For my pity excuse(s) for not uploading, and my constant self-loathing of how bad of a writer am I, see the end of the story.
Oh yeah, and:
Reynardország= Magyarország/Hungary
Voleakia=Slovakia
The Elk Republic/Elkia=The Czech Republic/Czechia
Time.
It is a thing no one really knows how it works. No one knows why it works. It just… works…
Time is a powerful thing. It is your companion throughout your life. It decides when it is your time to be born and when it is time for you to end. It is so strong that whatever happens it will flow in the same pace carelessly and only changes pace when it desires so. It is strong and we don't understand it, that's why we fear it. Mammals fear what they cannot understand. Why does time speed up when we are having fun? Why does it slow down when we are bored or in an embarrassing situation?
Mainly, why does it slow down and pick up pace at the same time when our life flashes through in front of our very eyes?The moment it happens, we lose our rationality and our body goes on autopilot. Is this how powerful time is? Can time really control our body?
Aaron didn't know any of the answers at the moment. He just looked at the burning house in front of him. You know what? To hell with that house! He was looking at the front door where his mate, his husband, his love, his fox just ran into. There were no sounds, no voices. Just Aaron on his knees and a burning building in front of him giving away for the cruel torture of the fire.
Funny, the way it collapsed could have been satisfying. It didn't collapse in a direction, the building just fell into itself… with Nick in it.
The last and only thing Aaron heard was a cry of agony of a voice he oh-so loved and then silence. Time has decided to take control of his voice and did the only thing Aaron wanted to do at the moment. Scream.
''NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
''NOOOOOOOOOOO!'' screamed Aaron as he sat up quickly in his bed and stared at nothing. He was panting, sweating and clutching the blanket close to him in his panic.
What the hell was this?
He started looking around and saw that there was no burning house, just their dark bedroom. Before he could realize what was going on, he felt two crimson paws circling around his neck.
''Are you okay Wolfie?" said the melodic voice of his fox. The moment Aaron looked sideways at his fox's worried and tired muzzle, he immediately recalled the cry of agony of his husband.
In a blink of an eye, Aaron envelopped the vulpine in a tight embrace, burying his face in Nick's chest and let his smell pervade his senses. He saw orange-auburn in front of him, he smelt fox musk with his own mark in it and he heard the soothing heartbeat of Bushy Tail. Every sense of him was full of fox and that's exactly what he craved for at the moment. Everyone, who claimed that foxes were stinky were lying because that aroma was basically Aaron's life essence by this point.
Nick, after overtaking his initial surprise, started grooming the head of Wolfie. He was woken up by the scream of Aaron which he guessed came because of a nightmare. It must have been a pretty bad one, since his wolf was currently amidst a panic attack. He knew a thing or two about panic attacks, he himself was suffering from PTSD from muzzles since the accident with the scouts. He knew that if you are experiencing an attack like this, you need to do two things: Get a hold of your breathing and find something soothing.
''It's okay Wolfie… Everything is alright." Whispered Nick. He knew something was really amiss when he heard faint sobs coming from the wolf and feeling his chest fur getting soaked. He really didn't care for them, he let his wolf take it all out.
After some time, the wolf left their embrace and looked at him with probably the biggest puppy eyes ever. Every canine could make puppy eyes that melted most mammals' heart, but wolves were the best in it. Wolfie wasn't even conscious that he was doing it, but it already strengthened the protective urge that pulsed in Nick's body and made his heart literally brake into two.
''Oh my Wolfie…" whispered Nick as he laid back down to the bed while clutching his husbands head to his chest. His tail was already massaging the whimpering wolf's back.
They stayed like that for minutes, but it could have been days for all Nick cared. Soon, Aaron calmed down and there were times when Nick thought that his wolf fell asleep, but he would always sign that he was very much awake by grooming Nick's leg. Nick made sure to purr the whole time, knowing that it was the one thing that could really calm Aaron down when he went emotional. He might have been the most emotionally stable Wolford kit, but he did inherit some kind of sentimentality nonetheless, likely from Monica.
The sun was already shining behind the curtains when Aaron moved his body up so their heads could be at the same hugged Nick tightly to his body and started whispering incoherently. Although Nick could swear that the wolf was actually whispering the sentence 'Mine and still alive' over and over again.
He felt the wolf's breath even out and his heartbeat slow down. Fearing that the wolf would resume his slumber, he decided to carefully approach the problem.
''Sooo… want to talk about it?" asked Nick carefully. Aaron opened his eyes half-lid and Nick could see that it was still full of fear and tears.
''…Nightmare… Burning house… You were inside…Collapsing building… y-you d-di-'' stuttered Aaron, getting misty-eyed again. Nick quickly hugged the wolf even closer than before if it that were possible.
''I'm alright Wolfie. I will never leave your side and you know it." Said Nick, making Aaron's tail wag subtly.
