The sweltering summer heat scorched the city dry. Asphalt roads greedily soaking up the summer rays only to radiate shimmering waves of heat that felt as though they could fry an egg. Even the air couldn't hang onto any moisture. Doing little to help cool off the panting doe doubled over beneath an old oak. Trying her best to take shelter from the unforgiving sun in it's ever shifting shade. Debating with herself whether she should give up and live the rest of her life beneath the tree or brave the final stretch of shadeless bridge between her and the univercity she'd traveled so far to reach. Head pounding from dehydration and her mouth parched. Rather certain her damp clothes held more water than her body by now. Regretting heavily upon not forking out what little money she had for a taxi. Only a couple hundred meters and she could procure some life giving, icy cold water. That prospect alone was enough to finally encourage Grace to step out from her haven. The sun's heat once more beating upon her sweat clotted fur with just the sound of her hooves clicking upon the floor and the rattle of her wheely bag for company. The more sensible folk having taken the long route around the gorge, sheltered in wonderful shade. Seconds turning to minutes as she strode with determination. The ground falling out on either side of the stone bridge with the much to far away tree line taunting her. Beads of sweat trailing down her back. Navigating the maze of her short fur with the thought of how she must smell now striking her. Thanking the heat for at least giving her an excuse to the rosy tint plastered beneath her cheek fur. Grace released a sigh of relief as the sun was once more blotted out by lush leaves. Slowing her pace as the temperature dropped a few glorious degrees. Thinking to herself how much more tolerable the two days of flight jumping had been in comparison to just a couple hours of walking. She was finally here, though. The univercity's main entrance just beyond the pine trees. Practically able to smell the wealth of opportunity and sweet air conditioning from it. Not pausing her stride this time as she crossed the single lane street to step inside at long last. Her hooves coming together only once she was standing well inside the building. Back straight and a deep breath swelling out her chest. Lungs relishing the cold air that filled them. Bringing a sense of relief to the doe she'd never felt before in her life. Travel bag left upright besides her as even the thought of what she might look like to the other folk was pushed from her mind. Delighting in the heavenly cold feeling of an air conditioned breeze upon her damp fur. "Is that a deer?" Her ears pivoted towards a voice directed towards her in a hushed tone. "Haven't seen a deer in years." Another replied, making no effort to keep their voices hushed in the busy entry hall. "She'll be an international for sure." Sounded a third, or at least she thought it was. Their voices rather hard to differentiate from one another. "Why on earth would you move away from your own kind?" "Probably a blender looking to get freaky." "Gross, did you have to give me that mental image?" "Like you wouldn't tap that." Grace folded her ears down against her head. Doing her best to block out the conversation with richly flustered cheeks. Thankfully masked by the fact she was already pink cheeked from the heat. Pushing down the shame as they continued on to spoke about her unmentionables. Willing herself to move from the spot she found herself glued to. Body refusing to obey her as humiliation set in like a knife through her gut. "Hey!" A voice suddenly snapped her from her internal struggles. The doe giving out a sharp shriek as her violet eyes fluttered open to find nothing before her. Darting down to spot the grinning, gray furred Bobcat standing a full head shorter than her. Even while balancing upon the tips of their toes. "First year, huh? Mine too!" They continued on before she could so much as take a breath. "Bailey Grayson." He introduced himself, or at least that was Grace's best bet upon their gender. Their voice certainly suggesting as much, but their body carried an air of ambiguity to it. The way his bright blue eyes glimmered with a childish mirth not helping her compose herself. Mouth hanging partially open with unintelligent sounds fumbling from it as she tried to form something resembling a hello, or at the very least a word. "Cat got your tongue?" Bailey chuckled with a self aware wink. "Don't worry, I have that affect on folk. You look as though you could use a drink!" He added on, snatching up her hand before she had a chance to reply. "Grace!" She managed to force from herself. Nearly tripping over her own hooves as he tugged her forwards with luggage in tow. "Oh." He paused, letting go of her hand with those scruffy tipped ears furling back in shame as he looked to her. "Sorry, I get a little carried away when excited." "N-no!" She hastily tried to correct herself, seeming to have disheartened the enthusiastic feline, "My name is Grace, Grace Heartwood." "Oh! Well why didn't you say so!" They brightened right back up in an instant, snatching her hand up again to pull her forwards. "International I take it, with the wheely bag and everything?" Bailey added on, getting the pair of them plenty of looks on their way through the building's hall. Grace's overwhelmed mind locking up again. Keeping her from replying before the cat continued on with a simple deduction; "...not the chatty type?" "No, well yes, but this is kind of sudden!" She managed to get out of her stuffy throat. "I'm not asking you out or anything." Bailey assured her with an amused giggle. "I'm..." She trailed off, trying to overcome her body long enough to at least explain herself, "I don't really do people, sorry." "Ah well, glad to know my hinny is safe from you." He almost sung the teasing use of her words. Having Grace's damp fur bristle out in clear embarrassment. "That's not what I meant!" She quickly blurted out. Timidness suddenly forgot with a mirthful laugh coming from her guide. Drawing more attention to the duo with her sudden outburst. Grace feeling her stomach tighten and twist from the eyes upon them. Social anxiety swelling up and she could feel a panic attack brimming in her chest. "Well, I'll buy you lunch and see where we go from there." Bailey said as he managed to recompose