A/N: Sorry for the slight delay in an update, I've been sorta busy, and this chapter is the longest one I've written for this story. There might only be one more chapter, as well. Sorry, but it was only supposed to be a short story. Oh yeah, this is my last upload before school starts, but this story is going to get finished soon. Anyway, enjoy chapter 6!

-o0o-

Sunday

"Come on! You're gonna make us late!"

Fox was waiting on Wolf to get dressed. It was nearly seven, and the banquet started at half past seven. They hadn't done much but lay around all day, waiting. Now Wolf had decided he'd take forever to get his suit on.

"God dammit….. look, I'm having difficulty with the tie!" Wolf shouted from Fox's room. The vulpine was waiting at the doorway.

"Christ, just come on! If that's the only thing left, then I'll help you with it in the limo!" Fox shouted back.

"Alright!"

Wolf stepped out of the vulpine's room, and sure enough, he was struggling with the bowtie. Everything else was perfect.

"Come on, you sharp dressed baby, let's go," Fox joked, taking the bowtie and tugging Wolf along and out of the door. He shut and locked it, turning to face Wolf.

"So, does anybody know that the limo is coming here?" Wolf asked.

"No, they only know where the banquet is at, and all the media care about is what goes on there. They couldn't care less about what happens beforehand," Fox explained, leading Wolf down the stairs.

"Ah. I see. Helps with tension on your case, eh? People are gonna expect you to be flying solo once more, so recording you before the banquet would be a bore," Wolf replied.

"Yep. That's the beauty of it, Wolf. Shock factor."

The two canines stepped out of the stairwell, and walked through the lobby. Some of the residents gave them odd looks, but Fox paid no mind. They had somewhere to be. The vulpine walked out of the lobby, holding the door open for Wolf. A black stretched limo was waiting for them, with the driver, a feline in a suit noticing them and opening the car door. Fox smiled at him and climbed inside, taking a seat. Wolf sat right up next to him. The driver shut the door, and a moment later, the limo started moving.

"So, where's this banquet at?" Wolf asked, looking out of the window behind them.

"Some sort of big party hall thing. It's about fifteen minutes from my place. Pepper's had them at the same place every time; I'm starting to think he owns it, actually," Fox answered, draping an arm over Wolf's shoulders and starting to put the bowtie on him.

"Hmm. Well, how's it gonna go? Just a party, or some speeches, or what?" Wolf asked as Fox finished tying the purple cloth around his neck.

"Well, they've got dancing, food, and alcohol to start. Uh… Oh yeah. All of the important people are supposed to do a dance thing with their partners, if they have any. I never did, just watched with Bill. He never had a partner either. Pepper's supposed to do a speech, as well," Fox explained, leaning on Wolf.

"So, we've gotta dance together?" Wolf asked.

"I mean, if you want to. I don't mind," Fox replied.

"I do, actually. I wanted to have a dance with you at least once. I was just worried you wouldn't. It'd be fun!" Wolf exclaimed.

"Yeah. I've never danced with anyone before, though. I don't know how," the vulpine said, smiling.

"Eh, I'll teach you," Wolf replied dismissively.

"You know how to dance? Really?" Fox asked, his eyes widening. Wolf chuckled.

"Sure I do. I've always liked it," the lupine stated, flicking Fox's ear.

"Huh. That's really cool, Wolf."

"Yeah. Thanks, Fox. Anyway, how are you going to handle the situation when we get to the place?" Wolf asked, tugging at Fox's ear.

"I was thinking about that. When we get there, just roll with what I do, and don't get out until I reach my hand inside the limo," the vulpine said, resting a hand on Wolf's thigh.

"Alright. Whatever you want to go with, I'll follow," the lupine replied, his arm wrapping Fox close.

"I'm glad I ran into you at the park the other day," Fox whispered.

"Me too. Do you regret any of this?"

"No. You're the first person I've ever dated, so I can't say I have. You've been a welcome change to my life. It's been fun, and I love being with you. I love you, Wolf."

"I'm glad to hear all of that. I love you too, pup," Wolf said, kissing Fox for a moment.

