Horns approached the booth, his eyes widening as he spotted the box in front of Kev. "Whoa," he exclaimed, his voice a low rumble. "I'll be right back." He disappeared into the crowd, leaving Kev and Fang to exchange puzzled glances.
"Not even a hello," Fang chuckled, shaking his head in amusement.
Ralph joined in the laughter. "You're right," he agreed. "Horns hasn't changed a bit."
Just then, Rebecca arrived with Ralph's order, a steaming plate of gourmet delicacies and a crystal glass filled with a vibrant cocktail. The aroma of exotic spices and fresh herbs filled the air, tempting Kev's taste buds despite his recent meal.
"Horns is going to be joining us," Kev informed Rebecca. "Could you bring him some water, please?"
"Of course," Rebecca replied with a warm smile. She quickly returned with a glass of ice water, placing it on the table before disappearing back into the bustling crowd.
Ralph savored each bite of his meal, his movements slow and deliberate. "Reepia is the same as ever, too," he remarked between mouthfuls. "Her cooking might have even gotten better… if that's possible."
Horns returned to the VIP table, a mischievous grin plastered on his face. He held aloft a gleaming glass contraption that Kev immediately recognized as some sort of bong.
"Howdy, folks," Horns boomed, nodding at Talon as he squeezed into the booth next to Kev, effectively sandwiching the human between himself and Fang.
With a practiced hand, Horns placed the bong on the table and carefully chipped off a small chunk from the block of weed oil. He loaded the sticky substance into the bowl, then produced a lighter from his pocket and began heating a metal nail embedded in the glass.
His eyes scanned the table, finally landing on Ralph. "Oh, hey there, Ralph," he said with a casual wave. "Long time no see."
Ralph, his attention momentarily diverted from his meal, nodded in greeting. "Horns," he acknowledged, his voice a friendly quack. He returned to his plate, savoring each bite of his gourmet creation.
Kev watched with fascination as Horns inhaled deeply from the bong, his massive lungs expanding, drawing in the potent vapor. Horns held his breath for a moment, his eyes closed in concentration, before exhaling a thick cloud of smoke.
"Oh yeah," Horns sighed, a contented smile spreading across his face. "That's the good stuff." He looked down at Kev, remembering why he was here. "Wanna try?"
Kev nodded eagerly, his curiosity piqued. "Please," he said, his voice a bit breathless.
Horns chuckled and prepared another hit, carefully heating the nail and loading the bowl with a fresh piece of the concentrate. Kev had to stand up to reach the mouthpiece, the bong clearly designed for someone of Horns's stature.
He inhaled deeply, the potent vapor filling his lungs with a surprising intensity. A coughing fit ensued, his body wracked with spasms as he struggled to catch his breath.
Horns laughed heartily, patting Kev's back with a reassuring hand. "Easy there, kid," he said, his voice a booming rumble. "That stuff's not for the faint of heart."
Kev, his eyes watering, managed a weak grin. "Worth it," he rasped, the effects of the potent herb already starting to take hold.
Ralph, having finished his meal, leaned back in his seat with a satisfied sigh. "So, Fang," he inquired, his voice a smooth quack, "what's next on the agenda?"
Fang's gaze shifted to the pool table visible through the open doorway of the game room. "I was thinking of watching kev shoot some pool," he replied, a playful glint in his eyes. "He has a private billiards room now. It's a bit quieter there."
Ralph's smile widened. "That sounds great," he said. "I know if Asmodeus sees me, it might cause some... drama."
Kev, feeling the full effects of the potent herb, leaned into Fang, his head resting on the wolfman's shoulder. A wave of warmth and contentment washed over him, his anxieties momentarily forgotten.
Fang's hand instinctively found its way to Kev's hair, gently stroking the soft strands. "Let's go then," he said, his voice a low rumble.
They stood up, leaving their empty plates on the table. Fang waved at Talon. "Stay here," he instructed. "We'll be back in a bit."
Talon nodded, his gaze following them as they walked towards the game room.
Kev, his steps a bit unsteady from the potent oil, clung to Fang's arm for support. Ralph and Horns chatted amicably behind them as they walked though the quieter east wing. They entered the billiards room, its cozy atmosphere a welcome contrast to the bustling bar. The only sounds were the soft click of the billiard balls as Kev set up the table and the crackling of the fire.
"I'll play too," Ralph announced, his voice cheerful.
Horns and Fang settled into the plush armchairs by the fireplace, their gazes fixed on the pool table.
Kev, a mischievous grin playing on his lips, raised a hand in mock warning. "No bets tonight, gentlemen," he declared.
Fang let out a playful growl, his ears flattening against his head. Ralph raised an eyebrow.
"You've already seen the old dog gamble," Ralph remarked, his voice a smooth quack. "What did he lose this time?"
Fang's growl deepened, a warning rumble that echoed through the room.
