Episode 9:
This is my moment

New years eve was spent on the road to the next show. The crew stopped to celebrate at a truck stop, with champagne and other spirits. Then after the festivities were finished, they were back on the road.
Days turned into weeks and before Tracey knew it, she had spent her third month with everyone. The concerts themselves were going pretty straight forward. Occasionally she would need to pluck an excitable fan off the stage, but there hadn’t been any out right drama.
Every time she had to appear on stage though, the fans would cheer and applaud her. She had taken to treating them with a lighter touch these days. Usually she would tug them behind the stage, scold them and turn them back loose into the crowd to finish the show. With the token threat, that if they tried it again, she would throw them out of the venue.
Tracey found herself at the side of the stage during Leo’s Valentine's Day concert. Love was in the air and the idol was really into it. He even wore an alteration of his usual stage outfit, going with pink and white. She had threatened to hurt him severely, if he pulled anything with her during the show.
Another sappy song, the fourth one in an hour. Each time he finished he would look her way and the wolf would give him a blushing grin. The stage lights and laser beams made her small silver pendant he wore shine and sparkle on his mostly open chest.
The bodyguard shook her head with a smile and started to move back to the other side of the stage, where Max had been. The poor rat had ran off to make his third emergency bathroom trip of the night. 
However, something caught her eye and gave her pause. She looked out to see a young girl quickly scramble up on stage after security became lax in that section.
“Are you kidding? While I’m feeling all fuzzy and giddy, one of you assholes decides to do this?” The wolf barked the words out to herself over the performance and quickly tugged at her gloves, before pushing past the curtains.
Her white ears elevated as the crowd cheered and called out when they saw her. She felt her cheeks darken slightly like they always did. She heard a few yells from the mass of adoration for her specifically, particularly one fan screaming out. “I love you, Tracey!”
They knew her name now, well of course they did. Those stupid videos and the ram blabbing his mouth on that dumb tv show. She shot a look in the direction of where she heard the adoration and gave a quick toothy grin, then shifted her gaze on the young woman that had climbed the stage.
She had stopped her advance when she saw Tracey come out from behind stage. The young woman was a wolf like the bodyguard, even down to the white ears, tail, and hair. Her hair wasn’t nearly as long as Tracey’s though, only coming down to her shoulders. Tracey gave a visible sigh before placing her hands on her hips, giving the other dog a shake of her head.
The bodyguard extended her hand and crooked a finger, beckoning the younger wolf to her. “Please just behave and come here… I don’t want to tackle you and interrupt the show...” She barked the words out, but knew it would be impossible to be heard over the performance.
An excited grin spread on the girls face and she quickly trotted over to the older wolf, her large white tail wagging like a puppy. Tracy cocked an eyebrow and motioned her around the curtain, making sure to stay within grabbing reach if she tried to bolt.
Once behind the stage, the bodyguard folded her arms and barked out sternly at the girl. “What the hell are you doing, girl? Did you come here to see Blue, or go to jail?”
“N-neither! I came here to see you!” The younger wolf barked the words out and wagged her tail.
Tracey showed her teeth and looked into the girl’s eyes while growling. She looked like she might have been eighteen or nineteen at best and her eyes were a soft brown. The older wolf felt a chill go up her spine, the eye color reminding her of Helen. She looked away and up on stage at Leo still performing. 
Two of the security goons came over to the two of them. “Should we escort her out, ma’am?”
“Now you want to do your jobs? Fuck off and go help at the stage!” Tracey barked the words at the two larger men, who scowled at her but left the two wolves be.
“Y-you’re so cool!” The younger dog spoke out, her cheeks dark and her tail still wagging.
“You’re an idiot kid...” Tracey muttered the words and jerked her head. “C'mon… let’s go for a walk.”
“O-okay!” The younger wolf paced up next to her. “I’m Hilde by the way, I’m really exci-”
“I didn’t ask for your name.” Tracey barked out while they walked. Hilde drooped her ears and looked away, growing silent.
The two dogs moved further backstage until the sound of the performance was muted enough she could talk without shouting. Tracey leaned against the wall, planting her boot against it and bending her leg. She crossed her arms over her stomach before growling out. “I would have already thrown your ass out by now, but… You remind me of my grandmother. So… Hilde, what’s your deal?”
Hilde met Tracey’s azure eyes with her own soft brown ones. “I- uh… t-that is...”
“Calm down, girl. I’m not going to kick your ass or throw you out. So relax and just tell me what you were hoping to accomplish with this silly shit.” The older wolf huffed the words out, trying to be more comforting.
“I just think you’re amazing and cool. I’m… a big fan of yours.” Hilde spoke the words excitedly, the tone of voice reminding her of how the fans spoke around Leo, during autograph sessions.
“You have terrible taste in role models, Hilde.” Tracey showed her teeth in a grin and kicked off the wall. “I will admit I never thought I would have a fan though. I’m flattered...”
“You have a lot of them, Tracey! I’m a member of a community online of them. We’ve got a few hundred members and there are multiple communities!” The younger dog wagged her tail as she started explaining.
“T-that… is unsettling… I’m just a normal girl, Hilde… I’ve got baggage like crazy and a truck load of issues. I’m nothing to idolize.” Tracey clicks her tongue and looks back towards the stage area.
“The fact you’re so down to earth and humble, just makes you even more amazing!” Hilde waged her tail furiously and clenched her fists, looking upon the slightly larger wolf. “I can’t believe this worked… I can’t believe I’m getting to talk to you!”
“It was a stupid idea and you’re an idiot for trying it!” Tracey barked the words at the younger dog. Hilde flinched at the words while The older wolf spoke out again. “How old are you?”
“I-I’m nineteen...” Hilde looked away awkwardly at the reprimand.
“You’re not a kid anymore Hilde, this kind of stunt could have gotten you jail time. You want a record following you around?” The blue eyed wolf folded her arms and then frowned at the dejected look on the younger wolf's face. “L-look… I’m just...”
Tracey sighed and reached out, putting a hand on the young wolf's head, rubbing her ears and hair comfortingly. “I’m just busting your chops because I don’t want you to fuck up, okay?”
Hilde’s eyes widened at the touch and she looked back at Tracey, nodding her head several times, her eyes shined as if they were growing wet. “Y-yes, thank you!”
The bodyguard showed her teeth and playfully ruffled the younger wolf's white locks, before pulling her hand away. “Well we’re here… promise me you won’t do bone headed shit like this anymore and I will answer a few questions for you.”
