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This story takes place a few months before the Outcasts formally meet Shadow Mask.
Luke had noticed something odd lately. Something that was starting to pique his interest. Something that...was honestly starting to bother his co-workers. So with that in mind. “Roland, why are you spying on where I live?” he deadpanned.
“I’m not spying on where you live, you dim witted Doll,” the fox said a little more defensively than he intended. “Give me one good piece of proof that I’m ‘spying’ on where you work.”
“You are holding binoculars, this is the building overlooking Jobson’s Odd Jobs, and if you weren’t you wouldn’t be so defensive,” Luke said flatly. “Oh, and the shop is right there,” he added, pointing to where Roland had been looking.
Roland looked right at the raccoon for a moment “I said give me one piece of proof. You need to improve your listening skills”
“...defensiveness. A common characteristic of one who has been ‘caught with their hand in the cookie jar’ so to speak,” Luke said, his tone the same as always. “All points lead to you hiding something, or do I have to call the police?” Luke asked, pulling out his cellphone.
As soon as calling the police was mentioned, and the cellphone produced, Roland quickly slapped it out of the Lukes hand. “No you don’t need to call the police.” he said slightly annoyed “Do you know what might happen if you called the cops? They might actually expose me, then I’m off to prison for the long haul.” he said in rather hushed tones. Looking around to see if anybody else was listening he motioned for Luke to come a bit closer. “I was watching the goddess you have working with you.”
Luke actually looked confused for a moment, the raccoon taking a few moments to process what he was saying and think about it. “Oh, you mean Scarlett? She’s not a goddess, she’s a normal furson...at least as far as I know. Hm...no, as far as I can tell she’s normal.”
Roland couldn’t hear much of what Luke said after he learned the object if his affections name “Scarlett...it suits her. Such a beautiful name for a vixen such as she.” he said almost dreamily.
“Oh, I get it. Well, okay if you want to try your luck with her go ahead,” Luke said. “But the last guy who tried anything funny with her got his face punched in by Vincent. He and Tony say she’s like a little sister to them, so they said something about screening,” Luke mused.
For a moment Roland didn’t hear what the raccoon had said until it dawned on him “Wait…You get it? How could you, of all furs. You who has absolutely no emotion even possibly grasp the concept of being in love, I mean I’m not even sure you have genitals.”
“No, you looked just like the fur who got his face punched in, so I guessed it from there. And I do have genitals, I use the bathroom,” Luke said. “Besides, I read books. You want to mate with her, correct?”
If it was possible for Roland to turn a brighter shade of red he certainly would have. “......It’s not like that. I want to get to know her. But for the first time since...ever...I don’t know much about how to talk to vixens. Oh sure I’ve charmed more than a few during those time I decided to DJ in my clubs but, this is different. This isn’t just about chatting her up to ‘get in her pants’.”
“I think you’d find them too tight. She’s smaller than you,” Luke said. “But if you want to know her, why not just go into the store and talk to her? She’s currently not taking any jobs.”
“Yes I’ll do just that!” he said standing up tall and made his way down to street level and practically marched across the street to the store. A few moments later he left the store again holding his left hand up to his left cheek looking somewhat lost. Walking across the street again he found Luke waiting for him.
“Yes?” Luke blinked.
“Well” he said in the calmest voice ever “I walked right into the store with a clear plan for what I wanted to say to her. Then I got to her and she looked at me and it was gone. I had forgotten everything I intended to say. So I just kind of...blurted out a bunch of gibberish. Then she slapped me” he said. Not looking in any particular direction “For one brief moment, she touched me.”
Luke just gave him a blank look. “Huh?” Yeah, that was honest to god confusion on the raccoon’s normally emotionless face. “I do not understand. What did you say to her that got you slapped? She is normally much...nicer.”
“I honestly have no idea” he said still looking straight ahead with almost as blank an expression as the Raccoons. “ I think I might have mentioned something about being on her.”
“Aha…” Luke nodded, before walking into the store. A few minutes later, he walked out. “She thinks you are a creepy pervert, and Tony and Vincent want to punch your teeth out for what you said,” Luke deadpanned. “I believe the term is… ‘epic fail’.”
“After that I might just let them” Roland said as he began to recover. “There has got to be a way of winning her affection without risking the wrath of Tony and Vincent.”
“...did you try talking to John? I think he told me he had someone he wanted to marry once,” Luke suggested.
“I suppose it couldn’t hurt...but that would probably dredge up a few too many unpleasant memories for him. So I think it best to keep him out of it until I have totally crashed and burned or I’ve had success. At the moment I feel like I’m only just going into the Nose Dive stage. I might be able to still pull up”
“...perhaps I can try,” Luke mused, before walking into the store. A few moments later, he walked out. “They told me I need to pick my friends more carefully,” he said flatly. “They also told me to tell you to leave.”
Looking past the Raccoon, Roland saw the Wolf and the Tiger staring daggers at him through the window. Luckily Roland was wearing much more regular clothes, the kind he usually wore when he spied on criminals so he would go unnoticed. “That might be a good Idea for now. Well at least they don’t know who I am wearing these,” he said indicating the clothes. So with a quick nod to the two in the store window he beat a hasty retreat.
Watching him leave, Luke looked back to his co-workers. “I can explain,” he said.
“Talk fast,” Vincent said. “We like ya, but the last guy Scarlett had to deal with gave her nightmares. So yeah, talk fast.”
[hr]
“I think I might have salvaged some of the situation,” Luke said. “They at least know you’re TRYING to be sincere. Though when they asked for your name, I told them you don’t like saying it. They weren’t too happy about that part, so it seems I am on ‘thin ice’ for now.”
“Well at least you kept my name out if it.” Roland said as he sat deflated in his office chair. “OK so I think I might have a plan to show her I’m not a pervert.”
“Whatever it is, I’d rather not be seen with you. I do have to work with them. I live in the attic too for that matter,” Luke said blandly.
“That’s fine” the fox said becoming more energetic. “I don’t really need you for this. Just careful timing,” he said as he started scribbling details on a piece of paper.
“Just try not to scare her. I myself am rather...fond of her,” Luke said.
“I didn’t try to scare her in the first place.” the fox pointed out. “Things just didn’t go as planned.” as Luke started to leave Roland called out to him again “Wait...actually I think you could help with something.” he said with a smile.
“Yes?”
Roland dug around his desk drawers for a few moments before he found what he was looking for. “Give this to her saying that it was a prize that came with a Pizza or something you ordered, but you’re not interested.” the fox said as he handed the raccoon a Free Pass to one of the fox’s clubs, it was one that was known for having live music and sometimes karaoke.
“Alright. I will give it to her. However, I do not think she will believe I won it from a Pizza. She is smart, and thus would see right through the ruse. I recommend mailing it to her. But how to do so that would not arouse suspicion?” Luke spoke up.
“Because it is actually a prize from a contest I’ve been running for the last week.” Roland said grinning
“...then I will present it that way. As a contest I won by accident, but have no interest in,” Luke nodded.
“Exxxcelent” the fox said as he rubbed his hands together.
“Do refrain from sounding and looking like a villain when you meet her,” Luke deadpanned.
[hr]
Luke sighed as he got back from doing a few errands. It was annoying, but he managed to time it just right that Scarlett should be in while the others were not. True enough, said Vixen was sitting on one of the chairs, unwinding from her last job. “Oh, hey Luke,” she greeted as she noticed him coming in.
“Good day, Scarlett,” Luke nodded politely. Things were still a little...tense...thanks to Roland’s moment of…’foot in mouth’...but things were slowly but surely going back to normal. “I have gotten the additional supplies that Michael requested.”
“Good to hear, we did need to restock,” Scarlett nodded with a slight smile.
“Speaking of which, while I was out, there was this raffle going on, and I happened to win,” Luke added.
“That’s great to hear. What did you win?” she asked.
“A free pass to a local nightclub,” Luke said. “To be honest, I was wondering if you might want it, seeing as I do not care much for such things.”
“Huh?” Scarlett blinked, a little surprised at that. “Are you sure?”
“I am positive. I believe you would have more use for this than I would,” Luke nodded, before placing the pass in front of her. “Now if you’ll excuse me I will be going to my room,” he said with a polite nod. Once he was in his room, he sent a quick text message to Roland. ‘The pass has been given’.
‘Excellent. She didn’t think it too strange did she?’ came the reply.
‘I do not believe so,’ Luke responded.
It took a moment for the reply to come through ‘Great. On to phase two then.’
‘...do I want to know what is phase two?’ was the response Luke typed, and this time Roland could just FEEL the deadpan stare the emotionless raccoon was probably giving him through the message.
‘It’s nothing too bad’ came the reply, that was quickly followed ‘I’ll just make sure my staff know she’s coming to ensure she wins a raffle tonight.’
‘...alright.’ was the simple reply. Now he just hoped this wasn’t about to fall through.
[hr]
Scarlett looked down at the free pass she’d gotten. She’d gotten used to dealing with Luke, and she didn’t think he’d try anything funny, but a part of her felt him winning this pass...and giving it to her...when Tony and Vincent were out at that, felt a little too...convenient. But then she quickly shook her head. That was crazy, right? It's not like this was some kind of plot to lead her into something...right?
