This night was yet another one that Miles could not sleep through. His cramps, his racing thoughts, and that crazy plan he had in mind, all of them kept him from getting a wink of sleep. "Okay, You can do this, Miles," he psyched himself up mentally, "Just like we planned." He checked the time on his phone; 7:13, far too early. He'd have to kill nearly twelve hours so his plan could work properly, maybe more if he wasn't lucky. Now that he thought about it, Miles was pretty tired. He had mostly been watching whatever YouTube had recommended to him to try and distract from his pains all night. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to take a short nap, only for a little bit. Yeah, that sounded nice.
The grey fox yawned as his body returned from being paralyzed. He looked out his window and saw darkness shrouded the world. "Shit!" he just remembered, "My plan! Please don't be too late, please don't be too late, please don't be too late!" He frantically checked his phone for the time. 8:51. Thank God. It was less than ideal, but good enough. If Miles had slept through the whole day, this plan would have gone south fast. He anxiously stared at his phone and readied himself. Phase One of his plan was about to begin.
Nick was about to pass out sitting in his recliner. He felt like an old man going to sleep at this hour, but he was being practically worked to death. Day after day, case after case, it was arduous. He eventually decided enough was enough and searched his medicine cabinet for something to cure his splitting headache. During his fetch quest, the red fox's phone began ringing out, the noise enough to make him wish he would go deaf right then and there. Nick quickly downed a capsule of acetaminophen and grabbed his phone. "Oh what now?" He moaned.
The caller was revealed to be none other than Miles upon further notice. "Miles?" Nick rubbed his temples, "The kid always seems to call at the strangest of times." He couldn't just not answer, what if this was important? He had to be there to support his friend after all. He swiped the button and raised the phone to his ear. He received no answer, which startled him lightly.
"Hello? Miles? You there, pal?"
Thankfully, the younger vulpine stuttered back, "Y-Y-Yeah. I have a question to ask you...This isn't a bad time, is it?"
"Of course not! I'm just a little stressed, work is killing me. Ask away."
"Well, I was going to ask if you were free today."
"I'm off work now, but it's pretty late for chit-chat. I don't know when my next day off is."
"Oh. I guess you can forget about it, then."
"If you need someone to talk to, I'm right here, bud. That's why I asked you to keep in touch, remember?"
"I know, it's just—you shouldn't have to waste your time on me. Sorry, I'll get out of your hair."
"Miles, listen to me. You aren't wasting my time. If you need to vent to me, I'm all ears, and you're always welcome to come over. I want to help you. If you really need to, I'll be right there and pick you up
Just don't be sneaking out, okay?"
A sigh was heard on Miles' end. "Okay, but only because you're fine with it. A-And I can walk myself there! I know the way, and I hate car rides."
Nick had to giggle a bit at the boy's assertiveness. "Alright, I trust that I'll see you soon. Bye."
Nick wasn't exactly presentable with his muted green pajama pants and grey tank top, but that being said he wasn't expecting anyone at this hour. Miles just kept catching him at the strangest of times, and he wondered why the orphanage would even let him go out at this time. To be fair, Miles never was someone who operated off of societal norms. Not that it was a bad thing, in fact Nick admired the creative way he expressed himself, though he didn't want to see him in trouble. He just wanted to make Miles feel safe, and if this was how it was going to be, he was more than okay with that.
Miles grabbed his backpack and began to shovel in various necessities. Phase Two of his plan was now a go. Toothbrush, extra clothes, phone charger, he even debated taking a bottle of his hair dye. He threw that in too just in case, though he tried to pack light. Miles tied his bandana around his neck, pulled his hood up and slung the bag over his shoulder. He was ready to leave this place for good this time. He opened up his window and bounded down the fire escape into the rainy night, careful to make sure he wasn't heard. "Maybe Nick was right," he thought as he walked, "Maybe things are gonna turn out better." Miles didn't look back as he left through the back alleys, he knew full well he wasn't going to be back here any time soon. Goodbye, Greypaw's Home for Cubs, Miles won't be missing you!
The grey fox went to knock on the door to Nick's apartment, his heart racing with anxiety. He was actually doing this, he was actually going to leave Zootopia. All he needed was one night to get himself ready, and hopefully Nick could help. It's what he wanted to do after all, wasn't it? He rapped on the door with his fingers and twiddled his thumbs in a nervous manner. It refused to open up. After what felt like forever, Nick mysteriously appeared behind him and Miles jumped as he noticed the older mammal.
