I don't own these characters.

5: Accepted

Felina could see after a couple of days that Callie was going stir crazy. She spent too much time pacing, fretting her hands, and mumbling to herself. She did not even bother to change out her pajamas. Katarina's apartment was small and definitely not made for three and the fact that it was unfamiliar territory probably did not do Callie any favors.

Plus, Callie was not sure what they needed to do to stop being on every news station in the colony and she did not handle "not knowing" very well. Felina did not turn on the television or the radio, but she could not watch her mate every second of the day and she knew Callie sneaked listens, which made her pace more. Felina could not take it anymore.

Standing up from Katarina's beat-up sofa, Felina grabbed Callie into an embrace. She had been holding Callie a lot of the past few days, which did not bother her much. She liked the way Callie fit in her arms and she took it as a good sign that Callie continued to accept her touch. They might yet survive this madness.

"I need you to calm down," Felina whispered into her ear as she sat them both down.

"I can't. We're all day everyday. There are theories and theories and just crap coming out about us! What are we supposed to do? The longer we sit on it, the more we're being dragged through the mud!"

Felina blinked. "So… why don't we just talk about it?" Maybe this was really the problem. The world told lions and lionesses they were wrong and instead of going out and proving otherwise, they just slinked into the shadows like the world was right. It had not worked.

Callie pulled back a little and squinted as she studied Felina. "What do you mean?"

"Let's talk about it. Let's answer a call or make a call of our own and talk to a reporter for a few minutes. Nothing long, just enough to show them we didn't go kill ourselves… or whatever they're saying we did. Something that lets them know we're still here and they didn't drive us away," Felina replied.

Callie blinked a couple of times and then her mouth fell open. "That's actually a very good idea."

Felina smiled. "I have them every now and then." The simplicity of it all was probably the real shocking thing to Callie.

Callie pretty much grinned for the first time in way too many days and this was enough for Felina. She kissed Callie and then released her. Callie now had renewed vigor and retrieved her phone from where Felina thought she hid it. She had not done a good job of it, obviously. Before Felina even realized what was happening, Callie had them on speaker phone with someone.

"We only have a few minutes, so make sure your questions count, Ann," Callie said.

"Well, first, will I be getting your exclusive?" a voice asked. It sounded like Ann Gora. Did Callie had Ann Gora on speed dial or something? It made sense. Two she-kats with high profile, public positions. They probably discussed action and traumas they were a part of every now and then.

"We're not thinking about that, but you'll definitely be in mind when we do start thinking about it," Callie replied.

"All right. I don't want to press. Will you reveal where you and Lieutenant Feral are?" Ann inquired.

"So we can have people camped out there? No, we will not do that. You're not making these questions count, Ann," Callie remarked.

"All right, all right. How about you just tell me about your relationship. The pictures floating around are racy and your former office has cut ties with you, even though some of your former colleagues are leaking things and spreading rumors. Lieutenant Feral, I've been told you were fired just as Miss Briggs was."

"I wasn't fired. I got put on leave, but I can't talk about it yet because it's going through litigation right now. But, I would love to tell you about my relationship with this amazing female," Felina declared. This was possibly the easiest thing she had to do in a long while.

Felina talked about how Callie nursed her back to health after she got out of the hospital. Sure, she did not want to see anyone at the time, but thankfully Callie was stubborn and would not leave. Callie was probably the reason she healed up so well, so quickly. It was not until she noticed Callie smiling that Felina realized she was gushing. She could not help it, though.

"You're amazing," Felina whispered to Callie when she was done.

"That's quite the love story," Ann commented.

"How could I not love a hero?" Callie asked, setting the tone for something she would make sure to bring up in every interview they would do after this. Callie made sure everyone remembered Felina had not only saved her life, but two other lives without considering her own safety.

"Now, I've heard from sources, in the pictures Lieutenant Feral is actually forcing you to perform for her," Ann said.

Felina growled. She would never! Callie took her hand to keep her calm. She pulled Callie to her, pressing her front to Callie's back.

"Felina isn't that type of kat. She's a hero, noble, and true. She saves lives, puts her life on the line, all the time, for everyone. All of the pictures I've seen are me doing things voluntarily. If it's real, it's consensual," Callie replied.

