I'm back! I hope it hasn't been too long. I'm so glad so many people enjoyed chapter 10, I didn't get many comments (I'm grateful for those who did, you're awesome!) but I got a surprising number of DMs! Usually I go chapters without receiving one, but chapter 10 must've hit different. Anyway, we have a continuation of Brandy's story. This chapter isn't as hard hitting, but some more drama is in the works for future chapters...I'll also try to update more often.

Update on the unnamed Bluey fanfic: I have got two chapters written at the moment, but release date is quite some time away until I finish this fic first. There will be sibling tensions and I'm teetertottering between a rating of T or M. It will likely be just as messed up as this fic is, or even more, so fair warning when this fic comes to its end!

Anyway, as usual, thank you for reading, and I hope this chapter suffices!

Brandy sighed, putting on her mask for another greet-n-meet in the inner city. She sprayed some perfume on herself and wondered if she should bring a coat or something- not necessarily because it was cold, but because her fur had a set of very unique spots. If anyone were to connect the dots with 'Mitzi' and Brandy...

Dog, I can't even handle minor familial gatherings, I wouldn't be able to handle people hollering at me in public.. Brandy put on her coat, covering her fur in its majority although her tail was visible, still. Last time, she used minor makeup to hide her markings, so she figured it was time to hog the toilet for a bit.

It'll only be a couple of hours. I can do this. Of course I can.

Pain. Brandy thought as the noise of everyday chatter rung endlessly in her ears, everything passing by in blurs. People's fur colors and expressions seemed to mix together, reminiscent of those professional waterfall photos she'd see ever so often on the internet. She blinked hazily before another fan came by, likely to be asking for the classic autograph and possibly a Mitzi pin, which was the classic depiction of a cow with a cartoony face. It was perfect-because she was a cattle dog after all, but she was in no mood to be amused by the clever design.

"I should've read your novels sooner, but I was always afraid to," said the fan.

Brandy nodded. What a weird thing for a fan to tell me. Why would you be afraid?

"These little pins are cute too," the fan held the little cow pin up close, smiling at the dorky face. "Is it also like a symbol or something? How much does one cost?"

"No, it's just a cow," Brandy muttered under her breath, careful to make sure she wouldn't hear. "It costs just 8 dollars. The cow is like a symbol for me, you could say. I'm a cattle dog."

"Hm," she nodded. "Well, of course, I'm not just here for the pin. I want you to sign my copy of Comets," held the fan up to her face.

It took a while before Brandy finally moved her gaze up from the floor. "Chilli?"

"Yep," she smiled. "I heard you were doing one and I figured I'd stop by. Comets really is as good as the reception says. You wouldn't mind signing it, would you?"

"No of course not," she smiled, before leaning in. "Keep this between us, but frankly I'm tired of everyone here. My feet are killing me, my head hurts, and everyone here is really noisy."

Brandy signed Chilli's novel, using both her legal signature and her pen name, adding her best effort in adding the cute cow mascot on the opening cover.

"Yes, I can see it getting to you," the younger dog nodded. "How much longer will they make you stay here?"

"Just a half hour before I am set free," Brandy joked, cracking a joke.

Chilli smiled, leaving eight dollars on the stand and took a pin. "These are adorable. Well, I'll come back in a half hour, I'm gonna go outside and walk around the city a while."

"Yeah, I'll see you then," Brandy nodded, feeling a lot more content with herself. It has only been a month since Chilli and I talked, and yet it feels so relieving whenever I see her. I wish I would've spoken to her sooner.

Once Brandy got through with the rest of her line, her nose caught a whiff of a familiar scent. She felt her throat go dry and her paws instantly got sweaty- but the worst of it all was that her tail moved like it had a mind of its own. She'd only seen him a couple of more times since their run-in at the store a month ago, but that was through Wendy. Brandy could never be herself around Martin when she was around.

"Is your tail wagging to cool yourself down, or are you just happy to see me?"

