Sing - Ash and Porsha (Novel) Pt. 2

A month later, showtime was quickly approaching. Everyone had been very supportive of Ash and Porsha’s new duet, so much so that the two of them became the center of the show itself. They were the center headline to newspapers, tv advertisements, and the posters of the show itself. Though Porsha had been the person to come up with the idea in the first place, she definitely hadn’t expected all of this attention, and was starting to worry a little.

Yes, she had expected her dad to get a whiff of it no matter what. Maybe even send a few guys to come and watch the show and report back to him, but all the advertisement seemed to be shoving it in his face a little, so much so that he might not be able to quell his anger for much longer. 

It was a random rehearsal day when her phone rang, which confused her at first because everyone she knew in her new life was currently in the same room as her. “Hello?” She answered, not recognizing the caller ID.

“Hi Porsha, it’s Suki,” the voice on the other line said.

“Oh?” She hadn’t heard from Suki in… almost a year? Since the day she had left. This was definitely unusual, and sent a shiver down Porsha’s spine. She left the auditorium, making Ash turn back and look at her with a worried expression.

“I have some bad news,” she continued, getting right to the point like she always did.

“Bad news?” Porsha wondered for a second if something had happened to her father. She still cared for him, but waited for Suki to finish.

“Well… the thing is… your father is really upset with you,” Suki said.

“When is he not upset with me? This is pretty normal news,” Porsha replied, though her heart was still beating fast.

“Listen, I’ve never been very close to you. Honestly, I saw you as just another annoying chore to do for your father… but I don’t know… this time, I feel like maybe you deserve to know what’s coming for you. Because it’s going to crash down on you all at once - and I would never underestimate him if I were you.”

Suki had never spoken to her that way. She was right, she’d always treated Porsha like an annoying nuisance, so this was completely out of character for her. Porsha’s father must be really pissed off for Suki to even feel sorry for her in the slightest. “Is it all the advertisement? I told Buster to ease up on those…” she said with a quiet voice. She could already feel her old self sink in, coming back to the surface like Ash hadn’t spent an entire year trying to heal her. Porsha had thought she had gotten rid of the parts of herself that she despised, but this one phone call was forcing it to come back, like bile sneaking up to the surface.

“Yes. He had actually been very good about it. He avoided talking about you all together, saying that he didn’t actually have a daughter anymore. Then one day, he was in the middle of a meeting. A very important meeting. Buster’s face came up on the TV screen at the restaurant while he was giving his speech, and all of his clients turned to stare at it. You came up right after. You know, the video of you embracing the porcupine while you stare at each other’s eyes? He tried to distract them, but the damage had already been done. All three clients are against… you know.”

“Oh no…” Porsha said. She put a paw on top of her eyes, knowing the worst was coming.

“One of them recognized you from past events, called you out, and that was that. They all left the meeting,” Suki paused. “He really needed that deal, Porsha. It was a make or break kind of thing. And you ruined it.”

In the back of her mind, Porsha was trying to tell herself it wasn’t her fault, but all of the anxiety and fear came creeping in, and she began blaming herself for everything. Why had she come up with such a dumb idea in the first place? “What is he going to do?” 

The phone began breaking up, and Porsha had to repeat, “hello?” a couple of times before she heard Suki once more.

“Sorry, I took a separate car, but your dad’s heading to the theater right now. I warned you the best I could, Porsha, but he is going to ruin you,” that was the last she said before the phone went dead, and Porsha stood here, her phone limp in her paw, staring at the wall. 

She didn’t know what to do. Tell everyone to run? What if he was already here? Her mind raced, her heart raced, and she couldn’t breathe. She slid onto the ground, feeling like her life was flashing before her eyes. 

Ash entered the room she was in, a back entrance hidden in the corner, the look of concern even more prominent on her face. “What’s wrong?” She knelt down onto the ground next to Porsha, not knowing what to do.

Porsha had trouble breathing as she said, “I think my dad’s coming.”

“Is that who called you?” 

“It was Suki, she wanted to give me a warning.”

“How kind of her,” Ash replied sarcastically. “Why are you on the floor?”

“Because he’s going to ruin the theater, and there’s nothing we can do,” Porsha replied, tears were now streaming down her eyes as she tried everything to gather her breath. 

“Of course there’s something we can do,” Ash replied, and was about to lean over and give Porsha a comforting hug when the main doors to the theater crashed open. 

“Oh no…” Porsha said. “He’s here.” Ash grabbed both of her hands and pulled her up, pulling Porsha along with her to where everyone was gathering. They stood in the middle of the auditorium, watching as Jimmy Crystal and two other wolves stood confidently in front of them all, all three with neutral expressions plastered on their faces. Porsha recognized the two wolves, two of her dad’s closest body guards, ones that he always had next to him ‘just in case’. 

“Where’s my daughter?” Jimmy practically growled.

“What do you want with her?” Rosita asked, completely fearless. Buster was standing in the corner, looking quite afraid himself. 

“Seems like private business between myself and my daughter, no? Move aside, silly pig,” he stepped forwards.

Porsha snuck out from next to Ash, making sure to let go of all contact as she faced her father. She barely saw him as she looked to the floor, her old self completely taken over - the one that cowarded when her dad was mad at her, who felt guilty when she was blamed for something that wasn’t truly her fault. 

“Ah, there you are,” he grinned so widely that his fangs glowed against the theater lights. “Now, what am I going to do with you?” It was so embarrassing being scolded like a little kid in front of everyone, and yet there was nothing she could do about it. She was shaking now, so much so that she knew everyone would be able to see her. Ash put a hand on her shoulder, but she stepped forwards so Ash wouldn’t be able to reach her. She knew any contact with Ash would make this so much worse. 

“What are you doing here?” She said in a small voice.

“What am I doing here? WHAT AM I DOING HERE?!” He growled. “Do you know what you’ve done to my business? To the empire that I’ve built all these years to TAKE CARE OF YOU?! You’ve destroyed it single-handedly for WHAT? For you to start a romantic relationship with a porcupine?!”

“I never meant to hurt your business, dad…” she started, though didn’t really know how else she would be able to explain.

“Yes, because you don’t think. You’ve been clueless from the very start. Probably because of how much I’ve spoilt you. Yes, yes… that was my mistake,” he began pacing back and forth, and the entire audience shifted to look at each other, all feeling incredibly uncomfortable. “Now, is this phase over yet? When are you coming home, hmm? You must know by now how poorly they pay you in the theater business. Is that what you want, Porsha? To be poor for the rest of your life?”

She was about to start speaking again, but he turned to face her, and his expression shifted to pure wrath. “What is that on your ear? Did you pierce your ear? Without my permission? Next I know you’ll be indulging in drugs!”

“That seems like a far reach,” Gunter said, breaking the silence.

“Ooooh no, no, no,” Jimmy pointed directly at Ash, who was in her full rock suit. “I know the type of influence people like her have. Next thing you know, my poor Porsha is going to be laying on the streets, begging for a shot up her arm!”

Porsha finally noticed Suki had arrived in the corner of the room, though the woman’s expression was as deadpanned as always, like they had never had the phone call in the first place. 

“Dad… please stop… we can talk about this another time… not in front of everyone,” Porsha begged, the tears welling back in her eyes. 

“No. I want you to promise me in front of everyone here you’re done with all of this. You’re coming back with me right now. Enough is enough. I have given you a year to have your fun. You come back with me right now, or I can promise you, last time will seem like a joke compared to what I do this time.”

Porsha didn’t know what to do. She looked at everyone’s crestfallen expressions. They all looked worried, and it was all her fault. She didn’t want to do it though. How could she now, after all she’s been through. It was not a phase. Not even close. It was the happiest she’s ever felt in her entire life, it was being with someone who truly loved her - as a friend, as something more. It was her finally feeling at peace, like she had a family. How could she give all that up?

She burst into tears, and melted onto the floor again. Rosita moved close and dropped down, giving her a hug while whispering comforting words. This seemed to have riled everyone up, because their expressions of fear turned into hatred, and every single one of the crew glared at Jimmy with pure viciousness. 

“Why are you doing this to her? Leave her alone!” Nooshy said first.

“Yeah, can’t you see that she’s happy now?” Johnny exclaimed. 

