Quick note: I am actually pretty proud of this chapter, I felt like I was on a roll while writing, and i cannot be more satisfied how the chapter ended.

Nick and Judy had the best patrol day ever. If you asked them, they would list you several reasons why, but both would start by saying in unison: Aaron was with us. To say, that the timber wolf was a great company, and that he helped them immensely was an understatement.

For Judy, she finally had someone, who can restrain Nick. Everytime Nick started to be snarky about her and Charles' ''Love at first sight", and went too far, making the bunny, who was driving, go red and stuttering in embarrassment, he was always silenced by a lick on his cheek and a stroke of his tail, making the fox get dreamy-eyed and sighing in euphoria. Judy has never felt more grateful for anything at the moment than Aaron's presence.

For Nick, he never knew that sitting in someone's lap would make the usually boring patrols a thing he awaited now. He felt so safe and felt a content feeling inside him stir up, when he felt his wolf's arms hug around him tightly, making Nick rest his head on the Lupine's chest and feel his soothing heartbeat. He suddenly wasn't really that excited about their new car, where he couldn't enjoy the feeling of the wolf's lap.

Aaron was a great use of an officer aswell.

For example, since there were no new cases for them as detectives, they served as a kind of 'upgraded beat cops'. They have been told about strange sounds coming from a flat somewhere in Downtown. After reaching the apartment's door and notifying the mammals who lived here about their presence, came silence. Nick and Judy opened the door, just to be tranquilized and pinned to the wall by a were stinky and nasty looking lynx with one eye. He had a strange yellow dust on his nose, and was continuously snarling and growling at the police officers, while he strangled them. The fox and the rabbit was under the influence of the drug and had no way of fighting back, even though they could easily do so.

Turns out, the lynx didn't calculate the possibility of there being three cops. He has been tapped on his shoulder, and when he turned his head, he saw a very angry timber wolf baring his fangs and claws at him, while his body was on pounce mode. Someone dared to hurt Nick, something that was his to defend, and he will die before he lets anything happen to his fox. The lynx went to strike, but the wolf managed to catch his wrist, twist it, and kick the feline in the groin. Then he quickly cuffed him, and just to make sure, tranquilized him. When Aaron turned to the now unconscious fox and bunny, he rushed to their side. They were alive and seemed to be fine. With his last piece of logical mind, he called the Precinct for backup and some medical care. After that, he took the fox in his lap, wrapped his tail around their bodies, hugged him tightly and lost himself in his primal urges. No matter if he was conscious or unconscious, he felt the need to defend him from even the tiniest fly.

The ambulance came, and looked over the now awake bunny and fox. With some minor bruises, but they ended up harmless, and could continue patrolling. The wolf seemed to be an asset to their team, since they started to break their own records, even with half an hour sitting in a smelly apartment, that turned out to be a drug lab aswell. Even the chief was taken aback after the 45th arrest, and had to make them take a lunch break, just so the paperwork won't continue towering up.

To say that they were the talk of the Precinct was yet another understatement. After they got promoted, everyone started to theorise the possible outcomes of the wolf joining the Wildehopps duo. Some were sceptical, saying that he will be a burden, and make them worse, some looked forward to see how they worked together, and some were convinced that they could be even better. These were looked at incredulously, but in the end, they were right.

After they clocked out, they were a bit nervous at going to the locker room. They couldn't leave the precinct in their police uniforms after clocking out, so they had to change to their civilian clothes in that locker room. Maybe they would have been a bit excited about it even, knowing that they had the chance to steal glances at the other's body parts that were usually covered by the uniform. Some bare chest here, some tights shown there. Sadly, that wasn't the case, because there were other officers, who could catch wind of stuff even before they came clean. And to increase the awkwardness of the canines, they were continuously asked about their promotion, their busts, and even Judy.

