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Ocean Depths, chapter 8

Another day in paradise

By Roofles

Lucas excused himself from the apartment shutting the door lightly as to not wake up the sleeping otter on his couch. He had left a note behind under the plate of breakfast he had left covered. Lucas had prepared breakfast for the two but no matter how he tried the sleeping lump on the couch wouldn't budge. It only groaned, complaining how he should just crawl back in, pants optional. Lucas didn't have the time to wake the sleeping man, no matter how much he wanted to just strip down and crawl on top of him and snooze the day away. But work called and he was already getting behind in his rent as it was.

Money was tight these days. School loans were eating away at every paycheck he got. As such he was forced to stay in these run down settings. A place where he had grown accustomed to even with its dingy surroundings and company of ill-mannered poorly shaved individuals. A place that had over the months that it took for him to settle into this town had become his home.

He had looked at himself in the mirror in the bathroom after his morning shower. Eyes of green, flecked with blue had stared back at him. As his hand brushed the cold, fogged up mirror he looked at himself. Was this what he wanted? This life. He had done so much to get away from it all. He could still hear the laughter in his ears, rubbing his arms he could feel where the bruises had been. Where his arm had been broken.

"Get over yourself," a voice had said in the back his head. The past was in the past. This was now and the future was still in front of him. It always was. Always had been, and he needed to see that. To keep moving forward towards it...

So he brushed a hand across the man's face on his couch, telling him again to get his lazy ass up. Lucas had leaned over as if to kiss him goodbye but had changed his mind, grabbing his coat and keys and quickly making a retreat.

It didn't take long for him to get to work. A small flower shop, run by a local florist, in one of the fur pockets of the city. A Tim Blinard, a snow leopard, one of the graceful cats of the snowy reaches, owned the place. Tim was not though. The clumsy cat was one of the most accident prone people Lucas had ever met. Pots were always dropped or tripped over, plants knocked over and the tumbling cat ending up on his back, face or stomach throughout the occasion. He was even capable of tripping over his own tail, while standing in place. A unique feat that he thought to be physically impossible. Lucas wasn't sure how they managed to stay in business, the poor cat ended up breaking half of his own merchandise on a daily nine hour day.

"Mornin, Tim." Lucas called opening the door, the small bell ringing on it hook announcing his presence.

Sounds of a half dozen pots crashing to the floor echoed throughout the building as the cat popped his head out. "Morning, Luke." His nose wrinkled a few times. "Did you bathe in colon this morning or what?"

"Lucas," he mumbled shutting the door behind him shaking the raindrops from his umbrella and tossing it behind the counter. "The bottle cap came off this morning," he explained rather poorly. He had done all he could to hide the lingering smell of skunk juice. "Anything new sense I've been gone?"

The leopard bounced around the corner, kicking a clay pot off his foot before sitting at the front desk. He cracked his knuckles before typing on the computer. "Ms. Susan's flower emporium went out of business." He started.

"Figured that'd happen." Lucas said a bit solemnly. Susan was a very overly friendly gal who was just trying to raise her four children. The poor armadillo though had been struggling during these times, much like they had been, and it seems it finally got the best of her. She probable had to move back with her folks down south.

"Our sales are up though on the snow lilies, blood orchids, and several of the mountain flowers. It's all in the report though," Tim said swiveling in his chair, twisting his tail around the metallic base. "But you already know this, so what's this all about?"

"Just wanted to make sure, I got lunch plans...I think," Lucas scratched the back of his head as he went over the initial reports. "Just want to make sure the place is still here when I get back is all."

"Oh don't worry," the small doorbell jingled again as a petite looking martin walked in. "I'll make sure he doesn't destroy the place," she said scuffled up her brow and glaring at the cat.

Becky White, martin and stout mix. Hybrids were rare even these days. Most couldn't even tell the difference. The dominant trait concealing any traces of the mix heritage. Small, even for a martin, she had more balls than half the males Lucas knew. If she had something to say she said it. If she wanted something she got it. If she had a problem with someone, they would hear about it. Her crisp golden brown cookie fur was as scruffy as Burke's had been. Golden eyes glared through that mess of fur.

