Mrs. Wilde has been gone for a while now, but none of our heroes knew how long. They were too distracted cuddling on the couch and getting lost in the other's warm body and intoxicating scent.
It all started with Christine's more than suggestive line of not getting frisky while she was away. At first they were too flustered to look at the other, and didn't even talk. Then Aaron lied down on the couch, his head relaxing on the arm rest of the furniture. He closed his eyes and took a sigh that Nick couldn't decide whether it was of annoyance, contentment, or just simply comfortability. What he knew, is that the awkwardness between them stopped when he collected his courage, laid down next to him, and the timber wolf immediately wrapped his tail around his body possessively, which Nick happily reciprocated. Since then, they were giving the other subtle licks, nuzzles and nips, being careful not to go over the line. Losing themself on Mrs. Wilde's couch was not on either's bucket list.
Since then, they laid there together. Nick in the mean time wrapped his legs around Aaron's waist, and now their heads were at the same level. This new progression made it possible for the small kisses to join the cuddling, that they tried to moderate, since they knew that one wandering tongue would break the dam.
Nick couldn't be happier. Every movement of the wolf, that he made on the fox's body was making the Vulpine merrier and merrier, and he did not even try to restrain the loud purr that he was emitting since he felt the wolf's snout touch his for the time since they laid there. He could feel all the love his wolf put into his touches and licks, making his body limp of pleasure. Nick never thought that once he would call a timber wolf his safe place, but damn it, if he didn't feel secure getting wrapped up in his tail while breathing in his scent, that Nick could swear it sent the message 'safety' into his mind. He could still smell his own mark on Wolfie's body, and it was still so fresh, like he marked him just now. That was another thing he could never imagine; Marking any mammal, especially not a timber wolf. In the end though, he was satisfied how things turned out, and now he was sure that Aaron managed to make other foxes boring for him, not like he would ever need any other fox.
He still remembered his dream about the wolf, who saved his life, how happy he was in that dream and what they did before Nick woke up. Now, they were doing the exact same thing in real life, but with more clothes on and less dead rabbits around.
The plain memory made his loud purring even louder, much to the wolf's enjoyment.
Meanwhile, Aaron was on cloud nine. He didn't know, that in order to make a day so enjoyable, he just needed a fox, his fox, to lie next to him, and caress each other for minutes, maybe even hours. Nick's touches and scent overwhelmed his mind, but not in an arousing way, more like a joyful way. Fox musk, Blueberry and now, a satisfying addition to these, Aaron's mark.
A lot of mammals loathe foxes simply because of their smell, thus making the usual hateful comments towards them get accompanied by the words such as filthy, dirty and so on. Fox musk was not really that bad, it was just dense, and for someone, who has never met a fox before, it could be too much. Aaron would know, he has one of the best noses in the city. But his fox's scent was quite the contrary; it was the best aroma he could ever get the chance to have a sniff of. And the fact that it was always accompanied by his own mark and a hint of blueberry, made it all the better.
Aaron suddenly craved for a taste of some blueberries.
And fox.
NO, brain, you stop that. Think about something else, and fast.
He tried to direct his thoughts to a different subject, but he couldn't leave the fox scent topic. He remembered that he noticed something about Bushy tail's smell before, that he could never put a paw on. Now that he was thinking about it, and could actually smell it from really close, he realized that this something was the absence of the usual density of a fox's scent. Bushy tail was never really too much for him, or even more noticable than any other mammal scent-wise, which was kind of strange, since he was a fox and what not. Aaron now had a question in mind and he was curious of the answer.
''Bushy tail, can I ask something?" asked, or more like whispered Aaron. Nick opened his beautiful emerald eyes and looked at him dreamily.
''Yes, Wolfie?" whispered back Nick, giving Aaron a small peck on the side of his muzzle, making the wolf close his eyes in the feeling.
''Do you ever use musk mask?" asked Aaron, making the Nick eye him curiously, his purr halting.
