#I FORGOT TO DRAW THE GLASSES FOR THE 2ND but these were little doodles to de-stress. so its okay | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

depressedmfxn · 6 years

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Episode 1

[Introduction]

“Hi! I’m [Name] it's so nice to meet everyone!

“Really? You did it well lovely author, You make me the angel of this story..” Author jumps on his sit thinking what have gotten on [Name]’s sudden behavioural act, “Just get on with it!” He flashes his glasses as [Name] pop her bubblegum then get on with her class...

“That’s better” Author exhales lovely as he watches [Name] from a part...

“2nd-year student [Name] [Last Name] form Class 2-A?” I raised my hand signalling that I’m here, “Great, Now! Boys on to your stations! Girls take precautions!” My teacher warns us then we all headed to where the place in the gym is safe, “Okay, Time to listen to some bois!” I get my phone then plugged my earphones then let the magic begins...

While I was listening I watch my classmates play on the gym, Whatever. you didn’t get higher grades on this, you are just impressing these immature people over there, By the way... I’m almost very. Very. Far away from those ear breakers... I just wanted some chill, not with those fancy lovely doodling shits.

“Score!” I heard some screams making the game calm down a little, I even saw Igarashi playing cool with Nanashima, Seriously? Those dudes? They are gay for each other at shits. I wonder if someone ships gay acts like me, Thou I’m a very picker when it comes to shipping, About those two earlier? I don’t ship them, They aren’t a chemistry...

I take my left earphone off them listen to them for a while, Cause just maybe. My teacher will notice me being so far away in her class... They are actually kinda you know, Extroverted species thing? “Oh?” I stand up because of a sudden crowd going around the ends of the gym. “Serinuma!” I heard Nanashima called her, Oh yeah, Serinuma... I completely forgot about her...

“Come on let’s take her Igarashi!” I looked at Igarashi who seems to disagree on carrying Serinuma due to her statement. “Just take her there!” I scream out loud making them looked suspicious at me. “Then help me instead you!” I jump out then get on with this, I can’t let any of the teacher witness this, I just don’t wanna get lectured!

“On a count of three” Nanashima checked on me.

“Hm!” I agreed

One

Two

Three!

We both lifted Serinuma perfectly then head out to the gym, Why does Igarashi didn’t help us? While heading I can’t stop checking at Nanashima’s breaking noises, “Hey? Are you okay? I can take it from here?” I hope he feels shame on himself, “Are you kidding me!? Just because you act so cute you can carry her easily!” He protested, Oh good thing, He’s soft...

We slowly placed her down in bed, “There you go!” I placed the blanket letting her feel comfortable. As I walk out I suddenly feel super gelly, “Oh shit!” I fall hard letting my body sleep on the floor, I was just outside the door, “I can’t believe she went out first before-” I just looked outside didn’t care that Nanashima and An Unknown student let their shoes meet my blouse.

“[Name]!” Nanashima bend down sliding his hand to my back then carry me inside, “What happen to you!” Another student checked on me, While I never bother to talk, I can’t talk because My damn legs were so numb! Letting me cry mentally... “Okay, just let her rest next to Serinuma,” I can sense Nanashima worriedness on me, Oh... Fuck your eyes Nanashima...

“Hey Miss, if you don’t start talking then I can’t help you with something!” I rolled my eyes on a wonderful introduction with this midget, I slid my hands to my legs, signalling that it was fucking numb! I looked at him when he starts to blush. WHAT THE FUCK!

“I-it’s numb, Y-you d-deep-shit...” I calm myself down...

“Ow! I’m very sorry! I will take the ointment on the cabinet!” He runs away letting me shared on Serinuma’s pillow, You sure thank me later you know... “This will be cold at first interaction with your legs but the numbness will be gone after it...” I nodded then he starts putting on his hand. I closed my eyes then wait for it...

At first, it was so slimy, then after it started to cold making me moan, “Shit!” I want to cover my feet but levitating it making it hurts, Damn this is so traumatizing, Letting a man touch my legs then hearing my moans, “There...” He finished, I’m thinking that he has a bleeding nose. I just trying to find my sleep instead. Good thing its pe... cause Mygad! He’s just gonna fold my jogging pants...

After 1 hour...

I rolled over and feel like I’m hugging a hugged teddy bear, But then I feel something moving on the teddy bear making me sit up, “Oh! [Name] Your awake!” I looked seeing “Hi, Nanako...” I feel my hair has gone bad. I quickly ruffled it away, then stand up...

“Oh! [Name]! Thank you!” I irritated then looked at Serinuma, “What’s wrong?” She asked, “Oh nothing, It just made my legs so numbed so bad...” A-chan laughed nervously then talk about numbers, “I’m outta here..” I find my shoes then head outside, I closed the door seeing that guy again. bringing another student...

“You okay?” He asked but not looking at me...

“Yeah, Thanks...” I moved away then headed away from them.

Damn! this is an embarrassing day!~ T^T

I angry about that guy doing that to me, He’s such a pervert, He should have just told me to apply it myself, “Shut up!” I open the door at my class as my head is boiling. “[Name]!” I looked madly as Igarashi comes closer to me, “Why are you mad...” I madly closed the door back letting me walk over him, “Hey! Are you feeling better now?” Nanashima walks closer to Igarashi...

“First! My legs get numb all of sudden but now I feel better...” I zip their mouths then headed to my sit, “WHAT’S THE PERVERTS NAME ANYWAY! I WANNA KILL HIM NOW!”

I sleep on my table for a while, I sure hope that Serinuma is feeling better...

“[Name]-chan!” I heard A-chan’s voice making me cleared out my vision, “Yeah?” I yawn then stretched out, “You’re a heavy sleeper [Name]-chan!” A-chan pinched my ears making me slap her away, “Come on, I just got a “Sudden Tiredness” “ I elaborated on her, “I am really sorry [Name]-chan!” Serinuma bowed to me, “Oh it was nothing!” I moved my hands away then we headed out to school...

“Damn, those boys making my life a suffering hell!” I open my shoe locker to placed back the shoes from school to my own, “Serinuma-san!” I called her then locked the locker. “Yes?” She called, “Do you know an anime store to drop by?” Her mood glitters around making me turned back what I said...

As we walk around, Serinuma gladly explains the direction to went a close anime store from here, “Thank you for that! Well, I have to go!” I waved at A-chan and Serinuma, Well... Later time to buy some another set of Manga...

Following Days...

“Go for it, Levi! Kick Eren more!!!” I droll over my cellphone screen as I was on Episode nine on Attack on Titan, “[Name]-chan!” A-chan waved at my face, I growled at her then closed the episode letting her talk, “Serinuma has been absent in a week!” She falls her face on my table, I turned on my data checking on her update on Twitter.

