Here is the 45th installment. Hope you enjoy.
Notes now live at the end of the chapter, so on with the obligatory, and on with the show.
Sadly, I do not own and thus can claim no rights to Zootopia or its characters. They belong to Disney.
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The Guests View
Frank Erzats
Frank stood outside his car checking his phone, and he was nervous and doing all he could to hide that fact. Lady Fangmeyer's First, Judy, had called him for a ride. That wasn't the issue really, it was where he was supposed to pick her up from. Where he was picking her up from. The very front door of the Wolford pack alpha's home. If it wasn't for his job as a Zuber driver, he would never have expected to ever be anywhere close to where he now stood.
He heard the first addressing him and looked up with a smile. "Hi Frank, thanks for coming so quickly."
"Happy to be of service Mrs. WildeHopps."
"Call me Judy. Question for you Frank. How would you like to be part of a wedding?"
Looking at the rabbit with a bit of confusion, Frank shrugged as he slipped his phone back into a pocket. "I suppose it would depend on the mammals in question. Your sister and her weasel?"
Judy smiled brighter. "Nope. What would you say to the impromptu wedding of the Designate and his mate?"
Frank was quiet for a moment, searching her face for any sign that she was joking and worried that he found none. "Are you pulling my tail? I already got to share a meal with them."
Judy shook her head. "Not pulling your tail." With a smirk, Judy pointed to the wolf standing nearby and chuckled when she saw Frank freeze for a moment.
Recovering after a moment, Frank's ears folded down. "Lady Wolford. It is an honor." Giving a deep bow.
With a warm smile, Victoria stepped forward. "You have honored me, Frank Erzats, with your treatment of Lizz and Judy, as well as the others that were with them. You and your family have been invited to the wedding of my son, the Designate, and his mate Elizabeth. Do you think you could retrieve your family, safely, within what... an hour and a half, Judy?"
Judy nodded. "Yes, if you and your family could be here within an hour and a half, that would be perfect."
Frank glanced between them, realized that he was not having his tail pulled, and was unable to suppress a grin, nor his suddenly wildly swishing tail. "We live only a dozen blocks away. I will call them and we will be here. Thank you Lady Wolford. Judy. You honor me and my family."
Victoria waved it off. "I think Mike is trying to thank you for your treatment of his mate in the best way he can within the pack, by granting you and your family this honor. Now, be off. Go get your family."
Frank's grin was splitting his face in half. "Thank you ma'am. We will be here in time."
Frank bowed again, climbed back into his car, and with a deep nod to both Judy and the Alpha, drove off. He was holding his breath, barely breathing so as to suppress the joyous howl that was currently in the back of his throat. He got out the front gate and about half way down the block before pulling over and letting it free. It was loud and left his ears ringing for a moment as he kept the windows tightly shut.
Once the howl was out of his system. He could have kept going, but that wouldn't get things done. He dialed his mother again, chuckling to himself how often he had needed to do that lately.
His mother answered warmly, putting a smile on Frank's muzzle. "What's up Franky? Going to be late for dinner again?"
Barely controlling himself, Frank took a deep breath. "No, mom. You need to put dinner in the fridge and pull out everyone's best clothes. We have a wedding to attend."
His mother laughed. "Seriously, Frank. Whose wedding would we be attending at this late an hour, and so suddenly."
"The Designate and his mate. Lizz's First, Judy summoned me for a ride, only to ask me if I wanted to attend. The Alpha, Victoria, was standing there mom, and confirmed it! We have about an hour to get ready, an hour and a half to be back at the Wolford estate to attend the wedding. Mom! It is a full moon. I think they're going for a midnight ceremony."
"Franky... This had better not."
Frank's voice took on a hint of anger. "Mom. I know I'm young, that I don't have a mate, or even real prospects because of our station and newness in the Wolford pack, but I would not joke about this any more than I did about dinner the other night. The Alpha said the invite was probably the Designates way of thanking me, as a wolf, for the assistance I've shown his mate and friends. Karma knows, but with a rabbit in the mix maybe Serendipity is in play as well. All I know is that I am on my way home now, and we all need to get ready and get back to the Wolford estate right away."
His mother was clearly surprised. "I'm sorry Franky. It's just..."
"I know mom. I know. Just get everyone ready."
"Okay Franky."
Ten minutes later, Frank pulled up to the small townhouse he shared with his family pack. He walked in and was immediately accosted by his brother and little cousin. He was happy to see they were wearing their very best, the clothes they reserved for major pack meetings, circles, and moots.
"Frank, is it true?"
"Frank, you are the First for the Designate?"
"Frank, why did auntie wake me up? She said we're going to a wedding? Do I get to be the flower girl?"
Frank held up a paw to quiet them all as he kneeled down to be closer to his cousin. "Okay. Slow down. Starting with Eedie. Yes, we're going to a wedding, but I don't know if you can be the flower girl. I don't know if they have one already or are going to even have one. We will see when we get there, but don't get your hopes up, we were asked to be guests, that's all."
Eedie nodded. "Okay Franky. I was just wonderin."
