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The name 'Rebecca' attached to a series of messages whooshed past as Molly scrolled on her phone.

OMG! I am swamped with requests for you Molly! Or should I say...VENUS!

Here's the list so far [Attachment].

Molly saw her own response, typed some time ago (_ oh...that's a long list _), and smiled. Reminiscing.

Yeah. We better narrow it down to high rollers. You are such an item right now! I'll come by and help you get ready, okay? We can pick out a new sexy outfit together!

Molly's next text was comparatively simple: S _ ure thing. See you. _

Rebecca's sign-off was an ecstatic 'Byeee!' followed by three heart emojis. The timestamp of the message said it was from eleven o'clock last night. It felt remote, yet so close at hand...mere hours ago she proved her worth as an exotic dancer.

She sat presently on a stool in the kitchen, sipping a herbal tea and reliving the events of the previous night. A quick glance at her sofa in the other room revealed two outfits draped over the furniture. Laid out as best she could in the throes of her tiredness arriving home. A smudge of ink/make-up blemished the nice cushion placed on one of the seats, from her falling asleep far too late to care that she was still downstairs, and a long way from her bed. Scribbling a mental note to schedule a dry-clean, and taking another drink from her tea, Molly looked back to her phone.

Rebecca had been a star; the chirpy canine helping her out with organising her follow-up dances to private patrons. A nose for fashion too, as the second outfit she brought home with her could attest. It was not as exquisite as her stage get-up, but it didn't need to be. What she threw together was daring and slutty...and Molly loved it!

After her pit-stop in the changing room at Violetta, Molly had performed for a stag party of rowdy canines (who she swore called in favour from Rebecca, judging by how the collie had spoken with them...so familiar). That was fun. They were drunk, but polite customers. The club had a good hold on troublemakers, something their 'Guard Dogs' took a great deal of pride in. Molly danced for the party in a jet-black v-styled thong and matching bra, with string netting around her collar. It didn't last long on her body, however! But that attire served her well throughout the night, a fresh look despite the make-up from her debut still dazzling those who met her gaze.

Her next customer was a shy serval, who she sweet-talked the entire time. Watching his ears turn bright red with embarrassment stoked a wicked feeling inside her. Perpetual awkwardness seemed to have an effect on her, and the cute guy shrank like a timid creature from her. Oh, but he enjoyed it. She could tell. Shy, nerdy guys tip well — who knew?

As she moved from dance to dance, engagement to engagement, Molly's appreciation for how Vi had built her club grew. The individual booths were neat, tidy, and above all else: clean. The right lights for the mood...the right level of darkness for those of an introverted nature...its measure of modesty balanced just right, despite sitting adjacent to the main arena of Stage Two — where she'd stripped for a whole crowd.

Faces flew by as her memory merged many into one. She did about five or six private dances, and they all went off without a hitch. Following the sole shy patron in one booth, she performed for a lesbian human couple having fun on their anniversary. Their first time at Violetta, and Molly made sure it wouldn't be their last after her show. Then a few further smatterings of anthros and humans filled the remaining appointments. Singles and pairs.

Despite baring all for paying crowds, nothing below the belt occurred. Northing like what Rylan — her impromptu mentor — hinted at when she first visited. Only a fraction of the dancers took advantage of the privacy offered by the secluded show-booths to extract a lil' extra something for their trouble. The rest were happy to keep it at arms length. Look, but don't touch.

Though...

Molly bit her lip.

That one shy cat on his own...he was cute...his little tie...

She laughed.

Forget it Molls. He'd probably have a heart attack if you offered to fuck him!

Her phone buzzed with new texts. Co-workers praised her. Her heart swelled with pride as she read through them.

Well done girl! First night and it was a massive hit!

Another: Saw you on stage. You were on fire babe!

And another: Yassss! Way to go Molly!

Messages kept coming. All supportive. The outpouring of admiration for their friend and colleague. News spread from those on-duty last night to the rest of the staff — who chimed in with their congratulations. Molly had a hard time matching names to faces, many numbers weren't stored on her phone so they only appeared as meaningless digits, but she could remember who'd made an impression at her meet and greet. Quite an impression, given the menagerie Violet had assembled. The feeling was mutual now.

Speaking of the boss, the final text she received was from Vi. It was neat, not too exuberant, but beneath the straightforward language Molly knew her friend was thrilled...

Good work Molly. Rylan told me you did wonderfully.

We filed away your tips from the night. They're available to collect in my office. I see plenty of green here [Image].

Enclosed was a picture of a stuffed tip jar. For effect, of course. She didn't strut the booths last night with one in-hand. What a way to ruin the mood if she had!

Tossing her phone aside, with enough care to ensure it landed on something soft (the sofa), Molly threw her head and arms back and gave an elated shout. Her fists catapulted themselves into the air, bunched tight in triumph. Breathing rapidly, she moved around the room -- practically bursting with energy. The aches from her exertion the night before paling in comparison to the endorphins washing through her system, overloading her senses.

After all that trouble...all that heartache over what she intended to do...all gone.

