Hey! I'm not dead!...yet. And neither is this story! Look I know it's been a long time between updates and I am sooooo sorry. But some stuff happened in my life. Thing one, I moved, thing two, I started my job as a deputy sheriff. Being a deputy sheriff that's 12 hour shifts, makes it pretty time consuming and leaves little time for writing. This is also on top of college. Then there was stuff with these two chapters, big tweaks, area rewrites, etc.

What did he say two chapters? Yes, yes I did. Double release people's! I was tempted to do a triple but I decided against it, so the third chapter will have the long awaited phone call tween Jack and Vivian! And don't worry I shall begin working on it immediately! I also promise you won't have to wait so many months to read it!

So appreciate you all sticking with me, now story time!

Nick was excited. Today was the day he would get to see this new school of his Paragon Grove, it wasn't his first official day the the school though, it instead was a more formal interview. At least that's what his mom said. For this reason he was dressed in his nicest clothes and so was his mom as they headed out the door. They still didn't have a car but Aunt Skye had lent hers so they could drive to the new school. Nick as excited as he was decided it would be smart to play it cool, after all this was just school, and he can't be to excited about that, at least outwardly.

Vivian though could read her kit like a book and she could tell he was really looking forward to this. The only thing he hadn't been looking forward to today was waking up this morning, but she quickly solved that problem with blueberry pancakes and turkey bacon. After that he was up and ready to greet the day.

Yesterday had been a very good day, she got her and her kit moved into their new home, met Skye's boyfriend (she still couldn't believe she was dating a movie star), and got some new friends in the process. It left her feeling all giddy, things were finally starting to look up in her life. Now her she was ready to take her kit to an interview so he could attend the best school in Zootopia! Though she knew this was more a formality, as the mammal she talked to told her. She said all they needed was a assessment of Nick's character, a look at the references, and assurance she could pay. The woman said though that with the reference they already had as long as Nick was a good kit and she could pay he was in. So she had no doubts he would be enrolled at the school.

With the thought of the reference that they already had came thoughts of Jackson. She was still trying to grasp everything she'd learned about him in the last couple of days, and just her thoughts about him in general. She'd be lying if she didn't say he was captivating, he was like some big mystery novel she wanted to unravel. He was also in her dreams to, and last nights dream had been…naughty. It was a big shock to her that had her jolting awake, why in the world did her brain come up with that scenario? She knew she needed to have this girls night out so she could sort through her jumbled feelings about him, air things out.

Once the arrived in the lobby they were greeted by the site of dressed flamboyantly in a purple suit giving a beautiful female snow leopard with violet eyes dressed in a business suit a peck on the lips, this must be the wife he was telling them about. She also by the attire of Mr. MO could tell that currently, they were looking at the Marcus side of Marcus Oliver. Nick upon seeing Mr. MO called out with a wave "hey Mr. MO!"

Mr. MO broke of his kiss with his wife to turn and face Nick and Vivian. "Ah little Nicholas! Good morning to you! Looking quite dapper today!"

Nick gave him a grin as he said "thanks you too, oh and before I forget my manners good morning to you Mrs. MO."

Mrs. MO gushed at the sight of little Nick and said "oh you are just adorable! And good morning to you as well, Marcus here told me about you. Oh and why he may be Mr. MO I prefer to go by Mrs. Remington. (She then looked at Vivian) and you must be his mother, Ms. Wilde right?"

Vivian gave her a smile as she nodded, "yes that is correct. I have the ultimate pleasure of being his mother. It's also a pleasure to finally meet you, Mr. MO can't stop gushing about you."

At that Mrs. Remington laughed and Mr. MO put an arm on around her waist as he gestured to her, "can you blame me? I have the most amazing women on the entire planet! Why wouldn't I gush!?"

Everyone laughed at that and once it subsided Mrs. Remington said "I also hear from my deranged husband that you Ms. Wilde have caught the eye of this complex's mystery mammal."

At that Nick lit up, "are you taking about Mr. Jack!?"

Mrs. Remington smiles down at Nick and said "yep I sure am. The mysterious Jackson Hunter himself, he's the talk of the complex round here, your mom must be one special vixen to catch eyes."

"She sure is Mrs. Remington! She's the best!"

Mrs. Remington flicked her gaze to Vivian next and said in a teasing tone "and from what i here that catching eyes is quite mutual."

Vivian burst into flames as Nick turned to her in his excited tone and said "it is!?"

Vivian became a stammering mess. "Well.. .yes…no..no..ahhh….I'm working on it? And..uh..just Vivian please."

Everyone had a laugh at Vivian's expense and then Mrs. Remington walked over to her and stuck out a paw "Annabelle. Friends call me Anna."

Vivian took the paw and shook it. "Friends call me Viv or V."

"Okay then Viv. Well I need to head to work, but hopefully I shall see you at the party this Saturday. Maybe you and I can talk about you know who."

Vivian chuckled at that and said "then you might as well join me and my friends since that seems to be the plan already."

Anna have her a smile and said "splendid! I look forward to it! See you later!"

At that she give Mr. MO a quick peck on the lips before heading out the door with "see you tonight Olivier!"

Vivian didn't notice at first, but when mentioning MO earlier she said Marcus, and now she just said Oliver. "Maybe he does have DID? She did call him deranged. Hmm."

Vivian had to admit she did see a shift in Mr. MO's demeanor as he looked at them and shoved his paws in his pockets. "I'm so freaking lucky. Anyways, you two should get going to, somebody needs to get their education."

