didn?t realize we were on your lawn.''

\tThe girl laughed at the pair.

\t``You have a Companion too! I never get to play tag with mine though.''

\tRachel guessed the girl was about 8 years old.

\t``If I introduce you to mine, can I meet yours?''

\tWithout waiting for an answer, the little girl turned away.

\t``Daisy! Come here, I need you!''

\tRachel stood up and pulled Karson off the grass.

 \tThey dusted each other off as the girl walked right up to Karson and touched the fur of his arm.

\t``Oh, you?re really soft, but not as soft as Daisy.''

\tRachel laughed and spoke up.

\t``Hi, I?m Rachel. What?s your name?''

\tA female Companion called from the front door.\t

\t``That?s Bridget.''

\tShe quickly walked up and put her arm around the girl. The new Companion was an Irish Setter who thrust out her free hand.

\t``Which would make me Daisy. I look after Bridget when her parents are busy.''

\tRachel took the offered hand.

\t``Nice to meet you. Sorry about landing on the front yard, I guess we got carried away. This is Karson by the way.''

\tKarson took his turn to shake Daisy?s hand.

\t``Nice to meet you.''

\tHe knelt down in front of Bridget and held out his hand for her.

\t``Nice to meet you too, Bridget.''

\tShe giggled and shook his hand in an exaggerated fashion.

\t``Bridget, I have lunch ready for you. Go on in, it's on the table. I?ll be there in just a minute.''

\tDaisy waited until the girl went inside before looking Karson over.

\t``Second Gen right? I haven?t had a chance to meet a Second in person. I?m a Fifth, but most of my school class were Fourths.''

\tRachel nodded her head.

\t``How long have you been in the neighborhood, Daisy? My mother Vanessa lives down that way a couple of blocks.''

\t``I?ve been Bridget?s sitter for two years now, but we only moved to the neighborhood a couple of months ago. I think I?ve probably talked to your mother once or twice. She likes to take walks in the evening?''

\tRachel nodded.

\t``Yes, I?m certain I have. Very nice lady.''

\tDaisy smiled at Rachel and turned to Karson.

\t``It would be interesting to have a chat sometime, but right now I need to look after Bridget. Will you be around later?''

\t``I am sorry, Daisy, but we will be leaving later this evening.''

\tDaisy looked disappointed, but only for a moment.

\t``Speaking of which, we should probably head back and get our own lunch.''

\tRachel took Karson by the hand.

\t``It was really nice to meet you Daisy. I?ll tell my Mom to stop by when she goes for a walk.''

\t``That would be nice. A pleasure to meet you both, have a nice day!''

\tWith that she turned and made her way back inside the house. Rachel pulled Karson back onto the walkway.

\t``She certainly was perky.''

\tThey both giggled softly when Karson?s stomach growled loudly.

\t``Maybe we should hurry up? I don?t want to have to carry you all the way to my Mom?s house.''

\tKarson feigned fatigue.

\t``But what if I am unable to go on? Save me Rachel from my terrible hunger pains!''

\tShe laughed at his antics.

\t``Oh put a sock in it fuzzy buns! You eat more than me, and I don?t know how you keep from gaining any weight.''

\tKarson winked at her.

\t``I have to keep up my figure to make sure you cuddle me enough.''

\tRachel walked backwards in front of him and put her arms around his neck.

\t``You don?t have to worry about that. I can?t resist that cute little butt of yours.''

\tShe planted a kiss squarely on his nose.

\t``Come on, let?s pick up the pace. I?m getting hungry too!''

\tShe turned back around and trotted off down the sidewalk ahead of him.

\t``Race ya?''

\tRachel glanced over her shoulder and broke out in a run. Karson grinned and joined the chase as the two ran back down the block to Rachel?s house. Although Karson had the lead for most of the way, he slowed and let Rachel win. She grinned and panted as he followed her inside.

\t``You didn?t have to let me win.''

\tHe laughed.

\t``I know.''

\tAs they walked into the kitchen, Vanessa motioned for them to sit.

\t``Welcome back, I?ve got sandwiches for you on the table.''

\t``Thanks Mom!''

\t``Yes, thank you Vanessa.''

\tKarson and Rachel sat and ate while Vanessa joined them with some tea. The two recounted meeting the other Companion. Vanessa nodded after hearing her description.

\t``Yeah, I?ve met Daisy before and Bridget is a pretty little girl. I?ll have to stop by and say hello again.''

\tThe three continued their small talk for a while longer. Vanessa was clearing the table when Gary yelled from the next room.

\t``Everyone come in here quickly!''

\tHe turned the volume up on the TV as they all came into the den. The news announcer presented a breaking news story.

\t``We?ve just received word of a an incident from New York. We take you to Tom Henderson with a live report.''

\t``Thank you Bill. The crowd you see behind me is the scene of the precinct in which a Companion has been taken into custody for the alleged murder of another man. As you can see this has sparked a flurry of activity for Companion rights groups. Unfortunately, details on the actual incident are sketchy at this time; we will try to get more information as the story develops. This is Tom Henderson, Action 4 news. Back to you Bill.''

\tEveryone was silent as the news report sunk in and the anchorman continued.

\t\t``We will continue to keep you up to date with this late breaking story. If you?re just tuning in, it?s been reported that a Companion has been involved in the murder of another man. We do not have any firm details of the incident, but it?s been confirmed that the Companion has been taken into custody. The victim has not been identified yet, and the Companion?s identity has not been released to the public. This is reportedly the first time a Companion has ever been involved in a crime of this nature. After this break we?ll be speaking to one of our Special Correspondents to Congress on the subject of Companion Rights-''

\tGary muted the TV and turned to Vanessa and Rachel.

\tRachel turned to Karson.

\t``This doesn?t sound good, Karson. I think maybe we should get back home before things start getting crazy. I really don?t think you should be out in public.''

\t``I think you are right Rachel.''

\tKarson was subdued, and Rachel looked nervous.

\tVanessa briefly broke the tension.

\t``Come on Rachel, let?s get you all packed up.''

\tRachel followed her mother up the stairs leaving Karson alone with Gary.

\tGary cleared his throat and spoke like a concerned father, not only for his daughter but for Karson as well.

\t``Will you be all right?''

\t``I believe so, but thank you for asking Gary. I suppose the best course of action will be to just stay at home and see how the story develops.''

\tKarson was at a loss, knowing that the outcome of the situation could have a significant impact on his life.

\t``You?re welcome to stay here any time you need, just remember that.''

\tGary turned the volume back up on the TV and changed to some other news channels trying to find more information. Karson sat on the couch taking in all the information available.

\tA short while later Rachel and Vanessa came down with the luggage. Rachel tossed Karson his jacket as she walked into the den again.

\t``Anything new? We?re all packed and ready to go.''

\tKarson shook his head.

\t``Unfortunately, no. All anyone knows is that a man was shot and a Companion was at the scene with his Guardian. We will probably have to wait a few days to find out what happened, since the police are trying to keep a tight lid on the situation to prevent riots breaking out.''

\tHe sighed heavily and slipped on his jacket.

\t``We should go ahead and depart.''

\tGary stood up and embraced each of them.

\t``I?m so glad you could visit, Rach. It was really nice to meet you as well, Karson.''

\tVanessa had her turn next.

\t``Call me when you get home, okay? And you can call me as well Karson if you need to. Take care you two, I love you.''

\tThe parents saw the pair out the door and stood on the front porch as they pulled away.

\tKarson waved from the passenger side and sighed when the house disappeared from view when they turned the corner.

\tRachel reached out and squeezed his hand.

\t``Some weekend huh?''

\t``Indeed.''

Chapter 5 - Tension

\tRachel and Karson got back to the apartment a few hours later. They passed more than one group of people gathered on a street corner holding homemade signs. Protesters from both sides of the issue shouted their views to everyone around.

\tRachel seemed a little more at ease now that Karson was safely home. He took his suitcase to the second bedroom to unpack as she checked the messages. In particular, there was a message from Molly Becker. She had obviously heard the news story and was calling to check on them. She extended an invitation for the two to come to dinner at The Grinning Bulldog.

Rachel picked up the phone and dialed up Molly.

\t``Hello Bobby. Yes, I heard. No, Karson?s just fine. How are you doing?''

\tKarson walked back in to the living room and listened to Rachel?s conversation.

\t``That?s good. Can I speak to Molly please? Thanks.''

\tShe turned to Karson.

\t``I?m just checking in with Molly.''

\tRachel walked over and put her arm around the Companion and squeezed him affectionately. Just then Molly picked up the phone.

\t``Hi Molly, I?m just returning your call. We?re fine; I took Karson down to see my parents but we just got back. Yeah, I think dinner would be good, how about Tuesday? Okay, good, we can catch up then. I?m not sure, I think we?ll just have to wait and see what develops. All right, you take care. We?ll see you on Tuesday. Goodnight.''

\tRachel sighed and hung up the phone.

\t``Molly says hello, as well as Bobby. You should probably talk to Bobby tomorrow.''

\tShe walked back over and put the house phone on the receiver.

\tKarson heard her sniff while she had her back turned to him.

\tHe walked over and put a hand on her shoulder.

\t``Rachel?''

\tWhen she turned around, she was quietly crying.

\tThe Companion was full of concern.

\t``What is wrong?''

\tShe threw her arms around him and buried her face in his neck.

\t``Karson, I?m scared! What?s going to happen for you...for us? I don?t want to lose you.''

\tShe sobbed on his shoulder and Karson stroked her back.

