You finish these pages so quickly.

Great work as always. =)

most of them are already done to rukis can put them up whenever she wants^^

I knew Red Lantern is all done yet I am not sure how far ahead Rukis is with Unconditional, I do know she is CRAZY busy working on it. =)

I have been watching her streams and seems like the pages are being done mostly the day before there posted

cant wait to see where this goes!

I love the consistent "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!" on marcus's face through the whole thing.

I saw this coming )=

What were y'all saying about Marcus just doing things without considering Reis?

He's been feeling empty and unfulfilled because he hasn't had much of a reason to live or a purpose in his life other than Marcus. Now he's gotten overly enthusiastic and perhaps stepped over a line, as far as getting ahead of himself by not consulting with his mate prior to moving forward with this opportunity. It's just that though, an opportunity. Some people have few of those in life, and in that case, you don't have the capacity to drag your feet when it happens. You just pounce. Only those who've struggled with the emptiness know how this goes. So while I can understand the fear Marcus has for Reis's safety, when it really comes down to it, it's all about selfishness. He's afraid he'll lose Reis, and so he's not even thinking about how much this means to him, he's only worried about what he himself stands to possibly lose. That's because being a policeman is dangerous. Sure. Now he's getting a taste of the own fear and worry he puts Reis through every time he goes out on one of his rainbow flag agendas. It sucks to look in a mirror and see your own reflection staring back at ya, doesn't it?

applause you nailed it...
Iand also add Marcus wants Reis around for him.. Now Marcus has to WORRY about him and this is not something Marcus is good at

You had me up until "rainbow flag agendas." Think what you want about Marcus, but it sounds to me like you're knocking the gay rights movement and I find that objectionable.

I'm knocking how he goes about it, the decisions he makes in the name of the cause, and what he prioritizes over his own relationship. Now that the shoe's on the other foot, so to speak, he's upset. He never before thought about how Reis felt when he went out and risked his safety for what he thought was a worthwhile cause. Nor do I think Marcus truly realizes the danger he puts himself in. Until consequences finally rear their ugly head, he may never realize. Often young and idealistic kids end up learning the hard way. Life nor society is fair, and sometimes it will bite you hard. So it's fine to promote a cause you believe in, but you're going to have to suffer the losses you don't even see coming, and those are the ones that hurt most.

Now he's going to have to learn to bite his tongue, stuff it up, and go along with Reis in this. It's all he's got besides his mate, and that's not going to be enough in life to keep him happy. He's already showing signs of depression and self-doubt.

Marcus going to one gay pride protest with the covert goal of getting punched (something he demonstrated being quite good at in Cruelty) is not the same thing as Reis just up and joining the police force. You talk about risk, but Marcus risked getting socked once while Reis will be risking his life every day. There is a big difference no matter which way you slice it.

It's been made obvious that this isn't the first time he's done something like this, nor did it appear it'd be the last. He and Reis had been amidst fights regarding his disregard for his own safety in just this, prior to the news of Reis' mother dying. He's a bit bull headed when it comes to these things, and he's going to have to learn restraint, discretion, and better methods of approaching hisgoals. That's part of being an adult.

I do believe that his instigating getting himself hurt for his cause is indeed a good comparison, in that he takes it upon himself to risk his safety, and far more than you might imagine(as real world situations like this often get far worse than a simple punch, or at least later retaliation can be.) Reis is doing something for himself, which up to this point, Marcus has arrogantly acted as if was a futile and unnecessary endeavor. Belittling your significant other's attempts to make something of themselves is hardly a good method of support. I understand this twist is a shock, and he's not happy to be put on the spot, but for once it was Reis thinking of himself first and his mate second. This is where Marcus is getting a look in the mirror. It may be an unequal contrast, due to the level of risk and length of time at risk, but the initial comparison is still sound.

I think you're spot on, Pardo

i second that agreement

A tad bit hostile eh.

to many, there is a big difference between gay rights and gay pride. gay rights are about homosexuals (etc) being viewed as equal human beings, who are entitled to the same rights. but gay pride seems to be more about making a statement, where rainbow flags, parades, and other such things which can come across as attention seeking, and in some cases can seem to almost provoke negative reactions from those who are not comfortable with homosexuality. i know that isn't exactly what was happening here, but i'm just hoping to highlight potential differences, and state how 'rainbow flag agendas' may not necessarily be aimed as a negative reflection of gay rights itself. (never-mind that this is the last place i'd expect to see actual homophobic remarks). in regards to the comic, i get the impression that reis is a potential example of someone who is pro gay rights, but not gay pride (perhaps even somewhat anti), whereas gay pride seems to hold greater importance to marcus. (i hope i am not opening a can of worms with this, because it is not my intention to suggest homosexuals should not have pride in themselves or anything like that).

I think you defined the differences well, and in the heat of things, I may have spoken with too much animosity toward the entirety of the cause, where I do believe in equal rights. Yet I also doubt the usefulness of Marcus' methods so far. They seem to be fighting back with the same methods those who they wish to overcome use; in which case, they're becoming worse people for it. Lowering yourself is never the best option. Though sometimes in life we do it anyway. Then is it not better to stand up for a principle, being the better man, and yet suffer for it? Or is it preferable to become less than you are in order to attain some sense of what you think you want? I think in the end, those who lower their morality to meet others on the 'battlefield' will always end up becoming as bad as their detractors in time. Bitterness, defiance, anger, and drive for retribution seemed the underlying motivation for their confrontation with the preacher at his church. So even when not waving a flag and walking down main street scantily clad, you can do damage to your cause in your righteous belief that because you believe yourself in the right your actions, while detestable when the opposition employs them, are somehow suddenly ethical.

i'm glad what i said was understood. and i think i understood your initial point as well. i figured you were referring to the methods, rather than being against gay rights themselves. but i suppose it is an issue that is very easy for people to misunderstand; it's a sensitive subject, due to the hate that does still seem to exist, so people may be a bit more inclined to be unintentionally defensive. i think i would also agree that it is probably best to avoid confrontational means etc when you are speaking for a whole group, or atleast it seems like dangerous ground. as you say, one may unintentionally cast a poor reflection upon ones own group or cause. which, as i think you understood, was the intended point of my (perhaps slightly off tangent) explanation.

I keep hearing this, but I still have not heard one solid example of anything anyone from FERAL did that was wrong or unjustified. I'm all for taking the high road, but given the circumstances, that WAS the high road to me. The low road would've been jumping the pastor and beating his face in or shooting him or something.

The issue I take with their methods is how they employed the same means of confrontation. While not during a funeral, it was in front of families with children, and ironically, children of such closed-minded individuals are often the ones to overcome that ignorance with their generation; however, when faced with someone attacking a respected figure, at least at such a young age, none the less your father, you are likely to build an early disdain toward the individuals that small group represented. A child will not have the scope of experience to understand these things, so emotional impulses are what mark them, and often last long into their lives. I see the "we can do it because they did it so there" mentality a flawed one. They weren't trying to convince the misled church-goers of their innate wrongness. They were just trying to show the world what the world as a majority already knew, that they were bigoted scum. It's much harder to prove to people they are mistaken than it is to show others who already think like you do just how mistaken those people are. Point in fact, Fox News. They preach to people that already think just like them. So it's hardly as if they're making any progress in society. The same goes for this. They showed the church and its leader to be what most people already realized they were. Then they escalated the animosity between the two groups, building ire in the LGBT group and further hatred in the church members. It did little good as far as I could see. Imagine if they'd used different tactics, and instead of creating a new leader in hate in that preacher's son, perhaps they'd have planted a seed of enlightenment. Then as he grew up, he might have worked to change the church from the inside out. These things don't happen over night, but in the span of a generation just think of would might have been.