For a second, there was silence. Callie had actually made the Ann Gora speechless. This kat was the face of news and she had no words.

"So, you've seen the pictures?" Ann asked.

"We've seen some. I'm not sure if it was all, but those were private moments and someone was spying on us, trying to get dirt on us, but our relationship is not dirty. We do normal things, like any other couple. We talk all the time, enjoy each other's company, cook together, eat take on occasion, and watch movies. I've scolded Felina about her habits of throwing her clothes everywhere and leaving her apartment a mess," Callie said.

Felina gave Callie a smile. They were pretty normal. She hoped the world started to understand lions and lionesses were normal. Their relationship was just as valid as any straight couple.

Ann laughed. "You sound like a boring couple."

"We get enough excitement at work, so we like boring things when it's just us," Callie said with smile. "Okay, we're going to go right now, but hopefully we'll talk to you again soon." She disconnected the call quickly and breathed a sigh of relief.

"You know Ann Gora?" Felina inquired.

"Sometimes, she's there when I get in trouble. We talk after. Do you know any trustworthy reporters? I mean, I know a lot from the mayor's press conferences and such, but none I like enough to talk to them second."

"I know a couple. I met them from being harassed about getting shot."

Callie grinned and this was how they spent about an hour. It was bit exhausting and Callie seemed to know when Felina reached her limit. They managed to talk to almost ten respected journalists they knew. After that, there were calls from Felina's friends, letting her know how the reporters used the interviews and how they were being received. Callie braved the TV and radio, but Felina made sure to moderate it.

Callie seemed to be on an upswing and using her energy wisely now that she knew what she wanted to do. Felina did not want anything to diminish that energy. Before long, Callie was making notes and working like mad. It looked like her mate was on the mend.

-8-8-8-8-

Now that Callie had calmed down, she was able to catch up with the story of her and Felina being a couple and even steer it a little bit in the way she wanted. Dealing with the reporters reminded her that she was in control. And, if she controlled the situation, then it was all right. Best of all, she liked how Felina looked at her while watching her work.

"Do you hear yourself, Sabor? Are these the questions you really want to ask me?" Callie demanded, pacing in front of Felina, who was parked on the couch with a smile on her face.

"I'm just telling you what came to my office. Beyond the pictures, I've gotten messages from anonymous sources saying you were involved in a lot of dirty dealings over at City Hall, which makes sense. You were there for a few years and we all know City Hall hasn't been clean in decades," he replied.

Callie growled. She was one of the few people who managed to at least stay legit while working in City Hall and it burned her to have integrity called into question. "First off, I haven't been there decades, so I have nothing to do with that. Have you checked those facts?"

"I'm looking into it."

"I think you should check those facts. I have nothing to hide." But, Callie now knew she had to start threatening people at City Hall with all of the things she left the office with. Not to mention, she had to get more people on her side in case this got even more messy.

He chuckled; it sounded so dark. "That's what they all say."

"Start fishing then. Do you have any relevant questions you want to ask me?" she snapped.

"You mean about your relationship? I'd rather ask you those in person."

"We'll consider it." Callie glanced at Felina. It was the next step for their "coming out" process. A few days had passed and things seemed to have shifted from outright hostile to something calm enough to where she thought they might be able to sit down and talk with someone. But, that someone would not be this jackass.

"Not with him," Felina muttered with a frown.

Callie winked at her. "Sabor, if you don't have anything else…" She wanted a moment and then hung up.

"You know that sleaze-bag is going to smear you in the papers, right?" Felina pointed out.

"I expect nothing less, but talking to the sleaze-bags gives me a chance to find out what our enemies are up to. So, since it looks like we might beat this thing… even if it takes weeks, my City Hall former colleagues want to bury us. They don't want us to ever be able to leave here."

"You really think we'll beat this thing?" Felina asked with a smile.

Callie chuckled. "Apparently, we have this storybook romance thing going on that no one saw coming. It's burning up my former colleagues, who thought they slaughtered us, but we've risen from the dead, burning bright like phoenixes."

