FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Welcome back, my lovely reader~

Being a writer is my dream job but it has full-time hours and doesn't pay the bills. I want to keep writing these stories for everyone to enjoy and your support on Ko-Fi helps make that happen. I also appreciate non-financial support like faving, voting, and following me here or on Twitter or BlueSky. Thank you so much for your continued support! Please enjoy the episode.

And with that out of the way…

Welcome back, my lovely reader!

Phew… that was pretty heavy last episode, wasn’t it, my lovely? Real talk, I even teared up a few times and I wrote it! I really do open up the tap and pour my emotions into my writing, the good and the bad. Then again maybe I’m just an emotional crybaby, who knows?

I’ll not keep you in the past too much longer, we’ll be caught up by the end of this episode, but brace yourself, it’s not going to be a smooth ride. You’ll see some familiar wolves though!

Let’s jump right in!

—*—

Episode 3:

I’ll Have to say I love you in a song

“'Cause every time I tried to tell you, The words just came out wrong, So I'll have to say I love you in a song”

“Gods damn it, James!” Leo snarled as he threw his mic to the floor and spun on the corgi at the keyboard.

“That was you, asshole! I was in time!” The dog snarled back, grabbing his knit cap and throwing it down as his own hands slammed to his deck, both of them glaring.

Max moved over with his hands up. “Whoa, whoa, let’s calm down-”

“Shut up!” Both the ram and corgi snarled simultaneously at the rat. Max showed his teeth in a scowl before putting his hands on his hips, looking ready to throw his own retort back at them.

The audio clicked in the booth as the sound director spoke in from the intercom. “I hate to interrupt your bromance, but that was on you EB, half a clip late on the flow.”

The ram hissed through his teeth and snatched his mic up off the floor, James offering a victorious smirk before settling back at his keyboard.

“Fuck sake…” Leo sighed and rubbed at his face.

“We’ve been at it for like nine hours, boss. Maybe you need a breather,” James called out in a sympathetic tone as he tucked his dark locks back into his cap.

The idol gave a nod and pointed to the sound tech. “Let’s call it a wrap for today, we’ll pick it up tomorrow.”

“You gonna apologize for cussing me out like fifty times today, boss?” James quipped dryly as they sat at a table in a local place, the two of them working on a couple of beers.

“I told you I was a mother fucker before you signed on, deal with it.” Leo snarled and took another drink of his own beer.

“You gave me that impassioned bullshit about us harmonizing, hanging out like bros and shit so we’d be in tune together, but we can’t really vibe if you hate my guts, boss.” The corgi shrugged and took another sip of his beer. “I’ll play for you, I’ll make it sound good, but you won’t get the harmony you want cussing me like a dog constantly.”

Leo rubbed his face and sighed as he glared down at his half drank beer. “I don’t hate you, James, you’re an alright guy, I’m just a piece of shit, okay?”

The corgi perked an ear and tilted his head. “You wanna talk about it a bit?”

“Fuck you.” Leo snarled and sipped his beer, glaring off at nothing in particular.

“Suit yourself, popstar.” James finished the last of his beer and stood to get up, then perked his ears as the ram grabbed his wrist, hard.

Leo’s green eyes met his brown ones, looking more furious than he'd ever seen them before as he hissed out his words in a whisper, “James… don’t you ever… ever call me that a-fucking-gain… are we clear?”

He saw he’d opened something very dangerous and personal up as he gave the ram a nod. “Won’t happen again boss, my apologies for hitting a tender spot, wasn’t my-”

“Shut up… fuck off.” Leo let him go and turned back to his beer.

James shrugged and walked off, leaving the ram to his drink. Leo gave a sigh as he stared at what beer was left in the glass, shaking his head again as he ran a hand through his hair. His ears lifted as a new beer slapped down on the table James settling back into the seat before him with his own refilled drink.

“I thought I told you to fuck off?” Leo grumbled as he sat up fully.

“I did fuck off. I fucked off to the bar and came back.” The corgi sipped on his new beer as the ram scowled at him.

“Feeling stubborn tonight, James? I can still just have the studio assign me a keyboard guy.” The ram turned up his mostly-drank beer, pushing the glass to the side before snatching the new one up.

“So do it, big guy. Good luck finding harmony with a bunch of random fuckers. I can already tag on my resume I toured with Electric Blue.” The corgi set him with a flat look.

“Calling my bluff? Never a good idea, James. I don’t fucking bluff… You know how many assholes I’ve sacked on these tours?”

“That a point of pride for you, boss? Careful you don’t run off too many of the important ones, you might diva yourself out of a fucking job if no one will work with you.”

Leo clenched his teeth and shook his head, his eyes getting distant. “The fuck man… you doing this shit on purpose?”

James cocked a brow and took a sip of his beer before answering, “Doing what? Calling you out for being a dick bag?”

The ram grunted and stared down at his new beer, glaring at it as he grew silent. James sighed and reached over to smack his shoulder. “It’s a bitch, right?”

“She isn’t a bitch!” Leo shouted back without thinking.

James whistled and pulled his hand back, giving a nod. “So it is girl woes, that’ll do it. What’s the story, Leo?”

“Fuck off assho-” He grunted as the corgi gave his shoulder a light shove.

“You fuck off… talk to me, you wanna fucking vibe and trust me with your lyrics, time to fucking open up, asshole.” James glared at the ram before taking another sip of his beer.

They were around the same age, James just a few months younger. The other band members Leo had were in their thirties or later and James did have a lot of similar musical interests. Then again, he also liked a bunch of stuff the idol didn’t, but that just made his skills more varied.

“Well? You can’t vibe with someone you hate, Leo.” James set him with a hard look.

The ram sighed and pushed his fingers through his hair again. “Several bands past and present would argue that one with you, James, but… I get it… Uh… okay but this stays between us, I’m telling you shit only Max knows.”

“What shit?” The corgi showed him a grin before sipping his drink and setting him with another expectant look. “What’s her name?”

