In that case... Bobby smiled and looked at the weasel. How about I start by helping get you ready, hm?

Before you do... I have to ask you something.

Bobby raised a brow. Go ahead.

You knew my reputation. That became obvious when you pointed out that you knew I tend to avoid major gatherings. I have to ask... Knowing that... Why have you been so nice to me? I mean... Youre standing here offering to climb inside my dick. What I dont get is why.

Because I like you, Duke, Bobby told him with a smile.

Huh?! Duke went wide-eyed. But this is the first time weve ever met. And, again, youve known about my reputation...

I try not to judge people on the things theyve done in the past, the porcupine told him. Especially when its been made clear theyre trying to change.

What makes you so sure Im trying to change at all, the weasel asked.

Bobby raised a brow at that. Well, were both here in this room, arent we?

Duke paused for a moment. For all you know, I could be using you just to get something I want since its my birthday.

Bobby shakes his head. Nope. Thats impossible. Theo and Tidus magic within this place prevents anyone with ill intent from even seeing this place, let alone coming inside to trick people.

Duke was silent only for a moment before letting out a snicker. Alright, so thats a fair point, but still...

Bobby cut him off. Duke... I want you to look me in the eye right now and tell me youre trying to con me.

To Bobbys surprise, Duke shook his head. Cant do that, Spiky. Youre right. When I first stepped foot in this place, it was because I was hoping to find someone to have some fun with. I didnt think I would, given my past, but then you came over and...

Bobby raised a brow. And?

Look, please dont tell anyone what Im about to tell you, alright?

The porcupine just nodded.

When you forced yourself on me, I was surprised at first. From what I know of you, youre not usually a forceful person, so you caught me off-guard. Then I was a bit mad, because you wouldnt let go... But then... when you started rubbing my back... holding me and trying to comfort me, it... It broke me. Duke sighed. Bobby... Its been so long since Ive been held like that, that Ive forgotten the last time it ever happened. You... Duke looked directly into Bobbys eyes. As he did, tears formed in them. You were right. I needed that, and I needed a friend.

That seemed to be all Bobby needed to hear and see. He stepped up beside Duke, turning the weasels face to his. Its okay, Duke... Youve got a friend. And Id wager you have more than you think you do.

Duke stood there in silence, trying to process both what Bobby had said. I doubt that... but I want to believe you.

Youll see soon enough.

Duke just nodded, wiping his face clean of his tears. So... youre really in here doing this because you like me? Despite what you know about me?

Yes, Duke. As far as Im concerned, its what I see that determines whether or not I like someone. I dont just go solely based on something someone else says. Bobby smiled. And I like what Ive seen of you since actually meeting you.

Duke smirked. Even though I...

Bobby cut him off. Even though you were being stubborn at first, yes. Now stop trying to talk me out of spending time with you. Im doing this because I want to."

Duke nodded and stood.

Bobby stood as well, before walking up to the weasel and slowly lifting the shirt he was wearing up and over his head. Once he had gotten it off, he hugged Duke once more, pressing his gut against Dukes body.

This time, Duke wrapped his paws around the porcupine, hugging him in return. I gotta ask... how much of that belly came from the magic here? I seem to remember hearing you were given that gut back when you were around thirteen.

Bobby nodded. Most of it came from the magic the day it was given to me, but Ive put on about fifty pounds or so in the last five years beyond that. Why do you ask?

I was just curious if you had gotten the extra weight naturally or not, Duke commented.

Bobby smirked. Liar. You asked because you dont want to admit youre enjoying how it feels. As he said this, he hugged the weasel tighter.

H... hey... C... Cut that out. Let go, Duke stammered.

Why? Getting hard? Bobby nuzzled against him, while still keeping the weasel held against his belly.

Mrf, was the only response Bobby got from Duke, who started to squirm a bit.

Thats what I thought. So youre a belly lover too, huh? Bobby let Duke go then.

Duke took a step back and looked at the porcupine. There was now a clearly visible tent in his shorts. You tell me.

Bobby grinned, stepped close again, reached down, and rubbed the tent. Heh... Yup. Definitely a belly lover. He then took hold of the waistband of Dukes shorts. May I?

Go for it, Duke said.

Bobby nodded, slipping his fingers inside the waistband of both Dukes shorts and underwear. He then slid them down to his ankles before helping the weasel step out of them. Once he had, he stripped off his own clothing. He then took hold of the weasels erect penis and started to gently stroke it.