''Do you need anything?" asked the fox, looking over Aaron's face and almost naked body. Neither of them wore anything but their underwear.
''Water…" whimpered Aaron. Nick wanted to immediatelly jump out of bed and get a big cup of liquid for him, but he was pulled back into a grey furry chest.
''Nevermind, please don't leave…" babbled the wolf. Nick wasn't even confused by his action, he knew that after a nasty nightmare like this the wolf wouldn't want him to leave his side or lose connection with Nick.
Lose connection with me…
Suddenly Nick got an idea. He left the wolf's embrace and reached for his phone that was laying on the nightstand next to their bed. He scrolled through his contacts and found Aaron's number. He dialed it and looked over to the wolf who was giving him a curious look.
''I'm going to get you some water, meanwhile we will keep contact via phone. Is that okay for you?" asked Nick. Aaron looked at him with the puppy eyes, but Nick could see that he was contemplating. Then he nodded and reached for his own ringing phone. Nick smiled upon seeing that and started walking towards their kitchen.
''Bushy Tail… you there?" came Aaron's voice through the phone. Nick could hear how scared he was.
''Yes, I am here Wolfie, don't worry." Said Nick in a calming voice. He heard his wolf sigh when he stepped into the kitchen.
''Was it that bad?" asked Nick, trying to make a conversation.
''Yeah… I-It was so real and I can still feel everything from the dream… I don't know what I would do if that really happened…" said Aaron in a distraught voice.
''Well, why don't we analyze it?" proposed Nick while he pulled out Aaron's favourite cup from a cabinet. It was a cup Nick gave him for their 1st month anniversary, and the wolf absolutely loved it. It had a fox figure and a text that said: „Livin' the foxy life" written above the fox figure. It was cheap and cheesy but the wolf refused to drink from any other cup ever since.
''Analyze?" came the confused voice through Nick's phone.
''Yes. Let's see… from that very brief story you told me about the nightmare, I can see that you were outside the house while I was inside, right?" asked Nick while he poured a big cup of water for his wolf.
''Yeah…"
''Now here is why this is impossible to happen. We have learnt that if we separate, someone will surely try to kill one of us, so the scenario is basically impossible. We won't be separated, so we either both burn in the house or watch it collapse, understandable?" said Nick while walking towards their bedroom with the cup in his paw.
''…if you put it that way…" The wolf's reply might have been the most uncertain answer ever, but it did contain a certain amount of hopefulness.
At that moment, Nick hung up and stepped into their bedroom. The wolf was hugging a pillow tightly, probably a makeshift Nick. The fox went over and gave him the water, which the wolf drank eagerly. In the mean time Nick creeped back into the bed and replaced the pillow with himself. The reaction was instantaneous, the fox was quickly enveloped in an embrace, his senses being invaded by wolf. Not that he minded.
''Mine and still alive." whispered the wolf, confirming that he was indeed mumbling that sentence before.
Nick smiled and planted a small kiss on the underside of Aaron's muzzle.
''Yours, forever." Whispered Nick. It caused the wolf to start marking the top of Nick's head, the lupine's tail immediately covering Nick as a warm blanket. The amount of possessiveness this gesture meant made Nick smile. He still chuckled when he thought how far he has come; two years back, he would have been really uncomfortable by a gesture like this. Now he would have done nothing all day than lazily laying in the arms of Wolfie and enjoy his warmth and careness.
They didn't need much to reach sleep again. They did not care that the sun was already illuminating the room, they were tired and they had a big day ahead of them.
''Bushy Tail! We got everything ready?" shouted Aaron through the apartment. Nick glanced at the note pad in his paws.
''Clothes: Check, Swim trunks: Check, Wolski Dictionary: Check, Telephones: Check, food and water for the plane ride: Check, overly espectful ambassador…" Nick glanced at Lazlow, who had his suitcase and stuff in his paws.
Nick smiled upon seeing Lazlow giving him a nod and a smile.
''Check."
''So we got everything?" said Aaron as he entered a room with two suitcases in his paws.
''Not really." Said Nick making Aaron tilt his head in confusion. Suddenly Aaron found a fox paw pulling him downwards by his shirt collar until he was at eye level with Nick.
''My sinfully handsome wolf…" said Nick as he planted a smooch on the side of Aaron's muzzle, which made the wolf chuckle.
''…Check." They touched their noses together. Aaron licked Nick's nose teasingly.
''I don't want to be the guy who always breaks beautiful moments, but we have a plane to catch." Commented Lazlow, shaking the two canines out from their sappy staring contest.
''I think yes, we got everything... wait, where is Hughes' camera?" asked Nick as he let go of the wolf's shirt.
''I think I put it in the bedroom when I was packing our clothes." Said Aaron as he pointed towards the bedroom.