The rest of the ride passed in relative silence, the two canines just enjoying each other's company. The ride was just the calm before the storm. They were going to have a hell of a start to the party. Fox guaranteed that all of his friends would rush him with mixed reactions when he finally got inside. The vulpine might just have to hide behind Bill and Wolf the entire time. That would be exciting.

Fox was so enveloped in his thoughts and worries that he didn't realize that they had pulled up until Wolf jostled him.

"We're here. Game time, pup," the lupine said.

The vulpine looked out of the window. The hall was very large, having enough space to fit all of the important people in Corneria and beyond. The crowds were something else, though. A red carpet was placed in the middle of the crowd, who were blocked by barriers. News crews were waiting in front of the limo.

The driver opened the door, and Fox climbed out. He was almost immediately blinded by camera flashes, but a moment later, they stopped. Perhaps the crews figured that he wasn't taking anyone once more. Oh how wrong they were.

Fox could hear the entire crowd collectively gasp when Fox reached his hand down into the limo. Then they went completely silent when they saw who the vulpine helped out.

Wolf stood tall right next to Fox, and was bracing himself for what was to come. But what he expected didn't happen. The crews were too shocked to even attempt a picture. One brave reporter stepped up, however.

An orange vixen reporter walked up to the canines, a cameraman following. She took a breath, and looked at Fox.

"Mr. McCloud, do you have a statement to make about Wolf's presence here after his recent pardon? You seem to be very carefree with your rival standing right by you. What is this about?" She asked, holding her mic to Fox's mouth. The vulpine guessed that she was too scared to ask if they were dating.

"Are we live?" Fox asked. She nodded.

The vulpine looked toward the entrance to the hall, and saw a bulldog waiting around in khaki shorts and a bright red Hawaiian shirt. It was Bill. He waved at Fox, giving him a thumbs up and mouthing, do it. Fox smiled.

"Eh, I've just got one thing to make painfully clear," Fox remarked, turning to face Wolf. He seemed to know what Fox wanted to do, as he smirked. The vulpine reached up and pulled Wolf down into a deep kiss, which the latter happily reciprocated. A blush still crept it's way up Fox's cheeks, though. It was a natural reaction to the stunt he just pulled. A short moment later, Fox let go, and turned back to face the reporter, who was wide eyed in shock.

"That's all," the vulpine said, grabbing Wolf's hand and leading him down the red carpet, where camera flashes nearly blinded the couple on their way up the stairs to the entrance.

Fox nearly ran into Bill, as well. The vulpine grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and into the lobby of the building, which was much quieter and relatively empty. They would have to step through another set of doors to get to the actual banquet.

"That was a bold move, dude!" Bill exclaimed cheerfully, smiling at the two.

"Yeah, I know. I'm not sure what came over me to do that, honestly. I guess I was just fed up with everyone assuming things about me, you know. 'Ooh, Fox is just waiting for the right girl. He is patient, and kind. He would never date a guy.' Good God, I am so fucking sick of that," Fox ranted angrily. Wolf put a hand on the vulpine's back and rubbed it in circles to calm him.

"Well, the entire Lylat System was just proven wrong, and given quite possibly the biggest shock of their lives," Wolf remarked.

"Hmm. I suppose so."

"Congrats. You caused half of Corneria to go into shock," Bill joked. Fox chuckled a small bit at that.

"Anyway, how many of my friends are here so far?" The vulpine asked Bill.

"Let's see, I think they're all here. Yeah. I saw Falco walk in with Katt earlier, as well as Slippy and Peppy. Your gang is all here; I was just waiting on you two lover boys to arrive," Bill replied, smiling.

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever. Come on, let's go face the music," the lupine said, making for the door leading to the main hall.

Fox moved to walked next to him, with Bill trailing closely behind. The vulpine tentatively grasped Wolf's hand, suddenly feeling very nervous. The lupine gave a hearty squeeze, letting him know that he wasn't going to let go. The two canines pushed the door open together, and stepped into the hall.

