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Episode 3

"Are you in or out"

Basekproducer - Tropical beat 3

"This thing... Is fucking bananas."

"A rather expensive banana to rent if you ask me, sir. How about something more suitable for your budget?"

"This is suitable for my budget, George."

"That is literally a Ramzedes Skk 300 you are looking at, lad. And you are smearing pawprints all over it. The owner is going to make you buy it at that rate, and I am going to be one having to talk him out of it."

"But it's so shiiiiny."

The black panther was basically hugging the topless car on the yard lot, feeling his paws all over it and touching the leather seats with a dreamy smile, feeling like he was witnessing the most beautiful car he had ever laid eyes upon.

The wombat was just straightening his tie and giving out frustrated sighs as the panther was clearly trying to make the case of renting this unneededly expensive vehicle, and was not going to back down from his need.

As the panther was soaking in the idea of renting this beauty already, the wombat started to pant and get restless, taking out a napkin from his pocket and wiping the fur on his forehead.

"Bloody hell this heat is killing me. As your lawyer, I suggest forgetting this car right here and choosing something else. The faster the better."

"Why faster? We got nothing but time here. Ease up wombo combo." Sam snickered, shaking his head and finally letting off the car, giving one last whistle of appreciation for the machine as he turned to look at the wombat, who was crossing his arms and sighing deeply.

"Today? I really need a shower. A long one. No offense, lad."

"None taken. But little musk is good to have. Don't worry, once we have done the deals here, we can move forward to getting the condo for me. Then you will get your shower." Sam said, giving tap at the edge of the car and leaning his butt against it, looking around the place with a large smile.

"Well, just choose a car already. But not this one. I need my cold shower, I'm not much for musk. And since this is a short holiday, a cold beer on top, if ya don't mind. So, we need to go through whatever grocery store this place has. Not that I visit those often but I feel like any cold drink is good right now."

"See, you are already good with the idea of settling in! Cold showers, cold beers. Armrest chair, feet on the table, sauna jacket, some tv? Damn, George. I'm proud of this sudden mindset, you always so uptight." Sam chuckled, now scanning around the parking lot for any signs of the owner. So far no one was around. The small glass building nearby with its offices was on sight.

The title on top of the place was: " Sand Wheels "

The wombat restlessly fidgeted around, trying to avoid looking straight at the sun, just feeling like his fur was too thick for the environment.

"That would be more or less a plan. But two days of tourism is enough for me lad, I don't think the island is settling me."

"Because you are fighting back. You need to relaaaax... Once we get my future condo, you can lay on the chair, I'll give you a nice backrub, uncork your beer for you and then pay you for good lawyer services with the bank transfer."

"Sounds like a plan. But I have known you long enough to know, that you just want to see someone naked. I am not taking the shower with you, lad, nor wearing nothing but a shower coat around you." The wombat said disappointedly, shaking his head and wiping the constant sweat away from his forehead.

"Aaaah, you know that I would never have such ideas in my head George. How rude to suggest that I am some kind of a pervert."

"Mhhh, that's the word. If I'd have to describe you with one word-"

"Guilty as charged. You really ain't in a joking mood right now, eh?"

"It's the heat, my apologies, Mister Sam."

Sam just waved it off with a paw, looking around the place and still scanning for the owner. As there was no sign of anyone, suddenly the sound of doom came without any warning.

"I shaaall ooooncee moove to uptooown, and gaatheer sooome firewoood-"

It was George's cellphone. It was ringing its usual tune that the wombat had not changed in years. It used to drive Sam mad, as he had heard it too many times to count.

But this time it made a lump on Sam's throat, as he knew that there would be only one person that would be calling George at this time of the day. Or usually at all.

His father. And he had clearly been informed about his son's absence from where he was supposed to be.

The wide-eyed panther watched as Gorge huffed, taking out his phone from his pocket and readying to press the green button to receive the call.

"Ah, was only a matter of time before he asked for situation update, eh lad? Let me pick this up, you go find a cheaper automobile to rent from this place and we will find the owner afterward. I have to change some words anyway, been weeks since I talked with your dad."

The panther was panicking. He didn't know what to do or say... And he was now driven into a corner. He had to come out with the truth before George would find out it himself the worst way.

"... Don't answer that."

"Eh?" George asked, about to still answer the call, having not heard the panther well.

"I SAID DON'T DO IT, MAN! FUCK!" Sam yelled, having not realized how loud he had just cursed.

That certainly got George's attention. He slowly laid the phone down, looking at Sam rather shocked, having not heard him sound so desperate about anything like this in a long while.

"Mister Sam... Did you just scream at me?"

"..."

"Lad... What on earth was that about? Hell, you sound like the devil is calling." The wombat asked, sounding a bit scared and confused of the panther's expression right now, as if something terrible was going on.

"George! Look at me. Don't answer that call. Not now. Please. Just... Please, lay down the phone man. I need you to."

The wombat spread his arms in confusion, lifting his shoulders and speaking, sounding baffled.

"Mister Sam... Are you feeling alright? I thought I was having a heat stroke, but you are asking me to not answer my own employer."

"... He will call you back. You know he will."

The wombat slowly put the phone back to his pocket hesitantly, not answering it and staring at the panther the whole time.

He took a long breath, looking around a bit and trying to make any sense of this, the panther anxiously squirming in front of him and wondering how to even say the truth right to George's face.

The wombat started to quietly consider the reasons for the panther's behavior, slowly approaching a few steps in front of him and laying out his conclusion for the nervous panther.

"... I have known you since you were an only ten-year-old kit. You have never, ever, yelled at me before. You have been acting unlike your usual self the whole day. On the plane. On the port. Walking around here. I have been around you long enough to know that you are a self-confident, wild and always carefree person. When you are nervous about something, you show clear signs, lad. Now, my best guess here is that something is going on between you and your father, and I am not aware of it, clearly. Whatever it is, you are putting me into an uncomfortable position if this is a family issue, as I am employed by your father to serve his best interests. If he is going to call again, I am going to answer. So, you have probably a minute to explain what is going on."

"... Haaaah, shit, George. It's... It's a lot to take in within one minute."

"Ey, lad. I imagine it is. But you better start. You are more so than often honest with me, so you know you can be straightforward as you always are. Whatever arguments you have been going through with your father, let me ease the situation. He is like a brother to me, and you are like a son to me. You know that."

"... A perverted son, who wouldn't mind on showering with his straight-"

"Mister Sam. Shut it. No wise assness. I know a coping mechanism when I see one. Focus. And say what is going on. Your minute is wearing thin. Just lay it out on me and I'll see if I can have my say on the matter."

"... I don't think you are mentally ready. This was meant to happen once we would have been in condo. You could have taken this shit slightly easier if you had relaxed down first. I... It's... Shit, you are going to hate me for this."

"You know I could never hate you, Mister Sam. You have half a minute, most likely. You better get to it."

Sam let his paw travel from up till down of his face, closing his eyes and taking a moment, before he cleared his throat awkwardly.

He leaned against the car again, crossing his arms and trying to let the words out, giving an awkward chuckle just by wondering what the face would be within seconds as he would just... Blurt it out.

