FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

"Hmmm? Why do you wanna know that, Mr. Detective?"

"It's Rick, for the last time," grumbled Rick, taking another drink from his hot coffee. He was meeting his usual source at the usual coffee place, though despite their familiarity with each other it was always the same song and dance. "Just tell me where to find it."

"Oh? Didn't you follow the directions on that video? And, like, it's not hard to find on the internet, either. They have a social media feed, even. That's why I'm so confused why you can't find it..."

"...I don't know what it is, but every time I think I'm close I just... find an empty building," Rick said, clearly irritated as he scratched his rough stubble. "You'd think they'd actually want business, y'know? So I must not have the right info..."

"Oh... I see," giggled the slightly effeminate man, curling a lock of his red hair with one finger. "Well, why do you wanna go there anyway? Oh, right. 'Your business is your own'. As usual."

Whether it was because Rick was at his wit's end, or because of the sulking look he was receiving, he sighed and placed his mug down, before leaning in closer. Intrigued, the other man leaned in close as well, as if they were sharing some childhood secret.

"I got hired by Ron Taggart."

"Ohhhhhh, so it's Seth you're after..." cooed the man, his voice low enough. "Never knew you were into big bad wolves... but I can help you out with that. If you want it bad enough, that is."

"It's... not like that, Maeryn," Rick said, blushing at the thought. "I know the Virtues confirmed it, but I have to follow through with this anyway. It's not really my job to question his motives, just to get results... so yeah."

"So the disgraced preacher wishes for some closure," sighed Maeryn. Even if Rick had been straight, he couldn't help but feel his heart melt a bit at the sight of the androgynous man. "Well, I know why you can't find the place, but it's more fun if you figure out why yourself. However, since you've treated me, I can give you this card. I sometimes go there myself, after a long day."

"You work?" joked Rick, causing Maeryn to giggle before he handed over the business card. It was simple in design, and some of the words or symbols made his vision swim just trying to make sense of it, but the logo was definitely that of Deviant Delights.

"It's hard being me," Maeryn said, winking as he wrapped his lips around the straw of his iced coffee. "That card will let you find the place, as long as you have it. Just tell them Maeryn sent you. Oh, and if you see Davin there, tell him his older brother says 'hi'."

"What do you mean...?" Rick asked, but not before Maeryn walked away, one slim arm waving goodbye. Maeryn never gave more than he intended, so that must have meant the private investigator did have what he needed. He still wasn't sure how a card could help him where simple directions couldn't, but Maeryn was frustrating like that. He'd have to 'figure out why' himself. Grumbling, he took another sip of his coffee, relishing the rest of his morning as he watched the rain pouring down outside the window of the shop.

*******

The plan was simple. Get past the bouncer, pose as a patron to get close to Seth, and then he could complete the job. Though now that he looked at the rather big, muscular lion in front of him, he couldn't help but feel like this was going to be more complicated than he had hoped.

"It's real, but I don't remember the boss inviting anyone specific," the lion said, suspicion in his voice. "Where'd you get it? I have to ask."

"Um... Maeryn sent me?" he said, his voice cracking a bit before clearing his throat. "Sorry. Maeryn gave me that card."

"...Oh, Maeryn," the lion said, relaxing as he nodded. Pocketing the card, he opened the door and beckoned the man inside. "Just don't make any trouble, alright? It's not often we get people like you here."

"People like me?" Rick asked, wary of the lion's choice of words.

"People who can't find the bar on their own," chuckled the lion, before resuming his post. It was clear he wasn't going to answer any more questions, even if Rick had any in mind. He was here as a patron, he kept telling himself. It wasn't technically a lie, especially if he ordered a drink or two, but he did have an ulterior motive he didn't want discovered. He could feel his heart pounding a bit as he steeled his resolve, walking down the hallway toward a door at the end. As soon as he opened it, music blasted past and through him. Oh yeah, this was the place alright. He briefly thought about finding some corner or booth to hide in for a bit as he looked around, but then he realized that'd be a bit suspicious. Sure, he supposed some younger patrons might be nervous, but he definitely didn't give off that 'innocent' look with his rough face and scars. He'd had his nose broken one too many times, after all, and his eyes always looked so haggard.

