When Ray Met Clarisse: The Handshake (Prologue)

The story behind this picture is as explained from the following events that take place in this alternate timeline of Clarisse and Ray. While Clarisse came home working from her multiple jobs, she caught her ex Flip the Frog cheating on her with another woman. Out of disgust and humiliation she left with most of her stuff and never looked back. Two years have went by since that day and she's moved into a new town and a new home, a modern day apartment in good ol' Burbank, California. She still works multiple jobs but has no interest of relationships or flings of any sort. One day while taking a stroll on the sidewalk through Burbank's blue sky and grassy hills, she manages to turn the head of every single guy that walks her way. For some reason though while passing by an oblivious Ray Lee Rabbit, she noticed he doesn't look at her like all the other guys have done so far and it peaks her curiosity. From doing this though Ray finally looks back at her and notices her staring at him. This startles and embarrasses Clarisse as she then pretends to act like she wasn't staring by looking in the other direction while humming. She then looks back and sees Ray walking towards her with a oblivious look on his face. This startles Clarisse as she then went to present herself before him while trying to play it cool. Ray then puts one hand behind his back while sticking out the other for a proper handshake. Clarisse then goes along with this and places one hand on her thigh and hip while she sticks out the other to shake his hand back, thus sparking an interesting encounter between two different characters from two different worlds it seems.

Ray Lee Rabbit: *He looks at Clarisse while shaking her hand asking her in a deep but raspy Rhode Island Bugs Bunny accent* "What's shakin pretty kitty? The name's Ray Lee Rabbit.".

Clarisse Cat: *She then went to giggle at Ray for being so honest and respectful at the same time about her looks. It made her heart flutter from his gentleman like behavior that it made her feel joyous and made her smile from ear to ear, blushing slightly from the generous question he just asked her. She started to stare at him with half lid eyes as she decided to give him a flirtatious response to his generous question* "Pretty Kitty? If you think so cutie bunny. My name is Clarisse Cat. Pleasure to meet you".

Ray Lee Rabbit: "Likewise toots, it's a pleasure ta be greeted by a sight for sore eyes!". *He chuckled at his little joke about Clarisse's looks for he himself knew it was the truth while still being respectful and having a oblivious smile and look on his face*

Clarisse Cat: *She giggles at Ray once more as they're still shaking hands and starts blushing yet again over his respectful yet humorous comment about her beauty. Her eyebrows and expression around her eyelids went downward as she was startled but flattered by his generous and respectful nature and remarks. She couldn't help but feel this warm feeling in her chest and the feeling of butterflies in her stomach, while all the more still giving him a loving gaze and looking at him with half lid eyes* "Oh cut it out Ray, you're making me blush over here...".

Ray Lee Rabbit belongs to aero1729 or Aaron Rodriguez(Which is yours truly!!!).

Clarisse Cat belongs to Eric W. Schwartz!!!

PS: Go check out some of Eric Schwartz cartoons over on YouTube or where you can watch videos. They were done on his Amiga computer years ago in the 90s and they're actually pretty funny! I highly suggest checking them out!! Been a fan of this guy and his style for years!!! And also he has done many comic strips over the years of Sabrina Online and I highly suggest checking those out if you haven't already!!

PSS: The photo of the drawing that was drawn by aero1729 was taken by a (2021) Moto G Play. The date of the photo taken and also the date the picture was created and fully finished was February 17th, 2025 of this year. And if anyone's wondering whether I traced either Ray Lee Rabbit or this specific pose of Clarisse Cat from the past, you're wrong. Remember, I DO NOT TRACE ANY OF MY ARTWORK!!! It takes away from the idea and originality of the art piece completely. If you really want something drawn, pay close attention and focus on every single detail of the reference. But always make sure to add your own twists in design features and character design. It honestly makes a HUGE difference when it comes to your artwork!! ^w^