"Okay. Fine. Here we go." Sam said theatrically, trying not to laugh out of nervousness.

"... I'm waiting, lad?" Wombat asked impatiently, as the panther sure was taking his time.

"... I... I am here going to be a..." That is as far as he got, fixing the smirk from his face and taking a deep breath.

"... ?" The wombat was still waiting, giving an annoyed side look and just wishing that the panther would let it out.

"A pornstar." Sam said, presenting his arms wide like it was actually a good idea and a pleasant surprise.

George didn't shift his expression anywhere, asking the question with a low and threatening tone.

"... Come again?"

Sam snorted, then presenting his arms wide again, trying to get the wombat excited, knowing he was going to most likely end up getting punched at this rate.

"A pornstar. I am here to be... A porn star. It's my new calling. This dream I'm keeping. Sorry."

The wombat sighed, rolling his eyes and speaking bluntly.

"... Lad, I truly do frown on your inappropriate humor from time to time but this has to take the cake. I'm knackered. Bloody hell. Out with the truth and rid of the games."

Sam gave an awkward smirk along with the most nervous chuckle ever, clearing his throat and speaking honestly with his hands behind his back.

"There is no game, George. I'm... I told you, I was going to be sorry. I'm very sorry now. But I say it as it is."

The wombat was getting tired of this, wiping the sweat again off his face and speaking.

"... Mister Sam-"

"What, you think I wouldn't be up for it?" Sam asked, trying to shove the humor in just to calm himself down.

The wombat shook his head, restlessly shoving the sweaty napkin back to his pocket and speaking.

"I swear on earth and sky and whatever lies between the two, I will get my cane from Furdon and beat you up with it, if you don't start talking seriously-"

"What? You saying my dick is too small for it? You have seen it. You can say it is an average enough. Maybe a bit over. And even if it would be small, that would be body shaming. Are you body-shaming me, George? You were meant to be a gentleman-" The panther kept going with a sneaky smile until George closed his eyes and spoke angrily.

"I will use two canes, to double the bruises, Mister Sam, I will-"

"GEORGE, LOOK AT ME. I am not fucking shitting you here, alright? I came to this island to follow my dream, that I've had for longer than any of the other ones." the panther tried to explain, finally fixing the smirk defense off his face.

"... SOD OFF LAD; you have never talked about such a dream-" The wombat began in annoyance.

"Would you? I learned how to keep my callings hidden the moment my parents started crushing them down without mercy." The panther said stated back as a fact.

The wombat gave an amused and sarcastic laugh, before sighing and speaking.

"Let's assume for one second that this isn't some social experiment you are doing to shock me and write on the internet later on-"

"No tricks-"

"You cannot be a... A porn star, if you are in med school. Your father and mother would not agree to it. Less than your dreams of being police or surfer or anything else. You know how they already feel about your activities in your free time. Your over rampaging hormones are the reason you mostly fail your studies-"

"I quit it." The panther said sternly in between.

"... You quit... What?" The wombat asked, not understanding.

The panther rubbed the back of his head, sounding apologizing.

"I quit med school this morning. I signed the paperwork, I took out my funds, and... Yeah."

The wombat chuckled first, the panther chuckling with him for a moment, but not smiling.

George kept on his amused face for a full eight seconds, until he saw that the panther was absent of truly laughing with him. He was looking apologizing as one could.

And then... The Wombat exploded; his chuckle gone.

"YOU QUIT?!" He yelled in confusion.

The panther began lying, knowing that it would be terrible to tell the true source of the money he had with him.

"And I took a loan from the bank. George... There is no med school in Remby. Or college. Or a lot of education overall. This place... It is a little bit different, and I'm sure you have caught onto that by now. Being smart as you are."

"... YOU QUIT?!" The wombat yelled again, shaking his head and sounding angry and betrayed, wondering if this was really happening.

"Look, medicine and all that shit ain't for ME. I am finally trying to build something for myself here-"

The wombat gave a hand signal for the panther to stop blabbering, yelling back at him in confusion.

"How IN THE HELL, did the banker allow you to take such a sum out of their- Oh, heavens. Ooohh, nononon, Mister Sam!" The wombat yelled, looking the panther in the eye for a moment like a hawk, and feeling like he figured it out.

"What?!" The panther asked confusedly.

"You didn't do any sexual favors to the banker, did you?! I know you! Do not tell me that you did something like that, because that is against the law, and I am not mentally prepared to fight in court, if-"

"Eeeeey, what kind of a guy you take me for? You think I really would-" The panther began, actually sounding offended.

"Oh, hell, mister Sam! You totally did do a sexual favor to him, oh for the love of! - You can't keep your dick in your pants for one day?!" The wombat began, feeling like it was now clear as a day.

"George! In any other case, you would be right... But not in this. I took that loan by vouching for the person himself about my case, my dad's name. You know his relationship with the bank. They trusted me enough to give me the money." The panther lied, but it made sense. His father was one of the richest clients of the town bank.

The wombat felt his jaw hang lower as he spoke slowly, feeling like his head was hurting.

"... You took a student loan for the college that doesn't even exist! What do you- Oh bollocks! Your father is going to be furious! So that is what this is all about!"

"... I... N-not in a sense" The panther tried to mumble back.

"He got the call from the bank and now he is going to skin your fur off after doing his research on Remby, finding out that there is no college. AND THAT YOU QUIT THE MED SCHOOL! Oh, Sam, what have you done?! I can't save you from this! I'm going to have to take you back right away!" The wombat yelled desperately, waving the panther off to follow him like they were on a clock now.

"... I knew you would say that." the panther said, sounding a bit sad, but didn't know why. This was very much an appropriate and expected reaction to his news.

"Of course, I would! Why do you have to create such a mess?! Oh, I have been foolish and blind! I should have known that something was off with this!" The wombat said, now feeling he was the idiot.

"George-"

"Mister Sam, you are going to still pay me for this circus that you put me through, I am the only one who can do some damage prevention by talking to your dad first, and then, we take a plane, and-"

"GEORGE!"

The panther had yelled once more, the wombat looking agitated and expecting the panther to say his piece, as he clearly had something to say to justify all this.

The panther tripped on his words, his mind battling for the right way to explain all this.

"... I... Fuck. Fucking hell. Shit. Look, I... dad doesn't know, okay? He doesn't know." The panther said embarrassedly, knowing it was even worse.

"... Doesn't know about what, exactly!?" George asked scaredly now, wanting specifics.

"The loan. The bank thing. The college thing. George, he... He doesn't even know where I am. Or where you are right now. The only thing he knows right now is that I have quit the med school. That is the only thing that he knows. And that is why he is calling you for. He might suspect that you are with me or have seen me at least." The panther admitted, feeling like shit.

And it felt even worse when the wombat took a deep breath, looking fearful now and rather lost.