All too sadly, it's far easier to plant or even fertilize a seed of hatred than it is to cultivate enlightenment and growth.

The issue I take with their methods is how they employed the same means of confrontation. While not during a funeral, it was in front of families with children, and ironically, children of such closed-minded individuals are often the ones to overcome that ignorance with their generation

It was in front of the pastor's family and the pastor's child. No one else was around at the time. I understand your point about that, but from a pragmatic perspective, that kid loves his dad, his dad is a pastor who hates fags, there's no goddamn way he'd change his mind over a one-off encounter with some gay rights activists. The whole thing is not invalidated by the fact that they failed to change the mind of a child who would probably not change his mind in the first place.

however, when faced with someone attacking a respected figure, at least at such a young age, none the less your father, you are likely to build an early disdain toward the individuals that small group represented.

The kid's dad organizes gay funeral protests. Again, he's going to grow up in a household under parents who teach him that gay people are dog shit. Do you really think there's anything Marcus or anyone there could have done there that would have changed that kid's mind at any point? You're being overly idealistic here.

I see the "we can do it because they did it so there" mentality a flawed one.

Again, confronting the pastor on the way to church is not the same as picketing a goddamn funeral. This point is utterly flawed and I wish that you and others would stop trying to make it because it's an utterly false equivalency.

They weren't trying to convince the misled church-goers of their innate wrongness. They were just trying to show the world what the world as a majority already knew, that they were bigoted scum.

Apparently not. Jacob talked to Reis like it was a surprise or at least not a well-known-fact that Bauer, who was running for Congress in that state, was involved in the funeral protest. They were trying to expose the pastor as a bigot to a populace that didn't know this about him as a candidate. That was the whole point. Did you really miss that?

Point in fact, Fox News. They preach to people that already think just like them. So it's hardly as if they're making any progress in society. The same goes for this. They showed the church and its leader to be what most people already realized they were. Then they escalated the animosity between the two groups, building ire in the LGBT group and further hatred in the church members.

Are you trying to say that gays and people who hate gays and want them to die should learn to compromise and get along? What.

Imagine if they'd used different tactics, and instead of creating a new leader in hate in that preacher's son, perhaps they'd have planted a seed of enlightenment. Then as he grew up, he might have worked to change the church from the inside out. These things don't happen over night, but in the span of a generation just think of would might have been.

This is so off-base that it sounds like you're just looking for an excuse to dog on Marcus and co. It's just common sense that a kid's dad, particularly a domineering Bible-thumper preacher/politician dad, is going to have infinitely more of an impact on him than a bunch of fags with picket signs. Your alternate solution is practically impossible. We're talking about deeply-rooted mindsets and ideologies that cannot be changed in the span of 20 minutes by complete strangers. You're criticizing FERAL For doing something impossible.

Their aim was to go there, get something that would damage the pastor's campaign, and prevent him from being elected. They caught him saying "Faggot," so to that end, they succeeded. Fuck the kid, the kid is a non-issue. All probability points to him growing up to being a homophobe no matter what Marcus or Reis or Jacob or anyone could possibly do.

One last time, to reiterate and make sure I've spelled it out clearly, the kid's dad is:

-A pastor. Pastors always go out of their way to school their children in Biblical teachings. Children raised by pastors are exposed to these teachings daily because, obviously, their parents have chosen to make that an enormous part of their lives. Obviously, that kid loves his dad enough to throw a rock at someone for yelling at him, so what are the odds that a single one-off encounter could possibly have any impact? Zilch. Even if they'd "planted the seed," daddy would've dug up that Satanic bullshit and tossed it in the furnace well before it could've had a chance to germinate.
-A politician. Politicians are very forceful people. It's the only way to get along in politics. I know this because I come from a political family. Children of politicians are kept very well in line and made to do things like stand up on stage with daddy so he can show what a family man he is, and must always behave, lest they make him look bad and keep him from getting elected. That is not an environment that fosters independent thought.
-An extreme bigot. Think he's just going to tell his son that it's okay for gays to be together, but that they just can't get married because it violates the sanctity of the institution? No. What you see from FOX News with regard to homosexuals is baby stuff compared to what far-right religious folk actually believe about them. They (and by proxy the pastor) believe that gays are all child molesters, want to deliberately spread AIDS, want to recruit children into their ranks, want to remove religion entirely from society, etc. He's undoubtedly taught him that God himself hates these people. You don't just change that by smiling and being nice in front of someone.

In short, you're criticizing FERAL for failing to accomplish something that would be impossible and was never their goal to begin with.

Empathy leads to understanding, and understanding leads to change. Anger perpetuates the cycle and accomplishes nothing good or progressive.

You keep using these words. I'm not sure they mean what you think they mean.

That's perfect timing. I just woke up. Thank you for starting my day

all this fighting makes my cry

um.

where is Reis supposed to be stationed? i thought the funeral was "need a plane ticket" far away from where they currently live? isn't that why they're at the terminal? does Marcus get all that inheritance money and they don't need to work? so then it doesn't matter where they live? or what.

Mayfield is on the other side of the country, yeah

Lulz, that's the name of the street I live on.

Also thats the name of my middle school XD

Here's hoping Reis doesn't get shot.

He will walk up to the Police Academy (avoiding Bobcat Goldthwait) and immediately be shot on its steps.

*snickers* He's gonna be a fuzz

Uh oh, Marcus. Your silver tongue and smart words can't help you now.

http://imgur.com/QoJ11

Damn right.
Also, you can have some internets for that.

They need shoes...I dont know why.

Their feet is sexy, why hide it. . . xDDD

Totally!! Shoes hide it ): and plus they're digitigrade, which is like ... the BEST feet out there!! We cannot hide them _._ what has this world become!!!!!

I dunno, I wondered about Reis working in a distribution center without footwear. Someone could get their foot run over by a forklift, or something could get dropped on it, which is why most industrial jobs forbid open-toed shoes at the very least and often require steel-toed boots.

Well ... as I've mentioned, they are digitigrade and it's rare, even improbable, to find these type of furries wearing footwear as it's quite cumbersome due to the fact that they walk on the ball of their feet. They can't walk flat footed like a plantigrade furry (or a human). Some will ''bandage'' their feet but that's aesthetics more then nothing.

Actually I've seen some old designs for boots made for Digitgrade Canines in Rifts Lone-Star. :p It's actually an interesting design.
*Swoons*
Dog-Boy's look handsome in uniform. ^.^

Well, there are tons and tons of different digitigrade boot concepts on Second Life. Example: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/.....i-Boots/431153

Basically, the rigid sole of the boot only covers the padded portion of the paw and is then flexible above that along the rest of the foot. This would allow the wearer to walk on their toes as normal while still providing protection, because if they really were just walking around barefoot in factories, there'd be a much higher accident rate in the industrial sector, which would severely hinder productivity and generation of revenue across all sectors of the economy of Rukistan, causing a crash and then Marcus and Reis would be out on the street with no home in which to have sex, thus depriving everyone here of that creamy goodness, and that would somehow be all your fault, so die in a fire with that.

Okay, enough of this discussion, let's get back on point: Their feet are sexy!!!!

Oh, and we need to see more of Marcus, he turns me on for some reason . . . and I'm straight . . . is that weird???
O_O

I don't know. I'm not sure what constitutes "weird" on FurAffinity dot net.

a gallery comprised entirely of rocks and plants XD

Lol I've got to see this XD

Indeed they are ^^

aren't there shoes available for dogs in real life?

I agree their feets are sexy. Sexy, hot & beautiful^^, i certainly wouldn't mind engaging in some foot worship with them , (licking soles and sucking their yummy toes, cleaning their feet with my tongue etc ).