himself. Letting go of her hand as they arrived at a fairly spacious café within the univercity's main building. "I've got to get to orientation." Grace muttered out as the cat wandered in without her. The kangaroo clerk happily springing over to serve him. Their voices lost in the low murmur of morning chatter, leaving Grace feeling awfully forgotten all of a sudden. A pit swell in her stomach as she awkwardly stood blocking the door way. The idea of wandering off while neither of them were looking did strike her. Certainly not having expecting to be thrust into a social situation the moment she arrived. Shaking her head free of such thoughts. Knowing that was exactly how she'd end up without any friends again. Just the quiet doe sitting at the back once more. She should be counting her blessing someone had decided to be friendly to her. Being so far from home and all alone, someone she could at least talk to would be a nice change. Grace took that first step into the café with a deep breath to try and calm her nerves. Reminding herself over and over again that she just needed to get past her anxious shell. Everything would be fine and dandy then. Walking in come alongside the feline. Catching his quiet purring with a quizzical look coming from her. Following where his distracted eyes had drifted with an almost hiccup like sound escaping from her as she found herself staring towards the roo's butt. That thick tail even swaying in an almost beckoning manner. As though putting on a show for the pair. Losing the composure she'd mustered, she hastily looked away. Cheeks burning as she quietly waited besides the rumbling cat. Bailey leaning on the counter with his elbows. Hands together like a pedestal for his chin while that marsupial tush was flaunted to him. Both their attention being drawn up to the boy's face as he returned with a steamy paper cup and two rolls. Tail tugging open a fridge to his side which he pulled a bottle of water from. "Sixteen, thirty." He listed off the collective price. Setting it down upon the counter with Bailey giving a huff as he rummaged in his pockets. Thumbing through his wallet while the kangaroo smiled up to Grace. Noticing she seemed to be quite a bit taller than everyone for once in her life. "New, huh?" He inquired, "Best keep yourself hydrated, never head out without a water bottle. Plenty of tourists spend a fortune buying them on the go." "I'll... keep that in mind." She assured him with a light nod. Bailey handing off his cash before giving Grace's midsection a hug without warning. Getting a shrill gasp from her as she straightened out. Feeling him brush along her hips in the quick movement as her face lit up red. "She's pretty cute, right?" Bailey grinned. Letting go just as suddenly as he'd clung to her. "Deer, right?" The kangaroo asked, not letting her reply before adding on; "And don't let this clown get you into any trouble." "Your ass gets us into trouble more often." Bailey playfully jested. "Only cause you can't keep your hands off it." The kangaroo softly mumbled in reply. Grace nervously shifting on her hooves with the movement not going unnoticed by him. "Sorry, didn't mean to make you uncomfortable." "It's..." She trailed off, not really sure what to say in reply to their clear flirting. Curious how they got away with it in public. "Your blenders?" She added in an almost whisper. Getting a disgruntled huff from the roo. "We're friends." He replied with great emphasis on that final word. Grace drooping her features in shame at having made assumptions of the pair. "But we've totally fucked, yeah." Bailey added with a glare from the roo. "Your gonna get me fired, Bailey." They hissed through closed teeth. Casting a glance around the café for any on lookers. "Stop being such a wuss about what people think and own up to what you like." He encouraged despite the clear discomfort of both the roo. "I-it's fine, we'll be-" Grace mumbled, trying to keep a fight from starting. Reaching to grip Bailey by his shoulders in an attempt to steer the cat away from the counter only for him to shrug her off. "So what, you just want to keep it quiet forever?" He snapped to his friend, "I'm tired of all the secrecy!" "Voice. Down." The roo gritted though his teeth as heads began to turn towards the commotion. A short growl coming from Bailey as his fur bristled. "How about; no. Your the one always flaunting yourself, letting rumors be spun, but refuse to admit the truth?" Bailey scolded him, the pair glowering at one another for but a moment before Bailey threw his hands up and took a step back. Turning on the spot as he called out to the whole café; "I'm a blender, and I don't-" He began. Being quickly cut off by the roo slamming a hand onto the counter. "Out!" He practically roared at the top of his lungs. Stretching an arm out towards the door with a fierce look on his face. "I don't want to see your smug face here again, got it!". Grace quivered on the spot... standing as an awkward third wheel while all eyes were turned towards them. Bailey merely casting a final look of frustration to his friend before turning around and storming out. Grace feeling glued to the spot as she watched him go. "Lords above... don't go getting mixed in with his lot." The roo broke the awkward silence hanging in the air. Wandering from his spot to return to work despite the tension hanging over the store. Grace giving a nervous gulp before a deep breath. Willing herself from the spot as she collected up the rolls and drinks before turning to leave. Awkwardly balance everything with one hand tugging her baggage behind her. Worried for the poor feline she'd known for no more than ten minutes. Already having lost him midst the marsupial crowd. Her eyes quickly dancing from Kangaroo to Numbat, Echidna to Quokka. Spying the few stand outs until those tell tale ear tufts gave the bobcat away. Continuing his quick stride out of he building with Grace hurrying after. Slowed so much by her juggling of items that by the time she got to look back out into the summer heat the cat had once more vanished. Leaving her standing with his purchase and guilt laced on her every thought as she tried desperately to spot him. With minutes ticking by and sweat rapidly returning to her brow in the summer's heat. Grace had to admit to loosing the cat and sulk back inside with a heavy heart. Her day off to an increasingly bad