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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!

Gosh… the last episode was so romantic and full of sooo much sex, it was awesome right?! I mean… I hope you liked it anyway. I quite enjoyed the phone sex scenes and such as of late!

Are you enjoying seeing Flia, Tracey, and Leo growing? Hilde having her own little romance is fun too, yeah? She and James are such a cute little doggy couple, especially how James talked about writing her a love song!

Hm! So much happy times and spicy romance, it's awesome, isn't it? Yep… sure is great…

Let's jump right in!

—*—

Episode 7:

Linger

“Oh, I thought the world of you, I thought nothing could go wrong, But I was wrong, I was wrong."

Her heels clicked loudly on the stage as she strutted out onto it. White stockings rode up her legs all the way to the unapologetically snug hip-hugging dress, small tufts of brown-white fur feathering out near where the stockings ended and the dress began. The dress clung to her like a glove, a cut of cleavage showing off her sizable breasts in the sleeveless top of it. The whole getup was an off-white like her namesake as the calico flourished her fingers through her dirty-blonde hair and pointed out to the crowd, claws painted blue to match her eyes.

Lasers burst forth as the whole place shook with roars of adoration. The calico just stood there basking before looking down at her gloved handpaw, as if checking a watch as she tapped her heel on the floor. A moment later a spotlight hit the side of the stage as Mocha sauntered onto the stage, the crowd screaming their approval as the second idol appeared and called out, “Oh, are we doing this again?"

The rabbit wore more modest pumps, her stockings the same off-white color as the other idols, but her dress clung more to her hips and backside, showing off the ample curves and her hiked-up brown fluff of tail. Her fur was just like her namesake, the color of mocha. Her outfit matched Cream's down to the fingerless gloves, the rabbit's elongated ears glittering with a myriad of rings and hoops in the laser light. Her nails were painted green to match her own sharp eyes.

“We are, didn't you get the memo?" Cream hummed out almost musically as her paws opened.

“Tsk… must I share you like this? I'd much rather have you to myself!" Mocha cooed out playfully as the two moved to push paws to one another's muzzles, giving each a quick little peck right there before the roaring crowd of thousands.

The audience just ate the display up as Mocha dropped her ears behind her back before spinning to fully face the crow, her right paw outstretched, her left clasping, Creams. “Of course, I'm kidding. I love all of you, my darlings!"

“We, love you all!" Cream followed up, her own ears perked, as she pushed her left paw out while still holding, her lover's.

The crowd screamed their love as the drums began before synth and guitar followed after. “You could say… we might be in for a long night!" Mocha called out musically.

“Ooooh, we starting with that one, love?" Cream cooed out before she opened right up with the opening lyrics, “Why must I be all alone tonight?"

“Time is on our side, just take my paw and we'll be alright!" Mocha grabbed her paw, pulling her right up against her.

“Ah, so you expect me to believe?"

“We'll have fun, just you and me! I'll tell you all about it!"

The main chorus started as Tracey stood there wagging her tail, in her full getup as Ruby Thunder. Leo stood next to her, his own hips playfully moving to the tune as the girls on stage sang.

This wasn't their crew, it was all the girl's group, the only ones with them were their two managers and Hilde. It was odd not having their own band, but this was just one of those things that happened. Tracey kept flicking her ear, hearing singing feedback as Joseph stood on the other side of the stage, barking orders while keeping tune and even singing with his wife's parts of the lyrics. His fluffy tail wagged right in time to the music.

“Damn… look at that cute ass shit!" Tracey barked out as she nudged Leo.

The ram grinned, seeing the love in the fox's eyes while he seemed to play backup singer and manager at the same time.

“What a cute little fucking nerd…" Trixie huffed out while standing with her two idols, her own hand on her mic piece. “Okay you two, get in position, Leo over there with Max and Joe. Tracey hangs back with me."

Cream and Mocha finished the outro to their opening song as the audience roared their approval, each giving one another excited grins as they held paws together. Cream smirked and stole a kiss before breaking away to call out to the audience. “Ah… now for our next number-"

Suddenly unfamiliar synth filled the air, the whole audience looking confused because it wasn't one of the couple's songs. It was clear within a few moments what it was, Stardust Horizon was currently at number one after all, with their own single nipping at its heels.

“I hope Electric Blue doesn't find out you're stealing his and Ruby Thunder's material, love!" Cream called out playfully as Mocha strutted right up and started the opening lyrics.

Soon both idols were in harmony, singing Neon Sunset. The crowd was digging it, roaring and screaming their approval as the idols sang new material for them they didn't normally do. They got a good minute into the performance before Trixie gave Tracey a nod, the wolf hearing her mic feed go live in her ear.

“Now hold the hell up!" She barked out as an elaborate record-scratching sound was heard, the band just stopping what they were doing. The whole audience just grew silent at the sudden halt, before she strutted right out, a smug grin showing on her face, hand on her hip, tail wagging lazily.

She watched hundreds of cellphones come out, the audience instantly realizing what had happened before screams of approval roared out and shook the concert hall. “You girls are doing it all wrong!" Ruby barked out with a wide grin.

