Chasing Rabbits

Tamagi leaned back in the chair of Niko's blue 2002 Honda Civic and sighed. The chubby young Asian man of twenty four had never been to a nightclub and never really entertained the idea of going to one. However, Niko convinced him to come along this evening to a furry event at a bar in Long Beach called The Lodge. Tamagi loved the furry fandom, so how bad could a club of them be? Then again, Tamagi was not too fond of socializing, and was always afraid of being some kind of burden. At least Niko would be with him so he'd have someone he knew to talk with.

                “So Niko, what's this party called again?" asked Tamagi. He was wearing a black-and-white polo shirt and blue jeans. He had on a small badge of a chubby purple rabbit with the label “Tamagi Stardust" on it.

                “Waggle," said Niko, who was a Caucasian male of twenty-five. He had on a blue button up shirt tucked into tan slacks, and had his own badge on of a blue and white furred rabbit with the label “Niko Linni".

                “Waggle? That…seems kinda odd for an event name."

                Niko shrugged, “Well it is a furry event, so it fits. It's also the largest furry dance party in SoCal, let alone Long Beach."

                “I heard people go to these places to hook up…" Tamagi looked out the window as other cars bustled by the busy streets of Long Beach at night. Tamagi always liked cities at night as there were plenty of lights to look at from the different businesses that littered Cherry Avenue that ranged from neon lights to the simple glow of lit up windows.

                Niko sighed. “Look that opinion came from that raccoon you were texting. That guy's a dick. Like twelve inches. And that's a real tiring amount."

                “I guess…"

                Niko drove his way over to the corner of Cherry and Pacific Coast Highway and made a right, and Tamagi glanced out the window again as they passed a used car lot. He really needed to get himself a new car as his old Corolla was nothing short of breaking down. Thank goodness he lived close to Niko so he could pick him up and take him to The Lodge. They passed the Closet Out Thrift store and Niko signaled to the left and waited for the light to turn green. As soon as the green arrow lit up he made his turn into the alley between Closet Out and The Lodge. The thrift store allowed club patrons to park in their lot for Waggle nights. Parking tended to fill up fast after the event began at 8:00pm so Niko would always arrive a good hour early.

                “Now, this is why you come to these functions early, little Stardust." Niko said with a smile as he pulled into an empty parking spot. “Few cars in the lot at this time makes parking way easier. First time I came here I had to park way down the street and that sucked." Niko grabbed a pair of blue rabbit ears and a small white and blue rabbit tail, and Tamagi grabbed his own pair of ears and a purple tail that was sitting on the floor in front of him.

                The two stepped out of the car and made their way over to The Lodge, and put their rabbit ears on and attached their tails to their belts via hook and loop straps. The Lodge itself seemed like a small two story club with a bright sign that had “THE LODGE" in bright blue letters against a white lit background with multicolored lights on the sides of the building, and a small brick stair case that led up to the entrance of the bar. There was a patio in front of the club; though there was only one person there at the moment that was wearing white fox ears on their head. Niko assured Tamagi that patio would have a lot more patrons on it later into the night.

                Inside there was a female employee who too had on little cute cat ears sitting at a small table with a cash register collecting cover door charges. The girl had to wear her ears in order to be “in theme" for the night, but didn't really seem to mind wearing them. Tamagi reached for his wallet, but Niko beat him to the punch by pulling out a ten dollar bill.

                “I got ya Tam," Niko said as he gave the employee his money. The two went further in where there were several patrons already. Many were wearing a variation of animal tail or ears, others were wearing colorful outfits, and some even had large tubs with them. Tamagi asked what the tubs were for, to which Niko replied they were for the fursuits. Tamagi nodded, wondering what kind of animals were inside the tubs.  

                “Well Tamagi, welcome to The Lodge!" Niko said as he gave a friendly pat to Tamagi's shoulder. He took a look around the main floor they were on and it seemed like a small space. That meant being close to people he didn't know too well. There were two pool tables which could be fun if he were any good. A karaoke stage was up against the left wall of the room, and Tamagi wouldn't even dream of singing on stage. He barely let himself sing in the shower. The bar was up at the back of the room, and currently stairs to both the upstairs and downstairs was roped off.

                “It…it looks nice." Said Tamagi as he watched one of the pool players wearing dog ears knock a striped green seven ball into a side pocket. Even though Tamagi was no good at pool there was something he loved about the sound of pool balls clacking.

                “That all?" Niko chuckled, “C'mon Tam, let's get you a drink."

                Niko led Tamagi over to the bar, “What d'you drink?" He asked with a smile.

                “I don't… really drink alcohol…" Tamagi looked down on the floor.

                “Nothing at all? Not even beer?"

                “No. I know, it's pointless coming to a bar when you don't drink." Tamagi shuffled nervously in place.

                The bartender, an older man, smiled, “Nah sweetie, that's okay. You don't have to drink alcohol if you're not feeling up to it."

