A New Level - (Closed for Led_Astray)

"God dammit, Rayne, do you even know what department Belker has been promoted to?" yelled David, angry now. Too angry to enjoy the delicious sight of Rayne's rear view, her low-slong jeans

Stupid girl... dammit, I need her to step up and take Belker's place and she'd be bloody good at it too... he though to himself in frustration.

But he might as well have kept his mouth shut, as Rayne ignored him and leaped onto her bike, revving the engine and peeling off into the traffic recklessly.

Shaking his head in bemusement, David headed back to his own bike, reseating his helmet firmly.

Maybe she'll have calmed down in a couple of hours, and I can talk some sense into her at the club. Bobbi will probably help, at that, I bet she would be very keen to have Rayne in charge rather than some other human that might be just as bad as Belker...

***

Soon he was home, the bike securely stowed in the garage. Technically, he still lived with his parents but the building was so large that he could go for days without seeing them. Apart from a connecting hallway his rooms were self-contained and included a kitchen and bathroom - so why would he want to move out?

He hit the shower first, the hot spray sluicing over his body, the built-in detergent jets scouring away the sweat and dead skin and leaving him fresh, glowing, and smelling deliciously of mint. He walked through the dryer slowly, warm and dry by the time he reached the other end, and looked into his expansive - and expensive - wardrobe.

"So... what does a junior floor manager wear to a club?" he mused out loud. He picked out a black t-shirt - designer, but not obviously so - figuring it wouldn't look beyond his means. Slipping on a pair of jersey shorts and the tee, he was about to start looking for pants when the internal com bleeped.

"Hey dad." he called. "Whats up?"

"Just checking to see how you are getting on at work, son." replied a rich, sonorous voice.

"Oh, its interesting.. very interesting. Been doing a little re-organising..."

"So I see... I have the records right here. I'm sure you have your reasons for promoting a man almost immediately after giving him two demerits?"

"Yeah, I..." David stopped short. His father was not keen on GELs (now there is an understatement, he mentally ammended)... could he be relied on to agree to some of his son's planned changes to the way the company treated them? Not yet...

"It's complicated, you'll just have to trust me, Dad." he continued, evasively. "Anyway, I better go. I'm off out."

"Ahh, of course you are. It's a Friday night and you are a young man... just try not to embarrass your mother and I with the usual sort of bimbo you bring home, hmm?" replied the older man, hanging up.

David flushed, chagrined, glad the video circuit hadn't been active. It was true, he'd made some very poor choices of girlfriend in the past... Most of them just trying to get into the lifestyle of the wealthy... He sighed. None of them had been really interested in him, just in his corporate credit limit.

Still, maybe tonight would be different.. but then he shook his head. Tonight would be mostly employees, and as much as he found Rayne attractive - very, very attractive - and Bobbi too, for that matter, getting involved with anyone from work would be a serious mistake, both in his guise of Junior Floor Manager, and in his real life...

Rayne heard nothing after she stormed off, her engine roaring to life shortly before David’s temper boiled over briefly. She throttled the engine and the front wheel lifted into the air briefly before it made contact with the asphalt and she sped off, kicking up loose rocks and dust in her wake. Rayne didn’t have a helmet and by law she didn’t have to wear one, there was nothing keeping that pretty head of hers from cracking open on the concrete like a ripe melon except her reflexes and a bit of luck. Her reflective shades kept the wind from her eyes for the most part, though she felt her eyes watering nonetheless and blamed it on that. Her ears folded back against her short mane, which whipped wildly about as she blew past cars as if they were standing still. Her mind was still racing and her stomach hurt from being angry for so long. Why couldn’t things just be easy for once? One punch and the world was ready to heave itself up and over her. What the hell was he even thinking of? That idiot human with those beautiful eyes and easy smile. The clenching pain in her gut subsided for a moment though it was replaced with an equally annoying fluttering sensation. She couldn’t help but say the word promotion over and over in her mind; he hadn’t been joking when he said it.

But all Rayne could think about was the color closing tight about her throat, if she did that it would be it. She had always thought life would take her somewhere great, that some adventurer take her sailing away to far off lands. But it never had, not that she ever put more into it than a longing thought now and then. It was easier to not try sometimes, Rayne had found out time and time again. Life as a human had never been easy, though it seemed a half-remembered fantasy. Sometimes, just sometimes, she almost regretted that fateful choice, at least when she was in her room, in the darkness of night with no one to comfort her but her own thoughts. They rarely brought anything close to comfort though, Rayne’s mind at the best of times was her own worst enemy. As she lost herself in thought Rayne zipped in and out of track, leading from the city proper and into what was nicknamed the GELhetto by humans. It was part of the city that many GELs congregated and felt the least persecution by humans and in turn the law.

It hadn’t been the safest place to live, or in the best part of town, but they looked after their own. For the most part it was a community that thrived in the face of adversity, a rich a colorful little place as bright and exotic as the people that inhabited it. Rayne was one of many women who had been spliced with feline genes, though her level of change was almost purely cosmetic at least compared to some. She passed several fully developed GEL’s on her bike, more animal than human with animalistic visages and fur covering them from head to tail. Compared to some of the more extreme cases she was down right normal, though that didn’t matter much to many a human, the prejudice ran true for them all.

