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“The wolf is back, wål!" Everyone cheered heartily.

Kevin laughed and drank his mead. He wiped his mouth and looked over the room, smiling wide as he watched his friends. He missed this a lot.

He was in Barrowisle now, visiting for three days. Vilkas was kind enough to let him stay for three days in his flat, and also invited everyone to a small party, also in his flat. Kevin was glad of that. He even cooked some of the snacks for the party himself! He didn't know if they would taste good, but it was still nice.

Lucas arrived first, and the coyote helped him cook the snacks whilst Vilkas went out to buy the mead. Max and Tom came when they were about done, followed by Octo and the football guys. The rest came almost late, but that didn't matter. He was happy that they still came.

Now, sitting on the sofa beside him was Mike and Andy with Vilkas on the armrest. He smiled widely, enjoying the atmosphere as he gulped for more mead, arm wrapped around Mike's shoulders. “I fucking love you guys, fuck!"

Everyone laughed. Nathan even commented, “You're not even drunk yet, Kev!"

He licked his lips and took another gulp. “Lát ús styren, þårh hæij þårh fård, te Bålders hål," he grinned at the croc before continuing, “þý ús bídt meðe."

Max quickly retorted to that. “Míne we so grøt, naht sjål í wöpen, mín win felt tefor, so såpen, bedronken."

Everyone laughed even more.

Kevin then put his cup down and said to the shepherd, “Aw, I'm your wine? Bestie, I didn't know that!" He let go of Mike as the jackal stood up and walked away.

Max chuckled. “Yeah, you're my wine, but I don't drink wine so I'm gonna throw you down the street."

“I'm wounded!" Kevin laughed.

“So, Kev, how have ye been, wolf?" John asked him.

“I'm all good! All's going according to plans!" He explained. “Can't wait to finally be able to whack Vilkas' ass again!"

“Oi, piss off thou dickhead!"

As the party calmed down, Kevin found himself feeling rather nostalgic. He'd been gone for only 3 or 4 months yet he felt as if several years passed. From the looks of his friends, they also seemed glad to meet him again.

Mike sat back down beside him on the sofa. “Hafta say, the bar's been quiet without your horniness, Kev. I'm starting to miss it." said the jackal with a grin, a paper cup of soda in the other hand.

Kevin chuckled and put his arm around the jackal's neck again, pulling him close. “Heh, you miss my horniness that bad, huh?"

“Not as much as Ivri, I'd say." Mike bit him back with a grin.

Kevin guffawed.

“He's been grumpy since you left! I swear he thinks you're his rival or something!"

“I'm gonna bet my ass that yeen secretly wants to bang me!"

“I can say that with absolute certainty, 100%." Vilkas chimed in.

Mike leant forward and refilled his paper cup. “Heh, 'I'm 100% straight' my arse. If he really were 100% straight as he claimed, he wouldn't need to repeat that every day like a prayer." He gulped his soda. “I'm gonna prepare the festivest, zestiest party when he comes out."

Kevin and Vilkas laughed.

Refilling his cup with beer, the red wolf leant back on the sofa. Mike stood up and invited people to sit down before going to the bathroom. Tom sat down on the empty seat, and Kevin was quick to put his arm around the grey wolf's neck. He growled friendly, burying his nose in Tom's fluff, earning giggles and laughs from the smaller wolf.

“Glad you're alright, wolf." Kevin said as he pulled his muzzle away. “Mustn't be a pleasant experience to get admitted into hospital again."

“Yeah, it really wasn't." Tom gave a mrf.

“Was the food good at least?"

He shrugged. “Eh, I'm used to it by now. I even already memorised the menu." He chuckled and counted with his hand. "Chicken soup for Monday, porridge for Tuesday, vegetable stew for Wednesday…"

Kevin laughed and ruffled Tom's head fur. “Yeah, yeah, I believe you. That must suck balls."

“Sucking balls is still better in my honest opinion."

That made Kevin guffaw.

“Anyway, how's stuff over there? All good in Ausalt-on-Haye?" asked the smaller wolf, elbowing him.

