A new year rolled in, and while Fagin and Winston busied themselves with making the barge more habitable and winter-proof, Dodger and the gang enjoyed coming back to the Foxworths' warm and comfortable home each night. With their bellies kept full with rich food, both Rita and Einstein had lost the 'ribby' look and were brighter within themselves. It was as though spring had come early, and all were grateful for the generosity of Jenny's family.

Rita sniffed at her breakfast bowl, taking in wafts of what she'd been offered… today it was three fat sausages. It seemed unbelievable to her that she'd been given such a thing as breakfast all, and it was hard not to feel that the gang was taking advantage of Winston's good nature. Still, though, the butler seemed happy to have more mouths to cook for. Rita tucked in, savouring the delicious taste, but leaving one of the sausages untouched.

Einstein, his head resting and the floor, found himself salivating. "Can I have it if you're full? I always have room." He inched nearer, crawling forward on his belly and leaving a trail of slobber on the tiles.

"Don't get excited," Rita said, "I'm taking this one to Willow. She's not lucky enough to have anyone else looking out for her."

Einstein lifted his head and looked at Rita curiously. Willow had always been a confusing individual to him; she seemed like she simply didn't want friends. "It's sad she doesn't want to stay with us; Fagin would treat her good. Does she really want to be all alone? She can't be happy."

Rita shrugged and sighed. Most of the gang had no interest in building friendships with the prickly Willow, but Einstein, good-hearted as he was, had made several valiant attempts to connect with her. Perhaps he saw her as extended family, or, Rita thought, he remembered back to when she and Willow were pups, and how much she'd missed her. "I don't think she's been happy since she was a kid," Rita said sadly. "She doesn't have much reason to trust anyone, I guess."

"She probably needs the sausage more than me," said Einstein, and he wagged his tail. "Sausages are good for cheering a dog up."

"Well, it can't hurt," Rita said, smiling just a little. Einstein was a good guy.

As Rita picked up the sausage and made to walk toward the door, the Great Dane pulled himself to his feet and ran after her. He mouthed at her neck, growling, trying to incite a play fight. Since the gang had temporarily moved in with the Foxworths, play had been frequent and vigorous- a result of the new health and security they felt in the sheltered environment. In this instance though, Einstein had chosen the wrong target, and Rita just shook him off.

"Einy!" Rita grumbled, her voice muffled by Willow's breakfast in her mouth. "Get off." She dodged underneath him, and he collapsed down, rolling on the floor. Skipping over Einstein's writhing form, she turned back to him with a cockeyed smile. "Later, okay?"

When Rita stepped outside, the cold was biting. It was tempting to retreat back to the warmth and comfort of the house, but as she'd said, Willow didn't really have anyone else. Many months ago, Rita had taken a step back, encouraging her sister to form bonds with the dogs she lived alongside, but they remained acquaintances at best. Willow was closed off, and Rita knew there was little she could do to change that. The occasional gift of food- though Willow would never accept anything stolen- was the least she could do. In truth, Rita had been avoiding an encounter with her sister since taking Dodger as a mate, knowing that a confrontation over the matter was highly likely.

Having swung by the barge to pick up a blanket to offer to Willow, Rita arrived at the old warehouse. The place was heaving with dogs. There were only ten 'regulars', including Willow, who resided at the warehouse hangout full time, but with the foul weather, street dogs had come from all around to find shelter, warmth in numbers, and allies with whom to share resources. Aggression between rival street dogs was rampant when the temperatures dropped, so a place where none of this was accepted was highly sought after. Immediately, Rita was greeted by an acquaintance, a boxer by the name of Tango, who was one of the warehouse's permanent residents.

"Hey, human-licker," Tango barked. "How's it hangin'? Keepin' warm?"

Rita nudged her head against Tango's in polite greeting. "I'm doin' all right. It looks like all five of us will come through this winter in one piece… no one's been badly sick so far."

"Well, ya can't ask for more than that. You're gonna be wantin' Willow, aren't ya?" Tango eyed the sausage that Rita had placed on the floor. If Willow turned out to be too proud to take a gift, she'd happily take it off Rita's paws.

