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Rexar & Mike: Snapshots - Revelations, Pt.II
Dated 14/02/2014
Continued from last episode
MIKE: I puffed. I was shivering. I gazed straight into his eyes. It was now or never.
"Rex... I can't stop thinking... about you."
Rexar's head drew back. His eyes widened.
"Er...." he murmured. "A-Are you... I mean, are you saying... what I think you're saying?"
I nodded nervously.
He paused, rubbing the back of his neck. He was clearly shocked.
"L-let... let me just... get this absolutely straight in my head," he stammered, "cos I-I, I don't wanna misunderstand you here, I need to be completely sure...
...are you saying... like, you... you've got a crush on me?"
I closed my eyes. Almost cringing. Hearing him say it almost heightened the absurdity of what I was doing.
But it was too late. I took yet another deep breath. There was no going back now.
"I... I... I think I'm... falling in love with you... Rex."
Silence.
Rex stood back. His mouth hung halfway open. Stunned.
As I felt those words slip from my lips, my heart raced. Almost a panic. As if a rush of adrenalin had carried them out with rash, foolhardy abandon, to the total horror of my self-control.
Looking at his face, knowing the meaning had registered with him, all those thoughts I'd had about telling him flashed in my mind. It didn't feel real. In those fantasies, I could always rely upon the safety of starting again. And it was as if I could have done the same, right now.
But no. I couldn't. Seeing him standing there speechless in front of me, the sobering weight of reality fell upon me. The worst thought. I could not determine whether I'd just ruined our precious friendship.
"Mike. you're... are you... you're serious?"
I nodded. Ever so timid. Almost apologetic. My anxiety was growing. I don't think he was taking it well.
He looked all around. "Er..." he puffed. "H... h-how... how long have you... felt like this?"
I dipped my head. I was scared now. My hesitancy was drawing me into a ball. A lump was swelling in my throat. I didn't even feel like I could reply.
"A...a long time... Rex," I whispered, my lip starting to tremble again. "Pr... p-probably... probably most of the time I've been living here."
He paused again. Then he turned away, brushing his hand over his face, letting out a deep sigh.
I couldn't imagine what was going through his head. What had I done. This was the last thing he needed on his mind right now, on the eve of a potentially huge moment for his career.
He still had his back turned to me. This was not what I had hoped for. I felt frightened. Guilty.
"I'm... I'm sorry, Rex."
He turned to me again. "Whoa... for, for what?"
As I shut my eyes again, I felt a tear squeeze out. "I'm sorry... I... I shouldn't have told you this now, should I... this isn't what you needed right now..."
"Whoa-whoa-whoa," he interrupted, stepping back towards me. "Don't say that, pup. Don't... don't say that. Don't think that."
I dropped my head. The tear ran down my cheek. My lip was shaking badly now.
Suddenly I felt his hand on my shoulder. It almost made me jump.
"Hey," he whispered, sliding his arm round my back. "Come... come in here, pup. Come on, come and sit down."
He gently lead me out of the hallway. My eyes started to brim, another drop rushing down my face. I could feel my breaths sharpening into sobs. I couldn't hide it any more.
Rex sat me down on the couch, then he sat next to me. The tears were flooding out of me now. It was like a huge release, all those pent-up worries, building up to this moment for so long. So many nights. So many weeks. So many months.
He took my hand, placing it gently between his own. He curled up my fingers into the shell of his big palms, giving the slightest squeeze. His hands were warm, smooth, strong.
My chest was still tight, my every breath punctuated with short, tearful gasps. But as I felt him sitting over me, starting to stroke his thumb softly over my knuckles, I began to feel it. That care. That warmth. Everything I had imagined about him, desired in him. Even amid my anxiety, the tumult of my thoughts, it was soothing. Reassuring.
He gave me a moment to calm. Still watching over me, tenderly rubbing his thumb over my hand, dipping into the lines between my fingers. My body started to unclench.
"You okay?" he asked.
I sniffled, glancing up at him briefly to acknowledge him. My head felt heavy.
"Here, Mike," he whispered. "Why... why don't you just... tell me about it. Just tell me everything. Just... get it off your chest, pup. All right?"
I sniffled again. I could feel his head dipped above mine, concerned, watching over me. As I sat there, I felt humbled. In the middle of everything that was going on in his life, he was now sitting here with me, taking time to hear me, devoting his attention to me. Right there, I remembered why I loved him so much.
I took a moment to compose myself. Here goes...
REXAR: We talked. For ages.
I held his hand. I listened to him. He told me so many things. How he had been quietly admiring me from afar. How he had been so grateful for everything I had done to support him, and how his feelings for me had grown through it all. How he had watched me and Carl together, and how hurt he was to see me mistreated. He even told me about dreams he had been having, about me taking him in my arms, showing him affection, intimacy, perhaps even more.
At first I was cautious. Mike was a dear friend of mine. But I knew he had never experienced feelings like this before. Indeed, I knew he hadn't had many true friendships in his lifetime. As I thought about what he was saying, I couldn't help worrying that I might have confused him. That he had never been cared for in this way, that maybe he was interpreting it too strongly. Maybe even that I had gotten too close.
For him to question himself so much, so suddenly, about me... perhaps he just didn't know what he was thinking. And the last thing I wanted to do was to take advantage of him.
But the more I listened to him, the more it dawned on me. These were things Carl had never said to me. Hell, most of them were things none of my previous boyfriends had said to me. But they were things I had always hoped, in my heart, that I deserved to be told. And I realised how much it meant to me to hear them. Especially from someone who I knew was so genuine, so honest.
He fell quiet for a moment. His tears had stopped.
"B-but... I don't... I don't want to put you under any pressure, Rex," he muttered. "I mean, it... it's not like... y... y-you... you don't have to... feel the same way about me..."
His eyes stayed down, avoiding mine. I heard hope draining from his voice. It actually hurt me. To see him, this quiet, shy friend of mine, pouring his little heart out in a way I know he had never done before... I had to admire him. I knew, from my own experience. It must have been so, so tough for him.
I took one of my hands from the top of his, slowly sliding it around his back, then curling it onto his shoulder.
"Hey," I whispered. "Sshh. Listen, pup..."
He looked up at me cautiously. I gently stroked my thumb over his shoulder.
"Listen..." I started, very carefully. "You... you're my best friend. You are. If you had any doubt about it, pup, you are. And, I... I like to make out that I'm the most supportive, generous friend I could be to anyone... but... hell, pup, the-the things I've done for you, I... I wouldn't have done half of it for anybody else. Ever. Y'know?... I mean, I... you're almost... I almost see you like... the little brother I never had."
He looked astonished. "R... r-really?"
I nodded. "And, Mike..."
I took a long breath. I wasn't sure whether to say what I was thinking. But fearing that he was going to withdraw into his uncertainty, I felt I needed to tell him.
"If... if I were to sit here, and tell you... that I'd never had... thoughts... about you too... I... I would be lying. Because the truth is... well... I have."
He stared at me. I could see his bottom lip just starting to quiver again. I could see the light in his little blue eyes. Clearly, that was something he had really wanted - needed - to hear.
"But... well..." I said, "the thing is, as far as I was concerned... you were straight... and I respected that. I... y'know, I couldn't... I couldn't let myself have those thoughts. Because, well, you were... off limits. You know. You were my best friend. So I couldn't. That... that was that."
He sniffled. He took a moment, shifting his little hand in mine.
"And er..." he said weakly. "W-what... wh... what about now?"
I stopped. I could see him. Looking up deep into my soul. Wanting, needing to know.
I gulped. There were so many thoughts going through my head. There he was, this guy - this lovely, sweet guy - that I had known for so long. But had denied myself, disciplined myself, to not look upon in that way. Now, he had opened his heart, and he wanted an answer.
Yet even through all he had said, I was wary. Did he really know if this was what he wanted? Was he really sure he could feel that way about another male, about me? Or would he end up worrying, panicking, changing his mind? Regretting it? Was he really, truly prepared... to cross that line with me?
I sighed deeply. Oh, I so, so didn't want to hurt him. I didn't want him to think I didn't care for him. But it felt like everything had happened so fast tonight. Regardless of my feelings for him, I did not want to take advantage of him if he was not 100% certain of himself.
"I... agh, I'm not... I-I'm just not sure, right now, Mike," I whispered. "It's... it's not.. that I can't, I-I just... it's a lot to take on board..."
His head dropped. My heart sank. I was scared. Please, please don't let him think I'm rejecting him...