PS. Bit off topic, but talking of hiding feet that's one of my biggest annoyances with porn. You know like when they take off pretty much all of their clothes but still leave their socks on... WHY???. Its looks stupid and like you said, feet are hot, don't hide them. Plus also IMO there's something very raw and soul-barring about being naked with bare feet. It just adds a whole new level of hotness, its just so sexy for sure.

I guess (well there is no guess :D), I just have a huge thing, a huge fetish for feet, i love them :).

I agree marcus in leather is hot

I second this!

I 3rd this

Why, Marcus....have we gotten a little too used to having our boyfriend dependent upon us? BAWWWW.

Probably he's more upset that Reis would just up and make a major decision that's going to drastically alter both of their living arrangements for some time without even consulting him.

The only thing is, Marcus is actualy risking his life about the same as Reis would be in the line of duty. Marcus could easily find himself with a gun pointed at him during one of the FERAL protests, just as Reis could while working the streets. The only difference is that Reis has a little more protection.

But I do agree that I would have been a bit upset if my mate would have just decided something like this without consulting me first =/ I'd agree, yes. But just hearing "Oh, by the way, joining the force. Yeahhh.." would bother me.

Honestly, I'm thinking a lot of the Reis-good/Marcus-bad attitude a lot of people on here are expressing comes from those people only being able to empathize with Reis because they too have no lives or directions. They're reading this comic because on some minor level, they're living vicariously through Reis, and thus see Marcus only as an obstacle rather than as an individual with wants and needs of his own.

Unfortunately, the difference between them and Reis is that Reis has been portrayed as having a lot of genuine disadvantages in his life, while they're just too lazy to drop an application off at Best Buy or something.

Seems sort of harsh that you're just assuming that the readers rooting for Reis don't have a life and haven't suffered loses and other problems like he has..

Well, I'm not just assuming that. I'm also assuming that a majority of them have never been involved in relationship that involved seeing their significant other face to face more than a few times a year, with the rest being primarily online long-distance contact and thus don't really understand how to effectively conduct a real relationship.

more like you decided to be A COP !!!!!!
Are you trying to get your self KILLED

life is pretty dangerous. If you look at the statistics, MORE people are hurt every year doing warehouse work than police work.
https://apps.who.int/inf-fs/en/fact084.html
Each year, work-related injuries and diseases kill an estimated 1.1 million people worldwide, which roughly equals the global annual number of deaths from malaria
Meanwhile, the total amount of police officers killed in the line of duty here in the US in 2011: 173
http://www.odmp.org/search/year?year=2011
In fact, police work isn't even in the top ten.
(it's #12)
http://www.thedailybeast.com/galler.....s.html#slide12

Marcus probably hasn't Googled the statistics and doesn't know all that at this point in the comic.

Even though I understand why Reis took the decition, I still think he should have Marcus know this during that week.

Droping a bomb like this so "sudden" is not right... (I know.. Reis is not the best at making good choices in life.. but still...)

Yeah...now I'm mad at Reis D:

Why?.
Reis was worried about the Psych test and a lot of other things.
Lets say that he did not pass - that would be another failure of him in Marcus's eyes (and he is already feeling that - not getting a decent job, looking the job he has, being dependant on Marcus for everything).
Now he has passed then this is a chance for him to do something that hopefully will make Marcus proud of him, and something that he can do with his own hard work and study.

Yes, with him leaving Marcus and not telling him shit...lol...not so happy sounding to me

People make mistakes with the best intentions dude. Especially when they're dealing with nigh crippling lack of self worth. Reis is just trying to prove to himself, more than anything, that he's worth it. That He's not just an adored pet. It sounds harsh, but Reis needs to feel like he contributes.

It's a no win situation and both sides will have to grin and bear it and hope luck lands in their favor. There's no good guys or bad guys here. only differing perspectives. Reis is doing this because he loves marcus, he doesn't want to be a burden. Marc can say he's not all he likes, but Reis will never believe it.

Marcus isn't without blame either. He dotes on Reis, yes, but in what feels like a manipulative way. a honey trap, but a trap nonetheless. He's got serious control problems. It feels like he always needs to be the one making the decisions, and he gets a little put off when Reis tries to do things on his own.

They both have serious issues they need to work out. They also need to learn to work them out TOGETHER Neither one wants to fold to the other. Marc because he doesn't feel he needs to, and Reis because he doesn't feel like he can without invalidating himself further.

It's a big fucked up mess.

true :3

Which is the point I was trying to get accross

There's always an argument over everything, just like in real life.

love the icon

Nooo the long distance thing is death if it means they have to spend 2 years apart in particular someone as... well... Marcus as Marcus.

I'm glad someone besides myself is also concerned about the long distance thing straining or destroying their relationship. Marcus as Marcus? Just curious what you meant. Like him being promiscuous? (cuz funnily enough he's got two stereotypes goin against him: One, that all flaming gays are sluts and Two, all foxes are sluts. Which is one of the wierdiest and yet most interesting aspects of this fandom lol)

Well yes they are stereotypes but they are also implied to be true throughout both the comics. It is never directly stated but I do find it to be heavily implied they he is perhaps a tad overzealous when it comes to sex, not that it is a bad thing when he can get away with it but that just changed.

A wolf becoming a Pig?....Interesting. ^^

Love it! Hope everything works out!
This has to be my favorite fictional couple out there

No convictions for me!

I don't know why, but your icon and your statement together made me crack up XD

Its not getting the job that's the issue. Its that the job is going to put them on opposite sides of the country and the fact Reis waited until the ball was already in motion to say anything.

Fucking THIS.

THANK YOU, good sir.

Was getting tired of seeing all these "this is a job that's going to separate them, bawwwwww!" comments om the last page. Once you pass the academy, you're employable ANYWHERE that has a police station.

Personally? I think this is going to work out AMAZINGLY for these two, if Marcus knocks off the shit. Marc's becoming a lawyer, Reis is becoming a cop. Perfect duo.

A furry Law & Order. I could die happy. XD

meee too o.o this is the greatest idea I've read all day

Is the basic police training really only 8 weeks in the US? That could contribute to the police brutality problem. I like Reis, but not necessarily as a police officer. He still has the tendency to solve things with his fists.

I smell death by gunshot approaching...

Because Marcus doesn't want to be away from his WOlfdog... that's why. :(

Good for Reis for taking a chance at happiness for himself. It sucks to live in someone elses shadow, and I can see him doing a lot of good in helping others, maybe kids like himself, who knows. You go Reis!

Yup, amen!

I can understand why Reis didn't tell Marcus right away. When you've had a hard time in life, you sometimes feel that if a great opportunity comes up, you might not want to tell anyone until it's a reality. Reis probably wanted to make sure he could pass the psych evaluation, got more information, etc. before he consulted with Marcus. If he had told Marcus right away, then something went wrong, he would have felt even more horrible.

Also, I kinda' get a vibe that one of Marcus' big attractions to Reis is that Reis is another "cause" for him to tackle. I wonder how Marcus will handle having a boyfriend who can stand on his own two feet... it will be interesting to see how this plays out!

Can't have love without pain.

Reis as a cop? Somehow, I can really see him being the 'been there,' tough but compassionate officer. And Marcus will likely think the uniform is sexy too....

wonder if marcus is worries that Reis will be called to quell one of marcus's FERAL marches and thats why he's upset

Screw Marcus wearing leather. Put Reis in leather. XP

Yes, as you say, "screw Marcus wearing leather". And make it last three or four panels. Pretty please?

Better idea! Both in leather with 2 pages devoted to them going at it like rabbits!!