“I know the reason why” I keep on scrolling as she updates an anime that involves a Shion character. “I guess that Shion died in one episode she’s watching making her depressed,” A-chan groaned on my table, “She will go to school soon...” I bring back the episode I was watching, I think I should really go back to my anime store for an update on SNK...

“I ship Ereri so much!!~” I keep my face normal but scrolling to find another wallpaper on my phone and those photos I’m finding we’re Ereri making me pee on my sit, “I should go outside to have my lunch,” I stand up leaving sleeping A-chan in class, “Wah! I’ll be drawing my ereri on my notebook as my cover!” I danced around the hallway due to the wonderful photos that surrounding my brain.

“I’ll have Eren sandwich with Levi dressing on it,” I laugh around the cafeteria to pick my repeated food, “Here you go,” The lady gave the plate and walk around to find a decent table.

I keep giggling silently on my phone, “Hey” Fuck... I immediately bring myself back to where people looked normal on me, “Yes!? Oh...” This shit, I finally meet you again...

“Can I sit here? They are already full,” I gestured that he should, I shoved the bread into my mouth aggressively like a lion eating a human sick so eagerly...

“If you were thinking differently about what happened in the past then I’m sorry,” I chugged my milk carton then drop draggers at him...

“You” I clenched my fist in front of him.

“It’s okay really, you didn’t wonder about it, I was about to thank you but due to my moody emotions, you thought I was angry but to be real? I was just happy...” I smiled at him, I let this slide but if this is done I will kill you...

“Really?! Well, I’m glad!” I didn’t look at him anymore as I keep thinking about what happened to my ships or scenarios if the anime store that I gonna visit ran of things that I needed the most...

“I’m Shinomiya Anyway...” My eyes scanned him, He’s not my classmates which brings me to kids, “First year?” I placed my head on my hand seeing that I’m bored with him...

“Y-yeah,”

“I’m [Name]”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you S-senpai...”

WHAT?! DID HE JUST CALL ME SENPAI!?!? AND BY THAT I MEAN IT WILL NEVER GET UNTOUCHED CAUSE SENPAI MEANS LIKE YOU WERE AT THE TOP OF THE WORLD, LIKE CRUSHES! WHEN YOU CALL HIM OR HER LIKE THAT MEANS YOU TWO WILL NEVER BE A-CHEMISTRY, NEVER TO NEVER!

“Yeah, Shinomiya-kun...” I stand up then prepare my leave. “It was a pleasure but I have a class to attend to...” I bowed politely then headed out, “I don’t know what I said that word but I hope it doesn’t change anything...

I silently walk into the class then I saw Serinuma, But I didn’t talk to her she seems to be busy... Not that the class has been so shocked that she lost weight, “Haayyy...” I placed my feet on to my desk then listen to my music, Since there is no teacher for a while.

“[Name]-chan!!” Someone jumped into my body as I fall to the ground Dammit! now my butt hurts thanks to these nostalgic breakers. “A-a-chan!?!? What’s wrong with you!” I pulled her away as tears keep falling in her eyes, “[Name]-chan...” I didn’t know what I supposed to do, “Y-yeah?” I tell her...

She just hugged me...

“Kae-chan just change!” She screams grabbing my earphones away, “So?” I cleared her, “WAH! You the only person who’s cool at her!” Like? Seriously? She doesn’t change, she just lost weight. The change is when her attitude change, and that’s when I will get shocked...

“Yahoo!!” End of class! That’s the best gift you can receive almost every day, “Bye Bye!” I waved at A-chan and Serinuma then date with myself like yeepyyy!~

“Miss [Last name]!” I stoned on my running motion, Why!?!? I didn’t do something today, but...but still! I deserve to go home! I have a war to battle for! Just please, I wanna go home... “Y-yes?” I shakily turned around seeing the handsome professor that I don’t familiar with...

“I have to do something can you help me out?” Damn! He sparks! Makes me droll, I looked at the class and mostly everyone is suddenly gone out like a ghost town... “H-hai!” Damn you [Name]

Timeskepppp!~

“Thanks for helping me out,” Really? You’re the teacher you should do those things not me, All I do is to check every assignment, think if they answer right on the essay and memorizing those ABCD’s to check their exams, Even a slightly wrong grammar at quiz making me so gelly at everything!~

“It’s a pleasure sir,” I smiled at him. “Hmm, Do you need anything? That’s all I can help you with?” Yes! That’s it! All of the stress has done has come to an end with MONEY!!!

“There is something but...” I think about it...

“Wait!” He screams holding both of my shoulders then lean me against the wall.

NO NO NO! I DON’T WANT IT! I PREFER ERERI INFRONT OF ME BUT NOT THESE!!!!

SOMEONE! SOMEONE HELP MEEEEEE!!

“What is it? You don’t have to be shy” Eh?? I must be crazy, I think I don’t fuel myself with some anime.

“I have this anime manga sale past by the mall! Could you at least help me to buy those series...” I’m doomed, My aura has been reached to level: Failure, But he gonna help me right?

He then steps backwards, Act like he’s gonna decline I’m preposition on this, But it’s okay, There’s no way he’s gonna accept this kind offer.

“Sure! Why not, Besides your the only person I know from cause has the same likes as me...”

WHAT!?!?! I HAVE CRUSH ON THIS TEACHER NO! BUT HE’S TOOOOO KAWWAIIIIII!!! I RATHER SHIP HIM WITH OTHER TEACHERS BUT THE WORDS HE SAID ARE GOLD!!!! OR DIAMONDS, BECAUSE NO ONE IN THE WORLD, CAN SAY THAT TO ME FOR SINCE!!! WAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!! I HAVE A CRUSH!!!

“Thank you sensei.” I bowed as he leads the way out on the building.

“So? Where is this you called, Anime store?” I laugh silently then pointed the direction where about to head.

“What are those you gonna buy anyway?” I danced around as we headed on our way, “Stop [Name]” I calm down a little bit, the good thing people didn’t witness anything that he’s my teacher. Due to his young age.

“Let’s go,” I get his hand then we both enter the store.

Attack on Titan Series

Keychains

Phone Cases

Notebooks/Pens

Ereri Photos and Levi’s Only

“Okay, Wow...” He was astonished at what the cart has been filed up, “What did you buy?” I checked him as he brings up a full set of jumpsuit of Rillakuma for two, “Who’s for another one?” He checks the plastic then.

“This medium one is for you... I wonder a gift of appreciation to what you did earlier... You see, I’m not the kind of teacher that didn’t repay back what student did to me. Unfortunately, I’m a shy teacher, I didn’t ask help so easily unless It was really needed, then there’s you... So...” He places the jumpsuit then grab the cart to the cashier. “And also this too...” I didn’t pay attention cause I was so madly in love with the scenery in the store like, I wanna buy them all.