"...Hey," he said to a stranger or two, as he walked over to the bar. Some of the men looked at him with polite disgust, while others seemed to be very interested in him all of a sudden. If he'd been here for pleasure, he might even think about hooking up with one or two... but he had a job to do. And besides, he could really use a drink. Working for Ron Taggart was... not easy, to say the least. He'd had to give several meaningless 'updates' just during the day as he waited for evening. He wasn't a day drinker, and he wasn't about to start. Besides, the dancers didn't go on stage until around nine at night, so he had some time to kill.

"First time, hm?" said the bartender, eyeing him up and down as he took a seat at the bar. "I can tell."

"...Yeah. I had some trouble finding the place," sighed Rick, genuinely enjoying the atmosphere if nothing else. Plus it didn't hurt that the bartender here was very easy on the eyes. "I don't really know why."

"Hm... normally those who really desire something can find this place with ease. Whether it's a good drink, a good fuck, or a... change in perspective. Sometimes all three," the man said, laughing softly. "But that means you're here on some sort of business... ah! I won't pry, but someone gave you my card. That's the only other way you could get here, after all."

"...Oh, you're the owner?" Rick said, blinking in surprise.

"Davin Connors, in the flesh," Davin said, flashing a bright smile. "It's on the card. Though you don't seem the type to go bar diving, especially in a place like this... hmm... but you're welcome here, all the same. What can I get you to start off with tonight?"

"Scotch, on the rocks," Rick said, fishing out his wallet. A hand stopped him, tracing along his forearm before placing an open palm on his hand to close the wallet. It was... sensual, but firm. He couldn't help but feel himself get slightly aroused by such a simple act.

"This one's on me," Davin said, winking before he began preparing the drink. "I don't think you're underage, and you can pay off your tab later if you want anything else."

"...Why the freebie, then?" Rick asked, causing Davin to shrug.

"You seem like you could use it. And my bar, my rules," Davin said, grinning before his eyes grew very serious, seemingly staring right through him as chills traveled up his spine. "Remember that."

"...Uh... yeah," stammered Rick, wondering if he should leave. But before he could consider getting up, the drink he'd ordered was being placed in front of him. Whatever disposition Davin had had before, he was all smiles now.

"Oh... uh, thanks," Rick said, taking his drink to his lips a little too eagerly. He'd already had half the glass before he reminded himself to take it slow. He couldn't do his job if he was drunk off his ass.

"So how did you come by one of my cards? I assume a regular gave one to you," Davin asked, leaning a bit too closely over the counter. "I think I'd remember a stud like you, so it couldn't have been me."

"Um... right. Maeryn did. He said to tell you that your older brother says 'hi'," Rick said, feeling a little more at ease as the alcohol hit him. He was a big guy, but it was always nice when that buzz started to form. "I should thank him later."

"Oh... he's doing it again," sighed Davin, a tired smile on his face. "He always thinks he's 'older' just because he was 'first'. That's Envy for you, I suppose."

"Envy? Like... elder daemon Envy?" Rick asked, disbelief on his face. When Davin didn't laugh, Rick realized it wasn't a joke. "...Seriously?"

"Seriously," chuckled Davin, standing up straight as he posed just a bit too dramatically. He was obviously enjoyed the discomfort Rick was showing. "Does it bother you?"

"He just seems so... not like that. I mean if I had to guess he was any of the Sins, I'd have said Lust. He's always flirting with me."

"...Hm, Lust?" Davin said, cocking his head in mock thought. "Well, I can see how you might make that mistake. He's always been a bit envious of my business here. But then, daemons have needs too. I keep saying he'd have an easier time finding a partner if he could just commit to a look, but he wants the best of both worlds. Not that there's just two genders, but well... he's a bit shallow, sometimes."

"Yeah, he can be... wait... envious of you? You're..."

"Lust, yes. Though that's such a... formal title. Just call me Davin," the bartender said, winking as his form shimmered. Instead of the human he had been chatting with, Rick now saw a half-lion, half-bull hybrid looming over him. Though, not nearly as big as the lion bouncer had been, he noticed.

