The Bold and the Furry – Family Values
#49 of Hockey Hunk Season 4
It's party time!
Hello, everyone, and welcome to the Hockey Hunk!
This is the third to last installment of the the Hockey Hunk 2-Year Anniversary Special, so we really are nearing the end of this strange glimpse at a very different version of these characters and their lives - I know I was supposed to write only two more chapters, but I really couldn't make all the silly stuff I had in mind fit here, so bear with me, one more chapter! I think it has a been a blast, and it's been so much fun to hear your comments and your reactions to all the mad things I've been throwing at you. Thank you! I am so happy that you have enjoyed this romp at least as much as I have! But for those of you who are getting tired with this crap, worry not - we'll be back to the standard drama next week, and I hope that you will be enjoying the final stretch of Season 4, before a well-deserved break.
More than ever, I look forward to your comments, and also hope that you'll vote, fave and watch - all the feedback is appreciated, and it will also help others to find these stories to enjoy as well.
Have fun!
*cue title sequence*
*
"I should've put the blue suit."
Rory's eyes darted from his previous staring of the lights outside on the street and instead he turned to look at the Doberman sitting next to him on the backseat of the saloon car. Victor didn't seem too pleased with himself, and was tugging on the sleeves of his grey jacket. The lion snuffled at the sight.
"You look great just as you are, darling," the lion rumbled as he reached to pat the Doberman's nearby thigh. "All solid and nice."
"Still should've put the blue Alexander McQueen on."
Rory elbowed the Doberman and chuckled.
"Only because it just happens to be half a size smaller, huh?"
"Size matters," the Doberman's ears flicked with disapproval, almost touching the ceiling of the car.
"Well it's too late now," Rory mused as he leaned back on the black leather seat, "we're almost there, I think."
"Only a couple more minutes, sir!" the uniformed otter driver chirped from behind the wheel.
"You heard that," Rory said, looking at the Doberman again, "we can't turn back. We're already a bit late, anyway."
"It's our party," Victor grunted. "We won't be late. Everyone was simply early."
The lion let out a small chuckle as he adjusted his own black bow tie and rubbed away and imaginary piece of lint from his lapel.
"I like your thinking."
"Do you think there will be strippers there?" Victor asked.
Rory's ears jumped. That was unexpected. His tail flapped against his ankles.
"Well...I suppose I wouldn't put it beyond Marge..."
"So whose idea was it anyway to let Marge arrange this party?" Victor snorted.
"Hmmm..." Rory rubbed his chin thoughtfully, "Marge's, I think."
"Typical," Victor yawned. "We want to have a nice party for our friends before the wedding and Marge hijacks it as some kind of a society event for herself."
"She did promise to keep the guest list small and intimate," Rory replied. "Just family and friends and some associates."
"I still don't like it much."
Rory patted the Doberman's shoulder again.
"We did agree not to have a bachelor party," Rory said. "This'll be a better thing, I think. Everyone can join in."
"That's what I'm worried about," Victor chortled. "No knowing just who Marge invited..."
"We'll just smile and tell everyone that we're delighted that they came," Rory stated with a small smile for show.
"But I won't pose for photographs," Victor declared.
"Why not?" the lion's brow quirked.
"This suit's the wrong color," the Doberman stated.
"Oh, darling..."
"We're about there now, sirs," the otter informed the pair from the front, "Admiralty Club."
"Thank you!" Rory yelped.
*
The big stone-faced building really seemed like perfect for the occasion, with its strong, pillared façade and the Greek-esque statues lit brightly to give them the splendor the deserved. There was a red carpet, as was fit, and uniformed doormen standing on either side of the gilded entrance into the building, from which music could be heard even out to the street.
"Well at least the place is nice," Rory stated as he looked at Victor, busy straightening up his jacket.
"Just like Marge," Victor grunted. "Shiny on the outside, rotten and 80's style on the inside."
"Meow!" Rory chuckled.
Victor offered his arm.
"Allow me?" the Doberman flicked a confident ear.
"Thought you wouldn't ask," Rory purred as he placed his arm into the crook of Victor's.
"Anything for my man," the Doberman winked, handsome and confident in the shine of the lights.
They headed up the stairs, and the doors were opened by their top hat-wearing attendants, whom bowed deeply as they passed.
