FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Kevin woke up with a groan, his body all sore and his head dizzy. He blindly reached out for his phone to turn his alarm off, almost falling from the bed. Sitting up, the wolf gripped his head and looked around, his nose smelling the strange but familiar scent around him. Looking beside him, he found a leopard with dark fur, and he couldn't help but immediately reach down to check on his… oh.

Eyes lidded, the wolf cracked a smile. Octo sleeping beside him was something so familiar, but what was definitely not familiar was waking up next to him feeling happy and content without any back pain or, most importantly, either his arse feeling like it was on fire or his dick feeling tired.

Huh, this might be the first time he woke up beside the panther without having sex the night before.

The next hour was very much novel. Octo woke up and gave him a gentle smile, cuddling as they watched morning cartoons until the wolf had to go to the bathroom and shower. After that, breakfast came, and they chatted heartily as they ate on the soft carpeted floor between the beds, talking about last night's event, university times, and how they were doing.

He joked that the breakfast didn't taste that good and wanted to complain to Anthony, to which Octo just chuckled. The panther took another bite, saying that it tasted fine. After finishing breakfast, Octo stood up and put the dishes on the washtable, knowing they would be picked up later. Kevin, meanwhile, insisted on washing them. The panther only shrugged and went to the bathroom for his morning business.

Wiping his hands dry, Octo sat back down on the carpet. “So, any plans where to apply next?" He asked the wolf, taking a bottle of soda before opening it and taking a gulp.

Kevin burped. “I don't know, honestly. My current job pays well enough." He leant back on the bed, arms on his knees with one hand scratching his nape. “I mean, yeah, the schedule is fuckin' wild, but at least I only need to work for like a week for a month's worth of salary. I've been thinking about getting a second job, honestly, but… I don't know. It might end up making me busier than my main one."

Octo nodded, taking a gulp of his soda. Kevin leant his head back on the bed and took a deep sigh. This time, he wanted to do this correctly. He wanted to start taking his life seriously, and planning his next steps was a part of it. He now had a stable enough income to start saving for his goals…

“Hey, Kev, how about working in my restaurant in Barrowisle?"

Surprised at that, the wolf turned to him. “You serious? Isn't that… um… neptomism or something?"

“Nepotism? No." The panther chuckled. “It's a new establishment, so of course I'm going to take my closest contacts first."

“Uh…"

“We need some waiters there. It's up to you if you wanna join or not."

“W-well, how's the pay… i-if you don't mind me asking?"

“You will get… uh… wait," Octo took his phone. “You'll get 2.450 euros per month after income tax and provident funds—remember, you're working full time so they apply—150 euros for transport and food, and tier 3 LFHT." offered the panther as he read the note on his phone. “It's not open yet, but you can work right away, though you'll need to help us tidy up the place."

Seriously, this panther was so damn easy with money. That much pay for that kind of job was generous. “You kidding."

“I'm not." Octo shrugged. “Seriously. And I'll stay professional about it. No funny business just because we're boyfriends. Panther's promise." He chuckled, but Kevin could tell that he was being serious.

He looked down, deep in thought. That actually sounded very nice. It was a waiter job, something he had experience in. The pay was also handsome, and considering the panther, he knew Octo would take this very seriously.

However… he still had responsibilities here. He couldn't just move back to Barrowisle and leave Shaun and his mother. One of the reasons he chose to move back here to Ausalt-on-Haye was because he wanted to help take care of his mother. “Uh… really, Oct, that sounds great, but… my house is here…"

“Don't worry about it. I can get you a flat. Consider it a perk." The panther said.

His dismissive tone annoyed him. “No, not that. I mean, my house is here, y'know. I can't just move to Barrowisle again. I got plans here."

The panther turned to him. “What are your plans?" He asked, then, noticing that he was phrasing it too casually, added, “If you don't mind telling me."

Kevin was silent for a while, unsure if he should tell it. However, they were boyfriends now, and he must learn to trust others. Taking a deep sigh, he looked up at the other. “I wanna work and get money to buy a house, Oct. You've already seen my house. It's not really the best for me, my brother, and my mom. Buying a house for my mom is…" he looked down again, this time in discomfort. “is the main reason I went to university in the first place. I want to have a degree so I can get a decent job to buy a house."

