Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Calvin leaned against the wall of the police station, writing in his journal.

This is the third time this week that Rocky’s found himself in one of the cells here. All of the officers in his district know him on a first-name basis. I know the last thing he wants to do is talk to me, but I’m really getting concerned. How long will this cycle go on before whoever keeps bailing him out stops? I-

His writing was cut off by the voice of the lady who usually ran the front desk of the department. “McMurray, Miss Pepper is here for Mr. Rickaby. Could you release him? She’s posted bail a few moments ago.”

Immediately he closed the booklet and stuffed it in his pocket, gaze snapping up to the two women in front of him, locking eyes with the new face. A young lady dressed in yellow garb with the most beautiful citrine eyes he’d ever seen.

After a few moments had passed, Mrs. Clark tipped her head. “Erm… McMurray? Are you alright?”

Shaking his head, he realized he’d been staring. “Yes! Yes. Sorry. Uhm, if you’d follow me, Ma’am.” He opened the buffer door to the cells and made his way to the cell door where the gray tabby sat… upside down? “Rocky… Miss Pepper posted bail for you. You’re free to go.” He sighed and unlocked the door, before Miss Pepper grabbed Rocky by the tail.

“Rocky! How many times have we told you not to go around scaring old people!”

“Ow! Ow! Not the tail! And it’s not my fault they don’t like me!”

“Don’t get me started, mister!” She was about to drag him off, before Calvin interrupted.

“Um, Miss, if I may… what is your relation to my cousin?”

She turned and gave him a hard look, seemingly scanning his face. “Wait, Rocky, this is the Freckle you were talking about? I can’t even see it…”

“You’ll have to shave him like I did.” Rocky responded in between whimpers.

Calvin cleared his throat, which brought the lady’s attention back to him. “Oh, sorry. My name’s Ivy, I’m a friend of his. We work…” She slowed down as if thinking of what to say. “Near each other. He’s across the street, and we just became friends.” She chuckled lightly. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, officer…”

“Oh! O-of course.” He smiled sheepishly and held the door for her. “Good to know he has friends, I suppose. Well, thank you Miss Pepper. Have a good day.” Calvin locked the gate behind them and checked his pocketwatch. Just a few more minutes before he went back out to patrol until his lunch break.

He took a deep breath and pulled out his journal once more.

The one who posted bail for Rocky today was a one Miss Pepper, or Ivy. She had a face I’d like to remember.

Chapter Text

Calvin closed his journal with a leathery thwap and slid it in his coat pouch. Looking up, he saw a well-kept unfamiliar man looking at him across the room with a pipe up to his mouth. Calvin tried to pretend he didn’t see him, but could only do so much when he was beckoned across the room.

With a bit of unease, he went up to the stranger in a button-down vest. “Ehm… Can I help you, sir?”

“Are you new around here, cadet?” The man asked, noting the seemingly new overcoat and hat Calvin was wearing.

He glanced at his suit once pointed at, before looking back up at the man. “Y-yes, yes sir. Officer McMurray, sir. I graduated from the academy 2 months ago in June. Might I ask who you are?”

“Ah, I seem to have forgotten my manners. My name is Dominic Drago, an officer of the treasury. I’ve been sent down here from Washington the other day, and I didn’t recognize you.” He took another puff from his pipe, trying his best to ignore how Calvin immediately stood up and saluted when he said his role. “Heh… At ease, cadet. I like to know the faces around where I’m working, and it’s good to see there’s still new, young hope for this God forsaken city… But I won’t bore you with politics.”

“R-right, sir. If you don’t mind, may I ask why you were assigned here?” Calvin briefly eyed the clock. He still had time.

“As much as an officer has a right to know what’s happening in his town, I’m afraid I’ve said too much already. But if all goes well, Chief Mobrak should brief you all in time.” He took another puff of his tobacco, not looking too enthusiastic.

“Understood, thank you sir.” He glanced at the clock again. “I need to leave for patrol, but it… it was nice meeting you!”

