"A thousand krin," Benjamin grumbled. "You'd think they were tailoring for the emperor himself at those prices. Heck, I could have gotten a pretty nice car for that much."

In the driver's seat Michael chuckled. "We aren't exactly in Birah, you know. Kinda out here in the middle of nowhere, so the price of some things will be a little steep."

"That still doesn't give them the right to gouge me on two suits." He wiggled his feral wolf toes. "I didn't even get shoes!"

"You needed the suits, if not the shoes, and they aren't all that expensive. What's gotten into you with money, anyways?"

"What I've got has to last me awhile, until I start getting a salary check at least, and those don't come out until next month."

"Wait a second, how much do you have left?"

"A hundred and twenty thousand krin after the house, the movers, and the furnishings."

"Whoa! What can you possibly spend a hundred and twenty thousand on in three weeks?"

Benjamin frowned. "That's not the point. I don't want to spend much. I never know what'll come up, and I want to have a nice cushion for things that we need."

"Hon, a division head earns ten thousand a month at the very least. Besides, if you really needed something I'd pitch in for it."

Benjamin's eyes flared. "I'd never ask you to do that."

An uncomfortable silence decended. Benjamin's ears went back as Michael sat up straighter and shot him a stern look. "Ben..."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that. I just don't want to be a burden for you; the least I can do is pay my own way now that I can." He looked over at the otterfox and wagged his fluffy curled tail behind the car seat. "Besides, you've done so much for me all these years and now you've made me the happiest husky in the world; can't I treat you well now and again without you getting uptight about it?"

Michael's expression softened, one of his own ears folding back as he looked down at the contrite pup next to him. "If it makes you happy..." He got an enthusiastic nod. "...then alright. Just let me do my fair share too, okay?"

"You'll pay for lunch then?"

"Deal!" He laughed. "Speaking of which, I think we've found the place."

On the left-paw side of the road a private drive came into view, marked with an ornately scripted sign for Sofan's. The whole property was surrounded by a high, thick, verdant hedge; even the paved drive winding deeper into the northwestern outskirts was flanked by nigh impenetrable vegetation. After a dozen yards Michael slowed, the engine's soft rumble muted even further by the dense foliage.

"A gate?" Benjamin sat up straighter. "What restaraunt has a gate?"

"A very exclusive one." Michael stopped the car and a burly tiger appeared from a concealed security checkpoint. He pulled out a sheet of paper from the sheaf printed out earlier and rolled down the window. "We're expected. Twice over five."

The tiger took the sheet from Michael to give it a quick going over as he smiled at the daily pass code. He was about to hand the paper back but caught sight of Ben in the passenger seat. "Hey! What's going on here?"

Michael nodded towards the paper. "Didn't the invitation say to expect a guest?"

"It did, but it didn't say anything about a child." He took out a notebook and took down the invitation number. "I'm going to have to take this up with management; they're not going to look on this kindly. Why were you trying to smuggle him in?"

"Look..."

"Answer the question sir."

"He's my guest. I already cleared it with management, if you'd just..."

"I hope for your sake that this isn't some kind of sick joke. He's far too young."

Michael yanked the paper from the tiger's paw and pointed to the bottom of the form.

The big male was about to growl but finally glanced at the signature. "Hmph."

"Don't make me call the general manager," Michael said quietly, as reasonably as he could, given the circumstances.

"Alright then. But I better not hear anything back about a breach of security or I'll come find you."

With a couple last notes the tiger flipped his notebook closed and returned to the guard shack. The gate started to move back, sliding along tracks into the dense shrubbery.

"Have a nice day, sir," the tiger said in a gruff voice, shooting daggers at them as Michael pulled forward.

Ben patted down the hackles on the back of his neck. "Huh, I've never seen anything like that."

"That would be because you've never been anywhere like this before, Ben."

The husky stuck out his tongue playfully at Michael. "That's hardly fair; there's a lot of places I've never been before."

"I suppose that's something we'll have to start changing, yes?"

It was another hundred yards before the hedging along the driveway ended and the Midea rolled out into unobstructed sunlight again. Spreading out around them set into a thick portion of old growth forest was a large mansion, complete with gardens and walkways and well-groomed lawns, centerpieced with a large fountain in the middle of a courtyard tiled with gray granite and marble. The car followed the drive around to the side of the mansion and soon the road dipped down to duck underneath the estate house into an underground garage.

"Wow, you sure can pick them, hon." Benjamin blinked in the half-light of the underground. "But it still looks like just a house of a fancy lord or something."

Michael had to look hard for an open parking space; the garage was nearly full. "Would you believe it if I told you that this used to be one of the emperor's own palaces?"

Ben laughed. "No way. Now you're pulling my tail."

"Says the husky who can't leave my tail alone. You know, if it were anyone else messing with my tail I would be quite offended. They're kind of personal and hardly anyone would tolerate what you do to me."

"Oh, c'mon, there's no way I would go around fooling around with anyone else's tail; that would be rude, after all. Maybe that's why I like yours so much -- I get to pet on it."

Turning down the next row, Michael spotted an open stall and quickly pulled into it. The engine died with a muffled grumble. "Anyway, this place is used for a lot of things, and it's a pretty good place to have a meal." He leaned over to his young boyfriend and kissed a fuzzy gray cheek.

Benjamin felt his cheek warm to a cherry red against the soft muzzle-hairs of his otterfox. One of Michael's paws turned his muzzle and a moist velvety tongue pushed its way into his mouth. He resisted briefly at the unexpected kiss, but it didn't take long for the shock to wear off. The warm and slippery ribbon was just what he needed. Closing his eyes, he let the older male have what he wanted as he enjoyed the tender movements of the otterfox within his muzzle.

He giggled as he felt a paw squeeze his ass, breaking the kiss. "Hey, what's all that for?"

"To tide you over for a little while."

"Oh? Trying to make me sound like it's only about me and my selfish needs?"

There was an amused wuffle from the otterfox. "Alright, alright, I admit it. I haven't had a kiss since this morning and I kinda needed one."

"Kinda?"

"Okay, really needed one. You're a very sweet kisser."

The husky squirmed in his seat from the paw exploring beneath his tail, a huge smile in his voice. "Probably not the only thing you need, huh?"

"Maybe..."

"We'll get to that later! Aren't you hungry?" He wagged his tail, brushing it against the arm behind his seat but not giving in to the touches that were sending pleasant shivers up and down his spine.

"God, you're a tease." Michael laughed and squeezed the muscles at Benjamin's tail base before pulling his paw away.

"Your paw on my butt and I'm the tease? I didn't say that I didn't want it, just so you know." Ben opened the door and stepped out. He saw an elevator door set into the wall way at the back of the garage. With a wink at his boyfriend he started walking at a brisk pace, his claws ticking on the smooth concrete. "Last one there is a rotten cabbage!"

Benjamin's claw clicks were soon followed by Michael's heavier footfalls. A look over his shoulder spurred the husky on, but it was only a matter of seconds before the otterfox's longer strides caught up with him. "No fair!"

"Not much you can do about it, babe." Michael chuckled as he moved to go around.

"No?" Benjamin's paw shot out and seized Michael's pants crotch. His fingers found their mark and slid along the thick sheath inside and then gave the fleshy barrel a quick squeeze.

Michael's suddenly interrupted stride made one of his feet strike the back of his other ankle and he went down, only his quick reflexes and training saving him from breaking his nose on the concrete. "Oof!"

The husky plopped down on Michael's back, wiggling his tush into the otterfox's spine with a huge grin. "Ahh, that's better."

"Ben!" Michael gasped loudly as the young man's paw slid down his backside, pushing under his tail, to fondle his balls. Michael's thick otter tail slithered around of its own accord and started to wrap around the boy's waist, but as soon as Benjamin felt the tail's touch he yipped and pranced away, holding his own tail high.

He laughed. "Nope! Not going to fall for that one, lover boy."

Michael pushed himself upright and shook his head, following behind the young man at a more moderate pace. He noticed that Ben's walk had taken on a very subtle and deliberate gait, swinging his tail back and forth to show off his backside. By the time Michael caught up again the husky was standing in the elevator and wagging up a storm with an ear-to-ear grin.

"You...are an evil husky, you know that?" Michael said out of the corner of his muzzle as the doors closed.

"I have no idea what you're talking about, sweetie."

"Don't you play innocent with me!" He reached out and pressed the button for the first floor, and the elevator started moving upwards rapidly. "You know what I should do with you?"

He let out a mock gasp of terror before Michael could say anything, grinning even more broadly at the barely contained otterfox. "No, anything but that!"

There wasn't enough time to elaborate because the doors opened again, and Michael had to compose himself. Which wasn't easy, because he felt very much like a stallion champing at the bit.

They stepped off the elevator into a small waiting area separated from the rest of the room by a heavy mahogany divider. From beyond came the murmur of diners and the quiet clinks of many plates and glasses: the lunch rush in full swing. There was a podium there with a tall, thin gazelle, and she flashed them a bright smile from behind it.

"Ah! Monsieur Michael! There you are! We were told you would be up. It is a pleasure to have you with us again. The table you requested has been prepared; please follow me."

Benjamin's eyebrows went up. "How many times have you been here?"

"Two or three times. I did some business for your parents when Division Eight was first created in Endra."

"Oh. So you know her?"

