“They’re creepy,” Oscar said. “And sneaky. You can’ttrustthem. You can’t trustanythingwith camouflage that good.”
“Chameleons are really cute, though,” Finn argued. “Got a little plaque on her teeth. You been giving her treats again?”
“No,” Oscar said automatically.
He had, of course, and Finn knew it.
“You sure?” Finn asked.
Oscar cleared his throat. “Look at her eyes and tell meyoucould resist.”
“I could resist,” Finn responded, but hedidn’tlook at Spot’s eyes, so Oscar took that as confirmation that really, he wouldn’t have been able to. “But it’s easy enough to clean her up, so you’re off the hook this time.”
“You’re worse than going to an actual dentist, you know that?” Oscar asked. “Why do I put up with you?”
“I’m charming and handsome,” Finn said. “Obviously.”
Oscar chuckled. Finnwascharming and handsome, he supposed, with his platinum blond surfer hair and bright green eyes, broad shoulders and a year-round farmer’s tan. Just not quite his type.
“Hey, pass me that… no the next one along,” Finn said, correcting Oscar as he reached out for the instrument tray beside the table.
He handed Finn what he could only describe as a tiny metal spatula, which Finn used to pull Spot’s lip back a little way.
“Good girl,” he murmured to Spot as he inspected her mouth, calm and professional as ever. “Good girl.”
“I think she’s got a little rash at the base of her tail, too,” Oscar said. If Finn was examining her, he might as well mention everything.
“I’ll check it out in a second. I’m gonna have to knock her out to clean her teeth, I think. I mean. She seems okay now, but I dunno how long I wanna keep my hand in a conscious tiger’s mouth. When did you last feed her?”
“Uh, this morning, as usual,” Oscar said.
Finn glanced up at the clock. “So around ten?”
“Yeah.” Oscar nodded, running his hand along Spot’s side to keep her calm. She reacted well to his touch, and always had done.
Spot had arrived here the same day Oscar had, so there’d always been a bond between them. He didn’t like to think of her ashis, because no one should be claiming ownership of a tiger, but she was one of his best friends.
“It’ll keep until the afternoon,” Finn said. “But absolutely no treats for her until I’ve done it.”
“Yes, doctor,” Oscar responded, sarcasm dripping from every syllable.
He was allowed to tease Finn. Finn was his best friend.
“If you start calling me doctor, I’m gonna start callingyoudoctor,” Finn threatened. “See how you like it.”
“I do like it, though. I just don’t make you do it because you’re my friend,” Oscar said.
He’d worked hard for his PhD, and he wasn’t shy about reminding people.
“Yeah, but you only ever say it when you’re being a smartass,” Finn responded.
“That’sdoctorsmartass.” Oscar grinned at him. “So, I’ll bring her back in…?”
“Around four? I know it’s late, but I wanna make sure she’s fasted for long enough. It’s not an emergency, so I’d rather not take risks.”
“Four works,” Oscar agreed. “It’s not like I have a life to cut into, anyway.”
“No hookup lined up tonight?” Finn asked.
