Silence. Peace. Comfort.
These were all the words that could accurately describe the state the apartment was in. But we don't care about the whole apartment now; just the bedroom. The room was dimly lit, since the sun was just starting to peak from the horizon. There were some photographs hanged or just simply glued to the walls. All of them had the same wolf family, and it's members pictured in different scenarios. There was a nightstand with a lamp on it, and a wide cabinet next to the wall. It wasn't the most exciting bedroom one could imagine, but it was home for one wolf.
Speaking of wolves, there was actually one in the room, currently sleeping in his bed naked with another mammal, also naked. They were cuddled together, limbs entwined, tails wrapped, giving their significant other a second blanket. One would think that this other mammal was another wolf, but it would be wrong. This mammal was Nick Wilde, a red fox, who was currently enjoying his perfect dream, breathing in the scent of his wolf. The wolf, Aaron Wolford and Nick were having huge smiles on their muzzles, because they were dreaming of the other. But only one's dream was about to continue, the other started to wake up.
When Nick started to regain his consciousness, he was met with an incredibly warm feeling. He could feel an other mammal's body pressed to him tightly, transferring the warmth between them. He could feel the other animal's soft fur that just asked to be groomed. He could feel a slow heartbeat next to his ear aswell. First he didn't know where he was or what was going on, but memories started to flood his mind, and immediately knew who this mammal was without opening his eyes. But he couldn't be satisfied with just his scent, warmth and heartbeat; he needed to see who these belonged to.
He opened his eyes and was not disappointed, quite the opposite, very satisfied. There he was, the black-and grey furred wolf, Aaron Wolford, also known as Wolfie or his wolf. But as of yesterday, he could write another name next to these: His mate. His one and only mate, who was the most alluring and handsome specimen mammal kind could produce in his opinion. If that face smiled (which it did now), he had the urge to just start recklessly kissing him, and show him his love.
He soon realized that he was awake, and although his night vision was helping plenty, it was still pretty dark.
Wait a second. I am awake before the sun woke up? What time is it exactly?
He tried to remember where his phone could be, but he was just too lost yesterday to even remotely pay attention to any other stuff besides Wolfie's mouth and everything it contained. He pried himself away from the wolf, much to his own displeasure, and sat up. He looked around to see if he can find his phone. Sadly, he could not see it anywhere, but he found his clothes scattered around the room. His tie was hanging from the top of the cabinet, his T-shirt was hanging from the knob of the door and his pants were on the floor next to the bed.
Well, I remember neither of us having any clothes when we reached the bed. We must have taken those off pretty quickly and carelessly.
He inwardly chuckled, knowing how wild, almost savage, they were last night, but still full of love and passion. It was only their first time, but even he could guess that it wasn't a bad one. They had some complications, being a bit different in size and what not, but once everything clicked, not even succeeding in his biggest and most successful hustle could even come close to the amount of pleasure he felt then. They were gentle of course, fearing that one might hurt the other, but after discovering that they are sturdier than thought to be…..well…..let's just say it's a miracle that the bed is still standing, and that Aaron did not get any noise complaints from his neighbours.
Coming back to the present, Nick picked his pants up and looked through all his pockets. He found his phone in one of her rear ones. When he unlocked the screen his eyes widened. It was only 4:47 am.
Did I, Nicholas Wilde, loyal fan of sleeping, just woke up before the alarm?!...Well…I could cross that off the bucket list.
He knew that he could not go back to sleep. He just felt so awake now, and energized after thinking about what happened hours before now. He decided to start his day by washing his face, but not without looking back at his wolf, who was now hugging his own tail as a weak replacement for the fox.
Would I be a hypocrite if I called him cute? Because he is. In a non-belittleing, handsome way….He looks so peaceful too….
He leaned forward and planted a kiss on his wolf's muzzle. The wolf's smile grew wider, making Nick satisfied with the reaction.
He walked into Aaron's bathroom and looked at his reflection on the mirror above the sink. His fur was all ruffled up, making him look like a scarecrow.
Or in my situation, a bunny crow *chuckle*
But his fur wasn't ruffled up because of sleeping naked. Nor was it because of last night's activities either. It was because what they did after they finished.
