Nick was the happiest fox alive. Period.
The doctors told him, and they were wrong. They told him that Wolfie wouldn't survive. They told him that it would be a miracle if the wolf woke up. They told him that the internal bleeding affected the wolf's brain so much that he could be in a coma forever.
Nick was on the opinion, that those 'doctors' can flush their diplomas straight down the toilet. Wolfie woke up, and so far he was his old self. His old loveable, handsome, amazing, hilarious and beautiful self.
When he first heard that his wolf was on the edge of life and death, he immediately requested to be in the same room as the wolf. If the doctors were right, and Nick could never hear his wolf's melodic voice, his arousing growling, his sweet chuckles and laughs, could never feel his gentle touches, his sweet but passionate kisses, his words that made the fox's heart flutter… at least let him be in the same room as him, so they could be together if worst comes to worst. The doctors at first told him that it would be unwise, but upon seeing the fox's distraught face they agreed. The moment they pushed Nick's bed into the room and left him alone with his wolf, he creeped out of his bed and lay down next to Wolfie. Since then he was only leaving the wolf's side if nature called or the doctors needed to rebandage him.
Nick was a lucky fox too. His wounds were severe and he lost a lot of blood, but the doctors managed to stabilize him and stitch him up. Now Nick just needed to wait till the wounds healed, and then he could leave the hospital like a new fox.
As if.
He will be staying in this goddamned hospital until Wolfie woke up, or was disconnected from the machines and filed deceased. He never cried so much in a week, but every time he glanced at the wolf's bandaged head, he could feel the waterworks coming. He wasn't even ashamed or embarrassed of himself, he just wanted his wolf to open his eyes and smile at him.
One smile, just one…
Nick opened his stitches several times, since apparently creeping out of the bed was too much for his wounds. He was scolded continuously and told to never leave his bed again, but the fox was stubborn and he managed to annoy the nurses and doctors to an extent that they decided to let him be in the same bed as Aaron if he finally shuts up.
Visitors came and gone, but the fox didn't care. He knew that everyone who came by was looking at him with sadness and understanding. Judy, Charlie, Bogo, Richard, Clawhauser, the entire precinct, his mom, the entire Wolford family with Harry in it, Gazelle, the Royal Wolf Knights, even Mr. Big and Fru Fru came by and left with tears in their eyes.
But the fox didn't care. As sweet as the gesture was, he didn't need anybody or anything but his wolf waking up.
And then came the day. Nick just cried himself to sleep, when suddenly he was woken up by light scratching at a very sensitive spot of his. Then he heard a voice that he oh-so wanted, but his sleepy mind need a second or two to process this new info. And when it did, Nick blew up emotionally.
His wolf was back. His strong wolf denied death and beat it one-on-one. Nick couldn't believe that after one week of drying his eyes, he got his wolf back. When he heard the wolf's light chuckle, his sigh in contentment and his happy cries, Nick didn't know what he felt, but he didn't let go of his wolf for a good half an hour. Although it could have been an entire day, Nick wasn't sure but at this point he really didn't care. He was so happy, he couldn't help but mark his wolf again. One week of being in a coma caused the wolf to lose some of the Vulpine mark, but in Nick's eyes he was reborn and the world (plus his wolf) needed to be reminded that he was still Nick's. Wolfie, upon realizing what Nick was doing, did the one thing Nick wanted him to do: mark him back. Nick actually felt really uncomfortable in his body, it was so bad that when he realized that Aaron's mark was fading, he almost panicked. Getting bathed in the smell of their combined smells once again fogged Nick's mind, he could have fainted at the spot for all he cared.
After regaining some of their rationality, they disconnected and looked at each other's eyes fondly.
''I missed you so, so much." Whispered Nick with a sniff. His wolf hadn't lost any of his beauty even with bandages on.
''How long was I out?" asked Aaron while scratching the side of Nick's muzzle. He still remembered Bushy tail's words from the purgatory, and he knew that he wouldn't have survived if not for his fox and his words.
''One week." Replied Nick, making Aaron halt in his caress. Nick soon found himself wrapped up in a grey-black ball.
''I'm sorry." Whispered Aaron with his eyes shut. He couldn't imagine surviving a week without his fox.
He soon found a pair of paws on both sides of his head. He looked up and met with the softest smile he has ever seen anyone make, and it was on Bushy tail's face directed right back at him. The wolf wanted to say something badly, but that smile sealed his lips and could only look at his fox with wonder and anticipation.
''Don't be sorry. You have no idea how happy I am now, don't ruin the moment by unneeded apologies." Said Nick, his face gradually morphing into one from the pleading one. Aaron didn't like seeing his husband so vulnerable, so out of character, it just made him want to reassure him more.
With the lack of response, Aaron decided to continue their soothing cuddle, but it seemed that Nick had other ideas. Aaron soon found his favourite pair of lips on his, a tongue already asking for permission. That's when he realized that after one week of being in coma, his body was craving for this sensation, and he already felt a bit overwhelmed. He knew that his fox was the one who had to suffer through this week, and he needed this just as much as him if not more.
Least to say, Nick didn't need to wait for the access he wanted.
Suddenly they heard someone clearing their throat. They snapped their attention towards the voice and saw a woodchuck in doctor's gown looking at them with an unamused expression. Next to him was a young gazelle nurse who was looking at them in full admiration and surprise.
''That's… unexpected." Said the woodchuck in a hoarse voice. He stole a glance at the doe next to him and rolled his eyes upon seeing how awestruck the trainee was.
Nick, for the first time in this week, smiled smugly at the pair.