Buster agreed, “she’s been improving every single day since we’ve met her. You would never be able to teach her the things she’s learnt!” He had stepped onto a wooden box to be higher up as he spoke to Jimmy.

“No matter what you say, we’re not going to let her go, dream on!” Nooshy continued.

Jimmy looked at them all, and stepped a few more steps closer to them, “oh… is that the game we’re going to play now, hmm? Don’t you think I’ve forgotten what you’ve done to me…”

Ash, who had been staring at Porsha, uncertain of how to help her, made her way to the center of the room, and stared up at him, her quills all erect. “If you make a move to even touch a single hair on Porsha’s head… I will not stop myself from fighting you.”

Jimmy burst out laughing. He did so dramatically, with tears forming in his eyes as he slapped his thigh a few times, doubling over slightly. Everyone watched with apprehension as he finally composed himself, with Porsha still crying in the corner. “You…” he jabbed his finger against Ash’s shoulder, causing her to take a single step  back. “You think you can do anything against an arctic wolf and his bodyguards?” He turned back to show off the two wolves he brought with him, both incredibly muscular. “Besides, I’m not one to attack someone. I’m more gentlemanly than that.” He adjusted his tie against his suit. “No, in fact, I know the perfect way to really get Porsha to come home with me.”

“Never,” Ash said, her determination not wavering for even a second.

“I will destroy your career. As the Head of Crystal Entertainment, I will make sure no one ever hires you again. You won’t be able to get a job at a dive bar when I’m done with you. You’ll end up begging on the streets, maybe with a final guitar string, hoping someone will give you a single penny. How does that sound?” His grin showed off his deep fangs once more. “Did you hear that, Porsha? Did you hear what I’m going to do with your stingy little friend?”

He looked over to where Porsha was crying, but she was no longer there. Quicker than anyone could even see, Porsha appeared right between her father and Ash, her eyes narrowed and so dark none of the usual yellow could be seen anymore as it filled the whites of her eyes. She had bared teeth that revealed sharp, threatening canines, and her lips curled back in a snarl. Every step she took towards her father was deliberate, the muscles beneath her fur rippled with tension, ready to unleash a burst of energy at any moment. Her claws extended and retracted with each flex of her fingers, and a low, guttural growl escaped her throat, like she didn’t know how to speak properly anymore. The anger was so palpable that everyone in the room could taste it, and no one moved a single inch. 

She looked like a wolf stalking her prey, so delicate and deliberate that when she released the growling bark as she reached her father, everyone jumped at the sound that was now echoing through the room. The primitive sound coming from a predator was clear - it was a sound that only came out in extreme anger or passion, and Jimmy had managed to trigger it in his own daughter. 

She was so close to her father now their nostrils were almost touching, and she had to calm herself down enough so she could even get words out, “everyone here. Everyone here besides you and your stupid staff are my family. Every single one of them. Ash is my girlfriend, and will remain so for as long as I wish. None of this has anything to do with you, father. In fact, I no longer see you as my father. Do not set foot on this property ever again. Don’t look for me, don’t call me, don’t ever think you own me in any way. GET. OUT.” She pointed to the door.

Jimmy looked completely bewildered. He looked like he wanted to get words out, but kept stopping himself before they came out. It was clear his daughter had never come close to standing up to him before, and he had never expected her to do so. “I said - GET. OUT,” she growled again, looking like she was turning more and more into a wild wolf by the second. 

“I… I…” She didn’t let him speak. She took step after step towards him, her nose barely an inch in front of him with every step. Not wanting to hurt his daughter, he backed off step after step, until his back was right against the main theater doors. 

“Boss, do you want us to step in?” One of his bodyguards asked.

Suki still remained silent in the corner, but had a slightly amused expression in her eyes. Jimmy raised his hand, a command for them to back off. Porsha grabbed the door handle behind him and pushed it, a movement so abrupt it made him wince as she did so. “GET. OUT.” She repeated a third time. 

He didn’t say a single word as he exited the building, with Porsha holding the door open for the bodyguards and Suki.

The last time Porsha had released her anger, she was a toddler that didn’t know how to control her predator instincts. All predators learned from a young age how to easily control this. Today, it was all too much.

The fur on her body relaxed and her eyes shifted back to their usual yellow before she let out a final panting breath, and collapsed onto the floor as the doors to the  theater shut with a loud ‘boom’.

—------------------

Ash rushed to Porsha, pulling her close with a shocked expression on her face, “Porsha, Porsha! Are you okay?” 

Porsha stirred almost immediately, wiping her paw against her eyes as she looked up at her girlfriend. “What… what happened?”

“You freaked out at your dad and he left… he looked terrified,” Ash explained. “Do you not remember?”

Porsha furrowed her brows slightly, and said, “I… I remember it faintly. Like I was watching it from the outside.”

“I’ve heard of this before,” Johnny said, approaching them from behind. “Predators that lose control and go back to their natural state when they get angry. Or just emotional in general.” 

“I’ve heard of this too,” Ash said. “But I’ve never actually seen it in real life.” 

“No, it’s pretty rare. Most predators are trained when they’re toddlers to not lose control like that,” Johnny explained, then looked guilty as he glanced at Porsha. “No offense, Porsha.”

She smiled a little awkwardly as she said, “yeah, I think it’s pretty obvious why I lacked any sort of training in that aspect.” 

Ash, already feeling defensive, added, “well, we all would’ve been pretty screwed if you didn’t lose control like that, so I would call it a win for all of us.”

Johnny nodded. “Agreed. I’m glad it happened.”

The rest of the cast, after making sure Porsha was okay, began dissipating, though Johnny continued to awkwardly stare at the two of them, like had something to say. Ash, not having the patient for this sort of thing, immediately said, “what is it?” She tried pulling Porsha up, though struggled with their height difference. Johnny, noticing this, stepped forwards and pulled her up, setting her back on her feet like she weighed nothing.

He scratched the back of his head as he murmured, “this may be a bad time for this…”

“C’mon. Just tell us,” Ash said, crossing her arms and tapping her toes.

“Well… okay.” Johnny said, still looking uncomfortable. Porsha smiled at him, eager to have something to distract her from all the embarrassment her father had just caused. “You know Nooshy has been teaching me how to dance for a while now.”

“Yes. We work together, Johnny. Everyone knows that,” Ash said.

Porsha nudged her, “be nice!” Ash rolled her eyes, but seemed to nod in agreement.

“Well, I’ve been developing feelings for her for quite some time now,” Johnny began. He looked like he was incredibly embarrassed to even broach the subject. If gorillas could blush, he would definitely be doing so at the moment.

“Have you? That’s so exciting for you!” Porsha said, already bouncing back from her father’s incident. Ash was pleased as well. She’d always thought they were great together, and had thought so the day she found out about Porsha’s upcoming birthday.

“I finally had the courage to ask her out on a date,” he started, though was interrupted by Porsha’s loud squealing.

“Did she say yes? DID SHE?”

Ash nudged her girlfriend, “stop talking and let him tell the story. Then you can be excited about it!”

Johnny couldn’t help but chuckle. “The two of you are quite the pair. I’m jealous.”

Ash smiled as well, “believe me, it took a while for us to get to this point.”

“So worth it, though. Continue your story!” Porsha exclaimed.

“She said yes, but I freaked out a little,” Johnny said, “and I told her we could make it casual. Like a double date.” 

“A double date? With us?” Ash said, immediately grasping what he wanted from them.

He nodded, “I’m sorry to spring this on you guys. I know you have a lot going on. Especially with Porsha’s dad and all, but you’re the only couple in the theater, and you two have such a strong connection. I knew I’d be able to rely on you guys.”

Porsha smiled as wide as she possibly could and said, “of course we’ll do it! That sounds so fun!” 

Ash rolled her eyes once more, “shouldn’t you be asking me first?”

“C’mon. I know you secretly want to be involved as well,” Porsha replied, nudging her girlfriend quite dramatically. 

“Okay. You got me there. We’re in,” Ash confirmed.

“Yes!!” Johnny said, throwing his fist up in the air. “This is going to be great!”

They set up the date pretty easily after spotting Nooshy in the practice room, and Porsha absolutely couldn’t wait for the end of the week.

“This is going to be our first serious date date!!” She said as the two of them left the room. 

Ash couldn’t help but chuckle, “I didn’t know you wanted to go on a serious date date.”

