Shownotes
[18+] Zachary grapples with the anxieties of maintaining intimate relationships with others and the expectation of having one’s personal life goals already planned out while in college. So, when an old high school girlfriend suggests a radical proposal to form an open relationship with him, will Zachary feel comfortable enough to open himself up?
Today’s story is the first of two parts of “College Days” by Darius Davis, a black queer african wild dog author, who uses writing as a way to create compelling short stories and open readers to new perspectives.You can follow him on twitter, @2DWildDog, for future writing projects and commissioned artwork.
Read for you by Khaki, your faithful fireside companion.
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https://thevoice.dog/episode/college-days-by-darius-davis-part-1-of-2-18
Transcripts
Today's story concerns adult subject matter for mature listeners.
Speaker:If that's not your cup of tea,
Speaker:or there are youngsters listening,
Speaker:please skip this one
Speaker:and come back for another story another time.
Speaker:You’re listening to The Voice of Dog. I’m Khaki, your faithful fireside companion,
Speaker:and Today’s story is the first of two parts of
Speaker:“College Days” by Darius Davis,
Speaker:a black queer african wild dog author,
Speaker:who uses writing as a way to create compelling short stories
Speaker:and open readers to new perspectives.
Speaker:perspectives.You can follow him on twitter, @2DWildDog,
Speaker:for future writing projects
Speaker:and commissioned artwork.
Speaker:Please enjoy “College Days”
Speaker:by Darius Davis, Part 1
Speaker:of 2 Zachary's eyes studied over the lush green fern leaves as the evening sunlight poured into the dorm room.
Speaker:The leaves and blooming flowers faced towards the source of light
Speaker:and blanket themselves in the sun's warm rays.
Speaker:The slender black panther performed his daily plant check,
Speaker:making sure each one was adequately watered
Speaker:and healthy. He hummed to himself and tended to the plants,
Speaker:satisfied by the results.
Speaker:After he changed the soil and added more nutrients,
Speaker:the plants have taken a liking to his care.
Speaker:And now, his small dorm room was transformed into his small botanical garden.
Speaker:Though before he tended to the last plant,
Speaker:the Peach Lily, his phone vibrated on the center coffee table.
Speaker:Zachary looked over;
Speaker:he saw that someone texted him.
Speaker:He figured it must have been Mai checking in to see if he was still free tomorrow afternoon.
Speaker:She was especially excited for him to meet her boyfriend Omar.
Speaker:They insisted he come over to the nearby mall to celebrate his birthday.
Speaker:It didn't seem all that important to address it right away.
Speaker:Still, it was safer to check rather than assume.
Speaker:He grabbed the phone and saw that it was his boyfriend Mack,
Speaker:the spunky Russian Blue feline. Mack asked to come over to his dorm to spend the night.
Speaker:Without a second thought,
Speaker:Zachary sent a reply and invited him over.
Speaker:He didn't mind having the smaller feline boyfriend around.
Speaker:There weren't many opportunities to hang out with him outside the lecture halls,
Speaker:especially during finals week.
Speaker:With all of his exams done,
Speaker:Zachary looked forward to the prospect of unwinding with Mack. The black
Speaker:panther prepared
Speaker:and tidied the small dorm room.
Speaker:He stacked the text books,
Speaker:cleared the small coffee table of plants,
Speaker:and folded the rest of his laundry.
Speaker:Within a few minutes,
Speaker:he heard a knock at the door.
Speaker:Zachary scurried over and welcomed the short Russian Blue in.
Speaker:Mack looked up to and immediately lunged forward for a hug.
Speaker:The small feline's face was smothered into the tall black panther's chest.
Speaker:Zachary lightly patted Mack's head fur,
Speaker:he felt the small felines grip tighten around him.
Speaker:"Hey buddy, are you doing okay?"
Speaker:Zachary asked. "Not really,
Speaker:just needed a place to stay tonight.
Speaker:Sorry for asking on such a notice, Z,"
Speaker:Mack said. "Oh it's no trouble,
Speaker:please come in," Zachary smiled.
Speaker:With the door shut behind them,
Speaker:Zachary crouched down toward the mini fridge while Mack took off his shoes and sat on the center futon.
Speaker:The black panther grabbed some sodas and he sat beside the Russian Blue feline.
Speaker:He saw how Mack's eye lids were sagged
Speaker:and his eyes slightly bloodshot. Mack's
Speaker:cheeks were slightly sunken
Speaker:with the edges of his fuzzy cheek fur flatten from dried tears.
Speaker:Zachary scooted closer
Speaker:and leaned down to nuzzle Mack's forehead.
Speaker:"What's got you down, cutie?"
Speaker:Zachary kissed his forehead.
Speaker:Mack looked down,
Speaker:"I… had to drop out of a class to save myself from getting a failing grade.
Speaker:Never bombed a class before, and I don't know what I'm going to do."
Speaker:"What subject did you struggle with?"
Speaker:Zachary asked. "Chemistry,
Speaker:I just couldn't memorize all the English words for the periodic table and psyched myself out.