In canine society, you mate for life. So, whoever you choose as a mate, will be bonded to you, and will be your lifelong partner. But there is another ritual after mating, that was supposed to show others, who this mammal belongs to, and it's called 'Marking'. Every animal has scent glands at some part of their body, usually on the face. Upon 'Marking' their mate, the mammal strokes its scent glands through its mate's fur, making the partner smell like the a mix of their original smell and the scent of the mammal, who marked.
And Oh boy, did those two take it a bit too far.
After tying the knot rhetorically and literally, they used the rest of their energy to mark each other. They were so lost in the satisfaction of knowing, that now no other mammal will try to steal the other from them, that they both marked each other's whole body, not even missing a single spot. The mark is usually just a small patch, but Nick and Aaron played a 'just-to-be-sure' game. Nick had a harder and longer work, since Aaron was bigger, and by the end, his face kind of hurt, but he just couldn't care; he was swimming in his male pride when he smelled his wolf and could detect Wolfie's smell mixed with his own.
Speaking of scents, he took a big sniff and confirmed his hopes: He indeed was basically reeking of the Lupine's musk. Now not only will everyone know that he belongs to Wolfie, but he will always have a piece of him where ever he goes. He closed his eyes and sighed in contentment.
''I should so stop taking baths, like forever." Stated Nick to nobody in particular.
Suddenly, he felt two larger paws trap him in a hug, greatly suprising him.
''Good. And if you start getting stinky, I will just have to mark you like this again, so it will overshadow your filthiness." Cut in Aaron while marking the Vulpine's cheek again, making him shiver. Nick would usually be very embarrassed of getting caught naked, but It was Wolfie we are talking about, and it's not like he did not already see every inch of his body throughoutly. So, instead, he melted into the hug. The wolf started to caress his mate, making it become overcome with joy, and forget to restrain his less than casual foxy traits.
''Bushy tail, are you….purring?" asked Aaron in an interested and amused tone. Nick's eyes burst open and basically jumped out of his mate's arms, ignoring the pleading whine that escaped from said mate.
''Oh god, oh god, oh god, oh god, you did not hear that, alright? That wasn't purring that was…that was-'' panicked Nick looking away in shame.
''I actually liked it." Said Aaron simply. Nick stopped babbling, and looked at the wolf with wide eyes.
''Y-you did?" hesitated Nick.
''Yeah, it actually felt really nice, and soothing." Ensured Aaron stepping closer to the Vulpine, and getting down to his eye level.
''R-really? I always tried to hide these kind of attributes of my species, but I'm a fox and sadly, mammals are true when they say that we are basically 'a dog hardware with a cat software'." Explained Nick nervously.
''Well, all I know, is you can bleat like a goat, I will still love you. Remember, that I don't want you to restrain your urges or desires when with me. I want you to be you. And if you feel like purring, than invite me, 'cause I wasn't joking when I said it felt really good." Explained Aaron with a side of humor while hugging the fox. Nick decided that he was right, he really shouldn't be hiding stuff from him, even though it could be the most embarrassing thing in the world. So, he let his restrain go, and a loud purr escaped his chest. He was genially surprised when he felt a growl escape his mate's chest, but something was off about it and it made Nick chuckle.
''Are trying to copy my purring?" teased Nick after ending the hug and looking into the Lupine's eyes. Aaron was happy that his fox was eased out enough to be able to be his old self.
''Hey, you can't blame a guy for trying." Retorted Aaron while standing up.
''I suppose I cannot, buuuut I would rather keep your usual growl, I find it very hot if I'm honest" admitted Nick suggestively while walking towards the bathtub. He looked back at the wolf and saw said wolf ogling his rump. He smiled slyly and did a little shake to tease the wolf. The wolf let out a whistle and a growl that made Nick's arousal rise. He was not kidding when he said that he found the wolf's growls really alluring.
''Well, it looks like you are very fond of some of my foxy traits, and since you were a really good boy, how about you join me in the shower?" asked Nick while urging the wolf to come towards the tub the Vulpine was already standing in.
Aaron might have beaten the 'fastest mammal ever' record after hearing that.
Since they woke up sooner than usual, they had time to have a little 'fun' in the shower. Neither of them noticed how in the world their shower took an hour, but neither of them really cared.
