POV
Zucker/ octopus
Oh, man, how could this have happened? Zucker hurriedly thought as he pulled on his shirt. Alex is leaving—again—today. How could I have slept in? His tentacles moved in stressed, apprehensive movements, in response to how he was feeling, causing him to be more clumsy than normal. They made it clear yesterday, while they had helped Ankha choose the sport for her house, that they would be leaving first thing. Zucker mentally kicked himself, as he struggled to tie the knot in the belt. I can't believe I still slept in. He shoved his chopstick in his hair and his flip-flops on his feet—nearly causing himself to trip face-first into the ground in his rush—before bolting off in the direction of Resident Services. Alex will have to pick up the Ticket there before they can leave. Maybe they are still there?
Zucker yanked the door open and rushed in, "Has Alex—" That was as far as he got, before he realized that he was running into Alex. Literally. Zucker tried to brake, but it was too little too late, and he slammed into them.
He felt Alex stumble backward, trying to steady them both. But his traitorous tentacles wrapped around their legs, causing both of them to crash onto the floor.
"Zucker, Alex, are you alright?" Zucker vaguely heard Isabelle call to them, but he was much more worried about Alex. Did I hurt them? Are they alright? Stupid, clumsy—
Alex was already blinking their eyes open though. "I'm fine," Alex answered Isabelle. Those eyes focused on him "You?"
Zucker suddenly realized how close they were to Alex. They hadn't been this close to anyone in while—much less The Human. Zucker could feel a blush heating up his face. Alex was concerned about him, but they were the important thing here. His wellbeing was not important right now. "Y—yes. I'm fine. Are you sure you are?"
"Yup." Alex winced slightly. "Although, it would be more comfortable, if you weren't on top of me…" With a horrified screak of alarm, Zucker scrambled off of them. "But I'm fine. Really." They continued as they took Isabelle's extended hand to help them up.
"Are you sure?" Isabelle asked again, not convinced. She took Alex's head in her hands and tilted it back so she could look at their eyes. "Did you hit your head?"
"No, I'm fine." Alex repeated, shaking their head free.
"Maybe you should wait a bit, just to make sure you aren't concussed or—"
"Isabelle, I'm fine," Alex wined. "I want to go."
"You are always in a hurry," Isabelle criticized, but a smile was tugging at her lips. "Speaking of being in a hurry," she turned to Zucker. "What do you say to them?" she asked pointedly.
"S-sorry." he stammered hurriedly.
"For the last time, I'm fine. Really." Alex smiled at him. "What were you in such a hurry for anyway?"
Zucker ducked his head, abruptly feeling embarrassed. This whole morning was a rollercoaster of emotions, leaving him feeling unbalanced and disoriented—more so then usual. This was not how he had planned the morning to go. "Was scared you left already. That you didn't say goodbye." he reluctantly admitted.
"Aw, Zucker, I didn't forget." Alex leaned forward, to be able to look up at his eyes. "I would have found you."
"Really?" Zucker raised his eyes slowly. You would have…looked for me? On purpose?
"Of course," Alex said, to Zucker's quiet thrill of delight. They straightened up and turned to the door. "I'm not in that much of a hurry to leave." They held the door open for him, clearly indicating that they expected him to follow. They want me to come, Zucker thought as he followed after them. They really don't mind me being around…
Which made it all that more painful that they wanted to leave.
"You sure you want to go away today?" Zucker asked. He frantically tried to think of something to try to lure Alex into staying. "You can help Reneigh build Ankha's house…"
"She has Fauna for that. Besides, I would just slow her down." Alex snorted. "She says I'm getting better, but I'm not that good. Besides, this is helping. Mr. Nook asked me to go." they said proudly.
"Oh." Zucker twisted his fingers together nervously, as he shuffled his feet. "But you aren't just doing it to help out Mr. Nook, are you? You like to go. Go away, that is. Why?"
Alex's steps slowed, as they shot a concerned look over their shoulder at him. "I like to get away. Go explore and stuff. It's the adventure, you know?"
Zucker certainly did not know, but he didn't want Alex to know that. "Um, ya. Sure."
"So you get it." Alex said, as they continued to walk backward. "It's not just a favor to Mr. Nook. It's fun. I would go all the time, if he would let me."
Now that was horrifying. Alex wants to leave. Always. "But—but I thought that you were happy here…" he trailed off.
"It's not that I'm not happy," Alex said slowly. "I just…well, I like to see new things. Go places. Meet new people."
Zucker was not comforted by this whatsoever. If anything he felt worse. What do they mean by meeting new people? But before he could ask, they were at the Airport.
"Hey, hey, hey!" Orville greeted, as they both came in. "How can I help you out today?"
"Got something for ya." Alex handed over the Ticket. "I wanna fly! And before you ask, I'm already ready for takeoff too."
"Well, you came prepared today," Orville chuckled. "But that's the spirit we like to see. Let's get you airborne." He clicked on his headset. "Hey, Wilbur. Got a walker in need of some wings."
"Roger that!"
"You can go on back," Orville said. "Don't forget; when you need to travel, think 'what would dodos do?'" he reminded.
"Got it!" Alex called as they walked through the gates, with Zucker still following.
As Wilber and Alex got ready to leave, Zucker hated the anxious, miserable feeling that twisted through him. This was just one more thing that Zucker wasn't part of, or included in.
"Can I come too?" Zucker asked miserably.
"Sorry, Eights," Wilber said with a heavy hand on his head. "No can do. The Souring Flower is a two-seater." Wilber ruffled his hair good-naturally, but the action messed up his headband.
"Don't worry, Zucker." Alex said, climbing aboard. "I'll be back soon. I'll even bring you back a present if you want."
"Really?" Zucker asked, distracted from fixing his headband. "You mean it?"
"Well, it will just have to be something I find, nothing special," Alex said as they buckled in. "Would you like that?"
"Ya," Zucker blushed again. "Ya, I would."
"Cool." Alex gave a wave. "Okay, see you in a bit. Bye!"
Zucker gave a small wave, as Wilber started the plane engines. He stood there, watching as Wilber took the plane to the sky, trying to see it as long as he could. He stared at the spot where he thought that he could maybe still see it, before eventually having to admit that it was gone. "Goodbye, Alex," he murmured to no one, before going back inside the Airport.
When Zucker went in though, he found the gates closed. He blinked, staring at them uncertainly, until Orville happened to glance over and see him. "Oh, hey, Zucker. Sorry, I didn't realize you were still out there. Hang on, let me open the gates for you." They swung open. "There you go."
Zucker walked around to the other side of the counter. "Thanks, Orville."
"No problem." The skinny bird man was organizing a set of magazines. He paused though, as Zucker didn't make a move to leave. "Do you need something, Zucker?"
"Um, no." Zucker hopped slightly from foot to foot, hesitant to ask his question. "So, when do you think that they will get back?"
"When Alex gets bored," Orville said confidently. "Most likely going to be a while."
