A/N: Hey everyone, apologies for being late with this chapter but it was unfortunately out of my control. Work has been flat out the past week and a bit and I completely lost the headstart I had on this chapter. That, and I just couldn't get the last part of the chapter to work. I was probably too stressed and couldn't focus enough to do it. I think I'm happy enough with it now, though.

I'm gonna try working harder to get that two chapter reserve I mentioned before so this doesn't happen again. Thank you all for your patience.

The sound of a blaring alarm clock was certainly not a welcome one. Gunter thrust his arm out from under the duvet, lazily feeling around the nightstand before locating the offending object and shutting the alarm off. He waited for a moment, allowing himself to fully wake up before exerting himself any more than that. In one swift movement he threw the duvet off himself, stretching and letting out a yawn. He rolled over onto his side, facing the other side of the bed. The bed that was always far too large and far too empty.

He hadn't expected it, he never did, but Gunter couldn't deny that he had at least hoped to wake up next to another animal this morning. But after having their fun last night, the other man he'd met had been quick to leave. He didn't even fully dress before he left, almost as though he was… disgusted. Desperate to leave.

Gunter turned again and reached for his phone, unlocking the screen and seeing the messages he had sent and received immediately pop up. He read through them, top to bottom, noting how enthusiastic the young goat had been. At least at first. He then saw the goat's interest slowly dwindle as the day went on. How had Gunter not noticed that? Perhaps he was too distracted with his classes, but this really should have been obvious. There really had been no chance of convincing him of staying the night, let alone any longer. Hell, it was a miracle the goat had even shown up at all. Sure, the whole hour he'd deemed worthy to give to Gunter had been fun, but it left the pig wanting more. As it always did. A relationship, a date, anything more than just a night of empty pleasure and the loneliness that followed.

But it was only a fantasy. Try as he might there was nobody out there for him, experience told Gunter that much, or so he thought. And some days, much like this morning, the thought was far too difficult to dismiss.

He put his phone back on the nightstand and turned back to the empty side of his bed. He reached a hand out, feeling for something, someone, that wasn't there. That would never be there. It was cold and undisturbed, never having been slept in. Gunter was desperate to have someone there, even if it was just for a night, so that he could pretend to be happy behind the door to his apartment for once.

A buzz coming from the nightstand interrupted Gunter from his thoughts. He rolled back over, reaching for his phone again and seeing a notification for a text coming from Rosita. He opened the message.

Hey Gunter, I hope you're still on for drinks tonight. The babysitter will be here at six, and I managed to convince Norman to come with us! Text back to let us know where and when to meet. xx

Gunter afforded himself a small chuckle. Rosita always texted with perfect grammar, even typing out the words for numbers. He didn't know anyone else who did that. Then again, he didn't know anyone else who counted steps when dancing. These little things had become a subject for light teasing between the two and, as long as he didn't push it too far, they could both find the funny side of it.

He re-read the text. He didn't remember making the plan for going out tonight, although it did seem very much like him. To make the plan and to also forget about it. He was hesitant to reply, he didn't much feel like having fun tonight, but then that was probably the perfect reason why he should. Spending the day wallowing in sorrow didn't seem quite as appealing now. His fingers hovered over the screen for a moment before he began typing a reply.

sure sounds great, meet at my apartment when youre ready

He hit the send button and finally gave in to the need to get up out of bed. His previous thoughts behind him, at least for now, he headed off to have a shower. It was still hours away but he now had something to look forward to. And when it came to nights out, he wasn't often quick about picking an outfit. That was always the best part.

Gunter had just finished dressing as a knock came at his apartment door. He looked at the clock, noting the time as 6:47pm. How did so much time pass already? He quickly bounded over to the door, throwing it open to find the two other pigs on the other side of it.

"Hi Gunter, you look amazing!" Rosita said, scanning over his outfit. Not a single sequin in sight. Still very outlandish colours but they seemed to suit him.

"Thank you, and look at you! Where are you finding zis dress?" Gunter asked, gesturing at the form-hugging black dress she was wearing. "You are looking very hot!"