Shaking her head again, she went in. Unknown to her, Luke was watching from a nearby rooftop. “She has arrived. What happens next is all you,” he says into a walkie talkie he was
carrying. A part of him was still a little baffled by the extent they were going for Roland’s attempt at courtship. Were all mating rituals this complicated?
As Scarlett entered the club the vixen was instantly wowed by the place. It had a very retro style look to it, mirror ceilings, a mirror ball and even the dance floor had light up panels that were designed to light up when they were stepped on. There was even a fur standing on stage singing a very bad rendition of Bonanza. To be honest she felt a little overwhelmed but she felt that after the creep showed up she needed to blow off some steam and this seemed like the perfect place to do it. So she approached the bar and ordered a drink. The Bar hostess was a red tailed doe who smiled politely as she took Scarlett’s drink order and gave her a ticket for a raffle that would take place later. Drink in hand, a strawberry daiquiri, she found a empty corner table and sat herself down, enjoying the bad singing. When the guy finally finished, he was given a courtesy clap from a few of the patrons as he clumsily made his way off stage. After a few other acts came and went some were better some not so much.
Despite the less than ideal atmosphere, she was finding it rather enjoyable. She idly considered going to the dance floor, but she wasn’t sure about the idea of dancing with some random strangers. However as she thought about it someone else came on stage. A male fox in a very nice suit with Silver like fur, and dark grey furred hands and slight dark grey markings around his eyes.
Scarlett squinted slightly. Something about that fox seemed familiar, though she had to admit, he was rather handsome.
The fox walked right up to the Microphone “Hello everyfur and welcome. I hope you’re all having a great time!” after saying that a loud cheer came up from the crowd signifying that they were “Glad to hear it. Alright everyfur, I’m here on stage so you know what that means, it’s time for the raffle” again another cheer from the crowd. “Now I know you all love this little machine up here with me, or you wouldn’t be here and I know a lot of you love it when I get up here to belt out a few tunes so tonight the winner will not only get their very own Karaoke machine but they get to duet with me tonight”
Scarlett rolled her eyes as a little as the room went quiet and the lights dimmed and a drum roll came seemingly from nowhere. Soon the same doe from behind the bar brought out a large round cage that had a load of little balls inside it. The fox began rolling the cage as the drumroll got a little louder. Eventually the cage stopped and the Roland reached inside and picked a ball. “This is exciting folks” he said as he looked at the number “And our winner tonight is…” he paused for dramatic effect “Ticket number 86!” the crowd cheered as a spotlight shon upon Scarlett who, as it turned out, was the winner “Looks like our winner is the lovely vixen in the corner,” Roland said as he got down off the stage and made his way over to her his own spotlight following him. As he reached her he held out his hand and smiled. “Would you care to join me on the Stage?” he asked as cool and calm as Ice, though inside he was on the brink of having a panic attack. Scarlett smiled and took his hand setting off all kinds of alarms in Roland's head as she did. He led her to the stage and helped her up before he joined her. “So please, what is your name?” he said as he held the microphone to her.
“Scarlett. Scarlett Watson,” she answered. Despite her smile she was pretty nervous. She did NOT expect to be picked for the prize. On top of that, a part of her couldn’t help but feel the fox on the stage was...familiar somehow.
“Well miss Watson, I’m Roland. Roland Price, owner of this fine establishment. And as tonight's lucky winner you not only get the Karaoke machine and to duet with me, but you also get to pick which song we sing. I am totally at your mercy” he said smiling, all the while thanking any and every divine being in existence that he had somehow not sweat through his shirt.
Scarlett nodded slightly, before looking through a list of songs. Eventually she came upon a name in the list, and picked it. A song called “Don’t Stop Believing”.
The Music started playing and Roland picked up an extra Microphone and held it up to his muzzle. The two began following the cues as they appeared on the screen.
“Just a small town girl...livin’ in a lonely world. She took the midnight train goin’ anywhere,” Roland sang.
“Just a city boy...born and raised in South Detroit…” Scarlett sang as her cue came up. While Roland quietly remarked “I’m from Orlando actually.”
Scarlett blinked a little at that but didn’t lose her beat. “He took the midnight train goin’ anywhere,” she continued as the music continued for a moment.
“A singer in a smoky room,” Roland sang.
“A smell of wine and cheap perfume,” Scarlett followed up, before they both began singing.
“For a smile they can share the night. It goes on and on and on and on…!” they sang, before hitting a high note. “Strangers. Waiting. Up and down the boulevard. Their shadows, searching in the night…! Streetlight. People. Livin’ just to find emotions. Hiding, somewhere in the night…!” the music soon began playing again for a few moments, before they continued.
“Workin’ hard to get my fill,” Scarlett sang, having really gotten into the song by now as parts of it really spoke to her. “Everybody wants a thrill!”
“Payin’ anything to roll the dice just one more time!” they sang together.
“Some will win,” Scarlett sang, before Roland joined her.
“Some will lose. Some were born to sing the blues, and now the movie never ends. It goes on and on and on and on…!” they sang before hitting the chorus again.
“Strangers. Waiting. Up and down the boulevard. Their shadows, searching in the night…! Streetlight. People. Livin’ just to find emotions. Hiding, somewhere in the night…!” they sang as the music hit again, giving them a moment to breath, before starting the last part of the song. .
“Don’t stop believin’! Hold on to that feelin’! Streetlights people (Whoa, oh, ahh)! Don’t stop believin’! Hold on to that feelin’! Streetlights people (Whoa, oh, ahh)! Don’t stop!” They sang, before the song ended.
The whole crowd erupted with applause as the two Foxes finished their duet. Each breathing a little heavy from the excitement of their performance. Without holding up the microphone he said to her “I think that’s the best show I’ve ever had up here with a winner since I bought this place.”
Scarlett smiled at him, “Thank you. It felt great to really let go like that. I really needed it.” to which Roland replied, “It was my pleasure miss Watson” then he lifted the Microphone. “Let’s hear it once again for our winner folks” as the crowd again cheered he decided to go for it. “If it’s okay with you...would you...I dunno, want to get something to eat sometime?” he said trying to hide his nervousness. If it showed then she might catch on that he was the same creep and turn him down for the rest of his life.
Scarlett blinked in surprise at the sudden offer. She was unsure, but she thought about it and made her choice. He seemed nice, and really, she did enjoy the short time singing with him so... “...alright,” she said, though her uncertainty was very much visible.
Roland smiled ear to ear as she accepted “Fantastic!” he said and tried very hard to avoid jumping into the air. “Would tomorrow be good for you? I can get a table at the best restaurant in the city. But first I think it’s time to claim your prize” he said as he signaled for a member of the club staff who then brought out the Karaoke machine Scarlet had won. Before she got down off the stage he stuck a note on it and whispered to her “My phone number is on there.”
Scarlett at this point couldn’t help but blush slightly, something she was glad her fur hid. She’d had men interested in her before, but most of them seemed to only like her for her looks, so she was understandably unsure what to do. Ultimately she decided to nod in acceptance for now. Besides, so far he seemed...nice. Of course, she fully intended to take some precautions just in case he turned out to be something else.
As Scarlett left the stage with her new Karaoke machine Roland casually tossed the ball back into the machine, if anyone were to look they would have seen the number on the ball was not 86 but in fact 01.
[hr]
Scarlett looked at the number on her new karaoke machine. Seeing as she wasn’t sure where she’d put it or even if she’d use it in her own apartment, she decided to ask Mr. Jobson if she could keep it in the shop, to which he agreed. Luke even offered to maintain it just as he did the other things in the shop. Now however, she was looking at the number she’d been given. She was considering whether or not to take up Mr. Price on his offer. On one hand he seemed like a nice person, but on the other hand...there was something familiar about him that kept making her feel apprehensive.
“Something wrong, Scarlett?” Luke asked, coming up from behind her. Inwardly he was sighing, knowing he was about to have to help Roland in his courtship attempt again. He still did not understand the need for such complexity.
“Oh, Luke,” she blinked in surprise. “No, just...thinking…” she sighed.
“What about?” Luke asked.
“...well...remember that pass you gave me? Turns out there was a raffle that time, and I won. The owner of the club, Roland Price kinda...gave me his number and sorta asked me out on a date I guess,” she sighed.
“And what is the problem?” Luke asked.
“Well...I don’t know what to think. He seems...nice, but I dunno…” she sighed again.
“...I’ve worked at the clubs owned by Mr. Price before,” Luke said. “He seemed like a reasonable furson and nice enough.”
“Really?” Scarlett asked just to make sure, to which she got a nod in response. “...do you think I should just try?”
“...I see no reason not to.”
“...alright, I guess it wouldn’t hurt,” she nodded, before taking out her phone and dialing the number, while Luke had gone back to his room to give her some privacy. “Hello? Mr. Price?”
[hr]
“Well hello Ms. Watson. It’s nice to hear from you. To be honest I didn’t expect you to call so soon,” He said with a smile as he held the phone up to his ear “I’ve never been so glad to be wrong. So I assume you’re calling about our date right?”
“Uh...yes, that is what I was calling about,” Scarlett said over the phone. “Well...I’m still not sure but I guess we could give it a try,” she said slowly.
Upon hearing her accept the date Roland had to cover the mouthpiece just incase he made some kind of noise in his excitement as he jumped up and down. Finally he brought the phone back up “That’s great! So, just so I don’t seem too pushy, ‘cause everybody hates that, I would like you to set the time. I know I said tomorrow but if you want to change that then please be my guest.”
