FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

~36~

Bryce shielded his eyes from the spotlight. Yeah, he hated this place. It was trying too hard to create some sort of hip atmosphere while also trying to present itself as a dive. Might just be him, but he was pretty sure that molecular gastronomy didn't belong in a dive bar. The frat boys calling for jager shots? Well, that did.

He rolled his eyes and breathed out a quiet sigh. The bull had tucked himself into a corner with a beer. Casually sipping it as he let his eyes scan the growing crowd. He'd done this a million times before. Didn't matter if he was checking the place out for Arden or wanting to get drinks with his buds. He liked to approach them with the same mindset. Good place, good drinks, decent food, and make it out alive.

So far this didn't check any of those boxes. Who the hell made nachos using Bocadillos? More than that, who would use nacho cheese chips, then layer them with spicy tuna, avocado, and spicy mayo? Though, he was certain that their name had something to do with how they were created. Four-twenty indeed.

If he was gonna throw bagged chips into an appetizer, it'd be a chili pie.

Bryce took another look around the place. Small crowd, but getting larger by the moment. He tried to pick out anyone that looked suspicious. Couldn't see anything more dangerous than a couple guys that had been pre-gaming. Real Bro types who were trying hard to impress some girls. He found himself smirking as he shook his head. If he wasn't here for other reasons, he could probably show them up. Hell, if Harry had been here...

"Hey, this seat taken?"

His ear twitched as the voice lifted over the din. Wasn't the first time someone approached him tonight. Big bull sitting alone? Despite everything, Eighteen had kept himself in pretty good condition. Some good scrubbing and clothes really did it for him. Bryce was happy with what he'd picked. A nice button down, slacks, a jacket over it all. Not form fitting, but not baggy either. Several gals, and a couple guys, had been giving him the eye. He'd been trying to straddle the line of 'I'm just another college kid' and 'don't approach me' which was hard. Swing too far one way and he might get distracted. Too far the other and he'd be too obvious.

The bull sighed, "Listen, I..." he stiffened slightly. Just that little twitch that made his back stiffen. Right there, hovering at the other side of the tiny table, was a too-familiar face. Creamy jade eyes peered from under a hood as the deer offered a somewhat shy smile. Bryce felt his heart leap and pound in his throat, "Well, wasn't really looking for company. Certainly don't mind sharing drinks though."

Arden sighed and flashed a grin, "Good, just came in and needed a drink or two." The buck swept in and sat his beer next to Bryce's. Arden was in incognito mode. Plain jeans, a hoodie that was a little too large, hood up over the baseball cap he wore. He was a pair of sunglasses and a wig short of 'The Paparazzi are after me' mode. Everything looked a little worn, but not too much. Even dressed pretty casually, he rode the line of slovenly and fashionable. Though, it was hard to tell if that was just Bryce looking with rose-tinted glasses or if it was the buck's natural charisma. "Little unwinding after everything, you know. Name's Arden." His ears perked curiously at the mostly untouched food, "What is that?"

Okay, it's fine. Act cool, you're just another college student, or at least posing like one. "Bryce. Yeah, tests been a bitch, huh? Between the schedule and my roommate..." he shook his head and snorted a laugh, "Feel like it'd be better living on the street sometime." Just be cool and act natural. You've been practicing this for weeks. "I think it's supposed to be nachos."

The buck waved, "May I?" so Bryce nodded, trying to put on his best nonchalant face he could. Casual, but not too casual, show some interest. Don't drive the buck away, but you don't want to fawn over him either. Arden had always talked about how he hated his fans.

Well... hated wasn't the right term. He adored his fans. Bryce couldn't count the times they'd slipped off just so he could meet some fan in the hospital or put in a special appearance. What Arden hated was the squealing, hyperventilating types of fans. The too-obsessed ones. The 'I tracked down which hotel you were at, found your room, and got a key from the housekeeper. Can I get an autograph?' fans.

Bryce could fully appreciate it. Years of being at Arden's side, having to shoo fans off, playing the part of the bodyguard? Oh it had drained him beyond belief. When they had their fight, it had been somewhat of a relief. Waking up in his apartment, not needing to worry about if he was going to be mobbed getting the mail. Not having to fight through mobs of reporters and groupies just to get coffee in the morning. Being able to actually sit around in his underwear, curtains open?

He'd trade it all away just to hold his buck again.

Arden's ears perked a bit, "You okay? Looks like you've had it a bit rough the..." the buck absently picked up a chip and bit into it. His expression twisting into one of confusion.