Duke moaned quietly when he did. Mmmrf...

Feels nice having someone else do the work for you, hm?

The weasel nodded and moaned again. Im so used to doing it myself that having someone else do it feels both nice and weird at the same time. Im enjoying it, though.

Good, Bobby said. Relax and let me take care of you. He stroked the weasel slowly, and, as he did, he started to see the telltale signs of the Zoos magic beginning to work.

Duke moaned as he also realized the magic was kicking in. He couldnt help looking down, and, when he did, he saw his dick was starting to grow in both length and girth. He was also oozing precum quite heavily. B... Bobby?

Hmm, Bobby got a smile on his face as he continued to stroke.

This... mmrr... feels good, Duke couldnt hold it anymore and started humping Bobbys paw. This seemed to make the magic work faster, as his dick began to grow quicker.

If you think it feels good now, just wait until I climb inside, Duke.

Duke groaned as the porcupine continued to rub his dick. Im... mmrr.. looking forward to it, he said, as his cock started lightly oozing precum.

Bobby just grinned and kept rubbing. I have to admit, I am too. Would you believe, in the five years since I first found this place, Ive never once been the one to give someone their first experience?

Th... thats interesting, the weasel replied, amidst another moan.

It became quickly evident to Bobby that Duke was eager to feel someone inside him, as the magic was working even more rapidly, to the point the porcupine was now forced to rub with both paws. Heh... You really do want me in there, dont you?

Y... Yeah... Duke moaned. I want to know what it feels like. I want to know if its really as nice a feeling as I keep hearing it is.

I guarantee youre going to enjoy it. Bobby continued rubbing as he slowly made his way to the head of the weasels cock.

Mrrrrr... was all Duke could manage as the porcupine did this. He shivered, sending another spurt of precum shooting from his cock.

Bobby continued to rub along the enlarged shaft, with it still growing as he did. Eventually, he reached the head of the weasels dick and rubbed along it with both paws. You ready for this?

J... just.. Do it, Bobby... Please, the weasel moaned.

My pleasure, Bobby replied as he moved his paws to the weasels cock slit. When he did, he pushed against it with a paw until it sank inside.

Aaah...

Told you it felt good.

All Duke could do was moan and nod in response as he felt the porcupine push his other paw inside.

Seeing the look on Dukes face, Bobby then slowly pushes his other paw into the large weasel penis. Once he had done so, he slowly began to pull his paws apart. This was met by his paws getting coated in precum, but that didnt deter him from continuing. Hey, Duke?

Yeah, Bobb... aah!

In the middle of the weasels sentence, Bobby had pressed his head against the large member and began pushing it inside. He snickered when he heard yet another moan.

Mrrf... why does... that feel so good, the weasel asked, trying to resist moaning as he spoke.

Because, like me and all the others here, vore turns you on, and, now that youre getting the chance to experience it for yourself, youre realizing just how much of a turn-on it is to you, Bobby said, using his paws to help pull himself in further.

I... ahh... think youre right about that, but... the way Im feeling right now, Im almost ready to cum, the weasel told him.

Good. Then itll be easier for me to slide in, Bobby said. Im not going to be able to get too much further in on my own. Thankfully, the magic here will help with that too.

D... Dont stop, Bobby... Im real close, Duke moaned, sending more precum over the porcupine.

Dont plan to, Bobby told him. Just as he was about to lose his ability to pull himself in on his own, the porcupine unintentionally rubbed his head against the inside of Dukes dick.

Aah! The weasel lost it at that point. Twitching and moaning out loud, Bobby found himself getting hit with a flood of weasel cum, which had fully coated everything that was currently inside of Duke at that moment.

When Dukes orgasm had subsided, Bobby spoke up. Feeling okay out there, Duke?

That... felt... amazing, Duke said, panting between words. It took several seconds of him catching his breath before he could speak again. Youre not gonna stop just because I came, are you?

No chance, Duke. Im not stopping until Im inside. I want you to get the full experience, Bobby told him. With Dukes inner walls and his body covered in cum now, he had to mostly rely on the magic to slowly pull him in, but this also meant he could add to the stimulation by squirming, which he started doing immediately.

Aah... Wh... what are you doing?