''Told you Doc. This wolf won't lose to a slight bump on his head." Said Nick in a proud tone. Aaron couldn't hold a light chuckle.
''Yeah-yeah, You were right Mr. Wildeford. Now that your mate is awake, could you please go back to your intended bed? I need to make some check ups on… the other Mr. Wildeford, I guess, and I can't do it while you are clinging on his neck." Said the woodchuck in an uninterested tone while getting next to the hospital bed with the young gazelle nurse following.
Nick and Aaron looked at each other. They knew that now everything is going to be alright, none of them will be in danger anymore, but still, one week without the other made it really hard for the fox to leave the bed and limp to his own one. Aaron almost reached after him and grabbed him to ensure he won't go anywhere while telling the woodchuck that he can suck it up and stick his examination where the sun doesn't shine.
The doctor sighed in relief when he saw the fox sit down at the side of his own hospital bed. He took out a small flashlight, hopped onto Aaron's bed and asked Aaron to focus on the light. Then he flashed into his right eye and started telling foreign words to the young nurse while she wrote his answers on a clipboard. Aaron stole a glance at his husband who just sent him a thumbs up and a reassuring smile. Then he was asked several question of his current state; whether he had a headache, nausea, dizziness and the rest. Aaron told him that his head hurt a bit, for which the woodchuck inserted some morphine to the machines that kept Aaron alive.
The woodchuck then took some of Aaron's blood and some saliva as well, saying that they will need it for further examination. He also rebandaged Aaron's head. Nick grasped the side of his hospital bed firmly, upon seeing the scar and the bald spot on his husbands head. The wound was not that bad, the doctors actually did a pretty good job, but it was enough for the fox to have an urge of rushing over to his husband's side.
''Okay Mr. Wildeford, since you woke up, you are officially not in a life threatening condition. We will be running some further tests, and if those results will be okay aswell, you can be discharged. Nurse, the visitor's paper please." Said the woodchuck in a nonchalant tone. Aaron was not sure whether to hate this woodchuck or what, his carefree attitude was not very attractive, but he guessed that his fox annoyed him to an extent that he just wanted to get it over with.
Suddenly the gazelle gave him her clipboard and a pen.
''Write the full names and the species of the mammals that could be sent into your room. Every other mammal won't be able to visit, so don't forget anyone. It's a procedure for the patients who were tried to be murdered, so only mammals who they trust could come by." Explained the woodchuck. Aaron nodded and started writing down names he knew.
His family and Christine were the first ones, he couldn't wait to meet his family again. With his dad being back, he really wanted to attend that family reunion and see his parents together once again. Then he wrote Judy and Charlie aswell, they were of course essential. He didn't know whether Charlie's official species name was African Wild Dog or simply painted dog, so he wrote down both just to be sure. Remembering that if he misses out anybody, they won't be able to visit him, he started thinking outside the box. Bonnie and Stu were the first ones who came into his mind, followed by Richard, Clawhauser and some of his friends from the precinct. He even wrote down Gazelle and Lazlow aswell, maybe they will spare some time for him. Then he remembered that Larry and Gary were crucial aswell, especially that they had his ring. He didn't know whether Bogo was needed too, since he was the chief of the police and what not, and didn't know whether Nick's working buddy Finnick would even remember him, but he wrote them down aswell.
''Hey Wolfie." Suddenly Nick spoke up next to him. Aaron looked at him with questioning eyes.
''Could you write down Luciano Big and Fru Fru Big too?" asked the hesitantly the fox.
''Why?" asked Aaron with a raised eyebrow. Why Bushy Tail was asking him to let the mafia in was a real mistery to the wolf.
''Well… They kind of told me that when you wake up, they would want to have a chat with you in person. Don't worry, they assured me it's all good." Told Nick carefully. He quickly tried to calm down his wolf after he saw Wolfie's body stiffen. After his reassurance, the wolf simply relaxed and shrugged. He trusts that his fox wouldn't say something like this without a good reason.
After writing down Mr. Big and his daughter to the visitors list, he gave the clipboard to Nick, asking him to check it if he missed anybody. The fox scanned through the list but at one point his eyes stopped and his entire posture became rigid.
''Can I have the pen please?" asked Nick carefully. Aaron became really curious, because it seemed that he might have forgotten about somebody really important if the hurry and the sadness in the fox's eyes was anything to go by. He gave the pen to him and he saw how hesitant and sad his fox became. Nick slowly lifted the pen and instead of writing down a name, he scrabbled somebody out.
''Bushy Tail…?" asked Aaron while tilting his head in mild curiosity.
The fox looked at him sadly and gave him both the pen and the clipboard. Aaron accepted them and looked at the paper. He immediatelly saw what his fox has done; Stu's name has been crossed out.
Now wait a second
''Bushy Tail, why did you cross out Stu's name?" asked the wolf while looking at his husband questioningly. He did not like how nervous Nick suddenly became.
''Wolfie… Stu is dead… He saved me."
Now the wolf did not have a good friendship with the old buck, Stu was always nervous around him for some reason, and their conversations always contained a hint of awkwardness because of that. But hearing what he had done, what happened to him and making sure that it was not just a bad prank by seeing the honesty on Nick's muzzle, the sadness on the woodchuck doctor's and the gazelle nurse's face, he might just praise him. Everyone who does something so noble towards his fox deserves to be titled as his personal hero. He could imagine the pain Judy and Bonnie was feeling right now, he lost his father too for decades and his mother aswell for some days. He will make sure to do everything in his power to help his favourite bunnies survive this hard times.
This was what he had in his head, but outside he could just put his paw over his mouth to cover a startled gasp.