"Yeah, I gotta make sure she's doin' okay. Last time I was here we had an argument-"

"Again? You know what, chick? You two might be better off cuttin' your losses. Some dogs just aren't meant to get along."

Rita gave a sad smile. "But who does get along with her? I mean, really? Girl's gotta know I'm at least tryin'. I owe her that much."

"We try, ya know," Tango said defensively, "but it's like she's goin' through the motions. Every time any of us start getting close to her, she shuts it down and we're back to square one. Sly's even tried to ask her out- you know, on a date. She just don't wanna know anyone."

"Sly? I thought he was more interested in Babe."

Tango barked a laugh. "Guess there's only so many knock backs a dog can take. Anyway, Willow's probably out the back. You know she hates it when it gets busy round here. She'll be off sulkin' somewhere."

Willow was indeed out around the back of the building, curled up tight in an old overturned trash can. Though she'd been staring into space, lost in her own thoughts, she snapped to the present the moment Rita came around the side of the warehouse. She nervously wagged her tail; it had not been on good terms that she'd last left her sister.

"I thought you might appreciate some extra sustenance," Rita said, and she nudged the sausage towards Willow, who avoided eye contact. She pulled the blanket off her back and laid it down in front of her. "And some extra warmth. Are you all right?"

"I'm alive, aren't I? About as good as it gets." Willow glanced behind Rita, almost expecting Dodger to be coming around the corner. "Is it just you?"

Rita stifled a groan. This wasn't a good sign for the conversation to come. "He's not with me; he's runnin' round somewhere with the cat probably."

Reassured that she wouldn't be sharing her sister's attention, Willow was quickly up and tucking into the sausages.

With breakfast eaten and pleasantries exchanged, the two hounds set off into the city. For Willow, long jaunts away from the docks were almost unheard of; the hustle and bustle of city like was all too much for her if she didn't have someone to rely on in the case of a sticky situation. With Rita by her side, the streets could be explored with little threat from other dogs- there was definitely safety in numbers. While Willow trotted along with her head and tail held low, Rita bounced through the snowy streets with the playfulness that had come out in the whole gang. She nipped gaily at Willow's tail, which was met only with irritated snaps.

"Cut it out, will you? I'm not sure what you're so happy about… it looks like it's gonna snow again."

Willow's attitude was in stark contrast to Einstein's earlier eagerness for frivolity. Rita was undeterred; well aware that no one else would make the effort to bring out her sister's well-hidden sense of fun. "You've got a blanket, you've got a full belly- just unwind a little, won't you," she said, dropping into a play bow. "It won't hurt, I promise."

Reluctantly, Willow nipped Rita's shoulder, signalling that she'd go along with this nonsense, at least for a moment. Seeing the broad smile that came to her sister's face, Willow couldn't fight the new and growing urge to make playful contact.

"Come on, Willie," Rita pressed her, "run with me." She surged forward, trusting that Willow simply wouldn't be able to resist; dogs of their kind could rarely turn down an invitation to run and chase.

Even as they played though, Willow's movements were stilted, as though she was forcing the matter. While Rita rolled over her back in the snow, Willow remained uptight. She wouldn't allow herself to truly become drawn in.

Rita was frustrated. Something just wasn't clicking with Willow, and she was at a loss as to how to overcome it. Giving up on any level of frivolity- fun would just have to wait until she was back with the gang, at least Einstein was keen- she opted instead just to have a leisurely stroll along the streets with her sister.

Relieved that the uncomfortable feeling that came with trying to play had dissipated, Willow quietly walked by Rita's side. There wasn't a lot she could think to say; conversation was not her strong point, and it would be all too easy to pick a fight as they were completely different in their ways of seeing the world.

"So, what's the gossip round the warehouse? Not much that gets past you." Rita gave Willow a kind nudge.

"Uh, I've been outta the thick of it; it gets so crowded this time of year," Willow said. "Murphy's gettin' old, so it's more Athena taking charge these days. You probably already know that Pink and Midnight got together; I think they're gonna try for a litter soon."

