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Hey all, DLW here with a new chapter. A huge thank you to all the readers, reviews, follows, fav's and feedback, you're all amazing. And so we continue with this slice of life story, more at the bottom. Disclaimer: Zootopia and its characters are copyright Disney. (I own none of the characters in the story aside from the O/C's.).
Guilty Riches
Upon creaking the door ajar, just enough for him to peer inside, Finnick quickly turned his head left and right. He hadn't known the layout of the house, and caution with his size was a must.
Though as he did so, the familiar fixtures of porcelain and tile were all that he needed to see that this wasn't the right place. The bathroom was no place for the material he was looking for.
"Nope." He muttered, backing away and looking towards his other options.
He sighed, padding his way towards the next closest door. He barely made any sound as his toes lightly clicked against the hardwood. Approaching the next door, he repeated the same process, pushing against the door only to peek inside.
Cautiously, he darted his eyes around the room to take in what he could. He could recognize some of the setting, a computer, a chair and desk. It didn't have much more in it aside from a shelf packed with various books and a small couch. It wasn't too unfamiliar as he had seen in a few other houses. Even still, with the barrenness of the room, he knew that this wasn't the treasure trove he was looking for.
He huffed, backing away from the office. "Not here either."
With only one option left, Finnick steeled his nerves and inched forward. Unlike his previous ventures, the floor squeaked with every step as he neared the door. He held his breath, not wanting to alert his attention to anyone present as he tried his best to soundlessly move. Once he reached the door, he quivered in anticipation and anxiety.
He wasn't so sure why he was nervous, he had done this before, but something was off about this place, and he didn't know what. He shakily pressed his small frame against the door, eliciting a high pitched squeak that made his ears stand on end.
He chattered his teeth as he craned his head around to the unfamiliar area. Soft moonlight illuminated the space, making it a little easier for him to see what his last query had to offer. While the room had been mostly blue and orange striped wallpaper for siding, the furniture was a very new and well-polished wood.
His eyes grazed over books strewn across various spots of the room. Several dressers and a nightstand with a patterned lamp sat next to an intimidatingly large bed by the rooms only window. Large picture frames stood on the stand, welcomingly sharing its space with several small boxes and a pair of thin glasses that shown with the faintest reflection of light.
His eyes perked up a little at the sight and his tail brushed against the door in excitement. A smile crept its way across his muzzle as he took a step forward into the room. In doing so and tracing his eyes from the stand to the bed, he immediately froze.
Lying in the bed that was larger than he could have ever wanted for himself, was a tiger. Even though the massive predator was facing away from him as he steadily slept, Finnick could feel his knees weaken and his breath nearly leave him. He desperately wanted to turn away and leave the house, never to return again, but he knew it wouldn't be possible for him to do so without bringing something back.
He didn't know how long he stood there, terrified from each thought about the tiger waking up. If he didn't do something soon, he may as well have marked himself as hopefully a detained delinquent if the tiger was merciful.
He quivered as his eyes shifted from the tiger to the nightstand, eyeing his target carefully.
'And it all had to be here.' He whispered.
Seeing the stand and the tiger across the room made him feel even smaller as he tried to even move from the shock of what he was about to do. He shakily made up his mind to move forward, barely even getting a step forward when he felt his legs too stiff to move.
'You can do this. I gotta to do this' He thought, forcing himself to risk another step.
He repeated this process of encouraging himself and reiterating his dilemma, only to stop a step or two later and try again. After making it about halfway across the room, he breathed heavily. While not victorious yet, he felt a little better as his goal was within range.
It was only when he hear a sudden shift from the bed, that he trembled and felt his body move on its own. He scurried across the room, lightly clicking his toes on the wood as he made his way towards the side of the nightstand. In record speed for a mammal of his size, he made it and shuddered against the furniture's side.
His ears standing on end and his breath shallow, he waited for any sign that he may very well be done for. After a moment and hearing only the tigers breathing resettle itself, did he dare risk a glance back again.
The tiger now lay facing towards the ceiling. It hadn't been the ideal for Finnick to get in and out quickly, but at least the tiger wasn't facing towards him as he slept. He could see the steady rise and fall of the predator's breath, but the thing that scared him the most were the massive fangs the tiger flashed as his jaw hung open.
Purring lightly as he slumbered, the tiger let loose a deep-seated sigh, further pushing Finnick to change his mind about what needed to be done.
The fox trembled as he steadily looked at the tiger, hiking his breath to dangerous levels as he began to feel light headed. He looked up, attempting to steady himself if only a little and put his mind at ease. As he gazed towards the ceiling, he could see the edge of the box on the side of the nightstand. Had he been taller, he could have easily reached it.
His eyes fixated on the treasure, he took one last glance at the tiger to confirm that they had no clue that he was there. Seeing no immediate danger, he took a deep breath and crept around the stand to its few drawers. His eyes never left the sleeping feline as he carefully pulled the first drawer open.
