*9 years ago- Late Spring/Early Summer 

“Your form sucks.” The comment made the red wolf lose focus and fall down, again. Rolling his eyes, Zero remarked, “I never met anyone who was so terrible at learning self-defense.”

Ever since the festival, the two boys had been going out every day. Though there wasn’t any forestry around, there was a nearby lake outside the town and a few patches of trees that surrounded the body of water, so Zero decided that would be a great place to train. Only, Gadget was a very slow learner.

“Sorry,” The wolf mumbled, “I’m better at using my brain than my body for stuff I guess.”

Hearing those quiet words, Zero let out an exhale before walking over to his fallen friend and offered a hand. 

“Here.”

Seeing it, Gadget took it without a word and got to his feet. Once standing, the jackal didn’t let go of his hand. Red ears twitched in question.

“Let’s take a break for the rest of the day. You’ve been working hard.”

“But…!”

A hand covered the wolf’s lips as Zero gave a slight glare. “When it comes to learning self-defense, I know I give you a lot of shit cause you suck at it, but you’re trying really hard. Breaks are important when learning anything with the body; whether it be fighting, workouts, sports, etc. Breaks are necessary, so shut up and take one.”

“Okay…” Gadget hesitantly agreed once the hand was removed from his face, “So, what do you want to do then?”

“Hm…” the jackal hummed in thought, “Well, what kind of free stuff can we do around here? It’s not like we have money.”

“There’s a saying that goes, ‘money doesn’t grow on trees’, which is unfortunate. I wish it did.”

“Well duh, money is made from the trees, not growing on them. Who made that up?”

“I dunno. I hear the staff say it sometimes if anyone at the orphanage asks for anything other than what they’ve been given.”

“Stupid adults.” Gadget giggled at that, the sound making Zero blush a bit. It sounded really...cute. Trying to brush off the weird feelings, he continued. “Is there anything cool around here to do? Or something at least free?”

Humming in thought, the wolf brainstormed quickly on what could be done in town that didn’t required money. “Let’s see, there’s the local museum where there’s no entry fee on Tuesdays.”

“Only on Tuesdays?”

“Yeah.”

“Why?”

“I guess since kids are in school. There would be no point in making the free day Saturday when more money would be lost than on a Tuesday.”

Zero sighed, “And you’re still in school so we can’t go until your summer break.”

“I think they charge on Tuesdays during the summer.”

“$@#&#$@#@!!!”

Gadget didn’t understand a word Zero just said, but he was pretty sure it was vulgar. Ignoring it, he continued onto the next thing. “There’s the docks and beach we can go to.”

“True I guess.” Zero shrugged, seeming bored with the suggestion.

Gadget then had a good idea, one he thought his friend might like for sure. “How about the old, abandoned warehouse?”

“Abandoned warehouse?”

Nodding enthusiastically, the wolf boy continued, “Yeah, there’s a large warehouse by the docks that was used back when the town first started. It got in really rough shape so they quit using it about ten years ago. There’s around four or five floors I think. I haven’t been inside it myself, but I’ve heard others talk about exploring it.”

“Heh,” Zero had an evil look that suddenly made Gadget feel nervous. “Yeah, we should go, but not now.”

?

“We’ll go tonight when it’s dark.”

A slight paleness arose on the wolf’s cheeks. “At night?”

“Of course! You can’t go explore an old warehouse like that unless it’s nighttime.”

Frozen in fear, Gadget turned his head away from his friend. It didn’t go unnoticed, and the jackal boy crept closer.

“The perfect atmosphere for a chilly dark night in a warehouse that’s old, murky, and smells mixed of salty air and mold. It’s creepy without the night, but, it enhances the experience,” Gadget still seemed to be ignoring him to his best ability, not aware that Zero was right next to him. Leaning close to his ear, he spoke. 

“Boo!”

“Gaaaaah!!!”

“Hahaha!!!!” Zero laughed hysterically at Gadget’s scream, earning himself a narrowed stare from the wolf, which made it all the better. “You should’ve seen your face! It was priceless!”

Still laughing, he hadn’t noticed the determination in Gadget’s eyes, and didn’t expect the pounce that came after, pinning Zero to the ground while Gadget’s white teeth sparkled from his large, victorious grin.

“Got you!”

White muzzle heated as Zero’s face turned completely red. He couldn’t believe that Gadget got him, and more so, how much he liked it. Something about the unexpected attack, and being held down… Sure, he’d been beaten and pinned to the ground when training with his pack, but he never thought anything of it then. Now…

“Zero?” Gadget questioned, catching the jackal’s attention. “Are you okay? You went so quiet.”

Concern was embedded in those golden eyes; Zero felt like he could gaze into them all day and be content, and yet, he wanted more. Wanted more of what? He didn’t know. His friend was still leaning over him, unaware of what was on Zero’s mind, worry present in his features from the lingering silence.

More. Zero wanted more. More of, Gadget? Him on top like this, giving those wide smiles, those smart remarks, those cute giggles, those observing eyes… 

His pants began to feel uncomfortable. Realizing this, Zero pushed Gadget off as he bent his legs to hide the unsuspecting bulge and turned his face away in shame.