“Uh...no, tomorrow is fine. It just happens to be my day off actually,” she said, albeit a little hesitantly. “So...where should we meet up and when?”
“Well being the gentlefur I am I was thinking I’d pick you up and then we’d drive to the restaurant, at about 10 pm. The place I have in mind looks great at night. So I know this might be asking a bit much but, I’ll need your address.” he said as he made it sound like he was getting out a notepad and pen, but as he already knew her address from his, observations of her neither was necessary.
“Oh, uh...meet me at...this address,” she said, before giving him an address...one he recognized as Jobson’s Odd Jobs. “It’s actually where I work, but a friend lives there too, so I thought it’d be easier if we meet up here. My apartment is a little out of the way,” It was a small lie, but she honestly didn’t feel comfortable telling a fur she’d just met her home address.
As Roland listened to her little lie he couldn’t help but think to himself, ‘Yeah out of the way. It’s only five blocks away from Jefferson’s diner, you lying little vixen you, but I can’t help but understand your reluctance,’ he thought. “OK that’s fine by me,” he said out loud "I’ll be there at about 10 then. I look forward to seeing you. Oh, also the place we’re going to is kinda fancy, so if you have a nice dress it’ll be needed. Dress codes and all that.”
“Oh...uh...well, I do have a couple of those. Alright, I’ll have it with me tomorrow,” she said with a nod.
“Great, I’ll see you then, Ms. Watson.” he said before gently hanging up. “Ah this is going to be perfect,” he said as he leaned back in his office chair. “Going on a date with the gorgeous Vixen of my dreams. It’s going to be great!”
[hr]
The next day came soon enough, with Scarlet carrying one of her formal dresses to work. “You sure about this, Scarlett?” Tony asked, the wolf having easily noticed her nervousness.
“Yes, I did say I would, so I will,” she said, albeit a little nervously.
“Well, okay. But take care of yourself. If this guy turns out to be a creep, you got all your stuff, right?” Vincent checked.
“Yes, a can of pepper spray...and my knees,” she nodded.
Luke who was listening actually winced. He’d read enough to know what that would do to a normal furson, unlike him who didn’t feel pain. Now he just hoped Roland didn’t ‘shoot himself in the foot’ so to speak...or would that be shoot himself in the crotch in this case?
“Well, we’re gonna head home now. You just enjoy your date, okay?” Tony said as he and Vincent packed up their stuff for the day.
“Alright, you both take care,” she nodded with a small smile, before going to the back to start getting dressed.
At the same time Luke went to his room and gave Roland a call. It was only fair he warned him.
[hr]
The phone in Roland’s two story penthouse rang and he picked it up. “Yello?”
“Hello, Roland? I called to give you a warning,” Luke said flatly.
“A warning? Is a DB about to attack?” Roland asked quickly.
“No. If you ‘mess up’ your attempt at courtship, you will be faced with pepper spray and knees, no doubt aimed at your genitals,” Luke said flatly.
“.............Ouch. That wouldn't be a pleasant by any stretch of the imagination” Roland said after a moment of hesitation. “Well I’ll have to just make sure I don’t mess this up.” he said while smiling.
“Very well. I merely called to warn you of that,” Luke said. “It is what a...friend would do for a friend,” there was a small shift in Luke’s normally flat tone, not very noticeable but there all the same...and seeing as he’d worked with Luke for a while now, he noticed the slightly...warmer...tone Luke’s voice gained at the word ‘friend’.
“OK thanks for the warning Luke. I appreciate it,” he said before hanging up. “So looks like the ol’ robot is starting to gain his emotions,” he said to himself and he continued to search through his collection of Tuxedos to see which one would be best.
[hr]
The appointed time came soon enough, and Scarlett was seated inside Jobson’s Odd Jobs, dressed in a modest red dress. It wasn’t a really fancy thing, nor was it one that showed off much fur, but it looked good on her. Nearby, Luke was reading a book as he kept her company, occasionally giving her words of encouragement when it looked like she was getting cold feet.
Fortunately, a car soon stopped outside the shop, and a familiar fox hybrid stepped out, before going into the shop. “Ah, Mr. Price,” Scarlett said as she got out of her seat.
Roland was about to greet her as well when he got a good look at her. He could tell she wasn’t wearing the most risque outfit in existence but something like that wouldn’t be welcome in the place he had in mind. But either way, what she was wearing looked perfect on her. It really made her look all the better without showing anything off.
“Uh...Mr. Price? Is...something wrong?” Scarlett asked, a little uneasy at how the fox hybrid had suddenly stopped, not to mention how he seemed a little dazed.
“I’m sorry...it’s just, you look amazing” Roland said while smiling. “So shall we go?” he asked while offering his arm to her. She cautiously took his arm and he politely led her outside where his BMW i8 was sat waiting for them. He led her to the passenger side door and opened it for her allowing the vixen to climb in. Then after closing the door he got into the driver’s seat. “I hope you’re hungry,” he said as he started the engine and drove to their destination.
“Ah, yes. I am feeling rather hungry,” Scarlett admitted. She’d, in a mix of nervousness and a bit of excitement, not eaten all that much earlier. “So, mind if I ask where we’re going?” she asked.
“Oh it’s a great place.” Roland said, not taking his eyes off the road “It’s called The Golden Rose. I’ve heard nothing but good about it.”
Scarlett’s eyes widened slightly. She’d heard of that place as well when she was reading a few magazines, and she did know of its recent reputation. “Oh my…” was all she could say, having never expected to be dining there.
“We can go somewhere else if you like” Roland said with a slight concerned look on his face “I mean if you don’t want to go there I can make other arrangements pretty much on the spot if you like”
“No no, it’s fine,” she said quickly. “I was just...surprised. I really wasn’t expecting to go to a place like that,” she said sheepishly, though considering who her date was...she probably shouldn’t have been so surprised.
“OK great,” he said smiling again, “We’ll be there soon...would you like to listen to some music while we drive?” he asked while reaching to the radio just in case she agreed.
“That sounds nice,” she nodded with a small smile.
Smiling too, he turned on the radio while going through his presets, “Any specific station you like?” he asked with a quick sidelong glance at his lovely passenger.
“Oh, I’m alright. I don’t really have a preference...though nothing too loud please,” she said quickly.
“Alright then” he said while tuning into a station that only played some older style music, the current song playing was one by The Seekers called “A world of our own”. As the song played Roland couldn’t help but think to himself ‘that is creepily fitting’. They continued to listen to classic songs all the way to the restaurant. As they arrived a Valet came up to them and Roland gave him his key and then leaned in close and whispered “Put it somewhere safe and you get three more,” he said as he slipped a Hundred dollar bill into the Valet’s hand.
The Valet’s eyes widened, before he quickly nodded and went to work.
Scarlett meanwhile was looking at the place they’d come to. It was a grand looking building with a good amount of gold decor and a strong flower motif spread through it. “It's as grand as the magazines made it out to be,” she couldn’t help but say.
“I know what you mean. To be honest I’ve never been here before so this is all new to me too.” he said with a smile as they approached the front desk where an Ermine in a pristine tuxedo stood waiting.
“May I help you sir and madam?” he asked with a french accent that was too strong to be real.
“Yes we would like a table please,” Roland said while standing right in front of the Head Waiter. “We have a reservation under the name Price.” the Head waiter looked through his book and smiled when he found the name “Ah oui zere eet is a table for two.” he then clapped his hands twice and a Mouse waiter arrived almost instantly “Show zis nice couple to table 23”
The Mouse looked at Roland and Scarlett and smiled “OK then if you two will just follow me,” he said with an accent that was notably not french but full blown American. The Mouse then lead them to their table and Roland pulled out Scarlett's seat for her before taking his own as he sat down the waiter said “You two just wait right here and I’ll be back with your Menus”
As the two sat down and got comfortable, Scarlett was still looking around a bit, before turning to Roland, who she noticed had a small smile on his face. “This place is certainly lovely. I really appreciate it,” she said, not wanting to sound ungrateful or anything.
“I’m sensing a ‘But’ coming,” Roland said while looking right at her. “It’s OK, whatever it is that is troubling you, please voice it.” he said genuinely.
“Not really,” Scarlett shook her head. “I guess...one thing I’ve been wondering is...why me?” she asked. “I mean...you’re Roland Price, one of the most successful and wealthy fursons in the city...and me, I’m just a girl who moved into the city, working in an odd jobs shop, not that I don’t enjoy my job, mind you,” she added quickly at the end. “It's just...of all the people in the city...why me?”
“I completely understand.” Roland said with a smile “I didn’t come from money, did you know that? I was actually the first member of my family to ever go to college. Even then I had to earn my Tuition during my entire time there. So I guess you kinda remind me of my roots. Not to mention I personally think you just happen to be the most beautiful vixen these eyes have ever seen.”
Scarlett was surprised to say the least. She’d never imagined someone like him would have come from humble beginnings, and on top of that. “You...you really mean that?” she asked. She’d heard that line before with a few guys in the past, but with Roland...the words felt different. They were much more...sincere.
“I do. I truly and honestly do,” he said smiling and he even carefully reached out and took a gentle hold of her hand, stroking the back of it with his thumb. Touching her, even just her hand was one of the most pleasant experiences he had ever had so far. Usually women were only after him for his money but not Scarlett. Not his dream Vixen.
