As the first light of dawn peeked through the curtains, Kev stirred from his sleep, his body feeling more rested than the previous morning. After stretching and pushing away the thoughts of this world and how he arrived in this world, he headed to the bathroom for his morning routine.
The familiar scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the apartment as Kev emerged from the shower, a sense of contentment settling over him. He poured himself a cup, adding a generous splash of cream and sugar, and set a glass of water on the table for Horns, anticipating his arrival.
Right on cue, a knock echoed through the apartment. Kev opened the door to find Horns, a wide grin on his face, looking surprisingly refreshed compared to his usual morning state.
"Morning, Kev!" Horns boomed, stepping into the apartment. He plopped down on the couch, his massive frame sinking into the cushions with a satisfied sigh.
Kev handed him the glass of water, a curious smile playing on his lips. "You seem to be in a good mood today, Horns," he observed. "What happened last night?"
Horns took a long gulp of water, his grin widening. "It seems we made a good impression on the mafia," he announced, his voice filled with a mixture of pride and relief.
"That's great," Kev said "When did they show up?"
Horns lit a joint, his movements practiced and efficient. He leaned back on the couch, exhaling a cloud of smoke. "You have no idea," he chuckled, a hint of weariness in his voice. "Fang's been quite worked up about it, pacing the floors and barking orders like a madman."
Kev's smile faltered slightly. "He hasn't really said much about it to me," he admitted, a touch of disappointment in his tone. "Even last night… it was actually more relaxing than most."
Horns took another drag, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Well, that's Fang for you," he said, shaking his head. "Always keeping his cards close to his chest." He paused, a thoughtful look on his face. "Oh, and by the way," he added, "that Ophelia lady... she was the auditor."
"What are the chances of that?" Kev questioned, a hint of disbelief in his voice. "Running into her at the auction house, just like that? Those are some long odds."
"Tell me about it," Horns replied, taking another drag from his joint. "But that's not even the best part. When Fang returned, after walking you up, he just asked Ophelia if she was going to put in a good word for us with the mafia. Totally blindsided me."
Kev's jaw dropped. "How did he guess?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Horns shrugged. "I don't know," he admitted. "Maybe it really was just a guess. Or maybe he's more perceptive than we give him credit for." He paused, a thoughtful frown creasing his brow. "But Ophelia didn't even try to hide it. She said she was quite pleased with the club's security and accommodations, and that she would definitely recommend us to her... associates."
Horns took a long drag from his joint, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Fang then asked if she'd like some entertainment. She agreed, and I had to go get Rex."
He paused, his smile fading slightly. "By the time I got back, Fang was getting into a fight with some cardinal. I had to pull him off the guy, and Ophelia seemed pretty upset. I thought she was going to cry and leave, but you know what she did?" Horns shook his head in disbelief. "She told the cardinal that he was going to be Rex's opponent in the pit."
Kev's mind raced, trying to process the information. He remembered the cardinal, Jasper, the only one who seemed to recognize the term "human." A wave of guilt washed over him. Had his presence indirectly led to Jasper's brutal beating?
"Rex would kill him," he said, his voice filled with concern.
"He didn't kill him," Horns assured him, "but Rex has a hard time trying to be gentle, if you know what I mean." He chuckled darkly.
Horns took a long swig of water, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed. "After all that," he continued, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, "Ophelia and Fang seemed satisfied and parted ways. I met up with Fang just before he went to bed, and he mentioned he's taking you to Ophelia's jewelry store tonight."
Kev raised an eyebrow. "I'm not really into jewelry," he admitted, a hint of apprehension in his voice.
Horns looked him over, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Can't say I am either," he agreed with a chuckle. "But I'm guessing Ophelia's got more than just trinkets on her mind. She'll probably try to talk more business with Fang while you're browsing."
Kev sighed, a nervous laugh escaping his lips. "Just don't laugh if Fang gets me something crazy, like a crown or something," he said, picturing himself adorned in gaudy jewels.
Horns, sensing it was time to depart, lumbered to his feet. "Anything else you need before I head out, Sir Kev?" he asked with a playful bow, his voice echoing through the small apartment. "Perhaps some grapes and cheese for your royal accommodations?"
Kev laughed but still replied, "Some scented candles or something like that would be nice."
Horns nodded, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "I do like how it smells in here, though," he remarked, sniffing the air appreciatively.
Kev grinned. "Yeah, like weed," he said, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Horns chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound that vibrated through the room. "Exactly," he said, shaking his head in amusement. "Well, I'll be off then. Later, Kev."
"Sleep tight, Horns," Kev replied, waving goodbye as the mooseman left the apartment.