Nick turned to his mom and tugged her skirt "he's right mom! We should get going! Thanks Mr. MO! Have a nice day!"

Nick then grabbed his moms paw and began all but dragging her out of the door leaving Mr. MO chucking as they did. "You to kid!"

*arriving at Paragon Grove*

Vivian pulled into a parking spot at the school and immediately noticed there was group amassed in the front for them. Lieutenant Bogo, Mr. Wolfgang, Detective Wolford, and who she assumes was Wolford's wife and son were all there talking amongst themselves. Vivian and her son exited the rental truck immediately being spotted by Wolford who waved to them "Hey Vivian over here!"

Vivian and Nick approached the group and Nick was the first to greet everyone with a chipper tone "Hi everyone! My name is Nick for those that don't know it!"

Vivian followed her son with her own greeting "good morning! James, Adonis, Demetri, and Mrs. Wolford I assume?"

Mrs. Wolford stepped forward to shake Vivian's paw saying "indeed I am, my name is Cassandra. I am the mammal conducting your interview today!"

Vivian's jaw dropped. "Wha…how?"

James chuckled as he said "My wife mayyy be the Head of Admissions here at Paragon Grove and I may have told her about you after we first met."

Cassandra chuckled as she said "and I mayyy have reassigned the mammal you were originally talking to so I could handle you personally."

Vivian looked back and forth between the two, "what just happened?"

Cassandra put a paw on her shoulder and said "I believe you just got hustled Sweetheart."

Vivian got over her shock as she said "yeah, I guess I did. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Cassandra took a step back and said "same to you, and this is my eldest pup Ralph here who's being shy."

Ralph, who was the same age as Nick looked up at his mom and said "I'm not being shy! I was waiting to be introduced mom! (He then looks at Vivian and Nick) it's nice to meet you!"

Vivian smiled down at him and replied "it's nice to meet you too!"

Nick had been watching Ralph since he and his mom had joined the group. He honestly didn't know what to make of him quite yet. So he decided he would play it cautiously, he wasn't taking any risks after what happened last time he tried making some friends. "Hi Ralph."

Ralph was curious about this fox kit in front of him, he seemed at ease talking to adults but when it came to talking with him, he seemed..odd. "Hi Nick, nice to meet you."

Demetri took this time to introduce himself, "hey Nick, I am Demetri. I am your moms new boss."

"Oh cool! Thank you for hiring my mom so she only needs to work one job! She'll be the best worker you've ever had ever!"

Demetri chuckled at that and said "I don't doubt that."

Now that all introductions were out of the way Cassandra took over. "Okay so we should get this interview started! So why us adults talk why doesn't Ralph take Nick on a little tour about the school? He knows the place quite well!"

Vivian looked down at her son and said "I don't see why not. Is that okay with you Nick?"

Nick looked up at his mom and said "yeah sure."

With that Ralph turned and waved a paw as one of the automatic doors opened. "Come on then Nick, I'll give you the grand tour."

Nick followed Ralph into the building and he gestured to the entire area "this is the main lobby, everyone mingles here before school starts and when it ends. To the left is the office where the principal and my mom work, most these hallways here we are passing lead to classrooms. But this hallway here (they turn and walk down it) leads to the auditorium, I would should you it but a drama class is going."

Nick nodded a couple of times and replied "cool, the school I was going to didn't have a drama class."

Ralph tiles his head at that, "really? Huh, well maybe you should check it out when you start here! I hear it's a lot of fun. I would join, but you gotta be a good actor. Now turning back and going down that way is the gym, that I can take you inside, come on."

Following Ralph they entered the gym, it was a huge facility, a large and well kept basketball court took up the center of the gym and a large group of kids was playing basketball. The perimeter of the court was a full blown track, and a very small group of kids, mostly girls, were walking around it slowly. On either side of the court and track in the walls were locker rooms and bathrooms, the boys was on the left and on the right was the girl with water fountains set between both doors on each side. Ahead of them past the track and basketball court was a volleyball court and tennis court, fenced of course. Dead in front of them to the left was a bating cage and on the right was a very large equipment room.

Ralph glanced at Nick who had a dropped jaw and said "so, what do you think?"

Nick after a moment closed his jaw and said "this is incredible, my old school's gym has….pretty much nothing. Especially when compared to this place! This is awesome!"

Ralph giggled at that and said "yeah it is, we have our own Soccer, Basketball, Baseball, Track, and Football teams. We got our own fields for those, naturally your looking at the field, well court, for Basketball. The stands for games are actually under the track, they rise up from the ground."

Nick nodded his head a few times as he surveyed the place again, "I might have to check out the track team too then! I've always enjoyed running!"

Ralph looked at him approvingly and said "nice! I'm actually on the team myself, I can put in a good word for you!"

Nick nodded and said "cool." He kept it short cause he needed to play it cool, and he was getting overly excited. He needed to dial back a number, slow it down and relax. He was acting to open and friendly around Ralph and he barley knew him, Nick wasn't risking letting guard down again.

Ralph noticed Nick's shift in behavior once more and his tail sagged just a little bit at that. Nick seemed nice, and Ralph saw Nick becoming a good friend, but he was acting so…guarded and strange for some reason and Ralph wanted to figure out the reason why. But for now it was time to continue the tour so Ralph turned and said "well come on Nick, I need to show you the cafeteria and the garden, and then we can finish with the playground."