He let him go and gulped his beer. “Yeah, all good now. I got a job and it's been going well." He explained.

“Nice. What's the job by the way?"

“Freelancer for an event organizer. I got erratic schedule but the money's good."

“Nice!" Tom reached out and petted his head. Kevin just looked at the smaller wolf with a wide, shy smile and a small blep with his ears down.

Andy walked behind them and petted his head along, but Kevin growled and swatted the lion's hand away. “Fuck off!"

The lion just walked away with a laugh.

“Oh yeah, the money I owe you, I can pay it back now." He shyly continued, wishing that Tom didn't say yes because that would hurt his bank account. True, he had more than what he owed the grey wolf, but not that much more.

The smaller wolf put his hand around the bigger wolf's shoulders and pulled him closer. “Pay it back when you want, Kev. Better get yourself stable first." He said in a low volume and patted his back. “I've been a freelancer before and I know how much it paid, so yeah, better save some for yourself for now."

Kevin's tail began wagging at the show of understanding.

Andy then walked by them again, petting Kevin's head fur again and making the red wolf growl in annoyance and bat the hand away. “Mate, thou'rt seriously flirting with another whilst thy boyfriend is literally over there? Thou have balls!" He said to Tom.

Oh yeah… Max. This close, to non-canines, they looked like they were flirting, didn't they? Kevin looked up to see Max, and he was glad when he saw the shepherd intensely playing a mobile game with Lucas and Mike near the kitchen. He was sure that Max noticed, though.

“We trust each other, Andy, unlike thy girlfriends." Tom said with a grin.

The lion's tail shot out in disbelief, then he faked a cough and looked away. “Still like to roast me, I see."

Tom laughed.

“Yeah better piss the fuck off now before Tom roasts you again." Kevin slapped the lion's arse and pushed him away. Andy didn't protest and walked away.

With the lion away, though, he moved away from Tom rather reluctantly. He knew that Max knew that they were close, and being a canine too, Max knew that canines liked close contact, especially for packmates, but for pantherines, it meant something else entirely. And when he looked around to find Octo, he was very glad that the panther was talking to Andy and Vilkas.

He hoped Octo didn't see that, and if he did, he didn't think something weird of him.

Tom seemed confused at him shifting away but didn't question it. Kevin gulped his beer down. “Anyway, how are you and Max?"

“We're good." answered the grey wolf simply.

“Ah, nice."

The air turned awkward quickly after that. Damn Andy, disturbing their playful atmosphere.

Kevin leant forward and gripped his head. “Sorry, I… I think I'll get some air."

“Yeah, sure mate." Tom looked up to him and smiled.

Kevin smiled back at him, then petted the grey wolf's head before standing up.

After catching up with Tom, he stood up and went to the balcony to clear his head. He was getting rather tipsy and he didn't want to be drunk just yet. Actually, he didn't want to get drunk tonight and miss the feeling.

Vilkas' flat was located in a rather busy neighbourhood, so Kevin instead focused on listening to the gentle buzz of the city winding down for the night. It sounded calming, like a reminder that he wasn't alone and that so many people out there were also going through the same struggles. Everyone had their own struggles and no one was truly alone.

Some might even be less fortunate than him, so he must be thankful for what he had now.

“Tipsy already?"

Kevin's ear swivelled at that. He saw Max walking towards him before standing beside him on the balcony. The German Shepherd had a paper cup in hand, and after he gave the dog a mrf as a reply, he offered the cup. Taking the cup, he gulped the water down before putting it down on a small chair.

“Tom's eager to meet you again, you know." Max said with a fond tone.

Kevin chuckled and smiled. “I sure am too."

“I'm seriously thinking that he's your alpha, not gonna lie."

He shrugged. “I shall neither confirm nor deny that statement."

Max laughed and whacked his back. “Never thought a bad, horny wolf like you would ever let someone like Tom be your alpha!"

Kevin just gave a mrf as a reply, though his ears were down in embarrassment. “Shut up."

