AlbrixtheWeremoose

As Nick pushed the door open a bell jingled above his head. Camila looked up from her work and waved to Nick. “I’ll be right with ya Nick.” Nick returned the wave and commented with a smile and a wink. Which seemed to make Camila blush a bit. He continued towards the bison though. Nick came up to the table and said to the bison. “Morning beautiful.” The bison looked at him above circle shaped shades. He put the tablet down that he held in his hoof with a “humph" "Nick. Nice of you to join me, please have a seat." He gestured with his hoof to the empty spot opposite him in the booth. Nick grinned and took a seat, Camilia was at the table as soon as he had sat down. “Nick, so good to see you again.” she said with a smile that was close to flirtatious. Nick returned the smile with a wink. “So what will you be having this morning? Your usual?” she asked. Nicked clicked his tongue and shot a finger gun at her. “You bet sweetheart.” Camilia blushed a bit before asking the bison if he needed a refill. The bison shook his head no and Camilia left to fill Nick’s usual order. Nick turned his attention towards the hulking mammal in front of him. “So tell me my buffalo friend, what news do you have on our new pal?” The bison took a drink of his coffee then adjusted his glasses before grabbing a manila envelope and slid it across the table. Nick looked down and grabbed the envelope and opened it, pulling out several papers. On the front of the first page was a mugshot of a younger Jason Strongclaw. Nick looked over the papers as the Bison started talking. “Seems you got yourself an interesting character there. Thats all of the info I could find on him but I think that it’s more than enough to get the big picture.” Nick continued to read. “Says here that he was arrested as a teenager.” “Yeah. Apparently he lost control of his temper during an argument and struck him. Killed his father instantly.” The buffalo took another sip of his coffee then sat back in his seat as far as he could, which wasn’t much. “Did a stent in a state facility to help him control his anger but the doctor that presided over him believed that it only had minimal help.” Nick put the papers down. “So what you are saying is this guy is just a ticking time bomb?” He asked. The Bison leaned forward. “I mean sure he could be but his records indicate that he hasn’t had too many problems since then. If he has then it has been kept quiet or he simply killed whoever was on the receiving end of his wrath.” Nick frowned, looking over the papers again. “Well hopefully this guy doesn’t lose his temper again, especially around any smaller mammals. He’s a damn sight bigger now than he is in this picture.” Camilla returned a moment later with a large to-go coffee and a freshly made blueberry Danish. Nick smiled at her once again and thanked her. The bison waited until she left to continue. “In my professional opinion I think this guy can be a problem. In my line of work mammals with anger problems like his almost always end up being a huge issue around normal society.” The bison took a sip of his coffee. “But Nick, I would keep a close eye on him if I was you. Mammals with his temperament have been known to attract the seedier element of our society.” Nick nodded, lost in thought. He certainly knew what the bison was getting at. He had seen it plenty of times during his life as a hustler. The rich and powerful always looked for strong, sucker types that didn’t seem to have much of a future to do their bidding and they almost always ended badly for those mammals. “Thanks,I’ll keep that in mind.” Nick said as he got up from his seat, pulling out a few hundred dollars as he did. He placed it on the table. “Here, thanks for the quick reply Mister Bubbles.” The bison placed a pair of dark shades over his eyes. “You’re more than welcome, and I prefer Cobra.” Nick chuckled. “Oh I know. Just like to ruffle your fur. Hey, call me some time and we will have a drink.” Nick started to walk off, waving goodbye as Cobra Bubbles sat drinking the last bit of his morning coffee. X X X X Jason awoke the next morning well rested. He hadn't had any of those terrible nightmares that he had had the few nights before. With a smile on his face he went through his morning routine of showering and brushing his teeth, all the while thinking of a place to take Ellie out on a date. Done with his morning hygiene he quickly pulled on some gym shorts and a tank top, grabbed his gym bag and headed to start his workout. He remembered when he had first started lifting weights. It had been hard at first but he grew to like it and now he tried to keep a steady schedule of lifting and exercise. It had been something that the therapists had suggested to him after his father had died. It did help but he never really had made peace with what he had done so he tried not to think of it. On the way out he grabbed his keys but stopped before opening the door, glancing at the cash that Mr.Bigs goons had given to him. He thought for a second. Goons, he couldn't call them that anymore. Monday, two days from now he would be working with those goons. He knew that the money was payment in advance and was there to remind him that he had been bought in a way. It was a good chunk of cash too, about 15k. More