—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As Calvin walked up to the officer he was replacing on patrol, he caught a glimpse of a man in a trenchcoat handing over a sealed envelope, before sharply turning away after returning Calvin’s gaze.

“Uhh… sir?”

“Ah, McMurray! You’re… early. The ehm… Mailman recognized me and stopped to give me that. Alright. See you tomorrow.”

“I… Alright..?”

He took a moment to just stop and look confused, staring at nothing, trying to wrap his mind around the strange interaction, before finally beginning to do his job.

—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After another uneventful patrol, Calvin’s lunch break finally began, though he didn’t start it until helping an elderly lady up the staircase to her apartment… very slowly.

With a sigh, he wiped his brow, took off his hat, and b-lined to the nearest building with a cafe sign.

The door jingled when he opened it, sending a wave of relief across his body as he felt the cool inside air contrast with his hot fur. Sitting on a stool beside the counter, Calvin grabbed the nearest menu and propped it up, scanning for a sandwich that looked enticing enough.

“I’ll be with you in a minute!” A young voice echoed from what he assumed to be the kitchen.

“No rush, ma’am!” He replied, before raising an eyebrow at a dish that sounded perfect. Ham, lettuce, mayonnaise, tomato, and american cheese on whole wheat bread, with a glass of his guilty pleasure, chocolate milk.

Footsteps approached him from the other side of the counter, so he lowered the menu and made contact with a familiar pair of eyes.

“What can I get you?... Wait…”

“You!” They both said in unison.

Chapter Text

Miss Pepper’s eyes glowed at Calvin with a mix of confusion and intrigue, which he returned with surprise.

“I uh… Nice to see you again..?” Calvin said to break the silence, whilst adjusting the collar of his uniform.

Ivy crossed her arms and tilted her head, eyes squinted. “Did you follow me?”

“N-no! No.”

“Then why are you here?” She leaned back on the counter, not breaking eye contact. “If you’re looking for Rocky, he’s not here right now.”

“No, that’s not why I came here.”

“Then why did you come here? More extortion? Some scummy ‘protection fee’ like what the last cop that came here offered?”

“What? No, I-”

“Then why are you here?!” She all-but slammed on the counter.

“I… I just came here for lunch!” Calvin stammered, slightly raising his voice.

“...”

Calvin might as well have shrunk in his seat three sizes with the way her gaze lingered on him. What would happen next? Would she report him to his supervisor for stalking? Abuse of power? Get him fired- Wait, was she laughing?

Coming back to his senses and out of his mind, he realized that she was in fact laughing. To the point where she wiped a tear from her eye.

“I… What?”

Him responding made her briefly stop laughing, before continuing to laugh even harder.

“What- What’s so funny??”

“Rocky was right!” She wheezed. “You do puff up when you’re scared.”

“No, I- What?”

“I…Whew! I’m just teasing ya, cute stuff. What can I get you for lunch?” She smiled and grabbed her notepad. “It’s nice to see you again, Officer.”

Although at first it was involuntary, Calvin could only smile after seeing the happiness on her face. “Heh… May I get the #7 please?

Chapter Text

Calvin smiled as he walked back out on the street, his lunch break over. And yet, he wasn’t even remotely annoyed. In all honesty, he felt like nothing could ruin the day. He had a lovely conversation with who was probably the most gorgeous girl he’d ever seen, and on top of that, an amazing sandwich.

They talked about his job, her studies, hobbies, his journal, and just about everything else they could fit into half an hour. It was lovely. Speaking of his journal, Calvin pulled it out to write down the location of the Little Daisy, but noticed something he didn’t write.

“Come back at 6 tonight! -Ivy”

That, as well as a smiley face? Good thing he didn’t have any plans tonight.

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Calvin slid on his more casual clothes, that being a green vest and slacks with a white button-down shirt underneath, before quietly stepping out of his room and making his way downstairs.
“I’m going to go out for a bit, mom. I should be back soon.” Calvin hoped that he could leave it at that without being inquisitioned, but glancing over and seeing his mother stop knitting and raise an eyebrow, he knew there would be more.