“Come on now,” I grab the plastic bags that I can carry, “[Name] sure will love this when she ripped those off,” I laugh and about to his him but once the sliding door opens up reaveling the people I don’t wanted to see...

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josephstoontown · 7 years

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Happy Work-iversary!

A Joseph's ToonTown story.

Movin' right along with s'more day-to-day in ToonTown.

Word count: 7,526 – Character count: 43,572 Originally written: December 20th, 2016 Slightly revised: April 2nd, 2017 Further revised: August 30th, 2017

Woody and Joseph have been working at Joe's Diner for almost a year now and it seems to someone that some recognition is in order!

Woody Woodpecker, Wally Walrus, Winnie Woodpecker, The Woody Woodpecker Show, and related characters and properties created by and © Walter Lantz Productions Minerva Mink, Animaniacs, Lola Bunny, The Looney Tunes Show, and related characters and properties created by and © Warner Bros. Animation Spydor, Captain Simian & The Space Monkeys, and related characters and properties created by Monkeyshine Productions, Inc. and © Hallmark Entertainment Mona Lisa, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1986 series), and related characters and properties created by Fred Wolf Films/IDDH and © Mirage Studios Fawn Deer, Raw Toonage, and related characters and properties created by and © The Walt Disney Company (And, again, that's a lot of credits!)

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Wednesday… the middle of the work week. For some, it was a relief knowing that the weekend was drawing so close. For others, it was a reminder that the week wasn’t quite over. For Joseph, though? It was just another day of washing dishes at Joe’s Diner…

“You’d think after almost a year of working here, there’d be a place for me, on the main staff…” he thought to himself as he scrubbed a particularly stubborn plate. “But, no… ‘Budget’ this and ‘seniority’ that… blah-blah-blah… Thank the Trinity I have Woody to fall back on… I don’t think I could make it, on my own, with these part-time hours…” The fox gave a sigh as he looked up at a nearby clock. “Almost 4 PM… Good. Today’s been pretty damn awful…” He wasn’t wrong…

Although Joe’s Diner was fairly busy on most days, April 26th had somehow been almost overwhelming, for the staff. Between the visit from Japanese tourists looking for good food and photo ops, the usual lunch crowd, and the headache Joseph somehow forgot to tend to, he was more-than-ready to call it a day… However, his co-workers somehow didn’t seem to mind the extra business as much as he did.

“Boy, is Mr. Joe ever going to be happy to see the money we made, today!” said the seductive-yet-stern voice of Minerva Mink, the diner’s second shift manager-and-waitress. “I’ll say!” replied the second shift cook and Joseph’s friend, Woody Woodpecker, from the back. “Those tourists really put us over th’ quota, for t’day!” “Which reminds me…” The fox glanced over his shoulder to see Minerva grinning to Woody from the window. “You didn’t hear it from me… but, Mr. Joe’s been pretty impressed with your work, Woody. If it’s in the budget… I think there may be a raise, in your future…” “Really…?!” The woodpecker leaped up with a cheer and began doing backflips around the kitchen area, much to Joseph’s chagrin. It became even more annoying when Woody, still overjoyed with the prospect of a raise, spun him around, jumped up, and smooched him on the lips! “Godfrey Daniels…!” Joseph half-shouted, censoring himself, due to the mixed company. “The lips! Always with the lips!” But, Woody didn’t care. He continued to flip and cartwheel around the kitchen for several moments more. When he was done, he stood right back in front of the stove, giving the mink a gracious bow. “Ya don’t know what this means t’ mean, Minnie,” he excitedly stated. Minerva offered a sly smirk as she leaned on the order window. “Oh, I think I have some idea, Woody…”

“Well, I better get t’ earnin’ that raise, then!” Woody said before returning to the food he was cooking. “Nose against th’ grindstone ‘n all that!” “Well… don’t rub your nose on it too hard.” He looked up, giving a blink as Minerva reached in and gave his beak a playful flick. “Wouldn’t want it to dull that sharp wit!” That caused him to squirm and shyly twitter… which, Joseph found even more annoying.

“Why does she like you so much, anyway?” Joseph said once Minerva was out of ear-shot. “She always plays favorites with you… Why?” “It’s the hair, pal!” The woodpecker gave a flick of the net-covered feathers on top of his head. “Babes dig the hair!” “Yeah.” He gave a snort. “Right…”

The remaining thirty minutes of Joseph’s shift were filled with the noises of running water and sizzling food, as well as Woody’s joyful… and, irritating, humming. Joseph was very glad when he saw the clock flick from 3:59 to 4 PM… Still, he wasn’t one to just abandon his duties on-the-spot. There were still dishes to be washed so, despite his desire to get the heck out of there, he decided to finish up. Then he’d leave. At least… that was the original idea…

“Pile’a plates, comin’ your way!” Woody announced as Minerva wheeled a cart through the free-swinging door to the kitchen. “Are– are… are you kidding me…?” was the fox’s immediate response. “Big families make big messes,” was all the mink could offer him as she unloaded the cart. “You don’t have to wash these, but…” The fox blinked as she gave him a smile that could soften even the most discouraging of dispositions… “I’d really appreciate it…” He gave a slight sigh and a half-hearted smile to the waitress before going about the task of washing the huge stack of dishes set before him. Apparently, her charms worked on him, too.

After finally finishing those last dishes, he looked up at the clock yet again. By the time he’d cleaned every plate, glass, and utensil, another thirty minutes had passed. “Dang it…” he murmured. “My headache would be gone by now… if I’d left on-time.” He sighed as he rinsed the sink, then his hands, before heading over to the punch clock. “I’m not even getting overtime, for this extra half-hour…” he mused as he punched himself out at the time clock. “See you later, Woody.” “Eh? Quittin’ time, already?” the redheaded bird asked as he looked up from his grill. “Ain’t’cha gonna stay for the dinner crowd?” “No,” Joseph bluntly replied. “My head is killing me, I’m tired, and I smell like your cooking. Plus, I think my hands are permanently wrinkled, from all the washing I did today…” “It’d be hard t’ see, under that fur, though!” the woodpecker said with a grin. “In any case, I’m done with this place, ‘til tomorrow. Nothing personal… but, don’t expect dinner, tonight. I’m just too worn-out. We have a few leftovers, so…” Woody gave a hum… then, he turned back to the stove. With that, the fox hung his apron and headed out the door.

“Wait a second… Where do you think you’re off to, mister?” Joseph internally growled as he was stopped at the counter. “Minerva… I’m really tired, so…” “I guess you must be.” The mink rested against the counter. “Don’t you remember what day it is, today?” “Wednesday…?” He narrowed his eyes as she gave a grin. “No? Then… what day is it?”