Frank gave her a big smile and hug. "It's all good sweetie." Standing he looks at the others. "No, I'm not the First of the Designate, but thank you for the vote of confidence. That honor goes to Nick WildeHopps. As for what is true, I'm not sure what you mean. Are we attending the wedding of the Designate and his Tigress mate in just over an hour, then yes, it is true."
Collectively. "Wow."
Franks mom walked around. "Your suit is on your bed Frank."
Frank gave him mom a smile and peck on the cheek as he walked past. "Thanks mom. You look stunning. I wish dad wasn't working." The door opening and his father walking in. "Okay, can anyone tell me why my boss all but threw me out and told me not to come back until Tuesday, with pay?"
Frank grinned and gave his dad a hug, tail swishing widely. "Yes. We have been asked to be guests at the Wedding of Mike Wolford, the Designate, and his mate. Happening tonight. Get a quick shower dad, and get your good suit on. We have about an hour before we absolutely must leave."
Looking at his son, Jacob Erzats laughed. "You're pulling my tail. You got my boss to approve some time off and didn't tell me."
His wife turned to him. "No, dear. Just like Franky got invited to dinner the other night, now this. I'm sure the Alpha said that we were not required to join." Seen Frank nod. "But like Franky, is of the mind, this is not an opportunity to pass up. If it were our old pack, then yes, but this new pack? No... WE. ARE. DOING. THIS. I don't care if he was going to marry a skunk, we would attend and ignore any stray scents that might occur."
Jacob nodded with a grin. "Oh, one hundred percent. No wonder my boss chased me off. No one would want to be the one that caused a guest of this wedding to not be there."
With that Jacob ran for the shower while Frank did as well, both taking very quick showers and donning their suits. The family left the house and piled into their two cars, Franks and the family sedan, following Frank to the Wolford Estate.
Passing through the gate, they were directed to guest parking and then led to a waiting area for guests with nice seating and a small buffet. (Left overs from the dinner earlier.) What surprised them all was the number of species present. There was a Lion and Leopard pair, a Gazelle and a Tiger, that looked dangerously like the Gazelle and one of her dancers, but they were clearly together, given the kiss they were sharing as the Erzats family entered. There were also several wolves, and a Bobcat that walked up to them.
"Hello. I'm Jael Wolfell. I'm actually the mate of Harvee Wolfell, the First of Arron Wolford. I've been tasked with keeping track of all the guests once they reach this room while we wait for the actual event location to be prepared. The ceremony will be held in a nice little garden area that will have a clear view of the moon at its peak. So welcome, and who are you?" Producing a clipboard from seemingly nowhere."
Since Frank had been the one invited, the task of responding fell to him. "We are the Erzats family pack. These are my mother and father, Jacob and Jane Erzats, and heads of our pack. My brothers Jason, Erik, and Leonard, and my cousin Eedie. She is here with us because of the very reason we left our original pack. Her parents lost their lives to the bad decisions of the alphas of that pack."
Jael nodded with a smile, marking them off. "Harvee and I have spoken at length about that. A real shame, but it can happen when the Alphas lose their way. Your pack was wise to break from them before it was too late." Kneeling down to the young wolf. "Hi sweetie, you look to be what, 8 or 9, right?"
Smiling, a bashfully Eedie giggled. "I'm seven. I'll be eight next month."
"Well, happy early birthday then. We have a room set up for pups just like you, and there are a bunch of other pups, cubs, and kits already there. Would you like me to show you there, as long as your guardians are okay with it?"
Jane smiled down. "That would be wonderful. We're still fighting to adopt her properly. For some reason the remains of the old pack are fighting us. Not going down without a fight, even if it is a losing one."
Giving a nod as she stood up and started to lead Eedie away. "I'll talk to Harvee, he's a family attorney that does most of the in-pack adoptions. He handled the one for the Second just recently. The extended family refused to sign off on it because he is also in an inter species relationship. Yet, that adoption is official as of yesterday, and the pups have been with them for over a month."
Joan smiled. "Thank you. Any help would be welcome."
Jael then led Eedie off to the cubs room, the rest of the Erzats family fully entering the room to mingle. Surprised to find even more species than they initially thought, including otters, a capybara, and others.
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Jeff and Erik
Stretched out on their living room couch in nothing but their fur, Jeff and Erik were snuggled deeply against each other. With a deep and contented sigh, Jeff looked up from his position stretched along Erik, laying on his chest. "Erik. How did I get so lucky as to catch you? You're rich, and could be richer if you stopped being a cop, though I wouldn't ask you to do that, I know how much you love it. You are smart, talented, and even though you may be gay and most lions are pretty against it, there are still lots of gay lions out there. What makes me so special?"
Leaning his muzzle down to nuzzle Jeff, Erik smiles. "Yeah, and I tried more than a few of them, and every single one of them was a stuck up, entitled tail-hole, not worth a second date. Then I met this shy, sexy leopard, who was smarter than I could ever hope to be. More, he was beyond all hope, gay, and single. Beyond that, he accepted my request to take him out for dinner. Then another dinner, then lunch on days when I was doing paperwork after a case.
One day, that same, gorgeous leopard, decided to kiss me one night after a date, and I was officially lost. It felt like someone had tazed my lips, and he tasted divine when I went back for more. That was our first night together, and I never looked back. It wasn't that I hadn't been with other males before, but that night with you was something beyond."