''Well, yes, you know how us, foxes are with our odor, and in order for my hustles to work, I had to appease it, so my 'victims' wouldn't run away just because of it. After finishing the hustling business, I sticked to it, since I didn't want others at the precinct or even in the streets to avoid me just because of my natural smell. Why do you ask? Is it already disappearing?" asked Nick, sniffing his arm while having a face of panic. If his musk mask was getting weaker, he needed to get to home quickly and apply it on his body again. He did not want to make his wolf uncomfortable, especially with his A-class nose.
Or at least, he thought he would be uncomfortable, until he felt a gray paw taking the arm he was sniffing before. Nick looked at the wolf, who just smiled at him warmly, and much to the surprise of the fox, took a big sniff from Nick's palm, that sent a wave of pleasure through his body. Aaron sighed in contentment and winked at the Vulpine.
''No, your mask is still fine, but what if I said that I would like to smell your natural odor?" asked Aaron, still a bit dazed from the snuffle he got from the palm. He did not expect it to be that good, and he could feel that his mind just went haywire for a second.
Nick looked at him incredulously and a bit hesitantly.
''But… wouldn't you be like… disgusted or overwhelmed by it? I mean, with your nose, it must be even stronger than what other mammals can sense." Stuttered Nick, getting a little bit warm inside by his mate's question. He has never thought that someone would actually be curious about one of the many downsides of being a fox.
Aaron's smile just grew. He put his snout into Nick's neck and took another big sniff, making the fox rigid for a second.
''No, I think I'm good. Actually, I feel like I just left my body, and ascended to heaven." Mumbled Aaron into Nick's neck with a tone, like he was high on drugs. The fox just laid here, wide-eyed.
He actually enjoys my scent?!
''Y-you enjoy it?!" blurted out Nick in astonishment.
Aaron could smell his uncertainty rise, so he did the only thing he knew would get his fox shut down and restart at a calmer state. It was a risky move, since they were strictly commanded against anything like this, but he would not have Bushy tail get all dumb fox on him now.
So he took a big lick, starting from his neck, ending on the tip of his ear, while he scratched the underside of Nick's snout. He discovered this move when they first mated, and least to say the fox was into everything after that move.
Nick moaned loudly, cursing Wolfie inwardly for using this on him now of all times. After it, he seemed like he lost consciousness for around 5 seconds. Then he reopened his eyes half-lid and just smiled, feeling much more Nickish, than he was before.
''Was that a satisfying answer?" teased Aaron. The fox just chuckled.
''You sly wolf… I still can't believe you enjoy my dense scent. Logic dictates that a wolf should be the last to be remotely fond of it. You are a weird wolf." Commented Nick, still not moving a muscle. He wasn't sure, that after that lick, he could ever move again.
''If I have to be weird for that, then so be it. But promise me that you will let me have a taste from the mysterious fox odor, please?" pleaded Aaron.
''Anything you want, you weird wolf."
After that a comfortable silence descended on them for sometime.
When Nick could feel his body again, he changed his position, so he laid while his elbows were supporting his body and looked into his wolf's eyes.
''Do you have anything planned for the date tonight?" asked Nick looking a bit sly and even a bit excited. Aaron just smiled confidently.
''Yes, I know exactly where I'm going to take us and what we are going to do." Replied Aaron looking smug as ever. Nick liked his mysteriousness, and if what he said about wolves valuing traditions that much were true, than Nick was sure this will be more than a date. So much more. The mere thought made him purr once again.
No words were needed after that. So with a kiss, they resumed their cuddling until Christine came back.
Rounda's Café was a nice, comfy and silent place, situated next to Grand Forest Park, in Savannah central. The park got its name because of the amount of trees, that would usually not grow in a Savannah, especially not those kind of trees. But said trees did not look like they cared of the fact that they should not spread in a climate like this.
Back to Rounda's, it was just on the other side of the road that hugged the park around. Mammals, who wanted to have some peace and silence, or just a simple chat with a friend or family, came here. The place was usually not full, there were always empty seats or tables around, but the owner, a young racoon, didn't mind. He actually supported the emptiness of the place, claiming that it wouldn't be as silent and peaceful if everything was full.
Christine knew this place very well, and the place knew her aswell. She came here since it was opened to have her usual morning coffee, or just a refresher when she had nothing to do. She would read a book or a novel, or do some work on her lap-top. Now it wasn't the case.
Now she was confronting someone dear to her heart.
