FSE

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Underneath the cloak of night the leaves on the trees lining the street outside the club were the yellows, ochers, and reds of autumn. The leaves rustled softly with the breeze that swept through. The air was taking on a chill, though there was still a hint of the lingering summer warmth in the air, like a sigh on the wind.

In the windows were pumpkins and cardboard cutouts of bats, cats, and witches on broomsticks all in silhouette. Imitation cobwebs were strung up in displays, and skulls hung like baubles around the street.

It was nearing the morning on a Saturday. The club had just closed. The music playing on the speakers now was classic rock where before it produced thumping beats that kept time with the pulse of the dancers, now scattered and home.

At the bar, inside the club behind the stained-glass inlaid door, Daniel sat; A lithe gazelle in a rust-colored satin shirt and tan slacks. And next to him was Steven, a broad-shouldered lion in a black t-shirt. Daniel’s curly blond hair was tied back in a pony-tail and in his hand was a cigarette smoldering away.

“Now I know who this is.” Ricky the cheetah said teasingly to Daniel as he came up to the bar in a sweat-shirt and sweatpants.

“Oh?” Daniel turned his head to look at the cheetah, whose pink and purple tipped hair matted against his skull from sweat.

“The Doors. People Are Strange.” Ricky said as he wiped the back of his neck with a towel.

“Oh my, that is impressive.” Daniel said, the lilt of his faded Yorkshire accent coming through. “Normally when people think of them, it’s Light My Fire, or—”

“Break On Through?” Ricky quickly added, silencing the gazelle who had a look of pleasant surprise. “Yeah, they’re good. My mom used to be a huge nerd for them.”

“I’m glad you approve.” Daniel said with a chuckle. “I assume you’re tired. You danced your heart out tonight.”

“Yeah, I was really feeling the magic.” Ricky grinned as he took a seat next to the gazelle.

Behind the bar Dimitri the coyote finished wiping down the beer taps. “Your tips.” he passed Ricky a rolled up wad of bills. “Not much this time.”

“Next week, perhaps.” Daniel smiled as he drew on his cigarette then inhaled. “Ricky, you still good for the holiday soon?”

“Yes. I already know the routines I’ll be going with too. You’ll like these ones; a few new moves I’ve been practicing.”

“Well, be careful. I know how risky the silks are; you’ve been quite clear in saying so.”

“Don’t worry, I’m not going to do something stupid… like kissing my boss’s partner again.” Ricky laughs.

Steven blushed.

“Of course I don’t blame you for trying.” Daniel reached over to scratch under Steven’s chin softly, eliciting a purr from the lion. “Speaking of, have you given much thought into opening your life to someone like that?”

“If you’re asking if I’ve been seeing someone, no. The answer is still no.” Ricky said, his voice carrying a pang of disappointment.

“Well, I know you have some fans at least.” Dimitri said, pointing to Brutus, the grizzly bear by the coat check wearing a vest and jeans.

“Yeah. Something was in the mail-box for you.” Brutus reached over the partition of the coat check and fetched a letter that was sealed with a small golden heart-shaped sticker.

‘For a beautiful dancer’ the envelope said in black marker.

Ricky peeled the sticker off and pulled out the small folded card inside.

He opened it, read it, and blushed.

“So what are they saying?” Dimitri asked.

“Just what you’d expect. A secret admirer is paying me a compliment.” Ricky smiled blushing harder.

“Oh it’s got to be a bit more than a simple compliment to get you this flustered.” Daniel leaned forward in his seat, his grin wide. “Come on, dish.”

“Fine.” Ricky cleared his throat. “Like a caged bird, you make my heart sing.”

Bruno whistled. “Smooth.”

“Well, there’s no name or anything so it’s not like I should really take this seriously.” Ricky paused, adjusting his shirt and tucking the card in the waistband of his pants. “And really, I kinda like it. It feels good to know someone’s looking at me as more than just a slab of meat.”

“Well, I’m certain that when someone comes into your life like that, it will be real. Not some facade.” Daniel said.

“You think so?” the cheetah’s cynicism peeked through. “I mean, I’m just a dancer. It’s not like they really know a thing about me.”

“That could change some day.” Daniel said, and Steven reached over to place a hand on his lover’s thigh. “And who knows, maybe the right person for you is just waiting to be seen.”

“Maybe” Ricky gestured to Dimitri for a bottle of water and the coyote had one in his hand in seconds. “I would only want to find someone if I had the time, honestly. There isn’t much wiggle room what with practice and now dancing for you here.”

“I hate to interrupt, but I gotta get going. Cab’s here and It’s late and Frank is probably in bed by now.” Brutus said.

“Good night, big guy” Ricky said.

“Safe travels, sir” Dimitri said with a weak salute to which Brutus laughed and waved at.

“See you tomorrow,” Daniel said as he went to give the bear a hug.

When the bear parted, and Daniel returned to his seat, Ricky turned to the gazelle “So, what’s his story?”

“Hm?” Daniel uttered, perplexed.

“Well, we’re talking about having people in each other’s lives, what’s his and Frank’s story?”

“What’s there for me to tell?” Daniel said. “It’s a tale as old as time. Boy meets boy, boy falls in love, they live happily ever after.”

“I guess.” Ricky pondered turning to Steven. “I know they are married. Legally, like you two are.”

Steven smiled at the reminder of their big day. “I’m not sure that I’m the best person to ask either. I don’t know him like Daniel.”

“Well, okay…” Ricky yawned. “Though I should probably consider heading out too.”

“I’ll walk you home.” Dimitri offered as he took off his apron and folded it, placing it under the counter.

“Thank you.” Ricky said. “I’m a little hungry though, so, do you mind if we stop at the pizza place on the way? They should still be open.”

“Not at all. I could eat too.” Dimitri smiled as he grabbed his and Ricky’s coat from the coat-check.

After the two left and the door closed shut, Daniel turned to his lover. “We’re alone again.” He smiled.

“We are.” Steven grinned and slid off his chair to stand before his partner with his hand outstretched. “Care to dance, my queen?”

“I would be delighted, my pet.” Daniel took the offered hand and stood.

The music was softer now, slower. And the two danced together, Daniel resting his head on Steven’s chest, and Steven holding his husband close where they swayed in each others’ arms.

“I still can’t believe it. It’s like a dream.” Daniel said.

“I know.” Steven cooed, his arms gently stroking the small of his husband’s back. “To think it was about a year ago when we first met.”

Daniel chuckled “You looked so terrified of the club that night.”

“It was my first time.” Steven purred. “I’m glad you were the first person I met.”

“Aside from that hiccup along the way, it was a lot like the stories.” Daniel looked up at the lion’s auburn eyes, and Steven looked back at Daniel and smiled.

“I guess.” Steven chuckled and brought his lips to meet Daniel’s in a tender kiss.

Daniel kissed back, and when the kiss broke, he brought a hand up to fish out the thin gold chain around the lion’s neck with the heart-shaped lock securing it. “And you threw the key away.” He laughed.

“I did.” Steven smiled and kissed his husband once more.

The office where Daniel was sitting was quiet and calmly furnished, warmly. The doctor, a tall serval wearing a dress shirt and slacks, sat next to him on the chair and was holding a notepad, occasionally jotting down bits of information.

“Is this a frequent thing with her? Her denying you?” The doctor asked.

“She would sometimes get this way, but never for this long.” Daniel said from the plush couch, sitting in a sweat-shirt with his arms folded around his body. “I assume it’s because I married Steven.”

“And is this how she would punish you when you were a child?” He looked at his notepad for a second, marking something down.

“Sometimes, though it wasn’t so bad before father…” Daniel trailed off.

The doctor stopped his scribbling. “I remember you saying something about him. Are you perhaps ready to discuss it?"

“Not a chance.” Daniel laughed and leaned back against the back of the couch.

“So, have you found you’ve needed to take some pills for the anxiety lately?”

“No, not for a while now. I came close a few times though.”

“What stopped you?” The doctor started taking notes again.

“I have Steven and he listens to me when I need to talk.” Daniel looked at the doctor, locking eyes with him. “A bit like how you help me.”

The doctor returned the gazelle’s gaze for a second. “Is that something you feel was lacking in your life?” he asked “People to listen to you when you needed to talk?”

“For the longest time, yes.” Daniel turned his gaze away. “I would regularly be told to keep my mouth shut as I was called disruptive rather frequently.”

“You seem to have recovered from it and you seem capable of expressing yourself now. Much better than when you first came to me.”

“Yes.” Daniel slumped forward. “I was quite troubled at the time.”

“I remember. You were tempted to deal with John in a rather bad way.”

“Can we not talk about him please?” Daniel shifted in his seat. “I know I almost did something I would never have forgiven myself for. But, to be fair, I felt I had no other option.”

“And since you’ve been with Steven, you’ve grown.”

“Yes, with Steven it’s funny, it’s like we’re born from similar struggles, though his wounds are fresher than mine.” Daniel folded his hands on his lap. “I know that he’s helped me, that we’ve helped each other.”

“You’ve said so before.”

“I believe it. We’ve been through so much together and it’s only been about a year since we met.”

“And in that time you feel you’ve become stronger, emotionally?”

“Oh yes, I used to be so hot-headed. It wouldn’t take a lot to get me fired up.”

“Now it takes considerably more?”

“I’d like to think so. But I’d rather not test that.” Daniel laughed.

“How has business been for you since we last talked?”

“Oh that’s been fine. We’ve been making sure to keep the place packed and drinks flowing reliably. Keeping things balanced is Steven’s job, but it’s mine to make sure everyone’s enjoying themselves.”

“Yes, the parties and events. You’ve done a lot for the community and you’ve asked for little credit.”

“Well, the old me might have something to say about that but now? I don’t know.”

“You can recognize that there is an old you. So, that’s something to be proud of.”

“True, I guess.” Daniel shrugged. “I sometimes wish mother would try that. See if there is an old her.”

“Do you think there is an old her?”

“I don’t know. It could be the idealism of youth but for a time I thought I was loved by her.”

“And that changed?”

“Yes, it did. About the time of… well, when father became a problem.”

“When you’re ready to talk more about that, we can. If you feel like I’ve earned that level of trust.”

Daniel smiled. “Thank you, doctor.”

“So, when you said you used to get argumentative with your mother.”

“That? Oh that was just me lashing out.”

“Again you dismiss and blame yourself.” The doctor looked into Daniel’s eyes. “Focus on what happened.”

The gazelle sighed, not wanting to, but knowing that the best way was to talk about it. “I remember getting so argumentative with mother. Like I wanted to hurt her.” Daniel grimaced. “I always felt like I was wrong for whatever stupid reason.”

“Well, you never actively tried to harm her, did you?”

Daniel sighed. “No. Not physically. Though I still feel guilty for saying the things I used to. I did, once or twice when I was younger, taunt her with what I did in private time.”

“Do you feel like that was you trying to cause her grief, or you trying to ask for help?”

“It’s really difficult to say. I wanted her to be upset because it was one of the few times she was ever honest about anything.”

“And this was something you would do regularly?”

“Oh no.” Daniel sighed. “Most of the time it was during a fight that she would instigate with me.”

“What would be her reasons for starting a fight with you?”

“Grades, mostly. But behavior was also something she would try to ‘correct’” Daniel said as he made a quoting gesture at the last word.

“And would she strike you, or harm you in any way?”

