"You have to be kidding me, right?"

Iss sat in the Chopper Club, his eyes hazy with joy in his stance and his lips curled up in an animal-like smirk. There was something he didn't see every day, Vali wandered around for a moment, not even seeing Iss before heading to get himself a seat. Yet once he did, he found Iss already there with some company in all forms. 

"Its research..."

Raising his brow, Vali did not say a word. He sat down next to Iss before smiling at one of the many ladies and men, he was one of the few people that seemed to like people of all kinds. Something that quirked a brow from Vali, he wondered how Issei adjusted and yet he did so with ease. 

It made him wonder in his head for a while before ordering a burger for himself, hey, sue him, he never ate at the diner. Now he was hoping for some good food, maybe something could be had and for a moment, he would make sure that Issei didn't interrupt him. 

"Yes yes, is that what we're going for, hm?"

Iss never answered, instead he smirked with a bow of his head and kissing both of his lovely companions on the cheek before sending them both of their ways. Issei turned back to face Vali who rose a brow in annoyance. 

"You have no need to be jealous, after all, you could get anyone you wished. I believe you stated as much during the former times of us disliking one another, hm?"

It was one of the few times that Iss had seen Vali so angry, always aimed at him and for a time, Iss' had surfaced with a response that would be known between the two of them only. Of course, now they were on the best of terms and it seemed like it would be this way for a while. 

"I remember that time and back then, we were trying to knock one another off, that time we fought, it was spectacular, I think you still had...two eyes, right? You adjusted well, I'm proud of that, even if I wasn't there to assist brother."

Issei winked at Vali, back then, he knew his time with this bullshit eye problem was something a lot of people tried to use against him. Yet, even alone, he stood up and remained in his position and had yet to be knocked off by any of his supposed circle, he was ready to wield it against whoever wanted to go against him. 

Giving Vali a hug, he nodded his head before drinking some Pepsi, he really had to let go of this sudden habit, he had to blame that Shayna, she was something else entirely. 

"Wait a moment, eat your burger and then we can go on our way, I'm not going to sit here and let you not eat, hm? For now, we enjoy brother."

Vali smiled before resting up and enjoying the club for what it was as Issei did the same, for a chance at this, it was like a calm before the storm. 

"JOSEPH!  Get Curly to kick out this guy and his pig.  This isn't hard man, kill the damn pig if you need to.  We'll just add pork specials to the menu." 

The look on Ethan's face was echoed in the annoyed tone in his voice.  After taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly, Ethan added.

"And you will show miss Jacqueline here, the true hospitality of our establishment here." Ethan briefly turned to the woman, "Jacq, it is a pleasure to see you here in Detroit.  I assure you these aren't the normal people that visit, most people do come to just enjoy the food and drink, and occasionally the companionship of one of my fine hosts.  And no, it doesn't have to lead to... THAT, unless you want it to. I tell my hosts to simply make sure those that employ their company, to just enjoy themselves.  So please go and enjoy yourself.  Your food, drink, and any company is all on me.  If Lilly happens to be more your tastes than Joseph here, I assure you... you will not be disappointed."

Ethan gave Jacqueline a playful and knowing wink before he looked over to Velvet and took her hand, and lightly squeezed it. There was little he wanted at this moment than to just escape with her to his top floor flat, and just be done with any sort of business for the day. 

"Employees... eh Vel?"  Ethan jested to his girl. 

Both Velvet and Jacqueline jolted wide eyed startled by Ethan's booming voice, Jacqueline cleared her throat once he encouraged her to enjoy the club, a slight flush washed over her as he mentioned Joseph followed by a wink.

Amused she flashed Ethan a smile with a mischievous wink.
"Oh, I was thinking maybe I could work here for a little? Vix has filled my boots for a little..." she could see Joseph in her peripheral  vision  causing her to nip her lower lip as she contemplated a full experience of the club
"I'll take you up on the offer though of an on the house experience though Eth..."
She spun on her heel facing towards Joseph as she linked her arms with his effortlessly, giggling at his expression of her forcefulness waving good bye at the love birds.

