Shownotes
[18+] A mastiff has thoughts about his sexuality and expression, and decides to take a small step.
Today’s story is “A Small Gesture” by Pendoggo, an artist and casual writer who loves big guys and fantasy worlds. You can find more of his stories on furaffinity and his art on twitter or bluesky.
Read for you by Rob MacWolf — werewolf hitchhiker.
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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 Pride Month on The Voice of Dog.
Speaker:This is Rob MacWolf, your fellow traveler,
Speaker:and Today’s story is
Speaker:“A Small Gesture” by Pendoggo,
Speaker:an artist and casual writer who loves big guys and fantasy worlds.
Speaker:You can find more of his stories on furaffinity and his art
Speaker:on twitter or bluesky.
Speaker:Coming out is not,
Speaker:as often portrayed,
Speaker:a single moment, a triumphant chorus,
Speaker:a dramatic climax after which all is mere unincidental denouement.
Speaker:It is a process, for most of us lifelong,
Speaker:of balancing personal comfort with communication,
Speaker:self-identity with the assumptions of strangers,
Speaker:right to privacy with
Speaker:show of solidarity
Speaker:and support for those we love.
Speaker:Any day, every day,
Speaker:for a multitude of reasons,
Speaker:we may find ourselves having to come out in some way.
Speaker:Making anything from a formal statement to:
Speaker:“A Small Gesture” by Pendoggo
Speaker:The scent of coffee and quiet murmurs filled the air
Speaker:as sunlight shone through wide glass windows to warm the wooden flooring and tables.
Speaker:The late morning air was still
Speaker:pretty cool and pleasant in the small cafe.
Speaker:A portly civet walked through the room,
Speaker:picking up used cups and plates.
Speaker:He chittered happily to a bear behind the counter,
Speaker:who was busy preparing a cup of hot chocolate.
Speaker:The cafe was fairly busy,
Speaker:as most of the students were out and about for the weekend.
Speaker:“Hey… you there, Thomas?”
Speaker:A chubby, grey tabby asked,
Speaker:his eyes wide as he held a glass of iced coffee in his paws. “Hmm?
Speaker:Oh!” The mastiff at the other side of the table said, his eyes focusing on the tabby cat.
Speaker:The dog wore a heavy brown coat, his physique even wider
Speaker:than the tabby cat’s, yet slightly firmer. He took a sip of his coffee,
Speaker:wetting his lips. “Something on your mind, love?”
Speaker:The tabby said, a hint of worry in his voice.
Speaker:“We can go home if you’re not feeling good.”
Speaker:“No, I'm alright!” The mastiff replied, giving his partner a reassuring grin.
Speaker:“Just suddenly thought of something at work.”
Speaker:“If you say so,” the tabby said, leaning back.
Speaker:“Are there any good movies showing?
Speaker:“Let's see!” The mastiff replied, checking his phone.
Speaker:Still, a piece of his mind wandered elsewhere. —
Speaker:The sun cast a soft yellow over the cloth roofs and stalls
Speaker:as the two walked through the small town center near the campus.
Speaker:It was early Saturday morning,
Speaker:and a bunch of stalls were set up for the weekend market.
Speaker:Fresh fruits and vegetables were
Speaker:arranged side by side with iced coffee, fried noodles,
Speaker:and handicraft
Speaker:bags. Thomas chewed on a tayaki as he and a tabby cat
Speaker:walked through the stalls.
Speaker:The bulky, brown mastiff frowned slightly as he chewed,
Speaker:and took a swig of water from his coat pocket.
Speaker:“I hope there are some new vendors,”
Speaker:the mastiff said as they walked past a stall selling tomatoes.
Speaker:“Rotation is supposed to be this week.”
Speaker:“I saw a few new things,” Arthur replied, looking across the vendors.
Speaker:“The tayaki stand was new!”
Speaker:“New flavors, you mean,”
Speaker:the dog replied, chewing thoughtfully.
Speaker:“I prefer the usual red bean flavor better.”
Speaker:“I think the strawberry one has its positives,”
Speaker:the cat answered cheerily.
Speaker:“It's refreshingly fruity.”
