Author's Note

Dedicated to Julian Barratt, Noel Fielding, Mike Fielding & Dave Brown who bring such joy to the universe.

This is my first piece of fan fiction and I hope you enjoy. Reviews welcome.

Howling Heart

The sound that emerged from Vince Noir's throat was primal. It made the hairs on everyone's neck stand up. It was the cry of a mature wolf on a mountain top. Before anyone could speak or grab, Vince was on the run, still howling. The few remaining animals answered him in sympathy.

There was only one friend he needed. Bollo tore the cage door off its hinges and seconds later was hit at full force by the slender form of his despairing, precious child. Making soothing grunts, Bollo enfolded Vince in his arms. The young zookeeper whimpered, burying his head in the well groomed, thick fur.

Later

"Hell, Vince. You're supposed to be a professional," scolded Howard.

When Vince did not look at him, the Northerner sighed.

"Tea?"

"Yeah," mumbled Vince.

He sat up and miserably ran his hands through his hair.

Minutes later, tea, well sweetened with sugar, landed in front of him. Vince sipped with little enthusiasm, not saying a word. Howard, with a black tea, no sugar, took the other chair.

"You're a man, Vince. Not a monkey."

"A gorilla is an ape," Vince growled.

"I know. The point is... you're a man. You can survive in a different environment. There's life out there beyond the zoo."

"Not for us, Howard."

"What happened to your dream of becoming a rock star?"

"Nearly got us killed."

"Well, I'm not going to sit here and despair. I'm Howard Moon."

"Unfortunately."

The unexpected cruelty of the remark stunned Howard, but he shook off the hurt.

"Any more comments like that and I'll come at you like a barrel full of monkeys."

Vince stayed silent. He slowly got up, grabbed his sleeping bag and walked out of the hut.

"That's not how our arguments are supposed to go," muttered Howard.

He ran after Vince and gripped his arm, halting his usually bright eyed apprentice.

"I'm sorry, little man. Come back inside."

Vince gave a weak smile.

"I'm sorry, Howard. I didn't mean... I feel bad inside. Like I'm not me."

Howard steered Vince back to the table and sat him down. He patted his friend awkwardly on the shoulder.

"You're depressed, Vince. All your laughter and sunshine has died. But don't worry. I know you. Give it a day or so and you'll be back."

Vince pulled a mirror out of his pocket and gazed into it. His frown deepened.

"You're right, Howard."

"I am?"

"The zoo do is... brown. Brown and boring. It's time for a change."

"You're you alright. What kind of a change?"

"Black is always in fashion and it matches my mood."

"And your name. Noir means black."

Sparkle returned to Vince's eyes and his old grin stretched across his face.

"Thanks, Howard. All I need is the right style and it'll be genius!"

Vince set down the mirror and turned his grin on to Howard.

"You and me. We're a team, yeah?"

"Yes, Vince. We still have a lot to discuss."

"Like what?"

"Where we're going to live. Whether to resume our studies."

Vince yawned.

"It is important, little man, but you've had a rough day. It's time to sleep."

"Night, Howard."

"Good night, Vince."