Your idea was wonderful from the start, you know. "Screw Marcus wearing leather" never specified who was wearing leather, or implied that either of them weren't wearing it already.

Somehow the colour seems to be completely different...

this is a night shot, so it should. Different highlights and shadows

Yeah, I figured. Still looks kind of weird...

uh. . . okay. If ya say so. I shaded with purples and blues, instead of warm color. It's a standard for night-time coloring. *shrug* Personal preference, I guess

Reis is gonna be a cop? FOR REAL?! That's just stupid . . .

Why is it stupid? Quite a few cops, especially in urban areas, are reformed gang members or were in JD. Often times it was a police or corrections officer who actually CARED about their future who helped turn their lives around. In any case, their past gives them a better understanding of what people in those neighborhoods and bad situations are going through.

The CO in my family had quite a history, himself. Often it's how people GET involved in law-enforcement to begin with.

I don't get it, really. Marcus has a pretty good question and I don't quite understand why Reis didn't consult him... at all? Is this some kind of petty revenge for outing him at work earlier?

"Why're you so against this?"

...Reis is one of those pretty, dumb types, isn't he? >.> Marcus is worried for his safety, clearly.

Hmm. Perhaps you're more sensible than I initially gave you credit for.

Reis isn't perfect (Lord knows that considering Cruelty), but I'm surprised he's not getting why Marcus is worried. I know how I'd feel about my boyfriend doing this, even if he were mostly to be a desk jockey.

And the crap I gave Marcus earlier was very much about his spoiled attitude and not getting why Reis doesn't want to be "in-your-face" about them. It's one thing to be outspoken on that topic, but if it bothers your significant other, it must be worked out or things may not go happily.

See, it's the spoiled attitude that I see this objection coming from, more than not. The first few pages are shining examples of it all. Who wants to try and discourage their boyfriend/SO/etc from being self-sufficient? It's not just a matter of money, it's a matter of pride, it's a matter of self-worth. Reis wants to be responsible and not sponge, but moreso, he wants to be a boyfriend that can pull his weight and be worthy of Marcus' admiration, and in a world that doesn't just give jobs to you, initiative is everything.

And as far as Reis' reasons for wanting to be a cop, think about it. His mother just died from drugs, it would seem. I think he wants to do something good and help folks. and not everyone's cut out to be a cop.

Ugh, now I worry that Marcus will somehow passively sabotage his efforts to be one. =o\

Who wants to try and discourage their boyfriend/SO/etc from being self-sufficient? It's not just a matter of money, it's a matter of pride, it's a matter of self-worth. Reis wants to be responsible and not sponge, but moreso, he wants to be a boyfriend that can pull his weight and be worthy of Marcus' admiration, and in a world that doesn't just give jobs to you, initiative is everything.

I'm sure Marcus would've been more supportive if Reis had taken a job comprised of something less get-shotty than a police officer.

You mean like how he supported Reis in skipping work for nookie early in the magazine? Yep that's supportive XD

...Magazine?

It really isn't a common occurrence for cops to get shot at. Does it happen? Most certainly, definitely, but most times most cops end up pulling folks over for tickets, arresting drunks, and taking reports on accidents and other such things. If people played by what-ifs as a way to discourage their own choices in life, nothing would change, things wouldn't happen, opportunities would be missed left and right, and people would regret never knowing what might've been. Trust me, I know this from experience. If I was in Reis' position and had his guts, I would do the same.

What Marcus is lacking most of all in this reaction is faith in his boyfriend. Instead of stepping back and supporting Reis in his decisions, he's quick to criticize and try to change his mind.

And gay rights activists rarely get shot at or hurt either (although it does happen), and in fact probably do so at a lower rate than police do, but that doesn't stop Reis from worrying. However, when Marcus wants to go do a FERAL thing, Reis is perfectly fine to be worried, but Marcus is being a bitch by worrying about Reis suddenly when he wants to become a cop, at least according to Team Reis up on here.

At this point, I'm just playing devil's advocate with Reis becoming a cop, but god damn, double-standards all the fuck up in this bitch.

There's a big difference between a government-type job and freelance rights activism. One has health benefits and pays good money while upholding the phrase "to serve and protect", the other has a chance of furthering the rights of the oppressed and downtrodden. Both have dangers that come with them, both have actions and consequences that can be twisted around by the general public and demonized if done horribly wrong. I could keep tossing comparisons around, but the main thing is this - Marcus is an activist in his time between school and other such activities that put him on the road to being a responsible adult while Reis is pursuing something to be a responsible adult and support the both of them as a main point of interest in his life besides his boyfriend.

Also, if Marcus gets shot while being an activist, depending on where they live and the local laws, it could be construed as him being at fault for being one of those queers, or it could be a hate crime, but either way, activists will have more ammunition and a gay rights hero to point to, live or die. And hopefully he has insurance to cover those medical bills. If Reis gets shot and wounded or, worse case scenario, killed as a cop, it's "in the line of duty", and he's most likely covered for medical expenses, plus there's an automatic reaction of retribution for someone who hurts or kills a cop, and Reis is a hero, but either way, he generates good karma in his daily life.

Everybody is on Marcus's case because he started out selfish at the beginning of the comic(and a little sleazy, IMO), he's already out in the field doing his activism without telling Reis exactly what he was planning(whereas Marcus knows Reis is pursuing something in full disclosure... not like Reis could stay away for two months without saying something and then pop up and say "Surprise, I'm a cop!") a few pages later, and then forcing a kiss onto Reis in front of his co-workers instead of respecting his boyfriend's own private space all in the pursuit of trying to prove something at Reis' expense and possible reputation. If, in the case of the FERAL activism, Marcus had told Reis "this is what I'm doing, this is why I'm doing it" and done what Reis is doing now, explaining things to Marcus in great detail rather than withholding pertinent details(going to a pastor/political candidate's place of Worship to protest on a Sunday morning and risk causing a scene and maybe create a controversy), maybe things would be different, but Reis found out second-hand by Jake, who by the way decided to throw some choice insults at Reis who was, at the time, doing his best to be a responsible adult. And if you think about it, Reis missed the call from his mother because of his panic and worry about Marcus's well-being. In short, Reis has taken a beating lately because of choices that Marcus has made, and is just attempting to live his life to the best of his ability for himself and his boyfriend's well-being. If it was under different circumstances, maybe Marcus would be more understandable in his position, but right now, all he seems to be is, once again, selfish.

/ramble

Every situation you just described could be just as understandable if one were actually try to look at it from Marcus's perspective, but most people aren't doing that because Reis, being sort of a dumped-on underachiever semi-closeted sorta-homo (he seems to only be attracted to Marcus rather than just men in general and definitely appears straight to those not in the know), apparently resonates more with your average furry than Marcus does.

Nope, not looking at it from Marcus's perspective because, quite frankly, his perspective comes off as very shallow and stereotypically queenish queenish and selfish. He's just outright giving Reis down the road(great choice of words, I know) for making the choice to pursue something that is possibly going to be a good thing rather than going, "Okay, tell me more about this, that. Have you thought about this, that? What if this happens, or that happens?" and so on. Instead of trying to show interest and be supportive, he's just putting his foot down and simply hearing none of it, no matter how rationally Reis can put it out there.

And for the sake of saying... I know Reis' position because I've been living that position. Substitute, in this situation, my parents for Marcus, and myself for Reis. I'm going to be taking a trip in a month or so, and I will be job hunting where I'm going. I won't be telling my father about this detail, though my mom already knows. The reason? I am the type who is soft-hearted and easily swayed by others' emotional reactions, and to put it simply, my father is the type to be irrational and flip out when something is out of his control when it comes to one of his kids and their supposed safety being at risk, and when it comes to me moving out, he has been TRULY irrational. Also note, I'm not out to my folks for the fact they are, for lack of a better term, Rick Santorum constituents. I support Reis in his attempts to better his own life because I know how hard it is to do so when someone else is involved. And on the subject of self-sufficiency and pride, until I am better in my own life and can be self-sufficient, there's no way in heck I'm getting involved in a relationship with anyone simply because I won't feel worthy otherwise.