He hopped up and into the drawer, quickly glancing over its contents of cards, books, and other various things. Seeing nothing of value to him, he pulled the second drawer open just enough for him to scramble up the side and use it as the next platform. He felt the dresser wobble a little, but he was so intently focused on the tiger that he paid it no heed.
The second drawer, much like the first, had very few things of interest; unless pens and paper were what he had journeyed here for. He shook the thought and climbed to the top of the dresser, now face to face with the solitary box and lamp that welcomed him in his glorious effort.
With the shimmer of moonlight, he could see the ornate box very well. It had etchings of tigers and other animals running in circles around its edges. There were several engravings set on its plated metal face. Though curious to who it was, he found himself prying the box open instead.
He eased the lid open in an attempt to see if there was some music mechanism that would trigger, but thankfully none came. He sighed in relief as he opened it more and more and a smile crept its way across his muzzle.
'Bingo.' He whispered, his eyes brightly shining with the plethora of jewelry and watches that he could clearly see.
Practically itching to dive in, the little fox flung the lid open the rest of the way. He couldn't believe that there was so much stuff just lying around for him this night.
'Dad's gonna love this stuff.' He thought to himself, leaning over the side of the box and picking up a few jewels as he did so.
He rummaged through the box with glee, grazing his paws over fine cut stones, silver and gold watches, pearls, earrings, jeweled necklaces and so much more. So much did he focus on the stuff that he failed to take notice of his surroundings. It was only when he heard a muffled gasp that he brought his head out of the box to see a tiger staring at him with their paws covering their muzzle.
He himself was shocked as there were now two tigers in the bed. One still asleep and facing up, the other he hadn't seen over the sleeper, a far slimmer tiger awake and looking him dead in the eye. He trembled, clutching the band of a watch as he and the tiger locked eyes.
A dead silence crept up on the two, giving each other more than enough time to see who they were in great detail.
"F-finnick?" The tiger spoke first, their voice clearly feminine and familiar to the fox.
The small fox felt his heart skip a beat and the color drain from his muzzle when he heard his name called. The more he looked at the tiger and recognized her features, the more he realized what he had done.
'Teach?' He mumbled, eyes stricken with guilt.
The tiger, now sitting up fully, wore a grey shirt that lazily hugged onto her. Her blue eyes were full of concern and worry rather than the fury that should have been.
'This is her house...' His mind raced with fear.
He took a step backward, bumping into the box and accidentally shutting it closed. Startled, from the sudden sound and being so close to him, Finnick turned to the box and his demeanor fell even more.
The engraving that he had so absentmindedly overlooked before was now clearly staring him in the face. On its smooth metal surface read 'Richard and Felicity Amur'.
He lost his nerve after reading the name, trembling and rattling the watch in his paw. He knew he messed up this time.
The tiger shifted around, crawling out from the covers of the bed. This in turn, caused Finnick to panic. His mind was a blur as he hopped down from the dresser, catching his foot on the open drawer and tumbling the rest of the way.
He heard the tiger's heavy footsteps hit the wooden floor, and he himself scurried and raced out the door, watch clutched in his paw. He didn't know how he managed to get down the stairs or how many times the world had seemingly spun upside down as he made his way towards the bottom. His hear hurt, and his arm felt numb as he wearily retraced his way down the hallway.
The shadows that he had seen before down the corridor had grown darker, more menacing by the step. He could hear the faint and heavy sounds of the tiger as she made her way down. At first, it seemed so distant to him, but in seconds it sounded as though they were on his tail. He desperately wanted to be out of there, but in his mad break for the exit, he tripped and tumbled forward.
With the momentum of his stride, he quickly recovered, having only peered back once to see a pair of eyes glowing far above him. Too terrified to look back aside from his misstep, he made his way to the living room again.
He was thankful that the window was open, but remembered that he couldn't exactly reach it without help to some degree. With the watch still clutched shakily in his hand, he tried to find a way up. Not even having a moment to think, the sound of large lumbering steps neared him. In a frantic effort to make it, he jumped, repeatedly aiming for the ledge or something that he could wrap his paws around.
To no avail did he jump as everything was only at the tip of his claw and out of reach. He could feel tears forming in the corner of his eyed from frustration and fear, but he continued his futile effort. As if there were some invisible force behind him, he felt himself being lifted, the back of his shirt tugged.
Instantly he was hoisted into the air, he could feel rough bristles of fur gently gliding against his ear. The tiger had him, and he wasn't sure of what they would do. In a moment of sheer fear, he kicked and writhed, somehow loosening himself from the tiger's paw, falling to the awaiting table below.
Not taking a chance or second glance back, he jumped to the window, fueled by fear and anxiety. He scrambled out, feeling the slightest brush of air wave past his tail.
As he fell to the ground, he heard a soft voice call out to him. "Wait."
He hit the ground, for his small size it was no easy fall. Though he stumbled as he picked himself up, the terror in the back of his mind told him he wasn't out of the forest yet. He turned to make a break for the gate while he still had time, only to be stopped by a solid red wall.
He shook his head furiously, gazing up, hoping that the tiger wasn't that fast as to catch him so quickly.
