''Everyone, I want to you to Welcome… Monica Wolford."
After hearing who this female really was, every mammal in the room snapped their attention to the door, where just minutes before the four mammals stepped in, totally clueless of Monica's presence in the building.
The door slowly opened and the gray furred she-wolf stepped in, looking like she was just snatched away from a funeral. Bloodshot eyes, bags under them, her fur was ruffled, her black clothing was damp, and she was looking at the ground in shame. Next to her not-so-subtle sorrow, she was constantly scratching her right upper arm nervously, showing that she was really anxious about something. Least to say that Aaron's heart broke when he saw his mother in this state.
''Mother?" whispered Aaron in disbelief, while quickly getting up and rushing next to the trembling she-wolf.
When he got next to her, and put a paw on her shoulder, the she-wolf collapsed into his arms crying.
''I'm s-so sorry, my p-pup." Sobbed Monica, without a single care that she was humiliating herself in front of millions.
Aaron quickly went to work, and brought the his mother over to the couch next to him and Nick, where Monica finally let go of him and started to cry into her own paws.
As soon as Aaron and his companions left the waiting room, since they were called in by Gazelle, Monica entered the room and watched how they chatted with the singer on the same TV. If she were honest with herself, she did not care about neither the singer, nor the bunny or the painted dog, because she was watching her eldest son and Little Nicky. She had thought about them since her talk with Bogo, tried to understand Aaron's reason of attraction towards little Nicky, but she always found dead ends, so she hoped that while watching them interact, she can find her answers.
And when they kissed, the answer made itself known.
They don't have a reason.
In love, you don't need a reason.
After it, she broke down crying, and since then, she didn't stop. She realized while watching them, that this was the reason she kicked him out of her family? She looked at her pup on the screen and saw him smiling amidst the kiss. His son was happy, and what did she do? Support him? Cheer him? Bullsh*t! She did the last thing a rational parent should have done. She felt ashamed of herself, and she knew that if somebody is going to taint the Wolford's name tonight, it's gonna be her.
After a good five minutes or so, she finally managed to stop and be considerably calm. She looked around and saw the audience looking at her with pity, fear and understanding, some even on the edge of crying. Although she didn't dare to look at the four mammals sitting next to her, she was too afraid of their reaction, even though she had never met Judy and didn't even know this painted dog.
She realized then, that everyone was looking at her, waiting for her to say something, anything. She took a deep breath, exhaled shakily, and looked up at Aaron, who was sitting next to her.
''Aaron…" started off the she-wolf in a weak voice.
''I-I treated you badly. I was foolish, stubborn and bigoted. I did not let you explain anything, when that's what I should have done." Admitted Monica while looking up at her son. Aaron could see that everything she said was genuine.
''Lollypop was right, no mother should act like this, simply out of their own pride and judgment, it's not right." Sighed Monica, then she cracked a small smile.
''You are an amazing son and you deserve all the happiness in the world, no matter what or who provides it. I don't care if it is not a she-wolf… I shouldn't have cared to begin with." Admitted Monica looking at his son, who started shedding tears.
''Mom, I-'' he was silenced by Monica's paw.
''I am not finished yet." Said Monica seriously. By this time, she could hear some of the audience cry.
''Aaron, I will abolish your disownment, and I want you to come back to the family. I know I can't expect you to do so, especially after everything I have done, after how I treated you, shouted at you, cursed you, but if you still have a bone in your body that longs back, I will welcome you whole-heartedly." Said Monica straight into Aaron's eyes. He could see that his mother was trying not to break down again, so he hugged his mother tightly.
''I love you, mom." Whispered Aaron to Monica's ears.
''I love you too, my little pup." Whispered back Monica in a hoarse voice.
They stayed like that for a while, they haven't been that affectionate for years, but now it felt like there were no other option. Monica needed comfort after getting his son back, Aaron needed comfort that this whole fiasco seemed to be nearing its end, although he knew that the aftermath will be a long and exhausting process.
They separated, both wiping away happy tears from their eyes.
''Mom… I'm not gonna lie, after I realized myself not long ago, I did expect you to react badly, you were always strict about our family's image, you worked hard to keep it after all. I knew that me coming out as gay would more than infuriate and disappoint you." Started saying Aaron. He saw how Monica's face became even more overshadowed with shame.