I can relate to Reis. I can't relate to Marcus, simple fact, simply put.

And for the sake of saying... I know Reis' position because I've been living that position. Substitute, in this situation, my parents for Marcus, and myself for Reis.

Oh my God, I knew it.

Same arguement can apply to you. Do you find yourself able to relate to Marcus because your also a queenish, over-dramatic, self-centered control freak?

*Bow* I am not worthy.

I find myself able to relate to Marcus because he's passionate, protective of the things and people he cares about, able to take charge of his life, purpose-driven, and smart.

I very much doubt your any of those things. Maybe if you were to actually try and look at it from Reis's perspective, but you aren't because Marcus, being sort of a pushy and selfish queen with no consideration or real empathy for others, apparently resonates more with you than Reis does.

Let me guess, Reis is you and Marcus is your parents too?

What the hell are you talking about? Their furry comic book characters with ridiculously over-dramatic lives. I can't relate to either of them. Its just entertainment.

That's basically what this other jackoff told me. He's mad at his dad because he's broke and his dad lets him live in his house and eat his food and stuff, and that's why he likes Reis and doesn't like Marcus, because Reis reminds him of himself and Marcus reminds him of his parents.

You? I think you're trying to play the "Oh, this is just entertainment" card so as not to look like a nerdlinger all brimming over with care.

No, I just think your an asshole. I've looked over your page. Your bragging that people have blocked you because of your arguments on this comic. Are you serious? That your pushy rants and posts over a comic annoyed others so much they blocked you, and your proud of that? Jeez man, what the hell are you trying to prove? Its not like your convincing anyone to join your side. Just chill and stop going out of your way to be a dick.

No, I just think your an asshole.

I will not argue with you there.

I've looked over your page. Your bragging that people have blocked you because of your arguments on this comic. Are you serious? That your pushy rants and posts over a comic annoyed others so much they blocked you, and your proud of that?

Well, the second one (BarkWoof) saw fit to argue with me for two straight days in both public discussion and via notes simultaneously before he finally got "annoyed" enough to block me (read: lost argument, raged, blocked).

The first one (Xale) is a gay guy that is opposed to gay marriage and believes that gays who think they have rights deserve to have rocks thrown at them. I have it from someone that knows him in real life (who I was already friends with well before this comic existed) that he wore a fursuit to the graduation ceremony in which he received his Master's in music (with a focus on jazz performance, and jazz musicians are more arrogant cocksuckers than prog rock guitarists even), after which he demanded that people address him in real life as "Master Xale." Compared to that guy, I'm motherfucking Santa Claus.

Jeez man, what the hell are you trying to prove?

I'M HERE TO HAVE FUN ON THE INTERNET, SIR.

Its not like your convincing anyone to join your side. Just chill and stop going out of your way to be a dick.

No one in the entire history of the internet has ever convinced a complete stranger to change their mind on anything. You must be new here.

Freedom of the internet, allows people to act like dicks all they want with little to no reparations. I really don’t give a damn about your little triumphant argument back-story, all it shows is that you enjoy being an ass. You’re the sort of guy that is compulsively driven to have the last word no matter what. Because in your mind, the last word means you win. No matter how inane or petty or stupid the topic is. That being the case, any discussion with you is always going to turn into an arguement because you can't stop fucking talking. You think you relate to Marcus? They go out and argue for a cause that actually matters, instead of making fun of those unemployed. At this point your nothing but a troll and I can’t believe I’m wasting my time even writing this when I got work in the morning.

"I can't believe I'm wasting my time even writing this when I have to go do a double at the paint factory tomorrow, but I'm going to do it anyway because I'm a fucking crybaby nerd."
-This fuckin guy right here

Oh, and by the way, faving one picture, watching five artists, and putting your age on your profile doesn't hide your join date, which says that you made this account about an hour ago just to rage at me on. What, too much of a bitch to be who you are? Gotta hide behind a sockpuppet? Pussy.

Oh, I think Reis has great reasons. And I don't disagree that the spoiled attitude may contribute too, but if it were a safer job, I think Marcus wouldn't be protest either. I mean, Marcus doesn't seem completely stupid on the whole issue of wanting to help, he seemed to disapprove of the job Reis had because it wasn't really providing much. I'm sure Marcus won't sabotage him, but he'll probably ask him to be careful.

There are two sides to this....Neither side is completely in the right.

Reis is probably not trying to think about things in terms of risk or danger. Right now he's thinking about his own personal feelings and how things directly affect him....He's getting a full time job that probably pays better then anything else he's gotten since he got out of High School and considering he just has a GED getting offered this job IS a big thing for him. It's also a chance to contribute more directly in his relationship. This is is first real oppurtunity and he wants it badly enough to shut out Marcus and his concerns.

On the other side of things is Marcus's problem with the situation. There 'discussion' isn't so much a discussion as it is Marcus finding out at the last minute his boyfriend had been offered a career that would change their relationship on a fundamental level and getting almost zero input in how things play out.
He's also probably afraid the only reason Reis is doing this is because his mother Over-Dosed...

I rather think that Liam recommended Reis for a position with the police in the area that Reis and Marcus already live. Rather than having Reis move across country. The Psych Eval could have been done with a local police psychologist, provided the other local will accept that.

Wow, way to be supportive.. e_e

I'm getting the feeling Marcus's gonna be the one hurting after this, even if only for awhile. Reis looks damn determined, and in that "No one's gonna hold me back, not even *you*" state of mind.

This is quite painful but necesary. And well, they can keep in contact. But you cannot be someone's lover if you're his pet

reis become a cop he can be all in the way of mr priest ruining any more gay funerals. you should be happier marc!

Hmmm.. I wonder
Marcus is pretty good at getting his own way, plus for a long time in the relationship he has been the driving force. He got Reis off the conviction, he got Reis to move across country with him. But now it looks like Reis has his own plans and Marcus.. is not in control.

And I think that is throwing him a bit.

That's exactly it. And if I recall right, Marcus was a bit more well-off in his younger years, which would explain why he's doing things like college and such and able to support the two of them.

Marcus, for everything that's been going on with Reis, you need to back off and just shut it for awhile. ¬.¬ Sorry, but he's really just getting on my last nerves.

For what it's worth, speaking from my own current situation, and from what I know about plenty of others' lives, jobs are NOT easy to get right now, and this is no secret. Being handed an opportunity like this and being given the chance to run with it and prove you can handle it is something to encourage, not discourage, and Marcus should be able to handle a LITTLE separation. Trying to convince Reis out of this is a slice of selfishness, and I'm glad Reis isn't having any of it.

Yeah, that's some definite separation when the ship-outs happen. Otherwise, like I said to Yamato, I see it more coming from a spoiled angle than a worried-about-the-boyfriend thing.

I hope you feel super-gratified when Reis gets shot in the face by the Mexican cartel/space mafia and dies.

Then again, this is a comic. It might still happen.

After everything that's happened in this story from the beginning, I'm betting more on it being an inevitability rather than a mere might-still-happen.

Oh, and let's also consider that Marcus doesn't know these statistics off the top of his head because he, unlike us readers, doesn't have immediate access to Google, and therefore probably doesn't know these statistics and doesn't realize that his concerns about safety are unwarranted. Thus it's not impossible that he really is just worried about Reis and isn't just being selfish.