Speaker:If I fail the class again...
Speaker:I'll lose my scholarship,"
Speaker:Mack chokes up. "Hey… it's okay man.
Speaker:Just take a deep breath,"
Speaker:Zachary said. He softly reached over
Speaker:and rubbed Mack's backside and consoled him.
Speaker:Mack laid his head on the taller black panther's chest,
Speaker:he sniffled and let out a long-winded sigh.
Speaker:Zachary was aware how Mack was the first person in his family to attend college
Speaker:and a lot was weighing on him.
Speaker:"I just feel like a failure,
Speaker:I don't know what to tell my folks back home,"
Speaker:Mack rubbed his eyes.
Speaker:"But you're not, I know what you're going through sucks.
Speaker:I just think you don’t have to tell them about it right now,
Speaker:it can wait. You can still retake the class again next semester,
Speaker:and I can be there to help.
Speaker:help." Zachary offered. "You would?
Speaker:Don't you have other classes to study for too?"
Speaker:"I’ve already passed Chemistry last semester and
Speaker:I kept all my old notes.
Speaker:We can look over them together and I can help you prep for next.
Speaker:Listen, you're plenty smart already for learning English as a second language.
Speaker:We can work this out together."
Speaker:"Z… I don’t know what to say?"
Speaker:"You don't need to,
Speaker:just more than happy to help out."
Speaker:Zachary raised his paw
Speaker:to whip away a small tear that formed on the corner of Mack's cheek.
Speaker:He could hear the shorter feline let out a loud
Speaker:audible purr. Mack's green eyes
Speaker:shimmer brightly,
Speaker:his gaze looking up to the taller black panther.
Speaker:Zachary watched as Mack tilted his head up
Speaker:and straightened his back which caused his muzzle to inch close.
Speaker:Mack leaned forward
Speaker:and allowed his small lips to press against Zachary's;
Speaker:he brought him in for a kiss.
Speaker:Zachary leaned his head down and accepted the kiss,
Speaker:he felt the short feline's arms start to wrap around his slender body.
Speaker:"Zachary…" Mack mumbled.
Speaker:The short feline crawled onto the black panther's lap and towered over him.
Speaker:Zachary responded in kind;
Speaker:his arms had already softly enclosed around the short feline.
Speaker:With his paw’s underneath Mack's shirt,
Speaker:Zachary felt the short feline
Speaker:showering him with deep
Speaker:passionate kisses. Mack's
Speaker:tongue glided along the black panther's lips,
Speaker:as though he knocked on them to ask for access.
Speaker:The black panther smiled and slightly
Speaker:opened his muzzle,
Speaker:he allowed Mack's tongue to slide inside his mouth. Mack's
Speaker:purring caused his tongue to lightly vibrate,
Speaker:which caused Zachary's neckfur to ruffle.
Speaker:Their tongues intermingled and danced in each other's muzzles,
Speaker:the air around them became humid. Mack's
Speaker:obvious arousal had poked and nudged against the black feline's waist line.
Speaker:The Russian Blue cat reached down and began to undo their pants.
Speaker:Before long, both were stripped down naked with clothes scattered on the floor like missing puzzle pieces.
Speaker:Zachary didn't mind when Mack was needy for more physical and intimate attention.
Speaker:While the black panther always found the small feline attractive,
Speaker:the main enjoyment he found
Speaker:was providing comfort for others.
Speaker:To see Mack's warm smile,
Speaker:bright eyes, and relaxed demeanor had struck a chord with Zachary.
Speaker:It was enough to bring him out of his shell
Speaker:and take an active role.
Speaker:He sought to build up his boyfriend's confidence
Speaker:and provide the best comfort he knew how.
Speaker:Mack had begun to squeeze and stroke the black panther's manhood,
Speaker:which helped Zachary become fully aroused.
Speaker:Zachary leaned back on the futon;
Speaker:he captured the view of the sunset bathing Mack in its golden glow.
Speaker:The smaller feline licked his fingers and lubricated them,
Speaker:before he reached back to prep himself.
Speaker:The small foreskin dick pulsated,
Speaker:tiny droplets of pre cum thumped against Zachary's belly.
Speaker:Within a few seconds,
Speaker:Zachary felt the warm inner folds of Mack's walls
Speaker:cling to his cock.
Speaker:The black panther's stretchy foreskin tip was
Speaker:pulled back by Mack's tight walls
Speaker:and revealed the flared head.
Speaker:As if done effortlessly,
Speaker:Mack slowly glided down on Zachary's full length
Speaker:and reached the base.
Speaker:The feline's gorgeous blue furry rear
Speaker:seated on top of the black panther's lap.
Speaker:Mack nudged his hips from side to side,
Speaker:his blue furry arms covered his muzzle to muffle his moans. Mack's
Speaker:length flared
Speaker:as the feline's hips glided along Zachary's manhood.
Speaker:The small feline always preferred
Speaker:to a slower riding session,
Speaker:he sought to savor and enjoy every single inch taken.
Speaker:Zachary didn't mind the slower pace;
Speaker:it made his lap less sore.