“Oh she loved slapping us around when she was angry.”

“So would you say that a good portion of your life was suppressing what you felt would make her angry?”

“Sometimes, yes. It was so much different when I got out of there.”

“I remember you saying something about this, how you rented a place, then moved to the States about a year later.”

“I needed to get as far away from her as I could.”

“And she still would insist on maintaining contact?”

“Yes. Even across the pond she was rather forceful.”

“And she would insist that you marry a woman, even though you had told her that you were gay?”

“Yes.”

“Has she returned your calls yet?”

“Still no.”

In the brightly-lit office upstairs at the club Steven was with Frank the cat at the wooden desk going over the financial data for the month while Daniel was nervously waiting at the open door to the catwalks.

Ricky was out above the stage carefully inspecting the hardware that he had just finished replacing, giving Daniel no end of anxiety.

“I do hope you’re careful out there.” Daniel called to the cheetah.

“No worries, I’ll be okay.” Ricky called back while fiddling with the shackle keeping the pulley attached to the girder above. “I’m basically done anyway.”

When Ricky was about to come back into the office, Daniel made space for him. The relief washing over the gazelle when the cheetah was back on solid floor was visible in how his shoulders slumped and an exhale escaped his lungs.

“You should have more faith in me.” Ricky said. “I’m honestly more at home in the air than on solid ground sometimes.”

“Good, but I still worry.” Daniel said as he moved to go downstairs to the bar.

Ricky followed the gazelle. “Okay, though this new hardware should be able to hold more than just a few bodies.”

“Was the old one that bad?” Daniel asked as he stood by the bar.

“No, but this one is better.” Ricky took a seat on the tall leather-upholstered chair.

Carlos came in from the front, the fresh Friday air wafting through, carrying a freshness with it. Daniel nodded with a smile. “Hey boss.” Carlos nodded back. “Hi Ricky!” he said with a smile.

“Hello Carlos. How was dinner?” Daniel asked.

“Pretty good.” Carlos replied. “Ricky, you’re early.”

“Just making sure the hardware’s ready for the holiday.”

“Good call. It would suck if you got hurt again.” Carlos said.

“Tell me about it.” Ricky sighed. “I was so out of shape after that injury.”

“If you’re ready, Carlos” Daniel interrupted. “I’ll unlock the doors.”

“Yeah, I think everything is good.”

Daniel went to the corner of the bar to flip a switch, turning the music on to a thumping beat, and the lights switching on from above casting their beams all over the darkly painted interior. Then he went to unlock the door, the lock turning over with a soft click.

“So, uh, Ricky…” Carlos said to the cheetah as he was donning a black apron over his dark t-shirt. “When you’re performing. What’s that like?”

Ricky turned to the red wolf. “What do you mean? In the air?” he asked.

“Yeah.” Carlos smiled. “When I first saw you perform I saw your face… you really liked being up there.”

Ricky paused, a smile spreading on his muzzle. “It’s really not that easy to describe. It takes all my focus sometimes to make sure I’m hitting all the poses I want to hit.” He inhaled, resting a hand against his chest. “But when I hit it, and the lights are just right, and everyone’s eyes are on me. It’s…” he exhaled softly as his hand dropped to his lap. “It’s something else entirely.”

“I’m glad I’m working a double for the holiday.” Carlos said, his smile widening.

“Yeah, it’s all hands on deck soon.” Ricky said, and Daniel nodded as he stood next to the cheetah.

The door to the club suddenly opened, sending another rush of fresh air from outside, as Charles the snow-leopard came in wearing a dark gray three-piece suit.

“Oh my!” Daniel commented to the cat as he approached Daniel. “What are you doing here so early?”

Charles was direct and to the point. “My dear, I want to throw a party.”

“What day?” Daniel asked.

“Tuesday.”

“Excellent. Why?”

“I’ve made partner.”

“Congratulations” Daniel leaned forward to kiss Charles’s cheek and he responded by kissing Daniel’s in return. “So, have you an idea of what sort of party you’d like?”

“Private, RSVP and all that. I’ll handle the guest list, you handle the venue.” Charles handed Daniel a coil-bound notebook.

“Well, venue is available, I can ask Carlos or Dimitri to tend bar, but as for entertainment.”

“No worries, that’s arranged. I just need you to give the once over and final say.”

Daniel flipped through the notes, locating the section that listed talent and read down the list. He raise an eyebrow as he saw a familiar name. “You want Steven on stage?”

“I would.” Charles said as he adjusted his tie. “Purely for the aesthetic I’m going for, as you can imagine.”

“Yes, I can.” Daniel flipped through the booklet. “I’ll ask him. Do you have a back-up in case he says no?”

Charles blinked, then nodded.

“The usual rates apply. Is this open or cash bar?”

“Open, please. I want a night of wanton decadence.”

“Transportation and everything arranged?”

“Already booked. You can trust that I won’t go overboard.”

“Well.” Daniel said while looking at the itinerary in the booklet. “Some of these things you want might push the envelope a bit.”

“I assure you, we will all behave ourselves.”

“Well, you know our hours.”

“Yes, I’ll have everyone start arriving for after dinner-ish. All the protocols you need are included in the package.”

“I see.” Daniel weighed the coil-bound book. “So, if that’s all?”

“I believe that should be it, yes.”

“It has been good to see you again, my darling.” Daniel leaned forward to give Charles a peck on the cheek.

“It has.” Charles said. “And I look forward to next Tuesday.”

When Charles had left, Frank and Steven came down from the office upstairs, both talking together.

Daniel stood to meet Steven and embraced him. Then said “I assume the finances are sorted for the month?”

Steven and Frank both nodded. “Yes, things seem to be on track.” Frank said.

“Brilliant.” Daniel smiled.

“Carlos, would you be a dear and prepare me a Manhattan, please?” Frank grinned at the red wolf.

Carlos nodded and began making the drink for Frank, free-pouring the ingredients into an ice-filled shaker and stirring it, then straining the ice as he poured it into a stemmed saucer glass. Then finishing with two cherries, he slid the drink to Frank’s well manicured hand.

Frank took a seat at the bar and twirled the garnish with a finger.

“Oh, love, I hate to do this to you but I may need your husband to put in some time here this coming Tuesday.” Daniel said to Frank.

“I can certainly let him know.” Frank said.

“It’s so cute how you two are like totally a thing.” Ricky interrupted from the bar.

Frank blushed as he swiveled his chair to face Ricky. “Thank you, my dear.” He replied, then took a sip of his drink.

“Were you each other’s high-school sweet-heart or something?” Ricky asked.

Frank laughed softly at that. “No, it wasn’t like that.”

“So is he your first?” the cheetah pressed.

“No, and if you want to know about first loves, well, I can’t say that Brutus was mine. And to be fair I wasn’t his.” Frank sips, then swallows a mouthful of the amber drink. “That’s just how life is sometimes, isn’t it? It’s not like the story books.”

“You should know, you studied them deeply.” Daniel said as he took a seat at the bar with the two.

Frank laughed. “Yeah, I did… most of them were fairy stories.”

“So, who was he? Your first love?” Ricky asked.

“Oh he was a delightful young thing. The professor’s assistant, and I was smitten the second I saw him.”

“Did you, you know…” Ricky trailed off sheepishly.

“Oh we did more than just that.” Frank smiled. “He’s responsible for my awakening as a submissive.”

“Wasn’t it considered improper though? I mean, he was your superior.” Ricky asked.

“Different time entirely.” Frank said as he took a sip, then swallowed. “This was the tail end of the summer of love. Everyone was far more sexually liberated.”

“Were you surprised that he was into you?” Ricky asked the feline.

“At first, but then when I realized he was flirting with more than just me, it soured me to the prospect of continuing it with him.”

“I hope he didn’t, like, flunk you or whatever.” Ricky said.

“It would have been worse than that.” Daniel said.

“Oh it wasn’t safe to be out of the closet at all. I was wracked with worry for quite some time.” Frank sipped at his drink. “Terrified that I would be thrown out of university.” He laughed.

“Thankfully that didn’t happen, or you wouldn’t have finished your studies.” Daniel said.

“Yes, I was also one of the privileged few that managed to dodge the draft without having to escape to another country. So, if I didn’t have to attend university, I’d have been drafted.” Frank said. “Sadly, Brutus wasn’t so lucky.”

“He’s a veteran?” Ricky asked.

Frank nodded “Yes. Though dishonorably discharged.”

“Oh no, what for?” Ricky asked.

“Striking a superior officer.” Frank laughed. “Even back then he had trouble with authority.”

Ricky laughed and Daniel smiled.

Frank continued. “His squad was sent on a mission to scope out an outpost in a village about twenty miles West of Da Nang that hadn’t checked in.”

“Oh, I think I know how this is gonna go.” Ricky said, cynically.

“If you mean there was an ambush?” Frank asked and Ricky nodded. “Yes. His squad was pinned down by guerrillas. They lost a few in that fight, but they did manage to send the bastards running.”

“So they saved a village?” Ricky asked

Frank nodded. “It wasn’t a very large village, maybe around fifty or so.” The feline sighed. “It was used as an ammunition depot, which is why it was so important that they send troops to get it back.”

“So what does any of this have to do with his first love?” Ricky asked.

“This is just the setting.” Frank said, grabbing a cherry from the garnish and eating it. “You see, he hadn’t realized up until boot camp that he had an interest in men.”

“Did he come out?” Ricky asked, and Daniel and Frank both chuckled. Ricky frowned lightly at the two of them.

“Oh, no, sorry, I didn’t mean to make light.” Frank said. “It was a different time for us back then.”

“It was just after the time of Stonewall, wasn’t it?” Daniel asked.

Frank nods. “Yes. I remember the day I read about it in the news. It was the gossip of the campus for quite some time.”

“And Brutus?” Ricky asked.

“Ah, forgive me.” Frank continued. “As for Brutus, he didn’t realize he liked men at the time, he discovered it during the showers in boot-camp. And when his first love came along, he was blindsided.”

Frank took a sip of his drink then swallowed. Placing the glass down, he continued. “He did say there wasn’t anything ever overt. They kept their little tryst as hidden as they could.” He folded his hands in his lap. “He would’ve been discharged, possibly thrown in prison, if it was found out that he was gay.”

“What?!” Ricky is shocked. “No, that’s just…”

“It was a different time.” Daniel interrupted with a hand on Ricky’s knee. “It’s not so dangerous now, but back then.”

Frank nodded. “I have stories to tell you of that if you’re ever willing.”

“Well, I still want to know about his first love.” Ricky urged, leaning in to hear the feline better.

Frank smiled. “He was a buck. About my height, not counting his antlers. And after a few days of being stationed in the village, they found a budding relationship on their hands.” Frank laughed. “He was being given little trinkets of thanks and they spent time trying to teach each other their language. Apparently it was slow progress and Brutus only really learned how to say ‘you are beautiful.’”

Frank takes a sip of his drink.

“I remember him saying that it caused quite a laugh when he tried it at first. But he did get it eventually.”

“Oh?” Ricky asked.

“Yes, I wouldn’t be able to pronounce it correctly but when Brutus says it now, it sounds so lovely.” Frank leaned forward at the last part, his smile wide and warm.

Ricky smiled “I’d love it if someone were to say something like that to me.”

“In time, I’m sure.” Frank said. “Though as for Brutus, they were stargazing when he had his first kiss.” Frank leaned back. “Brutus had learned how to say the phrase, and when he did, that’s when it happened.”