Kev hummed a contented tune as he enjoyed a simple breakfast of coffee, peanut butter, and a perfectly toasted bagel. He felt a small surge of pride at his accomplishment; toasting the bagel on the stovetop without burning it had been a minor culinary victory.
Just as he was finishing his meal, a knock echoed through the apartment. He opened the door to find Max, the foxman cleaner, standing on the threshold.
"Morning, Kev," Max greeted him with a friendly nod. "Making work for me first thing in the morning now? You're getting bold." He deposited a large bag onto the floor, its contents a mystery.
"Thanks, Max," Kev replied, curiosity piqued. He peered into the bag and smiled. It was his laundry, neatly washed and folded.
Max then handed him a rectangular box. "And these are for your piano," he explained. "Cindy said to give them to you right away."
Kev opened the box, revealing a collection of music scrolls, each one promising a new world of melodies. He thanked Max, his excitement growing.
Max glanced around the apartment, his keen eyes taking in the neatness and order. "Good job on the cleanup, boy," he commented with an approving nod. "Cindy said she wanted to see your piano, by the way. She'll be by later."
With a final wave, Max disappeared down the hallway, leaving Kev to enjoy his newfound musical treasures.
Kev, feeling a surge of energy, decided to spruce up his apartment before Cindy's arrival. He meticulously washed out the ashtray, its lingering scent of smoke a reminder of the many conversations he'd had with Horns. He opened the windows wide, letting the fresh air dispel the lingering haze and inviting the sounds of the awakening backyard into his sanctuary.
With a thoughtful touch, he leaned his guitar against the wall beside the piano, creating a cozy musical corner. He then gathered the clean bags of clothes Marybelle had sent over and disappeared into his bedroom, carefully hanging the fresh suits to his wardrobe and admiring the exquisite craftsmanship.
Back in the living room, he swept the floor, his movements efficient and practiced. The kettle whistled, signaling the water was ready for tea. Just as he was about to pour it, a soft knock echoed through the apartment.
Kev's heart skipped a beat. Cindy was still a confounding figure, one part sweet maternal woman and the other part cold and ruthless. It wasn't easy for him to push away the memories of Pedro, shackled, on the auction block.
He crossed the room and opened the door, a practiced smile on his face.
Cindy stood on the threshold, her gentle smile radiating warmth. Behind her, Max lingered, his gaze fixed on Kev with a curious intensity.
"Good afternoon, Kev," Cindy greeted him, her voice a soft melody.
"Come in, both of you," Kev invited, stepping aside to let them enter.
Cindy stepped into the apartment, her eyes scanning the room with a critical yet appreciative gaze. Max, meanwhile, settled onto the couch, a contented sigh escaping his lips.
Cindy made her way to the kitchen, where the kettle was still whistling merrily. "I'll finish making the tea," she announced, her movements graceful and efficient.
Kev, touched by her thoughtfulness, protested, "Oh, you don't have to do that, Cindy. I was just about to pour it."
"Don't you worry about it, darling," she replied. She turned back to the stove, her hands expertly handling the teapot and cups. "Why don't you get that piano playing and let me hear a tune while I finish up here?"
Kev nodded, a smile spreading across his face. He walked over to the player piano, carefully selecting a scroll from the box Max had delivered earlier. He inserted it into the slot and began to turn the crank, the gentle melody filling the apartment with a soothing ambiance.
As the piano played its gentle tune, Cindy handed Kev a cup of tea, its fragrant steam swirling in the air. She hummed along softly, her gaze sweeping across the apartment, taking in every detail with a housekeeper's discerning eye.
She ran a finger along the kitchen counter, inspecting its cleanliness, then peered at the stovetop, checking for any lingering grease or spills. The song reached its final notes, and Cindy turned her attention back to Kev, a thoughtful expression on her face.
"Hmm," she mused, her voice a soft murmur. "Needs a bit of work." She'd just peeked into the bathroom and Kev's bedroom.
Kev felt a pang of self-consciousness. He'd done his best to tidy up, but it seemed Cindy's standards were exceptionally high.
"At least your bathroom is quite clean," she conceded, a hint of approval in her voice.
Kev couldn't help but think of Vlad meticulously scrubbing down the bathroom before giving him a shave. He decided it was best not to mention that particular detail.
"Thanks," he replied, a sheepish smile on his face. "The bedroom's a bit messy, I guess."
"You haven't sent your sheets down to be washed yet," she observed, her tone gentle but reproachful.
Kev felt a wave of embarrassment wash over him. "I guess that's what I'll do next," he mumbled, avoiding Cindy's gaze.
Cindy nodded. "Max, fetch a fresh set of bedding for Mr. Kev," she instructed, her voice firm but not unkind.