I told you... giving you the full experience, Bobby said as his chest slowly sank into the weasel. He squirmed more as it did, with Dukes cock slit widening to take in the porcupines gut.

The weasel murred as he felt his cock stretch more. Mff... Gonna be a... ahh... tight fit...

Maybe, Bobby remarked as he continued to squirm, getting his with another splash of pre as he did. Thats the way you want it, though, isnt it?

Y... yeah... Feels good, Duke stammered out as his dick tugged the porcupine inside further.

Bobby snickered a bit, brushing along Dukes insides as best he could. By the way...

Mmm?

Mahalo for letting me do this, the porcupine said as he felt more of his belly being pulled into the weasels dick. Its gonna probably sound a little perverted, but as much as I like vore in general, being inside someones dick, for some reason, is what I enjoy most.

Mmmrrf, Duke groaned, feeling the porcupine slip in further. I feel like... aah... I should be the one thanking you. You could have just left me sitting in the lobby in a foul mood. You didnt.

Bobby squirmed a little more as the rest of his belly finally sank into Dukes penis. To be one hundred percent honest with you, Duke, when I saw how upset you looked, I just... couldnt let that go. I wanted to cheer you up.

Well... while I still dont understand your logic, Im... glad you did. His cock twitched again, shooting another jet of precum over Bobby. Im getting close again...

Bobby snickered again. Really? I hadnt noticed. He brushed his quills against the weasels insides slowly.

B...Bobby... I... I... Ahh! Duke moaned out loudly as his cock shot another load all over Bobby, with there being so much it seeped out around the porcupine.

There ya go... And Im almost inside too. Just a little further and I think Ill be able to pull my legs in, Bobby told the weasel.

Duke was silent for several seconds, trying to catch his breath. That one... felt even better than the first one did.

Not surprising, given how much Ive been stimulating you from the inside, Bobby replied. Are you okay to keep going?

Just... just give me... a minute, the weasel said, panting heavily.

Alright, Bobby remarked with a chuckle. Got another question for you.

Shoot.

This question is probably gonna sound a bit weird, but whats the best gift youve ever received, Bobby asked.

Once he caught his breath, the weasel replied. May I ask why?

Ill tell you why after you answer, I promise. This is important.

Duke went quiet for several moments. If I share this with you, it stays between us, alright?

Bobby immediately responded as soon as those words came from Dukes muzzle. Its from someone you met only recently, and that someone is the reason youve started trying to change, right?

Duke went wide-eyed. How did you...

You mentioned your family left years ago. I'm guessing that your family abandoning you became part of the reason you used to behave the way you did.

Thats... pretty accurate, yeah.

I dont want to wreck the mood, so lets keep this positive. What was the gift and who gave it to you? I promise I wont tell anyone, Bobby told him.

Its... kinda hard to explain, but the gift... It wasnt physical, and it wasnt specifically given to me. It was the ability to talk to someone that I could benefit from, should I ever choose to.

Go on, Bobby replied.

Id been made aware of this fur about five years ago. It was someone who loved making new friends and helping them out with their problems. They would make those friends feel loved and cared about both physically and emotionally. For the longest time, I thought it was a joke, but then I started seeing it for myself, and... well, I thought that if I was going to try to be this furs friend, I needed to at least try to be a good guy, so... I started trying to do things that were more productive than conning others. It took a while to break the habit, but its been a little over a year now... He sighed. Anyway, I started visiting the place I knew this fur went to, but my nature of not wanting to trust people kept me from trying to interact with this fur...

Bobby cut him off. Until that fur walked up to you today and refused to leave... Duke... youre... youre talking about me, arent you?

Duke responded almost immediately. Yeah... Yeah, I am.

Duke... Am I really the reason you started trying to change?

Youre a large part of it, Duke told him.

Now Im even more glad I chose to come and talk to you. By the way, when I said it was important... The reason was that I wanted to see what things in your life that youve found were worth remembering.

Well, I guess now you know I consider you worth remembering, Duke replied.

That means a lot to me. Now... where were we?

I think you... Aaah, Dukes words were cut short as he felt the porcupine brush against his insides once more. Mrrr.

Feeling himself getting pulled in again, the porcupine squirmed and brushed against Dukes insides, making the weasel moan even louder. As it finally reached the point Bobby felt he could pull his legs inside, he did exactly that, being coated by another jet of precum as a result. Once his entire body was safely tucked inside the weasel, he spoke. Mmm... nice and warm.

