As they ate, the club continued to fill up, the energy in the room steadily rising. Kev watched Dale in action behind the bar, his movements a blur as he expertly mixed cocktails, poured drinks, and engaged in playful banter with the patrons. The bartender's photographic memory was on full display, as he effortlessly recalled each customer's preferred drink, even those he hadn't seen in months.
Kev, having finished his chowder, passed his empty bowl to Rebecca as she placed Fang's fresh Bloody Mary on the table. "Do you work every night?" he asked her, curious about the staff's schedule.
Rebecca smiled and raised an eyebrow, a touch of weariness in her eyes. "Yeah," she replied, "same as you, it seems." She then gracefully moved on to take orders from other patrons.
Kev turned back to Fang, a thoughtful frown creasing his brow. "Do most of the staff work non-stop like this?" he inquired.
Fang looked at him, genuinely confused. "Wouldn't it be weird if they didn't?" he asked, tilting his head slightly. "The club is open every night. Someone has to be here to run it."
"That's too much," Kev protested, his voice laced with concern. "How do they have time for a life? For their families? For themselves?"
Fang looked at Kev, genuinely puzzled. "What do you mean?" he asked, his brow furrowing.
Kev, realizing the cultural disconnect, tried to explain. "If they work a full shift every day, then when do they have time to get chores done, or go to the doctor, or just... relax and spend time with their loved ones?"
Fang leaned back in his seat, a thoughtful expression on his face. He'd never really considered the staff's lives outside of the club, their personal needs and responsibilities. He'd always assumed that working at Club Fang was a privilege, an opportunity that many would kill for. Its not like anyone that had a job had days off, he wasn't asking them to work any more than any other employer.
"There are so many people and so few jobs," Fang finally said, his voice low and contemplative. "Having one, especially a well-paying one like this, means you can provide for a lot of people. Extended family, friends, even neighbors."
He paused, his gaze sweeping across the bustling club. "We'll never be hurting for workers, Kev. The opportunity to make some money and lift yourself out of government housing is a strong motivator."
Kev shook his head, a hint of determination in his eyes. "But they might be even more productive if they had a chance to rest, to recharge," he countered. He nudged Fang playfully. "Just like someone I know."
Fang chuckled, a low rumble that vibrated through the booth. "That's a... unconventional idea, Kev," he admitted, a thoughtful frown creasing his brow.
"You're the king of unconventional, Fang," Kev reminded him with a sly grin. "Besides, wouldn't you rather have a well-rested, happy staff than a bunch of overworked, grumpy employees?"
Fang pondered this for a moment. "Perhaps you're right," he conceded, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "But what would that even look like? How would we manage the club with a reduced staff?"
Kev's smile widened. "We could start by giving everyone at least one day off a week," he suggested. "That would give them time to rest, spend time with their families, and come back refreshed and ready to work."
"Of course," Kev continued, his enthusiasm growing, "we'd need to hire a few more people to cover the shifts. It might seem like a headache at first, but once the schedule is set, you'll have plenty of extra staff who can be called in to fill gaps when people are sick or injured."
He leaned forward, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "And think about the long-term benefits. If we're the only club in the city that offers this kind of perk to its employees, we'll attract higher-quality candidates without having to pay them more. People will be lining up to work here!"
Fang's brow furrowed in contemplation as he considered Kev's proposal. The idea of giving his staff regular days off was certainly unconventional, but the potential benefits were intriguing. He'd always prided himself on running a tight ship, maximizing efficiency and minimizing downtime. But perhaps Kev was right. Perhaps a well-rested, happier staff would ultimately lead to a more successful club.
He raised a hand, signaling to the kangaroo bouncer who was patrolling the VIP section. "Skippy," he called out, his voice a low rumble, "could you fetch Horns for me?"
"Yes, boss," Skippy replied with a respectful nod, his powerful legs propelling him swiftly through the crowd.
Fang turned back to Kev, a thoughtful expression on his face. "It's an interesting idea, Kev," he admitted. "I'll have to give it some serious thought."
"Are there really so few jobs in this city?" Kev asked, his curiosity piqued.
Fang nodded. "Unfortunately, yes," he replied. "Overpopulation and automation are major issues. Many people struggle to find stable employment, and the competition for even menial jobs is fierce."
Kev's heart ached at the thought of so many people struggling to make ends meet. "I still think it's a good idea," he insisted, his voice filled with conviction. "It's the right thing to do."
Moments later, Horns arrived, his large frame casting shadows over the VIP booth. "You called, boss?" he inquired, a hint of amusement in his voice.