Max, who had been silently observing the exchange, rose from the couch and left the apartment without a word.
"Sorry, Cindy," Kev apologized, his cheeks flushing slightly. "I'm not used to having this kind of... accommodation."
"That's why I'm here, dear," she said, patting his hand gently. "Now, go on. Strip that bed. Max will be back any minute."
Kev, feeling the weight of Cindy's judgment, hastily stripped the sheets from his bed, his cheeks burning with embarrassment. He was grateful that he hadn't left anything particularly embarrassing lying around, his usual habit of leaving clothes scattered about his room temporarily curbed by the presence of the fastidious housekeeper.
As he carried the rumpled bedding towards the laundry chute, he bumped into Max in the hallway. The foxman, his arms laden with a fresh set of sheets and blankets, raised an eyebrow in amusement.
"Someone's eager to impress," he quipped, a sly grin on his face.
Kev chuckled nervously, his cheeks still flushed. "Something like that," he mumbled, hurrying past Max and disappearing down the hallway.
He returned to his apartment a few minutes later, surprised to find Max had already made the bed with the new linens. The room looked much cleaner with the bed made, the crisp white sheets and fluffy pillows a stark contrast to the earlier disarray.
Cindy, meanwhile, had moved to the kitchen, her keen eyes inspecting every surface. She peered into the cupboards, ensuring everything was organized and in its proper place.
"Why don't you have any sweets or snacks in here?" Cindy inquired, her voice a gentle but pointed question.
Kev, a bit taken aback by her observation, replied, "I have a few pieces of fruit left, but I don't really eat much outside of dinner."
Cindy's brow furrowed slightly. "I'm not talking about you, dear," she clarified. "I'm talking about... other people. Guests."
Kev's cheeks flushed slightly. "You're my first real guest, Cindy," he admitted, a sheepish smile on his face. "Besides Horns and Fang, of course."
Cindy shook her head, a disapproving frown tugging at her lips. "That won't do," she declared, her voice firm.
Cindy turned to Max, her voice taking on a commanding tone. "Max, this boy is going to need some work," she declared, her gaze sweeping across the apartment with a critical eye. "Please bring him some drapes, a new bathroom mirror, a new sofa set, and some better cutlery."
She opened a few of Kev's cabinets, her frown deepening. "He also needs towels, air fresheners, a new kettle, an icebox, and a bread box." She paused, her gaze settling on Kev. "And bring him some lotion and a comb, too," she added, a hint of amusement in her voice.
Kev's head spun as he tried to keep up with Cindy's ever-growing list of demands. He glanced at Max, who seemed surprisingly unfazed by the barrage of instructions. The foxman leaned back on the couch, a contented smile on his face, as if he were enjoying a leisurely afternoon tea instead of being bombarded with tasks.
"Anything else, ma'am?" Max asked, his voice a playful drawl.
Cindy tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Hmm, I think that's enough for now," she replied, her gaze sweeping across the apartment one last time. "But don't be surprised if I find more things that need fixing later."
Kev turned to Max with a playful grin. "Sorry," he said, nudging the foxman playfully. "I told you I have a gift for causing trouble."
Max laughed. "Seems like it," he agreed, shaking his head in amusement.
Kev turned back to Cindy, his smile fading slightly. "Cindy," he began, his voice hesitant, "what should I do with my trash when it's full?"
Cindy's brow furrowed in thought. "You can leave it in the hallway anytime," she replied. "One of my cleaners will pick it up during their rounds." She paused "And if they happen to miss it," she added, her voice flat, "I'll just have to find a new cleaner."
Cindy approached the player piano, her hand gently tracing its polished surface. "It's a handsome instrument," she remarked, a soft smile playing on her lips.
"Fang is too kind to me," Kev admitted, a warmth spreading through him at the memory of the auction.
"I'm glad you chose this over that... sword," Cindy said, her smile fading slightly.
Kev's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "How do you know about that?" he asked, a flicker of suspicion in his eyes.
Cindy chuckled, a gentle, reassuring sound. "Fang talks with me every morning, Kev," she explained. "About the club, about… you, about everything that's on his mind." Her smile returned, filled with a motherly warmth. "He cares about you deeply, dear."
She glanced at her watch, a hint of weariness in her eyes. "But I must be going now," she announced, rising from her seat. "Sleep is calling."
She paused at the door, turning back to Kev with a final reminder. "Max will be sending some cleaners up in the next hour to take care of the room," she said. "Just leave the door unlocked if you leave."
Kev nodded, a grateful smile on his face. "Thank you, Cindy," he replied. "For everything."
With a final wave, Cindy left the apartment, Max following closely behind.