"What?" Brandy blushed underneath her mask. "Mate, I'm not excited to see anyone."

"Brandy, I know it's you," Martin blew his bangs out of the way. He had small messy bangs, but they made him look so cute. "I'm the last one here, it seems."

"Martin, you know I can't really talk to you when I'm doing stuff like this," Brandy sighed, but smiled anyway. "I guess it doesn't matter though, I'm free to go in the next 5."

"Before you start packing up, can I at least have your signature on this little poster?" Martin pulled out a scroll and unwrapped it, the cow mascot's eyes reflecting all of Brandy's most iconic creations. Very wonderful, though she didn't remember anyone telling her these existed. "I have some of your novels at home, but I didn't find out who you were until just now...impressive, honestly."

Brandy gave him the Chilli treatment, giving him both signatures. She stared at the poster before doodling a cute little heart right next to her name. "I found out who you were because you have a unique scent. I keep spacing out when I do these things, so people pass by in a blur."

"You heelers have a nice sense of smell," Martin stared at his poster, a content smile coming through. "You should lead me to the best restaurant in town; I need to grab something to take home for Wendy."

"Sure, but Chilli's going to tag along," Brandy looked around the area, hoping her manager would give her the thumbs up that it was okay to leave. She needed desperately for her tail to be washed and the mask to be taken off before it leaves a permanent indent on her face. "I hope it's not awkward..?"

"We were teens and the past is the past," Martin rolled his eyes. "Besides I'm sure she's already going out with someone lovely and better suited for her."

"Let's just say that's the case," Brandy sighed. I don't think Chilli has dated anyone since she left him. I really hope she's not still hung up on him.

As soon as she left and properly groomed her tail, she joined up with Chilli at the entrance, two familiar pair of eyes making contact. He gawked at her almost- Chilli had grown into a fine woman and her fur was quite fluffy for a heeler. Chilli smiled coyly, knowing that he was taking his time analyzing how much she had changed since their brief relationship so long ago.

"Chilli, I haven't seen you in so long," Martin smiled.

"Same here," she shook his paw before turning to Brandy and smiling. "So we're gonna go out to eat?"

"Yeah, Martin's looking for something he can take home to Wendy," Brandy explained. She was glad to see the two reconnect without the dirty looks that often come when someone ran into their ex.

"Do you came to see Brandy as well?" Chilli pointed at his poster, lighting up Brandy's eyes. "I had no idea you also read her work."

"Well it's a pastime, I barely have time to read her novels, so I am still catching up. Still though, I love her novels...and I had no idea it was Brandy until now," he nudged her, bringing her back into the conversation. "How in the world do you get all these ideas?"

"Real life, honestly," Brandy blushed. I feel like a socially stunted teenager. Is that okay? Am I walking weird? "Like that one scene in Crest. Both of you have read it, yes?"

The younger heeler and the chow chow nodded, looking at her curiously. There were so many scenes in that short novel that could be considered 'that' scene. Brandy fiddled her thumbs together, trying to find the right words to say her thought with.

"The scene where Hana was ditched at the party and had to sleep on a bench," she finally said, staring out into the distance. "I had a friend who got invited to one of those weird parties when I was younger. I told her not to go and she did anyway, so she ended up sleeping on that wet, cold bench in the rain."

"I thought it seemed familiar," Chilli sniffed the air, catching a wonderful scent of Asian cuisine. She wanted to eat previously, but now she wanted to devour. Brandy caught the scent in time and too wanted to chow down (sorry, lol). "Penny told me about it when it happened."

I haven't talked to Penny in forever. Brandy nodded at Chilli's reply. "I know. I think I want to eat here. Smells good." I am talking like a child.

Martin held the door open, smirking a little at Brandy. He could see her making googly eyes at him and the restaurant. "Ladies first."

"Charming," Chilli rolled her eyes, grabbing Brandy's paw. Chilli was still growing, being barely off her sister's height by a mere 2 centimetres. Her coat seemed to change as time passed on, Brandy spotting fragments of new spots that were developing on her coat. She didn't have this many spots when we were kids.

