CH 2

When the pair arrived back at the barge, they were met with great enthusiasm and wide eyes.

"Woah, pizza! Nice job, Dodger man!" Tito bounced over, delighted to see that they had something substantial to eat, it had been a few days since the last time.

"Actually, dinner's brought to you today by Rita, I helped carry it home." Dodger told them, thinking he probably shouldn't take the credit.

The others looked slightly surprised and thanked Rita, or at least grunted out sounds that sounded somewhat like 'thank you', they did after all have rather full mouths.

"Make sure you leave some for Fagin." Rita said, noticing that they were going through it all rather quickly, before helping herself to a piece and sitting beside Dodger.

While they talked about the events of the day, Rita noticed that Dodger failed to mention that he'd visited Oliver, and she found this curious. She decided not to think too much of it, and listened to Tito telling them about how he'd almost been swept away in the strong winds.

"That's a pity, maybe next time..." said Francis.

"Watcha mean Frankie?" Tito exclaimed angrily.

"I think you know what I mean, Tito."

"No chance of you ever blowing away though, huh Frankie!"

Francis puffed himself up, furious, "It's Francis you insignificant and minuscule excuse for a canid!"

"Guys, cut it out, some of us are trying to eat!" Rita snapped.

Francis was in more of a huff when he realised that Einstein had polished off his piece for him while he was preoccupied with his argument with Tito. However, the bulldog was soon cheered up as Fagin came through the door. All five dogs leapt up to greet their master and give him a thorough licking. Fagin was thrilled to see the food that had been brought in, and tucked in as he offered dog biscuits to his canine friends. Although things had obviously improved since Sykes' demise, as the weather was starting to get cooler everyone was feeling their hunger more and Fagin was kept very busy trying to provide for his furry family as much as possible. He was optimistic though, much more so than when Sykes was around.

As the boys gathered around Fagin to listen to a story- a 'new' one which an ecstatic Einstein had found a few days ago, Rita retired to her bed. As the weather was starting to get chilly, she had a scruffy blanket in there for a bit of extra comfort and warmth. She enjoyed having her own space to get away to where she had a little bit of privacy. Her eyelids drooped as she listened to the story, only half paying attention. She found herself thinking about what Dodger had said, and what he hadn't said. What was it that was going on with Oliver? If nothing was wrong, why hadn't told the rest of the gang?

Rita found Dodger could be so frustrating sometimes, he was never one to give away more than he wanted to. While Rita understood and saw through Dodger better than most, even she couldn't always tell what was on his mind or what his intentions were. She was looking forward to spending time with him tomorrow, it had been a while since the two of them had spent time together alone. In the time they had known each other Rita had come to love Dodger deeply as a friend or even more, though she had no intention of admitting to the latter, it wouldn't be worth the risk of damaging their friendship.

As Fagin finished the chapter, Dodger headed to bed. Tito and Einstein had fallen asleep on Fagin's lap and Francis at his feet. Rita looked over to see the others had settled down for the night and curled up, her tail covering her muzzle and fell asleep.