“Is that right?" Mocha put her paws on her hips, giving the wolf a challenging grin.

“Yeah, that's right!" Leo's voice called out as the ram strutted on stage next. The whole place just lost its shit at that. He flourished his fingers through his curls not unlike how Cream had done earlier and pushed his hand out towards the crowd. “Hello there, loves!"

“I and EB will show you girls how it's done!" Ruby barked out as she snapped her finger and the musical introduction to Neon Sunset started anew.

“Ha! We won't let you two beat us, just try to keep up with our harmony!" Cream declared in her own challenge.

“Heh… this is great!" Hilde barked out to herself from the side of the stage, her fists clenched as she wagged her tail in time to the music as all four of them started the performance.

Her nose twitched as she jerked her gaze to see a very large red wolf moving over to her side of the stage, her eyes widened as he clenched his own fingerless gloves. He wore a sturdy leather jacket, jeans, and boots just like she did. His sheer presence said he was there in the same capacity she was.

“Whoa…" Hilde felt her heart shove into her throat, she'd never been so close to a male wolf, especially one the same age as Tracey. He carried himself like a fighter, it was just something you picked up on as a martial artist. You could instantly tell when someone knew things by their body language.

His ears perked as he offered her a wide grin and pushed an open paw out to her. She bit her lower lip but pushed into his grip. He gave her hand a few firm shakes, not to hard, but respectfully firm as he leaned down to speak into her ear over the crowds and music. “Isaac, I'm Mocha's husband and head of security."

Hilde blushed but nodded several times as their grip broke. He smelled feral and the tail-end of her heat was letting her know she loved it. “I'll keep an eye on the other side of the stage if you want to hang here?"

She nodded and gave a relieved huff once his scent finally started to fade, her hips squirming a little as she tried to get back to focusing on the show. Having sex with James had helped a lot, but every male dog she got near was making her go crazy a little, then when she looked at Tracey her heart just pounded.

—*—

“Holy shit! I loved that!" Karen clasped her paws with Tracey's hands, a wide grin on her muzzle, her tail flicking about excitedly.

“Uh…Thanks! Yeah, it was pretty awesome!" Tracey gave her a grin, her own tail wagging.

“Leo, thanks for doing this with us, I know we're more small fry level than you guys, so it means all the more you were nice enough to come to our show." Ivory purred the words, folding her arms at her stomach, making her ample furred breasts push out a little more.

He respectfully tried to keep his eyes up to her face as he nodded, “Of course, Ivory, you guys were amazing, we'll have to do this again sometime!"

Joseph spoke out, “I mean technically we are doing it again tomorrow unless you guys don't want us returning the favor?"

“Of course!" Maximilian and Trixie both spat out at the same time.

Tracey moved over to her bodyguard who was standing clear of everyone, a full-furred black cat chatting her up, the younger wolf giving him an awkward grin as she wagged her tail.

“Are you sure? I know both our groups are bunking for the night, it'd be my treat!" He purred out with a pleading smile.

Hilde giggled awkwardly and shook her head. “I'm- I'm really flattered but uh… I have a-"

“Hey Casanova, she's got a boyfriend, can't you see you're making my bodyguard nervous?" Tracey moved in, deciding to save her apprentice from the awkward situation.

“O-oh! Oh… That's too bad." He hissed out, looking disappointed, then threw a paw up. “Hey uh, no hard feelings, sorry to put you in an awkward spot!" He purred and turned after apologizing and went back to breaking down the equipment with the other roadies.

“He was pretty cute… maybe I shouldn't have saved you?" Tracey hummed out playfully.

“T-Tracey… I uh, promised to take James out tonight, I can't just go flitting off with some random boy, even if… he was cute, smelled good and…" She trailed off and rubbed her face before shaking her head. “S-sorry!"

“Hey it's okay, Hilde. Nice hustle out there by the way!" She barked out with a proud grin.

The younger wolf shot her brown eyes up to Tracey, giving her a small nervous smile and nod as they shifted back to business. “Thanks, Tracey… you know how much your praise means to me…"

“More than I thought, apparently…" She huffed out and gave her a look out of the corner of her eye. “You still smell and are acting like you're in your cycle, mine tapered off last night."

Hilde smiled and folded her ears, giving a nod. “It's been… a rough one this season…"

“Did that time with James not help?" She folded her arms, that old position she did from before this whole thing started, inadvertently shoving her chest out further, sweat shining off her cleavage as Hilde widened her eyes, then jerked her gaze clear.

“A little… he was a real sweet dog, a lot of fun too..." Her ears perked and her tail fluffed, Tracey's own nostrils flaring as she smelled heady wolf musk fill her nose. She glanced over to see Karen's husband trot over, looking casual and friendly.

“Hey, I hope I'm not interrupting anything?" He showed his sharp teeth in a smile.

“Hilde, go get some fresh air, I can keep an eye on things here." Tracey nodded to the younger wolf.

“O-Okay!" She gave the large red wolf a glance once more before turning and quickly fleeing the room.