I squeezed his hand tightly. I heard him sniffle again. Gently, I took my other hand and drew him towards me.
"Hey..." I said softly. "Come here. Come on, pup."
He was hesitant. I very slowly leant him in, letting his head rest on my shoulder. Then I calmly stroked his arm. I could feel his little body shivering. He must have felt so drained.
"...Rex?" he croaked.
"Ssshhh... it's all right," I whispered. "Just relax. Don't say anything..."
I could hear his breath tightening again. I didn't want him to cry any more. My mind swirled. Perhaps my caution was hurting him. More than any misplaced affection could. Certain of himself or not, there was no doubt he had a lot of deep feelings for me. Maybe I just needed to drop my guard.
For an instant, I remembered what I had been preparing myself to do tomorrow morning. It had been so important to me, so consuming of my mind and energy. Yet right now, clutching this tired, timid little doggy in my arms... it was as if tomorrow - the rest of the world - did not even exist.
I held him, and pondered. It was time to make my mind up.
MIKE: The night ticked on. We sat there quietly, him gently holding me to his side. The two of us, resting in the dim glow of one lamp in the corner.
I had no idea what time it was. Two, maybe three in the morning. We must have talked for hours. The time just seemed to float by. I could feel his hand stroking my arm, calming me, soothing me. Amid the silence, feeling so exhausted by my outpouring of emotion, I could easily have fallen asleep right there beside him.
Yet even as we huddled together, I felt troubled. He hadn't said anything. I still didn't know what he was thinking. Joyed as I was to learn he had felt something for me, he still felt distant. Guarded. In truth, I just wasn't sure he really wanted to be with me.
Perhaps I was seeing something that wasn't there. Perhaps, in having never had a friend so good to me, in experiencing a closeness with him such as I had never felt before, I had grown too attached. Too wrapped up in fantasy of what might be. Perhaps this whole thing had just been a mistake.
The night drew on. I thought about Rex's plans for tomorrow. He was meant to be catching an early flight out. He should have been in bed long ago. In my heart, I hoped he was ignoring the time, dismissing it, for me. But maybe he was just torn. Either way, I knew I had made things so difficult for him. And I was annoyed at myself for it.
I closed my eyes. Just feeling his presence around me. Savouring it. If only there were more time...
"Mike?"
I froze. Rex had been silent for a long time. I stayed perfectly still.
"...what?"
I held my breath. Waiting on his reply. With anticipation. With dread.
He took a moment. Squeezing my hand again.
"I... I'm... I'm gonna call the club in the morning, pup. I'm... I-I'm gonna turn down the deal. I...
...I'm not going."
My whole body stopped. Everything. Silent.
As I heard his words, a tide started to surge through me. Excitement. Relief. Disbelief.
And guilt.
Tempering my delight, I could not help but wonder. And worry. Had I done the right thing? Had I opened his eyes to a chance for love? Or had I just robbed him of his dream? Snuffed out a shot at greatness?
"Oh Rex..." I whimpered. "I... I haven't... please tell me I'm not... holding you back...?"
He rubbed my arm. Clutching me tight. "No. No, Mike, You're not. You're not."
I trembled. I looked up at him. "I mean, y-you don't... you don't have to do this for me, Rex..."
"No, pup. It's all right," he said. "I've thought. And I've made up my mind. There'll be other chances for me. Right here... and right now... I can't leave you. Right now, you... you mean more to me. So, so much more... I want to stay here. With you."
I lowered my head. My chest tightened once more. I felt like I was going to cry again. But it was different this time. There was no uncertainty. No anxiety. It was a feeling of overwhelming relief. Of joy.
"Are... are you really, really sure, Rex?"
REXAR: I slipped my arm from behind Mike's back. I turned, shifting myself onto the edge of the couch. Leaning on the side, I knelt on the seat. Then I lowered my head, and looked deep into his eyes.
"As long as you are, Mike..." I whispered.
He gazed back at me. His sweet, innocent little eyes twinkled with the glow of the lamp. Attentive. Hanging on my every word, my every move.
And there it was. I could see the longing, the love in his heart. He truly wanted me. And I wanted him to know that I felt the same for him.
Cautiously, I raised my hand. Very slowly, I touched the back of my finger against his cheek. Then I lifted it up to the top of his head, delicately running it back through his soft, golden fringe. His breath quivered. A hint of a smile played across his lips.
Keeping my eyes locked on his, I brought my hand back down. And then as softly as possible, I placed my finger under his chin. I checked again, looking into his eyes. Making sure, watching for any sign of hesitation. Any sign of anxiety. I didn't want to go too fast for him.
But his gaze never wavered. It was as though he was willing me forward. He was right all along. He knew what he wanted.
MIKE: My heart pounded. My eyes stayed fixed on his. Watching. Waiting.
He ran his soft fingertip against the fur of my chin. Then, with the lightest touch, he tilted my head back. Lifting my lips towards his.
My heart skipped. My skin tingled. I held my breath. I closed my eyes. He brought his head forward. With one last pause, we drew our lips together...
It was all right now. No more hurt. No more fear. Everything was going to be okay.
****************************************
Rexar & Mike: Snapshots - List of episodes in full:
M - mature rating | A - adult rating
(List last updated 30/12/2015)
Admiration (M)
Lost Opportunity
Out Of The Crowd
Moment Of Weakness
Revelations, Pt.I
Revelations, Pt.II
Couch
Exploration (M)
Reciprocation
Happy Valentine's Day, folks. And yes. The timing was very, very deliberate.
Part two of the Revelations storyline - six in the Rexar & Mike: Snapshots series as a whole - and the moment of truth has finally arrived. But then you always knew it would. Mike finally confesses all his feelings for Rexar, and though hesitant to act upon it at first, Rex sees the prospect that lies before him in becoming closer with his best friend, and decides it means much more to him than his career.
In case anyone has been wondering, this is not in some way the conclusion of the Snapshots series. Far from it. In many ways, it's just the beginning.
It's likely that Snapshots will take on a rather different character from hereon. Up to now many of you - to an extent, myself also - have been separating this series from my more sexual and fetish-based work. But that was never really the intention; the aim was to build upon my sexual imagery of Rex and Mike together with something more substantial, something more profound that I myself saw and felt with these characters, but which I had not previously conveyed. However, on the same point, it is neither my intention to degrade this series into some mere fetishistic vehicle. There will be a mixture of motivations and themes to come through its progression from this point forward, and hopefully it will continue to appeal to many of you for different reasons.
Anyway, onto the piece itself. And remember I said that drawing Part I was 'quick and easy'?
Yeah. Well Part II wasn't. Far from it.
Does anybody actually enjoy drawing hands? I mean aren't they almost always a pain in the backside? Rex's hand took me several attempts to try and get the size and positioning right, without it dwarfing Mike's face or looking as though it was digging into his chin. I'm still not convinced, and I'm aware I probably draw fingers that look slightly too long to some people - though it probably doesn't help when I'm using my freaky piano-playing specimens as reference.
What's more, compared to drawing humans, it can be so hard to give furry characters the right amount of closeness when there's so much snout involved without giving them enormous necks. I had a real struggle to pose this picture, and ended up moving, rotating and redrawing the whole thing multiple times over. It is still not quite what I had envisaged - I had not intended for Rex to look as though his centre was so far from Mike's, though I was quite determined to strike a certain balance and positioning of their heads and pretty much had to settle with the rest of it. To be fair, I knew that there would be no need to draw in much of their bodies or the scene around them as the whole thing would be cropped quite tightly anyway to convey the intimacy.
When I finally did get the drawing done, the shading was also quite a challenge. I seriously hope this image does not appear near-black on anyone's monitor that happens to be calibrated rather less brightly than mine, but I was intent upon giving this picture a very particular look. A dimly lit view of these two characters, locked within their own little world together, nestled in the shadows of the night with the glow of one lamp softly guiding their eyes to one another. It was difficult to capture the level of shadow I wanted, and sometimes I fear some very artificial-looking gradients show up in my shading once I go below a certain level of light. But I hope everyone gets the idea. And I hope everyone can see it.
Finally, the story. As you can imagine, that was a bit of a beast. Though the concept - and some of the detail - has been in my head for a long time, there was still much to decide, and I did not start writing it until Wednesday. Pushed by the urgency of my desire to publish this piece on Valentine's Day, the writing was subsequently spread over three fairly intensive work periods of several hours each. I had debated for a while as to what level of detail to portray their conversation without seeming to stretch the whole thing out too much or conversely cheat everyone out of the big moment. Ultimately I thought it would be best to lay out certain segments in detail while making some room to leave the rest to imagination. Without wanting to be a massive tease, the concluding kiss was one of those moments that I preferred to leave in the mind.
