Found Ask; Genderswap AU; Doting Over a Daughter

 

Varun: Didn't we do this? I distinctly remember discussing my interview-

Zelda: Interrogation.

Varun: *Rolls eyes* Interrogation with little Akio. Still, I've made no secret of the fact that I'm at least somewhat protective of my little princess when it comes to boys...I was their age once, I know what boys think about.

Zelda: *Quirks a brow* Do ya now?

Varun: *Blushes slightly* Well...actually I was usually thinking about sports games...or action movies to be fair...I wasn't exactly a ladies' mammal going up...

Zelda: *Flashes Varun a dubious gaze* With such roguishly handsome good looks you expect me to believe ya'll wasn't ladies choice in high-school?

Varun: looks can only get you so far...being socially awkward and...admittedly thick-witted when it came to flirting I was...let's just say for a while my parents though I might have been gay.

Zelda: He's not Mom and Dad, believe me...*Bobs her eyebrows suggestively before giggling like a schoolgirl.*

Varun: *Blushes* Mi Corizone, please.

Zelda: Alright, alright....*Chuckles* As fer me, I haven't gone to hard into the Momma wolf mode unless some strange lookin' boys cast eyes Marigold's way...generally iffin' I catch 'em lookin' her up and down like a piece of slow cooked chicken, y'all better believe I'mma scare 'em off. But with lil' Akio, he seems earnest and genuine with how he's feelin' about Mari...even if he's as socially awkward as my Big Kat here when it comes to figurin' out how he feels about Mari...

Varun: Marigold too for that matter...*Groans* I'm really not looking forward to us having to break that down for her soon...

Zelda: Us? More like me...I'm in charge o' that talk and I'm dreadin' it somethin' fierce...*Whines*

Varun:*Varun wraps his paws around Zelda, hugging her tightly* There, there my Love, we still have plenty of time with Marigold before we'll be giving her away at the altar...We must savor it...and it's not like she'd stop being our daughter once she's tithed.

Zelda: I-I know but...*whimpers*

Varun: Think about your Mother-daughter shopping days...knitting together...going to the firing range.

Zelda: *Wipes a tear from her eye.* Well to be fair, that's a family activity...*Chuckles* And she's a crack shot with a pistol...*Shakes head* Just don't tell Ma or she'll be pushin' fer her to have a law career in no time flat.

Varun: *Chuckles* Best grouping I've seen outside of Doreen. And you should see her throw a hatchet.

Zelda: *Ears droop* Y'all went hatchet throwin' without me!? *Pouts.*

Varun: *Chuckles* Apologies, Mi Corizone, but Marigold and I do need some Father-Daughter time too...we can't share every activity. Unless you want to go with us to the ostrich ranch next time because-

Zelda: *Tenses up, pulling away from her mate and looking very uncomfortable* N-Naw y'all can keep the Ostritch wranglin' to just the two of ya...*Laughs awkwardly* I'd prefer not to be anywhere near them birds iffin' the job don't require it thank ya very much.

Varun: Scared of over-sized chickens My Love?

Zelda: More like scared of their raptor claws...*Huffs*

Varun: *Chuckles* What if you had to choose between this and baseball with Mari?

Zelda: *Winces* I'd....I still pick baseball...fer Marigold's sake...But I'd be lyin' iffin' I said I didn't have to think about it fer a hot minute. *Chuckles weakly*

*And for the Doreen and Adrian Follow-up*

Doreen: I got me an inklin'...*Chuckles* I've been hearin' some thangs from the locals about Marigold bein' a crack shot with a pistol from locals who saw her at the range.

Adrian: Doreen...*He says dully, clearly not amused*

Doreen: Now, now, I ain't gonna push...at least not unless Mari shows some interest in wantin' to be an officer like lil' Lily does. I don't wanna be too pushy...the gods know I'm still gettin' shade thrown my way from Vera...

Adrian: That's because she remembers her Puphood Doreen...*Laughs* She's right to wary of y'all...

Doreen: *Shrugs* I suppose that's fair...*Laughs* I just hate seein' natural talent go to waste is all...

Adrian: Anywho, we just fell in love with Marigold the moment we met her. We was ecstatic to have her be a part o' our family. Y'all should know me by now, I don't care what kinda pelt my grandpup has, so long as they're my grandpup.

Doreen: I feel the same way, though granted I didn't express it by pullin' that gal into an almost hour-long hug.

Adrian: *Rolls eyes* It was not an hour-long...*Winces slightly. *Maybe...a little over a half hour, tops!

Doreen: *Snickers*

Found Ask, The Road to Rose

 

Vanna: There was a small part of me that wanted to be sympathetic to Zach regarding his...*Ahem* error. But that was grossly overshadowed by the fact that I was having a kitten at the time.

Zach: *Blushes, a sheepish, awkward grin crawling across his muzzle* She wouldn't talk to me fer the whole rest of the ride...Which meant Marcus was playin' messenger fer most of it to keep the air from gettin' too awkward...

Vanna: Zach would ask me if I was in pain, and I would ignore him, so he'd ask Marcus to ask me, and I'd respond 'Tell your father it doesn't hurt as much as the fact that he forgot his mate who is giving birth to his kitten back at the house as though she were a little more than luggage at an airport'

Zach: *Rubs the back of his head, clearly uneasy* Heh, y-yeah...I uh-.

Vanna: It was mostly hormones at the time if I am being honest. In retrospect I feel bad for putting Marcus through acting as our mediator...it wasn't fair to put that on him.

Zach: And fer me too? Maybe a little bit?

Vanna: *Glares at Zach* No. 

Zach: *Shrinks into his shoulders. Flashing Vanna the puppy-dog eyes.* Y-Ya don't mean that do ya Kitten?

Vanna: *Chuckles, rolling her eyes and touseling Zach's headfur.* If I meant it, I wouldn't have given up the cold shoulder once we got to the hospital Goofball...*Vanna smirks* It's impossible to stay mad at you...

Zach: *His tail starts wagging furiously, and a wide grin spreads across his muzzle* A-Aww Kitten! I love you too!

*The wolf goes in for a hug, only to get wrapped into a playful headlock by Vanna. Zach laughs and pretends to struggle as she nuzzles against the top of his head and chuffs affectionately.*

Vanna: As for Marcus worrying over holding Rose...while I couldn't exactly feel what he was feeling, I could definitely see on his face what I could feel was on my face when I was first allowed to hold Paige. 

Zach: *Struggles a bit more before Vanna finally let's him free, in response the wolf playfully swats back, chuckling as he does.* Poor pup looked like a deer in head-...*Zach pauses, scratching his muzzle.* Wait, is that offensive to say?

Vanna: *Shrugs* Perhaps, unlike Vernon getting a pass of sheep puns, you aren't dating a deer, so I don't think you have an out Goofball.

Zach: Alright...well he just went all pale and wide-eyed. *Chuckles* Prolly looked like me in the delivery room iffin' I'm honest...but at least I didn't faint like Ol' Puppy did...*Chuckles*

Vanna: *Tries to stifle a laugh while shushing Zach*  Still, once Rose was in his arms, all that fear and anxiety just melted away...he just...it was like he was in awe...

Zach: We all were at that point. Rose just got all quiet, starin' back up at Marcus with them big beautiful eyes o' hers...and everythin' was just so quiet...it's like they was connected right then and there. He was her big brother, and she his lil' sister. It was one o' them universal, inherent truths Ully is prone to talkin' about.

Vanna: When Marcus finally managed to speak...it was...*She wipes a stray tear from her eye* I was just so...*sniffles*

Zach: He just, all he said was that he promised he'd be the best big brother ever. And I...*Sniffles* I ain't ashamed to admit I was bawlin' like a newborn pup myself...