Isaac huffed then lifted his ears, putting the pieces together as he caught the odor of her. “Shit… my apologies, didn't realize she was in a cycle."

“She's on the tail end of it, just more awkward butterflies for her at this point. Thanks for being considerate though." Tracey shifted her hands to her hips, looking the wolf up and down before clicking her tongue, “I know this is sudden, but did Joseph mention me?"

He nodded as he put his own paws on his hips. “He did… thought this might be a good time to speak if you're down for it."

“I'd like to do it in private. I can dress down, get my hair up and we could grab a beer or something? So long as your uh… partners won't mind?"

“Hey, Joe!" Isaac barked out as the fox looked up from the group. “I'm going out to get a beer with, Tracey. I'll see you guys at the room."

The fox and both the idols gave him a nod, not a shred of worry or concern in their faces, then Karen trotted up to him before they gave one another a quick kiss. “Have fun, my wolf."

“I'll not be out too long, my angel, just want to talk to Tracey about some things," Isaac growled back lovingly as they shared a nuzzle, pushing one another's scents on each other.

Karen turned to speak with her, “Tracey, Joseph gave us a very brief rundown of things. By all means, come back to our room after your talk, we'll all talk to you if you like! Maybe having us all together will give you a better grasp of things, you know? We're still just doing the relationship thing together when it's all done and said."

“Thanks, Karen." She smiled at the rabbit then nodded to Isaac. “Give me like fifteen to clean up."

—*—

After sneaking out of the venue in jeans, t-shirt, and her hair put up in a cap with fake glasses on her nose, they found a small bar to have a few beers.

Isaac rolled his half-drunk beer around in his bottle, staring down at it as he then looked up at Tracey, meeting her blue eyes with his own. He had the look of a male who was completely and utterly at comfort with his relationship, a male that couldn't be swayed or motivated in any way. “So, where do we even start, Trace? Can I call you Trace?"

"Trace is fine." She fully relaxed as she stared into those eyes, seeing she could just push any worries aside of being near a strange wolf, this guy had nothing to prove. “So… Leo and started seeing one another a while ago… the bastard managed to dig his way in despite all my defenses. One second I'm screaming in his face about how awful he is, the next thing I know I'm telling him I love him…"

“Hah… that's actually really sweet… I love that for you guys, but?" He tilted his head with a smile.

She smiled and shook her head. “But his long-lost love came back into the picture, she didn't even mean to… she was actively avoiding it…"

“Can you give me the details, just so I fully grasp it?" Isaac took a swig of his half-drank beer.

“Sure." Tracey proceeded to explain things from her view of them, his regrets of hurting her, the accidental letter mix-up, then her own budding feelings for the doe.

She pushed her fingers through her partially showing bangs. “Then to top it all off, my fucking apprentice won't stop giving me the googly eyes, looks like she's one step away from dropping to a knee and fucking proposing to me…"

Isaac pushed his padded-fingers together in a peak, nodding as he clicked his tongue, choosing his words carefully. “So… when this all went down with my family… I had been with Karen for over a year. I knew Ivory through Karen, I knew Joseph through her too. They were never my friends, they were her connections."

“However, I just got to know them, and the attraction just sort of started happening. Ivory and Karen had fooled around a little beforehand, but me and Joseph had to build our relationship up from the ground." Isaac took a deep huff through his nose before meeting her eyes again, “How do you feel about her?"

“I… really do think I like her. I'm doing things with her I'd never do casually… the other night uhm… well I won't go into too many details but we were on a call with her and she was a little out of her head… she uh… said she loved us both." Tracey shuddered and popped open a new beer to drink on.

“Well, how did that make you feel to hear it?" Isaac rubbed a paw against his muzzle before finishing off his own beer.

Her ears perked at that before she sipped her beer again, then spoke out, “Uh… how did it make me feel? I mean… shocked as fuck, honestly."

“Obviously… but after that."

“Hmm… good? Happy…? Yeah, I think in general, it was nice to hear." Tracey nodded a little as if she understood what he was doing.

“Trace, we're about the same age, so I'll shoot straight with you. Go for it… as a wolf that has had to bury someone I loved, just… take the chances, so long as you and Leo are on the same page, live your life. That's what I told myself that night the four of us were standing there making that decision."

“That night?" She tilted her head curiously.

“Joseph and Ivory had just gotten back into town from their tour. I had been talking to Joe outside, catching up… we hugged a little tighter, stared a little too long… you know?" He showed a grin at the fond memory.

“That sounds cute…" Tracey grinned as she sipped her beer.

“Yeah… it had been building up, and it wasn't until they were gone on tour it really hit me. It really gut-punched me how much I missed the boy, him, and Ivory. Anyway, we came back in after trying to cool our jets, and we found Karen and Ivory on top of one another, making out like crazy!" He barked a laugh.

“Woah… so that just led to it eh?" She tilted her head.