''Truth is, it really hurt, but I knew you would come around sooner or later, you always do. You are stubborn, yes, but you are good at breaking out of it." Noted Aaron, getting a snort out of Monica.
''I am really happy that you accepted me, although I think you did not have to do it in front of millions, but… I suppose it's a way of doing it. I will forgive you…" Monica saw his muzzle curl up in a sly smile.
''I will forgive you… on two conditions." Said Aaron in a smirk that scared Judy. That smirk was the exact same as Nick always wore, the resemblance was astonishing and creepy.
Monica nodded enthusiastically. At this point, she would do anything for her son.
''First, I can keep the Wilde name. From now on, I want to be called Aaron Wildeford." Stated Aaron while giving Nick's still wrapped around tail a light squeeze. He could sense Nick's excitement and happiness rise in his scent.
''If the head of the Wilde family is okay with it, then sure." Said Monica with a nod. She almost forgot that Christine was (hopefully) watching the show and her apology.
''Secondly, I want you to call somebody. Can she do it?" asked Aaron while changing his focus to the worried looking Gazelle.
''Ermm, Yes of course, no problem." Said the singer. In reality, it was not allowed, but at the moment, she knew that it was more important, and the director should not have a problem with it. She really hoped that she won't be hated by Nick and his friends for inviting Aaron's mom without telling them.
Aaron took out his phone from his pockets, and searched up the number he recently added to his contacts, then handed it over to his mother. Monica accepted his phone and looked at the ID, which was just some random telephone number. She hesitantly pressed the call button and put it next to her ear.
Then the line got through.
''Hey Aaron, what's up?" said a dangerously familiar voice. Monica tried to guess who it was, unsuccessfully.
''Hello, I am Monica Wolford, Aaron told me to call this number." Replied the she-wolf, her tone full of uncertainty.
After some seconds of silence the voice spoke again.
''Monica? My Love? Is that really you?" said the voice, now full of disbelief and maybe a hint of happiness. The familiarity of the voice just went up by levels after he called her his love, but she still couldn't figure out who this was.
''I am, who am I talking to?" asked Monica warily. She stole a glance at his son and saw him with a sly smiled that she has never seen on him.
''It's me, Harry." Said the voice. Monica thought about who could this be, but she realized that only her husband wore the name Harry from her list of acquaintances.
''H-Harry?!"stuttered Monica in a weak voice, while getting misty-eyed again. Judy leaned next to Nick's ear in the mean time.
''Who is 'Harry'?" whispered Judy.
''Wolfie's long lost father, he turned up 2 days ago. Turns out, he was never really imprisoned." Whispered Nick back. Judy looked at him incredulously, and it just strengthened when she saw how smug he was looking aswell.
''Yes hon, it's me… I'm back." said Harry.
''A-aren't you in prison?!" whimpered Monica, whispering the word 'prison'.
''Well, it's a long story, but thing is, I came back to the city. I wanted to meet you in private, but I guess Aaron had other ideas. It feels so good to hear your voice again, I missed you." Said Harry in a warm tone. Monica felt her body getting light weight upon hearing his long-lost husband's voice.
''Harry… I missed you too…" said Monica, trying to fight her old feelings, that he managed to bury years ago from breaking out.
''Hon… Let's meet up later, with the whole family. I already explained everything to the boys, but I want to tell my story to everyone at once." suggested Harry, trying to ease out his wife from the miserable state she was in.
''Yeah, okay, a little family reunion sounds good…" said Monica. She still couldn't believe that her husband was back. She would have been angry, but she just couldn't. After all those years, she still loved that damned timber wolf.
''Love you beautiful, Goodbye." Said Harry and he hung up. Monica let the hand she was holding the phone go limp and she leaned forward, looking at the ground with wide-eyes.
Suddenly, she felt a paw on her shoulder. She looked up and saw Aaron smiling at her reassuringly.
''Ma… father is back…" stated Aaron the obvious, but he knew that her mother still couldn't believe it, so she needed to hear it from others.
