Inspired by Cosmosdex

Termination

The clock ticks quietly as Laurel stares at his pin board. Missing clues, tied together to form one subject.
He takes all the notes down. Various papers shuffling so he can find answers. He's been so swamped with work, but when he looks at the clock, the hands make his eyes widen.
Laurel Pedigree Canine
...Strange. They're not back yet.
A while ago, Guy said they wanted to take a walk outside. Because Laurel had been so busy, he decided not to come with. Strange enough that they went out anyway, because normally they'd ask him to join.
Some thoughts are immediately nailed into his head. What if they got lost? What if something terrible happened? What if...
Laurel Pedigree Canine
Oh, no.
His biggest fear might have been realized. Immediately taking his bag, Laurel goes out and leaves. A long walk around, finding out where his lover might have gone.
The restaurant where they hit their head once was unlikely of a place they'd return to. They wouldn't even stay out this late in general.
He can't help but let his heart race.
Still, Laurel's expression is unreadable. Where would they go? Had something happened? He walks towards one of the parks, searching quietly but with haste.
Laurel Pedigree Canine
Ah.
Guy Reserved Rabbit
...Hey.
Only to find them sitting on one of the benches, slumped and looking weary.
Laurel Pedigree Canine
You're here.
Guy Reserved Rabbit
I'm sorry. I'll come home, it's just...
Laurel Pedigree Canine
It's fine. I was worried.
In an instant, relief washes over him as he takes a seat next to the rabbit, who is quick to bury their face on his shoulder.
He settles, holding them close with strong arms.
Laurel Pedigree Canine
...Talk to me.
Guy Reserved Rabbit
Mmm...got fired.
A pause.
Laurel Pedigree Canine
Work?
Guy Reserved Rabbit
Mhm...
Laurel Pedigree Canine
And they didn't give you any other warnings before that?
Guy Reserved Rabbit
...No, they didn't.
Laurel Pedigree Canine
Well. That's no good, isn't it?
Unlike the rabbit, Laurel had many other jobs in the past. Retail that led him into unfortunate scenarios, deliveries that drove him mad. He's seen it all. But Guy has not.
Usually they would give a heads up. It didn't sound like a job worth keeping.
Guy Reserved Rabbit
They said I was being unreasonable. That others couldn't keep up with how I lived.
Laurel Pedigree Canine
Most people cannot seem to grasp difference.
Guy Reserved Rabbit
...Guess I couldn't keep up with the quota, either.
Laurel Pedigree Canine
Yes. You could not.
Laurel Pedigree Canine
But that does not mean you are wrong for living. Everyone wants to survive in this world.
Laurel Pedigree Canine
If we could remove ourselves from the urge to work, it still wouldn't solve much.
Their body shakes. They want to be mad. They want to cry it out. Their head remains on his shoulder.
Laurel Pedigree Canine
You will be okay. There will be other opportunities, and you know it.
Guy Reserved Rabbit
What if I'm not qualified...?
Laurel Pedigree Canine
There will always be rules above you, and circumstances outside our control. Everyone wants to be a piece of the puzzle. You will find a way around.
Laurel Pedigree Canine
...But you know, it's alright to be upset. Just let me know if you need some time alone.
Guy Reserved Rabbit
I don't want to be alone.
Guy Reserved Rabbit
I need to talk to someone, or...I'll explode...
Laurel Pedigree Canine
Then, I won't leave.
Laurel Pedigree Canine
Not now. Not until something pries me off you.
Remaining like this for a while was comforting. At least, that's what Guy tells themselves as they start to cry a little.
Guy Reserved Rabbit
Don't leave me.
Laurel Pedigree Canine
I won't.
Guy Reserved Rabbit
...Can we find job listings when I'm done here?
Laurel Pedigree Canine
Of course. And then we'll relax for a little while.
Laurel Pedigree Canine
There's more room for us to spend in the meantime.
They're not sure how long they can keep up with not having to work for a while. But as long as Laurel was beside them, they know it'll be okay.
So the two of them intertwine their fingers, and let the night take them for a bit.
At least they had each other.