Frank’s smile started to wilt at the corners slightly. “The rest is the usual story.” He said. “They traded kisses under the night’s sky, and Brutus was eager to learn just how much he’d missed out on being in the closet.”

“Did they?” Ricky trailed off with a quiet leer on his face.

“Oh no. They never did anything like that.” Frank said, his eyes drifting off on a horizon only visible to him. “Though that was his first true kiss.”

“I’m sorry if this is dredging up old memories.” Daniel offered.

“It’s okay. I’m not upset. Brutus is here now. We chose each other years ago and we’ve been very happy together.” Frank said while showing off the wedding ring he wore. “Coming up on our tenth official anniversary.”

“Ten years. That’s like a record.” Ricky chuckled. “Normally my relationships only last as long as it takes for them to sober up.”

“Don’t be so hard on yourself, Ricky.” Daniel offered. “Surely there’s someone out there for you.”

“Yeah, yeah, the usual. Just have to be patient.” Ricky pouted. “It’s just that you all have someone in your lives. And I feel like I’m just here sitting alone watching everyone else dance.”

Daniel placed a hand on Ricky’s shoulder. “It will happen. In its own time.”

Ricky rolled his eyes.

“When Brutus’s tour was over, he was dishonorably discharged.” Frank said.

“So after all that, they still threw him out?”

Frank nodded. “Not for being gay, no. Brutus kept that very close to his chest back then. As I said, he struck a superior officer.”

“Heh, the officer probably deserved it.”

Frank went silent, and his mouth grew tense at the corners.

“What did the officer do to deserve it?”

“They rescued him.” Frank said softly.

“So why did he hit them?” Ricky asked.

Frank eventually smiled and put a hand on Ricky’s knee. “Honestly, I’m not sure I’m okay saying. This is getting to be a little bit too personal and I’d rather let him tell this part of the story, if he wants to.”

The next afternoon, as Daniel woke with the sun streaming in the window, casting shadows where the blinds cut the light into slices, he leaned up.

It was late in the afternoon and a Sunday, and as he donned a robe to cover himself with, he went into the kitchen to begin the day’s routine before Steven had a chance to wake up.

The kettle was filled and the switch pressed to have it boil in a few minutes. In that time he prepared the carafe with coffee grinds, taking a moment to sniff at the rich and earthy aroma before adding two scoops to the glass carafe.

While he waited for the water to finish boiling, he decided to take this opportunity to have a cigarette.

Going to his jacket, he fished out the pack he kept there, and the lighter that accompanied it and had a cigarette in his lips in a smooth, rehearsed motion and was out the door on to the balcony to be greeted with a fresh lungful of air, and the smell of the alleyway five stories below.

The cigarette was as every other cigarette he’d had so far. It burned going down and he coughed a few times from the irritation.

The city, despite his habit, welcomed the gazelle with a lovely view that encompassed almost a full city block of sun-drenched roofs and sunlight reflecting off the windows of the taller buildings around the area.

It was a beautiful view, even with the smell.

Daniel extinguished his cigarette and flicked it below to be swallowed by the alley before opening the door and going back inside.

The kettle was just about to switch off when Steven came out, wearing boxer shorts and scratching his mane as a yawn escaped his maw.

“Good morning, love.” Daniel said. “I hope you slept well.”

“Like a log.” Steven grunted out, then smiled as he leaned forward to give Daniel a kiss. “Anything planned for the day?”

“Nothing serious.”

“Good.” Steven leaned in and wrapped his arms around his husband and planted a deeper kiss on his lips. One which the gazelle matched in ardor.

“Before we do anything, I would like to make sure you are okay with being part of Charles’ performance.” Daniel interrupted his lover’s advances briefly.

“Well, you gave me the basics, and I read the protocols. Pose a little, let him touch my muscles, that sort of thing.”

“I just want to make sure you’re fully in support. He has a back-up just in case you aren’t certain.”

“If it’s only to be seen, maybe touched a little, I’m okay with that. Especially if you’re going to be touching me.” He grinned. “Is he hoping for more than just a show?”

“As far as I can tell from his document, all he wants is a show. Nothing more.”

“And he can be trusted?”

“Well, he has grown from when we first met. So I believe so.”

“Then I trust you.” Steven purred and reached his lips down to kiss his husband once more.

Daniel returned the kiss, and a little more as his hand crept around to grasp at his lover’s hip.

Steven’s purr grew deeper, resonating in his chest more loudly. “My queen, may I have some of your time for myself?” he said.

“Yes, my pet.” His queen trailed a finger through the lion’s mane.

Steven kissed again, holding Daniel close while an arm slid down the gazelle’s back, leaving a tingling shiver in its wake.

“My love, I would like to have you blindfolded.” the gazelle whispered as the kiss broke.

“I will accept whatever pleases you to give.” The lion said softly.

“Go to the bed, I’ll be there in a moment.” Daniel gently commanded.

When the lion had left, Daniel grabbed a plastic bowl from the dish rack and filled it with ice from the freezer.

He went to the open door to the bedroom to be greeted by the lion’s gentle smile and piercing auburn eyes.

Daniel smiled and brought the bowl to the side table and reached into a drawer to fetch a long black silk sash. The lion took this opportunity with his husband near to nuzzle and gently nip at the gazelle’s exposed flesh.

“Soon, my pet.” Daniel whispered. He kissed the side of the lion’s head to urge him closer, so that he could connect lip to lip.

Daniel’s tongue glided across the lion’s teeth and eventually coaxed the lion’s tongue into another dance as Daniel urged the lion to remove his shorts.

Steven, as eager as ever, helped slide them down his hips and kicked them off the bet to reveal to his lover that he was heavily aroused.

“My turn.” Daniel stood and turned his back to his lover to then let the robe slide off the side of his shoulder seductively. The terrycloth falling down so that it was held up by his elbows, until he straightened them and let the fabric fall the rest of the way, showing his lover his rear and tail that was eagerly twitching.

Daniel smiled as he turned his head, then turned to face his pet to show him how much the lion aroused him.

Steven’s purr, which was simmering on the periphery, suddenly leapt in intensity as the lion’s pupils dilated, seeing his lover, husband, and his queen nude in front of him, presenting his lithe form to be supped on by the eyes of the hungry lion on the bed.

“Now, my pet…” Daniel began, his tone soft. “I have a command for you.”

“Anything, my queen.” The lion begged, leaning closer from his supine position on the bed as the gazelle approached.

“You mustn’t use you hands.” And the gazelle knelt down to be at eye-level with his husband. “I command you to keep them at your side.”

The lion obeyed, and a whimper escaped his throat “how will I please you, my queen?”

“You already please me.” Daniel whispered.

The lion purred and leaned forward, attempting to reach his lover lips with his own.

They kissed. Ardently. A need within them had been renewed and the only thing that could sate it was a kiss, a touch, a scent.

Steven purred as Daniel brought the silk sash up to his head. The wrap was not tight, in fact it was somewhat loose. But it was secure and unless the lion were to peek, which would be going against his queen’s command, there would be nothing he could see.

“My pet, I shall begin.” Daniel said as he reached over to the side-table to grab an ice-cube. It’s cold and slick surface held firm in his fingers as he brought it over to gently graze the lion’s lips with it, soon to be replaced with Daniel’s warm lips. The heat melting away the chill with a kiss as warm as sunlight.

The ice cube came back, but along the lion’s neck this time. Again, to be followed by lips that kissed and nipped. This progressed further down along the lion’s supine form, and he nearly disobeyed a few times, his hands moving slightly, then returning as if being reminded that he was forbidden from intervening.

The lion played his part dutifully, and with restraint, despite his light squirms.

When Daniel reached his destination, he slid the ice along the bottom of the lion’s length and as the lion had come to expect, the cold was replaced with heat from the gazelle’s mouth in kisses, nibbles, and now tastes.

The lion was moaning with every change in temperature as Daniel repeated the process. Letting the lion reach his peak, then bringing him back from the edge, to repeat the process as many times as he felt he needed to to drive the lion below him into a frenzy of heated passion.

And he did as much as he set out to do. For when the lion started to bare his teeth, that’s when Daniel knew to change tactics and reach for a small flip-top bottle on the night-stand.

“I’m not going to have you make a mess of yourself.” He playfully teased as he slickened his entrance with the cool liquid from the bottle. Then he climbed on top of the supine, blindfolded lion and held himself there. “Are you ready?”

The lion nodded.

Daniel descended, reaching behind him to guide the lion into him as he had done many times before.

The lion’s gripping at the sheets and urgent upward motions were almost more than the gazelle could handle as he was quite close himself… but he wanted more, and he would have it.

“Easy, pet” he whispered as he slowly settled down on the lion’s lap, fully impaled. “Breathe.” He instructed.

The lion obeyed, seeming to focus on his breath instead of his pleasure. It wasn’t until his breathing became less haggard and more regular that Daniel knew he was ready for more.

So Daniel began moving his hips up, then down, slowly, setting a languid pace.

The lion below him kept his breathing measured, but his grip on the sheets was tight. Daniel could see the lion wanting to resist in the way his hands would shift, as if he wanted to disobey and place them wherever he wanted to.

Daniel was tempted. To give his pet the signal. But he was delighting in this moment. Knowing that his pet could easily overpower him but chose to obey.

And his obedience would be rewarded, soon. Daniel simply needed one more thing and he was working himself up to his own climax.

“I don’t want you to hold back, my love.” Daniel said to the lion. “I’m close.”

“Let me put a hand on you, please.” He begged. “Let me caress you.”

Daniel’s breathing was becoming ragged and hasty. “Okay, yes, you may.” He said and Steven took no time to reach up and slide his hand along Daniel’s leg to his belly. Hunching up, Daniel knew the lion was about to climax. His teeth were bared, his hand was urgently holding on to him, and his thrusts were getting more urgent. More needful.

The lion finally gathered his strength to thrust one more time, allowing him to cross the threshold and grant his queen the tribute only he could give. Deep within his lover, surrounded by the pulsating heartbeat of his queen whom was also carried over the edge and erupted with a sharp moan on to the belly of the lion below.

As things reduced to a gentle simmer, Daniel leaned down and rested against Steven.

Steven, having been given permission for one hand, used that hand to hold his lover close. “I assume I can use my other hand?”

The gazelle nodded. “I hope you don’t mind some aftercare.”

“Not at all” Steven chuckled.

Tuesday arrived quicker than anticipated and both Daniel and Steven were prepared. The club, which would normally be closed at this time of the week, was lit and there was soft music on the speakers as Charles was standing with Daniel and Ricky at the bar.

Daniel was wearing a black tuxedo and had his face done up in heavy makeup to show off his eyes. Charles was done up in a black three piece suit, and the rest were in their civilian clothing.

Brutus was there helping Steven put the last minute touches on the tables scattered around, which was a satin table-cloth and a small electric candle in a crystal votive.

“There’s another letter” Frank said as he came up to the bar.

Ricky is handed the sealed envelope and opened it.

He read it, and a smile slowly crept on to his muzzle. “A poem this time!”

“What does it say?” Daniel asked.

“My little bird, my heart sings for thee. Come fly, fly away with me.”

Charles smiled worriedly “That’s cute, until it isn’t.”

“Oh Charles, why do you have to be such a wet-blanket about this?” Daniel scolded the snow leopard.