"Yeah," Bryce smiled, "Rough couple weeks." He perked his ears and forced a smile, "Nacho good are they?"

Ears shot against the hood as the buck gave him a deer in the headlights look. "Hey watch it, any more puns like that and I'll get jalapeno face." His face twisted into a look of genuine anger. Though Bryce knew that twinkle in his eyes too well. That was always his tell.

Bryce leaned back and held his hands up, "Whoa, I'll keep that in mind. No more jokes in queso you get riled up."

Arden's lip twitched and a smile broke free. The buck snorted out a laugh and leaned forward, shoulders hunching as he laughed. "Oh, needed that." He sighed and took a long draw off his bottle. "So," he started slowly, "rough couple weeks?"

"Eh," Bryce rolled his shoulders and shrugged. "You know how it is sometimes. What about you?" His gaze drifted down to Arden's side and the guitar case there. "You play?"

"Nah, I just carry it around for self-defense."

"Ahh, the El Kabong school of defense. Classic."

There was that smile again. Soft, sweet, and 100% geniune. "Well, more the Douche At The Campfire." His attention drifted to the stage as someone walked up and introduced themselves. Both shared a wince as he launched into Wonderwall. "Guaranteed to repel people."

"Better than the _Stairway_technique. That's been known to kill. Planning on getting up there too?"

Arden hummed, "In a little bit. Just needed to bolster my courage first." He turned to the table and took a long draw off his beer. "Have you ever..." Arden stared at the bottle and rolled it in his hand. "Never mind, it's silly."

Okay, so lean forward. Perk your ears to look interested, but not that interested. God, why were his palms sweating this much? "Have I ever what?"

The buck chewed on his bottom lip. "Have you ever been tired of who you are? I mean," he rolled his shoulders and hunched forward in thought. Bryce gave him a moment as he tried to articulate what he was thinking. "Ever just had someone put you in a role for so long that you find yourself wondering who or what you are?"

Okay, so open just a little. "You mean like going to college on a football scholarship. Make it big, find a trophy wife, have a couple kids, whole American Dream stuff? Only to realize that isn't what you'd want?" Drop your head a little, roll the beer bottle between your fingers. "Well, money might be nice. Doesn't have to be a lot, enough to live on." Pause for a second, "But the wife part..." Sigh? No sigh? Oh fuck, quick make up your mind before you pause too long. "Well, let's just say that there was a disagreement there." How the hell did Arden act? It was one thing practicing in front of a mirror. This? This was the most stressed he'd been in years!

Warm fingers brushed against his. Just the lightest of touches that drew his attention up. Arden met him with a sympathetic smile. Without thinking, Bryce let his hand trail from the bottle so his fingers could slide against Arden's.

Cheeks flushed as the buck smiled, nervous as well. "So, Um..." he shifted against the table, "What are you going to college for?"

Bryce did his best to smile, but his eighteen-year old body was getting jittery. Memories were surging up and his body was more than eager to respond. "Well, um..." he pulled his hand back. Not a yank, but that nervous little tug away before playing with the bottle again. "Not exactly in college. Let's just say that the deal I had wasn't working out, so I'm exploring the country. Doing some backpacking. You?"

Arden's cheeks were flushed as well, but he was smiling. "Backpacking sounds like fun." The buck breathed out a wistful sigh, "Though I'm a bit too spoiled, don't know if I could ever live out of a backpack for too long. Last time I went camping a bus was involved." He didn't go into why he was here. Though Bryce knew why. Arden was always worried about if people liked him, or if they liked him. Bryce was just glad he'd never hit the fanboy 'ohmygawd' phase with Arden. Well... Ethan right now.

Wasn't hard to find out about his buck. Could go into any store and see his merch all over. Shirts, music, movies he was in, so on and so forth. Ethan Weiss was a teen pop star and idol. It'd be far too easy to just soak that in and let it ride. Thankfully, Arden didn't want to just idle. Pretty soon he'd learn that the buck was wanting to break away from that image. Reinvent himself, find out who he really was. Bryce could remember being there during the rough spots. The small crowds. Countless meetings and even a few civil suits. It was going to be hell for a little while.

He'd do it all over again in a heartbeat. His Paradise was worth it.

"So," Bryce cleared his throat after a long moment of silence, "Why me? I mean," he waved at the bar and people milling about. Both wincing as the new person on stage added a horrible vibrato to_Hallelujah_. "Everyone here, why come over to me?"