"I, uh, don't think so, no." Michael looked over at the gazelle whose high heeled shoes managed to click loudly even through the carpet of the dining room. "Sorry."

"That's okay, monsieur; you may not remember me, but I do remember you. I have a very good memory for faces and names; how could I forget such an exotic gentleman as yourself?" She smiled back at the pair she led towards the windows at the back of the room.

One of the first things that Benjamin noticed was how well everyone was dressed. Both men and women were wearing either formal wear or more casual but just as fashionable clothes. It made him feel a bit underdressed in a plain pair of slacks and a button up shirt, but at least they were clean and neatly pressed.

There was about an equal number of men and women in the room and, from what he could see, a large cross-section of species was represented. There was a pair of female squirrels on his left chattering away as they passed by, both giving him a confused look that then faded into small smiles. Seated at the next table to his right were three men: a German shepherd in a black vest with a pocket watch chain and white long sleeved shirt, a beagle dressed similarly, and a calico feline in a tan suit. They were telling stories, or so it seemed, since they laughed uproariously from time to time, though they shared looks between one another that meant more than just friendship. In a corner he could see a snow white male ermine and a large male pachyderm holding paws across the table. His eyebrows rose.

They stopped beside one of the few remaining vacant tables. It was set with a dark green cloth and freshly shined silverware sparkling atop white embroidered napkins. Two glasses of ice water had been poured and a pitcher with more already present. Light streamed in through the windows overlooking the gardens surrounding a pond at the rear of the estate. At the edge of the grounds there was another high hedge keeping the heavy woods at bay. "Here we are. If you will be seated a waiter will be by shortly for your order."

Benjamin watched the gazelle smile again at his otterfox and then walk off. He sat and turned to Michael. "Hon?"

Michael sat and passed one of the menus on the table over to Benjamin. "What?"

Ben cleared his throat, opening the menu and studiously hiding behind it. "Someone you were involved with?"

Michael shook his head with a little chuckle. "Are you still jealous?"

"I know, I know. I'm trying not to be, but it's hard to keep from watching out for former and possible future competition," Benjamin muttered as he pretended to look over the lunch selections.

There was no answer and in the silence Benjamin lowered his menu a little. He was surprised to see that Michael wasn't interested in the menu at all; the otterfox was resting his chin on folded paws, elbows on the table. He caught Benjamin's eye and smiled warmly. "I promise, I don't know her at all and you don't have any competition, fluffy-butt."

"Well..."

"Promise."

Benjamin saw a slight shift of the otterfox's eyes and he looked to see...a crystal vase with two red roses had appeared at the center of the table. He blinked, then felt himself grow fuzzy and warm inside.

"How do you do that?"

"Trade secret."

All the husky could do was blush so much he nearly had to hide again. "Fair enough. And tell me again what kind of place this is. For example, in the past couple minutes I've noticed a couple of guys sharing the longest muzzle interaction that I've ever seen, there's a lot of guys paired up in here, and don't think I didn't see that shepherd we walked by eyeing your package. Is this what I think it is?"

"I'd be happy to show you; take a look at the bottom of the menu if you would."

"What am I looking for...?" The words caught in his muzzle, because printed at the bottom were two clusters of four ivy leaves. "...oh." To most anyone looking at the menu they would look like decorations nestled amidst the depictions of vines across the page's border but to anyone that was gay or lesbian those were the sign of a safe establishment, and they were often used to designate LGBT-friendly websites and meeting places.

Michael leaned closer. "I figured you'd have picked up on those sooner, seeing how you like gay porn and haven't been caught."

Benjamin shook his head. "I suppose I should have. I've heard rumors about places like these; never thought I'd get to see one, at least not 'til I was older."

Michael grinned, finally opening his menu and glancing at it. "I think I'll have some pasta; nothing too heavy right now -- it'd spoil my appetite."

"Sex, it's all you can think about, isn't it?"

There was a guffaw from the otterfox, and a conspiratorial whisper. "Says the husky who couldn't keep his paws off me moments ago."

Benjamin's ears folded back and he whimpered softly. "That's your own fault for being so sexy."

"Admit it, you're as much of a tease as I am."

"Yeah." His curlicue husky tail wagged on its own. "No fun if you get what you want all the time, huh?"

"Exactly. Have you decided what you'd like to eat?"

A fiendish grin spread on Benjamin's muzzle. "Of course I have. You."

"My statement is being validated at this very moment, I believe. More to the point, what would you like for lunch?"

"Oh, just lunch? If that's all you want to know, I'm pretty hungry, so how about a couple of burgers?"

"Burgers? All this good food and you want burgers? Good lord, they'll probably shoot me if I ask them to make burgers."

The husky's ears splayed out. "Uh, what would you have me order then?"

"I really will order them for you if you reeeeally want them." The corners of his muzzle turned upwards. "How about a chicken bruschetta? Probably the closest you can get to a burger in a fancy place like this without the kitchen staff breaking out the pitchforks and torches."

Benjamin looked over at Michael with amazement. "Are you serious? They get that touchy?"

"Not even joking. Chefs can be a little snobbish at times. I guess that might be a bit of a drawback maybe, but, aw heck. I'm trying to treat you well after all."

Benjamin laughed. "Oh alright, I'll save my big tough otterfox from an angry mob. I'll take the bruschetta."

"Your concern for my wellbeing is, as always, deeply appreciated." There was another shared chuckle as he raised his paw and a waiter who had been watching from a distance approached.

"Yes sir?" the mouse in neatly pressed white uniform asked.

Michael's ears were perked up as he spoke. "I'll have the prawn-stuffed shiitake mushrooms in butter sauce on fettuccini, and my friend here will have your savory chicken bruschetta."

"Very good sir. Anything to drink for either you or your young companion? We have several fine wines available."

"I'll be sticking with water, thank you. Anything for you, Ben?"

To Michael's considerable surprise Benjamin didn't turn to the regular drink list, instead stopping at the wine and liquor selections.

"Would you like to share a white wine with me, Michael?"

The question caught Michael without a ready answer and he sat in uncomfortable silence. He almost blurted that Benjamin had no business drinking but held his tongue in check. Way too late to start thinking he can't handle it; he handled you skillfully enough, after all, he thought.

Their waiter chimed in. "Sir, although I don't know how you managed to get the director's approval to allow your young companion in here, it is perfectly fine for him to have a small drink. In fact we have some rather low alcohol drinks if the young master pleases."

For which Ben flashed the mouse a smile of thanks. "It'd be my first time, and besides, I thought you drank; you always had something at all of Dad's and Mom's parties."

Michael shot him a concerned look. "That was grape juice or sparkling water most of the time. I can't really drink, but if you want to try something I won't stop you. I trust you to not overdo it."

"You'd rather I didn't, don't you?" Ben handed over his menu to the waiter. "Water for me, too."

"Very good sirs."

"Why did you do that?" Michael asked as the mouse left.

"Because you didn't want me to."

The older male raised an eyebrow. "I wasn't about to stop you."

Benjamin's elbows went on the table and his paws clasped so he could rest his chin on them. "True, but before I do something that would upset the most wonderful otterfox I've ever met I should probably know what bothers him about it."

Before Michael could answer there was a loud commotion at the entrance to the room. A wolf and a leopard seal had come in and the lupine was snarling at the hostess. "What do you mean you 'don't have my room ready'?"

"But monsieur, you didn't reserve a private dining room!"

The seal looked disinterested, standing off to the side with a bored expression, while the wolf leaned closer, his bared fangs a mere inch from the gazelle's face. "Look, you good-for-nothing whore, I made reservations two days ago; you had better get it ready!"

She lifted up the register laying open at her podium with a shaky paw. "Here is the appointment book straight from the manager's office; I'm afraid that your name hasn't been put down for a private room at all!"

He didn't even look at the page of the afternoon's reservations, instead grabbing the woman's blouse and roughly pulling her closer. "I. Don't. Care."

"There is nothing we can do! My profound apologies, all the rooms are taken, but we do have a table we can seat you at immediately."

The wolf turned his head at something the seal whispered as the former was about to tear into the poor woman. The aquatic mammal looked positively annoyed while men at several tables nearby were staring at the wolf with open anger. The wolf quickly let the gazelle go.

"Your manager is going to hear about this," the lupine fumed.

She picked up a pair of menus and motioned the wolf and leopard seal to follow. "As you wish, monsieur; this way, please."

On first sight of the dark furred wolf Michael's face registred recognition but the surprise quickly faded, replaced by distaste.

Benjamin made a disgusted face. "Someone you know?"

"I thought he might be, but no."

"Who did you think it was?" The husky grinned, holding up his paws as he got a defensive look from Michael. "Hey, just curious, okay?"

"Well, for a second I could have sworn he was the emperor."

"The emperor, huh? You've really seen him?"

"A couple of times. I doubt that he'd ever act like this, though."

Benjamin watched the wolf as the pair was led toward them by the hostess, who was obviously flustered by the confrontation. She seemed more than a little agitated as she smoothed down her blouse from where the wolf had grabbed it.

Ben's lip snarled with contempt. "Ugh, just as well you don't know him."

The lupine was a deep dark gray, fit and trim, with a well-tailored sports-coat and slacks fitting his lanky body rather well. He walked through the dining room with an air of superiority that instantly grated on Ben's nerves.