"... Mister Sam... I am hurt. You have killed me here. If what you are saying is true, I will lose my job as your family's personal lawyer after all these years, IF I don't shove you and myself to the next plane back home. Do you think it is funny, to pull a load of bollocks like this?! I know lawyers have to go through a lot of shit, pardon my fucking language, lad! But this is something else! We are going, now. And the queen give me the strength to survive this phone call without burning alive! AS IF THIS SUN WASN'T ALREADY FUCKING MELTING MY BRAIN LIKE A BLOODY POPSICLE!"

The panther looked a bit spooked now, even the panting wombat looking apologizing right away. He very rarely yelled, or even cursed. But this situation was really as bad as it sounded. And he wanted to make things right.

"George... I am not going." The panther said, closing his eyes and knowing this was the last thing Geroge wanted to hear from him.

And the moment the wombat saw that the panther meant what he said, he spoke with a threatening tone, getting tired of this resistance he was not remotely ready to take right now.

"... Boy, I will drag you through the street-"

"You do not need to be employed by my father anymore. From this day on... You will work for me. Only me. As my personal lawyer." The panther said like it had been the plan all along, trying to stay calm and serious.

"... Have you lost your bloody mind?" The wombat asked, feeling insulted.

"Why? What is wrong with that option?" Sam asked, not understanding.

"Son... You cannot afford my services for even a year-" The wombat began like it was the biggest fact.

"I will give you ten thousand as forwarding payment. That should cover up about two months, right? I'll make it two thousand on top. That is twelve thousand for two months. Sound better?" The panther asked without hesitation.

The wombat raised his eyebrows, shaking his head and looking at the panther-like the offer was crazy.

"... FOR WHAT? What do you need legal representation in here for?! This is an island in the middle of the ocean, and you have never struck me as a criminal! What else would you need me for legally, besides making sure that your freaking condo deal goes properly?"

"I... I don't, George. I don't need any of that-"

"Then what are you-"

"I need support." The panther said it like was the only appropriate way to put it.

"... Support." The wombat repeated, sounding baffled.

"... Someone that will... Watch behind my back and make sure that I don't do anything stupid." The panther stated with a smile that died just as it came after the wombat started yelling.

"... MISTER SAM... THIS! THIS IS THE MOST STUPID THING YOU HAVE DONE IN YOUR WHOLE LIFE!"

But instead of seeing it that way, the panther spoke back defyingly.

"... No, George. This is the best thing I have done in my whole life. I can feel it. And I know it's true. I feel it in my heart, man. I will see this through."

"... I was right. You have lost your bloody mind." The wombat said, now actually needing to sit down. He laid down slowly to gather his thoughts, feeling dizzy.

The panther hesitated for a moment, squatting down and speaking to the wombat with a hopeful smile.

"George. I need you here, man. I do. Twelve thousand. two months. That is six thousand a MONTH. And all you need to do is support me."

The wombat spoke tiredly, ripping the napkin from his pocket again in agitation.

"... Mister Sam... You insult me by thinking I'm stupid. I think I have your true intent figured out here. You are going to need me to control the storm and battle in court the moment the bank doesn't get its loan back. Oh, you think that your father will pay it for them? Most likely he will. And then, he will sue you. And then, you have truly broken the ties between you and your father."

"George... I intend to pay every last dollar back to that bank." The panther vouched, laying his paw on the wombat's shoulder but had it shaken off right away, the wombat speaking loudly in anger.

"... With what bloody money, lad?! You just gave half your loan to me. Which is money that I can't even take because then I would be part of your scheme! I will burn too."

"BUT WHAT if I do get their money back?" The panther asked like it would surely happen as clear as a day.

"HOW?!" The wombat asked like there was no way.

"... By doing what I came here to do in the first place! What I have been trying to come here to do for my whole life!" The panther stated like it was meant to be.

"..." The wombat was quiet, having totally forgotten in the first place until the panther reminded him with an excited and confident tone.

"To do porn. Gay porn, straight porn, whatever porn. I will become rich. This whole island... It is the mecca of the porn industry. It is the hottest thing right now, and I am not talking about the sun that is melting you right now. I will become famous. I will get the money that is needed, and more. And I will keep you on my payroll, so you won't have to legally represent anyone else anymore from this day on, but me. Only me. And you know that it is less stressful work than working for my dad, who whips your back and treats you like a slave, and never treats you the way I treat you! As a friend!"

The wombat closed his eyes, slowly shoving the napkin back to his pocket and spoke back with an emotional tone.

"... I... Am speechless. Are you even listening to what you are saying right now? How fickle this plan of yours is?"

"George, think about it! It is perfect! We can both be free of my greedy and grumpy asshole of a father, and we can both live in here, do what we do, and build something new." The panther said, trying to create the enthusiasm.

"I... Will rather die, than move into this tropical hell for the rest of my life to support your porn dream. Bloody hell, mate!"

"Oh, come on, give it a chance. And there are cold showers as much as you want. Maybe cut off some of that fur layer and lose some of that overweight you have, even as much as your daddy body can be kinda attractive-"

The wombat put his paw against the panther's muzzle so he wouldn't have to hear one more word pouring out.

"Mister Sam... I have supported you in many things through your life-" The wombat stated like this was not going to happen.

"Ugh, come on, man!" The panther grunted, standing back up and shaking his head.

"And this one... Is insanity. The world-"

"Isn't a movie! Yes, yes. Your muzzle moves and my father talks. Fuck... like, can't you even once in your life, lighten up, and see the opportunity that I am offering you." The panther desperately said.

"You are offering me criminality and getting fired! -" The wombat stated like the panther was an idiot for not seeing it.

"And giving you a new life in exchange!" The panther added like it was truly a good idea.

"Oh, for whiskers and tea and cursed sea, things are not that simple! I can't leave my old world behind! -"

"Yes, you can! Look how easy it was for me! I am here! And I am free! Free like a fucking bird!" The panther yelled, wanting the wombat to see his way of things.

"Queen give me strength..." The wombat said, wanting to just be buried in the sand.

"... George... I will not leave. There is nothing you can do to force me to. No words. No promises. No threats. You know it is true. You can't inform the cops, because my loan is legit. All that is written that it is a loan for being a student. That can be vague enough. I signed the date to be next year. That gives me plenty of time, to establish my new career here and get things running. Like a motor, George. Like a mothafucking motor, you know!" The panther said, tapping the door of the sportscar on top to make his point across, hurting his finger accidentally and giving small awkward curse and chuckle.

The wombat rubbed his sweaty face, sounding defeated.

"... This is not happening."

"... Look around you, man. It already did. I'm sorry that I put your through this shit and I know it is not fair, and it sounds insane to you-"

"This is not happening-" The wombat repeated.

"But I am offering you... And opportunity here. A job. Hell, a condo to share. And promise for future riches-"

"Lad, has it ever occurred to you for one minute in your life that you can't solve all your problems by fucking?" The wombat asked, one hundred percent done with this panther's attitude.

The panther gave a sneaky smile and joked to lighten up the mood.

"... No... But I mean, you need a cameraman too, in this case. You can volunteer. Although the idea makes me kind of uncomfortable-"

The wombat hissed at the panther now, truly in a brink of snapping.

