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Content warning: discriminatory language, anti LGBT theme.", "description_bbcode_parsed": "A Panther kitten writing about his life and how things were made murky and clear for him. Content warning: discriminatory language, anti LGBT theme.", "writing": "Hey everyone, thank you for taking the time to read about my not-so-straightforward life. Let me start by giving you some details. My name is Timothy, but please don't call me that. I prefer Tim.\n\nI always thought I knew what to expect, but it feels good to be proven wrong!\n\nI thought I would be a copy of my dad, go to school, graduate, get a job, meet a girl and blah blah blah.\n\nYeah... nothing like that happened, but I'm getting ahead of myself, so I'll start at the beginning.\n\n***\n\n\n\nThe date is August 23rd 2378, and I had just turned nine the day before, and once again, I was sitting on the porch shivering my tail off! Despite it being summer, it was rarely warm (thankyou humans, for dying out AFTER you nearly killed the planet)\n\nNobody was home, and my parents didn't think it was wise for me to have my own key.\n\nMy parents weren't neglectful but had a varied approach to parenting. That often left my big brother Axel in charge of things during their absence.\n\n\n\n\"Hey, Tiny Tim, are you feeling cold?\" my brother's voice came from the end of the street.\n\nTurning to face him, watching him approaching our house with his best friend, Red, walking beside him.\n\n\"Yes, I'm cold, you stupid cat!\" I hissed at him, knowing he hated being called that, ignoring the fact we're both panthers. \"You know my fur is shorter than yours.\"\n\n\n\nAs Axel stepped onto the porch, I saw him wearing a black silk shirt, apple green tie, and white baggy jeans. His frame was sleek and slender- yet toned and looked after. His fur was glossy black and crisp, walking with an air of confidence I'd never have.\n\n\"Well then, kitten, let's get you inside. The folks are away until Friday,\" he said, almost purring as his tail swished behind him, unlocking the door.\n\n\"Red's bringing his music collection later, \" he said matter-of-fact as we walked inside. Red always stayed over when Mom and Dad were away.\n\n\n\nDropping my bag on the floor and heading straight for my bedroom, I was halfway there before I got stopped by a hug from Axel.\n\n\"Hold on, mister, just because Mom and Dad are gone doesn't mean you can disregard the rules.\" (Parent mode activated.)\n\n\"Pick up your bag and go do your speech exercises. Mr Argent says you're still slurring your r's, now please.\" Axel said before playfully swotting at my rump.\n\n\n\nRed leant on the wall, chuckling silently, and pointed at my bag. He could be annoying for a mute Husky who only wore Hawaiian shirts and shorts.\n\n\"Laugh it up, dog breath. At least I can ta-OW!\" Axel let me know I had gone too far with a firm slap to the back of my head. I gave Axel a feeble hiss before heading to my room- not doing my exercises.\n\nAnimals had evolved into the dominant species, but the system still had kinks. Not everyone developed speech; some still had feral hunting instincts.\n\n\n\nI went to my music player and put on something from the human archives, a band called Green Day.\n\nCatching my reflection in the corner of my eye, I went to my mirror and started looking at myself.\n\nFrowning at what I saw, my fur, no matter how much conditioner I used. It wasn't as glossy as Axel's it was short and coarse. My cheeks were still chubby- I hated it when old folks pinched 'em. Taking my shirt off to look at my body and growling enviously, I wasn't anywhere near as sleek as Axel; heck, I might even have love handles! None of my clothes complimented my looks as Axel's did him; I felt like a stereotypical pudgy kitty...\n\nI don't know how long I looked in the mirror, but when I spotted Axel, I snatched up my shirt and covered up.\n\n\"Ever heard of knocking? I could've been naked!' I said, frowning at him.\n\n\n\n\"I've seen you naked before; remember who it was who helped you bathe when you broke your arm?\" Axel said with a gentle smile, entering my room without invitation.\n\n\n\n\"Axel, do you think I'll look like you when I'm thirteen?\" I asked, feeling embarrassed.\n\n\n\nAxel looked at me, considering the question before asking his own.\n\n\"Since when did you care about your looks? I remember a certain kitty saying he didn't care if he was a mud monster once.\"\n\n\n\nI tutted and rolled my eyes. I hated being dismissed like that.\n\n\"Come on, Axel. I'm not a little cub anymore. Besides, how's a mud monster going to get a girlfriend?\" I countered.\n\n\n\n\"Is this why you've been such a pain in the ass lately? You going through the change?\" He snickered while sitting down on my bed.\n\n\n\n\"Eww, no! I'm tired of being seen only as your little cub brother.\" I said, knowing what he meant, thanks to health class.\n\n\"Seriously, do you think I'll be good-looking like you?\"\n\n\n\n\"Well, I'm sad to say that's how people see you. It sucks, I know, but there's nothing either of us can do.\" Axel said, pulling me in for a hug, and slipped my shirt on.\n\n\"As for looking like me? Never, but you'll look better than me without even trying, and you'll break many hearts along the way.\" He said, smiling. I could hear how sincerely he spoke, but I couldn't believe it.\n\n\n\nSighing, I nodded, knowing he was right; there was, however, one more question I wanted to ask and I had to be careful about how I did.\n\n\"Axel, how come you don't have a girlfriend? I hear folks calling you a Nancy boy. Is it true?\" I made sure to keep my tone curious rather than accusing.\n\n\n\n\"My goodness, you're a curious kitten today,\" Axel said, sounding slightly cautious. \"Well, despite what people in town are saying about me. None of the girls in town interest me, plus I'm too busy making sure the folks remember to pay the mortgage and bills and looking after you.\" He smiled and stood up, about to leave, before I stopped him with a hug.\n\n\n\n\"Well, even if you were a Nancy boy, you're still my big brother, and I love you all the same!\" I said before leaving, assuming dinner was ready. I didn't know that my words would be tested that very night.\n\n\n\nAfter two servings of pasta and meatballs, Axel tried to convince me to do my speech exercises while grabbing a Coke from the fridge.\n\n\"Ugh, I don't need to do them; my lisp is hardly noticeable anymore,\" I argued, clearing the table.\n\n\n\n\"Yes, and with that being said, you should continue them until it's gone completely, don't you agree?\" Axel countered with (stupid logic is always getting in the way of my free time, and I had games to play!)\n\nThankfully, Red returned, carrying a box of tapes and handing me one of Metalica's Master of Puppets albums.\n\n\"I asked Red to bring that Metallica album you like. We'll talk about it again tomorrow, but for now, go do your homework and be in bed by ten.\"\n\n\n\nI thanked Red and returned to my room- immediately putting on the tape and enjoying what I call good music!\n\nSitting at my desk and getting the books out of my bag, I did about four equations after my book report. Before passing out!