Rayen pulled up to a broken and battered apartment building that had seen better days. The entrance to the covered garage connected to it had a guards house and a gate, though the flimsy wooden ‘gate’ had long since been broken off and there hadn’t been a security guard since Rayne had moved in. She rode her bike up to the top and to a shed made out of aluminum siding. It looked like a strong breeze would knock it over, though it had a good and sturdy lock. Rayne unlocked the door and walked the bike in, barely enough space for her and the bike. She closed the door and relocked it before making her way to the building itself. From the outside it looked to have seen better days and for the most part the hallways and lobby shared the same gloom of glory days gone by. Yet the place had running water and gas, electricity and heat in the winter, air conditioning in the summer. The price was steep, at least for someone with little means like Rayne but she had been lucky share an apartment with a few other girls. Bobbi had been her savior back in those days, the lupine always seemed to know somebody who knew somebody.
It had turned out for the best, Rayne had her own room with a full bathroom, much to her relief. She only had to share everything else with four or five GEL’s (it seemed the number changed daily sometimes). Guys and girls came and went with the seasons, Rayne couldn’t recall just how many roommates she had except for Lilly. She had been there when Rayne moved in and would probably be there when she was gone.

Lilly was by her own admittance in the employee of one of the oldest professions, though thankful she was not a street walker, the woman had more class than Rayne could ever hope to have in her lifetime. Her fox-like ears and tail were as brilliant and red as her wavy, shoulder length hair and her even Rayne thought she could get lost in those emerald eyes. She was more courtesan than anything and one of her gifts was the ability to listen; something Rayne herself rarely could comprehend.

Thankfully Lilly wasn’t home when Rayne arrived, the door swinging widely as she passed the threshold. The woman just had a way of knowing when something was troubling her and today Rayne didn’t feel like opening up. She just wanted to drink the night away, maybe she would forget the rest of the day if she polished off enough hard liquor. Rayne didn’t waste any time wriggling out of her work clothes and into the hot welcoming arms of a good, steamy shower. It was one of those little pleasures she let herself indulge in, she always loved a good long shower. She managed to clean herself off eventually though, washing her hair and tail before scrubbing the sweat and grime from her lush frame. She came out of the shower smelling of sandalwood and patchouli.

Her attire for the night was far more revealing than even those skin tight jeans she wore at work, a pair of cut-off shorts so short that the bottom of the pockets poked out slightly. A ripped and torn T-shirt with a faded logo of a skull wearing a beret hung off her frame, the words “Let god sort 'em out” underneath. It was more of an over shirt (as it barely covered anything and more often than not was falling off her shoulders) for the bright red tanktop underneath that clung to her modest swells, dipping low enough to actually give a rather splendid view of her cleavage. She picked a silver chain for her neck, its length adorned with a old, tarnished silver ring. Her work boots were replaced with calf high, black leather boots, though they were only laced up to her ankles, the rest of the boot flowering off about her calves and ankles. There was more than a hint of skin in that attire, those toned, tall legs making a very profound appearance tonight. With nothing else but her wallet and phone Rayne was out the door, thundering down the stairs to meet up with the rest of the group in the lobby. Many of her co-workers lived in the build as well, one being Bobbi. The shorter, cute girl wore a flowery sun dress of sorts, offering a rather delicious display of her own assets. She couldn’t help but wear that smile as Rayne came crashing down the stairs, ah if she only knew what was behind that smile.

* * *

By the time they arrived the club scene was in full swing, the music was booming and people were already waiting in line for their chance on stage. As Bobbi had told David, The Cats Meow was somewhat of a neutral ground for humans and GELs alike. Anyone who had the cash could come and enjoy a drink and belt out a horrible rendition of some oldies that everyone else sang. It was rumored that one of the small time corporates secretly funded the place or even the black market, though no one really seemed to care as long as the alcohol was flowing and the music didn’t stop. Rayne was of this mindset too and promptly ordered a round for the group, since she had the unexpected bump in pay. It was the usual all around, a house special they dubbed the “Landmine”, since it didn’t hit you till you took your first step afterwards. Parts gin, rum, vodka, grain alcohol and melon liqueur it packed quiet the sweet taste and was unsurprisingly potent. Most people could only handle two or three of them before feeling the sudden punch, though Rayne was unfortunately (for her checkbook) a heavy drinker.

The Meow was actually split into several floors, the ground floor made specifically for karaoke and the second floor more the traditional club with dance floor and booths. There was a third floor though it was a VIP area that Rayne had never set foot in, what connections did a GEL like her have? For the moment the group sat at a booth on the second floor, downing their drinks to work up the nerve to stand in front of the mic. Bobbi, of course, relived the daring tale of Rayne’s rescue, much to her chagrin. Rayne wasn’t good with praise and especially in light of all the events of day, it was the last thing she wanted to hear about. Instead she downed her tall glass with a burp before she slammed it down and stalked off towards the bar for another one, her tail swaying out behind those shapely hips with a subtle, unconscious rhythm.

After adding a moderately tight pair of jet black jeans to his T-shirt, and putting on a pair of battered old biker boots, David left the house in a taxi. He had also added an old leather jacket, a deep luxurious brown that he had owned for ages but that had stood the test of time well.

"Just drop me here..." he instructed the driver, as they approached the city train station. He paid quickly, added a tip that was generous but not generous enough to flag him as unusual, and walked into the station... then, after 5 minutes, out again and got into a new cab.

Don't really want any cab driver gossiping about the difference between where he picked me up and where he dropped me off... he thought to himself. It was an unnecessary precaution, probably, but there was a certain element of fun in this cloak-and-dagger stuff.

The second cab dropped him outside The Ca'ts Meow, and he entered cautiously, not entirely sure of his welcome. The crowd, however, was mixed and he immediately relaxed. Heading over to the bar, he grabbed a beer and searched the ground floor for Bobbi, or Rayne, or anyone else he recognised.

