Chapter 2: Doc
"Next", called the labrador as he motioned from his booth for the next person in line to step forward. Talon did his best to hold back a yawn as Meredith and him approached the booth. Despite sleeping on the plane it felt like he had been up for days. He needed something resembling a bed. He could tell Meredith wasn't doing any better. Behind her excited and cheery demeanor was a layer of exhaustion. There was one point while they were standing in line that he thought she had fallen asleep while leaning against him. She even seemed startled when he had whispered her name in her ear. Talon was grateful that he didn't have to drive. His eyelids felt like dumbbells and it was a struggle each time he blinked. The lab gave the pair a look that bordered on amused and sympathetic. "Papers please," he requested as he held out his hand.
Without saying a word Talon reached into his back pocket and pulled out their passports. The labrador, not wanting to waste anyone's time, took the passports and turned to his computer. He opened the first one and looked over it before turning to Talon.
"Talon O'Fallion… is that correct," he asked as he took another look at Talon's photo.
"Yep," Talon said as he raised his hand up slightly as if to wave. The lab then turned his attention to Meredith and held up her passport. She smiled as she wiped the sleep from her eyes.
"Meredith Connolly," he asked as he gave her passport one last look before closing it.
"That would be me," she yawned. He nodded and turned to his computer.
"Where are you coming from," he asked as he kept his attention on his monitor. Talon opened his mouth to say something when he felt Meredith's hand gently take his. He shot her a tired yet reassuring glance.
"Cork, Ireland," he replied. The lab's eyes widened as he turned to the tired pair of hyenas. He let out a whistle as he handed them back their passports.
"That's quite the trip mate. May I ask what brings you two here," he asked. The once bored sounding labrador now seemed genuinely interested.
"Decided it was time for something new," Meredith replied. Her voice was soft and quiet but Talon could see that she was waking up a bit more. The lab turned and typed a few things in before turning to the couple with a welcoming smile.
"Welcome to your new home then. I wish you both the best of luck," he said before gesturing for them to get a move on. The pair thanked him and started to make their way towards baggage claim.
—-
A black and blue heeler stood patiently amongst a large crowd of people. Some of them were waiting anxiously for family members while others were waiting for friends and colleagues. Bandit was waiting for the latter. He fiddled with his tie when he felt his phone buzz in his pocket. He pulled it out and clicked the power button to see that he had just gotten a message from Meredith. They had gotten their bags and were headed towards the gate. Bandit silently hoped that he was at the right gate. The board had said gate two but maybe it changed. While he pondered going back to check the gate opened. With their suitcases and backpacks in tow, weary travelers began to pour out from the gate. Bandit watched as some embraced their friends and families while others walked past them and towards the exit.
"Doctor Heeler," a familiar voice called out. Bandit looked over to see his old friend Meredith waving at him from the crowd. He held up his hand and waved at her. Meredith began to make her way towards him with whom Bandit could only assume to be Talon following closely behind. While he had never actually met the hyena, he had seen pictures of him in the past. "It's good to see you Bandit," she laughed as she embraced him.
"Doctor Meredith Connolly, it's been too long," he chuckled as he gently returned Meredith's embrace. He looked over to see Talon standing there awkwardly. "And you must be Talon, Meredith has told me all about you. Even keeps a photo of you at her workstation" he teased as he released Meredith and held out his hand.
"Doctor Bandit Heeler, I've heard a lot about your research. Real impressive stuff," Talon said as he took Bandit's hand and shook it. Despite feeling anything but social he did his best to come across as polite. He had no idea where Meredith was getting her energy from but he was running on empty.
"I'm flattered you think so mate. Now, how about I take you three to your new home," said Bandit before offering to take one of the suitcases from Talon. Talon gave Bandit a look of confusion as he handed one off to Bandit. Meredith giggled as she placed her hand on her stomach.
"That obvious huh," she said as she looked down at her stomach. She wasn't surprised. Given her slim figure it was becoming easier and easier to tell as time went on.
"I'm happy for you, both of you. Now I hope you two don't mind a small walk. Airport is pretty busy today so I had to park pretty far back," said Bandit as he motioned for the pair to follow him.
"Not at all doc," replied Talon as he gripped the handle of his suitcase. As the pair followed Bandit, Talon leaned next to Meredith and whispered, "You really keep a picture of me at your workstation"?
The hyena blushed and playfully nudged her partner with her elbow. Talon laughed figuring her response meant yes.
"I can't really judge, I used to keep a photo of you in my work locker," he teased. Meredith turned and gave him a confused look.
"Used to," she asked. Talon winked at her.
"I have yet to get a new locker."
Authors Note: Hey guys! I just wanted to start by thanking everyone for the support and I look forward to what the future holds. Next chapter aims to answer a good amount of questions but I'm curious to know what questions you have. Feel free to leave a review and who knows… your question just might be answered. Once again thank you all again for your support and stay tuned for Chapter 3: Homeward Bound. Until next time take care!