“Why wouldn’t I? They’re so romantic!” Porsha said, and turned so she was walking backwards and facing Ash. She clapped her paws together and looked romantically into the distance.

“What did I sign up for, exactly?” Ash asked, smirking to herself.

“The best double date ever, that’s what!” Porsha exclaimed. 

“You’ve never even been to one before!” Ash said, though felt a little guilty about it. It was weird being all of Porsha’s first experiences. She didn’t know if she was ready to take on all of the responsibility of making sure Porsha was always enjoying herself.

“Yes, but I’ve seen it all on TV. I’m sure it’s the same thing.”

“Pretty close,” Ash shrugged. “Now come on, we need to work on our song again. And this time, not being interrupted by a raging lunatic.”

Porsha sighed. “That was rough, wasn’t it? I can’t believe what he said about you….”

“We should stop letting it get us down,” Ash said. “He’s already gone, and I doubt he’ll be back anytime soon. Not after what you did to him. I think he’s gotten the point.”

“I wish he’d understand, Ash. I wish he wouldn’t put his stupid business partners above the relationship he has with me,” Porsha frowned, though was pleasantly surprised at how easy she found it talking to Ash now. Even about something so serious. She was so used to keeping everything to herself that she hadn’t really noticed such a dramatic change in her. This must’ve been what it was like being with someone you trusted in all things.

“I wish he’d understand, too.” Ash said, and stopped in her tracks. Porsha stopped as well, as if it was instinct. Ash, knowing this would happen, pulled Porsha close into an embrace. She nuzzled her face into her fur, loving how warm Porsha was. She was always so warm with her thick double-layered coat. “He might change his mind one day. And if he doesn’t, then he’s losing out on the very best thing in his life. And that’s on him.”

Porsha let out a loud sigh and let out the single tear dripping down her face. “You always know the right thing to say, Ash.”

“Hah. Most people say I have a loud mouth,” Ash smiled, trying to lighten the mood. 

“You do, but you say all the right things when it matters the most,” Porsha explained.

“Good.”

—-----------

Porsha wouldn’t stop talking about the date for the rest of the week. She asked Ash over and over what she should be expecting, how she should be behaving, how she should dress, with Ash rolling her eyes practically every time and telling her to focus on the upcoming show instead. The day before, Ash brought Porsha back to the thrift store, making sure they both had decent enough outfits for the date.

Porsha bought a black top with a skirt that stopped right above her knees, and Ash bought a leather jacket and tight blue dress pants. It was nice to be able to spoil themselves, and Ash had always found it adorable watching Porsha prance around the dressing room. She was even more animated this time, talking about the date over and over as she appeared in and out of the changing room.

They met Johnny and Nooshy in the front of the theater, having chosen a restaurant nearby as their destination, and Ash was shocked to find Nooshy in a dress - a black floral piece with tights underneath. Johnny chose a black blazer and jeans that could pass as ‘fancy’, though still wore sneakers, which was quite on brand with his personality. 

“You look fabulous, Nooshy!” Porsha said, still unable to hide her absolute excitement over this whole thing.

Nooshy grinned and gave her audience a dramatic swirl, resulting in Porsha clapping her paws together loudly. “Perfect! You’re a lucky guy, Johnny.” Porsha nudged him with her hips, which made Johnny look like he was furiously blushing once more.

“Shall we get going, then?” Ash asked. 

“Let’s go!” Porsha agreed. 

The four of them chatted about the upcoming performance as they walked to the restaurant, though Ash noticed the two in front of them didn’t behave quite like a couple yet. Johnny was standing far apart from Nooshy, like he wanted to give her her personal space. It was amusing, since most of the time they were hip to hip at the theater, almost always within touching distance. In fact, they’d barely been apart since the day they’d met when he asked her to teach him for their second show. Johnny seemed to be really in his head about this whole thing, which Ash could definitely relate to, having struggled with Porsha for quite some time about this. It seemed everyone became shy as soon as they desired to be with someone who truly mattered.

Ash wondered if her and Porsha would be able to push him along, just to make him less self-conscious about this whole thing. It was what a friend should try doing, at least. 

“Haven’t you been to many fancy restaurants before?” Ash asked, and scooted closer to hold onto Porsha’s hand as they rounded the corner to the street of Cafe Domaste, where they would be dining. 

Porsha nodded, “but it wasn’t like this. I usually had to smile and act pretty while my dad tried to schmooze one person or the other. No one actually cared about me. I was also pretty young, so I thought all the food was really gross.” She wrinkled her nose, which Ash thought was adorable.

“Reservation for Johnny,” Johnny said to the waiter at the door. The rabbit looked a little snooty, just like the atmosphere of the restaurant itself, and he eyed them up and down like he was making sure their apparel was decent.

“Yes, follow me,” he said, finally deciding they were decent enough. Ash already felt uncomfortable in a place like this, but was glad to see Porsha having so much fun.

They were seated at a nice booth table in the corner, which was pretty isolated from the rest of the space.

The restaurant itself was a study in opulence, with gleaming chandeliers casting a soft glow over tables adorned with crisp white linens and sparkling silverware. Plush velvet chairs offered comfortable seating, and intricate floral arrangements added a touch of elegance to the space. The ambiance was further enhanced by the gentle strains of live music, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Servers moved gracefully among the tables, delivering expertly crafted dishes that all four of them couldn’t help but turn their head to look at. 

“Wow, fancy place you’ve chosen, Johnny,” Nooshy said, “I didn’t think that was your style.”

Johnny let out an awkward chuckle and said, “honestly, I just wanted to impress you. I asked some of my dad’s… uh… friends… if they knew any fancy places around, and they said that this was a great place to do ‘business’.” He said the last word with air quotes, and the three of them knew exactly what he meant. 

“You brought us to a criminal den?” Nooshy asked, looking slightly aghast. 

Johnny chuckled, “my dad’s not that intense. I’m sure it’ll be fine.” He waved his hands. 

He scooted into the booth with Nooshy following after him, with Porsha and Ash doing the same. A server came by, a Persian Cat that introduced herself as their waitress, asking if they wanted to drink anything. All four agreed on water for now, and proceeded to check out the menu in silence.

Ash didn’t know if she was stunned by the prices or if it was on par with exactly how fancy the place was. She knew she would be treating Porsha, who she liked to spoil, though she never really spent much on herself, and had plenty of savings from working at the theater to treat her girl for a fancy dinner once in a while. 

“Can you explain what any of this is?” Ash asked, wrinkling her nose at the words ‘quenelle’ and ‘escargot’. “They all sound sketchy to me.” 

Johnny and Nooshy put down their menus at once, both looking at Porsha with equally pitiful eyes. Porsha burst out laughing, and proceeded to explain as best she could, though she’d forgotten a lot about it since cutting herself off from the world she’d left behind. “You know what’s the best part about fancy restaurants?” She said, smiling so much her canines were showing.

“What?” Ash asked, genuinely curious.

“The bread they serve… you dip it in herby butter and vinegar. Delish!” 

“You seem to miss this life…” Ash commented. “I’ve never really thought about that.” 

Porsha shook her head, “oh not at all. Ice cream on the beach is far better than fancy bread any day.” 

Ash pulled her girlfriend close at that, and they both began giggling, though stopped when they noticed the couple across from them staring. “I hadn’t realized how close you two have gotten!” Nooshy said.

“I was going to say the same. I guess we’re always so busy with work,” Johnny shrugged.

“Um, have you seen how the two of you act?” Porsha replied matter-of-factly. “It’s like no one else exists.” Johnny and Nooshy turned to look at each other, and both turned away in embarrassment at the same time. 

“Were you surprised when Johnny asked you out?” Ash asked, trying to make them break out of their shells some more. 

“Not at all,” Nooshy replied.

“Really?” Johnny asked, looking down at her in surprise.

“I heard you talking about it with Rosita,” she revealed.

“What?!” Johnny said, pushing his head in his hands, “I’ve been planning it for weeks!”

“I was wondering when you were finally going to speak up! I’d had a crush on you for ages!” Nooshy blurted out. 

Johnny looked completely incredulous, though had to pause as the waitress came back to take their orders. After she left, he said, “are you serious?”

“Yes,” Nooshy said, though seemed to have realized what she had let slip.