Speaker:With the added stimulation of Mack's inner rings tightly clenched around every contour of his manhood,
Speaker:Zachary released
Speaker:a low grunt roar.
Speaker:Mack deeply grinded into Zachary’s hips,
Speaker:working the longer feline length.
Speaker:Zachary said in a hushed tone,
Speaker:“Mack… you shouldn’t have to work for it.
Speaker:Here, let me help.”
Speaker:The large black panther opened his lap,
Speaker:and reached over to grab onto the feline’s large hips.
Speaker:He thrusted his hips up to the Russian Blue feline’s rump.
Speaker:Mack purred and panted breath increased,
Speaker:his orgasm inched closer with long strands of pre oozed from the tip of the feline's length.
Speaker:Zachary looked up
Speaker:and gave him a nod,
Speaker:he signaled the smaller feline to give in and enjoy himself.
Speaker:Whatever mess is made,
Speaker:he could always clean up later.
Speaker:What was important for Zachary
Speaker:was bringing his small feline friend to an orgasm.
Speaker:Mack closed his eyes as he grinded himself against the black panther's lap,
Speaker:a feminine sounding moan escaped the feline's lips.
Speaker:Zachary felt the long strands of cum squirt across his chest and stomach, the small feline released his pent-up orgasm.
Speaker:The smaller feline's anal rings
Speaker:flexed periodically throughout the orgasm, which had brought Zachary close.
Speaker:Just the sight of Mack smiling and moaning
Speaker:was enough that brought Zachary close to his orgasm.
Speaker:Mack rested his hands on the black panther's chest,
Speaker:he leaned down and stared at him.
Speaker:"Z… release inside me. Please,"
Speaker:Mack begged. The black panther nodded,
Speaker:his head lifted up and nuzzled the feline's small fuzzy blue chest.
Speaker:A muffled grunt escaped his lips,
Speaker:Zachary released and sent ropes of seed into Mack.
Speaker:The feline's fuzzy blue arms
Speaker:tightly held onto Zachary's head.
Speaker:The black panther heard the low mumbled and purrs that resonated in his chest. Mack's
Speaker:tail swayed side to side,
Speaker:his hips slowly lifted up to slide himself off from the black panther's manhood.
Speaker:Within a few seconds,
Speaker:a heavy suction sound echoed in the small room
Speaker:as the smaller feline freed himself from Zachary's cock.
Speaker:Mack leaned forward and rested on top of Zachary,
Speaker:he panted deeply and tried to catch his breath.
Speaker:Zachary chuckled,
Speaker:his large hands petted and scratched the underside of the Russian Blue's ears.
Speaker:He knew it usually only took a single session before Mack tired himself out.
Speaker:Before long, the small feline fell asleep in Zachary's arms.
Speaker:The tall black panther scooped up the Mack in his long arms
Speaker:and carried him over to lay on his bed.
Speaker:Zachary figured that the emotionally draining event of dropping a class and the sudden release of all his pent-up energy
Speaker:must have completely drained the small feline.
Speaker:Zachary placed a towel underneath Mack's rump in case any cum spilled out
Speaker:before he proceeded to tidy up his small dorm room.
Speaker:Zachary chuckled to himself when he saw the sodas were left on the coffee table unopened.
Speaker:He put one back in the mini fridge
Speaker:and guzzled down the other.
Speaker:The black panther then unfolded the futon bed
Speaker:and brought out the guest blanket and pillows.
Speaker:Once finished, he headed to the bathroom to clean and groom himself for tomorrow's visit.
Speaker:The less time he needed to spend getting ready in the morning,
Speaker:the more time was allowed to sleep in.
Speaker:When Zachary stepped out of the small bathroom, he saw Mack stir awake and looked up to him.
Speaker:"Sorry for passing out like that.
Speaker:I must have been totally wiped,"
Speaker:Mack yawned and stretched out.
Speaker:"It's alright, you can sleep in my bed if you want.
Speaker:I was going to make some dinner and then head to bed myself,"
Speaker:Zachary walked over and leaned in to kiss the small feline's forehead.
Speaker:When he uttered the word dinner, Mack's
Speaker:stomach yearned for a meal with a loud ravenous growl. Mack's
Speaker:ears folded over
Speaker:and looked down, he hoped Zachary didn't express annoyance at the feline’s stomach growl.
Speaker:Zachary chuckled to himself
Speaker:and patted the Russian Blue's headfur.
Speaker:"I'll make some for you as well.
Speaker:Does an egg and cheese sandwich sound good to you?"
Speaker:Zachary asked. Mack nodded his head
Speaker:and scooted off the bed before he sat on the spread out futon.
Speaker:He watched as the taller black panther hunched over the small portable gas stove.
Speaker:Zachary quickly prepared a few cheese and egg sandwiches for the two of them
Speaker:along with a large bowl of fruit
Speaker:and grapes still kept fresh underneath a plastic wrap bowl.
Speaker:The egg and cheese
Speaker:satisfy their craving for protein while the assortment of fruit
Speaker:fills their bellies.