The light laugh escaped Felina. "You're definitely fired up, talking in metaphors and crap. So, they'll tie you up in embarrassment tape and scandal and hope you disappear?"

"Exactly. I won't let them take us down like that. So, next stop for us is calling into shows and answering live questions. Once it's safe for us to go back to someone's apartment, then we can do things in person. Sound good?"

Felina smiled. "So good I wanna take you to bed."

Callie giggled and felt heat flare up in her face. "When we get a bed back."

Felina smirked at her and she really wanted to work faster. She was glad Katarina had given them free reign of her space, but they refused to take her bed and tried their best to contain themselves to the living room. They slept on the floor and had bigger things to worry about than where they slept.

"How's your suit going for getting back to work?" Callie asked.

"I can go back whenever it's safe to leave the house. You back down when Captain Amelia Thompson crawls up your ass. She makes large groups of kats whine like kittens," Felina replied with a laugh.

"The military serves you well," Callie noted.

"We stick together. You see things at war and things happen… and, well, knowing this kat has your back from that is something we don't take for granted. It's better than having a family to me," Felina admitted.

Callie went to sit on Felina's lap, straddling her. Felina gave her a smile and rested her hand against Callie's back. Callie leaned in for a kiss and Felina laughed.

"Careful, lover. This is what got us in trouble in the first place," Felina joked.

Callie smiled. "Too damn bad. I really like this."

"That makes two of us. Do you really think this'll blow over?" Felina had seen and experienced a lot of hate toward lionesses in her short life. "My friends said people have started looking into lioness dens, accusing anyone who's a little different, and every stereotype known to kat-kind has been thrown out there."

"I know, but it'll take time. We just have to stay calm and educate people as best we can. Like I said, some kats actually believe we have this fairy tale going on and that helps. We're not something grotesque, but whimsical."

Felina nodded. "So, when are we going to be doing live interviews?"

"I'll schedule some as soon as I'm not comfortable."

Chuckling, Felina's hands roamed Callie's back. "I can't wait for us to be able to do this and more."

"Well, then I need to get work." Reluctantly, Callie climbed off of Felina. She was very aware of the vitriol in the public and how dangerous it was for anyone suspected of being a lioness. She and Felina needed to remind the city they were regular kats and press the matter of how much good they had done and would still do.

So, Callie arranged for their first live interview, which would be over the phone with Ann Gora. They set it up for a few days later. Ann promised to show footage of Felina saving the day, ending with her shooting, as well as doing a quite montage of Callie basically just doing her job, along with highlighting her relationship with SwatKats. Ann honored them with a full hour before the interview.

"So, I'm here with former Deputy Mayor Calico Briggs and Enforcer Lieutenant Felina Feral. They've been in the news since private pictures of them surfaced nearly two weeks ago and rumors of corruption about both have sprouted up. Now, they want to clear the air and then we'll open it to questions from viewers," Ann Gora announced. "Ladies, you here?"

"We're here," they both replied, curled up on Katarina's couch. Katarina was in the background, just watching… maybe waiting, hoping things would turn out well.

"So, we all know the story. How's it going with you two, though?" Ann inquired.

"We're trapped in an underground bunker and get to hear about all of the horror stories against lionesses now that people know it's not just some myth or old wives' tale," Felina remarked.

"She gets grouchy, kind of like her uncle," Callie replied. "But, it is hard knowing all of this controversy sparked up because people are in our personal business. I feel what needs to be stressed in this whole matter is that we're still the same kats we were before the public knew our personal business and there's nothing wrong with our relationship."

"So, before Lieutenant Feral, you've dated other females?" Ann asked.

"Oh, no," Callie sort of squeaked. "I just feel… right when I'm with her. I can just be myself. I don't have to taper myself or tailor myself to be in this couple. She accepts me completely and fully."

"What about you, Lieutenant Feral?" Ann inquired.

"I've been this way for as long as I can remember. It hasn't affected me in any other way beyond who I choose to date. I've also always wanted to help people and make a difference in the world and I think I accomplish that everyday. Never has who I dated affected how I carry myself," Felina answered.