Octo didn't reply immediately, and Kevin didn't want to look up at him either. He felt like he just exposed a secret, something he held dear that no one should ever know. He hugged his knees, tail curling and ears down. This felt similar to that time when he told Tom about his past.

“I can help you with that." came Octo's soft, gentle reply.

Looking up again, he furrowed his brows at the panther. This was getting too much, and he was ready to tell him to knock it off, stop flexing so much, and make him feel so defeated.

The panther continued, however. “We have some spare houses in Barrowisle. We were planning to sell some of them anyway, but if you decide to work for the restaurant, I can lend one to you and your family for your residence. No rent is needed as long as you work in the restaurant. You can also buy one if you want, too."

Kevin narrowed his eyes. “You fucking kidding."

“No, Kev, I'm serious. Really. Well, just don't tell my dad." He gave a chuckle to ease the tension. “That can be arranged."

Kevin felt anger rise in him at how easily Octo appared to take this. Yet, when he looked away and saw their phones on the carpet…

“I'll think about it."

That seemed to satisfy the panther, and Kevin disliked how Octo seemed to take this as a business arrangement.

Well, technically speaking, it was, but still…

“Hey, you wanna visit Barrowisle?" asked Octo, moving to sit beside him. Their sides touched, and Kevin leant his head back on the bed with a sigh. “Not only for business, by the way, though I also wanna take you to the restaurant and house first to help you decide."

“I dunno." Kevin scratched his nape again. He knew the panther well but wasn't sure if he wanted to work under him. A lot of stuff could go wrong, and they might be incompatible, not to mention that if he moved to Barrowisle with his family, he would tie his housing to his employment. Everyone knew that was not a good idea without proper planning. “Like… I don't think it's gonna be a good arrangement."

“What do you mean?"

He turned to the panther. Expecting a mocking expression, he was surprised when he saw genuine curiosity there. “Dude, we're boyfriends; isn't that gonna make stuff a bit more difficult? Like, you know, relationships in the workplace and all that stuff. Besides, while I really appreciate your offer for housing there in Barrowisle, I can't just move there with my family because… you know."

“Uh, why so?"

They stared at each other for a while. Then, when Kevin realised that Octo simply did not understand, he couldn't help but chuckle. “You're being that rich guy again, you know." He booped the panther.

That surprised Octo, who shifted away and apologised. “W-w-wait, really?! Sorry, wolf, I didn't mean it! Really!"

His annoyance dissipating, Kevin laughed. “Silly panther." He smiled at the panther, though it quickly turned into a sad one, his ears going down. “Yeah, it's just… too risky, like… the house isn't mine, and I'm… it's… y'know… it feels like making my family live in your house…" He sighed and looked away, leaving the explanation hanging in the air.

The panther thankfully understood the explanation. “That can be arranged, don't worry."

“But… the cost of living there?"

“That can be arranged."

“That 'that can be arranged' is starting to sound annoying." He grunted.

Octo laughed. “Don't worry." He waved his hand. “An arrangement can be made."

“Yeah fuck you." Kevin crossed his arms. “Now arrange transportation and lunch for me to go home, by helicopter at least. I need a break." He sighed and looked away, and I need to think.

Taking his phone again, Octo played with it for a while. Kevin only closed his eyes, listening to the panther typing on his phone. There was a notification sound, then another, then another, then he opened his eyes and looked at the panther. “You're… what are you doing?"

“Making an arrangement. Well, two arrangements." He shrugged.

“W-wait, you actually did it?"

“Yeah." He finally put his phone down and smirked at the wolf. “An arrangement has been made."

Kevin felt his stomach sink in disbelief, though he also felt his heart flutter in excitement.

“Well, two arrangements."

Having a rich boyfriend didn't sound like a bad idea now.

---

Kevin accepted his job and house offer.

Octo ate his breakfast with a wide smile. Maybe it was too forward of him, but he kept reminding himself that he was helping the wolf. Even though the wolf seemed somewhat apprehensive when he offered it, he was enthusiastic when he told him he accepted the offer.