Scarlett on her side felt her face heat up, and when she felt him stroke her hand, she didn’t recoil or feel afraid. His touch was gentle, and his words honest. She never thought of herself as much of a romantic, but she would be lying if she said she didn’t have dreams of meeting someone special, which considering her job, meant she’d meet a LOT of people. But up till now most of the men she’d met were either not interested, taken, or worse, saw her only for her looks. Even if she knew it was hasty, a small part of her was wondering if it had finally happened. Had she finally met that special someone she’d sometimes dreamed of?
Suddenly Roland’s ears perked up a bit as he heard something and he stood up, walked to her side of the table and held out his hand to her. “Would you like to dance?”
Scarlett blinked in surprise, before realizing that yes, there was a dance floor. “I...uh…” she mumbled a little nervously, looking at the offered hand. After a moment, she made her choice, and accepted the hand. “Alright,” she said with a small smile.
Roland led her out to the dance floor just as the music was starting up and took his position, placing her hand in his and his other on her hip which, to be honest made them both blush profusely luckily their fur hid it pretty well, hers moreso then his. They danced a slow dance keeping in time to the flow of the music being played while Roland lead, occasionally he spun her and then brought her close again. He could tell that she clearly knew how to dance, as there was no awkwardness, it was almost as if they had choreographed the dance before hand.
Scarlett was starting to enjoy this. Much like when they shared that song, she felt herself getting into the flow, and as the lights shined down on them, she looked in his eyes and for a moment, found herself lost in the lovely green orbs.
When she looked at him, he couldn’t help but smile. Everything was going so perfectly. He had the vixen of his dream in his arms, they were dancing and she seemed to be enjoying everything as much as he was. Eventually the dance ended and they headed back to their table, where the waiter was patiently waiting for them with their menus. “So,” he asked as they sat and took the menus. “What can I get for you two lovebirds?”
Scarlett blushed a little more at that, causing her to quickly bury her face into the menu. “Oh uh...well...what’s your specialty?” she asked, before looking at Roland. “What do you think looks good?”
Roland looked at Scarlett and then to the menu in his hands “Uhm let’s see...I think we’ll start with the Beef Bourguignon then for the main we’ll have the...Chicken Cordon Bleu and for dessert we’ll have the Creme Brulee.” Roland said picking out what he felt Scarlett and he would enjoy “And for drinks I think we’ll have the Louis Latour Bourgogne Pinot Noir,” he said then handed back the menu.
The Waiter took the menus from both foxes “Excellent choices all sir, I’ll be back with your starter soon.” with that he left Roland and Scarlett to their own devices. After a few moments Roland looked at his date “So, tell me about yourself,” he said with a smile.
“Oh uh...it's nothing much really,” Scarlett said softy. “I moved to this city about a year ago from the small town I was born in,” she started. “I’d always wanted to see what it was like living in the city, though in retrospect, maybe Colmaton wasn’t the best choice for a first experience,” she got a bit glum at that, but quickly brightened. “Don’t worry though, it was just a mugger, and it just so happened Tony and Vincent saw that and stopped him. From there, they asked me if I had any destination in mind. When I said I didn’t, they asked me if I was looking for a job. Long story short, they introduced me to our boss, Mr. Jobson, and I’ve been part of Jobson’s Odd Jobs ever since,” she smiled fondly. “Even if it's got its fair share of problems, it's a nice city isn’t it?”
Roland listened to her story and nodded slightly. “It is indeed. When you discount the amount of supervillains living here anyway.”
“Well, that’s what heroes are here for,” she chuckled slightly. “Though I wish the media would lighten up on them. Sometimes I think we’re building them up too much that we forget under those masks and powers...they’re all still furs like us,” she frowned. “Not to mention they’re out there risking their lives like that...it's not right for us to give them problems.”
Roland found his admiration for this vixen increasing even more. “So….” he asked almost nervously “What do you think of that group of Unregistered heroes, the...what was it….Outcasts, that’s it. They’ve been mentioned a fair few times.”
Scarlett frowned slightly. “I really don’t know. Aside from how there’s hardly any info on them, I can’t deny their methods can be..questionable sometimes,” she mused. “But then again...in a city like this...can we really expect all heroes to act like we live in a comic book? In the end though I don’t think they’re really wrong or right. It is comforting to know we’re protected by merciful heroes...but I think the city also needs heroes who can take a firm approach to some villains without needing someone’s permission first,” she mused, before realizing what she said. “Ah, sorry. I got carried away there. Must be kinda weird to hear someone like me say that…”
“Not at all.” Roland said smiling “Believe it or not I understand completely. As much as I appreciate the ones who are fully upholding the law like the ones in the BOS, I do appreciate the ones that know how and when to bend it to get the job done.”
“Yeah, one thing I learned since I came to this city is that it takes all types to make the world,” she smiled. “Its why I really love my job. I get to meet all kinds of furs everyday since I work all over the city,” she said with a grin.
“So I guess you’ve had your fair share of good and bad experiences then. I know I certainly have...” Roland said half to himself but loud enough for her to hear. “I mean as sad as it is, not everyfur out there is a knight in shining armor.”
“You don’t need to tell me that,” she sighed. “...to be honest, when you asked me out on a date, a part of me was worried you were like some of the furs who asked me out in the past. Some were nice, but quite a few of them they well…” she sighed. “They only saw me for my looks…”
“Bastards,” Roland couldn’t help but comment.
Scarlett on her side widened her eyes slightly in mild surprise...before she couldn’t help the soft smile that formed on her muzzle. His word had come out so naturally...it told her he meant it completely when he said that...and the thought that he felt that way...even if it was a bit wrong, she couldn’t help but feel touched. “Thank you…” she said softly. “Thank you for not being like them…”
“All I can do is be like me,” he said with a smile. “And I just happen to have been raised to respect all aspects of a vixen. And to be a gentlefur.”
Scarlett felt herself blushing again at that, and quickly tried to hide it behind her menu, much to his amusement. However before he could comment the waiter arrived with their starters and the two began to eat. As they ate the continued to talk about their lives in between bites.
Eventually the Beef Bourguignon was finished and they waited patiently for their next course to arrive.
Currently she had just finished laughing at a story Roland told her, a sound he found himself enjoying greatly. When she was done, she smiled. “Thanks. I really needed that,” she said gently.
“So do you have any funny stories about any of the odd jobs you’ve done around the city?” Roland asked genuinely curious to find out the kind of shenanigans she’d gotten into during her work days.
“Well...I guess there was that incident when our shop got a new...I guess you could call him a tenant. He’s an odd fur really, but he means well. He’s a raccoon who doesn’t remember who he is, and when we first let him stay at the shop, we had to help him clean the attic so he could use it as a room. Thing is, that attic hadn’t been cleaned in ages, so...we had a lot of ground to cover. What we DIDN’T expect was for Luke, the raccoon, to come in with a hose and he was just about to douse the entire attic before we stopped him. He honestly thought that it would make cleaning go faster...which it would...but then we’d have to clean up the mess after that. Too bad he’d already opened it a bit and well...we all needed a change of clothes after that,” she laughed slightly at the memory.
Roland could not help but picture Scarlett in that situation and once again he blushed a little but fortunately it wasn’t all that noticeable.
Once Scarlett had stopped giggling, she smiled, and placed a hand on top of his. “I’ve...really been enjoying this evening so far. Thank you,” she smiled warmly.
Once again as her hand made contact with his Roland heard all kinds of alarms going off in his head from Sirens to Klaxons and if he were some kind of machine he didn’t doubt that he would have the message “She’s touching me!” flashing across his vision. But thankfully before he could make a fool out himself he regained his composure and simply smiled. “It was my pleasure Ms. Watson” he said smiling.
“Scarlett,” she suddenly said, earning a surprised look from him. “Call me Scarlett,” she clarified...before adding, “And if it's alright...can I call you Roland?” she asked the last part a little shyly.
“Absolutely,” Roland said as their Main course arrived. Once again during their meal Roland and Scarlett regaled each other about the oddest things that happened at work. The evening soon went by faster than they would have liked, but through it all both of them had an enjoyable time. Now they were walking back to Roland’s car, with Roland’s hand clasping hers.
“I had a wonderful evening, Roland. Thank you,” she smiled.
“Thank you for agreeing to come on this date with me, Scarlett,” he said smiling. The trip back to Jobson’s Odd Jobs had them making small talk on the way, but when it was over, as he walked her to the door, she did something that made his night. Right before she went in, she leaned up to him and gave him a quick peck on the cheek.
“I really had fun tonight. Maybe we can do it again sometime?” she smiled as she waved and went into the shop.
Roland stood stock still as the door closed in front of him. Soon the biggest smile ever grew across his muzzle and he had to force himself not to jump into the air whooping like a maniac. Instead he did a small fist pump and a “Yes!” before he got back into his car he put his hand into his pocket and pulled out a pill. “Told him I wouldn’t need you,” he said remembering the supposed ‘courage pill’ that John had given him to ‘help him on his date’. With that he tossed it away, before he got into his car and drove home.
This is (currently) Non-canon
Co written by myself and
tdnfur
Roland Price/ The Gunman © me
Luke/ Cyber Adept © tdnfur
Colmaton universe created by
TRAIN
BOS created by
MojoRover
Luke had noticed something odd lately. Something that was starting to pique his interest. Something that...was honestly starting to bother his co-workers. So with that in mind. “Roland, why are you spying on where I live?” he deadpanned.