"Thank you," she giggled.

"Watch it buddy, that's my wife you're talking about," Norman said, smile betraying any attempt at pretending to be angry.

"Oh please, you are already knowing you have nothing to worry about. You are more my type, especially in this little number," he said, pinching at the material of Norman's shirt.

Norman just rolled his eyes. Gunter's advances were never serious, nor over the top. They were clearly only ever meant in jest, or simply as a compliment.

"And that's my husband you're talking about," Rosita said, doing a much better job at appearing stern for a moment, until a smile broke out. "So what's the plan?"

"Come in, come in, we vill have a couple of drinks before going. Ze place I am wanting to take you is very nice, but drinks are not cheap. This will save money."

"Now that is not a bad idea, buddy," Norman said, clapping Gunter's shoulder with his hand before making his way in, Rosita and Gunter following.

Gunter showed them to his couch and grabbed a bottle and a few glasses, setting them on a coffee table in front of them before taking a seat. He poured a glass for everyone and they began to drink.

"Now, the babysitter agreed to stay overnight, so we don't have to be too careful about what we drink tonight," Norman said, raising his glass in emphasis.

"Ah, so zis is meaning you can stay out all night?" Gunter asked, brightening up even more.

"We sure can!" Rosita said. "Gosh, I can't even remember the last time we danced into the early hours of the morning."

"Summer of '06," Norman said without a hint of hesitation. Gunter and Rosita both looked at him quizzically.

"Is… is that right?" Rosita asked.

Norman shrugged. "I don't know, but it sure seems that long, right?" Rosita and Gunter both laughed at this.

"I was thinking you actually knew this somehow!" Gunter said. "Who even remembers things like zat?"

"Trust me, when you have as many kids as we do, you somehow seem to remember even less."

Gunter just nodded, not really understanding. He wasn't really one for kids, at least not his own. He was happy to look after Norman and Rosita's piglets, or anyone else's children should he be needed to, but never had the desire to have his own.

"And why wouldn't we?" Rosita added. "Twenty-five kids are a lot to keep track of. It's been so long since we could just do something for ourselves."

"You mean except for the singing contest?" Norman asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Ja, but I heard she made a machine to take her place," Gunter said with a laugh. "Almost like a… a robot Rosita."

"Yes, well, it didn't exactly go to plan…" Rosita said, smile falling.

"Oh no, honey, I think we all enjoyed hanging from the clothes line for half the day," Norman said sarcastically, although his smirk held no malice. Looking back on it, he did find the experience rather amusing.

"It's not like you were helping any!" she snarked back, to which Norman just rolled his eyes.

"Well, I think zis just proves there is no-one else or nothing else good enough to replace Rosita," Gunter said, bringing a smile back to Rosita's face.

"I'll drink to that," Norman added, raising his glass before finishing his drink.

"I will say, although that was sort of something for myself, it has basically become my job now," Rosita said. "I enjoy it, of course, but it's still work."

"Well, tonight is not about work, or worrying about ze little piglets, tonight is for fun!" Gunter announced, pouring everyone another drink.

"Y'know, it's so good to be going out, all three of us together," Rosita said. "I can't believe we haven't done this sooner."

"I can," Norman said, earning himself a nudge in the ribs. "Ow! I mean, uh, I'm not exactly sure what to expect from a, uh… y'know." He waved his hands rather than outright saying what he meant, feeling awkward about it.

"Vat, you are assuming I am taking you both to a gay nightclub?" Gunter asked, looking offended.

"Oh, uh, sorry, I guess I shouldn't-"

"Because I totally am!" he cut in cheerily.

Rosita just giggled, watching her husband's expression change from uncomfortable to ashamed to confused all in a single moment. "Don't worry honey, it is a really nice place," she said reassuringly.

"Ja, the music is good and the animals are very friendly!"

"I think that's what I'm most worried about," Norman muttered.

"It is alright, zey are very welcoming to straight animals, too! If anyone approaches you just tell zem you are not interested, it is this easy!"

"Well, alright."