Dukes only reply was another moan, which got louder as he felt Bobby squirming again.

Mmm... By the way... once I get you riled up enough that you shoot me out with your load, Ive got another gift Im gonna give you... Something that Im positive youre going to love, Bobby told the weasel as he squirmed more.

Mmmrff... another one? Duke moaned, his cock oozing precum again.

Mmhmm... Not gonna tell you what it is though. Youre just gonna have to be surprised, Bobby told him as he squirmed even more.

B... Bobby... Im...

Shhh... Bobby squirmed more, brushing his paws along the weasels dick too.

A... aa... aaah! Duke moaned out loud as his whole body shook.

Bobby felt a rush of cum hit him faster and in greater volume than the weasels previous loads. He did nothing to stop Dukes load from pushing him out, and he quickly found himself lying on the floor, covered in Dukes cum.

Duke couldnt help snickering, amidst trying to catch his breath. You... look hilarious, Spiky.

Bobby chuckled too. I imagine I do since Im laying here covered in weasel spunk. Help me up?

Duke nodded and offered his paw to the porcupine, lifting him to his feet. Did you need some help cleaning up?

Bobby chuckled. Nah. The magic will take care of it when we leave. Id take a shower, but I dont wanna keep the others waiting too much longer.

Uhh... okay...

First things first though. Relax for me, okay? Give yourself a minute to fully recuperate from that orgasm you just had.

Duke just nodded. He stood there, taking a couple of breaths and letting his body relax. As he did, his cock began to shrink back to its normal size.

It wasnt until about a minute later that Bobby spoke again. There... Now I can give you your gift.

Uhh... you have me confused at this point, but Im ready for whatever it is, Duke told him.

Are you sure about that, Bobby asked with a smirk.

Yes, the weasel replied with a questioning tone.

Alright... Duke, I want to do something, but I dont wanna tell you what exactly it is just yet. Do you trust me?

Duke raised a brow at him. You were just in my dick, Spiky. What do you think?

Bobby persisted. Yes or no, Duke. Do you trust me?

Duke rolled his eyes. Yeah, Bobby. I do. I trust you.

With that, Bobby reached over and started rubbing Dukes sheath gently.

Wh... what are you doing now, Duke asked.

Bobby snickered but didnt reply. He just continued rubbing Dukes sheath. After a few seconds, he used his other paw and started rubbing Dukes sac as well.

After several moments, Duke got a curious look on his face. Hey, Bobby... Thats starting to feel kinda... weird.

Bobby still didnt reply, but he was now smiling. He kept the rubbing up for a couple more seconds until he felt something. It was only then that he pulled his paws away. There...

What was that about, Duke asked.

Look for yourself, Bobby told him.

Duke looked down, noticing his sheath was swollen. Youve got me turned on again. Was that your goal?

Mmm, sort of... maybe you should take care of it, Bobby replied.

Duke raised a brow, confused by Bobbys odd comment, but reached down with his paw to stroke his sheath a bit. As soon as he did, he immediately caught onto what had happened. Bobby... wh... what did you....

Happy birthday, Duke, was all Bobby said.

Duke continued to stroke his sheath, and he found that, instead of one, two cocks slid free of it. Stunned by this, he reached with his other paw, so that he could take one in each and gently stroked them both, moaning heavily when he did. Ohhh...

I take it you like your gift, the porcupine asked.

Duke stopped stroking himself to turn to Bobby. I... I didnt think the magic here could do something like this.

If you had tried to do that to yourself, it wouldnt have worked, Bobby told him. There are certain restrictions Tidus and Theo have placed on this place. You can only use the magic if its done as something that gives someone other than just yourself pleasure or happiness. Its why the whole vore thing works in the first place. Furs engaging in vore here can make the changes to their own body only if it isnt just them that gets pleasure out of it. Since the person being vored enjoys it too, that isnt an issue.

I get that, but you didnt use it on yourself. You used it on me, Duke replied.

Bobby reached down to grope himself, letting his fox dick slide free of his sheath. You can use the magic to change others as long as they consent to it, and its something they want. Thats why I asked if you trusted me first. If you had said no or said you wanted me to stop, I would not have attempted anything, because the magic wouldnt have worked anyway.

What made you so sure I wanted this, Duke asked, pointing to his two dicks.

