Chapter 17: The Friends

While Judy celebrated Christmas with her family, Nick and Finnick in their humble but good company also celebrated the holiday in style. Yes, they said a prayer and shared a wafer, but their dinner was very different. Finnick again suggested pizza, which Nick also didn't mind, so the choice was simple. After saying a prayer and sharing the wafer they ate their dinner and watched TV. As was customary during the holiday season there were mostly Christmas movies on, some better made, some worse, but it didn't really matter. Nick and Finnick mainly talked to each other anyway, rather than focusing on the movie, which was mainly flying as a background voice. As a snack, the men made themselves popcorn, which fit perfectly as a side dish to eat during the movie screening.

"Are we going to spend New Year's Eve together too?" Finnick asked while watching one of the movies.

"You know, I think I'll be at the police station at that time so I doubt it"

"will you be working during New Year's Eve?" Repeated Finnick in surprise. Finnick found it hard to believe that Saturday was a working day, but he had to find out for himself when he found a real, legitimate job.

"I pity you Nick, to work on a day like this..."

"Well, actually, there's nothing to be sorry about. I'll be with Judy then, so it won't be too bad," replied Nick.

"Are you going to push it forward?" Finnick asked. Nick furrowed his brows giving off a questioning look, which forced Nick to clarify the question.

"Are you going to push your relationship with Judy "

"Ekh...you know, for now it has to stay the way it is, but already some plans for next year"

"Plans?" Repeated Finnick curiously.

"Exactly. I don't want to give them away yet, you know...it's just a thought, but who knows..." Replied Nick scratching his head. He liked to have his life planned out, he was a good organiser and had a head for planning. The ice cream business wouldn't have been so successful if it wasn't for Nick's talent for planning precisely.

"And do you have any plans for next year?" Nick asked.

"Um...I'm not as good at planning as you, but I think I'd like to find someone for myself," replied Finnick after a brief hesitation.

"Someone for more than a few months?" Nick asked ironically. In his mind he continued with his friend's relationships that didn't last more than 4 months.

"You know, that's what high school love is. Now I'd like to meet someone who will be with me for the long haul."

"Hm, sounds like it would be for speed dating"

"No, just not that! I've already participated in that once...never again!" Finnick replied.

"Why? Was it that bad?"

"Well, there you just don't know who you're going to meet...I once met a rather... original lady"

"Ah I see" replied Nick. For the next few minutes they sat in enjoyment chewing popcorn watching a movie. The two of them didn't have a lot of things to do, it was cold outside and during the holidays it was not a good idea to go out just to go out. If they had more money they could distribute it to the needy in the area, but unfortunately the balance of both was not the most high. They themselves had to save money to be able to afford luxuries.

"Have you made a wish for your parents?" Finnick asked at one point. Nick furrowed his brow and his expression grew serious. He didn't answer for a few moments, only replying when Finnick snapped him out of his thoughts.

"Finnick, you know what the situation is..."

"Come on, for Christmas you could let it go, after all..."

"I can't, even if I wanted to... it still pushes me away, I can't overcome it..."

"So that's why you're running away from it? " Finnick asked. Nick didn't answer. He sighed heavily and stared at the TV remote with his head lowered until he finally shifted his gaze to the tv.

"Some things take time," added Nick coolly.

"You're probably right, but watch so you don't miss it " replied Finnick.

"Thanks for the advice..."

"No problem. When is Judy coming back, anyway?"

"She's got a train first thing tomorrow morning, so she should be in by noon "

"Ah, that means I'll already have to pack tomorrow. It's a pity, I've enjoyed living here"

"Don't get used to it " laughed Nick hitting Finnick lightly on the shoulder.

"Hehe, you know, when I make more money I might buy a flat then too, who knows "

"I'm afraid you're going to have to wait a long time for it"

"I waited so many years to get some meaningful work and have my own flat! If you have to wait, I'll wait. No problem" replied Finnick with certainty. There was a lot of truth in his words. His ice cream trade had already started a good dozen years ago, when he and Finnick had worked together and made money. Even though there was money to be made from it, Finnick wanted to make money the legal and clean way, he didn't like them doing things outside the law, even though he himself sometimes got into trouble with the law. Often it was a coincidence, but he could also get into more serious trouble, once he had to go into custody, he came back from a party drunk and did not stop for an inspection, although the police chased him.

The rest of the evening passed quietly and they moved on to more relaxed topics that did not provoke either of them. Rather, it is hard to argue about the sport that unites them both. Time passed so quickly that they didn't even realize when the clock had already struck midnight evenly.

"Yeez! It's midnight already, we've sat up nicely tonight " said Nick looking at the wall clock, he himself couldn't believe that because of the movies and their conversations they had sat practically half the night in front of the TV.

"That's what happens when you have good company" replied Finnick.

"You know, you're his best example" replied Nick patting his friend on the back. He missed his company, which as it turns out - makes you forget about the time that inexorably passes.

"It's fun to talk, but I'm already ... tired. It's been a good day, but let's go to bed now," Finnick replied as he stretched out on the couch getting up from it.

"'Good idea, some things will have to be cleaned up tomorrow' replied Nick. Finnick's questioning gaze forced him to show the table top several boxes of pizzas and other food they had consumed during Christmas Eve.

"We can clean that up tomorrow."

"Yeah, that's what I said" replied Nick.

"Hahaha...sorry, I'm not thinking anymore, I want to sleep so bad" replied Finnick with a sleepy laugh.

"I see, I'll take a bath and I think I'll go to bed too...don't you take a bath?"

"I will tomorrow morning," replied Finnick to which Nick nodded with a motion of his head.

"Well then, good night and merry Christmas" said Nick, after which he went to his room to get some of his nightwear. In between turning off the light in the living room, Finnick was so exhausted that he immediately straddled the couch and was already lying on it almost asleep.

Nick, once he had taken his outfit, was able to get some time alone with his thoughts by locking himself in the bathroom. As he poured water into the tub, he undressed and put his clothes in the wash, he would have to put on something else. He jumped into the tub and lay in it for a good dozen minutes. During that time he wondered what was going to happen next with him and Judy. He had been thinking about something more serious than the usual boyfriend/girlfriend relationship for a while now, but he needed time for that. Besides, there was no telling if Judy's parents would even agree to the move, he expected that the fact that he was a fox didn't help the situation. The opinions of his parents didn't bother him one bit - he hadn't been in contact with them for a dozen years. What puzzled him more than them was what was going on in their foxy neighbourhood that his friend had mentioned. The fact that there were police there did not surprise anyone, there were often robberies or skirmishes or brawls. In short, it was not the safest neighbourhood. He was surprised that the army had entered the area, it was a matter that had never happened before in that neighbourhood. The military generally moved in when something extraordinary was going on, so surely things must have been pretty bad there.

After 15 minutes of lying in the warm foamy water, Nick emerged from it finally enjoying this relaxing bath he had taken. He put on his night clothes consisting of a grey shirt and long warm trousers. He opened the door quietly and looked out at Finnick - his friend was already in a deep sleep. Fox walked to his room, where he lay down in his bed. He saw his phone still - no notifications from Judy.

"'I'll see you soon' thought Nick as he put the phone down. He chose a comfortable position and closed his eyes, falling asleep.