"Oh, on that we agree. You are such an attentive..." At that moment Erik's phone started ringing, and Jeff dropped his head into Erik's chest with a hollow thud. "You are an attentive lover... but you are still going to answer that, because it might be the job."
Giving a sad chuckle, Erik reached over his head to the side table where his phone was. "Yes, and that you tolerate that is what makes me love you all the more." Bringing his phone up he sees it is Mike calling. Answering the call.. "Mike, what in the name of all that is unholy are you calling me at this time of night for, when we're both off shift?"
Mike's voice comes through the speaker loud enough for Jeff to hear as well. 'I'm calling to invite you and Jeff to my wedding. It is happening tonight, around midnight, at the Wolford estate. Not sure how Nick and Judy are doing it, but they are pulling together a wedding, with flowers, a cake, and everything, in a matter of hours. Supposedly there will be a DJ, catering, and everything. That means we need guests. It isn't going to be a wolf ceremony, but just something for Lizz and I. The wolf wedding will happen later. I would be really honored if you and Jeff would attend."
Jeff shook his head and spoke up. "Despite the fact that you are seriously ruining a perfectly good moment of snuggling, we would be happy to attend."
Erik laughed. "What Jeff said. Though I do need to understand, why so sudden?"
"I can tell you more details later, but it's pretty simple. Tonight was family dinner, with Nick and Judy attending. We got to talking, and Nick proposed that we, Lizz and I, needed to get hitched, and made a crack about knowing an officiant he could have there real fast. Then Judy hooked into the idea, bringing up that it would legitimize our pups, cutting off the arguments they might face in the future. It would also, since mom and dad are sponsoring the event here at the estate, work in our favor against those on the council that might stand against Lizz and I. Note, Judy and Nick and Lizz and my Firsts."
Jeff smiled, giving Jeff a kiss on his nose. "We'll get cleaned up and head over right away. I would never miss this. Are you going to invite Bogo, Patricia, and Ben?"
Mike sighed. "Should I? I mean, we all know, but by mutual agreement, we don't let it be known. It is their lives, and just like how Bogo lets those of us like Nick and Judy, and Lizz and I, continue to be partners as long as we keep it professional. The same can be said for Bogo and Ben, right?"
"True. But you could invite them separately."
"Hmm... Right, have Lizz invite Ben and I'll invite Bogo and Patricia. That might work. I will propose it to Nick and Judy. Anyway, I will see you two shortly."
"You will."
Erik ended the call and looked down at Jeff. "So, shower?"
Jeff gave Erik a wry look. "Obviously. I love you, and I love smelling like you. However, I'm not going to show up at our friend's impromptu wedding, smelling like... you, or you me. Well, smelling like each other, like we do." Pushing up and sliding over Erik, groaning at some of the sensations. "Mmm... We will be continuing this later, Mr. Lion, sir."
Erik grinned up at Jeff, drinking in the view he was presenting, and again as he turned away and headed for the bathroom, tail swishing behind him. "For sure. One hundred and ten percent."
With a lurch, Erik snatched at Jeff's tail, just barely missing as Jeff flicked his tail away and leapt forward with a laugh. "Naughty lion!"
The chase was on, and while it ended in the shower, it took them a bit to get there. In the end, it took them just shy of an hour and a half to get on the road. Once they parked in the guest lot, they were directed to the waiting area where they were greeted by Jael.
"Hello. I'm Jael Wolfell. I'm the mate of Harvee Wolfell, the First of Arron Wolford and my job this evening is keeping track of all the guests once they reach this room. The rest of things are still being prepared by the fox and bunny. The wedding itself will be in a nice little garden area that will have a clear view of the moon at its peak. So welcome, and who are you?" Producing a clipboard from seemingly nowhere.
Erik smiled. "Erik Delgato and Jeff Jones. No wonder the Alpha's are not having a fit about Mike and Lizz."
Jael shrugged. "They've known about me for a few years, but I've never involved myself in wolf things. I was always kept at a distance until recently because Harvee and I didn't want to cause Arron and Victoria any issues. I guess it is part of Victoria and Arron's efforts to make up for the epic fail that was Ed and Elli's courtship and marriage. That got ugly, and I know Harvee wouldn't have wanted to put me through that."
Erik nodded. "From what little I have heard, I can totally understand that. Which is also why I'm sure Mike and Lizz hid it for so long."
"I agree." Jael motioned into the room. "Please, make yourselves comfortable. The wedding proper won't be for an hour or two yet, and there are still a number of guests yet to arrive."
Jeff nodded. "Thank you."
Erik and Jeff then moved into the room, mingling with the guests who had already arrived. Finding themselves sitting with and deep in conversation with a Tiger and Maned Wolf.
Erik put out a paw. "Hello. Erik Delgato. I work with Lizz and Mike. Are you a relative of Lizz?"
Jason shook the offered paw with a smile. "Jason Fangmeyer. I'm Lizz's cousin. This is my girlfriend, Angie. There seems to be quite a few inters here tonight. Although I suppose that makes sense. Angie and I are not out in the open."
