Fang entered, his presence immediately commanding the room. He looked striking in a classic black and white suit, a vibrant orange pocket square adding a subtle touch of flair. His eyes found Kev, and a warm smile softened his features. He walked over and settled beside Kev on the couch, pulling him close and kissing the top of his head.
Kev leaned into the embrace, a wave of contentment washing over him. The lingering tension from Rex's earlier pronouncements seemed to melt away in Fang's presence, a familiar sense of comfort settling in. Even from that very first night, despite Fang's initial intimidating aura, there had been a current of unexpected tenderness, a moment of surprising gentleness when Fang had offered him the bed.
"I dreamt about you last night," Fang murmured, his voice a low rumble against Kev's hair.
"Was I there too?" Horns chimed in, a hopeful grin on his face.
Fang glanced over at the mooseman, a hint of amusement on his muzzle.
"Ignore that space cadet," Rex growled from his spot by the door. "He's been smoking Ralph's oil since before I got here."
"Geeze, I just wanted to know if I was there too," Horns said, feigning offense. "Maybe I had super powers or something." He picked up the water pipe and took another hit, a cloud of smoke swirling around his head.
Rex sighed, his impatience evident. "Why have you called me up here tonight, Fang? The first cars should be rolling through right about now."
"You're guarding Kev tonight," Fang stated, his arm tightening around Kev's shoulders. "Talon is busy."
"Busy?" Kev echoed, looking up at Fang in surprise. "He was just with me an hour ago."
Fang rubbed Kev's head affectionately. "Well, he's got something else to do, so Rex is taking over for tonight."
Kev nuzzled into Fang, a small pout forming on his lips. "Fine," he murmured, "but you're walking me back here tonight."
Fang's tail thumped softly against the couch cushions.
"I don't mind walking you back," Horns offered, reaching for the water pipe again.
Fang's growl was low and warning. "I think you've had enough for now, Horns. Shouldn't you be doing roll call?"
Horns waved a dismissive hand. "Today's my day off, boss," he explained, a lazy smile on his face. "Wanda's running the show tonight."
"Wanda. Who's Wanda?" Fang asked, a puzzled frown creasing his brow.
"Come on, Fang, the turtle woman," Horns elaborated, taking another hit from the pipe. "Does most of the procurement for Cindy. You just talked with her two weeks ago about the candles."
"Oh, yes… Wanda," Fang said slowly.
Horns chuckled. "You have no idea who I'm talking about, do you?"
Fang growled.
"If Cindy trusts her, then she must be capable," Kev interjected, trying to smooth things over.
"Yes, she must be," Fang agreed, giving Kev's shoulder a final squeeze before standing up and looking around the apartment. "It does look different in here, sense the night…."
Kev, still comfortably numb from the weed oil, smiled dreamily. "A bit more like home," he murmured.
Fang's tail gave a small wag as he walked over to the piano. To Kev's surprise, Fang ran his fingers across the keys, pulling out a quick, surprisingly melodic phrase. "It's out of tune," Fang declared, a slight frown creasing his brow.
"I haven't even noticed," Kev admitted. "Guess my guitar is too."
Fang looked over, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. "You have a guitar too?"
"Asmodeus got it for me after you introduced us," Kev explained. "He's been very kind."
"Really?" Fang said, his gaze sharpening. "I'll have to invite him over tonight, to thank him properly."
"Don't praise him too much, boss," Horns interjected, a playful glint in his eyes. "That bird will start treating everyone like his musicians."
"I have asked a lot of him, Horns," Fang countered, his tone thoughtful. "You know he could tour the world."
"That bird can't even leave the grounds," Horns muttered, taking another hit from the pipe.
"Watch it," Fang barked, his patience wearing thin.
The wolfman looked at the inebriated moose. "Working or not," Fang said, his voice firm, "that's enough, Horns."
Horns grumbled, "But it's my day off."
"And I'll get you some food," Fang retorted.
Horns's ears perked up. "Food does sound pretty good," he admitted. "Slept all day and haven't had anything since work ended this morning."
"You really should've just slept in my bed," Kev offered sleepily. "That couch is way too small for you."
Fang's growl was loud and possessive. "You slept in here?"
"Yeah, he crashed here this morning," Kev explained. "Probably his body knowing he had a day off and he could actually sleep."
Fang stalked over to Horns and picked up the water pipe. "This is Kev's," he stated, his gaze unwavering. "If you want some, talk to Ralph."
"Kev said I could have some," Horns protested, holding his hands up in mock surrender. "Relax, Fang."
Fang narrowed his eyes. "Why don't you go downstairs," he suggested, his tone leaving little room for argument. "We'll meet you at the table."
