On a lively Friday night, amidst the metropolitan cityscape, Johnny was on a mission.

Although it was a menial task, he couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility, that he was being productive with his time, somehow. It had once been one of his first roles within his father's gang, years ago, perhaps when Johnny was in grade school even. He had never felt so important and helpful back then.

But of course, Johnny grew out of that attitude in later years.

Now, after all that's happened, Johnny only had himself to look out for. The supermarket was only a short walk from his place anyway, and it was better than having an empty fridge.

After padlocking the steel garage door from the outside, Johnny began his journey. He enjoyed walking by himself, sometimes he'd purposely take long routes to prolong it. It gave Johnny a moment of privacy, time to think, or an opportunity to listen to his favourite songs, of which he'd never admit to anyone-let alone his family.

Johnny put his earphones in, and allowed the music to carry him across the pavement. He barely resisted the urge to dance, mouthing the words to a melodic pop piece that he'd grown rather fond of. In that moment, Johnny could imagine himself on stage again, in the moment he always dreamed to live.

The brutish sound of a sports car accelerating behind him rudely startled him out of that trance.

Slightly annoyed, Johnny turned to find the source of the noise. Definitely a red sports car of some kind, likely belonging to another speed junkie from the city, or someone stupidly rich. Those were the only two types Johnny knew that owned expensive cars, and he didn't get along much with either.

It passed him for only a second, but something struck him odd about the car. Or maybe...it was the driver. At a glance, there didn't appear to be anyone manning the vehicle, but that couldn't be true.

Now the vehicle had pulled over a fair bit ahead, giving Johnny a better look from a distance. There was indeed a driver, but they were of a far smaller species. A mouse, bright red suit and fedora, could barely be recognised.

Johnny only knew one fancily dressed mouse, and he hadn't seen him in more than a week.

"Hey!" Johnny called after him, jogging up and across the street to the passenger side of the car. Upon approaching the familiar acquaintance, he could confirm his identity.

"Goddammit!" He could hear the driver curse. Without a doubt, that voice belonged to-

"Mike…?" Johnny asked as he approached. "That is your name, isn't it?"

"Yeah? What do you want-oh!" Mike blinked in recognition as he looked up. "Hey, I know you…it's Bobby, right?"

"Johnny. From the singing competition, yeah?"

Mike slowly nodded, before trying to turn the engine on again. "Oh...yeah, of course. How could I forget-Come on, seriously?!"

Looks like he's out of gas, but nevermind that-he looks like crap!

Johnny observed the tiredness in the mouse's voice, which matched his expression. Dark circles and dirt detailed the rodent's face, holding a degree of grime that was, to be frank, shocking.

It made the gorilla wonder just what in the world Mike had been doing in the past few days. More importantly, why had he never contacted any of them, his friends from the Theatre? Johnny was more than slightly curious to know, and was almost thankful that Mike's misfortune with his car had given him this opportunity to ask at all.

So he did just that. "Uh, so how ya been man? Certainly been a while, aye?"

"What's it to you?" The rodent grumbled, smacking the dashboard. "You feeling sorry for me or something?"

"No, no. Nothing like that!" Johnny held his hands up. "Just curious on how you been doing, you know? Everyone's...kinda been wondering where you've been..."

"Is that so?" Mike huffed a small, dry laugh, still focussing on starting the car. "Well I don't need your concern, or any of theirs for that matter! I'm doing just fine over here. See this fancy and expensive sports car? It's mine! Nobody else's!"

Uh huh. Summin tells me he's bluffing. He looks like crap. Though that is a really nice car…

"I was wondering' about that actually…The car, I mean." Johnny started, hoping some small talk would defuse any tension between them. "What's the model?"

"Heh, you really wanna know? Obviously it's a…." Mike trailed off, clearly thinking about it. "Well, it doesn't really matter, does it? I saw it, it looked nice, I wanted it, I got it. It's the only good thing I have going for me, so who cares what the hell model it is?"

Johnny gave a nervous laugh. "Heh, I guess that's fair enough...wait, what did you say?"

"What dy'a mean ' what did I say ?" The mouse's expression darkened as he lost patience. "Did I stutter, kid? This car's all I got, everything I'm worth, ya hear? So I'm not going to let you judge it or my lifestyle like it's any of your damn business, okay?"

