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The restaurant, Røðe Strípen, was coming along very nicely.

Richard walked out of the half-finished kitchen with a wide smile. It had only been three months, yet the building already looked like a restaurant from the inside. The kitchen only needed the utensils and refrigeration room to complete, and the dining room already had tables and chairs. On the promotion side, Signore Octo said that he was already making plans for the promotional content. Signore Róðgar, the one responsible for the planning stage, said that according to projection, they could open in only two months, maybe one month and a half.

The best part was that they were already getting paid. Signore Octo said that all their work also counted towards their salary. And, when he looked up at the clock above the soon-to-be receptionist desk, he noticed that his shift was almost over, which meant Signore Octo would come soon and tell everyone to pack up. That was one thing the panther was stern about; they only had to work while they were on shift, nothing more. The panther understood well the crazy schedule they used to have, so he was very adamant about telling people that their shift was over.

As a result, for the first time in a long time, Richard felt free. Even though he already had a stable income when he was still a member of the operation, his work was almost 24/7, and on several occasions, he even got a call to investigate at 2 in the morning. He used to think that it was simply how work was, but as he grew up and knew people—normal people—he noticed that it was not how work was supposed to be.

He heard the main door opening and saw Signore Octo and Róðgar walking inside. They looked deep in conversation, and that reminded him of what kind of person the panther actually was. Despite his fearsome build and firm demeanour, the large panther was logical and understanding.

And now, Richard was working under him. After only three months of that, he felt much, much happier.

“I'll be off shift soon, Signore." He chirped almost happily when they neared.

Octo nodded. “Don't forget to clock out on time." He also nudged Róðgar beside him. “And you too, Róðgar."

As usual, the fox only laughed gently, his fatherly aura never leaving him. “If you say so, then. I'll check up on the dining room before clocking out." He gave a polite nod to the panther.

Octo smiled at Róðgar, then gave his shoulder a pat before walking away.

“Well, Richard," asked the fox when there were only the two of them. They looked over the dining room, at the still-plastic-wrapped tables and chairs, the half-bare floor, and some of the guys who were finishing applying the carpet. “How's the report?"

“Everything good, Signore." He replied simply, knowing well that they were going according to plan.

Róðgar nodded. “Good, good." He looked up at the clock and walked away. “Well, since all is going smoothly, let's just pack up and go home."

“Sure."

The fox reappeared not long after, this time wearing a jacket with Octo beside him, also wearing a jacket. Honestly, it still fascinated him just how… big the panther was. Róðgar was already tall and muscular, but he was easily beaten by Octo. Whenever someone stood next to the panther, they looked like a child. He even saw the panther lifting an entire cabinet by himself.

Thankfully, the panther used his build to complement his authority well. He was now telling people that their shift was over and they should get ready to leave soon.

Well, he was telling people that they must get ready to leave soon.

“Everyone will get the taste of working in the food industry soon anyway." said the panther with a grin as he neared. “It's nowhere as crazy of a schedule you had, but it is much more hectic. I remember sleeping on the floor in the kitchen between the cookers because I was so tired after cleaning the kitchen."

Sensing the opportunity to chat, Richard asked him again. “You used to work in a restaurant, Signore?"

“Kind of. Lo Squisito, you know, I used to help the Ausalt-on-Hayen branch during summers and holidays. It was so hectic until I used to think that I didn't want to work in the restaurant again." The large panther crossed his arms. “Certainly prepared me for what's to happen here. Since we're not serving difficult dishes, I hope we're not gonna experience what I had to experience. Just be ready, though. Also if you feel like lying down on the kitchen floor and raise a white flag, tell Róðgar." He chuckled.

“Sleeping on the kitchen floor is very tame, I tell you. Trust me, once or twice you'll get to sleep under the tables."

Both Octo and Róðgar laughed, whereas Richard only chuckled uncomfortably.

“Come on, everyone, get ready. I'll lock the building soon."

After giving a quick announcement, mainly that he wouldn't be available for a week and he put Signore Róðgar in charge, Signore Octo told them to go home. The panther himself left right after locking the building, saying that he had to meet up with someone. The others also left soon either by bike or tram. Richard crossed his arms, looking at Pacal and Róðgar walking beside him to the bus station.