Angie nodded. "Jason's family are not supportive. If anything they're openly anti-inter. We're keeping our relationship quiet, and therefore we've not done any dating really. At least until he finishes school and gets established. Then we can go forward."
Erik nodded. "I can understand that. Have you checked out some of the bars and clubs? There is actually a quiet underground of places that are inter friendly, if not outright safe havens, like Therus. Good food, and considered a safe haven. Meaning, a place one can go and not be judged."
"We will have to check that out. You're saying there are other inter friendly places?"
Jeff nodded with a smile. "Yes. Jeff Jones. As my mate was saying, there are lots of places that are at least friendly, if not outright bastions of only inter couples. One of our favorites is the Blue Rhino. Everyone knows about it, but there are actually two parts to it. The main club, and a second club that you can only get into if you are inter. Not that the bouncers put up with any anti-inter stuff. Given that the owner is a gazelle married to a tiger, it is understandable why."
Jason smiled widely. "Oh, now that is wonderful to know." Turning to Angie. "We can arrange to meet up at places like this."
Angie smiled, but there was a hint of worry to it. "I only worry that we might be seen. I don't want to put you at risk of being cut off by your family."
"I've already got my AS and BS, and if I have to work while finishing my masters, so be it. I am getting tired of hiding. I love you and I want to explore that."
Erik smiled at the pair. "Well, there is always the MMSF. It is a foundation set up by Nick and Judy. The purpose is to help marginalized mammals, be that a fox who is getting abused by an employer, or an inter cut off by their family. It has only existed for a few days and has already done a lot of good."
"How so?" Jason asked with a furrowed brow. "I've not heard of them."
"No, but you have seen their work. The recent take down of that anti-inter religious hate group that put a lot of families in danger. Especially those poor inter families that had been drawn in by them. The MMSF stepped in and made sure they had safe housing, is paying for counseling, covering medical costs, and other things. The reporting has generated a new influx of donations. Not that they were hurting for money. Myself and a number of other high profile, wealthy inters, maxed out our donations to get them started. That is why, though they have only been in existence about a week, they have been able to start working. Their biggest issue is needing mammals to work for them."
Angie grinned. "Jason. Maybe you should see if they need someone like you?"
Jason nodded. "I will do just that first thing tomorrow."
Angie turned to Jeff. "So, you and a lion? A ZPD officer?"
Jeff grinned. "I work for the ZPD as well, as a tech. Best decision I ever made was accepting this goof's request for a date. We are actually married, just never bothered to change names. Besides, while we have rings, we can't wear them on the job. We have just gotten used to not having them on."
Angie nodded. "Oh, that makes sense."
Erik laughed lightly. "Don't let him fool you. Jeff is the head of the ZPD's tech department, and a world class Grey-hat hacker. You should see the computer he built at the condo." Rolling his eyes. "I'd question why he needs such a thing, but considering what I have seen him do, I suppose it is needed, for someone like him."
Jeff rolled his eyes. "I built a system specifically to power certain things for the ZPD and ZBI, and this goof just wants to use it to play Minesweeper and Fortnight."
Jason laughed with a smile. "I can only imagine the performance he must get."
Jeff crossed his arms with a huff. "Not the point."
Angie grinned. "So, what are you running? RAID 7?"
Jeff's eyes lit up. "I've got a specially ordered Acturus board that hosts seven Datelus sixty optical base chips. The entire board has an optical bus, and only converts to electronics when needed to drive things like the dedicated PCI video bus and hard drive controllers. As for RAID, I'm not actually using that, but running something I wrote myself that is similar to RAID 10, but is actually faster, and takes advantage of one way bit bind mirroring and a level seventeen algorithm. It lives on clusters of 5x5 TB drives, with another set running live shadow backups. The entire thing is encrypted, of course."
Angie gawked. "My gods. That is a beautiful, monstrosity! I'm just a lowly level three support tech for an outsourced IT company. They just gave me a new system. A Delk 9900, with an i10, but they only gave the thing 8GB of RAM. I had to throw a fit to get it upgraded. I couldn't even function for a week because I couldn't run everything I needed. Now I've got 24GB and even then, sometimes it's a stretch. They even forgot to give me a video card so I could run my lowly three monitors. But your system. Gods, that's a wet dream."
Jeff laughed with a grin. "That Delk is a nice system, as long as you have the RAM, like you demanded. Still, if you can get an upgrade to the Delk 9905, it's got a single Datelus base chip and the optical bus. But you will want at least 32GB of RAM in it to keep up with that chip. It's the same price too."
Angie's eyes went wide. "No Way! They're offering those commercially?"
Jeff Shrugged. "Well… You have to ask for it specifically, as it isn't in the catalogue. However, as Nick often says. I know a mammal. I got this lug a Delk 9950, which has dual Datelus chips for his Minecraft, Fortnight, and Minesweeper, so he will stop installing them on my system."
Angie moaned. "I'm guessing the 9950 has to be asked for as well." Seeing Jeff nod, she turned to Jason. "Love…"
Jason rolled his eyes. "I'll think about it. I mean, I'll just use it to run Minecraft like Erik. Maybe with a system like that, I can finally make master class. Sounds like it would give me the power to truly get the most out of those skins I bought for Fortnight too."