"Oh." Zucker rested his head on his hands, leaning on the counter. "So what are you going to do then?"
"I have to stay here." He tapped his headset. "Gotta stay on the line, in case they run into trouble. What about you?"
Zucker huffed out his cheeks in a sigh. "Nothing…" If Alex is gone, then there is nothing really exciting to do.
"I'm sure you will think of something," he said with a chuckle. "If not, you can always go fishing. You like that, don't you?"
"Yes," Zucker admitted reluctantly. It's more fun to do with people, though.
"Well, there you go," Orville said, turning back to his work. "I'll see you later then."
Even Zucker could tell that that was a clear dismissal, so he hesitantly left. With nothing better to do, he decided to go fishing.
Zucker sat on the docks, with his head on his hands, bored. He checked his lines again. Still nothing. Zucker sighed and flopped back on the docks. Alex was busy, all the time. It was kinda scary, but also thrilling at the same time. It was new, and different and exciting, and most importantly, they didn't mind if he came along.
It's too bad that Alex doesn't like being here. Zucker frowned up at the blue sky, as a few clouds drifted across. Maybe there is something that I can do…to help them like to stay here….
Maybe…maybe if I make Alex happy—like, really really happy—then maybe they won't want to go away anymore. Then they were will continent to stay here. With me. Zucker smiled blissfully up at the sky.
Soooo….what would make Alex happy?
Zucker held up his hand and started to count the things off on his fingers. Traveling, but that's out, because that's counterproductive to the whole making-them-so-happy-that-they-stay-here plan. They said that they like to meet new people. That's kinda scary, but new people get dropped off all the time, so that will happen no matter what I do, so I don't have to bother with that. They like exploring, but they can't do that until their leg is better, so that's also out for now. Zucker shuddered. Why did Alex have to pick all the hard, scary stuff to like to do? Why can't they just pick something that we can do here, in the village?
Zucker frowned. This was harder than he thought. Okay, what are some things that they like to do here? They like to fish, which is nice. Zucker tuned his head to smile at his lines. Fishing is nice. Peaceful. Not scary. They also like to catch bugs, especially the spiders. Zucker shuddered. I don't think I can help with that. Hm, what else…?
Flowers! Flowers are also not-scary, Zucker bit his lip as he thought. They want to get pink roses. But I don't know what to do to make the roses grow pink flowers. Besides watering them and stuff…
That's it! Zucker bolted upright. I can water the flowers, and maybe that will be enough to help them to grow more pink ones! This was top-notch planning for Zucker, so now that he had a plan, he was excited to get going.
Not wasting any time, Zucker raced to his own house. Where is it, where is it? He dug around in the back forgotten space of his closet. Oh. There it is! He pulled out his dusty watering can.
Zucker happily went to go fill up his watering can at the hose beside his house, before carrying the sloshing can back to the roses. He carefully poured the water on them. And then returned to go get more water. And then went back again still for more. He was watering the roses for the third time, when a voice interrupted him.
"What are you doing to Alex's and my flowers?" Fauna's soft cry interrupted his thoughts. Zucker jumped, more water spilling out of the watering can.
"I'm just watering them…" he said defensively. Fauna put down the box of tools that she had been carrying, and came to his side. She touched the soil at the base of one of the bushes.
"Drowning them, is more like it. They have plenty." She glanced at him, and the irritation in her eyes faded. "I mean…I think they have enough now. Let's not water them anymore, okay?" She spoke more calmly now, as she gently pulled the watering can from his weak grip.
"But…I only wanted to…"—help, be included, make Alex happy—"water them."
"I know." She gave s soft smile. "I head the plane. Alex has already left, haven't they?"
"Yes," Zucker said miserably.
"They will be back soon," she said confidently. "They are going to help Mr. Nook."
"But it's not chore to them," Zucker complained. "They like it."
Fauna just laughed lightly. "That they do," she said. Zucker frowned; she didn't understand that Alex leaving was a bad thing. But maybe she did, because she asked after a second, "You miss them, don't you?"
"Oh, yes." Zucker nodded vehemently. "They are…amazing," he said in admiration.
"Did they happen to say when they were coming back?" She walked back over to the box.
"No, just that they were going," Zucker thought back. "Oh, and that they are going to bring me back a present."
"That's nice." Fauna said, straightening up with the box in her arms. Zucker's watering can had been added to it. "Are you going to give them something too?"
"What?" Zucker asked in shock. "I—I should get them something too?"
"Well, you don't have to," she said, shifting the box. "But if they are going to all the trouble to bring you back something, it wouldn't hurt. It might make them happy, to have the favor returned."
"Oh." Well, if it would make Alex happy… "What should I get them?"
"I'm sure you will think of something," Fauna said, walking away. "You are their friend after all."
Zucker frowned slightly. I am Alex's friend. Zucker sat cross-legged on the ground, as he thought again. So what would be a good gift for Alex?
A shell? Hmm, they can always find those on their own. A fish? Alex is pretty good at fishing already too…actually, they are pretty good at pretty much everything. Zucker plucked at the grass, as he thought. This was harder than he thought. Alex is so smart and clever and brave, that they can already get most of the things that they could want...
Except for their sailboat.
But Redd co. took it, so it is gone forever. They will never get it back. But maybe I can give them something to help them feel like they still…that's it! Zucker gasped as the idea came to him. I can make them a sailboat! Not a real one, of course, but I can make a model of one, Zucker thought, as he scrambled to his feet. He ran in the direction of Ankha's house.
Reneigh was hard at work on the roof, busily hammering. Fauna was unpacking the box of tools and extra supplies that she had brought over. Cupping his hands around his mouth, Zucker called up to her. "Reneigh!"
"Not now," she said curtly. "Busy."
"But, Reneigh, it's important," he continued, the desire to please Alex giving him the courage to persist. "It won't take long."
"Later, Zucker."
"But, Reneigh, I—"
"Not today," she snapped. "I don't have time; Lucky said—ow!"
She dropped the hammer and clutched her hand. She took a few deep breaths through clenched teeth, before finally turning to look down at him. Zucker winced slightly at her expression. "Look, I'm not trying to be short with you, but I have to hurry. I don't have time to mess around with you today."
"I don't have time to mess around either," Zucker said. "I only have until Alex gets back to make it."
"Make what?"
"I want to make a sailboat." Reneigh looked shocked and alarmed. "Not a real one!" he said hurriedly. "I'm not trying to escape or anything. I mean a model one. For Alex. As a replacement for the one that they lost."
"Oh." She wrapped a cloth around her hand, clutching it tightly. "Well, I can help you in a couple of days, but I can't—"
"But I want to make one now," Zucker whined.
Reneigh took a deep breath, and, with a roll of her shoulder, pushed some of her loose hair out of her face. She paused, clearly thinking. "Hang on, I think I got something. Coming down," she called as she climbed down a ladder.
