Kevin rested his hands on his waist. As he leant on the bar beside Jeremy, he gazed over the dance floor. The bear said it was very crowded during the summer holiday but now it was back to normal, even at this time of the day. While it was still as crowded as a bar would, there weren't as many people here as when he joined

He still wished that he would get a raise. Nowadays, it felt like he was getting less and less work. Sure, he pretty much got the same amount of money for less work, but he needed more money.

“Quiet day, ain't it?" Jeremy said after serving a cup of beer to Kyle in front of him.

The snow leopard shrugged. “Yeah. But hey, at least the atmosphere's nice."

Jeremy gave a sigh. “Here's hoping it's not gonna get too crowded later."

“It's kinda weird, though. I mean it's already 19." Kevin crossed his arms.

“It's Friday, tho—oh yeah, it's Friday."

The wolf just mrf'ed in acknowledgement and walked away. Just when he was going back to the employee's room to cool down for a bit before the rush came in, Miya passed by him, “Hey, Kevin, did you already refill the ice? I forgot to tell you this earlier."

“Yeah, just a while ago with Vilkas. He's still out to do some errands though."

She nodded with a smile, her tail waving easily. “Nice, nice, now get your ass there and deliver those drinks!"

Kevin smirked. “Oh you wanna see my ass that bad?"

“Gotta make sure you don't challenge mine." Miya said again, though he could see the mischievousness in her eyes.

He just laughed. “Anyway, Imma cool down for a bit before the rush gets here."

“Alright, alright. Don't take too long."

In the employee room, he threw himself onto the sofa, putting his arms over the backrest and sighing heavily. He was tired even though he wasn't doing much work. Ever since he went back home, he had been walking on a tightrope. Although Octo had been helping him without him knowing, Kevin still needed to do this by himself.

His wallet was getting thinner and thinner every day. He wasn't even sure he could pay next month's rent. Sure, next month's paycheque was there, but that would be used to pay this month's rent.

Ah, right, he knew why he was tired. He didn't have lunch earlier.

Maybe, just maybe, he really could borrow some money from his friends. They were good guys—heck, he was a boyfriend and a good friend of rich businessmen's sons. Vilkas would have no problem lending him some money, let alone Octo. Knowing how romantic the panther was even if he didn't show it much, he was sure the panther would give him a thousand euros if he asked for it.

Yet… should he do that? Would that be a good thing? He did not want to leech off his friends. Maybe he could find another job to help him with this.

…his side job!

He smiled a bit, but that smile fell quickly. That should be the last resort. He had a boyfriend; he still could not even shake the guilt off from that session with that white wolf a few months ago. That made him feel even more like a leech, like he was using Octo's generosity for himself.

For now, maybe he would just settle on borrowing some money, then try to get another job. He had a diploma; surely, he could get another one. He'd ask around for vacancies when he had time.

“The ceiling's not gonna fall over, Kev."

He turned his head at that voice, waking him up from his musings. Vilkas was coming inside, still in his clothes. He just mrf'ed at the husky before closing his eyes and leant back on the sofa.

“You got tired just after that?" Vilkas asked him.

“Pretty much."

The husky didn't reply, only putting his bag on another sofa. Kevin just looked at him curiously. Vilkas then took his shirt off, then sat down next to Kevin on the sofa, using his arm as a pillow. “Y'know, it's been a while since we last hung out."

“Mhm."

“How's your… uh… boyfriend?"

“Fine."

“You?"

“Fine too." Kevin sat up straighter. “So how was the errand?"

Vilkas shrugged and drank from the bottle that he brought. “The usual. We got there, took our package, then went back here. Boss was chatty today."

“He's chatty every day."

The husky chuckled. “Yeah."

They fell silent for a while. Kevin glanced at Vilkas from the corner of his eye. The blue husky looked… fine-ish. However, whereas he was usually very expressive, now he just looked… flat. There was a hint of sadness there, but something more resembling bittersweet surrender.

Letting a heavy sigh, he looked back at the ceiling. It looked like Octo's antics were starting to rub off on him. The panther spoke with the elegance of a thousand kings anyway.

“Eh, Vil…" the red wolf started. Could he do this? Was this the best course of action? Sure, Octo was his boyfriend and Tom was his big bro, but he was friends with Vilkas for longer. He'd already known the blue husky inside out, no pun intended.

“Oi?"

Well, maybe this was the best course of action, his pride be damned. “You… er…" He scratched his nape. “do you mind if I… I mean… well…"

Vilkas looked at him curiously.

Kevin sighed and pulled his arms, putting his hands on his lap and making himself look harmless. “Do you mind if I… borrow some money from you?"

The gaze turned surprised.