“I’m not spying on where you live, you dim witted Doll,” the fox said a little more defensively than he intended. “Give me one good piece of proof that I’m ‘spying’ on where you work.”
“You are holding binoculars, this is the building overlooking Jobson’s Odd Jobs, and if you weren’t you wouldn’t be so defensive,” Luke said flatly. “Oh, and the shop is right there,” he added, pointing to where Roland had been looking.
Roland looked right at the raccoon for a moment “I said give me one piece of proof. You need to improve your listening skills”
“...defensiveness. A common characteristic of one who has been ‘caught with their hand in the cookie jar’ so to speak,” Luke said, his tone the same as always. “All points lead to you hiding something, or do I have to call the police?” Luke asked, pulling out his cellphone.
As soon as calling the police was mentioned, and the cellphone produced, Roland quickly slapped it out of the Lukes hand. “No you don’t need to call the police.” he said slightly annoyed “Do you know what might happen if you called the cops? They might actually expose me, then I’m off to prison for the long haul.” he said in rather hushed tones. Looking around to see if anybody else was listening he motioned for Luke to come a bit closer. “I was watching the goddess you have working with you.”
Luke actually looked confused for a moment, the raccoon taking a few moments to process what he was saying and think about it. “Oh, you mean Scarlett? She’s not a goddess, she’s a normal furson...at least as far as I know. Hm...no, as far as I can tell she’s normal.”
Roland couldn’t hear much of what Luke said after he learned the object if his affections name “Scarlett...it suits her. Such a beautiful name for a vixen such as she.” he said almost dreamily.
“Oh, I get it. Well, okay if you want to try your luck with her go ahead,” Luke said. “But the last guy who tried anything funny with her got his face punched in by Vincent. He and Tony say she’s like a little sister to them, so they said something about screening,” Luke mused.
For a moment Roland didn’t hear what the raccoon had said until it dawned on him “Wait…You get it? How could you, of all furs. You who has absolutely no emotion even possibly grasp the concept of being in love, I mean I’m not even sure you have genitals.”
“No, you looked just like the fur who got his face punched in, so I guessed it from there. And I do have genitals, I use the bathroom,” Luke said. “Besides, I read books. You want to mate with her, correct?”
If it was possible for Roland to turn a brighter shade of red he certainly would have. “......It’s not like that. I want to get to know her. But for the first time since...ever...I don’t know much about how to talk to vixens. Oh sure I’ve charmed more than a few during those time I decided to DJ in my clubs but, this is different. This isn’t just about chatting her up to ‘get in her pants’.”
“I think you’d find them too tight. She’s smaller than you,” Luke said. “But if you want to know her, why not just go into the store and talk to her? She’s currently not taking any jobs.”
“Yes I’ll do just that!” he said standing up tall and made his way down to street level and practically marched across the street to the store. A few moments later he left the store again holding his left hand up to his left cheek looking somewhat lost. Walking across the street again he found Luke waiting for him.
“Yes?” Luke blinked.
“Well” he said in the calmest voice ever “I walked right into the store with a clear plan for what I wanted to say to her. Then I got to her and she looked at me and it was gone. I had forgotten everything I intended to say. So I just kind of...blurted out a bunch of gibberish. Then she slapped me” he said. Not looking in any particular direction “For one brief moment, she touched me.”
Luke just gave him a blank look. “Huh?” Yeah, that was honest to god confusion on the raccoon’s normally emotionless face. “I do not understand. What did you say to her that got you slapped? She is normally much...nicer.”
“I honestly have no idea” he said still looking straight ahead with almost as blank an expression as the Raccoons. “ I think I might have mentioned something about being on her.”
“Aha…” Luke nodded, before walking into the store. A few minutes later, he walked out. “She thinks you are a creepy pervert, and Tony and Vincent want to punch your teeth out for what you said,” Luke deadpanned. “I believe the term is… ‘epic fail’.”
“After that I might just let them” Roland said as he began to recover. “There has got to be a way of winning her affection without risking the wrath of Tony and Vincent.”
“...did you try talking to John? I think he told me he had someone he wanted to marry once,” Luke suggested.
“I suppose it couldn’t hurt...but that would probably dredge up a few too many unpleasant memories for him. So I think it best to keep him out of it until I have totally crashed and burned or I’ve had success. At the moment I feel like I’m only just going into the Nose Dive stage. I might be able to still pull up”
“...perhaps I can try,” Luke mused, before walking into the store. A few moments later, he walked out. “They told me I need to pick my friends more carefully,” he said flatly. “They also told me to tell you to leave.”
Looking past the Raccoon, Roland saw the Wolf and the Tiger staring daggers at him through the window. Luckily Roland was wearing much more regular clothes, the kind he usually wore when he spied on criminals so he would go unnoticed. “That might be a good Idea for now. Well at least they don’t know who I am wearing these,” he said indicating the clothes. So with a quick nod to the two in the store window he beat a hasty retreat.
Watching him leave, Luke looked back to his co-workers. “I can explain,” he said.
“Talk fast,” Vincent said. “We like ya, but the last guy Scarlett had to deal with gave her nightmares. So yeah, talk fast.”
[hr]
“I think I might have salvaged some of the situation,” Luke said. “They at least know you’re TRYING to be sincere. Though when they asked for your name, I told them you don’t like saying it. They weren’t too happy about that part, so it seems I am on ‘thin ice’ for now.”
“Well at least you kept my name out if it.” Roland said as he sat deflated in his office chair. “OK so I think I might have a plan to show her I’m not a pervert.”
“Whatever it is, I’d rather not be seen with you. I do have to work with them. I live in the attic too for that matter,” Luke said blandly.
“That’s fine” the fox said becoming more energetic. “I don’t really need you for this. Just careful timing,” he said as he started scribbling details on a piece of paper.
“Just try not to scare her. I myself am rather...fond of her,” Luke said.
“I didn’t try to scare her in the first place.” the fox pointed out. “Things just didn’t go as planned.” as Luke started to leave Roland called out to him again “Wait...actually I think you could help with something.” he said with a smile.
“Yes?”
Roland dug around his desk drawers for a few moments before he found what he was looking for. “Give this to her saying that it was a prize that came with a Pizza or something you ordered, but you’re not interested.” the fox said as he handed the raccoon a Free Pass to one of the fox’s clubs, it was one that was known for having live music and sometimes karaoke.
“Alright. I will give it to her. However, I do not think she will believe I won it from a Pizza. She is smart, and thus would see right through the ruse. I recommend mailing it to her. But how to do so that would not arouse suspicion?” Luke spoke up.
“Because it is actually a prize from a contest I’ve been running for the last week.” Roland said grinning
“...then I will present it that way. As a contest I won by accident, but have no interest in,” Luke nodded.
“Exxxcelent” the fox said as he rubbed his hands together.
“Do refrain from sounding and looking like a villain when you meet her,” Luke deadpanned.
[hr]
Luke sighed as he got back from doing a few errands. It was annoying, but he managed to time it just right that Scarlett should be in while the others were not. True enough, said Vixen was sitting on one of the chairs, unwinding from her last job. “Oh, hey Luke,” she greeted as she noticed him coming in.
“Good day, Scarlett,” Luke nodded politely. Things were still a little...tense...thanks to Roland’s moment of…’foot in mouth’...but things were slowly but surely going back to normal. “I have gotten the additional supplies that Michael requested.”
“Good to hear, we did need to restock,” Scarlett nodded with a slight smile.
“Speaking of which, while I was out, there was this raffle going on, and I happened to win,” Luke added.
“That’s great to hear. What did you win?” she asked.
“A free pass to a local nightclub,” Luke said. “To be honest, I was wondering if you might want it, seeing as I do not care much for such things.”
“Huh?” Scarlett blinked, a little surprised at that. “Are you sure?”
“I am positive. I believe you would have more use for this than I would,” Luke nodded, before placing the pass in front of her. “Now if you’ll excuse me I will be going to my room,” he said with a polite nod. Once he was in his room, he sent a quick text message to Roland. ‘The pass has been given’.
‘Excellent. She didn’t think it too strange did she?’ came the reply.
‘I do not believe so,’ Luke responded.
It took a moment for the reply to come through ‘Great. On to phase two then.’
‘...do I want to know what is phase two?’ was the response Luke typed, and this time Roland could just FEEL the deadpan stare the emotionless raccoon was probably giving him through the message.
‘It’s nothing too bad’ came the reply, that was quickly followed ‘I’ll just make sure my staff know she’s coming to ensure she wins a raffle tonight.’
‘...alright.’ was the simple reply. Now he just hoped this wasn’t about to fall through.
[hr]
Scarlett looked down at the free pass she’d gotten. She’d gotten used to dealing with Luke, and she didn’t think he’d try anything funny, but a part of her felt him winning this pass...and giving it to her...when Tony and Vincent were out at that, felt a little too...convenient. But then she quickly shook her head. That was crazy, right? It's not like this was some kind of plot to lead her into something...right?
Shaking her head again, she went in. Unknown to her, Luke was watching from a nearby rooftop. “She has arrived. What happens next is all you,” he says into a walkie talkie he was
carrying. A part of him was still a little baffled by the extent they were going for Roland’s attempt at courtship. Were all mating rituals this complicated?
