Chapter 7: Puberty
It had finally happened.
Erin had known this day would happen. She’d been emphasizing to Verdant that he could talk to her about anything. She’d caught him wiggling his hips a few times, looking confused. But early one morning after breakfast he came to her.
“Mummah?” He asked, his eyes downcast. He looked ashamed.
“What is it, Verdant?” Erin asked, setting her book down pretending she had no idea. They had been watching TV. Or more accurately, FluffTV was on while Erin read her book.
“Ant hav weiwd feewings…in nu-nu pwace an speshul wumps…” he said, looking almost to tears in embarrassment.
“Oh, honey…that’s normal at your age.” Erin said, petting his head.
“W-weally?” He asked, looking up at her.
“Yes. It means you’re growing up again. You’ve been thinking about pretty mares and special hugs?” She asked, and saw him nod. “We’ll go pick out an enfie toy. It’ll help how you’re feeling. The weirdness will go away.” She assured him.
Verdant seemed to look so relieved. “Tank you, mummah!” He cried, and hugged Erin’s foot.
Erin was more relieved he didn’t decide to go humping her slippers or his toys. The training had worked. She’d make sure that he felt he could come to her instead of trying to figure it out himself. He was smart, but she did not want him to be overconfident, and end up dead from a stupid mistake.
She finished making breakfast for everyone in the house. True everyone but her got kibble, but it was a good amount of measuring, and getting the dogs to sit for their food. Plus it didn’t help that Lily decided to scream meow at her the whole time, and Verdant thought it was hilarious to try to imitate her meow each time. Erin couldn’t get mad. She imitated Lily’s meows too when she got loud. After that, she called Verdant over and set him on the desk to look at the computer. She went on the Fluffmart website and looked up enfie toys. She made sure to select the nonliving category. No need to traumatize them both. Looking over what they were made of, it was quite interesting. It was a base of foam shaped like a fluffy with a hole where the fluffy had to stick it into. There were male and female forms, interestingly enough. Were gay fluffies a thing? Over the foam base went the ‘pelt’. There was a waterproof layer on the bottom, and a layer of padding, along with real fluffy fur. It was machine washable, and a zipper was on the belly so the owner could change it to whatever color was needed, or just wash the pelt. It was…somewhat fascinating.
“Alright, Ant. We’re gonna get one of these for you. This is supposed to look pretty to you. Which color do you want?” She asked him. They’d gone over favorite colors before. Verdant’s was green. But did he like that in a mate as well? Or would he do what she suspected, and choose a toy that looked like Precious? He was looking over all the options, and gave a little gasp as he found what he wanted. “Dat one!” He proclaimed, pointing a marshmallow hoof at the screen. Pale blue. No white mane, but Erin figured dying it wouldn’t be too hard… Oh. There was a customizable option. She went to that, and chose the pale blue Verdant liked. Then the white mane and tail. Verdant seemed to be hopping from hoof to hoof. “Ant wuv enfie toy!” He told his mummah. His no-nos felt strange to look at it. A good strange.
Erin decided to order it for same day pick up. Clearly Verdant needed it and soon. She raised an eyebrow to hear it’d be ready within an hour. She figured it must be easy to assemble. “Alright, we’ll head to the store now.”
“Su fast!” Verdant said, sounding happy.
“It is. Humans can make things very fast.” She told him. She told the other animals goodbye for now. The poor dogs were disappointed to not come with her. Each time she had to go somewhere and couldn’t bring dogs, they gave her a look as if she personally betrayed them. Unfortunately dogs and fluffies often didn’t mix. While Daisy looked like a ball of floof, Molly looked intimidating to many. She also tended to wiggle and jump around when she got excited. Best to not risk a lawsuit with anyone’s fluffy. She carried Verdant to the car, glad he was used to it now. It took many iterations easily on. The car was NOT a monster. It was how humans got to places too far to walk. He would not get eaten by the car. Though Verdant jumped sometimes from the engine starting he no longer shat in fear. That was good for both their sanity and for her wallet. She didn’t want to have to go around cleaning shit stains from fear all the time.