\n\nI'm not sure what time it was, but it must've been late because it was dark outside, and I was tucked into bed with my 'Rex' plush cuddled in my arms.\n\nGetting out of bed, my throat felt dryer than Mom's meatloaf. Sneaking out of my room and heading down the hall to the kitchen for a drink, who doesn't enjoy soda in the middle of the night?\n\nHaving successfully gotten a Coke bottle from the fridge without detection, I was about to return when I heard some moaning from the sitting room. Was Axel sick? Wanting to ensure he was okay and didn't need to go to the hospital, I opened the swing door.\n\n\"Hey Axel, are you okay?\" I asked before my eyes went wide. The soda bottle slipped from my paw and shattered on the floor.\n\n\n\nAxel was on Dad's chair completely naked with Red's face between his legs! Axel's eyes met with mine and were just as wide; Red was frozen to the spot with my brother's wang still in his mouth!\n\nI said nothing and went back into the kitchen to get the dustpan and brush.\n\n\n\n\"Tim, please, we need to talk about what you just saw,\" Axel said, following behind me. It was clear he was panicking and afraid.\n\n\n\n\"...I need to clean up the glass before you two cut your feet,\" I said, still processing what I had seen. I stayed silent as I swept up the glass and wiped the soda before it got sticky.\n\n\n\n\"Tim, please...this is important.\" Axel pleaded.\n\n\n\n\"Do you like him a lot?\" I asked, mulling things in my head.\n\n\n\n\"Yes, I do. He likes me a lot, too, \" he replied. It was strange to see Axel so ungrounded; he was always calm and collected.\n\n\n\n\"Then that's all I need to know,\" I said, smiling at him; I had never seen him look so relieved in my life...well, except that he was constipated for two weeks.\n\nI mewled when I was suddenly hugged tightly by Axel.\n\n\"Eww! You're naked, and your thing is out!\" I protested.\n\nAxel just laughed and hugged me tighter.\n\n\n\nAfter a moment more, I got another bottle of soda and commented, turning into rednecks. I said goodnight to Axel and Red before going back to bed.\n\n\n\nThe following morning led to a slightly awkward breakfast and, shortly after, the first of many fights with neighbourhood cubs, who dared to call my brother a fag!\n\nOver time I had gotten a reputation at school and in the neighbourhood as the local 'fag lover'. Mom and Dad were disappointed in me, but I didn't care; Axel had never been more proud of me for defending him and Red. If the situation were reversed, he would do the same for me!\n\n***\n\n\n\nFour years had passed since that fateful night, October 15th 2382. I'm now thirteen.\n\nSitting at my desk with a bloody tissue up my left nostril, wincing as I'm checking on a loose tooth and praying I can either nudge it out myself or it means another tanned hide from Dad's belt for having to go to the dentist for a third time in five weeks...\n\nMy ears flattened against my head when I heard another chorus of shouting. I had done it this time—I had gotten expelled from school for fighting again. Dad was yelling at me the whole drive home, and the words 'Military school will beat some discipline in me' were shouted more than once.\n\n\n\nMy door creaked open as Axel walked into my room, looking drained. With four more years under his belt, and even looking as he did, Axel was on a higher level that I didn't even think existed. His figure was that of a trained athlete. He was so defined and flawless that it made me laugh internally; even trying to imitate him would be impossible. How could a seventeen-year-old be so much more than me? There's only four years between us.\n\n\"I told Dad if he sent you away, I'd report him for child neglect- all the neighbours would collaborate on how many times I've had to look after you in their stead.\" He said, sounding beaten and sitting on the bed before sighing.\n\n\"Tim, the fights need to stop now. You're gonna be eighteen sooner than you realise and get into serious trouble.\"\n\n\n\nLooking at the floor, I felt too ashamed to meet his eyes, my ears pinned to my head.\n\n\"I'm sorry, but I don't mean to be a problem. I get so angry anytime someone says something about you; they don't know how much you do for me. Just cause you're a bit...on the limp-wrist side of things doesn't mean you're not a great guy.\" I said before hearing the old springs of my mattress relaxing. Axel's paw under my chin made us look at each other.\n\n\n\n\"There's more bad news, I'm afraid. Mom and Dad aren't as stupid as we think; they're kicking me out in an attempt to keep you from my dirty influences—or at least that's what Dad said.\" Axel informed me. I felt my world shatter from the news. My heart rate doubled, and I felt like I couldn't breathe.\n\n\n\n\"Take me with you,\" I said at once. \"I don't stand a chance without you.\"\n\n\"Heh, loyal till the end; you certainly know how to warm a fella's heart, kitten,\" Axel replied, smiling and ruffling my fur.\n\n\"I can't take you with me...yet, and you don't have to worry about me. I've already got a well-paying job and a place to go.\"\n\nAxel then explained how he had been scouted by a modelling agency (of course he did!). They provided accommodation and paid the bills in exchange for a cut of his pay. He would have to share with someone else but had somewhere to go either way.\n\n\n\nWatching him leave my room left me feeling hollow; I knew it was my fault he was being kicked out; how Sam and Molly found out about him, I couldn't even consider calling them parents anymore at that point.\n\nTwenty minutes later, I was standing at the front door hugging Axel goodbye before he left, carrying a duffle bag of clothes and getting into a taxi.\n\n\n\nSam shut the door with a stern expression. Service in the army had turned him into a large-bodied feline with a strict idea of what should be expected of families, and anything that threatened or challenged his ideals of that image had to go.\n\n\"Hmph! Good riddance, I won't have that kind of filth in my home, as for you Timo-AERGHH!!\" I growled menacingly and started my swing the second Sam spoke, It was just perfect. He would look at me when my fist made contact!\n\n\n\n\"Shut your fucking mouth Sam! I don't care what you say, nor will I ever again! From now on, you don't fucking exist...EITHER OF YOU!!\" I said, directing the last part towards Molly, my mother. She had stood there silently and let Sam dictate how her eldest son was thrown out! I stormed back to my room and slammed the door shut without being dismissed. What little respect I had for them as my parents was gone.\n\n\n\nAlmost an entire month had passed since Axel left, and things at home were getting dangerous. I wasn't speaking to Sam or Molly or even listening to them; I refused to eat with them and would make a point of trashing anything Molly cooked for me, only to cook something I had bought myself. But that wasn't something I could keep doing as my savings were getting dangerously low.\n\nI received a package sometime in November. I was baffled as to what it was because I hadn't ordered anything from the shopping network.\n\nMy face lit up when I saw what was inside. It was an ATM card in my name with a balance printout. My eyes widened when I saw this new account contained two thousand fangs.\n\nThere was a weekly withdrawal limit of fifty fangs.