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(Spoilers)

Same plot device as used in The Line, but less involved story.  Should be a single part short.  Basically this world has medically prescribed sterile males to help female ferret anthros through their heat when they don't desire to become pregnant.  It's an accepted part of ferret culture, but the world being of diverse races and cultures, some of which don't approve, it's become politicalized and regulated.  Shouldn't be any big surprises or twists in this.  Just fucking.  ", "writing": "The doorbell echoed through the house and a sable jill hopped up to answer it, dropping the stocking she was crocheting on the couch. She paused at the door, smoothing down the front of her sweatshirt and running her fingers through her bobbed hair with apprehension. She sighed and opened the door. On her porch were two furs. A male black-footed ferret and a brown and white piebald rabbit with long, streaked hair pulled back into a ponytail. \n\n``Good afternoon!'' The male greeted her. He glanced down at his tablet. ``Mrs. Shepard?'' \n\n``Yes.'' She answered. ``Are you from St. Calin?''\n\n``Yes, we are.'' He affirmed with a nod. ``My name is Mark Burke, and this is my assistant, Beverly Honeysett.'' \n\nBeverly smiled pleasantly. ``Hello, Mrs. Shepard.'' \n\n``Hello.'' \n\n``May we come in?'' Mark asked.\n\n``Oh! Yes, please!'' Shepard spoke with embarrassment, swinging the door open to let them in. Mark gave a casual glance around as he stepped in the foyer. The house was well kept and clean, although there was an odor in the air that he was all too familiar with.\n\n``You have a lovely home.'' He observed.\n\n``Thank you.'' \n\nBeverly followed him in, carrying a black bag. She was a busty doe and a good deal younger than Mark, who was in fine shape, but starting to show extra gray from age. They were both professionally dressed in business casual. Mark with a sport coat, tie, and slacks. Beverly in a coat and modest skirt. Next to them Mrs. Shepard felt a bit under dressed in a sweatshirt and jeans. \n\n``Is there someplace we can all sit down and talk?'' Mark implored.\n\n``Um... right here in the living room is fine.'' Mrs. Shepard offered, leading them in. ``I'm so glad you still do house calls. I know this is a really busy time of the year and I was worried that I'd have to take Amber somewhere cold and sterile. I think - I know she's going to be much more comfortable at home.'' \n\n``Her health and comfort are our chief concerns.'' The male said as he found a seat on the easy chair and his eyes scanned over his electronic tablet. \n\n``Can I get you two something to drink?'' Mrs. Shepard asked as Beverly took a seat on the couch. ``Some coffee, perhaps?''\n\n``No, thank you, we're fine.'' Mark answered them both. ``Please sit with us.'' He insisted. Mrs. Shepard sat on the couch next to Beverly and took up the knit stocking and needles. \n\n``Are you familiar with this treatment, Mrs. Shepard?'' \n\nThe jill nodded, her paws fidgeted nervously with her knitting. ``I've had it done once, years ago when I was hardly any older than Amber is, but back then the church was still able to provide the service.'' \n\nMark made note of several pieces of religious art and totems on display. ``If it is of any comfort St. Calin Hospital is, of course, closely associated with the church. We're both well versed in the particulars of tradition.'' \n\nMrs. Shepard eyed Beverly warily. The rabbit offered an apologetic smile, indicating that she was quite aware that her presence was not ``traditional'' at all. \n\n``Where is Amber right now?'' Mark asked.\n\n``Upstairs, locked in her room.'' Mrs. Shepard replied. ``Would you like me to bring her down?'' \n\n``No, that's not necessary.'' \n\nMrs. Shepard appeared relieved. ``She's a bit of a terror right now. She had been very aggressive toward my husband so he has been staying at a hotel recently. She's made a number of attempts to leave the house and she said the most horrible things to me when I wouldn't let her.'' \n\n``That's all normal for someone in her condition.'' Beverly offered. ``Don't take anything she said to heart.'' \n\n``I know. I try not to, but - '' Mrs. Shepard's voice cracked. She cleared her throat, clearly embarrassed. \n\n``It's okay, Mrs. Shepard.'' Mark told her patiently. ``We deal with this all the time. It's what we're here for.'' \n\n``Please, Mr. Burke, call me Sandra.'' Mrs. Shepard insisted. \n\nMark nodded. ``Okay, Sandra. You can call me Mark, if you like.'' He looked over his tablet. ``It says here that your doctor attempted two series of blockers and both failed? When was the last series completed?''