She knew that she might lose a friendship today, but she did not care. She will make her friend see reason today.
She heard the bell of the café ring, signaling that there was a new customer. She stole a glance at the door, and saw the mammal she was waiting for.
It was a grey timber wolf, Monica Wolford, who did not look happy, and unbeknownst to the lupine, Christine knew exactly why. And oh boy, she will make it so much worse today by dropping a bomb on her. She could have felt bad, but the wolf had to know about what happened to Aaron. She had to know about everything.
''Lollypop, before we start, I'm really not in the mood for heavy talks, I had a rough day today. So can we please, just have a little girly chat, before we discuss that very important thing you mentioned?" asked Monica looking desperate and annoyed. She took a sit on the other side of the table Christine was occupying.
''Sorry Sniffy, but it's really important. But first, would you tell me, why are you so frustrated?" asked Christine with an unreadable expression. Monica just huffed in annoyance, and crossed her arms.
''Fine." Conceded Monica. She took out her phone, and started scrolling downwards, seemingly searching for something. When she found what she needed, she turned the screen towards the vixen. On the screen was the photo made by Finnick of the trio from earlier today.
''See that? That's my little Aaron! Or just was, i don't need a perverted wolf in my pack." Explained Monica looking very vexed. Her annoyance was accompanied by worry when she saw the vixens smile grow.
''That's a nice picture. Not as good as mine, but still good. I don't know what's your problem with it." Commented slyly Christine, sending a wink towards the she-wolf. Monica tilted his head in confusion upon hearing her sentence.
''What do you mean by 'Not as good as mine'?" asked Monica warily.
Christine put her paw in her purse without braking eye contact with the she-wolf, and pulled out a paper. Or so Monica thought was a paper, but when the vixen turned it, she saw it was a photograph of…
Aaron and that fox kissing in Lollypop's house?!
''Now listen here Sniffy. We are good friends and whatnot, but there are some things where I cannot look the other way. You see, that fox your son, or just ex-son, is in love with is little Nicky and that rabbit on the picture is Judy Hopps, The Judy Hopps your children are fans of. Our sons love each other, and you should accept that. Be proud that your son finally found his true self." Said Christine to the now frozen she-wolf.
''Proud?! I-'' started shouting Monica, but was immediately silenced by the vixen, urging her that she would disturb the other customers if she carried on. She looked at the vixen with rage in her eyes.
That son of a… She purposefully choose this place, so I would have to keep my voice down.
''Yes, proud. Now, there is one more thing. Nicky and little Aaron knew, that once their relationship gets out, you will react badly, and so they made some precautions if the worst happens." Informed Christine looking as smug as her son would, which just infuriated the she-wolf more.
''What 'precautions'?" asked Monica between her teeth. It was the only way she would not shout the vixen's head off.
''Well, let's just say that they made me promise, which I gratefully did so, that once worst comes to worst, Aaron will always have a family. I can't agree with them more, and since about an hour, I have a new son." Said Christine. If slyness and smugness could be measured in a bar or something, that bar would blow up right here and there.
Monica, after hearing that, was wide-eyed and mouth agape. She could not believe what she was hearing, but the vixen seemingly wasn't finished.
Christine took the photo in her paw and showed it to the wolf again.
''I would like you to welcome Nick Wilde and Aaron Wilde." Said Christine with a victory smile.
But now it was time to end playing, so her victorious smile turned into a very serious expression, that even the she-wolf felt the intensity of.
''Now, Sniffy, I will tell you what happens. You will start thinking, and hard, about what you have done. I don't care if it was because of a silly little tradition or not, a mother never disowns his pup, no matter what he had done. And what had Aaron done? Came out as different and told you he loved somebody, and you didn't even let him explain it to you. So, until you don't take Aaron back to your family, he will be a Wilde, and I don't care if it's forever." Said Christine in a deadly tone while glaring daggers at Monica who was taken aback. She dared not to move, because she was afraid the vixen might pounce on her.
Christine in the mean time paid for her coffee, and started packing her stuff. Then she stood up and started heading towards the exit, but stopped with her back still facing Monica.
