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Chapter 19: Inconsequential

The walk was uneventful, as the fox was thankful for. He had hoped that no incidents would come of a simple walk, but he could not be too sure as his luck seemed to be on the negative end of the spectrum. His attention was constantly unfocused, or at least when it was focused, it was on the wrong things. His mind swam and he could not help it. He did not know why the wolf had such an effect on him.

He shook his head in a futile manner, as if it would somehow jar loose the thoughts that plagued him. It only helped in making him somewhat dizzy, and he moved forward to catch back up with the wolf, who did not seem to really notice.

The theater was not far away. It was well within walking distance, but still took about twenty or so minutes walking at a moderate pace. It was situated inside an open shopping center, many stores scattered about, attached to each other, and some separated. There were some restaurants the fox had expected they would eat at after the movie, to have a quick lunch, though he also expected to pay, judging by the wolf's financial situation. He did not mind, he was not frivolous but he was also not stingy.

He also felt that he had sort of ruined any positive thought the wolf might of had with him, and he wanted to try to fix it in any way he could. If something as simple as feeding him could help, and he hoped it would, he would try it.

He would also see to it that they stopped by the local grocery store to pick up some food on the way back. He felt bad about their meager supplies, and wished to contribute. At least that would help alleviate the guilt he felt.

Their walk was relatively quiet. The wolf had already been quiet to begin with, and the fox felt too awkward to start up a conversation. He just stared forward in spite of the glances he saw from the corner of his eye. He could not bear to look at the wolf at the moment, as if he did, he would reveal all of his secrets, all of which he wished he did not have.

They arrived at the mall in short order. There were some furs scattered about, doing whatever it was they were doing. They heard laughter and chatter from all sides. There was the rustle of bags from those having completed their shopping. It was a typical mall scene of which the fox and wolf were not typically accustomed to, yet it was common enough that they knew of it well enough. They looked for a map.

The layout of the shopping center stood before them upon a large display. Just a bunch of shapes with numbers on them, color coded, with the listings on the bottom. They browsed the available stores quickly and found their target destination quickly. They also pinpointed their location and planned out informally of which direction they should head. When it was all said and done, they headed toward the theater, the fox having taken note of what kind of restaurant he would want to visit after the movie was over.

When they arrived at the theater, they stood in the short line, waiting to make it to the ticket booth. The fox asked the wolf which movie he wanted to see, and all he responded with was a shrug. Anything seemed acceptable to him, apparently.

He departed from the line, letting the fox handle the tickets. He had wanted to stretch out, feeling slightly sore, it seemed.

Roger shrugged and waited. Eventually it came time to purchase the tickets, and so far the movie that he had looked up earlier still seemed to be the best choice as long as time was concerned. He acquired two tickets.

The movie was of a horror type. He had never been bothered with them, per se, but often times he found them fairly boring. It was mostly either something trying to disgust the audience or attempting to startle them with images that would pop out on the screen accompanied by loud, sudden noises. He would jump involuntarily, but out of surprise rather than fear. But that was close, was it not?

He figured the wolf would probably be fine with it. He seemed to be fairly care free, so a horror movie would hardly even effect him.

They still had about ten minutes or so until the previews would start and the viewers would be let into the theater. It was not a particularly busy day, but it was common procedure for that theater. He did not really want to argue.

They could purchase concessions, though, but they were overpriced and he was not made of money. However, he felt he would be polite and ask if the wolf would like anything.

The wolf refused, but he could tell that the wolf really did, but was used to not asking for anything, and he did not blame him. With the state of their living, it would be unfitting to ask for too many things, as money tended to be incredibly important for their material needs and wants. It only made him feel bad, though, seeing the sheepish downcast gaze as he merely murmured the "No, that's okay."

"Come on, I know you want something," the fox urged. "I insist. It'd be rude if you denied it if I insist."

Hunter frowned. His eyes seemed to move back and forth for a moment as he thought, then he looked at the fox. "Okay."

Roger smiled. He had won at least that fight. If only he could keep doing so he would finally be put in a favorable position, and then he would stop making such fatal mistakes.

They made their way to the concession stand where the wolf looked around a bit, though his eyes hardly left a certain confectionary. The fox looked at it. It was a sort of peanut butter chewy object. He laughed on the inside, and grabbed it. The wolf made a motion, fidgeted, but did not make any further movements or any noises. He seemed to be embarrassed.

"Would you like anything to drink?" the fox asked him, while ordering a medium drink for himself. Just a soda to keep him awake during the movie, since if it were boring enough, he was sure he would fall asleep. The wolf was on the verge of shaking his head, but nodded respectfully.

He asked for whatever the fox had requested. Roger knew he did not want to exceed what he was paying for his own stuff, to be polite. It was a good virtue to have, and the fox respected it, but it was not necessary. He asked if the wolf was sure, and that he could have whatever he wanted, it was inconsequential. The wolf altered his decision. With more urging, he got a larger drink.

The fox paid for the food and they left to find their seats. They were not set in stone, of course, but location was important. They managed to find a couple of seats toward the middle, just far away and close enough that it would not be uncomfortable. There was hardly anyone else in the theater, and the fox attributed it to the movie being somewhat old.

The lights began to dim. It would start soon.