\n\n``Wednesday.'' She told him. ``Three days ago.'' \n\n``So we're looking at an onset of about...'' Mark did some quick calculations in his head, ``twenty-two days? Is that about right?'' \n\n``It's probably closer to twenty-five.'' Sandra corrected. ``Amber can be a little closed-lipped about these matters, I think she tried to hide it. We tried a daily medication once because we knew she was so shy, but she had gained so much weight the doctor took her off. She already has enough trouble with her weight as it is.'' \n\nMark nodded. ``Alright. Besides the weight, does your daughter have any health concerns I should be aware of? Any allergies, heart conditions, injuries, or phobias?''\n\n``No. No allergies and she's healthy.'' Sandra said. ``She does have a fear of sudden loud noises. Thunder, fireworks... balloons.''\n\n``Balloons?'' Mark repeated.\n\n``She's afraid they'll pop.'' \n\n``Ah.'' He noted. ``I don't imagine that will be an issue.'' Mark tapped on his tablet and pulled out the stylus. ``Sandra, I have my credentials here as a certified hoblet. Also my medical exam from last week. If you could look them over and sign on the bottom if you approve?'' \n\nSandra set aside her knitting and took the tablet, scanning through it, but not really reading. She wasn't entirely sure of what most of it was, but she did note the clean bill of health at the bottom. That was good enough for her. She signed. \n\nBeverly reached across and took the tablet. Swiping a few times before handing it back to her. ``This is a standard compliance waiver, if you could sign this too.'' The bunny explained as she handed the tablet back.\n\n``Compliance waver?'' Sandra looked perplexed.\n\n``In case things have to get, um... forceful.'' Mark explained.\n\nThe jill gasped with concern. ``Will it really come to that?''\n\n``I've done this for almost ten years and never had to go to those lengths.'' Mark admitted. ``This is just for her protection if things happen to get complicated. I don't expect it, but every case is different and I have to be prepared.'' \n\nSandra hesitated, reading over the legal document carefully. Everything was more confusing than she had expected. It used to be so much simpler. Someone came over and performed the treatment with the sole blessing of the family. A very private and discreet matter, no lawyers or signatures involved. It seems that now everyone feels the need to inject themselves into the personal affairs of ferrets. She was thankful that, for the moment at least, this was something that could still be handled within the confines of her own home. She pressed the stylus onto the screen, but hesitated.\n\n``Mark, promise me you're going to be gentle with her.'' Sandra insisted. ``The blockers always worked in the past and she's never had this done.''\n\nMark smiled warmly, realizing it wasn't the daughter's fears that needed to be assuaged. ``I'll treat her professionally. As if she were my own.'' \n\nBeverly put a paw on Sandra's arm. ``I've been working with him for almost three years,'' she disclosed, ``and I've witnessed his work many times. Believe me when I tell you that your daughter is in good paws.'' \n\nSandra pressed her lips tightly before quickly signing. \n\n***\n\n``You're really old!'' Amber announced bitterly as Mark and Beverly entered the room. ``Why are you so old?'' \n\n``Amber!'' Her mother scolded from the doorway. ``Honestly!''\n\nMark smirked and chuckled softly. The kit was sitting on her bed wearing loose pajamas. A fine looking young sable despite her long, messy blond hair. She was a bit overweight for her age, but not alarmingly so. Her knees were drawn up and she was hugging a blue stuffed rabbit doll tightly to her chest. The ears of the doll were horribly tattered and frayed. The odor that he noted when first entering the house was much stronger and there was no doubt about the seriousness of Amber's condition. The room was a disaster. Objects, toys, and clothing were strewn about. There was a pink vanity with a cracked mirror and angry, sprawling profanity written on the walls.\n\n``Mom! I don't want you in here!'' The cub shouted. ``Get out!''