After asking the doctor and the nurse to leave the room for a while and telling them that they will notify them immediately after they finish, Nick told the wolf everything. He was of course told by Bonnie, Judy, Charlie, Larry and Gary about the events while Aaron was still comatosed. He was told about the five Hopps children and their plan, and what they had done. Now he was repeating everything to the wolf, and he was not surprised to see Aaron's face going through multiple emotions.
''…then Thompsen readied the gun, but before he could shoot me, Stu pushed me away and he got hit right in his heart. He died on the spot, the doctors couldn't save him." Told Nick while averting the wolf's gaze. It somehow felt wrong to look Wolfie in the eye while telling such story to him.
Aaron wanted to feel really bad for Stu, but his primal side caught a particular part of Nick's story. It was something he could only have nightmares about; his fox was shot. Twice. And his primal side needed to see it himself, then murder those who did that.
''Your gown. Off." Commanded Aaron sternly. Both him and Nick were of course in their patient gown, which was perfect for hiding the front side of the mammal, but only the front side, everything could be seen from the back. That's why Nick suddenly became a bit flustered upon hearing the wolf's request, since in the last week or so he was so depressed, he forgot to wear anything, not even an underwear.
But the look Wolfie was giving him left no further questions, and since it was his mate they were talking about (and it's not like he would be seeing something he hadn't before) Nick lifted his gown, exposing his naked body to the wolf.
And apparently bandaged at his right shoulder and thigh, which caught the wolf's eye immediately. Aaron tried to get out of the bed and examine the wounds for himself, but the moment he tried to move his whole body, his headache made itself known, making him grunt and fall back into his bed.
''Wolfie?!" came the startled voice from his left, which he gracefully ignored but he still snapped his head towards his fox. The fire in his eyes shut Nick up immediately, which was saying something since only Bogo and Judy could make looks that made the Vulpine zip his mouth. Apparently, it's Bogo, Carrots and Wolfie.
''Who did it?" came the pained but angry response from the Lupine.
''It doesn't matter. I'm fine, they are dealt with, you don't need to worry about it." Pleaded Nick with his ears pinned to his head. He really didn't want to talk about the bunnies who caused everything and seeing his wolf being in pain just made it all the worse.
''No Bushy Tail, I have to know. Please." Said Aaron with pleading eyes. If being stern doesn't crack his stubborn fox, then the puppy eyes it is. It seemed to work because after some time of looking into the other's eye, Nick resigned and with a heavy sigh started talking.
''It was two of the Hopps children, I think their names was Ted and Jamie but I'm not sure. And before you start making murderous plans, don't even bother because Chocolate Cake got everything covered." Said the Nick, trying to hide his nervousness.
Nick was told that Charlie managed to overdose Ted and Jamie with tranquilizers, and both bunnies ended up dying to it in the end. He managed to paralyze the whole right half of Fred, every body part of Suzy except for her head and beat Thompsen up so badly that he was still being stitched up at the moment and it was a week since the event happened. Nick was also told that Charlie has been sentenced to a trial where they would decide the painted dog's fate. Nick knew that the trial is ongoing as they spoke, and was rooting for his boss to survive with very minimal punishments.
''Bushy Tail, what are you not telling me?" asked Aaron with a raised eyebrow. Nick mentally scolded himself for thinking that out of all the mammals in the world it would be Wolfie who did not see through him.
''…Let's just say, Charlie got a bit wild and made sure that the bunnies will never do anything evil." Said Nick in a distraught tone. Aaron immediately lost his primal temper and could watch the fox with wide eyes.
''He…?" asked the rhetorical question Aaron.
Suddenly a new, deep voice spoke up from direction of the door.
''Deputy Pictus has indeed ended the lives of Ted and Jamie Hopps according to the testaments of Bonnie Hopps, Detective Judy Hopps, Larry Howlington and Gary Howlington." Said the voice. Aaron and Nick snapped their heads and much to their surprise none other than Chief Bogo was standing there with his hooves behind his back.
''Chief!" said the fox and the wolf at the same time. It felt nice seeing the buffalo.
''Detectives." Nodded the buffalo before he focused his attention towards the wolf. Aaron and Nick could see relief and a tiny hint of happiness flash through the buffalo's expression.
''Welcome back to the land of living Detective Wolford." Said Bogo respectfully. He knew about the wolf's half-offical name change and he did respect it, but in order to avoid unnecessary confusion when talking about him and Wilde, they agreed that the chief can call them on their family names upon addressing them.
The wolf just smiled gratefully and nodded. He knew that Bogo did not like sentimentality around himself, saying that it is distracting, but everyone knew he just didn't want to show his softer side to his officers.
''Chief, how is the trial going?" asked the fox curiously.
''The trial has ended and Deputy Pictus has been found innocent in the end." Notified the buffalo, a ghost smile appearing on his face. Aaron was happy for these news, but Nick was ecstatic. The whole week was basically a combined worry for his wolf's life, Charlie's freedom and Judy's state of mind. (The bunny was really crestfallen of his father's death, she wasn't her cheerful and righteous self). Now his wolf was awake, Charlie was free, only Judy has to get over her father's death and everything could go back to relative normalness.
''From the combined testament's of the witnesses I listed before, the jury and judge decided that the five Hopps children had been the real offenders by plotting against the lives of Deputy Pictus, Larry and Gary Howlington, Gideon Grey and of course you. They concluded that everything Pictus done was in an act of self-defense. Suzy Hopps, the only one of the offenders who could talk coherently at the time denied everything, saying the they didn't threaten his life, but she couldn't deny the fact that she was the one who tried to assassinate you, Detective Wolford, and couldn't deny the fact that they were the ones who shot you, Detective Wilde. She also couldn't deny the fact that they were plotting against the lives of the predators listed before, and it was enough for the judge to dismiss her opposing." Told the Buffalo in an official tone. It was his normal tone of voice when he talked to the mammals working for him, but he couldn't hide the ghost smile appearing on his face.