While he had been living in luxury for as long as he could remember, he also experienced living in modesty. Campus life was really an eye-opener for him. He had no problems living challenging, but working alone was apparently quite hard. He didn't want to continue depending on his family.

Now, he was satisfied. He was starting to live his dream, to make his own mark. The restaurant was going to open in a few weeks. He might be the boss, but amongst a boss' responsibilities was the well-being of his employees as well as the cleanliness of his workplace.

Now, since Kevin agreed to go to Barrowisle for a survey, he wanted to take him to the almost-finished restaurant. The wolf would start working on Monday, but he said he didn't mind helping. After that, he would take Kevin to survey the house he'd offered him. The wolf saw the photos, but Octo still wanted to give him a tour of the house.

It wasn't too much, anyway. The family had given housing to the old members of the disbanded mafia branch here. However, they were apartment units for one person or a medium-sized house for four people. Asking for another one from his father wasn't hard.

His phone buzzed with a text from Max. Picking it up, he read the text. Max Kleinschmidt: We're heading to the station now

He drank his coffee as he looked at the windows, a smile on his muzzle. Spring was beautiful, indeed.

“I'm done showering."

Octo turned his head and saw Kevin walking out of the bathroom, fur damp with a towel on his shoulder. He gave a smile at that; Kevin was different now, yet he was still the confident, horny wolf that he knew. He was more mature now, no longer taking everything as a joke. He was more considerate but still with a bit of fun here and there. The wolf also looked a lot better now. He smiled—well, smirked—more often, and his fur was much more well-kempt.

“Stop staring at me like you want this dick in your mouth."

That made him chuckle, and the wolf grinned at him before walking into the bedroom with his tail waving invitingly. See? Horny as fuck, and he loved him. “Oh yeah, your laundry is on the bed."

“Yeah, yeah. Anyway, when are we going again?"

“In ten minutes." Octo playfully said. “I'm your boss; listen to me. It's almost 9. Don't be late."

“Hey, boss, you mind giving me a raise? I'm willing to raise my tail for you~"

He rolled his eyes fondly. “Come on, get ready before I call the horny police."

Finally ready, they walked for a bit until Hallestead station. It was 9 in the morning on a Saturday, so he was glad it wasn't packed. After buying some quick snacks, they tapped their phones on the gates and went to the platforms. Sitting down on the available seat, Kevin huffed and closed his eyes. He watched as the wolf spread his legs and arms, and people looked at him, some annoyed.

Sitting beside the wolf, Octo pushed him away so they didn't seem to hog the seat. “Move." He opened the sandwich and ate it.

Kevin just gave a mrf, letting the panther push him away. “Where are they?"

“In Ancient Town station, shouldn't be long until they arrive." He drank his juice. “Anyway, you already told your family, right?"

“Yeah, I already told them. My brother is against it as usual." He shrugged. “He's still an ass."

“If I remember correctly you said you actually want him to be nicer? And you two bought each other gifts last Christmas?"

Kevin instantly turned red and pushed him away. “Shut up shut up shut up shut up!"

A few minutes later, a metro train stopped, and some passengers disembarked. His phone buzzed again, this time with a call. He picked it up. “Hey, Max."

“Hey, Oct, we're here. We're in car 2."

“Yup, we're going." He turned to the wolf beside him. “Come on, they're here."

They boarded the train and walked to car 2, which was almost empty. He looked around and found the dog. On one end of the car, there were Tom and Maxes…

Right, Hans was here, too.

“Hey guys," Octo greeted them with a smile.

“Hey, man."

“Oi there, my panther Octo."

“Hi, Octo."

The panther sat down beside Hans, though he saw Kevin poking Tom's shoulder and gesturing to the empty seat area a bit far from them. Tom stood up and followed him, and Octo and Max's eyes went wide in surprise when they saw Kevin pulling Tom into a hug, tail wagging eagerly.

“That's so cute, not gonna lie." Hans said with a small laugh.

“But yeah, though," Max commented. “I swear sometimes I think Tom is Kevin's big bro or something. That's why I tease him a lot about him having Tom as his alpha." He chuckled.