After they finished changing to their civilian clothes (Nick to his usual Pawaiian Shirt, with light-brown khakis and tie, while Aaron wore a red sweater and black jeans), they met up with Judy, who offered to give them a ride to Aaron's apartment.

After they arrived, they bid adieu to Judy, who couldn't leave without one very suggestive comment about at least trying to sleep at night. The canines nervously chuckled and rushed up to Aaron's apartment.

After the door opened, Nick could only stare in awe. This was the nicest apartment he has ever seen. He quickly looked around and saw how organized everything were. And the smell. Everywhere he had gone, there was that sweet scent of wolf musk, sweet honey and velvety moisture that he oh-so enjoyed. He found himself in what looked like a living room of some sorts, and sat down on one of the couches. When he heard the sound of water flowing in his bathroom, he took a big sniff, and almost fainted of the pleasure of the scent.

If I could smell this everyday, I would be the happiest fox ever.

Then Aaron came into the room, towelling his head.

''So, what do you think of the apartment, Bushy tail?" asked Aaron going over to the couch Nick was sitting on, and sat next to him.

''Well, I've gotta give it to you Wolfie, you live well. I could get used to being here." Said Nick, while folding his hands behind his head and making himself comfortable.

''Thinking about moving in already, huh?" mocked Aaron in a tone that could be questionable. Nick gave a chuckle at that.

I wish… -they thought at the same time.

''Want something to drink before we start?" asked Aaron out of hospitality. Nick opened one of his eyes half-lid.

''I don't suppose you have some blueberry juice in your fine abode?" asked Nick

''No, but I think you got lucky today." Said Aaron cheerfully. He stood up and quickly rushed to the kitchen. Nick looked after him in confusion. But when he came back, Nick was speechless.

''Soooo, I have heard you are sucker for blueberries, and I might have asked Bonnie to send me a box from the farm. It arrived this morning before work." Said Aaron, wiggling a medium-sized plastic boy filled with the berries.

''You know, if you really did that, I will be a sucker for some wolf too?" asked Nick not removing his gaze from the box, while Aaron brought it to him.

''Bushy tail, you are implying that you aren't a sucker for me now?" laughed Aaron while giving the box to the fox. His only answer was a kiss to his cheek, because the fox was already popping the berries into his mouth. It felt good giving him the berries, and seeing how he appreciated it.

Halfway to the box, Nick froze. He remembered something. Remembered how the wolf in his dreams shared his meal with Nick. He looked at the box of berries in front of him and realized he still haven't reciprocated the wolf's kindness.

''Say, Wolfie, do you want some?" asked Nick nervously. The wolf looked at him in a questioning gaze. He was about to decline, but saw the pleading glare he sent to him, and couldn't say no.

''Well, if you insist…" answered the wolf hesitantly. He took some berries and popped them into his mouth. Nick smiled warmly, seeing the wolf sigh in contentment.

After they finished, Nick took out a folded note paper.

''So, you didn't forget about the deal, right?" asked Nick slyly.

''Whoever gets flustered first has to buy the other dinner. If both lose ourself in each other, we go on a date?" answered Aaron calmly.

''Ditto." Said Nick and opened the paper. The wolf inched closer and looked at the paper. handwriting was magnificent. He could clearly read everything.

''So there are some points that has an 'A' before them. This means, that it is a verbal advice that we have to keep in mind. The others have an 'E' before them signaling that this is something we both have to exercise together. Are you ready?" explained Nick looking at the wolf. The wolf smiled back and wrapped his tail around Nick.

''As ready as I will ever be." Said the wolf reassuringly. Nick took the tip of the wolf's tail in his lap and started to groom it.

A-Always be honest with each other. You will need it if you want to have a relationship, no merciful lies even.

''Seems reasonable." Commented Aaron. Nick nodded aswell, but knew he will have a harder time at that, lying for 20 years could make it hard to be honest, but for Wolfie, he will do it.

E-Ask each other a question that you really want to know about the other. The other has to follow the sentence above.