She still had the cloth pressed against her hand as she walked over to them. She glanced at Fauna. "You didn't happen to bring a box of bandages over from the house, did you?"
Fauna look sheepish. "No, sorry."
"No problem, I'll grab it on my way back." She directed a stern look at Zucker. "Stay," she said, with a look that pinned him to the spot. Zucker nodded, not wanting to anger her any more.
Fauna unpacked the box, laying out the tools in Reneigh's absence. As the minutes dragged by, Zucker ventured to ask her a question. "Um, what's she getting?"
"Beats me," Fauna said with a shrug. But she turned to him, with an understanding look. "Don't worry. Reneigh has it covered."
Reneigh came back about a minute later, looking pleased. "Here you go. Give me your hand." Zucker obediently held it out and Reneigh placed—
A bar of soap in it.
Not even fancy soap. Regular bath soap.
"Um, what is it." Zucker said, poking at it uncertainly. "It looks like soap."
"There is a good reason for that; because that's what it is," chuckled Reneigh. She tossed the box of bandages over to Fauna, who easily caught it. "You ever done a soap carving before?"
"You can carve soap?"
"Yup. With this." Reaching into the back pocket of her shorts, she pulled out a butter knife. Opening his other hand, she placed the handle of the butter knife in it. "There. Now you are all set."
"Um, thanks." Zucker said uncertainly. "It's not as good as I was picturing though." A soap carving of a sailboat was not what he had in mind as a great gift for Alex.
"It's the best I got for today," Reneigh replied. "Besides, it's the thought that counts. Right?"
"I guess..."
Fauna came over a placed several bandages in his hands as well. "Just in case," she said softly. "Be careful, Zucker."
"And don't' forget to cut away from yourself!" Reneigh called as he walked away.
Zucker sat moodily on the dock as he slowly whittled at his bar of soap as carefully as he could. He wasn't quite sure why, but the exchange had made him feel hurt somehow. Bet they would have helped Alex. Given them something better than a butter knife and a bar of soap. Zucker blinked, trying to clear his blurry vision. But that's okay. I'll show them. I'll make the best soap sailboat ever. It will be—ow! Zucker shook his hand, as if it would make the pain go away. Sticking his finger in his mouth, he sucked on the wound, as he clumsily opened another one of the bandages that Fauna had given him—this was the third one—and hurriedly slapped it on his finger. Don't want to get blood on the sailboat. But I will make it the best ever.
It felt like a long time for Zucker, particularly because he had to focus on the one task at hand, but he was able to finish his carving. There, Zucker thought, as he turned it around in his bandaged fingers. I think that is as good as I can get it, he thought critically. It looks like a boat. Well, more like a canoe, but that is because it is missing the sail. The sail will make all the difference in the world!
Cheered up by the thought, he decided to go to the Able Sisters. They were probably the best place to find a piece of cloth to use as a sail.
"Well, hello, stranger." Mabel called as he entered the shop. "Haven't seen you around much lately. What have you been doing?"
"Being with Alex." Zucker smiled the reminder. "Look what I made," he held out his carving proudly to her.
"Cool!" Mabel said, taking it. "You made it? On your own?"
"Yup. With a knife." Zucker said, waving it out with a flourish to show her.
"Very cool," she said, as she quickly reached out and caught his wrist. She gently pulled the knife from his hand.
"It's a sailboat," Zucker continued proudly. "Well, it will be. Once it has a sail. Do you have a piece of fabric that I can use?"
"You bet we do," Mabel laughed. "Sabes, where are those patches of scrapes you were saving to make a quilt?"
"Top right drawer," Sable answered, not bothering to look up from her work.
"Thanks." Mabel rummaged around in it. "Any color in particular you want?"
"Ummm," Zucker drawled uncertainly. "What color do you think Alex would like the best?"
"Oh, is this a gift for Alex?"
"Right," Zucker nodded.
"Aw, that's sweet, Zucker. I am sure that they will love it." She flashed him a bright smile. "Here are some patterns. Which one do you think is the best for your present?" She walked back over and laid out the scrapes of cloth on the counter.
Zucker bit his lip nervously. "I'm not sure…" His eyes flickered uncertainly from color to color. Which one would Alex like best? I want them to be happy. If they are happy here, then maybe they won't leave me so much. "I want to choose which one Alex will like the best. Which one I like doesn't matter."
Mabel gave him a soft smile. "Yes, it does, Zucker," she said kindly. She leaned forward, leaning her arms on the counter. "Look, if you really want me to choose, I can, but I think you should. It's your gift after all, and I think it will mean more if you do it."
Zucker absently noticed that Sable came over and gently took his hand as he thought, but he was so lost in thought, he didn't think much of it. I don't know Alex's favorite color. But Alex does like the ocean, and the ocean is blue, so maybe… "The blue one?"
"There is no wrong answer, Zucker." Mabel giggled. "Okay, just let me hem this for you real quick."
"Oh, okay. Ya, that's a good idea," Zucker nodded. "That will—ow!" he suddenly cried as the hand that Sable was holding suddenly started to sting. He looked to see that she had pulled all the bandages off, and was holding a damp cloth that smelled weird onto the cuts. "That hurts!"
"Hush," she said firmly. Those serious, sad brown eyes looked at him. "Let me clean these, before they get infected."
"But—"
"Don't waste your breath." Mabel said with a knowing look, as she glanced up from her quick stitches. "It won't do any good." She looked over at Sable. "I told you that stuff stings."
"Better a little sting, then an infection. A stitch in time saves nine." Sable gently and carefully took the cloth off. Her nimble fingers reapplied clean bandages properly on his hand this time. "Who gave you that knife anyway?"
"Reneigh," Zucker answered as Sable took his other hand. "She wouldn't let me use a saw." Or any of her nice tools.
Sable made a sound that sounded faintly like a laugh. "Well, I guess if the only options were between a knife and saw, I guess I see her choice. Why don't I hang onto it for you? I'll be sure to return it." She held up his bandaged hands, distracting him before he could answer. "There, see? All done."
"Done here too!" Mabel said, as she cut the thread.
"Great!" Zucker took his new sail from her. "Now I just need something for the mast-thing."
"Got you covered." Mabel ran her fingers through her hair. Finding what she wanted, she suddenly yanked, and pulled out a long, blue spine. "This do?"
"Oh, ya. Thanks." Zucker directed her motions, as she inserted the sharpened end of the spine through the sail and then into the boat. "Ya, right there. That's good. Wait—a little higher! Perfect."
"There you go." Mabel said, holding it out to him. "Alex will love it."
"You think so?" Zucker turned it around in his hand. It might not be the best ever, but it was the best he could do. It definitely looks like a sailboat now, at least. "I tried. I really tried. You think it's good enough?"
"It's the thought that counts," Sable said softly. "I would…" she trailed off with a confused frown. "Is that the plane?"
Zucker paused, listening, and sure enough, he could hear the whine of the plane.
"Alex is back," he cried, excited.