\n\nThere was a note saying five hundred fangs would be deposited every month. Axel may have started sending me money to blow on games and junk, but I couldn't help but grin like the Cheshire cat when an idea came to mind.\n\n\n\nLater that day, while Sam was reading the evening paper and smoking his pipe, he looked at me as I approached, looking back at him expressionless.\n\n\"I was wondering when you'd come begging for so-\" Again, I cut him off. Instead of punching him, I threw my full weekly limit at him and walked away.\n\n***\n\nI spent six weeks implementing my plan. I used my new source of finance to start court proceedings—Sam and Molly would soon find out how much I wanted nothing to do with them.\n\nI made sure my room was perfectly neat and tidy. I even started running both morning and evening to keep my head on straight. After a week, it was actually kind of fun!\n\nI bought all my own clothes and food and did my own laundry (why someone would design a button you PULL is beyond me)\n\nDespite my grievance with the washing machine, I started feeling better about myself more and more each day. I was getting fit and healthy with my running, heck, I was even doing sit-ups at the weekends. It was hard to maintain but worth it. I was almost independent.\n\nDecember 17th would decide how independent I could be however.\n\n***\n\nIt was time for the make-or-break point of my plan; all my effort and scheming would either pay off or have been for nothing. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest as I walked up the stone steps of the Forrestdale courthouse, taking a few calming breaths when I reached the top. Under my arm was a folder of testimonies collected from my neighbours, and even a couple of my old teachers were happy to provide evidence.\n\nI ensured my suit was still nice and neat before walking inside and heading toward the family court.\n\n\n\nWalking down the hall until I came to the chambers of Judge Grates, knocking on the door and walking inside when I heard an invitation.\n\n\"Good morning, Your Honour; I did as the court asked and gathered evidence for my argument for emancipation.\" \n\n\n\nA handsome middle-aged stag sat behind his desk in front of me, raising his left brow, seeming intrigued by what evidence I could possibly have gathered.\n\n\"Very good of you, Master Beal; as promised last month, the court shall hear your motion and give you a decision based on your provided evidence.\"\n\nI nodded and smiled, shutting the door behind me...\n\n***\n\nNinety minutes later, I walked out of the courthouse feeling like a new person. I had managed to convince the Judge that I would be responsible enough to manage my life without Sam and Molly's support. I was granted my emancipation!\n\nSam and Molly no longer had any legal authority over me, but they couldn't stop me from leaving and going to live with Axel when he was able to get me.\n\nI celebrated my victory with a bacon cheeseburger at a nearby diner. Halfway through, I felt something was off as if someone had their eyes on me. Looking around the restaurant, I saw an Otter boy at the counter slurping up a chocolate milkshake—no, it wasn't him. The only other customers were an elderly wolf enjoying her tea and cake and, lastly, a stocky-looking construction worker. The bear was looking at me and smiling like he knew something I didn't.\n\nI started to feel uneasy, so I stood up, left a generous tip on the table, and began to leave. As I walked past the bear, the look he gave me sent a chill down my spine. He sort of smirked and licked his lips! His eyes looked me up like a piece of meat and followed me until I left.\n\n\n\nI went home immediately after that look the bear gave me; it unnerved me so much. It wasn't until I was in my bedroom and slumped on the floor that I remembered where I had seen something similar. All the girls in school used to drool and hunger after Axel; they almost went into heat as soon as he was on campus.\n\nBut people lusting after Axel was an everyday occurrence; why would anyone, let alone another guy, even think of looking at me like that?\n\n\n\nI tried putting that bear out of my head, but I just couldn't. Anytime I had a spare moment to think, my thoughts immediately went to him.\n\nI felt utterly stupid when I returned to the diner to see if he would be there again—feeling relieved and disappointed when he didn't for almost a week.\n\nI finished my pepper jack salad and left, waving to Audry, the kind vixen waitress. Then I saw him across the street. He had been talking to someone, but his eyes locked onto me, and that chilling smirk stretched across his maw.\n\n\n\nHe took a pack of cigarettes from his jeans pocket and motioned for me to follow as he began to walk down the street and dipped into an alleyway.\n\nMaker, punch me now! Why was I following behind him? The alley was a dark dead end and, as expected, not in a very good state.\n\nDown at the very end, partially illuminated by his cigarette and leaning on the wall and taking a deep draw before blowing out a plume of smoke.\n\n\n\nMy heart raced in my chest as I approached him; even in the dark, dank alley, I knew he was giving me that same look. A huge cloud of smoke was blown into my face before the bud of the lit cigarette was flicked past me. I felt myself being dragged through the cloud and pressed against the wall, and the bear's lips pressed roughly against my own! My eyes wide with panic and shock.\n\n\"Mmph-mNNmMMPH!\"\n\n***\n\nI lay in my bed in the early hours of Christmas Eve morning and could still taste it. The nicotine and acrid smoke when he had started probing my mouth with his tongue, I could still feel his teeth on my neck, making me wince when he bit down hard; I lay there wondering why I let him, why I was able to still felt his grip on my wrists? Why didn't I push him off or leave when he unzipped his jeans?\n\nWhat haunted me the most was how I could still feel how big and heavy his balls felt, how I didn't even hesitate to stroke his red organ. He pulsed and throbbed in my paw when his load filled it...am...am I like Axel? A limp wrist, a poof, a fag and every other name I would brake someone's nose if they dared call my brother any of those vile things.\n\n\n\nChristmas certainly proved to be eventful this year, even without that bear wishing he had time to go the whole way (I didn't need to assume what he meant by that.)\n\nAxel surprised us at dinner when he boldly walked into the house dressed like Santa!\n\nMy cheeks lifted and ached from smiling so much!\n\n\n\n\"Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas!\" Axel greeted everyone. While he was hugging Molly, my eyes were locked on Sam. The look of contempt and disgust made my lip curl, but I knew him well enough not to start a fight at Christmas.\n\n\n\n\"My goodness, Tiny Tim, you're not so tiny anymore!\" Axel said, looking at me, completely surprised. Had I changed so much since October?\n\n\"What are you wearing? I mean, when did you develop actual wardrobe coordination?\" he teased, smiling at me.\n\n\n\n\"Says the cat in the big red hat?\" I sniped back, chuckling, and hugged him tightly. \"Maker knows I missed you!\"\n\n\"As for my clothes...