''And you didn't pack it?" asked Nick curiously. The wolf's ears dropped when the realization hit him.
''No?" said Aaron, but it came out more like a whine. Nick rolled his eyes and started walking towards their room. When the fox was out of sight, he shouted.
''Don't worry Wolfie, we are even. I lied when I said that the food is ready. It still is in the fridge."
Aaron looked back at the voice then to their suitcases. He opened his and Nick's and sure enough, their food for the journey was missing. Aaron snorted and closed both suitcases.
''Figures." And with that he was off to the kitchen.
Lazlow was witnessing their interactions. It was amusing as always, but ever since these two got married their bantering always contained a hint of romance and affection that no one could really explain.
It was exactly a week since the wedding. The event was live streamed on the internet as promised, and to no one's surprise the Wolfski internet users were dominant. Since then, it was a celebrating week in Lazlow's home, especially after the release of date of the kings' arrival in Wolfska. It astonished both Nick and Aaron how friendly the Wolfski people are to them, especially that they are the most untraditional Royal Couple. Meanwhile Lazlow was confident in his country, and knew that Wolfska is the nation that you can trust it will show hospitality.
The influence went two ways. After hearing that Aaron woke up from his coma, the Wolfski people became much more happier, worked more and the entire country was starting to boom economically. It made Lazlow joyous to see his home land grow and flourish. Lazlow gave his life to represent his country and make a name for it overseas, so everything that helps his home is okay in Lazlow's book.
In this case, Nick and Aaron were more than okay in his book.
He was shaken out from his thoughts when two figures stepped into the living room; Nick with the camera and Aaronwith the nylon handbag with sandwiches in it.
''This should be all, we are only planning to stay in the hotel for a week." Said Aaron as he placed the sandwiches into his suitcase.
''Hotel? What do you mean by 'hotel'?" asked Lazlow with a tilt of his head.
''Well, we have to live somewhere in that week, so we decided to reserve a hotel room in one of those tourist hotels in Howlsaw. What was its name, Bushy tail?" asked Aaron while looking at his fox. While they were thinking, they missed Lazlow's face morph into a shocked one.
''I believe it was 'The Moon Bungaloo'. It had very good ratings on the internet and it said that mammals spoke English there, plus it looked pretty fun." Said Nick as he locked his own suit case and stood back up.
Lazlow looked at them incredulously. In a blink of an eye, he pulled out his phone from his pocket and dialed a number without looking at his phone. The phone ringed and Lazlow put it next to his ear.
''Yes it's me. First thing, you owe me 15$... Yes they did… Sorry dude, you were the one who insisted on this bet… It's 'The Moon Bangaloo'… already? You are awesome! I will tell them right away." And with that, Lazlow hung up.
''The situation has changed, your reservation for the hotel has been revoked." Said Lazlow, making Nick and Aaron look at him questioningly.
''Why… exactly?"
''You guys are kings, there is no way you are going to stay in some hotel for tourists. You are staying in the Royal Castle of Howlsaw, which is by the way your other official address if you didn't know that." Informed Lazlow, getting really amused by the baffled expressions on the kings faces.
''Royal Castle of Howlsaw… isn't that the orange-ish building in the middle of the city?" asked Aaron, the realization slowly sinking in. Lazlow nodded and smirked.
''But what are we going to do with that castle? Won't it be too much for the two of us?" asked Nick, not being any smarter than his husband.
''The castle is mainly filled with rooms for guests and gives place to us, the Royal Wolf Knights. You two have a secluded area with your own kitchen, bathroom, living room, even have your own pool aswell. Mrs. Wolford was rare to visit Wolfska so it is quite unused, but I can assure you that a cleaning brigade will make sure that everything will be shiny and ready for your arrival." Assured Lazlow. The two canines looked at each other.
''Wolfie… we will be Livin' the Viva Loca." Said Nick with a smirk. Upon hearing the all too familiar phrase, Aaron groaned.
''You are listening to that song too much…"
''Hey. I will let you know that song is pure quality. Besides, I have seen you bang your head to the rhythm, even shaking that tail of yours sometimes, so don't pretend you hate the song." Fake scolded Nick.
''Okay, I admit, It is a good song. But not as good as you hype it up to be." Retorted Aaron.
''Why, because Yakelle is 'the queen of music'?" replied Nick teasingly. One thing Nick loved about Aaron is that he wasn't afraid to challenge the fox in bantering.
''Whaaaat? You dare to belittle Yakelle? You even said that her music is top-notch." Teased back Aaron while he pointed a finger at Nick. Before the fox could reply, they heard someone clearing his throat.
''I would like to remind both of you that we still have a plane to catch." Cut in Lazlow with an amused expression.
Aaron and Nick looked at their companion and realized that he was in the room too. With a final playful glare at the other, they put their coats on, closed their suitcases and did a last minute check up on the house. After that, they went back to the living room where Lazlow was patiently waiting for them.