There were a lot of attractive women dressed in their most provocative clubbing outfits, pure human and GEL alike, and David couldn't help but smile at them. Being not bad looking himself, a lot of his smiles were returned.

Shame I never new about this place before... he thought to himself, but tonight he was not out to get laid, but to try to socialise with his co-workers. Reluctantly, he shook his head at one or two very interesting sounding invitations to dance, and, satisfied he had looked in every nook and cranny of this floor (and seen some things he really shouldn't have, perhaps!) he headed up the stairs.

There! Bobbi and a few others were sitting in a booth. He made his way over to join them, half relieved, half dissapointed that Rayne didn't appear to be with them.

"Bobbi!" he yelled over the music, giving her a wave.

While Bobbi wasn’t as dressed down as she was at work, there was no denying those pointed ears and those big, brown eyes. They seemed to be searching for something tonight, something in particular that no one else knew. It was much to everyone else’s surprise when she finally found what she had been looking for. The smile seemed so nature on her lips, as much as Rayne’s perpetual scowl looked on her own. Once those big doe eyes found David she grinned widely and waved at him, her ample bosom jostling easily in that silken dress.

“David!” She called out as he approached, her voice shrill above the thumping music. She patted the booth beside her with a grin still on her face. The others in the group offered their own greetings, mostly silent due to the music. They were the same gang from work; a mismatched pair of GEL’s who really had nothing against David, especially after Bobbi explained it. While she hadn’t gone so far as to say she had invited the human to the club tonight, they all knew that he was one of the good guys; even if Rayne didn’t know it.

Meanwhile, Rayne leaned against the bar on her elbows, her pert little real swaying lightly as she waited for her drink. She had eaten very little today in general and the typical impressive tolerance she had for potent drinks was waning. She already felt the telltale tingle at the tip of her nose that indicated she was on the right track. She even managed a smile or two as she collected her glass and brought the straw to her lips. The drink was very sweet, it was almost too sweet though by the time one finished the first glass their ability to taste was usually suspect. Those ears twitched lightly and her tail swayed about behind her as she moved, a soft little hum at the back of her throat lost in the music. She didn’t even realize David was at the booth until it was too late. Those green-gray orbs rose in time to meet the man sitting beside Bobbi. She almost spit out her drink at the sight of him and at first thought that she had finally stepped on the landmine.

“What the fuck?” She began, though as she finished the sentence the music died down suddenly, leaving the last word hanging rather loudly and lewdly in the air. More than a few eyes turned to Rayne as she stood with a rather dumbfounded, though perhaps cute, look on her face. “Who the fuck invited you?”

She didn’t seem to notice the looks, nor the sudden lull in the thumping music. Her tail snapped out behind her and that familiar look returned to her face. But it was Bobbi who spoke up, wrapping an arm around David’s broad shoulders as she leaned in.

“I invited him, Rayne. Will you chill the fuck out? He is a good guy!” They spoke as if he didn’t exist, though the feel of those ample swells against his arm was definitely real. Rayne faltered then, holding the glance in her hands as if it would shield her from Bobbi’s righteous words. The other’s joined in, chastising the feline in a playful way.

“Sit down!” Bobbi commanded and for a moment Rayne seemed at a loss. She shifted from boot to boot before she took another gulp of her drink. “But he’s in my place…yer in my place…” She said to Bobbi and then as an afte-thought spoke to David directly.

Seeing Rayne stride angrily across the floor, so much of her wonderful lithe body on shoe, wearing those sexy high boots and those oh-so-short, tight shorts, was enough to send blood pumping into David's manhood.

Oh fuck... how does she do this to me...?

The pressing of Bobbi's lovely breasts into his arm certainly didn't help matters.

The angry feline GEL's growling complaint, half plainative, half angry made him hold his hands up in mock surrender.

"Hey now... I didn't know it was your seat!" Moving slowly enough to indicate it was politeness not fear that was motivating him, he stood and moved aside, hoping that she wouldn't see the evidence of his arousal. Not helped by Bobbi giving his thigh a playful squeeze just as he started to slide out of the seat.

"And I was invited, Rayne..." continued the young manager, folding his arms in a relaxed fashion. "Bobbi suggested that it would be a good chance for us, uh, all of us, to get to know each other. And I'd certainly rather be here than at Belker's party..."

One of the few other humans in the group, a bulky, good looking young man called Eric, chipped in. "Yeah... though why he would be celebrating a transfer to the recycling department I don't know... who wants to work in that stink, day in day out?" He laughed out loud, and some of the others joined in. Eric was genuinely considered "alright" by the GELs as he was not really bright enough to be prejudiced.

"Ah - since I am standing anyway, let me get the next round in." interrupted David. "What would everyone like?"

Rayne had no clue her attire was enticing to the human, especially not one she thought to be her immediate supervisor. It wasn’t exactly something that happened a lot or at all, after all management rarely consorted with hourly employees. Those steely orbs narrowed upon Bobbi as she explained just what was going on, David quick to add in his own voice and before she could retort even Eric put his two cents in. With a snort Rayne just stood there, looking rather miserable for the moment, the straw of her drink lingering upon her lips as she readily sipped at it.

Bobbi couldn’t help but let her hand wander to the human’s thigh and offer a rather firm squeeze before he slipped away like a gentleman to let Rayne claim her seat. The feline offered David a narrowed glance before she slid into the spot he had left, her tail curling beside her and over her lap. She settled into the spot and set her drink down, though she was already contenting herself with downing it as quickly as she could. The group as a whole was keen for another round and the consensus was another round of landmines. It wasn’t until David set off to the bar that it dawned on Rayne just what Eric had said.