Vanna: *Sniffles* Honestly, I wasn't much better...

Zach: Though to be fair, ya was still dealin' with the hormones at the time...*Tries to chuckle through his sniffling*

Found Ask; Genswap AU; Finding Marigold

 

Yuki: Considerin' Adamo's trick laugh was kickin' up durin' the whole thang, it probably scared the girl that much more...

Adamo: Hey, c'mon Babe! Youse know I cackle when I get noivus! And what's more noive-wrackin' den dealin' with a new species...I had no idea what we was dealin' with...I was just dankful she spoke Animanglish...

Zelda: We were all...beyond surprised really...

Doreen: I think a lot of us...fer some reason had it in 'er heads that Leon was probably the last of his kind...at the very least from a species so rare we weren't gonna see in Zootopia again fer the rest of our lives...

Vera: And the fact that she was livin' out there fer weeks...like some sorta sav...*Glances and Don and sweats slightly, clearing her throat.* some sorta cavemammal save fer the clothes on her back and some meager supplies...

Mellivin: Not to distract from the emotional weight of the conversation. But yes, Undyne and I were the first to discover her...though sadly not the first to discover humans in general.

Undyne: Hey, we proved King Blackwool had a tryst with Erika Düclaw, and a hybrid of their own...so we do have one under our belt.

Yuki: What exactly were y'all doin' out there anyway...more hippy crap?

Undyne: Well, I was trying to work on my Astral projection and remote viewing. I have a stronger connection to the woods we grew up near than anywhere else and I-.

Yuki: Yeah, Hippy crap. *Rolls her eyes*

Mellvin: I was primarily there to make sure Undyne accidentally provoke any animals while communing with nature. *Holds up paw as Undyne appears about to object.* And before you say anything about being able to commune with animals on a spiritual level, remember literally every other interaction you've had with animals you're whole life. 

Vera: From Grandma Karen's crow, to the field macaques...not to mention that time we went to the Zootopia Central Zoo and that python got loose and-.

Undyne: Yes, well...all of those animals had very negative chakra. It is not my fault that our souls failed to connect in peace and understanding.

Vera: *Shakes head* Teeth to tails...

Don: *Ahem* Let's change to subject shall we? *Whispers to Vera* I think we can all agree trying to rationalize with Undyne will get you nowhere...

Winnie: Don's right you know.

Vera: *Huffs, crossing her arms*

Don: Anywho, yes, we were quite excited to hear about Marigold...although our first real...initial excitement was more surrounding the prospect of learning more about Humans to better care for our little Leon...

Vera: O'course that was a'for she ended up becomin' a Hunter...And a'fore humankind decided to make 'emselves known to all of Animalia...*Chuckles* Now were up to our ears in all the info we could ever want on Humans.

Don: But more importantly we were just delighted to see Marigold adopted to Zelda and Varun. She's such a sweetheart, and I don't think I could have picked out better parents for her myself...

Zelda: *Blushing as she waves Don off frantically* Aww, hush you!

Varun: Thank you Don. That means a lot to us. 

Don: For all she's been through, she's just such a little trooper...

Varun: She's got the heart of a tiger, and the stripes to match.

Doreen: Bold too...as yes, she did try to pose as a boy, and over eighteen. *chuckles as she lifts her sheriff's hat and scratches her scalp with a thumb.* I'll admit, it was an admirable try. She even put on her best 'deep voice' to try and pull it off...Guess she was hopin' we'd just turn her loose iffin' she was an adult.

Adrian: Well, I suppose iffin' she had managed to pull off a bold-faced lie like that one, she could pull off anythin'... *laughs*

Found Ask; Genderswap; Daughter Experience

 

Zelda: Oh it's just...it's indescribable...I just...it's like now I understand everythin' my Ma and Pa used to tell me when I was growin' up...

Varun: The stuff you used to turn your snout up at?

Zelda: *Giggles* And say, 'Havin' pups sounds gross! I never wanna have a pup!' to! *Blushes* Granted, I did get outta' havin' to carry one myself...one way er' the other...*Giggles* Or at least I thought I had...

Varun: Yes, Ryan was quite a little unexpected surprised...our own little miracle. *Chuckles*

Zelda: Though I think it made Vera a lil' bit cross with me...*Giggles* Thought I was takin' the shine off the miracle she had with lil' Petey.

Varun: It isn't like we were trying to get pregnant, we just won the birth lottery as they did...granted although we did have lower odds without the whole 'night howler' exposure with Don helping to boost their chances. *Laughs* She also asked you never to call him 'Petey' If I recall.

Zelda: *Pfft* I think it's cute...sides' I'm his aunt, I get ta pick a pet name fer 'im...Vera's just bein' a lil' snooty like she can get from time to time.

Varun: Well, Peter is her pup after all...she should get some say in nicknames for him...and I understand she's concerned with 'Petey' following him into adulthood...Being a hybrid he will already have it quite hard as is...

Zelda: She's just over frettin' is all. Vera's always been the more emotional of us gals...takes after Pa somethin' fierce...

Varun: *Quirks a dubious brow, holding a prolonged and judgmental stare at his mate.*

Zelda: What?

Varun: Are we trying to rewrite history today Mi Corazone?

Zelda: *Suddenly grows flustered* Are y'all sayin' I fret over Marigold more than Vera frets over Pete and her other pups?

Varun: *Varun gives his mate a dull glare* You thought her little group of friends were a gang of troublemakers and stalked them with police equipment in an effort to prove it. Not to mention the incident with the trail cam. Even my little interview with Akio pales in comparison your H-.

Zelda: *Flashed Varun a harsh, Hunter Family Glare* My what? 

Varun: *Sighs and shakes his head* Alright, I will move on...

Zelda: That's better.

Varun: *Ahem* As for your actual question... I'd say Marigold straddles the line between being a "Daddy's Princess" and a 'Mommy's girl". Though regretfully I don't get to spend as much time with her as I'd like compared to Zelda.

Zelda: Well, that'll change once my maternity leave is up. *Giggles* Sides, I'm...kinda goin' a bit harder in the paint with Mother-Daughter time to make sure Marigold don't feel neglected with Ryan in the house...I think I broke the bank a bit on shoppin' fer clothes and baseball gear...

Varun: *Chuckles* Well, that's largely your and Micha's funeral when it comes to the baseball gear...I tend to only bruise from Marigold's 'dangerous lumber', whereas you and my brother...

Zelda: *Hisses through her fangs.* Ooh, yeah...how is Micah's arm?

Varun: Still in a sling...thankfully he'll recover, and it won't affect his gymnastic abilities. As much as he's worried about future injuries jeopardizing his Animalympic career, he refuses to miss an opportunity to bond with his niece.

Zelda: Yeah, Micah has really taken to Marigold. Maybe even more so than yer folks...which is sayin' somethin' cause they love her to death.

Varun: I think Micah sees a lot of himself in Marigold. He was...I mean he grew up feeling quite out of place in his own hide, being a rather small, svelt, almost feminine-looking tiger which isn't very common for males of our species...to top things off he had me as his brother, who is built like a brick wall...

Zelda: *Squeezes Varun's pecs* I'll say...*giggles*

Varun: That fostered jealousy in Micah, and it strained our relationship for a long time. *Shakes Head* It's only really thanks to having Marigold that we've managed to come to terms with one another and become closer because of it. That said, he, more than anyone else in the family doesn't want Marigold to be discouraged when it comes to...well anything...and he told me that 'If that means I wind up in traction, so be it. I refuse to break that little doll's heart'!

Zelda: Awww....Micah's such a sweetie. 