"Just me," Nick reassured him as he pulled out his key, "I left my phone charger in my car, sorry about that. How long have you been standing here?"
"I think like twenty minutes or something."
"Twenty minutes? Ugh, sorry. It was really stuck between the seat and the console. Dug through it every which way, but at least I found it."
Nick gestured for Miles to enter his home, holding the door in a gentlemanly fashion, and noticed that the boy had a backpack with him. Was he doing what he thought he was doing? Oh no. He didn't want to ask, but Nick knew he had to. He caught the grey fox's wrist and turned him around as the door shut behind them.
"Miles, why do you have that backpack? Are you...are you actually running away this time?"
A lump formed in the younger vulpine's throat. "Nick, I—" He shuffled his hind paws in a guilty way and tugged on his bandana a little. He suddenly shoved himself away from the red fox as he shouted out loud.
"I can't take this anymore! I hate living at that shitty orphanage, I hate it! I can't stay in Zootopia any more. No one understands me here, and you're the only one who's ever not neglected me. I even thought you might like me a little...please, don't take me back there!"
Nick frowned and reached his hand out, trying to calm him down.
"Shh, easy now, of course I like you. No one's taking you back anywhere, but you can't just run away like this, Miles! Do you know how much trouble we BOTH could get in if you just disappeared, and I was the prime suspect?"
Miles looked at his bandaged arms and felt an urge to bite at himself, but he instead threw his arms up and clawed at the scalp of his head.
"I-I-I know, but—You gotta let me stay! I won't be any trouble, it'll only be for tonight. I'll find a shelter or somewhere else in the morning, honest! Please, please Nick, I'm begging you, let me do this."
Nick furrowed his brow and looked to the floor. How did he get himself into this mess? He just wanted to help Miles during a dark place in his life, not this! This was insane, he was harboring a runaway in his own home! The older vulpine took a step back and remembered, he was supposed to be Miles' light. Is this how he was to do this? It was crazy, challenging, and probably highly illegal, but he knew he couldn't just abandon the boy.
"That won't be necessary. I know I probably shouldn't do this, especially coming from my line of work...but I suppose I can make an exception. You stay here as long as you need, Miles. I'll look after you until you're ready to leave town, but just know that this is a dangerous thing you're doing. You're fourteen years old, I can't just let you go out on your own! I'd be a lot more comfortable if you took some time to think about this in a place where you feel safe. I'll try to help you as best I can, but please, if you still decide you want to go off on your own, stay safe out there, okay?"
Miles was shocked. Nick was actually letting him stay? As in, he was allowing him to carry out his plan? Well, he was more adding extra steps, but he knew now Nick was more insane than he thought...though was he really one to judge? His backpack dropped to the floor as he fell into Nick's chest and hugged the older fox.
"T-Thank you, thanks a million times, Nick."
The grey fox felt Nick return the hug and begin to pet his head lightly. At that moment, Miles began to do something he hadn't done in front of anyone for years: He cried. He felt the warm tears well up in his eyes as they rolled down his cheeks, one landing on Nick's exposed clavicle.
"I felt that," his older peer whispered.
Miles hugged Nick tighter as he felt his breathing become sharper. More tears started to fall as he started weeping into the red fox's chest. Nick continued to caress Miles' head and murmured words of comfort to him.
"Hey buddy, that's it. Let it out. You're okay. You're safe now."
Miles sniffled and wiped his eyes. He broke the embrace after a minute or two as Nick gave a small smile and patted his shoulder.
"Hey, uh, can I use your bathroom? Also, where am I gonna sleep?"
Nick pointed out the bathroom and replied, "I have an old pullout couch in the spare room. It's not perfect, but it should be fine."
The red fox made his way to the spare room and remembered exactly why he was going to get rid of this thing, the fact that it was a nightmare to deal with. He sighed as he pulled up his non-existent sleeves. "Hello, old friend," he sarcastically thought. Nick pulled the cushions off and set them aside. He attempted to pull the bed up, but no matter how hard he tried, it refused to comply. He tried pulling back and then up, pulling up and then forward, and every other combination of ways to pull out a bed from a couch, but the stubborn thing would not budge. For Miles' sake, he would get this bed out for him...even if it would take absolutely ages to do.