Erik beamed. "That 9950 is what got me to master class, and most definitely has no issues playing Fortnight with graphics and everything maxed up." Putting out his paw again. "Officer FuzzMane, at your service."
Jason's eyes went wide. "No way!" Shaking Erik's paw again. "So awesome to meet you. I've explored all of your stuff. You are an inspired builder. I also hate you so much! How did you manage to score that Pellico skin? There were only three offered, and I heard you own two of them?"
Erik nodded. "I'm just that good."
Jeff shook his head and sighed, giving Angie a long suffering look which she returned. "Gods." Turning to Jason. "He bought them. Simple as that. Has a few custom made skins too. When you order the 9950, make sure you ask for the extended Arcturus video option, if that is actually what you're going to do with it."
Jason had his phone out and made a note. "Got it. Delk 9950 with Arcturus extended video options. Anything else?"
"No less than 32GB RAM, ask for 48 if you can really afford it."
Jason gave a wicked grin. "Until my parents cut me off, I'll buy what I want. I'll get two. One for me and one for Angie."
Angie squealed in glee. "Jason. Are you serious?"
"So long as you will meet me for a dinner date at this Therus place, I am very serious." Looking to Erik. "Do we need to make reservations?"
Eric shook his head. "Usually no, but they're getting more popular, so despite being a dinner, it might be worth calling ahead."
Jason nodded. "Sounds good."
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Adrian, Ben, and Patricia
Adrian, Ben, and Patricia were snuggled on their couch after a nice meal of sandwiches and watching some B-rate scifi flick. Both Buffalo had tried the roast turkey of Ben's and found it less offensive than they expected. As was their custom with no one expected, and being nearly 10pm, they were all unclothed and enjoying the simple pleasures of fur to fur contact and the occasional wandering paw or hoof. More often than not, this ended up with them needing to strip the couch cushion covers and launder them, but was always worth it.
Things were rapidly moving that direction when both Ben and Adiran's phone rang, all three groaning. Bogo took his phone into the kitchen, while Ben answered his where he was after Adrian was fully in the kitchen.
Seeing who was calling, Adrian frowned. "Bogo. What do you need at this time of night, Sargent?"
Sounding duly chastised, Mike replied. "Sorry to bother you sir. I know you are at home, since I tried to reach you at the precinct first. Lizz and I are actually getting properly married tonight. A very impromptu thing. That said, we are fortunate that tonight is a full moon, and you know us wolves and the moon. We, Lizz and I, as well as my parents, would really appreciate it if you and Patricia would attend as our guests."
Adrian stopped, checked his phone to ensure that it was in fact an actual call from Wolford. "So... You want me to attend your wedding?"
"You as a person, sir. Along with your mate, and anyone else you might see fit to bring, as long as they won't have an issue with a wolf and a tiger getting hitched."
Adrian didn't know what to say. "Where would this wedding be held and how much time do we have?"
"Well, it is going to be at my parents estate, the Wolford pack estate. I'd ask that you get here no later than 11:30 to ensure you get good seating. It's going to be a small affair, and generally informal. Something Nick and Judy are putting together on the fly. They are our chosen Firsts after all, and this is their idea."
"I understand. I will need to talk to Patricia. I will text you back."
"Not a problem sir. Lizz is probably inviting Ben..." A piercing squeal echoed through the house. "And there it is." A chuckle in his voice. "Don't stress it or be mad at him sir. Most of the precinct knows, and has known for a long time. Even Nick, and we all agree that it is your business, just like you tell us. If it stays professional at work, we don't care."
Adrian's eyes were wide in shock. "I see. I will text you after I speak to them then..."
"Of course."
With that, the call ended and Adrian just stood there in shock. Most of the precinct knows and said nothing. Even the fox knows and has never once even cracked an innuendo about it. Adrian thought to himself. A single thought echoing in his mind as he realized that the Rabbit and Fox that were the bane of his existence were putting together a wedding for his other migraine source. That they were the chosen Firsts for the other pair in their role in the Wolford pack. A single word though, echoed in his mind. Doomed! As he stood there, the sensation of foreboding that single thought brought with it seemed to encompass everything he had dealt with since the rabbit and fox had first officially become partners, even before the fox was on the force.
A few moments earlier, Ben
Ben waited until Adrian was fully in the kitchen before answering with a smile. "Hi Lizz! What are you calling for this late?"
The smile was clear in Lizz's voice. "Hey Ben. I was wondering, and I know it is kind of last minute, and it really is very sudden..."
Ben was gleeful, this was important. Oh, maybe they are getting married and they're inviting me! That would be wonderful! He thought to himself. "What is it, Lizz?"
"Well, you see. At dinner tonight, family dinner at the Wolford Alpha's, Mike's parents. Well, we got to talking, and Nick brought up something, then Judy jumped on the bandwagon, and now... well, you see… Mike and I are getting married in a midnight ceremony as the full moon reaches its apex, which is really important and a good omen as far as wolves are concerned. Mike and I were kinda hoping that you, and anyone you think would like to show up to support us, one or two people, could make it to the Wolford estate for the wedding?"
