As St. Zoo High gears up for the upcoming junior-senior prom, students, faculty and the prom committee were working double time to make sure everything was up and ready for the soon-to-be dance. While this was going on, seventeen-year-old Nathan Furaha was in the middle of crafting a special "Promposal" sign for his boyfriend in the school's art studio. Along with him were his friends, Charlize Yende, and bunny twins, Matt and Riley Shortwood, who were there for moral support and to go over their plans for prom.
"You think this is enough hearts? Or should I add more?" Nathan asked as he carefully looked over his artwork.
"Uh, I think that's enough hearts…and glitter big guy," Charlize smiles awkwardly as she notices the near glittered prom sign. "And I'm sure Taj is gonna love it~"
"Thanks Charli…but I'm nervous though…" Nathan says anxiously as he scratches his mane. "What if he says no, what if he can't make it, or worse…he might-OW!" He yelped as he received a double pinch on the ear from the rabbit twins.
"The first pinch was to stop you from spiraling," Riley stated.
"And the second one was to remind you that Taj LOVES you and will LOVE anything that you make and give to him. No matter what," Matt finished off. "Plus he'll receive the same treatment if he starts spiraling too."
"Duly noted," Nathan annoyingly replied as he rubbed his sore ear.
"Speaking of Taj, where is he anyway?" Charlize asked as she checked the time on her phone. "He said he'll be back in an hour after running a 'major errand' for Barkfeed…hmmm…he's so getting the look."
"He's probably just running late, Charli," Matt assured. "You know how pissy that boss of his gets. Especially if it has anything to do with Spider-Yena."
BZZZ-BZZZ-BZZZ!
As if on cue, everyone's phones began to go off simultaneously. This was due to a recent "Breaking News Alert!" from Barkfeed.
-We're coming to you live from The Zootopia National Bank here in the Meadowlands! Where an armored supervillain, who calls himself The Crimson Horn, was thwarted by Spider-Yena! We tried to get a quick interview with Spidey, but it seemed like he was in a bit of a hurry and wasn't in a chatty mood. Typical superheroes. They think they own the place. I'm Catherine Furzolli with Barkfeed News! Stay tuned for more updates!-
Once the video was done playing, a photo of Spider-Yena posing with the webbed-up armor villain popped up with the following caption: Armored Rhino's rampage gets wrapped up by your friendly neighborhood Spider-Yena! -photos taken by Tajani Nyani.
"Guess that was the errand…" Charlize sighed. "I just hope Taj was careful and didn't get hurt. Seriously, I don't understand how he can take pictures of that web-head and not be in the middle of the crossfire between him and his villains."
"Taj is tougher than he looks," said Matt. "And remember, this was the same hyena that somehow scared Draven straight. He hasn't bothered us since."
"...I guess you're right…but still…"
While the two friends were talking amongst themselves, Nathan was happily texting his boyfriend as he was excited to see him and ask the big question.
-Hello, my cute little photographer~ 3
-Hey handsome! I'm guessing you and the others saw the video and my photo?
-Yeah! The picture looks great, babe. I still wonder how you were able to get a good shot of Spider-Yena and that armor dude.
-Hehe…just pure luck my precious kitty. But, that's enough about work! So, what's the game plan for Prom? We only have a week left.
-Well, Charlize suggested that we all go together as a group. Partners and plus-ones included of course! ^^
That sounds like a plan babe. I'm on my way back to the school and will be there very soon! Love you! 3
I love you too! 3
"Awww! He LOVES him!" Riley playfully teased as he peeked at his friend's text messages. "Don't you…Kitty?"
"S-Shut up!" Nathan exclaimed as he shoved the bunny away. "And for the record, only Taj is allowed to call me by that nickname."
"Whatever you say…Kitty~" Charlize teased.
"Ughhhhhh…" Nathan groaned as he tried, and failed to hide his deep-blushing face and slowly curled into a big ball. "You guys are the worst…"
The three friends just laughed as they gently pat the flustered feline on the shoulder. "We love you too kitty!"
Fifteen Minutes Later…
After texting Nathan earlier, Taj was originally on his way back to their school. But, alas, there was no rest for the weary as Spider-Yena was needed once more; from thwarting wannabe jewel thieves, webbing up Weaselton once more, rescuing a group of mammals from an apartment fire, to finally chasing down an armored truck that was hijacked. Once all of that was dealt with, the nearly exhausted hyena hero was finally free to meet back up with his boyfriend and their friends. But, not without making one more stop… Thwip! Thwip!