“I just… you always treated me so much like a friend… I didn’t think you liked me like that. It wasn’t until Rosita told me she could sense it in both of us that I finally had the courage to do so. Imagine how awkward it’d be at work if you had said no.”

“It would’ve been pretty awkward,” Nooshy agreed, “have you seen me look at anyone else, though? We spend at least eight hours together a day, and I haven’t once spoken about another guy.”

“I’m surprised you’re not tired of me,” Johnny smiled.

“Nah. You’re the nicest man I’ve ever met. Plus, that accent is super hot.” Nooshy joked. 

“I hope you’re hungry!” The waitress said as she returned, placing their ordered foods on the table. 

The four proceeded to dig in immediately, with Ash and Porsha sharing most of their food so they could both try as much as possible. 

“This is amazing…” Ash commented, her eyes rolling to the back of her head in pleasure.

“Agreed,” Porsha said as she shoved another mouthful in. 

“I wanted to ask…” Nooshy said, changing the mood suddenly, “how do you guys deal with… you know… being a mixed couple? It’s still not very common, and alongside being gay, it must be kinda rough.” 

Ash thought about it for a second and said, “honestly, it’s rougher being gay or bi than being mixed, but being two different species does have some challenges.”

Porsha nodded in agreement, and moved her head so they could see her piercing, “this is a great example of that!”

“Ouch,” Johnny replied, wincing a little.

“I’m constantly scared I’m going to hurt her. It’s not the same as being with another porcupine. We’re usually both used to being pricked,” Ash explained.

“So how is it in… you know… when you’re in bed?” Nooshy asked, her eyebrows raised.

“Oh,” Ash replied, with both her and Porsha looking at each other. “Um…” Porsha had stopped mid bite with her spoon in the air, going from cheerful to peachy in a single moment. “We… um…” Ash had no idea how to explain that the two of them were going slow. Incredibly slow in modern standards. Honestly, no one knew except the two of them, and she found it a little embarrassing how slow they’d be going, but she knew Porsha needed time, and besides, it was what worked for them. 

“We haven’t gotten that far yet,” Porsha finally said, saving Ash from her spluttering. 

“Oh,” Nooshy said, her eyes wide as she examined both of them. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make it awkward.”

“No, no!” Porsha said, “it’s not your fault!” She seemed to think about how much she wanted to say and finally added, “I’m a virgin, so I asked Ash to give me some time. Ash has been super patient with me.” Ash was shocked Porsha found herself comfortable enough to tell them, though she had been working with them for more than a year now, and they were some of her closest friends.

Johnny said in a quiet voice, “actually, I’m a virgin too.”

“What?!” Ash exclaimed before she was able to stop herself.

Johnny chuckled shyly, “is that so surprising?”

“It’s surprising for me too,” Porsha agreed.

“But why?” 

“Because you’re just so…” Ash started but shook her head and tried to start again, “because of your family, I guess. I just assumed the crew had all the girls your age for you to date.”

Johnny laughed out loud, so loud that the giraffe couple next to them turned to see what he was laughing about, “have you met me? My dad and I are so opposite it’s almost comical. He’s tried to introduce me to some of his friends’ kids, but they’re all so different from me. They prefer guys who are alphas, who are covered in muscles and attack animals that don’t look at them right. I’m just not like that.”

Ash nodded, taking it all in. “I feel bad for making the assumption. I should’ve realized if I just thought about it properly.”

Johnny, “nah, most people assume the same.”

“Alpha men are the worst kind of men,” Nooshy commented, almost to herself.

“Not your type, eh?” Johnny said, grinning as he turned to her.

“They care for no one but themselves. Trust me, it’s what I fell for in the past. And every single one of them cheated on me. Most of them I met while dancing in the streets,” Nooshy explained.

“Seems you’re the most experienced in the dating world compared to all of us,” Ash added.

Nooshy nodded, “though not recently. Recently I’ve just had my eye on this guy.” She nudged Johnny, who immediately shifted back to being shy.

“I wish I hadn’t waited so long now,” he said.

“Eh. It’s my fault too. You weren’t the only one overthinking it,” Nooshy leaned over and wrapped her arms around his and leaned her head on his shoulder. Johnny gaped down at her, then let out the widest smile Ash had ever seen on him.

“This is the best date ever!” He cried out, making the rest of them burst out in laughter.

They chatted for an hour more with the couples ordering dessert to share before they parted ways and walked off in opposite directions. All had agreed they needed to have another date night, possibly with board games or something cheesy like a cooking lesson, and Ash left them wondering if she had done a good job in making them feel more comfortable with each other, particularly Johnny.

She had her own relationship to focus on now, though, because she felt like both her and Porsha might be ready for the next step tonight, and it would be all the more special after such a nice dinner date. 

Porsha seemed to have a great time, and was bright eyed as she commented on every touch she’d noticed between Johnny and Nooshy as they made their way home hand in hand. She flicked the lights on after they walked into their apartment, and immediately asked Ash if she wanted to cuddle and continue watching their favorite show.

“I was actually… thinking about doing something else,” Ash said. She hoped she wasn’t pushing Porsha too far, and was reading all the signs correctly.

Porsha raised her eyebrows, “oh? What do you mean?”

“Something… in the bedroom…” Ash clarified.

“Oh.” Porsha paused, looking between her own bedroom and the couch. “Are you sure?” She bit her bottom lip. “Are we ready for something like that?”

“I don’t want to rush you with anything! You know that. If you don’t want to do anything today, that’s fine too,” Ash said, feeling anxious that she may have made Porsha uncomfortable. 

“No, no. I actually do,” Porsha replied with a shy smile.

Ash didn’t waste a single moment, she held onto her partner’s hand and began pulling her to her room, grinning from ear to ear. She stopped at the bed, and Porsha added, “you’ll have to teach me everything, though. Because I have no idea what I’m doing.”

“How much do you know?” Ash asked.

“Literally nothing.”

“No… erotica? No porn? Nothing?” 

“I read a few romance books that described some stuff, but it was all in my head,” Porsha explained.

“We should’ve discussed this stuff sooner, that’s my bad.” 

“Just explain to me now, I can handle it.”

“Okay,” Ash said, feeling determined, “I think today we just focus on your pleasure. Just tell me what feels good for you.”

“Really?” Porsha asked.

“Yes. I want you to enjoy yourself and feel comfy. We can do something with me next time.”

“What do I do now?”

“Lay on the bed.” Porsha obeyed, scooting herself up to the bed with a doe-like expression on her face.

Ash climbed in after her, and tossed her leather jacket onto the floor. She pressed her lips against her girlfriend’s at once. This was the easy part, since they’ve done it many times before already. Porsha responded at once, opening her mouth to let Ash in as their tongues tangled around each other. Ash felt the familiar heat travel up her body, and she smiled into Porsha’s mouth as she pulled back. “Feeling more relaxed?”

Porsha, now sporting some heat in her cheeks, nodded in silence. Ash reached down and pulled her top over her head, revealing her bra underneath. She reached behind her and unhooked it, pulling the bra off of her partner and revealing her breasts for the first time. “Still okay? Tell me when you’ve had enough,” she said gently. 

Porsha nodded, and Ash bent her head down, pulling a nipple into her mouth. Porsha gasped in shock, and began wiggling underneath her.

Ash laughed and pulled back, looking up at her, “I can’t make you feel good if you’re moving like that!” 

“Sorry, sorry! I’ve never felt that sensation before…”

“Just close your eyes and feel. Don’t think about anything else,” Ash said. Porsha nodded again, and she moved down again to pull a nipple into her mouth. She sucked gently, and reached her hand up to play with the other. She switched sides after a quick glance to see Porsha still had her eyes closed, and did the same. “How does that feel? Do you like it?”

Porsha opened her mouth and closed it again, then said, “it made me feel tingly.”

“Good tingly?”

“Yes.”

“Great.” Ash said before moving further down Porsha’s body. She pulled her skirt down, showing off Porsha’s adorable blue cotton panties underneath.

“I would’ve worn something cuter if I knew you were seeing me naked today,” Porsha said shyly.

Ash laughed. “Are you kidding? You look adorable in everything. I’m just surprised you're so comfortable with me seeing you naked.”

“I’m surprised too. I think I’m just comfortable with you in general,” she said, “I’m not really nervous at all right now. And I thought I would be.”