state with the only silver lining being the free food and drink she now held. Sheepishly finding a quiet spot to wait out the morning before her orientation began. Hoping Bailey would wander back in for her to apologies to. * * * * * Grace looked between the paper she held and the building before her. The addresses sadly matching no matter how many times she checked and rechecked them. Knowing the price had been far too generous for the promised normality of it. The decrepit set of apartments certainly grand in size, but time had clearly been unkind to it the last few decades. At the very least the current owner had put very little effort in maintaining the place. Red bricks chipped and iron gutters rusted to the point of matching colour. Even from a distance she could tell the wooden walkway of the second floor was riddled with termite holes. A shiver coursing down Grace's spine as she failed to fathom how it was even standing, expecting the place to crumble away with the next breeze. The summer sun bearing down upon the place surely didn't help. Having rendered the garden a mess of dead weeds. The idea of walking away crossed her mind. Kept at bay due only to the late hour and with no where else to go in the foreign city. Cursing herself for having been so quick to latch upon the first place she found that would fit into her budget so nicely. Thinking on the univercity reminded her of the campus dorms which surely had students just as pressed for money as her. Perhaps some snooping around could score her a place to crash for the night at least. "Grace Heartwood?" Came the rough voice from besides her. Giving her a start with the doe springing to the side. Tripping over her own bag to land with a crunch upon a dried out bush. Her only silver lining being it's lack of thorns. The stout wombat crossing his arms while he stood over her with a rather disappointed look. "Your ruining my shrubbery." He huffed after a long enough pause for the silence to grow awkward. Grace hastily stumbling back up onto her hooves with a rosy flush. "S-sorry." She stammered out, doing her best to compose herself. "...and you must be Mason?" She inquired, feeling the question come out with a rather obnoxious know it all tone she hadn't intended. "Mister Mason, to you..." The wombat slowly replied. Eyes gradually wandering over her as he sized her up. "Not what I was expecting, but so long as you keep on top of your payments, we'll be problem free." He said. Skipping any further small talk and already turning on his heels to stride his stumpy form towards the large building. Grace scrambling to straighten up her roller bag before giving chase. Holding her tongue from pestering her landlord over the estate's condition as they ascended the flight of stairs. Picking up her bag and fully expecting the wooden boards to snap out from under her with the way they creaked each step. "You'll be staying in B3." He flatly stated. Pausing before it with a jingle of keys produce one from the dozen metal pieces. Unclasping it before rather unceremoniously jamming it into the lock. A light grunt later had the door creaking open upon rusted joints. Flakes of old paint fluttering upon the air as it was sucked into the dark interior. Barely lit by setting sun's orange light. "Powers disconnected after the last guest." Mason explained with that same dry, flat tone. Handing off the key into the dazed doe's hand before wandering back the way he'd come. "There's no power?" Grace asked with a start. "It'll be plugged back in after your first payment, longer if you badger me about it." He replied without even turning back to face her. Just raising his voice as he wandered off. "Water should be running, and I expect your first payment no later than Wednesday." "Wednesday!?" She yelped, feeling her heart skip a beat and her blood run cold. A feeling she thought might have been nice in the heat yet all it did was deepen the sickening feeling of dread. The wombat not even acknowledging her outburst this time as he started down the stairs. Leaving her in a state of stunned panic. Left with an empty, dark, and dusty smelling apartment. Slowly turning her gaze back towards it as she took a step inside. Each step a cautious one as those the building might bite her. It certainly couldn't be described as spacious. Barely twelve foot wide and reaching maybe fifteen deep, having to keep her head bowed so it didn't scrape upon the ceiling. Her tiny kitchen was little more than an ancient looking fridge paired with grim ridden counters that lined the far wall with nothing filling the void between. Even the carpet had been eaten away by moths to the point it was more scruff, binding, and dust than anything else. Leaving her to wonder what the bed and bathrooms might look. Not courageous enough to take a peak just yet, she merely wheeled her bag in against the nearest wall before closing the door behind her. Sealing herself in darkness were it not for the window filtering in golden rays of sunlight through a tattered curtain. Actually looking more cared for than the rest of the run down building somehow. Certain what she'd now walked into had to be illegal in more ways than she could fathom. The thought of suing the wombat certainly crossed her mind only to be dashed at the effort it'd take on top of an already stressful new life she'd walked into. A problem she could resolve later. A bead of sweat suddenly rolling down besides her eye snapping her from the stupor she'd found herself in. Once again having to remind herself how much reality delighted in crushing the dreams of careless fawn's dreams. Taking in a deep breath to calm and steady herself. She could make this work. She would make this work. It was all just an emotional roller coaster she had have to ride out. She'd been through worse than this and a Heartwood always endured. Lifting a hand to rub away the beads of sweet upon her cheek, ignoring the fact that plenty of the dampness was from her tearing up eyes. She had a roof over her head, and surely know one robbed a place like this. As far as first nights in a new country went, she could have done worse. Rubbing at her other cheek with a sniff before settling down on her knees besides her bag. Ready to start unpacking as her room dimmed darker and darker with every minute that passed. The familiar sound of her bag unzipping surprisingly comforting after all the unknowns