“Really?” Hilde’s brown eyes sparkled and she quickly ran her fingertips through her hair, fixing it. “Ah… yes I promise not too! So I can ask anything?”
“Within reason, you start asking me creepy stuff like my panty color, I’m tossing your ass outside.” Tracey showed her teeth and gave a playful grin.
“Damn… that was my first question.” Hilde snapped her fingers dramatically and smiled up at the older wolf.
Tracey barked out a laugh and grinned before looking back at the stage. “You’re cute kid, but I’m slacking off for you, lets get on with it.”
Hilde nodded her head before speaking. The first question was the one she pretty much expected her to ask. “Are you and Blue dating?”
The bodyguard cut her eyes back to the younger wolf and retorted with a question of her own.  “Do you like EB and his music?”
“Of course! I’m a big fan of his. Not as big of a fan as I am of you, but he is great!” Hilde smiled and wagged her tail excitedly.
“He is contractually obligated to not have any public relationships of the romantic variety. Did you know that?” She spoke the words in a conversational tone towards the young fan.
“I didn’t know that… so he can get into trouble if he dated someone?” Hilde asked curiously.
“The record label could fire him or even sue him, yes. Well if he openly admitted to it.” Tracey gave a nod in response.
“Ah… I just saw he was wearing your locket now, so-”
“Hilde are you a fan or a stalker?” The older wolf barked at her, giving her an irritated look.
“N-no! But… the community has lots of pictures of you, and the idea of you two dating is a popular topic. So lots of members have put plenty of research into it.” Hilde quickly explained, trying to reinforce herself as a non-stalker.
“Fandom is terrifying...” Tracey mumbled the words and ran her fingertips through her red and white bangs. “Hilde, you smelled him on stage I assume?”
“Oh yes… he smelled heavenly...” The younger wolf wagged her tail, her voice shifting to a more aroused tone.
“Mhm… and how heavily do I smell of him right now?” She asked Hilde pointedly.
“O-overwhelmingly so...” The younger wolf spoke out, putting the pieces together.
“Well I can’t answer that question, Hilde. It could cause Leo a world of shit. So my answer is, You’re a smart girl, I’m sure you can figure it out.” Tracey gave a shrug. “Anything else?”
“I want to be like you.” Hilde spoke out plainly.
That made the older wolf lift her ears. “Like me? You want to be a bodyguard?”
“I do! You’re so strong and brave!” Hilde furiously wagged her tail and grinned at the older wolf.
“More like a fool with no self preservation.” Tracey snarled the words and gave Hilde a level look. “Hilde, this gig isn’t glamorous or cool. It’s dangerous and tedious. You saw a video of me on stage fighting off that idiot. That’s the most action I’ve seen in a year. The rest of it is long boring rides on buses, cramped sleeping arrangements. Having to hold it for an extra hour, because your VIP doesn’t want to stop for a bathroom break...”
“I’ve looked into it quite a bit, I have an idea. What I’m asking is… how can I be like you? How can I be so cool and stoic, so reliable...” Hilde blinked at the wolf while in adoration. 
Tracey averted her eyes at the look and clenched her teeth. “I’m one of those things, Hilde. I’m reliable, because I’ve got years of training and conditioning. Join a dojo, learn some martial arts, that will help with that.” Tracey sighed and shook her head. “Stoic and cool? More like jaded and bitter… Hilde, I was a mess for a long time...before… well...”
“Before him?” The younger wolf gave her a knowing grin.
Tracey smiled and looked back towards the stage. “Something like that… the right people are what make you, Hilde. Be a good person and strive to surround yourself with those kind of people, that will get you the results you want.”
The younger wolf smiled and nodded. “We are known by the company we keep, yes?”
“You got it.” The bodyguard grinned and waved a hand. “I really need to get back to the stage, we should wrap this up. One more.”
“Uhm… Can I get an autograph?” Hilde asked point blank.
The larger wolf gave a laugh. “You’re kidding, yeah? Hilde, my signature isn’t going to ever be worth anything.”
“It’s worth the world to me, Tracey.” The younger wolf huffs the words out stubbornly.
Tracey clicks her tongue. “I don’t have a pen, or anything to sign...” The wolf looked down at her new phone that Leo got her for the holidays. “How about… a picture together?”
“You serious!?” The younger dog barks out sharply, her tail furiously thrashing about.
Tracey pursed her lips and jerked her head for the younger wolf to follow. “Sure… I need to drop you off to see the rest of the show anyway… Let’s get it with the stage in view.”
“Oh my gawd! Seriously?” Hilde trotted after the bodyguard, her tail a blur of white.
The older wolf felt a gentle smile cross her lips, watching the younger one follow her like a puppy. A chill went up her spine at the situation and she placed a hand to her chest, forgetting the pendant was with Leo.
Tracey got the younger wolf’s number before they got to the stage. “I will send it to you after the show.” She called out over the music and crowd. The younger wolf nodded her head eagerly in response.
The bodyguard climbed back up to the side of the stage with the younger wolf in tow. Leo or Electric Blue as it were, was just finishing up a song. He saw them out of the corner of his eye and gave Tracey a bright grin. He then blinked in confusion to see the wolf she had snatched earlier with her.
Tracey smiled at him and shook her head before turning with the younger woman to get a picture with the stage and band in the shot. Leo felt a grin spread across his face and waved at his band mates before calling out to the audience. “One moment loves!”
The bodyguard never got the picture before turning to look, as the ram happily moved over towards her and Hilde. “The fuck are you doing sheep? Get back on stage!” Tracey barked the words, her cheeks growing dark at the scent of him covered in sweat and musk. The younger wolf quickly averted her eyes and gave off her own faint pant.
“I see what you’re doing here hun. Why don’t you let me make it a really special picture?” The idol hummed the words against both of their ears.
“Hun?” Hilde spoke out, looking at the other wolf curiously.
“Are you stupid?” Tracey growled up at him, her ears folding.
“Relax, I’m a performer, improv is what we do.” Leo cooed the words into the bodyguard's ear, then shifted his gaze to the younger wolf. “What’s your name, love?”
Her brown eyes widened and she looked stunned, stammering to speak to the superstar. The fear and his own scent had shattered her brain thoroughly. “Her name is Hilde, you stupid damn sheep!” Tracey spat out, glaring at Leo childishly.