Ash was pleased at this, and proceeded to take off the last of Porsha’s clothing. She stared at her girlfriend, her face in awe. “You’re beautiful.”

“No one’s ever seen me naked before. Not as a grown up.”

“I’m glad to have been given the honor,” Ash grinned. 

She moved in between Ash’s legs, and pushed it apart. “You’re… what are you doing?”

“I want to see your beauty up close, of course,” Ash said.

“It’s not… icky?” Porsha asked, and Ash responded only with laughter. She began playing with Porsha’s skin softly, gliding her hands up and down her legs and thighs. She knew women like to be played with gently before leading up to something more intense, and wanted to give Porsha all the time in the world to get even more heated up. She got closer and closer to her vulva, flicking her fingers against it a few times, almost like she was doing it by accident. Of course, Porsha couldn’t help herself again. She began wiggling, moving away from Ash and making it much harder for her to focus. 

Ash looked up and gave Porsha the deadliest stare she could manage, “again?”

“I’m sorry! This is all just so new to me! I feel so… weird down there. Like I want… more.”

“More of what?” Ash asked, pleasantly surprised at how sensitive Porsha was.

“I don’t know. More of what you’re doing,” Porsha said.

Ash, realizing Porsha was probably ready for more, moved her fingers even further, and aligned a single digit against Porsha’s opening. She pushed it in, and Porsha gasped out loud. “How does that feel? Painful?”

“It’s… okay… It’s just a little sore.”

Ash nodded and pushed another finger inside and began moving them in and out of her slowly. Porsha gasped and looked down at her legs, her eyes wide with confusion. “How about now?” Ash asked.

Porsha gulped and said, “it’s kind of painful, but not at the same time. This is all so new.”

“I know.” Ash said, already noticing some blood around her fingers. She’d never tore someone’s hymen before, so this part was quite new to her as well.

She situated herself better in between Porsha’s legs, and pressed her lips against her clit. She gave it a gentle kiss, then stuck her tongue out and flicked it. Porsha gasped and jolted back, though Ash was holding onto her so hard she barely moved. Ash grinned and looked up at her lover. “You loved that, didn’t you?”

“That was… that was so good.”

“Close your eyes now and lean back, I want to give you as much pleasure as possible,” Ash commanded, and Porsha nodded, listening again. She began doing everything at once, pushing her two fingers in and out and flicking her tongue up and down against Porsha’s clit. She moved in the way that got the most response from Porsha, since everyone was different in what they liked, and Porsha began moaning loudly. The sounds coming out of her were adorable, and Ash could already feel a pooling between her own legs. She would have to deal with that alone after.

Porsha became wetter and wetter as time went on, so much so that it soaked the bed and Ash’s face. It was the most Ash had ever seen in a lover - though she’d only ever been with one other woman. She began going faster and faster, and wondered if Porsha was about to experience her first orgasm. 

Porsha gasped and grasped onto Ash’s head, tugging on some of her quills as she circled her tongue over and over. She felt the moment Porsha’s entire body seized, and knew she was about to cum. “Ah… ah, Ash!” Porsha cried out suddenly. She began quivering all over as her back arched, and Ash had to try her hardest to continue licking her lover as she jolted. She went hard until Porsha finally calmed down, and pulled away from her immediately.

Porsha laid slumped on the bed with her eyelids drooped, and Ash climbed up next to her with a smile on her now soaked face. “Well? How was that?”

Porsha turned to look at her, her eyelashes fluttering over and over. “Oh my god!”

“How was your first orgasm? Hmm?”

“Your face is soaked!”

“That’s all you Porsha. Seems like you enjoyed it.”

“I feel so bad! Your hands are bloody too…” Porsha said, looking down and noticing it for the first time.

“Trust me. I was having a great time,” Ash said. “I could do that a million more times.”

“Really?” Porsha asked. “Well, I’d definitely want to do that again!”

Ash laughed out loud. “You still have a lot to learn. I have so much to show you.”

“I can’t wait. And I want to make you feel good next time, too.”

Ash smiled, held her hand out for Porsha and tugged her up. “Let me go wash my face and we can go out for a smoke.”

Porsha followed behind her, saying, “wow, my thighs are still quivering from that.”

“I’m just that amazing in bed,” Ash said, looking back to give her a wink.

The two girls spent the rest of the evening sitting on the balcony, watching pedestrians walk on the dimly lit Friday streets as they each held a cigarette. “I feel so relaxed now. Like I just worked out and went to the spa. I feel like I’m going to sleep so well tonight.”

“You can see why a lot of people love sex,” Ash said. 

“It all makes sense now,” Porsha nodded. “I could do this with you all the time. We shouldn’t have waited so long.”

“We have all the time in the world,” Ash said as she flicked the head of her cigarette, “I’m just happy to experience it all with you.”

—---------

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Ash asked, staring between Porsha and the fire extinguisher in the apartment, wondering if her affection for Porsha was really worth the whole building burning down.

Porsha rolled her eyes, “I think you’re being a little dramatic about this, Ash. I want to cook for once! You’ve cooked a million meals for me since I’ve moved here. Don’t you think it's my turn?”

“There’s a reason why I’m the one cooking, Porsha. You’ve had people cook for you your whole life. I don’t think you can be trusted around an open flame.”

Porsha narrowed her eyes, “I’ll make you eat those words!” 

Ash considered it, and finally sighed, letting Porsha do what she wanted. Besides, she wasn’t too attached to the apartment. Okay, she was, but she liked Porsha more. She lingered by the kitchen the whole time, still eyeing the fire extinguisher like her life depended on it. 

To her amazement, Porsha seemed to know exactly what she was doing. She kept what she was making a surprise until last minute, but Ash watched as she made two separate pots of food, one cooking some macaroni, and the other with some creamy sauce. She seemed to overthink at times, staring at the pasta over and over and changing the dial repeatedly. It was almost cute to see how concentrated she was the whole time, checking to make sure over and over if everything was perfect. 

“Are you really going to stare at me the whole time?” Porsha asked, cocking her hip as she stared at Ash.

“I’m just… a little concerned,” Ash replied sheepishly.

Porsha waved her ladle at her, splashing some of the sauce on the ground, “go sit. Away from here. Now.” 

“But…” Ash began complaining.

Porsha shook her head, “shoo!” 

Ash sighed dramatically, then nodded and walked to the couch, where she still insisted on trying to peek as much as possible. It didn’t take Porsha too long to complete the meal, and Ash returned to a set table with two steaming bowls of mac and cheese on the table complete with some soda and ice. She stared down at it, expecting to be burnt, but saw that there was a beautiful layer of crust on top, and looked absolutely delicious. “Wow,” she said.

“You haven’t even tasted it yet!” Porsha exclaimed. 

They sat down next to each other, and Porsha stared at Ash expectantly, patting her lashes as she waited for her girlfriend to take a bite. “You’re making me nervous,” Ash said as her spoon hovered close to her lips, “stop staring!”

“Stop complaining and taste it already!” 

Ash rolled her eyes and stuffed the spoon in her mouth. It was way too hot, and she had to blow on it aggressively with her mouth wide open, but as soon as she swallowed it she knew Porsha had done a great job. She lifted another spoon, actually blew on it this time, and stuffed it in her mouth again. “I take it that means you like it?” Porsha asked hopefully.

Ash nodded, swallowing her bite before saying, “why haven’t you cooked until now, hmm?”

“Well…” Porsha began, blushing a little. “I may have gotten a little help.”

“What do you mean? There was no one there with you.”

“Remember when I went to Rosita’s house for a few hours last week?” Porsha asked.

Ash nodded, “yeah?”

“She was teaching me how to cook. I was completely brainless about it, but she gave me super specific instructions. Like I could not have messed up even if I tried. And trust me, I did try.” 

“Wow! I’m so proud of you,” Ash said, stuffing another bite in her mouth. “Did you do it for me?”

Porsha nodded, “yeah, for all the times you’ve cooked for me.” She was quiet for a second and added, “and also for myself. Since no one had ever taught me how to cook. I wanted to know some basic skills, you know?” 

“That makes me even happier,” Ash said, pulling Porsha in for a hug. “I think it sucks that you never had someone like that in your life. No one deserves that.” 