of the last couple days. Digging through her clothes to retrieve a very specific item. The glass glimmering in the dying light as it danced upon the photo. The trio smiling out from within the frame to bring an echo of one to her face. Her family forever close by as long as she kept it with her. Those encouraging faces standing over her younger self. Full of the hope she tried so hard to cling to these days. The happy memories bringing back the tears that brimmed upon her eyelids. Closing them with another deep breath to compose herself. Letting the rest of the day's worries disperse. With the moment past, she decided to investigate her bedroom. Leaving the living area to the small cubic space with door to either side. Taking the left one to peek into the equally small bedroom. Large enough to fit a bed, desk, and maybe retain some floor space. Relieved to find it void of any damp, rotting smells with the bed merely looking decrepit. It's only companion a small stool being used as a night stand that she set her picture frame upon. Dragging her bag to the foot of the bed to dig out her journal. Jotting down the misadventures of her first day in Marsupia before the sun truly set would do her a world of good. Sitting down on the bed with the small book upon her lap and pencil in hand. Flipping through to the next blank page ready to begin when her own sweaty scent struck her. Feeling as gross as the apartment as her nose scrunched up. Turning her attention across the 'hallway' to the door of her bathroom. A moments debate had her putting the journal down so she could instead wash her worries away. The morning would give her plenty of time to recall this day. Standing and walking the few steps to push at the door, needing to give it a shove to get it to pop open for her. Letting what little light was available reach inside to display the cosy room. As run down as she expected with just a shower, toilet, and sink squeezed in. Side stepping her way in to test the waterworks. Turning the showers knob to let the black water pour out. Relief returning to her as it turned clear after just a few seconds. Assuring herself it was just old gunk and most certainly nothing she needed to worry about. Leaving the water be as she turned to face the murky mirror hanging over the sink. Only able to see her outline within it. Wondering what she must look like after such a day. A wash would certainly help ease the stress of the day away and with that in mind she curled her fingers under her top and pulled it overhead. Bra going next, letting her breasts free after a practiced fiddle behind her back to release them. Setting her clothes down within the sink for safe keeping before moving her attention to her pants. Thumbs slipping beneath the hem and sliding back as she began to push the clothes down with her behind popping free. A squeak escaping the doe as something suddenly feel down her pant leg. Freezing her in place despite the urge to spring from the spot in fright. Mind races over the many dangerous critters who might have stolen a ride upon her. Feeling it continue to slide along her leg in before being caught in a nook besides her knee. Looking down to the point with her heart racing and body finally moving in the only response she could think of. Hand smacking at it before she jumped from her pants. Taking them off in a flurry of both agility and awkward tumbling that ended with her standing upon the toilet looking down. Waiting to spy whatever it was in the dimming light. Squinting and fooling herself into thinking she spotted it time and time again before her nerves started to calm. Slowing her breathing and telling herself over and over that she was just being silly. Slowly adjusting herself to be on her knees and reaching for the discarded clothing. Pokes her clothes to try and coax the intrude from them before steeling her nerves when that didn't work. Taking a one handed hold of the hem before lifting her arm and flicking the trousers in a whipping motion to dislodge whatever it was. Both startled and relieved when it worked, watching the glimmering of blue sail from the other end. Drifting on the air before hitting the wall with a light plip. Blinking to it with surprise to find it a card of some sort. Getting down from the toilet seat to pick it up. Carrying it back to her bedroom in order to get more light upon it. Her violet eyes widen with a gasp as she immediately recognised the face smiling out to her from it. Bailey sporting a wide grin showing off those pointed fangs. Grace's cheeks swelling with a returning sense of guilt flooding her as she quickly investigated further. The card a dark blue with a lighter, gleaming edge that shone even in twilight with 'Midnight Cascade' etched in the same brilliant hue besides the Bobcat's portrait. Little other information upon either side of the card beyond it being a membership card. No phone number or place of residence. Leaving her with just a fancy looking card belonging to the Bobcat she may never see again. Biting at her lip with anxiety swelling in her chest. After having played a part in the fight between him and his Kangaroo friend she couldn't deprave the poor cat of his membership to... whatever it was. Just thinking about how distressed he must be with it's disappearance filled her with the determination she needed to get it back to him. Without a clue where to find the cat, she only had the establishments address to go by. Turning off the water to her shower before hastily pulling her clothes back on. Slipping the card into the hem of her pocketless trousers for safe keeping before heading straight for the front door. Closing it in an equally hastily manner before she was off. Half jogging back to the street to try and navigate the city at night. Well practiced in finding her way in strange new places. * * * * * Grace's hooves clicked upon the hard concrete sidewalk as she timidly made her way down the street. The crescent moon glimmering in the heavens above with it's twinkling companions. Watching over the far from quiet city. Street lights' humming away with a dull buzz as they blanketed the streets with dim light. Far weaker than what she was used to back home, though she'd picked up on the reason why. The city truly never sleeping as it's nocturnal folk went about business as usual. Starting work and treating the late hour as though it were a sunrise back