Monica really couldn't believe it. After two and a half decades, the love of her life came back. Two and a half torturing and depressing decades, and it all ended right now. Harry was back, and he still didn't forget about his family.
It did nothing but make Monica more of an emotional mess.
She would have continued being silent, thinking about how to move on with life and letting Gazelle and the others continue the show, but she had to do one more thing before she brakes down for like the fifth time in an hour. This one more thing was Little Nicky and she had to do that ritual with him. She knew it was not just unneccessary, it was straight up useless, but her remorse would only disappear if she showed not only her son, but her soon to be son-in-law that when she apologized and said how sorry she was, she meant it. It's gonna be humiliating, but she knew that she deserved it.
So Monica, against all her flooding emotions, stood up, went over to the Vulpine in question, and descended on both her knees, so she was sitting on her legs while facing him, and did something that made Aaron, Charlie and every wolf in the audience gasp slightly; submitted to him.
Submitting was a small ritual, when a wolf recognizes somebody as his/her superior and accepts the mammal as somebody, who has word or authority over her. Back in the day, lone wolves, who tried to join a pack did that towards the pack's Alpha. Nowadays, this was one of the traditions that was really unused since packs are slowly becoming rarer and rarer, so the ritual is almost forgotten.
But now, here she was, Monica Wolford, the Alpha of one of the most famous noble wolf families, submitting herself to Nick, a fox. And anyone, who had the slightest idea of what is happening, could not believe their eyes.
''As his mother, I request Aaron to wear the Wolford name once again mixed by your glorious family name, and to have his connections with his family renewed, sir." Said Monica in a serious and submissive tone.
Nick in the mean time was clueless. He had no idea about this whole submitting stuff, so he only saw Aaron's mom treat him like he was some king, which, in every other scenario, would be amusing and Nick would crack a joke or two, but even he knew that it was so not the time.
''Erm… Sure? I mean, I guess… Yes." said the bewildered fox.
''Thank you, sir." Said Monica, while getting up and walking over to Gazelle, who were spectating everything with tears in her eyes.
''Miss La Voz De Las Diosas, thank you for letting me come and tell my son this, now if you would excuse me…" said Monica, while walking back to Nick and Aaron and giving them a parental hug. Then she turned on her heels, and left the room on the door she came in, leaving everyone in the room speechless.
''What just happened?" whispered Nick to Aaron's ear.
''I will tell you later." Reassured the shocked timber wolf
~Bunnyburrow
Bonnie and Stu Hopps were looking at the screen with mouth agape. You know what, scratch that, everyone, even the ones who found Aaron and Nick disgusting were totally shocked of what they saw. They did not expect to see an emotional family reunion from a show that always contained hilarious scenes by their favourite actors, singer, directors. It was kind of confusing aswell, since they had no idea what this ritual they witnessed was about, but Bonnie and Stu had a pretty decent idea. That's when Bonnie realized something she should have done at the beginning of the Show.
Aaron was disowned?!
She felt her insides twist in disgust for a second. Whoever this 'Lollypop' was, Bonnie could only agree with her, you just don't kick someone out of your family, no matter the reason. She had to remind herself harshly, that she just witnessed this she-wolf apologize from her heart on TV, so it was all water under the bridge, but it still made her want to hug that poor wolf and beat his mother with a spade.
If she wasn't determined to show this wolf hospitality, now she was. She started to think of their visit like a wedding of her children, and she will treat it as such.
But she needed to get them a break, and in order to do so, she needed the old Chief to come back from his vacation, so Charlie could come down aswell. She wanted to meet the mammal, who stole her little girl's heart.
And on a total accident, she might be possessing said chief's number on her phone, saved as 'Judy's buffalo Boss'.
~Christine's house
Christine was filled with joy. She never doubted her best friend, she knew that she would come around sooner or later, although doing it on TV is a bit too much, but what mattered is that she finally saw reason. Now she can finally have her back, and resume their usual girly bantering, that she started to really miss. She was of course happy that the whole problem got solved, and Aaron could go back to his family, while not leaving Christine's, but she decided that she will celebrate that later.
She was also happy, because she knew who this Harry was, and that might be an understatement. Christine was the one who managed to get them together to begin with when they were high-schoolers, and she was the one, who were always next to Monica after Harry disappeared.
