"Cindy, what a surprise! Come in," Kev said, a warm smile spreading across his face. "You look wonderful tonight."
Cindy walked into the apartment, her presence radiating a quiet elegance. "Good evening, Kev. Horns," she greeted, her voice a gentle melody. She settled onto Kev's couch with a contented smile, her handbag resting neatly in her lap.
Horns downed the last of his coffee in one gulp. "Well, I got to go get dressed," he announced, already moving towards the door. "If I don't leave now, the customers might see me shirtless." He grinned at Kev. "I'll see you soon, Kev." He paused at the door, turning back to Cindy with an appreciative look. "You look great tonight, Cindy," he said before exiting the apartment.
Kev stood in the middle of the living room, looking at Cindy, who sat happily on his couch, her hands folded neatly in her lap. The unexpected visit, and her unusually formal attire, piqued his curiosity.
Kev sat down on the armchair opposite Cindy. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your company tonight, Cindy?" he asked, his voice tinged with a friendly curiosity.
Cindy smiled, a soft, almost shy expression. "Oh, I just thought I'd get here a bit early so I didn't have to worry about parking," she replied, her gaze sweeping around the cozy apartment.
Kev nodded. "That's good. You look a bit more dressed up than usual."
Cindy looked down at her dress, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "I'm glad you approve," she said with a gentle smile. "But you should get yourself ready. Fang will be awake soon."
"Alright," Kev said, rising from his seat. "Feel free to anything in the kitchen." He grabbed his suit from the bedroom and headed into the bathroom to change, leaving Cindy to enjoy the quiet ambiance of his apartment.
As Kev showered, the familiar, gentle notes of the player piano drifted into the bathroom. He smiled; Cindy must have found a scroll she liked. While Kev changed into his suit, he heard the distinct sound of his apartment door slamming shut. Who was that? he wondered, a flicker of unease passing through him.
He emerged from the bedroom to find Cindy sitting happily on the couch, her teacup resting on the coffee table, seemingly unperturbed. Kev poured himself another cup of coffee. "So," he began, settling into the armchair, "you mentioned talking to Dale earlier. Is he okay? It looked like Horns might have hurt his shoulder."
Cindy took a sip of her tea, her expression calm. "Dale is a tough man," she said. "That shoulder injury is from a long time ago."
"Oh, okay," Kev said, relieved. "I'm glad Horns didn't hurt him. I think Horns would feel really bad about it."
Cindy smiled. "They are like brothers. Of course he would."
"Horns just needed to blow off some steam, I think," Kev mused. "I just hope he takes it easy on his next day off."
Cindy nodded, her gaze serene. "I'm sure he will. And if he doesn't, I will have a talk with him."
A chill ran down Kev's spine at the quiet certainty in her voice.
Just then, a knock sounded at the door. Kev looked up. "That must be Talon," he said. He walked over and opened it, surprised to see both Fang and Talon standing there. Fang was in the middle of growling something at Talon, his fur slightly bristled, but he stopped abruptly when he turned and saw Kev.
Fang's growl cut off mid-syllable as his eyes landed on Kev. The wolfman's expression immediately softened, a warm smile replacing the stern lines around his mouth. "I've missed you," he purred, stepping forward and sweeping Kev into a passionate kiss. His strong hands clasped Kev close, the familiar scent of sandalwood and citrus a comforting anchor.
Cindy clicked her teacup down onto its saucer with a distinct, sharp sound.
Kev and Fang, startled by the noise, pulled apart slightly, their gazes shifting towards Cindy. The head of housekeeping sat serenely on the couch, a single, quiet cough escaping into her delicately held hand. Her eyes, however, held a knowing glint.
Fang quickly straightened, a faint blush rising on his furry cheeks. "Cindy," he said, his voice a touch flustered. "Good evening. What are you doing up here? The doors are opening."
Cindy smiled, a picture of serene confidence. "It's my day off today," she announced, her voice a gentle melody. "And Kev is going to be my date to the Opera."
"What?" Fang exclaimed, his eyebrows shooting up in surprise.
"What?" Kev echoed, equally bewildered.
Talon chimed in, "What opera are you going to?"
Cindy smiled, a hint of excitement in her eyes. "Oh, it's a classic," she replied, her voice a melodic trill. "And I've never had the chance to go before."
Fang's gaze flicked between Cindy and Kev, a frown creasing his brow. "You're taking Kev?" he asked, his tone a mix of disbelief and possessiveness.
Cindy smiled sweetly. "Oh, hush now," she chided, waving a dismissive hand. "You've had him every night. I want him to see some of the city's real culture, not just Ralph's ridiculous vanity projects."
Kev, intrigued by the unexpected turn of events, said, "I've never been to an opera before either." He looked at Fang, a playful glint in his eyes. "Why don't you join us too? We can't disappoint Cindy, can we?"
Fang was trapped. He looked from Kev's hopeful expression to Cindy's unwavering smile, a silent battle of wills playing out in the small apartment.
Cindy, sensing her advantage, delivered the final blow. "And what are you wearing, Fang?" she asked, her gaze sweeping over his impeccable attire. "Those aren't good going-out clothes. This is a nice place we are going to."