Arden leaned in, "Well, um..." The buck reached up to scratch at his head nervously. Fingers sliding around his newly capped antlers, "Big, handsome bull who looked a little lonely and intimidating?" The buck's gaze trailed over Bryce's body, imagining what he looked like under those clothes. He bit his bottom lip and played with a napkin. "Let's just say that I'm not exactly looking for a wife either."

Ears perked as the stage cleared. Arden stared at it for a long moment. Bryce reached over and took his hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "What's the worst that could happen? Get up there and suck? Can't be any worse than those yutzes." His heart leapt in his throat as he leaned forward and planted a kiss on Arden's cheek. Just a quick peck. That made the buck turn to him with a look of surprise. Bryce put on his best nervous smile, which was easy to do right now. "Go knock them dead, Arden, I'll be here. Someone's gotta eat these nachos."

A smile crawled over the buck's face. "Okay, I'll be right back, Bryce." Arden swept up his guitar and started for the stage at a trot. Steps light before he gracefully leapt onto the stage. Bryce could see a couple people look disappointed, then sit back down with their guitars.. Though one guy by the bar perked up. The wolf nudged his partner and uttered something. A larger wolf glanced to the stage and muttered something. Both split from the bar and hit a couple tables.

Gathering his drink, Bryce wandered closer to the stage. He watched the rough looking pack from the corner of his eye. Practice meaning that he could keep his attention on Arden as the buck unpacked his guitar. He could see the others moving through the crowd.

Arden shifted on the stool up there, looked into the crowd, and smiled as he saw Bryce. The buck leaned towards the mic.

~18~

"Hello you beautiful, Beautiful people!"

Bryce's ears perked as Arden's voice came over a loud speaker, but also nearby. His captors picked him up and spun him around. The bull blinked in confusion as he found himself at the side of the stage. If he craned his head, he could just make out the crowd as a dull roar washed past. Up on stage, a band was getting settled into place. Arden stood center stage, the buck looking resplendent with a wide smile on his face. He practically glowed under the stage lights. Fine, silvery threads in his outfit set of little sparkles against the light. A set of rosewood antlers shone as the buck's gaze swept the crowd. "Everyone ready for a show?" Another roar as Arden rocked back and threw his hands up, "I LOVE IT!" he called out with a laugh.

"And speaking of Love..." Arden cast a sidelong glance towards Bryce, a little smile flicked over his lips. His eyes sparkled with playfulness as he waited for the crowd to get quiet, "I was thinking I might mix things up a little tonight. Start tonight with a little talk about love. A lesson for everyone. Not just you GORGEOUS people here tonight, but for everyone out there." He swept his hand in a wide gesture as it to indicate the entire world.

Silence fell in slow waves. "Love can take so many forms, it's impossible to name them all. It can bloom anywhere, a concert, a park, or maybe making jokes at a bar." Arden's cloven hooves came down in a slow tip-tapping as he paced the stage, giving his band time to get settled. "Love is both the most amazing thing, and the worst thing, you can experience. There will be bad times, horrible times. Times where you are certain that love has died. That so much of your life was wasted because you dared to love the wrong person. Maybe you did. That happens, maybe you loved the wrong person. Or maybe," his gaze swept the crowd and looked over to Bryce. "Maybe you just thought they were the wrong one. You thought love had died, that something went wrong. Then that person does something and you're reminded why. Why you fell in love with them."

A smile crawled over his lips as he turned and strolled towards a tall amp. The buck took a step, a hop, and with a bound he was atop the amp. "You remember that Connection!" The buck laughed as the crowd roared their approval. Arden arched with the call, standing proud and tall atop the amp. Stage lights flashed and swept towards him.

"Like a Lonely Heart needs a home," he crooned, "Like a diamond needs the sun. Like a soul needs a connection." Arden's hand swept over the crowd, his gaze slid over to lock eyes with Bryce. A true smile on the buck's face. The band started slow, their soft music sweeping the ballad up into something almost ethereal. "_Take it slow so we can both talk."_His words, the song, everything about it pulled Bryce in. It was...

~36~

Breathtaking.

Bryce couldn't begin to count the times he'd seen Arden perform. Everywhere from amphitheaters packed to the brim, to holidays with friends. It didn't matter if the buck had an audience of ten-thousand or just one. He loved to put himself into his performance. But this? Oh this was wholly new.

This was Arden before he was fully Arden. Before Sasha and Johay came in to help fine tune the song. The melody was a little rough, but he could recognize the core of the song. Of their song. A song that he'd help inspire the words of, help tune them over years.

He had to keep his attention on the wolves though. Bryce felt his fur prickle as they moved around the crowd. That unconscious, instinctive tingling that told him predators were about. These hunters were looking for a meal, but a different sort. It was going to be a straightforward kidnapping. Somehow, they'd gotten the word that Ethan Weiss, pop star, was out and about without any of his entourage.