"Mister Sam, I will beat you with the cane, I am serious. One more word. You are making me burst my head in half the right now, and this heat along with this horrible news is making my day bloody worse than it is. So, tell me one actual reason without the clown act and empty promises, of why I should stay and support this absolutely unreliable and insane profession choice for you, and quit my job with your father?"

The panther saw that this time, he had to truly be serious and make his case clear. He needed George on this island. And his intentions for that were just as George had said. Not as a lawyer.

"... This is going to sound a bit too emotional for my taste and maybe a lowkey a bit gay as well-"

"These are your last words, so make them a prayer, lad. I am serious." The wombat warned, balling his fist.

The panther gave a bit afraid look at the wombat, wondering if he had the guts to really hit him in his anger, so he fixed the smirk off his face and spoke with an emotional and honest tone now to calm the wombat down.

"... Because if you truly wanted to ignore my promises and this offer, you would have already left. For how I see it, you have two options. To stay with me. And trust me. Or go back home, get yelled at by dad, and most likely get fired. I suggest the first option. And you know, no matter how much you hate me for putting your though this... You know it is the right call to make."

The wombat spoke back quietly.

"... I am not as desperate to grab your option as you think, Mister Sam."

"No, you are not... But this is where we get to the emotional and really honest part-"

"I don't think I want to hear-"

"You have been more father to me than my own one ever was. To be honest... I've always felt like you were the older brother I never had, looking after me. Because you care about what happens to me. And you know most of the time, I can be stupid as hell. I know I am asking you a lot. Hell, I am begging you, George... But I need you to support me on this. Not as a lawyer. But as my friend and my older brother. Because you care about me, and I care about you enough to not let you go back home to be yelled at and back whipped, without offering you another door to go through."

This time the wombat was actually looking a bit taken aback by such a statement, having never felt that the panther had it in him to say something like that aloud. It was rather touching, and he knew on some level that the feeling was somewhat mutual, in its own weird way. But hearing it at a moment like this without a hint of sarcasm or lie was unexpected.

"..." The wombat truly didn't know what to say back, but before he even had the chance to do so, seeing the panther truly looking humble and hopeful in front of him after such kind piece of mind, someone broke the touching moment off.

Out of nowhere, someone new came into the scene, announcing his arrival with a joyful attitude.

"Hellloooo, guys! What can iiii, do for you two today?!"

He was merely thirty-year-old red panda, having a name tag on him. The name spelled Roger Harris.

The red panda had a rather unique fur tones on him, having nothing but crimson red and white spots all around him, especially around the tail. There was no black fur to be seen which exactly made the sight so rare to see. He was a very kind looking fella and dressed neatly. He had a white button shirt with a collar and a blue tie, along with a green pocket pen and paper folder in his paw. His fur cut on top of the head was smooth, slightly flamboyant wave to the right side. He wore khaki pants with a dark brown belt, and on top of that, a small silver wristwatch.

He was lean by his physique, and his overall stance was professional. Judging by the bicycle against the nearby wall, it was his.

George excused his manners for sitting down on the pavement, collecting himself up with Sam's help.

"Bad knees. Pardon, young man. Should be more representable in this situation." The wombat explained, feeling annoyed again as this conversation was not nearly over and this was not the right time to rent a car anymore.

The red panda gave an amused chuckle and spoke.

"Ha, as if sitting down would be something to apologize. Is all good. So, you guys like this car?"

"Fuck yes-" the panther began, the wombat cutting him off bluntly.

"No."

"... Well, that is a dilemma, I guess. Feel free to browse around the selection as much as you want."

"Thank you. We going to need some time here, mister... Harris." The wombat said, squinting his eyes to see the name tag.

"I gotchu, boys. Just tell me when you two done contemplating, I'll be in my office." The red panda stated carefree, bowing and preparing to take his leave until the panther spoke.

"Yo, hol up... I'm taking that one." The panther said quickly.

The wombat behind him looked angry, about to protest no matter what the choice was. He was still on the line of dragging Sam back home, and still intended to do so.

"Which one, sir?" The red panda asked with interest.

The panther winked an eye, pointing at the car two lots to the right from theirs.

It was a brown Muttstang, around from the year 1972.

"... For real?" The red panda asked with an impressed tone.

"If I may have a say in this, this man is just kidding around." The wombat stated annoyedly.

"Ignore him. We only live once after all. How much is the rent on that for a day?"

"That will beeee... Let me double-check..." The owner began, reading through his papers.

"Mister Sam. This is not a wise choice-" George began threateningly, the panther clearly acting like the wombat had no choice but to take his offer and stay on the island. The conflict inside the wombat was real.

"That'll beeee... three hundred a day." The red panda said happily.

"... I'll have it for three days." The panther said after two seconds of thinking, making George close his eyes and cursing mentally.

"Damn, okay, mister. That'll be nine hundred. Plus, a hundred for the insurance cost. Be sure not to have a dent on it. I love the car, personally. Took me years to find this specific model."

"I will treat it like a queen." The panther said with a suave tone.

"Good to hear, misteeerr..." The red panda gave a small chuckle at that, taking notice of the tone and writing something up already on his paper sheet.

"Sam. Sam Riggs."

"Mhhm. There we go. Alrighty, mister Riggs. Just follow me to my office right after me and we can sign up the paperwork and ill hand out the key. Sound good?" The red panda suggested with a friendly tone.

"Sounds like a deal. George. Be a good man and wait a second." The panther said, feeling like this was the most perfect escape ever.

"I will have to excuse my friend here for a minute, Mister Harris. He will be right with you after." The wombat said, but his whole expression telling differently.

"... It's okay." Sam assured to the confused panda.

The panda snapped his pen once from the button, giving an understanding nod and speaking with a smile.

"... Well, alright then. I guess I can grab a soda while waiting."

As the red panda turned around, his white and red striped tail danced behind him, his tight khaki pants showing the nice and bubbly form of his butt, the panther staring at it for a while and speaking quietly after him.

"Cute guy."

"Turn around and look at me in the eye, lad." The wombat ordered sternly.

The panther felt the chills as the tone already told what the wombat was going to decide.

Sam slowly turned around and saw the wombat staring into his soul, saying just one word.

"No."

The panther took a long breath, rubbing the back of his neck and spoke quietly.

"Just hear me out this one last time... And if you say no after all of that... Then I guess we part ways."

"... Damn you, lad." The wombat stated in anger.

But after there were no more comments, he gave a small nod and crossed his arms, hearing the panther out this one last time.

"George. I need you in this. You are not able to drag me out of this. I am a man already and I make my own choices. I already told you how it is. You can hate me as much as you want, and it is totally justified. It is a shitty thing I did. But you can take this chance that I have given you. For all my life, you have seen that if I have a gift on something, it is being a perverted rascal. And you know that if I channel all that to making a profit on an island WHICH IS KNOWN from making a profit out of it the most compared to any other place in the world... Then at least you have to give me a chance. My father is a cunt. A sad thing to admit. I love him, but he is a cunt. And you only don't say it out loud because you respect him. And I get that, man. You always put your profession over everything. This time, I ask you to do something for ME... And I know I never ask anything. I know you don't want to spend the rest of your life here. It is a ridiculous thing to ask. But I CAN give you a job and I CAN keep this promise. And I can prove it to you. I will give you a two-month deal. Two months. And IF during that short time, I have not managed to make any kind of money for myself with my... My videos... Like an actual good sum of money... I will pack my bags, we go straight back home, I will go back to med school and start from scratch, talk father on taking you back as their client, as you know that my mom adores you, it's not impossible... And we will forget all of this and on top of that... I will owe you for the rest of my life. IF... IF this doesn't work out the way I want." The panther finally finished, gasping breath as it was almost like a speech, he had practiced a long time.