To be honest, I didnt know that for sure. Being someone who loves vore the same way I do, though, I figured that if I did anything, doing something with your dick would be what youd find most enjoyable. I just made it so the magic granted whatever your biggest sexual desire was.

Well... truth be told, Ive had a lot of fantasies run through my head about having two dicks, Duke rubbed his neck. Kinda weird, I know.

Duke, Im a porcupine with a fox dick. Im not going to judge you for what you like. If I thought it would be something that would make me feel weird, do you think I would have made it happen? Besides, I think you look pretty hot like that. Bobby smiled, reached over, and groped both of the weasels cocks.

Duke shivered when he did. Th... thanks. He then started bucking into Bobbys paws.

Youre welcome, the porcupine replied as he started to stroke the weasel again. He only did this for a few moments before stopping. Before Duke had a chance to question it, Bobby bent over the bed, looking over his shoulder with a grin.

Duke grinned as well and came up behind Bobby, carefully lining himself up. Ready?

Have at it, Bobby told him.

Duke nodded and pushed forward. Both his cocks pushed against Bobbys tailhole before slipping inside. Mmffff... Wow, thats tight...

Bobby moaned. Well, you ARE shoving two dicks inside me.

R... Right. Duke took hold of Bobbys sides, slowly pushing his cocks inside the porcupine, a little at a time.

Hey, Duke?

Amidst another moan, the weasel spoke. Huh?

Shove them in. I wont get hurt, Bobby told him.

Heh, alright then. Duke rubbed Bobbys sides for a moment before thrusting forward, pushing both in as deep as he could. When he had, Duke found the quick stimulation to be too much, and he shot deep within the porcupines butt. Ahhh!

Mmmm... There ya go. How do you feel now, Bobby asked.

Do you... even have to ask, Duke responded with a smirk while trying to catch his breath. He flopped on top of Bobby at that point.

I suppose not.

The weasel replied. He went quiet after that but didnt pull himself free. It was a couple of minutes before he spoke again. Hey, Bobby?

Hm?

What you said before... about liking me even despite my reputation because you prefer to make your own opinion based on what you see... Does that mean if I had approached you back when I first learned you were visiting this place, you wouldnt have turned me away?

Thats exactly what it means, Duke, Bobby told him. I may have been sad to have heard that you spent a lot of time conning people, but the fact remained that I had not personally seen proof of that being true. I wouldnt have judged you based on something that I didnt see any proof of.

There was no response from the weasel at first, but, seconds later, Bobby felt what he was sure was Duke kissing the back of his head.

Duke?

Hush, Spiky. Dont ruin this moment for me, Duke replied, as he nuzzled him from behind.

Bobby fell silent, reaching back behind him and rubbing along Dukes side.

Duke said nothing more. He stayed there, still buried within Bobby, but made no further attempt to hump him. Instead, he rubbed the fat porcupines sides lightly for several minutes before eventually pulling out of him and rolling off him. Once Bobby and readjusted to face him, Duke spoke again. I can see why everyone likes you so much. You really are a great guy.

I just treat people the same way I want to be treated, Bobby told him. And, honestly, I had been looking for a reason to spend time with you. Ive made so many friends out of the residents from the other side of the Zoo, and, when I saw you, I felt like it was a chance to make a new friend.

Its nice to know I finally have one, Duke responded.

Id be willing to bet you have more than one, Duke. Join me for the rest of my birthday party, and youll see for yourself.

Duke was quiet for several moments before he finally spoke. Alright, Bobby. Ill join you. It would be nice to find out Ive been wrong about thinking I had no friends.

Good, Bobby smiled as he and Duke began getting dressed. And one more thing...

Hm?

Bobby pointed to Dukes crotch. As long as you leave the Zoo still wanting that intact, itll stay that way permanently, just like with the changes that were made with me.

Figured as much, Duke said with a laugh as he walked over to the door and opened it. Cmon. Im sure everyones wondering where youve gone.

Im sure Gid let everyone know I was with you, but we should get out there anyway, I agree. Bobby followed Duke out, pulling the door shut behind him.

The two of them made their way out to the lobby to see everyone still together chatting.

Bobby had Duke follow him over to where he saw his dad and tapped him on the shoulder from behind.

Sam turned around. Ah! There you are. Is everything alright, Bobby?

Everything is just fine, Dad, Bobby said with a smile, stepping aside to show Duke behind him.

