Day 2 (Part 3) - Coffee and Crime

As the ferocious wolfman's gaze fell upon Kev, his ears flattened against his head, and the anger dissipated as quickly as it had appeared. A warmth spread through him, an unfamiliar flutter in his chest under the human's gaze. Kev, startled by Fang's initial aggression, took a step back, his eyes wide with surprise.

Fang, realizing his outburst, cleared his throat, attempting to regain his composure. "Sorry about that," he mumbled, avoiding Kev's eyes. He turned and walked briskly towards the next room, his bedroom. Kev followed, his curiosity piqued.

Fang stopped abruptly at the threshold, blocking Kev's view of the room. "Wait for me in the office," he instructed, his voice firm but not unkind. "I'll be cleaned up in a few minutes."

Kev nodded, a bit disappointed but understanding. He retraced his steps to the office, settling back onto the couch by the fireplace. The room still held the lingering scent of Fang, a mix of musk and something uniquely him, a comforting reminder of their shared space the night before.

Twenty minutes later, Fang re-entered the office, his fur still slightly damp from a hasty shower. He was once again impeccably dressed, this time in a dark blue suit that accentuated his broad shoulders and powerful build. The scent of his cologne, a subtle blend of pine needles and leather filled the room, momentarily distracting Kev from his thoughts. It was a stark contrast to the disheveled figure Kev had seen earlier, a reminder of the duality of Fang's existence - the composed businessman and the vulnerable individual beneath the polished exterior.

"I'm absolutely famished," Fang declared, his voice carrying a hint of urgency that betrayed his exhaustion. "Let's head downstairs and grab some breakfast. I also need to track down Horns and fill him in on the staffing situation from last night."

Kev nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Actually," he interjected gently, "I already mentioned it to Horns when he stopped by my apartment."

Fang's eyebrows shot up in surprise, a flicker of curiosity crossing his face. "You did?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of amusement. "Well, that certainly saves me a trip." He paused, a thoughtful expression settling on his features. "I suppose that means we can just focus on enjoying a leisurely meal then."

A genuine smile spread across Fang's face, a rare sight that softened his usually stern features. It was clear that Kev's initiative had pleasantly surprised him, a small but significant step in establishing trust and proving his worth as an assistant. The tension that had lingered in the air since the confrontation in Fang's office seemed to dissipate, replaced by a sense of shared purpose and a growing camaraderie.

As Kev followed Fang down the grand staircase, he couldn't help but notice the early birds already flocking to the club. Despite the relatively early hour, a steady stream of patrons, eager to immerse themselves in the unique atmosphere of Club Fang, were making their way through the entrance.

Fang, his presence commanding attention even in the dimly lit hallway, led Kev back to the VIP section, claiming a table with a practiced air of authority. He flagged down a passing waitress, his voice a low rumble that cut through the growing din. "Steak and eggs, rare and runny," he ordered, "and a big cup of coffee. Black."

He turned to Kev, his amber eyes expectant. "And for you, my dear assistant?"

Kev hesitated for a moment, then replied, "A salad, please. With vinaigrette dressing."

Fang's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "A salad?" he echoed, a hint of disbelief in his voice. "I thought you were a carnivore. I hope I didn't offend you with the steak last night."

Kev chuckled, shaking his head. "Not quite," he replied. "I have a varied diet. I enjoy meat, but I also appreciate a good salad."

The waitress, a lithe cat-woman with piercing green eyes, nodded and hurried off to relay Fang's order.

Fang leaned back in his seat, his curiosity piqued. "So, tell me about your day," he prompted, his voice a low rumble that vibrated through Kev. "What have you been up to since I left you in your new apartment?"

Kev recounted his morning, starting with his initial confusion about brewing coffee without electricity, his venture into the backyard, and his encounter with Reepia in the kitchen. He described the mountain of dishes, the unexpected cup, and Reepia's gruff but ultimately approving demeanor. He even shared his exploration of the second floor before the woman was fired.

Fang listened intently, his expression shifting between amusement, concern, and a touch of pride. He chuckled at Kev's coffee-making woes, his deep laughter echoing through the quiet barroom. He frowned when Kev described Reepia's initial hostility but seemed pleased to hear that Kev had managed to win her over, even if it was through sheer determination and a willingness to get his hands dirty.

"You're quite resourceful, aren't you?" Fang commented, a genuine smile gracing his lips. "I'm impressed."

Kev blushed slightly, his gaze dropping to his hands. "I'm just trying to make myself useful," he mumbled.

Fang reached across the table, his large hand gently covering Kev's smaller one. "You're already proving your worth, Kev," he said, his voice soft but firm. "Don't underestimate yourself."

A steaming mug of coffee and a tall glass of water were placed on the table, the waitress's movements swift and efficient, yet her eyes lingered on Kev, curiosity battling with a touch of apprehension. It was clear she was intrigued by the newcomer, but the presence of Fang, her employer, seemed to hold her back. Perhaps she was worried about overstepping boundaries or appearing unprofessional.

Kev, ever perceptive to the nuances of social interaction, picked up on her subtle glances and unspoken questions. He decided to break the ice, offering her a warm and inviting smile that reached his eyes. He extended his hand across the table, his gesture both friendly and disarming.

"Hi, I'm Kev," he introduced himself, his voice carrying a genuine warmth that instantly put the waitress at ease. "I'm Fang's new assistant." He paused, allowing the information to sink in, then added with a playful grin, "I'm also the one who ordered the salad."

The waitress, her feline features softening into a relieved smile, offered a quick, "Hello, Kev," before scurrying away, her curiosity momentarily satisfied.