Velvet sighed shaking her head amused
"What have we gotten ourselves into Mister EthanElijah?" She jabbed at his lower ribs watching him flinch causing her to chuckle.

Dino rides in on his faithful hog, Horace and, despite his heavilly damaged groin area does his level best to perform an erotic spoon dance whilst astride the rampant pork beast.

'yeeeeeee haw............oh fuck'

Dino felt something go twang..........

Ethan slumped against the back of the couch, and rolled his head over to look at Velvet before asking her, "How you feel about Jacqueline working here for a bit?   If she'll leave you short-staffed, I'm sure Lilly or Daisy would be happy to accompany you back.  Of course Lilly's happiness may come from getting to see you in those sexy little outfits." 

He gave his girl a knowing grin, and wink. 

"Jacq, if Vel's good with it I'm good with it. Joseph, take her out to meet Marcus, and the other hosts.  Try not to let Lilly... well, be Lilly." 

Before Joseph and Jacqueline could even leave his office, Ethan had already turned back to Velvet and leaned in to briefly kiss her lips, before letting out a sigh of being happy to finally be alone.

"Vel, let's go up to the flat, get away from everything.  What ya say?" 

Marcus quietly watched Jacqueline as Joseph introduced her, his green eyes studied the woman, as his hands washed out beer steins like it was just pure reflex anymore.  He slid the final one into place before tossing the rag over his shoulder. 

"Welcome to the team Miss Jacq."  The old man grunted. "Boss means well, but is a bumbling idiot.  You'll learn that soon enough..."

Before Marcus could finish what he was saying, Lilly shimmied up between Joseph and Jacqueline.  Her blue eyes looked Jacq from the floor upwards, with a coy grin spreading across her face.

"So, you're workin' here now sugar?   You're the first he's hired since hookin' up with that Velvet woman.   What was the interview like?  I'm deathly curious.  He had business pop in during mine, made me continue giving him a blowy while he took the meeting in his office.  Really is a shame you comin' after that woman though, he'd sometimes take us to that flat of his on the top floor.  The boy is clueless as hell, but can make your toes curl... if you catch my drift." 

Lilly seductively winked at Jacq before Joseph pushed her away and pointed her in the direction of a potential client.  Joseph was a taller, more lanky young man with platinum blonde hair and pale blue eyes that sparkled like icicles.  His angular face combined with his charming, and deeper baritone voice made him a popular choice among the hosts in the club. 

"Sorry about her,  she's quite the character.  Don't let her words about our boss fool you.  He's quite the changed and still changing man since he started seeing your boss.  Please, if I may..."

Joseph placed his hand to the woman's back and outstretched his arm towards a table as he slowly lead her towards it.  He pulled out her chair, and softly spoke into her ear as she sat.  It was not only a way for Joseph to make sure she could hear his words, but doubled as a way to bring about a sense of intimacy right off the bat.  It was one of the reasons he chose the table he did, close enough to enjoy the music while not so close that they can't hold a conversation; allowing him to get intimate like that, while not coming off as presumptuous. 

"How about we start with drinks..." 

Velvet quirked her brow at how cunning Jacq was as she watched Joseph and Jacqueline slink off to the front of the club, Ethan’s voice pulled her attention back to him as she nodded with a smile, her voice warm and smooth slightly husky, amusement lacing her lips on the mention of Lilly cooing over her outfits on stage.

“I’m good with it babe, it’ll be good for her to branch out and learn some other traits from Lilly and your other girls, before I see her fornicate over Joseph, let’s make tracks back upstairs...perhaps finish where we left off hmm?”  she nudged him suggestively taunting him slightly returning a brief kiss before nipping his lower lips low chuckle escaping her.

Jacqueline snuggled in closer to Joseph feeling giddy as they approached the front of the club, her deep brown eyes glistened in the lighting as she took in the atmosphere, approaching the bar she offered Marcus a warm smile as he welcomed her, loosening her grip on Joseph, she leaned into the bar speaking to Marcus, mildly gawking at his green eyes.