Speaker:Just as Mack finished his meal,
Speaker:the blue feline ears stood tall as he suddenly stood up.
Speaker:"Oh shoot, I forgot!
Speaker:I meant to give you something.
Speaker:Hope I still have it with me!"
Speaker:Mack said. Zachary watched as the smaller feline went behind the futon and searched his clothes.
Speaker:The feline's hands dug through every nook and cranny of his pockets.
Speaker:Everything from the jacket,
Speaker:the dress shirt, and the slacks.
Speaker:Eventually, Mack pulled out a small white box that was tucked away in a small secret pocket inside the jacket.
Speaker:The box was carefully concealed with expensive looking wrapping paper
Speaker:as the black panther's full name,
Speaker:Zachary Zimmer, was printed in a large bold elegant font.
Speaker:He scurried over and sat beside Zachary;
Speaker:the tall black panther gave him a raised eyebrow expression.
Speaker:Mack held out the small present,
Speaker:"I know it isn't till tomorrow,
Speaker:but happy birthday!
Speaker:I hope you like it!"
Speaker:Zachary swallowed the last bit of egg sandwich and stared at the box.
Speaker:He prayed that the gift wasn't something expensive.
Speaker:The large feline felt unworthy to accept lavish gifts,
Speaker:especially those who he meant to look after.
Speaker:Still, he put aside his fears and accepted the gift.
Speaker:He carefully cut the tap open with his sharp claws
Speaker:before he slid the contents of the box out.
Speaker:The black panther's amber eye
Speaker:carefully studied over the small pair of wireless pink earphones that laid in his hands. Mack's
Speaker:tail twitched nervously,
Speaker:"Apologies for the color,
Speaker:they were selling quickly and that's all they had.
Speaker:I hope you still like it?"
Speaker:Zachary smiled, "Why wouldn't I?
Speaker:They look amazing,
Speaker:I needed new earbuds for a while now.
Speaker:How did you know I needed a new pair?" Mack's
Speaker:tail swayed from side to side,
Speaker:"Oh I saw you in the library trying to fix your old ones.
Speaker:I... figure a new pair was in order.
Speaker:Go on give it a try!"
Speaker:Zachary nodded, he let Mack gently place them in his feline ears as the black panther hooked up his Bluetooth.
Speaker:The earbuds synced instantly and gave a cheery chime.
Speaker:He pulled up a song to test.
Speaker:Despite the small size,
Speaker:their surround sound quality was phenomenal.
Speaker:Zachary felt the soft bass notes rattle away at his ear
Speaker:along with the pure clean high notes.
Speaker:He paused the music
Speaker:and leaned over to hug Mack.
Speaker:"I love them Mack, they sound amazing.
Speaker:You didn't have to give me these.
Speaker:But I appreciate and love them!"
Speaker:Zachary said. Mack playfully punched his shoulder,
Speaker:"Hey come on, I had to.
Speaker:You've already given me so many gifts for my last two birthdays and our anniversary, remember?
Speaker:About time I did the same."
Speaker:Zachary blushed, "Still…
Speaker:just not used to getting something so nice.
Speaker:Thanks, sweetheart."
Speaker:"It's no trouble.
Speaker:So, any plans for tomorrow, babe?"
Speaker:"Yeah actually, I'm going to see Mai and her boyfriend Omar, at the mall.
Speaker:They wanted me to come visit
Speaker:and happened to be in town just right around my birthday."
Speaker:"I see. Is everything still fine between you and your old girlfriend?"
Speaker:Mack leaned closer. Zachary’s ears perked up,
Speaker:"Of course, we've worked out our concerns a long time ago."
Speaker:"That's great! But,
Speaker:if it's alright for me to ask,
Speaker:what caused you two to break up in the first place?"
Speaker:Zachary looked down and fidgeted his hands,
Speaker:"Well… it wasn't her fault that we broke up.
Speaker:I was just unsure if we could've stayed together after learning we were going to attend different universities.
Speaker:But, we've still kept in touch for a while now.
Speaker:And when Mai and Omar expressed interest in an open relationship with me,
Speaker:I wanted to give them a chance,"
Speaker:"I see… and what about this Omar fellow?
Speaker:Is he just a friend of yours or…"
Speaker:Mack tampered off. "It's not like a cuckold fetish or anything like that!
Speaker:Not that there's anything wrong with cuckoldry,"
Speaker:Zachary flustered.
Speaker:Mack blushed, "Oh no that wasn't what I mean.
Speaker:What I meant was;
Speaker:do you feel like there's a deeper connection with Omar too?
Speaker:Or is it just Mai you're after?"
Speaker:Zachary swallowed,
Speaker:"I… like to think there is something more with Omar.
Speaker:He always wanted to have a deeper relationship with a guy
Speaker:and he said if it could be with anyone…
Speaker:it would be with someone like me.
Speaker:And I want to believe him."
Speaker:Mack nuzzled his boyfriend close,
Speaker:"Even though I'm okay with an open relationship,
Speaker:I just want to make sure that you are going into this with the best of intentions.