Nick nodded once and said "lead the way."

Ralph led Nick our of the gym and into the main lobby once more, and after a few turns down a few hallways they entered the cafeteria. It was a massive cafeteria, currently empty, and unlike the cafeteria of Nick's old school, clean and modern. There were no stains, the tables weren't greasy or sticky, and most of the chairs didn't appear to be broken in some shape or form.

Nick glanced at Ralph and said "well it's definitely nicer than the one at my current school, hows the food?"

Ralph patted his stomach and said "excellent. We have some real cooks here that all used to do catering, so they know how to make a lot of good food for a lot of mammals fast. We also have certain days where we get pizza from pizza joints! Deliveries are made five minutes before lunch periods start so it's fresh pizza."

Nick was starting to get hungry now. "Awesome."

Ralph chuckled at that and said "yeah it is, it's happening next Wednesday so look forward to that. For now though let's go check out the garden."

Nick tilted his head at that. "What's so special about a garden?"

As it turns out, a lot was special about this garden. It was set right in the heart of the school and it was massive, beautiful flowers were set about the place of so many different kinds. Set in the center was a giant oak tree and benches picnic tables were littered about the place. Set to the right of them there was a zen garden tucked in the right corner and some crops were set in the left corner. There was students littered about tending the garden under what Nick assumed was teacher supervision. Looking at it all and taking in the scents all Nick could let out was a "wow."

Ralph nodded and said "yeah that was about my first reaction. This is the schools botanical garden, tended by gardeners and aided by us students. Students if they want to can learn how to work with crops, and garden in general. It is not required. You can come here to read, study, and things between classes, and with a special pass you can have lunch here."

Nick nodded a couple of times, while this place was peaceful and nice he honestly couldn't see himself hanging around here to much. He wasn't much of a reader and to much quiet bothered him, also he'd rather not eat lunch out here unless he had a group of friends and….well he had no friends. Nick looked over at Ralph and said "so do you come to this garden often?"

Ralph shrugged. "Sometimes if I'm waiting for my mom to finish work, I come here and do some studying. Oh I forgot to mention, we don't have homework at this school."

Nick almost had a heart attack at 9. "WHAT!? THAT'S AWESOME!"

Ralph giggled at that. "Yeah this school doesn't believe in homework besides studying since apparently the mammal who invented homework gave it to students as punishment. So the school looks at it like that. The thing closest to homework is readings we have to take home but that's not like real homework, that and projects."

Nick felt like he won the lottery. "I love this freaking school."

Ralph grinned at that and said "wait till you see the playground."

As it turns out, Ralph wasn't joking, the playground was MASSIVE. There was several giant playground sets, a huge fort, a big pirate ship, and a huge regular playground set. Set about the entire area was picnic tables and the playground was bustling with activity. There were students all of the place playing and at least a dozen teachers were watching them. The regular set had 2 dozen swings, 10 slides of varying sizes, four sets of monkey bars, and that's just what Nick could see outright. Set to the left of this area was a baseball and soccer field, and on the right was a football field….and a mini golf course!?

"Is that a mini golf course!?"

Ralph giggled and said "yep, you need special privileges to go in there though. Meaning you are doing super good in class and cause no trouble. The football and soccer field are for specific gym days and our teams. The baseball field we can play kickball everyday at recess except Wednesday."

Nick nodded along as he looked around the place, he couldn't wait to go here. From what he'd been hearing from his mom it was a guarantee he would get in this school, and he was counting down the seconds. There was one question he did have, "so there's no uniforms?"

Ralph shook his head. "Nah, this may be a private school but it's not as 'stuffy' as one. At least that's how my mom puts it. Speaking of, I wonder how the adult talk is going."

*Vivian*

Once Ralph took Nick inside to tour the school Cassandra said "so let's head into my office and we can go over the formal stuff that comes with you applying here, I'll need to physically here your sponsors testimonies and read those written sponsorships. Then I'll need to assess your sons character and after that make sure you can pay the fees that comes with your son attending this school. But, since have a job at Sparrowtail Industries I have no doubt you'll be able to afford it."

Demetri chimed in at that, "oh she will be very much able."

Cassandra giggled at that, "well I wish it would be that easy but I sadly have to see physical numbers and such to log for my forms. As far as the assessment of your sons character I will get my son to tell me what he thinks, he may be only 10 but he has great judgments of character."

Vivian smiled at that and said "I don't doubt that in the slightest, he's a smart looking boy."

James chimed in at that, "yes he's smart as a whip that boy, I wager he'll be walking into the ZPD for my job when I'm walking out."

Cassandra gave James a look at that, "I surely hope you'll be retired well before Ralph joins, because if not…you'll have a shaved tail."

James gave a nervous chuckle at that while the rest of the group had a laugh at his expense. Once it subsided Cassandra said "well let's go ahead inside, there's quite a bit of paperwork ahead for me."

Bogo and James chimed in together and said at the same time "so do we."

Everyone entered Cassandra's office and took their places, Cassandra sat in her office chair and her husband James stood by her side. Vivian took a seat in a chair on the left and Demetri sat himself in the right chair. Bogo stayed standing and leaned against the back wall as he folded his massive arms, his only thought being "I should have asked for coffee."

Luckily, Cassandra knew Bogo well enough. "I have someone bringing everyone coffee with cream and sugar packets for those of you inclined to use them."