“Flia, Flia Price.”

The corgi was taking another sip when he snorted, coughing a little. “Flia Price? You were with mother fucking, Flia Price?!”

Leo hissed and looked away. “Something like that…”

James just shook his head. “Son of a bitch… I rubbed a few out to some of her music videos when I was younger… damn…”

The ram winced at that and gave a dry cough. “Uh… TMI, James?”

“Yeah yeah, I’m in good company, sex sells, you’d know that Mr. sex symbol, how many guys and gals you think are getting off to you?” James fired back as he snapped his fingers into a finger gun at the ram.

“So yeah, I feel so much fucking better now, James. Good talk, thanks!” Leo snarled and stood from the table.

“Sit down, Leo… fuck…” The corgi sighed and leaned back in his chair. “What happened, man?”

“I was a piece of shit.” Leo flopped back down and took a sip of his beer.

“No offense but isn’t that fucking normal for you?”

“Not at the time… she was… trying to protect me, trying to help me. I just… I fucking lashed out, said shit I couldn’t take back. I made her cry, made the doe I loved… the girl that made me Electric Blue…” He shuddered as it crashed in and pushed a hand to his face, covering his eyes.

James gave an awkward frown, shifting to pat the idol’s shoulder firmly. “Gods man… we fuck up, it’s what we do, Leo… we fuck up, we try to learn, and try to not be as bad next time…”

“I don’t want a next time, James… Especially after trying with that little cunt a while ago that just used me and ditched me. I just wanna be on stage where I don’t have to think… I got my fans, I got my music family, that’s enough. I don’t need to trash anyone else’s heart.”

“You’ll sing a different tune when the right bitch comes along.” James slapped his shoulder again and leaned back. “You tried talking to her?”

The ram shook his head. “She wouldn’t respond to shit, I left a letter for her with the record company, fuck if I know she even got it.”

“Then you did all you can do, Leo. Let it be, you gotta move forward and so does she.”

“I don’t feel better, James… but I do appreciate you making me run my mouth about it a little, getting it off my chest to someone other than Max.”

Leo flicked his eyes to the tv at the lounge they were at, seeing himself on it. Nothing new as he read the closed captions. “In entertainment news, pop sensation Electric Blue has agreed to produce a new studio album followed by a North American tour later this year. He broke onto the scene while touring with Flia Price, his title track from his last album True Blue Avenue stayed at number one for over eight weeks. This will be his second studio album.”

The green irises shuddered in his eyes, growing wide as Flia appeared next on the TV. “Speaking of Flia Price! The Idol who is notorious for her sexually charged performances has agreed to her own new studio album with a potential North American tour to follow. This will make the diva’s seventh LP in her eight-year career.”

Leo was standing now, his nails digging into the table as James looked over his shoulder, his own eyes widening at the story. “She… she got another LP… gods…” Leo just fell back into the chair as he whispered the words, tears clearly showing on his cheeks as he shook his head

James cocked a brow. “Woah, wait a second, why are you crying? Isn’t that a good thing?”

“Yeah… ha ha… yeah it is man…” Leo shook his head as he wiped his face, composing himself. “Sorry… give me a second.”

“Oh gods forbid you show some emotions other than fucking anger. Get it out man, I ain’t here to judge…” James smiled and tilted his head. “You’re… happy for her huh?”

“Yeah… She was worried they’d put her on ice after her tour, worried she wasn’t a factor anymore.” Leo shuddered and composed himself with a nod. “Thanks, James… glad I had a friendly ear around when I got that news.”

“Uh… sure, what are… friends for?” The corgi showed him a smug grin.

“Friends huh?” Leo showed his own grin, hesitating before holding his fist up like Max would do. The keyboardist just gave their knuckles a knock then went back to his beer.

—*—

The short little brunette cat slinked up to Flia, pushing her thick-framed glasses up on her nose. “Flia, you doing alright? It’s almost showtime.”

The doe spun around in her makeup chair, crossing her legs before pushing a hand to her knee. “I’ll be perfect like always, Millia. That’s what I do.”

“This is our last show, then it’s back in the studio. You sure you don’t need a vacation?” The manager quirked a brow.

“I need a vacation like I need a bullet in my head, Millia, but I can survive without you a few weeks if you need to take some time.” The doe offered her as much of a smile as she could muster.

Millia shrugged and shifted her own brown eyes away. “So… Neon Sunset dropped a month ago, he’s already on tour promoting it, you gave it a listen?”

“I’ve only heard the title track, it’s climbing fast, thankfully the boy seems to be able to write shit that tops even without my bullshit attached, that’s good, yeah?” Flia lifted her ears and tilted her chin.

“You heard Synthetic Heartache? Fifth track out of twelve.” Millia offered her a blank look.

Her birthday was in May, but that had to be a coincidence, right? “No… I haven’t, should I?”

“No, you shouldn’t. Not if you want to pull your last show of the tour off, but yeah, I think you should after.” The cat laid a copy of the album down on the counter before turning for the door. “Curtain call in fifteen, get moving diva.”

Flia slowly stood, putting her hands on her hips to mentally prepare for the show, her eyes burning. She couldn’t focus, all she could see was his face. Her teeth clenched as she opened her eyes and grabbed the CD right up, shoving it into the player in the room, dialing it straight to track five.

Her ears flicked as the synth kicked in, he’d upgraded his game since the last album. Leo’s voice came in clear as her eyes burned to hear it. “You got your heart broken love? Ha… Let me tell you, baby… I’d shatter my soul to mend yours.”

Flia stood there with her teeth gritted, the main course coming in as he sang his regrets, sang his self-hate, “You love me, but what part? Everything at the cost of your broken heart.”

She was sobbing by the time the song finished, little hics coming from her throat as she looked into the mirror, her eyes bloodshot, her makeup streaked with tears. “Leo… are you punishing me? Do you hate me so much?” She folded her arms, crying into them.