I'm assuming Marcus is either majoring in Pre-Law or Criminal Justice because he's planning to become a lawyer, so he should be at least vaguely familar with the statistics

He's focusing on gay rights litigation. Police fatality rates don't apply much to that field of law study.

I do think he should at least do a little research before throwing such a hissy fit. But you maybe right, he could just be really worried.

His boyfriend just got back and dropped this bombshell on him. Something tells me he wouldn't have thought to look up police fatality rates at any point while Reis was gone, so he's just responding with what conventional wisdom tells him off the top of his head, which is that police work is dangerous. I would think it appropriate to forgive him of his ignorance here since he's dealing with someone he loves.

And further, I don't know statistics on this for sure, but it would seem to me that a majority of police fatalities occur in large cities. We're not sure at this point where Reis's beat is going to be, but if he's planning on joining the force in the city they currently live in once he graduates from the academy, then he's putting himself at a much greater risk than a cop in a small town like the one they grew up in. From the cover of the comic and the repeated references they make to living in the city, I'm going to guess they live somewhere analogous to San Francisco.

And that brings me to another point. We don't know if Reis is going to work in his hometown or where they currently live, where Marc is going to school. So basically, either Reis is going to separate them, or he's going to be doing police work in a dangerous place to be doing police work. Either way, Marc has every right to be concerned and upset with this development.

I'm curious though. Are all 700,000 (actually 683,396 as of 2006) police officers in the US street-level personnel, or does that include desk-jockeys, radio people, and other support personnel? What's the injury rate, or what percentage end up disabled due to injuries sustained in the line of duty?

I have some friends that are police officers that have straight-up told me that it's common practice, when one confiscates three ounces of weed, to only report one or two ounces, and then just keep the rest. What are the odds that Reis will be able to resist the temptation of busting someone with a bottle of ill-gotten Oxies or half a kilo of Mexican black tar?

I can't say I know what they study in pre-law, so I'm not sure which class they teach you about cops in, but I would think that a majority of the material is centered around, you know, lawyer stuff, as opposed to statistics regarding police fatalities and the like. Law enforcement/criminal justice and law are related but entirely separate fields.

Yes, they're discussing it now, and he's raising these concerns at the beginning of their discussion, which they're apparently only about a minute or two into. He seems to have some preconceived notions about the risks inherent in law enforcement work, but I don't see Reis correcting him on those yet, so it's understandable that he should still have those within the first 60-120 seconds of discussion. People react to things based on preconceived notions all the time, so for them to react based on what they think they know is something to be expected until they're informed otherwise.

Oh well. I've said my piece as well. If you feel like offering a counter-rebuttal, do so by all means. If not, whatever. Internet.

Arguing on the internet is basically like armwrestling. Whoever gets tired and gives up first loses.

I use that same general line as a cop-out for when I'm arguing with someone about something and I'm too lazy to keep going but don't want them to feel like they've won, which says to me that you're feeling at least slightly defeated or annoyed here. Plus, you've got a whole buncha posts on here and other pages too, so don't front like you better than me, son.

Yup. I'd politely ask that you graciously admit defeat, but I wouldn't do that in your shoes, so I don't expect the same.

Vaya con Dios, amigo.

Yeah, sure, I see that happening in this comic. Mmmyep.

here here. I mean he hasnt thought Reis' life through. He has thought out HIS OWN life but here is Reis with JUST a GED and no idea what to do with his life. Reis needs a Career and Marcus doesn't get it (Or even want to)
I think Reis didn't tell marcus because he is doing something BIG and is so Worried about failing that he knew this will be One more Vicious argument he just doesnt have the energy for...
It seems like Reis knows that when he and Marcus argue it will be a Huge emotional Fight that it wears Reis down...

Let me ask you this, just out of curiosity. Would you say that you personally identify with Reis more than you do Marcus? If so, why?

Well I guess I see a lot of him in me.. Working ethic... Finding out what to do in life.. being independent.. easily depressed... bad parents...

I wonder how many other furries see that in him...

From the looks of it, most do.

But you don't think he at least owes Marcus enough to talk to him before taking this step though? Marcus did help him out of trouble in Cruelty, which is why he was able to get this job in the first place. Marcus also helped him get off of the opiates and gave him a place to live. Marcus has done a huge amount for Reis, and without him, he'd be in jail, on the street, or dead.

I agree that they should be talking (and are talking now)
But Many overlook that Reis is Scared he Might FAIL at getting IN to the police force.
Getting into the police force is NOT EASY!! Its a huge thing and its something that REIS has to deal with... So 1) he has to get INTO the police force
2) he has to ACCEPT he is going to be a COP
On top of all that he has to deal with his Boyfriend and Marcus' SHIT as well
Why dont people address the first two items on my list ...

So in other words, it's important that Marcus not voice any concerns about whether or not this is a good idea because he might stress Reis out and disrupt Reis's ability to rush headlong into it, and that would make him feel bad. Something like that?

no its important to the READER to keep that in mind when judging whether Reis is being a DICK when he waited until now to tell Marcus about the job...

Did you think Marcus was being a dick for kissing Reis at work? If so, then you must also consider Reis a dick for hiding this from Marcus for a solid week under the false pretense that he just needed an extra week to grieve. Otherwise you're a hypocrite.

Note, there was no exact "reason" given as to why he stayed for an extra week. For all you know, Reis could have just said "I'm going to stay an extra week, I'll tell you why when I get home". He never said he was staying an extra week to grieve, nor does Marcus ever allude to such an excuse being given. Just sayin', so no, nothing hypocritical there.

Fair enough, but he didn't say "Hey, I'm staying a week to do some preliminary stuff for becoming a cop." That's a huge thing. It's only sensible to tell your partner about something like that, so he's at the very least inconsiderate.

But again, he's Team Reis's perfect lil' angel, so he's beyond criticism for doing things that are arguably worse than anything Marcus has done so far.

Nope, and he probably didn't want to say anything to have this sort of reaction from Marcus over the phone, much less have it happen over the phone and then possibly have his boyfriend stewing a week only to come home and say "Nevermind, I didn't pass the psych test, I'm not going to be a cop." Nope, that's not fair to Marcus and that wouldn't be utterly humiliating and embarrassing to Reis, not at all.

Because life revolves around Reis and his feels (and by extension, yours, mirite?)

Considering I just pointed out that Reis spared Marcus a week of worrying and wondering about his boyfriend maybe becoming a cop or not without the ability to speak about such things face to face, I think that Reis did something very considerate for Marcus. Had he told Marcus and left him agonizing over it for a week and then came home to tell him, "Sorry, I made you worry for nothing", would that have been kinder to Marcus?

Kinder than keeping secrets. Secrets fuck the shit out of good relationships.

And the good relationships are the ones that have no need to keep secrets. Frankly, if I had a boyfriend like Marcus, I would do the same thing and avoid the drama over the subject as best I can and make sure I can think clearly to make the best choice without any undue stress. But then, I wouldn't have a boyfriend like Marcus anyway, so the point is moot.

You don't have a boyfriend at all though.

Keyword is "if" here. But no, I don't.

Allow me to offer my opinion, based on what I've read from you so far, as a perfect stranger on the internet that you've only just met.

You're apparently an adult man (I assume), broke, unemployed, living with parents, and blaming said parents for your own situation despite your intentions to try and escape said situation.

Do you think they pay hard-earned money in these exceptionally grim economic times to feed and clothe you and put up with you living in their house so you won't die in the street because they don't care? Do you think that being "soft-hearted" and "easily swayed by the emotional reactions of others" is really a valid excuse not to take ownership of your life?