The seal on the other paw appeared to be indifferent to his surroundings more than anything, despite the looks of distaste shot their way by the other diners. He was a few inches shorter than the wolf and wore a black suit that fit him snugly to accentuate his sleek athletic body.

Presently their waiter returned carrying their food on a tray with a grace that one would have never supposed from his size. He set the plates down with quick smooth motions alongside a fresh pitcher of ice water, and then departed with a small bow and a smile.

Benjamin slipped his napkin out of the silver ring binding the silky cloth and spread it over his lap before digging in, cutting off a small piece of the chicken and giving it a sniff. "I'm still interested in why you don't drink." Biting into the morsel on his fork made his eyes light up. The chicken had been braised in olive oil and a broth of spices and it melted in his mouth. "Wow. This is really good!"

The young husky heard someone growl behind him. "Hey! Who let the midget mutt in here?" The voice was loud and deep, with a tone of supreme arrogance that made Ben detest its owner even more. It was the wolf. While the seal was taking his seat the lupine had stopped behind Benjamin and his muzzle was open wide in a mocking smile.

Benjamin's lip briefly curled up but he choked down the snarl; he wasn't about to be humiliated now, not like in school, and not in front of his boyfriend. Throwing an arm over the back of the chair he turned, the snide words riding a tide of disgust to spill out of his muzzle. "And just how many welfare checks did you have to cash for that Tyrene jacket?"

Immediately the leer dropped from the wolf's face, his muzzle opening wider in shock. It wasn't often that he'd been talked back to, let alone by... He took a closer look at the small huskywolf sneering viciously up at him. "Listen you fucking half-breed, I make more than your pappy could ever dream. But that's not the point. You're not supposed to be in here and I'm going to have you thrown out by your ears."

Benjamin nearly came out of his chair, only stopped by Michael's paw gently gripping his fork-paw. "You pissant nobody, you shut your muzzle or--"

"Or what?" The wolf flexed in his sport jacket. "Ohhh, I know, you'll sic your pappy on me? Or your bodyguard? So scary."

Michael's eyes narrowed but said nothing, and he jerked his muzzle to get Benjamin's attention.

Benjamin's blood was boiling. "No, I'd do it myself, you arrogant prick." This was the first time in his life he actually felt like an adult, felt like he was being treated like an adult, except this ass was trying to make him look like a fool in front of Michael. It was like all the other times he'd been humiliated in school, and despite the obvious differences in size and muscle, Benjamin felt ready to take the wolf on. "If he got involved there wouldn't be enough fur left on you to fill a thimble."

Lowering his voice, Michael leaned over and whispered into Benjamin's ear. "Let it go."

The leopard seal had been looking on with amusement and snerked at the "fur-in-a-thimble" comment. That got the wolf's attention, and he whipped around.

"Oh, don't you get started now, Fabian."

With an outstretched spotted paw the leopard seal patted one of the plush padded chairs at their table. "Come now, you know I'd never do that, Reginald. You've had your little fun and you're making a scene again. Why don't you tell me more about this other guy you've been dating."

Mention of another man brought a smile back to the wolf, one that unsettled the others that saw it. He gave Benjamin one last hard look, then sat across from Fabian with his back to the husky.

While Michael pulled Ben back down into his seat, the wolf grinned wickedly at the seal. "He's the tightest fat fuck I've ever had. A skunk. Smart, but in a dumb way. He thinks that we're mates. But he's been good about turning over all his...well, 'my' work. Who would have thought that a mail room clerk was such an idiot savant!"

Michael and Benjamin's conversation had come to a screeching halt. They listened and stared in appalled fascination at the overly loud wolf.

The seal reached across the table to stroke the wolf's paw. "So he doesn't know about us?"

Sprawling out in the chair Reginald shook his head, rubbing a finger back against the finely groomed paw offered to him, curling it around into the fine smooth leather of Fabian's palm. "No."

There was a lazy smile on Fabian's face now. "Maybe I should meet him sometime. And I thought you liked your men 'lean and hard.'"

"You slinky snake!" he guffawed. "Do you think I'd let my bread and butter get away from me that easily? He's a means to an end; besides, I do like my men with a lot less baggage."

"You must like me a lot then. I don't have any kind of baggage at all."

"Yeah."

The conversation finally sickened Benjamin too much to continue listening, so he did his best to tune it out as he bit into another piece of his meal. Fortunately, the food was superb and took the edge off his anger.

Michael finished off one of the mushrooms and sipped his water. "Don't pay any attention to him, okay?" He spoke low while the pair laughed at something or other. "Just try to. You still got me here, eh?"

Ben nodded, grumbling.

The older otterfox smiled, though the young husky could tell it wasn't at all happy. "To answer your question, I don't drink because I'm very bad at it." He felt his gut cramp up as a flood of dark memories rose; but at least it gave Benjamin something else to think about. "Sorry. I mean, I'd be an alcoholic if I did."

Ben cut off another piece of chicken, still simmering as his rage ebbed. "How do you know that?"

"My parents both drank...a lot." Michael pushed a mushroom around his plate. "And they weren't very nice people when they did, which was nearly all the time."

"That doesn't mean you would be the same way." He took another bite and finally shook off the lingering annoyance over the wolf. At least the company isn't all bad. A hint of his smile returned.

"Yes it does. After I left home a couple of friends took me out to a bar; I didn't want to, but I kinda did...to...you know...to see just once why my father and mother were always after the stuff...and..." He fell silent with a downcast look, then quickly speared a mushroom with his fork and bit into it.

"And?" Benjamin prompted.

"I...uh... This really is difficult for me." Michael swallowed hard. "I'm afraid you might think badly of me and I would hate for that to happen."

"Michael, you're the best man I know. That's what matters, and I doubt that whatever happened in your past would change what I think about you right now."

The otterfox sat there for a minute, thinking, his ears drooped. Then he looked up, a haunted look in his eyes. "Alright, you deserve to know. Truth is, I don't remember much from that night. I think it was only two drinks. Just two. From what they told me afterwards, I nearly killed one guy, sent three others to the hospital, and did a couple thousand krin worth of damage to the bar; it took half a dozen cops and five hits from a taser to subdue me. I was almost thrown into prison for it." He finished off the last mushroom, dabbing at his muzzle with the napkin. "And that is why I don't drink."

The husky stared, wide-eyed. "Wow. Half a dozen cops... That's awesome!"

"I didn't think 'awesome' at the time. Being nearly thrown in prison wasn't very fun. Though I suppose what happened that night did impress the heck out of someone. Right after the trial I got a job offer." Michael's whole face suddenly flushed with the surprise of letting that last sentence slip out.

Ben leaned back as he latched onto Michael's gaffe. "...doing?"

"My apologies, but you'll have to settle for the answer I gave your parents, and you when you asked the first time, which is: I can't talk about it."

"Now that is not fair," Ben complained.

Michael managed to look properly embarrassed. "It wasn't much, really. Just a few things here and there. You know how things sometimes sound big and impressive and they really aren't? It's one of those. Someone with the right connections got it classified, is all. I'm just sorry that I caused so much trouble for everyone."

"Keep your secrets, then. I have all the important ones, after all," Ben said with a wink, just loud enough to make sure Michael would blush. "It's hard to believe that you were afraid of telling me that."

"Ahem, yes, yes you do have...quite a few secrets of mine. It's just that losing control if I drink is something I still worry about at times." The otterfox pointed at Ben's lunch. "Aren't you going to finish?"

Benjamin's lip pulled back wolfishly; despite being in public he just couldn't help it when Michael set himself up like he that. "Finish? I intend to."

Michael didn't even know how Ben managed to get his paws all the way to his crotch, but the boy's bare feet were there now, grasping with surprising dexterity. The pads seemed to know right where to go to grip his balls and he found it very hard to concentrate as he was fondled beneath the tablecloth.

He lowered his voice to a hiss as his cheeks hidden beneath his fur colored up. "No, damn you! You know what I mean."

"I've kind of lost my appetite. We've got things to do soon." He smiled to himself, tail wagging. "What else can you tell me about yourself? You may have raised me, spent more time with me than my own parents even, but there're things I still don't know about you."

Michael's loins were raging hard, which in turn poked his slacks crotch up in a tent as the boy's paws seemed to be everywhere on it, rubbing up and down. He felt a bit of a wet spot spread from the center. His ears went back with a whine. "Please stop, I'll tell you whatever I can."

Benjamin grinned broadly in victory, but still very reluctantly let his paws drop to the floor. "That's a good boy."

Michael squirmed in his seat, voice low. "You are one evil husky, you know that? And as they say, payback is a bitch."

"Kind of like a certain husky you know?"

Michael licked his chops with a pointed look. "Exactly like a certain husky I know."

Benjamin's own loins stirred at seeing the fire he'd lit in the otterfox's eyes, and his tail wagged furiously. He took another forkful of his lunch; on further consideration, he would probably need his strength later. "I know you're from Birah. How old are you? When's your birthday? I don't recall ever celebrating it."

"You've just never seen me celebrate it. It wouldn't be right to do so on my employer's time, after all. I'm thirty-six years old, and my birthday is..." A frown came over his muzzle. "Heh, it's been so long that I nearly forgot when it was! It's the twentieth of Nosisu."