“I’m just saying.” He recoiled defensively. “Getting letters from a fan and no name attached? Seems a little worrying.”

“I’m sure it’s nothing like that. It’s probably some guy who has a hard time expressing themselves.”

Charles acquiesced. “Perhaps. Still, it pays to be cautious, especially with someone you don’t know.”

At this point Carlos came in from his dinner break to cover the bar. He was dressed in a gray sweatshirt and black tear-away athletic pants and he was holding a napkin against his chin to wipe up the remaining ketchup from his dinner that had gotten on to his muzzle.

“Hey boss.” Carlos nodded, and smiled.

Daniel nodded, welcoming the red wolf back from his break.

“Hey Ricky” Carlos smiled wider when he spied the cheetah.

“Hey Carlos” Ricky waved with his fingers, and with a little smile on his lips.

Carlos, when he was behind the bar, started to take off his sweatshirt to reveal his toned physique underneath wearing a leather harness. When he stripped off the tearaway pants, he was wearing a leather thong and chaps.

He takes a collar from his side-bag and puts it on himself, much to Ricky’s delighted, but muted, gasp.

“Ah, the old uniform.” Daniel chuckled. “I haven’t seen you in that since we bought the place.”

“I think the old boss got a kick out of seeing me put myself on display.” Carlos said. “He never made a move though, thankfully. It would have felt weird being at work and all.”

“So you’re a professional at all times.” Ricky said, his face slackening for a moment.

“I am, or at least I try my best. Why?” Carlos said, flexing his pectorals with a grin. “You asking?”

Ricky’s face became flush under his fur, the blush in his cheeks deep and he sputtered. “I… I mean… Uh… I should probably get ready.” He quickly bounded off to the dressing room.

“Oh.” Carlos said. “Sorry.” He called to the retreating cheetah as his own blush roasted his cheeks.

“So, stock is good and everything is set up.” Daniel said to the reddened wolf. “You think we’re good to go?”

Carlos nods. “I think so.”

Daniel smiled and went to turn the colored lights above, and the music, both on. Then he adjusted his cummerbund to ensure it wasn’t slipping down, and unlocked the door.

There were two groups that formed. The first were the fellow dominants that Charles had invited to his celebration, and each of them brought a submissive to attend to them during the party.

Frank was there instructing the submissives on where to change out of their civilian clothing and into their uniforms, all provided by Charles, who was instructing the dominants where they could go to change into their own clothing, should they desire to dress differently for the party.

All the submissives wore the same thing, a gray spandex body suit that showed off their bodies with wide black belts cinched snugly.

And of the dominants that did change into more comfortable clothing, in line with the dress code that was in place, they came out of the bathrooms in their preferred kinky garb. Some wore leather hats and vests over stiffly starched blue dress shirts, others wore rubber articles of clothing. And there were a few masks being worn, telegraphing to others that they did not want their civilian name to be known.

It was a diverse crowd of kinksters, all taking seats at the tables, their submissives sitting next to them, and all waiting for the show to inevitably begin.

Behind the curtain Daniel was pacing. His nerves were worked up and he was biting at his gloved fingers lightly, chewing the fabric as if it gave him some measure of calm. Which, clearly it did not.

Steven was there, wearing nothing but a leather thong, trying to soothe the pacing gazelle “Daniel, my queen, it’s just a show like all the rest.”

“Yes, but… I really don’t know. I have this strange feeling in the pit of my stomach that something is going to go wrong.”

“You know what you need to do.” Steven calmly urged his lover. “Take a breath, clear your mind, and begin.”

Daniel sighed and smiled, “You’re right, my pet. Everything is already handled. Nothing to surprise us.”

Steven placed his hands on the shoulders of his lover. “Everything is accounted for, all steps and precautions have been taken.” He smiled. “It’s going to be okay.”

“I know.” Daniel sighed. “I get this way though, you know that.”

“I do. And I trust that things will work. Carlos is ready for his shift, it’s a small party, private.”

Daniel smiled meekly.

“We’re ready to go whenever you are.” Steven said.

Daniel looked down for a second to mentally ground himself, then returned to look his lover in the eyes. The steel blue of his locking on the auburn eyes of the lion, his golden mane glowing under the lights.

“Anytime.” He said again.

“Oh, yes.” Daniel snapped out of his adoration and took a step back, turned around and went to the closed curtain in front of him. “Ready as I’ll ever be.” He whispered.

“Show’s nearly on.” Daniel heard Steven say. “Positions.” He said to his fellow contestants. “You can do this.” He whispered to his lover “I believe in you.”

Daniel went to take his position behind the closed curtains.

Gripping the edge, he felt a slight wash of dizziness surround him for a moment and he paused, holding on to the curtain as if for his very life. But the moment passed.

“Likely just nerves.” He said to himself, then pulled the curtains away just enough to step forward into the spotlight, and the applause from the crowd in front of him.

“Like riding a bicycle.” He whispered then brought the microphone to his lips and began the introductions he had rehearsed.

Then when he was ready, he made the signal to Brutus who was behind the curtain to open it, showing the audience what was in store for them.

“A heavenly smorgasbord of tasty specimens to look at.” Daniel said with a leer. “We have here four wonderful hunks” he snapped his fingers dramatically and each one of them took a rehearsed pose, all different, but all flexing their sculpted muscles.

Michael, the first, and a hyena, chose a classic pose showing off his biceps. The second, a tiger, was standing flexing his pectorals. Steven was flexing his torso with his arms up against his head. A fourth, a badger, was turned showing off his back muscles, all to a delighted crowd who was clapping and murmuring from the shadows.

“Our lovely lads here are going to show off for you tonight.” He snapped his fingers again and they all took different poses. “A pleasure for the eyes to match the pleasure of good drinks and good cheer.”

Daniel heard a few approving murmurs from the crowd.

“And while the show is going on, feel free to command your pets to fetch you any drink your heart desires.” Daniel gestured to the bar “Our lovely bartender Carlos will do his best to ensure your needs are met.”

A few nods of approval as a few submissives in their uniforms stood to go to the bar, performing their duty to keep their dominant plied with the drinks they wanted.

“Excellent. Now if everything is ready, let’s begin.” Daniel said into the microphone as the lights fell and he stepped back into the shadows.

There was some shuffling as new positions were taken, and when the lights came up, a center spot-light from above, Michael the hyena was standing center stage. The music was playing, and he was posing gracefully, slowly, seductively, trying to coax the eyes from the audience to take in every curve of his muscular body. A testament to his physical achievements as he worked-out to please his sir.

And from where Daniel was standing, pleasing his sir was exactly what Michael was doing. Charles’s eyes were riveted to the display and he was gazing as if he had been adrift in the desert and Michael was the mouthful of water he craved.

The snow-leopard kept himself posed and ready, but Daniel knew those eyes. Those hungry eyes on the cat. He knew from those years ago what Charles was thinking. He saw Charles look at him like that once.

But he was glad it was now Michael that Charles craved.

When the music stopped, the lights went down and next in line was the tiger. And much like Michael, he posed seductively to the nodding approval of the crowd, and the attention of the host leaning back in his booth.

Their performance was similar though some poses were different, and in a different order. Regardless, the tiger finished his routine and went behind the curtain to let Steven take his position.

When the lights came back up, the beams set off little flares on the lion’s fur and mane. He followed a similar routine, and Charles was certainly captivated, but so was Daniel. He couldn’t help but admire the way that his pet had progressed. Not only in maintaining his gorgeous physique, but to have the courage to stand on stage and show his body to a crowd that would devour him if given the chance… especially knowing what had happened the last time he was put on display like this.

There was also a flare of possessiveness in Daniel’s heart. He knew that if he needed to, he could easily make his claim to Steven known. His collar was a testament to that as much as Steven’s heart was. But there was still that little worry about having to step in in case someone decided to press a boundary.

He dismissed that thought. Nobody here would dare. Everyone was vetted and approved beforehand by Charles and he wouldn’t dare let his reputation suffer, especially right after his ascension to partner.

It was probably just nerves.

When the last performer had finished his routine, and the lights went down, that was Ricky’s cue. He was waiting back stage for his turn and when the lights came back up, he didn’t disappoint.

His outfit wasn’t much to speak of as there wasn’t much there. The only piece of clothing he was wearing was a thong that matched the color of his fur so as to blend in and be invisible. In his hands were feather fans spread out, covering his body strategically so that none in the audience could tell that he wasn’t nude.

The music was a classic, bawdy piece. Full of oomphs and huzzahs that Ricky moved in time with, fluttering his fans whenever he chose to direct their attention back to his body, which he teased the leering crowd brief glimpses of a hip here, a leg there, delighting the audience who showed their audible approval.

When the song had stopped, and Ricky made a clever little bow while holding the fans in place, he then scooted off with a giggle and bounce in his step that was certainly visible to Daniel who was ready to go with microphone in hand to introduce the next part of the show: the hands-on examination.

Charles was invited on to the stage for this, and the crowd roared to goad him on when he presented a performance of mock bashfulness.

When the snow-leopard was brought on stage, the first candidate came out. It was Michael, and Charles took no time to place his hands on the hyena in various places to test and squeeze his muscles. He invited Daniel to join in, to which the gazelle followed suit, as discussed previously. It was part of the show after all. But Charles continued his investigation along side Daniel. He’d occasionally turn his head while his hand was on a chest, or an arm, as he nodded to gain the crowd’s approval.

He eventually stopped and nodded to signal his partner to move back stage.

The next candidate was the tiger and much like with Michael, his body was examined closely, thoroughly, as hands were on his body, pressing and massaging, to the delight of the crowd, and the tiger who was sporting a visible erection through the thin leather thong he wore.

Steven’s turn came next and Daniel sighed inwardly. He would have to resist the urge to place more than his hands on his lover’s body but that would be inappropriate. Not only that, but this was a public scene. Steven was likely fraught with anxiety knowing that he’d have someone else touching him, but he had agreed to it.

Still, Daniel was tentative at first, unsure how to perform, but eventually his instincts took over and he massaged and caressed the lion much like he had done with the tiger and hyena.

But he did spy that the lion was becoming aroused by the combined attention. Even though eyes were on Charles mostly, Steven’s arousal was clear to those that could notice.

Charles gave Daniel a coy grin, and his hand reached down to inspect the now swollen crotch. That snapped Daniel back to attention and he had his hand intercept the snow-leopard’s before Charles could cross that line.

“Ah, ah ah.” Daniel gently scolded the bold cat. “I’m sorry my dear, but I don’t share my toys.” He said, and the crowd chuckled.

“My apologies, my dear, forgive me. It must be the drink that has granted me boldness.”

“Mmm.” Daniel hummed as his eyes narrowed mirthfully. “Well, regardless, we have our last contestant to inspect.” He said and gestured to Steven to retreat and allow the last to stand on stage.

The badger was pressed and held, his muscles gently prodded and even was given a playful slap on the butt by Charles as he retreated from the stage.

Charles retreated back to his little nest in the booth while the next display was Ricky again, but instead of a feather dance, the silks that were held up above the stage descended gracefully down and Brutus moved a thick crash pad underneath them.

Ricky came forward from back-stage wearing a body suit that grasped at him like a lover.

He ascended up the silks quickly and gracefully and had his feet wrapped and was performing a collection of athletic feats from twenty feet above the stage.