Johnny wasn't sure what to say to that. He wanted to explain himself, or apologise, but it seemed even that led the risk of accidently patronizing the smaller mammal. Something was certainly wrong with Mike's life, his more defensive-than-normal attitude made that clear. But if he didn't want to explain anything to Johnny, then perhaps it wasn't his business to pry.

Besides, Johnny had developed a knack for knowing when he wasn't wanted around.

"Yeah, alright." He sighed, slowly backing away. "I'll leave you to it then…See ya round, s'pose…"

A second later, Mike spoke up quietly. "Wait."

Johnny stopped, stepping back towards the vehicle. "What'sup?"

"Listen, kid. I…" Mike started, but then hesitated for a moment. "I...didn't mean to outburst or anything. I'm just a little stressed, okay? It's been a hell of a week and….it's stupid…."

That struck Johnny's curiosity. "You don't say…"

I could definitely tell he was tired. Hang on, wasn't he just driving? It's a blimmin miracle he hasn't crashed!

Mike spoke up with a carefully neutral tone. "Hey, do me a favour will ya? Forget I said any of that stuff. The last thing I need is everyone to go off worrying about me..."

"Uh, well…" Johnny wasn't sure what to do. He didn't want to press Mike for information and irritate him, but he couldn't just leave the matter alone, either. "Are you in some kinda trouble?"

"Whaaaat? N-no, why would I be? What gave you that idea? Just...busy living the music life and stuff. Pft, you wouldn't understand..."

Well I'm kind of a musician too, you know…Besides, you're lying mate.

Johnny grew tired of dancing around the matter anyway. "Hey Mike, if there's something messed up going on with you, you can tell me, right? I won't judge you or anything..."

Mike responded with a strange fusion of expression that Johnny couldn't read, before furrowing his gaze at the gorilla. "And...why would I do that? What, do you expect me to break down and tell you all my troubles like some sobby patient in therapy? I'll pass, thank you very much."

Johnny could feel his chest rise slightly. "Okay, listen mate, if you got some things you wanna keep secret, it doesn't bother me. But don't think I'm stupid enough not to realise you're in some kinda trouble, and that I'm too much of an arsehole to care, alright? Everyone's worried, including me, whether you like it or not! So what the hell's happening'?"

Mike gave Johnny a long hard stare, before sighing in resignation. "Trouble...Yeah, that's an understatement. I'd love to explain it all to you but..." He let out a yawn. "I can't really concentrate right now. Maybe later...dammit, I gotta focus ."

"You tired?"

"Oh, whatever gave you that idea?"

"Alright, ha ha. Stupid question. But seriously though, where's your pad? I could give you a ride if you-"

"Forget it, I don't have a place."

"Then where do you-oh…"

Mike nodded solemnly. "Yeah, like I said, this car is literally all I have. So if you don't mind, I gotta find a way to hide this thing tonight so I can rest in peace-literally. Not in that sense…"

Why would he need to hide his car? Unless he's being followed...

"Then come stay at my place!" Johnny uttered those words before he could realise what he was saying.

Even Mike was taken off guard. "What? You-you're not serious?""

"I mean...why not? There's heaps of space in my garage for your car, you could sleep somewhere decent, and s' really close by…"

"Uh...well…I shouldn't..."

"C'mon, it's really no hassle, honest!"

Mike shook his head. "You really don't know what you're asking, kid. I don't do friends very well. I'd just be a pain in the ass to live with..."

"Can't be as bad as some of my relatives. Trust me, I'll manage." Johnny smiled. "Besides, it'd be pretty hard moving that thing by yourself wouldn't it?"

Please just say yes. You know you want to…

The rodent opened his mouth to argue, but conceded with a sigh. "...Guess I don't have much of a choice left, do I? Screw it, I'll bite. Where's your place?"

"It's literally down the road. I could probably push your car there, if you want."

Am I even that strong? Guess I could, the car's not terribly massive...

"That's convenient." Mike mumbled, looking down at his dashboard. "I would drive you, but...you already know I'm outta gas."

"Ain't no fuss, I'll handle it."

Johnny walked behind the mouse's sports car, put on a brave face, and began pushing the car a block to his home. It was a moderate challenge, but he managed without complaint. He could hardly ask Mike for help, and as a mountain gorilla, Johnny felt that he owed it to his species to save face in regards to his upper body strength.

Upon arrival at his home, Johnny, sweating internally, opened up the garage door. "Alright, there should be enough space to fit that thing inside...One more push….and there we go."

