Love Comes in All Forms

The Big City

Theo was nervous to say the least as he stepped off the train to St. Marcos Metropolitan Train Station, located in the city of St. Marcos, one of the biggest cities in the world. He was nothing, if not completely at awe with the grandeur of the building. He made his way to the luggage claim and took his luggage. He took out his phone and dialed his mom. 

'Ring-ring'

"Yes?" came a familiar voice that soothed the hyena. "Hi mom, I reached the city okay, I'm getting my luggage now, I thought to call you to let you know things went okay." he said as he made his way, with his luggage to a taxying terminal. "That's wonderful sweetheart, I'm proud of you. Moving to the big city is definitely a step in a positive direction!" his mom complimented. He smiled as he flagged down a taxi cab with his remaining forelimb. The taxi drove to the curbside. "I've got to go now, mom, I'll talk to you later, loves and hugs." he hung the phone up and greeted the taxi-driver. He loaded Theo's luggage as he got in the back seat. Finally the cab driver got in and started the toll gage. "Where to?" he asked taking out a granola bar. Theo shrunk into his seat and said with an earnest smile. "Quinton Skyrise Apartment Complex, building C please." he said. The cab driver acknowledged him and they were off. The cab drive noticed Theo's amputated arm and asked.

"So kid, what freak accident were you in?" his gruff voice asked, with thick New Jersey-esk accent. Theo's ears pinned to the sides of his head. "I lost it a long time ago, practically when I was a pup, I don't remember even having it, to be honest with you. The driver nodded. "It's a big city kid, tough for your kind of person to endure, you sure you got what it takes?" he asked, in an almost sarcastic way. Theo just whimpered. "It makes no difference, arm or no arm, because I'm a lefty, my dominant hand is my left one, so." he finished his explanation. Finally after a few minutes in silence they reached the destination. "That'll be twenty five dollars, kid." he said gruffly.

Theo reached into his pocket and pulled out the money. He put it into the meter and got his luggage, bidding the driver a goodbye and the taxi cab drove off. Theo sighed as he makes his way with his luggage to his apartment. He opened the door with a key and went inside. He looked around the small apartment. "I know, not much, but it'll work." he watched as a grey hyena, about his age, came from a hallway. He was wearing a black t shirt and tan-ish green shorts, he also had a necklace. White met yellow and fate was sealed for the two. 

"Um, customarily when someone greets someone, they tell them their name, I'm Des. It's short for Desmond, what's your name?" he asked, taking some of Theo's luggage and putting it on the small couch. Theo blushed. "I'm Theo, it's short for Theodore, I like your shirt." he mumbled. Desmond smiled. "Thanks man, I'm stoked to finally meet my new roommate, is it true you're from the outer territories?" he asked. Theo shrugged. "If you say so..." he muttered. Desmond smiled, before noticing Theo's right arm, or lack there of. "Wicked, how'd that happen?" he asked, trying not to upset the slightly younger individual. Theo shrugged. "My mom refuses to say how it happened, too upsetting I guess." He said sitting on the couch.

Desmond sat next to him. "Well I think it's cool, you can make up all kinds of stories and tall tales, it's good to show off." Theo shrugged. "If you say so." he quietly uttered under his breath. Desmond rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm sorry, it's probably a sore subject, all I really want is for us to be friends, okay?" he asked. Theo nodded. "Which bed will I be taking?" Theo asked his partner. Des shrugged. "There's only one bed, and this futon couch, that's it." he said slightly flustered. Theo too, blushed. "I don't mind having to share a bed, if you don't." he said rubbing his shoulder to alleviate the stress that built up in it.

"That's cool, I'll let you get unpacked, you want something for lunch?"

He asked his new friend. Theo felt his stomach growl. "I am a bit peckish from that long journey so, sure, I'll go unpack and then we can got together." Theo went to go unpack without another word. After he'd put most of his things away, he and Desmond left to go get lunch. The two walked to a local hamburger joint and sat at a table. Desmond waved over a waitress and smiled brightly. "I'll take a medium pounder and my friend here would like..." he gestured over to Theodore to make an order. He looked away nervously, having to focus on breathing to stay calm. "I'll take a sausage bagel and an iced coffee, decaf please." the hyena requested. "Right away, I'll have those right out." she left and Desmond noticed his companion's uneasiness. "Shy?" he asked with a sympathetic smile. Theo nodded.