“The same way I'm your big bro, heh?" Hans leered.

Max flicked Hans' ear.

Octo crossed his arms and leant back on the seat. “Anyway, aren't you two technically still in the canis lupus species? Dogs are just some wolves who started agriculture far before the rest, right?"

“Yeah, but it's a bit weird. Culturally, we're distinct, but genetically, we're the same species. Like, really, we're both canis lupus. We can donate our blood to each other. We can even reproduce and the offspring is still canis lupus. They will be called wolf or dog depending solely on their appearance." Hans explained. “We even put them under the same name: wolfdogs, separate from coyotes and jackals."

Max nodded. “Yep, what he said."

Octo nodded in amazement. Sometimes, he forgot that Hans was a nurse.

“Anyway, Oct, that was quick. It's been, what, three months, and your restaurant is gonna open soon?" Max asked him.

“We already had a lot planned, anyway. Besides, since we already own the place, it's not hard to build it."

“It's yours? You're not renting the place?"

He shrugged. “I wanted to make this permanent, so even if my restaurant failed, the place could still be used for Lo Squisito."

Hans chuckled, then rubbed his fingers as if counting money. “The paper talks, huh?"

“Max, d'you mind whacking him?"

“Nope." Max whacked his big brother.

“Hey!" Hans rubbed his head. “Anyway, all's been good, Oct?"

He smiled at the older shepherd. “Yeah. How about you, Hans?"

“Tiring, but the paper makes it a lot worthwhile!" He leant forward and his tail wagged. “Seriously, being a nurse is rad! I mean, sure, healthcare here is highly subsidized, but the government still pays us a lot."

“Paper, not money, you said?"

“Money's great and all, but it's even better when you sign your patients' files that say they're fully recovered and ready to go home. Ah, one of the guilty pleasures of being a nurse." Hans leant back on his seat. “Aside from the money, of course. I've been getting my cute li'l bro and his wolf lots of gifts. Innit, Rob?"

“Sorry to interrupt the life lesson, but am I the only one who's concerned with Kevin and Tom over there?"

At Max's remark, they looked at the two wolves. Kevin was… letting Tom gently inspect his face. As if that weren't weird enough, he didn't smirk or snicker at Tom. In fact, he was looking away shyly.

The panther chuckled as he watched them. Speaking of species matter, he kind of misses James and Andy, being pantherines and all. They might be different species, but he felt close to them. He invited them both to come to the opening of his restaurant, along with other football club members, his old classmates, and Tom's classmates, so maybe he might meet them soon.

“Hit me with a stick, but they really are something else." Hans blurted.

The wolves returned to them in a few minutes. Octo gave them a questioning gaze, but they didn't seem to notice it. Tom sat down next to Max while Kevin sat down next to him. If Max were bothered by what happened just now, he didn't show it.

Eh, he doubted the dog was even bothered by that, though.

“What was that?" he asked Kevin instead in a whisper.

“What was what?"

“That. Taking Tom away like that?"

“Eh." He shrugged nonchalantly. “Anyway, he said my fur looks a bit faded. Is my fur really faded?"

“Well, a bit, but nothing to be worried about."

Max spoke up. “So, anyway, you two made up?"

A wave of embarrassment hit them at once. Kevin chuckled nervously while Octo looked away.

“I'm happy for you, Oct, Kev." Tom said softly, but that only made their embarrassment more intense.

“Wait, Octo is…?" Hans made gestures with his hands. “You know… with Kevin…?"

“Yeah." Octo shrugged.

“Eyyyy way to go pan—"

“We're in the metro, dumbass."

Kevin chuckled.

“So, smells like we're gonna have some delicious lunch." Max continued with a teasing grin.

Octo crossed his arms and smirked. “The kitchen isn't ready for that yet, though."

Max groaned in disappointment.

Octo glanced at Tom, wanting to greet him. The grey wolf was leaning back with his eyes closed, and there was a subtle tiredness to his air, almost like discomfort. He still decided to greet him. “Are you feeling okay, Tom?"

Tom sighed. “Yeah, nothing hurts anymore. You, Oct?"