“'S just… money's been tight lately. I'm planning to get another job, but for now I'm struggling to pay for food and rent. I'm already late this month; I don't wanna pay it late next month too." He awkwardly looked away from the husky, ears going down. “I-it's not because you're a rich kid, really no…"

The husky didn't answer right away. Kevin shifted on the sofa a bit, cowering under that gaze. Usually, he was the one staring at the other like this. Being under someone's gaze was… kind of unsettling.

“Sure, wolf." Vilkas finally said with a light chuckle. He pulled the red wolf into an embrace. “You owe me your ar—wait, no, I still love my life." He laughed. “How much do you wanna borrow?"

“Uh… seven hundred euros… that should be more than enough."

The husky laughed again. “Dude, seriously, just seven hundred? That's only my daily snacks."

Kevin looked at him and furrowed his brows, annoyed at the flexing. “Yeah sure, no need to flex that hard, y'know."

Vilkas shook his head gently, then pulled the wolf into a hug. “In return, lemme cuddle you for a bit."

“Vil, fuck!" He tried to break free from the husky.

“Oops, too late. You signed the contract."

“Fuckin' lemme go! Vilkas what the fuck!"

Too tired to fight, he just let the blue husky pull him into his lap and use him as a plush toy.

Actually, being hugged by Vilkas was pretty nice. The husky was much fluffier than Octo, which means more softness. Although, for the sake of his masculinity, he just snorted when Vilkas buried his muzzle in his fluff. He was glad that he wasn't facing the husky right now since he was sure his white-furred cheeks were as red as his outer fur.

“Who's the cute fluffy wolf?"

“Vilkas, fuck you!" He said without moving away, suppressing his wagging tail.

“Who's the horny dirty fluffy wolf?"

He didn't answer, just crossing his arms above Vilkas' arms on his midsection.

“Anyway, yeah, when d'you wanna take the money? You want it cash, bank transfer, or through Owo?"

“You say it like you're giving me a snack."

“I am, right? Seven hundred is my usua—"

“Yeah yeah whatever you want, dumbfuck, no need to flex more."

The husky hugged him tighter while screaming into his fluff. Kevin just let him, sighing in his hug. Somehow, he felt like he had just sold his soul to the worst deity that existed.

“Eh, you wanna stay the night at mine tonight? I got that new Wrath of the Guillotine game."

“Vil, you leave work at 1 in the morning."

“Why not? You usually wake up at 10 anyway."

Well… he was right. However, he wasn't feeling like it right now. “Tomorrow. I got stuff to do."

“Aw."

“Now fucking let me go already! I feel like a plush toy."

“You're as fluffy as one, y'know."

Kevin huffed.

Vilkas laughed a bit, then let him go and pushed him back to the sofa again. “Okay, come on. We still got work."

Sometimes, Kevin felt bad for going home in the middle of the rush hour. It felt like he was leaving his workmates behind to drown in the sea of customers. They never minded, of course, but he couldn't help but feel bad for them, especially Mike right now who was waving him goodbye while walking smoothly through the crowd to deliver drinks.

But he never felt guilty. He was only paid for 5 hours, anyway. No need to work more than that unless it was overtime. He didn't mind overtime because he often didn't have much to do at home—more money for more flexing anyway.

Kevin just replied to the wave, then sighed and went out of the bar. He stood away from the entrance, his gym bag on his shoulder and his tail waving away. Vilkas should be here any minute.

“Come on." said the husky as he went outside.

Kevin walked alongside him. “You sure it's fine? It's in the middle of your shift."

“That's fine. We went out in the middle of my shift like this before, you know?"

The wolf just shrugged.

“Hey, did you watch the Islander last night?" Vilkas asked him. “Lucius was a fuckin' beast!"

“Heh, you bet your ass! Still can't believe he did that dunk from jumping that far. Go learn something from him, Vil!" Kevin laughed.

The husky shoved him. “Me? Fuck you! You should be the one learning from him! Bet you can't even throw the ball like Olsson did!"

“Really? You're talking to the one who kicked ass in the nationals last year!" He puffed his chest proudly.

Vilkas leant closer. “Mhm, right, the one who kicked in the nationals last year was fucked in the ass by me."

The wolf pushed him away while laughing. “Hah, fuck you, dude!"

“Here, be quick!"

They laughed as they walked towards a minimarket nearby. They then went inside. Kevin bought some drinks while Vilkas went to the ATM, his tail waving. After paying for the drink, the wolf walked outside, waiting for the husky.

“Here." Vilkas nudged his shoulder, giving him a snack. “I also already transferred."

Kevin took it and gave the husky the drink. “You can just transfer by the phone app, you know?"

“Sure, but I wanna get some snacks anyway." He shrugged. “Seven hundred euros, 'kay? Pay that back whenever you can." The blue husky said carefreely.

