Jack stewed in his thoughts after Skye left, ordering a double shot of whiskey to try and slap his brain back into gear. It didn't work. "Vivian likes me? No no she shouldn't like me! After everything I just told her about why I'm not worth loving and she likes me!? What is she thinking!? I am not worth saving! I can't be saved!"

The self dejecting thoughts continued as Jack spiraled into the dark recesses in his mind and his heart hurt. It hurt because he was just told the vixen he unwittingly fell in love with at the very least liked him, and for her safety he could never be with her. "She'll find someone else, she has to. I'll back off from her, get distant and she'll eventually get over the infatuation. I'll keep being a father figure to Nick, but I have to back off."

Jamal came up to Jack while he was in his head. "Hey green eyes. Another tod is trying to pick up your vixen." This ripped Jack out of his thoughts and whirled around in his seat to see just what Jamal was talking about.

*Vivian*

"Is he even looking this way?" This came from Vivian who was risque dancing, which was inline with the type of music playing but not her usual style. Lots of hip and tail movement sure to catch males eyes, and it was. But, "nope not even a glance, he's staring into his drink." Replied Vince who was in charge of watching Jack while he even more risquély dancing than she was.

Vivian let a sigh out at that as she kept dancing. "Alright then, plan B. Ben? Ben!"

She had to say his name twice because Ben, who had stepped off the dance floor being unable to keep up with the two, was busy staring at his mate nearly drooling. Ben snapped out of it and said, "oh! Yeah! Right! I'll go grab Vince and send him over here."

Jimmy still dancing, spun to face him and said, "and?"

"And then in five minutes get the bartender to tell Jackson." Ben replied.

"Good boy, now off you go." Jimmy said with a grin. Ben shook his head and muttered something before heading off to grab Vince.

Vince arrived shortly afterward and joined Vivian and Jimmy in dancing, albeit much more subdued then the two. "So it's come to this huh?" Vince said

Vivian nodded and replied, "he's not looking this way, so the moves aren't working."

"But he sees those moves attracting a tod that's not him and he'll be over here in a flash. If Vivi is correct in her theory that is." Jimmy chimed in.

Vivian spoke with confidence in her next line. "Oh I'm 99% confident he'll show up to chase you off Vince."

"He's not going to hurt me right?" Vince said in a nervous tone as he looked in Jackson's direction.

Vivian thought about it for a moment before replying, "as long as you don't push him you should be fine. He tells you to beat, beat it."

Vince gave her a thumbs up before spotting Ben walking over to the bar. "Oh looks like it's show time."

Jimmy looked over his shoulder and nodded, stopping his dancing and stepping off the dance floor. "I'm going to go join my mate, good luck bro. Hope he doesn't knock you out." And then he walked away.

"He might knock me out? I'm just an accountant!"

*Jack*

Spinning around in his chair Jackson spotted Vince, Vivian's ex, approaching her watching her tail as she danced. This got Jack standing slowly with narrowed eyes, "don't do it."

He then watched as Vince timed it so Vivian's tail and ass brushed against Vince's groin causing Vivian to jump and turn to see who was there. "Oh hell no." Jack could see Vince's obvious interest and Vivian's obvious disinterest and before he realized it he was already moving forward, his instincts taking over. He pace increased when he saw Vince move closer to Vivian causing her to take a step back and he squared his shoulders ready to play how many teeth can he knock out.

Jack made it over to Vivian and Vince in a flash and promptly stepped in between them with hackles fully raised and a growl in his throat. "Read the signs Vincent, she's not interested. She stopped being interested when she ended it. Now back off while you still can."

Vincent was immediately intimidated before Jack got within five feet of him. Feeling an aura coming of of Jackson that spoke of horrors that he could inflict upon him if Vince didn't listen. Vince wanted to turn tail immediately but he had to sell it so he did. Slurring his words to appear drunker than he was he said, "now come on, what's your stake in this big boy? With her dancing like that and.."