Speaker:“The red bean’s creaminess works better with the pancake though,” Thomas replied.
Speaker:“Perhaps. There’s a reason why you always choose that. Oh, look!”
Speaker:The cat went ahead, his eyes
Speaker:looking at a curious stall.
Speaker:“Knit stuff!” The mastiff looked inquisitively.
Speaker:The stall was filled with different kinds of knit wear and knick-knacks, ranging from scarves and gloves to stuffed ducks.
Speaker:A lean deer manned the shop, his antler tips covered in an assortment
Speaker:of colored knit caps.
Speaker:He gave them a big smile and a small nod,
Speaker:his heavy antlers bowing down with him.
Speaker:“Welcome!” He said cheerily.
Speaker:His eyes grew wide in recognition as he noticed the tabby cat.
Speaker:“Arty?” “Bryan!” Arthur said, waving his paw.
Speaker:The deer quickly went over to the other side to give the cat a big hug.
Speaker:“How’re you doing girl? I missed you!”
Speaker:Bryan exclaimed, hugging the fluffy tabby cat tight.
Speaker:“Same old, same old,” Arthur replied,
Speaker:patting the deer on the back. “And what about you? What’s all of this?”
Speaker:“My sister and I finally decided to try selling some of our knits!”
Speaker:The deer said excitedly.
Speaker:“Finally got a slot here and gave it a shot!”
Speaker:“That's great Bry!” Arthur replied as they broke their hug.
Speaker:“Got a lot of stuff here.”
Speaker:“Well half of it is old work we didn't have space for anymore,”
Speaker:the deer said, handing Arthur and Thomas cards.
Speaker:“Though we have been making things specifically to sell recently.”
Speaker:“I remember this one!” Arthur said, picking up a knitted duck. *I
Speaker:can't believe you’re selling this. I need to take it before it vanishes.”
Speaker:“Aw I didn't know you liked that one,”
Speaker:Bryan replied.
Speaker:“Just take it then.”
Speaker:“No.” “Fine, but at least take this,”
Speaker:the deer said as Arthur fished for his wallet.
Speaker:The cat felt something warm plop on his head.
Speaker:“It suits you!” Bryan grinned.
Speaker:Arthur pulled the knit off his head. It was a rainbow colored beanie with
Speaker:small slits at the side for ears.
Speaker:“I don't trust your taste,”
Speaker:the cat replied as he put the beanie back on
Speaker:and looked toward Thomas.
Speaker:“It does suit you,”
Speaker:the mastiff replied, patting Arthur on the head.
Speaker:“You can have that one.
Speaker:It's just a prototype anyway.
Speaker:We plan on making more for pride month.”
Speaker:Bryan replied. “So?
Speaker:Pretty right?” “It's cute!”
Speaker:Arthur giggled. “I’ll keep it then.
Speaker:Thanks, Bry. I bet it'll be a hit.”
Speaker:“Sucks that I only have one, though.
Speaker:Thomas, right?” The deer asked the mastiff.
Speaker:“Drop by next week and I'll have another one ready for you.”
Speaker:“Oh, it's fine! No thanks,”
Speaker:Thomas said, waving his paw as Arthur placed the beanie on his head.
Speaker:“Rainbow doesn't really suit me.”
Speaker:“Nah, I think it looks nice on you!”
Speaker:Bryan replied, looking the Mastiff up and down.
Speaker:He smirked, giving the big dog a cheeky wink.
Speaker:“Or I could make one with bear flag colors.”
Speaker:“Nonono you don't need to!”
Speaker:the mastiff quickly uttered,
Speaker:making Bryan giggle.
Speaker:“You’re cute.” The deer said,
Speaker:giving Thomas a warm smile.
Speaker:He turned back to Arthur.
Speaker:“We should have some dinner together sometime! I'll bring Jake.”
Speaker:“Jake? He’s the cougar, right?”
Speaker:Arthur asked. “No, that was Jeff. Jake is a moose,”
Speaker:Bryan explained. He raised his chin, fanning himself with his hand.
Speaker:“I was too high maintenance for Jeff.”
Speaker:“You bitch,” Arthur said with mock shock,
Speaker:and the two laughed.