"If he wants to tell you, he will," Kev said.
Horns laughed heartily. "That's right, Ralph," he chimed in. "Don't push your luck. You don't want the dog to bite."
"Sometimes I think he has rabies," Ralph joked.
The click-clack of billiard balls filled the room as Kev and Ralph took turns at the pool table. They weren't playing a formal game, just enjoying the casual back-and-forth of friendly competition. The atmosphere was relaxed, a stark contrast to the earlier tension in the VIP booth.
Meanwhile, Fang and Horns settled into a conversation by the fireplace, their voices a low murmur that blended with the crackling flames.
"How's the staff adjusting to the new schedule?" Kev overheard Fang inquire, his tone laced with a hint of concern.
Horns sighed, taking a long drag from his joint. "It's a bit chaotic, to be honest," he admitted. "Everyone's still figuring out their new shifts, and there's been a few scheduling conflicts. But it'll get better. Once the new hires are fully trained, things should smooth out."
Ralph, who had been listening intently, shook his head in disbelief. "I still think it's madness to have to train all those new people," he remarked, his voice a disapproving quack. "It's a lot of extra work for everyone."
Kev, lining up a particularly tricky shot, chimed in. "The idea is that there will be less staff turnover in the long run," he explained. "By giving everyone a day off, they'll be happier and more likely to stay. So, after this initial period of training, you'll actually have less work to do in the future."
"Well, if it works, I'll be the first person to steal the idea from you, kid," Ralph declared, raising his glass in a mock toast.
Horns burst into laughter, his booming voice echoing through the room. "That's Ralph for you," he said, shaking his head in amusement. "Always looking for an angle."
Ralph turned to Kev, his expression more serious. "Turnover is an issue for me too," he admitted, his voice a thoughtful quack. "It's hard to find good, reliable staff these days. Everyone wants the easy jobs, the ones that pay well and require minimal effort."
"No job is easy if you have to commit every day to it," Kev said, his voice filled with conviction. "Give people a chance to catch their breath, and they'll be more productive in the long run."
Fang nodded thoughtfully. "It's a trial run," he reminded him. "We'll see what the real results are in a month."
"Even Cindy's looking forward to her day off," Kev added with a smile.
"That old deer," Ralph said, shaking his head. "If she didn't like the idea, Fang would have never even considered it. She's the real boss around here, you know."
Kev missed his shot, the cue ball bouncing off the cushion and rolling to a stop in the middle of the table. A pang of frustration shot through him, momentarily breaking his concentration.
His thoughts drifted back to his earlier conversation with Cindy. He couldn't shake the feeling that her approval, her subtle encouragement of his relationship with Fang, held a significant weight. It was as if she was passing the torch, entrusting him with the care and well-being of the wolfman she'd known since childhood.
He thought of the way she had meticulously redecorated his apartment, adding personal touches and creating a sense of warmth and comfort. He thought of her insistence on him stocking his kitchen with snacks and drinks, her subtle reminders to create a welcoming space for guests. It was clear that Cindy valued domesticity, a nurturing instinct that extended beyond her role as the head of housekeeping.
A sudden realization struck him. If Cindy didn't like him, Fang probably wouldn't either. The thought sent a shiver down his spine, a reminder of the precariousness of his position. He needed to continue proving himself, not just to Fang, but to the entire Club Fang family.
Horns, observing the game with a keen eye, turned to Ralph with a friendly grin. "So, Ralph, how's business been?" he inquired, his voice a booming rumble.
Ralph, lining up a shot with practiced precision, sank the ball into the corner pocket with a satisfying click. "Booming, Horns, booming," he replied confidently. "The city grows every year, and every year, more rich folk want to spend money on my food. I'm even thinking of opening a third location soon."
Kev, impressed by Ralph's success, couldn't help but ask, "Where?"
Ralph shrugged, a thoughtful expression on his face. "I don't know yet," he admitted. "Inspiration hasn't struck me yet."
"As long as you put enough zeros at the end of your prices, some rich idiot will call it exclusive," Fang quipped, a playful glint in his eyes.
Ralph laughed, a hearty sound that filled the room. "Look who's talking," he retorted, gesturing towards the opulent surroundings of the billiards room.
Kev, inspired by the ongoing conversation, chimed in with an idea. "With all the issues you've been having with the city, Fang," he suggested, "wouldn't it be nice if you could make some sort of deal with Ralph to promote the park? Didn't you say you take your morning walks there, Ralph?"
Kev, his enthusiasm growing, continued, "If you could get rich city folks to appreciate the park more, they're bound to want to protect it. And if the city goes on for miles and miles, what could be more exclusive than… dining in the woods?" He looked up, eager to gauge Fang and Ralph's reactions to his idea.
Ralph's gaze also shifted towards Fang, a glimmer of intrigue in his eyes. They both waited for Fang's response, the air thick with anticipation.