"Must be a while since there's been any puppies round that place- living there I mean."

"Not since I moved in," Willow said. "It's a bit early for anyone to get excited, but I know Athena's hopeful. She likes puppies."

"What about you, fancy taking on pupsitting?" Rita asked, fairly confident she knew what the response would be.

Willow tossed her ears. "Certainly not! If that fluffball wants to get herself pregnant, the results are her problem to deal with. There's gonna be plenty of others wanting in on it all anyway, no need for me to get involved."

Rita rolled her eyes. Close contact with her extended 'family' for want of a better word was definitely still a stumbling block for Willow. "Has Blizzard shown up round the place yet?" she asked, remembering that one of the warehouse regulars had disappeared mysteriously a while back. "It's gotta be a few months now."

Willow just shrugged. "Not that I know of," she said with an air of disinterest. "Winter seems convinced he's got caught up with Flint's lot; he reckons that Lab girl he was hooking up with was involved with them. Not sure how Flint would like some kid sniffin' round one of his women- maybe the idiot got smart and ran off before he got in too deep. I dunno. I never really talked to him or Winter; they're a pair of morons, almost as charming as your precious Dodger."

Again, Flint. Everything Rita heard confirmed that he was an extremely dangerous dog, and it made her quite relieved that the nervous Evie was happy enough staying in the safety of her Fifth Avenue home. Young Blizzard had been an arrogant idiot, but he certainly didn't deserve to lose his life to nutters like that. Rita quietly hoped he would indeed have had the sense to lie low as soon as he knew Flint was involved. More pressingly though, the conversation had turned to Dodger, and there was news to be shared… news that Willow would not take well.

Rita took a moment before speaking. "Will, you're not gonna like this," she started, "but it's better you hear it from me." She could feel Willow become tense beside her. "Dodger's my mate now. It happened just before Christmas. I know you think it's a mistake, but I'm happy- we both are."

Willow's face screwed up in disgust. "You're pathetic!" she said, scowling. "If you had any self-respect at all…"

"Look, I don't expect you to like this, but it's my life. I'm not fool enough to not realise that he's a womaniser, but sometimes that's not what matters. Dodger loves me, I love him; simple. Anything more than that is none of your business."

"I'm actually surprised it took him this long to get on top of you. Living round here, there's a lot of dirt being dished out, and your smarmy creep features in a lot of it."

"It's not your place to pass judgement, Willow," Rita growled. "I'm a grown woman, and I can be romantically involved with whoever I like. And even if Dodge and I were still just friends, you still gotta grow up and get over it."

Willow's fur bristled. "How am I meant to get over it?" she spat. "You've been falling at his paws ever since you were a kid. He changed you! He made you leave us- he made you leave me. If you're stupid enough that you trust a dog like Dodger, you deserve what's coming, and it ain't gonna be pretty."

"Willow! I've had about enough of dealing with your garbage. This isn't about you, so quit playing the victim. When you get yourself a successful relationship, then I might ask you for advice."

With a look of intense venom, Willow turned and stormed off. She stopped and turned back. "Well, I don't need your help either! You can keep your pity offerings; I can take care of myself."

"Glad to hear it; guess you won't need me at all. I'll catch you round, Willie, or maybe not." Rita watched as Willow flounced away. It hurt; it hurt deeply. She felt powerless, unable to build the bridge between the people she cared about. When it came down to it though, Dodger and the rest of the gang actually cared about her in return. It would take time for Willow to calm down, Rita knew that much; she'd taken the development as a personal betrayal. After many months of trying to reach her, she still couldn't understand Willow, who remained damaged. There was nothing to do but give her space, but Rita grew weary of treading on eggshells whenever they did interact. When it came to family, it felt better for her to stick to the one she chose for herself.

Rita stumbled in the front door, welcomed into the Foxworth home by a jovial Oliver. The young cat had been having the time of his life- with Jenny and Evie, and Dodger and the gang around the place, he rarely had a moment that he wasn't having fun with someone.