“Pleasure to be here finally, Vel sure enjoys being here, rightfully so, he definitely employees quite the appetizers hmm?” she winked before her attention was turned to a glamour petite woman with piercing blue eyes, a coy grin evident on her lips, mischievous almost.

Jacqueline loudly cackled upon the curiosity on the young woman questioning the interview process. Attempting to contain herself, stifling further laughter as she turned towards the woman, she ran her fingertips down her arm barely brushing her.

“Oh sweetheart, he’s had us both bent over in her office after her practice routine back in Philly, the boy can move” her voice coated in humour and sarcasm, loosening up with the banter of EthanElijah ‘s  crew.

Joseph quickly waving off Lilly as a diversion, before he motioned a vacant seat pulling out the chair for her, a slight flush spread across her cheek, tucking her tight curve hugging knee length dress below her as she took a seat, Joseph’s breath kissed her skin causing Goosebumps scattering across her neck, peering up through his eye lashes, she nodded in agreement a drink would calm her nerves.

“Sounds good to me good lookin’, a glass of Hanky Panky please” watching Joseph’s reaction to her request “Extra shot of Gin please…”

Thomas Crown was in Detroit on one of his business trips. Before he had left for this current travels, EthanElijah had told him about this place in Detroit. Thomas, had never had a chance to visit this place. But it was on his places to go this time. So after a long work day of unload and loading trucks in his warehouse at the Auto Shop, he finally went thru all the paper work for the days take. Took some meetings with some business associates and then finally decided to make his way back to the hotel. With as much time as Thomas was spending in Detroit now, he really started considering just buying a apartment out there. However, that was more a long term plan. He needed something a bit more short term, like good food. He was starving, and good food was always his favorite way to end the night. So he hopped in the car and asked the driver to pull up to this place called the The Chopper Club. Once they pulled up. Thomas jumped out the car, fixed his tie. Just to make sure, he was looking sharp incase he ran into someone. And then walked into the establishment. As he walked in, he saw a ton of tables and booths, food being served. And he noticed some familiar faces in the vicinity.

This looks like my kind of place. 

Thomas took his hat off and scanned the room some more to find someone to sit with. He noticed Ethan from the corner of his eye. 

You see him right there? 

Thomas pointed to Ethan as he was speaking with the waitress. 

Id like to be setup at that table right there. 

Thomas started walking over to Ethans table as he comes up behind him. 

Hey, buddy. Hows it going? 

Thomas gives Ethan a firm handshake as he pulls up a chair and takes a seat. 

Hows Det treating ya man? Hope all is well? 

Thomas put his hat on the table as he started to look thru the menu. 

So whats good here? What would you recommend? I am starving man. Its been a long work day. 

Thomas smiled as he started to loosen his tie. Awaiting Ethans recommendation for what to order. 

Laughter unintentionally escaped his lips, "You WANT.... Jacqueline, to pick up more of Lilly's traits?"  Ethan put hard emphasis on each of the woman's names. "Are you sure about that? Oh don't get me wrong, they'll get on beautifully.  Be thick as thieves I imagine.  But, her being more like Lilly and vice-versa, I think it could spell trouble for both of us.   By the way, did you SEE the way Jacq was looking at Joseph?" 

Ethan said as he stood from the couch, offering his hand to help Velvet up followed immediately by his arm to escort her out to the lift to go to his top floor loft.  "I can't wait to have each other all to ourselves..." Ethan whispered into his lover's ear as they walked into the reception area of the old hotel.  As they reached Ethan noticed ThomasCrown had come to his establishment. 

"Now I know how you felt when you had me waiting in your office back at your place." Ethan laughed as he spoke, before lightly kissing Velvet's cheek. "I gotta take this.  Let's do introductions then, you're more than welcome to join us, or if you're tired you can head up to the flat.  I mean you do have the key..."  The love Ethan had for her when he spoke those words rang clear in his voice and eyes. 

Ethan walked up to meet with Thomas, and extended his hand to return the handshake. 

