Friday
Six forty five. Fifteen minutes until Wolf was coming over to pick Fox up. Then they'd go on their first date. Fox was fiddling with the top button on his collared blue shirt, trying to decide what would look better, buttoned, or unbuttoned. He laced his dress shoes, and waited nervously on his sofa, checking the time every few seconds. Leave the top button undone. Yep. The vulpine was excited, but nervous about the date. It would be his very, very first date, ever. He hadn't done anything like it before, but he imagined that Wolf had.
Wolf must've went put with all sorts of people. It's what a tough mercenary did, right? He got all of the ladies, and men, for that matter, to go out with him. It must not have been that hard. With Fox, however, it was a different story.
His father died when he was just thirteen, four years before the Lylat Wars. Grief had driven Fox away from everyone he loved and cared about, except his closest friends, Bill, Falco, and Slippy, as well as Peppy, who had taken care of him for those four years. He didn't have time to like anybody. His father's death was the only thing he could focus on. And then came the Lylat Wars.
Now, three months later, Fox was a barely functioning adult going on his very first date with his ex rival. That was always a good thing.
Knocking in the door jolted Fox out of his thoughts. He looked over at the time. Just about seven. The vulpine got up, and walked over to the door, opening it to see Wolf standing there, wearing a black button up shirt and khakis. It was a different look, almost funny with the eyepatch. Wolf looked really good, Fox decided.
"Hey. You look great, Wolf," Fox said, smiling.
"Thanks, Fox. You too," Wolf said, blushing.
"Alright, you ready to go?"
"Yeah. Lead the way."
On the way out, Fox grabbed his coat and put it on, zipping it up. He had already locked the door and moved down the hallway with Wolf before he realized that he'd forgotten his sunglasses. It probably didn't matter; he could go one night without them. What's the worst that could happen?
"Is this your first date, Fox?" Wolf asked as they stepped into the elevator.
"Yeah, it is, actually," Fox replied, hitting the button for ground floor.
"Oh. Well, this isn't my first, but I haven't been on too many. Always on jobs, trying to get money."
Fox looked at him in shock. "The great Lord O'Donnell has only been on a few dates in his entire life? I am truly shocked," the vulpine said dramatically.
"Oh, shut up, pup," Wolf said, but he couldn't help but grin at the statement.
"No, I'm genuinely surprised. Any lasting relationships, or was it just a one night thing?"
"Mainly one night stands. It was because I was either too busy, or just didn't like the person. Not that I would let what we have be like that, though. Don't worry," Wolf said, giving Fox a warm smile.
"Good. I'm glad."
The doors opened, and the two canines stepped out of it and walked through the lobby to the outside. It was fairly crowded, being a Friday evening. Everyone was getting off of work and going to dinner or home. Fox went off in a direction leading them to the restaurant, and Wolf followed close behind.
"Where are we going, anyway? You never told me," Wolf said, walking aside Fox.
"It's a surprise," Fox said, grinning.
"I hate surprises," Wolf grumbled.
"Oh, come on, you'll like this one!" Fox exclaimed childishly, grabbing the lupine's hand. Wolf blushed, smiling.
"Fine. I guess I'll play along. Just for you, though," Wolf replied, ruffling Fox's head fur with his free hand.
Fox led the lupine through the streets, paying no mind to the passersby who stared at them with odd looks. They didn't bother Fox; it was none of their business anyway, but Wolf was another case. He kept glancing around, frowning at the people who gave them withering looks. It was freaking him out, but Fox just kept a firm grip on his hand, refusing to let go. It helped Wolf stay relatively calm, though.
"We getting close, Fox? These people are really freaking me out," Wolf whispered.
"Yeah, we'll be there soon. Just ignore them. Besides, you were the one who wanted this," Fox replied.
"Yeah, I suppose you're right. Okay."
Fox was nearly there. The restaurant was fairly expensive, but the vulpine had change to spare. He wanted to treat Wolf to something nice, anyway. The lupine didn't get to experience things like these that often.
A few moments later, Fox was walking down the street, Wolf in tow, toward a building at the edge of the road, overlooking the ocean. He stopped in front of the ornately designed blue building. It was an outside based place to eat, with a large deck reserved for eating and the indoors for cooking and restrooms, as well as more private seating. Carine's, it was called. Nice name.