“Wait, that means I'm your beta then!"

“Dude, you watched too many wolf omegaverse anime. Those things are fictions, you know."

Max grinned and elbowed him. Kevin just shook his head.

They then went into a comfortable silence, and he leant forward on the railings to watch people down in the streets. His tail began wagging, and it poked Max's own gently waving tail.

“So, how's stuff?" He asked the dog, breaking the silence.

Max leant forward on the railings. “All good, all good."

“How about Tom?"

“He's good, too. He's been taking it easy, and I still don't allow him near alcohol."

Kevin chuckled. “At least you're letting him eat watermelons, right?"

“I stocked the fridge with 'em, he'll be fine."

“Good! Now his bloodlust will be safely contained and whenever the moon comes out, he'll stay sane."

Max shook his head fondly. “I'll never understand what is it between you wolves and watermelons."

That made him laugh. “It's—it's an ancient bond made with an oath in blood!"

“Yeah dude whatever the hell you say."

They laughed, then went quiet for a bit.

“How's work?"

Kevin stood back up, crossing his arms. “Fucking tiring but all good. I'm on off-time though, don't have any calls since I'm done with the last order. Took the opportunity to come here and visit you guys."

“Nice, nice. Eh, what's your job again?"

“Freelancer for an event organizer." He grinned at Max. “Need something done for an event? You have my number. I guarantee 100% satisfaction and smooth running of your event!"

Max mrf'ed. “You sound like an escort."

That made him guffaw and punch the dog's upper arm. Max laughed along. “I mean… I mean…" He grinned and wiggled his brows, tail wagging. “If it ensures the smooth running of the event…"

“You know, I'm starting to think you've sucked your boss's—no, I think the HR guy or recruiter sucked your dick at least once."

“Well…" Kevin shrugged. “It was consensual."

That made the dog turn to him in disbelief.

“We met in a bar, alright! I got the job offer from him!"

Max looked away, shook his head, held back a laugh, then guffawed. Kevin just watched him, amused. That wasn't a lie—in fact, that was exactly what happened. Anthony might not be from the HR department, but he was the guy who referred him to the job.

“At least your horny mind got you something." Max was still shaking his head in disbelief. “No issues at work despite that?"

“Nope. He's a cool guy, and we don't work in the same place anyway."

“Ah, nice, nice. Oh yeah, where's the cup? Lemme get a refill."

He took the empty cup and gave it to the dog. “Here."

Max walked back into the flat, though not before he said, “I'll get water."

“Yoh."

Kevin leant on the railings again and gave a soft sigh, tail waving gently behind him. Slowly, life began to get better. Slowly, he began to pave his own way…

“You know, I was kinda worried about you just moving away with no information like that." Max said as he came back.

Slowly… he was getting older… and paving his own way…

“But I'm glad that now it's all alright on your end."

…and he was afraid that he would end up as alone as he was now…

“I may sound like sap but I was really worried."

Kevin laughed fondly and looked up at the dog. “Heh, thanks, Max." He straightened up and gently hugged him. Max was confused, though he hugged him back. “Thanks, mate."

“Y-yeah, no problem, Kev." answered the dog rather awkwardly.

In times like these, he wished he were still an 18-year-old in university, worrying about assignments and club activities, and not about what he wanted to do with his life.

Maturing was scary, especially alone.

He finally let the dog go but still wrapped his arm around the shepherd's shoulders. He fought the urge to bury his nose in the dog's short fluff, so he only gently petted his shoulder.

They went quiet again, watching the streets below. Max didn't say anything and didn't try to pull away.

After a few minutes, Kevin gave a sigh and let the dog go. He had to be honest with himself, so he asked Max, “Max… do you mind if I… if I stay at your place tonight?"

Max, noticing the distress in his voice, agreed. “Sure, Kev. I'll sleep on the sofa."

“No, no, it's alright—"

“You need your alpha, I understand. Oh, do you need your beta too?"

Kevin's ears went down in embarrassment. “We need to do something about those omegaverse anime you keep watching."