They quickly gathered their clothes that were scattered around the bedroom, but not without joking about how good they are at removing clothes without ripping them, even though they have claws and what not. Then they quickly got dressed into their detective uniforms (which was basically their old uniform, just with more fancy stuff on it), and started heading down. Neither of them brought a car, or had one for that matter, so they simply walked. While walking, they were continuously joking and laughing of the other's stories.
Aaron was telling Nick about how Rufus got his nickname,,Flower''. His brother was an energetic pup, and a pretty curious one too. Once, they went down to their grandparent's farm outside Zootopia around 15 years from now, when Rufus was 10 and Aaron was 18. The grandparents were specialised in flower botany, and was supplying most of the flower shops in Zootopia. Rufus, being the curious one, sneaked into the greenhouse to do a little adventure of his. Well, it ended up him getting tangled up in the rose bush. It was pretty painful, but they managed to rescue him, but not without consequences; the poor wolf was reeking of rose for 2 weeks, thus earning the nickname Flower. After hearing the story in a more detailed version from the wolf, Nick had to stop and lean on Aaron, because he was laughing so hard, he might have lost his balance otherwise.
While they were walking, they didn't notice all the stares they were getting, and it was not because of their bantering. Mammals could smell one's mark on the other. Some became confused, some immediately realised what it was and got wide-eyed. They did not get disgusted looks yet, but they knew once they come clean, there will be some.
Rufus' bakery was within horizons. After yesterday, they were serious about continuing meeting up there before work with their lagomorph friend. Speaking of bunny-like creatures, there was one inside the bakery, speaking with a very excited looking Rufus. Aaron was amused when he saw that his brother was already fanboying around Judy, and who knows how long she was in there, probably not long. What amused him even more is that Judy seemed to be really excited aswell, instead of annoyed or embarrassed.
Then he realised that once Rufus takes a sniff around them, he will know everything and will need an explanation. Aaron wasn't afraid that his brother would be unsupportive or even hostile towards him after discovering, but telling it still made him a bit nervous.
Nick, upon feeling his wolf tensing up, quickly took one of its paw in his own and give it a squeeze. He didn't say anything, just smiled at him reassuringly, and it was enough to calm the wolf down. So, with newfound determination, they entered the bakery.
Rufus in the mean time was telling Judy about what it was like for them in the Nighthowler times.
''It was really scary actually. First, of course we were clueless, since Lionheart didn't share any details with us. Then when you found all these missing mammals, and in what state, we thought that we will randomly transform into reckless beasts too, and attack everything that moves. We were really scared, and-'' told Rufus but was cut off by a loud cheer.
''Flower!" shouted Aaron while walking up to the counter.
''Oh, hello there, 'Your highness'. For a second i thought you would never-'' and then his nose twitched. He smelled the air and immediately detected that something was really off with his brother. He smelled another mammal on him, which confused him, but nonetheless amused him.
''OH-ho-ho, it seems like that our always single Alpha wolf is not so single anymore, now is it? Tell me, who is the lucky she-wolf." Mocked Rufus with a smug smile.
In the mean time, Judy was confused. Her sense of smell wasn't nearly as good as wolves or foxes' are, but even she could sense that there was another smell on him and a pretty familiar at that.
Where have I known this smell from?
Aaron in the mean time, looked back and saw Nick walking up to the counter too. With a sly smile he crossed his arms, and begun what he thought was going to be a long morning.
''Well, how about you take another good sniff." Said Aaron without breaking his sly, half-lid stare.
Rufus did as he was told so. He could sense this other smell getting stronger, more denser than it was, almost like the mammal who marked Aaron was near. He looked around and saw no she-wolves.
Judy did the same, and the sense of familiarity was constantly growing. It was so strong, that it annoyed her not remembering the source.
They were confused, and that's when they noticed Nick standing there too, who had copied his wolf's face. Then everything clicked inside them once they spotted the Vulpine. They both froze in place with wide eyes and mouth agape. Aaron and Nick shared a knowing glance, like they just communicated something in their minds.
''W-w-what?!" blurted Judy and Rufus out suddenly.