“Where are you off to at this hour? Did Roark drag you into something again?”

“It’s not even 6, mom. And Rocky hasn’t been around here for a couple months.”

“You needn’t remind me of the time, I’m just curious as to where you’re going. The lowlifes of the city love this time of day.”

“I’m just…” He slowed down a bit, trying to think of a quick excuse, but he knew he was a terrible liar. “...Going to meet up with another officer and play some cards.”

Calvin shook internally as his mother’s prying eyes turned to slits, analyzing him.

“Alright, just don’t be gone long. You’ve an early day tomorrow.”

After taking the biggest mental sigh of relief, he nodded. “Yes Ma’am.”

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Calvin glanced at his pocket watch as he stepped out of the car, noting the time. 5:55 PM. Just early enough to not be awkward. After a very brief walk, he was across the street of the Little Daisy Cafe, and was about to go in, before he noticed something behind the windows of the familiar building.

Someone, who he easily recognized as Miss Pepper, was lugging around a crate of what seemed like… some kind of bottle, next to a large orange cat, carrying two of the same crates.

His mind began to jump around. That’s… soda pop, right? The bottles look too tall though… It’s surely not alcohol, right? I mean, that’s illegal. But it looks like… Where have I seen that before? Where- Oh! Communion! Wait, but why would they have communion wine here? No, no. That’s probably just what the pop comes in before they sell it. Where are they bringing it though? I thought that was just a condiment shelf… What is going on?

He dismissed the thoughts, assuming he was just being a worrywart, and made his way across the street, and knocked on the door after waiting a few moments.

Almost immediately, the familiar face of Miss Pepper - albeit a little more worrisome looking - popped out of where she carried the crates of pop just moments ago, followed by the rest of her as she came to the door.

As she was fiddling with the lock, Calvin tried to not look impatient. “Hello!” He waved at her as she opened the door.

Chapter Text

Calvin rubbed his eyes as he got out of bed, sliding out of his pajamas and into his uniform. The previous night was… truly not like any other he’d had. He’d never talked so much to a single person. First they talked and shared a milkshake, before going to a neighboring restaurant for dinner. After some of the best food he’d had - other than the sandwich from the other day - they were going to walk through the park, but instead just ended up walking around the block a couple times, before going back to the Little Daisy.

Something scandalous had even happened; They shared a kiss.

It just reinforced his belief that he’d fallen for the lady with those yellow eyes.

He arrived back home at around 9, thankfully followed by no questions from his mother, who really just seemed pleased that he came back with a smile on his face.

Those night was wonderful. He kept thinking back to every moment he shared with Miss Pepper throughout the entire drive to the station. It even made him forget about… Oh.

Right.

Just the ever so brief thought of remembering what probably was a crime made him gag.

His mind was racing as he made his way to the elevator he still didn’t fully trust. There’s no way that she was doing anything illegal. I mean, she’s an 18 year old college student with a job! What on Earth would she do anything like that for? I should just ask her. There’s no harm in that, right? No, you idiot! That would just make things worse! Even if she isn’t, what are you gonna say, “Oh by the way are you secretly part of the mob? Because I saw you-”

“McMurray? You there, cadet?” A gruff voice caught his attention. Immediately looking up at where it came from, his legs immediately felt weak.

“Chief! S-sorry sir.” He saluted and fixed his posture.

“It’s alright, just making sure you’re still in there.” Chief Mobrak cleared his throat, before continuing. “You know, I was not too different from you, McMurray. Young, nervous, and not really sure of my place in the world, but with the urge to do what’s right.”

The chief sighed and shook his head. “There’s a lot going on in this city that shouldn’t. Just remember to stay vigilant, and report anything suspicious you see.”

Calvin stiffened as he felt the chief’s paw on his shoulder.

“I got high hopes for you, kid.”

Calvin nodded. “Thank you, sir..!” Before speedwalking out, rounding the corner, and running to the bathroom, followed by him losing what he had for breakfast.