Fang looked down at his sharp black suit, the vibrant orange undershirt a stark contrast to its dark fabric. He then looked back at Cindy, a resigned sigh escaping his lips. "I'll be right back," he mumbled, his voice a low grumble.
He turned to Kev, his eyes filled with a mixture of exasperation and affection. "Don't go anywhere," he instructed, his voice firm but gentle. He then turned to Talon, his growl returning. "Keep your eyes on him," he commanded, before disappearing out the door, presumably to find a more opera-appropriate ensemble.
Kev looked at Talon, a bewildered expression on his face. "What was that about?"
Talon glanced quickly at Cindy, who was now calmly sipping her tea, before replying, "Mr. Fang just wants to make sure I keep you in eyesight."
Kev sighed and sat down on the couch. "I can understand out in the city," he said, his voice laced with a hint of frustration. "I can even understand down in the club. But we both live up here." He looked at Talon, his brow furrowed. "It feels so weird mixing where we live and work. I just don't want to lose all of my autonomy because of…" Kev trailed off, not wanting to say "because I'm an alien" and sound completely insane. He finished lamely, "...what happened last night."
Talon met Kev's gaze, his sharp eyes unreadable. "I will do what Mr. Fang asks."
Kev sighed, a resigned look on his face. "I understand."
Cindy set her teacup down, her expression gentle. "Kev, dear," she said, her voice soft, "I can talk to Fang if you like."
Kev sat up straighter, shaking his head. "No, that's okay, Cindy. If I felt strongly enough about it, I would talk to Fang myself."
Cindy sipped her tea. "This is your apartment," she remarked. "I still think the cleaning crew is more than well enough equipped to keep an eye on you during the day." She glanced subtly at Talon. "Discreetly."
Talon looked down at his feet, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes.
A knock sounded at the door. Talon, his reflexes sharp, was there in an instant. He opened it. "Mr. Fang."
Fang entered, and Kev's breath caught. He was wearing a dark purple suit, the rich fabric clinging to his powerful frame. Beneath it, a black shirt and belt created a striking contrast. He even wore a hat that matched the suit, tilted at a rakish angle. On anyone else, Kev might have laughed at the sheer audacity of the ensemble, but on Fang, it looked dangerous, alluring, and utterly captivating.
Cindy beamed. "Much better," she declared with satisfaction.
Fang walked over to Kev and put his arm around him, pulling him close. "What time is this show at, Cindy?" he asked, his voice a low rumble.
Cindy stood up, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "It's at nine," she announced, clapping her hands together excitedly. "Just enough time to eat before we go."
Kev smiled and looked up at Fang. "Dinner it is," he said, his voice filled with a playful enthusiasm that mirrored Cindy's.
They left the apartment, Talon silently falling into step behind them, and made their way down to the bar. The first patrons were already trickling in, their excited chatter and laughter a prelude to the night's festivities.
Cindy greeted Skippy and Twitch with a warm smile as they entered the VIP section. Fang, his arm still possessively around Kev, pulled him into the familiar booth. As they settled in, Kev noticed Talon engaged in a hushed conversation with Skippy and Twitch at the velvet rope, their expressions serious.
Rebecca approached their table, her feline grace a welcome sight. "What can I get for you all?" she purred, her gaze sweeping over the group.
"Rebecca, dear," Cindy greeted, her voice a gentle melody, "I heard your day off was good."
Rebecca's face lit up. "It was wonderful, Cindy," she replied, her eyes sparkling with genuine joy. "I hear tonight is yours."
Cindy smiled. "It is," she confirmed. "I hope everyone helps Max out tonight."
Rebecca chuckled, a soft, melodious sound. "Oh, he's a riot," she said, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Already ran into him when I was doing side work."
"That's good," Cindy replied with a nod.
They placed their orders, the anticipation of the evening ahead mingling with the familiar comfort of the VIP booth.
Kev leaned into Fang, the wolfman's warmth a comforting presence. Dale arrived with their drinks – a whiskey for Fang, a Cape Cod for Kev, and a Martini for Cindy – his usual smirk firmly in place. He stared at Kev for a few moments, his gaze lingering, before turning to Cindy and placing her drink on the table.
"I see you are finally going to that show you always talk about," Dale said, a hint of amusement in his voice.
Cindy smiled, her eyes twinkling. "Oh, you always are such a good listener."
"A gift and a curse," Dale replied with a theatrical sigh, then passed the other drinks around. "And a Cape Cod," he announced, placing Kev's drink before him. "I understand the 'Cape' part, but what makes it fishy?"
Kev raised an eyebrow, a confused frown on his face. "It's... a place," he said slowly.
Dale turned to Fang, a look of mock innocence on his face. "Never heard of it. Hope you have a good night on the town."
Fang growled, his gaze fixing on Dale. "Have you talked with Horns yet?"
Dale sighed, shaking his head. "He's being a baby and avoiding me."
Cindy interjected gently, "Horns is just upset with himself, Dale."
"Can I never be the upset one?" Dale grumbled good-naturedly.