Horns stood up, towering over Fang. "If Reepia complains about my order," he warned, "you're telling her to make it."
Fang growled softly. "Fine."
Horns grinned, clapping Fang on the shoulder. "See you down there, boss." With a final nod to Kev, Horns lumbered out of the apartment.
Fang sniffed the water pipe, a grimace twisting his handsome features. "This is really just weed?" he asked, his eyes narrowing slightly.
Rex nodded from the doorway. "Concentrated stuff, boss."
Fang looked down at Kev, a hint of concern in his eyes. "Did you have this tonight, Kev?"
Kev looked up, a sheepish smile on his face. "A little," he admitted. "If I had as much as Horns, I'd probably be dead."
Fang's expression softened. "Are you feeling okay?"
"Yeah, pretty good," Kev replied, a contented sigh escaping his lips.
Fang grinned, a playful glint in his eyes. "Let's get this... evidence... put away, then get you some food." He gestured towards the pipe. "Where does this go?"
Kev reached into his pockets and pulled out his keys, a slight sway in his stance. "Follow me," he said, his voice a bit slurred. He stood up, the room swimming for a fleeting second before Fang's steadying hand appeared on his back. "Grab the goods," Kev instructed with a lazy smile, "and follow me."
He led Fang to his bedroom and opened the closet, revealing the small safe tucked away in the corner. Fang's eyebrows rose in surprise. "When did this get here?"
Kev fumbled with the key, finally managing to unlock the safe. Fang carefully placed the pipe and oil inside. Kev sat down on the edge of the bed, a wave of drowsiness washing over him.
"Max and Cindy got it for me," Kev explained, his eyelids drooping slightly. "Everyone's been really supportive."
Fang looked down at Kev, a tender expression softening his features. He remembered the scared, lost human from his first day and contrasted it with the relaxed contentment before him. He gently pushed Kev back onto the bed and leaned down, capturing his lips in a soft kiss.
Kev's arms wrapped around Fang's neck, pulling him closer. "You know," he murmured, his voice a husky whisper, "we could..."
His sentence trailed off as he noticed Rex leaning against the doorframe, his long tail twitching rhythmically, a knowing smirk on his face.
Fang looked back at Rex, a hint of annoyance in his eyes. "What?"
"Will this take long, boss?" Rex drawled. "I need to tell the boys out front that I'll be busy for a few hours tonight."
Fang stood up, straightening his suit jacket. "No," he said firmly. "Once we're at the VIP table, you should be free to go inform the security team." He looked down at Kev, still lying on the bed, and offered him a hand.
Kev allowed himself to be pulled up, a contented sigh escaping his lips. They left the apartment, Rex trailing behind them.
Kev looked back, a shiver of unease running down his spine as he saw Rex locking his apartment door. "How'd he get a key to my apartment?" Kev asked Fang, his voice a low murmur.
Fang shrugged, his arm still protectively around Kev's shoulders. "Rex is the head of security, Kev. There aren't many rooms he can't get into."
Rex caught up to them as they descended the grand staircase, his presence a silent shadow behind them, much like Talon's. Kev allowed Fang to lead him towards the VIP table, Skippy offering a respectful nod as they passed. Kev noticed Rex exchange a few hushed words with Skippy before the tigerman finally departed, presumably to inform his team of his temporary assignment.
Fang settled into the booth, pulling Kev close. "Horns," Fang called out, his voice a low rumble, "go fetch Asmodeus."
Horns, his eyes still bloodshot, looked over at Fang, a hint of defiance in his gaze. "Day off, remember?"
Fang scowled after the departing tiger, then looked down at Kev with a sigh. "I'll be right back," he mumbled, before getting up and disappearing into the newly forming crowd.
"This day off thing is awesome," Horns declared, a wide grin spreading across his face.
Kev chuckled. "When's the last time you had a day to do whatever you wanted to do?"
Horns counted on his massive fingers, his brow furrowed in concentration. "Hell if I know," he finally admitted with a laugh.
Just then, Rebecca approached their table, her feline grace a welcome sight. "Hello, Kev," she purred, her gaze sweeping over him. "Where is Mr. Fang tonight?"
"Hey, Rebecca," Kev replied. "Fang just went to find Asmodeus, I think."
"Oh," Rebecca said, pausing. "Should I come back then?"
"No, it's fine," Kev assured her. "I'll take a Cape Cod and the fish. Fang will do a coffee, Bloody Mary, and his steak and eggs."
"Rare and runny," Rebecca confirmed with a knowing smile. "You got it." She turned to Horns. "And you, Mr. Horns? Have you decided what you want?"
Horns nodded, his eyes lighting up. "Pancakes and a stuffed pepper," he began, then added with a grin, "and oysters."