It had taken Bryce a while to get information from Arden about what happened. He'd claimed he couldn't remember much. Mix of the beer and adrenaline rush. Arden had understood, since he had also been pretty flustered by the whole experience. What he had learned was one of his best weapons tonight.

Body of a fit and tough eighteen year old bull, still going into his prime. Mind and training of a thirty-six year old bodyguard. It'd be tough as hell, but he'd been through worse. The plan was never to sweep in and be a hero. He wasn't going to _Commando_his way through an army and save Arden. No, the plan was nice and simple. Grab Arden and fucking run.

"We made a connection through a drug,"_Bryce's ears twitched as Arden sang. The buck's fingers danced over the guitar's strings. His eyes mostly closed as he leaned towards the mic. _"We both needed one."

Bryce slid a little closer to the stage as Arden scanned the crowd. The buck's eyes landed on him. Almost skipping past before coming back. He smiled and his eyes lit up as they stared at each other. Fingers stilled on the strings for a moment. Lips parted with a huff. "A stone cold, sober gut connection."_There was that little lip bite and nervous grin. _"You built a new connection."

His only regret was that Eighteen wasn't here to experience it. This moment right here. Having a crowd of people around him, and yet having that feeling that Arden was singing to just him? The first time that the buck ever sang their song in public? Oh, it was enough to send shivers down his spine.

The bull leaned forward and returned Arden's smile. He should lean back, check the crowd, look for those wolves. Every trained instinct was telling him that he should be more aware of his surroundings. He should pay more attention to the heavy wolf that was sliding up beside him. Yet, it was impossible to tear his eyes away from Arden. Even as the buck's attention shifted back to the mic, he could feel those gorgeous jade eyes on him.

"This is a brand new revolution,

We have to learn to live together.

This is a deeper connection,

A troubled mind with no relation!"

Bodies bumped into Bryce. People were gathering closer to the stage now, drawn by the buck's singing. It wasn't much of a jostle, but certainly enough to draw his attention back to now. Bryce shook his head and breathed out a quiet snort. He took a sip of his beer, as if suddenly remembering that it was there. A quick swig as his attention drifted to those about him.

Frat boy to the left, dragged up there by his girlfriend. He was starting to look a bit jealous, but was readily distracted as his girl leaned in and offered her neck to suckle on. The big tiger utterly chuffed as he suckled at her neck.

The real issue was to his right. A big wolf with rough knuckles. Loomed near Bryce. Honestly? He was shocked that they'd gotten past the bouncers. Just a look at this wolf set off every one of his alarms. The way the guy stood, his scarred hands, the gray about his muzzle. What Bryce wouldn't give for Harry and Annette right now. He shifted, not a nervous shuffle, but adjusting his weight. A hand wondered over his front. Just a light brush, adjusting the millboard against his core. Wasn't much, but a sketchbook was easier to get his hands on than body armor.

It's funny. Folks always talk about the calm before the storm. That moment where everything seems to stop, everyone takes a breath, and then all hell breaks loose. He liked to think of it as The Great Intake. That brief second where everyone stood and waited. Then someone would draw a breath and brace themselves. As his eyes darted about, he could see that some of the college folk were getting nervous. Few of the rough ones were picking targets.

Bryce's ear twitched as the wolf next to him took a breath. Inhale, exhale. He could feel the guy psych himself up.

Inhale...

~12~

"It's amazing really, just how brave you were at times." Arden traced the scrollwork on the journal's cover. "I could never decided if you were fearless or what." The buck smiled and breathed out a quiet snort, gray muzzle dipping, "Guess it's easy to dive into trouble if you know you'll make it out."

Bryce nodded, but felt his eyes getting a bit heavier. The bull tried to cover it his yawn. Arden smiled and gave his hand a pat, "Not boring you am I?"

The bull shook his head, "No, I love hearing the stories." His stomach clenched as Arden's hand lingered on his. "Might be getting hungry though." He blushed as his stomach clenched and grumbled.

"Definitely getting hungry," Arden laughed. "Sav, dear? Could you prepare dinner? I think I'd like it out on the balcony tonight." As the donkey called out that she'd have it ready soon, Arden groaned and stood. The buck wobbled a second before resting his hand on the back of the wheelchair.

Bryce's ears perked as he was wheeled outside. The house overlooked a lake and rich forest. If he looked hard enough, he could just barely see some other houses in the distance. Big house in the woods had always been a dream of his. "It's funny," Arden wheeled him towards a table, "We had our choices of where to live. Paris. New York. Artemis Colony on the Moon."