''Ready?" asked the Wolfski wolf, getting two nods as an answer.
''Perfect. Then I propose we get going." Said Lazlow as he started heading towards the front door. Soon Aaron and Nick followed as well and with a final glance at their apartment closed the door.
The way to the airport was peaceful. Charlie was kind enough to offer them a lift to the airport, which Nick and Aaron gratefully accepted. At the airport they ran into their families, who ever since then was clinging on mainly Aaron, asking questions and vocalizing (well, except for Hughes) her/his concerns. Judy and Charlie couldn't stay since they still had work to do, but they both received their goodbye hugs/handshakes. Meanwhile Monica, Harry and Christine was staying in the back, letting the youngsters take care of stuff between each other.
Although after some time, Aaron got a bit irritated.
''Okay guys, enough! I will be away for only a week, not more. I promise I will keep connection with all of you and I will send pictures aswell, but please, could you stop acting like I'm 8?" pleaded Aaron, shutting down his invaders.
''Sorry brother…"
''We are just worried for you…"
''Wolfska is like the other part of the world."
Nick was thankful that he wasn't in the center of attention for once. Seeing his wolf getting overwhelmed by his own siblings were amusing as hell and he had to fight the urge to laugh.
They soon arrived at their terminal. It turns out that there was an entire plane just for them since they were kings. A privateplane was something neither Nick nor Aaron knew how to react to. It was amazing, but a bit too much. With thediscovery of their 'second home' that is actually a castle in the middle of the capital of Wolfska and officially having a private plane was something that neither canines knew what to do with. They should have expected things like this though; Even though it was the 21st century and the king title meant significantly less than in the medieval times, they still got the royal accessories, which are still pretty big deals.
They both had a pretty strong gut feeling that they will make acquaintances with more traits of their new life on their honeymoon, but they both promised each other that they will spend most of their time with having fun and enjoying their new-found marriage. They even made Lazlow swear that if there would be anything that they had to do as kings not a married couple, it would be as minimal as possible.
As they stepped to the part of the terminal where they could get on their plane, they stopped and gave hug to gave Aaron a brotherly hug, Harry and Monica made sure to embarrass him by treating him like an 8-year-old and giving him kisses (Nick couldn't contain his laughter at this point), Patricia, Caroline and Victoria was crushing him from three sides at the edge of tears… And Rufus… he was being his typical self; Crying and trying to change Aaron's mind about the honeymoon while strengthening it. He wanted his brother to have fun but he didn't want his brother to have fun… Erm…
Okay, Rufus was a mess, but when isn't he?
Nick's goodbye was brief with his mother, Christine simply asked him to look out for himself and for Aaron, to eat well and not to forget to call sometimes.
''Gentlemen, I think it's time." Said Lazlow, making Nick and Aaron start walking towards the entrance of the plane.
The moment they stepped into the aircraft they saw how fancy and expensive it looked. There were two beige sofa-like furnitures at both sides with bottles of champagne at the armrests. There were two other seats and a table next to the sofas, the table had a bowl of blueberries on it. There was also a flat screen Tv hanging from the ceiling that was currently displaying a picture of Nick and Aaron. There was even a jacuzzi at one of the corners. Of course the big Wolfski and Zootopia flag painted on the ceiling was obvious. The air was clean and had the smell of freshness that only mammals with good noses could really appreciate.
All in all, it was much to the wolf and the fox's liking.
Two hours into the plane ride, Nick was already snoring quietly in the arms of Aaron. They were laying at one of the sofas while Lazlow was typing eagerly on his lap-top at the table.
Aaron was in his own oasis at the moment. He was high up in the air in a well air-conditioned aircraft flying towards a place where a huge group of supporters would be waiting for him if Lazlow could be believed, he was seated on one of the sofas with his fox's sleeping head in his lap.
Nick sleeping was a guilty pleasure for Aaron; the way the fox's whiskers twitched occasionally, the dreamy smile that spread through his lip whenever Aaron caressed him, the subtle snores that escaped his nose… it was unbelievably adorable. And whenever Nick let out a yawn and left his tongue poke out from his snout was just… Gah! As manly Nick could be, he had his own side that he tried to hide from the world. But how do you hide it when you are not even conscious? Aaron didn't know nor did he care, he just enjoyed the sight and the sensation the Vulpine gave him.
Although it wasn't without interruptions. The fox would sometimes wake up to scratch himself then fall back to sleep. Aaron guessed since the fox couldn't sleep much this night, the sleep depravation was causing him this itching. Aaron felt a bit bad, since he knew it was because of him and his stupid nightmare. The most he could do was to let his fox have his sleep.
Suddenly Lazlow let out an irritated sigh, stood up with his lap-top in his paws and started walking towards the door that led to the cockpit of the plane.