That made Bogo crack a rare smile. Once everyone had their coffee it was time to finally get started, Cassandra pulled out a piece of paper and held it up, "so it's time to get a word from our sponsors."

James couldn't help snorting at the pun which received a quick elbow from his wife for it, to which Vivian giggled at. Cassandra shook her head and said "this piece of paper is the one written testimony, written and sent in by a Second Lieutenant Jackson T. Hunter of the United Mammilian Marines Periton Sniper Corps. I have yet to read it, but the other mammal who was going to interview did. They called it compelling in short, and the best sponsor letter they'd ever read in the long."

Vivian's heart jumped a bit at thinking about just what Jack could have written in the letter. Luckily she didn't have to wait very long as Cassandra opened up the letter and began reading aloud. "I Second Lieutenant Jackson T. Hunter do hereby endorse and sponsor Nicholas P. Wilde for his entry into Paragon Grove. I have not known him very long, in fact as I write this letter I have only known him for around 24 hours and while most would see this as a bad thing I do not. Because within those 24 hours he has effected me so very much, that I have turned my whole life around. I will openly admit that I was in a dark place for many years, and after a single day of knowing this boy, his personality and character effected me so much it snapped me out of such a stupor that had me acting more cold and heartless machine than mammal for most of my life. It took just one day of experiencing Nick to change my entire life. So when I say that without a shadow of a doubt Nick will be an excellent addition to this school, I mean it. Signed, Second Lieutenant Jackson T. Hunter, Periton Sniper Corps."

Cassandra put the letter down on her desk and said "I have to say I agree with my subordinate. It is definitely the most compelling. Most letters we get that aren't 'I sponsor and endorse so and so' are pretty much close family. Meaning it's praise because their family. But, not in this instance, Jack has an outside perspective about your son. Which makes it so much more impactful and meaningful compared to the other examples. So much so especially in this instance that I would forego the four sponsors requirement. But, since everyone else is here for physical sponsorship, I won't do that."

When Vivian had heard Jack's testimony her heart swelled. It was so apparent that Jack cared for her Nick, it practically dripped off every word within his letter. But now wasn't the time for her to get all emotional over that and start thinking about the enigma that was Jack. So instead she focused on the now as Cassandra started to speak again, "so for your oral sponsorships I think we can keep this simple. All of you at once can simply say out loud I hear by sponsor and endorse Nick Wilde, but if you want to say some additional words. That's fine."

Demetri, Bogo, and James all looked at each other, each shaking their perspective heads. Nothing they could think to say could top what Jack said in his letter, so there was no real point. Bogo was the one who voiced this for the group. "No I think we will just keep it short. Not a word we can say that will beat Jack's words. He said everything that needed be said."

Cassandra nodded at that, it was true after all. "Well it that case, go ahead and say the lines."

Demetri, Bogo and James recited the lines quickly, and one at at time. Once it was done Cassandra made the appropriate marks and said "okay, now let's take a look at the finances."

*Nick*

Since the tour was now done and they had some time to kill Nick and Ralph were relaxing on one of the picnic tables. Currently Nick was using his go to defense mechanism, humor. He was cracking jokes left and right making Ralph laugh heartedly, once Ralph's laughter subsided he went to clap Nick on the shoulder while saying "you know you're alright Nick."

Ralph got the words out, but his paw hit air as Nick flinched away from him the expression on his face terrified and his breathing heavy. This naturally concerned Ralph, he knew Nick was acting strange but to flinch away from him, it made no sense. Ralph's ears pinned against his head and he raised his paws up in an effort to appear non-threatening to Nick. Then in a calm tone he said "Hey hey, Nick I wasn't trying to hurt you. It's okay, I was just being friendly."

Nick didn't mean to react the way he had, honestly. But when he saw Ralph's paw coming towards him… his mind went to that night with the Junior Ranger Scouts and before he knew it he was flinching away from Ralph and practically hyperventilating. But now seeing Ralph's look on his face of concern and sadness because he flinched away and Nick started to feel bad. Ralph wanted to be his friend, he was being nothing but nice and Nick was acting cold. It wasn't fair to Ralph, so Ralph deserved an apology and to know why Nick was acting the way he was.

"I'm, I'm sorry Ralph. I didn't mean to do that….and I'm sorry for how..strange I've been acting today. It's just…well it's a long story."

Nick told Ralph what had happened to him with the scouts and once it was done Ralph has a minute of anger and sympathy on his face. "I am so sorry that happened to you Nick. I get why you've been acting so guarded now. (Ralph cracks his knuckles) so by chance has anything been done about them?"

Nick hadn't told him about Mr. Jack and the aftermath of the incident. "Yeah, the leader of the group, the one who..put the muzzle on me is in jail, and the rest were kicked out and banned from the Junior Ranger Scouts."

Ralph nodded at that, "good. That's what they deserve, in the least. So, have you talked to anyone about this?"

Nick shook his head "no, I didn't think I had a problem you know. Until now. I mean a couple of nightmares, but that's until this."

"Well Nick there's a very good counselor here you could talk to, and I'm a pretty good listener too."

Nick gave him a small smile at that. "Thanks man."

Ralph gave him a grin in return and said "well come on, I think the adults should be done talking by now."