"We could've lived on the moon?!"

"Oh we vacationed there once. The low gravity was horrible for my digestion, and you hated not seeing the sky. But no," Arden slid into the chair next to him, "We looked for a long time before finding this place. Who would've thought that we'd settle down in a cabin out in the woods." Arden started to lean into Bryce as he looked out into the woods. The buck caught himself and sat upright. "It's been a wonderful home though. The kids adored it growing up. And their kids, and their kids..."

He reached out and gently touched Bryce's hand. The bull slid his into the deer's grasp and met his smile. "It's all funny when I think about how it started. All the times you got to be my personal hero."

~36~

Rule 5: There's no such thing as a fair fight. Fight like a bastard.

Bryce fell into dude-bro as the wolf swung. His back twinged, not at all used to those movements. Football had given him speed and strength, but lacked a little something with flexibility. Still, it was good enough for now. The fist still caught his gut, but the improvised armor took the brunt of the hit.

His ear twitched as he heard the sound of bodies crashing. So that was their plan, start a bar fight and grab Arden. Was a good plan, so long as you could control the chaos. Bunch of drunk college kids was a lot chaos. He caught the wolf's eyes as the male looked at him with confusion. A knowing smile flicked over the bull's face. Yeah, weren't expecting that. Lips curled back as the wolf snarled at him.

The tiger snarled something and shoved Bryce. He staggered towards the wolf and struck. Funny how many people liked to try and break a beer bottle then use it like a knife. Those things were pretty hard. He liked to try and break them on someone's face.

PANG!

A yelp wrenched from the wolf as he took the bottle to the side of the head. Bryce's heart hammered in his chest as he stepped in. A large, heavy hoof came up right into the lupine's male parts. Full force bovine kick that raised the pitch of that yelp. Grab a handful of scruff and yank down. Nose, meet knee. Not enough to take the wolf down for good, but certainly enough to put him out of the fight. Next target.

He scanned the stage and saw a pair of wolves dragging Arden off. Step in, swing, and...

They jumped as the bottle shattered off the wall, showering all three with beer and glass. The wolves jumped and looked, locking eyes with Bryce as the bull pulled himself to the stage. Words were snarled before they hauled the muzzled deer out through a door.

Bryce lowered his head and started to charge. He made it a few steps before a body slammed into his side. He went down hard as hot breath blasted his neck, "Don't be a fucking hero." A massive hound tried to pin him down. Bryce twisted, bit, kicked, and gouged. Squaring off with an opponent and going fair was all well and good when sparring. In a bar fight, all that mattered who was standing. Especially when you were protecting someone. His opponent was a big hound, but he was a large bull too. A large bull with a very hard head.

He managed to get the hound off him as the bouncers waded into the crowd. Bryce wasn't fighting to win, he had to get away.

Up on his feet and out the door. He burst into the alleyway and skidded, eyes wild as he looked around. There! Several of the guys were tossing Arden into a van. More words were shouted as he charged for the van. Hands grabbed at him from behind. That fucking hound! Bryce dug his feet in, trying to keep up the old football tactics and just keep pushing forward.

An arm wrapped around him as the other lifted. A glint of metal in the light before it slammed to his side. He felt the impact, felt a tug as it dug past the board, into his side, and then the grind as the blade scraped off a rib. The bull grunted from the blow, eyes narrowing as he turned. Oh, so that's how it was going to be?

He grabbed that arm and twisted. Had to take care of this guy first. Ear twitched as he heard the van start away. "Told you, don't be a hero!" The hand jerked, his shirt ripping as the knife dug deeper.

Bryce growled, "Don't try to stop me!" as he dove towards the wall. A meaty thud, grunt, heavy impact as he leaned into it. Head drove back, cracked off that chin, then another thud as it hit brick. The bull twisted, driving fists and hooves into the hound. He felt blood trickle down his side, but kept that knife hand trapped. Control the knife, keep it close, pound him into pavement.

Easier said than done. It took too long to put the dog down. Not killed, but certainly out of the fight. Bryce was panting hard, staggering, one eye quickly swelling shut and his vision a little blurry.

That wasn't about to stop him though. He put his head down and took off at a run. The van was already at the end of the alley and turning onto the street with a squeal of tires. No way was he going to catch up with a speeding van. Even with the lingering city traffic, they'd quickly outdistance him. Not to mention the fact that they outnumbered him. He did have an advantage.