''Lazlow, what's up?" asked Aaron quietly, not wanting to wake the fox up.
The wolf in question stopped and looked back.
''Sorry sir, I cannot work like this, I will give you some privacy to take care of the… situation." said Lazlow respectfully. Aaron was clueless.
''What situation?" and the question made Lazlow confused aswell.
''Excuse me?"
''Why would you give us 'some privacy'?'' asked Aaron, not getting where the other wolf was getting at.
Lazlow raised a questioning eyebrow.
''You… don't know?" asked the Wolfski wolf carefully.
''Know… what exactly?"
''Well… Nick- Can I call him Nick? Sorry sir, it is rare that a monarch doesn't require me to call him on his family name." Asked Lazlow, apprehension washing over his face. Aaron smiled and nodded.
''So Nick here… well, he has reached his mating season, that's why he is itching." Explained Lazlow. Aaron was quite taken aback.
''But… it's only September… His mating season is not due for two months." Said Aaron, slowly realizing what it could mean.
''Yes, but it is his first season where he has an actual mate and doesn't have an urge to find one. It probably caused it to come sooner than expected. Anyway, his continuous scratching is kind of bothering, so if you don't mind I will give you some privacy to take care of the scratching." And with that, he wasout to the cockpit.
Before Aaron could think of what would happen now, the door opened and Lazlow poked his head out.
''Oh and the walls are sound proof!" then the door closed again, leaving a mouth agape Aaron and a still sleeping Nick in his lap.
Aaron was embarrassed, shocked, confused and curious at once. He had done some research on foxes, being in an interspecies relationship meant that you had to know more about your counter part, and found out that foxes are a different genus within the family of Canidea for several reasons. In connection with the current situation, he had gathered that the phrase 'the smaller the more' was actually accurate; foxes, as the smallest member of the canidae family, had more of the 'hanky-panky' especially in mating season. Nick was restrained overall and wasn't that driven, but Aaron had experienced that once he gets in the 'mood', he becomes quite insistent and adventurous. The wolf has never thought too much about what it would be like when Nick was experiencing his mating season at its fullest.
And to think that now he had a ticking sex-bomb sleeping in his lap while they headed to their honeymoon, where they would be secluded for the most part…
Aaron didn't know whether it was fear or excitement he felt, but he was sure as hell that his adrenaline level has increased when the fox opened his eyes and looked at him with eyes that screamed; You are mine now.
The plane has gently descended to the runway of the Wolfska International Airport, then slowly maneuvered to the terminal. Once it stopped and the doors opened, two very satisfied Nick and Aaron stepped out with the fox hugging the wolf's bigger frame to him, and a very flustered and red Lazlow. Turns out, the air conditioning of the plane wasn't nearly enough to clear the more intimate scents that filled the cabin after Nick and Aaron's activities.
The moment they stepped out, it was painfully obvious that they were the stars of the day. News reporters and fans were cheering them loudly on both sides through the terminal while cameras were flashing almost into their faces. It was only bothering Lazlow, since Aaron and Nick was too occupied by the euphoria the last hour or so gave them. Plus the fact that they are kind of used to being in the center of attention alreadydefinitely helped. What was really problematic is that there were questions directed towards them in Wolfski, which of course they didn't understand, but the questions were comingno matter that neither of them could answer. They really couldn't communicate with the people.
But hey, waving in a friendly way is always an option.
After getting their luggage and going through a security (yes, even if on their rank, there were procedures), they exited the airport with the crowd following them. There was a bigger commotion outside, which literally blew up the moment they stepped outside the automatic doors. They froze by the amount of things happening at once, but thanks to Lazlow who made sure that they are keeping up the pace, they were moving forward.
Soon they found themself being stuffed into a black limousine, their luggage was already taken out of their paw. Now theywere facing a maned wolf with a suit on and glasses. He wore a friendly expression while leaning on the armrest.
''Well, would you look at that. You guys look more amusing in real life than I thought. We are going to have a good time." said the maned wolf. He had a pretty thick accent too, just like Lazlow.
''And you would be…?" asked Nick with a raised eye brow. This mammals was strangely familiar to both him and Aaron.
''I would be Michał Wilkwycie, but you can just call me Mich. I am the prime minister and your secondary consultant for the time being." replied Mich. The canines in front of him quickly realized that he was the maned wolf who talked in front of the whole crowd back when Aaron woke up from his coma.
''Secondary?" asked Aaron, but the door next to Mich opened and Lazlow came into view, answering Aaron's question.
''Sorry for the delay, had to fend off some reporters who wanted to actually climb on top of the car and travel with us. Introductions has been done I believe?" asked Lazlow as he looked between the pair and Mich.