Nick nodded at that and stood Ralph following suite. As they walked back towards the school Ralph took out his phone and shot his mom a quick and simple text. Two words. "He's in"

*two days later*

It was now Saturday and Vivian was ecstatic. Her Nicky had been accepted into Paragon Grove and he would start Monday, same as her first day of work. But today, she was attending the rooftop party at the complex with Skye, Sarah, Anna, and Cassandra who had been invited after Nick was accepted. This would be a great opportunity to unwind, drink a little, and air out her thoughts on one fox tod who hadn't left her mind since she met him just a few days ago.

Nick wouldn't be attending the party, instead he was being babysat by Jack S. who had volunteered. Nick naturally hadn't turned the offer down, and Jack Savage wasn't attending the party simply because he said "it's girls night out." Instead he was having guys night with Nick as he put it. Vivian didn't mind honestly, she knew Nick was in good paws for the night and if she needed to check on him he was literally just a few floors down in Skye's apartment.

Tonight Vivian was wearing a pretty shoulderless pink blouse her pearl bracelet adorning her right wrist along with a small light red handbag on her right shoulder. She didn't bother with any makeup, because quite frankly she hated it and she had made sure her fur was groomed to perfection. While she wasn't trying to draw any males eyes it never hurt to look good.

Skye would be meeting her at the apartment and they would go up to the party together. Anna said she would already be up there since she and her husband are technically the hosts. Sarah and Cassandra said they'd be there around 6, which was basically when the party was going to start.

Speaking of Skye showing up there was a knock on her door. Vivian got up from the couch and walked over to the door opening it up to see Skye in a slick black dress with a black wallet clutched in her paw. "Hey Skye, lookin good."

Skye gave her a grin and said "hey I look good in everything. You ready?"

Vivian nodded and stepped out of her apartment, "definitely, let's head up there. I want a mojito, and for you to get your feelings on you know who off your chest."

Vivian sighed as they headed towards the elevator. "I'm only gonna talk when my lips are loose. So you're buying the first few drinks."

Skye smirked at that, "done."

They rode the elevator to the roof and when the doors opened they took in the sights before them. The roof was bustling with activity, many mammals from the apartment complex already here mingling with each other, there was a mass majority of predators with only a couple of prey mammals present. There was tables littered all around the perimeter of the roof, each one had a white cloth on them and a candle to illuminate them. Set on the left side of the roof was a very long bar fully stocked with liquor bottles and at least six different taps of beer, four mammals were busy bar tending and serving drinks and two appeared to be on standby to serve drinks to tables. The right side of the roof had a long table set up with lots of food, three different mammals were there prepping more food, they appeared to be a catering center of the roof was very obviously a dance floor and in front of the dance floor was a dj stand, a kangaroo busy prepping the stand.

Skye as she took it all in said "wow, this is real put together."

Vivian nodded in agreement. "I'll say, a catering group, a DJ, bartenders and a fully stocked bar. How the heck did all this get put together?"

Mr. MO's voice chimed in from their left. "Jack naturally."

Skye and Vivian swiveled their heads to see Mr. MO wearing a maroon suit sans the jacket. Next to him was his wife Anna wearing a light blue strapless dress, her arm around his waist. Vivian, as much as she wanted to immediately ask how Jack was responsible decided to say her greetings and introduce Anna and Vivian to each other.

"Mr. MO, Anna, good evening. Skye this is Annabelle Remington, Mr. MO's wife."

Skye lit up at learning that the snow leopard in front of her was the Anna that'd be joining them for drinks. Though she assumed she was his wife based on how she was hanging on him, "oh hello Anna! It's nice to meet you, so what made you get with this crazy wolf?"

Anna chuckled at that. "It's nice to meet you to Skye, I got with this nutters wolf for many reasons. Of which I'll tell you when I have a drink in my hand."

After being referred to as nutters and crazy MO spoke up. "I'm right here you know."

At that Anna waved a paw and said "oh hush Oliver."

Skye tilted her head at that, having the same internal conversation Vivian had this morning. She decided also not to bring it up, she'd ask when it was just them. Instead she Anna, and Vivian laughed at MO's unamused expression. "Huff, I see how it is. Well I'll let y'all head to the bar and order your drinks. I have host duties to attend to, and Vivian my lovely wife will answer the question to why Jack is responsible for this party. Oh and your friends are behind you."

At that Mr. MO stepped away, giving a smooch on Anna's cheek as he did. Vivian and Skye turned around to see Cassandra and Sarah walking towards them while carrying on a conversation, it appeared they were getting along quite well. Vivian gave a wave to get their attention and called out "Sarah! Cassandra!"

The two looked towards who cleared their names and spotted Vivian and Skye, so they turned and made their way over. It was Sarah that spoke first, "hey Vivian, I was just catching up with Cassandra. Demetri's daughter attends Paragon Grove so we've met before."

Cassandra spoke next. "Indeed, We've met a few times but never have gotten to sit down together, until now that is."

Vivian nodded and replied "cool, well let's all get seated by the bar and get introductions out of the way. Then I will need an explanation as to why Jack is responsible for this party, along with a vodka tonic."

Everyone made their way over to one of the tables fairly close to the bar and sat down. Once they were seated a female coyote made their way over to them to get their drink orders. Vivian ordered a vodka tonic, Skye ordered a mojito, Anna ordered a double shot of pure Russian vodka, Cassandra ordered a apple bourbon, and Sarah ordered a rum and coke. The waitress left to go have their orders made and Vivian said, "okay so I think it's time for introductions. Skye?"

Skye nodded and said "hi I'm Skye Winters, Vivian's oldest and best friend. So if you want any juicy stories about her, I'm your gal."