\t``I do not know Rachel. I wish I could tell you. We just have to believe that everything will be all right. Please, do not cry, I am right here.''

\tHe spoke soothingly and hugged her until she stopped crying.

\tShe sniffed again as she broke his hug. He smiled and brushed away a leftover tear. She tried to smile back at him, but her chin dropped.

\t``I just don?t know what I?d do if I had to give you up.''

\tHe raised her chin and looked her in the eye.

\t``I am not going anywhere, Rachel. Come on, how about I fix you a nice hot bath to soak in?''

\tShe smiled and sniffed again.

\t``I think I?d like it more if you took a hot shower with me.''

\tKarson laughed lightly.

\t``That is the Rachel I know. I will join you, since you asked so nicely. Let me get it ready.''

\tRachel nodded and let him go, and the water started a moment later. By the time she joined him in the bathroom, he was already stripped and steam poured out of the shower. She shed her clothing and stepped under the spray. The water was hot and relaxing. Karson closed the shower door as he stepped in after her. Rachel hardly waited until he turned around to face her before she pushed him against the wall in a passionate kiss.

\tKarson murmured against her as she pressed her body against his. He wrapped his arms around her torso and exerted his own force against her. She broke the kiss and smoothed her wet hands over his face. He playfully nipped at her fingers as she tapped his nose.

\tHe gave her a wide grin.

\t``Someone is feeling frisky.''

\t``Shh, no talking,'' Rachel said.

\tShe pressed him against the wall in another kiss and Karson did not resist.

\tThe pair slowly washed each other between bouts of kissing and caressing. Rachel hardly spoke a word to the Companion and embraced him as if he would vanish at any moment if she let him out of her grasp. Karson guessed that it was in reaction to the unknown future of Companions, somehow fearing that he would be forcibly taken away from her. The Companion did his best to put her fears at ease and return the love she gave to him.

\tThey spent a long time just holding each other under the hot shower. Rachel was feeling more like herself after the tender touching and embracing. Her good spirit returned in full when Karson spoke up.

\t``I think I will need to get out soon sweetie, otherwise my fur is never going to get dry.''

\tShe laughed.

\t``You?re right. Besides, I don?t want my sheets smelling like wet dog.''

\tHe poked his tongue out and blew a raspberry.

\tRachel swatted his behind as he stepped out of the shower.

\t``I?ll be out shortly.''

\tHe laughed at her and gave his own retort.

\t``Good, because wrinkly skin is not very sexy.''

\tShe laughed loudly.

\t``Hey! I resemble that remark.''

\tHe blew her a kiss and closed the bathroom door.

\tRachel stood under the shower for another minute before turning off the water.

\tShe went to the bedroom and slipped on her nightclothes before joining Karson in the second bedroom. She found him sitting in front of the fan checking email. Pulling up the second chair she finally got for the room, Rachel brushed her hair and inquired about Karson?s messages.

\t``The forums were flooded with messages once that news story spread. My inbox is overflowing. It will probably take me all day tomorrow to sift through everything and get caught up. Good thing I do not plan on going anywhere.''

\tHe chuckled dryly.

\t``Hopefully things won?t be too crazy at work tomorrow. I only have one project left to finish this week, so I don?t think I?ll have any overtime. Let me know if I need to pick up anything from the store.''

\tKarson nodded as he continued to sort through his email.

\tRachel stood and hugged him from behind. She kissed him firmly on the cheek.

\t``I?m going to watch a little TV. Love you!''

\tHe reached a hand up and stroked her cheek in return.

\t``Love you too. I will come to bed when I dry a bit more, okay?''

\tShe nodded and went to her bedroom, leaving Karson alone at the computer.

\tWhen he felt dry enough, Karson shut down the computer and turned off the fan. He quickly made his way around the apartment and made sure the lights were off and the door locked before heading to the bedroom. He crept into the room, which was only lit by the glow of the TV.

\tKarson gently took the remote from Rachel?s hand and turned the set off. Even in the darkness, he saw her curled up with Romeo, his German Shepherd plush she got for him such a long time ago. He went around to the other side of the bed and crawled under the covers.

\tAs soon as she felt his presence, she roused sleepily from her dozing and pulled him into her embrace.

\t``Finally decided to join me, hm?''

\tShe planted a kiss on his forehead and promptly went back to sleep.

\tKarson snuggled into her arms and sighed contentedly. He briefly pondered what the future would hold for him. A few minutes later his breathing was soft and regular as he slumbered next to his friend and lover.

Chapter 6 - New Information

\tThe next day was a typical Monday morning. Rachel hurried off to work and left Karson to his own routine. The two messaged back and forth on one of her breaks and had their online chat during lunch. For the most part, the day was uneventful. Karson managed to go through all his accumulated email and scanned a large portion of the threads on the forums resulting from the news story.

\tAt 4:58 the phone rang and Karson picked up when he saw it was Rachel calling. She did not even wait for him to speak.

\t``Karson! Quick, turn on CNN. They?re about to broadcast a public statement from the New York police chief regarding the murder story. Every TV in the office is turned on.''

\tKarson rushed to pull up the channel.

\t``Watching it now.''

\t``Okay, I gotta go! I love you!''

\t``I love you too,'' Karson replied.

\tHe hung up the phone just as the police chief took the podium, and listened intently.

\t``At this time I would like to give a prepared statement regarding the incident that occurred recently. We will not be taking any questions at this time.

\t``On Saturday morning approximately 10:30am, the individual Christopher Larson was shot and killed after an attempted assault on Beverly Augustus. It has been determined that Larson followed Augustus and her Companion into a parking garage. Larson confronted Augustus with a gun intending to rob her. Augustus fled when her Companion, Jefferson, entered into a struggle with Larson.

\t``The assailant temporarily subdued Jefferson and chased Augustus, and wounded her with a gunshot to the leg from a second handgun. According to Augustus? statement, Larson was intent on killing her. From details corroborated from the victims? statements, Larson was shot from behind when Augustus? Companion saw that she was in mortal danger.

\t``The Companion expended all remaining rounds from Larson?s dropped gun, killing him at the scene. Beverly Augustus is in stable condition at a local hospital and is under guard for her safety. Her Companion Jefferson was taken into protective custody to await trial.''

\tThe police chief paused briefly to pull out another document and the press erupted into a chorus of shouts and questions. The chief held up his hand to quell the outburst.

\t``Quiet please! Again, I will not be taking questions at this time. However, I have a prepared statement from Beverly Augustus that she requested be read on her behalf.

\t?I want to go on record and say that Jefferson acted swiftly and bravely without regard to his own safety. If he had not been with me, I know I would not be alive this day. Jefferson acted in self-defense and I support him in his actions. I only ask that he be judged in that context, as any one of us would be if we were put in the same shoes.?

\tThe police chief cleared his throat before continuing.

``This concludes our press conference, thank you for your patience. We will disclose more information when it becomes available.''

\tThe crowd erupted once again as the chief left the podium, and the news caster cut back in as the live feed ended.

``New details involving the shooting of an attacker by a Companion. If you are just tuning in, once again the Companion Jefferson of Beverly Augustus is being held in custody from the incident on Saturday-''

\tKarson turned the TV off and sat on the couch in silence as he let the new information soak in. The news was not quite as dire as he feared, but he also knew that the outcome of the trial would set the precedence for every other Companion. He would have to keep a sharp eye out for any new information from Congress or the Corporation.

\tWhen Karson returned to the computer, he already had several new emails waiting for him. The first one he noticed was from Rachel. He opened the note and saw she expressed the same relief he had immediately felt. The rest of the emails were from other users on the forums he frequently talked with, expressing their own opinions about the unknown outcome of the trial.

\tHe opened a new browser and went to the Intelligent Horizons main page and searched through all the available documentation pertaining to Companion?s and their inherent legal status as outlined by Congress. Karson already read through this material a number of times in the past, especially after he gained free access to the web from living with Rachel. In his searching, he came to understand the current state of Companion rights as sentient beings.

\tSince Companions were considered the intellectual property of a corporation, they did not quite fall under the same jurisdiction as ``people'' in the eyes of Congress. However, since Companions were intended to be free thinking beings capable of speech and designed for a variety of tasks, the government was reluctant to consider them ``property''.

\tUltimately, the initial ruling was to give the Companions very limited civil rights. This basically provided the Corporation a means to continue to develop and produce the Companions for private use, but not held responsible for the actions of an individual Companion. Congress decreed that each Companion was subject to the local laws under which their Guardian was subject to. The Companion would be protected from such things as abuse and mistreatment, but were not given such things as the right to legally earn money or own property (land or possessions).

\tThis decision fueled a long lasting debate from both sides, and the government was under constant pressure by various lobby groups petitioning for rights to either be granted or taken away. With the newest development and the looming trial of the Companion involved in the shooting, the public knew it was just a matter of time before Congress was forced to make a new ruling on the ultimate rights of all Companions.

\tKarson was surprised when he heard the front door open and Rachel calling for him.

\t``Karson? I?m home.''

\tHe glanced over and saw the clock said 6:20pm. The Companion shook his head and blinked rapidly as he went to greet Rachel.

\t``Hello.''

\tHe gave Rachel a kiss.

\tShe chuckled lightly.

\t``You okay? You look a little dazed.''

\tKarson rubbed his eyes.

\t``Yes, I am fine. I have just been doing a lot of reading on the computer and time got away from me. How are you?''

\tShe made her way into the bedroom to change, but called back to him.

\t``I?m good. The office was buzzing today after that press conference; we hardly got any work done. There are protesters everywhere!''