You'll notice that this is the first Snapshot to feature the narrative viewpoints of both Mike and Rexar - hence why, all along, I have been endeavouring to colour the text appropriately in each story to date. Given that this is the first moment that they truly connect with each other, I believed it was important to reflect the thoughts and feelings of both characters. But at the same time, this has very much been Mike's story up to now, so I wanted to let him have the first and final say. Hopefully, between those two points, I struck the right balance.
You should also have noticed that I have added an 'episode list' to the bottom of the story containing the links to all of the previous instalments in this series. While this might not follow a strict story chronology in future, it will remain shown in the order they were submitted, and I will update it each time I add a new piece. (Which will probably become a total pain in the arse with the more I do!) I also intend on creating a dedicated section to this series on my website for further ease of finding the full collection.
I'm not expecting that everyone has necessarily taken or found the time to read this story, or indeed those before it. But if you have, and if indeed you have read them all to date, I hope you've enjoyed the ride. And here's looking forward to lots more to come for this couple. I'm sure you'll agree - they're great together.
RRRex
Continued from last episode
MIKE: I puffed. I was shivering. I gazed straight into his eyes. It was now or never.
"Rex... I can't stop thinking... about you."
Rexar's head drew back. His eyes widened.
"Er...." he murmured. "A-Are you... I mean, are you saying... what I think you're saying?"
I nodded nervously.
He paused, rubbing the back of his neck. He was clearly shocked.
"L-let... let me just... get this absolutely straight in my head," he stammered, "cos I-I, I don't wanna misunderstand you here, I need to be completely sure...
...are you saying... like, you... you've got a crush on me?"
I closed my eyes. Almost cringing. Hearing him say it almost heightened the absurdity of what I was doing.
But it was too late. I took yet another deep breath. There was no going back now.
"I... I... I think I'm... falling in love with you... Rex."
Silence.
Rex stood back. His mouth hung halfway open. Stunned.
As I felt those words slip from my lips, my heart raced. Almost a panic. As if a rush of adrenalin had carried them out with rash, foolhardy abandon, to the total horror of my self-control.
Looking at his face, knowing the meaning had registered with him, all those thoughts I'd had about telling him flashed in my mind. It didn't feel real. In those fantasies, I could always rely upon the safety of starting again. And it was as if I could have done the same, right now.
But no. I couldn't. Seeing him standing there speechless in front of me, the sobering weight of reality fell upon me. The worst thought. I could not determine whether I'd just ruined our precious friendship.
"Mike. you're... are you... you're serious?"
I nodded. Ever so timid. Almost apologetic. My anxiety was growing. I don't think he was taking it well.
He looked all around. "Er..." he puffed. "H... h-how... how long have you... felt like this?"
I dipped my head. I was scared now. My hesitancy was drawing me into a ball. A lump was swelling in my throat. I didn't even feel like I could reply.
"A...a long time... Rex," I whispered, my lip starting to tremble again. "Pr... p-probably... probably most of the time I've been living here."
He paused again. Then he turned away, brushing his hand over his face, letting out a deep sigh.
I couldn't imagine what was going through his head. What had I done. This was the last thing he needed on his mind right now, on the eve of a potentially huge moment for his career.
He still had his back turned to me. This was not what I had hoped for. I felt frightened. Guilty.
"I'm... I'm sorry, Rex."
He turned to me again. "Whoa... for, for what?"
As I shut my eyes again, I felt a tear squeeze out. "I'm sorry... I... I shouldn't have told you this now, should I... this isn't what you needed right now..."
"Whoa-whoa-whoa," he interrupted, stepping back towards me. "Don't say that, pup. Don't... don't say that. Don't think that."
I dropped my head. The tear ran down my cheek. My lip was shaking badly now.
Suddenly I felt his hand on my shoulder. It almost made me jump.
"Hey," he whispered, sliding his arm round my back. "Come... come in here, pup. Come on, come and sit down."
He gently lead me out of the hallway. My eyes started to brim, another drop rushing down my face. I could feel my breaths sharpening into sobs. I couldn't hide it any more.
Rex sat me down on the couch, then he sat next to me. The tears were flooding out of me now. It was like a huge release, all those pent-up worries, building up to this moment for so long. So many nights. So many weeks. So many months.
He took my hand, placing it gently between his own. He curled up my fingers into the shell of his big palms, giving the slightest squeeze. His hands were warm, smooth, strong.
My chest was still tight, my every breath punctuated with short, tearful gasps. But as I felt him sitting over me, starting to stroke his thumb softly over my knuckles, I began to feel it. That care. That warmth. Everything I had imagined about him, desired in him. Even amid my anxiety, the tumult of my thoughts, it was soothing. Reassuring.
He gave me a moment to calm. Still watching over me, tenderly rubbing his thumb over my hand, dipping into the lines between my fingers. My body started to unclench.
"You okay?" he asked.
I sniffled, glancing up at him briefly to acknowledge him. My head felt heavy.
"Here, Mike," he whispered. "Why... why don't you just... tell me about it. Just tell me everything. Just... get it off your chest, pup. All right?"
I sniffled again. I could feel his head dipped above mine, concerned, watching over me. As I sat there, I felt humbled. In the middle of everything that was going on in his life, he was now sitting here with me, taking time to hear me, devoting his attention to me. Right there, I remembered why I loved him so much.
I took a moment to compose myself. Here goes...
REXAR: We talked. For ages.
I held his hand. I listened to him. He told me so many things. How he had been quietly admiring me from afar. How he had been so grateful for everything I had done to support him, and how his feelings for me had grown through it all. How he had watched me and Carl together, and how hurt he was to see me mistreated. He even told me about dreams he had been having, about me taking him in my arms, showing him affection, intimacy, perhaps even more.
At first I was cautious. Mike was a dear friend of mine. But I knew he had never experienced feelings like this before. Indeed, I knew he hadn't had many true friendships in his lifetime. As I thought about what he was saying, I couldn't help worrying that I might have confused him. That he had never been cared for in this way, that maybe he was interpreting it too strongly. Maybe even that I had gotten too close.
For him to question himself so much, so suddenly, about me... perhaps he just didn't know what he was thinking. And the last thing I wanted to do was to take advantage of him.
But the more I listened to him, the more it dawned on me. These were things Carl had never said to me. Hell, most of them were things none of my previous boyfriends had said to me. But they were things I had always hoped, in my heart, that I deserved to be told. And I realised how much it meant to me to hear them. Especially from someone who I knew was so genuine, so honest.
He fell quiet for a moment. His tears had stopped.
"B-but... I don't... I don't want to put you under any pressure, Rex," he muttered. "I mean, it... it's not like... y... y-you... you don't have to... feel the same way about me..."
His eyes stayed down, avoiding mine. I heard hope draining from his voice. It actually hurt me. To see him, this quiet, shy friend of mine, pouring his little heart out in a way I know he had never done before... I had to admire him. I knew, from my own experience. It must have been so, so tough for him.
I took one of my hands from the top of his, slowly sliding it around his back, then curling it onto his shoulder.
"Hey," I whispered. "Sshh. Listen, pup..."
He looked up at me cautiously. I gently stroked my thumb over his shoulder.
"Listen..." I started, very carefully. "You... you're my best friend. You are. If you had any doubt about it, pup, you are. And, I... I like to make out that I'm the most supportive, generous friend I could be to anyone... but... hell, pup, the-the things I've done for you, I... I wouldn't have done half of it for anybody else. Ever. Y'know?... I mean, I... you're almost... I almost see you like... the little brother I never had."
He looked astonished. "R... r-really?"
I nodded. "And, Mike..."
I took a long breath. I wasn't sure whether to say what I was thinking. But fearing that he was going to withdraw into his uncertainty, I felt I needed to tell him.
"If... if I were to sit here, and tell you... that I'd never had... thoughts... about you too... I... I would be lying. Because the truth is... well... I have."
He stared at me. I could see his bottom lip just starting to quiver again. I could see the light in his little blue eyes. Clearly, that was something he had really wanted - needed - to hear.
"But... well..." I said, "the thing is, as far as I was concerned... you were straight... and I respected that. I... y'know, I couldn't... I couldn't let myself have those thoughts. Because, well, you were... off limits. You know. You were my best friend. So I couldn't. That... that was that."