It's now after school and Nathan, who's currently pacing at the moment, is keeping an eye out for Taj and is met with disappointment as he hasn't spotted him yet. However, Charlize and the twins did their best to keep out for Taj too, and were debating on whether to give him an earful or not for keeping them waiting and possibly bailing on his friends. Fortunately for them, that wasn't the case as they saw him sprinting like crazy towards them, and practically breaking out in a mad sweat. They also noticed that he was holding a paper bag and a small bundle of flowers behind his back.
"I'm…very…very…very…sorry…" Taj panted heavily. "I…would've been here…sooner…but, traffic was backed up, that crazy rhino was on the loose, and mm-" he was immediately cut off by Charlize who placed a finger on his lips and just went, "Deep breaths spots! We're just glad you finally made it and are somehow still in one piece." the cheetah smiled.
"Heh…thanks Charli" Taj smiled back. "I promise to make it up to you guys! Whatever you need, just say the word."
"Oh! Best believe, there will be a favor or two that I have in mind," Charlize smirked. "But, for right now, a fellow feline of mine is awaiting your attention casanova~," she says as she points to Nathan who is nervously thumping his tail and doing a poor job of hiding the massive sign behind his back.
"Right…" Taj sighed as he slowly approached Nathan with the mysterious bag and flowers behind his back. As he closes the gap between him and his boyfriend, Taj couldn't help but smile as he feels the presence of his tall and handsome lion immediately melt away any nerves or worry he previously had. It was instead replaced with a warm and fuzzy feeling in his chest as the hyena was now face-to-face with the mammal he loved.
"Hi~"
"Hehe…Hi~."
"So…" Taj started, "I have something to tell you…and it's a surprise!" he said excitedly as he prepared to present his gifts.
Nathan smiled back and replied, "Well, I too have a surprise for you! And how about this? On the count of three…we'll show each other our surprises! Okay?"
"Okay! Okay! One…"
"Two…"
"THREE!"
The two lovebirds displayed their gifts to one another and both of them were practically full of happiness and excitement. For Nathan, it was his favorite meal from Bug-Burga: A double chicken burger, a cicada burger with extra beetles, large cricket chips, and a cute bundle of flowers. As for Taj, he was given a practically-glittered promposal poster with multiple hearts, kisses, and the following message: Would you like to take this cute and handsome feline to Prom? I'm also a good kisser~
Taj just laughed at the message on the poster and gave Nathan his answer in the form of kisses on his cheek which was immediately reciprocated with kisses, nuzzles, and gentle purring from the lion.
"Was that a purr I just heard?" Taj smirked. "You missed me that much…Kitty?"
"Maayybee…" Nathan blushed, "And about that Promposal?" He nuzzles him once more.
"Yes, the answer is yes~" Taj answered while embracing his boyfriend's nuzzling and peppering him with kisses on the cheek. "And you better dress nice and fancy, Mr. Furaha."
"Deal," Nathan happily replied. "And you better look handsome and snazzy yourself, Mr. Nyani. I'll be waiting~"
As the two teens continued with their non-stop flirting, the sounds of chuckling and laughter from their friends awkwardly brought the two back to reality.
"You lovebirds done ogling each other?" Charlize sassed. "And if you're not, I recommend getting a room before we get chased off by campus security."
With that being said, Taj and Nathan, who are now embarrassed and red in the face, hold each other's paws as they immediately leave the school with their friends and start going over their plans for the soon-to-be annual prom.
One week later (Prom Week)...
Welp, Prom Week is officially here. And unlike my friends and classmates, I'M NERVOUS!. While yes, I successfully asked Nathan out (and him uno-reversing me. Very clever kitty~), I'm afraid of screwing this up and turning Prom from a night full of fun memories, and love into me unintentionally flaking out on my friends or leaving early due to Ahem! "Spider-activities". I say that because this whole week (leading up to Prom) has been nothing but dealing with the crazy amount of crimes being committed all over the city! And me personally? It's been exhausting…let me show you what I had to deal with:
Monday: ShockClaw escaped from prison again and decided to go on an electrifying rampage, take over Zootopia's power plant, and nearly turned me into a bar-b-que hyena!