''And if you ask yourself, how am I okay with all of that, let me remind you, who lost a son, and who gained another one. Tolerance is not overrated." And with that, she was out of the door, leaving a very angry, sad, confused and frightened Monica in the café.
It was 20:00 and the sky has already darkened. Mammals on the streets were either coming home from a really long day of work, or going to some bar to have an amazing party night with their friends, significant other or just simply by self. It was really an exquisite night, the temperature was warmer than usual, which made being in just a plain T-shirt actually enjoyable. The moon was shining in it's full size, lighting up the whole city like a giant lamp.
It was a perfect time for young couples to have a night out on a date, or just simply hang out and have a good time. Nick and Aaron were part of this bunch, but they were not heading towards the 'Party Avenue' as it was nicknamed. They were currently on the train that was speeding on the so called 'Bunnyburrow line'. Of course, they weren't heading to Judy's home town, it was just the name of the train line that started from Savannah Central, went in a huge circle through all districts, then exited towards the farm town.
Nick and Aaron, lacking the comfort of a car, decided to catch the 19:45 train, that passed through their destination, the Meadowlands. It was actually the same kind of train, that Judy used to get into the city way back in the day. Nick, upon hearing where they headed, questioned the wolf, since Meadowlands weren't famous for it's good atmosphere, and by being next to the Canal District, there was always a faint but noticable odor of 'fertilizer', that limited the chances of being entertained here especially if you had a nose like a wolf or even a fox. Everybody liked a good cookie, but if it smelled like burnt tires, no one would be sane enough to eat said cookie.
The wolf just looked sly and excited at once, and told Nick that he has already planned it all, which greatly reassured the fox. If Nick was honest with himself, he really liked Wolfie's sly side, this whole mysteriousness the wolf got around him was for Nick's liking, it was actually pretty sexy aswell.
After stepping in, they quickly rushed to the top floor of the car, where the ceiling was made of glass, so they could delight on the lights of the city where they grew up and watch how the starts shined above everything. It was really beautiful, but both the fox and the wolf agreed with themself that the mammal leaning on the rail next to them was more beautiful in the moonlight.
They of course got some looks, ranging from blissful admiration to straight forward disgust and they didn't even do anything suggestive. Yet. They were only holdings paws once or twice, and always walked closer to the other than usual. That shouldn't uncover them, so they guessed that those mammals saw that picture of them and recognized them. In the end, the last time they checked it had more than 17M shares with 4M comments and 25M likes. Zootopia had a total of 50 million population, so the number of likes has already overtook half of Zootopia by a bit. That did not necessary mean that half of Zootopia has seen the picture, there must be some mammals from the rural areas and abroad too, but still, the number was astonishing. They did of course look into the comments that varied between hate and support, and thankfully the latter ones were stronger and more frequent, making both canines a bit more confident about themself.
''Attention, Passengers. We are nearing our next stop, High Road in the Meadowlands. Please, keep your belongings and thank you for using ZTA. Good bye." Heard Nick and Aaron say the intercom. They looked out and saw their stop growing in the distance.
''I guess it's our stop then." Said Nick removing himself from the rail. Aaron did the same and looked at his mate.
''Excellent observation Bushy tail, considering that there is only one stop in the Meadowlands for this train." Retorted Aaron sarcastically. They started walking towards the stairs.
''Smartass." huffed Nick but nonetheless smiled. He actually was kind of proud how the wolf was able to get used his own sarcasm and use it against him.
I'm rubbing off of him too much.
After getting off, they entwined their paws with huge smiles on their faces, and Nick let Aaron drag him to whatever place he had in mind. Nick really had no clue what would be so unique and exciting in the only district that every canine avoided. He could already sense the faint smell of the Canal district, making him all the more skeptical.
If Wolfie manages to make me be the least comfortable in this godforsaken district, I will bow and raise my imaginary hat before him… Than again, he looks at me and I melt.
''You still have no idea where we are going, have you?" asked Aaron suddenly while smiling at his fox. Nick saw that smile and could not believe that his inside were twisting already.
''No… I still have no clue, but I feel like I should." Answered Nick, starting to feel a bit embarrassed.
''Well, you should, but I don't blame you. Let's see if you can figure it out. So you know how this district is so bad for us, dog-like mammals, right?" asked Aaron looking excited.