“Nah… we talked, we talked for a while. We were all scared, Tracey, we were scared of fucking up our marriages, but we also were all scared of not trying. Finally, we bit the bullet and went for it. I let Joseph have my wife that night, he took mine, I took his, but we were there with one another the whole time, touching and-" He cleared his throat as he saw the wolf looking down at her beer with pink cheeks. “S-Sorry…"

“It's okay! It's actually pretty sweet, if not hot sounding too!" She laughed and then took a rather large gulp of her beer.

“Actually… it's rare we break down into full-on four-way sex like that, logistically it's tricky to pull off. A lot of times we're just swapping around, loving whoever happens to be there. If my wife is around and we're horny, done… if I'm hanging out with Joe and he wants some affection… you get the gist of it."

“I do… it sounds rather simple and pleasant when you break it down like that."

“It's not simple Tracey, it's a lot of work. My advice to you is, to decide if you're willing to open all those roads up. It's a big ask to give someone your heart, it means they have a one-way track to hurt you. Giving that key to multiple people is… but then if you clutch your keys until you wither and die, what have you done? You know what I mean…"

She nodded. “Take the risks, but make them calculated ones, yeah?"

“As to your apprentice…" Isaac hissed through his teeth as he rubbed the back of his head. “She doesn't seem to have eyes for Leo or Flia. She's all on you it seems."

“Well, that and her little corgi friend." Tracey smiled and then frowned. “I was hoping once she got laid, she'd not look at me like that, but…"

“I don't do casual or side things, Tracey. I don't think any of my partners would be okay with that either, but relationships come in all shapes and sizes. Uh…" Isaac shrugged. “I'd say, talk to Flia and Leo about it. If it's something you're willing to pursue. Make it clear you're not asking her to join, that you just… want her as yours on the side."

Tracey grimaced at that and rubbed her head. “Gods… that sounds horrible… Hilde idolizes me, she respects me. I don't want to betray that!"

“But what if it's not heat? What if she loves you? Hilde isn't too much off pace from Leo's age, don't look at her like a kid. Talk to her, ask the hard questions like you did with Flia. Talk to her, and Listen to her… maybe she just wants something casual with you, maybe she wants to fucking marry you, who knows?!" Isaac barked another laugh as he held his paw up, showing off his band. “Once you start saying you love them, it's only a matter of time."

She smiled at that and shook her head. “I don't think this is quite the same situation, but I get you. I really am appreciative of this conversation, Issac."

“Of course, come back to our hotel room for a few hours, talk to the girls and Joe too. Nothing weird, just hang out for a bit."

Tracey lifted her ears. “That sounds lovely, yes I'll spare a few hours, can Leo come too?"

“Of course, he can! It'll let you guys harmonize together a little more for tomorrow's show as well!"

So it went. Tracey went to their hotel room with Leo and they got to see all four of them functioning. They all joked and laughed, even fussed a little, but there was a constant air of love about them, but then she realized as she watched them all, it wasn't their love that was holding things together. No, it was respect and communication. Each of them reinforced it at every turn, saying they loved that particular partner or thanking them for something simple. It was the same things that made a relationship work well in general.

People talk about all you need is love, but that's bullshit, always has been, sorry, John. You need respect and communication. Loving someone doesn't stop a needless fight, love doesn't stop building resentment or jealousy. Love will get you started, but respect and communication will see you through.

Ivory had a few too many drinks though and started to get a bit giggly and clinging to Karen. She puffed out about how lovely Tracey was looking, asking the wolf if she'd ever been tangled into a bed with two other girls. She politely declined and decided it was time for her and Leo to call it a night.

Joseph and Isaac offered them playful apologies, even as they heard the girls starting up in the bedroom rather eagerly, loudly too. The two dogs at the door offered awkward grins as Joseph gave a small bark of a laugh, “Ivory always gets a little excitable when we stay at a hotel, sorry about that."

“Hey, guys. It's cool, stop talking to us and go jump in the sheets with those two idols! Are you crazy?" Leo laughed as he linked an arm with Tracey's, the wolf grinning at him as she nodded to Isaac.

“Thanks again, Isaac, thank the girls for me as well after they get it out of their systems." Tracey trotted off with Leo as they moved to leave the hotel, theirs was a few blocks away and they decided to walk it.

“What did you think?" Leo asked conversationally as they walked arm in arm.

“I think they taught me a lot about relationships, but I also think… they aren't us… and none of them are Flia… does that make sense?" Tracey tilted her head.

“I get you… uh… Tracey… " Leo shook his head as he clenched his jaw, before sighing out, “I love, Flia… I've loved her for years, but I love you too… you're enough for me, if it came down-"

“Stop, Leo…" She sighed out and patted his arm. “I think we already crossed the line with her… She told us she loves us, even if she was out of it when she did. I think it's clear we're too far in now. I know you love me, and I don't feel like I'm getting cheated out of some of your love over Flia."

“Do you promise to tell me if you ever do?" He frowned.

“I swear I will… We'll uh… have to work at it, there'll be lots of speed bumps, you know?" Tracey sighed as she clung a little closer to his arm.

“So… are we doing this? Are we going to talk to her and make this official?" Leo swallowed hard and she felt him shudder a little.

