Brothers:
"Free at last!" Finnick threw his arms up and jumped with excitement. Nick walked beside him and took a moment to appreciate the unusually upbeat fennec fox. Finnick slapped Nick on the arm. "Did you see the look on the Chief's face? He looked like he saw a ghost and was about to cry!"
"I wonder who called the Chief," said Nick.
"Who cares? Not our business anymore! Haha." Regardless, the thought weighed on Nick. It would have taken a miracle for them to be released. Nick dreaded to think that his miracle was Big. But he couldn't shake the feeling. And he couldn't spare a moment to think without his thoughts being interrupted by his friend. "Geez, what's up with you? We're practically immune from persecution now and you're here looking like you're heading into a death sentence. Lighten up. Wuss." Unwilling to back down, Nick threw the thought out there,
"Do you think it was Big that got us out?" Finnick's ears flicked with what Nick hoped was a hint of worry.
"If so, then I know who to stay close to."
"Are you serious?" The words escaped Nick's muzzle before he could filter himself. "After everything that's happened, you want to get even closer to Big? What is the matter with you?"
"Safety! Alright?" Nick flinched as if the response were a punch to his stomach. "Big is safety. Nobody can touch us, Nick."
"I'm genuinely disturbed that you feel this way." Finnick blinked back his own surprise at the remark.
"Why? What the fuck is there to be worried about? Big got our backs. He always will, Nick. And if you want to stay safe, you should think about your allegiance. It's time to pick a side."
Nick breathed in the damp late afternoon air and huffed in frustration. He was unable to coherently respond to Finnick and resorted to an angry grunt as he paced forward. Ahead of the sandy fox. Finnick scurried after him, "Hey, hey! Maybe you're just still a little tense from the close call back there. But you'll get over it."
Nick glared at him. He didn't know how to explain back to Finnick what he was hearing. He wished he could translate and talk sense into his friend. But the stretching gulf between them was becoming painful and more perplexing with every moment they spent in proximity to one another. Ever since Finnick agreed to take Big's rainforest job, Nick held a small grudge. But it was now becoming a wedge between them. "Let's go to a bar to celebrate our release, eh?" The suggestion was perhaps the best idea Finnick could have thrown his way. With a sudden upbeat voice, Nick replied,
"Sure. It's still early. Let's go to The Stream."
"Aww, that rickety place?" Puzzled, Nick defended his suggestion but ended up phrasing it in the form of a question,
"It is within walking distance?"
"I was thinking we could go to a classier joint. BBL in Tundratown."
"Finnick!" Nick threw his arms up, exasperated.
"I'm kidding! We'll go to The Stream. Shit."
Nick shook his head and closed the distance between him and Finnick. He chuckled in disbelief, but the fondness for Finnick, despite the new differences between them was still there. He draped an arm over Finnick's shoulders as they walked together. Finnick responded with an amused chuckle and elbowed Nick in the side.
"Nick..."
"What is it?"
"Thanks for sticking around." Finnick's gratitude provided Nick with a balm of warmth that guarded him against their philosophical differences. Together they walked through the now crowded streets. Even on narrower strips of road, cars were bumper to bumper in Savanna Central.
They separated only to return to their homes and pick up money and a change of clothes. But it was the perfect time to hit the bar. With the 9 to 5 working mammals just getting home, the bar would still be empty enough for them to get ahead of the night crowd. And with the employees tuned up and alert to the coming rush of customers, Nick and Finnick still had a chance to remain ahead of the pack and get proper, immediate service. They agreed to rush from their places and meet up at The Stream as quick as they could.
Before he was released, Nick watched as a male wolf officer opened his cell door and with forced indifference told Nick to, "Go home." Those were the only two words he got. When he retrieved his belongings – taken before he was put in a cell – Nick caught Chief Bogo in the hall holding his phone and staring with disappointment and confusion.
He locked eyes with the Chief. Nick wore a smug smile. But the look of disappointment on Bogo was so intense that it left Nick wondering. He turned his thoughts to Finnick. He imagined seeing Finnick bowing before Big in a suit, kissing the shrew's ring. Then, the disappointment he saw in the Chief of Police was suddenly mirrored within himself. There was much to discuss with the fennec fox. And hopefully, in a more friendly atmosphere, he could find a way to reason Finnick out of his position. But knowing Finnick as he does, Nick was attempting to tackle an impossible mission. Even worse, there were two messsasges from Big sitting on Nick's phone. He did not check them.
Downtown Savanna was a wall of noise. The steps and chatter of mammals, the hissing of machinery, and giant streetside televisions humming brought the district to life. Finnick beat Nick to the bar and was just about to walk in when Nick appeared. With a wave and a smile, he closed the distance to the entrance of The Stream. Its yellow neon sign was complimented by a glass river shaped like the flowing of beer underscoring the name. The sandy double-doors, a match in color with Finnick's fur, was open. Nick stared straight into the back of the dim green interior of the bar to the counter. A female badger was set up.