She took her time with the drive up. She pointed out a few dogs in the backyards. Though she had to reiterate to him to not run up to random dogs. Only Molly and Daisy. Fluffies were more difficult than she thought. They were cute and childish, but they took things too literally. All the curiosity of children without the resilience. She pulled up to Fluffmart, and hooked up Verdant’s harness. The adolescent foal looked so proud to have a harness, and strut into the store. Even if he was shuffling occasionally. Puberty must be hitting him pretty hard. She had some time, so she and Verdant walked around the store. He liked to see the other fluffies, but puffed up his cheeks and stomped his little hooves if anyone called him a ‘poopie fluffy’. It seemed like that was all it was going to be until an eye watering pink mare with a purple mane puffed her cheeks. “Wan nyu mummah! Stoopi poopeh babbeh nu desewve mummah!” She claimed. “Haf bestest babbehs!” She held up her chubby pink spawn.
Oh…this bitch. Erin wanted to say something…but was was she supposed to say to a fluffy? It also looked pretty pathetic if she said something to a creature that was a particularly dull animal crossed with a mentally challenged human. However…Verdant was not a human. He was puffing out his cheeks. He shot back with a response Erin taught him. “Ant haf nice mummah and home!” It was about as cutting as could be for a fluffy. And slightly better than name calling. Erin gave a little laugh, proud of him.
Erin ushered Verdant along as that fluffy began to ‘huu-huu’ as the words hit their mark. Just until they got out of range of that fluffy’s cries. Verdant kept up easily with the fast walk Erin had due to the toughy training. His tail was wagging likely riding the high from sticking up for himself. It wagged harder as Erin reached down to pet her little fluff. “Good job.” She told him. “You don’t have to take anyone bullying you or calling you names.” She let him look at the toys, indulging him by getting a few more blocks. These were special soft letter blocks. Verdant even recognized some of the letters. Erin had been teaching him the alphabet on an impulse. Numbers as well. Maybe blocks would make it more fun.
Finally she got the notification on her phone. Her order was ready. “Time to get your new toy, Verdant.” Erin said. That caused the fluffy’s tail to wag, and he pranced a bit. Erin went over to the counter, lifting Verdant up so he could see.
“I’m here to pick up my order.” Erin said, showing her phone screen to be scanned. Ah technology. After a quick scan, and a little ‘Hi there’ to Verdant, the woman went to the back to get the order. Luckily the box it came in was discreet, and the bags were typical ‘thank you’ bags instead of branded. Even though Fluffmart and Hasbio were big names and could almost certainly afford to brand their bags.
She left with the enfie toy and the letter blocks, letting Verdant have one of blocks with him in the passenger seat in his pet carrier. Even if he didn’t shit himself, it was safer for him in a carrier instead of just on the seat. Plus Erin could strap in the carrier.
Home was a bit of an adventure. The number blocks were easy enough to unpack for Verdant, and she let him play with those, letting him call out the letters he knew. She unpacked the enfie toy. Luckily it was all assembled already. And came with warnings…and instructions. Erin looked over those. It was what looked to be common sense…it was either the company covering their own butts, or someone had done something stupid enough that the company had to mention it. Erin sighed, and put the toy in. “Here you go, Verdant. Have at it.” She said, a bit awkwardly. She saw Verdant suddenly alert, and Erin got her laptop so she didn’t have to watch. That did not spare her from hearing the ‘enf enf enf’ coming from the safe room.