He at first felt apprehensive with them, well, mainly Róðgar, but now he found the red fox approachable. Maybe not friendly, but approachable despite his position. Octo insinuated a few times that Róðgar was someone very important in the family operation, and he honestly didn't really want to know.

“I'm starting to feel homely in Barrowisle, honestly." said the red fox, initiating a conversation. Arms crossed, he looked around the lively street with a fond smile. They crossed the street and walked carefully amongst the rush of people also going home from work.

“I can see why, sir." Richard replied. Røðe Strípen was located in a busy area near the city hall, and it felt very lively and inviting. Shops lined up the walkable street with only buses and trams allowed in, going slowly to let people bike and walk. Cargo bikes sat in front of the shops for quick deliveries, their signature black paint with white saddles and front baskets easily noticeable. Richard found the atmosphere relaxing despite the activity.

“You can ask Signore Octo to move here." Pacal added with a hint of teasing in his voice.

Róðgar huffed. “I would very much like to, honestly."

Richard kept quiet to allow the fox to continue, but he didn't.

Instead, the fox pointed at a meat skewer stand with his muzzle. “Ye will some snacks? It's my treat."

“Sure."

“That'd be nice."

Meat skewers in hand, they continue walking whilst chatting lively. They walked past the street sign, Køpbryj Strát, and to a bus stop across the road. The Wolvessye monument was visible in the background between buildings, and Richard took his time to admire it as he neared the bus stop.

Huh, all this time living in Barrowisle, it was only now that he noticed the wolf on the monument was holding a wooden spear, not a sword like how people told him.

“Are you going to stay and supervise the restaurant, Signore?" Pacal asked Róðgar, making Richard turn his head back to them.

“No, sadly." The fox sighed before putting his plastic package away, leaning back on the seat. “I'm going back soon after the restaurant opens."

Richard's ears droop in disappointment. He was already getting used to having Róðgar as his supervisor. This already felt like a dream, working under Octo and Róðgar, with Pacal as his boss, but maybe he was asking too much.

Still, he was very thankful.

“Don't worry, ye have Signore Octo here. I'm sure everything was going to be alright with him around." The fox smiled at them. “This is more than just a stepping stone. This is a foundation."

He was very thankful indeed.

---

The festival was getting merrier, but Kevin only felt nervous.

Tail wagging in anxiousness, the wolf crossed his arms as he waited by the entrance. His job was mostly done, and he invited Octo to come and join the festival if he had time. The panther told him that he'd come at 20, but it was already half to 21.

He couldn't hold back the giddiness in his heart, though. Octo was coming, and it made him happy. Thanks to that night they spent at the panther's house, he now realised that they still had feelings for each other. He was now more confident, assured that maybe, just maybe, they could try again.

Should they try again, though?

Kevin sat back down at the registration table, taking a deep sigh as he did so. There was… there were too many risks, and he didn't even know if Octo even wanted to. They were compatible in many things, but being boyfriends seemed to not be one of them. Maybe they were only meant to be fuckmates.

He took his phone again. Octo did tell him that he might be late because he had other stuff to do, but he didn't say how long. The panther also didn't reply to his texts. Maybe he's driving, he thought to himself, leaning back on the seat.

Beside him, a workmate poked his arm. “What're you so nervous about?"

He just gave a mrf, eyes still scanning the entrance.

“Looking for the girl you invited to come for a date?" Another one beside her said, mischief in her voice.

“Sis, I'm gay." Kevin replied simply. “Besides, it's not a date."

The two girls gave a disappointed whine. “Why are all the handsome and hot guys gay?!"

He looked at them and snickered. “Sorry ladies, this one," He flexed his arm. “is only for the dudes."

They whacked his arm, making him laugh earnestly.

His phone then beeps in his pocket. Taking it out, Octo sent him a message that he just arrived. Immediately, he looked up at the crowd, looking for the panther. Given his height, he should be easy to spot.