Varun: Still, I'd prefer my brother doesn't get permanently maimed practicing with Mari, He's worked quite hard at his career, and he's slated to be in the Animalympics next year. He deserves a win.

Zelda: I'm sure we can get the rest of the family to fill in fer him durin' the lead up to the summer games...

Varun: *Laughs* If only it were so simple...no he made me promise I'd do what I could to keep him from playing with Marigold for at least three months prior to the games...

Zelda: Keep him? *Laughs* He's that determined?

Varun: My brother has determination in spades. *Chuckles* Much like you with your crusade to dig up dirt on Marigold's friends, he will not turn down a game with Marigold come hell or high water. *Shakes head* I'd warn Mari not to ask him, but knowing Micah, he'd propose a game himself, especially if Mari seemed to need cheering up.

Zelda: *Giggles* Well I'm sure my 'Brick Wall' can keep him at bay...

Varun: I don't know...not only is he small, but he's agile. I may need the rest of the Hunter boys for a task that great. *Laughs*

Found AU Yuri's Ballgame Tickets

Zach: Really decided to tempt fate on that one huh?

Yuri: *Seated with an ice pack on his groin in his and Ada's apartment, staring up at the ceiling kind of disoriented.* How was I supposed even begin to guess the was havin' a 'fan at bat day?' *Groans* "Let alone that out o' every mammal there Marcus would get the winnin' ticket..."

Ada: *Walks into the room, passing Yuri a fresh ice pack, which he proceeds to swap with the old one and pass it back to her.* Luckily we was aimin' to adopts anyway, cause I tink dat one took da factory offline entirely...*Chuckles*

Yuri: *Let's out a groaning, strained but sarcastic laugh.* Yeah, gettin' his in the pup factory is so funny, just like the cartoons and what not, totally harmless...

Ada: *The Hyena drops the amusement, looking genuinely sympathetic and concerned.* Still dat bad huh? I'm sorry, I was just tryin' to kinda ease da tension is all...

Yuri: I know Darlin'...*groans* I know...it's just....

Ada: Maybe we should head down to da emergency room? *Winces uncomfortably* I mean, I did 'check' dem and all, and I don't tink youse got a rupture but...

Yuri: Iffin' it's still this bad in a half hour I'll take ya up on that Babe....*hisses as he shifts in his seat.* Cause it's still blindin' right now...

Vanna: We are so sorry...

Yuri: I-I'ts fine....Just...iffin' we have to head over to the ER, tell Marcus...I 'unno...we went to get groceries er' somethin'...er Lance needed us over his place to help with somethin'...*Groans* Last thang I wanna do is ruin the boy's day...

Zach: I mean, it's not like Marcus isn't already worried about you...despite you tryin' to 'walk it off'....

Yuri: Yeah, but it'd probably devastate 'im iffin' I end up going to the ER and he found out...don't want the boy blamin' himself...even if he's dangerous lumber like Wade was... 

Ada: Aww...Mookies...*She cooes sympathetically, petting Yuri's forehead.*

Zach: Yer a good Uncle Yuri...*Zach chuckles, shaking his head* And a good brother...

Yuri: *Flashes a smug smirk.* Tellin' me what I already OW-! *Cringes visibly, clenching his teeth as he shifts on the couch.* A-aw forget it...*Huffs*

Zach: Ya can tell it's bad when Yuri can't even get a good jab or self-congratulations in. *Chuckles* As fer how the rest o' Marcus' uncles felt about the ballgame, and the...incident after the fact...well, only some of them were a little cheesed off...They didn't care fer Yuri gettin' one up on them in the fight fer favorite Uncle.

Vanna: Not that they have...all that much room to argue considering at this point they've all gone a little...over the top trying to bribe Marcus' favor.

Zach: So them tryin' to call out Yuri fer bein' 'sneaky as usual' don't hold as much weight compared to their own bribin' attempts. *Chuckles*

Vanna: That said, they almost all unanimously changed their tune when they saw Yuri *Ahem* catch Marcus' pop-fly on tv. It was pretty much all sympathetic calls and check-ins after that...

Zach: Honestly, I did expect a few of them to say Yuri deserved it, and laugh at him...but I guess either we're all startin' to finally mature, er' it was just that bad of an injury to garner nothin' but sympathy from their side o' thangs.

Yuri: Yep...*Laugh turns into a cough* Nothin' like a possibly ruptured testicle to bring out the brotherly love.

Found AU; The Meadowlands Six and Metal Music

 

Dawn: I don't think that's too much of a surprise...

Vernon: Course, we got some experience with that sorta thang between both Alice and Trevor...*Chuckles* Alice is still strugglin' with admittin' she likes dance more than sports...and Trev...well, lookin' at him now no one would expect the boy to be writin' the kinda stuff he does...though I get a sneakin' suspicion once he starts goin' through puberty the dark clothes and hoofnail polish will start showin' up like with Ully's goth phase...

Yuri: Everythin' he grew out of except the hair...Ully's still got that saggy drape o' messy fur over his eye...I dunno why he thinks that looks good...

Zach: I don't think Ully 'thinks' in them sorta terms. *Chuckles*

Dawn: The overall point I'm trying to get to though is that lambs, especially in their teenage years, can sort of...well, they're figuring themselves out...so really, nothing should be too shocking...

Dorian: There's also the simple life lesson o' never judge a book by its cover.

Dawn: *Giggles* Exactly. Whether it's a phase or not remains to be seen, but Marcus seems to enjoy it for now, and it isn't hurting anyone...

Vanna: I will admit, it is quite a contrast to his classical music interests. *Vanna is bouncing Rose on her knee as the little hybrid babbles away happily*  But I wasn't all that surprised upon discovering it. Marcus is sensitive, but also very passionate. And I think Punk-rock allows him to vent those passions and maybe even traumas from his past in a very visceral and cathartic way.

Zach: Sometimes y'all need to get a scream er' too out to cleanse the soul. *Chuckles*

Vanna: We're just glad it makes him happy...

Zach: And glad he ain't leanin' into the idea of becomin' a professional baseball player. *Chuckles*

Dorian: As fer the recent recording of Marcus and Aiko...I wasn't aware that Ully bein' the one to record it was the story we was goin' with now...*Flashes a judgemental glare at Zach*

Zach: H-Hey, I didn't! *Huffs* I admitted and apologized fer it...

Yuri: We know you did, so where exactly did this change to the story come from?

Zach: *Twiddling his fingers nervously* W-well...I mean...I...may have been workin' on a cover story just...in case Marcus finds out...

Audrey: *Shakes her head* Oh Zach...

Zach: What!? I can't have him know I-I mean Rose-I mean...look, it was Ully's trail cam! *Whines* It's just easier to say he was filmin' fer catsquatches and caught them by accident....iffin' it comes up I mean...

Dorian: Fer shame son...*Shakes head* Fer shame...

Zach: It would be embarassin' enough fer the boy iffin' he found out that was taped, and his family saw it fer that matter! Imagine how much that might hurt our relationship if he finds out it's my fault it got recorded in the first place!

Yuri: *Crosses his arms* He'd probably never trust you again...

Zach: *Whines*

Dorian: As much as I'm loathed to go along with this...I'll admit I don't want to take a chance of that boy losin' trust in his Pa considerin' how fragile that sorta bond might be fer him right now...so I think it's a half decent cover I suppose...provided Ully will go along with it.

Zach: Fingers crossed...*Whimper*

Dorian: That said, you pull a stunt like this again, and you ain't gonna get any backup from the rest of us. I'll see to that myself...

Zach: *Ears flatten* I told y'all, I didn't do it on purpose! I wasn't tryin' ta-!