Good morning, Duke, Sam said with a smile.

Duke raised a brow and turned to Bobby, who just mouthed say something. He then turned back to Sam Uhh... Good morning.

Sam laughed. Will you be joining us for cake and ice cream?

Yeah, I think so. I mean, if thats alright with you all, Duke replied.

Of course it is. After all, Bobbys not the only one with a birthday today, is he?

Dukes jaw dropped when he was asked that question. You know its my birthday? How?

I told him, came Azaans voice.

Duke turned to see Chief Bogo looking in his direction. For a brief moment, he looked uneasy, until the cape buffalo gestured toward a nearby table. On it was a large box in white wrapping paper. Duke looked at it then looked back to Azaan quizzically, which was met with a simple nod.

Go on, Bobby told him. Looks like that ones yours.

Duke walked over and sat down. He then unwrapped the box. After that, he carefully opened the large box and looked inside.

Within the box were several smaller items. Among them were a couple of DVDs and a shirt with a weasel on it, among many other things. One thing stood out among them, and, when Duke spotted it, he reached in and carefully pulled it out. He was now holding a small video camera. He turned to Azaan with a surprised look on his face.

The gifts in that box are from a few others here, but that camera is from me and Ben, Azaan told him.

But... why?

I thought perhaps you might enjoy making your own videos for a change, he said.

What I mean is... why would you do that for me? I was a major pain in your side for years, Duke said as he carefully put the camera down.

Yes, but youve been working on changing that, and, believe it or not, many of us, myself included, have seen that, Bogo told him.

Yeah, but...

Bobby looked at him. Duke, just say thank you.

Duke looked at Bobby, then the camera, then Azaan. Thanks.

Youre welcome. Now, I believe our friends would like to get to the cake and ice cream, Azaan remarked, gesturing toward Larry and Gary, who were wheeling over a large cake.

As the cake was wheeled over, Duke couldnt help looking at it, and, when he did, he got another surprise. Written on the cake were the words Happy birthday Duke and Bobby, but it was written in a way that made it impossible for his name to have just been added at the last minute.

Bobby saw the look on Dukes face then saw the cake. He looked at Duke again. Told you.

You were right... I just... I dont know what to say.

Larry looked at him. Since we knew you were here this year, because Bobby had gone to talk with you, we wrote your name on the cake with Bobbys. Wed have done that for you every year, if you had chosen to come by on your birthday.

That means a lot, Duke said, still wearing the stunned expression on his face. He turned to the others in the group. So... none of you minds me being here?

Mister Big spoke up. If we did, we would not have allowed you to be.

And we definitely wouldnt have gotten you any gifts, Emmitt told him.

But how were you all even able to come up with gifts for me on such short notice, Duke asked. You didnt even know Id be here today.

Duke, did you forget where you are, Bobby asked him. The gifts were likely made using magic, with everyone trying to think of something they thought youd like. They probably did it while we were back in your room.

Thats right, Gideon told him. None of us knew what exactly ta give ya, but we wanted ta at least give ya somethin.

This is turning out to be the best birthday Ive ever had, the weasel remarked.

Good, Larry said with a grin. Now... Are you ready for some cake and ice cream?

Bring it on, both Duke and Bobby said in unison.

The cake was then wheeled over to the two of them, with Gary offering a knife to cut the first slice.

Bobby looked to Duke. Go ahead and cut it, Duke.

Duke nodded, took the knife, and cut the first piece of cake then, doing so with a smile on his face.

When it finally came time to wrap things up several hours later, Duke stood up, clearing his throat, which got everyones attention. I have to be honest. Today ended much better than I expected it to. Learning that you guys went out of your way to include me in things today meant more to me than I think I can ever put into words. Im not good at this emotional stuff, but I just want to say thank you. I appreciate it.

Hey, Duke, Bobby looked at him.

Yeah, Duke turned to look to his porcupine friend.

You live alone, right?

Duke raised a brow at the question. Yeah?

Well... youre not gonna be alone tonight, the porcupine told him. Id like you to come to stay at my place.

Duke went quiet for a moment but then shook his head. Sorry, Bobby, but no.

Why not?

Because... I want you to stay at mine, the weasel replied.

It was Bobbys turn to fall silent. After a few seconds, though, he nodded. Alright, Duke. Ill take you up on that.

