Chapter 6

Shenanigans

Written By: FairlyOddFaller and SmilingDolphins

I am back! Sorry for leaving so unexpectedly. I won't go into details about why. Remember to go check out FairyOddFaller, if you fav and follow me, fav and follow him, because he worked just as hard on this as I did, if not more. Now, onto the story!

Note: We have removed the vixen from the story, and are going to be doing a different antagonist(s).

With dinner all wrapped up, everyone decided to move to the living room for Truth or Dare. Simon retrieved a few bean-bag chairs to place around the coffee table so that nobody would have to shout just to be heard. Vulperne, Crodut, and Delphin were amazed when they stepped into the room. It was clear that Simon had spared no expense. Everyone gathered around the coffee table, with Vulperne and Crodut managing to secure the love seat before Simon and Lily could get to it. The two of them were a bit miffed but decided they deserved to have it after the ordeal Vulperne went through to tell them.

"This certainly brings back memories," Simon said as he sat down. "So, who's going first?"

Everyone looked the other way. As fun as Truth or Dare was when it was someone else, none of them were particularly eager to risk being the first to be embarrassed. After about a minute, Vulperne finally spoke up. "Okay, fine! I'll go first, ya bunch of cowards. I choose "dare"."

"Dare it is, then," said Simon. He thought for a moment, then he remembered something. Back in their college days, when a bunch of wolves started howling at a party, he tried to get Vulperne to join in, but he kept making excuses or finding reasons not to. "Got one! I dare you to howl, as loud and as long as you can."

Delphin and Lily were perplexed.

"How is that embarrassing?" Delphin asked. But then he saw Vulperne looking like he just saw his worst nightmare.

"H-howl? Are you serious?" he stammered.

"Why wouldn't I be? You are part wolf, and all wolves can howl. It's practically our thing. But you never have. I just wanted to find out why."

Vulperne sat still for a moment, then sighed. "I can't."

A playful grin snaked across Delphin's mouth. "Ooooh, somebody's chicken."

"No, Delphin! I mean I literally can't howl. I've tried and tried, but I could never do it. Every wolf I've met can howl like it's nothing, but I just can't figure it out. And when I ask how to howl, I just get howled at." Vulperne buried his head in his paws, only perking up slightly when he felt a comforting paw from Crodut on his shoulder.

"So what if you can't howl?" C asked. "You're still the most amazing animal I know."

"Thanks, C," Vulperne said, giving him a quick peck on the cheek.

"So nobody ever bothered to explain it?" Simon began. "Then how about I be the first."

"You'd do that?"

"Of course. What are friends for." Simon then went on to explain his version of the process of howling, ending with him giving a slow demonstration so that Vulperne could follow his movements. After letting loose a long, powerful howl, he turned to Vulperne. "So, do you want to try?"

"You know what, I think I will." So Vulperne carefully mimicked Simon's movements for howling, taking in a deep breath...and let out an ear-splitting shriek that made everyone flinch away.

"Dad-gun!" cried Delphin.

"Yowza!" cried Simon. "That was...startling. I've never made a noise like that before. What even was that?"

Crodut's eyes suddenly lit up. "I get it," he began. "That was a fox scream. That's why you can't howl, Vulperne! It's not that you don't know-how, it's that your fox side is in charge of your vocals."

Vulperne's eyes widened in surprise. "Oh my gosh, that makes so much sense. How did I never think of that? Heh, I guess this game is good for more than just embarrassment." He let out another, softer shriek in celebration. "Looks like my fox side gave me more than just my fur. Anyway, let's get on with the game. Crodut," Crodut half-flinched, half-lit up, "Truth or Dare?"

Crodut thought for a moment. "I guess, truth."

"Okay, then," Vulperne began, "What's the one thing you just can't stand?" He didn't truly want to embarrass his boyfriend, so he went with one that would hopefully be easy to answer.

Crodut took a deep breath. "Being called a sissy."

"What?" Everyone except Vulperne asked.

"Yeah. It's true. I know it's not the worst insult in the world, but for some reason, it just irks me."

Now it was Vulperne's turn to comfort him; he wrapped Crodut in a hug, trying to hold as much of the feline as he could in his arms. Crodut relaxed a little, and Vulpenrne was about to tell him that he wasn't a sissy, but he apparently wasn't done talking.