"Wow, Fox. Carine's? Seriously? You were taking me here?" Wolf asked in disbelief.
"Yeah. You deserve something nice!" Fox exclaimed, smiling warmly.
"T- thanks, Fox. Nobody's ever done this for me before," Wolf muttered, blushing.
"It's no problem."
"Isn't this place like, super hard to get into, though?" Wolf asked.
"Well, normally I wouldn't do this, but the simple mention of my name gets me places. I'm sure the hostess won't rat me out," Fox replied slyly, winking.
"God, you're adorable when you act all sly," Wolf said, chuckling.
"Aww, thanks. Now come on, we've got a date to get to," Fox said, walking up to the hostess. There was actually a pretty large queue of people without reservations snaking the side of the building, but Fox wasn't going to wait.
"Hi there," the vulpine said, getting the hostess's attention. She was a fairly lanky looking lynx, with black stripes crisscrossing her brown fur, as well as a single gold earring sticking out of her left ear.
"Do you have a reservation?" She asked.
"Well, no. But, I need a favor. Name's Fox. Fox McCloud," Fox said, grinning coyly.
The lynx's eyes widened. "Oh. Ah. Um, sure. I can get you a seat. Indoors?" She asked.
"Yes please. I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell anyone we were here, alright?" Fox asked, motioning to Wolf.
"Of course not. Name's Miyu, by the way. I'll be your waitress. Follow me."
Miyu led them through the entrance of the building to a long hallway. There were two doors either side, one for outdoor seating and the other for indoor seating. She went in the one marked indoors, and they followed. What Fox was greeted with was a small, dimly lit area filled with booths. It was nice, and not too many people were eating on the inside. It cost a bit more to eat indoors.
"Here you are," Miyu said, stopping in front of a booth on the edge of the building. A window was on one side, giving them a great view of the ocean.
The two canines sat on either side of the table, and the lynx handed them menus.
"Can I get you two something to drink?" She asked.
"I'll have water, please," Fox said.
"Iced tea for me," Wolf said. Fox looked at him curiously. Wolf O'Donnell was a fan of tea?
"I'll be back with your drinks in a few." Miyu walked off, leaving Fox and Wolf alone.
"You like tea?" Fox asked incredulously.
"Sure I do. Just because I'm an ex merc doesn't mean I can't have class, you know," Wolf replied, chuckling.
"I guess you're right. Sorry for making assumptions."
"No, it's fine. I understand. We're just testing the waters. Anyway, what's good here?" Wolf asked, opening his menu.
"I don't know. Usually just get the steak. Heard they've got pretty good seafood," Fox said.
"Eh, not really my thing. Steak, though. Yeah, might get that. Love me some steak," the lupine said, licking his chops.
A moment later, Miyu reappeared, handing the two their separate drinks.
"You two ready to order?" She asked.
"Yeah. I'll have the steak. Cooked medium rare, please," Fox said.
"I'll have a steak as well, rare," Wolf said.
"Alright then. I'll be back in a bit with that," the lynx said, taking the menus and walking off once more.
"Speaking of seafood, you know Falco? Since he's a bird of prey and all, you'd think he would love seafood. He's deathly allergic," Fox said, smiling, remembering an episode that had happened what felt like years ago, back on the Great Fox. Fox had decided to try fish for a dinner while they were stopped at Zoness, and he'd wanted to get Falco to try it. What had occured was that the avian ran away from Fox, and he'd ended up chasing him throughout the Great Fox until he'd ran out of breath.
"No shit? Ah man, that's great! The great Falco Lombardi, scared of a little fish!" Wolf said, laughing.
"Yeah….." Fox trailed off, sighing. Wolf looked at him questioningly.
"Are you okay, Fox?" Wolf asked, touching Fox's hand, concerned.
"I miss it. You know, being up in the sky with my friends, saving the system. I miss that so much," Fox replied, grasping Wolf's hand for comfort.
"I can understand that, Fox. I miss it as well. We can't just leave, though. Well, you can't. Your team has split off and gone their separate ways. I don't want to go, because I'll lose you."
"What if we both left?"
"Then you'd have a bounty on your head for working with me. I don't want that," Wolf said.
