Mickey stood nervously in front of Marcus Mouse; despite Minnie's reassurance, he couldn't help worrying that the man would refuse him. Although to be fair, he had heard that Marcus was a fair and honest businessman.
"I know I'm probably not one o' the best fitted for the job, sir," he said, trying not to sound as nervous as he felt. "But I learn real fast and I work hard."
Marcus nodded, his eyes gentle even though he wasn't smiling.
"Judging from what my daughter has told me, I can very well believe that. She has also informed me of your situation, and with that in mind, I'd like to make a proposition."
"A… a proposition, sir?" Mickey asked, a twinge of unease coming over him.
"Yes," Marcus said. "I will let you try the job, and if it doesn't work out, I can help you find another one that'll help pay it back."
Mickey barely stopped his jaw from dropping. Was he serious?
"Really?" he stammered, then remembered and quickly corrected himself. "Uh, I-I mean… th-thank you, sir! I'm sorry I…"
To his surprise, Marcus raised a hand to stop him.
"I assure you, there's no need to apologize," he said, then smiled a little. "I imagine you aren't used to offers like these."
Mickey couldn't stop himself from smiling back.
"No, sir… thank you, sir."
Marcus nodded.
"Well then, shall we say you begin in a few weeks?"
Mickey nodded.
"That should work fine, sir."
"Very well."
Marcus rose and held out his hand, and Mickey shook it.
"Thanks again, sir."
"Of course," Marcus replied. "I'm glad I can be of help."
As Mickey left the office, he found Minnie waiting outside.
"So, did it go well?"
Mickey couldn't stop himself from grinning as he nodded.
"Yep! Starting in a few weeks!"
"That's wonderful!" Minnie exclaimed, smiling. Mickey smiled back.
"I can't thank ya enough for this, Minnie. If you hadn't done this…"
"I'm just happy we could help," Minnie replied. "Now don't worry about paying back right away, you can take all the time you need."
Mickey's smile widened, and he held out a hand.
"Deal, then?"
Minnie blinked, then smiled back and shook it.
"Deal."
He nodded, then turned and walked away with a much more noticeable spring in his step.
Mickey couldn't stop himself from whistling as he walked, his heart lighter than it had been in weeks. When he reached Oswald's house, the bunny children were playing outside. When they noticed him, they squealed in delight and rushed over. As they enthusiastically greeted him, the door opened, and Oswald stepped out.
"Hey, Mick."
His eyes moved to Mickey's still bandaged hand, and a frown creased his brow.
"What happened?"
Mickey shrugged.
"Just an accident. But I've got great news!"
Oswald's brows raised, then he looked at the bunnies. Taking the hint, the older ones herded the others into the house. When they were out of earshot, Oswald looked at Mickey expectantly. The mouse grinned and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I found a way to cover Ortensia's operation!"
The rabbit's eyes widened, and he stared slack jawed for a few moments.
"How?" he finally managed to say. After the mouse explained, Oswald's stunned look turned into something that looked like suspicion.
"And what's in it for them?"
Mickey blinked, then shrugged again.
"I think they just wanna help."
Oswald continued to frown. He had never known any of the elite to help the lower class unless they had something to gain from it, but Mickey had always been one to see the best in people. It was a quality that Oswald both envied and worried about. And it wasn't just Mickey he needed to be worried about. If he couldn't pay for Ortensia's care, odds were she wouldn't make it. These people could very well go back on their word, and what then? But Mickey looked so relieved and happy, and Oswald couldn't bring himself to dampen his joy. Managing a half smile, he gave the mouse a light fist bump on the shoulder.
"Long as you know what you're getting yourself into, mouse."
Mickey nodded, his grin widening.
"Don't worry about me."
Oswald couldn't stop from grinning, though doubt still gnawed at him. He could only hope that these elites would be as good as their word.