“Zero? What’s wrong?” Gadget tried again.

“Nothing, I just…” he hesitated, “Feel weird.”

“Feel weird?”

Not wanting to answer, the jackal stood up. “Let’s head back.”

“...Okay.”

———-

Afternoon soon turned to night. Things were a bit awkward during the day between the two boys as Zero kept to himself, seemingly in deep thought. Gadget tried to offer games and food he smuggled secretly the day before, but nothing coaxed the jackal into wanting interaction. The red wolf couldn’t help but wonder what he’d done wrong.

When the sky began to turn dark, the boy with glasses probed his friend to find out if they were going out to the warehouse, despite how much he didn’t want to. But Gadget felt that if he was with Zero, then everything would be fine. 

After some thought, the jackal decided they should still go. Though scared, the wolf was happy that Zero wasn’t completely ignoring him, and hoped to find out and fix whatever he’d done to upset him tonight.

The two snuck out through the window and trotted across town. It was a bit dark out as only a quarter of the moon was visible to the eye, making Gadget subconsciously huddled by Zero. Noticing the closeness, the jackal’s face heated up, but he didn’t push the other away as before; secretly enjoying the feel of the wolf by his side.

They made it to the docks in no time. Without thinking, Gadget took one of Zero’s hands and led them down the pier to the old building. Feeling that hand in his own, gave a sense of peace to Zero. It seemed to happen to him every time they held hands; fingers loosely wrapped around Gadget’s hand in return. This made the crimson teen smile.

They finally made it to the building. There seemed to be no way in at first, but then heterochromia orbs caught sight of a side door that was slightly ajar, allowing them entrance into the warehouse.

“Wow,” Zero whistled, “This place looks like crap.”

Sparkles filled Gadget’s eyes. “This place is AMAZING!”

Shoes clicked as the wolf ran throughout the room, observing the desolate machines, and traveling through the thick layers of dust that coated every inch of that bottom floor. Glasses, clothes, red fur, every part of him became covered in dust. Zero snickered at the sight.

“Nice new look.”

“Huh?” Gadget asked before bumping into a machine.

Shaking his head, the jackal walked over before taking off his glasses and began to clean them with his shirt. 

“Goofball.”

A silly, lopsided grin was made that caused Zero to smile at him with endearment, despite that Gadget couldn’t see it. With the lenses removed, it was easier to see those amber eyes than when on. They seemed to have a certain shine to them. And that scar over one eye… Zero found himself staring while feeling a strange heat in his belly, just as he had before when they trained by the lake.

“Here.” The glasses were handed back to their owner and were slipped on his face.

“Much better!” Gadget chirped, “Thanks Zero!”

The grin suddenly faded as the wolf noticed his friend with a far off look and that he was unusually quiet. Silence was not a trait the jackal held most times if he was being spoken to, but this happened before and now was happening again. Unsure of what to do, a gloved hand reached up and brushed a white cheek.

“Zero?”

Feeling the touch, he flinched and jumped back, also causing Gadget to jolt in shock. Standing further away, and so abruptly, the wolf felt a sting in his chest.

“...Did I do something wrong?”

Panic flashed across Zero’s muzzle as he shouted, “No! You didn’t!”

“Then why are you running away from me?”

Why was he running away? These feelings, he kept feeling strange. He was so confused. Zero didn’t want to be away, he wanted to be closer.

“I’m afraid.”

“Huh? What are you scared of?”

...Zero knew the answer. He was afraid of his feelings, afraid of the unknown, afraid of these desires he didn’t understand, afraid he was going to scare Gadget away. The things he suddenly felt like doing to him, what he wanted to do with him, it was so strongly pulsating through his body. He was afraid…

“Of myself.”

“What do you mean?” 

The red wolf took a step closer. The two were currently not that far apart, for Zero hadn’t put much space between them unintentionally. Seeing the shortened span, those fierce eyes scowled, causing Gadget to pause and gulp in nervousness. 

“Don’t come any closer,” Zero warned.

“Why?”

“Because I don’t know what I’ll do to you if you do.”

The words sounded odd, but somehow, they didn’t feel like a threat. Gadget wasn’t sure what he meant, but he was determined. He finally made a friend, a true friend, after so long of being alone at the orphanage. He wasn’t going to lose Zero that easily.

Another step was taken.

“I’m serious!” Was snarled out, but the jackal hadn’t budged from his spot; hoping, almost begging, for the wolf to come to him.

And he did.

Gadget took the last few steps and stood directly in front of Zero. Those blue and yellow spheres stared intensely at him, surveying him up and down. Not sure what to think, the boy in glasses just stayed still as he was being examined with those questioning eyes.

“You sure you want to do this?”

That comment confused Gadget. “I’m not sure what you’re referring to, but if it means you’ll tell me what’s bothering you, then yes.”

A wicked grin formed on Zero’s lips, and it made Gadget worry a bit, but he trusted him. His hand was grabbed as the jackal led them into a small room, most likely a closet. Once inside and the door was closed, Gadget was roughly shoved against one of the walls.