He knew that there was construction going on at Third. A roadblock down James Ave. The crash at the intersection leading to I-42. It had been a royal pain in the ass, searching for accidents and delays on this day, at this time, in this city, years after the fact. He didn't need much, just enough information.

Bryce gritted his teeth and lowered his head. He didn't have the entire city memorized, but he knew the path he had to take. The bull started at a jog. Pace slow as he got his wind back. He peeled his shirt open and pulled out the book's remains. Not much in the way of body armor, but certainly tougher to stab through than hide. Fucker still got a good cut in. Least it slowed down the knife.

Pushing that aside, he put his head down and shot out of the alley. Down a half-block, left. Faster. Right... he could do this.

~18~

Bryce sank back into a chair with a sigh. Harry and Annette had a good laugh about how they 'got him' earlier. Quiet as Harry was, the rhino was pretty friendly. Though the elephant had been a bit rougher, she was pretty good too. He could see why they were friends, or would be friends. The pair hadn't gotten to hang around too long. They were still on duty and needed to make sure there weren't any rabid fans. So they left Bryce to watch Arden's show from his private area.

As it was wrapping up, he'd expected Arden to come over to him. Instead, Sherry had dragged him back to the dressing room. The dormouse gave him the firm order of, "Sit," before rushing off to do something else.

So here he was. Just sitting in the dressing room and waiting for Arden or someone to come get him. His ears perked each time that a voice came through the door, only to fold back as it faded away. The bull breathed out a sigh and tapped on the armrest. His eyes narrowed and head rocked back a little. Just remembering the show.

He'd been to concerts before. Never anything with a good seat, certainly never backstage. It was a whole other world back there. The costume changes, the looks the band members gave him, seeing how everything went together for a perfect show. All while Arden just killed it out there. A couple hours, encore, all while dancing and putting on a great show. It made Bryce exhausted just watching.

The door exploded inwards, "BRYCE!" He jerked as an eagle swept into the room. She wore ripped jeans, a tee that was a couple sizes too large, a denim jacket, heavy boots, and her beak was carved with intricate scrollwork. "Bryce, you sunofabitch!" the avian called out as she practically dove at him. Feathery arms wrapped around his neck as she trilled, "Knew you couldn't stay away."

"You did not," A tall husky wandered in after her. He was dressed in a finely tailored suit. Black suit, black shirt, black everything. Which made his snowy fur stand out all the more. Gave him a kind of ghostly, undertaker appearance. Or maybe more like the Tall Man. "She bet me fifty you wouldn't be back for another month."

The eagle snapped her beak, "Fucking Traitor. Bryce, can you believe Johay?" She huffed, but still fished out a bill to toss at him. "Point is, we both knew that you and Arden would get back together."

He started to say something, but a voice cut through, "Can't turn my back on you two for a second?" Arden slipped into the dressing room, but held the door open. "I stop to talk with our adoring fans, then come in here to find you two molesting Bryce?" He nodded towards the door, "Can I at least have a minute with him alone before you try to get him into a foursome, Sasha?"

Bryce's ears turned beet red as he looked from the buck to the other two. The eagle huffed, gave his cheek a nibble, and stood up. "Fine, but you promised you'd consider." She winked, a playful glint shining in her golden eyes.

The husky rolled his eyes, bent, and scooped her up. She screeched and kicked her legs, "We'll go keep the meet and greet going, Arden. Bryce." He nodded and carried the squirming avian out.

"Ugh," Arden slammed the dressing room door shut. "I swear, those two can try the patience of a saint." He shook his head, grabbed his antlers, and with a twist, pulled them off. The buck rubbed the top of his head and put the spangled antlers on the table. Bryce started to stand up, but Arden fixed him with a look. "You sit right there. I'm not done with you yet." The bull sat down hard and watched as Arden started to clean up. Polishing the antlers. Wiping off sweat and makeup.

The silence continued once he was done. The buck turned and leaned back into the counter, arms crossed as he stared at the bull. Arden made him wait in silence for what felt like an eternity.

"Do you know how hard it is for me?"

Bryce's ears perked, "I..." they folded back as he looked sheepish.

Arden stalked closer, "Do you know how impossible it is for me? How impossible..." His presence drove the bull back into his seat.

Legs slid on either side of his as the buck sank into the chair with him. Arden breathed out a sigh as he leaned into Bryce's broad chest. Practically melting into the larger bovine "On tour for five months without my bull, so angry at you, at myself, at..." he waved his hand, "Everyone." Bryce found himself wrapping his arms around Arden. Just a soft embrace that brought a sigh from the buck. Arden leaned in, nuzzling his neck slowly. Bryce nuzzled into his hair and tried his best to not snort. That acrid scent was back, clashing harshly with the buck's scent. "They couldn't even get my new cologne right. Some new _Eau du Chemical_instead of what I wanted."