\t``Do you want me to fix dinner?''

\t``Yes, actually that would be nice.''

\tShe came back into the living room and flopped down in the recliner.

\t``I just want to sit here for a little while, maybe listen to some music.''

\t``Okay, you sit back and I will take care of dinner.''

\tKarson went into the kitchen to prepare the food. A moment later he came back and handed Rachel a glass of white wine.

\t``Here, you seem like you need a drink.''

\t``Thank you, sweetie.''

\tShe took a sip of the cold wine and sank into the chair. When Karson disappeared back into the kitchen, she turned on the stereo and dialed in the soft jazz station.

\tA short time later, Karson put out place settings.

\t``Come sit at the table, dinner is ready.''

\tRachel left the music playing and took her usual seat.

\tKarson brought the main dish and placed it between them before sitting down.

\t``Mm, garlic chicken and rice.''

\tShe scooped out a large portion and took a bite.

\t``Oh my goodness, this tastes great Karson! Thank you for fixing dinner.''

\tHe smiled across the table at her.

\t``My pleasure, Rachel. Would you like another glass of wine?''

\tShe held out her glass to him.

\t``Don?t mind if I do.''

\tThe two enjoyed the quiet dinner, and though the current events were on their minds they avoided discussing it. When they finished eating, Karson cleared the table. He spoke to Rachel as he packed up the leftovers and rinsed the dishes.

\t``Would you like to play cards or another game?''

\tRachel frowned and shook her head.

\t``No, I?m sorry Kar. I just don?t feel like games tonight.''

\tHe finished putting the dishes in the washer and sat back down at the table.

\t``That is fine, is there anything you would like to do?''

\tShe smirked at him.

\t``Well, I can think of something, but honestly can we just sit and cuddle tonight? I know it sounds kind of silly because we cuddle all night long, but right now I just want to hold you.''

\tKarson stood and went over to Rachel, and he bowed from the waist as he thrust out his arm.

\t``It would be my pleasure, milady.''

\t``Oh my, what a gentleman.''

\tShe placed her hand upon his arm. He in turn covered her hand with his, and she rose from her chair. Karson escorted her over to the couch. They each got situated comfortably as Rachel reclined back across the couch and had Karson lay down next to her.

She hugged him close and buried her face in his neck fur. Rachel relished the feel of his soft fur against her cheeks and inhaled his scent. Karson stroked his fingers down the back of her neck. The two had spent many evenings cuddling on the couch, but this time the atmosphere was subtly different.

\tRachel clung to Karson as if it was the last evening they would have together. She sighed deeply and her hand stroked his side. Karson spoke barely above the jazz music playing in the background.

\t``I can tell something is on your mind, and I am guessing it is more than just that trial?''

\t``You know me too well, Kar. I just can?t shake this feeling of worry. I?m sure things will work out for the best, but it?s scary not knowing what will happen.''

\tKarson nodded and ran his slim fingers through her hair.

\t``I know it is Rachel. I do not think I ever told you, but I was really scared that first day you brought me home.''

\tShe pulled away from his neck and stared him in the face, their noses nearly touching.

\t``You were?''

\tHe nodded.

\t``Why?''

\tKarson smiled and kissed her nose.

\t``Well, put yourself in my place. I had just spent the previous 15 years of my life living with the same person. You tend to get used to the routine; you know what to expect and you can read all the subtle signs. I could almost tell what Kara was thinking just by the way she would cast a gaze or draw a breath to speak.''

\tRachel looked away for a moment.

\t``I never thought of it that way.''

\t``When you showed up at the agency, I was depressed. I was plucked out of my safe, secure and predictable world and dropped in a sea of uncertainty. I had no idea what kind of a person you were, or would be. But you know what made all the difference?''

\tRachel laid her head on his chest.

\t``What?''

\tKarson smiled and closed his eyes as he recalled the afternoon when she talked to the Companion in that tiny little room.

\t``You asked me if I wanted to be your friend, and in return you said you would be my friend. I knew at that moment that everything would be okay. Those few words showed me that you were not expecting me to behave like a...well, you know. It was much different than when the Carlson family picked me up.''

\tAfter a moment of silence, Rachel ventured the inevitable question.

\t``Would you tell me about it?''

\tKarson could tell from her tone of voice that she was intensely curious about it, but he knew she would not pressure him if he declined. Not that he intended to, but it gave him a reassuring feeling to know that Rachel always offered him a choice. He stroked her head as she listened to his heartbeat.

\t``I was barely matured by the time I finished the training school. You could say I was pretty naive since the only people I interacted with were the teaching staff or other Companions. The staff was polite but distant and I was very submissive, even for a Companion.

\t``When I had my first interview it was very formal, and Kara?s father was only concerned that I would obey any rules he set down, and of course any commands that pertained to me watching over his daughter. They did not even pick me up in person; I was dropped off at their estate. I did not meet Kara for several days after I arrived, since her father wanted to make sure I could adjust to the way the house was run. It was an extremely awkward time in my life.''

\tRachel reached under his shirt and rubbed his stomach.

\t``But you did adjust. What was it like living there? You obviously cared about Kara.''

\tKarson chuckled lightly and squirmed under the fingers combing through his fur.

\t``Yes, I adjusted and yes, I cared about Kara. I really had no choice actually, but as you know I came to care for her deeply as the years passed. In a way she helped me learn how to think for myself, and develop an independent personality. Many Companions end up closing off their free will because they are instilled with such a strong obligation to please their Guardians.

\t``I have come to realize that it is possible to do both. Companions are capable of providing their service for Guardians, but they do not have to sacrifice their own personality in the process. I count my blessings that you value my thoughts and feelings and actually encourage me to express them.''

\tKarson hugged Rachel and kissed her head.

\t``I wouldn?t have it any other way, especially now that I can share my love for you. You know, maybe you should write a book? I?m sure there are plenty of people who could benefit from your insights.''

\tKarson kissed her head.

\t``Perhaps. I will have to give it some thought.''

\tHe felt Rachel?s hand stray down the back of his shorts and stroke his rump.

\tWhile she fondled his backside, he tickled her behind the ear.

\t``What do you think you are doing, hm?''

\tRachel giggled softly.

\t``I just can?t keep my hands off your cute little fuzzy butt.''

\tHe nodded.

\t``I can tell, but you are dangerously close to Mr. Fuzzy Tail and you know what that leads to.''

\t``You bet your little black nose I do.''

\tRachel pulled her hand out of his shorts and grabbed the base of Karson?s tail. His body stiffened suddenly in surprise as her hand pulled slowly down the length of his tail. He could already feel the firmness in his crotch and shifted under Rachel when she repeated the motion.

\tHe stuttered slightly as he muttered at Rachel.

\t``Y-you are such a te-tease.''

\tShe rose off his chest and pressed her nose to his.

\t``You know you like it.''

\tRachel kissed him while she stroked his tail a time or two more.

\t``Is this winding you up, lover?''

\tKarson had since closed his eyes but nodded his head vigorously. She grinned wickedly above him and let go of her grasp on his tail to trace a finger down his chest.

\t``I think I need to take you to bed so I can give you some extra special attention.''

\tHis eyes popped open and he nodded again.

\tRachel quickly got off the couch and tugged his hand.

\t``Come on Romeo, the bedchamber lies in wait.''

\tKarson grinned and hopped up to follow her.

\tClothes flew across the room as the two stripped down and jumped into bed. Rachel stirred up the fire of Karson?s passion, and he lavished his attentions back on his lover. He was not rough, but his actions carried a sense of urgency not usually present in their lovemaking.

\tKarson pleasured his lover in many ways, and she rode the waves of passion with him as they steered a course through the night. Sometime after midnight the pair lay sprawled across the bed absently stroking each others body.

\tRachel propped her head up and held Karson?s right hand as she brushed her lips across his fingertips. He in turn circled a finger across her chest, under her chin and down to her navel. The two had not spoken a word for some time, only expressing their feelings through touch.

\tKarson sat up and held out his arms, inviting Rachel to lie across his lap. She shifted position and sighed up at him. He stroked her cheek and spoke softly to her.

\t``I love you.''

\t``And I love you, Karson.''

\tHe smiled down at her.

\t``As much as I would love to please you all night, perhaps you should get some sleep? I would not want you falling asleep during work tomorrow.''

\tShe frowned.

\t``I know. You?re right.''

\tRachel procrastinated getting up from his lap until he lightly pinched her bottom.

\t``Hey! Don?t make me have to tickle you.''

\tHe deftly squirmed out from under her and pulled back the covers from the bed.

\t``Come on miss contrary, bedtime. You can tickle me under the covers.''

\tHe slid into bed and held the covers up for her. She reluctantly joined him, still nude. Rachel did not mind since she liked feeling his fur against her skin. Karson had to admit that he also liked when she pressed her nude body against his.

\tShe snuggled up against him and buried her face in his chest. Karson stroked her head and only a few minutes passed before he noticed her breathing was light and regular. He kissed her head and hugged her close, but sleep was far from his thoughts as he contemplated his future.

Chapter 7 - Good News

\tThe alarm clock jolted Rachel from her slumber. Her muscles protested as she stretched and remembered some of the vigorous activities from last night.

\tRachel glanced at the clock.

\t``Shit!''

\tIt was already 8:30 and she was supposed to start work at 9.

\tShe flung the covers off and scampered out of bed quickly into the bathroom. She ran to her dresser and threw on the first set of clothes she could find. Rachel normally rushed through her morning routine, but this time she really was in a rush.

