<HTML><BODY BGCOLOR="#ffffff">Tea For Two Written by & copyright of Andre' Cotton Wolfie8898@hotmail.com Featuring Laretta (Cassie's rhythm guitarist), Cindy (Cassie's bassist) and Ben Moss Cassie, the Rock & Roll Vixen http://members.aol.com/rufinoform/Cassie.htm Vixina http://cloudchaser.esmartweb.com/Vixina07.htm Cloudchaser http://cloudchaser.esmartweb.com/Cloud002.htm Louve (link to Louve's personal website available) http://cloudchaser.esmartweb.com/louversd.htm Please read the sequil, "A Friend In Need", featuring Vixina (Cassie's fiddler), Cloudchaser (Vixina's boyfriend) and Louve (Wild animals lead guitarist and Cloudchaser's sister) at http://members.aol.com/CassieRockVixen2/a_friend_in_need.txt All characters created by & copyright of Earl Bacon except Laretta, who is created by and copyright of Andrew Cotton, Alex, who is created by and copyright of Donna Fritz, Vixina & Cloudchaser, who is created by and copyright of Cloudchaser Shaconage and Ben Moss, who is created by and copyright of Rick Hobson. Special thanks to Rick Hobson for allowing the use of his character, Ben Moss NOTE:  There is a brief scene of nudity towards the end of the story, but there are no explicit sex scenes anywhere to be found and the nudity itself isn't explicit.  This story is written entirely in a very tasteful manner. ANOTHER NOTE:  Please refer to the previous stories written about Cassie and her friends - "Radio Waves", "Girls' Night Out", "Sound of Love", "Old Habits", and "Change of Business" - so that certain parts will make sense. Another day, another successful performance.  That was certainly how Cassie and her band mates liked to view things.  The band had just completed a tour of major Midwestern venues, and they had just finished a very successful concert at the Millsburg Arena.  The time had come for them to relax and celebrate, and each chose to do so in her own way. Laretta, Cassie's she-wolf back-up guitarist, contented herself by reading a music magazine in the band's trailer.  She was caught up in reading an article about an up-and-coming alternative band from Canada.  Even though they were a human band, Laretta was always interested in reading about fellow musicians from her home country.  She smiled as she read, recalling how she was once a young and struggling musician, until she met Cassie.  Even though she was not in Cassie's band for a very long time, she was amazed by how quickly her life had changed.  She thought happily about how well she had become friends with not only Cassie, but every other band member as well.  While she had known Vixina, the Southern-bred fiddle playing vixen, at least as long as Cassie, she befriended the newer members as well.  Cindy, the bass playing snow leopard whom Cassie knew very well and who was top of the line in her field.  Rachel, a strangely gothic doe who was nonetheless a master keyboardist and possessed a happier, friendlier attitude than she let on.  And Alex, a horribly mischievous yet friendly and likable arctic fox who played drums like the best. With her black stiletto heeled pumps lying on the floor, Laretta had her sock clad feet propped up on an amplifier case as she read and relaxed.  Suddenly, the trailer's entry door swung open.  Laretta was momentarily startled, but calmed down when she saw that it was Cindy.  The snow leopard was carrying her favorite bass and she was dressed in her standard black leather biker ensemble.  She strolled in and set her instrument down when she realized that she wasn't alone in the room.  "Oh, hey there, Laretta," she smiled to the she-wolf, "I didn't know you were still hanging around.  Sorry if I bothered you."  Laretta put her magazine down and shifted her posture as she happily replied, "It's okay, Cindy.  I didn't have anything else to do, and I was probably going to call it a night anyway." Cindy nodded, looking slightly downcast.  "I wish we could hang out with Cassie and the rest of the gang.  Cassie and I used to go out partying all the time when we were in Furrosity, but nothing's the same any more," she frowned.  Indeed, Cassie and the other band mates were spending the night exactly the way they wanted.  Cassie and Vixina went out on a double date when their boyfriends, Foxonian and Cloudchaser, came into town as a surprise.  They went out to have dinner and watch a movie, and were likely to be out for the whole night.  Alex also received a surprise visit from her boyfriend, Rafael, and they went out to spend the night dancing.  Finally, Rachel intended to spend some time catching up with a friend from her old band who happened to be in town.  They had all already made their plans, leaving Cindy and Laretta by themselves. Cindy took a seat for herself and sighed, "I really, really hate being jealous of my best friends!"  