Why did he feel so guilty? He didn’t even do anything wrong! All Calvin did - or didn’t - do was tell the chief! That being said, it was a stupid decision. Being quiet about a potential lead to a bootlegging gang? A gang that potentially has a body count?

No! Calvin needed to keep his head straight. At least, that’s what he was thinking when an idea came to mind.

He broke out his journal.

I can’t ignore my suspicions, but if I’m wrong, that could end up poorly for all involved. Extra police resources spent on nothing, time wasted, and it would make Miss Pepper mad, rightfully so. I need to do some digging by myself.

Was he really doing this just for a girl?

Yes. Yes I am.

Chapter Text

Checking his pocket watch, he was right on time. 6 o’clock sharp in some nice clothes, ready for a night with Miss Pepper. He prepared himself so much for it, that he forgot to even ask if she wanted to go out tonight.

Thankfully, he spotted her through the window, though she wasn’t in her work clothes or a dress. Instead, more casual clothes with muddied shoes. While Calvin wasn’t one to judge, it definitely piqued his interest.

All his prior thoughts went away, however, when he noticed her laying eyes on him, and running over to the door with a smile.

“McMurray! I think you’d come back! I thought we had too much fun for you.” She giggled, before running up and giving him a peck on the cheek, making the orange fur on his face puff up.

Once the night had begun, they shared pleasantries, made two sandwiches for the both of them, and all in all were having a nice time, when the front door behind them opened with a slam.

“Miss Pepper, Miss M. needs- Oh, who might this gentleman be? Don’t tell me you’ve lured another into your trap?”

“Rocky!” Miss Pepper bared her teeth in a threatening smile. “Calvin is here, surely whatever you were saying can wait? Preferably followed by you going back the way you came?”

Calvin, caught off guard and even a little embarrassed, took a moment to say anything.

“Ah, cousin! What brings the ilk of you here?”

“I… I’m just here for Miss Pepper.”

“Glad you two could have this talk.” Ivy interjected. “But Rocky, I think I heard someone outside calling your name.” She got up and pushed him outside, much to Rocky’s dismay.

“Surely the succubus won’t steal my cousin from me, right?”

“SUCCUBUS?!” Ivy yelled before kicking him out and slamming the glass door behind her, and slapping him over and over.

While Calvin couldn’t hear exactly what they were saying through the windows, it certainly didn’t sound good.

After a few minutes, Rocky finally turned away and somberly walked out of Calvin’s view. Ivy gave him a pained smile through the window, fixed her hair, and came back to him.

“That was… intense.” He chuckled a tiny bit, trying to lighten the mood. “Sorry for my cousin, he can be…”

“A handful.” She finished his sentence for him. “I know. I’ve known him for a little over two years, and in that time he’s gotten on my nerves more than I can count. But… he’s still got that charm. Plus he’s very loyal.” Ivy finished, before biting her tongue.

“What do you mean loyal?”

“Oh, you know. Just to his job. And his friends.”

Calvin couldn’t help but wonder what she originally meant to say, as something seemed off, but he didn’t want to push it. “Yeah. I know what you mean.”

A few moments of silence between them followed, eventually being broken by Miss Pepper.

“Anywho, what brings you over tonight? You didn’t leave your wallet this time.”

“Oh! I just… Heh, this is gonna sound cheesy.” He stammered and rubbed the back of his head, looking to the side.

Ivy grinned at him. “Don’t worry, I like cheesy.”

“I…” He cleared his throat, trying to sound more confident. “I came here to see you! Just after the past few nights, I really enjoyed your company.”

In response, Calvin got the sweetest, most beautiful smile he’d ever seen. “Aaw, Calvin!” She placed a paw on his. “I’ve really enjoyed you, too.”

Calvin felt his heart go aflutter with love as he heard her response. “That- That’s wonderful!”

“Do you want to… make this more official?”

Chapter Text

The next few months were the same thing. Ivy and him getting closer, the occasional odd encounter on the job, and the staunch reminder that he could possibly be dating a criminal that made his stomach churn.