“Got it… leave it to me, this is going to be amaaaazing~” He called the words out and trotted back to the stage.
“I… I’m gonna throw up...” Hilde weakly huffed the words, her cheeks flushed red. The younger wolf took a calming breath after the Idol slipped away.
Tracey took in a deep breath and patted her back.”You’re gonna be okay, my stupid boyfriend will see to that.”
“Boyfriend?” The younger wolf asked her through the noise of the crowd.
“You must have misheard me through the crowd.” Tracey gave her a knowing grin and a wink.
Leo quickly moved to each of his band mates explaining, then turned to the crowd. “So! Terribly sorry about that delay, loves!” Blue called out to the crowd, which in turn roared their love and understanding back at him.
The idol started to pace the front of the stage, wagging a finger. “Now we planned a little Valentine surprise this time without telling any of you...”
“Son of a bitch… stealing my thunder...” Tracey growled the words, showing a grin as she folded her arms.
“W-what’s he doing?” Hilde asked curiously.
“Being an asshole… Hope you’re not afraid of crowds, girl.” Tracey grinned and looked over at the younger wolf.
“We held a little lottery with the ticket stubs and chose one lucky member of the audience to come back stage. You may have seen her being collected by Tracey, my lovely bodyguard earlier~” The idol cooed the words and turned back to his band, flicking his little fluff of tail.
The crowd cheered and roared in response. Blue sauntered over to the side of the stage once more and extended his hand towards the younger wolf. “Come along little wolf, this is your moment~” His voice filled the concert hall.
Hilde blinked wide eyed at the idol and hesitantly moved a hand to grip his. “Guess our selfie will have to wait, have fun Hilde~” Tracey barked the words playfully, as the idol pulled her from the side area.
The young wolf gave the older one a wide excited grin, quickly reaching out and grabbing Tracey’s wrist with her free hand. The older dog barked out her protest as both of them were dragged out onto the stage by Blue.
“I’m going to kill both of you!” Tracey barked the words loudly, her words swallowed up by the roar of the crowd.
“So, this lovely wolf is Hilde.” Blue calls out to the crowd. The concert hall bursts into cheers in response to his words. The idol looks over at the older wolf fussing and gives her a wide grin. “Of course you already know my lovely bodyguard, Tracey~”
The crowd got even louder at the mention of her name. She folded her arms over her stomach and looked to the side, muttering and growling to herself, her cheeks darkening.
“So Hilde, did Tracey do a good job keeping you company until this?” The idol called out and put his hands on his knees, bending forward to get his mic piece closer to the young wolf.
Hilde blinked several times at how close his face was to hers. She swallowed the lump in her throat before speaking out. “Y-yeah… I was really happy to talk to her, I’m a big fan of hers...”
The crowd cheered and clapped and Blue made a shocked look, putting a hand to his chest. “Really? That’s some stiff competition, I don’t think I could compare.” The ram gave the wolf a playful grin and lifted his ears. “I’m a big fan of hers as well, so I can relate.” Tracey cut her eyes back at the ram, her cheeks dark at him talking about her to the audience.
Hilde flicked her ears up and waved a hand. “N-not that I’m not a big fan of you too, I love you, EB!”
“I love you too, Hilde! Aaaaand… of course I love all of you out there as well~” He turned to point out towards the crown, their cheers and adoration intensifying.
“So!” The ram leaned in close to Hilde and raised his ears sharply. “This is your moment, my love. Any song you please and it’s yours, what would you like to hear?” The idol moved in holding his hand against his mouth as if the crowd couldn’t hear him on his feedback. “Except Neon Sunset, I have to save that for the finale, ya know?”
Hilde giggled and the crowd laughed at the candid outtake of the idol. Hilde folded her arms in thought. “Given the day and how much mush you’ve already cranked out tonight...” 
The crowd laughed and cheered as Blue gave her an innocent look. “Mush? That’s a funny way of saying love and adoration, Hilde~”
Hilde gave him a bright grin, showing her sharp teeth and reminding him of Tracey for a split second. “Uhuh… I want to hear, True Blue Avenue!”
The crowd roared to life at the request and Leo stood up, crossing his arms over his stomach, not unlike how Tracey would do. “Ooph… and you call me mushy...”
She averted her eyes at the words and wagged her tail. Leo smiled and nodded to his band. “James, you want to get us started on that?” The short, black haired corgi pointed at the ram and got right to it from his deck. The speakers filled with a long synthetic build up of sound, each of the band members joining in with their own parts.
By the time the first syllables had crossed Leo’s lips, the whole venue was still and quiet. Soon the whole building was in harmony and singing along. Nothing mattered right now but the moment. Race, religion, or any other views. It all bled away to the unity of the moment, tens of thousands all in harmony.
The idol strode about the stage singing to the crowd, then gave the young wolf a grin and snatched her wrist up. The small dog barked out before being pulled up to the idol and embraced in a slow dance while he sang. Some cheered but most just kept singing in time with Blue.
Hilde blinked up at the idol, her cheeks flushed and a bright smile on her face. The ram gave her a grin in the midst of his song, watching her brown eyes sparkle in the laser lights. After a few moments he felt her pull the lead and start guiding them herself. The idol grinned and gave her the lead.
Tracey showed her teeth in an amused grin, watching the momentum shift. “Sheep, you just can’t help but be led around by the ladies, eh?”
The younger wolf folded her ears and her smile turned into a coy grin. Blue lifted his ears while trying to carry a note, then huffed out as the wolf gave a flourish and stepped from his grip.
The older wolf widened her eyes, Hilde snatching her hand and pulling her into a slow purposeful stride towards the stage. “The hell are you doing, Hilde?!” Tracey barked the words down into her face, her cheeks flushed.
The younger wolf smiled at the older one. “EB said it, this is my moment. So I’m playing it out my way!” She barked the words playfully and pulled Tracey as if to spin her, but released her wrist and let the older wolf fumble right up against the Idol’s chest.
Tracey barked out in protest, her voice cutting into the feed while she pushed up to Leo. The ram took her hand in his and his other hand moved to rest on her hip. He resumed his dance with Tracey in his arms instead. “What is with you wolves?” He cooed out the words between lyrics.
The concert halls energy seemed to dial up in intensity once they were holding one another. Hilde gave a prideful grin and stepped back letting them dance while he sang.
“You know I can’t dance, Leo...” Tracey spoke the words gently, her voice filling the feed while he sang.