Laretta nodded sympathetically and looked right across to the snow leopard, "I know what you mean.  Whenever I see Cassie and Foxonian together, I can't help but feel a little jealous and wish I had someone who loved me that much.  For my whole life, I've never even had a boyfriend, and I always wish I knew what it was like to have one!"  Cindy was quite surprised to hear this, "No kidding, Laretta?  Never in your whole life?"  Laretta nodded and grinned slightly at Cindy's surprised expression, "Yup, that's right.  I'm a 'never been kissed' type.  I think it's because I was always quiet and inconspicuous, and no one ever paid much attention to me.  It didn't bother me, though, because I was happier just sticking to what I liked to do, so I never had time for a boyfriend!  Now, I wish it was easier for me to find the right kind of guy." Cindy nodded and chuckled, "With the kinds of guys you find today, it sure isn't easy!" She stood up and shook her head, sending her long silver braided hair flailing about. "I don't know about you, but I'm in no mood to sit around moping all night.  I want to go out and hit the town!"  Laretta became slightly worried, hoping that Cindy didn't have the wrong idea.  "What do you think you'd want to do, Cindy?"  The snow leopard composed herself, understanding Laretta's concern.  "I know what you're thinking, Laretta, and don't worry, I'm not about to go out and get wasted!"  She folded her arms with a dismal thought, "You know, back when Cassie and I were in Furrosity, whenever I was bored and alone, I'd reach for a bottle of Jack Daniel's," she frowned, "but..." Laretta cut in and put her hand on Cindy's shoulder, "But I know you won't let that happen ever again!  You've come too far and worked too hard to give up on yourself, Cindy. I believe in you," she smiled.  Cindy shrugged and smiled back, "It sure helps to have friends who care."  She put on her leather jacket as she continued, "At any rate, I was thinking of a place recommended by someone I met in Alcoholic Anthros Anonymous."  "Triple-A?" Laretta replied, giggling.  Cindy rolled her eyes, "Very funny.  Anyway, you'd be surprised by the number of non-alcoholic bars that cater especially to people who want to stay sober.  Want to come with me and see what it's like?"  Laretta nodded as she slipped on her pumps, "Sure, it sounds perfect for me!  For some reason that has to do with the biochemical make-up of my body, I can't take any alcohol at all.  Just a drop of the stuff makes me sick to my stomach!"  Cindy looked a little perplexed by Laretta's chatter, so she smiled and continued, "Besides, I don't have anything else to do, so let's go!" Laretta slung a black denim jacket over her body, clad in her red bustier, as she exited the trailer with Cindy.  As they crossed the parking lot, the sound of her stiletto heels clicking on the pavement contrasted with the scuffing noise of Cindy's flat heeled boots.  They approached the place where Laretta's brand new car was parked, as Cindy marveled, "Wow, Laretta, you got a Firebird!"  Laretta smiled and rubbed a hand on her silver Pontiac's sleek exterior, "Yeah, that's right!  When I heard that production was going to end, I just had to get one for the nostalgia effect.  Plus, it has a real special connection to me."  "Really?  How so?" asked Cindy.  "Did you know that this one was manufactured in Ste. Therese, Quebec?"  Laretta asked with a grin.  "I see," Cindy nodded, "Showing off your national pride, aren't you!"  The two of them laughed. "Anyway, it's a nice car, Laretta, but I really prefer the feel of cool wind in my fur," Cindy replied,  "Would you like to get a ride on my hog?"  Laretta knew that Cindy loved her motorcycle more than anything else on earth, but was somewhat perplexed.  "Gee, Cindy, is there enough room for both of us on your motorcycle?"  she asked.  Cindy grinned and shook her head, "There sure is.  I've got a surprise for you!"  Laretta was about to ask a question when they reached the spot where Cindy parked her treasured Harley Davidson Sportster.  There it stood in all its gleaming chrome glory, and Laretta could see exactly what Cindy meant as the snow leopard polished it to a fine sheen.  "A sidecar?!"  Laretta marveled as she gazed over the black painted mini-cab with a streaking orange flame attached to the Harley's right side, "Where on earth did you get that, Cindy?"  The snow leopard shrugged and grinned, "It was an impulse buy, really. I thought it looked nifty, like in those old war movies, but don't you think it would be great if I actually had a good reason to use it?" Laretta could tell in which direction Cindy was angling her.  She was slightly nervous about the thought of riding in a tiny cab, but Cindy was eager, and she didn't want to act like a spoilsport.  "Sure, Cindy, it might be fun to ride in one of those," she started.  Cindy just grinned and tossed a cherry red crash helmet towards her unsuspecting companion.  "Here," she said as Laretta quickly caught it, "Better to be safe than sorry!"  Laretta fidgeted with the straps on the helmet so that she adjusted it to her size, as Cindy did likewise with her black helmet, though Laretta had to flatten her ears down for hers to fit right.  She still had a bit of uncertainty as Cindy motioned her into the cab.  "Maybe it's not too late for me to back out," she hastily thought as she fussed with her seat belt, but as far as Cindy was concerned, they were ready to go. She mounted the cycle and gunned the engine, which startled Laretta as the machine rumbled to life. "Uh, Cindy?"  she asked as she nervously fidgeted with her collar, "Are you sure this is safe?"  The leather-clad feline flashed a wicked grin to her partner, "Laretta, there's only one sure way to find that out!"  With a lively rumble, Cindy kick-started the Harley into motion and peeled out into the street.  Laretta gritted her teeth and held on for dear life (at least she thought so.)  After what seemed like an eternity of zooming through turns and weaving in and out of traffic, they finally pulled into the parking lot for an establishment with the name "The Blue Kangaroo" in gaudy green neon lights. "I will never get tired of this!"  Cindy said with a grin as she removed her helmet. She dismounted the Harley and kept it in place, when she realized that Laretta hadn't gotten out of the sidecar.  She was still seated, frozen in fear and keeping a white knuckle grip on the cab's edge.  "Are you okay, Laretta?"  Cindy asked as she helped her companion unsteadily to her feet.  "Sorry about that, I should have warned you that the first ride can be a little rocky!" Laretta tottered slightly as she was still dazed, but eventually she regained her senses.  "I'm all right," she said reclaiming her poise, as if nothing had happened. "I'll bet," Cindy chuckled as she put her helmet in the rear trunk, while Laretta unfastened her helmet and did the same.  When they approached the front door to the establishment, Cindy reached in her wallet and showed a card to the kangaroo doorman, who gave it a nod of approval.  "Do they actually card you here, Cindy?"  Laretta asked with bewilderment.  Cindy grinned, "Not in the way you think.  I get a AAA membership discount!"  Both of the ladies laughed at the little joke Cindy came up with. The interior of "The Blue Kangaroo" was a very lively scene.  The large central part of the room was the main dance floor, with platforms and walkways where confident revelers could show off their dance moves.  A lot of young partygoers, human and furry alike, were dancing the night away, waving about glow-stick batons as they danced about. Several others were playing video games on one side of the room, while older patrons were relaxing and watching sporting events on a few large screen TVs in a separate lounge.  Cindy directed Laretta to a quieter area of the bar. "Because it's a non-alcoholic spot, the place tends to draw a lot of young folk!" Cindy shouted to Laretta above the din.  Both were relieved to move over to the side where there was much less action and noise.  "It can get hectic, but at least it's good to know that none of these kids will be driving home drunk," Cindy said.  Laretta just smiled and nodded in agreement as they seated themselves at a table. After only a moment, a young human waiter came to take their orders.  "How may I help you ladies this evening?"  he asked politely.  "Well, I'll just have my usual favorite -- Fire Water," Cindy replied, looking up from her menu.  "What's that, Cindy?"  asked Laretta.  "Cherry punch mixed with ginger ale, spiced with a little cinnamon and nutmeg," said Cindy with a grin, "They also have a version made with lemon-lime soda and mint instead of cinnamon.  It's actually pretty good.  It has a real spicy kick that's even better than booze!"  Laretta looked at her menu for a moment when she decided to get an Ocean Breeze -- iced tea sweetened with blueberry juice.  "Excellent choice, ma'am," the waiter replied, "Would either of you like something to eat with that?"  Cindy didn't hesitate with her answer, "That depends on what my friend wants.  What about it, Laretta?"  Laretta didn't seem particularly enthused by the menu choices -- mainly nachos, potato skins, onion rings, and other greasy, heavy junk food.  "No thanks," Laretta replied, "I think I'll just stick with the pretzels and veggie sticks."  "I guess we'll just stick with that, then," Cindy replied.  The waiter shortly returned with their drinks, to which they thanked him.  