Tuesday: That coyote crew I busted for robbing that dealership last year decided to make their grand return. This time with their leader…she was wearing some kind of armored suit (similar to Crimson Horn's) with special gauntlets, and decided to call herself "The Shocker". Spoiler alert! She (brutally) kicked my ass and is currently on the loose. Terrific…
Wednesday: Let's see…I was on my way to meet up with Charlize at the local rec center to get some dance lessons for Prom. Nothing to it right? WRONG! I ended up being late because TNTiger (who also escaped from prison apparently…) decided to play a deadly game of hide-n-seek with multiple bombs that he planted all over the Rainforest District.
Thursday: Okay, I got a bit of a break (deeply regret saying that now…) from the chaos and I was FINALLY able to get more dance lessons with Charlize and see about getting fitted for a tuxedo. But alas, duty calls when Shocker and Lavadillo (crazy combination. I know.) decide to team up and kidnap Mayor Todd's daughter, Luna, and hold her for ransom. Fortunately, I was able to take both villains down (without burning my suit this time…) and managed to rescue the little lady. While the mayor was grateful to have her daughter back home and safe, her daughter's dad and step-mom (A.K.A Detective Wilde and Lieutenant Hopps) on the other hand? Wanted me in cuffs. (You're welcome by the way! Sheesh…)
Friday (Today): And I officially made it to Friday! Huzzah! And best of all, The Prom is tonight! Along with this, Grandma was able to find Grandpa's old tuxedo from their wedding and had it both dry-cleaned and properly fitted for me (Love you Grandma~). But, for right now, it's after school and the dance is in a few hours. You would think I'd be home getting myself dressed and ready to head out to the dance right? Well…
Inside MCB Headquarters, Alpha Team members, Savage, Little, Hood, Maiden, and Nyani were in the middle of their weekly training exercises. While everyone else was giving their all and putting in the full effort, Taj was feeling a bit distracted and needed a major wake-up call.
SLAM! Echoed throughout the MCB's training room as Agent Little tackled and pinned Taj onto the training mat.
"That's the fifth time you left yourself open, kid," Agent Little stated bluntly. "I'm telling you, if you keep that up, one of your baddies is gonna have the advantage in the fight," he says as he helps the teenage hyena back on his feet.
"I know LJ…I know…" Taj sighed. "And I'm sorry. I've been so busy this whole week! Between dealing with the multiple villain attacks, rescuing the mayor's daughter, and trying to get ready for Prom-"
"Woah! Woah! Woah! Rewind!" Agent Little exclaimed. "Prom? As in that little school dance of yours that you wouldn't shut up about for two whole weeks? That prom?"
"...Yes?" Taj answered nervously.
"Isn't that tonight?" Agent Savage chimed in. "I'm surprised you're still here."
"Well, yeah, but-"
"And weren't you also supposed to be taking dear Nathaniel to the dance as well?" Agent Maiden slyly smirked.
"I'm sure the young lad would be very disappointed if his charming boyfriend doesn't show up…" Agent Hood smiled.
Taj, who obviously got the hint and was already flustered, responds with "Alright, I get it! But I'm afraid I'll have to skip it tonight and focus on patrol."
"ABSOLUTELY NOT!" Marian shouted as she sternly poked Taj in the chest with her batons. "You worked hard all week, made the effort to learn how to properly dance, get a nice suit, with the help of your lovely nana, and you want to throw all of that away!? That will not do young Tajani Nyani!"
"I agree with Marian," Said Agent Hood. "This is one of the best and most important memories of your adolescent years! I'm sure the city can go one night without Spider-Yena!"
"B-But…But…" Taj stuttered.
"Ah! Ah! No buts kid! Go! Go be a teenager and have fun tonight," Agent Savage ordered. "You've earned it. We'll watch over the city for you."
"Okay, but what if TNTiger or Crimson Horn escape…?"
"We'll take care of it."
"But what about-"
"We'll take care of it."
"But what if the city-"
"KID! We. Will. Take. Care. Of. It…"
"Now…GO! GO! GO! GET OUTTA HERE! GO!" They all shouted simultaneously as they forcefully shoved the hyena out of the training room.
"Okay! I'm going! I'm going!" Taj laughed as he quickly picked up the pace from his teammates trying to shove him out the door. "Thanks, guys! I'll tell you how it goes!" he says as he sprints off to the locker room to change.
"And don't bother looking for your suit or web-shooters!" Agent Savaged shouted out, "I had Ron confiscate them just in case!"
"You're the worst!" Taj playfully shouted back.