Sam looked at him. Would you like to at least come to our place for dinner tonight, Duke? Bobby can get his things for the night, then head back with you afterward.

Yeah, sure. Why not? Saves me the trouble of cooking, the weasel said with a smirk.

Tidus looked at the two of them. You guys go on then. Im sticking around the Zoo for a while anyway. Ive got a few things I need to do.

As goodbyes were said, Duke, Bobby and Sam headed back to Huntington, bringing Bobbys gifts with them, so they could drop them off. Rather than preparing the dinner he normally made for Bobbys birthday, he made one of Dukes favorite meals instead, at Bobbys insistence. After the meal and having spent a little bit of time talking together, Bobby and Duke made their way back through the Zoo once more, collecting Dukes gifts and saying good night to Tidus as they did.

When Bobby arrived at Dukes home, he watched a movie with him before the two of them headed to Dukes bedroom. He was surprised to see a king-size bed in the room, but didnt seem surprised at all by the fact Duke specifically stated he wanted the porcupine to sleep with him. With no argument whatsoever, Bobby climbed into the bed with Duke after the two stripped down.

Hey, Bobby?

Yeah?

Duke smiled. I know Ive said it several times... but thank you. I dont think Ive ever felt as happy as I do right now.

Ill say it as many times as I need to, Duke. Youre welcome. You were right. Normally, Im not that forceful, but something just told me not to walk away. Im glad I listened to my gut, Bobby replied.

Well, I mean, it is a pretty big gut. Awfully hard to ignore, Duke said with a smirk.

Bobby snickered before letting out a yawn. Right. Anyway, good night, my friend. Rest well.

Good night, Bobby.

The two of them fell asleep pretty quickly after that.

The following morning, when Bobby woke up, he noticed Duke was no longer in the bed beside him. Sitting up and stretching, he looked around a moment before getting to his feet. He made his way into the living room area of Dukes home to find the weasel there, fully dressed.

Hey, Spiky. About time, Duke grinned.

Heh, sorry. That bed of yours is cozy, Bobby laughed.

Yeah, it is. Anyway, I was going to offer to make you some breakfast, but I got a call from Theo over at the Zoo. He said theres someone there that wants to talk to you about something.

Oh! Uhhh... Why didnt you wake me up?

After what you did for me yesterday, I didnt want to disturb you. I told him to tell whoever it was that youd head there as soon as you were awake and ready.

Is it okay if I take a quick shower, Bobby asked.

Yeah, sure. First door on the left if you go back down that hallway you just came from.

Bobby nodded and headed for the bathroom after gathering up some clean clothes. Around ten minutes later, he came out, clean and fully dressed. Im ready to go now. Did Theo happen to say who it was that needed to talk to me?

Duke facepalmed. I didnt think to ask.

No big deal. I can ask when I get there. Are you gonna come too?

Duke shook his head. I cant. Ive got some stuff I need to take care of. Grocery shopping for one. Thats another reason Im glad your dad offered to make dinner for us last night.

Bobby nodded. He then walked over and hugged the weasel. Alright. See you later?

Yeah, Im sure you will, Duke said as he hugged back. Go on.

Bobby nodded and left then, making his way to the Zootopian entrance to the Zoo, which sat in the middle of a huge grass and flower-covered field. As he stepped onto the field, the familiar breeze passed over him. Once he stepped inside, he spotted Theo immediately and waved. Aloha, Theo!

Ah! There you are! Good morning. Did you sleep well, the horse asked.

I did. He walked over to the horse and hugged him. Duke said someone came by that wanted to talk to me, so I came over as soon as I got cleaned up. Who is it?

Its someone from the ZNN actually, Theo told him.

Bobby raised a brow at that. Someone from the Zootopia News Network... wants to talk to me?!

Mhm. He didnt say what it was about, but he showed up asking for you specifically.

Who is it, Bobby asked.

Hes one of the reporters that does the broadcasting for overseas viewers. Michael Tanuyama.

Bobbys jaw dropped hearing that name. No way...

Mhm, Theo nodded. I take it youre familiar with him?

Y... Yeah, I am... Bobby grew silent and blushed.

Theo just snickered. I see... Well, it sounds like youre going to have an interesting conversation, then. Go on. Since you know what he looks like, you should have no trouble finding him.