The two women exchanged a look. "It's really early, isn't it?" Mabel voiced the question. "It's only been a few hours…"
Zucker's eyes widened. "You don't—Alex!" he cried, as he snatched his gift and raced out the door. "Wilber? Alex!"
POV
Alex/ human
Earlier in the day
Alex checked their (mostly) empty pockets as they made their way over to Resident Services. Got the tools I need, but still plenty of space to bring back anything I want. Yup, I think I'm ready to go. Just missing the Ticket to bring to Orville.
As they got closer, they could see Lucky waiting in the Plaza area. "Morning, Lucky, what are you doing over here?" they called.
"Waiting for Ankha," he said, shifting his weight on his crutches. "We are hiking to the Lighthouse today, for a picnic."
"Oohh, sounds fun. If I didn't already have plans, I might join you."
"Yep; we have meant to do it for a bit now, but we decided that there was no time like the present. There is a storm brewing, after all. And I don't mean just between Ankha and Reneigh," Lucky smiled softly. "I mean literally. So, if you have anything that needs to get done, I would do it sooner rather than later."
"Really?" Alex shot a concerned look at the sky. It was clear and blue. "How can you tell? Is that like a dog thing?" Never heard of dogs being able to do that but maybe…
"It's a broken bone thing," Lucky clarified with a lip twitch. "My bones ache and twinge with the pressure changes."
Oops; didn't think of that. "Ahh. Well, that sucks, but it's still kinda cool…" Alex said hesitantly.
Lucky gave a quiet snort of amusement. "That's me—the living barometer. One of my many hidden talents." He leaned forward slightly, so he was closer to Alex. "I'm also doing this to get Ankha out of Reneigh's hair," he said, more hushed. "She is busting her tail to get the house done in the next few days—particularly with the storm coming—so I'm trying to remove as many distractions as possible. Don't get me wrong—Reneigh is great, and Ankha is also great, but they aren't…great…together."
"Ya, I had gathered." Last night, Reneigh seemed to take offense at everything Ankha said, whether she intended to insult or not. But there did seem to be a…well, catty undertone to a lot of Ankha's words. But Alex didn't know her well enough to say for sure. Splitting them up is probably the best course of action at the moment. But I wonder why they don't get along?
Before Alex could ask, Ankha came over. She was dressed in her practical traveling clothes again. "There, I'm ready now. I just had to check with Reneigh and Fauna, to make sure that they know what they are doing for my house."
"You know that they do, Ankha," Lucky said with a smile. "This isn't the first time that Reneigh has built your house. Or the second…"
"Don't you start," Ankha said, rolling her eyes. "She keeps reminding me too."
"Well, you know what they say; third time's the charm," Alex said with a wink. "Maybe it will stick this time."
Ankha shot a quick glance at Lucky. "Maybe…" she said gently with a smile. Hmmm, Alex thought as they watched her. Maybe it's best I have plans, instead of going on the picnic after all.
"Well, you both have fun," Alex said. "I'll be off too, as soon as I get my Ticket."
"Have fun, and be careful." Lucky said, while Ankha nodded. "See you later."
Pulling the door open, Alex walked into Resident Services with a cheery greeting. "Morning!"
Mr. Nook and Isabelle both looked up. "Morning!" Isabelle called with a smile. Mr. Nook gave a nod over his cup of coffee.
"I assume you are ready to go, hm?" he asked as he pulled the Ticket back out.
"Yes, thanks. Anything in particular, you want me to hunt for?" Alex leaned forward on the counter.
"Wood mainly. Stone. Iron if you can find it," he listed off easily. "And whatever else of interest you find."
"That I can do," Alex said, taking the Ticket. "You can count on me."
"Be careful," Isabelle called.
"Don't worry," Alex called over their shoulder, as they walked back to the doors. They were in too much of a good mood to be annoyed by her fussing right now. "I'll have Wilber with me after all."
Alex had tried to backtrack out of his way, trying to catch the hybrid as they collided, but Zucker's tentacles had tangled around their legs, causing them to lose their footing. They both fell in a jumbled heap on the floor.
Alex wasn't hurt badly—beside the mild sting of falling on the hard, tiled floor—but nothing was broken. "Zucker, Alex, are you alright?" Alex could hear Isabelle's concerned voice getting closer. They turned their head to see her lean over them.
"I'm fine." Alex looked over to Zucker. "You?"
A blush was spreading across his face. "Y—yes. I'm fine. Are you sure you are?"
"Yup." Alex winced slightly. Zucker wasn't a lightweight, after all. "Although, it would be more comfortable, if you weren't on top of me…" Alex hinted. Zucker look horrified, and quickly scrambled off of them. Alex winced again, as Zucker's knee caught them in the side. "But I'm fine. Really." Isabelle held out her hand to them, and Alex took it, allowing her to help pull them up.
"Are you sure?" Isabelle didn't look or sound convinced. Placing her hand on either side of their head, she tilted their head slightly back. Alex could see her looking intently into their eyes. "Did you hit your head?"
"No, I'm fine." Alex turned their head, breaking her hold and scrutinizing gaze.
"Maybe you should wait a bit, just to make sure you aren't concussed or—"
"I'm fine," Alex wined. "I want to go." I appreciate the concern, but enough is enough.
"You are always in a hurry," Isabelle chastised, but a smile was tugging at her lips. "Speaking of being in a hurry," she turned to Zucker. "What do you say to them?"
"S-sorry." he stammered hurriedly. He really did sound and look truly sorry.
"For the last time, I'm fine. Really." Alex smiled at him. They didn't want him to feel any worse than he already did. "What were you in such a hurry for anyway?"
Zucker dropped his eyes to the floor. "Was scared you left already. That you didn't say goodbye," he informed it.
"Aw, Zucker, I didn't forget." Alex leaned forward, so that they could make eye contact with him. "I would have found you."
"Really?" Zucker raised his eyes slowly.
"Of course." It clearly matters a lot to him. Wonder why he thinks I wouldn't come find him? "I'm not in that much of a hurry to leave." But the itch to leave was getting stronger, and Alex didn't want to waste any more time. They held the door open, waiting for Zucker to follow.
As Zucker walked with Alex to the Airport, he seemed to be dragging his feet a little. He clearly didn't want them to leave, and kept trying to stall them. But Alex was not to be deterred or distracted from their mission. Mr. Nook is counting on me. I should be able to get everything that he asked for on this trip, plus have extra room for some extra stuff as well. I'm glad he trusts me to get this done.
Besides, if I show him that I can do this, then maybe he will let me go more often.
Once they reached the Airport, they showed the Ticket to Orville, went on through the gates, and chattered with Wilber as they got ready to leave. Zucker still stayed with them, but was more subdued now. Eventually—finally!—Alex was standing next to the plane with Wilber, getting ready to leave.
"Can I come too?" Zucker asked behind them. It caught Alex's attention, because he sounded so sad.