Rebecca pulled out her pad and scribbled down the order, reading it back to Horns to ensure accuracy.
"Tell Dale to make me a drink, too," Horns added. "His choice."
Rebecca nodded. "Of course, Mr. Horns," she replied, before departing towards the bustling bar.
"That was quite the order," Kev remarked, a smile playing on his lips.
Horns chuckled, a deep rumble in his chest. "I let the universe guide my decision."
Kev chuckled. "You're a brave man, Horns."
"Speaking of the brave ones," Horns said, his gaze sweeping across the bar, "where did the little kitty go?"
"Rex went to let the security team know he is my guard dog tonight," Kev explained, a hint of amusement in his voice.
Horns looked over at Kev, a thoughtful expression on his face. "I'm surprised you don't like Rex," he commented. "Thought he'd be your type."
Kev raised an eyebrow and giggled. "He's too forward," he replied, shaking his head slightly. "Where I'm from, relationships between men aren't exactly popular, so stuff like that makes me uncomfortable."
"Really?" Horns said, his ears twitching with curiosity. "You don't seem to mind cuddling with Fang, though."
Kev's cheeks flushed slightly. "That's different," he murmured, his gaze softening.
Horns chuckled again. "Humans are so weird."
Rebecca returned to the VIP table, a slight tremor in her paw as she placed a glass of water in front of Horns. "Mr. Horns," she said hesitantly, "Miss Reepia has, uh, requested your presence."
Horns stared at the glass of water, his brow furrowed. "What the hell is this?"
Rebecca's cheeks flushed slightly. "Dale said he made it… just for you," she explained, barely containing a nervous giggle.
Horns glared over at Dale, who was polishing glasses behind the bar, a wide, innocent smile on his face. "Thanks for the drink, buddy!" Horns yelled, his voice laced with mock enthusiasm. Dale just laughed and waved in return.
Horns turned back to Rebecca, a resigned sigh escaping his lips. "Sorry, sweetheart," he said, his gaze softening slightly. "But Reepia will have to wait a bit. If she tries yelling at you, just tell her it was Fang's order."
Rebecca still looked apprehensive but her shoulders relaxed slightly. "I'll just wait on some other tables before I head back there again," she murmured, her tail twitching nervously.
Kev chuckled, taking a slow sip of his drink, enjoying the unfolding drama.
Kev had only taken a couple of sips of his drink before Fang returned, a flamboyant figure trailing in his wake. Asmodeus, his suit a riot of colors that somehow managed to complement his equally vibrant feathers, followed Fang into the booth.
"Hey, Asmodeus," Kev greeted with a smile. "Looking sharp tonight."
Asmodeus tilted his beak regally. "Yes, I am," he declared, striking a dramatic pose.
Putting his arm around Kev, Fang addressed the toucan. "Asmodeus, I hear you've been kind to Kev. Got him a guitar and what not."
Asmodeus nodded, his eyes twinkling. "It was for selfish reasons, to be honest," he chirped. "And I'm quite happy to have discovered his human music is so... exotic."
"Regardless," Fang interjected.
"That guitar has helped me kill a lot of boredom during the day," Kev added with a grateful smile.
"See?" Fang said, turning to Asmodeus. "Now tell me, is there anything that I can do for you?"
Asmodeus lowered his beak, his gaze sweeping around the table with a calculating glint. "Did you not hear me, darling?" he said, his voice a melodic trill. "I gave the human the guitar only so I could hear his music."
"I'm fine with that," Kev assured Asmodeus. "What's the point of having an instrument if not to make music for people to hear?"
Fang nodded at Asmodeus. "I know you take the stage soon. If you can't think of anything now, feel free to let it stew for a bit."
Asmodeus's eyes widened, his beak pointing towards the ceiling in a dramatic gesture. "Pipe organ!" he yelled, his voice a melodic trill that resonated through the booth. "A big one! Can you imagine? Me, sitting there, dramatic lighting, the brass pipes raising to the heavens, that first note causing an eruption of life! Earthquakes themselves would tremble before the vibrations on the dance floor!"
Asmodeus took a deep, theatrical breath before abruptly sitting down again, reining in his dramatic outburst with a visible effort.
"I don't know if we can install something like that," Fang replied, a thoughtful frown creasing his brow. "But thank you for letting me know there are still things you want. I'll ask Cindy about it in the morning after closing."
Asmodeus waved a dismissive wing. "It is fine either way, darling. What I gave away in no way matches the price of a pipe organ."
"The price of Kev's happiness is even greater than that," Fang said, his gaze softening as he looked at his assistant. "Think about it. You may go."
Asmodeus stood with a dramatic flourish. "Gentlemen," he declared, his voice a melodic trill, "enjoy the performance tonight." With a bow, he exited the booth.