"Welcome to the Admiralty Club."
Rory gave the doorman a smile as they entered into the chandelier-decorated foyer that was dominated by stairs sweeping up onto the next floor, but his ears trained themselves onto the right direction, from which music could be heard, coming from the other side of the thickly carpeted lobby. The lingering smell of fine leather and fragrances told them that they were dealing with a very upscale place.
"Ohhhh Mister Holden, Mister Gliese!"
The crooning voice belonged to a fox, clad in a black suit that came with a strange white ruffle on his neck, his tail and his ears in a constant flicker as the flighty-pawed one came over and bowed to the two men standing side by side.
"Hello," Rory said.
"Good evening," Victor harrumphed.
The fox clasped his paws together.
"You are most welcome to the Admiralty Club, gentlemen!" the fox murmured in a bedroom voice, "We are very pleased to be hosting you tonight here at the Club. A night of music, dance and dining awaits you!"
"Right behind those doors, I presume," Victor pointed bluntly at the stained glass doors behind which abstract shapes moved and created changes in the patch of light on the carpet.
"The Great Ball Room is at your disposal," the fox bowed theatrically as he gestured at the same doors.
"Have everyone else already arrived?" Rory asked.
"We have seventy guests currently in the Great Ball Room," the fox explained courteously, "I think that the atmosphere is quite splendid!"
"Let's hope it stays so as well," Rory mused as he offered his arm. "If you'd be so kind, Victor?"
"So I'm the girl now huh?" Victor gave the lion's arm a little glance before he obediently placed his paw onto the crook.
"Only because you're so cute, hun," Rory purred.
"Oh give up..."
"Oh allow me please!" the fox swished past them and grabbed the brass door handle and pulled the glass door open to allow the pair to pass.
The gentle music intensified in loudness as they finally entered the ballroom. They immediately spotted the orchestra playing on a platform on the back of the room, the sides were lined with tables waited by numerous members of the staff, and most of the floor was left free for dancing. Several pairs were already indulging, tails swinging along. Rory found his ears flicking along the playful rhythm.
"Well...I suppose we should go and mingle..."
"OOOOH THERE YOU ARE!"
Victor flinched.
"She's starting to sound more and more like my brother every day," the Doberman grumbled as he observed the cougar approaching. Marge was dressed in a white floor-length dress, decorated with sequins and lace that formed huge, puffy sleeves that led into diamond-encrusted wrists.
"OH THERE'S THE HAPPY COUPLE!" Marge bellowed again as she zigzagged past a few fur-packed tables before she was finally there, standing in front of the duo.
"Marge!" Rory cheered.
"Marge," Victor rumbled.
"Oh, darlings!" the cougar grabbed Rory's shoulders and blew air kisses over his cheeks. "You finally made it!"
"We sure did!" Rory flicked his ears companionably.
"And you, big old lug!" Marge had moved over to Victor now, repeating the performance on him with extra smacksmack action.
"Hello, Marge," Victor said. "Nice outfit. Lots of bling too, I see. The Elizabeth Taylor collection?"
"The Mrs Jacob Holden forever collection," Marge replied, flicking her ears dramatically. "A gift from your brother, obviously."
"They really are the girl's best friends, I see," Rory mused, tail flicking about cheerfully now as he listened to the banter between his husband-to-be and his sister-in-law-to-be.
"Oh they sure are," Marge winked at the lion, "but you must come and meet everyone! There are so many furs here who want to see you! Come!"
"I bet," Victor grunted, sounding unamused.
"Come on, you old bore," Marge gave the Doberman's sleeve a tug.
"I thought you were supposed to tell my brother around, not me," Victor huffed.
"We're all family here..." Marge replied, her tail swishing against Victor's legs, "speaking of which...just look who's here!"
Rory trailed the two, carefully staying on Victor's side as they approached one of the small tables - each of which could seat four furs, he noticed - and this one's occupants were predominantly Doberman.
"UNCLE JACK!" the Doberman's ears jumped as recognition settled in.
They sure all had the same voice, Rory mused to himself as his ears flattened under the yelping sound coming from his fiancé upon seeing the seated Doberman. He did not stay like that for long, though, because soon the black-suited figure was up and standing and with a paw holding Victor's arm while the other patted his back.