Porsha nodded, “who taught you how to cook?”

“My mom,” Ash said. She pushed her food around, looking down at it and immediately turning pensive. Porsha wanted to ask her more, but wondered if Ash would open up, since she never seemed to want to talk about her much. 

As they finished the food and moved to the balcony to smoke, Porsha leaned over the railing, looking down at the street below as she said, “can I ask you about your mom?” Her heart was beating fast, worried that Ash would sulk for the rest of the night, or push her away. She couldn’t even look at Ash as she asked the question.

Ash was quiet for a bit, but then said, “ask away.”

“What happened to her?” Porsha asked. “I still don’t really know… I just know she’s not in your life anymore.” 

“I know you know I hate talking about it,” Ash said. “Though it’s not really hate, it's just really painful to think of all those amazing memories, and know I could never have them again.” She sighed. “I would’ve loved for her to have met you. You guys would’ve loved each other.” 

Porsha turned around, giving Ash a gentle smile, “really? I assume that means she wasn’t homophobic?”

“Not at all! I think she knew I was bi before I even knew it. I’ve just always been attracted to both men and women, I just didn’t know how to label it.”

Porsha felt a pang in her chest of jealousy, “it must’ve been so nice to be immediately accepted like that.” 

Ash nodded, “it was. Alongside my rock career, she was supportive of all things in my life. I don’t know how I’m even here now that she’s gone… she was my best friend. She was single, strong, and caring. She was sick for a really long time, and I dreaded it every single day. Every single morning I would wake up, and wonder if it was the last day I could ever have with my own mother. It was pure agony. It wasn’t a surprise the day it finally happened, but it broke my heart just the same.” 

Porsha sat down next to Ash, extinguishing her cigarette on the ground and tossing it in the trash. She pulled Ash into her arms, holding her close as she noticed the single tear appearing at the edges of her eyes. “I think you’re the strongest person I’ve ever met. And there’s a reason for that.” 

Ash let out a long and shaky sniffle, then said, “my mom taught me everything I ever knew. How to cook, how to take care of myself, how to play the guitar, how to love…” 

“How to love?” Porsha asked hesitantly, pulling back to glance at Ash. 

Ash nodded, goosebumps traveling up her flesh, “yeah, I think it’s been obvious for a while now.” 

Porsha smiled softly, tears welling up in her eyes as well, “I think you’re the person who taught me how to love, Ash.” 

“I think you had it in you all along,” Ash replied truthfully. 

“I never thought I’d ever be able to love someone this much,” Porsha said, “it’s actually kind of scary.” 

Ash pressed her lips against hers, and said, “me, too.” 

They sat there for a few seconds, watching a couple walking past under the streetlights before Ash said, “want to tell me about your mom?” 

“Oh… it’s going to be a very different story from yours,” Porsha said, feeling nervous. She wanted to tell Ash, but it was just as painful for her to talk about her mom. 

“Tell me whatever you want to,” Ash said. 

Porsha nodded, “my mom was also a singer. She would sing at fancy restaurants, be all dressed up and wear these beautiful gowns and sing her heart out in front of businessmen. One of them was my dad. He was immediately charmed by her beauty, and showered her with all sorts of presents. She was pregnant with me, and he proposed. After they got married, she realized how controlling he was. He was very jealous and obsessive, and wouldn’t let her go anywhere without a driver telling him exactly where she was. She fell in love with one of his security guards, one that always comforted her when she would cry from the way he treated her. They decided to run away together, but my dad found out at the last minute, and out of absolute spite, hired the best lawyers in the world to make sure we would never see each other again. She didn’t want to leave me, but she was forced to. Though it’s also her fault now. Maybe it’s too painful for her to see me after all this time.” 

“I had no idea,” Ash said, eyes wide. She couldn’t believe she hadn’t known what Porcha had gone through despite them spending hundreds of hours lost in conversation. They definitely should’ve talked about this a long time ago. It was her turn to pull Porsha into a tight embrace. 

Porsha wiped the tear from her fur quickly and said, “I hadn’t known the real story until I was much older, of course. Until then, he’d always told me she abandoned me and betrayed us.” 

“Sounds like your dad for sure,” Ash nodded. 

Porsha leaned into her, letting out a sigh, this time of pure relief of finally having this talk. “This wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be… nothing is ever hard talking to you.” 

Ash nodded again, “I don’t know why either of us were overthinking it.”

Porsha laughed, “we always do.” 

“I don’t think I said it clearly but… I love you, Porsha. I have for a long time,” Ash said, looking very seriously into Porsha’s eyes. 

“I love you, too, Ash. Always and forever,” Porsha said, “please never break my heart.” 

Ash smiled, “you better not break mine, either.” 

—------------------

The next day, in the middle of a rehearsal, the two girls were giggling when they saw Rosita race across the doorway, stop, then double back to stare at them. Her face looked completely pale, unlike anything they’d ever seen before. 

“Ash! Porsha! Oh, thank goodness,” She was panting, and looking very frazzled.

Ash immediately ran to her, worried, “what’s wrong? Are the piglets okay? Are you okay?”

Rosita nodded, “it’s Gunter. He said he’d be able to make a jump no problem… and… he did not make the jump. I was horrified. I called the ambulance already, and I’ve been running around all over to see if anyone else was still rehearsing. I need to go to the hospital with Gunter, I can’t just leave him like this, but the piglets need me.” 

“What about Norman?” Ash asked. Porsha pulled up next to her, looking worried as well. 

“Norman’s about to head to work. He’s been really stressed out preparing for a presentation. I promised I would take care of the piglets so he could focus on his presentation… he would come home in a heartbeat… but I’d feel horrible,” Rosita explained. “You know what, I need to just call him.” She was reaching into her pockets to pull out her phone when Porsha slammed her paws over Rosita’s. 

“Rosita… don’t worry about a single thing. Ash and I can take care of the piglets!” She announced boldly. 

Ash stared at her girlfriend, then back at Rosita, then back at her girlfriend. She was absolutely terrified. She’d seen Rosita and the piglets many times before, especially at most of the openings of her shows. They were a complete force to reckon with, and she’d never in a million years imagined babysitting them. She had zero experience taking care of children herself, and she knew Porsha had never done it herself, either. They would be absolutely winging it, and it was surely going to be a complete mess. She couldn’t say no now, though, when Rosita had been there for them as a mother figure for years, and had saved their relationship multiple times just by being kind. She would also never say no to a friend in need.

Rosita chuckled and shook her head, “oh no, no. I would never expect you two to do such a thing. You know the piglets are a lot.” 

“We can totally handle it! Besides, it’s only going to be a few hours,” Porsha said, completely confident. 

“Are you sure?” Rosita asked doubtfully, looking to Ash to see what she thought about the whole thing. Everyone in the room knew Ash was the more sensible one. 

Ash tried to look optimistic as she said, “yeah, we can totally watch them for a few hours! Leave it all to us, you worry about Gunter, and let us know what happens as soon as you can.”

Rosita still looked a little nervous, but nodded all the same. “Okay, I’m going to go after them now. Hopefully I can just get on the ambulance as well.”

“Go, go!” Porsha said as she pushed Rosita out the door.

Rosita gave them one last worried glance before disappearing down the hallway. “I can’t believe you just signed us up for babysitting duty,” Ash said as soon as Porsha was out of earshot.

“Why? Do you not like kids or something?” Porsha asked. 

“I don’t have anything against kids, but have you seen the piglets? There’s a million of them.”

“I don’t think there’s a million of them.”

“How many are there, then?” Ash asked, already packing up her stuff.

“Um… no idea,” Porsha replied honestly. 

“Great.” Ash replied sarcastically. “Let’s get going then.”

It didn’t take them long to reach Rosita’s house, as it was walking distance from the studio, and as soon as they entered, they were faced with pure chaos. Porsha had just been there recently for her cooking lesson, but that was when they were under Rosita’s care. Norman’s care, on the other hand, was a whole other story. He was on the phone, seemingly in a very important conversation while in his suit while pacing back and forth. The tiny home was a whirlwind of noise and movement as the little pigs darted around, their shrill voices echoing through the walls. Toys were scattered everywhere, furniture overturned, and a colorful array of objects lay in disarray. One piglet had clumsily knocked over a lamp, while another was frantically flipping through a book, seemingly searching for something—anything—to hold onto. The smallest of them had gotten tangled in a pile of blankets, her tiny hooves flailing in the air as she squealed for help. 