"Indeed I did, Horns," Fang replied, gesturing for him to take a seat. "Kev here has proposed something rather... interesting."
Horns grinned at Kev, his eyes bright with curiosity. "Oh?" he said, raising an eyebrow. "And what might that be?"
Kev, feeling a bit nervous under the scrutiny of both Fang and Horns, pulled out a joint and offered it to the mooseman. "Here," he said, "have a smoke while I explain."
Horns accepted the joint with a grateful smile, expertly lighting it with a flick of his wrist. He took a long, slow drag, exhaling a cloud of fragrant smoke. "Alright, Kev," he said, his voice mellowed by the herb. "Lay it on me."
Kev proceeded to outline his proposal for implementing a regular day off for the club's staff. He explained the potential benefits, from increased productivity and morale to attracting higher-quality employees. He also addressed Fang's concerns about managing the club with a reduced staff, suggesting they hire additional workers to cover the gaps.
Fang listened intently, his expression thoughtful. When Kev finished, he turned to Horns. "What are your thoughts?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of uncertainty.
Horns took a moment to ponder Kev's suggestion, his brow furrowed in concentration. "It would be a bit of upfront work," he admitted, his voice thoughtful. "We'd need to adjust schedules, hire additional staff, and make sure everything runs smoothly even with a rotating roster."
He paused, doing some quick mental calculations. "But if it cuts down on employee turnover by even thirty percent, it could be worth it in the long run," he concluded. "Training new staff takes time and resources. Keeping our experienced employees happy and motivated is crucial."
Kev nodded eagerly. "And think about it from the employees' perspective," he added. "Doesn't it seem like a great benefit? To have a guaranteed day off every week, a chance to rest and recharge, spend time with family, or just catch up on life?"
Horns's lips curled into a wistful smile. "It does sound nice," he admitted. "I know a lot of the staff complain about being tired all the time, having to run errands and do chores after their shifts. A day off would give them a chance to catch their breath."
Fang, who had been listening intently to the conversation, finally spoke up. "Horns," he said, his voice carrying a note of authority, "I want you to get the opinions of the other managers on this. See what they think about implementing a regular day off for the staff."
Horns's eyes widened in surprise. "Are you serious, boss?" he asked, a flicker of hope in his voice. "Once I start asking around, the whole staff will know about it. Expectations will be high."
Fang's gaze shifted to Kev, a warm smile playing on his lips. "If the majority of the managers are in favor of it, we'll do it," he declared. "Let's let democracy decide."
Horns nodded, a determined glint in his eyes. "It's a risk, but I'll do it for you, boss," he said, rising from his seat. "I'll get back to you as soon as I have everyone's feedback." With a final nod, he headed towards the kitchen, leaving Fang and Kev alone once more.
Kev, sensing an opportunity to further their connection, seized the moment. "Would you like to go for a walk outside?" he suggested, his voice soft but hopeful. "Just while we wait. The night air might do you some good."
Fang hesitated, his gaze sweeping across the club. The energy was still high, the dance floor packed, and the bar buzzing with activity. But everything seemed to be running smoothly, the staff handling their duties with their usual efficiency.
He turned back to Kev, a gentle smile playing on his lips. "Alright," he agreed, a hint of relief in his voice. "A walk sounds lovely."
They made their way through the crowd, Fang's presence parting the sea of patrons as they headed towards a side door that led to the backyard. Kev made a mental note of its location, it was much easier to get to than the door he had found on his first trip outside. The cool night air washed over them as they stepped outside, a welcome contrast to the warmth and noise of the club.
Kev led the way to the secluded bench beneath the sprawling oak tree, its leaves rustling softly in the night breeze. Fang followed, settling beside him with a contented sigh. The air was filled with the sounds of the night - the chirping of crickets, the distant hooting of an owl, and the faint murmur of music drifting from the open windows of the club. A few other couples strolled through the moonlit garden, their laughter and whispered conversations adding to the tranquil ambiance.
"Sometimes, in the colder months, we build a big bonfire back here," Fang remarked, his gaze fixed on the flickering flames of the torches that lined the patio. "I always loved it as a kid, and it seems like it's still quite popular."
Kev smiled, imagining the scene - a roaring fire, a circle of revelers gathered around it, their faces illuminated by the dancing flames. "That sounds amazing," he said, his voice filled with a quiet wonder.
Just then, a flash of movement caught his eye. A naked couple, their giggles and laughter echoing through the night, burst from a nearby thicket of bushes and sprinted across the lawn, disappearing into the shadows.