Time for a doctor’s appointment. Verdant was nervous. He’d had doctor appointments before, but the doctor had been rough and seemed to have a bit too much fun with the thermometer. Erin had told her friends, who’d immediately told her that man was a horrible doctor for fluffies. Hew as very quick to suggest amputations or euthanasia. So Erin switched over to a veterinarian who was hugbox friendly. He tried to make the fluffies comfortable as well as checking their health. Come to think of it…when the old doc had seen Verdant wasn’t neutered, he lit up and went on about neutering and making the procedure quick. Hell, he’d been looking for scissors until Erin firmly stated she did not want Verdant neutered and was already looking into a special friend for him. She didn’t even scold him for peeing the table in fear. She’d neutered and spayed her other animals, but it felt different for Verdant. He understood what he lost. Especially now that he had a toy to let out his frustration. And he knew to not go after random fluffies. Erin had worried about that, and showed him what happened to some fluffies that got others pregnant, or got pregnant themselves. It was a harsh video, and showed some mothers out in the cold, but it did the job. Verdant wouldn’t go after fluffies, if only to keep other fluffies safe in their housies.
The new doctor had to be better. It was pretty hard to do worse if she was being honest. She was walking him down the city block. Parking was hell. She was glad she lived in a suburb. Less traffic, less people. She had him in his harness, and he greeted other people, some with fluffies. He wanted to make ‘nyu fwiends’ but he was nervous for his doctor appointment. Even if his mummah told him that they’d have a nicer doctor he was still scared. The old doctor wanted to take his speshul wumps away.
The doctor was a fluffy specialist. Rare, but it was in business. There were other fluffies in the waiting room. One was crying about ‘tummeh huwties’. Another had its leg in a cast. A third was a pregnant dam, apologizing to her daddeh for the ‘tummeh babbehs’. Erin saw how Verdant stared at the dam wide eyed. It was just like she told him. Some parents didn’t want their fluffies to have kids. Luckily for Verdant, this was just a check up. She checked in with the receptionist while Verdant was talking with the fluffy who had a leg cast. Apparently he jumped off the couch and broke a leg. The cast told Erin a lot. This doctor was willing to cast a fluffy leg rather than just amputate the leg. Though she supposed the leg had to be fixable. She’d seen X rays of injures that were unfixable. Where amputation was better. She just hoped she never had to do that with Verdant.
When she was called in, she was greeted by a kind looking man. He was in his mid thirties with wavy brown hair slicked back. He wore glasses and had a slightly rounded appearance. Husky, but not fat. He greeted her and Verdant as she lifted her boy up onto the table. It actually had some foam padding over the surface so it was easy to clean, yet soft on fluffy hooves.
Verdant nervously shifted from hoof to hoof. He looked at the doctor with some apprehension.
Erin gave a soft smile to him, and explained to the doctor. “His last doctor was…not very nice.” She said, giving him a brief rundown. She noticed Verdant’s tail go between his legs when she mentioned he even offered to neuter him right then and there. Even the doctor seemed slightly disturbed.
“Sounds like he was an abuser who got his kicks from fluffies being in discomfort.” He said. “I wanted to be a pediatrician, but it was too much schooling. Fluffies are a lot easier.” He said, and smiled at Verdant. “Are you ready for your checkup, little man? I’m going to try to make it real nice.” He said. “To start…can you stick your tongue out and go ‘aaah’? I’ll put a little wooden stick on your tongue” He said.
Verdant tilted his head. He opened his mouth. “Aaaah.” He said, and felt the stick. His ears went down, but it didn’t choke him like last time, so he didn’t move. He pulled his tongue in and closed his mouth when he was told he could.
“His throat seems fine. Now I’ll check his ears.” he said. “Verdant, would you tilt your head to the side? I have to sick this little device in there to look in.” When Verdant titled his head, he lightly put the plastic tip in the fluffy’s ear. It worked for fluffies, so it worked for him.
Most of the basic things went well…until it was time to take his temperature. Verdant whimpered, his tail going between his legs. He hunkered down and shook.
Erin winced. Right, this part would be bad. “I forgot to warn you…”
The doctor shook his head. “Even the bravest of fluffies never like this part.” He said. He patted Verdant. “I know you don’t like it. Nobody does. I’ll try to be quick and gentle, okay?” He said, using a soothing voice. “I won’t be like that meanie doctor. I promise.” He managed to sooth the fluffy enough that he peeked out from his black mane.