It was really a lot of ups and downs. He could see himself breaking out of his shell, so to speak, thanks to Ivy. Talking more, being a whole lot less awkward, and even having a bit of confidence now and then.

The more and more they got to know eachother, the more and more Calvin fell in love. Eventually, he wanted to take the next step. But what would that be? The only thing that came to mind at this state was meeting her family, but he’d learned they were out in Kansas City, and with both of their busy schedules, it seemed unrealistic for the time being.

His family though? Well, it really was just his mother. As much as he shook at the thought, there was an upcoming opportunity for that. See, he had a plan all formulated out in his head.

Easter was coming up, and after non-chalantly asking if Ivy was going back to Kansas City to be with her family then, she said no. So, on a day meant for family and worship, a day that his mother couldn’t really be mad, he would invite her to join them on the Easter service. Nina would probably be elated to let a “friend” without family around to share the service with.

Now? Now all he had to do was go through with it… which was the hard part.

First, he should convince his mother. And after a long day of nothing - and helping the same old lady cross the street 3 times - he decided today would be the day he’d ask.

Calvin sat across the room from his mother as he re-read Huckleberry Finn for the third time this year. He slid a ribbon at his current page and closed the book, before breaking the silence.

“Mom, would you mind if I invite a friend to join us for the Easter service?”

Nina stopped knitting and looked at him. Not angry, but intrigued. “What’s this friend’s name? And shouldn’t he be with his own family on such a day?”

“Actually, her family is over in Kansas City, and she can’t go far because of her studies.” He quietly replied.

Instead of the scolding he was expecting, Nina merely replied with an “Alright then.” and he noticed an ever so slight smile on her face.

A massive wave of relief went over him. Did she really just say that? Like, that was it?

“Thanks, mom.” He said, trying to hide the smile that was creeping up on his face by picking his book back up.

Now that the hard part was over, all he had to do was ask Ivy.

The very next day, on his lunch break, he went to the Little Daisy and sat down at the counter. Like usual, Ivy left him his usual sandwich and chocolate milk.

“Thank you, Miss Pepper.”

Ivy smiled and gave him a small peck on the cheek in response.

He picked the sandwich up and was about to take a bite, before remembering what he needed to do. He couldn’t lie and say he wasn’t nervous about asking her, even if the hard part was over. But you could still never be too sure.

“Say, Miss Pepper, would you like to come to the Easter service with my mother and I?”

Instead of needing to explain himself or even a teasing remark, Ivy just gleamed at him.

“Sure!”

Was… Was it really that easy?

Chapter Text

It was the Friday before Easter, and Calvin went into the station with a smile on his face, one that was quickly noticed by Mrs. Clark as Calvin checked himself in.

“You might be the happiest man in the city. What’s the news, McMurray?”

“Hm? Oh.” He looked to the side, slightly embarrassed. “There’s not much to it, yesterday was just a good day.

She raised an eyebrow and matched it with a smile. “That’s it? C’mon McMurray, it gets boring at the front desk all day.”

“Alright… I might have-” He was quickly cut off by a loud slamming sound coming from the stairwell.

Calvin and Mrs. Clark shared a worried glance, before he went to the bottom of the stairs with a worried face and was greeted by the treasury agent he’d met a while ago who did not look happy. It seemed like Calvin was about to be ran over, before he made eye contact, causing him to stop.

“McMurray, right?” Mr Drago asked, pulling out his pipe.

“Y-yes sir, can I help you sir?”

“Do you have a moment? C’mon, walk with me.”

Calvin didn’t get a chance to respond before the agent walked out with him. So like any reasonable cop who doesn’t want to upset a treasury agent, he followed.

“I might get in trouble for saying this, but you seem like ya’ got a good enough head on your shoulders.” The agent turned to him. “This city’s got a problem. Every other damn cop or politician in this city is in the pocket of another politician or some rich asshole.”

“W-what? What do you mean?”