\" I said, smiling, and looked down. I was wearing a tight white T-shirt that was cut at the midriff, showing off the benefits of my exercise. I was sleek, slender, and flexible, looking as a proud feline should be. (In hindsight, at the time, I didn't see that at all until I was made to, and thankfully so.)\n\nI was also wearing army green cargo pants that gripped my hips but were loose enough to slide right down when needed. (Again, in hindsight, at the time, I hadn't realised how I had changed in various ways; in all honesty, I was thinking about what felt comfortable when I bought them.)\n\n\n\nAxel was quiet momentarily, and his eyes held a familiar glint like he had been right about something the entire time. It was an almost 'I told you so' look.\n\n\"It's Good to know you're not blowing all the money I send you on ramen cups and Mighty Roar comics, \" he said, hugging me again.\n\n\n\n\"Money? What money is this?\" Sam asked, not knowing where the rent money I had been paying him came from.\n\n\n\n\"I don't even buy ramen cups anymore; I can't go running when I eat'em. They make me feel bloated too much.\" I said, smirking before turning to Sam and answering him.\n\n\"The rent I pay you every two weeks. Axel gave me two thousand Fangs in November, and he put in another five hundred last week.\"\n\nI couldn't hide it anymore, not with Axel here. It was too good of an opportunity. I reached into my pocket and fished out my wallet, taking out my insurance card that arrived yesterday.\n\n\n\n\"Wait... How'd you get an insurance card? You can't apply for one until you're twenty-one,\" Axel said, sounding baffled. He had to get his agency to supply his insurance.\n\n\n\n\"Or unless you're emancipated and legally recognised as an adult by state law,\" I said, grinning like the Cheshire cat.\n\nMy tail sashayed excitedly behind me; I had been itching to tell Axel since the Judge granted my motion!\n\nSeeing his jaw hanging open, dumbfounded by what I had achieved, made my chest swell with pride. I had successfully removed Sam and Molly as obstacles to leaving home and legally moving in with Axel. Sam and Molly couldn't do anything to stop it, either.\n\n\n\n\"Hold on, how on earth did you manage to get emancipated? There must be some criteria to meet for it?\" Sam said, demanding answers from me. He looked both insulted and angry (not a good combination.)\n\n\n\n\"Yeah, there are criteria, and I met them all. I needed to prove a firm sense of independence and responsibility. I mean, didn't you wonder why I started paying rent and doing everything for myself?\" I asked.\n\n\"I also had to prove a lack of parental interest or responsible guardianship. I asked all our neighbours to write written and signed statements about all the times Axel was forced into raising me because you two were more interested in touring the country rallying at churches.\"\n\n\n\nAxel looked at me and finally realised how the dynamics had changed.\n\n\"You crafty kitten, Tim, that's the biggest bird flip I've ever seen! I was stumped and didn't know how to get around the custody issue, so I didn't come to get you. But you all by yourself managed to do it for me in the best possible way!\" Axel said, still recovering from the ingenuity of how I had been spending my time.\n\n\"Then I guess all that's left is for you to decide. Do you wanna come live with me?\"\n\n\n\n\"Well, duh! I didn't go through an entire legal process just to say thanks but no thanks, did I?\" I said, laughing a little.\n\n\n\n\"So that's your choice then is it? You'd rather be with some filthy faggot who's probably already got some plan to pimp you out to his diseased perverts!\" Sam said, growling. He walked to a drinks trolley and poured himself a large scotch.\n\n\"Fine, then go, not like I can stop you, right? But don't come crawling back after you've been forced onto your knees and raise your tail.\"\n\n\n\n\"Timothy, please, sweetie...you're my little kitten, won't you see some sense? Your father and I want what's best for you. It's not real love, that sort of filth...I heard all the sailors bragging about how they don't need to worry about 'scratching itches' at sea. You need real love, Tim, not filth.\" Molly said, half crying and wiping her eyes.\n\n\"The Maker wouldn't have made man AND woman if love could exist between men.\"\n\nShe was about to try to convince me to stay, but Sam stuck his paw out, cutting her off.\n\n\n\n\"He's made his choice. He's responsible for himself now. He should learn that selfish choices have consequences; he'll reap what he sows.\" \n\n\n\nI knew immediately that they were trying to bait me, to get me to get angry and start punching and screaming, but it didn't work. Their words were hollow and had no impact on me. The only thing I did was walk away to pack my stuff.\n\nI'd won, and they didn't like how I beat them fairly, legally, and almost entirely by myself.\n\nFifteen minutes later, I came back carrying two bags of clothes. Axel was standing by the front door.\n\n\"I called Carl while you were packing. He's coming to pick us up—he should be here soon.\"\n\n\"Just a warning: Carl likes invading personal space; he's a big hugger.\"\n\n\"Why do I feel you're not telling me everything?\" I asked, suspicious of his smirk.\n\n\"What? I'm entitled to a laugh or two at your expense; I AM the older sibling, after all.\" He replied before his ears perked up, hearing a car's horn honk.\n\n\"Well there he is, let's say goodbye.\" He said before seeing my face.\n\n\"Trust me, kitten, I know how you feel, but never the less, they're still our parents, and the very least we can do is give them a proper farewell.\"\n\nI hated it when he used sound arguments. I couldn't get around...\n\nWe went back into the living room and said our goodbyes (not that it changed anything)\n\nSam didn't even look at us or acknowledge our presence; he just continued to drink.\n\nMolly was crying and sniffling, but it really was goodbye when she took my picture of the mantle and put it face down.\n\nThe car horn honked again while a deep, gruff voice shouted.\n\n\"Kittens one and two, hurry up your tails. I'm freezing out here!\"\n\nAxel and I growled in unison; our eyes met before we laughed and left the house. Sitting on the hood of some Mustang (I assumed I don't know cars beyond four wheels and they go vroom)\n\nWas a huge buff crocodile wearing a tank top and jeans.\n\n(I made an instant mental note to not make this guy mad!)\n\nThe guy was about the size of a house and looked like he bench presses trains! His green scales may as well be titanium plate mail.\n\n\"So you're the famous Tim. It's nice to meet you. I'm Carl.\" Said the crocodile, introducing himself when we got in the car.\n\nOnce we were strapped in, Carl didn't waste any time and sped off towards my new home.\n\n***\n\nThis, readers, is where my life really started to begin, not at birth or with my parents. But when I was given a chance to grow into my own person. But who I turned out to be...Well, you're going to have to keep reading if you want to find out~\n\n***", "writing_bbcode_parsed": "Hey everyone, thank you for taking the time to read about my not-so-straightforward life. Let me start by giving you some details. My name is Timothy, but please don't call me that. I prefer Tim.