Millia pushed into the room and slapped a hand to her forehead. “Gods damn it, Flia! I told you to wait, I was just giving it to you before I forgot!”

“Fuck off, get out!” The idol sobbed out, looking up at her with a glare.

“Gods damn it, Flia!” Her own heels clicked as she trotted over to her. “Get over here, come here…” She took out a handkerchief and started drying her tears. “Stupid… I told you to wait…”

“Y-You left it here and d-didn’t… hic… think I’d fucking…” She sobbed out again before taking a ragged breath in.

“I wish you’d never have met that boy, he’s broken your heart to pieces, sweetie…” Millia patted her cheeks off. “Let me get Nikki in here to get that touched up.”

“No! I fucked his heart over first! I should have been braver, I should have just said how I felt! How… I felt…” She snarled and clenched her fist, standing up with tears rolling down her cheeks. “I’m… I’m still a professional… let’s go!”

Millia yelled out, “Flia! Wait! You can’t go out there like that!”

The cat followed after her as the idol strode to the stage, tears still rolling down her cheeks. Her own keyboard guy looked shocked to see her in such a state, makeup ran with tears as she snarled through a hic, “Can you play True…Blue Avenue?”

He nodded at her and she glared at the whole band. “Were opening with it!” She practically screamed the words as she stomped over to her spot.

Her fans screamed in a thunderous roar as the curtain rose, the laser lights spiraling into chromatic rainbows as she just stood there, tears showing on her cheeks, fists clenched. The excitement slowly faded as she just stood there, clearly huffing out as she fought back sobs, before long the whole concert hall was hushed.

Flia ground her teeth, burying it all before throwing her hand back, a loud snap of her finger filling the entire hall before her band started the opening of a song that wasn’t hers. She never did covers at her shows but it didn’t matter. Of course, her fans had heard the rumors, had heard he wrote it for her.

The idol cried out the opening lyrics in a heart-wrenching pitch that made the whole audience shudder. She had it all tuned out, just pacing the stage, one hand clenched to her chest as she sang his song, sang the song he wrote for her, the song that symbolized what she had done to him and he to her.

She sang the whole thing, her tears flowing all the while, a sorrowful story of lovers parting, apologizing to one another, and hopelessly trying to salvage while slowly accepting the inevitable. Once the final line was finished the beat faded, and she just stood there, fists clenched, teeth gritted. Flia shuddered and whispered softly into the mic, “Sorry loves… had to get that out of my system… Welcome to the last night of my tour…”

—*—

Leo was carrying the high note, his mind a million miles away. It was Synthetic Heartbreak and he hated it so much. Why did he make another fucking song for her? Did he enjoy torturing himself? His eyes were closed as he drew the melody out, burning like they always did.

Suddenly the synth just stopped as he gasped and snapped his eyes open, tears in them as he heard a loud yelp from a young girl that was being grabbed by some security. She had gotten on stage, James had jumped off his deck to block her approach, snarling in a stance like he had been ready to tackle her. It stalled her enough for security to grab her but it didn’t change the fact he had to drop the board to do it.

“You okay, EB?” He growled as he eased himself and started moving back to his deck. Leo blinked a few times as he tried to process everything, giving the corgi a quick nod.

“S-Sorry about that, loves! Being famous is dangerous huh?” He laughed into the mic then called out to the security goons. “Thanks guys!” He snarled to himself in his head ‘lazy son of a bitches!’

“Okay! Let pick back up with- Ah… let’s move on to the next song, Yeah!” He huffed out and clenched a fist as James gave him an understanding nod and moved on to the opening of the next song in the planned set.

“She had what!?” Leo screamed out as he looked right into James’ brown eyes as the corgi gave him a nod after the show.

“Scissors, I’m no coward, Leo, but uh…” The corgi rubbed the back of his head looking awkward.

“Thanks, man… really… that was…” Leo put both hands on his shoulders, giving him a small smile through his streaked makeup. The smile quickly contorted to a scowl though as he roared out, “Max!”

“Leo, baby! Uh…” The rat quickly paced up with him as he stormed through the backstage area.

“Don’t baby me, you dip-shit! What would we have done if James got fucking hurt?! It fucked the performance too!” He screamed the words as he kicked the door to his dressing room open, nearly knocking it off the hinges as he stormed in.

Later that night Leo found himself on the bus, a guitar in his hand, strumming cords aimlessly as James sat cross-legged with him, a few empty bottles of beer scattered about the floor.

“A bodyguard huh?” James tilted his head curiously.

“Yeah…” Leo strummed the guitar as he hummed out musically, “If you’ll be my bodyguard, I can be your long-lost paaaal…”

James gave a loud bark of a laugh and shook his head, “Nice one.”

“Thanks, man… fuck did I pick a bad time to zone out there, huh?” Leo sighed as he kept strumming the chords.

“It’s okay… you gotta do what you need to get in your own head and keep the show going. Sorry, I recommended the song when we were recording, I wasn’t trying-”

“No, it’s okay James. I can’t keep clinging to this. She’s got her career and I’ve got mine. I called and Jacob assured me she got the letter, I even double-checked with the president. I’ve done all I can do… The letter and that song… that’s all I can do.”

“Yeah… it’s been like almost two years, right? You’re valid to try to move along.” The corgi leaned back to grab another bottle of beer, twisting the top open before taking a pull from it and continuing, “Fuck man, pluck one of those groupies up and fuck her silly just to get it out of your system!”

Leo gave a chuckle as he set the guitar down to get another beer as well. He popped the cap and held it out as they clinked the bottles together before he took a pull of it. “Nah… I’m not into the one-night stands, I’ll figure it out.” The ram tilted his head curiously. “How about you mister synth master? You been drowning in tail these last few months?”

“Oh yeah man, groupies always lining up for the keyboard guy, almost as popular as the drummer!” James barked the words with a laugh then leaned back, taking a long drink from his bottle before shrugging. “No time really, most of these fucking shows have such a quick turnaround. Uh… twice so far. Would have been three but the bitch didn’t have a rubber and I don’t play dangerously with randoms so I just got my paws dirty to give her a good time and called it a night.”