There were groans and gasps as he would spin and flip as if weightless, held up only by the thin fabric, in feats that looked like they threatened to break the cheetah.

Daniel was back stage, trying his best to keep his eyes on the performance, to admire the way Ricky was expertly twisting and contorting himself, knotted up in the silk, but his mind was stuck in the worry of a fall, or a bad wrap, or an incorrect dismount, and all that could end Ricky’s dreams.

He gasped when Ricky descended with a drop to then twist and dismount into a deep bow. Everything went off as if he had practiced this routine for months, and he likely had.

Now for the last part of the show; the final judging.

When Daniel took the stage, the lights were brought up on the floor just enough to illuminate the tables and those that sat there.

He brought out all the contestants and had them stand in a line like at the start. Then, he would call them by number. Each would step forward and the doms in the crowd would vote on whom pleased them the most.

When Michael stepped forward, signs were held up. It was Daniel’s job to tally them all. He noted them down on a small piece of paper and continued to the tiger.

When the tiger stepped forward, signs were raised and Daniel took note.

When Steven was called, he did as was expected and Daniel recorded the votes.

And lastly, the badger earned signs in the air like every other contestant and when that was done, Daniel had numbers to run. Quickly, as there were only a few, and they were clear who the winner was.

He cleared his throat, and made the announcement. First, he eliminated the badger. Next to be eliminated was Steven, and when the last two were there, Daniel paused, letting the gravity settle, and he then announced that the winner of this competition was Michael.

Michael blushed and was directed to step forward.

“Now, it’s time for you to join your sir, and let the rest of the night be a celebration. Of the fine men you saw before you, and of the rest of the night.”

Daniel decided that since his duties as the master of ceremonies were now over, he could retire. But first he thought to the jittery nerves that hadn’t left him this night. That there was something missing. Something amiss.

A cigarette would calm him. And if not, it would give him a chance to think while outside in the night air.

He went to the coat-check and asked Brutus for his jacket, which he fished out the pack of cigarettes and lighter and passed the jacket back to Brutus to put on a hangar.

“I’ll be back in a few” he said to the bear before he went outside.

Standing in the passage, he lit the cigarette and had it in his lips while he smoothed out his hair with his hands.

“Fuck me, I hope Steven’s okay with all this.” Daniel mused. He was sure that Steven was doing well, as he was assured that if things were to get too much for him, he’d be able to escape to the office and nobody but staff would be permitted in there.

Still, the air did it’s part to help soothe the mind of the gazelle. The bundle of nerves, having shown itself to be based on fear and not fact, started to dissolve as he took in a great lungful of fresh city air.

When he was done with the foul smelling stick he extinguished it under the toe of his shoe and then went back inside.

The party was still in full swing as if his presence hadn’t been missed. Thankfully that wasn’t unsettling, as that meant things were still going smoothly.

He went to the bar to ask Carlos for some water, and he was passed one quickly.

“How many orders so far?” Daniel asked the red wolf.

“Pretty good, it’s not over budget yet.”

“Excellent” Daniel said. “We’re close to last call so make sure the tally is in before you clock out.”

Carlos nodded and smiled. “So, boss.” He cleared his throat. “Say you kinda liked someone, and they were kinda interested in you.”

“Oh?” Daniel’s ears perked up. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”

Carlos nodded. “Should I take a shot?”

“If the alternative is being alone?” Daniel asked, and Carlos nodded. Daniel smiled. “Do what your heart is telling you to do.”

Carlos smiled and went back to preparing drinks for the crowd.

The rest of the night went along like a normal party would. Drinks were had, laughter was heard, and everyone was content.

Especially Charles as he had Michael tucked up into his arms for the rest of the night, and the hyena was overjoyed to be there, soaking up all that the snow-leopard was giving him.

When Daniel came over, to announce to the host that the party must come to an end, Michael was getting quite close with his sir. His hand was hidden underneath the belt of the lawyer’s pants, and if one were to look closely, the motion that could be seen would betray what was happening.

Daniel noticed and cleared his throat. “This isn’t that kind of establishment. And you know the rules, sir.” Daniel smiled wide. “Now I can’t say you’re not allowed to enjoy yourselves, it is your night after all. But I can say that if things are to progress in that manner, privacy would be called for.”

“True. And though you are the finest host in the city, it may be time for me to retire.” He said as he brought Michael closer to him. “I should enjoy the spoils of the night quite well, I think.” He kissed the side of Michael’s cheek.

Michael whimpered softly into his lover’s furred ear. “Yes, sir, let me please you.” His hand moved underneath the pants covering the snow-leopard’s crotch.

Daniel chuckled. “Get a room, you two. Before I scoot you out.”

Charles laughed and shifted to move, to Michael’s audible disappointment. “We gotta go.” He said, then kissed his lover briefly.

Daniel ushered the two of them to their ride home; a limousine waiting out front. “I hope those two love-birds don’t get into too much trouble on the way home.” He laughed. “Alright, time to close up.”

Daniel looks around the bar, now empty and all the tables and chairs being moved back into storage by Brutus and Steven. Frank was at the bar, writing down numbers from the tally that Carlos had kept throughout the night.

Though Carlos was not at his station behind the bar.

“Hm.” Daniel said to himself. “He’s probably in the bathroom.”

Daniel went to the bar, intent on beginning the closing procedures that he’d watched Dimitri do a hundred times by now. He went to make sure that what was left in the garnish tray was in the fridge, the ice was emptied, and the last round of glassware was in the dishwasher when Frank reminded him that they went through a full case of Bordeaux.

“I’ll get it.” Daniel said as he went out from behind the bar and proceeded to the back.

He grasped at the handle, turned the knob, and pushed the door open casually to see in front of him Ricky and Carlos together. Ricky was bent over a spanking bench and he had a short leash in his hand that was attached to Carlos’s collar.

And Carlos was rutting him solidly.

“Oh!” Daniel exclaimed and backed away quickly and shut the door, his heart in his throat beating a hard staccato.

“Oh my god!” Daniel heard Ricky say loudly from behind the closed door, then some shuffling, and then Carlos came out a few seconds later fumbling with the lacing of his thong.

“Sorry, boss.” He said quickly to the gazelle and sheepishly slunk back to the bar.

Daniel waited for a few seconds and then gently knocked on the door.

Ricky’s nervous voice came through the shut door. “Come in.”

“I’m sorry I intruded.” Daniel said as he opened the door, his eyes downcast to avoid looking at the cheetah out of respect.

“Look, it’s… I mean.” Ricky squeaked out, a hand over his chest bashfully.

“No, it’s okay. You wouldn’t be the first couple we’ve had to chase out of here.” Daniel tried to defuse the tension with a smile.

Ricky sighed “It’s not what it looks like.”

“Fair.” Daniel said. “In any case, I was meaning to get some more wine.”

“Yeah, it’s… over there.” Ricky pointed and Daniel went to grab a case of Bordeaux.

Daniel moved to leave, paused, turning to look at Ricky trying to curl into himself, then smiled and left, closing the door behind him.

When he came up to the bar, he placed the box on the bar top and looked at Carlos.

Carlos looked back, a hangdog expression on his face and said: “Yeah… about that.”

“I hope this won’t interfere with your duties.” Daniel said plainly.

“I… okay. But, I mean, about that.” Carlos stammered out.

“It’s all good.” Daniel said with a smile. “Who you choose to be with is your affair, not mine.”

Carlos smiled weakly, then started working on the closing routine.

Daniel cleared his throat, and Carlos looked to him. “Though do try to avoid your trysts in the back room. The roof has far more privacy anyway. Nobody goes up there.”

Carlos smiled, the relief showing in his posture softening.

“Also…” Daniel pointed to his neck.

“Shit, yeah, sorry.” The wolf reached up and detached the leash that was still dangling from his collar, and tucked it under the bar.

Ricky came out, in a sweatshirt and sweatpants. “Daniel, I am so sorry.”

Daniel smiled. “It’s okay. I didn’t see much anyway.”

“So, you’re cool with it?”

“I’d prefer it if you were to be a little more discreet, and refrain during work hours, but otherwise, yes. I am.” He smiled.

Ricky reached forward and brought Daniel into a hug. “Thank you.” He said.

Daniel reached his arms around the cheetah and returned the hug.

The morning after the sky was dour and drab. The rain was somewhat light, speckling the windows with their randomness and then trailing down to pool at the bottom.

Daniel was with Steven at their apartment, spending the morning eating breakfast together. Steven was enjoying an omelet and Daniel was having a toasted bagel with smoked salmon and cream cheese.

“So…” Daniel said. “I said we could trust Charles, and he tested a boundary.”

“Yeah.” Steven said between bites. “I mean, it was only once, but, he did promise he wouldn’t.”

“I can talk to him next time I see him.” Daniel said. “If that would make you feel more comfortable.”

“I think I’m okay with that. And it was only once.”

“Yes. I saw how he was looking at Michael on stage.” Daniel smiled while chewing, then swallowed. “I think he isn’t going to do anything that will risk that arrangement.” The gazelle said, reaching down for a mug of piping hot coffee and taking a sip.

“Well, at least you caught him before he crossed that line.” Steven said as he took another bite, then said with a half-full mouth “It’s not like this is going to be a pattern with him.” He swallowed. “I’m more worried about you. You seem a little upset by it.”

“I guess I am. A little bit.” Daniel said. “I had hoped he would behave himself, but again he’s done things. Though in his defense, the first time was his first time out as a kinkster.”

“If you think this is going to be a problem, we can keep things casual and distant enough.” He said, placing his fork down and standing in his bathrobe to hold his husband closely. “I just don’t want you to think that it’s your fault for giving him an opportunity to misbehave.”

“I…” Daniel paused, thinking over it. He had given Steven his word that nothing would happen, and something nearly did. He was the one that eventually said yes to the entire thing. Did he blame himself for it?

Daniel shrugged. “Perhaps I do hold some responsibility. Some onus to make it right.” He then melted into the arms of his lover. “At least I think I do.”

“You don’t.” Steven smoothed out the fur on the gazelle’s back. “You are not responsible for other people’s decisions.”

“I know, I know. It’s something I need to internalize.” Daniel said. “But I am trying.”

“You are.” Steven purred and brought his muzzle closer to Daniel’s.

The two would have kissed but Daniel’s phone, which was sitting on the counter top, decided to vibrate loudly, humming against the composite surface.

Daniel sighed and stepped out of the embrace to see what message was waiting for him.

“It’s Ricky.” Daniel said. “I think he wants advice with something.”

“Does he want us to meet somewhere?” Steven asked.

Daniel typed into his phone with his thumbs, then hit send.

In a few seconds, his phone vibrated with a response.

“Yes.” Daniel said. “He’s at the studio right now.”

“I hope it’s not an emergency.”

“He didn’t say it was.” Daniel thought. “Well, it’s better than spending the day doing nothing but one another.”

Steven put up a mock face of disappointment, then chuckled when Daniel gave him an askew look with an eyebrow raised coyly.

They both chuckled, went to the bedroom to get dressed and went to go see Ricky.

When they arrived, Gerald, an aging gnu, was there in a dress shirt and pants and greeted them both with a smile. “Hello, Steven, Danny!”

“Please, Gerald.” Daniel smiled politely. “My name is Daniel.”

“Oh, my mistake.” He said. “Ricky’s in the back.” He hooked a thumb in towards the spacious room with full-length mirrors adorning the walls.