"Mr. Crown, it's a pleasure to have you at my establishment.  May I introduce you to my girl, Velvet?  And Vel, this is Mr. Thomas Crown, he's a fellow associate of mine out of New York."  Ethan smiled when hearing Thomas asked how Detroit was treating him.  With a broad stroke of his arm a gesture to emphasize how well his club was doing, and a brief tug pulling Velvet closer he replied,  "Detroit always treats me well my friend.  I should be asking you that question, I hope my former home is treating you well!" 

Ethan thought for a bit as they walked over to a table and sat down. 

"So you want to know what's good to eat?  The cook's fond of making steak shooters, they're absolutely fantastic.  If you want the full experience of the club however, I would recommend a host... they would be a much better date for you than I would be, I assure you."  Ethan laughed as he motioned for Daisy to come over. "Someone such as Daisy here..." 

The tall brunette walked over and a sultry smile spread across her face as her warm brown eyes looked over Thomas.  "Nice to meet you darlin'"  She held out her hand towards Ethan's guest.  

Lilly brushed Joseph aside as she waited for the response from Jacqueline, totally missing the sarcasm at first.  "Oh, I never took Miss Velvet to be the sharin..." she stopped mid-sentence as she heard Jacq mention it about how Ethan moved.  She instantly laughed, knowing she'd been had.  "Oh, I like you... we're going to get along just fine."

Lilly spent a brief moment looking Jacq over from head to toe, before mimicking the light touch going down Jacq's leg.  "I will say though, while the boy can move... that is NOT the thing anyone remembers about him touching their core...." Lilly smirked and seductively winked at the club's newest employee.  

Joseph just mildly shook his head, he knew firsthand his boss's previous proclivities even seeing firsthand exactly what Lilly was hinting at.. "Can we not talk about the boss's manhood, I'm trying to have a date here Lil."  

"He's just jealous, Joey here just can't... measure up,"  Lilly spoke directly to Jaq, ignoring Joseph directly. 

"I highly doubt a lot of men even COULD measure up..." Joseph laughed, "But I've never had any complaints." 

Lilly looked over at Joseph and her blue eyes sparkled with mischief, "Oh Joey, the ladies need to hire you for that to be able to complain about it..." She ran her fingers back along Jaq's hand, "You two have a nice time... I look forward to getting to know you more sugar."  She tapped her fingers lightly on her skin as she said the word you, then lightly waving her fingers as she walked away. 

Joseph walked off to go get his date's drink while Lilly decided to say her goodbyes. He slid into the seat across from her, reaching to place the drink down across from her.  "One Hanky Panky with an extra shot of gin... after that I needed a drink myself."  Joseph chuckled as he lifted a glass of aged bourbon, poured over a singular but perfectly round ice cube.   He smiled as he looked at the woman across from him, placing his cheek into his hand, elbow propped on the table he jokingly asked, "Do you have any Lilly's where you work?"  

Thomas was delighted to have run into EthanElijah at the Chopper Club. And making new friends was always a good thing. When Ethan had introduced Thomas to his friend Velvet. The prominent mobster from Philly. 

Nice to meet you miss. 

Thomas took her hand and gave it a kiss. 

Your a lucky man Ethan. You do know how to live it up. And obviously Detroit does treat you right. 

They both started to laugh, as Thomas offered Ethan and Vel a cigar. 

So you recommend the Steak Shooters? I shall try them out. Why not. I mean, how can I turn down something the ownership is recommending. Lets put those orders in. 

As the waitress took those orders in. Ethan called over the hostess Daisy. Ever the gentleman, Thomas greeted her with a smile and pulled a chair for her at the table. Then turning his attention to Ethan. 

You really, do know how to make a guest feel welcome don't you? 

Thomas started laughing as he turned his attention back to Daisy. 

So what would you like to have sweetheart? I am sure, Ethan here has you working hard. Sit back, relax. Share a meal with us. 

As Thomas got a bit more acquainted with Daisy, they ordered some food. A few drinks and shared some conversations at Ethans table. As the night rolled forward.

Velvet smiled as Thomas kissed her hand, giving him a polite respectful nod.