Yuri: Would you give it a rest already?! Just keep yer head down and accept yer blame. Sweet Sawgrass! You not filmin' that boy on purpose is a harder to swallow pill than it bein' Ully accidentally doin' it.

Zach: *Crosses his arms and huffs* F-fine, fine...Ugh, where's the trust in this family...?

Yuri: *Snorts* Iffin' that ain't the pot callin' the kettle if I ever heard it...*Laughs*

Found Ask; Genderswap; A Guiding Paw

 

Vera: Phew, that's a lot ta' cover there...*Laughs*

Don: Indeed. You left us a miniature interview rather than a question or two. *Chuckles* I'm not sure I'm fully prepared without some time to gather my notes.

Vera: Iffin' ya want the shorter answer, we ain't super concerned about...*Vera hesitates* Most of the pup's interests. I mean ta say we encourage 'em to pursue what they want to pursue and reassure them there ain't nothin' wrong with them interests.

Don: Leon aside? *Snickers*

Vera: *Glares at Don* You know how I feel about that whole...interest in cop stuff! I don-.

Don: Exactly how Doreen felt about you going into architecture?

Vera: *Huffs* It's not the same thang!

Don: It is exactly the same thing Puppy Love.

Vera: I-I'm not sayin' he can't 'er nothin'! *Whines as her ears start to sag* I just...I don't want my sisters 'er Ma groomin' the boy toward that field...

Don: *Rolls his eyes.* Not to drift too far away from Alex or Tiff, we've spoken to Alex and tried to make him comfortable about pursuing dance if he wants it. As someone who most rams would consider not...traditionally masculine, I've tried to impart to Alex that being 'masculine', being 'ramly'  is...well, there's no right or wrong way to do so.

Vera: We also pointed to Uncle Gazelle as a prime example of bein' both a handsome fella considered masculine by a whole lotta folks, but also bein' a heartthrob dancer and singer/songwriter. *Vera Blushes softly* Of course, explainin' Alex doesn't have to be dancin' in tight pleather pants with his shirt off...

Don: Our little Tiff got a similar talk to sort of nip any feelings of discomfort she might have in the bud about being interested in all things that most would consider dark and off-putting...

Vera: Though I ain't sure I'm lookin' forward to Tiff's inevitable goth phase when she hits er' teens...*Chuckles* Well, I suppose as long as she stays her polite little self, and stays respectful to us, I can tolerate the heavy makeup and the broodin'...

Don: *Shakes head*Because you handle the bugs in jars so well my dear?

Vera: *Huffs* Hey, I only yelped the first time! I've gotten better with 'em since then! 

Don: And we return to Leon...which we sort of discussed....though not how closely he stuck to Vera...

Vera: *Chuckles* Hey, I didn't mind. I love that lil' cuddle bug. It's gonna break my heart iffin' he starts to drift away from me cause he gets 'too old' fer snugglin' up to his Mama.

Don: Would you really hate if he became serious about police work? Is it that much of a sticking point for you Puppy?

Vera: *Whines softly* I mean, I ain't gonna lie...you know I'd support Leon with whatever he wants to do...I just, I'd be worried about him...

Don: We already worry about all of our Pups...

Vera: I know, I just...Police work is dangerous...I grew up seein' the aftermath with Momma, and my sisters and...I don't know if I can take it...*Sniffles* I don't wanna stifle my boy, but I just...I want him workin' somethin' safer...

Don: Wolfy...*Don caresses Vera's cheek reassuringly.*

Vera: I know, I know...I don't want ta' turn inta Zelda over this...I just...I want to protect my little Knight in shinin' armor...

Don: But you also want Leon to pursue what makes him happy right?

Vera: *Sighs* I do...

Don: I'm just asking you to be careful...while I'm not asking you to heavily encourage him if you are worried, and hoping it's a phase, be careful not to discourage him because of your fears...He's going to be an adult someday, with his own life, and he needs to live that for himself...like you did.

Vera; *Whimpers* You know I would never put whatever his interests are down...*Scratches back of her head* At least, as long as it's organic I guess..not planted by Ma and my sisters.

Don: And if he decides that's the career he wants, you'll support him?

Vera: I...I will....*Sniffle*

Don: I love you Puppy Love...

Vera: I love you too Honey Ram...*Vera swabs her eyes clearly trying to tamp down her tears*

Don: As for Sir Callibre, I'll admit it was quite a shock...I don't think I'd ever seen a Prench Komodo Dragon before...so I just assumed he was a little monitor lizard...

Vera: I'm just glad the pups took to a reptile rather than a bird...I can handle a reptile. *Sniffles slightly despite her chuckling*

Don: Still, he's going to be quite large...and already he favors crawling up into my head wool and perching there...Not to mention he's quite hard to remove without the lambs or Vera to extract him. *Laughs* The gods know what that's going to be like once he's fully grown.

Vera: That boy could grow to the size of an elephant, but he ain't never gonna outgrow my glare...*Snickers*

Don: *Laughs* Yes, but you're not home all the time.

Vera: It works through the phone, just muzzletime me and I'll get him off yer poof in two seconds flat...*Giggles*

Don: I certainly hope that works...we'll need to field test it the next time you're at work. *Chortles*

Vera: Anywho, to answer yer last question, the pups were purty excited when they found out they was gettin' a little brother, especially Leon. 

Don: Though Alex I feel, was a little nervous that you being pregnant meant that we would be giving them back to the orphanage...

Vera: *Shakes head* I don't wanna say that's ridiculous cause...I don't know what that sorta struggle is like fer an adopted pup... but we made it real clear that we wouldn't give them up fer the world. They was just as much our pups as lil' Petey. As far as I'm concerned, I birthed all them pups. *Chuckles*

Don: *Chuckles* If that's so, then my goodness you were quite busy before I came along.

Found AU; Genderswap; Marigold fitting into the Family

 

Varun: Initially we were quite worried when it came to Marigold attending public school. Being the only one of her species that was...previously unknown, we were certainly fearful that the bullying could be...quite extreme.

Zelda: I mean, it ain't like we got a few...Hmm...How do I say this without it bein' taken' wrong...*Zelda scratches her head.* Um...

Varun: The North Meadowlands is largely populated by wolves and sheep, with other caprine, cervines, and canids filling in the gaps. But occasionally you'll find a mammal family you wouldn't normally expect to see out here...such as a tiger like myself...

Zelda: Right! I guess what I was tryin' to say is that the more...exotic species o' mammals out here are few and far between.

Varun: And thus, among kittens those odd mammals out will get teased more than others...it's just the way kittens are sometimes...

Zelda: So with lil' Mari, we were real scared that she'd get it worse than everyone else...even with me and my Big Cat as her parents... Thankfully Marigold fell into a real nice group o' pups real early on when we adopted her. Before she even started goin' to school no less!

Varun: *Chuckles*

Zelda: *Puts her paws on her hips and glares at the large tiger.* And just what is so dang funny?

Varun: A 'nice group of pups' huh? *Shakes head* I didn't think you were a fan of revisionist history Mi corazón lobo.

Zelda: *Huffs* A-alright, maybe I was a little...untrustin' of them when they first showed up, but I-.

Varun: *Cutting Zelda off* You thought they were a gang, and that they wanted to corrupt Marigold. You tried filming them without their knowledge or consent multiple times in order to prove that.

Zelda: *Crosses her arms and pouts* I was lookin' out fer Mari's best interests! 'Sides, like yer one to talk, considerin' that talkin' to ya gave her lil' boyfriend Akio...

Varun: *Furrows his brow* He's not her boyfriend. *Varun huffs slightly* Besides, Marigold is much too young to be thinking about such things...