"That's just a couple weeks from now!" Benjamin looked shocked. "And you mean to tell me that you weren't even going to tell...? How long has it been since you've had a birthday?"

"Every year, of course. I just haven't done anything for them, and don't get any ideas either. I don't need anything special."

Benjamin gave Michael a look.

The disappointment and hurt Michael saw in Ben's eyes made his ears wilt. "Unless you really want to."

Ben was about to lay into him when he felt a tug on his tail. He looked over his shoulder angrily to see the wolf seated behind staring at him, tail in his paw.

Reginald cocked his head to one side. "What is it with you two, anyway? Why are you here? You're nothing but a child; you have no right to be here."

"That's none of your business!" Benjamin hissed, trying to free his curly husky tail from the wolf's paw.

"You're...not...together, are you?" A dangerously thoughtful look came over the lupine's face, but his musings were interrupted by a shadow looming over him.

Michael had made it to the wolf's side in only a moment. "Let. His. Tail. Go."

The sheer mass of the otterfox towering over him, the speed and the silence of the otterfox's movement, made a tremor run up Reginald's paw. There was danger smoldering there in the bristling otterfox, and the wolf quickly let go of Benjamin. Reginald sneered, wiping his paw on a napkin. "Probably have to wash it now, anyway. Bastard half-breeds. You were made for each other."

Michael didn't react to the jab. Instead, he snapped his fingers, which sounded off like a gunshot. Their waiter jumped and hurried over. It was obvious now that they wouldn't get any peace here.

"Yes sir?" The mouse stood at attention beside Michael and smiled smugly on seeing the wolf cowed.

He turned to the waiter as he tossed the wolf's face into a hopper of other such people he needed to remember. This one was willing to harm Ben, an act that had raised unaccustomed anger in him, and that meant he had to be careful around this wolf; losing his temper was never pretty. His voice was taut and carefully kept in check as he spoke to the waiter. "Put lunch on my card. It should already be recorded with the reservation."

"Yes sir," he said as he scribbled down a note on their ticket.

Michael jerked his head towards the door and Benjamin nodded. "This gentleman refuses to control himself, so we'll be on our way." He growled down at Reginald with a dark look that made the wolf's ears turn back a fraction despite his haughty demeanor. "I hope your manners will have improved, should we ever meet again."

"Very good sir." The mouse clapped closed his notepad, and accompanied Michael and Benjamin towards the exit. Several other people who had witnessed the wolf's actions caught Michael's attention and gave gestures of approval; they'd enjoyed seeing Reginald intimidated too, but that gave little comfort to the unease he felt. He and Ben could ill afford much attention.

At the door was the hostess, who was smiling as well. "I'm so sorry. We hope that you will come again... I'll be taking the ill treatment of you and your young friend by that wolf up with the director himself."

Michael nodded, turning to the waiter. "That would be appreciated."

The mouse jerked in surprise, feeling a few bills being pressed into his paw. "Thank you sir, but seeing that guy put in his place was tip enough. Frankly, he'll be lucky if he isn't expelled from membership after this incident. Would you like to register a complaint?"

"Oh? Then could you tell the director for me that we don't need his kind around here? As for the tip, keep it anyway." Michael motioned Benjamin into the elevator and followed just before the doors slid shut.

The husky looked up at the otterfox with concern. "Are you okay?"

He had to forcefully un-ball his paws from tightly clenched fists. With a wince Michael wiggled his fingers, their claws having dug into the palms of his paws rather deeply. The interruptions of what was supposed to be a quiet lunch and a chance to open up to Benjamin more had gotten under his skin rather badly. "Yeah. Yeah, I will be in a minute. I'm sorry about that. I had to get out of there before..."

"Before you kicked his ass?" Ben shook his head. "He deserved it."

That made Michael go rigid with a new wave of anger washing over him. The nerve of that wolf!

The boy looked at his mate, concerned. "What? What's gotten into you?"

"N...Nothing."

Benjamin looked up at Michael, confused and with growing concern. "Alright, what's the matter?"

"I don't want to talk about it."

"This sounds like something I should know, too; it's upsetting you enough."

The otterfox grimaced, then knelt down on one knee, placing a paw on Ben's shoulder. He looked deeply into the boy's eyes. "You know how I'm usually calm, right?"

"Of course, you're the most laid back guy I've ever met. It's one of the reasons I feel so safe around you. I've never seen you angry."

"See, that's what I'm afraid of." He took a shuddering breath. "When you were born you were my ward, then my friend...and now, you're a lot more than that. So..." He looked down. "...when I think of someone hurting you, I...um... I can feel myself losing control, like when I drank that one time, and if I did that I don't know what I would do. I'm afraid that I might hurt you." He shivered. "And not just physically; I'd hate to hurt you with what you'd see if I lost it. I don't want to do that to you. Not ever. Seeing that man putting his paw on you... I don't ever want to feel like that again. That's why I didn't like the idea of you drinking, and why I don't drink. It's not worth it."

Benjamin cradled Michael's chin in his paws and lifted up the otterfox's muzzle.

Michael leaned in to give the young huskywolf a nuzzle, not even caring if there were cameras in the elevator right now. To his surprise, Ben's paws guided him to his lips for a kiss. After a moment Michael pulled back, his ears pinned, and whispered, "You're too important to risk losing, for any reason."

Benjamin's tail wagged slowly. "If it helps, I never thought you would do anything bad to me. If anything, it shows even more that you're the right man for me."

Michael gave Ben's shoulder a squeeze. "That does help." He got to his feet as the elevator slid to a stop. "I'm sorry that lunch didn't go so well."

Benjamin's muzzle broke out into a big grin as he stepped out. "Are you kidding? Sure, there was some loud-mouth, stuck-up stuffed shirt, but I did learn things that I didn't know before about you. That's what matters to me."

In another minute the car was gliding back down the driveway of the estate that the restaurant rested on. The trees and bushes flashed by, and Benjamin lay back in the leather seat, paws behind his head and eyes closed. They were waved through by the gate guard and then they were back out on the streets, heading downtown. The traffic grew heavier as the Midea cruised through the commercial district.

"Tell me, how long were you in the military?"

Michael cleared his throat, stalling for a moment to think about how to answer the questions that had to be coming. "Seven years."

"And they taught you how to fight."

"Yeah," Michael answered after trying to ascertain where this was going, and regretted having to tell a half-truth. "A fair bit." Oh, so much more than a 'fair bit.'

Benjamin smiled to himself. "So you really could have."

Michael glanced over at the husky relaxing beside him, his gaze lingering over the boy's crotch and then the bare gray toes that idly wiggled at the ends of those wolf paws. "What was that?"

"Nothing." Ben sat up, a sign catching his attention. Pressing muzzle hard into the window he nearly shouted. "Turn in here, now!"

"Huh? What's here?" Michael stomped the brakes, making the cars behind him screech as he wrenched the wheel to make it into the parking lot of what looked like a furniture store.

"I was hoping we would find a place like this. Just park." Benjamin's tail began thumping against the back seat. "I bet the military was pretty tough for you, all those guys around and you couldn't bang any of them."

The otterfox's jaw dropped as he pulled up next to the building and stopped in a space. "Ben..."

"Or maybe you did? How many did you manage to get into the sack?" The husky's tail thumped even harder seeing the shock spread over Michael's face.

"Ben!"

"What? I'm still trying to learn more about you, after all. You don't make it very easy for me to get information out of you. Sometimes I wish you'd learn to trust me a bit more. Now," he said as he laid a paw on Michael's thigh, fingers very close to the otterfox's crotch, "I'll be the first one to say that you're the sexiest man alive. If there were any gay men in there with you, you would either have had to beat them off with a stick or just beat all of them off. Or at least some of them."

"I'm confused -- about a great many things in fact," he said as the rumble of the car's engine died. "The first of which is, why are you interested in what happened with other guys? I thought you wanted me all to yourself."

Benjamin's grin widened. "Yes, you're my very own thick-tail now. That doesn't stop me from getting turned on thinking about how I get to have you to myself despite all the other guys who might have wanted you."

All Michael could do for a moment was stare at the boy sitting there with his curled tail wagging behind the seat. He opened the door and stepped out, trying to shake off the shock of the statement.

Ben followed the otterfox out into the cooling late afternoon air. "C'mon, there must have been at least someone."

Michael spent the dozen paces to the furniture store's door mulling over his answer. He reached out and pulled the plate glass door open, holding it for Benjamin. As the young huskywolf passed he let out a resigned sigh. "You, my good sir, are incorrigible. Yeah, there were a few." Then even though no one was within earshot he whispered, "Let's talk about this after we're done with whatever it is you want here, okay? How many times do I have to remind you that we've got to be careful?"

"Oh, alright," Ben grumbled. "You're so uptight all the time lately."

"Sorry Ben, just...be careful. Okay?"

Benjamin nodded, striding along the furniture lined up across the showroom floor. In the back he saw a salesman, a badger, stand up and start walking towards them. There were recliners, tables, chairs, lamps and couches in neat blocks, all lit by the pleasant glow of high ceiling lights.

"What did we need here, anyways?"

"I was thinking that we could use a couch."

"We already have one."

"A bigger one. And a picture frame."

"What do you think a bigger one will do for us?"

Benjamin didn't answer, instead heading over to the section of floor filled with sofas.

"Ben?"