I always thought I knew what to expect, but it feels good to be proven wrong!

I thought I would be a copy of my dad, go to school, graduate, get a job, meet a girl and blah blah blah.

Yeah... nothing like that happened, but I'm getting ahead of myself, so I'll start at the beginning.

***



The date is August 23rd 2378, and  I had just turned nine the day before, and once again, I was sitting on the porch shivering my tail off! Despite it being summer, it was rarely warm (thankyou humans, for dying out AFTER you nearly killed the planet)

Nobody was home, and my parents didn't think it was wise for me to have my own key.

My parents weren't neglectful but had a varied approach to parenting. That often left my big brother Axel in charge of things during their absence.



"Hey, Tiny Tim, are you feeling cold?" my brother's voice came from the end of the street.

Turning to face him, watching him approaching our house with his best friend, Red, walking beside him.

"Yes, I'm cold, you stupid cat!" I hissed at him, knowing he hated being called that, ignoring the fact we're both panthers. "You know my fur is shorter than yours."



As Axel stepped onto the porch, I saw him wearing a black silk shirt, apple green tie, and white baggy jeans. His frame was sleek and slender- yet toned and looked after. His fur was glossy black and crisp, walking with an air of confidence I'd never have.

"Well then, kitten, let's get you inside. The folks are away until Friday," he said, almost purring as his tail swished behind him, unlocking the door.

"Red's bringing his music collection later, " he said matter-of-fact as we walked inside. Red always stayed over when Mom and Dad were away.



Dropping my bag on the floor and heading straight for my bedroom, I was halfway there before I got stopped by a hug from Axel.

"Hold on, mister, just because Mom and Dad are gone doesn't mean you can disregard the rules." (Parent mode activated.)

"Pick up your bag and go do your speech exercises. Mr Argent says you're still slurring your r's, now please." Axel said before playfully swotting at my rump.



Red leant on the wall, chuckling silently, and pointed at my bag. He could be annoying for a mute Husky who only wore Hawaiian shirts and shorts.

"Laugh it up, dog breath. At least I can ta-OW!" Axel let me know I had gone too far with a firm slap to the back of my head. I gave Axel a feeble hiss before heading to my room- not doing my exercises.

Animals had evolved into the dominant species, but the system still had kinks. Not everyone developed speech; some still had feral hunting instincts.



I went to my music player and put on something from the human archives, a band called Green Day.

Catching my reflection in the corner of my eye, I went to my mirror and started looking at myself.

Frowning at what I saw, my fur, no matter how much conditioner I used. It wasn't as glossy as Axel's it was short and coarse. My cheeks were still chubby- I hated it when old folks pinched 'em. Taking my shirt off to look at my body and growling enviously, I wasn't anywhere near as sleek as Axel; heck, I might even have love handles! None of my clothes complimented my looks as Axel's did him; I felt like a stereotypical pudgy kitty...

I don't know how long I looked in the mirror, but when I spotted Axel, I snatched up my shirt and covered up.

"Ever heard of knocking? I could've been naked!' I said, frowning at him.



"I've seen you naked before; remember who it was who helped you bathe when you broke your arm?" Axel said with a gentle smile, entering my room without invitation.



"Axel, do you think I'll look like you when I'm thirteen?" I asked, feeling embarrassed.



Axel looked at me, considering the question before asking his own.

"Since when did you care about your looks? I remember a certain kitty saying he didn't care if he was a mud monster once."



I tutted and rolled my eyes. I hated being dismissed like that.

"Come on, Axel. I'm not a little cub anymore. Besides, how's a mud monster going to get a girlfriend?" I countered.



"Is this why you've been such a pain in the ass lately? You going through the change?" He snickered while sitting down on my bed.



"Eww, no! I'm tired of being seen only as your little cub brother." I said, knowing what he meant, thanks to health class.

"Seriously, do you think I'll be good-looking like you?"



"Well, I'm sad to say that's how people see you. It sucks, I know, but there's nothing either of us can do." Axel said, pulling me in for a hug, and slipped my shirt on.

"As for looking like me? Never, but you'll look better than me without even trying, and you'll break many hearts along the way." He said, smiling. I could hear how sincerely he spoke, but I couldn't believe it.



Sighing, I nodded, knowing he was right; there was, however, one more question I wanted to ask and I had to be careful about how I did.

"Axel, how come you don't have a girlfriend? I hear folks calling you a Nancy boy. Is it true?" I made sure to keep my tone curious rather than accusing.



"My goodness, you're a curious kitten today," Axel said, sounding slightly cautious. "Well, despite what people in town are saying about me. None of the girls in town interest me, plus I'm too busy making sure the folks remember to pay the mortgage and bills and looking after you." He smiled and stood up, about to leave, before I stopped him with a hug.