Speaker:“Jeff had to leave town and we decided we didn't want an LDR.”
Speaker:The deer said. “Jake helped me set up this stall! He’s a sweetheart.
Speaker:I’d love it if you guys met.”
Speaker:“Let's set something up then!”
Speaker:Arthur replied, taking the beanie back from the mastiff and putting it on.
Speaker:“It was nice meeting you Bryan!”
Speaker:“Yeah, nice to see you!”
Speaker:The deer said, waving back.
Speaker:He smirked at Thomas.
Speaker:“Drop by next week and I’ll have a beanie ready for you too.
Speaker:too.” “I said it’s fine-”
Speaker:the mastiff began,
Speaker:before the cat took his paw and led him away.
Speaker:“Looks like pride month is coming,”
Speaker:Arthur said, his ears peeking out of the rainbow colored beanie as they walked down the weekend market.
Speaker:“The university’s gonna be celebrating again. I need to get out of the lab more often.”
Speaker:“And the shops are going to be filled with rainbow themed everything again,”
Speaker:Thomas replied, looking at a few banners that decorated the market.
Speaker:“Yeah,” the cat laughed,
Speaker:adjusting his brightly colored beanie.
Speaker:“Honestly, I don't mind all the pandering.
Speaker:It's still better than the alternative.
Speaker:“Yeah…” the mastiff replied.
Speaker:“Well you have any events in mind to attend?”
Speaker:Arthur asked. “I was thinking of going to the pridecon this Wednesday.
Speaker:You free?” — The nearly set sun cast dim light through the curtains,
Speaker:providing scant illumination to the living room at the other side.
Speaker:A brown coat hung from a rack,
Speaker:resting after a long day outside with the newly acquired multicoloured beanie next to it.
Speaker:The television droned on in the dark room,
Speaker:gunshots flashing light from its screen and
Speaker:casting shadows. A bowl of half-eaten caramel popcorn lay
Speaker:on a table in front of it.
Speaker:Both the movie and snack were ignored by the occupants.
Speaker:Arthur slouched down on the couch,
Speaker:his head leaning back on the large cushion behind him.
Speaker:His sweater was pulled up over the curve of his soft belly,
Speaker:his one paw on the couch
Speaker:while the other slipped underneath his sweater
Speaker:to idly rub his nipple.
Speaker:His pants pooled down at his ankles,
Speaker:and his thick legs were spread
Speaker:to give full access to the parts that lay between.
Speaker:A large paw pushed against his thigh while another rested on his belly,
Speaker:gently giving it a rub.
Speaker:The same paw slowly reached up and over the plush stomach
Speaker:to hold onto the tabby cat’s paw on his chest. The mastiff’s
Speaker:large head moved as he nuzzled the cat’s member with his muzzle.
Speaker:His cold, moist nose rubbed against the covered tip of the tabby's s dick,
Speaker:carefully pulling down the foreskin to reveal the tip of the pink head underneath.
Speaker:He pressed his nose at the tip and took in his partner’s familiar and memorable scent.
Speaker:Lowering his muzzle, he traced down the thick, warm shaft,
Speaker:slowly pulling the foreskin down with it.
Speaker:He sighed as he reached the spot between the tabby cat’s shaft and balls.
Speaker:The cat’s dick lay across the bridge of his muzzle,
Speaker:the pink tip staring right at him as it leaked,
Speaker:already slick from teasing earlier during the movie.
Speaker:He nuzzled into the full balls and sniffed,
Speaker:the balls retracting from the cold air that flowed over them.
Speaker:Trailing his nose back up the shaft, he let the foreskin retreat back over the head before
Speaker:placing the tip at his lips.
Speaker:Giving the tip of the cat’s manhood a kiss, he slid his tongue into the soft folds as he suckled on the head.
Speaker:Thomas took his time savoring the soft, velvety tip of the cat’s dick.
Speaker:He licked over the smooth, slick head before going to the source.
Speaker:He brought one paw to the cat’s shaft,
Speaker:pressing into his fat pad to get more of that tasty dick out
Speaker:and pull the skin back to reveal the head.