“Wait…they sent him to Recycling?” She blinked, the tip of her nose tingling all the more with each passing moment. The group laughed and nodded agreement, Bobbi leaned over and offered Rayne’s modest bust a playful poke.

“You’re awfully slow tonight, girl. I think David has thrown you off…” Bobbi teased with a laugh, even as her brown eyes flickered towards the bar. Rayne growled lightly, a furious flush coming to her cheeks as she shot the lupine daggers.

“Oh go fuck yourself,” Rayne rumbled threateningly, though no one seemed to pay her mood any serious mind. Instead of pushing it further Rayne just pushed her face into her drink, sucking it down far faster than was intended.

David returned, awkwardly carrying six "landmines" tucked between his flat stomach and his arms. Fortunately they were served in tall glasses with plenty of space between the top of the liquid and the top of the glass, else he might have ended up wearing most of it. His face was flushed - somebody (he had no idea who) - had given his well rounded behind a very thorough grope as he was burdened with the glasses and unable to defend himself, or even turn quickly enough to find out who it was.

He carefully set them drinks down on the table, with a nervous grin at the very different looks Bobbi and Rayne were giving him.

"There we go. Help yourselves, everyone."

He looked around for somewhere to sit. Unfortunately the seating all appeared to be fixed, with no stools that could be moved to allow him to sit at the end of the table. He leaned self-conciously against the table instead, feeling very awkward to be standing over everyone whilst they were sat, but then he grinned.

"I guess since I am standing, I can talk to you all about work. As you know, Belker has moved on to, ah, better things..."

There were rumblings of amusement from the other workers.

"... which leaves you without a supervisor in your department. I have somebody in mind but I haven't had the chance to clear it with them yet, and I have to admit that although they could do the job a hell of a lot better than Belker could, they seem reluctant to accept it."

He shrugged his broad shoulders, muscles (not overly large, but well toned) moving under his tight shirt. "So, in the meantime I'm afraid you are stuck with me handling supervisor duties as well as being your junior floor manager. My main aim is to leave you the eff alone as I am pretty damn sure you all know how to do your jobs, and to give hell to anyone that tries to interfere with you. How does that sound?"

Rayne was content herself with her drink, which was almost finished by the time David returned flushed. Rayne grumbled lightly, a certain part of her wondering just how he could look so, well, cute all the damn time. He did look a lot better out of his work attire, that shirt and pants did much to make him look the dashing young man, much to Rayne’s ire. The group all offered their thanks as they reached for their drinks, how didn’t like a free round? There wasn’t much room at the booth, though if they squeezed in no doubt they could have seated him at one of the ends. Rayne wasn’t about to offer that little tidbit of advice though, not as she nosily drained the bottom of her glass through the straw, swirling the ice and trying to look as if her cup was far more interesting.

Bobbi listened intently to David as he began an impromptu meeting on work related items. Her lupine ears perked towards him and she sipped at her drink almost daintily, finding the taste fruity and almost overwhelming. One might think Rayne was drinking water compared to the way she downed hers and reached for the other. A rather curious look overtook Bobbi’s pretty little face as David continued. Even as he proceeded his speech and the rest offered nods and agreements to his position Bobbi nudged Rayne lightly with her thigh before she leaned in and whispered into the feline’s triangular ear.

“…I wonder who he has in mind…” She said with a smug little smile, which she promptly hid behind her glass. Rayne nearly snorted out a mouthful of her drink, a rather wilting look crossing Rayne’s otherwise beautiful visage. Bobbi paid it no mind, her tail fluttering behind herself as she cast a look about the group.

“I dunno about you but I am feeling a good buzz. Should we head down and sing our hearts out?” She said with a giggle, those brown eyes flickering towards David as she grinned. “How about it, David?”

Rayne snorted lightly, her left ear twitching a bit as she cast the human a brief look. “I’d like to see that…”

"Well... ok..." smiled David, looking around the group. He hadn't sung publicly since leaving college, but what the hell, this wasn't going to be the most critical of crowds.

He noticed, of course, that there was one member of the group beingmore contemptuous that friendly, and looked playfully into Rayne's challenging eyes.

"But you can't expect me to go first... After all, I'm at least two drinks behind most of you..."

He took a long sip of his "Landmine" enjoying the taste even if it was a little too sweet, and then wooshed at the high alcoholic kick it delivered as it burned down his throat and into his stomach.

"Oh... wow..." he said, grinning and then giving Rayne a more serious look. "That's, ah, pretty good. How many of these have you had?"

The group laughed aloud as David commented on being behind them all and even more so when he finally tried his drink. Bobbi was the most vocal of course, wrinkling her nose up impishly as she began to nudge at Rayne to stand up. The feline, for her part, watched him take the drink and made the face most did the first time they tried it. She huffed lightly, a bit of laughter though as she began to rise that serious look he gave her was met with hard steel.

“Two. Don’t think to start preaching on me-“ Rayne began defensively, though a elbow to her gut caught her off guard as Bobbi gracelessly scooted out of the booth.

“Damn girl. Lighten the fuck up!” Bobbi yipped with a playful glare at the taller feline, who twitched her left ear irritably. “You’ve seen her freakish Hulk-smash strength before. With it comes a rather big appetite and a surprisingly big tolerance.”

Rayne shifted slightly, wrinkling her own nose in annoyance as Bobbi reached to pinch her cheek.