"Well, even if you were a Nancy boy, you're still my big brother, and I love you all the same!" I said before leaving, assuming dinner was ready. I didn't know that my words would be tested that very night.



After two servings of pasta and meatballs, Axel tried to convince me to do my speech exercises while grabbing a Coke from the fridge.

"Ugh, I don't need to do them; my lisp is hardly noticeable anymore," I argued, clearing the table.



"Yes, and with that being said, you should continue them until it's gone completely, don't you agree?" Axel countered with (stupid logic is always getting in the way of my free time, and I had games to play!)

Thankfully, Red returned, carrying a box of tapes and handing me one of Metalica's Master of Puppets albums.

"I asked Red to bring that Metallica album you like. We'll talk about it again tomorrow, but for now, go do your homework and be in bed by ten."



I thanked Red and returned to my room- immediately putting on the tape and enjoying what I call good music!

Sitting at my desk and getting the books out of my bag, I did about four equations after my book report. Before passing out!

I'm not sure what time it was, but it must've been late because it was dark outside, and I was tucked into bed with my 'Rex' plush cuddled in my arms.

Getting out of bed, my throat felt dryer than Mom's meatloaf. Sneaking out of my room and heading down the hall to the kitchen for a drink, who doesn't enjoy soda in the middle of the night?

Having successfully gotten a Coke bottle from the fridge without detection, I was about to return when I heard some moaning from the sitting room. Was Axel sick? Wanting to ensure he was okay and didn't need to go to the hospital, I opened the swing door.

"Hey Axel, are you okay?" I asked before my eyes went wide. The soda bottle slipped from my paw and shattered on the floor.



Axel was on Dad's chair completely naked with Red's face between his legs! Axel's eyes met with mine and were just as wide; Red was frozen to the spot with my brother's wang still in his mouth!

I said nothing and went back into the kitchen to get the dustpan and brush.



"Tim, please, we need to talk about what you just saw," Axel said, following behind me. It was clear he was panicking and afraid.



"...I need to clean up the glass before you two cut your feet," I said, still processing what I had seen. I stayed silent as I swept up the glass and wiped the soda before it got sticky.



"Tim, please...this is important." Axel pleaded.



"Do you like him a lot?" I asked, mulling things in my head.



"Yes, I do. He likes me a lot, too, " he replied. It was strange to see Axel so ungrounded; he was always calm and collected.



"Then that's all I need to know," I said, smiling at him; I had never seen him look so relieved in my life...well, except that he was constipated for two weeks.

I mewled when I was suddenly hugged tightly by Axel.

"Eww! You're naked, and your thing is out!" I protested.

Axel just laughed and hugged me tighter.



After a moment more, I got another bottle of soda and commented, turning into rednecks. I said goodnight to Axel and Red before going back to bed.



The following morning led to a slightly awkward breakfast and, shortly after, the first of many fights with neighbourhood cubs, who dared to call my brother a fag!

Over time I had gotten a reputation at school and in the neighbourhood as the local 'fag lover'. Mom and Dad were disappointed in me, but I didn't care; Axel had never been more proud of me for defending him and Red. If the situation were reversed, he would do the same for me!

***



Four years had passed since that fateful night, October 15th 2382. I'm now thirteen.

Sitting at my desk with a bloody tissue up my left nostril, wincing as I'm checking on a loose tooth and praying I can either nudge it out myself or it means another tanned hide from Dad's belt for having to go to the dentist for a third time in five weeks...

My ears flattened against my head when I heard another chorus of shouting. I had done it this time—I had gotten expelled from school for fighting again. Dad was yelling at me the whole drive home, and the words 'Military school will beat some discipline in me' were shouted more than once.



My door creaked open as Axel walked into my room, looking drained. With four more years under his belt, and even looking as he did, Axel was on a higher level that I didn't even think existed. His figure was that of a trained athlete. He was so defined and flawless that it made me laugh internally; even trying to imitate him would be impossible. How could a seventeen-year-old be so much more than me? There's only four years between us.

"I told Dad if he sent you away, I'd report him for child neglect- all the neighbours would collaborate on how many times I've had to look after you in their stead." He said, sounding beaten and sitting on the bed before sighing.

"Tim, the fights need to stop now. You're gonna be eighteen sooner than you realise and get into serious trouble."



Looking at the floor, I felt too ashamed to meet his eyes, my ears pinned to my head.

"I'm sorry, but I don't mean to be a problem. I get so angry anytime someone says something about you; they don't know how much you do for me. Just cause you're a bit...on the limp-wrist side of things doesn't mean you're not a great guy." I said before hearing the old springs of my mattress relaxing. Axel's paw under my chin made us look at each other.



"There's more bad news, I'm afraid. Mom and Dad aren't as stupid as we think; they're kicking me out in an attempt to keep you from my dirty influences—or at least that's what Dad said." Axel informed me. I felt my world shatter from the news. My heart rate doubled, and I felt like I couldn't breathe.



"Take me with you," I said at once. "I don't stand a chance without you."

"Heh, loyal till the end; you certainly know how to warm a fella's heart, kitten," Axel replied, smiling and ruffling my fur.

"I can't take you with me...yet, and you don't have to worry about me. I've already got a well-paying job and a place to go."

Axel then explained how he had been scouted by a modelling agency (of course he did!). They provided accommodation and paid the bills in exchange for a cut of his pay. He would have to share with someone else but had somewhere to go either way.



Watching him leave my room left me feeling hollow; I knew it was my fault he was being kicked out; how Sam and Molly found out about him, I couldn't even consider calling them parents anymore at that point.

Twenty minutes later, I was standing at the front door hugging Axel goodbye before he left, carrying a duffle bag of clothes and getting into a taxi.



Sam shut the door with a stern expression. Service in the army had turned him into a large-bodied feline with a strict idea of what should be expected of families, and anything that threatened or challenged his ideals of that image had to go.

"Hmph! Good riddance, I won't have that kind of filth in my home, as for you Timo-AERGHH!!" I growled menacingly and started my swing the second Sam spoke, It was just perfect. He would look at me when my fist made contact!