“Just follow my lead...” He spoke out during a lull in the song. Tracey nodded and pushed closer to him, resting her head on his chest while they slow danced in the laser lights.
“You like this song, hun… sing it with me...” He spoke the words softly, his voice echoing out into the stadium, the fans cheering in agreement.
“Y-you know I can’t sing!” Tracey barked the words, then folded her ears and blushed, hearing her own voice fill the massive room.
“Everyone else is singing, just follow my lead...” The idol hummed a lyric instead of singing then began to sing once more. Tracey swallowed then started matching his tone, her voice joining his in a duet. The crowd began cheering and the wolf felt her cheeks flush heavily. Leo moved a hand to her face, guiding her to look upon him and focus on their dance and song.
Everything seemed to fade away in that moment. It was just him and her singing, while they clung to one another in a slow dance. She didn’t want it to ever end, she wanted to stay in his arms like this, dancing and singing with him forever.
Their last words of the song rolled forth and the long slow outro of the song played out. They stood there, gently moving to the synthetic music. James was dragging the synth out for them, giving an extended ending to the song. Of course everyone on the crew knew what they were now and most of the audience had their suspicions.
Hilde stood to the side near the band, grinning at the sight, tears filling her eyes while her tail wagged about proudly.
The last notes played and Leo moved his hand to Tracey’s face, guiding her to look upon him. The two stared into one another's eyes in the moment. The last chord hummed out on the speakers and the whole concert hall was silent and focused upon them.
Tracey’s azure eyes widened as he pushed his mouth to her own. The wolf growled in her throat, hearing it on the feedback and wrapped her arms around his neck. She didn’t think about it, she just held him close and kissed him back.
The two held the kiss for a long few heartbeats, then Leo pulled from her mouth and Tracey pulled from his arms, turning her back with a huff. She put a hand over her cheek and looked back towards the stage, feeling the heat on her palm.
The idol clicked his tongue as he looked out over the stunned audience. “S-so...” The idol spoke out in an uncharacteristically shaken tone.
“It’s about damn time!” Someone shouted out in the crowd of thousands. Another similar sentiment echoed out and before long the hall with filled with cheers and applauds.
Tracey gave the younger wolf a smile and shook her head before putting her hands on her own hips. Her lips were stained with the pink lipstick Leo had worn for the concert.
“Thank you everyone, I love you all very much.” The idol called out to the crowd, his eyes shining and looking wet in the lasers and stage lights.
Tracey turned to grin as she moved up close to Leo so her voice would hit the feed. “I still owe Hilde that selfie...”
Leo gave her a wide grin before speaking out. “Then… let’s make sure we get everyone in the shot!” He gathered his band to the front of the stage with him, Tracey and Hilde in front. Their backs were turned to the audience and Tracey held her phone up.
Hilde smiled and wrapped an arm around the older wolf’s shoulder. They both grinned and gave the camera a peace sign before the older wolf took the shot. The two of them were up front, the band and Leo behind them, along with the majority of the filled concert hall.
“That’s how EB does a selfie!” Leo barked out proudly towards the audience. The concert hall roaring to life at his proclamation.
Tracey pushed up close to him and spoke into the feed. “Actually, you made a weird face, we’re gonna have to take it again~”
The place erupted into laughter and Leo blinked down at her with a laugh. The wolf smiled up at him, her lips bright pink like his own. “Really?”
“I’m kidding with you. Get back to your fans… Darling” Tracey growled the words and rested her hand on his chest, fingertips resting over the silver book locket. She hesitated before pulling from him and moving from the stage, Hilde following behind her.
“You crafty little bitch!” Tracey barked at the younger wolf, her teeth showing in a grin.
Hilde giggled and pursed her lips. “I hope you’re not too sore with me… it seemed the right thing to do...”
Maximillian moved over to Tracey with a huff. “Oh man… I guess lunch didn’t agree with me.” The rat looked upon the younger wolf with a confused look then back to Tracey. “What’s going on, what did I...” He saw the pink lipstick on her lips and his face went pale.
“Hilde, this is Maximillian, he’s Blue’s manager.” Tracey grinned and introduced the rat casually.
“Nice to meet you, Maximillian. Can I call you Max?” The young wolf called out playfully.
“A pleasure.” He pursed his lips and looked to Tracey. “Tracey… what happened?”
“Just a little fanservice...” Tracey grinned and held her phone up, letting Max see the concert hall selfie.
“O-oh my gawd… how am I-”
“A lot of fanservice.” Hilde clicked her tongue and showed a picture she had taken as well. The wolf and ram embraced in their kiss, the whole audience watching.
Max pursed his lips and pointed a finger before turning his back. He turned back to Tracey and opened his mouth, then shut it and turned away once more. He looked over his shoulder one more time, opened his mouth to speak once again, then shook his head, threw his arms up, and walked away.

“What the hell was that, Leonard?!” Max hadn’t even shut the door to the dressing room before he was shouting at the idol.
“Oh come off it, Max. The crowd loved it...” Leo spoke out with his back turned, already at the mirror cleaning the pink off his horns.
“Leo… baby… We’ve still got a season to go on this thing. You’re breaking your contract here!” Max hissed the words at him, his fists clenching before he pulled his handkerchief from his back pocket. “Do you have any idea what this shit is going to do?” The rat continued as he wiped his sweating bald head.
“Get your blood pressure up?” Leo quipped, looking over his shoulder. “Seriously, Max. Calm the fuck down before I smack you.”
“Whoa whoa whoa… Let’s just step back here.” Tracey barked out, both the idol and manager glaring at her in response. The wolf snorted and folded her arms, along with her ears. Her azure eyes looked bright and angry as she spoke out calmly. “The way you two are looking at me… Do you wanna have a bad time?”
Max and Leo jerked their gaze away from the wolf at her words. Tracey pointed at Leo while growling. “Max is your best friend, you really want it to go down this way? You owe him an apology.”
The ram showed his teeth.”You demanding I give that apology, Tracy?”
“I’m not. You can do what you want but you know I’m right.” The bodyguard folded her arms and looked to Max. “Maximillian… I know it’s stressing you out, but what’s done is done. Coming in here freaking out on us, isn’t going to make matters any better.”
“Oh, so now you’re thinking about things?” The rat fired back at the bodyguard.
Tracey snarled and jerked her gaze away, her tail whipping about in anger. Leo saw the display and thrust his finger out towards the rat. His words came out cold and furious. “You do not, disrespect her...”