“Weally?” He asked hopefully.
“Promise.” He said. He got the fluffy to stand up and let his tail up. Erin held his tail so it would stay up, and it twitched a few times, instinct wanting him to hide.
The doctor lubed up the thermometer and slid it in.
“EEP!” Verdant went, flinching. “Nu am mawe…” he whined, covering his eyes, but he did not try to run. A few seconds later the thermometer was pulled out and Ant’s tail was dropped.
“A good temperature.” The doctor noted. “Now…well, we have to do another unpleasant part of doctoring.” He said. He put Verdant on his back.
“Wong way upsies!” He protested, but the doctor was then looking at his no-no stick! He tried to cover it. “Nu wook at no-no pwace!” He protested.
“I have to, Ant. How else can I check if you’re healthy?” He asked. He took this opportunity to make sure he was healthy.
Other than the slight debacle of checking his privates and rear, Verdant did well. he even got a sketti treat after, which he scarfed down happily. Erin was proud of her boy. He was also healthy. He was growing great and would likely be a big fluffy. Strong too, since he was training.
Erin was walking Verdant back to the car, when she heard sounds from the alley. She’d heard the sound of fluffies before, but it had been random babbling. But now she heard the ‘huuhuu’ of crying. She glanced at Verdant. He looked concerned enough, so Erin decided to check it out with him. The sight was…not very nice.
Two little foals were fighting. They looked identical, with cream colored coats and red manes. They looked just like the mother, who was just watching them fight! One was clearly winning, and just raining hit after hit down on his brother with his hooves. It looked harmless, but Erin knew it was painful to the little foal.
“Pwease nu mowe! Bwudda!” The foal pleaded for his brother to stop. “Huuuu!”
“Stoopie bwudda! Am bestest babbeh!” The stronger one claimed.
There were two other foals hugging each other. Erin couldn’t tell what sex they were. It was an orange fluffy with a blue mane and a red fluffy with a blue mane. They looked scared and less healthy than the two bickering brothers.
“What in the world is going on here?” Erin asked aloud. All fluffies in the alleyway froze. The mother dropped a load of shit behind her. Erin wrinkled her nose. Disgusting. The mare looked somewhat clean. Likely the classic story; she got knocked up when she wasn’t supposed to, and got kicked out of the house.
“Fwuffy decide bestest babbeh.” The mare exclaimed.
“Why do you need to have a best? Aren’t those two equally pretty?” Erin didn’t know why she was even playing along. “Why are those two better than any of your other kids?” She was a little pissed off at the open child negligence.
“Am bestest mummah. Nee bestest babbeh!” The mare exclaimed, as if it made any sense.
Erin raised an eyebrow. She looked down at Verdant who looked a little distressed. The weaker cream colored foal was still crying, and trying to wiggle out. Erin sighed, and picked up each foal, carefully putting them in her hoodie pocket.
“Wha? Wai take babbehs? Am mummah’s babbehs! Am too widdle!” She claimed, trying to get up.
“You’re not ready for kids.” Erin said. She didn’t intend to raise them all. She’d probably keep one to be a friend for Verdant, but she’d give the rest away. She didn’t know if the colors were good enough to warrant selling. Besides, she had a a hugboxer group now. She could just tell them the story, and several would want to take in the tragic fluffs. She only kept a hold on one; the fighter. She didn’t know if he was going to be a problem, or if his little mind was poisoned beyond what she could do.
The walk home was filled with Verdant chatting about the ‘babbehs’ and ‘mummah su bwave’. Erin did tell Verdant that since she couldn’t take care of a lot of fluffies, that she was finding other owners for three of the fluffies. She’d keep one of them for him. Verdant seemed to understand, at least.
Erin sighed. Looks like she had a little quartet she had to care for.
(How do you guys think this will go? Is one of the fluffies too far gone? Which one will Verdant want to keep?)