Arden buried his nose into Bryce's neck and breathed deep. "Fuck me I missed this smell." he arched, rubbing Bryce's chest. The buck hummed and started to kiss at Bryce's neck. Then bite gently as he worked his way up. Bryce's eyes widened as he felt the buck press into him. Arden's hand ran down his front. His touch so soft, barely brushing. Bryce's pants tightened before springing open as the buck released his belt. They breathed out a quiet moan together as the buck pressed close. A slow, sensual grind that rubbed made his heart leap and hammer. "Then you just..." His lips trailed up over the bull's cheek. "Show up out of the blue like some big damn hero." Arden cupped his cheeks, leaned in, and...

Stopped.

Hands reached up to cup his cheeks as Arden stared at him. "Bryce you..." the buck narrowed his eyes a bit, "Something different..." Arden leaned back a little and looked Bryce over. His outfit, the stiff way he was sitting, how his hands awkwardly rested on Arden's hips. The buck absorbed it all in an instant. "Wait... Holly, are there any events today?"

Arden's wrist beeped, "Of course, Arden! There is your show at_Euterpe's Hall_, though it appears that is over. That's fine though because you can catch the next show at," Arden blindly waved a hand over the watch, muttering about how he knew about the concert. Holly beeped, skipping the rest of what he was saying, "And it is Bryce's birthday all day long."

The hands cupped his chin and leaned his head back. Arden locked eyes with Bryce and examined him closely. Yeah, this was Bryce, but there was something different about him. A missing hardness, a bit of uncertainty. All little things that could be pulled off by a skilled enough actor. Bryce was far from that. "How old are you?"

"Ah, Thirty-s..."

Arden tapped a finger to his lips, "You showed me the Journal. Rules one and zero."

Bryce smiled sheepishly, "Eighteen."

The buck rocked back a little and stared at him. "A couple years ago you looked up the meaning of my name. What it is?" Bryce blinked, started to say something. Arden leaned back a little further, "Before our fight, we went on vacation. Where did we go?"

His ears folded back as he rolled his head. Trying to think. He'd seen some pictures on the computer, there was that entire folder...

Arden's eyes widened. Bryce had spent so long trying to convince him to go off-grid. To actual wild camp and get away from it all. It had been two weeks of bliss. The buck leaned back, "Oh fuck me, it's true isn't it? Everything you told me is actually true. There's no way you would have forgotten that." He laughed, the sound equal parts stunned and surprised. "Well, the good news is that you do get me to go backpacking at least once." A heavy sigh, "So what? You just woke up and had my bull foist all this off on you?" Arden plucked at the outfit, "Not that I mind the suit, gives you that kind of dangerous vibe. Your expression is off though, need to go a bit more hard-set. Not lost little calf." Arden smiled, but didn't move yet.

It was really hard to focus, especially with just how close the buck was. All his blood was rushing down south. "N-not exactly." Bryce huffed. "He asked if I could come. Said that if I didn't, then he'd handle it soon."

"Tomorrow I was..." the buck trailed off and shook his head. "So. He... you... My Bryce told you what exactly?" Arden draped his arms around Bryce's neck and listened.

Bryce took a shuddering breath, "He wanted me to bring you the package." He tried to focus enough to nod towards it. Really hard to do, especially as the buck turned and accidentally ground into him some more.

"Did you look in it?" Arden asked, and Bryce shook his head. "What do you think is in there?"

His cheeks flushed hotter, "Um... I don't know... drugs or something? I mean... why else would he call it Arden's Indulgence? Figured if it's chocolate or something it'd be a bigger box. Or that you could get it easily by asking anyone here." The bull blurted that all out in a snort.

Arden laughed, "Oooh, that explains the tough guy look." The buck hopped up and strutted over to the package. "What this is... is very near and dear. I'm honestly shocked he managed to get his hands on it." He returned and draped himself across the seat. "Take a look."

It was a movie. The cover looked like a generic fantasy thing. A well-oiled man and woman stood atop a mountain, each holding a weapon and looking towards the viewer. "Deathstalker?" Bryce looked at the buck with confusion.