He hid his disappointment. Tom still sounded like he was faking civility. “Likewise." The panther smiled, taking notes of the wolf's visible discomfort. Whether that was because of him or because he wasn't fully recovered yet, Octo didn't know. “How's the city?"

“Nothing major."

He nodded, leaning back on the seat and giving a sigh. As the others talked lively, he only offered silence with occasional peeks at Tom. Kevin also switched seats, sitting beside the grey wolf and joking with him. Closing his eyes, he crossed his arms. He'd done all he could for the wolf, at least what the wolf wanted to accept. Kevin's small party a month ago was a good step for them to mend their relationship, and he knew there was still a long road ahead.

Folgende stand: Wolfessije Stand. Þe dår wirþt am winster åpnen. Next stop: Wolvessye Station. The door will open on the left side.

“Come on, we're getting down here." The panther stood up and stretched a bit, glad of the distraction. “We're catching a tram, then it's a short walk."

They exited the metro and tapped their phones at the gates. Thankfully, his mood improved after they got on the tram.

“I only hope there's no more surprises." Tom then said, standing next to him.

A bit surprised, Octo looked at him. “There won't be, I promise." He smiled, hesitating to put his hand on the grey wolf's shoulder. It probably wouldn't be welcome, so he instead pocketed his hands.

Tom sighed, putting his hands behind his back. “Is your father there?"

“No, he's not in Barrowisle."

The wolf nodded. The conversation was welcome, dry and awkward it might be. Giving a small huff, he smiled, knowing Tom still wanted to mend their relationship.

Getting down the tram, Octo led them to the restaurant, which was still covered by an “under construction" blocker. Inside, though, it already looked like any other restaurant. There was a truck in front, and some people unloading cargo. The panther smiled; this really was his first step towards his own life.

He had his own restaurant, made up with Kevin, and obtained his parents' blessing. He was really building his future and making his own mark. It wasn't easy, of course, and sacrifices were to be made, but he was really making his own mark.

Confidently, he went inside and greeted everyone. “Good morning."

Pacal and Richard, who were about to lift a refrigerator unit, instantly greeted him. “Good morning, sir. We're still arranging th—"

They were cut off and looked at him in shock. The abrupt stop unnerved him. “What is it?"

Almost immediately, they moved behind him. They growled and bared their fangs, pinning someone to the wall behind him. Octo looked around and stared in horror as they pinned Tom. “What are you doing here?!"

Oh, right. Oh, no…

---

“Close the door."

Octo sat on his desk, wiping his face in disbelief and sadness. Right, he hadn't told them. Fuck, it apparently wasn't all over yet. The three people before him were growling, almost baring their fangs at each other. Tom was a bit calmer, but he could tell he was also keeping his guard up from his fur. Róðgar instead stood calmly behind him, observing silently whilst also protecting him.

“Be quiet. Sit down." He told them. They obeyed, well, Richard and Pacal. Tom was still standing while looking at them sharply. Octo didn't blame him; no, he didn't blame any of them.

“Stand down first, Richard, Paca—."

“Sir, I will protect you—"

“Why is he her—"

He raised his hand, instantly shutting them up. The panther groaned a bit and finally looked at them. “Pacal, Richard, this is Tom. Tom, these are Pacal, the jaguar, and Richard, the hyena. I know you have a history, so let me explain." He took a deep breath and looked at the two. “Pacal, Richard, Tom and I have been good friends since university. No, I did not know that he was the Red Wolf. I only found out about it during Operation Red Wolf 2. He is a good man and I do not doubt him. That's why I stopped Operation Red Wolf 2."

Richard was still growling at Tom, but Pacal seemed calmer now.

The panther turned to the wolf. “Tom, these are two of my men. As you know, after I disbanded the operation, I offered some of them another job here. Everyone who works here right now except Kevin is my past men. I trust them to behave and integrate." He squinted at Richard and continued with a tense tone. “Including Richard."

The hyena stopped growling and looked away.

“Your concern is appreciated. However, we are here to try again. You are here to try again. Tom is harmless. Pacal and Richard and the others are harmless." He turned to the wolf. “If any of them hurt you, tell me, Tom."