"Impressive." Mike leapt out of his car. "So this is your place, huh?"

Johnny gave his home a once-over. "Yeah, sorry for the mess, we don't normally have guests over…Not that I mind, of course! It's just really uncommon, is all..."

Mike huffed. "Looks just fine to me. So where do ya sleep, upstairs?"

Johnny nodded, pointing at various places of importance. "Yeah, my room's just at the top. But...there's a couch over there if you want your own space. Privacy and all. Bathroom down here's second door on the right, down the corridor next to the kitchen. That reminds me, you hungry?"

Mike seemed to hesitate "I don't wanna impose, but….okay, what do you have?"

"Lemme see."

Johnny walked into the kitchen, before realising something. "Oh crap, I didn't grab any groceries!" He checked his watch. "Blimey, the store closes in ten minutes. I gotta go."

"Hey, if it's too much trouble, then forget about it. Why you gotta-"

"Cause I got no food for dinner, or breakfast, or anything! Fridge's completely empty, I was on my way to get everything actually..." Johnny was already tieing his shoes up. "Listen, I'll be back in a bit, could you...just stay here while I head out?"

"Wha-you serious? You're just leaving this place to me?"

"Yeah, I won't be long, promise. Just make yourself comfortable, I think I've pointed out everything, I think?"

"Sure but-"

"Okay, I'll be right back!"

With that, Johnny left his home, checking his watch again as he slammed the door behind him. If he wanted to make it in time to buy some decent food, he'd have to run.


Mike couldn't do anything but watch the door slam in front of him.

"Seriously…" He muttered to himself. Did this kid seriously just leave the care of his entire place to him ? Was he really that naive, or just stupid?

I could rob the kid blind, if I wanted to. But even if I did, I'd have to ditch the car-why am I even thinking about this?

Although the opportunity presented itself, Mike really had no temptation to betray the young gorilla's trust, especially not after he offered him a place to stay for the night. Besides, he seemed like a nice kid anyway, and a damn good singer, if Mike could recall. Not the worst person he could've been forced to stay with, he supposed. What did he have to gain by screwing people over at this point?

Not to mention, he was starving for some dinner.

Mike tried to remember the last thing he ate, then did his very best to forget such a dreadful memory. He would have to hide his excitement to the best of his ability once Johnny returned-the last thing Mike wanted was to appear desperate.

Even though he certainly was.

Mike could feel his eyes droop, his body yelled at him to get some rest, but of course that would have to wait after dinner. He cursed himself after automatically yawning.

I wonder if he has any coffee...I mean, why the hell wouldn't he? Ah screw it, I'd never find it anyway.

In an attempt to kill time, and for some peace of mind, Mike took it upon himself to explore the apartment. As much as Mike didn't want to admit it, it was a monumental adventure in itself.

Of course everything's so freaking big, the guy's a damn gorilla...Even so, it kinda seems big for just one kid.

That included, he realised with despair, the kitchen.

He better not expect ME to do the cooking...

And, with even more despair, the bathroom.

...You gotta be kidding me.

Still, Mike reasoned that an oversized bathroom it was better than any beat-up alleyway. He'd just have to figure out a way to shower and use the toilet without drowning himself, but Mike prided himself on his resourcefulness. He would find a way, or humiliate himself trying.

Mike went back to his car to unpack everything he had-his saxophone, and a pair of spare clothes he'd never want to be seen in.

I really gotta get the rest of my clothes, but...

That would involve going back to his old apartment, and Mike already knew that wasn't worth the risk at the moment. He hardly wanted to think about the Bear Mafia tracking him down, not that it could be helped. It was a miracle they hadn't found him yet.

Nevermind about that, I'm starving...Dammit, what's taking him so long?

Johnny finally arrived back after what felt like years.

"Sorry 'm late. You wouldn't believe it, the amount of people in line at the counter was a nightmare!"

Mike almost made a sarcastic remark in reply, before realising who was in control of the food.

Instead, he shrugged. "Better late than never. What's on the menu?"

The rodent mentally kicked himself for giving away his hunger so quickly.

Johnny just smiled in response. "Nothing terribly fancy. Just some pasta with sauce, you know. That good? Wasn't sure what you liked."

"Works for me."

"Cool, it shouldn't take that long. Give me a minute..."