Daniel and Steven both made their way to where Gerald had shown and there was Ricky, stretching his leg and bending forward low against the arm of the plush couch near the back.

“Ricky!” Steven called, and the cheetah leaned up to see who had called his name. When he saw that it was the two of them, he smiled and stood to greet them.

“Thank you for coming” Ricky said. “I wasn’t sure who else to ask about something.”

“Well, what is it that was bothering you?” Daniel asked.

“It was about last night.” Ricky said. “I mean, yeah, you said it was cool.”

“It is. Why do you ask? Are you still feeling the same?” Daniel asked.

“Oh I am. Actually, a little more now that I’ve had time to think about it.” He sighed. “But, I’m a little afraid I may be rushing things.”

“Ahh, you think that maybe because you gave up the goods too early, he won’t want to keep you around?”

Ricky nodded.

Daniel shook his head. “I don’t think Carlos would be like that with you.”

“Maybe.” Ricky then took a moment to look the two of them in the eye. “When did you two know you wanted to be together?”

Daniel and Steven both looked at one another and then smiled, looking back at Ricky. “I suppose we knew from the beginning.” Daniel said.

“Did you… you know.” He said with worry tracing furrows across his brow.

“If you mean did we have sex the first night we met? No.” Daniel said.

“It’s a long story, but he was there to help me out when I needed it.” Steven said.

“We honestly only had known one another briefly.” Daniel’s smile softened.

“So why did you help him?”

Daniel looked to his husband. “I guess I had a feeling that I had to do something.”

“And if he weren’t there, I might not even be here.” Steven closed his eyes “Though, is it okay if we not talk about that?”

“Why?” Ricky asked.

“It’s just that…” Daniel placed a hand on Steven’s shoulder. “It was a difficult time for us.”

“Sorry for asking.” Ricky grimaced lightly.

“No, it’s alright.” Steven said, he inhaled, and then exhaled softly. “In any case, if you want to know if Carlos likes you only for your sex, you could ask him.”

“And if he’s like every other guy I’ve dated, he’ll say no. They always say no.”

“Perhaps you should have a little more faith in yourself.” Daniel offered.

Ricky smiled and tilted his head. “Sure.” He said, the derision in his tone barely noticeable, but Daniel felt it. “I should probably head home.” He said. “I don’t know if I’m feeling the magic for practice right now.”

“Of course.” Daniel said. “Do you want a lift?”

“Yeah, sure.” Ricky said.

The three of them headed out and went to Ricky’s apartment complex. A brown brick-faced building three stories tall with an entrance to the walk up.

Ricky’s apartment was on the third floor, and when they stepped closer to the door, Ricky paused.

“Huh.” He said, “Andrew must have bathed in the perfume today.” Then shrugged the thought away as he slipped the key into the deadbolt lock.

He turned the key and opened the door.

In front of him, filling the apartment were bouquets of the most fragrant and beautiful flowers; lilies, roses, tulips, carnations, every flower that one could imagine was there, filling his space with their delightful blooms.

Ricky paused, nearly dropping his keys. “I…”

Daniel looked at the flowers, then the utterly aghast look on Ricky’s face, and turned to Steven. “We have to call the cops. Now.” He said in a soft tone.

Steven nodded, understanding, and dialed while Daniel urged Ricky to step back into the hallway with him, and closed the door.

Both of them were trembling, but Ricky’s face looked a shade paler underneath the fur on his cheeks.

“Yes, we need an officer at…” Steven paused. “What’s the address?”

Ricky gave Steven the full address, and he gave it to the operator on the other end of the line.

There were sirens approaching within ten minutes and all three were now outside the building in the dull weather.

Daniel had a cigarette in his hand and explained the situation to one of the officers.

The officers went with them to the door of the apartment, and when Ricky opened it for them, the officers entered.

They performed a search, but came back empty handed.

Whomever had left the flowers didn’t stick around.

There was a forensics team on site within the hour as Daniel and Steven helped Ricky remain calm.

“This is now an active crime scene, so you will need to find someplace to go.” One of the officers, a raccoon a few inches taller than Daniel, said. “We also found this” the officer held up a plastic evidence bag with an envelope, sealed with a golden heart sticker and with ‘for my little bird’ in black marker on the front inside.

“If you need a place to crash for a few nights, we do have space.” Daniel offered.

Steven nodded. “It’s not very big, but it’s safe.”

“Can I at least get a change of clothing?”

The officer shook his head. “We can’t have you disturbing the crime-scene.”

Ricky sighed heavily. “Okay, may as well head out then.” And with that he, along with Steven and Daniel, left the police to their investigation.

It was getting dark when Steven and Daniel came through the door to their apartment, and Ricky soon followed looking positively grim.

Daniel sighed as he closed the door after Ricky, and tried to smile. “Ricky, if you need some alone time, or if you need company, let us know.” He moved to the kitchenette and filled the kettle with some water and set it to boil “Would you like a coffee?” he offered the cheetah, but Ricky shook his head.

Steven offered a seat for Ricky on the couch, then went to the phone. “I think I’m going to order take-out.”

“Good call, I’m too knackered to cook anyway.” Daniel said. “I’m thinking the Chinese place we ordered from last month would be good.” Steven nodded. “Make sure to get those noodles I like.” Daniel smiled. “How hungry are you, Ricky?”

“Oh, right now I am not hungry at all.” He said. “I know I should eat, and I probably will, but I just don’t feel good about what happened.”

“Hopefully they’ll find him, and when they do this nightmare will be over.” Daniel said. “Tell you what, how about we get a family combo.” He turned to look at Steven, then back to Ricky. “Surely when your appetite returns, there will be something you’ll like.”

Ricky smiled meekly and nodded.

When the order arrived, Ricky and Steven were both dueling in a racing game on the video-game system, and Daniel was sipping his coffee. Daniel paid, and made sure to tip the delivery guy quite well.

Steven’s stomach was growling, as was Ricky’s, as the scent of freshly cooked food filled the apartment. And eventually Ricky’s appetite returned and he ended up eating a few egg rolls and chicken balls while Steven tucked into the fried rice and the beef and broccoli. Daniel enjoyed the spicy noodles with chicken that Steven ordered an extra portion of.

While the meal was being devoured, they all binge-watched episodes of Daniel’s favorite Mexican telenovela, subtitled in English, and the apartment was filled with the sounds of laughter and conversation to make up for the sour day earlier.

When time came for them to turn in for the night, they made sure to clear the couch and piled it with as many pillows and blankets as they felt would be necessary to ensure Ricky would sleep well.

Then, with the exhaustion of the day finally catching up to them, Daniel and Steven retired to the bedroom and quickly fell asleep together.

***

The next morning seemed to come faster to Daniel as he was wide awake at the ungodly early hour, at least for him, that was ten o’clock in the morning.

He groaned and leaned up, looked to Steven and saw that he was still sleeping soundly. Then nature decided for him whether he would go back to bed, or tend to his body’s needs, and it was becoming quite urgent.

He slipped on a bathrobe to cover his nude body and went to the bathroom.

When he was finished, he went out to the main room, trying carefully to be quiet in case Ricky was asleep, but when Ricky greeted him with a tired-sounding “good morning” Daniel smiled.

“Good morning. Are you a coffee kinda guy?” Daniel asked.

Ricky nodded. “Yeah. Do you have cream or milk?”

Daniel checked the fridge, and brought out a carton “Only milk, it seems.”

“That’ll be fine. I’d love a coffee, thank you.” He said as he stood in his underwear, then grabbed his sweat-pants and put them on. “I slept surprisingly well last night.”

“Despite the couch? Well, I guess it was either that or share an already crowded bed with the two of us.”

Ricky smiled and chuckled. “Yeah, I’m fine with the couch. I’m glad that I have at least some place to crash.”

Steven woke soon after the coffee was poured and was out with the two of them in a pair of sweatpants. “Good morning.” He smiled at Daniel and Ricky. “I hope the couch wasn’t too uncomfortable.”

“It was fine.” Ricky said, then sipped from his coffee, then swallowed and sighed “A good cup of coffee can make even the worst nights tolerable.” He joked.

Steven grinned. “True.”

Daniel’s phone decided to take this opportunity to vibrate with a phone call coming in.

“Oh my goodness.” Daniel exclaimed exasperatedly, then picked up the phone to read who was calling, then took the call. “Sandra, darling, how are you on this lovely morning?”

“I’m doing well. I heard about what happened.”

“It was honestly terrifying.”

“I can imagine.” Sandra said on the other end. “I have something I want to bring over.” He said. “Answer your damn door.”

Then there was a buzz on the intercom. Daniel clicked the call off, went to the buzzer and pressed the microphone. “Sandra?”

“The one and only!” He said proudly through the static-laden intercom. “Let me in!”

Daniel pressed the button to allow Sandra access and within a minute there was a knock at the door.

When Daniel opened the door, Sandra the fox was there standing in a pair of tight blue jeans and a loose black t-shirt with a stylized picture of a camel, and wearing star-shaped sun-glasses.

And in Sandra’s hands was a box filled to the brim with articles of clothing which he plopped on to the counter-top before going to give Daniel a quick hug and peck on the cheek.

“I feel like we always meet up when there’s something big going on.” Sandra turned to Ricky. “Are you doing okay?”

Ricky nodded. “As good as can be expected.”

“Yes, well, I know that when the cops tell you to leave, you aren’t usually able to pack. So, I, in my ever gracious ways, have brought offerings of vestments to don so thou shalt be fabulous.” His eyes widened at the last part and a smile spread on his whiskered lips.

“Oh, your civilian clothing?” Daniel asked.

Sandra nodded. “Well, I’m not giving him my stage costumes.”

“Thank you” Ricky said before going to the box to start picking through the offerings while Sandra turned to Daniel.

“So have you heard anything from the cops yet?”

“Nothing yet.” Ricky said. “I called them this morning. They said they can’t discuss the details of an on-going investigation, and my apartment is likely not safe for me while this guy is out there.”

“So, you need a new place?”

“Yeah.” Ricky nodded, then grabbed something in the box. “Antoine?” He said, holding up a pair of dark hip-hugging denim jeans with the name stitched in opalescent sequins along one leg.

Sandra gasped dramatically “how dare you.” Then laughed “Yes, that’s my ‘real’ name. You can have them if you want them, otherwise I’m going to hand them off to my understudy.”

“Oh? This is new.” Daniel piped up. “Is the house of Thighs taking on a new name?”

“Yes, but they’re not ready for their debut yet.” Sandra smirked. “They’re still a little rough around the edges.”

“So you’re a drag-mother now.” Daniel teased. “Who’s the father?”

“Cute.” Sandra laughed.

“What do you think?” Ricky said, holding a pair of low-riding jeans and a t-shirt with the word ‘Juicy’ on it.

“Yes, I can see that.” Sandra said. “It’d look good on you.”

“Cool. I’ll go change then.” He turned to go to the bathroom.

“It’s really nice of you help out like this, Sandra” Daniel said.

Steven nodded. “Yes, it’s only temporary until the police have given the all clear.”

“How’s the kid holding up?” Sandra asked.

Daniel sighed “I think he’s honestly scared, though he’s putting up a good front about it.”

“And the entire place was filled with flowers?” Sandra asked.

“Yes. Every spare inch.” Daniel said.

“I’m sure they paid cash.” Sandra grumbled. “Force the cops to do some actual legwork.”