“I… think so, yes… We'll call her when we get to our room, hun." Tracey nodded, speaking the words as much for herself as for him.

—*—

“Hey, you guys!" Flia answered happily as she always did these days.

“How's it going, love?" Leo called out as he poured some Jack into a few tumblers before adding some cola.

“I wrapped up a show a few hours ago, just got settled on the bus. Millia said… she said my energy seems more intense these days and the crowds seem to be vibing with it," the doe hummed out, but you could hear the fatigue in her voice.

“Congrats on another show, Flia!" Tracey barked out cheerfully as Leo moved over to her, passing her the other drink as they clinked their glasses together.

“Oh, are you two having drinks?" Flia asked curiously.

“Just one, love. We wrapped up a special event tonight, we did an appearance with Cream and Mocha." Leo sipped his own drink as he settled right next to Tracey on the sofa, arm around her shoulder as the wolf leaned in.

“Ooooh, those little bitches that bumped me to number three!" Flia laughed aloud.

“Mhm, they wanna knock us down too. The nerve, right?" Tracey chuckled as she sipped her own cocktail.

“Did you guys have fun?" The doe asked curiously.

“It was a blast, they'll be making an appearance at our show tomorrow night. We even hung out with them at their room post-concert. They are something else to be sure!" Leo hummed.

“Hmm… did you guys just hang out?" Flia asked and both of them could hear the concern in her voice.

“Flia, all we di-" Tracey pushed a finger to his lips as she spoke out.

“Would you be upset if it had been more than hanging out, Flia?" Tracey asked with a growl.

“Ah… I mean- It… it's not like I'm your girlfriend or anything, right? Not my place to say!" She stammered the words out, her voice growing more defensive by the second.

“So… if me and Leo dragged someone into our bed, it wouldn't bother you?" Tracey sipped her drink as she cocked a brow.

The deer huffed and she thought she heard a sniffle before she finally answered, “Tracey… uhm… are you fucking with me? Is this some fucking test to see how I feel about you guys?"

She fired back dryly, “We got invited into their bed, passed to come home and talk to you."

“Oh… oh! I- I see!" The doe sounded a little less moody at that.

“You want to answer that question, love?" Leo sighed as he sipped his own drink again.

“Stupid, sheep… of course, it would bother me, you both fucking know it would!" She snarled the words.

“You're right, we're being unfair to you, Flia. I apologize." Tracey huffed and finished off her drink.

“Yes, I'm sorry, Flia. That was unfair to you…" Leo also apologized before downing the last of his drink.

“I get it… you guys are worried about what's going on with all this, I get it and-"

“Flia…" Tracey cut her off.

“Yes, Tracey?" The doe whispered out gently.

“Look… hanging out with Cream and Mocha, watching how they handle their relationship, it got us both talking about you. We've made a decision and we want you to hear it."

They both heard the shuddering sigh of fear escape her throat as she whispered, “What is it?"

Tracey nudged, Leo but he just nudged her back. The wolf rolled her eyes before speaking out, “We want to try, with you. We want you to uh… be our girlfriend, even if it's long-distance…"

The doe sat up in her bed, her eyes wide, her vision going blurry as both of them heard her give a little hic of a sob, “Y-You mean it? You promise?"

“Yeah, Flia… we promise. You've always been very special to me, and… I think I can now say, that holds true for both of us." Tracey nodded at his words as she settled against his chest with a huff.

“Gods… you guys… I- I have no words… I'm just so happy right now…" She sobbed the words gently as Tracey smiled, pushing her own face into Leo's shirt, feeling her own eyes burn a little.

“It's uh… it's gonna be messy, we'll have to work all the kinks out… I promise to try not to get too angry or moody with you, Flia… talk to me, talk to Leo… when something bothers you and we'll talk to you. It won't be you vs us either. You're my girlfriend and he's my boyfriend. I'll try to not take a side."

“Yeah. Me too, Flia… Me and Tracey won't team up on you… well, not like that anyway…" He hummed out playfully to try to diffuse the tension a little.

“Y-You are… such a dumbass, popstar… fuck… thank you, thank you so much… These last months with you… they've been a light for me in a dark void I never thought I'd be free from…"

Tracey sighed as she wiped her eyes and sat up. “Flia… You're special to me, you're a sneaky little bitch that wormed your way into my heart, and I hate you for that… but gods damn me if I don't adore you…"

“Tracey… I adore you too, you angry snarling bitch… but… you're my angry snarling bitch now!" The doe huffed out, sounding giddy and proud even as she sniffled a few times.

“Daaaamn… I'll have to make sure not to piss you both off at once, I might not make it out alive!" Leo laughed aloud.

“So what happens now?" Tracey asked curiously.

“Uh… I guess we'd just go along kinda like how we did before, just more open to one another?" Flia spoke up.

“Probably have more phone sex too," Leo hummed.

“Well, duh!" Tracey barked out with a grin.

“Gods… I'm just so happy right now! You two are the best things that ever happened to me, I adore you both so much!" Flia sobbed the words out happily.