Still blushing, Bobby nodded and made his way to the lobby. He looked around, spotting only a couple of his friends there. He briefly stopped to say hi to them before making his way over to where he had spotted the raccoon dog sitting at a table sipping on something in a mug. After composing himself, he spoke up. Konnichiwa, Tanuyama-san.

Having heard the porcupines voice, the tanuki set his mug down and turned to face him. Ah! Bobby! Please, have a seat. He gestured to the other chair at the table. And please, dont trouble yourself with honorifics. As often as youre here, Im sure you know this is a place to just relax. You are welcome to address me as Michael.

Bobby nodded and took a seat. Understood. I just didnt wish to seem disrespectful, as this is the first time weve met.

The tanuki nodded. Thats very kind of you.

I was told you wanted to speak to me about something. What can I do for you, Bobby asked.

There are a couple of things I wished to talk to you about.

Oh? By all means, right ahead.

Michael nodded. Youve been coming to this place for roughly five years now, correct?

Thats right.

What would you say is the main reason you tried so hard to make and maintain the friendships youve made here, despite the age difference?

Bobby smiled. Honestly? Its because I just love to make new friends. A furs age has never stopped me from trying to be nice to people. Theres no reason it should. It gets said a lot, but its true. Age is just a number. Were all still the same inside, and everyone deserves to have a friend. Besides, if people are nice to me, I see no reason I shouldnt be nice right back to them.

The elder fur smiled. A good point. Whats been your favorite thing about this place?

Well, aside from the fact it allows us to engage in certain shared interests that would otherwise be impossible, Id probably say its the fact things are so relaxing here. Ive had days where Ive come by over the years just to chat with my friends here in the lobby. And even when they arent around, there are plenty of books to read. I love reading, and its easy to get lost in a book here, because its so peaceful.

Michael nodded. From what Ive overheard, many of the furs here have a lot of nice things to say about you as well. It seems youre someone they know they can count on if they have something they need help with or if something is troubling them.

I enjoy helping people. I think part of that comes from my dad. Hes a therapist, and, while I dont think Ill end up becoming one myself, I did learn a lot about helping people through him, Bobby told the raccoon dog.

Michael smiled at that. That leads me to my next question. Do you think you have time to help me with something as well?

Of course, Michael. What can I do for you?

I suppose I should start with what I imagine will be the easiest part, the tanuki replied. Could I get a hug?

Bobby smiled and stood. Hugs are something Im always willing to give.

Michael stood as well and walked over to Bobby, who wrapped his paws around him, briefly hugging him before letting go. Thank you.

Youre welcome, Bobby said with a smile. I have a question Id like to ask, if I may.

Please do, Michael told him.

Would it be correct to assume that, although your last name is Japanese, youve not spent much time there yourself, the porcupine asked.

The tanuki chuckled. Picked up on that, did you?

Bobby nodded. Between telling me to drop the honorifics right away, directly asking for a hug despite just meeting me, and not using any Japanese since we first interacted, I assumed it was the case.

Youre correct. Ive been there a few times with my family, but Ive lived most of my life in Zootopia. I know a lot of the language and culture because my parents came from there, and I learned a great deal from them, but, outside of being at home or when Im doing the international broadcasts for the ZNN, I prefer using English.

Ive always loved the Japanese language. Its my favorite foreign language.

Oh, really, Michael smiled.

Mhm. I love how it sounds. I even taught myself how to sing a few different songs in Japanese because of it. Im no expert on the language, though. Outside of those songs, I only know a few phrases.

Nothing wrong with that. At least youre learning, Michael replied.

Mhm. Anyway... Was there anything else you wanted help with, Michael?

There is, in fact. Michaels attention turned toward one of the nearby couches.

Bobbys eyes followed Michaels gaze, and, when they settled on the couch nearby, he looked to the tanuki once more. Want to move somewhere more comfortable?

Yes... I believe so, the tanuki told him.

The two of them walked over to the couch nearby and sat down.

Bobby then looked at Michael once more. Better?

Getting better, yes.

Bobby snickered and scooted himself closer to the raccoon dog. May I?

Only if youre doing so because you want to, Michael replied.

I wouldnt have asked if I didnt want to, Bobby said. He put an arm around the tanuki and nuzzled into his side. Is this alright?

Yes. Yes, its fine, Micheal told him. Thank you.

Hey, Michael?

Yes, Bobby?

Bobby nuzzled him again. If you had wanted to cuddle right from the start, all you had to do was ask.