''Oh, only half. They still didn't tell me who they were. They could be dangerous mammals trying to hijack the car and possibly kill us." commented Mich with a smirk while adjusting his glasses. Nick and Aaron was looking at the maned wolf with both eyebrows raised. You have no idea how refreshing it was for both of them to meet somebody who they didn't have to specifically ask to stop treating them so highly.
''Very funny Michał." retorted Lazlow as he rolled his eyes. At this moment, the car started with a steady pace.
''Can I ask where are we going? Because the way you act suggests that we are not going home." asked Aaron, sightly tilting his head.
''We are, don't worry. Michał just wanted to personally meet you." said Lazlow with a reassuring nod. At that moment, both Nick and Aaron eased into their seat, both of them leaning on the other.
''So I've been told that you made little Lazlow over here promise to have the least amount of royal work possible since this is your honeymoon, right?" asked Mich as he sat back and eyed the canines in front of him. He almost missed the glare he received from Lazlow.
''Buddy, we came here to have fun but we knew that it would be inevitable to have some kind of work pinned on us somehow, so it was the best option. You seem to have a problem with it." said Nick, making Mich chuckle.
''No, no, absolutely not. It is actually quite relieving to meet such Hignesses who isn't so focused on work and want me to kiss their ass continuously. Trust me, I have met my fair share of royalties and it quickly became my most loathed part of my job. You two, though… You seem like fun, and the way I have seen you act on TV and your attire now suggests that I can continue using a friendly tone, right?" asked Mich, momentarily gazing at Nick and Aaron's clothes.
Said wolf and fox looked down at their attire and realized that he did have a point; khakis, Pawaiian shirt, tie and a red-white shirt with jeans are not your typical King costume.
''Well, you are the first wolf we met who didn't immediatelly bowed before us, so you got some nice starting points." remarked Nick with his own smirk.
''Oh trust me, you have no idea how badly I want, but Squeaker here informed me that you would rather avoid the usual praising and respectful attitude." said Mich, his smirk growing when he heard Lazlow growling next to him.
''You guys seem to know each other well…" noted Aaron, noticing how carelessly Mich was calling Lazlow names. The Wolfski wolves stole a glance at each other, the latter sighing.
''We are friends since childhood. As annoying as he could be with his immaturity, he is still my closest friend and I couldn't find a better one even if I tried." said Lazlow confidently. He missed Mich's expression soften.
''An immature, snarky partner who is annoying but you would never replace him you say? Bushy Tail, it reminds me of you."remarked Aaron as he glanced at the fox buried in his side.
''I hope you were about to say '…and damn sexy as well', or otherwise you ain't getting nothing tonight no matter how badly I am into my mating season." said Nick, successfully hiding his inner amusement.
But he should have realized a long time ago that he had managed to create a snark monster that rivalled his own.
''Why would I have? Are you trying to make me unfaithful and say that Mich is damn sexy? Because it is not happening. No offense, Mich." retorted Aaron while crossing his arms. He knew that even if Nick was determined to do as he said, he couldn't fulfill his words since a) Aaron just needed one wondering paw and the fox was a goner and b) the fox would sooner or later would just give up and jump on Aaron.
''None taken." replied Mich with a smirk.
Nick snorted and forcefully dragged Aaron to a kiss. Least to say, the wolf did not expect the sudden forwardness and before he could melt into it or reciprocate the gesture, Nick ended the kiss and looked at him seductively.
''Good answer…" whispered Nick as he let go of the stunned wolf but not without burying himself in Aaron's side again, wrapping the lupine's tail around him.
''The mating season hit him that bad?" asked Mich with a minor concern on his face.
''Yes, it was unexpected… but I think we will be okay." said Aaron as he shaken off his stunned state and hugged the Vulpine closer to him. The moment the fox got comfortable in the embrace of his tail, Aaron made sure to tighten the grip a bit. It was almost comical how he heard Nick's tail start subtly hitting the seat upon feeling the wolf's tail enveloping him more.
''So… what work are you trying to pin on us?" asked Nick, trying to change subject from his mating season. None of the wolves had any idea how badly he wanted to rut with his wolf right here right now in the mean time. His skin was again itching like hell, his mind was basically screaming the word 'breed' every second, and to further his annoyance, it echoed inside his head. In his previous mating seasons, he could always manage and distract himself by making the most twisted and ingenious hustles, but now it wasn't the case. It was actually influencing his mind and actions now and the fox didn't know whether to like it or not.
''You didn't tell them?" asked Mich as he turned his head towards Lazlow.
''In my defense, I could not interact with either of them on the whole plane ride since… well… Nick got hit by his mating season there…" replied Lazlow, the insides of his ears getting redder and redder. Mich got momentarily confused by what Lazlow was implying, but upon seeing his friend's flustered state he didn't need much helping. It took him aback, but he didn't want to pry in his kings' personal life, especially not that segment.