Fang tapped his fingers on the table, a thoughtful frown creasing his brow. "We made a deal to maintain it as a park," he mused, his voice a low rumble. "I don't know if this would violate any of the terms..."
Ralph, however, was already envisioning the possibilities. "It's a fun idea, Kev," he said, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "My creative juices are already starting to flow." He gestured animatedly with his wings. "Bonfires, string lights, live theater, grills and tents... We could create a truly magical experience."
He paused, his gaze sweeping across the room. "There's already a large pavilion in the center of the park," he continued. "Carriages could bring the customers from the edge of the park to the center, adding to the sense of exclusivity. And imagine a circular bar in the middle of the dining area, serving up my signature cocktails and gourmet constructions." He spun around, his excitement contagious.
Fang, though amused by Ralph's enthusiasm, raised a cautionary hand. "Don't get too excited yet, duck," he warned. "It's not a done deal. We need to make sure it's feasible, both legally and logistically."
Ralph waved a dismissive wing. "Oh, but it is… or will be," he declared, his voice brimming with confidence. "I've already decided. My lawyers will begin to deal with the legal side tomorrow."
Fang barked out a laugh, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "You get a restaurant, but what do I get out of this, Ralph?"
Ralph winced slightly, his feathers ruffling. He turned to Kev, a playful glint in his eyes. "Yes, Kev," he said, his voice a teasing quack, "what does Fang get out of this?"
Kev, emboldened by Fang's earlier approval, met Ralph's gaze with a confident smile. "Fang gets something much more valuable than a restaurant," he explained, his voice firm. "He gets a bargaining chip."
He paused, letting the words sink in. "People like the park, Ralph, but it's just land with trees. If a part of it is transformed into an exclusive restaurant for the city's elite, they'll feel like it's something of their own. They'll want to protect it, to preserve it."
Kev's smile widened. "If the city ever tries to shut down the club again," he continued, his voice laced with a hint of steel, "Fang can threaten to sell the park as well, effectively shutting down their fancy hangout spot. That's leverage, Ralph. Real power."
Ralph's eyes widened in surprise, his beak agape. "Well, I'll be," he muttered, clearly impressed by Kev's strategic thinking.
Fang, however, remained unconvinced. "That's good, Kev," he said, his voice a low rumble, "but I don't know if it's enough." He leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful frown creasing his brow. "The city council is relentless. They'll find a way to circumvent any obstacles we put in their path."
Kev, determined to sway Fang's opinion, continued, "There are a few smaller things too. People will be able to see the club from the restaurant, or at least the long line of cars leading up to it. That's free advertising, specifically targeted at high-net-worth individuals."
He then turned to Ralph with a mischievous grin. "And," he added, "you could always pay rent and park cleaning fees."
Ralph squawked in mock outrage. "Hey! I got you a present today!"
Horns burst into laughter, his booming voice echoing through the room. "That's the spirit, Kev," he said, wiping a tear from his eye. "Hit him where it hurts - his wallet."
Fang's growl subsided, replaced by a thoughtful frown. "Everyone knows about the club, Kev," he insisted, his voice a low rumble. "It's a legend in its own right."
Kev raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "Are you sure?" he challenged. "Talon's sister said she thought you were a myth."
Fang's frown deepened, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. "She called me something odd too, if I remember correctly," he chuckled.
Kev laughed, the sound echoing through the quiet room. "Point taken," he conceded. "But there are always new people coming to the city, young and upcoming socialites who don't know all the deeper secrets. They don't always have someone there to guide them."
He leaned forward, his voice filled with conviction. "This exclusive restaurant will get people talking about the club again, Fang. And not just in the usual circles. It'll reach the ears of those who can afford Ralph's exorbitant prices. It'll create a buzz, a sense of mystery and exclusivity that will draw them in."
Fang's smile returned, a genuine warmth in his eyes. "That does sound... unconventional," he admitted, a hint of admiration in his voice. "I like it."
Ralph, his drink raised in a mock toast, fixed his gaze on Fang. "You better be paying that human well," he quipped, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "He's a valuable asset." With a final wink, he rose from his seat. "I'm out. Gonna head back to the bar to force Dale to make me another drink. I'll meet you guys there later."
Horns, following suit, stretched his massive frame and yawned. "Gotta get back to work too," he mumbled, rubbing his eyes sleepily. He looked at Kev and grinned. "Uh… I'll hang onto that oil for you since you don't have a way to smoke it yet... I'll bring it by in the morning."
"Thanks, Horns," Kev replied with a smile.
Horns grinned and waved goodbye, lumbering out of the room, leaving Kev and Fang alone once more.
"Care to join me on the patio while I smoke?" Kev asked, a hopeful glint in his eyes.
Fang's tail wagged excitedly. "After you," he replied, his voice a low rumble filled with warmth.