Her gestures descended into a series of warm-up stretches as she reminded herself of her next scheduled appearance. Tomorrow. Gotta be prepared!

Tomorrow she'd rock the stage again. But the future could wait. Molly desired nothing more than to live in the moment — this moment. When her stars aligned and everything looked perfect. She had plans, yes, but they were already worked out.

The difficult parts were done — working up the courage to ask him.

Precarious. Especially after the awkward call. But what's done was done. For now, she could relax...

She had made it!

* * *

“First decent trip downtown since your big change, huh?"

“Yeah."

Molly looked across the table to Cade, who she'd invited for coffee. He looked back and smiled, picking up his cup. Occasionally another hybrid would pass by, walking the street and going about their own day. She wondered whenever they caught her eye...since they're in the area, would they have stopped by Violetta? How might she tell?

It was fun to guess.

“It's been two weeks since the 'anthromorphing' procedure. I'm settled in now. Helps to have someone outside of work to talk to about it — you're the only neighbour I know anything about and I'd hate to start being weird with new people."

Cade winked. “It's my special talent: the not-weird guy you know. Pending other interpretations."

“Not like that. Nobody else seems to give much of a shit about who's moved in. They leave early, and come home late. Very busy people."

Cade feigned indignation. “Calling me a slacker?"

“Oh stop it Cade — your hours make it easier for me to...to..."

“See me?"

“Sure." Molly sipped her coffee. The mid-morning light was still strong, and she squinted when glancing at more distant sights than the human sitting in front of her. The stores were packed with shoppers, all along the main street and up to several blocks away. They'd kept far from the traffic finding this place; a little family-owned café. Next to the park.

Molly adjusted her dress. She'd opted for a loose ensemble, a skirt instead of trousers and an airy blouse — the first real clothes she bought for her new figure, finally test-driven in the company of a handsome gentleman. Cade had yet to pass remark on her style, and seemed taken by her 'about-town' look. He was boring by comparison. No-one had mastered the v-neck and jeans the way he did (not exactly a compliment to put it that way...).

“So, I was thinking a walk in the park after this."

“Getting back to nature, hmm?"

“If that's what it takes for you to humour me, then yes. I'll even strip naked in the forest to give you the full experience."

“Tempting offer."

“Isn't it?"

They raised their drinks.

“To our date!"

A short laugh followed. Molly and Cade relaxed for a moment, letting the noise of the city fill their minds, their thoughts. Her antelope qualities meant that her legs kicked the chair Cade was using, striking out for want of room — oh for some extra space, she thought.

“Someone's staring," said Cade, interrupting her quiet moment.

Molly stealthily glanced at a passer-by on the opposite side of the street, observing as they — a human — looked at the two of them, before returning to their own world. She'd received a few looks like that. Often curious. Some confused. “Not many anthros in this town. I bet many are still getting used to your appearance...can't blame 'em, can I?" Cade's words came with a hint of desire, as his hand reached across the table to hers.

“Mmm," she answered, miles from the present.

“For many, you could be the first they see."

“And what I sight I make, huh?"

“It's...unforgettable."

“Yeah..." Molly's hand moved on its own, finding his. Slowly they entwined. “Don't know about you, but the park is really calling to me." Her body shifted, inching closer to Cade.

“Let's pay for our coffees and go there now."

* * *

Whistling wind lifted leaves and branches, whispering encouragement to the human and hybrid that strolled down leaf-littered lanes. Molly's amazement peaked with this combination of sight, sound, and soft companionship. Things between her and Cade were moving fast now — their hands gripping one another, suspended between them like a couple. She felt drawn to him. The closer she got the more she yearned...for him...

“Peaceful."

Cade smiled and surveyed the greenery. No-one had walked near them for a while. The sunlight peppered the road ahead as it filtered through the canopy, and in the background the chatter of others seeped through the trees.

Molly heard the crunch of her hooves on the stony earth...the meeting of hard feet and dusty soil. If she were human, then the need for shoes would be clear from the pain of stepping on sharp stones along the way. Not her. Molly felt strange at the notion. Of all the things to fixate on, going barefoot in a city park was an unusual impulse.

“Yes. Peaceful," she agreed with Cade, meeting his look with one of her own.

“It happens," she continued, “every now-and-then it happens. When I'm walking through a place like this I feel a pull. Like it's supposed to be."

“Must be your instincts. I've heard they can be quite powerful."

“Oh, you have no idea!" she giggled. “I was warned. Before choosing this life. Told you might no longer feel like yourself. Like there's another presence inside you. Wanting you to surrender to it."

“Romantic — if mildly disturbing."

“Oh c'mon Cade, look on the bright side. It's liberating!"

“The stripping naked and prancing through the woods does have a certain...charm to it. But I'd prefer to watch you do it first."

Molly snorted. “Of course you would. If there one constant its that we're all still perverts."

“No matter how serenely you commune with nature?"

“Nope. Exception! Gives me inner peace. No time to be thinking dirty thoughts."