"How are you, buddy?" the grizzled Doberman asked the younger, smiling broadly.
"Just great...I...I had no idea you'd be coming before the wedding!" Victor spoke in a surprised tone.
"Well we heard about this party and couldn't resist, and it's only a short flight from DC..." the Doberman rumbled, tall ears flicking amiably.
"And you know how Jack turns into a total puppy when it comes to family occasions like this," the slightly taller, slightly darker-furred Doberman stated as he stood by the other, giving them confident eyes and an ageless grin.
"Uncle Brock!" Victor smiled.
"Hello, kittycat!" the Doberman patted Rory's shoulder. "Still doing nice and fat, I see!"
Rory smiled politely at the big Doberman's brand of humour, and extended his paw.
"Mister Stahlman," he greeted.
"And you too!" Brock slapped Victor's side. "Looking just like a man of your family should, boy!"
"You look very well too, Brock," Victor replied.
"Bah," the Doberman snorted as he dropped his paws from their abused shoulders and tucked them into his pants pockets, "Don't like it in Washington. It's making my fur lose its shine."
"He misses the California sun," Jack mused, watching the tall Doberman with eyes that did nothing to hide the adoration they carried, "but he'd miss me even more."
"Bah," the Doberman elbowed the other. "Always making me sound like a drama queen."
"How are things going at the Capitol Hill then?" Rory asked politely. "Feeling like you can make a difference as a Senator, Mister Griggs?"
The Doberman shrugged.
"They're all a bunch of old cocksuckers, but I make do."
"Means you fit right in, Griggs," Brock snerked.
"Heheh," Victor said.
"I'm sorry boys, but let's not steal the groom and the groom from the others who are dying to wish them good luck," Marge suddenly cut in, appearing at Victor's arm swiftly and without a warning, "Very nice to meet you again."
"Didn't meet you since your second wedding to Cobb," Jack said, nodding towards the diminutive cougarette.
"It has been very busy indeed," Marge smiled too sweetly. "Come on, boys...let's go and meet Nestra and Justin before it's too late."
"Nice talking to you," Rory managed before he found himself whisked away on Victor's arm towards a next table.
"Before it's too late for what?" Victor groaned.
"THERE YOU ARE!"
"Oh, that," Victor snuffled.
"Oh, you lovely, lovely boys!"
The woman approaching them moved on smooth paws despite the oversized multilayered skirts, her bosom amply presented by a bodice that was quite open for someone of that age, and the numerous brooches seemed almost to threaten the very structural integrity of the dress. Nothing was popping out just yet, though, much to Rory's relief, as the strongly perfumed cougar approached.
"Mrs Bennett," Victor said.
"Hello, Bonnie," Rory greeted.
She shook their paws, both at the same time, Rory noticed, much to his amusement, and watched them with her head tilted curiously.
"Have you put on some weight, Victor?" the cougar asked.
"Not to my knowledge," Victor hissed between his teeth.
"Must be that suit then," the cougar shrugged.
"How are you, Bonnie?" Rory asked.
"Oh just fine!" the cougar declared dramatically. "We just came back from Paris, of course, Gordon is exhibiting some of his works at a gallery there on Champs Elysee. It was so beautiful...so romantic...so...uh la la...!"
"Where is that man?" Marge sounded vicious as she gazed around the hall.
Bonnie giggled.
"He is talking with Clytemnestra and that lion boy," the cougar stated, "don't know where she picked that one up..."
"That would be my brother, Justin," Rory cleared his throat. "They are engaged."
"Ohhhow nice," the cougar replied. "Young love..."
"So what does she call you then, mother?" Marge hissed. "Grandmother, or mother?"
"She can call me whatever she likes, darling," Bonnie stated sharply. "She is not my daughter, after all, but Gordon's."
"You better remember that too, mother," Marge replied.
"I don't know about you, girls, but I'd really like a drink," Victor coughed, making everyone's ears jump up. "Rory?"
"Oh, definitely!" the lion hurried to speak, his smile broadening. "It's quite warm in here..."
"TESTING ONE TWO THREE! ONE TWO THREE!"
"Or not..." Victor huffed.