When she saw the timber wolf leave through the door, she immediately snatched her phone from the armrest of the sofa and called her. She did not have to wait for long.
''Yes, Lollypop?" asked Monica in a worried tone.
''Come on Sniffy, put me on Muzzle Time! I want to see that sexy and now smart snout of yours." Encouraged Christine in an excited tone. She heard a sigh and Monica's disheveled and damp face was appeared on her screen
''That's what I'm talking about! So, I'm waiting for something." Sang Christine in a sweet voice.
''Okay, okay, you were right Lollypop and I'm sorry." Groaned Monica while rolling her eyes.
''I'm so proud of you, don't you want to have a sleepover to celebrate? I have wine." Said Christine accompanied by a wink. As old as she was, every time she was talking with Monica, she felt like a High-schooler.
''Yeah… That sounds nice… I will be over in 20 minutes." Said Monica, letting out a small smile, much to Christine's happiness.
~Precinct 1
Benji and Richard witnessed everything. Neither of them expected Monica to pull out something like this, but they were relived when they realized that this whole fiasco might finally settle down.
Although Clawhauser had now some questions.
''Richie, what was the thing that Mrs. Wolford did? When she kneeled down?" asked Benji while looking at his wolf friend questioningly. Clawhauser of course, when he saw the older timber wolf kneel before Nick, saw Richard's eyes widen and his body become rigid for a moment before easing out.
''Oh, well, she kind of… submitted to Nick." Informed Richard, making Benji even more clueless.
''Submitted?"
''In other words, she recognized him as an Alpha. Which is not good." Explained Richard when the sudden realization flashed through her face.
''Why?" asked Benji, getting worried, because the horror on the wolf's face was concerning.
''We are talking about Nick Wilde and his ego. What do you think would happen if he discovered that he had been just titled as an Alpha by one of the most influential wolves in all of Zootopia in front of Millions?" said Richard while shaking the Cheetah by his uniform collar.
After Clawhauser processed what he said, and realized that he had a point, he suddenly felt like he needed a donut or two or more. He was sure that tomorrow will be a torture once that fox steps inside the precinct.
After Monica's stunt, both the director and Gazelle agreed that the show should end for today, even though they still had a quarter-hour from their usual time, but they already got three times as many views as they usually have, and they were pretty sure, that this was the ratio of the money they just got. Or at least the director was thinking this, Gazelle just wanted the show to end for today, since she knew how hard it was for everyone, and if she were honest, she also had enough for today.
Judy was shaken up after this show. Her bunny body could not take all the emotions. She went from really nervous, to the feeling when the whole world is yours, then to straight up confused when Monica stepped in, to restraining her cries, then back to confused. There is so much she could take, but she had her painted dog to help, who hesitated not, and insisted on another sleepover, saying that he would help Judy relax again. Least to say the bunny felt much better after hearing that.
After the show, they all went to their respective ways. Nick and Aaron decided that they would let Charlie and Judy be together in private, since they knew that Charlie has to go back to the Precinct to continue his Chief work, so they could use some time together alone.
And what better way to spend the rest of the day in your husband's company, than slowly moving Nick's stuff to Aaron's apartment, while enjoying the other's mere existence? Well for Nick, it was the icing on the cake and the cherry on top of it. After this whole fiasco finally ended, and his husband got back into his family, this was exactly what he needed.
Not wanting to walk through the whole city and Tundratown to their apartment, they asked Richard to give them a lift, and maybe help them move the fox's belongings, which the white timber wolf happily agreed to.
They were currently nearing the climate wall of Tundra Town, Richard driving while Nick and Aaron took their favourite sitting pose, which Richard questioned at first, but after by some miracle Nick managed to fasten the seat belt with ease, he just shrugged it off. He knew that he had no word, especially after witnessing one of the most influential wolves recognize Nick as an Alpha, something inside told him to obey the fox, which managed to annoy Richard greatly.
While they were driving, Nick managed to fall asleep, much to the surprise of Aaron. He could not remember a time when his fox was overly emotional or did some physical exercise, besides their usual police work, so there was nothing that could make Bushy tail so tired.
Maybe he just enjoys his time in my lap, and finds it comfortable.