“Stop it.” Tracey growled and grabbed Leo’s hand, gently coaxing it down. She leveled a look at the rat and showed her teeth. “I know I fucked up, is that what you want to hear Max?”
“You both fucked up. I told you to keep this on the downlow until the tour was done.” The manager sighed and folded his arms, looking away from the two of them.
“So we write it off as a Valentine’s day stunt, or we tell the label to go fuck themselves.” Leo gave a shrug. “Tracey has been bringing them plenty more money lately, they can kiss my ass.”
“This didn’t need to happen this way to begin with.” Max put his hands on his hips, giving the idol a look.
“Yeah, well then don’t worry about it. I’m meeting with the director next week to renegotiate anyway. I will deal with it myself.” The idol grumbled the words and turned back to the mirror to clean off the stars and hearts on his cheek.
Max clenched his teeth and turned his back on the idol. “Fine Leonard, do what you please.”
“You two seriously gonna leave it like this?” Tracey called out between them. “You’ve been through a lot together, this is just a bump in the road. Don’t let it derail the fucking train.”
“She’s right, Max. I’m sorry for snapping at you.” Leo spoke the words and looked back at the rat over his shoulder.
Max sighed and rubbed his forehead. “I’m just trying to do what’s best for your career and the crew, Leo.”
“I know that. I appreciate you Max but I need to worry about my happiness too. You and the crew are going to be taken care of if it goes south, I told you that already.” Leo turned and put his hands on his hips, smiling at the rat.
“Yes, I suppose that’s true. I guess we will cross the bridge when we come to it.” The manager sighed and waved a hand. “Good show tonight, the crowd really could feel your love for them.”
“Thanks Max. It will all work out, don’t worry.” Leo gave him a reassuring grin and looked over at Tracey.
Tracey smiled over at Leo and moved over to the wall. She withdrew her cell phone and started pecking away at it with her thumb.
“Texting someone?” The idol asked curiously.
The wolf grinned at him. “Yeah, just sending that picture I took to Hilde.”
“She was a cute dog, it was nice you took a shine to her.” Leo hummed the words as he moved over to the bodyguard.
“Yeah? Well she’s closer to your age than I am. Gonna trade me in for a newer model?”  The dog grinned at him playfully.
Leo pushed his forehead to Tracey’s and flicked his little fluff of tail. “You kidding? I only just got you broke in, I’m not doing that again. You wolves are hard work!”
“You’re such a sweet talker, darling.” She barked the words playfully and pecked his lips with a soft kiss.
“So I’ve been told.” The ram sighed the words against her lips. “I love you, hun...” Tracey growled and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him into a furious kiss. Her tail smacking hard against the wall of the dressing room. Her tongue shoved against his own while they deepened the kiss together.
“I’m out!” Max threw a hand up and quickly scurried out before the two could get anymore hands on.
Tracey and Leo grinned as Max shut the door. “Well that’s one way to get some privacy.” The ram laughed out playfully.
“Hmm… who said it was a ploy?” Tracey growled while gripping his white and pink vest and pulled him along to the nearby sofa. The wolf fell back onto the cushions, pulling the ram down on top of her.
Leo grinned down at Tracey, his emerald eyes shining while staring into her own azure irises. The wolf grinned back and flicked her ears up. “Yeah yeah… I love you too, Darling.”
“That’s what I wanted to hear...” He spoke the words playfully and unbuckled her belt, tugging her pants open to reveal her white panties. The ram gave a needy sigh when her eager scent hit his nose. “You smell great...”
“You smell even better, you had the poor girl panting leaning so close to her...” Tracey barked out as he wrenched her pants down along with her panties, exposing her wet folds to him. “H-hey! Take my damn boots off first!”
“No need.” Leo hummed the words and dragged her bunched up pants and panties to just her knees, pushing her legs together and pushing them towards her chest.
Tracey barked out at the awkward position, her tail thrashing about as she grabbed her own legs at the knees, holding them. “Perverted fucking sheep...” She panted the words and lolled her tongue. When he unzipped and pulled his length out, his scent overwhelmed her and the dog barked out impatiently. “Ha… fuck… hurry up...”
“Always so impatient...” The idol cooed the words, gripping at Tracey’s own hands where she held under her knees. He gave her a cocky grin and pushed the tip of his length to her entrance. His hips ground gently, teasing her for a few moments before the head pushed into her.
The dog let out a soft groan when he pushed in, then grit her teeth and folded her ears while he filled her. “Fuck… I missed you...” She shuddered, then lets out a soft yip when he bumped deep into her. Tracey bit her lower lip and blinked up at her ram while he loomed over her.
“I missed you too… I wanted you the whole performance… especially after our dance.” Leo sighed the words and began to thrust and push against her smaller body. “Hgn… you’re really tight in this position...”
The wolf lolled her tongue and moaned blissfully as he pushed her over the edge. Her nails dug into his chest while she blinked up at him. “Ha… ha… so good… you’re so good to me...”
“If anyone is… ngh...” He drooped his own ears and clenched his teeth, feeling her lock down hard on him again. “F-fuck… again?”
Tracey gave him a childish grin and lifted her ears. “What can I say? You… huff… feel good… and I really wanted you~”
He shook his head and reigned his focus in, picking up his movements. “Ha… as I was saying… if anyone is spoiled here… it’s me… you’re so amazing to me, Hun...”
She showed her teeth, her ears folded while she panted and moaned in time to his movements. “Sappy ram… ngh...” She weakly wagged her tail while he took his time, giving her thrust after thrust.
Leo pulled her legs to his chest, holding them with one arm. His other hand moved to brush over the wolf’s cheek. “You bring out the romantic in me...” He sighed the words, his thrusts heavy and labored now, shoving almost painfully into her as she yipped out gently. She could feel him building closer with each eager push.
“B-bullshit! You’ve always been an… urf!” Tracy felt him cut her off with a heavy deep push. The wolf lolled her tongue and shoved her hand against his chest over her locket. Her nails dug in as she shuddered and cried out, feeling him force another from her while filling her with his own fiery love.
“Ngh… fucking love you...” Leo snarled the words, grinding against her smaller body, giving in to her again and again.
She nodded her head. “Yes… I love you too… fucking… so much!” She barked the words sharply back at him, her azure eyes staring into his blazing emerald ones. Tracey shivered then let out a satisfied groan, feeling her walls ease after having taken the last of what he had for her. “Fuck...”