home. Nervously, she did her best to keep out the way of the disgruntled folk. More than a few carrying with them paper cups of steaming coffee. Grace however unable to imagine enjoying anything other than a popsicle in the still too warm weather. Certainly not needing to stay up any later than she already was. The jet lag alone was making her drowsy with the day's adrenaline wearing off. Just needing to sort out this last errand and she'd be able to finally slumber. Her cloven feet coming together as she reached the street's end. Staring across the road to the building neatly tucked in between it's taller neighbors. Looking out of place with it's decades out of date design. Immediately recognisable as a rather old fashion theater with it's popped out front and roof slopping diagonally until a halfway point quickly flattened out. Unmistakable as the place she was seeking out with the club's neon sign bathing the surrounding street in it's deep blue glow. Leaving her taken back, unsure what she expected but it certainly wasn't what stood before her. Grace carefully walking out across the road with the first break in traffic. Getting to walk by the building's front with the decorative water patterns certainly appealing to look at. Steeling her nerves as she took a deep breath and pushed the front door inwards. Stepping into a rather simple little reception area. Certainly nothing fancy, sporting a deep blue carpet and black walls. All dimly lit by a few small lights dotted about the ceiling like stars. "Can I help you?" Came a voice that drew her attention to the far end of the room. The emerald eyed Bearess staring at her from across the desk tucked neatly into the room's outcropped area. An almost familiar sight for Grace with the door closing behind her. Wandering in past the solitary pot plant to bring herself right before the desk. The woman across it nearly as tall as she was, while sitting. The bored gaze sending a shiver down he doe's spine. "I... wanted to return something." She mumbled out. Trying to find her words to properly explain herself as she slid the cat's membership card from her hip to the wooden surface with delicate care. Getting a curious look from the bear before they shifted upon her seat with a heavy sigh. "Go on in." The receptionist caught her off guard. Grace staring blankly to her for a few seconds with an awkward air hanging between them. The Bear giving a little flick of her head to indicate the door to Grace's left, clearly labeled 'member's only'. "Oh no... I just wanted to-" She tried to explain only for the bear to slide the cat's card back towards her. "Go on in." She repeated herself, "Bailey's downstairs. Probably been waiting for you." "Waiting for-" "Your not his first." She cut her off with a rather blunt tone. Once more directing the doe towards the door before lounging back and turning her attention back to the book she'd apparently been reading in the dark. Grace fidgeting nervously upon the spot. Unsure what to do with herself... but it couldn't hurt to check on the cat after the commotion of the day. She'd failed rather spectacularly to make any other friends after all. Letting her hand fall upon his card, she slipped it from the desk with a cautious step towards the door. Pushing upon it's panel for it to smoothly give way to her. Revealing the apparently singular screening room of the theater. Further telling of it's age. Grace stepping forth onto a little outcropping with stairs running to her left. Leading down to the lower floor with the projector decorating the screen wall in ever shifting hues of deep blue. Mimicking the shifting currents of the ocean's tide. A balcony area running out from her right obscured much of her view of the floor below. Unreachable by the doe thanks to how that reception area stuck out into this room. The door behind the Bear seeming to be the only way to access the balcony and thus both the projector booth and office looking area across it. The only other thing Grace able to spy from her perch was the bar set up on the lower floor, across from where the stairs met ground with the screen stretched between the two. An equine man idly standing behind the counter ready to serve. Unable to spot the cat, Grace started down to the main floor. Hooves clicking upon the dark wood floors to echo over the sombre music being played. Leaving her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she drew attention to herself. Scanning the seating area beneath the balcony as she cautiously wandered down. Set up more like a restaurant than a cinema. Raised a foot from the floor with it's back wall curved so the area formed a half circle. Three sets of tables showing the building didn't expect much traffic. Rounding the curved foot of the stairs onto the main floor had Grace stepping in the way of the broad screen currently left blank. Her attention drawn to the bulk of the lone patron staring back at her. Their size putting the bear's to shame in both height and width. Leaning over the railing that ran between the balcony's supports as crystal blue eyes narrowed upon her. Gleaming in the low light in a rather predatory fashion. Pale fur equally standing out midst the darkness, were it not for the dark and loose fitting clothing the individual wore. Leaving the doe paralysed by upon the spot "Grace!" Chimed the sing song voice of Bailey. The Bobcat springing up before her as though out of thin air. Taking both her hands with his in a quick shake. "What are you doing here?" He asked. Grace blinked to him for a moment before her eyes drifted back to the huge patron watching them. They had to be at least nine foot tall. "Umm..." She stumbled for her first word. Needing a moment the cat didn't give her as he suddenly snatched his card out from her hands. "My card!" He exclaimed excitedly, pulling her in for a tight hug that had her fur frizzle up from the unexpected physical contact. "I've been looking everywhere for it, thank you so much." "It's fine, I-" She again tried to take a turn speaking, being cut short as Bailey suddenly tugged her further in. Nearly tripping her over the pair of steps up to the raised seating area. Brought past that rather terrify patron with Grace barely given a chance to think before finding herself whisked behind a heavy, dark hued curtain that ran the length of the back wall. Standing in a small, sloped ceiling alcove with a