"The Stream has this new beer called 'Fog Wisp.' Strong stuff," said Nick.
"Yeah, I like that one." They headed inside and blinked to adjust to the dark light. Nick appreciated the simple atmosphere. The interior wasn't drowned out by loud music. People could hear each other talk and make orders. It was a well-managed bar, despite it being on the cheap end. The rasp of a heavy sigh filled Nick's ears. He turned to see Finnick giving him sad puppy eyes.
"Whoa..."
"Nick, what are we going to do about this?" Finnick pointed to them both with one finger. "I'm thinking of going to Big directly and asking for real support. I got a message from him. I bet you got one too, didn't you?"
Nick swayed with discomfort. He sighed and nodded, raising up his phone to show Finnick the messages. One message from Big was asking if he was alright. And the other was Big bragging about how he got the foxes released from jail. If only to keep the brutal shrew satisfied, Nick responded by emphatically thanking him for his support and protection. And Nick offered to gift Big $500. Anything to keep the Shrew at a distance. If he was lucky, this would provide him a month of silence from Big. As they sat down, Nick said,
"There. I sent a little thank-you note to daddy Big."
"You're only doing it to shut him up," grumbled Finnick. Nick let his head fall to the counter. Finnick ordered the beers for them through his rough laughter, taking pleasure from Nick's frustration.
"You know me too well, Finnick."
"After 15 years? Yes." Nick turned his head and watched as the now sideways Finnick began scanning the bar. He jumped straight in his seat with ears up. He hit Nick and said, "Get your damn head off the table. There are some cuties in here tonight. And we're both dressed decently too. For once, you aren't wearing that ugly lime-green shirt." Nick sat up straight and stretched conservatively. He looked in the direction that caught Finnick's interest and spotted a rather cute female fox and rabbit in the corner. They were chatting with other females; one was a tiger and the other, a short brown wolf.
"Don't insult my fashion sense, shorty." The beers were slid across the counter their way. Finnick smirked as he caught his.
"Hmph. I can think of some ladies that like you." Nick looked at Finnick curiously and grabbed his own beer.
"Oh, who would these ladies be?"
"The ones from the ZPD. That Judy likes you. But that wolf in the hospital likes you more. The way her tail was wagging as she stared at you. I thought she was going to jump you on your bed! Hah!"
"Jennifer?"
"First name basis now? Eh he he."
"They've done a lot for me..." Nick Froze. Where did that come from?
"Cops don't care. Maybe Judy does. Maybe. She said a lot of good things about you. But she's a little funny." Finnick reached into his pocket to pay the bartender. His eyes widened when he pulled out a crumpled yellow paper.
"A ticket? When the hell did I–oh..."
Finnick unfolded the crumpled paper with faded scribbled writing. Nick watched as his ears lowered and he went silent. He shifted in his seat awkwardly then pushed the paper across the counter to Nick.
"I think you would find this useful." Nick picked up the crumpled ticket. He read the almost prophetic sentence, 'When you are ready' and asked,
"What is this?"
"That's Judy's number. She came to my shop when I was talking to that striped rabbit and working out a deal."
"Huh..." Nick looked at the number for what seemed like several minutes. His thoughts muffled the sounds of the bar. He did not hear the laughter and chatter of the other customers, nor the sharp clink of glasses. "Time to choose a side," Nick mumbled. With Finnick looking to Big for safety and breaking his heart, Nick wondered if taking Judy's number would be the right choice. He balled up a fist, crushing the paper in his paw. Then he stuffed it into his pocket, giving Finnick a hard stare.
He couldn't hold in his annoyance any further. When he thought about the ZPD and his personal history with the law, he felt conflicted. These past few weeks have been different. And he didn't consider it all bad. When he thought about Big, he only felt dread. And now when he looks at Finnick, he feels disappointment. Nick took a large gulp of his beer then said in a near shout,
"If you get close to Big, I'm putting distance between us. I don't want to keep doing this! It would be nice to sleep with both eyes closed for once." He spun on his stool to face Finnick. The smaller fox listened to Nick's rant with hurt in his eyes. "Maybe Judy will be helpful. I don't know. I don't feel the way I have before. At least, not with how serious things have been getting with Big. Everybody wants me to make a damn commitment to something or someone. And if I have to pick a side, it will never be with Big. At least, that much I know."
Finnick's ears flattened to his head. He grumbled and turned away from Nick. Finnick shouted for another beer. Nick took a moment to steady his breath. The warmth of anger and spent emotion sat under his skin like Sahara Square heat. Finnick's body language tipped Nick off to what he may have thought about his rant. But what Nick heard next halted his contempt toward Finnick.
"No matter what happens," said Finnick in a low voice, "know that I don't value anyone above you, Nick. I never will. You were always the better half. You're family to me. My brother." A silent gasp escaped Nick.