Brandy played connect the dots with them, forming all kinds of shapes before her sister snapped her back into reality. "Brandy, what are you going to order?"

Right, it's fast food. I can't just sit down and play connect the dots for a while though I wish I could. Her coat has gotten so fluffy recently. "I'll have what you're having. I'm not too picky."

Chilli nodded and started to order, Brandy spacing out again. They say our coats get shinier when we are healthy both physically and mentally. When one is missing, our coats are always the first tell-tale sign.

She looked at her own coat. Yes, it was recovering fine from that instant ramen binge eating she had done nearly 4 mere months ago, but it was a bit matted in some places and split ends were everywhere. She was glad it had stopped after the operation 2 months ago, but her cost was slow in recovering. I guess I need to focus on my own happiness. My coat's just warning me, isn't it?

Brandy thought harder and harder. What was she missing? Or rather...what was holding her back? She stared at her sister, who was now chewing fried rice while discussing Crest with Martin, who slurped up chow mein (I can't stop with the puns lol) a bit messily, getting some of the particles on his coat. Somehow, she had seemed to teleport on the table, an unopened box of food staring back at her.

How do they do it? Both of their coats are lovely. Chilli's fur was nice at the party, but ever since we started talking things have only been improving for her. As for Martin, his coat was only ever matted once, and that was during his father's passing. Otherwise, he's always looked as good as ever. Brandy opened the box, chowing down on the contents, thinking about other people she knew. Dad's coat is looking great for someone his age, Tori's isn't as nice as it used to be, but she's getting her life together...Bandit's coat has only gotten messier since...

"My heart goes out to that poor baby. What an awful death," rung the voices of some people sitting behind their table. There was no context behind their conversation, but Brandy's eyes widened as she swallowed a bite too big for her, quickly grabbing her complimentary soft drink. She drank it in relief as the drink pushed the food down, Brandy grabbing a smaller spoonful this time.

I am holding him back. He's holding me back. He's gotten so distant, I barely ever see him anymore unless it's night. I see Stripe more often than Bandit. Honestly...if it weren't for the kissing, would we still be together? I know he and Chilli sometimes phone each other at night. It's all been happening since Chilli's party a month ago. Though I don't know what it is that they talk about...

"Brandy, you really are lost in thought," her sister raised an eyebrow, concerned for her sister. "Are you okay?"

"There's been a lot on my mind lately," Brandy said vaguely. It was technically the truth, even if it undermined it to an extent. I can't ask her anything about Bandit in front of Martin.

"Like what?" Martin piqued in. Brandy froze, grabbing her soft drink again for round two. "Never mind."

"No, it's okay," Brandy smiled awkwardly. "Just about Rad coming two days from now. He's gonna be crashing in our place."

"Oh, Bandit's brother?" inquired Chilli, with a face that reeked of curiosity...and interest. Bandit told me about him. Guess I'll have to act like I don't know the guy very well. "How long?"

Brandy ended up talking more about Rad's stay, the prep, and what was to be done with their hectic bedding schedule.

After eating and chatting, Chilli exclaimed she was going over to Trixie's, which is why she was in Brisbane to begin with. After exchanging goodbyes, it was just Brandy-alone-with Martin.

"Chilli seems to be well," spoke the chow chow first, running his fingers through his messy bangs. His fur shone in the faint rays from a setting sun. Brandy sighed. There was no point in denying the very real feelings she had for Martin, even if she also had muddled feelings for Bandit. "You're...quiet around her. Not as snarky as you are with me."

"Yeah, I've just been thinking and I didn't think it would do her any good to know what's really going on," Brandy sighed. "The last thing I need to do is give her a harder time than I already have."

"I knew that Rad thing was BS," he laughed.

"No, he's really coming," Brandy said, "But it wasn't what I was thinking about at all."