The hall was large and spacious, with round tables littering one half of the place, and tables filled with food and alcohol around the edges. A raised table was located near the others, toward the back wall. It was for the most important people, which included only ambassadors from other planets and the like. The other half of the hall was reserved for a dance floor, with a DJ over on the other far wall. People were littered about the place, drinking, talking, dancing, or doing something else. Pepper was up at the raised table, drinking some wine.

He only had a split second to take everything in before every head in the hall moved and looked at the two. Murmurs immediately erupted after looking at the two, and Fox opted to beeline straight for Pepper, Wolf in hand. Bill murmured something about finding a table and going in another direction.

Fox walked up to Pepper, which was busy talking with some ambassador from whatever location in Lylat. He stopped his conversation to look at the two, an amused look in his eye.

"Ah, Wolf O'Donnell. Fox has told me about your change of heart," Pepper said.

"Hello, sir. Um, thank you for abolishing my bounty," Wolf replied, not quite sure what to do.

"You are very welcome. It seems I made a good choice in trusting Fox. I hope you two have a wonderful time tonight! Oh, and by the way, Fox. I think your friends would like to speak with you," the bloodhound pointed out, motioning to a table where all of his friends were staring at the two and talking amongst themselves.

"Yeah. I can see that. Thank you, General," Fox remarked, walking away from Pepper. Wolf followed closely behind, not sure of where to go.

"Wolf, I'll talk to my teammates myself. How about you go and find Bill?" Fox asked, seeing the lupine's clear unease.

"Yeah. I'll go do that," Wolf replied, giving Fox's hand a final squeeze before walking in another direction in search of Bill. Fox continued toward the table his friends were seated at. He could see confusion written all over their faces as he sat next to Slippy at their table. Falco had his arm around Katt, whispering something to her with a scowl on his face, and Peppy was cleaning his glasses. Or pretending to, anyway.

"Um, hi, Fox," Slippy said nervously.

"Hey, Slip," Fox said, acting like nothing was wrong.

"So. Erm….. how's-"

Falco cut the toad off before he could say anything by slamming his hand roughly on the table.

"What the hell, Fox?" The avian asked angrily, startling Katt.

"What do you mean, Falco?" The vulpine asked calmly. He wasn't going to be the one to cause a scene. Not this time.

"You know damn well what I mean. You're actually dating Wolf O'Donnell? You're mortal enemy, and a guy? What's wrong with you?" Falco continued, his scowl deepening and voice rising.

"Falco, please calm down. I'm sure he has a good explanation for this," Katt said gently.

"Oh, he fucking better. Well? What's your answer, Fox?" Falco asked again. The vulpine crossed his arms, leaning back into his chair.

"Yes. I'm dating Wolf. One, it shouldn't be a problem for my friend to accept that I'm going out with a guy. Two, he's changed. Would I really be here with him if he hadn't? Would I be in a better mood?" Fox shot back calmly.

Falco grinded his beak together in frustration. He looked extremely distressed.

"You know, I don't fucking like it, Fox. But fine, if you say so. I just don't like it," the avian replied, standing up and stalking off. He just needed time to cool off, Fox figured. Katt then turned to speak with Fox.

"I don't know Wolf personally, so I'm not going to make any assumptions. You do look quite a bit happier now with him, so if that's all, then I'm absolutely fine with it," the feline said to him. Fox smiled.

"Thank you, Katt."

"Fox….. I don't care. If you say he's changed, well, I believe you. You've always had good judgement of others," Slippy said. Now it was Peppy's turn.

"Fox, I've seen a lot of crazy things coming from you, but this was completely unexpected. I figured you were going to walk in with a beautiful vixen, if anyone at all," Peppy started. Fox's ears actually pinned to the back of his head at that.

"So you don't approve?" The vulpine asked in sadness.

"I never said that. When I saw who had walked in, I must say, I was proud. This Fox was happy, and light, and childish again. He wasn't a grief filled mercenary, trying to become an avenger, but a young man who had finally found true love. Fox McCloud had finally found himself. He had become his own man. Seeing you walking in with Wolf…. Well it was a shock. But a welcome one. You've just followed your instincts. I think your father would be proud of that man you've become," Peppy finished, smiling.