Minerva didn’t answer. Rather, she reached a hand up, snapping her fingers. Suddenly, people came shuffling in from every door there! Not just any people, either… Joseph found himself surrounded by the entire staff of Joe’s Diner, from first to third shifts!

“Happy foist anniversary, fella wage-slaves!” shouted a familiar spider monkey wearing colorful, patterned shirt, loud shorts, and sunglasses. “We know it’s not officially until tomorrow,” a brunette lizard in a red turtleneck and jeans explained, “but, we just couldn’t wait! You guys have been just awesome!” “Moona ees right,” agreed a pear-shaped walrus as he waddled toward the counter. “Weeth hew two heere, eet has been muuch less streessful for Meester Joe.” “And, we here at Joe’s Diner appreciate that sort of helpful attitude!” said a smiling deer in a pink cocktail dress. “So, to show you our appreciation…” Minerva added as she gestured toward the kitchen door. Joseph watched, surprised, as Woody walked in, holding a fairly large cake over his head. “They made us a cake!” he laughed. “Well… I made us a cake, actually! But, it was mostly Minnie’s idea! So, Happy 1st Work-iversary to us!”

The customers clapped as Woody set the cake down on the counter before hopping over and sitting on a nearby stool, leaving the fox to give a dumbfounded stare. When Joseph finally looked at the cake itself, he noticed it was a white-frosted confection which was intricately decorated with little icing flowers and a single candle sitting high on the top layer. Below the candle was a cartoonish doodle of both Woody and Joseph’s faces surrounded by a Looney Tunes-style marquee, complete with a banner which read “Happy 1st Anniv. from Joe’s Diner!”

Joseph was completely speechless. He’d forgotten about his anniversary at the diner entirely… not that it really mattered to him, of course. Most places didn’t recognize an employee’s first year with any sort of real celebration. However, as he’d been learning since his first day in ToonTown… that place definitely wasn’t like any he’d ever been to.

“Go on, boys,” Minerva said as she brought out a cake knife, setting it near the baked good. “Cut yourselves a slice and enjoy!” “Don’t mind if I do!” was Woody’s immediate response. He carefully took the knife and began to cut a small slice for himself… though, when Fawn started passing out paper plates and plastic forks to the staff – as well as any interested customers – he found himself on cake-slicing duty. Before long, everyone was happily eating the light, fluffy cake made by the woodpecker.

“Ya know sum’in?” The spider monkey grinned down at Woody as he hung from the ceiling by his tail with a bit of frosting on his mouth. “Dis ain’t half bad, Woodrow!” “Aww, shucks, Spydor!” Woody replied with his trademark laugh. Spydor rolled his eyes and gave a grimace. “Dat laugh, though…” Everyone gave a laugh of their own before they began to discuss the events of the year, together. However… just because there was a celebration going on didn’t mean the diner was closed! When new customers popped in to order some food, Minerva and Woody continued to perform their duties, going back-and-forth to the party as the group relocated to a pair of booths.

“R’member when dis furball foist rolled up a li’l past midnight, Fawn?” Spydor said as he stood on the table, pointing a thumb-free hand at the fox. “Eeash, whadda trouble-makah!” “If I remember correctly,” the deer said with a playful grin, “you were the one causing trouble for him, Spydor!” “Ah, dis mook jus’ kept pushin’ my buttons! You know dat, Fawn!” “And, that’s why you decided to flit the bill for his meal?” asked the lizard girl with a grin of her own. “‘e tricked us like we was some monkey-lovin’ genie!” the primate said in his defense. “He ain’t got no free meals from us since!” “Well… since he works here, he could technically–” “Dat’s b’side th’ point, Scales!”

The table had a laugh as Spydor continued to tell his version of Joseph’s first encounter with the diner. Though the fox knew the monkey was embellishing the story to make it sound like he was the con-artist, he knew Spydor didn’t really think poorly of him… though, it helped that no one at either booth believed half of what he was saying, too.

“Woo-dee.” “Yeah, Wally?” the woodpecker said, the walrus getting his attention as he came back during a slow period. “I juust waanted to teell hew that I yam very prouud of how well hew have done,” Wally said in his strange slow drawl. “Hew have done a good joob and have earrned this oold walrus’ respect.” Woody couldn’t even make a joke at Wally’s expense, then. He was genuinely moved by the walrus’ words, giving a sniffle and a smile. “That really means a lot t’ me, Wally. Thanks, pal!” “Whee-ney ees aalso veery proud of hew. She often talks aboout how muuch hew’ve changed, oover this paast year. I thiink hew have, too. For thee better.” Woody gave a shy squirm as he stood there, blushing and grinning. “I would aalso like to saay soomething aboout hew, Joo-seph,” he said as he turned to the fox. “But, I doo not knoow hew that well… soo, all I can say ees ‘congraatulations.’”

“A toast!” Spydor shouted, raising his glass. “To da new bloods’ foist year! May dey have many many more years’a success ‘n happiness ahead of ‘em! Preferably ‘ere at Joe’s!” “Hear hear!” cheered Mona, raising her diet cola. “Agreed!” Fawn cheered, her glass added to the group. Wally silently held his glass up with the others’ as the four of them looked to the newer members of their staff. Joseph looked down to Woody… who looked up at him. The two looked back to the other staff members… then, they both grinned, the former handing the latter a glass of cola before taking his own into his hand. “To our first year, then,” he said with a smile. “And all the monkey-lovin’ antics that came with it.” Woody snickered at the sharp look Spydor gave to the fox from his cheer. “Wiseguy,” the monkey said with a grin. The five then gave a cheer before taking a sip of their respective drinks, the toast complete.

As the party rolled on into 6 PM, a lot more customers were starting to pour into the diner. It was decided, then, that the celebration had gone on long enough. “It’s been fun,” Joseph said as he began to head toward the outside door, “but, I should head home. I really, really appreciate everything you guys have done for me today, as well as over the last year. It’s been a wild trip…” “Yeah!” Spydor shouted, raising his glass again. “‘specially wid you disappearin’ fer over a week, last month! I ain’t never seen Min so pissed!” The staff’s eyes fell upon Spydor, angry looks aimed at the small ‘toon monkey. “What? Wha’d I say…?”

“That aside…” Joseph continued, “I’m really thankful to have this job. It may not always be ideal… but, it puts bread on the table and a roof over my head. Thank you.” “I’ll let Mr. Joe you feel that way,” Minerva called from behind the counter. “I’m sure he’d be happy to hear it!” “Yeah, about that…” The fox looked to the quartet in the booth, as well as the mink at the counter and the woodpecker who was hiding in the back. “Has anyone ever met Mr. Joe?” “Oh, ya,” Wally spoke up. “I did oonce back een nineteen-seventyyyyy…” The walrus trailed off, pausing a thoughtful look on his face. Those paying attention waited several moments for Wally to finish… “Yeah…?” Spydor finally said, speaking up. “I forgoot what I was theen-king aboout.” The monkey audibly slapped his hand to his forehead. “Dat mook’s about as bright as a dyin’ star…” “Don’t dying stars get incredibly bright before they–” “You know what I mean!” he shouted, interrupting Mona and causing laughter all around.