“Pleasure to meet you ThomasCrown, Do you mind if I join you and Ethan, be good to get to know other mobsters” her demeanour warm as her eyes crinkle as  she smiled.

Taking a seat beside EthanElijah whilst he spoke to Thomas about his booming business while the two friends caught up on lost time.

“I’d love a Port hun…”  her tone smooth shooting the server a wink as she watched Jacqueline and Joseph on a table further away, quirking her brow, her eyes danced with amusement.

Placing her hand on Ethan’s lap drawing figures along this thigh whilst she quickly watched over Jacqueline before directing her attention to Ethan’s Guest

“ So Thomas, How’s business been treating you?”

Jacqueline mirthfully laughed at Lilly once she caught on to her sarcasm about sharing the Boss’ beau

Chuckling at Lilly picking on Joseph regarding his manhood. High amused by the banter between the two as he ushered her off, eyeballing his physique while he ordered their drinks, nodding in approval, lusty thoughts clouding her mind. Listening to the humour in his voice mixed with a low husky tone, He smiled as he looked at her across from him, placing his cheek into his hand, elbow propped on the table he jokingly asked, "Do you have any Lilly's where you work?" 

Shaking her from her thoughts, taking a slow slip of her drink a low appreciative mmm echoed in her throat as her booze warmed her up.

“ Ha! Yes we do Vix our new girl is somethin’, she’s a sassy lil thing, think she’d enjoy climbing you like a post given half the chance…”  her voice trailed off as her eyes trailed down from his eyes working their way down to his hands cupping the tumbler.

“ Tell me more about you Jo…seph”  her tone playful as she wiggled and leaned into the table her eyebrows dancing.

After taking care of business at the car yard and closing it down to hopefully move home to Philly, I ponder what to do with my time as I drive around town hoping to find a place to enjoy a few drinks and tap into the local scene... Pulling up to a place with the sign above the door announcing to me I'd arrived at a place called "The Chopper Club" getting out of my car & putting the keys in my pocket, as I walk through the doors and make my way straight to the bar, turning to the bartender "bottle of your finest scotch mate" taking a moment to look around the place not spotting any of the few people I know, at the sound of the bottle of scotch and glass being placed on the counter I turn back to the bartender and pull out ten crisp $100 notes "keep the change old mate"

Taking my bottle and glass I wonder my way to an empty booth in the back to enjoy a drink and a smoke, wondering who would own an establishment as fine as this one as I pour my glass and pull out a cigarette from my jacket pocket I see a somewhat familiar face that I'd seen back home in Philly at velvet's burlesque lounge...

Wondering what EthanElijah is doing in this neck of the woods when everything from his family to his love interest in further east in Philly and NY... especially talking to such a pretty woman as the one he was currently talking to...

Cocking her head to one side as the men continued to chatter, watching a gent approach oddly wealthy, studying from afar in attempts to locate where this man looked familiar from

"Excuse me gents... I'll.. be... back...in.. a moment" pausing momentarily between each word as she lifted off the seat approaching said gent.

soothing out her get up, meekly she addressed the gent as she spotted some familiar keys hanging out of his pocket

"Rocka... That you?"

Looking up from my glass of scotch at the sound of a vaguely familiar voice, I notice velvet standing there looking at me

"Well if it isn't the infamous velvet, you're a difficult lady to get the attention of dear..." Standing up and stepping around the table to offer her a hug  before stepping back around the table and offering her a seat and getting another glass from a waitress who was in the near vicinity "Our dear friend probot told me to get in touch with you after he retired, I didn't understand why untill I visited his dealership here, now I understand why, he knew I wouldn't wanna stay here and I'd rather stay in Philly..." pausing what I was saying for a moment as the waitress bring the glass back, taking it from her and pouring a healthy amount into the glass for velvet and handing it to her "as I was saying... I was hoping to get your permission to move the dealership back to Philly, specifically in Old City District"

Taking a seat at the table, her eyebrow quirked as she listened to the man, nodding realizing who he seemed so familiar

“Wait!! You’re that ghost lookin lad that I told you to tell that ol’ man he sold me a piece of shit!”  laughing a little too loudly, covering her mouth as she cackled.