"... You have planned this whole thing more than just a few days, haven't you? YOU knew... that I would react the way I did... And you did it all anyway."

"... George... What do you want me to say, man? Yes, yes, I did. And it makes me a shit person but you are the only one who has always found a way to forgive me shittyness." the panther admitted, smiling a bit on top.

"..." The wombat looked serious and angry, but couldn't clearly deny the words.

"Just tell me... yes... Or no?" The panther asked finally, feeling like this was going to hurt.

The wombat slowly took threatening steps towards the panther, Sam preparing his stance and feeling like he might have to eat a swing of a fist in the worst case. He had never seen the wombat this angry in his life.

"... Do you really believe you can do this? To hire me and make a living here?" The wombat asked with a serious tone, really needing to hear clean confidence.

The panther swallowed loudly and nodded.

"Two months. And if I fail... Well... I'm pretty sure you already cached all the terms."

The wombat relaxed his tensed shoulders, shaking his head and biting his teeth together before exhaling.

"... This is insanity."

"George... Come on, man. Trust me. I will make this up for you. We will... I WILL... payback to that bank... And you remain as my faithful lawyer."

Before the wombat could answer...

His phone rang again.

"I shaaall ooooncee moove to uptooown, and gaatheer sooome firewoood-"

The wombat closed his eyes, reaching for his phone and giving one last, annoyed look at the panther.

Sam was backing away from the wombat, giving the peace sign with his fingers and wishing the wombat luck as he spoke.

"I'm so sorry, George. You do what you got to do. It is either him... Or me. But I trust you do what you always do. The right choice. And I will make the same for you... Now. That paperwork waits." The panther announced, pointing his thumb behind him at the glass building.

He then turned around, escaping from the scene by jogging towards the building, leaving the wombat alone in the sun.

He slowly started to dig out his phone, giving a defeated whimper of desperation, as he knew that this phone call was going to be the most awkward one in his life.

"Damn you, mister Sam... Just damn you."

LATER IN THE OFFICE

Notorious B.I.G. - Sky's the Limit (instrumental)

The panther walked into the place, feeling the air conditioner breeze against his fur pleasantly and welcoming him in nicely. He felt for a moment rather bad for the wombat, who surely could have appreciated this air a lot more.

The red panda was on a phone call with someone at the end of the glass-windowed office, sitting on his sturdy and wide steel desk. His laptop was on, playing some ambient lofi music on low sound to make a somewhat relaxing atmosphere inside the place. That along with the desk fan that was swaying side to side on the corner next to some white bookcase. The slider curtains were blocking most of the view and sunlight into the place, but the bright and yellow ceiling lights made it look warm as the outside was.

The place was filled with plastic plant pots and on the right window side, there was a small aquarium. It had to be the most homely looking car rental office he had ever stepped in. Not that he had been in many during his life.

The red panda gave a thumbs-up sign for the panther silently to signal that the call was nearing its end, as he was waving his legs back and forth the same time. The panther sat down at the halfway of the place with a smile, choosing a pink metal bench with some trademark logo in it.

Huh. Comfy.

The panther smiled casually, feeling like being just a moment away from George put him out of the pressure. He could only imagine the storm his father was releasing on the poor guy right now, but he had to trust the Wombat to stay and trust him.

Because if he would not be there once he got out... It would be a hard thing to face, but understandable. Yet... He wanted to believe that George would not abandon him.

"Alright... Yes, mister Malcolm, the car... Right. Okay, Got it. Naah, it's fine. Have a pleasant day."

The panda closed the call with a smile that died right after, saying one word on the phone.

"Prick."

"Ha! Tough customer, eh?" The panther asked with a smirk.

"Overly rich and pompous one, that's for sure. A little bit of money and they think they own the world." The panda added, laying the phone on the desk and crossing his arms.

"Maybe they do, who knows." Sam chuckled.

"That ya dad outside?" The panda asked out of interest, pointing at the door.

"Nah," Sam said and sighed.

"Boyfriend?" The panda asked with interest.

The panther stretched a bit, his stomach showing slightly, the panda peeping that.

"... Dude, he is almost a hundred years old. Like literally. Turns ninety-one soon." Sam said, giving a yawn.

"You never know. Love doesn't always discriminate age. We love who we love. A few years in between doesn't change feelings." The panda pointed out genuinely.

The panther looked at the panda with amused and same time bored expressions.

"Deep lessons of love on car sales department these days." Sam chuckled, shaking his head.

"HAaha! Sometimes you find the most inspirational speeches from unexpected places." The panda pointed out with an optimistic tone.

"Or the most cringy ones." Sam snorted out.

"Aaa, you didn't need to do me like that. Was it that bad?" The panda chuckled awkwardly.

"Nah, I guess. I'm a bit uptight right now, dude. Long flight. That out there is my lawyer. I had a short argument with him. Legally advising against renting such an expensive ride and yadayada."

"I see. You often take lawyers on car rentals?" The panda asked like it was rather out of the ordinary.

"Come's with the privilege of being almost a family member," Sam explained.

"Ah, cool. He talked you out of renting that one and settling for something cheaper?" The panda asked with a smile.

"Nah. I guess I can be stubborn sometimes. I'm still taking it." Sam said with a grin.

"Sound's good then! I guess I'll take out these papers then after all. I can fill out most of the stuff, so you can just relax. There is coffee right there on the table if you want some along with some candy bars." The panda said with a smile, nodding at the table's way.

"Candy bars, eh? This like the most generous car rental I've ever been to." Sam said with a grin.

"Yeah, well... We really generous people overall. And I shouldn't eat those myself. Took me a year to lose my belly and get into remotely normal shape. Banana chocolate is a bitch to get rid of." The panda shrugged.

"Well, if you don't mind me saying, you shaped just fine. Extra meat under fur is not always bad for you. That your bike outside?"

"Yeah. That thing is the reason I lost weight. Owe a lot to it, I'd say. Amazing biking trails around the place."

"Huh. Good for you then. Congrats and all that."

"Thank you." The red panda said with a smile, his tail waving around, pleased for the random compliment.

"You welcome, cute boy. Damn, that coffee smells good. Harris, wasn't it?" The panther randomly asked with a flirting smile, testing waters.

The moment the red panda got called cute, he slowly lowered his paper sheets to his lap for a moment and stopped writing, giving a short and longing look at the panther who was taking out a might for himself. The panda smiled a bit, biting his underlip a bit, taking his gaze back on papers and continuing to write.

"... Yes. Roger Harris."