\tBy the time she was dressed and ran a brush through her hair, the clock read 8:40. She grabbed her purse and briefcase, quickly checked to make sure she had her keys and was grabbing her jacket when she glanced back at the bed.

\tKarson?s nose barely poked out from under the covers and Rachel could not help pausing for a second.

She smiled, crept over to the bed, and briefly pulled the cover back from his head. He looked adorable in his usual curled up sleeping position, and Rachel longed to stay and stroke his ears. She sighed softly and pushed those thoughts to the side as she reminded herself that if she were late she would have to work late.

\t``Love you, sleepyhead,'' she whispered and kissed his nose.

\tThen she rushed out to her car and on to work. The apartment was still once more as Karson snoozed under the covers.

\tAround 10, Karson came awake and crawled out of bed. He made a trip to the bathroom, got some water, and went about his routine of eating and exercising. By the time he finished, it was nearly noon. He decided to check his email and try to catch Rachel online.

\tThe normal amount of forum notifications and the usual advertisements awaited him, but there was nothing from Rachel. Karson was rarely disappointed when she did not email him, but he always enjoyed getting a note from her. As his thoughts centered on his lover, the familiar doorbell chime of the messenger rang. He opened the waiting chat dialogue and Rachel greeted him.

Rachel: Hi sleepyhead. :D

Karson: Ya, sorry about that. I guess I stayed up pretty late. You did not seem to mind tho ;)

Rachel: Certainly not, Mr. Kuddles. Before I forget, I was 30 mins late to work, so I prob won?t be home till 7

Karson: Do you want me to fix dinner again?

Rachel: No, silly, we?re eating at the Bulldog tonight remember?

Karson: Oh, right. I will be ready to go when you get home then.

...

Rachel: Shoot! Sorry sweetie, I have to go. There is an unexpected conference call I have to attend. So much for lunch! TTYL LOVE YOU!!

\tBefore he could even type a response she dropped offline. Karson sighed in real disappointment, but brightened at the thought of dinner later. It had been a few weeks since he saw Bobby or Molly. Karson decided to surf through some of the major news sights to pass the time.

\tAfter pulling up the first sight, he was immediately confronted with the headline: Companion Trial Date Set, Congress Still Silent. Karson clicked the link and quickly read the news story. According to the article, the prosecutors convinced the municipal court judge assigned to the case to proceed with the trial in spite of the fact there was no announcement regarding Companion Rights.

\tWith the trial date set for the following Monday, Karson had a feeling it would be a long week. He sincerely hoped there would not be any further incidents to complicate matters. The article also went on to state that Beverly Augustus and Jefferson were under a gag order from the court, preventing them from making any further public statements. Karson knew that speculation would run wild on the forums and the news until the trial started. The final bit of news he gleaned from the article was the trial testimony would not be broadcast.

\tHe returned to the familiar forums after scanning the rest of the headlines of the day. Karson responded to a few threads, chiming in with his opinions on the topics. He tried to be objective whenever he wrote anything in a public forum, but given the circumstances his views tended to have an optimistic slant.

\tSince there were a number of known Companions on one of the forums he visited, it was a common occurrence to find a large number of hateful posts from anti-Companion users. He read a particularly scathing post from one such user. They commented on a Companion's description of the intimate relationship she had with her Guardian - similar to Karson?s own relationship. He actually felt rising anger and had to exert all his restraint to not post an equally inflammatory response.

\tIt was very rare for Karson to let his emotions get beyond his control, and he could feel he was dangerously close to the edge. He decided he needed a quick distraction before his temper got the best of him, so Karson hopped up from the computer and went about straightening, dusting and cleaning like a furious tornado. After considerable time and several rooms, he felt more in control.

\tHe still felt brief twinges of annoyance as snippets of the post flashed in his mind. He could not help remembering statements like ``this is an abomination against nature'' and ``Companions are no more than talking animals.'' Karson shook his head and had the fleeting thought that he was glad Rachel had not read the post.

\tThe Companion kept a close eye on the clock and got dressed as it neared 7. He decided to wear something a little nicer than his daily attire and picked out a long sleeved white button shirt to go with his black pants. He pulled out a dark forest green vest Bobby gave him for Christmas to complete his outfit. As an afterthought, he also grabbed the flat cap hat Rachel once gave him.

\tKarson stood in the small bedroom brushing the fur of his face and neck when Rachel entered the apartment. He grinned at himself in the mirror when she called.

\t``Hey Romeo, your sweetheart is home!''

\tKarson donned his hat and strode out of the bedroom.

\tRachel nearly dropped her purse and bag when she saw the dressed and groomed Companion. Her mouth hung open and she gaped at him in silence.

\tKarson tugged the tip of his cap down across his eyes.

\t``Evenin? mate! What do you think?''

\tHe twirled around for her to see his ensemble.

\t``I think we might have to go to dinner more often. Wow, Karson. You look...magnificent.''

\tKarson crossed the room and planted a kiss on her cheek.

\t``Well, you look pretty good yourself.''

\tHe grinned at her and wrapped his arm around her waist.

\tRachel suddenly felt self-conscious about her appearance and squirmed out of his grasp.

\t``Maybe I should change? I just threw this on and it?s been a long day-''

\tKarson grabbed her by the hand and pulled her back into his grasp.

\t``Rachel, even on your worst day you look as radiant as the sun. I think what you have on is fine. If you think I am overdressed I can go change really quick, it is no problem.''

\tShe blushed at his compliment and cracked a smile.

\tHe started to walk back to the hallway but she stopped him.

\t``Don?t you dare change! You?re so handsome in that outfit I need a picture.''

\tKarson laughed and let her snap a few quick shots from her phone. She stuffed it back in her purse.

\t``Just let me change my shirt real quick and then we?ll go, `kay?''

\tShe dashed into the bedroom and emerged just a moment later in a sea foam blouse that complimented Karson?s vest.

\t``There! Now we match. Let?s roll, I?m hungry!''

\tKarson held out his forearm for her.

\t``Lead the way, milady!''

\tA short drive later, Karson followed Rachel into The Grinning Bulldog, which was now a favorite hang out of the pair. Karson even spent a few afternoons there with Bobby apart from Rachel. She had in fact encouraged him, deeming it important that Karson be social outside of their relationship. Bobby appointed himself Karson?s ``Best Friend,'' and the two were quite inseparable when they got together.

\tRachel likewise treated Molly as the sister she never had. Molly and Bobby were open about their own relationship, but Karson and Rachel chose to keep their love under wraps at first. The four friends became considerably closer after the new couple shared the news with the other couple. Rachel enjoyed having a female friend she could relate to when it came to all things Companion, especially now that their friends knew of their budding relationship.

\tBobby was stationed at his usual table when the pair entered the pub, and he called out cheerfully as they caught his eye.

\t``Well, well! Look at this fine young pair.''

\tThe boisterous Companion hopped off his stool and trotted over to give each of them a friendly hug.

\t``You?re as lovely as ever, Rachel my dear. And who is this dashing fella you brought tonight? Better watch out, Karson might get jealous.''

\tKarson laughed heartily at Bobby?s jibe.

\tRachel hugged the beagle.

\t``How are you Bobby? I?m sorry that we haven?t been able to stop by lately.''

\t``Oh, I?m doing just fine; Molly too. She?ll be happy to see you both.''

\tAs if on cue, Molly turned up and flung her arms around Rachel.

\t``Rachel my dear, how very nice to see you again!''

\tThe two hugged briefly, but Molly gasped when she saw Karson standing there in his finery.

\t``My goodness Karson, you look so handsome!''

\tBobby jabbed his Companion friend in the ribs.

\t``See? I told you she?d be jealous!''

\tKarson grinned at Molly as she wrapped her arms around him.

\t``It?s so good to see you again. The both of you look wonderful. Hope you?re hungry, the fish ?n chips are just about ready. Let me nip back to the kitchen; beagle boy here can show you to the booth.''

\tShe gave a playful wink at Bobby when he poked his tongue out at her, and disappeared into the back.

\tThe pair followed the Beagle Companion and sat down to await Molly?s return. They chatted for a moment about what happened since last they met. Molly stuck her head out of the kitchen and called over to Rachel.

\t``Mind giving me a hand?''

\tRachel kissed Karson and stood up.

\t``Behave you two.''

\tShe strode back into the kitchen and heard the two Companions erupt in laughter just as the door swung closed. She shook her head and went around to the counter where the food preparation was.

\tMolly smiled a little sheepishly as she confessed to Rachel.

\t``Sorry lass, I just needed an excuse to get you alone for a second. You?ve obviously heard about that news story by now? So what d?ya think?''

\tRachel leaned against the counter, crossed her arms and sighed heavily.

\t``Honestly, I?m a little scared. Who knows what kind of a ruling Congress is going to make about Companions? A lot of crazy thoughts have gone through my mind lately, thinking about what we?ll do if things go bad.''

\tMolly prepared the dishes distractedly, but could not hide the same apprehension from her voice.

\t``I understand, and I?d be lying if I said it didn?t worry me as well. But we just have to trust that everything will work out for the best. Besides, if things do turn out the way I?d like, I might have a little surprise to tell you.''

\tRachel?s eye lit up and she prodded her friend for more info.

\t``Oh yeah, like what kind of surprise?''

\t``Well, I was going to wait, but what the hell.''

\tMolly looked around to make certain they were alone and dropped into a secretive whisper.

\t''Bobby and I are getting hitched!''

\tRachel gasped in surprise and the two girls squeezed hands together excitedly.