A gleeful impish grin. "You told me to behave, but since you must know, I wanted us to be more comfortable when I suck you off."

Michael blushed so hard his ears lit up.

"What? It's nothing compared to what I've heard soldiers say."

"But...you're you."

The approaching salesman, whose name tag read Darryl, flashed them a smile before calling out, "What can I do for you gentleman today?"

Benjamin stopped beside a cream colored couch and turned to the man. "We've got a couch about this size. I'm looking for a bigger one."

Michael didn't notice the badger's reaction to Ben right off, as he was distracted by Benjamin's provocative remark. The man looked taken aback that it was the young husky who addressed him instead of the adult otterfox. When Darryl tried to establish a greeting again with him, offering a paw, Michael gave a polite smile and kept still while Benjamin shook it instead, causing the badger to blink. Michael noted with interest that Darryl seemed to be in great discomfort from Ben's actions. His posture cycled through shock, confusion and even anger that were all quickly forced down. Darryl looked pointedly at Michael as Benjamin tried to catch the badger's eye, forcing Michael to tilt his head, directing attention back to the husky. For a second Michael was worried over what Benjamin would do with the badger's refusal to acknowledge him, but it was like a light switch had been thrown inside Benjamin. He stood up straighter and positively exuded authority.

Confused by the otterfox's refusal to engage him, Darryl blinked hard again, looking down at the boy, who'd taken up position between himself and the otterfox.

Michael was sure that nothing in this man's life had prepared him for a child treating him like a subordinate, and through it all he watched Benjamin stand his ground, waiting for the man to catch on.

In the end the boy's commanding aura broke through Darryl's preconception and he reluctantly started to pay attention despite looking as if Ben had punched him in the gut. "Uh, sure thing. So, you've got about a six-footer?"

"Yeah, looks about right. Maybe a bit wider, too. When we got the one we have now the guys who sold it said it was twenty-one inches deep."

"This way. We've got some that are twenty-five inches."

"I'll take it as deep as I can get it." Ben winked at the otterfox as they fell in behind the salesman and was pleased to see Michael's tail tip spasm.

"Oh? I have some at twenty-nine. They're special order though, almost more like a bed than a couch, really."

"W... I've got a bed already, so maybe the twenty-nine is too much."

The block of sofas on the showroom was arranged by size, and the salesman waved his paw as he came to a stop. "These two rows are all twenty-five inches deep."

Ben ran his paw over the cloth of an overstuffed blue one. "How about longer than six feet?"

The salesman went around to the next aisle, the two following behind. "That would be in the second row."

Michael noticed that Darryl now stood attentively beside Benjamin when they came up beside a designer peach-colored sofa.

"It's nice, but not quite what I'm looking for. Hmm." Scanning down the row, Benjamin didn't see any that captured his interest right off, but he took another poke at Michael anyway. "Anything with hardwood trim?" He didn't look back, but he could sense the otterfox's horror. The poor otterfox was sweating under the collar of his pressed shirt.

Fortunately, the salesman didn't catch Michael's reaction. "Yes. Just down a few."

The one the badger stopped by was trimmed in dark-stained mahogany, while its thick cushions and flared arms were covered in a finely woven deep-red cloth. Seeing Benjamin's immediate interest in it, Darryl pointed. "This one here, seven feet, twenty-five inches deep, hardwood trim, five hundred ninety-nine krin."

Benjamin plopped down onto it, sinking quite comfortably into the cushioned seat and pillowy back. Alternately eyeing his otterfox and then comparing against the couch, he smiled. It really did look like it would fit Michael better, as well as give himself more room. "Ohhh, I like it. Quite comfortable for a lay...down, nap."

Michael managed to keep an even voice despite Benjamin's innuendo. "It doesn't match the rest of the living room very well."

"I have this style in other colors," the salesman offered.

"No, I'll take this one. It's perfect!"

The badger smiled now, too. "That's great to hear. It comes with a five year warranty, but we can double it for an extra fifty krin if you like."

Benjamin took care to avoid looking at Michael; he knew he was pushing the boundaries of the otterfox's patience, but couldn't help himself. "That's a good idea. It's going to get quite a bit of use."

Michael rolled his eyes.

Taking out a sales book, the sales associate made note of the couch's tag number. "Is there anything else I can help you with today sir?"

Michael chuckled softly at seeing the badger's eyebrows go up at finding himself calling the young husky 'sir.' Obviously the whole situation was surreal for the poor man, never before having such a young man act as his superior, but Michael could see that he was getting more used to the idea. At least Darryl hadn't noticed all the hints Benjamin was dropping about them because of it.

"Yeah, do you have any large picture frames?"

"How big?"

"I don't know yet. Nothing too fancy."

"This way."

Ten minutes later Benjamin had picked out a frame with a few suggestions from Michael. Three feet by four feet and four inches wide, the square-cut mahogany wood was deeply engraved with scrollwork routed right into it and shellacked to the same glossy sheen as the couch trim. The final surprise of the evening for their salesman was when Benjamin pulled out a card to pay for the purchases and delivery. Michael was amused at Darryl's double take after noticing that Benjamin's bank card was a Black's Platinum: a card usually reserved for people with exceptionally deep pockets. He watched the badger's surprise turn to shock when he noticed that it was Benjamin's name impressed on the card.

"Uh, sir, may I see some identification please?"

Ben's ears twitched back, his paw pausing over his wallet. "What for?"

"For your protection sir; it's a rather large purchase."

The badger was doing his best to act casual, but Michael's practiced eye could see the beginnings of disbelief on Darryl's face and a little defiance. If Michael had to hazard a guess, he was having a hard time believing that Black's would issue a card to anyone so young -- possibly even thinking that the government wouldn't even issue an ID to a twelve year-old; most people got theirs at sixteen. Too bad for you, buddy, Michael thought as Ben fished out a red and gold edged card. Even before checking the name and the embedded seal, the colors of the edging made Darryl's fur rise. Those particular cards were reserved for provincial dignitaries. As he tilted Ben's card to verify Benjamin's name, the foil seal flashed in the light, and the badger's unease turned into unbridled horror.

Darryl snapped upright before handing the ID card back with a trembling paw. "S...S...Sir, m...my most profound apologies. I...I...I had no idea."

Benjamin tucked his card away nonchalantly. "It's quite alright."

Darryl completed the waiting transaction on his desk's payment machine, handing over the receipt and bank card as well. "N...No sir. I've b...been a f...fool. There's no e...excuse for how I've treated you, I didn't really believe that anyone like you could be more than just some kid. I didn't think, and I'm deeply sorry."

Ben offered his paw, which the badger took and shook warmly, and he smiled at the genuine humility in Darryl's apology. It amused him to see an adult humbled like this, no doubt the first of many times he was sure, and he tried to be as gracious as possible in his triumph. "No hard feelings, really."

There was relief in the badger's eyes. "Th...Thank you sir. If...If you should need any other furnishings I hope you'll still consider us."

Ben smiled again as he rose from the comfortable chair at the desk. "I will, I promise. I think we're done here, unless you need anything, Michael."

The otterfox shook his head, rising as well. "Perfectly happy with what we've got."

***

As soon as the pair's backs were turned Darryl deflated in his leather chair. His heart was still racing and he sat there thanking his lucky stars that he'd caught himself just fast enough to avoid a disastrous confrontation. Watching the two talking, he looked closely at the boy carrying himself with confident strides, conversing with the otterfox as an equal. That boy is going far, that's for sure, he thought.

***

On their way to the door Benjamin slipped his wallet into the back pocket of his slacks, lightly elbowing Michael at the same time.

Michael's ears perked. "Hm?"

"Did you see that guy?"

Michael let out a short grunt. "Not like I could miss him." He then grinned down at the huskywolf walking beside him. "You really impressed me by how you handled yourself."

Benjamin's heart skipped a beat as he pushed the door open, then held it for Michael. "I did?"

"Perfect in every way: you stood your ground, put him in his place, and then didn't gloat over it. Everything that you needed to do, you did right."

"I didn't even notice..."

"That's because you really are a natural alpha. The most important thing is to not try too hard. Just let yourself do it that way every time." The front door of the business closed with a quiet clunk and Michael tensed, feeling a paw up under his tail. "Wha...What are you doing?"

Ben knew he shouldn't have, but how could he resist? The otterfox's thick, heavy, muscular, furry otter tail was right there, right in front of him, so he had to push his paw under it. The body heat-warmed fur sliding over top of his paw sent shivers down to the tip of his curly tail, and in reflex he dug his fingers into the firm muscles of Michael's buttocks.

The otterfox halted abruptly, and using his strong otter-like tail as a ramp, Ben hopped up onto Michael's back, nuzzling into his boyfriend's neck fluff affectionately. Just as he'd suspected, Michael's natural musk had built up over the day, and it was pure nose-tingling delight.

Michael actually squeaked in surprise as he froze in place. He was still quite unused to being touched like that, especially in such a public place, "B-Ben! Stop!"

Even though he was in a panic, Michael didn't push him off, instead giving more of a roll to his shoulders that dropped the boy to the ground.

Ben started to protest but got a brief I-warned-you look that made him hunch down and slink around to the other side of the car, instead.