He sniffled. He took a moment, shifting his little hand in mine.
"And er..." he said weakly. "W-what... wh... what about now?"
I stopped. I could see him. Looking up deep into my soul. Wanting, needing to know.
I gulped. There were so many thoughts going through my head. There he was, this guy - this lovely, sweet guy - that I had known for so long. But had denied myself, disciplined myself, to not look upon in that way. Now, he had opened his heart, and he wanted an answer.
Yet even through all he had said, I was wary. Did he really know if this was what he wanted? Was he really sure he could feel that way about another male, about me? Or would he end up worrying, panicking, changing his mind? Regretting it? Was he really, truly prepared... to cross that line with me?
I sighed deeply. Oh, I so, so didn't want to hurt him. I didn't want him to think I didn't care for him. But it felt like everything had happened so fast tonight. Regardless of my feelings for him, I did not want to take advantage of him if he was not 100% certain of himself.
"I... agh, I'm not... I-I'm just not sure, right now, Mike," I whispered. "It's... it's not.. that I can't, I-I just... it's a lot to take on board..."
His head dropped. My heart sank. I was scared. Please, please don't let him think I'm rejecting him...
I squeezed his hand tightly. I heard him sniffle again. Gently, I took my other hand and drew him towards me.
"Hey..." I said softly. "Come here. Come on, pup."
He was hesitant. I very slowly leant him in, letting his head rest on my shoulder. Then I calmly stroked his arm. I could feel his little body shivering. He must have felt so drained.
"...Rex?" he croaked.
"Ssshhh... it's all right," I whispered. "Just relax. Don't say anything..."
I could hear his breath tightening again. I didn't want him to cry any more. My mind swirled. Perhaps my caution was hurting him. More than any misplaced affection could. Certain of himself or not, there was no doubt he had a lot of deep feelings for me. Maybe I just needed to drop my guard.
For an instant, I remembered what I had been preparing myself to do tomorrow morning. It had been so important to me, so consuming of my mind and energy. Yet right now, clutching this tired, timid little doggy in my arms... it was as if tomorrow - the rest of the world - did not even exist.
I held him, and pondered. It was time to make my mind up.
MIKE: The night ticked on. We sat there quietly, him gently holding me to his side. The two of us, resting in the dim glow of one lamp in the corner.
I had no idea what time it was. Two, maybe three in the morning. We must have talked for hours. The time just seemed to float by. I could feel his hand stroking my arm, calming me, soothing me. Amid the silence, feeling so exhausted by my outpouring of emotion, I could easily have fallen asleep right there beside him.
Yet even as we huddled together, I felt troubled. He hadn't said anything. I still didn't know what he was thinking. Joyed as I was to learn he had felt something for me, he still felt distant. Guarded. In truth, I just wasn't sure he really wanted to be with me.
Perhaps I was seeing something that wasn't there. Perhaps, in having never had a friend so good to me, in experiencing a closeness with him such as I had never felt before, I had grown too attached. Too wrapped up in fantasy of what might be. Perhaps this whole thing had just been a mistake.
The night drew on. I thought about Rex's plans for tomorrow. He was meant to be catching an early flight out. He should have been in bed long ago. In my heart, I hoped he was ignoring the time, dismissing it, for me. But maybe he was just torn. Either way, I knew I had made things so difficult for him. And I was annoyed at myself for it.
I closed my eyes. Just feeling his presence around me. Savouring it. If only there were more time...
"Mike?"
I froze. Rex had been silent for a long time. I stayed perfectly still.
"...what?"
I held my breath. Waiting on his reply. With anticipation. With dread.
He took a moment. Squeezing my hand again.
"I... I'm... I'm gonna call the club in the morning, pup. I'm... I-I'm gonna turn down the deal. I...
...I'm not going."
My whole body stopped. Everything. Silent.
As I heard his words, a tide started to surge through me. Excitement. Relief. Disbelief.
And guilt.
Tempering my delight, I could not help but wonder. And worry. Had I done the right thing? Had I opened his eyes to a chance for love? Or had I just robbed him of his dream? Snuffed out a shot at greatness?
"Oh Rex..." I whimpered. "I... I haven't... please tell me I'm not... holding you back...?"
He rubbed my arm. Clutching me tight. "No. No, Mike, You're not. You're not."
I trembled. I looked up at him. "I mean, y-you don't... you don't have to do this for me, Rex..."
"No, pup. It's all right," he said. "I've thought. And I've made up my mind. There'll be other chances for me. Right here... and right now... I can't leave you. Right now, you... you mean more to me. So, so much more... I want to stay here. With you."
I lowered my head. My chest tightened once more. I felt like I was going to cry again. But it was different this time. There was no uncertainty. No anxiety. It was a feeling of overwhelming relief. Of joy.
"Are... are you really, really sure, Rex?"
REXAR: I slipped my arm from behind Mike's back. I turned, shifting myself onto the edge of the couch. Leaning on the side, I knelt on the seat. Then I lowered my head, and looked deep into his eyes.
"As long as you are, Mike..." I whispered.
He gazed back at me. His sweet, innocent little eyes twinkled with the glow of the lamp. Attentive. Hanging on my every word, my every move.
And there it was. I could see the longing, the love in his heart. He truly wanted me. And I wanted him to know that I felt the same for him.
Cautiously, I raised my hand. Very slowly, I touched the back of my finger against his cheek. Then I lifted it up to the top of his head, delicately running it back through his soft, golden fringe. His breath quivered. A hint of a smile played across his lips.
Keeping my eyes locked on his, I brought my hand back down. And then as softly as possible, I placed my finger under his chin. I checked again, looking into his eyes. Making sure, watching for any sign of hesitation. Any sign of anxiety. I didn't want to go too fast for him.
But his gaze never wavered. It was as though he was willing me forward. He was right all along. He knew what he wanted.
MIKE: My heart pounded. My eyes stayed fixed on his. Watching. Waiting.
He ran his soft fingertip against the fur of my chin. Then, with the lightest touch, he tilted my head back. Lifting my lips towards his.
My heart skipped. My skin tingled. I held my breath. I closed my eyes. He brought his head forward. With one last pause, we drew our lips together...
It was all right now. No more hurt. No more fear. Everything was going to be okay.
****************************************
Rexar & Mike: Snapshots - List of episodes in full:
M - mature rating | A - adult rating
(List last updated 30/12/2015)
Admiration (M)
Lost Opportunity
Out Of The Crowd
Moment Of Weakness
Revelations, Pt.I
Revelations, Pt.II
Couch
Exploration (M)
Reciprocation
Happy Valentine's Day, folks. And yes. The timing was very, very deliberate.
Part two of the Revelations storyline - six in the Rexar & Mike: Snapshots series as a whole - and the moment of truth has finally arrived. But then you always knew it would. Mike finally confesses all his feelings for Rexar, and though hesitant to act upon it at first, Rex sees the prospect that lies before him in becoming closer with his best friend, and decides it means much more to him than his career.
In case anyone has been wondering, this is not in some way the conclusion of the Snapshots series. Far from it. In many ways, it's just the beginning.
It's likely that Snapshots will take on a rather different character from hereon. Up to now many of you - to an extent, myself also - have been separating this series from my more sexual and fetish-based work. But that was never really the intention; the aim was to build upon my sexual imagery of Rex and Mike together with something more substantial, something more profound that I myself saw and felt with these characters, but which I had not previously conveyed. However, on the same point, it is neither my intention to degrade this series into some mere fetishistic vehicle. There will be a mixture of motivations and themes to come through its progression from this point forward, and hopefully it will continue to appeal to many of you for different reasons.
Anyway, onto the piece itself. And remember I said that drawing Part I was 'quick and easy'?
Yeah. Well Part II wasn't. Far from it.
Does anybody actually enjoy drawing hands? I mean aren't they almost always a pain in the backside? Rex's hand took me several attempts to try and get the size and positioning right, without it dwarfing Mike's face or looking as though it was digging into his chin. I'm still not convinced, and I'm aware I probably draw fingers that look slightly too long to some people - though it probably doesn't help when I'm using my freaky piano-playing specimens as reference.