Aaron and Nick looked at each other and chuckled in relief. Everything seemed to be going back to normal, justice has been served.
''Although there is one thing Deputy Pictus can't survive." And the happiness from the air evaporated, worry overtaking it. Aaron and Nick did not dare saying anything, they just looked at the buffalo with a mix of curiosity and anxiousness.
''Deputy Pictus has clearly forgotten to check the amount of tranquilizer he was using when he disarmed Ted, Suzy, Jamie and Fred Hopps, which was a mistake I couldn't tolerate. His mistake cost the lives of two, and even though those lives were plotting against his own, the deaths could have been avoided if Deputy Pictus paid more attention. Since the court found him innocent so he won't be taken to prison or anything and will keep on working under my hooves, it's my responsibility to give him his deserved punishment. Since it was his very first mistake since he graduated from the ZPA, firing would be too harsh on my part, but I have to demote him." Told Bogo, his tone getting a bit darker.
Nick and Aaron nodded in understanding. They could not challenge this logic, but they had a small feeling that Charlie used an enormous amount of tranquilizer on purpose. They knew that this meant things will change. Chocolate cake/pudding won't be their boss anymore, which is kind of a bummer because they will probably never have a boss as cool as him. They will get a new one, who they really hoped wouldn't be a Bogo 2. They liked Bogo, but one stern and strict buffalo is more than enough in their lives.
While they processed the new data they got, they missed Bogo's face turning into a smile.
''Telling you about the trial was just one of the reasons I came here. The other reason was to ask you something Wilde, but since Wolford has woken up, both of you will hear it firstpaw." Told Bogo with a very small smile.
''What's up Chief?" asked Aaron, not liking Bogo's behaviour. The only times the Chief was smiling is when he was hustling and that only happened once or twice.
''Since I have to demote Pictus to a regular Detective, he had the chance to choose whether he want to be assigned to a team, or do private work. He choose the first one as you guessed it. Hopps already put her vote on Charlie joining your detective team, but I need your opinions aswell."
Bogo didn't know he would ever see two mammals in their 30s acting like they were hyperactive 8 year olds, but he sure as hell did today.
And he had to say, seeing them turn from hyperactive 8 year olds to 60 year old grandpas when they realized they were still injured and toning down the excitement would be a wise decision if they don't want to groan in pain for the next hours, was really amusing. But it was enough conformation that Detective Pictus will be in a great team.
After it the Chief left with a short good-bye and a modest 'get well'. The Canines called the woodchuck doctor and the gazelle nurse back, knowing that they might be a bit impatient by now. Nick used their very short together time and creeped back to Aaron's bed, straight into the wolf's embrace. They continued marking the other's body, not caring about the gown. That's when they realized that one week without making love was more than enough to make both canines pent-up, and upon seeing the other's perfect body, they almost gave in their primal desire right here in the hospital bed. The only way they could silence it was by keeping their paws to themself and just kiss it out, which seemed to be slightly working, but they both knew that something had to be done.
Soon, they heard the door open and the doctor and the nurse was back. The doctor was back at his very Bogo-like attitude again while the Nurse's eyes were full off excitement and happiness.
''Now that we got over that, can I have the list please? You already have some wolves and some fox wanting to come in here, they are more annoying than another fox I know, but I need to know if they are okay to come in here." Said the woodchuck grufly while extending his paw towards Aaron. The lupine became really excited because it sounded so much like his family. (He considered Christine as a part of his family.)
He gave the list to the woodchuck, who snatched it away and walked out. The nurse looked out, making sure that her superior was occupied enough with the visitors. Then she closed the door and looked back up to the two confused Canines.
''I just want to say that I'm a big fan of yours. My best friend was in the same position as you, but she wanted to end it all. After hearing your encouraging words and seeing how brave and open you were on TV, she became a new mammal. She even proposed to her girlfriend and they are having their wedding in July. I just want to say… thank you." Said the gazelle with tears in her eyes. Aaron's and Nick's heart melted upon hearing the story. They heard from mammals who were inspired by them, but never had they thought they would be saving lives.
''Wow…" whispered Aaron, trying to shake off his sudden emotional state.
''Tell your friend that we are honored, and to keep going. If she wants an exclusive meet up with the Great Nick Wildeford and Aaron Wildeford, just message us, I think we will be stuck in this room for some time though." Said Nick in his usual confident smirk and half-lid eyes. The gazelle giggled, but even the stupid could see that she was really nervous.
''Well, about that… she wanted me to give you this." said the gazelle and he took out a small envelope from her nurse dress.
Nick took it in his paw and examined it. It was a simple envelope with a heart seal and a strong flowery perfume smell. The fox took out one of his claws and sliced the envelope open. He took out a paper inside, opened it and read it with his wolf.
Their eyes widened after reading the contents of the letter. It wasn't exactly letter, it was an invitation to a wedding. It was even handwritten where the gazelle's friend, 'Natasha', an oryx wanted Aaron and Nick to participate in the wedding and give a speech. She thanked them continuously in the letter, Nick and Aaron counted all the times she wrote any form of 'thanks' but after 16 they stopped. What really caught their attention that the middle of the paper was damp in tears, signaling that Natasha got really emotional and they couldn't blame her, this letter contained more emotions than the entire Hopps residence, and that was saying something with all the emotional bunnies around.