Molly found herself loosening up around Cade. First it was in small ways — the flirting she'd inadvertently begun a week ago. Then, as if the odds of their meeting were pre-ordained, the pieces fit together. She looked at him differently now. She looked at herself differently too, but that infusion of confidence had many sources. They drifted closer together, walking at a gentle pace through the park forest.

“Cade?"

“Yeah Molly?"

They stopped. The pair stood at an empty fork, hands held tightly.

“I should be honest with you. Full disclosure..."

He moved closer. Her eyes wandered but found him again. Always him.

“The more time I spend with you, the more comfortable I feel. I like you, Cade. I really like you."

“I could tell," he said, grinning. His breath whenever the came close tickled her fur. “I like you too."

“Mmm-hmm." Molly closed her eyes, head craning forward and down. Lips pursed. Cade moved in from his side.

Their lips touched. A slight brush. Enough to stoke the flame. Again, they neared, but missed. A second close encounter as courage built. Finally, their mouths met. A deep, longing kiss formed between them. Eyes shut to savour the moment without being spoiled by sight. No, only touch...and sound. The sound of breathing. And taste...the warm embrace of tongues...

Cade's heart raced. So did Molly's, but she showed it less. Her forthright pursuit culminated in roving hands dragging his shirt as they slid across his back, her taller frame overpowering him. Cade pressed closer, performing his own navigation of her hide. Still clothed, they let imaginations wander. The heat of the seconds as they flew by scalding them.

As soon as it started, the kiss broke. Molly and Cade pulled back from each other, gently cradling their partner's waist. A volley of smiles fired in quick succession, as they struggled to verbalise their emotions.

Soon, the romantic nature of their kiss was apparent. The pair knew what had happened. Neither were about to complain...

Cade sighed, and let out a small chuckle. “Never kissed a deer before."

“Antelope."

“I know. Just fucking with you."

Another minute of soft caressing ensued. Molly lowered her head to let him place a hand there. To feel around, searching for another surprise instance of intimate contact. They remained quiet until the noise of the trees as they whipped in the breeze was too much. Once the spell had broken, they could talk like civilised folk.

An agreement was made. One between their heads and hearts.

“So it's official — we'll see where this takes us?"

Molly nodded, her expression a swirling mix of desire and happiness. This was too perfect, as if a chapter in a storybook.

“Wanna hear the résumé of the woman you're 'officially' going out with?"

Cade said nothing. Molly ran a finger across his brow, clearing away chestnut-tinged hair. His hand rested on her neck, sinking into the short fur as best it could. Drawing her in for another kiss.

A short, wet peck was all it ended up being, as Molly gentled manoeuvred out their tight embrace. Cade followed her lead, leaving his arms to settled around her waist, a little higher than a human was used to.

“Mmm," she purred, “how do I put this without being weird."

“Just speak. I'm listening. You never know, I might like what you say."

Molly paused briefly, then spoke again: “I'm an exotic dancer. A...stripper."

Cade sighed, but it was a pleasant sigh. “I knew it was something athletic."

“Athletic!? C'mon!" she guffawed, keeping her voice low and private between them. “I get paid to dance...naked...what about that screams 'athlete'. Although...I am very good at it."

“Oh really?" he teased, gently drifting side-to-side, corralling her into a dance of his own.

“How did I know you'd be into it!? Seems my guess was correct, pervert."

“Says the lady who takes off her clothes for strangers."

“Checkmate then," Molly cooed. “You got me. Now, what are you gonna do with me?"

“Nothing. Just admiring your wild side."

She met his swaying with her own, finally giving in to his physical entreaty. “It's not the part of me that's merged with an animal that makes me feel good doing it — that's just an added bonus. Did you know I used to strip in my twenties?"

“And now you came outta retirement to show those newbies how it's done, right?"

“Hehe — I was invited out of retirement by a good friend."

Molly's skirt flowed with the slight motion of her hips.

“This 'friend'...man or woman?"

She grinned at Cade. “Does it matter? Worried about competition?"

“No — not at all! Maybe...a little."

“Maybe, eh? Maybe you should drop by the club sometime, to see that nothing's wrong."

“Yeah, sure. Visit just to see how you're doing...nothing else..."

She stopped dancing, letting Cade know it was time to move on to another secluded place. “Why that tone...would there be another reason you'd visit?"

“No, not at all," he joked, “fine upstanding establishment such as that. Prestigious even."

Molly chuckled. “You don't know that half of it! I'll give you the details."

“Just like that?"

“Just like that."

He sighed. “After all that secrecy..."

“Worth it, wasn't it?"

“Depends on what I see when I get there."

“Oh, you are taking me up on that offer? Very well, some advice: you need to come over when we're putting on a real show. Not some routine...uh...routine. I'll let you know."

“You'll let me know..." he repeated, staring into her eyes. They began to walk from the fork, taking the path that led to a bright clearing, and sun-swept hills of well-maintained grass. Cade linked arms with Molly.

“I'll take that offer," he said, turning to her. Molly smiled and felt like blushing, though it didn't show much given her different physiology.

They continued their stroll; relaxed. Growing fonder all the while.