"That's not your real name though, is it?" asked Rick, causing Davin to laugh.

"No, but giving a daemon's true name to a human is always a disastrous affair. Also it's rude to ask, but I'll forgive your ignorance this one time since you're so handsome."

"Ah... thanks," Rick said, not sure how to compose himself now. He'd been chatting with an elder daemon like he was some run-of-the-mill bartender. He felt as if all his secrets were being exposed all at once, even though he knew nothing of the sort was happening. Maybe he should just quit while he was ahead? No. He needed that money. He'd just have to grin and bear it.

"You're a bit tense," Davin said, backing off a little bit. "But I suppose that's partly my fault, springing all of that on you. Enjoy your drink and the music, and I'll check back in a bit. Okay?"

"...Okay," Rick said, sighing in relief as the daemon left to chat with some other patrons. He noticed a healthy amount of furs and humans alike around the place, especially when it came to the dance floor. He kept scanning the crowd, but try as he might he couldn't find his target. Seth was either very good at hiding, or he was in the back somewhere. But he didn't need to go after him. He only needed to wait.

He was three drinks in by the time he noticed a change in the atmosphere; dancers were being ushered off the floor as a stage was being set up. He assumed it was for the event, especially since some of it seemed to be setting up itself. He nearly jumped out of his skin when the big lion bouncer from outside sat down next to him, a drink already waiting for him as Davin handed it off. When had they both snuck up on him like that?

"Thanks," the lion said, his voice clearly tired. He looked like he hadn't slept in... ever. "You know what keeps me going."

"I really wish you'd take the week off, Mark," Davin sighed. "Even if you use that drink to stay awake, you're bound to lose your mind from lack of sleep."

"Yeah, well... maybe once this Taggart shit settles down I can... um..." Mark said, his voice trailing off as he noticed Rick for the first time. "Oh. Sorry. I didn't see you there."

"It's fine," Rick said, taken slightly aback by the change in attitude. If he'd been fierce and alert at the door, he was soft and tired here. As if he could finally let his guard down, or something. "I should move, really."

"Oh, don't be like that," Mark said, motioning for Rick to stay. "I'll buy you a drink."

"Oh, he doesn't often do that," Davin chuckled. "He must like you."

"No I just... gave him some trouble at the door, earlier," Mark stammered, blushing. "I owe him a drink at least!"

"Hmm... tell me something, Rick," Davin said, taking out another glass. "What do you think of Mark here? Be honest, and I'll pay your entire tab for the night. Including anything you order later."

"Ummm... okay," Rick said, gathering his thoughts. He didn't care too much if his tab got paid, although it would be a nice bonus. He turned his eye toward Mark, who was looking at him with a mix of wildness and desire. He wasn't sure about furs most of the time, but something about the lion's mane, his bulging muscles... those bedroom eyes... he found himself leaning a bit more closely before he realized. "Ah, um... I uh..."

"I see," Davin said, winking. "Well, then, a deal's a deal."

"I didn't say anything yet though," Rick said, causing the bartender to laugh.

"Your body and heart already did," Davin said. "That's the first bit of real desire I've felt from you all night. Though if you do hook up with my bouncer, try not to break him. Or let him break you, even. He can be rough sometimes."

"...I'll think about it," Rick blushed, taking his drink from the bartender. It wasn't scotch, but something else. He realized it was the same drink as Mark's, who was watching the stage preparations with him now. It tasted... spicy and warm, with a hint of cinnamon. Yet he couldn't quite place the type of alcohol.

"It's medicine, kinda," Mark said, noticing his puzzled expression. "Keeps you awake for a full day, as if you slept. Though it can't replace it. If the boss would find me a suitable replacement I could take the occasional day off, but still. I'd drink this anyway, even if I didn't need it."

"It's good," Rick said, surprising himself with how relaxed he felt suddenly. His skin felt a bit itchy, and when he moved his clothes seemed a bit tighter than he remembered, but somehow he didn't care too much about that. "I feel good."

"You'll feel even better when you finish it," Mark said, a look of realization on his face. "Though it's all temporary, okay? So just... go with it."