Vivian quickly gave Skye a flick on the ear in response which caused a resounding giggle from the rest as Skye gave a simple "ow, hey!"

Sarah was the next to introduce herself. "Hello I'm Sarah Nozomu, it's nice to finally meet you all."

Cassandra was next, "My name Cassandra Wolford, and I very much want to her one of those stories."

Anna was the last to give introductions, "my name is Annabelle Remington. Friends just call me Anna so I expect you all to do so. I also third the motion to hear one of those stories."

Vivian groaned as Sarah shot up her right paw and exclaimed "and I fourth it!"

Skye gave a triumphant smirk as she said "well it look like the motion passes."

As Vivian was contemplating throttling Skye their drink orders arrived, and having hers in front of her calmed her urge…but only just. After she took a sip of hers she said "so Anna, you know what I'm gonna ask."

Anna chuckled and said "yes yes, you're curious as to why Jackson is responsible for how well put together this party is. Well truth is every party we have is as put together as this, the bar and these tables is a permanent façade of the rooftop. So every night if you chose to come up here you'd see mammals here drinking. There's a grill by the bar so you can order food and the dj stand is normally playing music through the speakers. It's a general hangout spot. Now when these parties happen we get a catering group, bring in all the bartenders, and get a DJ in the booth since pretty much the entire complex attends. Originally when my husband was remolding this place all of this wasn't in the plans, but when Jackson bought this place he added them. He called it 'good team building' and he's honestly right. Statistically if you go drinking and hangout with your coworkers you're more likely to keep good relationships with them all. It keeps the engine of Sparrowtail Industries running smoothly, according to what Jackson told my husband."

Sarah pitched in at this point. "It is true, this was the first complex Sparrowtail acquired and every mammal that lives here keeps a perfect work relationship with everyone, no incidents at all. So with the next six we acquired we used the same formula. Although, I wasn't aware it was Jack..son, that acquired the building for us."

Anna nodded, "indeed a story for another time. So when Jackson acquired this building he paid out of his own pocket to have this all put in, and even came up with the idea of a party every two weeks. He has a account set up just for maintaining the roof and having these parties, it has a constant flow of income. Never once has it been empty or low."

Cassandra nodded her head and said "well well, this Jackson T. Hunter becomes more and more intriguing by the second. I take it I'm the only one here who's never met him?"

Skye shook her head, "no I have never met him either. I only know what Viv has told me about him, which isn't terribly much past how they met."

Cassandra hummed at that. "Well that's more than I know, I think the best I know is that he's left a lasting impression on Vivian's kit and herself, and vice versa."

Sarah chimed in, "he's an enigma that's for sure, and a giant mystery."

Anna nodded in agreement, "definitely, he's lived in this building for years now and I've only spoken with him twice and seen him only twice more. He was a recluse to say the least."

Skye put in her own thoughts, "yeah he's an interesting character. In my opinion you can tell a lot about a mammal by simply looking at their car, it's condition, it's make, all of that. I've seen his cars, and they were very telling. Classic muscle cars made in the 70s but upgraded with modern features, spotless, custom paint, and made with reinforced steel chassis, puncture proof tires, and bulletproof glass. Jack by my observation of his cars is careful, cautious on the edge of paranoia, and lives in his past."

As everyone digested that bit of info Vivian had to contain a grimace about how accurate that statement was. This whole conversation wasn't really going how she had expected it to, Jack was supposed to be a later topic, not the first. Skye noticed her best friends unease though and quickly decided to fix the situation. "Anyways Jack and Vivian's feelings about him is supposed to be a later subject, for now let's drink some more and get to know each other better. Then we can return to him."

At that everyone nodded in agreement and Skye raised her glass. "In that case then, cheers!"

*an hour later*

The group had been chatting and getting to know each other over the last hour, and drinking of course. Vivian was on her second drink, Skye her fourth, Anna her third, and Cassandra her second. Anna had just finished an amusing tale about Mr. MO and it led to Skye after a sip of her drink saying, "so Anna, I gotta ask you this. What is up with your mate? I mean is it an act is he nuts? I noticed earlier that you called him Oliver."

Anna finished her current drink and said. "Look, normally I don't tell anyone when they ask about my husband. But, I'm buzzed, two of you don't live here, and you two that do will keep your lips sealed. So….no, it's not an act."

Vivian and Skye weren't to terribly surprised when they heard that, Sarah and Cassandra on their part were. Over the last hour they had learned about Mr. MO as everyone called him and how he acted, but hearing it wasn't a act was a small shock. Vivian bobbed her head and said "is it Dissociative Identity Disorder?"

Anna raised her eyebrows at that. "Well well look at you! Yes, he has DID. He's had it since he was just a pup, abandoned in an orphanage, that's why he doesn't have a pack name. Luckily he only has one additional personality, Marcus."

Vivian tilted her head at that, "wait if Oliver is his original personality and name why is his name Marcus Oliver?"

Anna chuckled as she said "when I first started dating him I asked the same thing, he said 'Because Oliver Marcus just doesn't roll off the tongue as well."

Everyone giggled at that and Anna continued, "of course as I got to know him more and more I came to assume that it was also because Marcus' personality is more dominant. Another stroke of luck for my husband is the fact that his other personality isn't psychopathic or sociopathic and instead meshes quite well with his own. Oliver himself is laid back, controlled, tempered, serious, a bit shy even. Marcus on the other paw is loud, corny, flamboyant, flashy, and open. They get along together so well, the only things they clash on is fashion and who's turn is it to be in control for sex."