crescent shaped shaped couch facing her. It's back rest extending into the wall in what looked decidedly like a bed with pillows neatly placed at the back. Metal rings gliding upon a pole to signaled the cat sealing them in the cosy alcove. Turning her attention to the cat with mouth parting to speak only to find her lips preoccupied by Bailey's. Grace's eyes going wide. Staring at the bobcat standing on his absolute tippy toes to reach up to her. His weight falling upon her with the impromptu kiss being broken and the doe letting out a shriek as she tumbled backwards onto the couch. The cat taking advantage of her new position before she react. Straddling her lap with another kiss to her lip. "Stop!" She finally managed squeak out. Pushing back on his shoulders to get him far enough away that she could catch her breath. Watching as his ears furled back and a shameful look came over the feline's features. Tugging at her already confused heart. "I'm sorry..." Bailey muttered and hung his head in shame. Giving Grace some time to take a deep breath and compose herself. "I only came to return your card!" She informed the sulking cat. "I'm always screwin' stuff up..." Bailey sighed, further tugging at Grace's heart with the way his eyes shimmered. Filling Grace with a sense of guilt as tears welled upon his eyes. Looking away and leaning forwards to hug himself to her with a jolt coursing down Grace's spine. Feeling his face nestle into her chest. Leaving a rich flush to spread upon her face. Stunned and unsure how to react. "Joel was a good friend." He softly murmured to her cleavage. Breaking an awkward silence. "...the Kangaroo?" Grace asked. "Wallaby." Bailey corrected her, only making Grace feel more naive than the day had already whittled her down to. "We grew up together, got into all sorts of trouble together, and..." He explained, craning his head up to look up at her, "Well, I kinda pushed him into sharing our first times together." "I'm sure you two can still be friends." Grace tried to reassure him. Finally putting her hands to use by holding him close in a soft hug. "He's too..." Bailey started with a mournful tone. Letting a silence follow as he tried to find the right word for it. "Proper." He finished, "Even rumors about being a blender can cripple your social standing and Joel... won't risk that." "Why did you announce it, then?" "Because I want to be honest." He stated. Sitting up right with a less sad and more guilty expression to his features. "...like how attractive I find you." "You..." She started with a blink. Caught off guard by the change in subject. "We've barely even met!" "So?" Bailey asked, "You've a beautiful body, a gentle soul, and your clearly more open minded than the majority of the bigots here!" He lifted off on his fingers for her, "Nothing you've done so far has hinted to you being anything but an absolute sweet heart!" "But..." Grace stammered out. At a loss for words as the cat laid more flattery upon her than the doe had received in years. Left blushing to him and silent as he stared up to her. The glimmer of his eyes in the dim lighting conveying the genuine nature of his words. Watching him lean in for a third kiss upon the doe's lips. Meeting far less resistance this time around as she timidly accepted it. Heart thumping away in her chest as his purrs rekindled. Feeling hands upon her sides, bristling through her short fur as they sneaked beneath her top. Forgetting their rather public setting as digits tickled upon her sensitive sides. Letting out a meek gasp that the cat used to still a true kiss. Locking muzzle to hers with his rough tongue gentle gliding along the length of hers. Coaxing the Deer to fidget beneath him, confused by the flurry of emotions rushing through her system. Bewitched by the Bobcat's tender touch. Her muscles quivering with every pass his fingers delicately danced upon them. Encouraging her to be as equally daring as she let her hands travel down. Thumbs hooking upon the base of his stumpy tail. The feeling of being wanted helping to push the stress of her life away. A loud shlink of metal on metal snapped the pair from the passionate world. Grace's eyes snapping open to stare pass the Bobcat upon her to... another Bobcat. Looking nearly identical save for their posturing. Weight slanted to one side with a look of disappointment upon his face. Standing in the private booth's doorway with the curtain pulled open. Leaving the two on show for the thankfully still empty cinema. Grace's blood still running cold as Bailey froze in place. An awkward silence hanging over them with his purrs ceasing. Not even looking back to the newcomer observing them. "Really? Bails..." They spoke, sounding not too unlike the bobcat she had nestled on her lap. More mature and stern perhaps. "Uh, hi Riley." Bailey stumbled out, leaning back to twist his torso and face the other cat. Grace knowing she was going to get the two mixed up the moment she lost track of who was who. "Breaking club rules?" Riley inquired, sounding more like an accusation then a question. "It's okay, Grace is cool!" He insisted to them. The stern glare the less free spirited gave them not shifting in the slightest. "Look, you-" Bailey started up only for the newcomer to step into the booth and grab him by an ear. Bailey being cut off by a pained hiss as she tugged him to his feet. Prying him from Grace's lap and out into the cinema floor despite his complaints. "Back in a minute, hun." Riley assured Grace. Using their free hand to pull the heavy curtain back into place and leave Grace alone. Blinking to the dark cloth wall. Feeling rather like a prison door as she awaited the bobcat's return. A hard swallow to clear her clamped up throat had Grace shifting to recompose herself. Scolding her stupidness at getting so... friendly with a stranger over just a few sweet words. Unsure whether she was thankful or regretful for being interrupted. After such a day, some blind pleasure would have been nice after all. "Newbie?" Spoke another new voice. Grace brought back to her senses by a horse poking his head around the curtain. Catching her off guard with a light yelp escaping doe. "Sorry, sorry. Didn't mean to startle you." He assured her with a smile. Grace at least being able to confidently identify his gender unlike the Bobcats. The equine stepping into view with hands raised up in an offering of innocence. "Just