The Furry Mutation (DISCONTINUED)

1

The door to a tinted windowed, black van swings open, nearly blinding its passengers. It's been a long drive for everyone and a long year for the three Anthros inside. They step out to see a home they haven't in some time. The eldest of the three, a male tiger, doesn't have much time to admire all the missed sights and sounds as the two younger children start chasing eachother about the yard. As he watches the little bull and bear cub chase eachother through the grass, He finds he doesn't have the heart to scold them. Instead, he takes the opportunity to brace himself for what's to come.

Marcus Hamilton. Age twenty-three. Used to be a stunning tall man with light brown hair and milky brown eyes. He was engaged to his highschool sweetheart, Anna Rose till this happened. It was quite the start that morning. She screamed bloody murder and he locked himself in the bathroom. They decided to break up at least till he came back. Maybe by then she could see past the fur and muzzle to see the man she'd fallen for or there was a cure. He hopes she's still waiting. She's been his whole motivation to get out of that wreched place as soon as possible.

He feels a hand on his clothes back and turns his head to see Doctor Gomez, the one who's helped both him and his younger siblings all this time. She smiles warmly, "It's time. I'll be right here." She calls for the boys who huff but come back over regardless. Marcus takes a moment to appreciate the doctor. She's been nothing but kind and understanding since day one. He was almost sad this could be one of the last times they see eachother. He smiles softly, taking his brothers hands before walking up the stairs.

Doctor Gomez knocks first so she can be the first to help calm the family if needed. There's loud, scrambling footsteps before the door opens revealing a worried but happy mother, "Yes? Is it time?" The doctor smiles warmly, "It is. Hello. I am Doctor Annabella Gomez. We've spoken on the phone on quite a few occasions." He sees his mother's face light up as she looks over at the three before looking back to her, "It's so good to finally meet you. Please come in."

The two younger anthros were not as shy as the eldest. Marcus almost hides behind the doctor, which is impossible Givin his size but that doesn't mean he won't try. He does take a look around the room. His mother, father, step father, grandparents, even his uncle and some cousins were gathered today. All to see them come home. That eases his nerves. His best friend was standing awkwardly in the corner and behind them all stood his fiancé with a ring he doesn't recognize on her finger beside someone he doesn't recognize. He feels his heart drop.

The doctor feels his shift in energy and turns to him, "Calm down Marcus. It's ok. No one is going to hurt you or your brothers. Look." She directs his attention to his young siblings hugging their father. He smiles softly. Dad has always been a laid back and supportive guy. Unlike him though. He could tell some people were here not because they wanted to see him but because they wanted to see if it was true. He can see the disgust in the eyes of some family, step father and the stranger included. It made him uneasy.

The tension is finally broken when his mother approaches. She looks at him, a bit uneasy which Marcus more than understands. She reaches out, cupping his furry cheek like any loving mother would, "Marcus?" He purrs softly and looks at her, "Ma." The heavy set woman tears up and hugs him around the neck, getting his fur wet with tears, "My baby is home." Theres a chuckle, "More like cub now. Why you gotta take so long dude?" It's his friend, a short and punky blonde girl, who's made it to the front of the crowd. Marcus let's go of his mom and chuckles, "I went as fast as I could Charlie. Hey... where's Max?" He looks for his other friend. Charlie chuckles, "He's still in rehab. Got another month or so. They're helping him with the smoking too." The tiger nods, "Good. Good." He catches the eye of another young woman who can't seem to keep eye contact. He sighs, "This is nice but... I think I need a walk. We've been in the car for hours."

"Im coming too. I have so many questions. Oooo. You have to do a roar." His Friend bounces with excitement. He smiles and waves for her to come along.

Once outside, Charlie seems to get a little serious, "Im sorry man... I told her to wait and give you a chance but we know how Anna is." Marcus sighs, "I think deep down I knew it would happen. I can't ask her to be with basically an animal." The young woman hums, "True but damn... I'm glad you figured yourself out. I'd hate to have to do that crap for a year or more." They enjoy a nice walk, Charlie showing him all the changes businesses and the city have made to try and make the world a little more accessible. It was nice honesty. Even first generation technology was coming out. Seems companies saw an opening in the market and they sure are taking advantage.

They get back and it seems a good meal has been made. He thanks them as it seems Doctor Gomez told them of his and his brothers new dietary needs before the trip. He chats with what family was still there, sharing stories and helping correct his brothers. They've learned much but there's still much to learn.

Later that night when everyone is either settling in their rooms or going to their hotel for the night, Charlie convinces him to have a sleepover like when they were in school. He figured it would be a good idea though he's suspicious she just wants to cuddle his fluff. He doesn't mind though. She's never treated him differently all day. It's as if to her, he's always been like this. They settle into the large bed and say their goodnights. So goes his first day back home.