While Animalians are quite open about embracing love in its many physical forms, they do retain a measure of respect for human sensibilities. That's why there are Edicts against public nudity or marking territory (though the latter is not often an issue). They also realize that some days are considered sacred and it would be in very bad taste to be flaunting their sexual nature on those days. So it was a bit of bad luck that Ash Wednesday happened to fall on Valentine's Day this year. So the Meat Market was briefly closed out of respect, though it was sure to be open on the next day. Likewise some Animalians were abstaining from being physical with their partners until the next day, but that didn't keep them from getting ready.
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Dr. Lucy Vivian didn't mind having Miss Fabina and their colleagues taking control of most of Animalia's adult entertainment. It actually made things easier for her. It was a bit hard for her to impartially observe and give relationship advise without giving away that that was a psychologist who studying Animalian behavior. Admittedly, there was little that she hasn't already seen so far. There were times she wondered if Animalia would convert someone with real mental problems, but those went to Dr. Jones. Still, running her boutique was satisfying enough for her, especially when she got to see how new lovers think of her wares.
For instance, there was a female dog coming up. She was uplifted, considering her lack of tresses. She looked like one of the older dog breeds that were more closely related to wild canines. Miss Vivian remembered her from that Animalia Ambassadoria show, Yolanda the basenji. This could be interesting. "Vhat may I help you vith, darling?" she asked, putting the Transylvanian accent that customers like.
"Well, I'm looking for something for me and my mate," said Yolanda.
"But of course," said Miss Vivian, "Vhat do you vish for?"
"Well, I've been enjoying doggy-style with him for quite some time, but I can tell he'll be wanting more," said Yolanda, "But I'm not sure where to ask about-"
"Vhere else? The internet?" asked Miss Vivian with a chuckle before saying, "I vouldn't try that. The sites are loaded vith malvare. This shall give you all ze information you require." With that, she held up the latest Animalian edition of the Karma Sutra. Considering the different kinds of Animalians that keep being created, not to mention new features such as four arms and hermaphroditism, it tended update every year or so.
Yolanda skimmed the book. It didn't take her long for her tail to go straight in shock. Miss Vivian wished she could photograph the look on everyone's face when they first look in that book. Well, at least she had a good memory. "Uh...I don't need to look at things for snakes and fish, do I?" asked Yolanda.
"Only if ze interest you," said Miss Vivian.
Sometime later, a more interesting Animalian came in. Rhino Animalians were relatively common these days, partially due to the Rhino Guard. Though this particular rhino had flame tattoos on his shoulders. This would be none other than Rod, the romantic partner of Ellie Nozdrin. It was rather interesting how he was originally a gay man who had a paranoid (though not completely unfounded) suspicion towards Russia. He had assumed Elly was a Russian agent of some kind. After she put him in his place, both physically and verbally, the two of them became surprisingly close. Miss Vivian wondered how'll they tell their future children of how they first met.
“Can I help you vith something?” asked Miss Vivian.
“Maybe,” said Rod, “I hear you give good relationship advice.”
“I’ve had some success vith that,” said Miss Vivian.
“Well, there’s this girl I’ve been seeing,” said Rod, “We’ve known each other a long time now and I think we really like each other. Though I don’t know if she likes me as much as I like her.”
“And how much do you like her?” asked Miss Vivian, very interested.
“Well, enough that I might want to ask her something important…” said Rod.
Miss Vivian’s eyes widened. Was Rod considering proposing? “And vhy do you hesitate?” she asked.
“Because I didn’t make a good impression the first time we met,” said Rod, “I don’t know how serious she’d think I was being. And I don’t know if her parents like me enough.”
“Are her parents not busy right now vith their new daughter?” asked Miss Vivian.
“I doubt they’re busy enough to not notice someone wanting to get serious with their oldest daughter,” said Rod.
“If I heard right, they’re more concerned about having grandchildren out of vedlock,” said Miss Vivian.
“Hey, we’ve been careful,” said Rod.
“And I’m sure that as long as you remain careful you put a ring on her finger, they’ll be happy to have you,” said Miss Vivian.
“I still don’t know if she wants me for sure,” said Rod.
“I think she’s been vaiting for you to say you are,” said Miss Vivian. She didn't really know it for sure herself, but some people need a little push in order for them to admit their feelings for each other. Especially if it's for a lifelong commitment.