Kev led the way out onto the patio, the cool night air a welcome contrast to the warmth of the billiards room. He settled onto a bench, pulling out his cigarette case and the bag of herbs Ralph had gifted him.
Kev inhaled deeply from the joint, the potent aroma of Ralph's finest herbs filling his lungs. He exhaled slowly, a contented sigh escaping his lips. "That was a good idea, my sweet," Fang murmured, his voice a low rumble. "Having control of the city's hottest restaurant would be a valuable asset to our operations."
Kev's heart swelled with a sense of accomplishment. "Anything to help," he replied, a shy smile playing on his lips. "I hope I didn't overstep, though."
"Not at all, Kev," Fang assured him, his hand reaching out to gently cup Kev's cheek. "You've had many great ideas. Things I would never have thought of on my own. I need you here, by my side." His gaze intensified, his amber eyes glowing in the moonlight. "You're my good luck charm."
He leaned in, pulling Kev closer, their bodies pressed together on the bench. Just as their lips were about to meet, a voice echoed from the balcony above, shattering the intimate moment.
"Kiss him, human!" Sabrina's voice, a playful yet demanding shriek, cut through the night air. "That hot wolf daddy wants it!"
Kev and Fang pulled apart, their cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and amusement. They glanced up at the balcony, where Sabrina leaned with a mischievous grin on her face, her wheelchair parked behind her.
Kev, his cheeks still flushed from the interrupted kiss, playfully retorted, "Don't be a third wheel just because you're jealous, Sabrina!"
Sabrina let out an exaggerated groan. "Ugh, you slor," she whined." "You better tell me all about it tomorrow." She paused, her gaze lingering on Fang with a playful smirk. "Fang, you're looking hot as always. Love you!" With a final burst of laughter, she rolled back into her apartment, leaving Kev and Fang alone on the patio.
Fang stood up, straightening his suit and hiding a grin. He cleared his throat. "Let's head back to the bar, Kev," he said, a touch of regret in his tone. "One more drink, and then it's bedtime for you."
Kev's heart sank slightly, but he understood the demands of Fang's responsibilities. "Will you walk me to my room tonight?" he asked, his voice soft and hopeful.
Fang sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. "I wish I could, Kev," he admitted, his gaze meeting Kev's with a mixture of longing and apology. "But Ralph and I have more to discuss regarding a change in shipping schedules and weights. It's important that we get this sorted out tonight."
Kev leaned into Fang, seeking comfort in his warmth and strength. "I understand…" he murmured.
They returned to the VIP booth, the familiar buzz of the club enveloping them once more. Dale, ever attentive, appeared with their drinks, a Bloody Mary for Fang and a Cape Cod for Kev.
"Ralph got a drink and wandered off into one of the private rooms," Dale informed Fang with a knowing grin.
Fang sighed, shaking his head in amusement. "That duck," he muttered under his breath.
Dale chuckled. "Don't worry, boss," he reassured Fang. "He won't last long. He's got a weak constitution."
"If you see him, remind him that we still have business to discuss tonight," Fang instructed, his tone firm.
"Will do," Dale replied with a wink. He turned to Kev, his expression softening. "Enjoy your drink, Kev," he said, before heading back to the bar.
Kev savored his Cape Cod, Dale's drinks always were poured so well, his consistency was impeccable. The alcohol warmed his blood, easing the lingering tension from being denied by Fang once more.
Fang, having finished his drink, rose from his seat and gestured to Talon. "It's getting late, Kev," he said, his voice a low rumble. "Talon will escort you to your room."
Kev nodded, a hint of disappointment flickering in his eyes. He really would have preferred Fang to walk him upstairs. He stood and kissed Fang, "I hope you and Ralph have a good time tonight."
As Kev and Talon made their way through the bustling club, Kev turned to Talon, curious. "So, what do you think of Ralph?" he asked, remembering the duck man's playful banter with Fang.
"He seems... interesting," Talon replied cautiously, his gaze scanning the crowd. "A businessman, from what I gather. And he seems to know everyone here from way back."
Kev chuckled. "Yeah, he and Fang go way back. They seem to have a... unique dynamic."
They reached Kev's apartment door, and Talon paused, his expression serious. "Good night, Kev," he said, his voice a low rasp. "And remember, lock your door."
"Goodnight, Talon," Kev replied. "And tell your sister she shouldn't be a third wheel."
Talon's brow furrowed in confusion. "A third wheel?" he echoed. "What does that mean?"
"She'll know," he said, winking at Talon before closing the door.
Alone in his apartment, Kev couldn't help but sigh, he really thought that he would have had the chance to enjoy Fang's company on the private patio... He climbed into bed, the soft sheets a welcome embrace, and drifted off to sleep, his dreams filled with images of wolves and ducks having a tea party in the woods.