Kev, remembering the previous night's scuffle, looked at Dale with concern. "I hope your shoulder is okay."
Dale looked at Kev, his expression softening slightly. "I'll live," he said. "That was some quick thinking last night, Kev. Glad someone around here can keep a cool head." He let out a hearty laugh. "I gotta go. Enjoy the show." With that, Dale exited, leaving the trio to their drinks.
"What time is it? I don't want to be late," Cindy said, her excitement bubbling to the surface.
Kev checked his watch. "Seven. Is it far?"
"It's two blocks down. I don't want to be late," Cindy repeated, a touch of anxiety in her voice.
Fang chuckled, a low rumble in his chest. "We have plenty of time," he assured her.
Another few minutes passed, filled with Cindy's animated chatter about securing good seats and her anticipation for the opera. Soon, their food arrived. Kev breathed a silent sigh of relief that Reepia hadn't made an appearance to critique their choices. They ate, Cindy's excitement infectious. Kev couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm.
Once they finished, Kev lit a cigarette. "Just let me have a smoke," he said, "and then I'll be an even more charming date."
Fang looked down at him, his voice a low purr. "Whatever you want, my love."
Cindy playfully swatted Fang's arm. "Kev is my date tonight, Fang."
Fang's ears flicked back, a possessive glint in his eyes. "It's just a loan," he grumbled.
Rebecca arrived to clear their plates. Kev, stubbing out his cigarette, said, "Hey Rebecca, can you tell Horns I'll be back later?"
"Sure thing, Kev," Rebecca replied with a smile, skillfully gathering the dishes.
As Rebecca departed, Kev turned to Fang. "You really should leave a tip. Rebecca is great."
"Yes, you did say I would," Fang replied. He pulled a thick wad of bills from his pocket and peeled one off, placing it on the table.
Kev's eyes widened as he looked at the bill. The denomination was unfamiliar, but what truly caught his attention was the image on it: a fierce bear, mid-roar, its fur bristling. Is this the first time I'm actually seeing money in this world? he thought, a strange sense of detachment washing over him. The intricate design, so different from the familiar currency of his own world, was another stark reminder of just how far from home he truly was.
Cindy raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow. "Is that all you are giving little Rebecca?" she chided, her voice gentle but firm. "She has been waiting on you for two weeks now."
Fang looked surprised. "Really? She did look familiar." He pulled another two bills from the wad and slapped them onto the table with a decisive thud. "Let's go."
They exited the booth, Talon falling into step silently behind them. They reached the main entrance, which was now a flurry of activity. Cars, sleek and expensive, lined the driveway, their occupants spilling out onto the torchlit walkway. The air buzzed with excited chatter and the thrum of the club's music. Fang looked around, his gaze sweeping over the scene. Tessa, the opossum woman, stood where Perry normally did, efficiently directing the flow of vehicles and guests.
Fang scowled and barked, "You! You're driving tonight."
Tessa looked over, startled. "Who, me?"
Fang growled, "Yes, you. Go get a car. We are going to the opera tonight." A pair of keys flew past her and landed with a metallic clink on the ground. She picked them up hurriedly and put them in the podium. "Mr. Fang, of course," she said. "Just give me a minute."
Fang growled again, his impatience evident.
Cindy intervened smoothly. "Tessa, dear," she said, her voice a gentle melody, "go let the others know. It will be nice to catch up on the drive."
Tessa noticed Cindy and smiled. "Oh, Madam Cindy, I am surprised to see you. I'll be right back." Tessa ran to the other valets, exchanging a few quick words before disappearing inside the club.
Fang watched her go, his frown deepening. "I wanted to check on Perry," he said, his voice a low rumble, "but I'll have to wait till we get back."
Kev, remembering their visit earlier, said, "Perry seemed okay when we saw him today. Vlad was taking good care of him."
Fang's expression softened, a flicker of relief in his eyes. "As long as he is alright, then I'll let him rest."
Kev looked around the entrance, the torchlight flickering on the faces of the arriving guests. Beastmen walked in, their expressions animated, looking happy and excited for the night ahead. "Is the city dangerous?" he asked, a note of concern in his voice.
Fang looked down at him, a confident smile on his lips. "Not with me."
Cindy, who had rejoined them, added, "The city is very big, but once you have too many boys crammed together, trouble is bound to happen."
Fang growled, his gaze sweeping over the edge of the park grounds visible beyond the driveway. "It appears that some people have forgotten that I still own the park."
Cindy smiled, a knowing glint in her eyes. "I'm sure they will remember soon."
As they waited for the car, Kev's eyes widened, his gaze fixed on the driveway. Talon's dented, faded, wheelchair-accessible van slowly rounded the corner of the mansion, its unassuming presence a stark contrast to the sleek, expensive vehicles that usually graced the club's entrance. Kev looked up at Fang, who, engrossed in his thoughts about the park, hadn't yet noticed the approaching vehicle. He then glanced at Talon, whose sharp eyes were wide with a mixture of shock and disbelief as his van sputtered to a slow, undignified stop directly in front of them.