"You the owner?" Sam asked, pouring the coffee into his mug.

The panda shook his head slightly and sighed.

"Nope. Employee. Boss is on a deep-diving trip and has only two workers on the payroll. We don't really need a lot of staff since not many mammals rent cars these days. It costs more to keep these beauties outside than what we get from renting them. But the owner is wealthy as hell, so he doesn't care. And I'm his grandson, so... Privileges of a bit more carefree working ethics and all that."

"But the internet says this place is swarming with tourism all the time. I'd imagine that you guys would rent cars quite often." Sam said, a bit confused.

"Not truly. Most tourists want to walk, bike or skate around. This island is best to experience by the feet if you know what I mean?" Roger chuckled.

"... Huh. You lived here long then?" Sam asked with interest.

"For about a good half of my life, yeh."

"Well, maybe you could show me around the place with a bike sometime then." Sam winked.

The panda, straightened his collar a bit, feeling like just the look the panther was giving made the air a bit hotter.

"... You bike?"

"No... But I could give it a shot. I'm very open-minded." Sam said with a suave tone.

"... I'll keep that in mind." The panda said back with the same, alluring expression.

They both looked at each other for a while, feeling the measurement of the vibes in between and just staying like that. After a moment, the panda let his tail dance a bit before turning back to look at his paper, snapping the pen out.

"Your birthday?" The panda asked politely.

"Eight of June, year nine four," Sam said, sipping his coffee now.

"... Summerboy huh?" The panda asked quietly.

"I guess so," Sam said back, humming pleasantly from the taste of the coffee.

"... Place of birth?"

"Cullenville. Usa."

"... Never heard."

"It's a small town."

"Got it."

"Anything else needed? Hight? Weight?" Sam asked with a grin.

"... NNnoo, doesn't ask any of those... Too bad. Let me juuust... Date of rental... Amount... Three days?" The panda asked just to be sure.

"Three days. Gonna get me a condo from here to live in for a while. As long as I can afford anyway." Sam added.

"... You here on a working and holiday visa?" The panda asked with genuine interest.

"... You could say that again. But I am moving here."

"Wait, really?" The panda asked with an interested smile and lifted his brow.

"Yeah," Sam said back casually.

"... As in to live?"

"That's the plan, yeah. Here to stay. Hope it will have me. Damn, this coffee is really good." Sam chuckled.

"Thanks... and if it is fitting in you worried about, don't be. A guy looking like you... You will be surely welcomed pleasantly around the island, mister Riggs." The panda said with a slightly flirty but awkward tone.

It was clear that this panda was a bit unsure if there was something going on here, but Sam picked up on the cute and awkward flirting attempt, asking a question with a smirk.

"... A guy looking like me?"

"A humble compliment, man." The panda defended with an awkward chuckle.

"... Hope so. This part of your moves to become an employer of the year? Compliments for tourists?" The panther asked with a tease.

"... For some of them." The panda answered, trying to calm his sudden heartbeat down.

"... Right." Sam said, starting to test the waters even more out of interest. This panda was rather cute, trying to act all professional but clearly checking him out.

"Well, if you are indeed moving here, I can suggest multiple places. Depending on your wallet of course." The panda pointed out, trying to go smoothly.

"Rather personal info to ask." The panther said back with a smirk.

Now the smile was gone from the panda as he realized it indeed had been a bit out of the ordinary.

"O-oh, pardon. I guess I wasn't thinking-"

"Dude. I'm kidding around. It's all good." Sam laughed shortly, the panda relaxing a bit.

"... I see. Well, we have some of the apartment flyers lying around on the wallboard at the lobby to the right. But personally, I'd recommend the beach bungalows. Very costly but the atmosphere is..." The panda was trying to come up with the word.

"... Sexy?" Sam asked with a flirty gaze.

"... I... I guuuess that is a word for it, mister Riggs." The panda smiled back awkwardly.

"Just Sam." The panther winked.

"... Sam. Sorry, have to follow the professional standards." The panda said back.

"... Aiiight. Would it be against professional standards if I'd politely ask to cool down a bit? I love the warm air, but I just love this air condition." Sam asked, now totally starting to break the water instead of testing it.

"I, don't think I follow-" The panda began until Sam started to unbutton his shirt.

The red panda gazed on the sight, as the black fur and nicely toned chest and upper body presented itself. The wide shoulders became bare, as the panther was wearing nothing from up the waist. He purposefully flexed his muscles a bit on the process, letting his musky fur breathe some circling air with ease.

The panda bit his underlip and tried not to stare with heavy eyelids, muttering back with a slow tone.

"By all... Means."

"Thanks. Really needed this." The panther said with a pleased tone, sipping his coffee a bit in between and giving the hintful look at the panda. He knew that the waters were getting warmer, judging by the look on the panda's face.

"... Damn." The red panda said quietly to himself trying to force his gaze back on the paper.

"Ah... These fans are doing good work." The panther hummed, stretching out and laying his shirt on the table for a moment, drinking on his coffee.

When the red panda realized that he was almost done with the paperwork, there was only one last place to mark out with the info.

"I aammm.. Going to need your driver's license. Gonna need all the numbers and stuff in the form."

"Sure thing, Roger." The panther said smoothly, starting to walk towards the red panda.

The panda was fixing his posture as he was sitting on the edge of the table, his pen ready to fill out the parts. He couldn't help but to feel the lump grown on his throat out of excitement he tried to hide, as the good looking panther kept approaching.

His eyes widened a bit as the panther came more than close, literally standing inches away from him and looking at him with half-lidded eyes and digging out his pocket.

"I'm sure I'll find it soon enough."

"... Thh... Take your time, man." Roger said quietly, not able to focus on the paper anymore, as his eyes traveled all around the strong chest and stomach of the panther. Sam let the red panda soak in the sight for a good moment before reaching the plastic card from his left pocket. He slowly took it out, handing it to the panda.

"Got it."

Roger slowly reached for the card with his paw, his warm and dreamy smile finally coming back up to meet with his customer's eyes. He took the card without a word, reading it for a moment in silence.

He then hummed in wonder, starting to fill out the paper with the needed info.

But his eyes kept looking at the panther's naval area from time to time. He tried to control the growing pressure in his pants, as this well-toned panther's musk was finding it's way into his nose, fuming him up with sexual tension that was already rather heavy in the air.

"... Nice picture." Roger said quietly with an awkward chuckle, checking out the photo on the card.

"... Thanks." Sam said back quietly.

The panther saw that the panda despite his clear interest in him, was way too unsure about making any kind of real move or hint to drive this feeling forward, so Sam did what he knew best. Be his own, self-confident person, and boldly made the first move.

"You know..." Sam began quietly as the panda was almost done filling the blanks.

The panther slowly reached to grab Roger's blue tie by the end, speaking soothingly.

"Anything else you need from me to fill out on the form?" The panther asked, coming a bit closer now, the red panda having to spread his legs just so the sudden approach was possible.

"... I-I I think I am almost done h-here... Hehe... Amm..." Roger mumbled, not able to hold his nervous smile and racing heart in check, watching as the panther kept playing with the tie playfully.