Thankfully, Octo really was easy to spot. Kevin stood up and walked to the panther, his smile wide and tail wagging. “Finally, the sight for sore muscles." He gave a fist bump. “Took you long enough."

“Yeah, I had to look for parking. I also had to drive a car here too, would've liked to come by bus instead." said the panther with a shrug. “So, we need a ticket before going in?"

“Oh yeah, here."

Kevin studied Octo as the panther bought the ticket. The two girls from before looked like they were trying to start a conversation with Octo, and that made him chuckle. Octo himself looked casual yet formal as usual, wearing a pair of jeans and a plain dark red shirt with a black blazer over it which fit his body really well. Now Kevin felt rather underdressed, only wearing a loose t-shirt and a pair of trousers, out of his uniform. The panther also smelled nice, too, a contrast to his own rather musky scent.

Eh, as long as it didn't bother people, anyway. As soon as the event started, he was off shift. He was in the logistics team, sure, but his team handled the preparations. There was a separate team during the event and after.

“Alright, thanks." The panther finally said before walking away.

Kevin chuckled. Thankfully, those two girls didn't seem to know who Octo really was.

Walking into the festival, they looked around easily. Tired after assembling the booths, Kevin wasn't really in the mood to buy anything. “So, what d'you wanna do?" He asked, glad to do anything with the panther.

The panther looked at him and chuckled. “You were the one who invited me here, you know."

Kevin just gave a shrug, tail waving playfully.

They ended up just browsing around the festival. Neither was really in the mood to buy something, so they just talked. Kevin listened intently as Octo vented about a recent stock crash of a company, one in which the panther owned quite a percentage. He gave an ear to listen, even though he didn't really understand most of it. He did try to understand, though, as behind the venting, Octo was teaching him the ways to advance in the economic ladder in the current economy.

Kevin, meanwhile, talked about more mundane things. How his mother was getting better, how he was tired from work, and how expensive the food was in one of the booths. He also proudly mentioned that he helped build many of the booths and attractions here. Octo listened to him with a smile, and on some occasions, their shoulders bumped, and Kevin felt warmth seeping into him.

To get more of that warmth, the wolf wrapped his arm around the panther's shoulders, pulling him close as he whispered a joke to him.

They laughed, and no one pulled away.

He had to let the panther go, though, when he spotted Hystán in the crowd. The elk was surveying the festival, making sure everything was going smoothly. His eyes then landed on him and Octo, and he furrowed his brows.

“Evening, Hár Octaviano. Hey, Kev." The elk greeted them, and Kevin gave a small chuckle at the difference in how he greeted them. “I hope everything is good?"

Octo politely nodded and answered, “Evening." whereas Kevin rested his hands on his waist. “Yeah, everything's good."

“Glad to hear. I hope you're enjoying the festival." Hystán smiled.

“Yeah, it's wonderful. C'mon, Kev." The panther replied simply, enthusiastically walking forward.

Kevin was about to follow the panther, but Hystán then said, «I didn't know Hár Octaviano would be coming. You invited him?»

«Yeah.» Kevin answered sheepishly. «And don't worry, he's here just to enjoy the festival. No funny business.»

«Alright then.» The elk pinched the base of his snout. «I just hope tonight doesn't hold any more surprises.»

He laughed and patted the elk's shoulder in sympathy. «Gonna go explore again. See ya.»

«Alright, alright.»

---

“Here's the spot I found!"

Octo walked into a small clearing in the park. In front of him was a small, open gazebo with a rusty table, secluded from the rest of the park by overgrowth on almost all sides. The panther chuckled, following the wolf towards the table. “Looks like someone built a gazebo in the middle of a forest and forgot about it."

“I blame the park management for not trimming these overgrown plants." Kevin laughed and sat down, putting their food on the rather rusty table. “At least it looks pretty."

“Yeah though, it looks pretty." Octo then looked down at the table and furrowed his brows. “Are you sure the table is clean, though?"

“It is! Don't worry! I cleaned it a few days ago." The wolf wiped the table in front of him with his palm, showing that it was clean despite the rust.

