Kev, unable to contain his admiration, burst into applause. "That was incredible, Asmodeus!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine enthusiasm. "You're a true maestro."
Asmodeus, his feathers ruffled in a mix of satisfaction and frustration, muttered under his breath, "Child's instrument."
He turned to Kev, his gaze intense. "Kev," he demanded, his voice a melodic trill, "what is going on with that song? Explain."
Kev, a bit taken aback by Asmodeus's sudden intensity, cleared his throat. "It's a song about a mythical creature called a siren," he explained, his voice soft. "It's... a bit sad. Her wings were cut off, and she had to settle for someone she didn't love. But despite her circumstances, she stays positive and sings."
Asmodeus nodded slowly, his beak clicking thoughtfully. "I understand now," he said, a flicker of empathy in his eyes. "The dissonance, the melancholic undertones... it all makes sense."
Asmodeus's expression turned thoughtful. "It will take my band a while to learn this one," he mused, tapping his beak with a long, elegant finger. "The rhythm is... unconventional, and the chord progressions are quite… unique."
He drained his drink in one swift motion. "I must write it down," he declared, rising from his seat with a flourish. "Capture its essence before it fades from my memory."
He turned to Kev, a grateful smile on his face. "Thank you for sharing your music with me, Kev," he said, his voice a melodic trill. "It has been an inspiration."
With a final bow, Asmodeus gathered his belongings and left the bar, leaving Kev to ponder the unexpected turn of events.
Kev, feeling a surge of creative energy after his encounter with Asmodeus, decided to head back to his apartment to jot down some new song ideas. As he made his way towards the staircase, a familiar figure stepped out from the shadows, blocking his path. It was Max, the foxman cleaner, his bushy tail twitching nervously.
"Kev," Max said, his foxy face filled with amusement, "Cindy's asked for you again."
Kev raised an eyebrow, a curious smile playing on his lips. "Again?" he echoed. "What does she need this time?"
"Didn't say," Max replied with a shrug. "Just told me to find you and bring you to her office."
Kev hesitated for a moment, then nodded. He had nothing else to do, and besides, he genuinely enjoyed Cindy's company. "Lead the way, Max," he said, following the foxman deeper into the labyrinthine corridors of the mansion.
As they walked, Max couldn't resist a playful jab. "You've been here for a few days now," he remarked, his voice laced with a hint of amusement. "Shouldn't you have learned the layout of this place by now?"
Kev chuckled sheepishly. "Honestly, I feel a bit awkward poking around," he admitted. "My job is a bit... unorthodox, if you want to call it that, and I don't want to get in anyone's way."
Max nodded, his bushy tail swishing playfully. "Well, you're getting in my way right now, having to show you the way," he retorted with a lighthearted chuckle.
He pointed towards a discreet door tucked away on the side of the grand staircase. "That's a staircase leading downstairs," he explained. "Can you find your way from there?"
Kev nodded. "Thanks, Max," he said with a grateful smile. "If anyone yells at me for going into a random room, I'll tell them you approved it."
Max laughed, a warm, inviting sound that echoed through the hallway. "The day crew won't bother you, Kev," he assured him. "Unless you try to wander off the grounds, of course." He hesitated for a moment, then added, "Oh, and the loading dock is off-limits too. That's Lanon's territory."
Kev opened his mouth to inquire further about the loading dock, but Max had already disappeared down a side corridor, leaving Kev to his own devices.
With a shrug, Kev turned and descended the hidden staircase, his footsteps echoing in the dimly lit basement. He navigated the maze of shelves and storage areas, his eyes caught by the glimpses of the club's inner workings.
He passed by cleaners sorting linens, polishing silverware, and restocking supplies. The air hummed with quiet activity, a stark contrast to the raucous energy that would soon fill the mansion's upper levels. They just nodded at him as if they were long time acquaintances that had little to say because they had known each other for so long, slightly unsettling but Kev knew he was easy to pick out from the crowd here.
As he ventured deeper into the basement, he stumbled upon the lower level of the fighting pit, now eerily silent and bathed in the flickering glow of overhead lights. A team of cleaners was diligently working to remove the bloodstained sand, their shovels and rakes scraping against the floor with a rhythmic monotony. The sight sent a shiver down Kev's spine, a reminder of the brutal reality that coexisted with the club's glamorous facade.