\n\nSandra frowned and crossed her arms. ``Stop being so - '' \n\nMark quickly put up his paw and Sandra sighed and let the comment die on her lips. ``It's okay.'' He said. ``Amber is just a little stressed. Let's not make it any worse.'' He turned toward Amber's mother. ``I think we'll be okay. If you wouldn't mind giving us some privacy?'' \n\nMrs. Shepard nodded and peered over Mark's shoulder. ``Amber, I'm going to be right outside if you need me.'' \n\n``GET OUT!'' The kit shrieked. Her mother winced before shutting the door and closing them all inside. \n\nAmber looked the two over with a furious glare, clutching her plush doll. Mark and Beverly had shorn their professional clothes and were wearing light blue medical robes that draped down to their knees. Their paws and arms were still damp from scrubbing them in preparation and their legs and feet were bare fur. Beverly still had her black bag in tow. \n\nThe kit narrowed her eyes at the rabbit. ``I want her out too.'' She demanded.\n\nBeverly smiled professionally. ``I'm afraid I'm your legal witness.'' She explained. ``I have to be here.'' \n\n``I don't care.'' Amber told her. ``I don't want you here.'' \n\nMark made an exaggerated shrug and looked at Beverly. ``I guess that's it. If she doesn't want you here I have to go too. I suppose I'm too old anyway.'' He turned toward the door.\n\nAmber sat up in panic, her doll tumbling from her arms and to the floor. ``Wait!'' Mark stopped and raised his eyebrows at her. The cub sighed in defeat and slouched back down. ``I guess... she can stay.'' Without waiting for an invitation Mark sat down on the bed with her. Amber fidgeted and looked away, remaining silent for several minutes. Mark waited patiently for her. \n\n``I'm sorry it's so messy in here.'' She said quietly.\n\n``I've seen worse.'' He told her. \n\n``So...'' She started but appeared unable to finish the thought.\n\n``So?'' Mark echoed. \n\n``I guess you're the snip-snip, huh?'' \n\nMark nodded with a grin. ``That's me. The [i]old [/i]snip-snip.'' \n\nAmber grumbled. ``I'm sorry I called you old.'' Her paws continued to appear to need something to do and she clenched onto the fabric of her pajamas. Mark leaned over and picked up the plush bunny. It was damp and heavily abused from years of love. He offered it to her and she accepted it eagerly, clutching it to herself tightly. Mark motioned to the doll.\n\n``Do you like rabbits?''\n\nAmber glowered. ``She's a jerboa.'' The kit insisted.\n\n``Oh.'' Mark grimaced an apology to Beverly, who hid her mirth behind a paw. ``What's her name?'' \n\n``Vera.'' Amber answered before starting to chew on the jerboa's ear.\n\n``My name is Mark.'' He nodded towards his assistant. ``This is Beverly.''\n\n``Hi.'' Amber said unenthusiastically without giving up the ear. \n\n``Hello, Amber.'' The rabbit greeted her. ``I'm so happy to be here with you today.'' \n\nMark leaned his elbows on his knees, clasping his paws. He was starting to become concerned. Typically the client would have initiated physical contact by now, especially at this stage of the condition. He rarely got a chance even to introduce himself. Legally he is allowed to proceed considering he has the signature of a guardian on a compliance waver, but ethically and morally it's considered bad form. He wanted to ensure the kit had every chance to do this on her own terms.\n\n``Amber, you do understand why we're here, don't you?'' He asked.\n\nThe cub nodded. ``Uh, huh.'' She muttered around the ear. \n\n``Does that frighten you?'' He suggested.\n\nThe kit furrowed her brow, but didn't say anything.\n\n``I promise you we won't do anything you don't want us to do.'' He assured her. ``We have all day to be with you, and we're glad to do anything you want.'' \n\nThe cub spit out the ear. ``Anything?'' She asked.\n\n``Absolutely anything.'' Mark confirmed. \n\n``Can you give me five dollars?'' She suggested.\n\nMark cocked his head. That was a new one, but he supposed he stepped right into it. ``Um... sure.'' He patted himself before remembering he's wearing a robe and his wallet was in his jacket. ``Will you take an IOU?''\n\n``I think I have some money.'' Beverly offered as she searched through her bag. She pulled out a wallet and opened it. ``Hmm... looks like the smallest thing I have is a twenty.''\n\n``Twenty is fine.'' Amber piped quickly. \n\nBeverly frowned as she pulled the bill out and passed it to Mark. ``I'll get you back.'' He mouthed to her as he took it. \n\n``There we go.'' He said displaying it to the cub. ``A fresh, clean twenty.''\n\nAmber snatched it from him. ``Thanks.'' \n\n(They're gonna get to it eventually)\n\n \n\n", "writing_bbcode_parsed": "The doorbell echoed through the house and a sable jill hopped up to answer it, dropping the stocking she was crocheting on the couch.  She paused at the door, smoothing down the front of her sweatshirt and running her fingers through her bobbed hair with apprehension.  She sighed and opened the door.  On her porch were two furs.  A male black-footed ferret and a brown and white piebald rabbit with long, streaked hair pulled back into a ponytail.