"Sorry, Eights," Wilber said with a heavy hand on his head. "No can do. The Souring Flower is a two-seater," he said, ruffling Zucker's already messy hair.
"Don't worry, Zucker." Alex said as they climbed aboard. "I'll be back soon. I'll even bring you back a present if you want." Maybe he will feel better about me leaving, if he has something to look forward to when I get back.
"Really?" Zucker looked interested. "You mean it?"
"Well, it will just have to be something I find, nothing special," Alex promised glibly as they buckled in. "Would you like that?"
"Ya," Zucker said with a blush. "Ya, I would."
"Cool." Alex gave a wave. "Okay, see you in a bit. Bye!"
Zucker gave a small wave, before Alex turned back around. Alex didn't look back, as Wilber took the plane up and way.
Alex sighed in contentment as the plane pulled up higher and higher. "Finally," they breathed.
"Glad I'm not the only one who enjoys this." Wilber's voice came through the headset, to allow him to be heard over the engines. "Now that you are here, I have an excuse to go on more excursions," he said with a wink.
"Hey, I don't mind being the excuse," Alex laughed. "Use me anything you need to go somewhere. I don't mind getting dragged away."
We'll get you your wings yet, Pollywog," Wilber joked. "Maybe I should start calling you, 'Flying Fish' instead."
"But Flying Fish don't actually fly; they glide," Alex said, with a chuckle.
"Okay, Smarty-pants, get me a technicality." Wilber snorted.
Alex just laughed. "Hey, flying is a nice substitute. I…" Alex cut off as Wilber suddenly flicked a switch. "What was that?"
"The radio," Wilber replied. "I was worried you were going to mention your sailboat. You can say what you want now, Alex. No one can hear us."
"Oh." But the lighthearted mood was ruined. The reminder that someone else could be listening in, trying to find them, was unsettling. Alex didn't really feel like saying anything else right then. Alex turned to the window instead, enjoying the feel of the open space. They gazed out of the window, watching the ocean spread out below them. Unlike Zucker, Wilber clearly didn't feel the need to fill the silence with chatter, just for the sake of noise, so they flew in companionable silence. The only sound was the whine of the engines as they flew above the glittering ocean.
"There," Wilber said some time later into the silence. "That looks like a good candidate." The plane tilted as Wilber circled around.
Alex looked out the window at island Wilber had chosen. It looked like it had a bunch of trees on it. There was a small cliff in the back, so that would be off limits. At least, for now.
Wilber landed the plane and taxed up to a narrow stretch of beach. "Alright, Pollywog, you remember the rule: what gets left behind stays behind. I'll be in a holding pattern here."
"Sure thing!" Alex called as they raced off. As they reached the trees though, something in the branches caught their eyes. "Oh, sweet! Wilber! There are peaches on the trees."
Alex looked up in delight at the fruit. Their island had apples, but this was still a valuable find. I am going to bring back as many as I can. We can preserve the ones we don't use, and save them for later. Without wasting any time, Alex began to shimmy up the tree.
"You be careful, Alex" Alex just waved in response to the warning.
It wasn't too long until Alex had raided all the trees on the island, and the beach had several piles of peaches stacked up. "There." Alex said as they brought over their last armful. "That is all of them."
"Good going. That will make the others happy." Wilber picked one up. "Sable will know how to preserve these. Nook might too, actually," Wilber chuckled. "He hides it well, but he was a country boy originally."
"Speaking of Nook," Alex pulled out their tools. "I should get busy. I am here on a mission, after all." The morning passed to the sound of Alex gathering up all the resources that Mr. Nook had asked for. It turned out Wilber had made a good choice, for the island happened to have everything.
Once everything was on the beach, Alex stopped for a late lunch. They and Wilber ate the lunch that Orville had packed, plus several of the peaches as a treat. Alex lay on their back on the warm sand, resting, before they would have to start the task of loading the plane. Alex held a peach in their hand, running a thumb over fuzzy skin of the fruit. They sighed contentedly. "This is perfect as a gift for Zucker."
"Yes, Wilber chuckled. "Although, Zucker would probably be happy if you brought him back a rock. It would really make his afternoon, either way."
Alex frowned. "Why? It's not that big of a deal." I told him I could only bring him back something that I found on this trip; nothing really special.
"Not to you, maybe. Doesn't mean it's not a big deal to someone else." Wilber said. He took a swig of his soda. "Do you like him?"
Alex looked over at him, surprised. Alex was more of a doer, and didn't really waste time thinking about how they felt and why all that often. But they were at least aware enough of their feelings to know this easily. "Well, ya. We are friends."
"Does he know that?"
"Of course." Alex answered quickly, but then they paused, and really thought about it. "I mean, I think so."
"Couldn't hurt to tell him that," Wilber said pointedly.
Alex frowned. Pretty sure he knows. I mean, we hang out all the time… Alex turned to look back at the now-bare peach trees. But that wasn't quite accurate; there was fruit still on them that just hadn't ripened yet. It would be a shame to waste them… "Hey, Wilber, do you think we can bring one back?"
"One what? One peach? Sure, I bet we can bring back way more than one though," Wilber chuckled.
"That's not what I meant," Alex said, shaking their head. "I meant one of the peach trees."
"What—a whole tree?" Wilber's eyes had grown wide behind those tinted glasses that he always wore. He shot a look at the plane, and then back to the trees. "Alex, I know it might not feel like it, but there is a limit to how much we can fit back there."
"But—"
"Why don't you bring back some of the branches," Wilber cut them off with a compromise. "I bet Blathers can graft them onto our existing trees. I think that is your best bet. Speaking of," Wilber stood up. "You can start organizing what you want to bring back. I'll see how much of your stuff I can fit back there. No promises, but I'll do my best."
It took some rearranging and several redoes, but eventually Alex had to admit that the back of the plane simply couldn't hold anymore.
"That's that," Wilber said, wiping his hands on his pants. "Do you want to head back now, or stay here for a bit?"
Alex glanced around at the ransacked island. "There is not really any point. Anything I would find or catch, I wouldn't be able to bring back, so it's not really practicable." Alex stretched their arms above their head. All the work of the morning had left them feeling slightly sore. Plus, Lucky did say that it is going to storm soon. I should probably get back to see if we need to do anything before it hits. To help prepare the village. "I guess we can go ahead and go back. Lucky said that there is storm coming, after all."
"Oh, did Lucky say that? Then there definitely is a storm coming," Wilbur said with confidence. "He is more reliable than any weatherman I have ever known."
Even with Wilber's assurance in Lucky's prediction, the return trip was just as pleasant as the previous one. Besides a few stray puffy clouds in the distance, the beautiful day didn't give any indication of the bad weather that Lucky had warned of.
As the plane returned to the Island, there was a welcoming party waiting on the docks. Orville was there to help unload the plane (which was to be expected), but Timmy and Zucker were also there.