"I wonder if it's because I'm a gay cat. I know cats aren't usually considered all that tough, and well, you know what they say about gay men. I actually started going to the gym just to prove to myself that I wasn't a sissy." He was practically sobbing here, so Vulperne decided to intervene. He took Crodut's face in his paw and turned it so he was looking Vulperne in the eyes.

"I'm sorry, C," Vulperne began. "I didn't mean to open up a scar like that. If it's any consolation though, I think you being a sissy couldn't be further from the truth. You're strong and confident, not to mention you're proudly gay. I'm the sissy compared to you." They began to lean into a kiss.

"Sheesh," cried Lily, "What is it with you two and turning a simple party game into a roller coaster of feels?"

They awkwardly pulled apart, though they kept one arm around each other.

"C'mon, Lily, did you have to say that?" Simon chimed in. "They were having a moment!"

"Yeah, seriously," Delphin added. "They were totally about to kiss! I just got my phone ready and everything."

That pretty much killed any chance of a kiss that was left. Crodut then remembered that it was his turn to pick someone.

"Anyway, onto the next round. Delphin, truth or dare?"

Truthfully, Delphin didn't like being embarrassed, but he was feeling confident with himself, despite the botched attempt at catching them on camera. "I'll choose dare."

"Dare, eh?" Crodut smirked. He was hoping Delphin would pick that, as he'd wanted to get back at him for trying to catch them kissing. "In that case, I dare you to take off your shirt and do jumping jacks?"

Everybody raised their eyebrows at that. Vulperne whispered to Crodut. "How is that supposed to be embarrassing?"

"Well," Crodut began, "He is an ocean mammal, and they're known to be blubbery, so I figured having everyone see him jiggle would knock him down a peg."

Vulperne couldn't believe what he'd just heard. Was he NOT looking at the dolphin seated across the table? "As someone who shared a dorm with Delphin for four years, I can say for sure that you're about to eat those words."

Delphin had overheard Crodut's comment but didn't say anything. He figured the demonstration C wanted would more than get his point across. "Well," he smirked, "If that's really what you want me to do…" He moved to the middle of the room, away from anything fragile, and began to pull his shirt over his head, and Crodut's jaw practically fell off at what he saw.

Oh my, Bast! You could grind meat on that stomach! That was his first thought. To put it bluntly, Delphin was jacked, so much so that he made Crodut himself look puny by comparison.

"Ya still want me to go through with it?" Delphin teased.

Crodut couldn't speak, he was too shocked.

"I think you've made your point, Delphin," said Vulperne, who was struggling to hold a straight face himself. He was glad he'd never seen Delphin topless before. There was NO way he'd be able to explain his current state away. He suddenly thought Pulchra was extremely lucky to be dating this dolphin.

"Okay," Crodut finally said. "You have GOT to give me your workout routine."

Delphin smirked again, "Are you saying that you're...jealous?"

"J-jealous! No way!"

"Okay, okay!" Simon interjected. "Why don't you wrap this up before either of them starts drooling?"

"Fine, fine," Delphin conceded. "I was just having a little fun. It's not every day you find out you register on the gaydar."

Delphin re-shirted himself and rejoined the table, where Vulperne was explaining to him what he knew about Delphin's chosen career as an MOIA agent.

"I got the impression that they're kind of like those Bond-Esque spies in the movies," he was saying, "so I'm betting he has to do a lot of physical conditioning just to hold the job. Heck, he told me himself that he knows multiple different martial arts."

"You couldn't have mentioned that before?" Crodut whispered back, "'cause now I feel like an idiot for even thinking he'd be...you know."

Next up was Delphin. The dolphin's eyes turned towards Simon and Lily, and a large grin formed on his elongated nose.

"Lily...truth or dare?" The skunk scratched the back of her head and looked around.

"Uhh, truth." Lily was hoping to see Delphin's smile lessen, but it only grew wider.

"So. As I am sure most of you know, possibly Crodut excluded, and maybe Lily too, canines are very...expressive about their feelings towards their mates. I would for sure say they are some of the best partners to have in a romantic relationship, except maybe Orcas." Delphin winked at the group. "I make it a point to know things. So, Lily, this is what I ask."

The dolphin leaned forward. His grin was impossibly wide.

"Has Simon given you...a mark yet?"

Simon and Lily's faces reddened so fast, Delphin was surprised their limbs didn't go limp from blood loss. Simon spluttered and coughed, while Lily let out a small wheeze.