"So, at no point in time has your attraction to females caused you to act inappropriately?" Ann asked.

"None that I can recall," Felina answered. She glanced at Callie for a moment and Callie hoped someone did not come out and claim Felina had done something to them.

"I've been trying to find females who could refute that and I honestly had to go to your hometown for that to happen. I think it's impressive… and a little odd… that in the twenty years since you've left there, you've managed to stay out of trouble. Everyone you've ever served with in the air force has nothing but glowing things to say and many Enforcers feel the same way," Ann informed her.

"You went to my hometown?" Felina's voice trembled. Callie patted her thigh, hoping to keep her at ease.

"I did. It's an interesting little place. I didn't expect someone like you to come from such a rural community. From what I've seen, you have this take-charge, city-kat feel. I was surprised how divided the town is about you."

Felina's brow furrowed to the point her hair line moved closer to her eyebrows. "Divided?"

"Oh. I'd say at least some of them are proud of you and your service to this colony. They talked just as proud as your military buddies, but then there were others who… well, seemed like they wanted to burn you alive," Ann explained.

Felina tensed. "I'm surprised it's not more, but that hurts."

"Still, it was surprising. I mean, I know many of my colleagues flooded your little town and your former bases, hoping to find some dirt on you, but there's not much beyond hearsay. There was nothing I could substantiate beyond the good."

Felina sighed and Callie curled in closer, wrapping her tail around Felina. Felina played with the little tuft at the end, distracted, but not caving in on herself. Callie hated to think of the stories being told in Felina's hometown, but it was good to know some people supported her. Maybe this whole lioness thing was not as horrible as everyone anticipated. Yes, it was horrific, but not the total end of the world.

"Did you… has anybody… talking to my parents?" Felina managed a question of her own.

"They've been unavailable for comment," Ann stated.

Felina swallowed, but she did not seem relieved. It was like this was something else that could hang over her head. It certainly would not look good for them if or when Felina's parents and siblings decided to speak out against her.

"Miss Briggs, I've also been to your hometown and they basically just deny this. They don't believe it's you in the picture. They believe you're strange, but brilliant and there was no way this could be you, your parents especially," Ann said.

"Well, I don't think they should shoulder a disillusion. I'm with Felina and fine with it," Callie assured her. It was best to have that said now to find out who in her hometown truly was with her, her parents included.

"Okay, so are you two ready to field questions from some of our viewers?" Ann asked.

"We are," they confirmed.

"Callie, can you address the charges of corruption being brought against you? Did you steal all that money to run off with the Lieutenant?" a male voice demanded.

"The corruption is just rumors, a distraction from the truth, and I promise it'll stay that. If there was any actual corruption, I'd be in handcuffs right now and if I stole any money, I damn sure wouldn't be giving interviews with the hope I can someday go outside again without a camera being shoved into my face," Callie answered.

"Lieutenant Feral, how in the hell can we trust you to be an Enforcer when you're the worst sort of person?" a new caller, a female voice, practically snarled.

"The worst sort of person?" Felina echoed and then scowled. "I've served this colony my entire adult life. I've been shot down in my plane several times defending this colony and this city. I've got scars for my service and I've seen my blood pour out in places most kats can't even find on a map. My record speaks for itself and while I was building that record, I was a lioness."

"Callie, doesn't your corruption prove lionesses can't be trusted and should be purged from society?" a male caller huffed.

"Again, the corruption thing is just a rumor and will stay that. But, even if it were the truth, it would have no bearing on my relationship or any other same-sex relationship. It would be like me assuming whatever relationship any criminal has is the reason they're a criminal," Callie answered. Felina rubbed her shoulder in approval.

"Lieutenant Feral, who did you bribe to avoid being fired?" a male caller demanded.

"No bribes necessary. Like I said, my record speaks for itself," Felina stated.

They took a few more calls from people insisting their relationship was somehow wrong, made them horrible kats, or meant they could not be trusted. Then, there was a ray of hope. A call showed that maybe they were a fairy tale, just not the one people were used to.