                Niko nodded, “He's right. Let's start you off with a coke. Me though, I think I'll have a Cinnamon Toast Crunch." He took out his credit card and opened a tab with the bartender.

                As the bartender served Niko and Tamagi's drink they were approached by an older man wearing a white porcelain goat mask with gold swirls around the face. Around his neck was a silver moon pendant that was painted blue with a gold trim. His outfit consisted of a white button up shirt and black pants. With him was someone who looked rather in shape and fit, and was wearing a yellow furry fennec fox costume head with a green long sleeved fishnet top and yellow furry gloves, with black leather hot pants, yellow furry legwarmers, and a green clip on tail. Tamagi couldn't help but look at both the man and his costumed companion, but he found himself more drawn to the man's necklace. The man noticed Tamagi looking at him.

                “Like my pendant, do you?" Said the man who then looked to Niko, “Also, it's very nice to see you again Niko." The man said with a smile. “As for the pendant, this is special to me. It reminds me of the restaurant I run. Perhaps you've heard of a small place called Richie's?"

                Tamagi's eyes slightly widened, “You mean Richie's Family Amusement Center? That's cool." He scooted over so he was standing closer to Niko and placed his coke on the bar behind them. Last thing he wanted to do was spill his coke on the man who ran the place he frequented as a child.  

                “That's right. I am the one and only Laseri Willow." The man did a semi-bow, and then indicated the costumed man next to him, “Might I also introduce my friend, Ruke."

                Ruke wiggled his head which caused his huge ears to wiggle in place, “Nice to meet'cha both!"

                “What's with your mask, Laseri? Looks way more expensive than the ears and tails the others are wearing. Never seen you don it for Waggle." Niko took a sip of his Cinnamon Toast Crunch and gave a loud coo, “Ah man, the Fireball always gets me every time!"

                “I'm more partial to Hurricane drinks myself." Said Ruke, who nodded his head that once again caused his fennec ears to wiggle. He looked to Tamagi and cocked his head to the side and waved at him. Tamagi looked over to the right and pretended like he didn't notice Ruke.     

                “Well, I dug it out for some event the new executive of Black Rabbit Books was hosting at his house," began Lasrei.  “I was invited, but then I figured that the owner of a family fun center has no business going to a party that some publishing exec is hosting. And with Waggle literally days away from that event I figured why not? Besides, I usually stay to my own little corner after giving the opening speech. Speaking of which…" Laseri pulled out a watch from his pocket and checked it. “7:58. Time to get this thing going!"

                As Laseri made his way over to the stage Tamagi asked Niko, “He hosts the event?"

                Niko nodded and took another sip of his drink, “Whew! Well he don't really 'host' the event, the bar does. But he is the main organizer, yes."

                “Yep! He's the main brains behind this organization! Does a great job if I do say so myself!" Ruke wiggled in place.

                Laseri took the karaoke stage and gave a short speech welcoming everyone to Waggle, SoCal's number one furry dance party.  The patrons gave an enthusiastic applause with some even hooting, and Laseri bowed and left the stage as the first karaoke participant took the stage. He had on a furry costume head that looked like a blue wolf with furry blue gloves. He took the microphone and stuck it inside the mouth of the suit, making it seem like the character was eating the microphone, and began to belt out lines to Boston's “Peace of Mind".

                “Kinda looks like he's eating the mic." Said Tamagi with a nervous chuckle.

                Niko laughed, “Yeah, it sure does. But they have to do that or else the words'll come out all muffled."

*****

                Later on in the night more patrons had shown up, and some were wearing full on animal costumes – or fursuits as they were commonly called. These costumes took on all kinds of shapes and forms, and covered various animals from blue jays to rabbits and even mythical creatures like dragons.

The outside patio was bustling with more patrons all adorned with various fursuits and furry pieces, with an outside grill cooking and serving Mexican food such as burritos, tacos, and quesadillas. Niko said the patio was dangerous if the stomach was a-rumbling, as the scent of Mexican food on the grill was intoxicating.

                Tamagi was sitting at a table with Ruke, who was moving his body along to someone singing “I Will Survive". He and Niko had been trying throughout the night to get Tamagi up from his seat to dance along to some karaoke, but the chubby Asian man showed reluctance and kept his bunny tail planted firmly in his seat.  Ruke had stepped away every so often to go downstairs to the “headless lounge" where folks could take parts of their fursuits off to cool down  in addition to getting free water. The upstairs had recently opened up as a dance floor, with Niko having said something about poles as well, but Tamagi didn't really pay much attention. He took another drink of cola and wondered why he even bothered to come if he was too afraid to actually do anything or even talk with Ruke. Niko and Ruke tried to get Tamagi to go upstairs, but he refused and told Niko and Ruke to go on without him. Ruke stayed with Tamagi.

                “Kinda odd to be at a bar but keeping to yourself," said Laseri who had approached the table, Guinness Draught in one hand. “Where's Niko?"