"You sure you don't need anything else? I'm sure I can still fill something out." The panther hinted. The red panda could do nothing but chuckle awkwardly, rubbing the back of his head and feeling as the pressure in his khaki jeans was getting unbearable, his member giving excited twitches as it was pressed against the right side of his inner tight.

Sam could clearly see it, having scoped that one out easily. The tight pants this panda was wearing were betraying him.

"You know sometimes I've heard..." Sam began, letting go of the tie and moving his paws to grab his belt.

The red panda felt his heart race and his upper teeth bite on his underlip as he looked down, following with focus as the panther started to undo his own belt buckle.

"That to sign a deal, you have to do a handshake. But for what I have read about this island... You guys are known for doing greetings in more than a few ways." The panther kept going, having fully undone his belt and bringing his fingers on the edges of his jeans, the panda not able to take off his eyes from the area and swallowing as he spoke quietly with a smile.

"... Hhhmmm... But not everything you always read from the internet Is true..."

"Agreed... I guess I just have to trust my gut here... And see if I get the reaction I am..." The panther stopped, slowly pulling his jeans and underwear down just enough to let his downstairs breathe bare.

His flaccid member flopped out for the red panda to see; the tip slightly messed from after pre leaking due to a fap session on the airplane. The musk released itself as the black tuft of hair above his bare uncut cock felt the fan breeze around the place, the panther finishing his sentence with a self-satisfied smile after seeing the red panda's eyelids lower down almost closed and his mouth opening a bit.

"Hoping for."

"... Fuck." The red panda whispered with an impressed and lusty tone, staring at the flaccid and smooth looking member of the panther's just hang out for eyes to marvel on.

"Hhmh, since you renting a car for me, I might let you rent this any way you want, dude."

"... Haaff, damn. That... That sooounds really tempting. Fuck you look nice..." Roger huffed out, swallowing a bit of flowing drool in his mouth, as it was gathering rapidly just by looking at the dick in front of him.

The red panda had to force his eyes away from the prize, as he had to sway a bit to the left to see past the panther.

Sam felt his flirting smile turn into puzzled one, wondering what the panda was hesitating for.

"Nervous?" Sam asked, finding the attitude cute.

"Very. I don't... Do this often. But it's not the... I don't know how to put this, man." The panda muttered, rubbing the back of his neck and swinging his legs stressed back and forth, battling the urge to grab Sam's dick into his palm to feel it.

"... You sure seem comfortable with it anyway. Just lay it on me, dude. What's wrong?" Sam asked with interest.

"N-nah, I mean yeah I do... But I mean... Doesn't create a good image if some customer walks in. I can't afford to lose this job. -"

"Oh, I get it. Sorry man. Thought we were on the same level here. When I'm horny I don't always think things through-" Sam muttered, sounding a bit disappointed until Roger waved his paw and started to speak quickly in an apologizing tone.

"I-I mean it wouldn't be the first time I've been caught of doing that on job time, but... But like, it's not even that, more so the fact that... I mean, your lawyer. He doesn't seem to have a good time out there and if I wanted to... Hell, I damn sure want to get on my knees and suck your dick..." The red panda explained.

"Hhmmm?" Sam waited for continuation with a smirk, grabbing his floppy dick and swaying it a bit in his palm playfully.

"... I want to do it for more than a few minutes. It's been ages since I've done it the last time... It would be rude to let your friend outside wait all that time. Dude... Is he okay out there?" Red panda suddenly asked, his lusty smile turning into a genuine wonder.

"Oh, I'm sure George can handle twenty minutes or-"

Sam then turned around just to give a quick gaze but then froze to look at the sight.

George looked desperate and over his head. He was still on the phone with Sam's father, and it was more than clear that the call was not going well. He was under the fire. The wombat was swiping the sweat off his forehead, looking like he was about to have a panic attack if the call would keep going a minute more.

And the guilt hit the panther right away, pushing his horniness away in an instant as he realized how hard this truly had to be for George. He was most likely getting cursed at. And by the desperate looks, George was giving at the building's way, Sam's father clearly wanted his son on the phone. But George knew that it was not going to happen.

"Fuck," Sam said with an actually worried tone, starting to lift his pants up.

"... Yeah... I-in any other situation, I..."

"Yeah, got it. I'm sorry for the whole tease thing, Roger. He needs me back out there. A family matter." Sam huffed out stressed.

"I understand. And don't worry about it. I... I'm sure if... Wait. Gimme a sec. Here Is your license." Roger said quickly, handing over the plastic card to the panther, who was now turning back around to face the panda again. He quickly snatched the card from the paw, stuffing it into his pocket. Roger could not silently deny his sadness overseeing the gorgeous cock getting stuffed back into the pants, as he had swallowed drool this whole time over the need to taste it all over.

"Can I get the keys?" Sam asked, starting to do his belt buckle again.

"O-oh, yeah! Sure thing. I will run to get them from the back. And take this too." Roger said with an oddly hopeful sounding tone.

"Huh?" Sam asked in hesitation, as the panda handed out a piece of paper to the panther.

Before the panther could ask anything else, the panda could not resist a small and eager touch.

Sam felt as the panda touched his hard stomach fur with his paw, letting his fingers travel through the softness and hard muscle. He let it travel up boldly, huffing quietly as he felt around the chest of the panther with adventurous, worshipping touch, looking still excited.

"That is my phone number, Sam. You said you wanted to try riding bikes and see around the place? I can still take on that offer any day you want. Maybe... Uhmm... if you fine with it... I might want to ride something else as well... It's been ages since I've done such... So, I might be rusty... But I'm sure someone hot and sexy as you will manage fine in very tight places, hahaha... You okay with that?" The red panda asked with a hopeful tone, Sam unfolding the paper and seeing a row of digits.

His now stressed mind traveled back on the moment between them, the quick and flirty smile peeking out again as he leaned in a bit close to Roger's face, the panda tensing up and feeling his smile widen and his heart drumming as the panther spoke.

"Sound's good to me. I'll get settled in here first... And then we can go biking."

"P-plan it is then." Roger stuttered back, feeling woozy.

Sam then spoke with a doubtful smile after seeing the panda look so doubtful about this idea on the low.

"... Yo, you good? You seem a bit unsure about all this? You said you were not nervous. Like, if you just want to rent me a car and give fake numbers just to please my horny ass it doesn't need to be that way. Going on an awkward bike ride if you ain't sure about the energy-"

"I-I'm just... I don't... Do stuff with men often. I just broke up with my girlfriend after a two-year relationship two weeks back, so... Yeah. Rusty is highkey where I am at." Roger admitted, exhaling.

Sam looked actually relieved, then just giving playful punch at the panda's shoulder and spoke back.

"Ooooh, I gotchu. That explains. Don't worry, you good. You still want to go riding bikes and other stuff? I'll make it a pleasant time, fo sho." The panther asked and gave light poke on the panda's nose, making Roger mumble back and not able to hold the lusty eye contact anymore due to being a bit embarrassed, having still not stopped rubbing the panther's chest with his paw.