Zelda: Considerin' we've caught them almost kissin' twice now...I th-th-...*Realization is hitting Zelda midway through her rebuttal, and the wolf shifts from annoyance to bawling uncontrollably at the drop of a hat.* Mah-Mah-Mah Baby girl's growin' up! *Begins to bawl*

Varun: *Rolls his eyes* And here come the waterworks...*The large tigress chuckles before opening his paws and allowing Zelda to throw herself into his grip as she buries her muzzle into his chest.*

Zelda: It's too fast! *Whine* She's growin' up too fast! *Whimpers*

Varun: I know Mi corazón, I know...but that is the nature of life itself...and hey, Ryan has just begun his own journey for us to walk with him through. 

Zelda: *Buries herself so hard into Varun's chest her words are nearly totally muffled* I-I just want more time is all! *Hiccups. Snorts* Oldwyn's great grey muzzle! This must be what Pa felt like watchin' us grow up! *Whine*

Varun: I must admit, my heart aches with pride and sorrow with every milestone I see Marigold break. it's bittersweet. But at the end of everything, we are her parents, and we always will be...

Zelda: *Grips Varun tighter* Oh Darlin'!

Varun: And if it's any consolation, Akio doesn't seem like a bad boy. *Huffs Slightly* He clearly cares for Marigold.

Zelda: *A few stray laughs slip out between sobs.* And h-he survived yer interrogatin' session and still came back...

Varun: *Nods, looking mildly surprised.* Indeed he did...though I'm not sure he fully understood what I was trying to convey...that, or perhaps I've lost my touch...

Zelda: *Pulls back from Varun, giving him a dull glare.* I think y'all made it purty clear what you meant when y'all put yer revolver on the table Darlin'...

Found AU Ask; Human Integration into Animalia

 

Snow: It was admittedly, not the smoothest process if I'm being honest. There was very little time for the city to...recover from the bombshell revelation that an entire civilization had been hiding underneath...well basically everyone's snouts before having to actively begin the integration process. And I do mean this from a global perspective, although the cities that were actually close to these human enclaves were particularly shaken by the reveal.

Hart: It's one thing to learn of a previously unknown species living somewhere on Animalia far away, but in the case of our own city, this was right under most mammals' feet.

Snow: And then to have to go into discussions within the week about how this discovery was going to be handled, and whether or not Subterrania would want to be incorporated into Zootopia or exist separately had many mammals reeling, especially those of us tasked with actually handling the affair.

Ruddy: The meetings were so exhausting...mostly because I don't think in all of Zootopia's history, save for maybe during the Sheep-Wolf War in the Meadowlands, World War One, and the Rodent Exile Crisis in Roarope have we ever had so many crisis meetings back to back. 

Snow: In the case of Subterrania, it was in better shape than most of the other human cities, at least politically and socio-economically. However, like most of the other settlements technology and development were all over the place and sometimes quite...confusing.

Hart: On average, they were about 50 or so years behind contemporary Animalians, which was better than the others that were lagging nearly a century behind. But they had managed to find roundabout ways to tap into our communications systems and make primitive hodgepodges of computing and other contemporary technology. 

Dawn: I've seen some of those actually...most of the humans were using what looked like...old green and black text PCS made out of old tv monitors and typewriters.

Snow: They scavenged a lot of broken materials here and there, not counting the fact they also did trade with other settlements in secret...

Ruddy: In truth, they didn't have any real reason to have their district absorbed by Zootopia, at least not a dire reason. Sure, there was the technical argument as to whether or not their settlement legally counted as the Nocturnal District, and who settled what land first. And there was the aspect of just how much infrastructure and utilities the settlement had leeched from the other districts without their knowledge. But there was no real...how can I can put this *Scratches chin thoughtfully.* 'major incentive'  to join us.

Snow: I think the push to offer integration into our city, and the desire of Subterrania to merge with Zootopia was largely driven by both public sympathy for the humans based on what had been seen of the other settlements, and Leon Heartman's...rather idealistic desire for unity...along with those in the city that supported him.

Hart: He was very well versed in Zootopia history despite the circumstances, and Richard Lionheart, and the founding of Zootopia was a deep inspiration to him. 

Ruddy: Plus there was the incentive for free trade and freedom of movement. And on top of that, we agreed to wipe off the utility debt and start with a clean slate.

Snow: So it was put to a vote among his citizens, and despite how quickly the vote was sprung on the populace, they voted overwhelmingly to become Zootopia's 14th district.

Dawn: There was some pushback on both sides, but most were limited to some light protesting within the months that led up to and followed the vote and ratification...but that's tapered off and is next to non-existent now...

Ruddy: Save for a few 'petitions' that haven't managed to crack 100 signatures between them. And as for Leon, despite his age, he's integrated into the District Rep Council quite well.

Snow: He's quite a likable young male, with a good head on his shoulders. Despite his new position not holding the same level of prestige his former title held, he's still quite humble, and eager to learn.

Hart: We've all sort of...taken the boy under our wings so to speak, showing him the ropes and helping him lift his city up to contemporary standards...not that he's needed that much help in that regard.

Snow: Yes, he's managed the integration, budgeting, and infrastructure elements of the transition very well with little guidance from us. Sufficed to say, he's very bright, and I believe he's got a long and respectable career in politics ahead of him.

Dawn: As for human migration to the surface, I think the district that has seen the most human immigration has been the North Meadowlands. 

Ruddy: Well why not? Our District is wonderful. All the quiet comforts of the countryside while being just a stone's throw away from the big city! *Laughs*

Dawn: To be fair, I think a large part of that too is the North Meadowlands is a very large district, with wide open spaces and arable land. I mean, if I had to live in a dark, claustrophobic underground city for most of my life, and then was suddenly offered the chance to move to the countryside on the surface I'd snap it up in a heartbeat. Especially considering humans aren't nocturnal...

Hart: *Shudders* Sounds like my days in the Zootopian Reserve Navy, spending months in a cold, damp metal tube shoulder to shoulder with a bunch of other mammals...*Shakes head* Whenever shore leave came around, I'd jump out of that sub and run for the hills as fast as I possibly could.

Found Ask; Genderswap AU; Vera's Pregnancy

 

Vera: O' course we was shocked! *Guffaws* I couldn't believe it!

Don: We both were. Although I think at first I was terrified because I was in the middle of being a guest on a debate show when I got the call Vera had collapsed at her job...

Vera: I'd been dealin' with mornin' sickness fer weeks, but I had no idea I was with pups cause...well I mean, we figured that was impossible. But I remember standin' up at my desk cause I was feelin' sick to my stomach and wanted to make a run fer the toilet, then I got hit with a wave o' dizzyness that felt like I got punched in the head, and a'fore I knew it I was out like a light...

Don: I was petrified...I was out of that studio in a flash...I've never ran so fast in my life. Thankfully the hospital they took my Puppy Love to was just a few blocks away...

Vera: O'course once we found out I was carryin' my Honey Ram's little present, it was his turn to pass out...

Don: I was still recovering from my impromptu jog! *Chuckles* I had barely caught my breath only to have the news knock it right back out of me.

Vera: We was just so happy. I don't think I stopped grinnin' fer the whole week...and Don couldn't keep his hooves off my stomach...not that I minded my lil' Floof... 

Don: I was just in awe I think...I still am. In awe of my mate...of our lamb...of that the gods saw fit to bless us so much up to that point, and then to bestow such a wonderful gift on top of everything else...I'm still reeling.

Vera: Me too Darlin'...*Vera grips Don into a hug, nuzzling him affectionately.* Me too...