Speaker:And not just pursuing someone without regarding the feelings for the other.
Speaker:I… wanted what's best for all of you is all."
Speaker:Zachary nodded, "I know,
Speaker:and I'm glad you're looking after my best interest.
Speaker:Mai, Omar, and myself talked about it for months
Speaker:and gave each other some time to process things before taking the next step.
Speaker:And I feel like we're ready to meet.
Speaker:Though if you're comfortable, it would
Speaker:mean the world to me if you're able to come see Mai and Omar, tomorrow?"
Speaker:"Of course, I wouldn't be opposed to meeting them.
Speaker:Just be sure to give me a heads up so that I'm…
Speaker:presentable when you three arrive.
Speaker:I have a few errands I need to run tomorrow, and last thing I want is to come late and be all sweaty,"
Speaker:Mack blushed. "Don't worry I will,"
Speaker:Zachary chuckled.
Speaker:"Cool and thanks again for letting me stay tonight,"
Speaker:Mack softly kissed him.
Speaker:Zachary returned the kiss and snuggled up to him.
Speaker:As the two spent hours together in the small dorm room,
Speaker:the black panther was the first to fall asleep before Mack.
Speaker:The Russian Blue feline stayed up to stream some movies on TV to pass the time.
Speaker:He knew that Zachary was a heavy sleeper
Speaker:and wouldn't be disturbed from resting.
Speaker:Eventually though,
Speaker:Mack had fallen asleep beside the tall black
Speaker:panther. Mack had crawled into Zachary’s arms,
Speaker:with the black panther acting as the larger spoon.
Speaker:The large feline body insulated the cold air inside the dorm room
Speaker:which allowed Mack to fall asleep.
Speaker:Even with the sun peeked through the thin curtains,
Speaker:Zachary's heavy slumber was not disturbed.
Speaker:The black panther felt odd that his alarm hadn't awakened him yet.
Speaker:He pulled himself out of the deep slumber
Speaker:and looked over to see Mack still asleep.
Speaker:In his tired state,
Speaker:the black panther crawled out from the futon bed
Speaker:and reached for the phone.
Speaker:It was thirty minutes until the desired meet time at the mall.
Speaker:He was puzzled and flipped to his alarm and saw that the time was set for the evening,
Speaker:not the morning. In a sudden rush of panic,
Speaker:Zachary quickly dashed towards the restroom
Speaker:and grooms himself up.
Speaker:Once freshened up,
Speaker:he slid his clothes on,
Speaker:hopped into his shoes, and ran out of the door towards the staircase.
Speaker:The last morning train was about to depart in five minutes.
Speaker:While the walk to the station could be done in under ten,
Speaker:Zachary knew he had to run if he were to make it.
Speaker:Once he reached the last few flights of stairs,
Speaker:he ducked his head
Speaker:and narrowly avoided hitting the top of the back door frame
Speaker:as he jogged towards the station.
Speaker:Thankfully, there wasn't much foot traffic,
Speaker:it was Saturday and most students were out and about downtown.
Speaker:It made it easier to avoid crowds along the walk path.
Speaker:When he traveled his way through the labyrinth of stairs and hallways,
Speaker:he heard over the intercoms that the train was about to depart in two minutes.
Speaker:Zachary persisted despite the small tinge of pain in his chest,
Speaker:his fast legs carried him up the few flights of stairs before he stepped onto the train cart.
Speaker:With barely a minute to spare,
Speaker:he ducked his head
Speaker:while entering inside the cart
Speaker:and sat on a nearby open seat.
Speaker:The black panther's tongue hung out from his muzzle
Speaker:as he tried to catch his breath,
Speaker:he sat and watched the train doors slide to a close before being carried off onto the tracks.
Speaker:If he had missed it,
Speaker:the only other practical choice would have been to hail a private cab
Speaker:which was super expensive for where he headed.
Speaker:It wasn't so much the distance that made it expensive,
Speaker:but the lack of large roadways that made traveling downtown costly
Speaker:and more time consuming,
Speaker:especially on weekends.
Speaker:His phone vibrated,
Speaker:Mai had messaged him several times to confirm he was on his way.
Speaker:His fingers expertly tapped the screen as he gave a quick response
Speaker:and assured her that he would arrive on time.
Speaker:During the trip down the tracks,
Speaker:Zachary looked over himself and assessed his belongings.
Speaker:He dug through his pockets
Speaker:and found that only his wallet,
Speaker:pink wireless earbuds, and cellphone were there.
Speaker:The black panther cursed under his breath,
Speaker:he forgot his dorm room keys.
Speaker:Not only that but he forgot to water all the plants.
Speaker:And what he put on wasn't his best attire.
Speaker:A worn out white long sleeve t-shirt,
Speaker:some jeans, and some dilapidated sneakers.
Speaker:Mack was still asleep in his futon bed when he had left.
Speaker:All he could do now was leave the Russian Blue feline several messages to stay inside,
Speaker:water the plants,
Speaker:and to tidy up the dorm room.
Speaker:It wasn't the first time he needed to rely on Mack to do him a solid.