"You really think so?" The vulpine asked in awe.

"Of course. You've made me so proud, Fox."

"Thanks, Pep," the vulpine said, smiling.

"By the way, when was the last time you've smoked?" The hare asked. That struck a chord in Fox. When was the last time he had? It was in the park, just before he'd met Wolf again.

"It was just before I met Wolf," the vulpine said, more than a little shocked.

"Sometimes even a distraction can make you stop something. Do you feel any urge to smoke?"

"No. No, I don't!" Fox exclaimed, laughing.

"That's good, Fox. Now, I don't want to keep Wolf waiting. Go enjoy the rest of your night," Peppy said, dismissing Fox. The vulpine got up, waving goodbye, and looking around for Wolf. He found the lupine sitting across from Bill at a table near the edge of the hall. Fox walked over and sat next to Wolf. The lupine kissed him on the cheek, and Fox blushed.

"Hey. How'd it go?" Wolf asked.

"Good, for the most part. Most everyone was cool with it, but Falco… he was being Falco," Fox replied.

"Yeah, I figured," Wolf said.

"Dude, Falco can be a dick sometimes. It's just his nature," Bill said.

"Yeah. I don't see how he's friends with Fox," Wolf remarked.

"Hey, Wolf?" Fox asked.

"Yeah, pup?"

"When was the last time you smoked?" The vulpine questioned.

"Uh…. The park a few days ago," Wolf said, before widening his eye.

"Same here. That's odd, huh?" Fox asked, grinning.

"Yeah. Sure is."

"Now could you be a gentleman and get me some damn food? I'm starving," Fox complained.

"Sure, pup. Anything for you," the lupine replied, chuckling and getting up. He walked off in search of some food.

"You two are so perfect for each other, dude," Bill said, grinning cooly.

"You're an idiot, Bill. But you're right," Fox replied, smiling.

"I'm really glad I was able to help hook you up with Wolf, bro."

"Yeah. Me too."

The two kept up a conversation while waiting for Wolf, talking about the crazy few days Fox had been caught up in. It made him realize how fast time could actually go. The vulpine then noticed some glasses of champagne set on the table, and he grabbed one. Oddly enough, it was the only type of alcohol he could stomach.

Fox was drinking the glass of champagne when Wolf approached him with a plate, smiling and looking over Fox. He set a plate of food down and looked at the vulpine. Bill raised his eyebrows as the lupine leaned into Fox's ear.

"You look so damn hot in that suit. If there weren't so many people around, I'd want to fuck you right here, right now," the lupine whispered, running a hand through Fox's tail fur. The vulpine choked on the alcohol, punching Wolf in the shoulder and coughing.

"H- holy shit. Ass… Asshole," Fox sputtered, although he couldn't help but start smiling.

"What? What did he say?" Bill asked, staring at the two questioningly.

"Nothing much," Fox said, laughing and grabbing at the base of Wolf's tail, causing him to yelp.

"I was just joking!" Wolf exclaimed in pain, sitting next to Fox.

"Oh no. You. Me. We're doing that tonight. I'm expecting you to hold that promise," Fox whispered, grinning deviously.

"Deal," Wolf whispered back, nonchalantly taking a sip from Fox's glass. Bill looked at them in complete confusion.

"What the hell are you two going on about?" Bill asked.

"You probably wouldn't want to know," Fox replied.

"Alright then."

The next half hour passed by as the three enjoyed their food and alcohol, keeping up a light conversation about all of the people attending the banquet. Wolf had cracked a joke about the ambassador of Aquas that had caused the entire table to erupt in laughter, which made quite a few people turn their heads in search of the commotion. Fox would've been sulking in a corner somewhere, but having Wolf sitting nearby made the vulpine feel much better. It was the first one he actually enjoyed.

"Hey, Fox. I think they're about to start the dancing and stuff. Don't the couples have to dance or something like that?" Bill asked, pointing over to the dance floor. Groups of people were splitting into pairs to dance over there.