"You'll have us there with you, too," Rosita added.

"OK, I get it, you don't need to coach me," Norman laughed.

The three finished their drinks and Rosita reached for her purse. "Shall we get going then?"

"Ja, I think this will be a good time to leave," Gunter nodded.

They all left the apartment and, after Gunter locked up behind them, they began the small trek to the club. Norman looked into the door leading into the studio as they passed it.

"Y'know, I haven't actually been to see this place yet," he mused. "How's it working out?"

"Oh, very good! It is what I always hoped it would be," Gunter said happily.

"And Rosita tells me Johnny is taking classes with you there. How's that going?"

"Well, it vas only his first class yesterday but he seems to be enjoying it. He is doing much better when he is not worrying about being so embarrassed."

"Oh, that's so good to hear," Rosita said. "I was really worried he wouldn't take to dancing the same way I almost didn't, but I'm glad to know he's doing well now."

"Yeah, must be nice having such a handsome young man joining your class, huh?" Norman said, smirking.

"Norman!" Rosita scolded.

"Vat? Norman is not lying, Johnny is a handsome young man," Gunter shrugged. "I think he is already catching attention from the others in ze class."

"Aw, that's a real shame buddy," Norman said, earning himself another nudge in the ribs from his wife.

Gunter knew what Norman was implying and he didn't much like it. He wasn't sure why but it was beginning to make him feel uncomfortable, and he felt the need to brush it off. "Bah, Johnny is young and attractive, he can find someone much better zan me."

"Don't say that," Rosita said, hugging Gunter's arm. "Anyone would be lucky to have you. Maybe we could even find you someone tonight?" she suggested.

Gunter shook his head. After what had happened last night, finding someone to hook up with was the last thing on his mind. "No, tonight I just want to have fun. And not that kind of fun. I am just wanting to have a good time with my friends."

"And there's nothing wrong with that," Rosita said, shooting her husband a glare as though daring him to push the subject any further. He didn't.

After a few minutes spent walking in silence, observing the noise and the lights of the clubs, cafés and restaurants they passed, Gunter finally spoke up as they finally came to a stop.

"So, this is ze place," he said happily, waving a hand in front of himself. "I think you are going to love it here Norman, it is my favourite place to go on the weekends."

"Well, lead the way, big guy," Norman said, interested in seeing what kind of place held so much of Gunter's enthusiasm.

Gunter took hold of Rosita's hand and wrapped an arm around Norman's shoulders, leading them both to the door. He flashed the bouncer a smile which was eagerly returned as they made their way in.

The interior of the club was brightly lit in neon colours. Flashing lights were in every corner of the surprisingly large space, from the stage to the DJ booth, and even at the bar. Each seemed to be a different colour and Norman wondered how anyone knew what they were doing in the absence of neutral light. Under all of the lights nothing appeared to be the colour it presumably should have been. The music was also very loud, seemingly coming from all angles, making conversation difficult. It was bright and loud and far too garish but Gunter loved it, Rosita loved it, and they hoped Norman would love it too.

"The bar is zis way!" Gunter called out and lead them along. Norman didn't really need leading, the bar was easy to spot, but he figured it was simply Gunter's way of saying he wanted another drink.

Once they approached the bar Gunter placed an order for their drinks without asking what anyone wanted, pulling some cash from his wallet to pay and, once the drinks were made, he handed them to Rosita and Norman before taking his own.

"What is this?" Norman asked, eyeing the glass suspiciously.

"Just drink!" Gunter said.

Gunter and Rosita both began drinking but Norman simply gave the drink another look, unsure of whether the liquid was blue or simply reflecting the blue lights of the bar. He gave a small shrug and decided to just drink it. It was sweet, but not too sweet, and seemingly quite strong in alcohol, but beyond that he still had no idea what it was. He couldn't discern any particular taste he could compare it to. He looked over to Rosita questioningly but only got a shrug in response.

"Nobody knows what it is," she said.

"Ja, it is part of ze mystery," Gunter giggled. "It is supposed to have fruity flavours and two types of alcohol, but nobody can guess what is in it."