—*—

Trixie sat in the lounge of the hotel, piano music playing over the sound system, a mostly melted tropical-style cocktail sitting next to her only half drank. She was looking over budget and next stops, to see what she could do to account for this extra night of stalling their movement. She sighed and looked up, taking a drink of her melted cocktail before lifting her ears as the wolf approached her.

“Hilde, you're up late, can't sleep?" She nodded to the chair across from her at the small table.

“Something like that…" She snarled as she sat down. She was still dressed from the concert, jeans, boots, and a shirt, even the heavy jacket. The only thing missing was her gloves.

“Uh… you know, my heat has been tearing me up, I'm sure Tracey told you about it." She rubbed her face as she growled.

“Bitch I can smell it on you, stinks like it's going out with a bang too apparently." Trixie chuckled as she passed some of her half-drank cocktail over. “It's still cold, sip on it to cool off a little."

“T-Thanks…" Hilda ignored the straw and took a drink from the side of the hurricane glass. Her ears perked and Trixie smiled, seeing she liked the flavor.

“It's called a painkiller. It's like a pina colada but with orange juice instead of pineapple juice." She smiled as she explained.

“Fuck, I love OJ… Tracey makes me screwdrivers sometimes." Hilde wagged her tail as she took a few more sips before she passed it back, Trixie smiled and pushed it back to her.

“Go on, I'm good, have the rest."

“Thanks, boss." Her tail wagged as she made short work of the rest of the cocktail, a happy sigh escaping her throat.

“Glad I could perk you up a bit, what's eating at you? Why are you still dressed like that?" Trixie cocked a brow as she powered off her tablet and tucked it away, showing Hilde was getting her full attention.

“Petty bullshit I guess…" Hilde ran her fingers through her hair and sighed. “Trixie, can you tell me if I'm being wrong to feel how I do?"

“I can't tell you shit if you don't spill your guts, sweetie. Let's hear it."

“Leo smelled awesome tonight, so did Tracey, and fuck me… don't get me started on how good that wolf smelled!" She snarled out, her tail wagging faster.

“Sweetie, I'm not even in heat and both of those dogs tonight reeked of sex, even got my stomach clenching a little. Don't be ashamed of that… must be the influence of having a bunny around, eh?" Trixie gave her a sympathetic grin.

“Yeah… no kidding… Anyway… uh… it's about James." She sighed.

Trixie groaned and nodded. “Color me shocked. What happened?"

“We promised to go out next time we had some downtime, I planned to take him to a nice restaurant then ride him until he couldn't see straight in a real fucking bed, not one in a fucking bus…" She snarled and clenched her fist, her knuckles popping.

“I take it things didn't go as planned?" The llama quirked a brow.

She answered with a bitter bark. “Fuck no… I told him I'd come straight back to the hotel once the show was done, and said to be ready to go out. We got back by ten thirty, I even texted him when we left. Nothing… I get back here, just to find out he had a few drinks with the other guys, decided to go fucking do gods knows what, maybe he's pounding some other bitches brains out right now, he hasn't answered me all fucking night… I even had a very lovely full-fur cat boy from the other show asking to take me out too, and I blew him off to get back here to James."

Trixie pursed her lips. She'd been here at the lounge since they got back but hadn't seen fur nor hair of any of the boys but Neil. The otter said he was too old to pull the all-nighters and still do a show the next day. He did confirm the rest of the crew were still out celebrating though. “That's a guy in a band for you, he gets a few drinks and forgets every fucking thing, huh?"

Hilde shook her head and gritted her teeth. “Fuck man… I mean… It's not like I held it on some fucking pedestal, but I did let the dog be my first, thought I'd get at least more fucking mileage than this out of it?" She gave a resentful laugh.

“Sweetie… You don't have the whole story yet. Maybe he's tied up, maybe he's watching out for the others guys or something. James doesn't have the history of picking girls up after all."

“Or maybe he's fucked up and plowing some bitch!" Hilde snarled as she showed her teeth, her tail fluffing out.

Trixie clicked her tongue. “Maybe he is… what business of it is yours?"

The wolf flinched at that and blinked a few times, the llama just followed up, “Did you ask to go steady? Tell him to be your boyfriend? Ask him to only get his dick wet for you, Hilde?" The llama spoke the words coldly as she tilted her head.

“N-No… I didn't do any of that. I just assumed after we talked he-"

“You know the old saying about the word assume, right?" Trixie sighed.

“So am I the bad guy here, Trixie?" She blinked up at her.

“Fuck no you're not, he still stood you up, sweetie. They're not all like Leo and Tracey though. I've known Neil for years now and even at his age, he gets around. He finds a groupie with a grey-muzzle complex, he's all over that."

“What do I do then?" Hilde tilted her head curiously.

“I can't answer that one for you, sweetie. You have to decide how much he's worth and how close in you let him, maybe he's got a good excuse for tonight, maybe he is off getting his dick wet, won't know until later, right?"