“That’s my guess as well.” Daniel said.

“Well, I’m glad you’re letting him stay here. Though it is a little cramped with three.” Sandra said, then moved towards the door. “Anyway, do tell Ricky I wish him the best of luck but I do have to get going. Mavis is in an all-hands-on-deck situation at the charity and she needs me there.”

“Give her our regards.” Daniel said as he moved to give the fox a brief and friendly kiss on the cheek.

“I will.” Sandra kissed his hand then blew it towards Steven, then left.

It was then that Daniel’s phone started to vibrate.

Daniel looked at the display to see who was calling; it was Cassandra. He answered it. “Hello?”

“Hello!” Cassandra’s melodic voice answered back. “I have something I need your help with.”

“I’m sure I can find some time in my schedule.”

“Good. Come to the Crop. I’ll expect you in an hour.”

“An hour?” Daniel said, a brief moment of alarm creeping into his stomach. Was her bar in trouble? “Is this an emergency?”

“It’s not the end of the world if you can’t come, but I really do need your help with something.”

“I’ll do what I can, will you be alright if Steven and a plus-one attend?”

“Bring as many as you have with you.”

“So, this is what a lesbian bar looks like?” Ricky said as he looked around The Crop. The walls were a deep burgundy red and filled with various monochrome art-prints in various sizes.

“Oh, Daniel! Steven! You’re just in time!” a brown ermine with long hair and wearing a blouse and jeans said as she came up to them. “And who is the new face?”

“This would be Ricky.” Steven said. “He’s staying with us for a little while.”

“Oh then hello Ricky! I’m Cassandra, and this lovely hare beside me is my partner, Daphne.”

The rabbit next to her smiled and offered her hand.

Ricky shook it and smiled back. “It’s nice to meet you, Daphne, Cassandra.” He said.

“So, like I said on the call, I need your help.” Cassandra said with a smile. “New menu items and I’d love to get your feedback.”

“What sorts of nibbles?” Daniel asked.

“Well, mostly hors d’oeuvres” Cassandra said. “Though we do have some entrees if you’re really hungry.”

“I could definitely go for something.” Ricky said.

Cassandra went to the window partition between the dining room and the kitchen and grabbed a few plates and brought them over. Placing them on the bar top, she turned to Daniel and the rest “eat up and let me know what you think. Some of these are standard fare, though these ones…” She pointed to a plate of fried dumplings “are a custom recipe.”

Steven reached for one and took a bite. He smiled while he chewed. “This is really good.”

“Chicken and shrimp with cabbage and shallots.” Daphne interjected. “And a special spice blend of my own creation.”

Daniel reached for one, as did Ricky, and they both took a bite.

Daniel chewed the crispy cabbage and delighted in the savory spiced chicken and shrimp. He closed his eyes and sounded his satisfaction as he swallowed. “That’s… okay, that’s really good.” Daniel said. “If we ever get food at the club, do you think you’d want to share the recipe?”

“Nope, sorry… trade secret.” Daphne grinned.

“Oh pooh.” Daniel said. “Well, regardless, these I’m sure will be a hit.”

“Try the rest.” Cassandra gestured to the other plates as she brought the rest from the kitchen. “For most of these, they’re from the supplier’s catalog, pretty standard pub-fare. So if you like them, I can hook you up with their number.”

“Well, we’re not in a position to do so at this time, but I would certainly like to know where you get them.” Daniel said as he reached for another item; a fried cheese stick. After dipping it in the red sauce that accompanied it, he bit into it and his eyes widened. “Oh, sweet and hot?”

Daphne nodded. “It’s one of their new items. Jalapeño mozzarella sticks with sweet pepper sauce.”

“May I have another?” Ricky asked as he finished off his dumpling

Cassandra nodded. “Have as much as you want.” She said.

“Thank you.” Ricky grabbed another and bit into it. “Gotta dance later today and I need the calories.” He said with a half-full mouth.

“So I hear through the grapevine that you’ve been taking my advice?” Cassandra leaned towards Daniel.

“I have.” Daniel smiled as he finished his cheese stick. “Bartending classes so far, but I do want to look into broadening my horizons.”

“Oh good, then you can make me a martini.” Cassandra said. “Make one for me, and you can have one on the house.”

“Are you sure?” Daniel asked, his smile crooked.

“Yeah, go for it.” The ermine said grinning.

“Okay.” Daniel went behind the bar at Cassandra’s urging, put on an apron and tied it in the back.

“Good, but this isn’t an exam. Just make us a drink.”

“Do you want it stirred or shaken?”

“Stirred, please.” She smiled.

Daniel began the preparations of his favorite drink. Measuring it as best he could by eye as he free-poured the gin, then vermouth into the ice filled shaker, then when that was done, he added a dash of bitters and stirred it. When the drink was ready, he poured it into a glass with a strainer and slid it over to Cassandra after dropping an olive on a toothpick into the middle.

“Very good. A little room for improvement on the free-pour, but that comes with experience.” She then sipped the drink and smiled wider. “Though you make a mean martini.”

Daniel grinned. “My turn, though I do prefer mine shaken.” He said.

Cassandra nodded to the gazelle who was emptying the used shaker into the sink, then Daniel filled it with fresh ice and added the same spirits as before.

Then when he placed the glass into top of the shaker, Cassandra cleared her throat.

“Hold up” She said. “Tilt the glass in the shaker. Makes it easier to separate when you’re done.”

Daniel smiled and nodded, tilting the glass at an angle and then firmly bringing it up to shake it vigorously. When he had finished he separated the glass, grabbed the cocktail strainer and poured the drink into a glass. Then after placing the shaker in the sink he added two olives instead of one to the glass with a wink and slid it forward for Cassandra’s inspection.

“Very good. We’ll make a suds slinger out of you yet.” She smiled. “Enjoy the fruits of your efforts, and please help yourself to as much food as you want.”

“Yeah, it’s already marked down as waste so have at it.” Daphne said.

“You mind if I box a bit of it up?” Ricky asked, and both Cassandra and Daphne shook their heads.

“Honestly, please do. I’d rather it go to someone that needs it rather than my hips.” Cassandra laughed heartily.

“Grab some of the wings” Daphne urged. “Brined in five spice marinade.”

Ricky was handed a few take-out containers and he started loading them up. Wings, dumplings, a creamy looking pasta dish, and others.

“I really hate to look like a greedy ass but I’m locked out of my apartment for the next little while.”

“We heard.” Daphne said. “I hope they find whoever did it.” She shivered slightly. “It would terrify me to know someone had that level of access to me without my permission.”

Cassandra brought her hand up to Daphne’s shoulder. “It’s okay, hon.” She smiled “I’d be terrified too.”

“I need to get a big, tough boyfriend that’s willing to be my protector.” Ricky tried to grin. “I can’t imagine Frank ever feels that way with Brutus around.

“Oh certainly not.” Cassandra said. “Brutus may seem like a big cuddly bear but he can be quite protective of those he loves.”

“Yes, he has a history.” Daniel said.

“Well, if it’s his history, I only know a little about it. Serving in Vietnam when he was gay and discovering his first love.” Ricky smiles sheepishly. “It’s like, the perfect love story.”

Cassandra looks at Daniel, then back to Ricky. “It’s not really like the picture books.”

“Why? Do you know each other?” The cheetah asked.

“Yeah, you could say that Brutus and I go back a little while at least.” Cassandra said.

“Are you okay to tell me anything?” Ricky asked.

“What’s there to say?” She began. “He met his first love on deployment, came back dishonorably discharged for striking a superior officer.”

“Yeah, I know that, but the story of his first love seems like a fairytale. He rescued his village, they fell in love.”

“Well, this isn’t like those stories. What I know is that after his squad freed the outpost, an entire platoon of enemy soldiers came a few days later. Most of the rest of his squad was killed, and he only managed to get away with the help of one of the villagers.” Cassandra said.

“Whoa.” Ricky said, his eyes wide. “I thought this was a romance, now it’s an action movie.”

Daniel and Cassandra both chuckled.

“Maybe not quite like that, Ricky.” Cassandra said.

“Do you think he’ll get mad with me asking about him like this?”

Cassandra grinned. “No, he’s super chill. Takes a lot to get him steamed.”

“So he’s never gotten angry with either of you?” Ricky asked.

Daniel chuckled “Oh he has. He’s nearly lost it with me a few times.”

“Really?” Cassandra said. “You’d think a mentor would have a lot more patience for their charge.”

Daniel chuckled again “That had nothing to do with the scene.”

“Oh.” Cassandra said. “Well, he’s cool with you or else he wouldn’t have become a silent partner. The only time he’s told me he lost it, like full on rage, was when he punched that senior officer.” She shook her head. “It took an entire squad to get him on the ground. And even then they had to crack his head with the butt of a rifle to keep him there.”

Ricky gasped. “Why on Earth did he get that angry?”

“It’s probably best if you ask him.” Daniel said.

The holiday was only a few days away and those days swiftly passed.

It had been a while with Ricky staying at Daniel and Steven’s place.

This morning, the morning of the party, Ricky was sitting on the couch playing a video-game with Steven while Daniel was preparing a breakfast of eggs and sausage for the three of them.

Ricky’s phone started to vibrate, and when he read who was calling, he dropped the controller and stood to answer it. “Hello?”

Daniel couldn’t hear what was being said on the other end, but the way Ricky was pacing told him it was important.

Ricky didn’t say much, he mostly listened, then he asked one question. “Is it safe to go back?”

The answer was not what the cheetah wanted to hear, as his shoulders slumped and he said, deflated. “Okay, thank you.” Then ended the call.

Steven stood and Daniel turned to face Ricky.

The cheetah looked at the two of them, shook his head, and sighed.

“So you’re going to be staying with us for a little while longer?” Daniel asked.

Ricky turned to the gazelle. “Yeah, but I’m starting to feel like it’s a little cramped here.”

Steven looked at Daniel, and Daniel returned the glance. Then the lion spoke “Ricky, if you need a bed of your own, I might know a place.”

***

There was a house in a side street off the central road north of down-town. It was a quaint thing with a well tended garden out front and a flagstone porch. The trip there was quick as it was the middle of the afternoon.

Steven knocked on the front door.

After a few moments there came an unlatching sound, and then the door opened to show an elderly ewe in a blouse and slacks. Her grey hair tied into a bun, and glasses in front of her eyes.

“Ms. Mason!” Steven warmly said.

“Steven?” She adjusted her glasses and squinted, then a smile erupted on her lined face. “It’s so good to see you again. It’s been a while since you dropped by.”

“It’s good to see you again too. And I’ve been very busy.”

“I heard. A club owner now. What a career boost.”

“It is, though I’m not doing it for my resume.” Steven smiled as he turned to look at Daniel.

She looked at his hand and saw the wedding band on his finger. Her eyes grew wide. “So the rumors were true.” She said, her smile growing wider. “Congratulations!”

“Thank you” Steven said. “And this here is my husband, and business partner, Daniel.” He gestured to Daniel who smiled and extended his hand.

“Aw.” She cooed and took Daniel’s hand in hers and shook it daintily. Then when the shake ended, she said “You were asking about a room?”

Steven nodded. “For Ricky here.” He gestured to the cheetah.

“Hi.” Ricky said. “I’d rather not get into why, I just need a place to crash for a while. Maybe permanently.”