“Corruption, kid. That’s what I deal with. I got sent down here because there was word there might be an issue involving it, and it turns out there’s more than a little bit. The entire city reeks of it.” He took a puff of his pipe and shook his head, “And with time I could prove it, but that chief of yours just sent me home. Apparently there isn’t enough proof or somethin’ stupid like that.”

“I… you realize how this sounds, right?” Calvin’s concerned look grew. In return he got a confused glare.

“Oh right, I guess you’re new to the whole cop thing… I don’t even know why I’m telling you this stuff. Just… try to keep that head on straight and don’t be dumb.” He shook his head. “But don’t be a hero. That’ll get you killed.”

Calvin was about to ask another question about… whatever just happened, but an angry voice from over his shoulder pulled him back. “McMurray! Where the hell do you think you're going?! Your shift starts in 5!"

Chapter Text

Calvin took a deep breath as he pulled up to the Little Daisy with his mother in the passenger side on Easter morning. “They should be in here.” He stayed still for a moment, before realizing he should probably walk her to the car and hold the door for her, for courtesy and so his mother doesn’t scold him.

He stepped out and took a breath of the sweet St. Louis air, said a brief silent payer, and redid his bowtie. Eventually, when enough of the nerves left Calvin went to the door, peering through, and seeing Ivy in a wonderful yet simple sundress, in what seemed like an argument with a pearl-necklaced woman in a red dress.

Though his better intuition told him not to interrupt, his curiosity got the better of him.

“-Not dumb! I just- Oh, hello Calvin!” Ivy quickly ran up to him and gave him a hug, leaving the other lady to shake her head and go upstairs.

“Hello… Did I interrupt something? Sorry.”

Ivy opened her mouth to respond, but was cut off by Rocky.

“Oh thank goodness the law is here, to put an end to the vitriol and bloody feud on this holy day!”

Ivy rolled her eyes next to Calvin. “I get why you had to invite him… but does he have to sit next to us?”

Calvin chuckled nervously, unsure if that was a joke or not. “Actually, we should get on the road. My mom doesn’t like it when we’re any less than half an hour early to church… by the way, you look… lovely.” He blushed and quickly opened the door, trying to ignore the ooo’s and ogling.

With Nina in the passenger seat, Calvin opened the door to the back for Ivy and Rocky, before getting back in the driver’s seat.

Immediately, the conversation started, making Calvin’s nerves start like a hurricane. All of the worries he had came back to him.

“Hello Miss Pepper, it’s nice to finally meet ya.” Nina turned around to face the both of them. “...Roark.”

“Hi Mrs. McMurray! Calvin’s told me many of nice things about you, and I’m looking forward to spending the morning with you!” Ivy gleamed. Calvin couldn’t exactly tell if Ivy was too sincere with that last part, but God forbid he point it out. All he knew was that he felt squished between the tension involving everyone else in the car.

Chapter Text

The first portion of the car ride was very quiet, minus a few attempts from Ivy to start conversation. “So… If I may, Mrs. McMurray, what is the plan for today? I’m free all day, so if you’d be willing, I’d love to spend the day with everyone.”

A few seconds of silence followed, occasionally broken by the impatient tapping of Rocky’s foot, but it was thankfully stopped by Nina as she turned to the backseat to address Ivy directly. “Well, you’re more than welcome to join us for a family dinner after the service. It wouldn’t hurt to have another pair of paws in the kitchen. D’ya know how to make shepherd’s pie?”

Ivy gleamed at the question and was quick to respond. “Oooh, no, but that sounds lovely!”

Calvin tried to focus on the road, but the thought of his mother’s shepherd’s pie all-but made his mouth water. A secret recipe passed down by the ladies of the McMurray family that was only prepared on special occasions. What brought him back down to Earth, was the steeple he spotted out of the corner of his eye, signalling that they’d arrived.

Parking quickly, Calvin hopped out and ran around to the other side, opening the door for both the ladies, two “Thank you”s following soon after.