"Alex," Zucker cried as soon as they pulled up. He looked equal parts excited and nervous. "Everything alright?" He had something clutched in his hands, and he was fidgeting with it nervously.
"Yup, I was just able to wrap up Mr. Nook's errand early." Alex jumped down.
"That's why I'm here," Timmy said, tapping a pen on a clipboard that he had brought. "Mr. Nook sent me to come take inventory. He said that I was to reimburse you for what you brought back."
"Sweet! Let me get this lot unpacked."
Orville helped open the doors to the holding bay. He gave a whistle. "What did you do, bring back a whole island?"
"Mr. Nook said to bring back anything of interest."
"I don't think that meant everything of interest!" Alex just laughed at that.
"I couldn't leave these behind." Alex reached back behind the carefully wrapped peach tree branches, to one of the peaches that Wilber had packed in a crate. "Here, Zucker, I got this for you." Alex went to toss it to him, thought better of it, and just walked over to hand it to him instead.
"Thanks, Alex!" Zucker said pleased. "It's great!"
"Glad you think so," Alex said. "Actually, I brought back enough for —"
"I got you something too!" Zucker excitedly cut them off.
"Really?" Alex was honestly surprised. They hadn't expected this at all. "You didn't have to do that, Zucker."
"I know," he blushed. "It's not much, but…here." He thrust something into their hands hurriedly.
Alex turned it over in their hands. It was clearly supposed to be a simple kind of sailboat, even they could see it. "Cool! Where did you get it?"
"I made it," Zucker said sheepishly. "Do you really like it? It's okay if you don't…" he spun the peach through his fingers with anxious energy.
The nervous motion caught Alex's eyes, drawing their attention to Zucker's hands. More importantly, how many bandages were on his fingers and hands. He made this for me. On his own.
Alex was not much given into sudden bursts of physical affection, but Zucker's gesture had really touched them. Without thinking, they threw their arms around Zucker in a tight hug. "Thanks, Zucker. It's great."
They couldn't see his face from their angle, but they could tell that he was smiling. "Really?" he breathed. "That's nice." His arms slowly wrapped around Alex, returning the hug. "This is…nice."
Alex gave one more quick squeeze before letting him go, and pulling back. "Thanks again." They turned the sailboat over in their hands. "You are a good friend, you know?"
Zucker jumped as if Alex had punched him. "Really? We're friends?"
"Well, ya," Alex said, a little confused. "Don't you think so?"
A smile so bright split across Zucker's face that it could have rivaled the sun. "Yes. We are friends."
POV
Leif/ sloth
"Trade with me," Leif commanded, standing over Kicks.
The skunk hybrid had been sitting at his workbench, working on a pair of shoes, before being interrupted. He raised his eyes from the shoes that he had been stitching.
"What?"
"You are scheduled to go to the island tomorrow. I want to go. Trade with me," Leif repeated. Having finished his preparations, Leif didn't want to waste any more time for a return trip to the Island. The only thing he needed to do now was to find someone he could bully or bargain into letting him take their spot in the rotation. He knew Kicks was the next one up, so it would be best to approach him first. Finding him was easy enough; Kicks might prefer his cobbler hobby, but his day job was being a mechanic. Naturally, the best place to find him would be in the garage.
Kicks' deep maroon eyes narrowed. Leif would never admit it, but he found those dark red eyes kind of freaky. "Why? You just went two weeks ago."
"Because I want to, that's why," Leif blustered.
Kicks put down the shoes that he had been working on and pushed his beige cap farther back on his glossy black hair, revealing more of his distinctive white streak. "What's in it for me?" he asked causally, leaning back in the chair. Leif noticed that the smaller hybrid had causally reached across his workbench to place his hand on a large wench at the edge of the table. He is getting ready for a fight. As if he could—
Leif bit down on the inside of his cheek, trying to control his temper. The skunk hybrid was smaller and younger, but he was still a skunk. He had only had to…prove…his ability one time, when Flick had appeared by him without warning, startling him. The situation was made worse in that it had happened indoors. All the Redd co. hybrids had collectively worked to get the stench reduced, and even then it took days for it to completely fade away. "You can have my turn next week. I just want to go now."
"What's so important about going now? You know something we don't, Sloth?"
Leif switched tactics. "Now, what makes you say that?" he asked causally. "I just enjoy the fresh air, is all." Kicks made a sound that clearly showed his disbelief. "Now, do I look like I would try to sell you a load of porky pies, mate?" Leif said with a smirk. Leif had picked up some of Kicks' cockney slang, but Daisy Mae was the only one who could understand him when he really got going. But that was to be expected with her being his partner among the Redd co. hybrids. Finding a partner was the smart thing to do, particularly if you were smaller, younger, or newer in the group.
After all, there was safety in numbers.
With the similarity between Labelle's and Kicks' trades of choice, Leif thought that they might pair up, but Labelle made it clear that she needed no ally to hold her own in their little hierarchy. And while aligning herself with the scientists back at the Lab was a low that Leif himself didn't think that even he would stoop too, it really did give her an edge that was not easily overcome.
"You are nothing but Barney Rubble, is what you are." Kicks rolled his eyes. "Awright, have it your way. Just be sure to use your mince pies, and find that human. Slider was already on my case about it, so it can just be your problem instead. " He turned back to his shoes.
"Thanks, mate, I'll go pack up my stuff," Leif said satisfied, before turning and walking out. As he walked back to his room, he pulled the small vile that he had hidden, tucked inside his hoodie pocket. It was filled with a clear liquid.
"Ya, I'll find the human," Leif murmured. "On my jack."
POV
Marshal/ squirrel
About two months ago
Pulling open the lobby doors, Marshal walked into Redd Biotech. There wasn't a scheduled Health Program today, so no extra carts or crates were needed. But while he had been working on inventory, he had received a text from Ms. Lottie that simply said "the usual, 30 minutes, don't be late" with no other information. Marshal had just sighed and rubbed at his eyes, before firing up the expresso machine. Marshal was past the point of caring. He was used to Mr. Redd and Redd Biotech by now, but that didn't mean that he liked it any more. If his boss wanted to pay him to just drive over to deliver his custom coffee, then fine.
Marshal was resigned to just finish it out as this point. Each day was another day off the list, as graduation crept closer and closer. While Marshal worked at Redd Biotech, he had steadily built his list of contacts; he had several financers and creditors already interested. He was confident that once he finished school, he could start his own café. Marshal smiled as he rode the elevator to the top floors. Soon, I won't need Mr. Redd anymore. Soon, I really can quit. Tomorrow. Marshal smiled at the old running joke.
Between his classes and coursework, his work hours were really strained. This had become a problem lately. Mr. Redd seemed to forget that this job was merely a means to an end for him, with the end goal being to open his own café. Marshal only kept this job out of loyalty to Brewster and his own laziness to go find a new one. Marshal winced slightly as he thought of Brewster. I never see him anymore. Not that Marshal blamed him for enjoying his retirement. The old man had certainly earned it, as far as Marshal was concerned. Marshal just…well, he missed him.