"Thanks, Becky." Lucas felt better knowing the place was in competent hands for exchange.

"You smell horrible by the way," she added sliding past them into the small kitchen in the back.

Lucas rolled his eyes as he ducked away into his office shutting the door behind him and opening the window, hoping to air the place out.

The daily chores were done with a mundane optimism. Floors swept, plants trimmed and watered. Windows washed and orders already being placed and filled out. The time ticking away as the minutes rolled by into hours.

The bell jingled again as the door swung open before being slammed shut.

Lucas always hated when people did that. His office was in the back. He handled the main finances of the place, making sure that everyone got their bread and butter by days end. It was a boring complicated task of sorting out numbers and files, client details and dealing with anyone that could make or break them. It was a stressful task. If he happened to lose one of the big clients the business would go under. And at the same time he couldn't cave into their demands otherwise the place would go under. He coordinated planned events and had solely been responsible for supplying three weddings with enough flowers to satisfy every bride's desires. Which ended up being two months' worth of supplies.

"Luke, you got a customer." Tim called from the front. The cat, dressed in the pink flower apron Becky had so kindly bought him, popped his head in on him. Lucas had been scrounging over the numbers trying to figure out if they could afford another shipment for next week's graduation down at the local high school.

Lucas rubbed his temples before pushing himself away from his work. If they could sell another couples the 'get well gifts' or possible a half dozen, dozen roses they'd be able to get next shipment a week early and be able to make a few extra dollars by the months end.

Lucas was lost in his work, not even noticing the otter standing in the doorway dripping wet. A silly grin on his muzzle as his eyes locked onto him. Carlson shuffled his paws and cleared his throat loudly before catching his attention.

"Carlson, what are you doing here?" Lucas jumped finally realizing the otter had been standing next to him, less than an arm's length away.

The otter rocked back on his paws stretching his back. Broad shoulders and long lithe frame, the otter was always someone that could catch a rooms attention. He wore those tan shorts, sandals and a button up coat. Carlson was always large even for an otter, and his disposition only seem to make his already large stature grand. His voice was deep, with always with a friendly tone as those sparkling blues watched him.

"It's lunch time. You said to meet you here. So we, you know, could grab a bite to eat or something." Carlson said holding up the note in paw as proof. As if to make things more clear he pressed the issue folding his arms across his chest. "You said we would. I'm not taking no for an answer. And...It'll be just the two of us this time."

"You sure there won't be any surprised guest?" Lucas asked eyeing him a bit suspiciously before laughing it off.

"I could come if you guys want." Tim offered from behind the counter before getting a pot thrown at his head.

"You're staying here!" Becky nearly shouted, her fur standing on end. She roughly grabbed his arm and pulled him into the back room, "have a good lunch!" She called over her shoulder before disappearing with the cat in tow. Leaving the two alone.

"You smell horrible," Carlson waved a paw in front of his face.

Lucas ignored him, grabbing his umbrella. "You have any place in mind?"

"There's a place I passed I wanted to try."

The otter slipped past him, ducking down under the door standing in the rain as he beckoned him out. His arms outstretched as he looked at him, getting soaked from head to tail in the rain.

Lucas shook his head at the otter's antics, but couldn't help getting a warm feeling inside as he followed behind hiding underneath his umbrella from the downpour.

The streets were dampened and dark as the rain fell around them. Carlson didn't seem to mind it at all though, in fact it even seem to make him more energized than normal. "It's a small sushi place. I always eye it when I come down this way but I've never been before. Hopefully it'll be nice."

"I love sushi," Lucas said tightening his jacket from the cold wind. "Plus it'll be nice to eat out for a change." The mood lightened as Lucas thought of what to order. It had been weeks sense he last had the time, money or effort to go out and grab a bite to eat. It'd be nice to be able to treat himself again.