“Right! I’m glad you’ve reached out to me” still chucking as she sips on the whiskey shaking her head “Fuck that was a funny day, you damn near looked like I was just shot point blank, Rocka could you do me a favor, meet me in Philly to discuss business, head to the lounge, Ask for Callum… I gotta run…”  pulling out a sealed envelope with a rose wax embellishment sliding it over to the gent.

“Have a read, carefully, consider it and If I see you at the Lounge I know you had made up yer mind” shooting him a wink as she knocked back the remainder of her drink as she stood up to take her leave upstairs on the Club.

Looking over her shoulder she called out coolly “Hope to see you there Rocka”

Standing up as velvet stood chuckling at the memory of that day

"Looking forward to it ma'am" 

Sitting back down and pouring myself another drink and looking at the envelope before cracking the seal and opening it and reading it before tipping back the contents of my glass, standing up, placing my hat on my head and walking outside and hopping in my car and heading back to the dealership to get comfortable and organise things to start being pack for the move to Philly

The Chopper Club...  Anya's breath hitched as she stood outside the fine establishment.  She had been avoiding this stop although it was one crucial to her own healing.  Before the insanity, Anya had been telling herself time and time again that she was going to visit Ethan's club.  Even if she wasn't one hundred percent sure that he wanted her to.  But heck he didn't push...  Likely because he knew that she'd be on the doorstep in a fortnight if he had insisted she not.  After all...  Anya did what Anya wanted.  That seemed to be her mantra.  In any case, what Anya wanted now was closure.  Would she find it here?  Doubtful...  Drawing a shuddering breath, she steeled herself as she allowed the memory of one of the only that she had let close enough to hurt her, flood forth.  His face...  His smile...  Those cool gray blue eyes that could be hard as steel or playful as a stream.  Anya's eyes slammed closed as the palm of her hand slammed next to the door handle that she had just reached for.  Cringing a little, she knew she couldn't stay outside now.  

Grasping the door handle firmly, she yanked open the door with what easily could be mistaken as a flourish.  She tensed as she glanced around for anyone who might have noticed her lack of discretion.  But if they did, no one gave her more than a slightly curious glance.  There were a few whispers that broke out as some form of curiosity bloomed, betraying the fact that her acts may not have gone completely unnoticed.  Or perhaps it was her person in general?  Oh heck if she knew...  It could just as easily be the fact that she had tiny fox kit heads poking curiously up out of her satchel.  Either way, she moved purposefully into the club allowing her eyes to range quietly over the place.  Everything screamed Ethan...  Everything she saw made her miss him...  

She drew a shaky breath and forged on toward the bar.  She gave a cordial smile to the bartender who listened attentively for her order and made small talk.  She couldn't stand small talk.  But she tried.  "Could I please get a cola?"  A quick nod and before she knew it, a coke complete with a small maraschino cherry.  

"Added a little extra something in there for ya."  The bartender stated with a nod.  Anya tensed a little but as she tasted it, it held a cherry flavor that was absolutely divine the way it danced with the cola taste.  Anya nodded with some slight relief in her thanks before turning to survey the bar area again.  She could do this.  A soft series of laughing yips from her pack punctuated that thought.  She smiled warmly and reached in to withdraw Little Man.  "Go ahead...  I'm sure this place would be safe to explore.  Just stay close, hear?"  The little fox didn't need told twice.  He skittered off excited to explore what this place had to offer.  Lovely, however, crawled right out onto Anya's lap seeming content to stay right there as Anya absently sat upon the barstool and petted her.

Hiding from his resposibilities had become the norm for James since he came back just in time to find his boss, and man he called brother to be dead.   At his moment he should have been in the bar area, attempting to lure a customer into spending some time with him.   Instead he was sprawled out on the couch in Ethan's office, mindlessly petting the Club's feline mascot.  He's been enjoying the only sound being the soft, therapeutic purring coming from the Calico in his lap. 