“Ugh, stop that!” She growled threateningly, though for all her bluster no one really took her seriously. Even the slow Eric laughed, though behind the cover of the others. Rayne snorted sharply, her tail snapping out suddenly as she snatched up her glass and took another ample gulp. Those that were on their second glass of course felt the effects the potent drink. Rayne on the other hand just had a rather content tingle, a slight buzz as it were. She stomped off towards the stairs and down them without a second glance. Bobbi scooted up beside David as the group assembled, a soft giggle under her breath as she peered up at him with big, clearly glazed eyes.

“Don’t worry. She is thick skulled and stubborn like a mule. But we’ll wear her down eventually. Don’t let her pissy attitude get to you. Once that drink settles in she’ll be all laughs and jokes…trust me.”

Looking down into Bobbi's deep, liquid eyes, David smiled. She really was a lovely young woman, utterly cute, but a little too cute for his tastes... Undeniably sexy but he prefered a woman with a little more attitude.

Like Rayne? prodded a wicked voice in his subconcious. He tried to ignore it but it was impossible. Yes, exactly like Rayne. but she is an employee,and I am promoting her, there is no way in hell I can look at her that way without being on the recieving end of a shit-tonne of grief...

He laughed quietly to himself. Not that there is any danger of that. She hates my guts!

Bobbi, however, had noticed his chuckle, but didn't know what it was for.

"I mean it! She's not as much as a hard-ass as she pretends. She'll come round to the idea of a promotion, once she sees its best for the rest of us. I mean, otherwise we might end up with another Belker. Thank you for what you did!"

She stood on tiptoe impulsively, grabbed David around the neck and gave him a kiss on the cheek. A lingering one, that left him feeling that her lips were still there even after she let go. Her ample breasts pressed into his chest and he felt his member stir slightly. The rest of the group jeered and wolf-whistled.

Blushing, David grinned and without another word walked with the group down the stairs.

The cup was empty before Rayne even hit the floor. Her heavy boots scuffed loudly against the floor, though any noise she made was lost beneath the loud music and the off key voice of a young human singing his heart out. He wasn’t half bad, of course he could hold those higher notes but no one seemed to mind one bit. The alcohol was flowing strong in this room; no doubt almost everyone on the first floor had their own level of intoxication. Rayne already felt the tingling of her nose and cheeks, even her limbs left slightly numb and less graceful. It was a wonderful overall feeling, a sense of relaxation over her entire frame her normal mindset simply did not alone. If one was to run a hand over those proud shoulders they would have felt the boulders under her soft flesh.

The first level of the club was obviously dedicated to the karaoke scene, the only furnishings were several tall tables bolted to the floor, tall enough for a human to stand beside it comfortably. They were already filled to the brim with happy clubbers, some dancing and singing along with the music while others were of the more mellow type. Rayne was oblivious to the group really, the way that Bobbi was all over David was customary for the lupine, she was a very friendly girl. Rayne strode straight for the stage and without a second thought signed up herself. There was a long line, though it was never long before one was up, the club prided itself on keeping the tunes flowing.

Rayne gave her glass a gentle shake, looking down in disappointment as it rattled with nothing but ice and some melted run off. By the time the others ambled down the stairs they found the feline GEL leaning over the bar, her rump literally stuck up in the air and swaying lightly to the beat of the song that just started. Her tail swayed lightly above herself, swaying in slow opposition of her body. The change was rather sudden, that perpetual scowl was melting away as the good ‘vibe’ settled in. Bobbi gave David a nudge, her smirk undeniable.

“Told yah,” She all but giggled, stepping past the tall human and striding towards Rayne. The feline was just served her fourth drink when Bobbi approached. Rayne turned her head to peer at the lupine and the look in her eyes was undeniable. Those eyes weren’t so gray as they were green and the smile that came to her lips didn’t seem so forced.

“Are you done being a stuck up twat?” Bobbi said readily as she threw an arm about Rayne’s neck, drawing the feline closer as she began to sway to the beat. Rayne wrinkled her nose up, throwing her arm about Bobbi in turn and holding her drink greedily. She slurped on the straw but moved along gracefully with Bobbi, a wide smile drifting out over her lips behind the straw.

“Fuck you, poochie;” She said easily, though both simply laughed and continued to dance to the thumping beat of the song.

With Bobbi's arm around his waist, David was feeling better and better about this evening. He had gotten the impression that Bobbi, whilst being flirty, was just being as friendly with him as she was with everybody and so whilst he was enjoying her flirting, it wasn't making him uncomfortable, the way a genuine advance from an employee working immediately below him would.

When they hit the bottom of the stairs, though, and Bobbi nudged him, indicating Rayne.. well...

"Fuuuuck..." he groaned, under his breath. His eyes traveled up Rayne's legs, starting at the no-nonsense Doc-Martin boots that gave a solid indication of her no-nonsense personality... then up those shapely calves, those well muscled, bare thighs, and to the tight shorts that only just covered the cheeks of her tight, rounded behind, the swells of her cheeks visibly both below the cut-off and above the waistband where it was slung low enough to pass under her tail. The view totally bypassed all rational thought and plugged straight into his libido, and his manhood swelled instantly, trapped uncomfortably by the tightness of his jeans.

Get a grip on yourself... thought David, furious with his reaction. You are not here to try to bed the staff, for crissakes, no matter how damned sexy they are...

Fortunately Bobbi appeared not to notice his purely animalistic reaction to the sight of Rayne bent over the bar, and sauntered over to her friend. He couldn't hear what they said to each other but they both laughed and began to dance, together, swaying seductively.

Not helping! groaned David inwardly, and quickly sought a distraction. He quickly buried himself in the list of songs available for Karaoke, and saw a few that he actually knew well enough to sing.