"Hey, I'm just calling to say thank you for being so brave, even though this obviously happened by accident. You both having stuck by this and showing everyone that you're just normal she-kats living your lives gave me the strength to come out to my family and they're actually fine with it because of you. They said 'if a cop who can save lives and the kat who could help keep the city together are like this then it can't be all bad.' They saw the real me and accepted the real me because of you. So, thank you so much," a female caller said. "Thank you."

"Wow…" Both Callie and Felina muttered. They glanced over at Katarina, who shot them a thumbs up.

And that was not the last call they got like that. Sure, most of the calls remained hostile or just personal, but there were sunshine in those gloomy clouds. It was tough, but they made it through an hour. It was exhausting and to think they would have do this infinite more times with someone who would not screen the calls like Ann Gora did.

"You guys are heroes, you know that, right?" Katarina grinned.

-8-8-8-8-

The apartment was blanketed in darkness and Felina stared at the ceiling. Callie was cuddled against her, a leg thrown over her thighs. They should have been sleeping. They were actually going to brave the outside world in the morning, in disguise, but still. They had an interview to do… in person. The idea made her stomach quiver a little.

"Are you ready for this?" Callie asked.

"I'm ready for anything as long as you're by my side. I can't believe how much work you've put into this and what you've done. I mean, we went from being in the shadows to kats seeing we exist and we're actual people and not monsters. Of course, there are people who think we're monsters, but others get to understand we're not. And, you're right, there are some people who see us as a fairy tale and there are some people who think lions and lionesses are okay, just because they've seen us. You're incredible," Felina replied.

Callie chuckled. "I've got you here and you're doing half of the heavy lifting. You're worth fighting for and I can't deal with this bullshit that we're bad people for being together."

Felina snickered. "You say bullshit?" She was not sure if she had ever heard Callie use the term before, but she liked it.

"I say bullshit, yes."

Felina smiled and pulled Callie closer to her, caressing Callie's leg. "Well… what are you going to do after all this bullshit blows over?"

"I dunno. Maybe I'll go back to law. I'm sure there'll be more cases like yours and they won't have your brilliant and scary Captain to fight for them."

Felina nodded. Callie would not have much trouble getting job as a lawyer considering the lions and lionesses who would come to her aid. Or, if she decided to open her own practice, then there would be plenty of the downtrodden to help if they allowed her. But, there was more in Callie's future, Felina was sure as sure of that as she was sure the sun would rise in the morning.

"You might be just as effective, but I was wondering if you'd consider… well, running for mayor."

Callie sat up and stared down at her. "Running for mayor?"

"Yeah. Come on, we both know Manx won't make it out of the year without you. He's too corrupt and way too many kats working for him are the same. It'll become really obvious without you being there," Felina explained. She truly believed Manx was going down, especially since she knew Callie took records from City Hall.

While Felina doubted Callie would turn in Manx, as she knew Callie liked him, despite his corruption and helplessness. But, Manx would get caught in the crossfire when Callie fought back against the assholes she despised at City Hall. Those cowards would throw Manx under the bus in the hope of creating a diversion to get away.

"You think kats would vote for me?" Callie asked.

"I think if you go in there talking about your social issues, like wanting better schools, greener communities, mental health, and maybe even regular police for average, but rising crime… I think you got this because Manx only has business and you have that, too."

"I do?"

Felina held up the Onca brothers card. She always had it handy now, waiting for this talk to come up. "I got these two billionaires who owe me a favor or two?"

Callie laughed. "You really think they'd invest in me?"

"I think they would. They seemed like good guys. Desi calls me sometimes. He seems cool and we're somewhat friends," Felina said. Both brothers tended to touch bases with her, checking in on her condition, but also trying to make sure she wanted for nothing. They had a hard time with both. Desi was funny and he seemed to like to make her laugh, thinking she was too serious.

"I had no idea. How could you keep that from me?" Callie asked.

"Well, it didn't seem really important. It's not like I'm hanging out with him or anything. It's just a couple of phone calls. He wanted to know how I was healing up and if there's anything he could do. He called about this, too, and said he's still there with me, with us now."

Desi insisted Hernan was still with her as well, but she did not get to talk to Hernan as much. He seemed to be married to his work, but he had not cut her off. Felina decided to take Desi's word on it until he was otherwise proved wrong.