Speaker:However, Zachary knew exactly how to butter him up and repay him for the favor.
Speaker:In exchange for doing what he asked,
Speaker:Zachary would give him some of his favorite take-out sushi lunch
Speaker:and also treat him to dinner on their next date.
Speaker:After the last message was sent Mack,
Speaker:he arrived at his stop and walked the rest of the way to the mall.
Speaker:He popped in the pink earbuds to drown out the stop and go traffic with some music
Speaker:while he looked over the pictures from past text messages.
Speaker:Judging from Mai's text,
Speaker:Zachary was looking for his female jaguar friend
Speaker:in a purple long V-neck dress.
Speaker:The antelope boyfriend Omar,
Speaker:had worn a green vest
Speaker:and long sleeve white dress shirt
Speaker:with burgundy slacks.
Speaker:Zachary then saw the large window mall reflect sunlight
Speaker:and shined over the busy downtown area.
Speaker:The black panther headed towards the mall
Speaker:and moseyed over to the entrance.
Speaker:Families, college students, and tourists
Speaker:all mixed and congregated at the mall.
Speaker:The front entrance was adorned with stores to entice the younger children
Speaker:while the more designer and high established stores
Speaker:were set further back.
Speaker:The halls of the mall reverberated conversations and footsteps,
Speaker:which made it hard for the feline to concentrate even with his pink earbuds off.
Speaker:He then felt a hand tap his shoulder from behind,
Speaker:which caused his fur to stand straight and jump in place.
Speaker:Zachary looked behind
Speaker:and saw Mai and Omar before him,
Speaker:warm smiles adorn on their faces.
Speaker:Before Zachary said a word,
Speaker:he felt Mai rushed in
Speaker:and tightly held onto the tall panther tightly.
Speaker:A rush of hot blood flooded his face
Speaker:and he gave a small pat on her back.
Speaker:Mai's tail twitched from side to side,
Speaker:her claws playfully dug into the tall black panther's backside.
Speaker:"Good to finally see you two!
Speaker:Hoped I haven't kept you long?"
Speaker:Zachary asked. "Happy that you finally came, Zachary!
Speaker:Where did you get those cute earbuds?"
Speaker:Mai tilted her head.
Speaker:"They were a birthday gift from my boyfriend, Mack!"
Speaker:Zachary smiled. "Oh, the cute Russian Blue feline?
Speaker:Those earbuds look adorable on you!
Speaker:How are you two doing by the way?"
Speaker:Mai asked. "We're doing great, still helping him out with his studies.
Speaker:But yeah, he'd love to meet you two once we head back."
Speaker:"Wonderful, I'm excited to meet Mack later today!
Speaker:Anyway, here is my boyfriend, Omar!"
Speaker:Mai motioned her hands towards him.
Speaker:Zachary reached his hand out to offer Omar a firm handshake.
Speaker:The lightly tanned antelope grinned
Speaker:and reached out to shake it.
Speaker:Though while they shook hands,
Speaker:Omar leaned closer and
Speaker:gave a small half hug to Zachary with one arm.
Speaker:"Pleased to finally meet you, Zachary!
Speaker:Thank you for paying us a visit,"
Speaker:Omar said. Zachary's ears stood up
Speaker:and noted just how smooth and suave his voice was.
Speaker:While he still loomed over him,
Speaker:Omar's upright posture had made him seem relatively taller next to the hunched over slender black panther.
Speaker:Omar's calm yet confident outward presence
Speaker:acted as a counter balance to Mai's typical bubble gym over enthusiastic personality.
Speaker:The two seemed made for each other
Speaker:as Mai goes over
Speaker:and clings onto Omar's right arm.
Speaker:Mai spoke, "So, I'm sure you're wondering why I've invited you here out of all the other places I could've brought you.
Speaker:Is that right? Zachary nodded as she continued,
Speaker:"Well, considering it's your birthday today,
Speaker:Omar and I figure we treat you and take you out shopping!
Speaker:Omar is going to take you to get a new suit.
Speaker:And I will take you to the home garden store you've always talked about online
Speaker:and let you pick anything you want.
Speaker:Happy birthday, Zachary!"
Speaker:Mai's green eyes glimmered,
Speaker:she looked up to Zachary to judge his response.
Speaker:Internally, he felt like crawling into his clothes
Speaker:and disappearing into the void of the fabric.
Speaker:He figured it was simply going to be a small date just to get to know Omar
Speaker:and to catch up with Mai.
Speaker:Zachary didn't expect to be spoiled and lavished with gifts for his birthday.
Speaker:Though in typical Mai fashion,
Speaker:she went ahead and surprised him with such a generous offer.
Speaker:She really hasn't changed that dramatically since high school.
Speaker:He previously thought before,
Speaker:the small elaborate surprise party she held for him
Speaker:with the rest of the drama club was overdoing it.
Speaker:But for Zachary, this might have taken the cake.
Speaker:Zachary tried his best to not become overwhelmed by the offer
Speaker:and tried to modestly accept the proposal,
Speaker:"Mai you're far too kind.