The grey fox searched his bag for his supplies and found his sleepwear right where he packed it. He'd be staying with Nick for quite some time it seemed, so he may as well unpack his things. Miles began to change and also unwrapped the bandages on his arms, seeing as the wounds had healed. He looked at his bound chest in the mirror and knew he shouldn't bind when he slept. The bandage was getting old and disgusting anyway, but he couldn't just take it off...what if Nick saw? It wasn't like he was "well endowed" for lack of better words, but anything was enough to remind him of what he was. He was a male, yes, but he was a transgender male. He knew it was nothing to be ashamed of, and that he didn't have to be a man in the eyes of society. He knew that even if he didn't transition his maleness to be valid, but he wanted that. He needed that. Miles didn't know what he would do, it was bad enough that he was a predator, and a fox at that. Zootopia had become more accepting over the years, but he couldn't shake that fear in his heart. He couldn't hide this forever. The grey fox sighed as he removed the nasty old bandage roll and draped his oversized long sleeve t-shirt over himself, covering his chest with crossed arms as he went to see if his bed was ready.
The older vulpine fell onto an old chair in the storage room and huffed loudly. That couch made his life exponentially harder for that one moment, and he remembered why exactly he wanted to get rid of it. He noticed Miles come into the room with his arms across his chest. He was unsure of why, but chose not to question.
"Phew, here's the pullout. I know it's not much, but if it gets too uncomfortable you can move out to the living room couch if need be."
Miles eased himself onto the bed and stretched out.
"Not the comfiest thing in the world, but it's better than another night at Greypaw."
"Well, I'm turning in. I've got work tomorrow, so I have to be up and at 'em at far-too-early o'clock."
Nick forced himself up and went to go to his own room, but Miles called out his name.
"Hey, Nick?"
He gave a sly smile and remarked, "What now, you want me to tuck you in? Read you a bedtime story?"
Miles rolled his eyes in a light-hearted way at his gesture.
"I just wanted to thank you again, for everything. G'night. Have fun waking up at the ass crack of dawn."
Nick nodded and his cocky grin shifted into a friendly smirk.
"I will, and no problem. Sleep tight, pal."
Nick exited the storage room and entered his own, finally starting to get off the roller-coaster of emotions he had been on tonight. As he laid in his bed, the red fox couldn't stop thinking about this night. He was now officially harboring a runaway, which meant he was technically a criminal. Wait a minute, what was he thinking about? Him, Nicholas P. Wilde, hustler extraordinaire, afraid of getting into trouble? Since when? Since becoming a police officer, that's when. He turned his life around so drastically that even if he became a better person, something so small as skipping out on work would feel taboo to him. He knew that if this got out, he could face a misdemeanor charge at best and a several months of jail time at worst, not to mention the countless fines. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all.
Nick tried to think of the positives, though admittedly there weren't many. The fact that Miles was in a place that accepted him? Sure, why not? Maybe this would give the teenager time to think about all of this in a space he felt more comfortable in? Another fine point. One last positive was on Nick's mind, though. Miles cried. He showed Nick a different side of himself, a vulnerable side that not many got to see. He finally settled down as he reflected. Maybe Miles would learn to trust him one day. Why else would he have gone to him for sanctuary? Nick's eyes started to get sore and he took this as a sign to go to sleep. He clutched a pillow and smiled to himself, allowing himself to be taken by sleep once again.
Miles felt himself come back to the world and gave a groggy moan. His joints cracked from hours of being stagnant and he rubbed the crust from his eyes. He unwillingly pulled the covers off of himself as he knew he wouldn't be back here again for a while, he was never good at falling asleep. The boy's lips smacked lightly as he yawned and stretched when a pleasant smell caught his attention. It was quite early, checking his phone he found it was barely 6 in the morning. His bones ached as he padded into the bathroom to wipe off what was left of his smeared eyeshadow. He then took to the living room, following the allure of the smell.
Miles ran his fingers through his hair and rubbed his eyes. The smell grew stronger as he spied Nick with an apron draped over his police uniform. He was looking quite busy in the kitchen, clearly making himself breakfast. The red fox turned his gaze over to him and greeted him.
"Mornin' Mi, you're up early. Sorry, is it okay if I call you that? Sleep well?"
"I don't mind. I've never had a nickname before."
Nick cocked his eyebrow before looking back to whatever he was cooking.