What's more, compared to drawing humans, it can be so hard to give furry characters the right amount of closeness when there's so much snout involved without giving them enormous necks. I had a real struggle to pose this picture, and ended up moving, rotating and redrawing the whole thing multiple times over. It is still not quite what I had envisaged - I had not intended for Rex to look as though his centre was so far from Mike's, though I was quite determined to strike a certain balance and positioning of their heads and pretty much had to settle with the rest of it. To be fair, I knew that there would be no need to draw in much of their bodies or the scene around them as the whole thing would be cropped quite tightly anyway to convey the intimacy.
When I finally did get the drawing done, the shading was also quite a challenge. I seriously hope this image does not appear near-black on anyone's monitor that happens to be calibrated rather less brightly than mine, but I was intent upon giving this picture a very particular look. A dimly lit view of these two characters, locked within their own little world together, nestled in the shadows of the night with the glow of one lamp softly guiding their eyes to one another. It was difficult to capture the level of shadow I wanted, and sometimes I fear some very artificial-looking gradients show up in my shading once I go below a certain level of light. But I hope everyone gets the idea. And I hope everyone can see it.
Finally, the story. As you can imagine, that was a bit of a beast. Though the concept - and some of the detail - has been in my head for a long time, there was still much to decide, and I did not start writing it until Wednesday. Pushed by the urgency of my desire to publish this piece on Valentine's Day, the writing was subsequently spread over three fairly intensive work periods of several hours each. I had debated for a while as to what level of detail to portray their conversation without seeming to stretch the whole thing out too much or conversely cheat everyone out of the big moment. Ultimately I thought it would be best to lay out certain segments in detail while making some room to leave the rest to imagination. Without wanting to be a massive tease, the concluding kiss was one of those moments that I preferred to leave in the mind.
You'll notice that this is the first Snapshot to feature the narrative viewpoints of both Mike and Rexar - hence why, all along, I have been endeavouring to colour the text appropriately in each story to date. Given that this is the first moment that they truly connect with each other, I believed it was important to reflect the thoughts and feelings of both characters. But at the same time, this has very much been Mike's story up to now, so I wanted to let him have the first and final say. Hopefully, between those two points, I struck the right balance.
You should also have noticed that I have added an 'episode list' to the bottom of the story containing the links to all of the previous instalments in this series. While this might not follow a strict story chronology in future, it will remain shown in the order they were submitted, and I will update it each time I add a new piece. (Which will probably become a total pain in the arse with the more I do!) I also intend on creating a dedicated section to this series on my website for further ease of finding the full collection.
I'm not expecting that everyone has necessarily taken or found the time to read this story, or indeed those before it. But if you have, and if indeed you have read them all to date, I hope you've enjoyed the ride. And here's looking forward to lots more to come for this couple. I'm sure you'll agree - they're great together.
RRRex
Category All / General Furry Art
Species Unspecified / Any
Gender Male
Size 1280 x 1050px
File Size 399 kB
Listed in Folders
Aww, aren't they just cute ^^
Good that Rexar knows, it is better for Mike :)
Good that Rexar knows, it is better for Mike :)
Check the description above.
In case anyone has been wondering, this is not in some way the conclusion of the Snapshots series. Far from it. In many ways, it's just the beginning.
In case anyone has been wondering, this is not in some way the conclusion of the Snapshots series. Far from it. In many ways, it's just the beginning.
Awrrr... The feels I would cry...
Really epic chapter!
Really epic chapter!
Anything and everything, now they are together.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkVBXW4JeUI this is everyone's reaction right now.
Awww RRRex... that's so beautiful - made me tear up at the end. :~) It was all the more special to see the sections from Rexar's point of view; that he has a very deep, very tender and concerned side of him that many will never see. He was so careful, so thoughful of Mike's feelings, and it's just beautiful. I've never read such a long and beautiful lead up to a kiss as that. :)
As for the picture itself, your work on the lighting and shading pays off wonderfully. I think, even if you were rushing a bit to finish it for today, it came out very well, and very detailed. Yeah... hands are a bitch to draw, but Rexar's looks good, plus, you also pulled off the tenderness of the touch that the story implies. Excellent work my friend, just excellent. :)
As for the picture itself, your work on the lighting and shading pays off wonderfully. I think, even if you were rushing a bit to finish it for today, it came out very well, and very detailed. Yeah... hands are a bitch to draw, but Rexar's looks good, plus, you also pulled off the tenderness of the touch that the story implies. Excellent work my friend, just excellent. :)
Thanks very much again, TC! It is this tender side of Rexar that I've been trying to convey, with the intention of dampening down too many perceptions of him as some mean macro bad guy. Not that I won't draw him like that again occasionally though.
Again with the feels XD read all of it up to date and enjoy this story :3 keep it up.
Hooray! At long last! *throws red and white confetti everywhere*
Oh i love drawing hands, because they're so tricky, and you did Rexar's hand pretty well from that angle. Handsome hands for a handsome rex :3
Oh i love drawing hands, because they're so tricky, and you did Rexar's hand pretty well from that angle. Handsome hands for a handsome rex :3
Heh! Well thanks, modem! I guess hands are a challenge, and you either like that challenge or don't. Personally I wish they were easier, though I do tend to be fairly pleased with the results I get. To me, the hierarchy of bodily expression is eyes, then mouth, then hands.
Yay, Finally!!!!!! Well done Mike you did it Now what is missing is Mike "mysteriously" shrink, while the Rexar're having fun with him
Lol! Well that's not likely to happen in this series, largely because I intend to ground it in a greater sense of reality.
But there's always Rocky for that purpose.
But there's always Rocky for that purpose.
Now that this moment has finally arrived, I have to say it was definitely worth the wait! Looking forward to seeing where the series goes from here
Thank you. And yes, it's certainly not 'pity love', though I had previously considered adding insights where Mike wrongly fears it might be, merely through his own insecurity. But I'll see what I feel like doing in future.
I'm so happy for MIKE and for REXAR and the picture looks great and the sparkle of the two of the eye that has touched me Rexxar he has such a gentle side and I look forward to it very much like it continues goes
I'm doing something unorthodox by replying before even reading your latest chapter here...but I very well know what's going to come around, and indeed you've kept everyone at suspense. ...And I did debate whether you were going to share it today on purpose! Good move.
You certainly know how to write. Very well. I've somehow been drawn in to the plot so much...I was able to fit a couple of my singing covers posted here into the different chapters, and I think it works! Thank you so much for letting us in to your own characters.
And your artwork continues to be fantastic, by the way! Hands are just as crucial to depict as any other part of the body that for some reason can get more exposure than others. In terms of that snout/muzzle complication...I was always troubled by that kind of a restriction with my own characters, and whether they should be shortened. In the end, it's part of what makes them who they are. Once in a while I brainstorm the idea of having them cut down by like two-thirds...but I shouldn't.
Anyways, as a random note...if you ever have an idea of a song that could work in any of these chapters, I'd happily contribute.
You certainly know how to write. Very well. I've somehow been drawn in to the plot so much...I was able to fit a couple of my singing covers posted here into the different chapters, and I think it works! Thank you so much for letting us in to your own characters.
And your artwork continues to be fantastic, by the way! Hands are just as crucial to depict as any other part of the body that for some reason can get more exposure than others. In terms of that snout/muzzle complication...I was always troubled by that kind of a restriction with my own characters, and whether they should be shortened. In the end, it's part of what makes them who they are. Once in a while I brainstorm the idea of having them cut down by like two-thirds...but I shouldn't.
Anyways, as a random note...if you ever have an idea of a song that could work in any of these chapters, I'd happily contribute.
I was able to fit a couple of my singing covers posted here into the different chapters, and I think it works!
Not sure what this means?
But thanks anyway! I do hope you did subsequently read this story?
I see a lot of people who do draw furries/scalies with very small snouts, but I've never liked that look, to be honest.
Not sure what this means?
But thanks anyway! I do hope you did subsequently read this story?
I see a lot of people who do draw furries/scalies with very small snouts, but I've never liked that look, to be honest.
Oh, I definitely did! Right after I typed all that out.
And what I have to say is no different than what everyone else mentioned. Simply put: keep it up, man!
Well...I'm a singer. My account on this site showcases my progress in trying to be the best that I can.
I meant that I was able to play a couple of my Gallery songs in my head as I read your story so far. It added to my experience a bit.
And what I have to say is no different than what everyone else mentioned. Simply put: keep it up, man!
Well...I'm a singer. My account on this site showcases my progress in trying to be the best that I can.
I meant that I was able to play a couple of my Gallery songs in my head as I read your story so far. It added to my experience a bit.
