For once in his life Nick Wilde was happy he didn't have a lot of belongings. Other than some extra clothes and a few photos the fox really never saw the appeal of lots of worldly possessions. Granted he tended to move a lot or live in questionable locations. With a satisfied nod the fox looked at his new room. Gerard and Nick had worked to clear out some of the collected items that had found a home in the spare bedroom. While Nick had very few possessions the wolf seemed to collect enough books to hold a personal library. There was also some old clothes and sketchbooks that the wolf had moved into the living room with the intent of either throwing away items or donating them.

Nick smiled at his recent change of luck. Fortunately the train was only about 10 minutes away and work was a short ride from there. The building seemed to be set up that each floor has its own apartment with a large floorplan. The furniture Gerard had around the apartment was a few years old but still like new. On one wall was a large collection of photographs in matching frames. Smiling faces of what Nick could assume was family. One picture had a pair of gold ring on a metal chain wrapped around the image that drew the fox in.

On closer inspection Nick noticed that the photo with the rings was actually Gerard holding hands with a dark grey wolf. The pair were dressed in sharp suits and wore rings identical to the pair now hanging on the picture frame. The fox swallowed hard and felt guilty for stumbling onto something so personal.

"His name vas Michael…" A voice called from the entrance. Gerard softly closed the door behind him and made his way behind the fox. "He vas an artist and the reason I came to Zootopia…" Nick looked to the tan and white wolf and saw sadness on his normally bright eyes. "Und he vas my husband…"

The fox tried to think of something to say but failed to find the right words. Instead he took a page for Gerard's own book and rubbed his paw on the wolf's arm. Gerard smiled weakly and gave a heavy sigh. "I am sorry I did not tell you about him before… To be honest I was scared to bring him up…"

"Why's that?" Nick asked looking back at the photograph.

The wolf chuckled. "Well I know this is Zootopia and all but not everyone is open minded…" Nick wrapped an arm around his friend.

"It's far from a problem Gerard… In fact I identify as pansexual-" Nick slammed his muzzle closed and felt his cheeks warm. Sheepishly the fox looked up to see a surprised look plastered on the wolf's muzzle. "...I swear you do something to me! How in the world do you get me to tell my darkest secrets!?"

Gerard laughed and wrapped his own arm around the fox. "I must have one of those faces. Good to know you von't judge me for being gay… Since vere living together and all." Gerard lead the fox to the nearby couch and sat down.

"Oh do you have a boyfriend that will be stopping over?" Nick teased sitting next to the wolf.

"Nein, nein, nothing like dat. I actually haven't dated anyone since I Michael." Gerard locked his paws together and put his feet up on the coffee table. He turned his face to the fox and smirked.

"And here I thought you would be a heartbreaker…" Nick smiled. "How long has it been? If you don't mind me asking."

Gerard scratched his chin. "5 years? Yes, 5 years since he committed suicide..." Nick felt his heart grow heavy. "He was found in our old apartment… Ve had been married for a few months and were moving here actually…" Tears started falling from the wolf's cheeks. Instinctively the fox laid his paw on Gerard's own paw.

"I'm sorry… I didn't think…" Nick tried to think of the right words to say but came up empty. He hoped that his actions would speak louder than anything he said. Gerard took the foxes paw and tried to steady his breathing.

The tan-colored wolf let out a sigh and got up. "Sorry about that… You vould think after 5 years I vould get less emotional about it…" Nick got up and wrapped his arms around the wolf's waist from behind.

"Don't ever apologize for that Gerard. I couldn't imagine going through that…" The fox thought about losing any of his coworkers or even worse Judy. He would be a wreck. Breaking the embrace Nick gave a friendly smile to the wolf. "I think I am gonna relax in my room… If you ever need to talk just let me know…" The wolf smiled back and waved.

"Good night Nick, and I appreciate it." When the fox was out of sight the wolf went to photograph on the wall and for the millionth time he felt tears well in his eyes. It was long overdue for the wolf to move on. Gerard sniffed the air and smiled at the new scent that was around the apartment. True Nick had only stayed the night twice but the whole dwelling started to feel alive again with such a sexy-

Gerard stopped his train of thought. He was not allowed to think that away about his new roommate. Even if he had found the fox attractive years ago when he helped Officer Hopps solve the nighthowler case; even seeing the fox in person when Nick started working at the ZPD; and even when Chief Bogo had asked Gerard to take the officer under his wing while he was working in evidence. It was inappropriate and not fair to the fox… Even if Nick was pansexual, whatever that meant… With a heavy sign the wolf turned off the lights and made his way to his own bedroom. "Besides… There is no way Nick feels the same…" Gerard mumbled to himself.

Nick flopped on his new bed, closed his eyes, and sighed. He was getting too used to feeling Gerard near him. The wolf's smile. The way he holds the fox close a moment too long. His smell. Nick's eyes snapped open in realization. "Oh crap… I'm definitely falling in love…" The fox cursed under his breath.