than he really knew what to do with. Hesitating for a second Jason reached out and grabbed the money. Counting out five hundred he took the rest back to his room, sliding it under his pillow just in case anyone came in while he was gone. He slid the five hundred into his shorts pocket and returned to the door. With the money safely in his pocket he opened the door and looked out into the hallway. Thankfully no one was about. Already he was thinking of the things he could do with the money. Things like paying up his gym membership and maybe getting himself some new clothes or something nice for Ellie. There she was, in his thoughts. The beautiful Black leopard that only a few days ago he had saved. Now she had mostly recovered and had been in his home and cooked him a meal. He pulled out his phone and thumbed to the text message screen where her number sat. “What should I say?” He thought to himself. Jason had never been great with women but now he really felt awkward. Was it too early to text her? Would it annoy her? Would she rather him call? All of the questions that could possibly pop Into one's head seemed to all at once and soon he felt like he was vapor locked. He realized that he had stopped in the middle of the hallway, beside that bunnies door, what was her name. Oh yea, Judy. The police officer. He liked her and her partner nick. They seemed nice. Remembering what he was doing Jason made for the door and exited the building. The early morning city was already buzzing with activity. Mostly with mammals going to work or leaving it. Some out jogging and enjoying the early morning air. Jason started to pull out his earbuds but realized that he hadn't grabbed them and so decided to just take in the sounds of the city waking up. The cars passing by on the street. The honks of said cars as the drivers become impatient with others. Birds fluttered from rooftop to rooftop as he walked. Mammals of all shapes had begun to exit their respective buildings to start their day. A garbage truck passed him, the smell of diesel feeling his nostrils, and stopped just ahead as two large moose got off and in their lumbering gait grabbed some cans off the curb. They emptied the cans into the back, returned them to the curb then jumped back onto the back of the truck and left. Jason smiled to himself that he no longer had to do that job as they turned down another street and disappeared from sight. It was fortunate that the gym was only a few blocks away but today it could have been a hundred blocks away and he wouldn’t have cared. As he walked he saw males exiting their buildings in a rush to get off to work, a few of them stopping to kiss their wives or girlfriends goodbye for the day. The sight revealed a longing in Jason's heart that had been there for quite some time and before he realized what he was doing he had pulled his phone from his pocket and now his thumb hovered over the call icon connected to Ellie’s number. Jason could feel the anxiety building within him. Should he hit dial or shouldn't he? was It to early to call Ellie? If now was too early then when was the right time? He stood frozen in place, fear holding him to the spot. Panic controlling His thoughts. It was laughable to him that he could face down others in a fight on a Moment's notice but calling someone who Was interested in him scared him. That's when he heard it in the back of his mind. His grandfather's last piece of advice to him before he passed. “Son, if you want something in this World then you have to go get it. It's not going to come to you otherwise.” Jason smiled, chuckling to himself. He tapped the call button and put the phone to his ear. The phone rang for a few times then he Heard a feminine voice say. “Hello.” Jason's heart fluttered and the anxiety returned. For a brief second he locked up again. A second “hello” came through and he snapped out of his panic attack. “H..hey, Ellie.” He said tentatively. “HI Jason. How are you?” She asked. “Oh uh, I'm doing good I was just calling to uh..see if you maybe wanted to get a coffee with me this morning?” He managed to get out. “If you don…” he was interrupted. “I would love to.” She answered much to his surprise. “But I have Daisy with me today.” The line was quiet for a moment before Jason said. “That's great! Bring her with you. We could get her a hot chocolate.” Now it seemed that Ellie was caught off guard. “Well ok then. Where would you like to meet?” Jason thought for a moment then decided on a place. “How about a place called Savanna central perk? Heard of it?” “Yeah, sure have. Me and Daisy will meet you there shortly.” “Great. I look forward To it. Bye” Jason replied. Waiting on her to say goodbye before hanging up. Heard a giggle and then “bye.” Almost saying It again he hung up, a big smile on his Face. Screw working out. He could do that later. Now he had a coffee date to get to. Thirty minutes later he walked into the coffee shop. The scent of pastries and strong coffee assaulting his nostrils. As the door closed behind him the other mammals stopped what they were doing and looked at him. Feeling self conscious He laughed before seeing Ellie and Daisy waiting for him at a booth. He walked over to them. Ellie standing Up as got closer. “Hi.” She said, waving awkwardly. Jason returned