Full House

“Hops, my darling~!” Angora calls, making a beckoning motion with her finger towards her favourite little bun. Hops bounds over, tray in hand, looking at her boss expectantly. Angora smiles, running a fingertip down her arm as she pulls her in closer.

“Take these orders for my table, dear,” she says, indicating towards her guests. They’re playing poker. The more inebriated the better, she thinks. They push chips upon chips across the table as they drink down shots of liquor. “A couple of sin and tonics, darling, and get us some of your special little drinks. You can do that for me, hmm?”

“Yes ma’am!” Hops smiles at her and is set to jump off again when Angora takes her by the crook of her arm. Shaking her head, Angora pulls her over and sits her on her lap.

“Not so fast, dear, don’t go running off on me just yet!” She places a steady hand on Hops’ back. “Put down your tray, come sit with me for a bit.” Turning to her companions, she smiles and indicates towards Hops with a flourish. “Everyone, this is my darling Hops. Isn’t she just a cutie?” 

Her fingers trail up. She touches her chin and tilts it towards the others at the table. Hops gives them all a smile. Angora takes a puff of her cigarette, exhaling with a smile as she shows Hops off. 

Hops sets her tray down, leaning it against the plush armchair Angora has chosen. It’s the best seat at this table. Only the best for Angora. She readjusts Hops in her lap so that she faces her companions, and she places her set of cards in Hops’ hands. Her face flushes red as she tries to read the cards. The shapes are a little blurry… If she looks really closely, she can read them. Angora doesn’t quite have a winning deck, but she’s not far off. At least, Hops thinks so. Leaning in close, Angora frowns. Hops hasn’t had the chance to have a mint or two yet… She hopes that Angora won’t notice... She swallows nervously anyway.

“How much have you had to drink this evening, dear?” She asks, lowering her voice into a reprimanding tone. Hops sighs and her ears droop a little.

“Only one,” she tries, her voice trailing off.

“One, dear? I can smell it off your breath.”

“Maybe two or three drinks…”  She admits sheepishly.

“Oh dear.” Angora straightens up, sighing. “We can’t have that, can we? What did I tell you about drinking on the clock?”

“Sorry ma’am.”

Sucking deeply on her cigarette, she thinks for a moment. She keeps hold of Hops, patting her arm. Hops glances around the table, and though Angora’s new companions' faces are obscured in the smoky air of the casino, she knows that they’re looking at them. The table is laden with poker chips and cards. Her face flushes again, but she leans back into Angora who gives her arm a reassuring squeeze. 

“What shall I do with you, hmm?” Angora sighs again, but she smirks. “My cute little thing. I suppose I’ll just have to add onto your contract.”

Hops doesn’t remember there actually being a contract, but she nods anyway, her ears drooping. Angora coos and tugs at them a little, shaking her head.

“That’s not a bad thing, dear~ Not to me. Now, come here, darling. Swap out my cards for me.” 

Hops exchanges cards with the dealer. Angora pats the top of her head as she leans in and pushes forward a few more poker chips. Some of her companions have gone all in. Glancing at her cards, Angora smirks. Stroking the top of Hops’ head and petting her soft ears, Angora leans towards her, lowering her voice to a purr. 

“Darling, if we win, I’ll buy you a beautiful diamond necklace. What do you say?”

Breaking into a blush again, Hops nods. Angora smiles and presses a kiss to her cheek, leaving a lipstick stain.

“Go, lay them out.”

She’s not quite sure how to play poker, or whichever version of poker they’re playing (it always seems to change!) but these cards look good. She reveals the cards to the table, laying them flat. It’s a Full House. 

Angora’s companions groan and hit the table, but they’re laughing good naturedly as they push their chips over towards her. Angora smiles too, beaming a beautiful shiny smile. She squeezes Hops and kisses her cheek again. 

“Well done, darling, you won for me! You’re such a good bunny, good girl! Won’t you look so beautiful for me in that necklace!” 

Hops smiles at her, already thinking about it. Angora always lavishes such luxuries on her. She can’t quite help but like it even if she has to work so hard on this “contract” that never seems to end. To prove her point, Angora gives her one final squeeze before lifting her off her lap.

“Go get us those drinks, darling! Don’t I deserve a winning drink?”

Off she goes, but not without a glance at Angora as she bounces away. She’ll be back. She always comes back to her.