The shift is over. It's time to go home.

Another ordinary day of being a guard at Frosting.

Or at least that's how Mousse wanted it to be.

As he entered his house, he sat down to have dinner and thought back to the words he heard.

Earlier today...

Mousse was peacefully enjoying the quiet day at his job. Not much has been happening and not many people have tried coming today and he had to turn them away.

Soon, he heard the sound of two familiar people walking by.

"...Yeah. She's sick today so they're closed."

"I hope she gets better soon. At least you got a day off out of it too!"

"Yes. I'm happy to spend it with you."

"Awww, Treat!"

They finally caught up to him, and Mousse could see the little bunny walking up to him. "Good morning Mr. Mousse!"

Then the wolf followed. "Hello."

"Mochi, Treat. Good morning." He nodded back at them.

"How are you doing today?"

"I've been fine. What about you and Treat?"

Mochi looked excited. "Oh we're doing good! We're going to go shop together for a bit since it's Treat's day off!"

"How nice." Mousse commented.

"I'm just a little sad because one of the owners got sick and that's why I got today off." Treat explained.

Mochi patted Treat on the back. "Don't worry. May will be fine, and so will Annie."

This was the moment. The moment that changed everything.

Annie.

That's a name he hasn't heard in a long time.

He hadn't wanted to show his surprise to Treat and Mochi so they wouldn't ask questions. Thankfully, neither caught onto the fact that he was surprised.

Mousse had never actually been to the hot springs near Frosting before, he didn't find the time, and he didn't know anything about the owners, so as a conversation ender, he asked the wolf and bunny a quick question about them, confirming Annie to be a rabbit and May to be a mouse.

And most importantly, that they are a couple.

"There's no doubt. That's her. My Annie."

The problem now was, he was unsure of what to do with this information. Should he go to her? Or should he leave her be? Would she be mad or happy to see him?

"I know I would love to see you again."

She could easily take his appearance the wrong way but...

"Maybe you changed for the better, just like I did."

...

After finishing dinner, Mousse walked out of his house and Frosting then turned right. The hot springs should be this way.

He passed by Treat's and Mochi's house, and stopped briefly. "...Thank you."

Then he carried on and turned left. A little bit of walking, and the establishment was right in front of him, and the words on it reads: "Annie May Hot Springs".

It looked really nice.

"You have been doing well for yourself, Annie."

Walking up to the door, Mousse noticed the note that they were closed today. This must be what Treat and Mochi were talking about earlier.

But he wasn't here for a bath, so he can come in. Right?

"Sorry, we're closed today."

He can recognize that voice anywhere. It was unmistakable.

It was beautiful, but when she appeared in his view, it was a whole different story. Her white kimono and her ears tied together and pulled behind her like a ponytail.

She was gorgeous.

"Hello Annie. It's been so long."

It took a moment for her mind to register the words coming from this man she didn't recognize until...

"...Mousse? Is that... really you?"

"Yes. It's me."

Annie froze for a minute, gears turning in her head as she thought of how to best proceed. "Hey...it's good to see you. I'm sorry but, we are closed for today because my partner is sick."

Mousse nodded. "I know."

"Huh? Then, why did you come?"

"Can I tell you over tea?" He suggested.

She nodded. "Okay. Just give me a moment to make some."

So now the two rabbits were seated across from each other in one of the guest rooms, each one with their cup of tea.

Mousse took a sip of his own. "This is really good, Annie."

"Thank you." She smiled brightly. Even if he wasn't a customer technically, it was still nice to hear.

"This whole establishment is very nice actually. I'm happy you have it."

Annie giggled. "Yeah, it was very hard to get there but in the end, we got it. But enough about me, tell me how and why you ended up here today."

"I don't know if you heard but a few days ago, they hired a guard to make sure no predators try to enter Frosting. That guard is me." Mousse explained.

"Oh! Yeah, I heard. So now you're living in Frosting. Wow. I didn't pass the entrance in a while so I had no idea it was you."

"Yes. I myself didn't know anything about the hot springs here, until today when I talked to Treat and Mochi."

"Oh. Did you tell them about us?"

"No. I was trying my hardest to not make it obvious from my face. They were talking about how your partner got sick and mentioned your name."

"Right..." Annie's face slowly dropped till Mousse couldn't see it.

"Annie, are you okay?" He gently tapped her hand. "Are you...crying?"

She looked back up at him, she was indeed letting out some tears. "When I remember how you know May's name, I feel so bad." Mousse simply looked resigned at that.

"The day we ended things..." Annie recalled. "I was yelling at you, boasting that I'd be happy with someone else...I wish I could take it back..."

"But are you happy?"

"Yes, yes I am."

"Then that's all that matters."

Annie can only manage a broken smile. "You're too sweet..."

"Your actions were not unfounded at the time. I had my own issues to deal with and it all seeped into our relationship. We both were unhappy, so it was for the best."

"Did you ever find another girlfriend?" She inquired.

Mousse shook his head. "I'm yet to find someone I love as much as I love you."

Annie can only muster a thoughtful hum in response. "Hopefully that will come soon then."

"Maybe."

Then there was awkward silence as they drank some more tea before Mousse spoke again. "I should head back now. I have work tomorrow. I'm sorry for coming by at this time, by the way. I know it seems selfish."

Annie shook her head. "Don't worry about it. Let's go."

They both got up and headed to the exit.

"Thank you for indulging me tonight." Mousse told her.

"It was nice to catch up." Annie responded.

"I'm probably going to get one chance to say this so, you still look beautiful as you always have. Especially in this look."

She smiled. "Thank you. You on the other hand, you can use the occasional smile." Annie teased him.

Mousse made a small smile. "Is that good?" She nodded. "Come by when we're open sometime and enjoy a bath."

"I think I will. Goodnight, Annie."

"Goodnight, Mousse."

And so, Mousse made his way home, still with the smile Annie recommended. The moonlight shined through the night on him as closure was achieved between these two souls on this unforgettable night.