Don: As for the delivery...it was...a bit nerve-wracking...I suppose that's underselling it actually. It was rather touch and go...*Winces*

Vera: My Grandmomma on my Mom's side, Alda, she passed away cause of somethin' called placenta previa. Basically, the placenta settled at the bottom of her uterus, and they didn't know. So When my Ma was born, she ripped up that placenta on the way out, and it cause my grandma to bleed out...

Don: And Vera inherited that...

Vera: Thankfully the docs picked up on that with how close they was monitorin' me, and so they planned to do one o' them c-sections fer my safety...

Don: The issue was they wanted to wait until Peter caused Vera to go into labor naturally because they weren't sure how much time he would need in his mother's womb to develop considering the gap between sheep and wolf gestation periods. 

Vera: So we had to wait till my timer done popped, then rush down and get Peter cut outta me, hopin' that he wouldn't breach the placenta while tryin' to find his way out...

Don: Thankfully Peter was able to be safely removed via c-section, but the Placenta was nicked during the procedure, and there was a terrifying moment where Vera...started to fade a bit...

Vera: I just got real sleepy...wasn't sure whether I was on my way out er' not...I think all I was askin' Don was if lil' Peter was alright...

Don: Thank the gods they were able to stabilize you...I don't think I would have ever forgiv-.

*Vera places a finger on Don's lips, stopping him short of finishing his sentence.*

Vera: Now, now, don't you talk like that...I'm here. Lil' Pete's here. 'Sides, even if the worst happened, as much as I'd miss y'all, I would never regret havin' yer pup. Not fer a second...

Don: P-Puppy Love...

Vera: And iffin' they asked me at the doors to them hollowed halls of Vallhowla what the greatest moment in my life was, I'd tell 'em it was carryin' yer lamb Honey Ram...

*Don hugs his mate tightly, burying his face into her chest as she wraps her paws around him.*

Don: *Muffled* I love you so much Puppy Love...

Vera: *Chuckles sweetly* I love ya too my little Honey Ram...

FOUND AU Ask; Chore Free Marcus!

 

Zach: This is probably the weirdest thang a parent has ever said in terms o' havin' their pup not doin' a chore...but honestly, I'm burstin' up with pride here. *Chuckles*

Dawn: You should be! That's a major step for Marcus!

Yuri: Pretty soon the Pup 'ill be leavin' dirty clothes on his floor and fergettin' to put the seat up before takin' a leak like a normal teenage boy...

Ada: *Scoffs* Teenaga huh? Cause youse still forget ta put da toilet seat up all da time. Seriously, youse tryin' ta use da toilet or mark it? *Cackles*

Yuri: *Rolls his eyes* Ain't like I do it on purpose alright!

Vanna: We're both very proud of how far Marcus has come. He was just...so happy to tell us he decided not to do the laundry...*Vanna chuffs softly* It melts my heart to see him so happy...to know he's really starting to get comfortable with us, that he's..really starting to heal.

Zach: I mean, I know from yer book and the lamb hood y'all went through Dawn that those sort wounds never really leave y'all...the scars will always be there...but at least...'yknow...*Zach is seemingly struggling to find his words.*

Dawn: They aren't forgotten, but they can fade. You can heal, and in time start to feel normal.

Zach: Right! 

Dawn: Of course, being surrounded by mammals that unconditionally love you, and support you certainly helps mend those emotional wounds much faster. They can help you break that chain. The heavy manacles of abuse that keep your spirit shackled and allow you to find your own true happiness, and prevent the cycle from continuing...not that I think that was ever going to be an issue with Marcus.

Zach: Now iffin' we can get past the food hoardin' I'll feel even more relieved.

Dawn: When I was a little lamb, I did the exact same thing...

Zach: *Ears perk* Oh yeah...I actually fergot about that part! I remember readin' y'all used to hide whatever dry non-perishable stuff ya could get yer hooves on from outside yer house growin' up...cause...um...*Scratches chin thoughtfully*

Vanna: Because 'withholding food' is a common tactic used by abusive parents to control or punish their kittens. 

Dawn: My father often withheld food from me for failing to meet his 'expectations' such as 'being a letter grade lower on a test than I was expected to be', or 'questioning his authority' which went as far as merely asking why he wanted me to do something. *Sighs* My mom would sneak me up dinner when she could...and sometimes she'd get caught and...we'd both get a beating for it...but most times I stashed away turf tarts or Sam Hain candy and numerous other things as a form of...'insurance'...

Vernon: *Scoops Dawn into his arms and nuzzles into her head poof.* Honey Lamb...I'm so sorry...

Dawn: *Kisses Vernon under his chin while stroking his cheek reassuringly.* It's okay Puppy...that was a long time ago now...

Wade: Jeeze...

Dawn: It's another reason why I'm so...small for my species...years of malnutrition thanks to not being allowed to eat properly... coupled with the frequent broken bones and wrenched muscles of course...

Zach: *Whines softly, his ears drooping.* D-Does that mean....does Marcus think we ain't gonna feed him? Does he think we-we'd do that? *Zach sniffles sharply*

Vanna: *Places a reassuring paw on Zach's shoulder.* I'm sure that's not why...

Dawn: It's more than likely habitual Zach. He was used to having to do it under his...original family, and like the situation with his incessant need to do chores, it's just something that will take time for him to work through...

*Zach whines again, and Vanna places a gentle kiss on his head.*

Dorian: I'm familiar with this stuff to some degree...but I ain't sure...is there anything they can do to sorta...help him with the fear over his food security Dawn?

Dawn: Well, I'm not exactly a Lamb Psychologist. But between writing my book and adopting lambs with Vernon I've done a lot of reading on the mental health and development of lambs. If I had to...try and offer some kind of advice, I guess I would sit Marcus down and make him aware that you know-and not in an accusing manner mind you, but that you know he's stashing aside food in his room and let him know that it's okay.

Vanna: *Quirks a brow in mild confusion* So are we...do you mean we should encourage it?

Dawn: I'm not necessarily saying to go out and buy him a mini-fridge or anything. *Chuckles* I'm just saying that you should let him know that as long as it makes him feel comfortable to have that cache of food, as long as it reassures him, then he should keep doing it.

Vernon: But y'all should also reassure him that y'all will never hold food from him as a form of punishment. And that he can take whatever he wants from the fridge whenever he wants...that the food in there is as much fer him as fer everyone...

Vanna: Even Zach's secret stash of sour candies he thinks he's hidden well behind the vegetable drawer.

Zach: *Ears stand up sharply* YOU FOUND 'EM!?

Vanna: Yes...for one, did you forget I'm a cop as well? I may not have a wolf's sense of smell, but I'm still quite good at sniffing things out. And two...I was craving something sour to top my ice cream with while I was pregnant with Rose and I've been skimming off the top of your hoard ever since...I can't believe you hadn't noticed. *Giggles*

Zach: *Scratches head, blushing slightly.* I er...I mean...I ain't exactly keepin' tabs...and sometimes...well...I just grab it without lookin' and don't even remember I did the next day...

Dawn: You're still eating sour candies?

Vanna: *Blushes slightly* It...stuck with me after pregnancy...I always used to hate it before...

Dawn: *Giggles* I'm the same way with raw fish now...I still love sushi despite loathing it before I was pregnant.

Vernon: Shame y'all didn't keep that taste fer hot wings while you were at it...Not even a week after Paige was born y'all was back to getting nauseous from the smell alone. Makes me miss when I could bring back a box of 'em and split 'em with ya...

