I was lamenting my lack of bathing supplies when a distant shout broke my reverie. "Max! That you, buddy?"
I turned to see a lithe, athletic hyena beastman bounding towards me. His light brown fur was patterned with darker spots, contrasting a messy white mane that fell over piercing yellow eyes. A large tooth pendant swayed from his necklace as he ran.
My mind raced so fast. Shit, who was he? I seem to have seen him when studying Max's life. Was he Max's co-worker from the docks? He was looking for the original owner of this body. What should I respond? I had no grasp of Max's relationship with him for now.
In a panic, I dove into the lake, buying time to rifle through Max's memories. Ah, there it was - Adrian, the scoundrel who enjoyed gossiping about his colleagues' personal lives. Max had avoided interacting with the nosy hyena, which was kinda waste as he was quite charming for me, though Max never acknowledged it.
Max's memories contained few interactions with colleagues. He was a lone wolf who prioritized himself. His childhood seems made him a pride by self-reliance. I glimpsed times Adrian had tried hook up with Max, but that dumb wolf never noticed the signals.
Just as I was reviewing the memories from Max encyclopedia, heavy splashes sounded behind me. Adrian had jumped into the lake, clothes and all! He swam over swiftly, trying to drag me out. Unsure how to react, I simply allowed it.
"Of all the beastmen, this knave had to find me..." I heard Max grumbling in resignation when we are being dragged.
Back to the lakeside, I plastered on a scowl, hoping to mimic Max's typical unfriendly demeanor. "What do you want, Adrian?" I growled in what I hoped was a convincing impersonation.
Adrian looked taken aback by the hostility, his bushy tail drooping momentarily. But he quickly flashed a sharp-toothed grin. "Max, you old wolf! Just checking in after yesterday's mess with Cornwall. What are you up to out here?"
I shrugged noncommittally, wading out of the water, Instinctively shaked the water away like a dog, and put on my clothes. "Washing up... I'm fine. You should get back to work before Cornwall throws another fit."
"Don't pretend you're fine," Adrian said, placing a paw on my chest. "I know you are lying, I got your note in the shack. 'I am leaving' but no belongings taken? We're all worried for you, even Cornwall."
Max growled in my mind. "I don't believe you, runt! If I go back, I will only be mocked."
I repeated Max's words, though in a milder tone. This made Max bristle. "Stop mimicking me, you fraud! Speak your own fool words."
Adrian shook his head. "You know how busy the docks are. Losing you put us behind. Or even letting me take my leave and find you? I wouldn't be allowed to come searching unless everyone was concerned."
I paused, considering his words. Adrian seemed genuinely worried for Max's wellbeing, despite their strained relationship. Perhaps this roguish hyena had a good heart beneath the bravado. I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt.
"Hmm." I grunted, ran a paw over my muzzle when I am thinking to get out of this predicament. "Can't say as I blame Cornwall for losing his temper. I wasn't at my best yesterday."
"Think if I go to him straight and say my sorry, he'll take me back?" I asked Adrian grimly, met Adrian's gaze steadily, trying to project Max's usual gruff sincerity. "Gotta pay my debts same as any beastman. And I owe that boar an apology."
Adrian's triangular ears perked up as his sharp yellow eyes opened wide, as if he'd seen a ghost. "You want to apologize? That doesn't sound like the stubborn wolf I know!"
While Max shouting in my mind "I, apologize? Never!" It’s really difficult to chat with two people at the same time, not to mention one of them has been yelling all the time. I grimaced in my mind, cut off with our telepathic communication for now.
I let out a low grumble, running my large furred paw roughly through Adrian's messy white mane. His brown spotted fur was soaked clean through. "Still here underneath, scoundrel. Let's just say I've had an...awakening of sorts, and I'm a different person now."
As we spoke, I noticed Adrian's sodden clothing and weary posture. He must have raced around searching for Max. Guilt tugged at me for putting him through such distress. "You're exhausted, Adrian."
"I am fine, I worry about you-" A sneeze abrupt Adrian talk.
An idea sparked. "I will to carry you back to the city."
Before he could protest, I swept Adrian into my burly arms, holding him against my chest. Max's muscular frame gave me surprising strength as carrying him at ease. He let out a surprised yip but did not struggle. I realized this gesture was very unlike Max. But I wanted to repay Adrian's care in some small way.
"I like this new Max, if you keep this attuide, I may give you my special messages afterwards~"
We set off back to the path, Adrian's damp fur pressing into my own coat. I felt his body begin to warm as he fell into my arms. Perhaps he yearned for Max hadn't fade beneath that rakish facade. I took a deep breath, my guess was right, he was aroused.
So did I.