Wracked with worry, Michael peered around the mostly empty parking lot into the few cars that were parked there, and scanned the adjoining sidewalk to see if anyone had seen what had happened as he settled into the Midea's black leather bucket seat. To his surprise the whole area was devoid of anyone else and, shutting the door, he laid his forehead on the steering wheel in relief, his ear twitching as Ben's door slammed shut.

"I...I'm sorry." Ben clasped paws in his lap after buckling in. When Michael didn't respond his ears pinned back. "I did try my best. I didn't think... Aww, I'm sorry, Michael. You make me so happy, and I want people to know. I want you to know." He shrunk down in the seat. "Are you mad at me?"

To the husky's chagrin, Michael tensed at his words, then inexplicably relaxed, pushing back from the wheel. "Oh gods, Ben. I...I suppose not. You're completely irrepressible, totally and utterly."

His ears started to perk up. "So... So you're not mad?"

In answer the older male gripped the front of Ben's shirt and pulled him close, and the kiss he pressed to Ben's lips made thumps resound from the back seat that accelerated second by second as the boy melted into the tongue that slipped between his lips. Michael relaxed a little more, shivering as they separated and he let Ben's shirt go. Warmth spread through his chest from the boy's saliva coating his tongue. God, he tastes amazing. "At least you didn't go blathering on about my sex life. That's progress, and I'm grateful for that."

It took a moment for Ben to catch his breath, not expecting Michael's response in the least, but feeling elated at it nonetheless. "I thought for sure you were..."

"Ben, you make me happy, too." He caressed the boy's cheek with another kiss. "Happier than I have been in a long time, probably ever. Yeah, I was a little upset that you couldn't restrain yourself completely, but what you said just now made me think, and you know what? I wish I could let people know how happy you make me, too. What you said about me trusting you was right as well, and I promise I'll work on that. Just keep working on keeping a low profile -- in public, at least."

Benjamin felt the urge to cling to Michael, but another car had pulled up to the store and he caught himself. Instead, he just nodded. His whole body was tingling as the Midea's engine rumbled to life. They exited the lot, and a grin split his muzzle from ear to ear. "So, about these other guys, am I better in bed?"

Michael chuckled. "That, my dear fluffy-butt, is what's known as a loaded question."

Ben shot him a hopeful look. "But am I the best?"

Michael curled his tail around from behind the seat and laid it willingly in the boy's lap, which made Ben gasp in delight and immediately latch on to pet it happily. "When I say that you're the only one I think about all day and all night, that's no lie either, so yes, that makes you the best."

Even as tingles and pleasant shivers shot through his tail bones, Michael had to force his thoughts down. He wanted so badly to say it; he wanted to tell Benjamin, but he couldn't. Not even here, for fear that they would be noticed. So they drove on.

The waning day brought with it a flurry of activity throughout Endra. Cars flooded the streets around them as the city's offices emptied quickly at the end of the work day. The city wasn't large enough yet to warrant a public transportation system, so most drove their own cars, clogging the streets for some time. Not that it bothered the husky or otterfox. They wanted to arrive at Roth International's Endra headquarters well after everyone had left.

They passed through the heart of the city, but where usually there was some noble's sprawling mansion and accompanying fortress where they would hold court, a large modern granite building rose up instead, abutted by a large well-tended park. The building's highly polished faces were banded by dark tinted windows and an Imperial crest adorned the fortress-like entrances on each side. Arrayed around the central park and government office were several smaller buildings of the same gray granite, some obviously newly constructed. Beyond those was a ring of commercial and business sectors populated with large buildings, though they weren't exactly skyscrapers. The tallest rose ten stories and sported a large stainless steel R.I. logo.
 
Just as they turned down the street that would take them there, fluorescent lighting behind the sign turned on, illuminating it in a soft bluish-white glow. The building itself took up the entire block, an imposing cube sheathed in deep blue-green solar glass except for one corner, which was scooped out top to bottom to make room for a circular garden and fountain, in front of the curved steps going up to the main entrance. Jan Roth always did like green growing things, so she insisted that all R.I. buildings have some sort of garden on their property. Cutting into the side adjoining the street was a large car port, where Michael guided the car down into the now-empty parking garage.

"Even here they've gotta be the biggest and best," Benjamin muttered.

In the soft orange-yellow glow of the sodium lamps on the garage's concrete pillars, Michael sighed as he parked near a set of wide glass doors, brightly lit from beyond with fluorescent lights. "Look, I know that you have issues with your parents, but you have to remember that you don't exactly get ahead by being timid. Chapter fourteen in Business and Management: people respect and follow strength, even if it's only perceived strength. Don't forget that."

Benjamin had to stop himself from slamming the door angrily. "That doesn't change the way I feel about them."

"It isn't personal, and you really need to stop taking things that way. Look beyond them; it's the best advice I can give you."

Inside the doors stood an unoccupied wooden reception podium sitting like an island amidst a sea of highly polished marble floor tile. Michael gave a tug at the doors but they only rattled slightly, closed and solidly locked as they should be. Taking out a key given to him before leaving Galawan, he inserted it into the door lock and turned it, the bolt retracting with a heavy clunk.

As soon as he and Benjamin were through he secured the doors again. "Alright, where are we headed, Ben?"

"What?"

Michael's eyes flicked to the podium, and he grinned. "I am but a humble secretary and this is your show now, o great and mighty fluffy-butt."

The great and mighty fluffy-butt frowned. "But I thought you'd know where the records room is."

"There was a map of the offices in the files you got from Ricardo, wasn't there?"

"Yeah."

Unseen by Benjamin, an otterfox tail skulked stealthily beneath the receptionist's podium. "Then you should know everything you need to!"

Ben looked up the hallway, looking to see if there were any signs that he recognized from the map he'd briefly reviewed. Nothing jogged his memory. "Uh...heh."

"You didn't even look at it?"

"Did too! There was just so much stuff; I didn't get to look it over for as long as I needed, I guess."

Michael's tail held out a laminated map gripped in a coil of caramel brown fur. "At least you admit that you don't know everything, and that's good. Here."

With an incredulous look he took the map from Michael's tail and (not for the first time) wondered aloud, "How the heck do you do that?"

Michael gave a shrug and stood behind Benjamin, paws clasped behind his back.

Benjamin opened the map and traced over the diagram with a finger pad. "One of these days..." he muttered.

"One of these days, what?"

He tapped the map and started walking, forcing Michael to take a couple quick steps to catch up. "One of these days that tail is going to get you into trouble."

Bemused, Michael stayed close to Benjamin. "With whom? Or what?"

"With me, that's who! Always being so...! Ugh... Never mind."

They came to an elevator, and Ben pushed the 'Call' button.

Michael leaned down and whispered into Benjamin's ear, "Better."

The doors slid closed and Ben's claw ticked on the first floor button. "Only because you asked."

When the brushed-steel elevator doors opened, the marble floor on the other side was replaced by carpet the same shade as the glass on the outdoor windows. The walls here were painted a light earthy brown instead of the utilitarian white below, and simple chandeliers hung from the high vaulted ceilings, which were painted to look like a bright blue sky with clouds floating overhead. Most of the lights here were turned off, but a few chandeliers at regular intervals were still lit, though dimly. This was the employee entrance, so they had to enter through the main office area; or at least, that's what Ben's nose told him when he smelled the faint scent of coffee and old meals emanating from what looked to be the employee lunchroom.

Benjamin turned right, padding quietly down the hallway and passing by a storage room and a couple of file rooms, before stopping by an unmarked door. It looked to be a polished, dark-lacquered wood like the rest of the doors, but closer inspection revealed it to be wooden overlay on a steel door, surrounded by a similarly paneled frame made of steel.

The young huskywolf tapped it with his claw. "This should be it."

"Correct." The otterfox selected a new key from the key ring he carried. This one had no serrations; its shank was flat with small depressions drilled into its surface on either side. It slid in and turned.

There was no sound from the door as it swung back, but opening it revealed a cacophony of quietly humming fans. Inside there were several rows of computer racks whose unwavering status lights illuminated the small darkened room as if they were constellations of stars. To the left in the near corner there was a workbench containing several computers in various states of repair and there was a small fridge tucked away beneath. Next to the bench was a rolling cart set up as a mobile workstation, currently plugged in but turned off. In the back corner to the right, hidden by the last row of racks, there was another door about the size of a chest-high filing cabinet, behind which was the object of tonight's endeavor. This particular door was made of even heavier, undisguised steel, and had an electronic keypad on it.

There was tension in the set of Benjamin's shoulders when he walked in, snuffing at the air, catching every scent as he did so, and trying to memorize any odors particular people might have left behind. He was being overcautious for sure, but he wanted to know who frequented the area. A canine worked at the desk, from the smell of it, though there were indications of another here -- possibly a fox -- and he paused a moment to impress the particulars into his memory. There were only a couple of hot spots where the canine had recently worked on a couple of the machines, and the rest of the room contained only faded scents several days old. He gave a satisfied nod at the heavy door in the back; the keypad barely had any smell at all.

Still back by the door, Michael felt along the wall with his thick tail for the light switch. When he found it, he moved the small lever with the fuzzy tip of his tail. Nothing. His eyebrows rose and he turned to see if he'd gotten the wrong one, but there was only one switch. So, he started looking around. There weren't any other switches readily visible on the walls, but there on the workbench he saw something odd: a switch mounted flush to the surface. He strode over and looked down at a label on the switch that made his muzzle split into a grin. Light flooded the room and he laughed as he walked up beside the huskywolf. "Cute. They have the lights wired up at the workbench over there instead of by the door." He chuckled. "I had to move the switch into the 'It burns us' position."