"Hell yeah... I'm more surprised, you know... Like, I am bad at making first moves with anyone about stuff like this... And that a guy sexy as you getting all over me like this, just makes me a bit on my toes."

The panda admitted, chuckling awkwardly on top and feeling like the fumes of the panther's manly musk was driving him crazy, as the throbbing member was begging for freedom from his tight khaki jeans.

Sam then gave a little teasing smirk, nodding his head a bit to the side.

"Don't hold yourself in too high regard, my man. You cute, but I am like this with everyone. My standards are low as hell, I just see something I like, I get to it."

"...O-oh... I see. I'm... I'm nothing special really. I don't know if I live up to your standards." Roger said with rather a sad tone, feeling a bit bad over the fact that the panther just saw him as quick possible fuck to get, just happening to be lucky enough to be on his way. But he had been without sex for months now, so he wasn't about to mess this up and decided to just go along with it, in hope of getting some action, knowing that most likely the panther would find someone way hotter to target before him and not even call the number.

The panther clearly saw a small disappointment, realizing that his straight spoken words were maybe not the most appreciating or gentle ones. He then cleared his throat and spoke back before suddenly giving the panda's paw a rub with his own, as Roger had slowly taken it away from fondling his chest.

"Not saying that you are low by any means. You adorable, Roger. And hey, if this goes well, maybe I get a link on renting cars cheaper." The panther joked.

Roger gave a bit amused and long sigh, speaking with an honest tone.

"Don't tell me that it was half the reason you targeting me here with sexual attention? Because I can't do such a thing."

"Roger, I'm kidding. I just tend to be a bit blunt with my words and I've had the most stressed day of my life. To be honest, this little chat I've had with you has been more pleasant out of the whole shit. Don't worry man, I'll call ya. Show me around. I won't forget." Sam said with snappy tack of his tongue and winked at the panda before putting the paper piece back into his pocket.

"... Okay. I'll hold onto that promise then." Roger said, feeling a bit happier now and nodding with understanding expression. He hopped off the table, making Sam back out a bit to give him space to move, the panda then giving small tap at the chest of the panther while whispering.

"I get the keys from the back. Just a sec."

"... Sound good. And hey." Sam said.

Before Roger could turn around, he felt his eyes widen a bit in jumpscare as a firm slap came from Sam against his asscheek, making him turn around and looking at the smirking panther.

"You got a really nice ass, dude. Biking been good for you."

Roger mumbled something awkwardly, not able to contain his smile as he felt his cheeks burn a bit, taking his leave to fetch the key.

"T-thanks..."

"Maybe I see it soon without the jeans on if I'm lucky." Sam gave as a yell, just before the red panda disappeared through the wooden door, only imagining how the panda smiled after hearing that.

FIVE MINUTES LATER

Sam approached cautiously at the wombat, feeling already bad for having left the pleasant company of the panda from the inside.

George... Looked like a wreck. He was covered in sweat, his eyes looked tired, and he was sitting next to the car on the pavement again. He had loosened up his tie, staring at the concrete and still holding the cellphone in his hand.

Sam wanted to say something cheery and witty like always, but this was not the time.

"Did it... Go as bad as I-"

"DON'T... Say a bloody word. Please. Don't... lad, just give me a second here." George said with closed eyes, giving a stop signal with his paw to the panther's way.

"... Sorry." Sam said very quietly, looking sad right away. The tone George was speaking with was enough to realize that he had just been dragged through hell on a line.

The panther leaned against the car, putting his hands in his pockets and feeling the scent of the sea and listening to the seagulls yell in the sky.

As he stared around for the passing mammals in light clothing, he couldn't help but peek out a small smile. The scenery and the energy around him made it hard to feel sad, but it was hard to ignore the situation his friend was going through either.

They just stayed quiet for a solid minute, as the wind kept on breezing around them and the wombat was clearly too occupied with his mind right now to even wipe the sweat off his forehead anymore.

Sam then scratched the top of his head, speaking after a short exhale.

"... Look, George. We can talk about this whole thing and go through it again... But lets at least get driving already. I will get you your beer. Let's park somewhere and you down your cold ones and relax a bit. Get the edge off."

"..." The wombat said nothing, still staring at the concrete, having no reaction whatsoever.

Sam felt a bit awkward, not knowing what else to really say right now. The wombat was quiet for ten seconds, then running his paw across his face, sniffing a bit and clearing his throat.

"I'm going to need a six-pack. Not just one beer." George said quietly.

"... Got you." Sam said, trying not to smile a bit at that. That would get George drunk, which would be a rather rare thing to witness.

"... And a sandwich." George said with a sad tone, sniffing again.

"..." Sam just nodded along.

"... And some... Is... Do they... Do they... Sell weed in gas stations around here?" George asked quietly with a wondering tone.

Sam felt his eyes widen a ton, realizing that the wombat was serious.

"... George... You never smoke. What am I hearing?"

"... It was just a thought." George said, waving the thought off with his paw.

Sam looked around, stopping on leaning against the ride and taking the keys out.

"... How about we just get the beer and I will go through the apartment notifications when we park and choose the best one? So, you can lay your feet down and sleep."

"... I'm going to motel." George said faintly.

"No. George, come on, man. I said we get through this shit together, so you staying with my place the moment I buy it. I am not shoving you into a damn motel." Sam said like it was not an option.

"Maybe I don't want to spend time under the same roof with you right now, mister Sam." George hinted annoyedly.

"... Aaaw, I know you don't mean that." Sam said, kneeling down on the wombat's level and looking apologizing.

"Lad, I am dealing with a lot of emotions right now, and I just need breathing space." George sighed.

"... Look, I am not intending to pester you for the rest of the evening. Most places come with satellite tv. You get to watch space cowboys and drink beer and take your cold shower. I'll be a minimum nuisance or you, that's a promise. I owe you that. Come on, man. Let's get riding." Sam vouched with honest intentions, just feeling bad for the wombat, truly.

"... Why can't I just rewind time back to yesterday when everything was still sane?" George asked almost like a prayer.

"... Goerge. Look at me, man. Come on, just look at me." Sam asked politely.

The wombat looked at the panther hesitantly, sniffing a bit and looking defeated as he did frustrated.

"... I will make this all up to you. I get you your money. And after all that is done, and you still decide that you won't serve me ever again as a lawyer and want to leave with your payment... I am fine with that. I won't hold it against you. But you believe in me more than my own parents do. Otherwise, you would have really beaten me up and dragged me back to the airport. I am not completely hopeless. I am going to become famous here. And I need you to trust me on that."

"..." The wombat sniffed tiredly, gathering himself off from the ground and swiping on his suit to get the dust off.

Sam clicked on the keys, lights blinking on the car and opening the locks from the doors.

Sam nodded excitedly for the wombat to get in.

"Come on, old man. Let's go and get that beer for you. And let's buy a desk fan while we at it to ease your car ride. Sound like a plan?"

As Sam was opening his door, George was circling around the car, speaking back with a skeptical tone.

"... Lad, the way I see it... I have very little choice left."

TO BE CONTINUED