Disclaimer: I don't own District 9. This is my first attempt at a fanfiction so any feedback would be great.
There was a long line at the cat food stall that day. Fifteen non-humans
were waiting for their fix of aluminum and simulated fish.
One was celebrating his anniversary.
Wikus stood calmly in line with the others. He was almost fully changed now, pink human flesh replaced with glossy new exoskeleton. In time it would become weathered, become the dull black-brown of the others. His antennae twitched slightly in impatience as he listened to the haggling of the foremost prawn and the stall owner.
"Five cans? Are you crazy? Catfood prices have gone up Mister Prawn. For that price you can't get more than three."
Wikus was no longer listening. He thought he caught a glimpse of...
No. It wasn't Tania. She wouldn't want to see him anyway. Not in this... state he was in. She probably wouldn't even recognize him.
The foremost prawn chittered in defeat and left, clutching its three precious cans tightly to its narrow chest.
The line slowly moved ahead and finally Wikus was facing the cat food man.
"So, what'll it be Mister Prawn?"
Wikus leaned forward and let out a series of burbling clicks.
"Only one can Mister Prawn?"
Wikus nodded, resisting the temptation of the savory smell emanating from the stall. He handed over the money, picked up the can and left.
The stall owner stared at the retreating alien, a confused frown on his chubby features. For a moment Wikus had looked almost... human. He shook off his momentary daze and gave a cheery smile to the next in line.
Wikus almost ran to his shack, only slowing down when he remembered what the gangs would do to anyone who seemed afraid. Wikus placed the can on the floor and picked up a small, rusted hatchet from its hook on the wall. He swiftly sliced through the the metal and meat, leaving only a glistening aluminum tube and a few dusty lumps of cat food.
Using his powerful three fingered hands, Wikus shaped the tube of metal into something to celebrate his anniversary with. It was rough and scratched, dented and misshapen. It would have to do.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
Tania slept restlessly that night. She heard noises outside the house and her dreams were filled with chirps and clicks. She awoke, walked to the window and stared, shocked at a small, vaguely heart-shaped piece of metal on her windowsill. It was an ugly piece of squashed aluminum, streaks of bright paint marking its lumpy surface.
It was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen.
The End