“Ha… you don’t carry your own stuff, James?” Leo smiled as he tilted his head.

“Do you? I’m not doing this for the pussy, Leo. I do it for the music, for the fans.” The corgi gave a wink to the ram, knowing he felt the same.

“Yeah… the fans and you guys, that’s all I need… all I got…” Leo picked back up his guitar and started strumming it again.

—*—

“I hate how much I love you! I hate that I made you cry!” Flia cried the words into the microphone, tears rolling down her cheeks.

“Gods… it’s heart-wrenching but so beautiful…” Millia pushed a hand to her mouth, blinking back her own tears from in the recording booth.

“Tit for tat, huh? You know I recorded True Blue Avenue with EB. He was the same way, he howled and sobbed the words. We actually got the fucking song in less than three takes because he was channeling it so well.”

The brunette just nodded and gave a sniffle as she watched the doe at the microphone, her hair just blonde for now, no pink to be seen.

“And… clear.” The sound guy called out. “Holy shit, Flia I think you might have hit that out of the park on the first pitch!”

“Yeah, fucking great, I’m fucking ecstatic, asshole!” She sobbed out and grabbed some tissues up, blowing her nose.

“Hey… why won’t she just fucking talk to him already?” The sound guy asked Millia. Flia perked her ears, realizing he hadn’t killed the mic, hearing them talking about her.

“Fuck if I know… maybe she’s afraid she’ll fuck up his career, maybe she can’t forgive him. Or maybe, she’s afraid he won’t forgive her. I’ve tried talking to her ass, she just cries and tells me to shut up,” Millia sighed out.

Flia clutched her tissue, swallowing a lump as she stared at her trembling hands. Why hadn’t she spoken with him? He’d been on tour for over six months again, she’d be touring again within a month. She’d already made a song for him now, just like he’d done twice for her, like they were sending one another love letters. She knew he’d be back in the offices in a few months to talk to Jacob, maybe…

“M-Millia!” She called out as the manager looked up and the sound guy clicked the mic.

“What’s up-”

“Whoops, turned it off, there you go.”

“What’s up, Flia?” Millia called out.

Flia focused her gaze, her eyes hardening before she nodded to herself. “I want to get this shit done and the tour started. Make… make sure… make sure a copy for him is waiting at the record label! I’ll... have a letter ready to go with it!”

Millia widened her eyes but gave a small smile as she nodded. “Whatever the star wants, sweetie.”

—*—

James finally caught Leo as he exited the tour bus. Tracey came out right behind the idol, shifting her posture for a moment before she recognized James and eased her stance.

“Morning, James! What’s up?” Leo beamed as he spoke with a wide grin.

“Hey man, wanted to go over some things with you for tonight's gig, got a minute?” The corgi shoved his hands into his jacket, tilting his head.

“Sure thing, James.” Leo gave Tracey a nod and smile that the corgi instantly noted. “I’ll be fine, go grab your shower.”

Tracey gave James a look like she’d murder him in cold blood if something happened to Leo, then gave the ram a small grin. “Okay, sheep. Enjoy your boy talk.” She nodded to James, “Good morning, James.”

The wolf stalked off, her large white tail slowly wagging, a sway in her hips as she made her way into the truck stop, those snug jeans looking unapologetically great on her curvy hips. James watched her go before cutting his brown eyes to Leo. The ram offered him a grin before tilting his head, “Sup man?”

“Sup indeed? I’ve not spoken to you in days!” The corgi shoved both his shoulders, having to rise up on the toes of his boots to reach him, the ram stumbling back. “Dude! You fucking stink of her!” He laughed as he barked the words.

“Hey, give me a break!” Leo chuckled and rubbed the back of his head.

“Just… holy shit man, she’s terrifying but hot as fuck too. Never been into the older ones but damn…” The corgi showed him a grin and shook his head. “Feel good to get it out of your system finally?”

“Uh… it… it’s not just some casual thing, James. I really like her, we’ve really had some deep bonding the last few days!” Leo blushed as he clenched his hands.

“Deep bonding… riiight…” The corgi gave him a knowing grin before leaning back a little. “Joking aside… she treating you good, man?”

“She is! Once she lets her guard down, she’s such a down-to-earth girl. Likes simple shit like baseball!”

“Baseball? What’s her favorite team?” James tilted his head curiously.

Leo blinked and rubbed the back of his head. “Uh…”

James snarled and pushed his shoulder. “Fuck man… ask her! Talk about her interests, don’t just plow her hot little doggy-ass if you like her!”

“Dude… we are talking, it just hadn’t come up okay?! I’m not just fucking her and using her, okay?!” The ram fired back with a glare.

“Okay okay… sorry, just worried for you ya know? Being the forever single guy, I’ll not throw too much advice at you, just be careful with her, you guys have a bad fight she might just break your leg!” He gave a laugh as he turned and threw a hand up.

“Thanks, James, no… I’ll take care of her. I’m… I’m not going to make the same mistake twice!”

He met up with Tracey later after everyone's shower, the wolf still keeping a lingering of his scent but the soap overpowering most of it. Her white hair still looked a little damp but her tail was silky and dry, looking freshly brushed out.

“So what did you and James talk about? He getting jealous I’ve been taking all your time?” She growled out playfully as they walked to the restaurant attached to the truck stop.

“Oh uh…” Leo bit his lower lip, averting his gaze. Tracey narrowed her focus, instantly seeing he was dodging the question.

The wolf whirled on him and her gaze hardened, her brow cocked up. “Sheep… just because you’re fucking me doesn’t mean you get to pull that shit. You hiding something from me I should know about?”

Leo clenched his teeth, staring into her icy blue eyes, swallowing as his heart pounded, even angry or on edge like this she was so stunning and fierce, just like… “He was just worried about me, Tracey! I told you I don’t hook up, he’s my closest bandmate and knows that, so this is just a big deal! He just wanted to make sure I’m okay, okay?”