Shaking off the unsettling image, Kev continued his journey, following the dimly lit corridor until he reached Cindy's office. The cheerful pink door, a beacon of warmth in the otherwise drab basement, stood slightly ajar, inviting him in.
Kev gently knocked on the door as he pushed it open. "Cindy?" he called out softly.
The head of housekeeping, her back to him, was carefully lifting a kettle from the small woodstove in the corner. "Welcome, Kev," she said, her voice a gentle melody in the quiet office. "Tea will be ready in a minute. Please, sit."
Kev settled into a chair across from her, placing his guitar case on the floor beside him. The familiar scent of lavender and chamomile filled the air, a calming contrast to the lingering smell of smoke and sweat and… other things from the club above.
Cindy turned, two steaming cups of tea in her hands. She placed one in front of Kev and sat down, her posture relaxed and inviting. "You had some wonderful words during the meeting last night," she said, a warm smile gracing her lips. "I wish more people would learn to speak instead of using their claws."
Kev took a sip of the tea, its warmth spreading through him. "Thank you," he replied, a shy smile playing on his lips. "I just said what I felt was right."
Cindy's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Rumor also has it that you're quite the musician," she continued, her gaze shifting to the guitar case. "It would absolutely tickle me if you'd play a tune for an old deer like myself."
"It would be my pleasure, Cindy," Kev replied, his smile widening. He carefully lifted his guitar from its case, the polished wood gleaming in the soft light of the office.
As he settled the guitar onto his lap he couldn't help but ask, "Do you ever ask Asmodeus to play for you? He's incredibly talented."
Cindy chuckled, a soft, melodic sound. "Oh, the toucan is a touch too flamboyant for my taste," she admitted, shaking her head. "Besides, he gives the cleaners a rough time. Leaves his dressing room a complete mess after every performance."
She sighed, a hint of exasperation on her tongue. "Feathers everywhere, sheet music scattered about, and don't even get me started on the state of his teacups. We don't even give him the good sets anymore."
Kev's fingers hovered over the strings, a moment of contemplation passing over his face. He realized that the cleaner who had complimented his playing earlier, the anteater in the backyard, must have already told Cindy about his guitar playing. A warmth spread through him at the thought of his music being appreciated in this strange new world.
With a deep breath, he began to strum the familiar chords of the upbeat tune he'd played for Asmodeus the night before. The melody filled the small office, its cheerful rhythm a stark contrast to the usual quietude of the space. Cindy closed her eyes, a serene smile gracing her lips as she swayed gently to the music.
When Kev reached the final chord, a silence hung in the air for a moment. Then, Cindy opened her eyes and offered a soft clap, her expression filled with genuine appreciation.
"Thank you, Kev," Cindy said, her voice soft and sincere. "I don't get to hear live music much, and that was a lovely song."
Kev smiled with a touch of irony. "They play music up in the club every night," he pointed out.
Cindy shook her head gently. "My place is down here," she reminded him. "This house was built well. I can't hear the music unless I go all the way up to the first floor." She took another sip of her tea, a contemplative look in her eyes. "It really is such a treat to hear some music down here. And now I'm sure, on my day off," she announced, "I've decided to go to the opera."
Kev carefully placed his guitar back in its case, a sense of satisfaction lingering from his impromptu performance. He rejoined Cindy at the table, taking another sip of his tea. The warmth of the beverage and the quiet intimacy of the office created a comforting atmosphere, a welcome respite from the club's usual chaos.
Cindy, her gaze fixed on Kev, broke the silence with a directness that caught him off guard. "So," she began, her voice a gentle murmur, "I've heard you and Fang are... lovers now. Congratulations."
Kev sputtered, a mouthful of tea spraying across the table. "I-I'm so sorry!" he stammered, his face flushing a deep crimson.
Cindy's laughter filled the small office, a warm, melodic sound that eased Kev's embarrassment. She reached across the table and handed him a napkin. "It's nothing to be embarrassed about, dear," she said, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "It's wonderful news, actually."
Kev dabbed at the spilled tea, his cheeks still burning. "I... I like him," he admitted, his voice just above a whisper. "And he seems to like me too, but... he was just… tired last night."