His train of thoughts were interrupted by Richards voice.
''Did your mother really just do what she had done?" asked Richard while stealing a glance at the lovebirds next to him.
''Yeah, don't ask me, I'm just as confused as you are. A simple apology would have done it." Replied Aaron just as cluelessly.
''Well, now you guys have to get used to being greeted by not only every admirer of yours, but every wolf in the city will 'accidentaly' bump into you aswell." Noted Richard, making Aaron snort.
''Great, at this rate we won't be able to work. Did you know that we were stopped every 5 minutes for a praise or autograph when we were assigned to patrol the Plaza?" asked Aaron, making Richard raise an eyebrow.
''It must have been fun." Commented Richard.
''It was, until some mammals decided to openly ask about very private things. I'm not going into details, let's just say, that even Bushy Tail was really embarrassed, and that's saying something." Told Aaron, making Richard snort.
Silence filled the car. Aaron, with the lack of topics, decided to nuzzle his husband in his sleep. Nick's scent was really like a drug to him, it did wonders in clearing his mind from all the uncertainties and fears. He still couldn't believe how one fox could have this effect on him, but if he were honest, he really didn't care. Nick was his life-mate now, and he knew that he enjoyed Aaron just as much as he did. After all these years of being alone, years without loving anybody, it was a bit too much, but Aaron found himself not caring, and decided that after everything that went down, he finally got his payback from life. And what a payback it was.
Suddenly, Richard spoke up in a different tone.
''Hey, Aaron." Said Richard in a more serious note. Aaron looked at him with a raised eyebrow, showing him that he had his attention.
''I just wanted to say that whatever happens, I support the both of you, and if you need any help, just call me." Said Richard in a low tone. Aaron felt good upon hearing that, but it was overshadowed by confusion.
''Thanks, but why are you saying it like somebody would want to hurt us?"
''Well, now with your mom basically making Nick the most well-respected wolf in the city, even though he is a fox, plus that you guys came clean in front of millions, and to top it off, in one of the most famous shows in not only Zootopia, you made more mammals pay attention to you. With Gazelle's show being televised in other countries, there will be much more mammals who will oppose you, and there will be even some that tries to threaten you or maybe even hurt you. I just want you to know, that whenever one turns up, you tell me, and I will give them a piece of my mind in my way." Said Richard in a friendly tone, making Aaron's expression soften.
''Thanks bud… that means a lot." Admitted Aaron.
Then a comfortable silence filled the car (except for Nick's subtle snoring) while they neared Aaron's, or as of 4 days ago, their apartment.
Aaron had another Nickish idea, and it was just the perfect moment.
''So, Richie… You and my sisters I hear?" asked Aaron with a sly smile. He saw how rigid the white timber wolf became and knew that he found what he searched for.
''W-what about them?" asked Richie while trying to hide his embarrassment.
Of course he would knew about my visit, they are his sisters for Fenrir's sake!
''Well, my brothers told me that they became really fond of you, plus after the show I chatted with all three of them, and they all mentioned I quote, a ' very hot and handsome police wolf' visiting them." said Aaron with a very Nickish smirk. He saw that typical 'Just kill me' kind of face on Richie, and already knew why Nick liked teasing others.
Richard stopped the car and headbutted the wheel with a loud groan.
''Goddamnit… sigh, what do you want to know?" mumbled the white timber wolf.
''Nothing, just a notification whether I should expect one of my sisters to boast about this 'very hot and handsome police wolf' being their date." Said Aaron, getting a snort out from Richard.
''You know, after knowing which side you are on, hearing that praise from your muzzle kind of weirds me out." Admitted Richie with a chuckle.
''Don't dodge my question. And you know that there is only one mammal I would honestly call hot and handsome." Said Aaron while pointing at the sleeping Nick. Richard just shook his hand in amusement.
''I know, I know… About your sisters, if they could tone down their excitement, I might try to date one of them, but as of now they are a bit too much, you know what I'm saying?" asked Richard in a more serious tone, but Aaron could see that he would really like to get himself a mate.
''Yes I know, in the end, I was the one who spent most of my life with those around. I should know the most about them, about their adventures, which most of the time are just misadventures. But if you want, I can tell them the way to your heart. At least one of them should come around." Reassured Aaron getting a smile from his wolf friend.