She didn’t look fully convinced, but she also had been trying to give her new lover some breathing room, she didn’t want to suffocate him. “Are you worried, Leo? You think I’m going to hurt you?”

“No way! I trust you completely, Tracey!” He fired back without hesitation, his own eyes hardening into a confident glare.

A smile played at her lips before she quickly looked around, seeing she had the time as she moved in and stole a kiss from him, parting lips with his, their tongues quickly moving to roll and flick with one another before she pulled away. Another kiss on his chin and she stepped back. “Thank you for trusting me, Leo… I have no intention of hurting you if I can avoid it. I promise you that.”

“Thank you…” He pushed close and linked an arm with hers, walking into the restaurant like that, the wolf tensing at the display of affection but not resisting it.

“Leo, you shouldn’t be doing this sort of thing, you never know who’s watching…” Tracey huffed into his ear in a worried tone.

“Fuck em…” He poked his nose up. “It’s a truck stop not outside of the concert hall, it’ll be fine.”

Tracey felt her heart flutter and just nodded, clinging a little closer as they moved to the booth Max was already at. The rat gave them a wave, then rolled his eyes with a smile at how they were arm in arm.

“So what’s your favorite pro baseball team?” Leo asked conversationally as they reached the booth.

“The Bronx Bombers,” Tracey hummed out proudly.

Leo looked confused, he wasn’t a sports guy but he thought he’d at least recognize a professional baseball team, but not that one. “The who?”

“The Yankees,” Max spoke out conversationally as he sipped his coffee.

“Ooooh, so that’s just a nickname!” Leo gave a nod as he settled in next to Tracey. The wolf offered him an amused smile, seeming pleased he’d brought the subject up.

Leo offered her his own smile as he saw how happy she looked, he’d have to thank James later for the tip.

“Personally, I’m partial to Boston,” Max quirked a brow as the wolf’s ears flicked up at that.

“Excuse me? Well, I’m partial to kicking your ass, Maxamillian!” Tracey showed him a challenging grin.

The manager laughed and sipped his coffee. “I’m teasing you, Tracey, I’m not really a baseball guy.”

"You're not a baseball guy but you know their biggest rivals?" She prodded him curiously.

"Yeah, I just happened to know, nothing more than that." The manager sipped more of his coffee.

"Wait a sec. I'm pretty sure I've seen you wear a Red Socks tie before, Max!" Leo grinned at him with a challenging look.

"Are you trying to get me killed, Leo, baby?" Max laughed nervously.

Tracey set the rat with a moody glare as Leo gave another laugh. Maximilian sighed and shook his head. "He really is just being a butt, Tracey. I could give a hoot less about any baseball team."

"Well, it's good you've lightened up enough to play around with Max again, Leo." Tracey offered him a grin. "Sure, beats the dickhead diva thing you were doing when I first got here.

“Yeah? I’m glad you’re smiling more, I like that better than your scowling bitch face.” The ram laughed and Max flinched as he quickly averted his gaze.

“My… bitch, face, Leonard?” Tracey folded her ears as she shifted her hips. “Maybe you should let me out of this booth so I can go for a walk and calm down before I break your leg.”

“Oh shit… uh Tracey, c’mon, I’m sorry I didn’t mean it like-”

“Move!” The wolf snarled and pushed against him as the idol hopped up with a huff, knowing she only used his whole name when she was upset. Tracey shoved her nose up in the air and smacked him in the face with her tail as she walked off.

“Wait, Tracey, let me explain!” Leo bleated out as he gave chase a few moments later.

Max shook his head with a smile as he watched them stalk off, seeing the smile on the wolf’s face as she kept ahead of him so he couldn’t make it out while they moved outside. “Damn… they’re too cute, so much like…” He clenched his teeth and looked down at his empty coffee mug. “Gods… I hope you don’t get hurt again, Leonard…” Max sighed as he looked up and out the window of the restaurant, seeing them outside, the ram looking fussy as Tracey gave him a cocky grin.

—*—

“Thank you so much, I love you all!” Flia called out with a bright smile on her face, waving as she left the stage. The idol gave a winded sigh as she finally got back to her dressing room, flopping back in the chair with a pant on her breath, sweat dripping from her dyed locks. Her outfit wasn’t quite as revealing this tour, still ample amounts of her breasts on the display, but at least it didn’t guarantee a pantie shot every time she spun.

“Fantastic show, Flia!” Millia trotted in a few minutes later, heels clacking on the floor as she walked over with her tablet held to her chest. The idol was leaning back, her arm over her eyes, panting to still try to fully recover from all the exertion.

“T-Thanks, Millia… phew… I was feeling it tonight, their energy was hooked up to me like a battery, I just felt invincible… but now that fucking battery is disconnected and I need a damn nap!” She giggled and wiped her face of sweat, finally looking down at the short brunette before her that smiled to see her in her element and comfortable.

They settled into silence before Flia spoke out, “He’s due to finish up his tour soon, right?”

The cat almost jumped out of her heels at the question and the doe’s eyes narrowed, growing hard instantly. “Uh… Y-yes!”

“You got something to tell me and I can tell I’m not going to like it, spit it out. You did get that letter to the label, right?” Flia snarled the words, sitting up to give her manager full focus.

“I- I did yes but uh… uh…”

“Out with it!” Flia snarled, showing her teeth, eyes looking furious.

Millia shuddered and thrust the tablet she was carrying into her hands. It had a picture of Leo and that wolf bodyguard of his. She’d seen some of the social media buzz, had heard the rumors but dismissed them largely as bullshit, but he was holding her. They were on stage and dancing, he was dancing with her like he used to when they sang their duet. “What… she’s not even in an outfit, she’s in fucking boots and jeans and has no mic on!”

“It uh… it kind of just happened it seems, but it wasn’t a promotional stunt.” Millia hesitated before she reached to the tablet and swiped the screen. The next image was the two of them locked in a kiss, right there on stage before the whole crowd.