“In any case,” Minerva said, “Mr. Joe seems to prefer e-mails over face-to-face interactions. I’ve never personally met him and I don’t think anyone else has.” There was a collective shaking of heads from the staff. Well… everyone except for Wally. “Maaybe eet was nineteen-eighty-two…” “Hmm… That’s kind of weird…” Joseph crossed his arms… then, shrugged. “Whatever!” He then brightly smiled to Minerva. “Yes, please do let him know, especially if it’ll make his day.” “Consider it done, Joseph,” she replied with a smile of her own. “And… sorry for keeping you so long. I know you were anxious to get home after such a long day.” “Ah, it was worth it! My headache’s pretty much died down, too,” he half-lied in a believable tone. “You have a headache?” Fawn spoke up. “I have some aspirin in my purse if you…” The deer paused. She seemed to be looking for something in her pink handbag. “At least… I thought I did… Maybe I–” “Here ya go, furball.” Joseph gave a blink as he saw Spydor offer a small, white bottle to him. As he took it, he noticed it had a familiar, blue label on it, as well as a child-proof cap.

“Hey!” Fawn cried. “When did you–” “I’d open it fer ya… but, unfortunately…” The monkey held his hands up, wriggling his long fingers. “I ain’t got no t’umbs!” Joseph gave a blink… then, he looked over to Fawn, as if asking permission. “Well… go ahead, I guess,” she sighed, shooting a look toward Spydor. “I did offer…”

The monkey gave a smart-alecky grin and chuckled to the deer. He waited for Joseph to pop a couple of pills before wandering back to the booth with the bottle. With that done, the fox said his goodbyes, shuffled his backpack on his shoulder, and headed out. As he felt the cool night air brush against he fur, the fox suddenly wished he’d brought a sweater or something… “Geez… you wouldn’t think it’d be this chilly at 6 PM… Ah, well… it’s a short walk.”

As Joseph started on his way, something caught his attention. Far to the north, he could already see the lights from the House of Mouse firing up into the stratosphere. He sometimes wondered if he could ever afford to go there and experience the club, himself… but, not very often. He’d heard, from Woody, that it was a pretty pricey place to get into and, in his opinion, at least, not really worth it. Of course, Joseph figured that Woody was talking about the food, alone… From what the fox had read about the place, they had some of the best entertainment money could buy. On an almost-nightly basis, acts ranging from Disney’s own cast all the way to groups and individuals from ToonTown Japan and France… and, even some human bands, on occasion – though, the reviews for those were often less favorable than the all-‘toon acts… “I really wonder what a night in the House of Mouse would be like…” he audibly thought. He then gave a shrug and continued on his way home.

As Joseph started the five-block walk back to the Rubber Arms, he noted how peaceful the night seemed… Or, at least, peaceful by comparison. If he hadn’t been used to the random, manic traffic and seemingly insane behavior of some of the ‘toons, it would certainly be more noteworthy… but, after spending over a year in such a place, he not only learned to tune it out… but, on more than a few occasions, even contribute to it – usually unintentionally… but, he wasn’t above purposely adding to a chain of slapstick events. That night, though, nothing really seemed to be coming his way. At least… not until she showed up.

“Hey, Jojo!” “Hey, Lola,” Joseph casually said as he found himself joined by an orange-furred rabbit girl in a cute, form-fitting, turquoise dress. “What brings you this far south?” “I heard it was your first anniversary!” she said with a bright smile. “Well… it’s actually tomorrow, but…” “I remember my first anniversary,” she dreamily sighed. “Bugs was so sweet… He even baked a carrot cake, for me! Too bad the stupid warden wouldn’t let me have it…” “‘Warden?’” Joseph repeated, giving the shorter ‘toon a strange look. “Parking violations,” was her reply as she shrugged. “If they didn’t want me to park on the sidewalk, they shouldn’t make it so far to walk from the curb!” “It’s like, what? Ten… feet?” “But, speaking of anniversary gifts… here!” she countered. “I made you something!”

The fox gave a blink as Lola reached up, handing him what appeared to be… “A paper crane?” “Yuh-huh!” She beamed. “I made one for you and that lucky girl in your life!” Joseph gave a light blush… “‘Lucky girl…?’” Lola handed him another crane while he was distracted. When he really looked at them, he noticed the two were color-coded; one was baby-blue and one was a pink pastel color. “And, look! When you push down on the tail…” she said, “this happens!” She waggled the blue one’s tail with a gloved hand. As expected, its head wiggled in the opposite direction. “Cute, huh?” The fox smiled. “That is pretty cute.” “Great! I hope your lovely lady likes it, too!”

The energetic rabbit paused… then, she rolled up her glove, looking at a colorful watch. “Oooh… sss… I should get going! I promised I’d meet myself at Village Inn for brunch!” Joseph’s ears flicked and his brow furrowed. Something about that didn’t sound right… “Isn’t it a little late for ‘brunch?’” he asked. The blond rabbit gave a blink of her bright, black eyes. “Oh! You’re right!” She gave a brilliant smile. “It was linner! Duh.” It took a moment for Joseph to decipher what she meant by that… but, he found himself suddenly distracted he realized the other part of that earlier thought which didn’t make sense. “Wait, meet yourself?” “Yuh-huh!” “No, I mean…” “Oooooh… that’s right! You haven’t met my ‘sister,’ Lola, have you?” The fox raised both eyebrows. “You have a sister?” “I have a sister…?” was the confused reply he got. “That’s news to me!” He gave a blink before staring at the rabbit. “But… you just said–” “Anyway, I think you’d like her!” Lola continued. “She’s just like me! But… streamlined! And… older! She’s also reeaaally good at basketball!” Joseph tilted his head, one ear perked. He was more than a little baffled… “Aaaww…!” the rabbit said with a smile. “You’re so cute when you do that dog thing! Anyway, gotta go! Bye for now– oof!” Lola promptly tripped over a nearby fire hydrant as she walked backward. “Now, who put that there…?” she asked as she got back up. “You oka–” “I’m fiiine!” she reassured before he could finish asking. “Bye-yeeeee!”