Marcus is admittedly flawed, but he's the reason Reis isn't homeless. Likewise, your parents are apparently the reason that you are not homeless. You've basically just told me that your parents, to you, are akin to what you perceive as a completely self-centered and inconsiderate boyfriend in the sense that they're trying to stifle your growth as a person and hold you back, that they're doing what they do to poor little you out of selfishness. Hell, Marcus doesn't even support Reis with his own money; it's his parents' trust fund. Your parents are supporting you with their money. One or both of them are working their ass off so you can sit around and look at furry shit on the internet all day because you "can't find a job," and they're the selfish ones?

Perhaps the only sensible thing you've expressed is a desire not to get into a relationship yet, which is spot-on because you are absolutely not mature enough to handle one of those if you really are stuck in the sort of completely egocentric mindset that projects its own selfishness onto everyone around you. You'd lose every single one of them with that way of thinking, and this is also where you begin to differ from Reis. Reis recognizes he'd be goddamn dead in a ditch without Marcus, so he wants to give back and contribute financially. You, on the other hand, seem to resent the support you've been given, and want to be able to get away from your parents and support yourself only so that you don't have to compromise any of your immediate wants with the needs of others. For Reis, this isn't just about feeling purposeless; it's as much about feeling beholden to Marcus as anything. He doesn't want to get away from him and be independent, he wants to give back what he's been given. You're apparently not mature enough to even understand that, hence why Marcus (and your parents) seem selfish to you.

Let me tell you, reading your post about your parents elsewhere, I could've written exactly that a few years ago. I had issues with my dad even though he was basically paying my way through life. I couldn't understand why he was being so hard on me and why he couldn't understand how hard my life was because of all the emotions and shit I had going on. Boo hoo, right? Long story short, I grew up. I support myself and I enjoy living in New Orleans, one of the most fantastic (if a little dangerous) cities in the world. My dad is proud of me, I'm proud of me, and life is good. Looking at your way of thinking is like looking at a reflection of myself from a few years ago and I just want to slap the shit out of it for how stupid it is.

In short, I sincerely hope you do get out from under your parents, see how hard this shit is, and then you truly learn to appreciate how much others have done for you and how easy you currently have it.

I appreciate your opinion because it does give me insight as to how others might view me without knowing me. That being said, I'll offer these answers, and leave it at that. Yes, I live at home, I'm unemployed, I live in a part of the country where jobs aren't that prevalent. I don't really fit here, I have tried to move out in the past, and would have done so had things not happened like they did. Do I regret the choices I've made? You bet I do. Would I have done things differently? Most certainly. I blame myself for the choices I've made. Do I blame my parents for perpetuating those choices and being an outside influence and imposing their will on me? Yes, I do, as much as I blame myself for allowing them to. Do I know I'm not mature enough to be able to handle a relationship? Yes. Do I want to learn how to survive in the world? Most certainly. There are a lot of circumstances that someone like you who doesn't know me won't know and may never understand even if you did know them, though. I don't even expect most of my closest friends to understand them either because, simply put, they've never had to live through them quite like I have, and I know I will never understand some circumstances in others' lives that are worse off than me. I will correct you on this though - I do understand that I'm quite fortunate to have the folks I do, the fact that they love me and want me safe. I would love to, when I DO move out and make my life better, do things for them like send them cash and pay them back for all the support they've given me and return the favor because I love them. I have told them I hate being the financial burden I am, and I've been scolded for saying as such, but no matter how much they deny it, I know I am. And it's for that reason that I understand Reis and his desire to be a cop in the moment - he wants to pull his weight, he wants to do things for Marcus, he wants to provide, he wants to be responsible. I feel the same way. I'm not proud of myself, I'm not proud of my life. I know that part of how I've been is self-destructive. I want to change that.

Funny how this conversation's gone tonight. Started out because you got on the bandwagon of defending a character who, whether you want to admit it or not, has had a track record of coming off as a douchebag in multiple situations, and in turn have said things at times that have made you yourself come off as such as well. I felt the urge to correct you on some details, it degenerated into personal attacks and personal details about personal lives. In the end I've put a lot of myself out there for examples as to why I honestly find Reis more as a relate-able character and why I don't like Marcus as a person/character, and doing as such leaves me open to being judged. Predictably, you have done just that. In the end, does that change me and who I am? Generally, no. Did what you say make me stop and think? Of course. I wouldn't have replied otherwise. It may make me think about things later on, but in the end, the opinions that matter to me are those of people that matter to me, who're friends and loved ones. I don't know you and you're not a friend, so your opinion doesn't carry the weight others may and do. On that, I will say this - Marcus doesn't need a white knight to defend him and his actions to everyone who disagrees with him and who he is. It'd be no different if I went around making comments at others for liking Frank in  vivisection_bob's comic Cheap Thrills. He creeps me the heck out, but he seems to be loved by so many folks, which I find creepy. I don't go around making comments at others for it though and trying to convince everyone to not like him. It's none of my business. People don't like Marcus. Suck it up, deal with it. Simple as that. And with that, I bid you farewell.

Dude, believe it or not, I do this for fun.

This is a time that Regis should be supportive....

I'm really loving how this is panning out. Great story, and great art as always Rukis.

Hmmm... What is this I smell? A smoking gun and blood? Oh my, the plot just keeps on thickening.

Why do I believe he's gonna have to move out?

Marcus is freaking out over other's life choices, and I love it. Nice swing in this direction, Rukis. Very nice and entertaining. Can't wait to see what's next!

Way to be supportive Marcus.

considering the massive sexiness reis already has. the sexiness he will have in a police uniform may be the most powerful force in the known universe

Maybe Lou will team up with him, then nothing will stop their reign of sexiness of ALL THAT! I can see the buddy cop movie right now...

WOOOOW!!! GETTING BETTER!!!!

*Sighs*
I knew Marcus wasn't going to be happy about this. :(

uh oh! trouble in paradise!

:/

Marc.

Marc.

Hey.

Stop bein' a lil' bitch.

Thanks.

this

Oh Reis, that was the work of your lawyer and a prosecuting attorney who didn't really care about trying to convict you as an adult even though you were by definition one. On top of that, promise to do the rehab thing, have enough witnesses and people to back your character and honestly it's just easier for the prosecution to plea this one out seal the record and move on. Marcus' big part was bailing you out and suggesting you get a private attorney (Though there are actually some good attorneys that work as public defenders). Then he held your head while you puked.

Marcus has a real control problem. He's gotta learn that you just can't always have everything you want the way you want all the time. When it comes to Reis (and it may be subconscious) he wants him dependent on him all the time. He has to learn people do make decisions in their own lives for better or worse. We all make decisions in our lives that we don't consult our significant others on right away. In this case he hasn't signed on the dotted line yet (at least that's how I've read it) and he could always withdraw if he ultimately decides it's not right for him. Instead of fussing and moaning about how "crazy" it is Marcus needs to be supportive IF he really loves Reis.

After all, Reis NEEDS structure and he needs to feel like he's doing something for himself and possibly for a greater good. This sounds like he is either thinking of joining the military or the police. Both of which potentially can help him have that structure he needs to become a better more independent man who doesn't HAVE to (and he feels like he has to) rely on his boyfriend for everything.

One thing that I quite enjoy from this comic as compared to the original is how much everyone can look at these situations, characters and their actions and have such a wide array of differing opinions. Reminds me a little of the Civil War in Skyrim: The Stormcloaks vs. the Empire; there is no clear good vs. evil, just one group of infallible people against an equally faulty group of people. Compared to Cruelty, I think this is another improvement in your storytelling, Rukis. Plus reading through the comment sections is somewhat of a dessert.