They also saw that their wedding would be on the 12th of July, the exact day Natasha's mother has died. She said the her mother was her biggest supporter, but after her death she only received hate from her 'brother' and her 'father'. She wanted the day of her mother's death to be the end of a wonderful mammal and the start of a wonderful bond at the same time.
Aaron and Nick looked at each other and without words exchanged they knew that they would be attending this wedding if that's the last thing they do.
So with that, Aaron ripped a small part of the envelope off and wrote down both their phone numbers. Then he gave it to the nervous nurse who took it from the wolf's paw hesitantly.
''Tell your friend to call us sometime, we would love to meet her once we get out of this hospital." Said Aaron with a warm smile.
''As for the wedding, we will be attending it." Added Nick, making the gazelle cheer loudly in excitement.
''She will be thrilled! Thank you, you are the best!" said the energized nurse while rushing out of their room quickly. Both canines could guess that she was on her way to tell the good news to Natasha.
''5 dollars say we won't be seeing her today." Said Aaron with a sly smile. Nick chuckled.
''10 dollars, and she will ask us multiple questions." Replied Nick just as slyly. He liked this betting they started doing, and Wolfie's sly smile was a really attractive trait for the fox.
Suddenly the door opened and a bunch of mammals came into the room. Aaron initially thought it would be only his family with Christine in it. He did not expect Larry, Gary and Lazlow coming in aswell.
What he really did not expect, but he should have, was him getting enveloped in a huge group hug by the more emotional of the timber wolves (Which meant his sisters, Rufus and Gary). Nick made sure to not get sucked into the brawl that was happening right next to him by scooting over to the edge of the bed.
Aaron thought getting tackled down and fluffed to death by Judy's siblings was bad, but this was just plain horrific. The amount of smells that invaded his nostrils almost made him choke. The only thing stopping him from vocalizing his discomfort was that he realized he enjoyed the embrace. He soon heard the timber wolves hugging him slowly starting to cry one-by-one, Gary being the last man standing. He could already feel Hughes, Monica, Harry, Larry, Christine, Lazlow and Nick looking at him in a bemused way.
''Okay-okay guys, I'm happy to see you again, but can I breath for a second?" asked Aaron after realizing that his lungs were empty for sometime and every breath he took was an overwhelming mix the scent of wolves. The five misty-eyed wolves quickly stepped back muttering apologies which made the rest of the visitors and Aaron chuckle.
''It's okay guys, I'm actually really happy to see you once again." Said Aaron with a grateful smile.
''We should be the one saying this, not you! You dumb, idiotic, carefree, stupid-''
''Okay Rufus, we get it, you are ticked off." Said Monica in an amused tone. She was really happy when she heard his son was waking up and she wouldn't have to mourn him, but if she were honest with herself, she never really doubted her eldest son. He was a fighter, he had survived many things, this won't be the thing that would end it all.
While Aaron was having his vacation in Bunnyburrow, Monica and Harry reunited and decided to start over. They already went on a romantic date, which went wonderfully. Harry was just as caring and loveable as he was decades ago, which reminded her of their very first date. The news of his son being comatosed and fighting for his own life was a real mood killer, but it managed to bring the family closer than ever. Harry was next to them 24/7, giving emotional support to the whole family. Well, it was more like giving emotional support to Rufus and the girls, Monica and Hughes weren't that emotional in the end, but it was just as hard for them. Rufus was so far gone that he wanted to comatose himself, find Aaron where ever he is and come back with him.
Nick was really happy. His mother was sitting next to him, her paw resting on his injured shoulder. He was always a daddy's boy, but with John's death all those years ago, his mother was the only family he had 'till he met Wolfie of course. They had formed a mother-son bond since they reunited after Carrots made a cop out of Nick.
''He is plotting something." Whispered Christine to her son's ear.
''And by that, what do you mean Ma?" asked Nick, not looking at the older Vulpine. He glanced at Wolfie who was currently arguing with his sisters, and saw the same thing as Christine. Wolfie was continuously glancing at Gary and Larry.
''I don't know, but he is not being subtle of looking at those farmer friends of yours." Said Christine, confirming his suspicions.
''Sir." Said Lazlow in his thick Wolfski accent. He was silently watching the family reunion from the background the whole time.
Aaron looked at him with a happy a smile.
''Didn't think you would visit Lazlow." Greeted Aaron while sitting up and shaking the foreigner wolf's paw.
''Well, originally I wanted to show something to Sir Nicholas Wildeford, but I didn't expect to see you awake. I'm still very much relieved, don't get me wrong, me and the Royal Wolf Knights were rooting for you everyday." Said Lazlow in a respectful way. It still bothered both Nick and Aaron how highly, almost undeservingly Lazlow was treating them, but at least he was smiling and was showing some kind of friendliness now.
''Sir Nicholas Wildeford?" whispered Christine dumbfounded. Nick rolled his eyes and told her he would tell her everything later.
''I suppose my family and friends being here to see that something is not a problem?" asked Aaron while glancing around the room and making eye contact with almost everyone.
''No, if you wish them to see it, I have no objections." Said Lazlow while taking the remote controller of the TV that was mounted on the right upper corner of the room. Aaron and Nick realised that they indeed had a TV in the room.
The TV slowly turned on, and Lazlow went on searching something between the channels. He stopped at Channel 1, which was always reserved for ZNN. Peter Moosebridge and Fabienne Growley, the two news caster popped into the screen. Monica, upon noticing that Harry stopped translating to Hughes and was focusing on the screen, realized that his poor Hughes wouldn't understand anything, so she got her son's attention and started to sign the newscaster's dialogue.