As Scarlett entered the club the vixen was instantly wowed by the place. It had a very retro style look to it, mirror ceilings, a mirror ball and even the dance floor had light up panels that were designed to light up when they were stepped on. There was even a fur standing on stage singing a very bad rendition of Bonanza. To be honest she felt a little overwhelmed but she felt that after the creep showed up she needed to blow off some steam and this seemed like the perfect place to do it. So she approached the bar and ordered a drink. The Bar hostess was a red tailed doe who smiled politely as she took Scarlett’s drink order and gave her a ticket for a raffle that would take place later. Drink in hand, a strawberry daiquiri, she found a empty corner table and sat herself down, enjoying the bad singing. When the guy finally finished, he was given a courtesy clap from a few of the patrons as he clumsily made his way off stage. After a few other acts came and went some were better some not so much.
Despite the less than ideal atmosphere, she was finding it rather enjoyable. She idly considered going to the dance floor, but she wasn’t sure about the idea of dancing with some random strangers. However as she thought about it someone else came on stage. A male fox in a very nice suit with Silver like fur, and dark grey furred hands and slight dark grey markings around his eyes.
Scarlett squinted slightly. Something about that fox seemed familiar, though she had to admit, he was rather handsome.
The fox walked right up to the Microphone “Hello everyfur and welcome. I hope you’re all having a great time!” after saying that a loud cheer came up from the crowd signifying that they were “Glad to hear it. Alright everyfur, I’m here on stage so you know what that means, it’s time for the raffle” again another cheer from the crowd. “Now I know you all love this little machine up here with me, or you wouldn’t be here and I know a lot of you love it when I get up here to belt out a few tunes so tonight the winner will not only get their very own Karaoke machine but they get to duet with me tonight”
Scarlett rolled her eyes as a little as the room went quiet and the lights dimmed and a drum roll came seemingly from nowhere. Soon the same doe from behind the bar brought out a large round cage that had a load of little balls inside it. The fox began rolling the cage as the drumroll got a little louder. Eventually the cage stopped and the Roland reached inside and picked a ball. “This is exciting folks” he said as he looked at the number “And our winner tonight is…” he paused for dramatic effect “Ticket number 86!” the crowd cheered as a spotlight shon upon Scarlett who, as it turned out, was the winner “Looks like our winner is the lovely vixen in the corner,” Roland said as he got down off the stage and made his way over to her his own spotlight following him. As he reached her he held out his hand and smiled. “Would you care to join me on the Stage?” he asked as cool and calm as Ice, though inside he was on the brink of having a panic attack. Scarlett smiled and took his hand setting off all kinds of alarms in Roland's head as she did. He led her to the stage and helped her up before he joined her. “So please, what is your name?” he said as he held the microphone to her.
“Scarlett. Scarlett Watson,” she answered. Despite her smile she was pretty nervous. She did NOT expect to be picked for the prize. On top of that, a part of her couldn’t help but feel the fox on the stage was...familiar somehow.
“Well miss Watson, I’m Roland. Roland Price, owner of this fine establishment. And as tonight's lucky winner you not only get the Karaoke machine and to duet with me, but you also get to pick which song we sing. I am totally at your mercy” he said smiling, all the while thanking any and every divine being in existence that he had somehow not sweat through his shirt.
Scarlett nodded slightly, before looking through a list of songs. Eventually she came upon a name in the list, and picked it. A song called “Don’t Stop Believing”.
The Music started playing and Roland picked up an extra Microphone and held it up to his muzzle. The two began following the cues as they appeared on the screen.
“Just a small town girl...livin’ in a lonely world. She took the midnight train goin’ anywhere,” Roland sang.
“Just a city boy...born and raised in South Detroit…” Scarlett sang as her cue came up. While Roland quietly remarked “I’m from Orlando actually.”
Scarlett blinked a little at that but didn’t lose her beat. “He took the midnight train goin’ anywhere,” she continued as the music continued for a moment.
“A singer in a smoky room,” Roland sang.
“A smell of wine and cheap perfume,” Scarlett followed up, before they both began singing.
“For a smile they can share the night. It goes on and on and on and on…!” they sang, before hitting a high note. “Strangers. Waiting. Up and down the boulevard. Their shadows, searching in the night…! Streetlight. People. Livin’ just to find emotions. Hiding, somewhere in the night…!” the music soon began playing again for a few moments, before they continued.
“Workin’ hard to get my fill,” Scarlett sang, having really gotten into the song by now as parts of it really spoke to her. “Everybody wants a thrill!”
“Payin’ anything to roll the dice just one more time!” they sang together.
“Some will win,” Scarlett sang, before Roland joined her.
“Some will lose. Some were born to sing the blues, and now the movie never ends. It goes on and on and on and on…!” they sang before hitting the chorus again.
“Strangers. Waiting. Up and down the boulevard. Their shadows, searching in the night…! Streetlight. People. Livin’ just to find emotions. Hiding, somewhere in the night…!” they sang as the music hit again, giving them a moment to breath, before starting the last part of the song. .
“Don’t stop believin’! Hold on to that feelin’! Streetlights people (Whoa, oh, ahh)! Don’t stop believin’! Hold on to that feelin’! Streetlights people (Whoa, oh, ahh)! Don’t stop!” They sang, before the song ended.
The whole crowd erupted with applause as the two Foxes finished their duet. Each breathing a little heavy from the excitement of their performance. Without holding up the microphone he said to her “I think that’s the best show I’ve ever had up here with a winner since I bought this place.”
Scarlett smiled at him, “Thank you. It felt great to really let go like that. I really needed it.” to which Roland replied, “It was my pleasure miss Watson” then he lifted the Microphone. “Let’s hear it once again for our winner folks” as the crowd again cheered he decided to go for it. “If it’s okay with you...would you...I dunno, want to get something to eat sometime?” he said trying to hide his nervousness. If it showed then she might catch on that he was the same creep and turn him down for the rest of his life.
Scarlett blinked in surprise at the sudden offer. She was unsure, but she thought about it and made her choice. He seemed nice, and really, she did enjoy the short time singing with him so... “...alright,” she said, though her uncertainty was very much visible.
Roland smiled ear to ear as she accepted “Fantastic!” he said and tried very hard to avoid jumping into the air. “Would tomorrow be good for you? I can get a table at the best restaurant in the city. But first I think it’s time to claim your prize” he said as he signaled for a member of the club staff who then brought out the Karaoke machine Scarlet had won. Before she got down off the stage he stuck a note on it and whispered to her “My phone number is on there.”
Scarlett at this point couldn’t help but blush slightly, something she was glad her fur hid. She’d had men interested in her before, but most of them seemed to only like her for her looks, so she was understandably unsure what to do. Ultimately she decided to nod in acceptance for now. Besides, so far he seemed...nice. Of course, she fully intended to take some precautions just in case he turned out to be something else.
As Scarlett left the stage with her new Karaoke machine Roland casually tossed the ball back into the machine, if anyone were to look they would have seen the number on the ball was not 86 but in fact 01.
[hr]
Scarlett looked at the number on her new karaoke machine. Seeing as she wasn’t sure where she’d put it or even if she’d use it in her own apartment, she decided to ask Mr. Jobson if she could keep it in the shop, to which he agreed. Luke even offered to maintain it just as he did the other things in the shop. Now however, she was looking at the number she’d been given. She was considering whether or not to take up Mr. Price on his offer. On one hand he seemed like a nice person, but on the other hand...there was something familiar about him that kept making her feel apprehensive.
“Something wrong, Scarlett?” Luke asked, coming up from behind her. Inwardly he was sighing, knowing he was about to have to help Roland in his courtship attempt again. He still did not understand the need for such complexity.
“Oh, Luke,” she blinked in surprise. “No, just...thinking…” she sighed.
“What about?” Luke asked.
“...well...remember that pass you gave me? Turns out there was a raffle that time, and I won. The owner of the club, Roland Price kinda...gave me his number and sorta asked me out on a date I guess,” she sighed.
“And what is the problem?” Luke asked.
“Well...I don’t know what to think. He seems...nice, but I dunno…” she sighed again.
“...I’ve worked at the clubs owned by Mr. Price before,” Luke said. “He seemed like a reasonable furson and nice enough.”
“Really?” Scarlett asked just to make sure, to which she got a nod in response. “...do you think I should just try?”
“...I see no reason not to.”
“...alright, I guess it wouldn’t hurt,” she nodded, before taking out her phone and dialing the number, while Luke had gone back to his room to give her some privacy. “Hello? Mr. Price?”
[hr]
“Well hello Ms. Watson. It’s nice to hear from you. To be honest I didn’t expect you to call so soon,” He said with a smile as he held the phone up to his ear “I’ve never been so glad to be wrong. So I assume you’re calling about our date right?”
“Uh...yes, that is what I was calling about,” Scarlett said over the phone. “Well...I’m still not sure but I guess we could give it a try,” she said slowly.
Upon hearing her accept the date Roland had to cover the mouthpiece just incase he made some kind of noise in his excitement as he jumped up and down. Finally he brought the phone back up “That’s great! So, just so I don’t seem too pushy, ‘cause everybody hates that, I would like you to set the time. I know I said tomorrow but if you want to change that then please be my guest.”