''Well, I suppose it would be mighty rude of me to ask more questions, so I'm going to get to my point." then he turned back to Nick and Aaron.
''You will have to do 1 work in the whole week, which would be attending the yearly V4 meeting, where you have to do nothing but be nice to every mammal who wears a suit and has an accent." informed Mich. Aaron and Nick slowly blinked.
''V4 meeting? That sounds like some kind of cult." noted Nick with a snort.
''Well, you are technically not wrong… it is a regional organisation between Wolfska, Reynardország, Volenakia and the Elk Republic. Think of it as an alliance between the countries. The meeting would be about the recent political and economical state of Zoorope and all that boring stuff." informed Mich while cleaning his glasses.
''Just keep doing what I said; look pretty and not do anything that would end up in a war." added Lazlow with a smile.
''Wolfie? Do you think we could sit through an entire conference of snobs talking about boring politics without offending any of them?" asked Nick with a smirk while looking at Aaron. The wolf hugged him closer.
''As long as you are with me, I could survive Clawhauser's speeches of how awesome Gazelle is." replied Aaron while planting a kiss on Nick's forehead. He was cautious of his advancements towards the fox since he didn't want to get Nick into the mood (yet), and it was fairly easy to do in his mating season if what he read online could be believed. It's not like he didn't want Nick to be in the mood, he just didn't want it to happen in front of others.
''Splendid! The conference will be held tomorrow morning. I need to make some calls now and notify some mammals." said Lazlow as he took out his phone and started to rapidly type.
Mich rolled his eyes upon seeing his workaholic friend being on a roll again and refocused on the two individuals in front of him.
''So, none of you have any complaints? Does the state of things satisfy you both?" asked Mich.
''Let's see… We will be living in a castle that is in a friendlylooking city where the only thing we have to do is to attend some boring political event where we can show off our perfect fake smiles. The rest of the week would pass away by enjoying the company of the most amazing wolf- no offense again- , do whatever we want and enjoy this marriage thing… I think I can settle with these terms." summarized Nick while counting on his paws. Aaron didn't say anything just planted a chaste kiss on top of Nick's head.
Suddenly the car stopped. The fox and the wolf gazed out of the windows and saw that they were parked in the middle of what seemed like a huge square. The houses around here were colorful and old-looking. Not medieval old, but old enough to know that they had bypassed their 100th anniversary. The square had not much in it except for a tall monument to their right that showed a wolf with a sword and a shield in a fighting pose. Surprisingly, there were mammals of all kinds, wolves were actually a minority there. Most non-wolves were your typical tourists with large cameras and huge bags on their backs, watching the castle, the monument and the houses in awe. Most of these tourist and wolves were either minding their own businesses or watching the limousine curiously.
''Are you ready to face your home away from home?" asked Mich, a hint of excitement in his voice. Lazlow was missing but Mich's question distracted both canines.
Suddenly the door opened at Nick's side and Lazlow's friendly figure could be seen. Nick unwrapped himself from the wolf's tail and stepped out of the car first, his wolf following him. They started to walk next to each other paw-in-paw towards the castle that stood proudly in front of him. The tourists were making pictures of them and a minor cheering could be heard. It seemed that there wasn't a group of supporters scheduled there, giving the canines a moment of calmness.
The first thing both canines noticed was just how different the air there was than in Zootopia. In their mild shock at the terminal, they could not take in the new city and the feeling it gave them, but now it was pervading their senses. The air here was a tad bit fresher, probably because Howlsaw was not as multi-speciest as Zootopia were, so there were less kind of scents mixing. They also noticed that there was a small hint of wolf musk in the air that didn't lessen nor grow no matter where they were. Once again, probably because of the overpowering wolf population. They also finally had time to look around and take in the aura of the city. It was relatively quiet here, the mammals on the square wasn't much of a noise. The temperature was cool with a hint of autumn in the air, so neither Nick nor Aaron could say that they were freezing.
They walked through the square with bodyguards making space in the swarm of tourists in front of them. Lazlow and Mich was following them, both of them talking in Wolfski language on their phones. There were two more wolf bodyguards behind them too, currently carrying Nick and Aaron's suitcases. Soon they arrived at the front door of the castle. The building could be easily mistaken for a High School if you didn't know better. It was a simple, rectangle shaped, 2-storey building with either a red or an orange colour, depending on the lighting. There was also little clock tower in the middle of the side that faced the square, signaling the time to all the mammals in the area.
Then they stepped in and found themself in a big hall with two double doors at both sides and two curving stairs on the opposite side of where they came in, leading up to another level with another double door. The whole room was giving of an aura of importance and wealth, which was completed by the huge chandelier hanging from the ceiling.
While they were awestruck of the inside of the building, they have reached the stairs which turned out to be made of marble and they could actually see their reflection on each step. The railing's were of another kind of material which was just as shiny and smooth as marble was. The canines followed the bodyguards towards the double doors when Aaron leaned down and whispered to Nick.