Yuri: 'Split 'em?' Iffin' I recall y'all did complain a few times to us that ya'd buy the wings to split and Dawn would eat all of 'em...*Chuckles*

*Vernon's tail sags, the wolf standing stock still as Dawn looks at him in faux surprise and amusement.*

Dawn: You miss that huh? *Laughs*

Vernon: *Rubs the back of his head in clear discomfort* Well...I mean....at least I could bring wings in the house...and I could be close to ya without you gettin' revolted by me smellin' like hot wings...it was the better alternative. *Chuckles*

Found Ask AU; The Near Kiss Miss

 

Zach: I mean... y'all know how I feel already...I ain't exactly...I mean I'm still tryin' to come to terms with my boy growin' up. *Shakes head* Still, I'm glad that at least...despite my blunderin' with that trail cam, none of the rest of y'all pushed them into that.

Audrey: We were just given 'em a little push, that's all! *Shakes head* It was harmless!

Zach:  Thankfully it seems like it was. *Huffs* Still, I don't y'all pullin' anythin' like that again...'specially not behind my back.

Audrey: *Pouts her lip* Aw, yer no fun!

Ada: Eh, given 'em a push, not given 'em a push...ended da same way, so what does it matta?

Vanna: Still...this seems like it was better for them...at least they seem to be approaching their feelings on the same terms...

Qali: It was so cuuute! I was so hoping they were gonna really kiss this time! IT was SOoooooOOOooo close! *Squees in delight*

Ada: I dunno what's so hard, dey clearly both like eachudda! Dat goil just needs to grab Marcus by da cheek and give him a big ol' smooch! Den tell him, 'Hey's I like yous! You wanna's be boyfriend and goilfriend already? Cause I'm gettin' antsy here!'*Cackles* Dat's what I woulda done!

Dawn: Is that how you asked boys out when you were little?

Ada: Sure was Plush! I'm was a modern goil, I wasn't keen on waitin' around for a guy to make da foist move!

Vanna: And how did that go?

Ada: *Shrugs* I mean...like...okay, most a da time da guy would go runnin'...but hey, it woiked like ten percent a da time!

Dawn: I'm not sure I'd be so keen to be that forward with those sort of odds.

Ada: Youse miss 100 percent a da shots ya don't take Plush! *Laughs*

Vanna: At the end of the day, you'd be hard-pressed to find one of us who didn't find the video cute, despite the circumstances. 

Dorian: It was real cute...made me a little nostalgic...although Auddey wasn't exactly subtle about her feelin's when we met...

Audrey: *Laughs* Hey, I had to be! Tryin' to get it through yer thick skull I liked ya was like I was tryin' to direct a plane with them light baton things they use on a runway! Y'all just didn't get it until I was blunt!

Dorian: *Chuckles* I wasn't the most social pup! I was too worried about misinterpretin' stuff and making a fool of myself in the process!

Vernon: Geeze, and how many of us picked up that trait? *Chuckles* Cause I know I did...

Dawn: Granted with us there were...*ahem* very unusual circumstances at play.

Trenton: That's it! *Chuckles* That's what this reminds me of! That whole part in Dawn's book about the 'shearin' incident! 

*Dawn and Vernon begin to blush, the pair looking down and away bashfully.*

Zachary: It better not be! *Huffs* They're too young to be havin'...*ahem* those thoughts in the back o' there heads...

Yuri: *Quirks a brow* Zach, they're pre-teens...not toddlers...

Trenton: I just meant it had the same energy...that same skirtin' the subject, with both of 'em havin' the same feelin's and wantin' to just embrace them, but they're so scared o' bein' wrong 'er ruinin' a good thang that can't bring themselves to confess...*Laughs* I think kissin' is about as far into the future as them kids is thinkin' right now.

Zach: *Grumbles* R-Regardless, y'all can't rush 'em...let them figure thangs out as they go...at the very least so I can get maybe a few more weeks er' so not havin' to make a house rule about all the doors bein' open when she's with him.

Vanna: *Flashes her mate a dull, half-lidded gaze* Zach, you do that already, with all of Marcus' friends in fact, not just Aiko...

Dorian: *Groans, placing a paw over his forehead.* Son, I thought we were well and done with this whole 'gang' thang!

Zach: *Sputters* I-It's not! I mean! *Huffs* I-It's to make sure everyone's safe is all damnit! I just like to keep an ear on 'em i-incase there's an emergency!

Yuri: It's an excuse to eavesdrop is what it is...*Snickers*

Found AU Ask; Zach's Trail Cam Trouble

 

Zach: I done told ya, that was an ACCIDENT!

Yuri: A likely story...y'all really think yer gonna yer gonna be able to put one over on six Hunter's with their bullshit detectors aimed yer way.

Dorian: Seven, don't ferget yer ol' 'mam.

Zach: I fergot about the cam okay!? A-and Rose she...I mean...

Audrey: *Frowns* Zachary David Hunter, fer' shame. *Audrey shakes her head dissaprovingly.* Tryin' to blame yer own daughter to cover yer tracks...and barely a toddler no less!

Zach: *Ears droop sharply* B-But Ma! I was-I was! *Turns to Ulric and grips him by the shoulder, shaking him briskly. * C'mon, tell 'em how long that trail cam of yer's has been missin'! Hell, even I fergot about it! Y'all think if I was still so fixated on monitorin' my son, I'd have been on that thang like a hawk!

Ulric: *Huffs, and pulls away* Why should I help you dig yourself out of that hole!? You stole my gear, and then you treated that high precision, and might I add, extremely expensive trail cam like crap. *Shakes his head* It's amazing that it was able to record anything in the state it was in by that point.

Vernon: Ulric, let's be real here. A repackaged gopaw with a triple-digit price tag ain't exactly a precision instrument.

Ulric: It was NOT a Gopaw! It had thermal imaging, night vision, and even dots projection and SLS cam...

Ada: Isn't dat da camera setting dey had fer dat X-bucks console...da failed one?

Yuri: Oh yeah, I remember havin' one o them...what a waste o' money...

Ulric: Hey! It may have started as a cheap peripheral for a game, but ghost hunters have refined the tech! It's actually really-!

Yuri: *Cut's Ulric off, holding out a paw to silence him* Ully, y'all seem to be under the impression we give a shit about yer little toys...this is about Zach bein' a dumbass....again...

Zach: *Whines* Side's! I already spent a week sleepin' on the sofa fer this! Haven't I been punished enough fer y'all to stop rubbin' my nose int it!?

Vanna: *Places a reassuring paw on Zach's shoulder.* It's alright Goofball...I believe you.

Zach: *Seems overjoyed, and rushes to hug Vanna so quickly that she barely has time to pull Rose out of his path. Rosie giggles and claps her paws excitedly at her Daddy being a goof.* Aw Kitten! *Zach nuzzles into her chest as he grips her waist tightly. * At least somebody around here believes in me! I'm glad I finally got ya to see my side o' thangs, even if I had to sleep on the couch!

*With Zach's head firmly buried into her chest, Vanna glances at the other Hunters. She softly shakes her head, mouthing silently to the other Hunters.* He absolutely did it. *Shakes head* No question.

*The other Hunters nod in silent agreement.*

FOUND AU ask; Parental Bond

 

Vanna: It felt...honestly, it's beyond words how it made me feel. I feel like maybe Dawn would be able to put it into words better than someone like me, being a writer and all. *Blushes* But it was truly...it made my heart skip a beat. It was so hard to keep from crying I was so moved...but I was also afraid I might scare him if I started sobbing...*Vanna wipes a stray tear from her eye.* I mean, I knew if I fully let go it wasn't going to be pretty.

Zach: What d'ya mean?

Vanna: Well...*averts gaze and blushes deeper* You know how I get when I...well...in one of those rare instances where I sob uncontrollably...*Rubs the back of her neck uncomfortably.* Remember how I barely got through our vows?

Zach: Oh...y'all mean you were afraid of goin' full-on ugly cry?