''Yes, it smells worse than rotten orange." Said Nick simply while looking around, trying to gather some clues about their whereabouts and their destination.
''Exactly. Now, how do you make a bad smell bearable?" continued Aaron his guessing game. Nick was started to get interested in what the wolf was getting at.
''Well, you either wash the source for like 5 times or more, or…" guessed Nick, but after saying 'or' he started to puzzle some pieces together.
''Or…?" urged Aaron his smile growing.
''…You overshadow it. Are we going somewhere, where the scent is neutralised?" asked Nick, seemingly relieved that he wouldn't have to smell the 'wonderful' scent of the Canal District.
''Bingo! But it's not all. This isn't a rotten orange we are talking about, we are going to a festival." Exclaimed Aaron, while gesticulating with his hands.
''A festival? What kind of festival is held in a district that reeks of basically everything? Doesn't seem like a good business move to me." Wondered Nick. He expected a reply from the wolf, but he just snorted and smiled. Nick took it as a que to figure out himself.
So it is a festival, with a way to neutralise smells. Something is too familiar about the concept. Like I have heard about one but what-
Then they turned on the corner and he realized what the wolf meant. It was the Canine Festival, shining with its artificial lights in his face, mocking him for his stupidity.
The whole festival was held every 8 years, so it was a big thing every time it happened. It was about celebrating and thanking every canine member of Zootopia for their hard work and determination. It might sound strange to have a festival just for a group of mammals, but after discovering that out of all the mammal families, Canids were the biggest and probably the most important groups in society, while most of it's species are discriminated in one way or an other, some might agree on a need for some 'thank you' gift. And after the first bunny and fox cop saving the entire city, plus a new mayor pushing the whole idea every way he could, the festival was bound to become one of the most famous and important event in Zootopia.
It wasn't that extraordinary. Most of the games and food here were accustomed to canine habits, but that didn't mean that animals from other families, such as felines, ungulates, rodents and so on, couldn't enjoy it.
Nick was currently facepalming himself continuously of his forgetfulness, much the wolf's amusement.
''Stupid, stupid, stupid" mumbled Nick, feeling really disappointed with himself. He really wasn't sure how could he forget about a whole festival in a city, that he knew like the back of his paw.
''Well, if it helps, I think it was to be expected. You did mention that you were never a follower for stuff like these." Tried to reassure Aaron. Nick just sighed and smiled weekly.
''It doesn't help, but thanks for trying." And with that they started walking towards the fair.
Upon passing the first couple of booths, Nick noticed that the scent he loathed was gone. He tried to find it, but he couldn't. Aaron noticed his struggle's and chuckled lightly.
''Not finding what you are searching for?" asked Aaron sarcastically getting a chuckle from the fox, who shook his head as a response.
''Come on, let's see what the event has for us." Said Aaron, signaling with his paw for Nick to follow him.
They looked around to see if there is anything fun for them. Nick saw a booth he knew he would have fun. Wolfie, not so much.
You might have a better nose and excel at fighting but there are things I am good at too.
''Hey Wolfie, how about that one over there?" asked Nick while pointing towards the booth he chose. It was a typical target-shooting booth, with the usual toys and plushes hanging around. The only real difference between that and a normal target shooting booth is that the balls were tennis balls and the cups you had to crumble down had different kinds of prey mammals painted on them. Some could have thought that the prey who came here would get triggered or offended by it, but then again, what would a prey mammal expect in a festival like this?
Aaron looked at it, and shrugged.
''Sure, can't wait to see your shooting skills." Said Aaron nonchalantly. If Nick didn't know he would win every time they tried, he would have been suspicious of the wolf's coolness of the challenge.
They walked over, and a coyote in a multi-coloured stripped shirt greeted them. They both had to restrain a chuckle of how ridiculous the coyote looked.
''Welcome to my fine booth! What can I do for you gentlemen?" asked the coyote cheerfully while leaning towards them. Both Aaron and Nick could see how he stole a glance at their entwined paws and how he took a sniff after that, making his smile broaden. Both fox and wolf knew that he could smell each other's mark, and that smile signaled them that he was more than okay with them. Nick liked this coyote, it's a pity he would be the victim of his new hustle as well as his mate.