Ash glanced at Porsha, wondering if she was going to regret her decision, but instead she burst out into joy, and dove right into the mess like it was nothing.  Porsha knelt down, her laughter ringing out as she joined in on the pandemonium. With a playful squeal, she scooped up one of the smaller piglets and twirled around with it, sending it into fits of giggles. She dove headfirst into the pile of blankets, tumbling and rolling with the piglets, her hair falling out of its perfect styling in the process. As one piglet climbed up her back, she let out a delighted chuckle and balanced it effortlessly, pretending to be a piggy jungle gym. Every now and then, she’d let out an exaggerated squeal or start a game of chase, encouraging the piglets to run after her as she zipped around, her laughter infectious.

Norman glanced at Porsha, then at Ash, and nodded, “well, I was worried you two wouldn’t be able to handle it, but it seems like the two of you have it covered. I’ll be heading to my office now.” 

“Good luck!” Ash said, but was barely paying any attention to him as he headed out the door. She had been rehearsing with Porsha all day, with both of them panting and sweating as the day went on… to see Porsha still completely full of energy and playing with the piglets like it was nothing, Ash was completely and utterly impressed. She knew she’d never muster this type of energy up herself, but even in her full power. 

She headed to the kitchen and proceeded to prepare some snacks in the midst of the chaos. The kitchen was a mess as well, and she proceeded to help Rosita by cleaning it all up, putting it all back in their cupboards, then cutting up some vegetables and plating them for the kids along with some string cheese and juice boxes she found. When she returned to the living room, it was just as chaotic as before, and she wondered if Porsha would ever crash from exhaustion, or if she was capable of being ‘on’ twenty four seven without needing to rest. “Snacks!!” One of the piglets screamed. The rest of them spotted her, and charged towards her, grabbing handfuls as they went along. Porsha, finally getting a break, walked up next to Ash, now sporting a few unicorn stickers on her face. “See, we’re doing a great job,” she said, panting.

“You look like you were run over by a bulldozer and it’s been thirty minutes,” Ash said, though gave Porsha a side grin.

“Yeah, but it’s super fun playing with kids. I get to run wild again! I never get to just be a kid, you know?” Porsha explained.

Ash nodded, “you’re totally a kid at heart. I’m honestly impressed.” 

The kids were quiet for the next five minutes while eating their snacks, and Ash wondered how she could one up Porsha with the babysitting. She definitely wouldn’t be as good as her with running around and being child-like, but she had a somewhat funner idea. She unzipped the guitar she was bringing home from rehearsals, sat down cross legged in the center of the room, and began racking her brain for any random kid song she could think of. Not being able to think of any, she proceeded to start singing music she knew would at least not contain any raunchy topics. The piglets were almost immediately mesmerized. They gathered around her, looking at her with wide eyes, with some singing along to the songs they knew. It was Porsha’s turn to be impressed now, and she sat down next to her girlfriend, a peaceful smile on her face as she shoved a cheese string into her mouth. 

In the middle of one of her songs, one of the older piglets said, “are you two dating?” As she saw Porsha lean her head on Ash’s shoulder while carefully avoiding her spikes. 

Ash glanced at Porsha, wide-eyed. She wasn’t sure how much the piglets knew about relationships, particularly one that wasn’t the norm… the rest of them began giggling and screaming “oooo” on top of their lungs. Porsha didn’t seem to care, though, and gave Ash a tight hug, “yes! Ash is the bestest girlfriend ever.” The exclamations became louder at that, and Ash blushed furiously, not being able to face the children at that. 

Rosita had called after, furiously apologizing for not being able to get home. Gunter didn’t have anyone to be there for him, as his family didn’t live in the city, and she didn’t want him to be alone during the most painful portion of healing. Ash and Porsha, now feeling more confident, were completely fine with this. In fact, they were having a lot of fun. “Are you able to bathe and put them to sleep?” Rosita asked. 

“Ummmm….” Ash started, completely unsure.

“We’ll figure it out!” Porsha said, “just worry about Gunter, we can handle this!” Before Rosita could say anything more, Porsha hung up.

“You are way too confident for your own good,” Ash said. Porsha only winked at her in response.

The bathroom was a battleground of bubbly water and squealing piglets as Ash and Porsha struggled to corral the tiny creatures into the bathtub. The moment they tried to set one piglet down in the tub, they squirmed and slipped, their little hooves making a mad dash for freedom. One piglet leaped out of the tub with surprising agility, sending a splash of water flying across the floor as it landed with a wet plop on the ground. Ash, trying to stay composed, quickly grabbed the squirming piglet, only to have another one wriggle out of her grasp and dart toward the faucet.

Porsha, meanwhile, was laughing uncontrollably as she attempted to wrestle a piglet into the soapy water. She held it up in the air like a little bundle of chaos, the piglet squealing as it flailed its tiny legs. "Come on, buddy! This is for your own good!" she teased, though it was clear the piglet had no interest in the bath. Each time they managed to get one cleaned up, another one would escape, and the cycle would begin again. Soapy bubbles flew everywhere, creating a slippery, foamy mess that spread across the floor, while the two girls, drenched in water and laughter, tried to maintain some semblance of order.

Ash, drenched from head to toe, was trying to pour water over one piglet while Porsha sprayed another with a gentle shower head. The pigs, in turn, splashed water back at them, shaking their little bodies and sending droplets flying. At one point, Ash accidentally slipped on the wet floor and landed with a splash, causing both her and Porsha to burst into laughter. "This is definitely not what I signed up for," Ash said between giggles, but there was a twinkle in her eye, and despite the chaos, she was clearly enjoying the absurdity of it all.

By the time the last piglet had been bathed, both Ash and Porsha were exhausted, laughing uncontrollably at the wet, wild mess they’d created. The bathroom looked like a disaster zone, covered in bubbles and muddy paw prints, but there was no denying the joy they had found in the madness. The piglets, now clean and fluffy, were just as chaotic as ever, but Ash and Porsha couldn’t help but smile at the adorable, wet little creatures they'd just managed to tame—if only for a moment.

The piglets, already full of energy after their day of mischief, were zooming around the living room, squealing and tumbling over one another, but now completely clean. They scrambled up and down the couch, dove behind chairs, and tried to climb up the walls (or at least it seemed like it). Ash and Porsha, looking utterly exhausted but trying to hide it, exchanged a glance. "Alright, time to wind down, little ones!" Porsha called out with a playful yet exasperated grin, but the piglets weren't having it. They zoomed right past her, one of them attempting to climb up Ash’s leg as if it were a tree.

“This is going to take forever,” Ash laughed, though she couldn’t help but smile at their adorable, wild antics.

After what seemed like an eternity of wrangling, gathering, and gently urging the piglets into some semblance of order, they finally gathered them together on the floor in front of the couch. The chaos, though still hanging in the air, was starting to subside. The piglets, tired from all their running, flopped down in a messy heap, some of them rolling over onto their backs, others snuggling up close to Porsha and Ash, their little eyes blinking sleepily. But they weren't quite ready to settle yet—they still needed a little coaxing.

With a tired but soft smile, Ash pulled out a picture book, and Porsha fluffed up the piglets' blankets. “Alright, kiddos," Ash said, "bedtime story time.” She never imagined she’d be reading a book to so many children, but here she was, actually having a fun time doing it with Porsha. It seemed like she could have fun doing anything with her.

Porsha gently patted one of the piglets, who immediately snuggled up to her side, looking up at her with sleepy eyes. Ash began reading, her voice low and gentle, soothing enough to calm even the most restless of piglets. "Once upon a time," she started, her voice steady and warm, "there was a tiny mouse who went on an adventure through a forest full of talking trees and magical creatures…”

As the story unfolded, the piglets began to calm, their little bodies slowly relaxing. One by one, they nestled closer to Ash and Porsha, the sounds of their soft snorts and tiny snores filling the room as they listened, their eyelids growing heavier with each turn of the page. Porsha leaned down and whispered something playful, making the piglets giggle softly, but they were slowly drifting into that peaceful, half-awake place, where only the soft rhythm of Ash’s voice and the warmth of the room seemed to matter.