The wolf nodded.

“Tom might be dangerous after you've seen him in the operation and what he did to me, but I fully trust him with my life. You two know what he's capable of. If any of you dared to hurt him, I will personally handle you in addition to whatever he does to you. Understood?"

The jaguar nodded. “Yes, sir."

Richard sighed a bit, then nodded along. “Yes, sir."

“Good. Do not make me regret my decision." He turned to Tom again. “Tom, please don't antagonize them, okay?"

“I shan't." The wolf sighed and crossed his arms, looking away a bit, then turned his head back to them. “I have no grudge towards them. I only remember Pacal back then, and he didn't even do anything."

The jaguar nodded. “My concern is towards Signore Octo and him alone. If he remain safe, then you will, too."

Tom acknowledged that with a flick of his tail. “Richard, though, I can tell I've seen him a few times. Only just now, I noticed he was the one who'd been following me. No grudge, though. I mean, I can understand your motive. Besides, there's simply no use in holding grudges."

Richard was about to growl at Tom, but at his last sentence, the hyena held back and sighed. “There's no use in holding grudges." He repeated, low enough only for Octo and Pacal to hear him.

Octo continued, this time with a much softer tone. “I don't expect you to get along with Tom so soon, but I do expect you to be civil. I know you've been through a lot, Cal, Rich, but so did Tom. I'm sure you can find something in common to talk about." He saw them both flinch embarrassedly a bit at the nicknames, but he shrugged it off. “Tom is a nice person, actually, and so does Pacal. Richard is a bit of a tough one, but he's still a nice person."

At that, the hyena looked away.

“Now, tell the others to come here while you two allow my friends to help you. The other wolf who comes along is Kevin. He's going to work here as a waiter. He can be a lot to handle sometimes, but he's just joking. Well, mostly."

“Yes." Pacal nodded again. “Richard, let's continue working. As for you, uh…"

“Tom."

“Yes, let's get back."

Sometimes, Octo was astounded at just how obedient and loyal the jaguar was to him. The jaguar was about five years older than the panther, yet he followed his words to the commas and full stops. That made him wonder what his family did to him to make him so loyal.

Well, he heard someone sigh behind him, and only then did he notice that Róðgar was still there. Maybe total obedience was not something strange.

The two of them walked back to the main room, but Tom lagged. When Pacal and Richard were out of the room, Tom turned to him and said, “Can we talk later, Oct?"

The panther nodded. “Of course. Just tell me when you want to talk. I must go with Kevin at 13, though. We can have dinner tonight over at mine if you want. For now, though, don't antagonize my men, okay?"

The grey wolf nodded. “If you believe they're good, then I believe they're good. They are under you, after all."

Octo understood the subtle threat between the lines.

“Just don't expect us to work cooperatively so quickly." continued the wolf as he opened the door. However, he hesitated, and his tail went awry. Then, with a sigh, he turned to look at him… well, at the one behind him. «Róðgar, are you?» The wolf asked, tail going still.

Surprised at that, Octo turned to the fox behind him. Brows furrowed, the fox looked like he was trying to remember something. «Yeah, I am. And you…» They stared at each other for a while until Róðgar's flat expression morphed into a soft smile. «It's good to see you living and in good health. It's been… eleven, twelve years?»

Octo only looked at them in confusion… until he remembered that they had a history in Køpmanshavn. They used to be partners. Listening to them intently and trying to translate what they were saying through their thick accent, he leant forward on his desk.

«Living, yes. In good health? Ask your boss.» Tom snorted. He paused for a while before continuing. «If you have time later, let's… let's talk.»

Róðgar nodded. «I'll meet you when I'm done.»

Tom nodded back, giving an awkward smile. He glanced at Octo, then back at Róðgar, then sighed, opened the door, and walked back to the main room.

The silence after that was disconcerting, so Octo buried his face in his arms, not caring that there was still Róðgar behind him. The fox didn't say anything, letting him sort his unsortable thoughts. Just when he thought he was getting everything in order…

“I now see why you wanted to meet me back in Køpmanshavn."

Taking a deep sigh, he sat back up. “It was valuable information."

