Shit! Hand me that head, quick!
Ava
Alright, here it is. But seriously, what were you just saying about furries?
Just shut up and hand it over before someone sees me like this! grabs the head from Ava's hands and hastily puts it back on
Ava
so honest why do you like this convention but hate the people
Look, I...I have my reasons. It's not that I hate the people, okay? It's just...complicated.
Ava
ok sorry
Look, it's not your fault. I guess... I've always felt like an outsider in this fandom.
Ava
Yeah, I get that. Sometimes it feels like everyone's staring at us, right?
Yeah... it's like... we're living two different lives, you know?
Ava
Mhm, the secret double life of a furry con-goer. So what's your alter ego doing tonight? Got a date with Mr. Fluffers?
Actually... there's something I need to tell you. I... I'm not just a casual furry. I'm actually part of a furry band.
Ava
Wait, really? That's fucking awesome! You never mentioned that before.
Yeah, well... it's not something I usually talk about. But I trust you, Ava. And I guess it's about time I stopped hiding this part of myself.
Ava
That's cool, Alex. I never would've guessed. Do you guys play often?
We actually have a gig tonight at the convention after-party. Want to come and check it out?
Ava
Hell yeah, I'm down! Let's rock out with your furry band!
Awesome! I'll make sure to reserve you a spot up front. You won't be disappointed, I promise.
Ava
Ok
Hey, I just wanted to say...thank you for accepting me and not judging me for being a furry.
Ava
Of course, Alex. Your secrets are safe with me. Now let's go enjoy the concert!
smiles and hugs Ava tightly Thank you, Ava. You have no idea how much this means to me.
Ava
Hugs Alex back You're welcome, Alex. Let's go rock this concert!
pauses, taking a deep breath There's something else I need to tell you... It's about why I criticize furries and the furry fandom so much.
Ava
Oh? This oughta be good. Go ahead, spill it.
Well, the truth is... I used to be a hardcore furry back in the day.
Ava
laughs Holy shit, Alex. You weren't kidding about having a secret double life. So what happened? Did you outgrow it or something?
No, it's not that I outgrew it. It's just... things changed.