Hilde frowned and nodded as she fumbled with the empty hurricane glass in her hands. “Yeah…"

“Uhm… look sweetie this is awkward, and let's keep this between us girls, but… I get it… I've got a really quiet one, can't even hear it over the rumble of the bus. Throw some music on, bite down on your pillow and get it out of your system, you know? You want me to get you one?"

Hilde blushed at that but gave a small nod, her tail wagging. The llama smiled and nodded back. “I'll have one in your hot little hands in a week, sweetie. Also… it's waterproof, so it can go in the shower with you." She gave her a little wink.

“Wow… you're um… really nice, Trixie… Thank you for all this…" She folded her ears, her cheeks dark.

“I just know how some of these guys are… but remember, sweetie. If you play the game, be ready to play by all the rules. Every guy is going to be in love when they're balls deep."Trixie sighed and averted her eyes. “Fuck… I can smell it on you, it's pretty rough huh?"

Hilde growled and nodded. “One of the reasons I'm so pissed, I just knew I was going to be coming back and getting laid… I should have just begged Tracey harder!" Hilde laughed bitterly and Trixie quirked a brow. She wasn't going to bring it up, but now that Hilde had.

“Is that the heat talking, Hilde?"

“Fuck yes… and fuck no… I fell in love with Tracey the moment I laid eyes on her… but she's always been with EB, and I don't want to fuck that up, you know?"

“She's more or less with him and Flia Price at this point. They're like right there on the edge of making it official at this point."

“Fucking great… maybe I should have opened my mouth sooner." Hilde rubbed her face, giving another frustrated snarl.

“Problem is, for as hot as he is, do you even give a shit about Leo like that?" Trixie quirked a brow.

“Nah… he's a sweetheart, and I love him, but not like that. I'd let him fuck me senseless in a heartbeat if Tracey gave me a green light, but he's so not my type. Totally a friends-with-benefits boy there."

“Problematic position to be in, eh? Flia likes them both, you just like Tracey." Trixie smiled at her.

“No shit, you fucking think?! Ugh… sorry, Trixie…" Hilde sighed and rubbed her head.

“I'm not upset, I get it. Hilde maybe you should talk to Tracey, just explain things when you're not in heat. Who knows, maybe Flia and Leo won't mind."

“Yeah right! Ha… I'll just be the side girlfriend that they are one hundred percent okay with!" She barked out bitterly.

The llama wagged a finger, her nail bubblegum pink like her hair and suit. “Happens more than you'd think, Hilde. Don't let Hollywood romances and online erotica fool you. Plenty of people have what would be considered unorthodox relationships."

“That's fair… fuck I dunno, Trixie… I don't even know what I want… Maybe I did just want James to scratch an itch… I don't know if I'm angrier that he stood me up or I'm just not getting fucked!"

“I'd offer to help, but uh… frankly, I think Tracey would kill me." She offered the wolf a smug grin as Hilde's cheeks darkened a little.

“Okay… tell you what, if this is gross as hell, just say so, but I always clean it after every use, you want mine as a loaner until I get you one?" Trixie blushed as she reached for her bag.

“Huff… are you offering to use it on me, Trixie? Because after what you just said…" Hilde gave her a predatory grin.

The llama gave a bleat of a laugh before sharpening her gaze. “I am not! I will not be opening that can of worms! I'd sooner kick Tracey and Leo's door down and throw you into their bed myself before I'd incur that wolf's wrath over touching you. As it is I fear I may need to be looking for a new keyboardist soon." She laughed and slapped a nondescript case down, pushing it forward.

Hilde blushed but took the case. “Sorry, I know this is all terribly awkward…"

“Bitch, you are going through the same thing any girl with a reproductive system has gone through! It's okay, you just got to take care of yourself so your head will clear, especially when it comes time to deal with sir flakes out a-lot!"

The wolf gave her a grin and hopped up. “Thanks, gods… you're really great, Trixie… I mean it!" Hilde moved in and kissed her cheek, the llama huffing out at the gesture before the wolf quickly turned to skip away, no doubt eager to test her new toy out.

“Phew… okay… not had those kinds of emotions surface in a while…" Trixie snarled as she ran her fingers through her curly locks. After a few moments, she shook it off and pulled her tablet back out.

It was another hour and nearly two AM when the rest of the crew came into the lobby to go to their rooms. Trixie was still at the lounge and lifted her ears. All of them were pretty messed up, James included, some of them even towing along girls they'd met at the bar. The corgi had a little fox clinging to him too, she was wearing his knit cap on her head.

Trixie took a deep breath through her nose, feeling her own anger building at the view of it. The corgi saw her and gave her a drunk peace sign with a grin before they disappeared into the elevator.

“You son of…" The llama just bit her lower lip hard enough to bring a few drops of blood, shaking her head before kicking a chair over, snatching her tablet up, and storming to her room.

—*—

The next morning came and most of the crew came down for a later breakfast all groans and headaches from the night of debauchery.

“I fucked up man, I really fucked up!" James snarled at the table, pushing a hand through his hair, the knit cap nowhere in the room when he came too, the little vixen having taken it as a trophy from her successful hunt.