''You don't have a problem with me dating one of your sisters?" asked Richie uncertainly. The last thing he wanted to do was to endanger this friendship with Aaron.
''Well, after the week I had I would be a huge hypocrite if I had. No, if you need it, you have my permission to date my sisters, and who knows, maybe in the future I can call you my brother-in-law." Said Aaron with a chuckle.
Richard actually felt relived after hearing that, although it did not last long, because he saw Aaron's face morph into a serious, almost threatening one.
''But if I hear that you broke one of their hearts, I'm coming for you." Threatened Aaron, making Richard gulp audibly.
Then Aaron's snorted, and burst out laughing, making Nick stir in his lap and Richie very annoyed now.
''You know you are an ass. You spend too much time with Wilde." Commented Richard in an annoyed tone, but he couldn't hide the smile that crept its way to his face.
''Which Wilde?" asked Aaron, his laughing stopping for a second. Richard changed his expression to a confused one, than he realized that Aaron was now called Wildeford now, thus making him a Wilde. He groaned again and facepalmed.
''I walked into that one, didn't I?" asked Richard with a deep sigh, while Aaron tried to hold his laughter. He knew that the next time he laughed, Nick would wake up, and he just looked soo adorable while he hugged Aaron's tail in his sleep and used it as a pillow, Aaron did not want to wake him up.
''That you did… By the way, why did we stop?" asked Aaron, when he realized that the car was not moving since he mentioned his sisters.
''Because we are already here." Said Richard, making Aaron look out of the window, and realize that sure enough, they have parked in front of his building. His mouth formed an 'O' in realization.
They woke up Nick, and the three canines started to bring his stuff up to Aaron's apartment. Nick never really had much stuff in his home, since he spent most of his life out on the streets, occasionally sleeping there. It did not go unnoticed by Aaron.
After they were done with the boxes, they thanked Richard for his help, which the white timber wolf waved off, saying it was nothing. After he left, they put everything to their temporary place.
Nick has just put his last piece of silverware to its place. He stood back next to his wolf and sighed in satisfaction.
''Well Bushy tail, you are officially living with me now." Said Aaron while wrapping his arms around his husband.
''Yeah, I do." Said Nick, while enjoying the thought of finally living with his wolf. They stayed there, embracing the other for half a minute, then separated.
''I'm gonna make dinner, you can take a bath or something." Said Aaron while preparing the required dishes to cook.
''Sure… although I wouldn't mind if you joined me, there are some spots I cannot reach." Said Nick in a suggestive tone, clearly wanting something other than that.
Aaron caught his hint of course, and halted preparing for the cooking. He wore a sly smile and slowly turned his head towards Nick.
''Sorry, but not now." Said Aaron. His heart clenched a bit when he saw disappointment flash through Nick's face, but he wasn't done.
''But don't worry, the night is still young, I have plenty of time to show you who that tail really belongs to, and I promise I fully intend to do so." Said Aaron, walking over to Nick and knelt down before him.
''Oh… In that case, I can wait." Said Nick, planting a smooch on Aaron's snout, who sighed in contentment.
''I'm so happy you moved in." Admitted Aaron, while wrapping a paw around Nick's waist, and moving him a bit closer to him. The fox did not protest.
''Me too, finally living in an actual flat." Said Nick with a smirk, making Aaron roll his eyes.
''You just want me, so you could have a place to live." Mocked Aaron with a chuckle.
''Oh no! How dare you make such accusations!" fake exclaimed Nick, while putting the back of his paw to his forehead for the dramatic effect.
Next thing he knew, that he was embraced in a light kiss by his wolf. He just couldn't get enough of it. Nick always felt his mind blow up every time he felt those gentle lips on his, every time he could smell his wolf's scent up close, and in that very scent, he could smell the happiness and excitement rise. He never thought that someone could look at him in a loving light, but then again, he didn't think he would befriend a bunny or become a cop either.
When their muzzles separated, they looked into each other's half-lided eyes, that were both full of love and fondness.