---

Kevin wiped his hands and took a few steps back, breathing heavily. He crossed his arms and looked at the finished stage, now fully decorated with flowers and backdrops. Fur messy and flushed from tiredness, he smiled wide in satisfaction, glad that he and his team could finish it earlier than scheduled.

Now back in Ausalt-on-Haye, he was contacted for another project almost immediately after he arrived. He was also tasked to become the person in charge of the stage building, something that made him feel proud. This was only his fifth project and they already trusted him to be a foreman, small the team might be.

«All good?» Hystán asked him as he neared. Despite his antlers, the elk was still shorter than him.

Kevin nodded. «All good. Everything's done.»

«Very nice.» The elk commented, then he shouted to someone backstage. “Oi, Caleb, the stage is done here!"

“The stage?! Already?!"

“Yeah!" Hystán began walking away.

“Nice!"

Kevin just chuckled at their interaction, his tail wagging in pride.

He then saw Anthony walking into the hall whilst talking to someone. He looked like he was explaining something, and when they neared, he noticed that the snow leopard was explaining something to Joseph, the white wolf he knew. He wanted to go over there and greet them, but looking at Joseph's attentive face, he held back. They seemed to be talking about something serious.

«Kev, do you think the flowers are enough?» Spence, a lithe fox and one of the members of his team, asked beside him.

He turned back to the stage. «I think this is enough.» He answered, scrutinising the layout of the flowers. They were all arranged in front of the stage with a small flight of stairs in the middle. This looked a bit tacky for him, at least for an event that was held in an expensive hotel like this, but hey, he was only paid to build and ensure the smooth running of the event. «What do you think, Spence?»

Spencer hummed. «Well, it's good enough.» He nodded. «Do we have anything else for today?»

«Since the stage is all done, you all can sit back and take a rest backstage. I'll ask Hystán again if there's anything else to do.» He then grinned. «Here's hoping there's nothing else to do.»

The fox chuckled. «I sure hope so. I'll go tell the others then. Thanks, Kev. Also, you stink.»

Kevin laughed heartily. «All good, dude.»

Hystán returned and put his hand on the wolf's shoulder. «Well, seems like there's nothing else for your team for now.»

«Nice.» Kevin chuckled and turned to the elk. «I'll see if anyone needs help then.»

«Alright.»

Kevin was about to walk away when he heard Joseph and Anthony walking near him, discussing the stage and event. He moved a bit to let them come nearer, then he noticed someone else towering over them beside Joseph.

“Yo, Oct! 'Sup?" He brightly greeted Octo, walking towards the panther with tail wagging and a wide smile. He gave him a friendly punch to the shoulder. “What are you doing 'round here, panther?"

Octo looked surprised before smiling back at him. “Hey Kev, I'm just visiting here. What's up, wolf?"

He laughed. “Nothing much, just doing my job."

“Nice. I'm just visiting the event venue here." The panther pointed at the stage. “I'm invited to come for the event. Pleasant surprise to see you here, though. So, you're the MC?" teased the panther, elbowing him.

Kevin gave a mrf. “I'm kinda not too eager for that honestly. The event's too big."

“Ah, fair."

He stepped back from the panther, then noticed that Anthony, Joseph, and even Hystán were looking at him in surprise. Actually, almost everyone was looking at him in surprise. Kevin's ears went down in embarrassment from the sudden spotlight he was given and his tail curled. “Uh, sorry?"

Octo noticed his embarrassment, so he spoke to him, “Well, I gotta continue this. I'll find you later when I'm done?"

Kevin chuckled awkwardly. “Y-yeah…" He then added, “sorry."

The panther smiled at him, then walked away and urged Joseph to follow him.

Before following them, Anthony pulled Kevin aside and asked him in a low voice, “The fuck were you doing, dude?"

“Erm," Kevin scratched his cheek, then shrugged and smiled. “Long story."

The snow leopard narrowed his eyes in suspicion before walking away, catching up with the panther and white wolf.

