You leaned on the counter behind the register. It had been such a long morning waiting to see Nick again.

It was 11:27 AM, according to the clock nearby. Only a couple more minutes.

The store was somewhat busy, as per usual around this time. You watched as your coworker, a beaver, hastily refolded clothes that some customers had torn through.

Finally, a message from '🔥 Nick Wilde 🔥' came up on your phone. You had changed the contact last night... The message read, 'Ready when you are.'

Grabbing your jacket, you waved towards the manager so he'd know you were leaving. He rolled his eyes in response. It kind of sucked working here, but you were happy to see Nick soon!

Walking out the doors onto the sidewalk, you looked to your left to see the signature van parked along the side.

You watched as a fox, with signature red Ray-Ban sunglasses, opened the door and hopped out. You started to walk over to him with your hands in your pockets.

Today, he had a tight white button-up, a watch on his right arm, and some khaki pants.

He leaned against the parking meter and gestured, "Long time no see."

"Hello there stranger~," you said cheekily.

Wilde pulled his sunglasses down to look you up and down. Geez, you wish you could be wearing something other than a uniform...

"Up for some late breakfast pancakes?" He asked.

"Of course!"

"Great, this way." He turned around and started walking.

Jogging for a second to catch up, you asked, "There's a pancake place nearby?"

"Well, they sell more than just pancakes."

Ugh, can't he just answer a question?

He noticed that may have been a bit irritating, "Yeah... it's right down the street. They specialize in brunch."

"Sounds good!"

The sidewalks were slowly filling up with animals also going on their lunch breaks. Luckily, you both weren't too large and could slip in and around the other animals.

You both neared a restaurant named 'Pancakes.' Well, it's not the most unique name, but you suppose it serves its purpose...

Being near downtown, a good couple of cars were parked around to get in. It had a lovely sitting area outside with a fence around and a blue awning above. The overhang of the awning had the name of the restaurant in cursive. Looked a bit better that way.

The whole restaurant had a quaint vibe to it. Probably tons of animals love this place.

Nick led you in and held the door for you. The doors were huge to accommodate the larger animals that may want to eat here. Inside, you could see the large chairs and tables next to smaller chairs and tables placed against a giant front window. There was also a nice counter to eat at and plenty of other tables around the room.

There were only a few in line in front of you two, so you decided to grab a seat in the waiting area.

Nick folded his sunglasses and hung them on his shirt. Following this, he sat down right next to you.

Ah, this was enjoyable; you didn't feel as nervous as before.

That is... until he placed his paw onto yours. You didn't move, but looked over at him; he was looking away towards the animal serving the customers.

His paw was so warm and soft. You looked down and watched as his feet dangled off the edge of the seat next to yours. Suddenly, his feet changed positions and the dark paw slowly slid away as he stood up. Guess it was your turn to be seated.

Getting up, you thought you could've tried something absolutely insane...

...like putting your paw over his. Sadly, in the moment, your mind always goes blank.

"Two?" The waitress asked.

Nick nodded and you both followed her. The restaurant was actually somewhat full.

She put the menus down at a medium-sized table for two next to the window. She smiled and walked off.

Taking a seat, you looked at Nick as he pulled out his chair and sat down. He began to gaze out the window. You saw he had a smile on his face and his eyes were half open. His little purple nose almost touched the window as his eyes followed a car down the road.

You looked back down to open your menu as he turned back to open his.

Hmm. Guess they were big on pancakes. It had pictures of all sorts of different types you could order with all the different toppings.

The waitress walked back over.

"What can I get you to drink?"