Laretta diplomatically raised her glass, "To the single life!"  she said with a broad smile.  "Cheers to that!"  Cindy laughed as they clinked their glasses together and both took a sip.  The moment seemed nothing less than ideal to both of them.  They were in good spirits and good company, and neither would have asked for anything more than that. The evening was relaxing enough, even the partying teens didn't disrupt the mood.  As she took a sip of her drink, Laretta drummed her fingers on the table, searching for something to talk about.  Cindy was eager to prompt her.  "A penny for your thoughts?"  she asked.  Laretta broke from her trance and gave her companion a thoughtful look.  "I was just thinking back to our business meeting at Cassie's place, when Foxonian told us about our label dropping us," Laretta started.  Cindy nodded, "Yes, what about it?"  "Well, you know how we all agreed that the German label was the best way to go?  I've been thinking about what it would be like if we gave starting our own label a shot.  Don't you think it would have worked, Cindy?  We have an extremely loyal fan base, and the news could have generated a lot of good press and a ton of sales.  Plus, we could have gotten support from other old-school bands, and maybe they would have even signed on with us." Cindy took a long sip from her spicy drink before responding.  "I see your point, Laretta," she replied, "and I agree that it would be great if our own label worked. However, right now it's just too risky an idea.  Like I said then, I've seen a lot of bands try their own labels with nothing good come of it.  The whole business management aspect generates a lot of stress and headaches.  It takes a ton of money to get started, and there's always the risk of losing what you put in."  She paused for moment before finishing her point.  "There is something much more important we'd lose than money if our label failed, though," she said calmly, touching her fingertips together so that her hands made a triangle. Laretta nodded slightly as she idly tapped the edge of her glass with one of her claws, "I think I know what you mean.  We're all very good and very close friends, and if business gets in the way, it could ruin that."  "Exactly!"  Cindy responded, "Cassie and I have been around the scene for quite a while, Laretta.  We've seen some really ugly band break-ups that even made Furrosity look like a picnic in the park!  My friendship with Cassie, Rachel, Vixina, Alex, and you...that just matters too much to me to sacrifice over some unimportant business conflict." "You're right," Laretta sighed, "I guess that was just wishful thinking on my part."  The snow leopard just chuckled in a good natured manner and patted Laretta on the shoulder, "I didn't say there was anything wrong with that!  Wishful thinking can get some very good things done if you can carry it through.  I actually like the idea of us having our own label, but it's also important for us to keep our feet on the ground."  She smiled and curled her tail around one of the table legs, "For now, we're just going to have to wait and see." Laretta smiled and nodded, understanding the wisdom of her companion's words.  She had certainly experienced her own share of professional difficulties, and she was well aware that patience and rational decisions were an essential part of the band's success. She was about to ask Cindy about more of her past memories with Cassie, when suddenly their waiter appeared at their table with two large, exotic drinks.  "Um, we didn't order any more drinks," Cindy told the waiter.  "Actually, these drinks are complementary from the gentlemen at the table over there," he said as he pointed to a table in a dimly lit corner of the bar, "I can assure you that they are entirely alcohol free."  "Okay, then," Cindy shrugged as she tipped the waiter.  "This looks a little fruity for my tastes," Cindy said after the waiter left, peering at her odd concoction.  Laretta nodded, "I'm not terribly fond of strawberries, myself.  So what should we do?" Cindy shrugged, "Well, we should at least find out who ordered these drinks for us, and give them a proper thanks."  She squinted to get a better view of who their mystery admirers were. "Hey, Laretta," she finally responded, "Is it just me, or do those guys over there look familiar to you?"  Laretta craned her neck to look where Cindy was directing her attention.  It was difficult to make out the faces in the dim light, but Laretta was able to see whom Cindy was speaking of.  "I think you're right, Cindy," she said, "They look like the radio deejays who helped us promote 'Solstice' a while ago."  "Hmm, fancy that," Cindy said, "Let's go catch up with them, see what they've been up to." Laretta nodded in agreement and rose from her seat as she walked with her feline companion over to where the jovial human and coyote 'morph deejays were seated.  The two males certainly had no trouble recognizing their visitors, as they quickly and cordially greeted them.  "Hey, long time, no see!"  said Bill the human as he enthusiastically shook their hands, "Boy, you gals look as great as ever, and I can honestly say that your music is still the best there is!"  Cindy smiled, "Why, thank you! The drinks were a nice gesture, too."  Bob the coyote grinned and chimed in, "Well, you know us, we always aim to please!"  He smiled at Laretta, "Especially when it means making two such beautiful young ladies so happy."  Laretta giggled, "I'm sure your generosity is its own reward." Everyone enjoyed a good laugh, though Bill was quick to follow up.  "Listen, I really am glad to have the chance to meet you here.  Laretta, I owe you a huge apology!" he told the she-wolf, looking slightly flushed.  "I realized that after the end of our show, when we read off all your names, I'd totally forgotten to read yours, Laretta!  I swear, I don't think I've ever felt like a bigger complete idiot in my life!"  Bob gave a sly grin, "Well, I can give testimony to times when you've lived up to that claim!" the coyote snickered.  "Very funny, you," Bill said, glaring at his companion.  Both Cindy and Laretta laughed out loud at their antics, though Laretta managed to calm down enough to give Bill a friendly pat on the back.  "It's okay, Bill," she smiled, "We all make mistakes.  Don't beat down on yourself so much!"  Bill smiled, "Thanks, Laretta! You're a real sweetheart." Bob the coyote chuckled, unable to resist taking another jab at his friend.  "We knew it was an off day for Bill," he replied, "Why, remember at the very beginning?  He introduced himself as 'Bob'!  We got calls from several confused listeners who wondered what 'The Bob and Bob Show' was doing on the air!"  He laughed heartily, though Bill wasn't nearly as enthusiastic, "You don't have to rub it in, you know!" he shot back. "Aw, I'm just funnin' you, you know that!"  Bob grinned.  Everyone laughed and got caught up in the festive mood.  Cindy, however, calmed down enough to see that the human and coyote deejays already had a companion with them. He was a lean-looking white tiger with striking green eyes.  It wasn't really clear how old he was at first glance, since his face had a look of rugged experience that could have spoken for years, yet still had a touch of soft youthful innocence.  One would best describe his overall appearance as a modern day beatnik.  His hair was as white as his fur, even though he wore it long in the back, such that it was tied into a short ponytail.  His clothing was equally simple and casual, consisting of a black turtleneck sweater, brown corduroy trousers, and Birkenstock-like sandals on his white furry feet.  What was most conspicuous about him was the classic styled mandolin slung over one of his shoulders.  Unlike his companions, he seemed only slightly amused by their chatter.  He clearly seemed like the type who preferred observing the actions of others rather than joining right in. Bill and Bob, on the other hand, were rather eager to make his presence known.  "How rude of us not to introduce you all!"  Bill quickly remarked.  "Ladies, meet our friend, Victor Hartmann.  He's a performer of folk and classical string music.  Even though that's not our style of music, we heard he was promoting a special recording of his music from a neighboring station, so that all of the sales would go directly as donations towards the Red Cross.  We thought it was a great effort, and thought of getting to know him better, so we took him out for the night to make him feel welcome."  The white tiger rose from his seat and smiled warmly.  "Good evening, it's a pleasure to meet you ladies," he said as he extended his hand.  "Thank you, the pleasure is all ours!" replied Cindy, shaking his hand, and Laretta followed suit. "That sounds like a wonderful thing you're doing, Victor," Laretta said, "I'm impressed that you'd go to such great lengths to help so many people."  Victor chuckled slightly, "Well, I never expected to get rich in my profession anyway, so why not help out the people who need it most?"  Laretta was slightly bemused to see how taken Cindy was with Victor.  She didn't let it show, but Laretta could see how enchanted Cindy was with the tone of his voice.  "To tell you the truth, I'm really not much of a fan of rock music," he continued, "but I know all about your band with Cassie the Rock Vixen, and I find your style of music very beautiful.  It's very classy and emotional, and I find I enjoy listening to you very much!" End part 1 of 2</HTML>