"Call me crazy, but didn't you have black, kinda circular markings on your eyes? I distinctly remember seeing them there…"
"Huh? Oh, that was eyeshadow. It got all messy, so I took it off."
This was far from the first time someone had seen Miles without makeup, but the interaction remained the same. His older peer jerked his head up in acknowledgement before asking another question.
"I made pancakes if you want any. You like blueberries?"
Miles' eyes widened a little. "I love blueberries."
If Miles had any friends, they would know he couldn't resist blueberry-anything. It didn't matter what it was, if it had blueberries, he'd scarf it down. However, he'd have to pass. Nick sat a plate down and indicated it was for him. It was a nice thing to think of him, but he couldn't accept it.
"Hey, thanks, but I'll have to pass."
"You just said you loved blueberries, why back down? Gotta keep your strength up."
"I appreciate it, really, but no thank you."
"Miles, I know you have...issues, and if you're gonna stay here I need to make sure you won't starve yourself, alright?"
The teenager sighed and tentatively sat down. He didn't have an eating disorder, or at least he thought he didn't. Miles cut a piece and raised it to his lips. It seemed awkwardness was normal for these two.
The red fox ate his meal and watched his charge closely between bites. he wanted to spark conversation, but maybe it wasn't the best time for such a thing. It had been a rough night for Miles, so perhaps the best thing now was to give him some space. Nick looked at the teenager's arm, which was now visible after he rolled his sleeve up slightly. Miles' wounds looked to be healing nicely, but his heart began to sink. The fur on his wrist and forearm was noticeably thinner, almost peach fuzz thin in some areas. Along with the bite marks, there were various scars that appeared to have been left by a blade. His heart continued to ache as he looked, though his view was broken by Miles swiftly pulling up his sleeve, a picture of sad embarrassment painted all over his face.
"Hey, I'm sorry for staring," Nick broke the silence as he reassured the boy. He laid his arm down for Miles to see and brushed the fur on his wrist back. He too had his share of scars, though they were much more faded and barely even visible if you weren't looking for them.
"Fifteen years clean. Don't give up on yourself, kid. Please, promise me you won't harm yourself anymore. It's nothing to be ashamed of, but I don't want to see you in pain like this. Just don't forget that there's always hope for you."
Miles sighed a little and gave a weak nod. The two finished eating and Nick cleared their plates, straightening his tie as he went to leave the apartment.
"Where'ya going?" Miles coaxed him curiously.
"I told you last night, Mi, I've gotta go to work. I'll try to be home around 5 PM, but you're not off the hook yet. Before I go, we need to set some ground rules."
The grey fox slouched back in his chair. "Oh, gimme a break!"
"Listen Mister, Greypaw is likely to be worried sick if they find you missing, and what do you think they'll suspect if the evidence leads to me keeping you here?"
"Come on, Nick! Do you seriously think they'd believe you kidnapped me? I've always run away on my own terms."
"Just listen to me, okay?" Nick was growing tired of Miles' backlash, but he attempted to remain patient. He took a key off of his keychain and placed it down next to Miles.
"This is a spare key in case you need it, but I don't want you to leave the complex just to be safe. There's leftovers in the fridge if you get hungry, and I can give you the Wi-Fi password if you want. Even if I'm busy, please talk to me if you feel like crap again, alright?"
Miles gave a two-fingered mock salute and a sassy remark, "You got it, Oppicer."
The older vulpine sighed, somewhat fed up with Miles' teenage angst. Nick fumbled around for his own key and went to leave the apartment once again. He turned back one more time and motioned Miles over to him.
"Stay outta trouble, big guy." he murmured as he patted Miles' shoulder.
"No promises," The grey fox responded in a seemingly joking manner.
He smirked a bit and slowly shook his head in a playful way. He unlocked the door, twisted the knob and prepared to walk out after giving one final sentiment.
"Thanks for giving me a second chance."
Nothing would have prepared Nick for what happened next. Miles smiled at him. it was small and meek, but it was a smile regardless. He had never seen the boy smile before, but he knew he had to see it again. Nick closed the door behind him and his grin only grew as he thought about his progress with Miles. He had cried to him the night before and smiled at him today, maybe he was gaining the grey fox's trust. He went off to work in a chipper mood, nothing could break his happy attitude now. Only a few hours now, and he could come home to make more progress. His new friend was counting on him, and he wasn't going to let Miles down. Not now, not ever.