the wave. Feeling just as awkward. “Hi back.” He said. Feeling more like a goober than anything. But at least she was smiling. Daisy, always the ball of happy energy ran to him, hugging His leg. “HI Mr.Jason!” She exclaimed. Jason and Ellie chuckled, Ellie more embarrassed than Jason. “I'm sorry, she gets a bit excited.” Jason waved it off. “Don't be. She's just doing what kids do.” Jason bent Down but stopped and looked at Ellie. “May I?” He asked. “Sure.” Ellie replied. “If you can save my life then I'm certain you will be gentle with her.” Jason blushed and grabbed Daisy, the small girl going “whoa!” as he picked her up. Once they had leveled out Daisy looked around as she sat in Jason's arms. “Mama, I can see everything from up here.” The statement elicited a laugh from both Jason and Ellie as the trio made their way to the counter to order their drinks. Behind The counter was a kit fox with chocolate brown fur and Grey green eyes. She Wasn't much taller than Daisy but she made up for it with stools of varying height. “Hello. I'm Camilia.” The kit fox Said. “What can I get you?” Ellie and Jason Spoke at the same time each stopping mid sentence. Laughing, Jason said. “You first.” Ellie smiled, her emerald eyes flashing at Jason. She ordered a French vanilla iced coffee with espresso in it. Jason then placed his order for a Carmel machhiato and to the surprise of the the small girl in his arms a small hot chocolate. Ellie reached into her purse and brought the money to pay for the drinks but Jason stopped her. “Please. Let me pay.” “Oh, well sure.” She replied clearly not use to having someone else pay for the things that she got. Jason reached Into his pocket and pulled out a ten Dollar bill. The kit fox behind the counter took the bill with a smile, returning the change. Jason placed it in the tip jar that sat on the counter. The trio waited as the fox made the drinks. An awkward silence between them that only lasted for a few moments as Daisy broke It. “Mama can we go to the park?” She asked. “Well honey, I don't know. Mr. Jason might want to drink the coffee here.” Before Daisy could say reply Jason said. “The park sounds like a great idea.” Daisy nearly jumped out of his grip with excitement. But he grabbed her quickly. “Easy there Daisy. You almost fell.” He told her. Ellie straightened Herself as she had leaned forward to catch her bit Jason had been quicker. “Yea Daisy, calm down. You scared me.” Ellie chided. “Sorry mama.” Daisy replied. Leaning against Jason now. Soon the drinks were ready. Jason and Ellie walked up to the counter and grabbed them. Jason handed the hot chocolate to Daisy, instructing her to drink it slow since it was very hot. “You guys make a real cute family.” The fox Said from behind the counter. Jason answered Ellie seemed to blush and stumble over the words to respond for a Moment. “Oh we aren't a couple.” Jason said. “Just yet.” He added with a sly look at Ellie who was more than happy to take a sip of her iced Coffee. “Oh.” Said the kit fox. “Sure could have fooled me.” She then waved Bye to them then helped another customer that had stepped up to order. Jason with Daisy in his arms drinking her hot chocolate and Ellie Beside them left the coffee shop and made thier way to the park. By the time they had gotten to it Daisy had finished her drink And now with a sugar high wanted to play with some of the other kids on the playground. Jason set her down and then joined Ellie on a bench that offered an unblocked view of where she would be playing. He sat back and looked around. Mammals of all kinds were out this morning. Mostly mothers and their Children enjoying the morning but there were a few males with their kids. The morning was Cool under The shade Of a tree that stood Beside the bench. It was a bit crazy to him that just a short time ago he wouldn't have been able to sit around the prey animals. Daisy had run over to the jungle gym and Had joined A group of other mammal kids In climbing it and sliding down the slide. Jason sipped on his coffee. “So uh..tell me about yourself.” He said To Ellie. He looked At her, mesmerized by her beauty. Ellie returned his look and for a moment they just stared into each other's eyes. Ellie cleared her throat and looked away. “Well I grew up here In the city. My mother and father didn't though. They moved here when my Mother was pregnant with me. Mostly so my father could find steady work.” Ellie sipped from her coffee then continued. “I've lived here my while life, mostly in the suburbs though. Growing up I did the typical things a girl would do. Talking about boys, and other things.” Jason sat. Listening as she kept talking. “As a teenager I bounced from job to job.” she said as she took another sip. “My father is a bit of a specists. So that's something you should know. I remember dating another feline but he was a lion, which my dad didn't like. He believes that even though we are all big cats we should stick to our respective sub species. Lions with lions, tigers with tigers, snow leopards with snow leopards, that sorta thing.” Jason spoke up. “I honestly don't see why it should matter. As long as the two love each other.” “Yeah. It should be that way. Anyhow I was very young and wanted to listen to my father. I broke up with the lion. Not