“I didn't even know that he was the Red Wolf until today." the fox said, sounding… offended. “I understand that it's not my business, but…"

Oh yeah, he hadn't told him. He thought this case was already done, so he didn't tell him. “I hate to use personal connections, but if you could, Róðgar…" He trailed off.

“We have a lot to catch up." The fox replied in a diplomatic tone, neither agreeing nor disagreeing with him. “I can't change what he thinks, but I hope having a familiar face would ease his worries as well as his healing scars. Well, as familiar as we find each other after twelve-ish years."

Octo only nodded, closing his eyes. There was little that he could do now. He only wished that Tom wouldn't think worse of them.

---

Look at him. Is he… really here?

Richard stared at Red Wolf, Tom now, as he talked to his friends. There were two big German Shepherds and another wolf with red fur. One of the dogs must be Tom's boyfriend, while the red wolf—that felt a bit weird—must be Kevin.

He knew Signore Octo was right. Richard had only known him as the enemy, and only for almost one year. Octo had known him since university. Of course, the panther would already know so much more about him.

However, to actually look at him like this, this felt… different.

And seriously, how the fuck did Signore Pacal warm up so quickly?! The jaguar was already talking with them, smiling honestly—well, it looked honest, but he didn't know how he was underneath—and offering them some snacks. They accepted them with no hesitation. Maybe it was true; he needed more social interaction. Growing up with no parents while being a part of a mafia operation, he didn't really have much reason to socialise.

Well, he still had that promise. Maybe he really needed to start over, as Octo said. He was given another chance. That must include forgiving your enemies... if Red Wolf was actually his enemy at all. He, too, doubted the reason he deserved two assassination attempts.

Richard walked to them after he was done with the counter. It still needed to be connected with the others, but he had to do this now. Red Wolf was here, so he wanted to tell him this.

“Red Wolf." He said as he got close.

The other, bigger and buffer wolf looked at him and smiled wide. “Yo, 'sup yeen?"

“No, not you. You. Tom."

Tom looked at him, not at all looking threatened except for the slightly raised hackles. “Me? Uh, yeah?"

“I have to say," Richard said. He took a breath and looked away. “congratulations for being so slick and such a pain in the arse. You're really such a pain to deal with."

Tom scratched his cheek, looking cute and innocent. Of course, he knew what this wolf was capable of. He wouldn't let his guard down, even if they were to become friends. “Uh, thanks?"

He noticed Pacal tensing next to him, but a guffaw from Kevin melted the situation away. “Heh, what, is Tom a wanted criminal or something?"

That was a joke, he knew, but Pacal tensed even more. Richard just huffed and crossed his arms. “Like you wouldn't know. I spent so much time tracking him down."

Kevin laughed again. Pacal was about to pull him aside when the red-furred wolf continued. “Did Tom pop your cherry or something?"

Pacal tensed even more, but this time out of shock rather than caution. Richard just gave a chuckle and watched as one of the German Shepherds punched the laughing wolf. “I can see now what Octo meant with you being a lot to handle."

“Octo actually said that?" The shepherd who punched Kevin asked him.

“Yeah."

“Anyway, I'm Max." He continued. “This is Tom, though you knew that already. This one is my brother Hans. This horny wolf is Kevin."

Richard nodded. “Richard."

Pacal nodded, now realising that it was just a joke. Even Tom smiled. The jaguar then said, “Let's get back to work now."

The hyena noticed the forced smile on the jaguar's face, but he didn't ask him any further. They did need to put the counters first. He was glad there wouldn't be any more shipments today.

Pacal went away, followed by Hans as he said, “Let me help!"

“So, what's on the menu?" Kevin put his arm around his neck.

He turned to the wolf and found Kevin grinning invitingly at him. Growling, he broke off his hold. “Octo was right. You're too much." He grunted. Although the wolf was bigger and more muscular than him, he was sure he could still take him if necessary.

“Hey now you ain't seen nothing yet! I'm more than just 'too much'."

He needed time to be acquainted with the enemy and have this wolf as a workmate, but he did not doubt Octo. At least Kevin looked strong enough to lift all those counters without much problem.