''Well, we would like 3 balls, each." Said Nick while getting the required amount of cash out from his wallet. Aaron looked at him curiously and a weird, familiar feeling started to overtake his senses.
How does he know how much we had to pay? The coyote didn't even tell the prices yet. And this feeling…
''Sure. You guys know the goal of this game, or do I need to explain it?" asked the coyote.
''No need to, we got it. You won, if you manage to make all the cups collapse, right?" Said Nick while holding his share of tennis balls in his hand. The coyote nodded.
''Very well. Wolfie, I will allow you to have the honor of the first shot." Said Nick while bowing dramatically. The wolf eyed him curiously, but shrugged.
Aaron took a step back, and threw the first ball. It took down 8 out of 10 cups.
''Boom! That's the stuff!" exclaimed Aaron while doing a fist bump in the air. Nick was amused by his mate's childish behaviour.
''Nice one, Wolfie. Now watch how a professional does it." Said Nick with a hint of challenge in his voice.
''I can't wait to see you beat that, Bushy tail." Chuckled Aaron and stepped back. When he saw the glint in his eyes, that feeling inside him strengthened by miles. He tried to read him, but the fox's face was unreadable.
That glint… Is it the sign that he is in the middle of a hustle?
Nick took a step back, and instead of throwing it with force, he threw it up, making it fall down in a large curve. What surprised both Aaron and the coyote vendor, is that the ball was not dropping towards the pyramid of cups, it was targeting the coyote. He stepped back, so the ball won't hit him and his eyes-widened when he saw where the ball was coming towards.
Aaron saw the tennis ball disappear behind the counter and heard a loud clicking noise. Next thing he knew, that the pyramid suddenly collapsed, making him wide-eyed.
''I think that's 10 out of 10. So I won!" chirped up Nick.
The coyote could just stare with mouth agape at the button under the counter. He nodded or did some nod-like movement with his head. Nick chose his prize; it was a gray wolf plush animal. It made Aaron laugh hard.
''Already searching for a replacement?" teased the wolf while him and Nick started to walk away from the coyote paw-in-paw.
''Nah, nothing can replace the real one. I've just recently discovered that I have a thing for grey wolves." Shrugged Nick looking smug as ever.
''Do I even want to know how you did that?" asked Aaron feeling a bit proud of his mate.
''Well, considering that I know almost every secret of this city, it wasn't a big surprise. I knew that the mayor managed to bribe some vendors to build a kind of reverse cheating system into some games. Its goal is basically, when a non-canine mammal plays, the vendors always make them win, making them feel good here, thus strengthening the reputation of the fair. It was a cheap move, but it worked, and it is not exactly against the law helping other's win in your own game. I just knew about the whole scheme, and knew where the button was." Explained Nick.
Aaron was astonished by his mate's cleverness. That was a good side of being a fox; one of the smartest mammals on the earth. Quick to adapt, quick to think, quick to act. Aaron wondered why didn't the police use foxes before.
Oh well, it must be just the bad reputation of foxes and the mayors didn't want to lower their own.
''Hey Wolfie, you just gonna stand here or will you join me? Dating with myself is fun, but I would rather have you with me now." Shouted Aaron, who realized he stopped walking and was looking at his fox. He took a quick glance at his fox who was smiling smugly at him while leaning on the side of a booth.
Nick and Aaron thought the same in a synchronized manner while the other over from the distance.
Dammit, he just looks utterly beautiful in the moonlight.
They had a blast. They continued winning games after games, sometimes because of Nick's hustles and quick thinking, sometimes because of Aaron's technique and strength and sometimes because of their combined power. After the 6th or 7th booth they stopped accepting their prizes, gave an advice to the vendors on how to improve their games, and to top it off, they even let them have their money. They were definitely the talk of the fair, that's for sure.