Speaker:He lapped at the pre-slicked frenulum,
Speaker:tasting the precum that leaked out of the chubby cat’s
Speaker:slit. His tail wagged as he heard the cat mewl
Speaker:huskily, his chest giving a deep breath in pleasure.
Speaker:Eventually, he began to pull more of the warm meat into his muzzle,
Speaker:taking more of the shaft as he bobbed up and down.
Speaker:With a long pull back, Thomas pulled his muzzle off the shaft.
Speaker:The cat’s modestly-sized dick glistened with drool
Speaker:and precum, throbbing gently in the light of the television behind the mastiff’s broad back.
Speaker:Thomas tapped the pink head on his muzzle,
Speaker:the heat of the dick contrasting to the coolness of his nose.
Speaker:He looked up at his lover
Speaker:and their eyes met.
Speaker:“Do you think I’m not gay enough?”
Speaker:Thomas asked. “W-what?”
Speaker:Arthur asked, his pleasure-addled mind slowly snapping back to attention.
Speaker:“Uhh,”the mastiff said,
Speaker:tapping the dick to the side of his muzzle as he thought. ”I
Speaker:guess sometimes
Speaker:I feel like I don’t
Speaker:fit into the whole
Speaker:gay thing.” “Why’d you say that?”
Speaker:the tabby cat asked,
Speaker:reaching between his legs to pet the mastiff between the ears. “Have I been
Speaker:making you uncomfortable with anything?”
Speaker:“No, nothing of the sort!” Thomas replied,
Speaker:pushing the throbbing dick away so he could look at his partner.
Speaker:“I just sometimes feel I
Speaker:should be more… gay…
Speaker:is all.” “Tom,” Arthur said gently,
Speaker:reaching down to cup the dog’s head.
Speaker:“You don’t need to be anything but yourself.”
Speaker:The dog smiled back. “Thank you, love.”
Speaker:“Now,” the cat began,
Speaker:leaning back once more and giving his hips a light thrust.
Speaker:“It’d be nice for you to finish what you’ve started.” “Mmmhm,”
Speaker:Tom agreed, as he opened his warm muzzle once more.
Speaker:“Good boy,” Arthur said huskily,
Speaker:purring as he felt Tom’s tail wag at his feet.
Speaker:— The mastiff stood on the sidewalk as he waited outside the local pride comic convention on campus.
Speaker:He shifted around, checking his phone. The morning
Speaker:was sunny and pleasant,
Speaker:and the hustle and bustle at the entrance was nice and lively.
Speaker:Attendants kept everything in check, sorting the con-goers and artists that entered the venue.
Speaker:He looked around and tugged at his coat as he pulled his phone out,
Speaker:checking it for messages.
Speaker:Sighing, he looked back at the event and the brightly colored banners at the entrance.
Speaker:He shifted in place once more,
Speaker:checking his phone.
Speaker:A part of him was wondering if anyone would notice him,
Speaker:though he knew he had no reason to worry about that.
Speaker:Yet the thought still lingered.
Speaker:He frowned at the notion.
Speaker:He walked toward the entrance of the building, peeking into the event space.
Speaker:The inside was filled with students, faculty, and guests who came
Speaker:to participate.
Speaker:Many wore different shirts, bracelets, and pins representing the various pride flags as they walked
Speaker:around. Tom smiled, before walking back away to wait at the nearby bench.
Speaker:His thoughts were interrupted
Speaker:as a voice came from his right.
Speaker:“Hi!” Tom turned, and saw a young ferret girl look at him cheerily.
Speaker:“Are you here to attend the pride comic con?”
Speaker:“Oh, um, yes,” The mastiff said timidly.
Speaker:“I’m just waiting for someone.”
Speaker:“That’s great! There are seats inside that might be more comfortable,”
Speaker:The ferret suggested.
Speaker:“I’m fine with waiting here,”
Speaker:Tomas replied with a reassuring grin.
Speaker:“Alright,” She said, raising the basket she’d been carrying.
Speaker:It was filled with a bunch of stitched rainbow patches.
Speaker:“Well would you like a pride patch?”
Speaker:Tomas looked at the pile of small patches.
Speaker:“I’m fine,” he said reflexively,
Speaker:before pausing. He looked at the patches once more.