Scratching his nape, he looked away and drank from the can. “Yeah..." he blushed a bit, ears going down. “Thanks a lot, Vil. I really owe you... literally seven hundred." He ended with a nervous chuckle.

“Just stop being a bloody jerk for a day, eh?" Vilkas smiled at him.

Kevin laughed. “Can't promise on that one, though."

“At least try to, wanker."

He just gave a mrf, feeling a bit awkward at this. This was necessary, he reminded himself, he should get back to his feet and find a better-paying job. He wasn't going to buy a house with leaves. Although Vilkas seemed not to like him that much, he was still willing to lend him that much amount of money. He should put that money to good use.

If he could not stand by himself, then he was not fit to lead his own family.

“Think I gotta get back." Vilkas then said and gave him a weak punch to his shoulder, smiling. “Good luck, Kev."

Kevin smiled back. “Thanks a lot, Vil."

They exchanged a quick bro hug, then the husky walked away towards the bar. Kevin smiled as he watched the husky's back and waving tail disappearing into the crowd. He really hoped he wasn't making a bad impression on Vilkas, but well, the husky himself often bought him snacks when they hung out.

With Vilkas gone, Kevin gave a sigh and put his hands in his pockets, feeling glad and thankful for Vilkas, but also guilty at Octo. He did not want to be a bother. They were just boyfriends and he knew Vilkas for longer than Octo. For now, he walked towards his flat, fatigue visible as his shoulders sagged. He was hungry, but he had nothing in his flat. Maybe getting some food first was a good idea. No fast food this time since he had some yesterday.

On his way home, he went inside a restaurant that he often visited. The food here was a lot better than those sold in fast food chains, making the slightly more expensive prices more palatable. He sat down on one of the available seats and leant back on the chair, looking out the window.

Despite the tiredness, he felt glad.

After giving the server his usual order, he checked his phone. He dismissed the notification from his bank app that he received some money. Octo did not send any text, which wasn’t strange since he already told the panther about his shift. There were other messages from his groups, but nothing was interesting. Out of curiosity, he opened Yiffr. It had been a while since he last opened Yiffr, and even longer since he had a customer.

The red wolf gripped his head when a heads-up notification came in, saying «Hey, you got time today? Or maybe this weekend?» It was from one of his past clients, a cow. Admittedly, that cow was quite hot and rather well-off. He just stared at the notification, debating whether it was a good idea to open it or not.

“Here's your food. Enjoy!"

Maybe later, he thought, or maybe not at all. For now, he had the money and a delicious plate of honey grilled chicken in front of him.

Ten minutes later, his plate was clean. After washing his hands, his phone beeped with a call. Kevin took the phone and raised his brow in curiosity. Shaun was calling him? His brother usually just texted him, unless it was something serious.

He answered the call rather unenthusiastically. “Kevin here."

“Kev, mom's having seizures and now in the hospital! Her heart was falling!"

Suddenly, everything stopped.

“What?!" He almost shouted.

“She's stable now, but Christ I'm fuckin' glad you weren't here. That almost gave me a heart attack!" He heard Shaun heave a sigh, something he only did when he was really tired.

He stared at the table, eyes wide, ears straight, tail erratic. Shaun's words became a blur as questions flooded his head. He slowly put his phone down on the table. Shaun was still talking, but he couldn't make out what he was saying. Was… his mother okay…?

Was she… okay?

“Kev!!!"

Shaun's loud voice woke him up. He blinked and sat up straight on the seat, gripping his head. He put the phone back to his ear, forcing his mind to calm down.

“Kev, listen to me. She. Is. Okay. She. Is. Stable. Okay? You hear me?"

He whimpered in agitation, but at least some of his worries were lifted. “Y-yeah…"

“Fuck, Kev, I really hate doing this, but you got some money? I can't pay for the extended hospital stay myself. Doctor said she might need to stay for two months or so."

“I'll handle that." He replied. Nothing was too expensive for the well-being of his mother. He would sell himself if it meant he could take care of his mother. “You stay there and take care of mom."

“Yeah." His brother replied over the line. There were several moments of silence until Shaun broke it. “Kev, I'm scared."

He whimpered again. The world seemed too large and he was too small in it. “Me too."

“Fuck, Kev, I love you! Don't you fucking dare leave me alone!"

“Don't you fucking dare think that I'm gonna leave you alone!"

He felt like a small child again, inside that cupboard with Shaun holding him, making him feel safe. Despite their hatred towards each other, they were still brothers. Despite their hatred towards each other, they still took care of each other.

It was now that he realised that they were both blinded by their own insecurities.

“Shaun…" he trailed off, holding back a cry. “how much money do you need?"

His brother didn't answer right away, but when he did, he sounded full of anger and regret. “Five hundred forty. I'm gonna upgrade mom to LFHT tier 2 so that the extended stay will cost just 5 euros per day. For now, I need five hundred for the upfront cost and forty the medications."