Anyway, best of luck on finishing this comic now that you're past the half-way mark, Rukis. Also, yes, Marcus needs to wear leather more often, although I wonder what other pieces of attire he has in his closet.

Yeah, it's really interesting to see people argue different sides here. Just goes to show of varied life really is.

In my own opinion, Reis could have atleast called Marcus about this. Even if he wanted to get back at Marcus, which I feel is rather justified, doing this is no better than the way Marcus has been acting earlier.

I think that still he should have told him beforehand...

I love the look on Reis' face in the bottom left panel. Amazing work as always.

A cop and a lawyer? That's a GREAT pairing! Lighten up, Marc! ...besides you're not gonna be there in school forever.

Kind of makes you wonder which character represents Law & Order: On the one hand, Reis becoming a cop would reflect his occupation and his inner struggle with his emotional outbursts, controlling it as best as he can; however, Marcus does seem to be the more dominant character in this relationship, despite being a flaming, submissive fox who seems to try cutting corners--which is exactly what a lawyer is, but not exactly a fitting image for justice or the Law, wouldn't you say?

You could probably spend a lot more time analyzing each character and finding similarities and differences up the wazoo! I think Marcus is mostly, not entirely, upset because he did not tell him why he stayed for over a week without informing him. He is more concerned with Reis's well-being in this case, although you could say he is being too demanding as well.

Reasons the disagree
-it's dangerous
Reason to agree
-Reis would look even hotter in a police uniform (he can arrest me anytime)
*wags tail*

you got some dark magic in those fingers

I love this series. It shows a Real, Honest-to-God relationship, complete with deep, well-characterized personalities each with his own flaws, strengths, and evolving motivations.

Reis is lucky, and Marcus is scared that Reis is letting him go by putting a job and career ahead of staying right with him constantly.
But Marcus is such a sweet little Fennec, and Reis is such a musclehead of an endearing Wuff, that you can't help but symathize with both of them.

well i was hoping marcus would be happier about this sincerely

Actually... ,that took me by surprise, i thought Marcus would be a lot happier too... curious to where this is going to go now

I love this comic. drama! haha.

and I'm saying it because someone has to! X3

Am I the only one that's looking at Reis's wardrobe and going... huh? panel three looks like there's no sleeve, panel 6 hoodie becomes leather jacket? or am I just really tired and not seeing things right?

you're right about the sleeve, but no, the hoodie's the same in panel 6, the shading's just a bit darker. Still the same grey undertone, though

Half right! Goud enough for me! Haha thanks for the clarification. :3

God..

Marc is a selfish asshole

Oh yea and I should add..

Just because you do your training in ONE place doesn't mean that's where you will be stationed. Let the man have some drive and accomplishment in his life.

Poor Marcus, he is gone for good.

These two are such a destructive, mismatched pair. Both are jerks to each other and are very inconsiderate. It's odd, because they annoy me, but I can't stop reading. It's all the DRAMA BOMBS. Mah hart can't take it!

It feels like the story moved too quickly here from the previous page.

Ive said this on the stream. I am disappointed but i am still for the character.

I agree. Marc looks good in leather. All he needs now is to "...wear sunglasses at night..."

umm.. in the 2nd pannel marc's eyes look kinda crooked..... idk could just be me though...

heeeeey, do we ever get to see Lou again?

Look at it this way...

Reis is taking the steps necessary to set up his plan. He is not so far in that he cannot back out. He is discussing it prior to that point.
Marcus went through with his plan without consulting Reis.

While being a police officer will be dangerous, Marcus' 'protest' was as well. Somebody got a nasty gash, and they all raised the animosity bar; something that could come back later to haunt them.

I also question, though, why Reis couldn't find 5 seconds to phone/e-mail/text Marcus the idea though. >_>

"My record's clean"...
Does he mean only drugs? Did Lou/the boss not report it? I see that incident possibly becoming a speed-bump in the process...

cop time? ^^

OHMYSWAG.
A fellow furry police officer :'DDD <333
100X more interested, as if I wasn't already, egah, <333

When it comes down to it, job > relationship. Some things are just more important. Gotta keep the streets safe for the kids and such.

I just love that second-last panel .. Reis looks so determined to do this.

Honest question, Im curious to know what is a "GED"?.


PS. And its good to see Reis wanting to become a cop. You know infact use to be a cop, i was head of Detroit's SWAT, (well until the infamous Mexicantown massacre, the less said about the better. Its's a blemish on an otherwise emaculate career of mine).

Your probaly thinking i must've been heartbroken at leaving the force though... But, well to be honest yeah a part of me was, i mean SWAT was a part of me i served loyally for years. Its hard to just leave that behind. But looking back in hindsight, leaving the police force was the best thing i ever did, for it put me in touch with David Sarif & Sarif Industries... And well as they say the rest is history.

You were head of a SWAT team/department...and you're 18 years old? o.0

I lol'd

You don't it get do you?. What i wrote was Adam Jensen's backstory/lore. He's the main protagonist in the video game Deus Ex: Human Revolution (a prequel to the original Deus Ex), and my avatar is of him. And as Reis was talking of becoming a cop (and as Adam was a cop before becoming chief of security at Sarif Industries), but i just thought i'd delivier his backstory but in a more fleshed out way, humorous way.

Its a joke, but it clearly failed XD :).

Jokes? I never asked for this...

Uh huh.

My bad then. But you did not make it very clear.

Yeah i failed in that regard. I assumed people knew what i was talking about. I kinda thought being very clear might ruin the joke, make it to obvious, but i guess i could've been more clear. But there's always another day :).

PS. Have you played DX:HR?, if you haven't you should sometime. IMHO its a great story-driven game. Its gameplay mechanics are a mixture of FPS (First Person Shooter), stealth-action with very well done RPG elements all set in a somewhat futuristic, Blade Runner-esque cyberpunk world (accompanied with a fantastic ambient electro soundtrack in the background).

Its awesome XD.

Yeah, not everyone plays the same games, or plays games at all. ^^'

Just mis-communication. Sorry =3

BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :P

And let the hate of Marcus begin... Again! lol Anyway I can understand Marcus on this, it could be as simple as he's worried about Marcus. Police work where ever it be patrol or corrections (as I'm not sure where he's trying to get a job) can be dangerous line of work. And not to speak of the stress that can be brought home from the job. All I'm going to say about it is; I did my time in this line of work and I know just how rough it can be of you allow it.

Honestly what I see from Marcus is that he really loves Reis. So much do that he feels the need to shelter him. That's does not in the least bit make him a bad guy, he's just overly concerned. Hell I'm the same way with the people I'm close with. Anyway for the rest I'll just have to wait and see the outcome.

Yeah, but people want to see Reis looking hot in a police uniform and they're jealous of Marc because Reis is fucking him and not them, so who cares about any of that, right?

"I'm here for the story, not the porn!" Uh huh.
I think these comments I keep reading just mirror their true selves of the posters here and just what doucebags they really are. And with that I hope there place the in basement is nice and comfy, because the're going to be there a very long time.

I knows why

For the record, you take a civil service/entrance exam before you're accepted on a conditional offer of employment, THEN a psych is given, after which you start academy. Depending on how long it's been since Reis has used and in what quantity when he did, IRL it'd normally be an enormous hindrance in the background examination.

Aside from that, I like this turn of events. On this page, not the next one. =D

what a jerk he should be happy for him what a selfish guy

i would just like to point out a weird sliver which could be called the 7th frame right at the bottom in between the 2 main ones.. i dont get it, other then that the story here is good thus far

lol, that's just the wall behind Reis :P

Welp, looks like I'm two for two. Wonder how many other people on here are only capable of sympathizing with Reis because they're broke/live with parents.

Bingo!

Nice page.

this comic is so great T^T