``Good afternoon!''  The male greeted her.  He glanced down at his tablet.  ``Mrs. Shepard?''  

``Yes.''  She answered.  ``Are you from St. Calin?''

``Yes, we are.''  He affirmed with a nod.  ``My name is Mark Burke, and this is my assistant, Beverly Honeysett.''  

Beverly smiled pleasantly.  ``Hello, Mrs. Shepard.''

``Hello.''  

``May we come in?''  Mark asked.

``Oh!  Yes, please!''  Shepard spoke with embarrassment, swinging the door open to let them in.  Mark gave a casual glance around as he stepped in the foyer.  The house was well kept and clean, although there was an odor in the air that he was all too familiar with.

``You have a lovely home.''  He observed.

``Thank you.''  

Beverly followed him in, carrying a black bag.  She was a busty doe and a good deal younger than Mark, who was in fine shape, but starting to show extra gray from age.  They were both professionally dressed in business casual.  Mark with a sport coat, tie, and slacks.  Beverly in a coat and modest skirt.  Next to them Mrs. Shepard felt a bit under dressed in a sweatshirt and jeans.  

``Is there someplace we can all sit down and talk?''  Mark implored.

``Um... right here in the living room is fine.''  Mrs. Shepard offered, leading them in.  ``I'm so glad you still do house calls.  I know this is a really busy time of the year and I was worried that I'd have to take Amber somewhere cold and sterile.  I think -  I know she's going to be much more comfortable at home.''  

``Her health and comfort are our chief concerns.''  The male said as he found a seat on the easy chair and his eyes scanned over his electronic tablet.  

``Can I get you two something to drink?''  Mrs. Shepard asked as Beverly took a seat on the couch.  ``Some coffee, perhaps?''

``No, thank you, we're fine.''  Mark answered them both.  ``Please sit with us.''  He insisted.  Mrs. Shepard sat on the couch next to Beverly and took up the knit stocking and needles.  

``Are you familiar with this treatment, Mrs. Shepard?''  

The jill nodded, her paws fidgeted nervously with her knitting.  ``I've had it done once, years ago when I was hardly any older than Amber is, but back then the church was still able to provide the service.''  

Mark made note of several pieces of religious art and totems on display.  ``If it is of any comfort St. Calin Hospital is, of course, closely associated with the church.  We're both well versed in the particulars of tradition.''  

Mrs. Shepard eyed Beverly warily.  The rabbit offered an apologetic smile, indicating that she was quite aware that her presence was not ``traditional'' at all.  

``Where is Amber right now?''  Mark asked.

``Upstairs, locked in her room.''  Mrs. Shepard replied.  ``Would you like me to bring her down?''  

``No, that's not necessary.''  

Mrs. Shepard appeared relieved.  ``She's a bit of a terror right now.  She had been very aggressive toward my husband so he has been staying at a hotel recently.  She's made a number of attempts to leave the house and she said the most horrible things to me when I wouldn't let her.''  

``That's all normal for someone in her condition.''  Beverly offered.  ``Don't take anything she said to heart.''  

``I know.  I try not to, but - ''  Mrs. Shepard's voice cracked.  She cleared her throat, clearly embarrassed.

``It's okay, Mrs. Shepard.''  Mark told her patiently.  ``We deal with this all the time.  It's what we're here for.''  

``Please, Mr. Burke, call me Sandra.''  Mrs. Shepard insisted.  