"Shut your fucking mouth Sam! I don't care what you say, nor will I ever again! From now on, you don't fucking exist...EITHER OF YOU!!" I said, directing the last part towards Molly, my mother. She had stood there silently and let Sam dictate how her eldest son was thrown out! I stormed back to my room and slammed the door shut without being dismissed. What little respect I had for them as my parents was gone.



Almost an entire month had passed since Axel left, and things at home were getting dangerous. I wasn't speaking to Sam or Molly or even listening to them; I refused to eat with them and would make a point of trashing anything Molly cooked for me, only to cook something I had bought myself. But that wasn't something I could keep doing as my savings were getting dangerously low.

I received a package sometime in November. I was baffled as to what it was because I hadn't ordered anything from the shopping network.

My face lit up when I saw what was inside. It was an ATM card in my name with a balance printout. My eyes widened when I saw this new account contained two thousand fangs.

There was a weekly withdrawal limit of fifty fangs.

There was a note saying five hundred fangs would be deposited every month. Axel may have started sending me money to blow on games and junk, but I couldn't help but grin like the Cheshire cat when an idea came to mind.



Later that day, while Sam was reading the evening paper and smoking his pipe, he looked at me as I approached, looking back at him expressionless.

"I was wondering when you'd come begging for so-" Again, I cut him off. Instead of punching him, I threw my full weekly limit at him and walked away.

***

I spent six weeks implementing my plan. I used my new source of finance to start court proceedings—Sam and Molly would soon find out how much I wanted nothing to do with them.

I made sure my room was perfectly neat and tidy. I even started running both morning and evening to keep my head on straight. After a week, it was actually kind of fun!

I bought all my own clothes and food and did my own laundry (why someone would design a button you PULL is beyond me)

Despite my grievance with the washing machine, I started feeling better about myself more and more each day. I was getting fit and healthy with my running, heck, I was even doing sit-ups at the weekends. It was hard to maintain but worth it. I was almost independent.

December 17th would decide how independent I could be however.

***

It was time for the make-or-break point of my plan; all my effort and scheming would either pay off or have been for nothing. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest as I walked up the stone steps of the Forrestdale courthouse, taking a few calming breaths when I reached the top. Under my arm was a folder of testimonies collected from my neighbours, and even a couple of my old teachers were happy to provide evidence.

I ensured my suit was still nice and neat before walking inside and heading toward the family court.



Walking down the hall until I came to the chambers of Judge Grates, knocking on the door and walking inside when I heard an invitation.

"Good morning, Your Honour; I did as the court asked and gathered evidence for my argument for emancipation." 



A handsome middle-aged stag sat behind his desk in front of me, raising his left brow, seeming intrigued by what evidence I could possibly have gathered.

"Very good of you, Master Beal; as promised last month, the court shall hear your motion and give you a decision based on your provided evidence."

I nodded and smiled, shutting the door behind me...

***

Ninety minutes later, I walked out of the courthouse feeling like a new person. I had managed to convince the Judge that I would be responsible enough to manage my life without Sam and Molly's support. I was granted my emancipation!

Sam and Molly no longer had any legal authority over me, but they couldn't stop me from leaving and going to live with Axel when he was able to get me.

I celebrated my victory with a bacon cheeseburger at a nearby diner. Halfway through, I felt something was off as if someone had their eyes on me. Looking around the restaurant, I saw an Otter boy at the counter slurping up a chocolate milkshake—no, it wasn't him. The only other customers were an elderly wolf enjoying her tea and cake and, lastly, a stocky-looking construction worker. The bear was looking at me and smiling like he knew something I didn't.

I started to feel uneasy, so I stood up, left a generous tip on the table, and began to leave. As I walked past the bear, the look he gave me sent a chill down my spine. He sort of smirked and licked his lips! His eyes looked me up like a piece of meat and followed me until I left.



I went home immediately after that look the bear gave me; it unnerved me so much. It wasn't until I was in my bedroom and slumped on the floor that I remembered where I had seen something similar. All the girls in school used to drool and hunger after Axel; they almost went into heat as soon as he was on campus.

But people lusting after Axel was an everyday occurrence; why would anyone, let alone another guy, even think of looking at me like that?



I tried putting that bear out of my head, but I just couldn't. Anytime I had a spare moment to think, my thoughts immediately went to him.

I felt utterly stupid when I returned to the diner to see if he would be there again—feeling relieved and disappointed when he didn't for almost a week.

I finished my pepper jack salad and left, waving to Audry, the kind vixen waitress. Then I saw him across the street. He had been talking to someone, but his eyes locked onto me, and that chilling smirk stretched across his maw.



He took a pack of cigarettes from his jeans pocket and motioned for me to follow as he began to walk down the street and dipped into an alleyway.

Maker, punch me now! Why was I following behind him? The alley was a dark dead end and, as expected, not in a very good state.

Down at the very end, partially illuminated by his cigarette and leaning on the wall and taking a deep draw before blowing out a plume of smoke.



My heart raced in my chest as I approached him; even in the dark, dank alley, I knew he was giving me that same look. A huge cloud of smoke was blown into my face before the bud of the lit cigarette was flicked past me. I felt myself being dragged through the cloud and pressed against the wall, and the bear's lips pressed roughly against my own! My eyes wide with panic and shock.

"Mmph-mNNmMMPH!"

***

I lay in my bed in the early hours of Christmas Eve morning and could still taste it. The nicotine and acrid smoke when he had started probing my mouth with his tongue, I could still feel his teeth on my neck, making me wince when he bit down hard; I lay there wondering why I let him, why I was able to still felt his grip on my wrists? Why didn't I push him off or leave when he unzipped his jeans?

What haunted me the most was how I could still feel how big and heavy his balls felt, how I didn't even hesitate to stroke his red organ. He pulsed and throbbed in my paw when his load filled it...am...am I like Axel? A limp wrist, a poof, a fag and every other name I would brake someone's nose if they dared call my brother any of those vile things.



Christmas certainly proved to be eventful this year, even without that bear wishing he had time to go the whole way (I didn't need to assume what he meant by that.)

Axel surprised us at dinner when he boldly walked into the house dressed like Santa!

My cheeks lifted and ached from smiling so much!



"Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas!" Axel greeted everyone. While he was hugging Molly, my eyes were locked on Sam. The look of contempt and disgust made my lip curl, but I knew him well enough not to start a fight at Christmas.