''Oh well, I guess it's show time." Said Nick after reading it.

''Who starts? I will if you don't want to." Said Aaron.

''It's fine, go ahead." Smiled Nick.

''Okay…. Humm…. What happened with you yesterday morning, when you came into Judy's kitchen looking like you were crying, and then you were hugging me for, what? 2 hours. What exactly happened?" asked Aaron in a worried tone. Nick seemed to hesitate but he did promise to tell him.

''Well, the night before… I had a dream…. And somehow I remember the whole dream even now." Started Nick. Aaron nodded reassuringly.

''In this dream, I was back to my roots… You know, when every mammal was walking on 4 legs, couldn't talk, predator were hunting prey…yeah that time. I was napping in my den of some sort, when I heard a loud howl outside. Something inside told me to check it out, so I did. When I stepped out, but there was nothing. Expect for the huge tree that was falling onto me. Before it could squash me, a wolf pushed me away, in other words, saved me. I quickly got up and pushed the tree off of the unconscious wolf, and took care of him. He woke up, but couldn't walk, so I helped him to my 'den' where he could rest. I even brought him a dead rabbit that we shared as food. I never felt so good and so grateful. Then I woke up, and after I realized that the wolf was gone, I started to cry like a kit. I was beating myself, even blamed myself a bit for abandoning him. Then I caught his scent and decided to search him up. That's when I heard you and Judy talking in the kitchen. When Judy said she would ask me on a date if you don't, I felt my legs running wild and rushed into the kitchen. I looked at you and recognized you as the wolf who I felt in love in my dream. After that the dam broke, and i couldn't control my emotions or myself." Told Nick, while looking at the tip of the wolf's tail. He felt a bigger body hug him, and he melted into the hug. He felt the wolf's hot breath at his ear.

''Well, just so you know, the wolf is here, and he will never leave you alone." Whispered Aaron to Nick's ear. Nick couldn't describe what he felt, but he knew that if he weren't so trained in hiding his emotions, he would have kissed the wolf here and there.

''Thank you…." Whimpered Nick, hugging the bigger canine back.

After some time, they ended the hug, and sat back to their original position. Now Nick's tail was hugging the wolf aswell.

''So, my turn…Well..What will your family think after they discover that you are gay and that you are in love with a fox?" asked Nick, hesitating before the word Love; He didn't really know if they could call it that, but he just hoped.

''Well, I haven't really thought about it….Rufus will definitely be supportive. He loves me, and you are his idol in Zootopia, I think he would fanboy for 2 weeks if he discovered we are together…we are right? We never really agreed on it." Noted Aaron looking at Nick.

''Well, considering that this whole list was made so we can decide. Let's suppose that yes, and after we are done with this list, we can answer this question later." Smiled Nick. He wanted it just as much as Wolfie, but one thing he learned from hustling is that patience is key. The wolf thought about that, and nodded.

''So where was I…. ah yeah Rufus. So, yeah, he will be good with that. My other brother, Hughes, he is really nice, I have always had a good connection with him. Although he is deaf and mute so I have to communicate with sign language with him, but he has a heart like a chocolate. Then, there are my sisters: Patricia, Caroline and Victoria. You would think that she-wolves are independent creatures, but not those. Those three are glued together. If one knows something, the other three suddenly know it aswell. Keep in mind, that all of my siblings love you and Judy, they are kind of fans of you, so I think my sisters would just scream like Clawhauser would and ask so many questions, we couldn't comprehend. Then there is my mother… I-…I really don't know how she will react, and I'm afraid she will disown me or something upon hearing that… But sooner or later she will discover it, and then there is no going back…" said Aaron sorrowfully, looking at the Vulpine's eyes.

Nick expected it. He already knew that wolves are really traditional, and Aaron was of noble blood, so his mother must be really strict about following his ancestors. Discovering that her bloodline ends with one of his son's, would definitely drive her mad. And Disowning would not be a surprise it would be expected. And after what his wolf has done for him, he will have none of that.