Mark nodded.  ``Okay, Sandra.  You can call me Mark, if you like.''  He looked over his tablet.  ``It says here that your doctor attempted two series of blockers and both failed?  When was the last series completed?''

``Wednesday.'' She told him.  ``Three days ago.''  

``So we're looking at an onset of about...'' Mark did some quick calculations in his head, ``twenty-two days?  Is that about right?''  

``It's probably closer to twenty-five.''  Sandra corrected.  ``Amber can be a little closed-lipped about these matters, I think she tried to hide it.  We tried a daily medication once because we knew she was so shy, but she had gained so much weight the doctor took her off.  She already has enough trouble with her weight as it is.''  

Mark nodded.  ``Alright.  Besides the weight, does your daughter have any health concerns I should be aware of?  Any allergies, heart conditions, injuries, or phobias?''

``No.  No allergies and she's healthy.''  Sandra said.  ``She does have a fear of sudden loud noises.  Thunder, fireworks... balloons.''

``Balloons?''  Mark repeated.

``She's afraid they'll pop.''  

``Ah.''  He noted.  ``I don't imagine that will be an issue.''  Mark tapped on his tablet and pulled out the stylus.  ``Sandra, I have my credentials here as a certified hoblet.  Also my medical exam from last week.  If you could look them over and sign on the bottom if you approve?''  

Sandra set aside her knitting and took the tablet, scanning through it, but not really reading.  She wasn't entirely sure of what most of it was, but she did note the clean bill of health at the bottom.  That was good enough for her.  She signed.  

Beverly reached across and took the tablet.  Swiping a few times before handing it back to her.  ``This is a standard compliance waiver, if you could sign this too.''  The bunny explained as she handed the tablet back.

``Compliance waver?''  Sandra looked perplexed.

``In case things have to get, um... forceful.''  Mark explained.

The jill gasped with concern.  ``Will it really come to that?''

``I've done this for almost ten years and never had to go to those lengths.''  Mark admitted.  ``This is just for her protection if things happen to get complicated.  I don't expect it, but every case is different and I have to be prepared.''  

Sandra hesitated, reading over the legal document carefully.  Everything was more confusing than she had expected.  It used to be so much simpler.  Someone came over and performed the treatment with the sole blessing of the family.  A very private and discreet matter, no lawyers or signatures involved.  It seems that now everyone feels the need to inject themselves into the personal affairs of ferrets.  She was thankful that, for the moment at least, this was something that could still be handled within the confines of her own home.  She pressed the stylus onto the screen, but hesitated.

``Mark, promise me you're going to be gentle with her.''  Sandra insisted.  ``The blockers always worked in the past and she's never had this done.''

Mark smiled warmly, realizing it wasn't the daughter's fears that needed to be assuaged.  ``I'll treat her professionally.  As if she were my own.''  

Beverly put a paw on Sandra's arm.  ``I've been working with him for almost three years,'' she disclosed, ``and I've witnessed his work many times.  Believe me when I tell you that your daughter is in good paws.''  

Sandra pressed her lips tightly before quickly signing.  

***

``You're really old!''  Amber announced bitterly as Mark and Beverly entered the room.  ``Why are you so old?''  

``Amber!''  Her mother scolded from the doorway.  ``Honestly!''

Mark smirked and chuckled softly.  The kit was sitting on her bed wearing loose pajamas.  A fine looking young sable despite her long, messy blond hair.  She was a bit overweight for her age, but not alarmingly so.  Her knees were drawn up and she was hugging a blue stuffed rabbit doll tightly to her chest.  The ears of the doll were horribly tattered and frayed.  The odor that he noted when first entering the house was much stronger and there was no doubt about the seriousness of Amber's condition.  The room was a disaster.  Objects, toys, and clothing were strewn about.  There was a pink vanity with a cracked mirror and angry, sprawling profanity written on the walls.

``Mom!  I don't want you in here!''  The cub shouted.  ``Get out!''

Sandra frowned and crossed her arms.  ``Stop being so -  ''  

Mark quickly put up his paw and Sandra sighed and let the comment die on her lips. ``It's okay.''  He said.  ``Amber is just a little stressed.  Let's not make it any worse.''  He turned toward Amber's mother.  ``I think we'll be okay.  If you wouldn't mind giving us some privacy?''  