Flia’s eyes widened and blurred before she closed them tightly, tears rolling down her face before she shoved the tablet back into her manager's hands. “Fuck me… fuck me… I should have said something sooner…”

“Flia…” Millia called out her name and pushed a hand against her own, squeezing it, feeling the doe squeeze it back as she sniffled.

“It’s… it’s okay… he deserves to be happy, and I deserve this…” The doe whispered the words out, her voice sounding strained.

“Flia, you don’t deser-”

“Get out… please.” The deer released her hand, spinning around in the chair, cupping her face as she started to sob.

Her manager frowned, blinking her own tears back as she quietly exited the room.

Flia cried for several minutes a conflicted maelstrom of emotions in her, one part happy for him, happy for his success, happy he managed to find someone, but bitterness and self-pity as well.

“It’s not fair… I didn’t do anything wrong… didn’t do… anything… wrong?” Her ears perked, her tear-filled eyes widening as she huffed out in panic, thinking about that letter and album that were sitting at the label waiting for him.

“Oh, gods… Oh gods!” Flia gasped out as she quickly composed herself, shuddering as she wiped her eyes and fumbled for her cell phone.

“It’s a good thing I don’t turn in early, Flia… what’s going on?” Jacobs's voice called out once the line connected.

“Jake! I- I need you to do me a favor, please!”

“If I can, what’s up?”

“Did Millia get you a letter and copy of my album for EB?”

There was some hesitation before the goat responded, “Uh-huh, it’s in my desk, he’s due in the studio next week for contract renegotiations… never thought I’d be playing cupid at my age.”

“Don’t give it to him, please!”

“Wait, are you sure about that? I’m not stupid, Flia. I’m aware of what this letter trading is all about.”

“I’m sure, please Jake, I’m begging you here. Don’t give Leo that letter, please!”

More silence filled the line before he sighed, “Alright, Flia. You’ve my word, that letter will not land in Leonard’s hands.”

“Thank you… T-thanks Jake… I need to… I need to go, bye!” She hung up, another sob starting to bubble up as she just dropped her cell phone to the floor.

A radio station was playing over the sound system backstage, a local pop station on. “Our next track has been sitting pretty at number one for the last eight weeks on the dance charts, but it’s finally bumped Neon Sunset from its recent resurgence to claim the number one spot on the pop charts. Flia Price continues to show she has what it takes to stay a contender and here is her latest number one, Glitter in my Tears. Try not to cry while you dance, kids!”

The synth of her own song started filling the speakers and she just pushed her hands over her face, sobbing. “Stupid… weak… and stupid...”

—*—

“Woah!” Tracey laughed out as she juked back as the boot slipped right by her face. “Watch the boots kid, I can’t go on stage with a black eye!”

“Sorry about that boss,” Hilde offered her an apologetic smile but had already set her stance again. She was in her full bodyguard attire, the heavy black jacket, the jeans, along with a plain black t-shirt that hugged at her chest, not bothering to hide the roundness of her breasts even through the sports bra.

Tracey hopped back and forth on her own boots, wearing jeans and a t-shirt, her red and white hair put up in a high ponytail that bobbed and swayed. “I get it, nerves from the first show, I’m right there with you, kid. That’s why I wanted us to limber up with a little sparring match.”

“Okay, here I come, Tracey!” Hilde lunged in with a thrown fist right at her jaw. The older wolf whistled as she dodged the blow, then curled a finger at her. The younger bodyguard juked to the side and brought another punch forward aimed at the idol’s rib cage.

Tracey grinned and just grabbed the punch, pulling Hilde closer as they locked into a grab, both wolves snarling, white tails whipping about as they bore strength against one another. Leo was standing to the side along with most of the rest of the crew, they were just having their little warm-up match right in the middle of the backstage area.

“Damn… you’re still… so strong… fuck!” Hilde clenched her teeth as Tracey started to overbear her, her arms shaking as she tried to twist from the grab. The idol flashed a grin and gripped her shoulder, twisting the smaller wolf around with a sharp yip, tugging an arm behind her back.

“Ha! I’d slam you to the ground for a pin, but that’s concrete under us!” Tracey hummed and broke the hold, hopping back before rolling her shoulder. “Good hustle, kid!”

“Damn it… I’ll beat you someday, Tracey!” Hilde barked out a laugh as she adjusted her ponytail again.

“Twenty years vs six months, kid. I’ve no doubt you’ll be a monster of a fighter soon enough. I’m proud of you.” The older wolf showed her teeth in a grin as her hands shifted to her hips.

“Tracey, if you’re done with warming up, I need to get your ass in the chair already so I can get your stage face on.” Trixie trotted over, her makeup kit in hand, the llama wearing a bubblegum pink business suit, a foil to Max’s more modest purple and blue one.

“Okay okay, bitch, let’s go.” The wolf barked out playfully towards the llama as the two of them trotted off, tails flicking about.

Hilde grinned at being told her idol was proud of her, then huffed out as she put her hands on her hips, trying to calm herself down. Leo stepped forward and smiled at the younger bodyguard. “Hey, thanks, Hilde. Not just for backing us up, but you know, being Tracey’s friend. That means the world to me.” He clapped a hand gently on her shoulder.

“Ah! Y-yeah, it’s really no big deal, EB…” She averted her eyes, giving a huff as her cheeks darkened from his scent around her. Leo gave her an apologetic smile and stepped back to get his scent away from her.

“You can call me Leo, like everyone else when we’re not performing, Hilde, just throwing that out there.” The ram gave her a wink and some finger guns as he sauntered off.

She nodded and felt her heart flutter before shaking it off and growling to herself. She respected Tracey, she’d never dream of destabilizing that, no matter how good Leo smelled and how lovely he looked in those pants. Her tail was wagging as she tried to focus, growling with her eyes closed, then gave a cute little bark as she realized someone else was before her, it was his keyboard guy James. The corgi gave his own bark and jumped back slightly at her sudden response.