Ben's voice was low and strained trying to hold in the squeal in his throat. "Lizz, please tell me you are not pulling my tail. You know how sad I was that Nick and Judy didn't include me, even though I understand why they didn't."
Lizz chuckled. "Ben, I am not pulling your tail. Nick and Judy are somehow pulling together a full wedding in a matter of hours. Mike and I have selected Nick and Judy as our Firsts. For wolves that is basically like a confidant, conscience, person to give it to you straight, etc... Anyway, do you think you can make it? It would mean a lot if you could."
Ben took a moment to process what he was hearing. Lizz really was inviting him, and guests, to her wedding to Mike. O. ! He was freaking out. Ben could feel it building, he knew he shouldn't, Adrian was in the other room and if anyone knew him, they'd recognize it. But Lizz and Mike were getting married and he was invited! It started quiet, but he just couldn't hold it in and the squeal of pure joy escaped his muzzle. "Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!"
Clamping his paws over his muzzle, Ben's eyes went wide as he looked at Patricia. "Oh no..."
Patricia chuckled and picked up the phone. "Hi Lizz, Patricia. We'll be there."
Lizz's voice was surprised, but not shocked. "Patricia? Uhm..."
Smiling, Patricia put the phone on speaker. "Hi Lizz. I heard at least part of that. You're getting married officially? That's great. But what caused Ben to let loose with one of his squeels. I'm sure they heard him all the way at the precinct."
"I was asking him to come as a guest. It is happening very last minute, put together by our chosen Firsts. It is supposed to happen tonight at around midnight, when the moon is at its apex. Do you think, you, Ben, and Adrian can make it?"
"So. How long have you known about us?"
"Most of the precinct knows. Just like the Chief lets us be as long as we keep it professional at work, it was agreed that it was only fair for you to get the same treatment."
Patricia gave a nod. "Well, I know Ben will be attending. He wouldn't miss it, and I'm on board. I'll talk to Adrian, though I expect he will agree to attend as well."
"Yeah, Mike should be calling him soon."
"I expect that is who he was answering the call from."
Ben spoke up. "Oh, so it isn't a secret at the precinct? I mean. We've been so careful."
Lizz laughed. "Ben, you are not able to keep your loving looks completely to yourself. I don't know how many times you have been looking off into space longingly, only to realize you're watching him. Yet, you have also never slipped up at the office, not even when he got shot last year."
Ben groaned. "That was so hard, but I had to keep things running until the commissioner could get there. Even then, I couldn't see him in the hospital right away and had to rely on Patty."
Patty gave Ben a hug. "You did good, kitten. You could have visited, but we both know why you didn't"
Ben nodded. "I could never have kept it together seeing him in the hospital. It would have been all over and any semblance, even for our benefit, would have been over."
Lizz chuckled again. "That nickname is too sweet. It's all good Ben. We can talk more tonight. Patricia, I do hope you and Adiran make it as well. I have some more calls to make, so I will leave you to talk with the Chief."
The call ended and Ben looked down, dejected. "I didn't know. I'm sorry. I really hope I haven't screwed things up."
Pulling Ben to her chest. "I'm sure it'll be fine, Kitten. You heard what she said. Now let's go talk to that onry bull in the kitchen and then get ready. You and I are going, even if he doesn't."
Ben nodded with a sigh. "Okay. No point in getting worked up about something that may, or may not happen, and hasn't happened yet."
"Exactly."
They got off the couch and entered the kitchen, finding Adrian looking off into space. Patrica stepped up and tapped his shoulder causing him to startle a moment. Adrian uttered a single word. "Doomed."
Patricia frowned. "What was that? Are you okay?"
Shaking himself out and seeing the worried looks on both Ben and Patricia's muzzle. "Yeah. Sorry. It's just... My call was Mike, and I can only guess by Ben's squeal that his was Lizz. I guess we have a wedding to go to." Looking up at Ben. "I know you tried to control it Kitten, it just wasn't in you to, and it is all good. It seems that most of the precinct has known for a long time."
Ben nodded. "That is what Lizz said. Probably all my fault. I guess I've been caught staring at you."
"Then you wouldn't be the only one. I've been on the railing watching you work and had someone sneak up on me many times. They always get nervous when I smile, so when it happens I must have a happy smile on my face. Anyway, it doesn't matter. As long as we keep it professional, we're getting the same treatment Mike and Lizz, or Nick and Judy do. My decision to give partners like them the consideration benefited us as well."
Patricia nodded, but still had her frown, even as Ben breathed a sigh of relief. "Sure, but what did you say when I startled you. It sounded like 'doomed'. Why would you say that?"
"I said that out loud?" Shaking his head, Adrian sighed. "It's just a feeling. Whenever that damn fox and rabbit are involved in something, it always has consequences. Always. They're the chosen firsts of my other headache couple, Mike and Lizz? Mike being the Wolford pack Designate. I just have this feeling that there are going to be consequences."
Laughing, Patricia slapped Adrian's shoulder. "Oh, you. So we're all doomed, because a fox and a rabbit are somehow involved in the Wolford pack. I don't get it."