There was another round of giggles from the group and once they stopped their laughing Cassandra had a question to ask "Anna, when you two first started dating did he tell you he had DID or did you ask him about it?"

"I asked him about it. After about our fourth date I had a sneaking suspicion something was off, I would notice how his personality would be different from one date to the next and just seemingly change randomly. So on our fifth I just straight up asked him what the deal was, he got nervous and tried to dodge the question. After awhile I just got up to leave, I don't like secrets and as much as I was falling for him I wasn't about to stay. As I was turning to walk away he caught my arm and said 'my name is Marcus, I never properly introduced myself. The one you were talking to is Oliver, he was to shy and scared to tell you this, and I promised him I wouldn't. But I like you, a lot, and so does he. We, or more he, has Dissociative Identity Disorder causing him to have a split personality. I, Marcus, am his other personality. We get along great, so please, sit back down and we will tell you all about us.' And they did, they explained how Oliver developed DID, talked about their personalities, how the relationship between them worked, how my relationship with them would work, all of it. The truth is I liked both of their personalities, so I decided to keep seeing them. Now here we are now, happily married."

Cassandra nodded her head a few times, her curiosity satisfied. Vivian's on the other paw was not, which led her to ask "So Anna, does his personalities ever just randomly change?"

Anna shook her head, "no, not really. They have a very good relationship as I said so neither fights for control. They instead go by situation, if it looks like Marcus is needed Oliver lets him take over, for instance when I have a bad day at work and Oliver is who greets me he'll let Marcus out to make me laugh if he himself can't get me to smile. It works vice versa, if Marcus is in control and sees something that would be better suited for Oliver he lets Oliver take the reins and handle it. For instance if a conversation turns serious, or if handiwork needs done, Marcus will let Oliver handle it. Marcus once told me that 'even though we share the same body, and I've seen Oli fix things a thousand times… when I give it a try, well, he ends up needing to fix even more when he takes back over."

Everyone had a good laugh at that and once the laughter subsided Sarah had some questions of her own. "So how can you tell which ones at the helm? Does he tell you? And does he you know, talk to himself? How do they figure out who's turn it is and such?

Anna hummed and replied "well being with him as long as I have it's pretty easy, and he never has to tell me who's out. Clothing is a pretty good indication of who's in control at the start of a day, he wakes up before I do. So, if I wake up and see he's dressed colorfully, it's Marcus. But if I wake up and his clothing is, well normal I know it's Oliver. Demeanor and posture is another one, once you get to know them it becomes pretty obvious who's who. Oliver's demeanor is more serious and relaxed, his paws more than likely in his pockets. Marcus on the other paw is constantly moving, especially his paws. As far as talking to himself, yes they talk amongst to each other, but always internally, always. He used to do it aloud when he was just a pup in the orphanage, but he quickly learned its best he did not. I won't elaborate further on that. As far as who's turn and such, they do it on a every other day the other gets majority control meaning 75% of the time it's them and 25% of the other not including situations that require the other to take over briefly."

Sarah nodded her curiosity sated, Anna looked at the group and said "so any other questions?"

Skye asked the next question. "So, how did your parents react? If you ever told them that is."

Anna hummed at that. "I never got the chance to tell them, they died in a plane crash when I was in college about three months after I met him. I had planned to introduce him that next week. Safe to say it would have been a lot harder for me to handle if it hadn't been for them. I'm not sure if they would have accepted him or not, but it is what it is I was never going to leave him."

Skye felt bad she brought up that question so she said, "I'm, I'm sorry Anna. I shouldn't have asked that question."

Anna waved a paw, "it's fine Skye, really. I'm a tough girl."

A new round of drinks came in and once everyone had their perspective drinks it was Anna's turn to ask a question. "So since no one else has questions for me I'm curious how you and your husband met Cassandra, was it a traditional arrangement or a natural occurrence?"

Cassandra took a sip of her drink and said "while most of the Wolford pack power hierarchy came from traditional arrangements to strengthen the pack mine and John's marriage was not. It was a natural occurrence that happened by pure chance. We met in college, I was set to marry someone from the Howler pack and I did…well I hated the notion and disliked who I was paired with. I after a phone call with my partners turned nasty had gone for a walk, I bumped into him doing quite literally the same. He was supposed to marry a girl from the Hunter pack and well, she's not a nice lady. I was to busy drying my wet eyes to see him coming and he was to lost in his thoughts to see me, we knocked each other over and we fell in the snow. When he saw my red eyes and some fresh tears because I had been thinking to myself 'this day just can't get any worse, he felt sooo bad. He said 'oh my gods I'm such an idiot!' Next thing I know he's starting to tear up as well, he felt so guilty and useless. Yet he still tried to comfort me despite his own inner turmoil. We ended up having to comfort each other, next thing I know we are in a coffee house sitting across from each other with hot chocolates in our paws just…talking. We stayed in that coffee house for hours, right up until they had to kick our tails out for closing. He offered to walk me home, I took his paw in mine halfway there, and he kissed me under a lamppost right at my door. In front of my mother, who had arrived to talk after feeling guilty hearing me cry on the phone as I hung up on her and my dad. She saw it, she accepted it, and we got married the next winter. It really was a love at first sight kind of deal."