Ah I see. Well then nice that you could add that extra connection to your own work. Means something to everyone in its own way, I suppose.
it had to happen at last. Great to hear ho things are going now, and even with more surely coming.
*clears his throat and fights back a tear* That was lovely, I got swept away in the emotion. I'm looking forward to seeing more!
The ending was absolutely perfect. Just...perfect. Loving this Snapshot series. You are an amazing storyteller, and I cannot wait to see more of this series develop...and admittedly, I can't wait for the more "adult" rated Snapshots. I'm just a perv like that. Happy Valentine's Day!
Lol! Thanks! And the same to you! And hey, I've been looking forward to getting the more 'adult' ones done...
Totally agreed. Draw hands is a pain in the ass
But you did a great job. That position was really hard for what I can see and is really great. The shade is good too, don't worry about that detail.
I liked a lot the mix of those two sharing the narrative. Usuaaly in books, there is a big chapter with one char point of view then changes to the others. This fast change was much more fun to read.
Thes whole serie is better than just see your usuall foot fetish pics. Although I love to see your foot pics sometimes, cuz I'm a big pervert
But this serie is really awesome. You are a great writer and I'm loving to read those stories
But you did a great job. That position was really hard for what I can see and is really great. The shade is good too, don't worry about that detail.
I liked a lot the mix of those two sharing the narrative. Usuaaly in books, there is a big chapter with one char point of view then changes to the others. This fast change was much more fun to read.
Thes whole serie is better than just see your usuall foot fetish pics. Although I love to see your foot pics sometimes, cuz I'm a big pervert
But this serie is really awesome. You are a great writer and I'm loving to read those stories
Heh! Thank you, jiuwol. And yes, there will be more of my foot pics to come.
Reading this whole thing almost brought me to tears and all, and plus I'm sure many could relate to a situation like this where they really wanted to tell someone how they truly felt about them, only to wait desperately for a response, the right response that is.
Really amazing story and drawings there RRR, I loved keeping up with them. I can't wait to see the future pics now with these two lovebirds c:
Really amazing story and drawings there RRR, I loved keeping up with them. I can't wait to see the future pics now with these two lovebirds c:
Thanks carcar! (Nice to see you as carcar again, by the way. )
dude Rexar you've got me in ties here lol. my hats off to you on an amazing story. <^.=.^> you have out done your self on this brovo !
Don't be jealous - be happy for Mike! Because he proves it can happen to anyone.
wow this is wonderfully dude, the artwork is very cool and the story is lovely, and alot of people can say "yep i know what going on in this story because its close to what some people are going though, so no wonder a few people are near to tears, i was near to tears too, very lovely work here riproarrex :)
That was a wonderfully-written story there. It was very touching and sweet. I'm so happy to see them together finally. The intimacy is portrayed greatly in the picture too, especially with the closeness and shading. Fantastic work. As always, I look forward to seeing what's next! Thanks for a wonderful series so far.
A very heartwarming ending at a very suitable time. This has been a very sensational series & I'm proud to witness it from the beginning.
The shading is brilliant and I understand what mood you wanted to established between these two lively characters. This is earnestly a well polished & elegant gift, thanks for sharing RRRex.
Happy Valentine's Day!
The shading is brilliant and I understand what mood you wanted to established between these two lively characters. This is earnestly a well polished & elegant gift, thanks for sharing RRRex.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Same to you, jordan, and thank you again.
I'm really drawn in by this story and have loved reading each moment of it.
There's been details in there i havent really thought of but when pointed out i see the attention you've put in and really like seeing that when looking back at the story so far.
I'm not the only one by the looks of it here that is looking foreward to the next parts of the series.
There's been details in there i havent really thought of but when pointed out i see the attention you've put in and really like seeing that when looking back at the story so far.
I'm not the only one by the looks of it here that is looking foreward to the next parts of the series.
Thanks! Good to know the little things are appreciated.
This was an incredibly heart warming addition to the Mike And Rexar saga. It reminds me so very much of my road to self discovery. And the confusing mix of emotions that I felt at the time. Thank you so very much for sharing this with us Rexar, really. :)
this shows how a little sentence can change so much. imagine if he didnt take the chance that night, nothing that will happen would have occured. rex would be gone, accepted by that team and mike would be all destroyed inside. good that he told him, feelings should always be more important than carreer
I agree.
And now we don't need to imagine - the fun can begin!
And now we don't need to imagine - the fun can begin!
cant wait to see what images and scenes float around in your mind.. oh and you are definitely not the only one with dreams like this, i think i always fall asleep dreaming of such cute scenes and all
This story is adorable so far ^^
I've both enjoyed the artwork and your storytelling very much :)
I've both enjoyed the artwork and your storytelling very much :)
Yeah I know how hard these things are. It's quite easy to establish that the pair is connected in some way shape or form yet establishing the starting point of the relationship. The pit-falls and ascension between two characters is always a hard story to tell.
Very true. To be honest, there's plenty more that I imagine having happened between these two (not least how they met) that I've not covered in this series. Whether I now will or not, I don't know.
Anyway, thanks.
Anyway, thanks.
Lovely. <3
...I'd love to see what comes next >w>
...I'd love to see what comes next >w>
Sorry for the delay.
FINALLY, Mike got the guts to tell Rexar his true love toward him. I know it must not be that easy, being shy as he is. And the whole part of that story is pure romanticism and cuteness. How happy the pup' must be now kissing the mighty but sentimental Rexar.
Curious to see what's next! Keep on going!
FINALLY, Mike got the guts to tell Rexar his true love toward him. I know it must not be that easy, being shy as he is. And the whole part of that story is pure romanticism and cuteness. How happy the pup' must be now kissing the mighty but sentimental Rexar.
Curious to see what's next! Keep on going!
Hey there big Rexie !
I was following the story from it's beginning with great interest, and unlike all the persons above, I must admit I am kind of disappointed by the way their romance came out.
I don't really know whether it be the interval between the scenes being too long, or the fact that we never got Rexar's point of view on the matter before, but having him suddenly getting feelings for Mike looks a bit "opportunistic" from him. Especially since he was on the brink of his departure, and the only concerns filling his thoughts few hours ago seemed to be about his new life, far away from his best friend.
And I just can't get fooled by the excuse of him having restrained his feeling for Mike.
I mean, true love is something you can neither control nor ignore, even when out of reach. That's exactly what's Mike has been going trough since we follow him, and that's what I really liked about the story, showing how painful, yet how beautiful love can be !
Rexar's attitude in comparison seems so sudden, making his candour hard to believe (although I have no doubt he is...) and it didn't get me "hooked up" as much as the previous stories.
That being said, it might be me being "blasé", and forgot about how candid love can be as well.
Anyways, I still found this last part pretty intense and I'll be looking forward the story of those two for sure :) !
I was following the story from it's beginning with great interest, and unlike all the persons above, I must admit I am kind of disappointed by the way their romance came out.
I don't really know whether it be the interval between the scenes being too long, or the fact that we never got Rexar's point of view on the matter before, but having him suddenly getting feelings for Mike looks a bit "opportunistic" from him. Especially since he was on the brink of his departure, and the only concerns filling his thoughts few hours ago seemed to be about his new life, far away from his best friend.
And I just can't get fooled by the excuse of him having restrained his feeling for Mike.
I mean, true love is something you can neither control nor ignore, even when out of reach. That's exactly what's Mike has been going trough since we follow him, and that's what I really liked about the story, showing how painful, yet how beautiful love can be !
Rexar's attitude in comparison seems so sudden, making his candour hard to believe (although I have no doubt he is...) and it didn't get me "hooked up" as much as the previous stories.
That being said, it might be me being "blasé", and forgot about how candid love can be as well.
Anyways, I still found this last part pretty intense and I'll be looking forward the story of those two for sure :) !
Ho... by reading myself again looks like I didn't enjoyed the story so far, which is totally false. Just wished we could get a greater insight about Rexar feelings.
I hope I didn't hurt you by getting too harsh with my akward English. I guess this story means a lot to you, and I know that there is a lot of work behind it.
Sorry.
I hope I didn't hurt you by getting too harsh with my akward English. I guess this story means a lot to you, and I know that there is a lot of work behind it.
Sorry.
Heh - it's all right. You're entitled to your view, and it's not as if it is unjustified.
I do understand what you mean, and the thought did cross my mind - not least while writing this story. But there are a number of things I should probably explain:
As I've said in other comments above, Snapshots does not represent the full story between Rexar and Mike. There is a lot that I have imagined between the two that I have not shown up to this point and now will probably never show (e.g. how they met, or how Mike came to be Rex's best friend etc.).