''-In other news: Today is the day when millions of wolves stop for a minute and send a silent prayer to Fenrir."
That's right Fabienne. As we have informed already, celebrities Aaron Wildeford and Nicholas Wilderford has been the victims of assassination attempts by an unknown terrorist group. Nicholas Wildeford has been shot twice in the shoulder and at the right leg while Aaron Wildeford was pushed off a cliff and suffered a hit on his head that sent him into a coma. According to doctors, there is a minimal chance of the bigger of the Wildefords waking up since his head injury is too severe. This happened a week ago and so far we couldn't get any information on where the treatment of ZPD detective Aaron Wildeford was."
In addition to that, a famous group of wolves named the 'Royal Wolf Knights' has officially named today as a praying day for their newly found monarch's life. The event has spread through world-wide and gained an immense amount of popularity in different wolf dominated communities. The biggest gathering for a group praying would be held in the Zooropean country of Wolfska, which gives home to the biggest wolf community in the planet."
As the snow leopard stopped her monologue, the screen changed to a live feed. The camera was on a helicopter of some sorts and it was filming a huge square in a city that no one in the room aside from Lazlow recognized. Nick and Aaron guessed that it was Wolfska if the white-red tiled flags with the black wolf in the middle was any indicator. What caught everyone's attention was the sheer amount of wolves on the square. The square was around two football field long and four football fields wide, but it was already full with mainly wolves, but sometimes an other kind of canine, a feline or even some prey could be spotted. The wolves were gathered before a huge stage with an even bigger screen behind it. On the screen, Aaron's graduation photo was projected with the Wolford family emblem, the flag of Wolska, Zootopia, Aaron's royal titles 'Grand ruler of Zootopia and Wolfska' and the sentence of 'We believe in you, Aaron' in both English and Wolfski posted next to his head while he was getting his badge at the graduation. It was like they were watching a huge concert being prepared, except there would be total silence instead of loud music.
Aaron was shell-shocked of what he was seeing. He couldn't comprehend that there were so many mammals wanting him to be well and alive. It gave him a warm and giddy feeling, knowing that he would be missed by so many if he were to really leave the army of the living. He couldn't believe that starting from an Omega, he managed to reach this point of respect in his life.
Suddenly he found a fox's arms wrapping around his neck. Looking to his left side he saw Bushy Tail cuddling to him with a soft smile.
''See that Wolfie. You didn't just fight to survive. You fought for everyone. You fought for everyone on that square, you fought for your family and your friends." Said Nick in a content tone. Upon not hearing Bushy Tail continuing the sentence as the wolf would have liked, he planted a smooch on the side of Nick's snout, catching him off guard.
''But most importantly, I fought for you." Said Nick with a soft smile.
THUD
The loud thud was heard from Aaron's right side, and neither Nick nor Aaron had to look to know who fainted. They just rolled their eyes and asked Christine gently to bring a cup of water and splash it on the unconscious Rufus's face. Although it was really funny seeing Monica pinching her snout in irritation and embarrassment of her kit's behaviour. Harry seemed worried, but upon seeing his daughters and Hughes chuckling and Nick and Aaron rolling their eyes, he relaxed. He was still clueless, but he guessed it must be normal then.
The Screen was showing a giant clock. It was 17:59, only seconds until the clock hit 18. It confused Nick and Aaron for a moment, because when they looked out of the hospital window, the sun was at its highest, meaning that it was around noon, but they quickly realized that time zones were a thing.
Peter Moosebridge's voice made the timber wolves and the red foxes snap their attention to the TV.
As we are speaking right now, the preparations has officially ended, everything is set for the world wide event for ZPD detective Aaron Wildeford's life. As the clock hits 6 in the afternoon in Wolfska, the whole country will turn silent for an entire minute.''
The clock hit 18:00, and all wolves and other mammals on the square descended onto their knees before Aaron's picture. Everyone put their hands together, taking up a praying position and started to slowly mumble their orison for Aaron's life.
While everyone in the room were glued to the screen, they missed noticing Lazlow pulling out his phone and sending several messages to mammals he knew would love to hear about Aaron being awake. He strictly told everyone he was talking to not to bother the crowd while they are praying, knowing that it would cause a bigger scandal than they could handle.
The screen of TV suddenly changed back to Fabienne and Peter, who were holding their ear's, seemingly listening something.
''We just got the news that the Prime Minister of Wolfski, Michał Wilkwycie has a very important announcement to make in connection with the state of Detective Aaron Wildeford which he will announce after the event has ended."
Soon the clock on the square of Wolfska signed that it was 18:01, and the crowd stood up, some even wiping tears from their eyes. Some started to leave but a maned wolf in a suit walked on the stage, catching the crowd's attention.
''Drodzy bracia i siostry, dostaliśmy powiadomienie wobec stanu zdrowia Sir Aaron'a Wildeford'a. Lazlow Wilkokiełski chciałby teraz na ten temat wygłosić przemowe. ''
(Translation: Brothers and sisters, I have been informed of a recent development of the health of Sir Aaron Wolford and Lazlow Wilkokiełski wants to share it with you right now.
Aaron and Nick looked at each other. They didn't understand anything besides Aaron's and Lazlow's name, but it gave them something to think about. Glancing at the fancy dressed timber wolf, they found him being busy with his phone.
The big screen in Wolfska changed from Aaron's graduation photo and Lazlow's face popped up. Everyone, even the freshly recovered Rufus was looking at their Wolfski friend incredulously who just winked at them and looked back at his phone, which seemed to be connected to the big screen in Wolfska.