Giving another sigh, Adrian shook his head. "You don't understand. Mike Wolford is the Designate. That means he is next in line as Alpha of the Wolford pack. He is marrying a tigress and his partner on the force. Worse, the Firsts they have chosen, who act as councilors, advisors, etc... for the Alphas, are a fox and a rabbit, instead of wolves. Worse, it is Nick and Judy WildeHopps. Worse still, the more Lizz and Mike work with and interact with those two, the more like those two they become. So I just get this feeling that there will be consequences. That said, we have a wedding to attend, and we are taking one car. If the precinct knows, and they don't care as long as we keep it professional on the job like they are expected to, then I see no reason to hide it any more when we are off the clock and out of uniform. At least not at a function like this. Which means, I don't think you'll have to worry about who comes over anymore Ben. I've always hated it when you had to wait to come home."
Ben nodded with his ears down and tail down and still. "I have always hated it too. I know why, but it still hurts. Just having to do it less would be nice."
Patricia clapped her hooves. "Well, since that is settled, we need to get dressed. I see no reason for any mask to be applied. I suspect that where we are going is going to be open and supporting of us all."
They were quickly dressed and on the road, all three both nervous and excited. They were going somewhere as the trio they were. It was going to be weird being somewhere public as a trio. They had worked so hard to keep it secret, only to find out that just about everyone that mattered, knew and didn't care.
After entering the guest waiting area and speaking with Jael, they moved into the room. Erik Delgato sneaking up behind the three of them having returned from the restroom. "Chief, Patricia... Ben." Taking a sniff. "Nice to see the three of you." Stepping around he offered a paw. "I mean that fully and without reservation. Even if I am surprised to see the three of you... together."
Ben looked down. "My fault. I couldn't hold it in when Lizz called and Adrian was on the phone with Mike."
Shaking his head, Erik laughed. "Not to worry. As I'm sure you have been told, because you came and are clearly together. You smell like each other. Most of us have known, or at least suspected, for a long time. You." Pointing at Ben. "Were happier than before, which was a feat we could all only assume was caused by being in a relationship. Then you, Chief. You get caught making eyes at the dispatcher with a wistful smile on your muzzle. It wasn't going to take long until we noticed Ben's looks pointed at you, and someone followed him home."
Adrian groaned. "Of course."
Jeff walked up. "Hey, love. You have to try the shrimp skewers." Noticing who he was talking to. "Chief, Ben. And you must be the fabled Patricia that keeps these other two in line."
Patricia laughed. "Oh please. You give me too much credit. I am just glad that we can be here as ourselves, without any pretense."
Erik nodded. "Well, I suppose Nick is going to have to invite you to the next poker night then."
Adrian's brow furrowed up towards his horns. "Poker night?"
Nick entered the room, speaking with Jael quickly before walking over. "Erik, Jeff..." Seeing Ben, Patricia, and Adrian, a wide smile crossed his muzzle. "Well now. This is a very pleasant surprise. And no musk mask tonight. Be secure in knowing that you will find no judgment here tonight, and anyone that harbors such feelings will be shown the door, then the front gate. No Chief, I will not razz you about it at work either. If I ever do that, you can be assured that something is very, very wrong. If that happens, know that I am signaling you this fact in a way that will ensure that when you order me to your office, everyone will believe it to be my last act."
Adrian nodded. "Noted. Though I guess I cannot expect a reprieve from your other commentary."
Giving a smirk. "No sir, you can be assured I shall remain in fine form, but I know when there is a line that should never be crossed. This is one of them. Erik, you should give them cards for the MMSF and invite him for the next poker night. I'm afraid I must be off. Still a few things to finish up to get this little event to go off." Turning to walk away, then stopping. "Oh, and Patricia. You should visit Vivian's in the mall. She can hook you up with some awesome tailored dresses and clothes. She is the one that did Lizz's dress and fixed up Mike's suit."
"But isn't Vivian a fox?"
"She is, and she is doing Francine's wedding dress too."
Adrian's eyes went wide. "Wait‽ I thought the wedding was off because she couldn't afford it. She stopped taking all those extra hours to try and save up."
"The dress is the wedding gift from Judy and I. So yes, to answer the question, she does large and even megafauna mammals." With that Nick left out the door to the outside.
Patricia turned to Adrian. "Who's Francine?"
Smiling brightly. "Just another WildeHopps effect. Elephant. Was Frank and is now Francine, and a better cop for it too. She's happier, laughs again now. She had stopped laughing, got suspended once, and was just generally on a path to being fired. Then, they happened. They helped her get counseling, and not some hack either. About six months later she was transitioning, was happier, and was back to the cop she was before."
Patricia nodded. "Oh. That's great then, but how did the other officers take that?"
"Better than I would have expected. Though it helped that Judy and Lizz backed her to the hilt. I think that kept the dissonants at bay. Had a few transfer requests to other precincts, which I was happy to grant and bring in officers worthy of being a part of P1. I think we were all better for it."
Erik nodded. "I agree. If anything, she's a better cop than she was before. It took Carl a bit to get used to it, but he worked hard, and now I think he's behind her as much as Judy and Lizz ever were. Then she met Sashida and well..."