“I do have a room available, if you’re good with sharing common space with six other men.”

“I hope they aren’t like… homophobic.” Ricky said.

“No. I don’t allow hatred under my roof.” She said firmly. “You can be assured that everyone here will respect you and your boundaries.”

“So, can I at least see the place first?” Ricky asks.

“Of course. Of course.” She chuckled and ushered everyone inside.

They were brought through the hall and upstairs. The furnishings along the hall were wooden and lace-covered, and the pictures hanging along the wall attracted Ricky’s attention briefly as he followed Ms. Mason.

“It’s a little sparse, but most lodgers only need a bed and some storage.” She said as Ricky was ushered into the room. “There’s a walk-in closet, and two windows on each wall so it gets a good cross-breeze.”

Ricky was looking around, went to the window to check it and saw that it opened easily.

“I can work with you on rent, since you are close with Steven here.” Ms. Mason paused while Steven and Daniel came in to the room. “And I can waive the deposit.” She said, turning to face him. “Just don’t trash the place and there won’t be any problems, got it?” she said, at first somewhat fiercely, but then her demeanor melted and she smiled at Ricky.

Ricky and Ms. Mason talked about the details, and the shared kitchen and bathroom, and laundry facilities on site.

“Huh, not so bad.” Ricky said.

“And there’s a hot-tub in the back too.” Ms. Mason said.

“Deal.” Ricky extends his hand and Ms. Mason takes it with a laugh and they shake.

It was a simple matter of signing the appropriate documents to make it official. Ricky now had a place to live.

After making all the appropriate arrangements Daniel, Steven, and Ricky returned to the bar just in time to see Carlos and Dimitri arrive to prepare for the Halloween party, which had finally arrived and it was all hands on deck.

There were some last minute preparations to make, and Carlos and Dimitri were both going over the opening checklist together.

Daniel and Steven were both at the bar with Ricky.

“So how did you know about the place?” Ricky asked Steven. “Like, were you there during college or something?”

“I didn’t go to college.” Steven said.

“Oh, why were you there then?” Ricky asked.

“Ms. Mason took me in when I turned eighteen and had nowhere else to go.”

“That’s sweet of her.” Ricky grinned, then his expression changed. “Why, though? Didn’t you have family?”

Steven sighed. “I was living in foster care since I was fifteen. When I turned eighteen I had to find a place to live. It was either that or enlist.”

“You’re lucky you didn’t sign up.” Dimitri interjected.

“You never told me you served.” Ricky said.

“I prefer to forget.” Dimitri was putting wine glasses on rails above the bar. “Some of the things I’ve seen.” He paused, and shuddered.

“Dimi, I…” Ricky’s mouth was tight at the corners. “You could have told me.”

“That is news to me.” Daniel said, a look of surprise marking his face.

“I didn’t see as much action when I was deployed, I was stationed with some peacekeepers as a liaison with the local government.” Dimitri said as he went to check on the garnish levels. “Though I have seen things.”

“Please don’t tell me it’s a dead body.” Ricky said, his face nearly surrendering to disgust.

“It’s part of service sometimes. You see things that no civilian should have to.” Dimitri shrugged

“I guess you and Brutus have something in common.”

Dimitri sighed. “I guess. I mostly saw a desk. But Brutus? He saw hell and it stared right back at him.”

“I can only imagine. During the Vietnam war? And on the front line?” Ricky asked.

“Yeah, the worst I know he’s seen was when he was being walked back to base just west of Da Nang and a sniper took out his escort. Head-shot. He didn’t say much more about it to me.”

“Oh gross.” Ricky squirmed.

“You ever see something like that? It’s a lot like a cantaloupe. Hard rind, soft inside. Guy probably didn’t feel a thing.” Dimitri said.

“Oh god…” Ricky said, his voice cracking softly. “I didn’t want to know that. And fuck, Brutus.” The cheetah’s voice cracked.

“It’s okay, Ricky.” Daniel said. “Brutus is tough.”

“Yeah. Still… I feel bad for even asking now.” Ricky looked to Daniel, then then to the bar’s surface. “Well, the party is in thirty and I still need to warm up.”

Daniel puts a hand on Ricky’s arm “Ricky, you don’t need to perform if you aren’t feeling up to it.”

“No, you need me up there. I’m going to listen to some music and get into the right head-space. I’m sure I’ll be in the zone when the lights are on me.”

It was another party at the club and everyone in the community had heard. Word spread, and the place was full. Drinks were served, music was loud, and the levity was felt by all.

Especially Ricky as he was suspended twenty feet above the stage wrapped and knotted in pink shimmering silk.

Daniel was at the bar, watching the performance, and the crowd. Everyone’s eyes were on Ricky at the moment. Their necks craned upwards to catch glimpse of the contortions and stretches that the cheetah was expertly performing above a thick crash-pad.

The gazelle sipped at his drink, a martini, and hoped that the crowd would be entertained.

Everyone was wearing a costume of some kind, and Daniel was no exception. His flashy circus ringmaster costume in red and black hugged his frame, the top-hat between his horns, and the bull-whip from his personal collection hanging coiled at his belt.

Drinks were served all night, and there were even a few high-rollers in the booths that wanted to get a good look at the talent. Of course, they left with a large tip in their wake, seemingly pleased with the venue and the entertainment.

It wasn’t until one of Ricky’s breaks where he came out in a feathered masquerade mask and fluffy house-coat.

“Not much of a costume” Daniel teased.

“Better than nothing.” The cheetah rebuked. “Besides, I needed to stretch my legs a bit more.”

“Dressing room making you stir-crazy?” the gazelle asked.

Ricky nodded. “Besides, I’m on the last stretch.”

“Tips have been good so far.” Dimitri said. “So, you’ll easily make rent at your new place.”

“Yeah.” Ricky sipped at a water that was handed to him. “Even though she said she’d waive the first, I still want to try. She’s been so nice to me.”

“She was nice to me too.” Steven said, wearing a pair of black shorts and a red bow tie. “She even helped me with getting support.”

“Oh, I don’t think I’ll need that.” Ricky said. “Though, the last performance is about to go on and I’d hate to disappoint my fans.”

Daniel nodded. “True. Hopefully everything goes off swimmingly.”

“No injuries this time. I’ll be careful every step.” The cheetah teased.

***

The last performance was flawless and Ricky, after he descended, made his way to the dressing room.

Steven and Daniel both sat at the bar, watching the crowd. Daniel felt a sense of unease about him, but he dismissed it mostly as nerves and paranoia from the past week.

As everyone was enjoying their drinks and the remaining party-goers were taking their time filing out of the club, a shriek was heard from the back.

Everyone’s heads turned to see Ricky come running out holding his torn costume against his body.

Carlos came to his side within seconds before the cause of Ricky’s panic became evident as a white fox wearing a black tuxedo and white mask with slicked back hair walked out.

Daniel joined the two of them.

“You. You’re the one that sent me those letters. The flowers.” Ricky held on to Carlos as if he was the only thing keeping him upright. “Your little bird.” He spat.

“Now now, don’t take that tone. I may have been a little forward, but I assure you, my intentions are pure.”

“You tried to fucking rape me, you damned asshole.” Ricky shouted at the fox.

Carlos, upon hearing that, grew a ferocity in his eyes and he stepped forward to place a hand on the fox and reared back the other hand in a fist to punch him square on the nose.

“Fuck, you bastard.” The fox, now crumpled on the floor, sneered through the pain. Carlos stood over him menacingly. “I’ll have you in jail before the night is over.”

“Actually, I don’t think so.” Charles voice came up from the crowd. “Press charges and there will be a lawsuit and what will they find in discovery?”

The fox blinked, his hand up to his nose.

“And when it comes to representation for when this lovely dancer here decides to press charges.” Charles said then quickly flicked a business card between his fingers towards Ricky who grabbed it cautiously. “Pro bono. Consider it a favor repaid.” He smiled to the cheetah.

Dimitri was soon at the growing crowd which was becoming restless and angry. “I’ve called the cops. They’ll be here in five.” He said, which seemed to de-fang the worst of the dissenters.

Daniel turned his attention to the fox once more. “You will stay where you are until the police arrive, and then we can have them sort this all out.”

The fox tried to argue, trying to find an escape. “You think I’m—”

“You will obey.” Daniel said more firmly than before. “And if I must, I may ask my pet to detain you, should you put up a fight.”

Steven stepped forward, a growl underneath his breath, causing the fox to tremble.

That was enough to deflate the cocky vulpine. Were it not for his fur being stark white, it could have been said that he became a shade paler in that moment.

The police arrived and the fox was detained. One of the officers was talking to Ricky, and Carlos was next to him holding his hand throughout.

Dimitri went back to the bar to take care of whatever left over orders needed to be made.

Daniel sighed, and Steven came up to him to bring the gazelle into an embrace. “Seems we always have this kind of luck.” Daniel said.

“Not always.” Steven purred. “Counting all the nights that go off without a hitch, I’d say we have a good track record.”

“I guess.” Daniel said.

When the police officer departed, Daniel and Steven began to approach the two as they were standing there, with Ricky holding on to Carlos’s hand.

Then Ricky turned to face Carlos and reached forward, tentatively, to grab hold of the red wolf’s harness to ease him closer into a kiss that the wolf was quick to return.

Everyone there saw it.

There were hoots from a few party-goers that had yet to filter out into the night. It was enough encouragement to Ricky and Carlos to continue kissing, deeper this time.

Daniel smiled. While the night hadn’t been a total wash, at least Ricky got his happy ending.

The bar was mostly empty now, as it usually was at this time of the night. Most of the party-goers had gone home, hopefully with someone in tow, but the club stayed open for the few stragglers that took their time filtering out into the cool October air.

The music playing on the speakers was soft, somber. It was an old folk-song from a scratchy-throated singer that asked questions that still haven’t been answered. It was Brutus’s favorite. It was a song that played when he was still an idealistic teen. It was a song that Daniel had heard many times.

Daniel came over to the bear who was hunched over a shot-glass filled with scotch. He gestured to Dimitri who was behind the bar polishing some mugs to give him the same.

“Like old times, eh?” Brutus asked as Daniel sidled up to the bear on one of the chairs.

“Like old times.” Daniel said as he raised the shot-glass of scotch that Dimitri had poured for him. When Brutus raised his in a toast, Daniel clinked his glass against the bear’s. Then the two of them brought the spirit up to their lips, and Daniel looked to Brutus as he stared into his scotch.

They both pour the alcohol into their mouths at once, letting the fiery drink slide down their throats to be swallowed. They then put their glasses back on the bar.

Daniel gestured to Dimitri with two fingers to have another round poured for them.

“You wanna talk this year?” Daniel asked the bear.

“Naw. I think I’d rather just remember this time.” Brutus said, staring at the surface of the bar. “Did he find what he was looking for?”

“I think so.” Daniel replied, then leaned into Brutus’s shoulder.

He sat there with the bear as the chorus of the song played out. Both drinkers in quiet contemplation.

“He would have loved what you’ve become.” Daniel eventually said.

“Yeah,” Brutus softly laughed. “I guess he would’ve,” he reached an arm around to pull Daniel into a closer hug.

They sit in silence for a few more moments before Daniel reached for the second drink, Brutus followed suit and grabbed his shot-glass. They both held their drinks for a bit, then Daniel reverently raised his.

“To Huan.” Daniel said.

“To Huan.” Brutus said.