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.
Notes:
Thanks for reading! I love all the positive feedback and comments on the first chapter, it really did convince me to go through with this fic. One more thing, I have an idea for a fic after this that I'm quite thrilled about (plus it will have longer chapters lmao), and I think y'all will love it. Once again, comments are always appreciated.
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?
Notes:
Thanks for reading! Things probably will slow down a tiny bit more, but this won't be over till I say it's over. And again, thanks so much for the support!
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.
Notes:
Thanks for reading! Sorry for the slow update, but after a late night I think I've managed to convince myself to add some more to this, thanks to no small effort from y'all. All the encouragement really helped. I've been going through a little bit of a rough time, and all of your positive comments just gave me that final push.
As always, comments are appreciated!
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.
Notes:
Gonna be completely real, I'm not sure where to go from here.
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?”
Notes:
Nvm, I'm back in the swing of things.
Comments are appreciated!
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?
Notes:
Thanks for reading! Comments are appreciated!
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!"
Notes:
Thanks for reading! I kinda turned Drago into a bit of a fast-talking New Yorker cop when he's angry. I thought it fit him well.
Comments are always appreciated.
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.
Notes:
Another short one. Just thought I should get it out while I have it, though I haven't gotten very far in the next chapter at all. Thanks for reading, and comments are appreciated.
Chapter 10
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
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?
Notes:
If it wasn't obvious, I lost ALL motivation for this. But! I'm back. At least temporarily.
I can't say when the last couple chapters will be out - because I don't know when they will. Slowly and steadily I'm doin' it though. I *should* have it finished before I go back to college in September.
Chapter 11
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
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.”
Notes:
IM ALIVE
college isnt too bad, at least not yet
Chapter 12
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
About 10 minutes had gone by before other officers showed up, Calvin needing to tell the story a total of three times. Once to the campus security and twice to the police, who seemed very… almost annoyed? It all seemed incredibly off to him, but really his prime concern was Ivy.
She promised to him she was alright albeit a little shook, but he didn’t quite buy it. To Calvin, it felt like everyone was in on something. Something that every person around him knew, but he didn’t. Ivy was pretty much attached to him at the hip and an arm latched around his - which he wasn’t against by any means - egging him to just leave it.
All of it made him uncharacteristically angry. It all boiled over when he noticed one of the officers take off the cuffs Calvin put on the perpetrator - who he now knew was named “Lawrence Hillman” - and let him half-drunkenly walk off to the male dormitories.
Ivy’d swear steam was coming out of Calvin’s ears when he stormed over to the officer. “What the feck are you doin?! Why are you just lettin’ him go?!”
“McMurray, calm-”
“Don’t you tell me to calm down! He assaults not only me but my girlfriend while he’s in a drunken stupor!” Calvin fumed. “And don’t give me anythin’ about evidence, I got the bruise on my cheek and my lady’s wrist to prove it! You can’t just-”
“McMurray!” The officer yelled. “As your superior I order you to calm down!”
Calvin was having none of it. “What, is assault legal now? If that’s the case, why don’t I just show him how I feckin feel about-”
“McMurray!” He yelled even louder, grabbing him by the arm, pulling him back. “He won’t get away with it scot-free. I just need you to calm down. I’m putting you on leave. Take tomorrow off, and it’ll be sorted by Tuesday.”
Calvin finally stopped when he felt Ivy take his hand.
“Please, let’s just go.”
“I…” His brow furrowed, confused.
“Listen to the lass. Go home.”
Gritting his teeth, he turned around and stormed back to the car, Ivy jogging in tow.
“Gobshite!” He yelled, kicking a pebble a clear 20 yards.
Notes:
NOT DEAD AGAIN!
College is definitely picking up in work and difficulty, and an English professor who'd rather talk about her politics rather than teach English is not helping. But! For whatever reason, these past few days I've been chipper and got a bit of writing done in between work. I can promise it won't be another month before the next chapter lmao
Also yeah, Calvin definitely gets Irish when he gets angry.
Chapter 13
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Calvin wasn’t any less calm by the time they’d gotten back to the car. He opened the passenger door for Ivy, and slammed his own door after getting in. He took a moment for himself, taking a deep breath, but it didn’t help.
“I don’t understand…” He felt his bruised cheek. “...Why they’re just letting him walk.”
He heard a sigh beside him. “It’s cause he’s the mayor’s kid. He’s known around campus for being a jerk that gets away with everything.” Ivy originally said that in hopes of calming him down, but that just seemed to make him angrier as he started the vehicle.
“So just cause he’s the mayor’s kid, he gets to do whatever the-” He bit his tongue to prevent himself from swearing again. “I’m sorry, Miss Pepper. Sorry for not being able to do anything to make sure he never hurts you again, and I’m sorry for-”
He was interrupted by a familiar pair of warm lips pressed against his. “It’s alright. Really. I’m used to it.”
That just about made Calvin pull the car over. “W-what do you mean? Has he done that to you before?”
“N-no! No, not that. Sorry. I just mean I’m used to him getting away with stuff. Drinking, being a nuisance, and grabby, even if not to me. Usually he just goes for my roommate…” She huffed. “But if anything, it was nice to see you teach him a lesson. I’ve never seen Lawrence get his comeuppance like that… you’re pretty strong.”