Everyone looked in the direction of the stage, where the orchestra was now resting their instruments, and a lioness had taken over the microphone propped at the centre. The tall woman was dressed in a dark blue sequined gown, and had a pink feather boa around her neck. A paw adorned with several rings held onto the microphone with a delicate grip.
"Oh, it's working now," the woman spoke with a low, purring voice, "how lovely! Everyone! A little bird told me that the groom and the groom have arrived...finally, so let us all give a small round of applause to Victor and Rory!"
They might have as well put a spotlight on them or something, Rory thought, as he felt every eye turn on him, followed by the beginning of the clapping of paws, a few whistles, and few hoots, as everyone followed the stranger's command. Rory put up a smile and took Victor's paw, which he then lifted up high in a victorious sign.
"Look at them, look at them!" the lioness smiled as she too clapped delicately. "So sweet!"
Rory gave a little, awkward bow in acknowledgement, just as the applause slowly faded away.
"And now, if you would, Rory and Victor, take the dance floor, as I would like to sing a little song in your honour!"
"Who the fuck is that?" Victor hissed into Rory's ear.
"No idea!" the lion practically mouthed back.
"Do we have to?"
_ _
"Don't be shy, Rory, Victor!"
"I think so. Everyone's watching," Rory whispered.
"I don't like it!"
_ _
"We must!"
_ _
Rory tugged on the Doberman's paw and led him onto the dance floor, passing few couples who looked at the two curiously. Rory had the good grace to give a few smiles and polite nods as they did weave their way to the centre of the floor.
"And one...two...three..."
"I'll lead," Victor declared as he took gold of Rory's paw and gripped his side.
"Ohhhhh, darling," Rory purred.
"Why do birds....suddenly appear..."
_ _
"Oh my God," Rory grumbled.
"Just play along," Victor whispered.
"Do I have to?"
"You told me to," Victor said he began to sway, leading the lion along.
"Just like me...they long to be...close to you..."
_ _
"Well this isn't so bad," Rory rumbled after a few moments of shuffling his paws along, making a small circle on the floor.
"My butt must look huge in these pants."
"I like your butt," Rory whispered, leaning close to the Doberman's shoulder, as was appropriate for the song.
"Why do stars...fall down the the sky.."
_ _
Rory's heart leaped a little as he saw a nearby couple on the floor...a wolf and a lynx, holding each other close, even closer than Rory and Victor were, paws and arms on each other, smiling, heads gently tilting, smiles on their lips...tails swaying along...oh yes...
Another circle was made, and now, Rory knew, it was Victor's turn to notice.
"Rory..."
"I know," the lion whispered.
"Close to you..."
_ _
"What..."
"He must've come with Mason," Rory rumbled. "Let's not be bothered, just this once."
"Just like me...they long to be..."
They really did look happy, Rory thought, watching the swaying pair of Haakon and Mason on their next pass...seeing how they were smiling...maybe joking together as they still danced on...it was so beautiful.
"I love you," Rory whispered.
"I love you too, darling," the Doberman replied. "So very much, hun."
"Juuuuuuuuuuuuust like meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee...."
_ _
"...they long to be...." Victor murmured.
"...close to you..." Rory smiled.
The song faded away, leaving a happy crowd and another round of applause, during which Rory and Victor found it most convenient to slip away towards a bar that stood well-stocked on one corner of the room and seemed the best place to start before they would try to find their table.
"I need a Martini," Victor declared. "I can't meet any more family without a drink."
"We haven't even seen your brother yet, or mine," Rory chuckled.
"Ever the bigger reason," Victor huffed. "Are you still having club soda only?"
"Yeah," Rory huffed. "Booze still breaks havoc with my anticonvulsants."
"Let's get you something nice with a cherry on it, then," Victor patted the lion's butt as they arrived to the bar manned by a handsome wolf in a tuxedo.
"Please," Victor rumbled.
"Can I have one vodka martini and one club soda with cherry juice in it, please?" Victor ordered the drinks and leaned confidently against the bar.
"Coming right up!" the wolf grinned and grabbed a couple of glasses.
"I hope the food is nice," Rory said, "I'm hungry, too."
"I might have a salad," Victor scratched his side. "Maybe."
"If you keep not eating, you'll faint in your own wedding," Rory said.
"Better give them something to remember then," the Doberman replied.
"RORY!"