The last of the piglets, who had been stubbornly wrestling with a blanket, finally gave in and snuggled up, curling into a little ball at Porsha’s feet. Ash finished the story with a quiet, “And the little mouse found a cozy nook to sleep in, just like you will tonight,” her voice barely above a whisper.

Ash and Porsha exchanged tired, but peaceful smiles, the chaos of the day finally over. They sat there in quiet contentment for a moment, watching over the little piglets as they slept, their tiny chests rising and falling in perfect rhythm. The room was a mess, the air still carrying the echoes of laughter and play, but in that stillness, the chaos had transformed into the most peaceful kind of calm—one filled with warmth, love, and a job well done.

“Well, that went much better than I thought it would,” Ash said, whispering in fear of waking them up.

“It went just as well as I thought!” Porsha exclaimed. Ash gave her ‘shushing’ motion, knowing it was hard for Porsha to ever keep her voice down. 

“Honestly, I never thought about having kids before, but this really made me think about it,” Ash said, looking up at Porsha with a bit of nervousness, not knowing how her statement would be received. 

“I’ve always wanted kids,” Porsha admitted. “They just have the same spirit as me, you know?”

“I totally see that after today,” Ash said, leaning into her girlfriend now. “I think… I didn’t want to end up being a single mom like my mother. She was amazing, but she also had to go through a lot to be able to raise me. No one deserves that.” 

“I agree. Though I’m jealous you even had a mom around. I wanted to be able to become one, to teach my babies all the things I was never able to learn from my own mother,” Porsha said.

“I never thought about it like that, but that totally makes sense,” Ash said. “Well, maybe one day, you know?”

Porsha nodded, “yes, maybe one day.” 

When Rosita finally came home, near midnight, she looked very worried, but her expression flipped as soon as she saw all her piglets cuddled up in a pile around the two girls, snoring away and all completely clean. Even her kitchen looked cleaner than usual - she hadn’t had time to properly clean it for months now. She wanted to fall to her knees in pure gratitude to the girls. “I… I need to get you two to babysit more often,” was all she could get out. 

“Anytime,” Porsha said, winking. 

It was so late by the time they arrived home, but Porsha still wanted to get one last thing done before they went to sleep for the night. After they had gotten ready for bed, she climbed up on top of Ash instead of snuggling close to her like she did on most nights. “What are you doing?” Ash asked.

“I was thinking…” Porsha began, not knowing how else to say it, and immediately feeling embarrassed, “I want to be the one to give you pleasure for once.”

Ash raised her eyebrows, “that’s completely coming out of nowhere!”

Porsha was already turning red, but said, “I know, but I kept thinking about it today, how it always ends up being you doing everything, and I don’t think that’s very fair.”

“I don’t mind teaching you, Porsha. Trust me, it makes me very happy to do so,” Ash said, “besides, aren’t you exhausted from running around with the piglets?”

Porsha shrugged, “I feel like I have the energy to do one last thing,” she gave Ash a sly grin.

Ash laughed, “how can I say no to something like that?”

Porsha bit her lip, “what should I do first? How do I make you feel good like you make me feel good?”

Ash pulled Porsha into her, and they pressed their lips gently against each other. Porsha moaned softly into Ash’s lips, having wanted this all day, and completely melted into her girlfriend. Ash opened her lips, guiding Porsha to do the same, and slipped her tongue into Porsha’s mouth. They played with each other gently, with their mouths opening and closing against each other. Ash pulled away and whispered, “I like my neck nibbled and licked, but gently.”

Porsha eagerly began doing just as she said, moving down lower to such and play with Ash’s neck. Ash was immediately receptive to it, pulling her head back to give Porsha as much access as possible. She moaned and closed her eyes as Porsha licked and sucked every surface area she could find. “Move down lower,” Ash said, her eyes still closed.

“But your pjs are in the way,” Porsha said.

Ash opened one eye and said, “I feel like you’re able to solve that problem.” Porsha giggled and began undressing her girlfriend quickly, leaving just her panties left. She moved down lower, taking every part of Ash’s body and paying attention to every surface. She made sure to pay attention to what Ash liked the most - which movement made her wiggle and moan the most. She felt like she had so much power, and it was making her wet knowing she was making her girlfriend so horny for her. It was almost addicting, she felt like she could make Ash squeal and enjoy herself all night. She finally moved low enough to reach her panties, and was immediately nervous about what she was supposed to do next.

Ash seemed to have anticipated this, though, because she spread her legs apart and said, “take my panties off.”

Porsha nodded though Ash couldn't see her, and pulled Ash’s panties off, revealing her wetness underneath. She hadn't expected Ash to be so wet for her, and it turned her on even more. “Spread the lips apart, and explore with your tongue,” Ash taught, “feel free to explore wherever you want.” She was curious as to what Porsha was going to do, and didn't want to teach her too much, wanting to have her explore herself. She knew exactly what she liked, of course. She’s been exploring her own body for many years now, and have been in a few relationships, each of them teaching her one or two things new about her body - not that every single person had been able to make her cum. Guys seem to always think the harder and rougher the better, but that wasn't always the case. 

Porsha pushed her face into Ash, and could smell every part of her. She was a wolf, afterall, and could smell beyond the normal species. It was almost intoxicating. The smell of Ash turned on was very different from how she smelled normally, a mix of salty and sweet. She stuck her tongue out and gave her a shy lick. Ash didn't respond, and she began exploring her, little by little, seeing what she could respond to. She liked her clit licked the most, of course, especially when Porsha sucked on it lightly. She also loved Porsha’s teeth grazing against her body. It made her arch her back and cry out in pleasure. Porsha realized Ash really liked her tongue inside of her, and she pushed it as deep as she could. It made Ash gasp out loud, almost in pain, and Porsha withdrew at once. “Oh my god I’m so sorry, did that hurt?”

Ash pushed her body up to look at her girlfriend, shaking her head with her pupils completely dilated. “Um… what was that?!?”

“I pushed my tongue inside, as far as it would go,” Porsha said hurriedly, feeling absolutely horrible for hurting Ash.

“That was absolutely amazing! Oh my god!” Ash exclaimed.

“Really?” Porsha replied, relieved, “canine tongues are really long,” she chuckled.

“Wow, I’m so jealous,” she paused for a second and then said, “can you do it again?”

“Of course,” Porsha said, and pushed her tongue back inside Ash without wasting a single second. Ash moaned and arched her back, her body not being able to help grinding into Porsha’s mouth. Her hands gripped Porsha’s fur and guided her, making her push into what felt best. She rocked against her over and over, then began playing with her own clit to push herself over the edge. She moaned loudly as she felt it, and demanded Porsha not to stop as she went over the edge. Her whole body shook as she gasped Porsha’s name out loud, and she gripped onto her fur even harder as fluid flew out and onto Porsha’s mouth and down her chin. Porsha kept going, not knowing when to stop, although she had stopped being able to breathe all together. When Ash was finished with her orgasm, she pushed Porsha away, feeling way too sensitive, and that was when Porsha finally stopped. “So… I’m not an expert, but it feels like that was good for you?”

Ash’s eyes were completely shut and she turned into her pillows, a lazy contented grin on her face, “tell me why we didn't do this months ago?”

“You kept saying to focus on my pleasure!” Porsha said as she wiped her chin with Ash’s pyjamas.

“I’ve completely forgotten how good it could feel to have someone give you pleasure…” Ash admitted, “I came so hard.”

“I figured it was a good orgasm, so much came out of you!” Porsha said.

“Soooo good,” Ash said, her eyes rolling back dramatically. “So, your turn?”

“I really do want to say yes, but I want it to be about you today,” Porsha said, “no matter how much I want to cum as well right now.”

Ash chuckled, “are you sure? Last chance!”

Porsha giggled, “it’s also already 2 a.m.! We’ve had such a long day.”

“I’m sure I can do it with just a few licks,” Ash winked, “I know your body so well now.

“Wow, are you that confident?” Porsha flirted back, slipping into the blankets next to Ash and pulling her close. The exhaustion from the day hit her at once, and all she wanted was to cuddle tightly with her girlfriend.

“Of course I am,” Ash responded with a yawn.

“You know I love you, right?” Porsha said, feeling all the motions welling up inside of her once more.

“I love you more,” Ash responded quickly before losing herself to sleep.