"Wow. I've been impressed by a lot of kats through this whole thing. I mean, I expected the hate and the irrational fury, but I never expected the support and, well, just care. It's amazing, Lina," Callie purred.

Felina completely agreed with that. She did not expect more kats to come out as lions and lionesses in support. She did not expect straight kats to support them. Yes, there was tons of hate, but the support was a ray of sunshine in a dark sky when all she expected were torrential rains.

"It's why we'll do fine on this interview," Felina said, more for herself than anything else. Callie was used to be the spotlight and interviews and talking and cameras. This was new to this fly kat.

"Yes, just keep calm and answer the questions." Callie caressed Felina's stomach, as if knowing she needed the reassurance.

Felina nodded. She felt like she could handle it. After all, she had been in combat situations. She had been in more plane crashes than most could imagine. This could not be much worse. Besides, she had to behave in a positive manner. There were so many lions and lionesses looking up to her right now. Not to mention, too many people would use her and Callie to tear lionesses down if they did not handle this properly. She would take the pressure.

-8-8-8-8-

Felina and Callie sat down on a plush couch with Felix Mau. He was at one end and they were at the other. They were dressed in their best — Felina in her Enforcer dress uniform and Callie in her best power suit. Sitting as perfectly as possible, they focused on Felix.

Felix Mau was a primer journalist with a television show, as well as a radio show. He was rather balanced when reporting on his primetime news show. This interview would actually air in a few hours for all to see. They had spoken to him before, but not for a long period of time, even when they called his radio show. He had endeared himself to them just because he never made it seem like they were in the wrong and he never made it seem like all of the accusations against them was utterly true. Plus, Felina liked that Captain Thompson approved of him.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you ladies in person," Felix said, wasting no time shaking their hands for the camera. He did not seem to think twice about it and it was the same when he saw them step onto the set.

"A pleasure to meet you, too," Callie replied.

"I'm actually upset this is the reason for us sitting down. I was trying to get Lieutenant Feral during her big hero moment. It was incredible," Felix said. "How did you feel when it happened? What was going on through your mind?"

Felina shook her head. "Nothing. There were people in danger and I acted to get them out of danger." She shrugged. That was the best way to put it. She did not think about these things beyond, "gotta save people!"

Felix nodded and leaned forward a little in his seat. "I'm fascinated by this and the fact that it's the start of your journey toward each other. I mean, it's all just incredible."

Callie smiled. "Maybe it was fate."

Felix nodded. "Maybe. It certainly is quite the tale. Now, I'll be honest, I was one of those people when this first started, I thought it was totally a lie. I'm a journalist and I've covered things both of you have been involved in, so I refused to believe you were involved in this…" He frowned like a bitter smell hit his nose and made circle hand motions. "And I was insulted for you."

Felina shifted in her chair, knowing she needed to hold on. He seemed like he was going somewhere with this. If it ended poorly, she would act accordingly.

"And then when you confirmed it was actually you in the pictures, also like many people, I was upset. I remember fuming over how you seemed honorable and different, but you turned out to be the same pompous, perverted corrupt politicians and officials," Felix continued.

"I'm hoping there's a light at the end of this tunnel and it's not a train," Callie remarked, somehow managing a friendly smile.

"No, hearing you two talk about yourselves completely changed my mind and I realized you were still these two incredible kats from before, but maybe even a little more so. I'm amazed and flattered to be able to just sit across from you. It's incredible," Felix actually gushed.

"You like saying incredible, don't you?" Felina commented. She had never made it a point to watch his show, but she suspected this was like his catchphrase or something.

"I do, but in this case I find it applicable." He motioned to them with a flick of his fingers. "I know you both get a lot of hate and there are so many investigations on you now. The fact that you managed to make it here with all of that to me is incredible. How are you handling it?" he finally asked.

Felina and Callie looked at each other and then Felina decided to talk first. "Well, first of all, she makes me strong and I stand strong for her. I always think I need to protect her. To me, it's more than throwing myself in front of bullets and with her by my side I feel like I can do anything."