“That Lola is one crazy bunny…” Joseph said aloud with a smile, starting on his walk again. “She’s pretty cute, though. And–” He paused, stopping in his tracks… then, he looked at the cranes in his hand. “A– I never got a chance to tell her! Hey, Lo–” But she was long gone. “– la… dang it. I wanted to tell her it’s not a ‘dating’ kind of anniversary… Oh well.” After carefully placing the cranes on his shoulders, he continued on home.

“Well, hey there, stranger…” Joseph gave a blink. A familiar voice had spoken to him as he arrived at his apartment complex. A quick look around identified the owner of the voice as someone sitting on the trunk of a small car, parked next to Woody’s own compact-compact. “Winnie?” he called. The female bird in the yellow skirt hopped off her car and walked over to the fox, a smirk on her face and her hands in her pockets. “Who were you expecting?” she asked. “Bugs Bunny?” “You know, it’s funny you mention that…”

Joseph motioned for Winnie to follow him and the two headed inside. As they climbed the two sets of stairs to the third floor, the fox told Winnie the story of bumping into Lola on the street… which, of course, lead to him explaining why he was two hours late in getting home… and one hour late for Winnie’s unannounced arrival.

“Why didn’t you call my cell phone?” he asked as he unlocked the door to apartment 3C. “I did!” she countered. “But, all I got was your voice mail!” “Eh? Hang– hang on…” The bird gave a blink as Joseph pulled his backpack off… subsequently knocking the paper cranes from his shoulder. She immediately picked one up – the pink one – and began playing with it. “What’s this? A new friend of yours?” “Huh? Oh… That was the thing I told you about; the thing Lola made me and my… ahem… ‘lucky girl.’” The fox was starting to rummage through the rear portion of his backpack as he continued. “I don’t think she realized my ‘anniversary’ meant my one-year work anniversary… You can keep that if you want. Maybe I’ll give the other one to Woody…” “Why not keep them both?” Winnie queried as she watched Joseph draw his cell phone. “I think it’d be a nice gift for that ‘lucky girl’ in your life if you do get one!” “Winnie, you’re the closest thing I have to one of those,” he said, not really thinking about it. This caused Winnie to give another blink… “Oh… That explains it.” Joseph had put his backpack back into place and was looking at his phone. “My phone has been off since work, I guess… Well, make yourself at home,” he offered. Winnie was still just kind of staring… After a moment, though, she bent down and retrieved the other crane, then entered the apartment.

“I don’t want to sound like I’m butting into your personal life,” the woodpecker started, “but… are you interested in finding that ‘special someone’ in your life?” “Mm… not particularly,” he answered as he turned on his phone and dialed into his voice mail. “Any particular reason?” “I’m pretty selective… but, also, pretty passive-aggressive.” The woodpecker once again gave a blink of her blue eyes. “No, wait, that’s not right…” The fox gave a hum… then, he attempted to clarify…

“What I mean is… whatever happens, happens. Ya know? Like… things could happen with Velma… or, maybe, Mona and I will have a really good day, together! Who knows. Maybe someone entirely new’ll pop up and we’ll connect right away! But, whatever happens…” The fox’s ear perked as he started to hear a voice on his phone. “It’ll happen… naturally… wow. You sound way different on my phone.” “Really?” she asked with great interest. “Let me hear!” Joseph handed his flip-top phone over to Winnie who immediately brought it to her head. The look that showed on her face a second later told him she was not happy with what she heard. “I don’t sound like that…!” Winnie looked up. “Do I?” “I think my phone just has a crappy speaker,” the fox told her. “So… vaguely, maybe?” She muttered at that, continuing to listen. After a moment, she perked. “There’s another message on here,” she said as she handed it back to Joseph. “What?” He brought the phone back to his ear. “Who’s it fro–” The fox gave a sharp wince as another familiar voice made itself known.

“Well?” Winnie gave a tilt of her head. “Who was it?” “Lola. Again.” Joseph chuckled, clearly amused by something. “What did she say?” “She apologized for the cranes.” “She did?” “And, she promised to get me a proper ‘birthday gift’ as soon as she can.” “She… what?” The fox chuckled as he closed the phone. “That goofy girl is totally clueless… First, she thought it was my first anniversary with… who knows. Then, she thinks it’s my birthday, tomorrow.” He gave a sigh, smiling as he shook his head. “I’m kind of glad I bumped into her at the Warner Library. She adds a little much-needed chaos to my life… even if she can be a little… invasive… from time-to-time.” “‘Invasive?’” Winnie repeated in a curious tone. The fox gave another chuckle as he headed into the kitchenette.

“Remember when I told you about the night she climbed up to the bedroom window from the fire escape just to ask Woody to ask me what my favorite book was?” “I think so…?” “Well,” Joseph continued as he rooted around in the fridge, “she came back the following night just to tell Woody to tell me that she didn’t like the book… in the same, exact way: third-story window…” “Oh, yeah…!” Winnie said with a giggle. “Woody did tell me about that! Then, she hung around, asking Woody all sorts of tangentially related questions!” “Man, was Woody angry, at me…” the fox said with a chuckle as he walked back with a glass of water and a glass of iced tea. “I don’t know why, though. I have no control over what other people do – much less a crazy rabbit girl.”

“Why are rabbits so troublesome?” the woodpecker joked as she was handed her drink. “If they’re not eating your carrot crop, they’re asking you existential questions at 3 AM!” “Oh geez,” Joseph groaned, “don’t remind me of that incident… She’s the reason I keep my cell phone turned off at night!” “I’m a little surprised Woody hasn’t filed a restraining order against her, by now!” “Do you really think that would change anything? Besides…” Joseph gave a grin. “Woody’s just having a hard time adjusting to someone even more bat-poot crazy than he is!” Winnie almost snorted tea out her beak as she started laughing.

“Anyway…” Joseph said, changing gears as he stepped out of his shoes, “what brings you to our humble abode, my dear?” “Well… I actually came over to, maybe, plan something special… for tomorrow. You know…” She gave the fox a warm, proud sort of smile. “To celebrate Woody and your one-year anniversary, working at Joe’s Diner.” “I’m not sure how up for anything Woody’s going to be, tomorrow…” the fox thought aloud. “He’s still doing that overtime thing, on random days. Oh, but, for what it’s worth? I hear he might be getting a raise… Maybe soon-ish…” “A raise…?” The lady perked, brightly smiling. “More pay means less overtime – at least in theory… But, uh… I have to warn you: It hasn’t been confirmed, yet.” Joseph gave a thoughtful hum… “Though, with the way Woody reacted, you’d think he’d just won a trip to Acapulco, or something…” “I’m glad he was excited!” Winnie continued to smile as she spoke in a chipper tone. “If he’s consistently been doing a good job then he deserves a raise!” “Well, from what I’ve seen and heard… that’s the reason he’s up for one.”

