Nick seriously didn't think she would come back. He swore he had given his best 'leave me the fuck alone' vibe yesterday, but here she was, giving him that sickeningly sweet smile and asking him how his day had been. If he liked the sandwiches. Had he read anything new or watched something interesting on TV.
He would have been shocked if he wasn't so irritated.
"…and it's around lunch time so I figured I could bring you something good to eat again. You did like the sandwiches, yes? I had to guess on the ingredients but if you want to tell me something you do like I'd be happy to cook it for you."
He couldn't think of a reply that didn't involve enough curses to make a sailor blush, so he just stared at her, anger written clearly across his face.
She glared back, meeting his gaze with her own stubborn one.
"Now, Nick I know you said you wanted to be left alone but I couldn't let myself sit by while you stewed here alone in you misery."
"What if I want to stew in my misery?" He shot back, irritation dripping from every word.
She only gave him another one of her annoyingly understanding looks.
"Anyway," she continued, "I thought today we could go for a walk. That burly guard out there is going to have to come, but I checked and she said it would be fine. Besides I'm sure she could use a change of scenery too."
"I don't want to go on a walk. Besides, I'm infamous right now, what if we get swarmed with press? Aren't I supposed to be laying low?"
"Oh, you'll be fine. Stop making stop making excuses and get up."
Nick stared at her, debating if it was worth it to argue. For such a tiny otter, she had one hell of a presence, all crossed arms and stubborn glares. He reminded himself that she was the same otter who stormed right into Bogo's office demanding to be seen. That took a certain kind of determination.
After a moment he decided to give in. It was just one walk, and he would be lying if he said that being outside didnt sound even slightly appealing. Maybe she would even leave him alone if he indulged her one more time. Let her see that he was just fine and didnt need to be worried over.
"Alright," He grumbled, tossing his blanket to the side and sliding off the bed, "One walk."
Mrs. Otterton's demeanor changed instantly, a satisfied smile crossing her face. She quickly gathered her bag and padded along behind him as he walked to the door.
"Oh I'm so glad. Fresh air and sunlight really are the best medicine. Im sure this will do you a world of good."
"Whatever." he said, stretching his back and arms, "Let's just get it over with."
They nodded to the guard and she silently followed them, keeping a modest distance. A comfortable silence fell as they made the short walk to the hospital garden. Mrs. Otterton waved to many of the doctors and nurses as they passed, and by the time they made it outside he wondered if there was a single animal in the building she didnt know.
They found a secluded bench and Nick slumped down on it, closing his eyes. Mrs. Otterton started talking, but he tuned her out. Instead he focused on how gentle the breeze felt, how the sun warmed his fur. Breathing deeply he let himself slump down further and relax.
He must have dozed off, for when he opened his eyes the sun had moved and she was gone, a small sandwich on his lap the only sign she had been there. He sat up and looked around, massaging the soreness out of his neck. His guard was still there (What was her name? Erin?) When she saw him sit up she came over.
"Mrs. Otterton told me to let you know that she'd be back tomorrow. I was gonna to wake you, but she said to let you sleep. She also said to make sure that you ate that sandwich, but I can't really force you to or anything."
He picked up the food, and stood. "Right...well thanks I guess."
"You wanna head back?"
He gazed around at the garden, his eyes lingering over the flowers and grass. It smelled wonderful, and the late afternoon air was still warm and relaxing. He could almost forget...almost. He felt the familiar pang in his chest and suddenly it was like the color started fading out of everything. He felt the heaviness sink back in, the anger and sadness. He shook his head and rubbed his eyes, turning back to the doors.
"Yeah. Let's go."