"That's another thing. I want you to come to that banquet with me on Sunday," Fox replied, staring at Wolf expectantly.
"Oh. Um, I'd love to, Fox! But, my bounty….." Wolf trailed off.
"I might actually be able to arrange for that to disappear. Tomorrow, I can meet Pepper. Talk to him about you, and omit the details of our relationship while speaking, of course."
"That would be amazing, Fox!" Wolf exclaimed happily, leaning over and kissing Fox on his cheek. He blushed madly, looking to see if anyone else had seen them. Nobody did.
"I'll get it sorted. Don't worry."
A moment later, Miyu came back with the steaks and set them in front of each other. Fox's mouth was already watering, just from the look. Wolf was already cutting into his.
"Flag me down if you need anything else, guys. Have a good date!" The lynx exclaimed cheerfully, walking away. Wolf nearly choked on a bite of his steak.
"Did she just-?" Wolf asked in between a bite.
"Yeah. I think so," Fox replied, cutting into his food.
Okay then. God, this steak is amazing," Wolf mumbled, his mouth full.
"I know, right? I've been here a few times before, but I was alone. Slippy is off doing who knows what with the Cornerian scientists, and Falco….. well, he's Falco. He's a freelancer for the military, doing small jobs in the city. Seems like everyone's too busy to do anything but attend those damn parties," Fox stated sadly while eating his steak.
"That's rough. Let's see, Leon is in jail, Andrew left for God knows where, and I kicked Pigma out after the Lylat Wars. I'm all alone, too. Thing is, though, you and I have got each other. So don't mope. Be grateful of what you have, Fox," Wolf said.
"Wow. Didn't peg you to be the wise type. Thanks, though. You're right. I'm glad you're here," the vulpine said happily.
The two continued to eat their dinner, keeping up a happy conversation. They talked about what was going on in their lives, and what had occured before. Interestingly enough, Wolf didn't try to avoid talking about the Lylat Wars. He didn't lie, or refuse to speak. It seemed that the lupine was more than happy to talk about what had happened. Maybe it was his way of apologizing.
Soon enough, all of their food was gone and they were left waiting on the check. Fox couldn't help but get lost in Wolf's bright violet eye, it seeming to pierce right into his soul.
"You've got a pretty eye," Fox said stupidly. Wolf chuckled.
"Thanks, pup. You too," Wolf replied, smiling.
"Why do you always call me that?" Fox asked.
"Well, it's because you're younger than me by a few years. You are my pup, and always will be," Wolf said, reaching over and flicking Fox's ear playfully.
"Hmph."
A moment later, Miyu came back, handing them the check. It was a little holopad detailing the price. "You can leave anytime after you pay, guys. Have a great rest of the evening!" She exclaimed.
"You too, Miyu," Fox said.
As she walked off, Fox opened the little holopad, and saw something under comments, right next to the check total. It read,
Hey, guys! So, there are some paparazzi outside who have gotten a whiff of your presence here. You can take the back door out, it's unlocked and open. Just go back into the main hall, and follow the emergency exit signs. And if you need anything else, give me a call. My number is 367-555-5739. Good luck!
Fox showed Wolf the note.
"Huh. Well, if we really don't have another choice, I guess we have to do that," Wolf said, glancing over it.
Fox filled out the check, and opened his PDA, registering the number and texting Miyu to make sure it was the right one. She quickly replied, saying that she had registered his.
"Okay, check is paid," Fox said.
"How much was it, Fox?" Wolf asked.
"Doesn't matter. I've got it covered."
"Okay then. Thanks for taking me out, I appreciate it."
"I would be glad to do it again!" Fox exclaimed happily, his ears perking.
"I guess we can make plans some other time. Let's get outta here."
"Alright then. Let's get going to Miyu's escape route," the vulpine said, getting up. Wolf quickly followed.
"So, you're just gonna trust her like that?" Wolf asked, following Fox out of the restaurant.
"I don't suppose we have a choice. If what she says is true, I think this is easier," Fox replied, pushing open the door and stepping into the hallway. He followed the red exit signs on the wall to the back door, which he did find cracked open with a pen. Clever, Fox thought. He pulled the door open, and found himself in an alleyway leading into the city.
"See? Told you she was trustworthy. Come on. Let's get going to your place. If I'm good to stay over? They might try and ambush me, or something. You know," Fox muttered.