Octo sat down cautiously.

“Okay, so!" said Kevin with a joyful smile as he opened the plastic and put their respective food on the table. “I didn't expect there'd be Indonesian food here to be honest. Guess Tom is rubbing off on me."

“To be fair, he does make amazing food." The panther accepted his food and opened the package.

Kevin laughed. “I know right. And he makes great snacks too!"

Octo nodded in agreement, digging into his food.

With his mind occupied, the panther ate his food in silence. Everything was calming down, and he was glad of it. His food was delicious, the atmosphere around them was calm yet joyful, and in front of him was a friend whose company he greatly enjoyed.

How much did he enjoy Kevin's company, though?

This was his ex. He was supposed to keep his distance from him to take care of his poor heart. Even this; eating out together like this brought him a small tinge of sadness from past memories. He was supposed to move on.

So, why did he keep meeting the wolf voluntarily? He kept rationalising it as much as he could. He was invited to an event, he thought to himself, he wanted to go out and Kevin was only several bus rides away. They both were in Barrowisle and they wanted to go back to Ausalt-on-Haye. These were all valid reasons. He did not need to associate his feelings with his actions. The fact that he enjoyed the wolf's company despite what happened between them was only a side effect.

“Hey, Oct, what do you wanna do?"

“Hm?" He answered, looking up at the wolf with his mind still musing. Kevin was really handsome and hot indeed. It was honestly a bit of a shame their relationship didn't work out. Whether that was for the best or not, he didn't know. “What do you mean?"

“Like, you know, what do you wanna do? In your life, I mean." continued the wolf.

Octo just shrugged. “I want to open a restaurant, told you that already. Actually I'm opening one right now."

Kevin nodded at that, then smiled. “I'm sure that's easy for you."

That made the panther's mind stop. Offended, he swallowed the food and stared at the red wolf in front of him. Kevin was looking down at his food. He narrowed his eyes in annoyance at the wolf for thinking that everything came easy for him just because he was rich and had power.

However, the more he observed the wolf, the more he realised that he caught it wrong. Kevin was… there was sadness and disappointment in his face, not at their economic level, but something deeper. Something he couldn't really pinpoint. The wolf's ears were still up and he couldn't see his tail wagging, but when the wolf took a deep sigh before straightening up, Octo finally saw it.

Kevin was both sad and disappointed in himself.

“It's not easy, Kev." The panther started, careful to choose his words and tone. “It's really difficult. I need to survey and get the place, then the equipment, then the staff and supplies and I need to get everything well-stocked."

Giving a little chuckle, Kevin finally looked up at him. He looked hurt, but he still smiled widely. “Heh, I take that back, then." He said simply as if admitting defeat with his ears down.

Octo pushed his empty food package and sighed, sitting up. Kevin rarely, if ever, admitted defeat that way.

He decided to spare the wolf's pride and asked him back, “How about you, what do you wanna do?"

The wolf didn't answer right away. In fact, he seemed to dwell on his answer as shown by how much time he took just to drink his juice. “I don't know." He finally answered, putting the juice down before gripping his snout and leaning on his elbow. “I… don't know, to be honest."

He stayed quiet, letting the wolf continue.

“You know, it just feels… I don't know. I have lots of stuff to do here." Kevin finally looked up at him. “You're gonna go back to Barrowisle, right?"

The question sounded rather like a plea, no, please don't. Nonetheless, Octo could only nod. “Yeah, the restaurant is gonna be in Barrowisle."

As expected, the wolf's ears went down. “Ah, alright." He took a deep sigh as he put his paper plate away, sitting up straighter. “What's the name of the restaurant?" asked the wolf, tone disinterested.

“It's Røðe Strípen."

“Heh, sounds cool."

This time, Octo leant forward on the table and observed the wolf. Kevin was typing on his phone, but there were still some hints of sadness on his face. It honestly looks rather… unfamiliar; Kevin was a cheerful person, so seeing him sad was something rare. Angry, yes, but sad, rarely. The Kevin in front of him didn't seem like the Kevin whom he knew. The Kevin he knew was a cheerful, wild wolf, always ready to take on whatever life threw at him. This Kevin, meanwhile, was sad, and he looked tired and defeated, seemingly only living life because that was what he had to do.