"Yeah. I mean, you don't have to, but Wolf does. So why not? You want to go over there now, Wolf?" Fox asked the lupine.

Wolf tool another sip of his of his champagne before replying, "Yeah. Let's go."

"You two lover boys have fun over there. I'm good with just watching," Bill remarked as the two got up out of their seats.

Fox and Wolf walked over to the dance floor, and stood at the sidelines awkwardly as the music started. Neither was really sure what to do.

"So, how about you lead and I'll follow?" Fox asked.

"Yeah. That sounds good. This is just a slow dance, so it won't be too hard for you," Wolf answered.

The two moved to an empty spot in the crowd, and faced each other. Wolf grabbed Fox's left hand, raising it up to his shoulder level, and set his other hand on Fox's hip. The vulpine awkwardly placed his right arm on Wolf's shoulder. The lupine started to move slowly and gently in a circle, Fox following. Wolf's steps matched the tune of the song, a slow, rather somber melody. The vulpine managed to match Wolf fairly easily.

"You're pretty good at this, pup," the lupine whispered.

"Thank you. It's not so hard," Fox replied.

The two danced for awhile, their movements and steps changing with the flow of the songs. Fox only stepped on Wolf's feet a few times throughout it all. He was also aware of probably everyone else staring at them, but it didn't matter to Fox. The only thing that mattered to him in that moment was the man across from him, and not stomping on that man's feet. Fox was just staring into Wolf's eye, getting lost in those purple depths. He was probably wearing the biggest, most ridiculous grin ever. But Wolf was doing the same thing as him.

The dance ended too soon for Fox's liking, but they had to stop sometime for fear of breaking down in exhaustion. The two separated, and Fox led them back to the table where Bill was sitting with a huge smile on his face.

"Dudes, I've never seen two people look so damn in love before," Bill said, but there was no joking nature in that sentence. Fox blushed, smiling.

"You really think so?" The vulpine asked almost childishly.

"Dude. I know so, man," the canine replied, taking a drink of his champagne. Fox looked over at Wolf, who smiled warmly.

"Your surfer friend is right. I've never loved someone more than you before," Wolf whispered in Fox's ear. Apparently, he still didn't much like to announce those things in public.

"I love you too, Wolf," Fox replied softly, kissing the lupine on the cheek.

"You two dudes are dorks, you know that? I can see those damn smiles," Bill interjected, ruining the moment.

"Bill?" Fox asked.

"Yeah, bro?"

"You're a dick," Fox said, but his voice held no malice.

"I know, dude," he replied cooly, not skipping a beat.

The three spent the rest of the night chatting, not really finding much else to do. Some party goers walked by their table, asking about Fox's relationship, to which he brushed them off with a yes and left it at that. Fox's friends left him alone, but the vulpine could catch a glare from Falco every so often. It wasn't their buisness, anyway. Pepper at one point interjected the banquet to give a speech about the Lylat Wars, one that Fox had heard more times than he could count. Lots of droning about Fox's amazing heroics and bravery, courage, fearlessness in the face of danger, et cetera. Although this time, the remarks about Star Wolf were left out. He spent most of that time just staring off into space, wondering what his life was going to be like. He wondered if Wolf would want to go back out into space, taking missions. After all, the Great Fox was still his; it just wasn't being used. Maybe they could go and take missions. It would certainly be fun. It didn't really matter to Fox what the two did, as long as they did it together.

"Fox. Fox, you want to go? Pepper's speech is over, and some others are leaving," Wolf said, tugging the vulpine from his thoughts.

"Hmm? Oh. Yeah. I only stayed because of the dancing," the vulpine said.

"I figured you did. Let's go; I think our limo is probably waiting outside as well," Wolf replied, getting up out of the chair. Fox did the same, looking over at Bill.

"You gonna leave too?" Fox asked.

"Yeah, in a bit. I just wanted to have a chat with your other friends first, dude. Then I'll probably jet," Bill said, crossing his arms.

"Alright then. You take care of yourself, buddy," the vulpine said, waving and starting to walk away.