The amount of fun they had were almost too much, they expected their first date to be amazing, but continuously seeing everyone's shocked faces, when they broke records out of nowhere were just too satisfying. Continuously winning should have become boring after some time, but they soon realized that they weren't having fun because they won everything. They had fun because they won together, and that made them all warm inside, knowing that they really did complete the other. They rarely let go of their mate, and as the night processed, they started to be more comfortable with their touches in public. Once they even won while Nick was riding on Aaron's back and playing with his ears, seemingly not caring that this might have been a bit intimate to do in public. And it was true, he really did not care, nor did Aaron.
They were continuously getting glances, but what was really strange, that none of them were of the negative ones. It was like everyone suddenly admired them, and after an hour or so since they arrived, they even got a little fan group who followed them and witnessed their precision and teamwork. Aaron and Nick didn't know how to handle it, but they were actually pretty happy about that, so they let those mammals stalk them. They both knew that some of them made pictures or even videos about them, and that they would definitely hear or even see themselves tomorrow, but after the success of last picture, they really did not care. They had each other, let everyone see them if they want to.
After they officially finished their final booth within one and a half hours, and the cheers they got died down, Aaron took on a rather serious but still warm expression and turned to the group.
''Everyone, thanks for the support. We love you all, but now I would like to ask all of you to leave us alone for the rest of the night. We are going to the Howler's Cliff now." Shouted Aaron for everyone to hear. Nick and some other mammals got confused upon hearing the reason they had to leave their new favourite celebrities, but some got the message and quickly urged the other's to leave aswell. This was a big and private thing that was about to go down, and they were not about to ruin it.
After their group disbanded, Aaron took Nick's paw and walked him out of the range of the festival. They started to follow a dirt path into the forest that seemed to rise in level, like they were hiking.
''Erm, Wolfie, what is Howler's Cliff exactly?" asked Nick confused, while giving his wolf a light squeeze on his paw, emphasizing the importance of his question. Back there, he noticed the ones who immediately got Wolfie's message get wide-eyed and rushed away quickly, signaling that this was not some sweet gesture he was about to get.
''We agreed on a wolf date tonight, right? So, we are ending the date how wolves would end it." Explained Aaron looking at the fox with warm and longing eyes. Nick couldn't believe, that once he dared to call himself a silver-tongued devil and a hustler, because now, a look from his wolf, and he was done, he was open to him, and Wolfie could ask anything he wanted, he would get an honest answer. He just couldn't lie to any face he made.
That wolf found really did find a way to my heart. I really hope he won't discover his influence on me… But then, again would it be that bad?
Nick didn't realize that they got out from the trees and they were now ascending to a kind of cliff. When they got to the top, his eyes widened.
The view was absolutely breathtaking, even for a smooth mammal like him. The cliff they just climbed were actually so much higher than he thought it would be; he could oversee the whole area of the Meadowlands from the cliff, and if he focused, in the distance, he could see Zootopia's skyscrapers shining in all their glory. He looked down and saw the entire fair, every booth, every spectacle they visited since they arrived. Mammals were like tiny, slowly moving dots to him. It was the most beautiful view he has ever seen, and he has seen his fair share in his life.
He was shaken out from his shocked state by his mate's voice.
''Beautiful, isn't it?" asked Aaron, putting his paw on Nick's shoulder.
''That was an understatement. This view is-...I-…I don't have words to describe it. How come I have never heard about this place?" exclaimed Nick with a totally impressed tone.
''I will tell you that later, but first…" mumbled Aaron, while changing his tone and expression to serious, which Nick did not fail to notice. He turned towards the wolf and saw hesitation and uncertainty in his eyes, but it was getting replaced by determination by every second, like he was giving himself a very good pep-talk inside.
Then, Aaron took both Nick's paws in his and looked into his eyes. Nick has never really noticed those lapis blue eyes of his, but now he couldn't not admire how they shined with love towards him. He never understood why writers of films/books/poems always highlighted and granted special meaning to the eyes of the characters, but now he knew, and suddenly, he did not find any of them sappy or overly cliché anymore. He also knew that Aaron was about to drop a huge bomb on him that he won't be able to refuse, he was already that lost in the wolf.
''You know, this was actually not a Wolf First Date, Nick. I…I wanted it to be a Wolf Last Date." Told Aaron a bit shyly but not breaking eye-contact. He could see how happy the fox became upon hearing his real name, and from his scent, he was battling with his own emotions.