"I'm going to take that as a yes." The dolphin put his hands behind his head and leaned back, his work complete.

"Wait, what's a mark?" Crodut asked. Vulperne blushed and avoided the lynx's eyes. Delphin, however, was ready to explain.

"Well Crodut, a mark is something canine males give to their mates the first time they...you know. It involves biting the mate's skin, usually on the shoulder. The bite doesn't draw any blood, but it might leave, well, a few marks. When they do this, it essentially activates their strongest scent glands. The mark is a way to tell other mammals that 'This female is mine. Do not try to flirt, play, or do anything remotely affectionate with her without my permission, or you will die a painful death."

Crodut blinked and turned his head to look at Vulperne.

"So, are you ever going to mark me?" He asked. Vulperne blushed so deeply, his bright red fur became almost maroon.

"Uhhh, it's not your turn Crodut! I never chose 'truth' so I don't have to answer that!" Vulperne said in a panic. Crodut smirked and leaned in closer.

"Well, what if I said I want you to mark me?" He whispered in the hybrid's ear. Vulperne shot to his feet.

"I'm going to the restroom!" He practically screamed. He turned and rushed off. Delphin burst into laughter and slapped his knee.

"Oh, that is just too good! Well, while we wait for Vulpes to return so we can continue, I am going to call Pulchra. Chow!"

Delphin stepped out of the mansion into the cool night air. He walked down the steps, then turned to look back up at the house. He ran forward and leaped onto one of the pillars and scrambled up unto the lower roof of the house. There, he sat down with his back against the wall and pulled out his phone. He went into his contacts and selected "Lady-Orca" from his favorites, and pressed the call button.

Pulchra picked up on the third ring.

"Delphin? What's wrong? Isn't nighttime back in Animerica?" Her voice came through the phone. In Porposia, it was about 7:00, and Delphin knew Pulchra always woke up at 6:00, just like he did.

"Yes, love. But, it's only 11:00. And nothing is wrong. Well, maybe that's not true." Delphin replied calmly.

"How so?"

"For one thing, I don't have the most beautiful Orca in the world with me, so that kinda sucks." Delphin waited for her reply. He counted to 10 in his head.

"Shut up," Pulchra mumbled. Delphin could imagine the flustered look on her face as a small grin played onto his lips.

"How's Oscissor?"

A deep voice suddenly blasted from the phone.

"Deli! That you? Why ain't you here yet? You better not be abandin' my daughter! I'll smack you to Pawaii if ye are!"

"Dad! Gimme back the phone! I already told you, Delphin is going to be here tomorrow! He's just having a small party with his friends before he comes back! Let go of the phone!" Pulcha's voice sounded far off, but it came back into focus as she took back the phone from her father.

"Sorry about that. You know how he is."

Delphin chuckled. Oscissor was very overprotective of his daughter and always liked to keep an eye on Delphin, even though the old Orca had raised him since he was 8, right alongside Pulchra.

"Do you remember when I asked him if I could date you back in high school? Oh, his expression was priceless!" Delphin laughed remembering that day, all those years ago. "Sometimes I still can't believe he let me."

"He would have been in trouble if he didn't! After all, I had been crushing on you like...forever."

"Mmm, forever huh?"

"Shut up, Delphin."

"For you, love? Anything." Pulchra laughed.

"You are so dumb, you know that?"

"I can't be dumb! I was smart enough to get you." Delphin tried to hold back laughter. He loved messing with Pulchra, making her more and more flustered as he continued responding with compliments to her insults.

"Longnose!"

"Love of my life."

"Fish breath!"

"My beautiful orca."

"Arggg!"

Delphin chittered and clicked out a long dolphin laugh at his antics.

"Delphin!"

"Oh, uh, yeah, Pulch, I'm here. What's up?"

"I was saying I've got to go. Dad is trying to cook breakfast, and I'd prefer my childhood home to remain standing."

"Alright, love. I'll see you tomorrow, ok?"

"Tomorrow. Don't be late."

"I'm never late!"

"Uh-huh, sure you ain't. Goodbye, my Dumb Dolphin. Love ya!"

"I love you too, but when have I ever been la-"

He trailed off as Pulchra ended the call. Delphin shook his head and put his phone back into his pocket. He jumped off of the roof and landed on the ground, rolling to absorb the impact. Delphin sprang up and was about to go inside when he looked at the trees again. He sent off another burst of sound waves. Nothing of interest came back. Delphin, still feeling slightly uneasy, turned and walked back into the mansion.