The service was slow as usual, and roughly 20 minutes in Calvin noticed Ivy’s impatience, despite her best attempts to cover it up and stay as the finest example of the perfect woman that she wanted Nina to see her as. 

As to not to seem impolite, the four of them remained quiet throughout the service, only a brief exchange of words from his mother and cousin as Rocky stood up and walked out of the chapel, presumably too bored to care about being a disturbance. 

The only things spoken between Calvin and Ivy was once they got up to the front for communion. 

“Body of Christ.” The priest said as he gave the young couple their wafers.

After they had those, the two of them made their way to the deacon who was giving out the other half of communion. “Blood of Christ.”

Calvin had his splash of wine as did Ivy, but as they walked back Calvin chuckled lightly and whispered through the bitter taste lingering in his mind. “Ever had anything like that?”

Ivy giggled in response. “Oh that’s nothing, you should see what we have back at the Daisy.” After the words left her lips, she seemingly bit her tongue and widened her eyes, before trying to laugh it off.

He was caught off guard by the response, his mind in inner turmoil trying to decide if that was just a bad joke, or if she just admitted to a crime. To not seem rude or deep in thought, he laughed awkwardly with her, slinking back to their seats. 

Did… Did she just say what I think she did? Oh Ivy… why?

Chapter Text

The rest of the Easter evening was nice, and almost did enough to push that last comment from Ivy out of his mind. Calvin ground up the meat and added all the spices he was provided, while Nina quietly gave the instructions to Ivy, who followed with precision and enjoyment.

It made his heart warm to see his mother and Ivy working together with smiles on both their faces, but only long enough before his mother noticed. “Calvin, the day the beef seasons itself is the day I’ll let ye off the hook. Back to it, leanbh.”

Once his part was done, he went to the living room to set the table for 4… for the first time since his dad passed. Calvin hummed softly, laying the forks and knives. And really, the rest of the night was like that. They shared a lovely dinner, Ivy shot glances and winks at Calvin without Nina noticing, Rocky spilled his gravy… It was all perfect.

After all was said and done, Calvin drove Ivy back to her dorm. It was a short and peaceful drive where the two of them blabbered back and forth about the dinner, his mother, and for some reason carpentry.

He pulled over to let her out, she gave him a big kiss. One that left an outline of lipstick on his over lips. Calvin wore a stupid smile as he walked over to the center of her campus.

“I can take myself the rest of the way back. Thank you Calvin, tonight was amazing. I never knew your Mom was such a good cook!” Ivy gleamed as she hugged him.

“Thanks, I enjoyed tonight too. I’ll see you tomorrow at lunch.” With one final hug as a goodbye, he turned around and began to walk back to his car.

Not after maybe 10 seconds, he heard a high-pitched yell and an angry conversation coming from the direction he just walked away from.

Calvin immediately turned around and ran around the corner, finding an intoxicated cat with his hand tightly around Ivy’s wrist, pulling her towards him. Ivy however, was very cleary not interested in being apprehended.

Adrenaline made its way through his veins that he had to fight to not beat the living daylights out of the man that was assaulting his girlfriend. He got in between them and had to calm all three of them down.

He finally managed to separate them, which calmed the adrenaline enough for it to stop roaring in his ears. “S-sir, you need to stop. Miss Pepper is clearly not a willing participant of your… grabbing.”

“Huhh…? Get your hands off me, mick!” The man slurred a slur, seemingly able to tell Calvin’s heritage from a glance. What followed next, was the man in his drunken stupor sending a perfect punch square on Calvin’s nose, knocking him back.

Ivy pulled away and gasped, her paws covering her face in shock. “Lawrence! Stop!”

Calvin slowly got up and punched back, knocking the man against the concrete, before turning him over and grabbing the cuffs from the back of his waist. “Sir, you just assaulted an officer of the law. I am putting you under arrest.”

Ignoring the hissy fit that was stuck underneath him, he turned to Ivy. “Are you alright?” As he got a nod in response that reassured him, he took a sigh of relief. “Ivy, please get the campus security officer.”