"Go with what?" Rick started to ask, before music began playing. The event must have been starting, since the woos and cheers of the crowd drowned out any reasonable conversation in an instant. His heart was racing in anticipation suddenly, the lights growing dim as he saw shapes moving about.

"Hey everyone it's Saturday, thanks for coming, coming, coming to Deviant Delights!" the announcer's voice rang out, causing Rick to blush. Did he really just make that joke? Then again, he couldn't help but laugh along with Mark, who suddenly had an arm around his shoulders. Winking at him, Mark nodded his head back toward the stage, Rick's eyes following until he could see someone walking up there. It was some sort of buff fox anthro, surprising Rick. He'd always assumed all the fox furs were slim or slender, but this one looked like he hit the gym hard every day; he was even dressed in just a jockstrap, leaving nothing to the imagination. "Put your hands together for an electrifying performance from Red Lightning!"

If Rick hadn't noticed the pole before, he did now as the fox began his routine. The bar stool creaked under his weight as Rick leaned forward, one hand on his thigh as he supported himself. He was very awake and alert, the drink putting his morning coffee to shame. Growling, he felt his muscles burned as if he'd had the best workout of his life, and his desires grew the longer he stared at the fox. He felt something else keep growing, more than usual; checking with his free hand, he was surprised to realize he was only half-hard, and already longer than what would have been normal for him. It was then that he began noticing his changes for the first time.

"...It's temporary?" he said, looking over at Mark in anxiety. When the lion nodded at him, he felt himself ease up a bit, the handsome face looking at him with a newfound lust. "...Go with it. Right. Fuck it then."

"Fuck it," Mark said, toasting with him as they both finished their drinks at the same time. They were almost the same height now, though he wasn't nearly as muscular. His clothes ripped as they finally reached their limit, and Rick found himself casually tossing aside the fragments even as he noticed his new clothes. Dark blue, relaxed fit jeans, with a nice leather belt and a lions' head buckle. Flexing his new foot-paws, he chuckled as his claws extended and retracted at will. His new tail swished lazily behind him, occasionally bumping into Mark's as they both sat in silence with the show unfolding before them.

"...This is what it's like, then," Rick said, after a new dancer was announced and his changes had finalized. The warmth of alcohol throughout his body had loosened him up considerably, just saying whatever came to his mind in the moment. "Just being able to unwind. Not having to deal with annoying clients who want updates on their cases all the time..."

"Cases, hm? Lawyer or cop?" Mark asked, curious. He seemed genuinely interested in him, even as he helped him stand up from his seat and help him get used to his new body. When he realized they were heading closer to the stage, Rick quickened his pace in anticipation. He'd be able to see the show even better from there. A few possessive growls from Mark to nearby patrons caused the crowd to part, and Rick found himself leaning into the bigger lion. God, he was so manly and handsome...

"...Oh, private investigator," Rick said, casually dismissing the very idea of his job away. "But I don't want to talk about that shit. It's boring and stressful."

"So why do it?" Mark asked, as they both took their seats. The meaty bull anthro winked at them as he kept dancing, the word "Rodeo" embroidered in his leather thong.

"...I don't know," sighed Rick, inhaling Mark's musk even as he kept his eyes on the dancer. "It's all I know how to do I guess. What about you?"

"You mean my job?" asked Mark, surprised at the question. "Well, I like it well enough. I do it for Davin. Though lately we've been getting all sorts of... well, unwelcome people. They sometimes try to sneak in and disrupt things. I'd be out there now but the door's locked from the outside during the event... they better not touch my soda. I forgot it out there."

"How can they even find this place? I couldn't do it on my own at all," Rick said, confused.

"You have to have a strong desire to be here, even if you don't know it yourself," Mark said, shrugging. "Well, it's more complicated I guess. Davin explains it better... but basically desire works both ways. Good and bad. The bad kind of desire leads protesters, activists, religious nutters... you name it, we get it. Though most piss their pants at the sight of me and turn tail, hah!"

"And the ones who don't?"

"Well," Mark said, a cocky smile on his face as he leaned back in his chair. "I'm very good in a fight. Working for an elder daemon has its benefits, you know? Besides, who wouldn't want to work here when you have... well, this?"