Cindy's smile softened, a hint of nostalgia in her eyes. "He needs someone to take care of him, Kev," she said, her voice gentle. "He has for a long time. I've known him since he was just a pup, and in many ways, he's still that same boy I remember. Headstrong, stubborn, but his heart is in the right place."
She reached across the table, her hand gently resting on Kev's. "Please, take care of him," she urged, her voice filled with a motherly warmth. "He deserves to be happy."
Kev's heart swelled with a mixture of affection and determination. "He's been so good to me, Cindy," he replied, his voice sincere. "But I've only known him for a few days. So, please, don't start planning the wedding just yet." He laughed nervously, trying to lighten the mood.
Cindy chuckled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "You're welcome to stay and finish your tea, Kev," she said, rising from her chair. "But I need to get going. Inspections before I head home, you know."
She paused at the door, a warm smile on her face. "I hope we can make a habit of visiting in the mornings," she added. "It would be lovely to hear a song or two before I head home to sleep."
Kev returned her smile. "I'll try my best, Cindy," he promised.
With a final wave, Cindy left her office, her footsteps fading into the background noise of the bustling basement.
Kev finished his tea and left the delicate cup on the small table. He grabbed his guitar and made his way back upstairs, his mind buzzing with thoughts of Fang, Cindy's words, and the unexpected intimacy of the past few days.
As he entered his apartment, a sense of peace washed over him. It was a sanctuary, a place where he could be himself, away from the prying eyes and judgmental whispers of the club's patrons. He closed the door behind him, a smile playing on his lips. He was starting to feel at home in this strange new world, and he couldn't wait to see what the future held.
Kev quietly peeked into his bedroom, careful not to disturb Fang. The wolfman was still fast asleep, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. A sense of tenderness washed over Kev as he watched Fang sleep, his features softened and vulnerable in the daylight. He couldn't help but smile.
Tiptoeing back to the kitchen, Kev grabbed a bagel, needing something to eat after his coffees and tea. With a final glance back at his closed bedroom door, Kev slipped out of the apartment. He didn't want to risk waking Fang, not when the wolfman so desperately needed rest.
Kev wandered down the hallway, bagel in hand, his curiosity leading him deeper into the mansion's labyrinthine interior. He passed by closed doors, each one a mystery waiting to be unveiled. The silence of the mansion, broken only by the occasional creak of floorboards or the distant thud of a door being closed somewhere, amplified his sense of isolation. He longed for companionship, for someone to share this journey with.
He found a quiet corner near the window overlooking the front courtyard and settled down to enjoy his breakfast. The warm bagel provided a much-needed energy boost, fueling his desire to explore further. As he ate, his gaze drifted across the manicured lawns and the empty driveway, his mind filled with questions about this strange new world and his place in it.
The tranquility of the morning lulled Kev into a light doze, the warmth of the sun and the gentle breeze lulling him into a peaceful slumber. He awoke with a start, the sound of a delivery truck giving a quick honk pulling him from his nap. Checking his watch, he realized it was already nearing two.
Stretching his limbs, Kev headed downstairs to the bar, his stomach rumbling with hunger. The club was still relatively quiet, the afternoon light casting short shadows across the empty dance floor. He made his way to the kitchen, hoping to find something else to eat. A few cleaners were bustling about, their movements efficient and silent, but the cooks were nowhere to be seen. Kev grabbed an orange from a bowl on the counter and retreated back outside.
He settled, once again, onto his favorite bench by the pool, peeling the orange and savoring its sweet, tangy flavor. The afternoon sun beat down on him, the heat intensifying with each passing minute. He glanced longingly at the shimmering pool, its cool waters a tempting oasis in the sweltering heat.
"I should ask Horns about a swimsuit," he thought to himself, a mischievous grin playing on his lips.
He finished his orange and wandered back inside. He did not want to go back to his room and potentially wake Fang before it was time for work, however, he didn't know what else to do other than wander aimlessly.. He missed the wolfman's presence, the warmth of his touch, the reassuring rumble of his voice. He hoped Fang was getting the rest he so desperately needed.
Kev's exploration led him down a winding corridor, past a series of doors, each one hinting at the mansion's hidden depths. A dining room, a drawing room, a smoking room, a conservatory, even a room with a large wall mirror and a balancing pole. Finally, he stumbled upon an open doorway that revealed a sight that made his heart skip a beat.