had to take a peek is all, we don't usually get us equines here after all." "I'm..." Grace began, trailing off as he eagerly stood over her, deciding against correcting the stocky six foot stallion beaming down at her. Feeling his eyes trail over her despite the darkness. Nervously adjusting her top to safe guard her chest from his hungry eyes. Realizing she really had no clue to what sort of business the club was in and fearing the worse at this point. Seclude building with lights kept dim and at least a hidden away bed not filling her with confidence that this was anything but a brothel. "Cat got your tongue?" He asked with a polished accent, certainly coming off as a posh gentleman. "Or had your tongue, I suppose would be more accurate." He chuckled, the air between them remaining an awkward stale sort as she felt a loss for words. "Don't sweat it, Bailey tries to bed anything that moves." He continued on. His voice starting to lose the confidence it'd started with. Growing as uneasy as Grace was about the confrontation. "If it's any consolation, he-" Once more the horse started up, being cut short by Riley barged in past him. The three foot feline able to shove him aside with surprising ease. Clearly having some muscle despite what their lithe build suggested. "Alric, I didn't invite you over." Riley scolded him. The stallion fidgeting on the spot with unease. The booth itself feeling rather cramped with three people stuffed around it's seating area. "As for you." Riley added, turning their full attention to Grace with arms folded, "Quit looking so glum, your not in any trouble." "I'm sorry." Grace muttered out like a scolded school girl. "And don't go apologising after everything I say, I can't stand grovelling." They warned, "Bails isn't the brightest tool in the shed and apparently didn't tell you squat before dragging you here, so hear me out before you go worrying those cute ears off." "Plus we need more girls around!" Alric blurted out from the sideline with Grace flinching from implication. "Go tend the bloody bar, ya jackal!" Riley snapped at him with a hard enough jab of her elbow into his thigh as to get a wince out of him. Encouraging the tall fellow to limp back to his work station. Riley waiting for him to be hobbling down the steps before turning their attention back to the terrified looking Grace. "I told you to quit looking so glum." Riley instructed before continuing on; "Whatever ghost stories you've heard about this place I can assure you is mostly fabrication." "Mostly?" Grace echoed the cat, getting a knowing nod in reply. "The Midnight Cascade is an inclusive social club for nocturnal folk of all walks." She swept up an arm to direct Grace's attention to the screen. "Beyond that; we hold two movie showings a week. Voted on by our members." "...your not a brothel?" Grace let slip her train of thought. Feeling her cheeks burn as her mind caught up with what she'd blurted out. "No." Riley glowered to the doe, "Like I said, the rumors you've heard are mostly fabrications by arrogant folk who dare not step inside. Assuming that because we welcome all species and prefer our privacy that we're a depraved cesspit off blenders.". Riley took a deep breath, visibly using it to calm himself much how Grace had been taught to do. Grace sitting before them with ears back and an air of meek submission about her. "I suppose I should clear that up before anything else." The bobcat said, "While yes, we cater to all species interested and support diverse relationships. We do not support the mixing of species. Folk often forget that it's possible to separate the two." "Yes sir." Grace spoke, getting a glower from the Bobcat before Riley relaxed. "Sir?" Riley perked a brow to the title, "Hun, I'm a woman." "Oh gosh!" Grace gasped with deep embarrassment. Now having to rethink her take on Bailey's gender. Everyone else had been referring to him as a guy though. Maybe she'd at least gotten one of them right. "Careful. We felines aren't the only androgynous species your going to bump into." Riley warned with a light smile of amusement, "Now if you'd come with me, ms...?" Riley trailed of in inquiry for her name. "Grace." She replied, cautiously standing up to stand over the Bobcat. Having forgotten she was taller than the feline with the commanding presence the cat had. "Oh, that's a lovely name!" Riley chimed with a smile, turning on the spot to lead her out. Wandering over the large figure still bent over the railing. Facing away from them with Grace now able to tell he'd been sitting down this whole time. Keeping his gaze upon the unused strip of floor between the screen and seating area. "This is Liko. He's our muscle, so to speak." Riley introduced him, "Ever have trouble with someone, just give him a shout and he'll bust them up for you." "I'm not your thug, Riley." The large man replied with a rough tone. "Yes you are, hun." She merely retorted with a pat to his arm. Nearly as thick as the Bobcat. Grace spying the faded stripes upon it as she approached. Keeping herself with Riley between her and Liko. Getting a chance to better inspect him with a rather tell tale amount of fluff hanging around his neck. Confusing her further to his species, swearing he was a lion but she'd never heard of a stripy one. Nor had she heard of either being as large as he were. "Liger." Riley pointed out. Having apparently picked up on the doe's confusion. Getting a startled gasp from her with hands clapped over her mouth. Riley already delicately moving down the steps back onto the main floor. Leaving Grace besides Liko whom merely kept his gaze focused forwards. Silvery blue eyes holding a ferocity that quickened the beat of her heart. Hurrying her to catch up with the Bobcat. Leaving the first hybrid she'd ever met in person. Finding the experience far more disconcerting than she'd ever thought. Understanding why this place would be taboo if he was what folk were greeted with. "You've already met Alric, our bartender." Riley formally introduced the stout equine. Rather dwarfish to the ones she'd met back home. His copper fur much better shown with the lights from behind the bar. The horse giving her a charming smile and making a show of his dark hued mane while poorly pretending not to be listening in. Cleaning off his little work station neatly tucked corner by the screen's edge. A fire escape just as cosily hideen between