\t``Oh my goodness, Molly that?s wonderful! When did this come about?''

\tMolly still spoke in a hushed tone, but her voice was strong and full of affection.

\t``Well, we?ve talked about it a number of times, and we think that when the ruling is made we?re going to make it official. Keep your fingers crossed!''

\tRachel giggled with her for a moment as she thought about the possibility.

\tMolly quickly grasped Rachel?s hand.

\t``Don?t tell Karson yet, though. I want it to be a surprise and let Bobby tell him.''

\tRachel nodded solemnly.

\t``Of course, you have my word.''

\tMolly smiled.

\t``What do you say we feed the boys before they cause too much trouble, eh?''

\tRachel laughed and picked up the large serving tray with plates as Molly picked up the drinks.

\t``Aye, lassie!''

\tBobby finished the punchline of a joke as the girls came to the booth.

\t``-so he says, ?That?s not my tail!?''

\tKarson laughed as Rachel sat down next to him. \tBobby kissed Molly as she joined them.

\t``Another fine meal you?ve prepared my dear!''

\tMolly smiled and raised her glass of ale.

\t``To good friends!''

\tThe other three repeated her toast as their glasses clinked together. Everyone began eating and complimenting Molly on the fish and chips. Dinner talk was light and cheerful even though the Companion situation was at the back of everyone?s mind.

\tMolly nudged Bobby.

\t``Did you tell Karson about your newest hobby?''

\tBobby?s eyes popped open wide and he shook his head while he finished his bite.

\tMolly grinned and raised her eyebrows at Karson.

\tHis curiosity got the better of him.

\t``What are you up to now?''

\tThe Beagle stuck out his chest proudly.

\t``I?m going to start making me own brew!''

\tRachel and Karson ahhed and he continued.

\t``I decided to try experimenting with different types of beer, to find something a little more specifically suited to a Companion?s palette. I?m actually close to finishing my second batch of a brew. It turned out wonderfully the first time, so I had to try it again. If it?s just as good, we may actually try selling it here at the bar.''

\tBobby raised his glass and took a drink.

\t``My brew is what we?re drinking right now.''

\tKarson nodded his head and sniffed the drink again.

\t``I thought this tasted a little different. But I dare say it is even better than the wheat ale I usually have here.''

\tBobby winked and clinked glasses with his fellow Companion.

\t``Exactly. Molly has had a lot of experience with beverages and she really thinks this has a good chance of catching on. Especially since we have a number of Companion customers here.''

\tRachel raised her glass.

\t``To Bobby?s Beagle Brew!''

\tMolly laughed heartily at her toast.

\t``You hear that bucko? Rachel just gave you the perfect name!''

\tThey all touched glasses and laughed. Dinner continued as they speculated about how to market the new brew or how the public might receive it. A while after the foursome finished eating, one of Molly?s servers walked up to the booth looking a little anxious.

\t``Molly! I think you should turn on CNN, I just heard that the government has made a press release!''

\t``Oh my goodness, Bobby hit the tube!''

\tEveryone in the pub gathered around the bar to watch the large 60'' screen. Bobby quickly dialed in the channel and all present listened to the anchor.

\t\t``-just tuning in, Congress has in fact released a new ruling on Companion Rights. The statement will be available to see on our website shortly, but for now we will give you a breakdown of the new information.

\t\tAccording to the newest charter, all Companions are now subject to the federal laws for the state in which they reside. Companions are considered to be a full citizen after 1 year under Guardianship, and it is now legal for Companions to earn wages and be employed. In addition, it is now legal for Companions to own property, meaning both land and material possessions, once they reach citizenship status.

\t\t``All current adoption contracts are open for conversion to the newest charter for Guardians. At the census last year, approximately 100,000 new adoption contracts were filed with the Intelligent Horizons Corporation, bringing the estimated Companion population to nearly 1 million since their creation. Further statistical breakdowns can be found on our website as well. Again if you are just tuning in, Congress has just released a new Companion charter granting citizenship rights. When we come back from break we will be speaking to Companion analyst-''

\tRachel turned her attention away from the TV and faced Karson, who wore the largest grin she had ever seen on his face.

\t``I think that sounds like good news. What do you think, Kar?''

\tHe nodded.

\t``Definitely. I can be free to pursue my writing now.''

\tRachel smiled at him.

\t``I think that?s wonderful! Technically, we still have about a month before you hit your 1 year, but I can go down to the agency and talk to them about your contract. In the meantime, come here.''

\tShe hugged him close and, amid all the commotion and excited talking in the bar, she spoke softly in his ear.

\t``I love you.''

\tKarson hugged her tight as he was a little too overcome with the elation of the ruling to find words to reply. He merely squeezed her and kissed her. After another moment, the pair broke their embrace and Rachel turned to where Molly stood.

\tMolly was no longer standing next to Rachel, but was now behind the bar passionately kissing and hugging Bobby. She ignored the world for the moment in the arms of her Companion lover and Rachel could not blame her.

\tSomeone shouted, ``Hey you two get a room!''

\tThe crowd laughed in good humor and the couple broke out of their spell. There was a round of applause as Bobby bowed and Molly waved a bar rag like a handkerchief.

\t``Alright boys and girls, a round of drinks on the house!''

\tMolly yelled at the top of her lungs and the crowd cheered in response. Rachel imagined there would be similar celebrations going on around the country as she handed a drink to Karson and held up her glass for the latest toast that was shouted out.

\tThe patrons of The Grinning Bulldog had a lively time commemorating the announcement. Molly made last call around 10pm deciding to close a little early. As everyone trickled out, they called farewells to Molly and Bobby.

\tWhen the clock hit 11pm, Rachel decided that she needed to be getting home as well. Molly motioned for her to get Karson, and Rachel suddenly remembered her secretive announcement. Bobby was unaware that Molly leaked the surprise and he sat at his favorite stool with Karson by his side. He was just about to launch into another joke when Molly called to him.

\t``Bobby, it's time.''

\tBobby immediately perked up recognizing that tone in her voice. He hopped off his stool and took Karson by the arm, escorting him over to where Rachel and Molly stood by the bar. Karson looked a little confused, but waited patiently as Rachel leaned casually against him.

\tBobby took Molly?s hand.

\t``Do you want to tell them, or should I?''

\tShe smiled sweetly at the Beagle.

\t``I think you should tell them.''

\tBobby nodded and took a deep breath. He looked right at Karson.

\t``I?m going to marry Molly! We were waiting for the ruling to be released, and this makes it official. Karson, I?d like for you to be my best man. Well, Companion in this case.''

\tHe chuckled at Karson?s shocked but pleasant expression.

\tRachel just smiled knowingly as Molly gave her a wink.

\tKarson walked over and hugged Bobby and patted him on the back.

\t``Congratulations my friend! This is certainly a momentous day. I am so happy for you both! I would be honored.''

\tMolly embraced Karson after he finished hugging Bobby.

\t``Thank you very much, Karson.''

\tShe kissed him on the cheek, and then turned to Rachel.

\t``You will of course be my bridesmaid won?t you?''

\tRachel nearly squealed with glee.

\t``Hell yes I will!''

\tMolly laughed with her and the four gathered in a group hug. The air was full of their shared love and compassion as each of them wanted to hold on to the moment as long as possible.

\tUnfortunately, even the elation from the evening's special news could not forestall Rachel?s fatigue, and she yawned hugely when the group hug broke.

\tMolly nudged her friend.

\t``You should go on and head home. I?ll call you in the next couple of days so you can help me with some planning.''

\tRachel nodded but even her yawns could not wipe the grin from her face.

\t``Sounds good Molly. Thank you for the great meal!''

\tThe two women hugged again, and Rachel patted Bobby on the back.

\t``Congratulations, you lucky devil! I?ll see you again soon.''

\tBobby winked at her. He wrapped his arm around Karson?s shoulder in a brotherly fashion.

\t``Guess the two of us guys are going to spend a lot of time together since the girls will be busy with wedding stuff, eh mate?''

\tKarson grinned and nodded.

\tRachel pulled him by the hand away from his buddy and playfully joked with Bobby.

\t``Don?t make me have to separate you two. Karson is only on loan.''

\tKarson jumped in surprise as Rachel lightly swatted his rump.

\t``Come on, Kuddles, time to go.''

\tKarson?s ears blushed in embarrassment.

\t``Rachel...''

\tShe laughed at his embarrassment and kissed him sweetly on the nose.

\tRachel leaned close and whispered.

\t``You know I?m just teasing. Come on hot stuff; let?s get home so we can cuddle in bed.''

\tHe nodded.

\t``Okay, you two behave. I will talk to you soon Bobby.''

\tKarson waved as Rachel pulled him out the door.

\t``Bye!''

\tMolly called after them and locked the door as she turned out all but the lights over the bar. Bobby gathered up all the empty glasses left over from the various toasts. Molly swaggered over to the end of the last booth and leaned against the side seductively. She waited until Bobby had set down an armload of glasses before she caught his attention.

\t``Psst. Hey, beagle boy.''

\tBobby played along. He looked left and right, and gave her a questioning gaze as he pointed to himself.

\t``Who me?''

\t``Yeah, you. Come here stud, I want to tell you something.''

\tBobby stalked over to her and put his hands on his hips.

\t``Say your peace lass, I don?t have all night.''

\tMolly curled a finger under his nose.

\t``Come closer.''

\tThe Companion leaned closer till his nose almost touched hers.

\tShe leaned past his muzzle and whispered in his ear.

\t``I love you, Bobby Beagle.''