"That can't be right, surely someone has been able to guess it," Norman said.

"If they have, zey never told," Gunter shrugged. "Come, we need to show you around!"

Gunter took hold of Norman's hand and pulled a little too enthusiastically, knocking him slightly off-balance and almost causing him to spill his drink. Rosita helped steady him as she followed them along, giggling. This was just how Gunter acted the first time he'd shown her around the club, like a kid showing a friend their secret den. She actually spilled her drink that time, though.

After a quick tour around they finished back at the bar, Gunter asking the others what they wanted to drink this time. The three pigs spent a short time enjoying each others' company and talking about many things, whether it be about what was going on in their lives, or at the theatre and with Norman's job, or simply Norman getting to know Gunter better. The two hadn't spent much time together before this and he actually enjoyed learning what it was that Rosita saw in him as a friend. Norman found he was a surprisingly likeable animal, despite first impressions. Soon, however, something happened to interrupt them.

"Gunter, is that..?" Rosita started, pointing into the air.

"It is!" Gunter laughed.

"I love this song, we have to dance!"

"Totally!"

Gunter held out his hand and Rosita immediately took it. Norman just looked on, bewildered as the two began to dash away, heading for the dance floor.

"We'll be back in a moment!" Rosita called back to him.

As soon as their feet touched the dance floor Gunter began leading Rosita through some dance moves. This was the first song they danced to in this club and it held an air of nostalgia to them both. That, and it was also incredibly catchy and easy to dance to. As they danced they began attracting the attention of every animal around them, all of whom seemed to stop their own dancing to watch and cheer. This only encouraged them to dance with more fervour and in that moment nothing else mattered for Gunter. No thoughts of loneliness or desperation, just a fun dance with his best friend as they were cheered by others he either knew or at least recognised.

As the song came to a close, the two pigs struck a pose as everyone cheered even more wildly. The two looked at each other with wide smiles, breathless, and took a bow as the cheers continues.

"Nice moves, Gunter!"

"Way to go, big guy!"

"Smooth, Gunter, real smooth!"

"You'd think I wasn't even here," Rosita giggled, pulling Gunter back over to where they had left Norman.

"Ah, it is only because most animals are here for the male attention," Gunter chuckled. "I am sure they enjoyed your performance too."

"Great dancing out there Rosita!" came another cheer.

"Ah, you see, they are recognising you, too," Gunter smiled.

Standing off to the side, Norman couldn't do much but watch the dance. He cheered as they finished, watching as they slowly made their way back to him.

"Hey handsome, you lookin' to dance?"

Norman turned around, the voice breaking his attention away from his wife and his friend. A tall wolf seemed to have approached him and was currently eyeing him up and down.

"Um, no, thank you," Norman said.

"You sure, you were lookin' pretty fascinated by what was going on up there," the wolf said, pointing up to the dance floor.

"I was just watching them," he said, pointing out Gunter and Rosita.

"Ah, yeah, they were pretty impressive." He smirked as he looked more intently at Norman. "Bet we could show 'em a thing or two if you wanted to join me though."

"I'm not interested," Norman insisted.

"Aw, c'mon, don't be like that," the wolf almost whined.

Norman was becoming a little uncomfortable with the attention the male wolf was giving him, eyes straying all over his body. He turned around to see that the others had finally made it back to him.

"Uhh… Rosita? Gunter? What do I do here?" he asked, not sure what else to do.

Rosita and Gunter looked over to Norman, then to the wolf, and then to each other, sharing a laugh.

"How did he get attention so quickly?" Rosita whispered to Gunter.

"I don't know, but he certainly found himself a gorgeous man," he whispered back.

"Oh?"

Gunter shrugged. "He does look very hot."

Rosita laughed again as they turned their attention back to Norman and the wolf.

"I'm sorry, but this is my husband," Rosita said pointedly, smiling sweetly as she grabbed hold of Norman's arm. "Happily married and one-hundred percent heterosexual. But…" She waved her hand over to Gunter who was ogling the wolf from behind her, seemingly very interested in this new animal's presence. "My friend over here is single."