"Hey, Rita!" Oliver cried, "Nice morning? You must be freezing!" He affectionately wove between her legs, rubbing against her cold, damp legs.

It had been snowing for the past hour; not soft fluffy snow, but harsh icy shards. With no need to find food, and with most of the gang enjoying the luxuries indoors, it hadn't seemed worth continuing to shiver out in the cold once Willow had walked off. "I wouldn't say nice," Rita replied, pleasantly, "but it makes it all the better to see you." She stretched out her tired body, taking in the scents of the warm home; it smelt like Winston was cooking something for lunch.

In the front room, Francis had joined Georgette in her exercise routine in front of the television, apparently working on his New Year's resolution to get fitter, while Tito sniggered into a pillow on the window seat. Rita had to stifle a giggle herself.

"You know you've got the park literally on the other side of the road, right?" Rita asked, failing to see the point in their awkward prancing and posing. "Ain't it easier just to go for a run?"

"In the snow? You must be joking," Georgette scoffed. "As if I'd go out and let my fur get like yours." She sneered at Rita's windswept look. There was no way on earth she'd go out in public like that.

Rita jumped up and lay down beside Tito, who continued to chortle.

"Hey, Dodger, man!" Tito shouted, "Wifey's back!"

Not particularly happy about being addressed as such, Rita nonetheless bit her tongue; he'd had quite enough confrontation for one day.

Dodger sauntered in with his usual swagger, and Einstein at his heels. Something in the mutt's rough face lit up as he saw his mate, and it raised Rita's own spirits. Einstein, in contrast, did not look cheerful.

"What's up, old man?" Rita asked. "Looks like you lost the wag from your tail, hon."

"Poor idiot," Dodger replied on Einstein's behalf, and he jumped up between Rita and Tito. "Spent all morning bouncin' Jenny's basketball everywhere we went- thought he was gonna chew a hole in it- then musta smelt somethin' cookin' 'cause he put it down and lost it."

Einstein's ears drooped. "I'm a bad friend," he said miserably. "Jenny's gonna be so sad."

"Aw, she'll live," Oliver said reassuringly. "She's got so many toys she probably won't even notice."

"Einstein," Rita said, shaking her head, "you'd lose your own tail if it wasn't screwed into your bony rump. We'll just have to find her something to replace it." She felt her body relax as Dodger began grooming her, dislodging bits of snow from her fur. "Don't feel too bad; I'll play with you in a little while- at least I know you appreciate the gesture."

Einstein furrowed his brow, slowly remembering where Rita had gone that morning. "Did Willow not want to play? Wait- did she not want her sausage?" He groaned; extra breakfast would not have gone unappreciated with him around. This just wasn't his day!

"Let's just say, I won't feel the need to give her handouts in the future."

Dodger looked up, suspecting what had happened. "You okay, babe? Don't worry about her- ya know she's messed up. Nothin' personal, just her."

"If you don't mind, I'd rather not talk about it right now." Rita made eye contact with Dodger. He was obviously trying to make her feel better, but it wasn't working. In that moment, surrounded by the family that actually did genuinely care about her, she just wanted to forget about it and hang out- it wouldn't be long before they'd be saying goodbye to Jenny and the Foxworths, so this time was best made the most of.

Dodger got the message. He briefly nuzzled her cheek, just to reaffirm that he was there for her if she needed him. "'Course not," he said, smirking, "life's too short to waste yappin' over hopeless causes. Besides, don't wanna miss any of Francis' earth-shatterin' dance moves." He winked as the bulldog gave him a scandalised look.

"I'll have you know that this exercise regime has several celebrity endorsements that shower it with praise!" Francis pronounced huffily.

Oliver bounded after, joining in enthusiastic and quickly getting right under Georgette's feet. "I gotta admit, it's pretty fun. And we always eat candy afterwards as a reward!"

Rita again caught Dodger's eye, smirking. That sounded like Francis' idea of fitness. She relaxed her weary muscles, feeling the warmth from her mate against her side. Poor Willow really didn't know what she was missing… Dodger was right, your pals really were all you needed.