Leo slumped over her and nodded his head, a pleased pant on his breath. “Don’t you worry, Hun. You’re the only one I want...”
Tracey folded her ears and closed her eyes, smiling as he kissed her forehead. “Thank you, Darling… I promise to stay with you through thick and thin.”

A week passed and the photos and videos of the concert dropped like a bomb on social media. For better or worse Electric Blue was trending for several days afterwards.
Leo found himself in the corporate office of his label that he worked under. It had always been the intention to stop in during this leg of the tour. However maybe not under these sorts of circumstances.
The idol walked into the office of the vice president of his record label, the one in charge of the signing and renewals of contracts. Max and Tracey were in tow with him. Since the moment he hit the door of the building, Leo had been giving off the haughty diva vibe in spades.
The office was covered in platinum record plaques and various other musical memorabilia. The VP of the label sat at a ridiculously lavish looking desk, the wood finish so polished it reflected like a mirror. The aged man was a goat with short clipped grey hair, wearing a suit that looked like it would cost Tracey a month’s pay.
“Nice to see you again, Leonard.” The goat nodded at Tracey. “Tell your dog to wait outside.”
The wolf showed her teeth and growled right away. Leo held a hand up to her. “Relax...” He spoke to her gently. “Actually… she is privately contracted by me, she is on my dime. So kindly blow it out your ass, Jacob.” The idol spoke the words in a professional tone as if he were being nothing but formal.
Jacob gave him a tired look and rolled his eyes. “Whatever… sit down and let’s talk.”
Leo and Max took the only two chairs in front of the desk. Tracey folded her arms and stayed near the exit, a few feet behind Leo. She stuck her nose up in the air and gave the goat a cold stare, as if the only thing keeping her off him was Leo.
“So let’s get to it. I’m here to renegotiate my contract.” The idol folded his hands in his lap and gave the goat a cocky grin.
“Renegotiate? You’re kidding right?” Jacob gave him an amused grin and peaked his fingertips while looking between him and Max. “You think we don’t keep up with the news, Leonard? You’re lucky if we don’t terminate your contract and sue you for breaking the clause in it.”
Leo snorts a laugh and opens his mouth to speak but Max cuts him off. “Actually, Jacob… I’ve already been in touch with several lawyers, including our very own here at the label.” The rat gave the goat an apologetic smile. “According to his contract, he cannot openly confess to a relationship. So long as Leonard doesn’t outright say ‘I’m in a relationship’. You’ve got nothing to go on, so please… don’t waste our time with that one.” The rat showed his teeth before leaning back into the chair.
“I’m sorry, Maximillian. Who’s payroll are you on?” The goat clips the words out sharply while glaring at the rat.
“Signing my paycheck does not win you my loyalty, Jacob. Leonard is my friend and the one I work under, you guys are just the middleman.” Max gave a shrug of his shoulder.
Leo clears his throat to get the attention back to him. “So… with that out of the way, about my contract ren-”
“Leonard, you’re lucky if we keep you working for us at all after this stunt. You seriously think you’ve got any grounds to renegotiate?” The VP grumbled the words and cut his eyes towards Tracey as he mentioned the word, ‘stunt’.
“Okay Jacob… I get it. You need to feel like the big powerful corporate guy right now.” Leo sighed and rubbed the back of his head. “But seriously man… do the words, ‘small dick energy’ mean anything to you?”
“Who are you to talk to me in such a way.” The goat snapped sharply at the ram.
“The guy making you a mint, spare me your bruised ego.” Leo looked back at Tracey and nodded. “Go get Trixie.”
The wolf smirked and stepped from the office. Jacob looked to the two of them. “Who is, Trixie?”
“My make up girl.” Leo spoke out casually.
Jacob gave him a look like he had lost his mind. “Are you turning my office into a circus to annoy me, Leonard?”
“Annoying you is what I live for, Jacob. Just shut up and pay attention for once in your miserable life, okay? Who knows, you might learn something.” The idol sighed and rolled his eyes as he spoke.
Tracey returned with the llama in tow, her bubblegum pink hair making the office seem much brighter. “Well hello there, boss. I’ve got a little light reading for you.” She spoke the words casually, trotting over to the desk with a small handful of papers.
“What is this all about?” The goat cocked a brow, edging back slightly when the llama moved up next to his chair and dropped several papers on his desk.
“Social networking is life, boss. Analytics, that’s what this is.” The llama spoke out casually before pulling the first sheet of paper from the stack and shoving it in front of the VP. “So here is a graph of traffic data from my own personal blog. I’ve given you a full years worth of data on it.”
The goat frowned and looked at the various graphs and charts on the printed out paper. “You want to give me the abridged version, I don’t have all day to look this over.”
“Really? I thought a guy at your level would be interested in this shit above all else… huh… maybe I should apply for your job, eh Jacob?” Trixie snorted the words and jammed her pink nailed fingertip to the graph, the goat scowling at her. “Here is my traffic when I started touring with him. You can see here a steady rise in traffic for the first six months. Then you see a slow decline until right here...”
The llama clicks her tongue. “This was that little situation where Tracey showed up. Here you can see it started to level off and stop it’s descent, then it actually starts to climb again.” She moves her finger over a little further. “Here was the situation where she got into the fight...” Her finger slid back up the chart, showing Leo’s popularity had risen back up to near the point where he started.
The goat frowned and looked up at the llama. “Sure but this is just your blo-”
Trixie slapped down a new sheet of paper, then another and another. “Here are analytics of five of the biggest social media sites. They all show similar trends to my blog, boss. Seriously… you think I would bring a knife to a gunfight?”
“Fine, but what about a week ago. Our analyst show that will be a death knell for his career.” Jacob was playing along now and Trixie gave him a wicked grin, seeing she had hooked him in her game.
The llama smiled and nodded “Suuuure boss, maybe thirty years ago. Your analytics would be right if it were not for one small thing. Tracey didn’t just pop on the scene over night. She was a slow burn for nearly three months. The fandom had time to analyze, study her and process her as a potential partner for him.” 
The wolf shivered at the thought of it and showed her teeth. “Seriously, that’s fucking creepy, no matter what angle I look at it from!”
All four of the others turned to Tracey as she barked out her protests. The goat cleared his throat. “Fine, but this still doesn’t show us anything about the effects of their little Valentine’s day stunt.”