At least the Roost is safe. Marshal had stonewalled Ms. Lottie's attempts to alter the Roost in any way. He had dragged his feet and protested at each turn. Thankfully, Mr. Redd held his word in higher regard then his PA's (much to her annoyance), but the Roost was safe. For now.
The elevator slid open and Marshal walked down the hallway with the plush carpet to the secretary desk at the end. He nodded to Mr. Lyle, who Marshal always thought looked exhausted at all hours.
"Hello, Marshal," he said softly. "Go on in, he is expecting you."
Pulling the door open, Marshal forced a smile on his face. He is my boss after all. He is paying my school bill. "Morning, Sir!" Marshal was slightly amazed at his own enthusiasm. "Fine day today." Maybe I should have minored in drama...
"Morning, Marshal." Mr. Redd favored him with a brief smile. "Always so lively each and every day."
"Well, I am a morning person. To be a barista, you kind of have to be." Marshal walked across the office. It was open and airy, tactfully designed to show off wealth without being obnoxious about it. "Your coffee, Sir. Just the way you like it." Marshal placed the to-go cup on the polished and expensive-looking desk. There wasn't much on it as far as decorations went. Computer, desk lamp, pens, desk phone, and what looked like a snow globe.
Mr. Redd took a sip. "Perfect," he breathed. "Just like always." His eyes slid to Marshal "You are such a gem, Marshal. I'm so glad I found you."
I almost wish you never did. Marshal pushed down his frustration, before it could show on his face. "Aw, thank you, Sir. Anything else, before I go?"
"No, thank you, I am very busy today." Mr. Redd gave a dismissal wave, and Marshal turned to leave. "Oh, there is one thing." Marshal turned back. "Ms. Lottie said that you were unwilling to work a shift this coming Friday at 10:00?" He gave Marshal a smile over his coffee. "I'm sure it is just a misunderstanding…?" His tone made the statement into a question.
Marshal shook his head. "I'm afraid not, Sir. That is when my one of my classes meets. Ms. Lottie knows that. I submitted my class schedule to her at the start of the term, so she could schedule my work hours."
"I understand, but there will be an important meeting for the company that day, and I want you there to serve. I know it's not scheduled, but when opportunity knocks, you answer," Mr. Redd stated firmly, as if that settled the matter.
"I can't." Marshal gave a short sigh of frustration. This was a prime example of why he hated working for Mr. Redd. He seemed to think that the whole world—or at the very least, his employees—revolved around him. That he could just alter their lives and plans whenever he felt like it. "I am presenting my class project that day."
Mr. Redd's eyes tightened. "Skip it."
"Sir, I can't!" Marshal cried exasperated. "It's for my senior final project. It's pass or fail. I'm sorry, but I can't risk that."
Mr. Redd gave a frustrated sound as he almost slammed the cup down. "I have given you a lot of freedom with your classes, because I knew it was important to you, but my patience is starting to wane. Why do you need them?"
"My classes? I need them to graduate, Sir."
"Why?"
"Why, what?"
"Why do you need to graduate?" Mr. Redd said slowly. "I know how talented you are. I don't need a piece of paper to tell me that. And I am prepared to just give you what you want." Pulling out his tablet, he opened some files. "Here. I was going to give this to you as a graduation present, but there is no harm doing it now." He held it out to him. "Take a look."
Marshal reluctantly took the tablet, and looked down at it suspiciously. And nearly dropped it. With quick swipes of his finger, he flipped through the list of images and purchases. "No way," he breathed in awe. Marshal recognized what the items were in less than a heartbeat. It was all the equipment that he would have wanted for his own café. But while he knew that he would have had to settle for the more moderate and cost-effective versions at the beginning, these were the best and brightest models that he often drooled over. "You got all these…for me?"
"Yes," Mr. Redd smiled, pleased by Marshal's reaction. "I already submitted plans to renovate one of the rooms on the ground floor to fit the design of the layout for the café you wanted. Of course, we would wait to finalize the renovations until you had authorized exactly how you wanted it to look.
"You see, I am prepared to make all your dreams a reality. I just need you to be loyal to my company, and I will ensure that you will have everything that you need. I fully intend your café to be the best in the city."
Marshal's mouth had stopped working, and he felt like his brain had too. No way. No freakin way. Marshal was thrilled, over the moon ecstatic. No more tests, projects, classes, homework—he could just go ahead and start during what he loved. And this was a waayyyy better starting point then he could have hoped for. This would give him an advantage right from the start; have him become competitive almost immediately. This was like a dream—too good to be true!
And yet…
Marshal couldn't quite shake the quiet nagging doubt. Everything that he could want was being handed to him on a silver platter, but it was who was handing it to him that was the problem. Could he really sellout to Mr. Redd? Trust him with his future? Mr. Redd, who demanded more and more of his employees and whose company seemed to run more on fear then trust.
Plus, there was something else going on here…and Marshal wasn't sure he wanted to be part of it.
"Thank you, Sir. I'm flattered, really," Marshal said carefully. "I appreciate it; really, I do. But I have always worked to be able to stand on my own. My upbringing has taught me that it is important to be self-reliant. Brewster has always encouraged me in that regard, so I guess you can say that he helped mold me into what I am today." Marshal handed him back the tablet. "What I'm trying to say is…that I need time to think about it. This doesn't change the fact that I want to graduate though. I have come so far; I don't want to stop at the last. I want to finish this."
There was a few tense seconds of pure silence following his speech. "I don't understand," Mr. Redd said coolly. "Are you turning down my offer?"
"Well, not exactly," Marshal said sheepishly. "I just don't want to toss my future away, just because you want me to—"
"I am giving you the future you wanted," Mr. Redd ground out. "I don't see what the problem is. Is there something wrong with it?"
"Oh, no, Sir!" Marshal said hurriedly. "It's great. I just…I just still want to be able to do it on my own…after all, there is no guarantee that I would stay and work for the company after I graduate, I may want to make—"
"What was that?" Mr. Redd snapped. "What do you mean, you aren't sure if you will stay after you graduate?"
Marshal winced. I didn't mean to let that slip. "Well, I appreciate all that you have done, but this is still a temp job to me. I'm not sure I want to stay here forever, you know? I may even want to move. There is a whole wide world out there, and maybe I will want to move to a different city."
"This is ridiculous," Mr. Redd said, his temper starting to snap. "You are just being stubborn, because it is not how you wanted it to happen. You are being presented the greatest opportunity that you will ever be given, and you stand there dawdling. A smarter man would have jumped at the offer. Do you know how much money I have spent on you?"
Marshal's own temper was starting to wane now. "I never asked you to spend a dime extra on me, other then what I have earned! I never asked this of you!"