The wolf saw Nick taking up a determined face and reach for his pocket. The fox took out his phone and dialed a number, smiling reassuringly at the wolf. The call was accepted, and Nick changed it so Aaron could hear it.

''Hello?" said a feminine voice.

''Hey ma, it's Nick." Answered Nick. Aaron's eyes widened in alert.

''Oh Nicky, haven't heard from you in a while, how are you doing, is there a problem?" said Nick's mother.

''I'm doing fine, more than fine actually. Listen ma, I have a confession to make." Said Nick while winking at Aaron, who could just stare at the fox mouth agape.

What is he doing?

''A confession? Don't tell me that you becoming a cop was just another hustle! You would break that nice little rabbit's heart." Said the voice who seemed to get a bit outraged.

''No mom, I told you, no more hustles. I called you to tell you that I think….I'm gay." Said Nick hesitantly. Aaron quickly took one of his paws and squeezed it, showing that he is here, and nothing bad would happen.

''And?" came the pretty unimpressed voice. Nick and Aaron looked at the phone like it was the last thing they expected, which it was.

''What do you mean 'and'? Aren't you….suprised or something?" asked Nick in a very shocked voice.

''Oh Nicky, I already suspected that you were playing for the other field. I remember when you were a high-schooler, and there was that really pretty Vixen, who came to me asking for permission for dating you. She was really beautiful, even I felt a bit jealous. Then next day I asked her about how it went, and she said that you weren't interested in her, which confused me greatly. Sooo….I maaaaay have sent some pretty Vixens towards you and spied on how you handled them. You didn't even seem a little attracted to any of them, or towards any female for that matter, but you were ogling some other mammals who were males. That's when I knew that my little boy is more special than I thought he is, and you finally discovered it yourself." Said Nick's mom proudly.

''And why didn't you mention it at all?" demanded Nick in an almost angry voice.

'' I had a son, who was treated so badly day by day, his father died, and he lost all hope in the world. Do you think I would risk prying in his private life after all that?"

''…Touché" sighed Nick. Aaron although now had more questions than answers.

His father died?

''Yes, so I hope you can forgive me for that. Now, may I know how did you make this discovery after 3 decades of waiting?" changed the topic Nick's mom.

''Well…I actually met someone, who my body seemed to be really fond of and started to strengthen these signals….Then I overheard a conversation that made me think about everything, and now I'm here, knowing more about myself than before. Bit confusing still, but I think I'm getting here." Said Nick finally with a smile at the wolf. He missed parts of the story on purpose like the dream and his breakdowns. His mother did not have to know about those.

''You met someone?! Who is the Reynard?" asked his mother excitedly.

''Well, here comes the twist, he is not a fox." Answered Nick in an uncertain tone now.

''Then what species is him?" asked now more confused than excited.

''A wolf" answered Nick bluntly

''A wolf? Aren't they a little…. You know… too big for you? Or do you change, or-''

''MA!" shouted Nick in embarrassment. Aaron had to put his paws on his muzzle to not burst out laughing.

''Sorry sweetie, you know it's new to me aswell, and a tad bit confusing, but I don't judge. At least you are happy, which makes me happy." Answered Nick's mom in a very motherly voice.

''Yeah, I am. Now, here comes the problem. You know how traditional wolves are, right?" said Nick into the phone, now very seriously and a bit embarrassed.

''Yes, they still live in the old days." Giggled Mrs. Wilde.

''Well, let's just say, that this wolf discovered his 'true self' at the same time as me, so his family doesn't know about it yet. And to top it off, he is of noble blood." Informed Nick.

''Oh no, poor boy, he must be really scared that his parents will really not like him after that, right?" asked Nick's mom in a very worried tone.

''Exactly. And there comes the other reason why I called you. I want you to promise me, that If worst comes to worst, and he gets disowned, we will accept him into the family with wide arms, okay?" asked Nick.