"That's what I meant," Martin nodded. "You're thinking of Bandit, aren't you?"

"How'd you know?" Brandy looked at him with awe in her face. They hadn't spoken much since last month, except a few calls here and there- some awkward secrets were revealed, but Brandy didn't think she made herself so easy to read.

"Every time Bandit is brought up or you're thinking about him, you kinda shut off from the world. Like you're in your own little world," Martin reasoned. "Not in a good way, though. You look distant most of the time. Are you even sure you like him?"

"Good question," Brandy agreed with him. I guess I should do what's best for us. "How do you know you like Wendy then? You two have never reached a rough patch?"

"Now, I don't know where things are headed in the future," Martin said honestly, shrugging. "but the way things are now, Wendy and I are doing quite great. We've reached a couple of rough patches here and there, but we work through them. The thought of being honest to her doesn't scare me and vice versa. It makes our lives much easier to manage."

Brandy let out a defeated sigh. Martin sometimes was a bit snobby, but he was the type to say things like they are and Brandy was steadily learning how to appreciate it. Tori and Martin have both been alluding to that recently- the fact that Brandy and Bandit are probably not right for each other. She was infatuated with Bandit, yet afraid to voice her opinion on matters even if Bandit urged her to be honest.

She had no idea why, really. She just knew that she kept secrets from Bandit and he kept secrets from her and it needed to stop before one of them did something they'd regret. The way things were going, she was afraid that it would be her that would ruin everything.

"I'm sorry," Martin read her expression, lightly padding away some remnants of fast food on her lower lip. "I must've sounded like a pretentious bastard. But I still stand by my point; if you can't be yourself around him and he can't do the same, then it's like...a ticking bomb. Sooner or later, it'll blow. If I were you, I'd just let it happen instead of fearing the eventual blow for more time than I have to."

"Yeah, I see it more clearly now," she gazed at him, eager for him to touch her face again. She was an infrared heeler at this point, her blush coming through her red and cream fur. "Thanks...for being honest with me. Not many people I know would be willing to tell it to me how it is."

"It's nothing," Martin shook his head modestly, feeling a light blush form on his face. I never thought about Brandy seriously, but she is so cute when she looks at me like that.. "Sometimes you're in that weird place where you are in love with someone, but then they turn out to be completely different than what you thought they were. Happened to me a couple times before Wendy, including Chilli."

"Chilli," Brandy nodded, agreeing with his statement. It was unfortunately the situation she had found herself to be in. "How...was she when all that happened?"

"Well, we met at school, obviously," Martin began reciting his story of when he first met Chilli.

It was pouring on the walk to school, a young teenage Martin grumbling as his long fur got soaked everywhere. Rain season was a bitch and it never hesitated to let people know it.

He spotted a red heeler not too far ahead, and she carried an umbrella, keeping her shorter coat dry in comparison. She seemed to be walking slowly, so it wasn't far too long before he found himself walking adjacent to her, easing in to share the umbrella.

She had a lost look on her face, not noticing Martin until his fur brushed against hers. Quite surprised, Chilli's eyes met his, and for a long moment, neither one spoke before Chilli broke the silence.

"Martin," she spoke. "What are you doing?"

"What do you think?" he teased her; he was always rowdy back then. "I'm totally trying to get all my fur wet because everyone knows chow chows have the easiest time drying their fur! I'm trying to stay dry, if you couldn't tell."

"And you don't have your own umbrella? It's rain season," she cunningly pulled the umbrella away from him, his coat being exposed to the harsh rain again.

"Okay, I was just messing around! C'mon, don't let me suffer like this!" Martin begged before Chilli snickered and pulled the umbrella over him once more. "Gee, thanks."

"Just looking out for my fellow walkers," Chilli smiled, lending him the umbrella as he was the taller of the two. "How much I wish my family could drive me to school all the time."