The wolf turned his attention to Gunter who immediately shrank back, embarrassed. "Rosita…" he whined.

The wolf's eyes gave a quick sweep up and down Gunter's body before he gave a snort, turning away. "Pass," he said before walking away.

"Well that was rude," Rosita said, glaring at the wolf's retreating form. "Are you OK, honey?"

"I'm fine," Norman said, also looking angry at the turn of events. "How about you, buddy?"

The two turned to Gunter and their hearts almost broke. Gunter couldn't meet their gaze as he tried, and failed, to keep his composure. To be turned down so quickly and bluntly was a big knock to his confidence. It made it all too easy to fall back into the thoughts he had been having that morning and he suddenly didn't feel like being here any more.

"I… think I vant to go home now," Gunter choked, rubbing at his eyes as he turned around, walking off.

"Gunter, wait!" Rosita said.

"Don't go!" Norman added.

The two chased after him, stopping him before he made it to the exit.

"Please, Gunter, just forget that rude guy and enjoy the night," Rosita pleaded, placing her hand on his shoulder. Gunter shook it off.

"Gunter, come on buddy, don't let him ruin the night for you. You said tonight wasn't about hooking up, right?"

"I know, but… I am not feeling very good about myself right now," Gunter mumbled. "I would just like to go home."

"Gunter, please," Rosita said.

"Rosita, no," he snapped, his eyes meeting Rosita's. "I am sorry, but I am not feeling like having fun any more. I do not vant to be here any more, I will just ruin the night for you, too." He sighed, looking down at the floor. "I am going home."

He began walking out and Rosita and Norman could only exchange glances, not sure what to do to convince him to stay, or even if they should. Either way, they didn't really want to continue the night without him. They followed him out onto the street, catching up to him again.

"Gunter, isn't there any way we can convince you to have another drink with us?" Rosita asked.

"No," he said simply.

"Well, we can at least walk you home, right?" Norman offered.

"But you guys should be having fun," Gunter said, pointing back at the club. "You hired a babysitter for zis. You shouldn't leave early just because I am."

"It's not the same without you," Rosita said, hugging his arm again.

"I'm sorry…" Gunter sniffed. "I did ruin the night, didn't I?"

"No, that jerk in the club did," Norman said, clasping his hand on Gunter's shoulder and giving it a squeeze. Again, Gunter shook it off.

"It is not just him!" Gunter cried. "Every man I try to pursue, zey turn me away! Ten years I have been trying to find someone and I just… I cannot. I do not want to spend ze night being reminded of this!"

"But weren't we just supposed to be having fun?" Rosita asked.

"We vere, but then you, you… you try to introduce this man to me, and he… he turns me down, and… I just… I just…" Gunter buried his face in his hands, his sobbing preventing him from finishing what he was trying to say.

Rosita tried to hug him but as soon as he felt her arms on him he stepped away. "No!" he snapped. "Please, I just… I need to be alone. I'm sorry."

Gunter continued making his way back to his apartment, despite Norman and Rosita's protests. They didn't follow this time, however, recognising that they were making the situation worse. They just watched in concern as Gunter went home alone.

As soon as Gunter reached his apartment he took out his keys, unlocked the door, stepped through and locked it behind him. He climbed the stairs and made his way to his bedroom, shedding his shoes and clothes and collapsing into bed. He was vaguely aware of the buzzing of his phone but he had no will to go to it, instead giving in to his sadness and tiredness. There was no good this day could offer him now. He pulled the duvet over himself and turned over, staring at the empty side of the bed he had stared at for far too long that morning. Again, thoughts of how nobody would ever occupy it filled his head. He scrunched his eyes closed, unable to stop the tears that flowed from them. What had started off as a bad day only became worse, despite promises of being better. Gunter wasn't sure how much more of it he could take. It was just so hard pretending to be happy when he simply wasn't.

His sobs were quiet and short-lived as sleep quickly consumed him. He could only hope he would feel better in the morning, but he knew not to expect it.