Ben smiled, now inspecting the keypad visually for tampering. "And then they wonder why I.T. people are so heavily stereotyped."

Watching the huskywolf peer closely at the pad, Michael leaned against one of the racks. "You really are serious about this, but isn't this maybe a bit melodramatic?"

Satisfied with his inspection, Ben started punching in numbers on the keypad. "There's no sense in not checking, is there? Wouldn't you double-check the bookkeeping if you were taking over something as big as a division?"

Michael hesitated. "I... I suppose I would."

There was a click from behind several inches of metal, and the young man pulled the heavy door open. "Right. You were the one who made me go over all those accounting case-studies, so here I am."

There wasn't much to look at inside the safe. There were two shelves, one at the top holding a simple tape-backup drive and a quietly whirring set of drives in a black steel box, and one below with a partitioned box holding eight of the bulky backup tapes, each representing a business quarter. Sitting at the bottom of the safe were several boxes of unopened tapes, one of which had several used from it.

Benjamin bent over to pick up a new one and unwrapped it, crumpling up the plastic.

For the moment that Benjamin was bent over Michael's eyes were locked on the young man's ass; the smooth curve of it outlined in his dark blue pants made the otterfox flush with heat. It panicked him for a moment, making him wonder if maybe he really was a pedophile. Later, think about that later.

"So, I just pop this into the slot, right?"

Clearing his throat, Michael stepped forward, looking over Benjamin's shoulder. "From what I was told, yes. The whole thing should be automated, where it copies over the entire database as soon as it's in. Just wait for the light on the drive to go out before you remove the tape. It takes about fifteen minutes."

Ben aligned the tape carefully before he firmly pushed it all the way in. "Alright then."

No sooner had the drive's access light come on when a deep, gruff voice boomed from behind them, "Paws up!"

Benjamin stiffened, while Michael snapped his head around, his body going tense and his tail curling back like a viper ready to strike.

One of the security guards had managed to sneak up on them, a large bear that positively filled the space between the computer racks. "Boy, are you two in trouble." Six and a half feet tall and over three hundred pounds at least, but despite looking rather portly, Michael couldn't say the man wasn't in shape; the bear's muscles made the shaggy brown fur on his arms roll like ocean waves. The guard's nametag, pinned to a starched and pressed blue uniform, read 'Beaufont.' He also held a large automatic pistol pointed at them in his massive paws.

Michael relaxed to show the guard that he wasn't a threat. "A moment please." He started to reach behind to pull his wallet out. "I'm sure you'll find that we aren't intruders."

"Stop! No sudden moves." He reached into one of his pockets and pulled out a phone. "You can tell it all to the cops."

Benjamin stepped forward, drawing himself up to his full height and locking eyes with the bear. "Sir, I would highly recommend letting us explain ourselves first. It will save you a lot of trouble in the long run."

Beaufont hadn't really gotten a good look at the shorter intruder, and now his eyes went wide as his pistol moved on its own to cover the boy. He found himself unable to break away from the steel gray gaze that the husky fixed on him, and those penetrating eyes made him fall back a pace. He noticed the fox's stance change subtly after his shift in aim, and he moved the pistol back, but was unable to break away from those eyes. The strange caramel-furred fox was dangerous; he could see glimpses of something terrible prowling behind the man's narrowed brown stare, but the boy made his neck fur stand on end.

"What's going on here?"

The boy's voice matched his calm, piercing visage. "We're not intruders."

The bear began dialing a number on his phone without looking away from the younger of the two interlopers. "Like hell! I wasn't told; no one called ahead like they're supposed to."

Michael's voice carried a sharp edge. He was obviously quite cross at this point. "I am going to reach slowly for my wallet. I suggest you don't do anything rash."

Beaufont didn't blink as the husky took another step towards him; the canine couldn't be more than twelve years old, but his presence was undeniably unique. Calm, collected, the boy seemed to project confidence.

He hesitated when the fox held out a card at arms' length, then took the plastic rectangle at the husky's nod, like he'd been given permission to take it. What the hell? he thought in confusion. Then as he looked at the card a tremble shot through his paws. Printed beside the picture of the fox on the Roth International ID card was: Michael Saukkokettu, Vice President General Operations.

Benjamin felt gratified to see the bear's anger dissolve into disbelief.

The bear handed the card back and scrambled to holster the pistol and phone; pointing a gun at ones employer was a good way to no longer be employed. "Sir! I'm sorry, sir!" He offered a paw. "No one told me you were coming, sir!"

That didn't stop Michael from snarling, he was still quite worked up over seeing Benjamin threatened. "If I ever catch you pointing a gun at him again I'll rip your throat out."

Beaufont was quite contrite, bobbing his head. "There was no warning about your arrival and you are in a high security area, after all. What was I to do? I'm very very sorry sir, it won't happen again, honest."

Michael grumbled. "Just see that it doesn't."

The husky smiled, wagging his curly tail a little to be friendly. "No harm done."

A crease appeared in Beaufont's ursine brow as he looked the husky over. "Just who are you, then? We don't allow kids to run around back here."

Benjamin smiled, extending a paw to the guard. "Benjamin Bartholomew Roth the Third. Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Beaufont."

Beaufont gripped the offered paw before the husky's words filtered into his brain, and he felt his eyes bug out and his jaw drop open. The boy gave his now-limp paw a firm shake before letting go. "R...Roth..."

The corners of Michael's muzzle ticked upwards. "Try not to be too hard on yourself."

"Oh god."

Benjamin reassured the bear as the latter slumped against a rack of computers. "Don't worry, what happened tonight isn't going to go against you; in fact, I'm pretty impressed that you found us so quickly and responded like you did. Excellent job."

Beaufont patted the pocket with his phone, unable to hide the relief in his voice. "We've got a good system here. It logged the elevator moving and let me know."

The bear hadn't meant any harm really and Michael decided to let his irritation go. "Not half-bad. Stop pointing guns at kids and you'll have it down perfect."

Beaufont nodded, grateful that he still had his job and hide intact. "What they say about us ursines being thick-headed isn't all true; this mix-up won't happen again." He straightened up. "I better get back to my rounds, but do you guys need help with anything before I go?"

Benjamin spoke up. "Actually, we would appreciate it if you didn't let anyone know we were here tonight. Confidential business, you see."

The bear held up one of his large paws. "Say no more, my lips are sealed."

Michael nodded. "Good." Then a thought occurred, and he reached out to stop the bear. "How often do you work nights?"

"Five days a week, I don't mind swing and graveyard shifts."

"Ever see or hear about anyone messing around in here?"

The bear scratched his head, closing his eyes for several seconds before opening them again. "Not when I'm around, no." He waved a paw at the banks of computers. "Our resident I.T. guy, Cedric, is rather protective of his domain. If anything happens he sends security a notification, but he hasn't in the past few months."

Benjamin's ears perked up. "How often is Cedric in here?"

"Uh, I don't know about during the day, but probably quite a bit, because that's his workbench over there. I know he doesn't stay after hours too often, though."

"Have you heard any rumors of any kind of tampering? Anything at all?" the husky pressed.

"Nope, can't say that I have. Me and the office folks don't see one another a lot -- well, besides Darren."

The huskywolf quirked his head to the side in a trademark 'curious canine' manner. "Darren?"

"He's a clerk. Skunk, shy, and a pretty nice guy from what I've seen. He works the mail-room, runs errands, that sort of thing. A lot of times he stays after the others leave, though I don't know what he does." Seeing Benjamin and Michael trade a look he added, "No, he's not around right now, and even so he doesn't have access to this room."

Both of them filed that information away for later follow-up, nonetheless.

Benjamin folded his arms. "Anything else?"

"That's it, that's all I know right now. Want me to ask around?"

Michael nodded. "Please, but very quietly. Keep your ears open if you would."

Beaufont's eyes widened a bit in alarm. "Problems I should know about?"

"No physical threats, but..."

The bear nodded, getting the picture. "Yeah, thanks for the heads-up."

Benjamin nodded. "You'll be seeing Michael and me around more, so if you find out something feel free to contact me. The office directory will be updated shortly."

"Updated? This isn't just an audit?"

Benjamin stretched, standing on the tips of his toe pads and arching his arms high over his head. "Yeah, I'm taking over Division Eight."

That made Beaufont stare. Who in their right mind would let a kid...?

The bear took another assessment of the boy. Benjamin Roth stood tall, exuding a sense of authority independent of the adult with him. In fact, his entire demeanor was so different from all the other children Beaufont had ever known that it made him feel funny. His instincts wanted to discount everything he'd seen despite what happened earlier. All of them urged him to file Benjamin away in the 'just a kid' category, but he couldn't, could he? Mr. Saukkokettu was a powerful executive, and he accepted the boy. The fox wouldn't go along with this unless he was sure, would he?

In the end honesty asserted itself and the security bear had to admit to himself that this boy wasn't like any he'd met before. "Well, I'll be damned."

Michael nodded. "Benjamin has my full confidence."

Benjamin extended his paw to the guard, who took it. "Well, we shouldn't keep you. We'll lock up on our way out. It was good to meet you."

