Iconic Dads 2: The Big Fill-In Up (Preview)

This is a preview to a sequel I wrote for a commission I got from another terrific writer. You don't need to have read it to understand this one. Enjoy this early look at bear-rific tale!

Ugh, I hate this. Alexis sighed. Yes, her budget was tight at the moment, but she could afford to help her brother out a little while their parents were out of town doing whatever. She really didn't need to be paid back.

Though, she did admit, she wished she did have a shift that day. Maybe make back some of that money on her own terms.

She reached for her pocket, ready to take out her phone and check her apps. Maybe there was a shift she could pick up or a delivery she could do. She was already out, so why not-

Knock-knock-knock.

Alexis stopped mid-reach. Hmm? She headed for the hall and to the front door. She peeked through the peephole.

She saw… somebody. It was hard to make them out. They were pretty close and both very tall and very wide. There was plenty of brown, but that's all she could really tell.

Knock-knock. The pounds were heavier. “Hello!” A thick, heavy but pleasant voice came from behind the door. “JD? Superstar? You in? I tried calling but didn't hear back. I leave ya be, but something's come up at work, and I reeeeally could use some help here!”

Coworker, huh? Weird they would just show up. It was also weird they would call her brother “superstar”, but maybe that was in-joke or nickname. Must be serious if they drove her for this… too bad though.

Figuring there would be no harm, Alexis opened the door. “Sorry, sir!” she started as she opened up, “JD is unavailable. You'll have to-”

She trembled. She first saw a massive, furry chest. Then, she looked further up.

Before her was a large grizzly bear anthro. He was a hefty beast with thick arms, a big gut, and a strong muzzle. He also had such soft-looking fur, a black top hat, and a cute bow tie on. He wore black pants but no shirt. She suspected he couldn't fit any shirt on.

The bear seemed so familiar to her, but she couldn't exactly place it. He gave her a look, one that was rather warm and friendly. “Is that so?” he spoke in his thick baritone, “Hmm, mind if I come in though?”

Alexis wanted to say no. She didn't know him after all. However, there was just something about him. That aura, glint in his eyes that said he was just a big, sweet teddy bear and posed no trouble at all.

Plus, that scent of his. She didn't want to admit it, but it was just so enticing to her.

“Okay, but don't be surprised if Rachel sends you on your way as soon as she sees you.”

“No problem!” The bear smiled again, strolling on in. He gently patted her on the shoulder as he passed. “Thanks, superstar.” She quivered at that.

But she just as quickly shook her head and composed herself. She closed the door and led the bear into the living room. “So, have a seat. I'll get Rachel.” He nodded and sat down on the sofa, which loudly creaked under his weight.

Alexis was about to head to Rachel, but remembered where she was. So instead, she called out loudly, “Hey Rachel! You have a visitor!”

There was a moment of silence before Rachel called back, sounding rather annoyed, “A visitor? Really? You should've told them to leave! I don't want to get anyone else sick!”

“Well ah…” Alexis looked back at the bear, who smiled pleasantly. She blushed and tried composing herself again. “This guy seems pretty important, and I couldn't say no to him.”

“Couldn't say no? Important?” Rachel's voice grew closer. “Who is-OH!” She stepped into the room and flinched, seeing the bear.

But that shock faded almost the instant it arrived. “Oh!” She lit up and waved. “Hello, Freddy!”

Freddy began to stand back up but Rachel waved her hand. “It's okay! You just stay there. I'll be over here.” She cleared her throat. “So, what brings you here?”

“Well, I was here on Icons business,” Freddy explained, “I know JD isn't a traditional worker there, but we could really use his help today. All cuddlebears need paws on deck!”

“Cuddlebears?” Alexis’s face twisted in complete confusion.

The two ignored her though. “Ah! That does sound serious!” Rachel nodded. “Sorry, but JD is sick and wouldn't be up for this.”

“Ah! That explains why I haven't been able to get a hold of him.” Freddy nodded, looking disappointed. “That's a darn shame. That big belly of his woulda come in handy.”

That did nothing to help Alexis’ confusion. JD was chubby, but he wasn't that chubby.

“Well then, how about you, Rachel?” Freddy asked, looking a bit hopeful. “You're familiar with how we get things done at Icons. Sure, you're not like JD, but we can fix that.”

“Can't help either.” The blue-haired woman shook her head. “I'm taking care of JD and, frankly, I don't want to spread anything.”

For the first time, the bear looked glum and slouched into the sofa, making it creak louder. “Dang!” he huffed, “Bug's been takin’ everybody out it feels like. We need one more burly bear to pull this off!”

Burly bear? It finally clicked in Alexis’ head, even though she felt it probably should've sooner. All of this had to do with JD and Rachel's unusual transformation interests and habits. It was probably best for her to make her exit since this was way too out there for her.

“I could ask the roomie,” Rachel talked to herself, “You never met Melissa, but she's familiar with these kinds of things and if you're paying-

“Ooooh!” Rachel's tone instantly shifted on a dime, Alexis feeling her staring at her back. She didn't sneak out fast enough. “Alexis would be perfect for the job!”

The blonde-haired woman turned around, seeing her brother's blue-haired partner having the most bright and sunny smile on her face. “No!” Alexis snapped, “Don't you go volunteering me for something I'm not interested in. I'm not my brother or you, ya know!”

“Alexis, eh?” She noticed Freddy was looking at her now, stroking his chin. He seemed to be eyeing her, like a judge looking over a fair pig. She ignored him, despite feeling his eyes on her back too.

Yet, his stare didn't bother her all that much.