Speaker:Sometimes, he wished he had a specific memory as to
Speaker:why he felt uncomfortable.
Speaker:A demon he could point his finger at for his cowardice.
Speaker:Yet he had none.
Speaker:Just his own thoughts.
Speaker:He growled to himself.
Speaker:“No. Actually, I’ll take one.”
Speaker:“Hope you like it!”
Speaker:the ferret said cheerily.
Speaker:She gave Tom a shy grin.
Speaker:“It's just a small gesture, but it means a lot.”
Speaker:“Happy to help,” Tom replied,
Speaker:waving as the ferret left.
Speaker:He stared at the small patch in his paw,
Speaker:turning it over in the morning light before pocketing it into his coat.
Speaker:“a small gesture…” His thoughts were interrupted as two arms wrapped around his shoulders and a chin rested on the top of his head.
Speaker:“Sorry I’m late!” Arthur said, nuzzling the top of Tom’s head gently.
Speaker:“Did you wait long?”
Speaker:“Not too long,” Tom replied,
Speaker:leaning into the nuzzle.
Speaker:“What took you?” “Just finished closing the lab,”
Speaker:the cat answered, going around the bench.
Speaker:He was wearing the rainbow beanie that
Speaker:he got a few days back.
Speaker:Rounding the bench, he plopped down at the mastiff’s
Speaker:side. He sighed, leaning his head on Thomas's shoulder.
Speaker:“And then went straight here.
Speaker:Can you give me a minute?
Speaker:Just resting from the walk.”
Speaker:Tom glanced down at the tabby cat.
Speaker:He felt his partner’s weight as he leaned on him,
Speaker:his breaths slightly heavy from the brisk walk. The cat looked content, a soft smile on his muzzle giving the mastiff a warmth that welled up inside him. He looked so content and secure with him. He put his arm around Arthur’s
Speaker:shoulder and pulled him close.
Speaker:Taking the cat’s paw into his own, he closed his eyes,
Speaker:accompanying his tired partner.
Speaker:“No problem,” Thomas said softly,
Speaker:a smile on his muzzle as well.
Speaker:“I love you, Art.” — “Hey, if we’re too late we won’t get a good pick for breakfast!” Thomas called out through the hallway as he put his shoes on.
Speaker:The air was chilly
Speaker:though outside the window it was already light out.
Speaker:He heard a loud yawn come from their bedroom. “It’s only 6:30! There’s
Speaker:no way the Saturday market is selling out this early!”
Speaker:Arthur replied from down the hall. “It’s
Speaker:still better to make sure!
Speaker:I want that egg noodle bowl!”
Speaker:Arthur hobbled out of the bedroom, rubbing his eyes.
Speaker:He lazily picked up his shoulder bag and placed it over his jacket before walking toward Tomas.
Speaker:He glanced at the husky mastiff.
Speaker:“Nice patch!” Arthur said.
Speaker:A small rainbow patch was placed on the flap of Tom’s messenger bag,
Speaker:adding some color to the dark brown cloth.
Speaker:“Thanks,” Tom replied
Speaker:shyly. He looked down at the patch, feeling a bit of excitement well up in him.
Speaker:He reached out to grab the cat by the waist and pull him close.
Speaker:Arthur looked up, and the mastiff met his gaze and gave him a quick kiss.
Speaker:“You make me proud.”
Speaker:“Tom…” Arthur said, ears red.
Speaker:“I’m glad.” “Alright,”
Speaker:Thomas said as he opened the door.
Speaker:He held out his paw.
Speaker:“Let’s get going!” This was
Speaker:“A Small Gesture” by Pendoggo,
Speaker:read for you by Rob MacWolf, werewolf hitchhiker.
Speaker:And that concludes our Pride Month stories for the year.
Speaker:As of next week, we begin our Summer Reading Program schedule,
Speaker:during which you can expect two episodes per week.
Speaker:You can find more stories on the web
Speaker:at thevoice.dog,
Speaker:or find the show wherever you get your podcasts.
Speaker:Happy Pride, and Thank you,
Speaker:friends of every shape, ability, gender, and species,
Speaker:for listening to The Voice of Dog.