Vanna: *Winces* I mean...maybe I wouldn't use...*sighs* Yes, ugly cry...

Zach: Hey Kitten, ain't like I wasn't caught up in a visceral ugly cry of my own at our tithe...*chuckles* we all get 'em.

Vanna: I-I know, but me doing that in front of Marcus...surely would have scared him...both out of fear of hurting me...and looking like I'm mid-snarl and making guttural choking sobs every time I tried to speak.

Zach: That's fair I suppose...we were both walkin' on eggshells back then...though we still are these days, just less of 'em. *chuckles* As fer...me bein' jealous...well...I'd be lyin' if I said I wasn't a...just a little bit...

Vanna: Goofball, not only did you run out the next day to buy a small fortunes worth of new baseball gear, but you then hopped at the chance to take over as the little league coach...Not to mention that one time Marcus fell asleep leaning on me, and you tried to separate us with a spatula and lean him on your shoulder instead.

Zach: *Now flustered* OKAY! Okay! I was real jealous! Alright...*Whines* I'm sorry, I just...I got self-conscious and...I thought it meant he liked you more than me...'er he was afraid of me 'er somethin'! Granted at the time I hadn't really considered...that might be cause of his trauma with his...blood Pa...

Vanna: I'm...it might have played a part I guess...It is, hard to see it from Marcus' perspective if that was the case. I mean, Zach and I have been together for quite some time now, and I know that my Goofball is one of the sweetest softest wolf's out there. It's all I see him as.

Zach: *Blushes, but clears his throat* W-well I ain't that soft...on the job at least...

Vanna: *Giggles* Still, I have the benefit of being a full-grown tigress who grew up in a very loving family. But I knew Marcus would eventually see Zach for the mammal he is, and would take to him just as much as he took to me, regardless of whether my little doof of a mate tried to score extra points by dumping a deluge of gifts on him.

Zach: *Laughs* I was out of ideas! I couldn't love the boy any harder than I already was! I needed extra ammo!

Vanna: *Shakes head* You were worried for nothing...Marcus loves you to death. He loves us both.

Zach: *Smirks* I'd die fer that pup, without hesitation. *hugs Vanna's side*

Vanna: *Sighs warmly, wrapping an arm around her mate* I think that says enough about the current state of our parental bond with Marcus. It's growing stronger every day...*pats stomach gingerly* Though I do worry how he's going to adjust when little Rose arrives...

Zach: *Chuckles* Y'all kiddin' me, that boy's gonna be the best big brother ever!

Vanna: I know that Goofball! *Laughs* I just don't want him to feel as though his place in our family is...threatened in some way.

Zach: Well then, we'll just have to love on that boy twice as hard! That boy is a Hunter through and through, ain't no room for argument. I don't care iffin' I gotta buy half a toy store to prove it to him!

Vanna: *Chortles* Zach, please! Our bank account can't handle that!

FOUND AU ask; The Corn Maze Debacle

 

Zach: I think it speaks fer itself that I don't exactly like bein' lied to in the first place, 'specially when it comes to my boy. On top o' that, I don't exactly appreciate wastin' police time. *Scoffs* Here I am chasin' an imaginary goose while fer all I know someone's house could be bein' broken into or Oldwyn knows what else?

Vanna: I'm sorry Zach...I didn't really...I mean...

Dorian: Ain't like it was just us monitorin' the calls Zach. The station is always runnin' full shifts leadin' up to Sam Hain. If somethin' more serious had come up on the radio, y'all can guarantee we woulda' diverted to workin' that job. *Chuckles* And as for the Corn Maze thang, wasn't my idea...but I don't tend to win arguments with yer Ma, whether I'm in the right 'er not...

Audrey: The fact that y'all think yer right some of those times is real cute Sweetie...

Dorian: What? I am!

Audrey: Y'all keep tellin' yerself that Darlin'...*Giggles*

Zach: Well all of y'all were wrong with that little stunt ya pulled on Marcus and Aiko. No wonder it blew up in yer faces...

Ada: Aww Comon' Goofball, lighten' up. We was just tryin' to help deez kids along...

Zach: Forcin' 'em more like! And don't call me Goofball! *Zach crosses his arms and pouts*. Y'all are obsessed with forcin' them pups into a romantic relationship...I already told y'all ya just gotta leave that sorta thing alone, and let it happen naturally iffin' it's bound to happen...not that I want it too 'er nothin'...

Ada: And youse wonder whys we had to keeps yous in the dark about dis...*Chuckles* You just don't want yas kid to grows up on yas...

Zach: *Huffs* O'course I don't! We didn't even get to raise Marcus from birth! So much lost time already, and now he's gettin' older and gettin' feelin's fer girls and...*Whines* Look, okay, I know, I know I'm holdin' on to tight, and I'm workin' on it...really...but...can ya fault me for wantin' just a little bit more time to be a Pa to my son a'fore he starts spreadin' his wings and fixin' to leave the nest?

Vanna: Goofball...

Dorian: *Puts a paw on Zach's shoulder* Son, I can't say I fully understand what ya'll are goin' through, since me and Auddey never adopted ourselves...but you know, bein' a Pa doesn't end when yer pups grow up and start a life on their own. Marcus is always gonna want y'all in his life, you have to know that.

Zach: *Whines* I-I know...I just...Raisin' Marcus...things feel like they're just flyin' by sometimes...and I just...I wanna enjoy what little time I have left to really be involved in his life...iffin' that makes sense?

Audrey: Aww...Darlin' I understand...

Zach: So that's why I ain't lookin' to rush thangs...o' course I'd still be hesitant to push Marcus and Aiko together even if I wasn't worried about makin' him grow up too fast...

Vanna: Because you think that's something they should figure out on their own?

Ada: But it's soooo obvious! Dey've been dancin' around dere feelin's fer months now! What's da harm in given' 'em a 'lil push?

Zach: It could ruin their friendship fer one, especially iffin' things don't work out...which more often than not tends to be the case with yer first girlfriend.  *Zach starts counting on his paws.*  Then there's the fact that pressurin' them like that, even if they ain't fully aware of it, could make them even more scared o' makin' that first move. *continues counting* And iffin' they do get together, findin' out you were nudgin' them along might complicate thier feelin's...should I keep goin'?

*The other Hunters look down guilty* 

Zach: I mean, what did y'all actually accomplish with this crazy plan that couldn't have been accomplished by just lettin' 'em go through the maze themselves...chances are their friends woulda went and split them off anyway, 'er they woulda gravitated together cause they have feelin's fer each other... All that trouble and y'all probably woulda just got 'em to the same place regardless...in fact, it probably woulda went better fer 'em iffin' ya didn't meddle at all...

Qali: *eyes now brimming with tears* O-Oh no! We messed up big time, didn't we!?

Ada: Ehh...I wouldn't go dat far...but it's hard to disagree wit Zach on dis one...what was youse tinkin' Kit Kat!?

Vanna: *Shocked and clearly irritated* M-Me!? You were the ones who dragged me into this little scheme!

Audrey: I'd be lyin' if I said it was a success, that's fer sure...but...I-I still think them two made progress fer the better...

Dorian: Are y'all sayin' that cause you believe it, or cause you were the mastermind behind this little plan Darlin'?

Audrey: *Glares at Dori* Now don't you start!

Dorian: I'm just sayin' maybe if y'all let me be right a little more often, these little plans of yer's wouldn't blow up in yer face so often...*Chuckles*

Audrey: *Huffs and storms off* 

Zach: I think y'all just earned yerself a spot on the sofa tonight fer that one Pa...

Dorian: I count bein' at a loss fer words a win in my book, so I'd say it's worth the cost. *Laughs*