Kevin watched him leave, holding back an awkward smile. Hystán stood up beside him and crossed his arms. «I sure hope you piss off neither Hár Octaviano nor Hár Joseph.»

«Don't worry, I didn't piss him off.» He answered. «I sure hope I didn't piss off Hár Joseph though.»

---

Not long after that, Kevin sat down in the hotel lounge. He texted Octo asking if he was done, and the panther answered that he should be done soon, so he decided to wait in the lounge.

Internally, he berated himself. He should've remembered who Octo actually was and how he was known here. Just walking up to the panther like that, that was highly impolite, and even more so there were many important people also watching him. Hystán could've really told him to go home or even fired him on the spot.

The red wolf buried his face in his hands. He must admit that he wasn't the best when it came to social standing stuff.

Thankfully, Octo responded positively. Although he was rather… dismayed that the panther didn't explain that he knew him already, he reckoned that maybe the panther was just surprised. From the curious look, he could tell that Octo wasn't expecting to see him here in this hotel. Honestly, he too wasn't expecting to see the panther here.

Now, when he looked up, he saw Octo, Joseph, and Anthony walking across the lobby. He now noticed the panther's rather casual attire, which was a contrast to Joseph's rather formal shirt and Anthony's uniform. He always had a hunch that Joseph was an important person, but right now beside Octo, he looked like the boss of this hotel walking next to the main shareholder or investor.

When he recognised that they were walking into the lounge, Kevin awkwardly stood up to greet them. He shouldn't make another bad impression, especially in front of Joseph. Trying to befriend the white wolf was alarming enough, he didn't want to destroy whatever small sliver of trust they had for each other.

Ah, yeah, Joseph… He scolded himself for his unknowingness.

“Hár Octaviano, Hár Joseph, Anthony." He politely greeted them as they neared, holding his hand out for a handshake.

Octo and Joseph shook hands with him with a polite smile, whereas Anthony shot him an accusing glare.

“Hár Kevin." The panther greeted him back before sitting down on the same sofa beside the red wolf. Kevin noticed that the others only sat down after Octo sat down. “Well, in brief, I'm impressed. I can see how the exquisite interior complements the quality and comfort it offers." He said as he looked around the lounge. “And the sofa is very comfortable."

Joseph added. “I'm of the same opinion. I can certainly see a lot of potential here, and the gala event surely is going to be impressive."

“I agree. I look forward to the event. It's on 24 March, right?"

“Yes, it's on 24 March." answered Anthony.

Kevin only nodded along despite not understanding anything. However, he gave a suspicious look at Anthony. What was his position here?

“Very well, then. I shall consult on the results of this visit." Octo said with confidence as if he were closing this meeting. “Joseph, do you have anything to add?"

“No, Octo, I believe this is already more than welcoming."

“Very well, then." Octo stood up, and both Joseph and Anthony stood up along. Kevin also stood up in confusion. “Thank you very much for the wonderful guide on this visit, Hár Anthony."

“It's a pleasure, Hár Octaviano." The snow leopard smiled brightly as he answered. “Again, I deeply apologise on behalf of my boss for being unable to accompany you during your visit."

“It's all right, we wish a speedy recovery for Hár Edgar."

“Thank you very much."

They shook hands again, but this time Kevin only nodded as he felt he wasn't a part of the conversation.

“Well, now that the official part is over." Octo continued as he sat down—again, everyone else sat down after him. “Now I'd like to introduce Kevin. He's my close friend from university."

Both Joseph and Anthony went, “Ohhh."

Kevin smiled politely at them. “It's a pleasure to meet you. I… uh… apologize for my previous… unruly actions." He stood up and bowed lightly, especially to Octo.

Octo just chuckled, then put his arm around the red wolf's shoulders after he sat down. “Yeah, I apologize too. This wolf has always been a naughty one." He said fondly whilst patting Kevin's shoulder. “Part of his charm, I say."

He chuckled. “Shut up, you."

That made Octo chuckle.