long after I met Daisy’s father, Roger. Another snow leopard.” “Ah. Well. What happened to him?” Jason asked. “Clearly you two aren't together anymore.” Ellie sighed and looked tired all of a sudden despite the coffee. “We…never married. There were plans to or well talk of plans but things went south.” “Oh. What happened?” Jason asked. Ellie, watching Daisy, continued. “My Dad loved him but mother felt that something wasn't right about him. Should Have listened to her. Anyway after six months he started to get.” she paused. “Abusive.” She looked at Jason, locking eyes with him for a second. “I figured you were going to say that.” Jason said. “I'm sorry that he did.” He added. Ellie looked back at Daisy playing and took a sip of her coffee. Jason realized that she had wanted to gauge his reaction. She continued the story. “Yeah, I'm sorry too. The first few times it happened I just Played it off. Ya know, told myself that he loved me and didn't mean it. After a year I started to figure out that he did mean it. Soon he started coming home late at night, drunk or high or both. It would always end the same way. In an argument, me with a few new bruises or a black eye.” Ellie now looked angry. “One night while I was Pregnant with Daisy he came home as per usual and it got really bad. This time he grabbed a knife and tried his best to stab me with it. Tried to kill Daisy as she grew in my belly.” “Holy shit.” Jason said. “Yeah.” Ellie replied. “Holy shit is right. Obviously We got a way. I went to my parents house. Waited a few days and had Someone go with me to get my stuff from our apartment. Luckily he wasn't around but by then I was done with him. I haven't seen Him much since.” Jason whistled. “Has he ever met Daisy?” Jason asked, gesturing towards the screaming and running child. “Yeah but he hasn't really tried to make much of an effort to have a relationship with her.” The two of them were quiet for a moment. “I'm sorry you had to go through that.” Jason told her as he turned his Head to look into Her eyes. Ellie met his gaze. In it she Could see what she thought was Resentment and anger. “No woman should have to go through that. Especially one as beautiful as you.” Ellie blushed and looked away. “So, what about you?” She asked. Jason sighed and leaned forward, seemingly more interested In his cup. It looked like the weight of the world was on His shoulders. “Well I don't know where to start. I have three siblings. We grew up poor. My mother and father did the best they could. But it never Seemed enough.” Jason leaned back. Resting his head against the bench and looking up. “I…” He paused. “I spent some time in juvenile Detention, about four years. I'm going To be honest with you. I have an anger issue. I don't know why but its Always been there.” “Well that's not too bad.” Ellie said. Jason Turned his head and met her gaze. “You Don't understand. It gets really bad sometimes. I…go savage.” Shock and surprise ran across Ellie’s face. She looked down. “You mean like the predators that went savage a few months back?” Jason looked back at the sky. “Kinda. I'm usually more in control but the longer I stay angry and in that state The worse I get. That's one reason I try to stay away from places like this and big crowds.” He said, gesturing to all of the mammal’s around them. They were quiet for a moment. Ellie spoke up. “What else is there?” Jason turned his head once again to meet her gaze. Seeing concern and curiosity on her face. “Heh.” He Laughed. “Usually by now most girls would have left. Most don't want to deal with a large, muscular tiger With anger issues.” Ellie reached out her hand, placing it on his arm. He glanced down then back to her eyes. “I'm not leaving just yet. Please Continue.” Jason sighed but now more for emotional relief than reluctance. “OK. I had a hard time growing up. Always got picked on and such. I think people liked to see me lose my temper. They thought that it was funny. My teenage years were hard. Hormones and all that. The anger issue only got worse until one day it got really bad and I ended up in Juvenile Detention.” Jason adjusted His position on the bench. Sitting straight up now. “Really that was the best place for me. In there I was able to get therapy and learn what little control I have over my anger. I also learned to channel it through weight lifting as you can see.” Ellie shook her head. “That I can. So what about your Family? Where are they?” Jason shrugged. “I Dunno. My father died a few years back and my Mother and siblings don't speak to me. Haven't in a longtime.” Jason took the last drink from his cup. “Can't really blame them after all of the things I did.” Jason leaned forward again, resting his arms on his knees. Ellie reached out and began to rub his back. Noticing how tight the muscles were underneath the shirt. “That's terrible.” She said to him. “Yea. Well it is what it is.” Jason replied. “Anyway, that's something you should know before we do this.” “Do what?” Ellie asked. Jason looked at her. “You know, date.” Ellie laughed. “Oh that. Too late. We already started.” Jason now looked surprised. “Since when?” He asked. “Since the moment you walked into the hospital room.” Now it was Jason's turn to blush. Outwardly He just smiled. Today was going to be a good day.