                “He uh…went upstairs to dance. Said he'd be back in ten minutes." Replied Tamagi, who avoided eye contact with the man.

                “ Why not join him?"

                Ruke looked over to Tamagi, curious to see the man's response.

                “I don't dance." Tamagi slightly sunk in his chair.

                Laseri quirked a brow. “Why not?"

                “What if I make myself look stupid?"

                Ruke shook his head, “Tonight is a night to have fun. Who cares if you look silly?"

                “My friend is right, Tamagi," Laseri said as he nodded his head. “No need to worry about being so worried about impressions. Just let loose and have fun."  

                “He doesn't look too happy Laseri," said Ruke.

                “Well, little Tamagi is nervous. He's afraid of looking. Be a darling and…help him loosen up a little."

                Ruke nodded, “Sure! Be happy to!" 

                “Well, Tamagi, you have fun. I'm going to go get myself a burrito. Though I need to watch the hot sauce…." Laseri then walked off towards the outside as someone began to butcher the opening of “The Black Parade."

“So! Wanna go upstairs? I've really been wanting to dance!" Said Ruke excitedly.

                “I-I uh, guess, since you guys won't leave me alone about it." Tamagi reluctantly got up and followed Ruke through the now-crowded floor level and ascended the stairs to the upper level. The transition was almost like entering another world as loud dance music began to overpower the downstairs karaoke until it was all the two heard. The upper level was slightly darker than the lower level, with more tables and a second bar along with a dance floor that had its fair share of fursuiters and dressed up furries that were all swinging, stomping, and shuffling to the beat. There were also two poles on the left and right hand corners of the dance floor near Tamagi and Ruke. Tamagi also recognized one of the dancers all too well.

                “…Niko!? Is that you?!" Tamagi exclaimed incredulously as he approached his friend that was swinging on the pole. He stopped and looked down, “Hey! If it isn't my little friend!"

                “I…I didn't know you pole danced! Wouldn't you be afraid?"

                “You're such a scared bun!" Said Ruke as he patted Tamagi's shoulder playfully.

                “Afraid of what?" asked Niko, “Falling? Who cares? It's about the good times. I know sometimes you feel the pressure but c'mon! You got to let loose sometime!"

                Ruke wiggled in place, “He's right, you know!"

                Tamagi sighed, “Okay…but take it slow, please?"

                Ruke grabbed Tamagi's hand and led him into the corner next to Niko's pole, “Sure! Don't worry, we start off nice and slow. Side to side. There you go!"

                The music continued to blast through the speakers, while multicolored lights blinked and shifted their focus here and there, with fog occasionally spraying down from above. Soon enough Tamagi began to move his entire body with the music, and began to swing his arms to the side, much to the delight of Ruke who brushed a hand against Tamagi's side. But for Tamagi the best thing was that the other patrons were too caught up in their own dancing to notice him; they were in their own little world. Ruke began to shuffle his feet and arms around more, but Tamagi continued to move his body side to side, not really knowing how to move like Ruke. That didn't matter though, as he was having enough fun listening to the music, and having Niko nearby also helped Tamagi feel more relaxed.

After roughly twenty minutes, Niko jumped down from the pole and said, “Man, I'm parched. I'mma head over to the bar and get a drink. Tam, you want something?"

                Tamagi thought for a couple seconds and said, “Y'know, that Guinness Laseri had earlier looked a little tasty.  I'll do that."

                Niko smiled and then nodded, “Alright, be right back!"

                Tamagi smiled for a second before he felt Ruke slap him on his butt and gave him a slight grope causing him to make a yelping noise, “Wh-What was that for!?"

                Ruke chuckled, “Hey, it's just a friendly pat! I'm just happy you're starting to enjoy yourself; your cute little yelp certainly says so."He gave Tamagi a big friendly hug.

                Niko returned with his and Tamagi's drink and the trio moved over to one of the tables off the dance floor. Tamagi took a sip of his Guinness and scrunched his face, “Oh! That's certainly something I'll have to get used to."

                “You will, trust me." Said Niko with a smile, “Think I was used to dancing on a pole the first time I did it? Nah. But the more I did it, the more I got used to it. Just make sure you don't do it too much…or you can kinda over do it. And then you get the problems."

                “Wh-what kind of problems?"

                Niko took a sip of his drink, a Fireball mixed with Kraken rum, “The kind where you don't remember the previous night. Let me tell you, waking up next to a dragon and not knowing what led up to it…oh boy."

                Tamagi stared at Niko and Ruke chuckled.

                Niko frowned, “What? You do know I mean a furry and not an actual dragon, right?"

                “Well, yeah. It just sound a little odd."

                “To be honest the entire outside world would think this whole thing is odd." Said Ruke.

                Niko nodded, “Well long as we have fun, and no one gets hurt."

                Tamagi nodded and took another sip of his beer. He felt himself starting to get the hang of it.