“No, but the short term does.” Trixie produced another sheet of paper. “From my blog… and before you ask, yes these numbers hold up with the other platforms.” Again she shoved her finger to the page. “Day after, we see a sharp spike down. Stands to reason, all the fan girls crying. Then the shaming begins...”
“Shaming?” The goat asks curiously.
“Of course...” Trixie nods. “For every crybaby fangirl that went to social media whining, five more fans pounced on them, told them they were awful and they should be happy for EB. I’ve included several pages of conversations and posts from various sites of such situations, for your casual perusal at a later date.” Trixie clicks her tongue. “Here is one of my faves.”
Trixie plunks down another sheet of paper, this one a printout from a screenshot of a conversation on one of the video sites the scene was uploaded from.
‘Can’t believe EB would do this to his fans, so done with him!’ The comment had several dozen replies but showed only five positive thumbs up, but over three hundred thumbs down.
“Ha… my favorite is the… ‘wring your panties out and wipe your salty tears with them. EB doesn’t need fans like you!’” Trixie lets out a snort of laughter. “A-anyway… the other chart. Yeah after that spike, you see his popularity sharply spike back up, and it’s still climbing now, six days later.”
“Well I will browse all of this, but are you trying to make a specific point?” Jacob gave the llama an impatient and annoyed look.
Trixie gave him a sad smile. “Sweetie… your company is sitting on a gold mine, if you don’t keep it, someone else will happily take it from you. That’s my ‘specific point’” The llama hums to herself as she turns to walk out.
“Thanks, Trixie. You’re the best.” Leo gives her a grin when she passes by him. 
“I am! You can negotiate me a raise in return for the help.” The llama pauses and puts her hands behind her back before turning back to Jacob and giving him a level look. “Some serious advice for you. You’re old and set in your ways, but I suggest that if you want to keep your job, you take some classes or something on studying social network analytics. The fact you don’t have this in your resume in this day and age, means you’re a liability to this group and on borrowed time… boss~”
The goat shows his teeth in a glare while the llama steps away. He cuts his eyes to Leo and spits out. “Fine, she makes her point. I can’t deny you have a compelling argument. We would be willing to renew your contract, but under-”
“Ha… you can shut your mouth right here, Jacob.” Leo spat the words out, giving him finger guns. “This is the part where I tell you what I want, and you nod your head, sign the line, or I walk.”
The goat had obviously had enough and slammed his hand to the desk. “This label can get along fine without you, Leonard! You work under our terms or you don’t work at all!”
Tracey made a sarcastic whistle and grinned. “Careful, Darling… you’re gonna give him a heart attack at this point.”
“You shut up, dog!” Jacob spat out at her.
“Ha… speaking of law… you know that kind of talk is considered hostile and even assault.” Tracey cooed the words as she casually slid her fingerless gloves on and checked the grip on them. “Would be a shame to kick your ass and have you thrown in jail, you know… because as a vulnerable woman, I felt threatened~”
Jacob took a deep breath and looked back at the ram who was all cocky grins. “The contract renews under current terms, with the addition that you have a security team issued by the company, not an independent one. You don’t agree with that, your career is done.”
“Ooph… the sucker punch...” Leo sighed dramatically. The ram cut his eyes to Max. “Ah… Maximillian, would you kindly?”
“Jacob, we’ve worked together for a long time, so I’m going to say this as nicely as I can. Get off your high horse… I’ve already spoken with the president of the label directly.”
“Bullshit. You don’t have that kind of pull, rat!” Jacob snarled at the manager.
Max raised a finger. “I do not… but you know who does? Your top grossing Idol.”
“Ta-da...” Leo flourished his hands over himself with a smug grin.
Max frowned and produced three different documents. “I have offers from three different labels and all of them are willing to pick up Leo as soon as his contract ends here in spring. On his terms I might add… I’ve already shown them to the president and he has confirmed the validity of them.”
Jacob clenched his teeth, his face growing a shade paler as she slumped back into his chair. Max gave him a smile and shook his head. "The time for pride is past, Jacob. I was told by the president that we work this out, or there will be hell to pay. That is a payment you will be expected to pay, not us.”
Jacob blinked at the words and jabbed a button on his phone. “Page me to John.”
The phone clicked back audibly before a smooth rich voice rolled forth from the other end. “Jacob, what’s going on?”
“John, I’m here with Maximillian, Leonard, and his… bodyguard, Trisha.”
The phone clicked back. “That’s Tracey, Jacob.”
The goat gave a deep frown cutting his eyes to the wolf who just leveled him with a cocky grin. The phone clicked again. “She’s a good girl, really happy for Leo. He deserves it after all the work he’s done for us! Wouldn’t you agree, Jake?”
“Y-yes, yes I would.” The goat muttered the words while the trio before him all smirked.
“So what’s up?” John came back on the phone connection.
“N-nothing, John. They just wanted to send their regards.” The goat grumbled the words, leveling Leo with a glare.
“Of course, once business is done tell them to come over to my office to say hi. Let’s go have lunch with them after you’re done, Jacob.” The phone clicks off and goes silent.
“Hear that, goat? I’m a good girl… he deserves me...” Tracey mockingly growls the words.
Jacob scowls and peaks his fingertips together. “What do you want?”
“For starters? You to enroll in some networking classes, like Trixie suggested. My talent alone can’t keep this outfit trucking.” The idol breathed out on his nails before buffing them on his shirt.

When all was said and done, Leo agreed to sign on for another album and tour. The crews salary was doubled from the amount he had given them prior, not the original the studio provided. 
He insisted he needed an assistant manager, to help Max with his work. He gave the position to Trixie, under the stipulation she continued to do his hair and makeup before shows.
Of course he negotiated himself a nice big pay raise. Most importantly he had the label pull the no relationship clause out of the contract. Tracey also had a request. A request Leo was all too happy to include, for the budget of his new tour expenses.

“Have you made any more thoughts on what you want to major in yet, Dear?” The older wolf spoke out, while gathering plates from the dinner table.
“Not yet, Mom. I just can’t think of anything that really stands out to me.” The younger white haired wolf sighed the words, poking at her leftovers from breakfast.
“Well, Hilde, you graduated almost two years ago this spring. You can’t just lounge around forever without a direction.” The older wolf spoke the words in a, matter of fact tone while washing dishes.
“I know that, Mom. It’s not like I don’t have a job and pay bills. You make it sound like I’m just mooching off you and Dad!” The younger wolf showed her teeth, her irritation obvious while her tail whips about.
