Chapter Text
Dyle pulled the curtains to his shop closed.
Most toons had retreated to their rooms for the night, and Dandy had closed his shop for the night about 30 minutes ago. But Dyle had a structure, he had to close up at 10:30pm every night. You never know what toon could have an impulsive late night purchase.
He took the key from his desk, walking through the back room and into the main hallway of the GardenView lobby, locking the entrance to his boutique with a swift and precise click.
Dyle was tired, it had been a particular long day. Shrimpo had decided to choose Dyle as his victim to his anger today. He spent hours hovering around his store, yelling, kicking and complaining, giving Dyle a piece of his mind. It was mindless yelling, really. Repetitive insults about his 'tacky' outfits and 'rude' attitude. How ironic. Dyle had blocked most of it out, but his grating voice kept replaying in his head, causing a frustrating twitch of his clock hands. He sighed, relaxing his shoulders as he chose to let it go. Why would he waste his energy on someone like Shrimpo, it was simply not worth the stress.
As much as Dyle wished to retire to his room his job was still not complete. He had one final shipment to collect from outside, this one couldn't be missed as it supplied the ingredients for breakfast tomorrow, and the train was due in 15 minutes so he had to stick around for now. He adjusted his tie and dusted off his coat before heading down the hallway, it was completely silent apart from the clicking of his heels against the wooden floor. He carefully made his way down the short staircase and onto the train platform, waiting for the train to arrive.
Dyle waited patiently for a few minutes, somewhat lost in thought when a faint noise from across the lobby snapped him out of his daze. It was the elevator, the familiar ding alerting those around, and in this case, it was only alerting Dyle. But no runs were scheduled for today, painting a confused look on Dyle's face before he began to rationalize what it could be. Most likely a toon coming up from the rooms, perhaps for a midnight snack? Anyhow it did not concern him, so he turned back towards the tracks once again, and continued his wait. But he couldn't help but hear the noise of hurried footsteps, and the occasional splash of water against the floor. Undoubtedly it was Finn, that toon caused a majority of the wet floor signs around here, what an odd design to have and open container of water, you can imagine how cautious the fishbowl must have to be at times.
"Hey Dyle!", he heard Finn callout from behind. No mistake now, that was indeed him. Dyle swiftly pivoted on his heels to face him, hands held behind his back. He saw the toon heading towards his from down the hallway, a hand waving at him.
Finn had always peaked his interest, he had to admit he found the way he could just go on about aquatic life rather endearing. But Dyle always strived to keep his interactions between anyone else strictly professional, a friendship would simply complicate too much for him, he liked how his life currently was, the less hassle the better. But despite this, admittedly he knew he may have been giving Finn the wrong idea about their relation. No, Dyle would not admit that he saw them as friends. Dyle didn't consider himself to have friends, and he couldn't allow Finn to be the acceptation. But he couldn't ignore that out of all of the characters here in GardenView he found Finn to be the one he conversed with the most, and he had to admit that he did enjoy his company. Although he would never admit it, he did wish that he and Finn were friends. But the idea was ridiculous, he had rules to keep to himself and he couldn't let those be broken. He was better then that.
Though despite all that, he cautiously raised his hand to wave back, fighting back a smile.
"Good Evening, Finn, What can I do for you?" Dyle questioned, getting straight to the point.
Finn stopped in front of him, hands resting on his hips. "I just feel the need to apologize" he said with a small chuckle.
"Apologize?" Dyle repeated back in confusion. What would Finn even need to apologize for, he's never caused him any trouble.
"On behalf of Shrimpo" The fishbowl began. That definitely answered his question. "I tried to get him to apologize but well.. you know how he is" He continued with a defeated sigh towards the end.
Dyle lifted a hand and shook his head, stopping him from saying anymore.
"Finn don't worry about it, it isn't your job to apologize for that raging shrimp" His words having more bite to it then he intended.
Surprisingly, it made Finn laugh, and by now Dyle allowed a small smile to rest on his face. He was never one for humor but it satisfied him to know he could make Finn chuckle.
"I know I know.. but considering he's my best friend I feel somewhat responsible for his actions. And you deserved none of what he was saying today.. don't take it personally! Something always just ticks him off and he'll just take it out on other toons"
"I am aware.. but, thank you for clarifying". Dyle wanted to say more, Finn didn't need to do all that. Shrimpo wasn't his responsibility. But for him to go out of his way to apologize like this, it really touched him. But that's just how Finn was, he'd probably do the same for anyone else. He needed to stop thinking so selfishly, he wasn't special, Finn was simply a kind soul. But maybe he could find a small way to repay him, he hadn't made an outfit for him since Christmas so maybe he could sketch something up. True that it was a lot less direct than a gesture of gratitude, considering designing these outfits was a part of his job.. but maybe Finn would be able to see through it, he had confidence in his intelligence after all.
Dyle opened his mouth to propose the idea but he was cut off, ah the train, right on time.
"Ah well sorry to cut this short but I must be off now", he spun around again to face the train, waiting for it to come to a stop.
"Woah.." Finn muttered as he walked to his side, "Does this go out of GardenView?".
Dyle nodded in return, grinning at the fishbowls curiosity, it was rare that anyone intrigued him about his trains. Though he liked that Finn seemed interested in this hyperfixation of his.
"It does."
"What's it like out there?" Finn turned to look at him, Dyle meeting his gaze briefly before looking around, just to make sure they were alone.
As the doors to the train opened, he stepped onto it, hesitantly turning and holding out a hand.
"Why don't you see for yourself?"