Then one in particular caught his eye. "Why not...?" he murmured to himself. After all, I am genuinely having a good time...

He signed himself up, not realising that he was next on the list after Rayne, and turned back to watch the dance-floor.

The two GEL women danced easily together, their hips pressing against one another and easily swaying together in an all too tempting display. Bobbi’s tail swished back and forth and caused the hem of her skirt to flutter with each passing moment, giving more than a light glance of the dark purple panties that clung to her rather pert and ample backside. The rest of the group dispersed as well, some signing up on the list as well or just disappearing into the crowd to share a drink or find something that catch their eye. Rayne lost herself in that little dance, her green-gray gaze lingering intently upon Bobbi, an easy smile on her lips and that look upon her face held none of the anger it had only moments before. They spoke to one another, giggled and laughed, teased and bumped against one another though it was all lost in the blasting music. It wasn’t until the song finally came to an end and Rayne heard her name that those ears perked and another laugh overtook her. She took a rather hurried slurp of her drink before handing it off to Bobbi before she strode off.

The lupine GEL stood for but a moment watching Rayne make her way to the stage, though she quickly glanced over her shoulder, her own ears perking at the sight of David. Without hesitation she strode towards him, setting her and Rayne’s glasses down on a nearby table before she scooped up his hands. With a wide grin she placed them on her shapely hips, closing the distance between them and gave the human a wink.

“Get ready for a show,” She called above the din of the crowd as Rayne gracefully trotted up onto the stage. “And dance with me! You might not be as graceful as my Rayne, but you’ll do…” Her voice was high and flirtatious and that look in those large brown eyes shone with a drunken sheen.

Meanwhile, Rayne took her place upon the small stage, her green-gray gaze peering out into the dark gathering crowd. The lights were bright and on her, thus it was hard to see exactly who was looking. The constant flashing of the nearby screens proved a distraction as well, though this wasn’t the first time she had been here. Bobbi knew exactly which song she had chosen, there was no doubting the grin on that pretty little face.

Rayne snatched up the mic and held it before her easily, the music starting and her left leg bending at the knee, her booted foot tapping against the stage. There was little doubting the song itself, even as the screen behind her flashed the name David Bowie: China Girl. Her plush lips parted and began without even looking at the words flashing across the screen, “Oh oh oh ooh;” Rayne murmured along with the song she knew by heart. She paid homage to the initial tone set by the famous singer, her normal low and husky voice adding its own uniqueness to the words. She was far from perfect, by no means, but she sang with a certain confidence, her body reacting to the beat with the constant tapping of her leg, that thick tail swishing behind her its crimson tip caught the light from time to time.

And as the song picked up, her voice rose with the emotion of the words and she took a step forward, taking a deep breath as she sang the line:

“It’s in the white of my eyes!” With all the needed intensity. Bobbi literally squealed in delight, holding onto the larger human and peering over her shoulder at Rayne on the stage. The feline didn’t miss a beat, singing her heart out even as her cheeks went red from the effort and the lights made a sheen of perspiration appear on her brow. She added her own little twist to it though, as the song got progressively softer she sang:

“…My little China girl says ‘Oh baby just you shut your fucking mouth’,” She couldn’t help the smirk that came to her lips, the light in those green-gray eyes undeniable as she brought a finger to her lips and whispered the next line ‘She says, “Ssssh” over and over. The crowd was already cheering and singing along as the song came to an end, the radiant GEL placed the mic back up and took a silly little bow, her tail curling above her before she stepped off the stage and promptly almost tripped, perhaps the alcohol was finally getting to her after all. Rayne stumbled though she caught herself quickly enough and managed to even laugh at herself. Whatever hang-ups the GEL had, it seemed she had forgotten them as she sauntered towards Bobbi and David, the scowl gone, replaced by a rather wide smile. Those lips were rather expressive, when she wasn’t using them to express her distaste and anger.

“Thanks for keeping my puppy safe. She likes to run off and hump stranger’s legs,” Rayne said, her tone holding none of the contempt it had before, even as Bobbi gasped and swatted at her playfully.

It would take a man with a heart of stone to turn down Bobbi’s invitation to dance. Not only was she attractive in a cute, almost child-like way (apart from her quite definitely grown-up curves), but she quite literally had those big puppy-dog eyes that you would just hate to see filled with sadness or disappointment.

David wasn’t a bad dancer. He wasn’t overly graceful, but he had enough energy and enough of a sense of rhythm to at least keep in time with Bobbi and the moderate pace of Rayne’s chosen song.

He divided his attention equally between the girl he was dancing with, and the girl on stage. He leaned forward to talk to Bobbi, as speaking directly into her ear was the only way to be heard without bellowing loud enough for everyone to hear. To anyone paying attention it wouldhave seemed quite intimate, but fortunately nobody was - except, perhaps the singer on stage, keeping an eye on her friend.

“So... how do we persuade her to take the Promotion, Bobbi? I think she’d be an excellent supervisor for your department. And I am keen to get more people promoted because of their merit, not their genetics.”

“Oh, I’m sure we can wear her down...” giggled Bobbi. “Now stop talking about work, shut up and dance.”

Singing her heart out - and the copious amounts of alcohol - certainly did seem to have mellowed out the feline GEL. “Thanks for keeping my puppy safe. She likes to run off and hump stranger’s legs,” she said teasingly.

David didn’t have time to reply as the voice of the karoake compere boomed out over the club.

“And next up... singing one of Queen’s greatest hits, it’s a newcomer to our stage, David! Give him a big Cat’s Meow cheer!”