"I thought you were rich," Martin said. "I saw your mum pick you up the other day and her car was-"

"That's my aunt," Chilli corrected him. "And she's busy with work and my sister never lets me ride with her."

"Damn, are you serious?! Why not?"

"Well she takes our cousin Ralph to his school and she doesn't like me, so she just tells me I'm on my own," Chilli shrugged. "It's nothing bad, I'm used to it."

That was the start of their friendship, which them blossomed into their brief relationship. Kisses and hugs were common, but as Martin got know her better, he started realizing she wasn't what he thought she was.

She was a great girl initially, but...

"I just missed her when she was more playful and sweet," Martin cringed. "I really don't know how she is now, but dog, back then I couldn't tell her much. She'd have these crazy mood swings and she was clearly going through things that I wasn't privy to, so after a month of tiptoeing around her, I knew it was for the best if we went our separate ways."

"She's not like that anymore," Brandy stood up for her. "But I understand you anyway. It's what happens when you jump in too soon without really thinking about it."

"Yeah. There's nothing wrong with acknowledging your feelings and your limits," Martin stared at the red heeler. "I know it sounds selfish, but put yourself first for once, won't you?"

"I've been doing that all my life, and it nearly costed my relationship with my sister and my friends," Brandy sighed. "I can't hurt any more people. I've already hurt too many."

"And you're hurting yourself and the poor guy at the end of the day," Martin shrugged. "Brandy, be honest, can you see yourself staying in a relationship like this for say, another 10 years or so?"

She shook her head. Martin knew how to break through her barriers, but part of her just needed that little push to reassure her that she wasn't hurting anyone out of menace.

Sometimes the right thing is the hardest thing to do.

The sun was setting as Brandy slowly approached her flat, her paw nervously gripping the handle before giving it a good turn to reveal Bandit typing away on his computer.

She sighed and gave Martin's view another thought before she approached her boyfriend and sat next to him, taking in his wonderful view. He was naturally a looker; Brandy was already struggling with second thoughts.

"Brandy?" Bandit looked up at her, small dark circles beginning to form under his mask-like markings. It made his mask appear larger than it was, evident that he hadn't been getting good enough sleep these past couple of days. Weeks, even.

Chilli also had a little bit of under eye circles now that I think about it... Just how long were these two staying up and talking?

"Hey Bandit," she stared at his monitor. He seemed to be typing a report for his uni class, appearing immersed in the subject. He didn't seem very interested in talking.

"...You're a bit...close," Bandit commented, unsure of how to react. "Is there something you want?"

"There is," she started, the fear starting to build pressure within her. Truth was, she had come up with this crazy yet intriguing thought she couldn't shake off her mind. She was taking Martin's word on her relationship, but she knew there wasn't a way to break the news without hurting Bandit- and in the process, hurt herself as well.

I just need to get out of here for a year or two. It won't be too bad. I can always come back to visit.

Tori had mentioned moving away a couple of times just for sport and had offered Brandy a place to stay in the same complex she was staying in as she had connections back in England. Through knowing the complex manager, Tori had her plan set, and through Brandy knowing Tori, her get-away plan had no reason to not work out- though that was in theory.

She knew it would be much harder to adjust to living there.

"What's on your mind?" Bandit asked, closing his report. "You're not acting like yourself."

"Bandit...," Brandy sighed, her paw inching towards his. It would probably be the last time she'd get to hold it, she thought. Even see it probably, if not in the paw of another woman when she returned. Suddenly fear became raw emotion as she felt her throat tighten, a sign that she'd start tearing up soon. "Bandit..."

"Brandy?" Bandit held her paw after seeing Brandy's attempt to hold it and inch away at the same time. "Are you okay?"

"No," she started to breathe deeply, her mother's voice ringing in her ears to calm down. Once she finally got ahold of herself, she finally let the words come out. She wanted to be with Bandit so badly, but she needed to move on.

She stared at him intensely. He stared back, eyes filled with curiosity.

"Bandit, I think it's best if we go our own separate ways."

-End-