\tBobby broke character and wrapped his arms around Molly and squeezed her tight.

\t``I love you as well, Molly Becker. I can hardly believe I?m going to get married!''

\tMolly laughed and pressed her nose to his, but she continued the charade.

\t``Oh really? To who?''

\tBobby shook her playfully in his grasp.

\t``To you, you silly maid! I?m going to marry you!''

\tShe patted his cheek.

\t``Oh go on, you can?t marry me without a ring.''

\tBobby?s ears drooped and he slackened his grip on Molly. His tone turned a bit serious.

\t``I know, love, and I?m working on it. I promise.''

\tMolly suddenly stroked his cheek in apology.

\t``Aw Bobby, I?m sorry! I was only playing. I didn?t mean anything by it.''

\tHe nodded solemnly.

\t``I know sweetheart, but I also know that it means a lot. Trust me; I?ll get it straightened out.''

\tShe kissed him firmly.

\t``I know you will. You always do.''

\tHer kiss brightened his mood and he swatted her behind.

\t``What do you say we leave off cleaning up and go upstairs?''

\t``Ooh, you handsome devil, always straight to the point.''

\tBobby took Molly by the hand and led her up the back corner stairway to the second floor loft. It was not their main home, but they spent enough time at the bar to use it frequently. For their purposes it would suffice for the evening.

Chapter 8 - A New Goal

\tThe next few days passed relatively quickly for Karson and Rachel. They resumed their normal schedule after the federal ruling had time to disseminate through society. Karson wrote during the day and the two played games after dinner each night.

\tThe weekend was the usual affair, and the pair visited The Grinning Bulldog again on Saturday after spending the afternoon in the park. Karson noticed there was a larger number of Companions out and about since the last time they visited. He took it as a good sign that Companions were able to move about more freely. Karson also noticed that he rarely saw any Guardians using a leash.

\tDuring their visit to the Bulldog, Karson took the opportunity to approach Molly for a special request when Rachel made a trip to the restroom. He knew she would likely tell Bobby about the proposition, which did not bother him. However, he strictly wanted to keep it a surprise from Rachel.

\tQuite simply, Karson asked Molly for a job.

\tShe was curious as to why he would want to keep it a secret from Rachel, but did not persist when he told her that he needed a way to make some money. Molly knew Karson was very reliable and trustworthy, and did not hesitate to say yes. They agreed that he would work part time during the middle of the day, which would allow him to get home before Rachel and still give him time to write during the evenings.

\tTo make a little extra money, Karson wrote the occasional article for one of the newspapers and did some ghost writing for a new magazine targeted at Guardians and their Companions. Now that Companion rights had changed, the magazine was also changing its format to accommodate the newfound readership. He wondered if the editor would allow him to publish anything under his own name.

\tMonday arrived in its usual way with Rachel rushing off to work.

\t``Have a good day sweetie! Talk to you at lunch?''

\tShe kissed Karson, and he nodded before she disappeared out the door.

\tHe went about some chores before he settled in to write. After a nice chat during lunch, he took a break during the afternoon to look online at the possibility of getting a bicycle for travel to the Bulldog. It was roughly 6 miles away; not a considerable distance, but Karson did not want to spend his new income on public transit if he could avoid it. He figured the better investment would be his own transportation.

\tThe selection of bicycles that would accommodate his body type was severely limited, as well as expensive. Feeling a little disappointed, he pondered how to manage the commute when an advertisement on one of the web pages caught his eye. It was for inline skates made specifically for Companions. When he visited the sight, it had the inventory of skates available for sorting by different criteria, body type being one of them.

\tHe selected ``Second Generation'' and was presented with a page of 20 different models of skates. They ranged in price from $40-200, and he looked at them all. He was reluctant to spend $200 on a pair of skates, but he also knew they would get a good deal of use.

\tHe finally singled out the ``Sprinter'' model because of the reviews, pointing out that the skates were very comfortable and quite durable. Karson made note of the model number and color (Speed Demon Red), but would have to wait until his first paycheck to make the order. He was satisfied to see that with shipping the skates would cost him $75, and he deemed it an acceptable expenditure.

\tKarson spent the rest of the day writing until he heard the familiar clack of the door locks opening. He continued to work knowing Rachel would step in on her way to the bedroom to change clothes.

\tThis time however, she called excitedly from the living room.

\t``Karson, did you hear the news? I bet there?s a story on right now, come here.''

\tHe was unaware of any breaking news since he was absorbed in his work, and he rushed to find out what Rachel referred to.

\t``What has happened?''

\t``The trial?s over! It only lasted 2 hours, can you believe that?''

\tKarson?s reaction was stunned silence.

\tRachel flipped through TV channels trying to find a news report and finally landed on a local news station.

\t``Here we go, let?s see what they have to say about it.''

\tHe focused his attention on the feed as the reporter conducted an interview with Augustus? attorney.

\t``My client is very happy with the outcome of the trial. Jefferson accepted his assigned community service willingly and has been absolved of all charges. He will be able to join Beverly Augustus when she is released from the hospital at the end of the week.''

\t``What does this mean for Companions from a legal standpoint now?''

\t``My firm will gladly accept cases to give legal representation for Companions. We will work hard to make sure you get a fair and equal ruling. Contact the law offices of-''

\tRachel began flicking through channels to try and find more coverage and landed on CNN. The anchor was in the middle of the report.

\t``-Companion to Beverly Augustus was found not guilty to charges of murder, however a sentence of 40 hours of community service was given. In a statement taken from Jefferson after the proceedings, the Companion told reporters:

\t?I am just thankful that Beverly was not severely hurt. I will gladly do my service, and I look forward to joining my brethren as a proud citizen of this country.?''

\t``Stay tuned to CNN for continuing coverage of the latest developments in Companion rights. Later this week, we have an exclusive interview with Jefferson and Beverly Augustus, as well as all the up to date information on world affairs.

\t``If you are just joining us, again the Companion Jefferson has been found not guilty in the trial-''

\tRachel punched the mute button and looked at Karson.

\tHe appeared to be processing the new information and was lost in thought.

\tShe reached out a hand and grasped his fingers.

\t``Is everything okay, Kar?''

\tHe blinked and snapped out of his daze, and smiled at Rachel.

\t``Yes, I think everything will be fine now.''

\tHe squeezed her fingers back.

\t``Would you like me to fix us dinner?''

\tShe tugged his hand and shook her head.

\t``Not just yet. Come here and sit with me.''

\tShe slipped into the large recliner and pulled him down into her lap. Rachel hugged him close and rubbed her cheek against his affectionately.

\t``All this good news is almost overwhelming.''

\tKarson nodded his head and stroked her arm.

\t``I know what you mean. I am glad I have you around.''

\tRachel giggled softly in his ear.

\t``Funny, I was about to say the same thing. I would?ve never given you up, even if I didn?t have a choice. I love you so much, Karson.''

\tKarson sighed happily.

\t``I love you as well, Rachel.''

\tThe two enjoyed the moment of closeness. The quiet spell was broken when Karson?s stomach grumbled and Rachel laughed.

\t``Maybe we better get dinner going? You have to keep your strength up you know.''

\tKarson flicked his ears.

\t``For what?''

\tShe kissed him firmly and grasped his tail.

\t``For later tonight!''

\tHe grinned back at her.

\tRachel pushed him off her lap.

\t``Come on Kuddles, I?ll help you make dinner.''

\tThe pair had fun preparing dinner and joked with each other at every opportunity. Rachel teased Karson constantly and he loved every minute of it. They ate their dinner hastily and could not keep their eyes off each other. Karson had scarcely wiped his mouth after his last bite before Rachel pulled him away from the table.

\tIt took several minutes for the two to make their way down the hall and into the bedroom as they engaged in kissing and caressing. They left a trail of discarded clothing on the journey to the bedroom.

Once Rachel had him backed up against the bed, she pushed Karson down and crawled over him.

\tShe was everywhere at once, kissing and fondling, and Karson did not resist in the slightest. His lover pressed her lips to his muzzle and kissed him so passionately he did not notice her hands were busy tugging on his tail.

\tWhen she got the desired result, Karson gasped as he felt her intimate grasp. A thin whine escaped his throat.

\tRachel giggled.

\t``You like that, Kuddles?''

\tA shaky nod was his only response.

\tThe two lovers playfully took turns administering to each others needs. After an intense bought of lovemaking, Karson lay in a daze next to Rachel as she absently ran her fingers through his chest fur. When she raised her eyebrows at him in an unspoken question, he smiled back at her.

\t``I think I need a little time to recover.''

\tShe giggled and lay across his chest, and nuzzled into his neck the way he loved so much.

\tKarson wrapped his arms around her back and stroked her neck, and she reached up and stroked the tip of his left ear.

\tRachel mumbled into his fur.

\t``Just don?t take too long, I might not be able to wait. I?ll have to take matters into my own hands. You wouldn?t want me to tie you up and make you watch?''

\tKarson gave a playful growl and tickled her side, imagining the experience.

\t``What if I tied you up and teased you until you could not stand it?''

\tShe nipped at his neck and squirmed on top of him.

\t``Forget about teasing me, you?re already doing that! The feel of your fur against my skin is driving me crazy.''

\tKarson rumbled at the sensual female.

\t``My goodness, you are wild tonight! Sounds like I do not have much choice.''

\tRachel grinned wickedly at him and took hold of his wrists while she straddled his stomach.

\t``No, you don't.''

\tShe rolled over with the Companion on top of her and the two were once again in the throws of passion.

\tThe morning arrived with Rachel rushing off in her usual fashion.