Rick nodded as Mark gestured at their surroundings, but especially at the stage. He could see himself working here, admiring the patrons and protecting the bar... at that thought, he felt his head pound a little as a stab of guilt hit him.

"...What's wrong?" Mark asked, as Rodeo waved to the crowd at the conclusion of his song, leaving the crowd a good view of his backside as he walked back along the catwalk. "Everything alright, babe?"

"...I kinda lied a little," sighed Rick, feeling his ears flatten. "Ron Taggart hired me to find his son."

"...You mean him?" Mark asked, pointing at the back of the stage. Before he could answer, music played as the lights grew dark, with only the silhouette of a massive anthro being visible.

"Be careful on your way home tonight, folks, especially if there's a full moon out! Put your hands together for the one, the only, Big Bad Wolf!"

Even before he could think to chuckle at the obvious stage name, his heart leapt up into his throat as the figure launched himself forward onto all fours, the lights barely keeping up as he reached the pole and snarled in Rick's face. Despite the scare, he could feel himself getting incredibly aroused at the display of raw power, even as the wolf's features softened up into a cocky grin. Winking at him, the wolf anthro stood and reached back for the pole, quickly rotating around it as he allowed himself to get into the music. Even if it wasn't for his muscles or the jet black fur, he could tell it was Seth just from the attitude he displayed, much like in his first video advertising the bar and blasting his father.

"Hot, right?" Mark asked, chuckling as Rick simply nodded. "Got me the first time, too. And I'm bigger than he is."

"...Yeah... but... aren't you gonna...?"

"What, throw you out? And miss this performance? Hell no," Mark said, giving him a reassuring squeeze. "You haven't done anything yet. Besides, you found him. Mission complete, right?"

"...I guess so," sighed Rick.

"Talking about me are we, boys?" the wolf anthro said, laughing a bit as he crawled towards them slowly. "Naughty, naughty..."

"I... uh..." Rick said, finding himself wanting to reach out and touch him.

"We'll talk later," Mark said, winking back at him. "Get back up there, sexy."

"Heh... don't need to tell me twice, kitten," Seth said, scratching Mark under the chin before rising up to his knees, flexing his muscles for the rest of the crowd. He was soon making his rounds around the stage, all while making it look fluid and graceful somehow. Had he really gotten so good in only a couple of weeks? Or was he just a natural? Rick couldn't really decide.

"I hate that nickname," Mark said, though his wide smile betrayed his enjoyment. "But damn if I don't love that ass of his."

Rick found himself agreeing, before an annoying buzzing in his pocket brought him back to reality. Taking out his phone, he had some trouble unlocked the screen before scanning his notifications. God, would he ever shut up? He realized he wasn't going to be able to text with such big hands now, so he hit the voice to text button before bringing it up to his mouth.

"Will you let me work you son of a bitch?! God! I'll get back to you when I get back to you!" Once the message appeared on the screen, he quickly hit send before throwing it on the ground, shattering the screen.

"You'll have to clean that up later," Mark said, chuckling. "I take it that was Ron?"

"He's been annoying me all day! All week! I understand he wants results but he's just soooooo whiny and needy and... god I hate my job."

"So then quit," Mark said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"I can't. I need the money," sighed Rick, massaging his temples. "I'll get evicted if I miss another payment, and... well, I like food. You know? Eating is something I really enjoy doing as a biological organism!"

"Hah! I bet," Mark said, winking. "Though with that body you're gonna have to be carnivorous. Which means more meat, of course. Not bad right?"

"You said it's temporary, though," Rick said, starting to relax again as he watched Seth's hypnotic movements. "So it doesn't matter, right?"

"It doesn't have to be temporary," Mark suggested, suddenly very close to him. "You're exactly my type. And I wouldn't mind having another lion around here... if you wanted a job anyway. My boss pays very well. Even dental."

"Really? Even after..."

"Hey, like I said, you didn't do anything wrong. And as long as you continue to not do anything wrong, we don't have a problem."

"What if I need to be punished...?" asked Rick, tracing one of Mark's nipples with his claw. "I'll feel guilty otherwise..."

"Mmmf..." Mark said, torn between watching the stage and looking back at Rick. "You are being naughty, all right..."