"See?" Horns chuckled, shaking his head. "Asmodeus can't keep things in perspective, asking for an instrument the size of the elevator."
Fang began to reply, but his words were cut short by a sharp hiss. Reepia approached the table, a small slip of paper clutched in her hand, her eyes blazing with fury. She waved the paper in the air. "Pancakes?" she snarled, her gaze fixed on Horns. "Is this some fucking joke?"
Skippy, ever the watchful guardian of the VIP section, quickly stepped aside as Reepia approached, her small stature radiating an intense fury. Horns visibly shrank in his seat under her glare, his usual booming confidence replaced by a nervous cough.
"Yeah, Fang," Horns stammered, his voice a weak imitation of its usual rumble. "Pancakes. Like... wow."
Reepia whirled on Fang, her eyes narrowed to slits. "This is the Chief of Staff? Blasted off his ass?!" she hissed, her voice a low growl. "What's wrong with you, Fang?"
Before Fang could respond, Reepia's attention snapped to Kev, her gaze accusatory. "This is your fault, isn't it?"
Kev, still feeling the pleasant haze of the weed oil, chuckled sheepishly. "Yeah, my bad."
"I knew it!" Reepia declared triumphantly.
"Reepia," Fang barked, his patience clearly wearing thin. "Sit down."
Reepia shot Fang a venomous glare before grabbing a nearby chair with surprising force and plopping down, her arms crossed and her jaw clenched. She lit a cigarette, her teeth grinding audibly.
"Reepia," Fang began again, his voice a low rumble, "this is Horns's day off. You know how hard he works."
Reepia's gaze flicked to Kev, still smoldering with indignation. "It is your fault," she muttered.
Kev sat up a little straighter, trying to appear more sober than he felt. "Yes," he admitted. "I brought up the day off thing." He glanced over at Horns, who was now completely engrossed in the crowd forming on the dance floor, seemingly oblivious to the brewing conflict. "He's not the Chief of Staff tonight," Kev added, his voice a bit slurred. "Just a happy customer."
Reepia crumpled the slip of paper into a tight ball and tossed it with surprising force, hitting Horns square in his massive chest. Horns jumped slightly, more surprised than anything, a startled "oof" escaping his lips.
"Hey, happy customer," Reepia snarled, leaning over the table, her eyes blazing. "I'm going to stab you."
"Not again," Horns mumbled, shrinking further into his seat.
"Pancakes!" Reepia hissed, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "You want red ones? Blue ones? Big ones? Small ones? The fuck? You should know better. It's like saying I want eggs. What type of eggs? What if someone said you needed to hire an employee? Wouldn't you like to know a bit more? Well, sorry, you gotta fuckin' guess now. And if you don't get your shit together when you order off-menu, I will find you." Horns had practically disappeared into the plush cushions, his eyes wide with a primal fear. Reepia took a long drag from her cigarette, the cherry glowing ominously.
Fang laughed. "This is why we don't have you in front of our happy customers, Reepia."
"Happy customers are useless," Reepia spat, her eyes still narrowed at Horns. "I want hungry customers. I want thirsty customers. They'll be happy when they leave."
"Why not both?" Kev interjected, trying to defuse the situation with a placating tone. "All customers that don't pick a fight should be fine."
Reepia sighed disgustedly, rolling her eyes. "Then I'm going to get my knife," she muttered, pushing herself up from the table, "because this idiot ordering pancakes is picking a fight."
"I just wanted some pancakes," Horns mumbled, his voice barely audible.
"What type?" Reepia hissed, leaning down towards the mooseman.
"Fluffy," Horns squeaked, his eyes wide with a mixture of fear and longing. "Stacked high, with that little butter square on top... and lots of syrup."
Reepia stubbed out her cigarette with unnecessary force, her nostrils flaring. "So boring," she declared, her gaze sweeping over Horns with utter disdain. "You disgust me."
"Reepia, if this is about Ralph, don't take it out on Horns," Fang interjected, his voice a low rumble.
"I'm working," Reepia snapped back, her eyes flashing. "Don't say that name to me." She shot one last venomous glance at Horns before stalking away, the sharp click of her steel-toed boots echoing across the floor.
"Ugg," Horns groaned, relaxing back into his seat. "Why does she always have to be so rough with me?"
"She's only that honest with people she knows can take it," Fang replied with a shrug. "Besides, you might have deserved a little bit of her wrath."
Horns chuckled, taking a long drink of his water. "Maybe," he conceded.
As they waited for their food, the dance floor came alive. Asmodeus, now seated at a grand piano, led a string quartet in a mesmerizing performance, the elegant melodies weaving through the club's vibrant energy.