\tKarson kissed her as she departed and Rachel affectionately stroked his cheek.

\t``Have a good day, lover.''

\tShe left with a tired, but happy smile.

\t``You too sweetie, I love you!''

\t``Love you! Bye!''

\tKarson waited until the door closed and yawned. He figured he should get some breakfast since he was up, even if he felt like going back to bed. His muzzle split in a devilish grin.

\t``That woman will be the death of me, but oh what a way to go!''

Chapter 9 - Union

\tDays passed in a flash as Karson and Rachel went through their routine. He wrote during the day, did his chores, and got used to working at The Grinning Bulldog. Molly and Bobby were of course happy to see him frequently, and somehow the three of them managed to keep Karson?s part time job a secret from Rachel.

\tAfter the second day on the job, Karson explained to Molly about shopping for skates for transportation, and right then and there she gave him an advance to cover the cost. She insisted that he order the skates and send them to the bar, and two days later they were waiting for him when he arrived at work.

\tSince he only worked three days a week at the Bulldog, he figured he was making about $75 a payday. Molly paid him in cash every Friday and it was not long before Karson opened a savings account at a local bank, now that banks were legally obligated to accept Companion customers.

\tLife continued at a happy pace for Karson. Rachel helped Molly plan the wedding ceremony and reception, and the two often asked the opinion of their Companion counterparts when it came to food, clothing or flowers. As the date approached, Karson saw Bobby become nervous and anxious. During work one afternoon, he sat down with his friend.

\t``Is everything okay Bobby? You seem on edge lately?''

\tBobby sipped his glass of water. He had cut back on his drinking recently, and it did not escape Karson?s notice.

\t``Aye, but I?m okay. I just can hardly believe it?s actually going to happen! I had dreamed of the day when I could call Molly my wife, and now...well, it?s like a dream come true.''

\tKarson smiled at his friend.

\t``I know what you mean. I am so very happy for both of you.''

\t``Speaking of which, let me show you something.''

\tBobby reached into his pocket and pulled out a tiny clam shell box.

\tKarson?s eyes lit up when Bobby popped open the lid and showed the ring he intended to give Molly.

\t``Cast your peepers on that!''

\tThe ring was a thin titanium band overlaid with an intertwining Celtic weave pattern; in the center was an embedded diamond stud.

\tKarson tentatively reached for the ring.

\t``May I?''

\tBobby nodded and let him pick up the ring. Karson held it in the light and it sparkled brilliantly. He also noticed the inscription inside the band: Love always, BB. Karson placed it carefully back in the box.

\t``It is a lovely ring for a lovely bride.''

\tBobby beamed at his friend.

\t``Thanks mate.''

\tHe quickly stuffed the box back in his pocket.

\t``I?m going to show Molly tonight. I know she does not let on, but I can tell she is nervous since it took me so long to get the ring.''

\t``Where did you get it?''

\t``There?s a place about 2 miles from here, Franklin Jewelers. I had them make this specially for me, so it?s a one of a kind just like Molly!''

\tKarson giggled.

\t``How poetic.''

\tHe made a mental note of where the jeweler was for future reference.

\tAs Karson prepared dinner later that evening, Rachel answered the phone and squealed.

\t``Really? Tell me all about it!''

\tShe winked at Karson and ran into the bedroom. \tHe shook his head with a grin and continued dinner, having already guessed who called.

\tRachel returned to the kitchen a short while later as Karson waited on the casserole in the oven to finish. She stood next to him and planted a kiss on his cheek. He could tell she wanted to share her news and prompted her.

\t``Who was that?''

\t``Molly called and said Bobby ?officially? proposed to her and gave her the ring.''

\tShe laughed at her own statement.

\t``Well, he didn?t give her the ring yet, but he showed it to Molly. She said it was wonderful and she sounded really excited. I can?t wait until next weekend! It?s going to be a great ceremony.''

\tKarson wrapped his arm around her waist and smiled.

\t``I am sure it will be. I cannot wait to see you in that bridesmaid?s dress.''

\tRachel gave him a playful shove.

\t``Oh, stop it!''

\tThe stove bell dinged and Karson pulled out the casserole to cool. He indicated Rachel go ahead and sit down. When the table was set and they began eating, Karson seemed a little distracted as Rachel talked about what would happen at the wedding reception.

\t``After the bride and groom cut the cake, there?s the first dance. I can?t really dance, but I?m sure my two left feet can manage for one quick song.''

\tRachel noticed Karson had stopped eating but pretended to be listening and lost in his own thoughts.

\t``Then all the Companions will have to wear hats and dance around in a circle. Won?t that be fun?''

\tKarson nodded.

\t``I am sure it will be.''

\tRachel?s brow furrowed as she laid a hand on his arm.

\t``Karson, what?s bothering you? You?ve hardly been listening.''

\t``What?''

\tRachel stared at him.

\tHe sighed and attempted a weak smile.

\t``Sorry I got distracted. I was just thinking.''

\tRachel held his gaze.

\t``Kar, I can?t help you if you don?t talk to me. There?s obviously something on your mind. You know you can talk to me about anything, right?''

\tHe looked away, which caused Rachel to fill with genuine concern, but she waited for him to speak his mind.

\t``What if I am unable to be successful with my writing? I do not want to be a burden to you, Rachel, but I do not feel like I really contribute that much to our situation. Lately, I guess I have been feeling a lot of uncertainty, since I have not gotten any fruitful leads through my published articles. I know you love me, but will that be enough? I want to be more to you than just a stay at home lover.''

\tRachel immediately knelt down by Karson's side and gently pulled his shoulders around so he was facing her. She reached up and held his face in her hands, tenderly staring directly into his soft eyes.

\t``Listen to me carefully, Karson. I love you with all my heart and soul. Yes, I love you physically, but that?s not the one and only reason you hold a special place in my heart. I love your personality, I love who you are and the way you think. I want you to do what makes you happy, and I know that writing is a big part of that.''

\tShe paused a beat to let her words sink in.

\t``It doesn?t matter to me if you make one dollar or a million, I?ll still love and respect you. It takes time to be successful and I just know that it will come along, you just have to trust in yourself, the way I trust in you.''

\tKarson?s ears perked slightly though his eyes turned away from her gaze.

\t``I know, and I truly appreciate your belief in me. I just want to prove that I am deserving of your love and support.''

\tRachel felt her eyes well up with tears and she hugged him close as she buried her face in his chest.

\t``Karson, you silly, sentimental, wonderfully brilliant and compassionate Companion...you have proven yourself a dozen times over, so get this absurd notion of having to ?prove yourself? out of your head.''

\tHe stroked her hair and kissed her head.

\t``I do not know how I ended up so lucky to have such a wonderful partner.''

\tHer tears of happiness dampened his shirt.

\t``See? Just when I didn?t think I could love you any more, you go and say something like that.''

\tKarson stroked her neck and spoke softly.

\t``I am sorry Rachel. I did not mean to upset you; I just had a moment of insecurity. But once again your love and support has set me right.''

\tHe lifted her chin off his chest and continued.

\t``I love you so much. Thank you.''

\tHe pressed his lips to hers in a tender kiss.

\tAfter a few moments, they each regained their composure and cleaned up the remains of dinner. They decided to curl up in bed and snuggle instead of engaging in the usual after dinner game. Rachel?s reaction to Karson?s concerns further strengthened his drive to focus on his writing and his determination to get published.

\tThe remaining days before the special event passed more quickly than anyone could have imagined, and finally the wedding date arrived. Rachel dropped Karson off at the site of the ceremony and went to join Molly in getting prepared. When he caught up with Bobby, the Beagle was a bundle of nervous energy. Karson found it amusing that his friend was so flustered he could scarcely concentrate on getting dressed, and had to help him get organized.

\tKarson got Bobby situated before slipping into his own outfit. The groom was decked out in a fancy black tuxedo with a bright green bow tie and a white vest under his jacket. Karson wore a similar outfit without jacket, but his vest was light green and he had a black bow tie. The pair looked quite handsome and they got a number of compliments as Karson escorted Bobby to the staging area.

\tThe church in which the ceremony took place was a small hall that could easily accommodate several hundred people, though this day there were only about 50 in attendance. Molly invited many of her friends, and Bobby a fair number of Companions he knew. There was no real family to speak of since Molly was an only child and her parents had passed many years before.

\tAs the congregation settled and the organ came to life, Bobby took his place at the altar with Karson standing at his side. Bobby?s tail instinctively tucked slightly between his legs as he waited for the ceremony to start. Karson put a reassuring hand on the groom?s shoulder.

\t``Buck up mate, you will do just fine.''

\tBobby nodded and smiled. He blew out a sigh to try and relax.

\tA moment later all in attendance rose and turned to the entryway. Rachel appeared in the doorway and Karson?s breath was briefly taken away when he saw her wearing a beautiful sea foam green dress. The sleeves ran down her arms with white lace, and the front was cut in a gentle curving V that swept up to her shoulders.

\tThe rest of the dress seemed to flow down her body and was form fitting, but regal. She held a bouquet of lilies at her waist and proceeded up the aisle at a measured pace. When she reached the altar, she curtsied in front of Bobby and discreetly winked at Karson before taking her place opposite the Companions.

\tThere were quite a number of hushed gasps and exclamations when the wedding march started and Molly appeared.

\tKarson heard Bobby mutter.

\t``What a sight!''

\tHe had to agree with his friend; Molly looked positively radiant. Karson quickly glanced over at Rachel and saw her smile back at him with just as much brilliance.