The crowed roared drunkenly, as David mounted the stage, and for a moment, he regretted his choice. He got the distinct impression that if he mangled this song the crowd would make their displeasure quite clear. But it was too late now... the music started, the intro ended and he began, hesitantly to sing.

"Tonight I'm gonna have myself a real good time
I feel alive and the world it's turning inside out Yeah!
I'm floating around in ecstasy
So don't stop me now, don't stop me..."

It was 5 years since he had sung in public, fooling around with a college band. He stumbled through the slow, first four lines and could feel the crowd’s animosity growing. But then he saw that Bobbi had dragged Rayne to the front of the stage and they were both looking up at him... and as the music crashed into the much faster lines, he suddenly found his voice and began belting the song out, losing himself in the truth of the lyrics.

'Cause I'm having a good time having a good time...

I'm a shooting star leaping through the skies,
Like a tiger defying the laws of gravity,
I'm a racing car passing by like Lady Godiva!
I'm gonna go go go
There's no stopping me.....!

Long forgotten moves resurfaced and David began to strut around the stage, working the crowd the way he had when he and his friends had earned a little extra beer money by playing student gigs.

By the time he reached the outro, he was covered in sweat, his black tee plastered to his skin outlining his gym-toned body. He shook the sweat from his hair as, hot and panting he jumped from the stage and found Bobbi pressing a drink into his hand. He downed it without thinking, only to “weeeeesh!” in surprise as the Landmine hit his stomach.

“Oh... wow... haven’t done that for so long... it felt good...”

Before they could exchange more pleasantries the DJ was calling out David’s name, much to the duo’s surprise which was evident by the way their ears perked up at him. Yet he was already making his way to stage and Bobbi couldn’t help but laugh aloud.

“Looks like he called your bluff,” She said with obvious mirth, even as Rayne perked a brow and ran a hand through her short black mane laced with crimson.

“I don’t remember calling him out,” She said blankly, though before the feline could ponder more on it the music started and they were all but lost in the wave of sound and the crowd. They were getting rather loud and it wouldn’t be getting any better; as a mass they enjoyed nothing but a well sung song or making fun of those less fortunate (unless they were pleasing on the eyes). Bobbi saw the obvious hesitation, it was good as the stench of fear. They couldn’t have any of this, any lack of confidence would simply ruin the entire situation! Without thinking or even saying a word she snatched up Rayne by her hand and headed towards the stage, shouldering their way through the crowd to emerge at the base of the short stage. Those large brown, puppy dog eyes were easy to spot as were Rayne’s green-gray orbs. In the dim light of the club her pupils seemed more slitted than circular, of course the rather radiant sheen of drunkenness covered them for the most part. The spirited lupine was eager to offer her cheers and ready to bounce, no doubt much to the pleasure of the men about her. Rayne was more subdued in her reactions though they were no less positive. It was hard not to enjoy the song after all, it was a lively tune and anyone who didn’t like Queen wasn’t really didn’t have a soul anyway. She moved with the beat, the grace she showed on stage still evident even if she had down more alcohol than the entire three of them combined.

Perhaps it was the song, perhaps it was the appearance of the two GELs but he seemed to get more into it, relax and come undone. They were both near the steps as he finally stepped down seemingly glowing with perspiration. Bobbi had offered him a drink, if just to wet his throat though the human seemed to down it like a pro before he realized just what it was. They both couldn’t help but laugh at his reaction, it was, well, rather comical. Yet just as quickly as before another name was called, this time Bobbi’s. The cute little lupine simply laughed and snatched up David’s hand stuffing it into Rayne’s own before she departed towards the stage...her nefarious schemes slowly turning before she even made it up the stage.

Rayne faltered slightly as she found her hand in his, though it wasn’t a look of indignation that she had given him before. Those ears twitched lightly and her tail brushed out against her leg.

“You got some chops,” She said with a smirk, before the music flared up once again and the crowd pressed in around them.

As Bobbi grabbed his hand and linked it to Raynes, David's first instinct was to recoil - an instinct he suppressed - the last thing he wanted to do now that the hard-assed GEL was becoming friendly was alienate her by pulling away. But at the same time, this was not the direction he wanted to be moving in...

This situation is getting way to complicated... is Bobbi trying to matchmake, here? God... what I wouldn't give but if I fool around with Rayne and it gets out nobody is ever going to believe I promoted her for merit... and that's just the least of it...

His careening train of thought was thrown abruptly off the rails by the feel of Rayne's tail against his leg, and her smiling declaration of his "chops."

Before he could answer, the crowd pushed them together. He gasped at the feel of her taut, muscular body against his and the way her pert breasts pressed against his broad chest - he could feel her sweet little nipples pressign against him.

Oh god, she's not wearing a bra... was his thought as he desperately tried to hold her a little away from him before she could feel how hard he was getting... again. He had been hard and then relaxed so many times this evening, he could feel a sticky patch of pre-cum on the end of his straining shaft.

Then the music began....

The crowd pressed in all about them as the music started up, a deep thumping bass that one could feel in their bones. The beat was easy to move to, filling the air with a certain mood that couldn’t be denied. It seemed fitting almost, now that they were pressed against one another. It was Rayne who drew from his grasp, though it wasn’t from instinct. The crowd pressed about them, Rayne couldn’t deny the definition of his chest as her own svelte form pressed against it. He was hot, the scent of his perspiration hung in the air, in Rayne’s keen senses. It was not an unpleasant smell, it mixed with the scent of the soap he used creating its own unique effect. Yet there was something else about him, a hint of a look, the tension in his frame as the nearness of her own. There was something to that; something undeniable though Rayne couldn’t quiet put a finger on it. But at the moment, well, she wasn’t thinking too clearly. No doubt she would have pulled away if she was sober, being this close to David would have sent all manner of alarms and guards up.