Adrian nodded, though Ben spoke. "O. ! So much. They are the cutest couple, right up there with Nick and Judy, or Lizz and Mike. Francine was so happy, and then when Sashida proposed. I swear I saw that elephant float! Only to come crashing down, working her trunk off to try and get a dress. She had almost saved up enough, and then her apartment flooded. Landlord gave them the run around and then bailed on the building, leaving all the tenants forced to cover the repairs to their apartment. They got together, thanks to Sashida, and now all own the place as a co-op. However, that burned all the money Francine had saved and then some."
Patricia gasped. "Oh no. That poor mammal."
Ben nodded. "Yeah, was why she was so depressed. Not even Sashida could break through. I'm not sure what happened after that, but one day, it was a switch was flipped. It must have been Judy, based on what Nick just said."
The conversation continued as they pursued the buffet, and mingled with the other mammals as they all waited for the pending wedding.
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The wedding from the audience viewpoint.
Just after 1130 pm, the doors opened and Frank Wolford smiled at the assembled. "Hello friends, family, and guests. Please let me thank you all for coming here tonight on such short notice to attend the wedding of my brother and his mate. There is no Bride or Groom's side, we ask only that you seat yourselves according to your feeling and group, taking into account for smaller mammals up front and larger towards the back." Stepping aside. "The ceremony will be starting shortly."
The assembled mammals moved out into the garden, many gasps and murmurs about the lay out were spoken. Chairs that could even accommodate an elephant existed at the very back, with raised seats in the second row for the smaller mammals to be able to see over the wolves and tigers already seated at the front. Garlands of flowers along the back of the chairs and over the archway under which a red deer stood waiting. A light cool breeze moving through, just enough to gently ruffle the fur, and waft up the sweat scent of the blooms, but warmer than one might expect, making the night comfortable. Soft indirect lighting made everything visible, amplified by the full moon high in the sky, almost directly overhead, almost loomingly large and bright.
Ben sitting between Adrian and Patricia took up seats with Erik and Jeff, filling the row for mammals their size. Ben unable to suppress a giggle. "It's so beautiful! I can't believe Nick and Judy pulled this off in a few hours."
Adrian chuckled with a smile. "It really is. Then again, this is the Wolford estate, so I'm sure they had things like the chairs and the arch on hand, and I did notice the Otterton's."
Patricia Gasped. "Wait, you don't think they got the Otterton's to do the flowers?"
Emmet turned in his seat two rows in front of them. "They in fact did, and we are honored to do it. Especially as we will be able to use the photos as part of our own advertising. It is a win-win. We were going to have to throw away most of these flowers because we are taking a vacation, and they would have all gone bad by the time we got back."
Clapping his paws, Ben gave a little squeal. "That's just wonderful. And you get to brag about doing the flowers for the Designates wedding too. That'll really boost your visibility!"
Emmet nodded with a grin. "Already has. I'm almost out of business cards."
Conversation continued amongst the guests, dying down as Mike, escorted by Nick, took his place next to the officiant. When the music changed, everyone went silent and turned to the door where Lizz would be entering from.
When the doors opened and the first mammals stepped out, everyone smiled. The ladies were beautiful in their dresses, the guys handsome in their suits. Then Lizz stepped out, and every eye went wide. Adrian actually gasped. "OH my gods!" under his breath. Patricia's breath caught in her chest, and Ben was so shocked, the happy squeal he had prepared died in his throat as he froze.
Both Erik and Jeff gawked openly. Glancing at each other then back to Lizz in shock.
The Erzatz family found themselves just as blown away. Little Eedie did get to play flower girl, and while her family was proud of her, they would have to play the video back to see it. Their eyes, like everyone else's, were locked on Lizz. Frank understood in that moment what Mike saw in Lizz. Everyone in the audience did. A beautiful, powerful, yet profoundly feminine mammal. That she was a predator and pregnant never registered.
There were similar reactions throughout the assembled mammals. Quiet gasps, along with frozen staring as they took in the tigress slowly walking down the isle escorted by a wolf. All eyes followed her as she moved, as if there were a spotlight on her, and the rest of the world had been cast into shadows.
After the ceremony, every mammal there would swear until their dying day that they felt the weight of some unseen presence overlooking the ceremony after the invocations. As if those invocations actually worked, and summoned the gods called out to for their blessings, and those blessings answered with a yes.
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A/N
Remember to share the love. Review and Fav. It is the life blood of every writer to know you are enjoying their work. I also want to thank everyone who has Fav'd, followed, and reviewed this little project. I know that isn't much, but to me, it's huge. Even as a writer of original fiction, that you enjoy this means a lot to me as an author. You can check out my original work and link to my Blog, Scribblings, where a lot of it lives by hopping over to ( Direct: dcballard (remove the spaces) because the forwarding is misbehaving.)
If you enjoy this, and you are not also reading my original Log Entries series over on my Blog. Why aren't you? (takes a Nick-esk pose of hurt) Also. I am now posting them on AO3, so you have even less excuse. It's free, ORIGINAL fiction. "An original story told through the log entries of the pilot and captain of an experimental star ship."
You should really be checking out my bestest bud, Bear678, and his story What Foxes May Come.
So keep those reviews and comments coming. And also remember, if you see issues, misspellings, etc... Let me know in PM, I'm under no illusion of being perfect and want to fix those things I miss.