It was another day in Oceanic Veiw City, or at least, whatever they considered this 'city' to be at this point. I got up out of bed, my body feeling stiff from sleeping the wrong way. I walked clumsily to the bathroom, looking in the mirror silently. I looked at myself - the messy fur of my limbs and tail, the disheveled look of my food-like head, the scratch marks on my stick-like body. I look awful. I slowly grabbed the brush on the sink beside me, and used it to gently brush my fur, at least trying to look somewhat casual. I forced a smile onto my face as I stared into the mirror, attempting to at least try to be happy. "Today is gonna be a good day." I lied to myself, so I would try to believe it. I looked down at the deep scars on my limbs, frowning slightly as I viewed the old self-inflicted cuts. The sight of it made me want to do it again, but I quickly shook my head to dislodge those thoughts. No, I couldn't think like that, I have to at least try to get better. I slowly walked out the bathroom, looking around silently with my hazy vision, then I realized, before I go anywhere, I need to put on my glasses. I walked to my bedroom and got my glasses off the nightstand and put them on, then grabbed my travel bag, and set out. I left the house and got on my bike, riding down the street to the nearby cafe. I've always loved that place, the sweet, kind workers and the amazing food. I parked my bike beside the store and walked in calmly, wearing a small faked smile as I entered the cafe. I walked up to the front counter where the manager was cleaning dishes happily. I looked in my bag and pulled out 5 coins. "May I get a bagel and some coffee, please?" I asked gently, offering the coins to the worker with a smile. She looked at the 5 coins, then back up at my face. "Sir, You're paying too much. It's actually only 3 for such an order." She said gently, giving me a welcoming smile. "Well consider the other 2 a tip then." I said, placing the coins on the counter gently. The manager smiled brightly at me and put the coins into the register, before getting to work on the food. I walked over to my favorite booth, sitting down and waiting patiently. A few minutes passed, and then the manager came to my booth with a gentle expression. "Enjoy!" She said happily, placing down the coffee and the bagel I had ordered on the table gently. I nodded in respect and thanks, and she walked away, her tail wagging behind her as she walked. I took a sip of my coffee, it was bitter and almost burning hot, but I somehow enjoyed it anyway. I smiled weakly, attempting to be happy in this hell that they call living. I saw a tall being walk into the store, I watched him quietly. I had nothing better to do, anyway. He was a tall and muscular object, but I ignored those details. I watched as he ordered some food, but I didn't pay attention to the specifics. He then walked over to my booth after paying, I looked up at him quietly. "Mind if I sit beside you? You seem lonely." He said gently, smiling warmly. "I don't mind." I mumbled softly, attempting to return his warm smile. I scooted over to give him room to sit, nodding politely in respect. He sat beside me with a gentle thump, the seat sinking slightly under his weight. It had been a long time since I'd had company, and it made me feel... Special. To say the least. I felt a warmth in my face, a blush making my cheeks red, and I looked away to hide my expression. I shivered slightly when he wrapped an arm around me gently. "You alright, darling?" He asked. He said it so casually, yet so sweetly, it made me feel warm and fuzzy inside. I looked back towards him, noticing his concerned expression gazing at my flustered one. "Y-Yeah I'm fine!" I stammered, and at this point, food was completely forgotten. I hesitantly wrapped my arms around him gently, nuzzling into his side quietly. He smiled warmly, before speaking. "You're a sweet one. What's your name? I'm Nebby, but you can call me Raz." He said gently. "Uhhh... I-I'm Hushpuppy." I mumbled softly, watching him stare down at me with a kindred expression. "I think I've heard of you before, we used to be college buddies!" He exclaimed softly. I nodded, realizing that in fact, this probably was the 'Raz' I had heard of from college. "What do you say we get out of here, huh?" He asked, winking at me playfully, his intentions clear. I shuddered, the blush on my face deepening. I nodded in agreement, too scared to decline. He picked me up, cradling me into his lap suddenly. He stood up abruptly, lifting me with him and walking out the cafe with me in his arms. He carried me to a large, fancy looking car. "Wow" I murmured, staring in awe. He gently set me down in the passenger seat, and he got on the driver's side. He started the car and began to drive to his humble abode. I could hardly believe what was happening, blinking rapidly to check if this was real. But it was real, and boy was I glad. Eventually, we stopped at a house that looked pretty on the outside, it was casual. He stopped the car beside the house and got out, then helped me out calmly. I felt so happy, like I was dreaming, but I was so glad this was real.