“Whoa! Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you, I t-thought you saw me coming, babe!” He stammered out, tugging his knit cap back into place.

“Ah it’s okay, and… babe?” Hilde cocked a brow and shifted a hand to her hip.

“Oh shit, did I already piss you off? Sorry, just uh… felt rude to just call you by name without asking first?” James gave a laugh and rubbed at the back of his head.

“And calling me, a babe wasn’t? That seems ruder to me… uh… whatever, I don’t know your name either so… I’m Hilde.”

He nodded and frowned. “Sorry for getting off on the wrong foot there, I’m James. Nice to meet you, I just wanted to tell you that was really cool. Watching you keep up with Tracey like that! She’s a demon!”

“I wouldn’t call that, keeping up, James, but thank you,” She spoke out dryly and averted her eyes.

“Better than I could do in a million years!” He barked out then saw her avert her eyes. He took a step back and huffed out, “Hey, sorry for the awkward intro, but uh… nice to be working with you, see you around, Hilde!” He quickly retreated before he made the young wolf feel any more weirded out by him.

‘Gods man… what the fuck? You trashed that whole damn thing, she’s gonna think you’re a weirdo for the rest of the tour now!’ The corgi snarled at himself in his head as he quickly moved away.

“Hey?” Hilde called out, the corgi freezing in his stride, quickly jerking his gaze over his shoulder.

“Uh… yeah, Hilde?” His ears perked and made little peaks in his cap.

“It didn’t bother me, just surprised me. You can… I mean, I liked it. You can call me, babe, if you want to, James!” She barked out and perked her own ears, clenching her fists. “Just don’t overdo it, okay?”

His cheeks darkened but he offered her a grin and a quick nod. “Alright, babe… See you later!” He threw a hand up before continuing on his way, his steps feeling a little lighter.

“Y-Yeah, see you later, James!” She barked out and blushed as she looked down at her boots, feeling a lump in her throat. She never interacted with people much so all this socializing was stressful, plus he was really cute and just started talking to her like that. She was going to have to get it together if she was going to survive this tour.

—*—

“Did you miss me, loves?” Electric Blue showed his teeth in a wide grin as the concert hall shook with roars. He stood there in tight white pants and a pale blue open jacket, his heeled boots the same color. Of course, he had his marquee bolt and stars on, but his hair had some of the mass tamed, more white than blue.

“I think we know who they really came here to see.” The wolf strutted out in her red-heeled boots that came up to her knees, white stockings disappearing into a flowing white skirt that had accents of red streaks that looked like bolts going down it. Her crimson top was sleeveless and showed the heavy swell of her breasts but didn’t look overly sexual. Her hair was in twin tails that were individually braided, one blood-red, the other snow-white.

Her face sported the same style of makeup as Leo’s but in red and white. She had elbow-length gloves of white on and since her shoulders were bared, her scar on the right one was on full display. Trixie and Leo had convinced her to keep it exposed, if for no reason than to let everyone hear the story of how it happened to remember Helen.

The fans screamed as she strutted on and she showed her teeth in a wide grin, her blue eyes glittering in the lasers as she sauntered right up to the ram, putting her hands on her hips.

“Ooph, trying to steal the show right out of the gate, Ruby?” The ram spoke out casually as the synthetic music started to slowly build up.

“Maybe I will, Blue!” Tracey walked past him, dragging her gloved fingers over his jaw before James leveled out the beat and Ruby Thunder began her opening lyrics, “You see me in the neon lights and you think I’ll give you the time?”

The wolf spun around and pushed her back to his, the ram grinning as the crowd roared. She kicked a heeled boot up as he did the same, their heels pushing together. “A body like that… have any girl you like…”

Blue pushed away as they both spun to point at one another as he picked up with the next lines, “Not another girl like you on this rock… Fuck the neon and lasers, I want that tail!” The crowd screamed at the explicit lyric, the first time he’d ever added something like it to a song. Of course, this was live, the radio edition was ‘forget’, not ‘fuck’.

“Watch your own tail, boy. You might find you’re the one being hunted before the lasers fade!” Tracey sang out melodically as they circled one another, arms linking before breaking away, keeping a hand grasp for a moment before breaking grips.

Maximilian was shaking his hips on the sidelines, one hand upon his earpiece, the makeup shining in the lasers on his fully shaved head, the blue and purple suit reflecting the light off it to show there were sequins in the material.

“That’s what I’m talking about, number three on the lights, keep up you’re lagging behind. I’ll kick your ass if you fuck this up.” Trixie snarled into her own mic, her fluff of tail flicking to the beat as her heels clopped against the floor.

Hilde was on the opposite side of the stage, her own white tail and hips shifting to the beat. She showed her teeth in a proud smirk, clenching at her fingerless gloves, watching the stage like a hawk. Her ears perked as she realized James was glancing at her standing there looking so cocky between adjusting the synth. She felt her cheeks darken as he just gave her a head nod before looking back at his deck, her tail fluffed out a little as she huffed and focused back on her job.

Tracey had worried constantly, but once she got on stage it just all faded away. She was surrounded by friends and with the ram she loved. Everything felt good as she sang and danced with him, the heat from the lights making her sweat, her skin shining in the lasers along with the rest of her outfit.

The first half of the show went off clear as crystal as Hilde stalked the stage, then her ears perked as one girl got a little eager and was getting too close to the stage. She showed her teeth as she started to step out but then Tracey just casually sauntered to that side of the stage.

The wolf kept her tune carried as she wagged a finger at the girl in time to the song as she blinked up at the idol in awe, then as she finished her line she slammed a fist into her open palm, making her breasts bounce a little as she showed a wide little grin before pointing a finger back towards the audience. The idol backpedaled toward the center of the stage after that, the teenager getting the message loud and clear before, quickly skittering back into the mass of dancing fans.