“Z-Zero?”

“I won’t tell you what’s wrong,” Zero stated matter-a-factly before slipping a hand behind Gadget’s neck, “I’ll show you.” 

Before anything could be asked or spoken, Gadget felt lips on his own; Zero’s lips. It was a sensation he’d never felt before. It was like a small heat traveled through his veins, and his body felt weightless. The kiss was deep, and caused weakness in Gadget’s knees as he feebly clinged to Zero.

Smirking, Zero backed away for breath to see Gadget’s cheeks red as a cherry. It was cute. He couldn’t handle it. He wanted more. His black furred body leaned heavily into Gadget’s form, causing the little wolf to shudder from the warmth and closeness. A shaky sigh slipped past tan lips as those yellow orbs were half lidded.

“...Zero…”

Oh. That look, that tone, that voice. White lips leaned in by one of those fluffy red ears.

“I just want to keep looking at you, listening to you, feeling you. Everything, I want it all.”

His tongue darted out as it licked the outer shell, sluggishly exploring every inch.

“Z-Zero, ah!”

Pointed teeth nibbled gently on one of the sides of his ear. A deep groan accompanied the attention, causing Zero to shiver now in delight. Without realizing, his groin began to move alongside one of Gadget’s legs. Feeling the bulge, the wolf couldn’t help his own hard-on that began to form.

It didn’t help matters when Zero made his way to Gadget’s neck and playfully bit and sucked on the tender skin and fur. The new sensations on his neck caused Gadget to grip tightly into the other’s shirt and pulled him closer.

The jackal’s gloved hands lightly gripped the other male’s waist. “I want to make you feel good.”
  
Sudden friction was felt along Gadget’s lower regions. Zero dragged his hips and groin up against the other’s, and the wolf boy couldn’t help the moan that escaped because of it. Smirking widely, the jackal did it again, and again. The two hard-on’s being rubbed against one another felt amazing in a way neither knew could be felt.

Gadget’s hands lifted and fiercely held Zero’s shoulders, steadying himself as he started to move right along Zero, getting into the rhythm that felt so good. A deep throated chuckle sounded as Zero pulled Gadget closer and whispered in his ear.

“Looks like someone is a naughty wolf.”

“A-Ah…”

The rhythm increased.

“I didn’t know you could be so bad,” Zero teased, “You might be cute, but you have a dark side, don’t you?”

They went faster.

“Y-yes.”

“Show me just how naughty you can be,” Zero spoke softly, but forcefully, “Come on.”

That pushed Gadget over the edge as he came inside his pants. Hearing the squishing sounds from Gadget’s cum and seeing his blissed expression as he came pushed Zero into his own orgasim; his own pants becoming wet inside. Gulps of air were being taken as they finished. 

Collapsing to the ground, both boys leaned against each other as they gasped for breath, trying to calm their bodies down from the experience they’d just shared.

“Wow,” Gadget spoke first, still breathing heavily, “That felt amazing.”

“Yeah, it did.” Zero smiled, looking absolutely exhausted.

“You look like you’re about to fall over,” the wolf teased, “We should probably get home.”

“In a few minutes,” black arms snaked their way around Gadget’s waist. “I want to stay like this, for just a little bit.”

Smiling, Gadget looped his arms around Zero’s shoulders. “Okay.”
 
The two leaned into the other, enjoying the feel of each other. Zero let out a sigh of bliss as he snuggled his face into Gadget’s neck, causing him to giggle.

“That tickles.”

“Heh,” Zero breathed out a small chuckle, “Even that is cute.”

“So, um,” the boy in glasses hesitated.

“Hm?”

“You’re not mad at me anymore, are you?”

Lifting up his head, Zero looked into Gadget’s eyes once more, never getting tired of doing it. 

“I was never mad at you,” the jackal averted his gaze, “If anything, I was angry at myself.”

“How come?”

Sighing, Zero turned back towards Gadget. “These feelings. I didn’t understand them at first. I thought I was becoming weak. Growing up, I was told never to get too close to anyone outside the pack; that it would only be a disaster. But, I couldn’t help it with you. You became my best friend.”

“And you’re my best friend too,” Gadget spoke, “Do you regret it?”

Zero shook his head, “But, after coming to that conclusion, I realized that I wanted more from you. I didn’t get it at first. I wanted to be closer than I already was, to stare at you, to touch you. It scared me. I know these are more ‘adult’ feelings, and that doesn’t bother me, but I was afraid of having them directed towards you.”

Tilting his head, the wolf asked, “What do you mean?”

“I feared that I might scare you away or something.”

“Oh!” Gadget laughed softly, “You didn’t scare me. To be honest, I was feeling the same, I just didn’t understand it, and told myself the times we slept beside one another, or when we held hands, was enough for now. At least, until I understood what I was feeling a bit more.”

“So, you don’t regret it?” Zero asked almost hesitantly.

“Nope! Not at all!” As if to prove a point, Gadget swiftly leaned in and stole Zero’s lips briefly, “I liked it. I like you.”

Eyes half lidded, Zero responded, “I like you too.” And gave a small peck to those wonderful lips.