I had thought about including other instalments - in particular, I had given thought to adding a piece in before 'Revelations', wherein Rexar would be looking upon Mike and thinking about the things he had said to him in 'Moment Of Weakness', almost like a reversed version of 'Admiration'. (Indeed I had planned on including such a reference in this story, though somehow forgot to do so.) However, I did not want to drag on the 'love story' element of this series for too long when there is more sexually-driven stuff to come. I'm aware that it has actually been boring some of my watchers, and given that libido has always been the biggest drive behind my artwork, I have found it a bit difficult to motivate myself for such 'placid' images as well.
One of the things that did end up giving me motivation was the desire to bring the storyline to this decisive point on Valentine's Day. It might seem silly, or quite limiting, but that was something I really wanted to do. The trouble was that it was an idea that didn't really catch fire in my head until after I'd completed 'Moment of Weakness', at which point I had originally planned to put Snapshots on hiatus for a while (during which time I did the Rocky comic). In knowing therefore that I would need to have both parts of the 'Revelations' story completed within a couple of weeks, I knew I would not have enough time to add any further instalments such as the aforementioned insight into Rex's feelings.
In addition to that, I've mentioned in the description about the difficulty I had in conveying the timescale of this story. To me, this heart-to-heart conversation the two characters have on this particular evening goes on for hours, all night, and covers a great deal of ground. As I explained however, to put all that into detail in words would've not only made for a very long story, but there's no way I would've had time to get it written for Valentine's Day.
Aside from all that, I wouldn't say it's out of character for Rexar to appear so quick to explore these feelings in any case. In my imagination, Rexar is about 4 or 5 years older than Mike. He's more experienced and has gone through a number of relationships before. His attitude to sex is also a bit more casual - I imagine that he's had a couple of one-nighters in the past, partly due to his own experimentation and self-exploration, but also through sheer impulsiveness in dark and lonely moments. I would imagine that, even while exercising caution for his friend's feelings, he would be more game for getting involved if the chance were presented to him.
Anyway, sorry to hear the story disappointed you. But as I say, there were far too many time constraints and logistical/personal concerns for me to really go to that level of depth that you, and I dare say others, might have wished.
I do understand what you mean, and the thought did cross my mind - not least while writing this story. But there are a number of things I should probably explain:
As I've said in other comments above, Snapshots does not represent the full story between Rexar and Mike. There is a lot that I have imagined between the two that I have not shown up to this point and now will probably never show (e.g. how they met, or how Mike came to be Rex's best friend etc.).
I had thought about including other instalments - in particular, I had given thought to adding a piece in before 'Revelations', wherein Rexar would be looking upon Mike and thinking about the things he had said to him in 'Moment Of Weakness', almost like a reversed version of 'Admiration'. (Indeed I had planned on including such a reference in this story, though somehow forgot to do so.) However, I did not want to drag on the 'love story' element of this series for too long when there is more sexually-driven stuff to come. I'm aware that it has actually been boring some of my watchers, and given that libido has always been the biggest drive behind my artwork, I have found it a bit difficult to motivate myself for such 'placid' images as well.
One of the things that did end up giving me motivation was the desire to bring the storyline to this decisive point on Valentine's Day. It might seem silly, or quite limiting, but that was something I really wanted to do. The trouble was that it was an idea that didn't really catch fire in my head until after I'd completed 'Moment of Weakness', at which point I had originally planned to put Snapshots on hiatus for a while (during which time I did the Rocky comic). In knowing therefore that I would need to have both parts of the 'Revelations' story completed within a couple of weeks, I knew I would not have enough time to add any further instalments such as the aforementioned insight into Rex's feelings.
In addition to that, I've mentioned in the description about the difficulty I had in conveying the timescale of this story. To me, this heart-to-heart conversation the two characters have on this particular evening goes on for hours, all night, and covers a great deal of ground. As I explained however, to put all that into detail in words would've not only made for a very long story, but there's no way I would've had time to get it written for Valentine's Day.
Aside from all that, I wouldn't say it's out of character for Rexar to appear so quick to explore these feelings in any case. In my imagination, Rexar is about 4 or 5 years older than Mike. He's more experienced and has gone through a number of relationships before. His attitude to sex is also a bit more casual - I imagine that he's had a couple of one-nighters in the past, partly due to his own experimentation and self-exploration, but also through sheer impulsiveness in dark and lonely moments. I would imagine that, even while exercising caution for his friend's feelings, he would be more game for getting involved if the chance were presented to him.
Anyway, sorry to hear the story disappointed you. But as I say, there were far too many time constraints and logistical/personal concerns for me to really go to that level of depth that you, and I dare say others, might have wished.
I didn't even notice that this was posted on Valentine's Day. How fitting. These two are so unbelievably cute!
Heh! The timing is rather lost after the event, I suppose!
Thanks anyway!
Thanks anyway!
Meh, I have yet to have a particularly special Valentine's Day; so, looking at your comment on the above post, I'd say it doesn't really matter. Now, the story in general does hit a huge spot for me, because of what I'm going through right now. *shivers* That was amazing. I haven't read the older snapshots yet, but these latest two...just, fantastic. I don't think they could possibly be more moving, for me anyways. It all hits the same spot that so many moments in the roleplaying and talking I do with a certain wunx hit lately.
Well, actually any roleplay with him since October. I've got entire action/adventure story arcs of the stuff to finish with Ty, but for the past few months our characters have tossed it all to the side and stayed hidden away together. ^///^ Both love and hate roleplay being the easiest way to express a real relationship right now, since we live over a thousand miles away from each other, and we're not quite ready to try much else. Doesn't really matter though; we just want to hold each other for real, and whatever comes after that we can't be absolutely sure of.
But back to the story, the whole thing is so rich and well thought-out. I can't really find a single flaw in how they act, though I will admit the stammering got to me. Still, I imagine that, when read out as intended, the stammering is just about perfect with the scene and the characters involved. Well done, man.
Well, actually any roleplay with him since October. I've got entire action/adventure story arcs of the stuff to finish with Ty, but for the past few months our characters have tossed it all to the side and stayed hidden away together. ^///^ Both love and hate roleplay being the easiest way to express a real relationship right now, since we live over a thousand miles away from each other, and we're not quite ready to try much else. Doesn't really matter though; we just want to hold each other for real, and whatever comes after that we can't be absolutely sure of.
But back to the story, the whole thing is so rich and well thought-out. I can't really find a single flaw in how they act, though I will admit the stammering got to me. Still, I imagine that, when read out as intended, the stammering is just about perfect with the scene and the characters involved. Well done, man.
Heh - stammering is an irritating thing to portray in text because its presence is conspicuous, whereas in spoken sound it is very natural and easily ignored, albeit still possessing a presence in conveying emotion. And that's why I needed to do it.
Anyway, thanks! Glad the stories have been of interest to you. If you do get a chance to read the previous instalments, please feel free - they give 'Revelations' a great deal more context.
Anyway, thanks! Glad the stories have been of interest to you. If you do get a chance to read the previous instalments, please feel free - they give 'Revelations' a great deal more context.
I did, though really I feel like "Revelations" actually works well as a standalone. I think there's enough mentioned in Rex and Mike's thoughts to get the gist of how things are and have been between them; and, as far as I can recall a week after reading the other parts of "Snapshots," none of them have a particularly striking bearing on the final 2 installments. Still, won't deny that I'll be thinking of pretty much all of the parts next time I get to writing a story. Actually tempted to rework my first one and draw out the development of the relationship between the two central characters. Goodness knows that whole story in general has a lot of potential, if I can capture some of the feel I had going when I poured myself into writing the first drafts of the parts I did finish last April. Still can't believe it's been so long since I started writing, and then promptly stopped and fell into occasional spurts here and there when I wasn't pouring all my interest in writing into RP. X3
Both rexar and mike is very adorable together and rexar is so much more than just a character to act upon fetishes. i really like these snapshots. They are so sweet and the characters evolve so much more i hope to see many more <3
This is such a lovely story! I have enjoyed reading this series and witnessing the development and emotional interactions between and thoughts that Rexar and Mike have. It has been very entertaining to read!
Started reading the first part out of curiosity, about half an hour later find my way here o.o Romance is usually not my thing but this is just beautifully done!