“Gods damn it… I wanted some action but that was so fucking smooth… damn…” Hilde grumbled the words as she folded her arms with a pout, no one able to hear her muttering over the show.

Electric Blue and Ruby Thunder’s show went off without a hitch, the fans eating it all up. Of course, Tracey was absolutely exhausted since it was her first time. Leo was also pretty worn out since it was his first show since his vacation and break to record Stardust Horizon.

They were in a post-concert meeting with Max and Trixie when Hilde saw a guy she was pretty sure she’d not seen before walking through the backstage area. He didn’t look like a roadie or one of the stagehands.

The young wolf snarled as she stomped over to the stranger, a goat in a stupidly expensive-looking suit with salt and pepper hair in a small ponytail. She had to look up slightly but he stopped when he saw the angry-looking wolf coming toward him in her leather jacket and fingerless gloves.

“Not sure why you’re back here, but I’ll need to ask how you got past the guy at the door if you want to strut around in here,” Hilde growled the words, cocking a brow as she tugged at a fingerless glove.

“The same way I’m getting past you, little girl.” The goat showed her a smug grin and reached into the front of his jacket. Hilde shifted, ready to react, but he just withdrew a business card and shoved it in her face.

Her ears perked up, it was the record company Leo and Tracey toured under, he was apparently the VP of it. Hilde snatched the card out of his hands and glared at it before hitting her mic. “Max, get your ass out here, I need verification on something.”

“Stay put or I’ll put you in a cast.” Hilde snarled as she snapped the card back into his palm and just stood there, hands in her jacket, keeping an eye on him as the goat scowled at her attitude but just stood there.

Max came out a moment later then squeaked as he quickly scurried over to them. “Jacob, what the hell are you doing here?!” Hilde snarled, seeing it was legit, and pulled away stomping back over the boardroom door, tail wagging.

“Cute kid, you guys hiring teenagers for this, Max?” Jacob clicked his tongue as he looked the area over.

“She’s an adult, what’s going on, Jacob? You never come out to shows.” Max frowned and shifted his hands to his hips.

“You guys were nearby, this is the first night of the tour, it stands to reason we’d set the first venue close to home where it was recorded, not like I had to catch a plane.” He nodded at the makeup he had on and his suit. “Nice getup.”

“I didn’t ask about the logistics, Jacob, I’m asking, why, are you, here?” The rat showed his teeth, lifting a brow as he put a finger into the goat's chest. Max was fairly timid, but he knew Jacob was a snake in the grass and they had quite a difficult renegotiation talk with him, had they not gone over his head to the president it would have ended quite poorly for Leo.

By now Tracey had pushed out of the conference room since she hadn’t heard back from Max. She was a bodyguard too after all, which meant watching out for her crew. “Max?” She called out before seeing him, stomping over in her white heels. The wolf lowered her ears and growled at the goat, “Oh, it’s you.”

Jacob nodded and looked her over before meeting her cold blue eyes, “Nice scar.”

“Max… how bad does this company need a VP?” Tracey clenched her fist, offering the goat a malicious grin.

“Snark and bullshit aside, can I speak with you alone, Tracey? You’re why I came here.” Jacob gave the wolf a bored look as he put a hand on his hip.

Quirking a brow the wolf gave a nod. “Alright, I’ll play along. Max, go back to the post-concert meeting, I’ll be along.”

Tracey began walking with Jacob as Max looked at her worried before moving back to the conference room. They pushed outside as if everything were normal then all the fans gathering outside freaked out to see her. The wolf snarled as she quickly moved back in and growled, the goat offering her an apologetic smirk.

“Fuck… I forgot about that,” She sighed.

“Welcome to the big time, Ruby Thunder.” Jacob nodded his head as they just walked to a secluded corner of the backstage area.

“Yeah yeah, what do you want already? Are you here to try to fuck with Leo or something? You got nothing better to do with your time, Jacob?” She put her hands on her hips glaring at the goat.

“Just making a delivery.” Jacob reached into his jacket and pulled out a music CD and a wax-sealed envelope, slapping them both into her hands.

Tracey looked confused as she flipped the CD over first. “Flia Price? Isn’t she the idol who finally bumped Neon Sunset off the top spot a few months ago? Held it for like my whole fucking vacation and most of the recording time.”

“Oh, you’re keeping up with the trends, that’s reassuring. That’s right, she is, she’s on tour right now as well. She had it about twelve weeks, quite proud of that little doe.” Jacob wheeled around on his heel and threw a hand up. “Be seeing you, Tracey.”

“Wait, what the fuck is this all about?” He just ignored her and kept walking as the wolf snarled and followed him. However, once they got outside the crowd screamed and roared as they pushed against the door guards, Jacob just slipping through them as Tracey glared at him and stomped back inside.

“What’s with that dick for brains anyway? Is this even for me?” Tracey sighed as she walked back in and flipped the envelope over, the name on it in elaborate almost autograph-worthy lettering that just read “Popstar” with the O being shaped like a heart. Was he just fucking with her now because she was an idol like Leo?

Jacob pushed out into the cool air of the night, the gathering fans not looking terribly interested in him as he moved away from the venue, lighting up a cigarette as he took a deep pull from it and huffed out, “There you go, Flia… didn’t drop it in Leo’s hands, just like you asked. Not my problem if it lands there from other more… angry ones though.”

The goat glared back at the concert hall as he took another puff on his cigarette before showing a malicious grin as he hissed out, “Let’s see how you enjoy being made a fool of, popstar.”

---

If you enjoyed this, don’t forget to support me! It doesn’t have to be financial either, just share my stuff and get my name out there. Vote, Fave, Comment, offer feedback, anything. Thank you and as always, I’m nothing without your support.

Did you enjoy the story? Feel free to feed my caffeine addiction with a tip! Ko-Fi.

Want to talk about my work with me or others that like it? I've got a discord for that!

If you enjoyed this and want to keep up with me, you can find me on Twitter@stargazer_g

You can also find me on BlueSky social!