"Patches!" James blurted out as the small cat jumped from his lap the instant a soft yapping could be heard outside the door. "What the hell?"

James opened the door, and Little Man came bounding into the office, coming to a halt in front of Patches who he curiously sniffed for a brief time before deciding the cat was his new friend. The male fox tackled the cat, who was more than happy to roll around on the floor with her new found friend.  The young man's eyes went wide, and he jumped off the couch and ran to the concierge area.  

"JOEY!  There's a fox... a fox in the club!  Why's there a fox in the club?!"  James looked wide-eyed at Joseph.

The blonde man laughed, at Jame's outburst.   "Well, good to see some life back into you.   If there is a fox here, that means Ethan's protege is probably here, you see she cared for two fox kits.  Get your ass on the floor and make sure she's alright out there.  She's barely more than kid herself, name's Anya.  Closer to your age than most of the clients.... now get out there." 

By the time James actually made it into the bar area, Patches had found her way to Anya.  She laid on the counter, a paw swatting at her lap while Little Man could be heard hopping and running around the floor playfully yapping at anyone that would pay him attention.   James  shook his head and sighed, as he walked up towards the girl at the counter. 

"Patches...."  James sighed as he picked the feline up and put her in hs lap as he took a seat next to Anya.  "I'm sorry about her, she's usually not so nosy and insistent on disturbing the customers...."  

James' sapphire blue eyes finally sent a message to his brain letting him realize the one next to him was most likely the girl Joseph was talking about.

"Excuse me... are you Anya?   Joey says you knew the boss man?" 

Just as she was taking in the ambiance of the club, she noticed Little Man speed off out the corner of her eye.  She tensed ready to go after him, but forced herself to keep her seat for the time being.  Neither of the kits typically went too far from her...  Typically.  So she'd give him a couple minutes before she went off to look for him.  Instead she took another luxurious draw from her...  What did the bartender call it?  He didn't...  A coke with a hint of cherry...  A cherry coke.  That was what she would call it.  She chuckled lightly as she took another sip.  Whatever it was, it was beyond delicious.  She sighed softly but before she could blink again, Little Man was tearing back into the bar area.  This time with a cat behind him?  Anya grinned a little as she had an idea who this could be from what Ethan had said.  "Bet that's Patches..."  She murmured lightly to Lovely, who simply lifted her head and peered over Anya's knee in mild curiosity.  The little she-fox gave a light yap to her brother, but he paid her no mind.  Instead he was making his rounds and making quite an impression on the patrons around the club.  Oh yea, anyone who's give him any attention were met with gleeful yaps and offered a game of tag.  Did this kit ever run out of energy?  Anya giggled a little as she watched his antics.

She jumped a little when Patches jumped right up onto the bartop and began to swat playfully at her lap.  Lovely casually lay back her ears in an amused way and let out a series of laughing yips.  She didn't jump right into the play as she was enjoying her pets.  But she wasn't given much of a chance either.  'Patches...'  There was the affirmation of Anya's musing.  She glanced up and felt her breath hitch a little.  Blue eyes.  Why was it always blue eyes...  Dark hair...  Looked to be quite a lot closer to her age than many that she ran with these days.  And he seemed very casual and familiar with the cat...  Did he know Ethan?  Did he know the news?  It sent her heart racing at the thought of delivering such heavy news to someone who may have been closer to Ethan than herself.  Then again she was letting that cart get ahead of the horse again.  She knew nothing of this man except that he knew the name of the cat who may or may not even be the one who had been Ethan's.  Oh gosh chill out Anya.