Mrs. Shepard nodded and peered over Mark's shoulder.  ``Amber, I'm going to be right outside if you need me.''  

``GET OUT!''  The kit shrieked.  Her mother winced before shutting the door and closing them all inside.    

Amber looked the two over with a furious glare, clutching her plush doll.  Mark and Beverly had shorn their professional clothes and were wearing light blue medical robes that draped down to their knees.  Their paws and arms were still damp from scrubbing them in preparation and their legs and feet were bare fur.  Beverly still had her black bag in tow.

The kit narrowed her eyes at the rabbit.  ``I want her out too.''  She demanded.

Beverly smiled professionally.  ``I'm afraid I'm your legal witness.''  She explained.  ``I have to be here.''  

``I don't care.''  Amber told her.  ``I don't want you here.''  

Mark made an exaggerated shrug and looked at Beverly.  ``I guess that's it.  If she doesn't want you here I have to go too.  I suppose I'm too old anyway.''  He turned toward the door.

Amber sat up in panic, her doll tumbling from her arms and to the floor.  ``Wait!''  Mark stopped and raised his eyebrows at her.  The cub sighed in defeat and slouched back down.  ``I guess... she can stay.''  Without waiting for an invitation Mark sat down on the bed with her.  Amber fidgeted and looked away, remaining silent for several minutes.  Mark waited patiently for her.  

``I'm sorry it's so messy in here.''  She said quietly.

``I've seen worse.''  He told her.  

``So...''  She started but appeared unable to finish the thought.

``So?''  Mark echoed.

``I guess you're the snip-snip, huh?''  

Mark nodded with a grin.  ``That's me.  The old snip-snip.''  

Amber grumbled.  ``I'm sorry I called you old.''  Her paws continued to appear to need something to do and she clenched onto the fabric of her pajamas.   Mark leaned over and picked up the plush bunny.  It was damp and heavily abused from years of love.  He offered it to her and she accepted it eagerly, clutching it to herself tightly.  Mark motioned to the doll.

``Do you like rabbits?''

Amber glowered.  ``She's a jerboa.''  The kit insisted.

``Oh.''  Mark grimaced an apology to Beverly, who hid her mirth behind a paw.  ``What's her name?''  

``Vera.''  Amber answered before starting to chew on the jerboa's ear.

``My name is Mark.''  He nodded towards his assistant.  ``This is Beverly.''

``Hi.''  Amber said unenthusiastically without giving up the ear.  

``Hello, Amber.''  The rabbit greeted her.  ``I'm so happy to be here with you today.''  

Mark leaned his elbows on his knees, clasping his paws.  He was starting to become concerned.  Typically the client would have initiated physical contact by now, especially at this stage of the condition.  He rarely got a chance even to introduce himself.  Legally he is allowed to proceed considering he has the signature of a guardian on a compliance waver, but ethically and morally it's considered bad form.   He wanted to ensure the kit had every chance to do this on her own terms.

``Amber, you do understand why we're here, don't you?''  He asked.

The cub nodded.  ``Uh, huh.''  She muttered around the ear.

``Does that frighten you?''  He suggested.

The kit furrowed her brow, but didn't say anything.

``I promise you we won't do anything you don't want us to do.''  He assured her.  ``We have all day to be with you, and we're glad to do anything you want.''  

The cub spit out the ear.  ``Anything?''  She asked.

``Absolutely anything.''  Mark confirmed.

``Can you give me five dollars?''  She suggested.

Mark cocked his head.  That was a new one, but he supposed he stepped right into it.  ``Um... sure.''  He patted himself before remembering he's wearing a robe and his wallet was in his jacket.  ``Will you take an IOU?''

``I think I have some money.''  Beverly offered as she searched through her bag.  She pulled out a wallet and opened it.  ``Hmm... looks like the smallest thing I have is a twenty.''

``Twenty is fine.''  Amber piped quickly.  

Beverly frowned as she pulled the bill out and passed it to Mark.  ``I'll get you back.''  He mouthed to her as he took it.  

``There we go.''  He said displaying it to the cub.  ``A fresh, clean twenty.''

Amber snatched it from him.  ``Thanks.''

(They're gonna get to it eventually)

 

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