"Nick?" He shouted, taking a deep breath as it was better than he hoped.
The red fox met him with a bewildered smile. He rubbed the back of his head in wonder.
"Heya pal. Did you get-"
"We gotta go. Now!" Finnick said, already taking a few woozy steps away and clinging onto the watch for dear life.
He heard the sound of the other kit shuffling on the grass, nearly lackadaisical at first, but picking up the pace with Finnick as he ran.
The small fox opened the gate, allowing Nick to follow, and only then did Finnick truly start to fear. He heard the creek of a door opening and he wasted no time turning tail and running down the street.
He had no clue as to how far he had run or even how quickly. Sounds became mixed to him, his heartbeat, his steps, and the jingle of the watch were all from him. Then just behind him the click of claws and pant of the larger fox. Even beyond that was the simple and calming ambiance of a distant neighborhood.
When he had heard no other sound, and finally felt his legs nearly give out, he slowed his pace to a crawl. He heaved hard, panting and nearly falling to the ground as it would be more comfortable on the cool concrete than standing.
It was quiet aside from their collective breathing.
"W-what... happened?" Nick questioned, very concerned for his friend.
Finnick, taking a breath before answering, had to think of what he could try to defend himself with.
"M-my folks... uh... got up." He heaved with each word.
The two didn't speak for a minute, catching their breaths. It was a much different night than either were used to.
"Don't they want to see you?" Nick retorted, not for a moment believing that Finnick's parents wouldn't want him home.
Finnick shrugged his shoulders, watch in paw. "Eh, I'll see em' later. I'm just gonna walk around for a while."
The two shared an awkward silence, Finnick staring at the watch while Nick scratched his ears and neck.
"I've... gotta head home, my mom's probably worried." Nick spoke nervously.
He dreaded heading back but had no choice. The realization sinking in that despite his time with his friend, it wouldn't change the fact that he wasn't a scout anymore, or never would be.
He began to shudder. "W-what do I tell her."
Though he had been deeply engrossed in his pickings for the night, Finnick couldn't help but catch the somber tone of the red fox staring blankly in front of him. Though he didn't want to admit it, Nick's help really saved his tail that night. Sighing deeply, he placed the watch in the hood of his hoodie and stepped forward.
"Hey," He spoke, his deep gruff voice shaking Nick out of his stupor "Tell her you're a real scout now."
He pointed to himself, cheerfully smiling as the kit slowly found the strength to grin himself.
Nick soon beamed with a smile, but brought himself down just enough to inquire. "Hey, what school do you go to?"
His eyes glancing over Nick once, he sighed and cast his head to the ground.
"West Central Elementary." He answered flatly.
Nick's ears perked up, his maw agape. "I go there too! How come I've never seen you there?"
The younger kit was practically bubbling with excitement, how could he have missed seeing his new friend at the same school he went to as well?
Finnick mumbled in response. "Transfer."
He stood there for a moment, the word repeating in his mind. His paw clenched and he huffed, he needed to leave.
"I gotta go," He gruffly continued, taking a step away from his friend. "See ya around Nick."
It took a moment before he heard a reply and steps being taken away from him. "Bye, see you at school Finnick!"
The tiny fox smirked, he had his prize and a new friend who helped him. Despite all of this, he turned his head down the road where the todd had run off to. There was one deep seated thought in his mind at that point, the unmistakable feeling of guilt.
As Finnick leaned back into his chair, smirking and wiping his paws together, he caught a dumbfounded glare from Judy. He shrugged his shoulders, surely he couldn't be arrested for his crime all those years ago.
"Wait..." She began, eyeing the tiny fox quizzically while Nick chuckled next to her.
"You mean to tell me that the first thing you did when you met Nick was trick him into helping you with a B&E?" She accused, crossing her arms and grinning widely.
Finnick smirked and flicked his ears at her. "I wouldn't say trick..."
"Then what would you call it? Coerce? Persuade? Scheme?" Judy retorted, leaning forward and playfully scolding him.
The small fox placed a paw under his muzzle, faux pondering what he would say. He snapped his digits together moments later and leaned back.
"More like... hustle." He said smoothly.
The table sat quiet for no more than a second before the trio began to laugh. Judy, being the more vocal of the three even snorted a little before Nick turned his laughter toward her.
"Now I see where Nick gets it from." She chuckled.
The fox in question placed a paw on his chest, feigning a pained expression.
"Oh, you wound me, Carrots!" He said with a smile.
Hey all, welcome to the end notes. I hope you're enjoying this story as it begins to unfold little by little. (I still don't have a plot written down yet, so I think I'm just gonna... wing it?)
A new Zootopia AU: Predation should be out this coming very soon, so stay tuned.
And I hope you get a chance to read this and the other at your leisure. Also, these stories can be found here as well:
fanfiction:
~dancinglunarwolves
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archiveofourown:
users/DancingLunarWolves/works
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Also, I'm placing my other stories (non zootopia) on hold (just on hold) until I'm done with a good chunk of these. More info on my profile page.
I hope you all enjoy.
Till Next Time
-DLW