Vince didn't get to finish as a black furred paw attached to a scarred arm clamped his maw shut. "I'm not letting you finish that sentence. Vincent, last warning. Go sober up or be sobered up, it's your call." Jackson then attached a low warning yip at the end trying to sell his point.

Vince's eyes widened not expecting Jack to shut his trap literally. It also kinda pissed him off, but he knew taking a swing was suicide. Luckily he was rescued from the situation when Jimmy and Ben showed up, Ben wrapping Vince in a bear hug picking him up while Jimmy spoke for him. "Hey, I'm sorry about my brother, he's apparently had a few to many. We'll take care of him from here."

Jackson simply nodded at that and released Vince, Ben quickly carrying Vince away and out of sight. Jimmy then gave Jackson a curtsy before leaving in the same direction as his mate and his brother. Jackson watched them go when suddenly he felt a brush of a tail that had him turning to look at the source. It of course was Vivian who was smiling up at him, "my hero. I was thinking I was going to have to slap him back to reality. But your way works too."

Vivian then brushed her tail against Jack's leg again as she slowly started to dance again. It worked as intended as Jack whether he knew it or not started intently watching her movements as he replied, "part of me was hoping he would take a swing or not take the hint. I could use a loosening up."

Vivian then brushed up against him again and coyly replied, "welll, if you danced with me I'm pretty sure that would loosen you up."

Jack started to consider it as he looked down at Vivian, taking in her mesmerizing eyes, shimmering beautiful dress, breathtaking smile, and almost hypnotic movements as she gently swayed her hips and her tail. Vivian could tell he was close to breaking so she made one final move grabbing his right paw with her own and resting her left on his scars. "Come on Jack, what do you gotta lose? Dance with me."

That got him. "Okay Viv, but only for a few songs."

Vivian gave him a beaming grin at that and took his paw in hers. "Come on then scruffy. Follow me into the deep end."

Vivian then led him more towards the center of the dance floor so he couldn't escape and started dancing. Of course as she suspected she had to give him a smack in the chest to get him to stop shuffling like a zombie and calling him a chicken.

For Jack it was like all his thoughts from just a few minutes ago melted away completely as he watched her dance and then with a shrug decided to embarrass her and himself. Because other than learning more classical dances for formal parties, he only knew the ones that were out of style. She wanted him to dance, he would dance.

He started with the sprinkler and it caused Vivian to burst out laughing before she decided to join him. Next he did the thriller dance to which Vivian shook her head before joining. Then Jack and Vivian shortly after did the robot. It was at this point the dancers around them started to notice and it formed a small crowd. Finally he went into the classic disco dance and Vivian again joined him while laughing. It was at this time the DJ caught on to their antics and then promptly switched to a disco funk remix to go along with the duos antics that caused Jack to double down, taking a solo for himself.

Once the song was over the formed crowd cheered and Jack looked around noticing them for the first time. He also saw several cellphones and shook his head in embarrassment before deciding to own it. "Are you not entertained! DJ! Salsa me!"

The dhole DJ gave him two thumbs up as the crowd cheered and Jack then turned to Vivian. "You ready?"

Vivian, now noticing the crowd nervously said, "I don't know how to do the salsa!"

Jack just smiled at her and replied, "it's easy, just take my paws and I'll lead."

When Vivian seemed hesitant still he mirrored her words from earlier, "come on, what do you have to lose? Dance with me."

That sold it for Vivian and she nodded, taking his paws in hers. The song then started and so did the movements, Jack moving masterfully and Vivian trying to keep up. She managed to start keeping up halfway through the song and once she got it down she started to laugh with joy. The dips and spins elicited happy chirps from her as Jack moved fluidly, smiling all the while. After about another minute the song came to a end and Jack finished their dance with a spin into a dip.

The crowd, which had doubled when their dance started erupted into cheers but the duo paid them no mind. They remained in the dip, both panting hard and grinning at each other. "That wasn't so bad was it?" Remarked Jack.

Vivian shook her head and replied, "that was so much fun! Where in the world did you learn to dance like that?"