"Have fun, you two!" He called after them.

Wolf grabbed Fox's hand, and together they walked out of the hall. The vulpine caught Peppy's eye, and the hare waved, smiling proudly. Fox waved back, grinning. Getting that kind of reassurance from Peppy was one of the best things in the world. He would always be a surrogate father for the vulpine.

"We're gonna have to run as soon as we step out," Wolf said.

"I know," Fox replied.

The two canines walked out of the hall, and were once more met with near-blinding camera flashes from the reporters outside. Wolf clenched Fox's hand tighter and he ran to the limo, dragging Fox behind him. The reporters rushed them with cameramen and loud questions, but they all melded into an incomprehensible muddle of noise. The two made it to the limo, and Wolf fumbled for the door handle. He finally found it, and shoved Fox inside before getting in himself and slamming the door closed. The two took a breath as the limo started up and away.

"Jesus Christ," Wolf breathed.

"That was frickin' wicked out there," Fox said, panting and leaning heavily on the lupine.

"I know. Other than that, though, how was the banquet? Did you enjoy that?" Wolf asked, wrapping an arm around the vulpine.

"I don't know, really. There wasn't much to see, besides you," Fox said, grinning.

"You're a fucking dork, pup," Wolf joked, flicking the vulpine's ear.

"Well, it's true in my eyes. I mean, Bill was there too, and he was great to talk to," Fox replied.

"Stop being such a huge romantic. I liked the childish Fox better," Wolf said, kissing Fox on the head.

"Fine, then. I'll be that one."

"Well, you're always that one, pup. I just don't much care for the hardcore romantics coming from you. It really doesn't feel right," Wolf remarked.

"Then I'll try and dial it down, Wolf," Fox said, smiling.

A few moments passed by in comfortable silence, with Fox just content to listen to Wolf's steady breathing and heartbeat. He could tell that it was slowly ramping up, if the smell coming from the lupine was anything to go by. Apparently, Fox was working him up just by existing. He wanted sex. Bad.

"I think we're nearly at your place, pup," Wolf stated, interrupting the silence. Fox looked up and out of the window to see his apartment building coming into view.

"Maybe you should just move in with me, if we keep staying over at each other's places," Fox said.

"That wouldn't be a bad idea. Maybe we could," Wolf replied, scratching his chin and panting slightly.

"Let's do that when we can," Fox said, smiling.

The limo came to a full stop in front of the building, and the driver opened the door for the two a moment later. Wolf and Fox climbed out of the limo, and the vulpine waved to the feline driver before walking into the apartment building with Wolf. They entered, and briskly walked over to the elevator. Fox hit the button for the twenty-second floor, and glanced around the lobby. It seemed nobody was there, as it was late in the night. Fox checked his PDA. It was nearly midnight.

The doors opened, and the two canines stepped inside. They quickly shut, and the lift was propelled upward. He could really smell Wolf's arousal in such a tight space, as well. It was driving Fox crazy, but he kept himself under control for the time being.

The elevator doors opened after what felt like an eternity, and the two nearly jogged to Fox's apartment. The vulpine had barely got the door open and them inside, shutting the door, when Wolf came down and kissed Fox hard, pushing him against the wall. The vulpine murred, pressing back just as hard and wrapping his arms around Wolf's waist, running a hand down his tail. It made the lupine shiver quite a bit.

Wolf let go to ask, "You still want this, right?"

Fox didn't have any second thoughts. It was either that, or he was too sex-driven to care. "Yeah. I do."

The lupine then bore down on Fox's neck, inhaling deeply and licking it. Fox groaned, closing his eyes.

"You smell so fucking good, Fox. I almost came down on you in the limo back there. Hell, I had to restrain myself the entire night," Wolf nearly growled.

"Didn't know you had a thing for me in a tux," Fox replied, grunting.

"I didn't either. I fucking love what you look like in it. So damn sexy."

The lupine then led Fox into the bedroom, shutting the door. It was going to be a very long night for the two canines, that was for certain. It'd be worth it for the two, anyway.