"Mhmm! Deathstalker Two is my favorite for reasons." The buck flopped across Bryce's lap dramatically, "I know, it's horrible! I love bad, cheesy movies. My shame knows no bounds!" He lifted his head, "Wait... have you seen it yet?" Bryce shook his head, "But we... oh yeah, time travel stuff." Arden breathed out a weary sounding sigh as he leaned into the bull, "God, that's going to take some getting used to. Well," he peeled the paper off, "It's not that late so we can certainly..." Arden popped the case open. Bryce caught a glimpse of a piece of paper inside. Though Arden quickly hid it away, flushed hot, sighed, and clicked the case shut. "Why don't we go back to the hotel? I need a shower, dinner, and then we can watch the movie? Sound fun?"

"Sounds like a lot of fun." Bryce grinned, then his stomach grumbled.

"Good," Arden tapped his nose with the movie case, "Buckle up your pants then. Don't want Sasha to get any ideas."

Bryce fumbled with his pants. Pretty hard to get them buttoned back up with his manhood straining at his underwear. Arden smirked and came in to help. Soft hand readily gripping his cock and shifting it up. The buck leaned in and gave his chin a kiss as he tucked the cock away.

A low groan came from the bull as his pants were situated. "Wait, was she serious?"

"You know, I wonder that a lot. I think she's just playing around, usually you... My Bryce flirts back. Grab my bag, and don't forget the movie, Dear. Though," the buck paused at the door, "You don't happen to know where my Bryce is, do you? I mean, is it always a straight swap?"

He shook his head, "It was today, which is a little odd." The bull frowned and scratched his head as he thought, "I think it only happens a few times over all."

Arden stopped, his eyes widened slowly. "Wait... that means..."

~36~

Bryce collapsed against a dumpster with a groan. Fuck, he didn't think he was this bad off. Lack of decent meals for the last few days had done a number on Eighteen's body. He could feel his gut tightening and that stitch in his side. The knife wound wasn't helping either. Thankfully, the blade was sharp. He'd barely felt it going in, but now it was starting to burn as sweat ran into it and mixed with the blood.

The bull huffed, panted, tried to reorintate himself. His ear twitched against a horn. An engine revved in the distance. Tires skipped as they took a corner just a bit too fast. Gripping the dumpster tight, he dared to take a look.

And there it was. The van straightened itself up and was flying towards the on ramp. In a matter of seconds they'd be on I-42 and be heading out of town.

He ground his teeth and stepped back. Shoulders rolled and squared. Pain could come later. He had a job to do now. Bryce lowered his head, let his hooves scrape off the concrete, and charged.

Flesh slammed into metal with a thunderous bang. He grunted from the impact but didn't stop. The dumpster resisted but soon shifted, rattled, and, rolled out of the alley. Bryce's hooves skidded, his shoes threatening to slip. It only made him dig in that much harder. Straining against the metal and shoving with everything he had. Each step came faster than the last as the ancient dumpster complied.

Bryce shifted into a jog, shoving the dumpster ahead and out into the road. It hit a small decline and took off, leaving him to stumble a step before dropping to the asphalt.

Tires squealed, skidded, and...

_ BANG! _

He looked up with a wild grin as the van slammed into the dumpster. Van spun one way and the dumpster the other. Wheels hit the sidewalk with a sickening shriek of ruined metal. Another bang echoed up the street as a wheel blew and the van flipped. Bryce's gut lurched as he dragged himself to his feet and loped to the van.

One of the rear doors had come loose in the crash. Metal screamed as he yanked at the door. A wolf tumbled out, looked up at him, and earned a hoof to the face. Bryce peered in and saw Arden. Roughed up, but otherwise okay. "Arden!" he hissed and reached out. The buck grabbed his hand and scrambled out into his arms. "Come on," he urged the deer up and out. Out came his pocketknife, cutting the zip tie cuffs. Then off came the muzzle.

"Bryce?" Arden huffed, confused, "How did you..."

Bryce grabbed his hand and pulled, "No time, I'll explain later." He yanked the buck out of the van and slammed the door shut.

Hooves skidded on asphalt as Bryce pulled Arden along. The deer looked from the bull back to the van, "But what about... You're bleeding!"

He spared a look at his side. Once nice shirt ruined by the growing patch of blood. "I'll be fine," he laughed, winced. "What about you? Are you okay?"

"I'll live, but..." Ears twitched as someone inside the van started to move, banging on the door. "Run!"

Bryce groaned, "That's the idea... Need somewhere safe. Somewhere with a lot of people around, locked doors, security of some kind."

Their hooves echoed off the road as they ran as quickly as they could. He glanced over and saw Arden's panic give way to a thought. "Um... Oh! I know where we can go!" he took the lead now, pulling Bryce ahead.

"Where?"