"My goodness, Tiny Tim, you're not so tiny anymore!" Axel said, looking at me, completely surprised. Had I changed so much since October?

"What are you wearing? I mean, when did you develop actual wardrobe coordination?" he teased, smiling at me.



"Says the cat in the big red hat?" I sniped back, chuckling, and hugged him tightly. "Maker knows I missed you!"

"As for my clothes..." I said, smiling, and looked down. I was wearing a tight white T-shirt that was cut at the midriff, showing off the benefits of my exercise. I was sleek, slender, and flexible, looking as a proud feline should be. (In hindsight, at the time, I didn't see that at all until I was made to, and thankfully so.)

I was also wearing army green cargo pants that gripped my hips but were loose enough to slide right down when needed. (Again, in hindsight, at the time, I hadn't realised how I had changed in various ways; in all honesty, I was thinking about what felt comfortable when I bought them.)



Axel was quiet momentarily, and his eyes held a familiar glint like he had been right about something the entire time. It was an almost 'I told you so' look.

"It's Good to know you're not blowing all the money I send you on ramen cups and Mighty Roar comics, " he said, hugging me again.



"Money? What money is this?" Sam asked, not knowing where the rent money I had been paying him came from.



"I don't even buy ramen cups anymore; I can't go running when I eat'em. They make me feel bloated too much." I said, smirking before turning to Sam and answering him.

"The rent I pay you every two weeks. Axel gave me two thousand Fangs in November, and he put in another five hundred last week."

I couldn't hide it anymore, not with Axel here. It was too good of an opportunity. I reached into my pocket and fished out my wallet, taking out my insurance card that arrived yesterday.



"Wait... How'd you get an insurance card? You can't apply for one until you're twenty-one," Axel said, sounding baffled. He had to get his agency to supply his insurance.



"Or unless you're emancipated and legally recognised as an adult by state law," I said, grinning like the Cheshire cat.

My tail sashayed excitedly behind me; I had been itching to tell Axel since the Judge granted my motion!

Seeing his jaw hanging open, dumbfounded by what I had achieved, made my chest swell with pride. I had successfully removed Sam and Molly as obstacles to leaving home and legally moving in with Axel. Sam and Molly couldn't do anything to stop it, either.



"Hold on, how on earth did you manage to get emancipated? There must be some criteria to meet for it?" Sam said, demanding answers from me. He looked both insulted and angry (not a good combination.)



"Yeah, there are criteria, and I met them all. I needed to prove a firm sense of independence and responsibility. I mean, didn't you wonder why I started paying rent and doing everything for myself?" I asked.

"I also had to prove a lack of parental interest or responsible guardianship. I asked all our neighbours to write written and signed statements about all the times Axel was forced into raising me because you two were more interested in touring the country rallying at churches."



Axel looked at me and finally realised how the dynamics had changed.

"You crafty kitten, Tim, that's the biggest bird flip I've ever seen! I was stumped and didn't know how to get around the custody issue, so I didn't come to get you. But you all by yourself managed to do it for me in the best possible way!" Axel said, still recovering from the ingenuity of how I had been spending my time.

"Then I guess all that's left is for you to decide. Do you wanna come live with me?"



"Well, duh! I didn't go through an entire legal process just to say thanks but no thanks, did I?" I said, laughing a little.



"So that's your choice then is it? You'd rather be with some filthy faggot who's probably already got some plan to pimp you out to his diseased perverts!" Sam said, growling. He walked to a drinks trolley and poured himself a large scotch.

"Fine, then go, not like I can stop you, right? But don't come crawling back after you've been forced onto your knees and raise your tail."



"Timothy, please, sweetie...you're my little kitten, won't you see some sense? Your father and I want what's best for you. It's not real love, that sort of filth...I heard all the sailors bragging about how they don't need to worry about 'scratching itches' at sea. You need real love, Tim, not filth." Molly said, half crying and wiping her eyes.

"The Maker wouldn't have made man AND woman if love could exist between men."

She was about to try to convince me to stay, but Sam stuck his paw out, cutting her off.



"He's made his choice. He's responsible for himself now. He should learn that selfish choices have consequences; he'll reap what he sows." 



I knew immediately that they were trying to bait me, to get me to get angry and start punching and screaming, but it didn't work. Their words were hollow and had no impact on me. The only thing I did was walk away to pack my stuff.

I'd won, and they didn't like how I beat them fairly, legally, and almost entirely by myself.

Fifteen minutes later, I came back carrying two bags of clothes. Axel was standing by the front door.

"I called Carl while you were packing. He's coming to pick us up—he should be here soon."

"Just a warning: Carl likes invading personal space; he's a big hugger."

"Why do I feel you're not telling me everything?" I asked, suspicious of his smirk.

"What? I'm entitled to a laugh or two at your expense; I AM the older sibling, after all." He replied before his ears perked up, hearing a car's horn honk.

"Well there he is, let's say goodbye." He said before seeing my face.

"Trust me, kitten, I know how you feel, but never the less, they're still our parents, and the very least we can do is give them a proper farewell."

I hated it when he used sound arguments. I couldn't get around...

We went back into the living room and said our goodbyes (not that it changed anything)

Sam didn't even look at us or acknowledge our presence; he just continued to drink.

Molly was crying and sniffling, but it really was goodbye when she took my picture of the mantle and put it face down.

The car horn honked again while a deep, gruff voice shouted.

"Kittens one and two, hurry up your tails. I'm freezing out here!"

Axel and I growled in unison; our eyes met before we laughed and left the house. Sitting on the hood of some Mustang (I assumed I don't know cars beyond four wheels and they go vroom)

Was a huge buff crocodile wearing a tank top and jeans.

(I made an instant mental note to not make this guy mad!)

The guy was about the size of a house and looked like he bench presses trains! His green scales may as well be titanium plate mail.

"So you're the famous Tim. It's nice to meet you. I'm Carl." Said the crocodile, introducing himself when we got in the car.

Once we were strapped in, Carl didn't waste any time and sped off towards my new home.

***

This, readers, is where my life really started to begin, not at birth or with my parents. But when I was given a chance to grow into my own person. But who I turned out to be...Well, you're going to have to keep reading if you want to find out~

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