Fang, seemingly unfazed by the brief interaction, turned back to Kev, his gaze intent. "So," he inquired, leaning forward slightly, "have you been enjoying your time at the club so far?"

Kev nodded thoughtfully. "It's certainly... unique," he admitted, a small smile playing on his lips. "I'm still trying to wrap my head around everything, but it's definitely an experience."

He paused, his expression turning more serious. "I'm hoping to find some more things I can do during the day to help you," he continued. "I don't want to just be sitting around in my apartment, waiting for you to wake up."

A flicker of concern crossed his face. "Do you think I should try to change my sleep schedule to match yours? It might be easier to assist you if I'm awake when you are."

Fang's brow furrowed in contemplation. "I would love to have a more normal daily schedule," he admitted with a sigh, "but the demands of this business make it difficult. The club truly comes alive at night, and my presence is often required to ensure everything runs smoothly."

Kev tilted his head, a thoughtful expression on his face. "But couldn't you do some of your work during the daytime?" he suggested. "Maybe delegate some tasks to your managers, so you don't have to be here all the time?"

Fang's gaze swept across the bustling club, his eyes taking in the dancers, the mingling patrons, and the busy staff. "This place would burn down if I wasn't here to put out the fires," he said, a hint of pride mingling with his weariness. "There's always something that needs my attention, some crisis that needs to be averted."

Kev remembered Horns' comment about Fang being "controlling." It seemed the wolfman's hands-on approach might be bordering on micromanagement, leaving him little time for rest or personal life. He decided to tread carefully, not wanting to overstep his boundariesb.

The waitress returned, balancing a platter laden with a hearty breakfast. Fang's steak and eggs sizzled invitingly, the aroma of grilled meat and spices filling the air. Kev's salad, a vibrant mix of greens, vegetables, and a light vinaigrette dressing, looked equally appealing.

Fang wasted no time, diving into his meal with gusto. He devoured the steak in large, satisfying bites, the eggs disappearing in a matter of seconds. Kev, on the other hand, savored his salad, enjoying the crispness of the vegetables and the tangy dressing.

"Eggs aren't usually on the menu," Fang remarked between bites, "but there are certain perks to being the boss." He winked at Kev, a playful glint in his eyes.

Kev watched in awe as Fang demolished his meal, marveling at how the wolfman managed to keep his immaculate suit spotless despite his enthusiastic eating habits. He glanced down at his own clothes, feeling a pang of self-consciousness. The simple white button down and slacks, while comfortable, seemed woefully inadequate compared to Fang's tailored attire. He made a mental note to ask about the tailor Fang had mentioned earlier.

Fang, having polished off his breakfast and coffee in record time, bellowed across the bar, "Dale! Bloody Mary, and make it snappy!"

Kev, taking advantage of the momentary lull in conversation, pulled out a cigarette and lit it. The smoke curled upwards, a comforting ritual in the midst of this unfamiliar world. He inhaled deeply, savoring the familiar taste. As he exhaled, a thought crossed his mind. If they were going to be spending a few more hours in the bar, perhaps a bit of that herb Horns had given him would be a welcome addition. It had certainly helped to ease his nerves earlier.

Kev hesitated for a moment, unsure how to broach the subject. "Actually, i'll be right back," he began, his voice a touch hesitant, "I think I'd like to grab something from my room."

Fang's eyebrows furrowed in curiosity. "What is it you need?" he pressed, leaning forward slightly, his amber eyes intent on Kev's face. "Can't someone bring it down for you? I don't want you wandering around alone too much just yet." There was a hint of protectiveness in his tone, a subtle shift that Kev couldn't help but notice.

Kev's cheeks flushed a delicate pink. He fidgeted with the edge of his napkin, his gaze dropping to the table. "I, uh... I'd like to get a little high if we are going to be hanging around like last night," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper, the words tumbling out in a rush.

A wide grin spread across Fang's face, his sharp teeth flashing in amusement. The tension that had momentarily gripped Kev dissipated, replaced by a sense of relief and a touch of warmth at Fang's understanding.

"Why go anywhere?" Fang chuckled, his deep voice rumbling through the quiet barroom. He raised a hand to beckon a nearby bouncer, his gesture casual yet commanding. The massive tigerman, recognizing the signal, quickly made his way over to their table, pushing past the closer kangaroo who stood at the rope. His powerful strides ate up the distance with surprising speed.

Rex approached their table with a swagger, his predatory gaze fixated on Kev. "Well, well, well," he purred, a suggestive smirk playing on his lips. "Look who's decided to venture back downstairs. And looking even more delicious than last night, I might add." He gave Kev a lingering once-over before finally acknowledging Fang with a curt nod. "What can I do for you, boss?"

Fang's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face at Rex's blatant flirting. He quickly pushed it aside, focusing on the task at hand. "Kev here is looking for something to take the edge off," he said, his tone clipped.

Rex's grin widened, his eyes sparkling with mischief. He turned to Kev, his voice a low, seductive purr. "And what might that be, little human? I can get my paws on just about anything you can imagine."

Kev, taken aback by the sudden offer, blinked in surprise. It seemed Rex's connections extended far beyond the realm of security. "Just some weed tonight," he replied, his voice a bit hesitant.

Rex's grin turned predatory. "If you want to come back to my place after work, I can introduce you to some real excitement," he purred, his gaze lingering on Kev's lips. "I bet you'd be a lot of fun to play with."

Fang's patience snapped. "Just get the damn weed, Rex," he growled, his voice laced with a warning. "And keep your filthy paws to yourself."

Rex's grin faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered, a mischievous glint returning to his eyes. "Yes, sir," he said with a mock salute, then turned and disappeared into the crowd.