"Sure. You're welcome to stay anytime, pup. We probably shouldn't stick around here, though."
Fox crept down the alley, and peered out of it. He didn't see anything but a regular street. Maybe not as busy, since it was getting late. He reached down into his coat pocket for his sunglasses, and found none.
"Shit. I forgot my sunglasses. Oh boy, this is gonna be great," Fox said sarcastically.
"We've gotta go anyway. Just walk fast, but don't run. People will know something's up," Wolf replied.
"Yeah."
Fox put the hood of his coat up, and walked out of the alley, Wolf right next to him. Fox glanced in the direction of the entrance to the restaurant, and sure enough, a group of paparazzi were huddled at the door.
"Told you we could trust her," Fox whispered, walking in the other direction.
"Sorry for doubting you, Fox. Let's head to my place," Wolf replied, grabbing Fox's hand and leading him on.
The two started toward Wolf's apartment, having to take the long way around, thanks to the damn media. It wasn't a bad walk, though. Fox loved hanging around the lupine. He was much more of a romantic than Fox would've thought.
"So, I'm cool with spending the night with you?" Fox asked, blushing.
"Of course. You need to avoid the cameras for the rest of the night, and I owe you. Besides, we could have some good times!" Wolf exclaimed suggestively.
"Shut it, Wolf," Fox said playfully, shoving him.
The rest of the walk wasn't very eventful, except for one thing that happened when the two were on the street adjacent to Wolf's place.
As the two were walking along, holding hands, a man brushed by them, muttering, "Faggots."
Wolf tensed, about to turn and do something to the tiger, when Fox just clenched his hand tighter, staring into the lupine's eyes pleadingly. They didn't have time for that. Wolf reluctantly calmed down and relaxed, but not without shooting the man, a hulking tiger, a menacing glare. The two wordlessly stepped into the lobby, and went up the stairs, climbing to the tenth floor.
The two canines walked down the tenth floor hall to Wolf's apartment, and the lupine took out a key, opening it. Fox set his coat on a hook, and walked to the sofa in the living room, falling in it with a tired sigh. Wolf sat near his head, and Fox moved it into the former's lap.
"Man, what a way to close the night. Why the fuck do those assholes have to say that? They don't have buisness about what we do!" Wolf growled.
"Don't give it any thought, Wolf. I didn't like it either, but you shouldn't worry about it," Fox replied softly, reaching up and tugging at one of Wolf's ears. The lupine smiled weakly.
"You're great at that," Wolf said.
"Great at what?"
"Comforting me. I love it when you do that."
"Hmm. You're welcome." To punctuate that sentence, Fox yawned loudly.
"You tired? Come on, let's go to bed," the lupine said, getting up and dragging Fox with him. He led the vulpine into his bedroom, and started to search his closet. Fox stood there awkwardly, waiting.
"I doubt you'll want to sleep in those, so here," Wolf said, handing Fox some black sweats and a yellow shirt.
"Thanks," Fox replied, stepping out of the bedroom and quickly changing. He set his dirty clothes on a chair, deciding to pick them up tomorrow. Wolf's scent assaulted him from the clothing, but it was comforting. He stepped back inside, to see Wolf wearing nothing but a pair of blue sweats. He blushed, staring at Wolf's muscular chest. The lupine was well built, muscle showing through his fur, but it wasn't bulging out. That was good.
"Like what you see, pup?" Wolf asked, grinning. If it was possible, Fox blushed more furiously.
"A little bit," Fox muttered, climbing in the bed. Wolf joined him, wrapping his grey arms around the smaller canine.
"I'm glad we did this. I had a good time tonight," Wolf whispered, his voice rumbling throughout Fox's body. The vulpine smiled, resting his head on Wolf's chest.
"I did too. Let's do it again. Soon, preferably."
Fox's response was the sound of soft snoring, and arms wrapping tighter around him. He chuckled, and stroked Wolf's grey fur absently. He smiled. Wolf was a great guy. Funny. Sarcastic, but really nice. Caring, too. The vulpine couldn't belive how wrongly he'd judged the lupine back during the Lylat Wars. He was glad that it was all over.
"I think I love you, Wolf," Fox whispered. He closed his eyes, falling asleep in his partner's arms.