That was enough to calm Calvin down for the rest of the drive, and even stammer a bit in response, making Ivy laugh.
A few minutes passed before Calvin finally realized that he was just driving home out of habit. “Wait, where am I going? Should I bring you back to your dorm now that they’re probably gone?”
She placed her paw on his shoulder. “Let’s just go to the Little Daisy. There’s a guest room up above that I’m sure Miss M. would be fine with us using for the night.” She rolled her eyes at his questioning look. “She’s my boss, and my Godmother. It’ll be fine.”
Notes:
Thanks for reading! I'm already working on the next chapter, so that one should release relatively soon too.
Chapter 14
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Calvin slowly pulled the car to a stop against the sidewalk in front of the Little Daisy, taking a breath of the cool night air. He went around the car to open the door for Ivy, who offered her his paw as they walked to the entrance.
She fumbled with her purse while he waited at the door. “Raspberries!” Ivy huffed. “I must’ve lost my key in that kerfuffle…”
Calvin’s mind briefly rushed with what they should do. Ivy implied she wouldn’t be safe at the dorm and wanted to spend the night with him… He could bring her to his house and just sleep on the couch, but Nina probably wouldn’t be too keen on that idea. Maybe in the car? No, that’s not comfortable enough.
Thankfully it was put to a stop soon enough. “Ugh. Wait here, I know another way in. I’ll unlock it from the inside.”
He watched her run around the other side of the building, a little confused as to why he couldn’t come with, but decided she knew what she was doing.
After a minute of him staring down the street passed, he turned around, hearing a knock against the glass. It was Ivy with a cheery smile unlocking the door. “Problem solved! Now c’mere you!” She pulled him in for a hug, before locking the door behind him.
“Nice! How’d you get in?” He asked cheerfully, Ivy’s infectious joy having warmed his heart.
“A magician never reveals her secrets.” She giggled. “Follow me, I’ll show you where the room is.”
Ivy led him by the hand up the stairs and around a corner to the room they’d be sharing. It was… rather luxurious, honestly. Everything in the room was some variation of rose-gold with a detailed carpet, adorned nightstands and dresser, and a large, fluffy bed in the center laden with trimmed pillows. It was at this moment the gears in Calvin’s brain actually started to turn, albeit slowly.
“Wait, there’s only one bed… D-do you want me to sleep on one of the booths downstairs? I- I can do that. I wouldn’t mind.” He stammered.
“There’s enough space on the bed…” Ivy looked down to the side, uncharacteristically timid.
“I- Uhm.. I’ll just sleep downstairs-” He was stopped when he felt his lover’s paws on his arm, tugging him back.
“Please, McMurray? I… I don’t want to sleep alone tonight.” She looked at him with eyes that were clearly nervous, but had a hint of something else in them. Something he couldn’t quite decipher.
“I… B-but we’re not married yet. It would be improper to sleep-”
“It’s awfully cold alone…”
“I don’t think it’s a good idea to-”
“Please?”
“...” Calvin gulped as he looked back at her. “...Ok.”
Calvin would kick off his shoes and hang up his coat and hat, before slowly joining his lover in the large bed.
Notes:
Took longer than I thought, but this'll be a double update to make up for it.
Chapter Text
Calvin awoke to a sharp pain across his face, followed by some yelling he couldn’t decipher. He went to rub his eyes and get up, before feeling another leathery smack across his face.
“Damnit, Calvin! Wake up you jerk!” Ivy yelled with a teary-eyed face.
“Wha- what? I’m up, I’m up! What’s wrong?!” Once his eyes adjusted, he had to quickly block another swing at him with-
Oh no.
His journal.
“Ivy! Stop! Just… Just let me explain!” Calvin yelled, rubbing his face.
“Why should I trust you?! You just… You just lied to get in the Lackadaisy and in my bed!” Ivy yelled as she paced around the room, a mix of fear, anger, and sadness spread across her face, ruining the little makeup that remained from the previous day. “Is that all I am to you? Just some stupid evidence?! I thought you loved me!” Ivy slowed down. “I thought I loved you…”
“The- What? What are you saying?!” Calvin tried to calm her down and explain, even though it was likely that she was able to come to her own conclusion from reading the book that was meant solely for his own private eyes.
“Shut up! You… You liar!” Ivy couldn’t hold back the pools of a broken heart showering down her face anymore. “I should’ve listened to Miss M… all you cops are just liars!” That was the last thing she said before tossing his journal at his face and bolting out the door.
Calvin quickly got up and shimmied on enough clothes to be decent, and ran down the way they came up to chase after, but by the moment he stepped out the door, he realized it was too late. She was nowhere in sight, presumably lost in the early Monday morning hustle and bustle. Defeated, he made his way back inside and slumped in the nearest booth.
She’ll come back, right? It was just a misunderstanding… He knew she probably was some kind of criminal, but he didn’t care about that! He loved her! Why did he have to keep some stupid booklet on himself?! Writing down every single thought like a dumbass, just waiting for someone to steal it and know the ins and outs of his mind.
If only he didn’t. If only he had a moment to explain himself.
But did he really deserve that?
That’s the single thought that clouded his mind as he lay in the booth at a cafe, arm covering his teary eyes, wearing beige pants and an undershirt.
Well, that and one other: What the hell is a Lackadaisy?