Thank Holy Mary…

So Mike patiently waited, refusing to let his stomach give him away. Johnny took to the kitchen with the sort of relaxation one could spot in someone experienced in the craft.

"So...you cook much?" Mike asked from across the room. He knew he came off a little condescending, but he was genuinely curious.

The gorilla shrugged with a smile. "Sure, I used to cook heaps for…" Johnny stopped for a second. "Well...heaps for my family, when I was little. Guess you could say I was self-taught."

"Really?" Mike sat up. "You did that all by yourself? Sounds like child labour, if you ask me."

"It was better than eating takeout every single night-believe me. 'sides, I kinda enjoyed it, actually. Definitely comes in handy, too."

I'll say.

The dinner arrived in what felt like years, but just by the smell Mike knew it was worth the wait.

"Oh…" Johnny stopped as soon as he set down the bowl of spaghetti.

"What's wrong?"

Johnny gave off a sheepish look. "Ah-ha. I think I made a bit too much. I...kinda forgot we're different sizes for food, huh? Sorry, guess there'll be leftovers…"

Mike peered over into the bowl, letting the smell envelop him. He honestly couldn't have cared less about the quantity of it. In fact, the more he thought about it, the more Mike felt he could manage the gorilla-sized serving, indigestion be damned.

He couldn't stop himself from replying. "Who cares, I'm starving!"

The minute Johnny scooped him his share of the pasta, Mike literally dove into the bowl unashamedly. His dinner bowl was almost bigger than he was, but that didn't stop the rodent by any stretch from wolfing the cuisine down.

"Woah, I take it you're a big fan of spaghetti then?" Johnny remarked.

"Shuddup." Mike shot back, mouth full of food. "How else am I supposed to eat this, with your bigass forks?"

"Haha, good point." Johnny then widened his eyes in realisation. "Crap, now that you mention it, this place must be hella inconvenient for you, huh? Everything being big an' all..."

Mike shrugged in between bites. "Nothing I haven't handled before. You'd be surprised how many times I've seen 'something too big' and lived with it. I'll manage."

"You serious?"

"Of course I'm serious!"

"Well, that's...that's pretty impressive, that you can do all that, I mean."

"No big deal. At least you know how to cook."

Johnny laughed. "It's really nothing, mate. Oh, you want something to drink?"

Hell yes.

"Sure, water's fine. With a straw, obviously..."

Time passed as it often did with a delicious long-awaited dinner. Mike surprised himself at how willing he was to converse with someone he'd barely known beforehand. Even stranger, Johnny spoke almost as if, for some reason, they were friends who hadn't seen each other for too long a time.

But that didn't make sense. Mike never treated him or any of the others like that before, why should he? Johnny couldn't have been that stupid not to realise that.

And yet, he takes me into his home like it's no big deal. Who the hell just does that?

Right after dinner, Johnny offered to lead him upstairs to where he'd supposedly be sleeping for the night.

"Ah, that's no problem, I can sleep down here." Mike replied. "There's a couch over there, right?"

"Yeah, but I-uh...You sure?"

"Seriously, I'm sure."

Can't be assed making it up those stairs anyway. And I am NOT letting him carry me…

Johnny tentatively nodded, told him to yell if needed anything, then carried himself upstairs, leaving Mike to himself.

A perilous trip to the bathroom later, Mike took off his only suit and fedora and made his way to the couch, calling it a night.

The couch cushion was already a better alternative to the backache Mike's car offered. Then again, pretty much everything about his current living arrangement was an improvement to before.

Now, rather than lack of comfort, Mike only had his own thoughts to torment him.

I can't rely on this kid forever, he's gonna find me out sooner or later...He's done way more than he should have, anyway. Not that I need him, he's dead-weight, I know it when I see it.

Still…I suppose I should thank him, shouldn't I?

Mike buried his head into the fabric further.

I gotta get outta here as soon as I can, get back on my feet. But...I really am in trouble, aren't I? What the hell do I do?

The late-night ambiance of the bustling metropolis outside eased his thoughts slightly. City-life, after all, was full of opportunity, chances to get away problems and long-shots to redemption.

Perhaps Mike could make one more gamble for his life, he had nothing much to lose anymore.

I….I need help. I really, honest to god, need help...

Mike tried his best to fall asleep peacefully, but failed miserably, succumbing to his introspections. It felt like hours before he could actually doze off, and even then did he toss and turn.

That being said, it was the best sleep he had in days.