"How can you not love her when she says things like that?" Callie grinned. "But, yes, we have each other to lean on, but there's also more than that. We're not the type of she-kats anyone can just push around, anyway, and we will not be regulated to the sidelines now that we know there's so many others out there who look up to us. They all deserve a fair shot. They're not perverts or monsters. They're not hunting down your children. They're not trying to rape you in some back alley. Megakat City has seen those type of people and they should know lions and lionesses aren't like that. They're average kats just living their lives like you or me."

"So, I know you both are in hiding right now. Lieutenant Feral has suggested a bunker many times in her phone interviews. Are you really in a bunker? Is it because of the threats against you?" Felix inquired.

Katarina had been picking up the mail for them and they had gotten tons of death threats. Neither of them let it faze them, having seen things like this at other junctions in their lives. Of course, Felina did not like the idea of people threatening her mate, though.

"We're laying low for a while. The thing that I can't fathom is all of this hate over just two grown kats choosing to be together. Everything stems from that. I wish we had actually done something horrible, but…" Callie shook her head, unable to get the words out.

"I think some people just feel betrayed. I like I said, I was one of those people. To hide something like this… it just makes people look at you like they don't know who you are, even if they feel like they've known you for a long time, which the city does feel with you," he pointed out.

"But, they don't really know us, just what they see on TV or hear," Felina said.

He smiled. "Oh, no. I know what you mean, but still. To feel like we know you and then something this big comes out… it's hard to deal with, especially with a subject we're not too familiar with. It wasn't until you two began this dialogue that I even learned anything remotely accurate about lionesses. Before that, they were just whispers and shadows and whatever mythos someone wanted to make up at the time." He made some meaningless hand gesture. "And, I was amazed at how little I actually knew as a fact. But, I listened to you and I went out to educate myself. I know most people don't have the same investigative talents as I do or curiosity, but I think you're headed in the right direction and I think you'll lead people in the right direction," he assured them.

"You sound like you're on our side," Felina noted.

"I'm not against you." Okay, that was a weird way to put it. "I just want to get to the truth of the matter. I want to understand more about your relationship, which I know you've talked into the ground, and these allegations against you both that just pile up day after day. It seems like whenever you shake one thing, something new pops up. Do you even have the time to be a couple?" he joked.

"We're hoping to get back to the couple thing after all of this goes away," Callie laughed, but she grabbed Felina's hand and held tight. They still did "the couple thing," but everyone did not need to know that right now.

"So, I've looked into the latest allegations. As with the last, I can't substantiate anything. This drives me crazy about you two because everyone seems so certain it's all true and then I can't find anything about it beyond the words of some random kat that said it. I couldn't even track down the source for these latest things, which drives journalists utterly mad. Lieutenant Feral, do you have any idea who would claim you sexual harassed any female Enforcers under you?" Felix asked.

"I don't think I've even had females work under me. There aren't many of us in the department, which is a shame, and it's not because of me," Felina answered. "After all, historically there haven't been many."

"And the ones there claimed you were a big help to them. They all said you were professional and respectable and they were fond of working with you, so I don't understand why these things keep coming up," Felix commented.

"Just someone trying to keep my name in the mud." She suspected it was Steele. She hoped he did not wise up and pay someone to make these schemes more than some ether in the universe.

"Which is something else a lot of your coworkers couldn't explain or didn't understand. Many tomkats sang your praises. They seem to like you well enough."

Felina chuckled. "That's not a ringing endorsement, but I'm glad they like me."

"That's better than what I've gotten from the former deputy mayor's colleagues," he stated with a little laugh.

Callie scoffed. "Please."

"I've done quite a bit of talking with your colleagues, Miss Briggs, and it's the total opposite of what I got with the Enforcers. Why do you think that is?" Felix inquired.

"I'm not entirely sure. It might be City Hall is used to being an old kats club and they didn't know how to react with me. Most Enforcers have military backgrounds and Felina has taught me, kats and she-kats mingle better there, so the Enforcers aren't surprised, shocked, or intimidated when Felina does something."