Jack's smile dimmed just a little bit and he said, "courtesy of James and Katherine Hunter. Dad was responsible for all the other moves too. They loved to dance."

Vivian let out an "oh" and Jack then straightened pulling her up. The crowd cheered once more and Jack gave them a big bow, Vivian calling him a dork before giving a small curtsy. Once his bow was done Jack pointed over his shoulder to the bar and asked, "shall we go get some refreshments?"

Vivian nodded and replied, "if you mean booze, yes."

Jackson chuckled. "Yes I meant booze."

Jackson and Vivian made their way to the bar and ordered some drinks. They were quickly joined by Skye, and sure enough, Jack Savage. Skye immediately hugged Vivian exclaiming "V! That was so good! I got the whole thing on video!"

Skye and Vivian then began chattering away, and taking a double shot of vodka that had Jackson's eyebrows raising, "hope she can handle her liquor."

While those two chatted Jack Savage stuck out a paw to introduce himself. "That was indeed some dancing, including that disco breakdown you did. You got funk. Jack Savage, boyfriend to that arctic beauty over there."

Jackson chuckled and took the offered paw giving a solid shake. "You need no introduction mr. Movie star. Glad to know at least one mammal appreciated the funk. My dancing partner over there didn't. Second Lieutenant Jackson Hunter, Periton Sniper Corps."

Jack Savage chuckled and replied, "eh I like to introduce myself with my most important achievement. It's a pleasure to meet you Jackson."

Skye heard what her boyfriend said and she let out a coo and wrapped him in a hug. "You're too sweet my love." She said before planting a kiss on his cheek.

Savage shrugged and replied, "I try."

Savage then addressed Jackson again, "you know I got to say, you're an interesting mammal. I could use your advice if you don't mind. I have a movie I'm directing. It's a small one and my first project regarding a sniper trapped behind enemy lines. Think you could help? I need an expert marksmammal to help me make it as real as possible."

This caught Jackson's attention and he replied, "I've been in a situation or two like this. I'm both honored and interested."

"Great! Is it alright if I swing by your apartment here to discuss, say Friday afternoon?" Savage said.

"Yeah that should be fine. I don't need to be paid for my time by the way, I make more than enough money to sustain myself. Help your budget out." Jack replied

Savage gave him a grin. "Sweet. I appreciate it a ton." He then looked up at Skye who was still clinging to him "now dear let's head back out there. I think we need to show off our moves a bit before karaoke starts up."

Skye and Savage then took their leave and headed back to the dance floor leaving Jackson and Vivian to their own devices once more. Vivian scooted closer to Jackson and gave him a shoulder bump saying, "looking you making friends ya big goof."

Jackson looked over at Vivian and crossed his arms. "Who are you calling a goof?"

Vivian promptly booked his nose. "You ya goofy dork! Those dance moves were terrible!"

Jack laughed at that and replied, "what can I say my dad loved embarrassing my mom with old corny dances! And hey you joined in yourself so that makes you just as much of a dork as me!"

"Does not!"

The two bantered back and forth for a bit before the DJ pulled them out of it with an announcement. "Alright alright alright! It's time for karaoke ladies and gentlemammals! You know the deal! If you wanted to sing you put your name in this here bowl! (he holds up a large blue bowl) names are drawn randomly and then when your numbers up you come to the stage, grab the mic, and pick a song! Our catalog is massive so you should have no problem finding the song you want! You have sixty seconds to pick a song so you better think of what you want now! No repeats aloud! So hope no one picks your pick! Now let's get this show started!"

About half an hour passed before Vivian's name was called. During the wait she and Jackson had two more drinks each while watching the spectacle. Jackson could tell though that this would be Vivian's last drink as she was starting to feel it. She was still coherent and her words weren't slurring but she was very…loose in her movements. Jackson had a feeling if she had another mixed drink her words would slur and coherency would start to fade. If she had another shot…she'd be blitzed.