With a quick peck on Nick's cheek, Aaron resumed his cooking while Nick took a warm bath. After he was done with grooming and drying his fur, he debated whether he should even wear clothes for the rest of the day. He knew that if he didn't, his wolf wouldn't need much encouraging to do what Nick had in mind, but the fox was just too hungry, and they would definitely not eat if they did that now. So he decided to wear his nightwear, which was basically a loose light-blue T-shirt and black boxers. He stepped out of the bathroom and caught a sniff of Aaron's cooking, making his mouth salivate.
He knew that his wolf could cook well, very well indeed, but it didn't stop to amaze him every time he smelled it. He knew from experience that the actual taste was even better than the smell, and he concluded that he was right about eating first, then having fun.
He walked into the kitchen, and decided that it not only smelled and tasted good, it looked good aswell. He saw the perfectly grilled salmon, with rice for garnish on a plate, and parsley carefully spread on the salmon to form a heart shape. As sappy and cliché as this gesture was, he just couldn't not look at the plate and feel grateful and warm inside. Soon, he found himself sitting in the chair, taking a fork and a knife in his paw, cutting off a bite and tasting it.
He found his mouth working on its own.
''Wolfie, when will you stop being so awesome?! If you keep being like this, I might just marry you." exclaimed Nick while enjoying the taste of the best salmon he has ever eaten.
''But Bushy tail, you know that we-'' started explaining Aaron while he was eating his own plate on the other side of the table, but was cut off by Nick.
''I know, but for real. If you keep being like this, I will get a ring, and propose to you." said Nick while ravaging his meal. He didn't seem to notice what he is saying, making Aaron amused.
''Not if I propose to you first." Said Aaron, a clear challenge in his voice, which made the fox stop in his tracks. The fox slowly looked up at the smug looking wolf in front of him, and smirked.
''Is that a bet I hear?" asked Nick slowly, while leaning towards Aaron, who seem to not be fazed by the possibility of the bet.
''Yes you do, whoever will be proposed, will have to plan the entire honeymoon." Said Aaron, trying to contain his immense excitement from his voice. Although a third mammal could clearly see how badly they both wanted it to happen.
''So, if I propose first, you are going to plan the honeymoon." Said Nick with a wiggle of his eyebrows.
''IF you are going to propose, which I highly doubt." Retorted Aaron, mirroring his semi-husbands eyebrow movements.
''You are on, Wolfie." Exclaimed Nick, just as excited as his wolf was.
They resumed eating peacefully, thinking about the conversation they just had. Both had to restrain the barrage of snorts and giggles that wanted to escape, after realizing how serious this topic should have been, and they talked about it like it was a simple football match.
Suddenly, Aaron burst out laughing, making Nick look at him questioningly.
''You know what would be funny, Bushy tail?" asked Aaron between laughs.
''What?" said Nick while raising an eyebrow.
''That knowing us, we could easily end up proposing to the other at the same time!" exclaimed Aaron, and continued on laughing. Nick thought about that, and he had to give it to him, he really did have a point, and thinking of how awkward and ridiculous it would be, he couldn't contain his chuckles either.
They were laughing together for half a minute, enjoying the fact that they could discuss such heavy topic with such easy heart. They didn't know why, they became friends a little more than a week ago, but they were already that comfortable and certain about their relationship and their feelings, and to think about that they wanted to take things slow...
''You know, that would very inappropriate and unorthodox, and would definitely outrage a lot of mammals…" said Nick after he finally caught his breath. After his statement, they looked at each other knowingly.
''Perfect for us!" both of them exclaimed in unison.
After they finished their food, Aaron took a bath aswell. He did not take as much time as Nick, since he did not have a particularly bushy tail, thus making the drying and the grooming of the appendage much quicker. He found his husband lying on their now shared bed, his phone in his hand, chuckling on some video he was watching. Aaron changed to his own nightwear, which was basically his ZPD academy shirt that he hasn't managed to grow out of yet and red boxers. In the last week or so, he started to get fond of the colour red, for some utterly unexplainable reason…
He sneaked into the bed, next to his husband and gave a kiss on his cheek. Or just tried to, because Nick seemed to read his movements and put his own mouth to where the kiss was supposed to be, and now they were sharing a passionate kiss. Aaron was not complaining and enjoyed how the fox's tongue roamed his own mouth, how sharp his fangs were, and how their tongues danced. It reminded him of their very first kiss right in front of the chief. That 5 seconds easily became his favourite 5 seconds.