Felix nodded and the interview continued on. After a while, it was actually pretty easy to talk. Felix did seem to be all about just finding the truth and letting them know about all of the inaccuracies going on about them. They were able to explain everything, but also bring out some truths about lionesses for Felina and social issues for Callie.

-8-8-8-8-

The first kat to find where they were was not surprising. Feral was not stupid, after all. Plus, despite his cold demeanor, he seemed to care about Felina in his own way… his own weird way. Katarina spied him through the peephole, but it was Felina who opened the door. Callie thought he actually looked contrite, but it was hard to tell with Feral because his face was almost always frowning. There was just something in his eyes and his massive shoulders seemed just a little slumped.

"Ladies," he said in his deep voice as if everything was normal between them.

"Commander," they both said in clipped tones.

"May I come in?" he requested.

They stepped out of his way, but did not move much. Callie stayed by Felina's side and Felina did not seem to want her uncle to get comfortable. As soon as he was in, Felina shut the door and they had a stare down. Callie wondered who would blink first.

"You both look… well," Feral said.

"You look well, too," Felina replied.

"Any chance of you coming back to work?" Feral asked, looking at the ceiling and then the floor. Pretty much anywhere that was not their faces.

"As soon as I can actually move back into my apartment," Felina answered coolly.

Feral grunted and then they both just stood there awkwardly. Callie could not thinking the behavior was cute for Felina, but creepy for the Commander. Callie had to work hard not to squirm.

"Are you two communicating telepathically?" Callie asked. She wondered if all Ferals were like this or if they were the two oddballs.

"No, but apparently my uncle likes standing here," Felina replied.

Feral cleared his throat. "I just wanted to say… I've been…" He sighed and stared at them. "Are you happy?"

"I've been accused of harassment and tons of other things, do you think I'm happy?" Felina countered.

"Who do you think has been fielding those calls? I've had to listen to the worst things about you, but it's made me realize… I leveled the worst things about you. Hearing you talk and seeing you on TV, I'm reminded of what you actually do. In all the years I've known you, you've always been the best sort of kat and I know you've always been a lioness. Every time I hear someone say these things about you, it stings and burns. You're not a monster," he said.

This time, the silence was deafening and shocking. Felina's eyes went wide, like she had no idea what she was hearing. Feral stared between them and then Felina started to cry. Callie was stunned, but even more shocking was Feral hugged Felina.

The scene was touching, but sad. Felina was overwhelmed that the only family member she had did not think she was a monster. Callie wondered if things would be like that for her, but then again, she was not close enough to her family to really care. They had already sold her out on TV, so she hoped they enjoyed their money because they were dead to her.

"I just want you to be happy," Feral sort of grumbled and he palmed the back of Felina's head. Felina just sobbed. Feral glanced over at Callie, as if wanting to know what was going on.

"You do realize you're probably the only family member she has who's touched her since learning about her being a lioness, right?" Callie pointed out.

Feral's eyes went wide now and then he just held his niece tighter. This was amazing. Callie just stood back and watched.

-8-8-8-8-

"This ceiling will never look like yours, you know?" Callie said, cuddled into Felina as usual with her eyes on the dark ceiling. They were on their makeshift bed in the living room.

Felina ran her hand through Callie's hair. "Out of everything you miss the ceiling?"

"It's just what I'm used to staring at when you stroke my hair." Callie threw her leg over Felina.

"You know, I really think we'll be okay."

"What makes you say that?" Callie asked.

"If we can change my uncle's mind, then I think we might be all right. We're not going to reach everyone right away, but I feel like we'll at least be able to go back to more familiar ceilings soon. This isn't the end of our story. It's like the middle or something."

Callie smiled. "I'm just happy things are good between you and your uncle."

"And I'm happy we're standing through this storm together. You're incredible," Felina remarked.

"No, you're incredible, Lina." Callie kissed her cheek.

Things seemed to be on the mend. It would probably take a while, but they would stand together and make it through.

-8-8-8-8-

The End.

Thanks for reading. I hope you guys enjoyed the story. More to come with these two, so I hope you come back. Please, if you like my work, go check out my books available on Amazon, under the name S.L. Kassidy. Back to my padded cell with me. Thanks again. Hasta…