Special thanks to BrokenHeartedWriter for helping me with this chapter.

TIMESKIP : NEXT DAY

"...So then he apologized! And told me everything! Jade wasn't super happy about the role change... but I don't care!" you explained with starry eyes.

You are at lunch with an old friend from school. He was a big nerdy grey wolf. You two bonded back in school after having the same classes. He helped you with some of the classwork you struggled with.

"Well, Y/N, you know I don't support conning animals... but since it's nothing specifically illegal or dangerous--then I guess it's okay," Alex said lightly. "Besides, it sounds like you really like this Nick fellow... does he know that?" Alex asked--raising an eyebrow at you.

Red dust covered your cheeks. Alex got you. He always seemed to know when something was up. Just like when you liked that one animal back during senior year!

"Well, I, uh," But before you can deny or confirm anything with Alex you notice a familiar red fox walk in. It was HIM!

His fur is slightly scruffy at the back as though he had slept in his van. The evidence of this was also displayed on his creased black button-up shirt. His tie hung loosely as always with his jeans folding around his legs. Gosh, did he look good.

'Speak of the devil,' you think to yourself.

You gazed toward Nick as he walked to the counter. A hippo was in front of him, and you watched, amused, as he attempted (and failed) to see past the larger animal.

Alex, feeling confused by your gawking, looked back to see what has grabbed your attention.

"Is that... him?" He asked quietly.

"W-who?" You replied, mindlessly.

"That fox you're staring at! Is that Nick??"

You saw Nick's large ears flick as he heard his name. He turned and spotted you sat at one of the booths. You jumped and looked away, folding your arms. Real smooth.

You felt your stomach tighten as he paced over toward your table. Oh gosh, you didn't expect to see him here...

"Y/N? Haha funny seeing you here! And who's this?" Nick asked toward the larger wolf. His voice carried a hint of something you hadn't heard before...

--Wait, could Nick be jealous of Alex?

"Ooh, so you are Nick. Name's Alex! And I've heard loads about you," Alex said as he puffed out his chest.

"Oh, have you now?" Nick replied as he leaned forward onto your guy's table. You made throat-slicing motions towards Alex who winked at you. Nick looked back at you and you quickly put your paws down.

Scrambling for an introduction, "--Oh! Yes! Nick, this is Alex--Alex, this is Nick."

"Yeah, we got that, fluffs," Nick smiled and you stop talking. Alex seems to be enjoying this way too much.

"Soooo, Nick have you gotten anything for 'Fluffs' over here? I mean.. it is their birthday in two days. And you being the boyfriend I'm sure you have something planned?" Alex leaned over and gave the fox a gentle elbow prod.

Nick's expression changed from smug to concerned and he pulled back from leaning on your table.

"It's your birthday soon? Why didn't you tell me?" Nick asked, his big green eyes staring you down. The sight of his ears drooping broke your heart.

"Oh! I just didn't want to bother you with it, Nick, I-I mean it's not that big a deal! I was going to just get some food and chill..." You try to defend yourself but to no avail.

Nick scratched behind his ear, "Well--I have to go. But it was nice meeting you, Alex." Nick said as he turned away and jogging toward the exit.

"Nick wait! I'm sorry..." you said, hoping to fix the damage, but Nick didn't even pause as he left.

"Why did you do that Alex?" you growl, frustrated. You crossed your arms as your ears fall flat, "Now Nick thinks I didn't want him around for my birthday and he's scrambling to find a gift!"

"You totally missed what I did there, Y/N." Alex sighed as he leaned back in his chair. "I told him about your birthday--because he wants to know about it!?! I also called him your BOYFRIEND? And he didn't object!"

"Hmmm..." you grumble. You knew he was right. Ugh!

With a face of half annoyance--half gratitude, you looked back at your friend, "I guess... thanks Alex. I guess there is a method to your madness."

"Haha! You admit it." He grinned.

"Oh stop." You chuckle, "...Think I should go after him?" You scrunch your face as you ask.

Alex sat up with a blank look on his face, "Oh, I hadn't thought that far. Yeah! Let's go get him!"

'I mean, I meant just me, but, that works too I guess,' you thought.

"Alright, let's go then!" You say as you hop up from your seat.

Alex also hopped up. He slammed the money for the meal on the table and you both ran out of the restaurant.

TRIVIA! In old edits of this story, Nick used the nickname "foxy" for the protagonist.

However, in order to make this story species-neutral, all mentions of fox or fox nicknames were changed to "fluffy / fluffs!"