''Is it just me, or does this building look bigger on the inside?" whispered Aaron curiously.
''Wolfie, I thought you liked big things." snarked back Nick. He needed Aaron's questioning eye brow to realize what hehad just said. The moment it happened, he clasped his paws to his mouth with wide eyes.
''Bushy Tail…?" asked Aaron cautiously. The fox groaned and buried his face in his paws.
''Ah, Goddamnit! Sorry Wolfie, I didn't meant to say that. This damned mating season is making me into a horny teenager." complained Nick. The bare scent of the wolf was making his blood boil at this point. If he hadn't practised self-control for two decades, he would probably be humping his wolf at the moment.
''It's not necessarily a bad thing…" mused Aaron without looking at the fox as they reached the end of the stairs and went through the door.
Aaron quickly realized that he shouldn't have said that when he felt the side of his head literally burning from the intensity of the fox's gaze. He kept a confident smirk and did not look at his husband, knowing that it would just further annoy knew that it was a cruel thing he did, but it was just so satisfying to see Nick Wildeford, the king of snark and sarcasm, actually get annoyed and irritated by his own weapon.
After seconds of silence between them he finally heard Nick's threatening voice.
''Wolfie, I will make sure that you won't leave the bed for a really, really long time."
Aaron actually got chills from the tone of the voice. This chill was actually not of fear, but of arousal. He needed distraction quickly before the fox could detect that it was the wolf who was slowly getting into the mood instead of him.
His distraction came by a clear of a throat. They looked back to see Lazlow and Mich watching them with raised eyebrows. They were looking at them like they were expecting something.
''What?" asked both the fox and the wolf.
''We have reached your residence." said Lazlow as he pointed towards the place they just stepped in. Nick and Aaron snapped back their attention to the place in front of them and saw their 'residence'. The 'residence' itself was probably the wealthiest thing Nick and Aaron has ever seen. The first thing they saw was the living room that was the size of their apartment back in Zootopia. It had a huge midnight black coloured round table in the middle, made of what looked like stainless steel. The table was surrounded by 4 different coloured, futuristic-looking sofas that both had wires coming from them, signaling that they were more than just fancy sofas. Probably the biggest flat screen TV decorated the opposing wall, currently displaying the flag of Wolfska. The rest of the residence could be clearly seen by the front door since there were no doors or doorways, only rails and stairsleading towards the rest of their new home. None of the other rooms looked like something a cop's yearly salary could beat.
''As I asked, do you want your stuff to be taken to your bedroom or you are good, and whether we can we leave you two alone for approximately three hours, or do you need showing around?" asked Mich with a knowing smile.
Before Aaron could answer, Nick cut him off.
''I'm sure we can handle them, don't worry about us. See you in three hours." babbled Nick as he basically pushed out the four bodyguards and the maned wolf/timber wolf combo out of the doors.
The double doors closed with a click, but Nick was long watching Aaron with the cockiest smug face ever. The vulpine slowly walked over to the scared wolf and dragged him down to his level.
''See that room, Wolfie?" asked Nick while pointing at a door that was at the other side of the kitchen. It was probably the only door in the entire residence if we don't count the front doors in. It had a metal plate above it that clearly said 'Bedroom'.
''Yes?" asked Aaron, when suddenly his mouth was invaded by another kiss, this one more lusty and passionate. Nick held it long enough so that Aaron could melt into it and reciprocate it.
''Our next three hours will be spent in there. I hope your stamina is at max, because you are in for a Wilde ride." said Nick as he disconnected their lips and started dragging the goofy-looking wolf towards the room in question.
One thing was sure; Nick always keeps his promises if it is not part of a hustle. This was anything but a hustle, and the wolf first-hand experienced it in the next three hours.
Nick Wildeford will be the death of Aaron.
Reasons why I didn't upload:
1)Got stuck story wise.
I was in a huge trouble of where I wanted this story to go; I had the option to jump to the part I originally planned and miss out the Honeymoon in Wolfska or include the honeymoon, but then I have to make this story into one that is more than 300k words.(I originally wanted this story to be 250k Words at max). In the end, I decided to choose a third way, something in between which you will see soon.
2)My computer got busted.
One day, a sneaky Windows update decided to make my computer stop working. When I switched it on, it always restarted before the Windows could come in, so I had to reinstall Windows. That alone wouldn't have taken a week, except that after repairing, my internet decided to play naughty with me and didn't let me upload stuff, saying that 'My request couldn't be authenticated' or 'The request couldn't be sent'.
That was mainly the reason why this chapter feels so bad to me. I feels kind of strained and dry. The beginning was good, which could be traced back that when I wrote that I wasn't amidst of ripping my hair out of frustration.