Yet now, as the beat and Bobbi’s singing drowned out any word she might say, she just flashed a lopsided smile, the flashing light dancing in those green-gray eyes. With a slow grace she turned from him, though she kept close as she turned to the stage to watch Bobbi sing. One hand slid out behind her only to grasp his own and draw it out about her slender waist. Compared to his bigger, bulkier frame Rayne was slender and lithe though he had seen the strength that lay hidden in those sleek limbs. She settled back against him, her backside pressing against his hips and the growing bulge. There was no denying that, not this close. It wasn’t as if she could call him out on it, her words would have been lost in the blaring music. Instead, she simply leaned back and began to sway, as much as she did with Bobbi before, a slow easy dance that made her hips sway with the beat.

The opening heavy beat of the music suddenly fell away - and the crowds voices faded away with it - the regulars knew what to expect, and any non-regular that was crass enough to still be yelling got a not-so-subtle elbow in the stomach. As Rayne pulled David's body against her and pressed agaisnt him, the room was near silent.

A deep, reverberating bass guitar line began to strum, a slow, sensual beat that was felt as much as heard. Bobbi's voice sang out, barly more than a whisper, slow and sultry and hesitant - but hesitant in a deliberate, sensual way, in stark contrast to the nervous beginning fo David's song.

"So messed up I want you.... here...
In my room I want you.... here...
Now we're gonna be face.....to face...
And I'll lay right down in my favorite.... place"

David shivered. Bobbi's voice was short-circuiting his brain and plugging right into his base insincts of need and lust - and the fact that he had an amazing, sexy, lithe body pressed against him, swaying erotically with the music, didn't help at all...

Oooohhhh Fuuuuck... Thought David, as Rayne pressed agaisnt his bulging groin. There is no way on earth she can't feel that...

Embarassed, he tried to pull away but Rayne's slender hand on the wrist of the arm he had around her waist gripped him like a vice, the strength in her fingers making it impossible for him to back away. She kept him pinned there as she slowly swayed her way through the second, slow, verse.

"And now I want to be your dog
Now I want to be your dog
Now I want to be your dog
Now I want to be your.... dog"

And then the crowd roared with approval and began to move as the music hit its stride, the small lupine GEL's voice growling out the vocals as the full band kicked in behind her, hard and heavy.

"C'mon!
So messed up I want you here!
In my room I want you here!
Now we're gonna be face-to-face!
And I'll lay right down in my favorite place!"

The song itself did little for Rayne except give her something to sway to. But that was enough for now, Rayne was feeling all too familiar tingle of her drinks, in her limbs, the tip of her nose, even her lips. It was warm and fuzzy, a good feeling that seemed to just make everything right in the world. She didn’t care about work, Belker, anything, she didn’t even care she was holding David in place and swaying with him to the music. It wasn’t all that long before she felt it, the pressure against her denim shorts, a sensation she knew all too well.

A knowing smile drifted out over those plush lips as that bulge grew and swell, this close, with this contact he couldn’t deny or hide his arousal. Was Rayne surprised? Not at all, indeed, if he hadn’t have sprouted a raging arousal she might think him a fancy lad. Right now the swift downing of those four landmines had rendered any coyness or doubt null and void. That didn’t mean Rayne was stumbling bumbling drunk, no, she was quiet aware what she was doing…she just didn’t care. Her hands slid out behind her, only to grasp at his wrists and tug his arms about her flesh. She let his hands brush over her shapely hips, one down over the front of her baggy shirt to feel the definition of her taut stomach underneath. Rayne tensed slightly, a light rational voice in the back of her head telling her this was insane, the man she was rubbing against was her boss after all. But even as she tensed, a ripple traveled up her spine and her hands tensed on his own. She nibbled her bottom lip, arching her back slightly as she pressed flush against him, her thick black tail coiling about his leg lightly. Slowly she turned her to the right, peering over her shoulder, one ear perking lightly as those green-gray orbs flickered out over his face, watching his reaction in the flickering lights of the club.

His hands pressed tight to her well muscled body, his erection pressed against the wonderful pert behind that was barely covered by her tight cut of jeans, David found himself lusting after the beautiful feline GEL. It was stupid, crazy, it would potentially ruin everything he had planned and it was totally unacceptable to even think about messing around with an employee in this way - not to mention what his father would say if he found out...

Then she turned to him, her eyes meeting his, biting her bottom lip and all of his converns momentarily evapourated. He found himself leaning in to kiss her...

Just before their lips met, the young manager caught sight of Eric. The bulky man was dancing happily, his arm around a girl David didn't know. Eric's eyes sparkled and he grinned a wide grin at the sight of Adam and Rayne about to kiss - and he gave Adam a big thumbs up.

Eric wasn't bright enough to realise the implications of what he was seeing - all he would be registering was that two of his friends were having a good time. But being witnessed by another employee was enough to bring David to his senses. He broke free of Raynes grip on his wrists and hurried away, face red with shame and lust.

Stupid, stupid, stupid... he berated himself as he headed for the cloakroom. Of all the people to think about screwing around with...

The cloakroom was unmanned, no-one in the hatch to take his ticket and return his jacket, so he optmistically tried the door. To his surprise it was unlocked and he slipped inside, and began searching the dimly lit room for his coat.