“Uh...no, tomorrow is fine. It just happens to be my day off actually,” she said, albeit a little hesitantly. “So...where should we meet up and when?”
“Well being the gentlefur I am I was thinking I’d pick you up and then we’d drive to the restaurant, at about 10 pm. The place I have in mind looks great at night. So I know this might be asking a bit much but, I’ll need your address.” he said as he made it sound like he was getting out a notepad and pen, but as he already knew her address from his, observations of her neither was necessary.
“Oh, uh...meet me at...this address,” she said, before giving him an address...one he recognized as Jobson’s Odd Jobs. “It’s actually where I work, but a friend lives there too, so I thought it’d be easier if we meet up here. My apartment is a little out of the way,” It was a small lie, but she honestly didn’t feel comfortable telling a fur she’d just met her home address.
As Roland listened to her little lie he couldn’t help but think to himself, ‘Yeah out of the way. It’s only five blocks away from Jefferson’s diner, you lying little vixen you, but I can’t help but understand your reluctance,’ he thought. “OK that’s fine by me,” he said out loud "I’ll be there at about 10 then. I look forward to seeing you. Oh, also the place we’re going to is kinda fancy, so if you have a nice dress it’ll be needed. Dress codes and all that.”
“Oh...uh...well, I do have a couple of those. Alright, I’ll have it with me tomorrow,” she said with a nod.
“Great, I’ll see you then, Ms. Watson.” he said before gently hanging up. “Ah this is going to be perfect,” he said as he leaned back in his office chair. “Going on a date with the gorgeous Vixen of my dreams. It’s going to be great!”
[hr]
The next day came soon enough, with Scarlet carrying one of her formal dresses to work. “You sure about this, Scarlett?” Tony asked, the wolf having easily noticed her nervousness.
“Yes, I did say I would, so I will,” she said, albeit a little nervously.
“Well, okay. But take care of yourself. If this guy turns out to be a creep, you got all your stuff, right?” Vincent checked.
“Yes, a can of pepper spray...and my knees,” she nodded.
Luke who was listening actually winced. He’d read enough to know what that would do to a normal furson, unlike him who didn’t feel pain. Now he just hoped Roland didn’t ‘shoot himself in the foot’ so to speak...or would that be shoot himself in the crotch in this case?
“Well, we’re gonna head home now. You just enjoy your date, okay?” Tony said as he and Vincent packed up their stuff for the day.
“Alright, you both take care,” she nodded with a small smile, before going to the back to start getting dressed.
At the same time Luke went to his room and gave Roland a call. It was only fair he warned him.
[hr]
The phone in Roland’s two story penthouse rang and he picked it up. “Yello?”
“Hello, Roland? I called to give you a warning,” Luke said flatly.
“A warning? Is a DB about to attack?” Roland asked quickly.
“No. If you ‘mess up’ your attempt at courtship, you will be faced with pepper spray and knees, no doubt aimed at your genitals,” Luke said flatly.
“.............Ouch. That wouldn't be a pleasant by any stretch of the imagination” Roland said after a moment of hesitation. “Well I’ll have to just make sure I don’t mess this up.” he said while smiling.
“Very well. I merely called to warn you of that,” Luke said. “It is what a...friend would do for a friend,” there was a small shift in Luke’s normally flat tone, not very noticeable but there all the same...and seeing as he’d worked with Luke for a while now, he noticed the slightly...warmer...tone Luke’s voice gained at the word ‘friend’.
“OK thanks for the warning Luke. I appreciate it,” he said before hanging up. “So looks like the ol’ robot is starting to gain his emotions,” he said to himself and he continued to search through his collection of Tuxedos to see which one would be best.
[hr]
The appointed time came soon enough, and Scarlett was seated inside Jobson’s Odd Jobs, dressed in a modest red dress. It wasn’t a really fancy thing, nor was it one that showed off much fur, but it looked good on her. Nearby, Luke was reading a book as he kept her company, occasionally giving her words of encouragement when it looked like she was getting cold feet.
Fortunately, a car soon stopped outside the shop, and a familiar fox hybrid stepped out, before going into the shop. “Ah, Mr. Price,” Scarlett said as she got out of her seat.
Roland was about to greet her as well when he got a good look at her. He could tell she wasn’t wearing the most risque outfit in existence but something like that wouldn’t be welcome in the place he had in mind. But either way, what she was wearing looked perfect on her. It really made her look all the better without showing anything off.
“Uh...Mr. Price? Is...something wrong?” Scarlett asked, a little uneasy at how the fox hybrid had suddenly stopped, not to mention how he seemed a little dazed.
“I’m sorry...it’s just, you look amazing” Roland said while smiling. “So shall we go?” he asked while offering his arm to her. She cautiously took his arm and he politely led her outside where his BMW i8 was sat waiting for them. He led her to the passenger side door and opened it for her allowing the vixen to climb in. Then after closing the door he got into the driver’s seat. “I hope you’re hungry,” he said as he started the engine and drove to their destination.
“Ah, yes. I am feeling rather hungry,” Scarlett admitted. She’d, in a mix of nervousness and a bit of excitement, not eaten all that much earlier. “So, mind if I ask where we’re going?” she asked.
“Oh it’s a great place.” Roland said, not taking his eyes off the road “It’s called The Golden Rose. I’ve heard nothing but good about it.”
Scarlett’s eyes widened slightly. She’d heard of that place as well when she was reading a few magazines, and she did know of its recent reputation. “Oh my…” was all she could say, having never expected to be dining there.
“We can go somewhere else if you like” Roland said with a slight concerned look on his face “I mean if you don’t want to go there I can make other arrangements pretty much on the spot if you like”
“No no, it’s fine,” she said quickly. “I was just...surprised. I really wasn’t expecting to go to a place like that,” she said sheepishly, though considering who her date was...she probably shouldn’t have been so surprised.
“OK great,” he said smiling again, “We’ll be there soon...would you like to listen to some music while we drive?” he asked while reaching to the radio just in case she agreed.
“That sounds nice,” she nodded with a small smile.
Smiling too, he turned on the radio while going through his presets, “Any specific station you like?” he asked with a quick sidelong glance at his lovely passenger.
“Oh, I’m alright. I don’t really have a preference...though nothing too loud please,” she said quickly.
“Alright then” he said while tuning into a station that only played some older style music, the current song playing was one by The Seekers called “A world of our own”. As the song played Roland couldn’t help but think to himself ‘that is creepily fitting’. They continued to listen to classic songs all the way to the restaurant. As they arrived a Valet came up to them and Roland gave him his key and then leaned in close and whispered “Put it somewhere safe and you get three more,” he said as he slipped a Hundred dollar bill into the Valet’s hand.
The Valet’s eyes widened, before he quickly nodded and went to work.
Scarlett meanwhile was looking at the place they’d come to. It was a grand looking building with a good amount of gold decor and a strong flower motif spread through it. “It's as grand as the magazines made it out to be,” she couldn’t help but say.
“I know what you mean. To be honest I’ve never been here before so this is all new to me too.” he said with a smile as they approached the front desk where an Ermine in a pristine tuxedo stood waiting.
“May I help you sir and madam?” he asked with a french accent that was too strong to be real.
“Yes we would like a table please,” Roland said while standing right in front of the Head Waiter. “We have a reservation under the name Price.” the Head waiter looked through his book and smiled when he found the name “Ah oui zere eet is a table for two.” he then clapped his hands twice and a Mouse waiter arrived almost instantly “Show zis nice couple to table 23”
The Mouse looked at Roland and Scarlett and smiled “OK then if you two will just follow me,” he said with an accent that was notably not french but full blown American. The Mouse then lead them to their table and Roland pulled out Scarlett's seat for her before taking his own as he sat down the waiter said “You two just wait right here and I’ll be back with your Menus”
As the two sat down and got comfortable, Scarlett was still looking around a bit, before turning to Roland, who she noticed had a small smile on his face. “This place is certainly lovely. I really appreciate it,” she said, not wanting to sound ungrateful or anything.
“I’m sensing a ‘But’ coming,” Roland said while looking right at her. “It’s OK, whatever it is that is troubling you, please voice it.” he said genuinely.
“Not really,” Scarlett shook her head. “I guess...one thing I’ve been wondering is...why me?” she asked. “I mean...you’re Roland Price, one of the most successful and wealthy fursons in the city...and me, I’m just a girl who moved into the city, working in an odd jobs shop, not that I don’t enjoy my job, mind you,” she added quickly at the end. “It's just...of all the people in the city...why me?”
“I completely understand.” Roland said with a smile “I didn’t come from money, did you know that? I was actually the first member of my family to ever go to college. Even then I had to earn my Tuition during my entire time there. So I guess you kinda remind me of my roots. Not to mention I personally think you just happen to be the most beautiful vixen these eyes have ever seen.”
Scarlett was surprised to say the least. She’d never imagined someone like him would have come from humble beginnings, and on top of that. “You...you really mean that?” she asked. She’d heard that line before with a few guys in the past, but with Roland...the words felt different. They were much more...sincere.
“I do. I truly and honestly do,” he said smiling and he even carefully reached out and took a gentle hold of her hand, stroking the back of it with his thumb. Touching her, even just her hand was one of the most pleasant experiences he had ever had so far. Usually women were only after him for his money but not Scarlett. Not his dream Vixen.