"Say, Mark," Rick said, nibbling at his pecs. "Are you seeing anyone?"

"Hm? No. Why?" Mark said, his own excitement betrayed in the way his chest heaved up and down.

"Oh, no reason. Just... curious," Rick replied, shrugging. "Might be fun to have a big lion for a boyfriend is all... if you don't mind."

Mark found himself speechless as the dance concluded, Seth winking at the pair as he flexed. Howling, he bounded back up the stage on two feet this time, before disappearing somewhere in the back. Clearing his throat, Mark looked off to the side, clearly bashful now.

"Um... well, I don't date humans. Though I suppose um... we could hook up now and then here."

"...Oh, is that all?" asked Rick, a bit giddily. He was starting to see why Maeryn liked to act the way he did, though the private eye still preferred masculinity overall. It was just fun to tease Mark a bit. "Well then, let's go talk to your boss."

"You sure you don't want to go talk with Seth?" Mark asked, though he didn't offer any resistance as he was lead to the bar.

"Oh, good idea! Let's get him in on this too," Rick said, as if just remembering his job for the first time in ages. "Though I'll need to use your phone..."

"We have one in the back," chuckled Mark, still in disbelief that the man had smashed his own phone. But it had looked cheap to begin with. Gesturing to the boss to meet them in the office, the elder daemon winked and nodded before stepping out from behind the counter.

*******

"...So daddy does care. Thought he'd have forgotten all about me by now," Seth sighed, clearly not interested in what his father thought. Rolling his eyes, he shook his head before reclining in his seat. The sounds of the club were very muffled in here, as if the office was designed to block most sound out. It was on the second floor, and a large window allowed everyone inside to see the floor below.

"Yeah, sorry about... everything," Rick said, sagging his shoulders. "I can see why you didn't want to go back, now. It's... great, here. Amazing, actually."

"Sure is, though I do have a life outside of here," Seth chuckled. "Still, clean break and all. Though he's not going to pay you if you just quit... tell you what. I'll send him a message. That might shut him up."

"For maybe a few minutes," sighed Rick, causing them both to laugh. "Still... I think he just wants to be sure you weren't possessed or something stupid like that."

"Not that the Virtues would allow such a thing, even if I did," Davin said, his large frame at odds with his smaller desk. It wasn't a place he often sat at, apparently, though his chair looked comfortable enough. "He should know that. I suppose you shocked him with that video."

"I was always good at... lyin'," Seth said, causing both Mark and Rick to groan at the obvious pun. "Sorry. Couldn't resist."

"Well... you did go to all this trouble to find Seth, and it would be a shame to leave you empty-handed... hm," Davin said, smiling even as his posture grew more business-like. Taking something from a drawer, he placed a glass flask on the desk between himself and Rick.

"What's this?" Rick asked, even as Seth smiled wider. "Some kind of forget-me-juice?"

"I should make a new drink like that..." chuckled Davin. "But no, this is a Potion of Permanence. Mark tells me you're thinking of joining us here, and well... I can't use a human bouncer, unfortunately. Though something tells me that's not a problem for you."

"I mean... I could say you poisoned my mind and corrupted me, but I was already wanting to be more like Mark before that drink passed my lips," Rick said, shrugging. "I guess I was envious?"

"Maeryn no doubt rubbing off on you. I heard your desire in your heart, so I let you have a taste of what it was like. Though I didn't expect the two of you to hit it off so quickly, I admit."

"So... I just drink this, and I stay this way forever?" asked Rick.

"That's how it works," Seth said, and Mark nodded as well. "But there's a price for it, right boss?"

"That's my line, but yes. Let me see... as always for a human-to-anthro transformation, the price for permanence is your humanity on top of something else I ask of you."

"That sounds... kind of scary?" Rick said, feeling a bit apprehensive.

"Oh, I guess I make it scarier than it really is," Davin said, suddenly apologetic in tone. "Right now, you are two beings in one. Human, and anthro lion. Only one can stay when you leave this bar, since this place is directly within my power. Obviously, without an anchor, the lion form just boils away. You retain the memories, and you can always try out the same form or even a new one later on, if you want. But physically, it's as if nothing ever happened."