The red wolf nodded. “Okay. I'm gonna transfer it tomorrow."

“Send me the receipt after you did."

He nodded again, then sighed and pinched the base of his muzzle. “Shaun…"

“Yeah?"

“…please take care of mom."

“I'll do it. You too take care of yourself there." Shaun replied without hesitation.

He flattened his ears and put the phone face down on the table, ending the call. “Yeah…"

“E-excuse me."

He meekly turned his head to the voice. There was his waiter for the night, a gentle smile on her face and a drink on the tray. “We overheard what happened. I'm really sorry for that." She gave him a sympathetic smile. “Here's a drink for you. It's our treat. We hope your mother gets well soon."

Kevin just stared at the glass she put on the table. Before she left, he said, “Thanks a lot." and took the drink. He only took a little sip, almost missing the sympathetic gaze of people who walked by his table.  Holding back a howl, he slumped on the table, heart still beating rapidly. The surprise from before was now replaced by confusion and anxiousness.

He just had the money, dammit!

Now, back to landnimming. What could he do to get some money? Asking Vilkas again was definitely out of question—he didn't know where he could put his face if he were to do that. Maybe it would be better if he asked Octo. He wasn't going to look like he was taking advantage of the panther, right?

Gripping his head, he stood up from the table. He paid for his food at the cashier, again getting a free snack from the cashier to whom he said thanks, then left the restaurant.

He took his phone from his pocket. He needed Octo to calm down tonight. When he was about to send the panther a message that he was going to his place, someone called his name.

«Kevin?»

Looking up, he was a bit surprised who it was, that cow from before who sent him a message. He was still in work uniform, and probably just had overtime. Kevin tried to smile at him but failed. He was glad the cow did not notice that, though.

«Yo.» The cow, Aaron, said with a smile. He looked really hot in his work clothes, Kevin noticed, and he was also only a bit smaller than him. «Can I get you something for dinner?»

«I had some just now.» He pointed at the restaurant with his muzzle, voice showing his tiredness. «What do you want?»

«You didn't answer my messages. I wanted to ask we can spend the night together.» Aaron wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. «It's been hectic lately, so I'm really craving for it.»

Kevin huffed, then started walking away. «Sorry dude, I'm not in the mood tonight.»

The cow followed him. «Aw, come on. How does 750 silvor sound like?»

That made him stop in his tracks. He turned to look at Aaron, eyebrows furrowed in disbelief. 750 euros? That was more than twice his usual rate. Hell, that was almost as high as his monthly part-time pay. That could make up for the money for his mother. «The fuck, dude?»

«I've been working overtime lately, so why not? But I want to go all night, eh. Also, I wanna top. I also have some stuff to try out.»

That... actually didn't really seem that difficult considering the pay. The wolf eyed the cow intently. Should he accept this? This was almost a month's pay just by fucking. He must not do this, but he needed the money.

He needed the money.

Kevin growled low, gulped down the guilt, then walked home. «Deal. My place.»

Aaron beamed in delight.

Inside his flat, Aaron went right at it. As the cow kissed him hungrily against the wall, Kevin quenched down the ever-growing guilt. Octo could be angry, hell, the panther had all the right to be angry during that trip to Westeravne in which he pretty much flirted with Vilkas all the way there, yet he did not.

In a way, he felt like he was testing the panther's patience, pushing it further and further. He had been trying to keep his hands to himself, to be a better partner. He and Octo had been boyfriends for longer than he and all his past exes combined. On one hand, he wanted to keep it that way. He wanted to stay with him. He really had feelings for the panther and didn't want to cause another fight.

But on the other hand, he fucking needed the money. That was the reason behind this, nothing else. He did not like this cow; he did not have any romantic attachment towards him. He wasn't even hard right now. He did this only for the money.

Although, that didn't stop him from feeling dirty.

They fell to the bed with a loud thunk, the cow's hand all over the wolf's body. They let go of the kiss for a while, but Aaron quickly kissed Kevin again. The cow pushed him to the bed, trying to get his t-shirt up. Kevin took his t-shirt off and immediately he felt the cow's hand on his torso and could not stop thinking that this was Octo he was making out with.

His ear flicked at the door when he heard someone knocking. When he heard another knock, he turned his head and shouted, “Gimme a min!". Aaron went down to lick his neck instead. That irritated him, so he pushed the cow away. “Get off."

“Come on, just leave the door."

“Just get the fuck off for a second!"

“Tch, fine."

Making sure he made himself presentable despite his dishevelled fur, Kevin stood up. He took the keys beside the small hanger and unlocked the door. When he saw Octo smiling behind the door with a cake box in his hand, he could feel his heart drop.