''Good morning, my fellow country man, I'm reporting from Zootopia Central Hospital and I have some splendid news for all of you." Said Lazlow to the phone, thus to the entire square in Wolfska. Some of the wolves seemed to not speak English, but the ones that did had wide and hopeful eyes and could not stop looking at Lazlow's face on the screen.
In Zootopia, Lazlow looked back at Aaron and Nick and smiled slyly. Then the next thing Aaron knew is that he had the phone in his paws, and his face was filling the entire screen in Wolfska.
Thousands of Wolves gasped at the same time.
''Erm… Hello everyone! I… I think Lazlow here wants me to tell you that I have woken up from my coma, and that I'm alive… Thanks for the prayers by the way, they did the magic it seems…" Said Aaron nervously. He was talking to entire countries now, and it was a bit too much.
Nick knew that and went to work. The wolves of Wolfska and the viewers of the ZNN could see Nick's face popping up next to his wolf's. Another wave of gasps could be heard, and even the ones who did not speak english watched the screen with great interest.
''What Wolfie here wants to say, is that he is alright now, we thank you for your support, it means a lot to us, really. Oh yeah, another thing, after we recover and take care of some very important stuff, we would be making our very first visit to your beautiful country, and we would like to meet as many of you as we can, isn't that right Wolfie?" said Nick while looking at his wolf with a teasing smile. The Vulpine was relieved to see his wolf relax and emit a light chuckle.
Aaron was really happy for his fox's hustler charm and silver tongue, because he really didn't know what to say to an entire country of wolves after they just discovered that he was alive.
''That's right. I don't know what Bushy Tail here has in mind, but the idea of visiting sounds thrilling. Now I know some of you may not speak our language, so I would like to ask the ones that do to spread the word that I'm fine now and that we would be making a visit soon." Said Aaron much more confidently than before. He saw Nick sending him a thumbs up.
From the TV they saw the crowd starting to loudly murmur. The murmuring slowly faded into cheering and after a minute or so the whole crowd was imitating a loud concert's even louder fans.
Aaron got so confident that he remembered that he still needed to take care of something very important, and wouldn't it be crazy if he did that in front of an entire country?
Yes, yes it would, but it just suited them.
''Before we disconnect… Gary, you still have it?" asked Aaron while glancing at the white timber wolf in Larry's lap. He seemed confused for a second, but when Aaron subtly moved his ring finger, the wolf got his message and smiled proudly. He left the lap he occupied, much to Larry's discomfort, and walked next to the bed.
Nick didn't need to be a genius to guess what was about to happen, and while everyone in the room was focusing on Gary and Aaron, he sneaked his paw to the small cabinet between their beds where his clothes were. He searched through his pockets and found the fire orange box he wanted. He snatched it away, and without raising suspicion hid it under the blankets.
Gary waved at the phone, reached into his pocket and proposed a silver box. Aaron nodded with a grateful smile, took the box from his friend's paw and turned to his fox. By now, the entire room and most of Wolfska had a decent idea of what is about to happen, and they could not believe it.
Was Aaron really about to propose in front of millions?
The answer was yes, when Aaron popped the box open and the big onyx shined into the camera.
''So, Bushy Tail. How do I put this… I remember the first day you stepped into the precinct. I was impressed that a fox could finish in the top 10% of the class in the academy and I had a strange admiration towards you ever since… Who am I kidding, I saw you standing up to the most intimidating mammal on earth after getting almost mauled by a panther, and you did all of that without a hint of fear. That was probably the beginning of all. Then came the hedgehog incident when something inside told me to protect you and Judy no matter the cost. I didn't even know what was it at the time, but I know now. It was my admiration that slowly morphed into love after the accident. I still remember agreeing in taking things slowly with you since it was new to the both us, neither of us had been with anyone before, much less with a male and from another species to top it off. Well, that agreement has ended within a day or so when against all traditions and rationality, we bonded for a life without any uncertainty. Now I remember a wonderful fox telling me once to not look at our rushing as something that could end our bond, but as something that stands as a proof that we are made for each other, and I found myself agreeing with that fox. I want to continue this little tradition we have going on, and I feel ready to settle down with the mammal of my dreams. Nicholas Piberious Wildeford, will you marry me?"
The fox really wanted to play a sly card on him and be his usual hustler self but he couldn't. His new emotional side came out and hit with full force. Nick was continuously rubbing tears from his eyes and looked soo happy.
''Goddamnit Wolfie, making me cry on TV, I have a reputation to uphold, you know that?" said Nick, trying to cover his emotional state with humor, unsuccessfully.
With a sigh, he answered the question everyone was eager to be answered.
''Yes…"
Lazlow had to lower the volume of the Tv, because the crowd in Wolfska blown up in cheers that it became deafening through the television. Even the ones without english knowledge knew the basic words such as 'yes' and 'no', so it was no surprise they understood what had just happened. The hospital room was full of excited screams and faces with surprise and celebration written over them. For once, Rufus managed to not faint, much to the dismay of Hughes, who was suddenly enveloped in a bone crushing hug by an excited brother.
Before the wolf could put the ring on Nick's finger and kiss him, the fox stopped him, freezing and silencing the entire room and Wolfska.
''…On one condition."
That's when Nick uncovered his own box and popped said box open, the emerald and rubies shining up after the light touched them. Hughes upon seeing it, hid behind his father, not wanting the ticking bomb that Rufus was to blow up in his face again.
Aaron after overtaking his initially surprise and panic, a wide smile spread through his muzzle. His tail immediatelly moved around Nick's waist, wanting him to come closer and put that ring on the wolf's finger.