Nick was enjoying this way too much. He was a bit hesitant at first too, but seeing their speechless and shocked faces was just too good, he almost took a picture of them. Upon realizing his chance, he began what Nick Wilde was the best at: Tease
''Hey Sweatie, I think our bunny friend and your little brother stopped working, do you think we should be worried? By the way your tail is soo fluffy." mocked Nick in a high womanly voice while stroking the Lupine's tail. Aaron was confused (and a bit aroused from his touch) for a sec but got his memo.
''Why my dear, I think we should restart them, do you think they have a button or some sort for that? By the way your tail is even more fluffier." Copied the same voice Aaron while planting a chaste kiss on the Lupine.
THUD
Aaron looked up, but he could only find Judy being still frozen in place. He searched for his brother, and found him lying on the floor, unconscious. The canines looked at each other, and burst out laughing. They were a bit loud, so they got quite some stares from the other customers who were eating their pastry in their booths.
Still laughing, Aaron went over behind the counter, and poured a glass of water. Then he went over to his unconscious brother and splashed it on his face. The reaction was immediate, and his brother woke up while shaking the his water-soaked head.
''W-what?! Aaron, you are together with Nick Wilde? The Nick Wilde?" asked Rufus with a mix of impress and disbelief. Upon hearing that, the number of eavesdroppers in the bakery radically increased and some even became wide-eyed.
''Yes, but there is more." Said Aaron helping up his still dazed brother. ''We are mates now, officially" admitted Aaron.
THUD
Rufus fainted, again. Aaron let out a now annoyed and embarrassed sigh. He made another glass of water. In the mean time the bakery was filled with murmurs, mostly about what they've just heard.
Judy in the mean time shook of her frozen state, and had a wide smile on her face. She wanted to dance and cheer, but now it was not the time to jump at the two, it was Rufus' time. She will wait for her turn to fangirl.
When Aaron woke his brother again, he found it jump into a brotherly but still awkward hug. Plus the fact that Rufus was soaking did not help.
Dammit, I just ironed that shirt 2 days ago….Thanks Flower.
Rufus was giving out incomprehensible and excited sounds, which source was a mystery even to the younger Lupine who were making them, or so Aaron thought. He was a bit embarrassed, because he knew that everyone was looking at them in confusion or worse, amusement, but the embarrassment was rivaled by the feeling of relief. He knew his brother would be supportive, he even expected this reaction, but still, telling your family about something that important, and only having an idea of what their reaction could be, would make anyone nervous.
Rufus separated and chuckled a bit. He looked at her older brother with a mix of proudness, happiness and admiration. It was the happiest Aaron has ever seen his brother.
''Aaron, You have no idea how happy I am for you. Why didn't you tell me any of it? I mean you being boyfriends with a celebrity, being gay and other stuff?" asked Rufus, wiping happy tears from his eyes.
''Well, considering that I have just discovered everything at the beginning of this very week, and I had to, you know, understand the new chapter of my life and my life. Bushy tail here is in the same boat as me, but last night we managed to figure ourselves out, and did not hesitate to make ends meet." Admited Aaron while smiling and walking back to his mate, crouching next to him and start nuzzling each other.
Rufus had the dreamy eye Judy knew very well. She had an over-enthusiastic chubby cheetah in her friends list in the end. But she had to agree with Rufus, Nick and Aaron was made for each other. They had a kind of aura or something that gave everyone a smile. It's like the universe made these two just for the other.
''OH my god, the girls and Hughes will totally lose it if they hear about that!" exclaimed the younger wolf. Upon hearing that Nick and Aaron looked at each other and got yet another sets of laughter. Rufus' excitement faded into a slight frown of annoyance. Even Judy couldn't understand what was the sudden source of laughter.
''And what's so funny now?" asked Rufus the younger wolf while crossing his arms in front of his chest looking a bit offended.
''Well….You said the Hughes, your deaf brother will hear about that" explained Nick between chuckles. Some of the customers in the bakery, who were eavesdropping, laughed lightly and quietly upon hearing that, other's facepalmed. Rufus and Judy, after realizing that the younger wolf indeed said that, joined the second group, making the chuckling canines look smug and satisfied.
''Those two are incorrigible individually but together…" mumbled Rufus.
''Well, you aren't the one, who has to survive now days with both." Replied Judy with a heavy sigh.