Joseph and Anthony were still watching them, but Kevin couldn't tell whether they were genuinely curious or they were just being polite. Octo was still being friendly, though, so he continued. “This panther, meanwhile, he's a total bookworm. Always tried my best to give him some social life."

Octo laughed.

“Ah, that explains." Joseph said with an amused smile. “That explains."

Kevin looked at the white wolf. Joseph's smile turned into a teasing grin. Kevin's ears went down in embarrassment as he chuckled awkwardly.

They continued talking, the topic drifting from Octo's time in university to Joseph's. Although they invited him to their conversation, Kevin could feel the awkwardness in him rising. Finding a gap in the conversation, he excused himself and went to the bathroom.

The expansive bathroom mirror showed his uncomfortable face clearly, even after he washed it. He knew Octo was rich, but he didn't know the things that came with it. The panther was in his element, looking very comfortable and his high-class act complemented the situation perfectly. He handled the situation amazingly, and it was clear that he was the one in command.

Kevin? Had he known Octo would come, he would have stayed behind the stage to offend neither himself nor the panther.

On a more positive side, though, while he knew Octo had such a confident and dominating air, now he knew just how confident the panther was. Talking with such a very important person with that attitude, now he could see clearly just where his confidence came from.

And honestly, that was kinda hot.

Ashamed, Kevin washed his face again when he noticed that his tail was wagging. He then took a deep breath to calm himself down. Joseph only looked amused, so he was safe to assume that the white wolf was fine with it. Hystán, it was clear that the elk did not want to be involved. Anthony, meanwhile…

“You didn't tell me you knew Octo." Anthony said, entering the bathroom and washing his hands.

Kevin took another deep breath to mask his feelings, then shrugged. “You didn't ask." He turned to the snow leopard and grinned. “That's classified information, anyway."

The snow leopard wiped his hands. “Yeah, fuck you, dude. Give me his phone number please." He said, elbowing the wolf before using the urinal.

Wiping his face dry, Kevin chuckled. “Hell no. Go ask him yourself."

Anthony heard that he was opening the door and almost yelled. “Hey, don't run away from this!"

“Catch me." He said simply as he walked out of the door, tail waving teasingly.

---

“Well, I think I owe you an explanation."

Kevin put his hands in his pocket, walking into the parking space with Octo beside him. He at first wanted to go home by bus or tram as usual, but the panther asked him to go home together. Walking between rows of expensive-looking cars, he couldn't help but feel nervous.

He wasn't nervous because Octo wanted to tell him about himself, no—he already knew some of it from Anthony anyway. He was nervous because this was so far, far out of his comfort zone. Usually, he loved unpredictability. He rejoiced in it, even. However, he simply did not know what to expect at all, and frankly, a bit apprehensive towards Octo now.

Octo stopped in front of a car. He fished for something in his pocket, then the car beeped and he opened the door. Kevin looked over the car, a BMV i8, which he knew only because Vilkas wouldn't shut up about it. He was also well aware of its price, which made him feel both excited and uncomfortable at the same time.

“Come on, get in." said the panther before getting in.

Taking a careful step, he opened the door and got in. As expected, it was luxurious as fuck. He put his small bag on his lap and took another deep breath, not allowing himself to take the interior in.

“Something wrong?"

Kevin opened his eyes. “I'm fine, I'm fine." He shifted in the seat.

“Alright then." Octo said, and Kevin caught a hint of apology in his voice.

As they drove away, Kevin finally allowed himself to look around. “Nice car, dude. Better than Andy's car. You gotta flex on him sometime." He said, giving a joke to break the ice. “Must be expensive."

Octo chuckled. “Thanks. I got this car as a gift. I've only realised later just how absurdly expensive this is."

He chuckled along. “I call bullshit."

“No, really, I swear." The panther laughed. “I'm not into cars."

He gave a mrf and a grin.

“Well, I owe you an explanation." Octo started, and Kevin looked at the road to prepare himself. “I'm… well… I'm from one of the well-off businessman families in the city. I hope… that doesn't make you think any differently of me."