He felt Nick pull his shirt towards him and his hips thrusting into his, signaling that he wanted more, and Aaron would have been more than happy to comply, but there was one more thing he wanted to ask, before they both lost each other in the ocean of pleasure and ecstasy.
''Bushy tail, I want to ask something from you quickly." panted Aaron, while breaking the kiss. Nick whined and looked at him pleadingly, trying to urge him to save it for later.
''Don't worry, it's gonna be quick, there is just this thing that's been bugging me for a while." Said Aaron, while grooming the side of Nick's muzzle, who nodded.
''Your apartment didn't have much in it, nothing really heavy or expensive, like a fridge or something. Why is that?" asked Aaron curiously.
''Well, when I was still hustling, I spent most of my time on the streets, so I was rarely at home. I usually slept under a bridge in Savannah Central or in Finnick's van on colder days." Admitted Nick making Aaron wide-eyed.
''What?! And where did you eat and bath?" inquired Aaron in a totally astonished tone.
''Well, from the money i hustled, I always had more than enough cash for food from fast food restaurants and markets, and the river in Savannah Central is clean and separated enough to have a comfortable and peaceful shower." Said Nick, making Aaron open his mouth in shock.
''But, you must have gained more money than what was needed for food. Didn't you ever think of collecting it and buying a house or a flat?" asked Aaron, already feeling the protectiveness in his body ramping up.
''I did think of it, but I had two perfect reasons against that. First, before the time Judy came, who do you think would have sold a house or a flat to a fox?" pointed out Nick. Aaron didn't like the fact the he had a pretty valid point, making him frown deeply.
''And secondly, I always gave the rest of my income to my mother. She continuously declined, but after sometime, she seemed to accept it, but I think she hasn't used up any of it, and she is definitely planning something." Admitted Nick, not looking as proud as Aaron would have liked, because that was a really noble gesture. He actually seemed shameful.
Aaron could not believe that such a wonderful mammal had to go through all of that. He knew his pain somewhat, being discriminated by his own kind for many years, but that was just too much.
So he sat up and put Nick in his lap, his tail and their blanket circling around their lithe bodies.
''Now you listen here foxy. From now on, you will live like a king, and I will make sure that you won't experience anything from your past life, ever. You didn't deserve anything, and I'm gonna make sure to make up for that two decades or so." Said Aaron in a commanding tone and a serious expression.
''But Wolfie, I got used to that life, and every minute with you is enough compensating for those two decades." Said Nick in a surprised but nonetheless warm tone.
''I didn't say I accept a 'no' for an answer. Nicholas Wilde, your wish is my command." Said Aaron, while lowering his head in a respectful way, which greatly amused Nick.
''Maybe, you could start by calling me my real name." Said the fox while crossing his hands before his chest, looking smug as ever.
''Your real name?" asked Aaron, tilting his head in confusion.
''Yes, My real name is Nicholas Wildeford. I thought you knew that Aaron Wildeford." Said Nick while emphasizing their respective family names in the other's name. Aaron smile goofly.
''Of course. Anything else, my beloved fox?" asked Aaron while doing circular motions on the fox's chest.
''Lay me down, and show me just how much you meant by it." Said Nick in a suggestive tone, making the wolf smirk and look at him hungrily.
Aaron didn't say anything, but slowly let Nick on his back and resumed their passionate kissing, now not intending to stop until they don't reek from the other's smell, pant from exhaustion and tie the knot for the third time since they got together.
So from here, the actions will once again pick up, since our heroes will make their visit to Bunnyburrow, where there will be tensions once again, and we will learn more about this 'getting stuck in evolution' stuff.
I want you guys to leave reviews or PMs, and tell me what I should improve in my writing and what I am doing right. I want my writing skills to develop further, but I need you guys to tell me the changes I should make.
By the way, Chapters 2-7 went through a bit of a rework in the mean time, and all chapters have been examined for grammatical mistakes once again. Yeah, that's what I used my Christmas for.
Anyway, Happy New Year!