''Let's make a deal, shall we? I say yes, if you say yes too." Said Nick with a bit of teasing in his voice.
Aaron knew that it was so inappropriate to laugh now, but he just couldn't hold it. The whole scenario was sooo ridiculous it hurt. Literally, because he remembered his headache and his wound, which resulted his laughter quickly stopping with a hiss of pain.
''Okay, No laughing while hurt." Noted Aaron to nobody but himself. The morphine he got was perfect for making his headache disappear, but sudden movements still revived the pain. After his headache weakened he looked at his fox and was amused to see impatience and pleading in those eyes.
''In all seriousness, what did a fox say in a particular cliff in the Meadowlands some week ago?" asked Aaron teasingly. He loved how the tension was at all time maximum in the air and that he had full power over basically everything now, it sent a feeling of thrill through his spine.
''Yes, a thousand times yes."
Lazlow once again had to lower the volume of the television, while Rufus resumed his bone crushing hug with Hughes. Expect that Hughes was nowhere to be found, only his father, but Rufus didn't care, he was just so excited and happy, he didn't care who he was hugging.
Harry decided that Rufus might just be the strongest of his children, because that damn hug he had almost hospitalized the older wolf.
Monica and Christine looked really proud and pleased of their children. Larry and Gary could be seen cuddling on one of the chairs, Gary being in Larry's lap and watching them with warm and nostalgic eyes, replaying their own proposing and wedding all over again. Hughes was smiling happily with his tail wagging, part of it being that he survived Rufus's emotional bomb. Patricia, Victora and Caroline looked ecstatic, they looked like they just drank a whole box of energy drinks.
After a while, Rufus seemed to overload, and Harry for once was happy that his son fainted, he could finally breath.
After sliding their rings to the other's finger, they connected their muzzles in a passionate kiss. First, they kiss in front of Millions of Zootopians, now they Kiss in front of probably every wolf in the planet. They didn't care where they paws went, what their tails did, but they knew that the moment they regained their senses after one of their most passionate kisses, they were entangled in every way possible.
After ending the kiss they bid adieu to Wolfska and disconnected the call. Lazlow looked a bit shy but excited, maybe even a bit satisfied how things ended.
Upon returning their gaze to the TV in each other's arms, they saw the square now standing in front of a black screen, but the cheers hadn't weakened, it even amplified since they disconnected. The whole crowd was howling in unison, but it seemed that they were singing a song with their howls. Thanks to Lazlow lowering the sound before, the howl wasn't so loud, so the timber wolves in the hospital room only had a small urge to join them, which they managed to beat easily. Although other wolf patients from the hospital who were watching the same thing and did not lower the volume could not resist and soon faint sounds of howling could be heard outside their hospital room. It was still not enough to make the Wolfords, Larry, Gary and Lazlow howl, but it was enough to make them a bit uncomfortable in their fur.
They looked at Lazlow for explanation. The wolfski wolf soon realized why they were giving him an expectant look and started explaining.
''This is the anthem of Fenrir you are hearing right now. You have no idea how excited you made the entire population of Wolfska by confirming that you were awake, that you would be making a visit plus proposing in front of them. They probably think it was Fenrir's doing, that's why they are singing his anthem." Explained the fancy dressed wolf.
Soon, the two news reporters popped up into the screen with smiles on their faces.
''You heard it here first on the ZNN, it has been officialy confirmed that against all odds, Detective Aaron Wildeford has woken up from his coma, and will be making a recovery and an official visit to Wolfska in the following months with his fiancé, Detective Nicholas Wildeford. Could you believe that Fabienne?"
No Peter, I have never thought that we would be witnesses of such a historical event that would probably make it into the history books. In other news…"
After it, no one really paid attention to the Tv, everyone was celebrating and telling good wishes to the now official fiancés. The three Wolford daughters could not stop admiring the rings, while Rufus was already planning their wedding. All three parents were silently chatting between them, they were planning their wedding too, although a much more sane one than what Rufus started making up. For a baker, he had a crazy imagination.
Hughes, with the lack of hearing, he used this time to observe everyone and think about what would happen now. He saw Gary and Larry being amidst a kiss while caressing the other. He realized that soon, his brother and Nick would be the same as them, and he couldn't stop the soft smile spreading through his muzzle. Everyone was okay, he got his brother back for the second time, everything would be alright.
''Isn't it a bit inconvenient that they plan this on the day you wake up and Charlie's trial ends?" said Nick as he nuzzled his husbands neck lovingly.
Please, don't spoil the mood now, I don't want to think about how this can go all awry." Said Aaron with a playful glare. Nick took the hint and shut his mouth, enjoying the warmth of his fiancé's body.
Suddenly Christine spoke up.
''By the way, could anyone tell me what's with this 'Sir Nicholas Wildeford'? Am I missing something?"
So yeah, this ended up to be almost 10k words, I don't know what happened, I just kept on writing and writing and soon I was there.
Since I'm healthy, Chapters will come out more regularly. This Chapter was answering several of your burning question and sets up the long awaited wedding chapter, which should be the next one.
I cannot say how much I love everyone of you for your support, I didn't think that what I am writing is any good, but you guys keep on telling me that I'm more than decent, which makes my heart melt in gratefulness. The whole idea of the ship was ridiculous at first, but after giving Nick and Wolford a story, it became a romance novel. You guys keep me encouraged and determined to continue this story.
Special thanks to Melior for the Polish/Wolfski translation. I don't trust either translator when it comes to Slavic languages, so I needed a native's help, so thanks buddy again.m