Scarlett on her side felt her face heat up, and when she felt him stroke her hand, she didn’t recoil or feel afraid. His touch was gentle, and his words honest. She never thought of herself as much of a romantic, but she would be lying if she said she didn’t have dreams of meeting someone special, which considering her job, meant she’d meet a LOT of people. But up till now most of the men she’d met were either not interested, taken, or worse, saw her only for her looks. Even if she knew it was hasty, a small part of her was wondering if it had finally happened. Had she finally met that special someone she’d sometimes dreamed of?
Suddenly Roland’s ears perked up a bit as he heard something and he stood up, walked to her side of the table and held out his hand to her. “Would you like to dance?”
Scarlett blinked in surprise, before realizing that yes, there was a dance floor. “I...uh…” she mumbled a little nervously, looking at the offered hand. After a moment, she made her choice, and accepted the hand. “Alright,” she said with a small smile.
Roland led her out to the dance floor just as the music was starting up and took his position, placing her hand in his and his other on her hip which, to be honest made them both blush profusely luckily their fur hid it pretty well, hers moreso then his. They danced a slow dance keeping in time to the flow of the music being played while Roland lead, occasionally he spun her and then brought her close again. He could tell that she clearly knew how to dance, as there was no awkwardness, it was almost as if they had choreographed the dance before hand.
Scarlett was starting to enjoy this. Much like when they shared that song, she felt herself getting into the flow, and as the lights shined down on them, she looked in his eyes and for a moment, found herself lost in the lovely green orbs.
When she looked at him, he couldn’t help but smile. Everything was going so perfectly. He had the vixen of his dream in his arms, they were dancing and she seemed to be enjoying everything as much as he was. Eventually the dance ended and they headed back to their table, where the waiter was patiently waiting for them with their menus. “So,” he asked as they sat and took the menus. “What can I get for you two lovebirds?”
Scarlett blushed a little more at that, causing her to quickly bury her face into the menu. “Oh uh...well...what’s your specialty?” she asked, before looking at Roland. “What do you think looks good?”
Roland looked at Scarlett and then to the menu in his hands “Uhm let’s see...I think we’ll start with the Beef Bourguignon then for the main we’ll have the...Chicken Cordon Bleu and for dessert we’ll have the Creme Brulee.” Roland said picking out what he felt Scarlett and he would enjoy “And for drinks I think we’ll have the Louis Latour Bourgogne Pinot Noir,” he said then handed back the menu.
The Waiter took the menus from both foxes “Excellent choices all sir, I’ll be back with your starter soon.” with that he left Roland and Scarlett to their own devices. After a few moments Roland looked at his date “So, tell me about yourself,” he said with a smile.
“Oh uh...it's nothing much really,” Scarlett said softy. “I moved to this city about a year ago from the small town I was born in,” she started. “I’d always wanted to see what it was like living in the city, though in retrospect, maybe Colmaton wasn’t the best choice for a first experience,” she got a bit glum at that, but quickly brightened. “Don’t worry though, it was just a mugger, and it just so happened Tony and Vincent saw that and stopped him. From there, they asked me if I had any destination in mind. When I said I didn’t, they asked me if I was looking for a job. Long story short, they introduced me to our boss, Mr. Jobson, and I’ve been part of Jobson’s Odd Jobs ever since,” she smiled fondly. “Even if it's got its fair share of problems, it's a nice city isn’t it?”
Roland listened to her story and nodded slightly. “It is indeed. When you discount the amount of supervillains living here anyway.”
“Well, that’s what heroes are here for,” she chuckled slightly. “Though I wish the media would lighten up on them. Sometimes I think we’re building them up too much that we forget under those masks and powers...they’re all still furs like us,” she frowned. “Not to mention they’re out there risking their lives like that...it's not right for us to give them problems.”
Roland found his admiration for this vixen increasing even more. “So….” he asked almost nervously “What do you think of that group of Unregistered heroes, the...what was it….Outcasts, that’s it. They’ve been mentioned a fair few times.”
Scarlett frowned slightly. “I really don’t know. Aside from how there’s hardly any info on them, I can’t deny their methods can be..questionable sometimes,” she mused. “But then again...in a city like this...can we really expect all heroes to act like we live in a comic book? In the end though I don’t think they’re really wrong or right. It is comforting to know we’re protected by merciful heroes...but I think the city also needs heroes who can take a firm approach to some villains without needing someone’s permission first,” she mused, before realizing what she said. “Ah, sorry. I got carried away there. Must be kinda weird to hear someone like me say that…”
“Not at all.” Roland said smiling “Believe it or not I understand completely. As much as I appreciate the ones who are fully upholding the law like the ones in the BOS, I do appreciate the ones that know how and when to bend it to get the job done.”
“Yeah, one thing I learned since I came to this city is that it takes all types to make the world,” she smiled. “Its why I really love my job. I get to meet all kinds of furs everyday since I work all over the city,” she said with a grin.
“So I guess you’ve had your fair share of good and bad experiences then. I know I certainly have...” Roland said half to himself but loud enough for her to hear. “I mean as sad as it is, not everyfur out there is a knight in shining armor.”
“You don’t need to tell me that,” she sighed. “...to be honest, when you asked me out on a date, a part of me was worried you were like some of the furs who asked me out in the past. Some were nice, but quite a few of them they well…” she sighed. “They only saw me for my looks…”
“Bastards,” Roland couldn’t help but comment.
Scarlett on her side widened her eyes slightly in mild surprise...before she couldn’t help the soft smile that formed on her muzzle. His word had come out so naturally...it told her he meant it completely when he said that...and the thought that he felt that way...even if it was a bit wrong, she couldn’t help but feel touched. “Thank you…” she said softly. “Thank you for not being like them…”
“All I can do is be like me,” he said with a smile. “And I just happen to have been raised to respect all aspects of a vixen. And to be a gentlefur.”
Scarlett felt herself blushing again at that, and quickly tried to hide it behind her menu, much to his amusement. However before he could comment the waiter arrived with their starters and the two began to eat. As they ate the continued to talk about their lives in between bites.
Eventually the Beef Bourguignon was finished and they waited patiently for their next course to arrive.
Currently she had just finished laughing at a story Roland told her, a sound he found himself enjoying greatly. When she was done, she smiled. “Thanks. I really needed that,” she said gently.
“So do you have any funny stories about any of the odd jobs you’ve done around the city?” Roland asked genuinely curious to find out the kind of shenanigans she’d gotten into during her work days.
“Well...I guess there was that incident when our shop got a new...I guess you could call him a tenant. He’s an odd fur really, but he means well. He’s a raccoon who doesn’t remember who he is, and when we first let him stay at the shop, we had to help him clean the attic so he could use it as a room. Thing is, that attic hadn’t been cleaned in ages, so...we had a lot of ground to cover. What we DIDN’T expect was for Luke, the raccoon, to come in with a hose and he was just about to douse the entire attic before we stopped him. He honestly thought that it would make cleaning go faster...which it would...but then we’d have to clean up the mess after that. Too bad he’d already opened it a bit and well...we all needed a change of clothes after that,” she laughed slightly at the memory.
Roland could not help but picture Scarlett in that situation and once again he blushed a little but fortunately it wasn’t all that noticeable.
Once Scarlett had stopped giggling, she smiled, and placed a hand on top of his. “I’ve...really been enjoying this evening so far. Thank you,” she smiled warmly.
Once again as her hand made contact with his Roland heard all kinds of alarms going off in his head from Sirens to Klaxons and if he were some kind of machine he didn’t doubt that he would have the message “She’s touching me!” flashing across his vision. But thankfully before he could make a fool out himself he regained his composure and simply smiled. “It was my pleasure Ms. Watson” he said smiling.
“Scarlett,” she suddenly said, earning a surprised look from him. “Call me Scarlett,” she clarified...before adding, “And if it's alright...can I call you Roland?” she asked the last part a little shyly.
“Absolutely,” Roland said as their Main course arrived. Once again during their meal Roland and Scarlett regaled each other about the oddest things that happened at work. The evening soon went by faster than they would have liked, but through it all both of them had an enjoyable time. Now they were walking back to Roland’s car, with Roland’s hand clasping hers.
“I had a wonderful evening, Roland. Thank you,” she smiled.
“Thank you for agreeing to come on this date with me, Scarlett,” he said smiling. The trip back to Jobson’s Odd Jobs had them making small talk on the way, but when it was over, as he walked her to the door, she did something that made his night. Right before she went in, she leaned up to him and gave him a quick peck on the cheek.
“I really had fun tonight. Maybe we can do it again sometime?” she smiled as she waved and went into the shop.
Roland stood stock still as the door closed in front of him. Soon the biggest smile ever grew across his muzzle and he had to force himself not to jump into the air whooping like a maniac. Instead he did a small fist pump and a “Yes!” before he got back into his car he put his hand into his pocket and pulled out a pill. “Told him I wouldn’t need you,” he said remembering the supposed ‘courage pill’ that John had given him to ‘help him on his date’. With that he tossed it away, before he got into his car and drove home.
This is (currently) Non-canon
Co written by myself and
tdnfurRoland Price/ The Gunman © me
Luke/ Cyber Adept ©
tdnfurColmaton universe created by
TRAINBOS created by
MojoRover
Category Story / Rap
Species Vulpine (Other)
Size 50 x 50px
File Size 50.1 kB
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