Fang chuckled, a low rumble that vibrated through the bench. "The allure of nature is strong for some," he observed, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Even in the heart of the city."
"Finish your smoke," Fang said, a playful glint in his eyes. "I'll be right back. Nature calls." With a wink and a mischievous grin, he disappeared back into the club, leaving Kev alone on the bench.
Kev took a final drag from his cigarette, savoring the moment of solitude. He exhaled slowly, watching the smoke dissipate into the night air. Although the naked couple was a bit of a shock, their laughter and general good mood let the memory pass quickly. He tossed the butt into a nearby barrel and leaned back, his gaze drawn to the moonlit trees that surrounded the backyard. It was hard to believe that a bustling metropolis lay just beyond those silent sentinels, a world of neon lights and futuristic technology hidden beneath a cloak of natural beauty.
As Kev lost himself in contemplation, a figure emerged from the shadows, stumbling slightly as he approached the bench. It was a birdman, his feathers ruffled and his eyes glazed with alcohol.
"Hey there, little thing," he slurred, leaning heavily on the back of the bench. "All alone out here? Feeling lonely?"
Kev's heart skipped a beat. He recognized the predatory glint in the birdman's eyes, a familiar look that sent a shiver down his spine. He instinctively scooted away, creating some distance between them.
"I'm fine, thanks," he replied, his voice carefully neutral.
The birdman chuckled, a raspy sound that grated on Kev's nerves. "Don't be shy," he urged, leaning closer. "You're a pretty little… thing. I'm sure we could find something to... entertain ourselves with."
Just as the birdman's hand reached out towards Kev, a low growl echoed through the night. Fang, his eyes blazing with anger, emerged from the shadows, his imposing figure towering over the drunken birdman.
"Get your filthy hands off him," Fang snarled, his voice a menacing rumble. His hackles were raised, his lips curled back, he was angry.
The birdman, startled by Fang's sudden appearance and the raw fury in his voice, stumbled backward, his drunken bravado evaporating instantly. He mumbled a hasty apology and scurried away, disappearing into the darkness.
Kev's heart pounded in his chest, a mixture of fear and relief washing over him. He hadn't expected Fang to react so aggressively, but he couldn't deny a thrill of excitement at the wolfman's protective instincts.
Without a word, Fang took Kev's hand and led him back inside, his grip firm but reassuring. They returned to the VIP table, the bustling energy of the club a stark contrast to the quiet tension of the encounter outside.
As they settled back into the familiar comfort of the VIP booth, Fang's arm instinctively draped around Kev's shoulders, pulling him close. The warmth of Fang's body, the subtle scent of his cologne, and the reassuring strength of his presence created a sense of safety and belonging that Kev found comforting. With Fang around Kev felt at ease regardless of the 8 foot tall elephant-person sauntering by.
Together, they watched the dancers sway and twirl on the floor, their movements a mesmerizing ballet of passion and abandon. The music, provided tonight by a violin duo led by Asmodeus, filled the air with a haunting melody that tugged at Kev's heartstrings. The intertwining notes of the two violins created a tapestry of sound that was both beautiful and melancholic.
Kev's gaze was drawn to Asmodeus, his blue fingers dancing across the strings with a grace and precision that belied the instrument's complexity. The toucan's flamboyant stage presence, his colorful feathers shimmering under the spotlight, added a touch of theatricality to the performance. Kev found himself completely enchanted, lost in the music and the mesmerizing movements of the dancers.
Fang, noticing Kev's rapt attention, leaned closer, his voice a low rumble in his ear. "Beautiful, isn't it?" he murmured, his gaze following Kev's to the stage. "Asmodeus has a way of weaving magic with his music."
Kev nodded, his eyes still fixed on the performers. "It's incredible," he whispered, his voice filled with awe. "I've never heard anything like it."
Fang chuckled, a deep, resonant sound that vibrated through Kev's body. "That's the beauty of this place, Kev," he said, his arm tightening around Kev's shoulders. "It's a world of its own, a place where the impossible becomes possible, where dreams and desires intertwine."
He paused, his gaze meeting Kev's. "And you, my dear assistant," he continued, his voice dropping to a husky whisper, "you're a part of that magic now."
Kev's heart skipped a beat, a warmth spreading through him at Fang's words. He turned to face the wolfman, their eyes locking in the dimly lit booth. The music swelled around them, a passionate crescendo that mirrored the unspoken desires simmering beneath the surface. At that moment, Kev knew that his life had irrevocably changed. However, that moment passed when a familiar giant cut through the crowd.