The husky's firm grip reinforced the thought in Beaufont's mind that he needed to take Benjamin seriously.

That shake was followed by one from Michael, who finally smiled. He looked right into the bear's coffee brown eyes, holding onto the man's paw for a second longer. "Sorry for blowing up; Benjamin is my ward, you see. I'm rather...protective."

"No hard feelings. I've worked as personal protection myself. If you need anything at all just pick up a phone and dial 1 for the security desk. We'll be here all night."

He turned and made his way back out of the room, musing to himself, So that's the guy everyone's been talking about. Everyone's been so worried over the replacement for the boss, and I'm the only one who knows... Should I tell them? A note? He shook his head, grinning. No, let 'em find out for themselves. That thought amused him to no end.

Then the bear was gone, almost as quietly as he came, his boots clicking faintly on the concrete floor until they fell silent on the carpet outside, leaving behind only the whirr of the computers and soft hum of the tape drive as it worked.

Benjamin chuckled. "Almost as quiet as you are."

Michael's return grin was sly as he agreed. "Almost."

***

Dusk had come to Birah. The largest city in the world and capital of the empire, it spread for miles over the empire's heartland, its lights like a carpet of bright blue-white diamonds scattered over the rolling hills of a lush savannah. Like many cities of the empire, Birah straddled a river. This one was a broad stately waterway that snaked through the plains from the mountains to the north, clean and clear thanks to painstaking efforts by generations of inhabitants to keep it pristine. To the west brightly lit factories hummed even at this hour, fed raw materials by a spider web of rail lines and roads that carried unending caravans of trains from surrounding provinces. To the south and east suburbs with their tracts of houses and shops and smaller industries were dotted with multitudes of parks and other pockets of greenery. Beyond the suburbs were even vaster stretches of land tended as farms. At the city's center on the north bank of the river sat the commercial might of the empire, a district populated by hundreds of skyscrapers owned by the multitude of companies that the empire had fostered. Even these, though, were overshadowed. Downriver from the city center sat a large citadel on a hill overlooking the entirety of the city, protected by massive gray granite walls in a rough hexagon halfway up the hill. The imperial palace itself rose from the top of the high ground as a single building whose white marble columns and spires shone with a ghostly luster from strategically placed lights: a beacon to the surrounding land. Within that soft white glow was a dark alcove at the center, a balcony with a light glowing behind it.

Emperor Viekas Ulven knew that his security detail would disapprove, but he needed the fresh air. So he stood on the balcony outside his office, just high enough over the palace grounds to give him an unobstructed view into Birah. It was a view that never failed to inspire him. Out over the farmlands on the horizon wisps of clouds bringing spring rains still retained a tinge of purple from the setting sun. The lights of the bridges over the river twinkled off of serene water and high overhead the stars shone down through the clear air.

There was a slight breeze rustling through the trees on the grounds below, carrying the scents of the city to his keen nose. He could catch hints of savory delicacies prepared at the many exquisite restaurants that populated the city, the musty scent of the slums, mowed grass in the suburbs, the damp of the river, and even faint smells from the orchards and the greenery of farms outside the city.

Everything has come so far. He looked down at a paper clutched in one black-furred paw. Yet not far enough.

Of average height, Viekas was a black wolf, looking far younger than the seventy-four summers he'd seen; the only indication of his age was given by graying at the tip of his muzzle, ears, and backs of his paws. Shaped by a hard life, Viekas's body was lean to the point of gauntness, but he was fit, his muscles like knotted cords of ironwood root. He was a wolf of action that had traded a life in fatigues for a suit and tie.

His ears perked upon hearing the double oak doors to his office open, and he turned around. From inside, a familiar deer -- a buck -- motioned to him.

Viekas strolled back to his office, rolling the heavy plate glass doors to the balcony closed behind him. Viekas's office was large, carpeted in plush burgundy, and had no less than ten marble columns that supported the ceiling thirty feet above. Light came from four large ornate crystal chandeliers hanging at regular intervals: one overlooked Viekas's oak desk directly, and another hung over the center of the room where a coffee table, two sofas, and two recliners sat where small groups could relax in comfort.

The whitetail buck looked annoyed, walking briskly with his regal antlers strung with jewelry held high, oblivious to the office's opulence. The cervine was dressed in a well-tailored suit and tie like Viekas, his vest black as night, with a white undershirt starched stiff.

Viekas trotted around his desk, sat on one corner, and waved the buck to sit in one of two paw-carved and upholstered chairs in front. "Seigi, you look like someone kicked your dog."

The buck shook his head, making the jewelry he wore on his antlers chime. "My Liege, you should, too. Among other things, I heard what they said about your education proposal."

With a sigh, Viekas tossed the paper still in his paw onto the desk. "I must admit that I'm somewhat disturbed that the Consiglio can't see the benefits that an empire-wide standardized education system will bring."

"How many times do I have to tell you, it's because those old farts on the Consiglio can see what it'll do. Specifically, to them."

"Maybe I didn't expect them to fall in love with it, but I thought perhaps they'd look beyond themselves for a change. Hell, by educating the people, they expand the skilled labor pool in their regions. Their nearsighted stupidity is mind-boggling at times."

Seigi looked like he couldn't decide if Viekas was serious or not. "Eminence, if you really think that a noble can be so easily separated from his power I would respectfully ask what the hell you've been smoking. Because they see smart poor people as being dangerous."

For a second time, Viekas sighed.

Seigi broke the long silence and spoke quietly. "You know that you're never going to implement these programs with the political system as it is. Half the nobility fought against the provincial provisions for education of the middle class, and each new idea you push on them makes the nobles fight a little harder against you. I know you've been trying to reform them and it's worked to a point, but I think you've about reached the limit of the changes they can tolerate. At least that's the case with the nobles from Jirag, Ebotan and Migillen stirring up the moderates. Maybe, just maybe, if you neutralize the three Despicable Despotic Dumbass provinces you'll have a chance. That's my official opinion."

Viekas sighed. "I suppose you're going to remind me once again that I should have done the job years ago and finished what I started. But...I had to give them an opportunity to change. I don't want any more pain than necessary."

"You always were a big softy." The buck looked up at his emperor. "Maybe the intelligence report I received this afternoon will change your mind."

Viekas grimaced. "I really hate it when you say that."

"I'm only the messenger, Eminence."

"Go on then."

"I hear our friendly nobles from the triple-D have been holding secret meetings with groups of nobles from other provinces. Aside from telling everyone how much they shouldn't like you, it seems that they're trying to rally support for rejecting your education legislation more forcefully, and...wait for it...increasing the Puhdistus Kasin's authority to prosecute 'special cases of immorality.'"

"Puhdistus Kasin." Viekas spat the words. "No. They've gone too far as it is, and I won't support any further broadening of their powers to initiate witch-hunts for homosexuals or 'other undesirables.' Funny how so many people fall under their category of 'undesirable.'"

"Every agent I've talked to today said that's what most people think, too. No one likes the Puhds, not even you; but the triple-D are gaining some momentum among the upper classes nonetheless."

Already the news made Viekas's stomach churn. He growled. "Any good news at all?"

A sudden beaming smile broke over the buck's muzzle. "Yes sir, I'm horny as hell. Nothing but meetings all day, and I haven't had even one single solitary fuck."

Viekas nearly laughed. The man's sudden transition caught him off guard. He leaned forward to kiss the deer on his muzzle. "I find it hard to believe that you were able to resist all of the many male interns you keep around."

Seigi held up his paw. "On my honor."

"Pffft! When has that ever stopped you?"

Seigi turned his muzzle away, pretending to be hurt. "Fine, no venison for you tonight."

Viekas stood. "But deer goes so well with fine ringtail."

The buck's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Oh? When did Chester get in? How was his trip to Shek?"

"You could ask him yourself; we've been waiting on you, after all."

The whitetail sat up, chuckling as he struggled to his feet. "You bastards! Making me go all day before letting me know."

The emperor smiled, catching the exhausted man's paw and hauling him upright. He was sure Seigi would display plenty of vigor soon enough, tired or not. "I needed you to focus on other things today and not go following your dick around. Or is it your tailhole today?"

"My Liege, you're cruel as ever." Seigi was about to hurry to the doors to go greet their mutual friend but stopped mid-stride. "Almost forgot, something that didn't make it into the news but I heard through the grapevine: Roth International assigned a new director to one of their divisions, something that you might want to check into."

Viekas was making some notes at his desk when he looked up. "Why's that a problem?"

"Apparently it was the Roths' twelve year-old son."

The old wolf took that in, staring at Seigi thoughtfully with his golden eyes. "That is rather unusual."

"Yeah, kind of a big deal, seeing as how R.I. is one of your key manufacturers, isn't it?"

Viekas made another note on his desk blotter as Seigi slipped out the door. Noticing the cervine's white tail disappearing behind the closing doors, he dropped his pen and rushed forward with the spry zeal of a much younger man. "Hey now! Wait for me!"

***

Back at home again, Michael lay back in their bed with the lights out. He finally had the chance to whisper the words he'd been dying to say all day:

"I love you Ben."

The naked young man nestled in Michael's warmth yipped in delight. He felt Ben shiver against him before the boy twisted in his arms, and the otterfox was rewarded with more than a few kisses before they both sank into happy, peaceful slumber.