"...So this makes it sorta... reversed?"

"Yes, in simple terms," Davin said, nodding. "It'll boil the human side out immediately, or rather it'll break down its essence into something physical. Despite the name, it's usually reversible as long as I have the essence of your humanity available. I hold onto it for a few days usually, just in case you really do change your mind. Though it takes a great deal of power for me to... give you a refund, so to speak. It's not something a lesser daemon could reverse, actually. While I don't like to do it, I will if that's what you end up truly desiring."

"What happens to it if I don't change my mind?"

"He drinks it," Seth said, earning a slight glare from Davin. "What? You do. Then you get a face like you just-"

"Oh. It's like food for you, then," Rick said, interrupting Seth. "I heard about that from something, I think. A book?"

"Oh no doubt from that one scholar..." Davin sighed. "He got a few things wrong, but overall it's not too far off. But yes, it gives me strength much like food gives to your body. Except there's no real limit to how much ah, 'energy' I can possess. It's gone forever if I do that, though. So as for the pr-"

Before Davin could finish the question, Rick scooped up the flask and was already downing the contents, surprising everyone in the room. Coughing, he felt something inside shift, and a vapor began spilling out of his nose and mouth into the flask. When the last of it had left his body and entered the flask, it closed on its own as the magic began working to condense it into a liquid form.

"...That was fast," Davin said, blinking in surprise. "Though I'm flattered that you like this form so much you'd act so quickly to cement it in place. You didn't hear my price, however."

"Whatever it is, I don't care. I'll pay it, even if I have to work for you or something to pay it off," Rick said, feeling content as his body and mind settled into its new official identity.

"Hm... very well then," Davin said, pulling out a piece of paper and a pen. "I was going to say my price was you work for me for a year as a bouncer as well as anything else I needed... so I suppose we should make it official now. This is a contract of employment, and no, it's not a 'deal with the devil', though it is legally binding."

"A year, hm?" Rick asked, signing his name without even reading the contents. "That's fine. I don't care if I have to live here, even."

"Well I don't need any new live-ins, though I'll consider a role evaluation after your year is up, if you wish to continue on," Davin said, brushing the topic aside. "Take tonight and tomorrow to rest up, get your affairs in order, whatever you need to do. If you need help finding a more suitable living arrangement as well, I know a few people who can help you break your lease and move into a new place in the same day."

"He can stay with me, if he wants," Mark suggested, causing Davin to raise an eyebrow at the suggestion.

"Sounds fine to me," Rick said, smiling happily. "But what about my lease? Is Greed going to come buy off the property or something?"

"...Something like that," Davin smiled. "He does owe me a favor or two, after all."

"I was joking, but... okay," Rick said, again acutely aware of how insignificant he was compared to his boss. But this time, he felt safe around him. He wanted to protect him and his business. Just like Mark did.

"I'll... talk to my dad, I guess," Seth sighed, reluctant to even talk about the man. "If he doesn't pay you for the job, I will. So don't worry about that."

"Thanks," Rick said, still giddy with excitement. He felt a rumble deep in his chest as he leaned against Mark's shoulder. "...I'm purring, aren't I?"

"Sure are, kitten!" Seth teased, before leaving the room. Groaning, the lions scoffed as they both rose to their feet.

"If there's nothing else, boss...?" Mark asked, causing Davin to shake his head.

"I should get back to the bar," Davin sighed, pocketing the glass flask. "Who knows what the new hire is doing in my absence."

"The panther? Oh he's a cutie... clumsy for a cat, though..."

As the three of them left the office and chatted as if they were all lifelong friends, Mark wrapped a possessive arm around Rick even as the smaller lion wrapped an arm around the powerful bouncer's waist. Maybe it was just lust, but they were both curious to see how it would go.

"Hey, babe," Mark said, once it was just the two of them again and they were in the club. The event had ended a while ago, and "Wanna get a quick dance in before I head back out to my shift?"

"Sure!" Rick said, practically dragging Mark by the paw to the dance floor. Smiling lewdly, Mark followed after him as they lost themselves in the crowd, the beat of their hearts mixing together with the music.