''A wolf…last...date?" asked Nick slowly, totally mesmerized by the wolf's eyes. Old Nick was gone, now there was a puddle of sap in its place.
''Yes… I feel like, within a short span of time, we went through so much. Not as much as you and Judy did, but I think it was special for both of us. I also feel like, that you are my life-mate, my reason to wake up every day and basically my other side. I love you with all my heart, and as sappy as it sounds, you are my heart's chosen, my heartlight. I know that we seem to like rushing things, and that it's not normal, but I still want to ask you this. So, if you accept this little request of mine, and after a little ritual here in Howler's cliff, you will be my 'semi-husband'. We will not be married officially, but for other wolves, we would be, and… I really want you to be my semi-husband, Nick Wilde." Asked Aaron getting even more shyer the more he talked.
Nick was now a total, emotional mess. A good mess, just to clarify. For years, he locked down all his emotions and his heart in a box, that he locked up in another box, and another one, and so on. Then came Judy, and managed to pry open most of the exterior boxes, and it was enough for him to be more compassionate, more kind-hearted, and to generally care for more things in life. Then came Wolfie, and withing 4-5 days he literally evaporated the rest of the boxes, and with this speech he gave, he felt like the last box, the box he put his heart when he got muzzled by those kids all those years ago, finally opened and his heart was now exposed to the word to see.
So he stood here, looking at the wolf, and after years, no, decades, he managed to shed tears like a normal mammal would. He knew that Wolfie was waiting anxiously for his answer. But he was unable to say anything. So he did what he thought would be enough for an answer; jumped in his arms, and kissed him.
That kiss was not like the others. The others came from either urge or just because they felt like it. This one was different. It was a kiss of pure love and acceptance for the other. Nick focused all his emotions into the kiss, and by the wolf's moaning, growling, tail wagging and how tight he hugged Nick to his chest, he knew that the wolf got his answer, and he felt tears rolling down on his cheek.
They broke the kiss and looked each other's wet eyes. While they kissed, Aaron started crying with Nick, but not because of sadness, hell no, it was pure happiness and acceptance.
''Yes, the biggest yes ever! Tell me what do I have to do, and I will do it." Blurted out Nick desperately still in Aaron's arms. He will worry about how miserable and vulnerable he looked later, now it was time to show all his cards, even the ones in his sleeves and other secret places to the wolf.
''Howl with me at the moon." Stated Aaron simply, not letting go of the fox.
The fact that Nick's heart was open seemed to mean that he lost the reason he was called Nick, at least for now. He knew that in every other scenario he would have thought it was a bad joke and would have laughed hard upon the request, but he really wasn't in the joking mood, which was a first in his life. His jokes, his immaturity and his smugness made Nick, Nick. But all these were disabled at the moment, and he looked at the silver and platinum plate on the sky that Nick could swear was watching them proudly. After counting down from three, they both howled at in symphony.
Even their howl was so synchronized that Nick, with the little self-consciousness he had, could hear other wolves from the area joining their howl. He didn't know if there were some kind of measure in howling, but if there was, he guessed that the one they were just having was a Top, A-class, Professional Howl. And Nick didn't hesitate to pour his emotions to every note of it.
After they ran out of breath, Aaron sat down on the end of the cliff with Nick now in his lap, and tried to catch his breath. They put their foreheads together and just enjoyed the mere existence of the other. With that ritual, they could call the other their husband when talking to other wolves. Hell, they will just get two rings, and pretend to be real husbands 'till the real thing happens, which they already started planning in their heads. Anything to make the other more connected to each other.
''For a fox, that was not bad of a howl." Teased Aaron between pants.
''For a wolf, it was not bad of a speech." Teased back Nick finally catching his own breath.
''That did not make any sense." chuckled Aaron while hugging Nick closer to his chest and marking his neck.
''It wasn't supposed to." Breathed Nick, marking the wolf back between his ears.
Meanwhile, a pair of furious eyes were watching them from the bushes. This mammal watched the whole event go down since they got, and it was using every restrain in her body not to scream or lash out on those lovebirds. The mammal now had a plan in mind, and it was not stopping until it got what it wanted.
And this something was Aaron Wolford.