At St. Zoo High…
Students of all shapes, sizes, and species began to show up as the late-night festivities were about to start; the front of the school was decorated with gold and purple bow ties that wrapped around the building's pillars, two searchlights that stood on the opposite end of the staircase, and finally, a massive banner that says the following: ~Welcome to the Annual St. Zoo High School Prom~. While most of the rich and popular kids were pulling up to the school in limousines and expensive cars, other students were either pulling up with a friend or getting dropped off by a parent or guardian.
As everyone started grouping up with their friends and dates, Charlize, who was wearing a beautiful fiery-orange gown with a pink tulip pin on her shoulder, sat at the front of the school as she waited for the rest of her friends to get there. Fortunately for the cheetah, she didn't have to wait that long as she saw Matt and Riley, wearing a twin set of baby blue three-piece suits, strolling towards her with sheer confidence in their steps and huge grins on both of their faces.
"Hey, Charlize!" Riley lightly waved. "Wow! You look great!"
"Loving the dress!" Matt complimented as he got a good look at Charlize's outfit. "The orange is a beautiful color on you."
"Hehe! Thanks, Matty~" Charlize blushed. "It's just a little something I found in my closet. Although, you and Riley look pretty snazzy yourselves.
"Thanks!" the brothers said in unison. "We dress to impress, have fun, and meet some cute girls!"
"Speaking of cute girls," Charlize smiled as she set her sight on a sika doe in a red-and-black flower-patterned kimono dress. "Look who's here boys?"
"Good evening everyone," the doe happily greeted with a bow. "I hope everyone's ready for a fun night."
"MAKI!" the twins happily exclaimed as they ran up to their friend and hugged her.
"E-Easy there you two!" Maki giggled. "My grandmother worked extremely hard on this dress and she'll kill me if it gets messed up."
And right as she says that a capybara in a crimson suit and tie appears around the corner and stands next to Maki. "She's right dudes," they chimed in. "Her grandma may be a sweet old lady…but she means business. Not to mention, she did a phenomenal job on my girlfriend's dress~"
Maki lightly giggles as she kisses the capybara on the cheek and says, "Everyone, this is my partner, Kellen!"
"How y'all doing?" Kellen replies with a peace sign. "Maki told me about you guys! Y'all seem like a pretty cool group of friends. As long as my sakura is happy, I'm happy."
Charlize, Riley, and Matt couldn't help but smile at the loving relationship between their friend and her partner. While they continue to chat with their new companion, a certain hyena finally makes his appearance; they immediately notice him wearing a classic tuxedo and carrying a small container that contains a corsage. He was quickly met with praise and compliments on his outfits, and some minor teasing because they knew he wanted to impress his boyfriend. Unfortunately for Taj, he let his nerves get the best of him and began to spiral.
"You think Nate will like this corsage? D-Do you think he's allergic?" Taj rapidly asked as he started pacing. "Maybe I could've got him some flowers? Is it too late to run to bug-OW!" he yelped as he felt a sharp but tight pinch from his ear. To his surprise, it was from Maki.
"Tajani," Maki glares sternly. "Nathan loves you for you. He will love whatever you give him. And most importantly? He will be happy to see his well-dressed boyfriend here at Prom, and having a fantastic time. And please, for Nathan's sake and our sake…CHILL. OUT. Okay?"
"Okay…sorry…" Taj nods as he takes deep breaths and starts to calm down again. "It's just that-this is our first prom as a couple and I just want tonight to be perfect."
"We know how you feel dude," Said Kellan. "I wanted my first date with Maki to be perfect, but it went tits up in the end! And you know what? We still had a good time and remembered all of the fun moments from it. That's all you gotta do man. Also, Maki's right! You need to relax, be yourself, and of course, have fun tonight! It's a prom!"
The chill capybara was right, Taj was thinking way too hard about all of this. Tonight was just about having fun and being a teenager again. No cracking skulls, no web-swinging, no fighting any super-powered lunatics, just a typical and memorable night to remember. And with that being said, everyone turns their attention to a familiar mammal who has made his grand entrance.
Pulling up in a caramel-gold suit with a black tie combo, a well-trimmed goatee, and a slick back faux hawk, Nathan Furaha was properly dressed for the occasion and ready to party. "Hey! Hope I'm not late!"
"WhOOooo" Charlize whistled. "You cleaned up nicely Nate!"