After that, they bought their breakfast, and went to work. Judy was jumping up and down the whole way in excitement. She was just so happy for them. Nick finally found true happiness, with one of the nicest wolves ever. She was a bit disappointed that now, she couldn't justify it when she locks them together, knowing that it wouldn't make them panicky, instead, when she would check up on them, she would find them in a very compromising position and with significantly less clothes.
When they entered the building, it was 8:50, ten minutes before their briefing, which they could just miss with ease, being detectives and what not, but they had friends here, and they wouldn't leave them hanging for a juicy rank change.
They spotted their favourite feline, eating what looked like his 5th box of donuts, and completely oblivious for the three arriving. They looked at each other with sly smiles. Nick put his hands in his pockets and produced eairbuds enough for all three of them.
''Put it in, you will need them." Said Nick while handling the ear buds towards his partners. They both knew why it was needed, took them from the fox's paw and put them in. With Nick on the lead they arrived in front of Clawhauser.
''Hey Spots, what's on the menu today?" asked Nick with his typical smugness. Benji immediately opted a wide smile and was just about to greet the Vulpine, when he smelled something he knew was coming rapidly, and he just couldn't wait for it. Now, that he smelled Wolford on Nick and Nick on Wolford, he went into the so-called ''Benji-Frenzy", which consisted of him putting his hands on his chubby cheeks and producing a high pitched voice that could be heard throughout the Precinct. How didn't it shatter any glasses, was a mystery to everyone.
''O. M. GOODNESS, IT FINALLY HAPPENED!"
Thanks to Nick's ear buds, the only mammals who wasn't holding their ears in agony, were the trio. Judy sighed in relief and was really thankful for the fox's thoughtful thinking.
When Clawhauser was no longer screaming, he went to his phone and typed faster than the touch screen could follow, thus making the feline restart almost every word of his. After it, he pocketed his phone, the bouncing cheetah leaned forward and took Nick by his collar, making Aaron narrow his eyes on Clawhauser.
''You have to tell me everything! Every. Juicy. Detail." Commanded Clawhauser accompanied by an excited laugh towards the Vulpine, who's earbuds were shaken out of his ears.
When Nick overtook the initial shock, he opted his usual mask of slyness, and was already thinking of many snarky retorts and possible hustles he could do with this cheetah for the information he seemed to carve. Sadly, before he could start telling the cheetah about his idea of a deal, Judy spoke up.
''Well, they will tell you everything and then more, but we have to get to the bullpen. See ya later Benji" hurried Judy and taking Aaron's paw and dragging him towards the stairs. She mostly did that because of their time limit, but the fact that she was afraid Aaron would do something stupid if he had to keep seeing his mate being held by the collar against his own will by Clawhauser.
''But you guys don't have to go to that anymore!" groaned Benji in disappointment looking at the three mammals who were running up the stairs. His disappointment quickly evaporated and started bouncing in happiness.
Might not be the cutest couple, but they definitely are a special pair.
The bullpen was in a very unusual state. Mammals were everywhere, minding their own businesses or socializing with their co-workers. Some were holding their heads in disappointment and failure. Everyone could sense that there is something different in the air, and their suspicions were answered, when they heard Clawhauser from the reception desk, screaming about something finally happening, and to top it off, everyone's phone vibrated at the same time after it. Every mammal in the room looked at their pockets and then each other.
Then, at the same time looked at the notification.
Clawhauser: Guuuuuuuys! Big news! The bets are officially closed, because we have a result! ONe of the ships has reached its destination. They are currently coming up to the bullpen. The winners could collect their prize after briefing is over.
Everyone became wide-eyed. This was it. This was the moment they waited for since Wilde took his first steps into the precinct. It was a big deal then, but since they heard the possibility of Wolford and Wilde, tensions has arisen and everybody was speculating in their free time. The bets were all time high, and the officers were scattered in three groups. Some bet with both ships getting 'destroyed' by other mammals that came from their own species. They were the ones being all sad and depressed now, knowing that one of those weird, unnatural romances became a reality. Then there were some, who bet in favour of Wildehopps, while some were bold enough to vote for Wildeford. Everyone took their usual places, and waited for either their money, or their failure to come in on that door.
Suddenly they all heard chat and 3 mammals closing on the bullpen. Every officer was looking at the door knob, which turned and the door opened, revealing three pretty bewildered mammals.
And out of the three, two were holding hands.
The wolf and the bunny.