Speaker:But it wouldn't feel right to accept these gifts right away.
Speaker:I'm sorry if she roped you into this, Omar."
Speaker:Omar chuckled, "Nonsense,
Speaker:in fact it was my idea.
Speaker:When I suggested it to her, we talked it over
Speaker:and figured it was more appropriate to get your input for the gifts.
Speaker:It wouldn't have made sense to buy someone a new suit without knowing their measurements.
Speaker:Plus, with your hobby as a botanist,
Speaker:I'm sure there are some supplies that need replenishing."
Speaker:Mai nodded, "That's right!
Speaker:You're going to graduate soon too!
Speaker:Wouldn't it make sense to find and pick out a suit now?
Speaker:That way you wouldn't have to rush to rent one like you did high school senior year?"
Speaker:Zachary blushed, "That was because I didn't expect another growth spurt.
Speaker:I've stayed the same height since then!"
Speaker:Mai giggled, "Maybe,
Speaker:but still it probably wouldn't hurt to at least consider a new one!
Speaker:And, you can use it later for job interviews too!"
Speaker:Omar chimed in, "Of course,
Speaker:I have the perfect store in mind that will accommodate your species and size.
Speaker:We can head over now if you like?"
Speaker:Zachary's ears folded down,
Speaker:"Well… I guess it wouldn't hurt to look."
Speaker:"Great! Let's get started!"
Speaker:Mai grabbed his hand.
Speaker:Zachary nodded and walked beside the two of them,
Speaker:Mai's hand tightly held onto his.
Speaker:It had been years since he held her hand like that since high school.
Speaker:Mai's soft hand felt warm and familiar,
Speaker:the way her fingers intertwined with his.
Speaker:The black panther looked over to Omar, who simply gave an approving grin.
Speaker:Zachary returned the smile,
Speaker:his hands held Mai's tightly.
Speaker:While the three have had conversations for two years now,
Speaker:it was still technically Zachary's first time meeting Omar in person.
Speaker:And now that Mai and Omar found themselves graduating two years earlier than Zachary,
Speaker:they had enough free time to pay him a visit in his neck of the woods.
Speaker:The opportunity to deepen the relationship with Mai
Speaker:and open himself to a new one with Omar
Speaker:presented itself to Zachary.
Speaker:Zachary saw how Omar's expression glowed when he walked beside the two,
Speaker:the antelope would often steel glances from the tall black panther.
Speaker:Yet, even the confident antelope was still a bit too nervous to show outward affection.
Speaker:Not so much that people weren't used to seeing same sex relationships,
Speaker:the trio happened to pass by a few.
Speaker:Rather, polyamory pairings are still somewhat taboo.
Speaker:They all implicitly were hyper aware of that.
Speaker:Still, Zachary enjoyed the small affection from Mai
Speaker:as though they were catching up for old time’s sake.
Speaker:With Omar in front,
Speaker:he led them to the gentleman's clothing store.
Speaker:The animal mannequins provided a diverse set of species and sizes,
Speaker:which promised passersby
Speaker:that any man can find the right fit for them.
Speaker:Before Zachary headed inside,
Speaker:Mai released her hold on his hand
Speaker:and looked up to him.
Speaker:"Apologies, but I have to use the washroom real quick.
Speaker:Omar and I have been driving for over an hour!
Speaker:I'll be back!" Mai said.
Speaker:"Okay, don't be long,"
Speaker:Omar replied. The jaguar gleefully skipped over to leave a kiss on Omar's cheek before she departed.
Speaker:Zachary waved and quickly followed Omar from behind.
Speaker:The antelope seemed to walk with purpose,
Speaker:his feet hooves tread through the labyrinth of isles and shelves
Speaker:to reach a section that dealt with large felines like Zachary.
Speaker:The black panther's eyes glazed over,
Speaker:overwhelmed by the vast selection of fine threaded suits and accessories.
Speaker:He looked over to Omar
Speaker:who seemed lost in thought.
Speaker:"Hey Omar…" Zachary spoke slowly.
Speaker:The antelope looked over and met his eye gaze.
Speaker:Zachary continued,
Speaker:"You don't have to get me anything super expensive.
Speaker:It's the thought that counts.
Speaker:I'm also not a big fan of elaborate suits.
Speaker:They tend to me very tight and uncomfortable for me to wear."
Speaker:Omar nodded, "I understand your concerns, I truly do.
Speaker:But this isn't the first time I've picked out suits for someone else.
Speaker:I just ask you to trust me."
Speaker:"Sure, again you don't need to break the bank to get me something very fancy!"
Speaker:"Relax, it is my treat.
Speaker:Now then, may I take some measurements of you if that's alright?"
Speaker:Zachary nodded as Omar grabbed the nearby measuring tape.
Speaker:The black panther could feel Omar carefully study over his body
Speaker:and his hands softly caress him while he measured the feline’s skinny limbs.
Speaker:Zachary's cheeks were bright
Speaker:when Omar came close to measure his midsection and torso.