Carlson was rather pleased with himself. It had been a spur of the moment. Passing the small restaurant on the way here he thought it'd be a good idea. Though he was a bit biased when it came to sea food. It happened to be his favorite. From fish and chips to a well basted, baked salmon. It wasn't a surprise to anyone that he loved the fishy things that swam in the sea.

However with the octopus, squid, sea urchin, eel and rainbow fish platter in front of them Lucas wasn't sure if this is what he had in mind. He wanted to grab a few California rolls and call it good. Let alone for the dozens of pieces in front of him now.

The server, a stout looking raccoon, had been friendly enough. Though he eyed the two when they took a table. Carlson laid a paw on Lucas's hand as they were talking about unrelated matters of one of the movies that had come out.

"It's just another Hollywood flick to make money. Planes and war. Been done to death." Carlson insisted, rubbing a finger against the side of his hand.

Lucas argued, though with a light heart in the matter, "it's supposed to be good. Sure it's basic but it's what was behind the movie that counts. I mean the director paid for the movie from his own pocket, no one wanted to back it up due to the content in it. It's supposed to be a full cast after all. Something that hasn't ever really been done before."

Carlson shook his head, scooting a bit forward as he argued. The waiter had to tap the table with his pencil to catch their attention. "I can come back if you want."

"No, no." Carlson said quickly pulling his attention to him. "Rainbow platter with the combo 1# and 2#, I'll have a Mojito. And-,"

"I'll have a Mai tai, with two orders of California rolls and a teriyaki platter, please." Lucas smiled at the raccoon, catching him off guard. The bandit face lit up with a toothy grin as the fur on the back of his neck stood up.

"Sure thing, right away! If there's anything else you need I won't be far away." The raccoon finished writing the order down before giving him another smile and taking his leave.

"That's a lot of food." Carlson laughed. "And a drink? Thought your on working hours still?"

"For you sure, I mean both combinations? That's a bit much." Lucas laughed. "If you get pudgy on me, I'm going to have to get you a gym card."

The otters ears fell back and he looked down at his glass of water. He had attended to order for the two, and share the meal. But he probably should have asked first what he wanted and not just assumed. He wanted to do something stupid and romantic like in one of those old movies.

"I have a gym card." The otter said fiddling with the chopsticks offered.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to say anything about it." Lucas apologized. "I mean it shows! Obviously! You make Anders look like a wet noodle."

"Oh? Does it now?" The otter perked up. "Though Anders is a scrawny thing, to be fair."

"I've seen you ass naked, of course I'd noticed." Lucas said at the worst time as the raccoon put down their drinks.

"Your drinks," the masked bandit said not even bothering trying to hide the fact that he heard. "It's good to see you two out and about. It gives the rest of us hope."

The raccoon waddled off to the next table that striped tail swishing back and forth.

"What did he mean by that?" Lucas asked watching the raccoon go.

"He meant...well never mind about that," Carlson changed his mind leaning forward again and placing a paw on his hand. "How's work going? The shop seemed nice."

Lucas eyes drifted back to the otter in front of him. "It's been going good. We've been having a few troubles against one of the new super mart that opened up. Apparently they got a florist section. Otherwise things are going good. Even Tim and Becky have been doing a lot better."

"Better?" Carlson ears twitched as he watched the subtle changes across Lucas's face. He truly did seem to enjoy his work and his coworkers. Having met them Carlson was beginning to understand why Lucas had never had a problem with him being in the apartments like a few of the others had.

The air was light and the two talked.

Carlson always pressing for more and Lucas just told him how it was. "I don't talk with my family anymore. Well except for my sister. Otherwise I don't have any contact with those from back home. What about you? What about your family?"

Carlson's whiskers twitched as he stammered a bit about the subject. "My-y family doing good! Real good. N-nothing to worry about or anything, heh. Parents are still together, got a few siblings nothing else. Really. Basic stuff, really."

Lucas was going to press the issue but the food arrived the next second. The plate of twitching octopus legs, and various colored unknown pieces of meat made him lose his voice. He was sure most of them were kinds of fish but he'd never actually seen such a large piece of shrimp before, let alone for everything else. The otter had lost all track of where the conversation was going and was already picking up a piece of sushi.