“Still, though…” The woodpecker looked down toward the carpet. “I’d really like to know where all that overtime money is going… I never did ask him. Not even during… that unpleasantness… in March.” “You mean with me, right?” She slowly shook her head. “Forgiven… but, not forgotten…” “Understandable. And, more than I deserve, definitely.” Winnie looked up with concern… Joseph was giving a sad sort of smile between sips of his water. Even so, his folded ears and hanging tail told her how he really felt.

“Now, cut that out, mister,” she scolded with a sharp look. “What’s done is done and there’s no sense dwelling on it. You’re sorry and, as long as you’ve learned from it, that’s all that matters.” “I suppose…” She gave a tilt of her head, studying the fox’s body language for a couple of moments… “What’s on your mind?” she finally asked. “Can I be, like… way too honest with you?” he asked in return. “I… guess?” Though she’d said that… Winnie wasn’t really sure what he meant. “You and I kind of… I mean… I kind of threw away something great over a temper flare. And, well…” He bit down on his bottom lip. “I kind of miss it…” Winnie stared up, pondering… After giving it some thought… she started to speak.

“I…” There was a long pause. She had to admit… if he was talking about what she thought he might be… she could be heading back into dangerous territory. It was a slippery slope, after all – at least, for her… and, one, she admitted, that she’d started to stumble down before he’d said those mean things to her. But, even thinking about it, then… “I’d be lying if… I said I didn’t miss it, too,” she admitted. “At least… to some degree.” The fox perked. For some reason, he hadn’t been expecting her to tell him that… “There are a lot of old habits we’ve slipped back into, since you’d apologized,” Winnie said as she slowly walked over to the couch. “Saturday movies… Hanging out on Skype and in-person… Playing online games… But, for some reason, I guess I just… I didn’t want to fall back into doing… that… with you. Because, I…” Winnie shook her head, then looked up at the fox. “I didn’t want to risk being hurt by you, again.”

The bird sat down on the couch and emitted a long, heavy sigh… “You hurt me when I was most vulnerable, Joseph… lashed out at me when I least expected it… I mean, I never even stopped to consider that someone I was so comfortable with would ever say the sort of things you did… much less sound like he meant them… So, as much as I like the idea of coming back to that one last habit… which put us both so very much at ease…” She looked over at the standing fox with a scared frown on her face. “I just… don’t know if I’m ready to let myself get that close to you, again… Her frown became an uneasy, comforting sort of smile, then. “I hope you understand.”

“Heh…”

Winnie’s blue eyes opened wide as the fox gave a brief chuckle. “W… why are you laughing?” she asked, unsure if she should be upset with him. “It’s just… it’s kind of funny, in a way,” was his answer. And unfortunately, that seemed to be the wrong thing to say to her. “Explain,” she demanded in a critical tone that caused the fox to recoil. “I… just…” He paused, planning his next few words very, very carefully. “It’s… interesting… to me,” he clarified, “that… the thought of hurting Woody or anything like that… doesn’t even seem to be a concern, is all. I mean, even if it is a bit on-again-off-again with you two… I assumed you guys were, ya know… ‘traditional?’” “‘Traditional?’” Winnie asked, sounding and looking much calmer. “Do you mean ‘traditional’ in the sense that he and I don’t see other people on-the-side? At least, I think…” “Yeah, that’s what I–” The fox paused. “Wait. You think?” “I honestly don’t know if he does or not…” Winnie gave her arm a rub. “I never thought to ask… b-but, only because I didn’t think it was any of my business!” The fox blankly stared at the squirming woodpecker. Something about what she’d just told him didn’t make sense…

“Now, hold on a second… Didn’t you say you thought he was ‘two-timing’ you some months back?” “Yes… but, that’s not what I’m talking about, right now!” she defensively replied. “That– I… What?” Winnie gave a sigh, shaking her head. “Remember when I told you we had a ‘very casual’ relationship?” Joseph tilted his head at that. “Um… yeah?” “Well, what I meant by that was… we understand that, sometimes, prior engagements keep us from being together – in close proximity – as a couple. So, we sort of… agreed without saying as much… that…” The fox continued to stare. Between the flustered look on Winnie’s face and all the squirming she was doing, it was pretty apparent to him that she didn’t like talking about the subject. Or, maybe, she was just embarrassed…

“Winnie,” she said, getting her attention. “Are you trying to tell me that… you and Woody are in an ‘open’ relationship? Because…” “Oh!” she said, perking. “Not– not exactly…” “Well, then… what–” “But, you’re not exactly wrong, either…?” “A– ah…” Both his eyebrows raised. “Ah?” “It’s a really strange and awkward kind of thing we have going on,” Winnie began to explain as quickly as she possibly could. “Neither one of us really ever brought the idea up to the other but, at the same time, it was kind of an unspoken sort of trust bond between us that, so long as we remained loyal to one another, we could kind of – if we wanted to – maybe, broaden our horizons from time-to-time in a very casual way and maybe look into s-seeing other people for short periods of time or… or…” The woodpecker was blushing through her feathers as she hid her face with one hand. With that can of worms opened, all Joseph could do was stare, stunned, for the longest while. Even though Winnie was doing her best to calm herself as she sat and sipped her tea, it was clear that she actually was embarrassed by what she’d just confessed. In no small amount, either.

“What you must think of me, Mr. Lithius…” she bashfully whimpered, after some time. “I uh… That’s…” “When I said that I thought he might be two-timing me… I really did mean it… But, at the same time…” She once again hid her face. “Oh what you must think of me…” “N-no, no… I actually do get it. I think.” Winnie perked at that, turning her head straight at Joseph with a startled look on her face. “Y-you do…?!” “We’re actually kind of… opposites, in a way,” he said with a comforting smile. “I can happily give my heart to multiple people at one time but, unless I truly care for them and they for me… I don’t want things to go too far. However, if I’m understanding you right… you can only be truly in love with one person… but, you might still… ya know… ‘have fun’ with others that interest you.” The woodpecker stared at the fox for several moments before shyly whispering… “Or, really nice people who seem to understand me…”

Winnie set down her drink to press her gloved hands to her face, continuing to blush harder than Joseph had ever seen her blush before. He wasn’t sure what to do… but, eventually, he decided to join her on the couch. She briefly considered shying away as she watched him reach over toward her hands… As he pressed his hands again her own, though… which, in turn, pressed her gloves against her warm cheeks… she felt a shiver run down her spine. Her eyes closed and emitted a long, happy sigh, softly smiling as she let the fox hold her hands. It was… reassuring. Truly reassuring. It was reassuring knowing that Joseph understood what she meant. Even with the strange way he’d phrased it… a way that made her feel a little dirty, upon hearing it… the fact that he understood that part of her… and, that he didn’t seem even remotely judgmental about it… It made her feel… safe… Like… she could tell him anything in the world…

“Joseph…” she whispered after several moments of reflection. “Yes, Winnie?” was his tender response. “It goes without saying that… this is our secret. Right?” He gave a soft chuckle. “Of course.” “Good… then, I can tell you another secret…”

The fox tilted his head to the right, ears perked. He watched as Winnie slowly opened her eyes, turning her head his direction a couple seconds later. Her gloved hands slid out from under his, gently pressing the shortly-furred palms against her bare cheeks. She gave a soft, relaxed sort of sigh… then, suddenly, her eyes opened wide as an intense look overtaking her. “Ah kilt fiddy men!!” she shouted in a strange accent with a sadistic grin on her beak. “Ah– ah…!!” And, just like that, Joseph was on the floor, wearing a terrified look on his face. At least… until he noticed Winnie laughing her red head off.