“Welcome to the rock and roll life, James. What the fuck man? I told you to come back with me!" Neil hissed out and shoved a finger into his forehead.

“I know, but we were having such a good time, and… fuck what do I do?!" He snarled and shook his head, staring down into his own coffee, his head pounding. “I lathered up and shit, like five times but how strong is a wolf's sense of smell?"

“Not gonna say anything about it, J?" The otter tilted his head. “Look, better to fuck up and come clean, than try to sweep it under the rug, I learned that lesson a long time ago."

“Dude! I can't just tell Hilde I fucking stood her up for some random tail! She'd never speak to me again!"

“Head's up, boss beelining right for us." Neil snarled as he casually sipped his coffee.

The llama stomped over, her breasts bouncing a little in the suit as she gave a huff, tablet in her hands. “Neil."

“Sup, Trix?" The otter nodded.

“Be a sweetheart and fuck off!" She snarled.

“I'm gone." He hopped up and pulled his chair out, offering it as the llama took a seat. He even pushed it forward a little to be polite before collecting his coffee and leaving the corgi alone with her.

“Uh… hey, Trixie, what's up?" James rubbed his head, looking down at his cup.

“What's up indeed… thanks for saying hi on the way in last night. I could tell you were busy." She snarled the words, her own brown eyes looking fierce.

“I said hi? Gods, it's all pretty blurry to me." James rubbed his head again.

“Where's your cap, James?" The llama spat out.

“Uh… I'm sure it's around, just couldn't find it before I came down." He frowned and took a sip of his coffee.

“Yeah… or maybe that little piece of tail you strutted in here with last night ran off with it as a prize!" She growled out, her eyes looking furious.

“Okay… what the fuck Trixie? How is that any of your business?" He scowled at her, his own brown eyes hardening a little.

“Because while you were out having your fun, I was the one consoling, Hilde!" She slammed a fist to the table as James jerked his gaze away.

“I didn't have a huge attachment to it, but I thought letting him punch my card would at least get me more mileage than this, I believe were her words, James!" She snarled again and stood from the table, clutching her tablet to her chest. “I even tried to offer you the benefit of the fucking doubt, told her you weren't like that, guess you had us both fooled, huh?!"

“Trixie, wait, it wasn't… I mean to say…"

“It wasn't fucking what? Gonna blame it on the fucking hooch?!" She sneered down at him as she clutched her tablet closer to her chest with one hand, her other slamming to the table as she hissed down into his ears, “I'd fucking kick you off this fucking tour faster than your fucking tiny little brain could fucking comprehend if I fucking could you selfish little fucking shit!"

James twitched at that and snarled. “Think you missed a few fucks in there, boss?"

“Yeah, I did miss one. Fuck you for hurting her." Trixie hissed out and stood up straight again.

“You gonna tell her?" James whispered out as he looked away.

“Is that all you're worried about, James? Keeping your own tail looking clean? Sure piled the soap on this morning, wonder if it's enough to get through a wolf's sense of smell," She snarled as she stomped off, leaving him alone with his thoughts.

Neil frowned at him from another table but just stayed where he was, drinking his coffee, then it happened. He smelled her coming and didn't bother looking up as Hilde just sauntered over and slid right into the chair. “Huh… swear I can smell Trixie around…" Neil winced as he just got up and left the dining room.

Hilde watched a few more of the band slip out of sight, as she felt her stomach twist, seeing the corgi not looking her in the eyes. Her mouth was dry as she spoke out conversationally, “Have fun last night?"

“It was okay." James huffed out as he stared down at his coffee.

Hilde's heat had finally waned over the night, so she felt more clear-headed than she had been in days. “Hey, James… where's your cap?"

“Oh… just couldn't find it this morning, I'll dig around in the room a bit more later…" He folded his brown ears.

“Huh… that right? You know… I got an early start despite waiting up past one AM for your ass, you know that?" There was a slight growl in her voice now.

“Sorry about that, Hilde, I didn't mean to blow you off…" He growled himself as he hesitantly met her brown eyes, the wolf twitching an ear, a little bit of snarl showing on her face.

“Is that right? Are you sorry about this as well?" Hilde slapped her cell phone onto the table, a picture of a very disheveled vixen leaving the lobby with his knit cap on her head.

His breath caught in his throat as he stammered and looked into her eyes. “Uh, I can explai-"

“I'll stop you right there, James, you can't explain shit," She snarled the words as she collected her phone. A moment later his knit cap slammed to the table. Hilde stood over him glaring down at him, her eyes wet. “We made no promises… but I thought, it was worth more than that… thought it was worth more than a notch on your fucking bunk…"

“It was! Hilde I-"

“Shut the fuck up!" She screamed the words so loudly that the whole lobby looked upon the two of them.

She clenched her teeth hard, tears rolling down her cheeks as she whispered out, “Stop… losing, your fucking cap, James. I'll not save it again… and… you're never touching me again!" She barked the last of the words in a sob and stormed off, leaving everyone just staring at him, his own eyes filled with tears as he stared at the cap on the table.

---

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