Jackson cheered with the rest as Vivian's name was called by the DJ and she shyly got up making her way to the stage. Once she was there the DJ directed her to the catalog and she approached it, the crowd still cheering for her. She was still nervous and shy and the timer started ticking away. Standing up there she started getting in her head about it and ten seconds passed by without her even touching the machine when suddenly a whistle cut through the fog followed by a warm, encouraging, and familiar voice calling out "come on you got this Viv!"

The voice of course came from Jackson and her eyes immediately began to search for him. She found him quickly because there he was dead center in the front row surrounded by all her friends, Skye, Jack Savage, Jimmy, and Ben. He was giving her such a warm smile as he cheered her on his dark green seafoam eyes staring at her so intently. A single thought popped in her head. "He's everything I need."

With that thought Vivian had her selection and she punched it in. "Everything I need"- Skylar Gray.

Vivian then proceeded to sing her heart out and she sang the song directly to Jackson. The first and second verses were almost like they were written about Jackson directly and she saw the shocked reaction as the words seemed to strike him. It didn't matter though as she kept singing directly to him trying to get the message across his big dumb brain.

She sang beautifully and sounded pretty darn close to the original artist. Once the song was over she stood there lightly panting, still maintaining eye contact with Jackson when the entire crowd erupted into roaring applause. Jackson joined the applause after a second and then started whistling too.

Vivian gave a shy smile and mimicking Jackson from earlier gave a deep bow. Finishing the bow Vivian made her way to the stage steps and the DJ added his commentary, "wow! I feel bad for whoever has to follow that jaw dropping performance! I mean….just damn! Whoever she just sang that to, you're one lucky mammal!"

Jackson shook his head at the commentary, "hard to argue now that she doesn't like me. But she shouldn't, I am a fucking poison. I will ruin her no matter how much she thinks otherwise."

Vivian went down the steps and made her way towards Jackson catching the dark look in her eyes. "Shit he's in his head again. Gods why can't the numbskull get it through his head that he's an idiot and those thoughts are bull! I need to smack some sense into him!"

She then began marching towards Jackson but a wrench got thrown into her plans via the DJ announcing, "alright! Next up we got…Jackson H!"

In an instant Vivian went from wanting to throttle Jackson to laughing as the utter look of horror went across his face. Vivian had forgotten that when she entered her name into the bowl she also wrote his name down as revenge. It was just a hilarious coincidence that his name got pulled next.

"What did you do!?" Jackson said with an accusatory tone.

Vivian gave him a smug grin and replied, "You made me do karaoke, so I figured why not make you."

Jackson crossed his arms and said, "nope. Not happening! I don't sing!"

Unfortunately for Jackson, peer pressure can be a hell of a thing. After his spectacle on the dance floor the crowd wanted to see more from the wox. So it started with a couple mammals in the front, "Come on! Jack-son! Jack-son! Jack-son!"

The chant then grew until the entire crowd was chanting "Jack-son! Jack-son! Jack-son!"

Jackson looked around at the chanting mammals then to Vivian who had joined in and sighed. "I am going to get you for this Viv. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but I will have retribution."

He then turned and leapt onto the stage, the crowd cheering as he turned to them. Jackson then padded over to the mic and grabbed it. "Well ladies and gentlemammals let this be proof that peer pressure can work!"

The crowd roared in approval and Jackson made his way to the karaoke machine. Once there he looked straight at Vivian as she looked up at him smiling with what he now identified as affection in her eyes. "You wanted to send me a message? I'll send you a warning. I am a poison no matter how much I love you."

Jackson then punched in his selection and sang his heart out straight at Vivian. "If You Love Me, Leave Me"- Through Fire.

Jackson sang exactly like the vocalist in the song, his mastering of his vocal cords giving an array of singing voices. Once the song was over the crowd erupted into cheers and Jackson gave a nod and a wave before exiting the stage. "Hopefully Vivian got the message."

Jackson didn't even make it all the way down the steps when Vivian stepped in front of him with arms crossed and a furrowed brow. "No, no she did not."