Forcing herself to return her gaze to Lovely who had thankfully stayed in her lap even as she nipped playfully at the cat as she was being pulled away.  Anya quirked a brow.  "Oh the cat's not the one bothering me."  Cringe.  Anya winced inwardly as the snipe jetted forth in a rapid attempt to protect herself.  Protect herself from what...  If Ethan taught her one thing it was that some people were worth trusting...  How could she find those diamonds if she drove them all away.  Even so, she couldn't find that she could help it.  Glancing back up again to check the damage.  But their eyes met again and damn it if her breath didn't stop for a second.  She needed to control that.  His words met her ears in a near excited manner.  At the least they were curious?  Her name rolled off his lips.  Great.  There was at least some familiarity of her in this place.  She honestly was on the fence as to whether this was good or bad.  A light nod was given.  "Guilty of both charges.  You?  I mean you're not Anya obviously but...   I'm assuming  you knew Ethan too?" She tried to soften the barbs just a little.  It was possible that this man didn't deserve her ire...  Possible she supposed.  Also he had asked her if she knew Ethan in the past tense...  That was a good sign.  This meant he knew that Ethan was no longer with them.  That would make this easier.  But she didn't offer much else for the time being.  Her eyes held a semi polite curiosity, but other than that they were completely closed off.  

"I'll take what she's having Marcus."  James said to the older bartender.   He could tell the drink brought some happiness, and James felt he could use some of that himself.   When Marcus came back with the drink, James took a sip and instantly it brought a smile to his face.  "This is brilliant old man!"   The old man just gave a huff and went back to serving other patrons. 

James gave Anya a smile, "I'm glad she's not bothering you. She can be quite rambunctious  some times... but most people adore her.  She was Ethan's, but she kinda adopted us at the club as her family.  I mean, shes at least a pice of him that lives on.  He found her as a kitten ya know. She was barely the size of a small potato, squeaking for help on the edge of the property of his family's farm after it burned.  He wasn't sure she'd even survive..."  

James voice trailed off as he noticed a black and copper paw reach out from Anya's lap towards his, which Patches excitedly batted back at. 
"Oooh, oooh... there's another one.  There's two,  why are there two foxes?!"   The young man took a deep breath, reminding himself that Joseph did tell him that there were two foxes. "Oh, right... two foxes. Joey said ya had two.  Oh man, how does a cute girl like you wind up with a couple of foxes in her care?  What's their names?"

James took a mother sip of the delicious cherry cola.  He couldn't help but smile at Anya, there was something about her spirit that made him want to get to know her more.  He couldn't help but give a warm chuckle when he began to speak again, "Feel free to tell me to fuck off, or it's none of my business.   I won't be offended, but I must thank you for this drink, I will be ordering this more it's so good!" 

"I THOUGHT I told you to take care of that girl!  Where is she?!"  Joseph's voice rose in anger as he saw James casually just walking back towards the elevators to go back to his room. 

James bright blue eyes rolled into the back of his head at Joesph's question.  "I'm not the girl's keeper Joey.  She left.  NO I didn't do anything, all I did was ask her how a cute girl like her wind up caring for two little fox kits.  She left on her own accord, unless you're telling me I should have tried to force her to stay against her will." 

Joey snalred at James, "Of course not.  You've been impossible when you came back from Philly, what the hell were you doing there any way?"

"Don't look at me like that Joey.   You have no right to look at me like that, or to talk to me like that either.  Ya know damn well I was there paying my respects to the employees of Velvets establishment.  They didn't fair as well as we did, but if you weren't such a damn coward you'd know that.  You gave up without even fukcin talking to Jacq, you saw what you saw and you made that your truth.  It never even occurred to you that perhaps she was acting the way she was because she was talking about you... asking her friend for advice.  No that didn't even occur to you.  So don't talk to me like you are now." James was finally letting out the frustration he'd been feeling for a long time.  It was this point James finally decided to let his friend know he was leaving Detroit.  "A person named Rotten offered me a job in New York, and I'm headed there.  I'm done being a toy, I'm going out to make a name for myself."

Joesph laughed, "Make a name for yourself?  Only name you'll make is persona non grata at any of the casinos."

"Piss off Joey, you'll see." James said as Patches jumped on his shoulder, he turned his head to the small calico.  "You believe in me, don't ya girl?"  To which the tiny cat gave a positive sounding squeaky meow in response. 

Needing a drink, James walked back to the bar, and took up his previous spot.  "Hey Oldman... could I get another one of those fancy colas you made for the young girl?  Maybe a splash of something else to give it kick.  I need a drink..."