''Oh absolutely, I won't let some dumb tradition make the mammal, that makes my only pup happy, be miserable. It's just not right. I will welcome him to the Wilde family, but at least you could bring him to dinner, so I could get to know him, right?" asked Mrs. Wilde.

''Ditto mom, thanks for this, means a lot to me." Smiled Nick.

''Everything for you sweetie, now If there isn't anything else, I have to get ready for my Readers' club meeting, so I have got to go, Byeee Nicky." Cheered his mother.

''Bye ma." And then he hung up. He looked up, and put up a finger at the wolf's lips.

''Before you ask the question I know you are about to ask, Here is my answer: You have done so much for me, and I won't let my wolf, who did nothing but suffer as a child and be the nicest and most loyal wolf ever, be disowned, because some tradition says so. You deserve so much more than what you got, and I won't let that little you have to be taken from you." Said Nick with a very serious expression.

''I wasn't about to question it, I wanted to do this." Said Aaron in a playful tone.

''Wha-!" before the fox could ask, he found Aaron's muzzle on his, enveloping him in a deep kiss.

After the initial shock, he felt a flame of love blazing inside him, so he kissed him back and enjoyed the feeling. Their first kiss was better, because it was a first kiss, but they could only enjoy that for 5 seconds. Now they had all the time they wanted and oh boy, did they use every precious second. They were hungrily exploring each other's muzzle, dancing with their tongues, licking each other's sharp fangs, enjoying the vibrating from the other's pleasurable growl.

Aaron couldn't believe that there could be a bigger proof, that he was in love with this fox. But what he just did for him, the weight he lifted from the wolf's shoulders was just too much for him to handle. He felt the urge to show his love to the fox, consequences be damned. For wolves, family was number one, so that's why disowning was such a huge thing. He would lose his family, he would lose his contact with his siblings, uncles, cousins, he would lose his last name. He would be just Aaron, a lone wolf. It would have been a death sentence in primal times, since he would be left alone without a pack.

And here was Nick, and he just managed to ensure that he won't have to be left alone. Cutting ties with his siblings will hurt nonetheless, but he would have a new family, if his mother decides to disown him. At least now he had a place to go, if worst comes to worst.

I have the most wonderful fox in this entire universe.

It was at this point, that he decided, that he doesn't want to live his life by the fox's side. He decided that he needed to, demanded to, craved to and above all, WILL live with the fox. And there were no tradition, no bigoted hedgehog, no police procedure, and no law that could stop the wolf. He had a mission, and he would rather die than fail his mission.

And this mission was to be official mates/husbands with Nicholas Wilde.

''I love you" whispered Aaron while breaking the kiss for a bit.

''I love you too" whispered back Nick. They connected once again.

They entirely dismissed the list, because at this point they both had no uncertainties or fears of what the future holds. They both accepted the change in their life, and would face every damn obstacle that fate, destiny or any kind of god would throw in their way. They wanted to be together but there was one more question to be answered.

Were they attracted to each other in a physical way?

So Aaron took Nick into his arms in bridal style, ascended from the couch, and walked towards the bedroom, where their final test of love would take place. They didn't separate their muzzles the entire time. Aaron kicked in his bedroom's door, stepped in and closed the door with his feet.

Was it too fast? Yes, yes it was. They met each other 3 days ago, they didn't even have a date yet. But there were other statements that contradicted this problem.

Did they love each other? Yes, yes they did.

Did they want to have a future together? Yes, Yes they did.

Would they be standing together, come hell and heaven? Yes, Yes they would.

Some doubt the existence of love at first sight, some embrace it. Nick and Aaron now are the living testament, that everybody, who doubted the concept, are just too blind to see it. And everyone, who dares to question their love will have to face the consequences. They will have to face them.

Them.

Nicholas Wilde and Aaron Wolford.