\tMolly walked up the aisle slowly, and nodded at many of the faces that gazed upon her with love and friendship. Her gown was similar in design to Rachel?s but with much more flourish. The white satin of her dress shimmered in the light when she moved, and there was more lace and a number of bows adorning the sides of the gown. The train trailed a pace behind her, and the veil could not hide the happiness in her smile or the love gleaming in her eyes.

\tOnce Bobby saw Molly walking up to the altar, his tail gained a life of its own and wagged furiously, much to the amusement of a number of guests. Molly giggled softly at him, and he shrugged with his charming smile. He lifted her veil and the minister proceeded with the rights.

\tBobby took the ring from Karson when he produced it, and slipped it onto Molly?s finger after repeating the vows. Rachel sniffed and shed tears of happiness for her friend.

\tLikewise, Rachel produced a ring for Molly when the time came, much to the surprise of Bobby. He stared in open-mouthed shock when Molly grasped his hand and slid the ring on his finger. The minister declared the union complete and gave permission for the couple to kiss. Molly threw her arms around the Beagle and kissed him firmly. The congregation erupted in cheering and clapping as the wedded couple trotted down the aisle.

\tKarson thrust out his arm for Rachel formally.

\t``Milady?''

\tShe took his arm graciously, but not before planting a kiss on his cheek. The two followed the happy couple outside where a rain of rice pelted them.

\tEveryone in attendance had a good time at the reception. Karson and Rachel greeted many happy friends and enjoyed the antics of the new husband and wife. When it came time to cut the cake, Bobby was modest and fed Molly a piece she could easily handle. Molly on the other hand was not as gracious, and crammed a full slice into Bobby?s muzzle. He took it in stride and licked his face after she smeared icing all over his nose, much to the amusement of the party.

\tThen came the chance for the new couple to have the first dance, and they paraded around for a minute before everyone else joined them on the floor. Karson took his turn with Molly and she hugged him close. Just before they parted Molly spoke in his ear.

\t``Thank you so much Karson for being there for Bobby, I really appreciate it.''

\tHe kissed her on the cheek.

\t``It is my pleasure, Molly.''

\tThen she was whisked away by the next dancer. He took the opportunity to stand back and watch the crowd mingle.

\tRachel sauntered up to him and held out a glass.

\t``Almost time for the toast. You know, as best man you are supposed to give the first one.''

\tKarson took the glass and nodded. He sniffed the contents.

\t``What is this? It does not smell like champagne?''

\tShe grinned at him.

\t``It?s Beagle Brew remember? Bobby said he would have a batch ready for the wedding and here it is. It?s good too!''

\tKarson took a taste and agreed that it was very nice.

\tWhen the song ended Karson turned.

\t``I guess that is my cue. I will be right back.''

\tHe kissed Rachel and made his way through the crowd to the small stage that had a microphone set up.

\t``May I have your attention please? It is now time to toast the happy couple. Everyone, please take a glass. This evening marks such a special occasion; it is one for the history books.''

\tKarson held up his glass to Bobby and Molly.

\t``This evening will forever be remembered, as the night of new experiences and something that has never occurred before. Let us give a cheer and raise a glass to commemorate the first public appearance of Bobby?s Beagle Brew!''

\tThe crowd clapped out of reflex, but the applause quickly died away as everyone looked around confused. Karson let the confusion spread for just a moment longer.

\t``Oh yes, and it is also Bobby and Molly?s wedding!''

\tBobby?s laughing guffaw could be heard over the entire party and Karson held up his glass to his friend.

\t``Sorry, I could not resist a small joke. When you hang around with a Companion like Bobby, you cannot help but make the best of every day you are given.''

\tThe crowd quieted down as Karson turned serious for a moment.

\t``Molly and Bobby mean a great deal to me. They have been the greatest friends a Companion could ever have and I feel blessed to know them. The way they care for each other and show compassion to everyone they meet is rare in this world.

\t``To Molly- may your kindness be returned to you tenfold and your love never ending. To Bobby- may you never run out of stories or a joke to always cheer your friends, and in return may you always be cheered. My friends, I love you both and wish you nothing but the best in life! Cheers!''

\tThe crowd drank from their glasses and applauded Karson?s toast. As soon as he left the stage, other guests made their way up to give individual toasts to the couple. Karson returned to Rachel and could see that her eyes watered.

\t``That was a lovely toast, Karson.''

\tBefore he could respond, Bobby appeared and slapped him on the back.

\t``Nearly choked me up there, mate. Those were fine words and I thank you for them.''

\t``You are welcome my friend.''

\t``Take a gander at this ring, eh? I was completely floored when Molly pulled it out to put it on my finger. That sly girl, she told me that she was not going to get me a ring. I should have known that she had something up her sleeve.''

\tBobby held out his left hand for Rachel and Karson to see. His ring was a flat band of intertwined silver and onyx-inlaid platinum, creating a black and white kind of look to the ring. It stood out against the white fur of his hand.

\t``That?s lovely, Bobby,'' Rachel said.

\t``Yes, quite nice,'' Karson commented.

\tBobby looked over at Molly who chatted with another couple. He sighed happily and turned back to Karson and Rachel.

\t``If I loved that girl any more I?d have to marry her twice!''

\tRachel giggled and kissed him on the cheek.

\t``Congratulations, Bobby. I?m going to talk to Molly, you boys behave!''

\tThe guys watched as the girls talked across the room. The women laughed and covered their mouths as they conversed, but it was plain by the looks they were giving that Bobby and Karson were the topic of conversation. Bobby laughed and put his arm around his best friend.

\t``Gotta love those girls! The world would definitely be a boring place without them, eh?''

\t``Indeed. So, how is the Brew doing? I almost forgot that you were bringing it along to the party.''

\tBobby brightened even further at the mention of his Brew.

\t``Oh, you would not believe how popular it is! I?ve already had many people ask me where they can get it, and not just Companions either. I got a business card from another bar owner asking if he can sell my beer. Can you imagine? Selling my brew! I tell ya, things are looking up!''

\tKarson patted his friend on the back, genuinely happy for his success.

\t``That is great news! I am really happy for you. And you know...for getting married as well.''

\tKarson winced as Bobby laughed so loud and hard he nearly fell over.

\tWhen he had regained his breath, Bobby grabbed a glass of his brew and sat down.

\t``Oh goodness Karson, you should consider being a comic! You kill me with that wit of yours.''

\tThe two Companions joked and laughed and talked about a number of things before the girls joined them.

Molly came up between the guys and laid an arm across each of their shoulders. She leaned over to Karson first.

\t``That was the best toast I?ve ever heard, Karson. It really meant a lot to me, thank you.''

\tKarson ducked his head in embarrassment, but accepted the compliment.

\tMolly leaned over to Bobby.

\t``So how much longer do I need to wear this ridiculous dress? I?d kill to have a pair of jeans and sneakers right now.''

\tRachel laughed at her friend?s comment.

\t``Better live it up while you can, never know if you?ll wear that dress again. When are you two going on honeymoon?''

\tMolly blew on Bobby?s ear as she replied.

\t``Well, we?re not going to take a real honeymoon just yet. Bobby has several potential leads to get his new brew out and about, and it?s best to take advantage of the situation. We?ll take an extended leave when we see how things will turn out. Until then we?re just going to have a three day weekend at the Windsor Hotel downtown.''

\tBobby blushed and shifted in his seat when Molly commented casually.

\t``I don?t think we?ll be leaving the room much or getting very much sleep though.''

\tBobby cleared his throat.

\t``Come on love, I don?t think these two want that much information.''

\tMolly laughed and sat in her husband?s lap.

\tShe turned to Rachel.

\t``I don?t know what he?s talking about, but I plan on soaking in that Jacuzzi every chance I get and ordering the massage treatment. I hear room service is the best there.''

\tRachel and Karson could clearly hear Bobby mutter to his wife.

\t``I thought you were talking about shagging all weekend? Are you really going to sit in that hot tub the whole time?''

\tThis caused Karson to unsuccessfully stifle his laughter, and in a few seconds all four of them laughed uncontrollably.

\tThe party eventually wound down and the wedded couple said goodbye to everyone who departed. Rachel and Karson were the only ones left when the catering staff began clearing and cleaning. They stayed until Molly insisted they head home.

\tBobby pushed Karson toward the door.

\t``Go on you silly boy, we?ve kept you away from your girl long enough. You two go have a nice evening. As soon as we?re done here, it?s off to the hotel and shagg-''

\tMolly jabbed Bobby in the ribs and he quickly recovered.

\t``...Uh, relaxing for the rest of the weekend.''

\tRachel bade the couple goodbye and pulled Karson after her as he said his farewells. When the two arrived at Rachel?s car, she briefly pushed Karson to one side and pressed against him.

\t``You look so sexy in that suit Kar. I think you might need to keep it.''

\tHe smiled and ran his hands down her sides.

\t``I could say the same for that dress. It looks magnificent on you.''

\tRachel laughed and kissed his nose.

\t``That?s too bad, because I don?t plan to be wearing it for much longer.''

\tKarson grinned at her.

\t``Can you at least wait until we get home?''

\tShe sighed in mock exasperation.

\t``I guess if I have to. But promise me you?ll give me a massage when we get home?''

\t``Consider it done, milady.''

\t``That?s what I like to hear, Romeo!''

\tThe two kissed briefly before getting in the car. As the sun set, Rachel and Karson recounted their favorite moments from the wedding. Each of them secretly hoped that one day they too would experience such a wondrous experience.

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