The mother gave a chuckle. “It’s not a matter of bills, sweetie. It’s a matter of making your own way in life.”
“I know, Mom. I kn-” Her ears lifted from her cell phone going off. The wolf tugged it out of her pocket then felt a chill run down her spine. It was Tracey calling her. She had been texting the wolf off and on the last few weeks, but she had never called her before.
Hilde quickly stood and stepped from the table, connecting the call. “H-hey, w-w-what’s up, Tracey?”
“Relax kid, I’m not going to kick your ass or throw you out...” The older wolf hummed back on the phone, a grin on her face.
Hilde smiled and folded her ears. “Ha… thanks. So what’s up?”
“So let me cut to the chase, you still interested in the bodyguard thing?” Tracey spoke out casually over the phone
“O-of course I am!” The younger white wolf barked out excitedly.
“Hmm… I have a proposition for you. Are you interested?” Tracey showed her teeth, resting her head in Leo’s lap while they sat on the sofa in the tour bus, heading to the next show.
“Lay it on me.” The younger wolf spoke out excitedly, pacing in her living room now. Her mother had looked out of the kitchen in curiosity over the conversation.
“Leo’s tour comes to an end in about two months. We’ve got about a season to play with after that, time enough to get a little down time. Also he will be recording his new album during that time in the spring.” The older wolf speaks the words, her free hand drifting up to rub over Leo’s face. She grinned, feeling a bit of stubble from the few days on the road.
“Oh! That’s exciting, I’m thrilled he will be making another album. W-what’s that got to do with me though?” Hilde asked, tilting her head and glancing back at her mother.
“Here’s the deal, kid. I’m now the head of his security detail. It’s a fancy way of saying I’m getting a partner. We start a new tour up in the summer. Do you see what I’m getting at?” The older wolf growls the words out in a business like tone.
“Y-yes! I think so… I- I hope so anyway! Is this for real?” The dog felt her voice cracking with excitement, her feet now pacing around the den rapidly, her breath quickening.
“Ha! I’m a real mother fucker, Hilde. I'm cranky and moody, I’m a complete bitch a lot of times. If you’re going to be my apprentice I’m going to ride your ass hard, and not in a fun sexual way either! You sure you’re wanting this?” Tracey grinned up at Leo, then lifted her ears as the Ram moved down closer to her.
“She’s not that bad, Hilde. Don’t let her scare you~” The idol hummed the words playfully.
Hilde giggled and held the phone from her ear. Her mother in the kitchen hearing the words “Stop stealing my thunder, asshole sheep!”
“Is… is everything okay, dear?” Hilde’s mother asked her, a bit of worry in her voice.
The younger wolf grinned at her mom. “Yes, Mom. E-every thing is great! Just… give me a sec!” She got the phone back to her ear. “Yes! Yes I’m interested. It’s fine… you’re my idol, Tracey. I would go through fire to work with you!”
“Ignorance is bliss they say~” The older wolf cooed the words playfully. “Alright, Hilde. Here is what I need you to do, so clean those ears out and pay attention.” She spoke the words sternly.
“Yes ma’am!” Hilde barked out.
“First off, if you ever call me ma’am again. I will kick your ass!” Tracey snarled the words, Leo snorting and laughing out loud. “Ahem… Tour starts in about five months. I will send you information and a school to get your basic licensing taken care off. Start to finish shouldn’t be more than a few weeks.”
“Y-yes!” The younger wolf thrashed her tail about grinning.
“I will cover the class. If you have a job, quit it. I will wire you ten grand to cover your living and board until the tour starts.” Tracey spoke the words casually and shifted to sit up, climbing into Leo’s lap and straddling him.
Hilde felt her legs grow week and sat down in the nearby chair. “S-seriously?”
“Hey… don’t get all happy. You’re not going to be sitting on your ass those five months! I want you in the gym working out. I also have three different martial arts academies picked out in your area. I’m not giving you money, I’m investing in you!” Tracey spat the words out, biting her lower lip as the ram reached back and grabbed her ass with both hands, grinding her smaller body in his lap, letting her feel the bulge in his jeans.
“You’re so sexy when you’re like this...” He whispered the words into her ear. Tracey blushed and grinned at him, putting her fingertips to his lips.
“I- I understa-” The wolf felt her own cheeks blush, hearing the words Leo spoke to Tracey on the other end of the line. “Erm… Yes, I will do my best!”
“Do better than your best, Hilde! It’s my boyfriend's safety in your hands. If I see you in the summer and you can’t keep up with me at least somewhat on the mat. Deals off! I can get my old boss to get me a solid person at the snap of my fingers, you understand little pup? Y-you get what I’m offering you h-here?” Her voice came out sharp and commanding, but it started to waver slightly as Leo went in for her throat, kissing down her neck.
“I do! I understand and I’m so grateful! Tracey I… I swear I will go above and beyond for you. For you and for Leo!” Hilde spoke the words out sharply, as if responding to a commanding officer.
Tracey showed her teeth, trying not to giggle while the ram moved down her throat, his hands kneading at her ass hard now. “Good... girl. Send me your details so I can wire you the funds. I expect… I expect you to get started right away. Go for a run after I... hang up with you.”
“Yes ma- erm.. Yes, Tracey!” The younger wolf spoke out eagerly.
Tracey disconnected the phone and tossed it across the bus onto the bed. “You asshole!” She barked out at Leo with a grin, her hands gripping his horns, pulling him from her throat where he had been suckling and marking her.
“I didn’t do anything, why are you upset with me, Hun?” The ram cooed the words playfully.
The wolf growled and gripped his shoulders, pushing him down onto the couch, her hips grinding against his lap. “Fucking sheep… always trying to steal my thunder...”
“You were plenty cool, don’t worry!” He panted out, biting his lower lip while the wolf slid off his lap and grabbed the front of his jeans.
Tracey gave the ram a grin. “Scene stealing sheep… you better be glad I love you~”
“Hilde, sweetie… what was that all about?” Her mother called out from outside of her bedroom door.
A few moments later the young white wolf came out of her room wearing workout pants and a hoodie. “Something really cool, I will tell you about it after I get back from my run!”
“But… it’s snowing outside, sweetie...” Her mother blinked at her daughter in confusion.
The smaller wolf gave her mother a toothy grin. “Then I will have to run faster to keep my heart rate up and stay warm!” She pushed gently past her mother and out the front door. “Be back later, Mom. Love you!”