Speaker:The soft touches from Omar had made the black panther aroused, his jeans did
Speaker:little to hide the outline of his dick.
Speaker:Zachary looked away
Speaker:in hopes that Omar wasn't put off by it.
Speaker:"Sorry," Zachary murmured.
Speaker:Omar simply chuckled before he turned back towards the racks of clothes.
Speaker:He picked out two suits that seemed promising,
Speaker:one black and one dark navy blue along with a pair of dress shirts.
Speaker:"I'm getting you two.
Speaker:One for when certain occasions call for black tie events
Speaker:and another for more formal everyday wear.
Speaker:Try this blue one on and see how it fits,"
Speaker:Omar said. Zachary nodded
Speaker:and grabbed the clothes and headed for the changing room.
Speaker:To his surprise, the dark navy suit and slacks had fit comfortably.
Speaker:The sleeves were at the appropriate length,
Speaker:it didn't tightly strangle his body,
Speaker:and he had better mobility compared to past suits.
Speaker:He came out and presented before Omar.
Speaker:The antelope stood up and approached.
Speaker:"Oh my, don't you look dashing.
Speaker:How's the fit?" Omar asked.
Speaker:"Not too bad actually,
Speaker:one of the better ones I've had for a long time.
Speaker:How were you able to find something so quickly?"
Speaker:Zachary replied. "Done it plenty of times for my younger brothers.
Speaker:I know what to look for."
Speaker:"Oh really? So, you're the eldest?"
Speaker:"That's right, I had to set an example for the younger ones.
Speaker:Now then, let's see how you look with a tie,"
Speaker:Omar pulled out a few ties.
Speaker:The antelope only took a brief glance before he brought up a striped grey necktie to the black panther.
Speaker:Zachary lowered his head and shoulders
Speaker:and felt Omar's hands slide underneath his suit jacket.
Speaker:Omar had gotten close to the black panther's face,
Speaker:the antelope's grey blue eyes locked with his.
Speaker:His hands had a mind of his own
Speaker:as it kept tying Zachary's tie.
Speaker:Instead, Omar's main focus was on the feline before him.
Speaker:Without hesitation,
Speaker:he leaned in and softly placed a small peck on Zachary's lips.
Speaker:Though the momentary spark on Zachary's lips
Speaker:lasted only for a few seconds as Omar pulled away with a small chuckled.
Speaker:He finished tying the necktie
Speaker:and lightly tapped the feline's broad chest.
Speaker:"There, the tie completes the look.
Speaker:Now we just need to get you some loafers,"
Speaker:Omar turned to the shoe section.
Speaker:The words were muffled to Zachary,
Speaker:all he heard was the intense heartbeat that slammed against his chest.
Speaker:A simple head nod was all he could respond with
Speaker:before he sat on a nearby bench.
Speaker:Omar returned with a few pairs of loafers
Speaker:and kneeled down to help Zachary try them on.
Speaker:Soon as Zachary slid on a pair,
Speaker:Mai hugged the black panther from behind.
Speaker:"Who's this handsome man, Omar?"
Speaker:Mai peaked over Zachary's shoulder. "Welcome
Speaker:back, darling.
Speaker:Arrived just in time,"
Speaker:Omar leaned in and pecked her on the lips.
Speaker:Zachary turned his head towards her,
Speaker:"Oh yeah, um we just about finished.
Speaker:Omar helped pick out everything for me."
Speaker:"He certainly did a great job.
Speaker:Haven't seen you this spiffed up since prom.
Speaker:I think I still have a few photos of us I can show you, Omar,"
Speaker:Mai giggled. "Mai…" Zachary blushed. Omar chuckled
Speaker:and watched as Mai brought up those old prom photos.
Speaker:He remembered how tight and form fitting that last minute rental suit was.
Speaker:The black panther
Speaker:blushed throughout Mai's excitement,
Speaker:which was not helped by Omar's compliment on how handsome he looked beside her.
Speaker:Once Zachary was dressed back into his normal clothes,
Speaker:Omar proceeded to purchase the two suits,
Speaker:dress shirts, and a pair of loafers for the black panther
Speaker:to keep. Zachary insisted he help carry the bags as the trio headed to one of the many indoor plant nurseries.
Speaker:This time, Mai took the lead as Omar and Zachary stayed side by side.
Speaker:With much of the afternoon still left to explore,
Speaker:Zachary found himself able to fully relax
Speaker:and enjoyed Mai and Omar’s company.
Speaker:And in his mind, he secretly wished
Speaker:that the day could last
Speaker:only a little bit longer.
Speaker:This was the first of two parts of
Speaker:“College Days” by Darius Davis,
Speaker:read for you by Khaki,
Speaker:your faithful fireside companion. Tune
Speaker:in next time to find out how the rest of Zachary’s date concludes.
Speaker:And how Mai and Omar
Speaker:interact with Zachary’s boyfriend Mack
Speaker:back at the dorm room.
Speaker:As always, you can find more stories on the web at thevoice.dog,
Speaker:or find the show wherever you get your podcasts.
Speaker:Thank you for listening
Speaker:to The Voice of Dog