He wants to help him, but that would mean they were more than just friends…

And that made him think about their breakup again. Why did they break up? His mind always answered that they broke up because Kevin was unfaithful, because he was about to have sex with someone else. But, why did he decide to have sex with someone else? There must always be a reason for unfaithfulness, and this was only one possible answer. Maybe the wolf wasn't being unfaithful, maybe there was something else that led the wolf to do what he did.

Kevin put his phone down. He leant forward to look at him and faked a chuckle. “Heh, Barrowisle lured you in, huh? Honestly, me too. I wanna go back there to be honest."

There was another answer, yeah. Kevin needed the money.

That didn't make him think any less of the wolf. If anything, that made him pity the wolf, having to resort to selling his body for money. However, he knew the wolf did not like being pitied, and that was exactly what he did by offering the wolf—forcefully, even—some money. He was indirectly flaunting his wealth, the one thing that he hated doing.

And from Kevin's answer that day, he was very much offended by that.

Could they even try again even if they wanted to? Because he must admit, he still had feelings for the wolf.

“You know, Kev…" He took a deep sigh, finally opening the wound he had been covering. “Do you…"

The red wolf tilted his head.

There was a bit of pause, and his tone was both calculated and apologetic as he spoke to avoid offending the wolf. “I… apologise for the things I said when we broke up."

Kevin's eyes widened and his tail shot out, his fur bristling. He then looked away, ears down and tall wagging in distress. He took a deep breath, looked down, then took another deep breath as he leant back on the chair. “Well, I… I wasn't expecting that…" He said in a confused tone, scratching his whiskers.

Kevin now was different from Kevin then, but this time, he was thankful for it.

“I think… well, I gotta say, I'm sorry too." said the wolf softly, leaning down on his arms on the table. He looked down, eyes contemplative and tail waving slowly. After several moments of silence, he added, “I… I'm sorry for the things I said."

Octo smiled at him, pleasantly surprised at the reaction.

Giving another sigh, the red wolf sat back up and looked the panther in the eyes with a soft, apologetic smile on his face. “You know, I… I don't really know what to think about our relationship. Like… like, I get the feeling that we're, I don't know, we're kinda compatible, but at the same time there are some things that make it difficult for us to get along."

"Hard to get along?" asked the panther. He shifted a bit on the chair, glad for the opportunity to talk deeply with the wolf.

"Yeah…" Kevin trailed off. “No offense, dude, but sometimes it's kinda hard for me to follow your lifestyle, as in…"

“Economic issues?" he offered in the gentlest tone he could muster.

The wolf scratched his whiskers. “Yeah, that. But I also know that I can get hard to deal with sometimes." He gave a dry chuckle. “I guess that makes two of us."

They chuckled at each other and the cool night breeze swept past their fur. For a while, they looked away and went silent, letting nostalgia paint a beautiful picture of their relationship.

“So, do you want to start again?"

“I don't know…"

Octo finally reached out and took Kevin's hand into his own, looking into his eyes.

The gesture made Kevin's ears go down and smiled sheepishly. “Well… yeah… i-if you also want to…" Octo was about to say more when he put his hand on top of the panther's and continued, “Do you want to teach this fuckboy how to love?"

That made the panther laugh fondly. “Yes."

They leant closer to each other, and when they kissed, they could feel again the warmth that they shared on the day they met.

---

Octo followed Kevin getting down from a bus—the last bus, he noticed—and checked his phone, yawning. It was almost 1 in the morning and they were still in the city centre. Around them, the roads looked almost empty and most of the buildings were closed. The wolf in front of him somehow still looked fresh, tail waving lazily as if not feeling tired at all.

Maybe he really was, though. The wolf told him that he sometimes received jobs which went well into the morning. Even yesterday; he said he slept on tarps behind the unfinished stage for tonight's event.