"Thanks, Charli," Nathan smiled bashfully. "Ma wanted to make sure I look like a proper gentleman tonight. And hey, you look ravishing yourself~"
"Aww! Thanks, big guy!" Charlize smiled as she gave the lion a quick hug. "And since you're here now…I believe you and a certain someone, deserve some alone time. Right, guys?" She winks to the others.
"Totally."
"Oh! Definitely!"
"We'll meet you inside!"
"Don't be too long…hehe."
Once the message was sent, Charlize and the others immediately booked it inside it. But not before making one more glance at the two lovers as they disappeared into the hallways of the school. And with that, Taj and Nathan were alone once again. They both take a moment to silently admire each other's appearance before Taj presents Nathan with his corsage. "This is for you…I hope you like it." He says as he pins the flower on the feline's coat collar.
"I love it, babe," Nathan responds. "And may I also say, you look very handsome in a tux."
Taj couldn't help but blush at the compliment and eagerly replied with, "And you look hot…I-I MEAN CUTE! NO! SEXY! GAH! I MEANT-Mmph!" He was quickly silenced by the lion's massive paw as his blush grew deeper by the second.
"Hey, it's okay," Nathan laughed. "But seriously, thank you. If anything, I'd say you just hit the Jackpot."
"Yeah, I guess I did," Taj says as he grabs onto Nathan's paw. "Shall we, Mr. Furaha?"
"We shall, Mr. Nyani," Nathan replied as he held onto his boyfriend's paw.
As they hold each other's paws, Taj and Nathan make their way inside to rejoin their friends and enjoy the nightly festivities. As they stroll through the hallways towards the gymnasium, they get a lot of mixed reactions from some of the teachers and fellow students alike; most of the reactions ranged from positive to outright negative as some thought a lion shouldn't be with a hyena and vice versa. Nonetheless, the two lovers could care less what anyone thinks of them. All that matters is that they love each other and will be there for one another.
After a bit more walking, Taj and Nathan finally arrived at the gymnasium. The place was packed full of students dancing, mingling, grabbing some snacks or some punch at the food table, and hiding in the shadowy corner texting their friends or making out with their beau. Along with this, there would also be teachers, including the principal, keeping a sharp eye on everything and making sure the more trouble-making students weren't causing any chaos or trouble throughout the night. They soon find their friends and proceed with Prom; throughout the evening, the twins are unsuccessful in dancing with any girls as most of them either reject them kindly or are told that they already have a boyfriend/partner. Maki and Kellen danced to their heart's content as they enjoyed each other's company and shared a few quick kisses in between their dancing. Charlize, who just stood on the sidelines, watched admirably as all of her friends were enjoying themselves.
"Uh…care for a dance, Charli?" Matthew asked as he awkwardly stood next to the cheetah and held his paw out to her. "O-Only if you want to though…" he blushes.
Charlize smiles wholeheartedly and replies, "I would love to Matty. But, I must warn you…" she picks the bunny up and holds her close to him. "I move pretty fast."
"I-I think I can keep up…hehe.." Matthew nervously stammered as his face and ears were burning a deep shade of pink.
While all of this was going on, the DJ changed the choice of music from party remix to slow and smooth dancing. Once this happened, he grabbed his mic and made an announcement: "OKAY! LADIES AND GENTLEMAMMALS! IF YOU HAVE A BOYFRIEND, A GIRLFRIEND, OR A SECRET ADMIRER…GATHER UP! BECAUSE THIS SONG NEXT IS FOR Y'AAAALLLLLL!
Once that announcement was made, just about every student within the gym got with their date, crush, or partner as the slow song began to play. Taj and Nathan followed suit as well as they intertwined their paws together and started dancing to the beat of the song. Nathan just smiled wholeheartedly as he admired his hyena boyfriend and was grateful to be dancing with him. Taj on the other hand, gently placed his head on the feline's chest and was serenaded by the sounds of his humming and beating heart.
"This is the best night ever," Taj says affectionately. "And I could've picked a better mammal to be with."
"I couldn't agree more~" Nathan purred softly. "And I hope to have more nights like this. Especially with the one I love."
Right when he says that Taj smiles up at Nathan and softly says "I love you, Nathan Furaha." he then goes for a kiss.
"And I love you too, Tajani Nyani," Nathan replies as he closes the gap between him and his boyfriend.
As they share this special and passionate kiss, both of their tails wrap around each other in a lovely bliss as they continue to dance the night away. And thus, this year's prom was a complete success.
The End.