it and the viewing platform they'd been on a moment ago. "He's in every night and you'll be working under him-" Riley carried on. Being cut short by Grace's head whipping around to the last few words. "Working?!" She exclaimed with surprise, "I'm... not here for a job, ma'am." "Your not?" Riley blinked, looking back to Grace with equal amounts of surprise. A soft smiling spreading over her face before leading to a chuckle. "God, he's hopeless." She mumbled more to herself than Grace. "Bailey is our recruitment officer, so to speak." She began to explain, "My apologies, I thought he'd have explained the position to you before dragging you to bed." "We weren't-" Grace tried to protect her innocence only to be hushed by the feline. "Anyway. Position is available if your interested. Since you've met just about my entire staff I'm sure you can tell how under staffed we are." Riley pointed out, "I don't know how good your mathematics is but surely you can tell six folk is hardly enough to hold this place down." "Is... that not enough?" Grace inquired. Unsure how many it would take to run such a small place. "At least sit down if your going to discuss business." Alric said with a tap to the counter top. Pointing out the trio of bar stools on their side. "We get busy, some nights." Riley merely shrugged. Taking a seat with Alric pouring out a drink for her. Smelling unmistakably of red wine. "Alric can have a hard time keeping up with request, and as you might have noticed; Liko doesn't have the friendliest of demeanors." "Plus he isn't getting anywhere near my booze again..." Alric mumbled beneath his breath. Shifting to pour Grace her share only to be stopped by the doe. "And Bailey?" She asked. "Snuck off to get shagged both trial runs of working the bar." Alric answered before Riley got the chance. "I reckon it's only us hard working equine folk who can honor the time old tradition of bar tending." "She's cervine." Riley pointed out for Grace, getting quite the confused blink from the horse as he took in the revelation. "What about you?" Grace asked of Riley. Getting a laugh from the feline before she skulled her glass. Grace unsure which action unnerved her more. "I prefer not to be mistaken for Bails." Riley stated, coming off as a rather petty excuse. "But as for you, a young uni student who could probably do with some extra cash." Riley's words sent a shiver through Grace, reminding her how short of cash she was. "I'm sure you could afford a few nights a week to relieve Alric." She carried on, the grin that crossed the equines face not going amiss by either of the girls, "And if he makes any moves on you, sic Liko on him." "Hey!" Alric huffed, hands raised in innocence. "Gentlecolt here. I'd never make a lady uncomfortable without her permission." "That's his way of saying he can't please a woman." Riley made no effort to hide the smile her comment brought to her face. Alric about to retort only for Riley to hold a finger up to him as she addressed Grace instead. "So, interested?" She asked, the attention of both upon the confused doe. A nervous gulp sounding as she cleared her throat to speak. "I... don't know." She sheepishly answered in earnest. Hands fidgeting together as she continued, "It's nice of you to offer, but I don't think I could work in a place like this." "It ain't so bad once you get used to the hours." Alric mumbled from the side. Riley assured her, "If you don't want the job, that's fine." Riley assured her. "Really?" Grace asked, unsure why that surprised. "Your not that important, dear." Riley again assured her, though her choice of words did beg the question as to whether she was being sincere or condescending. "We'll find someone else, Bails had a list of folk he wanted to 'tryout'." She added on, only making Grace feel worse in the process. "Come, I'll walk you out." Riley added with a clap upon Grace's shoulder before hopping from the chair. Wandering towards the stairs at the opposite side of the room with glass in hand. "...Sorry." Grace quietly whispered to the stallion before sliding from her seat to follow in tow. Casting a glance to Liko still hunched over in his centralised spot. His eyes not even bothering with her anymore as she based across his vision. Her hooves singing out a steady beat upon the stairs as she chased after the shorter cat. Leaving the somber music of the cinema behind her a they returned to the reception area with the bear looking up briefly from her book. Looking small compared tot he Liger downstairs. "If you change your mind, your welcome to return." Riley said as approached the front desk. Thumping through a few things before head for the front door. Prying it open with the outdoor lights rushing in. Dazzling after the dim light of the theater. The bustle having only gotten worse since she'd been inside. The city truly never sleeping it seemed. "We're around from dusk to dawn, closed during the day." Riley informed her. Handing her a business card for the establishment on her way out. "Thank you, and sorry for-" Grace started, being hushed by the cat. "Don't worry your cute tail over it, hun." She assured her. The sincerity of it renewing her blush. Unsure what else to say, Grace merely started to walk off down the road. Feeling rude to do so but the day had been long and her embarrassment kept her mind a jumble for what else she could say. Her life in the city was definitely not going to be as she expected. Waiting for a break in the traffic before crossing the road with the card held to her chest in both hands. "Reckon she'll be back?" Liko's gruff voice asked of Riley. The Liger squeezing himself through the doorway to stand side by side with her. Dramatically dwarfing her as they stood in the blue light of the theater's front. Watching the bashful doe's brisk walk away with rather contrasting expression. Liko's a concerned frown, while Riley sported a confident smile as she lowered her head. "Who knows." She merely stated with closed eyes. Turning on the spot to reenter her club. "Bail's has a gift for finding the willing and desperate." She further explained, "I'm sure we'll be seeing more of the cervine before long.". Liko merely replying with a gruff breath as he kept his attention upon the doe. That frown never once leaving his face as he stayed stand out the front. As tall as the buildings first story with the door looking comical besides his bulk.