THE OTP IS NOW CANON
Loved loved LOVED this series. You really developed the personalities and struggles of the characters very well. And the way you depict their emotions felt so genuine. I mean, man, I knew you were an awesome artist, but after reading this it's evident that you're by far one of the best writers on this entire website.
Great work!!!
Loved loved LOVED this series. You really developed the personalities and struggles of the characters very well. And the way you depict their emotions felt so genuine. I mean, man, I knew you were an awesome artist, but after reading this it's evident that you're by far one of the best writers on this entire website.
Great work!!!
wow. this really touched my heart. you did an excellent job writeing this beautiful story. i really want to see this story carry on. just to see how these lovely cuples lifes turned out after school.
I gotta say, the fact that I stayed up till 3:45AM to read this was absolutely amazing. I absolutely loved it. It's great to show the world that same sex couples have the same desires for love as anyone else. I would know. Thanks for the best story I've ever read!
what would also interest me is, how big is rex' foot fetish in this 'world'? the standalone crush pics and the like seem too much of a difference to his personality displayed in this series. the fetish only pics, and the snapshots series must be 2 parallel but different worlds indeed.
so now it would automatically lead to the question how big that difference to rex himself is - to which extent do his own feet play a role in his life? does he e.g. after a match indulge in his own scent in the lockers? does he in this snapshots-period also like trapping victims under his soles? does he every now and then have thoughts of squishing a bug (maybe just while walking home after college)? does he know of others (like mike in one of the first pics) admiring his feet?
i do believe this series displays a world where it would be out of place to introduce macro- or microphilia, or hard stomping scenes. its more realistic to which extent his fetish could go - maybe mike's gonna take a curious sniff of them at midnight while rex's sleeping, or maybe rex is gonna take a few licks of his feet in the locker room after a match. or maybe he's just musing over someone worshipping them at some point in the series.
but anything of a devastating t-rex nature displayed in some previous standalone pics seems very distant to his personality displayed here. which is good, because that means at some point you will likely draw a snapshot where only a glimpse of a foot can be the spark in mike's or rex' thoughts - a spark that makes you write a pleasing story about our all-time favorite topic
so now it would automatically lead to the question how big that difference to rex himself is - to which extent do his own feet play a role in his life? does he e.g. after a match indulge in his own scent in the lockers? does he in this snapshots-period also like trapping victims under his soles? does he every now and then have thoughts of squishing a bug (maybe just while walking home after college)? does he know of others (like mike in one of the first pics) admiring his feet?
i do believe this series displays a world where it would be out of place to introduce macro- or microphilia, or hard stomping scenes. its more realistic to which extent his fetish could go - maybe mike's gonna take a curious sniff of them at midnight while rex's sleeping, or maybe rex is gonna take a few licks of his feet in the locker room after a match. or maybe he's just musing over someone worshipping them at some point in the series.
but anything of a devastating t-rex nature displayed in some previous standalone pics seems very distant to his personality displayed here. which is good, because that means at some point you will likely draw a snapshot where only a glimpse of a foot can be the spark in mike's or rex' thoughts - a spark that makes you write a pleasing story about our all-time favorite topic
Heh - that was quite a rambly post, if you don't mind me saying so! But I think I know what you're getting at.
Within this 'reality', no - I don't entertain macro/micro, shrink/growth or any of the more fantastical concepts within my previous artwork to be possible. Snapshots should be considered to take place within a world that is very similar to ours, just with a diversity of anthro species.
As such, I don't consider this Rexar and Mike to be the same Rexar or Mike you see in any other pieces outside of this series. While Mike's character remains loosely the same, none of his experiences in this series should be seen to transfer to any other scenario he appears in. Mike can be seen with all my characters, but in each case, it is in an exclusive reality.
And it is the same with Rexar. This Rex is not, and has never been, a giant. He doesn't go about crushing things, nor is he in any way evil or narcissistic.
As far as the foot fetish element goes, this is something you will see explored/explained in future Snapshots. But in my imagination, the Snapshots version of Rexar does not have a foot fetish, or any obsession with his own feet whatsoever.
I know a lot of people have serious difficulty getting their heads round this. It might sound like some complicated conception of a multiverse. But it isn't - it's more an excuse for me to draw my characters doing wildly different things in different pictures without having to come up with a canonical explanation.
Within this 'reality', no - I don't entertain macro/micro, shrink/growth or any of the more fantastical concepts within my previous artwork to be possible. Snapshots should be considered to take place within a world that is very similar to ours, just with a diversity of anthro species.
As such, I don't consider this Rexar and Mike to be the same Rexar or Mike you see in any other pieces outside of this series. While Mike's character remains loosely the same, none of his experiences in this series should be seen to transfer to any other scenario he appears in. Mike can be seen with all my characters, but in each case, it is in an exclusive reality.
And it is the same with Rexar. This Rex is not, and has never been, a giant. He doesn't go about crushing things, nor is he in any way evil or narcissistic.
As far as the foot fetish element goes, this is something you will see explored/explained in future Snapshots. But in my imagination, the Snapshots version of Rexar does not have a foot fetish, or any obsession with his own feet whatsoever.
I know a lot of people have serious difficulty getting their heads round this. It might sound like some complicated conception of a multiverse. But it isn't - it's more an excuse for me to draw my characters doing wildly different things in different pictures without having to come up with a canonical explanation.
ah yes i thought so, this series is quite realistic and therefore all that happens in it could also happen to someone in the real world. the macro stuff and anything similarly unrealistic has been quite distant in the series, and i don't even miss it, since the well written stories and emotions totally make up for that.
oh man i've seen some replies on the recent picture where people ask you when he's finally gonna crush mike XD poor fans who seem to have this one 'hurr ima stomp ya im a big bad rex' image manifested in their heads. thinking outside of those worlds is thrilling too like we see here.
and say what, rex does not have a thing for his own feet in this series? thats a surprise, since ive always liked that trait of his. i suppose it will be equally interesting to see what rex's like without having a thing for feet.
i do see some possibilities in exploring the couple's minds like that - mike as the shy little foot admirer who tries to look at rex' big feet without getting noticed, and rexar as the one who has innocent assumptions when he catches mike's eyes fixed on his soles. maybe there will be embarrassing moments, maybe there will be even more embarrassing attempts on mike's part to hide his little secret
it is much like in some artwork on this site, where something completely non-footy goes on in the picture, but you can't keep your eyes off the top of that foot you see in the background.
oh man i've seen some replies on the recent picture where people ask you when he's finally gonna crush mike XD poor fans who seem to have this one 'hurr ima stomp ya im a big bad rex' image manifested in their heads. thinking outside of those worlds is thrilling too like we see here.
and say what, rex does not have a thing for his own feet in this series? thats a surprise, since ive always liked that trait of his. i suppose it will be equally interesting to see what rex's like without having a thing for feet.
i do see some possibilities in exploring the couple's minds like that - mike as the shy little foot admirer who tries to look at rex' big feet without getting noticed, and rexar as the one who has innocent assumptions when he catches mike's eyes fixed on his soles. maybe there will be embarrassing moments, maybe there will be even more embarrassing attempts on mike's part to hide his little secret
it is much like in some artwork on this site, where something completely non-footy goes on in the picture, but you can't keep your eyes off the top of that foot you see in the background.
Indeed. All will be revealed in due course.
To be honest, I think I'm always going to be combatting the image many people have of Rexar as a domineering macro. I still get folks replying to Snapshots as if to say "we've never seen Rexar like this before", when I've actually been drawing him in this form for six years or more. Selective imagination, I suppose - not that it's a problem, especially given as I do intend to keep drawing the 'other' Rexar from time to time, but it's not how I consider him in a canonical sense anymore.
To be honest, I think I'm always going to be combatting the image many people have of Rexar as a domineering macro. I still get folks replying to Snapshots as if to say "we've never seen Rexar like this before", when I've actually been drawing him in this form for six years or more. Selective imagination, I suppose - not that it's a problem, especially given as I do intend to keep drawing the 'other' Rexar from time to time, but it's not how I consider him in a canonical sense anymore.
Man my whole dream was to have a boyfriend like Rexar. My wishes are the same as Mikes, hoping to be with someone that is handsome, kind, and protective. I feel you Mike, i feel ya. I am just so happy for those two.
This is love, this is really pure love. With every word I read, I was more and more nervous, wanting to know what's gonna happen. And finally happened what I wanted to, now Im really happy it happened. It has been 20 minutes of suspense, but finally they are now together, and forever. I really love this love story, I have to thank you for creating such nice couple, and congrats you for having such good writing skills ^^
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