"Anything else for you guys?" The raccoon ask. Lucas could feel that striped tail brushing his side, making him shiver.

"No, I think we're good." Lucas said with another smile.

"Call if you need anything else." The raccoon winked before leaving.

Lucas watched the raccoon go. "I think he was hitting on me." He looked back over at the otter, who was trying to fit another sushi in his muzzle.

"Huh?" Carlson looked up from his meal at him, swallowing epically before replying. "I'm sure you're imagining things." He thumped his tail against the chair. "Cause if he's dumb enough to mess with my man, we got problems." He joked though the look that crossed his muzzle had an underlying meaning.

"Your man, huh?" Lucas asked taking a California roll and dipping it a few times in the soy sauce provided.

The otter swallowed another piece looking a bit blankly at him.

"Kidding, kidding." Lucas waved him off.

The otter chipped up, adjusting in his seat. He took a piece between the blackened bamboo chopsticks and offered it to him. "Octopus?"

"I don't know, I think I'll keep my taste buds in check." Lucas joked.

The otter nodded picking up another piece. "Fresh water eel, then? It tastes like chicken."

"Carl."

"Like chicken." The otter wiggling the sushi in front of him. "Dipped in soy sauce," he dripped it in Lucas's soy sauce and offered it again. "One bite. Its sushi. Its only one bite."

"Well maybe for a mouth your size," Lucas laughed still trying to refuse the dark brown, sesame seed piece of meat on the sticky rice wrapped in seaweed.

"One bite. You'll love it." Carlson grinned. "Tastes like otter."

Lucas frowned a bit before opening his mouth slightly. "It better taste like otter."

"Good," Carlson smiled taking the chopsticks back. "Now for the urchin."

Lucas shook his head. "Eel was as adventurous as I feel comfortable with." He finished swallowing the piece. "It's melts in your mouth, just like otter." He laughed afterwards blushing a bit.

"But we got the rainbow platter. It's really super fabulously good." Carlson lifted the platter up with a paw as he offered another piece from it. "Yellowtail? It's not as good as the eel in my opinion but it's not exotic either," he teased dipping it again.

"Your horrible," Lucas laughed taking the piece.

"Spicy tuna." Carlson dipped another piece.

"I'm not much of a 'spicy' fan to be honest." Lucas said swallowing the yellowtail. It was a bit bland, but still tasted better than half the stuff looked on the table.

Carlson made a mental note of it before changing to the next piece on the rainbow trail.

"I'm sure you want a piece," Lucas said pointing a chopstick at him accusingly. "I don't want to eat all your food."

Carlson ears laid back, he wanted to share his food. As he had attended. Though the idea of having more sushi was something he wasn't up to pass up on. He rolled out his tongue opening his maw wide.

"You're such a dork," Lucas laughed looking at the otter in front of him. "At least now I know how to make you open up," he teased. He tried to pull the chopstick away but the otter bit the tip of one pulling it from his grip.

"Hey! Fine the last eel mine then."

He stabbed the last piece of eel, the otter's eyes going wide. The two fought over the piece finally having the rice ball roll off the table and onto the floor. A large whine escaping the otter muzzle as he swallowed, looking at the piece on the ground. "Eel's the best."

"We still got the rest of the table to get through." Lucas rolled his eyes as he took a piece of octopus. "Here," he had to stab the piece again only having one chopstick but the otter didn't seem to mind, rolling out the red carpet again chomping the whole sushi in one bite. Lucas laughed at the notion as the otter swallowed again.

"Large mouths are good for other things too, you know." Carlson grinned putting down the three chopsticks. "How much longer is your break?"

"You hinting at something?" Lucas coyly asked.

"Nothing really special or anything." The otter waved the raccoon over. "We still got time, I want to take you somewhere nice before you have to go back to work. We'll get the sushi to go."

"What do you have in mind, you sly water dog?"

"You'll see." Carlson eyes sparkled as he asked for the tab.