He draped an arm across Finnick's shoulders. Finnick didn't resist. He never resisted Nick's affection up front. For all his threats and exaggerated outbursts, Nick knew they were just for show. Every threat Finnick made to kick, punch, scratch, or bite Nick, was always for naught. And each insult and threat only made Nick smile more. And Nick knew when Finnick smiled because he always turned his head, hiding his expression behind his large ears. But Nick always knew. He could see it just at the last second. His friend's muzzle stretching into a fond smile concealed from the world behind those ridiculous ears.
"What did Judy say about me?" asked Nick in a cracked voice. Shuffling off Nick's arm from his shoulders, Finnick spun on his stool to face him and sighed,
"She thinks you have a big heart that's been beaten up and shat on by life. I'm paraphrasing here. That you like people and always know how to make others smile." Nick didn't respond with words. He instead leaned over the fennec and planted a kiss right between his eyes on the top of his muzzle.
"Hey!" Finnick recoiled and flailed his arms. He slapped Nick on the shoulder repeatedly. "What'd I say about you kissing me? You fruit!"
"Ow! Alright." Nick laughed at him through the stinging in his assaulted shoulder. And as expected, he saw Finnick turn his head in the usual way. A tiny smirk being born on that grumpy face once more. Caught just before it was hidden from view.
"You only had one beer," said Finnick.
"I know. Finnick, thanks for Judy's number. And for what she said." Nick wordlessly pointed to the menu behind the bartender. She glanced in the direction and asked, "The fish and chips?"
"Yes." Customers began to flood into the bar as the evening grew late. Nick teased Finnick into approaching the girls he noticed earlier. But he complained when Nick refused to join him.
"You left your balls in the cell?" Nick only rolled his eyes and ate his food, ignoring the bait. The growing crowd pressured Nick into considering leaving. Not to be outdone by Finnick, who by now had six beers, Nick downed his second then took a third bottle to go. He waved at Finnick as he mingled with the crowd of females. Nick walked up to them only to say,
"Goodbye, Finnick."
"Geez! Don't say that like you'll never see me again." Finnick chuckled uncomfortably. His labored breathing was a sure sign of his drunkenness. Nick looked at the females briefly before turning his attention back to Finnick. He said, "Good luck" then weaved through the crowd of the bar and left to walk home.
He first stopped by his favorite bridge. A wandering homeless mammal was camped out in the area. Nick didn't mind. The mouse usually kept to himself and never touched anything. But with his reserve of social energy spent, Nick kept himself turned away from the mouse to discourage conversation while he sipped his last bottle of Fog Wisp.
He let the running stream and passing chatter of pedestrians overhead lull him into reflections of these past events. He thought about the goat's attack, Big's message, Fangmeyer, and Judy. Everyone had their own motives. Some were more unclear than others. He found some comfort when he thought about officers Fangmeyer and Hopps. They were honest, had clarity of purpose, and did not come with strings attached. Their kindness was attractive and sorely needed. The more he thought about them and their current absence, the more alone he felt. He glanced at the mouse that had fallen asleep leaning against the desk he set up under the bridge. Nick unsteadily walked over and put a $1 bill into the mouse's shirt and left.
"Just three more blocks and I'll be home..."
"Nick?" Nick's ears perked up. He darted his eyes across the street and noticed a familiar wolf walking towards him.
"Officer Fangmeyer?"
"Just Jennifer. I'm not in uniform today." She carried a large gray shopping bag with her. "Black looks good on you." Suddenly conscious of his appearance, Nick straightened up his posture and smoothed his shirt.
"Oh, I can shine when I need to."
"You look a little tired. And I smell alcohol. Enjoying a night out all of a sudden? Weren't you at the station? What happened?"
"Yeah uh," – he scratched the back of his head – "the Chief had to let me and Finnick go. We were cleared of charges."
"Seriously?" She gave him a quizzical look. Nick averted his gaze, too sore to push the topic. Why couldn't it just go away? "I mean, I'm glad and all, but–"
"But what? I should be in jail. Is that what you think?" Nick hissed, more upset with himself than Jennifer.
"No, I don't know." Jennifer sighed. She dropped the shopping bag and closed the small distance between them. "Hey, look at me." It was a painful request. He hated the shame he felt and thought that was all she could see. He tried not to cringe and squirm under her blue-eyed stare. "Don't take what I say or do personally, Nick. I'm trained to think differently, as an officer. It's a habit. I really am happy to see you walking about. How about I walk you home? My last minute shopping supplies can wait to be stored away." Nick grabbed a paw and stepped into her arms. He stared up at the slightly taller wolf and rested his chin on her breasts. His tail whipped left and right. She smells so nice...
"Please, would you? That'd be nice." Jennifer smiled and ruffled his head with her free paw.
"Sure. Let's get you home."