There was a collective group of coos at Cassandra's story, it was pure adorableness. The sort of story you would only see on tv, or in a movie, or written down in a book, maybe even a fanfiction. Cassandra gave them a smile at that before looking at Sarah and saying, "well it seems there's a theme going here. So Sarah? How did you end up in a relationship with the CEO of Sparrowtail Industries?

Sarah took a sip of her drink and said, "well, prior to working at Sparrowtail and before meeting Demetri I was working in a noncommittal job and in a noncommittal relationship. I was miserable, under appreciated, and under paid, surrounded by speciesist coworkers. I hated every minute of it. I had degrees and knowledge that put me way above were I was posted and paid but treated like a lesser mammal, the only way I could 'work my way up' is if I fucked my way up as told by my boss. Then I was offered a high promotion if I did just that. HR would brush it off then I would come home and my boyfriend would brush it and me off. To busy doing other things, and other mammals as I come to find out. I literally one day came home to a female leaving his apartment and walked in to him zipping up his pants, he just shrugged and said 'if you don't like it, leave.' As much as I wanted to leave I knew I couldn't, not yet, I was dead broke with nowhere to go. I mean I could have gone back to live with my parents, but then I would feel more like an absolute failure than I already did at the time."

Sarah paused to take a sip of her drink and then continued. "Well one day I'm leaving work when I am approached by a nicely dressed Arctic fox. He smiles at me and asks if I am Sarah Nozomu, I cautiously answer yes, he nods and says 'good, I am a scout for a company that's just about to launch here in Zootopia called Sparrowtail Industries. We are looking for mammals to fill positions, and you fit the bill for a high level position, of which to be determined by the CEO if you are so inclined to meet them. You can of course refuse the offer of an interview, but I personally would suggest you do not. Call this number if you decide to be interviewed, have a nice day.' Then he just turns and leaves, and I was so confused. But, I wasn't going to say no if this was real, I had heard about Sparrowtail getting ready to launch so I called the number. It was Demetri who answered. We talked briefly, set up and appointment to meet at a restaurant the next day to talk and he ended the call. So the next day comes and I arrive at the restaurant and he's waiting there for me, and I could tell I was not what he was expecting. He gawked, recovered, fumbled over his greeting, tried to recover, I teased him about it, oh he was such a flustered wolf. But he was also such a gentlemammal, he was sweet and kind and also very perceptive to my feelings. He could tell I felt down in the dumps, so he asked me gently why, so I told him my story. Then he told me a story of his own, the lowest time of his life and how all it took was one mammal to pull him out of it. He then offered to be the mammal to pull me out of my low. I could tell he liked me, and truth be told I had always had a thing for wolves, and he kept true to his word. He gave me the position he knew I was qualified for, got me into a new apartment even helping me move out himself, promptly told my 'boyfriend' to shove it and even socked him in the face, and drove me to my new home. He helped me move in and I at that point only wanted to do one thing, kiss the flustered wolf, so I did, quite brashly too. He stood there stunned for a moment, and then he kissed me back just when I thought I made a mistake. Now I'm his mate and I couldn't be happier."

There was another collective round of coos and once the settled Sarah looked at Skye. "So Skye, I'm told you're in a interspecies relationship yourself?"

Skye immediately became a little apprehensive at that question, she knew Vivian was fine that she was a prey chaser, but what about the rest of them? Cassandra being as perceptive as she was quickly put the puzzle pieces together and spoke. "Skye you don't have to be scared about telling us, no matter his species, predator or prey, we won't judge you. Really. Right girls?"

There was a resounding "right" from the rest of the table that had Skye taking a deep breath before she said, "okay, well he's a jackrabbit."

There was a small look of surprise from everyone at the table with the exception of Vivian and Cassandra gushed as she said "oh I bet you two look adorable together! Tell us about him!? How did you two meet?"

Skye gave a small smile and she replied "well for one he's Jack Savage."

At that everyone shifted to Vivian to see if Skye was telling the truth, she nodded and said "he really is."

The entire table promptly went nuts. It took awhile for them to calm down and after the million questions regarding him they got to how they met. Skye told the story to a sound of resounding awwws and then a question came up, asked by Anna. "So Skye, how has your parents or his parents reacted to your relationship, if their still around that is."

Skye gave an awkward chuckle and that and said "oh no, their still around…Jack's parents know and they're super supportive, but…I haven't told my parents yet….I've been to scared to, they're very traditional and my paring is not. I'm scared that if I tell them I'll lose them, because I would never let Jack go, never. So if they made me choose between them and him, I'd choose him everyday no matter how much it would hurt to lose them."

Anna hummed as she digested the info Skye gave them, and after a moment she said "Skye my parents were the same way, and to this day I regret not getting the chance to tell them no matter how they would have reacted. They deserved to know and I was to scared to tell them, and then I never got the chance."

Sarah nodded and said "Anna is right Skye, Demetri's parents are supportive and so are mine, but they openly said it would have hurt and hit them harder if we had tried to keep it hidden. When we had finally figured out that we were gonna be together for you know, forever, that's when we decided that they had to know. It'll hurt more if you don't tell them and they find out on their own, and it will hurt you if you never get to tell them."

Cassandra nodded. "I have to agree with them Skye, not telling them is a guilt that will continue to weigh on you. It clearly already does enough as it is, it'll hurt if they disown you. But you'll have Jack to help you through it and they deserve to know. Though they might get disarmed when they see it's Jack Savage your dating."

Skye frowned at that, "maybe, maybe you're right. I'll talk to Jack about it."