"Who now?" Rory mumbled to himself as he turned to face the source of the noice...and balked.
"Rory!" a big, bouncy black Lab was coming towards him, tail whipping away as he approached.
"Oh, shit..."
"Oh, Rory!" paws quickly gripped Rory's wrists and squeezed them. "I'm so glad to see you two again! It's been a while!"
"Alex," Rory rumbled.
"How are things are the head office, Rory?" the Lab asked curiously, floppy ears flicking as much as they physically could. "We hear so little at the grassroots level at the shop..."
"At least the retail arm is doing well, I hope," Rory stated, looking at the boss of their downtown location.
"Oh, just splendid!" the Lab stated happily. "Sales are strong indeed."
"Well, it's good that we haven't killed all of our own business with the ebooks," Rory stated wryly.
"Oh you don't say!"
"Here's your drink, Rory."
"Aaah, Victor!" Alex beamed. "How are you?"
"I am fine," the Doberman replied, already holding his Martini. "How are you?"
"Oh just fine!" the Lab chuckled. "Just trying to find my better half...she disappeared somewhere after her performance!"
"So it was your...wife...who was singing before?" Rory asked curiously.
"Oh yes!" the Lab flashed numerous perfectly white teeth.
"YOOOHOOO!"
"Oh there she is!" the Lab practically purred as he saw the feather boa sail towards them. "Finally!"
"Aleeeeeex..."
"Seems like a perfect match," Victor rumbled.
The black Lab took the lion's delicate paw into his own and they stood side by side, both smiling broadly.
"Rory, Victor, let me introduce my lovely wife, Nicola Faye-Sladen."
Rory's glass fell clean off his paw and shattered onto the floor.
"Ohhh, a little accident!" the lioness crooned. "Oh dear!"
"I'll clean that right up!" the wolf behind the counter was already on the move.
"Oh, I'm glad it didn't get onto my dress..." the lioness gazed down at their lower ends, where a big wet stain now extended itself upon Rory's pants.
"Rory..." Victor squeezed the lion's shoulder gently.
"Oh, my, where is my handkerchief..." the lioness procured a small purse and snapped it open.
"_...oh there he is, sir, come on right here...._OH RORY!"
The lion's head snapped in the direction of the voice...familiar, for it was Marge, unquestionably so, bustling along with a tall, bespectacled tiger in tow on her paw.
Rory's paw fell slack again.
"Oh Rory, please, you must meet one of your best selling authors, Colin Gilbertsville, who just happened to be in town tonight and I couldn't help but ask him to join us!" Marge stated as she pushed the tiger closer to the two lions, the Lab, the Doberman, and the puddle on the floor.
Rory's legs gave out and he fainted against Victor, sending the Doberman's Martini to splash all over the lion's suit.
And then there was only darkness.
*
THE BOLD AND THE FURRY
** WAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY**
GRUFFY & GAMBLE
SPONSORED BY
APPLE
AT&T
GENERAL MOTORS
ALKA-SELTZER
ROVIO
PARKER PUBLISHING
HOLDEN & HOLDEN CYBERLOGISTICS
theDobieDude79
ERIC'S EROTIC EMPORIUM
URSOPLUS PROPHYLACTICS
THE RAMROD BAR AND CLUB
PEPE LAROCCA WEDDING PLANNERS
STARRING
*
RORY GLIESE
*
VICTOR HOLDEN
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MARGE HOLDEN
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CRYSTAL ROSS
*
MASON STEPHENS
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HAAKON KJERULF
*
DEMETRIUS
*
JACOB HOLDEN
*
CLYTEMNESTRA PITT
*
JUSTIN GLIESE
*
SENATOR JACK GRIGGS
*
MR BROCK STAHLMAN
*
BONNIE BENNETT
*
GORDON BENNETT
*
ALEX SLADEN
*
NICOLA FAYE-SLADEN
*
COLIN GILBERTSVILLE
*
Thank you for reading my story! Hope you liked it, and hope you'll feel like commenting, too! All the feedback is always appreciated, and it will also help others to find these stories to enjoy as well.
Don't forget to come back on Friday for the next installment of the Hockey Hunk Anniversary Special...titled....*drumroll*... "WHO SHOT RJ? "
_ _
Cheerio!