Vulperne had returned and was in the middle of chatting with Crodut when Delphin walked back into the living room.

"I have returned! Now, let's keep this game going, shall we?"

Crodut smirked.

"How'd the talk with Pulchra go?"

"Great. She's doing fine. Now, Lily, I believe it's your turn?" Delphin said, sitting back down on his large chair.

"Well, I guess we should turn in for the night, Vulperne said. The games had ended an hour ago, and everyone else had gone upstairs to their respective rooms. But, by some silent agreement, Vulperne and Crodut had stayed on the couch, talking.

"Yeah, I guess you're right." The two of them stood up and began to climb the stairs. They reached their room, and Vulperne hesitated before opening the door and allowing them both inside. The hybrid closed the door behind him and locked it. He turned to see Crodut sitting on the end of the bed, removing his shirt, which sent a jolt of electricity through his system. Vulperne walked over and sat next to the lynx.

"So" He began.

"So" Crodut repeated. Vulperne suddenly took the lynx's paws in his own and turned towards him.

"Crodut, I love you. I mean, how could I not? You...you helped me to finally come out of my shell, and be who I am. And...I don't want to leave you, I don't want to leave what we have, behind." Crodut studied the hybrid, trying to figure out where this was going. Vulperne continued.

"When I'm with you, I feel so...safe. Secure. I feel like I can trust you with everything. Which is why, no matter what, I won't leave you. Crodut, I know that you have a family here, and there's your family cafe and all these other things, but I have to ask. Would...would you consider coming back to Zootopia with me? I know I've only known you for a few days, but I want to start a life with you. And...and if you don't want to go to Zootopia...then I'll come here. I don't care. As long as I am with you."

Crodut started in shock at the hybrid. He had been expecting a very large "but" somewhere in that conversation, along with a long apology from Vulpes about why they couldn't work out. Instead, he got an invitation to leave with Vulperne, or the choice of Vulperne to come here. An invitation to start a life with the hybrid. He searched Vulperne's eyes for any signs of deception, but all he saw was absolute determination.

Crodut thought about his family. He had never really had a bigger plan before. He just worked at the cafe, saving up to buy his truck, which he did. But what now? What was his focus? What was he meant to do, or be? He had a strange feeling the answer to that was sitting next to him, holding his paws. He made his decision, right then and there.

"Vulpes...I want to go back with you. There's nothing for me in this town anymore, except for my family. I never really cared about the cafe or anything here. But I do care about you. And… I want to start a life with you. I want all of you."

Vulperne felt himself begin to move closer to the lynx. He dropped Crodut's paws and gingerly grabbed the lynx's face, before pressing his muzzle against it. Crodut hummed as he leaned into the kiss and the two mammals' tongues began to dance together. Vulperne felt the cat's hands begin to slither up his leg, before reaching the edge of his shirt. Crodut began to tug the clothing upwards, breaking the kiss only for a second to pull the shirt off of Vulperne. The world tilted sideways, and the two of them lay next to each other on the bed as they continued to enjoy each other's taste. They wrapped their arms around each other and pulled themselves closer. Vulperne felt Crodut's waist grind against him, causing him to groan, and for something to wake up.

The two of them broke the kiss, breathing heavily as they sucked in the oxygen their deprived lungs had begun to cry out for. Vulperne's paws began to explore more of Crodut's chest, tracing the well-defined lines of his muscles.

"Crodut…" Vulperne groaned as Crodut ground his body against him again. He felt the thing that had been woken up suddenly spring off of the bed. Crodut stared straight into Vulperne's eyes, now even looking down at the large bulge poking the lynx in the stomach.

"That what I think it is?" The lynx asked. Vulperne simply nodded. Crodut continued to stare at him.

"As I said, I want all of you. But I have a feeling you're not ready for that yet, right?"

"I...I don't know. I've never done anything before."

Crodut laughed softly.

"Well, neither have I, to be honest. Most of my dates ended with me leaving halfway through, as the guys turned out to be just curious, and not wanting anything serious. That is until I met you."

"So what are we going to do?" The hybrid asked. Crodut grinned and ground against the hybrid once more, causing Vulperne to moan as jolts of desire fired through his body like a machine gun.

"Whatever you want to, Vulpes."

Vulperne whispered, but Crodut heard him.

"I'm all yours, C."