Mr. Redd held up a hand to stop him. "I don't have time for this childish discussion today. Take the rest of the day off; you need to really consider what I have presented to you. We will discuss this later." His eyes and tone cooled. "I hope you make the wise decision quickly, Marshal. Wait too long, and I will not only reconsider my offer for your future, but your present employment as well." Mr. Redd turned back to his computer, the conversation over in his mind.
Marshal's frustration and anger was starting to get the better of him. I have been insulted, talked down to, ignored, my concerns brushed over, but this—this is downright bullying me into trying to give up what I want. What I want for me and my future. What I have worked so hard for.
Marshal had finally reached his breaking point. "No," Marshal breathed softly. "Tomorrow is today."
"What?" Mr. Redd didn't bother to look away from his monitor.
"I quit!" Marshal ripped his visor off and threw it down on the desk. "Right now."
"You can't quit," Mr. Redd sputtered, turning back around.
"Watch me!" Marshal struggled with the apron strings, his anger making him clumsy.
"But—but what about the Roost?" Mr. Redd clearly didn't except Marshal to suddenly jump in this direction. He was grapping at any strings to try to pull Marshal back.
"What about it?" Marshal was just getting started. "You have kept me here—for months—I practically have been already fired from it. I never see anyone over there anymore. I am constantly busy with you and your stupid orders."
"But—where will you go?"
"I hate to break it to you, but the Roost isn't the only café in the city. And I know the Roost's competitors, and you bet your boots that they have heard about me. They would hire me too."
"But what about the future,—your hopes and dreams!"
"My hopes and dreams are just fine without you." That was a good parting line, so Marshal turned to make his dramatic exit.
"Don't you walk out on me, Marshal!" Mr. Redd called behind him. Marshal could tell that he had risen from his seat. "Don't open that door!"
"Just try to stop me," Marshal said with his hand on the doorknob, as he turned back around to face Mr. Redd.
Which is why the snow globe that Mr. Redd thrown at him smacked him right between the eyes, knocking him out cold.
()-()
Mr. Redd quickly walked to Marshal's crumbled body on the floor, breathing heavily. The little brat had caused him to lose his temper. He hadn't intended to throw the snow globe at him, it had just happened in the moment. Mr. Redd picked up the snow globe, turning it over in his hands. Good, it's not damaged.
Mr. Redd now turned his attention to his stubborn and outspoken employee. Oh, excellent, he is still breathing. But a large whelp was already starting to form. "What happened," Mr. Lyle said as he came in. "I head yelling is everything—" He froze as he took in the scene. "Oh my—"
"Shut the door," Mr. Redd commanded, thinking quickly.
Marshal had tried to leave him—him! After everything that he had done for him. Well, he certainly wasn't going to let him just walk out on him. It was too close to a repeat of what had happened five years ago.
Mr. Redd couldn't shake the feeling of déjà vu, how similar the whole situation was. It left him feeling shaken and off-balanced. The way Marshal had turned on him—being so stuck in his ways, that he couldn't see the opportunity of a lifetime—the way his eyes had turned from hurt to fear to anger—they were so familiar.
Except instead of Marshal's brown eyes, the ones in his memory were brilliant blue.
Well, regardless, Mr. Redd had spent too much time and effort to just have it thrown away.
"Get him down to the Lab," Mr. Redd said. "Quickly. Quietly."
"Are you sure?" Mr. Lyle said softly. "I know you like him. He reminds you of—"
"Yes, just do it." Mr. Redd said, straightening his tie, trying to regain his self-control. "Oh, and tell Lottie to reschedule my 9:00. Something has come up."
"I am completely against this, just so you know," Dr. Shrunk fumed as Marshal was strapped down on the table. "We don't know anything about him. We haven't done any prep work or tests on him. This will be a blind shot in the dark."
"Just do your best, Doctor," Mr. Redd soothed. He had had time to regain his composure. "That is all I ask of you."
The doctor muttered disgruntledly as he flipped hastily through a chart. "I thought you had wanted to spare your little barista. Why the change of heart?"
"He left me no choice." Mr. Redd paused. "He tried to leave the company." He had tried to leave me.
"Ooohhhh, he reopened that particular old wound," Dr. Shrunk said in understanding. "And what happens if history repeats itself, and he turns out like Nook," Mr. Lyle winced at the casual mention of the name, but Shrunk continued on unfazed, "and hates you for this."
"He won't," Mr. Redd shook his head. "I won't let him. I'll make him see reason."
"Well, I wash my hands of him," Dr. Shrunk said as he handed off the folder to one of his assistants. "I don't even know what to mix him with."
"A squirrel." Mr. Redd was very confident. "Trust me; he is a loud and stubborn chatterbox. He is undoubtedly a squirrel."
"Well, he is in your hands. I hope he turns out alright. For your sake."
"He will. He's a survivor; he'll pull through. It will be fine." Mr. Redd smiled tightly, as Dr. Shrunk inserted the IVs.
It will be different this time. I'll make sure of it.
Author's note!
Well, better late then never! It was supposed to be done before Thanksgiving, but that didn't happen. Then with all the holiday stuff, trying to get this done was so hard. I also was driving myself crazy, because there are so many linchpin details in this chapter that I felt like I had to get right. I'm not super satisfied with this chapter, but it is at the point that if I don't post it now, I may never do so.
Fitting stuff in the plane: Alex's comment to bring back a whole tree is a reference on how much stuff you can bring back with Wilber. This is another example of how Animal Crossing is ignoring physics. To quote another fandom (that I still do not own or profit from), "it's bigger on the inside!"
Kicks: Yay, another of the Redd co. hybrids. I am slowly introducing them all. His Cockney slang is fun to write; I had a lot of fun researching the different expressions. Also, I felt like him just being a shoe shiner wasn't super pragmatic in this world, so I had to give him an update. Mechanic seemed reasonable.
Response to reviewers!
LuckiestMikey: My guy, you did not devour it: you unhinged your jaw like an anaconda, and inhaled it, lol! You left a review in under an hour of my posting it. Seriously though, thank you for the (speedy) comment! Thanks also for the comment on AO3, because it does boost my views over there as well.
SuperKitty4789: Welcome back! I'm glad you were able to catch up, and I'm happy you are enjoying the chapters. I'm pleased you are enjoying the wholesomeness. It won't last…(insert evil laugh)
Izzi: Thank you! Glad you like Nook! He is kinda hard for me to write, so he takes a lot of work.
Waltersul: Thank you! Glad you are enjoying it!
GhostTurtle (and friends): Thank you for your long and detailed reviews! I love to read them. As for your guess about which hybrid would best fit Alex…well, you are going to have to wait and see, hehe.
Whomie: Hey, good to see you again! I'm excited for the next few chapters. I have had bits of them planned out from the beginning. As you can tell, this particular arc is getting close to its climax. Don't mind me, as I wrap up loose plots points real quick, lol
Happy Holidays, everyone! I hope you have a joyous season. Of course, the best present you could give me is by Following, Favoriting and Reviewing, lol. See you in the new year!