Hearing that, Kevin closed his eyes. They went quiet for a while, letting the words sink in. There was a really, really big divide between them, huh?

Eventually, he spoke up. “You didn't tell me just who you are, dude. If I'd known that already, I might've saved my dignity back there." He ended with a smile.

Octo shrugged at that. “Psh, don't worry about it."

“I'm kinda worried about Joseph, though. He's one of my bosses at work."

“Don't worry. He's all fine with what you did. If anything, you better worry about the snow leopard… Anthony, right?"

“Yeah, Anthony." Kevin chuckled. “Anyway, what was that visit for again?"

“Me and Joseph wanted to host a charity event. We're basically looking around for a venue." He waved his hand off. “Boring rich people stuff that I don't like doing. I'd prefer to just stay home."

Kevin grinned. “Oh now you're flexing your richness, huh?"

That surprised Octo. The panther looked at him, then back at the road. “N-no, I mean—I wasn't—I didn't mean t—"

At the panther's sudden awkwardness, he laughed. “Chill, dude. Don't worry about it. It's cool with me." He grinned. “Well, you mind buying me some food, though? I'm broke as fuck."

Octo looked at him, then flicked his ear. Kevin flinched and held his poor ear. “Ow! Dude!"

The panther ignored that, though. “Let's head to that restaurant." He said, pointing at a restaurant with his muzzle.

Upon noticing that, the wolf crossed his arms. “Yeah, not that kind of restaurant"

Octo chuckled.

“I don't know what you usually eat for dinner but I'm starting to think that you eat the souls of the damned."

Octo laughed at that. Kevin found himself mesmerised by the panther's laughter, which was funny, considering he had known him for so long already.

The wolf closed his eyes. Maybe he really was growing feelings for the panther again.

“How about I invite you to dinner tomorrow?" said Octo, preventing him from thinking too deeply. “As an apology."

“Apology for what?" Kevin raised his brow.

“For… I don't know, for not telling you, I guess. Honestly, I don't really like Ausalt-on-Haye, it's too tiring here. So many things to do with so many people."

This time, it was Kevin's turn to chuckle. “Of course, I graciously accept the invitation." He said, imitating the panther's speech style from earlier. “Just don't fuckin' surprise me, alright?"

“Don't worry. I'll pick you up tomorrow at 7 pm."

Kevin smiled at that, his heart beating in happiness at the thought of having dinner with Octo. He didn't know if he should prevent the small hope in his heart from growing; all that he knew was that this time, Octo might return the feelings.

Was that a good thing? He wasn't sure. Was he falling for the panther for the second time? Maybe, especially since Octo smiled and stared at him for a bit longer than he should, Kevin returned the smile. His ears then went down as he laughed in embarrassment, crossing his arms on his chest. “Hey, look at the road and not at this hot wolf."

That made the panther chuckle. “Not my fault I have this hot wolf in my car. Makes me think of unholy things."

Kevin laughed, though his ears went down in embarrassment.

Maybe, just maybe, they could try again.

“Oh yeah, this isn't gonna be one of those formal dinners, right?"

“Well…" Octo shrugs. “Let's just say we don't usually invite people to our dinner."

Kevin chuckled in uneasiness.

---

Notes:

“Lát ús styren, þårh hæij þårh fård, te Bålders hål, þý ús bídt meðe." = “Let us march forward, through forests and fjords, (in)to Baldur's Hall, because mead awaits (us)."

“Míne we so grøt, hynaht sjål í wöpen, mín win felt tefor, so såpen, bedronken." = “My sorrow so great, (and) tonight I will weep, my wine (best friend) fell forward (face first), so fuck-faced, so drunk."

Another rím yeay

“Yeah, you're my wine, but I don't drink wine so I'm gonna throw you down the street." = The first “wine" means “best friend", while the second one means “wine, alcoholic drink made from grapes". They're pronounced exactly the same in English, while in South Icelandic they're pronounced differently. The first one is “win" with a short i while the second one is “wín" with a long í.