“You…! Wah…! Nngh–!!” was all he could say, his face turning indignant from her prank. “The look on your face…!” she half-squeaked as she continued to laugh. “Ahn…! Ahn… Hrn.” Try as he might, though… he couldn’t even be mad. Even though Winnie had completely shattered the mood of close intimacy they’d fallen into, he kind of had to admit… “That was pretty funny…”

Winnie stopped laughing, her face getting really intense again. However, the new look… was one of surprise. “Wh… what did you say, Joseph?” she quietly asked. “I said…” A smile cracked on his muzzle. “That was pretty funny.”

Something changed, then… The fox watched as Winnie’s look gave way to one of… sorrow? Tears were filling her eyes at a rapid rate… but, at the same time, her beak was curling upward… into a smile. It was a confusing look, to say the least. That is, until…

“Ah-wah…!” The female woodpecker had thrown herself at the fox, hugging him so tight that he found it pretty hard to breathe! Even stranger… Winnie did seem to be crying, judging from how wet his shirt was getting… but, she wasn’t bawling… Rather, she seemed to be making a lot of weird, squeaking noises… ones Joseph recognized as happy sounds. “Wha–” he panted, “Wha’d I say…?” Winnie leaned back, calming herself down as she brightly smiled to the fox and wiping away her tears with one arm. She seemed like she was having a hard time containing her joy, with the way she kept half-laughing to him… “You said the magic words, Joseph…” she eventually replied. Slowly, she curled into his chest, hugging him close and rubbing her cheek to where she’d been crying. “That’s all I ever wanted…” she whispered in an almost inaudible tone. “Thank you…”

Joseph was baffled… He was confused… He was mystified! But, more than anything else… he was happy. He was happy to have absolutely made Winnie’s night like that. “I guess I should tell you that you’re funny more often…” he softly said, gently nuzzling down into her curled hair. “Only if it comes from the heart…” she whispered, giving his chest a kiss. For some reason, that made him blush pretty hard…

“So…!”

The fox jolted, his ears perking as he heard someone else speak. He froze, a chill running down his spine as he immediately saw the owner of the voice standing in the doorway of the apartment, one eye closed and a strange sort of scowl on his face. “W… Woo… Woody…?!” Joseph finally called. “Mind tellin’ me why my gal’s got her whole body pressed up against yours, there, pal?” “A-aa… ah…” “Eh? What’s that?” Woody brought a hand to the side of his head. “Speak up!” “Woody…?” Winnie sat up from Joseph, looking over her shoulder. “Woody!” Before the other bird could react, he found himself floored at the doorway, his girlfriend hugging him tight and making more of those sounds Joseph had gotten, earlier.

“Wh-what’s th’ story, babe?” Woody casually asked. “What’s got’cha so excited…?” “Oh, Woody!” she said as she sat up, brightly smiling. “He… he said I was funny!” The male’s eyes opened wide. A moment later, he gave a warm smile. “See?” he said with a wink. “Tol’ja he’d come around!” “You did…” she cooed, snuggling into Woody’s feathers. “You did…”

While all of that was going on, Joseph just sat there, between the coffee table and couch, with a completely boggled look on his face. He could not even begin to make heads-or-tails of what had just happened. Woody didn’t seem even remotely upset. In fact… Joseph wasn’t even sure he had been when he walked in… Something about his tone seemed more teasing than angry…

“What in the name of The Trinity Above did I miss, here…?” he finally asked. “Ain’t it obvious?” Woody brightly smiled to his roommate. “Ya un-broke Winnie’s heart!” “I… what?” The male woodpecker sat up, letting Winnie keep snuggling into him as he continued to speak exclusively to Joseph.

“When ya told her… ya know… what ya told her, b’fore, ya broke her heart into about a million pieces! But… when ya told her she was funny – which I’m guessin’ was just now – it put all those itty-bitty fragments back in order, patched ‘em t’gether, ‘n fixed her heart up good-as-new! Heck, maybe even better ’n that!” Woody carefully wrapped one arm around the snuggly girl, gently stroking his other hand through the feathery quiff on her head. “You’re A-OK in my book, pal! All’s forgiven! Just don’t mess up, again. Else, I might make good on that discount eye surgery I promised ya!” he casually threatened, with a wink. “I… e– ah– uh– okay.”

After letting Winnie hug him for a few more moments, Woody slowly eased the bird to her feet, joining her shortly after. Joseph also got to his feet before walking over to the duo. “Weeell…! Pretty great day all ‘round, huh?” the bird asked. “Joe ‘n I got a party at work, you ‘n Joe made nice, an’ me ‘n you got a li’l impromptu snuggle session!” Winnie gave a giggle. She almost seemed shy, as she stood next to Woody with her arm behind his back and his behind her’s… but, at the same time, she also seemed a bit shameless. “It’s not every day I come home t’ such a welcome!” Woody continued. “Thanks for warmin’ ‘er up for me, pal!” “Uh… you’re welcome…?” was the fox’s confused response. “And, now, I think it’s a good time t’ call it an evenin’!” “You’re probably right!” Winnie said, giving him a light squeeze. With that, Woody and Winnie walked to the door, Joseph following a moment later.

“Thanks for stoppin’ by!” Woody called as he waved out the door. Winnie gave another giggle, waving as well. Joseph returned the waves. “Don’t be a stranger, now! Bye!” And, with that, the door was closed, separating those parting from those staying.

“Man… that was a fun,” Joseph said to himself. “I should hang around those two, more often. We really need to find a time where all our schedules line up…” The fox’s tail swayed and he hummed a happy tune as he walked down the hallway. “I wonder when I should visit, next? Hm…” Joseph continued to muse to himself as he walked down to the ground floor, already planning his next visit. He’d gotten about halfway out the building’s front door when… “Hey! Wait a minute…!” He turned around and went right back up the stairs, giving a grumble… and, a laugh.

“They got me. Again!”

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