As he stared into the wolf's messy fluff and broad shoulders, Octo couldn't help but ask with his tired mind why he asked him out again. Why did he decide to try again? Sure, he still had feelings for the wolf, and from how the wolf acted, he still had feelings for him. Did Kevin really want to try again or was there something else?

Octo yawned again. Where were they even going anyway? Kevin wanted to spend the night together, but his room and bed were too small for them, and Octo's house was too far. He looked around; they were near the city centre, so he wasn't worried. Still, he was tired and very much looking forward to a bed to sleep.

“Heh, sleepy boy." Kevin said to him with that stupid handsome grin of his. The wolf stopped walking to let him catch up, then pulled him into his arm as they walked side by side. “Come on, just a little more."

Octo gave a sigh before leaning his head on the wolf's shoulder, feeling comforted by the warmth in the cool night.

Apparently, Kevin was taking him to the hotel where Anthony worked. The hotel building looked empty and there was pretty much no one in the lobby. That didn't seem to make the wolf worry, though, as he still walked easily into the parking space and past the empty security table. Going inside, Octo saw Anthony by the receptionist's table talking to the receptionist. The snow leopard noticed them as soon as they went inside, and his face was absolutely gobsmacked.

“Heyyy, snep!" Kevin walked to the snow leopard and pulled him into his arm, giving him his best smile. “Sorry for coming this late at night, but I'm wondering if I can use the vouchers right now?"

“W-wuh, what? Kevin? What???"

Octo just leant back on the table and yawned, leaving it to the wolf as the snow leopard pulled him to the side and talked in a hushed voice.

“Come on, snep! I really need it now! Just finished with a job!"

“Yeah but what the fucking hell are you doing with Octaviano this early in the morning?!"

“It's nothing weird, don't worry."

“There's nothing not weird about this!"

Giving a grunt, the panther crossed his arms. The snow leopard wasn't really subtle with his opinions, but well, he wasn't worried about that. He glanced at the receptionist, who gave a shy and awkward smile at him. He chuffed at the cat before going back to watch Kevin and Anthony squabble.

Eventually, feeling tired and a bit annoyed, he then sighed and turned to the cat. “We'd like one bedroom for two nights, please."

“Uh… y-yes, sir, let me see if there's an empty room… I'm afraid there's only two or three types available left…"

He took his wallet out. “Anything is fine. Just make sure it's large enough for the two of us."

Apparently, that caught Kevin's and Anthony's attention. “Dude, what are you doing? I'm trying to make our vouchers work here!" said the wolf.

The panther just shrugged and handed the cat his credit card.

One checking in later, and Anthony in the end accepted the voucher, the cat gave him the key to their room. Octo accepted the key and smiled at them, giving a polite “Thanks." before walking away with Kevin in tow.

Ah, right. He turned back to them and continued, “I trust that you will tell no one that I am and was here?"

Both the snow leopard and the cat nodded at him. “Y-yes, sir."

“Good." He smiled at them in satisfaction, almost a smirk, knowing full well they would do that lest this hotel wouldn't be considered for the future event his family would hold.

Sometimes, his social standing came in handy.

“What was that?" asked Kevin with a curious look on his face as they went into the lift.

Octo shrugged. “Nothing important."

The wolf crossed his arms, looking at the panther with a perplexed gaze.

Once the lift door closed, he gripped the wolf's shoulder. “Come on, don't angy."

That made Kevin roll his eyes and wag his tail. “You make it sound weird and ridiculous."

“I got a great teacher." He winked.

Kevin just gave an amused grunt, making him chuckle.

The hotel room turned out to be a rather small room with two single beds, but it was still comfortable and homely. Taking his shoes and blazer off, Octo walked inside and sat down on one of the beds. “Finally."

Sitting down beside him, the wolf looked at him rather bashfully. “So, um… wanna… you know?"

Octo just chuffed. “Cuddle? Sure. The bed is too small, though."

“We can make it work, don't worry."

The bed was too small indeed, but with his wolf in his arms, Octo settled peacefully in the cool night. He stared at the empty bed in front of them, then at Kevin in his hold, then he closed his eyes and hugged him tighter.

This time, they could really make it work.